Consumer Tech Update

Across the country, Americans are staying put. One-third of America is under lockdown, and the travel industry is quiet. There's one outlier: Rural Airbnbs. Why are these properties still attracting renters?

If you've transitioned to working from home, you know the hurdles. It's harder to keep in touch with coworkers, you're probably feeling isolated and you don't have the same resources you have access to at the office. There's one tech upgrade that will make the transition easier, and it's worth it if you're home for the foreseeable future.

Let's cut to the chase: Delivered packages aren't sterile. You need to take some precautions if you're ordering from Amazon, Walmart or any other online shop. I'll tell you exactly what I'm doing to keep germs out of my house.

It's no secret smart speakers are always listening. In fact, assistants like Alexa accidentally listen in nearly 20 times a day on average. If you're now working from home, there's a critical privacy step you need to take.

Working from home, with any hope of productivity, starts with the right equipment. If your network isn't set up for success, you won't be either. Start with your router.

Fake news isn't all you need to worry about. Scammers and cybercriminals are using our collective fears against us. Think twice if you get any of these calls, and do not — under any circumstances — hand over your credit card info.

Can you get the coronavirus just from getting your mail or picking up a delivery? You can never be too careful. I'll tell you the steps I'm taking right now to minimize exposure.

Real news can spread fast online. Fake news spreads even faster. There are so many hoaxes, rumors and flat out lies circulating right now. Don't fall for this one that went out to millions of people.

Wash your hands, wipe down your phone, clean your keyboard. Check, check, check. But we're forgetting about arguably the dirtiest thing in our homes.

Our reliance on the internet is stronger than ever as news of the coronavirus pandemic spreads. Internet service providers have stepped up to make sure no one loses their service during these trying times.

There's a lot that's not known about the spread of the coronavirus right now, including how long the virus remains dangerous on household surfaces. That's why you should think twice about keeping those rental reservations.

News is changing by the minute, and there's a lot of fear in the world right now. I've made the choice to send my staff home to work, for one very important reason. Whether or not you're in an office, there's a step you should take to protect yourself as the coronavirus spreads.

Cybersecurity 101: Don't click links from an email sender you don't trust. Stop downloading attachments that seem fishy. Double check website URLs before you enter info. Here's a new one to add to the list: Think twice before you act on a phone call. Voice cloning is easier than you think to pull off, and it could cost you.

Wash, rinse, repeat. You can clean your hands to keep germs at bay, but what happens when you touch your electronics? You're dirty all over again. I'll tell you what to do for every keyboard and screen you use each day.

The internet is awash in so-called cures for coronavirus. Not so fast. There is no cure. I've got the scoop on what you really can trust online — and the proven ways to stay healthy as the virus spreads.