Technology

Still using Facebook? 3 ways to make sure it’s not listening

I have lost count of how many times I’ve been asked, “Are my devices listening?”

I will tell you this: They are always listening for the wake word, and tech companies admit smart assistants mishear commands more often than any of us would like. Tap or click to stop your smart assistants from hearing what you say, accidental or not. By the way, Google users won’t have to use a wake word at all using the new “Quick Phrases” feature.

What about the apps on our phones or websites that we open on our computers and tablets? This answer depends on the permissions you have granted. Tap or click here for a quick and easy trick to see which apps have recently accessed your camera or microphone.

TECH TIP: DIGITIZE YOUR HANDWRITTEN NOTES OR COPY TEXT FROM A PHOTO

If you want to feel genuinely secure digital ears aren’t snooping, you need to dive into your settings.

1. Change your permissions

Before we dive into the steps, let’s be clear. Facebook says it doesn’t eavesdrop. In 2016, when rumors were swirling that Facebook hears your conversations, it said it uses the mic only when you permit it. Facebook said it doesn’t use what you say to serve you ads or content.

How to check Facebook’s mic permissions on iPhone:

Open Settings, scroll down to your apps and select Facebook.
You will see a list of permissions. Slide the toggle next to Microphone to the left to disable it.

Tip in a tip: 5 best iPhone security settings and tricks you haven’t tried yet

Here’s how to check your mic settings on a Mac.

Click the Apple menu, then System Preferences.
Select Security & Privacy, then open the Privacy tab. Select Microphone.

All the apps that have access to your microphone will be listed here. Toggle the sliders of the apps that you want to revoke to the left to disable.

To check what Facebook has access to on Android:

Tap Settings, then Apps & notifications.
Scroll down to Facebook > Permissions. You’ll see a list of all the permissions requested by Facebook here.

GOOGLE KNOWS WHAT YOU TYPE, WATCH, AND SAY–UNLESS YOU TAKE THESE STEPS

Finally, check to see which apps or programs have access to your microphone on a PC running Windows 10:

Click on the Start button > Settings > Privacy.
In the left-hand menu under App permissions, click Microphone.

The first option, “Microphone access for this device,” is a system-wide setting. If you turn this off, no app can access your microphone. Scrolling down a bit, you will see a list of Microsoft Store apps that can use the microphone. Toggle the slider to turn permission on or off.

The next section displays desktop apps that have microphone permissions. Keep in mind, you most likely visit Facebook in your web browser. That means you need to consider whether to disable microphone access to your browser or at least require sites to ask permission every time.

Lockdown your computer: Windows and Mac security settings to check now

2. Get a microphone blocker

If you want to go a step further, you can totally block your microphone. Gadgets from companies like Mic-Lock trick your computer into thinking a microphone is plugged in. These affordable anti-spying devices don’t have listening capabilities and block any acoustics from being recorded.

Mic-Lock makes microphone blockers for USB and Lightning connections, and traditional 3.5mm jacks.

Note: If you buy the standard Mic-Lock and use a newer iPhone without a headphone jack, you’ll need to use one of these Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack converters.

BLACK FRIDAY SHORTAGES ARE REAL: AMAZON SHOPPING TIPS TO GET WHAT YOU WANT AND STILL SAVE MONEY

3. Or DIY your own mic blocker

Want a cheap and easy method to block audio? Grab an inexpensive pair of headphones and cut the cord near the jack. Now, plug it into your computer or phone without worrying about live sound input.

If you don’t have any cheap headphones around, you can get a pair from Amazon for less than $10.

Bonus Tip: 1 Minute Tech Tips

It’s my fastest-growing podcast that’s only one minute. My Digital Tech Update gives you breaking tech news and an insider tech tip each day. It’s the way to start your day.

Find my Daily Tech Update on Spotify, Google, Amazon, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking the shopping links, you’re supporting my research. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

Tech tip: Digitize your handwritten notes or copy text from a photo

OK, I admit it. I’m a sucker for the latest gadget. I bought a smart notebook with all the upgrades to write my daily to-do lists digitally. Yeah, $600 later, I’ve used it eleven times.

It’s easy to waste money on tech. Tap or click for ways you might be throwing away money and solutions to help you save.

If you’re not getting enough life out of your gadgets, you can fix that too. Tap or click for 8 ways you’re ruining your PC.

QUICK TECH TIP: SCAN PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTS WITHOUT BUYING A SCANNER

Close up of hands of business person working on computer, man using internet and social media (iStock). (iStock)

The truth is, I like the feeling of an actual pen on paper. Maybe you do, too, but that doesn’t mean you can’t digitize all your notes for easier searching and sorting. Here’s how.

Get smart (notes)

Ever wish you could turn your handwritten notes into something you can search or edit on your computer, phone, or tablet? You could take a picture, but that has a few limitations. You won’t be able to search for certain phrases or edit the text. You need something made for the job.

