Technology
Avoid iPhone privacy disasters with these 10 smart tips
One of the most popular reasons people choose an iPhone over an Android phone is because of how secure the iOS operating system is. While it is true that Apple does a fantastic job of rolling out constant security updates and iOS is harder to crack than Android, you still need to do some work to make the most out of your iPhone’s security features.
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A person holding an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
10 essential security tips to fortify your iPhone against digital threats
We’ve got 10 smart tips to help you get the most out of your iPhone; let’s dive right in.
Tip #1 – Make sure your iPhone is up to date
When considering keeping any device, especially your iPhone, safe, you should first ensure its software is updated. iOS’s new software updates are routinely rolled out, and they help your phone perform better, fix bugs and make it more secure.
It is important to install the new iOS updates as soon as possible. Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit iOS, and Apple’s programmers are readily battling them with new updates. Here’s a simple way to install iOS updates:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap General
- Tap on Software Update
- If there’s a new update available, tap Update Now
Steps to update your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- While in these settings, it’s a great idea to go to the Automatic Updates section and ensure you have iOS Updates and Security Responses & System Files toggled on.
Ways to automatically install iPhone updates (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Tip #2 – Set up 2FA (two-factor authentication)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an easy way to ensure that only you can access your iPhone. When you have 2FA active, even if someone manages to get your Apple ID and password, you’ll be notified that they are trying to log in. Here’s how to set up 2FA with your Apple ID:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen
- Go to Sign-In & Security
- Tap on Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
- Select Continue
- Follow the instructions presented to set 2FA on your iPhone.
Steps to set up 2FA on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Once 2FA is set up, the next time you try to log in to your Apple ID from another device or on the web, a notification will pop up on your iPhone asking you to give yourself access and providing a six-digit code you’ll need to finish logging in.
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Tip #3 – Turn off web access to your iCloud data
iCloud data can be accessed from any web browser and any device. This means that even if you have a Windows laptop, you can still log into your Apple ID and access all of your stored iCloud data. While this may be helpful for some users, overall, it’s pretty dangerous to have your iCloud accessible. Thankfully, it’s easy to turn off. Here’s how:
- Go to the Settings app
- Open your Apple ID at the top of the screen
- Select iCloud
- Scroll down to disable Access iCloud Data on the Web by toggling it off (it will turn from green to gray)
- Then scroll down and tap Don’t Access
Steps to turn off your iCloud data on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
If you ever need to access your iCloud data on the web, you can repeat these steps to turn iCloud Data back on.
BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE
Tip #4 – Lock your private Safari Tabs behind Face ID
Another simple way to secure your personal data is by locking your private browsing behind your iPhone’s Face ID (Touch ID on older iPhone models). This way, only you can access your private browsing activity. To turn this on, you will need iOS 17 or later. Here’s how to turn it on:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and go to Safari (or your browser of choice)
- Scroll down to Privacy & Security, enable Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing
Steps to lock your private Safari tabs (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Tip #5 – Control what you can access from the lock screen
Your iPhone’s Lock Screen has access to several features to make your experience more streamlined. However, this also means anyone could grab your iPhone and look at your Today View to check all of your personal information within your widgets.
To avoid this from happening, your iPhone makes it easy to manage what sort of things you can see directly from the Lock Screen. Here’s how to change what is viewable from the lock screen:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Scroll down until Allow Access When Locked
- From here, disable anything you want to not be viewable from the lock screen
Steps to control what you access from your lock screen on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Tip #6 – Choose what you can use Face ID for
Apple also makes it easy to change the things Face ID can do for you to keep your data private. By default, you’re able to use Face ID to make purchases with Apple Pay, download apps and autofill passwords. However, this also means that if someone has cracked the Face ID feature, they might be able to do all of this without you even knowing about it. To change this:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and go to Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Under Use Face ID For, at the top, disable all the things you don’t want Face ID used for.
Steps to choose what you can use Face ID for (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip #7 – Create a stronger passcode
Many people have transitioned to using Face ID or Touch ID to unlock their iPhones, so it’s understandable if you haven’t given much thought to a passcode you rarely use.
However, the weaker your passcode is, the easier it is to get into your iPhone. The good news is that you can create an even stronger password than just a simple six-digit code. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and go to Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Scroll down and tap on Change Passcode
- Enter your current passcode
- Before entering a new passcode, tap on Passcode Options at the bottom.
- Select how hard you want your passcode to be
- Now, enter your new passcode
This will make your passcode harder to crack, but in case you forget which passcode you used, you’ll have up to 72 hours to use your previous passcode to reset the new one if you forget it.
