Most of the techniques are easy to set up and get started with. Secret big tech companies don’t want you to know? Some settings are great for them but not for you. Tap or click the privacy defaults that you want to change.
It’s never too late to go back and change your settings or do some cleaning to get extra years out of even an old device. Touch or tap to clean the smartphone that you want to do if your device is more than three months old.
For the new technology in your life, there are endless options. Here are some important items to prioritize:
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If you get a new computer
Microsoft places ads and suggested apps in the Start menu. This is annoying, but it’s easy to turn it off:
• tap on start menuthen open settings.
• Choose personalization.
• Choose Start from the right pane.
• Transpose turning off Show suggestions occasionally in the start menu.
On a Mac, this quick privacy step prevents companies from tracking you across websites to advertise products and services.
• Open Safari browser. go to the Safari > Preferences > Privacy.
• Next to Website tracking, check the box for Prevent cross-site tracking.
• You can also choose to hide your IP address for more privacy.
If you got an Amazon Echo
Amazon Sidewalk is a mesh network that extends the range of your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection up to a mile by using some Echo speakers and Ring tools in bridge devices.
This gives technology connected to the Internet far from your router, like the lights on the edge of your driveway, a real boost. That’s nice, but what does that mean for your security?
Amazon promises that the Sidewalk network uses three layers of encryption and that your neighbors won’t be able to see your data.
They may say it, but many individual gadgets aren’t great when it comes to cybersecurity. All it takes is one hacked device for a hacker to gain access to your network.
Eventually, your technology will be connected to a network that you have no control over. I suggest you withdraw.
• inside Alexa appfaucet more followed by settings.
• handle Account settingsand then Amazon Sidewalk.
Transforming Amazon Sidewalk turning off If you don’t want to participate.
To get the most out of it: 5 clever ways to use your Echo and Alexa you wish you knew sooner
If you have a smartphone or tablet
It’s always a good idea to dig into your settings. This way, you get an overall picture of what you’re working with. Start with the site settings. It is probably tracking your every move so that it can sell your secrets to advertisers.
Here’s how to turn off location settings on Apple devices:
• to open settings and choose Privacy.
• handle Site services Scroll down and select system services.
• Click Sites of Interest To see and toggle the recorded history of where you’ve been. You can also clear your history by clicking clear date.
Here’s how to change these settings on Android devices: (Note: The steps may vary depending on your Android model.)
• to open settings Scroll down to take advantage location.
• At the top, turn on Location usage turning off.
• To delete your device’s cache, tap Delete location history At the bottom of the screen under Location History.
To get the most out of it: 7 Important iPhone Security Settings You Should Change Right Now and 5 Android Phone Settings That Dramatically Improve Your Privacy
If you have an iPad
Security is essential, but don’t discount the importance of turning off annoying notifications. Your fun new toy will drive you up the wall if it’s been zapping all day.
You can customize notifications for each app. Turn them on or off, choose to have sound (or not), and select where you want notifications to appear.
My advice: If you mainly email and text through other devices, turn off these notifications completely. It’s just more digital noise.
• go to the settings > notices.
• Under Notification style, tap an app, then set Allow Notifications to Off.
To get the most out of it: Do you have a MacBook and an iPad? Use this trick to control both at the same time. salary!
If you have a different smart device
What’s the first thing you do after setting up a new device? Usually, you’ll connect it to your home’s wireless internet. Unfortunately, every connected device is a potential way to access your network.
This is why you should set up a guest network. It will protect your main network by creating a separate guest network for all your smart home gadgets and IoT devices.
Here’s how to get started:
• Open the router administration page and find a section called guest network or guest networks.
• Enable the guest network and make sure SSID broadcast running.
You will need the device’s IP address and administrator password to access the router’s admin page for the above steps. They may be written in your router brand’s user manual, but some sites can help you find them if you don’t have this information. Tap or click here for a list of default passwords for 548 router brands.
Once you’re in the router settings, whatever you do, don’t click on any options that say something like: “Allow guests to see each other and access my local network.”
Is your router more than a few years old? It may be the biggest security risk in your home. Touch or click here to take my short 60 second quiz to find a new template.
Keep your technical knowledge going
The popular podcast is calledKim Commando today. It’s 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and tech callers like you from across the country. Find it wherever you get your podcast. For your convenience, click on the link below for a recent episode.
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Listen to the podcast here Or wherever you get your audio files. Just look up my last name, “Commando”.
Learn about the latest technology available at Kim Commando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and offers advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacking. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Commando.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of USA TODAY.
Originally posted 2022-12-31 14:45:44.