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Tag: TECH

  • America’s most-used password in 2025 revealed

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    Passwords play a huge role in how you stay safe online. They protect your accounts, devices and money. Still, many people pick logins that criminals can guess in seconds. 

    The latest NordPass report shows this problem again. This year, “admin” took the top spot as the most common password in the United States.

    NordPass and NordStellar, two cybersecurity companies that track leaked credentials and online threats, reviewed millions of exposed passwords to spot trends. They also examined how password habits differ across generations. The pattern is clear: many of us still rely on simple words, easy number strings and familiar keyboard patterns. These choices give attackers a quick path into countless accounts.

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    183 MILLION EMAIL PASSWORDS LEAKED: CHECK YOURS NOW

    Weak passwords like “admin” give attackers a quick way into your accounts before you even realize it.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Most common passwords in the United States

    NordPass shared its top 20 list for 2025. “Admin” sits at number one. Variations of the word “password” take up five spots. Number strings appear nine times. One explicit term even made the list.

    Here are the 20 most common passwords in the USA this year:

    • admin
    • password
    • 123456
    • 12345678
    • 123456789
    • 12345
    • Password
    • 12345678910
    • Gmail.12345
    • Password1
    • Aa123456
    • f*******t
    • 1234567890
    • abc123
    • Welcome1
    • Password1!
    • password1
    • 1234567
    • 111111
    • 123123

    Weak logins remain a major problem because criminals rely on automated tools. These tools try simple words and common patterns first. When millions of people reuse the same easy passwords, attackers succeed fast.

    HOW TO USE PASSKEYS TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER SAFE

    Reusing the same login across sites makes it easy for criminals to jump from one hacked account to another.

    Reusing the same login across sites makes it easy for criminals to jump from one hacked account to another. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Global trends show the same risky password behavior

    The United States is not alone. Globally, “123456” ranks as the most common password. “Admin” and “12345678” follow closely behind. These patterns appear because they are easy to remember. Sadly, they are also easy to crack.

    Researchers noticed one shift worth noting: more passwords now include special characters. The increase is sharp. However, most examples remain weak. Strings like P@ssw0rd and Abcd@1234 still follow predictable rules that tools can break with little effort.

    The word “password” stays popular around the world. People even use it in local languages. This shows how widespread the problem is.

    Why younger generations still make unsafe password choices

    Many people assume younger adults understand digital safety. They grew up with phones and social media. Research shows that this assumption is wrong.

    NordPass found that an 18-year-old often picks the same weak password patterns as an 80-year-old. Younger users favor long number sequences. Older users lean toward names. Neither group creates secure or random strings. Generations Z and Y tend to avoid names. Generations X and older use them often. Each approach carries risk because attackers expect both patterns.

    AI-POWERED SCAMS TARGET KIDS WHILE PARENTS STAY SILENT

    Researchers found that weak and predictable passwords still appear in leaked data again and again.

    Researchers found that weak and predictable passwords still appear in leaked data again and again. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Why weak passwords remain a big threat

    Weak passwords fuel data breaches and account takeovers. Criminals run scripts that check billions of combinations every second. When your password is common, they break in fast.

    A single stolen login can expose your email, social accounts, bank information and more. Many attacks start this way. Once criminals get inside one account, they often try the same password on others.

    Steps to stay safe with your passwords 

    You can improve your digital safety with a few simple habits. These steps help block common attacks and protect your accounts.

    1) Create strong random passwords

    Pick long passwords or short passphrases. Aim for at least 20 characters. Mix letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid patterns. 

    2) Avoid password reuse

    Use a unique password for each account. If one login gets hacked, the others stay safe.

    3) Review and update weak passwords

    Check your old logins. Replace anything short, predictable or reused. Fresh passwords lower your risk.

    4) Use a password manager

    A password manager creates secure passwords and stores them safely. It also fills them in for you, so you do not need to remember them.

    Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager 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 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

    5) Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)

    MFA adds a second check before you log in. It is one of the easiest ways to block attackers.

    6) Keep your software updated

    Update your phone, computer browsers and apps on a regular schedule. These updates patch security gaps that criminals try to exploit. When you fall behind on updates, weak passwords become even riskier because attackers can pair old software flaws with easy logins.

    Pro Tip: Use a data removal service

    Leaked passwords often come from old profiles on data broker sites you forgot about. A data removal service can wipe your personal info from those sites and reduce how much of your data ends up on breach lists. When less of your information is floating around online, your accounts become less tempting targets.

    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.

    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.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways 

    Weak passwords remain a huge issue in 2025, even with new tools and better education. You have the power to improve your security with a few quick changes. When you build strong habits, you make it harder for criminals to get inside your accounts. Small steps add up fast and give you far more protection online.

    What do you think keeps people stuck on weak passwords even when the risks are clear? 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 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Opinion | Suspicious Drones Over Europe

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    Has the West absorbed the right lessons from Ukraine’s war with Russia? For the unsettling answer, look at what’s buzzing mysteriously in the skies above Europe’s cities. Drones were spotted this month in France, loitering around a gunpowder plant and a train station where tanks are located. Others were seen recently near a Belgian military base, a port, and a nuclear power plant.

    Belgium’s defense minister told the press the drones near military bases were “definitely for spying.” The provenance of other suspicious drones is less clear. Yet whatever their source, they’re a security threat. The Netherlands suspended flights in Eindhoven Saturday after a drone sighting, and similar episodes have unfolded this month at airports in Sweden, Germany, Belgium and Denmark.

    Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

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  • Smart fabric muscles could change how we move

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    A new robotic breakthrough out of South Korea may soon turn your clothes into assistive tech. Researchers have found a way to mass-produce ultra-thin “fabric muscles” that can flex and lift like human tissue. The innovation could redefine how wearable robots support people in everyday life.

    Scientists at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) developed an automated weaving system that spins shape-memory alloy coils thinner than a strand of hair.

    Despite weighing less than half an ounce, this new material can lift about 33 pounds. That makes it light, flexible and strong enough to power the next generation of wearable robotics.

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    WORLD’S FIRST AI-POWERED INDUSTRIAL SUPER-HUMANOID ROBOT

    Dr. Cheol Hoon Park, principal researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, examines a lightweight clothing-type wearable robot. (KIMM)

    A new way to build strength into clothing

    Until now, most wearable robots have relied on motors or pneumatic systems. These made them bulky, loud and expensive. They also limited how easily a person could move.

    KIMM’s solution replaces the metal core of earlier coil designs with natural fiber. This shift allows the yarn to stretch more freely while keeping its power. The upgraded weaving system now produces these fabric muscles continuously, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing.

    The result is a lightweight actuator that moves naturally with the body. It can support multiple joints at once, like the shoulders, elbows and waist, without restricting movement.

    Real results from early testing

    The team built the world’s first clothing-type wearable robot weighing less than 4.5 pounds. In testing, it cut muscle effort by more than 40% during repetitive work.

    A smaller version designed for shoulder support weighs only about 1.8 pounds. In hospital trials at Seoul National University Hospital, patients with muscle weakness improved their shoulder movement by more than 57%.

    These results show that fabric muscles can do much more than help factory workers; they can restore independence and mobility for people who need it most.

    THE NEW ROBOT THAT COULD MAKE CHORES A THING OF THE PAST

    AI-driven exoskeleton lightens your load, elevates performance

    A man runs while wearing an AI-powered exoskeleton. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What this means to you

    This new kind of wearable tech could one day show up in your daily routine. Picture a jacket that quietly helps lift groceries, or a work shirt that reduces strain during long shifts. For people in recovery, it could offer gentle, continuous support that makes movement easier and less painful.

    Healthcare professionals could see fewer injuries, while patients gain more freedom. And in industries like construction and logistics, these fabric muscles could reduce fatigue and boost safety.

    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.

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    KIMM’s success with automated fabric muscle production marks a turning point for wearable robotics. By weaving strength into soft, flexible materials, engineers are closing the gap between machine power and human comfort. As this technology spreads from labs to workplaces and homes, the idea of clothing that truly supports you, physically and practically, is becoming a reality.

