Technology is designed to make our lives easier, but all too often technology and our devices have the opposite effect. With so many choices and options, it’s easy to get bogged down in the details and lose sight of what’s important. In this digital world, it’s easy to get distracted. And oftentimes those moments of constant distraction add up. That’s the problem: technology is a double-edged sword that when used ineffectively hinders our ability in life to grow and develop.
On the other hand, when used appropriately where we harness the good from it, technology can empower our lives and make them easier. This is one of my chief reasons for starting this website. And that’s also why I’ve put together a list of my favorite Android apps that are perfect for those who want to be more productive. From to-do lists to calendar management, these apps will help you make the most of your time and energy. And more importantly, they’ll help you actually utilize your devices in a way that doesn’t control you.
I’m a very busy person. My time is really important to me. It’s not just the “time is money” mantra either. Time is time for me and any moment I can savor to spend more of it with family and friends, I’m going to do what I can do to squeeze more time out of life. I hate wasting it. This is why I believe leveraging technology to stay productive and organized is one of those key elements to earning me more time in life.
Here are a handful of my favorite Android apps for productivity. Some of these I use for my family life and some of these I use for work. Regardless, they are great apps to help increase your productivity:
1. Todoist
This app is perfect for those who have a lot on their plate. With Todoist, you can create custom to-do lists for each member of the family or work, set deadlines and reminders, and track your progress over time. You can prioritize tasks, so you can push aside the fluff and really focus on what matters. You can also share lists with other members of the family or work so everyone is on the same page.
I had to put this one right underneath Todoist because they serve the same purpose. If you know me, you’ll know I love Google products. Google Tasks is no exception. This task manager is a phenomenal to-do list app for people looking for an easy to to use, yet effective tool. Because it’s a Google tool, it integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Google Calendar, and many more. You can create tasks right in your calendar, make deadlines and due dates, create reminders, add as many details as you want, create subtasks, and access all of them from your desktop, tablet, or smartphone. If you’re someone who loves the world of Google, this task app is great.
Google Calendar is a must-have for anyone that wants to be more organized and productive. With this app, you can easily keep track of events, appointments, and Birthdays. The iOS calendar functions the same way, but because I utilize so many Google tools and products, using Google Calendar is a no-brainer. With this app, you can also set up reminders so you never forget an important date again. Google Calendar integrates with Gmail and Google Tasks, making it even easier to keep track of your family’s schedule and your personal work schedule as well.
Evernote is perfect for those who need to capture ideas and memories on the go. With this app, you can take notes, create voice memos, and even snap photos and save them for later. Evernote makes it easy to access your notes from any device, making it a great choice for families who are always on the go. Evernote is probably the most powerful note-taking app. Not only is it one of the most popular apps in this category, everything it does from the organization, to cross-device syncing, and impeccable note-taking features makes it hard to find a close second. On that note, Google Keep is a free option (which syncs with other Google products). I just don’t think Keep is as powerful as Evernote.
I’ve ranted and raved about how much I love LastPass. Is it a productivity app? Yes! I save so much time plus my online accounts are secure because of this app. LastPass essentially stores all your personal and business login details for websites, other apps, and anything that would require a password. Before I had LastPass, I couldn’t begin to tell you how much time I wasted trying to find usernames and passwords or being locked out of an account. LastPass resolves all of that and more.
When it comes to communication, especially in business matters, Slack is one of the best productivity apps. So much time is wasted on poor communication AND poor organization of correspondence (emails, texts, etc). Slack is a tool to help organize operational efforts and communication into teams and channels. It integrates with hundreds of other platforms and apps (like Google Drive, Trello, Harvest, etc) making Slack a must-have productivity app.
This productivity app is one of the most effective tools for organizing work and workflows. Trello is one of the best task managers out there. I’ve used it in my personal life as well as with small and large business settings. Trello allows you to create boards to help you stay organized with projects and tasks. It’s based on a Kanban method of project management, but it’s more than that. With its ability to integrate with Dropbox, Google Drive, and more…Trello is a next-level task manager for individuals, families, and businesses.
