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Google’s Dark Side: 5 search terms to avoid at all costs

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Google’s Dark Side: 5 search terms to avoid at all costs

Ever Google seek for coupon or promo codes? You’ll most likely waste quarter-hour placing in codes that don’t work. At worst, you’ll find yourself on a malware-infected web site. Use these confirmed methods to save cash as an alternative. 

Streaming is dear, so that you is likely to be tempted to lookup free TV exhibits or films. Don’t do it. There are critically sketchy websites on the market. I put collectively a listing of how to get free films and exhibits you may belief. 

It doesn’t finish there — not even shut. How can a easy Google search be harmful? Hold studying. 

60 TOP GOOGLE PLAY APPS INFECTED WITH ANDROID MALWARE AFFECTING MILLIONS

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search engine optimization poisoning and scammy adverts 

Google something and also you get pages of search outcomes. On the very prime are the “Sponsored Outcomes.” These are paid adverts companies use to drive site visitors to their web sites.  

Google doesn’t vet everybody who buys an advert. Cybercrooks can purchase adverts similar to reliable corporations — besides they disguise nasty malware on their websites. Scammers are getting good at search engine optimization, so their malicious search outcomes are on the prime of the natural outcomes. 

So, what phrases do you have to keep away from? Sadly, there’s an entire lot. Let’s give attention to 5 that might do some actual injury. 

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1. Free credit score report 

There are authentic methods to get a free credit score report. However cybercriminals go after the juiciest search phrases and take into consideration all they’ll get their fingers on in case you suppose it’s a web site you may belief. 

The federal Honest Credit score Reporting Act requires the three credit score reporting businesses (Transunion, Experian, and Equifax) to supply U.S. customers with a free annual credit score report. There are a selection of how you may request a duplicate of your annual report from every company: 

Picture of bank cards with a mix lock resting on prime of them. (Fox Information)

On-line: www.AnnualCreditReport.com 

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Telephone: 1-877-FACTACT (1-877-322-8882) 

If you wish to ship by mail, obtain and full the Annual Credit score Report Request Type, then ship it to: 

Annual Credit score Report Request Service 

P.O. Field 105281 

Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 

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Should you submit your request through telephone or mail, your credit score report shall be mailed to you inside 15 days as soon as the paperwork is obtained. 

2. Tech help telephone numbers 

Pretend numbers are a traditional. If scammers can determine the right way to get your financial institution’s title to look once they name, you may wager they’ll get their numbers excessive in searches. 

CREDIT CARD FRAUD ALERT? HERE’S HOW CROOKS SWIPE YOUR PAYMENT CARD DETAILS

Listed here are a couple of of probably the most searched: 

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  • Amazon: 888-280-4331
  • Microsoft: 800-642-7676
  • Apple: 800-275-2273
  • Google: 650-253-0000
  • Meta (Fb and Instagram): 650-543-4800

For extra tech firm numbers and help websites in case you choose to contact on-line, go right here

3. How you can generate profits on-line 

On my nationwide radio present, I get so many questions on whether or not an incredible money-making alternative is actual. Virtually at all times, my reply isn’t any.  

There may be actually cash to be made at residence, but when a suggestion appears too good to be true, it most likely is.  

Google headquarters in Mountain View, California

Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. Alphabet Inc. is anticipated to launch earnings figures on February 2.  (Photographer: Marlena Sloss/Bloomberg through Getty Pictures)

Some corporations provide superior worker perks or excessive pay — however good jobs are arduous to search out. If one falls out of the digital sky with extra pay or perks than you’d get with the same place with one other firm, be skeptical. 

Additionally, be cautious of contract or part-time jobs that include many uncommon perks. This might be a part-time workplace help job you are doing remotely with a surprisingly beneficiant bonus compensation plan or a job providing you a way more versatile schedule than anticipated.  

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Listed here are 9 extra indicators a job provide is bogus so that you don’t get scammed. 

4. Free folks search 

Individuals finder, folks search, folks lookup — it doesn’t matter what you name these websites, they’re infamous for ripping folks off. 

You’re inquisitive about a brand new love curiosity, enterprise contact, or outdated pal. There are (free) methods to dig up dust, however these websites are merely attempting to reel you into an costly subscription. 

What to do as an alternative? 

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Take a look at publicly-available data like authorities paperwork, arrest information and property data. 

Do an intensive Google search. There’s an artwork to this. Strive these steps. 

Professional tip: Your data is probably going on many scummy folks search websites. You’ll be able to wipe it out. I’ve a collection of how-to articles, Decide-out Tuesday, that will help you wipe your private particulars.  

5. Crypto pockets 

Cryptocurrency BitCoin

UKRAINE – 2021/05/23: On this photograph illustration a Bitcoin (BTC) cryptocurrency brand is seen on a smartphone display. (Picture Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Pictures/LightRocket through Getty Pictures) (Getty Pictures)

Have some cash in crypto or attempting to get in whereas costs are low? That search isn’t the best way to discover a pockets to retailer your digital forex. It’s a highway to catastrophe.  

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Once you purchase cryptocurrency on an alternate like Coinbase, a pockets is created for you — one which the alternate controls. That is known as a custodial pockets. To maneuver your crypto, purchase issues with it or stake it to earn cash, it is advisable transfer to a self-custody pockets. Which means you’ve gotten full management over the pockets and the whole lot inside it. It additionally means persons are extra prone to being scammed out of their funds.  

Professional tip: Each pockets has a “seed phrase” made up of sometimes 12 to 24 random-seeming phrases. By no means, ever give this out. It’s the key to open your pockets from any system. 

Right here on my web site, we record a couple of of the most well-liked wallets and the proper hyperlinks to obtain them. 

Hold your tech-know going  

My widespread podcast known as “Kim Komando Immediately.” It’s a stable half-hour of tech information, suggestions, and callers with tech questions such as you from all around the nation. Seek for it wherever you get your podcasts. To your comfort, hit the hyperlink beneath for a current episode. 

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PODCAST PICK: Musk’s Trustworthy AI, free $ from Fb & states ban TikTok 

Plus, are you being stalked on-line? A forensic knowledgeable provides tell-tale indicators and instruments to search out the individual. Additionally, why Google went down $57B in at some point and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth safety gotchas. And a hidden secret ID in your telephone that provides away your non-public particulars to anybody. 

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

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

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Sound like a tech professional, even in case you’re not! Award-winning widespread host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Pay attention on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And be part of over 400,000 individuals who get her free 5-minute every day electronic mail e-newsletter. 

Copyright 2023, WestStar Multimedia Leisure. All rights reserved. 

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Compression-mounted laptop RAM is fast, efficient, and upgradeable

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Compression-mounted laptop RAM is fast, efficient, and upgradeable

The first laptop with LPCAMM2 memory is finally here. The folks at iFixit got their hands on the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 (Gen 7), which uses LPDDR5X memory in an LPCAMM2 module that you can upgrade or replace by simply unscrewing from the laptop’s motherboard.

That’s a major change from existing LPDDR memory in most modern laptops. This type of memory is typically soldered onto the motherboard, making it much more difficult to upgrade. LPCAMM2 — or Low-Power Compression-Attached Memory Module — offers modularity without losing the power efficiency of LPDDR.

Image: iFixit and Image: iFixit

Traditional DDR RAM uses SODIMM sticks that slot into the motherboard, much like on desktop PCs. As pointed out by iFixit, LPDDR is much more power-efficient, but it needs to be soldered directly to the mainboard, as close to the processor as possible. Up until now, manufacturers have had to choose between upgradeable RAM and power-efficient RAM. LPCAMM2 attempts to split the difference by cozying up to the motherboard with screws, rather than solder. And unlike SODIMM sticks, each LPCAMM2 module is dual-channel, so you only need one, not two.

As shown in the hands-on video posted by iFixit, you can replace the LPCAMM2 in Lenovo’s new ThinkPad P1 by removing the laptop’s backing and then taking out the battery. From there, you can take out the LPCAMM2 by removing three Phillips-head screws.

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In addition to Micron, Samsung and ADATA are also getting in on LPCAMM2. That will hopefully mean you’ll be able to upgrade your memory if it comes with a measly 8GB of RAM, but we likely can’t count on every manufacturer to make the shift.

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Hollywood hijacked: The AI takeover of Tinseltown’s films to fake out Americans

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Hollywood hijacked: The AI takeover of Tinseltown’s films to fake out Americans

If you’re a fan who counts down the days to upcoming movie releases for your favorite characters, you may also be a big fan of movie trailers. So, you may be quite angry if you believe you’ve stumbled on a secret movie trailer on YouTube that looks like the real thing, only to discover artificial intelligence duped you.

Although people have been creating fake movie trailers for quite a while and releasing them on platforms like YouTube, readily available artificial intelligence apps make the process far easier. A recent fake AI movie trailer for the James Bond movie franchise – that appeared to show Henry Cavill as the new Bond character – became quite popular, generating almost 4 million views in two weeks.

However, the trailer was a fake from KH Studio. Judging from the comments on YouTube, its quality was more than good enough to dupe many viewers who thought they were viewing the real thing. Because it generated so many views, other creators are sure to look to do something similar. 

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Movie screen in a movie theater (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Why fake AI movie trailers scare Hollywood

AI technology played a key role in the recent labor talks in Hollywood between studios and the actor’s and writer’s unions. The union members wanted guarantees about how studios would use AI that would protect their jobs and creative rights.

The fake movie trailers highlight some of the biggest fears of the creatives in Hollywood. They fear filmmakers could upload existing material into AI software, allowing the AI to generate new material without needing writers or actors. Perhaps AI software could even reboot original TV shows and movies from decades ago with images of the actors as they looked in their younger days.

Those generating fake AI movie trailers currently don’t have a film studio’s financial resources or computing power. Yet, they are already fooling some people into believing the trailers are real. Without safeguards in place, those studios could potentially use their significant resources in the near future to generate AI content that simply isn’t distinguishable from the real thing.

Hollywood hijacked: The AI takeover of Tinseltown’s films to fake out Americans

Clapperboard used in filmmaking (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: AI’S IMPACT ON HOLLYWOOD AMID ‘BARBENHEIMER’ EPIC FRENZY

The proliferation of fake movie trailers on YouTube

You don’t have to search hard online for advice and step-by-step instructions for creating fake movie trailers. Such instructions include information on mimicking the audio, graphics and video to make the trailer look realistic. They can even help you create a fictional description to accompany the YouTube upload.

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Those who create these trailers often are simply looking for ways to show off their creativity – while generating plenty of views for potential monetization.

One creator well-known for these types of movies is Abandoned Films on YouTube. This creator uses a combination of AI and Photoshop to generate fake trailers for modern television shows and films that feature camera technology from the 1950s and 1960s.

Another YouTube creator, Curious Refuge, uses AI to generate movie trailers as if they’re filmed in the style of American filmmaker Wes Anderson.

Hollywood hijacked: The AI takeover of Tinseltown’s films to fake out Americans

Illustration of individual photographic images (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: REAL OR FAKE? AI PRODUCT REVIEWS ARE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Protecting creativity and authenticity

As AI advances, the entertainment industry must work closely with technology companies to establish robust safeguards. This may involve developing digital watermarking techniques, improving trailer authentication processes, and ensuring that AI-generated content is clearly labeled. Preserving the integrity of the moviegoing experience will be crucial in this rapidly evolving landscape.

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MORE: ARE AI DEEPFAKES THE END OF ACTING AS WE KNOW IT?

Kurt’s key takeaways

No one likes to have the wool pulled over their eyes, especially Hollywood stars. Whether you enjoy the creativity found in fake movie trailers generated with AI or you agree with users on Reddit’s YouTube forum who absolutely hate them, they aren’t going to disappear any time soon. With Hollywood concerned about how AI may affect the entertainment industry, these fake AI movie trailers will surely receive increased attention as they become more prevalent and look more realistic.

Do you believe fake AI movie trailers are something akin to fan fiction? Or do such trailers represent a violation of the rights of the creator of the original works? 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.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Apple iPad event: all the news from Apple’s “Let Loose” reveal

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Apple iPad event: all the news from Apple’s “Let Loose” reveal

When Apple CEO Tim Cook and a bunch of his deputies take the virtual stage next week to announce new iPads, they’re going to spend a lot of time talking about specs. If the rumors are true, we’re going to get new iPad Pros with OLED screens and thinner bodies, new Airs with faster chips and a correctly placed front camera, and a couple of new accessories. Before they even launch, I feel confident telling you these are the best iPads ever. But after all these years, I still don’t know how to tell you whether you should want an iPad. Or what you’d want to do with it. 

This has been true forever, of course. The iPad is the jack-of-all-trades in Apple’s lineup, a terrific device in many ways that still feels increasingly redundant now that so many people have big phones and long-lasting laptops. Apple seems to have spent the last decade-plus enamored with the idea of the iPad as a shapeshifter — a device that can be exactly what you need at any given time. The company loves that the iPad’s use case is hard to pin down, that it means different things to different people. It’s a fun, good, ambitious idea: The One Gadget To Rule Them All. The way to make that happen, though, is not to upgrade the chips or move the buttons or redesign the rounded corners. It’s to focus less on the iPad itself and more on the things you attach to it.

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