What are the most popular social media platforms and how do they work?

More than a billion people enjoy social networks daily - and it’s time that you join the party. Or don’t, that’s the beauty of having a choice to share your voice.

Social media seems to be everywhere these days. Its popularity can be pretty intimidating - if you don’t know how to use social networks in 2021, should you even bother trying? Fortunately, they are pretty easy to use and they're well worth your time when it comes to their value. 

These networks allow you to connect with your loved ones, see constant updates on their lives, interact with what they post and stay in touch with them. They can also be accessed from any device that has an internet connection, meaning you can connect anytime and anyplace. 

For your convenience, we will break down the big three: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and try to answer all of your what, why and how questions. So, whether you want to join a new network or just want to refresh your memory on all the vast benefits these platforms have to offer, we got you covered in this brief yet comprehensive guide.

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Facebook

What is it?

Facebook is an online social media site created in 2004. Years later, this technological giant grew to be the most popular social network in the world. Chances are most of your friends and relatives use this platform, and for a good reason - Facebook has a variety of useful features. You can access the social network from any device that you own that has an Internet connection, be that as a personal computer, tablet or smartphone. After you register you get to build your profile, you can access the entirety of this site: post text, photos, videos, share important events in your life or just a funny joke, and enjoy Messenger - a messaging app and platform connected to your profile, which allows you to chat with other Facebook users. 

So how do I get started?

Signing Up for a Facebook Account 

Signing up for a Facebook account is fairly easy. First, you need to head over to the Facebook homepage and fill in the required fields. You will be asked to provide your first and last name(s), your email address or mobile number, gender and birthdate. After you choose your password, simply select press “Sign Up” and now you’re part of the Facebook community. 

A little tip: best to use your real name so it is easier for people to find and know that it is you. 

Customizing Your Profile 

Odds are, that there’s probably someone already on Facebook with the same name as you.  Thankfully, Facebook allows you to customize your profile in many ways, so your friends and family can find you without much effort. 

1. Picking your profile picture. Go to your profile and select your profile picture. To pick the picture, choose a photo that’s either already on Facebook and if you’re a new user, a photo from your computer. 

2. Choose a cover photo. Select the camera button on your cover photo, which is on your profile. To choose the photo, you can use any from your Facebook profile, a selection of Facebook’s own cover artwork or upload a photo from your computer. 

3. Update your “About” section. Select the “About” section on your profile page. In this section, you can fill in information about your work and education, the places you’ve lived, contact and basic info, family and relationships, details about you, life events, and any other information that you would like to share.

Facebook is a vast platform, and we barely scratched the surface. There’s still plenty more to figure out, so if you have any questions, check out this WikiHow page that is dedicated to learning Facebook basics. 

Adding Friends on Facebook

Now that your profile is all set up, it’s time to connect with your friends (that’s the whole point of the platform). There are three ways you can add friends on Facebook. You can either search for them, find them in the "Find Friends" tab, or import a list of contacts from your email, iCloud, or phone.

To find friends directly on Facebook, go to your profile, select the "Friends" tab, and select the "Find Friends'' button. You can search for people by name or check out the list of people you may know based on your location or friends that you already added. 

If you choose to upload a list of contacts onto Facebook, you can add your friends directly from there (provided that they use the platform). 

Why should I use it?

This platform makes it easy to keep in touch with people who matter to you. You get to express yourself through your profile and posts, watch, react, interact with your friend’s posts. Besides that, it’s just another form of entertainment, as you can join common-interest groups, follow your favourite celebrities, buy and sell items or services on Marketplace, message your friends through Messenger or watch Facebook original shows to kill some time during quarantine.  

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Instagram 

What is it?

Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, is another extremely popular social media platform. Visually based, this photo and video sharing platform has over 1 billion users worldwide, and serves a similar function as Facebook - connecting you with your friends and family. But unlike Facebook, which relies on both text and pictures, Instagram's sole purpose is to enable users to share images or videos with their audience. You can take, edit, and publish visual content for your followers to interact with thorough likes, comments, and shares. Although you can access Instagram from your desktop, it works best when used as an app, which is available for download in both the App and Google Play Stores. 

So how do I get started?

