We all know what cables are and what they’re used for. But do you know how they can get remote access to your devices? It’s a bit more complicated than just plugging them in…or is it? We dive into OMG cables and discuss how these deceptively dangerous cables can gain access to your devices and cause security headaches for you down the road.
USB cables are a valuable tool to connect your phone to your computer to access your phone’s data on your computer. They’re also used to charge your devices. Most people connect their USB cables to their computers without thinking twice. In fact, more people just buy replacements without even thinking. Even worse, sometimes we just find a random cable and assume everything is fine. However, you need to be very careful while connecting just any random USB cable with your computer from now on. Here’s why…
A Little History Lesson On The OMG Cable
A security researcher known as “MG” launched a cable called an “OMG cable,” which can access your data remotely when connected to your computer. This cable hacks iPhones, iPads, Samsung tablets, Android devices, and computers to give third-party users remote access to all of the sensitive data stored on your device. The OMG cable looks exactly like any other USB cable, but when you plug it into your computer or phone, it lets a potential hacker control your data remotely. For lack of a better term, it’s a rather clever invention. Deceptive with undertones of malintent? Sure.
Potential hackers use this harmful cable to access your data through a smartphone app. It does not even let your computer or smartphone device even recognize that a potential attacker has taken remote access to your computer through OMG cable.
What Is An OMG Cable?
The OMG cable is a new version of a hacking puppet that is hardly different from the genuine cable authorized by Samsung, Android, or Apple. Like any other cable, this cable supports power and is a source of transferring data from your phone to another computer. Essentially, it works and functions the exact same. However, this cable hacks iPhones and Android devices and remotely accesses the data.
It was first introduced in 2019 by MG, a security researcher. He presented this hacking apparatus at a hacker panel and manufactured it in large volumes. Multiple other versions of this malicious OMG cable have been introduced, ranging from lightning cables to USB-A and USB-C used by Samsung, Android, Apple, and other devices.
After the launch of OMG cable, the security researcher presented another hacking tool known as “OMG Keylogger Cable”, which acts as a secret keylogger hacking tool. Hackers use this cable to replace detachable keyboards cables and steal login details and other sensitive information by collecting keystrokes.
A keylogger cable is a device that can be used to secretly record keystrokes. The keylogger cable is inserted for example between a keyboard and the computer. It then records every keystroke that is typed into the keyboard. Keyloggers are often used by criminals in order to steal sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. However, they can also be used for legitimate purposes, such as monitoring employees or children. I don’t recommend that because there are other more efficient methods out there to monitor employees and children. Keylogger cables are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them a popular choice for both criminals and your normal, law-abiding citizens alike.
How Can An OMG Cable Gain Remote Access?
The OMG cable is a typical cable consisting of two connectors and a set of wires protected through insulation. However, one of the connectors of this malicious cable hides a memory chip and Wi-Fi transmitter. The Wi-Fi transmitter is also similar to those present in iPhones, Androids, Samsungs, or other Wi-Fi-enabled gadgets.
When you connect this OMG cable with your device (and it doesn’t matter if it’s mobile or tablet or laptop), the cable creates a Wi-Fi hotspot. Then the hacker can gain remote access to your devices through a smartphone application. Hackers can control your device and run commands through this cable as they are using your devices themselves.
On a more advanced level, this ingenious cable hacks your device and also contains geofencing features that allow hackers to generate the provision of a virus payload in your computer. Cybercriminals take advantage of the prospective target’s location. The cable with keylogging features can log keystrokes from hacked devices and remotely send them to the cybercriminal or hacker.
Strikingly, the OMG cable possesses a unique accessory inside that circumvents USB implantation. This tool eradicates the suggestion or proof that your computer will connect with a tinkered cable. When MG inserted the IP address of the cable that hacks the smartphone in his phone’s browser, he was able to proceed with many options to invade someone’s personal space. Truth be told, it’s not vital to know how an OMG cable works. What should be of concern to you is how to protect yourself and spot one of these.
How To Protect Yourself From An OMG Cable Hack?
The reason people are falling into this cable hack is that the cable is no different from a regular cable you use for your devices. At a superficial, surface-level…you can’t tell a difference. In fact, I bet 99% of cable users wouldn’t know one of these OMG cables possessed the potential to access so much information. A few versions of an OMG cable are identical to the human eye. Here’s how you can escape from this trap that hacks your smartphones and other connected devices.
Critically examine the connection cable before using any. Look for an official MFI badge on the packaging of original cables certified by Apple or your phone’s manufacturer. It also possesses a serial number of 12 digits. Besides carefully examining both connectors of your device’s cable, if you notice any rough edges or an unusual increase in the insulator’s width, you are dealing with an altered or OMG cable that hacks phones. This is another reason why you should only buy from respected and trusted brands. This is also another reason why you should be careful whenever you’re using someone else’s accessories. And it doesn’t matter if you know the person. How do you know they didn’t just randomly find a cable and started using it?
