Compute This

Schrock Innovations

Compute This is where real computer problems meet real answers. Each week the program addresses the technology issues affecting everyday users, including security threats, major updates, performance concerns, and informed buying decisions.  Produced by Schrock Innovations, Compute This is presented as a live weekly call-in show, with full episodes available as video and podcast replays on major platforms.

  1. 1d ago

    Spectrum Data Breach Exposes 4.9 Million Accounts | Compute This

    Your cable company just handed your personal information to hackers. This week on Compute This, we break down the Charter/Spectrum data breach that exposed 4.9 million accounts—including names, phone numbers, and home addresses—all because hackers tricked a single employee over the phone. It matters right now because the same social-engineering and AI-powered tactics behind this breach are spreading fast, and the old antivirus tools most people rely on simply can't keep up. We also dig into how Russian hackers are now building entire attack campaigns—phishing emails, malware, and infrastructure—using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, which makes cybercriminals faster and harder to spot than ever. If you're a business owner, IT decision-maker, or anyone who wants to understand how today's threats actually reach your inbox (and what real protection looks like), this episode gives you the plain-English breakdown you need. In this episode: The Charter/Spectrum breach: how one phone call exposed 4.9 million customer accounts, and why the company refused to pay—so the data got leaked anyway How Russian hackers (the GREYVIBE group) are using ChatGPT and Gemini to build fake emails, malware, and infrastructure, targeting Ukraine since last August Why old antivirus can't see AI-built threats—and how Sophos can A real-world IT disaster: how a chandelier on a winch shredded six network cables and took down an entire office floor These are exactly the threats Schrock Innovations helps you defend against. Modern protection like Sophos guards your network against the phishing, social engineering, and breaches making headlines—and right now Sophos is $100 on the last day of the sale. Catch the replay at schrockinnovations.com, if you bought a maintenance checkup certificate you summer is the time to use it, and if you're looking to join the team, see open positions at schrockinnovations.com/jobs. Show Notes: Charter/Spectrum breach: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/charter-communications-data-breach-affects-49-million-accounts/ GREYVIBE group using ChatGPT + Gemini: https://www.theregister.com/research/2026/05/29/russia-linked-threat-group-put-chatgpt-to-work-from-lure-to-payload/5248368 The chandelier network disaster: https://www.theregister.com/networks/2026/05/29/russian-oligarchs-financial-network-crashed-thanks-to-a-crank-and-a-cleaner/5243167

    54 min
  2. 6d ago

    Microsoft Killing SMS 2FA & AI Finding 10,000 Security Holes | Compute This

    Microsoft is phasing out text-message login codes, calling SMS authentication a major source of fraud, while AI-powered tools are uncovering thousands of critical software vulnerabilities faster than ever before. In this episode, we explain what these changes mean for your online security and why traditional antivirus software is struggling to keep up. We also cover the growing risks tied to AI-generated cyberattacks, the rise of passkeys, and concerns surrounding Chinese-made memory chips appearing in popular computer hardware. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone trying to stay secure in today’s rapidly changing tech landscape. In this episode: Why Microsoft is replacing SMS login codes with passkeys How AI tools uncovered more than 10,000 critical software vulnerabilities Why traditional antivirus software is becoming less effective What Chinese-made memory chips inside Corsair RAM could mean for consumers How Sophos Intercept X helps stop modern cyber threats Anyone interested in cybersecurity, account protection, AI threats, or emerging computer hardware concerns will enjoy this episode. At Schrock Innovations, helping customers stay protected from evolving cyber threats is a daily priority. From advanced malware protection to practical security guidance, the Schrock Innovations team helps homes and businesses navigate the same risks discussed in this episode with trusted expertise and proactive solutions. Show Notes: PCMag — Microsoft drops SMS 2FA, push to passkeys PCMag — Anthropic’s Mythos / Project Glasswing Sophos Intercept X Security Special — $100 all month Schrock Innovations Jobs: https://www.schrockinnovations.com/jobs

