The company said it detected suspicious activity on March 17, 2026, after malicious activity targeted one of its employees one day earlier. Investigators later found that an unauthorized third party accessed parts of AssuranceAmerica's IT environment and copied certain data files.

According to an Indiana Attorney General breach listing, the incident affected 6,998,886 people. A California Attorney General notice also says AssuranceAmerica began notifying affected individuals after completing its file review on June 15, 2026.

AssuranceAmerica sells auto, renters and commercial auto insurance through independent agents. So, even if the company name does not sound familiar, your information could still be involved if your policy, quote, claim or driver details passed through its systems.

Adt Data Breach Exposes Customer Information

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AssuranceAmerica said the breach started with malicious activity that targeted one employee. The company did not explain exactly how the employee was targeted. However, it said it later disabled compromised credentials and unauthorized sessions.

That detail should get your attention. Many breaches start with one stolen login, one convincing message or one infected device. Once attackers get inside, they can move quickly and look for files worth stealing.

In this case, AssuranceAmerica said an unauthorized third party copied certain data files from its IT environment. The company then reviewed those files to identify affected individuals.

AssuranceAmerica said the stolen files contained names plus one or more other types of personal information. That information may include contact details, auto insurance policy or account information, driver or vehicle information, claims-related information and driver's license numbers. The California notice also says some files may have included Tax ID information and/or Social Security numbers.

That mix can create real risk. A scammer with your name, license number and insurance details may sound much more convincing. They could pretend to be from your insurer, a repair shop, a claims department or a state agency. This follows other identity-document breaches, including the Texas data breach that hit 3 million license customers. Once driver's license numbers leak, the risk can last much longer than a stolen credit card number.

AssuranceAmerica said it took affected server devices offline and hired external forensic specialists to investigate. The company also said it reset passwords, deployed enhanced monitoring and threat detection tools and gave employees more cybersecurity instruction. It also notified law enforcement.

AssuranceAmerica is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring for affected individuals. That can help spot some suspicious activity. However, you still need to watch your insurance account, financial accounts and mail.

A driver's license number can help an imposter build a more believable scam. Insurance information can make that scam feel personal.

For example, a caller may mention your policy, your vehicle or a claim. Then they may ask you to "verify" more information. That is where the damage can grow.

Also, stolen breach data can be matched with public records and data broker profiles. That can give criminals a fuller picture of your life. We have seen the same pattern in scams tied to travel accounts, phone accounts and other breaches, including the Booking.com breach that exposed traveler data to scams.

Before You Connect Another Smart Tv, Tablet Or Phone, Lock It Down

If you receive a notice or think your information may be involved, take these steps now to make the stolen data harder to use.

If you receive a notice from AssuranceAmerica, read it carefully. Check what information the company says may have been exposed in your case. Do not assume every affected person had the same data stolen. Some people may have had driver's license numbers exposed. Others may also have had Tax ID information or Social Security numbers involved.

AssuranceAmerica says it is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring. Use the instructions in the official notice. Be careful with emails or texts that claim to offer enrollment links. Scammers often copy real breach language to trick you.

A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. You need to place a freeze separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free, and you can lift it when you need to apply for credit.

A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps before opening credit in your name. You can place a fraud alert with one credit bureau, and that bureau should notify the others. This adds another layer of protection if your personal information was exposed.

Log in to your insurance account and check for changes you do not recognize. Look for unfamiliar claims, new contact details or strange policy updates. If something looks wrong, call the company using a number from your policy documents.

Credential theft often starts with malware, a bad link or a fake download. Strong antivirus software can help block malicious files and phishing links before they cause damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

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Breached data becomes more useful when scammers can match it with your address, relatives, phone number or public records. A data removal service can help reduce what data brokers display about you. That will not undo a breach, but it can make you a harder target. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

If someone calls about your policy, claim or payment, slow down. Do not share verification codes. Do not confirm sensitive details during an unexpected call. Instead, hang up and call the company back through an official number.

If your driver's license number was exposed, review your state DMV's fraud guidance. Some states may offer replacement options or identity theft guidance. The rules vary, so check directly with your state agency.

Create strong, unique passwords for your insurance account, email and financial apps. A password manager can also help you spot fake login pages. If it will not autofill, you may be on a scam site. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com.

Turn on two-factor authentication (2Fa) for your insurance account, email and financial accounts when available. Use an authenticator app when you can. Text codes are better than nothing, but scammers often target them.

The AssuranceAmerica data breach is a reminder that your driver's license number has become a high-value target. You may not be able to control how every company stores your information. However, you can make stolen data harder to use. Start with your credit. Then check your insurance account and watch for imposters who know just enough to sound convincing. Also, clean up the personal data already floating around online. The bigger issue is trust. Companies ask for sensitive information because they need it to do business. When that information leaks, you are the one left checking statements, freezing credit and worrying about what comes next.

What should a company owe you when it loses the ID number you use to prove who you are? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Insurance breach exposes 7M driver's licenses

The frustrating part is that this often happens through software updates. You tap update because you want your device to stay secure and work properly. Then one day, the product you bought starts acting like a billboard. This is also why it pays to understand the hidden privacy clauses and settings that come with smart products before those screens start doing things you never expected.

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Samsung Family Hub refrigerators are sold as connected kitchen hubs. You can use the screen for weather, calendars, grocery lists and other household features. But as we discussed on The CyberGuy Report podcast at CyberGuy.com, that same screen can also become a place for ads after a software update. Samsung began showing ads on some Family Hub refrigerator Cover Screens in the U.S. We reached out to Samsung about this, and a spokesperson provided us with this statement:

"Last year, Samsung piloted a new Cover Screen widget on Family Hub refrigerators in the U.S. The widget rotates through useful information like weather, news, calendar events, and curated ads. After the pilot concluded in March, the widget was launched fully with the same user experience.

Users can turn off the Cover Screen widget, including ads, in the Advertisements tab of the Settings menu (Settings > Advertisements > Cover screen Ads) without impacting any other features or functions. Ads can also be dismissed on the Cover Screens where shown, meaning that the dismissed ad will not appear again during that specific ad's campaign period. Since the start of the pilot program last October, our review has indicated consumers are finding value in this new widget. The percentage of users who have turned off the feature is in the low single-digits.

A Cover Screen appears when the Family Hub screen is idle, and the widget only appears on the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes. The widget does not appear on the Cover Screen's Art or Album themes."

That answer is important because Samsung says you can turn the Cover Screen ads off without losing other features. Still, the larger point remains. You bought a refrigerator, then a later update added an ad experience to the screen in your kitchen.

On the Family Hub screen:

• Tap Settings
• Tap Advertisements
• Tap Cover Screen Ads
• Turn the switch off

You can also change the Cover Screen theme. Samsung says the widget does not appear on Art or Album themes.

Now move from the kitchen to the driveway. Some Jeep, Ram and Chrysler drivers previously saw promotional messages on their infotainment screens through Stellantis' Uconnect system.

Stellantis, the automaker behind Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge, says its In-Vehicle Message technology, or IVM, is designed to help the company stay in contact with owners at important points during ownership. The company says it uses IVM for important messages, such as vehicle recalls and vehicle health monitor alerts. Stellantis also confirmed that the earlier pop-up promotions were part of its in-vehicle messaging or Uconnect communication system. However, the company says it has not run the promotional in-vehicle messages referenced in those reports since mid-fall 2025 and has nothing planned for future in-vehicle promotional messages.

At the time those promotional messages were active, Stellantis says owners could opt out by calling customer service or by updating their profile or Message Settings on their vehicle brand's website account, such as a Ram owner account. That update is important. There are no current promotional in-vehicle messages to opt out of, according to Stellantis. Still, the larger concern remains: modern vehicles are software-driven, and the screen in the middle of your dashboard can be changed long after you drive off the lot.

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A car screen is different from a phone app or website. You use that display for directions, music, climate controls and vehicle settings. So when a promotional message appears there, it can feel more personal than an ad on a webpage.

To be fair, in-vehicle messaging can serve an important purpose. Recall notices and vehicle health alerts can help owners respond to safety or maintenance issues faster.

However, promotional messages hit differently. You are sitting in a car you paid tens of thousands of dollars for. That screen should help you drive, maintain your vehicle and get where you are going without feeling like another place for a sales pitch.

Then there is your computer. Windows 11 can show promotional content in places that feel like part of the operating system. That includes the lock screen, the Start menu and account-related notifications.

The lock screen can use Windows Spotlight, which displays rotating images along with tips, tricks and notifications. Start menu settings also include areas where Microsoft can show recommendations and account prompts.

Some of these messages may look like helpful notices. Others can feel like upsells. The most annoying ones are the alerts that look urgent, then steer you toward a Microsoft service such as OneDrive backup. Microsoft declined to comment for this story.

You can cut down on much of this in Settings.

• Go to Settings
• Click Personalization
• Click Lock screen
• Change Windows Spotlight to Picture
• Turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen

• Go to Settings
• Click Personalization
• Click Start
• Turn off any available toggles for recommendations, tips, suggestions or personalized offers

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• Go to Settings
• Click Personalization
• Click Start
• Turn off Show account-related notifications

Microsoft may change wording over time, so look for anything tied to recommendations, tips, suggestions, offers or account notifications. For more Windows settings help, see these Windows 11 tips.

The real problem isn’t one ad on one screen. It is the fact that software gives companies a way to change products after you buy them. A refrigerator used to stay a refrigerator. A car dashboard used to do what it did on the day you drove off the lot. A computer operating system used to feel like the tool you used to get things done.

Now those screens can change later. A company can add a widget, promote a service or push an offer through an update. That does not mean every update is bad. Security fixes are essential. Bug fixes help. New features can be useful. However, ads feel different when they arrive after you already paid for the product. That is why you should keep your devices updated, but also check what changed after the update installs.

Before you buy a smart appliance, connected car or computer, think beyond the hardware. Ask what kind of software controls the screen. Check whether ads, recommendations or promotional content can be turned off.

After setup, go through the settings before you assume the default experience is the only option. Look for menus labeled ads, recommendations, notifications, tips, offers or personalization. If you are setting up a new device, this new electronics setup guide is a good place to start.

Also, pay attention after updates. If a new widget or pop-up appears, do not assume you have to live with it. There may be a buried toggle that turns it off. Most of all, remember that a screen in your home, car or office has value. Companies know that. You should know it too.

This is exactly why we covered this on The CyberGuy Report podcast at CyberGuy.com. It hits a nerve because you already paid for these products, yet companies can still use software updates to claim space on the screens you see every day. Samsung says Family Hub Cover Screen ads can be turned off. Stellantis says its vehicle promotions stopped in the fall of 2025. Windows 11 gives you some settings that reduce tips, suggestions and account prompts. Still, the pattern is hard to ignore. Companies are learning how to keep making money from a product after the sale. That may be great for them, but it can feel pretty lousy when the screen is inside your kitchen, your car or your computer. When you pay thousands of dollars for a product, that screen should work for you instead of becoming another place for a company to sell to you.

Which screen ad would bother you most: one on your refrigerator, one on your computer or one in your car? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: You paid for it. So why is your device showing ads?

Unlike bulky robotic systems fixed in place, these five-foot machines used standard surgical tools and worked inside an operating room built for people. The experiment offers an early look at how a specialist could someday operate through a mobile robot in a rural clinic or another place where surgical care is hard to reach. Here is what the team accomplished and what still needs to happen before this technology reaches human patients.

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Researchers from the University of California San Diego reported the results in the journal Nature earlier this month. The team tested its system during two laparoscopic gallbladder removal procedures on pigs.

During one operation, a humanoid robot handled surgical instruments while a human surgeon assisted beside it. During the second procedure, two humanoid robots stood next to each other and worked as a team. Surgeons remotely controlled both robots throughout the operation. The experiment involved delicate tasks used during minimally invasive gallbladder surgery. The robots moved tissue and dissected around the gallbladder. They also helped place clips before removing it.

Researchers designed the trial as a proof of concept. They wanted to learn whether a general-purpose humanoid robot could handle standard surgical tools with enough control to complete an operation. It could. However, the trial also exposed problems that researchers must solve before testing the system on humans.

The trial marked the first time teleoperated humanoid robots successfully completed live gallbladder surgeries. Robotic gallbladder procedures have been performed before, but this experiment was the first to use general-purpose humanoid machines. The work builds on UC San Diego's earlier research with the same type of robot. CyberGuy previously covered how a remotely controlled humanoid performed seven medical procedures, including physical exams and ultrasound-guided injections.

The researchers created Surgie by modifying commercially available Unitree G1 humanoid robots. Each machine stands about 5 feet tall and weighs around 60 pounds. That makes Surgie dramatically smaller than many existing robotic surgery systems, which can weigh approximately 1,800 pounds.

Large surgical robots may require extensive setup and take up considerable space. Hospitals sometimes need to retrofit an operating room before installing one. Surgie can stand in a room designed for human medical workers. Researchers added adapters to its hands so the robot could grip standard laparoscopic instruments.

A surgeon then controlled the robot from a remote console. When the surgeon moved the controls, Surgie copied those movements at the operating table. That human-like design is important. A hospital may be able to bring the robot into an existing room instead of rebuilding the space around it. A medical team could also move it between rooms or transport it to a smaller facility. "We were surprised at how well Surgie meshed with our workspace and workflow," said Nikita Thareja, MD, a general surgery resident at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a co-author of the study.

Unitree currently lists the base G1 at $13,500 before taxes and shipping. However, that price does not include the surgical adapters, instruments or remote-control equipment used in the study. The price still points to a potentially significant difference between a general-purpose humanoid and today's specialized surgical systems. Da Vinci surgical robots can cost from about $700,000 to more than $3 million, depending on the model and configuration. Researchers have not disclosed the total cost of the complete Surgie setup.

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Modern robotic surgery systems already help doctors perform highly precise procedures. However, those machines usually stay in one location and depend on specialized equipment. A humanoid robot offers more flexibility because it can operate in spaces built for medical workers. It can also hold tools designed for human hands.

Researchers believe future versions could retrieve an instrument during surgery. The robot might also help prepare or clean the room after a procedure. Most importantly, a mobile system could potentially bring a specialist's skills to an area where surgeons are difficult to find.

Michael Yip, a professor in UC San Diego's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said remotely operated humanoids could expand access to critical procedures. Researchers envision sending the robots to communities with limited medical staffing or temporary field hospitals.

The goal isn’t to hand medical decisions to a machine. A trained surgeon would remain in control while the robot carried out those movements at the patient's location. That could give a trauma team on a battlefield access to a specialist located far away. The same approach could help a patient in a remote town avoid a long trip to a major medical center. Researchers have even discussed using the technology during future space missions.

That idea is already moving beyond the laboratory with traditional surgical robots. In March, we reported on a London surgeon who remotely removed a patient's prostate cancer from 1,500 miles away. The difference is that the London procedure used a specialized surgical platform. Surgie could eventually offer a smaller system that works inside a standard operating room.

The successful procedures do not mean hospitals are ready to start using humanoid robots on patients. Researchers had to recalibrate the robots several times during surgery. The operations also took much longer than procedures performed with established surgical systems.

Latency presents another concern. Latency is the delay between a surgeon moving a controller and the robot responding. A slight lag may feel annoying during a video call. During surgery, even a small delay could affect precision. That challenge becomes more serious when the surgeon and robot are separated by a long distance.

Researchers will need to improve the robot's reliability and response time. They must also prove that the system can repeat its performance safely across many procedures. Hospitals would need a backup plan as well. A qualified surgical team would have to remain ready to step in if the robot stopped responding or the remote connection failed.

For now, human surgeons control Surgie's movements. The UC San Diego researchers eventually want to develop what they call an autonomous surgical assistant. That type of robot could recognize which tool a surgeon needs or complete a limited task under supervision.

Researchers elsewhere are already testing a different approach to autonomous surgery. CyberGuy previously covered an AI-powered robot that independently completed a key phase of gallbladder removal on a lifelike surgical model. However, operating on a living patient presents a much greater challenge. Bleeding can begin without warning. A patient's condition can also change in seconds.

A robot would need to recognize the problem and respond safely. Medical workers must also be able to take control immediately. Autonomous surgery raises difficult questions about responsibility. Hospitals would need clear rules covering who makes each decision and who is accountable when something goes wrong. Remote operation introduces another concern. Hospitals would have to protect the robot's software and communications from unauthorized access. At the same time, the system would need to continue operating safely during a connection problem.

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You will not see a humanoid robot independently performing your next surgery. This research remains at the preclinical stage, and the team tested the system on pigs rather than humans. Still, the experiment offers an early look at where robot-assisted medicine may be headed.

A mobile surgical robot could eventually give you access to a specialist without requiring a long trip. It may also help a smaller hospital offer procedures that currently require transferring patients elsewhere. However, access should never come at the expense of safety. Before agreeing to a robot-assisted procedure, you should know who controls the machine. You should also ask what happens if the connection fails and whether a qualified surgical team will remain in the room. The robot may hold the instrument, but human judgment remains the most important part of the operation.

Watching two humanoid robots work over an operating table may make you uncomfortable. Still, the technology could address a serious healthcare problem if researchers can make it reliable and safe. Many communities struggle to attract enough surgeons. A compact robot that works with standard instruments could let a distant specialist enter the operating room without physically traveling there. The comparatively low starting price of the base robot could also make this approach easier to deploy than some specialized surgical systems. This experiment remains an early milestone. The robots needed recalibration, and the operations took longer than usual. Communication delays also remain a concern. The researchers now need to prove that Surgie can perform consistently before anyone considers human trials. Hospitals will also need strict safety protections and trained medical workers ready to take over.

Would you let a surgeon operate through a humanoid robot if it cut months off your wait for care? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Humanoid robots perform live surgery in world first

The problem is that most people connect a new device first and think about security later. Some never check the settings at all. That gives hackers, data brokers and nosy companies exactly the opening they want.

Before you connect your next smart TV, tablet or phone, take a few minutes to lock it down.

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Five Data Broker Opt-out Myths That Leave Retirees Exposed

When a new gadget arrives in your hands, it isn't a blank slate. It comes loaded with factory settings designed for convenience instead of protection. Manufacturers want the unboxing experience to feel effortless, so they turn on features, like automatic connections, data sharing and remote access, that make setup easy but leave you exposed.

Smart TVs are some of the worst offenders. Many come with a feature called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), switched on by default. It works like a fingerprint scanner for your screen, capturing information about everything you watch and sending it back to the manufacturer. You agreed to it somewhere in the terms and conditions you blitzed through when you set it up. Most people have no idea it's even there.

Tablets and phones bring their own risks. Although many hardware manufacturers like to brag about privacy, lots of tablets and phones will share your location, accept connections from nearby devices, and back up your data to the company's servers - all by default.

Plus, your home network is only as secure as its weakest device. One poorly configured smart TV or old tablet with an out-of-date OS can give attackers a foothold into everything else connected to the same router.

Before you connect any new smart TV, tablet or phone to your home network, take five minutes to check the settings manually. You do not need to be a tech expert. Focus on the areas that create the biggest openings.

First, update the device and change any default passwords or PINs. A brand-new device may have been sitting in a warehouse for months, which means it could already need a security update. Default credentials are also easy for attackers to find online.

Next, review privacy settings. On a smart TV, look for Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR, and turn it off. Depending on the brand, it may be listed under Viewing Data, Live Plus, SyncPlus, Smart TV Experience or privacy settings. On a phone or tablet, check location, camera, microphone and nearby device permissions.

Then, turn off connectivity features you do not use. Bluetooth, remote access, file sharing and screen mirroring can all create openings when they stay on all the time.

Finally, consider adding a VPN for another layer of privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which helps protect what your smart TV, phone, tablet or laptop sends over the network. A trusted VPN has apps for many popular devices, and it can also run at the router level on compatible routers.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

The full checklist below walks you through each step.

New device security checklist

Next time you bring home a smart TV, tablet or phone, do this before you use it every day.

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Before you connect the device, open your router app or router settings page. Look for Guest Network, IoT Network or Device Isolation. Create a separate Wi-Fi name for TVs, speakers, cameras and smart home gear.

Use WPA3 Personal if your router offers it. If not, use WPA2 Personal. Give this network a strong password you do not use anywhere else. Then connect the new smart TV or tablet to that network instead of the same Wi-Fi your work laptop uses.

Install updates before you add streaming apps, email accounts or payment info.

• iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. Then tap Automatic Updates and turn on iOS or iPadOS updates.
• Samsung phone or tablet: Open Settings > Software update > Download and install. On some models, go to Settings > System updates. Settings may vary depending on your device's manufacturer
• Other Android phone or tablet: Open Settings > System > Software update > System update > Check for update. The exact wording can vary by brand.
• Samsung smart TV: Go to Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. Turn on Auto Update, too.
• LG smart TV: Go to Settings > All Settings > Support > Software Update > Check for Updates. Turn on Auto Update, too.
• Roku TV or Roku device: Press Home > Settings > System > Software update > Check Now.

Do not leave factory passwords in place. Change the device PIN, parental control PIN or purchase PIN if the setup screen offers one. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords. Use a long passcode on phones and tablets instead of a 4-digit code. Also, rename the device. A name like "Kurt's Bedroom TV" tells more than you need to share. Use something generic like "Living Room TV" or "Tablet 1."

Before you sign in to Apple, Google, Samsung, Amazon or Roku, turn on two-factor authentication where available. For Roku, set a PIN to help block unwanted purchases, subscriptions and app additions.

• Apple: Open Settings > your name > Sign-In & Security > Two-Factor Authentication > follow the onscreen instructions.
• Google: Open your Google Account > Security & sign-in > How you sign in to Google > 2-Step Verification > Turn on 2-Step Verification > follow the onscreen steps.
• Samsung: Open Settings > your Samsung account name > Security and privacy > Two-step verification > follow the prompts.
• Amazon: Open the Amazon app > account icon > Your Account > Login & security > Two-Step Verification > Get Started > follow the prompts.
• Roku: Go to my.roku.com > sign in > Device settings > PIN/Parental controls > choose when a PIN is required for purchases, subscriptions and adding apps > Save.

Smart TVs often include Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR. It can identify what appears on your screen for ads, analytics or recommendations. Turn it off during setup or immediately after setup.

• Samsung TV: Press Home > Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Terms & Privacy or Privacy Choices. Turn off Viewing Information Services. Also review Interest-Based Advertising and Voice Recognition Services.
• LG TV: Press Settings > All Settings > Support > Privacy & Terms. Look for Live Plus, Viewing Information or advertising options and turn off tracking you do not want.
• Roku TV: Press Home > Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience. Uncheck Use info from TV inputs. Then go to Advertising and turn on Limit ad tracking.
• Amazon Fire TV: Go to Settings > Preferences > Privacy Settings. Review Device Usage Data, Collect App Usage Data, Interest-Based Ads and Automatic Content Recognition if that option appears.
• Vizio TV: On newer Vizio TVs, go to All Settings > Privacy & Legal > Viewing Data and turn it off. On older models, go to System > Reset & Admin > Viewing Data. Also review Interest-Based Advertising and Voice Recognition Services.

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Phones and tablets often ask for more access than an app needs. Give each app the least access possible.

• iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Tap each app and choose Never, Ask Next Time or While Using the App. Then review Camera, Microphone, Bluetooth, Contacts and Photos in the same Privacy & Security menu.
• Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet: Open Settings > Security and privacy > Permission manager. Review Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Nearby devices and Photos and videos. Change apps to Ask every time, Allow only while using the app or Don’t allow when access isn’t needed.

Turn off Bluetooth when you do not need it. On phones, tablets and TVs, also look for Nearby Share, Quick Share, AirDrop, file sharing, screen mirroring and remote access.

• iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > AirDrop. Choose Receiving Off or Contacts Only.
• Samsung Galaxy or Android phone: Open Settings and search for Quick Share. Tap Who can share with you, then choose a more private option such as Your devices or Contacts instead of making your phone visible to everyone.
• Smart TV: Open Settings and check Network, Connection or External Device Manager. Turn off remote access, screen sharing or mobile device connection features you do not use.

Set this up before the device goes missing.

• iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > your name > Find My > Find My iPhone or Find My iPad. Turn on Find My, Find My network and Send Last Location.
• Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet: Open Settings > Security and privacy > Lost device protection. Turn on Allow this phone to be found, Send last location and Offline finding.
• Other Android phone or tablet: Open Settings > Security > Find Hub and make sure Allow device to be located is turned on. The wording may vary by brand.

For tablets used by kids or guests, write down the serial number. Keep it somewhere safe in case you need to report the device lost or stolen.

New devices often come with preinstalled apps. Delete or disable anything you will not use. Then install apps only from the official app store for that device.

On phones and tablets, avoid sideloading apps unless you know exactly where they came from.

On smart TVs, skip random free streaming apps with poor reviews, no clear developer or strange permission prompts.

A VPN adds a layer of privacy by encrypting your internet traffic before it leaves your device. That can help limit what your internet provider can see and add protection when you use public Wi-Fi.

Look for a trusted VPN that offers apps for phones, tablets, computers and streaming devices. Some VPNs can also run at the router level on compatible routers. That option can be helpful because it may protect devices that do not support a VPN app, such as some smart TVs, game consoles and connected home gadgets.

Once a router VPN is set up, connected devices can receive VPN protection automatically. Just remember that a VPN does not make you invisible online. Websites may still recognize you when you log in, share personal details or use the same browser. Still, for everyday privacy, a reliable VPN can be a smart extra layer.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

The default settings most devices ship with are designed for the manufacturer's benefit, not yours. Before you connect your next smart TV, tablet, or phone, take a few minutes to go through the settings, lock down what doesn't need to be open, and put a VPN between your network and the rest of the internet.

Have you ever found a privacy setting on a new device that surprised you? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Before you connect another smart TV, tablet or phone, lock it down

For now, though, the rollout looks careful and limited. Tesla says Robotaxi service is available in limited areas of Miami, Florida as well as Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas. The Robotaxi app also shows a visual map of where rides are available based on your location.

That means Miami is now Tesla's newest robotaxi market, but this is not a citywide launch yet. It also puts Tesla in a busy autonomous ride-hailing market where Waymo and Amazon's Zoox are already trying to win over riders.

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Terrified Passengers Film Waymo Autonomous Vehicle Driving Into Live Fireworks In San Francisco

The biggest thing to know is that Tesla Robotaxi does not cover all of Miami. Tesla's Miami geofence covers only a small slice of the metro area, mostly around West Miami and a strip toward Doral and Sweetwater. The early map leaves out downtown Miami, Miami Beach, Miami International Airport and most of Miami-Dade.

So, even though "Miami" is in the headline, your actual ride options depend on where you stand and where you want to go. If you are trying to get from Miami Beach to Brickell after dinner, Tesla Robotaxi may not help you yet. If you are inside the service zone, the app should show what is available before you book.

That limited map also tells you something about the challenge ahead. Miami is not an easy place to prove out robotaxis. Traffic moves fast, rain can hit hard and drivers do not always behave the way software might expect.

Tesla has been building toward this moment for years. CyberGuy previously covered how the Tesla Cybercab removes the steering wheel entirely, which shows how far Tesla wants to take autonomous transportation. For now, though, the Miami rollout still uses Model Y vehicles. That makes this launch another step in Tesla's longer robotaxi push.

Tesla's robotaxi rollout is still happening in careful stages. Austin came first, followed by Dallas and Houston. Miami now marks Tesla's first Robotaxi market outside Texas.

CyberGuy previously reported that Tesla cleared Nevada streets for robotaxi testing, which showed the company was preparing for more markets before opening the app to more riders. Tesla has also named other planned cities, including Orlando, Tampa and Phoenix.

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Tesla is not entering an empty market. Waymo and Amazon's Zoox are also accelerating their autonomous vehicle efforts. CyberGuy recently covered how Waymo's cheaper robotaxi tech could help driverless rides reach more cities faster. Zoox is also a major name to watch in this race. CyberGuy reported that Amazon's Zoox updated its steering-wheel-free robotaxi with more rider comfort, larger cupholders and a calmer cabin design.

That competition puts pressure on Tesla. Tesla has the brand recognition and a massive base of vehicles on the road. Waymo has more experience with public driverless rides. Zoox is betting on a vehicle built from the ground up for autonomy. For you, that competition could lead to better service over time. More companies fighting for rides may mean wider coverage, better pickup spots and faster improvements.

The safety questions are not going away anytime soon. According to a recent review of federal crash data filed with NHTSA, Tesla's autonomous driving reports included 17 crash narratives tied to the Robotaxi program. That does not mean every reported crash points to a system failure. Still, riders should not ignore the data either.

Autonomous vehicles have to earn trust in everyday driving moments. A rough pickup, confusing stop or strange turn can make you nervous fast. CyberGuy has covered similar safety concerns across the robotaxi space, including a Waymo recall over construction-zone risk. That recall showed how work zones can challenge autonomous systems when signs, cones and lanes change quickly.

Tesla also faces broader scrutiny around Full Self-Driving behavior. CyberGuy previously reported on Tesla's Mad Max mode in Full Self-Driving, which brought fresh debate over speed, supervision and driver-assist safety.

To take a Tesla Robotaxi in Miami, you start in the Robotaxi app. Tesla says you need a mobile device to request a ride, and the ride can only be booked for you. Before you confirm, check the service area in the app. Do not assume Robotaxi covers the full city. A ride may work in one part of Miami and fail if your pickup or drop-off sits outside the current zone.

