Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protect Yourself From Online Scares

Avoid Internet scares and identity theft issues with our tips to stay safe this October.

 

 

As the designated “scary season,” October is the ideal month to focus on staying safe online. And this year, with more people using the internet for school, socializing, and work than ever, it’s even more important for you to protect your digital devices. Avoid chilling cybercrimes that could compromise your data security this Cybersecurity Awareness Month by following our expert tips. They’re so simple, you can do them during a horror movie marathon, or while you’re brainstorming costume ideas.

 

• Check your online activity.

 

There’s more than one reason October is the perfect time to celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness. Online purchases and individual spending go way up around the holiday season– and so do cybercrimes and hacking attempts. Get prepared before Christmas shopping ramps up on Black Friday and Cyber Monday by ensuring your online data is secure well ahead of time. 

 

Double-check your important account information. Every 3 months or so, go through the information on your most important accounts. That should include your business and primary email addresses, online banking, bill payments, and any other payment option you use. Ensure your passwords are secure, and take a quick look through your bank statements online to ensure nothing fishy is going on under your nose. It can take a surprisingly long time for someone to report fraudulent account activity. And it’s much more likely to slip by if you don’t regularly check your online account, or if the cybercriminal is taking smaller amounts over a long period of time instead of one large chunk of money at once.

 

• Do regular tune-ups.

 

You already know that it’s important to clean the gutters and check your smoke alarm batteries twice a year. But are you providing the same kind of maintenance for your online appliances? By 2021, annual damage related to cybercrime is projected to hit $6 trillion. That’s a lot of dough! 

 

Protect your investments by taking proper precautions with your home security, outside and in. You should check your online security at least once a year.  Keep software systems up-to-date, back up your hard-drive information, and verify antivirus software works properly. External hard drives are a great option for backing up information. Alternatively, you can sign up with DropBox, iCloud, or other online data providers to keep important information copied in the cloud.

After 2020 has made the message clear– when it comes to viruses, prevention is worth an ounce of cure. 

 

• Use 2-step verification.

 

2-step verification, also known as 2-factor authentication (or 2FA), is exactly what it sounds like; a security system that requires 2 distinct forms of id to access. Ever get a text with a security code to access an online account? Then you’ve used 2FA before. It might be a little annoying to have to look at more than one screen in order to log in to your devices. But trust us; the mild inconvenience is well worth the extra security this step adds.

 

Many hackers are able to force their way in through brute force attacks, which use computerized algorithms to form countless potential password solutions using commonly found online information like birth dates or pet names. By using 2-step verification, this type of hacking attempt is almost impossible to use successfully.

 

The first step is typically a password, while the second generally uses a pin number, biometrics (such as a scan of your face, fingerprint or retina), or a timed token.  While 2FA is a great way to up your security online with ease, it’s not completely foolproof; you should still always exercise caution while browsing the web. 

 

We hope these tips help you stay safe this October, and the rest of your online existence! For more cybersecurity tips, check out our post on busting cybercrime before it starts.

The post Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protect Yourself From Online Scares appeared first on uBreakiFix Blog.

from uBreakiFix Blog https://www.ubreakifix.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-2020

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protect Yourself From Online Scares

Avoid Internet scares and identity theft issues with our tips to stay safe this October.

 

 

As the designated “scary season,” October is the ideal month to focus on staying safe online. And this year, with more people using the internet for school, socializing, and work than ever, it’s even more important for you to protect your digital devices. Avoid chilling cybercrimes that could compromise your data security this Cybersecurity Awareness Month by following our expert tips. They’re so simple, you can do them during a horror movie marathon, or while you’re brainstorming costume ideas.

 

• Check your online activity.

 

There’s more than one reason October is the perfect time to celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness. Online purchases and individual spending go way up around the holiday season– and so do cybercrimes and hacking attempts. Get prepared before Christmas shopping ramps up on Black Friday and Cyber Monday by ensuring your online data is secure well ahead of time. 

 

Double-check your important account information. Every 3 months or so, go through the information on your most important accounts. That should include your business and primary email addresses, online banking, bill payments, and any other payment option you use. Ensure your passwords are secure, and take a quick look through your bank statements online to ensure nothing fishy is going on under your nose. It can take a surprisingly long time for someone to report fraudulent account activity. And it’s much more likely to slip by if you don’t regularly check your online account, or if the cybercriminal is taking smaller amounts over a long period of time instead of one large chunk of money at once.

 

• Do regular tune-ups.

 

You already know that it’s important to clean the gutters and check your smoke alarm batteries twice a year. But are you providing the same kind of maintenance for your online appliances? By 2021, annual damage related to cybercrime is projected to hit $6 trillion. That’s a lot of dough! 

 

Protect your investments by taking proper precautions with your home security, outside and in. You should check your online security at least once a year.  Keep software systems up-to-date, back up your hard-drive information, and verify antivirus software works properly. External hard drives are a great option for backing up information. Alternatively, you can sign up with DropBox, iCloud, or other online data providers to keep important information copied in the cloud.

After 2020 has made the message clear– when it comes to viruses, prevention is worth an ounce of cure. 

 

• Use 2-step verification.

 

2-step verification, also known as 2-factor authentication (or 2FA), is exactly what it sounds like; a security system that requires 2 distinct forms of id to access. Ever get a text with a security code to access an online account? Then you’ve used 2FA before. It might be a little annoying to have to look at more than one screen in order to log in to your devices. But trust us; the mild inconvenience is well worth the extra security this step adds.

 

Many hackers are able to force their way in through brute force attacks, which use computerized algorithms to form countless potential password solutions using commonly found online information like birth dates or pet names. By using 2-step verification, this type of hacking attempt is almost impossible to use successfully.

 

The first step is typically a password, while the second generally uses a pin number, biometrics (such as a scan of your face, fingerprint or retina), or a timed token.  While 2FA is a great way to up your security online with ease, it’s not completely foolproof; you should still always exercise caution while browsing the web. 

 

We hope these tips help you stay safe this October, and the rest of your online existence! For more cybersecurity tips, check out our post on busting cybercrime before it starts.

The post Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protect Yourself From Online Scares appeared first on uBreakiFix Blog.

from uBreakiFix Blog https://www.ubreakifix.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-2020

8 Ways to Fix Joy-Con Drift for Good

How to Fix a Drifting Nintendo Joy-Con Analog Stick

 

Who doesn’t absolutely love their Nintendo Switch?! It combines all the amazing things about a portable gaming device and a home console. Unfortunately, the only downside to the Switch is the all-too-common Joy-Con drift issue. This dysfunction has been a leading complaint about Nintendo’s top-selling gaming consoles. We know how annoying it can be to deal with drift in your controllers when you’re trying to enjoy a game. So, we set out to understand what exactly causes these control issues, and put together this list of 8 common Q&As about Nintendo Joy-Con drift fixes for you.

 

What is Joy-Con drift, exactly?

Joy-Con drift is one of the biggest issues plaguing Switch users across the world. Drift is when a controller seemingly moves around without the player touching the thumbsticks. Joy-Con Drift can be very frustrating to gamers! It can lead to the camera randomly panning in different directions or non-instructed movements of characters in your game. There is nothing more annoying than setting down your Switch to grab a quick drink, then coming back to find your character on the wrong side of the map wandering aimlessly. 🤦‍♀️

 

What is Joy-Con drift caused by?

Joy-Con drift can often be attributed to one of two major factors: Software/hardware issues or dirt & grime build-up. No matter the cause, drift can be down right infuriating to the point where you don’t even want to play on your Switch. Don’t let this issue take away your love for this amazing console. Keep reading to find out ways to fix your Joy-Cons’ drift issue. 

 

What DIY Joy-Con drift fixes can I try?

Whether a software issue or just dirt, we’ve put together a list of easy fixes for those of you who are experiencing Joy-Con drift on your console. Below are a few things to try and get rid of that drift so that you are back up and gaming in no time.

