Technology has undoubtedly made many things easier, but it has also brought new concerns. Here are five dangerous cybersecurity mistakes you might be making. Scan this list to make sure you’re not putting yourself in danger.
While you’re at it, there’s a chance you’re breaking the law online without realizing it. Download movies illegally? Yes, stop that. Tap or click for four more ways to get into hot water.
One thing that has become easier is document signing. Now you can skip the ride or wait for something to arrive in the mail and sign digitally instead. Here’s how:
Consider your signature first
Even in the digital age, a handwritten signature adds a personal touch. Do not use your mouse or trackpad. It never looks good.
Instead, sign a piece of paper and save it to your device using your smartphone’s camera or your webcam. You can then import that image into any PDF or other document. Tap or click here for in-depth steps, including size and proportion to aim for.
Here’s a pro tip: it’s a good idea to have two different signatures. One is reserved for in-person signature and the other for electronic signature.
The two signatures can be much the same. Just customize one with an extra point or some other subtle variation. This way, if someone ever uses your signature without your permission or knowledge, it will be easy to find out just by looking at it.
Another thing to keep in mind: Signing legal documents usually requires a secure digital signature with a service like DocuSign or Adobe Sign.
If you have Adobe . used
Adobe Reader is one of the most common PDF applications out there. There are also Adobe Acrobat DC and Adobe Acrobat Sign that work the same way.
To sign a document, open the PDF and look for the Draw icon in the top toolbar. It looks like the tip of a pen. It should be in the toolbar at the top of the application. You can also go to Tools † Fill in & sign†
Fields you can fill in should turn blue in the document. Find the space where you want to write your signature, click on it and then click on the Draw icon again. You have the choice of sketching your signature with your mouse or trackpad, typing your initials, or uploading a photo of the signature you want.
To save your signature, check the “Save signature” box and click Apply to sign the document.
Signing is easy on a Mac
It’s easy to create a virtual signature that you can use on a Mac using the Preview app – no additional downloads required.
• In Preview press Tools†
• To elect annotate†
• Select Signature > Select Manage signatures†
From there you have two options. You can sign with your trackpad (more power to you if you can make it look good) or sign your name on a white piece of paper and hold it up to your webcam.
Try this on an iPhone or iPad
Markup is a powerful tool that you may not even realize is there. It allows you to edit screenshots and photos, add signatures to documents, insert text, and more without downloading a third-party app.
To sign a document:
• Open the document and tap editThen the markup button†
• Press Add button to add text or a signature.
• Tap Done twice†
Notes is another simple, installed app worth using. Tap or click here for five useful things you didn’t know Apple Notes could do.
Try Adobe Fill & Sign on an Android
As with the desktop version of Adobe Acrobat, the free Android equivalent can also be used to sign documents. You get the option to scribble your signature on your screen, which is easier to get right than on a computer.
This app is also a great way to fill out forms and you can use it to type in PDFs for a clean, professional looking document. Adobe Acrobat is available as a free download from the Google Play Store. Tap or click here to download it.
PODCAST CHOICE:Top Gun Flight Sim, Bird ID App, iPhone Pulse Control, Wi-Fi 7 Speeds
Have you ever wondered, “What kind of bird is that?” I’ll tell you about a bird ID app to help you figure it out. In addition, Apple patents a MacBook with two screens, Wi-Fi 7 test shows off speeds of 30 Gbps, and Microsoft Flight Simulator gets a “Top Gun: Maverick” add-on. I’ll also tell you how to monitor your heart rate with your phone and make an online will.
Watch my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple† Google Podcasts† Spotifyor your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts from. Just search for my last name, ‘Komando’.
Learn about the latest technology at the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim answers phone calls and provides advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com†
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.