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10 easy ways to prevent someone from spying on you

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10 easy ways to prevent someone from spying on you

You know, one of the absolute worst feelings in the world is when you get that creepy sensation that someone is spying on you. It’s just so unsettling, whether it’s happening in real life or online. I mean, seriously, who wants to be watched without their permission, right? 

That’s why it’s important for us to be proactive and take all the necessary steps to protect ourselves. 

Here are my top 10 tips for keeping your information away from those creepy spies. 

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER 

1. Have good antivirus software 

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Picture of woman with spy behind (Cyberguy.com)

You often hear me talking about this and there’s a good reason. One of the best ways to protect yourself from being spied on is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having good antivirus software allows you to be resilient against growing attacks by actively running on your devices. It’s the best to help stop and alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked.

See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.   

2. Remove yourself from the internet  

Your personal data can get exposed online in various ways, such as data breaches, data scraping, or data sharing by hackers, websites, platforms or on the dark web. This can put your privacy and security at risk. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period, and it would significantly decrease the chances of someone being able to spy on you all the time.  

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See my tips and best picks for removing your personal information from the internet  

Temu app

Temu app on the phone (Temu)

 

3. Avoid using apps like Temu 

Certain readily available apps are made to spy on you and harvest your personal data . The Chinese-based app Temu and its sister app Pinduoduo have been found to collect sensitive information on users, including tracking locations, recording contacts, browsing history, and other personal information. 

Before you download any app, make sure you read its privacy policy or, at the very least, search the app name along with the word ‘privacy.’ Closely look at its reviews and ratings, and make sure it’s coming from a legitimate official source like the App Store or the Google Play Store.  Never link to download an app from an email or text message. Those links often lead to trouble compromising your security. 

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MORE: EXPOSING THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT POPULAR APPS WITH CHINESE TIES  

4. Use a VPN  

Consider using a VPN to protect against prying eyes from tracking you and identifying your potential location on websites that you visit. Depending on their privacy settings, many sites can read your IP address and may display the city from which you are corresponding. A VPN will disguise your IP address to show an alternate location. 

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android, & iOS devices 

5. Use a webcam cover 

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You know those little cameras that you see built into all of your devices?  Or the external webcams that you plug into your computer?  If your devices become compromised, hackers can gain access to your webcam to spy on you and learn your sensitive information. Covering your webcam with a simple piece of electrical tape or using a physical camera cover is an easy and inexpensive way to take control of your privacy and get some peace of mind. 

Think of it like closing the curtains on your window. Why should anyone have the opportunity to see what you are doing in the comfort of your own home?  It is an easy suggestion for everyone that can prevent massive issues.  

MORE: IS SOMEONE SPYING ON YOU THROUGH YOUR HACKED WEBCAM? 7 RED FLAGS 

 6. Have strong passwords  

Create strong passwords for your accounts and devices, and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords instead of relying on a single password, which, if stolen, can expose you. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess.  

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Plus, it also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and fills passwords in for you when you’re logging into an account so that you never have to remember them yourself.  The fewer passwords you remember, the less likely you will be to reuse them for your accounts.

Webcam cover

Webcam cover for your computer (Cyberguy.com)

GET MORE OF MY TECH TIPS & EASY VIDEO TUTORIALS WITH THE FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER – CLICK HERE 

7. Use 2-factor authentication 

Having 2-factor authentication is just another way to keep those spies out of your accounts. If someone guesses your password, 2-factor authentication will pose another barrier for them to have to break through. This will encourage many hackers to give up on trying and will cause major setbacks for the rest who still try to get into your accounts. 

Many devices offer 2-factor authentication, and it is typically used either through an SMS-text messaging system, an authentication app, or with a fingerprint or facial scan, making it nearly impossible for a hacker to bypass it. If you don’t have 2-factor authentication on your devices already, I would highly recommend looking into it.

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MORE: WHAT IS TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION, AND SHOULD I ENABLE IT? 

 8. Double-check camera and microphone settings 

Your smartphones, tablets, and computers should have adjustable settings for both your camera and microphone. Oftentimes people don’t realize that every app on your device has its own set of permissions, so you might be giving camera and microphone access to an app that you don’t want to give access to. These settings can be easily changed, so make sure you’re only giving camera and microphone permission where absolutely necessary to avoid any snoopers from looking into your information. There are different ways to manage the camera and microphone permissions on your phone, depending on the app you are using. 

How to adjust your microphone or camera using third-party apps on iPhone 

  • Go to Settings
  • Then scroll down to Privacy and Security and tap it
  • Then go to Microphone or Camera and toggle the switch next to the app’s name to grant or revoke access

How to adjust your microphone or camera permissions using Safari on iPhone 

  • Go to Settings
  • Then click on Safari
  • Next, scroll down to where you see Settings for Websites and then tap on either Camera or Microphone and select Ask or Deny for each option

How to adjust your microphone or Camera permissions for all apps on Android 

  • Open Settings app
  • Tap Apps
  • Look for the app you want to change the permissions for and select it
  • Tap Permissions
  • Then click Camera and Microphone and tap Don’t allow

HOW TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST DEBIT CARD HACKERS WHO ARE AFTER YOUR MONEY

How to adjust your microphone or camera preferences using Chrome on Android 

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  • Open the Chrome app and tap the three dots in the upper right-hand of the screen
  • Go to Settings and tap it
  • Scroll down to Site Settings and tap it
  • Then go to Microphone or Camera
  • Then, toggle Off the microphone or camera off for each site

How to adjust your microphone or camera preferences using Firefox on Android 

Open the Firefox app 

  • Then tap Menu, which is the three dots in the bottom right of the screen
  • Scroll down and tap Settings
  • Then click Site permissions
  • Then you’ll want to click on either Camera or Microphone and tap to block access for each site

MORE: ARE YOUR OWN DEVICES INADVERTENTLY SPYING ON YOU?  

9. Lock your screens 

If you want to protect against a snoop physically peeking over your shoulder, which happens more often than you might think, then having a lock on your screen is the best way to protect yourself.  

You can create passcodes for your smartphones, tablets, or computers, and some devices will also allow you to enable a fingerprint or Face ID lock to prevent snoops from guessing a number passcode.  

For step-by-step instructions on how to lock up your screen devices, click here. 

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Password protection

Two factor authentication  (Cyberguy.com)

MORE: HOW TO MAKE YOUR DEVICES IMPOSSIBLE TO SNOOP ON WITH A PRIVACY SCREEN 

10. Turn off your location 

Location settings are a key way for hackers and spies to keep tabs on you. The last thing you want is for someone you don’t know to have information on where you’ve been or where you’re going. Keeping your location services either completely off or limited, especially on your smartphone, which you take with you everywhere you go, can prevent a hacker from having that information. 

However, before you turn off location sharing to everything on your devices, you need to know the consequences of doing so.  That’s because several applications use your location services, like location-based apps, which include your map, navigation, photo, weather, and fitness apps.  Also, your browser uses your location to provide relevant search results. In addition, emergency services could be affected if you turn off location sharing. In fact, your location may not be automatically shared with emergency services, which could delay response times or make it difficult for emergency personnel to find you.

Kurt’s key takeaways 

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We all have to be vigilant when it comes to protecting our privacy because these hackers and spies will do anything to get your information from you. I know it can seem scary; however, as long as you take the proper precautions and stay alert at all times, then you can have a safe and enjoyable experience while you’re surfing the web. 

What scares you the most when it comes to your online privacy? Are there any specific concerns you have that you’d like us to address? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact 

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter 

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: 

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What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android devices from getting hacked? 

What is the best way to stay private, secure, and anonymous while browsing the web? 

How can I get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services? 

Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. 

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Technology

Clever tech hacks for less stress this holiday, from Amazon spoilers to family pics

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Clever tech hacks for less stress this holiday, from Amazon spoilers to family pics

Gift shopping, scammers, cooking the prime rib just right … There’s too much to worry about this time of year. Before you dive headfirst into the festive frenzy, I’ve got tech tips that’ll sprinkle a little magic on your celebrations. 

As my holiday thanks to my loyal readers, I’m giving away an iPhone. Yep, you can win a new iPhone 15 (valued at $799). Enter to win now!

Cook up a storm with a digital cookbook

Picture this: All your go-to holiday recipes are neatly corralled in one digital cookbook. No more frantic shuffling, clicking through a million tabs or misplaced ingredient lists.

FIVE DUMB TECH SECURITY MISTAKES YOU’RE MAKING

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If your recipes are printed or handwritten, snap a pic with your tablet. Add all the pics to one folder (or try the Notes app if you’re on an iPad) for easy swiping between them. Cooking from recipes you found online? Save the PDF versions and toss them in one spot. No iPad? Use your phone!

Bonus: An inexpensive cookbook holder will keep your tablet out of the mess of flour, stock and butter in the kitchen. (This one is gorgeous if you have a bit more to spend.)

Do cards the easier way

I’m giving you permission to go digital with holiday cards this year. Canva, Adobe Express, Paperless Post and Mailchimp are solid options. You can choose a template, whip up a greeting and send it off in just a few minutes — no trip to the post office required.

Unwrapping a gift (Cyberguy.com)

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Spoiler-proof Amazon

Before you start buying holiday gifts in a frenzy, make sure your Amazon account is set up the right way.

  • Hide and seek: Archive any orders you don’t want someone else to see. On a computer, hover your cursor over Account & Lists and click on Orders. Find the order you want to hide and click View order details, then Archive Order. Click Archive Order again to confirm.
  • Banish the browser: Remove items from your browsing history to avoid revealing your gift ideas. Hover your cursor over Account & Lists and click on Browsing History. For each item that you want to hide, tap Remove from view.

Stop arguing about when to leave

The classic holiday battle: When should you leave the house to get to your destination on time and avoid traffic? Stop guessing and let traffic-predicting algorithms make your drive easier. 

AREA CODES ARE NOW MORE OF A STATUS SYMBOL THAN A PRACTICALITY

You can get a pretty accurate traffic forecast for a future date based on what the conditions are like on that day and time. Then you can fine-tune your departure time to find the ideal time to hit the road.

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Here’s how to set a planned time and date for a trip in Google Maps:

  • Open Google Maps and tap on the Search here field.
  • Enter a destination and select it from the results.
  • Tap Directions and then tap the three-dots button to the right of the Your location field.
  • Tap Set depart or arrive time.
  • Select Depart at and enter a date and time, then tap Done. You’ll get various route options and details such as time and distance.
  • Select a route and tap Start.

Steps are here to find out the best time to leave based on when you want to arrive — and steps to do both in Apple Maps.

Google Maps logo

Google Maps.  (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Say ‘Cheese!’ to better group pics

Remember the days of designating one unlucky soul to be the photographer? You know, the family friend or someone’s random date. Upgrade to your smartphone camera’s timer.

  • On iPhone: Open your Camera app and tap the up-facing arrow at the top of the screen. Scroll right to the option that looks like a clock, then tap it. Select a 3- or 10-second delay.
  • On Android: In the Camera app, select Timer and turn it on. Choose from a delay of 2, 5 or 10 seconds.

A SECRET PHONE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM IS SPYING ON MILLIONS OF AMERICANS

If someone insists on taking the pic, ask them to use burst mode. All they have to do is hold down on the shutter button to capture a ton of photos at once. Better chance you’ll get everyone smiling!

Smile! But do it the right way. Here’s how to look better in pics.

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Remove the screen temptation

It’s not the weekend to be glued to your phone, scrolling headlines or social media. Need a little help disconnecting?

  • On iPhone: Open Settings > Screen Time.
  • On Android: Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing.

Rather than a blanket screen time limit, be strategic and limit the stuff that sucks you in. Maybe you set a 10-minute limit on Instagram, for example. 

cracking egg trend mother on phone

If you set your phone to Do Not Disturb, all good — just make sure you get the calls you want.

Keep your tech-know going 

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.

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PODCAST PICK: Selfie-related deaths, TikTok Jesus scam & expired tech in your house

Plus, Gary Larock needed a kidney, so his family turned to Facebook. A stranger saw the post and stepped in with a life-changing decision. Apple is opening up to Android messaging, and the Feds want to monitor your car. Also, affordable home mesh Wi-Fi systems.

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

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

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Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.

