Beyond Connected

Rosette needed to file a travel insurance claim, so she did what anyone would do, she Googled the phone number. Someone picked up immediately, sounded completely professional, and asked for her credit card and date of birth. It wasn't until the pricing felt off and a confirmation email didn't match the official website that she realized she'd been talking to a scammer the entire time. This is called a search result scam, and it's one of the fastest-growing fraud tactics happening right now, and it's hiding at the very top of your Google results.Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

An 85-year-old man receives what looks like a harmless PayPal refund email… and within days, he out $200,000. He was ashamed and lost. But instead of staying silent, he worked with the police to set up a sting operation, seeking at least partial justice for his misfortunes.In this episode, we break down one of the most sophisticated refund scams we’ve seen, how it unfolded step-by-step, and the red flags everyone should know about. In this episode we discuss:How a fake PayPal refund email started the scamThe mirrored bank website that made everything look realHow crypto ATMs are often used by scammers The moment he realized he was being scammed How scammers isolate victims and create urgencyThe police sting operation to catch the scammer The multi-million dollar scams this trial cracked openPartial justice – the arrest and 18-year prison sentenceWhy victims rarely recover their moneyCommon scam variations involving warrants and goldWarning signs everyone should watch forThe red flags and top tips the policeman (whatever his title is) suggests people do in these types of scams (“"Do the research yourself and figure out what that real phone number is"”)This story is shocking and unfortunately, not at all rare. Just like Brian, at CyberGuy we feel a duty to share these stories far and wide. If we can help even one person recognize the warning signs and cut off a scam at the pass, we’ve done our job. Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

You didn't hand over your life to big tech, but your smart devices did it for you. In this episode, Kurt breaks down the five most alarming privacy clauses buried inside the smart home gadgets most of us already own: your TV, your Ring doorbell, your Amazon Echo, and yes, even your car. The revelations are infuriating — and most of it was turned on by default the moment you plugged in. The good news? Kurt walks you through exactly how to shut every single one of these down, step by step, without getting rid of any of your devices.What You Will Learn in This Episode:How your smart TV is watching what you watch and selling it to advertisers in real timeWhy your Ring doorbell has built a detailed map of your daily routine — including when you leave for workWhat it means that real Amazon employees can listen to recordings from inside your homeHow one automaker was logging your vehicle speed 25 times per second — and selling it to your insurance companyWhy your Amazon Echo has been saving every conversation you've had since the day you bought itHow to turn off smart TV tracking on Roku and Samsung in under two minutesThe exact steps to lock down your Ring app, delete your Alexa history, and opt out of car data sharingWhy these devices are priced so low — and what you're actually paying withEnjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

Dorothy Rhode got a text that looked exactly like a legitimate Apple Pay fraud alert. She called the number in the message, and the man who answered already knew her name, her address, and which banks she used. He told her she'd been targeted by corrupt bank employees, that he was working with the FBI and FDIC, and that she needed to pull $15,000 in cash immediately and tell no one. She got in her car and drove to the bank. What happened next is the reason she's telling this story. Kurt breaks down how this scam works, why even sharp people fall for it, and exactly what to do if it happens to you.What you will learn in this episode:How a text message that looks completely real can be the opening move of a $15,000 scamWhy scammers already know your name, address, and bank before they call you — and how to stop thatWhat to say to a bank teller if you ever feel something's wrong, even mid-transactionHow to set a daily withdrawal limit on your account so scammers can't drain it even if they get inWhy hanging up without saying a word is almost always your best defenseHow to filter unknown callers and unknown text senders on your iPhone so scam messages never reach youWhy the "Do Not Call Registry" does nothing — and what actually works insteadWhat real red flags look like: urgency, secrecy, and any request involving cashEnjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. 

