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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.
Last call for Prime Big Deal Days
Time’s almost up, so don’t miss these steals before they vanish at midnight.
🚗 Portable jump-starter (36% off): Meet your glove box hero that restarts your car and charges your phone.
Smart garage opener (33% off): No more turning around to check if it’s closed. Works with Alexa, Google and Apple HomeKit.
🔌 Cable labels (36% off, 30-pack): Stop wondering, “Is this my charger or the HDMI cord?” These writable tags make sorting a breeze.
Water dental flosser (35% off): Give your gums the VIP treatment. Four modes and five tips blast away plaque.
☕ Coffee machine descaler (41% off): A few ounces of this, and your morning cup will brew (and taste) like new.
Pro tip: Use code PACIFICA10 to snag an extra 10% off these beauty essentials.
🎁 More deals, less scrolling: ICYMI, I’ve got 20 more handpicked finds waiting for you. And click here to check out the rest before prices bounce back.
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.
💬 Hide your WhatsApp status: Planning a surprise and don’t want everyone to know? When creating a status, tap Updates > Add status. In the bottom left, where it says Status (Contacts), choose My contacts except. Pick who shouldn’t see it, hit Done and your secret’s safe.
🎚️ Turn it down: Ever had a Hulu or Netflix ad jump-scare scream at you mid-binge? Starting 2026, your stream won’t double as a hearing test. California just passed SB 576, a new law that forces services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube to keep commercial volume in check. Ads must match the level of whatever you were watching. It started because one guy’s baby kept waking up, and now, we all get quieter commercials. Bless that tired parent.
AI is quietly blacklisting job seekers
About 9 in 10 recruiters use AI to scan resumes. If you used AI to write yours, you could be flagged as dishonest or unqualified.
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.
🍏 Take calls on your iPad: You don’t always need to grab your iPhone to answer. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and toggle Allow Calls on Other Devices. Make sure both devices use the same Apple ID, then select your iPad. Remember to keep them nearby and on the same Wi-Fi.
The passport stamp is history
Your next European trip won’t come with a passport stamp. Soon, travelers will face high-tech border kiosks that scan your face, fingerprints, and passport.
📎 PDF = Pretty Deceptive File: Think PDFs are safe because they’re “just documents”? Nope. A new tool kit called MatrixPDF lets hackers secretly bake malicious code, fake overlays or phishing traps into what look like normal, trusted PDFs. Paired with AI tools like SpamGPT, that same file you thought was harmless could be weaponized and distributed at scale. Most security filters don’t flag anything until after you click, so staying cautious is more important than ever.
Prime Big Deal Days are here!
Skip the endless scrolling. I rounded up the steals worth your cart space.
⚡ Portable power station (50% off): Save $400 and don’t get left in the dark when the first winter storm hits.
Cordless car vacuum (50% off): No cords, no limits. With a pet brush and flexible hose, you’ll leave no crumbs.
🔒 Anti-theft cable lock (60% off): Braided steel and 100K+ code combos keep your bike safe from thieves.
Manual can opener (60% off): Soft-grip handle and magnetic lid make cutting cans and popping bottles easy.
😁 Philips electric toothbrush (50% off): Comes with a charging travel case so you never settle for a “so-so” clean on the go.
⏰ It’s go time: These prices won’t last long. Shop all the markdowns before the best stuff disappears. I have some other great Prime Day links at the end, too.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
The privacy threat no one blocks
You mention Antarctica once. Just a throwaway joke near your phone, “Wouldn’t it be cool to go freeze my face off?” Suddenly, your phone, laptop, smart TV, smart speaker and even your fridge are pitching you parkas like it’s QVC Arctic Edition. 🥶
Print for free at libraries: Why drop cash on a printer you’ll use twice a year? Many local libraries let you print 10-20 pages a day for free. Search libraries.org to find one near you, then call to confirm. Perfect for last-minute forms or that “oops” school project.
💪 Safety superhero: I love how SimpliSafe proactively protects my home before anything happens. With AI cameras, instant alerts and professional monitoring, they give me real peace of mind. Get 50% off your new system today at SimpliSafeKim.com.
📱 Save data on Facebook: Watching videos eats up your mobile plan fast. You can cut usage by up to 40% by lowering video quality. Just tap the three-dot menu (top right) > Settings & privacy > Settings > Media > toggle on Data Saver. While you’re there, set Autoplay in Feed and Stories to Wi-Fi only.
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.
Hollywood’s newest star isn’t human
Tilly Norwood looks like a rising A-lister, but she’s entirely AI. Agents are already pitching her for brand deals, while actors call her a threat to their jobs. Plus: ChatGPT gets apps, cars launch flaming batteries, and your Wi-Fi can now track your pulse.
Nothing to see here: Wish we could go back to the good old days of the internet, when nobody was watching or tracking everything we did? We can! I use ExpressVPN to keep my activity private and shielded from prying eyes. Reclaim your digital freedom today and get 4 months FREE!
Make AI dad go away: Zelda Williams slammed fans for sending AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams, calling them “disgusting, over-processed hotdogs” of human art. She said he’d never want his voice or face used that way, and I get it. Let him rest, folks. Chill out on the deepfake Sora 2 celeb videos.