 

Update your Controllers:  Sometimes drift in our Joy-Con controllers can be due to a minor software issue. Thankfully, this can be addressed through a simple controller update. To do this, go to the setting menu on your Switch. Then, select “Controllers” and then choose “Update Controllers”. 

 

Recalibrate the Joy-Con Thumb Sticks: Another way to correct a minor software issue would be to recalibrate the thumbsticks themselves. This can be fixed by going to your Switch’s “System Settings” menu. Then, select “Controllers and Sensors and from there select “Calibrate Control Sticks” and follow the instructions given. 

 

Clean your Joy-Cons: The drift in your Joy-Con could be due to natural build-up of dirt & grime inside of the thumbstick. As most of us are not console repair technicians, we do not advise you to take your controller apart to clean it. The easiest way to address this issue is by using compressed air. Compressed air cleaners can be found in the Electronics department of most stores. Follow the instructions given on the can carefully. Move your thumbstick around spraying air at different angles to loosen and remove any build-up. 

 

What if only one Joy-Con connects? 

Another issue Switch users can encounter is Joy-Con connectivity problems. This can often be corrected by ensuring that your Switch is being constantly updated. Sometimes, without realizing it, we can miss many crucial updates provided by Nintendo. These updates are very important for the health of our gaming consoles and often, if missed, can be the cause of problems such as, Joy-Con connectivity issues. If you are experiencing a stubborn Joy-Con, make sure that your Switch has downloaded the latest software update. 

 

My Joy-Con calibration is off. How can I fix it?

The best way to deal with a Joy-Con who’s calibration is off is to recalibrate your controller. To do this, select “System Settings” on your Switch. In this menu, scroll down and select “Controllers & Sensors”. From there, select “Calibrate Control Sticks” and follow the instructions given. Once this process is complete, your Joy-Con should reflect the new calibration. If you do not see this immediately, try turning your Switch off and then back on. Your Switch now should reflect the recalibration.

 

Can Joy-Con drift be fixed for free?

If the drift you are experiencing in your Joy-Con is due to a hardware issue then Nintendo might be able to help you out. This is a part of their “Joy-Con Repair Program” which was implemented after many Joy-Cons were found with unexplained hardware issues causing drift. 

If you have followed the steps outlined above and ruled out, minor software problems or dirt & grime as the culprit – you may need to send in your Joy-Con controllers to Nintendo, where they will repair them for free. You can start this process by visiting the Joy-Con Repair Program website operated by Nintendo via this link: www.support.nintendo.com/joyconrepair 

 

How long does a Joy-Con repair take?

The general consensus seems to indicate that Joy-Con repairs by Nintendo take roughly 2 weeks. Some people have reported a turn-around of as quick as 3 days. Considering this is a free service provided by Nintendo, it is possible that you may encounter a longer repair wait time. That being said, people seem to be very happy with the results of their fixed Joy-Con controllers and encourage others to take advantage of this program.

What about Nintendo Switch Lite Joy-Con drift?

Unfortunately, the Joy-Con issue isn’t limited to just the traditional Switch console. It has also popped up as a problem for Switch Lite users as well. Drifting controllers on the Switch Lite are a little more difficult to fix, since the controllers can’t be disconnected, replaced or sent in separately from the console for repair. If you are experiencing controller issues on your Lite, you can follow the same steps outlined in the above “Drift Fixes” section of this article. They’re helpful steps for fixing it at home. 

 

If the at-home remedies above don’t seem to fix the drift in your Switch Lite, we recommend you reach out to Nintendo directly to see about taking advantage of their repair program, or give them a call or calling them at 1 (800) 255-3700. If your Joy-Con issues aren’t covered by Nintendo, you’re always welcome to bring it in to your local uBreakiFix. We’re experts at fixing all kinds of tech, and our diagnostics are always free.

The Nintendo Switch is a truly awesome console. However, Joy-Con drift issues can take the “joy” out of gaming for even the biggest Nintendo fans. We hope that this article has helped you understand how drift occurs, ways to hopefully avoid this all-too-common issue, and the steps to remedy the problem if it comes up. With any luck, you can go back to doing what you love most. Happy gaming! 

