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How to beef up your iPhone passcode

Now that at least two companies are selling devices that unlock protected iPhones, it's time for you to update your passcode to a stronger one and avoid the risk of unwanted access. Here’s how.

The problem

According to reports, at least two companies, Israel-based technology vendor Cellebrite and Atlanta-based Grayshift, have both developed relatively inexpensive technology for unlocking iPhones.

The post How to beef up your iPhone passcode appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

How to beef up your iPhone passcode

Now that at least two companies are selling devices that unlock protected iPhones, it's time for you to update your passcode to a stronger one and avoid the risk of unwanted access. Here’s how.

The problem

According to reports, at least two companies, Israel-based technology vendor Cellebrite and Atlanta-based Grayshift, have both developed relatively inexpensive technology for unlocking iPhones. Reportedly, local and regional U.S. police departments as well as the federal government have been purchasing the technologies.

Grayshift's GrayKey box is a de-encrypting device that can unlock an iPhone with a four-digit passcode in about two hours. The entry-level GrayKey box requires an internet connection, works only in certain geographic locations, and can break only 300 passcodes. But an unlimited GrayKey model works even without internet connectivity and offers an unlimited number of device unlocks.

On the other hand, Cellebrite provides a $5,000-iPhone unlocking device to law enforcement agencies.

Both companies claim they sell only to police and government law enforcement agencies, “or so they would have you believe”, according to Nate Cardozo, a senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

The solution - more digits, better security

According to Gartner research director Dionisio Zumerle, consumers and businesses must use a six-character alphanumeric passcode or a passphrase at minimum, to address risks associated with personal or enterprise data leaks.

Of course, Apple's iOS 9 operating system has already boosted the default iPhone passcode from four digits to six; but for an even stronger and more secure option, experts suggest an alphanumeric passcode.

While Apple's Touch ID and Face ID help with security as well, they always provide the option of unlocking a phone with a passcode.

To sum it up, complex passcodes are always better for security, especially for iPhones. We recommend changing the settings on your iPhone to allow both upper- and lowercase characters, numbers, and uncommon words. And if you feel overwhelmed with anything related to the privacy or security of your iPhone, don’t worry! Just call us today and we’ll help you out.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post How to beef up your iPhone passcode appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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How to beef up your iPhone passcode

Now that at least two companies are selling devices that unlock protected iPhones, it's time for you to update your passcode to a stronger one and avoid the risk of unwanted access. Here’s how.

The problem

According to reports, at least two companies, Israel-based technology vendor Cellebrite and Atlanta-based Grayshift, have both developed relatively inexpensive technology for unlocking iPhones.

The post How to beef up your iPhone passcode appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

How to beef up your iPhone passcode

Now that at least two companies are selling devices that unlock protected iPhones, it's time for you to update your passcode to a stronger one and avoid the risk of unwanted access. Here’s how.

The problem

According to reports, at least two companies, Israel-based technology vendor Cellebrite and Atlanta-based Grayshift, have both developed relatively inexpensive technology for unlocking iPhones. Reportedly, local and regional U.S. police departments as well as the federal government have been purchasing the technologies.

Grayshift's GrayKey box is a de-encrypting device that can unlock an iPhone with a four-digit passcode in about two hours. The entry-level GrayKey box requires an internet connection, works only in certain geographic locations, and can break only 300 passcodes. But an unlimited GrayKey model works even without internet connectivity and offers an unlimited number of device unlocks.

On the other hand, Cellebrite provides a $5,000-iPhone unlocking device to law enforcement agencies.

Both companies claim they sell only to police and government law enforcement agencies, “or so they would have you believe”, according to Nate Cardozo, a senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

The solution - more digits, better security

According to Gartner research director Dionisio Zumerle, consumers and businesses must use a six-character alphanumeric passcode or a passphrase at minimum, to address risks associated with personal or enterprise data leaks.

Of course, Apple's iOS 9 operating system has already boosted the default iPhone passcode from four digits to six; but for an even stronger and more secure option, experts suggest an alphanumeric passcode.

While Apple's Touch ID and Face ID help with security as well, they always provide the option of unlocking a phone with a passcode.