In this episode of Beyond Connected, we dive deep into the world of AI-powered toys and the risks they pose for children. AI companies insist their chatbots aren’t meant for kids, yet third-party developers are creating toys that put these chatbots directly into the hands of children. RJ Cross, a researcher from the Public Interest Research Group PIRG joins the show to uncover the loopholes, risks, and what parents need to know.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are not designed for children, yet appear in toys.How third-party developers exploit loopholes to insert AI into toys without proper safeguards.Real examples of AI toys giving dangerous instructions or engaging in inappropriate conversations.The lack of transparency around AI models and privacy policies leaves parents in the dark.How revenue incentives drive companies to allow AI in kids’ toys despite safety risks.The role of legislators, lobbyists, and potential solutions like citizen tech oversight boards.Practical takeaways for parents: how to evaluate AI toys, identify risks, and protect children.Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. 

Today on Beyond Connected, we’re answering your biggest cybersecurity questions - from suspicious texts to deepfake scams and outdated computers.Are you unknowingly putting your personal data at risk? Let’s break it all down.Is this text message a scam? Here’s how to find out. Is a dedicated financial computer a smart idea? If you do it right, yes! How do I saved my loved one from a deepfake impersonation or romance scam? This one’s tricky...I’ll walk you through it. Shouldn’t the FTC help with these impersonation scams? Yes, but it’s not that simple. How do I know if my computer is too old? I’ve got a nifty list you can reference to find out if your operating system is too old. And if it is, you may be at risk. Thanks for sending in these fantastic questions! If you have a question about data privacy, technology, cybersecurity, or scams, feel free to leave us a message! Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

In this episode of Beyond Connected, we speak with Chrisanna Elser, whose life took a shocking turn when a police officer knocked on her door and accused her of stealing a package from a nearby home.Lucky for her, she was the perfect person to fight this kind of case. Using footage from her dash cam, surveillance systems, and even her Google Timeline, she quickly assembled the evidence to prove her innocence. What began as a simple misunderstanding quickly revealed deeper questions about how surveillance technology is used, how much we rely on it, and what happens when the system gets it wrong.In this episode, we explore• How license plate reader technology identified the wrong person• What happened when police refused to review evidence that proved innocence• How personal technology helped build a defense• The surprising role of Google Timeline in clearing her name• Why surveillance tools need guardrails and oversight• The hidden risks of modern surveillance technology• What you should do to protect yourself if technology falsely accuses youChrisanna’s story raises a powerful question for the digital age.If technology can be used to accuse you, should you also be using technology to defend yourself?Watch the full conversation to hear how one woman turned the tables on a false accusation and what we can all learn about privacy, surveillance and digital evidence.Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to ⁠www.getbeyondconnected.com⁠ to find the show on other platforms.Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

What would it feel like to perform a duet with your 14-year-old self?In this episode, we sit down with entertainment icon Donny Osmond to talk about the surreal experience of sharing the Las Vegas stage with an AI powered digital version of himself. Using archival photos, voice samples from his teenage years, and next-generation stage technology, Donny is literally performing with his younger self in front of a live audience.But this conversation goes far beyond nostalgia. Donny isn’t just embracing new technology, he truly understands it. From AI and digital twins to fan apps and social media strategy, he’s deeply engaged with the tools shaping hte future of entertainment. It’s a fascinating look at how a legendary performer continues to reinvent himself in a world powered by technology.We dive deep into AI ethics, artist rights, deepfake risks, fan apps, social media, space travel, and what it really means to reinvent yourself in the digital age.This is a masterclass in staying relevant in a world powered by AI.If you care about technology, creativity, AI ethics, digital twins, celebrity reinvention, or the future of entertainment, this one is for you.In this episode, we cover:• How AI recreated 14-year-old Donny for a live Vegas show• The technology behind the holobox stage illusion• The ethics of AI in music and protecting artists• Whether AI is helping or hurting creative industries• Launching a dedicated fan app instead of relying only on social media• Thoughts on space travel and modern tech billionaires• Favorite gadgets, security upgrades, and smart home privacyEnjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

