December 7th 2024.
With the holiday season upon us, many of us will be gathering with family and friends for lively conversations and endless feasts. But for those of us who are more tech-savvy, this time of year can also mean being bombarded with requests to fix various technological issues for our parents, grandparents, and other relatives. And with the rise of generative AI being used in cyber scams, it's important to not only fix these issues but also educate our loved ones on how to protect themselves.
To help you manage your tech encounters this holiday season, here are some tips:
- Set devices up for automatic updates: Whether it's a computer or a mobile device, keeping the operating system and apps up-to-date is crucial in protecting against security threats like malware, viruses, and exploits. Most devices have auto-update features turned on by default, but it's always a good idea to double-check and make sure there is enough storage space for the update to be carried out.
- Free up storage space: It's not uncommon for a family member to have a mobile device that is completely full, making it impossible to update without deleting something first. To help with this issue, there are a few simple steps you can take. For iPhone users, storing songs and pictures on iCloud can free up space. Android users can use the Google Photos app to back up and store their photos on their user space. Another option is to clear browsing data, such as cookies, search and download histories, and autofill forms, which can take up a significant amount of storage space over time.
- Password management: With the average person having hundreds of passwords, it can be overwhelming to remember them all. While it may be tempting to recycle passwords for simplicity, cybersecurity experts warn against this. Instead, consider introducing your forgetful family members to a password manager, which can simplify and keep track of logins. You can also suggest using more secure digital authentication methods, such as passkeys.
- Educate about scams: As scammers become more sophisticated with the use of AI and other technologies, it's important to stay vigilant and educated about the latest scams. One way to remember what to do when you encounter a potential scam is to think of the three S's: Stay suspicious, stop for a second, and stay protected. Being aware of typical scams, such as robocalls, romance scams, and quiz scams, can also help protect against falling victim to them. Check out our AP guide for more information on the latest scams and what to do if you become a victim.
- Check internet speeds: With home internet speeds getting faster, it's important to make sure your family members are getting the high-speed connection they are paying for. If they are still using an older modem and router, consider running a broadband speed test on your home network.
By following these tips, you can help make the holiday season less stressful when it comes to managing tech encounters. And who knows, you may even impress your more tech-savvy relatives with your knowledge and advice. Happy holidays and stay safe in the digital world!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
