Tech Tips

A smart speaker plays music when you ask. A thermostat learns when you’re usually home. A camera sends an alert when it spots movement, and a watch records your steps and sleep. Each device can be useful on its own. Together, they can leave a detailed trail of your routines, interests, and whereabouts. The concern is not that every device is secretly watching you. It is that sensors, apps, and online services may collect pieces of information that can reveal more when combined. The good news: you don’t have to give up your smart home to make it more private. A few checks can help you understand what your devices collect and limit what you share. What is the Internet of Things? The Internet of Things, or IoT, is the name for everyday objects that connect to the internet to collect or exchange information. In a home, that might include speakers, TVs, cameras, thermostats, doorbells, lights, appliances, and fitness wearables. Add the first image after the “How smart devices create a pictu...

Photographer: Jonathan | Source: Unsplash FCC Router Ban: What Every IT Pro Needs to Know (And What to Tell Your Clients, for IT pros) Hey folks—if you’re getting pings about “the FCC banning consumer-grade routers,” you’re not alone. On March 23, 2026, the FCC updated its Covered List to include consumer-grade/SOHO routers produced abroad. New models can’t receive FCC equipment authorization—and without that, they can’t be legally imported, marketed, or sold in the U.S. Before anyone panics, here’s what changed, why it matters, and what to do now. First, the Big Picture (Why the FCC Did This) A White House–led team decided foreign consumer routers pose two risks: Supply chain vulnerabilities that could cripple the U.S. economy, critical infrastructure, or national defense. Cybersecurity risks that bad actors can exploit now—think botnets, data exfiltration, or turning your router into a silent spy on the local network. Such devices have been used in attacks on U.S. systems. The goal:...

Photographer: Solen Feyissa | Source: Unsplash Beware of the New Google Calendar Notification Attack The Threat: A new type of cyberattack is targeting Google Calendar users by sending malicious notifications that appear to come from legitimate sources. These notifications can trick users into clicking on links that lead to phishing sites or malware downloads. Steps to Avoid the Threat: 1. Be cautious with notifications: Always verify the sender's email address before clicking on any links in Google Calendar notifications. Look for suspicious or unfamiliar email addresses. 2. Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your Google account by enabling two-factor authentication. This will make it harder for attackers to access your account even if they obtain your password. 3. Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protections against known vulner...