screen lock Archives

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Your Android phone could have stalkerware. Here’s how to remove it

Consumer-grade spyware applications, often referred to as "stalkerware" or "spouseware," pose significant risks to Android users by monitoring private messages, photos, phone calls, and real-time locations without consent. These apps are typically downloaded from outside the Google Play Store and can be stealthily installed, often disappearing from the home screen. Stalkerware exploits legitimate Android features, leading to unusual phone behavior such as excessive heat, sluggish performance, or unexpected data usage. To address spyware, users should establish a safety plan and trusted support before attempting removal, as this could alert the installer. Google Play Protect should be enabled to scan for harmful apps. Users should check for unfamiliar apps in accessibility services, review notification access for third-party applications, and inspect device admin app settings for unrecognized applications. Even hidden stalkerware apps will appear in the list of installed applications, which can be accessed through the settings menu. Strengthening device security, such as enhancing lock screen passwords and using two-factor authentication, is recommended. Resources for support include the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Coalition Against Stalkerware.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Android 16’s enhanced Advanced Protection will let apps know when you’re serious about security

The latest beta version of Android 16 has introduced an API called AdvancedProtectionManager, which allows applications to determine if users are enrolled in the Advanced Protection program. This program enhances account security by prohibiting sideloading apps and requiring security keys or passkeys for Google account sign-ins. It blocks potentially harmful files from being downloaded and disables app installations from outside the Google Play Store. Additionally, it disables 2G connectivity and activates Memory Trust Execution (MTE) for compatible applications. Although the API is available in Android 16 Beta 2, users cannot yet enable the Advanced Protection mode, as synchronization with the operating system's features is pending a future rollout within Google Play Services. The effectiveness of the Advanced Protection program will depend on app developers' support in utilizing the new API.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

How to create Private Space for your apps on Pixel

Android 15 introduces the 'Private Space' feature, which functions as a digital vault for securely locking sensitive applications and data within a separate sandbox. Users can create a second instance of any app, protected by a distinct locking mechanism, separate from the primary screen lock. To set up Private Space on a compatible Pixel 9 device, users must navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space, authenticate with their screen lock, and complete the setup process. Once established, Private Space appears in the app drawer, allowing users to manage installed apps and customize settings. Applications and data within Private Space are isolated from regular apps. The Google Pixel 9 is highlighted for its premium design, performance, and commitment to seven years of OS and security updates.

AppWizard

October 27, 2024

How to use the new Private Space feature in Android 15

Android 15 introduces a feature called Private Space, which enhances user privacy by creating a secure environment for selected applications. It acts as a vault to protect sensitive apps from unauthorized access, adding an extra layer of security beyond the primary lock screen. To set up Private Space, users navigate to Settings > Security and privacy > Private space, review the feature overview, and tap Set up. They can choose to use a different Google account or create a new one, set a new lock method, and finalize the setup. Google apps like Chrome and Photos are pre-installed in the private space. Accessing Private Space involves scrolling to the bottom of the app drawer, tapping the padlock icon, and authenticating via biometric or PIN. Users can add or uninstall apps easily, and notifications from apps in Private Space only appear when it is unlocked. The space remains accessible until locked again, and users can configure it to lock automatically under certain conditions. Additional configuration options include changing the lock method, setting automatic lock conditions, hiding the private space from the app drawer, and deleting the private space while keeping cloud-synced data intact. Transferring Private Space to a new device is not supported, requiring users to start anew, although they can sign in with the same Google account to restore data from certain apps.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Find My Device just got a lot smarter with new biometric login

Google's Find My Device app has introduced a biometric login feature in version 3.1.173-1, allowing users to authenticate using biometrics or a PIN instead of entering their Google account password. This update enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access when a device is unlocked. Users who have not set up a screen lock or biometric option will still need to use their password. The app will also undergo a redesign for tablet users, transitioning from a bottom sheet design to a side panel layout, which will optimize vertical space for the map display but will not be resizable. The biometric feature is currently available in the latest app version.

