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Types of AI Models

Guide to Types of AI Models and How They Work

When you think of AI (Artificial Intelligence) models, you may automatically think of generative AI like OpenAI’s ChatGPT (a Generative Pre-training Transformer) and Dall-E-2 (the tech startup’s Ai image generator).  However, AI models have been used in technology and other fields since the 1950s. In some capacity, you’ve probably unwittingly used a form of AI…

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Lockdown Mode for Apple Devices

Should You Use Apple’s Lockdown Mode? Here’s What you Need to Know Before You Decide

With the releases of macOS Ventura and iOS 16 in 2022, Apple rolled out a new feature called lockdown mode.  It’s an excellent additional layer of protection, however balancing security with usability is something Apple users are going to have to evaluate. Some people may find it works well while others are frustrated with the…

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What is spyware? It may be watching you right now...

Everything You Need to Know about Spyware, the Malware that Stalks Your Online Activity

Spyware may sound like something James Bond or another secret agent might use in the latest spy thriller movie. But it’s very real, and it’s way more common than most people think. Part of spyware’s method is to be hard to detect, so you may not even realize your device is infected – especially if…

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Gmail Confidential Mode is a step towards email privacy, but it's not a perfect solution.

Gmail Confidential Mode: Useful but Imperfect for Email Privacy

Email is a tool that most of us use every day – sometimes all day. And while most people use common features like forwarding, downloading attachments, and moving emails to folders regularly, there are a lot of other features that many email users don’t know about. If you use Google’s email services Gmail, Confidential Mode…

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Spot AI-Generated Emails

Can You Spot AI-Generated Emails? Why It’s Important & How to Do It

Even though there is a lot of talk about the rapid advancements in AI technology, most people have not yet tried out these Large Language Models (LLMs) for themselves.  In 2023, after the public introduction of ChatGPT, there was a huge surge in the number of people who had used the site. Even so, the…

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Funeral home scams are the despicable new scam preying on grieving families.

This Shameful Scam Targets People Grieving Lost Loved Ones

Losing a loved one is a terrible experience in any situation. There’s often legal paperwork to take care of, a will to execute, an estate to settle, and a funeral to arrange. And that’s all on top of all the grief and pain of the loss. It’s a painful, exhausting time in your life. The…

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Knowing how to spot a fake website will help keep you safe from scammers' tricks.

How to Spot a Fake Website: 7 Ways to Tell if a Site is Malicious

With modern technology and services, it’s pretty easy to make a website. That’s great for those of us who need or want to create one. But that also means scammers can make websites really easily, too. And since so much of our lives – work, school, banking, shopping, and more – is done online, if…

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Gift card scams trick you at the store, no conversation with a scammer required.

A New Variation of Gift Card Scams Tricks You At the Store

Scammers love gift cards. They’re instant, practically untraceable, and have no protections against fraudulent transactions. And it’s a lot easier to walk someone through going to a store and getting a gift card than it is to walk them through buying and sending cryptocurrency or creating a Venmo account. So it makes sense that one…

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Exploring 5G, the advantages and security challenges

Exploring 5G: Advantages and Security Challenges

You rarely encounter an ad for a phone provider that doesn’t list 5G connectivity as an option. Most of today’s phones–even many budget-friendly options–come with 5G capabilities. Not everyone chooses to activate their 5G service, but it’s something that almost everyone shopping for a new phone will encounter.  So what is the story with 5G?…

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Know how to hide your photos on your mobile phone

How to Hide Photos on Your Phone: iPhone & Android Tips

It’s smart to think about the security of the photos you store on your phone, whether that’s just on your device or on the cloud. Even if your phone is password protected and you have Multi-Factor Authentication on the app that stores your photos, it’s a great idea to spend some time thinking about how…

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Is It Possible to Unsend an Email?

Is It Possible to Unsend an Email?

Sending an email at the wrong time or to the wrong party (or both) can be a painful scenario.  We’ve all been there. You might have a less-than-professional message meant for your best friend, whose name is unfortunately right next to your boss’s in your address list. Or perhaps a humorous note meant for another…

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What Is Malware?

The Evolution of Malware: Trends and Future Outlook

The sophisticated state of malware in 2024 can be intimidating. But smart thinking, caution, and technology can defeat it. To understand what malware is capable of today, it’s worth exploring the history of this kind of cybersecurity vulnerability. Understanding the evolution of malware will help you know how to protect yourself from whatever comes next. What…

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Should parents monitor kids online? Will it actually keep kids safe?

