Category: Essentials

Are your contacts backed up?

To put it another way, are you able to access your contacts from all your devices (desktop and mobile)? This is another no-brainer that takes only a few minutes to setup no matter what device and platform you are using.

You can choose to sync your contacts via iCloud or Google whitch are the most common options. Plenty of other services also exist to allow contact syncing and backup. Once you have set this up, you will have no issues moving to a new device as all your contacts will just sync to your new device once you login. Again, this is something you should enable if you have not yet done so. For some tutorials and directions on how to do this on your device, see some of the links we have provided below.

Pro tip: only use one syncing service to avoid conflicts. Our top pick is your Google/GMail account followed by iCloud as a close second if you use Apple. And, yes, you can sync google contacts with your Apple just fine. While you’re setting this up, why not also enable calendar syncing?

Some helpful links:

Apple: Managing iCloud Contacts, Calendars or reminders

Google: Sync GMail, Contacts, Calendar and Chrome

Once your contacts are being backed up, you’ll be able to sync or access them from any of your devices (computer or mobile).

Questions? Please let us know in the comments below.

Ugly monster lurking in your email inbox?

Are you still reading? Just hearing the word ’email’ or ‘inbox’ will often make even the most tech savvy person cringe with embarrassment. Do you have an ugly monster lurking just inside that app you only open if you have to? (Your email inbox). So, what is the secret app to solve all your email issues? Get ready for it…There isn’t one. The secret starts with you and your approach to email.

Treat email like milk, not precious heirlooms

Here is a great start:
Treat email like milk, not precious heirlooms

Remember, step one is cleaning up your email inbox. This may take time, but will be worth all the effort if you commit to step two. Step two is deciding to deal with your inbox in a way that never allows it to get out of hand. It can be done. How?

Here are a few ideas that work for me:

If possible, deal with an email when you first open it. Does it need a reply? Can you reply now and archive or delete it straight away?
If you are not able to reply when you first open the email, can you resolve to reply or deal with the email before the workday ends?
Do you have a “pending” email mechanism? It might be as simple as a folder that you move any email to that can’t be dealt with today. Get it out of your inbox at least. In the Google/GMail new Inbox app, you have the option of using the snooze feature. See more about Google/GMail inbox here: www.google.com.au/inbox
Consider setting up simple filters that move less important (but still emails you want) to a folder outside of the inbox. GMail or Google Inbox both have features that do this automatically. I use these features extensively. See: Gmail and Google Inbox
Keep in mind that not dealing with an email today, means that your inbox is likely to get out of control again. Once an email is no longer “new” or at the top of your inbox, you are less likely to give it the attention you would have when it first arrived.

Inbox zero is possible

By changing your approach to your inbox and working to keep it in order, rather than viewing it as an ugly monster you need to set aside hours of time to defeat, you can reach inbox zero. Doing so will leave you feeling satisfied at the end of the day and more productive overall. Don’t let your inbox defeat you, get it under control and keep it that way. Do it today, and you’ll enjoy the benefits!

Why do I need 2FA?

Sounds geeky, but this is serious. If you have not heard about 2 FA or two factor authentication it means you are not yet using it. Are you using a password manager yet? As well as a password manager you need to be using 2FA on any websites that offer it. Especially your main Google/Yahoo/Facebook should have 2FA enabled for your own protection.

So what is 2FA and how does it work to protect you?

When logging in to an account with 2FA enabled you need a password and a one off code that is sent to you via SMS or generated by an app you have. It’s something you know (your password) plus something you have (your device that receives the SMS or generates the code). If someone was able to login to your email account, for example, imagine the damage they could do. They can probably even reset your banking login and empty your bank account. Enabling 2 factor authentication means even if your password was stolen from another site you use it on, a malicious user will still not able to login to your account. Not just a handy feature, an essential feature you should enable. Google have a nice page that explains more here: 2 Step authentication – how it works and 2 Step authentication – why you need it

How hard is it to enable?

It’s very simple. Just select the 2FA or 2 step authentication option in your account settings. If you are not sure where to find this option, please let us know in the comments below and we will help you out. Once enabled, you will have taken a big step forward to ensure that you are protecting access to your online information, including your banking details.

What about an app to manage all your 2FA codes?

While many 2FA codes are sent out via SMS, you can usually select to receive your codes via an app. Authy is our pick. It makes managing all your 2FA codes even on multiple devices simple. Another option is Google Authenticator.

Oh, and LastPass (password manager) allows you to use 2FA as well, offering you that extra layer of protection your many passwords need. Have a look at how simply their own 2FA (authenticator app) works, see: lastpass.com/auth/. We have an article on Lastpass that you should also read, see: Overwhelmed with passwords?

So, in summary, please use a password manager and enable 2FA on any sites that offer it. 2FA is easy to use now, and makes it highly unlikely someone will be able to login to your accounts if enabled.

Please leave a question or comment, we’re happy to help you improve your security.