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Breaking news and tips
New malware changes everything
Remember when viruses came from clicking on sketchy email attachments like “hotpics[.]exe”? Good times. Today’s malware doesn’t even need a file. It slips into your system’s memory like a digital ninja, using tools already on your computer like PowerShell, WMI or macros to do its dirty work.
No download. No alert. Just boom, you’re compromised.
These are called fileless viruses, and they’re exploding. Security firms say they’re up nearly 40% this year. Why? Because your antivirus doesn’t see them coming. No file, no warning. But wait, it gets worse.
🎭 Shape-shifting viruses
Some of the newest malware doesn’t just sneak in, it learns. This next-gen code changes its form on the fly, adapting in real time to whatever security software it bumps into. Think of it like the T-1000 from Terminator, but instead of turning into liquid metal, it changes its signature to hide.
And it’s not being built in a basement. These tools are mass-produced and sold like Netflix subscriptions on the dark web. It’s called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), and yes, that’s as terrifying as it sounds. For a few hundred bucks, anyone with bad intentions can launch a full-blown cyberattack.
🎯 The new target
You’ve got a smart thermostat, maybe a printer, a tablet, a few security cameras. All it takes is one “forgot to update,” and they’re in.
Even developers aren’t safe. A few months ago, a virus slipped into a popular open-source library. Anyone who downloaded the update brought the malware into their own code. That’s how fast this stuff spreads.
🛡️ Your virus-proof checklist
- Turn on automatic software and firmware updates for everything.
- Don’t trust random pop-ups asking you to “run a security check.”
- Lock down your smart home devices with 2FA and unique passwords.
- Back up your files regularly, ransomware loves a hostage.
Most important: Use solid real-time antivirus with behavior monitoring, not just signature scanning. TotalAV, a sponsor of my nationally syndicated radio show, protects you in real time. It doesn’t just wait for a scheduled scan.
Healthy hacks for under $30
A handful of smart swaps can totally lift your mood.
🔊 White noise machine (39% off): Tiny but mighty. Set the timer and drift off to nature sounds at home or while traveling.
Body measuring tape (14% off): Online shopping just got easier. This helps nail your size, so you’ll skip the returns.
🍫 Protein bars (25% off, nine count): Gluten-free with 16 grams of protein and tastes like dessert? You betcha!
Plantar fasciitis insoles (9% off): Trim to fit, pop them in and let the gel cushion your arches and heels all day.
💛 Soothing cough drops (33% off): Scratchy throat? Zinc and vitamin D give your immune system a little boost.
🛒 Want more like this? Hit this secret link to stock up on top-rated essentials.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Holiday cash: How to create & sell T-shirts without ever touching inventory
Let’s talk T-shirts. Not the boring kind. I’m talking about clever, seasonal, giftable shirts people actually want to buy.
Whether it’s a “Dear Santa, I Can Explain…,” “Sleigh My Name, Sleigh My Name” or “Resting Grinch Face” tee, custom tops make great holiday gifts. And thanks to AI and print-on-demand, you can start a T-shirt side hustle from your couch.
Feeling left behind? Download NetSuite’s free knowledge drop, “The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.” No matter what you do, you should know more about AI. It’s not going anywhere.
🎮 It’s not just a phase, Mom: That whole “video games are for kids” thing? Turns out the average gamer is 41, and they’re playing to relax, connect with others and keep their minds sharp. Nearly half are women. And yes, phones count, mobile is the top platform. Get this, nearly half of U.S. parents say gaming helps their relationship with their kids. I used to play Need for Speed with my son. At one point, I yelled, “Ian, punch it, the cops are right behind us!” Then I sat back and thought, “Yep, definitely not getting Parent of the Year for this one.”
The day that all videos became untrustworthy
Remember this date. It’s the day AI finally made fake videos indistinguishable from real life. OpenAI’s Sora 2 changes everything.
ChatGPT caught the arsonist
He thought he got away with starting one of California’s worst fires, until investigators checked his ChatGPT history. Yep, AI turned him in. Plus, landlords are using algorithms to hike rent, and a listener finds out his chatbot is a surprisingly good therapist.
🖨️ Restart everything: If your printer’s acting weird, turn it off and unplug it for 30 seconds before powering it back on. Restart your computer, too. This clears temporary glitches in the printer’s memory and often fixes those annoying “processing” loops.
Geocaching for newbies
Hidden treasures are all around you. You just haven’t noticed them yet. This global game makes finding them addicting.
Protect your equity: In Phoenix, scammers forged ownership papers and sold a home for $200K, all without the real owners knowing. They only found out when the fake deed hit public records. This isn’t a movie plot, and it could happen to you. Home Title Lock’s signature TripleLock™ protection safeguards your home from fraud. Start with 14 days FREE and a free Title History Report.
Fall projects, deeper savings
From quick fixes to spooky vibes, get these handy upgrades for …
🛠️ Under $10 and 10% off
- Super glue (10% off): Waterproof, dries clear and sticks to metal, wood and ceramic like a champ.
- Picture hanging kit (10% off): Hang your holiday decor on concrete or cinder blocks without damaging the wall.
💡 Under $20
- Candelabra light bulbs (17% off): These dimmable LEDs create that cozy glow for instant ambience.
- Electric candle lighter (18% off): Say goodbye to disposables. This one’s USB rechargeable and way safer to use.
👻 Under $50
- Fog machine (5% off): Nothing says Halloween like rolling fog, flashing lights and a built-in disco ball.
✅ Ready to level up? I’ve got 25 more handpicked home helpers waiting on my Amazon storefront.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Top scams spreading right now
Every crime has a setup. In five recent cases, scammers turned online breadcrumbs into jackpots. I want you to know how to make sure you’re not their next payday.
Scammers stalk grief like predators. A Pennsylvania widow was conned out of her entire life savings, over $200,000 plus her home, by a romance scammer she met on Facebook. A 63-year-old widower sold his condo and wired $80,000 to a “friend” who convinced him to invest in a sure thing.
Stop auto driver updates: On Windows 11, you don’t have to let updates mess with hardware that’s already working fine. Go to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings. In System Properties, head to Hardware > Device Installation Settings, toggle No, and Save Changes. Very important: Don’t forget to manually check for security updates.
💬 Office warfare: Google rolled out Gemini Enterprise, their Microsoft Copilot. For $21 to $30 a month, it connects with tools like Google Workspace, Salesforce and Microsoft 365, so your team can literally talk to your data. Think: instant answers from emails, docs or CRM info, no tab-hopping required. If you’re drowning in spreadsheets, this is worth a serious look.
📂 Choose default apps on iOS 26: Got multiple apps that can open the same file? Long-press it, tap Open With and pick your favorite (say Chrome instead of Preview). Want that app every time? Long-press again, tap Get Info, select Always Open With, choose your app and hit the blue tick in the top right.
Help! I’m in Amazon jail
Caller Gee from Virginia Beach got hacked ($2,500 gone) and somehow he’s the one in trouble. Amazon’s calling him the culprit. Plus, ChatGPT goes to court, Waymo’s cars get pulled over, and Hollywood’s newest starlet is pure code. It’s a wild lineup.
Free cloud storage made easy
Are all your drives full? You don’t have to pay for extra storage. In this AI podcast, find out what you actually get from Google, Apple, and Amazon. Then, Meta’s new AI ad trap, the massive Salesforce hack, and why your Ring camera watches more than your porch.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Going overseas? Use WhatsApp or Signal for free messaging over Wi-Fi, and skip roaming fees entirely.
Surprise, you’re in the cloud: Starting now, if you open Word on Windows, it’ll autosave everything to OneDrive by default. No more “Save As,” it just uploads. Convenient for syncing across devices, maybe not great if you didn’t want your journal entries on Microsoft’s servers. Go to OneDrive > Settings > Sync and backup if you’re used to files living on your desktop.