Productivity apps are supposed to make personal and work life more efficient. There are so many great Android apps out there that it can be tough to choose which ones to use. Some of these I mentioned above overlap in terms of purpose (life Todist and Google Tasks). But if you’re looking for apps that will help you be more productive (with the family or in business), these are a great place to start. Don’t feel obligated to download all of these right now. Start with one. Learn it. Make the app work for you, then try another one.
Nowadays, you can never be too safe or too prepared. We all know our world is much more different than it used to be and a bit scarier, too. Thanks to social media, we’ve seen a huge increase in scams and hackers trying out new ways to fool and scam people of all ages. As we’ve discussed before, predators are using the newest technology to follow their victims to work or their homes using Bluetooth Tracking Devices. Although social media may share some horror stories, it is also sharing ways to prevent predators and avoid their tricks.
For example, TikTok has people sharing “what to do if you see this on your car” or “what to do if you feel like you’re being followed” etc. There are a ton of educational videos geared toward women, parents, and young adults about personal safety. Unfortunately, we still live in a world where women are more often assaulted, raped, kidnapped, and attacked. Here’s where social media and apps can actually be of use: Personal Safety Apps and Alerts.
Listen ladies, if you’ve ever needed to text your mom, sister, friend, or anyone else your location when you’ve gone out by yourself, then this is for you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out with friends or even gone out to the grocery store, and if I don’t let my mother know I arrived safely, she’ll send the brigade out to find me. I’m definitely the type of friend that makes sure my friends get home safely, which I’m sure I got from my mother. To be honest, I learned about these personal safety apps from a friend. These apps are-game changers!
Watch Over Me
Watch Over Me is a security app for both Android and iOS systems. Xin-Ci Chin created this app after she survived a kidnapping and rape attempt in 2012. She realized that although there were plenty of GPS apps, there wasn’t the right app that would alert the police or authorities. Watch Over Me is an app that you share your location with, when you want to be “watched over,” and when you’re safe. Those are the basics, but you can shake your phone when you need the authorities alerted. The original app is free, but you can get increased text message alerts, etc. for $4.99 a year.
bSafe
bSafe is a safety and security app featuring Voice Activation, Live Streaming, Automatic Recording, Fake Call, Timer Alarm, or the Follow Me function. Creator Charlen was raped and after, she and her father discussed ways they could have prevented the attack. They started the creation process for bSafe. To me, the coolest feature is the guardian feature which allows users to have a select list of people who the app will alert for their location or in an emergency situation. It looks like bSafe is still working with investors and partners.
Noonlight
Noonlight is another safety and security app that even works with other apps like Tinder to share details that are important in an emergency. This app uses a Safety Network similar to the bSafe guardians, where users can select a number of emergency contacts in the event they need help. Noonlight is available on both Android and iOS systems and offers a three-tier pricing system. Basic is a free service and includes the safety button, timeline feature, safety network, and advanced profile. Some of these features are limited depending on your phone system. Instant Access is $5.00 per month and only works with iOS platforms. It adds in a phone widget, Apple Watch app access, and syncs to Uber and Lyft apps. The Total Protection plan for iOS platforms is $10.00 per month and includes crash response, Alexa skill, Google Home Service, and you can sync IFTTT applets.
WanderSafe
WanderSafe app is a free safety travel app available for both Android and iOS platforms. It includes a Jeni buddy, who is a digital safety companion, is available to listen when or if the user feels unsafe or safe. This app has a built-in silent SOS feature, that can be discreetly activated and let your emergency contact list and emergency responders know your location. The app also has a crisis mode that allows a voice activation SOS feature for when you may not have your phone in your hands, but it’s near you. WanderSafe is the first app to create a safety Beacon device which is a flashlight, strobe, silent, and loud alarm. It retails for $79.99. WanderSafe Shakti is a mini Beacon version that offers the same features in a more travel-friendly version. It retails for $39.99.