Tech Optimizer

October 18, 2024

How to secure your devices: Updates, antivirus and mobile protection

Safeguarding devices against cyber threats is essential due to the sensitive personal and financial information they contain. Key security measures include regular software updates, robust antivirus solutions, and protective strategies for mobile devices. To update software and operating systems, users can enable automatic updates in Windows by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and turning on “Automatic Updates.” For macOS, users can go to System Preferences > Software Update and check the box for “Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Manual checks for updates can be done in both systems through their respective update settings. Antivirus software targets traditional viruses, while anti-malware addresses a wider range of threats. When choosing security software, consider detection rates, system impact, and user interface. Regular scans can be scheduled through the antivirus software's dashboard, and both automatic updates and manual checks should be performed to ensure the latest virus definitions are used. For mobile device security, setting up screen locks is crucial. Android users can set this up in Settings > Security, while iOS users can do so in Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode. Managing app permissions and keeping apps updated are also important for privacy and security. Users should regularly review app permissions and enable automatic updates in their app store settings. To protect against lost or stolen devices, users should activate the “Find My Device/App” feature available on both Android and iOS platforms, allowing them to track, lock, or erase their device remotely.

AppWizard

October 16, 2024

Android fans must learn to ‘screen lock’ apps so nosy pals can’t snoop on pics

App pinning is a feature on Android devices that allows users to restrict access to their phone while sharing the screen with others. It can be found in the Settings app under Security > Advanced > App Pinning. Once enabled, users can pin an app's screen, preventing others from accessing other applications unless they enter the user's passcode. To pin an app, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold, then tap the app's icon and select Pin. Unpinning can be done through various navigation methods depending on the device's settings. Additionally, Android offers Guest Mode, which creates a separate profile for temporary users, allowing them to use the device without accessing the owner's private information.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

How to hide apps on Google Pixel phones with Private Space

Google Pixel users will have access to a new feature called Private Space with the release of Android 15, allowing them to create a hidden app ecosystem, including a separate instance of the Google Play Store. To enable Private Space, users must navigate to Settings, select Security & Privacy, tap on Private Space, input their PIN, and set it up. Users can create a new Google account for this space to keep downloaded apps and data separate from their primary account. Accessing Private Space involves swiping up from the home screen, tapping on the lock icon, and entering the PIN. For older Pixel models, apps can be concealed using a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher, which allows users to hide apps after setting it as the default launcher. Additionally, users can disable system apps through the Settings menu, but this method is limited to system apps and may affect other operations.

Winsage

July 29, 2024

Google Says Sorry After Passwords Vanish For 15 Million Windows Users

Google experienced a bug affecting a significant number of Windows users, preventing access to saved passwords in the Chrome web browser. This issue occurred on July 24 and lasted for nearly 18 hours until resolved on July 25, due to "a change in product behavior without proper feature guard." The glitch impacted users of the M127 version of Chrome, with an estimated 15 million users affected by the password manager issue. Google provided a temporary workaround and later confirmed that a simple restart of the browser would fix the problem. Additionally, there was a disruption in email verification for new Google Workspace accounts, allowing malicious actors to bypass the verification process and create accounts impersonating legitimate domain holders. This issue was linked to Google Workspace's free trial offerings and was resolved within 72 hours after being reported, with a few thousand non-domain verified accounts created before the fix.

Winsage

July 26, 2024

14 must-know Windows 11 security and privacy settings

- A screen lock is a must-have for laptops, and there are different options such as fingerprint, facial recognition, password, or PIN. - To make login more secure, users can enable high-security login methods like Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts. - Users can automatically lock their computer by setting up time intervals for requiring login again or enabling Dynamic lock with Bluetooth devices. - Users can skip the login and use a local account to reduce monitoring. - Users can turn off Windows Ad ID to prevent customized advertising. - Users can limit the information Windows can access to protect privacy but may lose some functionality. - Users can control app permissions for things like camera, microphone, and location through App Authorization. - Users can restrict or turn off app sharing between devices. - Users can opt out of Device Usage feature to prevent Microsoft from customizing the system and advertising to their habits. - Users can disable Microsoft 'tips' that may be perceived as advertising. - Windows 11 has built-in security features like Windows Defender for virus protection and can protect against extortion trojans. - Users can find a missing computer by enabling the Find my device feature and using account.microsoft.com/devices to locate and control the device remotely.