In this powerful episode of Beyond Connected, we sit down with wellness icon Susan Powter for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we've ever had. After disappearing from the spotlight at the height of her fame, Susan opens up about financial collapse, exploitation, isolation, and surviving rock bottom.   And there's one huge reason why this story belongs on our show: technology did not destroy her life. It helped save it.   This episode is about how digital platforms, technological autonomy, and direct to audience technology allowed Susan to rebuild her identity, income, and voice in a world that had moved on without her.   This is not just a comeback story. It is a survival story powered by the internet.   In this episode, we explore:   • How Susan started her viral infomercial career • Why she walked away at the height of her fame • How gig economy tech was her lifeline for years • The creator economy as a tool for independence and ownership • Turning audience connection into digital ownership • Why technology can be a tool for survival not distraction   Susan shares how she now uses TikTok, Instagram, podcasts, digital storefronts, and direct distribution to own her work, control her content, and rebuild on her terms.   "Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter," executive produced by Jamie Lee Curtis, is now streaming on Amazon Prime. And her new book "And Then Em Died..." is available on Amazon for purchase.    Follow Susan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susanpowter/?hl=en Follow Susan on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@susanpowter   Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.   Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.   Chapters 0:30 - Intro 2:00 - Stop the Insanity 3:25 - Welcome Susan Powter 5:10 - How Susan Got Started 7:16 - Behind-the-Scenes Issues 7:55 - Susan Walked Away 8:51 - The Original Influencer 9:36 - Celebrity Encounter 10:57 - Joan Rivers' Influence 12:22 - Susan's New Documentary 15:23 - Hitting Rock Bottom 18:31 - Susan's Energy Saved Her 20:22 - Reclaiming Her Voice  21:39 - New Doc Opening Doors 22:12 - How Susan Stayed Fit 23:51 - New Tech Fueled Comeback 24:40 - Inside Susan's New Book  

Online scams are evolving fast, and everyday people are paying the price. In this episode, we invited Philip Martin, the Chief Security Officer at Coinbase, to chat about cybersecurity best practices and how to avoid the proliferation of scams online. We dig into how modern cybercrime actually works, from password reuse and data breaches to bank impersonation scams and social engineering attacks. You'll even hear a real-world story of a bank fraud scam that used two-factor authentication manipulation, identity theft tactics, and psychological pressure to steal money in minutes. We explore how technology, AI, and cryptocurrency are changing the cybersecurity landscape, and why blockchain transparency is actually a threat to criminals, especially in the highly-publicized kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie.  In this episode, you will learn: • How scammers use leaked passwords and data breaches to access bank accounts • Why reusing passwords is one of the biggest cybersecurity risks today • How bank impersonation scams and social engineering actually work • Why you should never trust inbound calls or texts about your finances • How two-factor authentication can protect you and how it can be exploited • The safest ways to verify calls from banks and financial institutions • Why password managers are essential for online security • How authenticator apps and security keys improve digital safety • How blockchain transactions are traceable and used in cybercrime investigations • The role of law enforcement, data privacy, and digital forensics in stopping fraud This episode is a must-watch for anyone who uses online banking, mobile payments, cryptocurrency, social media, or digital services. If you care about cybersecurity, online scams, identity theft, data privacy, and protecting your digital life, this conversation is for you. Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.   Chapters 0:30 - Intro 3:41 - Scams Are #1 Threat 4:18 - Impersonation Scams  6:56 - Everyone is Vulnerable 7:31 - Call Your Bank Directly  9:28 - Good Password Etiquette 10:39 - Use Password Managers 11:24 - Use Authentication Apps 12:04 - Consider a Security Key 13:58 - Authentication Apps 101 14:38 - Antivirus Recommendations 15:41 - Simplify Your Computer 16:10 - Nancy Guthrie Case 16:53 - Crypto is Transparent 18:58 - Is Crypto Traceable?  

What really happens when a school decides to take smartphones out of students' hands? In this episode, we sit down with an education leader who made a bold move 2 years ago: removing smartphones from the school day. What followed was a huge increased in student focus, connection, and a complete shift in student culture. This is a real conversation about technology, attention, parenting, education, and how digital habits are shaping the next generation. If you care about tech, privacy, kids, mental health, learning, or modern digital life, this episode will change how you see screens forever. In this episode, we cover: Why smartphones were hurting learning and focus in school How schools can convince parents and students to get on board How phone-free policies reduce gossip, anxiety, and conflict What changed in student engagement and attention How schools can implement phone-free policies without chaos The impact on student confidence and self-esteem What parents are really saying about phone-free schools How technology can support learning without controlling it  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.   Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.    Chapters (0:30) - Intro (2:45) - Meet Lori Kennedy  (5:15) - Student Engagement Down (5:33) - Researching & Planning (7:55) - Enforcing the Rule (10:30) - How Parents Reacted  (11:20) - How Students Reacted (12:30) - Did it Work? (14:30) - Less Bullying & Gossip (15:50) - Policy Attracting New Kids (16:50) - How Do I Implement This Rule?  

