Kitboga joined The Kim Komando Show to talk all things “scambaiter.” He shared lots, including the longest time he has spent with a scammer. Find out on the full podcast here.
Hidden trackers invade your browser – How to delete them
Internet cookies have been around for the last 30 years. Blame them on a programmer at Netscape who figured out a way for websites to “remember” users. Today, there are a few different types of cookies.
A first-party cookie is stored in your browser when you visit a website. It keeps things like your account or login info and shopping cart so you don’t have to fill them in each time. We like those kinds of cookies.
But what about cookies companies use to track where you go and what you do online? Some track you on websites other than the one you’re visiting. These are called third-party cookies. (I’d rather have a snickerdoodle, thanks.)
Blocking third-party cookies and tracking is one thing, but how about not being subjected to tracking methods to begin with? That’s where AdChoices and WebChoices come in. You’re gonna love this!
Secret to blocking tracking cookies
AdChoices is from the Digital Advertising Alliance, a group of advertising and marketing companies that self-regulates their targeted advertising. They do this so no one else like the government steps in to do it, of course.
The next time you see an ad online, look for the small AdChoices icon. It’s a blue triangle with a lowercase “i” in the middle. Click that to get details about the ad and block it.
AdChoices offers a nifty but virtually unknown tool called WebChoices. You can use this sweet thing to opt out of receiving ads from many companies in one step.
I kicked out 106 different cookies
- Go to https://optout.aboutads.info. WebChoices will scan your browser settings and computer to find out whether first-party and third-party cookies are enabled, along with a list of companies creating targeted ads for you.
- Click Continue. At the bottom of the page, you’ll see an option to Opt out of All. Click that.
- After the site processes your selection, click View Updated Results to see how it turned out.
The WebChoices tool works in whatever browser you have open at the time, so be sure to run it for each browser you use. Wow, where else can you get these practical, useful tech tips for free?
🍪 Speaking of … One time, I ate too much cookie dough and got sick. I guess you could call it an overdoughs. (I had to, sorry.)
Share your ETA on the go
I hate being late. There’s nothing worse than leaving your friends hangry at a restaurant. But if I am running behind, I always give folks a heads-up.
Today’s apps have so many hidden tricks. Here’s one I use that I wanted to share with you: Use your map app to share your ETA automatically. That way, you can keep your friends in the loop and your eyes on the road.
Stop using the buttons on your Echo: Instead, say, “Alexa, volume up” to increase the volume slightly or “Volume down” to make it quieter. You can also say, “Alexa, turn the volume to five” for more precise control. Choose a number from one to 10. Another great commando? “Alexa, play The Kim Komando Show.”
Noland Arbaugh is the first Neuralink patient
His brain-chip implant lets him control computers and other devices with his mind. Kim Komando talks to Noland about why he got it and how it works. What could this tech mean for the future? He shares his ideas and hopes.
16 out of 30 top podcasts are available as videos
Two years ago, only seven were. We’re totally with it: You can watch Kim Komando Today as a video!
Time-saving tricks using your keyboard
I spend hours and hours (and hours) online every week looking for the latest in tech for my national radio show, podcasts and, of course, newsletter.
I rounded up eight browser keyboard shortcuts I use so you can spend less time clicking around for the right button, too.
Creeps are hiding cameras in dressing rooms, bathrooms and worse
Stories like this make my blood boil. Some creep was caught taking pics up a woman’s skirt at a Target store. Let’s give a big cheer to the woman who called him out and filmed it.
I’m giving away a $799 iPhone 15. Try my free daily newsletter for your shot to win. My newsletter has over 209,000 positive reviews with a 4.88 out of 5 star rating!
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 20
One tech CEO thinks AI girlfriends are the next billion-dollar biz. Meanwhile, a tragedy: an 81-year-old man kills an Uber driver he mistook for a scammer. Plus, what your hotel card key reveals about you.
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 13
A new tech ban is coming, this time it targets Russia. Trade your data for money? I tell you the real cost of cash-incentive offers (it’s not pretty). True crime lovers — here’s a side hustle you won’t want to miss. Plus, a gal wonders if her Roomba records her. Creepy!
See what the home you grew up in looks like now and other Maps tricks
I grew up in New Jersey, right next to a state park. I still remember riding my bike all day like it was yesterday. Oh, and the time I threw a snowball at a police car and hit the cop inside. That was bad.
I hadn’t looked at the house in years, so seeing it on a map took me back. While at it, take yourself on a walk down memory lane, too.
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 6
Is it the end of the world? Rumors fly online about the solar eclipse — I’ll tell you what’s fact and fiction. Also, the government filmed an Army vet’s front porch for 68 days. Plus, Silicon Valley icon Guy Kawasaki talks about his new book, “Think Remarkable.”
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, March 30
Sarah from Portland, Oregon, has been stalked on and off for years. Now, she has a sinking feeling that her estranged brother, who works in IT, is behind it. Plus, use an older router? Be careful, hackers are getting smarter and you’re at risk.
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, March 23
The U.S. government is suing Apple and Glassdoor’s reviews aren’t anonymous after all. And Jim calls to ask if he can trust a nice woman online who is pushing crypto. Spoiler: No!
A SWAT team stormed my house
Feb. 16 started like any typical Friday night. My husband and I decided to stay home, grill chicken and make a salad for dinner. At about 6:45 p.m., we heard some loud rumbling overhead.
We walked onto the back patio and two police helicopters were overhead — shining lights all over our property, and a recording echoed, “Police. You are under arrest. Stay right there and I won’t shoot you.”
67.8 million Americans
Are expected to bet $23.1 billion on Sunday’s Super Bowl. A new record! Add the $20 bet I just made with Andrew on Kim Komando Today to that total. I’m going with the 49ers.
How to dig up dirt about yourself online
You know by now you should keep the private things in life off the internet. Your middle name, job, city, pet’s name, the school you went to, your spouse’s name, the ages of your kids, your shoe size — the details a scammer or hacker would love to have.
5 dumb tech security mistakes you’re making
You might think you have a solid cybersecurity plan. You use strong passwords and defensive measures like VPNs and firewalls. But even the strongest shield gets dented from time to time.
It’s hard to remember all the settings you’ve adjusted and the passwords you’ve made over the years. Let this be your reminder to go in and make a few quick changes to protect yourself.