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March 28, 2024

Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to get your money and information, and your phone has a vulnerability you may never have considered. Stop Making This Simple And Dangerous Mistake.

Even your printer can be an avenue for hackers. Here are security steps you may not know you should take.

Staying away from your computer creates opportunities for hackers, scammers, or nosy people with nothing else to do. Here’s how to keep them from seeing what you’re doing.

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Protect your Windows PC

You probably lock your phone without thinking when you put it in your pocket, but what about your computer? The same principle applies – always lock your device.

Windows computer (Cyberguy.com)

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Even if you trust those around you, it only takes a glance for someone to do serious harm. This is especially true if you work from home and have sensitive business information on your computer.

Here are some ways to lock down your Windows PC:

  • beat Windows + L Lock your computer in one step.
  • according to Ctrl + Alt + deletethen select Lock option.
  • click start button, then select your user icon and click Lock.

Tech hacks: Sending and receiving texts on your computer saves total time. Here’s how to set it up.

Make it easier on yourself and set your computer to automatically lock after a certain amount of inactivity. On a Windows machine:

  • Open set up then go personalisethen choose lock screen.
  • click screen saver settings and select any option (except not any) from the Screensaver drop-down menu.
  • Sets the amount of time Windows waits before locking. A few minutes should be fine.
  • Check the box On recovery, show the login screen then hit OK.

You can also set your computer to automatically lock when you step away from it. Windows uses devices paired with your computer via Bluetooth to help detect when you’re away. Very minimalistic.

First, you need to pair your devices. Your phone is a good option since you will most likely have it with you when you wake up.Find instructions to pair with any device Windows 10 is here and Windows 11 is here.

Be sure to update your Windows laptop

Be sure to update your Windows laptop (Cyberguy.com)

Once you’ve paired your phone to your computer, here’s how to set your computer to lock when it detects your phone is away:

  • choose Start > Settings > Accounts > Login Options.
  • choose dynamic lockthen select Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away checkbox.
  • Carry your phone with you when you’re away from your PC, and it will automatically lock a minute or so after you leave Bluetooth range. Note that Bluetooth range may vary. Do a trial run to find out how far the computer locks.

There’s a lot built into your computer settings to keep you safe — if you know where to look. Here are some must-haves for Windows PCs and Macs.

lock your Mac

Use a Mac? Here are some different ways to lock your screen.

  • choose Apple Menu > Lock Screen.
  • according to Touch ID If it’s available on Mac or Magic Keyboard.
  • according to lock screen button (if it’s available on Magic Keyboard).
  • use hotspotwhich lets you perform an action when you move the mouse pointer over a corner of the screen: select Apple menu > System Settingsthen click Desktops and Docks. Click hot corner Then click the pop-up menu in any corner and choose lock screen. Click Finish. When you move the pointer over this corner, your screen will lock.
  • choose Apple menu > System Settingsthen click Desktops and Docks.
  • click hot corner Then click the pop-up menu in any corner and choose lock screen.
  • Click Finish. When you move the pointer over this corner, your screen will lock.

Apple Wisdom: Find Anything on Mac with This Advanced Search Tip.

To set your computer to automatically lock after a certain amount of inactivity:

  • choose apple menu > System Preferences.
  • click Desktop and Screensaver > Screensaver.
  • Use the slider to select a time.
  • click show all back to main System Preferences window.
  • click Safetythen click A password is required to wake this computer from sleep or the screen saver.
  • close System Preferences window.

Here’s how to set your Mac to log off when you’re not using it:

  • choose Apple menu > System Settings.
  • click Privacy & Security > Advanced.
  • Open Automatic logout after inactivity.
  • click Sign out After the pop-up menu, then select the time before auto logout.
Stressed man on laptop

Stressed man on laptop (Cyberguy.com)

What about laptops?

Your laptop may automatically lock when you close the lid, but you should make it a habit to lock it first. You probably won’t press the lid all the way down, and it’s good practice to lock your computer every time you leave it, so make it a habit.

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Temptation

You wouldn’t leave your phone unattended, would you? Anyone passing by can slip it into their pocket. I know it’s obvious, but even a locked phone is still a burden on your privacy and security.

Also applies to laptop and tablet computer. If you’re in a coffee shop, it’s not the same as at work. Don’t leave them unattended! Packing your computer and running to the bathroom can be annoying, but it’s worth it.

The same applies to flash drives. You can encrypt them, but the temptation is too great for crooks to steal yours or you to lose it.

maintain your technical knowledge

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today. “It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and tech questions for callers like you from around the country. No matter where you get the podcast, search it. For your convenience, click the link below to get the most recent episode.

Plus, I talked to a guy who 3D printed a QR code for his father’s grave, told you why Temu isn’t the best, and gave steps to start your own online resale business. You’ll learn how to dispose of your old computer the right way.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” apple, google podcasts, spotify musicor your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here Or wherever you get podcasts. Just search for my last name “Komando.

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