Security How Tos for macOS and iOS
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How-To
How to use your iPhone as an encrypted Google security key
Google has added the ability to use your iPhone as a physical security key to authenticate your account. Here's how to set it up.
Mac 911
How to use Apple ID to create passwords for your apps
Apple ID lets you create up to 25 app-specific passwords for third-party apps.
Mac 911
How to cope with a FileVault recovery key disappearing while you write it down
The key canu2019t be re-displayed once itu2019s dismissed.
Mac 911
How to connect your iPhone or iPad to a secured Wi-Fi network without a password
Itu2019s all about proximity and Contacts.
Mac 911
Does Apple ID two-factor work if you leave the country?
It does, but make sure you know what devices and phone numbers you trust.
Mac 911
How to add trusted phones to your Apple ID two-factor authentication
Whom do you trust enough to help you ensure access in a worst-case scenario?
Mac 911
How to disable accounts on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch you sold or gave away
Sometimes a u201cdeadu201d device has some life left in it.
How-To
How to block a number on iPhone
It's easy to stop unwanted calls on iPhone and a new feature in iOS 13 means it's easier than ever to block unknown callers
Mac 911
How to manage new Sign in with Apple identities
Apple has added its own login option for third parties, but you have to hunt a bit to find the controls.
How-To
iPhone security tips: How to protect your phone from hackers
Our security megaguide offers essential security tips for protecting your iPhone (and sensitive data) from prying eyes and hackers
Mac 911
How to create a backup plan to restore passwords if your system fails
Having multiple copies of your data is great, unless you canu2019t access passwords required to unlock them.
How-To
How to find a stolen Mac and protect data from thieves
Track, lock and erase your stolen Apple laptop – get your laptop thieves bang to rights
Mac 911
How to get a Safari password to save it in a password manager
Safari is helpful at generating passwords, but that Safari-generated password may not be saved in third-party password managers.
Mac 911
How to use 2FA on older Apple devices that won’t let you enter a verification code
Apple has a workaround that supports two-factor authentication where it canu2019t be entered directly.
How-To
How to stop your Mac webcam being hacked
Here's how to stop anyone from accessing your webcam without your knowledge
How-To
What to do if Safari keeps crashing
How to fix Safari crashes on Mac and iOS, find out what's causing Safari to close
Mac 911
How to make FileVault work again when you’re missing a ‘secure token’
A long-running problem appears to have a solution.
Mac 911
Safari: macOS browser now autosubmits logins. Here’s how to disable it
Apple described this Safari change in 10.14.4u2019s release notes as u201cStreamlines website login when filling credentials with Password AutoFill.u201d If you donu2019t want this to happen, hereu2019s what you can do.
Mac 911
How to add other people’s fingerprints to Touch ID
Itu2019s a great way to allow casual use within a family.
Mac 911
How to troubleshoot and fix strange website errors with macOS Safari
If something is amiss is when you visit a website you use routinely, hereu2019s what you can do.
Mac 911
If you can’t get macOS Mail to work after upgrading to two-factor authentication, here’s a way to fix it
You may have manually set up your iCloud account for email long ago.
How-To
How to fix ‘Face ID not working’ problems on iPhone
Having problems getting Face ID to unlock your iPhone? Here are some handy fixes to try before calling Apple Support
Mac 911
Can you disable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an effective way to deter people from hijacking an online account. But there's no turning back once it's on.
How-To
How to turn off location tracking on your iPhone or iPad
The iPhone offers a high degree of control over which apps get to see your location. You can even turn off tracking entirely.
How-To
Online security tools: The holiday gift that shows you really care
With website breeches happenings at a blistering pace and people creating more and more online accounts, giving the gift of security can save a lot of headaches.
Mac 911
Why you should use a VPN on a public Wi-Fi network
A VPN effectively prevents even a network operator from peeping your activities.
Updated
What to do when FileVault won’t turn on
Diagnosing an oddball scenario in which you canu2019t enable FileVault requires more information than macOS provides.
How-To
How to download the personal data that Apple collects from you
Appleu2019s privacy website also now lets you get a copy of the data that Apple collects about you. Hereu2019s how to get yours now.
Updated
macOS Mojave: For app permissions, what’s the difference between Accessibility and Full Disk Access?
Mojave offers new controls to prevent apps from gaining unwanted access.
Mac 911
It’s time to switch your Mac backups from Time Capsule to Time Machine volumes
Have an old Time Capsule? Replace it before its storage device fails on you.
Mac 911
Why does Apple’s two-factor sign-in think you’re hundreds of miles away?
Apple's 2FA doesn't use GPS, which results in locations that aren't exactly where you are.
Mac 911
How to use Apple’s new re-used password warning to reduce your risk of account hijacking
A new warning in both iOS 12 and macOS 10.14 Mojave alerts you when you use a password with two or more sites or apps.
Mac 911
How to fix a 1Password sync problem
A popular password safe sometimes disconnects from its vault.
Mac 911
How to remove your FileVault recovery key from iCloud
You can use Apple iCloud for escrow, but here's how to store the key stored locally if you change your mind.
Mac 911
How to securely dispose of old storage media, like hard drives and SSDs
You can digitally wipe out data from a hard drive or SSD, but in some situations, you might need to physically destroy the media.
How-To
How to hide caller ID on iPhone
Wish you could hide caller ID when ringing friends? Here are three ways to stop people knowing your number when you call them
Mac 911
How to prepare a Mac for sale or a return to an employer
When you need to give up or sell a Mac, how can you make sure you keep what you need and leave a wiped machine?
Mac 911
What to do when your two-step Apple ID account is locked
Preparation is key to be able to get access to your device.
Mac 911
How to install macOS updates without an Apple ID
While the Mac App Store wants you to log in, itu2019s not strictly necessary.rn
Mac 911
How to recover an iCloud account when a factor for two-factor authentication goes missing
Apple has a last-ditch effort when youu2019ve lost it all, but itu2019s not guaranteed.
How-To
GrayKey: What you need to know about this iPhone hacker and how to protect yourself
Updated information about a turnkey, automated cracking system marketed to law enforcement makes it clear users should pick longer passcodes.
Mac 911
How to read legacy FileVault formats on your Mac
You canu2019t open the original FileVault format in macOS 10.13Mac 911
iOS: Why does Apple ask for your passcode when setting up two-factor authentication?
Apple doesnu2019t clearly explain why it asks for it. Fortunately, Apple doesnu2019t possess it.
How-To
How to delete your Facebook account
Had enough of Facebook? This feature shows how to completely and quickly delete your entire Facebook account forever
How-To
What is a good password?
Learn how to choose a strong, secure password, and manage passwords on your Mac more effectively
How-To
How to avoid iTunes gift card scams
HMRC and Apple have publicised an iTunes Gift Card scam that has seen old folk give away thousands of pounds
Mac 911
iPhone or iPad unexpectedly switches to Lost Mode? Reset your iCloud password
An exploit that relies on leaked passwords from other sites may still be affecting Apple users.
How-To
How to fix macOS root bug – stop hackers accessing your Mac
Your Mac can be hacked into thanks to MacOS High Sierra root access flaw
Updated
macOS High Sierra ‘root’ security bug reappears if you recently upgraded from macOS 10.13 to 10.13.1
If you installed the root security update to a Mac running macOS 10.13, you need to reinstall the update and restart when you upgrade to 10.13.1.
Mac 911