When you put a cheap smart bulb in your shopping cart, no one warned you it might be susceptible to hackers who could use it to break into your entire network. With more and more of our devices connected to the internet, we’re all at risk. I brought in cybersecurity expert Ricoh Danielson to help you lock it all down. Find out more about Ricoh at 1stresponder.us.
Tech Refresh: Scam texts going up, Amazon's new guarantee, the first MP3
Scam calls are on their way down, while scammy texts are increasing. Here’s what to do about it. Plus, Amazon is finally taking responsibility for lousy third-party products, and Kim, Ben and Allie reminisce about the first MP3, Napster and even tapes.
The future of tech: One U.S. lawmaker sees big changes coming
Could algorithms be the cure to cancer? What will the future workplace look like? And how could blockchain protect our privacy better than anything we have now? In this episode, Kim sits down with Congressman David Schweikert, who provides a politician’s perspective on the biggest plans lawmakers have for the future of tech.
Tech Refresh: Podcast pro tips, Alexa prank, Windows nightmare
Trying to get your podcast off the ground? Kim and Allie are joined by Paul Colligan, a podcast industry pro who helps new shows flourish. Plus, Kim pranked Barry with an Alexa trick you’ll want to try, too, and an essential update for Windows users.
How the government and companies buy your personal data
We think of our gadgets as helpful tools that make our lives easier, but they can also be turned against us. The data your devices collect is so valuable it could be used against you in a criminal trial, requested by police or even bought by the government through a data broker. Kim’s interview with technologist Bennett Cyphers from the Electronic Frontier Foundation reveals all the secrets you’re losing — and which devices do the most stealing.
Tech Refresh: WhatsApp not so private, 3 smart tech hacks, talking duck
After years of assuring users Facebook can’t read WhatsApp messages, the truth comes out. Kim, Allie and Ben offer up their favorite quick tech life hacks, including how to use your browser to earn cash. And in weird news of a week, a talking duck named Ripper has something to say.
Disinformation: How social media lies change history
Keeping you ignorant is profitable, which is why companies, governments and terrorist groups manufacture fake social media posts. Fall for them, and you’re letting strangers inject their lies into your brain. In this episode, Kim sits down with disinformation experts Kristy Roschke and Emerson Brooking on the scary new shadow industry designed to keep us ignorant, compliant and powerless.
Tech Refresh: iPhone 13, digital license, pay later on Amazon
The iPhone 13 is coming soon. Before you shell out $1K, get Kim’s advice on whether now is really the time to upgrade. Plus, digital licenses are coming soon, if you live in one of eight states. And check Amazon because you might be able to break your next purchase into monthly installments.
Cybersecurity 101: Inside the mind of a hacker
Online scams reach new heights just about every month. How can you protect yourself? You need to get in the head of a criminal. That’s why Kim sat down with IBM social engineer Stephanie Carruthers, aka _sn0ww, about the surge in spam that preys on fears and confusion. Listen now to stay safe out there.
Tech Refresh: Crypto hits $2.1T, UPS scam, quick tech hacks
Cryptocurrency shows no sign of slowing down, and there’s a list of mining scam apps you need to know about. Plus, a new phishing email campaign is using the UPS and a really clever tactic to fool people. And Kim and the gang have three smart tech tips you’ll wish you knew sooner.
How do you track down terrorists? This guy actually did it
Now that the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan, many nationals are scrambling to cover up their digital lives. Any sign of cooperation with Americans could be a death sentence. In this episode, Kim talks with Ricoh Danielson, a vet who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, breaking into cellphones and discovering secrets on the ground.
Tech Refresh: Windows nightmare continues, podcasting tips, new Gen Z trend
This week, Kim and Allie are joined by a special guest, Paul Colligan. He’s a super-smart podcast expert and chats with us about some excellent ideas if you’ve ever thought about starting your own show. That, plus this week in tech news, Kim’s favorite Alexa prank, and a brand new game. Will Kim stump you?
Bonus: An hour of Kim Komando's national radio show
This week’s podcast is a full hour of The Kim Komando Show, originally broadcast to 420+ radio stations across the U.S. on Aug. 14 and 15. Listen on your schedule for 30 days totally free at getkim.com. In this hour, a former official says China has data on every American, Apple’s plan to scan devices for child abuse images and how you could be 60 seconds away from becoming Netflix’s next big star.
Tech Refresh: Apple's plan to fight child porn, stop scam texts, be a Netflix star
Apple says it is going to start scanning photos for child porn. Is this a privacy violation or a much-needed change? Plus, scam texts are on the rise. We’ve got tips on what to watch for. And if you want to be a reality star, time to submit a casting call to Netflix.
She passed away. Then he turned her into an AI chatbot
When tragedy struck, Joshua Barbeau decided to cope with the death of his girlfriend by creating an AI chatbot based on her personality. In this episode, Kim sits down with him as well as developer Jason Rohrer, who created an AI program you can use to create your own personalized chatbots for just $5. It’s creepy and insanely fascinating at the same time.
Tech Refresh: X-rated email scam, FBI's secret spy phones, tech life hacks
The FBI busted criminals using a secret app to communicate their nefarious deeds. The biggest surprise here is how they did it. X-rated emails are one of scammers’ favorite ways to get your info. Plus, the team dives into tech productivity hacks to make life easier.
The inventor of the cellphone on his first-ever call and what's coming next
Cellphones completely changed the way we communicate. One of the most influential figures behind the tech? Marty Cooper, known as the Father of the Cellphone. In this episode, Kim and Marty take a trip down memory lane. He tells the story of his first mobile call. No, it was definitely not to his wife.
Tech Refresh: Fake Windows 11 installers, update your iPhone, Alexa's new persona
Windows 11 is coming, but it’s not here yet. Before you go Googling for the installer, a warning about dangerous malware. Plus, a new update for iPhones and iPads goes well beyond cool new features; it fixes a serious vulnerability. In the tech tip, a simple way to change your Echo’s wake word and voice.
Starting a podcast? 4 tips that could make or break it
To make a successful podcast, you need solid storytelling and production skills. That’s why I sat down with audio expert Valerie Geller to break down the biggest mistakes audio pioneers make. We share anecdotes from our own careers, tips that worked for us and the top four ways you can reel in listeners and boost your ratings.
Tech Refresh: Bezos in space, crypto scam warning, clear duplicate contacts
Jeff Bezos went to space and back and had a, well, unusual way of thanking all of us for it. Security cameras are watching at just about every store; some are smarter than others. In the tech tip, Ben has details on how to find and clean up all your duplicate Google contacts.