    PUTIN CALLS DANCING RUSSIAN ROBOT ‘VERY BEAUTIFUL’ IN AWKWARD AI CONFERENCE MOMENT

    A humanoid robot with TV screens behind it

    The humanoid robot Tiangong, developed by Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics Co., moves an orange during a demonstration at Beijing Robotics Industrial Park in Beijing E-Town, China, on May 16, 2025. (REUTERS/Tingshu Wang)

    Would you wear robotic clothing if it meant less strain, more strength, and greater freedom every day? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Skims founding partner Emma Grede schedules an ‘AI day’ once every six weeks to future-proof her career: ‘It’s like do or die’ | Fortune

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    AI fluency is becoming a baseline expectation across industries and is even boosting salaries for some job seekers with experience in the tech. It’s also become a tool for business leaders like Emma Grede to future-proof her career.

    “We have no choice but to AI-proof our careers,” the Skims founding partner told senior markets reporter Madison Mills at Axios’ annual dealmaking summit BFD on Wednesday. 

    Grede added that she commits time once every six weeks, which she calls “AI day,” to “just sit and learn” about the tech.

    “I am encouraging every single—specifically women—in my organization to do exactly the same,” Grede said. “We don’t have a choice anymore. It’s like do or die.”

    Grede, also the chief product officer of Skims, helped launch the brand in 2019 alongside Kim Kardashian and her husband, Jens Grede. Earlier this month, the shapewear company raised $225 million at a $5 billion valuation in a funding round led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

    The British-born entrepreneur, who has an estimated net worth of $405 million and was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s richest self-made women for the fourth year in a row, has talked at length about the importance of human connection in dealmaking,  business and getting herself ahead.

    But Grede toldFortune in August that fellow Shark Tank star Mark Cuban pushed her to come to grips with the tech when the two sat down to film an episode of her hit podcast show Aspire and compared their AI usage.

    “I was already kind of getting there, but if I’m really honest, that episode where we really delved into AI gave me a new urgency around how I use AI,” she said, adding that Cuban had 60 AI apps on his phone. “Yeah, he gave me a kick.”

    Right after wrapping, she said that she started looking into AI courses at the Wharton School and Harvard for the fall. “I need to figure this out, because I’m using AI like a 42-year-old woman,” Grede said.

    Still, scheduling time to learn about AI “feels against the very ethos of what feels right,” Grede told Axios on Wednesday, adding that she craves real conversation and connection with a human being. But she conceded the education will help in the long-run.

    “We have to future-proof our organizations and ourselves,” Grede said.

    Demand for talent

    Grede also told Fortune in August that she offered her staff a cash bonus for using AI long before Cuban’s wake up call.

    “About two years ago I put a note out in my office giving a cash bonus to anyone that uses AI in their work,” she said, adding that the incentive was a big hit—especially with the marketing and finance teams.

    She likened the new skill to the coding wave, which peaked in the mid-2010s and saw public campaigns encourage students and professionals to learn coding fundamentals. 

    A July report by labor market intelligence firm Lightcast found non-tech roles that require AI skills are soaring in value and job postings for the roles are offering 28% higher salaries—a pay premium of nearly $18,000 more per year.

    Almost three in four CEOs worldwide say competition for AI talent could constrain their future prosperity, and 77% say workforce readiness and upskilling will have a major impact on their business in the next three years, according to KMPG’s CEO Outlook 2025 published in October. 

    More than 70% are retraining high-potential employees in AI, the report said.

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  • Nvidia by the numbers: $5 trillion market cap and soaring stock – MoneySense

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    Nvidia carved out an early lead in tailoring its chipsets known as graphics processing units, or GPUs, from use in powering video games to helping to train powerful AI systems, like the technology behind ChatGPT and image generators. Demand skyrocketed as more people began using AI chatbots. Tech companies scrambled for more chips to build and run them.

    Nvidia’s journey to be one of the world’s most prominent companies has produced some extraordinary numbers. Here’s a look.

    $31.9 billion
    Nvidia’s net income for the third quarter, up from $19.3 billion a year ago.

    38.9%
    Nvidia stock’s gain for the year, as of the close of trading Wednesday. That follows gains of 171% in 2024 and 239% in 2023.

    $4.53 trillion
    Nvidia’s total market capitalization as of the close of trading Wednesday, tops in the S&P 500. Apple at $3.98 trillion and Microsoft at $3.62 trillion were next among the most valuable companies in the S&P 500. In all, nine companies in the index have market cap’s above $1 trillion.

    $4.28 trillion
    The gross domestic product of Japan, the world’s fourth largest economy, according to the International Monetary Fund.

    79
    The number of trading days it took for Nvidia’s market cap to grow from $4 trillion to $5 trillion earlier this year. The market cap had jumped from $3 trillion on May 13, to $4 trillion on July 9 (41 trading days), although Nvidia had crossed and fallen back below the $3 trillion threshold a number of times between June 2024 and May 2025 before making the run to $4 trillion.

    19.8%
    The company’s contribution to the gain in the S&:P 500 this year as of Oct. 31, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices.

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    $162 billion
    The net worth of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, according to Forbes, putting him eighth on its Real-Time Billionaires List. Elon Musk is No. 1 at $467.7 billion.

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  • Is the AI boom a ‘bubble’? Tech leaders don’t think so – MoneySense

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    “There was a lag,” said Deierling, speaking in Toronto on Wednesday alongside other tech sector executives on the sidelines of the Cisco Connect conference. “All of a sudden I have all this bandwidth for the internet and the dot-com era, but now I actually need Amazon and Uber and Netflix and all of these other businesses.”

    AI tech is ready, no wait required

    While those use cases did develop over time, Deierling said AI doesn’t have to wait decades. He said applications for software built on AI technology “already exist” and companies can take advantage of them right away.

    “In the dot-com era, by the late 1990s, early 2000s, you started to see inventory build up … and people were shipping things that actually weren’t selling through. We don’t see that at all,” he said in an interview. “This stuff gets used as soon as it gets built.”

    The hopeful outlook came just hours before the company reported its latest quarterly earnings Wednesday, potentially easing some analysts’ recent jitters. The company posted net income of US$31.9 billion for the third quarter, up from US$19.3 billion a year ago, while revenue rose 62%. Nvidia’s sales of the computing chipsets known as graphics processing units—which are used to help train powerful AI systems like the technology behind ChatGPT and image generators—surged beyond analysts’ expectations.

    Nvidia, Wall Street’s largest stock which briefly topped US$5 trillion in value, has struggled this month, losing more than 10% on the S&P 500 as of Tuesday. As of late-morning Thursday, the stock was trading roughly 6% higher. Analysts have been closely watching the stock for potential indications of how the AI sector might continue to perform because other companies rely on Nvidia’s chips to ramp up their own AI efforts.

    The best online brokers, ranked and compared

    AI demand strong despite profit concerns

    While stocks linked to AI have been surging for years, there have been mounting concerns that the outsized level of spending in the industry may not lead to as much profit as hoped. Other leaders in the sector also downplayed those worries at Wednesday’s conference. Francois Chadwick, chief financial officer for Toronto tech firm Cohere, likened demand for AI to a “constant drumbeat.”

    “There is a real need,” said Chadwick in an interview, adding that in the early days of the internet, some tech companies were “building things that no one really even needed or wanted. Right now, there’s the demand, there is the need. Companies, enterprises, governments—everyone’s asking for this.”

    That doesn’t mean all investment in AI is going to bear fruit, cautioned Tom Gillis, senior vice-president and general manager of infrastructure and security at Cisco. He said that with disruption of this scale, there “has to be winners and losers. Someone is going to be making a bet and doing something that turns out to be wrong,” said Gillis.

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    “But do I think there’s going to be some sort of retraction and like, ‘Oh, it turns out AI isn’t that useful?’ Just hop on to your chat interface and then you tell me … It’s really, really, really valuable and so I think it justifies a significant amount of capital to drive that change.”

    Canada strong in research, slow in deployment

    A study released last month found just 8% of Canadian organizations qualify as “AI-ready.” The CiscoAI Readiness Index said nearly three-quarters of those surveyed in Canada plan to deploy AI agents and 34% expect them to work alongside employees within a year, but few have the secure infrastructure to sustain it. Those that are fully prepared are 50% more likely to see measurable value.

    Deierling described Canada as “ahead on research and behind on deployment” when it comes to AI usage. “And I don’t understand why,” he said. “I mean, you have the core capacity, the people that understand this. You have all kinds of businesses that should benefit from this, and so I think it’s just a matter of will.”

    But Deierling acknowledged that many companies remain fearful of AI. He said the key is to start out small, often focusing on internal use cases, rather than “risk your entire business on some AI that you may not understand how to implement.”

    “Every company is ready to use AI, they just don’t know it,” he said. “The risk isn’t that high. Deploy something and start using it and what you’ll find is that there’s so much productivity gains that the demand will just completely drive the next generation.”

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  • Craigslist car report scam targets vehicle sellers

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    Selling your car online should be simple. Lately, though, more sellers are running into fake “vehicle report” demands from so-called buyers. The pitch looks routine, yet it leads straight to a payment page on a site you don’t know. 

    We heard from Nick K. of Washington, who spotted the pattern in real time.

    “In trying to sell a car, it has become apparent that there is a scam related to CarFax-type reports,” Nick wrote in an email to us. “The way it works is a guy texts or emails saying they are interested in your car, but they say they must have a car report from a specific service. At first, I thought it was just a way for a guy to sell more reports, but after thinking about it for a while, it seems like it could be a great way to harvest credit card numbers, etc. I have not been a victim of this, but in the course of selling a car recently, I had several instances of this. There are several warning signs: ‘Will you accept cash?’ Questions indicating they have not read the ad. Offering more than the ad asks for. Short nonsensical first contact. These are just the usual signs I am looking for when I am trying to decide if someone responding to a Craigslist or FB ad is legit.”

    Nick’s instincts are spot on. This Craigslist car report scam has been spreading across Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other online classifieds.

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    CONNECTICUT MAN LOSES LIFE SAVINGS IN CRYPTO SCAM

    Scammers posing as buyers on Craigslist are asking sellers to buy fake “vehicle history reports” from fraudulent sites.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How the Craigslist car report scam works

    This scam often starts with a message that looks completely normal. A supposed buyer texts asking something like, “1985 F150 Available?” and quickly follows up with friendly but vague questions such as, “OK, I’m interested in seeing it. When and where would be good for you?”

    Once you respond, the “buyer” develops just enough rapport to sound legitimate. Then comes the setup. The “buyer” says he is serious about purchasing but wants to see a detailed ASR report first, something most sellers have never heard of.

    That’s exactly what happened to Nick K. After he shared the Craigslist link and vehicle details, the fake buyer sent this reply:

    “Auto Smart Report, here’s the link you can get the papers from. Oh, I forgot to ask for your name? I’m Richard. Will you accept a cash payment? Let me know.”

    It sounds harmless, even reassuring. But the scam hinges on getting you to click that link. The site looks professional, promising a “Complete Vehicle History at Your Fingertips.” Yet once you enter your information, you’re not buying a report; you’re handing over your credit card details and personal data to criminals.

    When the seller, in this case, pushed back, the scammer doubled down with more pressure tactics.

    “If you can show me the Auto Smart Report, that would be great, as it’s the most reliable and complete report. My offer to you is $7,000. I have no issue with that.” Notice the scammer just increased the amount that he is willing to pay for the vehicle by $500.

    They’ll say anything to keep you engaged and make the transaction sound routine. But the moment you pay for the fake report, the buyer disappears. His only goal is to harvest your financial information, not purchase your vehicle.

    INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

    A fraudulent email exchange

    Behind the friendly text messages, these fake buyers are after your payment info, not your vehicle. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Warning signs to watch for

    • Requests for unknown report names like “ASR”
    • Messages that ignore your ad details
    • Offers above your asking price
    • Phrases like “will you accept cash?” or “I just need to see a report first”
    • Demands for a specific site instead of accepting a Carfax, AutoCheck or NMVTIS report
    • Generic greetings like “dear,” “brother” or “friend”

    If you see two or more of these at once, treat the lead as suspicious.

    TOP 5 OVERPAYMENT SCAMS TO AVOID

    A fraudulent email exchange

    These convincing messages often include phrases like “I just need to see an ASR report first” or “will you accept cash?” to appear legitimate. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to stay safe from Craigslist car report scams

    Even the most convincing buyer could turn out to be a scammer, but these smart moves can help you stay safe, protect your money and keep your personal data out of the wrong hands.

    1) Do not click buyer-sent links, and use strong antivirus software

    Avoid clicking any link sent through text, email or messaging apps. These often lead to phishing sites or hidden malware downloads. Keep your devices protected with strong antivirus software. Run regular scans and keep your software updated to block new threats.

    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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

    2) Never enter payment info on unfamiliar sites

    If a buyer insists you use a website you’ve never heard of, stop immediately. Always verify a site’s legitimacy before sharing any financial or personal details.

    3) Use a data removal service

    Consider a data removal service to remove your personal details from data broker sites. This limits how easily scammers can find and target you.

    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.

    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.

    4) Use trusted report services

    Stick to established names like Carfax, AutoCheck or NMVTIS. These are widely recognized and accepted by real buyers.

    5) Share your VIN in the ad

    Including your vehicle’s VIN lets genuine buyers run their own reports safely without needing your involvement.

    6) Block and report scammers

    Report suspicious messages directly to the platform and to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Sharing details helps others stay safe.

    7) If you paid on a fake site

    Contact your bank right away, cancel the card and monitor your account for unauthorized charges. Quick action can prevent further loss.

    8) Meet smart and stay cautious

    When meeting a buyer, choose a public place with security cameras. Bring a friend, keep your phone charged and document all communication.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    This scam works because a vehicle report sounds routine. A fake buyer pushes you to a site you’ve never heard of, then applies pressure to act fast. Slow down, verify and stick to well-known services. Real buyers will accept a report you provide or will run one themselves. You can still sell safely on marketplaces by following a few simple rules. Control the process, choose the report source and avoid links sent by strangers. Thanks to readers like Nick, more sellers can spot the trap before any money or data is at risk.

    Have you seen buyers pushing odd report sites when you sell online? What tipped you off first?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Manage Android apps with the new ‘Uninstall’ button

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    If you use more than one Android device with the same Google account, you know how messy things can get.

    Tracking which apps are installed on which phone or tablet can quickly become confusing. The Google Play Store already showed how many of your devices had a particular app, but uninstalling apps across multiple devices required digging through several menus.

    That’s changing now, thanks to Google’s latest Play Store update.

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    APPLE RELEASES IOS 26.1 WITH MAJOR SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW FEATURES FOR IPHONE USERS

    A new Play Store update makes it easier to manage apps across all your Android devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    The new uninstall button rolls out

    Google is rolling out version 48.8 of the Play Store, and it introduces a new ‘Uninstall’ button right on each app’s listing. You can now remove an app from any of your devices directly from your main phone. This eliminates the need to pick up each device and remove the app one by one. According to Android Authority and other reliable tech outlets, this feature appears beside each Android device listed under your account, making it faster to keep your devices organized and clutter-free.

    The update replaces the older process that required navigating through ‘Profile,’ then ‘Manage Apps and Devices,’ then applying a device filter before uninstalling. That long-winded method still works, but the new shortcut saves time and effort. The feature is rolling out gradually, so you might not see it right away, but it should appear soon as part of the stable update.

    Why this update matters

    For anyone juggling a phone, tablet or even a work device, this new feature makes a real difference. Over time, unused apps pile up, taking up storage space and slowing down performance. Being able to remove them remotely helps keep every device clean and efficient without switching between screens.

    The change also improves digital hygiene. Many people forget about apps on old phones that still have access to personal data or permissions. Now you can easily remove those apps before they become a privacy or security risk. The update also makes it simpler for parents managing family devices to stay in control of what’s installed on their kids’ phones.

    How to use the new uninstall button on Android 

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

    • Open the Play Store app on your device.
    • Navigate to the listing of an app that you know is installed on another device signed in to your account.
    • Under the “Installed on X devices” section, you may see a new ‘Uninstall’ button next to each listed device.
    • Tap Uninstall next to the one you want to remove from your Android.

    Then click This Device.

