508-909-5961 [email protected]

Security tips for Macs and other Apple devicesMany Apple users believe that their Macs and iPhones are invulnerable to security threats, but this just puts them at risk of falling prey to hackers. Macs, iPhones, and other Apple devices are not unhackable, and the only way to truly protect all your devices is to observe safe practices. Keep abreast of current security […]

The post Security tips for Macs and other Apple devices appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Security tips for Macs and other Apple devices

Many Apple users believe that their Macs and iPhones are invulnerable to security threats, but this just puts them at risk of falling prey to hackers. Macs, iPhones, and other Apple devices are not unhackable, and the only way to truly protect all your devices is to observe safe practices.

Keep abreast of current security threats

Educate your organization about the most common ways systems are infected or hacked. Apple users in your organization must be aware of recent security updates on iPhones and Macs, for instance.

  • iPhones – Security and privacy are key concerns with every iOS update, which is why Apple highlighted its privacy and security features when it released iOS 13, the latest iOS version. However, in June, it was reported that 38% of Apple iOS apps contained critical vulnerabilities, which was only slightly lower compared to Android’s 43%. The vulnerabilities were reportedly caused by weaknesses in security mechanisms.
  • Macs – In 2017’s WannaCry/WannaCrypt ransomware attacks, only Windows machines were affected. This shows that Apple does a fairly good job of guarding against threats. That said, Macs are certainly not immune to malware and viruses. In 2019, a malware called OSX/CrescentCore was reportedly found on several websites and worked by installing an infected file or a Safari extension.

Practice secure web browsing

The vast majority of security breaches happen when a user installs programs, knowingly or unknowingly, or clicks on links in emails or on the Web that contain malware. Take these precautions to avoid intrusions:

  1. Never open email attachments from unknown senders especially those with file extensions that are for programs, i.e., DMG. These include attachments in emails from large companies and financial institutions. When in doubt, contact the sender to verify.
  2. Always hover over links before you click on them. If you receive an email with a link in it, hover over the URL to see where it links to and look for spelling or grammar mistakes, or any other indication that it’s a fraudulent link.
  3. Don’t automatically open any downloaded apps. Verify an app by taking a look at its name and its source information. If the site appears to be different from where you downloaded it, the app may be infected.
  4. When you try to watch content from any random website, many sites will ask you to download a plugin or video player. It’s best to avoid these sites altogether because many of them are known to host malware that can install itself.
  5. When in doubt, don’t take action. If you’re unsure about a link or app you are being asked to download, simply don’t click on it or download it.

Install antivirus scanners

It’s amazing how many Mac users don’t bother with an antivirus scanner. These tools are indispensable for keeping your systems and data secure. There are a number of excellent scanners out there, so make sure to pick a solution that covers both desktop and mobile devices to ensure optimal security. We can also help you pick the best solution for your business.

Consult IT experts

Strengthen the security of your computers, mobile devices, and network by working with an IT expert like us. We take the time to get to know how you use your devices to discover your security needs and recommend an integrated, effective solution for you. Contact us today to learn more.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Security tips for Macs and other Apple devices appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More

Security tips for Macs and other Apple devicesMany Apple users believe that their Macs and iPhones are invulnerable to security threats, but this just puts them at risk of falling prey to hackers. Macs, iPhones, and other Apple devices are not unhackable, and the only way to truly protect all your devices is to observe safe practices. Keep abreast of current security […]

The post Security tips for Macs and other Apple devices appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Security tips for Macs and other Apple devices

Many Apple users believe that their Macs and iPhones are invulnerable to security threats, but this just puts them at risk of falling prey to hackers. Macs, iPhones, and other Apple devices are not unhackable, and the only way to truly protect all your devices is to observe safe practices.

Keep abreast of current security threats

Educate your organization about the most common ways systems are infected or hacked. Apple users in your organization must be aware of recent security updates on iPhones and Macs, for instance.

  • iPhones – Security and privacy are key concerns with every iOS update, which is why Apple highlighted its privacy and security features when it released iOS 13, the latest iOS version. However, in June, it was reported that 38% of Apple iOS apps contained critical vulnerabilities, which was only slightly lower compared to Android’s 43%. The vulnerabilities were reportedly caused by weaknesses in security mechanisms.
  • Macs – In 2017’s WannaCry/WannaCrypt ransomware attacks, only Windows machines were affected. This shows that Apple does a fairly good job of guarding against threats. That said, Macs are certainly not immune to malware and viruses. In 2019, a malware called OSX/CrescentCore was reportedly found on several websites and worked by installing an infected file or a Safari extension.

Practice secure web browsing

The vast majority of security breaches happen when a user installs programs, knowingly or unknowingly, or clicks on links in emails or on the Web that contain malware. Take these precautions to avoid intrusions:

  1. Never open email attachments from unknown senders especially those with file extensions that are for programs, i.e., DMG. These include attachments in emails from large companies and financial institutions. When in doubt, contact the sender to verify.
  2. Always hover over links before you click on them. If you receive an email with a link in it, hover over the URL to see where it links to and look for spelling or grammar mistakes, or any other indication that it’s a fraudulent link.
  3. Don’t automatically open any downloaded apps. Verify an app by taking a look at its name and its source information. If the site appears to be different from where you downloaded it, the app may be infected.
  4. When you try to watch content from any random website, many sites will ask you to download a plugin or video player. It’s best to avoid these sites altogether because many of them are known to host malware that can install itself.
  5. When in doubt, don’t take action. If you’re unsure about a link or app you are being asked to download, simply don’t click on it or download it.

