Plus, Kim and Andrew talk about the Waymo fire in San Francisco. Microsoft says countries like Russia and China are using ChatGPT for hacking, and a sperm donor scam is taking over social media.
Free online tool shows where your Mac apps are connecting
TikTok has been a hot topic with government officials for quite some time now. The app is based in China, and it’s feared that it gives your data to the Communist China government. Scary! But TikTok isn’t the only app with ties to China. Tap or click here for a list of Chinese apps you should delete ASAP.
But don’t stop there. It’s time to take control of your data and stop dangerous countries from getting their hands on it. The good news is that an online tool can now show where your apps are connecting to. If an app connects to a shady location, delete it!
Little Snitch Mini to the rescue
Little Snitch Mini is an application that allows Mac users to monitor and control network traffic on their computers. Developed by Objective Development, Little Snitch Mini provides an easy-to-use interface for monitoring and controlling network activity, helping you protect privacy and security online.
At its core, this tool is a firewall application that monitors all incoming and outgoing network connections on your Mac. Whenever an application on your computer attempts to access the internet, Little Snitch Mini pops up a notification that allows you to allow or deny the connection. This gives you control over what information your computer sends and receives.
One of the key features of Little Snitch Mini is its ability to detect and block connections to known servers with malware and spyware. By monitoring your network traffic in real time, it can identify and block connections to malicious servers, helping to keep your computer secure. But you’ll need to upgrade to premium to take advantage of these tools. More on that in a moment.
How to use Little Snitch Mini
The tool is relatively straightforward. Once you’ve installed Little Snitch Mini, it will automatically monitor your network traffic.
Whenever an application attempts to access the internet, it will display a notification that shows you which application is trying to connect, the address of the server it’s trying to connect to, and the type of connection it’s trying to make. You can choose to allow or deny the connection.
If you allow the connection, Little Snitch Mini will remember your choice and authorize the application to connect in the future without prompting you again. If you deny the connection, Little Snitch Mini will block the connection and prevent the application from accessing the internet.
Little Snitch Mini also includes several advanced features that let you fine-tune your network settings and customize the application to your needs. For example, you can set up custom rules that allow or deny connections based on specific criteria, such as the type of connection or the server’s IP address.
Little Snitch Mini includes a detailed network monitor that lets you see which applications currently use your network connection, how much bandwidth they’re using and which servers they’re connecting to.
Warning: Trendy ‘New Profile Pic’ app could be a risk to your data
Social media is a great way to keep up with friends and family. But nobody wants to look at the same profile picture for months on end. You could pose for a new photo or use an app to get creative with one in your library.
This is interesting: China, Russia and Iran are the masterminds behind the social media conspiracy theories swirling about Princess Kate. Their goal? To cause panic and destabilize the U.K. They were forced to switch gears when Kate announced her cancer diagnosis. Now, internet conspiracies claim Kate has been replaced by a lookalike.
In 2008, the U.S. Department of Defense experienced the worst breach of military computers ever. Was the source a … A.) Phishing email, B.) USB flash drive, C.) Compromised employee or D.) Stolen laptop?
Using Kaspersky's VPN? Here's how to remove it from your PC, Mac or phone
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows no signs of slowing down, hundreds of international companies are enacting various trade bans or sanctions on the country. Companies like Microsoft, Google and Apple stopped operations or pulled their products from Russian shelves.
You should remove Russian-based Kaspersky antivirus from your computer - Here's how
You must have antivirus software on your devices to protect against malware and phishing attacks. But there are now fears that the Kremlin could turn one of the most popular Russian antivirus programs into a tool of war. As Russian President Vladimir Putin continues the invasion of Ukraine, there are worrying signs that the battle could shift from ground troops to cyberattacks.
We’re skewed: The U.S. House of Representatives just put its foot down, banning data brokers from selling your info to China, North Korea, Russia and Iran. Rulebreakers will face heavy penalties from the Federal Trade Commission. Spoiler: It’s too late.
One down, millions to go: Give the FBI and its allies a high-five for taking down the world’s most notorious ransomware gang — one of LockBit’s dark websites. The big bosses in Russia, likely toasting with vodka over being untouchable, will be back. They always come back.
Seriously scary: The White House just dropped a major bombshell: Russia’s developing an anti-satellite weapon that has Congress and SpaceX sweating. It’s not yet a clear and present danger, but with Starlink helping Ukraine stay online, tensions are high. Rumors suggest the weapon could be nuclear-powered.
Starlink bypasses government controls again
When Russia shut down Ukraine’s internet service, Elon Musk bypassed the Russians and ordered Starlink service to reconnect Ukraine. In 60-seconds, the story of how he’s done it again, this time in Iran.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Russia wants to fine Wikipedia for reports
Did you know Russia’s censorship office keeps hounding Wikipedia? Listen to this one-minute podcast for the story behind the feud.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Facebook and free speech problems
Why can’t Facebook make up its mind about free speech? Listen to this one-minute episode for the biggest flubs it’s made on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Malware in popular Android app steals your Facebook credentials - Delete it now
Imagine downloading a fun photo-editing app in hopes of turning yourself into a cartoon. Instead, the app doesn’t even work — and to add insult to injury, it steals your Facebook credentials. This isn’t imaginary: It’s based on a true story of about 100,000 people who recently downloaded a malicious app.
Where's the cyberattack from Russia?
You know how the Biden administration keeps warning us about potential Russian cyberattacks? Listen to this one-minute episode for the worst that could happen.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hackers built a tool to let you text Russian citizens about the war
Shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin started to tighten his government’s grip on information. Not only blocking what average Russians can say but also preventing sources from broadcasting about the invasion to Russian audiences.
How you can help Ukraine and save almost $7,000 on video games at once
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, charities worldwide have sprung into action. Last Tuesday, President Joe Biden said the U.S. would send “tens of thousands of tons” of medical supplies, food and water to soldiers and civilians. Tap or click here for the best ways to donate to Ukrainian people and forces.
Cybersecurity experts warn of impending attacks - Do this now to prepare
In the very first days that the Russia Ukraine war started, I warned you about 10 Russia-Ukraine cons to expect. We’re already seeing evidence of those scams in action. Be sure you’re keeping your digital guard up.
True or False: War with Russia could lead to draft
Social media is rife with misinformation, especially during historical events and times of crisis. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a prime example, with misleading and false posts circulating.
Recent posts surrounding the conflict relate to nuclear retaliation, Russian paratroopers landing in Ukraine and secret U.S. Biolabs. Is there truth to any of these stories? Tap or click here to check out our report.
How the BBC is getting real news into Russia is fascinating
In most parts of the world, you can turn on any news network to get a glimpse of the devastation from Russia’s continued invasion of neighboring Ukraine. If you live in Russia, that’s not the case.
Russian citizens get their information only from state-run news outlets, which paints a very different picture from what’s actually happening. Vladimir Putin is hiding details of his military’s brutality in Ukraine from his people. Tap or click here to spot fake Russian social media accounts and posts.