Watch out for hidden cameras in your vacation rental

Open/download audioAs a vacation property owner, frequent traveler and tech expert, Kim knows a thing or two about hidden cameras. Learn how to spot technology that could invade your privacy before you rent from Vrbo or Airbnb. You have to hear this.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tags: Hidden cameras, privacy, tech, technology


A new kind of speed trap -- your neighbors shame you on Nextdoor

What initially began as social networking for neighborhoods back in 2011, Nextdoor has since catapulted beyond a convenient way to connect with one’s neighbors. These days you will have no trouble finding stories about people complaining to their Nextdoor group regarding a litany of issues; from the height of one’s grass to parked vehicles that are not worthy of the neighborhood. Read this article and we’ll tell you about Kim Komando’s close call with Nextdoor and how she almost became famous on the platform, and not in a good way.

Continue reading

Sophisticated scam targets Gmail and Google Calendar users

Despite Google’s status as a safe (if data hungry) place for our information, a number of new findings are making people think twice about how safe the company’s platforms are against hackers. A new threat has been detected that targets users through Google Calendar, and once it takes hold, it puts your entire account at risk across all of Google’s platforms! In light of this new threat, security researchers are warning users to take extreme caution with their accounts. What could possibly be bad enough to provoke them to speak out like this?

Continue reading

7 best phones under $400

Phones are a lot like bottles of wine. You don’t have to sacrifice your budget in order to get a good one. A $1,000 iPhone or an $800 Pixel 3 may be glamorous, but you can fall in love with a smartphone that costs a whole lot less. We’ve got our eye on budget beauties that come in under $400. These hard-working gadgets still deliver pleasing photos, eye-catching displays and good performance, but they won’t stress out your wallet.

Continue reading

Watch NASA build the next Mars rover live

NASA’s missions to Mars have always incited the idea that we may not be alone in this universe. Watching footage of our rovers explore the rocky terrain in search of life and resources is truly remarkable, but have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to make it all possible? Now’s your chance.

Continue reading

Walmart's latest delivery option might kick Amazon Prime to the curb

It’s Walmart versus Amazon in the race to become America’s favorite at-home delivery service. Walmart’s latest service could have a serious impact on Amazon’s grocery delivery service if it means what we think it means. We’ll tell you where it’s rolling out, what to expect, and how it works.

Continue reading

3 new Google Maps features, 1 will track your speeding

Google is continuing to develop their Maps app with a variety of useful features, and a recent update from the company is pushing several real-time driving enhancements to users across the world. For the first time, you’ll be able to see how fast you’re going, report accidents and hazards, and even let other users know if you’re in an area with a speed trap. Here’s what you need to know to get your hands on Google Maps’ latest updates.

Continue reading

Watch out for this new Instagram scam

If you use Instagram at all, you’ve probably run into your fair share of shady advertisements or spam accounts. A new scam making the rounds, however, does more than just sell counterfeit clothes. Unsuspecting users are having their accounts hijacked by the scammer — who uses them to post even more spam! Here’s what you need to know, as well as how to protect yourself from it.

Continue reading

This one browser blocks tracking cookies by default

You can’t think of the modern internet without thinking of cookies. No, not the delicious kind that you eat — the digital kind. The kind that attaches itself to your browser, saves information about your computer and tracks what you do online. Nobody wants to sacrifice privacy for a more convenient online experience, but one software developer is taking a firm stand against activity tracking cookies. Its browser is one of the most popular on the internet, and now, it’s getting a new set of privacy-enhancing features — including the ability to block cookies right from the get-go.

Continue reading

Beware! There's a clever new way hackers can break into your phone

If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Smartphones and tablets are great to have, but hackers keep finding ways to get into our devices. And new technology brings about more dangerous hacks. Well, get ready — a new hack may be on the horizon.

Continue reading

What is an RFID blocker and how can it protect you?

RFID technology is everywhere. It’s used on your credit cards, car keys, ID badges and any device that reads information wirelessly. It also makes our devices vulnerable to thieves. We’ll explain how these wireless radio frequencies can be used to hack your stuff, as well as ways to protect yourself.

Continue reading