    GOOGLE CHROME AUTOFILL NOW HANDLES IDS

    An Android screen tutorial

    Steps to use the new uninstall button on Android. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to uninstall Android apps when the new Play Store button isn’t showing

    Wait for the update to roll out if key features aren’t showing yet. If the button isn’t present, you can still uninstall an app with these steps:

    Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

    • Click Profile.
    • Tap Manage apps & devices.
    • Click Manage.
    • Use the device filter to select the target device.
    • Press the app you want to uninstall.

    Click uninstall.

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    A tutorial on how to uninstall apps from Android across multiple devices

    The new feature saves time and improves organization across a user’s Android devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What this means to you

    This feature saves time, improves organization and helps you keep your Android devices running smoothly. By uninstalling unused apps remotely, you free up valuable storage and reduce unnecessary background activity that can drain battery life. You also make your devices more secure by removing older apps that might not be receiving updates anymore. It’s a thoughtful update that shows how Google is paying attention to everyday usability rather than adding flashy new tools. Even if it seems like a small change, the impact adds up for people who live in a multi-device world.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    The new ‘Uninstall’ button in Play Store version 48.8 is a quiet but powerful improvement for Android users. It makes it easier to manage your apps and maintain a cleaner digital environment across all your devices. Once this update reaches your phone, it’s worth exploring which apps you no longer need and removing them in just a few seconds.

    Do you plan to tidy up your devices using the new Google Play Store feature, or do you prefer to manage apps directly from each phone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • TikTok malware scam tricks you with fake activation guides

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    Cybercriminals are again turning TikTok into a trap for unsuspecting users. This time, they’re disguising malicious downloads as free activation guides for popular software like Windows, Microsoft 365, Photoshop and even fake versions of Netflix and Spotify Premium.

    Security expert Xavier Mertens first spotted the campaign, confirming that the same kind of scheme was seen earlier this year. According to BleepingComputer, these fake TikTok videos show short PowerShell commands and instruct viewers to run them as administrators to “activate” or “fix” their programs.

    In reality, those commands connect to a malicious website and pull in malware known as Aura Stealer, which quietly siphons saved passwords, cookies, cryptocurrency wallets and authentication tokens from the victim’s computer.

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    3,000+ YOUTUBE VIDEOS DELIVER MALWARE DISGUISED AS FREE SOFTWARE

    Cybercriminals are using fake TikTok videos to trick users into downloading malware disguised as free activation guides. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How the TikTok scam works

    This campaign uses what experts call a ClickFix attack. It’s a social engineering trick that makes victims feel they’re following legitimate tech instructions. The instructions seem quick and simple: run one short command and get instant access to premium software.

    But instead of activating anything, the PowerShell command connects to a remote domain named slmgr[.]win, which downloads harmful executables from Cloudflare-hosted pages. The main file, updater.exe, is a variant of the Aura Stealer malware. Once inside the system, it hunts for your credentials and sends them back to the attacker.

    Another file, source.exe, uses Microsoft’s C# compiler to launch code directly in memory, making it even harder to detect. The purpose of this extra payload isn’t fully known yet, but the pattern follows previous malware used for crypto theft and ransomware delivery.

    META ACCOUNT SUSPENSION SCAM HIDES FILEFIX MALWARE

    Person holding up their phone and accessing TikTok.

    Those short “activation” commands secretly connect to malicious servers that install info-stealing malware like Aura Stealer. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How to stay safe from TikTok malware scams

    Even though these scams look convincing, you can avoid becoming a victim with the right precautions.

    1) Avoid shortcuts

    Never copy or run PowerShell commands from TikTok videos or random websites. If something promises free access to premium software, it’s likely a trap.

    2) Use trusted sources

    Always download or activate software directly from the official website or through legitimate app stores.

    3) Keep security tools updated

    Outdated antivirus or browsers can’t detect the latest threats. Update your software regularly to stay protected.

    4) Use strong antivirus software

    Install strong antivirus software that offers real-time scanning and protection against trojans, info-stealers and phishing attempts.

    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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

    5) Sign up for a data removal service

    If your personal data ends up on the dark web, a data removal or monitoring service can alert you and help remove sensitive information.

    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.

    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

    6) Reset credentials

    If you’ve ever followed suspicious instructions or entered credentials after watching a “free activation” video, reset all your passwords immediately. 

    7) Reset passwords

    If you’ve ever followed suspicious instructions or entered credentials after watching a “free activation” video, reset all your passwords immediately. Start with your email, financial and social media accounts. Use unique passwords for each site. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.

    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 2025 at Cyberguy.com

    8) Enable multi-factor authentication

    Add an extra layer of security by turning on multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Even if your passwords are stolen, attackers won’t be able to log in without your verification. 

    person looking at apps on phone

    If you’ve followed suspicious steps, change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication and stay alert for future scams. (Getty Images)

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    TikTok’s global reach makes it a prime target for scams like this. What looks like a helpful hack could end up costing your security, your money and your peace of mind. Stay alert, trust only verified sources and remember that there’s no such thing as a free activation shortcut.

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    Is TikTok doing enough to protect its users from scams like this? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • How AI is making IVF more predictable

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    In-vitro fertilization (IVF) can take a serious toll on families, not only emotionally but financially, especially when every cycle comes with new bills and no clear sense of what the full journey might cost. Gaia Family aims to change that by removing the guesswork around pricing with a blend of tech and AI-driven forecasting. 

    Instead of worrying about unpredictable costs, couples pay a fixed upfront price or monthly installments that cover their planned IVF treatment, medications, embryo transfers and built-in protections if cycles or transfers aren’t successful. It gives families a clearer path forward and support that lasts through the entire process.

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    ROBOTS POWER BREAKTHROUGH IN PREGNANCY RESEARCH, BOOSTING IVF SUCCESS RATES

    Artificial intelligence is giving hopeful parents more clarity about their chances over multiple IVF cycles, helping them plan their journey with clearer expectations instead of guesswork. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How Gaia Family was born

    Gaia Family was founded by Nader AlSalim, a former Goldman Sachs executive who knew the IVF struggle firsthand. After spending over $50,000 across five IVF rounds in multiple countries, he and his wife finally had a son. The experience left him frustrated by how little clarity the system offered and how emotionally draining the process could be.

    He saw that most fertility systems were built around procedures, not people. His goal with Gaia Family was to build something different, a program that uses data to empower families instead of leaving them to navigate uncertainty and mounting debt. That personal experience became the foundation of Gaia Family’s mission to bring agency, transparency and compassion to fertility care.

    TRUMP ROLLS OUT PLAN TO SLASH IVF COSTS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES THROUGH NEW PHARMA PARTNERSHIP

    Baby onesies around a pregnancy test

    Gaia Family gives families one fixed IVF price with built-in protection and full support every step of the way. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How Gaia Family’s plan works

    • Choose your clinic: Gaia partners with more than 100 fertility clinics across the U.S.
    • Get your personalized quote: Your doctor designs your treatment plan, and Gaia uses it to calculate your fixed cost upfront.
    • Start with confidence: Pay monthly or upfront, then begin treatment knowing all your major expenses are covered.

    If a cycle doesn’t result in viable embryos, Gaia’s built-in protection covers another attempt, helping families try again without financial shock. Once you have viable embryos, your Gaia Plan allows you unlimited frozen embryo transfers (usually $5,000 each) at no extra cost until you have a baby. And, if none of those transfers result in a live birth, then Gaia will give you money toward another cycle. Plus, you have the option of including all of your PGT-A testing and your medication for a fixed cost, so you have even more protection throughout your journey. AlSalim, tells CyberGuy the company’s mission goes beyond technology.

    “At Gaia Family, we’re using AI not to replace the human element of fertility care, but to bring more confidence to it,” AlSalim said. “Fertility treatment can feel like a game of chance — our technology helps turn it into a guided, informed journey. By analyzing millions of data points, we can forecast the most effective and affordable pathway for each individual, so patients can make decisions grounded in data rather than uncertainty. Ultimately, it’s about giving hopeful parents more agency, transparency and peace of mind in one of the most emotional experiences of their lives.”

