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Fox News
2 days ago
- Fox News
Top multi-factor authentication apps to protect your accounts
Hackers often exploit reused passwords, gaining access to multiple accounts if just one is compromised. To stay safe, use strong, unique passwords for every account and change them regularly. However, passwords alone aren't enough. That's where multi-factor authentication apps come in. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet 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 Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. Instead of relying only on a password, MFA requires you to verify your identity using two or more methods. These can include SMS codes, authenticator apps, or physical security keys. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a type of MFA that uses exactly two verification methods. MFA, on the other hand, can involve two or more factors. For example, logging into your bank might require a password and a code from an app-this is MFA in action. Not all websites and apps support every type of MFA, so your choice may depend on what's available. Here's how the main options compare: Many banks use SMS for two-factor authentication because it's easy to set up and works on any phone. However, SMS is not the most secure method. Authenticator apps and physical security keys offer better protection against modern threats. Unfortunately, there's no universal MFA solution for every account. The best approach is to use the strongest MFA method each service supports. Whenever possible, choose an authenticator app or a physical security key over SMS. Using a multi-factor authentication app is one of the best ways to protect your online identity. Here are some of the top-rated options available for iPhone and Android: The Microsoft Authenticator app gives you an easy, secure sign-in experience for all your accounts and gives you additional account management options for your Microsoft personal, work, and school accounts. It can use multi-factor authentication with a one-time passcode, can go password-less by using your phone instead of a password to log in, or can use autofill passwords for you. It's easy to use and can keep multiple accounts safe and secure for you. Twilio Authy is another great app that you can use for all your accounts, including Facebook, Dropbox, Amazon, Gmail, and thousands more. It provides secure cloud-encrypted backups so that you will never lose access to your accounts, even if you lose your device. The app uses the same algorithms as many banks and the NSA use to protect their information, so you can pretty much guarantee that you'll be safe. Plus, you can even use it if you're offline or in airplane mode. The Google Authenticator app will give you an extra layer of security for your online apps. You can sync your authenticator codes to your Google Account and across your devices. It offers support for multiple accounts, and you can transfer accounts between devices by using a QR code. Plus, you can choose the type of code generation used that best suits your needs, and it works without a network or cellular connection. The Aegis Authenticator app is a free option for Android users. It is a great app to protect your online accounts from hackers and phishing. It adds an extra layer of security by generating one-time codes that you need to enter alone with your password. This way, even if a hacker steals your password, they won't be able to access your account with your phone. The Aegis Authenticator app also lets you customize and organize your accounts, backup and restore your data, and use it offline. While multi-factor authentication adds critical protection, it works best when combined with strong, unique passwords for every account. That's where a password manager comes in. Instead of trying to memorize dozens of complex passwords, a password manager securely stores them for you and automatically fills them in when needed. It can generate strong, random passwords, store them in an encrypted vault, and sync across your devices so you always have access. Using NordPass along with multi-factor authentication is one of the best strategies to keep your accounts and personal data safe from hackers. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at Keeping your accounts safe doesn't have to be complicated. By using multi-factor authentication apps, you're adding a strong layer of protection that goes beyond just passwords. These apps make it much harder for hackers to get in, even if they somehow learn your password. Ready to take your security up a notch? Have you tried using an authenticator app? What has your experience been like? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet 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 Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Fox News
30-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
9 online privacy risks you probably don't know about
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 30, 2025 Privacy risks are hiding in plain sight, as your personal data is likely being collected, tracked, and sold without your knowledge. It's not just your name and email out there-data brokers are gathering much more sensitive information about your daily life, including your sleep patterns, medical visits, online habits, and even your relationship status. These details are compiled into detailed personal profiles and sold to advertisers, insurance companies, political campaigns, and in some cases, cybercriminals. What makes this especially concerning is that most of it happens quietly in the background, often without your consent. 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. 9 personal details you are sharing online without realizing it You may think you're protecting your privacy, but chances are you're revealing more than you think through your everyday digital activity. 1) How sleep and fitness data is collected and sold Fitness trackers, bedtime apps, and even your phone's settings feed data brokers info about when you sleep, wake, and work out. That's highly sensitive health data. A recent data leak exposed over 8 million patient records , allowing cybercriminals to build detailed medical profiles that could be used to commit identity theft, insurance fraud, and conduct phishing attacks . Recent research reveals that over 28% of Americans had their SSN breached since 2020, exposing them to increased risk of experiencing cyberattacks. YOUR HEALTH DATA IS BEING SOLD WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT 2) Your streaming habits are being tracked Every time you binge a show or stream a documentary, your smart TV, streaming apps, and browser record exactly what you're watching, when you watch it, and how long you stay tuned in. This data helps build a behavioral profile of your tastes, routines, and emotional triggers. It's not just used for harmless recommendations; advertisers and data brokers tap into this to predict your mood, interests, and even potential vulnerabilities. Ever wonder why oddly specific ads start showing up after a documentary binge? This is why. 3) How long you read articles can be used to profile you It's not just the articles you click, it's how long you linger on them that matters. Data brokers monitor whether you skim or dive deep into topics like health scares, financial worries, or personal relationships. The time you spend on certain pages helps them identify your fears, desires, and private interests. This insight can later be used for hyper-targeted ads or, worse, by malicious actors looking to exploit your anxieties. 16 BILLION PASSWORDS LEAKED IN MASSIVE DATA BREACH 4) How data brokers infer your relationship status You might keep your relationship off social media, but your online footprint gives you away. Your purchase history, social check-ins, and frequent location visits tell data brokers whether you're single, dating, engaged, or married. They can even infer relationship trouble by analyzing certain patterns, like increased visits to bars or late-night takeout orders. This deeply personal information can end up in a detailed profile on some sketchy website you've never heard about . 5) Your location data may reveal medical visits Your phone's location data doesn't just map your commute; it tracks visits to places like fertility clinics, addiction centers, and therapists' offices. That data gets sold to brokers who categorize you based on these visits, sometimes flagging you for health-related concerns you haven't publicly shared. One study found that 74% of health-related data was sold without users' knowledge or consent. This information could be used to hike insurance rates, deny you payouts, or target you with sensitive, intrusive ads. 6) Home value and crime stats used to target you Public records make it easy for data brokers to access your home's value, tax history, and neighborhood crime rates. These are used to target you with aggressive refinancing offers, alarm system ads, or moving service promotions. Scammers also use this data to profile households they think are vulnerable based on property values or crime rates. The result is an increased flood of junk mail, spam calls, targeted online ads you never asked for, or worse, like physical safety risks. 7) Data brokers know who you live with By monitoring Wi-Fi connections, shared deliveries, smart home devices, and online purchase patterns, data brokers can determine exactly how many people live in your home. They often build profiles on your family members too—even if they've never created an online account themselves. This allows advertisers to tailor ads to your household, making your family's online activities part of your digital profile. It's invasive, and most people have no idea it's happening. 8) Your political views can be tracked through online behavior Even if you keep politics off your social media feeds, your browsing history tells a different story. The news articles you read, political newsletters you subscribe to, and nonprofits you donate to all get tracked. Data brokers use this to place you on lists of likely voters for certain parties or causes. This can lead to politically targeted ads , donation requests, and even manipulation attempts around election seasons, all without your explicit permission. 