The Current powered by Kim Komando

Now that we can snap pictures from our smartphones, we all have way more photos than we know what to do with. Between your physical albums and the digital images clogging up your phones and computers, you probably have so many pictures it's hard to organize them all. Good news: In this episode, Kim, Allie and Ben share a few strategies for cleaning up your massive photo collection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch out: Scammers are creating Google ads to leech off of your search traffic. This scary trick conned some people out of $500,000 in cryptocurrency. In this episode, you’ll also get some tips for snapping the perfect picture of your pets — even if they’re always moving. Plus, Ben’s spilling the beans on his very first five-star review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You probably think of your devices as tools that make life ten times easier. Keep in mind that they also collect a ton of valuable data that can be used against you. For instance, police officers can request your data as evidence. Governments can buy your data from brokers. Kim’s interview with technologist Bennett Cyphers from the Electronic Frontier Foundation reveals which gadgets snoop the most — and which secrets you’re losing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Relive 2021 with the top songs, podcasts and apps of the year. Plus, a change to Twitter could put an end to certain types of bullying — if it's actually effective. And a special way to make guests feel at home using a piece of tech you already have in the house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governments have more tools than ever before when it comes to tracking down information. Sometimes that puts us at risk, but in the right hands, those tools can keep us safe here at home. In this episode, Kim talks with veteran Ricoh Danielson, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan breaking into cellphones and discovering secrets on the ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben has the scoop on a Log4j, a dangerous security flaw that's so ubiquitous we may see the impact for years to come. Plus, the age of subscriptions continues as one car company wants you to pay up to use your key fob. And a handy website that can remove people and objects from your photos without any editing skills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon is your biggest fan. It knows your voice, search history, advertiser preferences, favorite books, Alexa history and more. In this episode, Kim speaks with two Reuters reporters who exposed the secret war Amazon wages on your privacy. You'll learn how to find everything Amazon knows about you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon Web Services went down and took a ton of websites and services with it. Plus, thieves are using AirTags to track potential victims. And Kim, Ben and Allie have your back with some out-of-the-box gift ideas if you're struggling to finish your holiday shopping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your digital life in need of a little TLC? Kim, Ben and Allie are here with smart ways to tidy up your tech, inside and out. You'll learn a few cleaning secrets, along with simple methods of sorting the clutter, clearing out junk and freeing up space on your devices. Looks like you just found your new holiday project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's that time again: The list of the top apps and streaming music of 2021 is out. Are these great downloads on your phone? Plus, Twitter just banned sharing a certain kind of photo — and Ben has the details on how this affects you. Plus, how to switch your Echo to guest mode before holiday visitors arrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can’t protect your privacy and security if you don’t know the lingo. In this episode, Kim teaches you 10 important security terms you need to know and why they’re so crucial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you heard of ShadowDragon? It collects data from 120 major sites going back a decade. Yes, 10 years of info about YOU. Plus, the iPhone 13 and iOS 15 are here, along with Amazon's new smart home gear, including Astro, the Echo on wheels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Self-driving cars aren’t some crazy future tech … They’re here now. That raises some questions. Does it actually work? Is it safe? Is it work shelling out $8,000 for Tesla’s “full self-driving” option? To find out, Kim sat down with Consumer Report’s Head of Connected and Automated Vehicle Testing. So hop in and buckle up — we’re diving into the incredible world of automated cars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It happens like clockwork: Microsoft releases an update and the internet sounds the alarms. The latest drama involves the Edge browser. Plus, a smart tip from Ben on how to find the best prices on what you're shopping for this holiday season. And in a shocking turnaround, Apple says you'll soon be able to repair your own broken tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you use Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+ or Apple TV, chances are your favorite apps are tracking you wherever you go. In this episode, Kim and streaming analyst Dan Rayburn reveal the secret risks you take when you cut the cord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the tech news of the day in just a few minutes with Kim, Allie and Ben. Would you pay for Twitter? The social media site sure hopes so and we’ve got the details on what you get. Plus, how to speed up your computer in just a few clicks. And Matt has the slang Gen Z kids are using to help you decode your upcoming Thanksgiving conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the digital age, we all have more photos than we know what to do with. Most are on our phones and computers, but