 

The post 8 Ways to Fix Joy-Con Drift for Good appeared first on uBreakiFix Blog.

from uBreakiFix Blog https://www.ubreakifix.com/blog/8-ways-fix-joy-con-drift-good

How to Recover a Water-Damaged iPhone

Expert “Do’s & Don’ts” for

iPhone Water Damage Recovery

Mitigate damage before it starts! Check out these tips from our experts on what you should (and shouldn’t!) do when your iPhone accidentally encounters a spill.

 

DON’TS:

 

DO NOT: Put your iPhone in a bag of dry rice!

Although this trick is recommended in thousands of blogs and videos, it may damage your iPhone. Dust and grit will make their way into the inside of your iPhone, and you are wasting a bag of good rice.

 

DO NOT: Shake or tilt your iPhone!

Water may spill and damage/corrode more internal components if you start to shake a wet phone. Don’t risk it.

 

DO NOT: Put your iPhone in a freezer!

People often put their iPhones in a freezer to prevent water from spreading. The problem? Once you take the iPhone out, the frozen water melts and spreads to other parts anyway. Another reason not to freeze your iPhone is that low temperatures damage your device. iPhones operate under a standard temperature of 0-35 degrees Celsius. A freezer can operate at 0 degrees Celsius, or even lower. Sticking your iPhone in a freezer can cause permanent damage.

 

DO NOT: Use isopropyl alcohol to dry it out!

Isopropyl alcohol is generally diluted with water. If you wipe your phone down with 60% isopropyl alcohol to try to dry it out, bad news. You’re still exposing your iPhone to more liquid (and more potential problems). You don’t want to cause more damage to your damaged iPhone, right? Besides, isopropyl is extremely conductive, which can cause further electrical issues.

 

DO NOT: Blow-dry your iPhone!

A blow dryer is for your hair and not your phone. Using a blow dryer will only push water deeper into your iPhone and lead to even more damage. This is a desperate solution, and one that’s unlikely to work the way you’re hoping it will. Save the blow-dryer for your next date, and keep it far away from your expensive tech.

 

DO NOT: Put it in the oven, either!

The dangers of this ill-advised tip should be clear. Your device is less likely to dry out, and far more likely to overheat. You’re risking melting crucial internal components by treating your iPhone like a casserole. Keep your phone out of the oven.

 

 

 

DO’S:

 

DO: Turn the phone off immediately.

This is one of the first steps you should take if your iPhone gets wet. Turning off your phone will prevent water from coursing through your internal components, and reduces the chance of a short circuit occurring.

 

DO: Remove your iPhone case.

Remove any objects surrounding your phone when it gets wet ASAP. Taking off your case will help you find and dry off any trapped liquids. Leave it off until your phone is fully dry to ensure any lingering moisture evaporates.

 

DO: Remove your SIM Card slot.

Like your case, a SIM slot can easily trap water inside a phone. After you take off your case, locate your SIM slot (if your iPhone has one). Use a pin to eject the SIM and dry everything off.

 

DO: Wipe your iPhone with an absorbent cloth.

Dry it off as well as you possibly can, but try to use a piece of cloth that won’t lead to lint getting stuck in any important places. Microfiber or a clean paper towel are good options.

 

DO: Let it dry for as long as possible.

If possible, wait for a week to ensure your iPhone is completely free of water. At the very least, you should wait for least 48-72 hours. If there’s any visible moisture, wait another 24 hours. It’s better to exercise caution when it comes to tech.

 

DO: Wait a while before turning it on again.

Water conducts electricity. So when you run an electrical charge through a damp circuit, it’s bound to cause issues. If you don’t want to fry your motherboard, we highly recommend not using a device that’s recently suffered from liquid damage.

 

DO: Seek professional assistance.

If you’re stuck with a broken phone, your best bet is to get help from a technician with vast experience in iPhone repairs. Try to pick one that’s got a great track record in the repair industry, and that offers a price match policy so you’re guaranteed a great deal. We recommend your local uBreakiFix!

 

The post How to Recover a Water-Damaged iPhone appeared first on uBreakiFix Blog.

from uBreakiFix Blog https://www.ubreakifix.com/blog/recover-water-damaged-iphone

4 iPhone Screen Repair Myths Explained

Mobile phones have rapidly adapted from a vital method of communication to a multipurpose generational necessity. And iPhones are at the forefront of this change, getting faster and better with each generation. Unfortunately, even Apple’s powerful technology is susceptible to cracks and breaks. If you’re looking for answers for your broken screen, keep reading: in this blog, we’ll be breaking down four common myths about iPhone screen repair every tech-user should know. 

 

MYTH 1:

“There’s no point in fixing a broken screen if it still works.”

Many iPhone users continue to use their gadgets long after their screen cracks or a piece of glass falls off without thinking twice about it. These practices often stem from ignorance, more than anything else. After all, how much does an average iPhone screen repair cost? And if the phone is still working, that means repairs can wait; right?

Wrong. 

If a little liquid spills on that cracked screen, it’s toast.

By repairing it right away, tech-lovers can protect their phone from further damage.

The kind of damage that can’t be fixed. 

People tend to overestimate the cost of an iPhone screen repair, and wind up tolerating damaged devices for way longer than they need to. Instead of continually recharging that quickly draining battery or trying to scroll on a crushed screen, consider a simple iPhone repair instead. It’s a much more cost-effective way to get an iPhone working efficiently again. 

 

MYTH 2:

“Getting a new phone is faster than an iPhone screen repair.”

In the modern world, we’ve gotten used to disposable electronics. We tend to throw away stuff that’s been damaged instead of fixing it. Because of this, a lot of people mistakenly assume a screen repair is impossible, or that it would cost as much as a brand-new iPhone. The truth is out:

An iPhone screen repair is faster, more convenient, and more cost-effective.

At least, if you choose the right repair person for the job. Trust an inexperienced repair technician, and your iPhone screen repair could end up being a costly, time-consuming experience that ends in tears. If your phone is out of warranty, that goes double. Cost, service quality, and turnaround time are all factors you should consider when choosing how to repair a broken iPhone screen. 

 

MYTH 3:

“iPhone repairs cost just as much as a new phone.”

Buying a new iPhone is an expensive choice. An iPhone 11 is $750— that’s almost a thousand dollars! If your screen has cracks or your charging slot isn’t working properly, that doesn’t mean you have to go get a brand new phone.

At expertly certified shops like uBreakiFix, iPhone screen repairs typically cost less than $200. If a little fixing can stretch your device’s life by several months or years, obviously that’s the better option– for both your wallet and the environment. Plus, by extending the life of your device, when you decide to upgrade you’re certain to find a market full of newer hardware with even better features available.

Unless the phone shattered into a smithereens, repairing your iPhone screen is almost always a more reasonable option than buying a new one outright. Not only does this service help you save, but it also helps decrease your carbon footprint for a greener tomorrow.

 

MYTH 4:

“Screen repairs require you to mail in your device, and take weeks.”

If you’re in a hurry to have your working iPhone back again and worried that a repair will take too long time, think again. An iPhone screen repair can usually be completed in under two hours, and even the most severe damage doesn’t usually take more than a day or two.

 In fact, setting up a new iPhone can take up more time than actual repairs. This is an excellent option for those people who are always in a hurry to accomplish stuff. You might be working or have a tight schedule and cannot find time to go to a technician; well, you always have the option of mailing your iPhone or contacting the repair shop and requesting a pick-up. You might miss your phone, especially if you use it constantly, but in this case, a little patience pays off pretty quick. Your fixed phone will be back in your hands again quickly.

 

OUR EXPERT ADVICE

Look, we don’t recommend that you keep using your iPhone 4 forever. But running out for a replacement every time you clumsily crack your screen can be majorly detrimental. Especially for your wallet.

Generally speaking, repairing your device is almost always preferable to replacing it. New repair shops pop up every day, but not all of them are properly qualified. If you’re looking for a cheap iPhone repair service available, remember; a badly fixed device will cost way more in the long run. It’s crucial to find a competent, trustworthy repair technician who will fix your broken iPhone at a reasonable price. Do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask about their warranties or price-match policies.