A terrific way to get a handwritten note into your computer is to use the app Evernote. You simply take a picture of the note, and Evernote turns it into a searchable document. You can also organize your notes in folders and with labels.

You can also try Microsoft’s OneNote app. You take a picture of your writing and, like Evernote, can organize things into notebooks and pages.

Pro tip: Keep in mind the apps only work well with legible handwriting. If they aren’t picking up your notes, you’re going to have to slow down a bit.

Speaking of digitizing, what about all your old photos? Tap or click for an easy way to scan without buying a scanner.

Man using laptop computer on airplane. (Boana) (baona)

Bonus tip: How to copy text from a photo

Apple’s latest major iPhone update, iOS 15, has many handy features to make life easier. Tap or click here for some of my favorites.

Here’s one I especially like: The Live Text feature allows you to scan, search and share text in photos and images.

Note: You’ll need an iPhone XS, XR or later with iOS 14 installed.

This is great to translate text that can’t be copied and pasted or find a photo with specific wording in it. It also works for phone numbers. Simply snap a photo of a package, for instance, and you can call the number in just a couple of quick clicks.

It doesn’t just work with your photos, either. You can use the camera app to scan for text around you.

To scan for information in photos and images, first make sure the function is activated. Here’s Tap the Settings app, go to General and then to Language & Region. Enable Live Text by toggling it on.

Open the Photos app for photos on your camera roll and select the image you want to scan. Touch and hold over the text in the picture, and the grab points will appear around it. You will see several options to copy, select all text, translate, or share.

To identify text with your camera, open the camera app and point it at the text. The indicator icon will be available in the bottom right corner when the app detects text in the viewfinder. Tap the icon.

From there, you can select the text in the same way as described above. To cancel the capture, tap on the screen and the image will disappear.

Digital Life Hacks: Smart digital tips you need to know

Visual contents concept. Social networking service. Streaming video. communication network (iStock). (istock)

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.

Over the years, I have made it my mission to share quick tips and advice to make your digital life easier. These are all those clever hacks you won’t find buried in a user manual. In this episode, my team and I share smart new tech know-how, from a safer way to share passwords to turning your handwritten notes digital.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Copyright 2021, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking the shopping links, you’re supporting my research. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in.

Trudeau: Canada’s decision on whether to allow Huawei is coming

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that Canada will decide within weeks whether to allow Chinese tech giant Huawei into the country’s next-generation 5G wireless networks and noted that major telecommunication companies have already started to remove Huawei from their networks.

Canada and its security agencies have been studying whether to use equipment from Huawei as phone carriers prepare to roll out fifth-generation technology, which is designed to support a vast expansion of networks to facilitate medical devices, self-driving cars and other uses.

Two of Canada’s three major telecommunication companies have already said they’ve decided not to use Huawei for their 5G networks. Bell Canada has said Sweden-based Ericsson will be its supplier and Telus Corp. has said it has selected Ericsson and Nokia. Rogers already has a long-standing partnership with Ericsson.

In this Sept. 24, 2021, file photo, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stands with Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau to announce that Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig have been released from detention in China, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. China’s Foreign Ministry said Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, that the two Canadians were released on bail for health reasons. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)

AMERICAN SIBLINGS RETURN HOME AFTER CHINA LIFTS EXIT BAN

“We have actually seen that many Canadian telecommunications companies, if not all of them, have started to remove Huawei from their networks and are moving forward in ways that doesn’t involve them as a company,” Trudeau said at a news conference.

“We continue to weigh and look at the different options. We will no doubt be making announcements in the coming weeks.”

The Canadian government is studying the use of Huawei as Canada and China are coming off a dispute that Canada’s foreign minister has said the country will never forget.

China’s imprisonment of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor was widely seen as retaliation for the arrest in Canada of Huawei senior executive Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. extradition warrant. China released the pair Friday after Meng reached an agreement with U.S. federal prosecutors that called for fraud charges against her to be dismissed next year and allowed for her to return to China.

CANADIANS RE-ELECT JUSTIN TRUDEAU’S LIBERAL PARTY

Canada had arrested Meng on a U.S. extradition request in December 2018. China grabbed the two Canadians days later.

Many countries labeled China’s arrest of Kovrig and Spavor as “hostage politics,” while China has described the charges against Huawei and Meng as a politically motivated attempt to hold back China’s economic and technological development.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Huawei is the world’s biggest supplier of network gear used by phone and internet companies, but U.S. authorities have long seen it as a front for spying by China’s military and its security services – allegations the company denies.

The U.S. has urged Canada and other countries to exclude Huawei equipment from its next-generation wireless networks. The United States and Australia have banned Huawei.

Google knows what you type, watch, and say — unless you take these steps

You might laugh thinking about all the random Google searches you’ve done over the years. Imagine someone getting access to that list, and you might instead shudder in embarrassment.

Did you know your entire Google history is accessible online? If you’re signed in, a snoop can poke through it all. Tap or click here for steps to password protect that page and your private info.

There are, of course, ways to keep your searches private. Tap or click for some clever methods, including hiding your activity from your internet service provider and wiping your browser sessions.

