Digital Life University

02/11/2025

The headline reads:

Most Sophisticated Gmail Attacks Ever—FBI Says: Do Not Click ANYTHING

If you read the article (linked below), you will learn attacks capable of evading Gmail filters have increased 49% since the start of 2022. This is largely driven by artificial intelligence.

Bottom line, the danger from attackers to your Gmail account has never been greater.

DO NOT CLICK ANYTHING (OK to click on this Forbes link - ;-)

Heed this FBI advice as dangerous, and increasingly AI-based attacks against Gmail users continue at pace. Here’s what you need to know.

03/17/2024

This New iPhone iOS 17.3 Feature Makes It Much Harder for Thieves to Ruin Your Life

First, make sure your iPhone is running iOS 17.3. Then open the Settings app, tap Face ID & Passcode, and toggle on Stolen Device Protection. (If you have an older iPhone with Touch ID, your settings will look different.)

After you enable Stolen Device Protection, your iPhone will require additional authentication for the user to access some information, and it will also prevent certain changes if it detects that it isn’t at a trusted location such as your house or your workplace.

For example, if you try to change your Apple account password or your phone's passcode when your iPhone isn't at a trusted location, Stolen Device Protection requires you to wait an hour and then authenticate your identity a second time with Face ID or Touch ID. Even if a thief knows the passcode to unlock your iPhone, that delay gives you time to use Apple’s Find My tool to remotely lock or wipe the stolen device. Without the delay, a thief could deactivate the anti-theft and security features using only your iPhone’s passcode.

After you install iOS 17.4, you can require a one-hour security delay on changes to your Apple account, even if you’re at a familiar location. To activate it, go to the Stolen Device Protection page in Settings, and check Always in the section labeled Require Security Delay. This can prevent accidental changes, for example from handing your phone to a child to play with, but also guard against malicious activity in familiar locations.

Stolen Device Protection also limits what information a thief can access on your iPhone by requiring biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID, depending on which iPhone you have) to do things like view saved passwords or make changes to an Apple savings account. This prevents thieves from using your unlocked iPhone to steal your money or open an Apple credit card in your name.

(Courtesy New York Times thanks to my brother James Hughes)

08/27/2023

What is SMISHING you might ask? It's a "phishing" online scam which begins with an SMS (text) message.

I recently read an article from a 30 year old tech reporter who writes for the INSIDER (https://www.businessinsider.com/hit-with-newest-usps-scam-smishing-2023-8) who admits EVEN SHE fell for this scam and she's a digital native.

The USPS says they don't send tracking texts or emails which include links. The USPS DOES have services to track packages, but you have to ask for it and initiate the text yourself. These alerts from the actual USPS will NOT contain a link, and do NOT cost any money.

06/28/2023

Don’t fall for this sneaky nameless number text scam!

A phone number text messaging scam has been making the rounds on smartphones.

This new sneaky scam has a scammer text you from a random number claiming that they have your phone number yet don't have a name attached.

They will then try to gain your sympathy by saying they're a long-lost friend or family member and they want to reconnect. The message will look something like the pic in this post.

However, this is just a ploy to get you to give your full name so that they can associate it with your phone number. Once a scammer has your full name and phone number, they can easily dig up other information about you, like your email, home address, and anything else they can find on the dark web that is connected to you. This will allow them to build a profile on you to gain access to your private accounts and even potentially steal your identity.

If you suspect the text sender is engaging in fraudulent activity or if they continue to bother you despite your best efforts to determine their identity, consider blocking their number.

02/27/2023

The amount of information and level of dependency we all have on our smartphones is staggering. In this informative Wall Street Journal article, the reporters outline how criminals are now watching you in person, seeing and remembering your access code if you enter the code in public and then attempting to physically steal your phone. Armed with the unlock code, the damage to your life and personal finances can be devastating.

How can you help mitigate this risk? Never enter your access code in public. Use Face ID or Finger ID.

The passcode that unlocks your phone can give thieves access to your money and data. “It’s like a treasure box.”

03/02/2018

PASSWORD SECURITY - For nearly 5 years my family and I have been using Last Pass to generate and manage every single password in our family. I preach this to any friends who will listen, STOP using the same or simple passwords for your accounts. Now I've got NBC News backing me up!

09/10/2015

ATTENTION iPhone and Android users....concerned about location tracking from Apple and Google? You can shut this tracking OFF without disrupting GPS or other apps that use location tracking.

Here's a short video story from the TODAY Show to show you how:

If you have an iPhone or an Android, chances are that every single thing you do is being tracked, location by location.

09/10/2015

Attention Android phone users. You should already be using the free version of Lookout to avoid malware and security risks in general.

BUT today there is an Android virus called Stage fright. You can download this free dedicated app from the makers of Lookout to check your phone right now:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout.stagefrightdetector

09/05/2015

Everyone should use this app...especially when alone.

Companion: Never Walk Alone - Your Personal Safety Service and Mobile Blue Light by Companion
https://appsto.re/us/e1zj3.i

08/21/2015

Worried about your personal data security as it pertains to email, texting and phone calls?

These 5 apps will put your data on lockdown.

07/13/2015

Set your DVRs for a documentary on PBS this week. It's called Web Ju**ie. It's a look at Internet addiction in China via the experiences of teens at Daxing Boot Camp in Beijing, one of some 400 rehabilitation centers created by the government to treat the disorder.

http://webjunkiemovie.com/

South Carolina friends.....Monday, July 13, 10:00pm on ETV
California friends.....Wednesday, July 15, 8:00pm on KOCE

China is the first country to label internet addiction a clinical disorder. Web Ju**ie exposes a Beijing rehab centre where Chinese teenagers are being "deprogrammed".

05/04/2015

Having Safari Problems with iOS 8.2? Try This