Smartphones & Tablets

Read our free, impartial online safety advice on smartphones & tablets, such as mobile apps, spam text messages and wireless networking and hotspots.

Fleeceware

Fleeceware is the name given to mobile apps which overcharge users for functions or features that are widely available in free or other low-cost alternatives. In fact, they are developed with the sole purpose of doing so....

Your Connected Home

The number of electrical and electronic items in your home that can be monitored and controlled via your Wi-Fi is growing all the time. These range from security systems and cameras and dimmable lightbulbs to your children’s...

Mobile Apps

For many people, apps have become the favourite way to communicate and access the internet through our phones and tablets. We use them to play games, send messages, check the news and weather and use maps and navigation...

Smishing

What is smishing, and how to avoid it Smishing – the commonly-used name for SMS phishing – is an activity which enables criminals to steal victims’ money or identity, or both as a result of a response to a text message. In...

Spam Text Messages

Unsolicited texts from people you don't know are at best annoying, and at worst can contain links to malicious websites designed to steal your personal details and, ultimately, defraud you. Spam texts trying to persuade you to...

The Internet of Things

The internet of things (often shortened to IOT) is a term commonly used to describe physical objects which are connected to the internet, but non-traditional in that they are not computers, tablets or mobile phones. Rather than...

Charging Mobile Purchases

Smartphones and tablets can be used to pay for downloadable or other content, sometimes with the payment appearing on the phone bill at the end of the month rather than going to a card. In this way, mobile devices are effectively...

Safe Disposal

Smartphones and tablets that you no longer need should be disposed of with great care. The data on your device can easily be accessed whether you sell, scrap, give away or donate it, and even ‘deleted’ data can be retrieved...

Public Places

When using or carrying your smartphone or tablet in a public place – whether outdoors or in a café, restaurant or in the office – there can be a number of risks if you do not take proper care....

Transferring Money

Mobile money transfer services are now commonplace, but as with everything you do online, you need to take care when using them....

QR Codes

QR codes are a fast and effortless way to reach advertisers’ websites, direct from your smartphone or tablet. For advertisers, they provide an inexpensive way to encourage you to visit their site as they can be printed in...

Wireless Networks & Hotspots

Wireless networks have revolutionised the way we can use smartphones and tablets, both when we are out and about and in the home or office. Home and office wireless networks make it easier to use the internet and send and receive...

Physical Security

Physical security is just as important as online security in protecting your smartphone or tablet – and yourself – against crime. The compact size of these devices makes them particularly vulnerable to theft, and accidental...

Viruses & Spyware

Many people believe that smartphones and tablets are not susceptible to viruses, spyware and other malware. This is certainly not the case ... in fact the more people that use these devices, and the more apps that are available...

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