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Hackers want you to make this mistake
If you’re about to take a flight, pause for one hot second before you slide your phone into that shiny airport USB port. Both the FBI and FTC are waving red flags: Public charging stations can be straight-up hacker bait.
The scam has a name, juice jacking, and no, it’s not a new energy drink. That’s where hackers use those public USB ports to sneak malware onto your device. Once they’re in, they can lock you out, steal your passwords or worse.
And no, this isn’t some fringe theory. Here’s how to charge without turning your phone into a hacker buffet:
⚠️ Skip the sketchy USB ports
If it’s a USB port you don’t own, don’t trust it. Charging via a USB cable can transfer data, not just power. If there’s a regular wall outlet, use it with your own plug. Safer and faster.
✅ Go wireless when you can
Many newer public charging stations offer wireless pads, and they’re way safer. No data is exchanged, so malware can’t hitch a ride. It’s slower than wired charging, but worth the peace of mind.
🔌 Bring a charge-only cable
If USB is your only option, use a charge-only cable. These handy little cords ($10) only deliver power, no data transfer possible. They’re a must-pack for frequent travelers.
🚫 Never tap “Trust this device”
If that pop-up shows up on a sketchy plug like a clingy ex asking for a second chance? Slam “No,” or “Don’t allow,” or back away slowly.
You’re not here to fall in love with malware, you’re just trying to hit 35% battery.
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Don’t sweat it
💪 Want that summer bod? Let’s help you get there:
- Keep your water chilly for up to two days with a metal tumbler (5% off).
- Tiny but mighty, these resistance bands (43% off) go up to 40 pounds.
- Body aches? Massage ’em out with a vibrating foam roller (16% off).
- These sporty headbands ($17) come in many patterns to match your style.
- Shake up your home workout by standing on a vibration plate (18% off).
- Track your progress by syncing this smart scale (20% off) with your phone.
🔥 Feel the burn: Amazon’s Memorial Day sale has more deals on summer favorites you’ll want to check out.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
How AI is reshaping stock photography
Photographers and illustrators ask me this question a lot: “Kim, is AI going to take my job?” The answer? It’s tricky. Yes, there’s growing competition between AI and human artists. But if you’re smart about using AI, it can become your secret weapon.
📢 Hiring? Don’t waste time (or money) on job boards that don’t deliver. With LinkedIn, you can instantly reach a network of over 950 million professionals. Whether you need a rock star marketer or a top-tier tech expert, the right candidate is just a few clicks away. Post your job for free today!
Apple Intelligence falls flat
Apple promised AI in every corner of your iPhone. The reality? Most of it’s missing.
10
That’s how many NFL stars could make up Team USA’s Olympic flag football roster in 2028. The NFL just gave its blessing for players to suit up for the red, white and blue. Get ready for Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Tyreek Hill to turn the Games into a glorified Pro Bowl.
Swipe for screenshots: On a Samsung Galaxy, there’s a quicker way to capture your screen without pressing buttons. Go to Settings > Advanced features > Motion and gestures > Palm swipe to capture. Turn it on, and now swiping your hand left or right across the screen will take a screenshot instantly.
“Hello Pervert” scam
You get an email from a stranger claiming, “We have naked pictures of you!” It’s a scam designed to scare you into paying up. Here’s what to know.
🤖 Vader unhinged: Fortnite’s AI Darth Vader went rogue less than 90 minutes after launch. Built with James Earl Jones’ voice and Google’s Gemini AI, Vader now responds to player prompts, sometimes with profanities and slurs (paywall link). Epic rushed a “hotfix,” but let’s be real: The Dark Side has Wi-Fi now, and it’s unmoderated.
Head-to-toe glow
🧽 You’re about to clean up without breaking a sweat.
- Wow, you could save $100 on Dyson’s Airstrait straightener (20% off).
- This scalp massager ($7) helps scrub away all that dandruff.
- Sanitize up to five toothbrushes with a wall-mounted holder (27% off).
- The Pink Stuff (5% off) deep cleans your toilet bowl in just 10 minutes.
- Smudgy screen? This cleaning cloth (36% off) is great for large monitors.
- These pre-wet sponges ($10) make dirty shoes look like new.
😌 Stock up: Don’t miss Amazon’s Memorial Day sale for more personal care steals you’ll actually use.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
23andMe data sold for $256M
Your DNA is now in the hands of biotech giant Regeneron. They say they’ll protect it. Plus, Owen Wilson deepfake scams, Meta lets fraud off the hook, and phone-free vacations. Got T-Mobile? Here’s how to claim your part of the $350M data breach settlement.
40-foot submarine-hunting drone
The “BlueWhale” uses special sensors to spot underwater and surface threats, and can help clear mines. The cool bit? It’s fully autonomous and runs on batteries for weeks. Basically, a Roomba’s scarier cousin with serious military vibes.
Right place, right time: A man started having heart attack symptoms mid-flight, but luckily, a cardiologist was on board. Even better? The doctor had all the tools to help, including a pocket-size electrocardiogram to monitor abnormal heartbeats. He gave the man medication, stabilized him and saved his life. Wow.
Hide new apps: To ease up on new apps crowding your iPad’s Home Screen, go to Settings > Home Screen & App Library > Newly Downloaded Apps and select App Library Only. Then, toggle on Show App Library in Dock. Next time you open the dock, you’ll see the App Library icon in the bottom-right corner.
Deepfake Elon stole millions — May 17th, Hour 1
Want billions like Musk? Don’t fall for this crypto scam. Some people are paying $217K to freeze their bodies. I’ll also share five signs your phone might be tapped. Plus, I talk to Randy from Oregon, who wants to cash in on a viral video.
Clutter crushers
📦 Kick that mess to the curb in style.
- These space-saving hangers (30% off) are perfect for small rooms.
- Protect your nice dishes with some sturdy storage boxes (7% off).
- Snag a foldable jewelry case (10% off) that won’t tangle your bling.
- Haul up to 330 pounds with ease using a foldable wagon (19% off).
- No tools needed. This soap dish tray ($13) sticks right to your wall.
- Doggy business? Clip a poop bag holder ($13) right onto your leash.
🛍️ I can’t live without these: I reorder these 20 little game changers all the time. They’ll make your life easier, too.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
✂️ Snip that PDF: Using the free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader? You can’t pull specific pages, but there’s a workaround. Go to Menu > Print, set the printer to Microsoft Print to PDF (PC) or Save as PDF (Mac). Choose Pages and type the page numbers you want (like 2 to 5). Click Print, then Save the file.
🥳 Airbnb’s anti-party tech: This summer, they’re once again cracking down on high-risk bookings. The system looks at length of stay, how close you live to the rental and whether it’s last-minute. If you get flagged, you’ll be blocked and sent to a different listing. Don’t believe it? Last year, they stopped over 50,000 people.