Summer vacation seems just around the corner and you have to decide what to pack for the trip. While you may want to limit your tech time, you’ll still need a few things, whether you’re heading on hiking trip or a family vacation by the beach. Here at PCWorld we’re continually testing the latest gadgets to sort the good from the bad. This means we’ve had the opportunity to find the best tech gear and accessories built for travel. From voltage converters to noise-canceling headphones, we’ve curated a list of the very best tech gear to optimize your next travel experience. The items below are worthy of any packing list and will help you prepare for anything you may encounter on the road—or in the sky. Manage electrical needs with a voltage converter BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter 220V to 110V Bestek, Mapambo When you’re traveling from the U.S. to Europe, for instance, you don’t just need a different type of plug for your chargers and gadgets, but also a voltage converter because Europe runs on different settings. The Bestek Universal Travel Adapter will convert 220V outlets to U.S.-standard 110V, thus ensuring that your devices don’t burn out. It’s not only affordable, but it has three AC outlets and four USB ports. Plus, the product comes with a couple of extra plug adapters. If a more compact version is all you need, then the Mapambo converter will work just fine with one AC plug, two type-C, and two type-A ports. Buy the BESTEK Universal Travel Adapter at Amazon Buy the Mapambo 220V to 110V Voltage Converter at Amazon Take control of tangled cords Rolling Square inCharge 6 Portable Keychain Charger Cable Rolling Square If you’re like most travelers, you bring multiple electronics to make the most of your experience—we’re talking camera, phone, laptop, headphones, etc. But along with all of these items, you’ll need to carry all of their charging cables. That can take up space and lead to a tangled web of cords in your bag if you’re not careful. With the Rolling Square inCharge 6 Portable Charger Cable on Amazon, you have the option of USB-C or USB-A inputs and Micro USB or USB-C outputs all in a cable that is small enough for your keychain. Buy the Rolling Square Portable Charger Cable at Amazon Or get a retractable cable Baseus USB-C Retractable Cable Baseus If you’d rather have a simpler cable, then this one from Baseus will do the trick. The retractable design ensures it’s going to be safe in your luggage, preventing any type of tangling issues and considerably lowering the chances of your cable breaking. You can get this one in two length versions—3.3ft and 6.6ft— and you can pay as little as $10 on the shorter one if it’s on sale. Buy the Baseus retractable USB-C cable at Amazon Keep your devices charged with a portable power bank Anker GaN Prime Power Bank 2-in-1 10,000mAh portable power bank with wall charger Anker Traveling is always fun, but ending up with a depleted phone battery in an unknown place can be terrifying. This Anker Prime power bank takes up two roles in one. On one hand, it can plug into a wall outlet and give you the recharge you need while you’re at your hotel, for instance, but it can also act as a power bank when you’re out and about exploring. 10,000mAh is enough to charge your phone twice over (or close to that). There are three ports on this Anker hybrid charger, two of which are type-C that can reach 65W charging. It’s available for $110, but you can often find it closer to $70 when on sale. Buy the Anker GaN Prime Power Bank 2-in-1 Charger at Amazon Make that hotel outlet actually useful Anker Prime 6-in-1 charging station Anker One of the main issues we all have when traveling is that it’s tough to find multiple outlets in your hotel room. You’ll get one by the bedside table and another that’s taken up by the TV. Well, this compact power strip from Anker makes good use of that outlet and turns it into six. You get two AC outlets, two USB-A and two USB-C ports and a maximum output of 140W via those type-C ports. That’s just about perfect for laptops, smartphones and whatever else you have on you. The cool part is that the power strip is flat and the power cord detaches, so it’s ideal for your tight-packed luggage. Buy the Anker Prime 6-in-1 power strip at Amazon Never lose your valuables again Apple AirTag, Tile Pro, Samsung SmartThings, Tile Slim Apple, Tile, Samsung We’ve all been there. You arrive at your destination and you’re waiting for your checked bag to show up on the carousel, but it never does. Baggage handling is at it again. With a Bluetooth tracker you can easily keep tabs on where your bag is and maybe even help TSA locate it, should it be lost. There are quite a few Bluetooth trackers on the market that you can get. Apple users should look into the AirTag, while Android users can choose Samsung’s SmartTag2. Anyone can go for the Tile Pro. If you’re more worried about your wallet, Tile’s Slim tracker will fit inside it neatly. These are all around $30 a piece, but you can quite often get them for less or in bundles, thus lowering the price even more. Buy the Apple AirTag at Amazon Buy the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 at Amazon Buy the Tile Pro at Amazon Buy the TIle Slim at Amazon Enjoy an in-flight movie without annoying headphone cables Twelve South AirFly Pro or Ugreen Airplane Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver Ugreen, Twelve South Twelve South’s AirFly Pro Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter for $54.99 on Amazon (although it’s frequently on sale) allows you to turn any audio jack into a wireless Bluetooth transmitter. Simply plug in the device to the headphone jack on the back of the airplane