10 SIGNS YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING SOLD ONLINE 9) Life milestones are tracked before you announce them The internet picks up on your major life milestones long before you announce them. If you start browsing for engagement rings, baby gear, or moving boxes, data brokers immediately flag those behaviors. This triggers waves of ads and marketing campaigns designed to capitalize on your upcoming life changes. In many cases, you'll start seeing offers and promotions months before you tell your closest friends or family members. How to find out which data brokers have your information and remove it While no service can completely erase every trace of your data online, using a trusted data removal service is one of the most effective steps you can take. These services actively monitor and submit removal requests to hundreds of data broker websites, saving you hours of tedious work. It is not cheap, but when it comes to protecting your personal privacy, the cost is worth it. Reducing the amount of exposed data tied to your name lowers your risk of being targeted by scammers who often combine breached data with what they find online. If you are ready to take control of your personal information, start with my top picks for data removal services. Check out my top picks for data removal services here . Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web Kurt's key takeaways Your online activity reveals more than you think, and you do not need to overshare on social media for your data to end up in the wrong hands. Everything from your location history to your streaming habits can be tracked, sold, and used to build a profile on you. That profile can be used by advertisers, data brokers, political groups, or even cybercriminals. The good news is that you can push back. Being aware of what you are sharing is the first step. Second, using a trusted data removal service can make a real difference. You do not need to be paranoid, but you do need to be proactive. Taking control of your digital footprint is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your privacy in today's hyper-connected world. Do you think more needs to be done to stop companies from being allowed to know everything about you while you're left in the dark? Let us know by writing us at . For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to . Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover . Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Fox News
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fox News
AI-powered self-driving software is disrupting the trucking industry
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 25, 2025 Artificial intelligence-powered self-driving trucks are no longer a distant concept. They are quickly becoming a real solution to some of the logistics industry's biggest challenges. As supply chains face growing pressure and the driver shortage deepens across the U.S. and Europe, Plus Automation is stepping up with bold ambitions and powerful AI. Recently, the Santa Clara, California-based startup announced it will go public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX. The combined company will operate as PlusAI, which describes itself as a Physical AI company commercializing AI-based virtual driver software for autonomous trucks. While the SPAC merger is a major milestone, at the heart of this deal is Plus' goal of driving the future of autonomous freight and reshaping the trucking industry, even as concerns around safety, regulation and driver jobs continue to spark debate. 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. DRIVERLESS BIG RIG ROBOTRUCKS ARE NOW ON THE ROAD IN THIS STATE Why Plus is grabbing attention in the trucking world Trucking is a $2 trillion freight market in the U.S. and Europe alone, and it faces some serious headwinds. There is a growing shortage of drivers, rising costs, and relentless demand for faster deliveries. Plus's SuperDrive software is designed to address these pain points by enabling safe, scalable autonomous trucking. The technology is not just theoretical. It has already been tested over five million miles across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, gathering real-world data to make its AI smarter and more reliable with every trip. Founded in Silicon Valley in 2016 by engineers and entrepreneurs with deep roots in AI and machine learning, Plus has always aimed to do things differently. Instead of relying on hand-coded rules, Plus uses advanced AI models to create a "driving intelligence" that learns and adapts from every mile on the road. This AV 2.0 approach helped Plus achieve a major safety milestone in April 2025, when its SuperDrive system successfully completed "driver-out" validation. The truck operated autonomously without a human behind the wheel. Plus is currently running public road tests in Texas and Sweden, with more fleet trials coming soon. HOW TO LOWER YOUR CAR INSURANCE COSTS IN 2025 DRIVERLESS BIG RIG ROBOTRUCKS ARE NOW ON THE ROAD IN THIS STATE The power of partnerships: OEMs and industry leaders One of Plus's biggest strengths is its deep integration with top truck manufacturers, including TRATON GROUP, Hyundai, and IVECO. These companies are working closely with Plus to factory-build, validate, and support autonomous trucks powered by SuperDrive. This OEM-led strategy means that fleet operators will receive autonomous trucks ready for the road, complete with support from trusted manufacturers. Plus is not working in isolation. The company has formed strategic collaborations with industry leaders like DSV, Bosch, and NVIDIA. These partnerships are designed to accelerate the rollout of autonomous capabilities and ensure that the technology is robust, reliable, and ready for real-world deployment. By working together, they are building an ecosystem that supports fleet operators every step of the way. WOULD YOU HOP ON THIS DRIVERLESS ELECTRIC CITY BUS? Financial strength and a smart business model The upcoming merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX is expected to provide Plus with up to $300 million in gross proceeds. This capital will help fund the commercial launch of SuperDrive-enabled, factory-built autonomous trucks in 2027. Plus is entering the public market with a pre-money valuation of $1.2 billion, offering an attractive opportunity for investors interested in the next wave of AI-driven logistics. What sets Plus apart financially is its capital-light, software-focused model. Instead of building trucks from scratch, Plus provides the AI "brain" that powers them, generating recurring revenue through a driver-as-a-service approach. This means high margins, scalable growth, and a clear path to profitability. The company is led by a team of experienced founders and executives, including CEO David Liu, who has a proven track record of building and scaling technology startups. Liu underscores the company's broader mission, stating: "Our long-term vision is to empower fleet operators to run global freight networks with autonomous vehicles that improve safety, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. We believe the industry is at a critical inflection point, driven by breakthroughs in AI, supportive regulatory momentum, and ecosystem readiness." WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? BIG RIGS DELIVER CARGO WITH NO HUMANS AT THE WHEEL Why autonomous trucking is more relevant than ever The numbers tell a compelling story. The U.S. and Europe together face a shortage of over 300,000 truck drivers every year, and that gap is only expected to widen as the workforce ages. Autonomous trucks offer a real solution by reducing operating costs, increasing truck utilization, and helping fleet operators keep up with demand. Plus's SuperDrive system is purpose-built for these challenges. With ongoing fleet trials and partnerships, the company is well-positioned to deliver a safe, scalable alternative to traditional trucking. 15 BEST FEATURES OF AMAZON PRIME YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT What's next for Plus and the industry? Looking ahead, Plus is targeting the commercial launch of its SuperDrive-enabled trucks in 2027, starting in the U.S. and expanding into Europe. With operations in California, Texas, and Germany, Plus is ready to support customers on both sides of the Atlantic. The company's long-term vision is to empower fleet operators to run global freight networks with autonomous vehicles that improve safety, boost efficiency, and cut costs. Not everyone is onboard: Skepticism and industry pushback While Plus Automation's vision is ambitious, it is not without critics. The autonomous trucking industry continues to face scrutiny from regulators, labor unions, and some logistics professionals who question whether the technology is truly ready for wide-scale deployment. Regulatory uncertainty remains one of the biggest obstacles. Fully autonomous, driver-out operations like Plus is testing raise complex questions about safety, liability, and insurance. Many policymakers are cautious, arguing that current oversight and laws have not yet adapted to the fast-moving landscape of vehicle automation. Labor organizations, particularly the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, have voiced strong opposition. They warn that the widespread adoption of autonomous trucks could displace tens of thousands of human drivers and impact job security across the freight industry. These groups are pushing for more transparency, safety assurances, and legal protections for workers as automation expands. In a public statement opposing the rapid rollout of autonomous trucks, Sean M. O'Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said this: "We are not going to sit back and watch as automation threatens the livelihood of millions of truck drivers across America." This quote underscores the growing tension between innovation and labor rights. For many in the workforce, autonomous trucking is seen less as a technological leap forward and more as a potential disruption to long-standing jobs and livelihoods. Even within the logistics industry itself, some operators remain skeptical about the pace of adoption. Questions remain about how autonomous systems will handle unpredictable real-world conditions such as bad weather, complex intersections, and rural roadways where sensor performance can vary. In response, Plus emphasizes its phased approach to automation. Rather than replacing drivers overnight, the company positions its SuperDrive system as a way to augment human capabilities, improve safety, and reduce fatigue. Its deep partnerships with trusted manufacturers and logistics providers are also aimed at easing the transition and building confidence across the industry. As Plus prepares to go public, how it addresses these concerns from regulators, workers, and industry stakeholders will be critical. Earning trust may prove just as important as advancing the technology itself. SUBSCRIBE TO KURT'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES The long road to autonomous safety According to Linda Garner-Bunch, managing editor of The Trucker Media Group : "The idea of developing viable — and safe — autonomous Class 8 trucks has been around since the 1990s, with lots of tech firms tossing their hats in the ring. Many of those firms have failed, often because of a lack of funding. In addition, both the general public and the trucking industry have expressed concerns about the safety of current autonomous technology. After all, an 80,000-pound driverless truck can do a lot more damage than a 6,000-pound passenger car if something goes wrong! To address this, legislation has been introduced requiring that a qualified human operator be present in autonomous heavy-duty trucks to take over manual control as needed. Even so, autonomous tech is becoming increasingly common in both commercial and private vehicles — think anti-lock brakes, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, camera systems … the list goes on and on. Autonomy may be the future of the trucking industry, but it's not ready for full deployment at this time. Adequate funding is needed to ensure that the development and testing of autonomous technology is done properly and safely. The merger between Plus and Churchill Capital Corp IX will help ensure the company has the necessary capital to conduct research, development, and testing while ensuring the safety of everyone on the road." Kurt's key takeaways Autonomous trucking might still sound futuristic to some, but companies like Plus Automation are proving it's already becoming a reality. With real-world testing, major industry partnerships, and a smart approach to scaling, Plus is putting itself in a strong position to lead this next chapter in logistics. That said, the journey won't be without its challenges. From regulatory roadblocks to concerns about the impact on jobs, there's still a lot to figure out. But if Plus can keep building trust and showing that its tech really does make trucking safer and more efficient, it could help reshape how freight moves across the U.S. and beyond. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Are you ready to share the road with autonomous trucks powered by AI instead of human drivers, or do you think there are still hurdles to overcome before this technology should go mainstream? Let us know by writing us at . For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to . Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover . Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Fox News
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
What AI's insatiable appetite for power means for our future
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 20, 2025 Every time you ask ChatGPT a question, to generate an image or let artificial intelligence summarize your email, something big is happening behind the scenes. Not on your device, but in sprawling data centers filled with servers, GPUs and cooling systems that require massive amounts of electricity. The modern AI boom is pushing our power grid to its limits. ChatGPT alone processes roughly 1 billion queries per day, each requiring data center resources far beyond what's on your device. In fact, the energy needed to support artificial intelligence is rising so quickly that it has already delayed the retirement of several coal plants in the U.S., with more delays expected. Some experts warn that the AI arms race is outpacing the infrastructure meant to support it. Others argue it could spark long-overdue clean energy innovation. AI isn't just reshaping apps and search engines. It's also reshaping how we build, fuel and regulate the digital world. The race to scale up AI capabilities is accelerating faster than most infrastructure can handle, and energy is becoming the next major bottleneck. TRUMP'S NUCLEAR STRATEGY TAKES SHAPE AS FORMER MANHATTAN PROJECT SITE POWERS UP FOR AI RACE AGAINST CHINA Here's a look at how AI is changing the energy equation, and what it might mean for our climate future. 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. Why AI uses so much power, and what drives the demand Running artificial intelligence at scale requires enormous computational power. Unlike traditional internet activity, which mostly involves pulling up stored information, AI tools perform intensive real-time processing. Whether training massive language models or responding to user prompts, AI systems rely on specialized hardware like GPUs (graphics processing unit) that consume far more power than legacy servers. GPUs are designed to handle many calculations in parallel, which is perfect for the matrix-heavy workloads that power generative AI and deep learning systems. To give you an idea of scale: one Nvidia H100 GPU, commonly used in AI training, consumes up to 700 watts on its own. Training a single large AI model like GPT-4 may require thousands of these GPUs running continuously for weeks. Multiply that across dozens of models and hundreds of data centers, and the numbers escalate quickly. A traditional data center rack might use around 8 kilowatts (kW) of power. An AI-optimized rack using GPUs can demand 45-55 kW or more. Multiply that across an entire building or campus of racks, and the difference is staggering. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Cooling all that hardware adds another layer of energy demand. Keeping AI servers from overheating accounts for 30-55% of a data center's total power use. Advanced cooling methods like liquid immersion are helping, but scaling those across the industry will take time. On the upside, AI researchers are developing more efficient ways to run these systems. One promising approach is the "mixture of experts" model architecture, which activates only a portion of the full model for each task. This method can significantly reduce the amount of energy required without sacrificing performance. How much power are we talking about? In 2023, global data centers consumed about 500 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. That is enough to power every home in California, Texas and Florida combined for an entire year. By 2030, the number could triple, with AI as the main driver. To put it into perspective, the average home uses about 30 kilowatt-hours per day. One terawatt-hour is a billion times larger than a kilowatt-hour. That means 1 TWh could power 33 million homes for a day. 5 AI TERMS YOU KEEP HEARING AND WHAT THEY ACTUALLY MEAN AI's energy demand is outpacing the power grid The demand for AI is growing faster than the energy grid can adapt. In the U.S., data center electricity use is expected to surpass 600 TWh by 2030, tripling current levels. Meeting that demand requires the equivalent of adding 14 large power plants to the grid. Large AI data centers can each require 100–500 megawatts (MW), and the largest facilities may soon exceed 1 gigawatt (GW), which is about as much as a nuclear power plant or a small U.S. state. One 1 GW data center could consume more power than the entire city of San Francisco. Multiply that by a few dozen campuses across the country, and you start to see how quickly this demand adds up. To keep up, utilities across the country are delaying coal plant retirements, expanding natural gas infrastructure and shelving clean energy projects. In states like Utah, Georgia and Wisconsin, energy regulators have approved new fossil fuel investments directly linked to data center growth. By 2035, data centers could account for 8.6% of all U.S. electricity demand, up from 3.5% today. Despite public pledges to support sustainability, tech companies are inadvertently driving a fossil fuel resurgence. For the average person, this shift could increase electricity costs, strain regional energy supplies and complicate state-level clean energy goals. Can big tech keep its green energy promises? Tech giants Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta all claim they are working toward a net-zero emissions future. In simple terms, this means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases they emit with the amount they remove or offset, ideally bringing their net contribution to climate change down to zero. These companies purchase large amounts of renewable energy to offset their usage and invest in next-generation energy solutions. For example, Microsoft has a contract with fusion start-up Helion to supply clean electricity by 2028. However, critics argue these clean energy purchases do not reflect the reality on the ground. Because the grid is shared, even if a tech company buys solar or wind power on paper, fossil fuels often fill the gap for everyone else. Some researchers say this model is more beneficial for company accounting than for climate progress. While the numbers might look clean on a corporate emissions report, the actual energy powering the grid still includes coal and gas. Microsoft , Google and Amazon have pledged to power their data centers with 100% renewable energy, but because the grid is shared, fossil fuels often fill the gap when renewables aren't available. Some critics argue that voluntary pledges alone are not enough. Unlike traditional industries, there is no standardized regulatory framework requiring tech companies to disclose detailed energy usage from AI operations. This lack of transparency makes it harder to track whether green pledges are translating into meaningful action, especially as workloads shift to third-party contractors or overseas operations. AI CYBERSECURITY RISKS AND DEEPFAKE SCAMS ON THE RISE The future of clean energy for AI and its limits To meet soaring energy needs without worsening emissions, tech companies are investing in advanced energy projects. These include small nuclear reactors built directly next to data centers, deep geothermal systems and nuclear fusion. While promising, these technologies face enormous technical and regulatory hurdles. Fusion, for example, has never reached commercial break-even, meaning it has yet to produce more energy than it consumes. Even the most optimistic experts say we may not see scalable fusion before the 2030s. Beyond the technical barriers, many people have concerns about the safety, cost and long-term waste management of new nuclear systems. While proponents argue these designs are safer and more efficient, public skepticism remains a real hurdle. Community resistance is also a factor. In some regions, proposals for nuclear microreactors or geothermal drilling have faced delays due to concerns over safety, noise and environmental harm. Building new data centers and associated power infrastructure can take up to seven years, due to permitting, land acquisition and construction challenges. Google recently activated a geothermal project in Nevada, but it only generates enough power for a few thousand homes. The next phase may be able to power a single data center by 2028. Meanwhile, companies like Amazon and Microsoft continue building sites that