When you rely on Google and its services, though, you know many things are being tracked. Here are three you can stop.

YOUR APPS ARE WATCHING EVERYWHERE YOU GO UNLESS YOU CHANGE THIS SETTING

1. Every email you type

Google scans the contents of your inbox, from receipts and private messages to medical documents and bills.

The handy Smart Compose setting even allows Google to scan your emails as you type them. It’s an AI-powered feature that tries to help you write faster. It helps finish common phrases. “Let me” becomes “Let me know if you have any questions.”

Although it’s useful, it means Google is watching what you type as you type it. You can turn Smart Compose off. Here’s how:

Open Gmail.
Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner for Settings.
Select See all settings.
Choose the General tab near the top of the page.
Scroll to the Smart Compose section.
Turn Writing suggestions off by clicking on the circle next to it.
Scroll to the bottom and click Save Changes.

It’s worth noting: Google still has access to all the content in the emails you send and receive. If you want to stop that, you need to switch to a privacy-based email inbox.

Privacy 101: Avoid that embarrassing moment! Hide your phone’s lock screen notifications

2. OK, Google, are you listening?

Despite what Big Tech companies say, smart assistants often listen more than you intend. The reason is simple: Sometimes, your device hears one thing you say and interprets it as the wake word.

You can always turn Google Assistant off if you’re not using it.

How to turn off Google Assistant on Android:

Open the Settings app on your phone. Then, scroll down and tap Account Services.
Tap Search, Assistant & Voice. Then, tap Google Assistant.
Tap on Assistant. Then, scroll down to Assistant devices and tap Phone.
Tap the Google Assistant slider to turn it off.

5 SMART DIGITAL LIFE HACKS YOU WON’T FIND ON TIKTOK

How to turn off Google Assistant on iPhone:

Open Settings > Privacy.
Locate the menu labeled Microphone and tap it.
Find Assistant in the list of apps and toggle the green switch to the off position.

Go a step further and shut down every device that might be listening. Tap or click for steps to tell Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and others to butt out.

3. And then there are the videos you watch

After Google, YouTube is the second largest search engine on the web. And, of course, it is owned by Google. That means the company knows the videos you watch, the comments you leave, and who you interact with.

Clearing your YouTube history is simple. Head to My Google Activity, select YouTube History and switch the toggle to Off.

Be warned: YouTube will still track your search history. On the YouTube History page, you will see a section that says Filter by date. To the left, tap on the small down arrow next to Delete. A box will pop up and you can clear out your searches. Confirm by hitting Delete and you’re good to go.

Now that your privacy is all shored up, why not make life a little easier? Tap or click for 5 buried Google settings everyone should know.

Bonus Tip: How the government and companies buy your personal data

7 BRILLIANT WAYS YOUR SMART PHONE CAN HELP YOU GET THINGS DONE

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.

We think of our gadgets as helpful tools that make our lives easier, but they can also be turned against us. The data your devices collect is so valuable it could be used against you in a criminal trial, requested by police or even bought by the government through a data broker. I sat down with technologist Bennett Cyphers from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, who reveals all the secrets you’re losing — and which devices do the most stealing.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

Tech is expensive! Ways you’re wasting money and smart fixes to save

Look around your house. How much do you think you have spent on gadgets and tech subscriptions over the years?

With shiny new gear popping up daily and yet another streaming service there to woo you, it’s hard to stop the flow of cash. I can help. Tap or click for all the best ways to scan without shelling out money for a scanner. You’re welcome.

Lots of quality software is free, too, if you know where to look. Tap or click for 9 free copycats that work like a charm.

Before you pull out your credit card again, read through this list of mistakes that might be costing you cash and easy fixes to spend less.

EXTREME COUPONER REVEALS HACKS TO LOWER YOUR GROCERY BILL

The problem: You’re tempted by that expensive new phone

Tech companies hype their new releases like no other. Listen to what Apple has to say, and the iPhone 13 will change your life. The same goes for the latest and greatest from Samsung and all the rest.

Here’s what they don’t want you to know: The changes to today’s new models aren’t all that groundbreaking. The cameras are just a little better. There’s a bit more storage. Maybe your battery will last a few hours longer. Big whoop.

Am I going to buy the new iPhone? I doubt it. The iPhone 12 does everything I need. If you have a phone just a generation or two old, there’s no need to buy something new.

The fix: Make your old phone feel shiny and new again

Today, you can get several years from your device. Still, if your phone is more than a few months old, you’ll start to feel it.

I don’t mean the gunk on the outside — though I did put together a smart guide on cleaning up your tech. Tap or click here for the best way to make your screen sparkle without scratching it.

Take a few minutes to clean up what’s inside your phone, too. Cached files, memes and screenshots, outdated contacts, and other digital clutter is easy to sweep away if you’re willing to put in a little time. Tap or click for the steps to deep clean your phone the right way.