Sign Up for Instagram

Signing up for Instagram is super easy as well. Firstly, you can either go to the Instagram site on your desktop computer or download the Instagram app. Once you have it opened, register with your mobile number or email, and fill in the forms with your name, username, and password. Then select "Sign up". 

If you’re a Facebook user, you’re in luck - the process is going to be even easier for you, as you can use your Facebook account on the Instagram app for sign up. 

Once you've filled out your username and password, you will be instructed to fill out your profile info, all in one go. Then, select "Done".

Upload, Edit, and Post an Image

After you’re all set up, let’s talk about the most important part of Instagram - how to upload and post an image:

1. Select the "+" icon in the bottom center of your screen.

2. From there, you have two options. You can either look through your Photos library on your device or you can take a new picture or video within the Instagram app. After you’re done, select "Next" in the top right.

3. There are two categories you can use to edit your image - "Filter" and "Edit". Instagram will show you a carousel of filters first, so you can scroll through them and apply any of the filters to your image. Additionally, if you want to use a filter but you want to tone it down, double select the filter and move the cursor to the left to lessen the intensity of the filter.

4. Next, select "Edit". Here, you can adjust contrast, brightness, structure, warmth, and more. When you're happy with your edited image, or if you don't want to edit it at all, select "Next" in the top right.

5. Now, you can add a caption, tag people (you can only tag someone if they also have an Instagram account), and add a location. Additionally, select the button beside Facebook or another linked social media account to share your image on that platform, as well. When you're ready to publish, select "Share" in the top right.

How to Follow on Instagram

To follow someone, follow these three easy steps.

1. Select the search icon on the bottom of your screen (it looks like a magnifying glass).

2. Next, type in the username of the person or brand you want to find and it should appear in the search results. Alternatively, you can search "Tags" or "Places" if you know what content you want to find, but you're not sure who posts about it. For example, if you search "#tastyrecipes" under tags and your results will include any images that use that tag. You might even find someone who posts content you like, and you can choose to follow them so their content appears on your feed.

3. Once you're on someone else's account, you'll see a blue "Follow" button at the top. For public profiles, you can select and immediately begin following that account. However, if the profile is private, you need to wait for them to accept your request first.

Why should I use it?

Besides being super visually engaging and boosting your self-expression, Instagram is super fun to use. It allows you to share moments of your day with your followers through photos and videos that can be edited with filters and organized by hashtags and location tags. The service also has messaging features, the ability to include multiple images or videos in a single post and a Stories feature which allows users to post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. There’s also an “Explore” page, that allows you to discover new posts and users that you don’t currently follow based on your likes and interests. It’s a never-ending flow of visual, vibrant content that lets you get inspired and discover more about the world around you. 

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Twitter

What is it?

Twitter, a social networking site launched in 2006, is a service on which users post and interact with messages known as "tweets" - status updates that consist of 280 characters. Although not as popular as Facebook or Instagram, Twitter ranks in the top of the most popular social media platforms, with 100 million users and 500 million tweets sent out daily. Its primary purpose is to connect people and allow people to share their thoughts with a big audience. Twitter can be used to receive news, follow high-profile celebrities, or stay in touch with old high school friends, as well as discover stories regarding today's biggest news and events. Just like many other social networks, you can access Twitter from any device that has an Internet connection, be that as a personal computer, tablet or smartphone. 

So how do I get started?

Sign Up for Twitter

The first step is, of course, creating a Twitter account. As with all social networks, it’s incredibly easy - all you have to do is head over to the Twitter website if you’re using your computer or download the Twitter app on your mobile device. You will be asked to provide your name, phone number or email address and choose your date of birth. 

After you fill in the information, Twitter will ask you what your interests are and which people you would like to follow first, so you can immediately fill up your feed with information that has the most value to you.  

How to Post a Tweet

Feeling ready to post your first tweet? Select the text box that says "What's happening?". Remember, you only have 280 characters, so you have to be brief. If the text seems too boring, you can include pictures, a GIF, or a poll using the icons below the text box.

If you're not sure what to post, consider sharing an interesting article or a funny video with your followers with your own brief personal take on the content.

Whatever it is, just remember to have fun! And when you feel ready, just select “Tweet”. 

