Kim Komando Daily Tech Update

In times of crisis, we're all searching for reliable information. My advice: Steer clear of, well, most of social media. Here are some of the bizarre conspiracy theories nuts are spouting off right now, from government power grabs to 5G's role in spreading the virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At work, your office has all the outlets you could need. At home? Well, that's not the case for many of us. If you're working from home, don't miss this warning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

College classes, companies, churches and friend groups are turning to Zoom to stay in contact during pandemic. It makes connecting with others easy — but if you skip a few key steps, you're opening yourself and your meeting participants up for some serious online trolling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cities are on lockdown and we have to keep our distance. Inviting friends over is out of the question. That doesn't mean a dinner party is off the table, though. Here's how I plan to host a virtual get-together this weekend. Join me! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the world, people are getting sick at an alarming rate. That's not the only thing increasing. Scams are on the rise too. Phishing sites alone have increased 350%. Here are four scams you need to watch out for. Warn the people you love, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the country, Americans are staying put. One-third of America is under lockdown, and the travel industry is quiet. There's one outlier: Rural Airbnbs. Why are these properties still attracting renters? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've transitioned to working from home, you know the hurdles. It's harder to keep in touch with coworkers, you're probably feeling isolated and you don't have the same resources you have access to at the office. There's one tech upgrade that will make the transition easier, and it's worth it if you're home for the foreseeable future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's cut to the chase: Delivered packages aren't sterile. You need to take some precautions if you're ordering from Amazon, Walmart or any other online shop. I'll tell you exactly what I'm doing to keep germs out of my house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's no secret smart speakers are always listening. In fact, assistants like Alexa accidentally listen in nearly 20 times a day on average. If you're now working from home, there's a critical privacy step you need to take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working from home, with any hope of productivity, starts with the right equipment. If your network isn't set up for success, you won't be either. Start with your router. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fake news isn't all you need to worry about. Scammers and cybercriminals are using our collective fears against us. Think twice if you get any of these calls, and do not — under any circumstances — hand over your credit card info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you get the coronavirus just from getting your mail or picking up a delivery? You can never be too careful. I'll tell you the steps I'm taking right now to minimize exposure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real news can spread fast online. Fake news spreads even faster. There are so many hoaxes, rumors and flat out lies circulating right now. Don't fall for this one that went out to millions of people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wash your hands, wipe down your phone, clean your keyboard. Check, check, check. But we're forgetting about arguably the dirtiest thing in our homes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our reliance on the internet is stronger than ever as news of the coronavirus pandemic spreads. Internet service providers have stepped up to make sure no one loses their service during these trying times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a lot that's not known about the spread of the coronavirus right now, including how long the virus remains dangerous on household surfaces. That's why you should think twice about keeping those rental reservations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News is changing by the minute, and there's a lot of fear in the world right now. I've made the choice to send my staff home to work, for one very important reason. Whether or not you're in an office, there's a step you should take to protect yourself as the coronavirus spreads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cybersecurity 101: Don't click links from an email sender you don't trust. Stop downloading attachments that seem fishy. Double check website URLs before you enter info. Here's a new one to add to the list: Think twice before you act on a phone call. Voice cloning is easier than you think to pull off, and it could cost you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wash, rinse, repeat. You can clean your hands to keep germs at bay, but what happens when you touch your electronics? You're dirty all over again. I'll tell you what to do for every keyboard and screen you use each day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The internet is awash in so-called cures for coronavirus. Not so fast. There is no cure. I've got the scoop on what you really can trust online — and the proven ways to stay healthy as the virus spreads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the country, businesses are sending employees home to work and kids are staying home from school. Are you ready? Step one, don't panic. Step two, listen to this podcast to know exactly what you need to do to prepare your home's network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Businesses across the world are closing up shop and sending employees home to get their jobs done. If you own or work for a small or medium-sized company, are you prepared for that scenario? I've got a few essentials you can use to make the transition easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dark Web is a scary place to be. There are some frightening things hiding in recesses of the internet, including hitmen ready to beat or kill someone for enough money. But these murder-for-hire sites aren't quite what they seem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much time do you spend scrolling through Facebook? Now, imagine life without it. Does it seem miserable, missing out on what your friends and family members are up to? Or does the very idea give you a sense of relief? Here's what happened when a group of people gave up Facebook for a month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can't turn on the TV, listen to the radio or get online without seeing coronavirus news. But what can you believe about COVID-19, and what are just rumors and false information? I have a free source you can trust for the most accurate, up to date info on the spreading virus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems like spam and robocalls never stop on landline and mobile phones. There are a few simple ways you can quiet the noise — no downloads, apps or payment required. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In uncertain times, we search for answers we can trust. Unfortunately, Facebook isn't the place to look if you want to protect yourself from the spreading coronavirus. Here's my advice on how to educate yourself about what lies ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's always a new dumb challenge making its way across the internet. Choking down dry cinnamon? Check. Eating Tide Pods? Yep. You'll never believe the one making the rounds right now on TikTok. It's seriously dangerous. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's no denying Amazon Prime is ideal for gifting. You can find just about anything, and shipping is lightning fast. But what if you share an account with your spouse or another family member? Do you just cross your fingers and hope they won't log in and spoil a surprise? There's a better way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple's AirPods took the world by storm in 2016. For years, it was hard to even get your hands on a pair. Now Apple is launching over-the-ear headphones for the first time — and if insiders are right, they'll be here very soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smart home tech is convenient, but when does that convenience outweigh security? The Ring video doorbell has hit the tipping point. You won't believe what info the Amazon-owned company is sharing with Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are so many questions surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in China. Chief among them, how many people are infected and how many have died? Chinese officials are reporting infection numbers, but no one quite trusts that information. One thing is for sure: The stock market isn't the only thing taking a hit right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check your call log. How many robocalls did you get this week? How many today? If you're fed up with the constant mobile harassment, there's an app you should know about. Robo Revenge lets you give scammers a taste of their own medicine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tax aren't due for a couple months, but you shouldn't wait. Identity thieves are already on the move. When you're ready to file, I've got two essential steps to make sure you do so safely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Technology drives the way we communicate with the people we care about. Just think about the last time you texted an "I love you." But how does tech factor in when we've lost someone? Virtual reality is opening up new possibilities for how we remember a loved one who has passed away — and how we grieve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not much beats big prizes if you're looking to attract an audience online. Add in the thrill of competition, celebrity hosts and lots of water cooler talk, and you've got a winner. But HQ Trivia, the hit app that launched in 2017, just couldn't last. Here's what happened. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where there's fear, scammers are quick to follow. The coronavirus has people across the world scared, and criminals are taking advantage. If you're seeing texts, emails and social media posts claiming there's new information you need to know, think twice before you click. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're a Mac user, you probably believe you're less at risk online than Windows users. Hate to break it to you, but that "common knowledge" just isn't true anymore. If you have a Mac, don't miss this — you may be more exposed to hackers and cybercriminals than you realize. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've been warning for years that social media is truly harmful to kids and teens. Yes, popular platforms are full of predators that should have been banned for good long ago. But there's another danger you need to know about if you have a teen at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's no secret apps profit from your data. You sign up for an account and details like your usage and location are compiled and sold. You know greedy advertisers are snapping up that info, but there's another big buyer: the U.S. government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharing is caring, right? Well, not always. Peer-to-peer car rental apps allow you to rent your car to a perfect stranger or the other way and around. And honestly, that's a terrible idea. I'll tell you why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are countless decisions to make as a parent, and today's technology adds even more choices. One of the biggest? When your child should get his or her first smartphone. The choice is up to you, but I have some recommendations for kids under 10. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all got iPhones and Androids now, but before that, the BlackBerry reigned supreme — at least in some circles. Now the iconic brand is out of the phone game, again. Is it gone for good this time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to software development and deployment, rushing is never the right answer. Just ask the company that created the tech behind the embarrassing Iowa caucus. What's the solution? I have a novel idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where there's fear and uncertainty, there are criminals waiting to pounce. If you're glued to your phone or computer reading about the coronavirus outbreak, be wary of news coming from anyone you don't know. I'll tell you why certain files could spell disaster for your data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Online dating is a minefield. I'm not talking about awkward hellos, mixed signals or ghosting. I'm talking sexual predators that lurk in online dating and "hookup" apps, looking for their next victim. Now the government is stepping in to find out how protected users really are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The coronavirus has people scared — there's no doubt about that. Naturally, people are turning to Google for answers. And you'll be shocked at just how much one search term is blowing up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you worried about your privacy? Do you want to protect your personal information? If you're like most Americans, you answered yes. But saying it and meaning it are two different things. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About 20% of American adults get their news through social media. And with a public health scare — the coronavirus — dominating headlines, fake news is spreading like crazy. What rumors are floating around and what should you do if you see them? I've got the scoop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long gone are the days of believing you can use major social media platforms and keep your info private. But a new option on the market takes things even further — connecting you with other users using facial recognition software. Yes, it's as creepy as it sounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices