Technology

Don't get fooled by fake phone updates and notifications

Published

1 year ago

December 8, 2024

Don't get fooled by fake phone updates and notifications

When it comes to updating apps on your phone, caution is key. Michelle from New Jersey recently reached out with a common concern:

“When you click on an app on your phone, and you get a message that it needs to be updated, click here, can you trust that this is legit? Or should you close out and go to the App Store?”

Great question, Michelle. App updates are essential for maintaining your device’s performance and security. They often include bug fixes, new features and security patches that protect against vulnerabilities. However, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, often using fake update notifications to trick you into downloading malware or providing personal information.

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App Store icon on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Identifying red flags

Being able to spot suspicious update notifications is crucial for maintaining your device’s security. Here are some specific signs that an update notification may be fraudulent:

1. Unexpected alerts from unknown apps

If you receive a notification from an app you don’t recognize, it is best not to engage with it. You should be especially wary of alerts claiming to be from system apps or security software that you didn’t install. To verify the legitimacy of the app, check your installed apps list to see if the app actually exists on your device.

For iPhone

Tap the App Store icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
Select Apps, then tap My Apps to see a list of all apps you’ve downloaded.
You will see “All” the apps currently installed on your device listed, and you can also see apps that are not currently installed by tapping “Not on This iPhone.”
When you tap on “Not on This iPhone,” you will see a list of apps that you have previously downloaded or purchased but have since removed from your device.

For Android

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

Tap the Google Play Store icon on your Android.
Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
Select “Manage apps & devices” from the menu options.
Tap on the “Manage” tab, then select “Installed” to see all apps currently on your device. You can also check for any unknown apps here.

Regularly reviewing this list of apps helps you stay aware of what is installed on your device and allows you to identify any unfamiliar applications that may pose a security risk.

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2. Requests for personal information

Legitimate updates will never ask for sensitive data like passwords, credit card information or Social Security numbers. You should be suspicious of any update process that requires you to input personal details. Official updates are typically handled through your device’s operating system or app store, which already has your account information.

Fake iPhone update notification text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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3. Pop-ups asking to subscribe to calendars

Pop-ups requesting you to subscribe to calendars can fill your calendar with spam and phishing messages. Legitimate apps rarely, if ever, request calendar access through pop-ups during updates. Therefore, you should be cautious of any unexpected requests for access to your device’s features or data.

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4. Urgent or threatening language

Scammers often use fear tactics to prompt immediate action. You should be skeptical of messages claiming your device is at immediate risk or that you’ll lose data if you don’t update immediately. Legitimate updates are typically communicated in a calm and informative manner without using high-pressure tactics to rush users into making decisions.

A man received a fake update notification on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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5. Unusual update sources

Be cautious of updates that direct you to websites outside your official app store. Legitimate updates for mobile apps are typically conducted through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, which helps ensure that you receive safe and verified software. System updates should always come through your device’s built-in update mechanism, like the one below, to maintain security and integrity.

Legitimate iOS update (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

6. Spelling and grammatical errors

Official updates from reputable companies are usually well-written and free of obvious errors. If you notice poor spelling, grammar or formatting in an update notification, it can be a sign of a hastily created scam.

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7. Unexpected permissions requests

If an update suddenly asks for permissions that seem unrelated to the app’s function, this could be a red flag. For example, a calculator app shouldn’t need access to your contacts or camera.

A woman scrolling on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

8. Mismatched branding or visual elements

Pay attention to the visual details of update notifications. Scammers may use logos or color schemes that are slightly off from the official branding. Look for inconsistencies in font, styling or overall design compared to legitimate notifications you’ve seen before.

Tips for protecting yourself from fake notifications

To ensure your safety while navigating app updates, here are some simple tips to follow:

1. Be wary of email and text alerts; protect yourself with strong antivirus software

Manufacturers will not send you emails or texts prompting you to update your apps. Always treat such messages as suspicious and avoid clicking on any links as they may contain malware. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Close the app and verify

If you receive an unexpected update notification:

Close the app immediately.
Open your device’s official app store (Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS).
Search for the app in question to check for any available updates.

This method ensures that you are only downloading updates from legitimate sources.

3. Check your device settings

You can also verify if there are any system updates available by checking your phone’s settings:

For iPhone: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update
For Android: Go to Settings > System > System Update.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Regularly checking for system updates can also enhance your device’s overall security. Before performing major updates, especially system updates, ensure that your data is backed up. This protects your information in case something goes wrong during the update process.

4. Enable automatic updates

Most smartphones allow you to enable automatic updates for apps and system software. This feature helps ensure that your applications are always up-to-date without requiring manual intervention.

For iPhone

Open the Settings app.
Tap General.
Select Software Update.
Tap Automatic Updates and turn it on by swiping the button to the right.
Go back to Settings, tap App Store.
In the Automatic Downloads section, turn on App Updates by swiping the button to the right.

For Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
Select Manage apps & devices.
Tap on the Manage tab, then select Installed.
Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner and select Auto-update apps.
Choose your preferred option: Over any network or Over Wi-Fi only.

Even if you have automatic updates enabled, it’s a good practice to manually check for updates periodically. This ensures that you don’t miss any important updates that might not have been automatically installed.

5. Verify sources

Always ensure that updates are coming from verified sources. Only download software from official websites or app stores to avoid malware and phishing attempts.

6. Monitor app permissions

After updating apps, review the permissions they request. If an app asks for permissions that seem unnecessary for its function, consider whether you want to keep it installed.

7. Uninstall unused apps

Regularly review and uninstall apps that you no longer use. This reduces potential vulnerabilities and keeps your device clutter-free.

For iPhone

Find the app you want to uninstall on your home screen.
Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then tap Remove App.
Select Delete App to confirm.

For Android

Find the app you want to uninstall in your app drawer or home screen.
Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then tap Uninstall.
Tap OK to confirm the uninstallation.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

While keeping your apps updated is crucial for security and performance, it’s equally important to approach update notifications with skepticism. Verifying through official channels is always the safest route. By following these tips and staying informed about potential scams, you can protect yourself from cyberthreats while enjoying the benefits of updated applications.

What specific measures do you think the App Store and Google Play should implement to better protect users from fraudulent update notifications? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Intel is planning a custom Panther Lake CPU for handheld PCs

Published

2 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Intel is planning a custom Panther Lake CPU for handheld PCs

Intel announced yesterday that it’s developing an entire “handheld gaming platform” powered by its new Panther Lake chips, and joining an increasingly competitive field. Qualcomm is hinting about potential Windows gaming handhelds showing up at the Game Developers Conference in March, and AMD’s new Strix Halo chips could lead to more powerful handhelds.

According to IGN and TechCrunch, sources say Intel is going to compete by developing a custom Intel Core G3 “variant or variants” just for handhelds that could outperform the Arc B390 GPU on the chips it just announced. IGN reports that by using the new 18A process, Intel can cut different die slices, and “spec the chips to offer better performance on the GPU where you want it.”

As for concrete details about the gaming platform, we’re going to have to wait. According to Intel’s Dan Rogers yesterday, the company will have “more news to share on that from our hardware and software partners later this year.” The Intel-based MSI Claw saw a marked improvement when it jumped to Lunar Lake, and hopefully the new platform keeps up that positive trend.

Technology

Don’t lock your family out: A digital legacy guide

Published

3 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Don’t lock your family out: A digital legacy guide

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

This is not a happy topic. But it’s essential advice whether you’re 30 or 90.

If something happened to you tomorrow, could your family get into your digital life? I’m talking about your bank accounts, emails, crypto and a lifetime of memories stored on your phone or computer.

Big Tech and other companies won’t hand over your data or passwords, even to a spouse, without a hassle, if at all.

1. The 10-minute setup

Start with a Legacy Contact. Think of someone you trust who gets access only after you’re gone. Who is that? Good.

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· iPhone: Open Settings > tap [Your Name]. Tap Sign-In & Security > Legacy Contact. Go to Add Legacy Contact and follow the prompts.

· Google: Search for Inactive Account Manager in your Google Account settings. Choose how long Google should wait before acting (e.g., three months). Add up to 10 people to be notified and choose which data (Photos, Drive, Gmail) they can download.

Google has an “Inactive Account Manager” feature. (Chesnot/Getty Images)

2. The master key problem

Apple and Google don’t help with banking, insurance, investment or other sites or apps. You need a solid password manager like NordPass that offers emergency access features.

1. Open your Password Manager and look for Emergency Access.

2. Add a Digital Heir: Enter the email of a spouse or trusted child.

3. Set the Safety Delay: Choose a wait period. Usually 7 days is the sweet spot.

4. How it works: If your contact ever requests access, the app sends you an alert. If you’re fine, you hit Deny. But if you’re incapacitated and can’t respond within those seven days, the vault automatically unlocks for them.

Pro tip: Your Emergency Contact only gets viewing privileges. They can’t delete or change anything in your vault.

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Facebook and Instagram have after-death options for accounts. (Karly Domb Sadof, File/AP )

3. Crypto and social media

· Crypto: Without your seed phrases, that money is gone. Store them physically along with any instructions and receipts of you buying crypto with your estate paperwork. If you use a crypto hardware wallet, keep that in a fireproof safe.

· Social media: On Facebook or Instagram, go to Settings > Memorialization. Choose to either have your account deleted or managed by a contact who can post a final tribute.

Be sure someone knows the passcode to your phone. That’s important for 2FA codes, among other things.

One more thing. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to get my free newsletter at GetKim.com to stay tech-savvy and secure every day!

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Technology

Power bank feature creep is out of control

Published

14 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

Power bank feature creep is out of control

There was a time not too long ago when buying a power bank was as easy as choosing the cheapest portable battery that could charge your phone and quickly slip into your pocket, purse, or backpack. The hardest part was deciding whether it was time to ditch USB-A ports.

