Seventy miles outside of Houston, there is a giant concrete facility. Deep beneath this facility lies a network of caverns filled with oil. This is part of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve. So, how did this plan come to be and how does it play a role in global economics?
AT&T data breach: Who’s at risk and what to do now
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AT&T dropped some big and very bad news this morning: “Nearly all” customers had text and call data leaked in a massive cyberattack. We’re talking 95 million people.
“Kim, really? Another data breach?” I know, but don’t tune this one out. It has scary implications for your privacy.
What happened?
Hackers broke into a third-party cloud platform AT&T used to store customer data. More specifically, the breach included records of phone calls and texts of cellular customers, wireless network customers and landline customers between May 2022 and October 2022 and Jan. 2, 2023.
Some stolen records also include cell site IDs. This is where things get especially scary. Those records can be used to track a phone’s location, intercept or block calls, and create fake cell towers for eavesdropping.
The stolen data doesn’t include the contents of those phone calls and text messages — but I’d argue all that location data might be worse.
Picture it: Someone with enough info to “watch” you leaving your home for work, to run errands, to go to a doctor’s appointment — all just based on tower pings from calls and texts sent along the way.
AT&T says hackers didn’t steal dates of birth and Social Security numbers, and what they did get doesn’t include timestamps. The data will reveal which customers interacted and how often but not exactly when the interactions occurred.
The breached data is publically available … yet. Of course, those responsible could choose to release the data or put it up for sale at any time, which they will do unless AT&T pays them off.
What now?
This is still a developing story, but we do know AT&T has closed off the cyberattack’s access point and is working with law enforcement. This all happened back in April, FYI. So far, at least one person involved has been apprehended.
If your data was included in this latest breach, you’ll hear about it by text or email or get something in the mail. Assume it’s you if you were an AT&T customer between May and October 2022 or on Jan. 2, 2023.
Hiring? 3 ways to find the most talented employees
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Great people build great companies — and that doesn’t just include the CEO and upper management. You need talent from top to bottom if you’re going to have a successful organization.
If you own a business, you already know how hard it can be to find great employees. But it doesn’t have to be so difficult. Use LinkedIn to help fill open positions and find talented workers with ease. Here are a few ways every business owner can attract the talent they need.
Opt out of NSFW content on X
The social network X is now allowing adult content. Want to stop it from taking over your feed? Listen to my short podcast.
Really remote: SpaceX’s Starlink system for cellphones can now handle video calls. A demo shows an employee linking their smartphone to the satellite service and connecting to another phone on a regular cellular network. The image quality is grainy and the clip brief, but it’s still pretty cool. Don’t expect it till later this year.
Hiring? 5 LinkedIn myths debunked
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Fact: Hiring the right person can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. With the right tools, hiring can be simple.
Kim’s pick when it comes to adding to the team at Komando HQ? LinkedIn. Keep reading to find out why LinkedIn can help businesses of any size add the right people. Visit LinkedIn.com/Kim.
Why now is the time to revisit your cord cutting options
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I did the math. I’m paying $83 more a month now to watch TV than I did when I was paying for cable. Is it worth it? I do like the convenience of not being tied to a grid, and many of the original shows are terrific. Speaking of, I just finished watching “Masters of the Air.” You def need to watch that on Apple TV+.
March 2nd, 2024
Biden stops “countries of concern” from buying our data in bulk. Plus, 17 million LoanDepot customers hacked, AT&T’s $5 apology for network outage and Apple cancels its EV car project. Also, Microsoft’s Copilot AI gets a big ego. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
AT&T's massive screwup
What caused last week’s network outages? I have the scoop in this short podcast.
The AT&T network failure is only a preview
Did you wake up to no signal yesterday? Here’s why there could be more of that to come.
Job hunting on LinkedIn? Change this setting to keep your searches private
LinkedIn has become quite the powerhouse since its launch in 2003. What began as a platform to connect with other professionals has expanded into a revolutionary workspace for building partnerships, hiring new talent, and finding rewarding new jobs.
Facebook turns 20 today
It’s come a long way. Here’s how the social network has changed — and a way to download all your info.
ChatGPT could steal your job, EV dangers, new YouTube labels
Plus, Gen Z goes old school for money management, avoid stalkers on dating apps, use your phone to hang pictures the easy way, how to record your computer screen for free, get the cheapest airfare and a trick to find every Wi-Fi network password.
Where to put your router for better speeds
If you sink a ton of money into a high-performing router, you probably expect it to function perfectly. Though, just buying a good router isn’t enough. You need to put it in the ideal spot to maximize efficiency.
Regarding routers, it’s all about location, location, location. By that, we mean you need to think about anything that could obstruct its signals.
OnlyFans for families, find Wi-Fi passwords, selfie tips
Why the era of Facebook is ending, Elon Musk’s shocking luck, paying for blue Twitter checkmarks, family-friendly OnlyFans, Android’s earthquake warning, make your PC or Mac start up faster, how to find Wi-Fi network passwords and five ways to look better in photos.
This popular network is throwing in the towel
Who’s going to win: the three big networks or streaming and cable channels? Listen to this one-minute podcast to find out which network is sick of fighting.
Secret driving tricks, smart shopping tips, $5,000 internet
Can’t afford Life Alert? Save your family members with Amazon Echo. Plus, Tesla’s “open” Supercharger network could arrive later this year. Oh, and would you pay $5,000 a month for internet? Starlink hopes so. Also, here’s when Windows 12 will come out — and what is Amazon’s next Whole Foods scheme? Don’t miss out on this essential tech news. I’ve got some safety tips you don’t want to miss.
Sick of dropped calls and bad reception? Try this car cell booster
Amazon
Your smartphone is only as good as your cell signal. If you don’t have a signal, you have a $1,000 paperweight in your pocket. Tap or click here to make calls through Wi-Fi.
Losing your cell signal in the middle of driving has to be one of the most frustrating things ever. If your signal has ever dipped or the person you’re talking to suddenly got quiet, this will change everything.
Antivirus vs. VPN: Do you need both for online privacy and security?
You probably know that bad guys lurk within every corner of the internet. You have to watch out for spyware, ransomware, phishing attacks, IoT invasions and more. Oh, and don’t forget “zero-click attacks.” Researchers recently discovered hackers used military-grade spyware to remotely access iPhones and even replicate their data.
How to find every Wi-Fi network password
Want to go back in time? Listen to this one-minute podcast to see every wireless network you’ve ever connected to … along with the network’s password.