Security tip: Next time you stay at a hotel, turn on your VPN

Did you know the average American spends more than 24 hours each week online? That is a considerable chunk of time.

If you’re one of many with multiple devices regularly accessing the internet, you probably know you need a secure connection to protect sensitive data. A virtual private network or VPN is the best way to do this.

But VPNs aren’t just crucial for protecting your home IP address. Here’s why Kim won’t ever leave home without our sponsor, ExpressVPN.

No more sketchy public Wi-Fi hotspots

Using public Wi-Fi hotspots is risky no matter where you go, and the potential consequences can be devastating. It doesn’t make a difference if you stay at a 5-star luxury hotel or have lunch at your neighborhood retro diner. You’re risking being victimized by cybercriminals.

Cybercriminals can intercept your connection and access your most important credentials and private data by setting up a fake Wi-Fi access point or just sitting nearby. You can feel secure logging into your banking websites and everything else with ExpressVPN. Your data stays private and secure.

Keep data private on all of your devices

An ExpressVPN subscription comes with easy-to-install apps for all of your devices. You can protect your PC, Mac, iPhone, Android and more.

You can install the app on unlimited devices and have up to five gadgets connected to one account simultaneously. That means you can protect your whole family while on the go.

It’s quick and easy to switch between gadgets. Simply disconnect one device to connect another.

Unrestricted access to all of your favorite content

After a long day of sightseeing, sometimes all you want to do is head back to your hotel room, pull up YouTube on your laptop and watch the latest video from your favorite cooking channel.

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Security tip: 3 dumb mistakes putting you at risk online

There are countless cybersecurity threats you need to watch out for. The AV-TEST Institute says it detects over 450,000 new malicious programs every day.

We’ve compiled some easy mistakes you could be making right now. You may discover a weakness that puts your digital life in danger. Thanks to our sponsor, TotalAV, you can scroll down to stay safe!

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🚨 Netflix renewal scam: Cybercriminals are sending fake Netflix texts claiming your account’s about to be suspended. They’ll say there was an “issue processing your payment” or a “failure in your recent payment” and ask you to sign in through a link. It’s just a trick to steal your login details and credit card info. Don’t fall for it.

40% increase

In phishing attacks, thanks to one trick. Cybercriminals buy up super-cheap and easy-to-register domain extensions like .shop, .top, .xyz, .vip and .club. If you see one, move on.

Yes, you can add a VPN to your TV - Here are a few reasons you should

You can use many methods to protect against cyberattacks, including strong passwords, antivirus software, a virtual private network (VPN), privacy-focused browsers and more. Tap or click here for our list of essential privacy tools that help you stay safe online.

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Protect all your devices with the best antivirus software

When it comes to antivirus software, there’s no better choice than our sponsor, TotalAV. For one, it’s available for your phone and computer, so all your devices are protected.

This security suite protects all your devices from the scariest online threats, such as ransomware, spyware, adware and (of course) malware. Its WebShield browser extension provides advanced protection against malicious websites and even blocks bad guys from stealing your data.

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iScam, you scam: Cybercriminals are sending fake emails claiming your Apple ID is suspended, urging you to click a link to “verify” your info. Don’t fall for it. Apple never asks for sensitive info via email.

📶 Let go: D-Link’s VPN routers have hit their end-of-life, making it an easy way for hackers to enter your network. No security patches are coming. If cybercriminals get in, they can spy on your activity and steal your passwords or credit card info. Unsure if you’re affected? Contact D-Link.

📨 You’ve hit the scan-pot! Cybercriminals are sending paper letters to launch new phishing attacks. They’re including QR codes to download a weather app that — you guessed it — unleashes malware to steal sensitive data, like banking info. PSA: Don’t scan random QR codes.

Working the system: Cybercriminals are using hacked government and law enforcement email addresses to request customer data from Big Tech companies. Police usually need a search warrant for files and messages, but for basic details like phone numbers, login credentials and approximate locations, a request is all it takes.

Console yourself; it’s game over: Malware called Winos4.0 is targeting Windows gamers. It sneaks in through infected third-party game mods. Once it’s on your system, cybercriminals play their own games, looking for crypto and taking screenshots of what you do so they can blackmail you. PSA: Skip the mods.

🚨 Don’t fall for it: Cybercriminals are sending emails that lead to an “I am not a robot” CAPTCHA. Click the checkbox and you’ll see a prompt to press “Win + R,” which opens the command prompt on a Windows computer. Their final request: “Paste in this code.” It’s malware. The links can look like anything, so be on the lookout for this trick.

Protect up to 5 devices from malware, viruses and more - Just $20 for an entire year

There’s nothing wrong with looking for ways to save money. Cutting back on things like your cable or electric bill is just good business. But you need to be smart about where to cut corners. Protecting your devices and critical files should not be skimped with all the cybercriminals and digital threats lurking.

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This tool is 99% effective against malware

Too many cybercriminals are trying to worm their way into your system and steal from you. Even the most tech-savvy folks can be fooled. You don’t even need to click anything to download malware anymore.

That’s why you need powerful software to sniff out malicious files. I trust my sponsor, TotalAV. It’s simple to install and use, and it’s received the VB100 award for detecting more than 99% of malware samples for the last three years in a row. (Yeah, that’s a big deal.)

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3 security steps every small business needs to take right now

Business accounts can be hacked as easily as personal accounts. Imagine all your hard work being held at ransom by a hacker or your data falling into the hands of someone who can sell it to the competition.

You need to secure your business as best you can, and here are three crucial tips to get started. This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, NetSuite.

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5 common antivirus mistakes to avoid at all costs

Computer viruses can ruin everything. Systems that once worked well grind to a halt as your computer struggles to recover. That’s why antivirus programs are non-negotiable: They keep your digital life safe if you avoid the most common mistakes.

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🚨 Watch out for election hallucinations: Cybercriminals are using ChatGPT to influence the upcoming U.S. elections, whipping up fake articles and misleading comments. OpenAI says, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, none of it has gone viral or built a real audience.” Yeah, right. Facebook is practically drowning in AI-generated clickbait crap.

How to stay safe on public Wi-Fi

You don’t leave your front door unlocked. So why would you use public Wi-Fi networks without protection? Defend your private data from cybercriminals in public places with these five tips.

If you listen to The Kim Komando Show and Kim’s podcasts, you know about digital dangers. Accessing the internet via public Wi-Fi networks can heighten these risks even more.

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💊 Killer online pharmacies: Cybercriminals set up online pharmacies selling counterfeit pills disguised as prescription drugs. Adderall, Xanax and oxycodone knockoffs were laced with deadly synthetic opioids like fentanyl. At least nine people have died. Please, please stick to real pharmacies for all your medications.

The most common terms email scammers use to trick you

Here’s a wild stat: Cybercriminals send 3.4 billion emails every day. That adds up to well over 1 trillion a year. With that many messages flying around, it’s no wonder so many people get caught up in scams. And today’s super-smart AI makes their messages all the more convincing.

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