Kitboga joined The Kim Komando Show to talk all things “scambaiter.” He shared lots, including the longest time he has spent with a scammer. Find out on the full podcast here.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and lots of love from me
Christmas Day is a time for reflection, gratitude and connection. This year, it’s extra special as Hanukkah also begins tonight. Both holidays remind us of the importance of light, hope and the traditions that bring us closer together.
When I was a kid, the magic of Christmas came in the form of glowing string lights on a fresh-cut tree, the scent of my Mom’s cooking and my Dad’s laugh as we opened gifts. Those memories of warmth and love are what I carry with me every year, and it’s what I hope for each of you to experience today.
As we celebrate this season, I want to take a moment to thank all those who work tirelessly to make the holidays brighter: Health care workers, first responders, retail staff, delivery drivers and everyone else working behind the scenes to bring a little joy to our lives.
Let’s not forget the thousands in law enforcement and national security protecting us; the firefighters and medical professionals on call today; and the pilots, flight attendants and air traffic controllers reuniting families. And, of course, the men and women of America’s military, who serve to ensure our freedom.
I want to give you a special thanks, too
I’m thrilled you’re here with me day in and day out. I love reading your comments that say, “Wow, Kim, it feels like you’re talking to me in this newsletter.” Yes, it’s real, human Kim here gathering what you need to know in the world of tech and writing it for you.
That’s especially important now that AI is everywhere. I want this email and the info I pass along on my shows, podcasts and writings in USA Today, the Daily Mail and other places to be something you can trust.
Some of my Christmas traditions
Below, I put links to the recipe for my annual Christmas dinner, movies and lots more. But I want to reach out to you if you’re not having a great day.
Years ago, my Dad was a little depressed and missing his mother terribly one Christmas. My Mom thought a quick trip to Las Vegas would get him out of the slump. I gave him a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD to listen to on their drive. When they returned, my Mom had a huge smile on her face and said, “Wow! That CD is wonderful! It totally turned his frown upside‑down!”
I shared this story with Chip Davis, the founder of Mannheim Steamroller. He explained he did that on purpose with the tempo so people would have an emotional lift. If you’re a little down, here’s a YouTube playlist. When I miss my loved ones, it helps me, too.
In this season of hope and joy, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or simply enjoying time with loved ones, I’m keeping you in my prayers. I pray for your health, happiness, and that you find peace and comfort in the moments that matter most.
Hidden trackers invade your browser – How to delete them
Internet cookies have been around for the last 30 years. Blame them on a programmer at Netscape who figured out a way for websites to “remember” users. Today, there are a few different types of cookies.
A first-party cookie is stored in your browser when you visit a website. It keeps things like your account or login info and shopping cart so you don’t have to fill them in each time. We like those kinds of cookies.
Stop using the buttons on your Echo: Instead, say, “Alexa, volume up” to increase the volume slightly or “Volume down” to make it quieter. You can also say, “Alexa, turn the volume to five” for more precise control. Choose a number from one to 10. Another great commando? “Alexa, play The Kim Komando Show.”
Noland Arbaugh is the first Neuralink patient
His brain-chip implant lets him control computers and other devices with his mind. Kim Komando talks to Noland about why he got it and how it works. What could this tech mean for the future? He shares his ideas and hopes.
16 out of 30 top podcasts are available as videos
Two years ago, only seven were. We’re totally with it: You can watch Kim Komando Today as a video!
Time-saving tricks using your keyboard
I spend hours and hours (and hours) online every week looking for the latest in tech for my national radio show, podcasts and, of course, newsletter.
I rounded up eight browser keyboard shortcuts I use so you can spend less time clicking around for the right button, too.
Creeps are hiding cameras in dressing rooms, bathrooms and worse
Stories like this make my blood boil. Some creep was caught taking pics up a woman’s skirt at a Target store. Let’s give a big cheer to the woman who called him out and filmed it.
I’m giving away a $799 iPhone 15. Try my free daily newsletter for your shot to win. My newsletter has over 209,000 positive reviews with a 4.88 out of 5 star rating!
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 20
One tech CEO thinks AI girlfriends are the next billion-dollar biz. Meanwhile, a tragedy: an 81-year-old man kills an Uber driver he mistook for a scammer. Plus, what your hotel card key reveals about you.
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 13
A new tech ban is coming, this time it targets Russia. Trade your data for money? I tell you the real cost of cash-incentive offers (it’s not pretty). True crime lovers — here’s a side hustle you won’t want to miss. Plus, a gal wonders if her Roomba records her. Creepy!
See what the home you grew up in looks like now and other Maps tricks
I grew up in New Jersey, right next to a state park. I still remember riding my bike all day like it was yesterday. Oh, and the time I threw a snowball at a police car and hit the cop inside. That was bad.
I hadn’t looked at the house in years, so seeing it on a map took me back. While at it, take yourself on a walk down memory lane, too.
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 6
Is it the end of the world? Rumors fly online about the solar eclipse — I’ll tell you what’s fact and fiction. Also, the government filmed an Army vet’s front porch for 68 days. Plus, Silicon Valley icon Guy Kawasaki talks about his new book, “Think Remarkable.”
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, March 30
Sarah from Portland, Oregon, has been stalked on and off for years. Now, she has a sinking feeling that her estranged brother, who works in IT, is behind it. Plus, use an older router? Be careful, hackers are getting smarter and you’re at risk.
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, March 23
The U.S. government is suing Apple and Glassdoor’s reviews aren’t anonymous after all. And Jim calls to ask if he can trust a nice woman online who is pushing crypto. Spoiler: No!
A SWAT team stormed my house
Feb. 16 started like any typical Friday night. My husband and I decided to stay home, grill chicken and make a salad for dinner. At about 6:45 p.m., we heard some loud rumbling overhead.
We walked onto the back patio and two police helicopters were overhead — shining lights all over our property, and a recording echoed, “Police. You are under arrest. Stay right there and I won’t shoot you.”
67.8 million Americans
Are expected to bet $23.1 billion on Sunday’s Super Bowl. A new record! Add the $20 bet I just made with Andrew on Kim Komando Today to that total. I’m going with the 49ers.
How to dig up dirt about yourself online
You know by now you should keep the private things in life off the internet. Your middle name, job, city, pet’s name, the school you went to, your spouse’s name, the ages of your kids, your shoe size — the details a scammer or hacker would love to have.
5 dumb tech security mistakes you’re making
You might think you have a solid cybersecurity plan. You use strong passwords and defensive measures like VPNs and firewalls. But even the strongest shield gets dented from time to time.
It’s hard to remember all the settings you’ve adjusted and the passwords you’ve made over the years. Let this be your reminder to go in and make a few quick changes to protect yourself.