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.)

You won’t find a lower price anywhere. You get a year of protection on up to five devices for just $19! Save 85% off at ProtectWithKim.com. →

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.

Continue reading

‘It is not real': Title company owner warns of new twist to title fraud

A quick-thinking title company owner was able to stop a fraudulent sale when it appeared the scammer was using AI to try to steal properties.

Power bill-saving moves, all under $30

  • Create a schedule for your appliances or an auto-off timer with a pair of these smart plugs, on sale for $14. Bonus: Enable the “Away mode” for that hall lamp to fool bad guys while you’re on vacation.
  • These LED bulbs are super versatile and dimmable with five options for brightness. Get four for under $10.
  • Install a door sweep if you have gaps between areas where you’re air conditioning and not. This one is a steal at $9.93.
  • This rechargeable table fan can move around the house, keeping your cooling bill down. A few colors are available too, at $12.
  • Blackout curtains can save you money by keeping that sunny room cooler. They come in tons of colors and are on sale for $18.

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

Synthetic identity fraud: That’s when scammers steal a kid’s Social Security number and add bogus names, birth dates and email addresses to create fake personas. They open credit cards, max them out and leave a trail of debt. Have a kid age 13 or younger? Fill out this form to see if they have a credit report. Freeze it if they do.

Hackers steal $285M in Bitcoin

Open/download audio

$285 million in crypto — gone. Two hackers stole over 4,100 Bitcoin from a billionaire, but they didn’t get away with it. Plus, tips for using Perplexity AI, a shocking Titan submersible update, and a fantasy football fan caught sending fake threats.

Smartphone thieves listen to steal drums: Police are warning about a rise in expensive cellphone thefts from front porches. Don’t be next: Track your package closely and request a signature upon delivery. If you’re not home, send it somewhere else, get a video doorbell, post a “You’re being recorded” sign or install a porch lockbox.

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

Trivia

Apple Park covers 175 acres in Cupertino, California, and cost around $5 billion to build. Which of these is not true about Apple’s digs? Is it that … A.) There are seven gourmet cafes, B.) It’s powered entirely by wind energy, C.) Steve Jobs didn’t live to see it open, or D.) It has the world’s largest curved glass panels?

Find the answer here!

64% fewer stolen cars

After Kia and Hyundai’s anti-theft software upgrades. The 2023 free update fixed shoddy security measures that made it way too easy to steal the vehicles. Drive one and not sure if you got the update? Call your dealership.

Play on, player

Summer is playtime. I wrangled up a few great beach or outdoor lawn games for hosting, travel or just weekend fun.

  • Keep it classic: This bocce ball set is 19% off and comes with its own carrying case.
  • Get the kids off their screens: This game set is a party in a box for the younger members of your summering crew, with four games in one. Select the size for kids ages 3 to 7 or 5 to 10.
  • Light up the night: A lightweight, light-up flying disc is good for parties that go past sunset, which is pretty late these days! Woo, it’s 15% off.
  • Backyard bowling: An outdoor (or indoor, for rainy days) bowling set for 22% off. Strike!
  • Tabletop playing: Give your feet a rest from the other games and play a hook-and-ring game (15% off).
  • Create your own course: Most putting games are pricey, but this set of two putting cups is a steal on sale for $8.99. Get a bunch and create your own 18.

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

North Korean spies are infiltrating U.S. companies: They’re applying for IT jobs with stolen IDs, peppy cover letters and AI-generated photos (paywall link). The goal is to get access to U.S. company networks and then steal intellectual property or create backdoors for cyberattacks. Always insist on an in-person or video interview and thoroughly vet applicants’ work histories and references.

🚨 ICYMI: There’s a scary flaw in Google Chrome that could let hackers steal your passwords, credit card autofill info and lots more. Protect yourself: Go to Settings > About Chrome, download the latest patch and hit Relaunch. You want to be on version 128.0.6613.85.

I’ve seen it: Photos of a Pennsylvania man, Brian Posch, are all over Facebook with the message “HELP FIND HIM.” Sadly, Brian passed away months ago. So why are messages still being shared? Because scammers are posting them to trick others into sharing their link. Once the post gets a ton of shares and follows, they change their page to a scammy site where they steal your money. Gotta be on your toes!

🏠 Phony landlords: Scammers are flooding Facebook Marketplace with fake rental listings. They use real addresses and legit-looking pics at prices that seem like a steal, and they’ll even let you check it out in person. Major red flag: They’ll demand an application fee upfront via PayPal, Venmo or Zelle.

Hackers are using Facebook ads to spread malware: The ads push Windows themes, video games and software … but the zip file they direct you to download can steal all your passwords. If you’re interested in a product, visit the company’s site directly.

Check your car: A guy who bought a Toyota Corolla discovered a hidden GPS he thinks the dealer installed. When the car’s battery died, he checked the OBDII port and there was a tracker. Uh, why? Theories range from making it easier to steal to selling info on driving habits to insurance companies. Here’s how he found the tracker.

Beep-beep: With a cheap setup, someone can copy the signal from your keyfob to open and steal your car. What can you do? Buy a signal-blocking pouch that can hold your keys, like this $9.99 shielded RFID-blocking one. It works!

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

Don't fall for political donation fraud

Open/download audio

As election day approaches, scammers are coming up with new ways to steal your money. Here’s what you need to watch out for.

🚨 Heads-up, iPhone users: There’s a malicious text going around trying to steal your Apple ID info. It reads, “Apple important request iCloud: Visit signin[.]authen-connexion … to continue using your services.” The URL is fake, and I left part out so you don’t accidentally click it!

🚨 Mac alert: Hackers are rigging search results with fake ads for the hot, new Arc browser. Clicking leads you to a copycat site that hosts a malicious DMG file. (Do not go there, folks.) It sneaks past macOS security to steal your passwords and files. The legit Arc browser URL is arc.net. Stay aware!