Ken Colburn

1 week ago | wtop.com | Ken Colburn

Q: Is there a way to know if my passwords are part of this latest breach? A: You may have seen the headlines about a massive leak involving nearly 10 billion unique passwords and more than 16 billion total entries. The “RockYou2024” file — originally compiled last year — has been updated and rereleased with newly added data from recent breaches. It’s one of the largest credential dumps ever assembled and is now actively circulating in cybercriminal forums.

2 weeks ago | wtop.com | Ken Colburn

Q: Are the Windows 11 upgrade workarounds for noncompliant (Windows 10) computers safe? A: If you’re one of the millions still using Windows 10, you’ve probably seen the frequent reminders lately about the upcoming end-of-life date: Oct. 14, 2025. It’s not just a suggestion — Microsoft will officially stop issuing security updates, bug fixes and technical support for Windows 10.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Ken Colburn

Question: I just installed a new router that was supposed to be much faster, but now some of my older devices aren’t working so well. What’s going on? Answer: Upgrading your wireless router is one of the best ways to improve performance — especially if your old unit was four or five years old. But if you’re suddenly having trouble with older devices after the switch, you’re not alone. While your new router is likely faster and more secure, some older devices may not know how to talk to it.

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Ken Colburn

Newer routers often utilize Wi-Fi 6 and WPA3, which can cause compatibility issues with older devices. Wi-Fi 6 offers increased speed and capacity but older devices may not support it. WPA3 enhances security, but older devices may not be able to connect using this upgrade. Question: I just installed a new router that was supposed to be much faster, but now some of my older devices aren’t working so well. What’s going on?

3 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Ken Colburn

Ken ColburnSpecial for The RepublicQuestion: My iPhone was stolen 6 months ago, and I just received a text from someone in the Philippines claiming they have my phone, asking me to remove it from my iCloud account so they can reset it. What should I do? Answer: Having a smartphone stolen is stressful enough without having to deal with scammers. Activating Lost Mode was the right thing to do, but it could also be how the thieves figure out how to contact you.