Install antivirus scanners

It’s amazing how many Mac users don’t bother with an antivirus scanner. These tools are indispensable for keeping your systems and data secure. There are a number of excellent scanners out there, so make sure to pick a solution that covers both desktop and mobile devices to ensure optimal security. We can also help you pick the best solution for your business.

Consult IT experts

Strengthen the security of your computers, mobile devices, and network by working with an IT expert like us. We take the time to get to know how you use your devices to discover your security needs and recommend an integrated, effective solution for you. Contact us today to learn more.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Security tips for Macs and other Apple devices appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More

Make iPhone text messages more privateYou must take digital privacy seriously, regardless of whether you’re a business owner, managing director, IT manager, or senior staff member. When it comes to iPhones, there are three device settings that are particularly important when protecting the privacy of your messages. Turn off message previews How many times per day do you leave your […]

The post Make iPhone text messages more private appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Make iPhone text messages more private

You must take digital privacy seriously, regardless of whether you’re a business owner, managing director, IT manager, or senior staff member. When it comes to iPhones, there are three device settings that are particularly important when protecting the privacy of your messages.

Turn off message previews

How many times per day do you leave your iPhone unattended, sitting face up for any passerby to see? It sounds harmless, but that’s all it takes for the wrong person to glimpse a confidential message. Here are steps to prevent this from happening:

  • Open your iPhone’s Settings app
  • Select Notifications
  • Tap Messages
  • Disable the Allow Notifications option

With the preview setting turned off, you’ll be alerted to a new text message but will have to open the app to see the message contents.

Automatically delete texts

If you lose your phone or someone steals it, thousands of your conversations with your closest confidantes are up for grabs. The easiest way to prevent this nightmarish accident is to configure your iPhone to delete texts after a certain period of time has passed. Follow these steps for this additional security:

  • Open the Settings app
  • Tap Messages
  • Expand the Keep Messages section

From this window, you have options to automatically delete messages after 30 days, a year, or to keep them forever.

Turn off read receipts

When the word “Read” appears under a text message you’ve sent, that word is a read receipt. It lets you know you that the receiver of the text has opened your message. Sometimes it’s convenient, but it does clue people into what you’re doing.

To keep the people you text from seeing read receipts, choose Messages from within your Settings app and disable Send Read Receipts.

These three simple privacy measures will prevent countless awkward, problematic, and possibly dangerous situations. Want more iPhone tips or need a technology question answered? Don’t hesitate to give us a call today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Make iPhone text messages more private appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More

Why you shouldn’t jailbreak your iPadA lot of iPad users resort to jailbreaking to gain greater control over iOS. With a jailbroken iPad, you can download apps unavailable in the App Store and get additional functionality from apps installed on your device. However, this virtually unrestricted access to apps and features has its cons, not least of which are security […]

The post Why you shouldn’t jailbreak your iPad appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Why you shouldn’t jailbreak your iPad

A lot of iPad users resort to jailbreaking to gain greater control over iOS. With a jailbroken iPad, you can download apps unavailable in the App Store and get additional functionality from apps installed on your device. However, this virtually unrestricted access to apps and features has its cons, not least of which are security issues. Read on to find out why you shouldn’t jailbreak your iPad.

Security vulnerabilities

Jailbreaking removes security features designed to protect your iPad and the sensitive information it contains. So when you download and install third-party apps onto your jailbroken iPad, you may introduce malware, spyware, and viruses that can compromise your data’s security and slow down or damage your device.

Warranty issues

Although it’s perfectly legal to jailbreak your iPad, Apple has made it clear that jailbreaking is a violation of the iOS software license agreement. As such, any jailbroken Apple device will not be protected under their warranty service coverage. Apple may even deny service for your jailbroken iPad, so if something goes wrong with it, you’re basically on your own.

No iOS updates

Technically, you can install iOS updates onto your jailbroken iPad, but you’ll lose your jailbreak. This means you have to go through the entire jailbreaking process again and reinstall all apps and extensions. What’s more, if you decide to update your iOS, you may have to wait for an updated jailbreak version to become available, which could take days, weeks, or even months.

Device instability

Jailbreaking can cause your iPad to randomly reboot or malfunction. Also, because third-party apps can access features and protocols not available for apps designed or approved by Apple, you may find that your iPad crashes more often or that certain apps don’t work smoothly.

Shortened battery life

The jailbreak in and of itself doesn’t affect your iPad’s battery life. Shortened battery life issues on jailbroken iPads may be caused by installed third-party apps and tweaks. Some of these, like lock screen widgets and live wallpapers, may be increasing background activity on your device, thus draining your battery faster.

Unreliable voice and data services

If you use jailbroken iPads or iPhones, you may experience dropped calls and spotty data connections more frequently. This can be a major issue if you use your device for work, as unreliable voice and data services can hinder your communications with your colleagues and clients. Also, you may encounter some location data problems on your jailbroken device.

Now that Apple has added so many features to iOS, jailbreaking iPads and iPhones is not as prevalent as it was in previous years. But if you want to increase your device’s functionality even more, jailbreaking is something you definitely want to look into. Keep in mind, though, that it has many disadvantages that can put your device and data at risk.

If you want to learn more about jailbreaking or need help with your Apple devices, get in touch with our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Why you shouldn’t jailbreak your iPad appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More