There's a shockingly easy new way for hackers to take over your phone â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â  ;â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â â
Fraud & Security Alert November 12, 2019
Kim's Security Alert
Hackers have a shockingly easy new way to take over your smartphone
Researchers have discovered a frightening new flaw that allows hackers to take over your smartphone â no malicious downloads or shady URLs necessary. With this flaw exploited, hackers can access the phone's direct connection to your carrier, opening the door for spying, rerouted calls and service shutdowns. If you use an Android phone, here's what you need to know about this vulnerability.
Netflix won't work on these TVs and streaming boxes next month
Recently, Netflix announced it will no longer be compatible with older Samsung smart TVs and some Roku streaming boxes. Now, the company is expanding that list to include even more smart TVs and boxes that won't work with the latest edition of the streaming service's platform. Now the question is if your device makes the cut â or if you'll need to invest in some brand-new equipment.
Kim recommends
Watch out for dangerous recalled products for sale online
Everyone likes looking for treasures at garage sales, so it should come as no surprise millions flock to digital used-item marketplaces. Sites like Craigslist and eBay are known for selling vintage, rare and interesting collectibles, but they're also used for practical items like strollers and car seats. So what's the problem? People often sell recalled items that can pose serious threats to you and your family.
Hackers can hijack your smart home tech using just a laser pointer
It's one thing to have your computer hacked, but it's an entirely different beast when your smart home equipment is targeted. Researchers discovered almost every smart home product on the market is vulnerable to one, easily accessible device: laser pointers. We'll tell you how the humble cat toy can bring your smart home down and how to protect your system from this threat.
Featured video and podcast
Top 10 digital myths you need to stop believing
Technology is ever changing, but you may be holding tight to tips you learned from an IT person years ago or still following digital advice that's just plain wrong. Kim is here to bust 10 myths you really need to let go. Do Macs get viruses? Can the airport X-ray machine wreck your gadgets? Find out!
Wait until Black Friday to buy these items
It's easy to get suckered into buying things you don't really need this time of year. But if you're shopping for new tech, there are a few items you really should wait to buy. Need a new TV? I'll tell you when to pull the trigger.
A note from my sponsor
Ransomware isn't selective â protect all your devices now with this tool
Every once in a while, the computer you rely on can fail you. No, it's not the hardware or the software â it's malicious viruses or even ransomware that takes over your system. Imagine a hacker gaining access to your computer and denying you access to your data until you pay a hefty fee. Don't leave your computer unprotected. Defend your data with IDrive.
More from Kim
Create a profile, join groups, make friends
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Download my free tech safety contract for parents and kids
You want your kids to be safe when they go online, and you set guidelines but will they remember? My tech safety contract for parents and kids leaves nothing to interpretation. Download it for free and set clear guidelines on screen time, sharing photos, meeting people online and parental access to phones, tablets and computers.
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