OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4o can “think,” write and talk in real-time. Check out this video to see it in action. Listen to that laugh! Crazy stuff.
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.
All your devices probably tell a detailed story about your life. Our computers and phones are critically important, from work emails and important documents to family photos. Are your devices truly protected? If you don’t have antivirus software installed, the answer is no.
Not all antivirus programs are created equal. Some won’t give you the comprehensive protection you need in our increasingly dangerous digital world. That’s why we’re sharing three critical reasons to upgrade to Kim’s pick and our sponsor, TotalAV.
1. Cybercrime is getting worse
Ransomware attackers prey on panic and fear once you realize your critical files are inaccessible. While stress is at an all-time high, they demand ridiculous money. In 2020, the average payment cybercriminals demanded was $178,000, Coveware research found.
If that weren’t scary enough, you could still be cheated even if you do pay. You might feel optimistic and hope that the hackers will hold up their end of the bargain once you’ve drained your bank account. Unfortunately, that’s just wishful thinking.
The Sophos State of Ransomware reports that only 56% of data gets restored after paying the ransom. That means you should never pay if a ransomware attack hits your system.
There’s no denying the ubiquity of cybercrime in today’s digital world. To make matters worse, their techniques improve every day.
2. Hackers are getting smarter
Here’s more detail on how ransomware works. Hackers break into your computer, ransack all your files and programs, and encrypt everything. You won’t be able to access any of it. It’s a total violation of your work and your personal life.
Now, criminals have beefed up their techniques. They’ve invented a method called double encryption. That’s when they encrypt your data twice at once.
By layering two types of ransomware on top of one another, they’re tricking you into paying double the original ransomware amount. Let’s say they demand $5,000 to decrypt your data. The hackers lift the first layer, only for you to find the second layer.
Hiring? 3 ways to find the most talented employees
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Great people build great companies — and that doesn’t just include the CEO and upper management. You need talent from top to bottom if you’re going to have a successful organization.
If you own a business, you already know how hard it can be to find great employees. But it doesn’t have to be so difficult. Use LinkedIn to help fill open positions and find talented workers with ease. Here are a few ways every business owner can attract the talent they need.
WTH do I do now? Jim in Philly wrote to me because he downloaded an app that totally screwed up his phone — random ads everywhere. Sorry, Jim, but you need to do a full factory reset. It’s a royal pain in the rear, I know, but it’s the only way to ensure your phone is clear from adware and malware. After that, do like I do and get a solid AV software on your phone.
The “E” stands for entertainment: Chuck E. Cheese is saying goodbye to its iconic animatronic robot band at over 400 locations nationwide. You’ll have until the end of 2024 to catch their cute-slash-terrifying musical performances. Get ready for more screens, digital dance floors and trampoline gyms.
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.
A VPN isn't just for your computer - Here's why you need a VPN on your router, too
If you aren’t protecting your router, you’re exposing a weak spot for cybercriminals to strike. Don’t be like the millions of people using outdated routers or weak default passwords. That’s right: A study from Comparitech found that one in 16 home Wi-Fi routers use their manufacturer’s default admin password.
ChatGPT-4o is your kid's new math tutor
Boy do I wish this existed when Ian was in school! The founder of Khan Academy and his son test out OpenAI’s new tutoring tool. Pretty amazing stuff.
Spring clean your PC: Microsoft just updated its free Windows optimizer, PC Manager. Its biggest new feature? Files Cleanup, which helps you manage your storage and free up space by deleting unnecessary or bulky files. Download it here in the Microsoft Store.
Windows 10 death date: Microsoft has announced you won’t get any updates or support for Windows 10 after Oct. 14, 2025. That’s plenty of time to save up for a new Mac … just sayin’.
Fake your location to get the lowest prices: A friend of mine in Phoenix booked a rental car in the U.K. It was $955. I told her to try this trick. She used her VPN to change her location to the U.K. and the same car for the same dates was $322. Just another reason why you need ExpressVPN on all your devices. Use this link to get three months free.
Is this the year AI totally changes music? Take Udio, founded by ex-Google employees and sitting on $10 million in funding. They’re cranking out tracks at insane speeds — 10 songs a second, or roughly 864,000 songs a day. If you want to try it, it’s open to the public, and you can create 1,200 free songs each month.
Get a FREE job post: Do you need to hire at your business? It’s tough. I’ve had great success finding really wonderful, hardworking people on LinkedIn. You can post a job for free right now using my link.
Are you still using QuickBooks? Discover why thousands are switching to NetSuite’s superior, all-in-one solution. Don’t settle for less. Experience real-time insights and streamlined processes, and make decisions based on data, not your gut. Take a free product tour right now!
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.
Scummy data brokers caught selling military secrets — and your data, too
Data brokers are the companies that make billions of dollars gathering up, then selling or sharing our data. It’s used for everything from targeted ads (that’s how they knew you drive a Subaru) to spam (and why you get so many bogus phone calls).
How to delete yourself from the internet
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I feel lucky to have the job I do. Every day, I help folks stay up to date on tech and help solve all those digital-life problems Google just can’t answer.
And after all these years, I’ll toot my own horn a little and say there’s not much that stumps me anymore. I did get a question recently, though, on my daily podcast that had a not-so-happy answer.