Meta’s CEO apologizes to families hurt by social media. Here’s what it means for tech.
Buying new smart home tech? Take this step to keep creeps out
Whenever you buy a new smart device, the first thing to do is change the default password. Without this critical step, hackers could break into your doorbells, thermostats or security cameras. They could turn up the home’s temperature until it’s boiling — or scream death threats over a microphone.
Families are especially at risk. One hacker broke into a Mississippi family’s Ring security camera, then taunted their eight-year-old daughter with creepy music. Check your indoor cameras now to protect your family.
Bottom line: All connected tech has some inherent risk, including the devices we buy to keep us safe. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to secure your smart home devices before hackers turn them against you.
It’s disturbingly easy to break into smart devices
All a digital burglar has to do is open up a public search engine called Shodan. This site lets strangers see through your unprotected devices. Anyone can find, let’s say, your unsecured baby monitors and spy on your children. Terrifying.
Hackers can even use your smart devices to steal your private information, including your:
- Address.
- Date of birth.
- Usernames and passwords.
- Email address.
- Phone number.
With this information, a detailed profile of you can be put together. Scammers can use this info to launch elaborate phishing schemes — or steal your identity to commit crimes in your name. Here are three surefire signs someone stole your identity.
How to secure your smart home
Luckily, you can thwart digital burglars by following this three-step strategy:
- Always change the default login on any device you install and connect to your network: Sticking with the factory password makes it easy for hackers to break in.
- When you buy secondhand devices, make sure they’re properly reset to their factory settings: If you don’t, the previous owner could still access the device.
- Use two-factor authentication: With 2FA, anyone trying to access the devices will have to enter a security code sent to your phone or through an authenticator app. This extra step makes it nearly impossible for hackers to break in. Here’s everything you need to know about 2FA.
Don’t forget to update your software, too. That way, you’ll stay up-to-date with the latest security patches. While you’re at it, update your PC, too.
Memorial Day 2022: A reminder to remember those who sacrificed it all
Years ago, I heard someone correct someone else who said, “Happy Memorial Day.” There’s nothing happy about the day, they said. It’s about remembering servicemen and women who’ve died during conflicts.
That person wasn’t wrong. Memorial Day was created as a day set aside to decorate the graves of soldiers who died defending the U.S. during the most recent battle. When you dig around and read about the history of Memorial Day, it’s evolved from a quiet day of remembrance to a three-day weekend packed with parades, barbeques and Memorial Day sales.
If your teen says this phrase, pay close attention: “Crashing out” means they’re about to flip out or overreact to something minor. The causes behind it are bigger, of course — think anything from hormones and relationships to academic stress or social media drama.
After nearly 40 years: Two sisters met for the first time since different families adopted them as babies. They were born just 14 months apart. One grew up in the U.S. and the other in Belgium. After taking a MyHeritage DNA test, one sister sent the other an email that said, “Hey, I think we’re sisters.” Isn’t that something?
Notorious cheating site Ashley Madison is swarming with sextortionists. Scammers get cheaters to send nudes, then they threaten to send them to the cheaters’ families and bosses unless they pay thousands. Karma’s a you-know-what.
😤 Dangerous oversight: A heartbreaking 15 folks have died after ingesting sodium nitrate, listed on Amazon as a food preservative. It’s safe at low concentrations, but it was sold at 99% purity. Now, the victims’ families are suing, saying Amazon ignored warnings, deleted bad reviews and nudged customers to buy. Amazon’s defense? It says it’s not liable for how customers use its products.
Toys R Us is dead, once more
Remember when Toys R Us first shut down? Families across the country mourned. Here’s how the new owners want to revive the brand, in 60 seconds.
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