iCloud scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting users with urgent messages about their accounts. Our team recently received two suspicious iCloud emails. We want to share our experience and provide comprehensive steps on how to identify and protect yourself from these scams.

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iCloud scams typically follow a pattern designed to create a sense of urgency and fear. Let's break down the two emails our team received below. Here is the urgent wording that the scammers used, "Payment Failure for iCloud Storage Renewal" and "iCloud Suspended. Fix it before Mon, 13 January 2025." Both emails share common characteristics of phishing attempts, including urgent language, threats of account suspension or data loss, requests to update payment information, links to external websites and vague or incorrect account details. These emails are crafted to look legitimate, often mimicking Apple's branding and tone. However, they contain several red flags that indicate they are scams.

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To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, look out for these telltale signs:

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Apple or iCloud, follow these steps:

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Follow these steps if you think you may have fallen for an iCloud scam.

1) Change your Apple ID password immediately: Ensure you create a strong, unique password that you haven't used on other accounts.

2) Check for any unauthorized changes to your account settings or payment information: Go to account.apple.com and review any devices, personal information or security settings that look unfamiliar.

3) Contact Apple Support directly through official channels for assistance: Forward the suspicious email to reportphishing@apple.com or abuse@icloud.com to help Apple track and block these scams.

4) Monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity: If you provided payment information, cancel and replace your credit card immediately and pay close attention to even small unauthorized charges.

5) Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and Internet Crime Complaint Center to help combat these fraudulent activities.

6) 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. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

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Remember, Apple will never ask you to provide personal information, passwords or security codes via email, text message or phone call. If you're ever in doubt about the legitimacy of a communication from Apple, always err on the side of caution and contact Apple directly through their official website or support channels. By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can better protect yourself from iCloud scams and keep your personal information secure. Don't let the urgency of these messages cloud your judgment. Take a moment to verify before you act, and you'll be much safer in the long run.

Have you ever been targeted by an iCloud or Apple-related scam? 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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Is your computer gasping for breath, drowning in a sea of photos, documents and random downloads? We've all been there: that moment when your computer feels like it's about to burst at the seams, threatening to crash your system and lose those precious memories. Today, I'll walk you through steps to transfer files and free up space so you can breathe easily and keep your Mac or PC running smoothly.

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First things first, you'll want to use an external hard drive you already have or purchase a new one. External hard drives offer massive storage for all your digital memories. My favorites are small, portable drives with no moving parts called SSDs, or solid-state drives. When selecting an external hard drive, consider these key factors.

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Once you have your external drive, plug it right into your computer using a USB cable to make sure it's securely connected.

If you're using a Mac, here's how to transfer your files:

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For Windows users, follow these steps:

Your files are now safely stored on your external drive.

After transferring your files to an external drive or cloud storage, it's important to note that the original files still remain on your computer. To effectively free up space, follow these steps:

Delete Original Files

On Mac:

On Windows:

Empty the Trash/Recycle Bin

On Mac:

On Windows:

Remember, simply moving files to a new drive doesn't automatically delete them from the source. You need to manually remove them and empty the trash/recycle bin to fully reclaim space on your original drive. Always double-check that you have a secure backup of your files before permanently deleting them.

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If you're not into the manual method and prefer a more automated approach, there are other transfer solutions available:

Cloud storage services like iCloud, Google Drive and Dropbox let you upload files and access them from anywhere. These services offer automatic syncing and backup, making file transfer and storage more convenient. Popular options include Microsoft OneDrive, Proton Drive and IDrive. Get Kurt’s favorite cloud services here.

Windows users can utilize the built-in File History feature to automatically back up files to an external drive. This is suitable for a small number of folders but may be time-consuming for large quantities of data.

For faster and more efficient transfers, especially when dealing with large quantities of files, consider using professional backup software. These tools often provide features like automatic backups, file compression and encryption for added security.

For those looking to move data between cloud services, solutions like MultCloud offer seamless file transfer and synchronization between different cloud storage providers. If you have maxed out your iCloud storage, click here to discover what solutions are available.

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No more digital clutter, no more stress. You've got this file transfer thing down pat. Whether you choose the manual method for more control or opt for cloud storage for convenience, the key is to regularly back up your important files. Remember, it's not just about freeing up space on your computer. It's about protecting your digital memories and important documents. As we move into 2025, the landscape of digital storage continues to evolve. With advancements in SSD technology, cloud services and data transfer speeds, managing your digital life has never been easier. So go ahead, start that transfer and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-organized digital life.

Have you ever lost important files or photos? Tell us your worst digital storage nightmare in the comments below. 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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