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SMS Phishing: The New Threat Targeting Smartphones

Sat, 29 Jul 2017 23:52:48 +0000

To most “connected” individuals, phishing scams are not new. Traditionally sent via email, phishing scams attempt to extract personal or financial information from the target. From a suspicious request by a distant relative, to a threat about loss of property, phishing scams generally use fear tactics or emotional manipulation to get information from the intended recipient. If you think you may have a virus on your device from a phishing scam, click here to run a Full Virus Scan and remove any threats:

SMS phishing scams are no different in intent, but are sent directly to the recipient’s SMS inbox. Like email phishing scams, SMS phishing scams are a serious threat for both consumers and businesses. Because they can often mimic reputable senders (i.e. your bank), many people fall victim to them, which can lead to a loss of information and even identity theft. When protecting yourself from such scams, keep the following in mind.

Utilize Anti-Hacking and Remain Diligent

DFNDR’s Anti-Hacking tool protects your device against phishing attacks, if you click on a bad link from an SMS. This tool will automatically block any dangerous sites that you may attempt to visit, and warn you of deceptive websites designed to steal your personal information. Click here to protect your device from phishing attacks:

Be On the Lookout For Suspicious SMS Messages

If the message is from an unknown sender or a blocked number, it is best not to engage with the content, especially if the SMS message links out to a website. Typically, SMS phishing scammers use third party tools to mass deliver their messages and block their numbers from phones, so be aware if you see such a message come through.

Only Engage With Companies That You’ve “Opted-In” to Receive SMS Messaging

If you’ve never received SMS messages from your bank before and have not opted-in to do so, it is very likely that it could be a scam intended to collect your banking information. Be aware of which companies you’re expecting marketing messages or alerts from, and be wary of imposters.

Be Cautious of the Content, Even if the Sender May Seem Familiar

Even if the company or person the message is coming from may seem familiar, be aware of the information they are asking you to provide and how they are asking for it. Phishing scams usually over-exaggerate a sense of urgency in order to create fear in the mind of the recipient. Know that most companies will not ask for sensitive information over SMS. If in doubt, contact the company that’s trying to contact you by using a number from their website or a document — not the SMS!

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Does a Factory Reset Delete Everything? What to Do Before Selling Your Phone

Sat, 29 Jul 2017 22:37:05 +0000

A factory reset deletes apps, accounts, settings, and files stored locally on your phone. It does not automatically erase copies already saved in Google Photos, your Google Account, iCloud, or another cloud service. A physical SIM, eSIM, and microSD card may also require separate action.

That distinction matters when you sell, trade in, donate, or recycle a phone. Reset too early and you may lose access to messages, authenticator codes, or data that never reached the new device. Skip account removal and the next owner may receive a phone blocked by Apple Activation Lock or Android device protection. This checklist puts backup, account removal, erasure, and final verification in the right order.

Does a factory reset delete everything?

A factory reset erases the phone’s internal storage and returns its software to the initial setup state. It does not, by itself, delete information held in your online accounts.

Here is the practical difference:

Erased from the phone: installed apps, signed-in accounts, preferences, messages, and files stored only in internal memory.
May remain in the cloud: synced photos, contacts, documents, and account backups.
May require its own transfer or removal: messaging apps, authenticator apps, banking apps, wearables, digital wallets, physical SIM, eSIM, and microSD storage.

“Factory reset” is also different from “restore a backup.” A factory reset clears a device. Restoring a backup brings a saved copy to a configured phone. Verify the transfer before erasing the old device.

Do not manually delete synced photos or contacts as a substitute for a reset. Apple warns that deleting items while signed in to iCloud can remove them from iCloud and your other connected devices. Its official pre-sale instructions recommend transferring or backing up first, then erasing the device through the system controls.

What to do before selling or trading in your phone

Complete these steps before choosing Factory reset or Erase All Content and Settings. Menu names can differ by device and software version.

Verify the backup or transfer. Open important photos, contacts, documents, and conversations on the new phone or in the service where they were saved. A completed-backup message is useful, but checking the result is better.
Move access tied to the old phone. Review messaging, authenticator, banking, and workplace apps. Some services have a separate migration or reactivation process.
Unpair accessories and remove wallet items. Follow manufacturer instructions for watches, connected accessories, and cards stored in a digital wallet.
Remove accounts and activation locks. On Android, remove every Google Account and any manufacturer account. On iPhone, follow Apple’s process for your Apple Account, Find My, and Activation Lock.
Handle cellular service and removable storage. Take out the physical SIM and microSD card. Decide how to transfer or delete the eSIM based on the phone, carrier, and trade-in instructions.
Reset from Settings. Use the normal, unlocked system workflow instead of recovery mode whenever possible.
Stop at the welcome screen. Do not set the device up again. Make sure it does not ask for the previous owner’s credentials.

The reset belongs at the end of the process. Do not hand over the phone until your backup is confirmed, your account locks are removed, and the device can begin setup without your credentials.

How to prepare an Android phone

Google states that a factory reset erases data from the phone, while information backed up to your Google Account can be restored later. Because Android menus and additional features vary by manufacturer, use the device maker’s official help for the exact path.

Remove all Google Accounts before resetting a phone for someone else. Android device protection, often discussed as Factory Reset Protection or FRP, can require a Google Account previously used on the device during setup. A reset performed through recovery buttons does not necessarily solve an ownership lock and may leave the buyer unable to activate the phone.

If the device has a manufacturer account, such as a Samsung Account, remove that too. Take out the physical SIM and microSD card. For eSIM, review the device and carrier instructions rather than assuming the general factory reset handles the line exactly as intended.

Run the reset from Settings, then wait for the setup welcome screen. If the phone requests a Google Account that was used before the reset, the account-removal or device-protection step was not completed as expected.

How to erase an iPhone for a new owner

Apple recommends transferring or backing up your information, unpairing an Apple Watch when applicable, and using Erase All Content and Settings. Its current sell-or-trade guidance says the process removes local content and Apple Pay cards and turns off services on the device. It does not delete content stored in iCloud.

During erasure, the iPhone may ask whether to erase the eSIM. When the phone is changing owners, follow the on-screen option and confirm beforehand how your carrier will activate service on the replacement phone. If you are moving from iPhone to Android, also follow Apple’s official guidance for turning off iMessage.

When the erase process finishes, Find My and Activation Lock should be off. Stop at the “Hello” screen. Do not sign back in or complete setup for the buyer.

How to verify the phone is ready to hand over

Before shipping the device or completing the trade-in, check that:

it starts at the welcome or setup screen;
your photos, messages, notifications, and accounts are no longer visible;
the physical SIM and memory card have been removed;
setup does not request your Google Account or Apple Account credentials;
the new phone contains the data and access you chose to preserve.

If the old credentials are still required, do not hand over the phone. Use the manufacturer’s official help center to review account removal and the corresponding activation lock. This protects your information and prevents the buyer from receiving a device they cannot use.