Online scams are exploding and identity theft at an unprecedented rate. In this episode of Beyond Connected, I'm breaking down five common myths about identity theft and explaining how scammers easily manipulate people using personal data, technology, and psychological pressure. This conversation dives into how cybercrime actually works today and why smart, careful people are still getting scammed every day.  In this episode, you will learn:  • Why identity theft usually starts quietly, with personal data you did not realize was public • How data brokers collect, sell, and resell your information without you noticing • Why not being part of a major data breach does not mean you are safe • How scammers use urgency, fear, and familiarity to trick victims into acting fast • Why retirees and families are among the most targeted groups for online scams • The truth about credit monitoring and what it does and does not protect • How strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and data removal services reduce risk • Why removing your information from data broker sites is one of the most powerful defenses • How deepfakes, voice cloning, and AI are making scams more convincing than ever.  If you care about cybersecurity, online scams, data privacy, identity theft protection, or how technology is shaping your digital life, this episode is a must-listen.  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.  Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

This episode is a warning for every family living in the age of AI.   An elderly Southern California woman named Abigail was targeted by a ruthless cyber scammer using deepfake video and impersonation tactics. The scam was so convincing that she believed she was in a real relationship with Steve Burton from General Hospital. What happened next is heartbreaking. Abigail was manipulated into sending money again and again until more than $81,000 was gone. Then the scam escalated even further. She was pressured into selling her paid off home, leaving her evicted and devastated.   Abigail's daughter Vivian joins us to share the story step by step, including the biggest red flags, how scammers isolate victims from family, why these cyber scams are so hard to spot in real time, and how AI deepfakes are changing the scam game forever. If you think you or your loved ones could never fall for something like this, think again. These criminals are using advanced technology, social engineering, and psychological manipulation to target vulnerable people and steal everything.   We also kick off the episode with a look at the future of transportation and technology, including Uber's new robotaxi fleet and what it means for self driving cars across the United States.   If you care about technology, cybersecurity, online scams, data privacy, identity theft, and staying safe from AI powered fraud, this episode is a must watch.   Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.   Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.    (0:30) - Intro (3:30) - Uber Robotaxis (7:00) - The Victim's Daughter Vivian (8:03) - How Vivian Discovered Scam (9:15) - How Scammers Groom Victims (9:47) - Discovering the Scam Cont'd  (11:11) - Scammer Used Deepfake Video (12:29) - Scammer Used Romance Angle  (13:31) - Red Flag #1  (14:36) - Lonely People Targeted (15:15) - The Plot Thickens  (17:08) - Reaching out to LAPD  (19:02) - Scammer Stole Victim's Home (21:41) - Sleazy Realtor Took Advantage (23:54) - Eviction Coming (23:59) - Vivian Gets Legal Advice (24:29) - Vivian Hires Attorney (25:20) - Vivian Hires New Attorney (26:24)  - Vivian Hires 3rd Attorney (27:02) - Power of Attorney  (28:40) - Parents Evicted (29:18) - Court Battle Continues (30:37) - Anybody Can Be Scammed (31:18) - Vivian's Advice (32:47) - Warning Signs (33:25) - Delete Your Data (33:51) - Get Antivirus (34:28) - Dark Side of Tech (35:33) - Prevent AI Phishing  

