Rideshare drivers in Massachusetts will soon get company-provided benefits, as well as a minimum pay of $32.50 per hour, starting on August 15th. That’s thanks to a new settlement between the state and rideshare companies Uber and Lyft, four years after Attorney General Andrea Campbell sued the companies, asserting their drivers ought to be considered employees under state law.

The two companies also agreed to pay a combined $175 million, the bulk of which will be paid out to “current and former drivers who were underpaid by the companies,” Campbell’s office announced yesterday. The office says it will release details about who qualifies and how to apply “in coming weeks.” Despite the settlement and the original thrust of the suit, drivers will still be considered independent contractors.

Still, drivers in the state will get yearly inflation-based pay raises and other employee-style benefits, such as being able to earn up to 40 hours of sick leave a year, paid at $20 per hour. Uber and Lyft will also give drivers stipends so they can buy healthcare and sign up for the state’s family and medical leave program, and will cover work-related injuries.

To ensure they’re complying with the agreement, the companies have to carry out annual audits and submit reports to the Attorney General’s office. Punishment for violations could include “any applicable restitution, fines, and penalties,” according to the published settlement.

In the digital age, securing your personal data is more important than ever, especially on devices that travel with us everywhere, like our smartphones. 

If you’re an Android user, you’re in luck because there are several built-in features to help you lock down your device. 

Let’s dive into some of these options and ensure your information stays safe and secure.

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Understanding your Android’s settings

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that the settings we’ll discuss may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. So, if you don’t find the exact option, don’t worry — just look for similar terms or consult your phone’s help guide.

A woman holding an Android. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to lock your Android

To start, let’s explore the standard lock options available on most Android devices:

• Go to Settings. You’ll want to look for the gear icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap it
• Scroll down until you find the ‘Security and Privacy’ option and tap it
• Within the security settings, find and tap on Lock Screen
• Next, select ‘Screen Lock’ to view your current security method

Steps to lock your Android.

• Enter your current password, PIN, pattern, etc., to proceed
• You’ll see a list of all the options you can use, such as a PIN, pattern or password. Select the one you prefer and set it up

Steps to lock your Android. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to enable biometric security options

Now, let’s move on to the more advanced biometric options:

• If your phone has a fingerprint scanner, consider using fingerprints for security
• Input your current password to access these settings
• Here, you can rename any set Fingerprints, add new ones and check what fingerprints are named
• Ensure the ‘Fingerprint Unlock’ option is enabled so you can use it on your lock screen

Steps to enable biometric security options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Go back by clicking the back arrow
• Tap Face Recognition
• Input your current password
• If you haven’t set up face recognition yet, it’ll prompt you to do so by clicking Continue

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Steps to enable biometric security options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Hold your phone in front of your face to capture your likeness
• Once set up, you’ll have options to remove your face data or Add alternative appearance to enhance recognition

Steps to enable biometric security options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

By taking advantage of built-in security features like screen locks, fingerprint scanners and face recognition, you can safeguard your personal data and enjoy peace of mind while using your smartphone.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Securing your Android device is a simple yet vital step in protecting your digital life. Whether you choose a traditional method like a PIN or pattern or opt for biometric security, the key is to select a method that you’ll consistently use. Remember, the strongest lock is the one you’ll always engage. So, take a moment to review your security settings and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with a well-protected device.

If you could add or improve one security feature on your Android device, what would it be and why?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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I’m stuck in a weird spot when it comes to movies and TV, these days. On one hand, the constant churn of remakes, reboots, franchise movies, and sequels often feels like it comes at the expense of original storytelling. But on the other, I am unabashedly looking forward to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, I’m really enjoying The Acolyte, and I’m sorry, but I’m the reason Nintendo just keeps remaking games, and I will continue to be. (Also, I feel I must apologize to my friends and family in advance for my absence when Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is released.)

Thankfully, the trailers that showed up this week look as promising as any of the best of those.

It’s another Deadpool & Wolverine trailer; what am I going to do, not watch it five times and then tell you about it? This one almost doesn’t have anything we haven’t had before. Almost, that is, until it reveals that Tyler Mane will reprise his role as Sabretooth from the first X-Men film. We’ve got just under a month to go before the movie’s July 26th release.

Actor Hamish Linklater’s Batman voice was shown off in a teaser earlier this month, clearly nodding at the late Kevin Conroy’s portrayal of the character. In it, he listed the show’s stellar cast, which includes Christina Ricci, Jamie Chung, Diedrich Bader, John DiMaggio, Minnie Driver, and Mckenna Grace.

Nosferatu’s first teaser trailer offers only a dim look at the vampire known as Count Orlok, once played by Max Schreck in the 1922 silent horror film the movie is remaking. But it does a great job setting the mood for the grim remake of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, itself an unofficial retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Starring Willem Dafoe, Lily Rose-Depp, and Bill Skarsgård, the Robert Eggers movie is due to hit theaters, merrily, on December 25th.

It feels like Hugh Grant’s been having a moment lately. His turn as the Mr. Reed, a man who traps two young Mormon missionaries come to spread the gospel to him, seems just as compellingly off-brand as his portrayals of Lofty the Oompa Loompa in Wonka and the con artist Forge Fitzwilliam in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Heretic also bucks the retread trend of the other trailers from this week by being its own story. It’s written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the team behind A Quiet Place.