{"id":81570,"date":"2017-11-28T06:00:40","date_gmt":"2017-11-28T14:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=81570"},"modified":"2025-08-05T09:35:58","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T16:35:58","slug":"5-apps-to-be-thankful-for-this-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/mobile-security\/5-apps-to-be-thankful-for-this-season\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Apps To Be Thankful For This Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

If ever there was a time of year to reflect on the little things that make life wonderful, it\u2019s the holiday season. While friends, family, and food always top the list of things I\u2019m grateful for, there is also a special place in my heart for the gizmos and gadget that also make life great. The internet of things (IoT) has literally given the world access to technology at our fingertips, allowing us to live well-connected lives.<\/p>\n

But know that this well-connected life can also be difficult to navigate; the world of IoT and smart phones coupled with cyber safety can often feel like a complicated waltz. \u00a0Once we take the necessary steps to ensure we\u2019re safe online<\/a>, there is nothing wrong with enjoying the apps that make our lives easier.<\/p>\n

Since it is the season of giving thanks, here are the five apps I\u2019m most thankful for this year. Some are well known, and some are welcomed new additions to the mobile world.<\/p>\n

Venmo<\/a><\/h2>\n

When I want to go to dinner with my friends, Venmo takes the pressure out of splitting the bill when it\u2019s time for the check. Thanks to this free app, sending and receiving money from loved ones is simple and uncomplicated.\u00a0 The best part is, this application offers a two-factor authentication<\/a> that will alert me via text or email if someone attempts to sign in from an unknown device. Talk about instant gratitude.<\/p>\n

Skype<\/a><\/h2>\n

If you have loved ones all around the world like I do, it\u2019s likely this application which makes it easier to connect with them. When a phone call simply isn\u2019t enough, Skype lives up to its promise by giving me a chance to share cherished moments, in real-time, with loved ones far away. Calls are encrypted<\/a> so private moments stay private. Just be sure that you\u2019re logged into a secure network and ensure your connection is secure. If secure WiFi isn\u2019t available, consider a personal VPN<\/a> to help keep your connection safe.<\/p>\n

Facebook<\/a><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s always fun to reflect during this time of year. When I’m feeling nostalgic for friends I haven\u2019t seen in a while, Facebook can connect me with a click of a button. It\u2019s great to share important life moments with friends via Facebook, as long as you remember to adjust your settings to \u201cprivate\u201d and only allow your friends to view your posts. In the world of digital oversharing, we all know Facebook is a culprit, but if we take the extra steps in securing our posts, I don\u2019t see why we shouldn\u2019t still enjoy it.<\/p>\n

Waze <\/a><\/h2>\n

Planning a trip to grandma\u2019s house this holiday? Waze will show you the way. If you spend a lot of time on the road, Waze is like a trusted companion to accompany you on your journey. With real-time traffic insights from other \u201cWazers\u201d, it\u2019s like having a personal travel guide. I couldn\u2019t imagine navigating without it. But, always be cautious when giving other applications access to your location settings.<\/p>\n

Postmates<\/a><\/h2>\n

Food on demand\u2014enough said! Not only does Postmates bring delicious food right to my home, it can also deliver my dry cleaning, or anything else I need at the moment. This app is the epitome of convenience; just remember to stay up to date on your software installments as a security measure.<\/p>\n

We should all take a moment to appreciate the little things that make our lives easier. While we revel in the convenience of our apps, it\u2019s important to keep these tips in mind to ensure your devices stay safe:<\/p>\n