MORE: I’M A TECH EXPERT STILL IN SHOCK AT THESE WAYS HACKERS STEAL YOUR PASSWORD
Tip #8 – Keep AirDrop turned off
AirDrop is a useful feature that helps you transfer files with people near you in a flash. It’s an especially great feature to swap photos with your friends and family members on vacations. However, if you leave it on all the time, you might get files or photos from people you don’t want.
AirDrop also leaves your iPhone open to hackers who may be able to use it to glean more information about your iPhone. Granted, this is very difficult to do, but you should still keep AirDrop off when you aren’t using it.
Here’s how to disable AirDrop:
- Open your Control Center
- Press and hold the Wi-Fi button in the top left corner.
Screen showing Wi-Fi button (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Tap on AirDrop
- Select Receiving Off
Screen showing Receiving Off on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip #9 – Get iCloud+
If you’re willing to invest a small amount each month, Apple’s iCloud+ service is a fantastic option that has seen significant improvements in recent years. The benefits of subscribing to iCloud+ are numerous and well worth considering.
iCloud+ is an enhanced version of the previous iCloud service. In addition to providing you with additional cloud storage space, it also offers a range of security features that can greatly improve your online safety and privacy.
One of these features is iCloud Private Relay. When you use Safari to browse the internet, this feature conceals your IP address and browsing activity from prying eyes. Furthermore, it safeguards your unencrypted internet traffic, providing an extra layer of protection.
Another notable feature is Hide My Email. As the name suggests, this feature allows you to create unique, randomly generated email addresses that you can use when signing up for websites or platforms. The great thing about this feature is that you’ll still receive messages sent to these addresses in your personal inbox, but websites and other individuals won’t have access to your actual email address.
iCloud+ offers many more features, and the best part is that you can access all of these benefits for as little as $0.99 per month. It’s a small price to pay for the added convenience, security and peace of mind that iCloud+ provides.
Tip #10 – Start using a VPN
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are a great and easy way to keep your iPhone safe at all times, especially if you’re constantly using public Wi-Fi networks.
A VPN automatically hides your IP address, so it’s harder for companies and individuals to track you. Not only that, but you can also select a server from a different country to make it look like you’re somewhere else. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
Kurt’s key takeaways
In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of your iPhone is more important than ever. By following these 10 smart tips, you can significantly enhance your device’s security and protect your personal information from potential threats.
Remember to keep your iPhone updated with the latest iOS version, enable two-factor authentication, and be mindful of what you share from your lock screen. Additionally, consider investing in iCloud+ for its advanced security features and using a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN to safeguard your online activities.
By implementing these measures, you’ll be taking proactive steps to maintain the integrity of your iPhone and your sensitive data. While no security system is perfect, these tips will help you stay one step ahead of potential hackers and enjoy a more secure and private iPhone experience.
In what ways do you think iPhone security features could be improved in future updates? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
3D-printed housing project for student apartments takes shape
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A quiet town in western Denmark is quickly becoming a testing ground for the future of housing.
Skovsporet, described as Europe’s largest 3D-printed housing project, is now taking shape in Holstebro. When finished, the development will deliver 36 student apartments built faster than many single-family homes.
The project sits near VIA University College and serves students in the area. NordVestBo, an affordable housing organization focused on student living, commissioned the development. SAGA Space Architects designed the project in collaboration with 3DCP Group and COBOD. From the beginning, the goal stayed simple and ambitious. Build high-quality homes faster, more efficiently and at a scale traditional construction often struggles to reach. So far, the progress speaks for itself.
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AUSTRALIA DEBUTS FIRST MULTI-STORY 3D PRINTED HOME – BUILT IN JUST 5 MONTHS
The six buildings are arranged around shared outdoor areas, creating a village-style layout designed for student life. (SAGA Space Architects)
How 36 student apartments were printed at record speed
Skovsporet includes six buildings, and each one holds six ground-level student apartments. Crews printed the structures on site using the COBOD BOD3 3D construction printer. The machine extrudes a cement-like material layer by layer, following a digital blueprint with millimeter accuracy.
At first, printing a single building took several weeks. However, productivity improved quickly as the team gained experience. By the final building, printing wrapped up in just five days. That pace equals more than one student apartment printed per day.
Even more notable is the small crew required to run the system. Only three people operated the printer on site. As a result, automation handled the heavy work while the team focused on oversight, quality and precision.
