Spoiler: it doesn’t. IRS scams are making the rounds again. Here’s how to spot them
Your IP address: What it is and why you need to protect yours if you care about privacy
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Using the internet is a complicated affair. It may not feel like that to you as a user. You click on your browser and get on with your day — it’s as easy as pie.
Behind the scenes, though, is a whole different story. It’s full of numbers like your Internet Protocol (IP) address, basically your digital home address. This numeric label distinguishes your phone or computer from other devices worldwide.
When you type in a website, your computer translates that into numbers, searching the site’s IP address and loading it onto your screen. Just as money makes the world go round, so, too, do numbers keep the internet chugging along. But your whole digital world can crash when someone snatches your IP address.
An exposed IP address puts you in danger
Your IP address plays a significant role in sending and receiving data online. It’s tied to sensitive information, like your online identity and location. If someone tracks down this number, they could use it as a starting point for nefarious purposes.
Sadly, it’s easy for strangers online to find your IP address. It’s a huge vulnerability: They could hack your device or steal your identity. Or they could enter your address into a free tracking website like iplocation.net to find out where you live. It even comes with a built-in map:
iplocation.net
A lot of people on social media apps will doxx one another. Suppose you comment that you like pineapple on pizza on Twitter. Someone having a bad day might respond by tracking down your IP address, posting your name and address and calling their followers, like “Let’s protest in front of their house.”
Of course, that’s a light-hearted example. Reality can be much grimmer.
And get this: Tracing someone else’s IP address is legal. Authorities only intervene when people use one another’s IP addresses for crimes. All the apps and websites you use collect your IP address and other private data.
So, how does someone find out your IP address?
First, they could try to impersonate you. For instance, a hacker could break into a vulnerable social media account if you aren’t using two-factor authentication. If you reuse passwords, they could break into even more accounts until they reach one with sensitive data. Then, it’s a free-for-all with your private info.
Are your smart devices tracking too much?
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Your smartwatch is great for tracking steps, but have you ever thought about where all that personal data actually goes?
From sleep patterns to calorie intake, it’s like a digital diary — and it’s worth billions to insurance companies, marketing outfits, advertisers and, of course, hackers. Don’t panic! I’ll walk you through how to lock down your privacy.
🚨 Word of the day: Info-stealer. Malware that sneaks in and grabs your personal data, especially credit and debit card details. Over 26 million devices were hit, with 2 million bank cards stolen and for sale on the Dark Web. Watch for small charges on your statements because that’s how hackers test if your card is still good.
Data brokers are selling your life. Here’s how to stop them.
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The data broker industry is worth almost $400 billion. Whether it’s your Google Search history, movies you’ve streamed or a summary of your last doctor’s visit, they’re keeping tabs on your life.
Feel violated? You should. These brokers even sell your data to scammers so they can use it to target you. No wonder most people get overloaded with spam texts and calls every day.
Everything we know about the MoneyGram breach
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Another day, another massive data breach. This time, it’s MoneyGram, a global mega-company that handles money transfers, bill pay and other financial services. They have digital platforms and retail locations, and they even power Walmart’s money-transfer service.
Take part in research: Apple’s looking for 350,000 people for a new health study about how mental health impacts heart rate and sleep affects exercise. Spoiler: Joining means sharing a lot of personal data. Hopefully, we’ll get another useful tool like the AirPods hearing test.
Selling your car? Erase this first
Your car stores your home address, call history, and even credit card info. Before selling it, make sure your personal data doesn’t go with it.
So much data left exposed for anyone to see
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Another day, another monumental data breach. Just because they’re getting more common doesn’t mean you can tune it out. In fact, it’s time to get even more serious about your private information and what’s posted online.
How I got my cell phone number off the internet
We talk to Darius from Incogni, who tells us how you can remove your personal data from the internet. Plus, a family claims an Amazon driver stole their cat, people are yelling a lot at Siri, and there’s a new sober dating app.
Naughty WFH trend, suicide hotline data fiasco & Google's life questions
Plus, are we alone? I talk UFOs and aliens with Dr. Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer for the SETI institute. A Georgia man sued Meta — and won his case. US buys up personal data, dating profile blunders and how to remove photos from real estate sites.
This California startup will pay you for your personal data
Curious about what’s in it for you? In this one-minute podcast, I’ll reveal the intriguing offer.
Security tip: How to set up a VPN on all your devices
If you’re security and privacy-conscious, you need to take all the steps you can to keep yourself safe online. That starts with the right VPN.
Not using a VPN is like leaving your front door unlocked every time you go out. Sure, nothing might happen for years, but when something does happen, it’s devastating.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Google finally reveals everything it knows about you
After years of speculation, Google has finally admitted just how much personal data it collects from your iPhone. Here’s a hint: everything.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Guess which site sells the most of your personal data
The investigations and lawsuits launched against Big Tech have their roots in how these companies have abused your personal information. So today, a look at the most popular apps that collect and grab your personal info.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Only 1 week left to file for damages in the 2017 Equifax breach
Equifax’s 2017 data breach compromised the credit and personal data of millions of Americans. Now the settlement has been agree upon, and your window for making a claim is rapidly shrinking. If you were impacted, file your claim now. Here’s how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Revealed: Dark Web prices for stolen IDs
Take a guess — how much do you think cybercriminals would pay for your user names, passwords and other personal data? This is one area where you want to be undervalued. Kim has the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Facebook wants more of your personal data
Facebook wants to harvest your personal data, even if you’re not a user. Belgium decided to be the first country to take Facebook to court over its new data-gathering plan. And it’s only the beginning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Watch out for retailers where your personal data is likely to be stolen
Nowadays we hear of retailers getting hit by data breaches on a regular basis. But how do we keep track of which ones, and whether or not your data is at risk? Kim Komando has made it easy. Here are the top retailers that likely had been hit. Check your credit cards! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices