Every year we become increasingly connected online and more reliant on technology. And why wouldn't we? Social media helps us keep in touch; Alexa and Google answer all our questions; digital maps point us in the right direction; and apps make it easy to do...just about everything. But all that connection can come at a cost to our privacy and security. And unfortunately, you're a target: In 2021 alone, middle-aged and older adults accounted for 60% of victims of Internet crime and lost over $4 billion to hackers and scammers, per a report from the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. Hackers are always finding innovative ways to sneak into our lives and steal valuable data, from posing as tech support people to inundating us with dangerous links.
Luckily, you don't have to be a tech pro (or anything close) to protect yourself and your loved ones from digital disasters. Start with this guide to learn which threats should be top of mind for you and how you can build a stronger cybersecurity shield in seconds.
DIGITAL PRIVACY 101
IS MY PHONE LISTENING TO ME?
If you've ever talked about something only to see an ad for it pop up on your screen a moment later, you've probably at least wondered whether companies could be spying on you. In fact, more than 40% of Americans who have a smartphone believe their device is recording them without their permission. But is this actually possible?
David Choffnes, Ph.D., a computer science professor and executive director of the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute of Northeastern University, says he gets this question a lot. From 2017 to 2018, he and his team analyzed more than 17,000 Android apps and did not find a single example of an app covertly activating a phone's microphone to collect audio recordings.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2023 من Good House Keeping - US.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2023 من Good House Keeping - US.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Great Gifts for Pet Lovers
Tie a bow around one of these - they're perfect for four-legged friends and those who love them.
Sister Act
Dolly Parton and her sister Rachel Parton George spoke to our sister publication in the U.K. about their new cookbook and the secret ingredient in all their favorite dishes: love.
Cookie Wonder
The Test Kitchen baked more than 700 cookies (that's about 60 dozen!) to perfect the tastiest treats for your holiday table.
Fuel Your Mornings
Jump-start the day with these easy, healthy breakfast ideas.
The Best Heartburn Helpers
'Tis the season for giant, festive meals. Here's how to enjoy your holiday favorites minus the discomfort.
OUR FAVORITE WINTER READ Cozy Up
Best Winter Reads
The Magic OF MI FAMILIA
When I was a kid, every Sunday with my Mexican American community - full of wonderful traditions and warm tortillas - felt like a holiday.
DECORATE WITH Rugs
Follow these expert tips to choose the best rug style, material and size for your space.
Sparkle ALL THE Way
Bring on the holiday cheer with these creative DIY decor ideas the whole family will love.
All IS Bright!
Dress up your makeup for the holidays with a festive flash of eye-catching color. Just pick a standout shade as well as a feature to highlight and keep the rest of your look simple.