As a leading iPhone repair shop, uBreakiFix offers a free diagnostic & quote; done on the spot by our in-house experts. With our diagnostic process, you know exactly what’s wrong with your device before you commit. Our price-match policy is truly unbeatable, and our repairs come with a complimentary 90-day warranty, valid at any of our stores nationwide.

The post 4 iPhone Screen Repair Myths Explained appeared first on uBreakiFix Blog.

from uBreakiFix Blog https://www.ubreakifix.com/blog/4-iphone-screen-repair-myths-explained

Apple AirPods Won’t Connect? Try These 5 Fixes

The post Apple AirPods Won’t Connect? Try These 5 Fixes appeared first on uBreakiFix Blog.

from uBreakiFix Blog https://www.ubreakifix.com/blog/apple-airpods-wont-connect

Nintendo Switch Won’t Charge? Here’s How to Fix It

If your Nintendo Switch isn’t charging, try these 9 easy solutions to solve this annoying problem. With any luck, you’ll be back to gaming again in no time.

 

 

1. Try unplugging it.

Okay, I’ll wager you might have already tried this option. But hey, you never know– maybe it’s time to give it another shot. It’s really quite simple: just unplug the charger from the wall and your Switch, wait about a minute or so, and plug it back in. 

 

2. Make sure it’s fully plugged in.

 

This is a basic step, but one that’s also easy to overlook. First, check to make sure your USB is fully plugged in and connected. If that’s all good, make sure the power brick is also fully connected to its outlet. If you’re fully powered up, your Switch should switch on. (See what I did there?)

 

3. Wait a while.

 

When you plug in your Switch and the screen remains black, your first thought may race to the worst, but you might be surprised what giving it some more time can do. Though a little scary, this is a very common occurrence when the battery is completely drained. Leave your Switch plugged in for about an hour or so and see what happens then. 

 

4. Try using a different outlet.

 

This actually might not even be a Nintendo hardware problem; instead the problem, could just be a broken outlet. If this is the case then the solution is really quite simple: just use a different outlet and see if anything changes in the status of your Switch.

 

5. Reset your Switch.

 

A frozen Switch could be causing your problem here. Luckly, there’s an easy way to fix this issue too. What you’ll have to do is hold down your power button for about 12 seconds, then release. Once you do this, try plugging it back in. If the screen was frozen and this step worked, your Switch should resume charging.

 

6. Check for damage.

 

If your charging problem is caused by external damage, a visual inspection should uncover the culprit pretty quickly. Unplug your power adapter from the wall and check for any damage on it. Damage could  USB adapter itself which may have bent pins, or your wire itself may be damaged (which is usually pretty easy to spot), or the spokes on the plug’s block may be bent out of place. 

 

7. Make sure you’re using the right adapter.

 

Nintendo strongly recommends that you use their official Nintendo Switch adapters, and not just a random USB-C adapter. Using just any old adapter could actually be doing harm to your system; so just  try to ensuremake sure yours says Nintendo on it!

 

8. Make sure your Joy-Cons are connected.

 

If the problem isn’t with your actual Switch, but instead your Joy-Cons, then you’ll need to resolve that problem to get your console to turn on again. Make sure you securely connect both your Joy-Cons to your actual Switch. If they aren’t fully connected within their respective slots, they won’t be charging properly, and you won’t be able to use them.

 

9. Contact an expert.

 

This is a last resort kind of option, because no one wants to have to talk with technical support. But if your warranty is up to date, give the Nintendo support team a ring to see if your device damage is covered. If you’re no longer under warranty, or just want an answer in-person faster, bring it to your local experts instead. uBreakiFix offers free diagnostics, so you have nothing to lose by dropping by to get the lowdown on why your console isn’t charging properly.

The post Nintendo Switch Won’t Charge? Here’s How to Fix It appeared first on uBreakiFix Blog.

from uBreakiFix Blog https://www.ubreakifix.com/blog/nintendo-switch-wont-charge