One Scream is another safety app with a unique system as it’s a voice or scream-activated safety system. Just like many of the other apps, this is a woman-created app designed to keep us ladies safe. It’s available on both Android and iOS platforms for $2.99 a month or $26.99 a year. It does have an Android-only feature of an open line when it hears the scream or panic phrase. Once activated, it sends an alert to your emergency contacts and first responders.
There are more apps available for personal safety and security, too. As always, be open with your children and loved ones about safety and security on apps, the internet, and traveling. If you’re interested in other nifty tech gadgets while traveling, take a look at our suggestions.
We live in a world of digital connectivity where maintaining one’s security while surfing the internet or doing anything online is critical. Having a VPN service can help achieve this by making your browsing private. But not everyone wants to subscribe to a VPN service. In some regards, these VPN services have their drawbacks, as setting up VPN software one by one on every single device OR turning it on every time you want to surf the web can be a little time-consuming.
Thankfully, VPN routers provide an easier-to-use solution if you want VPN protection on your devices and your home network. These VPN routers work similarly to your typical routers but offer a secure network to all devices connected to them. These routers make it simple to set up a VPN connection.
If you are looking for VPN routers, you are probably already familiar with VPNs’ security and privacy benefits. They encrypt your data helping you stay anonymous when surfing the web and even accessing websites that are banned in your area.
Even though you can set up a VPN on any device connected to your regular Wi-Fi router, we still recommend investing in a good VPN router, as it provides various other benefits, as given below.
Automatic Connectivity
You will no longer have to turn your VPN on with a router manually. You will be connected to the VPN as soon as you join the network of the VPN router.
Protect Every Device
As mentioned earlier, any device connected to a VPN router’s Wi-Fi is automatically connected to the VPN network, ensuring protection on devices like smartphones, televisions, and those that generally do not have VPN software support.
Now that you know a little about the benefits of having a VPN router, there are some factors that you have to consider when choosing one that is best for you.
Frequency
Many VPN routers provide a 2.4 GHz or a 5 GHz frequency, so it is best to know the use of both and choose accordingly. Firstly, the 2.4 GHz band’s Wi-Fi connection is slower but has an excellent range. On the other hand, the 5 GHz frequency supports high-quality streaming but is less powerful.
Encryption and Security
Privacy is probably the most important factor you should consider when choosing a VPN router. It is best to look for VPN routers that support Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and IP Security (IPsec) encryption and protocols, as they are better and more secure.
Speed
The speed and reliability of VPN routers are generally related to encryption standards. When choosing the best VPN router, you do not want one that provides security but makes gaming, streaming, or browsing processes slow and aggravating.
With so many different VPN routers on the market, it can be a little tough to figure out the right option for your home. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best VPN routers. If you’re looking for a powerful router for your home or office that will get you premium protection, won’t cause your network to slow down, and won’t break the bank…you’re going to want to check these out.
TP-Link ER7206 Router
The TP-Link ER7206 router comes fully configured with Omada SDN Cloud Controller, so all you need to do is connect it to your network with an ethernet wire to get started. The cloud controller’s SDN user management lets you know the device and location of anyone using your network.
The TP-Link ER7206 offers various features like Bandwidth Control, Port VLAN, UPnP, Firewall, and many more. More of its key features include:
Integration into Omada SDN
Centralized Management
Gigabit Ports
Up to 4 WAN Ports
Highly Secure VPN
Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, and IP/MAC/URL filtering
NETGEAR ProSafe FVS336G Dual WAN VPN Firewall Router
The Netgear FVS336Gv2 ProSafe Dual WAN VPN Firewall Router has an SSL and IPsec supported VPN providing the ease of spreading broadband internet access throughout your network. This router provides Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and IP Security (IPsec) VPN tunnels in two different configurations for the most secure access to your network. We recommend it because it is a great option to securely connect remote users or remote LAN locations to your network.
It supports two broadband connections with a load-balancing structure, thus adding to its reliability. Its key features include:
The TP-Link AX 6600 WiFi Gaming Router (Archer GX90) is a tri-band router for low-latency gaming that supports the Wifi 6. But despite its popularity as a VPN router, you don’t have to be a gamer to appreciate this router. This is a great one for streaming as well.