You should regularly check for hacking signs on your phone, tablet, or computer. The signs that support someone hacking your device include sudden spikes in the network activity, unusual pop-ups requesting your login details, the accidental opening of terminals, and seized social media accounts. You should regularly keep track of such suspicious activities. And as an extra precaution, enable two-factor authentication on every account that has this feature.
Best Way To Protect Yourself: Be Smart
The malicious OMG cable is hardly distinguishable from the legit cables certified by Apple, or Samsung, or your devices’ manufacturers and is freely sold on the internet. So it is wise to stay alert to it and always examine your device’s cable critically before purchasing for yourself. If the cable isn’t yours…don’t use it. You should never use any random cable. Even if you’re at a workplace around people you know and trust. Just don’t do it. Furthermore, it might benefit you to invest in some reliable malware protection software.
What Alternatives Should I Buy?
So…what are you supposed to do if your factory-supplied cables go missing or get damaged? As tempting as it is to buy the cheapest alternative on Amazon, I wouldn’t. There are literally thousands of knock-off, generic branded charging cables for Apple and Android devices. In my experience, they are low-quality products that usually last about 2-3 months. Ironically, they usually last just a little bit longer than your Amazon guaranteed date for refunds. If I were to prioritize where to buy a charging cable, I’d buy direct from Apple or Samsung. You’ll pay about the same price as you would on Amazon (but you won’t get free prime shipping). Another viable option is to just go to a mobile carrier store (preferably where you bought from) and get a branded replacement. If those aren’t options and Amazon is your jam, I have the appropriate links for each device brand below.
Best Charging Cord For Android and Samsung Devices
These two are the options I would get if I had an Android or Samsung phone. It’s a USB Type-A to USB Type-C connection. This Samsung USB-C comes in black and is approximately 4 feet long and the other Samsung branded cord I’d recommend comes in white and is 1 meter long.
Best Charging Cord for Apple Devices
Believe it or not, some Apple devices do use a USB Type-C (the newer versions of the iPad Pro). The iPhone still uses a lightning cable (I won’t go on the 2000-word diatribe I could easily whip up on why that annoys me, but I digress…). The two options I would get for Apple devices on Amazon (and remember these are Apple-branded products) are the Apple Lighting USB cable and the Apple USB-C charging cable (for Ipad Pro).
Again, the prices on Amazon are comparable to buying directly from their website. If you don’t mind paying a little in shipping, that’s the route I’d recommend.
Maybe you are probably familiar with the term “Torrents,” as it frequently appears on the internet. However, what are torrents, and what are their risks that you should watch out for? We’ve put together this really quick guide on what you should know about torrents and why you should be concerned if someone in your household is using them.
What Are Torrents?
Torrents are a way of sharing files between people by breaking them up into small pieces and downloading them from multiple sources. This can be a great way to get your hands on new music, movies, or software, but it can also be used for illegal purposes. Internet-based torrents are a type of file distribution method. The BitTorrent protocol facilitates P2P file sharing. Torrent-based file sharing has several advantages over traditional file sharing.
The process of torrenting involves creating and maintaining a network of users who share a single torrent file. A torrent network involves everyone and torrent clients handle everything in the background.
How Does Torrenting Work?
Downloading and uploading files via BitTorrent (the most popular torrent) is known as torrenting. In torrenting, instead of downloading files from a central server, you download them from a peer-to-peer network. In some regards, torrenting is similar to what Napster did back in the day with file-sharing music. Loosely based on the same concept.
This means you download the files from a network that many other people are connected to. You can also upload your files for other connected users to download.
Risks Of Torrenting That You Should Watch Out For
Since torrenting allows you to download files from peer-to-peer networks, which means there is a vast majority of computers connected to each other. Thus, the chances of your system being hacked or getting crashed are quite high. Because you never know who is connected to the system and what is within the file you’re downloading. Even though torrenting looks after it, you should still be careful. Most hackers will replace the standard installation file (or .exe) with a custom one that also installs a backdoor or malware onto any system that runs that program!
To avoid downloading malicious files from torrents, here’s a little tip. Be sure that the resource you’re downloading your files from is legit. If you can see comments under it, it’s most likely a legit result. However, if you see no comments, there must be something wrong with the resource and you should never download any files from it.
First of all, we don’t recommend you use torrenting…at all. Because, as previously stated, there are numerous hazards in it. However, for any reason, if it’s necessary for you to use it, then ensure you have a VPN running on your device.
The VPN will change your location and make it difficult for criminals or viruses to hit your device. Also, you’ll be anonymous because of it. This is one of the only ways to use torrents safely. I have some other hacks that you could use, but I gotta be honest, I don’t like torrents at all, so I’ll keep those hacks to myself.
How To Download Torrents Files?
