Welcome to Wednesday’s tech feast, friends! I hear all the time from parents who want a secure, safe phone for their little ones. If that’s you (or someone you know), check out today’s sponsor, the great Bark Phone, loaded with the controls parents and kids need in today’s dangerous world. Your support means we can keep this free newsletter free. Thanks!

⌛ Quick travel tip: I hate being late, so I use this trick all the time. Google Maps and Apple Maps have pretty robust traffic-predicting algorithms. The next time you need directions, look for the option to set your arrival time. The map app will then tell you when you must leave the house. Sweet! — Kim

Think about this: Your car is just a computer on wheels. So, with the right electronics and software techniques, a hacker can intercept or block your key fob signal, infiltrate your car’s software and even remotely control your vehicle.

“Kim, the right tools are expensive, right?” If only! Anyone can find them priced cheaply online — and watch a few videos to learn how to use them. I’m here to help you fight back. Here’s how they get you.

❌ Compromised car apps: Does your car have a smartphone app that allows you to unlock and start it remotely? If hackers can break in or exploit a bug in the software, they can take over your entire vehicle.

✔️ My advice: Change the default password and keep the app updated.

❌ Onboard diagnostics hacks: Every newer car has an onboard diagnostics port. Anyone can buy exploit kits that utilize this port to replicate keys and program new ones to use them for stealing vehicles.

✔️ My advice: Always go to a reputable mechanic. A physical steering wheel lock can give you extra peace of mind.

❌ Telematics exploits: Telematics describes the connected system that remotely monitors your vehicle’s behavior — its location, speed, mileage, tire pressure, fuel use, braking and engine/battery status. Hackers can intercept your connection to track and even control your vehicle remotely. 

✔️ My advice: Before you buy a car with built-in telematics, talk with your dealer about the cybersecurity measures they’re employing on connected vehicles. If you already have a connected car, keep its onboard software up to date. (That may require visiting the dealership more than you want to.)

Your key fob is at risk, too

Relay hacks and keyless jamming are two ways someone can take over your fob. The good news is there are a few simple ways to block these attacks.

• Buy a signal-blocking case that can hold your keys, like this shielded RFID-blocking pouch.
• Free solution: When not in use, store your key fob in the refrigerator or freezer. The multiple layers of metal will block the signal. 
• Storing your key fob in the microwave also blocks these incoming signals. Just don’t turn it on!
• Wrap your fob in foil. Yep, it works. You could also make a foil-lined box to put your keys in if you’re in a crafting mood.

😎 I hear you, “My 1946 Chevy pickup doesn’t have these problems!” But that old car has squeaky joints, or what’s commonly called carthritis.

If you have a child or teen in your family, check out the Bark Phone. There’s nothing like it on the market.

• Content scanning and search monitoring: Monitor your child's texts, social media, apps and searches, plus get alerts if something concerning is found.
• Tamper-proof design: Kids can't delete texts, change parental controls or access VPNs to bypass restrictions.
• Location tracking: Keep tabs on your child with real-time location tracking, and receive alerts for arrivals and departures from locations you set.
• Screen-time limits: Set firm, unchangeable screen time limits.

You get all of this (and peace of mind) for $49 a month. I wish this phone was available when my son was growing up!

📶 New Wi-Fi option: AT&T’s new Internet Air uses its network capacity to power wireless home internet. It’s $55 monthly for unlimited data with no extra equipment fees. “Expected” speeds: 40 to 140 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 5 to 25 Mbps for uploads. Right now, it’s available in a handful of cities, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Las Vegas. See the full list here. (T-Mobile* offers this, too.)

Urgent patch alert: The super-popular PC stalwart WinRAR is under attack. Hackers are exploiting a flaw in the file utility software to spread malware. If you use it, update now to version 6.23.

🎮 Switch it up: Sony wants to get in on that handheld action again. Its $200 portable PlayStation Portal is coming later this year, just in time for gift-giving season. It’ll stream PS5 games and has a nice 8-inch high-res screen. No Bluetooth, so get ready to hear all your kid’s game sounds.

For $500 … You’d expect A+ product design, but Apple’s AirPods Max over-the-ear headphones are apparently not built for sweat. Repair pros say condensation is building up inside their speakers — but they’re not getting a ton of customers coming in. The working theory: Apple is quietly replacing all the busted models.

Doo-dooooo-doo: YouTube’s new hum-to-search feature lets you find that tune stuck in your head. It’s experimental right now, so you might not see it. To check, open the YouTube app and look for YouTube Voice Search. Hum for at least three seconds to search. Try it out!

Every morning, brush your teeth to my Daily Tech Update. You get fresh breath and fresh tech know-how in a minute.

Listen to my podcast, Daily Tech Update, here.

Reason to try Google Flights: After you book an eligible flight, Google monitors the ticket price until the first flight in your itinerary departs. If the price drops, you get the difference. Go to flights.google.com and select a flight with Price Guarantee from Departing flights. Click Book on Google and check the box next to Price Guarantee to accept the TOS.

ICYMI: This tip is so good, I have to share it again for all you new subscribers. If you’re watching YouTube videos, press K to pause or play, J to rewind 10 seconds, and L to fast-forward 10 seconds.

Malware warning: You know by now not to open files from unfamiliar senders. How about this? Just using the Windows Preview Pane on malicious documents can infect your computer, allowing a hacker to take over. If you don’t know the sender, delete the email.

Never search “coupon codes.” At best, the codes don’t work and you wasted a few minutes. At worst, you click a malicious link and put your digital self in real danger. Download an app or browser extension that does all the work. We like Honey and Capital One Shopping.

📞 Your phone is old: And boy, does it feel old. Before you buy a new one, give it a little love. I put together a smart guide on cleaning up your tech. Take a few minutes to clean what’s inside your phone, too, like cached files, memes and screenshots, outdated contacts, and other digital clutter.

❓ Have a question for me? Drop it right here, or leave me a voicemail at 602‑381‑8200 ext. 290.

Facebook is desperate to get users back in Messenger. Case in point: You can now play 14 free games with a pal during a video call, including Exploding Kittens, Mini Golf and Words with Friends. If you still use it, might as well have some fun!

No more Facebook? Try these free online games. →

😂 A man buys a robot that slaps people when they tell a lie. He decides to test it on his family at dinner that night. The man asked his son, "What’d you do after school today?" His son replied, "Oh, I just did some homework," and the robot slapped him. Taken aback, the son changed his answer. "OK,” he said, “I actually watched a movie with my friends.” 

The father asked, "What was the movie?" The son said, "’Star Wars: Episode V.’" The robot slapped him again, and the son stammered, "OK, it was ‘Showgirls.’" The father laughed and said, "Ugh, I would never watch movies like that." The robot slapped him.

The mom laughed, too, and remarked, "He certainly is your son!" And the robot slapped her.

📲 Thanks for reading — and double thanks for supporting today’s partner, Bark Phone, to protect our kiddos. I sure wish this phone had been around when my son, Ian, was little! Your clicks support our work, so thank you from me and the team. — Kim