How to Follow People on Twitter and Find Popular Content 

To follow specific people, you can type their names into the search box at the top of your screen. When the person you were looking for appears, select their name to be redirected to their profile. There, select the "Follow" button to the right to start following them - this means any tweets they post will appear on your homepage.

If you’re looking for more content, select the "Moments" section at the top, it will show you trending topics in a variety of subjects, including “News”, “Sports”, “Entertainment”, and “Fun”.

Why should I use it?

Twitter is a unique platform. At its most basic, Twitter is similar to sending out a 280-character mass text to everyone you know - you could use it to share a funny story, post a compelling video. It can connect you with a stranger in Hawaii as well as your long-lost childhood friend. It also allows you to stay up-to-date on the regional news, as you don’t actually have to register to be a participant on Twitter - you can still view tweets without an account, you just can’t interact with them. You can use Twitter for entertainment purposes as your feed will always be filled with news sites, celebrities, comedians, or to stay in contact with friends and family. The choice is yours.

Still feeling a little lost or want to learn more about social media platforms? Join us on our Basics of Social Media Tech Talk webinar as we go over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter in greater detail and teach you all the ways how they can be of great use to you. This webinar will cover some of the ways social media influences local and global communities, how these platform’s algorithms are designed to work and the danger of fake news. Come along and explore the world of social media with Tech Coaches.

Join us on Wednesday, April 28 from 1 to 2 PM. Please register in advance by selecting here.

New Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine Online Booking Portal: What Is It And When Is It Going To Be Available?

The recent pandemic has reshaped the world as we know it - our daily lives’ course was interrupted and we had to learn how to adjust to new, mostly virtual, reality. Almost a year later there is an end in sight: the Government of Canada has been distributing vaccines since December 2020 and, so far, 2.56% of the Canadian population has been vaccinated.  

But have you ever wondered how the Canadian government is going to coordinate vaccinations for everybody? With all in-personal interactions ceased, the answer is, of course, virtually. As phase two of vaccine rollout begins, and the vaccines are becoming more widespread, the government of Canada announced the launch of a brand new online portal, which will be responsible for all the immunization bookings. Besides booking your immunization appointment, the portal will function as a one-stop information valts where you can get answers to all your COVID-19 related questions. 

Most portals are still in the works and are yet to be launched, but will soon be available Canada-wide. The look and functionality of the portals will differ depending on where you live. Provinces and territories might have different timelines, but the notion remains the same - if you want to get COVID-19 vaccine, you’re going to have to do it virtually on these platforms. 

As per Ontario, the province says that it has successfully tested a scheduling site and the online reservation system should be up-and-running on March 15. There’s little information available on how the actual portal will look like and how it will operate. With most of the provinces and territories falling behind (Ontario included), slots for coronavirus immunizations can already be booked through web sites in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and the Northwest Territories. Even though we do not know what the Ontario’s portal will look like, we can take a look at the already running ones to see what we are up against. 

Screen shot of PEI Portal

Prince Edward Island portal seems pretty straightforward. In the first step, you have to indicate whether you’re in the current target group (the portal provides you with the link above the selection field to the official COVID-19 guidelines for you to check). Then you get to select which target group you belong to, which allows for you to move to the next step, in which you fill out your personal information along with your health card. In the last step, you get to review the information you filled out and the portal lets you know that they will contact you to schedule your appointment if you are, in fact, in the current target group. 

Screen shot of the Northwest Territories Portal

Northwest Territories portal has fewer steps - you first select which group you belong to based on whether it's your first dose or second dose (and when you received that first dose). Then the portal takes you to a calendar, where you can select the date and time that suits you best. After, you enter your contact information and health card and voila - your vaccination appointment is booked.

Now, we don’t know that Ontario’s vaccination booking portal will operate similarly to PEI and Northwest Territories portal but one thing we do know - when Ontario’s portal launches, the competition will be brutal. It’s like wanting to get tickets to the most anticipated event of the year - if you don’t get there early enough, most likely all the tickets will be sold out. The same goes for booking the vaccination appointment. As soon as the portals go live, there’s a high chance that they will crash, as thousands of people will be trying to book their appointment at once. That is why the government of Ontario pushed the date from March 1 to March 15: the portal is operational already, but after conducting several tests, they are not sure that the system will be able to withstand the large volume of requests that is expected. 

As the vaccination portals are already available in the US, we get the privilege of learning from their mistakes. That’s how we know that the volume of booking will be large and that you will be competing with thousands of people at once. Of course, the government of Ontario strives to make the portal as accessible as possible, taking into consideration that at first the users will be older adults, who tend not to be tech-savvy. However, Ontario will be using the same scheduling software as California, which has been heavily criticized by some  seniors in the US for being too confusing and overwhelming. Because they are lacking the digital literacy skills that the younger generation has, they are at a disadvantage and can’t book their appointments fast enough. “Who cares?” you might think. “It’s not like younger generations are getting vaccinated in March.” You are partially right - it’s older adults who are eligible to book appointments, but there’s nothing stopping a son, a granddaughter or a caregiver from assisting their older relatives. In a way, you are not only competing with other older adults who might not have the digital literacy skills, you are also competing with a younger generation.  

If you feel like booking an appointment through an online portal is not your cup of tea, there will be an option to book your appointment by phone across Canada. This is also why Ontario and several other provinces are currently in the process of developing a customer service desk, which will be available to all struggling with the online booking and the language barriers (the portals will only be available in English and French). The call centers will become available on March 15 as well.  

The problem with the call centers or customer service desks, is that the process will hardly be easier: there’s a chance that the call lines are going to be overwhelmed and people will end up being on hold for many hours. This means that the tech-savvy Canadians will have an advantage and could get vaccinated earlier, since going online and clicking a few buttons is a much quicker process. Think of this as any other online form, only of utmost importance. And like with any other online form, the higher your digital literacy skills are, the more comfortable you’re going to be navigating the portal and winning the “competition”. 

Many health officials and experts agree that an online portal is going to be essential to manage a mass vaccination campaign and this is the virtual system that Canada will be using for all future vaccinations. With millions of Canadians in line for COVID-19 vaccines, using technology to book shots will make the process more convenient and efficient for many, especially if you are tech literate . That’s right - digital literacy comes in handy once again, as it can determine how quickly you will get the vaccine.

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- Anna Povorozniuk, Virtual Communications Developer

Tech Predictions for 2021 and Beyond

The current pandemic has pushed technological advancement dramatically forward, but 2021 is where the real changes are starting to happen. As we learn to live in this new era, it is important to stay updated on all the new technological advances and even glance a little bit into the future of tech.  

Here are our top three tech predictions for 2021 and beyond, as well as a little peek into the useful gadgets and services that are available right now. 

The Rise in No-Touch Technologies

In the last year, we’ve learned to avoid touching things as much as possible - door handles, cash, elevator buttons - to reduce our chance of infection. After the pandemic is over, those things are going to be safe to touch once again, but the road has already been paved for no-touch technology of all kinds.

Speech recognition improved over the years. It’s no longer 2010, where Siri can’t understand you asking about today’s weather. Now machines can interpret us almost as well as another human. Imagine going into an elevator and simply saying, “Seventh floor, please” or pulling up to the gas station and use Alexa to pay for gas. The latter is already a reality - 11,000 of Exxon gas stations implemented Amazon’s new “Pay for Gas” solution directly at the pump. 

Digital payments have grown rapidly in 2020 - Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay let you pay for your favourite yogurt at the grocery store without having to handle cash or the keypad on the sale card terminal. As of 2021, almost 1.3 billion people worldwide use mobile wallets and that number only continues to grow. The change does not seem temporary anymore, as we steadily move into a cashless society. 

Biometric solutions, like facial recognition, are an important part of our no-touch future as well. Back in 2017, when iPhone X was released, Apple users had to get comfortable with having their face serve as their password. Now, a helmet from a Chinese company, Kuang-Chi Technology, comes equipped with both an infrared camera and facial recognition. The said camera can spot anyone with a fever within 15 feet of you. In other words, facial recognition has gotten crazy good. Licenses and passports will become a thing of the past, replaced by a database that will simply match your face to your records. ATMs will stop asking you for your PIN and just scan your face, and physical keys will disappear - the doors to your car or house will simply see it’s you and open up.  

New Age of Healthcare

What will going to the doctor look like in 2021? Well, telehealth is no longer a thing of the future - the pandemic has sped things up and now 71% of healthcare providers use telemedicine tools to connect with the patients. Instead of waiting in line at the clinic or hospital, you are placed in a virtual waiting room and can speak to your preferred specialist within minutes. 

Canada’s leading telemedicine provider, Maple, offers instant connection with Canadian doctors from your preferred device, including online consultations, prescriptions, referrals, second medical opinions at any time, 24/7. But this is just the beginning, and virtual telehealth solutions move into other areas. Colgate has recently launched a teledentistry platform, “Dentists For Me”, connecting people across India with over 150 dentists from the comfort of their own home. In the UK, “My Online Therapy” offers online mental health services to its customers. Whether it’s the convenience, the reassurance that you will avoid catching anything at the doctor’s office or the hospital, telemedicine offers a significant advantage over traditional healthcare. 

Technology, particularly wearables like smartphones, smartwatches, rings and Fitbits, are becoming health tech tools themselves as they monitor our well-being in real-time. The newest Apple Watch Series 6 measures your oxygen blood level, heart rate, sleep patterns and can detect if you fall, automatically calling 911 if you set it up. The Samsung Galaxy 3 Watch beats Apple, as it offers blood pressure measurement as well. 

Clothing is going to become smarter as well. With the recent development of microsensors, smart textile is now available to an everyday consumer. Hexoskin’s Smart Shirts monitor your health, activity and sleep just as well as any smartwatch would. This Canadian company integrates the sensors directly into the clothes and offers apps and online dashboards that allow you to visualize and track all the data your clothing collects. 

Multiple companies are also trying to turn your smartphone into a medical device. Healthy.io uses your device’s camera to perform home testing for early detection of chronic kidney disease, urinary tract infections and digital wound management. US company Cue Health is working on a small device that will be able to perform numerous health tests, including COVID-19. The product has already been released in five states, but the actual testing is set to start in late 2021.  

Education Shaped by Technology 

As the pandemic hit, most educational institutions and services were forced into virtual spaces. Now, the virtual classrooms are here to stay. Many higher-education institutions are considering a hybrid-flexible (Hyflex) approach, combining face-to-face learning with online learning. This will allow flexibility never seen before: both the instructor and students can choose which mode of delivery suits them best. Hyflex will open up new pathways for both traditional and non-traditional students (adult learners), as the classes can be attended from anywhere and there is no pressure for the pupils to participate in-person.

Besides offering more flexibility, online learning will become more effective. Tech will play a larger role in education, as extended reality (ER) technologies - which include virtual, augmented and mixed realities - take shape, which is believed to become mainstream in the next five years. This will put education on a whole different level, as ER will allow for lectures to blend both physical and virtual worlds, creating a uniquely immersive experience. This sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but ER technologies are going to be a major player in 2021. Multiple augmented reality (AR) glasses are going to be presented to the market this year. Facebook and Ray-Ban have partnered up to launch their first set of “smart glasses” and a company named Mojo is developing the world's first medical-grade AR enabled contact lenses.

Education will take a different shape in 2021 and technology will be the driving force behind the curtains. Remote learning will make being a life-long learner as accessible as possible, and ER technologies will make learning more interactive and engaging. Virtual classrooms will become a norm and tech will go hand-in-hand with learning.  

Cutting-edge technologies are transforming our world. The way of life is changing, and we must change with it. As technology advances, it will not wait for us to catch up - that responsibility falls onto us. This is why being a life-long learner and increasing your digital literacy is so important: we must stay on our toes and grow our comfort with technology, so you can benefit from it in the future.

- Anna Povorozniuk, Virtual Communications Developer

Must-Have Apps For Your Smartphone in 2021

You just got a new device, set it up, and it feels a little empty. It’s time to head to the App Store or Google Play Store! But you are feeling a little lost and aren’t sure which apps would make your device most efficient. A question arises - what should I download?

Here are Tech Coaches top picks for the apps that you must have in January 2021. From personal cybersecurity to first aid, we got your back. 

All the apps mentioned in the blog post are both available both in the App Store (IOS) and Google Play Store (Android).  

