Tech Tips #7 – Never provide your Password A bank, phone company, or other legitimate business will never ask you to provide your password on the phone or in an email. A password should only be used to log in to an account. Get more tips on passwords here.
Tech Tips #6 – Check your Downloads folder If you’ve ever downloaded a file from your web browser and can’t find it, don’t forget to check your Downloads folder. You can get there using the File Explorer app on Windows, the Finder app on Mac, or the Files app on smartphones. Sort by “Date Modified” to find the most recent.
Tech Tips #5 – Use Wi-Fi instead of Mobile Data If you notice you’re using too much data on your phone plan, consider connecting your phone to Wi-Fi where available, especially when at home. You may need to also set your device to “prefer” Wi-Fi over mobile data. This option can be found the Settings app of many phones.
Tech Tips #4 – Keep your Devices Updated Updating your phone, tablet, or computer can be inconvenient, but it’s crucial to keeping your data secure. Many updates include security patches to protect against exploits by bad actors. If you notice your device isn’t receiving updates anymore, it may be time to upgrade.
Tech Tips #3 – Beware Public Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi can be found in many businesses such as coffee shops and hotels. It’s convenient, but it may not be secure. If you must use it, consider a trustworthy Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep you safe while you’re browsing – especially if you’re accessing sensitive data.
Tech Tips #2 – Restart to Fix Issues It may sound obvious, but restarting your computer can fix a lot of common problems. Just remember to use the power options in your Start Menu (Windows) or Apple Menu (Mac) to reboot – don’t force shut down with the physical power button unless you have to.
Tech Tips #1 – Turn On MFA Multifactor authentication (MFA) is not enabled by default on many online accounts, but it’s crucial for protecting yourself. You can usually turn it on by going to your profile, Options, or Security Settings in the app or on the website.
