If you don’t have antivirus software, you’re putting every internet-connected gadget you own at risk. Something as simple as an unchanged router password can be an entry point for an invader to shut down your phone or even taunt your children through a security camera or smart speaker.

All your devices probably tell a detailed story about your life. Our computers and phones are critically important, from work emails and important documents to family photos. Are your devices truly protected? If you don’t have antivirus software installed, the answer is no.

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With all the cybercriminals and digital threats, you shouldn’t pinch pennies when protecting your devices. Using free antivirus software can actually put you at risk. You need smarter, more robust tools to combat increasingly sophisticated hackers and scammers.

When it comes to antivirus software, you get what you pay for. Invest in a security suite that protects your computer and smartphone from today’s threats. Invest in our sponsor, TotalAV.

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If you’re still mailing checks, now would be a good time to go paperless. New reports show that check fraud has doubled in the past year, thanks to organized crime. Things are so concerning that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) warns Americans to stop mailing checks completely.

Need a reason or two to start paying bills online? Keep reading to catch up on the latest stats and steps to protect yourself. 

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Hackers may have already compromised your network. Tap or click here for a free test to see if your router has been hacked. Keep reading for ways to protect your system from hackers.

This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, ExpressVPN. Protect your privacy. Get three months free when you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim.

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Make no mistake: You’re being tracked. Want to be shocked? Look at the secret map on your smartphone that watches your every move. Tap or click here to see the map tracking you and wipe it clean.

What about advertisements that follow you across the web? Facebook is one of the biggest data hogs. Tap or click for ways to stop or limit targeted ads on Facebook.

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Before you bite on a headline about this online, let me give you the whole story. MoneyGeek analyzed FBI crime stats from 2021 (the latest available) to see which cities across the U.S. are the safest and least safe. 

Now, before you scan this list, a few grains of salt: The data is two years old, the FBI had just switched platforms and not everyone knew how to submit, and not every city and town provided 12 months of info.

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If you’re online, you’re at risk, plain and simple. There’s more out there after your info and wallet than you realize, from phishing scams to ransomware and malicious apps to malware.

That’s why it’s critical to protect your personal and business devices correctly. When it comes to your computer, tablet and phone, you need a robust security suite.

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When you want to protect your home, you look for security systems that warn when people are on your property, record footage you can access at any time and can sound an alarm that scares off any would-be burglars.

Alarm systems should have your protection at heart. The information your alarm company accesses should be used for that purpose and that purpose only.

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Doing online searches without a VPN is asking your internet service provider, Google or your search engine of choice to snoop on what you do. All that information — the products you look up, medical conditions you search for, people you Google — is compiled into the dossier about you.

There are tons of VPN providers out there. You’ve probably heard of a couple of them — and some of you may have even used a VPN before. But I like to research my sponsors, and I can confidently say that ExpressVPN is the best one on the market. Believe me. I’ve tried my fair share over the years. 

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Security cameras give us peace of mind that our homes and valuables are safe when we’re away. A doorbell camera can be a significant deterrent for sneaky thieves.

They aren’t failsafe, though. Crooks can jam Wi-Fi-connected video doorbells and rob you before you realize what happened. It’s rare but possible. Tap or click for smart ways to stop them in their tracks.

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Do you have any old tech piling up and collecting dust? If so, you may be thinking about donating or selling it. This is a good idea, especially since gadget prices are skyrocketing. Many people are in the market for a gently used smartphone or computer rather than spending big bucks for a brand-new one.

However, there is one critical step that many people forget to take before getting rid of their old devices. They fail to delete sensitive data permanently, and that’s a huge mistake.

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Apple and Google are teaming up to inform you of unwanted AirTags and other Bluetooth tracking devices nearby. What took them so long?

The tech rivals want to make unwanted tracking detection an industry standard. This way, all Bluetooth trackers will be compatible with tracking detection and alerts on iOS and Android devices. 

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Kai Kloepfer was in high school in 2012 when a man walked into a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado and killed 12 while injuring 70 more. 

Now 26, Kloepfer is releasing a product he has been working on ever since: a smart gun. It started as a science fair project in response to the shooting and is now the centerpiece of Biofire, which has raised $30 million in funding. Here’s the story.

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There are a few common flubs homeowners make when it comes to security, like keeping doors and windows unlocked or flaunting their wealth. Some subtleties can also endanger your possessions.

Sometimes, it’s hard to notice little signs burglars look for. You may be making their job easier. Tap or click here for simple ways to protect your home from burglars.

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The phone rings, and as soon as you say hello, the person on the other end starts babbling about saving money on car insurance. Don’t say anything! They could be recording your voice, which they’ll use to impersonate you. If you do speak up, avoid saying this one word.

When it comes to telemarketing and scam calls, the best thing to do is not pick up the phone. But it’s not always easy to tell whether an incoming call is legitimate.

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Video doorbells are one of the best investments you can make for home security. It’s been shown they can deter up to 43% of criminals from actually causing problems. Tap or click for seven clever new uses for your smart doorbell camera.

Contrary to what many believe, you don’t need to put much work into installing them. Wireless doorbell cameras have primarily made complicated wiring and set-up a thing of the past.

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No matter how careful you are, your personal information will find its way to the internet. Whenever you sign up for a new account, share a photo on social media or make a purchase, another bit of your data is exposed.

Anybody can do a Google search to find out more information about you. There’s a lot of data-shared you can’t stop, but you can request that personal details like your address and phone number be removed. Tap or click here for step-by-step instructions.

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Since 2020, fraud cases have risen by an estimated 70%. If you don’t go above and beyond to protect your data, cybercriminals can steal your benefits, tank your credit score or commit crimes in your name. You’ll need strong cybersecurity practices and identity theft protection devices to stay safe.

Let’s start with what you should do online. To throw off digital identity thieves, use unique passwords, message encryption and software updates. Tap or click here for six ways to prevent identity theft.

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Hollywood has helped create an image that instantly pops into our minds when we hear the term cyberattack. Many of us think of a group of devious hackers led by the likes of Hans Gruber from “Die Hard.” While people like Gruber exist, most cybercriminals are simply common thieves looking to rip people off.

Names, email addresses, usernames, passwords and credit card information are some of the prime pieces of information criminals steal in data breaches. Tap or click here to learn about one of the scariest cyberattacks of 2022. The dangers are real, and threats could be closer than you think.

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Scams are rising, and more people are falling for phishing attacks and email hacks than ever. Tap or click here for three immediate steps to take if you fell for a scam.

Just think about how often you open an email from someone you trust and click a link or download an attachment. Every one of those times is a chance for an enterprising cybercriminal to fool you.

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