Smart tips you can trust: The internet doesn’t come with an instruction manual. For digital tricks to get more out of your tech, try my free Tech Tips newsletter.

The problem: You’re searching high and low for coupon codes

There are terms you should never Google search. Tap or click here for a list of 7 to avoid. No, not because they are embarrassing, but because they can put you at real risk. One of those terms is “coupon codes.”

You may end up on a legitimate site and save a few bucks — but in all likelihood, you won’t. At best, the codes don’t work and you wasted a few minutes. The worst case is you click a malicious link and put your digital self in real danger.

9 FREE SOFTWARE COPYCATS THAT WORK BETTER THAN THE REAL EXPENSIVE PROGRAMS

The fix: Rely on sites that do it for you

Instead of trying code after code manually, download an app or browser extension that does all the work.

Honey works like a charm. Once installed, it will search the web for valid promo codes and apply them right to your cart. Capital One Shopping shows side-by-side price comparisons from multiple retailers. Talk about a time-saver.

Google Alerts can help you spot deals and sales, too. If there is a brand or site you have in mind, set up a Google Alert.

Visit Google.com/alerts and type the notification phrase. Use the brand name or the brand name + discount/coupon/special offer as the alert.
Click on Show options to change settings for frequency, sources, language, and region. You can also choose how many results you want and where you want them sent.
Click Create Alert to start receiving alerts on your topics of interest.

Don’t forget to sign up for any of your favorite brands or sites’ email newsletters. Follow them on social media. Discounts and special offers are typically sent out this way.

The problem: You’re trying to score a deal the wrong way

When’s the last time you bought something from a seller on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or another one of the many local sales apps? That’s great for a piece of patio furniture or wall art. Think twice before buying your next phone, TV, or computer that way.

It’s easy to set up a burner account and list items. Even someone with a friendly profile photo and a local phone number could be shilling a computer they know has problems. For all the time and money you spent searching for a bargain, you could end up with an expensive paperweight.

You need to shop carefully to make sure what you buy is worth your money.

The fix: Go the safe route on used gear

Amazon Renewed sells rebuilt and refurbished used items, including laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, cameras, computers, monitors, power tools, and more. Amazon says all Renewed merchandise is “tested and certified to work and look like new.” They might have some cosmetic imperfections, but most people shopping used don’t mind that.

Products are guaranteed anywhere from 90 days to six months. If it stops working, you can return it or get a replacement. Make sure the product you purchase says it is “Backed by the 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee” in the description.

If you’re not an Amazon shopper or you don’t find what you want, try eBay’s Certified Refurbished program. Items have a one-year or two-year warranty and you can shop by condition, from Good (moderate wear) to Certified (pristine, like-new). Tap or click here for more details and a link to start shopping.

Bonus Tip: How the government and companies buy your personal data

5 SMART DIGITAL LIFE HAKS YOU WON’T FIND ON TIKTOK

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Your apps are watching everywhere you go unless you change this setting

We used to download apps, enable permissions, and share data without giving it a second thought. These days, most people want more control over their info.

That starts with protecting yourself from endless data breaches, leaks, and hacks. When was the last time you checked to make sure your info isn’t floating around the web for anyone to find? Tap or click to check your email address against a database of major hacks.

7 BRILLIANT WAYS YOUR SMARTPHONE CAN HELP YOU GET THINGS DONE

Then you have to deal with the Big Tech giants. It’s hard to do much online without Google and Facebook knowing about it. Tap or click here for critical settings everyone should adjust to protect their privacy.

And what about all those apps on your phone? It’s easier than ever to see if they know exactly where you are — and stop it if you want to.

Your location is yours to protect

Some apps need to know where you are to work correctly. Many that don’t need it request access, and you probably said yes when you installed it.

On your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps to change your overall tracking preference:

Tap Settings, navigate down to Privacy and tap Location Services.
If the first slider is turned on, it means that apps can track you.
Slide it off if you universally want to deny your device from using Location Services.

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The list of apps displayed under Location Services has access to your location and how frequently it is used. Tap on a specific app if you want to change the settings. You can choose Never, Ask Next Time, While Using the App or Always.

To take advantage of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency, change its settings by tapping Settings, tapping Privacy, selecting Tracking, and toggling the Allow Apps to Request to Track off.

On Android, first check to see which apps have access to your location:

Swipe down from the top of the screen and press down on Location. If it’s not there, search your Settings menu and find Location.
Tap App permission. You will see a list of apps that can access your location any time, only while it’s in use, or when you give permission.

You can change app permissions here, or try this method:

On your home screen, find the app’s icon. Touch and hold the icon for the app you want to adjust.
Tap the Info icon > Permissions > Location.
Choose from All the time, Only while using the app, Ask every time, or Deny.

Privacy 101: This hidden map on your phone shows everywhere you’ve been — and all the photos you took there

Things to keep in mind

Turning off location services disables your smartphone from tracking your location, but there are some disadvantages. The most obvious one is that apps like Maps, Uber and your weather app of choice won’t be able to determine your exact location.

