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Fox News
2 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Can a new nuclear plant fix New York's power problem?
Big news is coming out of New York, and it could change the way the state powers its homes and businesses for decades to come. Gov. Kathy Hochul just announced plans for a major new nuclear power plant, and the buzz is already building. If you're curious about what this means for New York's energy future, you're not alone. Let's break down what's happening, why it matters, and what challenges lie ahead. 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. Governor Hochul didn't mince words at her press conference. She made it clear that if New York wants to keep fossil fuels in check and meet its climate goals, nuclear energy has to be part of the mix. The new plant is expected to generate at least one gigawatt of electricity, which is enough to power about a million homes. That's a big deal for a state that's been working hard to cut carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. Right now, the New York Power Authority is in the driver's seat, tasked with figuring out where the plant will go and what it will look like. The project is still in its early days, but the state plans to work with private companies to build and operate the facility. The goal is to make sure the energy it produces stays in New York, benefiting local communities and businesses. If you've been following the tech world, you know that companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are hungry for clean, reliable power. Data centers use a ton of electricity, and these companies are making big moves to secure nuclear energy for their operations. Microsoft is even helping to reopen a reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, while Meta and Amazon have signed massive deals to buy nuclear power in Illinois and Pennsylvania. This trend isn't just about powering servers. It's also about showing that nuclear energy can be a key player in the clean energy transition. With more companies looking for zero-emission power, New York's new plant could attract even more investment and jobs to the state. Of course, building a nuclear plant is no walk in the park. The United States hasn't started construction on a new large-scale nuclear facility in over 15 years. The last few projects have been plagued by delays and massive cost overruns. There's a lot of hope that new designs, like small modular reactors, could make things faster and cheaper, but those technologies haven't been proven at scale just yet. Gov. Hochul pointed out that a lot of the hurdles are at the federal level. Getting the necessary permits and approvals can take years, and the process is anything but simple. There's also the challenge of finding a skilled workforce, securing a steady supply of nuclear fuel, and figuring out what to do with spent fuel once the plant is up and running. Despite the challenges, there's a real sense of excitement about what this new plant could mean for New York. It's a chance to modernize the state's energy grid, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and show the rest of the country what's possible when you invest in clean, reliable power. The fact that both Democrats and Republicans are getting behind nuclear energy is a sign that this could be the start of something big. It's clear that New York is ready to take a major step toward a cleaner, more reliable energy future. There's a lot of work to do, and some big hurdles to clear, but the momentum is real. If the state can pull this off, it could set a new standard for clean energy across the country. It's definitely a story worth watching, and who knows, it might just inspire other states to follow New York's lead. Are you ready for a future where your electricity could come from a new nuclear plant in your own backyard, or does the idea spark more concern than confidence? Let us know by writing to us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Fox News
3 days ago
- Fox News
Effortless golf with AI smart caddie that follows you
If you've ever found yourself juggling clubs, bags and gear while trying to keep your focus on your golf game, the Robera Neo might just be the solution you didn't know you needed. This AI-powered smart caddie is designed to follow you around the course, carrying your clubs effortlessly and freeing you up to concentrate on your swing. It's not just another electric cart; it's a great blend of technology that learns your movements, navigates the course and even offers swing analysis if you opt for the premium model. 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. The Robera Neo stands out because it doesn't require you to steer it or use a remote control. Thanks to its advanced time-of-flight camera and artificial intelligence, it recognizes you and follows you automatically. This means no more fumbling with controls or worrying about obstacles like trees or bunkers. The Neo uses GPS to map out the course, so it knows the best path to take, saving you time and energy as you move from hole to hole. One of the coolest things about the Neo is how naturally it responds to you. A simple wave of your hand tells it to start following or to stop, so you don't have to break your focus or reach for a remote. It's like having a caddie who just gets you. Plus, with multi-frequency GPS, the Neo can access thousands of course maps and navigate with ease. You can even tell it where to go by tapping on your phone or using voice commands, and it will get there ahead of you, ready with your clubs in tow. The Neo doesn't just blindly follow you. It's smart enough to spot obstacles and plan around them. Whether it's a tree, a bunker or a water hazard, the caddie charts a safe and efficient path. After you hit your ball, you mark its new location on the GPS map, and the Neo calculates the best way to get to you. This smart routing can save up to a third of the battery's power, so you can keep playing without worrying about running out of juice. Ever lost sight of your cart? With the Robera Neo, you can summon it from up to 328 feet away. It will navigate tricky terrain and come find you with no problem. And if your course has hills, the Neo can handle slopes of up to 25 degrees, so it won't leave you hanging when the going gets steep. The Neo is built to be lightweight and durable, making it easy to carry and tough enough for any weather conditions. Weighing in at under 33 pounds, it folds up for simple transport and storage. Its waterproof rating ensures that rain won't slow you down, so you can keep playing no matter the weather. Battery life is impressive; the standard model will last for about 27 holes, while the premium Tablet model can handle 36 holes or up to eight hours on a single charge. When it's time to recharge, fast charging gets you back on the course in about four and a half hours. If you just want a smart caddie that follows you and navigates the course, the Robera Neo Vision model has you covered, complete with a handy app for real-time updates and notifications. For those who want a little extra, the Neo Tablet model adds a bright touchscreen and a built-in camera that analyzes your swing, giving you instant feedback to help improve your game as you play. Golf courses can benefit from the Neo Drive version, which offers precise full-course navigation and a web-based management system. This lets operators monitor carts in real time, dispatch them remotely and set virtual boundaries to keep things running smoothly. It's a smart way to manage fleets and enhance the overall player experience. Both the Vision and Tablet models are available at about 40% off through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, priced at $1,799 and $2,399, respectively. Each package includes the caddie, battery, charger and app access, and they come with a two-year manufacturer's warranty. If all goes as planned, shipping will start in July 2025. The Robera Neo blends smart technology and practical design to create a golf caddie that truly makes your game easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a casual player who wants to ditch the heavy lifting or a serious golfer looking for real-time swing feedback and intelligent navigation, the Neo offers features that fit a wide range of needs. While backing a crowdfunding project always involves some risk, the positive response so far suggests this could be a reliable addition to your golf gear. If you're ready to focus on your game and let your caddy do the heavy work, the Robera Neo is ready to follow you every step of the way. Are you ready to let cutting-edge AI take the weight off your shoulders, or do you prefer sticking with the traditional way of carrying your clubs? 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 Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Fox News
17-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Fake Venmo accounts are stealing donations from real charities
Apps like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal have changed how we move money. They are fast and convenient, but with that ease comes exposure. If you send funds to the wrong person, they are likely gone for good. There is often no real path to recovery, especially when the recipient disappears behind a fake username and an unresponsive support system. This vulnerability becomes even more dangerous in moments of crisis. During natural disasters, high-profile social movements, or health emergencies, people are moved to give. Scammers know this and exploit the impulse. One such scam involved a fake Venmo account pretending to collect donations for a Minnesota nonprofit after the death of George Floyd. The account looked legitimate, but the funds never reached the organization. A similar scam is targeting Miles Perret Cancer Services, a nonprofit based in Louisiana. Scammers have created a fraudulent Venmo account that closely mimics the legitimate Venmo handle of the cancer nonprofit organization. They are using this fake account to trick well-meaning donors into sending money, believing they are supporting the real charity. 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. Miles Perret Cancer Services (MPCS) provides support to families facing cancer diagnoses. They recently discovered that a fraudulent Venmo account is impersonating their official one. Their real handle is @milesperretcs. The scammer's account uses @milesperretcs_, a nearly indistinguishable copy. To the average person, the difference is invisible. That is precisely what makes it dangerous. "We reported this account through the app more than 24 hours ago," Timothy Rinaldi, executive director of MPCS, told Cyberguy. "There has been no follow-up from Venmo. We tried the live chat option, but it was abruptly closed with no resolution." Instead of helping, Venmo routed Rinaldi through generic FAQs and legal disclaimers. Even after he was connected with a live support agent, the responses were standard scripts. He was told that the issue had been escalated, but no one could provide a timeline beyond a vague window of three to five business days. Fake Venmo accounts have been used in recent years to exploit donation drives for hurricane relief, animal shelters, medical funds, and other causes. The formula is simple. Take a known nonprofit, tweak the username slightly, and ride the momentum of goodwill. By the time anyone catches on, the money is gone and the damage is done. The incident involving MPCS is not an isolated case. In December 2024, Final Victory Animal Rescue, a nonprofit based in South Carolina, discovered a Venmo account impersonating the organization and collecting donations intended for the real charity. The group's general manager, Michael Sniezek, confirmed the account had been receiving funds from unsuspecting donors before the issue was flagged. In another case, Alone No More Dog Rescue, a Phoenix-based nonprofit, posted on Facebook that fraudulent Venmo accounts had been targeting its past donors, sending them payment requests and soliciting additional funds under false pretenses. MPCS has filed a report with the Federal Trade Commission, but there is no guarantee of quick resolution. The fraudulent account remains active as of press time. It is unclear how much has already been lost or whether Venmo will recover and return any of it. Scammers aren't just targeting charities. They're after anyone and everyone. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and keep your hard-earned money safe. 1) Always access the payment app from the official app or website, and not from any third-party platforms or services. 2) Look at the security settings that the payment app offers and make sure they're all set to the highest and most protective settings. 3) Consider using a personal data removal service to protect your privacy and reduce your risk of scams. Scammers who target payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal often rely on information found on data broker and people-search sites to craft convincing impersonations or phishing attempts. These sites can list your name, address, phone number, and even connections to organizations you support, making it easier for fraudsters to trick you or others into sending money to fake accounts. Personal data removal services work by automatically removing your information from hundreds of data broker sites, making it much harder for scammers to find and misuse your details. By scrubbing your data from these sources, you lower your risk of being targeted in payment app scams and reduce the likelihood that someone could impersonate you or a nonprofit you care about. 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 4) Create a strong, unique and complex password for each of your mobile payment apps and change it often. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here. 5) Enable two-factor authentication, which means that you need to enter a code or use your fingerprint or face to unlock your account to prevent unauthorized access. This way, even if someone knows your password, they can't log in without your device or confirmation. 6) Lock your device and log out of your apps. You should always lock your phone with a password, PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face. Never share your password, PIN, or security code with anyone. You should also log out of your mobile payment apps after each use and turn off the auto-login feature. This way, even if someone takes or borrows your device, they can't access your mobile payment apps without your approval. 7) Verify the identity and legitimacy of the sender or receiver. You should always check the name, photo, username, and contact information of the person or organization you are sending money to or receiving money from before accepting or sending any payment requests. You should also confirm the reason and amount of the transaction before you agree to it. If you are not sure or have any doubts, you should contact the person or organization directly through another way, such as a phone call, text message, or email, but only if you know for sure that those forms of communication are legitimate. You should never send money or give your account details to anyone you don't know or trust, or anyone who asks you to do so out of the blue. 8) Link your Venmo to a credit card as opposed to a debit card, so you can dispute a charge from scammers more easily. However, keep in mind, linking a credit card to your payment app can provide additional protection in the event of fraud, but this can come with extra costs in terms of transaction fees. 9) Try not to keep a balance in your money-transferring apps. You have a much better chance of being helped by your bank or credit card company when it comes to fraud than you do from a money-transferring app. 10) Use strong antivirus software and never click on links from unknown sources, especially when an email or text appears to have come from the payment App. Protect yourself from accidentally clicking on malicious links by running antivirus software on your device. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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. 11) Monitor your account activity and report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions. You should set up notifications from your payment app and your bank via text or email, and check your account activity regularly. Look for any signs of fraud, such as payments you didn't make or receive, or changes to your account settings or information. Unlike traditional banks, which are bound by federal consumer protection laws and fraud resolution timelines, peer-to-peer payment apps operate in a much looser regulatory environment. Services like Venmo often state in their user agreements that they are not responsible for mistaken or unauthorized payments unless there is clear evidence of account compromise or technical malfunction. Venmo's only suggestion here was to respond to a support ticket and wait. There was no emergency fraud hotline, no dedicated contact for nonprofits, and no indication that urgent action would be taken. Payment apps that allow donations to flow as quickly as a text message must also bear the responsibility of keeping those transactions safe. When a nonprofit has to beg for support just to protect its own identity, something is broken. Should payment platforms be held responsible for losses caused by impersonation scams? Let us know by writing to us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Over 8M patient records leaked in healthcare data breach
In the past decade, healthcare data has become one of the most sought-after targets in cybercrime. From insurers to clinics, every player in the ecosystem handles some form of sensitive information. However, breaches do not always originate from hospitals or health apps. Increasingly, patient data is managed by third-party vendors offering digital services such as scheduling, billing and marketing. One such breach at a digital marketing agency serving dental practices recently exposed approximately 2.7 million patient profiles and more than 8.8 million appointment records. 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. Cybernews researchers have discovered a misconfigured MongoDB database exposing 2.7 million patient profiles and 8.8 million appointment records. The database was publicly accessible online, unprotected by passwords or authentication protocols. Anyone with basic knowledge of database scanning tools could have accessed it. The exposed data included names, birthdates, addresses, emails, phone numbers, gender, chart IDs, language preferences and billing classifications. Appointment records also contained metadata such as timestamps and institutional identifiers. Read On The Fox News App Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Passwords And Logins Clues within the data structure point toward Gargle, a Utah-based company that builds websites and offers marketing tools for dental practices. While not a confirmed source, several internal references and system details suggest a strong connection. Gargle provides appointment scheduling, form submission and patient communication services. These functions require access to patient information, making the firm a likely link in the exposure. After the issue was reported, the database was secured. The duration of the exposure remains unknown, and there is no public evidence indicating whether the data was downloaded by malicious actors before being locked down. We reached out to Gargle for a comment but did not hear back before our deadline. Doubleclickjacking Hack Turns Double-clicks Into Account Takeovers The exposed data presents a broad risk profile. On its own, a phone number or billing record might seem limited in scope. Combined, however, the dataset forms a complete profile that could be exploited for identity theft, insurance fraud and targeted phishing campaigns. Medical identity theft allows attackers to impersonate patients and access services under a false identity. Victims often remain unaware until significant damage is done, ranging from incorrect medical records to unpaid bills in their names. The leak also opens the door to insurance fraud, with actors using institutional references and chart data to submit false claims. This type of breach raises questions about compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which mandates strong security protections for entities handling patient data. Although Gargle is not a healthcare provider, its access to patient-facing infrastructure could place it under the scope of that regulation as a business associate. Malware Exposes 3.9 Billion Passwords In Huge Cybersecurity Threat If your information was part of the healthcare breach or any similar one, it's worth taking a few steps to protect yourself. 1. Consider identity theft protection services: Since the healthcare data breach exposed personal and financial information, it's crucial to stay proactive against identity theft. Identity theft protection services offer continuous monitoring of your credit reports, Social Security number and even the dark web to detect if your information is being misused. These services send you real-time alerts about suspicious activity, such as new credit inquiries or attempts to open accounts in your name, helping you act quickly before serious damage occurs. Beyond monitoring, many identity theft protection companies provide dedicated recovery specialists who assist you in resolving fraud issues, disputing unauthorized charges and restoring your identity if it's compromised. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft. 2. Use personal data removal services: The healthcare data breach leaks loads of information about you, and all this could end up in the public domain, which essentially gives anyone an opportunity to scam you. One proactive step is to consider personal data removal services, which specialize in continuously monitoring and removing your information from various online databases and websites. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. 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 3. Have strong antivirus software: Hackers have people's email addresses and full names, which makes it easy for them to send you a phishing link that installs malware and steals all your data. These messages are socially engineered to catch them, and catching them is nearly impossible if you're not careful. However, you're not without defenses. 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. 4. Enable two-factor authentication: While passwords weren't part of the data breach, you still need to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). It gives you an extra layer of security on all your important accounts, including email, banking and social media. 2FA requires you to provide a second piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password when logging in. This makes it significantly harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if they have your password. Enabling 2FA can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your sensitive data. 5. Be wary of mailbox communications: Bad actors may also try to scam you through snail mail. The data leak gives them access to your address. They may impersonate people or brands you know and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions and security alerts. Windows 10 Security Flaws Leave Millions Vulnerable If nothing else, this latest leak shows just how poorly patient data is being handled today. More and more, non-medical vendors are getting access to sensitive information without facing the same rules or oversight as hospitals and clinics. These third-party services are now a regular part of how patients book appointments, pay bills or fill out forms. But when something goes wrong, the fallout is just as serious. Even though the database was taken offline, the bigger problem hasn't gone away. Your data is only as safe as the least careful company that gets access to it. Do you think healthcare companies are investing enough in their cybersecurity infrastructure? 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 Facebook YouTube Instagram Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android devices from getting hacked? What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web? How can I get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services? How do I remove my private data from the internet? New from Kurt: Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!) CyberGuy's Exclusive Coupons and Deals Copyright 2025 All rights article source: Over 8M patient records leaked in healthcare data breach
