Hello to a marvelous Monday, friend! Let’s kick off this week with some coffee trivia. A cold-brew cup of Joe is made by steeping the grounds in cold water, a process that takes between 12 and 24 hours. But Australian scientists say they’ve gotten that down to 3 minutes using what technology? Is it … A.) Ultraviolet waves, B.) Ultrasound waves, C.) Radio waves or D.) X‑rays? Find this very interesting answer at the end!

💪 Have you ever wondered why some emails reach you effortlessly while others seem to vanish? It's Big Tech's gatekeeping algorithms at play, filtering what you see and don't see. But today, you have the power to change that. Simply reply to this email, and my messages will always make their way to you, uninterrupted. Even a simple "Yes, I got it" or "Hello" will make a dent. Your help is crucial. Thank you! — Kim

Let me tell you, more and more victims of cyberstalking are reaching out to me for advice using my Ask Kim page. Here’s one note I received recently from P.W. in Oklahoma:

“I’ve been cyberstalked for three years. I recently discovered it was my roommate. I moved out and he launched another attack. He’s on my and my fiance's phones, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth — everything. He has stolen financial data, pictures, erased accounts, taken over emails and harassed me through VOIP.

"He admitted to sitting outside our house all night. I thought he was spying on me. Now I know he was also gaining access to my Wi‑Fi. I can't do this anymore and need expert advice/help terribly.”

This is truly awful. First, it’s always a good idea to file a police report. This way, you have things on record. Unfortunately, the police won’t come into your home and lock down your digital life — but you have me.

The good news: There’s a lot you can do right now to lock out a jerk. The bad news: It’s a lot of work, but I promise you it’s worth it — and it’s so much better than sitting around wondering what your stalker will do next.

Start with a list

What accounts, passwords and devices do you believe he has access to? Sit down and make a list of all you can think of. Check your browser’s saved passwords for inspiration.

One by one, sign out of each account on every device, then change every single password. A password manager will help you generate new, strong passwords no one can guess. For that, I recommend the password manager I use that’s just $17.50 for the first year. (Btw, I get no residuals if you buy.)

Just to get you thinking, here are some other sites and platforms you should check and update your passwords for:

I have steps here to change your password for several major sites, including Amazon, Netflix, Facebook and Spotify.

Upgrade your router

So many people forget just how much info someone can access if they know the login info for your router. Theoretically, they can see what you do online and what devices are connected.

That, in particular, can be dangerous. It lets a stalker see if you’re home and using the internet from your phone. You can probably get away with a factory reset on your existing router, but if it’s older than two years, you should replace it anyway.

No idea where to start with router shopping?

Change device passcodes, too

Don’t forget about your phone’s passcode and your computer or tablet’s password. Yes, a stalker needs physical access to get into those devices, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Get the full instructions for Apple and Android here.

Don’t forget smart devices

From security cameras to smart speakers, access to the right accounts can let someone see or listen to you without your knowledge.

Change your passwords for your security system, smart thermostat, smart doorbells and any other internet-connected devices with their own standalone accounts.

Search for any hidden trackers in your car, too. Here’s how to find them.

Be a liar

When you’re close to someone, they know a lot about you. That very well might include where you grew up, your first car, your mom’s maiden name … Yeah, you can see where I’m going — it’s time to change your security questions in accounts with sensitive info.

Fudge your new answers. Most of the details in the default security questions are shockingly easy for someone else to find. The caveat, of course, is making sure you remember the lies — save your fake answers in your password manager to be safe.

💡 Pro tip: It’s super-important to remove private data like your cellphone number, home address and relatives (and their details, too) from public databases and people-search sites. There are just too many whackjobs in the world. That’s what Incogni* does — try it now at PrivacyKim.com and get 60% off, exclusively for readers of this newsletter and listeners of my shows.

👮 Remember, anytime you feel like you’re in danger, call the police. You just don’t know what else a cyberstalker has up their sleeves — or what’s going on in their heads.

AI is changing the world at a pace we’ve never seen before in the history of mankind. That’s why you need to take a free test drive to learn how you can save time and money using AI in your business.

The problem: Buying the tech to make it happen is expensive — and who knows if you’re even choosing what you truly need?

The pros at Oracle will bring AI to your company the easy way. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure uses NVIDIA GPUs, so you know you’re getting the gold standard in processing power. Let them worry about updates and maintenance so you can focus on the future.

☄️ Solar storm tech issues: There weren’t too many disruptions over the weekend from the global light show, but Starlink’s satellites had a few glitches. Interestingly, GPS navigation systems used by John Deere tractors and other brands to create ultra-tight, straight lines for planting were knocked out — and during a peak planting season. I was so bummed I saw nothing in the skies over Phoenix.

Slap on the wrist: Verizon, AT&T and T‑Mobile will pay $10.22 million to a group of states to settle claims of false advertising. Their ads promised unlimited data plans and free phones, but guess what? Restrictions applied, conditions had to be met, and hidden fees lurked in the fine print. Check your bills.

⚾️ Strikeout: A gullible 70-year-old woman was fooled by an online scammer posing as Phillies shortstop Trea Turner. After weeks of messaging with “Trea,” the scammer got the woman to send him $50,000 under the guise of “marriage problems.” The lesson: Don’t just watch out for phishing emails and DMs; you’re also a target when you comment on social media posts.

Apple's iPhone spyware problem is worsening: Attacks mostly against journalists, activists and government representatives have been reported in over 150 countries. Common red flags: Faster-than-usual battery drainage, high data usage and unexpected shutdowns. If you’re a journalist or activist, or if you work for the government, turn on Lockdown mode.

The big reveal: Google's annual developer conference kicks off tomorrow at 10 a.m. Pacific, and it's all about AI. Expect everything from new search features to ways to turn your phone into an AI gadget. As for hardware, look for the Pixel 9 or Pixel Tablet 2. Watch it live on YouTube or Google’s official site.

🧏‍♀️ Let’s hear it for great news: In a world first, a 16-minute gene therapy procedure was performed on 18-month-old Opal Sandy, a British girl who was born deaf. She can now hear without needing an external device. Amazing!

Just plane awesome: Ever miss a connecting flight? Airlines are using AI to schedule planes to wait for late passengers, knowing everyone will still arrive on time. Those aboard? You’ll get real-time text messages about what's happening. Plus, the AI pre-plans the most efficient routes, saving millions of gallons of fuel … and tons of pissed-off passengers.

Get a FREE job post: Do you need to hire at your business? It’s tough. I’ve had great success finding really wonderful, hardworking people on LinkedIn.* You can post a job for free right now using my link.

Try your hand at AI art: Describe the design you’re after in your prompt and watch your creations come to life. The more details you can give Microsoft Designer, the better. And it’s free. Nice.

Office freebie: Unless you absolutely need Microsoft 365, don’t waste your money. I’ve recommended LibreOffice, the free, open-source office software suite, for years, and it just got a major update. Plus, it works on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Master your domain (name): Yep, you can purchase a domain right from your phone. If you have an iPhone and subscribe to iCloud, you can do it through your phone’s settings. Here’s how.

Dominate the multitasking game: Use an iPad? Drag an app out of the dock and place it alongside another open app. They'll run side by side in Split View. Slide down to convert it to Slide Over mode.

🥹 “My radio station used to carry your show, but this is a great replacement,” wrote Nancy in Miami, Florida. Now, friends, my free newsletter isn’t a replacement for my national award-winning radio show. The show is loaded with things you won’t find here, along with the best callers ever. Find my show on a radio station near you or as a podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Rug grippers: Put these grippers on all your rugs, whether they’re on hardwood floors or tile, to help keep the rugs from moving or causing a fall. This pack of 16 grippers is on sale for $7.99, 69% off the regular price ($25.99).

Outdoor solar lights: Light up the night with these waterproof lights for just $26.99 — 85% off (they’re normally $180!). Solar-powered for up to 12 hours, their elegant design is perfect for the patio or walkways.

New pillows: Sleep like you're in a luxury hotel with this cozy pillow set from Cozsinoor for $32.99, 72% off their original price of $120. Designed to perfectly balance and support your neck and back, these pillows come with a cooling cover that hot sleepers will love!

Car vacuum: Get rid of all the dirt, grime, food and who-knows-what-else in your car. This bestselling vacuum is now $25.99 — that’s 80% off the regular price of $129.99.

Bedroom update: Whether it’s for your room or the guest room, I really like this lightweight soft cotton quilt that includes two pillow shams for $43.10, a whopping 80% off (originally $219.99).

They say you should drive for the job you want, not the one you have.

The answer: B.) Ultrasound waves. Aussie scientists rigged a Breville espresso machine with a "patented sound transmission system" to send ultrasound waves into the almost-brewed coffee, and out came cold brew. Don’t try this at home.

👩‍🚀 One for the road: Two astronauts are having breakfast on the space station when one turns to the other and says, “I can't find any milk for my coffee.” The second replies, “In space, no one can here use cream.” (Yeah, I know, that was a great one!)

Hit the ratings below to let me know how I’m doing. Knowledge is power! I’ll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another issue of the best tech newsletter in the world. — Kim