smarthphone - PSafe Blog

Which Apps Slow Down Your Smartphone the Most?

Sun, 30 Jul 2017 20:11:06 +0000

It isn’t just about how you use your phone, but also what you use on it. You may have noticed that different apps have different effects on battery life, and the same is true of phone speed. Some apps are just more efficient than others; this may be due to how the developer designed the app, or because you use the app so frequently that it collects an enormous amount of data. You should, of course, always delete the apps and content you aren’t using. Click here to quickly evaluate the apps on your device and remove any unwanted apps with App Manager:

Sure, you probably know that big apps like games, browsers with a seemingly endless amount of tabs open, and social networking apps are causing your phone’s poor performance. But what about when all of the obvious contenders are out of the way and your phone is still not performing correctly? Or, what about if you don’t want to have to worry about all of this and just get on with using your phone?

You know the feeling: you’ve been blasting some tunes on your commute home or switching rapidly between your browser, Instagram, and text messages, when all of the sudden the “switching” becomes anything but rapid. These are some of the most frustrating moments of being a smartphone user today. After all, aren’t multitasking and speed what counts in this day and age of technology?

Turns out, what’s often slowing our phones down is what we don’t realize is happening in the background. With all that quick app-hopping, we don’t often recognize that we’ve left apps open or that some apps sneakily still use data even when we’ve moved on. The Accelerate Internet feature is designed to speed up your Internet by closing apps that are running in the background of your phone. These apps can take up too many resources, and cause your phone to slow down — without you even knowing it. Click here to speed up your Internet and close background apps now:

DFNDR helps your phone run more smoothly by taking out the guesswork for you and using its own intelligence to keep your smartphone smart. Multitasking is tough enough without having to be limited by your technology, so it goes without saying that every little bit helps. If you have the chance to improve your phone’s performance, wouldn’t you do so?

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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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Here’s the Right Way to Sell Your Smartphone

Sun, 16 Jul 2017 16:30:42 +0000

If you’re interested in selling your old smartphone, you’ll want to make sure that your old data is inaccessible to future buyers. You’ll also want to be able to get as much money as possible for your old phone. Both of these aspects are a part of selling your smartphone the “right” way; you’ll be able to properly prepare your phone for sale, and get some cash towards your next device.

The Right Way to Wipe Your Phone

Before selling your smartphone, you’ll want to make sure that your data has been properly wiped from your device. Unfortunately, performing a factory reset is not enough. To do this, you’ll want to perform the following steps:

Backup your data and remove any SD cards from your device.
Encrypt your smartphone’s data to prevent your information from being retrieved by a data recovery program.
Disable Factory Reset Protection so that whoever buys your smartphone can use his or her own account information with it. Then, perform a factory reset.

The Right Way to Sell Your Phone

Sell your old phone whenever you upgrade. Technology goes out of date very quickly, which is why you shouldn’t hoard all of your old devices. Whenever you upgrade to a new phone or tablet, make sure to properly wipe and sell your old one immediately. That way, you’ll be likely to get the most cash for your item — as much as 50% of what you paid for it. If you wait a few years before selling your old Android phone, then your device may only be worth $10-$20. Or, it may be worth nothing at all, in which case, you might as well recycle it.
Research how much your phone is worth. This is a necessary step — you don’t want to sell your phone for too much or too little money. The former, however, will likely result in an unsellable phone, which you don’t want, either.
If possible, sell locally. The easiest way to sell your old smartphone is to sell it to a friend, family member, or acquaintance. While you might be tempted to sell your phone for less to someone you know, you’ll at least save some money on shipping costs or other fees, so this option is worth considering. You can also take advantage of apps that will allow you to sell your phone locally, such as OfferUp or Facebook’s Marketplace to avoid extra fees and the hassle of using many resale websites. Craigslist is also a good option for avoiding “hidden” resale website fees.

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Does Having a Case Increase the Lifespan of Your Smartphone?

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:00:17 +0000

There are so many smartphone cases available that it can be hard to choose your favorite. Some people choose a phone case to express their personalities; to make using their phones a little more fun. While that’s a fine reason to buy a case, it’s important to also keep in mind that the right smartphone case can actually increase the life of your phone.

Drop Protection – Best Choice

The biggest reason to buy a smartphone case is to protect your screen from shattering if you drop your phone. A case protects your phone if you drop it — which really does happen all the time.

The Ballistic HC is a tough case that’s designed to protect your phone in cases of extreme drops or exertion.

Slip Protection – Best Choice

Smartphone backs are notoriously slippery, so an anti-slip protection for the back of your phone helps you hold onto it more easily.

The Narrow is an anti-slip sticker, rather than an actual phone case. The sticker, created by a Japanese company, transforms your smartphone so that it won’t ever slip out of your hands while you’re using it.

