December 17, 2022

Tech advice you can trust™

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This week on my show

Organize all your health records with this built-in smartphone feature

Health apps can help you track your steps and other activity, but did you know you can also use them to store your health records? This way, you can access all your health data — such as medications, immunizations and lab results — in one place. Here's how they work on iPhone and Android

Tap or click here to get the most out of your smartphone's health apps. →

5 texts you must ignore this holiday season

You must be extra vigilant against scammers this time of year, as they try everything to rip you off. Here are five texts to watch out for this holiday season and tips to protect yourself.

Tap or click to avoid tricky text message scams. →

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🎧 AUDIO BRIEFING

Facebook ticket scam, cut streaming costs, crypto arrest

Why you really need to start using a password manager, a look inside the downfall of FTX, and smart tech tips from Kim Komando and friends.

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Video from the show

Tech Refresh: Gift card scams, stop porch pirates, top tech stories of 2022

Do you tend to forget important things when you're busy? Try this quick trick. Plus, use these simple tips to protect your packages from porch pirates during the holiday season, top tech stories of the year and holiday gift card scams to watch out for.

WATCH NOW →

Kim answers your questions

Got a question for Kim? Email her here.

Finding reliable pros

What's a safe way to find someone to work on a project at my house? I heard you mention an app you like. I don't want to waste money on bad work.

You've come to the right place. Spotting scams is harder than ever, and you can't trust Google results or many of the apps and sites out there that list home pros.

I've been using Angi, a sponsor of my national radio show, and I can't get over how easy it is to find the right person for any projects. You can search through thousands of qualified pros right there in the app and read through real reviews left by real users. I used it to find a new landscaper, and I couldn't be happier.

To try it yourself, download the Angi app.

Download for Apple iOS here.

Download for Android here.

Protecting my devices from malware

I use Windows Defender, but what about my phone? Is there a better solution for my computer, too?

My take? You can never be too safe. I prefer a total security suite. TotalAV, a sponsor of my national radio show, is easy to use and offers the best protection in the business. They’ve received the renowned VB100 award for detecting more than 99% of malware samples for the last three years in a row. Their AI-driven Web Shield browser extension blocks dangerous websites automatically, and their Junk Cleaner can help you quickly clear out your old files.

Get an annual plan of TotalAV Internet Security for only $19 at ProtectWithKim.com. That's over 85% off!

Home security and data use

I am thinking about getting SimpliSafe for my home but do not have unlimited internet. If I get this system, along with a few cameras, how much data will I be using up on a monthly basis before my general use? And will it slow down my computer or smart television?

SimpliSafe cameras record only when triggered. Different events have different recording times, and the data used also depends on video quality. Here's an example. Say you had a break-in that lasted 5 minutes. With the default quality (720p), that recording would typically be about 30 MB.

You'd need to have several full alarms every single day for a month to reach a gigabyte of data. Allow about 10 MB a day per camera. All the other components run on cellular that's included with the monthly monitoring bill.

Visit SimpliSafeKim.com to get 20% off, a month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring, free shipping and a 60-day, money-back guarantee.

Complete antivirus protection for all your devices

The more we rely on our devices for work, school and our personal lives, the more we have to lose. Whether it’s bank accounts, personal data, photos, conversations — there’s just so much to preserve and protect. That’s why I recommend TotalAV’s industry-leading security suite. It’s easy to use and offers the best protection in the business. In fact, they’ve received the renowned VB100 award for detecting more than 99% of malware samples for the last three years in a row.

Not only do you get continuous protection from the latest threats, but their AI-driven service, WebShield, blocks dangerous websites automatically, stopping threats before they reach you. Plus, you can subscribe to data breach alerts and clear out old files with the Junk Cleaner.

Right now, get an annual plan for only $19 at ProtectWithKim.com. That’s over 85% off the regular price, just for you! →

Kim's weekly column & tech tip

Apple, Google, Amazon, and Facebook are always listening unless you change these settings

The downside of smart assistants that listen to our voice commands? Our devices are, technically, always listening. The good news is it's easy to change that. In this column, Kim shows you where to navigate in your settings to protect your privacy.

Tap or click for steps to stop the spying. →

Use Apple, Google, Facebook or Twitter? Here's how to find out what they know about YOU

You know that Big Tech companies know a lot about you, but do you what exactly they know? You will now. In this column, Kim reveals the steps to download the info the biggest names in tech have on you.

Tap or click to take back your privacy. →