Hackers disable Windows Defender using Intel CPU driver exploit in attacks

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August 29, 2025

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Most modern Windows PCs rely on Microsoft Defender as their first line of defense against malware. Over the years, it has evolved into a capable and often underrated antivirus that blocks a wide range of threats. But a hacker group has found a way to abuse a legitimate Intel CPU tuning driver in a “Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver” (BYOVD) attack to completely disable Microsoft Defender.

The technique has been observed since mid-July 2025 and is already being used in active ransomware campaigns. The method doesn’t rely on exploiting a software bug or delivering an obviously malicious file. Instead, it takes advantage of how the Windows driver system is designed to allow deep hardware access.

Let’s discuss all you need to know about the attack and how you can stay safe.

HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

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Person looks at their computer screen full of code and the phrase "access granted."

The Akira ransomware group exploits a legitimate Intel CPU tuning driver in cyberattacks to completely disable Microsoft Defender on Windows systems. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How Akira ransomware disables Microsoft Defender

The Akira ransomware group has developed a new way to bypass security tools by using a legitimate Intel CPU tuning driver called rwdrv.sys from the performance-tweaking tool ThrottleStop. Security firm GuidePoint Security says attackers load this driver to gain kernel-level access to Windows systems, then install a second malicious driver, hlpdrv.sys, which changes the DisableAntiSpyware registry setting via regedit.exe to shut down Microsoft Defender.

Once Defender is disabled, attackers can run other malicious programs undetected. GuidePoint says this method has been consistently spotted in Akira campaigns since mid-July.

The Akira ransomware group has been infiltrating Windows operating systems by exploiting a legitimate driver to gain access. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Akira ransomware targets Microsoft Defender and SonicWall VPNs

The same group has also been linked to attacks targeting SonicWall VPN devices. SonicWall has stated that these incidents likely involve a known vulnerability, CVE-2024-40766, rather than a brand-new zero-day. The company recommends restricting VPN access, enabling multi-factor authentication, and disabling unused accounts as immediate defenses.

Akira attacks often involve stealing data, setting up hidden remote access, and deploying ransomware to encrypt files across an organization. Security experts warn that fake or lookalike websites are increasingly being used to distribute these malicious tools.

FBI WARNS SENIORS ABOUT BILLION-DOLLAR SCAM DRAINING RETIREMENT FUNDS, EXPERT SAYS AI DRIVING IT

Researchers at GuidePoint have published a YARA detection rule, along with file names, service names, SHA-256 hashes, and file paths to help identify this activity. They recommend administrators actively monitor for these indicators, apply filtering and blocking rules as new IoCs emerge, and only download software from official or verified sources.

We reached out to Microsoft for a comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.

A split image shows a hacker and a Windows laptop.

Antivirus software, two-factor authentication and data removal services are just a few ways Windows users can protect themselves from hackers. (Cyberguy.com)

6 ways to protect yourself against Akira ransomware and similar threats

The Microsoft Defender attack is smart and dangerous, but you’re not without defenses. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:

1) Use strong antivirus software

Even with regular updates, Windows systems can be left exposed if built-in defenses are disabled. A strong antivirus software with real-time protection, kernel-level monitoring, and frequent updates can provide backup security. 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.

2) Limit exposure

Many exploits rely on user interaction, such as clicking a shady link, downloading a compromised file, or mounting an untrusted virtual disk. Stick to reputable websites, avoid opening unsolicited email attachments, and use a browser with built-in security features (like Microsoft Edge or Chrome with Safe Browsing enabled).

3) Avoid running unexpected commands

Never paste or run commands (like PowerShell scripts) you don’t understand or that were copied from random websites. Attackers often trick users into unknowingly running malware this way.

GOOGLE CONFIRMS DATA STOLEN IN BREACH BY KNOWN HACKER GROUP

4) Keep your software updated

Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and all software applications. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.

5) Use two-factor authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA on all your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.

6) Invest in personal data removal services

Even with strong device security, your personal information may still be exposed online through data brokers and people-finder sites.

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 takeaway

Akira’s trick shows a bigger flaw in how Windows trusts certain tools. A driver meant for harmless CPU tuning ends up being the key to turning security off. Since it’s from a legitimate source, Windows just lets it through without asking questions. We tend to think hackers always break in from the outside. Here, they’re already inside the circle of trust, using the system’s own rules.

Should Microsoft be doing more to stop ransomware groups from disabling Defender? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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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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Vitamin D linked to slower biological aging, new Harvard study shows

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August 29, 2025

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Previous research has linked a common vitamin to a slowdown in aging — and now a new Harvard study appears to confirm those findings.

The study, which was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that taking a daily vitamin D pill prevented telomeres from shortening, a hallmark of aging.

Telomeres, which are often compared to the plastic tips on the ends of shoelaces, act as “protective ends” on chromosome strands, according to a Harvard press release.

COMMON DAILY VITAMIN COULD SLOW BIOLOGICAL AGING, MAJOR STUDY SUGGESTS

As people age, telomeres get shorter, which can increase the likelihood of poor health and mortality, prior studies have shown.

Research has also suggested that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood is linked to longer telomeres.

Previous research has linked a common vitamin to a slowdown in aging — and now a new Harvard study appears to confirm those findings. (iStock)

In this latest randomized trial, approximately 1,000 people aged 50 and older were divided into two groups — one group took 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D pills each day, and the other group took placebo pills.

After a four-year period, the people taking vitamin D showed less than half of the telomere shortening than the placebo group.

The vitamin D group also had fewer autoimmune diseases and reduced inflammation markers.

COMMON VITAMIN SHOWN TO REDUCE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

Lead study author JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said the findings “suggest a promising role for vitamin D in slowing a pathway for biological aging and age-related chronic disease.”

