How To Enable Mobile Credit Card Alerts For Purchases And Fraud

It Just Got Way Easier To Control Your Android Phone From Your Windows PC

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

TL;DR

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 by adding a dedicated Phone Link panel to the start menu for easier Android device management.

This new panel provides quick access to your phone's status, messages, calls, photos, and recent activity directly from the start menu.

It also includes a "send files" button for seamless file transfers and shortcuts to the main Phone Link app and relevant settings.

If you want to control your Android phone from a Windows PC, there's no better tool than Microsoft's Phone Link. To get started, simply open the Phone Link app on your Windows PC and download the Link to Windows companion app on your Android phone. Follow the setup guide, and you'll soon be displaying your phone's notifications, text messages, photos, and more directly on your PC. Repeatedly opening the Phone Link app on your PC to access your phone's content can be cumbersome, so Microsoft is rolling out an update to the Windows 11 start menu that adds a dedicated Phone Link panel.

Located to the right of the Windows 11 start menu, the Phone Link panel offers a quick glance at your device's status, including its connection status and battery level. It also features buttons for Messages, Calls, and Photos, providing direct access to your text messages, call history, and image gallery within the main Phone Link app.

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

Below this, the 'Recent' section displays your most recent phone calls, text messages, and images. While it doesn't show recent notifications directly, you can configure these to appear as banners in the bottom right corner of your screen. Similarly, your most recently opened apps aren't listed here, but you can quickly access them by clicking the Phone Link icon in the system tray. (As a reminder, Phone Link can stream Android apps to your Windows 11 PC, though this feature is limited to certain devices.)

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

Finally, a prominent "send files" button sits at the bottom of the Phone Link panel. Clicking this opens a new window where you can either drag and drop files or use the "select files" option to browse and choose files via File Explorer. Adjacent to the "send files" button, a context menu provides shortcuts to: open the main Phone Link app; access settings to customize which recent activities the panel displays; and open Windows 11's general start menu settings.

Microsoft is gradually rolling out the Phone Link panel to the start menu on all Windows 11 PCs. I received it on my PC (running Windows 11 version 26100.4061) today, though the rollout to users on the stable channel has been underway for at least the past week. This feature was available to Windows Insiders in the Beta and Dev channels for several months, so it's good to see Microsoft finally bringing it to everyone on the latest stable release of Windows 11.

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Deleting An App? Do These 3 Things First—or Risk Getting Hacked

Deleting apps taking up precious space on your phone is always a good idea—especially for the ones that could be spying on you. But for some apps, you'll need to do more than simply hit the "delete" button. While you may think you've dumped it, deleting an app doesn't mean it's uninstalled, and its remnants could still be lurking in the background, leaving your device vulnerable or causing other issues.

"The biggest misconception is that once an app is deleted, the relationship with the app and the company that owns it is severed," says Jean Vixamar, Associate Director of Security Risk Management at Verizon. "That could not be further from the truth. Those terms and conditions you casually checked off matter. In most cases, you've given them unfettered permission to use your data in whatever ways they see fit, within the interpretation of applicable laws, of course."

Luckily, we've spoken to the experts and got their top tech tips on how to make sure an app is fully gone—and that your personal information stays safe. Read on for the low-down on app security and four things you need to do to protect your phone and data when deleting an app.

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How are apps putting your personal information at risk?

Many of us regularly use a variety of apps throughout the day, implementing them automatically into our daily routines without giving them much thought. Without a doubt, they can make our lives easier and save us quite a bit of time. But this convenience can have a downside.

"We use them to shop, bank, order dinner, get a ride, keep our house warm and even keep track of our children," says Steve Tcherchian, Chief Information Security Officer at XYPRO, a cybersecurity analytics company. "But our data needs to be shared with applications for them to provide value. In most cases, this means extremely sensitive information about us and our lives."

Although we share our data with the hope that the app's creator will keep it safe, that is not always the case. Many apps fail to use encryption or other security features, leaving our private information vulnerable to criminals and hackers. In fact, Tcherchian adds, apps are the top mode of attack in most data breaches, according to the 2023 version of Verizon's Data Breach Investigation Report.

What type of information is at risk?

Turns out, your data doesn't magically disappear when you delete an app. Apps are often part of an intricate web of interconnected tools, products and sites that track and share your information, likely without you even realizing it. "Think about a dating app, for example," says Tcherchian. "Typically, these are linked through a Facebook account (with your permission) that enables the app to access pictures, friends lists and other information about yourself available through your Facebook profile."

Tcherchian cautions app users not to assume that their private information will be protected. "Most applications are horribly insecure, and developers do not follow security best practices when developing an application," he explains. "Applications are designed for functionality, not security. Security is difficult and time-consuming, often adding delays to product launch and revenue-generating activities."

Are some apps worse than others?

