Gadget nostalgia, the Computer Exorcist & AI predicts your lifespan
Digest
This podcast episode tackles a range of tech-related topics, starting with listener questions about headphone adapters and iPhone call recording. A significant portion focuses on scams, including a $5600 text message scam, a "click-fix" malware scam, and the pervasive issue of tech support scams. A cybersecurity expert, Mark Anthony Arena ("Computer Exorcist"), discusses the obsolescence of traditional antivirus software and the evolution of cyber threats, highlighting legalized malware, update attacks, and ransomware. The episode offers practical advice on avoiding these scams, including never granting remote access to your computer and verifying contact information independently. Further segments cover comparing the Google Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e, securing financial transactions (phone vs. computer, using cellular data), securely wiping hard drives, finding Skype replacements, and an interview with the creator of a life expectancy prediction app. The podcast concludes with listener feedback and product reviews.
Outlines
Introduction: Tech Troubles & Scam Prevention
The podcast opens with listener questions regarding headphone adapters, iPhone call recording, and solutions for both. It transitions into a discussion of a significant text message scam resulting in a $5600 loss, offering preventative measures.
Smartphone Showdown: Pixel 9a vs. iPhone 16e
A comparison of Google's Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e, highlighting features, price points, and operating systems, emphasizing the Pixel's camera and screen advantages.
Click-Fix Malware & Emerging Cyber Threats
Explains the "click-fix" malware scam and prevention methods. Introduces four emerging cyber threats: legalized malware, update attacks, support scams, and ransomware.
Cybersecurity Expert Interview: The Evolving Threat Landscape
An interview with Mark Anthony Arena, discussing the ineffectiveness of traditional antivirus software and the changing nature of modern cyber threats.
Update Attacks, Unnecessary Upgrades & Avoiding Support Scams
Focuses on the negative impacts of unnecessary software updates and provides strategies for recognizing and avoiding tech support scams. The Apple software update throttling controversy is mentioned.
Tech Advice for Seniors & Non-Techies; Listener Questions on Fraud
Offers tech advice for less tech-savvy users, emphasizing Chrome OS Flex and Linux Mint. Addresses listener concerns about fraudulent transactions and security best practices.
Phone vs. Computer Security & Hard Drive Wiping
Discusses the relative security of using phones versus computers for financial transactions and the process of securely wiping hard drives before disposal. A T-Mobile offer is mentioned.
Skype Alternatives & Google Voice; Death Clock App Interview
Explores Google Voice as a Skype replacement and features an interview with the creator of the Death Clock app, which uses AI to predict life expectancy.
Listener Feedback & Product Reviews
The podcast concludes with listener feedback on various topics, including antivirus warnings, AT&T devices, iPhone organization, and gift card website legitimacy.
Keywords
Tech Scams
Deceptive practices using technology to defraud individuals, often involving phishing emails, text messages, or fraudulent phone calls.
Ransomware
Malicious software that encrypts a user's files and demands a ransom for their release. Regular backups are crucial for protection.
Google Pixel 9a
A budget-friendly smartphone from Google, compared to the iPhone 16e in the podcast.
iPhone 16e
A budget-friendly iPhone model compared to the Google Pixel 9a.
Cybersecurity Threats
Modern threats such as legalized malware, update attacks, support scams, and ransomware.
Support Scams
Fraudulent tech support calls or messages designed to trick users into giving remote access to their computers or paying for unnecessary services.
Data Wiping
The process of securely erasing data from a hard drive before disposal.
Google Voice
A potential replacement for Skype, offering international calling, number porting, and security features.
Death Clock App
An AI-powered app that predicts life expectancy based on user-provided information.
Antivirus Software
Traditional antivirus software is discussed in relation to its effectiveness against modern cyber threats.
Q&A
How can I protect myself from text message scams?
Don't respond to suspicious texts. Contact your bank using official contact information, not numbers from a text or call.
What are the key differences between the Google Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e?
The Pixel 9a offers a larger display, dual cameras, longer battery life, and a lower price point. The iPhone 16e runs iOS, while the Pixel 9a uses Android.
How can I avoid the "click-fix" malware scam?
Never follow key press instructions from pop-ups or emails claiming to verify your identity.
Are traditional antivirus programs still necessary?
No, according to the cybersecurity expert, traditional antivirus is largely ineffective against modern threats.
What are the four major cyber threats discussed?
Legalized malware, update attacks, support scams, and ransomware.
How can listeners protect themselves from tech support scams?
Never call a number from an unsolicited email or pop-up. Hang up immediately on suspicious calls and contact your provider directly. Never grant remote access.
What is the Death Clock app?
An AI app that predicts life expectancy to motivate users to improve their health.
What is the best way to wipe a hard drive before recycling?
Use the built-in operating system's erase function or third-party data erasure software for sensitive data.
How can I record phone calls on an iPhone?
iOS 17 and later have built-in recording; older versions may require third-party apps or Google Voice.
What is Google Voice?
A potential Skype replacement offering international calling, number porting, and security features.
Show Notes
Rich On Tech Episode 114 - March 22, 2025
Rich takes a trip down memory lane to talk about some of his personal gadget milestones over the years.
David in San Francisco asks how to get good audio on a plane. Rich recommends AirFly and noise cancelling headphones.
Bob in Garden City Michigan wants to know how to tape a phone call on his iPhone. Rich says iOS 18 has call recording feature built in (so does Pixel and Samsung), Google Voice can record calls, so can apps including Rev and TapeACall and you can use the Plaud Note. Just be sure to check your local laws.
Conor calls in to explain how he got scammed out of thousands of dollars through a text message.
Stacey asks how to encrypt a flash drive—BitLocker To Go is the answer.
Google unveils $500 Pixel 9a, its iPhone 16e competitor.
The ClickFix scam tricks you into installing malware—watch out for captchas asking for keyboard shortcuts.
Dana asks why radio stations stopped playing on HomePod.
Zachary wonders if he should ditch Cash App after fraudulent charges.
Dino says his old copy-paste method for group emails isn’t working in the new Yahoo app—create a contact list instead.
Claude AI adds real-time web search for paid users, coming soon for free users.
Marc-Anthony Arena, the Computer Exorcist, breaks down modern tech threats in plain English – he’ll explain why old-school virus scans don’t cut it anymore and reveal the real dangers you should watch out for! Mentioned: Mint OS
HP Instant Ink is raising prices in April.
Bob in LA wants to know the best way to wipe a Mac laptop before getting rid of it.
Rod in Montana needs a good Skype alternative.
T-Mobile customers: You might have a targeted offer for a free line. Check your T-Life app to see if you’re eligible.
Brent Franson, founder of Death Clock, joins the show to discuss how AI predicts your life expectancy, biological age, and health scores—plus, what changes could help extend your life and improve longevity.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Table of contents
United States
