I’m going to Europe soon, and planning my trip was a breeze. Yes, really! AI did a big chunk of the work for me — and it can help you plan your next getaway, too. 

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Here are a few ways to turn AI into your travel agent. There’s a whole industry of paid sites and apps popping up, but I haven’t found any that are useful enough to pay for. For this, let’s stick with using the big bots:

• ChatGPT: My preferred AI chatbot; gives the best results based on my testing.
• Gemini: Google’s chatbot is integrated into Google Flights and Google Hotels. I don’t think it’s as thorough as ChatGPT, and it often throws in weird opinions.

1. Describe your likes and wants

Your AI travel buddy can do so much more than suggest tourist traps — it can help you create a truly tailored adventure. Remember, the more info you put in about who you are and what you like, the more “you” the suggestions will be. 

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By interests

AI can curate a list of spots that match your hobbies or those of the group you’re traveling with:

• “Find me the best food tours in Paris that include wine tastings.”
• “What are some scenic hiking trails within 30 miles of Denver?”
• “Suggest must-see art galleries in NYC for modern art lovers.”

By weather

AI can suggest destinations based on your preferred climate at any time of year. So much easier than looking up weather charts!

• “Find me a warm destination in the U.S. for January with average temps above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.”
• “What are the best ski resorts in Wyoming for late December?”
• “Where can I play golf in May with mild, spring-like weather?”

AI can make travel suggestions based on weather, interest, occasion and more. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

By occasion or vibe

Not sure where you want to go? Let AI find the perfect match for your mood. If you’re not sure how to word the vibe you’re looking for, tell AI how you want to feel on your trip.

• “What are some romantic destinations in Italy?”
• “Suggest family-friendly vacation spots with amusement parks and beaches.”
• “Where can I go to feel relaxed and refreshed in March without spending a ton of money?”

The best part? AI doesn’t just offer generic lists; it crafts your dream trip based on what you love, need or just want to experience.

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2. Simplify bookings and reservations

AI does more than just answer questions. It simplifies the whole planning process so you can focus on the fun part of travel. 

Flights and transportation

AI can assist in finding the best flight times, routes and transportation options based on your budget and preferences. 

• “What’s the most direct route from [origin] to [destination] with a layover under 2 hours?”
• “Find me affordable train options from [city] to [city] with scenic views.”
• “Which airlines offer the best in-flight perks for long haul flights?”

AI can assist you in finding flight times, routes, and transportation options that best suit your travel itinerary. (iStock)

Hotels and accommodations

Get specific with your accommodation needs, and AI will help you sort through the options. It can do the hard work of sorting through reviews, amenities and location for you. So sweet.

• “What’s a family-friendly hotel in [destination] with a pool and free breakfast?”
• “Suggest eco-friendly accommodations near hiking trails in [region].”
• “Find a cozy boutique hotel in [city] within walking distance of top-rated restaurants.”

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3. Ask the right questions

This one hit the jackpot for me: “What are unique experiences in Berlin and Vienna during the first week of January?” The results? Festive Christmas markets, snowy countryside escapes and a hot springs spa. Not bad, right?

For every city on my trip, I got creative with prompts:

• “Help me plan a route between Paris and Vienna. My family loves unique experiences, scenic drives and amazing food.”
• “I’m visiting Berlin. What are the tourist things I shouldn’t miss?”
• “What’s a day-by-day itinerary for Paris that includes local food, hidden gems and cultural must-sees?”

Don’t stop at the basics! Dig deeper, and you’ll have your travel buddies asking, “How’d you know about this?”

• “What’s an underrated restaurant where locals eat in [destination]?”
• “Which festivals or seasonal events are happening in [destination] on [dates]?”
• “What’s the easiest way to save on tickets and/or skip the lines for [popular attraction]?”

With the right questions and prompts, you can use AI to plan your next trip down to the letter. (iStock)

4. Time to pack like a pro

We’ve all forgotten our phone chargers or overpacked like we’re moving abroad for a weekend trip. 

