In a sophisticated scheme that blended old-school corruption with modern technology, a crime ring of iPhone porch pirates managed to steal thousands of the Apple devices from unsuspecting homeowners’ porches. Prosecutors recently dismantled the operation, revealing how the group of porch pirates exploited FedEx websites to track packages and bribed AT&T employees to obtain precise delivery data. This brazen combination of insider access and digital savvy allowed the criminals to snatch high-value electronics with alarming efficiency, leaving victims and authorities scrambling to catch up. Ester Fung for The Wall Street Journal: ‎ Last month, federal authorities arrested 13 people in connection with what they say was an international crime ring that targeted FedEx deliveries nationwide. Porch thefts aren’t new, but…

Apple’s AirTag Last winter, George Washington University sent out an alert about a string of Canada Goose jacket thefts and robberies that are continuing to plague the area. Josh Rosenthal for Fox5 Washington D.C.: ‎ “It is something I have to think about, just putting my jacket on,” American University student Meera Hajarnis said. That’s because she was wearing a Canada Goose jacket, which has become a target for thieves. “I know [George Washington University], Georgetown, same issue where a lot of people are just stealing these jackets out of locker rooms, classrooms,” Hajarnis said. In at least one instance, they’re stealing them at gunpoint too. Police said three suspects hopped out of a car, pointed guns, and demanded a…

The iPhone Upgrade Program (IPUP) is a financing program offered by Apple that allows you to get a new iPhone every year for a fixed monthly payment. The program also includes AppleCare+ coverage, which provides protection against accidental damage and theft. To be eligible for the IPUP, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid US credit or debit card. You must also have a wireless carrier plan that is compatible with the iPhone. To enroll in the IPUP, you can visit an Apple Store, Apple's online store, or the Apple Store app. You will need to select the iPhone model you want, choose your carrier plan, and agree to the terms of the program. (more…)

Hundreds of gravesites in Texas were robbed of tens of thousands of dollars worth of bronze vases, but an Apple AirTag helped police track down the thieves. Apple AirTag 4-Pack Deven Clarke for Click2Houston: Investigators say the suspects intended to sell the sentimental items as scrap metal. Before that could happen, officials say some of the loved ones affected took matters into their own hands and helped police find three of the suspected culprits. “It is very frustrating having to do this over and over again,” said Tony Velazquez, who recently found out his uncle’s grave at the Restwood Memorial Park in Clute had been robbed… Velazquez says this time, the thieves were nice enough to take the flowers out…

Hundreds of gravesites in Texas were robbed of tens of thousands of dollars worth of bronze vases, but an Apple AirTag helped police track down the thieves. Apple AirTag 4-Pack Deven Clarke for Click2Houston: Investigators say the suspects intended to sell the sentimental items as scrap metal. Before that could happen, officials say some of the loved ones affected took matters into their own hands and helped police find three of the suspected culprits. “It is very frustrating having to do this over and over again,” said Tony Velazquez, who recently found out his uncle’s grave at the Restwood Memorial Park in Clute had been robbed… Velazquez says this time, the thieves were nice enough to take the flowers out…

Macworld Macs may be a far less tempting target for malware and viruses, but they’re not immune from attack. Even if you don’t care about adware or being used as means to infect users on other platforms, it’s still possible to fall victim to ransomware, or password theft. Accordingly, good antivirus for Mac software will protect your Mac on all of these fronts. It’ll catch malware that’s still spreading or in circulation; block ransomware; protect older systems with out-of-date software from security vulnerabilities; prevent your Mac from acting as a carrier for malware aimed at other operating systems; and keep infected files off of any virtual machines you’re running. As to the question of which Mac antivirus software you should choose,…