The general method or instructions for downloading torrents is something similar to this:
Install VPN and run it first.
Then, select your client.
Head over to any torrenting website (BitTorrent is by far the most popular)
Search your query or the thing that you want to download.
Now, check the comments on the source from where you want to download any file.
First off, I am not a lawyer, but I’ll share what I know to help protect you. Is it illegal? It depends. This is a question that we get asked a lot and the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. I’ll try and answer this question in as simple of a way as I know. While there are some legitimate uses for torrenting, such as downloading open source software, the vast majority of users engage in illegal activity. This includes downloading copyrighted material, such as movies, TV shows, music, and books. If you’re engaging in copyright infringement, it definitely is illegal. However, if you’re using torrents for legal purposes, then the answer is no.
Real-Life Example Of Torrenting Being Legal AND Illegal
Let me give you a real example: I purchase software and ebooks from Humble Bundle (https://www.humblebundle.com). After I purchase, I’m given torrent files to download my purchase (sidebar: great website as they donate to charities). If on the other hand, I’m trying to download a movie that is still in theaters for “free”, then yeah, not legal.
Are Torrents Popular With Kids?
The chances that your kid knows what a torrent is are probably high. In fact, torrenting is so popular with teens that it’s become a bit of a contentious issue. It’s also become a home network security nightmare for parents as well because of what torrents open the door to. Some people see torrenting as a way to pirate movies and music, while others view it as a perfectly legitimate way to download files. No matter where you stand on the issue, there’s no denying that torrenting is going to be around for a long time.
The music industry thought pirating and sharing music would go away when Napster was taken down. They were wrong. The market just got creative and evolved. And when it comes to torrenting, teenagers are leading the charge. But why? For starters, torrents are relatively easy to use. How easy? Look at the general instructions above. So easy a teen can do it. With just a few clicks, you can find almost any movie or album that you’re looking for. And since torrents are decentralized, there’s no need to worry about DMCA takedowns or other legal issues. Finally, torrenting is popular among teens because it is completely free. You don’t have to spend money on subscription services like Netflix or Spotify. It’s a recipe ripe for teenage use. Put yourself in their shoes: if you wanted a free and easy way to download music, movies, and TV shows…would you do it? You can see why torrents are the clear choice for many teenagers. But…that doesn’t mean they’re safe.
On another note with popularity among kids and teens. One of the most popular ways pornography is being distributed on the web is via torrents. Take into account that factoid with torrents being used with kids…you can see how it’s a dangerous combination.
To Torrent Or Not To Torrent?
That is the question. Personally, I loathe torrents with a passion. The number of systems I’ve been called into fix, figure out how hackers got into a system, almost 98% of the time it’s because of a torrent (home/personal systems). I think they’re slow, unreliable, and they’re laced with malware. Occasionally, you’ll get a good seeder, but most of the time you’ll get incomplete files or interrupted downloads. Because torrents are decentralized ANYONE can upload ANYTHING. Let me repeat that: ANYONE can upload ANYTHING. For lack of a better term, it is like the wild west of file sharing and it just opens your home network and all your devices to a ton of malicious activity that can really put your security and personal data at risk.
Most people run into problems with torrents because they aren’t properly monitoring what their kiddos are doing. It’s very easy to accidentally download a virus even if you have antivirus software installed. My favorite is when folks torrent antivirus software…that is loaded with virus/malware just to avoid paying that extra $50 for the real antivirus. For my advice, have a chat with the family. Talk about the dangers of torrents and come up with some alternatives and options for your kids to find the media and entertainment they’re looking for.
Are you curious about Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)? Maybe you’ve heard a little bit about them, but you’re not sure what they are or if they’re right for you. We’ve spent quite a bit of time researching the most popular VPN questions and we’ll answer those questions about VPNs, so you can decide whether or not one is right for your family. We cover everything from what a VPN is to how they work and who can use them.
What Does A VPN Do?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a vital tool for protecting your online identity and activity. By routing your traffic through a secure server, a VPN encrypts all of your data, making it unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it. This not only keeps you safe from hackers and government surveillance but also prevents ISPs from selling your data to advertisers. Additionally, a VPN can help bypass firewalls and access restricted websites.
VPNs are an essential tool for anyone who values online privacy and security. If you’re not already using one, I highly recommend using one. There are many benefits to using a VPN that you can take advantage of.
How Do VPNs Protect You?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps to protect your online privacy and security. A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a secure server. This means that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and any other third party cannot see what you are doing online. Your data is also protected from any malicious attacks.
VPNs are particularly useful if you are using public Wi-Fi, as they help to keep your data safe from any potential hackers. They are also helpful if you want to access websites that may be blocked in your country. By connecting to a VPN server in another country, you can bypass these restrictions.
There are a number of free VPN services available, but be aware that most of them are not as secure as paid services. For example, free VPNs may sell your data to third parties or include ads in your browsing experience.