    SKIN DNA BREAKTHROUGH COULD LET 60-YEAR-OLD WOMEN HAVE GENETICALLY RELATED KIDS

    A mother holding a baby

    For many couples, this combination of data and compassion is transforming uncertainty into confidence and renewed hope. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Why Gaia Family’s model matters

    IVF in the United States can cost as much as $30,000 per cycle, and most couples need several tries. Each failed attempt adds more bills and stress. Gaia Family’s fixed-cost model gives families financial predictability while keeping them emotionally supported. It also encourages clinics to focus on outcomes rather than repeated treatments.

    This approach is transforming how people view fertility care. Instead of relying on luck, families can benefit from AI insights to make better decisions. While it may not lower the medical costs yet, it changes how couples experience one of life’s most emotional challenges, turning fear into informed planning and despair into hope. Gaia removes the spiraling costs, making couples’ outcomes so much more cost-efficient.

    What this means for you

    If you are thinking about IVF or egg freezing, Gaia Family’s model could make your path more manageable. It provides upfront transparency about costs, protection against financial loss and a data-driven forecast of success. It helps you make decisions based on evidence rather than guesswork.

    Still, while AI can analyze data patterns, it cannot alter biology. Factors like age, health and genetics continue to shape outcomes. Even so, Gaia Family’s system gives couples a sense of control that traditional fertility care rarely provides by serving everyone, with no eligibility criteria in terms of age or health factors. Knowing that your finances are protected can ease stress and allow you to focus on what matters most: building your family. 

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Gaia Family is blending AI and empathy to rewrite how fertility care works. It replaces uncertainty with insight and transforms risk into reassurance. For many, it’s not just about technology, it’s about restoring hope and fairness to one of life’s most personal journeys.

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    Would you trust artificial intelligence to guide your path to becoming a parent? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Apple is ramping up succession plans for CEO Tim Cook and may tap this hardware exec to take over, report says | Fortune

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    Apple’s board of directors and senior executives have been accelerating succession plans for Tim Cook, sources told the Financial Times.

    After serving as CEO for 14 years, Cook may step down as early as next year, the report said.

    Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, 50-year-old John Ternus, is widely seen as the most likely successor, but no final decisions have been made yet, sources told the FT.

    The engineer joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and has overseen hardware engineering for most major products the tech company has launched ever since, according to Ternus’ LinkedIn profile.

    He has also played a prominent role during Apple’s most recent keynotes, introducing products like the new iPhone Air. Ternus had been rumored to be Cook’s potential successor, according to previous reports. 

    The company is unlikely to name a new CEO before its next earnings report in late January, and an early-year announcement would allow a new leadership team time to settle in before its annual events, the FT said. 

    The succession preparations have been long-planned and are not related to the company’s current performance, which is expecting strong end-of-year sales, people close to Apple told the FT.

    Apple did not immediately respond to Fortune’s request for comment and declined to provide a comment to the FT.

    The $4 trillion company is expecting year-on-year revenue growth of 10% to 12% for its holiday quarter ending in December, fueled by the release of the iPhone 17 model in September.

    Ternus would take the helm of the tech giant at an important time in its evolution. Although Apple has seen sales success with iPhones and new products like Airpods over the past couple of decades, it has struggled to break into AI and keep up with rivals.

    Instead, Apple has even spending significantly less in AI investments compared to Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft. 

    Apple has been criticized by analysts this year for not having a clear AI strategy. And despite approving a multibillion-dollar budget to run its own models via the cloud in 2026, it was reported in June that Apple is even considering using models from OpenAI and Anthropic to power its updated version of Siri, rather than using technology the company has built in-house. 

    Its AI-enabled Siri, originally slated for 2025, will be delayed until 2026 or later due to a series of technical challenges, the company announced earlier this year.

    Apple has also lost a number of senior AI team members since January, many of whom have joined Meta’s AI and Superintelligence Labs during talent poaching wars this year. The exodus of Apple’s AI execs included Ruoming Pang, former head of Apple’s foundation models and core generative AI team, who joined Meta with a compensation package reportedly worth $200 million.

    The company is also dealing with increased competition from one of its most influential former employees.

    In May, Sam Altman’s OpenAI acquired startup io for about $6.5 billion, bringing in former Apple chief designer Jony Ive to build AI devices. The 58-year-old designer was instrumental in creating the iPhone, iPod, and iPad. 

    Cook, Apple’s former operations chief, turned 65 this month. He has grown the company’s market capitalization to $4 trillion from $350 billion in 2011, when he took over the CEO role from company co-founder Steve Jobs.

    Under Cook, Apple became the first publicly traded company to reach $1 trillion in market capitalization in 2018—then it became the first company to reach $3 trillion in market cap in 2022.

    But more recently, its stock price has been lagging behind Big Tech rivals Alphabet, Nvidia, and Microsoft, though Apple is trading close to an all-time high after strong earnings were reported in October.

    Apple has also dealt with tariff complications as U.S.-China trade tensions have disrupted its supply chain.

    Cook has previously said he’d prefer an internal candidate to replace him, adding that the company has “very detailed succession plans.”

    “I really want the person to come from within Apple,” Cook told singer Dua Lipa last year on her podcast At Your Service.

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  • Pennsylvania bill seeks to legalize flying cars

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    Pennsylvania may soon join the few states ready to welcome flying cars. State Sen. Marty Flynn from the 22nd District has reintroduced Senate Bill 1077, also known as the Jetsons Act, during the 2025-2026 Regular Session.

    The proposal amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, creating a new legal category for roadable aircraft. These vehicles would have the unique ability to operate both on public roads as motor vehicles and in the air as aircraft.

    The legislation was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on Nov. 5, 2025. Although a similar version failed to pass last session, Flynn remains committed to positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced transportation technology. He believes that laying the groundwork now will allow the state to adapt quickly when these vehicles become commercially viable.

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    THE WORLD’S FIRST FLYING CAR IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

    Lawmakers hope clear rules today will make tomorrow’s skyways as safe as the highways below. (Rachel Wisniewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    Why this bill matters

    Technology is advancing faster than most laws can keep up. The rise of advanced air mobility is blurring the line between cars and aircraft.

    Several companies, including Alef Aeronautics, Samson Sky and CycloTech, are developing vehicles that can take off vertically or transform from cars to small aircraft within minutes.

    Some states are already laying the groundwork for this new era. Minnesota and New Hampshire have passed legislation formally recognizing “roadable aircraft,” making them the first states to treat flying cars as both vehicles and aircraft under state law. Pennsylvania now hopes to follow their lead with its own version through Senator Marty Flynn’s Jetsons Act.

    At the same time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun approving real-world tests. In 2023, the FAA granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate to SpaceX-backed Alef Aeronautics for its Model A prototype, allowing it to operate on roads and in the air for research and development. That approval marked the first time a flying car received official clearance for combined ground and flight testing in the United States.

    Senator Flynn wants Pennsylvania to be part of this growing national conversation. In his co-sponsorship memo, he explained that proactive legislation will help the state prepare for the next wave of innovation.

    WOULD YOU BUY THE WORLD’S FIRST PERSONAL ROBOCAR?

    An Alef flying car in a showroom

    The Alef flying car is made of ultra light material, allowing it to fly and drive on roads. (Alef Aeronautics)

    How the Jetsons Act would work

    Under Senate Bill 1077, Pennsylvania would officially define a “roadable aircraft” as a hybrid vehicle capable of both driving and flying. These vehicles would need to register with the state, display a unique registration plate and meet standard inspection requirements. When operated on highways or city streets, they would be subject to the same rules as other vehicles. When used in flight, they would remain under federal aviation oversight.

    The bill also clarifies how drivers and pilots must transition between ground and air operations safely. It allows take-offs and landings only in approved areas, except during emergencies. Flynn emphasizes that clear definitions and consistent oversight will prevent confusion for both motorists and law enforcement. He hopes this clarity will also encourage manufacturers to consider Pennsylvania a test site for future flying car technologies.

    CHINESE AUTO GIANT WANTS TO MAKE FLYING CARS YOUR NEXT COMMUTE OPTION

    A CycloTech flying car

    Pennsylvania’s Jetsons Act aims to prepare the state for the future of flying cars before they take off. (CycloTech)

    What this means for you

    If you live in Pennsylvania, this bill could one day change how you think about personal transportation. While flying cars remain in development, legislation like this sets the stage for their eventual arrival. Drivers may one day register, inspect and insure a flying car just like a regular vehicle. Pilots could use the same roadways to reach take-off zones before switching to flight mode.

    Even for residents who never plan to own a flying car, the ripple effects could be significant. New rules may influence local zoning, airspace management and infrastructure planning. Communities might see new vertiports or designated landing pads as part of urban development. Insurance companies and safety regulators will need to rethink how they handle this new class of hybrid travel.

    The bill also signals a broader change in how states approach innovation. Rather than waiting for federal action, Pennsylvania wants to establish a framework that welcomes new technologies while protecting public safety.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Senator Flynn’s Jetsons Act might sound futuristic, but it reflects a growing reality in transportation. As autonomous vehicles, drones and hybrid aircraft evolve, state governments must adapt to keep up. This legislation shows Pennsylvania’s willingness to lead rather than follow. While it may take years before you see a flying car parked in your driveway, the groundwork is already being laid. Lawmakers are thinking ahead about licensing, safety and how to integrate flying cars into existing traffic systems. That forward-thinking approach could one day make Pennsylvania one of the first states to see cars take to the sky.

    Do you think flying cars will ever be for everyday folks, or will they stay a luxury reserved for the wealthy? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Geek Squad scam email: How to spot and stop it

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    You open your inbox and see a message titled “Payment order settled” with an official-looking invoice from Geek Squad. At first glance, it looks legitimate. It includes your email address and even a phone number for help. That is exactly what happened when I received one of these messages this week.

    This new Geek Squad scam email is designed to make you panic, call the fake number and share sensitive information before realizing it is a trap. Before you know it, your curiosity could turn into a costly mistake, so let’s look at the red flags to watch for and how you can protect yourself.

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    THE #1 GOOGLE SEARCH SCAM EVERYONE FALLS FOR

    Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are flooding inboxes, seeking to trick recipients into handing over private financial information. (pixelfit/Getty Images)

    Red flags that give the scam away

    When I looked closer, several warning signs stood out:

    • The email said “Dear User” instead of using my name.
    • It also says TO: KAREN HILL, which is obviously not me.
    • The sender’s address was from a Gmail account, not Geek Squad.
    • It listed a phone number urging me to call customer support to cancel the renewal, or my account would be debited.
    • The invoice said $580.57 would be charged for a two-year Geek Squad subscription, even though I never signed up for one.

    These details are meant to create urgency and push you to react before thinking.

    BEWARE OF FAKE CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT RESTRICTION SCAMS

    A fake Geek Squad invoice email

    This fake Geek Squad invoice looks professional, but small red flags, like a generic greeting, expose the scam. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    How the scam works

    The scam depends on fear and confusion. Once you call the number, the person on the line sounds polite and professional. They might say they need to verify your payment or reverse a charge. In reality, they are trying to get your credit card number or convince you to install software that gives them access to your computer.

    In some cases, they claim to refund too much money by accident and ask you to send part of it back. That is how victims lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

    SCAMMERS NOW IMPERSONATE COWORKERS, STEAL EMAIL THREADS IN CONVINCING PHISHING ATTACKS

    A woman typing on a computer

    Scammers want you to panic and call their number. Remember, real companies never ask for sensitive details over the phone or email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Why these scam emails look so real

    Scammers have refined their tactics. In this Geek Squad scam email I received, they copied the official logo, used clean layouts and included my actual email address to make it look legitimate. They often get this information from data leaks or security breaches found online.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) now makes these scams even harder to spot. It helps scammers write natural messages, design fake invoices and create support scripts that sound real. With these tools, they can make almost anyone believe the email is genuine.

    Always pause before reacting. Read carefully, check the sender, and question anything that feels suspicious. If you want to stay one step ahead, here are some other things that can help keep you safe.

    How to stay safe from scam emails

    Scam emails like the fake Geek Squad invoice are becoming more common and more convincing. They use fear and urgency to make you click or call before you think. Protecting yourself means slowing down, verifying every detail and strengthening your digital defenses. Here is how you can stay safe.

    1) Do not call or click anything in the email, and use strong antivirus software

    The phone number or link in the message connects you directly to scammers, so don’t click or call.  Once you engage, they can pressure you into sharing personal details or even install harmful software on your device. The moment I saw that “Payment order settled” email, I realized something was off because I don’t even have a Geek Squad account. That alone was a major red flag. If you ever get a message about a service you never signed up for, delete it right away. Instead of calling the number in the message, go to the official Best Buy or Geek Squad website to confirm if there is a real issue with your account. Also, sign up for strong antivirus software. Antivirus software acts as your digital guard. It scans downloads, detects malicious links and warns you before dangerous sites load. Choose a trusted program that updates automatically and includes email protection features. This extra layer of defense can prevent malware from taking hold if you accidentally click something suspicious.

    Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

    2) Check the sender’s email address carefully

    Scammers often use email addresses that look real but have slight differences, such as extra numbers, misspelled words, or unusual domains. A genuine Geek Squad or Best Buy email will come from @bestbuy.com. Always hover over the sender’s name to see the actual address before responding.

    3) Never share personal or payment details with unexpected callers

    If someone contacts you claiming to be from Geek Squad or Best Buy, stay calm and skeptical. Real companies do not ask for banking details, gift card payments, or remote access to your computer over the phone. Hang up and contact the company directly through its verified website or customer service number.

    4) Use a data removal service

    Many scams start with stolen or leaked personal data. A data removal service can help delete your information from data broker sites that sell contact lists to marketers and scammers. Reducing your digital footprint makes it harder for criminals to target you with fake invoices or phishing emails.

    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.

    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.

    5) Watch your bank and credit card statements

    Even with precautions, it is smart to monitor your accounts. Check your bank and credit card activity weekly for any charges you do not recognize. If you see something suspicious, contact your financial institution right away to report and dispute the charge.

    6) Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

    Two-factor authentication adds another barrier between you and scammers. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot log in without the secondary code sent to your phone or authentication app. Turn on 2FA for your email, online shopping and banking accounts.

    7) Use strong, unique passwords

    Weak or repeated passwords make you an easy target. Create long, unique passwords for each account. A password manager can securely store them and generate complex combinations that are hard to guess or crack.

    Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager 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 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

    8) Update your software regularly

    Old software is one of the easiest ways for hackers to slip in. Keep your operating system, browser and security programs updated. Turn on automatic updates so you do not have to think about it. These patches often close known security holes that scammers exploit.

    9) Check official accounts before panicking

    Before reacting to any invoice or payment alert, go straight to the official account or service mentioned, such as Geek Squad, PayPal, Amazon or your bank. Log in directly through their website or app to verify the details. If nothing shows up there, the email is a scam. This quick step can save you from a costly mistake.

    10) Report the email as phishing

    Reporting suspicious emails helps stop scammers from targeting others. Most email services, including Gmail, Outlook and Yahoo, allow you to mark messages as phishing. You can also forward the email to reportphishing@apwg.org, which goes to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), or to abuse@bestbuy.com to alert the proper teams.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Receiving one of these fake invoices can be stressful, but remember that many people get the same message every day. The goal is to recognize the signs, refuse to respond and report them to protect others.

    Have you ever received a convincing scam email like this? How did you handle 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 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • How Joyce Carol Oates Posted Her Way to Social Media Glory

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    Although she effortlessly whacked Musk multiple times, Oates isn’t overly concerned with the billionaire. She posts frequently on both BlueSky and X about a range of topics, and is more than happy to respond to fans and critics alike on the platforms. Since publicly humiliating Musk and sending him to a tizzy, she’s gone on to tweet political musings about Zohran Mamdani, and Charlie Kirk, as well as less fraught fare about Faulkner and Hemingway and a photo of her beloved cat.

    Those who are new to the online life of Joyce Carol Oates may be surprised to learn that she’s been doing these for years. At this point, she’s arguably as prolific a poster as she is a novelist, logging more than 180,00 posts on her official X account @JoyceCarolOates as of the publication of this story. Years ago, she was more likely to be the dunker than a dunkee: Oates experienced the other side of viral fame in 2014, when she loosed this hot take on another prolific but controversial writer. “Though Woody Allen has been much denounced, very likely many of his denouncers greatly admire Nabokov’s ‘Lolita.’” No contradiction?” she tweeted (it was still called tweeting back then). The false equivalency didn’t go over well; at the time, the public flogged Oates for her support of Allen. “Thats not the same at all thats terrible youre terrible but thank you for inventing oatmeal,” read one viral response, which ratioed Oates’s original tweet. (And yes, despite her last name, Joyce Carol Oates didn’t invent oatmeal.)

    Years later, Oates made another Twitter faux pas, taking a gravely serious stance on innocent Halloween decorations. “You can always recognize a place in which no one is feeling much or any grief for a lost loved one & death, dying, & everyone you love decomposing to bones is just a joke,” posted Oates on October 1, 2021, drawing a wide variety of scornful reactions.

    Oates kept posting through it—and now it seems that was the correct strategy. Time heals all wounds on the internet—time, and banger tweets that eviscerate the world’s richest man. Joyce Carol Oates? More like Joyce Carol Roasts.

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  • Texas startup raises $5.5M for revolutionary solar towers that produce 50% more energy

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    Texas startup Janta Power has secured $5.5 million in seed funding to expand its next-generation solar power towers, a vertical alternative to flat solar farms. The funding round was led by MaC Venture Capital with support from Collab Capital. The investment shows strong confidence in 3D solar systems that can reshape renewable energy worldwide.

    Why flat solar panels are no longer enough

    Traditional solar panels cover large flat areas on rooftops or open fields. This approach uses a lot of land and misses much of the day’s available sunlight. The sun moves across the sky, but flat panels capture energy best only when it is directly overhead.

    Janta Power takes a different approach. The company’s pivoting solar towers stack panels vertically to create a compact three-dimensional structure that captures more sunlight throughout the day. Think of it as the solar version of a skyscraper: more power from less ground space.

    Janta Power’s 3D solar towers capture more sunlight throughout the day while using just a third of the land. (Janta Power)

    NEVER NEED AN EV CHARGING STATION AGAIN WITH THESE ROOFTOP SOLAR POWER PANELS

    How Janta’s solar towers work

    Each tower uses smart tracking software that follows the sun’s path from sunrise to sunset. By adjusting its position throughout the day, the system collects more sunlight than traditional fixed panels. This design allows the towers to produce about 50% more energy while using only one-third of the land required by flat-panel systems.

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    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.

    Because of their vertical orientation, the towers can capture sunlight during early morning and late afternoon when flat arrays are least efficient. The result is a steadier flow of electricity across the entire day, reducing stress on power grids and lowering the need for short-term backup plants.

    Stronger, smarter and more efficient

    Janta’s towers are also built for strength. Each structure can withstand winds up to 170 miles per hour. The towers feature durable steel frames and modular foundations that simplify installation in a wide range of environments.

    Pilot programs are already operating at Munich International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and facilities managed by Aena, which oversees more than 70 airports worldwide. 

    A game-changer for energy economics

    The company’s 3D geometry gives each site a capacity factor of around 32%, compared to roughly 22% for flat panels. This greater efficiency lowers the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) to about $0.05 per kilowatt-hour, well below the global average of $0.15.

    That advantage can make renewable power more accessible for industries such as data centers, universities and telecom operations that need reliable and consistent energy.

    People at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

    Built to endure 170 mph winds, Janta’s modular towers are already powering airports in Munich, Dallas–Fort Worth, and across Aena’s global network. (Shelby Tauber/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

    CHINESE-MADE SOLAR PANELS USED ON AMERICAN FARMS PUTS US POWER GRID AT RISK: FORMER NSA OFFICIAL

    What this means for you

    For businesses and communities, Janta Power’s technology could mean smaller solar installations that deliver more energy for less money. Because the towers need less land, they can fit into urban areas, airports or industrial zones that could not host traditional solar farms.

    For everyday consumers, these innovations can bring cleaner, more stable and more affordable power to local grids while supporting a greener energy future.

    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

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Janta Power’s vertical tower design and intelligent tracking system show what happens when creativity meets clean energy. The company’s technology makes it possible to generate more power from less space, setting a new standard for solar innovation.

    Rows of solar panels at the Toms River Solar Farm which was built on an EPA Superfund site in Toms River, New Jersey, U.S., 26 May, 2021

    Smart tracking software automatically pivots each tower from sunrise to sunset, boosting efficiency by up to 50% compared to traditional flat panels. (REUTERS/Dane Rhys)

    If we can rethink the shape of solar energy, what other parts of our world could we redesign for a smarter, more sustainable future? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    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 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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  • New Text to 911 service allows you to reach help without cell reception. Here’s how it works

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    Have you ever been in or traveling through an area where there is no or low traditional cell service and thought, “What if I had an emergency and needed to call 911?”Now, because of a well-known cell service provider’s connection to a popular network of satellites, there’s a solution when you have an emergency and are off the grid and out of reach of a terrestrial cell tower’s signal.Related video above: A different new piece of technology helps guide rescuers to woman stuck in swampThe service is called Text to 911, and its availability is all thanks to T-Mobile’s new T-Satellite with Starlink, a service that, according to a recent release from the mobile carrier, was rolled out in July and connects compatible phones to an array of Starlink satellites orbiting the Earth.But if you’re not a T-Mobile customer, don’t fret. You don’t need to be a subscriber of the provider to use Text to 911. The service is available to anyone in the U.S. who has a compatible, satellite-capable iPhone or Android phone, and is designed to work anywhere in the 500,000 square miles of the U.S. not reached by traditional cell towers.That means even customers of providers like AT&T and Verizon can sign up for Text to 911.How to sign up for and use Text to 911While the service is free to use, non-T-Mobile customers are required to sign up in advance to use Text to 911. That can be done on the company’s website. The company said T-Mobile customers can add the service under “Manage Data & Add-Ons’” in their account or in T-Life. You don’t need to take any special action to use Text to 911. The mobile provider says that all you need is a view of the sky, and that using the service is just like sending a normal text message. All you need to do is enter a message on your phone’s native messaging app and enter 911 in the number field. From there, all you’ll need to do is hit “send.”While some areas around the U.S. already have the ability to text 911, this new service allows users to do so even when they can’t get reception from a traditional cell tower. If that’s the case, Text to 911 finds you a signal from a satellite up in space.The company said it “was a no-brainer” to make Text to 911 available and free for any person who enrolls and has a compatible phone.“There’s a good chance you’ve had that moment in your life at some point. Badly rolled ankle deep into a backcountry hike. Stuck in a tree well while skiing. Flat tire on a backcountry road. Or a million other situations that require access to emergency services in a place without cell service. It’s an absolutely terrifying feeling that we don’t want anyone to have ever again,” Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products for T-Mobile, said in announcing the availability of Text to 911 on Nov. 5.

    Have you ever been in or traveling through an area where there is no or low traditional cell service and thought, “What if I had an emergency and needed to call 911?”

    Now, because of a well-known cell service provider’s connection to a popular network of satellites, there’s a solution when you have an emergency and are off the grid and out of reach of a terrestrial cell tower’s signal.

    Related video above: A different new piece of technology helps guide rescuers to woman stuck in swamp

    The service is called Text to 911, and its availability is all thanks to T-Mobile’s new T-Satellite with Starlink, a service that, according to a recent release from the mobile carrier, was rolled out in July and connects compatible phones to an array of Starlink satellites orbiting the Earth.

    But if you’re not a T-Mobile customer, don’t fret. You don’t need to be a subscriber of the provider to use Text to 911.

    The service is available to anyone in the U.S. who has a compatible, satellite-capable iPhone or Android phone, and is designed to work anywhere in the 500,000 square miles of the U.S. not reached by traditional cell towers.

    That means even customers of providers like AT&T and Verizon can sign up for Text to 911.

    How to sign up for and use Text to 911

    While the service is free to use, non-T-Mobile customers are required to sign up in advance to use Text to 911. That can be done on the company’s website. The company said T-Mobile customers can add the service under “Manage Data & Add-Ons’” in their account or in T-Life.

    You don’t need to take any special action to use Text to 911. The mobile provider says that all you need is a view of the sky, and that using the service is just like sending a normal text message. All you need to do is enter a message on your phone’s native messaging app and enter 911 in the number field. From there, all you’ll need to do is hit “send.”

