security Archives

How to install antivirus and scan your computer

If you’re online, you’re at risk, plain and simple. There’s more out there after your info and wallet than you realize, from phishing scams to ransomware and malicious apps to malware.

That’s why it’s critical to protect your personal and business devices correctly. When it comes to your computer, tablet and phone, you need a robust security suite.

You can find “free” antivirus software online or in the various app stores, but can you trust it? Remember, when something is free, you are the product. At best, these free solutions don’t work very well. At worst, they are the malicious software you need to worry about.

Kim’s pick for antivirus

Instead of doing a Google search and hoping for the best, go with Kim’s pick for total online security, our sponsor, TotalAV.

TotalAV’s industry-leading security suite is easy to use and offers the best protection in the business. It’s received the renowned VB100 award for detecting over 99% of malware samples for the last three years.

Not only do you get continuous protection from the latest threats, but its AI-driven Web Shield browser extension blocks dangerous websites automatically, and its Junk Cleaner can help you quickly clear out your old files.

Kim has arranged a deal for Komando listeners to make it even sweeter. Right now, get an annual plan of TotalAV Internet Security for only $19 at ProtectWithKim.com. That’s over 85% off the regular price.

How to install antivirus software

Step one is signing up for an account. To sign up for TotalAV, go to ProtectWithKim.com. Fill out your details and payment info, and you’re all set. You get a year of protection on five devices for just $19.

After that, you’ll be prompted to install the TotalAV software. From here, you’re just a few clicks away from protecting your Windows PC, Mac, Android or iPhone.

Throughout the process, you must allow full access to your system. This will enable TotalAV to scan for malware and thoroughly review junk files. This step is easy, too. The on-screen prompts will walk you through what permissions to allow.

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Why I used Incogni to wipe my info off the internet

I got this note the other day from Mike S. (Hi, Mike! 👋): “Next time you talk about Incogni, maybe you can do a deep dive?”

Mike, you’re not the only reader who’s asked for a more in-depth look at how Incogni works and why I chose it to wipe my info from data broker sites. I picked this service before they became a sponsor. So, without further ado …

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Worthwhile gifts under $50

🤑 Because you can always give a great gift.

This microwave pasta cooker (43% off, $17) makes perfect al dente noodles every time. Pasta la vista, baby!
This tiny plant Lego set (20% off) is adorable. There’s even a Venus flytrap.
Whoever invented the portable Crock-Pot lunchbox is a genius. And it’s under $40!
Force a friend to be your pickleball partner with a new paddle (11% off). They can’t say no now!
OK, seriously, Versace cologne for under $35? What a steal.
Security boxes are seriously expensive. This file-storage bag ($35) is fireproof and waterproof. It’s not a flashy gift, but it’s so practical. Click the coupon box for 20% off.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

🛃 Oman, I Kuwait to Rome around: Download the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Global Entry app for iOS or Android. Snap a selfie while in the security line, and you won’t have to do it at the kiosk when returning to the U.S. The catch: You must be registered with the Global Entry program, which costs $100 for five years.

Frank Abagnale on the comeback of check fraud

Open/download audio

Check fraud is up 400%. What’s bringing this old scam back? Frank Abagnale, the ex-con turned security expert and inspiration for Catch Me If You Can, is here to explain. In the movie, Leonardo DiCaprio played his life of expertly forged checks that fooled banks worldwide. Now he breaks down how new tech gives today’s scammers an edge.

Attn., Windows Insiders: Microsoft’s Recall feature is a privacy nightmare. Even after a backlash forced changes, Recall still captures info like credit cards and Social Security numbers. That’s with the “sensitive info filter” on. Microsoft says they’re fixing it. Again.

5 clever tricks holiday scammers use

JD in Dallas emailed me with a story. He and his wife were at the mall and stopped for a Christmas selfie. Two young men walking by offered to take the pic for them — and one kept wiping the phone’s lens inside his jacket.

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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.

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Microsoft’s very bad advice: Some 240 million active PCs are too old to update to Windows 11. After years of telling us otherwise, Microsoft now says you can go ahead and update your incompatible PC. The big disclaimer: Your computer might not get every security patch and update, so it’s not worth the risk.

📱 Update your iPhone now: Apple iOS 18.2, the update that superpowers Siri with AI, also fixes 21 security issues. That includes a major flaw in Apple’s Passwords app. Still on iOS 17? There’s a fix for you, too. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

🍩 Krispy Kreme’s security hole: The doughnut giant’s fessing up about a Nov. 29 security breach that took down its online ordering system in parts of the U.S. Along with your credit card details, it’s a safe bet your deep, dark secrets (like how many times you bought a doughnut on the way to work) were leaked, too. Sing it with me: “Doughnut go breaking my heart. I couldn’t if I fried.” Yeah, that was bad.

Small-biz tip: Don't overlook this digital danger

Are you the type of business owner who forgets about ex-employees as soon as they’re gone? Failing to remove former employees’ access to your systems and data could lead to security breaches. Don’t let poor offboarding practices be the weak link in your cybersecurity chain.

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Booking.com is not my typo: One man got a complete stranger’s trip details when the person shared their itinerary with a contact and made a typo. The site says it’s not a security breach; it’s how their system works. That’s pretty standard, so double-check your recipients’ email addresses when sharing any personal information.

Patch your PC pronto: It’s Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday, the second Tuesday of every month when they clean up bugs and flaws that put you at risk. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and hit Check for updates.

10 things you should never say to an AI chatbot

This is a heartbreaking story out of Florida. Megan Garcia thought her 14-year-old son was spending all his time playing video games. She had no idea he was having abusive, in-depth and sexual conversations with a chatbot powered by the app Character AI.

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8 ways your phone is tracking you - That you can stop now

You understand that your phone knows where you’re located. This is how GPS works, how Find My sees your location and why you get local ads on Facebook and Google. Like other data on your phone, that location data is a hot commodity for internet marketers.

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Beware: Convincing new PayPal invoice scam

“Reminder: You’ve still got a money request!” That was the subject line of the messages flooding my husband Barry’s inbox all week. He’s not the only one; there’s a sneaky scam going around that looks totally legit … because it actually comes from PayPal.

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🔐 Streaming security check: See what devices are logged into your account. If you see one you know isn’t yours, reset your password pronto. It’s easiest to do this from a computer. For Hulu, go to Your Account > Watch Hulu on Your Devices > Manage Devices for a list. Steps here for Netflix and Disney+.

Why you can’t access some sites while you’re on a VPN and what to do

Let’s say you’re browsing the web with a VPN. You’re protecting privacy, so you’re confident hackers and advertisers can’t track you. Then you try to go to a site, and it just won’t load.

This can throw a wrench into productivity when working. Or it can ruin your mood when trying to have fun online.

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Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?

If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.

Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.

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