š Wednesday Weekly Free Resourcesš± FREE Protection for Your Phone & Computer
- Sarah Skaggs
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
š± FREE Protection for Your Phone & Computer
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Happy Wednesday, friends! š
This week's free resource is something almost every one of us can use ā help keeping our phones, computers, passwords, photos, and personal information safer online!
Scammers are getting more creative, but you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money on antivirus software to have good protection.
š iPHONE ā START WITH APPLE'S BUILT-IN SECURITY
Here's something many people don't realize: your iPhone does not work like a traditional Windows computer, so downloading a traditional antivirus scanner isn't usually necessary.
Instead:
š± Keep iOS updatedš Use a strong passcodeš¤ Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple Accountš² Download apps only from trusted sourcesš”ļø Review Settings ā Privacy & Securityš Use Apple's Safety CheckĀ to review who and what has access to your informationšØ Never enter your Apple password because of an unexpected text, email, or pop-up
FREE COST: $0
š¤ ANDROID ā GOOGLE PLAY PROTECT
Android phones already have a great FREE resource available: Google Play Protect.
Google Play Protect can:ā Check apps for harmful behaviorā Scan for potentially harmful appsā Warn you about suspicious appsā Disable or remove certain harmful appsā Help identify apps that may misuse your personal information
Make sure yours is turned on:
Google Play Store ā Profile Picture ā Play Protect ā Settings ā Scan apps with Play Protect
And whenever possible, avoid downloading apps from unknown websites or links.
FREE COST: $0
š» WINDOWS COMPUTERS ā MICROSOFT DEFENDER
You may already have excellent antivirus protection and not even realize it!
Microsoft Defender AntivirusĀ is built into modern Windows systems through Windows Security.
It provides protection against:š¦ Virusesš» Malwareš Ransomwareā ļø Suspicious downloadsš Many malicious websites and phishing threats
Independent antivirus testing in 2026 has continued to give Microsoft Defender strong protection results.
FREE COST: Included with Windows
For many everyday home users, keeping Microsoft Defender and Windows Security turned on and fully updated is a very good place to start.
š„ļø ANOTHER FREE WINDOWS OPTION ā AVAST FREE ANTIVIRUS
For those who prefer a third-party antivirus program, Avast Free AntivirusĀ is another option.
Recent independent AV-TEST testing gave Avast Free Antivirus top scores for protection, performance, and usability.
ā ļø Remember: You generally don't need several antivirus programs running at the same time. More isn't necessarily better!
šØ 10 SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP KEEP FROM GETTING HACKED
š 1. Use different passwords.Don't use the same password for Facebook, email, banking, shopping, and everything else.
š² 2. Turn on two-factor authentication.Even if someone steals your password, this provides another layer of protection.
š 3. UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE!Keep your phone, computer, browser, and apps updated. Updates often fix security weaknesses.
š§ 4. Be suspicious of unexpected links.A text saying, "Your package couldn't be delivered ā click here"Ā may be a scam.
š³ 5. Don't give information to unexpected callers.Your bank, government agency, computer company, or utility shouldn't need you to give a stranger your password or verification code.
š« 6. NEVER give someone your verification code.That six-digit code may be exactly what a criminal needs to enter your account.
š± 7. Don't install apps because a stranger tells you to.Especially screen-sharing or remote-access programs!
š¶ 8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi.Avoid accessing sensitive financial accounts on unsecured public networks when possible.
š¾ 9. Back up important photos and documents.If something happens to your device, a backup can be priceless.
š 10. STOP before you click.Scammers create urgency:"ACT NOW!""Your account will be closed!""You owe money!""You've won!"
Take a minute. Don't panic. Verify the message independently.
ā¤ļø PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE
Cybersecurity isn't just a "computer person" problem anymore.
Our phones hold our family photographs, emails, banking information, contacts, passwords, medical portals, social media accounts, and sometimes years of precious memories.
Helping someone learn how to protect those things could save them from a tremendous headache ā or even financial loss.
And remember:
š A legitimate company should NEVER need your password.
šØ NEVER give an unexpected caller your one-time verification code.
ā¤ļø When in doubt ā DON'T CLICK!
"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." ā Proverbs 14:15 (KJV)
š¬ Have you ever received a scam text, email, or phone call that looked incredibly real?
Share your experience in the comments ā without sharing personal information ā because what you learned might help protect someone else!
š Agape Love MinistryServing Others Through Faith, Hope, and Love.
Comments