Marketers, Oct. 21 is the day: The FTC is banning fake online reviews, AI-written testimonials and sabotaging competitors with phony negative ratings. Using bots to boost social media followers and influence is off the table, too. If you spot any of this, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Violations can cost up to $50,000 a pop.
Why you need a VPN (even if you're not tech-savvy)
When surfing the web, you might encounter a few confusing acronyms. Take VPN, for example. You might shrug and scroll past it if you don’t know what it means. Just like that, you could miss out on the best internet privacy tool.
A VPN is a solid line of defense that protects your private information from third parties that want to profit from your digital movements. When we say third parties, we’re not just talking about cybercriminals. Businesses also want to profit from your data.
With a VPN, you can take back privacy and stop your internet service provider (ISP) from spying on you. Here are a few reasons everyone should use a VPN.
1. Privacy from your ISP
Companies that provide internet service see your every click as a way to make money. Many ISPs save your browsing history on their systems and store anonymous logs to sell to marketing companies.
Others even try to upcharge you, turning privacy into a premium feature. That means you’d have to pay an extra monthly fee to ward off prying eyes.
It’s good to know that the data your ISP collects on you doesn’t always stay with them alone. Their storage of your browsing history is accessible to government agencies. That brings us to the next benefit of a VPN.
2. Privacy from the government
Should the government subpoena your ISP, they’re legally required to spill the beans. By beans, we mean your search history. Uncle Sam can snicker at your most embarrassing secrets if you look up something strange out of context.
And who wants government agents ogling your browsing habits? Who hasn’t searched for something that would sound bizarre out of context?
With a VPN, you can bypass your ISP’s attention. You hide your IP address and location by connecting to a VPN server. Instead, an encrypted tunnel completely reroutes your network’s traffic. Nifty, huh?
3. Gives you a secure way to access public Wi-Fi
Using free antivirus? Here's what it could cost you
The internet is dangerous and laden with hidden threats. Luckily, antivirus (AV) software can spot lurking dangers that want to take over your computer. Tap or click here to find out why you need antivirus software.
You may consider a free version if you’re looking for an antivirus tool. A few solutions won’t cost you a dime, which can be appealing. But, as with all things, you get what you pay for.
👊 Protect your personal info: Ensure your online privacy and keep your sensitive data safe from hackers and identity thieves. I use and recommend ExpressVPN. Literally one click and you’re protected. Use my link to get three months free.
The danger of free VPNs
If you want to stay safe, you need a solid self-defense plan. This applies to both the real world and our digital lives. One of the best ways to stay safe online is by using a VPN or a virtual private network.
As a quick recap, a VPN is a cybersecurity tool you download onto your devices. You can hide your IP address, encrypt internet traffic and protect your browsing history. VPNs even help you get around geoblocking, which refers to content barriers based on your location.
VPNs: How they work and how to choose the best one for you
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I’m sure you’ve heard me mention VPNs before on my show. With hackers, thieves and scammers constantly out in full force, ready to steal your money, now’s the time to get on board.
VPN is short for virtual private network. What this means is when doing your banking online, hackers can’t step in the middle and steal your account information and drain your money. A VPN also stops your internet provider from tracking you and lets you unblock websites and bypass filters. You need it on your computer, laptop, tablet and phone.
Your worth on the Dark Web
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Here’s a shocker for you: With as little as $1,000, a cyber creep can go to the Dark Web and buy your entire identity. That means they get your Social Security number, bank account info and anything else they need to pose as you — or someone you love — online.
3 reasons you shouldn't go another day without antivirus software
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If you don’t have antivirus software, you’re putting every internet-connected gadget you own at risk. Something as simple as an unchanged router password can be an entry point for an invader to shut down your phone or even taunt your children through a security camera or smart speaker.
Using free antivirus? Beware of companies that sell your data or even plant malware
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Saving money can be easy. Simple things like eating dinner at home more often than going to your favorite restaurant or skipping that daily $6 latte can really add up. You’ll have your next vacation paid for in no time.
You're being recorded in public
You can’t prevent people from recording you, but you can stay aware of your surroundings to identify potential cameras.
Magic AI Teleprompter
Some would say this is cheating, others would consider it “bluffing.” Where do you stand? Credit: TikTok – finalroundai
Guard your heart against love scammers
Do you need antivirus software? Yes! Check out Kim's pick
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With all the cybercriminals and digital threats, you shouldn’t pinch pennies when protecting your devices. Using free antivirus software can actually put you at risk. You need smarter, more robust tools to combat increasingly sophisticated hackers and scammers.
Cybersecurity tip brought to you by TotalAV
For antivirus software, I trust and recommend TotalAV. Go to protectwithkim.com for more information.
Pro tip: How to securely share passwords
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Any regular visitor to Komando.com knows never to share passwords. While that’s true in general, password sharing is sometimes necessary. You have to be careful and do it the right way.
Essentially, it all comes down to using the right password manager. Keep reading for more details.
5 steps to make sure hackers cannot access your home network and files
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Hackers may have already compromised your network. Tap or click here for a free test to see if your router has been hacked. Keep reading for ways to protect your system from hackers.
This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, ExpressVPN. Protect your privacy. Get three months free when you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim.
Scareware 101: How to spot this dangerous cyberattack and protect yourself
Spam is unavoidable: It clutters your phone call history and chokes your email inbox. Like spam, scareware is another annoyance that seems to go hand-in-hand with internet access. It’s why you should never click pop-ups that say your system is at risk.
Use this home security camera buying guide to be safer at home
Here’s a conundrum: Your security camera could expose you to data breaches. Last year, a security researcher found that Eufy cameras uploaded private images to the cloud.
Anker recently admitted to storing images and video feeds in the cloud without users’ knowledge. This popular security cam manufacturer recently didn’t even encrypt the private content. That means anyone could have seen your personal images through your Anker devices.
3 tricks to see if your passwords are being sold on the Dark Web
Hackers can make a ton of money by selling your private information on underground forums. It’s possible that your passwords are being sold on the Dark Web right now. That’s why you should run a cybersecurity check now and then.
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger
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No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.
Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.