We've been getting some fantastic messages ever since we opened our call line a couple months back, so this week we're doing a voicemail box special! We cover a great variety of topics here:    How do I transfer my photos and data to my new phone and I have no access to my old phone? How often should I upgrade my phone? Does skipping upgrades affect my safety? Facebook wants to confirm my identity with a video selfie. Is this a scam? I'm not technologically literate at all. How do I get antivirus on all of my devices? I've been told by Aura that all my info is on the darkweb (my phone, email, social) and I'm constantly getting bombarded with scams. What's the best action I can take?   Whether you're currently dealing with a similar scam yourself or not, today's episode is full of helpful tips and tricks so that you'll know exactly what to do if you're ever in trouble. Enjoy!  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. Please include your email and the city and state you're calling from. Chapters (0:30) - Intro  (2:07) - Isaac Glucose Monitor  (3:31) - Transferring Lost Phone Data (5:17) - Updating Your Phone (8:23)- Facebook Video Selfie ID (11:22) - Antivirus Across Devices (13:47) - Get Info Off Dark Web  (17:08) - Closing Thoughts   

Many tech companies like to start off the year with exciting new product announcements, and 2026 is no different. Last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I was absolutely blown away by the latest and greatest in the tech world. This week on the show, I wanted to break down my favorite picks, including a crazy futuristic new TV, a robotic vacuum that can actually climb stairs, LG's dazzling new play in the humanoid household chore robot race, and lots  I also want to highlight a dangerous new scam involving verification codes. Has a stranger reached out asking you to receive a verification code for them? Tune in to learn how to protect yourself.  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.  Related articles:  10 amazing new tech announcements for 2026: https://cyberguy.com/future-tech/top-ces-products/ 10 exciting new innovations in health tech: https://cyberguy.com/future-tech/10-health-tech-products-spotlight-ces-2026/ Chapters (0:30) - Intro (2:56) - Verification Code Scam (5:45) - LG OLED Wallpaper TV (7:14) - Dreame Cyber X Vacuum Robot (8:01) - Switchbot AI Mindclip (8:56) - LG CLOiD Home Robot  (10:05) - Glyde Smart Hair Clippers (11:24) - LEGO Smart Bricks (12:11) - Autoliv Foldable Steering Wheel (13:12) - TDM Neo Headphones (13:56) - Jackery Solar Mars Bot (14:58) - Timeli Personal Safety Device   

Trucking is a tough job. Driving 10+ hours a day by yourself through long stretches of empty highways. Being away from your family and friends for weeks at a time. It's no wonder that the trucking industry is facing some of the worst turnover rates in any sector. To make matters worse, trucking companies are struggling to find new recruits more than ever before. Now, I know this is certainly a hot-button topic. And I know there are plenty of truckers out there who love what they do. But the future of this industry seems rocky to say the least, and that's why I find myself increasingly interested in AI trucking. I sat down with Dan Goff, the Vice President of External Affairs for Kodiak AI, one of the tech companies leading the AI trucking charge. As he explains it, AI is going to change trucking jobs, but not take them away. And considering the current state of the industry, it might be the exact kind of change it needs! Let me know what you think in the comments!   Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail with your email address. For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter https://CyberGuy.com/Subscribe   (0:30) - Intro (3:12) - Getting Consumers On Board  (5:33) - About Kodiak AI (5:27) - Importance of U.S. Freight  (7:30) - AI Will Cut Costs (9:31) - How Humans Factor In (10:02) - The Trucker Shortage  (11:19) - AI Insurance?  (11:47) - Unreal Safety Records (13:57) - Centralized Command (14:46) - Successful First Deployment (15:53) - Regulatory Progress (18:02) - Under the Hood  (18:41) - The Future of Kodiak AI  (19:10) - Driver-As-A-Service  (20:09) - Scaling Up  (21:14) - Consumer Logistics  (22:02) - Will Truckers Lose Jobs?  (24:16) - A.I. Commercial Flights?  (24:44) - Safety is Required

