Are you doing everything to keep it safe from hackers? Here’s how to secure it.
How to remove yourself from US Search
Like it or not, your personal information is online for anyone to find. This can include your full name, address, phone number, police record, employment information and more. People search sites scrape this information from public records, court records, social media and other sources.
Many sites exist solely to offer such services. You only need a small piece of information, such as a person’s phone number, and from there, you can locate more information on them. Tap or click here for our running list of people search sites with instructions for removal.
For this entry in our weekly Opt-Out Tuesday series on removing yourself from people search sites, we’ll show you how to remove yourself from US Search.
Avoid people search sites at all costs, especially if it costs you
Most of these sites are scammy in nature. You may think you’re paying for one report and have been roped into recurring charges. Don’t pay to remove your information from any site. This process must be provided for free, as seen in the steps below.
Do you have older relatives who may not know about these sites? While opting out yourself, why not do the same for them? Just type in their information as you would your own, and follow our steps to completion.
PSA: There’s an easier way
Below, I’ll give you the steps to remove yourself from US Search, but that’s just one of hundreds of such sites. If you want to remove them all in one go, check out Incogni.
Incogni does all that hard work for you. It took me three minutes to complete the sign-up process. Then, they get to work removing you from 180+ sites. After that initial setup, you don’t have to lift a finger. So great.
I have a special deal just for you. Right now, get 60% off an annual subscription using code KIM60.
Pioneering data broker
One of the earliest people search sites is US Search, launched in 1993. The site boasts that you can use it to access billions of records. Like many such sites, this one claims to help you “find long-lost friends and family members.” You can bet those aren’t the only types of people using these sites.
Bad news: Here's how much your social media logins cost on the Dark Web
What if I told you for just $12, someone could buy your Instagram login. They could read all your messages, look through everything you’ve “liked” and even post as you.
Whizcase gathered prices from Dark Web marketplaces to see how much your online identity is worth, and it’s grim.
5 steps to make sure hackers cannot access your home network and files
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Hackers may have already compromised your network. Tap or click here for a free test to see if your router has been hacked. Keep reading for ways to protect your system from hackers.
This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, ExpressVPN. Protect your privacy. Get three months free when you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim.
Use this home security camera buying guide to be safer at home
Here’s a conundrum: Your security camera could expose you to data breaches. Last year, a security researcher found that Eufy cameras uploaded private images to the cloud.
Anker recently admitted to storing images and video feeds in the cloud without users’ knowledge. This popular security cam manufacturer recently didn’t even encrypt the private content. That means anyone could have seen your personal images through your Anker devices.
Huge outage hits Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Kim is traveling in Japan but the A-Team is here! Why did the social networks go down? Andrew and Allie tell you what they know. Plus, American Express customers get hacked, and a Chinese app that can tell if you’ve photoshopped. That’s not all: Lil Jon releases a meditation app.
These popular doorbell cams can be easily hacked
Yikes, that’s creepy. Do you have one in front of your house? Plus, Kim, Andrew and Allie talk Microsoft’s Copilot AI demanding worship, massive Fortnite hack and a rental car scam plaguing Los Angeles and other cities.
How a hacker made $2 million
Tommy DeVoss has exploited over 10,000 of companies — Yahoo, Uber and even the US government. After facing prison, he’s turned his life around.
23andMe sells DNA, AI job doom & fake app installers
Plus, TikTok’s Jacob Knowles takes us from lobster traps to social media fame. Get the scoop on Apple’s “Scary Fast” event. Boston Dynamics’ robotic dog turns into a chatty tour guide with ChatGPT, and hackers solve a $200 million Bitcoin riddle.
Hackers going after your kids
Ever peeked at your kid’s credit score? Here’s why it’s time for a check-up.
Hackers using LinkedIn
Spot a Linkedin URL in your email? Here’s why you should double-check before clicking it, in one minute.
75-year-old van dweller, free Amazon movie tix & viral airplane meltdowns
Plus, heading back to the office? Here’s what to know about bosses tracking you. I chat with caller Sharon May from Oregon about finding a good animation software for her grandson. High-speed police drones, and a heads-up: hackers are targeting travelers.
Meta's creepy glasses, Amazon vs. FTC & backups on the moon
Plus, I chat with New York Times Tech Columnist Kashmir Hill about Clearview AI, the Shazam for faces with nearly 30 billion scraped from the web. I’ll also touch on a night-prowling police drone, bosses spying with tech, and a heads up for travelers — hackers might be lurking.
How hotel hackers get your info
Are you on a legit hotel website? In just one minute, I cover the tactics criminals use to scam you.
The nightmare surrounding America's F-35 fighter jet
Was our new stealth fighter hacked? Here’s what we know, in one minute.
August 12th, 2023
In this week’s show, think your Mac is impenetrable? Bad news: It’s become a big target for hackers. Also, OpenAI is scouring the web for your data — here’s how to opt out. An herbal supplement is killing, and people seek the help of AI fortune tellers. And, a travel tip you’ll use a ton. All that and much more, along with all your calls and questions.
QR code scams, Chinese hackers win big & speed up your old computer
Plus, Temu and Shein pose big security threats — here’s what to look out for. I talk to a guy that wants to play music in his car through a thumb drive. One state was blocked by world’s largest p*rn site, an ADHD-friendly web browser and how to set a photo timer on your phone.
AI denies insurance coverage, global ID system & hackers' favorite files
Plus, Washington Post’s Geoffrey Fowler learned his $123 HP ink cartridges cost $2 to make — I chat with him about it. Ukrainian women are using AI to “honey trap” Russian soldiers. AI thinks it wrote the Constitution, and tools designed to combat constant lateness.
3 tricks to see if your passwords are being sold on the Dark Web
Hackers can make a ton of money by selling your private information on underground forums. It’s possible that your passwords are being sold on the Dark Web right now. That’s why you should run a cybersecurity check now and then.
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger
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No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.
Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.