Recently, however, brands have been slathering on features, many of which are superfluous, in an attempt to both stand out from the commodified pack and justify higher price points. It’s especially prevalent amongst the bigger power banks that can also charge laptops, those that butt right up to the “airline friendly” 99Wh (around 27,650mAh) size limit.

At CES 2026, we’re seeing a trend towards power banks with integrated cables, which is very convenient. But a similar trend to slap large, energy-sapping displays onto these portable batteries is just silly. And that’s just the start of the atrocities witnessed in recent months.

EcoFlow’s modular accessories are easy to lose and that big display sucks power, is difficult to navigate, and requires a screensaver.

Image: EcoFlow

The power bank that pushed things over the edge for me is the $270 EcoFlow Rapid Pro X Power Bank 27k that I received for review. Here’s my review: it’s bad. Do. Not. Buy. As a power bank, it tries too hard to do too much, making it too expensive, too big, too slow, and too heavy.

The snap-on decorative faceplates are ridiculous and the proprietary magnetic modules for its Apple Watch charger and retractable USB-C cable are too easy to misplace.

The giant display EcoFlow uses scratches easily and is too dim to easily read outdoors. The confusing UX on the Rapid Pro X model is especially offensive in its touch-sensitive clumsiness. Nobody needs a display that takes 30 seconds to wake up from sleep and plays swirly graphics and blinking eyeballs when awake, slowly sapping the power bank’s energy reserves. The fact that it has a screensaver tells me that the product team completely lost the plot.

Anker’s also guilty of putting large displays onto its power banks. Most people don’t need anything more than four dots to show the remaining capacity, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to buy a power bank without a colorful LCD display. In the 20,000mAh range, Anker doesn’t even list a display-less model anymore. I, like many Verge readers, love to see the actually wattage pumping in and out of those ports — but the vast majority of people have no need for that.

Anker’s fast-charging, proprietary dock upsell.

Image: Anker

Anker, like EcoFlow, also offers power banks with proprietary pogo-pin connectors, Both companies use those connectors to lure owners into buying expensive desk chargers that don’t work with anything else. Those extra-fast charging speeds are unlikely to justify the premium expense for most people.

Most people, even tech savvy Verge readers, don’t even need a power bank that can output 140W of power delivery over USB-C. The majority of non-gaming laptops require 65W or less. And the primary computing device for most people — the phone — only requires about 20W.

We certainly don’t need power banks with built-in hotspots when that’s already built into our Android and iOS phones. Baseus made one anyway.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity are becoming a common feature in some flagship power banks. I’m all for remotely monitoring massive power stations used to power off-grid homes and campers, but not a portable power bank that’s charging the phone in your hand or is plugged into a nearby wall jack.

The phone you’re charging also has a flashlight.

Image: Pangootek

We also don’t need integrated flashlights. Why random Amazon brand, why?

All these extra “features” just add weight, size, and cost to power banks. They also increase the risk that something will go wrong on a device that’s meant to always be with you and just work when you need it. And power banks don’t need any extra help justifying a recall.

Kickstands and integrated cables are useful features I’ll pay extra for.

Image: Kuxiu

One power bank trend I can get behind is integrated cables like the retractable version found on EcoFlow’s Rapid Pro Power Bank 27k (note the lack of “X” in the name). Always having a properly specced cable that matches the device’s max input and output is super convenient. I like that Kuxiu’s S3 MagSafe power bank, for example, neatly wraps the cable around the chassis to plug into a hidden USB-C jack. That way the cable can be replaced if it frays or breaks.

I’m also a fan of adding kickstands to MagSafe power banks that prop phones up at your preferred angle for extended viewing or recording. More importantly, a few companies are now adopting semi-solid state chemistry that makes their power banks less susceptible to thermal runaway, which was an industry plague in 2025. They cost more to buy, but they’re cheaper to own over their extended lifetimes.

Sharge’s counter argument to everything I’ve written.

Image: Sharge

I can’t help but enjoy the look of Sharge’s Retractable 3-in-1 Power Bank, even though its integrated wall outlet and underwhelming specs for a battery pack of this size and price completely undercuts my entire argument. I’m a sucker for Braun design, forgive me!

Basic power banks like Anker’s PowerCore 10k are a rarity these days.

Image: Anker

There are still basic power banks available that charge phones and even laptops without too much feature creep and attempted upsell. If all you want is to charge your phone then there’s Anker’s trusty $26 PowerCore 10k or, if you’re feeling fancy, Nitecore’s $65 NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim USB-C Power Bank. If you also want to charge laptops then you might consider INIU’s delightfully named Cougar P64-E1 Power Bank Fastest 140W 25000mAh for $90, or even Belkin’s more capable $150 UltraCharge Pro Laptop Power Bank 27K coming in March.

The fastest and most powerful power banks with lots of gee-whiz features will often generate headlines for pushing the envelope of what’s possible. But the “best” power bank might not be best for you, when basic affordability is all you really need.

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