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Cyber criminals are always looking for ways to get your money and information, and your phone has a vulnerability that you probably never considered. Stop making this simple and dangerous mistake.
Even your printer could be a gateway for hackers. Here are the security measures you probably didn’t know you should take.
Stepping away from your computer creates an opportunity for hackers, crooks, or just curious people who have nothing better to do than snoop around. This will prevent them from seeing what you are doing.
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Protect your Windows PC
You probably lock your phone when you put it in your pocket without even thinking about it, but what about your computer? The same principle applies – always lock your device.
Even if you trust those around you, it doesn’t take more than a cursory glance for someone to do serious harm. This is especially true if you work from home and have sensitive business information stored on your computer.
Here are some ways to lock down your Windows PC:
• blow window + L to lock your computer in just one step.
• Press Ctrl + Alt + Deletethen select the Lock out Possibility.
• Press the begin button, then select your user icon and press Lock out.
TECH HACK: Sending and receiving texts on your computer is a total time saver. Here’s how to set it up.
Make it easier for yourself and set your computer to automatically lock after a specified period of inactivity. On a Windows machine:
• Open Ideas and go to personalizationthen select lock screen.
• Click Screensaver Settings and select any option (except none) from the Screensaver drop-down menu.
• Set a time that Windows should wait before locking itself. A few minutes should be fine.
• Check the box for When you continue, show the login screen then hit OK.
You can also set your PC to automatically lock when you move away from it. Windows uses devices paired with your PC via Bluetooth to detect when you’re away. Pretty neat.
First you need to pair your device. Your phone is a good choice as you will likely take it with you when you get up. Instructions for pairing any device with Windows 10 are here and with Windows 11 here.
When your phone is paired with your computer, you can set your computer to lock when it detects that your phone is gone:
• Choose begin > Ideas > accounts > Login Options.
• Choose Dynamic lockthen select the Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away check box.
• Take your phone with you when you move away from your PC and it will automatically lock about a minute after you move out of Bluetooth range. Note that Bluetooth range may vary. Do a test run to determine the distance at which your computer locks up.
There’s a lot built into your computer’s settings to protect you — if you know where to look. Here is some important information for Windows PCs and Macs.
Lock down your Mac
Are you using a Mac? Here are some of the different ways to lock your screen.
• Choose Apple menu > lock screen.
• Press Touch ID if it’s available on your Mac or Magic Keyboard.
• Press the lock screen key if available on your Magic Keyboard.
• Use hot cornerswhich allow you to perform actions when you move your mouse pointer to the corner of the screen:
• Choose Apple menu > system settingsthen click Desktop & Dock.
• Click hot corners Click the pop-up menu for any corner and choose lock screen.
• Click Completed. If you move your mouse pointer to this corner, your screen will be locked.
Apple Smarts: Use this advanced search trick to find anything on your Mac.
To set your computer to automatically lock after a period of inactivity:
• Choose Apple menu > system settings.
• Click Desktop and screen saver > screensaver.
• Use the slider to select a time.
• Click show everything to return to the main part system settings Window.
• Click Securitythen click Require a password to wake this computer from sleep mode or screen saver.
• Close system settings Window.
To set your Mac to log off when not in use:
• Choose Apple menu > system settings.
• Click Privacy & Security > Progressive.
• To turn on Log out automatically after inactivity.
• Press the log out by pop-up menu, and then choose the time before you are automatically logged out.
What about laptops?
Your laptop may lock automatically when you close the lid, but you should make a habit of locking it first. You might not push the lid all the way down, and locking your computer every time you step away is good practice, so make it a habit.
Wearable temptation
You don’t leave your phone unattended, right? Anyone who passed could put it in their pocket. I know it’s obvious, but even a locked phone is still a liability to your privacy and security.
The same applies to laptops and tablets. When you’re in a coffee shop, it’s not the same as when you’re at work. Don’t leave them unattended! Packing your computer to go to the bathroom might be a hassle, but it’s worth it.
The same applies to flash drives. You can encrypt them, but the temptation for a crook to take yours or you lose them is too great.
Keep your technical knowledge up to date
My favorite podcast is called Kim Komando Today. It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips and tech callers like you from across the country. Look for it wherever you get your podcasts. For convenience, click the link below to view a recent episode.
AUDIO TECHNICAL UPDATE: Facebook is $12/mo, Uber $10/mo just to use apps, and Jeff Bezos’ favorite breakfast (it’s super weird!)
I also speak to a guy who 3D printed a QR code for his dad’s grave, tell you why Temu isn’t the best, and give steps to start your own resale business online. And you will learn how to properly get rid of an old computer.
Watch my Kim Komando Today podcast on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name “Komando”.
Learn about the latest technologies on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and shares advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. Visit her website at Komando.com for her daily tips, free newsletters and more.
