Apple’s iOS 17 Security Update: What You Need to Know

Apple’s iOS 17 update, released on September 18, 2023, includes a number of new and improved security features, many of which are aimed at protecting people at greater risk of cyberattacks and spyware, such as journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.

Lockdown Mode

Lockdown Mode, which was introduced in iOS 15.2, is a set of extreme security measures that can be enabled to protect your device from highly targeted attacks. In iOS 17, Lockdown Mode has been expanded to include new features and protections, such as:

Apple Watch support: Lockdown Mode can now be enabled and managed on Apple Watch, as well as on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This is important because some recent spyware attacks have been able to compromise Apple Watches.
Geolocation removal: Lockdown Mode now automatically removes the geolocation data from photos by default when sharing photos with other people. This can help to protect your privacy and prevent others from tracking your location.
Wi-Fi and cellular restrictions: Lockdown Mode now blocks automatically joining non-secure Wi-Fi networks and connections to 2G cellular networks. This can help to protect you from a variety of exploits.

Anti-web tracking features

iOS 17’s Safari browser now strips tracking information from web addresses by default. This makes it more difficult for websites and advertisers to track you across the web. You can also choose to enable Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection in Safari settings, which will further block advertisers from tracking you.

Private browsing

Private browsing in Safari now locks by default, prompting you to scan your face or fingerprint before your private tabs will open. This helps to protect your privacy and prevent others from accessing your private browsing history.

Passkeys

Passkeys, a new phishing-resistant way to log in to websites and apps, are getting an update in iOS 17. You can now share passkeys (and passwords, if necessary) with friends and family using end-to-end encryption. This means that nobody else, not even Apple, can access your shared credentials.

Check In

Check In is a new feature in iOS 17 that lets you share your travel plans with friends and family. Check In will monitor your real-time location and alert your friend or family member if you don’t arrive at your destination on time. This location data is end-to-end encrypted, so your friends and family members are the only ones who can see it.

Live Transcription

Live Transcription is a new feature in iOS 17 that can transcribe the voice of a caller into text displayed on the screen in real time. This can be helpful for identifying and avoiding spam and scam calls.

Overall, the iOS 17 security update includes a number of important new and improved features that can help to protect your device and your data from a variety of threats. If you’re an iPhone user, I encourage you to update to iOS 17 as soon as possible.

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Mobile

Why TikTok still isn’t in the App Store

by George Mensah 2025-01-25

Nearly a week has passed since TikTok was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores, and the app remains unavailable for download. The removal followed the enforcement of the U.S. “ban-or-divest” law last weekend, which caused TikTok’s service to briefly go dark across the United States. While the platform quickly resumed operations, its return to the app stores has yet to materialize.

Why Is TikTok Still Unavailable?

The decision to remove TikTok was influenced by the potential consequences for Apple and Google, which face the threat of billions of dollars in fines if they reinstate the app in violation of U.S. regulations. The situation remains murky as President Donald Trump’s executive order to stop enforcing the ban does not explicitly shield the tech giants from legal repercussions.

Apple and Google have remained tight-lipped about their plans, despite multiple inquiries. Neither company has provided updates or a timeline for TikTok’s return. Both corporations issued brief statements regarding the removal of TikTok and other ByteDance-owned apps like Lemon8, but further clarification has not been forthcoming.

Impact on Users

For millions of users, TikTok’s absence from app stores creates significant challenges. Without access to the stores, new installations of TikTok are practically impossible unless users resort to alternative methods, such as downloading APK files or other workarounds. This not only complicates access but also raises potential security risks.

The unavailability of TikTok also disrupts the app’s ability to deliver updates. Bug fixes, new features, and security patches are critical for maintaining a safe and engaging user experience. In their absence, vulnerabilities could emerge, leaving users exposed to potential threats.

What Happens to Existing Users?

If TikTok is already installed on your device, you can continue using it as normal for now. This situation has led to some creative responses: people are reportedly selling used phones with TikTok pre-installed to meet the demand. For those without the app, the web version of TikTok remains an alternative, though it’s not as seamless as the mobile app.