1Password 

As we keep reminding, personal cybersecurity should be a top priority. If you already don’t have a password manager, you should consider getting one. 

1Password is simple and secure. The app remembers all your passwords for you and keeps them safe behind the one password that you set for the application. This way, you can follow best practices and create long, complicated passwords that keep your data secure. 1Password automatically fills in passwords on all your devices whether you're signing in to a website or another app. 

It is rated 4.6 stars on the App Store and is the editor’s choice for password management tools. The app offers a 30 day (Apple) or 14 day (Android) free trial when you install 1Password, then it is $2.99 per month or $4.99 for a family plan which includes five users. 

Tile 

If you tend to lose your wallet, keys or smartphone around the house, this app was made for you. Although Tile does require you to purchase the physical Bluetooth-enabled devices (Tiles), it comes in handy preventing the hassle of turning your house upside down. Yes, Tiles aren’t cheap, but neither is losing your wallet or keys. 

Tile app allows you to ring your wallet (or whatever you chose to attach your Tile to) from your smartphone if it is nearby. And vice-versa - you can find your phone by double-pressing the Tile and it will respond by ringing. Besides that, the app has a map where you can track the location of all your Tiles. If any of your items are truly lost, you can select “Notify When Found” and if any user in the Tile network comes within the range of your missing item, the app will notify you of its most recent location.  

Tile Bluetooth Devices cost $54.79 on Amazon.ca upfront, and the app is free unless you wish to upgrade to a premium. It costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 annually and can be found both in the App Store and Google Play.

Strava 

Like to exercise daily or want to get more into fitness? Strava might be the app for you. 

This app allows you to track your activity whenever you want: whether you are running, taking your bike for a ride, or hiking - Strava is there to record your physical activity and analyze it. The app allows you to customize your training and workout plans, as well as record routes so friends and followers can comment, and share their own fitness goals. 

This app is the editor’s choice for Health & Fitness on Google Play and is rated 4.3 stars at the App Store. Subscriptions range from $11 to $77 dollars, depending on the plan you choose. Full app access allows mapping out your routes beforehand and sharing with others. 

Nike Training Club

Another great app for home workouts is Nike Training Club, which is designed to help you reach your fitness goals by giving you all the tools and motivation you need. 

The app offers over 185 expertly designed workouts ranging in the difficulty level, along with trainer-led programs that are results-oriented. As the Nike Training Club is focused on home-based workouts, any space and any equipment that you have works, as the training is highly customizable. In addition to workouts, get nutrition and wellness guidance from Nike Master Trainers, like recipe ideas and tips on sleep, mindset and recovery. Now is the perfect time to keep building healthy habits.

Nike Training Club is the editor’s choice for home workouts & fitness plans at the App Store and is rated 4.0 stars on Google Play. The app is free to install and since the pandemic began, all their premium content has been available at no cost to the users. 

Headspace

Whether you are feeling stressed or want to improve your meditation skills, Headspace offers hundreds of services designed to be your guide to mindfulness in your everyday life. 

The app offers courses on stress management, happiness, resilience, physical health, and more. It is designed to help you any time of the day - from daily video series designed to brighten your day to original stories paired with relaxing sounds in the morning to help you unwind and calm your thoughts before bed. Headspace also has quick workouts and concentration-boosting music intended to change the way you get things done.  

Headspace is rated 4.9 stars at the App Store and is the editor's choice for sleep health on Google Play. The app comes with a 14-day free trial when you install it and costs $13 per month or $70 for a year for full access.  

Elevate 

Elevate encourages daily brain training, which involves the completion of three games, or five games with the “PRO” version.

Elevate has more of an adult feel than many of the other brain training apps - the minigames take a more serious approach. Elevate provides a daily, weekly, and monthly rundown of overall performance, as well as performance in five specific areas: writing, listening, speaking, reading, and math. If you’re feeling competitive, you have the option of comparing your results with other users in the same age group.

Elevate was selected as the app of the year by Apple and is rated 4.5 stars on Google Play. The app offers a 7-day free trial as a basic free version. Upgrading to Pro costs $4.99 per month or $39.99 annually.

First Aid - Canadian Red Cross 

If you are ever in a situation where someone is in immediate danger and needs your help, the Canadian Red Cross First Aid app will provide you with instant information when there is little time to react. 