What to do if you already handed over the phone

Use the official Google Account or Apple Account tools to review connected devices and available location or remote-erasure controls. Review important account sessions through the service’s official app or website. Remote actions depend on the old phone still being associated with the account and connecting to the internet, so they are not a guaranteed substitute for preparing the phone in person.

Contact the store, marketplace, carrier, or recipient through the official channel used for the transaction. If your cellular line remained on the device, use the carrier’s official app, website, help center, or account portal to review the physical SIM or eSIM status.

Keep reading

Sources

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The Rise of Increasingly Sophisticated Ransomware

Sat, 29 Jul 2017 20:01:20 +0000

Ransomware, a malicious software that blocks access to users’ data until a ransom is paid, is targeting more people than ever, despite growing awareness of this hacking technique. If you believe that a ransomware virus may be lurking in your phone, or if you’re looking to take a preventative measure, run a Full Virus Scan on your device. This feature will search both your phone and SD card for malware. Click here to scan your phone for hidden threats:

Reports of ransomware have jumped in recent years. The number of ransomware reports has grown from 2.3 million to 2.6 million just within the last year — an 11.4% jump. Within the first quarter of 2017, mobile ransomware incidents spiked dramatically, up 253% from the previous quarter. During the past three years, the various strains of ransomware have tripled as hackers have realized their lucrative benefits.

Ransomware Attacks

Recently, the WannaCry strain of ransomware attacked a total of 150 countries. Victims of this sophisticated attack included Russia’s interior ministry and Britain’s National Health Service; they were all ordered to pay a ransom amount in Bitcoin. Later studies uncovered that all victims were Windows users who had failed to update their software.

For mobile users, the most common form of ransomware is the “Trojan-Ransom.AndroidOS.Fusob.h” which requests administrator privileges and collects information from the device to upload to a malicious server. This server then determines the device’s worth and blocks device use in order to extort a profit.

New Techniques
As hackers recognize ransomware as a significant source of revenue, their methods and targets are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Oftentimes, scammers will target high-value individuals or systems in an effort to generate the highest returns per victim. Ransomware vendors are also starting to provide ransomware customer support lines to facilitate the exchange of data for payments. As these levels of sophistication increase, future ransomware attacks may develop the ability to evade detection through limited CPU usage, and use self-replication within organizations in order to carry out coordinated ransom attacks.

How to Protect Your Devices
To avoid the danger of losing your private data to a ransomware attack, make sure to backup your phone data regularly, and keep your Android and network software updated. Oftentimes, ransomware is spread through infected emails, so be sure to approach email attachments or messages from strangers with caution, and ensure your antivirus software comes with anti-phishing to block links if you click on a malicious link by accident.

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack, make sure to report the incident to law enforcement, as these attacks are often criminal offenses.

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The Rise of Mobile Gaming: Check Out These Apps

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 01:00:26 +0000

While traditional gaming — otherwise known as those played on a console, PC, or television — still holds a high level of popularity in today’s world, mobile gaming has become a force to be reckoned with as of late. To enjoy mobile gaming to the fullest, you should use Game Booster on your device. This DFNDR feature will allow you a better gaming experience all-around by freeing up RAM and boosting your phone for faster gaming. Click here to take advantage of Game Booster to get the most out of your device when it comes to enjoying your games:

Business Insider reports that mobile gaming will grow 21% each year. By 2019, the industry will be worth $52.5 billion, accounting for 45% of total worldwide gaming revenue. Major gaming companies that have historically ruled the market, such as Sony and Nintendo, have been forced to rethink their strategies. To keep up with the latest trends and to ensure that you can game wherever you go, check out some of the following apps that you must try to enjoy this convenient way of gaming.

To the Moon

This is a game that places you in the future, employed by a company that has the technological ability to rewrite people’s memories. After arriving at the deathbed of an elderly gentleman, you delve into his most recent memories. From there, you start reliving and reworking those, working backwards into his past. This is an off-the-beat game that is available for Android. This game is addicting enough to make you forget your social networks while you’re using your phone!

Slayaway Camp

If you enjoy puzzles, then this game is for you. In Slayaway Camp, you will repeatedly swipe your character across a board, bouncing off walls and navigating obstacles through various waypoints. This is an 80’s themed horror game where the block characters are aimed to be brutally murdered. You’ll be sure to enjoy this game and it’s quirkiness. This game, too, is available for Android.

Le Parker Sous Chef Extraordinaire

This is the last app that you should indulge in when gaming on the go; it’s a great finale. A challenging game with a side-scrolling platformer, players will have to reclaim their recipe for a famous meringue. This requires beating a bad guy and rescuing a princess. This is a classic game with a modern twist, as well as tight gameplay to complement its “cute” aesthetic.

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Tips for Storing Your Photos During Summer Vacation

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 00:00:53 +0000

Filled with beach trips, cookouts, and weddings, summer vacation is often unrivaled when it comes to photo opportunities. However, even casual photo takers know that these pictures can add up quickly and that vacations are rife with opportunities for losing all of their photos. Before taking the steps below, make sure to use the Duplicate Photos feature to ensure you’re not wasting valuable photo storage and backup space with duplicates of the same photo. Click here to remove repeat photos:

Backup Photos

Android users shouldn’t assume that all of their recently snapped pictures have been automatically backed up, as this is often not the case. Instead, they should be sure to check that the “backup and sync” option through Google Photos is turned on. To do this, access the “Menu” option within the app, select “Settings,” and then tap “Back up & sync” to make sure the option is turned on. To check whether older photos have been backed up, users simply need to tap the photos icon within the app and view the photos that have been saved through the application.

Photo Storage Apps

Photo libraries can grow quickly during vacations, filling up a phone’s storage capacity. In cases where a device’s memory fills up before vacation ends, users may find themselves caught between the option of deleting old photos or not snapping new ones. Luckily, downloading a trustworthy photo storage app before going on vacation is an easy way to solve this storage problem.

Flickr is one such app that’s been a trusted photo storage platform for more than 10 years. The service offers 1 TB of free storage, automatic uploads from the camera roll, and free sorting and Smart Search options. Dropbox is another trusted storage provider. Although the app’s free storage constraints are much more limited at only 2 GB, this number can be expanded by following the company’s social media pages, referring friends to the service, and leaving feedback. Users willing to pay a monthly fee will have access to a storage amount of 1 TB and will even be able to access photos offline.

Group Sharing Photo Apps

A staple of summer vacations is the group shot. However, sharing these photos can be a tedious process, and photo storage apps often limit user access. Instead, downloading a private photo sharing app such as Cluster can simplify the sharing process. The service imposes no limit on group sizes, offers many privacy control features, and allows uploading and viewing from both mobile and laptops.