That said, there are some good, reputable paid VPN services that offer a high degree of security and privacy. If you’re looking for a reliable and safe way to browse the internet privately and securely, a paid VPN service is the best option. We covered everything you need to know about free VPNs and which ones we think are the best.
Are VPNs Illegal?
I just want to set the record straight on this because I hear the myth of “VPNs are illegal” quite often. VPNs are not illegal. However, there are some activities that can be illegal when using a VPN. For example, if you use a VPN to commit cybercrime or engage in other illegal activity, then you could be breaking the law. Similarly, if you use a VPN to access blocked content or bypass government censorship, you may also be breaking the law in some countries. So it’s important to know what you’re doing before you connect to a VPN. That said, there are many legitimate uses for VPNs, and as long as you use one responsibly, there’s no reason to think that using a VPN is illegal. If you are traveling to another country and plan on using a VPN to access the content you’d otherwise get at home, double-check that country’s VPN laws. Better safe than sorry.
Do I Really Need A VPN?
Let’s be real, there aren’t a lot of things people in this world need. Now, if you’re wondering whether you need a VPN, the short answer is: it depends. I use that a lot, but in the tech world, there are so many diverse users that there are not many one-size-fits-all solutions. VPNs can be useful in a variety of situations, but they’re not necessary for everyone. Here’s a brief rundown of when you might want to use a VPN:
If you want to keep your browsing history and online activity private from your internet service provider or government agencies.
If you’re concerned about online security and privacy and want to make sure your data is encrypted
Or if you’re accessing the internet from a public Wi-Fi network and want to safeguard your personal information.
I dove quite a bit into the Pros and Cons of using a VPN that cover a range of these topics on the essential practicality of using one.
Will A VPN Slow Down My Internet?
There’s no need to worry about a VPN slowing down your internet connection. If anything, using a VPN can actually improve your internet speeds by giving you access to a more direct and efficient route to the internet. In most cases, a VPN will actually make your internet connection faster and more reliable. The only time you might experience a slowdown is if your chosen VPN server is located further away from your actual location, which can sometimes happen if you’re using a free or lower-end VPN service. But even in that case, the difference in speed will usually be negligible. Have no fear about slower speeds when you use a VPN. For the most part, it won’t slow down your internet connection!
How Much Do VPNs Cost?
A VPN can cost as little as a few dollars per month or as much as a few hundred dollars per year, depending on the features and level of service you require.
Many businesses and individuals find that a mid-priced VPN service is the best option, as it provides good value for the money while still offering a range of features and options. However, if you only plan to use a VPN occasionally or for very specific purposes, then a lower-priced option may be all you need.
There are a few potential disadvantages of VPNs. First, VPNs can be slow (depending on the service). This is because your data has to travel further to get encrypted and then sent back to you. Second, VPNs can be costly. Some providers charge a monthly fee, while others require you to purchase a subscription. Finally, not all VPNs are created equal. Some providers may be less reliable or have fewer servers in different locations around the world.
Can You Get Hacked Through VPN?
Using a VPN doesn’t make you invincible and immune to all things malicious that happen on the internet. Yes, you can get hacked through a VPN. A VPN creates a virtual encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel provides some level of security but is not foolproof. A hacker who is able to bypass the security of the VPN server could potentially access your data.
That said, using a VPN does provide some extra security and privacy that is not available when you are not connected to a VPN. If you are concerned about your online privacy and security, using a VPN is not just a good idea, it’s a great idea. Just be aware that it is not 100% foolproof and hackers may still be able to find ways to access your data.
What Does A VPN Not Protect You From?
A VPN will not protect you from viruses or other malware that may be on your device. It will also not protect you from someone monitoring your internet traffic or tracking your activities. Finally, a VPN will not protect you from being hacked if your device is already compromised.
What Is The Safest VPN?
There are a lot of different opinions on what the “safest” VPN is. It really depends on your specific needs and threats. For example, if you’re worried about government surveillance, then you might want a VPN that encrypts your traffic and provides strong security features. On the other hand, if you’re mostly concerned about hackers or identity thieves, then you might want a VPN with robust anti-spyware and anti-malware protection.
Ultimately, the safest VPN is the one that best meets your particular needs. Do some research and talk to people whose opinions you trust to find the right VPN for you. In my opinion, I love ExpressVPN and personally use it. I also layer on a little more security by using Firewalla Purple which has a built-in VPN.
Can VPNs Be Traced?
VPNs are an incredible way to protect your privacy and keep your data safe, but can they be traced? The answer is yes, VPNs can be traced, but only if the person or company doing the tracing has access to certain information.
For example, if you’re using a VPN service that is based in the US, then the US government could request access to logs of your activity on that VPN. However, if you’re using a VPN service that is based in a country with strong privacy laws, like Switzerland or Iceland, then it would be much more difficult for anyone to track your activity.
