Quick privacy upgrade: Turn your phone to safe mode
All I want for Christmas is to help keep your data safe. The bad news is there are a ton of cybercriminals out there doing their best to stop me.
Apple recently shared the results of a study from MIT on the growing threat of cyberattacks around the globe. A mindblowing 2.6 billion personal records were breached in 2021 and 2022. I’d say it’s time to act if you haven’t already.
Your phone is one gateway criminals can use to strike. Be smart and get this done now while you’re thinking about it. I’ll show you how to turn on built-in protections for your Apple or Android phone.
Apple makes it easy
End-to-end encryption has long been the default for Apple iMessage, iCloud Keychain and Health data. We like this.
But you’re missing out if you aren’t using Apple’s Advanced Data Protection. It encrypts your messages in iCloud, iPhone iCloud backup, iCloud Drive, Notes, photos, reminders, Safari bookmarks, Siri shortcuts, voice memos and Wallet Passes.
Here are the steps to enable Apple’s ADP:
- First, make sure you’re running iOS 16.2 or later. Update your Mac, iPad, HomePods, etc. before proceeding.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Choose iCloud, scroll to the bottom, and tap Advanced Data Protection.
- Tap Turn On Advanced Data Protection.
- NOTE: If you don’t have a recovery contact or key set up, you’ll be prompted to do that first.
- Once a recovery contact/key is set up, return to Settings > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection and tap Turn On Advanced Data Protection.
- Follow the prompts.
- NOTE: You may be asked to update other devices signed into your iCloud account before enabling end-to-end encryption (E2E).
- You can also remove devices on old software to continue the process.
- For security reasons, Apple might make you wait to enable the feature if you’ve recently gotten a new device. If so, that timeframe will show on your screen during setup.
Use an Android? Try this
Apple does the best job at safeguarding data, but Android’s protections are pretty solid.
Through Google Play Protect, all apps are analyzed before they’re available for download. It also performs daily scans to help disable malware and harmful apps on your phone. New apps that pose a security risk will not be allowed to be installed.
Android backups are uploaded to Google servers and encrypted with your Google Account password. Sometimes, your phone’s screen lock PIN, pattern or password is also used to encrypt your data.
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger
No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.
Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.
Tech security tip: How to remove malware from your phone or computer
Anyone who regularly browses the internet needs antivirus software. Think of it as a life jacket. It’s there to keep you safe in case of an emergency.
And when malware strikes at your defenses, it’s code red. You’re afraid that you’ll lose everything, your emotions are high and you might not be in the right state of mind to find a good solution. That’s why preventative measures make a world of difference.
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8 signs that your computer has been hacked
If your device is connected to the internet, it’s vulnerable to hacks. It’s as simple as that. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new tricks to get into your gadgets and you should be aware of that.
Fortunately, there are usually signs that your device has been compromised. When it comes to smartphones, this can include spikes in data usage, battery drainage and changes to your home screen, among other indicators. Tap or click here for information on diagnosing and solving phone hacks.
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Most of us have at least a few touchscreen devices on hand at a time. Whether it’s a touchscreen laptop, your smartphone, a tablet or some other gadget, it’s common for tech these days to be touch and play.
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5 new steps you can take right now to stay safer online
The FBI recently reported a 400% increase in cyberattack complaints received since the start of the pandemic. If you haven’t given your devices and accounts a security checkup, now’s the time to do it.
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Our Android smartphones and tablets are very personal devices. They’re our digital homes and we should be just as vigilant about outside invaders as we are with our houses. In the case of Android gadgets, it’s a matter of being aware of malware.