• Pack perfectly: “What should I pack for a [length of trip] to [destination] in [month]?”
• Weatherproof your wardrobe: “What’s the weather typically like in [destination] in [month]?”
• Stay document-ready: “What documents do I need for [destination]?” This way, you’re prepared for customs if you’re leaving the country. (By the way, you can now renew your passport online.)

Share this with your favorite travel buddy and start planning for your next getaway. Bon voyage!

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Macs are safer than Windows PCs, but they’re not foolproof. Hackers occasionally find ways to infect Apple devices, and in most cases, we’re the ones who allow it. Since infiltrating Apple’s App Store is difficult, hackers trick people into downloading apps from third-party stores or random websites.

These apps look legitimate but are actually tools for infecting devices with malicious software. A recent incident highlights this issue, with North Korean hackers targeting Macs by hiding malware in seemingly harmless macOS apps.

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A person working on their Mac (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How does the malware work?

Recent discoveries by Jamf Threat Labs have unveiled a sneaky form of malware targeting macOS computers. While it may sound technical, understanding the basics of how this malware operates can help you stay safe online.

This malware hides in seemingly harmless applications, such as a game called Minesweeper and a note-taking app referred to as a Notepad. These apps function as expected, but behind the scenes, they run malicious programs that could allow hackers to take control of your computer.

The apps use a technology called Flutter, a tool often used to create apps that work on multiple devices like phones and computers. Flutter makes it easier for app developers to design their software, but its unique structure also helps hackers hide their malicious code, making it harder for experts to detect.

Once installed, the malware connects to a remote server (think of it as a command center for hackers) to receive instructions. These instructions could include running commands on your computer without your knowledge. One trick this malware uses is running AppleScripts, a type of script built for macOS systems, which can quietly execute commands to steal your data or even control your device.

Even scarier, some versions of this malware had been signed and approved by Apple’s security system before experts caught on. This means the hackers were testing how far they could push their schemes without raising suspicion.

A woman working on different Apple devices (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The North Korea connection

This malware isn’t just a random act of cybercrime, it has ties to tactics and techniques often associated with North Korean hackers. Experts have identified similarities between this malware and previous attacks linked to North Korea, including the use of certain coding methods and domains that the country’s cyber teams are known to exploit.

North Korea has a history of using cyberattacks to fund its operations or disrupt systems worldwide, often targeting financial systems or vulnerable individuals. In this case, the malware seems to be in the testing phase, potentially laying the groundwork for a larger attack in the future.

The apps containing the malware were designed to look harmless. These tactics suggest a focus on tricking people through social engineering, a method North Korean hackers have used in the past.

By embedding the malware within apps that appear useful or fun, the attackers can increase the chances of someone downloading and using the infected software. While this particular malware has not yet been linked to active attacks, its connection to North Korea’s cyber playbook is a strong indicator of potential risks ahead.

A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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5 tips to protect yourself from Mac malware

1) Use reliable antivirus software: A strong antivirus program is your first line of defense against malicious links and malware that could steal your private information. Avoid clicking on random links, especially in emails or messages that claim to be urgent or demand updates. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. It can also warn you about phishing emails and ransomware scams, helping to keep your personal data and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Be careful with downloads and links: Only download apps from trusted sources like the Mac App Store or official websites of known developers. Hackers often disguise malware as legitimate updates or harmless apps.

3) Keep your software up to date: Regular updates for macOS and installed apps are essential because they patch security flaws. Apple frequently rolls out updates to address vulnerabilities, so enabling automatic updates ensures you stay protected without the hassle of manually checking for them.

4) Use strong, unique passwords: A strong password can help keep your Mac safe from unauthorized access. Avoid reusing passwords across different accounts. A password manager can be incredibly helpful here—it generates and stores complex passwords for you, making them difficult for hackers to crack.

It also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and automatically fills them in when you log into accounts, so you don’t have to remember them yourself. By reducing the number of passwords you need to recall, you’re less likely to reuse them, which lowers the risk of security breaches. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2024 here.

5) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA for key accounts like your Apple ID, email, and financial services. This adds a second layer of security, making it much harder for attackers to access your accounts—even if they have your password.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

I’ve noticed a significant rise in malware hiding in seemingly harmless apps, whether it’s related to Mac, Windows, Android, or even iPhones. It just shows that no device is completely safe, not even one made by Apple. Hackers, including those backed by North Korea, are constantly finding new ways to trick users into downloading malicious software. These attacks often fly under the radar because they look like regular, safe apps. With these threats becoming more sophisticated, it’s more important than ever to stay aware of the risks and be cautious about what you download and click on.

Do you trust third-party app stores or only use official app marketplaces? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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For years, iPhone users have relied on Voice Isolation to block out background sounds during calls, a handy feature for noisy environments or busy homes. However, with the iOS 18 update, things have shifted a bit.

Here’s a question from Debbie in Half Moon Bay that sums up the experience of many users: “Since I updated Apple software to iOS 18.0.1, I can no longer remove background noise while on the phone. This used to be in the Control Center. Have you figured out how to do this?”

That’s from Debbie, a fan of the Voice Isolation feature that used to let her chat on the phone with her dog barking in the background without her callers hearing the noise.

Good news, Debbie. With iOS 18, Apple introduced a smart new feature called Automatic Mic Mode, which adapts to your surroundings to automatically enhance call quality. Voice Isolation is still available, but now it’s part of a more intelligent, hands-free experience.

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A woman talking on her iPhone’s speaker (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Introducing Automatic Mic Mode

Automatic Mic Mode builds on the Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum features that Apple introduced in iOS 15. Now, the mode can intelligently sense your environment and select the best microphone setting for clearer, more natural communication.

Automatic Mic Mode on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Who gets Automatic Mic Mode?

This feature isn’t limited to the newest iPhones. If your device supports iOS 18, you can experience the flexibility of Automatic Mic Mode, from iPhone XR to the latest models. Not sure if you’re running the latest iOS? No worries. Here are some quick steps to update your iPhone:

• Open Settings
• Tap General
• Select Software Update
• If available, tap Update Now and begin downloading and installing iOS 18.1

Steps to update iPhone software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Here’s what it looks like in action

In a Noisy Place? If you’re on a work call in a bustling coffee shop, Automatic Mic Mode will default to Voice Isolation, blocking out background noise so that the other person hears only your voice.

On Speakerphone for a Group Chat? Switch to speakerphone for a group chat, and Automatic Mic Mode may shift to Standard Mode, creating a more open, natural sound that’s perfect for group conversations.

With Automatic Mic Mode, you no longer need to go into settings for most calls; your iPhone now makes those decisions for you. But don’t worry, Debbie, Voice Isolation is still available for manual selection if you prefer.

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How to enable Voice Isolation manually on iOS 18

For those who want to choose Voice Isolation themselves, here’s how to access it in iOS 18.0.1.

1) During a call: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.

2) Access Mic Mode: Tap on the app controls for your current call near the name of the app (like Phone or FaceTime).

3) Select Voice Isolation: Under Audio & Video, you’ll see options like Automatic, Standard, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum. Tap Voice Isolation to reduce background noise. Here’s a breakdown of those options:

• Automatic: Automatically uses the Mic Mode that’s best for your call type
• Standard: Uses standard voice processing
• Voice Isolation: Prioritizes your voice and blocks ambient noises
• Wide Spectrum: Leaves ambient noises unfiltered

Voice Isolation on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Your selection will only affect the app you’re using to make the call. Mic Modes will remain active for that app until you choose a different one.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

With the shift to Automatic Mic Mode, Apple is keeping up with our fast-paced, mobile lives. From noisy environments to quiet settings, your iPhone now ensures crystal-clear calls automatically. And for users like Debbie, who often multitask during calls, it’s a game-changer. Debbie, give it a try! Whether you’re handling household tasks or taking a call on a crowded street, your iPhone will adapt so you can focus on the conversation.

What features would you like to see added to future iOS updates to enhance your calling experience further? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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