Phishing is the most common attack that you can receive in an email, text messages or direct message on social media. The message looks like it is coming from a person or organization that you know and trust. Often the message has a sense of urgency, as if it is coming from your bank or social security or a large online company such as Apple or Amazon. In the past couple of months I have heard from many people about emails indicating they have renewed subscriptions for McAfee or Norton. Be careful who you trust. In a case like that, pay attention to the amount they are requesting. Most of the emails I have seen like this indicate you owe them amounts well over the cost of the product. These messages will all include something for you to click on. It could be a link to a website or an attached file, but the link could also be hidden in an image. Clicking on any of these links could infect your computer or phone with malware.
If you use the browser Microsoft Edge, it has a tool to help block known phishing websites. The tool that Edge has is called SmartScreen . While browsing online, it helps by alerting you to suspicious web pages. It will pop up a warning box which you can override if necessary. I have definitely had it pop up on sites I know are fine, just be careful if you decide to continue. The program does check against a large database of known unsafe sites and will alert you if it finds a match. Smart Screen will also screen your downloads.
Tip of the month
A popular Apple Watch feature is now available on the iPhone 14
An Apple watch can be set for the face of the watch to be “Always On” or to “Wake on Wrist Raise” or “Wake on Crown Rotation”. The feature has been available on the watch since 2019. It means the face of your watch can be a solid black until one of these activities happens, or it is set for Always on meaning that anytime you look at your watch you will see the time and any features that show on your watch face. The Apple 14 Pro and Pro Max will each have an always-on display even when it’s locked and not in active use.
Normally, when you lock your iPhone, the lock screen shuts off and you either have to press a button, raise your phone or tap your screen to make it active again. With an always-on display, your lock screen doesn’t turn off — it stays dim — so you can easily glance at the time, widgets and live activities without touching your phone.
