🤯 $100 million stolen from the Louvre: The hack was Windows XP

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⛪️ We’ve seen the internet break over a new Taylor drop, MrBeast stunt or that Baby Shark song. One event shattered attendance records with over 10 million internet viewers tuning in. Was it: A) The pope’s Easter Mass, B) Kanye West’s Sunday Service, C) Joel Osteen’s Christmas sermon or D) Passion Conference? Hold your hallelujahs, the answer awaits at the end! 

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📺 Tired of scrolling for something worth watching? Head to my YouTube channel! It’s packed with smart tips, real laughs and tech talk that actually matters. Click now and enjoy screen time that’s finally worth it. — Kim

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If you think skipping a Windows update is no big deal, tell that to the Louvre. That tiny oversight helped thieves walk away with over $100 million in royal jewels.

On Oct. 19, a group of burglars pretending to be painters and workers rolled up to the world’s most famous museum, parked a truck with a lift outside and used it to reach a second-floor window. They pried it open, strolled into the Apollo Gallery like they owned the place and took eight pieces of Louis XIV-era jewelry. They dropped one along the way.

This wasn’t a Mission: Impossible-level hack. It was basic. Stupid basic.

Audits going back to 2014 warned that the Louvre’s security system was dangerously outdated. One report showed that the most critical machines were running Windows 2000 and XP, operating systems so old, they weren’t even supported by Microsoft anymore. 

The passwords? One was literally “LOUVRE.” Another was “THALES,” the name of the French defense contractor managing the system. You cannot make this up.

Even in 2025, after multiple warnings, the museum still hadn’t updated most of its tech. Only 39% of rooms had one security camera installed. Antivirus updates were missing. Some computers didn’t even have screen locks.

The Louvre brings in over $220 million a year from ticket sales, private events, licensing deals and a gift shop that prints cash. From 2018 to 2024, they spent $115 million buying new artwork. But only $3.3 million was set aside for computer and security upgrades. 

Let this be a reminder. It doesn’t matter how big you are, how much money you make or how famous your “brand” is. If your tech is outdated and your passwords are lazy, you’re not secure, you’re lucky. Until you’re not.

Tell a friend. Forward this. Share this using the icons below. Then go check your own passwords. Because history doesn’t repeat itself. It gets bolder.

🖼️ Oh, why didn’t the family visit the Louvre? They did not have the Monet to get Degas to make the Van Gogh.

He was so paranoid about his search results that he paid thousands to bury negative stories. Then, I talk to Kala (aka TikTok’s Tunnel Girl) about digging 30 feet under her house. Plus: dodgy Amazon Fire Sticks, YouTube’s most-watched video and the new Gemini 3.

Listen on Komando.com →

🎧 Or listen wherever you get your podcasts, search for “Komando.”

🚨 Scam alert: Criminals are impersonating Dan Bongino on Rumble and Telegram, using fake accounts and even deepfake videos to push bogus crypto “investments.” If someone promises guaranteed returns or asks for crypto, it’s a scam. Don’t bite.

Beware of the ghost-tap: Let’s say you’re buying festival kettle corn and a “vendor” shoves a tap-to-pay reader at you. The ghost-tapping scam is spreading with fake booths and shady vendors slipping in a higher charge while you’re distracted. The bump-and-charge trick happens, too, where someone brushes past you with a hidden reader to try charging your card. Toss your bank and credit cards in an RFID sleeve. They’re only $1 each.

Holy text messages: There’s an AI app where you can text Jesus. And Moses. And Mary. And, for some reason, Satan. And the guy who built it? Not religious at all. Didn’t consult a single pastor. He launched it because people “seemed curious.” And I’m sure he likes making money, too. If you want to talk to Jesus, read your Bible.

