Most phones allow you to add apps to them manually, without using traditional stores such as Google Play and the Apple App Store. While these apps may seem useful, there’s no reliable way to tell if they’re completely safe. It’s best to avoid sideloading apps altogether unless you’re completely sure the app is legitimate.

Whether you’re trading it in, donating it or handing it off for any reason, you’ll want to wipe all the data from your phone before doing so. While the process for this varies by phone, you can easily find out how by searching your settings for something that says “Factory reset” or “Return to factory […]

Ads designed for mobile devices can be assertive and disrupting. For example, you might be loading a page in a browser only to see a message telling you you’ve won a prize and then sending you to a different page. Never click on anything these ads show you. To avoid them entirely, it might be […]

Employ robust passwords, touch or biometric ID (face) features to secure your devices. These security measures can help protect your information if your devices are lost or stolen and keep prying eyes out. Also consider using Total Defense Mobile Security, to further ensure your safety and privacy.

Entering your card number into a website is both a hassle and a possible risk if someone is looking over your shoulder or monitoring the network. A better alternative is to just use something like PayPal or Apple Pay, which allows you to check out with a relatively streamlined process using pre-saved payment details.

When shopping online, get the maximum possible security and privacy for your transactions. That means never buying anything while connected to public or open Wi-Fi networks, or even to the Wi-Fi of someone you don’t know well. Stick to your own Wi-Fi or to cellular service like 5G for the safest results.