July 1, 2025
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Stop using 2FA text codes already

Today’s a short but super important security tip. If you’re still getting login codes via text on your phone, stop. That’s so 2010 and one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to online security. Sure, it’s convenient. You type in your password, get a six-digit code via SMS, enter it, and you’re […]

June 7, 2025
Kim’s cart: 10 genius buys that keep you (and your stuff) safe

Kim’s cart: 10 genius buys that keep you (and your stuff) safe

I test a lot of gear. Every product here solves a sneaky problem and helps you stay one step ahead of scammers, snoops and opportunists. I’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. Let’s go shopping! ✍️ 1. Pens that stop check washing Fraudsters love “washing” checks and rewriting new amounts unless you use […]

June 2, 2025
The jobs AI can’t steal (yet)

The jobs AI can’t steal (yet)

Larry from Louisiana writes: “Kim, what jobs are safe from AI and don’t need a college degree? I’m losing sleep worrying about my future and how I’m going to support a wife and three teenagers.” Larry, you’re spot-on to be thinking about this. Supporting a family of five in this economy is basically a full-contact […]

June 1, 2025
Digital cash, physical threat

Digital cash, physical threat

Picture this: You’re worth millions in crypto. You think your money’s safe because it’s digital, anonymous and locked up behind a strong password. But there’s one security hole you didn’t count on, your physical body. That’s exactly what happened in a terrifying case out of New York City.  Two men allegedly kidnapped a crypto investor […]

May 22, 2025
Location tracking: Your unsolicited life memoir

Location tracking: Your unsolicited life memoir

Think you’re off the grid? Think again. Your phone is basically a chatty little informant. While you were living your life, grabbing coffee, sneaking off for that totally relaxing solo cabin trip, it was logging every move like a nosy aunt with a snooping addiction.  It’s all tucked inside a setting most people have never […]

May 17, 2025
Best travel gadgets for any trip

Best travel gadgets for any trip

You rolled into your “deluxe” hotel room only to be stuck with dim lighting, mystery smells and Wi-Fi that makes you nostalgic for dial-up. Having fun yet? Seasoned travelers know this secret: Pack smart. I tracked down the best gadgets on Amazon that are worth your carry-on space. Let’s check in. 🔌 Outlets where you […]

May 14, 2025
This is worse than spam calls

This is worse than spam calls

Most people have never heard of companies like Mobilewalla or Gravy Analytics, but they know you.  The FTC just clamped down on these two for secretly vacuuming up people’s real-time location data without consent. Not just estimated neighborhoods or passing GPS flickers.  We’re talking exact coordinates, tied to your phone’s unique ID, showing where you […]

May 13, 2025
Who’s watching your phone?

Who’s watching your phone?

I’ve been hearing lately from more and more people who believe they’re being watched or listened to through their phones. Whether it’s an ex, a snooping spouse or someone with too much time and too little ethics, digital stalking is real and it’s sneaky.  If your gut is telling you something’s off, don’t brush it […]

May 4, 2025
Your phone has a death date

Your phone has a death date

Your phone is dying as you’re reading this. Many people don’t realize that, like milk, condoms or your favorite hot sauce that’s been in the fridge since 2018, your phone has an expiration date.   Here are the average lifespans for some of today’s most popular phone brands and makes: To be clear: These are averages. […]

April 29, 2025
How the Vatican is locking down the conclave

How the Vatican is locking down the conclave

You think keeping a secret in today’s world is tough? Try running one of the most important elections on the planet while dodging drones, AI surveillance and a smartphone in every pocket. When Pope Francis passed away, the Vatican went into immediate lockdown mode to protect the conclave, the centuries-old process where cardinals vote to […]

April 24, 2025
This 15-digit code is your stolen phone insurance

This 15-digit code is your stolen phone insurance

If your smartphone was ever lost or stolen, would you know what to do? Lock it remotely, call your carrier or use a tracking app. That’s a start.

April 20, 2025
Check your kid’s phone for this app now

Check your kid’s phone for this app now

Briana from Houston is like so many moms I know. She’s busy, loving and doing everything she can to raise smart, safe kids in a digital world that changes faster than you can hit “update.” She told me that when her 12-year-old daughter asked to download an app called Zepeto, it seemed harmless enough. Create […]

April 19, 2025
Bring your old phone back from the dead

Bring your old phone back from the dead

We’ve all got one (or five): that old smartphone buried in a drawer, sitting there like a digital paperweight. You don’t use it, but you don’t toss it either because maybe someday it’ll come in handy. Today is the day to let your old phone defend your castle as a security camera. No new tech, […]

April 14, 2025
Remove yourself from the internet

Remove yourself from the internet

Michelle in Phoenix asks: “Hello, Kim, do you have recommendations for services that remove your phone number, home address off Google? My son is getting extremely harassing texts and vandalism at his home. We want to remove all our phone numbers and addresses from public viewing.” Michelle, you’re not alone.  Googling yourself used to be […]

April 3, 2025
Turn on this phone setting before it’s too late

Turn on this phone setting before it’s too late

Oh, that familiar quick pat of the pockets and the spike of panic when you realize your phone is no longer on your person. Maybe it’s in the car. Maybe you left it at the coffee shop. You open Find My Phone.  It’s too late, you might as well be looking for a TI-84 calculator. […]

March 27, 2025
Tech how-to: Delete apps the right way

Tech how-to: Delete apps the right way

I just swiped through my apps and found, uh, six I’ve never used or haven’t opened in months. Yep, it even happens to me. You have grand plans to meditate, organize your to-dos, fix your pics, whatever, and you download an app for the job. But then, the romance ends. You should know that it’s […]

March 23, 2025
5 cool tricks for your router

5 cool tricks for your router

You never hear anyone say, “This router is amazing. It changed my life!” It’s sad because that little guy controls your entire home’s internet.

March 22, 2025
Do this to see if you got hacked

Do this to see if you got hacked

When’s the last time you looked to see who’s logged into your accounts? Yeah, I thought so.

March 16, 2025
Meet your future robot coworker

Meet your future robot coworker

Humanoid robots have come a long way. In 2000, Honda’s $2.5 million ASIMO could barely shuffle along at 1 mph. Now, robots are running, flipping and handling customer service. Let’s dive into the robot revolution. 🦾 Why humanoid bots? Most robots are one-trick ponies — great at one task but useless everywhere else. The problem? […]

March 15, 2025
Stop your devices from listening

Stop your devices from listening

What’s the obvious downside for always-on devices that constantly listen for commands? They’re always listening.