Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 51, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, I hope you love spy shows as much as I do, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.)
Technology
An all-in-one app for the internet
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25607304/installer_51.png?ssl=1 "An all-in-one app for the internet")
This week, I’ve been reading about cobalt miners and religious AI and the history of the Moleskine, listening to pop-punk Disney songs on repeat, finally starting The Sopranos (I know, I know), soundtracking my workday with the Earth.fm app, giving Tweek another whirl for simple task and calendar stuff, and spending too much time debating whether NFL Sunday Ticket is worth the money. It’s definitely not, but it also, like, kind of is.
I also have for you everybody’s favorite new PlayStation game, a new documentary about money in sports, two new cameras worth a look, and a terrific E Ink note-taking device. Oh, and apologies: I included the wrong link to my homescreen icon pack last week. (Luckily, the one I did link to is also very good.) Mine are actually from Nate Wren’s Lines pack.
Anyway, so many gadgets this week! 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 watching, reading, playing, cooking, downloading, or building this weekend? Tell me everything: installer@theverge.com. And if you know someone else who might enjoy Installer, tell them to subscribe here.)
The Drop
- Reeder. It’s a podcast app, a YouTube queue, an RSS reader, a social feed, and a whole bunch more, all in one place. (And for Apple devices only.) It’s a reading app for feeds from all over the internet, it’s gorgeous, and as we talk about the fediverse and the future of the web, this is the kind of app that gets me really excited.
- Slow Horses season 4. I avoided this Apple TV Plus show for a while because I didn’t love the book, which is very well done but just kind of… slow. (I eventually soldiered through the first third of the first book, at which point it does start moving.) The show is not slow. It’s just funny and smart and exactly the right amount of action-packed.
- Astro Bot. I promised myself I was going to wait until Black Friday to buy a PS5… but this new game, an adorable platformer that seems to have charmed absolutely everyone who tried it, is going to make me pull the trigger sooner. Seriously, people love this game.
- The Remarkable Paper Pro. This thing is pure E Ink overkill, with an overengineered color display and a bunch of extremely fancy features. It’s like $800 for the whole setup including the keyboard, which is an awful lot, but this is a heck of a note-taking device.
- The Money Game. A miniseries about the NIL revolution in college sports, which is actually a story about social media and the internet and the way that everybody, including athletes, struggles to balance life and content.
- Circle to Search for music. Forget Gemini — Google’s most clever AI features are all happening through Circle to Search. Google’s song lookup tool is the best in the biz, and with Circle to Search and Android 15, you can get at it from anywhere.
- The Peak Design Outdoor Line. Peak Design’s stuff is just always great, and the new line of rugged gear looks like a winner. (Don’t be thrown by the Kickstarter, it’s just how the company rolls for some reason. PD is legit.) I’ve recently become a sling convert for daily use, and I’m very into the new one here.
- The GoPro Hero 13 Black. Every new GoPro is kind of the same: a little better in a bunch of ways but still a GoPro. And that’s fine! Adding some new lenses and improving transfer speeds goes a long way here, too.
- The DJI Neo. The other nifty camera launch of the week: a simple selfie drone that follows you around, does cool camera moves, and lands in your hand. Getting real Snap Pixy vibes from this thing, but I think this one might be a hit.
- The PlugBug with Find My. My first reaction to the idea of a wall plug with Find My support was, just, why? But then I thought about how many hotels and coffee shops I’ve left chargers in, and I think this $70 gizmo might pay for itself pretty fast. Plus, Twelve South stuff rarely disappoints.
Group project
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve asked you all to share your favorite lesser-known creators. This was, as always, at least partly selfish: I love my favorites on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and the rest, but my feeds are starting to feel a little static. I had a feeling you all might be able to help me liven things up — and that maybe a few of you were looking for some good new stuff, too.
