Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

As a part of the $2 trillion COVID aid plan, Congress has allocated $3.2 billion in tax money to pay the monthly internet bills of Americans who lost income during the pandemic. Do you qualify? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Colonial Pipeline is getting back up and working because they paid the hackers $5 million for a decrypting tool. But the entire fiasco could have been avoided. If you run a business, here's what you can do to protect yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should ransomware hackers disrupt the power grid just as they’ve disrupted the East Coast gasoline pipeline, what would happen? Let's put it this way: Once it starts, there will be no stopping it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Until last weekend, you probably never heard of the 5,500-mile Colonial Pipeline. It's the jugular vein of fuel flow on the East Coast — but Russian hackers shut it down. Here's the full story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you haven’t noticed, there’s a global chip shortage that’s hurting airplane and auto manufacturing. It also impacts tons of electronics. Here’s why it’s getting worse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we start the week with a stern warning for anyone who invests in cryptocurrencies — straight from Bank of England. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your internet connection seems slow, don’t write it off as just your imagination. Instead, follow my advice, track down the problem and, most importantly, get what you’re actually paying for! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you use an iPhone, it’s important that you update the phone’s operating system to iOS 14.5 as soon as possible. Here’s why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook's Oversight Board exists to keep the social media giant in check. Each member gets a hefty six-figure salary ... but the money flows from a fund set up by Zuckerberg and Facebook. Can we even trust its decisions? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most of us, getting fast and reliable internet service is easy. The problem is remote, rural areas. That's why President Biden promised broadband for all in his $2 trillion infrastructure plan. But do we really need to pay for this? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know Marilyn Monroe has an active Twitter account? Even Elvis has one — and he's got more than a million followers! But most surprising is that both celebrities still endorse products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As cyber currency's value continues to climb, is it possible to strike it rich by mining it? Here are all the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First-quarter numbers for 2021 are out for the titans of Big Tech! Prepare to be shocked by how much Amazon, Google and Facebook make every single minute of every single day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve bought a new television in the past year, it’s probably a smart TV. That means it listens for your commands to turn on, turn off and switch to the channel you want. But if it’s listening, does that mean it's also spying? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can't make yourself immune to hacking attempts, but a little extra work goes a long way. Here are a few tips to strengthen your account security. Step number one will deter tons of hackers looking for a quick fix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bitcoin is going mainstream. You can buy a Tesla with it or use it to pay for goods on PayPal. And guess who else is noticing? Good old Uncle Sam — and he wants his cut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve cut cable and satellite out of movie night, you've probably considered buying a Roku device. It has a ton of offerings, including Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and YouTube. It’s a popular device, which is why scammers came up with this clever scheme you've got to watch out for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people I know don’t bother to pick up the phone anymore unless the calling number is someone they actually know. Most of the time, unknown numbers are robocalls. And for the last six months, they’ve grown especially annoying. Luckily, it looks like the tide is finally turning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re an iPhone owner, Apple’s new update – iOS 14.5 – gives you a choice: Will you let Facebook watch everything you do online? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who hasn’t sent an email that you’ve later regretted? Google now claims that it has self-destructing emails. Send a message, after a set time, the message vanishes. Here’s how it works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Windows users know that Microsoft is always releasing new updates. But Windows is still extremely vulnerable to all kinds of dangerous malware. Now, there's an even greater danger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new generation of iPads comes with improved screens, speed and memory. But that doesn’t mean an old iPad is worthless. In fact, there are a lot of productive ways to use your outdated tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard of opening your phone with your fingerprint or scanning your face to get on a plane. But what if you could pay for your groceries with your hand? Here's how it works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember the January riots at the U.S. Capitol? Many rioters proudly posted photos of themselves invading the Capitol. Many are now in jail, awaiting trial. But who actually collected all the self-incriminating social media evidence? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple announced seven new products yesterday: A purple iPhone, an Apple credit card made for teens and families, and a podcast subscription service. But let’s take a quick look at the most exciting devices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Apple unveils some exciting new products, and one new term you’ll probably hear is LPTO. What does that mean? We've got the full scoop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cryptocurrency values are skyrocketing right now. One Bitcoin was selling for $62,300 at the close of business this past Friday. Plus, the value of the Dogecoin spiked by 400% this last week. Here's why it's going up — and why it will inevitably fall down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to the internet, no one has real privacy anymore. Here are three things you can do today to give yourself and your family a bit more privacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people save many emails from a variety of people. We even take the time to keep it all organized and use folders. Here's why hackers love that — and what you should do instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Tuesday, Apple is unveiling new products. The company's tight-lipped about what we can expect, but we know this event will be big. Here are some of the most exciting predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TikTok challenges have been around since the site was created in 2016. These viral stunts are shared and copied by millions of people to gain social media clout. If you have kids in your family, it’s time you have the viral challenge chat. You just might save their life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this week, the FBI arrested a Texan man for trying to "blow up the internet." But is that even possible? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watching the evening news on any given day, you would think that every parent in America is demanding that schools reopen. In reality, many parents and students love their online classes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we begin returning to offices, restaurants, and retail outlets, here's a word of caution. No business should ever accept a COVID-19 vaccine card as proof that someone has been vaccinated. The online scams are rampant! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why take one great photo of something with your phone when you can easily take five? There’s no problem until you either run out of storage space on your phone or want to organize your photo collection. Then it’s time to bring in the big guns to remove the duplicates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Right now, picture dollar bills flying out the windows of your home. That’s what’s happening thanks to what’s called vampire power. Fortunately, you don’t need garlic to get rid of these vampires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The internet is going crazy over a picture of Khloe Kardashian in a bikini — but for the reasons you might not think. It's a realistic photo, but the Kardashian Team wants it taken off the internet forever. But is this even possible? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're feeling aches or pains, you probably turn straight to Dr. Google for a diagnosis. After this episode, though, you might change your tune. New research about Googling health symptoms will surprise you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If COVID isn’t enough, there’s a new pandemic to worry about. And even though it may sound like a low-quality Hollywood movie, it’s real. It’s the invasion of the Zoom Zombies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re spring cleaning, be on the lookout for retro tech. Don’t toss out gadgets from the '80s or '90s. Some of these things are worth thousands! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve been through gasoline shortages, toilet paper shortages, Clorox wipe shortages. Right now, we’re in the middle of a lumber shortage. And what’s next is going to affect us all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve never taken a peek at your home using Google Earth, you’ll be surprised how much of your life is visible to the world. And Google Earth’s Street View can be even more intrusive, showing your home as well as cars in the driveway. Here’s how you can restore at least a little bit of your privacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smartphones are now all about the camera. Before you buy a new one, take this true or false test: The more megapixels, the better the picture. True or false? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody goes to Google when they have burning questions. But you shouldn't use it for these specific queries. Here are three things that you should never search for on Google or any other web search engine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine a battery that never needs recharging. Actually, you don't have to imagine it, since that technology has already arrived! Here's how it works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not too long from now, you’ll need proof that you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. You might even need proof to get a job! Here's the problem, though: No one can trust the so-called proof. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get this: Even though much of America is working from home, we’re sleep deprived and 30 percent say they’re online “constantly.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of today, about 28% of the U.S. population has been vaccinated. Many states are opening vaccination appointments to everyone 16 and over. Now, scammers are literally coming out of the woodwork. Here’s how you can protect yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How many times a day do you check your smartphone? Not just for calls, but social media, email, and texts too? You won't believe how many times the average American checks their smartphone each day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every tech device in your home contains at least some personal information about you. That's why you should wipe smartphones, tablets and computers clean before giving them away. Don't forget to reset your printers, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices