Kim Komando Daily Tech Update
Episodes
Coronavirus and the collapse of the 'sharing economy'
29 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The "sharing economy" — think Airbnb, VRBO and rideshare companies like Uber — is reeling. March was brutal but just wait for April numbers. Will ...
How to spot and stop cyberthieves after your stimulus check
28 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cybercriminals have their minds on one thing right now: Getting into your wallet. And they're working very hard to steal your $1,200 stimulus check. I...
How the new 6GHz Wi-Fi affects you
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The FCC just opened a brand new Wi-Fi band. Translation? More, better and faster Wi-Fi in our homes and offices. But don't get too excited just yet —...
The prepper billionaires of Silicon Valley
24 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Think back to Y2K. Remember the people who stocked up with years of food, water and supplies? Those doomsday preppers have long been the object of rid...
Apple iPhone SE 2020 review
23 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Top-of-the-line smartphones can cost you more than the average mortgage payment. Apple's more affordable option goes on sale tomorrow, and that begs t...
How Netflix became what ABC, CBS and NBC always wanted to be
22 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An estimated 37% of the world's internet users use Netflix. Think about that number. The big television networks certainly are. Can anything compete w...
COVID-19 changes America's shopping habits - perhaps forever
21 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We've seen the shopping tide shift in recent years. In 2019, online spending beat out traditional in-store retail for the first time. Now, as people a...
Major companies are hiring - here's how NOT to get the job
20 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Unemployment is skyrocketing, and major companies are desperate to hire qualified employees. Before you jump into action, I have a warning: Scammers a...
Amazon struggles as consumers buy more
17 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Look at Amazon's profits over the past 15 years, and the graph looks pretty close to exponential. From 2013 to 2019 alone, the company jumped from $89...
Protect yourself from cybercrime targeting Netflix customers
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hundreds of websites, all using the word Netflix, have popped up in the last two months. Their collective goal? To trick unwitting victims out of mone...
Where Zoom went wrong and where you should go now
15 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Zoom has exploded in popularity over the last few weeks as meetings moved onto the web. But the sudden growth, and lacking security, has organizations...
4 compelling reasons why 5G cannot spread or make coronavirus
14 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you've seen this conspiracy theory on social media or YouTube: 5G is causing or spreading the coronavrius. Don't fall for it. I've got four scie...
From Google and Apple: New tool to fight COVID-19 or invasion of your privacy
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Apple and Google are teaming up to develop technology that will alert you if you have come into contact with anyone infected with coronavirus. This "C...
Coronavirus and the comeback of the old-fashioned phone call
10 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Humans are social creatures, and we're all missing in-person connection. Texts and emails just don't cut it during this time of isolation. We're turni...
YouTube and the 5G coronavirus rumor
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
YouTube is full of garbage. Sure, there are helpful videos, too, but there's no denying the trash you can find. The latest conspiracy theory spreading...
Even major news outlets fooled by fake coronavirus posts
08 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Social media is loaded with videos of those who are sick, those who have lost loved ones and hopeless medical professionals. One in particular, a real...
The astronomical increase in spam
07 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Statistics surround the coronavirus pandemic — from growing infection numbers to the time we're all spending online. Everything from streaming to cy...
Coronavirus conspiracy theories on social media
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Working from home? Avoid unsafe electrical setups
03 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
What you need to know about 'Zoombombing'
02 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
College classes, companies, churches and friend groups are turning to Zoom to stay in contact during pandemic. It makes connecting with others easy —...
How to have a virtual dinner party and maintain social distance
01 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 tab...
The epidemic of scams
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Why rural Airbnbs are the superstar of vacation rentals
30 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ai...
Working from home: Best tech to get, part 2
27 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
Can you get coronavirus from Amazon and other deliveries?
26 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 onli...
Working from home? Turn off Alexa, Siri and your computer's camera
25 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Working from home - Best tech to get right now, part 1
24 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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. Star...
Watch out for these coronavirus scams
23 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 thes...
Is it safe to order online and touch your mail?
20 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 rig...
Social media once again fails America with fake news
19 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What about the TV remote?
18 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Internet providers promise to keep you connected - even if you can't pay your bill
17 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Our reliance on the internet is stronger than ever as news of the coronavirus pandemic spreads. Internet service providers have stepped up to make sur...
Should you cancel your hotel, Airbnb or Vrbo reservations?
16 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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. Th...
Why my staff and I are now working from home
13 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 imp...
You can't trust everything you hear
12 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Cybersecurity 101: Don't click links from an email sender you don't trust. Stop downloading attachments that seem fishy. Double check website URLs bef...
Wash your hands - but what about your smartphone and keyboard?
11 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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'l...
Spotting fake COVID-19 cures and price gouging
10 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 — an...
COVID-19: Working from home and your home network
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 tw...
Getting your business ready for coronavirus
06 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 comp...
Murder for hire on the Dark Web
05 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 some...
What happens if you suddenly stop using Facebook?
04 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 fami...
How to get the most accurate map for tracking COVID-19
03 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 jus...
Tools to stop harassing phone calls
02 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Facebook's ads promising to 'cure' COVID-19 (coronavirus)
28 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 sprea...
The latest dangerous internet "challenge"
27 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Hide your Amazon purchases and don't spoil the big gift surprise
26 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 accou...
Apple's new over-the-ear headphones coming next month (for $400)
25 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 headphon...
The Ring doorbell problem
24 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Coronavirus is upending travel, helping on-demand video
21 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many questions surrounding the coronavirus outbreak in China. Chief among them, how many people are infected and how many have died? Chin...
Fed up with robocalls? Sue scammers for $3K a pop
20 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 yo...
Tax time: Do it now but make sure your computer is protected from hackers
19 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 essentia...
Reuniting a mother with her lost daughter
18 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
HQ Trivia: How scammers and cheaters killed the once popular fad
17 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How scammers are using the coronavirus to steal and defraud
14 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 se...
Macs now more attacked than Windows PCs
13 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 is...
More confirmation social media harms teens
12 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
Why peer-to-peer car renting is one of the worst ideas - ever
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Even though you're not a terrorist, homeland security is tracking you
10 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How old should your child be to own a smartphone?
07 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
The long, slow, torturous death of BlackBerry
06 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
How NOT to run an election
05 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to software development and deployment, rushing is never the right answer. Just ask the company that created the tech behind the embarra...
How the coronavirus infected the internet
04 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 out...
Finally — Congress launches investigations on dating apps
03 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The virus and the beer
31 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
We can no longer believe what we say
30 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Coronavirus: Fake news spreading quickly
29 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
About 20% of American adults get their news through social media. And with a public health scare — the coronavirus — dominating headlines, fake ne...
Do not sign up for this new social network
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
NYPD works to crack iPhone's encryption
27 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Apple and Google refuse to unlock the smartphones of criminals, so police are taking matters into their own hands. Learn how the NYPD is working to cr...
Why sales of DNA test kits are tanking
24 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
So much of your information is available for anyone to find. Not just your phone number, address or Social Security number — I'm talking much more p...
Looking for a new job? Listen to this first
23 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
No matter how impressive your resume, it doesn't matter if you can't get it into the right hands. And with companies using artificial intelligence to ...
Is the U.S. about to ban Chinese drones?
22 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Surveillance cameras are virtually everywhere, and government officials are reportedly worried they may be in the sky too. If you have a hobby drone, ...
Smart contacts: Why they'll succeed where Google Glass failed
21 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Wearables aren't just accessories like smart watches and fitness trackers anymore. A California startup has a prototype for augmented reality contacts...
How big is Big Tech?
20 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We think of Big Tech in the abstract — huge companies that control vast amounts of data and make a shocking amount of money. But how powerful are th...
Running Windows 10? You need to update now
17 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A serious Windows 10 flaw has the National Security Agency sounding the alarm. The intelligence agency is urging users to update the operating syste...
High-tech entertainment for your furry friend
16 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There's not much sadder than the look in my dog Abby's eyes when I leave the house each morning. Most dog owners feel the same way, and tech companies...
Only 1 week left to file for damages in the 2017 Equifax breach
15 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Equifax's 2017 data breach compromised the credit and personal data of millions of Americans. Now the settlement has been agree upon, and your window ...
Should Apple help the government unlock the iPhones of terrorists?
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The federal government and big tech have long battled over balancing user privacy and law enforcement access. Now U.S. Attorney General William Barr i...
Old tech at your house worth big money
13 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When you replace your tech with the latest and greatest, what do you do with what you were using before? Stash it in a drawer? Pack it up to put in st...
CES fails: Kim's tech misses at this year's trade show
10 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
CES, the annual tech trade show underway in Las Vegas, showcases the best of the best in the digital world. But there are always some misses in the bu...
Kim's CES picks: Innovations from big names in tech
09 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
CES is a tech lovers paradise, and journalists and fans are going crazy over all the announcements and reveals. As always, cars, artificial intelligen...
Scam alert: SIM swapping is on the rise
08 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You know not to click untrustworthy links or open attachments from a source you don't recognize. But some crimes are sneakier, like this scam that all...
Online reviews: Be careful or you could get sued
07 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
You have a bad experience with a product or business, so you tap out a quick review voicing your dissatisfaction. What could go wrong? More than you m...
CES 2020: What's coming this year?
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
CES kicks off tomorrow in Las Vegas, with 4,000-plus exhibitors. We're in for some exciting new innovations in consumer tech, and it's not all TVs and...
Organize your messy photos
03 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Take a second to scroll through the photo gallery on your phone, tablet or computer. I'm willing to bet it's a mess. With a couple simple tips and a l...
Are you getting the internet speed you pay for?
02 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder if the internet plan you choose really matters, aside from cost? It does, and I'll help you find the best one for you. Once you decide, it...
New year, same dangerous digital world
01 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It seems like there's a new data breach or hack around every corner, and cybercriminals are always finding clever new ways to get their hands on your ...
2020 New Year's tech resolutions
31 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The new year is upon us, and it's time to set some resolutions. Make your digital life better with three simple ideas with big impact. First up, your ...
Parents: Should kids be taught to be polite to Alexa?
30 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Amazon’s Alexa-powered Echo smart spreaker was among the company’s bestsellers this past Christmas. Parents are asking if they should teach their ...
Colleges tracking students via their own cellphones
27 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Colleges are now tracking students on campus with reminders and class attendance. Is this helping or hindering students? Learn more about your ad ch...
Tech tip: Buy these gadgets after Christmas
26 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The presents are unwrapped, and the big day has passed. Let's look at the top items to buy right now — the day AFTER Christmas. I'll tell you where ...
Kim Komando wishes you a merry Christmas
25 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It's Christmas day across America and today, I want lay aside the consumerism and technology to express my thanks. Take a minute today and say thank y...
Stressed out? Put down your phone
24 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ever scroll through Facebook and feel stressed just trying to keep up? Everyone's having the perfect Christmas — or at least that's what it seems li...
Still shopping? Last-minute tech gifts
23 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas is nearly here, and the clock is ticking if you've still got shopping to do. Everyone loves unwrapping cool tech on Christmas morning. I've ...
Holidays stressing you out? Try a meditation app
20 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
If the last minute holiday rush is stressing you out, a meditation app might help you calm down. The market is packed with options, and they're raking...
"It won't happen to me"
19 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Viruses aren't just bugs that spam your computer or shut down your system anymore. Hackers employ sophisticated attacks that can bring your whole digi...
Wait until after Christmas to buy these products
18 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas is nearly here, and that means a whole new batch of sales — starting the day after Christmas. If you have your eye on any of these product...
3 best ways to stop advertisers from following you online
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Sick of the constant barrage of targeted ads? You can't completely shut out advertisers online, but you thwart their spying efforts. I'll tell you the...
Science fiction's 'universal translator' has arrived
16 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Universal translators that let you connect with anyone aren't just a cool sci-fi trope. There's a real life version available for download now that in...
Don't buy these creepy tech gifts for kids
13 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
You know internet-connected devices put your privacy at risk, but just how much? These smart gifts for kids give hackers an open invitation to chat wi...
Avoid this email holiday package scam
12 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Your holiday shopping is probably well underway, and your inbox is packed with receipts and shipping emails. This is a cybercriminal's dream. I'll tel...