Scratch Protection – Best Choice

Even if you don’t feel like you need drop protection, smartphones also face daily wear and tear. Scratches on your screen, even minimal ones, can affect how well you can use on-phone apps like email.

The Otterbox smartphone case keeps your screen protected with a clear cover over which you can still easily scroll and tap through your phone apps. Additionally, the sturdy back cover keeps the rest of your phone protected.

Camera Damage Protection – Best Choice

While small scratches might not bother you, they will make a big impression — literally — on the photos you take. A case can be worth it for you just to keep your photos looking good.

Case-Mate has a bunch of cases with lips that protect your camera lens from scratches or drops. Plus, a lot of the cases have sleek or pretty designs, so you can find a case that fits your personality, too.

Even if you think you’ll never drop your phone, a case can give you more protection — and some personal style. Plus, if you look on the lower end of the price range, you might only end up spending a few dollars.

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Internet Security: Is Your Smartphone Safer Than Your PC?

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 14:00:31 +0000

Whether you do most of your computing on your PC or your smartphone, both need to be protected from cyber-threats. If you’re regularly running a virus scan, monitoring the links you’re clicking, and keeping your security software up-to-date, you’re much more likely to protect yourself, regardless of the kind of device you’re using. Click here to quickly scan your smartphone for malware and remove any security threats:

Globally, the popularity of personal computers (PCs) is on a downward trend as more and more people are using smartphones as their only computing devices. So, because of the decreased popularity of PCs, you would expect that PCs might be safer to use than smartphones. Hackers should now have more to gain by learning to hack smartphones as opposed to PCs, right? While that logic might be right, the reality is that smartphones are safer to use than PCs for several reasons. The following will talk about several of the factors that make your Android much safer for transmitting personal information than your PC.

Sandboxing on Android

Unlike on PCs, each app on your smartphone creates a separate user. That means that if an app infects one user, it can’t infect anybody else’s phone unless that person gives the app permission. In effect, this means that the app can only collect the data you allow it to collect; it can’t even execute files on your SD card since Android makes that impossible.

Compare that to personal computers. If you download an infected piece of software onto your PC, it can keep on harming your PC even after you delete it. That’s because on PCs, viruses are not confined to their own “ecosystems” — they can infect many other files.

Code-Signing on Android

On PCs, you can be duped into downloading unregistered software that may turn out to be infected with malware or other viruses. In contrast, Android developers must be checked out by Android authorities before they can sell their apps in the Google Play store. Because of this vetting, it is very difficult for a malware-infected app to be sold through regular channels (although it does happen).

IP Addresses on Personal Computers

If hackers want to gain access to your PC, they can find your Internet Protocol (IP) address, the address that gives your exact location. In contrast, hackers can’t find mobile devices through their IP addresses. That means if a hacker were to mount an attack based on location, your smartphone would be less likely to be infected.

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The Top 5 Symptoms of a Hacked Smartphone

Thu, 18 May 2017 20:00:41 +0000

There are a lot of reasons that your smartphone may be acting abnormally. It may be because of a damaged battery, or it may be due to a factory flaw. But, it could be something else. If you recently downloaded a new app, downloaded a file, or clicked on a questionable link, you could have malware on your device. If your Android is suddenly behaving unusually, don’t waste another second. Run a Full Virus Scan to check for any security threats on your phone and SD card:

The Full Virus Scan will check all files and programs for malware. This will help you to determine if your phone has been behaving strangely due to spyware or a virus. Any malware that is found on your device will be quickly removed. The following are 5 signs your smartphone has been hacked. If you can recognize the signs of a hacked smartphone in time, you can remove the malware before it is able to fully compromise your device — and your personal information.

Your Battery Life is Much Shorter

A hacked smartphone will have a much shorter battery life. If your phone is suddenly dying after a few short hours, it could be because spyware or another type of malware is running in the background.

Your Android is Performing Poorly

Your phone may be performing poorly due to a lack of memory, but it could also be due to malware running in the background of your phone. If your phone is suddenly lagging behind, freezing, refusing to load certain apps or web pages, or overheating, there may be malware on your phone.

Your Data Usage Has Increased

If your phone bill shows a serious spike in data usage and other unusual charges — such as calls and texts to international numbers — then a hacker has gained access to your device. Although you may not notice this until your phone bill arrives, you can also check the data usage for each app on your phone. If one app — particularly an app you recently downloaded — is using much more data than it should be, then the app is likely malicious.

Adware and Pop-Ups Have Appeared

This is a more obvious sign of a hacked smartphone. If pop-ups and advertisements are now appearing on your device, then your phone is surely infected.

Your Android is Sending Unusual Messages

If friends, family, or acquaintances say that they receive a strange text, email, or Facebook message from you, then your phone and accounts have likely been hacked. If you’ve started to receive a lot of strange phone messages recently, this could also be a sign that a hacker has compromised your phone.

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