1-minute tech changes for more privacy

You’re purchasing for a present, or doing one thing private, and oops! Someone waltzes into the room. No downside — simply hit Command + M on a Mac or Windows + M on a Windows PC to immediately decrease this system you’ve gotten open.

There are so many little ideas and methods that make utilizing your tech higher. I’ve acquired a ton up my sleeve that are privacy-focused. If you discover one new to you, share this text with a pal!

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Apple retains monitor of the place you go and the way typically you go to. It can then make solutions based mostly on what it calls Significant Locations. You would possibly see these as calendar occasions or map instructions alerts.

Sure, it’s useful, however not everybody likes it. You can clear this listing.

• On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services.
• Tap Significant Locations.
• Hit the Clear History button.

You’re sending more than a selfie

Most individuals do not understand all they share when sending an image through textual content. Nearly each social media website strips out the metadata that reveals a photograph’s little particulars, like when, the place and the way it was taken. But that information is not protected in case you textual content a pic. You can cease that.

To cease location sharing on iPhone:

• Open the picture you wish to ship and faucet the share button.
• Select Options and toggle off Location. Tap Done.

To disable location monitoring in your digicam altogether:

• Open Settings. Tap Privacy & Security > Location Services.
• Scroll down, faucet on Camera, then choose Never.

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On Android, right here’s the best way to wipe the situation information for a single picture:

• Open your gallery and choose the picture.
• Go to Details (it might be a three-dot menu) and click on Remove location information.

Disable Bluetooth if you don’t want it

Bluetooth works equally to Wi-Fi and mobile networks however performs easier duties at shorter ranges. You don’t want a mobile sign or community connection to make use of Bluetooth, and it doesn’t use information. And like another connection, it’s not 100% protected.

Hackers and scammers should be near you to make use of Bluetooth to hijack your telephone. But in nearly any public area, you’re arm’s size from strangers.

My recommendation: Turn off Bluetooth if you’re not utilizing it. Keeping it lively on a regular basis makes your machine more discoverable. As a bonus, protecting Bluetooth off will improve your machine’s battery life.

African American teenage boy writes one thing in a pocket book whereas finding out within the campus library. An open laptop computer is on the desk. He is sporting wi-fi headphones. (iStock)

• On an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and swap it off. You may also swipe down from the highest proper of your display screen to open the Control Center and faucet the Bluetooth icon.
• The identical steps work for Android telephones. Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth and swap it off. (Note: Steps range based mostly in your telephone’s mannequin. Look or search for Bluetooth if these steps don’t match your telephone.)

Airplane mode additionally disables Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, amongst different issues, so it really works in a pinch — however you gained’t obtain calls or texts.

Swap your pen for a safer one

It’s type of loopy to me that test fraud is rising in a giant approach. Criminals go to mailboxes and goal envelopes that seem like checks being mailed or invoice funds.

Check washing is the commonest kind of test fraud. This is the place a criminal steals a test from the mail and alters the payee’s title to allow them to money it. They typically change the sum of money as nicely. 

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If it’s essential to write a test, use a safety pen, often known as a check-washing pen. Uni-ball 207 Series pens (4 for round $10 on Amazon) use specifically formulated ink that will get trapped into the paper, making it troublesome for criminals to clean or erase the ink on a test.

To be additional protected, skip the mailbox and take your checks on to your native submit workplace. More good steps right here if there’s a mail fraud surge in your space.

Check washing fraud is when vital info is faraway from an unique test and new info is added on. (Fox News)

Don’t overlook crooks wish to go offline, too

Thieves nonetheless use old-school techniques they assume all of us forgot about. We’re too good for that, proper?

• Out in public, hold your purse and pockets shut. Only convey the playing cards you may be utilizing.
• Be conscious of who’s round if you pull out your telephone, and conceal your display screen as you kind in your PIN.
• Leave your Social Security card, beginning certificates and passport at house except you really want them.
• Shred previous payments and monetary information earlier than tossing them. I exploit this shredder.
• Review your credit score report and financial institution statements repeatedly. Here’s the best way to get a free report.

If you get scammed, resist the urge to remain quiet. Report fraud, scams and dangerous enterprise practices to the FTC. If you gave out your Social Security quantity, contact the SSA instantly.

Keep your tech-know going 

My fashionable podcast known as “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a strong half-hour of tech information, ideas, and callers with tech questions such as you from everywhere in the nation. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your comfort, hit the hyperlink beneath for a current episode.

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Plus, Madeline Smith has caught over 1,000 cheaters caught on-line. She shares her insights on recognizing an untrue partner. Kim and Andrew additionally speak about NASA’s Mars simulator and demystify baffling Gen Z slang.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast participant.

Listen to the podcast right here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my final title, “Komando.”

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