In brief: Not everyone sets up security measures such as recovery phone numbers, but Google has just published evidence showing how effective this technique is when it comes to keeping accounts secure. The tech giant teamed up with researchers from New York University and the University of California, San Diego, for a year-long study on the effectiveness of basic account hygiene at preventing hijacking. It looked into 350,000 hijacking attempts on 1.2 million users across Google's 14 different login challenges. If you haven’t linked your Google account to your phone, you might want to do it now. During the investigation, it was found that this measure can block up to 100% of automated bots, 99% of bulk phishing attacks, and 66% of targeted attacks. Google says it provides an automatic layer of security against account hijacking by asking for additional proof of a user’s identity if it detects a suspicious sign-in. This includes confirming they have access to a trusted … [Read more...] about Google study shows the importance of recovery phone numbers
Blocked phone number
Android is about to get a lot better at blocking phone calls
In this day and age, receiving a call from an unknown number can raise all kinds of red flags. Could this be a phishing attempt? Could it be a scam call? Could this be a telemarketer? All those are valid questions that come to mind when you see a call from a number you’re not familiar with, but Google is hoping to do away with those concerns. According to Android Police, they have discovered that in Android Q, Google will be making some changes to the Phone app where it will be gaining more robust call-blocking tools. Google has already built-in some spam detection tools into Android, but it seems that with Android Q, the Phone app will come with options that let you block calls from a larger category. This includes being able to block calls from numbers that aren’t in your contacts, calls made from a private/hidden number, calls made from a pay phone and calls made from unidentified callers. This is a more efficient way of blocking calls compared to before, where users had … [Read more...] about Android is about to get a lot better at blocking phone calls
How to add multiple phone numbers to your phone
Believe it or not, the demand for using multiple phone numbers on a single device is on the rise. Many people, whether they work for a large corporation or themselves, require a line for business and as well as their personal line. And really, the reasons don’t stop there. Do you freelance in multiple fields? Would you like the security of a temporary number for online dating? Do you want to practice security through obfuscation? Honestly, there are countless reasons to have a second, third, or fourth number on your phone. There are plenty of ways to go about doing so, some cost a little and some cost a lot. We’ve broken down all of your options below. Be sure to head down to the comments after you’re done reading and let us know which option you prefer. Use a dual SIM device This might be the most obvious choice, but there are plenty of phones out there with dual SIM capabilities. In fact, most Android devices sold worldwide can be found in dual SIM variants. They … [Read more...] about How to add multiple phone numbers to your phone
FCC proposal would limit robocalls to reassigned phone numbers
The other proposal would declare text messaging services as information services, not telecommunications services, giving carriers more explicit permission to block suspected spam texts. Networks do this already, but the FCC argued this would "maintain and strengthen" the legal framework for their actions.The FCC is set to consider both proposals at a Commission meeting on December 12th.It's hard to say how effective either effort would be. The number database won't stop anyone who was already bent on flouting the law, and some companies might not feel compelled to look at it. The anti-spam text initiative might also raise eyebrows by reclassifying text messages. Just as with the internet, treating text as an info service theoretically gives carriers power to block messages for less-than-altruistic purposes. … [Read more...] about FCC proposal would limit robocalls to reassigned phone numbers
Use multiple phone numbers on one device with Verizon’s ‘My Numbers’ app
Almost everyone likes to keep their business and personal lives separate from one another, but not when it requires having to keep track of multiple devices and phone numbers. That’s why Verizon is now allowing its customers to add up to four additional numbers to one smartphone with its new “My Numbers” app. After downloading the app, you’ll be able to set up the feature. You’ll be asked to authenticate your Verizon phone number, and can then purchase additional virtual numbers by selecting them in the list provided. Each of the virtual numbers includes unlimited domestic calling and text messaging, and will cost $15 per month which is billed to your Verizon account. “My Numbers is a great solution for entrepreneurs, customers with side hustles, and for those who just want the convenience and flexibility of having multiple phone numbers without the hassle of carrying around a separate phone,” said Keena Grigsby, director of product marketing … [Read more...] about Use multiple phone numbers on one device with Verizon’s ‘My Numbers’ app