The app shows a price estimate before you confirm. During the ride, you can adjust things like climate, seat position and media through the app or the car's touchscreen.

Also, keep your phone charged. That phone becomes a key part of booking, managing and finishing the ride.

Finally, pay attention during the trip. You may not be driving, but you should still stay aware of where the car stops and how it handles the ride.

Zoox Robotaxi Redesign Brings Big Rider Upgrades

Tesla Robotaxi arriving in Miami is no doubt a big headline, but the fine print is important too. I would not treat this as a full Miami transportation option yet. The service area is limited, major destinations are missing and safety questions remain part of the story. That does not kill the excitement. It simply means Tesla still has to prove that Robotaxi can work beyond a small map. I like that Tesla is expanding beyond Texas. I can also see why people would want to try this. But for now, I would call this a significant step with a lot to prove.

Would you trust a Tesla Robotaxi to drive you through Miami traffic, or would you wait until the service has more miles under its belt? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Tesla Robotaxi Miami launch comes with limits

Those details can then show up on people-search sites. Even worse, scammers can use them to make a fake call, text or email sound personal and believable. Here is where data broker profiles get their information, why careful online behavior alone falls short and what steps can help reduce what strangers can find about you.

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Fake Va Shoe Offer Targets Veterans

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Most people assume data brokers get information the same way hackers do, through breaches, weak passwords or phishing links. That can happen. However, a lot of personal information comes from public records and commercial lists.

Data brokers can build profiles from records that may exist even when someone barely uses the internet, including:

• Property deeds and real estate filings
• Voter registration rolls
• Civil and criminal court filings
• Marriage and divorce records
• Bankruptcy filings
• Business registration filings
• Professional license databases

In many U.S. states, these records are public under state or local rules. Data brokers do not need to hack anything to collect them. They can buy, scrape or license the information on an ongoing basis. A home purchase, marriage, divorce or voter registration can create a public record. That record may include a name and address. Once filed, it can become raw material for a data broker profile.

Government records are only one part of the problem. Everyday consumer activity can also feed data broker databases, including:

• Loyalty program sign-ups
• Warranty registrations
• Magazine subscriptions
• Contest and sweepstakes entries
• Real estate transaction data

Commercial aggregators can combine those details with public records to build an enriched consumer profile. Registering the warranty on a dishwasher does not make anyone reckless. Entering a magazine sweepstakes does not make anyone careless. However, both can put personal information into a pipeline built to package and resell it.

This can sound abstract until a list gets used against real people.

Data broker InfoUSA reportedly sold a list of 19,000 verified elderly sweepstakes players to experienced scam artists. The scammers stole more than $100 million by calling people on the list and pretending to be government or insurance workers. Then they claimed they needed bank account information.

Another case shows the same risk on a larger scale. The Justice Department said Epsilon Data Management sold consumer data to fraud schemes and agreed to pay $150 million to resolve a criminal charge tied to elder fraud. DOJ later said two former Epsilon employees were sentenced after evidence showed they sold targeted lists to a fraudster client who used the data to defraud more than 218,000 victims out of more than $23.7 million.

That should stop you cold. The victims did ordinary things. Their names ended up in marketing databases and lead lists they may never have known existed. Then scammers used those lists to make fraud more targeted, more personal and much harder to spot.

Run a free scan to see where your information is showing up online-results usually land within an hour. Run your free exposure scan. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

Selling Your Home This Summer? Your Data Is Already Moving

This is the part that can catch a lot of you off guard, especially if you are already careful online. You may skip loyalty cards, avoid sweepstakes and toss warranty cards straight into the trash.

Even so, your information can still show up online because some details come from public records. Property records, vehicle registrations, voter rolls, professional licenses and court filings can all leave a trail with your name attached. In some cases, your profile may also connect you to relatives through someone else's record.

That means online safety only solves part of the problem. Strong passwords, a password manager and two-factor authentication (2FA) help protect your accounts. However, they do not remove public records that data brokers collect, package and resell.

A few smart moves can help reduce what is already exposed and limit how much new information flows into data broker databases.

Start by checking what is already public. Search your name on sites like Spokeo, Whitepages and BeenVerified. Look for your address, phone number, relatives and previous locations. This gives you a clearer sense of what scammers, strangers or aggressive marketers may already be able to find.

If a bank, email account or financial app asks for your mother's maiden name, birth city, first school or old street name, assume that answer may already appear in a data broker profile. Replace it with a made-up answer and store it in a password manager. The answer does not have to be true. It just has to be consistent and hard for someone else to guess.

Be more selective with loyalty programs, warranty cards, sweepstakes and online forms. Use only the required fields when possible. Consider using a separate or alias email address for sign-ups, and avoid handing over your phone number unless it is truly needed. Small choices like this can reduce the amount of new data flowing into broker databases.

Older relatives are often the final target, reached through a profile built from public records, family connections or past sign-ups. Set a family code word for emergency calls or texts. If someone claims there is an accident, arrest, hospital bill or urgent money problem, the code word gives your family a fast way to know whether the call is real.

A data removal service can help remove your personal information from data broker and people-search sites without forcing you to chase every listing yourself. These services contact data brokers on your behalf, request removal of your information and keep checking when your data reappears.

That ongoing follow-up is important because data broker profiles can come back when databases refresh or when your information gets pulled from another source. Look for a service that covers hundreds of data broker and people-search sites, offers recurring removals and lets you request cleanup from specific sites where your personal information appears.

I also recommend considering coverage for your whole household. Family members can be linked together in data broker profiles, so removing only one person’s information may leave other exposed details behind. A family plan can help protect addresses, relatives, phone numbers and other personal information across everyone in your home.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

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What concerns me most about data broker profiles is how little of this comes from a mistake you made online. You can use strong passwords, avoid phishing emails and turn on two-factor authentication, yet your address, old addresses and family connections may still appear on people-search sites. That gives scammers a head start. A fake call or text sounds more believable when it includes real details about you or someone you love. The best move is to treat data broker cleanup as part of your regular privacy routine. Search your own name, change easy-to-guess security answers, limit what you share on forms and consider using a data removal service that keeps checking when your information comes back.

What personal detail would worry you most if it showed up on a people-search site: your address, phone number, relatives or something else? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com

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Original article source: Why careful people still end up on data broker sites

Researchers from NTU Singapore and Waseda University have developed a flexible diving suit for cyborg cockroaches. The suit lets the insects survive and move underwater, as well as through low-oxygen spaces, for up to three hours.

The study was published in Nature Communications. The goal is to expand how cyborg insects could help after floods, earthquakes or other disasters where rubble, drains and tight spaces can block access.

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A cyborg cockroach is a living insect fitted with tiny electronics that can guide its movement. Unlike a small artificial robot, it uses its own muscles to walk. That means it needs far less battery power than a robot that depends on motors. However, cockroaches still need air. They breathe through small openings called spiracles. Once submerged, they cannot pull oxygen from water.

That is where the cyborg cockroach diving suit comes in. The suit has an oxygen-generation tank, a flexible waterproof shell and four silicone oxygen tubes. Together, those parts keep water out while sending oxygen directly to the cockroach's breathing openings.

The oxygen tank is 3D-printed from a clear plastic-like resin. Inside, researchers placed a sponge treated with manganese dioxide. They then added a small amount of diluted hydrogen peroxide. That chemical reaction slowly releases oxygen. From there, the oxygen travels through the suit and into tubes attached to the cockroach's spiracles. In other words, the insect gets its own tiny oxygen system. The researchers compare it to the tank used by human divers.

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The team tested the suit on the Madagascar hissing cockroach. That species is often used in cyborg insect research because it is large, sturdy and wingless. The suit turns the cyborg insect from a land-based crawler into an amphibious rescue robot that can move across dry and wet terrain.

That could help in places where normal robots struggle. A disaster site may include collapsed concrete, standing water, blocked drains and narrow gaps. A small insect-guided system could move through those spaces while future versions carry sensors or cameras. The idea may make your skin crawl. Still, the engineering is impressive. Researchers are using the cockroach's natural movement and adding a way for it to keep breathing underwater.

With the diving suit, the cyborg cockroaches stayed active underwater for up to three hours. Without the suit, a control cockroach suffocated within about two minutes during testing. The researchers also tested the insects in plastic tunnels that simulated tough rescue conditions. One setup included a carbon dioxide-filled section followed by a water-filled section. The cyborg cockroaches wearing the suit made it through.

The team also tested narrow underwater gaps. With implanted electronics instead of a bulky backpack, the cyborg cockroach moved through a 2-centimeter-high crevice. That is the kind of space where many small robots could get stuck.

The biggest takeaway is that rescue robots may not always look like machines. In some cases, they may use a living insect's body and add technology around it. A cyborg cockroach can crawl through debris, squeeze into tight spaces and use very little power. Add underwater movement, and it becomes more useful in flooded disaster zones.

That could help after heavy rain, earthquakes or infrastructure failures. Future versions could inspect flooded pipes, drains, tunnels or damaged buildings. The researchers are still improving the system. They want to test it in more disaster-style environments, make the suit more durable and add sensors and navigation tools for field use.

You probably will not see cyborg cockroaches crawling around your neighborhood anytime soon. This is still research, not a rescue tool ready for everyday emergency crews.

However, it shows where search technology may be heading. Rescue teams need tools that can reach places humans cannot safely enter. If a small living insect can carry electronics, move through rubble and keep going underwater, it could become part of a larger rescue system.

That could eventually mean faster inspections after floods, better access inside damaged buildings and more options when every minute counts.

A cyborg cockroach in a diving suit sounds wild, but the reason behind it is serious. Disaster zones can be full of tight spaces, toxic air and standing water. Those conditions can stop people, drones and many small robots. This research gives scientists a new way to think about rescue technology. Instead of building every part from scratch, they are using the cockroach's natural movement and adding the missing piece: underwater breathing. To me, the big question is what happens when this kind of technology gets sensors, cameras and better navigation. That could turn a creepy little crawler into a tool that helps save lives.

Would you be comfortable with cyborg insects being used in search-and-rescue missions if they could help find people faster? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Original article source: Rescue robot of tomorrow may be a cockroach in scuba suit

That may sound routine at first. Most of us already know Google can save search history. However, this update goes beyond the old idea of typed searches in a box. Google says Search Services History can include images you upload, files you ask about, voice searches, Search Live recordings, Translate speaking practice audio and other interactions with Search services.

The part that should make you pause is the Save Media setting. When it is turned on, Google can save media from your Search services interactions. That saved media may be used to improve Google’s AI models and technologies. In other words, the random photo you searched with Google Lens or the voice recording you used in a Search feature may help improve Google’s AI.

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Apple Ai Security Update Proves Hackers Move Fast

Google says Search Services History may include your searches, results you view, AI Mode responses, voice search recordings, Search Live transcripts, Google Lens images, uploaded files and some information tied to your activity.

Maybe you used Google Lens to identify a plant. Perhaps you uploaded an image to search for a product. You might have used Translate to practice before a trip. Or maybe you asked a question by voice because your hands were full. All of that can feel harmless in the moment. Still, the bigger issue is where that data can go after it is saved.

Google says saved media may help you revisit past visual searches or continue a Search Live conversation. That can be useful. However, Google also says saved media may help develop and improve AI models and technologies. That is the trade-off. You may get more personalized features. Google may get more personal inputs from the tools you already use.

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This is the kind of privacy change that can slide right past you. The language sounds helpful. The setting lives inside account controls. The rollout happens gradually, so you may not see it right away. That is exactly why you should check.

Google says the new settings are based on your prior choices for Web & App Activity and Search Personalization. If those were on, the new Search Services History setting may also be on. If your prior settings were off, the new one should be off too. That sounds fair enough, but it still puts the work on you.

Also, turning off Save Media does not automatically wipe everything that was already saved. Google says previously saved media may continue to be used to improve its technologies unless you delete it from your account. If saved media has already been selected to train AI models, Google says it is no longer connected to your account and may be kept for up to four years.

That is the part I would not ignore. Once your media moves into that AI-training pipeline, deleting the original activity may not pull it back.

You can check this from a phone or computer, but I recommend using a computer if you can. The account settings are easier to read.

• Open a browser and go to myactivity.google.com.
• Make sure you are signed into the account you use for Search, Gmail, YouTube or Android. If you have more than one Google Account, repeat these steps for each one.
• Look for the Search Services History section. If you do not see it yet, Google says the new settings are still rolling out. In that case, your Search history may still be controlled by Web & App Activity.
• If Search Services History is turned on, you should see a Save Media subsetting.
• Uncheck the box next to Save Media if you do not want Google saving media from your Search services interactions.
• If you want to go further, turn Search Services History off. Google says you can choose Turn off or Turn off and delete activity.
• To remove older items, go back to Search Services History and select View and delete saved history. Review what appears there, then delete activity you do not want saved.
• If Search Services History has not reached your account yet, go to My Activity and review Web & App Activity. That may still control some Search services history until the rollout reaches you.
• Google also has a Personalized Recommendations setting for Search services. This can affect how Search services personalize results, feeds and AI responses based on your activity. You can review it in your Google Account under Data & privacy, then Personalization settings.

Turning off Save Media stops Google from saving media from future Search services interactions as part of Search Services History. However, it does not shut down every kind of Search history. Text-based activity, transcripts and some AI responses may still be saved if Search Services History remains on.

Also, Google says media from your future interactions can still be used to respond to you and help keep services safe. The key difference is that future media should not be used to train Google’s generative AI models unless you provide feedback. That is a meaningful distinction, but it isn’t the same as using Google with no data collection at all.

You should also know that Save Media does not control everything across Google. It does not cover separate activity settings for Gemini Apps, YouTube, NotebookLM or Google Voice. Those services have their own controls.

Google’s new Search Services History setting is worth checking now, especially if you use Lens, voice search, Translate or AI Mode. The Save Media box is the one I would look for first. If you do not want your images, files, audio or video saved for future AI improvement, turn it off. Then go one step further and review old activity. Turning off a setting usually protects future data, but past items may still sit in your account unless you delete them. Finally, repeat the process for every Google Account you use. Many of us have a personal account, a work account or an old account still signed in somewhere.

Would you keep using Google Lens the same way if you knew your image searches could help train AI for years? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Original article source: Google may use your photos and voice to train AI

VA says the message falsely claims Veterans can receive free athletic shoes from VA. The agency says the promotion did not come from VA and has no connection to any official VA program.

The scam appears to be spreading through a flyer and online posts. It tells Veterans they may be eligible for free athletic shoes "at no cost to you." It also shows popular shoe brands, steps to "redeem" shoes and a process that appears to involve a VA provider.

That may be enough to get someone to click, call, share or forward before they stop to think.

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VA says the free athletic shoe promotion is fake. It did not come from an official VA program, including VPRs, Central Office or Whole Health.

That is important because the flyer borrows the look and feel of a trusted government agency. It also uses health language to make the offer sound like a wellness benefit.

But let's be real here. A free pair of shoes can sound harmless until the next step asks for your personal details.

This scam works because it mixes familiar names with an official-looking design. The flyer uses VA branding, a health-focused message and well-known athletic shoe brands.

It also presents the offer as a benefit. That can make people feel like they may miss out if they do not act.

Scammers know that veterans and families often deal with a lot of paperwork, benefit updates and health care messages. A fake flyer can slide into that confusion and feel more believable than it should.

One sneaky detail stands out. The flyer lists the MyVA number, but that alone does not make the flyer real.

Scammers often mix real information with fake offers. A real phone number, real logo or familiar agency name can make people lower their guard.

That is why you should verify the offer through VA.gov, your official VA account or your local VA facility before responding.

The flyer may look like it is only about shoes. The bigger risk comes next.

A fake offer like this could lead to a phishing page, a bogus form, a QR code trap or someone asking for sensitive details. That could include your Social Security number, VA login information, health information, address, bank details or credit card number.

Scammers may also use the information to target you again. Once they know you responded to a fake VA offer, they may try a follow-up call, text or email.

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Do not share it. Do not forward it. Do not fill out a form. Do not scan any code connected to it.

Also, do not provide personal, financial or health information because of this flyer.

Instead, warn veterans, family members and colleagues without spreading the image. A quick heads-up can help someone avoid a costly mistake.

A few smart habits can help you spot fake VA messages before they turn into a bigger problem.

Go directly to VA.gov or use your official VA account. Do not rely on a flyer, social media post, text message or forwarded image.

A scam flyer may send you to a fake website that looks official. Type the web address yourself or search for the VA page directly.

Do not give anyone your VA.gov username, password or sign-in code. VA says it will not ask you to share login credentials in an email.

Treat your Social Security number, address, date of birth, medical information and benefits details as sensitive. A free offer should never require that kind of information from a random form.

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If you have questions, contact VA through an official phone number, the VA website or your local VA facility. Do not trust contact details from a suspicious flyer alone.

Veterans who suspect fraud can report it through VSAFE.gov or call 1-833-38V-SAFE. Reports help VA and other agencies track scams that target veterans.

Strong antivirus software can help protect you if you click a bad link, scan a risky QR code or land on a fake website tied to a scam. Good protection can block malicious pages, warn you about suspicious downloads and help stop malware before it does damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

Scammers often use personal details found online to make fake offers feel more believable. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your information is sitting on people-search sites, including your address, phone number and other details that can be used to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

If you already clicked, scanned, called or shared information, change your VA.gov password right away. Use a trusted password manager to create and store a strong, unique password you do not use anywhere else. Turn on multifactor authentication if you have not already done that. Then watch your accounts for suspicious activity.

Tell family members, friends and veteran groups that the offer is fake, but do not send the flyer along with your warning. Even if your goal is to help, someone else may miss your warning, save the image or share it again. Instead, send a short message that says the free VA shoe offer is a scam and tell them to verify any VA benefit through VA.gov or their local VA facility.

A free pair of shoes can make you drop your guard, especially when the flyer uses VA branding and familiar shoe names. That is the whole trick. Scammers are using trust to push veterans and families toward a bad link, a fake form or a request for personal info. Slow down and verify it through VA.gov or your local VA facility. And if you want to warn someone, send them a message saying the offer is fake instead of forwarding the flyer itself. That keeps the scam from spreading.

Would this fake VA shoe offer have made you pause, or would the official-looking design have fooled you? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Fake VA shoe offer targets veterans

Many schemes used other people's medical identities. Prosecutors also added aggravated identity theft charges in cases across dozens of states. In one case, the co-owner of a Virginia mental health company allegedly paid homeless people with hotel stays. Prosecutors say the company used their Medicaid numbers, then billed Medicaid for crisis services the patients never got.

For the people whose numbers got used, the case file may eventually close. Their medical records may not be so easy to fix. Once someone else's treatment shows up under your name, it can add wrong information to your chart. It can also use up insurance benefits you may need later. That is harder to undo than canceling a credit card.

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Dr Oz Warns Medicare Scammers Are Stealing Billions — And Your Personal Information Could Be Next

Medical identity theft happens when someone uses your name, Social Security number (SSN), health insurance account number, or Medicare number to see a doctor, fill a prescription, buy medical equipment, or submit a claim, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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When care is billed under your name, the thief's health information can blend into yours. The FTC warns that mixed records can affect the care you're able to get and the benefits you are able to use. A blood type, a drug allergy, a diagnosis, or a prescription that belongs to a stranger can sit in the file a physician reads before treating you.

Hospitals and insurers hold the exact records that make the fraud work, and those records are stolen often. This does not mean every healthcare breach leads to fraud. However, it explains why your insurance number, Medicare number, SSN and medical records can become valuable long after a breach notice arrives.

This spring, NYC Health + Hospitals reported that an intruder had copied files that may have included health insurance information, medical information, biometric data, billing data and other personal information. The breach was later reported to affect roughly 1.8 million current and former patients and employees.

Once a name, SSN, insurance number, Medicare number or medical record reaches a criminal marketplace, it can be resold to operators who bill under someone else's identity.

Your health insurance and Medicare numbers are what these operations need, so the FTC recommends guarding them the way you would a payment card.

• Keep enrollment forms, benefit statements, and prescription labels somewhere secure, and shred them before throwing them out.
• When a doctor's office asks for your SSN, ask whether it can use another identifier or the last four digits instead.
• Be wary of anyone who calls, texts, or emails offering free braces, genetic tests, or medical supplies in exchange for your Medicare number; several of the schemes in the June takedown billed Medicare for exactly those items.
• If you are on Medicare, create or log in to your secure Medicare account and review your claims. You can also check your Medicare Summary Notice for services, supplies or equipment you do not recognize. If something looks wrong, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Hospice Fraud Uses Stolen Identities For Fake Patients

Because a fraudulent medical claim runs through insurance and provider systems instead of a credit check, it skips the alerts most people rely on.

Here's what the FTC says you should look out for:

• A bill or an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement for care you never received
• A call from a debt collector about a medical debt you do not owe
• A medical collection you do not recognize on your credit report
• A notice from your insurer that you have reached your benefit limit
• A Medicare Summary Notice that lists services, supplies or equipment you never received

If a bill, EOB or Medicare notice shows care you never received, move quickly and keep everything in writing.

Call your insurer or Medicare using the number on your card, not a number from a random text, email or voicemail.

Ask for the provider name, date of service, claim number and service details.

Contact the provider in writing and request the medical or billing records tied to that claim.

Report the error to your insurer's fraud department.

File a report at IdentityTheft.gov if your medical identity was used. That gives you a recovery plan and documentation you may need if fraudulent bills or collections show up later.

Keep copies of every bill, EOB, letter, portal message, police report and case number.

Request your records from every provider, clinic, pharmacy, lab and insurer the thief may have used, then report each error in writing. Under HIPAA, a provider generally has 30 days to give you access to your records after a written request, with a possible 30-day extension.

Fixing the record itself can take longer. HHS says a covered provider or health plan usually has up to 60 days to act on a request to amend a medical record, with a possible 30-day extension in certain cases. If the provider or plan created the wrong information, it must amend inaccurate or incomplete information.

There's one catch, though: a provider may refuse to release records that now contain a stranger's information, citing that person's privacy. If that happens, ask for the provider's privacy officer or patient advocate. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights if you do not get your records or an explanation within the required window.

Texas Data Breach Hits 3M License Customers

A freeze blocks new accounts, but it does nothing about a claim filed with your insurance number. Because medical identity theft can move without touching your credit file, monitoring where your personal information appears is the earliest way to act on it.

An identity theft protection service can monitor the dark web, data broker sites and people-search sites for exposed SSNs, driver's license numbers, medical ID numbers and email addresses. It can also track all three credit bureaus for medical collections that may follow and flag public-record changes tied to your name.

If misuse happens, some services include fraud resolution support to help you request records, dispute fraudulent claims and work with providers, insurers and credit bureaus. Some plans also include identity theft insurance for eligible recovery costs.

No service can prevent every misuse of your medical identity. However, ongoing monitoring may flag exposed information before another person's treatment reaches your records and your insurance.

See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at CyberGuy.com.

Medical identity theft hits in a place most of us rarely check: our health records. A stolen credit card can usually be canceled quickly. A stolen Medicare or insurance number can create fake claims, wrong diagnoses and benefit headaches that follow you long after the fraud case ends. I would not wait for a credit alert here. Check your EOBs, Medicare Summary Notices and insurer portals for visits, prescriptions or equipment you never received. Also, treat your insurance card like a payment card. Do not give the number to anyone who calls, texts or emails out of nowhere with a free offer. The most important thing is to act fast. Call your insurer or Medicare, ask for the claim details and request your medical records in writing. Then file at IdentityTheft.gov, so you have the paperwork you need if fraudulent bills or collections show up later.

Have you ever spotted a medical bill, insurance claim or EOB for care you never received? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Original article source: Medical identity theft follows you into the doctor's office

Their idea is called phone cluster computing. Instead of treating retired smartphones as electronic waste, researchers remove the motherboard and redeploy it as part of a low-carbon computing system.

Google says UC San Diego plans to launch a data center built from 2,000 Pixel smartphones in fall 2026. The goal is to provide low-cost cloud computing for students and researchers while reducing the need for newly manufactured server hardware.

That means the next chapter for an old phone may not be a junk drawer. It may be a server rack.

You Could Get Paid From Google’s Android Data Lawsuit

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Phone cluster computing takes retired smartphones and turns their core hardware into a computing platform. The process starts by stripping each phone down to the motherboard. That board holds the processor, memory and storage. The display, battery, cameras, chassis and other phone-specific parts are removed.

That step is important because a full phone does not belong in a data center. Batteries can create safety issues. Screens and cameras waste space. The motherboard is the part that still offers computing value.

Once the board is removed, researchers load a general-purpose Linux system onto it. Android already runs on Linux at its core, but Android is built for mobile apps and personal devices. A data center needs something more flexible for cloud workloads. After that, the phone boards can be grouped into clusters. Many small boards then work together like a collection of tiny servers.

The AI boom has created a huge appetite for computing power. Data centers need more chips, more electricity and more cooling. At the same time, billions of phones fall out of use around the world.

This Google-backed project takes that conversation in a different direction by asking whether some useful computing can come from hardware we already made.

The project focuses on embodied carbon. That means the emissions created before a device ever turns on. Mining, manufacturing and shipping all add to that carbon footprint.

If a phone motherboard already exists, reusing it can avoid some of the environmental cost tied to manufacturing new hardware. Google says the motherboard accounts for about half of a phone's embodied carbon, which makes it the most valuable part to recover.

You cannot plug a pile of old phones into a rack and call it a data center. The process requires careful teardown, new software and a way to manage many boards at once. Google says the project uses containerized applications managed by Kubernetes. That helps coordinate the work across many devices.

The phones are organized into self-managing clusters of about 25 to 50 boards. Each board works as a small Linux machine. Together, they can handle tasks that would otherwise run on traditional cloud servers. That does not make one phone equal to one server. A server has many more processor cores, more memory and data center-grade hardware. A phone board has fewer resources and tighter limits. Still, some jobs do not need a giant machine. They need enough compute to run efficiently without wasting resources.

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The technical case is stronger than you may expect. Google says the single-threaded performance of modern smartphone performance cores can match or beat the per-core performance of some modern multicore servers. In one comparison, a 2023 Pixel Fold was tested against an ASUS RS720A-E11 server using SPEC benchmarks. The Pixel Fold's performance cores beat the baseline data center server core on many of the tests. That sounds impressive, but there is an important catch.

A smartphone board has a smaller memory limit and fewer cores. It also lacks the management tools and hardware durability that servers are built around. So the project needs the right workloads.

UC San Diego is starting with educational and research computing. That makes sense because many classroom tasks can run on small cloud instances. Google says early experiments showed that a 20-phone cluster could support peak submission rates for a class of more than 75 students. The grading latency also came in below the default AWS backend used in the comparison.

UC San Diego plans to use the 2,000-phone cluster to support computer science classes and research workloads. Google says the deployment could support about 100 classes at once. It also describes the system as providing about 50 server-equivalents worth of compute at a fraction of the usual cost.

For a university, that could be a major advantage. Cloud computing costs can rise quickly, especially when many students submit assignments at the same time. If a reused phone cluster can handle some of that load, schools may save money while reducing demand for newly manufactured servers.

This also gives researchers a chance to test phone-based computing at scale. A small lab demo can look promising. A 2,000-board deployment will show much more about reliability, maintenance and day-to-day performance.

Phone cluster computing sounds promising, but it still has a lot to prove. Your smartphone was made for daily use in your hand, not nonstop work inside a data center. Data center servers are built to run for years with steady cooling, fast repairs and constant monitoring. Phone motherboards come from devices made for pockets, backpacks and kitchen counters. That alone raises some big questions.

The boards could fail faster than expected. Cooling may also become a challenge once thousands of tiny processors run side by side. Then there is the labor problem, because someone has to safely remove batteries, screens and other parts before the boards can be reused. Cost will be the deciding factor. If teardown, maintenance and replacement work get too expensive, this idea may stay in the research lab.

Phone clusters also will not replace the massive GPU systems that power advanced AI training. They make more sense for smaller cloud jobs, classroom tools and research tasks that fit within smartphone hardware limits. That still leaves plenty of useful work. After all, not every cloud task needs the newest chip.

The world's e-waste problem is growing fast. The Global E-waste Monitor projects that electronic waste could climb to 82 million tonnes by 2030, while formal collection and recycling rates are expected to fall to 20%. Old phones are a big part of that problem because many never make it to a proper recycling program. They sit in drawers, land in closets or get tossed out with valuable parts still inside. Even when a phone no longer feels useful to you, its processor, memory and storage may still have work left to do.

CyberGuy has covered related second-life ideas before, including old smartphones being turned into tiny data centers and repurposed EV batteries helping power AI data centers. The common theme is hard to ignore. Some of the hardware already in circulation may still have useful work left to do.

Five Data Broker Opt-out Myths That Leave Retirees Exposed

This research does not mean you should toss your old phone into a random donation bin tomorrow. Before you recycle, donate, trade in or sell an old phone, you need to protect your data. Back up anything you want to keep. Then sign out of your accounts and securely wipe the device.

CyberGuy has a helpful guide on how to securely get rid of your old cell phone. Privacy comes first whenever you part with a device.

You can also consider trade-in programs, certified refurbishers or reputable electronics recycling programs. If the phone still works, buying refurbished can also keep devices in use longer. CyberGuy has covered what to know before buying refurbished electronics, which is helpful if you want to save money without taking a gamble. The key is to avoid letting old devices sit forgotten forever. A phone in a drawer helps no one.

That old phone in your drawer may not be as useless as it looks. Even if the battery is tired or the camera feels outdated, the processor inside may still have real value.

Now, you probably will not be mailing your old phone to a Google data center anytime soon. Still, this project points to a bigger shift in how we think about retired tech. Instead of sending every old device straight to recycling or letting it collect dust, companies, schools and researchers may find smarter ways to reuse the parts that still work.

There is also a money lesson here. If your current phone still runs well, you may not need to rush into an upgrade just because a newer model comes out. A battery replacement, trade-in or refurbished option could save you money while keeping perfectly good hardware in use longer. To me, that is the real takeaway. The phone you forgot about could possibly still have a job to do.

Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com.

Google and UC San Diego are testing how to turn retired Pixel phone motherboards into a low-carbon cloud computing platform. The project could give old smartphones a second life while reducing the need for newly manufactured servers. That is important as AI data centers keep demanding more computing power and more electricity. The first major test is expected in fall 2026 with a 2,000-phone data center at UC San Diego. If it works, the cluster could support students and researchers at a lower cost than traditional cloud infrastructure. However, this idea still has to prove it can handle the grind of daily use. Reliability, cooling, teardown labor and maintenance will determine whether phone cluster computing can grow beyond just research. To me, the most relatable part is sitting in your junk drawer. That old phone may seem useless, but its processor could still be powerful enough to help run cloud jobs. Maybe the future of computing starts with hardware we already forgot we owned.

Would you feel good knowing your old phone could help power cloud computing? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Original article source: Google turns old phones into cloud servers

Apple released iOS 26.5.2, iPadOS 26.5.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 on June 29, 2026. The updates include security fixes for vulnerabilities tied to the kernel, WebKit and WebRTC. Apple says these fixes were first made available through the iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6 and macOS Tahoe 26.6 betas before being pushed out early to everyone.

That is the part that should make you pause. Apple usually rolls many security fixes into larger software updates. This time, the company moved faster.

Ai Is Now Powering Cyberattacks, Microsoft Warns

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Apple reportedly accelerated the updates because artificial intelligence can help speed the creation of malicious hacking tools. Once a fix appears in a beta, attackers may be able to study it, reverse-engineer the weakness and move faster than before.

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Apple said there was no evidence that the newly patched vulnerabilities had been exploited. Still, the company wanted to shrink the time between when fixes were first visible and when they reached your devices.

That is a major shift. It suggests Apple sees AI as a force that changes the timing of security. A flaw that once gave defenders more breathing room may now become a race.

Apple's iOS 26.5.2 and iPadOS 26.5.2 notes list fixes for iPhone 11 and later, along with several supported iPad models. The security content includes kernel vulnerabilities that could let an app crash the system, corrupt kernel memory or leak sensitive kernel state.

The update also fixes multiple WebKit issues. WebKit powers Safari and web content inside many apps. Some of these flaws involved malicious web content that could lead to crashes, memory corruption, data leaks or sandbox escapes.

Apple also fixed WebRTC issues that could be triggered by malicious web content and lead to Safari or process crashes.

For Mac, Apple lists macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 as the current release. If your Mac runs macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia, Apple also lists Safari 26.5.2 as a June 29, 2026, security release.

AI can help legitimate researchers find bugs faster. That is good when the work leads to stronger software and responsible disclosure. However, the same general capability can also help bad actors move faster. A criminal does not need to understand every line of code if an AI tool can help summarize a patch, compare software changes or suggest where a weakness may be hiding.

That is why Apple's move is important. It shows that big tech companies may need to release security fixes sooner and more often, even when those updates do not include flashy new features. The wider AI world adds pressure here. Frontier AI companies have released or tested systems with stronger coding and cybersecurity capabilities. Some models are available only through limited previews, approved access or extra safeguards because of their potential cyber use.

Similar efforts are also emerging outside the United States. Several international AI labs and security companies now promote models designed to find vulnerabilities, analyze code and assist cyber defense. The takeaway for you isn’t that AI is automatically bad. The real point is speed. Security teams, attackers and AI tools are now moving on a shorter clock.

Before you update, plug in your device and connect to Wi-Fi. You may also want to back up your iPhone or iPad first.

Then do this: Open Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.

After the update finishes, go back to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Make sure automatic updates are turned on. Apple also lets your device automatically install system file updates that improve security without changing the full software version. If you do not see the update right away, check again later. Apple releases updates in stages, and your device also needs enough battery and storage.

On a Mac, start with a backup. Then click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update . Choose Update Now if macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 appears.

Next, check your background update settings. On macOS Tahoe 26 or later, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update . Click the More Info button next to Automatic Updates and make sure Install system data files and security updates is turned on.

If your Mac runs Sonoma or Sequoia, look for Safari 26.5.2 in Software Update as well. That Safari update may be the protection your Mac needs if you are not on Tahoe.

Beware Of Hackers Showing Up Pretending To Be It

You may see more security updates that feel sudden or small. That can be annoying, especially when you are busy or your device needs to restart.

Still, these updates are becoming more important. Apple is reacting to a world where AI can help shorten the time between a public fix and a possible attack.

So, when your iPhone, iPad or Mac asks you to update, do not treat it like background noise. The update may be closing a door someone else is already trying to find.

Installing the Apple AI security update is the best first move. After that, tighten a few habits that make attacks harder.

Your operating system is only part of the security picture. Outdated apps can still create risk, especially if they handle messages, web links, photos, files or account logins. Open the App Store and install available updates regularly.

Be careful with links in texts, emails and social media messages. WebKit and browser flaws are a reminder that malicious web content can be part of an attack. When in doubt, open the official app or website yourself instead of tapping a link.

Use strong, unique passwords for every account and store them in a password manager. Then turn on two-factor authentication (2Fa) wherever possible. If one password gets exposed, you do not want it opening the door to your email, bank or Apple account.

Use strong antivirus protection on your Mac and other connected devices. It can help catch malicious files, phishing attempts and suspicious activity before they do damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

Back up your iPhone, iPad and Mac before problems hit. A recent backup can help you recover faster if an update fails, your device gets stolen or malware locks you out of important files. CyberGuy's guide to backing up your devices walks you through ways to protect your files using cloud storage, an external drive or both.

Use a personal data removal service to reduce how much of your personal information is floating around online. Data brokers and people-search sites can expose your name, address, phone number and relatives. Scammers can use those details to make phishing messages feel more believable. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

Apple's early security release shows how fast the cyber threat landscape is changing. The company says there is no evidence these newly patched flaws were exploited, but it still moved the fixes out before the wider 26.6 release. That tells me the old habit of waiting weeks to update is getting riskier. AI can help defenders, but it can also help criminals study weaknesses faster. My advice is direct: update your Apple devices now, turn on automatic security updates and stop putting off patches that protect the phone and computer you use every day.

Do you think AI will make your devices safer because companies can find flaws faster, or more vulnerable because hackers can move faster too? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Original article source: Apple AI security update proves hackers move fast

Now? You may search for a flight and see a price so ridiculous that it makes you want to close the laptop.

That is exactly why I sat down with David Fleming, a travel rewards consultant known online as The Miles Guy. His job is helping travelers squeeze more value out of airline miles, hotel points and credit card rewards without getting fooled into bad redemptions.

Fake Booking.com Travel Credit Scam Targets Travelers

And here is the big takeaway: airline miles can still be valuable, but the old tricks no longer work the same way.

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Years ago, many airlines used fixed award charts. That made it easier to know what a flight should cost in points. Now, that predictability is mostly gone. "The airlines and their frequent flier programs went to something called dynamic pricing, which basically ties the cost of the ticket to the number of points you use," Fleming told me during our conversation on the "CyberGuy Report" podcast.

He gave one eye-popping example. Air France Flying Blue business class from Los Angeles to Paris used to show up for around 67,500 points one way. Now, on some days, that same type of redemption can balloon to an outrageous level. "Some days you're now seeing them for 700,000 points one way," Fleming said. "Which is bananas."

That is the kind of number that should make you pause before clicking "book." If you want a broader refresher on how travel rewards work, CyberGuy's guide on how to rack up points and miles for travel is a helpful read at CyberGuy.com.

If you have any wiggle room in your schedule, use it before you spend your miles. "The key really is to book your trip around your flights," Fleming said. "Find the dates that have the best mileage redemptions available, and book those and let that be your guide."

That may sound annoying if you already picked your vacation dates. However, shifting by a day or two, or flying from a different airport, can save you a huge number of points.

This approach works best when you are traveling alone or with one other person. It gets harder with kids, school schedules, work calendars and family obligations. Still, even a little flexibility can help. The goal is to stop treating every mileage price as a good deal just because it uses points instead of cash.

One of my best strategies is to book a refundable cash ticket as insurance while watching for mileage seats. Here is how it works. You book a refundable fare, so you know you can get where you need to go. Then you keep checking for award seats. If a better mileage redemption becomes available, you can cancel the refundable ticket and book with points.

Fleming said that strategy still has value, even though it worked better before dynamic pricing became so common. "If you book a refundable ticket, you know if something does open up, you always can cancel that refundable ticket, get your money back, and book the mileage ticket," Fleming said.

There is another version of the same idea. If a good mileage ticket doesn't appear, you can look for a cheaper, nonrefundable cash fare closer to the trip. Then you cancel the refundable ticket and buy the cheaper fare instead. It takes effort, but it gives you options.

Paid upgrades can be hit-or-miss. Still, Fleming says asking at the counter or gate can sometimes pay off. "You might have to be a little proactive and ask the gate agent or the person at the ticket counter, 'Hey, do you have any upgrades available? And if yes, how much are they?'" Fleming said.

He shared the story of a friend who was flying economy on a transatlantic flight. At the counter, the airline offered him a business class upgrade for $140. If he had bought that upgrade online earlier, it would have cost more than $1,200. That will not happen every time. Airlines may have no seats, no deal or no interest in discounting the upgrade. Even so, the question costs nothing. Ask politely at check-in, at the ticket counter or at the gate: "Are there any paid upgrades available, and what would the cost be?" You can always say no.

This may be the hardest part for many travelers. Sometimes the smartest move is to keep your miles. Fleming uses a rough benchmark of about 2 cents per point. So, if 100,000 points would cover a ticket that costs about $2,000, that can be a fair deal.

"On average, you might say that a point is worth $0.02," Fleming said. "I just kind of set the goal at $0.02 a point." However, if an airline wants 100,000 points for a $500 ticket, you may want to pay cash and keep the points for something better. That is where people get burned. They see "free flight" and forget that points have value. Those points took spending, flying or credit card bonuses to earn. Burning them on a weak redemption can cost you later.

Airline miles and hotel points can both be easy to waste. Before you redeem either one, compare the points or miles price with the cash rate. That helps you see whether you are getting strong value.

One tool CyberGuy has covered before is Awayz. It can help you compare cash prices with award pricing so you can decide when to use points, miles or cash. Its hotel search can be especially helpful if you have rewards spread across programs like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, Accor, Choice or Wyndham. Awayz can also help you look for award availability and spot better dates. That can save time when you are planning a trip with flexible travel dates.

Still, treat any travel search tool as a starting point. Prices and award availability can change fast. Before you transfer points or book, confirm the final price, taxes, fees, cancellation rules and availability directly with the airline, hotel or loyalty program.

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You cannot use your rewards well if you do not know what you have. Fleming says that starts with keeping your travel accounts organized.

"I created a spreadsheet which basically lists my program, American Airlines, my account number, my password, when the points expire and how many points I have," Fleming said. "Then you know what you have to work with."

I use a phone contact called "Travel Profile." In that contact card, I store airline, hotel and rental car loyalty numbers in alphabetical order. So, when I am checking into a hotel or renting a car, I can quickly find the right number.

Here is how to set one up:

• iPhone: Open the Contacts app > tap the + button > enter Travel Profile as the name > scroll to Notes > type your airline, hotel and rental car loyalty numbers in alphabetical order > tap Done.
• Samsung Galaxy: Open the Contacts app > tap the + button > choose where to save the contact, such as Phone or Google > enter Travel Profile as the name > tap View more if needed > add your loyalty numbers in Notes > tap Save.

One important warning: do not store passwords in this contact card. Use it for loyalty numbers only. Keep account passwords in a secure password manager instead.

The trade-off is that a phone contact will not show your current point balances or expiration dates. That is where a spreadsheet or password manager can help, especially if you have dozens of travel accounts.

Some airline miles no longer expire. Fleming noted that United MileagePlus miles and Delta SkyMiles do not expire. However, other programs still have expiration rules. Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, now uses a single 24-month validity period for miles, with qualifying activity able to extend that date. That means you should check each program before assuming your miles are safe forever.

Also, do not ignore small balances. A few thousand points may not buy a long-haul ticket, but they may help with a hotel night, upgrade or short flight later.

I asked Fleming whether airline status still means anything. His answer was blunt. "Unless you have the top tier status, I don't think so," Fleming said.

I get it. There was a time when top-level status could feel special, especially when flights were delayed or canceled. You could call a dedicated number, find the right person at the airport and sometimes get real help getting where you needed to go.

That still happens, but it feels less dependable than it used to. Planes are packed, upgrades are harder to clear and airlines often sell premium seats instead of handing them to loyal flyers.

Status can still help with free bags, preferred seats and priority support. However, I would not chase it blindly unless the perks still match how often you fly and what you are spending to get them.

One of my favorite travel apps right now is Flighty. It tracks your aircraft before it becomes your flight, which can give you an early warning when trouble is starting to build.

For example, your plane may still be in another city with several flights to complete before it ever gets to you. If one of those earlier flights gets delayed, Flighty can often show the ripple effect before the airline sends an official alert. Flighty can send real-time alerts for delays, gate changes and cancellations.

You can also track a flight right inside the Messages app on your iPhone. Send yourself, or someone else, the airline name and flight number , such as Delta 1234 or American 456. You can also try the airline code and number, such as DL1234 or AA456. Once the flight number appears underlined, tap it and select Preview Flight. You should see details such as flight status, departure time, arrival time, terminal, gate and baggage claim when available.

One low-tech trick I still swear by is carrying a UK plug adapter. Some airplane outlets get loose from heavy use, especially with standard U.S. plugs. A UK adapter may fit more securely in certain universal airplane outlets, but it will not work on every aircraft or every seat. Also, treat it as an adapter, not a voltage converter, and use it only with chargers that support the power range printed on the charger.

Airline miles and hotel points have real value. That makes them attractive to hackers. A thief who breaks into a loyalty account can drain your miles, book travel or sell access before you notice. Since many people rarely check old airline and hotel accounts, fraud can sit there longer than it should.

CyberGuy has covered how hackers can hijack travel rewards programs and drain miles. To protect yourself, use strong, unique passwords for every travel account and store them in a secure password manager. Turn on two-factor authentication (2Fa) when available and review your balances often.

You should also keep strong antivirus software on your devices to help block malicious links, phishing pages and other threats that can lead to account theft. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

Also, consider using a data removal service to reduce how much personal information is floating around online, since scammers can use exposed details to make travel-related phishing messages look more believable. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

Finally, be careful with any email claiming your miles are expiring or offering a too-good-to-be-true travel deal. Go directly to the airline or hotel site instead of clicking links in surprise messages.

Travel credit cards can still unlock value, but only if the perks match how you actually travel. If you fly one airline often, a co-branded card may help with bags, boarding or award discounts. If you want flexibility, a transferable points card may give you more options across different airlines and hotel partners.

Before you chase a welcome bonus, read the annual fee, spending requirement and redemption rules. A giant bonus can lose its appeal if you have to overspend to earn it. CyberGuy's best airline credit cards guide at cyberguy.com/ can help you compare travel cards, perks and earning structures before you apply.

Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com

Airline miles are still worth collecting, but you have to be more careful than ever about how you spend them. Dynamic pricing means the same seat can cost a reasonable number of points one day and an outrageous number another day. That is why flexibility, research and patience can make such a big difference. Before you redeem, compare the cash price against the point price. If the value looks weak, save your miles and buy the ticket instead. Also, organize your loyalty accounts now, not when you are standing at a rental car counter or rushing through an airport. A spreadsheet, secure password manager or travel profile in your phone can keep your rewards from becoming a pile of forgotten numbers. And next time you fly, ask about paid upgrades. You may get nothing. Or you may hear a price that makes the whole trip feel like you beat the system. For more of my conversation with David "The Miles Guy" Fleming, you can watch the full podcast episode at CyberGuy.com.

Do you still think airline miles are worth chasing, or have airlines made the rewards game too confusing to trust? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Are airline miles still worth it?

That is exactly why this message we received deserves a closer look. It uses a familiar travel brand, a big reward and a deadline to push you toward a blue "Redeem Now" button. The email also uses my real name in three places, which makes the message feel more personal and convincing.

However, the details in this email raise several red flags. The sender address does not even appear to relate to Booking.com. The subject line feels vague. The reward sounds broad. The deadline adds pressure.

Scammers know people are booking flights, hotels and last-minute trips right now. A fake travel credit can catch someone at the perfect moment.

Booking A Summer Trip? Here's What You're Giving Scammers

Before you click anything, let's break down what makes this email look suspicious.

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The subject line says "(1) Pending." That wording is a red flag. It sounds urgent, but it does not clearly explain what is pending.

Scammers often use vague subject lines because they spark curiosity. You may open the message just to find out what needs your attention.

Also, the number "(1)" makes the email feel like an account alert. It hints that one item needs action. That can push you to click faster.

A real travel reward email should explain the offer clearly. It should not rely on mystery to get your attention.

The biggest giveaway is the sender address. The display name uses a Booking. com-style label. However, the actual email address does not appear to relate to Booking.com at all. That is a major warning sign.

Scammers can copy a logo, brand colors and a button. Still, the sender address often exposes the fake. Always open the full sender details before clicking. Look past the display name. If the real address uses a strange domain, random letters or an unrelated company name, stop. That one detail can save you from a stolen password or a fake payment page.

One detail makes this scam feel more personal: the email uses my real name in three places. That can make a fake message feel more legitimate.

Scammers use names, account-style details and fake customer IDs to lower your guard. They want you to think, "Well, they know who I am, so this must be real."

But a real name does not prove an email is legitimate. Your name may already appear in old breaches, data broker lists, leaked marketing databases or public records. That personal touch should make you more cautious, not less.

Global Scam Crackdown Leads To 276 Arrests

Another strange detail appears near the top of the message. The email itself shows "March 2026," but it was actually sent to us on June 23, 2026.

That mismatch matters because real travel reward emails usually have consistent dates, campaign timing and account details. A March label on a June email can suggest a reused template, a sloppy scam setup or a copied brand-style message.

Scammers often move fast and recycle old layouts. So, when the date inside an email does not match when it arrived, treat that as another reason to pause before clicking.

The message says you are eligible for a CA$500 Booking.com travel credit. That amount feels big enough to matter. It also feels believable enough to make you curious.

That combination is dangerous. Scammers do not always use wild dollar amounts. They often choose a number that feels exciting but still possible.

The email also says the credit can be applied toward hotels, flights or a Booking.com reservation in Canada. That broad wording makes the offer sound useful to almost anyone planning travel.

However, real travel rewards should be easy to confirm inside your official account. You should not need to click an email button to find out if a credit exists.

The message mentions a Spring Genius Loyalty Event. That sounds official because Booking.com has used the Genius name for its loyalty program. Scammers use familiar program names because they make fake emails feel more believable.

Still, the email does not give enough proof. It does not explain real terms. It does not tell you to verify inside your account. It mainly pushes you toward the "Redeem Now" button.

That is another red flag. Real rewards usually appear in your official account, app or wallet area. A surprise email should never be your only proof.

The message says your activity placed you among a select number of loyal members. That line tries to make the reward feel personal. It suggests you earned something special because of your booking history.

However, the wording stays broad. It could apply to almost anyone. Scammers often use flattery to lower your guard. When a message makes you feel chosen, you may spend less time checking the details. That is exactly what the scammer wants.

The message says you must respond before June 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.. That exact deadline adds pressure. It makes the credit feel like it could disappear at midnight.

Then the email says the allocation will be released if you take no action. In other words, it wants you to move quickly before you inspect the sender, links or account details.

Urgency is one of the most common scam tactics. When an email mixes a reward with a deadline, slow down. A real company will let you verify rewards by logging in safely through the official app or website.

The blue "Redeem Now" button is the part to avoid. A scam link can take you to a fake Booking.com sign-in page. From there, scammers may try to steal your email address, password, payment details or verification codes.

Some fake pages look convincing. They may use the same colors, fonts and logo style as the real site. However, the link behind the button tells the real story. Since you cannot fully trust a button in a suspicious email, do not click it. Open Booking.com through the official app instead. You can also type the website into your browser.

Five Data Broker Opt-out Myths That Leave Retirees Exposed

This email landed in our junk folder, and that is worth noting. Spam filters can flag suspicious sender patterns, bulk messages, strange links or known scam behavior. They are not perfect, but they can give you a useful warning.

So, when a reward email appears in junk, treat it with extra caution. Do not click first and investigate later. The safer move is to delete the message and check your account directly.

CyberGuy reached out to Booking.com about the suspicious email. Booking.com responded with general safety guidance for travelers and said it uses dedicated teams and machine learning tools to monitor, detect and block suspicious activity around the clock.

Booking.com responded to CyberGuy after we reached out about the suspicious email. The company did not specifically verify this email, but said cybercrime and online fraud are not new or unique to Booking.com or the travel industry.

"At Booking.com, the security and data protection of our partners and travelers is a top priority. We have dedicated teams and employ machine learning tooling to monitor, detect and block suspicious activity around the clock and continuously work to enhance the robust security measures we have in place," Booking.com said.

Booking.com also advises travelers to keep communication and payment on its platform, watch for unusual host requests or last-minute listing changes and report suspicious messages through its official customer service channels.

A fake travel credit can look convincing at first, but a few quick checks can help you avoid a stolen login, fake payment page or follow-up scam.

Do not trust the display name alone. A scam email can say Booking.com, while the real sender address has nothing to do with the company. Open the sender details and look closely. Strange domains, random letters or unrelated addresses are clear warning signs.

Do not assume an email is safe because it knows your name. Scammers can get names from data breaches, people-search sites and marketing lists. If a message uses your name while pushing a deadline, reward or login link, treat it as suspicious.

Do not click "Redeem Now" from the email. Instead, open the Booking.com app or type the website into your browser. Then check your account for rewards, wallet credits or official messages. If the credit is real, it should appear there. Booking.com also advises travelers not to move communication or payment outside its platform because scammers often use that tactic to avoid platform protections.

Words like Pending, Confirm, Final notice and Limited time can push you to act fast. Slow down when an email adds a deadline. Scammers use urgency because it keeps you from checking the facts.

Never enter your password, payment details or verification codes from an email link. Also, use a password manager. It can help you avoid fake sign-in pages because it usually will not autofill your saved password on the wrong site.

Turn on two-factor authentication (2Fa) or passkeys for your Booking.com account, email account and payment accounts. That extra step can help block a scammer who steals your password. Never share a one-time code with anyone who contacts you by email, text or phone.

Use strong antivirus software on your devices to help detect malicious links, fake websites and suspicious downloads. That extra layer can help stop a scam before it steals your information or infects your device. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

Scammers can use your exposed personal information to make phishing emails feel more believable. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal data appears on people-search sites and data broker lists. That can make it harder for scammers to target you with personalized travel scams. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

Report the message as phishing or junk in your email app. You can also forward suspicious Booking.com-related emails to Booking.com's customer service or report them through your account. This helps the platform track scams that impersonate its brand. Booking.com says travelers should report suspicious listings or communications through its official customer service channels so they can be investigated quickly.

Since this email already appeared in the junk folder, your spam filter likely spotted something suspicious. Mark it as junk and delete it. If you already clicked, change your Booking.com password through the official site. Then check your card activity. Also, watch for follow-up scam messages that mention travel credits, refunds or account problems.

This fake Booking.com email works because it shows up when travel is already on your mind. A $500 credit sounds helpful when hotels and flights feel expensive. But the warning signs are clear. The vague subject line creates curiosity. The sender address does not appear connected to Booking.com. The use of a real name makes the scam feel more personal. The deadline adds pressure. The "Redeem Now" button pushes you toward a risky click. That is important because travel scams often work fast. One fake login page can hand scammers your account, payment details or personal information. The safest move is to ignore the email and check your account directly. If the credit is real, it should appear inside your Booking.com account. If it is fake, you just avoided a costly summer scam.

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With scammers using trusted travel brands to push fake credits, should companies like Booking.com do more to protect customers before they fall for the click? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Fake Booking.com travel credit scam targets travelers

Security researchers are warning about a sprawling Android-based botnet called Popa. It has reportedly forced millions of consumer TV boxes to relay internet traffic tied to ad fraud, account takeovers and mass data scraping.

The concern goes beyond one shady app or one off-brand gadget. It points to a bigger problem sitting in living rooms across the country. Your home internet connection can be quietly used by strangers. In other words, that box connected to your TV may be doing more than streaming shows and movies.

The Trick To Smoother Streaming At Home And On The Road

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Global Scam Crackdown Leads To 276 Arrests

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Popa is tied to the wider Vo1d and BADBOX-style ecosystem of compromised Android-based streaming devices. These are often unofficial TV boxes sold online under countless names. Many promise access to paid movies, sports or channels for a one-time price. That should be your first warning sign.

KrebsOnSecurity reports that Popa works less like a traditional botnet built for quick attacks and more like a persistent tunneling system. It can register a device, keep encrypted connections open and route traffic through that device when needed.

So what does that mean at home? Someone else's internet traffic can appear to come from your house.

A residential proxy uses a regular home internet address to send traffic. To a website, that traffic can look like it came from an ordinary household instead of a suspicious server farm.

That makes these networks valuable for people trying to hide mass scraping, fake ad clicks, account attacks or other shady activity. It also creates a scary problem for the person who owns the Wi-Fi.

Your IP address could show up as the source, even though you had no idea anything was happening. The FBI has warned that compromised internet-connected devices can become part of BADBOX 2.0 and residential proxy services used for criminal activity. Those devices can include TV streaming boxes, digital projectors, digital picture frames and other connected gadgets.

For more on how attackers can abuse connected devices, see our report on how the FBI warned that more than 1 million Android devices were hijacked by malware.

The numbers are huge. Lumen's Black Lotus Labs told Krebs that Popa averages between 1.5 million and 2.5 million distinct IP addresses each day. The system also reportedly relies on hundreds of internet addresses used to direct its activity.

Google previously said BADBOX 2.0 compromised more than 10 million uncertified devices running Android open-source software without Google's built-in security protections. Google also said the devices were used for ad fraud and other digital crimes.

That is why this should get your attention. The box under your TV may look harmless. But if it came preloaded with sketchy streaming apps, required workarounds or promised too much for too little money, it may be putting your home network at risk.

The Popa story also includes a major dispute. Security firms Qurium and Synthient say Popa is linked to NetNut, a residential proxy provider owned by Alarum Technologies, a publicly traded Israeli company. Synthient said its analysis found traffic associated with NetNut coming from devices running Popa.

Alarum disputes the reports. The company says the claims contain flawed conclusions and rejects the characterization of the technology as a botnet. Alarum also says its SDKs are meant for bandwidth-sharing with notice, consent and safeguards. That disagreement is important. But for everyday households, the most important point stays the same. If a device or app can route someone else's traffic through your home connection, you need to know before you plug it in.

This problem goes beyond cheap Android TV boxes. Krebs cited research from Spur, a proxy-tracking service, that found some smart TV apps can include hidden tools that share your home internet connection with outside companies.

Spur said more than 42% of LG webOS apps it reviewed had these components. It also found similar components in more than 25% of Samsung Tizen apps reviewed.

In response, a Samsung spokesperson told CyberGuy, "Samsung wants to reassure our customers that the third-party residential proxy SDKs recently reported in the media cannot access, collect, or store any personal information from the TV, such as account credentials, viewing history, or personal files."

Samsung said it has already restricted new app registrations that include those proxy functions.

"We are currently implementing strict platform-wide developer policies explicitly banning residential proxy SDKs, and we are working to identify and remove all apps currently available in our store that contain these components," the company said.

"The privacy and security of our customers are our top priority, and we will continue to enforce our developer policies to ensure our platform remains safe and trustworthy," the spokesperson added.

Samsung's response sounds reassuring on personal TV data. Still, the bigger lesson is to be careful about what you install on any smart TV. Random games, free streaming apps or odd utilities can come with permissions or fine print that most people skip.

A TV remote makes it easy to click through prompts without reading much. That is important because an app may be able to use your home internet connection in ways you did not expect.

Be careful with any streaming device that promises free access to paid content. Also watch for Android boxes advertised as "unlocked," "fully loaded" or loaded with premium channels.

The FBI lists several warning signs, including devices that require Google Play Protect to be disabled, apps from suspicious marketplaces, generic streaming boxes from unknown brands, Android devices that lack Play Protect certification and unexplained internet traffic.

If you see one of those signs, unplug the device from power and disconnect it from Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

The good news is you do not need to be a cybersecurity expert to lower your risk. Start with the devices connected to your TV, then work outward to your router, apps and passwords.

Do not buy cheap Android TV boxes that promise free movies, live sports or paid channels. Those deals can come with malware, backdoors or proxy software. Stick with trusted streaming platforms and certified devices from known brands. A bargain stops looking like a bargain when it puts your home network at risk.

Unplug any no-name Android TV box, unlocked streaming device or gadget that required you to disable Google Play Protect. Then remove it from your router's connected-device list. If unknown devices appear on your router, change your Wi-Fi password. After that, reconnect only the devices you recognize.

If you use an Android TV device, check whether it is Play Protect certified. Uncertified Android devices may lack Google's built-in security protections. A device that asks you to turn off security settings during setup deserves extra scrutiny. That setup step can be a major red flag.

Install apps only from official stores on your smart TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku or Android TV device. Avoid sideloading, which means installing apps from outside the official app store, unless you fully trust the source. The FBI warns that unofficial marketplaces and required app downloads can increase the chance of infection.

Go through the apps on your smart TV and streaming devices. Remove games, utilities, free streaming apps and anything you no longer recognize. Pay close attention to apps that mention bandwidth sharing, proxy access or earning rewards from unused internet. Those tradeoffs can be buried in language most people would skip.

Keep your router, smart TV, streaming stick and other connected devices updated. Firmware updates often fix security holes that attackers love to exploit. Also, check whether your router supports automatic updates. Turn that on if available.

Open your router app or router admin page and look at the connected-device list. Remove anything you do not recognize. Also, watch for devices sending unusual amounts of data. A streaming box should not be creating heavy outbound traffic when no one is watching anything.

If you signed into Google, streaming apps or other accounts on a suspicious TV box, change those passwords from a trusted phone or computer. Also, sign out of those accounts on other devices when the service gives you that option. Use a trusted password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords so one compromised account does not open the door to others. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com

Remove free VPNs, free streaming apps, coupon extensions, unknown browser extensions and apps that offer to pay you for bandwidth. A trusted VPN can help protect your privacy online, especially on public Wi-Fi. However, a VPN will not clean an infected streaming box or stop a shady TV app from abusing your connection. Use it as one layer, not your only defense. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Create a separate guest or IoT network for TVs, streaming boxes, cameras, printers and other smart devices. That way, a compromised gadget has less access to your phones, laptops and personal files. Many newer routers make this fairly easy inside the router app.

Run a full security scan on your computers and phones with trusted security software. This can help catch malware, risky downloads and suspicious files. But let's be real here. Do not assume antivirus software can fully clean a cheap infected TV box. The FBI has warned that some compromised devices may come with malware before purchase or pick it up during setup. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

A factory reset may sound like enough, but it may fail to remove malware that came preinstalled or lives deeper in the device. If the box came from an unknown brand, pushed you toward sketchy apps or required security workarounds, replacing it is the safer move.

If you believe your device or network has been compromised, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Also, contact your internet provider if you see strange traffic or get abuse notices tied to your IP address.

The scary part here is how ordinary this can look. A cheap streaming box sits under your TV, works well enough and promises free content. Meanwhile, your home internet connection may be getting rented out or abused in ways you never approved. That to me is scary because most people would never think to check whether their TV box is sending traffic in the background. They just want to watch the game or a movie. But if the device came from an unknown brand, promised free paid content or required sketchy setup steps, it deserves a serious look. The safest move is to unplug anything suspicious, use certified streaming devices and keep your smart TV apps under control. Free TV can become expensive fast when your home internet gets dragged into someone else's scheme.

Would you unplug a streaming box if you found out strangers might be routing their internet traffic through your home? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Original article source: Cheap streaming box could hijack your home internet

But nobody warns you that the moment you hit "confirm," your trip stops being only yours. Just this spring, hundreds of thousands of travelers learned the hard way what happens when the personal details you share with those companies get out (and how easily they get out).

Some got a scam text quoting their real hotel and check-in date before they were even told their information had been stolen. If you've got a trip on the calendar, this is worth ten minutes.

Travel Mistake Puts Phone, Laptop And Streaming Accounts At Risk

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A travel booking may look like a routine form, but it can collect enough personal details to map your trip and your life back home.

• Full name
• Home address
• Phone and email
• Travel dates
• Payment details
• Passport number

Individually, none of it feels alarming. Together, it's a complete snapshot of who you are, where you live, and when you won't be home. That is the kind of profile scammers dream of.

A criminal who knows your hotel, dates, and confirmation number can send a message that looks exactly like it's from the hotel: "We couldn't process your payment. Re-enter your card to hold your room." It may not feel like a scam. It feels like a headache you want to clear up before your trip. It gets personal, too. If a scammer knows you're traveling and knows your family, they can call an elderly parent (or you) with a "grandchild stranded abroad" emergency that lands because the timing and names check out.

If your first thought is, "But I only book through trusted companies," you are not alone.

So did everyone caught in the breaches below. If a single careless business were the problem, I'd just warn you to steer clear of it and call it a day. Unfortunately, it's more of an industry problem. And the size of the company doesn't protect you, because the weak point usually isn't the company itself, but the chain of partners behind it. So you can do everything right and still have your details slip out through one hotel employee's infected laptop.

Over the past year, the travel sector has been hit again and again.

• Booking.com (April 2026). The world’s largest travel platform warned that "unauthorized third parties" accessed some reservation data, including names, emails, phone numbers and booking details such as hotels and stay dates. Booking.com said financial information was not accessed. The company has not publicly detailed exactly how the unauthorized access happened. The chilling part: scammers used real booking details in WhatsApp messages that looked convincing to travelers.
• Amtrak (April 2026). A reported Amtrak data exposure involving more than 2.1 million customer accounts. The exposed information included names, email addresses, physical locations, and customer support records. That kind of data can make a fake "problem with your trip" email feel personal enough to click.

• Carnival (June 2026). Carnival confirmed a breach affecting nearly 6 million people after a social engineering attack on a single user account. Some exposed data may have included names, contact details, dates of birth and government-issued ID numbers. For cruise customers, that creates an opening for fake trip alerts, identity-verification scams and phishing messages that sound much more believable.
• KLM and Air France (August 2025). A third-party customer-service platform was breached, exposing names, contact details and frequent-flyer numbers, which is plenty of material for a convincing "there's a problem with your flight" call.

Global Scam Crackdown Leads To 276 Arrests

Curious how exposed you already are? Run a free scan to see where your information is showing up online-results usually land within an hour. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: CyberGuy.com.

You don't have to stop booking trips online, but you do need to make it harder for scammers to turn your travel details into a payday.

Treat every "problem with your booking" message as suspect, especially if it asks you to click a link, re-enter your card or confirm personal details. Instead, open the airline, hotel or booking site directly through your browser or app. You can also call the company using the number on its official website, not the number in the message.

A credit card usually gives you stronger fraud protection than a debit card. If your bank offers virtual card numbers, use one for hotel and travel bookings. That way, if the card number gets exposed, you can shut it down without replacing your main card.

Before you leave, turn on transaction alerts for the card you use to book travel. Also check the security settings on your airline, hotel and booking accounts. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each account. Strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) can make it much harder for someone to break in, even if your email address or phone number leaks.

Saving your passport, ID or payment card may save a few seconds next time. But if that account gets compromised, those details become part of the damage. After your trip, remove stored passport information, old cards and any documents you no longer need in the account.

A word only your family knows can stop the "stranded grandchild" or "relative in trouble" scam fast. If someone calls claiming there’s an emergency, ask for the code word before you react, send money or share information. That tiny pause can save your family from a very expensive mistake.

A travel breach becomes more dangerous when scammers can match it with your home address, relatives, phone numbers and other personal details sitting on data-broker sites. That extra information can help them make a fake hotel message, family emergency call or identity scam feel much more convincing.

You can try to remove your information yourself, but the process can be frustrating. There are hundreds of data brokers and people-search sites, and each one may have its own opt-out process. Even worse, your information can show up again later.

A data removal service can help by sending removal requests on your behalf and checking whether your information reappears. It will not erase every trace of you from the internet, but it can shrink the amount of personal information scammers can easily find and connect to your travel plans.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

Every travel booking bundles your name, address, trip dates and contact details into one valuable package. Once that information moves through hotels, airlines, booking platforms and outside vendors, it may not stay where you think it does. That is why stolen reservation details are so dangerous. Scammers can use them to impersonate your hotel, send fake payment alerts or target your family while you are away. Book the trip and pack your bags. Just verify messages directly, use a password manager, turn on account alerts and shrink the personal data brokers keep on you.

What extra step do you take before traveling to keep your personal information out of scammers' hands? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Booking a summer trip? Here's what you're giving scammers

But when breakfast came the next morning, Lucy still did not show up. "When we fed dinner one night, and she didn't come running, I thought maybe she was upstairs in the kids' bedroom, but when we fed breakfast the next morning, she didn't come running again, so then I knew for sure she wasn't in the house," Ame said.

That is when a normal morning in Dayton, Ohio, turned into a frantic search. Lucy was less than a year old. Ame's two young children were devastated. And wherever Lucy had gone, her family knew she had already spent the night away from home.

"If she had been out all night, we were really worried," Ame said. Ame's daughter, Evi, felt that fear immediately. "I was really sad and cried a lot. It was really heartbreaking," Evi said.

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Pro Wrestling Star Killer Kross Shares Sweet, Life-altering Moment When A Cat Came Into His Life

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After the first wave of searching, Ame turned to Petco Love Lost. "I found out about Petco Love Lost through a friend of mine who also had a cat go missing. She said Petco Love Lost is a website where you can match from finders who have uploaded pictures of pets that they've found," Ame said.

Ame created a lost pet profile and uploaded Lucy's picture. The free nationwide database uses AI photo-matching technology to compare lost pet photos with found pet reports. Petco Love says the system looks at more than 500 visual markers to identify pets by features that stay with them wherever they go.

Then came the lead Ame needed. "It was actually very easy and quick. It was only about 10 or 12 hours before I got a lead on where Lucy might be," Ame said.

A finder had listed a cat who looked like Lucy as found. Soon after, Ame received a photo match alert.

The price surprised her, too. "I was really surprised that Petco Love Lost is not subscription-based like most things are. It's completely free, so it's accessible to everyone," she said. For a family already scared and stressed, that free access made a big difference.

Then Ame learned where Lucy had gone. "She was stuck under the hood of somebody's car. This person had driven to a shopping center across the highway, got out of their car and heard meowing and realized that the meowing was coming from under the hood of their car," Ame said.

The driver got Lucy out safely. Thankfully, the kitten had not been hurt. The finder kept Lucy safe and uploaded her photo to Petco Love Lost as a found pet. That report connected with Ame's lost pet profile.

From there, Ame could finally arrange the reunion her family had been hoping for. "I connected with the finder on Petco Love Lost and was able to message back and forth. We organized a time to meet up and we were just ecstatic, and overjoyed, and in shock that we actually found her and also that we found her so quickly and in such a short space of time. Having Lucy home is a relief," Ame said. Ame's family brought Lucy home a little more than 24 hours after she disappeared.

For Ame's children, Lucy's return changed the whole mood in the house. Ame's daughter, Evi, went from heartbreak to happy tears. "When she was found, my mom put her on my lap. I was having a little bit of some happy tears," Evi said.

Then came the sentence every pet parent wants to hear after a scare like this. "When Lucy was found, I was so happy to have her back," Evi said.

That is the kind of reunion that sticks with you. A tiny kitten vanished, rode under a car hood, crossed a highway and still made it home because a finder uploaded one photo.

Woman’s Cancer Battle Takes Unbelievable Turn When Her Dog Gets Same Diagnosis

Lucy's story also shows why lost pet searches need more than one safety step. The finder tried to get Lucy scanned for a microchip. But that did not solve the problem.

"The finder took her to scan the microchip, they couldn't even find it, they couldn't locate it. Petco Love Lost was literally the only link between us and Lucy to get her back," Ame said.

That is important because many pet parents assume a microchip will always lead straight home. A microchip can help, but someone still needs access to a scanner. The chip also has to be found and connected to current contact details.

Petco Love Lost adds another option. Instead of relying only on tags or a scan, it uses a pet's photo and physical features. Chelsea Staley, president of Petco Love, explains it this way: "Collars break, tags can fall off, and microchip scanners aren't always immediately accessible. Petco Love Lost offers an additional layer of protection by using AI to recognize distinctive physical features that stay with pets wherever they go. You know your pet is one of a kind, and so does Petco Love Lost." In Lucy's case, that extra layer helped bring her back.

Lucy's story hits at a time when many pet parents need the reminder. July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month. The month also brings holiday fireworks, which can scare pets and send them running. Petco Love says more pets go missing during the summer than during any other time of year, and fireworks help drive that spike. That makes Lucy's story a good reminder to prepare before your pet bolts.

Petco Love encourages pet parents to register their pets on Petco Love Lost at petcolove.org/lost/register-pet/ while they are safe at home. Then, if something goes wrong, they can activate a search with a single click. Set it up before the fireworks start. Check it before guests come over. Take care of it before someone says, "I thought the cat was upstairs."

A lost pet search can turn emotional really fast. You may be scared, tired and unsure where to start. Lucy's story shows why preparation can help. Ame already had a clear photo of Lucy. She created a lost pet profile. Then a finder uploaded a found pet report, and the system connected them.

That does not mean you should skip collars, ID tags or microchips. Keep those in place. However, Petco Love Lost can give you another way to search when those tools do not work fast enough. The biggest lesson is timing. Registering your pet while everything is calm can save precious time later.

Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com

Ridglan Farms Rescue Beagles Find New Life Helping Veterans Overcome War Trauma With Paws Of War

Lucy's story could have ended badly. She slipped out, hid under a car hood and rode across a highway without the driver knowing she was there. Instead, one uploaded photo helped bring her home. Petco Love Lost matched Lucy's image with Ame's lost pet profile, and the family had her back in a little more than 24 hours. That to me is the reason this story is worth sharing. Technology can feel cold, but in this case, it helped a family get their kitten back.

Have you ever had a pet go missing, and what helped bring them home? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Original article source: A missing kitten rode under a car hood. AI brought her home

Before you spend forty minutes on hold with your provider, there's something you should know: the problem might not be your connection speed at all. It m

ight be your internet provider putting the brakes on certain types of traffic.

The good news is that one tool may help, especially when your provider is slowing down streaming traffic that it can recognize.

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Travel Mistake Puts Phone, Laptop And Streaming Accounts At Risk

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Internet service providers handle enormous amounts of traffic. When their networks get congested, they look for ways to manage the load. One of the handiest tools in their bag is a technique called bandwidth throttling. It means deliberately slowing down certain types of traffic to ease the pressure on their infrastructure. Streaming video is one of the first things they may target because it eats up a lot of bandwidth fast.

Here's the part that most people don't realize: your ISP can often see what kind of traffic you're sending and receiving. When they detect a steady stream of traffic flowing from a streaming platform, they may put a speed limit on that traffic specifically, even while your overall connection seems fine. You won't always get a warning, but you will notice a dip in video quality.