Many folks think they'd never fall for a malicious financial scam, but the reality is that these bad actors are becoming more and more adept at emotionally manipulating their victims. On this week's episode, I sat down with Joe Allen, a disabled man out of Connecticut who fell victim to a vicious cryptocurrency investment scam. Stuck at home and out of work, Joe got a text message offering him exclusive access to a crypto investment opportunity. It's likely that these scammers knew Joe was in a vulnerable position and knew they could target him relentlessly until they got every last bit of his financial portfolio. Within a matter of weeks, he had sent over more than $300,000, seeing absolutely no return. When we heard Joe's harrowing story, we knew we had to share it in the hopes that we could prevent other vulnerable people from falling victim to similar schemes.  If you want to make sure you don't fall for the same kind of scams, stick around till the end for my tips and red flags to watch out for.  Want to help Joe out? Check out his GoFundMe page here: www.gofundme.com/f/support-carols-son-after-devastating-scam We also wanted to highlight a couple of hopeful advancements in medical technology to add some light to the dark, including the first-ever transplant of a 3D-printed cornea, and new microrobotic technology that's making huge waves in the medical community. Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.   Chapters (0:30) - Intro  (3:45) - Swiss Microrobots Swim Thru Veins  (4:32) - 3D-Printed Cornea Restores Sight  (5:14) - Joe's Story  (7:20) - How Scammers Manipulate Us (7:51) - The Crypto Hook (8:35) - Joe's Story Cont'd (11:28) - Scam Was Targeted (12:16) - How Scam Victims Make Mistakes (12:35) - The Breaking Point (14:00) - No Help From the Police (14:26) - Few Signs of Hope (15:48) - Joe's Advice  (17:51) - Joe's Path Forward (19:11) - How to Avoid Scams  

Happy holidays from the CyberGuy team! If you're a regular listener of the podcast and/or reader of our newsletter, chances are you got some fancy new tech gadgets for the holidays! It can be easy to get wrapped up in all of the fun new features and entertaining apps these devices have to offer, but it's also crucial to utilize privacy and security settings. A lot of new phones, computers, and TVs will track and share your sensitive information by default, and it's up to you to protect yourself from cyber threats. If you follow these simple steps, you'll be ready and all set in a matter of minutes. And if you utilize our best practices to keep yourself safe from the get-go, you'll be fully secure when scammers attempt to infiltrate your life down the road!  Stick around for a few tips and tricks to make sure you're fully utilizing all of the handy privacy features and settings your iPhone has to offer. Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.   Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.    Related articles:   Got new electronics for the holidays? Here's what to do first: https://cyberguy.com/tech-tips-tricks/new-electronics-holidays-what-do-first/ (0:30) - Intro (2:47) - Setting Up New Tech (3:18) - Phone & Laptop Tips (6:32) - Common Mistakes to Avoid (11:20) - Smart TV Set-Up (13:30) - Amazon Trade-in (15:26) - iPhone Tip - Battery Life (16:45) - iPhone Tip - Safely Share Your Phone  

Wouldn't your niece or nephew like a cuddly teddy bear that could also tell them a bedtime story? That's the idea behind a flood of new AI toys. Powered by ChatGPT, they can have full conversations with your loved ones. So what's the issue? Well as Researcher R.J. Cross explains, there are quite a few issues. In her study with the Public Research Interest Group, she found that these toys would describe sexual and violent information in detail with enough prompting. The longer the conversation, the deeper the rabbit hole would go. And that's not all – the developers behind this tech are deliberately making it as addictive as possible, even making kids feel guilty for switching them off. The icing on the cake? They're also tracking large amounts of sensitive personal data and sending it off to third parties. This was a fascinating, somewhat scary chat, and I know you'll get some fantastic insight out of it.  Plus, tune in to hear about a new Cloud storage scam to avoid this holiday season. Happy Holidays from the CyberGuy team! We hope you're enjoying some nice quality time with the family. If you know someone who got their loved one an AI toy for the holidays, consider sending them this episode!  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.  Related articles:  Learn about the the new Cloud storage scam and get our data removal/password manager recs here: www.cyberguy.com/storagescam Get more info on AI toys: www.cyberguy.com/AItoys  Chapters  (0:00) - Intro (2:12) - Cloud Storage Scam  (4:57) - Interview w/ R.J. Cross (6:24) - The Public Interest Research Group  (7:32) - Are AI Toys Safe for Kids? (9:28) - Kumma Teddy Bear  (11:29) - Curio's "Grok" Toy  (13:33) - Are All AI Toys Bad? (16:00) - Miko 3 Toy  (17:43) - Key Takeaways  (18:06) - Wait for Improvements (18:20) - Don't Replace Real Friends (18:50) - Test the Toys Yourself (19:21) - Supervise Playtime (19:50) - Secure the Toys  (20:00) - Utilize Privacy Settings  (21:17) - AI Barbies  (24:03) - Summary  

