How to Protect Yourself From the Giant Marriott Hack
Unless you were caught napping, you’ve undoubtedly read of the huge Marriott hack of as many as 500 million customers. About 325 million of these customers had sensitive data stolen such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers and dates of birth. For millions of others, credit card numbers and card expiration dates were potentially compromised. This kind of information could be used to steal your identity and open bank accounts, credit cards or loans in your name. CNN, among others, has suggestions about how to protect yourself including changing your password, 2-factor identification, and vigilant monitoring of your accounts. Marriott is offering WebWatcher tracking free for a year. For additional information direct from Marriott: see Kroll
Apple’s $100 ‘GiveBack’ As iPhone Suppliers Deliver New Warnings
Has Apple lost its shine? Sagging sales of new iPhones are causing supplier and market jitters according to multiples online news accounts. The new iPhones are in trouble and the company’s response is uncharacteristically telling. Apple has announced it will give customers new cash incentives to buy them. Tariff threats plus lagging sales of the most expensive iPhones yet led to the discount.
In addition, Apple’s Chinese manufacturers have reported profit warnings due to order cutbacks of 25% by their “largest customer,” and Apple sales are down 20% this month. Importantly, Forbes says while it’s too early to call this a crisis, ” it’s the toughest spell Apple has faced in a decade…”
Last Minute Gifts For, Well, Almost Anyone.
Tech gifts in all sizes, prices, and categories are front and center in CNet’s 2018 Gift Guide. From budget-conscious stocking stuffers under $50 to higher end splurges, there are bountiful suggestions. And if you’ve zeroed in on a special category, you’ll find suggestions for home stuff, as well as best smartphones, TVs, headphones, and computers. Better get crackin’! Photo: Google Home Hub
For the camper in your life
Meet the BioLite FirePit — a Bluetooth enabled, portable firepit with 51 oxygen air jets and a 10,400 mAh powerpack for a 24-hour runtime. Using firewood or charcoal enjoy the flames or use the removable grill grate to cook hibachi-style. Control the size of your flames manually or wirelessly from your smartphone. Enjoy the warmth, smell, crackle, and feel of a wood campfire, without any of the smoke with capacity for up to 4 standard firewood logs X-ray mesh body sports a 360-degree view. Sweet!
About $200 at BioLite, Rei or other major outdoor retailers.
For your little wannabe coder
Pick up this Kano Harry Potter Coding Kit and see the magic happen. Aspiring Hogwarts learn how to connect code blocks then see the JavaScript in action. 70 routines inspire plenty of magic. Wave the wand and see instant action on screen. Make broomsticks fly. Create chocolate frogs. Transfigure owls. Make art games and music.
A fun, creative way to encourage coding skills. Kano also has an online platform called Kano World with nearly 250,000 users where you share your creations and customize other people’s work. You can buy the wand kit at Kano, Amazon and other major outlets.
The company also makes interesting kits such as one to build a pint-size computer and one to build a touch tablet.
In The News
A guide to deleting your accounts from any website: from Amazon to Facebook. Breaking up is hard to do!
Google officially announces Project Fi wireless service. Automatically switch between 4G LTE and WiFi.
What is Windows Hello? Microsofts Biometric Security System explained.
Say hello to Microsoft’s new Office icons A major revamp is in the works
Dell Forces Password Reset for Online Customers Following Data Breach Dell has reset passwords for all customers of its online store following a data breach in which the names, email addresses, and hashed passwords belonging to an unknown number of people may have been exposed.
Best password managers: Reviews and buying advice Compared are six of the most popular. All support Windows Mac OS, Android, and iOS, as well as the major browsers.
Wednesday, May 01, 2019 11:52 AM