Broader Implications for Other Apps

The TikTok saga has also affected other ByteDance-owned apps, including Lemon8 and Marvel Snap. Second Dinner, the developer behind Marvel Snap, has addressed the situation, stating on X that they expect the app to return to stores as early as next week barring any unforeseen setbacks. However, no concrete timeline has been given for the return of TikTok or other apps tied to ByteDance.

Uncertain Future

The ongoing absence of TikTok from the app stores highlights the complex interplay between politics, technology, and business. While ByteDance has not commented on the situation, the resolution—or lack thereof—will likely set a precedent for how governments and tech companies navigate regulatory challenges in the future.

As of now, millions of users and creators remain in limbo, waiting for clarity on whether TikTok will once again become easily accessible. For those already using the app, maintaining security and staying informed about updates is more important than ever. For new users, the road to joining TikTok’s community remains frustratingly out of reach.

Mobile

HOW TO SHARE A NOTE ON IPHONE

by George Mensah 2025-01-18

The iPhone’s Notes app might seem like a simple tool at first, but its features extend far beyond basic note-taking. Whether you’re jotting down reminders, crafting a shopping list, or collaborating on a project, Notes provides a versatile platform to keep your ideas organized and accessible. One of its standout features is the ability to share notes effortlessly, making it an excellent option for communication and teamwork. This guide will walk you through various ways to share a note and collaborate effectively.

Sharing Notes: The Basics

The Notes app allows you to share your ideas quickly, whether as a static note or in a collaborative environment. Here’s how to get started:

Sending a Copy of a Note

If you need to share information without allowing edits, you can send a static copy of your note. This method ensures your content remains unaltered while still providing recipients with the details they need.

Steps to send a copy of a note:

Open the Notes app on your iPhone.

Select the note you wish to share.

Tap the Share icon (a box with an upward-pointing arrow).
Choose Send Copy from the options.

Select your preferred sharing method, such as email, Messages, or third-party apps like WhatsApp.

This approach is ideal for straightforward communication where collaboration isn’t required.

Real-Time Collaboration: Sharing and Editing Notes Together
For tasks that require input from others, such as brainstorming sessions or shared to-do lists, the Notes app offers collaboration features. With iCloud, you can invite others to view and edit notes or even share an entire folder.

Preparing for Collaboration
Before you begin:

Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.

Verify that iCloud is enabled on both your device and the recipient’s device.

Steps to Collaborate on a Single Note

Open the Notes app.

Select the note you want to share.
Tap the Share icon.

Choose Collaborate from the menu.
Set permissions:

Under Who Can Access, select Only invited people for added privacy or Anyone with the link for broader access.
Under Permissions, choose between Can make changes or View only.

Decide if others can invite additional collaborators by toggling the Allow others to invite option.

Share the invitation through your preferred method, such as Messages or Mail.

Steps to Collaborate on a Folder

If you want to share multiple notes, you can collaborate on an entire folder:

Open the Notes app and navigate to the folder you wish to share.

Tap the More Options icon (three dots) and select Collaborate.
Configure permissions as described above.
Share the folder using Messages, Mail, or other supported platforms.

Tips for Smooth Collaboration

Stay Updated on Edits: When a shared note is modified, you’ll receive notifications (especially if shared via Messages). Tap these updates to view changes in real-time.

Control Access: Use the appropriate permissions to manage who can view or edit the note. For sensitive content, restrict access to specific individuals.

Undo Mistakes: Even in collaborative notes, you can undo edits to correct errors or unintended changes.

Organize with Folders: For group projects or ongoing tasks, sharing folders can streamline access and keep everything organized.

Monitor iCloud Storage: Ensure sufficient iCloud storage is available for seamless sharing, especially if your notes include attachments or media.

Why Use the Notes App for Sharing?

While messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram dominate personal communication, the Notes app offers a dedicated space for focused collaboration. Its features are designed to minimize distractions, making it ideal for structured teamwork. Whether you’re coordinating plans, sharing a checklist, or brainstorming ideas, the Notes app provides the tools needed for effective communication and productivity.

Conclusion

Sharing and collaborating through the iPhone Notes app unlocks its full potential as more than just a note-taking tool. By leveraging its sharing capabilities, you can simplify communication, enhance productivity, and manage teamwork with ease. Whether you’re working on a quick note or an extensive project, understanding how to share a note ensures you make the most of this versatile app.

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