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Transfer photos from your phone to a hard drive If you own a smartphone, this moment eventually arrives. A warning pops up saying your storage is almost full. Photos stop syncing. Apps slow down. Suddenly, you are deleting emails, clearing messages and searching for anything that will free up space.Many people hit this problem because their photos automatically back up to services like Google Photos or iCloud. Those services include a limited amount of free storage. Once it fills up, the solution is usually the same. Pay for more space.Janice from Alabama recently wrote to us about this exact situation. YOUR IPHONE HAS A HIDDEN FOLDER EATING UP STORAGE SPACE WITHOUT YOU EVEN KNOWING Janice is far from alone. Millions of smartphone users face the same choice every year. Either pay monthly for more storage or move their photos somewhere else. The good news is that you can store your photos on a hard drive you own, keep access to them anytime and avoid ongoing subscription fees . Let's walk through the easiest ways to do it.  Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.The simplest approach is to first copy your photos to a computer. After that, you can move them to an external hard drive. Apple devices use a slightly different process. Instead of opening the phone like a storage device, you import photos through the Photos app on your computer.The photos will download to your Mac's photo library.If you are signed into iCloud and iCloud Photos is enabled on your iPhone , your photos may already be syncing automatically. In that case, you can simply open Photos on your Mac or visit iCloud Photos in a browser on your desktop to access and download them without connecting your phone. HOW TO HIDE PHOTOS ON YOUR IPHONE AND ANDROID FROM SNOOPS  S ettings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer Once copied, paste the files into a folder on your computer. This step gives you a full backup before moving them to a drive.Windows will copy your photos directly to your computer. Once your photos are on your computer, transferring them to a hard drive is quick.Now your photos are stored safely on a device you control. External drives can hold tens of thousands of photos, depending on the size of the drive. Check out our best external drives article at Cyberguy.com. BEST WAYS TO SAVE YOUR PHONE'S PHOTOS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE  If you prefer skipping the computer, some flash drives plug directly into smartphones. These drives typically include:After connecting the drive, open the companion app that comes with it. From there, you can move photos directly from your phone to the drive. This option works well when you need to free up space quickly. Be sure to explore our best flash drive recommendations at Cyberguy.com. After transferring photos to a hard drive, spend a few minutes organizing them.Create folders by:Hard drives are reliable, but keeping a second backup ensures your memories stay protected if one drive ever fails. Cloud storage can feel inexpensive at first. Over time, the monthly charges add up. An external hard drive often costs less than a year or two of cloud storage fees. After that, the storage is essentially free. Even better, your photos stay under your control rather than sitting only on a company server.Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com. Janice asked a question many people quietly wonder about. Do we really need to keep paying companies just to store our own memories? Fortunately, the answer is no. With a simple cable and an affordable hard drive, you can free up phone storage , keep every photo you want and avoid ongoing storage fees. Once you try it, the process becomes fast and routine.So, here is something worth thinking about. If your phone holds years of photos and videos, should those memories live only on a company's cloud server or somewhere you fully control? Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 1 billion identity records exposed in ID verification data leak Things like your name, home address, date of birth and even your Social Security number may have been sitting on the open internet. Researchers say an unprotected database tied to IDMerit, a company that claims to help businesses verify identities, exposed roughly 1 billion sensitive records across 26 countries.In the United States alone, more than 203 million records were left unsecured. This involves the exact documents and details companies use to confirm you are really you. If criminals get that kind of information, they'd have everything they need. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. BE AWARE OF EXTORTION SCAM EMAILS CLAIMING YOUR DATA IS STOLEN Researchers at Cybernews, a cybersecurity news and research publication, discovered an exposed MongoDB database on Nov. 11, 2025, that they believe belongs to IDMerit, a global identity verification provider that serves banks, fintech firms and other financial services companies. IDMerit uses artificial intelligence tools to help businesses perform KYC, short for Know Your Customer, which is the identity verification process required when you open financial accounts.The database was not protected by a password. Anyone who knew where to look could access it. Inside were full names, home addresses, postal codes, dates of birth, national ID numbers, phone numbers, email addresses and gender information. Some records also included telecom-related metadata and internal flags that may have referenced past breaches.The exposure affected people in 26 countries. The United States had the highest number of exposed records at more than 203 million. Mexico, the Philippines, Germany, Italy and France were also heavily impacted.Researchers notified the company, and the database was secured the following day. There is currently no public evidence that criminals downloaded the data. Still, it's worth noting that automated bots constantly scan the internet for exposed databases and can copy them within minutes. YOU COULD BE SHARING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER WHEN YOU DON'T NEED TO When you open a bank account, sign up for a crypto platform or verify your identity for a financial app, you are often asked to upload a government ID and provide personal details. Companies like IDMerit process that information behind the scenes. That means this database likely contained the same details you would use to prove your identity to a bank or government agency.For criminals, that is gold. With your full name, date of birth, national ID and phone number, scammers can attempt SIM-swap attacks. This is when someone convinces your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to their device. Once they control your number, they can intercept security codes sent by text message and break into your bank or email accounts. They can also launch highly targeted phishing scams. Imagine receiving a call or email that includes your real home address and ID number. It would feel legitimate, and that's exactly the point.Because the data was neatly organized, criminals could sort it by country or other details and use automated tools to target huge numbers of people with scams. FIGURE DATA BREACH EXPOSES NEARLY 1M ACCOUNTS We reached out to IDMerit for comment, and a spokesperson for the company provided CyberGuy with the following statement:"IDMERIT is a software-as-a-service company that provides identity verification technology. We own and operate our proprietary platform, but we do not own, control or store customer data or the underlying data maintained by independent data sources. Our platform connects to authorized data sources globally to verify individual identities on behalf of our customers.""On November 11, IDMERIT was made aware by an ethical hacker that certain data ports associated with independent data sources could have been open, which had the potential to expose certain databases. Upon receiving this notification, we immediately conducted a comprehensive review of our software, security controls, configurations and system logs. That review identified no exposure, vulnerability or unauthorized access within the IDMERIT environment. IDMERIT's systems and security infrastructure have never been compromised.""At the same time, we notified all relevant data source partners and worked with them to assess the matter. Our partners conducted their own internal investigations and confirmed that there has never been a data breach or exfiltration from their systems during, before or after this event. We requested a security incident report from the ethical hackers as proof, and the response was a demand for money for the report, which confirmed our suspicion that this was a ransom-related incident.""Based on our internal review and confirmations from our partners, we have no indication that any customer data has been compromised. We continue to maintain robust security safeguards on our systems and are taking these accusations very seriously as we continue to investigate this matter in coordination with our partners."Before criminals have a chance to use this information against you, here are practical steps you can take right now to lock things down and reduce your risk.Contact the major credit bureaus in your country and place a credit freeze . This prevents criminals from opening loans or credit cards in your name. Even if someone has your national ID and date of birth, lenders will not be able to access your credit file without your permission.If your bank or email account still uses SMS codes for two-factor authentication, switch to an authenticator app instead. Text messages can be intercepted during SIM-swap attacks. An authenticator app generates codes directly on your device, making it much harder for criminals to break in.If attackers pair leaked identity data with passwords from older breaches, they can try to access your accounts. A password manager creates strong, unique passwords for every account, so one leak does not unlock everything else.Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com. Identity theft monitoring services can alert you if your personal information is used to open accounts or appears on dark web marketplaces. Early detection can mean the difference between stopping fraud quickly and discovering it months later. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com Log in to your mobile carrier account and enable extra security features, such as a port-out PIN if available. This adds an additional layer of protection so someone cannot easily move your phone number to another SIM card.Good antivirus software can block malicious links, fake login pages and spyware that may be used in follow-up attacks. After a large data exposure, phishing campaigns often spike, and having protection in place can stop you from clicking into trouble. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com. Your personal information is often scattered across data broker sites and people-search databases that sell access to your details. A personal data removal service can monitor where your information appears online and work to get it taken down. This reduces the amount of data criminals can find about you in one place, making it harder for them to piece together your identity and target you with scams or fraud. 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 contacts you and references your address, date of birth or ID number, do not assume they are legitimate. Hang up and call the official number listed on the company's website. Criminals use real data to make fake stories sound convincing.This incident exposes a larger problem. Companies that handle identity verification have become critical infrastructure for the digital economy. When one of them leaves a database open, the fallout spreads across countries and millions of ordinary people who never even heard of the company. You trusted a bank or app with your ID. That bank trusted a third party. Somewhere in that chain, basic security controls failed.Should companies that handle identity verification face automatic penalties when they expose millions of people's most sensitive data? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Android fixes 129 security flaws in major phone update Most people never think about Android security updates until a headline like this appears. Suddenly, your phone, the device you use for messages, banking, photos and work, becomes part of a global cybersecurity story.That is exactly what happened this week. Google released its latest Android security updates, and they fix a massive 129 vulnerabilities. Even more concerning, one of them is already being exploited by attackers. The flaw targets a component connected to Qualcomm graphics hardware, and researchers say it has already been used in limited targeted attacks. If you use an Android phone, this is the kind of update you want installed as soon as possible. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. GOOGLE DISMANTLES 9M-DEVICE ANDROID HIJACK NETWORK   Android security flaw already targeted by attackers One vulnerability in particular has security researchers paying close attention. The flaw is tracked as CVE-2026-21385. Google says there are signs it is already being used in targeted attacks. That makes it a zero-day vulnerability.In simple terms, attackers discovered the flaw before many devices received a fix. According to Qualcomm, the problem is tied to the graphics processing component inside many of its chipsets. Specifically, the issue involves something called an integer overflow. That technical term means a calculation error can cause memory corruption inside the system. Once that happens, attackers may gain a foothold on the device.Qualcomm says the flaw impacts 235 different chipsets, which means a large number of Android phones could be affected. Google's Threat Analysis Group discovered the issue and reported it through coordinated disclosure practices. Qualcomm then worked with device makers to release patches. Why the Android security vulnerability is dangerous Several of the patched vulnerabilities allow attackers to execute code remotely or gain elevated privileges on a device. One issue inside the Android System component is especially concerning. Google says it could allow remote code execution without any user interaction.That means an attacker may exploit the flaw without the victim tapping a link or installing an app. In cybersecurity terms, that type of vulnerability ranks among the most dangerous.The March Android bulletin addresses ten critical flaws across the System, Framework and Kernel components. These parts sit at the core of Android, so any weakness there can ripple across millions of devices. ANDROID MALWARE HIDDEN IN FAKE ANTIVIRUS APP   Why some Android phones get security updates faster Google released two patch levels for this update:The second update includes everything in the first, plus fixes for additional hardware components and third-party software. Google Pixel devices typically receive updates immediately. However, many Android users must wait longer.Phone manufacturers such as Samsung, Motorola and OnePlus often test the patches before releasing them for specific models. Carriers may also delay updates while they verify compatibility. As a result, some users receive security patches quickly while others wait weeks. How to protect your Android phone from security threats Security vulnerabilities are a reality in modern software. The good news is that there are several simple steps that can greatly reduce your risk. 1) Install Android updates quickly Check for updates regularly and install them as soon as they appear. On most devices, go to Settings , tap Security and privacy or Software update , then select Check for updates and install the latest version if one is available. Security updates often fix vulnerabilities that attackers may already be trying to exploit. 2) Avoid apps from unknown sources Only download apps from trusted stores like Google Play. Third-party app stores pose a higher risk of  malware. 3) Keep Google Play Protect enabled Google Play Protect, which is built-in malware protection for Android devices, scans apps for malicious behavior and warns you if something suspicious appears. It also automatically removes known malware. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn't 100% foolproof at removing all known malware from Android devices.  Therefore, we recommend strong antivirus software because it adds another layer of protection by using deeper threat detection, real-time monitoring and broader malware databases that can catch suspicious apps or files that Google Play Protect may overlook. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com. 4) Use strong device security Set a strong  passcode  on your phone and turn on  fingerprint or face unlock if your device supports it. This helps keep strangers out of your phone if it is lost or stolen. 5) Be cautious with suspicious links Many attacks still start with  phishing messages . Avoid tapping unknown links in texts, emails, or social media messages. YOUR PHONE SHARES DATA AT NIGHT: HERE'S HOW TO STOP IT   The bigger picture behind Android security updates This Android update also highlights how modern mobile security works behind the scenes. Google's Threat Analysis Group frequently discovers vulnerabilities that may already be used in real-world attacks. Those findings trigger coordinated responses involving chip manufacturers, phone makers and security researchers. In this case, Qualcomm received the report in December and provided fixes to device makers in early 2026.By the time the public bulletin arrived, patches were already moving through the Android ecosystem. The process may look slow from the outside. In reality, it involves dozens of companies working together to prevent widespread exploitation. Kurt's key takeaways Security updates rarely feel exciting. Yet they play a critical role in protecting billions of smartphones around the world. This latest Android update proves that point clearly. A zero-day flaw tied to Qualcomm graphics hardware was already being targeted before many users even knew it existed. Installing updates quickly remains one of the simplest ways to protect your device and your personal data. Most of the time, the update only takes a few minutes. Those few minutes can block attacks that might otherwise compromise your phone. So the next time your Android device prompts you to install a security patch, the better question may be this:When your phone asks for a security update, do you install it immediately or tap remind me later? Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. Burger King AI listens to workers The next time you pull up to the drive-thru at Burger King , you may notice something different. The greeting might sound warmer. The thank you might feel extra intentional. That could be Patty. The company is expanding a new AI-powered assistant that listens to employee headset interactions and tracks how staff speak with customers. The goal, according to executives, is simple. Create friendlier restaurants and smoother operations. But the rollout raises a bigger question. When does coaching become monitoring? Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter BURGER KING MAKES CHANGES TO SIGNATURE WHOPPER FOR FIRST TIME IN NEARLY A DECADE  Burger King's Patty AI assistant runs on technology from OpenAI. In practice, it listens for key phrases such as "Welcome to Burger King," "Please" and "Thank you." It then compiles that information into reports so managers can measure how consistently staff use polite language. Although company leaders say it is not recording every conversation, they frame it as a coaching tool designed to reinforce service standards.Beyond tracking manners, Patty also supports daily operations. For example, it can answer questions about how many bacon strips go on a sandwich or how to clean specific equipment. In addition, it flags inventory shortages and alerts managers when machines stop working. It even tracks how often employees tell customers an item is unavailable, which can highlight supply gaps.As a result, that data has already influenced menu decisions, including the return of apple pie after its removal in 2020 . Taken together, Patty functions as a manners coach, kitchen assistant and data analyst rolled into one.Burger King began testing Patty at about 100 U.S. locations last year. Now the company plans to expand to roughly 500 stores, with a goal of rolling it out nationwide by year's end.And Burger King is not alone. Rivals like Wendy's, Taco Bell, McDonald's, Pizza Hut and KFC have all tested AI in some form. Some experiments focused on automated ordering. Others used AI to streamline drive-thru operations.Results have been mixed. Customers have praised the faster service. They have also complained about glitches and awkward robotic interactions. Burger King's version stands out because it focuses on employee behavior, not just customer convenience. TACO BELL TOPS NEW DRIVE-THRU SPEED RANKINGS, AND CHICK-FIL-A WINS ON SATISFACTION  Burger King says Patty exists to help managers coach teams and improve hospitality. Executives argue that customers want a warmer experience. Data simply helps restaurants measure it.Yet social media reaction tells a different story. Some critics say constant monitoring creates pressure. They worry about employees having a bad day and getting flagged for forgetting a single word. Others describe it as surveillance disguised as support.This tension reflects a larger trend in the workplace. AI increasingly measures performance in warehouses, offices and retail counters. Now it is moving into fast-food headsets. The real debate is not about politeness. It is about power. Fast-food chains operate on razor-thin margins. Small efficiency gains matter. If AI reduces waste, speeds up service and improves customer satisfaction, companies will keep investing. At the same time, public opinion matters. Customers say they value authenticity. Employees want fair treatment. The companies that succeed will need to balance both. FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS USING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO RESHAPE HOW CUSTOMERS PLACE ORDERS  If you are a customer, you may notice friendlier greetings and fewer out-of-stock surprises. AI can help restaurants restock faster and fix broken machines sooner. That could mean shorter lines and more consistent menus. If you are an employee, the shift feels different. Every please and thank you becomes part of a data stream. Managers can track patterns instead of relying on occasional observations. For workers, that may increase accountability. It may also increase stress. For the industry, this signals a future where AI quietly runs in the background of nearly every transaction. Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here:  Cyberguy.com Technology keeps moving into spaces that once felt purely human. The drive-thru greeting used to be about personality and mood. Now it may be part of a data dashboard. Some will see that as progress. Others will see it as overreach.If AI can measure kindness, should it? Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. Fake Google Gemini AI pushes 'Google Coin' crypto scam You may think you can spot a crypto scam from a mile away. But what if the pitch comes from what looks like an official Google AI assistant, answering your questions in real time and showing projected profits? That is exactly what scammers are doing now. Security researchers at Malwarebytes, a cybersecurity company known for tracking malware and online scams, recently uncovered a live "Google Coin" presale site featuring a chatbot that claimed to be Google's Gemini AI. The bot walked visitors through an investment pitch, gave detailed return estimates and guided them to send cryptocurrency payments. Google does not have a cryptocurrency. Yet the site looked polished and professional, convincing enough to appear legitimate at first glance. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter BE AWARE OF EXTORTION SCAM EMAILS CLAIMING YOUR DATA IS STOLEN Researchers discovered a fraudulent website promoting a fake cryptocurrency called "Google Coin." The site was designed to look like it belonged to Google and claimed the project was connected to its AI assistant, Gemini.At the center of the scam was a chatbot that introduced itself as "Gemini, your AI assistant for the Google Coin platform." It used familiar branding and visuals to make visitors believe they were interacting with a legitimate Google product.When asked simple investment questions, the chatbot gave specific financial projections. For example, it claimed that buying 100 tokens at $3.95 each could turn into more than $2,700 once the coin was "listed." The site displayed fake progress counters, countdowns and claims of millions of tokens already sold. Once someone clicked "Buy," they were instructed to send Bitcoin to a specific wallet address. The payment was final and irreversible.There is no official Google Coin. The entire operation was built to collect cryptocurrency from unsuspecting investors.This scam combines two powerful tricks: brand impersonation and artificial intelligence. First, the scammers created a website that mimics Google's look and feel, including logos, design, and tech language. Then they layered in a chatbot that acts like a real AI assistant. Because many people are now used to chatting with AI tools, this interaction seemed normal and legitimate.The chatbot is programmed with a tight script. It answers questions confidently, avoids admitting risk, and refuses to acknowledge the possibility of a scam. If you ask about company registration or regulation, it deflects with vague promises about security and transparency.This means you are not debating with a clumsy scammer over email. You are interacting with software designed to persuade you around the clock. The chatbot can talk to hundreds of people at once, give each one personalized answers and push them toward sending cryptocurrency. Once you send it, your money is gone.This type of scam is dangerous because it's interactive and appears credible. When a chatbot answers your questions in real time, it can lower your guard. You might think, "If this were fake, it would not sound so professional." But that is exactly the point. AI allows scammers to scale up their confidence and polish.If you fall for it, the financial loss can be immediate and permanent. Cryptocurrency payments cannot be reversed like credit card charges. There is no customer support line to call. There is no refund process.Even worse, once you engage with a scam site, your contact details, email or wallet address could be added to lists that circulate among fraud groups. That can make you a target for future investment scams, phishing emails or impersonation attempts.We reached out to Google for comment but did not hear back before our deadline. SPOTIFY VOTING SCAM EXPOSED Crypto scams are getting more sophisticated, especially with AI tools that make fake investments look polished and legitimate. The good news is that you can dramatically lower your risk by taking a few smart precautions before you invest or send any digital currency.If you see a cryptocurrency claiming to be launched by a well-known company, verify it directly on the company's official website. Major corporations publicly announce major financial products. If you cannot find confirmation on the company's real domain, assume it is fake and walk away.No legitimate investment can promise that your $395 will turn into $2,700. When a chatbot gives exact future prices or guaranteed multipliers, that is a red flag. Real investments carry risk and uncertainty. Promises of quick, predictable profits are classic scam tactics.A password manager creates strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and stores them securely. If scammers trick you into entering credentials on a fake site, unique passwords prevent them from accessing your other accounts. Many password managers also alert you if your information appears in known data breaches. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at  Cyberguy.com. Strong antivirus software helps detect malicious websites, phishing attempts, and suspicious downloads before they can harm your device. It adds another layer of protection if you accidentally click a dangerous link. This can stop hidden malware from being installed while you are distracted by a convincing scam pitch. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at  Cyberguy.com. An identity theft protection service monitors your personal information, such as your Social Security number or email, and alerts you if it is being misused. If scammers collect your details through a fake investment site, early alerts can help you act quickly before financial damage spreads. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at  Cyberguy.com. Data removal services work to remove your personal details from public data broker sites. The less personal information available about you online, the harder it is for scammers to target you with personalized pitches. Reducing your digital footprint lowers your overall exposure to fraud. 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. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web:  Cyberguy.com. Crypto payments are fast and irreversible. Before sending any digital currency, pause and verify the recipient independently. Search for reviews, warnings, and official announcements. If the investment requires urgency, such as a countdown or "final stage" message, treat that pressure as a warning sign. 300,000 CHROME USERS HIT BY FAKE AI EXTENSIONS Scammers are no longer relying only on clumsy emails or obvious red flags. They are using artificial intelligence to create polished, persuasive conversations that feel real and responsive. When that fake AI wears the face of a trusted brand, it becomes even more convincing. The good news is that awareness is powerful. If you take a moment to verify claims, question guaranteed returns, and use protective tools, you dramatically reduce your risk.Do you think AI is making online scams harder to recognize than they were a few years ago? Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. Tesla builds a car with no steering wheel. Now what? The first Tesla Cybercab has officially rolled off the floor at Tesla Gigafactory Texas. And yes, it has no steering wheel. No pedals either. That alone makes it one of the boldest vehicles ever built for public roads. Elon Musk says production starts in April. For a company known for ambitious deadlines, that claim stands out. Still, building a car without human controls raises a bigger question. Is the technology ready? Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter NEW YORK HALTS ROBOTAXI EXPANSION PLAN The Tesla Cybercab is a two-passenger vehicle designed to operate as a fully autonomous taxi. It runs on Tesla's Full Self Driving system. There is no manual override. If the software fails, there is nothing for a passenger to grab. That marks a dramatic shift from current robotaxi pilots. Today, Tesla's Robotaxi testing program uses Model Y vehicles that require human supervision. That is considered Level 2 automation. The Cybercab aims for full unsupervised autonomy. Those two standards are worlds apart. Unlike competitors, Tesla avoids LiDAR. Instead, it relies on a camera-based system powered by neural networks. Musk argues that vision alone can solve autonomy. Critics believe sensor redundancy is critical in poor weather or unpredictable traffic. That debate will intensify once the vehicle hits public roads.Here are the reported specs:Tesla appears to be targeting ride-hailing giants like Uber and Lyft. Private ownership may also be possible. If the price holds, Tesla could undercut much of the autonomous competition. However, affordability means little without regulatory approval and proven safety data.Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in the United States require vehicles to include basic driver controls. A car without a steering wheel does not fit cleanly within those rules. Tesla is reportedly seeking exemptions. Regulators now face a difficult call. Can software alone meet safety standards once defined by mechanical systems? The answer could determine whether the Cybercab becomes common or remains limited to controlled deployments. WAYMO'S CHEAPER ROBOTAXI TECH COULD HELP EXPAND RIDES FAST Musk has linked the Cybercab to a manufacturing strategy called Unboxed. Instead of a traditional linear assembly line, Tesla builds modules separately before bringing them together late in production. In theory, this approach reduces factory space and accelerates output. Musk has suggested a potential cycle time of one vehicle every 10 seconds. In reality, early production may move slowly as Tesla refines the process. Scaling a new car and a new manufacturing model at the same time adds complexity.Tesla has built its reputation on bold engineering bets. The Cybercab may be its most ambitious move yet. Still, fully unsupervised driving has not been widely validated across all weather, traffic and road conditions. Long-term reliability data remains limited. Competitors use different sensor strategies. Regulators remain cautious. Meanwhile, production is moving forward. That tension between speed and proof defines this moment.If Tesla succeeds, ride-hailing could become cheaper and more automated. Human drivers may face increasing pressure. Cities could adapt to fleets of driverless vehicles. On the other hand, public trust hinges on safety. A vehicle without a steering wheel leaves no room for human correction. That changes the psychological contract between passenger and machine. As a rider, you may soon step into a car that offers zero physical control. That is a different experience than tapping a driver rating on your phone.   Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here:  Cyberguy.com. THE ROBOTAXI PRICE WAR HAS STARTED. HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.   For more than a century, driving has meant control. Hands on the wheel. Foot on the pedal. Eyes on the road. The Cybercab flips that idea upside down. On paper, it sounds efficient. Lower costs. Fewer human errors. Transportation that runs around the clock. That is the promise. But trust is not built on promises. It is built on experience. On proof. On the feeling that if something goes wrong, you can step in. The Cybercab removes that option entirely.So, here's a question for you: When a Cybercab pulls up with no steering wheel and no pedals, would you actually feel comfortable enough to get in?   Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. Meta smart glasses privacy concerns grow Smart glasses promise a future where technology blends into everyday life. You can ask a question, snap a quick video or identify what you are looking at in seconds. It sounds convenient. However, a new investigation suggests the experience may come with a privacy tradeoff many users never expected.According to an investigation by Swedish newspapers Svenska Dagbladet and Göteborgs-Posten, contractors reviewing AI data in Nairobi, Kenya, may have seen highly personal footage captured by Meta's AI-powered smart glasses. In some cases, the videos reportedly showed bathroom visits, sexual activity and other intimate moments.The allegations have already sparked legal action and renewed debate about how AI systems are trained . META UNVEILS NEW AR GLASSES WITH HEART RATE MONITORING Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter     The investigation focused on people who work as AI annotators. These workers review images, video or audio so artificial intelligence systems can better understand what they are processing. In simple terms, they help train the AI. Workers interviewed for the report said they sometimes review video captured by Meta's smart glasses. According to the investigation, the footage can include extremely personal scenes recorded in everyday environments. One annotator told reporters they see everything from living rooms to naked bodies. Another worker said faces are supposed to be blurred automatically in the footage. However, the blurring reportedly fails at times, leaving some identities visible. In some clips, workers also said they could see credit cards or other sensitive details.Many people assume AI systems learn entirely on their own. In reality, human reviewers often play a major role in training them. AI annotators help label what appears in images, identify spoken words and verify whether an AI response is correct. Without that human input, the system struggles to improve. Meta's smart glasses include an AI assistant that answers questions about what a user is seeing. For example, a wearer might ask the glasses to identify a landmark or explain what an object is. To make those answers accurate, the system sometimes relies on training data reviewed by humans.Meta says media captured by its smart glasses remains on the user's device unless the user chooses to share it.A Meta spokesperson provided the following statement to CyberGuy: " Ray-Ban Meta glasses help you use AI, hands free, to answer questions about the world around you. Unless users choose to share media they've captured with Meta or others, that media stays on the user's device. When people share content with Meta AI, we sometimes use contractors to review this data for the purpose of improving people's experience, as many other companies do. We take steps to filter this data to protect people's privacy and to help prevent identifying information from being reviewed."Ray-Ban Meta glasses include an LED indicator light that activates whenever photos or videos are recorded, helping signal to people nearby that content is being captured. The company's terms of service also state that users are responsible for following applicable laws and using the glasses in a safe and respectful manner. That includes avoiding activities such as harassment, infringing on privacy rights or recording sensitive information.Meta has also been in contact with Sama, a company that provides AI data annotation services. According to information shared by Meta, Sama said it is not aware of workflows where sexual or objectionable content is reviewed or where faces or sensitive details remain consistently unblurred. Meta is continuing to investigate the matter.The controversy arises as Meta has expanded the capabilities of its AI glasses. The glasses, created with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica, include a camera and an AI assistant that responds to voice questions. Sales have surged. The company reportedly sold more than 7 million pairs in 2025, a dramatic increase compared with earlier years. At the same time, Meta updated its privacy policies. One change keeps the AI camera features active unless users turn off the Hey Meta voice command. Another removes the ability to opt out of storing voice recordings in the cloud. For privacy advocates, those changes make the investigation more troubling. FACIAL RECOGNITION GLASSES TURN EVERYDAY LIFE INTO CREEPY PRIVACY NIGHTMARE If you use smart glasses or similar wearable technology, the report highlights an important reality. AI devices often collect more information than people realize. When people share content with AI systems, human reviewers may analyze that material to help improve the technology. That means the footage captured by your device may be seen by someone else during the training process. Wearable cameras also record everyday life, which makes it easy for private or sensitive moments to be captured unintentionally. Even when companies use tools to blur faces or hide identifying details, those systems do not always work perfectly. As a result, personal information can sometimes still appear in the footage. Privacy policies also evolve as companies roll out new AI features. Staying aware of those updates can help you decide how comfortable you are with the technology you are using.Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com        Smart glasses are quickly moving from novelty to everyday gadget. The idea of having AI help you understand the world around you is undeniably appealing. However, the same technology that makes these devices powerful also raises complicated privacy questions. Cameras that are always within reach, AI systems that learn from real-world footage and human reviewers who help train those systems create a chain of data that many users rarely think about. As smart wearables become more common, transparency about how that data is used will matter more than ever.So here is the bigger question. Would you feel comfortable wearing AI glasses if someone halfway around the world might review the footage your device captures? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.   Why widows and divorced women are targets for retirement scams International Women's Day celebrates empowerment, independence and resilience. However, people rarely talk about a difficult reality. Women navigating major life transitions, especially widows and divorced women, have become prime targets for sophisticated financial scams . In fact, scammers often look for people going through emotional or financial change. That is exactly what happened to one woman interviewed by ICE after she lost her husband and turned to online dating."Somebody suggested going online through a dating service... and this guy's pictures showed up. He was no George Clooney, nothing gorgeous, but he did resemble my husband."Stories like this highlight an uncomfortable truth. Romance scams do not succeed because victims are careless. Instead, scammers carefully identify potential targets and craft messages that feel personal and believable. Increasingly, that targeting begins with data. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletterWhen someone loses a spouse or goes through a divorce, certain information often becomes public or commercially available: Data brokers collect and package this information. They build profiles that may include:While this data is often marketed for advertising purposes, it can also be misused. Scammers don't randomly search for victims. They build targeting lists. And "recently widowed" and "newly single homeowner" are categories that can be inferred from publicly available and commercially aggregated data.Obituaries are meant to honor loved ones. But they can also unintentionally expose personal details:Scammers scrape obituary websites and cross-reference them with people-search databases. Within days, they can identify surviving spouses, locate their addresses and find phone numbers. This is often the starting point for:The scammer's advantage? They already know what just happened in your life. That makes their message feel personal and believable.One of the fastest-growing threats today is the so-called "pig butchering" scam - a long-term romance scheme that transitions into an investment pitch.Here's how it works:Widows and divorced women are disproportionately targeted because scammers assume: SCAMS THAT AREN'T ILLEGAL (BUT SHOULD BE) These scams can cost victims hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the targeting often begins with data broker profiles .Another growing tactic involves scammers posing as:They may reference accurate details such as:Because the information is correct, the outreach feels legitimate. Some even create fake websites, LinkedIn profiles and credentials to reinforce credibility. Women managing retirement assets alone, especially after the death of a spouse, are often approached with "exclusive" investment opportunities or urgent financial warnings. These predators rely on one thing: access to detailed personal information.The more publicly accessible your information is, the easier it becomes for scammers to craft convincing stories.Data broker profiles can include:When scammers combine this with obituary data or court filings, they can infer life changes. They don't need illegal hacking. They just need searchable data. Reducing that exposure significantly lowers the likelihood of becoming a target.International Women's Day is about empowerment, and financial independence is a critical part of that. Protecting yourself means:One of the most effective proactive steps is removing your personal data from people-search sites and other data brokers.There are hundreds of these sites, each with its own opt-out process, and many relist your data later. However, reducing how much of your personal information appears online can make it much harder for scammers to build convincing profiles about you. WHY JANUARY IS THE BEST TIME TO REMOVE PERSONAL DATA ONLINE Start by searching for your name on major people-search websites and reviewing what information appears publicly. If you find personal details listed, most sites provide instructions for requesting removal.While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren't cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It's what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. MAKE 2026 YOUR MOST PRIVATE YEAR YET BY REMOVING BROKER DATA 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 Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.comnational Women's Day celebrates strength, independence and resilience. However, empowerment also means understanding how scammers operate in the real world. Criminals do not rely on luck. Instead, they rely on data. Obituaries, property records and data broker profiles can quietly reveal life changes that make someone appear financially stable yet emotionally vulnerable. Fortunately, awareness can change the equation. For example, you can verify financial advisors independently, question unsolicited investment offers and limit how easily people can find your personal information online. As a result, these steps can dramatically reduce your risk. Ultimately, protecting your financial future is part of protecting your independence. That goal sits at the heart of International Women's Day.Have you ever been contacted by someone online offering investment advice or a financial opportunity that felt suspicious?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. Be aware of extortion scam emails claiming your data is stolen You open your inbox and see a message that instantly makes your stomach drop. Someone claims they have your passwords, your files, your credit card details and your entire digital life. They say they will sell everything on the dark web unless you pay them quickly.One reader, Bobby D, wrote to us after receiving a message exactly like this."I received the attached email, and I'm wondering what to do. I have the capability to mark it as Spam with my email provider, Earthlink. Because of its threatening nature, is there any other type of action you can recommend? I was wondering if just designating as spam, there really would be no deterrence for the sender?"It feels personal. It feels urgent. And it feels terrifying. Then you actually read the email. "I have your complete personal information... I will send this package to dark net markets... Or you can buy it from me for 1000 USD in Bitcoin..." TAX SEASON SCAMS 2026: FAKE IRS MESSAGES STEALING IDENTITIES If this looks familiar, you are not alone. This exact extortion scam email is hitting inboxes everywhere right now. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.   At first glance, the message sounds confident and detailed. That is intentional. Once you slow down, the warning signs are obvious.The sender claims they stole everything but provides no real evidence. There are no screenshots, no passwords and no files attached. Scammers rely on fear, not facts.Phrases like "a multitude of files" and "your devices" sound dramatic but say nothing specific. Real breaches include details. Scams stay vague.Any email demanding bitcoin while warning you not to tell anyone follows a classic scam formula. Legitimate companies do not operate this way.This email is not personal. It is part of a large campaign sent to thousands of addresses at once. The goal is to scare a few people into paying. MICROSOFT 'IMPORTANT MAIL' EMAIL IS A SCAM: HOW TO SPOT IT Here is the uncomfortable truth. Your email address likely appeared in an old data breach somewhere online. That does not mean your computer, phone or accounts are hacked. Scammers buy leaked email lists, then send threatening messages in bulk. Even one payment makes the entire operation profitable. They are playing the odds, not targeting you.If you receive an email like this, here is the correct response.Responding confirms your address is active and can lead to more threats.Paying does not make you safer. It only signals that the scam worked.Flagging the email in EarthLink or any provider helps train spam filters. It reduces how often these messages reach you and others.Once it is reported, remove it and move on. To Bobby's question, yes, marking it as spam absolutely helps. It does not stop the sender directly, but it protects you and others from future scams. APPLE APP PASSWORD SCAM EMAIL WARNING You cannot stop scammers from trying. You can stop them from succeeding. These steps reduce risk and remove the fear factor.Reused passwords make old data breaches more dangerous. A password manager helps you create and store strong, unique passwords.Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com ) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of protection even if a password leaks.Updates close security gaps scammers rely on. Automatic updates offer the strongest protection.Data removal services help limit how much personal information scammers can find and misuse. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them 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 Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com Never click links in threatening emails. Strong antivirus software helps block malicious sites and fake support pages. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams , keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com Scam emails rely on panic and speed. Pausing to verify removes their power.Many people wonder if marking these emails as spam does anything at all. It does. Spam reports help email providers identify patterns, block sender networks and reduce future scam attempts. You may not stop the individual scammer, but you help protect everyone else.Extortion scam emails succeed because they hijack fear. They want you to act fast, alone and without thinking. The moment you pause, question the message and verify safely, the threat collapses. No stolen files. No hacked devices. Just a recycled script designed to scare. If you received one of these emails, you did the right thing by stopping and asking.Have you ever received a threatening email that made your heart race before you realized it was a scam? What helped you spot it, or what would you do differently next time? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report  Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.  Smart pills that could replace gut procedures In the near future, keeping tabs on your digestive health may feel far less intimidating. Instead of booking a procedure that requires prep, sedation and time away from work, you could swallow a small capsule loaded with sensors and microelectronics.As it moves through your gastrointestinal tract, the capsule can gather data on inflammation, tissue integrity and suspicious changes. It then sends that information wirelessly to your doctor for review.Scientists are building these ingestible devices to do more than observe. Some prototypes are designed to release medication at an exact location inside the gut. Others are being developed to collect tiny tissue samples before passing naturally from the body. The technology is still advancing, but momentum is clearly building. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Gastrointestinal conditions affect millions of people each year. Diagnosing them often involves blood tests, imaging scans and invasive procedures like an endoscopy. An endoscopy remains an essential tool. However, it requires sedation and can be uncomfortable. It also has limits, especially when doctors need to examine deeper sections of the small intestine.Capsule endoscopy helped bridge that gap. Devices such as PillCam allow doctors to view images from inside the digestive tract without threading a scope through the entire system. Still, most existing capsules are passive. They capture images or data, but they do not respond dynamically to what they detect. That is where smart pill technology begins to stand apart. WEARABLE ROBOTICS ARE CHANGING HOW WE WALK AND RUN Engineers are now building capsules that sense chemical and physical changes inside the gut. At the University of Maryland, College Park, researchers are developing devices that measure bioimpedance. This method evaluates how electrical signals move through intestinal tissue. When inflammation alters the gut lining, those electrical patterns shift. By detecting these subtle changes, a smart pill may provide early clues about conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.Instead of waiting for severe symptoms, doctors could identify problems sooner. Earlier detection often leads to more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes. Researchers are also studying ways to monitor enzymes and other biomarkers that could signal pancreatic disorders or early-stage cancer.Many drugs used to treat GI disorders circulate throughout the entire body. While they can help, they may also cause side effects in areas that are not diseased. Smart capsules offer a more targeted approach. Some experimental designs include tiny mechanical systems that deploy microscopic needles. These systems can release medication directly into the intestinal lining.Other designs anchor a dissolvable drug payload at a specific site. The medication then releases slowly over time in that exact location. Targeted delivery could reduce overall drug exposure and improve effectiveness. For patients who struggle with side effects, that shift could be significant.Biopsies remain a cornerstone of many gastrointestinal diagnoses. Traditionally, doctors collect tissue samples during an endoscopy. Engineers are now exploring swallowable capsules with built-in mechanical systems capable of collecting small samples of tissue. Some prototypes rely on spring-loaded mechanisms that activate wirelessly. A tiny internal heater releases stored energy, which powers a miniature cutting tool.After collecting the sample, the capsule seals it safely inside. The device then continues its journey through the digestive tract and exits naturally. The engineering challenges are substantial. The device must generate enough force to collect tissue while remaining small and safe to swallow. Power is one of the biggest hurdles in ingestible electronics. Many capsules depend on small coin cell batteries, which can occupy a large portion of the internal space. Researchers are investigating alternatives. Some teams are studying microbial fuel cells that generate electricity using bacteria in the gut. Others are testing chemical reactions with stomach fluids to produce energy. Every solution must prioritize safety, reliability and biocompatibility. The capsule has to survive stomach acid and digestive enzymes while maintaining stable performance. AI WEARABLE HELPS STROKE SURVIVORS SPEAK AGAIN Despite the promise, ingestible smart pills must clear strict regulatory standards before becoming widely available. Capsules must prove they will not become lodged in the intestine or damage tissue. Their materials must remain stable inside a harsh chemical environment. Wireless signals must stay safe and reliable. Clinical trials will determine whether these devices improve outcomes compared with existing tools. Progress is steady, but careful testing remains essential.If smart pill technology continues to advance, it could change how you experience digestive care. Routine monitoring might require nothing more than swallowing a capsule at home. Doctors could receive detailed data without scheduling invasive procedures. Targeted drug delivery could mean fewer systemic side effects. Screening may also become more accessible. According to the American Cancer Society, many eligible adults are not up to date on colorectal cancer screening. Less invasive tools could encourage more people to participate. That matters. Earlier detection saves lives. Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com. Electronics that you can swallow are moving from research labs toward clinical testing. The goal is straightforward. Make diagnosis less invasive. Make treatment more precise. Reduce the burden of repeated procedures. The digestive tract holds valuable clues about your overall health. Smart pills could provide doctors with new ways to access that information without putting patients through traditional scopes and sedation.If a small capsule could monitor your gut, deliver medication and potentially detect cancer earlier, would you trust it enough to swallow it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report  Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Fox News AI Newsletter: Pentagon's AI battle IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER:- Pentagon's AI battle will help decide who controls our most powerful military tech - AI T-shirt could detect hidden heart risks - OPINION: MARGARET SPELLINGS: AI is here - and America's schools aren't preparing our kids to survive it DIGITAL BATTLEFIELD: I spent decades inside the Pentagon watching technology reshape warfare. I saw precision munitions change the battlefield. I watched satellites compress decision cycles. But nothing compares to what is happening now, Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, (ret.) writes. LIFESAVING FASHION: Your next heart test might not happen in a hospital. It could start with something you pull from your dresser. Researchers at Imperial College London are developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered T-shirt that monitors the heart for days at a time. The mission is straightforward: detect inherited heart rhythm disorders that often remain hidden until it is too late. OPINION: Hardly a day passes without a new headline about the potential for artificial intelligence to dramatically change the workforce and the economy. The pace of change is staggering, and the truth is, no one can say with certainty where this technology will lead or which jobs it will ultimately transform. But here's what we do know: change is accelerating rapidly. And America's education and workforce systems aren't ready, Margaret Spellings writes. OPINION: History teaches a simple lesson: the nation that sets the standards sets the future. In the 20th century, America wrote the rulebook for aviation, computing and finance. In the 21st, the decisive battleground is artificial intelligence . And make no mistake - Beijing intends to write the rules, Steve Forbes writes. TRUTH WAR: Scroll your social media feed for five minutes. You will likely see something that looks real but feels slightly off. Now Microsoft says it has a technical blueprint to help verify where online content comes from and whether it has been altered. CONSUMERS PROTECTED: Tech giants have backed a pledge from President Donald Trump to pay more for electricity to run resource-hungry AI data centers ahead of its signing on Wednesday. Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI and Amazon will join Trump at the White House to sign the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, an agreement to ensure expenses for the infrastructure and power delivery for the data centers are not passed on to the public, according to a White House official. TRUTH TEST: Creators who post artificial intelligence-generated videos of armed conflicts without clear disclosure will be penalized under new X policies aimed at preventing manipulation and misinformation. CHATBOT BATTLE: X's artificial intelligence chatbot Grok has begun rolling out its first beta version of Grok 4.20, which Elon Musk and X say will provide not only better performance and new features but also the least "politically correct" platform in terms of liberal bias.  GRID WIN: When you open a chatbot, stream a show or back up photos to the cloud, you are tapping into a vast network of data centers. These facilities power artificial intelligence, search engines and online services we use every day. Now there is a growing debate over who should pay for the electricity those data centers consume. Facebook Instagram YouTube X LinkedIn Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Health Fox News Go Fox Nation Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News  here . Fake Spotify voting scam exposed It started with a simple favor. A friend asked for help voting so he could co-host a major podcast event with Spotify and Google. The first message looked casual. It felt personal. It even had urgency."Hey, I need a quick favor," the message read. "I'm in the running to co-host a major podcast event with Spotify & Google. It'd mean a lot if you could drop a vote for me. Appreciate you!"I almost clicked. Then I noticed the link. That one detail likely saved multiple accounts. Then came a follow-up text that turned up the pressure: "Please vote for me, I would really appreciate it as the voting will be ending today."A final message read, "Thanks, please send me a screenshot after you voted."That is when it stopped feeling like a favor and began to feel like a setup. Let's break down what is really going on here. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. YOUTUBE TV BILLING SCAM EMAILS ARE HITTING INBOXES The message claims someone needs your vote to co-host a podcast event with Spotify and Google. It includes a link that looks official at first glance. But look closely.The URL reads: spotifyprime-hub.ct.ws That is not spotify.com. Major companies do not run events on random domains like ct.ws. Scammers register cheap lookalike domains because they are easy to create and hard to notice in a quick scroll. That tiny detail is the first red flag.The site looks clean. It feels polished and official. It even claims to be powered by Google. Then it gives you three options:That is when you need to stop. This is not about voting. It is about collecting your login credentials. ROBINHOOD TEXT SCAM WARNING: DO NOT CALL THIS NUMBER If you slow down and look closely, several clear red flags jump out right away.The domain is wrong. It is not spotify.com or google.com. Instead, it uses a random third-party address. That alone should stop you in your tracks."Voting ends today." "It would mean a lot." Scammers rely on emotion and pressure. When you feel rushed, you stop analyzing. That is the goal.A real voting page would not require your Instagram, email or X login. The moment a site asks you to sign in with unrelated platforms, you should assume credential harvesting, which is when scammers trick you into entering your username and password so they can steal your account.Here is what one victim shared after clicking:"So I got that Twitter DM from a friend last week. I signed in to vote for him. It didn't work. Then, a day later, they hacked my account and locked me out before I could change my password. I am still locked out, and it is apparently doing it to other people. Another friend got it from me and also got hacked and is locked out. They are trying to extort him to get access back. And today they tried to get into my bank accounts. It has been miserable."This is how fast it spreads. One login becomes 10. Ten becomes hundreds. It turns into a chain reaction.The process is simple and brutal. First, you enter your username and password. Next, the scammer logs into your account within minutes. Then they change your password and recovery email. After that, they send the same "vote for me" message to everyone in your contacts.If you reuse passwords, they may try those credentials on email, banking or shopping sites. This is a classic account takeover phishing scam. This part is clever. After you "vote," they ask for proof in the form of a screenshot. Here is why. First, it confirms you completed the login. Second, screenshots can expose usernames, email addresses or other visible details. Third, it keeps you engaged so you do not immediately realize something went wrong. However, the damage usually happens the moment you enter your credentials."We're aware of phishing messages falsely claiming to be associated with Spotify and other brands," a Spotify spokesperson told CyberGuy. "These messages are not from Spotify, are not connected to any official Spotify event or activity, and are not occurring on the Spotify platform. We encourage people to remain vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links."Meanwhile, a Google spokesperson pointed us to the company's online guide for spotting and avoiding scams. MICROSOFT 'IMPORTANT MAIL' EMAIL IS A SCAM: HOW TO SPOT IT Now let's talk prevention.Look beyond the brand name in the message. If the domain is not the official company domain, do not click.Scammers manufacture pressure. Real friends can wait.Use app-based two-factor authentication ( 2FA ) whenever possible. It adds a critical barrier.Strong antivirus software can block known phishing sites, warn you about suspicious links and help prevent malicious downloads before damage is done. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com. Use a password manager to generate unique passwords for every account. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com. If a friend sends something unusual, call or text them separately and ask if they meant to send it.Most social platforms let you review active sessions. If you see a login from an unfamiliar location or device, log out of all sessions immediately.Time matters here, so don't put this off.There is no Spotify and Google podcast voting event running on a random ct.ws domain. The entire operation exists to steal social media credentials, hijack accounts and spread further. It looks polished. It feels personal. That is what makes it effective. The next time someone asks you for a quick vote, pause and inspect the link. That small moment of skepticism can prevent days of damage.If a message came from someone you trust, would you still stop to inspect the link before clicking? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. AI T-shirt could detect hidden heart risks Your next heart test might not happen in a hospital. It could start with something you pull from your dresser. Researchers at Imperial College London are developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered T-shirt that monitors the heart for days at a time. The mission is straightforward: detect inherited heart rhythm disorders that often remain hidden until it is too late.These conditions can sit quietly for years. Then they strike without warning. That unpredictability is what makes them so dangerous. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. AI WEARABLE HELPS STROKE SURVIVORS SPEAK AGAIN Most people who receive an electrocardiogram spend only a few minutes connected to sensors in a clinic. The test captures a brief snapshot of the heart's electrical activity. That snapshot works well for many common heart issues. It creates blind spots when it comes to inherited rhythm disorders.Cardiologists understand that these abnormalities can be intermittent. A dangerous pattern may surface for a short period, then disappear. If your ECG happens during a calm phase, the results can appear completely normal.Current home ECG monitors rely on adhesive electrodes placed precisely on the chest, with leads connected to a waist-worn monitor. Patients must carefully remove and reattach the system to shower. That process can make extended monitoring inconvenient and difficult to maintain.Extended monitoring changes that equation. When doctors review days or weeks of heart rhythm data, they gain context. Subtle irregularities become visible. Patterns emerge. Risks that once slipped through the cracks can come into focus.This project combines medical science with wearable design. The shirt uses soft sportswear-style fabric with up to 50 ECG-style sensors woven into the material. You can wear it under everyday clothing. You can sleep in it. You can wash it and put it back on. Instead of collecting a quick reading, the shirt records continuous electrical signals from your heart. Artificial intelligence then analyzes that data for patterns linked to inherited conditions such as Brugada syndrome.With funding from the British Heart Foundation, researchers are training the algorithm using ECG data from more than 1,000 individuals. Some participants live with inherited heart rhythm disorders. Others do not. That mix helps the system distinguish between healthy variations and signals that suggest elevated risk.Next, around 200 volunteers will wear the shirt for up to three months. Researchers will evaluate how effectively it detects abnormal rhythms outside a hospital environment. SMART PILL CONFIRMS WHEN MEDICATION IS SWALLOWED Inherited heart conditions often run silently through generations. In the United States, millions of people live with congenital or inherited heart disorders that can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. Since 1999, sudden cardiac death rates have risen among adults ages 25 to 44, a troubling trend for otherwise healthy young people. Some experience breathlessness or fainting during routine activities. Others have no symptoms at all. A normal heart test on a single day may not reveal an underlying rhythm disorder. For families, that uncertainty can weigh heavily.Carly Benge, one of the people involved in the research, was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome as an adult. Her children may have inherited the condition, but there is no clear answer yet. Families in the U.S. face similar questions when a genetic heart condition is discovered in one relative. Longer-term monitoring could provide clarity much earlier in life. When detection shifts from a short clinic visit to ongoing observation, it offers something powerful. Time. Time to intervene. Time to plan. Time to protect.Researchers estimate the technology may reach clinical practice within five years. Before that happens, it must undergo rigorous trials and regulatory review.Initial testing focuses on adults. If results are strong, the approach could eventually extend to children. The ultimate goal is clear. Equip doctors with better tools to identify inherited heart rhythm disorders before they become fatal.Even if you have no known family history of heart disease, this technology signals a broader shift in healthcare. A normal ECG result on a single day may not tell the full story. Continuous monitoring could uncover hidden risks that brief tests miss. AI systems can process vast amounts of heart data faster than any human reviewer. Comfortable wearable designs may also make long-term screening more practical for everyday people.If this T-shirt proves accurate, doctors could identify high-risk patients earlier. Early detection often leads to medication, closer follow-up or implanted devices that reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. It also moves heart care closer to real life. Instead of repeated clinic visits, meaningful data collection could happen while you work, relax or sleep. That shift makes prevention more personal and potentially more effective.Researchers also hope the technology could eventually help identify other rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, expanding its impact beyond rare inherited conditions.Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com .Wearable technology already tracks steps, sleep and workouts. Medical-grade clothing could represent the next step forward. An AI-powered T-shirt will not replace cardiologists. It could give them a longer, clearer view of how the heart behaves in daily life. For families with a history of inherited heart conditions, that deeper view may offer earlier answers and fewer devastating surprises.If a simple shirt could quietly monitor your heart for weeks and help prevent sudden cardiac death, would you choose to wear it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.     $163K in fake medical bill charges; AI uncovers it for you Last summer, a man's brother-in-law suffered a fatal heart attack . The hospital bill for four hours of emergency care: $195,628.The man's sister-in-law was ready to pay it. He asked her to wait. He requested an itemized bill with CPT codes, the universal billing codes hospitals use, and fed the whole thing into Claude, an AI chatbot.Within minutes, Claude found duplicate charges, services billed as "inpatient" even though the patient was never admitted, supply costs inflated by 500% to 2,300% above Medicare rates and charges for procedures that never happened. He cross-checked with ChatGPT . Both AIs agreed. He wrote a six-page letter citing every violation by name.The hospital dropped the bill to $33,000. An 83% reduction. Zero medical training. A $20 app. CHATGPT COULD MISS YOUR SERIOUS MEDICAL EMERGENCY, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS That story sounds extreme. It's not.The Medical Billing Advocates of America estimates 3 out of 4 medical bills contain errors. The average hospital bill over $10,000 has roughly $1,300 in mistakes. And less than 1% of denied insurance claims are ever appealed. Hospitals and insurers are banking on the fact that you won't check.AI flips that equation. You don't need to understand CPT codes or have a medical billing degree. You just need to paste. Step 1: Call your provider and request an itemized bill with CPT codes. Not the summary. The full line-by-line breakdown. You're legally entitled to this. Step 2: Open ChatGPT, Claude, Grok or Gemini (free versions work) and paste this:"I'm pasting my itemized medical bill below. Please: (1) Explain every charge in plain English, (2) Flag any duplicate or suspicious charges, (3) Compare each charge to average costs, (4) Identify billing code errors or bundling violations, and (5) Draft a dispute letter I can send to the billing department. Here's my bill:" Step 3: Paste your bill. The AI will translate every line and tell you what looks wrong. WOMAN SAYS CHATGPT SAVED HER LIFE BY HELPING DETECT CANCER, WHICH DOCTORS MISSED Step 4: If the AI finds errors (it probably will), call the billing department and ask for a supervisor. Reference the specific codes. Hospitals resolve disputes all the time when patients show up prepared. Pro tip: Counterforce Health (counterforcehealth.org) is a free AI tool built specifically for insurance denial appeals. Worth bookmarking.It's time to give your medical bills a thorough examination. The AI will see you now. Real talk. Everybody's talking about AI. Nobody's showing you what to actually DO with it. My new free newsletter, Splash of AI (SplashofAI.com), gives you one trick, one tool and one "wait, I can do THAT?" moment every single week. Five minutes. Plain English. The kind of stuff that saves you time, money or both. You'll wonder how you got by without it. Send this to someone who is staring at a medical bill they can't make sense of. Forward this right now. Seriously. This could save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and it takes less time than making coffee.Kim Komando cuts through the tech noise so you don't have to. Real advice. Zero jargon. Every single day.Catch the national radio show on 500-plus stations, get the free daily newsletter, watch on YouTube or listen to the podcast wherever you get your shows. It's all waiting at Komando.com. Copyright 2026, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. You could be sharing your Social Security number when you don't need to Some Social Security number requests are not optional. Federal reporting systems rely on the SSN as a primary identifier.Employment offers the clearest example. Employers collect your SSN to report wages and file taxes, including Form W-2 submissions. The Social Security Administration credits your earnings record with it. The IRS uses it to match payroll taxes with reported income. Federal agencies also require your SSN when you apply for certain benefits or meet tax obligations. If you refuse to provide your SSN in these situations, you can delay processing or lose access to services.However, not every form carries that authority. Landlords, medical offices, schools, gyms and retailers often include an SSN field by default. In those cases, ask why they need it and whether another identifier will work. So how do you tell when your SSN is truly required and when you can push back? Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Certain U.S. laws and federal regulations require an SSN because it functions as the official taxpayer or benefits identifier. Federal income tax returns: The IRS requires individuals who qualify for an SSN to use it as their taxpayer identification number on Form 1040 and related filings. The IRS uses the number to match income statements, credits and refunds to the correct taxpayer record. Form W-2 wage reporting: IRS regulations require employers to include each employee's SSN on Form W-2. Employers submit the form to both the IRS and the SSA so agencies can record earnings and reconcile payroll taxes. Social Security retirement and disability benefits: Applications for Social Security benefits require an SSN so the SSA can retrieve the applicant's earnings history and calculate eligibility and payment amounts. ILLINOIS DHS DATA BREACH EXPOSES 700K RESIDENTS' RECORDS FAFSA for federal student aid: U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens applying for federal student aid must provide a valid SSN on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The number is verified against SSA records during processing. Interest income reporting: Financial institutions must obtain a taxpayer identification number - usually an SSN for individuals - to report interest income to the IRS on Form 1099-INT.In each of these cases, the requirement stems from tax administration statutes or federal benefits law. The SSN is used to link records across agencies and systems.Beyond tax filings, wage reporting and federal benefits, many SSN requests come from internal company policy rather than statute. Private businesses are generally allowed to ask for your SSN. In most everyday transactions, there is no federal law forcing you to provide it. Rental applications: Landlords often request an SSN to run credit checks. Federal housing law does not mandate collecting a tenant's SSN to lease property. Screening is conducted through consumer reporting agencies, and alternative verification methods may be available. Medical intake forms: Healthcare providers routinely include an SSN field. Federal law does not require patients to disclose an SSN for treatment. Since 2018, Medicare cards have used randomized beneficiary identifiers instead of SSNs. These Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBI) don't include your SSN. School enrollment forms: Public schools may request a student's SSN, but students cannot be denied enrollment for refusing to provide one. Institutions tend to assign their own identification numbers. TAX SEASON SCAMS 2026: FAKE IRS MESSAGES STEALING IDENTITIES Utilities and subscription services: Power companies, mobile carriers and gyms sometimes request an SSN to evaluate credit risk or secure payment agreements. This is a risk management choice, not a statutory requirement.In these cases, the request may feel routine. The legal footing is different from tax or benefits administration. You can ask what authority requires it and whether another form of identification will suffice.If the request comes from a government agency, look for a Privacy Act disclosure statement. Federal law requires agencies to state whether providing your SSN is mandatory or voluntary, cite the legal authority for the request, and explain how it will be used. If the request comes from a private company, ask direct questions:Is this required by federal or state law?What will the SSN be used for?Can you accept the last four digits instead?Is there an alternative way to verify identity?You can also ask how the number will be stored , whether it is encrypted and who has access to it. Collecting only what is necessary is a recognized security practice, but not every organization follows it.A leaked or stolen SSN can be used anywhere that number is treated as proof of identity.In tax administration, the IRS processes returns based on the SSN attached to them. If a fraudulent return is filed first, the legitimate taxpayer's electronic filing may be rejected because the number has already been used. Fixing it means paper filing and identity verification while the IRS reviews the case. The agency's Identity Protection PIN program was introduced after years of SSN-based tax fraud.Credit reporting works the same way. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act framework, credit bureaus use the SSN to build and match consumer files. If credit is issued using your SSN, that account can attach to your report until you dispute it. It stays there while bureaus and lenders investigate.Federal benefit systems also depend on the number. The SSA warns that criminals use stolen SSNs to impersonate beneficiaries and create fraudulent online accounts. An SSN does not expire or reset. Once exposed, it can continue appearing in tax filings, credit applications, or benefit records until you flag it.Identity monitoring services attempt to detect suspicious activity tied to your personal information as early as possible. Many services track credit activity across all three major U.S. bureaus and alert you to new inquiries, accounts and report changes. Some also scan known data breach datasets for exposed identifiers, including Social Security numbers .Certain plans include identity theft insurance to cover eligible recovery costs, along with fraud resolution support to guide you through disputes and paperwork if something goes wrong.No service can prevent every type of identity theft. The real value is early warning, knowing when and where your SSN is being used so you can act quickly before damage spreads.If you are unsure whether your personal information has been compromised, take action. Start with a reputable breach scan to see whether your email or other identifiers appear in known leaks. Early detection gives you more control and helps you respond before fraud escalates.See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com. Lawmakers created the Social Security number to track earnings and administer benefits, not to unlock every part of your life. Yet today, many companies treat it like a universal key. In some situations, you must provide your SSN. Taxes, employment and federal benefits depend on it. However, many everyday requests come from internal company policies, not federal law. That distinction matters. Before you share your number, pause and ask why the business needs it. Ask how they store it. Ask whether another form of identification will work. Small questions can prevent big problems. If someone has exposed your SSN, act quickly. Monitor your credit. Set up alerts. Report suspicious activity right away. Early action limits damage and protects your identity. Your Social Security number does not change. But you control when, where and how you share it.Have you ever been asked for your Social Security number in a situation that didn't feel necessary, and did you push back? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Inside Microsoft's AI content verification plan Scroll your social media feed for five minutes. You will likely see something that looks real but feels slightly off.Maybe it is a viral protest image that turns out to be altered. Maybe it is a slick video pushing a political narrative. Or maybe it is an artificial intelligence voice clip that spreads before anyone stops to question it.AI-enabled deception now permeates everyday life. And Microsoft says it has a technical blueprint to help verify where online content comes from and whether it has been altered. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. WHY THE MICROSOFT 365 COPILOT BUG MATTERS FOR DATA SECURITY AI tools can now generate hyperrealistic images, clone voices and create interactive deepfakes that respond in real time. What once required a studio or intelligence agency now requires a browser window. That shift changes the stakes.It is no longer about spotting obvious fakes. It is about navigating a digital world where manipulated content blends into your daily scroll. Even when viewers know something is AI-generated, they often engage with it anyway. Labels alone do not automatically stop belief or sharing. So Microsoft is proposing something more structured.To understand Microsoft's approach, picture the process of authenticating a famous painting. An owner would carefully document its history and record every change in possession. Experts might add a watermark that machines can detect, but viewers cannot see. They could also generate a mathematical signature based on the brush strokes.Now Microsoft wants to bring that same discipline to digital content. The company's research team evaluated 60 different tool combinations, including metadata tracking, invisible watermarks and cryptographic signatures. Researchers also stress-tested those systems against real-world scenarios such as stripped metadata, subtle pixel changes or deliberate tampering.Rather than deciding what is true, the system focuses on origin and alteration. It is designed to show where the content started and whether someone changed it along the way.Before relying on these tools, you need to understand their limits. Verification systems can flag whether someone altered content, but they cannot judge accuracy or interpret context. They also cannot determine meaning. For example, a label may indicate that a video contains AI-generated elements. It will not explain whether the broader narrative is misleading.Even so, experts believe widespread adoption could reduce deception at scale. Highly skilled actors and some governments may still find ways around safeguards. However, consistent verification standards could reduce a significant share of manipulated posts. Over time, that shift could reshape the online environment in measurable ways.Here is where the tension becomes real. Platforms depend on engagement. Engagement often feeds on outrage or shock. And AI-generated content can drive both. If clear AI labels reduce clicks, shares or watch time, companies face a difficult choice. Transparency can clash with business incentives. FAKE ERROR POPUPS ARE SPREADING MALWARE FAST Audits of major platforms already show inconsistent labeling of AI-generated posts. Some receive tags. Many slip through without disclosure.Now, U.S. regulations are stepping in. California's AI Transparency Act is set to require clearer disclosure of AI-generated material, and other states are considering similar rules. Lawmakers want stronger safeguards.Still, implementation matters. If companies rush verification tools or apply them inconsistently, public trust could erode even faster.Researchers also warn about sociotechnical attacks. Imagine someone takes a real photo of a tense political event and modifies only a small portion of it. A weak detection system flags the entire image as AI-manipulated.Now, a genuine image is treated as suspect. Bad actors could exploit imperfect systems to discredit real evidence. That is why Microsoft's research stresses combining provenance tracking with watermarking and cryptographic signatures. Precision matters. Overreach could undermine the entire effort.While industry standards evolve, you still need personal safeguards.If a post triggers a strong emotional reaction, pause. Emotional manipulation is often intentional.Look beyond reposts and screenshots. Find the first publication or account.Search for coverage from reputable outlets before accepting dramatic narratives.Use reverse image search tools to see where a photo first appeared. If the earliest version looks different, someone may have altered it.AI tools can clone voices using short samples. If a recording makes explosive claims, wait for confirmation from trusted outlets.Algorithms show you more of what you already engage with. Broader sources reduce the risk of getting trapped in manipulated narratives.An AI-generated tag offers context. It does not automatically make content harmful or false.Malicious AI content sometimes links to phishing sites or malware. Updated systems reduce exposure.Use strong, unique passwords and a reputable password manager to generate and store complex logins for you. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com . Also, enable multi-factor authentication where available. No system is perfect. But layered awareness makes you a harder target.Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com. Microsoft's AI content verification plan signals that the industry understands the urgency. The internet is shifting from a place where we question sources to a place where we question reality itself. Technical standards could reduce manipulation at scale. But they cannot fix human psychology. People often believe what aligns with their worldview, even when labels suggest caution. Verification may help restore some trust online. Yet trust is not built by code alone.So here is the question. If every post in your feed came with a digital fingerprint and an AI label, would that actually change what you believe?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Scams that aren't illegal (but should be) Every year during National Consumer Protection Week, you hear warnings about phishing emails, fake IRS calls and identity theft. Those threats are real, but there is another risk that gets far less attention, and it is completely legal.Right now, hundreds of companies collect, package and sell personal information, including your home address, phone number, family members, income estimates and even your daily habits. They are not targeting you because you did anything wrong. Instead, they profit simply because your data is valuable.Unlike traditional scams, this does not happen in the shadows. It happens out in the open, every single day. As a result, most people only realize it is happening after someone uses their personal information against them. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. 5 MYTHS ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT THAT PUT YOUR DATA AT RISK Data brokers are companies most people have never heard of, but they know a surprising amount about you. They collect information from public records, online activity, retail purchases, app usage and hundreds of other sources.Then they build detailed profiles and sell them to advertisers, marketers and anyone else willing to pay. A typical profile may include:This information often appears on people-search sites, where anyone can look you up in seconds. Scammers use these same databases to find and target victims. But even legitimate companies use them in ways most consumers never knowingly agreed to.Search your own name online, and you may find pages listing your address, relatives' names and contact details. These sites present themselves as "background check tools" or "public records directories." But their business model depends on making personal information easy to find.Even strangers can learn where you live, who your relatives are and how to contact you. No hacking required. CRIMINALS ARE USING ZILLOW TO PLAN BREAK-INS. HERE'S HOW TO REMOVE YOUR HOME IN 10 MINUTES Many websites and apps track what you click, read and buy. Incogni's research found that popular apps like TikTok, Alibaba, Temu and Shein collect numerous personally identifiable data points and share them with third parties, like advertising networks and data brokers.Even web extensions track what you do online. Popular Chrome extensions like the AI-powered Grammarly or Quillbotinvade your privacy, require extensive permissions and collect sensitive data.Over time, this data collection builds a behavioral profile. It can reveal:This is why you may suddenly receive highly specific emails, calls, or ads that feel uncomfortably personal. Someone already knew what to say. AI makes personal data more valuable and easier to collect than ever before. These systems scrape public websites, social media profiles, images and videos to pull identifying details. They also connect scattered pieces of information into a single, detailed identity profile, which can include:Once collected, this information can circulate indefinitely. You can delete a social media post, but copies of that data may already exist elsewhere. 5 SIMPLE TECH TIPS TO IMPROVE DIGITAL PRIVACY Are you using ChatGPT, Gemini, or even LinkedIn? Then your data is automatically collected from your chatbot conversations, posts, and more. They collect user interactions like prompts, voice recordings, uploaded photos and behavioral data to improve the AI system.In some cases, you have to manually disable this in settings, but it's buried in countless opt-out guides or obscure labels. For example, to opt out of LinkedIn data collection, you need to:AI-powered apps and services continuously switch it up and make it harder for you to opt out. Why? Your data is fueling their business model. The more data points they have, the better they can train their AI and the more money they make.Most people think data collection is just about targeted ads. But the same information can be used to make scams far more convincing. Instead of sending generic phishing emails, scammers can reference your real address or recent activities.For example: "Hi, Mr. Smith, this is your bank. We noticed unusual activity on your bank account, ending in 0123. Please confirm your information."Because the details are accurate, the message feels legitimate. This dramatically increases the chances someone will respond. In many cases, the information came from data broker databases that were legally purchased or accessed.National Consumer Protection Week is meant to empower people to protect themselves. That protection shouldn't stop at obvious scams. It should include limiting how easily your personal information can be found in the first place.A data removal service helps remove your personal data from data brokers and people-search sites that collect and sell it. Instead of submitting dozens or hundreds of manual requests yourself, they automate the process and continue removing your data as it reappears.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. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com. When most people think about scams, they imagine criminals hiding in the shadows. But some of the biggest threats to your personal information are operating out in the open. Data brokers legally collect and sell detailed profiles about you. People-search sites make your address, phone number and even relatives easy to find in seconds. Your browsing activity is tracked, packaged and monetized. And now AI is speeding up how quickly that information can be gathered, connected and reused. This is not just about annoying ads. The more accessible your personal data is, the easier it becomes for scammers to sound convincing and target you with precision. Real consumer protection is not only about avoiding suspicious links. It is about limiting where your information lives and who can access it. The less strangers know about you, the harder it is to use your own data against you.Have you ever searched for your name online and been surprised by what you found? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.   Stop the insanity 2.0: '90s icon Susan Powter's tech comeback There was a time when you could not turn on the TV without seeing Susan Powter. Platinum buzz cut. Barefoot. Fierce. Unfiltered. And that battle cry that still lives in pop culture: "Stop the Insanity!"In the 1990s, Powter built a massive wellness brand by pushing back on diet culture and talking about real life. Then the spotlight went dark. The part most people missed was brutal: financial collapse, isolation and crushing hopelessness.Powter says the years after fame were not a quick fall. They were a long grind. She describes driving for Uber Eats for nine years, working "eight to 10 hours every day, seven days a week, trying to make my $80 to $100 a day so I could pay my damn bills." Then comes the twist that makes this story feel very 2026. Tech did not break her. Tech helped her rebuild. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. '90S FITNESS ICON SUSAN POWTER ADMITS 'FRIGHTENING' REALITY AFTER LOSING MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR EMPIRE When Susan Powter sat down with me in my Los Angeles studio for my Beyond Connected podcast, she began by rewinding the story to where it all started. Powter's story begins far from Hollywood. She took me back to 1982 in Garland, Texas. She had two babies a year apart. After her divorce, she gained more than 130 pounds. She says she didn't recognize herself physically. She felt financially doomed and emotionally overwhelmed.Then she figured something out. "I would go to the grocery store, Piggly Wiggly. This is the truth," she says. Other moms would stop her and tell her she looked great. Powter would answer, "No, no, you don't understand. I figured out with modification you could be fit," and she says, "a crowd would gather in the grocery store."That moment was not a marketing plan. It was a single mother talking to other women who were struggling too. That voice and that honesty turned into classes, then a studio, then a media machine. Powter never liked the labels people gave her. "They always used to call me a fitness guru . I've never used that term," she says. Her version is simpler and more relatable: "I said, I'm just a housewife who figured it out and started talking to other housewives."But the business side got ugly. "It became a monster," she says. "It started generating so much money, and then they started producing me out of me."This is where her story hits a nerve for anyone who has ever felt trapped in a system that profits from them. Powter describes management chaos, lawyers and huge legal bills. She says, "My last legal bill was $6.5 million."But the real breaking point came the day she decided to walk away. She was living in Beverly Hills when she says she discovered what was happening behind the scenes with unscrupulous management and bad-faith actors. She says that the very empire she built no longer felt like it belonged to her. As a result, her response was swift and absolute. "I sent one paragraph to everyone; Simon & Schuster, Time Warner, all management, literary agents. And I said, so-and-so no longer represents Susan Powter. Stop the Insanity. One paragraph." That was it. She fired everyone. Then she left. "I moved to Seattle, and I started teaching classes in basements," she says. "I left it all."She also pushes back on the tidy narrative people prefer about her downfall. "I did not go from Hollywood to Harbor Island, which is the welfare hotel that I lived in for far too long in Las Vegas. I didn't go there in three years. That's not what happened." Instead, she describes years of work, shifting family dynamics and what she calls "quiet poverty." And she names the part people tend to skip because it makes them uncomfortable: what poverty does to your identity. "It's soul-sucking, dehumanizing," she says.At one point, she recalls walking eight miles in brutal Las Vegas heat. "My dollar store flip-flops literally melted under my feet. It was 120 degrees." She adds, "That's when you feel dehumanized." During that period, she drew strength from the late Joan Rivers, who had faced her own trials. "She said to me, 'You hang on, kid. This is a tough game,'" Powter recalls of meeting her earlier in her career. Years later, when her own world unraveled, Susan says she often asked herself, "What would Joan Rivers do?" 'STOP THE INSANITY' SUSAN POWTER EXPOSES TRUTH BEHIND FITNESS EMPIRE'S COLLAPSE AND LIFE DRIVING FOR UBER EATS Powter does not talk about technology like a cute productivity hack. She talks about it like survival. She used a phone, an app, digital platforms and a decision to use the same tools many of us blame for distraction as a way to climb back. Powter says the internet helped her see a path forward. "I'm internet obsessed, and I'm proud to say it," she says. She also shows self-awareness about the darker side. "I know the darkness of it. I get it, I get it, but it is such a power."Then she says the line that sums up her whole strategy, "I'm going to digitalize everything. I'm going to sell it myself. I'm going to own everything." That is her new business plan. And it is the part a lot of creators, freelancers and founders will recognize right away: when you stop waiting for permission, you start building assets you control.Powter talks about ownership like someone who has learned the cost of not having it. This time, she wants to see everything. "I'll be checking the bank balance every 12 seconds," she says. "I'll be checking the analytics every second." There is no confusion in her voice. She is not handing control to anyone else again.For nine years, she drove for Uber Eats, eight to 10 hours a day, chasing $80 to $100 just to cover bills. There was no cushion and no mystery revenue. Everything depended on what she could see and control. After that, data feels like protection.She calls gig work and the internet "literally life-saving," and says, "access to what is happening now matters, especially for 68-year-olds." For anyone who thinks technology belongs to the young, her story argues the opposite. A phone and apps can drain your time. They can also rebuild your life.Powter is not tiptoeing back into the public eye. She is going full speed. She says she is "obsessed with TikTok, Insta, " and she is experimenting with TikTok Shop. Powter also draws a bright line around how she wants to show up."I'll recommend show and tell, not sell what I want to be," she says. Her style is classic Susan. Big energy. Big honesty. Zero patience for fake polish. At one point, she laughs and describes her approach like this: "It's kind of like affiliate marketing on acid."And she is thinking bigger than social media posts. She talks about doing "vertical actual reality TV," showing people the brand rebuild in real time, filming gatherings and owning the content. "I'll film it, I'll own the content, I'll put it up live. We're done," she says.Powter's memoir is titled "And Then EM Died: Stop the Insanity, A Memoir," available on Amazon. She calls it "a letter to my dead dog," and says, "This is the first product I have owned out of all the products, all the years, all the work, and I get to see every sale."The documentary, "Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter," executive-produced by Jamie Lee Curtis and directed by Zeb Newman, is available on Amazon and Apple TV. But if you take one thing from this conversation, make it this: Powter refuses the tidy inspirational story arc. "The only reason I survived anything... No, I died a million deaths," she says. Then she says what actually fueled her: "A lot of it was rage. I wasn't going down like that."And yet she does not end there. "It doesn't matter what happened. To hell with that. My being survived." That honesty lands because it sounds like real life, not a poster. And maybe that is the real message now. Survival is not always pretty. Sometimes it is loud, messy and powered by the simple refusal to disappear.Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com. Susan Powter's story resonates because it feels familiar, even now. First, a public identity collapses. Then private life grows heavier than anyone sees. Yet that is not where her story ends. Instead, she finds leverage where few people think to look: in a phone, in an app, in a platform and in the power to publish without gatekeepers. Of course, she is not pretending technology fixes everything. She sees the darkness. At the same time, she sees the power. Now, she is using that power the way she always has: loudly, honestly and on her own terms.So here's the question to sit with: If your life fell apart tomorrow, would your tech habits help you rebuild, or would they pull you deeper?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.  Figure data breach exposes nearly 1M accounts If you have applied for a loan online, you probably shared more than you realized. Your name. Your email. Your date of birth. Maybe even your home address and phone number. Now imagine all of that sitting on a dark web forum .That is the reality for nearly 1 million people after hackers breached Figure Technology Solutions , a blockchain-focused fintech lender. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Figure Technology Solutions, founded in 2018, uses the Provenance blockchain for lending, borrowing and securities trading. The company says it has unlocked more than $22 billion in home equity through partnerships with banks, credit unions, fintechs and home improvement companies. However, behind the scenes, attackers were working on a very different angle. GOOGLE DROPPED DARK WEB MONITORING: SHOULD YOU CARE?  According to breach notification data shared by Have I Been Pwned, information from 967,200 accounts was exposed. The leaked data included more than 900,000 unique email addresses along with names, phone numbers, physical addresses and dates of birth. That is a gold mine for identity thieves. Figure says the incident stemmed from a social engineering attack. What that means in simple terms is that someone inside the company was tricked into handing over access."We recently identified that an employee was socially engineered, and that allowed an actor to download a limited number of files through their account," a Figure Technology Solutions spokesperson told CyberGuy in a statement. "We acted quickly to block the activity and retained a forensic firm to investigate what files were affected. We understand the importance of these matters and are communicating with partners and those impacted as appropriate. We are also implementing additional safeguards and training to further strengthen our defenses. We are offering complimentary credit monitoring to all individuals who receive a notice. We continuously monitor accounts and have strong safeguards in place to protect customers' funds and accounts."When people hear the word blockchain, they think secure and untouchable. But attackers did not break cryptography. They targeted a human being. Groups like ShinyHunters specialize in this playbook. They reportedly claimed responsibility for the breach and, according to BleepingComputer, posted 2.5GB of data allegedly tied to thousands of loan applicants.In recent weeks, the same group has claimed breaches involving companies like Canada Goose,  Panera Bread and  SoundCloud . Not every case is connected. Still, security researchers have observed a troubling pattern. Attackers impersonate IT support. They call employees. They create urgency. Then they direct victims to fake login portals that look nearly identical to real ones.Once employees enter credentials and even multi-factor authentication codes, attackers gain access to single sign-on systems tied to major platforms like Microsoft and Google. From there, one compromised account can unlock a web of connected tools and internal systems. PANERA BREAD DATA BREACH EXPOSES 5.1M CUSTOMERS   Why this matters to you If your information was part of the Figure data breach, criminals now have enough detail to craft convincing phishing emails or phone scams. They can reference your real name. They can cite your address. They can pretend to be a lender or bank calling about your application.Even if you never applied for a loan with Figure, this incident highlights something bigger. No platform is immune to human error. And social engineering works because it targets trust, not technology.Figure markets itself as blockchain native. Blockchain can provide transparency and strong cryptographic security. However, none of that protects against a well-crafted phone call.Security failures often happen at the human layer. That is where attackers focus their energy. As more financial services move online, the attack surface grows. Loan applications, identity verification tools and cloud-based systems create convenience. They also create new targets. How to protect yourself after the Figure data breach You cannot control how companies secure their systems. You can control how you respond. Start by checking whether your email address appears in the exposed dataset, then take the steps below to lock down your accounts. SUBSTACK DATA BREACH EXPOSES EMAILS AND PHONE NUMBERS  To see if your email address was affected, visit   https://haveibeenpwned.com/. Enter your email address to find out whether your information appears in the leak. When finished, return here and begin Step 1 below.Also, be cautious of unexpected calls about your accounts. If someone pressures you to act immediately, hang up and call the company directly using a number from its official website.The Figure data breach is a reminder that technology alone cannot protect sensitive information. A single employee tricked into revealing credentials can expose hundreds of thousands of people. That is not a blockchain failure. It is a trust failure. If your data was involved, take action now. Even if it was not, treat this as a wake-up call. Your personal information has value. Criminals know it. Companies should know it too.If one phone call can unlock nearly a million records, are companies investing enough in training people, or are they still betting everything on technology alone? Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. China's compact humanoid robot shows off balance and flips Humanoid robotics companies have already shown their machines can run at 22 mph, land backflips and even pull off front flips. So the new proving ground is not raw speed or acrobatics. It is control when something unexpected happens. That is where the EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot comes in.In newly released footage, the compact humanoid keeps dancing after being deliberately pushed off balance. It performs a controlled forward slip, absorbs the disruption and smoothly regains rhythm within seconds. The motion looks fluid and surprisingly natural.Then it lands another front flip, this time as part of a broader demonstration of balance and recovery. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. HUMANOID ROBOT MAKES ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY BY DESIGNING A BUILDING rget=_new href="https://www.foxnews.com/tech/worlds-fastest-humanoid-robot-runs-22-mph"> Speed gets attention. Recovery earns trust. When someone shoves the PM01, it does not freeze. It recalculates its center of mass, adjusts joint torque and corrects posture in real time. That level of control depends on tight coordination between sensors, actuators and AI algorithms. The front flip adds another challenge.Front flips are typically harder than backflips. Rotating forward shifts the body weight ahead of the support base. That makes landings less forgiving. The EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot executes the move with coordinated arm swing, core stabilization and accurate landing mechanics. This is not about flashy tricks. It is about controlled dynamic motion under stress.The PM01 stands just under 4 feet tall. That smaller build works to its advantage. A lower center of mass reduces tipping risk and requires less rotational force during flips. Its lighter structure also helps distribute impact forces more efficiently when it lands.By comparison, EngineAI's larger SE01 stands about 4 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 88 pounds. The PM01 is roughly 10.5 inches shorter and about 17.6 pounds lighter. That size difference makes it more agile in research and development settings.Full-sized humanoids face greater mechanical stress during high-impact maneuvers. They need stronger actuators, reinforced joints and heavier structural support to stay stable. Compact robots like the EngineAI PM01 can achieve advanced movement with less overall strain. CHINA'S ROBOTICS GIANT PUTS 200 ROBOTS TO THE TEST Under the hood, the EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot combines advanced perception with serious computing power. It uses an Intel RealSense depth camera for visual awareness and spatial mapping. A dual-chip setup integrates Nvidia Jetson Orin with an Intel N97 processor. That architecture supports real-time AI workloads and rapid balance correction when the robot is pushed or slips.The robot features 24 degrees of freedom, including 12 joint motors. This design allows smooth coordinated movement across its limbs and torso. In the small humanoid segment, PM01 competes with models like the  Unitree G1  and the Booster T1. It walks at up to about 4.5 miles per hour, faster than the T1, though still below some larger high-speed humanoid platforms built for sprint performance.EngineAI appears less focused on headline-grabbing speed and more focused on refined stability and controlled motion.As humanoid videos go viral, skepticism follows. EngineAI recently addressed CGI accusations by releasing footage of its T800 humanoid physically interacting with its CEO. The company clearly wants to demonstrate that its robots operate in the real world.That credibility push matters. In a crowded robotics market, bold claims are common. Physical demonstrations help separate engineering progress from digital effects. WARM-SKINNED AI ROBOT WITH CAMERA EYES IS SERIOUSLY CREEPY Right now, this looks like a polished demo. However, balance and recovery are critical for real-world use . If humanoid robots are going to work in warehouses, hospitals or our homes, they must handle bumps, slips and unexpected contact without causing damage. A machine that can brace itself, fall safely and stand back up is far more practical than one that performs a single choreographed stunt. As humanoids move closer to everyday environments, resilience becomes just as important as athletic performance. The more stable they are, the more comfortable people will feel sharing space with them.Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here:  Cyberguy.com. Humanoid robots can already run fast, flip and move with serious athletic ability. What companies are racing to perfect now is something more practical: balance when things go wrong. The EngineAI PM01 humanoid robot shows how compact design and real-time correction can help a machine stay upright, recover quickly and keep moving without chaos. That kind of control matters far more in a crowded warehouse, hospital hallway or public space than a perfectly staged stunt. We are starting to see the shift from viral demo moments to robots built for everyday reliability. The real breakthrough is not the flip. It is what happens after the push.When humanoid robots can absorb a shove, land a flip and get back to work without missing a beat, how close are we to seeing them in your neighborhood? Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Why the Microsoft 365 Copilot bug matters for data security You trust your email security settings for a reason. So when an AI assistant quietly reads and summarizes messages marked confidential, that trust takes a hit.Microsoft says a bug in Microsoft 365 Copilot allowed its AI chat feature to process sensitive emails since late January.The issue bypassed Data Loss Prevention policies that organizations rely on to protect private information. Put simply, emails that were supposed to stay locked down were being summarized anyway. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report  Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter     149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK Microsoft says a coding error impacted Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, specifically the "work tab" feature. The AI assistant helps business users summarize content, draft responses and analyze information across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote.Beginning Jan. 21, an internal bug labeled CW1226324 caused Copilot to read and summarize emails stored in Sent Items and Drafts folders.The real concern runs deeper. Several of those messages carried confidentiality or sensitivity labels.Companies apply those labels along with DLP policies to block automated systems from accessing restricted content. Despite those safeguards, Copilot still generated summaries. We reached out to Microsoft, and a spokesperson provided CyberGuy with the following statement:"We identified and addressed an issue where Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat could return content from emails labeled confidential authored by a user and stored within their Draft and Sent Items in Outlook desktop. This did not provide anyone access to information they weren't already authorized to see. While our access controls and data protection policies remained intact, this behavior did not meet our intended Copilot experience, which is designed to exclude protected content from Copilot access. A configuration update has been deployed worldwide for enterprise customers." AI tools feel helpful. They save time and reduce busy work. But they also rely on deep access to your data. When safeguards fail , even temporarily, sensitive content can move in ways you did not expect. YOUR PHONE SHARES DATA AT NIGHT: HERE'S HOW TO STOP IT For businesses, that could mean:Legal discussions summarized outside intended controlsFinancial projections processed despite restrictionsHR communications are exposed to automated analysisEven if no data leaves the organization, the bypass itself raises concerns about how AI integrates with enterprise security systems .Microsoft says it began rolling out a fix in early February. The company continues to monitor deployment and is contacting some affected users to verify the fix works.However, Microsoft has not provided a final timeline for full remediation. It has also not disclosed how many organizations were affected.The issue is tagged as an advisory, which usually signals limited scope or impact. Still, many security professionals will want deeper clarity before feeling comfortable.This incident highlights something many companies are wrestling with right now. AI assistants sit inside productivity platforms. They need access to email, documents and collaboration tools to work well. TIKTOK AFTER THE US SALE: WHAT CHANGED AND HOW TO USE IT SAFELY At the same time, those platforms contain your most sensitive information. When AI features expand quickly, security policies must evolve just as fast. Otherwise, even a small code mistake can create unexpected exposure.If your organization uses Microsoft 365 Copilot, here are practical steps to reduce risk:Work with your IT team to confirm which folders and data sources Copilot can access.Test sensitivity labels and DLP (Data Loss Prevention)  rules to ensure they block AI processing as intended.Stay current on Microsoft service alerts and verify that the fix is fully deployed in your tenant.If you have concerns, consider temporarily restricting Copilot features until verification is complete.Remind staff that AI assistants can process drafts and send messages. Encourage careful handling of sensitive content.Review audit logs to see whether Copilot accessed or summarized labeled emails. This helps determine actual exposure rather than assumed risk.Confirm that confidential labels are configured to block AI processing where required. Misconfigured labels can create gaps even after a bug is fixed.Because the issue involved Sent Items and Drafts, evaluate whether sensitive drafts should be stored long-term or deleted after sending.Instead of enabling Copilot organization-wide, consider a phased deployment to departments with lower sensitivity exposure.Use this moment to reassess how AI tools integrate with compliance controls. Treat it as a learning opportunity rather than a one-time glitch. Pro Tip: This Copilot bug centers on enterprise controls. Even so, AI tools operate on your devices and accounts, so keeping software up to date and using strong antivirus software adds an important layer of defense. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com Enterprise AI bugs raise a bigger question: how much access should email platforms have to your data in the first place? If you want an added layer of privacy beyond mainstream providers, privacy-focused email services are worth exploring.Some offer end-to-end encryption, support for PGP encryption and a strict no-ads business model that avoids scanning messages for marketing purposes. AI WEARABLE HELPS STROKE SURVIVORS SPEAK AGAIN Many also allow you to create disposable email aliases, which can reduce spam and limit exposure if one address is compromised.While no provider is immune to software bugs, choosing an email service built around privacy rather than data monetization can limit how much of your information is accessible to automated systems in the first place.For individuals, journalists and small businesses especially, that added control can make a meaningful difference.For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com AI assistants are becoming part of daily work life. They promise speed, efficiency and smarter workflows. But convenience should never outrun security.This Copilot bug may have a limited impact. Still, it serves as a reminder that AI tools are only as strong as the guardrails behind them.When those guardrails slip, even briefly, sensitive information can move in unexpected ways. As AI becomes more embedded in business software, trust will depend on transparency, fast fixes and clear communication.Here is the real question: If your AI assistant can see everything you write, are you fully confident it respects every boundary you set? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com .  All rights reserved.   China's ultrasound brain tech race heats up When you hear " brain-computer interface ," you probably picture surgery, wires and a chip in your head. Now picture something quieter. No implant. No incision. Just sound waves directed at the brain.That is the approach behind a new wave of ultrasound brain-computer interface companies in China. One of the newest is Gestala, founded in Chengdu with offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong. The company says it is developing technology that can stimulate and eventually study brain activity using focused ultrasound.Yes, the same basic technology is used in medical imaging. But this time, it targets neural circuits. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. NEW YORK HALTS ROBOTAXI EXPANSION PLAN Most brain-computer interface systems rely on electrodes that detect electrical signals from neurons.  Neuralink  is the most visible example. It places tiny threads inside the brain to record activity. Ultrasound works differently.Instead of measuring electrical signals directly, it uses high-frequency sound waves. Depending on intensity and focus, those waves can:Focused ultrasound treatments are already approved for Parkinson's disease, uterine fibroids and certain tumors. That clinical history gives companies like Gestala a foundation to build on. However, studying or interpreting brain signals with ultrasound is far more complex than delivering targeted stimulation. WHAT TRUMP'S 'RATEPAYER PROTECTION PLEDGE' MEANS FOR YOU  Gestala's first product is focused on chronic pain. The company plans to target the anterior cingulate cortex, a brain region linked to the emotional experience of pain. Early pilot studies suggest that stimulating this area can reduce pain intensity for up to a week in some patients. The first-generation device will be a stationary system used in clinics. Patients would visit a hospital for treatment sessions. Later, the company plans to develop a wearable helmet designed for supervised use at home. Over time, Gestala says it wants to expand into depression, other mental health conditions, stroke rehabilitation, Alzheimer's disease and sleep disorders. That is an ambitious roadmap. Each condition involves different brain networks and clinical hurdles.Like other brain tech startups, Gestala is also exploring whether ultrasound could help interpret brain activity. The long-term concept is straightforward in theory. A device could detect patterns linked to chronic pain or depression, then deliver stimulation to specific regions in response.Unlike traditional brain implants, which capture electrical signals from limited areas, an ultrasound-based system may have the potential to access broader regions of the brain. That possibility is one reason researchers are paying attention. Still, translating that concept into reliable data is a major engineering challenge.China is not alone in exploring ultrasound brain-computer interface systems. Earlier this month, OpenAI announced a significant investment in Merge Labs, a startup cofounded by Sam Altman along with researchers linked to Forest Neurotech.Public materials from Merge Labs mention restoring lost abilities, supporting healthier brain states and deepening human connection with advanced AI. That language signals long-term ambitions. Yet experts caution that real-world applications are still years away. GOOGLE DISMANTLES 9M-DEVICE ANDROID HIJACK NETWORK Ultrasound faces technical limits. First, the skull weakens and distorts sound waves. That makes it harder to obtain precise signals. In research settings, detailed readouts of neural activity have required special implants that allow ultrasound to pass more clearly than bone.Second, ultrasound measures changes in blood flow. Blood flow shifts more slowly than electrical firing in neurons. That delay may limit applications that require fast, detailed signal decoding, such as real-time speech translation. In short, stimulation is one challenge. Accurate readout is another level entirely.Right now, this technology is experimental. You are not about to buy a brain helmet at your local electronics store. Still, the direction matters. If noninvasive ultrasound devices can reduce chronic pain or support mental health treatment, more patients may consider therapy without facing brain surgery.At the same time, devices that analyze brain states introduce new privacy questions . Brain-related data is deeply personal. Regulators, hospitals and companies will need clear rules about how that data is stored, shared and protected. Finally, the link between AI companies and brain interface startups shows how closely digital intelligence and neuroscience are becoming intertwined. That connection could reshape medicine, wellness, and even how we interact with technology. Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here:  Cyberguy.com. Brain-computer interfaces used to feel far off and experimental. Now they are a serious focus of global research and investment. China's push to develop an ultrasound-based brain-computer interface adds momentum to a field already shaped by companies like Neuralink and new ventures backed by OpenAI. Progress is steady but measured. The potential is significant. The technical hurdles are real. What happens next will depend on whether researchers can turn promising lab results into safe, reliable treatments people can actually use.If sound waves could one day interpret your mental state, who should decide how that information is used? Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.   Iran networks suffer losses amid airstrikes, showing digital evolution of conflicts When missiles fly, we expect explosions. We expect smoke, sirens and satellite images. What we do not expect is silence. On February 28, 2026, as fighter jets and cruise missiles struck Iranian Revolutionary Guard command centers during Operation Roar of the Lion , a parallel assault reportedly unfolded in cyberspace. Official news sites and key media platforms went offline, government digital services and local apps failed across major cities, and security communications systems reportedly stopped functioning, plunging Iran into a near-total digital blackout.According to NetBlocks, a global internet monitoring organization that tracks connectivity disruptions, nationwide internet traffic in Iran plunged to just 4 percent of normal levels.  149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK That level of collapse suggests either a deliberate state-ordered shutdown or a large-scale cyberattack designed to paralyze critical infrastructure. Western intelligence sources later indicated the digital offensive aimed to disrupt IRGC command and control systems and limit coordination of counterattacks. For the United States and its allies, the episode offers a stark reminder that modern conflict now blends airstrikes with digital warfare in ways that can ripple far beyond the battlefield.In a matter of hours, modern conflict looked less like tanks and more like a blinking cursor. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report  Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter    Reports described widespread outages across Iran. Official news sites stopped functioning. IRNA, Iran's state-run news agency, went offline. Tasnim, a semi-official news outlet closely aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reportedly displayed subversive messages targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei .  THINK YOUR NEW YEAR'S PRIVACY RESET WORKED? THINK AGAIN The IRGC, Iran's powerful military and intelligence force, plays a central role in national security and regional operations. At the same time, local apps and government digital services failed in cities like Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz.This was not one website defaced for headlines. It appeared systemic. Electronic warfare reportedly disrupted navigation and communications systems. Distributed denial of service attacks, often called DDoS attacks, flooded networks with traffic to overwhelm and disable them. Deep intrusions targeted energy and aviation systems. Even Iran's isolated national internet struggled under pressure.  CHINA VS SPACEX IN RACE FOR SPACE AI DATA CENTERS For a regime that tightly controls information, losing digital command creates both operational and political risk.Cyber operations offer something missiles cannot. They disrupt without always killing. They send a signal without immediately triggering full-scale war. That matters in a region where escalation can spiral fast. History shows Iran understands this logic. Between 2012 and 2014, Iranian actors targeted U.S. financial institutions in Operation Ababil. Saudi Aramco also suffered a major cyberattack.  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HELPS FUEL NEW ENERGY SOURCES After Israeli strikes in 2025, cyberattacks targeting Israel surged dramatically within days. Cyber retaliation lets leaders respond while limiting direct military confrontation. It buys leverage in negotiations. It creates pressure without necessarily crossing a red line.But there is a catch. Every cyber strike risks miscalculation. And digital damage can spill into the real world fast if critical infrastructure is hit.If the blackout and strikes mark a turning point, Tehran has options. None are simple.Cyber retaliation remains one of Iran's most flexible tools. It can range from disruptive attacks and influence campaigns to more targeted intrusions that pressure critical services. Recent expert commentary warns that U.S. cyber defenses and the private sector could face sustained testing.Iran has used drones and electronic interference as signals before. Analysts continue to flag jamming, spoofing and harassment of unmanned systems as a way to raise costs without immediately striking large numbers of personnel.This risk is rising fast. An EU naval mission official reportedly said IRGC radio transmissions warned ships that passage through Hormuz was "not allowed". Greece has also urged ships to avoid high-risk routes and warned about electronic interference that can disrupt navigation. Insurers are already repricing the danger, with reports of war-risk policies being canceled or sharply increased.Iran has long worked with allied forces and militias in the region, and some of those groups could step up attacks on U.S. interests or allied partners in retaliation, widening the clash without direct state-to-state engagement. Missile strikes remain a high-impact option, but they raise the odds of rapid escalation. Recent expert analysis continues to frame them as a tool Iran may use for signaling, especially if leadership feels cornered.Here is the uncomfortable truth. Neither Washington nor Tehran likely wants a full-scale regional war. In moments like this, military strikes rarely stand alone. They often move alongside diplomacy. Leaders send signals. They apply pressure. At the same time, they try to leave room for talks.But escalation has momentum. Each missile changes the equation. Each casualty raises the stakes. The more damage done, the harder it becomes to step back.  5 SIMPLE TECH TIPS TO IMPROVE DIGITAL PRIVACY Fear plays a role. So does pride. Domestic audiences demand strength. Leaders feel pressure to respond in kind. That is how limited strikes can spiral into something much larger.This episode highlights something bigger than regional tension. Nation-states now pair kinetic strikes with digital offensives. Cyberattacks can blind communications, freeze infrastructure and disrupt financial systems before the world even processes the first explosion. TRUMP TELLS IRANIANS THE 'HOUR OF YOUR FREEDOM IS AT HAND' AS US-ISRAEL LAUNCH STRIKES AGAINST IRAN For businesses and individuals, that reality matters. Modern conflict no longer stays confined to battlefields. Supply chains, energy grids and online platforms can feel the ripple effects. The blackout in Iran serves as a reminder that digital resilience is now a national security issue. When a country's internet can plunge to just 4 percent of normal traffic in hours, it is a reminder that cyber conflict can escalate quickly. Even if the disruption happens overseas, global networks are interconnected. Financial systems, supply chains and online platforms can feel the ripple effects.You cannot control geopolitics. You can control your digital hygiene. Here are practical steps to reduce your personal risk during periods of heightened cyber activity:Install strong antivirus software to guard against state-linked phishing and malware campaigns that often spike during geopolitical conflicts. Nation-state actors frequently exploit breaking news and global instability to spread malicious links and ransomware. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com Keep devices updated so security patches close vulnerabilities that attackers often exploit during global cyber spikes. WORLD LEADERS SPLIT OVER MILITARY ACTION AS US-ISRAEL STRIKE IRAN IN COORDINATED OPERATION Use strong, unique passwords stored in a reputable password manager to protect your accounts if cyber retaliation campaigns expand beyond government targets. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com Enable two-factor authentication ( 2FA ) on financial, email and social accounts to safeguard access in case stolen credentials circulate during heightened cyber conflict.Be cautious with urgent headlines or alerts about international conflict, since attackers frequently mimic breaking news.Monitor financial accounts for unusual activity in case broader disruptions spill into banking systems.When tensions rise, phishing campaigns often rise with them. Threat actors exploit fear and confusion. Staying disciplined with basic security habits makes you a harder target if malicious traffic increases. Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com         The reported cyber blackout inside Iran may signal a new chapter in modern conflict. Jets and missiles still matter. But so do servers, satellites and code. Leaders may try to contain the damage while showing strength. Still, history shows how quickly careful plans can unravel once pressure builds. War today runs on electricity and bandwidth as much as fuel and ammunition. When networks go dark, the impact does not stay on a battlefield. It spills into banking systems, airports, hospitals and the phones in our pockets. That is what makes this moment different.If an entire nation's digital systems can be disrupted in hours, how prepared is your community if something similar ever hits closer to home?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com .  All rights reserved.  Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that If you have ever turned on your VPN and suddenly could not log in to your bank, email, streaming service or work portal, you are not imagining things. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations VPN users face today.However, the issue is not that VPNs stopped working. Instead, websites have become far more aggressive about blocking traffic that looks suspicious .As a result, the way your VPN is built now matters just as much as whether you use one at all. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter     WHAT TRUMP'S 'RATEPAYER PROTECTION PLEDGE' MEANS FOR YOU Most VPNs give you a shared IP address. As a result, hundreds or even thousands of people can appear online from the same address at the same time. From a website's perspective, that traffic pattern raises red flags. When platforms detect too many logins, rapid location changes or unusual activity tied to one IP, they step in quickly. In many cases, they respond by:Meanwhile, you did nothing wrong. Instead, you end up dealing with restrictions caused by other users sharing that same IP address.With a dedicated IP, you get an address that belongs only to you. Unlike shared VPN connections, no one else uses it.Each time you connect, you use the same IP address. As a result, you avoid sharing traffic, rotating locations or competing with random users whose activity could trigger blocks.Because of that consistency, your connection looks much more like a typical home or office internet setup. And that simple difference can dramatically reduce website suspicion and login headaches. NEW YORK HALTS ROBOTAXI EXPANSION PLAN That consistency does more than reduce suspicion; it improves how smoothly you access the sites and services you use every day.Banks, government portals, healthcare sites, and streaming services are far less likely to block a dedicated IP because it does not show heavy or erratic traffic patterns.Those endless "prove you're human" messages are usually triggered by shared IP abuse. A dedicated IP dramatically reduces them.Financial institutions and email providers often flag constantly changing IP addresses as suspicious. A dedicated IP stays consistent, so login alerts and lockouts happen far less often.Some employers only allow access from approved IP addresses. Shared VPN IPs cannot be approved. Dedicated IPs can.Shared VPN IPs are often the first to get blocked when streaming services crack down. Dedicated IPs are less likely to be flagged because traffic looks normal and predictable.A dedicated IP:Your traffic remains encrypted, and your real location stays hidden. You simply get a connection that websites trust more.A dedicated IP is especially helpful if you: GOOGLE DISMANTLES 9M-DEVICE ANDROID HIJACK NETWORK u want these benefits, look for a VPN provider that offers a dedicated IP option built directly into its service. Some providers include it in premium plans, while others offer it as an add-on. Either way, the process should be simple. You should be able to select your dedicated IP inside the app without advanced setup or manual configuration. Before signing up, check that the provider also offers strong speeds, reliable uptime and clear privacy policies. A dedicated IP improves access, but overall performance still matters.A dedicated IP reduces blocks. However, a quality VPN should also deliver strong security and smooth performance. Fast, stable connections:  Speed matters for streaming, video calls and everyday browsing. Look for providers known for consistent performance. Wide server coverage:  More server locations give you flexibility when traveling and help reduce location errors. Clear privacy practices:  Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and independent audits when possible. Secure server technology:  Modern VPNs often use RAM-based servers that automatically wipe data on reboot. Easy-to-use apps:  Protection should feel simple, not technical. Clean apps across major devices make daily use effortless.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 ur VPN keeps getting blocked, the problem may not be the VPN itself. It may be the shared IP address behind it. Websites are increasingly aggressive about suspicious traffic. When hundreds of users share the same IP, banks, email providers and streaming platforms take notice. That is when the captchas, verification codes and account lockouts start. A dedicated IP changes that experience. You still get encryption. You still protect your real location. But your connection looks stable and predictable, which helps you avoid constant interruptions.Should protecting your privacy really mean fighting with your bank, email, and streaming apps? Let us know by writing to us at  Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my  CYBERGUY.COM newsletter  Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.   Google dropped dark web monitoring: Should you care? Google has officially discontinued its Dark Web Report feature, a free tool that once scanned known dark web breach dumps for personal information tied to a user's Google account. The service delivered notifications when email addresses and other identifiers appeared in leaked datasets.According to Google's support page, the system ceased scanning for new dark web data Jan. 15, 2026, and the reporting function was removed entirely on Feb. 16, 2026, meaning users can no longer access the feature.The company said the decision reflects a shift toward security tools it believes provide clearer guidance after exposure, rather than standalone scan alerts. SUBSTACK DATA BREACH EXPOSES EMAILS AND PHONE NUMBERS If you previously relied on the free dark web scan as an early warning signal for leaked data, this change removes one of your sources. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Google's Dark Web Report acted as a basic exposure scanner. It checked whether personal information linked to a Google account had surfaced in known breach collections circulating on the dark web.When a match is found, users receive a notification identifying which type of data appeared in a leak. Depending on the data breach , that could include an email address, phone number, date of birth or other identifying details commonly harvested during large-scale hacks.The report did not display stolen credentials or provide access to the leaked database itself. It also did not trace the origin of the compromise beyond referencing the breached service when available.After an alert was issued, the next steps were left to the user. Google recommended actions such as changing passwords, enabling stronger authentication methods and reviewing account security settings. With the tool now removed, that automated breach check tied directly to a Google account is no longer available.Google directs users to its Security Checkup, a dashboard that scans your account for weak settings and unusual sign-in activity.Its built-in Password Manager includes Password Checkup, which scans saved credentials against known breach databases and prompts you to change exposed passwords. Google also supports passkeys and two-factor verification to lock down account access.The Results About You tool lets users search for personal information in Google Search and submit removal requests for certain publicly indexed details. 149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK Once personal information is compromised, it often ends up far beyond the breach itself. Stolen credentials and identity data are regularly trafficked on underground platforms where buyers can search for information tied to real people.The BidenCash dark web marketplace was taken down by U.S. authorities in June 2025, and the Justice Department confirmed that the platform peddled stolen personal information and credit card data.These illicit markets operate with a level of organization not unlike legitimate online stores. Search tools and bulk data sets are up for grabs and can be used to target any online account. This makes credential stuffing easier, where attackers test leaked passwords across multiple services in hopes of barreling into your account.A breach alert tied to a dark web scan points to a leak at one moment in time; it does not follow whether that information has been sold to third parties or used in subsequent fraud attempts. For everyday users, this means that just knowing your data appeared in a leak doesn't help much. THINK YOUR NEW YEAR'S PRIVACY RESET WORKED? THINK AGAIN With Google's scan gone, some people may consider dedicated identity protection services instead. Many of these services offer continuous monitoring of your personally identifiable information and send alerts about changes to your credit reports from all three major U.S. credit bureaus. That can include notifications about new inquiries, newly opened accounts and monthly credit score updates. Some plans also monitor a broader range of personal identifiers, such as driver's license numbers, passport numbers and email addresses.Beyond credit monitoring, certain services track linked bank, credit card and investment accounts for unusual activity. They may also monitor public records for changes to addresses or property titles and alert you if your information appears in those filings.Many providers include identity theft insurance to help cover eligible out-of-pocket recovery costs. Coverage limits vary by plan and provider. Additional features often include spam call and message protection, a password manager, a virtual private network (VPN) and antivirus software.No service can prevent every form of identity theft. However, ongoing monitoring and recovery support can make it easier to respond quickly if your information is misused.See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com. Google's decision to drop its Dark Web Report may seem small. But it removes a tool many users relied on. For some, those alerts were the first warning that their data appeared in a breach. That automatic scan is now gone. Google still offers Security Checkup, Password Checkup, passkeys and two-step verification. However, none of them actively scan dark web breach dumps for you. Stolen data does not disappear. Criminals copy, sell and reuse it. One alert shows a single moment. Ongoing identity theft monitoring helps you stay aware over time.Now that Google has dropped its dark web monitoring feature, will you actively check your data exposure or assume someone else is watching it for you? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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