Inside the 3D-printed student apartments
Each apartment measures roughly 431 to 538 square feet. Despite their compact footprint, the layouts feel open and intentional. Every unit includes a full kitchen, a study area, a lounge, a bathroom with a shower and a bedroom with a double bed. Large roof windows and slanted ceilings pull daylight deep into the space, helping soften the concrete structure. Inside, coated plywood panels and glass elements add warmth and contrast. The result feels modern and livable rather than industrial. These homes are designed for daily student life, not just architectural headlines.
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Why 3D printed construction is changing how housing gets built
The real story at Skovsporet is not just speed. It is repeatability. As the team moved from one building to the next, efficiency improved without sacrificing quality. The BOD3 printer runs on a ground-based track system that allows uninterrupted printing of long wall sections. That consistency makes it easier to scale multi-unit housing projects.
According to COBOD, this kind of automation reduces labor needs, shortens timelines and improves accuracy. For cities facing housing shortages, those benefits matter.
How sustainability is built into this 3D printed housing project
Skovsporet also shows how 3D printing supports more sustainable construction. The walls were printed using D.fab concrete with FUTURECEM, a low-carbon cement developed by Aalborg Portland. Because the printer deposits material only where it is structurally needed, waste drops significantly compared to traditional methods. The site layout also preserved 95% of the existing trees by carefully positioning print beds between them. In other words, faster construction did not come at the cost of environmental care.
A COBOD BOD3 printer extrudes concrete layer-by-layer on site, forming the structural walls of Skovsporet’s student apartments with millimeter precision. (SAGA Space Architects)
What happens next for Denmark’s 3D-printed student housing
The 3D printing phase is now complete. Human crews have taken over to install roofs, windows, interiors, furniture and utilities. Landscaped gardens, walking paths and bicycle parking are also underway to create a shared village atmosphere. The project remains on schedule, with residents expected to move in by August 2026.
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What this means for you
If you care about housing affordability, this project is worth watching. Skovsporet proves that automation can deliver student housing faster while keeping quality high. It also hints at what could come next. Multiunit housing built with fewer workers, less waste and shorter timelines could ease pressure in crowded cities. While 3D-printed homes will not replace traditional construction overnight, they are clearly moving into the mainstream. For students, renters and communities, that shift could open the door to more accessible housing options.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Skovsporet is more than a construction milestone. It is a real-world example of how digital design, automation and sustainability can come together at scale. As Europe, the United States and Australia explore similar projects, this student village in Denmark may become a blueprint for future neighborhoods.
Printed concrete walls rise quickly across six buildings, showing how automation helped crews complete more than one apartment per day. (SAGA Space Architects)
If homes can be printed faster, cheaper and with less waste, what other parts of daily life are ready for the same kind of rethink? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Technology
Trump administration bars former EU official and anti-disinformation and hate researchers from US
On Tuesday, the Trump Administration followed through on a threat of retaliation targeting foreigners who are involved in content moderation. The State Department announced sanctions barring US access for former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, as well as four researchers, while issuing an intentionally chilling threat to others, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming, “The State Department stands ready and willing to expand today’s list if other foreign actors do not reverse course.”
One of the researchers the State Department says is banned and now deportable, is Imran Ahmed, who runs the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), an organization aimed at identifying and pushing back against hate speech online that Elon Musk tried and failed to censor with a lawsuit that was dismissed in early 2024. In his decision, Judge Charles Breyer wrote that X’s motivation for suing was to “punish CCDH for CCDH publications that criticized X Corp. — and perhaps in order to dissuade others.”
The other researchers include Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon, leaders of HateAid, a nonprofit that tried to sue X in 2023 for “failing to remove criminal antisemitic content,” as well as Clare Melford, leader of the Global Disinformation Index, which works on “fixing the systems that enable disinformation.”
The press release announcing the sanctions is titled “Announcement of Actions to Combat the Global Censorship-Industrial Complex,” the claimed target of Republicans like House Judiciary Committee leader Jim Jordan, as they’ve worked against attempts to apply fact-checking and misinformation research to social networks. Earlier this month, Reuters reported the State Department ordered US consulates to consider rejecting H-1B visa applicants involved in content moderation, and a few days ago, the Office of the US Trade Representative threatened retaliation against European tech giants like Spotify and SAP over supposedly “discriminatory” activity in regulating US tech platforms.
Technology
Android Sound Notifications help you catch key alerts
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Staying aware of your surroundings matters. That includes hearing smoke alarms, appliance beeps or a knock at the door. Still, real life gets busy. You wear headphones. You get focused. Sounds slip by. That is where Android Sound Notifications help. This built-in accessibility feature listens for key sounds and sends an alert to your screen. Think of it as a gentle tap on the shoulder when something important happens.
