🚶♀️ Take a walk with me! It’s toe-tally worth it: And you can catch up on my award-winning weekend radio show’s podcast. It’ll be fun, I promise!
How to know if you’re being stalked or are just paranoid
I’ve heard it all on my national radio show. There was the guy totally freaked out because too many strangers in public knew his name for it to be a coincidence. (His name was Buddy.)
There was a woman who swore one of Metallica’s band members hacked her iPhone to stalk her after she rejected him online. And another who bought and sold three cars because she thought they all had hidden trackers.
They all ask the same question: “Is it me or is someone/something tracking everything I do on my device?”
Tracking happens, no doubt, and it’s getting worse, given how easy these tools are for anyone to use. But I also know sometimes, it’s paranoia at work. Before you panic, let’s talk through a few scenarios.
‘I see ads for things I talked about’
I was talking to my husband about taking a hiking trip in Patagonia. I walked upstairs, sat at my laptop, and travel ads for a Patagonian getaway were on my screen. Tech companies insist this is a coincidence.
If you don’t want to believe Big Tech (I don’t blame you), take privacy into your own hands. Skip the smart speaker or turn off its microphone when it’s not in use. On your phone or computer, pop into your settings to turn off your mic for specific apps and sites, or force your device to ask you each time before enabling it.
‘They know where I am’
Dana called my show with a frightening story. Her daughter is a college student who was afraid to leave the house because unknown numbers sent her threatening texts no matter where she went. “They know what time we eat dinner, our workplaces and our schedules,” Dana told me.
This case was true harassment. I called Ricoh Danielson, a friend of the show and digital forensics expert, who helped track down the guy. Turns out, it was someone Dana’s daughter had talked to on a dating app. Here are Danielson’s tips for if something like this happens to your family.
‘Is Google stalking me?’
I once had a caller concerned Google knew his schedule too well. A few weekends in a row, he drove to his son’s house to mow his lawn while his son was out of town. The following Saturday, a pop-up from Google Maps told him how long it’d take to get to his son’s home in current traffic.
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.
AI jobs with mind-blowing paychecks of $375K a year
There’s no question that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing our lives. A bot that sounds almost human can author your emails, teach you a new language, book your trips or even be your friend. Check out direct links to try those out here.
Overnight success? Nope, but it was worth the work
Have a passion for homes and architecture? Rob Kallick did and ran with it. Now he runs a team of real estate agents that closed $200 million in deals last year. Whoa.
When I heard about Rob, I couldn’t wait to share it with you. If you know someone trying to make it in real estate, you need to share this story with them.
“My radio station used to carry your show, but this is a great replacement,” wrote Nancy in Miami, Florida. Now, friends, my free newsletter isn’t a replacement for my national award-winning radio show. The show is loaded with things you won’t find here, along with the best callers ever. Find my show on a radio station near you or as a podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Being stalked through your devices? Take these steps now
I’ve been answering tech and digital-lifestyle questions on my national radio show and podcast for many years. At this point, I’ve heard it all. I also notice trends. Sometimes, everyone wants to know about app privacy. Use these steps to stop companies and people from tracking your every move.
Merry Christmas from Kim! A look back at our Random Acts of Kindness
As I reflect upon the last year, there are two big standouts. I received one of the broadcast industry’s greatest honors and I also said goodbye to my best friend.
It was a thrill to be inducted into the 2021 National Radio Hall of Fame. It is really something to know my name is among the likes of Dick Clark, Bing Crosby, and Ryan Seacrest. I never could have imagined such an honor.
Before you die, decide who gets access to your online accounts and digital files
Have you given any thought as to what you want to happen to your accounts, files, photos, and the rest of your online life once you’re gone? If the number of calls and requests I am getting for help on my national radio show is any indication, do it now while you’re thinking about it.
Your Apple Watch can only save your life later if you turn on these features now
I’m not surprised anymore when I see stories of people who say the Apple Watch saved their lives. From fall detection to heart-rate monitoring, that little piece of tech can spotlight issues that could go unnoticed with fatal consequences.
Kim's success secrets: 5 lessons I've learned and where my passion for computers started
Every weekend, I talk tech and all things digital lifestyle on my national radio show. My team and I work hard all week long to make sure my show and Komando.com are packed with the news, tips, and trusted advice that makes a real difference in your life and the lives of others.
From my home to yours, Merry Christmas!
We were all reminded these past months just how instrumental technology is in all our lives. It has powered so much connection and togetherness in a time when we’re apart from those we love. Think about all the families and friends staying in touch via Zoom and the businesses, like mine, operating from home.
How to tell if someone is snooping on your computer or tablet
Our devices hold our digital lives. And all those photos, videos, documents, messages, and emails contain some highly personal information.
That’s why locking down your tech the right way is essential. Have you ever wondered whether a PIN, fingerprint, or face ID is the safest way to lock your smartphone? I reveal the answer here on Komando.com.
Live with snoops or just want privacy? Tech smarts for your smartphone
Your phone is your constant coronavirus companion. It’s there for news, entertainment, work, and communication.
It’s more important now than ever to make sure your phone doesn’t have a digital virus. Tap or click here for the tell-tale signs your phone is infected with malware, a keylogger, or worse.
Note from Kim: I'm here to help you
Hello from my home,
I can’t stop thinking that I am in the middle of a movie about a sinister virus that causes a global pandemic. But this is no made-for-Hollywood screenplay. It’s real and it’s our lives.
Cheap background checks, heart-rate monitoring, antivirus software for Mac, and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital. Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about cheap background checks, antivirus software for Macs, heart-rate tracking and more.