Technology

5 genius tech hacks to do before it’s February

Published

3 years ago

March 8, 2022

5 genius tech hacks to do before it’s February

Symbolic picture with reference to hackers and knowledge safety. (Picture by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek through Getty Photographs)

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It’s a brand new 12 months, and we’re busy setting objectives and making resolutions. One in every of mine is to spend at the least an hour exterior daily.

In fact, I nonetheless have work to do, and far of that occurs through e-mail. I began 2022 by cleansing up my inbox. Faucet or click on for the steps I take yearly to filter out previous emails and begin recent.

I additionally hung out in my telephone’s picture gallery clearing out blurry footage, screenshots, and duplicates. It’s time-consuming, however there are downloads to assist. Faucet or click on totally free apps that discover duplicate pictures for you.

Let’s soar into a number of methods to spice up your safety, enhance your productiveness, and tidy up your digital life.

1. Stock your valuables

I’m in the course of a transfer. Whereas clearing out 17 years of junk, I spotted it had been a very long time since I did an intensive stock of our valuables.

Having a house stock record is a lifesaver within the case of a catastrophe or break-in. The very last thing you wish to do at a time like that’s scramble to seek out receipts or rack your mind to place collectively an insurance coverage declare.

You needed to stroll round the home with a pocket book to catalog your possessions again within the day. Now, the fitting app could make the job a lot simpler. A strong choice is Encircle.

You should definitely catalog your electronics, furnishings, jewellery, home equipment, household heirlooms, clothes, decor, baggage, instruments, directions, artwork, and any collector’s gadgets. In fact, this record isn’t exhaustive, and you’ll all the time seek the advice of your own home or renter’s insurance coverage firm for suggestions.

File picture.
(cherrybeans/iStock)

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2. Refresh your own home community

Is your own home community locked down? Are you positive? I discover this can be a frequent cybersecurity blind spot.

First, test your password. You must by no means keep on with the default username and password. Even should you modified yours way back, it is likely to be time for an replace to one thing safer.

Cannot preserve a deal with on all these lengthy, distinctive passwords? A digital password supervisor is the most secure route, however password journals can get the job carried out. Simply preserve yours someplace secure the place snoops cannot get to it. Faucet or click on for choices beginning below $5.

Subsequent, guarantee your router’s firmware is updated. Updates usually include vital safety patches, however most of us do not search for gear patches just like the router.

Head to your router admin web page: You’ll want your router’s IP handle in addition to your admin password, which you’ll find in your router’s consumer information. Right here’s methods to discover your password should you don’t realize it.
Within the admin web page, discover a part referred to as Superior or Administration. That is the place you will discover firmware updates. Obtain any out there updates. Now your system is updated.

If there’s an choice in your router settings that allows computerized updates, flip it on. Additionally, make certain wi-fi encryption is working at the usual for WPA2 or WPA3.

Whilst you’re at it, make certain your firewall is actually working. Faucet or click on right here and scroll to No. 2 on the record.

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3. Take again your inbox

Are you the kind of individual that retains your inbox at zero, or do you open it as much as discover a whole lot or 1000’s of unread messages? As a substitute of manually combing by the junk, take a couple of minutes to automate the cleanup.

Search filters assist you to discover emails by class, content material, measurement of connected information and extra. Log into your e-mail out of your net browser and navigate to the search bar.

Let’s say you’ve a ton of emails from an organization you not wish to hear from. Seek for the e-mail handle within the search bar. Now you possibly can simply bulk delete all these messages.

In Gmail, hit the Choose all conversations choice on the prime of the web page. It’s just a little field that generates a checkmark when you hit it. Then hit the Trash icon to wipe all of them away. Faucet or click on right here to get the job carried out in Yahoo Mail and Microsoft Outlook.

File photo of hands of business person working on computer.

File picture of palms of enterprise particular person engaged on pc.
(iStock)

4. Give your browser a recent begin

Our browser is the place we spend most of our time on-line. Give yours an intensive cleanup by clearing the cache. Observe: This can take away your logins, so you’ll have to signal again into the web sites.

To clear your cache in Chrome, click on the three-dot menu. Hover over Extra Instruments, then choose Clear Searching Information. A brand new web page will open. Choose a timeframe, from one hour to all time. Choose Clear knowledge to finish the method.

In the event you use Firefox, click on the three-line menu within the prime proper nook, then click on on Historical past. Choose Clear Latest Historical past and select your timeframe. Hit OK to finish.