Certain apps are especially troublesome. Experts recommend immediately deleting these apps that security experts would never have on their phone–or, better yet, not installing them in the first place. "You should be wary of any app that requires access to your photos, files, camera, microphone and more—totally or in combination," says Vixamar. "You have to ask yourself, 'Does this app really need all of this access, or do I really need this app?'" Before hitting the "download" button, watch out for these signs you shouldn't trust an app.

How to delete apps the right way

via iphone

There are multiple steps involved in making sure an app is fully disconnected from your phone and other accounts. James E. Lee, Chief Operating Officer at the Identity Theft Resource Center, recommends following this process before deleting an app:

First, try and delete all your data on the app. While the instructions for erasing data will be different for each app and they'll make it as difficult as possible, you might be able to find an option to delete stored data under menu titles like "privacy," "account settings" or "security," Lee says. From there, follow the prompts to remove account data or stored history on the app. If you can't find this function, search in the help pages or contact customer services and demand in writing that they delete all your data.

You should also log in to your account through a web browser, if possible. Sometimes you'll find additional settings available through the desktop version of the app. "Mobile apps are often skinny versions of a full-featured application you use on the web or your desktop," Lee explains. "So, it's a good idea to log into the app through a web browser to make sure you did not miss any additional settings that may not be available in mobile versions of an app."

Unlink or revoke any Facebook and Google integrations you may have enabled by going to the app's settings tab, finding the "linked accounts" option and removing the app or link you want to delete. You can also remove integrations through the linked account.

For Facebook: Click on your profile picture then select Security & Privacy > Settings. Scroll down to Your Activity > click Apps and Websites. Here, you'll see all the accounts that you've linked with via Facebook login. Click "Remove" next to each app you wish to unlink (you'll need to select the right-facing arrow first on mobile).

For Google: Sign into your Google account and navigate to the third-party apps and services page. Click the right-facing arrow next to the account you want to disconnect. Select "Delete all connections" at the bottom.

Now you're ready for deleting the app.

On an iPhone: Touch and hold the app on your homescreen until a pop-up menu appears. Select "Remove App" from the dropdown menu. Select "Remove App from Homescreen" to keep it in your app library or "Delete App" to remove it completely from your phone.

On Android: Open the Google Play Store app. Click the Profile icon in the top right. Tap "Manage Apps and Devices" > "Manage." Select the app you want to delete and click "Uninstall."

Additional reporting by Bobbi Dempsey.

About the experts

Jean Vixamar, CISSP, is the Associate Director of Security Risk Management at Verizon. A security professional with a background in engineering, he has been working in the telecommunications and information technology industries for more than two decades, previously with IBM and AT&T.

Steve Tcherchian, CISSP, PCI-ISA, PCIP, is the Chief Product Officer and Chief Information Security Officer for XYPRO Technology. Steve is on Forbes' Technology Council, the NonStop Under 40 executive board and is part of the ANSI X9 Security Standards Committee. Steve regularly presents on cybersecurity topics at conferences around the world.

James E. Lee is the Chief Operating Officer at the Identity Theft Resource Center, the USA's leading organization that assists victims of identity crimes & compromises. James advises public policy and business leaders on identity trends and issues and helps organizations improve their compliance, customer relationships and brand in relation to user privacy.

Why trust us

Reader's Digest has published hundreds of articles on personal technology, arming readers with the knowledge to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats and internet scams as well as revealing the best tips, tricks and shortcuts for computers, cellphones, apps, texting, social media and more. For this piece, Brooke Nelson Alexander tapped her experience as a tech journalist. Then Chuck Brooks, the president of Brooks Consulting International and a consultant with more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, emerging technologies and other tech topics, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We rely on credentialed experts with personal experience and know-how as well as primary sources including tech companies, professional organizations and academic institutions. We verify all facts and data and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

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How To Organize Your IPhone Contacts Like A Pro : Easy And Fast

Effectively managing your iPhone contacts is crucial for maintaining seamless communication in both personal and professional settings. The iPhone's built-in Contacts and Phone apps provide robust tools to help you organize, sync, and customize your contact list. By using these features and following best practices, you can ensure your contact management is efficient and stress-free. This guide by Dan is here to help you do just that and explores the essential tools, techniques, and strategies to optimize your contact list for maximum utility.

Whether you're juggling personal and professional connections or simply trying to keep things tidy, your iPhone has powerful tools to make contact management a breeze. From merging duplicates to creating custom groups and syncing across devices, we'll walk you through practical tips to take control of your contacts. By the end, you'll have a streamlined, stress-free system that keeps you connected without the clutter.

Essential Apps for Contact Management

TL;DR Key Takeaways :

iPhone offers two main apps for contact management: the Contacts app for organization and the Phone app for additional features like Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail.

Organize your contacts by regularly updating information, creating groups, and using search tools for quick access.

Sync contacts across devices using iCloud or other services, but stick to one primary account to avoid duplicates.

Handle duplicate contacts by merging entries using built-in tools and reviewing third-party account settings for consistency.

Customize your contact list with features like sorting preferences, custom ringtones, notes, and profile sharing for a personalized experience.

The iPhone offers two primary apps for managing your contacts: the Contacts app and the Phone app. While both serve overlapping purposes, each has unique features that cater to different needs:

Contacts App: Focused on organizing and editing your contact list, this app allows you to add, update, and categorize contacts with ease.

Phone App: In addition to managing contacts, this app provides features like:

Favorites for quick access to frequently contacted individuals.

Recents to track and revisit your call history.

Voicemail for managing missed messages effectively.

Keypad for dialing numbers manually when needed.

Understanding the strengths of each app allows you to decide which one to use based on your specific needs, whether it's organizing your directory or making quick calls.

Organizing Your Contacts for Efficiency

A well-organized contact list saves time and minimizes frustration. Here are actionable steps to keep your directory streamlined and effective:

Regular Updates: Add new contacts promptly, edit outdated information, and remove entries that are no longer relevant to ensure your list stays current.

Create Contact Groups: Use the iPhone's grouping feature to categorize contacts into lists such as family, colleagues, or event attendees. This makes it easier to locate specific individuals without scrolling through your entire directory.

Use Search and Shortcuts: The Contacts app includes a search bar and alphabetical shortcuts, allowing you to quickly find names even in a large directory.

By adopting these practices, you can maintain a contact list that is both functional and easy to navigate.

Organizing iPhone Contacts

Master Apple Notes with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides.

Syncing Contacts Across Devices

Keeping your contacts synchronized across devices ensures consistency and accessibility. The iPhone supports syncing with services like iCloud, Gmail, and Yahoo. To enable syncing:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Select Contacts from the menu.

Choose Accounts and configure your preferred syncing service.

For optimal results, it's recommended to use a single primary account for contact management. This reduces the risk of duplicate entries or conflicting data, making sure a seamless experience across all your devices.

Managing and Merging Duplicate Contacts

Duplicate contacts can clutter your list and lead to confusion. Fortunately, the iPhone offers built-in tools to help you identify and merge duplicates efficiently:

Merge Duplicates: Use the iPhone's merge feature to combine duplicate entries. After merging, review the consolidated information to ensure accuracy.

Check External Accounts: If you sync contacts with third-party services like Gmail, explore their duplicate management tools to maintain consistency across platforms.

Taking the time to address duplicates improves the overall organization and usability of your contact list.

Customizing Your Contact List

Personalizing your contact list can enhance its functionality and make it more tailored to your needs. The iPhone offers several customization options:

Sort and Display Order: Choose to sort contacts by first or last name, depending on your preference, for easier navigation.

Custom Ringtones: Assign unique ringtones to specific contacts, allowing you to identify callers without looking at your phone.

Notes Section: Add additional details, such as birthdays, meeting locations, or other relevant information, to the Notes section of a contact.

Share Your Profile: Use the iPhone's sharing feature to send your name and photo to others, making your profile more recognizable.

These customization options help you create a contact list that is both practical and personalized.

Maximizing the Phone App's Features

The Phone app goes beyond basic contact management, offering tools to enhance your communication experience:

Favorites: Add frequently contacted individuals to the Favorites section for quick access. Customize how you interact with them, such as calling, emailing, or using FaceTime.

Recents: Review your recent call history, including missed calls, to follow up promptly and stay connected.

Voicemail: Record a personalized greeting and manage your messages efficiently, making sure you never miss important communications.

Keypad: Use the manual dialing feature for quick calls when a number isn't saved in your contacts.

These features make the Phone app a versatile tool for managing both personal and professional communication.

Best Practices for Long-Term Contact Management

Maintaining an organized contact list requires consistent effort. Follow these best practices to keep your directory efficient and clutter-free:

Regularly review and update your contacts to ensure all information is accurate and relevant.

Use contact groups to categorize and quickly access specific sets of contacts.

Use search tools and alphabetical shortcuts to save time navigating your directory.

Periodically check for and merge duplicate entries to avoid confusion.

Sync your contacts with a single primary account to maintain consistency across devices.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a contact list that remains organized and easy to manage over time.

Streamline Your Communication with Effective Contact Management

Managing your iPhone contacts doesn't have to be a daunting task. By using the built-in tools in the Contacts and Phone apps, you can keep your directory organized, up-to-date, and easy to navigate. Whether you're syncing accounts, customizing settings, or prioritizing frequently used contacts, these strategies will help you stay connected and efficient. With consistent effort and attention to detail, your contact list can become a powerful resource for managing your personal and professional relationships.

Media Credit: Dan's Tutorials

Filed Under: Apple, Guides

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