World News: July 2021

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Talking Tech: Bolster your smartphone's security with these tips

Saturday, July 31

If this week taught us anything, it's always important to keep your smartphone safe and up to date.

Earlier this week, Apple released an update for iOS 14 that not only improved functionality with your Apple Watch, but provided a key security patch for an issue the tech giant said had been "actively exploited."

It's preventative steps as simple as keeping your phone up to date that can protect you from malware or other hacks infiltrating your device.

Another really easy trick? Turning off, then turning on your phone at least once a week. As the Associated Press explains, the process makes it more difficult for hackers to get to your data.

There's more you can do, too: turn on USB Restricted Mode if you own an iPhone, and beef up those passwords.

What else happened in tech?

• Bezos back in the news. This time, the Amazon founder really wants NASA to use the lunar lander made by his aerospace company, Blue Origin.

• Updates for teen Instagram users. The social media popular among younger smartphone users added features to better protect privacy and security. Will it be enough?

• More on kids and privacy. A Florida lawmaker wants to reintroduce a bill allowing parents to sue companies that violate their kids' online privacy.

• Visiting an Apple store? Bring a mask. The tech giant said it will once again require customers to wear masks at half of its Apple stores.

Game break

Employees at Activision Blizzard staged a walkout this week after the company's response to a lawsuit by the state of California accusing the video game publisher of equal pay violations and sexual harassment. In a note sent to employees, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said the company hired a law firm to investigate its policies. "Our initial responses to the issues we face together, and to your concerns, were, quite frankly, tone deaf," said Kotick.