Here we go again. This is a story that seems to have no end. As Al Pacino said in Godfather 3 (paraphrased)…”Every time I try to get away, they pull me back in.” That is how I feel about this story. I would have escaped, but this new twist was too important not to write about.
The “60 Minutes” TV folks hired a top-notch security company to see if they could break into the phone…and they did. You know what they needed to break in? Just the phone number. Surprise? And it is not a just a flaw on the iPhone. It is a flaw on every smart phone in existence…including yours!
With just the phone number, the security experts were able to break into a test phone (belonging to a Congressman, if you can believe that). They were able to hear and record the Congressman’s phone calls, track his movements, view his contacts and create a log of all incoming and outgoing calls!
I will let you read the details in our first story on how it was done and where the weakness was that enabled all of this. Be sure and read it, then take the appropriate measures to make your phone worthless to hackers. You cannot stop your phone from being hacked, but you can make the contents worthless to the bad guys.
There is a lot more tech news including the final resolution to the Google book project and how President Obama wants to make it easier for you to cut the cable. Also there are a few good tips in both the computer and mobile sections. So read on and see for yourself. -JRC
Tech News and Opinions
'60 Minutes' asked a security firm to hack an iPhone and we’re all basically screwed
Apple’s battle with the FBI may have whipped the tech world into a frenzy of establishment-hating wannabe anarchists, but it’s this ’60 minutes’ segment that should really piss you off.
Supreme Court blocks challenge to Google book project
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a challenge by a group of authors who contend that Google's massive effort to scan millions of books for an online library violates copyright law.
Google is Under Legal Fire on Multiple Fronts
Like Microsoft before it, Google is discovering that domination has its downsides: The search giant is now under legal fire on multiple fronts, each of which could deal Google major setbacks.
Obama wants to make it easier for consumers to drop cable
The Obama administration on Friday weighed in on the debate over allowing consumers to switch from pricey cable television boxes to less expensive device
Microsoft sues Justice Dept. over secret demands for customer data
Parts of the law governing national security requests have been declared unconstitutional by previous courts
Computer Tips and Tricks
The Best Chrome Extensions for Google Drive
These browser add-ons will make you even more productive using Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Can a Chromebook replace my MacBook or Windows laptop?
First you have to think about what you really want to do with your next laptop.
The 10 best Microsoft OneNote add-ins and tools
You may not even be aware of how many plugins and other apps talk directly to OneNote. We’ve rounded up some of the most useful OneNote supplements to help make your powerful, purple notebook even better.
Microsoft adds QR codes to tell users why their system crashed
The Blue Screen of Death has never been so informative.
Vivaldi Web browser - Review & Rating
The software is still in its infancy, but after testing it, I came away with the impression that it's off a darned good start. It's very usable, and standard browser features and innovations alike are well implemented, in a clear, efficient, and intuitive way
Mobile Computing
How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Plan
Does shopping around for mobile phone service have your head spinning? We've got you covered with this handy interactive calculator and tips for choosing the right carrier and plan.
The 15 Most Useful iPhone and Android Voice Commands
From sending a text message to posting to social media
How to Encrypt Your Android Phone (and Why You Might Want to)
On some higher-end handsets running Lollipop (5.x) and higher, it’s enabled out-of-the-box, while on some older or lower-end devices, you have to turn it on yourself.
46 Killer Android Tips for Google Fans
You know how to use your Android phone. But there are certainly a few bells and whistles you have yet to discover.
10 handy tricks for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
These 10 tricks will make sure you get the most out of your Apple gadgets.
How to limit ad tracking on iPhone and iPad
If you've recently noticed that some advertisements you receive within apps seem oddly similar to something you've just been reading about, it's because you have ad tracking on your iPhone.
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