Tech Alert

from Jim H

Tech blogger Kim Komando posted the following, which I thought you might find helpful. Another thing I do, and recommend, is turning off your iPhone or iPad once a day, then reopen it....Jim

TODAY’S TECH ALERT

Hi there, I have to tell you that the National Security Agency (yes, that NSA) just put out a blunt warning about something you may have seen on your phone before. Pop-ups screaming, “Your phone is hacked!” or “Virus detected!” Many of these aren’t just annoying, they’re active cyberattacks in progress.

Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android, the NSA says to assume any sketchy pop-up is malicious. And their advice? Not “Click here to learn more.” Not even “Close the window.” They’re saying: “Forcibly close all applications.” In other words: Don’t just close the bad tab, shut down everything. 

One post on Reddit said, “It looked so real, I nearly clicked before I caught myself.” Another shared, “My mom hit OK and ended up getting locked out of her phone.”

🛠️ What to do right now

1. See a weird pop-up?
   👉 Immediately close all apps. Don’t interact with any pop-ups.
    

2. Accidentally clicked something?
   👉 Change your passwords, alert your bank and run a full security scan on your phone.
    

3. Update your software.
   👉 Keep your phone’s OS and apps up to date. Updates patch holes hackers use.
    

4. Use official app stores only.
   👉 Skip the shady download links and third-party app stores.
    

5. Tighten permissions.
   👉 Turn off location services when you don’t need them. Don’t let random sites send you push notifications.
    

6. Reboot your phone weekly.
   👉 A simple restart can knock out hidden spyware and make you a harder target.

The NSA’s warning is clear: Cybercriminals are targeting your phone. But with a few smart steps, you can shut them down before they get in.

Share this with your family, especially the ones who still tap “OK” on everything.