To sum it up, complex passcodes are always better for security, especially for iPhones. We recommend changing the settings on your iPhone to allow both upper- and lowercase characters, numbers, and uncommon words. And if you feel overwhelmed with anything related to the privacy or security of your iPhone, don’t worry! Just call us today and we’ll help you out.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post How to beef up your iPhone passcode appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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Browser-Based Biometrics Boosts Security

Earlier this month, the World Wide Web Consortium, announced plans to begin allowing users to log into online accounts with fingerprints, facial scans, and voice recognition. This will not only boost security, but also make account management much simpler.

The post Browser-Based Biometrics Boosts Security appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Browser-Based Biometrics Boosts Security

Earlier this month, the World Wide Web Consortium, announced plans to begin allowing users to log into online accounts with fingerprints, facial scans, and voice recognition. This will not only boost security, but also make account management much simpler.

Authenticate Your Profile on Your Mobile Device

Chrome OS, Windows, and MacOS, Linux, and Android are all adding features to help users safely log in using biometric identification via USB, Bluetooth, and NFC devices connected to smartphones and tablets. With such convenience, users can verify their accounts on the go.

Preventing Cyber Attacks with Browser-based Biometrics

Passwords are notoriously bad at protecting users' accounts and the information they store. Facial scans, fingerprints and voice recognition would make it exponentially harder for hackers to commit identity theft. That means you're also less likely to be duped by an email from a hacker pretending to be your boss asking for the company credit card.

Enjoy More Secured Online Transactions

Biometric verification will also retire the need for logging in your information when shopping online, streaming video, using cloud applications, and other internet-based transactions. Windows 10 has already adopted features that offer limited account management with fingerprints and facial scans. But none of the big-name technology vendors have offered solutions to achieve this on mobile devices as of yet.

Browser-based biometrics could revolutionize and streamline the steps of verifying an online account. It promises to add more security and ease in logging in and transacting on the internet. To keep up with the latest and greatest in browser-related innovations at your company, give us a call now.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Browser-Based Biometrics Boosts Security appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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How to boost your mobile hotspot

Creating a mobile hotspot allows people to connect to the Internet whether or not their location has Wi-Fi. All they have to do is activate a portable 4G router to generate a private wireless network for their devices to link to. Business owners who invest in these low-cost devices enjoy extraordinary improvements in employee productivity… as long as everything is set up properly.

The post How to boost your mobile hotspot appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

How to boost your mobile hotspot

Creating a mobile hotspot allows people to connect to the Internet whether or not their location has Wi-Fi. All they have to do is activate a portable 4G router to generate a private wireless network for their devices to link to. Business owners who invest in these low-cost devices enjoy extraordinary improvements in employee productivity… as long as everything is set up properly.

A mobile hotspot usually provides faster Internet connection and better security compared with public Wi-Fi. But if this kind of mobile networking is not utilized well, it will accumulate expensive data charges. The following tricks will maximize the efficiency of mobile hotspots while lowering their data usage.

Place the router in a strategic spot
For your equipment to offer optimal coverage, put it in an area where it can best broadcast signals. The goal here is to cover as many devices as possible, so you want to carefully plan where the router is placed. Wireless signals reach only up to 100 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. The signals can pass through floors, walls and ceilings, but fewer obstructions will result in better transmission.

Less Wi-Fi range for longer battery life
If your settings allow, tweak your mobile wireless network for low-power, shorter Wi-Fi. Users must move closer to the hotspot for better Internet connection, but the router's battery will thank you for it.

Check for LTE coverage
It's a good idea to research the area you will use the portable router in. There are locations that do not support cellular 4G/LTE, which means you will still have Internet, but at slower speeds.

Watch out for background apps!
Laptops, tablets, and smartphones may be running applications in the background that are using up Internet bandwidth. The most common examples of these apps are location-based services, social media and email. Minimize the amount of data you use by disabling background apps you don't need.

Avoid multimedia usage
Loading an email or text on a webpage with your mobile device will consume minimal amounts of data. Streaming videos or music will require more bandwidth, using up more data. Try to avoid using multimedia so your battery and data plan lasts longer.

Mobile hotspots let users remotely connect to the Internet without being dependent on possibly unsafe public Wi-Fi networks. With the ability to connect multiple devices to a single hotspot, these devices are an easy way to increase productivity.

We specialize in hardware solutions that improve your bottom line. Call us today for advice tailored to your business and its industry.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post How to boost your mobile hotspot appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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