Copyright 2024, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

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GM wants you to know that it’s also unhappy with the slow pace of its EV business

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GM wants you to know that it’s also unhappy with the slow pace of its EV business

General Motors is dealing with a lot right now: a slowing EV business, delays in battery manufacturing, a safety crisis with its robotaxi unit, Cruise, and financial headwinds from the monthslong autoworker strike. On top of it all, its stock price is still struggling to get back to where it was this summer before the strike started.

With all that in mind, GM CEO Mary Barra hopped on a call with investors early Wednesday to address these compounding challenges and assure them that they have a number of fixes in mind. Costs will be reined in, factories will be delayed, and stock buybacks will recirculate cash to shareholders. It’s a crucial moment for GM, which is locked in a tight race with Ford, Tesla, and others to develop EVs and roll out autonomous driving safely and profitably.

Costs will be reined in, factories will be delayed, and stock buybacks will recirculate cash to shareholders

Barra said she is “disappointed” with the slow pace of its Ultium battery development, which is supposed to underpin the company’s forthcoming lineup of EVs. She is “not satisfied” with GM’s low stock price. And the Cruise “incident,” in which a driverless vehicle drug a pedestrian 20 feet after she was struck in a hit-and-run, is now under independent review, but the robotaxi company will be smaller and slower going forward.

“We will be very transparent with what our go-forward plan is,” Barra said. “But I think there’s been some concern about when that comes.”

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Cruise, in particular, was under the microscope. The company has paused all robotaxi operations in the aftermath of the incident in San Francisco in October. Two top executives, CEO Kyle Vogt and chief product officer Dan Kan, have resigned, and the company has said that layoffs will be coming.

In the call, GM offered more details on Cruise’s uncertain future. The company hired two outside law firms to review Cruise’s safety protocols as well as determine whether Cruise purposefully withheld video footage from the California DMV of its driverless vehicle dragging the hit-and-run victim to the side of the road. The company issued a voluntary recall of all 950 Cruise vehicles earlier this month to update the software to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Photo by Tayfun Coskun / Anadolu via Getty Images

GM has lost $8.2 billion on Cruise since 2017 but expects to lose much less going forward. The automaker didn’t share specific cash reductions, but chief financial officer Paul Jacobson said it would likely amount to “hundreds of millions” of dollars.

“We are projecting to have a little bit of a narrower scope as we focus in on safety and scaling up in a much narrower view,” Jacobson said.

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But unlike some of its competitors, GM is not pulling out completely from the autonomous vehicle business. “We’re going to be very deliberate about how we go forward,” Barra said, adding that when Cruise restarts its operations, it will be in only one city. The company also will need to “build trust” with local leaders and first responders, Barra said, in a nod to complaints from San Francisco officials that Cruise’s vehicles obstructed city operations.

“There’s been a lot of uncertainty in our industry and frankly, we didn’t execute well this year”

On the Ultium battery delays, Barra was blunt in her assessment. “There’s been a lot of uncertainty in our industry and frankly, we didn’t execute well this year, as it relates to demonstrating our EV capability and the capability of Ultium because of the module manufacturing automation equipment issues that we had,” she said. “So I’m disappointed in that. I think that has created some concern.”

Recently, GM said it would delay production of its upcoming slate of electric pickup trucks at its plant in Michigan’s Orion Township by “a few months.” Barra assured investors that the issues with Ultium manufacturing were being resolved.

“Our module production issue is not really related to Ultium,” she added. “As I’ve said before, it is really an automation manufacturing issue.”

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Barra said that while EV growth has slowed, demand is still heading in the right direction, noting that US car buyers were on track to purchase 1 million EVs this year for the first time.

“There’s really no reason that EV demand won’t be higher in the years ahead,” she said. “Consideration is rising, the policy environment is favorable. The public charging infrastructure is growing and customer choice is expanding.”

She also acknowledged that the recent contracts with the United Auto Workers union are spooking investors because of their associated costs. GM estimates that the new contracts will result in added labor costs of around $500 per vehicle in 2024 and $575 on average over the life of the contract. The company also expects to raise battery costs by about $3 per kilowatt-hour, but it still expects to achieve “mid-single digit profitability” on its EV business by 2025.

GM expects to reduce net costs by $2 billion through 2024, which includes lower salaries, lowering marketing expenses, and additional overhead reductions. And tellingly, Barra also managed to slip in some praise for the company’s internal combustion engine vehicles, which continue to generate profits for the company at a time when costs are rising across the board.