then there are all the albums and frames full of old printed photos, too. In this episode, Kim, Allie and Ben have a few must-do steps you should take with all your photos before it's too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scammers have a clever new tactic that really works. They're creating Google ads to piggyback off search traffic; one scheme cost people over $500,000 in cryptocurrency in one weekend. Plus, tips for taking better pictures of your furry friends, and Ben gives his first five-Ben head review. Listen to find out what merited the honor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surprise, it's a full hour of my national radio show. If you haven't listened in a while, now is the time to catch up. In this hour, new details from leaked Facebook documents, how Alexa could be coming to a hospital near you and Blue Origin’s plans for a private space station. Want more? Listen on your schedule for 30 days free at getkim.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bad news, iPhone users. There are two ways your phone can track you, even if you've turned off all those permissions. You can help train NASA's Mars Rover AI and we'll tell you how. Plus, a fast and easy way to trade in your old tech for money and discounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did a former senior tech leader leave the computer industry for the health supplement field? In this episode, Kim and Humann CEO Joel Kocher talk about his successes, mistakes and lessons learned. You’ll also learn how science is moving his company forward — and how that helps you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Online harassment victimizes 40% of Americans. Cyberstalking can happen to anyone — and it can damage every aspect of your life, from your friendships to your future career. In this episode, Kim and cybersecurity expert Ricoh Danielson create a defense strategy you can use to protect yourself from online abuse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook is reportedly changing its name, and the internet has no shortage of funny ideas. Plus, how to use your Amazon Echo to make Halloween a little spookier. And you won't believe how many parents of young kids say it's simply "too much work" to watch what they do on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Use an Android smartphone? Bad news: New research shows certain apps are always tracking. Plus, ransomware is a huge threat to our security, but have you heard of killware? And the team has smart tech tips to make life better, including simple ways to get your real signature onto your computer or phone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Zuckerberg says privacy is a thing of the past. MeWe founder Mark Weinstein sees a better way. In this episode, you'll learn how social media platforms track, monitor and spy on their users. It's called surveillance capitalism — and Kim and Mark will tell you how to fight back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who is the Facebook whistleblower? Kim has a deep dive on Frances Haugen and what might be in her future. Plus, Windows 11 is rolling out and we've got a shortcut to help you get it faster. And kids are taking a stupid TikTok trend to dangerous levels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years, Kim has made it her mission to share quick tips and advice to make your digital life easier. These are all those clever hacks you won't find buried in a user manual. In this episode, Kim, Allie and Ben share smart new tech know-how, from a safer way to share passwords to turning your handwritten notes digital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you heard of ShadowDragon? It collects data from 120 major sites going back a decade. Yes, 10 years of info about YOU. Plus, the iPhone 13 and iOS 15 are here, along with Amazon's new smart home gear, including Astro, the Echo on wheels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you put a cheap smart bulb in your shopping cart, no one warned you it might be susceptible to hackers who could use it to break into your entire network. With more and more of our devices connected to the internet, we're all at risk. I brought in cybersecurity expert Ricoh Danielson to help you lock it all down. Find out more about Ricoh at 1stresponder.us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scam calls are on their way down, while scammy texts are increasing. Here's what to do about it. Plus, Amazon is finally taking responsibility for lousy third-party products, and Kim, Ben and Allie reminisce about the first MP3, Napster and even tapes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could algorithms be the cure to cancer? What will the future workplace look like? And how could blockchain protect our privacy better than anything we have now? In this episode, Kim sits down with Congressman David Schweikert, who provides a politician’s perspective on the biggest plans lawmakers have for the future of tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to get your podcast off the ground? Kim and Allie are joined by Paul Colligan, a podcast industry pro who helps new shows flourish. Plus, Kim pranked Barry with an Alexa trick you'll want to try, too, and an essential update for Windows users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We think of our gadgets as helpful tools that make our lives easier, but they can also be turned against us. The data your devices collect is so valuable it could be used against you in a criminal trial, requested by police or even bought by the government through a data broker. Kim’s interview with technologist Bennett Cyphers from the Electronic Frontier Foundation reveals all the secrets you’re losing — and which devices do the most stealing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After years of assuring users Facebook can't read WhatsApp messages, the truth comes out. Kim, Allie and Ben offer up their favorite quick tech life hacks, including how to use your browser to earn cash. And in weird news of a week, a talking duck named Ripper has something to say. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keeping you ignorant is profitable, which is why companies, governments and terrorist groups manufacture fake social media posts. Fall for them, and you’re letting strangers inject their lies into your brain. In this episode, Kim sits down with disinformation experts Kristy Roschke and Emerson Brooking on the scary new shadow industry designed to keep us ignorant, compliant and powerless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The iPhone 13 is coming soon. Before you shell out $1K, get Kim's advice on whether now is really the time to upgrade. Plus, digital licenses are coming soon, if you live in one of eight states. And check Amazon because you might be able to break your next purchase into monthly installments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Online scams reach new heights just about every month. How can you protect yourself? You need to get in the head of a criminal. That's why Kim sat down with IBM social engineer Stephanie Carruthers, aka _sn0ww, about the surge in spam that preys on fears and confusion. Listen now to stay safe out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cryptocurrency shows no sign of slowing down, and there's a list of mining scam apps you need to know about. Plus, a new phishing email campaign is using the UPS and a really clever tactic to fool people. And Kim and the gang have three smart tech tips you'll wish you knew sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan, many nationals are scrambling to cover up their digital lives. Any sign of cooperation with Americans could be a death sentence. In this episode, Kim talks with Ricoh Danielson, a vet who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, breaking into cellphones and discovering secrets on the ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Kim and Allie are joined by a special guest, Paul Colligan. He's a super-smart podcast expert and chats with us about some excellent ideas if you've ever thought about starting your own show. That, plus this week in tech news, Kim's favorite Alexa prank, and a brand new game. Will Kim stump you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's podcast is a full hour of The Kim Komando Show, originally broadcast to 420+ radio stations across the U.S. on Aug. 14 and 15. Listen on your schedule for 30 days totally free at getkim.com. In this hour, a former official says China has data on every American, Apple’s plan to scan devices for child abuse images and how you could be 60 seconds away from becoming Netflix’s next big star. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple says it is going to start scanning photos for child porn. Is this a privacy violation or a much-needed change? Plus, scam texts are on the rise. We've got tips on what to watch for. And if you want to be a reality star, time to submit a casting call to Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When tragedy struck, Joshua Barbeau decided to cope with the death of his girlfriend by creating an AI chatbot based on her personality. In this episode, Kim sits down with him as well as developer Jason Rohrer, who created an AI program you can use to create your own personalized chatbots for just $5. It’s creepy and insanely fascinating at the same time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The FBI busted criminals using a secret app to communicate their nefarious deeds. The biggest surprise here is how they did it. X-rated emails are one of scammers' favorite ways to get your info. Plus, the team dives into tech productivity hacks to make life easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cellphones completely changed the way we communicate. One of the most influential figures behind the tech? Marty Cooper, known as the Father of the Cellphone. In this episode, Kim and Marty take a trip down memory lane. He tells the story of his first mobile call. No, it was definitely not to his wife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Windows 11 is coming, but it's not here yet. Before you go Googling for the installer, a warning about dangerous malware. Plus, a new update for iPhones and iPads goes well beyond cool new features; it fixes a serious vulnerability. In the tech tip, a simple way to change your Echo's wake word and voice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To make a successful podcast, you need solid storytelling and production skills. That's why I sat down with audio expert Valerie Geller to break down the biggest mistakes audio pioneers make. We share anecdotes from our own careers, tips that worked for us and the top four ways you can reel in listeners and boost your ratings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Bezos went to space and back and had a, well, unusual way of thanking all of us for it. Security cameras are watching at just about every store; some are smarter than others. In the tech tip, Ben has details on how to find and clean up all your duplicate Google contacts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to invasive software, companies can track your every move — even outside of work hours. In this episode, security researcher Cooper Quintin reveals how so-called bossware works, what it tracks and how badly things can go when organizations use it to see every single thing you're doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twitter's blue checkmark verifications are back. You won't believe how the social media company screwed it up. Plus, a vital security measure finally makes its way to Ring cameras, and Allie has a quick and easy way to find your lost phone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices