The Current Plus: Mac malware, Bieber trolls, Google Map scams, drones in war and more tech loveliness - In partnership with Total Adblock | Happy Saturday, my friend. Can’t hit your daily greens goal? TikTok’s latest trend is “dinosaur time.” Stand over your sink and stuff handfuls of raw spinach into your mouth, like a Brachiosaurus munching leaves. No salad prep, just leafy goodness. Not for everyone, but spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, K1, iron and more. It fuels your body. Keep it up and you’ll never get Jurassic’d. 🦖 Today’s newsletter is brought to you by the letter A. That stands for “ads” … and “ad blocker.” Total Adblock stops the frustrating, annoying and nosy ads you see everywhere online. — Kim 📣 Don’t keep me a secret: Share this email with friends (or copy URL here) | TODAY'S DEEP DIVE Got hacked? I wish that I could wave my magic wand and automatically reinstate all the accounts for anyone who asks me for help because their Facebook account got hacked, their ex knows everywhere they go or they’ve lost access to everything and even money for some reason. When’s the last time you looked to see who’s logged into your accounts? Yeah, I thought so. Hackers, exes and nosy lurkers love it when you don’t. Here’s how In your account settings, look for a section labeled “Devices” or “Where You’re Logged In.” This is the spot to find a list of all devices accessing your account. Scan for anything suspicious, unknown devices, logins from unfamiliar locations (especially in different states or countries) or odd activity times like 3 a.m. while you were asleep. These steps below work for most devices, but the process may vary. Different makes and models have their quirks. Google: Go to Google Account Security, then Your devices. See anything suspicious? Click it, then Sign out. Apple: Sign into your Apple ID, then click Devices. If something looks off, select it and click Remove from Account. Microsoft: Head to your Microsoft Devices. Spot a device that’s not yours? Click Remove. Facebook and Instagram: Since both are owned by Meta, the steps are similar. On either platform, go to Settings > Accounts Center > Password & Security > Where You’re Logged In. Select anything fishy and log it out. You’re not done yet Google, Apple and Microsoft automatically send notifications so you’re instantly warned when someone logs in from an unfamiliar device or location. This way, you can take action fast! Not so on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook and Instagram: On either platform, go to Accounts Center > Password and security > Login alerts. Check the box next to where you want to receive alerts. Running this check only takes a few minutes, but it could save you from a hacked account, stolen data or worse. Do this today, and let me know if you find anything weird. I’ve heard some wild stories! |
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DIGITAL LIFE HACK Flying soon? Here’s how airlines track you From the moment you book, airlines collect data on your habits, web activity and even your complaints. Here’s how to protect your privacy in the skies. Listen on Komando.com → |
WEB WATERCOOLER 📍 Bait and switch: Google found over 10,000 fake listings on Google Maps and is now suing the scammers behind it. People would search for a service (often an emergency one) and get directed to a phony business. Then the scam service would show up and demand way more money than originally quoted. That’s why you need to verify details, folks. One of the worst phishing scams: It’s coming for Mac owners, with hackers trying to steal your Apple ID. While you’re browsing in Safari, a fake pop-up appears pretending to be a security alert. What makes it extra sneaky? The page you’re on actually freezes, making it feel like your computer’s locked up. If it happens, don’t click anything. Just restart your browser. A sound idea: New tech beams sound to a specific spot without speakers or headphones. How? It sends two ultrasonic waves that bend around obstacles, creating a sound bubble only the right person can hear. Imagine walking up to a museum exhibit and getting the narration without wearing headphones or bothering anyone else. Love that! “What’d you say?” If you find yourself asking this more and more, make a change. Today’s tech is so much better than the hearing aids other generations wore. These hearing aids* have two tiny processors that analyze the sound around you to make conversations crystal clear. Incredible. Copilot is back: A recent Windows 11 update removed the app from some devices. Microsoft rolled out an emergency update that should reinstall it on your system. Haven’t seen it yet? You can manually install it from the Microsoft Store. 👩⚖️ Hailey Bieber v. haters: You just won’t talk to someone who trolls you on social media. If you’re a Bieber, no way. A viral TikTok video and a YouTube series are calling Hailey Bieber a bully for supposedly liking a mean post about Selena Gomez’s fiancé, Benny Blanco. Now, she’s lawyering up with Lisa Moore, who helped Cardi B win a $4 million defamation case. 🚘 Buy a car, get $2,300: You’ll score that in Amazon gift cards if you shop on Amazon Autos. You can see prices up front and customize your ride right from your couch. When you’re ready, schedule a pickup, sign the paperwork at the dealership and drive off. In about two weeks, you’ll get two emails from Amazon, each with a $1,150 gift card. |
DAILY TECH UPDATE Own a Tesla? You’re a target Hackers stole the names and home addresses of Tesla owners and shared them online. Here’s what you need to know. Listen on Komando.com → |
DEALS OF THE DAY Bin it to win it! 🧳 Say goodbye to clutter this spring. Put away your winter clothes with 20 vacuum-sealed bags. Up your car’s legroom with a net pocket (20% off) that hooks right on the ceiling. Slip an airplane organizer over your tray table, so your stuff’s always within reach. This stroller organizer (10% off) has plenty of pockets. No more juggling bags. These hanging storage pockets (12% off) are perfect for stashing your shoes, purses and the kid’s toys. 🛍️ Dress to impress: Keep your fancy suits and dresses looking as sharp as you with some garment bags (8% off). |
DEVICE ADVICE Tag, you’re it: Keep your files organized in Finder on your Mac by using tags. You can make tags for work, family, projects or anything you like. Just select a file and press Control + number (1-7) to add a tag. You can see the order in your Finder settings. To remove it, select it and hit Control + 0. ⏱️ Never be late again: Google Maps and Apple Maps are great at predicting traffic. Next time you need directions, look for the option to set your arrival time. The map app will let you know when you should leave home. Drive safe! Traveling abroad? Don’t let sky-high roaming charges ruin your trip! Get the eSIM I use for affordable, secure mobile data in over 200 destinations worldwide. Download the Saily app, pick a plan and enjoy instant connection, all without a physical SIM! So easy! Learn more and get 10% now.* 📖 Give your eyes a break on Kindle: You can schedule a warm light to turn on at night. Go to All Settings > Screen and brightness > Brightness and warmth and toggle Warmth schedule. Scroll down to Manual and set your preferred times and Warmth intensity. FYI: This only works on Paperwhite, Oasis and Scribe models. 🍕 Serving up files: Try File.pizza to send large files from your computer without using up your cloud’s storage space. Just drag and drop it into your browser, set a password if you’d like (yes) and hit Start. You’ll get a link and a QR code to share. Keep the site open until whoever you send it to downloads it. Once you click out, the file is gone. |
BY THE NUMBERS 1 in 4 Computer programming jobs have vanished in the past two years. There are now fewer than at any point since 1980. The reason? Yep, AI. Time to level up your skills. Over $45,000 Round-trip tickets for two from Chicago to Munich. That’s if you book Lufthansa’s new “Allegris” first-class double suites. You get to enjoy a 27-inch video screen and a shared bed so you can easily … relax together and join the mile high club. $5.7 million The world’s most expensive and rarest dog. He’s the first wolf and Caucasian shepherd mix called a “wolfdog.” At 8 months old, he already weighs 165 pounds. Speaking of … I can’t take my dog to the park as all the ducks keep trying to bite her. My fault for getting one that’s pure bread. |
WHAT THE TECH? It’s so great you can try on glasses this way! And yes, I have 870 unread emails and four unread texts. Don’t tell the boss. You know, I like to wear glasses when I do math. It helps with di-vision. 🕶️ |
LOGGING OUT ... 🥳 Come to my party: My award-winning national radio show is on over 420 stations across the USA this weekend! Find your local station and tune in, or get my show’s podcast. I talk about things not in this newsletter, and I take calls from wonderful folks just like you. You’ve asked me for years … How to safely block ads online. My pick is Total Adblock. For $19, your web experience is clean, fresh and safe. Win! Whew! That was a lot, but it’s all to keep you tech-savvy, ahead of the curve and never left behind. Thanks for letting me pop into your inbox each day with the best newsletter in the USA. I truly appreciate you. Now go have an amazing day! ✨— Kim | |
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