Its setup comes with the additional benefits of antivirus and parental controls. The bandwidth for each device connection is displayed on the quality-of-service controls. Its features also allow you to configure priority on devices connected to the network, which is helpful if you have limited bandwidth. One of my favorite features of this VPN router is prioritizing device connections. Its features include:
TP-Link OneMesh Supported
4.8 Gbps Game Band
Detect and optimize gaming streams
Up to 5 WAN Ports
Expansive Coverage
OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology
1.5 GHz Quad-Core CPU
Synology RT 6600ax VPN WiFi Router
By far my favorite VPN router is the Synology RT 6600ax. This tri-band VPN router features 2.5 Gbps ethernet, VLAN segmentation, supports multiple SSIDs, has robust parental controls, and enhanced threat prevention. This VPN router provides one of the most comprehensive VPN server solutions with site-to-site tunneling that provides secure remote connectivity and remote desktop capabilities. It’s everything you want out of a VPN router and then a lot more.
What I love is that this router is powered by the Synology Router Manager (SRM) which helps you manage its security and performance. And don’t worry, you won’t have to be a techy to customize its web filtering and threat detection features. It comes with default profiles that make it easy to customize your control over your home network. Some of its features include:
Supports Wifi 6
Tri-band Wi-Fi
Expanded 5.9 GHz support
Support for the fastest ISPs
Ability to create up to 5 separate networks
Can be configured for WAN or LAN
1.8 GHz Quad-Core CPU
1 GB of Memory
Incredible tech support from Synology
Users of this VPN router agree with me on how incredible it is. On Amazon, it scores 4.4 out of a 5 rating. There are nearly 3.4K reviews pushing that rating as well. It’s most highly rated features according to verified users are WiFi signal (4.3), User Interface (4.2), Ease of Use (4.2), and Easy To Install (4.1). In fact,
VPN Routers Are A Solid Home Network Device
If you’re looking for a way to improve your home network, you might want to consider buying a VPN router. To recap, a VPN router can provide many benefits over a traditional router, including improved security and privacy. One of the biggest benefits of a VPN router is that it can help to protect your devices from hackers. I’ve pounded this drum time and time again: any time you can add an extra layer of security to your devices, you should seriously explore that option. When you connect to the internet through a VPN router, all of your traffic is encrypted. This means that hackers won’t be able to see what you’re doing or gather any information about you.
Another benefit of a VPN router is that it can help to improve your privacy. I’ve been in the business a long time and can tell you that almost every app and every website is tracking everything you do and storing that data. That’s why every website blasts you with pop-ups about cookie policies. When you use a traditional router, your ISP (and most websites) can see everything that you’re doing online. However, when you use a VPN router, your traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel. This means for the most part that your ISP can’t see what you’re doing or collect any data about you.
And another awesome perk with these router types is a VPN router can also help to improve your speed and performance. When you use a traditional router, your traffic has to travel through several different servers before it reaches its destination. However, when you use a VPN router, your traffic is routed directly to the server that you’re trying to reach. This can help to improve your speed and performance, especially if you’re trying to stream video or play online games.
If you use a VPN service or are considering doing so, getting one of the top VPN routers we’ve touched on above will really help heap on that extra level of security. I love these routers because you get VPN protection at the network level and not the device level. However, one drawback is if your device disconnects from the network and uses cellular data, you won’t have the protection. This is one of the advantages a VPN service has over a VPN router and why I’m a big proponent of a VPN service. Regardless, if you’re not into getting a VPN service and still want that VPN level of security, one of these routers is a fantastic addition to your home network.
Every day millions of people open their computers, tablets, phones, and other devices–click on their browsers, and begin searching. How many of those people have updated their browser systems for security purposes? This number would probably scare you, but if it doesn’t– it probably should. We’re passionate about tech security, so updating your browser is one of our top passions!
Browser Security Risks
What is a browser? Simply put: a browser is an interface for the World Wide Web. From a hacker’s perspective: it’s an interface that allows them to steal your information right under your nose. Much like we lock our cars to avoid theft, and have deadbolts and security systems to protect our homes, we also need the best security for all things digital. Sometimes we need to think like a criminal, to think of the best security solutions. As we said before, new technology can mean new risks, but we’re here to provide all the information to our readers to avoid browser security risks.