To get around that, you can either change the setting so that apps only use your location when using the app or manually switch it on or off as needed.

Ending location tracking entirely can be a pain. Android and iOS provide built-in options to minimize and limit ad tracking if that’s more your speed.

Want more tips like this in your inbox? Get my Tech Tips newsletter. It’s packed with smart info you can use.

Stop ad tracking, too

These changes won’t stop companies from tracking your phone activities. They won’t limit the number of ads you see — but they will allow you to reset your advertising ID and unlink any targeted advertising profiles associated with your gadgets.

That means fewer creepy ads that make it clear advertisers know what you are up to online and what your preferences are.

On iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch:

Go to Settings > Privacy.
Tap Apple Advertising. Toggle Personalized Ads to Off.

On Android:

Go to Settings and tap Google.
Tap Ads. Toggle on Opt out of ads personalization.

Bonus Tip: How the government and companies buy your personal data

THESE 4 DOWNLOADS CAN RUIN A WINDOWS PC

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.

We think of our gadgets as helpful tools that make our lives easier, but they can also be turned against us. The data your devices collect is so valuable it could be used against you in a criminal trial, requested by police or even bought by the government through a data broker. I sit down with technologist Bennett Cyphers from the Electronic Frontier Foundation and he reveals all the secrets you’re losing — and which devices do the most stealing.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

7 brilliant ways your smartphone can help you get things done

You email, text, check your step count, and hit “reject” on all those spam calls.

Lately, I’ve been getting more spam texts than calls. There’s one mistake many people make trying to get them to stop. It just makes the problem worse. Tap or click for the insider trick, plus a way to do your good deed of the day and report spam.

What happens you can’t find your phone, and no one is around to call you? Even worse, it might be on silent. Tap or click for steps to find your iPhone or Android, even if it’s buried under a big pile of laundry.

Let’s jump into seven uses for your phone that I bet you never thought of before now.

1. Measure someone’s height

Remember back in the day when you’d mark a line on the wall as your child grew? Consider this the modern equivalent. Fair warning: You do need the latest high-end iPhone.

On an iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max, open the Measure app. You can measure someone’s height instantly, from the floor to the top of their head or hair.

Position the person in the frame. A line will appear at the top of their head, with a height measurement below the line. To capture the measurement, tap the white circle.

To save the photo, tap the screenshot that pops up in the lower right corner, then tap Done. Choose Save to Photos or Save to Files.

What about Android phones?

Google recently shelved its augmented reality app, Measure, so you’ll need to use a third-party option. Most measurement apps in the Play Store have mixed reviews, but Smart Measure has a pretty good rating. Be sure to read through the instructions to calibrate the app for your phone properly.

LOCK IT DOWN: Hackers, scammers and advertisers are after you – 5 smartphone security steps to take now

Facebook said it will use artificial intelligence to stop sending birthday reminders on behalf of the deceased (Facebook)

THWART TOP PHONE HACKERS WITH ONE SIMPLE STEP

2. Scan menus and more

No, you don’t need a third-party app to scan QR codes. You used to, but now those apps are at best a waste of space and, at worst, gathering more info than they should. Tap or click for 10 apps you need to remove from your smartphone.

With an iPhone, open your camera and point it at a QR code. It should automatically scan once it focuses. Tap the notification that pops up to visit the website it directs you to.

On an Android, exact steps depend on which make and model you have, but there’s a good chance your camera app has QR code scanning built right in.

For example, on a Samsung Galaxy device, swipe down on the home screen to access Quick Settings. Tap QR Scanner, then OK. This will launch the camera app, and you can scan from there. If it doesn’t work, be sure the option to Scan QR codes is toggled on in your Camera Settings.

3. Measure your heart rate

You don’t need a smartwatch to measure your heart rate. Cardiio: Heart Rate Monitor is an iPhone app that uses your phone’s camera to take a reading of your pulse. Place your index finger on the back camera and the app will measure your heart rate by detecting color changes. Be sure to hold your phone steady and keep still. It works with iPads, too.

For Android, Heart Rate Monitor works similarly. Cover the back camera, stay still, and you’ll get a reading.

Just remember, apps like this are not a replacement for seeing a medical professional or talking to your doctor if you’re not feeling well.

QUICK TECH TIP: SCAN PHOTOS AND DOCUMENTS WITHOUT BUYING A SCANNER

4. Find that missing sock or other lost items

How often do things end up lost behind the couch or under the bed? This one is super simple, but I bet you’ll use it. Next time you suspect you’ve dropped something in a tight space, use your phone to snap a picture.

It can see where you can’t, and you’ll be able to spot the object if it’s there. You can even try a video if you need to capture a larger hard-to-reach area. The same goes for high-up spaces you can’t see without reaching your arm as high as it can go and snapping a pic.

MORE SMARTS: 10 things you didn’t know your iPhone could do

5. Check your remote control batteries

Many of us still use remote controls that run on AA or AAA batteries. When your remote isn’t responding quite right, there’s a good chance the batteries are to blame. It’s easy to use your phone to check.

Open the camera app on your smartphone. Point the remote at the camera and press any button. Look at your phone screen. If you see a faint light coming from the tip of the remote, the infrared signal is working. That means it’s time to swap out the batteries. If you don’t see the light, you might need to replace the remote altogether.

SKIP THE MANUAL: 15 clever tech tricks everyone should know

6. Set up a security camera anywhere

At home, you might have a security camera or two. If not — or you’re away from home and want to keep an eye on something — you can turn your phone into a makeshift security cam. Now, you won’t be able to use your phone for anything else when you’re doing this, but it’s certainly an option in a pinch.

My favorite way to do this is with a site called Critter.camera. It lets you turn a phone, computer, tablet, or laptop into a motion-activated camera. It uses your device’s camera to capture motion. You need to do a quick two-minute calibration test first.

It’s secure, too. No data is sent over the internet. The images it captures are stored locally on your device. Tap or click for a link to try it out.

Pro tip: If you use your phone for this purpose, set it to Do Not Disturb mode, so a call or text doesn’t ruin your recording.

Riga, Latvia – December 3, 2019: Woman using Apple iPhone 11 Pro.

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7. Remote into your computer

Ever been away from your computer, and you really need to access a file?

Google Chrome Remote Desktop is a free service that makes it super easy to access what you need on your computer from your phone. You do need to set it up before you need it, though.

Before you use Remote Desktop, you’ll need to add the extension to your computer to allow access from your other devices.

Open Chrome, then visit remotedesktop.google.com/access.
Tap the download button that looks like a downward arrow under Set up Remote Access.
Follow the instructions to download and install Chrome Remote Desktop.

To access a computer remotely:

Open Chrome on your phone and go to remotedesktop.google.com/access.
Click Access to select which computer you want.
Enter the PIN required to access another computer.
Select the arrow to connect.
Close your tab or toggle to Options > Disconnect to stop your remote session when you’re finished.

There are other options, like Microsoft Remote Desktop and TeamViewer. Tap or click for instructions and download links.

Bonus Tip: How do you track down terrorists? This guy actually did it

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.

Now that the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan, many nationals are scrambling to cover up their digital lives. Any sign of cooperation with Americans could be a death sentence. In this episode, I talk with Ricoh Danielson, a vet and digital forensics expert who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

5 router settings you must change to protect your network

While the world is focused on the coronavirus, malicious hackers, cybercriminals and scammers are pushing out their own form of malware. IBM’s X-Force reports that COVID-19 related spam is up a whopping 14,000% over the last few weeks. Fake coronavirus cures, phony stimulus checks and convincing robocallers are competing for your money.

Tap or click here to see what these scams look like so you can avoid them.

But it could very likely get a lot worse. Consider if a state or hacking group wanted to launch a coordinated cyberattack. It’s a lot easier now than it was a few months ago. In the rush to stop the spread, we left our IT-protected corporate confines and started in earnest working from home.

People starting using video conference programs with no regard for security and providers had no clue how to handle the influx of new users. ‘Zoombombing’ entered our lexicon. Tap or click here for the setting you must change to secure your meetings.

The cybersecurity naive began hooking up new gear, signing on to work networks, swapping files, installing apps and programs. Many folks don’t have a clue about basic security settings. And I haven’t even mentioned the kids’ role in all this digital security pandemonium.

Don’t be complacent. Just like we had to work together to flatten the curve, we have to work together to secure our digital lives. It starts with your router.

First, check your router’s admin page

Before you start, make sure you can get into your router’s administration console; this is where you manage your router’s settings, including password management and firmware updates.

First, make sure your computer is connected (either wired or wirelessly) to your router, open a web browser and type in the router’s IP address.

The IP address is a set of numbers, and the default depends on your router’s manufacturer. The common ones are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.2.1.

If you don’t know your router’s IP address or password, it’s on the internet. Here is a site that gives you both in a matter of seconds. Note: Hackers know about this site, too!

1. Select the best encryption

Criminals love unsecured home Wi-Fi networks. Securing your Wi-Fi network can also shield you from unwelcome connections that may be using your network for illegal activities.

This is why it’s important to protect your Wi-Fi network with strong encryption. If you are required to enter a password to connect to your Wi-Fi, you already have some encryption enabled on your router.

There are different types of Wi-Fi encryption, and you have to make sure you use the most secure one you can.

The most widely-used Wi-Fi security protocol right now is still Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption. However, this standard is over a decade old, and it is already susceptible to serious security vulnerabilities like 2017’s KRACK attack.

If you’re shopping for a new router, look for one that supports the newest security standard, called WPA3. These models have just started rolling out.

Every router has a different menu layout, but you should be able to find encryption under the “Wireless” or “Security” menu. You’ll have a number of encryption options; if you still have an older router, you want to select one that starts with “WPA2”. If your router is not WPA3 compatible, then “WPA2-PSK AES” is your best option right now.

