Smart how-to today: Set up Apple’s Stolen Device Protection setting. This hack only works if you set it up before your iPhone goes missing, so do it now before it’s too late.
Tags: Apple, Apple iPhone, device, how-to, protection, setup, Smart, video
I’ve been to the Amazon and experienced its remote wonderland. I remember standing in a lush rainforest, in the warm, humid air, surrounded by the sounds of exotic birds. The people are wonderful and almost childlike in their trusting nature. But let me tell you, I still get chills thinking of the swarms of bullet ants that grow over an inch long, fishing for piranhas and avoiding tons of snakes.
Attention, Kia owners: Park outside, not in the garage. Almost 50,000 Telluride SUVs (model years 2020-2024) have a flaw in the power seats that could start a fire. If your car is impacted, you’ll get a letter in the mail by July 30. In all, Kia has recalled 462,869 Telluride SUVs due to risks. My friend, Marty, had a DeLorean he drove from time to time.
Let’s forget we said that: The overwhelming reaction to Microsoft’s recently announced Recall feature for Windows 11 has been, “Uh, hello, security nightmare.” By default, they said Windows 11 on new AI-enabled PCs will snap a screenshot of everything you do so you can revisit your history. Now, they’re going opt-in only. If you get a new PC and see the option, say, “No, thanks.”
The ad-friendly skies: Fly United and you’ll soon see personalized ads in the app and on the back of your seat. Just one more way to make money off you. But since you get this free newsletter, here’s where you can opt out of the ads. You’re welcome.
Major ISP hacked: Around 750,000 Frontier Internet customers had their info stolen in a ransomware attack. No financial data was grabbed, but the info does include full names, Social Security numbers, birthdays and home addresses — more than enough to steal your identity. If you use Frontier, put up your scam guard. Cybercriminals may have a boatload more info on you now.
It’s a buyer’s market: During the pandemic, people scooped up boats, RVs and motorcycles at record rates. Now, they’re trying to offload them, thanks to rising costs and interest rates. Plenty of dealers are stuck with excess inventory, too. Your move — it’s time to score some deals on eBay and Facebook Marketplace!
📦 One person’s return … is another’s “new” purchase. Amazon’s return policy lets items that pass a quality check be resold as “new,” even if they’ve been opened. Spot an “LPN” label on the packaging? That’s a telltale sign it’s been reprocessed. Hit up Amazon’s customer service pronto for a replacement.
The NIH blue it: For years, the National Institutes of Health has said blue light from smartphones and iPads will keep us awake at night. Well, some 11 studies now say the blue light story is bogus (WSJ, paywall link). We get so engrossed in what we’re reading or watching on these screens that we simply can’t put ‘em down. So tonight, turn it off and go to sleep.
🚨 Data held hostage by LockBit ransomware? Don’t negotiate with terrorists. The FBI is giving out 7,000 free decryption keys you can use to unlock your data without paying a ransom. If you’re affected, you’ll probably know it (i.e., you won’t be able to access files on your computer). Go to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center to snag your free key.
