Apple helps you protect your iTunes Store account_0

Apple helps you protect your iTunes Store account
If you have recently purchased one of Apple's mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod) you most likely have set up an iTunes Store account to easily access music, movies, podcasts, and applications. Occasionally users report phishing attacks (emails designed to trick people into giving third party hackers password information) that target iTunes Store accounts. The following article details what to do if your account is compromised and some best practices for keeping it secure in the future.The first rule of thumb is to never enter your iTunes Store account information in any website that is not Apple's and to never open any attachments from email addresses that are unknown to you, even if the email looks like it could be from Apple. If you think you may have received a phishing attack via email, you can alert Apple using this email address: reportphishing@apple.com.As more and more people switch to iPhone and other Apple mobile products, these phishing attacks are likely to get more prevalent. The key to protecting your iTunes Store account, as with many online accounts, is password security. If you find that you can no longer log in to your account, or if you receive email invoices for purchases from the iTunes Store that you did not make, follow these steps:Go to Apple's iForgot website. iForgot will allow you to reset your account information to regain control of your account. When choosing a password, following simple rules can help you choose a safe and difficult to crack password. First, choose something that does not appear in a dictionary (using numbers to replace letters in a word and adding unique characters, such as exclamation points or question marks can greatly increase security) and be sure that your iTunes Store password is not shared with any of your other online accounts.Let your financial institution associated with your iTunes Store account know about the fraudulent charges.If you are unable to get access to your account using iForgot or if unauthorized charges on your account were made using an iTunes Store credit, contact iTunes Store Support immediately.More tips to keeping your account secureAlways log out of your iTunes Store account after you complete your purchases. Many accounts are compromised because a user leaves their information logged on to a publicly accessible computer. Logging out prevents would-be wrong-doers from gaining access to your account. As mentioned above, use a different password for each of your online accounts. Of course, with the amount of websites that require password authentication this may seem nearly impossible. Try using applications like 1Password on the Mac to help manage your security.You should also be careful how you share your password. The best process for this? Don't do it. Keeping your password to yourself is the best way to ensure no one else will be able to access your account. The same can be said for the secret question security provision (when signing up for an iTunes Store account). Be sure the answer is only something you will know. You should also get in the habit of changing your passwords. Try setting a calendar event to remind you every couple months.

Samsung revs up iTunes rival with new Galaxy S III

Samsung revs up iTunes rival with new Galaxy S III
Samsung has found yet another way to compete with Apple.The Galaxy S smartphone maker is officially kicking off its new iTunes rival Music Hub service starting today. Available as an app with the new Galaxy S III phone launching in 28 different countries, Music Hub borrows more than a page or two from iTunes but also adds a paid subscription model.The service will offer Samsung phone and tablet owners access to 19 million songs, with prices comparable to those found on iTunes, according to Reuters. Users can stream music and download it from the Hub to play it locally without having to stay connected to the cloud. They can preview a track for up to 30 seconds before deciding whether or not to purchase it.Related storiesSamsung Galaxy S III is a lookerWith Samsung's Galaxy S III, the experience mattersA slew of accessories await Samsung's Galaxy S IIIBut two subscription plans will offer customers access to unlimited streaming and downloading of more than 3 million tunes. For the $9.99-per-month unlimited mobile plan, Samsung users can access the Music Hub from a single device -- phone or tablet. For the $12.99-per-month unlimited premium plan, users can tap into the hub on up to four devices as well as a PC or Mac.The premium edition also follows in the footsteps of iTunes Match by scanning songs on your mobile devices to match and store them in the cloud.Music Hub will initially be available only on the new Samsung Galaxy S III but will eventually branch out to other devices, including Samsung Blu-ray players and Smart TVs.The company is even hoping to design an iOS app to let Apple users access the service from their iPhones, according to the Register. But as CNET U.K. reporter Luke Westaway points out, we'll have to see if Samsung can sneak that one past Apple's approval process.Samsung's Galaxy S III is plastic, but powerful...See full gallery1 - 4 / 20NextPrevRelated video:This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play