“Our strong ICE business that frankly has gotten stronger, and we still believe there’s growth there,” Barra said.

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GM has said it expects to go completely carbon neutral by 2040.  

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5 ways to securely access Wi-Fi on your phone while traveling

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5 ways to securely access Wi-Fi on your phone while traveling

Have you ever wondered how to use your iPhone when you travel abroad? Do you know if your Wi-Fi is secure when you switch to 5G? Do you need to worry about hackers or identity thieves when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks?

These are some of the questions that many people have, including Debbie from Wilmington, North Carolina.

“When my Wi-Fi goes to 5G, is it protected on my iPhone? I will be going to Italy… for 16 days of vacation using a travel pass with Verizon. What is the best way to use the phone, using hotel Wi-Fi or my phone only?” — Debbie, Wilmington, NC

If you are traveling to a foreign country and want to stay connected with your loved ones or share your amazing experiences on social media, you should be aware of the best practices to protect your privacy and data online. Different countries have different laws and regulations for internet safety, which may affect your access and security.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

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A woman using a cell phone overseas. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson )

MORE: THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2023

Am I still protected when I use 5G on my smartphone?

The safest way to use your smartphone is always to use a private Wi-Fi network. However, these are often not accessible to us when we’re traveling abroad or in a public space. When you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, your smartphone will typically switch over to a 5G network, which is a type of cellular network technology that allows your smartphone to continue surfing the web when you need to.

The issue is that 5G networks are not always the safest. If the network is using an older security protocol, such as WPA2 Personal, then your iPhone may be more vulnerable to an attack.

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MORE: BEST CYBER WEEK DEALS STILL GOING

So, what is the safest way to use my smartphone while I’m abroad?

There are a few steps that you can take when you go abroad that will protect your safety more than a 5G network might be able to. Here are my top 5 tips.

1. Use a VPN to stay private

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps protect your privacy and anonymity online. It does so by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a secure server. This means that advertisers and other third parties will find it much harder to track your website visits. It also hides your IP address, making it difficult for snoops to identify you while you’re browsing the internet. 

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See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

2. Use hotel Wi-Fi

If the hotel you’re staying in has a private and secure Wi-Fi network, then you’re better off using that than using your phone’s 5G network. If the hotel only has a public Wi-Fi network, then I would stay away from those public Wi-Fi options, as they are typically the most vulnerable to hackers. However, there are plenty of hotels around the world that have private networks that are only accessible to guests. Make sure you call your hotel ahead of time or ask about the Wi-Fi policy at the front desk once you get there.

Man ON PHONE

A man using a cell phone in a hotel room. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO RESCUE YOURSELF FROM THE HOLIDAY TRAVEL NIGHTMARE

3. Use a SIM card

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You could also consider purchasing a local SIM card or using an international roaming plan from your carrier. 

Verizon offers a TravelPass option that allows you to use your existing plan while traveling internationally. Before you choose this option, make sure you read the pricing and terms carefully to prevent any surprises on your bill.

BEST WAYS TO BOOST YOUR INTERNET WI-FI SIGNAL IN YOUR HOME

4. Keep your software up to date

Make sure that the software on your smartphone is up to date before you travel abroad. Software updates often include security and bug fixes that will protect your device against malware, so you must have whatever the latest update is at all times.

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Woman on plane

A woman looks at her phone aboard a plane. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson )

MORE: HOW TO STAY CONNECTED ON YOUR PHONE WHILE TRAVELING ABROAD

How to check for software updates on an iPhone

  • Go to Settings
  • Click General
  • Select Software Update
  • If one is available, click Install.

How to check for software updates on an Android

HOW TO SILENCE GROUP CHATS, EMAILS WITHOUT MISSING IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS ON YOUR IPHONE

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap System
  • Select System Update
  • If an update is available, follow the onscreen steps.

5. Have good antivirus software on your device

If you’re abroad and your phone does get infected with malware, antivirus software will be able to detect it and warn you. Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links that may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information. 

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See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Ultimately, the best way to use your phone while traveling will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to consider factors such as cost, convenience, and security when deciding on a plan of action.

What other types of protection do you wish were available for your devices while traveling abroad? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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