One browser security risk is not having the proper antivirus software installed on your computer. Antivirus software protects you, your computer, and your information. You can install many products, but you’ll need to keep them updated, as well. We recommend Norton, Total AV, McAfee, and Trend Micro.
Browser security risks can include pop-up ads, site redirects, extensions, and plug-ins, filled forms, and stored passwords. Pop-ups and site redirects can include malicious bots, malware, and other security threats. Extensions and plug-ins can be useful like Grammarly, Honey, Invisible Hand, StayFocusd, and more. We discuss how browser extensions affect speed and performance; however, there are extensions and plug-ins hackers design to deliberately attack your browser and steal valuable information. Users should be aware that just because an extension is available, doesn’t mean it’s been vetted for security. It’s common to keep passwords saved on your computer and the “fill form” feature. However, any saved information is more easily found through scamming attempts. It’s vital to make sure you’re constantly using up-to-date software, and browsers, and researching the plug-ins you use and the sites you visit.
Whoa. Wait. Do you have to update your browser? Yes, yes you do. Whatever browser you might be using (We recommend Chrome), Safari, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, DuckduckGo, Brave, and others. Recently, Google Chrome became aware of a high-severity vulnerability and released the Chrome 104 version. These updates are presently available to desktop users, and hopefully, the Android and iOS versions will come out shortly. If you’re using Microsoft Edge and Brave browsers those will update soon.
How to Update Your Browser
Updating your browser is relatively easy. Most browsers today are Chromium-based browsers which are based on Google Chrome. These include Microsoft Edge (this has officially replaced the old Internet Explorer), Brave, and Opera. These all have the same update setting, which you can find and click on the menu or the three dots (also called the hamburger menu) in the upper right side of the browser’s window. You can select the “about” browser section and check for updates. If your browser needs updates, most will start automatically, but depending on your settings, you may need to request a manual update. It is pretty common for this update action to require a complete browser and computer restart. Any browser tabs or windows will reopen upon restart, so you won’t have to worry about losing your work.
Curious if Google Chrome is up-to-date? Google recently added a feature that tells you that there is an update available with a notification in the upper right-hand corner.
Windows browser recently updated their systems with Windows 11. This helped users with their speed and performance. For Windows browser updates, click the Windows button and go to the Settings options. The left panel should have an update or Check for Updates option. Windows will automatically install the updates, then request a restart for your computer.
Many computer updates can seem obnoxious and tedious, especially if you’re in the middle of work or Zoom meetings. We all have felt the urge to postpone updates on our computers and our phones. Most of the updates are for users to provide better systems, better security, and more efficient interfaces. So the next time you hear about an update, especially a security update: do it. Go update your browser–NOW!
Electronics rule. Phones and technology are everywhere. Smartphone apps dominate everything. Let’s face it, it’s getting harder to live without technology. Recharging powered devices is not possible everywhere. I love to camp. Love to be outdoors. And I love to work remotely off the grid so having an additional power supply for my devices matters.
A very viable and affordable option is portable power stations. Essentially, it’s like a power bank. Pocket-sized power banks typically use USB power and they’re great for powering your phone for about 5-6 charges, but when you’re away for a handful of days (or even a week), the pocket-size battery banks just don’t cut it. Power stations go beyond USB power. One I’ve had my eye on is the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240. There’s a lot to love about this power station. Let’s take a look at what this power station offers in the review below.
Jackery The Brand
I’ve heard nothing but good things from customers and users of Jackery’s portable power stations. In fact, that’s what originally drew me to their brand in the first place. Yes, I trust reviews. Yes, I love to read about what critics have to say. BUT…word of mouth promotion from people I know and trust matters a lot more. Aside from what friends and family have had to say about I’ve done some digging and Jackery has quite the reputation. In terms of longevity, they’ve only been around for about a decade, but they are one of the early pioneers of portable solar-generated power. That stands for something. They’ve been doing this for a long time in regard to the industry. Their products have also been featured on Forbes, Digital Trends, Tom’s Guide, CNet, and a handful of other reputable publishers so having that endorsement is a good indicator of the quality of their products.
