Cybersecurity news you can use

from NTSC.

> As travel comes roaring back, CNBC says Tuscany, Italy and the Bahamas are the two-fastest growing locations that people are researching online. But travelers should avoid using free Wi-Fi networks anywhere they travel. ZDNet says whenever connecting with an unfamiliar network, their smartphone, tablet, or computer should run VPN software. Another option is to connect a laptop or tablet to their smartphone’s cellular network.

 

> Travelers should also make a backup copy of what’s on their personal phone and computer prior to leaving on a trip where they bring along their personal electronics.

 

> iPhone users, keep an eye out for this down the road: AppleInsider says Apple is testing a “feature” that allows developers to raise prices on subscription-based apps simply by notifying you — without first getting your permission to charge you more. 

"Can Chromebooks be hacked if someone tells me to download software that allows them to control my machine?"

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> Google, which makes Chromebooks, says no. They claim there's only one known case where a Chromebook was hacked, and that happened years ago. You can still be a victim of cybercrime while using a Chromebook, most often by falling for a fake phishing email and unwittingly sending scammers personal information like passwords. 

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"I watched your video about fake QR codes. How should I approach this? Seems convenient but also a bit blind."

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> Scammers can steal your money using QR codes. In several states, they've been putting fake parking tickets on windshields. The tickets are printed with a QR code that links to crooks' websites. The websites look genuine and deposit the payment in scammers' bank accounts. Generally, QR codes are a convenient way to get around typing a long web address, but be suspicious if you're asked to pay for something using a QR code.  

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"My Facebook account was hacked. I changed my password but I am not sure if I'm safe now. I am tempted to just close it down."

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> The most common reason a Facebook account gets hacked: the password used to log into it is either easy to guess or was also used on another account that got hacked. Change your Facebook password to a lengthy phrase that includes a number and symbol. Then turn on two-factor authentication, which means you'll receive a text message on your phone anytime Facebook gets a request to change your password. Do a web search for "How can I enable 2FA on Facebook?" to learn more.