That's why you can load a webpage in a blink but still have to sit through buffer wheels before your show even gets going. The issue may not be your speed. It may be what your ISP does with it once they know how you're using it.

Travelers can run into an additional wrinkle. Hotel networks and public connections are often shared across dozens or hundreds of people at once. When everyone is streaming, browsing and video calling at the same time, the network slows to a crawl and your video quality pays the price. What worked fine at home suddenly stutters and stalls on the road.

A VPN, or virtual private network, is usually thought of as a privacy and security tool, but it may also help with some throttling problems. It runs quietly in the background while you stream.

When you connect to the internet through a VPN, your traffic gets encrypted before it leaves your device. Your ISP can still see that you're using data, but it can no longer easily see what kind. Streaming traffic looks like encrypted data passing through, which means there's no obvious streaming target to throttle. The result can be a more consistent connection, fewer interruptions and less of that infuriating mid-episode quality drop.

And there's an extra benefit for travelers: Your traffic is encrypted on hotel, airport and café Wi-Fi. That can help protect what you're doing online, though it won't magically fix a network that's overloaded. A good VPN can help keep your connection more stable across the unpredictable variety of networks you encounter while traveling, not to mention help protect you from public Wi-Fi hackers.

Just keep in mind that some streaming services may limit or block VPN connections, so you may need to switch servers or check the service's rules.

Netflix Co-ceo Clarifies Streaming Giant’s Live Sports Strategy Amid Nfl Lineup Expansion, Federal Scrutiny

There's no shortage of VPN options out there, but for streaming, a few things matter more than others.

Speed is king when it comes to video. A VPN that encrypts your traffic but slows your connection defeats the whole purpose. Look for a provider with a large network of fast servers and a proven track record with high-definition and 4K content.

Device support matters too. Your streaming life doesn't live on just one screen. It's also on your phone, your smart TV, your tablet and your laptop. A good VPN covers all of them under one subscription and will let you run it on multiple devices simultaneously.

Our top VPN pick checks all these boxes and is more than fast enough for high-quality streaming.

For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

Before blaming throttling, test your speed with the VPN on and off, restart your router, move closer to Wi-Fi, use a 5 GHz or 6 GHz network when available and try Ethernet for your main TV. If everything else is fast but streaming keeps dropping quality, throttling becomes a more likely suspect. Pair a VPN with these tips, and buffering becomes a rare event instead of a nightly battle.

Turn on your VPN first, then launch your streaming service. It'll save you the hassle of reconnecting in the middle of the episode.

In general, the closer the server, the lower the lag. A server in your home city usually delivers the best balance of speed and stability.

If streaming still struggles with a VPN running, an outdated router might be your weakest link. A dual-band or Wi-Fi 6 model makes a noticeable difference on busy home networks. Looking to upgrade your home setup? Check out our guide to the Top 5 routers for best security in 2026 at Cyberguy.com

Most major streaming apps let you save content for offline playback. Load up a few episodes on your home connection before a long trip, and you might not need to stream at all for the first leg of your journey.

Instantly Upgrade Your Streaming: At Home And When Traveling

Buffering isn't something you have to accept, and your internet plan may not be the issue. Your provider could be managing your traffic when it recognizes what you're watching. A reliable VPN can make it that much harder, whether you're on your couch or in a hotel room across the country. Remember: the trick to smoother streaming isn't always paying for faster speed. It's making sure the speed you're already paying for actually reaches your device.

Are you using a VPN for streaming, or have you found another workaround that does the job? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Original article source: The trick to smoother streaming at home and on the road

Now, Ambi Robotics and Pickle Robot Company say they have linked their robotic systems to help solve that handoff problem. The companies announced a commercial integration that connects Pickle Robot's trailer-unloading robots with Ambi Robotics' AmbiStack pallet-building system. In other words, one robot system unloads mixed freight from a trailer. Then a conveyor moves those cases downstream so another robotic system can scan and stack them for warehouse receiving.

If this works well in large facilities, it points to a future where robots can handle more of the work that happens between a truck and a warehouse floor.

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Ohio Robot Cop Retires After Zero Arrests

The setup starts at the trailer. Pickle Robot's system unloads boxes from trailers or containers. That matters because unloading mixed freight can be exhausting work. It also creates bottlenecks when warehouses do not have enough people on the dock. From there, the packages move by conveyor into AmbiStack. Ambi Robotics designed AmbiStack as a multipurpose stacking system. It reads package information and builds pallets for the next stage of the warehouse process.

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The key here is the handoff. Many warehouses already use automation. However, those systems often work in separate lanes. One machine may handle unloading. Another may handle sorting or stacking. Yet the warehouse still needs people or custom engineering to connect the pieces. This collaboration tries to make that connection smoother. The companies say the system can work with existing warehouse infrastructure. That means operators may avoid tearing apart a facility to use it.

Physical AI means AI that controls machines doing physical work. That is important here because warehouse robots have to deal with moving boxes, shifting freight, conveyor timing and pallet stability. That creates a very different challenge from software that writes a paragraph or answers a question. A warehouse robot has to react to what sits in front of it. A box can arrive dented. A label can face the wrong way. A pallet can become unstable if the next case goes in the wrong spot.

This Ambi Robotics and Pickle Robot integration shows how that can work inside a warehouse. Pickle Robot handles the trailer unloading. AmbiStack takes over downstream by scanning and stacking cases for receiving. Together, the systems show how specialized robots can connect across a warehouse workflow.

"Warehouse operators shouldn't have to choose between best-in-class technologies and seamless integration," said Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics. "As Physical AI transforms supply chains, interoperability will become increasingly important."

AJ Meyer, founder and CEO of Pickle Robot Company, put the customer demand more directly: "Customers want automation that improves real-world throughput while fitting into existing operations."

Ai May Spot Deadly Heart Risk In A Routine Ecg

Anyone who has waited on a delayed package knows the supply chain can break down fast. Sometimes the problem starts long before a delivery truck reaches your home. Inbound logistics covers the work that happens when goods arrive at a warehouse. That includes getting boxes off trailers and moving them into the right workflow. It sounds pretty straightforward until you see the reality.

Trailers can be packed unevenly. Boxes can arrive in odd shapes. Warehouse teams also deal with tight schedules and physical strain. That is why loading docks have become such a major focus for automation. If robots can unload freight and pass it into a pallet-building system without constant human intervention, warehouses could move goods faster through one of the most labor-heavy parts of the operation.

The big question is obvious. What happens to workers? Robots can take over repetitive and physically demanding tasks. That may reduce injuries and help warehouses handle labor shortages. It may also change which jobs companies need most.

Instead of spending a full shift unloading trailers, some workers may monitor the unloading and stacking systems. Others may step in when a package jams, a label fails to scan or a pallet needs human attention.

Still, that shift can feel unsettling. Automation often comes with a promise of safety and efficiency. Workers want to know where they fit in next. That is very important. A robot may move a box, but people still handle judgment calls, customer issues and fast decisions when the workflow changes.

Retailers and logistics companies feel pressure from several directions. Consumers expect faster shipping. Warehouses face staffing challenges. Meanwhile, e-commerce keeps creating more package volume. That creates a hard math problem. Companies need to move more goods without slowing down at the dock.

This Ambi Robotics and Pickle Robot setup gives warehouse operators another option. Instead of buying one giant system from a single vendor, they can connect specialized robotic tools that handle different parts of the job. That could give operators more flexibility. It could also help them avoid major redesigns, which can be expensive and disruptive. In other words, the robots are getting smarter. They are also starting to work together in more useful ways.

Even if you never set foot in a warehouse, this kind of automation can affect your life. When warehouses move goods more efficiently, stores may restock faster. Online orders may move with fewer delays. Returns may get processed more quickly. There is another side, too. More automation can reshape job roles inside warehouses. That means workers may need new training as companies bring in more robotic systems.

You may also hear fewer excuses when packages run late. If robots help warehouses operate with fewer bottlenecks, retailers may raise expectations for speed even more. That sounds convenient, but it also means the race for faster delivery keeps putting pressure on every part of the supply chain.

Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free CyberGuy Live replay, Kurt the CyberGuy walks you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do at your own pace. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Watch the replay and get our checklist here: CyberGuyLive.com

Most Prominent Ai Chatbots Have Liberal Bias, New Study Finds

What grabs me here is the handoff. One robot unloads packages from a trailer. Another scans and stacks them for the next part of the warehouse process. That is the piece that could change how loading docks operate. Warehouses are full of little delays that add up fast. If a package sits in the wrong place or waits for a person to move it to the next step, the whole process can slow down. This integration shows how warehouse robots may start taking over more of that middle work between the truck and the warehouse floor. Still, the human side deserves attention. These systems could reduce backbreaking work, which is a good thing. At the same time, they may change what warehouse workers are asked to do. The companies that make that transition clear, fair and useful for workers will be the ones to watch.

If robots can unload the truck, build the pallet and keep the warehouse moving, what job inside the warehouse gets automated next? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Original article source: Warehouse robots move packages without human handoff

The agency says the attack hit a vendor that handles the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Texas Cyber Command detected the incident, and the state says an unauthorized actor may have obtained personal data from customer profiles. That is the part that should get your attention. Even when credit card numbers and Social Security numbers are spared, your license details, phone number and home address can still give scammers a lot to work with.

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Fbi Warns Microsoft Users About Passwordless Scam

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says its license system vendor was hit by a cybersecurity incident.

The agency says the investigation found that an unauthorized actor may have obtained data tied to 3,087,721 Texas hunting and fishing license customers.

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TPWD did not identify the vendor in its public notice. However, it says it has strengthened access controls for customer profile data and plans to add more security features.

In other words, this involved a state license system connected to millions of people.

TPWD says the exposed information may include:

• Driver license information
• Passport numbers, if provided
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Residential addresses

That mix of data can help criminals sound convincing. A scammer who knows your name, phone number, home address and license-related details can make a fake call or email feel very personal.

The agency says Social Security numbers, dates of birth and financial information, including credit card details, were not obtained. TPWD also says there is no evidence that customers under 18 were involved or that any specific group was targeted.

Still, this breach should not be brushed off. Driver license information and passport numbers can create serious problems if they fall into the wrong hands.

Why this breach can still put you at risk

You might hear that hackers did not get credit card numbers and breathe a sigh of relief. I get that. But scammers do not always need your full financial file to cause trouble. Personal details can help them impersonate a state agency, a license vendor or even a bank. One message may claim there is a problem with your license account. Another may ask you to "verify" your identity. A fake link can also look official enough to trick someone who is moving fast.

That is where this kind of breach gets dangerous. The more a scammer knows about you, the easier it becomes to lower your guard. A fake message that includes accurate personal details can feel legitimate, especially if it shows up right after a public breach.

TPWD says immediate steps were taken to strengthen access controls for customer profile data. The agency also says it is working with the license system vendor to add more safeguards and enhanced monitoring.

In a statement to CyberGuy, TPWD said, "We recognize the seriousness of this issue and have identified and implemented additional security options to better protect customer information. Many of our staff are hunters and anglers and were affected by this incident. We are committed to working with the license system vendor to implement increased safeguards."

TPWD also said license sales will continue on schedule for August and the next license year, adding that it believes "current and future customer data are not at risk."

That means customers should be able to buy hunting and fishing licenses as planned while the state works through the fallout from the breach.

If you bought a Texas hunting or fishing license, use this breach as a reason to check your accounts and tighten your identity protections.

Affected customers can confirm eligibility for one year of free credit monitoring by calling the dedicated response line at 844-959-7123.

The enrollment deadline is Sept. 14, 2026. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT.

Do not wait for a suspicious charge or strange letter to show up. Breach cleanup works best when you act before someone tries to use your information.

If you bought a Texas hunting or fishing license, these steps can help you reduce your risk and spot suspicious activity early.

If you are eligible, sign up for the free credit monitoring before September 14, 2026. Credit monitoring can alert you when new credit activity appears in your name. It will not stop every type of identity fraud, but it can give you an early warning. If you were not affected by this breach, now is still a good time to consider identity theft protection. These services can help monitor your personal information, alert you to suspicious activity and guide you if someone tries to use your identity. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com

A credit freeze is one of the strongest moves you can make after a breach. It makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. You need to freeze your credit separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free. You can also lift the freeze when you need to apply for credit.

Empty Envelopes In Your Mailbox? Do Not Scan That Code

A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps before opening new credit in your name. You can place a free one-year fraud alert by contacting one of the major credit bureaus. That bureau should notify the other two. This is a good option if you want extra protection but are not ready to freeze your credit.

If you see signs that someone used your information, report it right away. That could include new accounts you did not open, strange letters about benefits, unfamiliar bills or credit checks you do not recognize. The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov can help you create a recovery plan based on what happened.

Your name, address and phone number may already appear on data broker sites. A breach can make that exposure feel even more personal. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information appears online. You can also manually request removal from major people-search sites. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

Because driver's license information may have been exposed, pay close attention to anything tied to your ID. That includes notices about duplicate licenses, address changes, traffic issues, government benefits or accounts you did not request. If something feels off, contact the proper agency directly. Do not use a phone number or link from a surprise message.

If you provided a passport number, be extra cautious with calls or emails that claim there is a problem with your passport or travel documents. Do not give out personal information to someone who contacts you first. Go directly to the official agency website or call a verified number instead.

Scammers may use this breach as bait. Be careful with any email, text or call that claims to come from Texas Parks and Wildlife, a license vendor or a credit monitoring service. Do not click links from surprise messages. Go directly to the official website or call the dedicated response line instead.

Scammers may use this breach to send fake emails, texts or links that look official. Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, detect phishing attempts and warn you before you download something dangerous. Keep it updated on your phone, tablet and computer so it can catch newer threats. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

If someone calls and asks for a code sent to your phone or email, stop. That is a major red flag. Scammers use those codes to get into accounts. No legitimate support agent should pressure you to hand one over.

Even though TPWD says financial information was not obtained, you should still review your bank and credit card statements. Look for small test charges, unfamiliar subscriptions or anything that seems off. Report suspicious activity right away.

This breach does not appear to involve passwords, but scammers may use exposed personal details to target your other accounts. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for important accounts, especially email, banking and shopping accounts.

World Cup Ticket Scams Target Desperate Fans

This breach is a reminder that everyday government transactions can carry a lot of personal data behind the scenes. You may think of a hunting or fishing license as a routine purchase. But the information connected to that purchase can include driver's license details, passport numbers, phone numbers and your home address. That gives imposters enough context to make a scam sound believable. The best move now is to stay ahead of it. Use the official response line, sign up for monitoring if you qualify, freeze your credit and be extra careful with any surprise message about your license or identity. The vendor may have been the target, but Texans are the ones left watching their information.

Should state agencies be required to publicly name vendors after a breach this large, or would that make future investigations harder? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Original article source: Texas data breach hits 3M license customers