When you couple word-of-mouth endorsements and other reputable source’s endorsements with a solid warranty (2-year limited warranty on products) plus great service, Jackery is a brand that stands behind its products.
Jackery Explorer 240 Model Design
The Jackery Explorer 240 is roughly rectangular. It’s not so tall, but because of its handle, it kind of feels that way. Durable plastic adorns the exterior of the handle with grooves to provide a better grip. It is primarily black with orange highlights and bears a bold “Jackery” imprint. I dig the colors. Love the design elements of this. When you first pick it up, it just feels like a quality-built product.
Jackery Explorer 240- Power and Performance
Power stations heavily rely on their batteries. A 240Wh battery powers the Jackery Explorer 240. Some of the more popular uses and devices that people use in the Jackery 240 are smartphones, tablets, laptops, lamps, cameras, drones, and tire inflators.
Now…you won’t be able to charge a blender, electric grill, small fridge, or microwave with this model, BUT Jackery has some upgraded models that will give you that kind of power (more on that below). What I really love about the performance of this model is it’s quiet, clean, easy to use, and relatively safe.
Jackery Explorer 240 Safety and Compliance
Jackery Explorer 240 has four charging ports. A pure sinewave AC outlet. The sine wave has smooth waves, not sharp peaks. Therefore, sensitive electronics are safe. There is a maximum current limit of 200 watts. This will lead to the inability to operate heating devices, which will consume 400 watts for a short time. If you want more power, then get the upgrade. There is no automatic shutdown of small coolers when the input is active either. 12-volt DC is standard in cars, and the USB ports deliver 2.4 amps and 12 watts.
The Explorer 240 has power-saving circuitry. The power station shuts down if not fed with 10 watts for 12 hours. Definitely a nice safety feature. This function reduces battery drain.
Built-in MPPT. MPPT controllers increase battery current by 30%. A solar panel can quickly recharge the Explorer 240 (you’ll need to purchase this separately)
Sine wave inverter. A pure sine wave inverter produces similar AV power. Inverters that modify sine waves cannot charge sensitive electronics.
Smart display. Its backlit display is right in the middle so that nobody will miss it. Input power, remaining battery, and output power appear on the screen.
On/off switches. A power station generally has a single on/off switch for all outputs. All three outputs of the Explorer 240 have separate on/off switches.
Pass-through charging. Pass-through charging lets you charge your devices while the Explorer 240 charges.
Specs
Brand: Jackery
Wattage: 200 watts
Frequency: 60 Hz
Power Source: AC, CarPort, Solar Panel
Item Weight: 6.83 lbs
Voltage: 110 Volts (AC)
Output Wattage: 200 Watts
Color: Black
Material: Lithium
Pros
AC sine wave.
An ultracompact design
Noiseless.
Cons
Not suitable for CPAP (although it will work with it)
You will not be able to carry on this item due to travel restrictions with lithium batteries and due to FAA restrictions, no more than 100-watt hours capacity is allowed with checked baggage.
The battery is not replaceable
The USB Type-A ports don’t support quick charging.
Let’s Talk Jackery Upgrades
There are two reasons why you’d want to get an upgrade: you want the Solar Generator unit or you want more power. Below you can see the extra charges broken down by device type. One advantage of getting a solar generator model is the ability to charge appliances like an electric grill, coffee maker, and microwave. You will not be able to do that with the 240, 300, or 500 models. In my opinion, if I were to opt-in for an upgrade it would be the Jackery Solar Generator 1000. It’ll cost you around $1700, but right now on Amazon, you can get an extra $250 dollars off when you apply the coupon. Now, if that is a too high of a price tag and you really like the 240 models BUT really want the solar option, this Jackery Solar Generator model is what you’ll want.