Should Parents Monitor Kids Online? Strategies for Protecting Kids on the Internet

The internet is a scary place, especially for kids. There’s all sorts of dangers for young people online. They could end up being manipulated, getting their account taken over, or having their identity stolen. They could be groomed by a child predator or convinced to meet up with a stranger who could then harm or…

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It's essential for parents to know the potential impact of screen time on their child.

This Is Your Kid On Tech: The Impact of Screen Time on Kids and Teens

Our kids are using screens all the time. No matter how we as parents feel about it, there’s only so much we can do. After all, when even school requires devices to successfully complete homework, becoming a screen-free household just isn’t an option. (Not that we would want to give up our phones and computers…

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Let's look at the research on how different types of technology affect brain development.

How Different Technologies Affect Children’s Brain Development

It seems like kids are always on devices these days. Studies agree – over half of kids under 4 engage with smartphones or tablets on a regular basis. Tweens spend, on average, 4-6 hours per day on screens, and teens can spend more. It’s easy to complain that they should be on them less because…

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Ethics of Facial Recognition Technology

Ethical Considerations in Facial Recognition Technology

Facial recognition software is no longer just the fodder of movies like the Mission:Impossible franchise and Minority Report. Today, it’s used in a wide variety of workspaces, academic institutions, and even as authentication to unlock smartphones. The technology has multiple benefits and can enhance your cybersecurity. However, as facial recognition capabilities evolve, ethical questions about…

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Customizing Blockchain for Cybersecurity

Blockchain’s Role in Cybersecurity: Benefits and Uses

As the digital landscape evolves, the quest for robust cybersecurity solutions has led us to blockchain, a technology that’s redefining the parameters of digital safety and trust.  Imagine a world where keeping records doesn’t depend on one big, central keeper. That’s blockchain for you – a distributed network that says goodbye to the single point…

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Unveiling the Dark Web

Unveiling the Dark Web: Understanding Its Mechanics and Dangers

Like an iceberg, the internet has hidden depths lurking below the surface that most people see. The part we interact with everyday through Google, social media, online shopping, and more is just the tip. But underneath lies the vast deep web and the mysterious dark web – secretive layers with both useful intrigue and sinister…

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Strategies for Detection of and Protection From Deepfakes

How to Spot and Protect Yourself Against Deepfakes

For decades, popular science fiction movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Terminator have warned us of the dangers of unregulated AI. However, current AI technology has enormous benefits and can be helpful in every type of busines. AI models like ChatGPT can even help us to become more efficient in our daily lives.…

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Back-to-school season means back-to-school scams that target students as well as parents.

Back-to-School Scams to Watch For Right Now

Back-to-school season is in full swing. Students and parents are busy buying books, technology, school uniforms, and college dorm supplies. If you have a school- or college-aged child, you know how crazy this time of year can be. With everything you have going on, you’re probably not thinking about scams. But just like any occasion…

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Instagram's screenshot policies

Do Users Get Notified of Instagram Story Screenshots?

Instagram, a playground of fleeting moments and lasting impressions, is the perfect spot to catch up on the adventures of your favorite people and discover all sorts of eye-catching visuals. But social media often has us playing the detective – especially when it comes to the mysteries of screenshot notifications.  Let’s crack the code on…

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Blur Out Your House on Google Maps

You Can Blur Out Your House on Google Maps – Should You?

In a world where your digital footprint can be as significant as your real-world impact, the power of Google Maps is undeniable.  Introduced in 2007, Google Maps Street View offers a ground-level perspective of countless urban and rural areas globally. This service, brought to life through vehicles and photographers donning cameras on backpacks, sparked debates…

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How to setup your iPhone’s Emergency SOS Feature

Setting Up Your iPhone’s Emergency SOS Feature

Technology is always changing to meet our needs and solve problems. In 1968, the first-ever 911 call was placed, making it easier for anyone to quickly contact emergency services. In the years since, more technologies have emerged, including the possibility of texting 911 in many areas.  Today’s newer iPhones have an Emergency SOS feature that…

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How to Fix a Wet Smartphone

How to Fix a Wet Smartphone: Important Steps to Take

Although unheard of 25 years ago, we now collectively depend on our smartphones. Americans use smartphones to make and receive fewer than five calls per day, but we still spend a daily average of 4.5 hours on our phones.   We religiously use our smart devices to access texts, GPS directions, photos, restaurant reviews, social media,…

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Cybersecurity is everyone’s concern, not just big corporations or IT experts. Practicing good personal cybersecurity in your daily life isn’t difficult either. And it’s becoming more and more necessary. Read these articles on wide-ranging topics to improve your knowledge of cybersecurity.