⚠️ Pop goes the malware: You’re scrolling the web when, bam, a pop-up says you need to “verify your identity.” Nope. That’s not security, that’s a scam called ClickFix. The NSA says these fake pop-ups now target iPhones and Androids, tricking you into clicking, copying or pasting your way into malware. If you see one, just close everything. Save yourself the clicks and tears.
The post Pop goes the malware appeared first on Komando.com.
Remember when viruses came from clicking on sketchy email attachments like “hotpics[.]exe”? Good times. Today’s malware doesn’t even need a file. It slips into your system’s memory like a digital ninja, using tools already on your computer like PowerShell, WMI or macros to do its dirty work.
No download. No alert. Just boom, you’re compromised.
These are called fileless viruses, and they’re exploding. Security firms say they’re up nearly 40% this year. Why? Because your antivirus doesn’t see them coming. No file, no warning. But wait, it gets worse.
🎭 Shape-shifting viruses
Some of the newest malware doesn’t just sneak in, it learns. This next-gen code changes its form on the fly, adapting in real time to whatever security software it bumps into. Think of it like the T-1000 from Terminator, but instead of turning into liquid metal, it changes its signature to hide.
And it’s not being built in a basement. These tools are mass-produced and sold like Netflix subscriptions on the dark web. It’s called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), and yes, that’s as terrifying as it sounds. For a few hundred bucks, anyone with bad intentions can launch a full-blown cyberattack.
🎯 The new target
You’ve got a smart thermostat, maybe a printer, a tablet, a few security cameras. All it takes is one “forgot to update,” and they’re in.
Even developers aren’t safe. A few months ago, a virus slipped into a popular open-source library. Anyone who downloaded the update brought the malware into their own code. That’s how fast this stuff spreads.
🛡️ Your virus-proof checklist
Turn on automatic software and firmware updates for everything.
Don’t trust random pop-ups asking you to “run a security check.”
Lock down your smart home devices with 2FA and unique passwords.
Back up your files regularly, ransomware loves a hostage.
Most important: Use solid real-time antivirus with behavior monitoring, not just signature scanning. TotalAV, a sponsor of my nationally syndicated radio show, protects you in real time. It doesn’t just wait for a scheduled scan.
It’s always watching in the background, blocking viruses, trojans, adware and other threats the moment they try to strike. TotalAV even checks for suspicious, virus-like behavior to catch threats that haven’t been cataloged yet.
That means you’re protected not just from known attacks but also from brand-new ones cybercriminals are cooking. Right now, you can get TotalAV on up to five devices for $19 for the first year.
The malware game is leveling up. Time to do the same.
The post New malware changes everything appeared first on Komando.com.
Raycon’s anniversary means 20% off the Everyday Earbuds Classic! I love their comfy fit, Active Noise Cancellation, Awareness mode and up to 32 hours of battery life. Grab a pair with my link and see why fans love them: BuyRaycon.com/KIM.
The post Raycon’s anniversary means 20% off the Everyday Earbuds Classic appeared first on Komando.com.
🦆 Ducking autocorrect: Nothing’s worse than your phone “fixing” words you meant to type. On iOS, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement to add your own. On Android, go to Settings > System > Keyboard > Personal dictionary. Or just type the word, tap it in the suggestions bar, and teach your phone who’s boss.
The post Ducking autocorrect appeared first on Komando.com.
Cable hoarding pays off: That tangle of old cords in your junk drawer? Some are weirdly valuable. GameCube cables can fetch $200, and even a dusty SCSI might score $50. Before you toss that HDMI doppelgänger, check eBay, nerds will pay. Turns out nostalgia is profitable, and so is not cleaning your garage for 15 years. Check here to see how much your old cables are worth.
The post Cable hoarding pays off appeared first on Komando.com.
🪟 Smarter windows: Corning (yep, the iPhone glass folks) dropped new “Enlighten” windows that are essentially energy-saving machines. Normal windows leak heat 10 to 20 times worse than your walls. These new ones? Up to 5x more efficient. Ah yes, finally an energy-saving way to stare at the Amazon guy delivering your packages.
The post Smarter windows appeared first on Komando.com.
Stolen property: With just a forged signature, your home and equity can be stolen. I trust Home Title Lock to get 24/7 monitoring and suspicious activity alerts to safeguard my home and finances. Get 14 days FREE plus a free Title History Report.
The post Stolen property appeared first on Komando.com.
📖 Make your Kindle feel like a real book: Love this little change. Go to Settings > Screen and brightness > Show covers on lock screen.
The post Make your Kindle feel like a real book appeared first on Komando.com.
🛒 ChatGPT goes checkout: If you’re in the U.S., you can buy Etsy stuff inside ChatGPT. Shopify’s next. It’s single-item for now, Stripe handles payment, and merchants pay the fee, not you. Amazon and Walmart aren’t playing (yet).
The post ChatGPT goes checkout appeared first on Komando.com.
Ears the catch: Apple’s new Live Translation feature is finally coming to older AirPods (yay!), but there’s a catch. It only works if you also have an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. So unless you’ve got a $1K+ phone and the right earbuds and iOS 26, it’s back to Google Translate and hand gestures. Or get the new AirPod 3s. The heart sensing and live translation is so good.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.The post Ears the catch appeared first on Komando.com.
