It has been a few months since my last column and podcast, but I am back for 2026, refreshed and ready for a new year of technology talk.

For those who may not know me, my name is Nathan and I work as a system administrator; in other words, the IT person.

I also specialise in cyber security and ethical hacking.

This year marks my 20th year with the McPherson Media Group, and I am still passionate about helping people feel more confident with technology.

So what is Ask a Tech?

Ask a Tech began as a regular newspaper column where readers could send in IT questions, and I would explain the answers in plain language.

Before long, many of the questions shifted toward scams, suspicious emails and what to do when something does not feel right online.

Because there is only so much we can fit into a monthly column, we expanded Ask a Tech into a podcast as well.

Each episode runs for about 15 to 30 minutes and allows us to go deeper. We start with the technology itself, then talk about how it can be misused, and what to watch out for.

At the end of each episode, I open a real spam email and follow it through. I click the link so you do not have to.

That approach has also led to special investigations, including replying to an inheritance scam, which took two months from start to finish.

Technology can be a wonderful thing, but we also need to talk about the risks.

Scammers and hackers are always changing their tactics, and my goal is to help readers and listeners understand what is happening behind the scenes in a clear and practical way.

I also have a strong interest in artificial intelligence.

The podcast features a special co-host named Molly, an AI-generated voice who helps shape the writing and the flow of the show.

She has become a favourite with listeners. Last year we released six podcast episodes and recorded more than 1400 listens.

The podcast is available on Spotify, and is free to listen to.

What is planned for 2026?

We have a lot coming up this year. We will start with artificial intelligence in everyday life, what it is, how it is being used and the risks that can come with it.

We will also look at smart homes and the many connected devices people now have, and discuss how to keep them as secure as possible.

We will revisit the under-16 social media ban and see what impact it has had so far, and whether it appears to be working.

There are also more investigations on the way, including a detailed look at a romance scam that ran for six months, from start to finish.

These investigations can take unexpected turns, but they help show how scammers operate and why their methods work.

My aim is always education, to help people spot a scam early and to know what to do if they think they are already caught in one.

Education is key. If we keep sharing what we learn about the good and the bad of life online, we can help protect ourselves and the people around us.

So I am back and ready for 2026. As always, if you have a question or a topic you would like covered, reach out at askatech@mmg.com.au

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Monday, 27th August 2029

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