The Current powered by Kim Komando

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

It seems, yes, Google's smart assistant is always listening. What can you do about it? Plus, a tricky scam is back with a new name, and find out how email aliases can clean up your inbox and protect your privacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One woman asked Kim for help with a malicious stranger who stalked her daughter's every move. Over time, the abuse escalated; the creep targeted her whole family, even posting the mom's photos on risqué dating sites. Listen and learn how Kim and her friends unmasked the stalker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Facebook is now worth $1 trillion. Kim dives in what you could get for all that cash. Plus, Starlink's progress in bringing high-speed internet to the masses and the inside scoop on Windows 11. In the tech tip, how to see what's eating up all the space on your phone — and what to delete. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, mining, Ethereum, gas prices, Binance ... Cryptocurrency is going mainstream, but that doesn't mean these are easy waters to navigate. Before you dive in, listen to this podcast. Kim and team have the info you need to get started the safe way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to upgrade your phone. Issues are plaguing iPhone and Android models. Plus, a new privacy-focused search engine just launched to take on Google and DuckDuckGo. Should you use it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn from the woman who wrote the book on radio and podcasting, Valerie Geller. She has traveled the world teaching professional broadcasters how to get better at their craft. You'll get a ton of great tips in this episode, including Valerie's four secrets to creating powerful content: focus, engage, position and storytelling. She'll break each down and explain how you can create amazing content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cryptocurrency is going mainstream, and influencers like Kim Kardashian are cashing in. Apple just released an urgent update for older iPhones and iPads, and a new medical data breach could give cybercriminals even more fuel to come after you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ProPublica obtained IRS information showing how billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Warren Buffett pay little in income tax compared to their massive wealth — sometimes, even nothing. Kim sits down with her tax accountant to get the scoop. Plus, they talk about how to use your own home and special tax credits to lower your taxes. 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 super-secret app to communicate all their comings and goings. Kim has the scoop on how they did it. Scammers are sending X-rated emails to scare people into paying up, and 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

With the internet of things, you can open doors and turn on lights with one tap on your phone. That’s a lot of power — so what happens when a hacker takes over your home network? Kim speaks with Cequence Security hacker Jason Kent, who shares some scary stories about what can happen if you aren’t careful. You’ll also get a ton of cybersecurity tips to make sure your online security is airtight! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another massive ransomware attack hits the U.S. How will this impact your next meal? Amazon's new wireless network is coming soon, and you're part of it unless you opt out. Plus, a big change coming to eBay and what we're expecting from the upcoming UFO report from the Pentagon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have a website, you want it to show up on the first page of Google for as many different search terms as possible. How can you get there? SEO, or search engine optimization, is the secret sauce that stands between you and ranking highly. Kim chats with SEO expert Steve Wiideman about the insider secrets to boost your rankings and make more money online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do your phone’s passcode and your Venmo account have in common? Find out. Plus, an obscure video game accessory selling for hundreds of dollars, and our tactics to fight back against porch pirates. In the tech tip, a new Google setting you need to enable if you don't want others snooping through your searches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready to dip your toe into the cryptocurrency world? Don't until you listen to this episode. Kim and the team walk through the basics, from how virtual currency works to whether you can make money mining Bitcoin. Find out how to dodge scams and keep your digital currency safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which government agency is watching what we do online? The answer will surprise you. Plus, fake crypto apps scamming people out of their cash, Google's latest additions to Maps and more, and an app that started a manhunt ... for the wrong guy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon hosts websites you visit every day, sells billions in products each year, and collects more information about you than you realize. All this success all starts with a huge amount of data collection. Kim is joined by guest Jason Boyce, author of "The Amazon Jungle: The Truth About Amazon, The Seller's Survival Guide for Thriving on the World's Most Perilous E-Commerce Marketplace." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hackers managed to shut down one of the largest gas pipelines in the U.S. What else could they do? Plus, the voice of Alexa revealed, a massive Dogecoin scam operation hits for $5 million, and a handy travel hack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you have more photos than you know what to do with? Kim, Allie and Ben dive into the best ways to get rid of all the junk and duplicates — like memes and screenshots — hiding the important pictures you want to keep. Plus, how to back-up and store your collection for easy browsing and long-term storage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple is in an 'Epic' court battle that could change the way we pay for apps. You've heard of Bitcoin, but what about some of the other cryptocurrencies that make up this $2 trillion industry? Then Ben, Mike and Allie talk streaming devices. Spoiler: Roku reigns supreme. And find out if Allie can fool the guys this week in Brand New or Not True. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most countries have a cybercrime unit. Many also have hacking units, elite gangs of cyber soldiers who launch long-term attacks on rival nations. Their goal: to steal state secrets or even wreak havoc on its citizens. But you can be your own cybercrime unit — and there are a lot of threats you need to protect yourself from. Kim talks with Etay Maor, the Senior Director of Security Strategy at Cato Networks. Find out how this battle of giants impacts you — as well as how you can stay safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim and the crew break down the latest tech news, including a global chip shortage that's going to make getting your hands on electronics and appliances even more expensive. Plus, a 21-year-old Blockbuster rental came back to haunt a woman applying for a new driver's license. The team reminiscences over the best cell phones from years past, and see if Ben can fool Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s tax time. Get ready for hair-pulling, nail-biting and double-checking numbers so you don’t upset the IRS. Luckily, I’m here with everything you need to know this tax season, from COVID’s impact to the different tax websites you can file through. We’re talking about loans, finding your tax rates, common pitfalls and more with Rachel Cheek, a certified public accountant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have a website, you’re probably always hungry for more traffic. I know I am! That’s why I sat down with Tim Ash, an expert on digital marketing and evolutionary psychology. There are seven common mistakes you might be making that are tanking your results. After this, you’ll be ready to attract more eyes to your site than ever before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a year of binge-watching, Netflix is losing subscribers. They have a new way to make money, and Kim has the details on how it could impact the movies you already love. Ben nerds out over the little rover-that-could flying on Mars, and the crew talks smart home tech. What would you buy if money were no object? And find out if Allie can fool the guys this week in Brand New or Not True. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 5G revolution is here, and boy, has it caused a splash. Conspiracy theories spread through forums like tornadoes, whipping up fear about contamination and health issues. People are toppling cell phone towers, thinking they cause COVID-19. But how valid are these concerns? Kim sits down with radio wave expert Kenneth Foster, a University of Pennsylvania professor with all the facts. After this episode, you’ll be ready for the newest generation of wireless technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim has the story of a guy who tried (and failed) to take down the internet. Is that even possible? A look at Google's new ad tracking tech that might be active in your browser right now, and a secret way to send hidden messages from iPhone to iPhone. Find out how the crew cleans their tech inside and out, and see if Ben can fool Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's exclusive episode of Kim Komando Explains is a full hour of The Kim Komando Show, airing on more than 420 stations across the U.S. Listen to the full show on your schedule for 30 days free at getkim.com. Coming up, in the first hour, another massive data breach involving Facebook, this time involving more than 530 million people. Find out what to do. Plus, while doctors might tell you it’s a bad idea to Google medical symptoms, a new study says otherwise. And be on the lookout for “Zoom Zombies” on the road. Sounds like a bad movie, but it’s real. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. government is buying up phone, power and water records. If you have smart devices in your home, you need to hear this. More bad news from Facebook: Half a billion user records were leaked. Plus, the best ways to display photos on your TV. And can Allie fool Ben and Mike in this week's Brand New or Not True? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social media used to be fun. Remember those days? You'd chat with old friends, post a few photos and move on. Fast forward to today and social media is addictive, intrusive and even harmful. Jim Fournier, the mind behind a new social media platform, says it's even a threat to our democracy. Kim jumps into the murky world of social media, from data collection to insurance schemes. There’s a lot you have to watch out for, and we’ll shed light on the greatest threats in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Kim breaks down PayPal's new addition: Paying with cryptocurrency. Why would you want to do this? Find out. Plus, a deepfake warning from the FBI and tips for spotting fake videos and photos. And two simple ways to free up storage space on your computer. See if Ben can beat Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cellphones changed the world. They revolutionized the way we communicate and paved the way for today’s Big Tech companies to emerge. In this episode, Kim takes a trip to the past with Marty Cooper, a tech legend known as the father of the cellphone. You’ll learn a ton of surprising and funny stories behind your smartphone. For example, cellphones were once shaped like shoes. Find out even more in this fun and informative episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest Windows 10 update is a mess. Find out if it's finally safe to download. Plus, the team dives deep into the NFT craze. Why are people ponying up millions for things they'll never touch? Plus, there's a copycat of the social media app Clubhouse floating around. Get the details on how to spot the fake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon can seem like a jungle to new sellers. But this jungle is ripe with opportunities for those who are willing to research market data, listen to customers and pounce on trends. In this episode, Kim’s talking with Jason Boyce, an Amazon expert and an e-commerce veteran. Together, they’ll share some top-secret tips for making the most out of the world’s largest online realtor. This is a must for anyone who sells online! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the COVID vaccine rolls out, travel-related searches are booming. Scammers have caught on and Allie has details on what to watch out for. The Pentagon's research agency opened up bids for tech that sounds an awful lot like superhero gear, and Netflix says no more password sharing. Plus, as the next round of stimulus payments roll out, a quick warning to protect your wallet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Farmers have always been ready to jump into the dirt and fix their tools. But over the past few decades, tractors and other farm gadgets have complex software that’s hard to decode. The same has happened with our computers, phones, appliances and just about any other tech you can think of. In this episode, Kim dives into the nitty-gritty world of repair politics. Do we really own our tech if we can’t fix it? Are large manufacturers monopolizing the right to repair? Kim talks to Gay Gordon-Byrne, a consumer rights advocate at the heart of this debate, as well as a farmer on the front lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The very first tweet is set to sell for $2.5 million. Ben, Allie and Mike dive into the weird world of non-fungible tokens. Plus, an urgent update alert for iPhones and several Android apps you need to delete now. In the tech tip, a smart new trick for your Alexa, and the crew talks all things cookies — on the web and the baked good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're coming to the end of your life, it's natural to want to leave a legacy behind. Charles, a Kim Komando Show listener, called for advice after his doctor said he had two years to live. Kim walked him through the process of crafting a digital legacy to leave behind for his young son. In this hopeful, uplifting and inspiring podcast, Kim helps you plan for one of life's inevitable stages — especially when you come to it sooner than you expected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, your smart speaker is always listening for the wake word, but there's another privacy concern you need to know about. Plus, Twitter has a new five-strike policy for people caught sharing misinformation, and you may qualify for $50 off your internet bill each month. Then, the team talks all things mobile gaming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SpaceX is poised to bring fast internet to the areas that need it most, and it just got faster. Malware is targeting new Macs, and Ben has a Windows 10 pro tip every PC user should know. Plus, the crew talks about the best ways to sell old tech — or which cupboard to stash it in if you can't be bothered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever used an app for messaging, dating or even praying, your secrets have gone to X-Mode, which sells location data to military contractors. Which apps are tracking you the most? Kim talks to Sean O'Brien, the principal researcher at ExpressVPN's Digital Security Lab, about all the creepy details. By the time you're done, you'll be looking at your phone in a whole new light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the team dives into the hot new app Clubhouse and the security gotchas you need to know. It's time to update, whether you have a Windows PC or Mac, and there's a file-sharing app you should seriously reconsider using if it's on your phone. Plus, 2020 was a wild year for robocalls. How will 2021 stack up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part one, you learned about the many secrets your car collects. Law enforcement leaders are using car data to track down criminals. If you're ever accused of a crime, your car could be used against you. So, what exactly does your car know about you? Find out in today's episode, co-starring Chelsey Colbert. She works as Policy Counsel at the Future of Privacy Forum, where she leads the portfolio on mobility and location data. We're answering your biggest questions. How can a car be a weapon of abuse? And why is it legal to collect biometric secrets, like weight, through your car? Find out in today’s episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Google Play Store just pulled a dangerous app with 10 million downloads. Is it on your phone? Plus, the mother of all data leaks could put you at risk and a cautionary tale before you fall asleep with earbuds in. Then, the team dives into digital photo storage and a Valentine's Day gift no one wants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your car is collecting your data. And if you’ve been driving unsafely, cops can steal that data away. Law enforcement leaders are already using your car’s secrets to track down criminals. If you’re ever accused of a crime, your car could be used against you. So, what exactly does your car know about you? And how is this legal? Find out in today’s episode. I'm sitting down with Chelsey Colbert. She works as Policy Counsel at the Future of Privacy Forum, where she leads the portfolio on mobility and location data. You'll learn all you need to know about the surprising twists and turns of car data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple's new app privacy labels are here. So far, they're not all they're cracked up to be. Plus, a reason to think twice before posting a certain photo if you got the vaccine. We've got details on a big upgrade to Google Maps for Android, and a deep dive into food delivery. And can Ben break his Brand New or Not True losing streak? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon just had its most profitable year yet. Want to get in on the action? Third-party sellers made up around half of those sales. Find out how you can make money on Amazon, too. Kim takes a look at how the e-commerce giant uses the troves of data on what sells to craft its own product line. All that and more with guest Jason Boyce, author of "The Amazon Jungle: The Truth About Amazon, The Seller's Survival Guide for Thriving on the World's Most Perilous E-Commerce Marketplace." Jason has nearly 20 years of experience as a seller on Amazon and is the founder of Avenue7Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, a ruling on whether iPhone's MagSafe chargers and medical devices mix, Facebook in hot water yet again and Google's plan to replace internet cookies. In the tech tip, Ben has the answer on just how often you should restart your computer. And can Allie win again in Brand New or Not True? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a look at your phone. You probably carry it with you everywhere you go. That takes an enormous toll over time. You can get premature neck wrinkles. You could even get a crippled attention span. Today we’re opening your eyes to the little-known impacts our tech takes on our bodies. You won’t believe some of this stuff! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the steps you can take if your stimulus money hasn't arrived, Android apps spamming phones with ads, and a dangerous charger recall. Then, see if Ben can defeat Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True. And a deep dive into the bad tech habits the team is trying to break in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices