We’ve reported on a fair number of tiny homes in the past, but this one takes things to a whole new level. It’s called the Massimo Modular E9. At just 409 square feet, it combines sleek design with smart technology and cleverly optimized space in a way that truly stands out. With its stunning panoramic views and innovative features, the E9 proves that downsizing doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Let’s look and see what makes this little gem so special.

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This is not your average tiny home

Imagine a home that looks like it’s straight out of tomorrow. That’s the E9 for you. With its sleek, futuristic design and nearly see-through exterior, it’s not just a house. It’s a statement. And boy, does it pack a punch. From smart features to panoramic views, this little wonder shows us how modern living can be both stylish and functional.

Interior of E9 tiny home (Massimo Modular) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Smart technology at your fingertips

Now, let’s talk tech. The E9 is like having a personal assistant built into your home. As soon as you approach, you’re greeted by a smart lock on the front door. Inside, LED strip lights and a central skylight create a warm, inviting atmosphere. But here’s where it gets even better: There’s an all-in-one smart control system that manages everything from automatic curtains to underfloor heating, all from your smartphone.

Smart control system of E9 tiny home (Massimo Modular) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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A room with a view (or not)

One of the coolest things about the E9 is its 270-degree panoramic windows. It’s like living in a glass house with breathtaking views from almost every angle. But don’t worry about privacy. Those smart curtains I mentioned? They can be activated with just a touch of a button. So you can enjoy the view when you want and cozy up when you need to.

Interior of E9 tiny home (Massimo Modular) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Compact but comfortable

You might think that living in 409 square feet means sacrificing comfort. Think again. The E9’s kitchen comes with a two-burner induction stovetop and plenty of counter space. There’s a bathroom with a walk-in shower and a full-size toilet. And get this: The bedroom fits a queen-size bed. It’s proof that downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading.

Bedroom of E9 tiny home (Massimo Modular) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Built to last

This tiny home isn’t just a pretty face. It’s tough as nails. The E9 is designed to withstand 8.0 magnitude earthquakes and Category 1 hurricanes. With a promised 70-year service life, it’s a tiny home that’s built for the long haul.

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Exterior of E9 tiny homes (Massimo Modular) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Quick and easy setup

The Massimo Modular E9 stands out for its quick and easy setup, allowing you to have it fully installed in as little as two hours, without the usual construction headaches. Whether you’re creating a tiny home, office or studio, all you need to do is pick the location, and your high-tech space is ready to use. Its versatility is another major highlight: It can be set up almost anywhere, from a mountainside to a backyard or even off the grid. This flexibility makes it perfect for those wanting a compact home that can adapt to their lifestyle and unique environment.

Exterior of E9 tiny home (Massimo Modular) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How much does this tiny home cost?

Now, you’re probably wondering about the price tag. The Massimo Modular E9 comes in at $95,995. Sure, it’s not cheap, but when you consider all the high-tech features and durable design, it’s actually quite a value. It’s positioning itself as an affordable yet luxurious alternative to many traditional tiny homes on the market.

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Aerial view of E9 tiny home community (Massimo Modular) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Massimo Modular E9 is really shaking things up in the world of tiny homes. It shows us that living small doesn’t mean living without style or modern conveniences. With its cutting-edge technology and sustainable design, it gives us a glimpse of what the future of housing might look like. Whether you’re looking for a tiny home, an office or a cozy studio, the E9 is definitely worth checking out.

Could you see yourself living in a tiny home like this? What features would be essential for you to make that transition? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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The clocks have fallen back an hour for many of us, and if it all feels a bit disorienting, you’re not alone. Thankfully, Amazon’s versatile Echo Spot is on sale to help you adjust. Normally $79.99, right now you can buy the smart alarm clock at Amazon in black, blue, or white with a free Globe Electric smart bulb for $49.99, which equates to $41.99 in savings. That’s just $5 shy of the all-time low we saw during Amazon’s recent Prime Day event.

Amazon’s speedy smart speaker can be set up so that it gently wakes you up with music instead of typical alarm clock sounds, which can be jarring. The Spot is also a lot more useful than your run-of-the-mill clock, as it offers a customizable 2.83-inch screen that displays helpful info (including the weather and music playback). However, unlike Amazon’s larger smart displays, the latest Spot doesn’t push on-screen ads and lacks a camera, so there’s less of a privacy concern.

What makes the Spot particularly useful, though, is that it functions as an inexpensive Alexa speaker. That means you can use it to perform all kinds of tasks, from setting reminders to playing podcasts, audiobooks, and music. You can also use it to control other smart home devices with just your voice, including lights and smart thermostats. That’ll come in handy as the days get colder and darker — after all, no one wants to leave the warmth of their bed just to hit the lights.

Do you remember those TV shows where the villain gets defeated in one season but comes back even stronger in the next? Think “Stranger Things” on Netflix. The malware we’re talking about here is just like that. It’s called FakeCalls, and every time researchers figure out how it infects devices, it evolves with new ways to hide. 

Earlier this year, it was reported to be impersonating large financial institutions, and now security researchers have discovered that the malware has gone through another upgrade. It can even hijack the calls you make to your bank using your Android phone.

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What you need to know

FakeCalls is a banking trojan that focuses on voice phishing, where victims are deceived through fraudulent calls impersonating banks and are asked to share sensitive information. Earlier versions did this by prompting users to call the bank from within an app that impersonated the financial institution, as reported by Bleeping Computer. However, the latest version, analyzed by Zimperium, sets itself as the default call handler.

The default call handler app manages incoming and outgoing calls, allowing users to answer, reject or initiate calls. Giving these permissions to a malicious app, as you can imagine, carries serious risks.

When a user gives the app permission to set itself as the default call handler, the malware gets the green light to intercept and mess with both outgoing and incoming calls. It even shows a fake call interface that looks just like the real Android dialer, complete with trusted contact info and names. This level of deception makes it really tough for victims to see what’s happening.

“When the compromised individual attempts to contact their financial institution, the malware redirects the call to a fraudulent number controlled by the attacker,” explains the new Zimperium report. “The malicious app will deceive the user, displaying a convincing fake UI that appears to be the legitimate Android’s call interface showing the real bank’s phone number.”

“The victim will be unaware of the manipulation, as the malware’s fake UI will mimic the actual banking experience, allowing the attacker to extract sensitive information or gain unauthorized access to the victim’s financial accounts,” the report added.

Android home screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The malware can also steal your data

This malware not only hijacks your calls but can also steal your data. It gets access to Android’s Accessibility permissions, which basically gives it free rein to do whatever it wants. The developer of the malware has also added several new commands, including the ability to start livestreaming the device’s screen, take screenshots, unlock the device if it’s locked and temporarily turn off auto-lock. It can also use accessibility features to mimic pressing the home button, delete images specified by the command server, and access, compress and upload photos and thumbnails from storage, especially from the DCIM folder.

Android phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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6 ways to protect yourself from FakeCalls malware

1) Have strong antivirus software: Android has its own built-in malware protection called Play Protect, but the FakeCalls malware proves it’s not enough. Historically, Play Protect hasn’t been 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android phones. Also, avoid clicking on any links in messages or emails that seem suspicious. 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. 

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2) Download apps from reliable sources: It’s important to download apps only from trusted sources, like the Google Play Store. The FakeCalls malware infects your phone when you download an app from an unknown link. As an Android user, you should only download apps from the Play Store, which has strict checks to prevent malware and other harmful software. Avoid downloading apps from unknown websites or unofficial stores, as they pose a higher risk to your personal data and device. Also, never trust download links that you receive 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, as updates often include security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware like FakeCalls.

5) Monitor financial activity regularly: Check your bank and credit card statements often for unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts for any account activity, which can notify you immediately if suspicious activity occurs.

6) Limit sensitive transactions on mobile: Whenever possible, avoid performing high-risk transactions (like large money transfers) on your mobile device, especially if you’re in public or connected to unsecured Wi-Fi. Use a secure computer or contact your bank directly from a verified number.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Hackers are constantly upgrading their tactics and finding clever ways to hack your devices and scam you out of your hard-earned money. I really think Android phone manufacturers and Google need to step up their game on security to help keep users from getting hacked so often. I don’t see the same level of malware affecting iPhones.

How comfortable are you using your mobile phone for financial transactions, and what would make you feel safer? 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.