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Here Are 4 Tips on How to Avoid Phone Hacking

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:00:48 +0000

The security of our mobile devices and Wi-Fi networks are a constant source of worry. It seems like hackers are finding new ways to breach our networks and steal our information every day. To protect your phone, activate the Anti-Hacking feature now:

Our phones hold so much personal information that the risk of them being hacked is an intimidating thought. The Anti-Hacking feature protects against malicious sites with warnings and prevents password theft by making sure your login credentials are never found by hackers. Besides a good security app, the following are other ways to protect yourself.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

It can be tempting to tend to some personal business while sitting in a local coffee shop and taking advantage of their free Wi-Fi network. However, doing so can put your phone’s security at risk. If you’re going to use public Wi-Fi, make sure that you are not entering any sensitive information while doing so, such as your banking information or passwords. These networks are particularly susceptible to being hacked, putting your information at risk.

Use Passcodes

Using a passcode on your phone may be considered a pain, but it’s worth the effort to protect your device. Avoid using passwords that are easy to guess, and stay away from generic passcodes such as “1234” or “0000.” The more numbers or characters, the better, so switch the length of the code to six digits for extra points (and protection).

Limit Bluetooth Usage

Using Bluetooth on your device can make your phone more susceptible to being hacked. While this feature of our smartphones is useful, it gives hackers an easy “in” to record your keystrokes, steal credit card numbers, and even to send scam text messages to your device. To minimize this risk, limit your Bluetooth usage as much as you can, always turning it off when it’s not being used.

Be Cautious When Downloading Apps

Believe it or not, not all apps offered on the Google Play store and beyond are safe for our phones. Before downloading any apps to your device, ensure that they are from a trusted source, such as via the manufacturer’s app store. Do your research, and read reviews and the description of the app so that you’re not unknowingly putting your device at risk.

Even if we’re not always consciously aware of it, our phones are typically at some level of risk of being hacked by a predator. Protect your information and your device by following these simple tips and you’ll be glad you did!

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Best Password Managers for Your Android Devices

Sun, 23 Jul 2017 02:00:24 +0000

Keeping track of multiple passwords can be a difficult task, especially if each password contains a different mix of numbers, upper- and lowercase letters, and symbols. While it can be tempting to use simple and memorable passwords, or the same two passwords across all accounts, this approach can pose a severe threat to all of your most sensitive accounts. DFNDR users looking to protect themselves from password and data theft should activate Anti-Hacking on their device. Click here to stay safe online:

Anti-Hacking will not only protect devices from malicious sites, but it will also protect sensitive login credentials from hackers by blocking phishing attempts. In addition to using Anti-Hacking, you should also consider using a password manager on your Android. This is a secure app which stores and generates multiple passwords through the same encrypted platform. Check out some of the best password managers below.

1Password

This password app generator relies on AES 256-bit encryption and depends on end-to-end encryption, so that your private login information is only ever decrypted offline. Through the app, users can create strong passwords and memorable passphrases, and sync the app across devices. The app allows users to organize information and passwords into categories, from addresses and bank accounts, to credit cards and driver’s licenses. Information can be tagged, favorited, and split into different vaults to keep work and personal information separate. Unlike many other password apps, 1Password allows users to link team and family accounts within the platform.

Dashlane

Dashlane is one of the best options for free password management. Also equipped with AES 256-bit encryption, Dashlane offers local-only and cloud backup options, fingerprint ID, and the ability to encrypt all in-app passwords. Users can rely on the app to generate passwords, sync devices through the platform, and lock passwords automatically if the device is lost. In addition, Dashlane offers a Digital Wallet feature, which will organize credit card information, sync all mobile apps for express checkout, store receipts in a payments section, and auto-fill mobile web forms automatically.

aWallet Password Manager

The aWallet Password Manager is one of the most versatile options within the password manager market. Not only does the app securely store passwords, it also collects credit card information, e-banking credentials, and web accounts, along with other custom data. The application relies on AES 256-bit and blowfish encryption, and supports the destruction of personal data after repeated unsuccessful attempts to unlock the app. The app relies on numerous safety features to protect your account against hacking attempts, including offline efforts.

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Introducing dfndr Assistant: Protection With One Tap

Sun, 23 Jul 2017 01:04:18 +0000

PSafe Technology, one of the foremost providers of security and optimization solutions for Android, is enhancing our flagship dfndr security app, with a new dfndr Assistant feature. Instead of multiple notifications clogging your home screen, tap on the dfndr icon and receive a summary of the security of your phone and its performance.

This indispensable dashboard will provide options to scan for malware or virus threats, ways to maximize phone storage, and suggestions to increase battery life — all in one handy control center.

Whether it’s apps that are slowing down your phone, files that need cleaning out, or suspicious links that could compromise your personal information, the dfndr Assistant feature has your back on safety and performance. Also, it’s easy to use.

Additional Benefits For You

With this new release, the ads-free version of our core DFNDR security app is also available. Ads-free dfndr is a direct response to your valuable feedback for a premium version without ads. At only $4.99, Ads-free dfndr is a comparable cost for the same standout security and performance features you’ve come to rely on, without ads popping up. To upgrade, simply navigate within the dfndr app to complete your purchase.

In Brazil, we help 3 million users reclaim an average of 6MB of storage per day with WhatsApp Cleaner. In the U.S., we recognize that Facebook Messenger is more widely used so we’ve added a Facebook Messenger Cleaner to help U.S. Android users free up more space for the photos, videos, and apps they really care about.

The Changing Landscape of Security

2016 saw a rise in malware attacks on Android phones after findings from the University of Michigan were published, along with Google releasing patches to fix 108 vulnerabilities alone in July of 2016. This disturbing trend is growing with new malware being discovered at alarming rates.

Criminal networks don’t just focus on compromising laptops or computers any longer, but also your smartphone. Your device contains immense amounts of sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, photos, and other personal details.

As technology morphs, controlling your car or the temperature of your home will be monitored from all the devices you own, including smartphones. While these developments are exciting, the slew of undetected vulnerabilities for thieves or hackers to infiltrate every aspect of your life is not fictional.

PSafe Technology’s increased efforts in intelligent security with accessibility is a vision we re fulfilling and the dfndr Assistant feature is only the beginning of leading-edge protection.

These robust additions to our popular dfndr security app are now available worldwide. Activate features dfndr Assistant or Facebook Messenger Cleaner and enjoy total protection and optimal performance:

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Real or Fake Profiles on LInkedin?

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:00:38 +0000

For all the users who are new to LinkedIn, you need to check out an online tutorial before you start using this social network. It’s much different than using Facebook or other social networks. However, LinkedIn comes with just as many safety risks. When using LinkedIn, you’ll still have the risk of stumbling upon a fake, malicious profile or a dangerous link. To stay safe online, use the Anti-Hacking feature to block malicious websites and phishing attempts:

It’s easy to get used to the relative anonymity of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. There are probably select profiles on each platform that you view all the time. Well, you can’t do that on LinkedIn. Why not? Because the person whose profile you’re snooping on can see that you’re looking. Furthermore, LinkedIn will tell them how many times you’ve viewed their page in a specific number of days.

Why does this happen? Because when you joined LinkedIn, your account was created without any privacy controls, allowing for full public visibility. All of LinkedIn was recently updated, and those privacy settings are simply the default settings. If you’d like to know more, keep reading to find out how to change your privacy settings for your LinkedIn account.

How to Change Your Privacy Settings on LinkedIn

Once you’re on your LinkedIn profile, here’s how to change your visibility settings. Click on “Me” > “Settings & Privacy” > “Privacy” > “Profile viewing options.” You’ll now see a list of three options: Your “name and headline” (public), “Private profile characteristics” (semi-private), and “Private mode” (fully private). Here’s the difference between these three options:

Public: You’ll automatically be in this mode when you sign up for LinkedIn. So, if you view someone’s profile, they’ll see your full name, profile photo, and headline. LinkedIn says that they recommend the public mode, since it encourages more connection between its users. Indeed, a potential employer is more likely to find you if they notice that you’ve looked at their profile. But if you decide to stay in public mode, don’t look at the same profile repeatedly. It won’t help your chances of getting the job.
Semi-Private: For this mode, if you visit someone’s profile, they’ll only see certain aspects of your identity, such as your company, location, or job title. But your name will be hidden. There isn’t a lot of benefit to being semi-private on LinkedIn. In a lot of cases, if someone went digging through the profiles, they could still track you down with this information.
Private: If you want 100% invisibility while you use LinkedIn, this is the mode for you. No one will know your viewing activity. You’ll just appear as an anonymous LinkedIn viewer.

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How to Move Apps from Your Internal Memory to Your SD Card

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:00:51 +0000

If you have a smartphone with limited internal storage, then you might be interested in getting a microSD card for some extra space. But first, consider why you want to move apps to an SD card. Has your phone been freezing and lagging behind? If so, it might not be from a lack of storage space, but because you have too many apps running at once on your phone. Click here to speed up your phone with Memory Booster:

If you’re looking for a quick way to improve your phone’s performance, then Memory Booster is your best bet. Memory Booster will close the apps that are running and continuously updating in the background of your phone. This will free up RAM and speed up your device so that you’re less likely to experience freezing or crashing apps.

Find the Right SD Card for Your Phone

Before you can move files from your phone’s internal storage to an external SD card, you’ll want to find the right SD card for your device. They now make microSD cards that are hundreds of gigabytes — but that doesn’t mean your phone can support that much storage space. Research your phone’s specifications to find out how much space your specific model can support. Once you figure that out, you can then purchase a microSD card online; Samsung and SanDisk make great microSD cards.

How to Move Apps and Files to an SD Card

Moving apps and files from your phone’s internal memory to an SD card is a simple process — and a rewarding one, because you’ll free up internal memory space, which will help to improve your phone’s performance. Although this process varies slightly from phone to phone, it is relatively the same on all Androids.

Go to your phone’s settings.
Click on “Application manager.” This will show you a list of all the apps on your device.
Click on an app that is listed (one that you might want to move to your SD card). The app will display various commands. If you’re allowed to move the app to your SD card, then you’ll be able to click on the text that says “Move to SD card.” If you can’t move the app to your SD card, the text will appear gray.
Repeat this process for each app on your device that you want to move to your SD card.

Unfortunately, not every app can be moved an SD card. Most major apps such as your web browser and your communication apps cannot be moved to an SD card. However, you should be able to move apps like the Kindle app or the Adobe Acrobat app to your SD card.

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The Hidden Risks of Some Popular Android Apps

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 22:00:55 +0000

There are malicious threats lurking all over the Internet. You not only have to be cautious of the apps you choose to download from the Play store, but also of how you choose to interact with the apps you download. Whether you’re browsing the Internet or checking out a new app, you should always be cautious of the links you click or the information that you share. But there are other ways you can improve your safety online, too. Click here to use Anti-Hacking to protect your information and keep your device secure:

The Anti-Hacking feature is a great tool to take advantage of if you want to have a safer online experience. Anti-Hacking automatically blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts so that you never stumble upon a risky situation. Still, there are some hidden risks you should be aware of when downloading a new app or using a popular social networking app. Continue reading to find out how you can steer clear of the risks these apps pose.

Popular Apps Can be Infected with Hidden Malware

Some apps in the Play store can become infected with malware without the developer knowing, as was the case with the 130 Android apps that were accidentally infected with malicious coding during development. It’s also possible for malware to be secretly added to an app’s software update. By the time this type of hidden malware is discovered, it’s often too late — many users have already been infected. To protect yourself against similar scenarios, be sure to run a Security Scan on your device after downloading a new app to quickly check your device for hidden threats:

Intentionally malicious apps are far more common, though. However, they might not have the normal signs — such as few reviews, odd language, and odd design — of a potentially dangerous app. They may even be complex in design and hugely popular, as was the case with the more recent “Judy” malware infection. In that case, more than 50 apps on the Play store were infected, including the popular “Judy” game series, which resulted in more than 36 million people being at risk for the hidden malware.

Hidden Risks of Social Media Apps

Social networking apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can have a lot of hidden risks. Social media apps are a popular place for malicious bots and hackers alike. While many Internet users may be more cautious of unknown links in emails or on web pages, they might be more trusting of links posted on social media — even if from an unknown source. You should also be wary of what information you post on social media; you never know who might be watching you.

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3 Reasons Not to Use Your Pre-Installed Internet Browser

Sat, 15 Jul 2017 22:00:25 +0000

Slow Internet got you down? Use the Accelerate Internet feature to quickly close applications that are running in the background of your phone. This will help to speed up your Internet connection, because your phone will no longer have to worry about continuously refreshing these apps. No matter which Internet browser you use on your device, Accelerate Internet will improve your connection and online experience. Click here to boost your Internet:

Now, it’s time to think about why your Internet could be slow. This may a result of using the Internet browser that came installed on your Android device. You know the one: the one with a globe that simply says “Internet” on your phone. No matter which Android you have, most smartphone distributors install their own web browser on their phones. While this can be frustrating because it’s just another pre-installed app that takes up space on your device, it may also be frustrating because it doesn’t work as well as some of the more popular browser apps. Continue reading to find out the three main reasons you shouldn’t use your Android’s pre-installed web browser.

Reason #1: Stock Browsers Are Often Slower

This is one of the biggest reasons you shouldn’t use the pre-installed browser on your phone. Why put up with slow service when you can download Opera or another browser and experience a faster connection? Opera, for example, is a no-frills web browser, which means that it will operate even faster than Chrome.

Reason #2: Stock Browsers Won’t Sync Across Your Devices

Stock browsers are made for your Android smartphone, which means that you won’t be able to use that browser on your PC or maybe even your tablet, depending on the model. This is one of the main reasons that Chrome is the most popular web browser for Android: it seamlessly syncs to your Google account so that you can have access to all of your history and bookmarks across devices. This is an incredibly useful tool if you want to switch between devices effortlessly.

Reason #3: Stock Browser is Overloaded With Features, or Has Too Few Features

Android smartphone distributors (such as Samsung, LG, and HTC) are known for making smartphones or other tech — not web browsers. That means that the user experience might not be as intuitive or pleasant as it is with other web browsers. Further, some stock browsers may be missing desired features that other more popular browsers have. One of the biggest issues many users have with the stock browsers: the tab setup. Opening up multiple tabs can be a pain, and you can’t open up tabs in the background.

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These Are the 5 Biggest Wi-Fi Security Risks

Sat, 15 Jul 2017 21:00:47 +0000

The public Wi-Fi of 2017 is much improved from the era of unprotected, vulnerable WLAN Internet. However, your Wi-Fi could still be compromised if you’re unlucky or careless while using public or private Wi-Fi. So, it’s important to stay armed against potential security breaches. One way to check the security of your Internet, whether you’re on a public or private network, is to use the Wi-Fi Check feature:

Wi-Fi Check will check your network and DNS security for any threats, in addition to informing you of your network speed and download speed. Since knowledge is the key to staying safe online, the following is a list of the top 5 biggest security risks. Remember: it’s always better to use a private Internet connection, if possible!

Unsecured Networks

Public Wi-Fi hotspots aren’t always properly secured. Never join an unknown open network just because it’s available to anyone. If you don’t know who is providing a Wi-Fi connection, you shouldn’t be using it; end of story. Unsecured networks are far more vulnerable to an attack, and you could be walking right into a hacker’s trap.

Data Interception

Data interception is a serious risk if you’re using public Wi-Fi, or an older WLAN format like TKIP. The most common form of data interception is known as Man-in-the-Middle (MiM). During MiM, a hacker is latching onto data packages as they travel between two Wi-Fi users. This attack is also sometimes referred to as “eavesdropping.”

Denial of Service (DoS)

WLAN Internet connections are often targeted by Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. A DoS attack occurs when a malicious party floods an Internet network with unwanted traffic. This surge in traffic levels often makes the network unresponsive to legitimate users, thus preventing them from establishing an online connection.

Wireless Phishing

Hackers are always developing more advanced methods to steal personal information, including wireless phishing. One type of wireless phishing attack is carried out by infecting a user’s browser cache. If a hacker successfully breaches a web session in-progress, they can redirect that user to phishing websites, even after the user leaves the Wi-Fi hotspot.

Rogue Access Points

Thankfully, rogue access points aren’t nearly as common as they used to be. Still, these unauthorized APs do pose a security threat. What is a rogue AP? It’s an access point that’s installed into a Wi-Fi network. Usually, these APs are meant to give clients better accessibility to the Internet, but the wireless router has been poorly configured. A vulnerable router is prime bait for hackers to break into.

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What Your Mobile Web Browsing History Reveals About You

Sat, 15 Jul 2017 20:16:09 +0000

When it comes to the Internet, nothing is really private. Internet service providers and various companies are tracking your every move, usually to learn your habits and interests for creating targeted advertisements. But hackers may also be studying your every move and learning your interests so that they can more effectively scam you or hack your online accounts. Use the Anti-Hacking feature to protect yourself from malicious websites:

Anti-Hacking will block malicious websites and phishing attempts when you’re online, so that you never have to worry about your personal information being stolen. You’ll also receive warnings about deceptive websites to ensure that your information is always secure.

Your Web Browsing History Says A Lot About You

An Internet service provider, company, or hacker doesn’t have to stalk your social networking accounts to learn a lot about you (although that can help). All they have to do is look at your web browsing history and track your online behavior. You’re not better off using Incognito mode, either. This mode only stops your web browsing history from being recorded; it doesn’t stop websites or others from tracking you. Your mobile browsing history may know more about you than your friends or family do, which means that this can be dangerous information for a hacker to have.

Despite this lack of online privacy, we trust the Internet. We ask it everything, and use it for just about everything. Your web browsing history may reveal: your current health status or concerns; where you shop and what you eat; which websites you visit frequently; your political views; whether or not you’re looking for a new job, or if you like your job; if you’re single, or if you’re in a happy or miserable relationship; where you live, where you travel to, and where you want to go; your level of education; and your hobbies, such as reading, watching Netflix, and beyond.

How Private Should Your Web Browsing Habits Be?

This is currently a topic of much debate, as the U.S. Congress recently voted on rolling back Internet privacy protections, which means that Internet service providers will be able to easily sell your web browsing history. This information will likely be used for marketing purposes, but in theory, it could extend beyond that. The best way to protect your mobile web browsing history from prying eyes is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app. A VPN will encrypt your online traffic and location so that no one can track your online behavior.

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How to Set Up and Secure Your Wi-Fi Router

Wed, 12 Jul 2017 14:30:58 +0000

In order to protect your private information from hackers, and ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secure, you should take the time to properly install and secure your Wi-Fi router. Once your Wi-Fi is set up, you should use Wi-Fi Check to make sure that your Internet is secure and working efficiently:

This feature will check your DNS and network security, overall connection, and download speed. You should get in the habit of regularly checking the status of your Wi-Fi to ensure that it is functioning normally.

How to Set Up Your Wi-Fi Router

Before getting started, make sure you have your router located in close proximity to your modem (if you don’t have an all-in-one device).

You will need to connect the router to the modem with an Ethernet cable. It will be a shorter cable that’s already included in your router’s package.
Next, connect the modem to the WAN/Internet port that’s located on your router.
Are there other devices you want to connect, like a TV or a gaming console? You may also connect them to the router with an Ethernet cable for a better connection.
You may need to connect your computer or laptop to the Ethernet cable, even temporarily, so you may change your router settings. Afterwards, you can disconnect the cable. Before you do that, you might need to register with your Internet service. Check the packet provided for more information.
After following the prompts provided, you’ll need to enter your network information to finish setting up your Wi-Fi.

Make Your Wi-Fi Router More Secure

Whenever you install a new router in your home, you should change the default account settings. This will make your Wi-Fi network much more secure. Consult your router’s manual for specific details on how to change the account information on your router. Nonetheless, here’s how you can usually change your network name and password on your PC:

You need to search for your router’s IP address so you can configure the router. It is usually four groups of numbers separated by periods. You can find this in the “Command Prompt.” Press Windows Key + R to open, and then type “cmd,” followed by “ipconfig” in the next window that pops up. Your IP address will be listed under “Default Gateway.”
Type the IP address into your browser.
Use your basic account information to log on, as provided on the router.
After logging in, look for your wireless settings.
Enter a new network name under the SSID or name option.
Then, create a complicated passphrase to help deter any hackers or thieves. Don’t forget to click the save button!

Changing the default router settings adds an extra layer of security to your network and can help keep your private information safe. Also updating your password regularly helps to main network security for the long term.

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Can You Reduce the Memory Footprint of Your Apps?

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 18:13:00 +0000

When it comes to apps, you can’t just have an infinite amount on your phone. Apps can take up a lot of storage space, and they can also overload your phone’s memory with tasks. Both of these can cause your phone to experience a drop in performance, which can be frustrating. Click here to use App Manager to remove unwanted apps on your device in order to improve your phone’s performance:

Going through all of the apps on your phone and figuring out which ones to delete can take a long time. That’s why it’s a great idea to take advantage of the App Manager feature, so that you can quickly uninstall any app that you no longer want in just one screen, with just one touch of a button. You’ll have more space for apps, music, and photos in no time. You’ll also improve your experience with your device’s RAM, too.

If you have a lot of apps on your device, then you’ll need to be concerned about more than just how much room they take up on your phone. You should also be interested in their memory footprint, and how a memory footprint can be reduced to improve your app experience. While memory footprints are largely the concern of app developers, you should be aware of how a reduction in your apps’ memory footprints can improve user experience and how your smartphone functions.

A memory footprint refers to the amount of RAM that an app uses while it is being used, or while it’s running in the background of your phone. The larger the app, the bigger the memory footprint is likely to be. All programs have memory footprints. The issue is when memory usage continues to rise when using or not using the app, as opposed to staying steady. When this happens, the developer will need to fix this issue in order to reduce the memory footprint.

If an app has trouble performing on a variety of devices — if it freezes or crashes frequently — then it likely has a programming problem with how it’s using memory. Luckily, reducing an app’s memory footprint can be a fairly simple and fast process thanks to the large number of online guides. All an app developer needs to do is monitor his or her app’s memory usage in Android Studio. Then, the developer can create a more memory-efficient code, which will improve their app overall and their users’ experience with the app.

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Why Does Facebook Use A Lot of Battery When It’s Not Open?

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 13:05:21 +0000

Ever since it’s conception, Facebook’s official application has enjoyed a long reign as one of the Google Play store’s most popular downloads. But cell phone users who installed the app do tend to notice a negative effect on their phones’ performance levels. Any guesses why? Well, Facebook continues to run in the background — even when the app is closed. This application is notorious for doing frequent notification checks, which can drain a lot of your battery’s juice. Click here to use Memory Booster to close apps like Facebook from running in the background of your phone to free up RAM and speed up your phone:

However, up until recently, many cell phone users couldn’t quantify how much of an impact the Facebook app was having on their device. So, the team at Tech World Zone (TWZ) did some digging. The company wanted to assign numbers to the Facebook app’s battery drain, and the statistics that they released were staggering. When TWZ conducted their independent test on a Huawei Nexus 6P model, they reported that the phone’s battery lasted 20% longer without the Facebook app! If you’d like to protect your cell phone’s battery life, keep reading to find out more.

How to Stop the Facebook App from Draining Your Android

If the Facebook application is constantly overworking your Android and you’re hoping to free up some battery life, you have three things to consider:

Change your Facebook settings. This will limit the app’s power. This option is for Android users who can’t imagine a life without their beloved Facebook app. That being said, taking this approach won’t totally fix the problem, although it will certainly help. What you need to do is go into Facebook’s settings. From there, turn off your notifications, internal refreshing, chat availability, and all syncing functions. Deactivating these features will keep your Facebook app from running so heavily in the background.
Delete the Facebook app entirely. If you don’t spend much time on Facebook, then you should just pull the app’s plug. You can always browse the social network in your Chrome browser. The display isn’t quite as user-friendly, but it gets the job done.
Find another app that supports Facebook. If you browse through the Google Play store, you’ll find a bunch of alternate apps that support Facebook. Some of the most popular include: Facebook Lite, Metal, and Folio. Be sure to read the reviews before downloading.

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Why Do Some Users Neglect Anti-Virus Protection?

Sun, 09 Jul 2017 22:00:36 +0000

A surprising number of Android users don’t have any anti-virus protection installed on their cell phones. In 2017, viruses, malware, and other insidious threats are more prevalent than ever before. Bots are even known to attach themselves to innocent apps, infecting them with ransomware that can hold your phone hostage — and you might never get your data back. That’s why it’s so important to regularly scan your device for malware, so that you can catch any malicious apps or hidden security threats before they can do significant damage. Click here to scan your device for malware:

All in all, no one should leave themselves vulnerable to a malware attack. The Full Virus Scan feature looks through your entire phone for threats, including both the SD card and your phone’s memory. If you regularly run the Full Virus Scan, your Android is far better protected against malicious attacks. Definitely scan your phone after downloading any new apps from the Play store or if your phone suddenly starts to behave abnormally.

3 Reasons Why Your Android Needs a Virus Scanner

Many smartphone users don’t use anti-virus protection because it seems unnecessary to them. But with the dramatic increase in viruses, ransomware, and malicious attacks over the last few years, they should be more concerned about how vulnerable their devices are. Still not convinced? Here are the top 3 reasons you should regularly check your phone for viruses, malware, and other dangerous bots:

Personal Data: Your Android knows you better than anyone. It holds the phone numbers of everyone you care about, your emails and text messages, and a plethora of other personal data. Hackers can use bots to access all of this. Suddenly, nothing is secret anymore! Some viruses even send themselves to your contacts through SMS or MMS, thus compromising your friends’ and family’s cell phones too.
Identity Theft: If your phone comes into contact with a virus or malware agent, you could become a victim of identity theft. By hijacking your phone, a hacker could potentially view your personal information, especially through the use of a social media app like Facebook. Identity theft can have disastrous and costly effects on its victims. So, it’s best to arm your phone with anti-virus protection to shield any vulnerabilities.
Precious Memories: Many people don’t even own a camera anymore. Instead, they take photos with their Android. After all, the Google Play store offers plenty of amazing, user-friendly apps for photo editing with cool filters and enhancing effects. Some malware strains, such as Mazar, are known to erase a phone’s data. If you haven’t backed up your photos, all those precious memories could be lost forever.

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Can You Ever Really Browse the Web Secretly?

Sun, 09 Jul 2017 21:06:54 +0000

When you’re surfing the Internet, sometimes it’s best that you hide your online activity. Users crave privacy for a lot of reasons. Maybe you’re logged into a shared computer, your work laptop, or a public Wi-Fi hotspot, and you want to reinforce your security. There are also personal motivations, like trying to surprise your partner with a birthday gift you bought online. Whatever the case, there are steps you can take to keep your browsing secret. You should also make an effort to make your browsing safer, too. Click here to use Anti-Hacking to browse the web safely:

Anti-Hacking will block you from malicious websites and phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information or money. You’ll also receive warnings about deceptive websites so that you never compromise the security of your device.

Use Incognito Mode

If you don’t want your history saved, Chrome’s Incognito mode is great for casual use. It also doesn’t keep any of the cookies from your browsing session. Everything disappears as soon as the Incognito window closes. However, Incognito isn’t a great option for using in your workplace. The websites you access will still be visible in your company’s log.

Get a Proxy Network

If you want to go a step further, another great option is using a proxy network. Known more commonly as virtual private networks (VPN), they work by hiding your IP address and assigning you a new one. When you’re browsing the web, an IP address is your online fingerprint, which can be easily traced back to you. Proxy networks are effective, because they retrieve the websites before displaying them for you. So, the remote server only sees the proxy network’s data — not yours!

Disable and Delete Cookies

Cookies are often the culprits when it comes to online tracking. For instance, even Flash Player uses cookies to take note of your browser’s movements. These so-called “super cookies” can actually reload third-party cookies that you may have deleted. Unfortunately, Flash is everywhere. If a website shows any type of video loop — from a news stream to advertisements — you better believe that Flash is powering them.

Remove Online Trackers

A lot of major sites will track your activity. That’s why opting out, blocking them, or changing your settings manually is advised. For example, Google’s targeted ads can be an annoyance, especially since Google has a monopoly on many users’ personal information through Gmail, Google+, YouTube, and Google searches. Luckily, turning off these targeted ads is pretty easy. In the “Activity” section of your Google account, you just need to opt out of “Shared Endorsement” and turn off the personalization feature.

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Why You Should Be Worried About Password Phishing on Android

Sun, 09 Jul 2017 20:00:16 +0000

Like ransomware, phishing scams and social engineering attacks are on the rise this year. The recent scams are becoming far more clever, with hackers learning more about their victims before they strike. This helps them to carry out a far more effective attack. Still, some of the most common and effective password phishing scams include spoofing a bank’s website or an email login page. To stay protected from phishing attacks while online, activate Anti-Hacking:

DFNDR’s Anti-Hacking feature will keep you safe online. It will block you from malicious websites and phishing attempts designed to steal your account information or money. Once this feature is activated, you’ll also receive warnings about deceptive websites so that you never enter your account information on an unsafe site. With Anti-Hacking you’ll be fully protected against password phishing on your Android.

How Common is Password Phishing on Android?
Think about the progress that app developers have made over the years, and how advertisers are no longer having trouble displaying ads on smartphones. Malware and malicious attacks have made progress, too. It was only a matter of time before password phishing increased on Androids — and it will likely continue to do so.

Take, for example, the recent Google Docs phishing scam. In this phishing scam, Gmail users would receive a link to a Google Doc from one of their contacts or a seemingly legitimate person. After clicking the link, they would then be sent to a real Google page, where they’d be tricked into giving access to a third-party “Google Docs” app that would request access to all of their account information. Google has since responded to the attack and has issued an update for their Android app to make the app more secure. Unfortunately, Gmail is still vulnerable to future phishing attacks of a similar nature. The attack was so successful because it used real Google pages. This is why it’s important to use Anti-Hacking to ensure you’re always protected — such as when a phishing attempt goes undetected by Google.

Another common password phishing scheme involves the Cloak & Dagger malware. This malware is downloaded onto an Android when you download a malicious app from the Play store. Once it has infected your device, it can then spoof your Android’s appearance in order to carry out phishing attacks. This malware has been able to infect older Android operating systems in addition to the latest operating system, Nougat. As a reminder, you should always pay attention to the language, design, and reviews of an app before downloading it. In order to ensure that your device is free of hidden malware, use Full Virus Scan to check your phone and SD card for threats:

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These Are the 3 Current Trends in Android Malware

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 20:00:03 +0000

On average, a new strain of Android malware is discovered every 10 seconds. That number is staggering. How can there be that many vulnerabilities on Android devices? Malware is so common because it is so elusive. Types of malware come and go as new malware trends emerge, but it can often be hidden on your phone. Click here to catch the latest malware on your smartphone by running a Full Virus Scan:

While malware trends can be scary, you’ll be better off knowing the trends so you can properly protect your device, rather than trying to get rid of malware once it has infected your phone. Still, if malware has infected your device, the Full Virus Scan will quickly remove and patch and threats. The following are three of the latest malware trends for Android devices.

Increasingly-Aggressive Malware

Malware is becoming more sophisticated, and it is now better equipped to bypass security programs designed to eradicate it. So much more sophisticated that, over the last year, there was a 2000-percent increase in evasive malware. As security software evolves, then, we know that it will have to be able to track down this elusive malware. Rather than mounting a single maneuver to get rid of the malware, it will instead need to be crafty and multifaceted.

Massive Attacks

Right now, targeted attacks that focus on particular types of victims are common. However, these types of attacks require a lot of work on the hackers’ part. In the future, they can instead automate these attacks, which will then focus on throwing out a wide net to capture potential victims. While they may not succeed in compromising a higher percentage of users’ systems, they will, instead, be able to attack more smartphones with less work.

Authentication Vulnerabilities

One of the best ways to keep yourself safe from attacks is by using two-factor authentication. These identification programs help protect your personal information by requiring that you enter information from two different devices. However, new malware programs will go around these authentication systems by infecting both your smartphone and your computer at the same time.

These are just a few of the common malware attacks that are expected to increase in the upcoming months. Additionally, you need to vigilantly watch for threats on your Internet of Things-enabled devices and be wary of data leaks on the cloud. However, if you’re already running an anti-virus scan regularly, you’re also that much more likely to avoid infecting your system with the newest piece of malware.

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Check Out These Five Apps for a Healthier Life

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 18:30:30 +0000

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle means getting rid of roadblocks that can hinder the process of achieving one’s goals. To keep your Android healthy and ready for action — and make room for all of the lifestyle apps you want to add to your phone — do away with unwanted apps with the App Manager feature. This feature will allow you to quickly remove old, unwanted apps on your device so that you can have more room for the apps you really want. Click here to use App Manager to declutter your phone and improve your phone’s overall well-being instantly:

Health and wellness is one of the best trends to hit this decade. More people are taking their mental and physical health into their own hands and using a variety of methods to gain control of their lifestyles. Here are a few apps that will facilitate the journey — good luck!

Calorie Counter – MyFitnessPal

Already a popular nutrition tracker site, MyFitnessPal breaks down calorie intake and tracks progress to help log food consumption. It even tracks restaurant outings and water intake, for a holistic view on what it will take to reach the personal goals set forth by the user. Share your success through its social media portals and celebrate the joys that come with the achievements.

Pedometer & Weight Loss Coach

This one has a more specific goal in mind. Track your BMI and distance traveled, to guarantee accurate feedback. This app also allows users to create family and friend groups, so any health goals can be reached with a team of supporters.

WebMD for Android

Looking to diagnose an issue? Consult a professional opinion online in case something goes awry, health-wise. WebMD is a reliable source for ailments that can affect everyday life, with a symptom checker and different medication consulting options for a premium opinion. Double-check with a real physician for any ongoing problems, but this will help keep health in check.

iCare Health Monitor (BP & HR)

Real measurements of bodily functions can be invaluable. Whether it’s a tested heart rate or a workout result, iCare will measure heart rate to ensure that all systems are stable. This app is highly rated, easy to use, and gives back tremendous accuracy with instructions on how to achieve them.

Water Drink Reminder

It might seem like a small task, but staying hydrated is an incredibly important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. This app is a reminder to down a few glasses of H2O to maintain hydration and regulate systems. With plenty of customizations and a gentle reminder system, Water Drink Reminder is a subtle way to move towards achieving your health goals.

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Can Apps Track You with Location Services Turned off?

Tue, 04 Jul 2017 19:00:22 +0000

Fortunately, tracking smartphones with location services turned off is impossible for now, but you should still be aware of the many other ways in which applications collect and share your data. Some of these apps go beyond the norm. One way to protect a malicious app or thief from accessing your data and collecting private information is to activate Advanced Protection:

In 2016, an Uber app update allowed the company to track users with the app closed, up to five minutes after customers were dropped off by drivers. A 2014 Foursquare app update accessed user “background location” even when not in use, in order to provide users with better notifications. With these recent events in mind, the idea that apps might be able to track smartphone users even while location services are turned off doesn’t sound quite so crazy.

Who Sees Your Location Data?

When smartphone users allow applications to access their location data, this data is then shared roughly 5,000 times within two weeks. Numerous applications, from Weather and Clock to Waze and MapMyRun, and even services such as Setting Time Zones, rely on this data to alter what you see. While this location information is most often shared with advertisers, it can also be used for more serious means. On the off chance that your data might be given to a credit reporting agency or even to your insurance company, why take the chance?

How Apps Track Users

Whether apps are using your location to provide better notifications or to better target their ads, these practices can often feel invasive. When collecting user location data, applications rely on GPS, Wi-Fi, or the phone’s cellular network to track your phone. Apps that rely on a smartphone’s cellular network to track location are particularly troubling because they face no obligation to explicitly solicit permission from users, unlike apps using GPS to track.

Fortunately, turning off location services disables location tracking with each of these three methods. By restricting location permission for the apps looking to track location, users are better able to control their online privacy.

How to Turn off Location Services

Turning off location reporting and location history is an easy step that Android users can take to protect their location information. To do so, users should open the “App Drawer” on their smartphone and enter “Settings.” Once in settings, users should go to “Location” and then “Google Location Settings.” By switching the slider off for both “Location Reporting” and “Location History,” none of the phone’s apps will be able to access or share location data.

On top of these simple steps, users should also look to delete their phone’s location cache. They can do so by tapping “Delete Location History” under the “Location History” tab. Or, you can save yourself some trouble and use Quick Cleanup to remove cache and junk files from all of your apps instantly:

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Here Are Our Top Three Apps for City Dwellers

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 22:00:52 +0000

City living offers residents access to unparalleled music, food, drinks, and entertainment. However, city living also comes with a price: literally. Notorious for being more expensive, less friendly, and often overcrowded, metropolitan areas come with an array of complications that sometimes are enough to drive residents away. Luckily, there are a number of apps that can help you deal with these problems, doing the work so you can sit back and enjoy the city. Need to make room on your phone to download these great apps? Click below to delete unwanted apps from one screen in one click.

App Manager lets you remove unwanted apps in seconds. It allows you to view every app on your phone on a list so that you can easily identify the apps that you don’t want to keep and remove them with a click. Once you’ve cleared some space on your phone, check out this list of apps to ease the stress of city living.

Mint

While living in a major metropolis is never boring, the excitement comes at a steep price. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Manhattan is $4,239 while homes in San Francisco cost an average of $820,000. Balancing the costs of living while keeping track of bill payments and adhering to a budget can often become overwhelming, but this is where Mint comes in. The app allows users to create budgets and track spending, set alerts for bill payments, check their credit score, and receive alerts for unusual account charges. With all their information in one place, Mint users can enjoy city living without the financial stress.

Nextdoor

Despite living on top of each other, city dwellers are notorious for not interacting with their neighbors. Nextdoor seeks to fix this disconnect by connecting entire neighborhoods on one social platform. Users join private networks based on their location which requires them to present proof of identification and address, and messages are only seen by those in the surrounding area. The network is useful for notifying neighbors about a recent break-in, finding babysitters, locating lost dogs, and learning the name of the elderly man at the end of the block.

Moovit

Any true city dweller knows that public transportation is the best way to get around the city. Real city dwellers also know that using public transportation involves construction, delays, and complicated routes. Using the Moovit app, public transit users can access real-time public transit information and GPS navigation for rapid transit vehicles as well as ferries, trams, and trolleybuses. Unlike Google Maps, this app is community-driven, combining official transit data from operators along with real-time data collected by crowdsourcing. Available in over 1,200 cities across the world, the app is free and available for Android devices.

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How to Mitigate Robotic Cyber Security Threats

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 19:30:23 +0000

As robot development accelerates, they have taken on a larger role in our everyday lives: robot drones are used to carry out military commands around the world; robots have been used in manufacturing since the early 1960s; and robots are even relied upon during lengthy and complicated surgeries. Yet one of the most common ways that we interact with robots on a day-to-day basis is through our smartphones. Internet bots can now help people shop online, purchase plane tickets, order food, and even carry out malicious attacks. Protect your personal information from malicious bots online by activating Anti-Hacking:

Anti-Hacking will protect you from malicious websites and bots that are designed to steal your money and personal information. Yet this is just one robotic threat, and how to protect yourself. Despite the potential for critical services to be endangered by robot hijacking and manipulation, cybersecurity is rarely prioritized during the design and production of robots. Below are some suggestions for mitigating this threat in the future.

What Malware Threats Do Robots Face?

Robots are embedded systems, meaning they are a computing system constructed within a larger system. As an embedded system, these machines are vulnerable to a number of different attacks including hardware attacks, firmware or OS attacks, and application attacks. In addition, many robots rely on insecure methods of communication and lack acceptable cryptographic standards. While there has yet to be a major cyber attack against robots, researchers have successfully hacked a teleoperated surgical robot, pointing to a real possibility of robotic cyber attacks in the future.

Potential Impact of Robotic Cyber Security Attacks

Many robots operate in close proximity to people and as such, a cyber attack poses a danger to the humans directly interacting with these machines. A hijacked military drone could be rerouted to target civilian populations while an automated vehicle could be manipulated to override collision avoidance software.

In recent years, the number of manufacturing jobs held by robots has increased, hovering around 10 percent. Should a cyber attack dismantle robots in manufacturing settings, such an attack would drastically alter or potentially halt production at assembly plants.

Mitigating Robotic Cyber Security Threats

To mitigate the possibility of cyber attacks, robotic manufacturing employees should strictly limit access to sensitive material regarding robot hardware. Robot manufacturers should also consider implementing a common, standardized operating system and create a council to oversee security issues and updates to the operating system. Most importantly, robot manufacturers should turn their attention to creating a secure application code and placing emphasis on cybersecurity considerations throughout the design and development stages. While these changes likely won’t happen overnight, researchers and security experts agree that robot cybersecurity should be a priority moving forward.

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