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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.
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.
See who subscribed to you: On YouTube, you can check who’s following your channel. Click your profile icon in the top right, go to YouTube Studio and select Dashboard. In the middle, find Recent subscribers and tap See All. You can filter by Lifetime or a time range.
👀 Text surge: It’s not your imagination, scam texts are everywhere. New data shows Americans get hit with 100 a month, way more than folks abroad. Until regulators step up, tighten your digital defenses and cozy up with Do Not Disturb. Scammers buy phone numbers from data brokers. Get your number off these lists by signing up for Incogni. Use this link to get 60% off by using promo code KIM60. I get zero spam texts.
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.
Are baby monitors really safe from hackers?
I talk to Adam from Boston, a new dad who wants to buy a video baby monitor but also wants to make sure he’s the only one watching it. Then, how Cracker Barrel went from the fastest-growing chain to dead last because of fake outrage. Plus, the future of driving isn’t touch screens, the government’s $42 billion internet money pit, and an influencer who almost lost his finger to his smart ring.
⌚ Keep apps open longer: Does your Apple Watch jump back to the clock face too fast? You can fix that. On your watch, go to Settings > General > Return to Clock. It’s usually set to Always, but switch it to After 2 Minutes so your app stays open until you’re done or press the Digital Crown.
Lock your PC by walking away
Hackers love an unlocked computer. Here’s the Bluetooth-powered way to make your PC or Mac protect itself.
👩🏼🍼 Born into the limelight: A Twitch streamer did an eight-hour broadcast for 50,000 people of her giving birth complete with an inflatable pool, contractions and all. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy popped into the chat to say congrats. Kind of feels like a pilot episode for The Truman Show. Finally, a stream that delivers.
Little luxuries that go the distance
Weekend getaway coming up? Let’s pack light and keep your style tight.
😴 Travel neck pillow (36% off): Sleep like you’re in first class even in the middle seat. Comes with an eye mask, earplugs and a handy bag.
Hair straightener brush (30% off): Heats up in 30 seconds to straighten, style and add shine all at once.
🧳 Hanging toiletry bag (33% off): No more messy counters. Zips up and hooks on towel racks, doorknobs, you name it, like a mini shelf.
Foldable travel umbrella (32% off): Weighs just over a pound but holds up in 85 mph winds. 4.5 stars and 102K+ reviews.
💕 My favorite earbuds (20% off): 32-hour battery life, fabulous sound, noise cancellation, and since every ear is different (obviously), they come with 6 different-sized gel tips to fit any size.*
Promo code of the day: Use BEAUTY5 for an extra 5% off these beauty brands. Hurry, redemptions are limited!
✈️ Ready for takeoff? Head to my Amazon shop for more smart little lifesavers that make life smooth sailing.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Amazon’s new gear is live: Everything you can buy right now
“Alexa, what’s new?” Oh, just about everything.
Amazon just dropped a truckload of new gadgets, including smarter speakers, sharper sound and security tech that practically thinks for you. Don’t worry, I’ve translated all the techie stuff into plain English, so you know what’s worth your money.
Add a vertical monitor: A second screen is great for reading long docs or messaging while you work. It’ll show sideways at first, but no panic. Right-click your Windows Desktop > Display Settings > select your display > Display Orientation > choose Portrait or Portrait (flipped), then Keep Changes. Here’s a nice 24-inch monitor on sale.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
AI doesn’t do “kidding”: Picture this, you’re in seventh grade, bored in class, decide to mess with ChatGPT. “How to kill my friend.” Boom. Police officer hauling you out of school midday. That’s what happened in Florida this week. The kid said he was just trolling, but the school’s AI watchdog app, Gaggle, instantly flagged it.
🔥 Use Google on Fire TV: Want to remove Bing on your Fire TV Stick? Easy fix. Go to Your Apps & Channels > Internet. At the top, open Menu > Manage > Settings. Then go to Advanced Settings > Search Engine > Google. For the best view, go back to Settings > Accessibility and zoom out to 74%.
Art heists, redacted documents and iPads … Oh my!
I talk to David from Gainesville, Florida, who was looking for advice to beef up his business but ended up spilling the tea on a wild unsolved mystery. Then, how that tracker on your cat could double as the perfect stalking device. Plus, why your computer may be headed for the garbage, Microsoft’s debut in the world of fashion, and why you’ll be seeing more iPads on college football sidelines this season.
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.
Cellphone bills too high? That’s why I switched to Consumer Cellular. I’m getting two unlimited lines for just $60 a month. Solid coverage, no gimmicks, no gotchas. Use code KIM25 at ConsumerCellular.com/KIM to save $25.
⚖️ “Your honor, as an LLM, I…”: If you’re having legal issues, regular folks are using ChatGPT to fight, and even win, lawsuits, from evictions to debt claims. One woman beat $55K in penalties after letting the bot guide her through appeals. Judges might not love it, but ChatGPT just passed its first bar: the search bar.