Image Credit: Amazon.com:
Jackery Portable Power Station 240 User Reviews
This product has an amazing 4.7 rating out of 5 on Amazon. What makes that even more impressive is that the rating is carried across 16K+ reviews. Based on customer ratings by feature, noise level (5.0), portability (4.8), value for money (4.8), lightweight (4.7), and charging power (4.6) are the most important features customers love about the Jackery 240 portable power station. Those ratings are slightly better than Anker’s with each feature rating respectively.
There’s a lot to love about the Jackery Explorer 240. Despite its lightweight, it provides USB, AC, and DC power. With its LCD, it’s easy to use. For entry-level portable power stations, you’re not going to find a better option for portability mixed with power.
We all have a love/hate relationship with our cell phones. Not only do they provide entertainment besides communication abilities, but they also open users up to various scammers and hackers. Interestingly enough, we all have strong opinions about Androids or iPhones and which is best. Regardless of which operating system you prefer, it’s important to block any spam content on your devices. Previously, we discussed How To Block Scams, Spams, and Phishing Easily On Your iPhone. Like iOS systems, you can also block spam content on your Android.
Spamming 101
To put it simply, spam is anything users didn’t subscribe to or didn’t authorize on their phones, emails, texts, calls, etc. Spam can come in various forms from phone calls, text messages, emails and internal linking, and more. The most frustrating thing for users is redundancy. If you end up on a political spam list, you bet you’ll be on every political spam list in your area.
Let’s Talk About Spam Calls
If you own a phone, you’re probably getting spam calls at all hours of every day. We’re often unsure how we end up on these call lists, and just about everyone hates answering the call just to tell whomever to put them on the Do Not Call List. Whatever happened to that list anyways? The good news, you can still register your phone numbers and most spammers should cease calls within 31 days of registering.
Nowadays, it seems like you might recognize a number because it has the same or similar area code as your phone or a friend’s phone. That being said, how are these robocalls and spammers able to do that? These companies are taking a service that runs their numbers through multiple agencies, to lower their cost, and increase answers. Each time you answer a call, it proves that your number is legit, therefore increasing the stats on your number and gaining more spam calls. Instead of answering, just register on the Do Not Call List.
We all know the drill. You buy something in a store, they ask you if you want to join their rewards program. Not only will it save you money off initially, but forever X-amount you spend, you gain more money off later. For many people, that sounds like an excellent idea, but that one little rewards program has the potential to set your number up for unlimited spam messages. If the actual messages aren’t annoying enough, many spam texters add clickable links ready to infect your phone with malware and viruses. Though scamming and spamming seem never-ending, there are ways to block spam content for good.
Luckily, app creators are focusing on creating software to help smartphone users to stop spam content. For Android users, we highly recommend Bitdefender, as it’s the most reliable antivirus for Android systems. It provides users optimal protection against malware and data-theft activities. It offers the Scam Alert, which allows users to see warnings on suspicious messages and notifications. It has many features that can help block spam and scammers from stealing your information and sensitive data.
RoboKiller is another spam blocking app to make sure you can remove the annoyance of all the spam calls, messages, and content. Google Play shows an average rating of 4.1 stars for Android users, but an impressive number of over 5 million downloads. Despite many decent ratings, users are complaining about voicemail playback features and other bugs that RoboKiller needs to address.
Cellphone companies are also taking a step toward happier phone users through their spam-blocking apps. Verizon provides an optional upgrade for its users called Verizon Call Filter or Call Filter Plus. It provides spam detection and filtering with a visual rating per incoming call. You can see on a meter where the phone number ranks from low spam to high spam risk. Depending on your plan, you can get added features for an additional $2.99 per month for one line or $7.99 per month for three or more lines. T-Moble/Sprint also offers Scam Protection with similar screening options that let its user see a caller ranking of potential fraud.
No matter what, you need to take all technology seriously when you’re deciding to share your sensitive information. Whether it’s your Android, iOS system, or computer, you need to be aware and conscious of the content you’re sending and receiving. Common sense tells us not to open messages and links from people, numbers, and emails we don’t recognize. There are other ways to ensure you’re safe from spam content and hackers when in doubt. Take a look at some of our previous suggestions on keeping you and your family safe.