consume more power than entire citie. SCAMMERS CAN EXPLOIT YOUR DATA FROM JUST ONE CHATGPT SEARCH Will AI help or harm the environment? This is the central debate. Advocates argue that AI could ultimately help accelerate climate progress by optimizing energy grids, modeling emissions patterns and inventing better clean technology. Microsoft and Google have both cited these uses in their public statements. But critics warn that the current trajectory is unsustainable. Without major breakthroughs or stricter policy frameworks, the energy cost of AI may overwhelm climate gains. A recent forecast estimated that AI could add 1.7 gigatons of carbon dioxide to global emissions between 2025 and 2030, roughly 4% more than the entire annual emissions of the U.S. Water use, rare mineral demand and land-use conflicts are also emerging concerns as AI infrastructure expands. Large data centers often require millions of gallons of water for cooling each year, which can strain local water supplies. The demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements — used in servers, cooling systems and power electronics — creates additional pressure on supply chains and mining operations. In some areas, communities are pushing back against land being rezoned for large-scale tech development. Rapid hardware turnover is also adding to the environmental toll. As AI systems evolve quickly, older GPUs and accelerators are replaced more frequently, creating significant electronic waste. Without strong recycling programs in place, much of this equipment ends up in landfills or is exported to developing countries. The question isn't just whether AI can become cleaner over time. It's whether we can scale the infrastructure needed to support it without falling back on fossil fuels. Meeting that challenge will require tighter collaboration between tech companies, utilities and policymakers. Some experts warn that AI could either help fight climate change or make it worse, and the outcome depends entirely on how we choose to power the future of computing. HOW TO LOWER YOUR CAR INSURANCE COSTS IN 2025 Kurt's key takeaways AI is revolutionizing how we work, but it is also transforming how we use energy. Data centers powering AI systems are becoming some of the world's largest electricity consumers. Tech companies are betting big on futuristic solutions, but the reality is that many fossil fuel plants are staying online longer just to meet AI's rising energy demand. Whether AI ends up helping or hurting the climate may depend on how quickly clean energy breakthroughs catch up and how honestly we measure progress. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Is artificial intelligence worth the real-world cost of fossil resurgence? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at . For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Fox News
14-06-2025
- Fox News
How addresses are collected and put on people finder sites
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 14, 2025 Your home address might be easier to find online than you think. A quick search of your name could turn up past and current locations, all thanks to people finder sites. These data broker sites quietly collect and publish personal details without your consent, making your privacy vulnerable with just a few clicks. 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. How your address gets exposed online and who's using it If you've ever searched for your name and found personal details, like your address, on unfamiliar websites, you're not alone. People finder platforms collect this information from public records and third-party data brokers, then publish and share it widely. They often link your address to other details such as phone numbers, email addresses and even relatives. 11 EASY WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY IN 2025 While this data may already be public in various places, these sites make it far easier to access and monetize it at scale. In one recent breach, more than 183 million login credentials were exposed through an unsecured database. Many of these records were linked to physical addresses, raising concerns about how multiple sources of personal data can be combined and exploited. Although people finder sites claim to help reconnect friends or locate lost contacts, they also make sensitive personal information available to anyone willing to pay. This includes scammers, spammers and identity thieves who use it for fraud, harassment, and targeted scams. How do people search sites get your home address? First, let's define two sources of information; public and private databases that people search sites use to get your detailed profile, including your home address. They run an automated search on these databases with key information about you and add your home address from the search results. 1. Public sources Your home address can appear in: Property deeds: When you buy or sell a home, your name and address become part of the public record. When you buy or sell a home, your name and address become part of the public record. Voter registration: You need to list your address when voting. You need to list your address when voting. Court documents: Addresses appear in legal filings or lawsuits. Addresses appear in legal filings or lawsuits. Marriage and divorce records: These often include current or past addresses. These often include current or past addresses. Business licenses and professional registrations: If you own a business or hold a license, your address can be listed. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? These records are legal to access, and people finder sites collect and repackage them into detailed personal profiles. 2. Private sources Other sites buy your data from companies you've interacted with: Online purchases: When you buy something online, your address is recorded and can be sold to marketing companies. When you buy something online, your address is recorded and can be sold to marketing companies. Subscriptions and memberships: Magazines, clubs and loyalty programs often share your information. Magazines, clubs and loyalty programs often share your information. Social media platforms: Your location or address details can be gathered indirectly from posts, photos or shared information. Your location or address details can be gathered indirectly from posts, photos or shared information. Mobile apps and websites: Some apps track your location. People finder sites buy this data from other data brokers and combine it with public records to build complete profiles that include address information. What are the risks of having your address on people finder sites? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises people to request the removal of their private data , including home addresses, from people search sites due to the associated risks of stalking, scamming and other crimes. People search sites are a goldmine for cybercriminals looking to target and profile potential victims as well as plan comprehensive cyberattacks. Losses due to targeted phishing attacks increased by 33% in 2024 , according to the FBI. So, having your home address publicly accessible can lead to several risks: Stalking and harassment: Criminals can easily find your home address and threaten you. Criminals can easily find your home address and threaten you. Identity theft: Scammers can use your address and other personal information to impersonate you or fraudulently open accounts. Scammers can use your address and other personal information to impersonate you or fraudulently open accounts. Unwanted contact: Marketers and scammers can use your address to send junk mail or phishing or brushing scams. Marketers and scammers can use your address to send junk mail or phishing or Increased financial risks: Insurance companies or lenders can use publicly available address information to unfairly decide your rates or eligibility. Insurance companies or lenders can use publicly available address information to unfairly decide your rates or eligibility. Burglary and home invasion: Criminals can use your location to target your home when you're away or vulnerable. How to protect your home address The good news is that you can take steps to reduce the risks and keep your address private. However, keep in mind that data brokers and people search sites can re-list your information after some time, so you might need to request data removal periodically. I recommend a few ways to delete your private information , including your home address, from such websites. 1. Use personal data removal services: Data brokers can sell your home address and other personal data to multiple businesses and individuals, so the key is to act fast. If you're looking for an easier way to protect your privacy, a data removal service can do the heavy lifting for you, automatically requesting data removal from brokers and tracking compliance. 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 here. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web 2. Opt out manually : Use a free scanner provided by a data removal service to check which people search sites that list your address. Then, visit each of these websites and look for an opt-out procedure or form: keywords like "opt out," "delete my information," etc., point the way. Follow each site's opt-out process carefully, and confirm they've removed all your personal info, otherwise, it may get relisted. 3. Monitor your digital footprint: I recommend regularly searching online for your name to see if your location is publicly available. If only your social media profile pops up, there's no need to worry. However, people finder sites tend to relist your private information, including your home address, after some time. 4. Limit sharing your address online: Be careful about sharing your home address on social media, online forms and apps. Review privacy settings regularly, and only provide your address when absolutely necessary. Also, adjust your phone settings so that apps don't track your location. Kurt's key takeaways Your home address is more vulnerable than you think. People finder sites aggregate data from public records and private sources to display your address online, often without your knowledge or consent. This can lead to serious privacy and safety risks. Taking proactive steps to protect your home address is essential. Do it manually or use a data removal tool for an easier process. By understanding how your location is collected and taking measures to remove your address from online sites, you can reclaim control over your personal data. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP How do you feel about companies making your home address so easy to find? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