For Microsoft Edge, choose the three-dot menu within the higher prime proper nook, then select Settings > Privateness, search and companies. Beneath Clear looking knowledge, click on Select what to clear. Choose a timeframe and click on Clear now.

In Safari, open a browser window, then click on Safari within the prime toolbar. Select Clear Historical past, choose a timeframe, then click on Clear Historical past to complete the job.

5. Give your tech wipe down

Your units are magnets for mud, dust, oil, and all types of germs. Right here’s my information for cleansing your screens, keyboard, mouse, and printer the fitting method. All it takes is just a little know-how, the fitting instruments, and a little bit of time.

There are additionally your units’ ports to contemplate. Cotton swabs can depart fuzz and lint, and steel knives and security pins depart scratches. Avoid toothpicks, too, since they will snap off. Use plastic cleaners, like dental floss picks or foam.

You may also decide up a reasonable package on Amazon that has the whole lot you might want to clear nearly any electronics. Faucet or click on for an choice below $10.

PSA: Don’t overlook to scrub your earbuds. They get particularly crusty, and you might want to watch out the way you clear across the audio system. Faucet or click on for the fitting option to clear up your AirPods, Galaxy Buds or different wi-fi earbuds.

If you’re going for a total overhaul, start by conducting a home inventory. (iStock)

In the event you’re going for a complete overhaul, begin by conducting a house stock. (iStock)
(iStock)

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Take a look at my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast participant.

Hearken to the podcast right here or wherever you get your podcasts. Simply seek for my final identify, “Komando.”

What digital life-style questions do you’ve? Name Kim’s nationwide radio present and faucet or click on right here to seek out it in your native radio station. You’ll be able to hearken to or watch The Kim Komando Present in your telephone, pill, tv, or pc. Or faucet or click on right here for Kim’s free podcasts.

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Study all the newest expertise on The Kim Komando Present, the nation’s largest weekend radio discuss present. Kim takes calls and dispenses recommendation on immediately’s digital life-style, from smartphones and tablets to on-line privateness and knowledge hacks. For her day by day ideas, free newsletters, and extra, go to her web site at Komando.com.

Technology

California governor vetoes major AI safety bill

Published

4 hours ago

September 29, 2024

Press Room

California governor vetoes major AI safety bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act (SB 1047) today. In his veto message, Governor Newsom cited multiple factors in his decision, including the burden the bill would have placed on AI companies, California’s lead in the space, and a critique that the bill may be too broad.

“While well-intentioned, SB 1047 does not take into account whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making or the use of sensitive data. Instead, the bill applies stringent standards to even the most basic functions — so long as a large system deploys it. I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology.”

Newsom writes that the bill could “give the public a false sense of security about controlling this fast-moving technology.”

“Smaller, specialized models may emerge as equally or even more dangerous than the models targeted by SB 1047 – at the potential expense of curtailing the very innovation that fuels advancement in favor of the public good.”

Governor Newsom also writes that he agrees that there should be safety protocols and guardrails in place, as well as “clear and enforceable” consequences for bad actors. However, he states that he doesn’t believe the state should “settle for a solution that is not informed by an empirical trajectory analysis of Al systems and capabilities.”

Here is the full veto message:

It would have applied to covered AI companies doing business in California with a model that costs over $100 million to train or over $10 million to fine-tune, adding requirements that developers implement safeguards like a “kill switch” and lay out protocols for testing to reduce the chance of disastrous events like a cyberattack or a pandemic. The text also establishes protections for whistleblowers to report violations and enables the AG to sue for damages caused by safety incidents.

Changes since its introduction included removing proposals for a new regulatory agency and giving the state attorney general power to sue developers for potential incidents before they occur. Most companies covered by the law pushed back against the legislation, though some muted their criticism after those amendments.

The Chamber of Progress, a coalition that represents Amazon, Meta, and Google, similarly warned the law would “hamstring innovation.”

The bill’s opponents have included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and eight congressional Democrats from California. On the other side, vocal supporters have included Elon Musk, prominent Hollywood names like Mark Hamill, Alyssa Milano, Shonda Rhimes, and J.J. Abrams, and unions including SAG-AFTRA and SEIU.

The federal government is also looking into ways it could regulate AI. In May, the Senate proposed a $32 billion roadmap that goes over several areas lawmakers should look into, including the impact of AI on elections, national security, copyrighted content, and more.

Technology

Android's latest nightmare: millions of devices infected by sneaky malware

Published

5 hours ago

September 29, 2024

Press Room

Android's latest nightmare: millions of devices infected by sneaky malware

You’d think an app listed on the Play Store would be safe to download. That’s what Google wants you to believe, and it’s true to a large extent. But in this digital world, no service is foolproof.

