Category: Science and Technology

Having a stable internet connection is vital in today’s always-online world. One way to stay connected while on the go is with a hotspot, which uses your cellphone’s cellular network to create its own Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to.

However, hotspots aren’t the safest way to go online, and they suffer from the same risks that any public Wi-Fi connection does, such as data breaches or misuse by hackers and other nefarious actors.

Although there is an easy way to keep yourself protected when using a hotspot, though, and that’s by using a virtual private network or VPN. It adds an extra layer of security and can keep you safe online. If you do decide to create and use a personal hotspot, remember to always make sure it’s password-protected.

Now, we’ll take you through the benefits of using a VPN with a hotspot and show you step by step how to set up a VPN. 

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A hotspot refers to a physical location where wireless internet access is available, typically using Wi-Fi technology. It could be a public location like a cafe, airport, hotel or library that offers internet access to its customers or visitors.

Additionally, you can create personal hotspots using your smartphone or other devices, allowing you to share your cellular data connection with nearby devices, such as laptops or tablets, via Wi-Fi. This enables these devices to connect to the internet even when they’re outside the range of a traditional Wi-Fi network.

Hotspots are useful for providing internet connectivity on the go and are commonly used in situations where accessing Wi-Fi networks or wired connections is not possible or convenient.

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection between a device, typically a smartphone or laptop and another network over the internet. Here’s how they work.

When you use a VPN, all your internet traffic will be encrypted. This means that all data sent and received will be scrambled and protected from any prying eyes.

All traffic sent through a VPN is routed through a server that is operated by the VPN provider. This server acts as a middleman between your device and all of the websites or online services you access.

By connecting to a VPN server, all of your internet activity will appear to originate from the VPN provider’s server location. For example, if the VPN provider hosts their server in a different country, your traffic will appear in that country, even if you are connecting to the VPN from the United States. This can help you bypass certain geolocation restrictions on websites to access content that might otherwise be unavailable in a specific region.

When connected to a public Wi-Fi network, which is always risky, a VPN will shield your browsing activity from potential hackers and snoopers. Here are some mistakes to avoid if you have to use public Wi-Fi.

MORE: BEST WI-FI RANGE EXTENDERS

Using a VPN with a mobile hotspot is a great way to keep yourself protected, as we’ve shown above. Fortunately, these days, there is a wide range of VPN providers. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Luckily for users, setting up a VPN isn’t difficult at all. Once you’ve picked your provider, here’s what you will want to do next.

Once you’ve selected a VPN, you’ll want to install the application on your device. Always make sure you are downloading directly from the developer or a trusted intermediary such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

After you’ve installed your VPN application and opened it for the first time, it’s time to create your account. The majority of VPN services will require you to create a username and password with an email address.

Now that you have an account, you can begin using your new VPN. The first step in any VPN application is to select your server location. While there are advantages to picking a location further away, such as bypassing geo-location locks on specific content, it’s best to pick a server location that’s close to you. This will allow you to experience the optimal speed while browsing securely with a VPN.

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After the initial application, you can launch your VPN application anytime you want to create a secure network. However, it’s important to note that if you want to use your phone to create a mobile hotspot, and you want to access the internet from that hotspot on your laptop, you will need to have the VPN installed and operating on both devices. This is because security protocols of both iOS and Android do not allow multiple devices to share the same VPN IP address. 

This process is simpler than it may sound, simply install whichever VPN service you prefer on both devices, log into your account and select the same VPN server location for a faster and more stable connection on both devices. After that, you just need to make sure the connection is working. Once you have a VPN actively running on any mobile device, it will encrypt the data between the network and you, you just need to simply open a browser and make sure you have an internet connection.

If you are able to access the website, then congratulations! You now have a VPN protecting your mobile hotspot data. 

MORE: HOW TO STOP SOMEONE FROM TRACK YOU ON YOUR PHONE

A VPN is a great way to keep yourself protected while browsing the internet on a hotspot. We’ve shown you how easy it is to set up a VPN with a mobile hotspot, and we recommend using a VPN anytime you are using a public network. There’s a wide range of VPN providers out there these days, so it’s a good idea to always do a bit of research beforehand. You’ll want to pay close attention to pricing, services offered and trusted reviews of any VPN service you plan on downloading.