The app has simple step-by-step instructions and videos to guide you through everyday first aid scenarios. You can even test your life learning skills by completing the interactive quizzes and earning badges that you can share with your friends! And if you are ever in a situation where you do not have the reception or Internet connection, the app’s preloaded content means that you can have access to all the information on it anytime anywhere.  

Canadian’s Red Cross First Aid app is free on both App Store and Google Play Store and could make a great addition to your smartphone. 

These apps are just some of the examples of what can make your smartphone reach its full potential! Don’t be afraid to go to the App Store or Google Play Store and explore what is out there. 

- Anna Povorozniuk, Virtual Communications Developer

Personal Cyber Security Tips that you must learn today

Anticipating new devices holiday season? Tech Coaches guide to personal cybersecurity will help you protect your devices from any data and security breaches.

You think it’s never going to happen to you. You think that no one wants your information but you might be wrong about that. In 2018, almost 700 million people were victims of some form of cybercrime and two cyber attacks occur every hour. Don’t let those numbers scare you - cyber security is your responsibility. If you educate yourself, remain vigilant and follow the tips below, you will be able to minimize your chances of a data and security breach. 

Keep your operating systems up to date. Many users tend to disregard the new updates, which their devices beg them to install, time after time. This can prove to be dangerous. The operating system (OS) updates are designed to not only improve your overall experience but to protect your devices from the newly discovered threats. Each update that you skip makes your gadgets more vulnerable. To check if your OS is up to date, you can go to “about phone” or “general” and click on “System updates” or “software updates” on your mobile device. If you want to skip the hassle, you can just turn on automatic updates and let gadgets take care of it in the future. 

Lock your device when not in use and don’t leave it unattended. This one is pretty self-explanatory - when you’re done using your gadget, turn it off or lock your screen. It might seem like a minor detail, but leaving your computer on and connected to the internet opens the door wide open for cyber-attacks 24/7. What about mobile devices? Although you don’t have to turn them off constantly, just by locking them you can stop anyone snooping around in your gadget if you happen to lose it. If you enable screen lock - which should be your most basic and vital line of defence - and choose a good PIN, your mobile device should be safe from any unwanted interaction.  

Use strong passwords and don’t save them in your browser. We will never stop repeating this - never underestimate the power of a complicated password. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy but aim for your passwords to have at least eight characters, one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and at least one special character. I know, it sounds complicated, so when Google Chrome or Safari offers to remember that password for you, you want to take that option. It’s enticing, but if cybercriminals get access to your device they will have all your passwords as well. It’s like leaving your keys in your car. Instead, try using a password management tool, such as LastPass - it generates strong passwords for you and securely stores them. You can also go a little bit more old school - a trusted pen and paper, stored securely, can go a long way. 

Connect to a secure WI-FI. The beauty of modern technology is that we can connect to the internet anywhere and everywhere there is WIFI. Although it might be tempting to save your data and use public WIFI, you are opening your device up to cyberattacks. If you must use one, make sure you are not doing anything that can potentially endanger your data, such as online shopping with your credit card or personal banking. It is generally best to add a layer of protection with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN encrypts the data coming out of your device, hides your location and protects your identity. In other words, it makes it way harder for cybercriminals to obtain your information. 

Use anti-virus protection. Anti-virus (AV) protection software is one of the best tools out there to fight any attacks on your devices. This program is designed to detect and remove viruses and other kinds of malicious software from your gadgets, protecting your data. Keep in mind: only install antiviruses from a trusted source to avoid any issues. Antiviruses are available for smartphones too, although not a lot of people are aware of that. Panda’s free antivirus software has VPN features included as a bonus. 

Backup your data. Even if you do follow the best cyber security practices, no one is completely safe from a data breach. The only guaranteed way to fix your device is by erasing and reinstalling the system. That’s why it is so important to constantly back up your data. One of the more viable options - the cloud. Even if your device is compromised, stolen or broken, your data is not attached to it anymore and you can access it from anywhere, as long as you have WIFI. You can learn more about cloud technology in our previous blog post here.  

Happy Holidays and stay safe! 

- Anna Povorozniuk, Virtual Communications Developer