Time and time again, there have been instances when widely downloaded apps on the Play Store were infected by malware. While Google continues to promise that the app market is safe, another incident has come to light.

Security researchers have discovered a new Trojan malware called Necro that not only infects apps downloaded through unofficial sources but also those on the Play Store, including one with more than 10 million downloads.

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A man scrolling on his Android phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How does Necro infect apps

The exact method by which both apps were initially compromised with the malware is still unclear. Researchers at Kaspersky’s Securelist believe a rogue software development kit (SDK) used for integrating advertising functionalities may be responsible for the breach. SDKs are essential tools developers use to add specific features to their apps, such as ad services, analytics or payment processing.

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When an SDK is compromised, it can inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities into the applications that utilize it. In this case, the malware affecting the apps displayed ads in the background to generate fraudulent revenue for the attackers, installed apps and APKs without the user’s consent and used invisible WebViews to interact with paid services.

The Trojan in question, Necro, isn’t exactly new. It’s the same malware that infected a popular document scanner called CamScanner in 2019, which at that time had over 100 million downloads.

An Android phone on a desk (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ANDROID BANKING TROJAN EVOLVES TO EVADE DETECTION AND STRIKE GLOBALLY

Which apps are affected?

Kaspersky researchers identified several apps affected by the Necro Trojan, including those available in Google Play. Their combined audience numbered more than 11 million Android devices.

The first affected app is the Wuta Camera, a photo editing and beautification tool. It has at least 10 million times. The Necro loader has been embedded in it starting from version 6.3.2.148. The latest version of the app, 6.3.6.148, which was available on Google Play, also had it. After the researchers reported the presence of malicious code to Google, the Trojan was removed from the app in version 6.3.7.138.

The second infected app was Max Browser. This browser, according to Google Play, has been installed more than a million times and, starting with version 1.2.0, also contained the Necro loader. Google took down the infected app from the Play Store after it was reported.

Kaspersky also found WhatsApp mods that had the Necro loader in unofficial sources. It also spotted the Spotify mod called “Spotify Plus,” which promises free access to ad-free premium services. Plus, the report mentions mods for popular games like Minecraft, Stumble Guys, Car Parking Multiplayer, and Melon Sandbox, all of which were infected with the Necro loader.

Mods, or modifications, are altered versions of original apps or games that often provide additional features or tweaks.

An Android phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ANDROID BANKING TROJAN MASQUERADES AS GOOGLE PLAY TO STEAL YOUR DATA

What is Google’s response to this?

Google is aware of the Necro malware and, as I mentioned above, it has already taken down the affected apps. A Google spokesperson provided us with the following statement:

“All of the malicious versions of the apps identified by this report were removed from Google Play prior to report publication. Android users are automatically protected against known versions of this malware by Google Play Protect, which is on by default on Android devices with Google Play Services. Google Play Protect can warn users or block apps known to exhibit malicious behavior, even when those apps come from sources outside of Play.”

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

4 ways to protect yourself from Necro malware

1. Have strong antivirus software: Android has its own built-in malware protection called Play Protect, but the Necro Trojan proves it’s not enough. Historically, Play Protect hasn’t been 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android phones. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Download apps from reliable sources: It’s important to download apps only from trusted sources like the Google Play Store. You might say I am contradicting myself, but Play Store is still safer than other options out there. It has strict checks to prevent malware and other harmful software. However, even with the security measures provided by Google Play, downloading apps from the store does not guarantee 100% protection against malware or harmful software. Avoid downloading apps from unknown websites or unofficial stores because they can pose a higher risk to your personal data and device. Never trust download links that you get through SMS.

3. Be cautious with app permissions: Always review the permissions requested by apps before installation. If an app requests access to features that seem unnecessary for its function, it could be a sign of malicious intent. Do not give any app accessibility permissions unless you really need to. Avoid granting permissions that could compromise your personal data.

4. Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps: Keeping your software up to date is crucial because updates often include security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities that could be exploited by trojans.

ANDROID USERS AT RISK AS BANKING TROJAN TARGETS MORE APPS

Kurt’s key takeaways

The discovery of the Necro loader in apps like Wuta Camera, Max Browser and popular game mods shows just how serious security issues can be in the app world. With over 11 million Android devices affected, it’s crucial to be careful about where you download your apps. Unofficial sources can be a breeding ground for hidden threats, but the Play Store isn’t completely safe either. Google should look into what apps it allows on its platform. I haven’t seen as many malware issues affecting iPhone apps as there are on Android.

Do you think Google does enough to protect users from malware on the Play Store? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The AR and VR headsets you’ll actually wear

Published

14 hours ago

September 29, 2024

Press Room

The AR and VR headsets you’ll actually wear

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 54, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, so psyched you found us, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.)

This week, I’ve been reading about AI slop and sports betting and Jony Ive, clearing my schedule for the new season of The Great British Bake Off, watching Sicario and Pirates of the Caribbean and A Quiet Place: Day One on plane-seat screens like their directors intended, insta-subscribing to Hasan Minhaj’s new YouTube show, and just relentlessly trolling people with Vergecast clips through Pocket Casts’ new feature.

I also have for you a couple of new Meta gadgets, the mobile game that will eat up all your free time, a couple of hotly anticipated new movies, the best Spotify feature in forever, and much more. So much going on! Let’s dig in.

(As always, the best part of Installer is your ideas and tips. What are you into right now? What should everyone else be reading / watching / playing / trying / building out of clay this week? Tell me everything: installer@theverge.com. And if you know someone else who might enjoy Installer, tell them to subscribe here.)

The Drop

Meta’s Quest 3S. My biggest issues with the Quest 3 were the price and the passthrough, and this new model appears to have solved both. It’s back in “totally reasonable game console” range, and the passthrough demos looked much sharper than before. They look great, though not as good as…
The limited-edition Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer. I already own two pairs of Meta’s smart glasses (don’t ask), but I am still lusting over this clear pair. They’re more expensive, and they actually undo some of the good non-gadget vibes of the other models, but they look so good.
Balatro Mobile. This might be the most recommended thing in the history of Installer — I swear, every week someone tells me how much this poker roguelike has taken over their life. And now it’s on your phone! $10, no data collected, no microtransactions, my screen time is about to go through the roof.
Wolfs. This Clooney-Pitt Apple TV Plus movie has a fascinating backstory that says a lot about the future of Hollywood, but I also just love a big-budget flick in which movie stars say cool lines in cool ways. This appears to be exactly that.
The new Roku Ultra. I helped review the Google TV Streamer this week, and I really love that thing. But I’m also psyched to see Roku keep pushing — the new one’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s faster and better, and that is a very good thing.
The Wild Robot. I’d really like to tell you to go see Megalopolis this weekend, but every single indication is that the movie is hot garbage. But people seem thrilled about this one, an animated flick about a stranded robot that sounds adorable and delightful and like something I’m going to end up watching 100 times.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. A Zelda game… in which you get to play as Zelda. That’s the dream! This game doesn’t seem to be as big or awe-inspiring or platform-defining as Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, but it sounds clever and fun just the same.
Spotify’s AI Playlist feature. This is terrible news for my relentless quest to quit Spotify: the AI playlists are great. Now that the feature is available in the US, I’ve been using it to name a few bands or songs, plus an overall vibe, and it picks a few dozen songs that, at least so far, always seem to hit. Spotify is very, very good at this part of the music game.
Social Studies. Being a kid is hard work. And this doc digs in with a group of students on how much… maybe not always harder, but definitely more complicated, social media has made being a kid in 2024. This comes from a good team, too, and I’m excited about it.
The Nothing Ear Open. Nothing’s headphones have been really solid, and as a recent and aggressive convert to open earbuds, I’m pumped to see how these sound. They look so cool, too! Big week for clear gadgets.

Screen share

Fun fact: Joanna Stern is the main reason I ever got a job at The Verge in the first place. (That story is long and, if I remember correctly, involves her playing a fairy in a video? But I promised her I wouldn’t tell that story.) These days, she’s a columnist at The Wall Street Journal, an Emmy winner, and most recently, the creator of Joannabot, the AI chatbot that will tell you everything you need to know about the iPhone 16. (And apparently also do some other things, if you’re clever enough, but again, we’ll leave that alone.)

I asked Joanna to share her homescreen because she just reviewed the iPhone 16, which means she just had to set up a homescreen. And because she’s forever using new gadgets and switching between things, I was curious what always made it to the top of the pile.

Here’s Joanna’s homescreen, plus some info on the apps she uses and why:

I’m submitting my homescreen and my Control Center screen because I’m proud of the work I did on the Control Center. I may submit it for an award. But really, I’d like to just use this as a forum to complain about the all-in-one connectivity widget in the new Control Center in iOS 18. I don’t like it. I like the single buttons so I can easily just turn them on and off or long-press to get in there. Sadly, they have gotten rid of the single Wi-Fi button, but I read on this great website that it’s coming back in iOS 18.1.

The phone: iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The wallpaper: This is my dog Browser. It isn’t the best shot of him, but the framing is nice for putting him in the middle of the screen. My lockscreen wallpaper is this awesome retro iPod made by a designer named Shane Levine. I bought it through this site last year after featuring it in my newsletter.

The apps: WSJ, ChatGPT, Apple Notes, Google Maps, Google Docs, Google Calendar, Instagram, YouTube, Clock, Threads, Signal, Photos, Slack, Spotify, Phone, Safari, Messages, Gmail.

My apps are so basic and make me feel so basic. I work (Slack, Gmail). I message (Messages, Signal). I listen and watch things (YouTube, Spotify). I social media (Threads, Instagram). I work more (Google Docs, WSJ). If it isn’t on this main homescreen, I usually just search for it.

Before iOS 18, I had a widget stack on the homescreen with weather and time zone widgets, but I moved it off to another screen. I might move it back. I might not. Got to live a little.

I also asked Joanna to share a few things she’s into right now. Here’s what she shared:

The Devil at His Elbow. I’m currently listening to this audiobook by my wildly talented colleague Valerie Bauerlein. It’s all about the Murdaugh murders. The writing, the details, the whole thing, is so gripping. I find myself just sitting in the garage waiting until a chapter is done.
Full Swing. I know I’m late to Netflix’s popular golf-u-series, but I started playing golf again this summer, and I’m loving the stories of these players and how psychological the sport really is.
Take Your Pet to School Day. My 3-year-old loves this book. I don’t want to spoil it, but the pets take over Maple View Elementary, and, well, Ms. Ellen is pissed.

Crowdsourced

Here’s what the Installer community is into this week. I want to know what you’re into right now as well! Email installer@theverge.com or message me on Signal — @davidpierce.11 — with your recommendations for anything and everything, and we’ll feature some of our favorites here every week. And for even more great recommendations, check out the replies to this post on Threads.

“Sliding Seas. It’s a match-three (or four!) game but also so much more: there’s real strategy required behind your moves to beat levels at the higher end, but it’s never unfair, and while there are in-app purchases and power-ups you can buy to make a level easier, you crucially never need to. It is the most compelling and well-suited-to-mobile game I’ve ever found and a gem I recommend without reservation.” – Jamie

“Gisnep is another daily puzzle game, this time by David Friedman of Ironic Sans. It appears as a crossword-esque grid, but the words only go across and wrap around. The goal is to reveal both a quote and the source by filling in letters from vertical columns. I’ve gotten a number of my friends hooked already.” – Kyle

“Satisfactory 1.0 launched a week ago or so. A great group of devs have effectively made a game that feels like work but is fun. If you love conveyor belts and staying up all night, this might be for you.” – Matt

“Can’t believe you haven’t mentioned switching to OmniFocus! As a fellow perennial ‘task manager switcher,’ this app is a staple in my rotation.” – Pedro

“I previously recommended App in the Air as a great travel companion, but unfortunately, it’s shutting down. If you’re looking for an alternative, Flighty is excellent, especially for travel stats, and they’re building an importer for App in the Air users.” – Vivian

“We’ve been watching English Teacher on FX. Constant laughs and, so far, each episode has been better than the last. Easily one of the funniest shows on TV right now.” – Danial

“I was gifted the Humanscale FR300 Ergonomic Foot Rocker, which is a very tech-sounding name for a very manual / mechanical rocking footrest. It’s very pleasant to use. I’ve also been standing on it sometimes… which I’m not sure is safe but sure is fun!” – Wisdom

“Repeatedly putting in my Amazon cart the Black Milanese Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. I was so close to buying it like three times. Now it’s out of stock. Even Apple says early November for shipping.” – Scott

“Been playing with different LLMs using LM Studio. Integrated it into my Obsidian vault to help summarize and organize things into specific formats. It’s been extremely cool!” – Cody

Signing off

I’ve had back-to-back-to-back-to-back trips over the last two weeks, and I would just like to quickly shout out my new No. 1 travel hack: a wall charger that doubles as a big-ass portable battery. I have this Anker model, which is $55, charges a USB-C and a USB-A device simultaneously, and also charges itself so I can get 10,000mAh of power when there’s no outlet nearby. (There’s also a newer one with two USB-C ports and even faster charging but less battery capacity.) It’s huge and heavy, but this thing and a long cable are now the only charging gear I travel with, and they’re the only reasons my gadgets have survived trains and plane rides. Here at Installer, we love a sensible charging strategy, and this is as sensible as it gets.