However, if you have older Wi-Fi gadgets, you might have to select the hybrid option “WPA2-PSK AES + WPA-PSK TKIP” to get them working.

Never choose Open (no security), or if it is using WEP, change the security setting immediately. An open network will make it easy for someone to steal your Wi-Fi, and the older WEP security is easily hacked.

If the only encryption options your router has are WEP or WPA, tell your router to check for a firmware update. Look in your manual for the instructions.

Don’t have your manual anymore? Try ManualsLib or ManualsOnline, which both have hundreds of thousands of manuals, from routers to refrigerators to anything else you might need.

If there’s no firmware update or your router updates but you’re still stuck with WPA or WEP, it’s time to buy a new router. These encryption methods are too unsafe to use, plus it means your router is probably more than 7 years old.

TECH ADVICE IN YOUR INBOX: Get tech tips you can trust with free email newsletters from my desk to your inbox. Tap or click here to try The Current, my new ad-free newsletter.

2. Pros set up an additional separate network

A great tactic is to put visitor devices on a separate network. You do this by setting up a completely different Wi-Fi router or enabling your router’s “Guest Network” option, a popular feature for most routers.

Guest networks are meant for visitors to your home who might need a Wi-Fi internet connection. They can connect without gaining access to the shared files and devices within your network.

This segregation will also work for your smart appliances, and it can shield your main devices from specific Internet of Things attacks.

To avoid confusion with your primary network, set up your guest network with a different network name (SSID) and password. Please make sure you set up a strong and super-secure password on your guest network, as well. You still won’t want crooks and strangers mooching off it for security reasons.

Newer routers do this segmentation automatically. With this feature, it allows users to put Internet of Things appliances on a separate network, shielding your central computers and other personal gadgets from attacks.

With this virtual zoning of your network, you can still allow all your smart appliances and hubs to communicate with each other while keeping your main computing gadgets safe in the event of an Internet of Things attack.

Also, if you’re worried about “wardrivers,” or people roaming around looking for Wi-Fi spots to hack, you can disable the broadcasting of your network and your guest network’s name (SSID) entirely.

3. Use the free parental controls

To shield your kids from inappropriate sites, most routers have built-in content filters, parental controls and time-based restrictions.

To enable these filters, visit your router’s administrator page or app again and look for a section called “Parental Controls” or “Access Controls.” Here, you can choose what type of sites to disable access to, set the schedule when the filters are in effect and set curfew hours for certain gadgets.

You can even set filters for specific IP and MAC addresses. The downside of this method is the inconvenience, plus it takes a bit of technical skill to pull this off. The good thing about this is that you’ll have a map of all your connected gadgets and their corresponding IPs.

To take this a bit further, turn on MAC (Multimedia Access Control) filtering. With MAC filtering on, you can specify which MAC addresses will be allowed to connect to your network at certain times.

Note: MAC addresses can usually be found in the gadget’s settings, label or manual. Look for a set of 16 alphanumeric characters. (Here’s an example of what a MAC address will look like: 00:15:96:FF:FE:12:34:56 )

4. Turn on the VPN

You have likely heard of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which is an excellent way to boost your online security and privacy.

With a VPN, your gadget’s IP address is hidden from websites and services that you visit, and you’re able to browse anonymously. Web traffic is also encrypted, meaning not even your internet service provider can see your online activity. It’s a good way to hide your internet tracks from would-be snoops.

VPN services are typically accessed via software. I use and recommend ExpressVPN. Full disclosure, they are a sponsor on my national radio show and listeners get 3 months free.

Some newer routers can be configured with VPN capabilities straight into the router itself. Instead of protecting each gadget protected with its own VPN service, your router will protect every connected device.

Routers with this capability have open-source router software support (such as DD-WRT), and they can be configured to use services like OpenVPN.

Currently, there are a variety of open source and OpenVPN capable routers to choose from, but the most popular models are the Linksys AC3200 and the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900.

5. Turn on and test the firewall

One valuable tool that can protect your router from hackers is a firewall. With it, even if they manage to know your router’s location and IP address, the firewall can keep them from accessing your system and your network.

Almost every newer router has built-in firewall protections in place. They might be labeled differently, but look for features under your router’s advanced settings like NAT filtering, port forwarding, port filtering and services blocking.

With these controls, you can configure and specify your network’s outgoing and incoming data ports and protect it from intrusions. Be careful when tweaking your port settings though, since a wrong port setting can leave your router vulnerable to port scanners, giving hackers an opportunity to slip past.

To check if your router’s firewall and your ports are secure, you can use this online tool for a quick test.

BONUS TIP FOR EXTRA KNOW-HOW: Tech how-to: Set up multiple desktops to keep work and home separate

Multitasking can feel overwhelming when working from home. You’ve got your work tabs and personal tabs all running at once, not to mention all the new work-related programs you have to use.

Worse still is if you share a computer with the family. But you can separate work from home programs by using multiple desktops.