2025 was an incredibly diverse and exciting year for technological innovation, so for this week's episode I wanted to highlight 10 of my favorite inventions. Whether you're an aspiring tennis player looking for a high-tech way to level up your game or a water sports enthusiast looking for the next cool boat to hitch to your dock, sports tech innovation is at an all-time high. And if you're into sustainability, Glacier's recycling robot and Karapod's air-to-water-to-coffee machine are huge leaps forward. What about technology that might be able to harness lightning to power your house? Or a satellite that can detect fires before they reach a dangerous size? The list goes on and on! I also wanted to take a second to break down the Digital ID, which essentially replaces the controversial and confusing Real ID. Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. Related articles:  For the full Top 10 Inventions companion guide: www.cyberguy.com/Top10Inventions How to Install Digital ID: https://cyberguy.com/tech-tips-tricks/apple-lets-add-passport-wallet/ For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter https://CyberGuy.com/Subscribe Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover https://CyberGuy.com/Contact Or Call 877-655-KURT How to delete yourself from the internet https://CyberGuy.com/Delete Chapters (0:00) - Intro (3:20) - Apple Digital ID (6:06) - Top 10 Inventions (6:50) - The Light Phone III (8:20) - 70Mai Dashcam 4K Omni (9:36) - Google FireSat (11:23) - Aurzen ZIP Projector (12:11) - NTT Lightning Drone (14:23) - Phia Shopping App (15:33) - Kara Pod (16:59) - Arc Sport (18:46) - Acemate Tennis Robot (19:44) - Glacier AI Recycling Robot

A couple of big stories caught my eye this week and I wanted to focus on them for this week's show.  For starters, a new report from NordPass revealed the 10 most commonly used passwords today and it was frankly a little crazy to see that so many people are still using such basic passwords! I break down how to create unique, complicated passwords for all of your accounts without losing your marbles in the process. The second big story was the unveiling of XPENG's new humanoid robot, IRON. This robot is so unbelievably life-like that many viewers thought it was a stunt at first. That is, until the engineers literally cut open one of its legs to show just how artificial it really was. I break down how this tech works and what it will likely be used for in the next several years.  To round things out, I also dove into some of the cool new features I've been finding in IOS 26. Want to check out some helpful new texting features? Tune in for my choice of iOS 26 tips & tricks.   Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.   

It's sad to say, but the holiday season is an incredibly active time for scammers and fraudsters out there. More people are buying products online and sending and receiving packages than at any other time of the year, and that means that your vulnerability is multiplied.  In this week's episode, I walk you through some easy steps to avoid popular holiday season scams, including gift card fraud, fake gift exchanges, package delivery ploys, fake charity donation traps, and fake online shopping sites. At the top of the show, I wanted to highlight a super new development in solar energy tech as well. And then to wrap things up, Producer Max cooked up a fun new game called "What's that Sound?" in which I have to guess different technology by just the beeps and bloops it makes. We know these tips and tricks will set you on the right path!  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. 

Our mailbag is already chock full of questions, so we decided to dive into some more listener questions this week! First, I wanted to touch on an exciting new piece of legislation on the table in Ohio that could create some helpful regulation for AI. Then we dig into the big questions! Is your phone constantly running out of storage, no matter what you do? I've got a handful of iPhone and Android tips to try out today. Are you going on a cruise sometime soon and worrying about your data security on board? I've got you covered in that department too! We also talk about a popular Amazon texting/email scam, a postage stamp hoax going around online, and an awful new trend called Facebook cloning. Make sure to watch the full episode for a detailed breakdown of all of the above, with actionable steps you can take to protect yourself today.  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.  

