🫧 Cleaner search: Google packs AI answers, ads and a bunch of other junk into its main search results pages now. Go back to simpler times with the Web view, found alongside options at the top like “Images” and “Shopping.” (If you don’t see it, it’s under More.) Was that a sigh I heard?
Don’t click the ads – Might be malware
When I have a question now, whether it’s finding a recipe or doing math, I’m using AI a lot more than doing a good ol’ Google Search. My go-to is ChatGPT, but Perplexity is useful, too. I often ask both AI bots the same question as a way to double-check things. Google Gemini is a big “meh” to me so far.
There are things Google Search works better than AI for — say, finding a software download, a customer service number or your doctor’s website. Keep in mind that cybercriminals and hackers are also using AI to up their game. You might not think twice about clicking a Google Search result, and cybercriminals know that. I don’t want you to become a victim.
Be careful where you click
Google doesn’t vet everyone who buys an ad. Cybercrooks have a long history of hiding nasty malware in Google Ads, and they’re getting really good at SEO, driving up their malicious search results to the top.
We’re talking about everything from bogus Amazon ads to fake tech support numbers. Doctors, clinics and hospitals are a major target, too. Yep, you could end up with malware just by searching Google for your doctor’s name so you can grab the address.
Any site with a ton of traffic is risky. Think YouTube, Facebook, Target and Walmart. Those are just a few companies attackers use to get you to click on their malicious results.
How to protect yourself
With more tools than ever at their disposal, scammers are good at writing things that can trick anyone. Outsmart these jerks.
- Don’t click on sponsored links or advertising when Googling something.
- Type all web addresses directly into your browser so you know you’re going to the official or legitimate site.
- Before clicking any link, hover your cursor over it to see where it goes. Does the URL look off? Don’t click it.
- Look for extras in the URL, like “USA” added to the end. For instance, instead of target.com, scammers might send you to targetusa.com. This is an easy way to make a fake version of a site you’d otherwise trust.
Browser settings to enhance your security
These simple, quick changes can help protect you.
On Chrome:
How to remove yourself from US Search
Like it or not, your personal information is online for anyone to find. This can include your full name, address, phone number, police record, employment information and more. People search sites scrape this information from public records, court records, social media and other sources.
Google Search is changing
Web traffic is dying, and now Google is putting AI answers at the top of its search results. What does this mean for your favorite websites? Plus, Uber’s new shuttle service, Tesla drivers ditch self-driving mode, and Jeff Bezos’ email etiquette.
🖼️ Google Images results are flooded with AI-generated pics: Case in point: Baby peacock images that look nothing like the real thing popping up alongside genuine photos. It’s going to take a while for Google to label AI images in its search results. Until then, don’t believe everything you see.
3 travel tips to make your next trip easier and less stressful
Travel is stressful, no bones about it. But with the right tricks up your sleeve, you can make things so much easier on yourself and anyone coming to see you. And that’s what I’m passing along right now.
Little trackers use signals from other phones to determine where they are located. Toss one in your luggage and you can see whether it made it to your destination or point out to the airlines where they lost it.
Search smarter, not harder [List]
Think of Google as a Swiss Army Knife. If you know how to use the hidden tools, you can get just about anything done. Here are a dozen not-so-conventional ways to use Google way beyond regular searches.
Hey, relax. Most of the great tips below work on whatever search site you use.
Double trouble: Scammers are creating copycats of major retail sites and hitting you with “card declined” messages when you try to pay. It’s a trick to get you to enter another card number so you pay twice. The sites are spreading in search results, social media ads and email links. Always check the URL closely, and if your card declines, call your bank first.
🚨 Scammers are gonna scam: When there’s a Big Tech product release like the iPhone 16, scammers get busy. They used trusted names (think Apple and Microsoft) to get into search results and lure you into opening spam emails. Their tricks hide in pop-up ads, too. Stay safe: A trusted brand will never ask you for personal information out of nowhere.
🔍 Google’s ultimatum for website owners: In short, “Let us use all your website’s content for AI search results for free or we’ll never send you any more traffic from Google Search.” And, yes, since Google feeds its search results to 93% of all sites, your site will be dead if you don’t agree. How is this not illegal?
🚨 Mac alert: Hackers are rigging search results with fake ads for the hot, new Arc browser. Clicking leads you to a copycat site that hosts a malicious DMG file. (Do not go there, folks.) It sneaks past macOS security to steal your passwords and files. The legit Arc browser URL is arc.net. Stay aware!
🔎 Quick search: Hit the Windows logo key + S. You’ll get search results across your files and the web. On a Mac, Cmd (⌘) + spacebar is your search shortcut.
Hotel booking scam: If you’re planning a trip, scammers are buying up Google search results with legit-looking hotel and travel sites. They’ll take your info and leave you nothing but a hefty credit card bill. Double-check URLs for typos, and don’t trust a site just because it popped up first in your search results. Chances are, it’s a sponsored ad.
Not shocked: Google’s AI-generated search results are dishing out some dangerous nonsense. When asked about “cheese not sticking to pizza,” the AI suggested adding glue to the sauce. It also responded to “health benefits of tobacco for tweens” with increased alertness, euphoria and relaxation. Uh‑oh.
I told ya this was coming: Google’s AI search results will soon be loaded with ads. Ask something like, “How do I get wrinkles out of clothes?” and you’ll get summarized suggestions, plus ads for stuff like wrinkle spray, along with links to buy them. Google says it’ll only show ads when it’s relevant. Doubt it.
Don’t ask Siri or Google: Think twice before asking your voice assistant to call customer service. Scammers are manipulating search results to make sure their fake numbers are at the top. Imagine paying $125 to a fake United Airlines agent or an $80 “activation fee” for Hulu. Ouch. Always grab numbers from official sites.
🔗 Knock old links from your search results: First, enter your search into Google. On the results page, look to the top right (desktop) for Tools. Tap that, then select Any time > Custom range. A little box called Custom date range will pop up, along with a calendar. Choose your start and end dates.
Next time you want to prank someone, type “askew” into Google and watch your search results take a quirky tilt a la pinball. Doing this to Barry tonight!
Step-by-step guide to changing iPhone app icons
The iPhone has always been a trendsetter in the world of technology. With every update, Apple brings new features and customization options to please its users.
One such feature is the ability to change app icons. This is the perfect tool to highlight now since Twitter, I mean X, recently changed its iconic name and app logo to a somewhat silly X. If you’re old-school and want to return to the original icon, you can.
Broken appliances? Use this site to learn how to fix them yourself
When a home appliance fails, it’s not always easy to diagnose the issue. What’s causing the problem and why? Tap or click here for 10 bad habits destroying your home appliances.
We’ve found a helpful tool with a find-a-part database to refer to when fixing an appliance. You can plug in your model number or brand and quickly get the answers you need.