As ever, you all delivered. I got hundreds of emails, messages, Threads posts, and comments from folks with great ideas and recommendations. I hardly got any duplicate recommendations, either, which is just delightful — there’s so much good stuff out there. And rather than keep it all for myself, I figured I’d share some of the best folks I’ve been turned onto in the last couple of weeks. I’m going to mostly link to YouTube channels, both because that’s what most people recommended but also because you can find folks’ other social links from their channel pages.
(One small caveat before we dive in: I haven’t been able to thoroughly vet everything all these folks have done forever. So if someone turns out to be the worst, in whatever way, I’m really sorry. If I’m missing something I should know about, definitely let me know. But y’all rarely steer me wrong, so I have high hopes.)
No surprise, a lot of what I heard about were tech creators. Here are a bunch of the folks you recommended, in no particular order:
- Work From Hype: all about desk setups and WFH gear
- Macho Nacho: retro gaming
- Elliotisacoolguy: a very funny graphic designer
- Brandon Talbot: fitness and health tech reviews
- MobileTechReview: gadget reviews
- Brandon James Greer: a pixel artist sharing their process
- Easy Allies: video game news and reviews
- Ritvikmath: data science and predictions
- Technology Connections: everyday tech explainers
- Enrico Tartarotti: essays on how tech works and how we use it
- Byte Review: gadget lifestyle videos, especially Apple stuff
- Salem Techsperts: stories from a computer repair shop
- The Serial Port: all things tech history
Also, it turns out you all love a good video essay and explainer as much as I do, and you shared a bunch of great channels for just that:
- Paul E.T. (on movies)
- Not Just Bikes (on urban planning)
- What’s So Great About That? (on… everything)
- Answer in Progress (also on… everything)
- Kaptainkristian (on movies and TV)
- Golden Owl (on video game design)
- Blast Processing (on video game history)
- Middle 8 (on music culture)
- MinuteFood (on food)
- Calum (on transportation history)
Then there were just a lot of miscellaneous folks you all shared. Here are a few I’ve been enjoying:
- Berm Peak, all about bikes and scooters and anything you can ride on
- Slickerdrips, with lots of board game tutorials and playthroughs
- Vanwives, on van life, DIY, and off-grid living
- Boulder Creek Railroad: a model builder half working and half teaching
- Escape to rural France, a guy chronicling his attempt to rebuild a chateau
- Jelle’s Marble Runs, because marble runs are never not fun
- Adventure Chasing, a guy and his dog exploring the outdoors
I could keep going, and I’m sure I will at some point. Thanks again to everyone who sent stuff in! My watch list will never be the same, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Screen share
From now on, if you’re a Vergecast listener and you like the way the show sounds, you’ll have Erick Gomez to thank. He joined the team this week as our audio engineer and has, in his career, worked on some of the best podcasts and radio shows on the planet.
I like to have new folks share their homescreen with us, both because I think it’s a fun way to get to know someone and I like having a work-appropriate reason to make fun of people’s silly wallpapers and app choices. But from the first time I met Erick, it became abundantly clear he was a person who brokered no chaos and would have a homescreen that Just Made Sense.
Here’s Erick’s homescreen, plus some info on the apps he uses and why:
The phone: iPhone 14 Pro Max
The wallpaper: I’ve been gaming since I was about five years old, and it is still one of my greatest hobbies and passions, so my lock screen is that of a Game Boy Advance SP — a cherished handheld from my childhood. I love how the widgets make it seem as though they’re part of the Game Boy display.
My homescreen wallpaper is my daughter Charlie in her Elmo costume from last year. We are a BIG Halloween family, and we are always counting the days until spooky season.
The apps: Eufy Security, Dot, Passwords, Delta, Journal, Parcel, Overcast, Hey Email, Arc Search.
I’m a big fan of widgets and glanceable information — the less I have to pop into an app, the better. I don’t have any social media apps installed on my phone and will only reinstall them whenever I feel compelled to post something. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the insane amounts of time I’ve spent mindlessly scrolling Instagram and the like, so I’ve channeled that energy into journaling apps.