seat and connect your wireless headphones. Then sit back and relax while you enjoy the in-flight entertainment on your sweet noise-canceling headphones. Alternatively, you can also go for the more affordable Ugreen Airplane Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver, which is $36.99 but often drops below $30. Either will allow you to connect up to two earbuds or headphones. Buy the Twelve South AirFly Pro at Amazon Buy the Ugreen Airplane Bluetooth Transmitter Receiver at Amazon Drown out noise with noise-canceling earbuds AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Apple, Bose Flying on an airplane is loud. Engines roar, babies cry, passengers snore. That’s why you need noise-canceling headphones, which have become essential tools in making your flight as easy as possible. And because you’re traveling and bag space is a premium, your headphones need to be small. Not just for iPhone users, but for anyone who needs good headphones, the AirPods Pro 2 for $225.00 on Amazon continue to be the best choice due to their convenient size and noise-canceling capability. If you’re an Android user, you may want to look into the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, which deliver something our buddies at TechAdvisor have called “astonishing noise cancellation” on top of superb sound quality and a secure fit. Get the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) at Amazon Buy the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 at Amazon Or get some noise-canceling headphones Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max Apple, Sony If earbuds aren’t for you, then perhaps a pair of proper headphones will do the trick. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are easily some of the best noise-canceling headphones out there (as our friends at TechAdvisor attested with a 5-star review), delivering phenomenal audio and a comfortable build. Apple fans may want to look into the AirPods Max that are also known for what our friends at MacWorld call “industry leading active noise canceling”. Buy the Sony WH-1000XM5 at Amazon Buy the Apple AirPods Max at Amazon Capture and print your favorite memories Fuji Instax Mini 12 instant camera Fujifilm Sure, you could bring a giant SLR camera with multiple lenses and an extra special carry-on bag to store everything. Or for those who aren’t professionals, you can opt for a small, retro instant camera such as the Fuji Instax Mini 12 for $143.95 on Amazon. Just like an old-school Polaroid, you can take a picture and instantly print it out to capture the moment. Just be aware that you’ll need to purchase and carry the film separately. Buy the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 at Amazon Keep your wires from getting crossed Bellroy Tech Kit Bellroy Bellroy is known for making great tech cases and kits, and the Bellroy Tech Kit for $59 on Amazon is our favorite. This well-designed, travel-friendly bag allows you to keep all of your cables and small peripherals stored and organized with ease. The folio style means that you can open the entire kit out flat for easy access to everything stored inside. Plus, the fabric is waterproof so you shouldn’t have to worry about a little liquid spilling on your precious gear. Buy the Bellroy Tech Kit at Amazon Game in-route to your destination Steam Deck, Switch OLED, or Backbone One Backbone, Nintendo, Valve The Steam Deck for $399 on the Steam store is a great handheld gaming system that allows you to play your favorite PC games on the go. It wasn’t so long ago that the Steam Deck was sold out everywhere and people were clamoring to get one. Thankfully, Valve has increased its supply and it’s easier than ever to get your hands on this excellent gaming portable. Play games from your Steam library on the go or load up on new titles for your next vacation. Gaming makes those long-haul flights a breeze. If you’d rather go for a different platform, the Switch OLED is an absolutely fantastic gaming console. And yes, we know the Switch 2 is en route, but good luck getting your hands on one of those anytime soon. If you’d rather just play on your phone, but have an upgraded experience, the Backbone One will mold to your phone, whether that’s an Android or iPhone model, and will help you play anything you want, including titles in your Xbox, PlayStation, or Steam libraries. Buy the Steam Deck at Steam Store Buy the Nintedo Switch OLED at Amazon Buy the Backbone One at Amazon Keep your hands and wrists happy while typing Logitech MX Keys Mini Logitech Laptop keyboards are cramped and can lead to some serious wrist pain if you type on them for long enough. Save yourself the carpal tunnel and grab a wireless keyboard like the Logitech MX Keys Mini. This compact keyboard is not only easy to travel with, but offers convenient features such as a semi-customizable layout, multi-device switching, and more. And the most important part is that it offers a great typing experience with comfortable and quiet keys that won’t bother your fellow travelers. The MX Keys Mini is currently $99.99 on Amazon. Buy the Logitech MX Keys Mini at Amazon Carry a library everywhere you go Kindle Paperwhite Amazon Books are a great thing to have around on vacation, but they’re heavy and they take up precious space in your luggage. Instead opt for an e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite for $159.99 on Amazon and bring an entire library worth of books in this lightweight tablet. Plus the Paperwhite version comes with an anti-glare screen and adjustable brightness settings, making it perfect for a bright beach or dark airplane. Not sure which Kindle to buy? Check out our handy Kindle buying guide to help you make the right choice. Buy the Kindle Paperwhite at Amazon Grab a mobile hotspot to stay in range of Wi-Fi range Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot Solis Those who travel a lot know that Wi-Fi is essential. From being able to work online while on the road or just looking up restaurant recommendations in another country, it’s an invaluable tool to get the most out of your travel experience. There are quite a few services nowadays offering pocket Wi-Fi for travelers, but Solis is one of the best with reliable global coverage across 135 countries. Plus, it has flexible plans depending upon your needs. You’ll need to purchase the Solis Lite Mobile Hotspot for $159.99 on Amazon before registering for a Wi-Fi plan, but it’s only a one-time fee and you can then use it on all of your future trips. Buy the Solis Lite Mobile Hotspot at Amazon Safe surfing NordVPN  Pexels: Stefan Coders If you’re going to travel anywhere, connecting to shady Wi-Fi networks, you absolutely need to have a VPN on your device. We’ve tested what feels like a million of them and recommend you go for NordVPN, which we found to be the best overall. There are tons of configuration options if you want to deep-dive, but you can also just take the easy route and press a single button every time. It even comes with a built-in antivirus and password manager, so you have a three 3-in-1 solution. Get NordVPN Never worry about safe tap water again Philips Water GoZero self-cleaning water bottle Philips No matter if you’re traveling to a new city or going camping, making sure that you have access to clean and potable water is a necessity. The Philips Water GoZero bottles bring in some smart technology to ensure the water is safe to drink. Available for $73.89 at Amazon (or lower when on sale), the bottle uses UV technology to eliminate up to 99.999 percent of bacteria and 99.9 percent of viruses in just a few minutes. Even when empty, the cap can disinfect your bottle and remove odors. Made out of stainless steel and double-walled, the bottle won’t just purify your water, it will also keep your drinks hot for up to 12 hours or cold for 24 hours. Buy the Philips Water GoZero water bottle at Amazon Mount your smartphone on anything Universal in-flight airplane phone holder mount Perilogics This Universal in-flight airplane phone holder mount for $13.97 on Amazon allows you to easily clip your phone onto an airplane seat for hands-free convenience. Maybe you loaded up that latest season of your favorite show or have a game to occupy that long-haul flight. Either way, holding your phone with a craned neck for hours and hours is bound to give you a strain. Just hook this bad boy up to the back of the seat in front of you on the airplane then sit back, relax, and enjoy. Buy the Universal in flight phone holder at Amazon Travel with an ultraportable laptop Asus ZenBook S 14 Thomas Rau If you’re going to get a super-light laptop, the Zenbook S 14 is a fantastic pick because it weighs just 2.65 pounds, which makes sit lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Air. We gave this one a 4.5-star rating and our Editors’ Choice award, appreciating the fantastic battery life and lovely large OLED screen. Plus, the laptop has an Ultra 7 processor, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. You can also check out our other best ultraportables or our best laptop roundup for even more options. Buy the Asus ZenBook S 14 at Best Buy Or opt for a 2-in-1 for even more versatility HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 IDG / Josh Hendrickson If you want a more versatile laptop, then a 2-in-1 model will do, like our very favorite HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14. The 360-degree hinge will make it easy for you to turn this laptop into a tablet and into a Netflix-watching tent in a blink. The 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED touch display is absolutely gorgeous and the 500 nits make it perfect to use everywhere you go. Buy the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 at Amazon Increase your screen real-estate with a travel monitor Azorpa A1 Gamut Matt Smith Sometimes you just need a second monitor, even when you’re traveling. The extra screen really helps productivity for business travelers and it makes for a great way to play your portable games on a larger screen while on the road. We really like the Azorpa A1 Gamut which delivers good image quality for an extremely budget friendly price—the A1 Gamut is usually about $70 on Amazon. It also comes with useful connectivity options and a solid build quality that will stand up to the rigors of travel.  Buy the Arzopa A1 at Amazon Grab some extra storage Crucial X9 Pro IDG If you plan on taking about a million pictures and videos and you want to have a safe way to back them up without relying on random hotel Wi-Fi, then you can also grab a portable SSD. The Crucial X9 Pro is the best external SSD for most folks because it’s not only affordable but also super fast. We gave the X9 Pro a near-perfect score and our Editors’ Choice award, utterly impressed with the 10Gbps performance and the small form factor. Buy the Crucial X9 Pro at Amazon Stream content in your hotel room Amazon Fire TV Stick HD Amazon If you’re going to travel, you may as well keep up with your shows. The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD makes it super easy to bring all your favorite shows with you anywhere you go. You’ll just need to pop this thing in the TV, connect it to the hotel’s Wi-Fi (or the hotspot you set up), and just have fun. It’s also super affordable, available for $35 (although it’s frequently on sale for $20 or less). Buy now at Amazon Read...

DreamWorks Animation has deepened its partnership with Lenovo, naming it preferred provider to boost film production with advanced computing solutions. Read...

Opera is resurrecting Opera Neon, a browser concept first introduced in 2017, and equipping it with the latest tech trend: agentic AI—an assistant you can assign tasks to, which it will carry out autonomously. Opera Neon will work like a normal browser. Opera, however, is integrating local AI that you can chat with privately and ask to do tasks and combining it with an interface to a remote server that will serve as a workspace of sorts for Opera Neon’s AI creation tools. Most browsers are free; the twist here is that Opera Neon will require a paid subscription of an unknown amount, and potential users will be subject to a waitlist. Opera has a history of experimenting with innovative concepts—it was an early proponent of VPNs, for example. The original 2017 launch of Opera Neon reimagined the browser with visual icons instead of text bookmarks and vertical tabs that bubbled up with frequent use. It was too radical to catch on, though that was never really the goal. Ironically, its revival comes just days after The Browser Company of New York shelved its Arc browser—with similar vertical tabs—in favor of the new Dio agentic browser, now in alpha testing. Opera believes that Opera Neon will be a “cloud computer” and that it will operate more effectively based upon what it knows about you and your preferences. Whether that ends up being true or not, there are three concepts that Opera is designing Neon around: a local chatbot, the agentic “browser operator” it showed recently, and the “cloud computer,” which sounds like a remote LLM that’s been tuned for coding. It’s likely that owning and operating this remote service is why you’ll have to pay for Opera Neon. Opera Neon’s Chat Mode looks pretty conventional, with image creation and web page summaries.Opera The ability to chat with a browser isn’t really new, as everything from Microsoft Edge (and soon, Google Chrome) to Brave has integrated AI into the browser for tasks like summarizing web pages. Opera does say that it will be able to analyze the web page via the DOM tree and layout data, rather than “reading” the web page via OCR, like Microsoft’s Copilot Vision does. All of the information Opera Neon’s chatbot sees will remain on your PC, Opera says. It’s the agentic technology that will make or break Opera Neon. Opera’s earlier demonstration of shopping agents was effective in concept, but how quickly a human user will accept its decisions and learn to trust it is unknown and that’s assuming it works. Opera Neon’s ability to “make” things via its hosted cloud computer is another unknown as well. Opera Neon’s agentic browser can perform independent tasks, like organizing a weekend away and finding tickets.Opera “Once the tasks have been defined, it employs AI agents contained in a virtual machine on our European-hosted servers to make your idea into a tangible (digital) result,” Opera says of this cloud computer: “Think of it as an orchestra conductor that understands the whole piece of music – your needs and wishes – and points to the different members of the orchestra to execute their parts – task division and execution.” Opera Neon will “happily install Python libraries and JavaScript frameworks to get there” and self-correct in case of errors. Opera Neon’s Make mode, or its “cloud computer,” will be where AI will be pushed the hardest.Opera That all sounds good, but as so many people are willing to point out, AI companies not only haven’t always delivered on their promises, they’ve made some ugly mistakes. Even if you are willing to accept that risk, you must also have a need for the capabilities that Opera Neon offers. Will you be willing to pay whatever Opera is charging so that you can create your own versions of, say, Battleship, with anime characters? Or code an app to help pick out gifts for your nephew’s birthday well in advance? As with so many things, we’ll have to wait and see. Read...

The supermarket`s latest use of technology to crack down on shoplifting has led to both jokes and complaints. Read...

Dolby Atmos in your living room isn’t as easy as it sounds. Whether you’re dealing with a component A/V system or a soundbar, your speakers must be carefully positioned and calibrated to create that immersive envelope of Atmos sound—and if your furniture is in the way, you’ll just have to move it.  But with its new FlexConnect technology, Dolby is looking to make its Atmos audio technology more home decor-friendly, and it’s teaming up with TCL for the hardware.  Slated to arrive this summer, the TCL Z100 is a smart and “panoramic” wireless speaker that can pair with a Dolby Atmos FlexConnect-enabled QD-Mini LED TVs—specifically, the TCL QM8K, QM7K, or QM6k.  Unlike the speakers used in other Dolby Atmos systems, TCL’s cylindrical Z100 speaker can be placed anywhere in the room, while Dolby’s FlexConnect technology will “intelligently optimize” the sound depending on the position of the speaker, TLC says. You can use anywhere from one to four of the Z100 speakers with a single TV, and the system can scale itself up as you add more speakers to your living room setup.  Dolby originally unveiled FlexConnect back in 2023, but while it announced TCL as a partner and gave some ears-on demonstrations at IFA 2023 in Berlin, this marks the first time that consumer-ready FlexConnect speakers have been ready to ship.  We’re still waiting on more specifics about the TLC Z100 speaker, namely how much it will cost. It’s also not clear what the intial setup process will entail, although has previously promised that it will be “simple and fast.”  What we do know is that Dolby Atmos FlexConnect won’t work with existing home speakers, nor will a FlexConnect speaker work with any old TV or A/V receiver. In other words, TCL’s Z100 speaker won’t do you much good unless you have a TCL FlexConnect-enabled TV to pair it with.  This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers. Then there’s the question of performance: How do Dolby’s FlexConnect speakers actually sound? I don’t think anyone expects Dolby’s FlexConnect tech to compete with, say, a precisely positioned and calibrated 7.2.2 system with ceiling-mounted Atmos height speakers. But for average users who want enveloping Atmos audio in their living rooms without drilling holes in the ceiling or completely redoing their living room decor, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect may wind up being an affordable and effective solution. Personally, I’m eager for an in-person demo. Read...

Gabe Newell, co-founder and CEO of Valve, has been working on a new brain-computer interface project through his Starfish Neuroscience company for several years. The company just announced that it plans to launch its first brain chip by the end of 2025, reports The Verge. This chip isn’t a complete implant solution, but a specially designed “electrophysiological” component that can both read and stimulate brain activity. Unlike competitors, such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink, Starfish aims to create a less invasive solution that doesn’t require a battery and can reach multiple brain regions at once using wireless energy transfer. Starfish is also developing technology to treat neurological disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, as well as a method to destroy tumors using targeted heat. The company is now seeking partners to further develop and integrate these technologies. It’s unclear whether Starfish’s technology will be used in the gaming industry. Read...

I don’t know how your tech drawers look, but mine are filled with wires I’ll likely never use again because technology has advanced quite a bit. Thankfully, USB-C seems to be here to stay since there is no wrong way to plug these things in. It’s not just smartphones, tablets, and laptops that use these, however, but also a long list of gadgets. We’ve scoured the market for hidden gems: gadgets that will make you think “Wow, I didn’t know I needed that, but it will make my life so much easier!” So, let’s dive in and see what cool devices you’ll be able to use your type-C cables and ports with. Wowstick 1F+ mini electric screwdriver Wowstick If you often have to fiddle around with your computer or other gadgets, this Wowstick mini electric screwdriver may be just what you need. This pen-shaped screwdriver features three LED lights so it’s easier to see what you’re working on and rotates 200 times per minute so you can finish the job faster. The screwdriver has a stylish base so you can hold it on your desk, and a whole collection of 56 aluminum alloy bits. The screwdriver can be charged via USB-C and it can last for hours. This super fun electric screwdriver usually goes for $41. Anker Nano Power Bank Anker One thing you need to have in you bag/pocket/backpack is a power bank because you never really know when your phone will fail you and cry for a recharge. Well, the Anker Nano power bank is tiny enough to fit just about anywhere. It comes with a foldable USB-C connector and a port on the side so you can charge two devices at once if you need to. The 5,000mAh capacity is just about enough for a full phone recharge, so it will be great in a pinch. It’s also only $30, but we’ve seen it as low as $16. Endoscope camera with light Ennovor Although it’s not something you’ll use every day, this Ennover endoscope camera can definitely come in handy. You just plug it in your phone, install and app, and see everything your camera does. Our team swears by it, using it for finding whatever they dropped behind the desk, while working on the car, or looking for pipe leaks. Since it has an IP67 rating, you can even plop it in your aquarium. The camera comes with a 16.4ft semi-rigid cable and several accessories, including a hook, magnet, and a mirror. You can get this one for $23 right now. Blukar flashlight Blukar I don’t care who you are—you need a flashlight. The smaller, the better, because you get to shove it into any pocket. This model from Blukar comes with a built-in 1800mAh battery that you’ll recharge with one of those many type-C cables you have in that tech drawer we were talking about. It can work for up to 16 hours on a single charge, which is pretty decent. There are four different lightning modes to cycle through, including one that will help you signal for help. Plus, one of these is only $10, so no excuse to pass on this one. Heat It insect bite healer Anyone plagued by mosquitoes in the summer will be particularly pleased with this ingenious gadget. This tiny device, which can be easily connected to your smartphone via USB-C, can significantly reduce the itching of bites and stings with targeted heat. You simply charge the small Heat It bite healer via the app and then hold it on the bite. The heat then does the rest, breaking down the proteins in the mosquito bite that cause the area to swell, itch, and hurt. A true must-have for summer, and it costs only $20. A tiny air pump Also perfect for summer is this small air pump from Cycplus, which fits in any bag while on the go. Not only can it inflate a bicycle tire in two minutes at the touch of a button, but it’s also USB-charged. According to the manufacturer, it’s suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes, motorcycles, and even cars! In addition to being an air pump, this practical gadget can also be used as a flashlight or power bank for on-the-go use — all things that come in very handy on a bike ride. And at just $57, it’s highly recommended if you need quick help with a flat tire. Samsung flash drive Samsung The vast majority of flash drives have a USB-A connector, but this one from Samsung has a Type-C connector. With transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s, you’ll move files around in no time. The beauty of this thumb drive is that you can even pop it in your smartphone to record 4K vids directly on it. The Samsung Type-C flash drive comes in multiple storage options, starting at 64GB and up to 512GB and they start at $14. The 256GB version, for instance, is $27 at the time of writing. Editor’s note: This article was originally published on May 16, but was updated to include two additional devices. Read...

The internet might be more sanitized than it was in decades past, but it’s still plenty dangerous. You’ve been warned that the web is a security minefield—that it’s easy to get in trouble. You can do everything right and still be taken by a malware infection, a phishing scam, or an invasion of on­­line privacy. We want to help. Here are some of the most dangerous threats on the internet and what you can do to stay out of harm’s way. Not all web dangers are created equal, though. Indeed, some threats will actively come looking for you while others you may never see if you don’t seek them out. Let our threat level indicator be your guide: Foundry Threat 1: Misinformation Where it happens: Social media Foundry You know this one already, but we’re all as susceptible as ever. As social media algorithms continue to curate content, create bubbles, and spur echo chambers, they’ve become better at pushing misinformation in stories and images that seem like they could be true—and that’s often all it takes. Once you’ve clicked through, you’ll be susceptible to further misinformation that reinforces the faux story that caught your interest, and it’ll tell the algorithms to keep pushing more of that kind of content that interests you, sending you down the wrong path. How to stay safe: While cutting out social media altogether is the best answer, it just isn’t practical for most of us. You can protect yourself against social media misinformation by actively analyzing all stories, images, and links you come across. If it seems designed to provoke an emotional response in you, pause and reconsider. Double-check all stories with trusted third-party sources. And lastly, think about leaving certain social media sites that are inundated with misinformation and move towards ones that are better moderated and more open. Threat 2: Deepfakes and AI scams Where it happens: Just about everywhere Foundry This one’s tricky because you’re just as likely to find deepfakes and AI scams in your email inbox as you will on social media, on YouTube, and ads all across the internet. The dangers are equally varied. A deepfake (which is a video or audio that’s been digitally altered to appear as someone else) can damage someone’s reputation, lead you to believe misinformation, or incite you to feel negatively towards certain groups, countries, or organizations. Meanwhile, AI scams can catch you off guard and hack your data or steal your personal information. How to stay safe: Deepfakes and AI scams are by nature hard to spot, which is why you need to develop a healthy skepticism towards everything on the internet. Remember that disinformation campaigns, hackers, and bad actors are all trying to prey on you in some way. Always question any video or audio that seems alarming or sensational. Threat 3: Lookalike URLs Where it happens: Your browser’s address bar Foundry With phishing scams on the rise, you’re likely to encounter lookalike URLs in fraudulent emails, but you’re also likely to run into this if you often type URLs directly into your browser’s address bar. If you mis-type a popular website—for example, goggle.com instead of google.com—you could end up on a fake site that imitates the one you meant to visit. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, it’s because the fake site’s owner wants you to input your login credentials so they can steal them. Similarly, you may run into scam links on the web that replace certain mundane characters with lookalike letters, such as from the cyrillic alphabet. When you’re in a rush, you may not easily spot the difference between realsite.com and r?alsite.com. How to stay safe: Double-check every URL you type into a browser, and double-check every link you click on by hovering your mouse over it and looking at the URL preview at the bottom of the browser. When in doubt, it’s safer to type in a URL than it is to click on a link. Threat 4: QR code scams Where it happens: The real world Foundry QR code scams are particularly nefarious because they can follow you into the real world. They’re commonly found on parking meters, restaurant menus, bulletin boards, or outdoor venues that offer Wi-Fi access. Scammers and criminals stick their own fake QR codes on top of the original ones—often with a literal sticker—and it sends you to an imposter site that steals your logins, details, and/or financial information. How to stay safe: Before scanning any QR code, double-check that it’s from a legitimate organization. When scanning QR codes in public, make sure it isn’t a sticker. Also, remember that QR code scams simply take you to fraudulent sites, so double-check that you’ve arrived on a legitimate page that doesn’t have any red flags. If it seems off, close the tab. Threat 5: Malvertising Where it happens: Streaming sites Foundry Who hasn’t visited ad-infested streaming sites to watch TVs shows without suffering Netflix’s or Disney’s increasingly expensive paywalls? Doubly so for live sports! If you’ve ever pirated a soccer stream or boxing pay-per-view, then you know the kinds of sketchy sites I’m talking about. The risk here is that these sites are funded via ads, but most ad sellers don’t want to be associated with such illegal activity—so these streaming sites have to be less scrupulous with which ads they accept, and that means their ads can contain malware. This is known as “malvertising.” How to stay safe: Not only should you never give these sites your personal or financial information, you should never click on any of their ads. Also, make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date and working properly before visiting such sites. (You are using antivirus, right?) Consider using a VPN, too. These sites are illegal, after all. Threat 6: Dangerous ideologies Where it happens: Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp, other modern communication apps with weak moderation Foundry Modern communication apps are great for staying in touch with friends and family, but they’re also hotbeds of nefarious activity. Terrorists, white supremacist groups, illegal pornographers, and militant groups have all been known to use such apps for organizing, recruiting, and spreading dangerous ideologies and unlawful material. Some groups use these apps to operate slowburn pipelines of propaganda, disinformation, and indoctrination to radicalize susceptible people. How to stay safe: “Just say no” is useless advice most of the time, but it’s entirely apt here. You just need to avoid such groups and communities. In fact, when you see them, consider reporting them. If you’re part of an online community that has devolved into espousing dangerous, derogatory, or distasteful ideas that make you uncomfortable, steer clear and leave. Delete. Block. Report. Move on. Threat 7: Crypto scams Where it happens: Social media, user comments Foundry Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology have some legitimate uses and could still impact the future of financial institutions, but we’re still in the get-rich-quick, anything-goes era—and that means scammers love using crypto to part those who don’t know any better from their money. Such scams include fake celebrity accounts that promise a big return on your investment of just a few fractions of Bitcoin, and crypto wallet transfer services that try to steal your private key and/or recovery phrase. How to stay safe: Not your keys, not your coins. If you own cryptocurrencies, keep your keys private and never share them with anyone. Get your crypto off of exchanges and into cold wallets where you are the only master of your coins. You probably aren’t going to be one of those who get rich quick, so play it safe, invest only what you can afford to lose, never panic, and keep your FOMO in check. Threat 8: Fake app stores Where it happens: APK download sites Foundry Every so often, Google might ban a game you really want to play or an app that you depended on. When this happens, you can usually sideload those apps and games via APK download sites—but if you aren’t careful, you could fall victim to fake apps that are loaded with malware. It may seem fine and proper when you launch it, but in the background it could be stealing your passwords, credit card info, etc. The locked-down nature of the Google Play Store and Apple App Store can be annoying, but part of it is done for your protection. Going outside puts you at risk. How to stay safe: For best results, avoid sideloading apps that aren’t available through official app stores. But if you simply must download an app that isn’t available, make sure you 100% trust the creator of the app and make sure you only download the app with their official links. Meanwhile, install anti-malware on your device for an extra layer of protection, and consider backing up your device just in case you catch ransomware that blocks you from accessing your data. Threat 9: Man-in-the-middle attacks Where it happens: Public Wi-Fi Foundry Public Wi-Fi is super convenient, but remember: if you have free access to a public Wi-Fi network, then so do scammers and hackers. Some hackers are able to eavesdrop on public Wi-Fi and tap into your online activity. Scammers can set up imitation Wi-Fi access points that seem like they belong to that cafe you’re in, except it’s a fake. Lastly, even without any scammers or hackers involved, do you trust whoever is providing you with free Wi-Fi? Perhaps they’re the ones spying on you and stealing your personal data as it flows through the network. How to stay safe: Always use a reputable VPN before connecting to public Wi-Fi. The VPN will encrypt your online activity and hide what you’re doing so it’s useless to anyone eavesdropping. But as a rule of thumb when using public Wi-Fi, don’t log in to online accounts and don’t type your banking details or any other sensitive information that you wouldn’t want to share publicly. Assume everything you do on public Wi-Fi is being monitored, as it may well be. Threat 10: Search engine poisoning Where it happens: Search engines Foundry Search engine optimization has ruined search engines—in more ways than one. The first page of Google’s search results is often filled with not-so-high-quality content, but I’m talking about something else: the fact that scammers and hackers can also poison the search results by pushing their malicious websites to the top of the list, either via manipulative SEO techniques or paid ad positions. You might think you’re clicking on a link to a well-known and reputable brand, but it could be an imposter site that tries to steal your sensitive data or infect you with malware. How to stay safe: It’s near impossible to avoid search engines altogether, so it behooves you to pay extra attention before clicking on links in the search results. Avoid clicking on the paid ad links, and always double-check the URL before clicking on an organic link. If it