    While some areas around the U.S. already have the ability to text 911, this new service allows users to do so even when they can’t get reception from a traditional cell tower. If that’s the case, Text to 911 finds you a signal from a satellite up in space.

    The company said it “was a no-brainer” to make Text to 911 available and free for any person who enrolls and has a compatible phone.

    “There’s a good chance you’ve had that moment in your life at some point. Badly rolled ankle deep into a backcountry hike. Stuck in a tree well while skiing. Flat tire on a backcountry road. Or a million other situations that require access to emergency services in a place without cell service. It’s an absolutely terrifying feeling that we don’t want anyone to have ever again,” Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy and products for T-Mobile, said in announcing the availability of Text to 911 on Nov. 5.

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  • Opinion | AI Is a Tool, Not a Soul

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    Pope Leo XIV tries to head off claims that chatbots are sentient beings with rights.

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    Kristen Ziccarelli

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  • Blue Origin successfully launches NASA spacecraft on journey to Mars after delays

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    Blue Origin’s New Glenn Mission NG-2 successfully launched a second mission from Cape Canaveral Thursday, carrying NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft to Mars.

    The huge 321-foot (98-meter) New Glenn blasted into the sky and is expected to reach the Red Planet by 2027.

    The launch was previously delayed due to extreme solar activity and bad weather.

    This launch is to support ESCAPADE’s science objectives as the twin spacecraft progress on their journey to the Red Planet. 

    UFO MANIA GRIPS SMALL TOWN AFTER MYSTERIOUS GLOWING OBJECT SIGHTING GOES VIRAL

    Also onboard is a technology demonstration from Viasat in support of NASA’s Communications Services Project.

    Thousands of Blue Origin employees could be heard cheering and chanting when the booster separated and landed on its ocean platform offshore.

    Formed in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin has a NASA contract for the third moon landing by astronauts under the Artemis program.

    United Launch Alliance is also said to be targeting a nighttime launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

    Its Atlas V rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 41 at 10:04 p.m. EST, carrying a ViaSat broadband satellite. 

    NASA AT A CROSSROADS: TRUMP’S PLAN TO REFOCUS, EXPLORE AND BEAT CHINA

    Blue Origin’s New Glenn Mission NG-2 launched NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft to Mars from Cape Canaveral Thursday, with arrival expected by 2027.

    ULA’s mission had also been delayed twice because a vent valve issue with its booster’s liquid-oxygen tank.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    If both launches are successful, they will mark the ninety-fifth and ninety-sixth launches of the year on Florida’s Space Coast, bringing the region closer to a record 100 launches in 2025.

    The milestone follows SpaceX’s Starlink mission earlier this month, which set a new annual record.

    Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture. 

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  • Capturing the northern lights: How to take the best photos of auroras

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    Multiple parts of the United States were treated to mesmerizing colors from the aurora borealis, or northern lights, in the sky Tuesday night. This is because of a severe geomagnetic storm triggered by solar flares. Related video above: Weather Talk — How do I know if we can see the Northern Lights?The lights can appear faint when looked at with the naked eye, but with the right camera settings, the different colors and waves can be seen in photos.Forecasters say there is still a chance that some regions would get to catch the lights on Wednesday night. Here’s how to take the best photos of them:Using nighttime picture-taking settingsMost newer versions of iPhone and Android phones have a setting for taking pictures in low light. This slows the shutter speed, allowing more light in and taking a clearer picture. Here’s how to adjust settings on iPhone and Android devices like Samsung phones or Google Pixel phones. It’s important to hold your phone steady or use a tripod so your image does not end up blurry.Video below: Check out these dazzling photos of Tuesday night’s northern lights in IowaThere’s an app for that, tooThere are also apps available that are specifically designed to help you take pictures of the northern lights. Check the app stores on your iPhones or Android devices.Be in the right place at the right timeArtificial light pollution can decrease your chances of catching the best colors, so it is best to get away from cities and into rural areas for picture-taking. There will be more visibility the farther north you can get. Any time after it gets dark outside and before midnight will be the best opportunity. Related video below: What causes the colors you see with the northern lights?

    DES MOINES, Iowa —

    Multiple parts of the United States were treated to mesmerizing colors from the aurora borealis, or northern lights, in the sky Tuesday night. This is because of a severe geomagnetic storm triggered by solar flares.

    Related video above: Weather Talk — How do I know if we can see the Northern Lights?

    The lights can appear faint when looked at with the naked eye, but with the right camera settings, the different colors and waves can be seen in photos.

    Forecasters say there is still a chance that some regions would get to catch the lights on Wednesday night. Here’s how to take the best photos of them:

    Using nighttime picture-taking settings

    Most newer versions of iPhone and Android phones have a setting for taking pictures in low light. This slows the shutter speed, allowing more light in and taking a clearer picture. Here’s how to adjust settings on iPhone and Android devices like Samsung phones or Google Pixel phones.

    It’s important to hold your phone steady or use a tripod so your image does not end up blurry.

    Video below: Check out these dazzling photos of Tuesday night’s northern lights in Iowa

    There’s an app for that, too

    There are also apps available that are specifically designed to help you take pictures of the northern lights. Check the app stores on your iPhones or Android devices.

    Be in the right place at the right time

    Artificial light pollution can decrease your chances of catching the best colors, so it is best to get away from cities and into rural areas for picture-taking.

    There will be more visibility the farther north you can get. Any time after it gets dark outside and before midnight will be the best opportunity.

    Related video below: What causes the colors you see with the northern lights?

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  • Capturing the northern lights: How to take the best photos of auroras

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    Multiple parts of the United States were treated to mesmerizing colors from the aurora borealis, or northern lights, in the sky Tuesday night. This is because of a severe geomagnetic storm triggered by solar flares. Related video above: Weather Talk — How do I know if we can see the Northern Lights?The lights can appear faint when looked at with the naked eye, but with the right camera settings, the different colors and waves can be seen in photos.Forecasters say there is still a chance that some regions would get to catch the lights on Wednesday night. Here’s how to take the best photos of them:Using nighttime picture-taking settingsMost newer versions of iPhone and Android phones have a setting for taking pictures in low light. This slows the shutter speed, allowing more light in and taking a clearer picture. Here’s how to adjust settings on iPhone and Android devices like Samsung phones or Google Pixel phones. It’s important to hold your phone steady or use a tripod so your image does not end up blurry.Video below: Check out these dazzling photos of Tuesday night’s northern lights in IowaThere’s an app for that, tooThere are also apps available that are specifically designed to help you take pictures of the northern lights. Check the app stores on your iPhones or Android devices.Be in the right place at the right timeArtificial light pollution can decrease your chances of catching the best colors, so it is best to get away from cities and into rural areas for picture-taking. There will be more visibility the farther north you can get. Any time after it gets dark outside and before midnight will be the best opportunity. Related video below: What causes the colors you see with the northern lights?

    DES MOINES, Iowa —

    Multiple parts of the United States were treated to mesmerizing colors from the aurora borealis, or northern lights, in the sky Tuesday night. This is because of a severe geomagnetic storm triggered by solar flares.

    Related video above: Weather Talk — How do I know if we can see the Northern Lights?

    The lights can appear faint when looked at with the naked eye, but with the right camera settings, the different colors and waves can be seen in photos.

    Forecasters say there is still a chance that some regions would get to catch the lights on Wednesday night. Here’s how to take the best photos of them:

    Using nighttime picture-taking settings

    Most newer versions of iPhone and Android phones have a setting for taking pictures in low light. This slows the shutter speed, allowing more light in and taking a clearer picture. Here’s how to adjust settings on iPhone and Android devices like Samsung phones or Google Pixel phones.

    It’s important to hold your phone steady or use a tripod so your image does not end up blurry.

    Video below: Check out these dazzling photos of Tuesday night’s northern lights in Iowa

    There’s an app for that, too

    There are also apps available that are specifically designed to help you take pictures of the northern lights. Check the app stores on your iPhones or Android devices.

    Be in the right place at the right time

    Artificial light pollution can decrease your chances of catching the best colors, so it is best to get away from cities and into rural areas for picture-taking.

    There will be more visibility the farther north you can get. Any time after it gets dark outside and before midnight will be the best opportunity.

    Related video below: What causes the colors you see with the northern lights?

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