Dot: It’s an AI companion chatbot thing. It’s actually really cool. It’s very much like a journal or friend that responds to you and can give you some feedback and spark ideas. It’s great until it confuses some facts about you, which breaks the immersion. It will often text me during the day when I’m super busy so I don’t get a chance to respond. If you ignore it for long enough, it will stop reaching out to you. Just like a friend in real life!
Delta: Did I mention I’m a gamer? It was LONG overdue for emulators to come into the App Store, and this is by far the best for playing retro games. If I find myself waiting around for something, I’ll quickly pop into a game of NBA Jam or Streets of Rage.
Hey: Hey is my favorite email client and service. The email screener and privacy-focused approach make it well worth the yearly subscription. And it looks better than most email apps.
Arc: This is a new addition to the homescreen and has quickly replaced Safari for me in most cases. Its “Browse For Me” feature is a godsend. I also love the app’s alternate icon, which pays homage to Netscape Navigator. It’s 1994 all over again!
I also asked Erick to share a few things he’s into right now. Here’s what he sent back:
- I’m currently reading MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. As a Marvel zombie from way back, I’m a huge fan of the movies and am fascinated by the behind-the-scenes look at how the sausage was made.
- I’m currently watching Dark Matter on Apple TV Plus. A thought-provoking sci-fi show that more people need to be watching! It’s been renewed for a second season, so that should tell you something.
- I’m trying to get through my ginormous backlog of video games (there are TOO MANY games, y’all), and I’m currently playing the Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake on Switch. It’s an absolutely beautiful gem of a game that needs to be experienced by everyone.
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. For even more great recommendations, check out the replies to this post on Threads.
“Just moved my work Windows PC to Zen Browser. A Firefox version that has a very strong Arc feeling.” – Maciej
“Was away at a cabin with family and we did not bring a camera. When the baby fell asleep, we popped in one AirPod and turned on Live Listen, left the phone in the room, and went about our business! Two birds with one stone, really, since then I didn’t have my phone. I am curious if Android has anything similar!” – Saad
“Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman is rocking my world right now. For those in constant search of productivity optimization (speaking of no one in particular, of course…), this book hits home.” – Ryan
“Diggnation came back. So that’s been some fun nostalgia.” – Brian
“The HandleStash — a shock absorbing beverage holder for bikes. Game-changer for morning commute / weekend morning rides with coffee.” – Jim
“I switched from Spotify to YouTube Music a few years ago after Joe Rogan-gate and haven’t looked back! The audio quality is SO MUCH BETTER than Spotify. Feel that bass. There aren’t as many playlists, but just enough, and I tend to really enjoy checking out the new releases each week. It’s like a digital Best Buy from the ’90s. Plus, if you’re already paying for YouTube Premium, it’s included.” – Ellen
“I just got a rice cooker, and I’m eyeballing rice cooker cornbread for this weekend.” – Daniel
“Kaos on Netflix is amazing. A perfect blend of Greek mythology and modern-day politics. Highly recommended.” – Sacchi
“This week, I’m procrastinating by deciding whether I should stick with Bear, go back to Obsidian, or accept my fate and move back to Apple Notes. It is torture.” – Eitan
“A Short History of Nearly Everything. I know that this book is pretty old and many people have already read it, but if you haven’t read it, you should surely give it a try.” – Aashwath
“I lost most of my Labor Day weekend to Shapez 2. It’s incredible!” – Alec
Signing off
Apple’s annual iPhone launch event is on Monday, and we’re going to get a whole bunch of new gear: sounds like phones, watches, headphones, and maybe even desktops are all on the docket. We’re also going to get upgrades to all of Apple’s software, too. Which is mostly good news! But after watching this video about what Apple’s updates do to the very oldest devices they technically support, I’m also thinking of everyone whose devices are supposedly about to be “upgraded” and might instead just begin to fall apart. Best of luck to all the Intel-powered Mac owners out there.
Continue Reading
This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent every Friday from Verge senior reviewer Victoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they’re going to change your life. Opt in for Optimizer here.
These days, it seems I cannot escape peptides. Online, I’ve been assaulted by videos of shirtless Chads injecting dubiously sourced bottles of the so-called “Wolverine stack.” On the New York City subway, I’m haunted by Serena Williams’ Ro ads for easy GLP-1 access. Silicon Valley seems to be a parade of peptide parties. In Washington, RFK Jr. has said he’s pro-peptide and wants to expand access. In July, the FDA will meet to possibly reclassify 14 peptides so they can be eligible for compounding.
And in Hollywood, Gwyneth Paltrow — mother Goop, one of the original wellness influencers — is selling a series of peptide skincare products. Except, after some research, I’m not sure Paltrow actually understands what peptides are.
You might be wondering why I’m fixating on a Goop product in Optimizer. The short answer: While researching peptides for a forthcoming feature, I’ve descended into madness.
The longer answer is that peptide mania is central to Silicon Valley’s current fixation with longevity and metabolic optimization. As I’ve recently written, wellness trends increasingly inform new health tech features and gadgets that make up the wearable surveillance state. Peptides are also being framed on social media as an innovation that democratizes healthcare. (A similar rhetoric used to describe wearables!) It’s part of the wellness Wild West feedback loop that’s fueling Silicon Valley’s obsession with self-optimization. With that in mind, it’s worth examining how “peptide washing” has crept into various corners of the internet — and the resulting ripple effects.
While peptide shots are a relatively new trend, we’ve known about peptides and how they work for decades. They’re short chains of amino acids, which, in turn, make up proteins. In other words, building blocks for the building blocks. Because a peptide can be a chain ranging from two to roughly 100 amino acids, there are potentially trillions of peptides. Their main function is to act as messengers for various bodily functions. Some are naturally occurring and often come from the foods you eat. Others are made synthetically in a lab. The most famous ones include insulin and GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro).
What’s taking social media by storm are peptides that exist in legal gray areas. They’re not widely tested or FDA-approved drugs, and are sometimes sourced from dubious suppliers. I’ve previously written about retatrutide — another popular weight loss peptide — in Optimizer, but there’s a whole slew of others with names that sound vaguely like Star Wars droids. The most popular ones include BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, and CJC1295. These peptides are touted as biohacks for ailments ranging from fat loss and muscle growth, to faster wound healing, anti-aging, and increased energy. Essentially, everything associated with living a longer, healthier life. Lumped alongside these is NAD+, which is not a peptide but is often marketed as one. That’s partly because it’s frequently consumed as an IV drip and is thus an injectable substance.
But just because you can inject something, that doesn’t make it a peptide.
Do you have experience using peptides?
Or extremely strong feelings about this trend? I’m researching this phenomenon and I’d love to chat with you. Hit me up at victoria.song@theverge.com or on Signal at @ vicmsong.14.
NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It’s a coenzyme — basically an enzyme booster — that’s found in every cell. Its primary job is to help convert food into energy. It does this by shuttling electrons from one chemical reaction to another. As you age, your NAD levels naturally decline. This can lead to an array of conditions associated with aging, like Type 2 diabetes, lower energy levels, and saggy skin. Not to get too weedsy, but the + in NAD+ simply denotes one of two versions of the NAD molecule. (The other is NADH.)
Which, finally, brings me to the Goop Youth Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream and whether Gwyneth Paltrow actually knows what a peptide is.
In my research, I was looking into influential people who have spoken out about peptide injections. There’s a long list, but in Hollywood, Paltrow’s name kept popping up. Cue this recent Elle interview, in which Paltrow plays a “fuck, marry, kill” game with wellness trends.
