Rob Falk Technology Concierge Services

03/28/2022

If you have an Apple Watch, then using the new "Face ID with Mask" option is a serious step back. Turn off this new option and rely on the watch to unlock the phone for you. It is much, much faster and easier.

You no longer have to remove your mask to unlock your phone or use Apple Pay.

09/13/2021

Unless you are a dissident in a repressive state like Saudi Arabia or Turkey (or Texas?) it’s unlikely that you’ve been targeted by multimillion dollar spyware. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to update your system anytime “security” is in the release notes.

Apple has updated its software for iPhones to address a critical vulnerability that independent researchers say has been exploited by notorious surveillance software to spy on a Saudi activist.

08/17/2021

Setting aside the myriad privacy and security issues, has Apple revealed how this plan will impact storage space for the on-device CSAM database and associated data tied to each photo, iCloud storage quotas, and the increased bandwidth consumption for the neural hashes transmitted with each upload??

In early August, Apple announced a major new program designed to help combat child exploitation and promote safety, issues the tech community has increasingly embraced. It was a presentation big on intent but light on the details.

08/09/2021

There’s no such thing as a secure back door. While the intent is noble, this plan hands the keys to your privacy to the government. Changing the algorithm from child p**n to anti-government memes is child’s play.

Features to detect child abuse material stored on iCloud coming in updates to US users iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS Monterey.

06/22/2021

If you are frustrated by your home/office WiFi, today is your (Amazon Prime) day! The eero mesh network really works and is simple to set up.

Deal of the day for Prime Members:

Amazon eero 6 dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 6 system with built-in Zigbee smart home hub (3-pack, three eero 6 routers)

06/08/2021

06/08/2021

I paid for - and really like - this smart playlist creation app, free on the App Store today. Not useful if you stream, but great for managing music you have on the phone.

04/26/2021

iOS 14.5 is here, and with it comes the ability to unlock your iPhone with FaceID while wearing a mask. (Apple Watch required.) It works, and it's A W E S O M E!

How-To How to use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone when wearing a mask A new feature in iOS 14.5 makes mask-wearing a lot more convenient for those who use an iPhone with Face ID. By Jason Cross Staff Writer Macworld Apr 26, 2021 10:52 am PDT IDG With the release of iOS 14.5 and watchOS 7.4, A...

03/27/2021

Time to update your Apple iDevices and watches, ASAP.

Apple just patched a security threat that may have been actively exploited.

02/24/2021

There are now ways to see if your Mac has been infected with "Silver Sparrow" malware. This article will take you elbows deep into the MacOS if you're game. You can also try using the free version of Malwarebytes, which is expected to work. Or, get in touch with me. We can set up remote sessions to manage this, and many other common Mac issues.

What’s Silver Sparrow? No, it’s not a Game of Thrones character—has that ship sailed?—but rather a new piece of macOS malware that runs on both Intel and M1-based Macs. That makes it the second piece of known malware for the latter, but there’s a silver lining: Researchers discovered the m...

02/22/2021

If I read one more article about this Silver Sparrow Mac malware that doesn't give any information on how to diagnose or remove it… I guess I'm going to read yet another article about Silver Sparrow Mac malware. This story is infuriating in its universal reach with absolutely no useful information.

Apple says that it has taken steps to prevent further spread of the Mac malware known as Silver Sparrow. The malware was notable for the fact that it runs natively on the M1 chip. Apple says that it has revoked the security certificates of the developer accounts used to sign the packages, which will...

01/27/2021

Stop what you're doing. Update your iPhone now.

The iPhone maker said attackers may have exploited the security flaws before they were patched.