security Archives - Komando.com

Tech prep kit: What you need in an emergency

A few weeks ago, I asked if y’all would be down with my putting together a tech prep list of emergency items and ideas. I really was surprised at how many of you said, “Yes!” So, without further ado, let’s prep for cyberattacks and outages.

Tech power

Pocket power: A portable power bank keeps your tech going when the power goes out. Here’s a no-nonsense option compatible with most devices. This one ($20 off) has a built-in light. Try this one if you’re on a budget.
Save me: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides backup power to specific devices. I recommend one for your desktop computer (7% off) and one for your router.
Here comes the sun: Solar generators are nice to have around for extended outages. Spring for this one to soak up the sun or this one that’s a bit cheaper.

Power generators

If it’s just for one or two people: This generator’s a great option to run your laptop, small fridge and more. It’s both solar- and battery-powered, and it’s 31% off right now.
Take it to the next level: This Generac gas-powered option will run 4.5 hours at a 50% load. Outdoor use only, just sayin’.
Movin’ on up again: This indoor or outdoor generator will run the refrigerator for up to 15 hours, lights for up to 180 hours and charge your phone up to 164 times. It’s pricey, but you get what you pay for. I have two Generac generators, and they’re a good, solid choice.

Data backup solutions

Separate and secure: Back up data from your desktop or laptop on an external hard drive for safekeeping. Go with this one if you won’t be carrying it around. This option or a similar model are more portable.
Up, up and away: A cloud storage subscription like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive makes it easy to access your data from any device, no matter where you are.
Set it and forget it: Automatic backup systems automatically collect, compress and encrypt your data. For local backups only, try Macrium. Backblaze is a great cloud backup option. Arq works with Google Drive, OneDrive and Amazon.

Communication tools

Oh, that’s my burner: If your smartphone carrier goes down, having a device on a separate carrier could save the day. The spare doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
Linking up: When the internet on the ground goes kaput, a backup internet source like Starlink keeps you up and running. I have this at home.
Mixed signals: A satellite phone still works if something happens to the regular cellular tower network. This device has all the bells and whistles. This Garmin unit doubles as a map and GPS. This two-way messenger is a great option, too.
Roger that: To keep your family connected, stash away some walkie-talkies. They’re perfect for short-range communication. These two can pair with a smartphone for chat or text and these are long-range, waterproof and 20% off.

Emergency connectivity

On the go: If your router becomes unreliable or you have to hit the road, a mobile hotspot device (7% off) keeps you connected. Here’s a budget-friendly alternative.
In the SIM-ulation: Spotty cell service or none at all? SIM cards with prepaid data plans to rescue. Here are three options: Verizon, T-Mobile and Infimoble.
Emergency calls: Have a lightweight, compact satellite-connected device on hand so you can call for help. Clip this one (44% off) to your backpack.

Security measures

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VPNs: How they work and how to choose the best one for you

I’m sure you’ve heard me mention VPNs before on my show. With hackers, thieves and scammers constantly out in full force, ready to steal your money, now’s the time to get on board.

VPN is short for virtual private network. What this means is when doing your banking online, hackers can’t step in the middle and steal your account information and drain your money. A VPN also stops your internet provider from tracking you and lets you unblock websites and bypass filters. You need it on your computer, laptop, tablet and phone.

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✈️ Travel smarter

These affordable, unique accessories should be in your bag:

Add an extra layer of security with a portable safe. Secure it with a cord when you arrive at your hotel. It’s on sale for $16.70.
On a plane that makes you plug in your headphones? Try these wired Sony earbud headphones, now 50% off ($9.99).
Tangled cords are the worst while traveling. Tidy up your wired earbuds with this cable winder for $9.99.
This travel wallet can hold your boarding pass, passport, ID, cards — whatever you need to have on hand quickly. It’s on sale for $13.99.
Organize all your cords and wires with this accessories bag, now 21% off. Brilliant.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

⛔ I hate when tech companies do this: Firefox’s new default feature, “privacy-preserving ad measurement,” actually gives your data to advertisers. Turn it off. Click the three-line icon in the top right corner, followed by Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll to Website Advertising Preferences, and disable Allow websites to perform privacy-preserving ad measurement.

Check if you're part of security breach

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Seems like there’s a new security breach every other day. Have you been affected? Here’s what you need to do.

⚠️ 2.9 billion records leaked: Background-check company National Public Data may be responsible for one of the biggest data breaches in history. A lawsuit claims their negligence exposed 2.9 billion Social Security numbers, full names, addresses and so much more on the Dark Web. We all need to freeze our credit. Steps here.

$1,000,000 bounty

For anyone who catches a major Samsung security flaw. Bag a local arbitrary execution to score $300,000. Remote code execution vulnerabilities are worth up to $1 million. If you know what those terms mean, get to work.

Biggest data breaches of 2024 (so far)

From big banks to car dealerships, 2024 has been a banner year for data breaches. Yes, I mean that in the worst way possible. I’d be shocked if there’s any American left unexposed at this point.

Let’s take a walk down the data breach memory lane. I’ve got steps for remediation at the end for you and everyone you care about.

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Your worth on the Dark Web

Here’s a shocker for you: With as little as $1,000, a cyber creep can go to the Dark Web and buy your entire identity. That means they get your Social Security number, bank account info and anything else they need to pose as you — or someone you love — online.

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64% fewer stolen cars

After Kia and Hyundai’s anti-theft software upgrades. The 2023 free update fixed shoddy security measures that made it way too easy to steal the vehicles. Drive one and not sure if you got the update? Call your dealership.

HDMI cable data grab: Security researchers found a new way hackers can spy: Electromagnetic radiation. By feeding signals into an AI model, they can reconstruct everything on a screen with 70% accuracy — enough to decipher passwords. The good news? It’s incredibly hard to pull off and requires a signal-capturing device inside your home.

Update to iOS 17.6 ASAP: It packs 35 security fixes, tackling vulnerabilities that could let hackers control your phone. Don’t wait for it to pop up. On iPhone XS or later, go to Settings > General > Software Update now. Update your iPad, too, if you have one.

9 gadgets to keep you safe and secure

Staying safe and secure can feel like a full-time job. That’s why you have me! Below, I’m sharing nifty gadgets to keep your personal information, devices and even your car safe from prying eyes and sneaky thieves.

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Sit, DoS, rollover: The Department of Homeland Security now has a dog-like robot that disables smart devices on the go. Need to surprise a suspect? The robo-pup, “NEO,” can launch a denial-of-service (DoS) attack to take out the doorbell cam and other connected security systems. Crazy!

Your kids love Roblox – and so do pedophiles

If your kids play Roblox, listen up. The kids’ gaming platform is also a haven for pedophiles. Take sicko DoctorRofatnik, aka “Doc,” creator of Sonic Eclipse Online, a Roblox game popular with thousands of kids.

In 2020, a player posted messages Doc sent to a 12-year-old on X: “I’ll corrupt you beyond your wildest dreams. Words cannot explain what I want to do with you.” So, Roblox kicked Doc off the platform, but he immediately created new accounts.

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How ironic: Security training company KnowBe4’s latest remote hire turned out to be a collection of North Korean hackers. When they mailed the “employee” a company-issued Mac to the guy’s phony home address (that was really a hacker farm), it was immediately loaded up with malware. How’d he get through HR screening? An AI-edited stock headshot — something they should’ve checked before hiring the guy.

How the government spies on you

When I shared my tip on opting out of the Transportation Security Administration’s new facial recognition tech at airports the other week, I got a ton of questions. First and foremost, though, a lot of you said, “I didn’t know I could do that.”

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The real reason CrowdStrike brought companies to their knees

Yesterday, you couldn’t miss seeing photos of the Windows Blue Screen of Death all over airport screens and news of massive problems hitting computers everywhere. Some consider it one of the largest IT outages in history. And it all started with a company you may not have heard about until now: CrowdStrike. (A few major news outlets inaccurately reported it as “CloudStrike.” Now you know better!)

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Stop using your Google profile this way: Logging into other services through Google puts one of your most important accounts at risk. Log in at myaccount.google.com and tap Security. Scroll to Your connections to third-party apps & services > See all connections. You’ll see a list of apps. Open the details, then click Stop using Sign in with Google.

Use Windows 11? Later this year, Microsoft will introduce “checkpoint cumulative updates.” Versions with significant changes will be checkpoint updates; security fixes and new features will be patches. The goal? To save hard drive space and time.