Tech security tip: Totally normal things that put you in danger

When was the last time you changed your usernames? Do any of them contain any information that makes it easy to identify you? If so, you need to change that. Here are five username mistakes to avoid, along with simple fixes.

Security is something you should never take for granted. You may be exposing yourself to hackers and scammers without even realizing it.

Inventive criminals are taking advantage of some of the stuff we think is normal and not at all risky. It begs the question: Can we do anything anymore?

The way you answer the phone

We’ve reported on AI taking your job, but the technology is being employed by cybercriminals to do even more damage.

Scammers are recording snippets of your voice and using AI to stitch the samples together. They can then impersonate you in any capacity, such as calling your loved ones and asking for money.

Here’s the scary part: They only need three seconds of recordings to feed into the AI, which will then produce convincing sentences that sound just like you. And it doesn’t matter if you’re using a cellphone or landline.

These aren’t movie villain hackers employing complex tools, either. These petty criminals are using readily available software such as Resemble AI and ElevenLabs.

Yes, it’s happening and it’s scary, but don’t panic! Fight back by following these tips:

  • Don’t say “hello” when answering the phone.
  • Even better, don’t say a word when you pick up. Let the caller speak first. If they don’t say anything, hang up.
  • The best defense: Don’t answer unknown calls at all. If the call is important, they’ll leave a voicemail.

Consider where else you may be posting audio and video of yourself. That’s right — your voice could be stolen from a clip as well. Keep reading for more information.

RELATED: Here’s another word you should never say to a telemarketer or scam caller

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Best new Windows 11 features to try right now

Windows updates make us all a little tense. What are they going to break this time? But they can also bring with them some awesome new goodies. Microsoft’s new Moments 2 update for Windows 11 has that in spades.

Not updated to the latest version of Windows 11 yet? Never fear. Here’s how to do it.

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Not now, Microsoft: If you don’t want a massive Windows update interrupting something you’re doing, pause them temporarily. Go to Settings > Windows update > Pause updates. Just remember to undo this.

Broken Windows: The latest Windows 11 24H2 update is crap, so skip it. Think Blue Screens of Death, disappearing mouse pointers, internet connection issues, unresponsive fingerprint sensors and more. Since the update is rolling out to everyone, it’ll pop up on your Windows Update screen. Don’t worry — I’ll let you know when it’s safe to install.

Microsoft FINALLY fixed its broken printer problem - Update now

Windows 11 has been out for a while, and it’s finally starting to prove its worth. Things were not smooth when the operating system (OS) first rolled out.

Bugs seemed to be everywhere and users longed for the days of Windows 10. But like most new programs, give them some time and they will become your best tech friend. Tap or click for tips and tricks to make Windows 11 more useful.

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Update alert! New Windows 10 and Windows 11 fixes live

Patch Tuesday is a common practice among tech companies, accumulating updates and releasing them on the second Tuesday of every month. This doesn’t mean we won’t see updates at other times.

Apple released iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV updates this past Tuesday. If you have an Apple device, you have an update waiting for you. Tap or click here for a breakdown of the updates and how to get them.

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Microsoft’s latest update is a mess: During installation, Windows 11 24H2 creates a 9GB temporary cache folder that can’t be deleted. Tools like Disk Cleanup don’t do anything. Microsoft is working on a patch. I’ll let you know when it rolls out.

You can now launch Android apps in Windows 11 - Here's how

Whether you use Windows or Apple, both major players constantly update and advance what they offer to customers. Tap or click here for details on Windows 11 features you need to try.

Microsoft’s recent Windows 11 update brought several significant upgrades to PC, seeking to outpace Apple. But, the most significant change was to the app store.

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Update your PC! Patch Tuesday fixes nearly 50 software issues

If you don’t know by now, the second Tuesday of every month has officially become known as Patch Tuesday. Most software developers chose this day to release security patches and firmware updates. Tap or click here for seven free alternatives to Microsoft Word.

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Emergency update for Chrome - Patch now to fix zero-day flaw

Operating systems and browsers are constantly receiving updates. Some are needed for cool new features, but others fix newly discovered flaws. Tap or click here for a Windows update that fixes 55 bugs and significant vulnerabilities.

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Windows 11 update not on your PC yet? Here's how to skip the line

After months of the usual teasers and hype from Microsoft, Windows 11 has officially arrived. Microsoft’s latest operating system has relocated the Start menu and taskbar, added features lifted from gaming consoles, packed in more widgets and given Android users the ability to run apps on their PC.

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Apps keep crashing on your PC? Download this Windows 10 patch now

Most of us know the importance of saving our work regularly in spreadsheets or word processors. But one thing that we can’t prevent is when the whole Windows program crashes. This can happen before we have a chance to hit save. Tap or click here for the four downloads that can ruin a Windows PC.

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Update your PC! Windows users open to a scary new ransomware attack

What steps have you taken to protect yourself from hackers? Do you use strong passwords and keep your antivirus running and up to date? Do you ignore suspicious emails and links? If you’re doing all this, great! But if you think you are completely safe, think again.

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Update your PC! Latest patch fixes dozens of flaws, including PrintNightmare

Microsoft might finally have a solution for its printer issue in the Windows operating system. The Print Spooler vulnerability, also given the delightful moniker of PrintNightmare, has been a thorn in Microsoft’s side since early July.

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Windows 10: New feature stops potentially dangerous apps from running - Check if it's enabled

When using a computer for some time, there are bound to be some apps and software on the machine that you don’t want. Installed applications can be uninstalled by going through the ‘Remove Programs’ setting, but that doesn’t always do the trick.

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Windows 10 update: Is it finally safe to download the fix that broke printers?

Keeping your computer up to date with the latest patches and software updates is an easy way to ensure your system is running at its best. Software developers like Microsoft release patches for newly discovered flaws, and you should always download them ASAP.

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Windows 10: PCs not booting up after latest update

Software updates are a normal and necessary part of owning tech gadgets. Whether it’s an update to your phone’s operating system or a software program on your computer, it’s imperative to download them when they roll out.

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Windows 10: 5 new features to try right now

Few things in life are predictable. Sadly, one is buggy Windows updates. After every major update, you’ll see a slew of reports of broken drivers, features on the fritz and the Blue Screen of Death.

Those updates also bring vital security patches, so skipping them entirely isn’t your best move. Updates can speed things up, too, though you might some extra help if your PC slogs through every task. Tap or click here for smart, simple ways to speed up your machine.

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Windows alert: Fake Office updates trick you into downloading malware

It’s rare for malware threats to stay the same. In fact, the more time that passes without addressing a threat, the more dangerous it becomes. That’s why early detection, patches and education are critical to protecting people from cyberattacks.

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Latest Windows update leads to 'blue screen of death' on these laptops

Computer issues can happen, no matter how much time you put into updating your computer’s operating system or software programs. We’ve all dealt with problems like non-responsive programs or glitchy browsers on occasion — it’s just part of what happens when relying heavily on technology.

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