Tap or click for a walkthrough of all the steps. It’s surprisingly simple!

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Scary simulation reveals jogging dangers during coronavirus pandemic

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A frightening new simulation seems to indicate that current social distancing protocols may not be enough to protect joggers from coronavirus — even if they follow the new rules.

The video, built by simulation technology firm Ansys, shows that droplets can potentially spread more than 6 feet behind you while you are walking, running or cycling.

According to the engineers at the tech company, it may actually be safer to run side-by-side with someone rather than in single file, so that you can avoid coming into direct contact with any droplets.

CORONAVIRUS MAY NOT DIMINISH IN WARMER WEATHER, NEW STUDY FINDS

Simulattion technology company Ansys shows how far droplets containing COVID-19 may be able to spread when two people are out running together.
(Ansys)

Health officials have used the 6-feet measure for social distancing as the protocol because when someone sneezes or coughs, droplets typically travel no more than that distance before gravity pulls them to the ground.

During the side-by-side scenario, the droplets travel behind the runners, for the most part. That’s what makes the single-file scenario scarier, according to the company.

“If someone coughs, those droplets are suspended in the air and, if you are 6 feet behind, you are going to run right into them and it doesn’t give them enough time to fall to the ground,” Marc Horner, the principal engineer for health care at Ansys, told The Daily Mail.

GOOGLE TAKES HEAT ABOUT CORONAVIRUS DATA FROM SENATORS

Horner also suggested that if you don’t feel safe running directly behind someone, even with 6 feet of distance, it’s smarter to run in a staggered pattern.

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As of Thursday afternoon, the novel coronavirus has infected 1.5 million people worldwide, including more than 451,000 in the United States.

FBI, US government warn on spike in coronavirus scams

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Fraudsters are seizing upon the COVID-19 crisis to mount fresh attacks to get your money, the FBI and DHS said in separate advisories this week.

The FBI advisory cites so-called Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes – a kind of email fraud that targets funds transfers, often large sums.

In a typical scenario, you get an email that appears to be from a company or individual you normally do business with. The hitch is, the scammer will request funds be sent to a new account “or otherwise alters the standard payment practices,” the FBI said in a statement.

APPLE ANNOUNCES NEW CORONAVIRUS APP AND WEBSITE

The FBI pointed to an increase in fraud aimed at municipalities purchasing personal protective equipment “or other supplies needed in the fight against COVID-19.”

In a recent example cited by the FBI, a financial institution received an email purportedly from a CEO who had scheduled a transfer of $1 million. The fraudster requested that the transfer date be moved up and the account receiving the funds be changed “due to the Coronavirus outbreak and quarantine processes and precautions,” the FBI said, quoting the fraudulent email.

One of the most devious tricks in the bad guys’ bag of tricks is using an email address that looks the same as the legitimate email. In the case cited by the FBI, the email address “was almost identical to the CEO’s actual email address with only one letter changed,” the FBI said.

“Hackers love emergencies and times of uncertainty because people are scared, distracted, and vulnerable, making them ideal targets,” Ed Bishop, CTO and co-founder of Tessian, a firm that provides technology to prevent email fraud, told Fox News.

Bishop listed ruses used by cybercriminals such as the “Fraudulent Third-Party,” where hackers will impersonate people within an organization or suppliers and vendors associated with the company. And “Secure IT Support” where bad actors will pretend to be a company’s IT support and send malicious links to employees.

Other schemes include the “Out-Of-Office Boss” and the “Helpful Government Organization,” Bishop added.

CREDIT CARD SKIMMING IS NEW THREAT IN CORONAVIRUS ERA

DHS WARNS

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued a similar warning this week.

Both CISA and NCSC said they are seeing growing use of COVID-19-related themes by malicious cyber actors targeting individuals, small and medium enterprises, and large organizations.

The advisory cited phishing email with subject lines including “2020 Coronavirus Updates,” “Coronavirus Updates,” “2019-nCov: New confirmed cases in your City,” and “2019-nCov: Coronavirus outbreak in your city (Emergency).”

You can avoid these scams by looking for red flags, including requests to click on a link, spelling and grammatical errors, and unfamiliar email addresses when you hover over the link with your cursor, Tessian’s Bishop said.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

The FBI and CISA also say be wary of an urgent and/or immediate request for funds, last-minute changes in wire instructions or recipient account information, and messages that appeal to emotions.

As of Thursday morning, more than 1.49 million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed worldwide, more than 432,000 of which are in the U.S., the most impacted country on the planet.

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Technology

1. Change your permissions

2. Get a microphone blocker

3. Or DIY your own mic blocker

1. Measure someone’s height

2. Scan menus and more

3. Measure your heart rate

4. Find that missing sock or other lost items

5. Check your remote control batteries

6. Set up a security camera anywhere

7. Remote into your computer

First, check your router’s admin page

1. Select the best encryption

2. Pros set up an additional separate network

3. Use the free parental controls

4. Turn on the VPN

5. Turn on and test the firewall

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