Remember when recording a phone call on your iPhone felt like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded?

Well, those days are officially over. With the release of iOS 18.1, Apple has introduced a native call recording feature as part of Apple Intelligence.

This new functionality makes it easier than ever to document important conversations. Let’s take a closer look at how this feature is changing the game for recording calls on our iPhones.

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Native call recording feature on iPhone (Apple)

The legal lowdown

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to use this feature, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: legality. Recording phone calls can be a bit of a legal minefield, and the last thing you want is to end up on the wrong side of the law. Laws vary by state, so it’s crucial to do your homework and make sure you’re playing by the rules in your area. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Man recording a phone call on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What you’ll need to record calls on iPhone

Now that we’ve got the legal stuff out of the way, let’s talk about what you need to get started:

• An iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 or iPhone XS (or newer model)
• iOS 18.1 or later installed on your device

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How to update your iPhone to the latest software

Not sure if you’re running the latest iOS? No worries! Here are some quick steps to update your iPhone:

• Open Settings
• Tap General
• Select Software Update
• If available, tap Update Now and begin downloading and installing iOS 18.1

Steps to update your iPhone to the latest software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to record a call on your iPhone

Now, let’s get to the fun part, actually recording a call. Here’s how it works:

• Start or answer a phone call like you normally would.
• Look for the new recording icon in the upper-left corner of the call screen.
• Tap that icon to start recording.
• You’ll hear a countdown from three seconds, followed by an audio message saying, “This Call Will Be Recorded.”
• A notification will pop up to let everyone on the call know that it’s being recorded.
• After the recording begins, a Notes notification will appear at the top of the screen to alert you that a new note has been created for this transcript.
• Hit the stop button to end the call at any time, you’ll hear another message saying, “This call is no longer being recorded.”

Steps to record a call on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to access your recording

After successfully recording your call, follow these steps to access and manage your recording:

• Look for a notification from the Notes app pointing you to the audio file and transcript.
• Tap the notification to open the recording directly in Notes or open the Notes app later to review.
• In the Notes app, find your recordings in a new folder called Call Recordings.
• Tap the note to review the transcript. Here you can: 1) Listen to the audio from the beginning by hitting Play; 2) Scroll down and tap within the transcript to start playback from a specific point; 3) Tap a sentence to start playback from there; 4) Pause playback at any time by tapping the play button.

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Steps to access recording (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to add a copy of the transcript to the note for editing

• Tap the menu button
• Select Add Transcript to Note
• Edit the transcript as needed, such as highlighting important sentences
• Share the recording by clicking the send button
• Tap Done

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Steps to add a copy of the transcript to the note for editing (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Remember, you can always return to these recordings in the Notes app to review, edit or share as needed.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Whether you’re conducting interviews, keeping records for research or just want to remember important details from a conversation, it’s never been easier to record calls on your iPhone. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Always make sure you have the consent of all parties before recording a call and use this feature ethically and legally.

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So, what do you think about this new feature? Are you excited to try it out? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Although iPhones have robust security features, they are not entirely immune to threats. While they are generally safer from viruses and malware than Android devices, no device is completely invulnerable.

This point was reinforced by a strange experience that caught our attention when “Pam” of Mesa, Arizona, wrote to us, “My iPhone says I have 14 viruses. What program can I [install] to help with my phone? How can I [make] my phone safe?”

Well, Pam, we’re more than happy to explore why you are getting strange messages on your iPhone suggesting that there were 14 viruses on it. There are various reasons why you could be seeing these types of messages, and there are workarounds to make your phone safe again.

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Woman shocked about virus alerts on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why am I getting virus or malware alerts?

The iPhone is less vulnerable to viruses and malware due to its closed-code design. This means that Apple doesn’t share all of its code information, which makes it harder for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities to take over a user’s apps or iPhone. It’s important to note that Apple will never send you an alert via pop-up, text or email that you have a virus on your device.

Warning on phone’s home screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Watch out for these fake virus alerts on your iPhone

Below are several reasons why you could get notifications on your iPhone about viruses, which you may or may not actually have.

1) Pop-up ads: You may not actually have any viruses or malware on your iPhone. Instead, it can be an ad that pops up from your mobile browser stating that you have viruses or malware on your iPhone. These can scam you in a couple of ways:

• It causes you to click on the ad, which can cause you to download viruses or malware.
• It sends you to another website that asks you for private information, such as payment, so you can pay to get rid of the virus or malware.

2) Fake apps: Some scammers have fake apps that display fake alerts about viruses or malware to scare people to download their apps or purchase their services to get rid of these fake problems.

3) Phishing scams: This alert about viruses can be a scam email or text message claiming you have viruses or malware that need to be eradicated from your device. Do not click on any links or call any numbers as it will likely transfer you to the actual scammer, who will likely hard sell you to buy their services, part with private and financial information or give them access to your iPhone.

Man scrolling on his iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How do I protect my iPhone?

Even though it is more difficult to penetrate the iPhone, it doesn’t mean it is impossible. In fact, some hackers watch for particular vulnerabilities in iOS to launch their attacks. If you see such warnings, it’s best to ignore them and avoid clicking on any links or downloading any suggested software. Below are several key steps you can take to secure your iPhone.

1) Keep your iPhone up to date: Occasionally, Apple releases new iOS updates to address known vulnerabilities. When possible, it is best to update the iOS so that your iPhone is safe from known vulnerabilities.

2) Install and run strong antivirus software: An antivirus software actively running on all of your devices can help keep them all safe, including your iPhone. With iPhones, strong antivirus software will prevent you from clicking on any malicious links that may then install malware onto your devices, which can potentially extract personal information from your device. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These can be phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3) Download apps only from the App Store: Stick to downloading apps from the official Apple App Store. Apps on the App Store are vetted by Apple for security, reducing the risk of downloading malicious software.

4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your Apple ID can help protect your personal information. With 2FA, even if someone gets your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor.

5) Use strong passwords: Ensure that your passwords are strong and unique for different accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them.

6) Monitor app permissions: Regularly check the permissions granted to your apps and revoke any that seem unnecessary. This can help prevent apps from accessing more information than they need.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

While most iPhone users rest easy knowing that the iOS keeps most common viruses and malware at bay, they are still susceptible to scammers trying to work around the closed code and scaring people into making bad choices that endanger their phones and data. Because Apple never sends out alerts about viruses or malware on your iPhone, it should be the first clue of a scam. Even if it looks official, iPhone users do not get alerts from Apple about viruses or malware. If you do install a good antivirus program, that will be the only program notifying you that there is anything amiss with your iPhone. Understanding these scams can go a long way in keeping you calm and your phone safe.

Have you ever received what looks like an official alert from Apple notifying you about viruses on your iPhone? Have you received pop-ups and other alerts trying to get you to buy services or forward you to random websites? What steps did you take to figure out if it was legitimate or not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Are you worried about opening suspicious emails? You’re not alone. Many people are confused about the risks associated with spam and phishing emails.

That includes “Bill” from Groton, Connecticut, who wrote to us and asked, “Myself and my friends are unclear if we can get into trouble by clicking on a spam or hacker email…as long as we don’t open anything INSIDE the email … in other words … can we EVER get into trouble by simply reading any email ??? thank you if you can address this to your viewers … I think many are unclear about this.” 

That’s a great question, Bill. Now let’s dive into this topic and clear up some common misconceptions.

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Person checking emails on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Common misconceptions

Opening emails can instantly infect your device: One common myth is that simply opening an email can automatically infect your device with malware. In reality, modern email systems (such as Gmail, Outlook, etc.) generally prevent this from happening. The real danger comes from interacting with the content inside the email, such as clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments.

Plain text emails are always safe: While emails in plain text format are generally safer than HTML-based emails, they can still pose a risk if they contain malicious links. Phishing attacks can appear in plain text emails, luring you to dangerous websites.

Emails from known contacts are always safe: Even if an email appears to come from someone you know, that doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Attackers can spoof email addresses or hack accounts, so always be cautious about unexpected or unusual messages from known contacts, especially those containing links or attachments.

Spam filters catch all malicious emails: Spam filters are highly effective but not perfect. Some sophisticated phishing and malicious emails can bypass these filters and land in your inbox. This is why it’s important to stay vigilant, even with emails that seem to have passed your email service’s security checks.

Previewing emails is always safe: Most modern email clients use a “preview” pane for quick reading. While the risk of malware through previews is significantly reduced in up-to-date systems, embedded trackers or other forms of data collection can still occur, confirming your activity to the spammer. Always disable automatic image loading or other active content features in your email client’s settings to minimize exposure.

Person checking emails on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What to watch out for

As mentioned already, generally, simply opening an email is not enough to cause harm. However, there are some important points to consider:

1) Embedded trackers: Some spam or phishing emails contain trackers that can notify the sender when the email is opened. This can confirm to the spammer that your email address is active, potentially leading to more spam.

2) Malicious links and attachments: The real danger lies in clicking on links or downloading attachments within the email. These can lead to malicious websites or download malware onto your device.

3) HTML emails: Emails that contain HTML content can sometimes execute scripts when opened. While modern email clients have protections against this, it’s still a potential risk.

4) Phishing attempts: Even if you don’t click on anything, phishing emails can be designed to look very convincing and may trick you into providing personal information if you respond.

Person checking emails on laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to stay safe from suspicious emails

If you’re worried about receiving sketchy emails, there are several steps you can take to stay safe and reduce your risk of encountering malware or falling for scams. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself:

1) Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments: Never click on links or download files from emails you don’t trust. Scammers often use these tactics to direct you to malicious websites or install malware on your device. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Use a reputable email client: Choose an email provider that prioritizes security features like spam filtering and two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection for your account. Read more about secure and private email here.

3) Enable email filtering: Turn on spam filters to reduce the number of unsolicited or potentially dangerous emails reaching your inbox. This reduces your exposure to phishing attempts. Most email platforms these days automatically filter out what they assume to be “junk” into their own folder. If you notice the amount of spam getting through to your inbox increasing, you may want to consider a Spam Filter. There are free options for different email providers. For Gmail, try Mailwasher. For Outlook and Windows Mail, try Spam Bully, which costs an annual fee of $29.95.

4) Keep your software updated: Regularly update your email client and operating system to stay protected from the latest security vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.

5) Consider data removal services: Use data removal services to ensure your personal information is less accessible to potential scammers. This reduces your risk of being targeted in the first place.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

While opening spam emails isn’t typically dangerous, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Be vigilant, trust your instincts, and when in doubt, delete suspicious emails without opening them.

What’s the most convincing spam email you’ve ever received, and how did you recognize it was fake? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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With most of your life attached to these nine numbers, your Social Security number (SSN) is incredibly important to keep safe. That’s why it is crucial to pay attention to signs that your SSN may have been compromised. While preventing the misuse of your SSN is paramount, there are action steps you can take if it does fall into the wrong hands.

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There are steps you can take if your Social Security number falls into the wrong hands. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Top signs someone might be using your Social Security number

Are you concerned that your Social Security number may have gotten into the wrong hands? Check below to see if you are experiencing any of these signs:

1) Changes to your credit report and score

Americans are granted free credit reports every 12 months from the three major consumer reporting companies. Regularly culling through these reports can help you spot potential fraud, which might signal that your Social Security number has been compromised. Any hard inquiries you didn’t request on your credit report are a strong indicator that someone tried to open a credit card or another line of credit with your SSN.

2) Changes to your Social Security statement

While most people know they should check their credit report and scores, you can see your Social Security statement by creating an account on the official Social Security Administration website. Because only one account can be created per SSN, it is safer if you claim it so that no one else can by piecing together your personal information (along with your SSN) to claim it fraudulently. Make sure it is connected to a secure email account that you check frequently. This account also provides up-to-date data on earnings and benefit distributions so you can see if anything is “off.”

You can see your Social Security statement by creating an account on the official Social Security Administration website. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEWARE OF THIS SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM BY CROOKS TRYING TO TRICK YOU

3) Strange or new mailings or calls from debt collectors and junk mailers

While it might seem natural to toss a pile of “junk” mailers or ignore calls from random debt collectors or advertisers, it may be an indicator that someone has gotten a hold of your Social Security number and has begun opening accounts under your number. It’s important to make note of the patterns and follow up with these collectors should it become more and more apparent that your SSN might have been misused. Oftentimes, consumers start getting more credit offers when new credit cards are opened. Additionally, if you start receiving bills under someone else’s name at your address, it might be time to follow up with these notices.

4) New notices from the IRS or other governmental agencies

If you start receiving notices about your Social Security number being used to file someone else’s taxes or inappropriately use your health insurance, it is definitely a sign that someone may have compromised your SSN. While receiving a notice from the IRS or Medicare can feel scary, it is imperative that you reach out to the corresponding agency to notify them of the fraudulent activity so that you can stop further damage.

Beware of new notices from the IRS or other governmental agencies. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Top ways to keep your Social Security number safe

1) Sign up for a Social Security account

Go to the official Social Security Administration website to create an account, if you haven’t already.

2) Hide/keep safe your Social Security number card

Put your Social Security number card in a very safe place, such as a safe, bank safe or a filing cabinet that can be locked. Because it is used so frequently, those nine digits are worth memorizing. If your wallet is lost or stolen, and you keep your SSN card in there, it will be messier than losing just money or your ID. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse.

3) Go online

Skip jotting down your Social Security number on in-person forms. When your SSN is jotted down on paper, it is hard to control how the information gets used or disposed of. If you can submit forms online, you can skip the risk of having your SSN getting into the wrong hands. If you mail in forms that denote your SSN, you risk having that piece of mail stolen or lost.

4) Opt out of inputting SSN

Even though your SSN is requested on some forms, it is not always necessary. If a future employer is requesting your SSN, double-check why they need it. They would most likely need it to run a background check, which you should know about anyway. Additionally, some establishments allow you to provide the last four digits of your SSN until you are finalizing a screening process, etc.

5) Combat child identity theft

Open accounts for your children’s Social Security numbers because you want to claim them for them early and be able to monitor any movement related to their SSN.

6) Secure documents

Some records that contain your Social Security number are important to keep on hand, such as income tax filings. If they are kept digitally, encrypt and or password-protect the document or folder, especially if it is uploaded to the cloud. Keep offline documents with SSNs in a safe or shred instead of throwing them away.

Remember you (usually) only get one SSN in a lifetime, it is important to safeguard that data with your “life.”

7) Remove your personal information from the internet

Removing your personal information from the internet, given the increasing privacy concerns about artificial intelligence, is essential. Data removal services can help protect your Social Security number by systematically erasing your details from websites, thus reducing the risk of identity theft. 

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

8) IRS identity protection PIN (IP PIN)

To further protect your tax returns from identity theft, the IRS offers an identity protection PIN (IP PIN). This is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS, adding an extra layer of security to your tax filings.

How to get an IP PIN

• Online request: The fastest way to receive an IP PIN is to request one through your online account on the IRS website. If you don’t already have an account, you must register to validate your identity.
• Alternative methods: If you can’t establish an online account, there are other methods, but they take longer. You can file an application or request in-person authentication.

Using your IP PIN

• Enter the six-digit IP PIN when prompted by your tax software or provide it to your trusted tax professional when filing your return.
• An IP PIN must be used on all federal tax returns during the year, including prior year returns.
• Do not reveal your IP PIN to anyone except your tax professional when you are ready to sign and submit your return.

Important information

• An IP PIN is valid for one calendar year, and a new one is generated each year.
• If you lose your IP PIN, you can retrieve it online or have it reissued by calling the IRS.

By using an IP PIN, you can significantly reduce the risk of tax-related identity theft and ensure that your tax returns are processed smoothly and securely.

9) Recognizing and reporting a Social Security scam

If there is a problem with a person’s SSN or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter. You can learn more about recognizing Social Security-related scams, including how to report a scam quickly and easily online to Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General, by reading more at www.ssa.gov/scams.

Image of a lock on Social Security cards (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What to do if you think your Social Security number has been compromised?

If you noticed any of the signs listed above that indicate that your Social Security number may have been compromised, below are action steps you can take:

1) Reach out to the Social Security Administration immediately: Call them at 1-800-772-1213 to put an electronic block on your SSN.

2) Contact the three main credit bureaus to freeze your credit: This will prevent anyone, including hackers, from wreaking havoc on your credit. Make sure to report any errors on your credit reports with the credit agencies as well.

3) File a report with the local authorities as well as the Federal Trade Commission.

4) Submit a Social Security fraud report online or call the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271. They can help investigate any Social Security-related fraud.

5) Use an identity theft protection service: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Because your Social Security number has such a significant impact on your life, it is important to pay attention to any signs that it has been compromised and misused. While it may feel overwhelming to see any of these signs that your SSN might be compromised, it’s important to know there are steps you can take to protect yourself moving forward. While paying regularly for fraud protection services may seem like an unnecessary expense when you’re not presently dealing with identity or credit issues, a fraud protection service subscription can help you focus on your present moment instead of worrying about what a criminal might do with your SSN. And if something does happen, you have people in your corner to help you through the process.

What additional steps do you think government agencies should take to enhance the security of Social Security numbers? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.