🤯 I know what you’re thinking: “Do I even need identity theft protection?” Listen, I hate wasting money, too. But the answer is yes, you need it. Thieves hit your accounts with tiny charges, say $1.39, because they expect you’ll miss them. When you do, thieves drain your accounts, take out massive loans and steal your retirement. I use NordProtect 24/7 to catch this silent attack and all the other ones out there. This Black Friday, you can get the security I trust and use for 71% OFF, $4.27 per month! Lock in this deal now before it’s too late.*

The internet’s time capsule: This is really cool. The Internet Archive, that beloved, thankless historian of the web, sits inside an old church near the Presidio in San Francisco. The pews and stained glass are roommates with humming servers handling over 150 terabytes of internet history daily. They save everything: websites, books, music, shows, retro games and even today’s AI responses so we have records later. And get this, they recently hit 1 trillion(!) pages saved. If you have time, watch this cool video.

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Gmail storage running low? A free Google account comes with 15 GB, and once you hit the limit, you can’t send or receive new emails. To free up space, search “filename:mp4” or “larger:15mb” to find big attachments and delete them. Sweet.

Roku’s new update: Your device should feel snappier with fewer crashes. Plus, there are added accessibility perks, like voice commands to adjust volume or launch channels. To install it, go to Home > Settings > System > Software Update.

Change your tone with AI: If the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet, let a chatbot save your reputation. Paste your draft email and ask, “Can you rewrite this in a more polite and friendly tone?” You can add details like “This is for my boss,” so it doesn’t sound like you’re texting your bestie.

iPhone dimming itself? In iOS 26, you might notice your screen brightness changing even after you set it with the slider in Control Center. That’s thanks to Auto-Brightness, and it’s on by default for some of us. Turn it off in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Auto-Brightness. After that, adjust it manually.

😅 Android screens are big: That’s great until your thumb can’t reach half the screen. One-handed mode shrinks the display so everything’s closer. Turn it on in Settings > Advanced features > One-handed mode. After that, swipe down from the bottom edge or double-tap the Home button to activate it. FYI, your phone might use a different gesture.

🏡 A silent paper robbery: A recent Georgia couple’s ordeal confirms that home title theft is no longer a distant threat, it’s a growing, persistent crisis. Scammers tried to sell the couple’s property not just once, but three times, forcing them into a legal battle to prove ownership. A 2025 survey by the National Association of Realtors reports a 60% increase of title fraud. Don’t assume your equity is safe just because you live in your home. Only a dedicated 24/7 title monitoring service can alert you to the fraudulent filing before the disaster hits. Get a free Title History Report today.*

Vintage Pyrex is fetching thousands online. That’s right, move over Bitcoin, Gramsie’s go-to is the new store of value.  

Born from railroad glass (yes, really), Pyrex became the kitchen MVP. Now, thanks to TikTok collectors and thrift-core aesthetics, the pan is a certified collectible.

Next time you spot a Gooseberry print for $2 at a yard sale, grab it. You’re only one casserole away from financial freedom.

🦖 What do you call a glass Tyrannosaurus rex? Pyrex! (I saw you smile right there!)

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🚶🏼‍♀️ Take me on a walk: Click to listen to my latest show on Apple, iHeart or wherever you get your podcasts.

✅ The answer: A) The pope’s Easter Mass. In 2020, when pews went empty and living rooms became sanctuaries, over 10 million people tuned in to watch Pope Francis livestream his Easter message. It became one of the most-watched religious broadcasts in internet history. And in case you’re wondering, yes, the Vatican’s Wi-Fi held strong. Miraculous, truly.

Does the Vatican accept Venmo? No, they only take Papal. (lol)

Travel, shopping, cooking, treats. The holiday season is a lot. If you want to keep feeling your best and you’ve been curious about NativePath’s clean supplements like Collagen or Native Hydrate, this is the moment. Their Black Friday sale is their biggest of the year. Use code BLACKFRIDAY for up to $100 off, free shipping and some gifts thrown in. Treat yourself a little while you’re taking care of everyone else.**

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Tomorrow, I’m showing you how Thanksgiving goes fully futuristic. This is the #1 tech newsletter in the United States.

Until next time, remember tech is cool. You’re even cooler. 😎 — Kim

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Photo credit(s): Gemini, Philips, doben9 on eBay

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**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.

This newsletter and its content are intended for informational purposes only. They are provided without warranty of any kind. You shouldn’t construe anything provided here as legal, health, medical, technical, tax, investment, financial or any other kind of advice.