This week, I wanted to set aside some time to answer some high-priority questions from our readers and listeners. How can I safely charge my phone in public places like airports? How do I avoid the new strain of sophisticated caller ID spoofing scams? How do I keep spam out of my email inbox in today's world? These issues are tricky and require a good amount of attention to detail, so I made sure to explain everything as thoroughly and clearly as possible. If you're willing to set aside some time to change a couple of settings on your phone and buy a few key pieces of tech, you'll be a much more secure person day-to-day. Stick around til the end, where Producer Max and I play a fun game called Name That Tech, where I have to come up with fun names for exciting (and sometimes fake) technology.  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

The first time I visited Dr. Ilan Kedan, I was completely blown away. His office in Beverly Hills is borderline futuristic, and I had 5 million questions to ask him right off the bat. How is AI influencing medical practice in the US? Is ChatGPT going to replace medical care for any number of Americans? Does wearable tech actually do anything? We dig into all of these pressing questions and more! I also take a moment to talk about some cool new Airtaxi technology I've been obsessed with lately. Plus, stick around for a quick game of Startup or Scam. And yes, some of these businesses are past the start-up stage, but they had to start somewhere!   Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

There are vets that specialize in pet fish?! When it comes to crazy-sounding jobs, Dr. Christina Dover of Aquatic Pet Vet takes the cake. With her specialty vet practice, she services a wide variety of pet fish in Southern California. In this exclusive interview, she walks us through the advanced technology she uses in each appointment to check-up on and care for her fishy patients. I also wanted to take a second to address the shocking Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage we all experienced last week and offer up some tips to help you out next time that kind of breakdown happens. Stick around to the end for a fun edition of Fish or Fiction, where I quiz Dr. Dover on a slate of outlandish-sounding fish and aquatic inventions.  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

As much as I appreciate the ways in which technology enriches our lives, I also strongly believe that if we don't keep a close eye on what these tech companies are doing behind-the-scenes, we're in trouble. Today on the show, I talked with Kim W., a grandmother from Kansas whose grandson was recently targeted by a child predator while using Meta's Oculus VR headset. Luckily, Kim was able to swoop in and protect her family, but not every child has such a watchful guardian. Kim walks us through this harrowing story and offers guidance to parents to help prevent these kinds of situations. For our comprehensive guide to VR safety, head over to our website. I also explain the massive AWS outage from last week and what you can do to protect yourself in the future. Plus, stick around for a fun little round-up of viral videos to send you off with a laugh or two.    Statement from Meta: "We want young people to have safe, age-appropriate experiences on our platform, including letting parents set up parent-managed accounts on Quest for their children ages 10-12. Preteens need a parent's permission to create an account, parents can choose what apps their preteen can download, and they can block apps at any time. Parents can also watch their preteen's Quest experience in real time and report anyone who breaks our rules – as we understand happened in this instance. If we become aware of a preteen using an account meant for someone 13 or older, we'll take steps to ensure they're in the right experience. – Meta Spokesperson   Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. 

For our first in-person episode, I knew I wanted to bring in an expert. But I also knew I needed someone who'd be fun to hang out with for an hour. David "The Miles Guy" Fleming checks both boxes, and I'm super excited for you all to dig into this engaging, educational chat. Does airline status actually matter anymore? How much are miles really worth? When should I use my rewards, and when should I save them? David knows all of the answers and more. Plus, we play a fun guessing game called Who's in that Private Jet? Stick around till the end for a bonus segment where I answer a listener question from my old friend Kathy: what smart home upgrades do you recommend? With a few simple installations from my list, your home will level up big time.  Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms. 

I knew I had to start the show with something unexpected... so I interviewed a robot! But not just any robot;The OM-1 humanoid robot is the most sophisticated creation yet from OpenMind, a revolutionary start-up that continues to make waves in the tech world. I talked with Iris – the latest model – alongside her creator Professor Jan Liphardt, to see how she would handle a podcast-style interview. I have to say...I was pretty blown away. She was articulate, respectful, and she even tried her best to be funny!  I also break down Apple's newest releases: what's impressive (and what's not) about the iPhone Air 17, whether the 17 Pro Max is really worth it, and how the AirPods Pro 3 stack up with their new heart-rate tracking and noise-canceling tricks. Plus, I test a trash-disposal robot called HARR-E, play a game where I guess if audio clips are real or AI-generated, and react to a few viral videos. Welcome to Beyond Connected! I'm beyond excited to begin this new podcasting journey with you!