looks off, don’t click it. Lastly, make sure you’re protected by antivirus software. Threat 11: Scam and malware emails Where it happens: Your inbox Foundry The “Nigerian prince” scam email has been the butt of jokes for decades now, but the rise of generative AI has made these scams way more effective and overwhelming to deal with. Scam and malware-infested emails are trickier than ever as they now incorporate personal details to surgically target individuals. This can make them much harder to spot and easier to trust, lulling you into their carefully laid traps. How to stay safe: There’s no good replacement for email just yet, so we all need to keep using it for now. But you can be more careful by never clicking links in emails and never opening unsolicited attachments. If you didn’t request it, don’t bother with it. And as with other scams, be wary of any email that sounds alarming, urgent, or scary, especially if it seems to want you to act fast within a time limit. Threat 12: Physical attacks in person Where it happens: eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, Mercari, any used marketplace with local pickup options Foundry As the cost of living crisis chomps down on victims across the world, second-hand marketplaces have boomed in popularity. They’re great for scoring deals and for limiting your environmental impact as a consumer. But they have their risks. You can be scammed, of course, but you can also be attacked if you pick up your purchases in person. Just a few months ago, a woman in Pennsylvania was robbed while test driving a used car she planned to buy. How to stay safe: This problem isn’t common enough to avoid second-hand marketplaces altogether, and you don’t have to avoid local pickups either. But always meet in a well-lit, public space. Ideally, take a friend with you to the meet; if you have to go alone, always let someone know where you’ll be, who you’re meeting, and when you’ll be home. And if possible, skip the cash and pay for your purchase digitally—after inspecting the product’s condition, of course. Threat 13: Lies and hallucinations Where it happens: AI chatbots, search engines Foundry The rapid growth of AI is both exciting yet terrifying. One of the scariest aspects of modern AI chatbots and assistants is how easily they make things up and confidently present them as fact. At best, you ask a simple question and get the wrong answer; at worst, you get a complex answer that sounds right but is full of falsehoods and non-existent entities. The danger is when you don’t know enough yourself to fact check the AI’s response. These “hallucinations” appear in everything from ChatGPT to Copilot to Google’s AI Overviews and more—and as more sketchy websites use AI to create their content, the entire web is barreling towards a future where it becomes one giant hallucination. How to stay safe: Never take AI entirely at its word. Ask for citations. Use other non-AI sources to double-check its statements. If you really want to be safe, avoid using AI for anything that hinges on factual accuracy and only use AI for fun or creative tasks. Once you start assuming that everything AI tells you is suspect, you’ll be ahead of curve. Threat 14: Criminal content Where it happens: Onion sites, porn sites Foundry The cleartext (i.e., non-encrypted) internet that we all use every day is much cleaner than it once was, but illegal content is still always one click away. Some unsafe porn sites have illegal content hiding in their video libraries, and it gets even worse once you start dabbling with the Tor Browser and “onion sites” (i.e., the dark web). On the dark web, you can encounter all kinds of dubious, dangerous, and detestable things—hitmen for hire, illicit drug sales, outlawed pornography, other stuff that will scar your mind and can never be unseen. The kind of stuff that you can actually be arrested and charged with real crimes for. How to stay safe: Using the Tor Browser to hide your identity online is a good start, as is using a VPN to further obfuscate your online activity. But your best bet is to steer clear of the dark web altogether. A strong antivirus might help protect you against malware, but it won’t do anything for the illegal content you might come across. If you must use the dark web, be extremely careful. But seriously, don’t. Threat 15: Copyright infringement Where it happens: Torrent sites, illegal download sites Foundry Any time you download something illegally, you put yourself at risk. If you aren’t careful, you can be caught by law enforcement and copyright holders. That popular torrent might seem innocent enough, but it could be a honeypot set up to trap unsuspecting downloaders. On top of that, ISPs like Comcast and Verizon monitor internet activity and can easily tell when you’re pirating digital content. All that to say, you could get slapped with a copyright infringement notice—and if that happens, you could lose your internet access and/or face legal consequences. How to stay safe: Always use a reputable VPN to mask your identity when you download torrents and visit illegal download sites. A VPN covers up your tracks, so to speak, by preventing ISPs from spying on your traffic and making your internet activity impossible to trace back to you. But again, you need a reputable VPN that doesn’t store your internet activity. Look for one with a no-logs policy. Read...

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