    54 min
  3. May 18

    AI Cybersecurity & ChatGPT Banking Risks | Compute This

    AI is rapidly changing the cybersecurity landscape, and this week on Compute This, we explain why traditional antivirus protection is struggling to keep up. From Microsoft Edge exposing saved passwords in plain text to ChatGPT connecting directly with thousands of banks, consumers are being asked to trust technology with more personal data than ever before — often without understanding the risks. We break down how cybercriminals are using AI to create smarter scams, why Microsoft’s response to recent security failures raised eyebrows, and what modern protection actually looks like in 2026. If you care about password safety, online privacy, or keeping your devices secure, this episode is for you. In this episode: Microsoft Edge’s password security controversy How AI is powering phishing scams and malware Why traditional antivirus software is becoming outdated The privacy concerns behind ChatGPT banking integrations How Sophos Intercept X stops modern cyber threats Listeners who want practical advice about cybersecurity, AI threats, and protecting their personal data online will enjoy this episode. At Schrock Innovations, we help customers stay ahead of evolving cyber threats with proactive maintenance, advanced protection tools like Sophos Intercept X, and expert support designed to keep your devices, passwords, and personal information secure in an increasingly AI-driven world. Show Notes: Microsoft Edge password story: Microsoft backpedals: Edge to stop loading cleartext passwords into memory Microsoft AI vulnerability hunters: Microsoft’s new AI system finds 16 Windows flaws ChatGPT banking integration: OpenAI launches ChatGPT for personal finance Careers at Schrock Innovations: https://www.schrockinnovations.com/jobs

    54 min
  4. May 10

    Backyard Data Center | Compute This

    Mother's Day scams, a backyard data center experiment, and a 4GB AI model Google Chrome is quietly installing on your computer top this week's Compute This podcast. Host Thor Schrock breaks down Apple's $250 million Siri settlement that could put up to $95 per device back in iPhone owners' pockets, and explains how to spot the Mother's Day scams hitting inboxes and phones right now. Listeners will learn how to vet suspicious messages, what to save in case they qualify for the Apple payout, and why their next computer needs more horsepower than they think. It's for anyone who owns a smartphone, runs Chrome, or wants to stay a step ahead of scammers and silent software changes. In this episode: The Span, Nvidia, and PulteGroup partnership putting miniature data centers in residential backyards Mother's Day scam patterns making the rounds, from fake flower deliveries to "Hi Mom" texts and gift card demands Google Chrome's silent rollout of a 4GB Gemini Nano AI model and how to remove it Apple's $250 million Siri settlement: who qualifies, what to save now, and when the claim site goes live Anyone who wants plainspoken answers about the tech changes hitting their devices, inbox, and wallet this week will enjoy this episode. When background AI installs itself without permission and scammers tailor attacks to the holiday on the calendar, having a local team in your corner matters. Schrock Innovations has been the technology company built for Nebraska and Iowa families and businesses since 1999, with locations in Papillion, Omaha, Lincoln, and Des Moines. Reach out to any location for free suspicious email vetting.  All May, get Sophos Intercept X for the $100 promotional price on our website.   Show Notes: Mini data centers in your backyard: https://www.pcmag.com/news/fancy-a-data-center-in-your-backyard-start-up-wants-distributed-data-centers Mother's Day scam roundup: https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/mothers-day-scams-2026 Chrome's 4GB AI model report: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/google-chrome-silently-downloads-4gb-ai-model-to-your-device-without-permission-report-claims-researcher-says-practice-may-violate-eu-law-waste-thousands-of-kilowatts-of-energy Apple Siri settlement details: https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/05/apple-reaches-250m-settlement-over-siri-delays-users-could-get-up-to-95-per-device/ Schrock open positions: https://schrockinnovations.com/jobs

    54 min
  5. Apr 12

    Router Ban Risks & The Future of Tech | Compute This

    Last week we kicked off the Ultimate Upgrade Sale—and the response has been incredible. This week, we’re diving deeper into what’s happening across the tech world, from major shifts in global computing to important security updates that could impact your home network. If you’re wondering whether your router is still safe, how rising AI demand is affecting computer prices, or what it all means for your next upgrade, this episode breaks it down in a practical, easy-to-understand way. In this episode: We cover what’s happening around the Schrock shops, including new team members helping us continue our award-winning service, the latest updates on the proposed router bans (and which brands may be affected), and why the Ultimate Upgrade Sale is such a valuable option in today’s rapidly changing PC market. We also explore how AI is reshaping computing costs—even for people who don’t plan to use it—and take a look at Europe’s growing move away from American tech companies. Who is this for: Anyone trying to make smart decisions about their computer, stay secure online, and understand how big tech changes affect everyday users. As always, Schrock Innovations is here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Whether you need a reliable, affordable computer that just works—or guidance on keeping your current setup secure—our team is ready to help you stay ahead without overspending. Show Notes: Router Ban Article: https://www.pcmag.com/news/fcc-router-ban-is-bad-news-for-these-brands-is-yours-on-the-list France Moves to Linux: https://www.pcmag.com/news/france-kicks-windows-to-the-curb-pivots-to-linux-os

    54 min

About

Compute This is where real computer problems meet real answers. Each week the program addresses the technology issues affecting everyday users, including security threats, major updates, performance concerns, and informed buying decisions.  Produced by Schrock Innovations, Compute This is presented as a live weekly call-in show, with full episodes available as video and podcast replays on major platforms.