If you’re looking to hide your location, a VPN is a great tool. By routing your traffic through a VPN server, you can change your IP address and effectively disguise your location. However, it’s important to remember that VPNs can’t make you completely anonymous – if someone is determined to find out where you are, they may be able to do so by tracking your traffic. Nevertheless, using a VPN is a great way to protect your privacy and change your location online.
Can My Employer Track My Location Through VPN?
A VPN (virtual private network) is a secure connection between two or more devices. It can be used to connect your computer to your company’s network while you’re on the go or to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy.
Your employer cannot track your location through a VPN. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. This protects your data from being intercepted by anyone else on the network, including your employer. Your employer can see that you’re connected to the company’s network, but generally speaking, they cannot see what websites you are visiting or what files you are downloading.
Can I Leave A VPN On All The Time?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best decision for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, in general, it is a good idea to use a VPN whenever you are online, as it can help protect your privacy and security.
Which VPN Works With Netflix?
There are a lot of VPNs that work with Netflix, but the best one for you will depend on your specific needs. Here are a few of the most popular VPNs that work with Netflix:
ExpressVPN: This is a great all-around VPN that works with Netflix and other streaming services. It’s fast and reliable, and it has servers in over 80 countries.
NordVPN: This is another good option for streaming, and it has servers in over 60 countries. It’s also very affordable.
CyberGhost: This VPN is especially good for streaming, and it has servers in over 50 countries. It’s also very easy to use.
What Is A VPN Router?
VPN routers are special types of routers that have been pre-configured to connect to a VPN service. This means that you can connect any device that is capable of connecting to a router (e.g., desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) to the VPN service by simply connecting it to the router.
VPN routers are ideal for people who want to use a VPN service but don’t want to have to configure each individual device on their network to use the VPN service. They are also ideal for people who travel and want to be able to connect devices that they wouldn’t normally be able to connect (e.g., gaming consoles, Apple TV, etc.) while they are away from home.
Do I Need A VPN For My Business?
VPNs can be an essential part of a business security plan, especially if your employees work remotely. A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and the VPN server, allowing you to access the internet safely and anonymously.
When choosing a VPN for your business, be sure to choose one that offers strong security features and unlimited bandwidth. We’ve done a lot of research on which VPN is best for business.
Should I Use A VPN For My Phone?
There are a lot of reasons why you might want to use a VPN on your phone. A VPN can help protect your privacy by hiding your identity and location, and it can also allow you to access content that’s blocked in your region.
Whether or not you should use a VPN depends on your needs and what type of VPN service you’re using. If you’re looking for privacy and security, then a paid VPN service is probably the best option. However, if you just want to access content that’s blocked in your region, then a free VPN service might be enough.
If you can’t tell, I really love VPNs. When it comes to data security and data privacy, I think it’s a no-brainer that everyone should be using a VPN. With that said, here are my favorite VPNs:
Express VPN
ExpressVPN is one of my favorite VPN services. Not only are they a major player in this niche, but with servers located all over the world and unlimited bandwidth, you can’t go wrong! Plus their support is impeccable. I’m happy to say that after trying out several competitors’ services it’s nice knowing there’s one provider who will always have an answer for me when I need one fast (and reliable).
Norton Secure VPN is a great option for those who need to protect their information from hackers. One of Norton’s best features is their split-tunneling and anonymous browsing with a no-log policy. Essentially that means things like online purchases are never tracked!
Snapchat originally made its debut in 2011. It focused on users interacting with each other via emoticons and interactive graphics. The idea of disappearing messages and media came from one of the founders, Evan Spiegel. He was applying for a job, and he frantically started untagging himself in posts and media on Facebook to better his chances. Thus, Snapchat’s disappearing abilities were born.
This social media platform quickly became the most used social media app in just under ten years. Through its Stories and Chats, users could send images, texts, and videos that could be played and would disappear within seconds. The sender could modify the seconds visible from one to ten seconds for videos and pictures. Though this was a fun concept, it quickly took off in the wrong direction. Parents started understanding the negativity around such a concept.
Snapchat Safety
Snapchat’s target audience is users between the ages of 13 and 19. This is a highly vulnerable age bracket, as many of these users are not socially aware of predators and scammers. Unfortunately, many teenagers believe that everyone is a friend and has their best interests in mind. Parents need to understand Snapchat’s features, so they can better prepare for their conversations with their teenagers.
Parents need to be open and honest when discussing Snapchat and other apps with their teenagers. Many users believe that once their Snap disappears, it’s no longer in existence. Snapchat users can screenshot the Snap before it’s gone. Now, this does notify the user who sent the message. However, Snapchat’s privacy policy specifically states how they can use information shared on their app, despite the “disappearing” feature. We recommend you use this information to have a practical discussion with your teenagers.
Besides disappearing messages and media (Snaps), Snapchat offers users ways to connect to others and mega-media platforms.
Video Calls/Calls: The app allows users to call and connect with any user handle they may have. They could potentially call any person.
Snap Map: Snapchat allows users to use their GPS to show their location wherever they travel. The Snap Map lists the user’s Bitmoji, places, and friends. You can refine by locations like county, city, etc. Users can even see other users’ Snaps. The GPS feature is pretty accurate, revealing the user’s location to anyone.
Ghost Mode: This feature allows users to hide their location, so parents can use this feature to avoid potential predators from knowing their teenager’s location.
Discover: Discover is a Snapchat feature that allows users to discover mega media platforms like New York Times and business profiles like Ulta, Traeger, and more. Unfortunately, there are also sections that can be detrimental to viewers like extreme plastic surgery or bad beauty trends.
Snap Streaks: This is where users gain rewards for messaging other users daily, all in a large streak. Though this isn’t the worst feature for safety, it is time-consuming and paints an unrealistic perspective on communication.
Though there are other features, these are the most common ones for Snapchat.
Parental Controls
Snapchat had limited parental controls until October of 2021. Some of the privacy settings included a “My friends” default that has users limited to their friend’s list only for their Snaps. According to TechCrunch, there’s a new parental control called “Family Center” where parents can view their teen’s activity on Snapchat. This feature is an invite option for teenagers and their friends. Parents can see their kids’ friends and to who they sent messages within the last week. However, they cannot see the actual content their kids sent back and forth.
The ghost mode is a feature that we recommend all users use. Phones track most of our locations, so removing at least one tracking feature can benefit us all, but especially our kids.
With more social media apps come predators and scammers. (INSERT SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS ARTICLE BACKLINK) Luckily, there’s been many new monitoring apps to help us keep track of our children, and how they interact with others.
MMGuardian This is Dale’s personal favorite and personal daily driver for his kids. MMGuardian give parents total control of their child’s phone. MMGuardian’s main feature includes discrete message monitoring and detailed message reports. Parents can add keywords of their choice to the Text Monitor sensitive words list. When necessary, parents can read their child’s sent and received text messages, even after deletion. With plans that start at $3.99 for a single child device or $7.99 a month for up to 5 child devices, MMGuardian is one of the best solutions we’ve seen.
Bark is a content monitoring app that parents can connect with their teenager’s social media accounts. Bark pays attention to all messages, media, and emails on over 30 plus apps. According to Bark, they look for “signs of issues like cyberbullying, sexual content, online predators, depression, suicidal ideation, threats of violence, and more.” Bark is a monitoring option with a fee. They offer a Bark Jr. at $5 a month, with a free trial, or a Bark Premium at $14 a month. Most users rate Bark at 4 out of 5 stars.
Net Nanny is another content monitoring app for parents. They focus their monitoring on inappropriate materials like pornography. Their site discusses blocking material since 1996. Their monitoring app costs substantially more, coming in at $39.99 for one computer and up to $89.99 for up to 20 devices. However, they have considerably fewer reviews.
Qustodio is another monitoring app that users rated just over 4 out of 5 stars. They have more affordable plans compared to Net Nanny, with their basic plan at $4.58 a month for up to five devices. Their biggest plan covers up to 15 devices at $11.50 a month.
The most important thing any parent can do is discuss the pros and cons of any social media and sharing content. The internet is a forever thing and although it has helped our world, it has also allowed scammers and predators to more easily prey upon the vulnerable.
With the ever-growing use of technology, it’s hard to ignore how many parents are resorting to electronics to help occupy their children, particularly toddlers. You see toddlers and tablets everywhere, and you’ll see them especially when families are traveling. When tablets came to the market, it was gadget that everyone needed and loved. It’s been well over a decade since we gained a more advanced tablet version. Since most people don’t know the history of tablets, let’s do a rapid rundown.
Tablet History
Though these versions may not be familiar to most, they are an essential part of the tablets we know today.
The Linus-Write Top (1987) was one of the first tablets the user could write on with a stylus.
MessagePad (1993) was Apple’s first PDA (personal digital assistant).
The PalmPilot (1997) proved to be more successful than the MessagePad.
Microsoft Tablet (2000) was the first to be deemed the “Tablet PC.”
Apple iPad (2010) was the first touch screen tablet and made the largest impact.
Samsung Galaxy Tablet (2010) wasn’t a hit but quickly won over users.
Amazon Kindle Fire (2011) proved that tablets could be inexpensive and still great.
LeapFrog (2011) came out with its parent-approved tablet.
Microsoft Surface (2012) put Microsoft back in the game.
Amazon Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition (2014) was the first kid-inspired and parent-designed tablet.
Since 2014, computer companies like Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Google, and others have continued making history with more user-friendly tablets. Though most of these have similar features, they are still not the recommended electronics for toddlers and children. After a few years, parents started handing over their tablets to occupy their toddlers and kids. Tablets quickly turned into an opportunity for parents to get things done, while still providing engaging interactions for their young ones.