From the get-go, the Elle article incorrectly identifies NAD+ as a peptide. Paltrow is then quoted as saying she uses NAD+ IV drips and an injectable NAD+ pen for impromptu energy boosts. She goes on to say that injectable peptides dealing with inflammation and brain health that are “being formulated for longevity” will be the next NAD+. In the fuck, marry, kill game, Paltrow is asked to choose between NAD+, B12, and peptide shots. She refuses, saying she’d marry them all.
What’s worrisome is the conflation of these treatments, even though they’re three separate things. It’s easy for the average person to read this article and think, “NAD+ is a type of peptide shot and a rich, glamorous celebrity like Gwyneth Paltrow does it, so this must be their secret to looking good.”
(For the curious: B12 is a vitamin. Supplementation can boost energy if you have a B12 deficiency, which is relatively common in the elderly, vegetarian, and vegan populations. As for NAD+, there’s considerable research interest, but limited clinical evidence for drips or supplements at the moment. I wrote a whole Optimizer newsletter about dubious peptide shots.)
From this interview, I get the sense that Paltrow knows that peptides are trendy, but she doesn’t actually admit to using any specific one. After some more digging, I found she has stated that she loves glutathione IV drips. Now, that is a peptide. However, she characterized her usage as “I love IV drips!” so, again, I’m not sure if Paltrow is aware that IV drips and peptides are not the same thing. Upon looking into her “peptide-rich” moisturizer, I’m even less certain.
Calling it a “Youth Boost NAD+ Peptide Rich Cream” would suggest this $105 moisturizer has both NAD+ and a bunch of peptides. Peruse the ingredient list, and you’ll find it doesn’t even have NAD+. It has NMN, or nicotinamide mononucleotide, a precursor (another kind of building block) for NAD+. As for its peptide content, the marketing claims the cream features “biomimetic plant-derived peptides.” Again, the list only refers to one true peptide molecule: arginine/lysine polypeptide. (A polypeptide is a longer peptide; this one supposedly helps with wrinkles.) It also appears last. In skincare, the ingredient list is generally ordered in terms of concentration. The top three to five ingredients make up the bulk of the formula. One hack is to find the so-called “one percent line”, which you can estimate from when the first preservative or fragrance appears. Given how this list is written, this is a standard moisturizer with a teeny sprinkle of a single peptide thrown in for marketing flavor. Even if there was a more potent amount, peptides are delicate molecules. Effectiveness for any topical skincare active — be it peptides or salmon sperm DNA — depends on stable formulation, concentration, whether the molecule can penetrate the skin barrier, and packaging that prevents degradation.
In any case, I reached out to Goop to clarify the peptide content in this cream. I have not heard back.
The only thing I can conclude is Paltrow isn’t afraid to try fringe wellness trends. (That and she loves an IV drip.) If someone handed her a peptide shot with the promise of energy and youth, I’d bet she’d do it. But do I think a peptide-curious person could ask her to explain the pros and cons of this trend based on her public statements? Now that’s a bet I would not take.
I could be wrong. In which case, I find her statements and her moisturizer to be disappointing given her status and influence. Case in point, the average person likely isn’t going to go through the trouble of accessing gray market peptide vials. They probably won’t be able to afford the same quality treatments as Paltrow, either. But a so-called peptide cream from a celebrity? That’s easily accessible. And in this particular case, that consumer wouldn’t be getting much of the thing they purportedly want to try.
More concerning is the flattening of any injectable as a peptide. Paltrow showing up to a podcast with an IV drip, speaking of peptides, phospholipids, and regular vitamins in a single breath? That’s confusing. It conflates relatively harmless therapies — like vitamin supplementation — with those that aren’t as well-studied. And the more influential people do this, the more regular people will too.
Peptides aren’t inherently dangerous. Injections aren’t evil. But the way peptide mania has made a more extreme, experimental trend as casual as taking a multivitamin? That feels like the slipperiest of slopes.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A new move from the Federal Communications Commission is being framed as a national security step. But if you already have a router at home, the bigger question is simple: how long will it keep getting security updates?
The FCC recently updated its “Covered List” to include routers produced in foreign countries, which blocks new models of that covered equipment from being approved for sale in the U.S.
At the same time, the FCC made something else clear. This change does not affect routers you already own, and it does not stop retailers from continuing to sell models that were previously approved.
So nothing shuts off overnight. However, the policy introduces a new layer of uncertainty around how long some devices will continue receiving updates.
IS YOUR HOME WI-FI REALLY SAFE? THINK AGAIN
The FCC’s router move targets future approvals, not the device already running your home Wi-Fi. Existing models can still be used and sold while update rules keep evolving. (kazakova0684/Getty Images)
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
What the FCC router rule actually changed
The policy focuses on future device approvals, not the devices already in your home.
Here is what the FCC says in plain terms:
- Existing routers can still be used
- Previously approved models can still be sold and imported
- New covered models cannot receive FCC authorization
This action is tied to national security concerns about supply chain risks, not a product-by-product security test of individual routers. The key takeaway is this: your current router is not banned, recalled or disabled.
Why the FCC router rule raises update concerns
The real issue is not about using your router today. It is about future software and firmware updates. Alongside the policy change, the FCC issued a temporary waiver. That waiver allows existing routers to continue receiving updates that patch vulnerabilities, maintain functionality and ensure compatibility with operating systems. Right now, that waiver runs through at least March 1, 2027.
That date is not a guaranteed cutoff. The FCC has said it will re-evaluate the policy before then and may extend or modify the waiver. So the situation is still evolving.
How the FCC router rule could affect your router security
Your router is the gateway to everything connected in your home. Phones, laptops, smart TVs and cameras all depend on it. When a vulnerability is discovered, a software update is usually what fixes it.
If updates slow down or stop, the risk builds over time. That does not mean your router suddenly becomes unsafe. But it can become easier for attackers to exploit known flaws.
Even the FCC acknowledged this in its waiver, noting that continued updates help mitigate harm to consumers and support essential security functions. So the concern is not immediate. It is about what happens over time if support policies change.
BROWSER EXTENSIONS PUT MILLIONS OF GOOGLE CHROME USERS AT RISK
The FCC says home routers already in use can stay in use, but future support for some models now depends on waivers and conditional approvals. (deepblue4you/Getty Images)
Why the FCC is making exceptions for some routers
One important wrinkle is that the FCC has already begun granting conditional approvals for some devices. In April 2026, the agency approved certain products from NETGEAR and Adtran to continue operating under specific conditions through October 1, 2027.
That shows this is not a one-size-fits-all rule. Instead, it is an evolving policy where some devices may continue receiving support while others may face tighter restrictions.
What the FCC says about router risks and next steps
The FCC says the decision is based on national security concerns, including supply chain vulnerabilities and potential cybersecurity risks tied to certain foreign-produced equipment.
At the same time, the policy includes a path for exceptions. Companies can seek conditional approvals through federal agencies, and regulators can revisit the rules as more information becomes available.
That means the final impact will likely depend on how those decisions play out over time.
8 ways to protect your network after the FCC router rule
Until there is more clarity, a few simple steps can help keep your home network secure.
1) Check how long your router is supported
First, find your router’s exact model number. You can usually see it on a label on the bottom or back of the device. Next, go to the manufacturer’s website, such as NETGEAR, Linksys or TP-Link, and search for that model. Open its support page and look for sections like Support, Downloads, Firmware or End of Life. Then, check for a support timeline, the date of the most recent firmware update or any notes saying the product is no longer supported. If you cannot find clear information, that is a warning sign that your router may not receive regular security updates.
