Ask a tech expert: I'm being sextorted! What should I do?

I just got a scary email threatening to destroy all of my information — even naked pics on my computer. The email demanded I send payment in Bitcoins. What should I do?

A reader in Oregon

I can imagine the sinking feeling when you got that email. The good news is these are pretty common scare tactics. So, just ignore the message.

That’s why you always need to have a backup. When you have a copy of your files and important stuff, if someone threatens to destroy them, you can tell ’em to pound sand.

You should back up your data with the 3-2-1 backup rule to be safe. Keep three copies of your important files — two on different storage media and one in an offsite location. I break it all down in my handy backup guide.

Finally, about the naked pics on your PC, use this trick to protect any, well, saucy photos and videos.

Simple ways to make extra money for Christmas gifts

I know. I said it. The holidays are — somehow, some way — approaching. The good news is you have some time before the madness begins. It’s the perfect time to pick up extra cash to get you through an expensive season.

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Mom who allowed her 5-year-old to play with her phone captures a priceless moment

Delphine Expert gave her 5-year-old daughter, Zoey, her phone to record “treasures” she found on a walk, but she never expected “to be one of the treasures.”

Identity crisis: You can prime ChatGPT or any other chatbot to answer how you want with one simple phrase: “You are a …” and then fill in that blank with anything — “marketing expert,” “lawyer,” “landlord attorney,” “master gardener,” “personal trainer.” Go ahead, try “Digital Goddess.”

How to get cheap flights with expert Clark Howard

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Money-saving guru Clark Howard is here, sharing his top-secret strategies to land the cheapest flights imaginable — and trust me, the airlines do not want you knowing these tricks. We talk about clever booking hacks, algorithms, hidden deals, and the perfect time to strike.

❤️ An MIT expert warns: Don’t fall in love with an AI chat companion. The bots aren’t capable of caring about you, and the fake intimacy is setting folks up for unrealistic expectations in the real world. An AI friend, sure, but end it there, folks.

300,000-year-old face

Of our oldest human ancestor, revealed. A graphics expert 3D-scanned a skull to create a realistic render. Found in Morocco, the remains proved humans evolved 100,000 years earlier than we thought. Check out the pic of the handsome fellow here.

Too many cables and cords? Use this simple trick to tell them apart

People are constantly upgrading to the latest and greatest tech. Whether you have a new smartwatch or tablet, plenty of pro tips will help you become an expert.

I love helping Komando readers get the most out of their tech. Whether it’s helpful hints and special tricks or just helping you find the right tools, I’ve got you covered! Tap or click to browse my recent columns and tech tips.

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Zoom class-action settlement: Claim your share today before it's too late

Zoom was one of the biggest apps that helped us through the pandemic. The video conference tool was essential for workplaces and schools across the country. But with popularity comes a hefty price — specifically $85 million in the form of a settlement.

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📲 Umm … who are you? I hate when I’ve forgotten someone’s name. That’s why I wanted to pass along what a Harvard-trained etiquette expert told CNBC you should do instead: Ask for their contact info. Hand over your phone, and they’ll pop in their name. Bingo, crisis averted. So smart.

Woman duped out of nearly $1M in gold bars

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She says it started with a pop-up on her computer. Relationship expert Amy Chan joins us to talk about online dating and crafting the perfect profile. Plus, a kid’s stink that ruined a family business, the side hustle black market, and a major Life360 data leak.

Start your tour guide side hustle

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If you’re an expert on your hometown, why not make some extra cash? Here’s how you can get started in just 60 seconds.

Track when Santa's coming to town

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Where’s Santa and his sleigh right now? Listen to this one-minute podcast for an expert way to know when Santa’s coming to town.

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There are 8 ways to write an 'X' - here's what each one says about you

You can tell a lot from an “X.” Or, you can tell a lot by the way you write your X’s, rather — at least if we’re going by an Instagram post about the eight ways to write an X, anyway.

A story published in O, The Oprah Magazine last year outlined the different ways people write the letter X and what it means for your personality. The story was based on a viral Instagram post depicting the different ways you can write letter X — some start from top left and top right, while others eschew penmanship rules and start from other places instead.

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