Have you ever experienced any security issues or concerns while using public Wi-Fi networks, and if so, how do you think using a VPN could mitigate those risks? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Is it time to say goodbye to your Mac? 

It’s a common question for many who have begun to see evidence that their computer just isn’t working like it used to. 

So what are the signs indicating it might be time for an upgrade to a new one? Here are some things to look for as you contemplate getting rid of your trusty Mac.

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First off, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The longevity of a Mac depends on several factors, including usage intensity and maintenance. Generally, a Mac can offer around a decade of solid performance with regular updates and proper care.

Apple’s Vintage and Obsolete products page gives us a rough idea of device longevity. Vintage products are those discontinued for more than five but less than seven years, while obsolete products are discontinued for more than seven years.

Additionally, considering macOS compatibility, most Macs are eligible for the latest macOS version for about seven years. Apple typically supports each macOS version for three years, while third-party apps might have their own compatibility timelines.

MORE: BEST NEW LAPTOPS OF 2024

Is your Mac showing signs of aging? Here are five clear indicators that it might be time for an upgrade.

5 THINGS TO DO FIRST IF YOU GOT A NEW MAC

When your Mac stops receiving updates, it’s a clear sign that it’s reaching the end of its life. Apple provides both upgrades and updates, with upgrades offering new macOS versions and updates providing essential security fixes. Once your Mac is no longer supported, it’s time to consider a replacement.

As software evolves, older Macs may struggle to run newer applications smoothly. Factors like insufficient RAM or outdated hardware can lead to compatibility issues. If you find yourself unable to run essential apps or experiencing performance lag, it might be time for an upgrade.

Computer memory, also known as RAM, is the temporary storage that your Mac uses to run multiple tasks at once. The more memory you have, the faster and smoother your Mac can perform. If your memory is low, you may notice slowdowns, freezes, crashes or the dreaded spinning beach ball of death, and it may be time for a new Mac.

To check your memory usage on a Mac, you can follow these steps:

Running out of storage space is a common issue, especially as file sizes and data volumes increase. While some workarounds exist, such as cloud storage or file cleanup tools, the inability to upgrade the SSD on most modern Macs can become a limiting factor over time and may have you darting out to get a new Mac.

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MORE: HOW TO TIDY UP YOUR DESKTOP ON A MAC

While Macs are known for their reliability, hardware issues can arise with age. These may include battery degradation, malfunctioning ports, trackpad issues or physical damage. If hardware problems start affecting usability or repair costs become prohibitive, it’s worth considering buying a new Mac.

MORE: BEST VPNS FOR MAC — CYBERGUY PICKS 2024

While Macs are known for their longevity and reliability, they’re not immune to aging or evolving technology. However, before rushing into a new purchase, consider these tips to optimize your current Mac’s performance through maintenance and upgrades. When the time does come to bid farewell to your old computer, embrace the opportunity to get a new Mac with the latest innovations and features, especially with the Apple silicon processors offered by newer Mac models.

MORE: HOW TO REMOVE MALWARE ON A MAC 2024 

If you’re considering an upgrade to a new Mac, timing is key. Waiting for the right moment, such as before new models are released or taking advantage of discounts on older or refurbished models, can maximize the value of your purchase.

MORE: 5 THINGS TO DO FIRST IF YOU GOT A NEW MAC

So, is it time to bid adieu to your old Mac? Only you can decide, but replacing your Mac at the proper time will keep your productivity at its max. Armed with the knowledge that we provided of your Mac’s lifespan and the five signs of aging, you’re now well-equipped to make the right choice.

What factors do you consider most important when deciding whether it’s time to upgrade your Mac? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– How sneaky scammers are using AI to get you to buy fake Super Bowl tickets
– Actor Ricky Schroder says AI-generated explicit content is a ‘dangerous tool,’ needs to be regulated
– FCC makes AI-generated robocalls that can fool voters illegal after Biden voice cloning in New Hampshire

RUINING THE BIG GAME: If you’re one of the lucky fans who managed to get tickets to the Super Bowl, congratulations. You’re in for a thrilling experience. But if you’re still looking for tickets and are tempted by offers on social media platforms, beware.

‘I’M CONCERNED’: American actor Ricky Schroder said this week he believes explicit content generated by artificial intelligence is a “dangerous road to go down.”

ROBO-BAN: The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday made AI-generated robocalls mimicking the voices of political candidates to fool voters illegal. 

BYE BYE, BARD: Google AI has officially transitioned into Gemini, an enhanced version of Google’s first artificial intelligence system. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Google AI product lead Jack Krawczyk revealed what’s new about Gemini.

TIME OFF: The rapid advance of artificial intelligence could lead to an easier schedule for American workers and give them an extra day off every week.

‘INCOMPETENT’: A New York lawyer could face discipline after it was discovered a case she cited was generated by artificial intelligence and did not actually exist.

AI TAX ASSIST: Microsoft and H&R Block are partnering to bring generative artificial intelligence (AI) to help simplify the do-it-yourself tax filing process for taxpayers. H&R Block launched its AI Tax Assist product, which was developed in partnership with Microsoft through its Azure OpenAI Service, in December ahead of the tax season, which officially opened last week.

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valen

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many people have love on the brain. Online romance, however, has complicated courtships and coupling dynamics by adding a layer of potential deception to every connection. While we do want to keep romance alive, it’s important to enter the world of online dating with open eyes and ears as much as open hearts. It’s vital to stay vigilant this Valentine’s Day so you don’t become a victim of a scamming Casanova.

One of the most common risks of online dating is falling for a catfish, someone who pretends to be someone else online. This is why Patricia’s email to us felt particularly relevant.

“I need your help. I have met a guy online and have been chatting for months. At first I was able to chat through his email and also by phone. Recently, some things have been said that are making me feel uneasy. I have used Truthfinder, People Finder, and Been Verified and can’t get any information on this guy. When I asked him about that, he told me has been hacked several times, so he doesn’t put anything on the internet.

Someone suggested that it’s possible he is using a VPN. Could this be possible, and if you think it is, can you please tell me how I can get the information I am seeking about this guy? Until recently, I was beginning to think that we may have a lot of things in common, but now, I am not sure.”

—Patricia, Mt. Pleasant, WI

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Patricia, you aren’t the only one who has concerns over a developing online relationship. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in the most recent data, about 70,000 people have reported being victims of a romantic scam with reported losses of up to $1.3 billion; there are high stakes involved beyond just experiencing potential heartbreak.

MORE: BEST VALENTINES DAY GIFTS 2024

It is certainly possible that the person you’ve been chatting with online could be using a virtual private network (VPN), which is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server. While the use of a VPN can make it hard to connect the online activity to a physical location, it would not be able to keep his information from being online.

There are, however, data removal services such as the ones we’ve covered here that can be used to limit his information online. Either he’s being proactive about his privacy and safety, or he’s a scammer with a well-thought-out strategy to scam you out of your money, personal information and identity.

MORE: DON’T EVER DO THIS ON A DATING APP

1) Quickly tell you they love you or try to create a strong emotional connection with you

2) Always have an excuse for not meeting you in person or video chatting with you

3) Ask you for money, gift cards or other favors, often for urgent or personal reasons

4) Send you links or attachments that may contain malware or phishing sites

5) Have inconsistent or vague details about themselves, their location or their work 

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMMERS

With a special eye toward Valentine’s Day, here are some top scams that are particularly rampant during this holiday.

Don’t click that Valentine: Scammers are sending out automated Valentine’s Day cards (usually through chatbots) made to look like they’re from friends and family, but once opened or link clicked (to retrieve the e-card), malicious software can be installed or your device hacked.