2) Keep your router updated
Next, log into your router settings. To do this, open a web browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar. Common ones include 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Then sign in using your admin username and password. Once you are in, look for sections labeled Firmware, Software Update or Administration. Check for available updates and install them if needed. If your router supports automatic updates, turn that on. This helps close security gaps quickly without you having to check manually. If you are not sure where to find these settings, you can also use your router’s mobile app if it has one, which often makes updates easier.
GET FASTER WI-FI WITH THESE SIMPLE HOME FIXES
Security updates remain the key protection for home routers as the FCC blocks new authorizations for covered foreign-produced models. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
3) Plan ahead for replacement
If your router is already a few years old, start planning for a replacement. Do not wait until updates stop. Instead, look for models with clearly stated support timelines. Check out our picks for the Top Routers for best security at cyberguy.com
4) Secure your devices as a backup layer
Your router is the first line of defense. However, your devices matter too. Keep your phone, computer and tablet updated. Also, use strong antivirus software to help catch threats that slip through. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
5) Review connected devices
From time to time, check what is connected to your network. You can do this in your router settings under “Connected Devices” or in your router’s app. If you see anything unfamiliar, remove it right away.
6) Use strong passwords
Create a strong Wi-Fi password and a separate admin password for your router. Avoid using default credentials. A password manager can help you generate and store secure logins. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com
7) Turn off remote access
First, log into your router settings using a web browser. Type your router’s IP address, such as 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, into the address bar and sign in with your admin credentials. Next, look for settings labeled Remote Access, Remote Management, Web Access from WAN, or Cloud Access. These are often found under sections like Advanced, Administration or Security. Then, turn that setting off and save your changes. This prevents your router from being accessed from outside your home network. If you cannot find the option, check your router’s mobile app or the manufacturer’s support page. Some routers hide this setting or disable it by default.
8) Restart your router regularly
First, unplug your router from the power outlet. Wait about 30 seconds to let it fully shut down. Next, plug it back in and wait a few minutes for it to reconnect to the internet. You can also restart your router through its settings. Log in, then look for options like Reboot or Restart under sections such as Administration or System. Doing this every few weeks can help apply updates and clear temporary issues that may affect performance or security. If your router supports scheduled reboots, you can turn that on to automate the process.
Kurt’s key takeaway
This is not a situation where your internet suddenly becomes unsafe. There is no recall. There is no shutdown. Your router will not stop working on a specific date. However, there is a new question mark that did not exist before. The Federal Communications Commission has created a system where future updates for some devices could depend on how the rules evolve. That puts more importance on something most people rarely think about: how long their router will stay supported. For now, you still have time. The current waiver runs into 2027, and regulators have signaled they may revisit the policy before then. The smart move is simple. Know what you own, keep it updated and stay aware as this situation develops.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
As policies around your home tech change, how much responsibility should fall on regulators versus the companies that keep your devices updated? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
On or about January 6, 2026, for example, VAN DYKE asked Polymarket to delete his Polymarket account, falsely claiming that he had lost access to the email address to which the account had been associated. That same day, VAN DYKE changed the email registered to his cryptocurrency exchange account to an email address that was not subscribed to in his name, which email address was created on or about December 14., 2025.
-
Missouri52 seconds agoKansas City, Missouri, police launch homicide investigation, after shooting at 55th and Prospect
-
Montana7 minutes agoEmergency declared as supply chain disruptions hit farms
-
Nebraska13 minutes agoToday in History – April 24: Statue added to top of Nebraska Capitol
-
Nevada19 minutes agoHenderson mental health professionals to be dispatched through 988
-
New Hampshire25 minutes agoNH News Recap: Local police and ICE funds; more YDC scrutiny; good news in Franklin
-
New Jersey31 minutes ago
How are public libraries funded in New Jersey? ⋆ Princeton, NJ local news %
-
New Mexico37 minutes agoHere’s how to get extra SNAP dollars in New Mexico this year
-
North Carolina43 minutes agoNorth Carolina Center Henri Veesaar Entering NBA Draft
