How secure is your home or business? ADT just revealed a data breach but is keeping quiet about the timing and details of what was stolen. Plus, the risks of storing cash in Cash App, AI classes for seniors, and a crucial Amazon Echo security setting you should check.
3 secrets to building a successful business
Chasing your passions can be scary because it comes with many risks. When I was 25, I left behind a job that paid $150,000 a year so I could help people understand media and technology. Since then, I’ve flourished — and I’d like to teach you three essential tips for starting a business.
Although I knew everything would work out in the end, there were many trials and tribulations. But I knew I had to follow my passion, teaching others about tech and the digital lifestyle.
Here are three lessons I wish I had known before starting. This way, you can learn from my mistakes — and my success.
1. Use credit cards
First, let me get this out of the way: Starting your own business can be expensive. Sure, it might seem obvious, but let me stress that again. You don’t know how expensive it truly will be until you begin.
At least, that’s how it was for me. That’s why I used this helpful trick. Use your credit card instead of digging into your savings and draining your bank account.
Pay as many expenses on credit cards as you can. This helps you in the long run. You’re establishing credit and earning points.
2. If people don’t grow with the company, it’s OK to let them go
When your company grows rapidly, new challenges sprout up like daisies pushing through concrete. For example, you may need your employees to pivot, take on new tasks and adjust to company changes. You might think you hired flexible people who can adapt as needed.
Sadly, this often isn’t the case. People may think they’re adaptable when, in reality, they aren’t seeing any growth opportunities. They might even grow complacent and think they’re earning their stay by doing the bare minimum.
You want employees who go above and beyond. People who can flourish under changing times are golden. As much as you might love the employees you’ve worked with, you must let them go if they aren’t adaptive. Otherwise, they might hold the company back.
3. Follow the rule of thirds
Say what? You won't believe the dangerous thing Alexa told a young girl to do
Smart assistants are constantly evolving to offer more features and uses. They can help you keep a schedule, set the mood for movie night, remind you to pick up the kids or even watch out for intruders.
Some features recently added to Amazon Echo devices include sound detection for running water and appliances, along with occupancy routines. As useful as they can be, smart assistants like Alexa can also be intrusive to your privacy.
Need a good story? I sat down with Noland Arbaugh, the first Neuralink brain chip implant patient. This brave guy shared the risks, including the possibility of the device being hacked, the application process and his hopes for the future. Check out the full exclusive interview on The Daily Mail. Give it a share and comment for me so my editor there asks me for more fabulous interviews like this one!
57% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy
That’s if you take certain ADHD meds. Thankfully, the overall risk of developing a weakened heart muscle over a decade is low — 0.72% for people on Adderall or Ritalin compared with 0.53% for unmedicated folks. Still, ADHD prescription usage rose 55% from 2016 to 2022, so it’s important to know the risks.
Is banking on your phone safe? 6 ways to make sure you're not scammed
Banking on your phone opens up a whole new world of convenience — as well as a new world of risks. Nowadays, you don’t have to drive down to your local bank branch to make a deposit. Instead, you can bank from the comfort of your home.
Update your Android! Patch fixes security vulnerabilities
With great technology comes great…opportunities for hackers to get your personal information. Regardless of whether you are using a tablet, a smartphone or computer to store private information, the internet comes with risks. Tap or click here to find out how millions of routers are at risk of being hacked.
Stop using Good Earth Lighting: Over 1.2 million of their rechargeable lights are being recalled after a customer died. The batteries in models RE1122, RE1145, RE1362 and RE1250 can overheat, ignite the plastic housing, and pose serious fire and burn risks. Check the back sticker for a model number, and visit their website for a free replacement.
Attention, Kia owners: Park outside, not in the garage. Almost 50,000 Telluride SUVs (model years 2020-2024) have a flaw in the power seats that could start a fire. If your car is impacted, you’ll get a letter in the mail by July 30. In all, Kia has recalled 462,869 Telluride SUVs due to risks. My friend, Marty, had a DeLorean he drove from time to time.
⚠️ Toyota and Lexus recall: Over 100,000 Tundra trucks and Lexus cars (model years 2022 and 2023) are crash risks. Dangerous machine debris might’ve been left in the engines. Toyota will reach out to owners by the end of July, or you can be proactive and pop your registration number into this dedicated page. Yup, it’s a double on Tundra.
The nightmare of 23andMe
Want to learn more about your genetics? Here are the privacy risks involved.
The risks you take if you never update
When’s the last time you gave your phone a good update? Here’s why you should, even if you don’t want to.
The dangers of selling online
Selling on FB Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist? I’ll tell you the risks, in one minute.
Bots are scamming people on Twitter for donations - Here's how to spot their tricks
Payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, Google Pay, Zelle and PayPal are great for paying for goods and services and sending money to friends. You can even use some of them to split a bill at a restaurant. They’re an easy alternative to credit cards that are becoming more widely accepted as time goes on.
Here's how much your credit card is now worth on the Dark Web - and the one account worth a lot more
Payment apps make it easy to pay back friends, settle up a restaurant bill or order something online. There’s also a sanitary advantage, as you don’t have to handle credit cards, payment machines or cash.
While convenient, payment apps do carry risks. There are right and wrong ways to use them safely. Tap or click here for our tips on locking down these apps.
Popular baby rocker recalled after 4 deaths - Share this with friends and family
Before products get released on to the market, they usually go through a stringent testing period. They will only be sold once all the necessary regulatory approvals have been given. But sometimes, things don’t go according to plan, and they get recalled.
Yikes! Don't try these dangerous DIY hacks spreading on social media
There’s been a good deal of controversy surrounding TikTok in recent weeks. On one hand, the app is more popular than it’s ever been, and may even surpass other social networking sites in the near future. On the other hand, it’s on the chopping block thanks to an executive order from the President of the United States himself.
Recalled onions behind massive salmonella outbreak
Updated 08/13/20: with new details.
The coronavirus pandemic is still raging on, months after the outbreak began. And depending on which part of the country you live in, things are worse now than ever.
The NSA warns against a smartphone setting you probably have enabled
Location services are commonplace on most smartphones today. This location data, which can be tracked and shared with app servers, allows users to do things like navigate through traffic or monitor their exercise. But if precautions aren’t taken, it can reveal sensitive information about where you live, work and travel.