Be careful where you look for love: There has been an increase in new domains registered with romantic words around this time of year. Many of these websites have been flagged as potentially dangerous. Stick to established online dating services that include security measures. You can always do a separate search with the name of the dating site you want to check out with words like “scam” or “fake” to see if there has been any negative feedback or experiences.

Do practice good judgment about what you share: Sextortion is a technique where romantic scammers get you to send compromising photos or videos of yourself and then blackmail you for more compromising materials or money.

Sometimes, random scammers will bluff and claim they have a pornographic video of you that will be sent to all your contacts on your phone or computer if you don’t pay them, usually in Bitcoin. While this is an empty threat, shocked recipients of these types of emails have fallen victim to sending over money.

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM & ‘VISHING’ SCAMS

1) Go slow: Don’t rush into any action, whether it is giving away your personal information or paying for anything. Trust takes time, so it’s okay to build this relationship one interaction at a time. You wouldn’t give a stranger at the grocery store your Social Security number or hand over all your money in your wallet in exchange for a check with your fitness instructor.

2) Trust your instinct: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s OK to end the connection with or without “evidence.” Don’t do anything that feels unsafe or wrong.

3) Saying goodbye: If you don’t feel safe, it is okay to end the connection without a conversation, especially if you feel like you’ll be manipulated into further conversation. It is okay to cut off contact and sometimes even block this person online.

MORE: HOW TO AVOID THE WORST DATING APP SCAMMERS 

Do not send money or personal information: If you receive unsolicited requests for money, bank account details or other personal information, do not comply. Scammers often use urgency and emotional manipulation to pressure victims into sharing sensitive data or making payments.

Stay skeptical: Be cautious when dealing with unknown individuals online. If something seems too good to be true (such as winning a lottery you never entered), it probably is. Trust your instincts and verify any claims independently.

Verify the source: Before taking any action, verify the legitimacy of the person or organization contacting you. Search for their name, email address or phone number online. Look for reviews, complaints or warnings related to their activities.

Check for red flags: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush victims into making decisions. Offers that promise huge rewards for minimal effort are often scams. Be cautious if someone asks for your Social Security number, credit card details or passwords. Scammers may ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

Install good antivirus software on all your devices because while you may be swayed by sweet nothings, your antivirus software won’t be. Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links which may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information. Find my review of Best Antivirus Protection here.

SCAMS ARE THE POLICY PROBLEM NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT

MORE: HOW CUNNING ROMANCE SCAMMERS DUPED FLORIDA MAN OF NEARLY A HALF MILLION DOLLARS

If, like Patricia, you suspect you may have fallen prey to a romantic scammer, check out some of the resources and action steps to take.

First, log out of all your accounts on every web browser on your computer. Once you’ve done that, you should clear your browser history.

Use a trusted antivirus program to run a comprehensive scan to detect and remove any lingering traces of malware. The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached by romance scammers is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Find my review of Best Antivirus Protection here.

If romance scammers expose your passwords, be sure to change them immediately. Be sure to create strong passwords for your accounts and devices, and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. It will help you to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords that a hacker could never guess. 

Implementing 2-factor authentication is just an extra shield that will prevent a romance scammer from getting into your accounts. This way, even if someone steals your password or if you gave your password to a scammer, they will not be able to access your account without the second factor, such as a code sent to your phone or email.

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If you encounter a suspicious profile or communication on social media, online marketplaces or dating apps, report it to the platform. Also, report scams to your local police and file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or to the Internet Crimes Complaint Center.

Another tool to use is the BBB’s Scam Tracker. You can use it to search keywords or by category to see if your specific scenario or person is being mentioned in any scams posted.

Contact your bank, credit card company or other financial institutions if you suspect any fraudulent activity on your accounts.

Monitor your credit reports and scores for any signs of identity theft or unauthorized inquiries.

You’ll also want to invest in identity theft software to protect your identity and financial accounts. Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

New scams, romantic or otherwise, seem to multiply, especially during the holidays, as these scammers prey on tender heartstrings. There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to online dating and cyber safety, but nothing replaces your instinct and common sense.

What’s the worst romantic scam you or someone you know has experienced? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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