Shout out to Amazon for creating the Kids Edition Kindle Tablet, as it paved the way for more companies to make parent-approved and toddler-friendly tablets.
Thanks to tablet innovations, many children’s toy brands created electronic devices to provide learning opportunities for kids. The leading children’s brand LeapFrog started following the tablet market and made its own toddler-friendly device in 1999. Fast-forward to 2011, when the company made the LeapPad Explorer Line. This line focused on easy learning, making parents feel good about their kid’s exposure.
LeapFrog tablets proved to be great electronics for toddlers and young kids, as designers emphasized learning and progress for young minds of all ages. LeapFrog offers four varieties, including the LeapPad Academy, LeapPad Ultimate, LeapFrog Epic Academy, and LeapFrog Epic. Unfortunately, we were only able to find two of their tablets.
LeapPad Academy is a kid-safe tablet that comes preloaded with 20 educational games safe for kids 3-8 years old. This tablet offers a 7” shatter-safe screen with bumper cover, stylus, and kickstand. It allows toddlers and children to safely play games and watch parent-approved shows without the fear of breaking the tablet. LeapPad Academy has user-friendly parent controls and time limits for the recommended screen time. There’s also a bonus of three months of LeapFrog Academy, which are the company’s interactive learning program with over 2,000 games and activities to help children learn. This tablet retails for $124.99 on the LeapFrog website.
LeapPad Ultimate Ready for School Tablet is kid-safe and is for children 3-6 years old. It comes preloaded with games, apps, and music designed to help toddlers and young children prepare for their educational journey. According to the LeapFrog website, it retails for $99.99 but isn’t available through any retailers.
Consumers can purchase most of the LeapFrog Tablets through Walmart, Target, and other major retailers.
Amazon Amazes Parents
Amazon amazes parents time after time, but especially with their Kindle for kids. As of 2022, the Amazon Fire and Amazon HD are parents’ and educators’ top tablet picks. Toddlers as young as two years are picking up their tablets to learn with their favorite characters like Elmo, Grover, Pinkfong, Mickey Mouse, and more. Good Housekeeping listed Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet as the best for little kids.
Amazon tablets offer preloaded activities, games, and movies with premium parental controls, time limitations, and Firewalls. Amazon users ranked this tablet as number one, while an impressive reviewing crowd of just under 120,000 ranked it with 4.5 stars. It also comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee encouraging parents to take the leap of faith and purchase, knowing they can exchange the tablet if or when their toddler drops and breaks it.
Amazon has four varieties: a 7” inch screen, two 8” screens, and one 10” screen. The storage space and battery longevity vary with each version, but the parent controls, user-friendly design, and pricing are all similar. Parents can purchase these tablets from $109.99 to $139.99 on Amazon.
So what’s the problem with toddlers and tablets? Technology is typically beneficial and can offer toddlers positive learning opportunities. However, there are numerous studies correlatingtoddler screen time with aggression. Little minds often become overstimulated and too much tablet time massively overstimulates them. Toddlers lack the proper skills for emotion-based communication, which often leads to them feeling frustrated and unable to express their emotions well. Hitting, biting, kicking, and other aggressive actions can be common in frustrated and overstimulated toddlers. Though the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has not updated its suggestions on screen time since 2020, many pediatricians agree with the following guidelines:
18 months and younger are limited to video chats with loved ones
18 to 24 months to watching educational programs with a guardian
Toddlers and children 2-5 years old to one hour of screen time daily
Children 6 years and older to limit activities that include screens
Educators and pediatricians suggest that pretend play is the best way toddlers learn. Pretend play can rapidly advance many toddlers and children, and in fact, this is how many parents and pediatricians gauge how a child is hitting his/her milestones. Toddler screen time can take away from learning and interactive play. There’s also that element of what they are accessing through their tablets. What I’ve found out is many parents don’t know what the devices on their home network are accessing. Getting your toddler a tablet adds another security risk and another device you have to manage. It’s not impossible to do, but knowing what they are accessing through your home network is another component to be aware of.
With so many tablet choices, there’s bound to be one that works for your little one. Make sure to discuss all your options and even meet with your toddler’s pediatrician to see what they may recommend.
As a society, we’ve all been captivated by social media. Many people find themselves scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, and other social media sites unaware of the thousands of Social Media Scams Stealing Accounts across the world. How can anyone avoid these scary scams that steal personal information, images, and even people’s identities?
We’ve discussed 5 Online Scams To Watch Out For, which included internet scams from phishing to fake websites and more. Scammers are clever enough to attack others based on demographics like age and location. Older generations seem more vulnerable to online and phone scams either requesting money or asking for too much information. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 2021 consumers reported over $392 million in online shopping fraud, which spanned over ages 18 to 80. Despite news outlets and educational seminars discussing internet fraud and scams, people are still falling prey.
Social Media Scams
Scrolling through social media apps has quickly become a leisurely activity, whether people are in line waiting, grocery shopping, or sitting at home. We’re noticing many adverse effects of too much social media. This includes our social skills, sleep patterns, and relationships. Social Media Scams are also causing adverse effects as our social and bank accounts are feeling the heat.
Social media’s demographics vary, but the age group of 18-39 takes the largest hit by scammers. After all, these ages grew up with the internet and social media. Google launched in 1998 which means the majority of the 18-39 age group from 16 and older have learned on and with the internet and Google. According to the FTC, social media users lost near $607 million this year as of June 30th. Users reported that social media was the number one contact method for personal scam attempts. Let’s focus on the top social media sites: Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok.
Instagram quickly became popular, ranking number two on social media platforms, next to its sister company Facebook. It has over 1 billion accounts with over 500 million daily active users. With Instagram’s success comes many downfalls, including various scams. Instagram scams seem to flood users daily from comments and personal DM’s (direct messages) to unknown tagging.
Romance Scam
Love is in the air according to Instagram scammers! Online dating is a huge social media influence. Dating apps are common and couples are finding love all over the internet and social media. With Instagram, users receive likes and comments on their pictures. Scammers continue to build the relationship through DM’s, eventually creating a love relationship. Once the social media scammer gains their victim’s trust, they ask for money for bills, travel, health, etc. Many victims cave and once the funds are deposited, the scammer moves on.
Merchandise Scam
Instagram continually focuses on productive and lucrative business approaches. Businesses started selling products on Instagram, even having pages users follow to suggest products. Unfortunately, scammers took full advantage of this and created fake merchandise pages, taking social media scamming to another level. Buyers would either never receive the product and never get their money back, or buyers would receive merchandise that was not as advertised. This scam added to the FTC online shopping scams we mentioned earlier.
Hacker Scam
This is probably the hottest scam going around Instagram. I’ve personally seen friends and family members suffer from lost accounts, images, money, and regret. The slimy scammers target an already scammer user’s friend list. They send multiple messages about needing account verification or password help. The friend is a good pal and tries to help out. However, the link they are receiving is a link for resetting their own account for the hacker to access. Instagram will never DM any users for account verifications. These hackers will then harass the user for money before they give the account back.
Facebook users have a larger age demographic than Instagram. Facebook is the number one ranking social media app and the number one searched website on Google. Although the previous scams still can happen on Facebook, scammers are using other ways to steal personal information and money from users.
Marketplace Scam
Marketplace is a tool Facebook has for selling and buying items from other Facebook users. It’s a virtual yard sale. The scam comes once the buyer (scammer) contacts the seller and sends money through a cash transfer app like Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or others. However, once the scammer deposits the funds, they send the seller a notification claiming they need to send an added amount to upgrade to a “business account,” but of course, that’s not true.
Rental Scam
The housing market is crazy and people are struggling to find places to live. Social media Facebook scammers target rental ads for their scams. They list a place for rent, using photos and descriptions of real properties they randomly found. They convince the potential renter that they need to place the first and last month’s rent to secure the unit or home. They suggest a deposit of some form to gain or view the unit. However, the scammer always has an emergency and delays the agreement. Meanwhile, they ask for additional funds or personal information where they can steal identities and more money. The rental property is fake, so it’s a hard lesson for the potential renter.
Tiktok Scams
Tiktok is a new, trendy social media app that focuses on videos and sounds for user engagement. It’s changed the way Instagram and Facebook also target users. There’s been funny Tiktok challenges, sing-a-longs, and even educational videos. However, this social media app gained its audience through silly dances. Since it’s the newest app, its audience is younger than Facebook and Instagram.
Catfishing Scam
Catfishing is when someone creates a fake account to manipulate followers/fans/friends.
These scammers use videos and posts to pretend to be someone they aren’t. They ask for money, account verification, etc. Catfishing combines previous social media scams with identity theft.
How to Avoid Social Media Scams
Social media sites all state that they will never send you a personal message through their site or apps. They will only contact you through direct emails and those emails will not redirect you to any third-party apps or websites. Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok are all free to sign up and keep an account. The only time they will require any payment is when you are looking to advertise with them. Facebook has an in-depth advertisement opportunity and uses Instagram as a synced advertisement opportunity.
You can spot fake accounts or social media scammers when their accounts are new, have no posts or followers, or if their messages are poorly written. We suggest using common sense, but when in doubt, do your research. If you’re concerned about a fraudulent account or activity, you can report the accounts to each social media site you’re using.
Keep in mind that frequent password changes can help you avoid hackers and scammers. We also recommend that you always set up two-factor authentication. Curious what that is? Check out our previous article: What Is Two Factor Authentication. You’ll learn how it can help protect you and your social media accounts.
