Do me a favor and send unknown callers to voicemail. If it’s someone who really needs you, they’ll leave a message or call back.
Don’t click the ads – Might be malware
When I have a question now, whether it’s finding a recipe or doing math, I’m using AI a lot more than doing a good ol’ Google Search. My go-to is ChatGPT, but Perplexity is useful, too. I often ask both AI bots the same question as a way to double-check things. Google Gemini is a big “meh” to me so far.
There are things Google Search works better than AI for — say, finding a software download, a customer service number or your doctor’s website. Keep in mind that cybercriminals and hackers are also using AI to up their game. You might not think twice about clicking a Google Search result, and cybercriminals know that. I don’t want you to become a victim.
Be careful where you click
Google doesn’t vet everyone who buys an ad. Cybercrooks have a long history of hiding nasty malware in Google Ads, and they’re getting really good at SEO, driving up their malicious search results to the top.
We’re talking about everything from bogus Amazon ads to fake tech support numbers. Doctors, clinics and hospitals are a major target, too. Yep, you could end up with malware just by searching Google for your doctor’s name so you can grab the address.
Any site with a ton of traffic is risky. Think YouTube, Facebook, Target and Walmart. Those are just a few companies attackers use to get you to click on their malicious results.
How to protect yourself
With more tools than ever at their disposal, scammers are good at writing things that can trick anyone. Outsmart these jerks.
- Don’t click on sponsored links or advertising when Googling something.
- Type all web addresses directly into your browser so you know you’re going to the official or legitimate site.
- Before clicking any link, hover your cursor over it to see where it goes. Does the URL look off? Don’t click it.
- Look for extras in the URL, like “USA” added to the end. For instance, instead of target.com, scammers might send you to targetusa.com. This is an easy way to make a fake version of a site you’d otherwise trust.
Browser settings to enhance your security
These simple, quick changes can help protect you.
On Chrome:
Don’t miss these class-action deadlines
When a company screws up and gets slapped with a class-action lawsuit, they have one last line of defense: Hoping you don’t find out about it in time to file a claim.
Not on my watch, folks. They messed up, and if you were wronged, you should get paid. I pulled together a list of open class-action lawsuits and sorted them by their claim deadline so you can file ASAP!
Jetset more safely
I bet you or someone you know has a scary travel story. These gadgets are no-brainers to bring on your next trip to protect yourself and your stuff.
- Major security flaws have compromised a huge portion of keycard hotel locks. Easy fix: This doorstop with a built-in alarm.
- Traveling with valuables? Bring your own safe. Hotel rooms don’t always have one. This little portable option is 22% off.
- Whether you’re traveling abroad or just going out at night, take a personal alarm. This sleek option is 20% off and goes right on your keychain.
- Only one in four U.S. homes has a carbon monoxide detector. Bet your Airbnb doesn’t. This one’s 29% off!
- Two words: Fanny pack. Wear it across your chest for extra street cred (I do!). This one’s $9.99 and comes in a ton of colors.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
It’s official: I’ve been warning you about this, and now we have a date. Support for Windows 10 ends Oct. 14, 2025. Your PC will still work, but no more updates — security or otherwise. Let me know if you need recs for a new laptop or PC.
⚠️ Still using a Netgear WNR614 N300 router? It’s hit end-of-life status and won’t get any more security patches. It already has six scary vulnerabilities, including storing passwords in plain text. You’ll need a new one. Here’s an affordable option for medium-sized homes and a budget mesh system for larger homes.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
600,000 routers
Destroyed in 72 hours by a mysterious hacker. In October 2023, thousands of Windstream internet customers reported their routers had suddenly gone dark. A new security report reveals it was a targeted attack using a single piece of malware anyone can find online. The who and why are both still a mystery.
60-second privacy fix, Google edition
In today’s episode of “I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me,” our “close friend” Google is recording our voices. And, of course, they’re being sneaky about it.
Yep, a hidden feature in your Google account is snatching up audio recordings from your web and app activity, interactions with digital assistants, and more.
PayPal using your data to boost its ad business
Well, well, well … What do we have here? Another tech giant selling your data to make a buck? Shocking, I know.
This time, it’s PayPal. Through the new PayPal Ads network, the company plans to tap into customer transactions to supercharge targeted ads. This feels pretty darn gross if you’re using it to run a business, buy things you don’t necessarily want filling up your ad feed, or know that data being sold to who-knows-who for who-knows-why.
Scammers pretending to be the Social Security office
Be careful what information you give over the phone, especially if you aren’t expecting a call.
Let’s forget we said that: The overwhelming reaction to Microsoft’s recently announced Recall feature for Windows 11 has been, “Uh, hello, security nightmare.” By default, they said Windows 11 on new AI-enabled PCs will snap a screenshot of everything you do so you can revisit your history. Now, they’re going opt-in only. If you get a new PC and see the option, say, “No, thanks.”
Major ISP hacked: Around 750,000 Frontier Internet customers had their info stolen in a ransomware attack. No financial data was grabbed, but the info does include full names, Social Security numbers, birthdays and home addresses — more than enough to steal your identity. If you use Frontier, put up your scam guard. Cybercriminals may have a boatload more info on you now.
Yup, another breach: We’re just learning that big-time debt-collection agency FBCS got hit hard by a data breach on Valentine’s Day. Hackers grabbed names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and medical records of over 3.2 million folks. Watch your credit report.
🥩 The password “beefstew” is not stroganoff: Hackers are still going after password manager LastPass. If someone calls and offers help changing your LastPass login, hang up because it’s fake. You really need a better password manager.
Criminals using Wi-Fi jammers: Police caught an international crime ring staking out marks’ homes. Once the victims left, they used Wi-Fi jammers to disable the house’s Wi-Fi and security systems to rob them. A Chilean gang tried to do the same thing to me, and the Phoenix SWAT team even stormed my house! Worth the watch, promise.
🚨 Do it right now: The National Security Agency (NSA) has a hot security tip: Power off and restart your phone weekly. Sounds like a “duh,” but it works to combat zero-click exploits and spear phishing. More tips (that I’ve been giving you for years): Keep your OS updated, and disable Bluetooth and location services when you don’t need ‘em.
Clever uses for your old phone: Security camera, alarm clock, emergency calling
Most of us have a drawer full of old gadgets lying around. Letting them pile up and collect dust isn’t just a waste of money but also a missed opportunity. You’d be surprised by how many useful things your old phone is capable of. In this Komando DIY, we’ve got four things you can do with your old smartphones after you upgrade.
Boost your company’s productivity with this AI-powered documents solution
Accountants, real estate agents, construction companies and marketing agencies — pretty much everybody is using Tungsten document automation to streamline workflows.
Dealing with documents in the digital age can feel like a throwback to an earlier, less efficient era. You’re buried in paperwork, navigating tons of files, and manually inputting data. It’s time-consuming, error-prone, and let’s be honest, a bit outdated.
👾 Windows and macOS users, beware: Hackers are spreading malware through fake versions of popular apps including 1Password, Bartender 5 and Pixelmator Pro. The malware disables security features and steals your info. That’s bad. Be smart and download apps from official stores only.
How to keep your smartphone working for years
Many new phones from Google, Samsung and Apple now come with seven years of security fixes and software updates. Just a few years ago, you were lucky to get three years.
If you want to stick to that seven-year upgrade cycle, though, you need to do some smartphone housekeeping along the way.