Tech Tips

Photographer: Acrelia | Source: Unsplash Scammers are skilled at one thing: evoking emotions in you. Whether it’s excitement, fear, curiosity, or guilt, that emotional nudge is their hook. The trick is simple — create a sense of urgency or surprise so you act before you think. So this Cybersecurity Month, let’s talk about the red flags and the quick steps you can take to avoid getting caught. Why emotions are the gateway Have you ever opened a message that starts with “You won!” or a blunt “We’ll arrest you unless…”? That jolt — whether positive or terrifying — is exactly what scammers rely on. They trigger quick reactions: clicking a link, replying, or sharing private info. Examples you might see: “You won our sweepstakes!” (excited to claim a prize) “You owe back taxes — pay now!” (panic and urgency) “I’m your boss — send payroll details ASAP” (pressure and authority) Scams don’t always shout. Sometimes they whisper Not all scams are dramatic. A growing tactic is the slow con — a ...

Photographer: appshunter.io | Source: Unsplash ​Who’s Listening to Your Phone? (Hint: More Than You Think) Your phone knows a lot about you. Not just the obvious stuff — your contacts, your recent photos, the apps you use — but also details you probably assumed were more private: where you live, how often you go to the gym, even pieces of your financial life. And the company that usually holds that map of your habits? Your mobile carrier. AT&T, T‑Mobile, Verizon — the big three — collect and share more data than most people realize. Here’s what they gather, why it matters, and what you can do about it. What they collect (spoiler: it’s a lot) Carriers log the usual identification details: your name, home address, email, date of birth — the information you provide when you sign up. But it goes further. In some cases, that includes Social Security numbers, driver’s license or passport numbers used for identity verification. They also keep records of your location history, billing and...