Although it was designed to help people who are hard of hearing, it is useful for anyone. If you work with noise-canceling headphones or often miss alerts at home, this feature can make a real difference.
Now, if you use an iPhone, here’s how Apple’s Sound Recognition can alert you to alarms and other key sounds on your device.
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Android Sound Notifications alert you when important sounds happen around you. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What Sound Notifications do on Android
Sound Notifications use your phone’s microphone to listen for specific sounds nearby. When it detects one, it sends a visual alert. You will see a pop-up, feel a vibration and may even see the camera flash.
By default, Android can detect sounds like:
- Smoke alarms
- Fire alarms
- Sirens
- Door knocks
- Doorbells
- Appliance beeps
- A landline phone ringing
- Running water
- A baby crying
- A dog barking
That range makes the feature practical at home or at work. Even better, you control which sounds matter to you.
Why this feature is worth using
Here is the simple truth. You cannot hear everything all the time. Distractions happen. Headphones block sound. Focus takes over. Sound Notifications fill that gap. While you stay locked into a task, your phone keeps listening. When something important happens, you still get the message. As a result, you worry less about missing alarms or visitors. You gain awareness without extra effort.
How to turn on Sound Notifications
Getting started only takes a minute. Note: We tested these steps on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra running the latest version of Android. Menu names and locations may differ slightly on other Android phones, depending on the manufacturer and software version.
- Open the Settings app
- Go to Accessibility
- Tap Hearing enhancements
- Select Sound Notifications
- Turn the feature on
Turning on Sound Notifications only takes a few taps in Android’s Accessibility settings. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
When you enable Sound Notifications for the first time, Android will ask how you want to start the feature. Choose the option that works best for you:
- Tap the button in the quick settings panel
- Tap the Accessibility button
- Press the Side and Volume Up buttons
- Press and hold the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons for three seconds
After you select a shortcut, Click Ok. Then, Sound Notifications will start listening in the background.
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If you do not see the option, install the Live Transcribe & Notifications app from the Play Store. You can enable Sound Notifications from there. Once active, your phone listens for selected sounds and alerts you when it detects one.
Choose which sounds trigger alerts
Not every sound deserves your attention. Thankfully, Android lets you fine-tune alerts.
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- Go back to Settings
- Tap Accessibility
- Click Hearing enhancements
- Tap Sound Notifications
- Click Open Sound Notifications. This opens the actual Sound Notifications control screen.
- On the Sound Notifications screen, tap Settings or the gear icon in the top corner
- Tap Sound types
You will now see the full list of detectable sounds.
- Toggle on the sounds you want alerts for, such as smoke alarms or doorbells
- Toggle off sounds you do not want, like dog barking or appliance beeps, if they are not important to you
You can choose exactly which sounds trigger alerts, helping you avoid unnecessary interruptions. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Check the sound history log
Sound Notifications keep a log of detected sounds. This helps if you were away from your phone and want to see what happened.
You can also save sounds and name them. That makes it easier to tell the difference between your washer finishing and your microwave timer.
The log adds context, which makes alerts more helpful.
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Teach your phone custom sounds
Android does not stop at presets. You can train it to recognize sounds unique to your space.
Maybe your garage door has a distinct tone. Maybe an appliance uses a nonstandard beep. You can record it once, and your phone will listen for it going forward. To add a custom sound:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- Open Sound Notifications
- Tap the gear icon
- Select Custom sounds
- Tap Add sound
- Hit Record
Record a clear 20-second clip. The better the audio, the better detection works later.
Customize how alerts appear
By default, Sound Notifications use vibration and the camera flash. That visual cue is helpful for urgent alerts. However, not every sound needs that level of attention. You can adjust how alerts appear based on importance.
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- Open Sound Notifications
- Open the gear icon
- Tap Ways to be notified
- From there, choose which alerts vibrate, flash or stay subtle
This flexibility keeps the feature working for your routine.
Your privacy stays on your phone
It is reasonable to question constant listening. Here is the key detail. Sound Notifications process audio locally on your device. Sounds never leave your phone. Nothing gets sent to Google. The only exception is if you choose to include audio with feedback. That design keeps the feature private and secure.
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Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Android Sound Notifications quietly solve a real problem. They help you stay aware when your ears cannot. Setup is fast. Controls are flexible. Privacy stays intact. Once you turn it on, you may wonder how you lived without it.
What important sound have you missed lately that your phone could have caught for you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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