A piece of salmon is on top of salad on a plate.

Fatty fish, including salmon, sardines and tuna, and wild mushrooms are other sources of vitamin D, an expert said. (iStock)

While the researchers were surprised that vitamin D was linked to such substantial protection against telomere shortening, Manson told Fox News Digital, the findings are consistent with previous evidence.

“Vitamin D tamps down inflammation, a major cause of telomere shortening and chronic diseases of aging,” she said.

Vitamin D recommendations

The question of what constitutes an “adequate” blood level of vitamin D is a “controversial topic,” according to Manson.

In the study, the team found that 2000 IU per day was “very safe,” without side effects or adverse events.

TO STAY HEALTHY, EAT MORE FOODS WITH VITAMIN D, NUTRITION EXPERT ADVISES

“Blood levels for deficiency and recommended blood levels vary across organizations, labs and countries, which is one of the reasons for doubt about the test’s usefulness,” Manson said.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and most professional societies in the U.S. do not recommend universal screening for vitamin D blood levels or routine use of vitamin D supplements, the researcher pointed out.

“Vitamin D tamps down inflammation, a major cause of telomere shortening and chronic diseases of aging.”

“The National Academy of Medicine recommends 600 IU of vitamin D per day for adults up to age 70 and 800 IU above age 70, stating that these intakes will meet the requirements of the large majority of adults in the population,” she said.

“However, recent guidelines from the Endocrine Society suggest that vitamin D supplements may be helpful for adults aged 75 and older, infants and children, pregnant women, and those with a diagnosis of prediabetes, but they don’t specify a specific dose.”

In the study, the team found that 2000 IU per day was “very safe,” without side effects or adverse events. (iStock)

For anyone who has concerns about getting adequate vitamin D from their diet and/or time outdoors, Manson said that supplementation with 1000 to 2000 IU/day of vitamin D would be “very reasonable.”

“In the U.S., foods such as dairy products, cereal and orange juice are often fortified with vitamin D, so checking nutrition labels can help you make better decisions about which foods to purchase,” she advised.

“Fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna, and wild mushrooms are other sources.”

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Groups at high risk for vitamin D deficiency include those living in nursing homes, people with malabsorption conditions like Crohn’s or celiac disease, those being treated for osteoporosis or other bone health problems, and those with major dietary restrictions, such as severe lactose intolerance, according to Manson.

“[People in these groups] should talk with their doctors about being tested for vitamin D blood levels and taking a vitamin D supplement,” she recommended.

Groups at high risk for vitamin D deficiency include those living in nursing homes, people with malabsorption conditions like Crohn’s or celiac disease, and those being treated for osteoporosis or other bone health problems. (iStock)

The doctor noted that people need only small to moderate amounts of vitamin D for good health, as the vitamin’s metabolism is “tightly regulated” in the body.

“More is not necessarily better, and very high doses — such as more than 10,000 IU/d — may be associated with high blood or urine calcium levels and toxicity,” she cautioned.

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Manson emphasized that taking a supplement is not a substitute for a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle.

“Although it’s much easier to pop a pill than to be physically active outdoors and eat healthfully, these lifestyle factors will do more to keep you healthy and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases of aging,” she said.

“More is not necessarily better.”

Going out for a 15-minute walk a few times a week at midday will typically provide enough sunlight exposure for the skin to synthesize vitamin D, Manson added.

“Even more important for your health would be to exercise outdoors, such as brisk walking, jogging or playing sports.”

Looking ahead to future research

“Although the results are exciting, we believe that replication of these results in a separate randomized trial will be important before changing general guidelines for vitamin D intake,” said Manson.

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The study was supported in part by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Cancer Institute and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Education Department finds Denver school broke Title IX with all-gender bathrooms

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August 29, 2025

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The U.S. Department of Education said on Thursday that it found Denver Public Schools violated Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education, by establishing all-gender bathrooms and allowing students to use bathrooms that match their gender identity rather than their biological sex.

The department’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation in January, shortly after President Donald Trump returned to the White House, into Denver’s East High School after the school district converted a girl’s bathroom into an all-gender restroom while leaving another bathroom on the same floor just for boys.

The district has said the change was made after a student-led process and that the bathroom had 12-foot-tall partitions around the toilets for privacy and security.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THREATENS TO PULL FEDERAL FUNDS FROM VIRGINIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN GENDER POLICY DISPUTE

The U.S. Department of Education said it found Denver Public Schools violated Title IX. (AP)

A second all-gender restroom was later on the same floor, which the district said was done to address concerns of unfairness. The district said at the time that students would also continue to have access to gender-specific bathrooms and single-stall, all-gender restrooms.

The federal government said it sent the district a proposed resolution that includes four conditions to which it must agree within the next 10 days to resolve the matter and avoid facing the risk of “imminent enforcement action.”

“Denver Public Schools violated Title IX and its implementing regulations by converting a sex-segregated restroom designated for girls in East High School to an ‘all-gender’ facility and by allowing students to use the high school’s intimate facilities on the basis of their ‘gender identity’ rather than their biological sex,” Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary of the department’s Office for Civil Rights, said in a statement.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY VIOLATED TITLE VI WITH ‘UNLAWFUL DEI POLICIES,’ EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAYS

The district has said the all-gender bathrooms were created after a student-led process. (AP)

“As a result, the District is creating a hostile environment for its students by endangering their safety, privacy, and dignity while denying them access to equal educational activities and opportunities,” he continued. “Denver is free to endorse a self-defeating gender ideology, but it is not free to accept federal taxpayer funds and harm its students in violation of Title IX. The Trump Administration will work relentlessly to hold accountable school districts that harbor the ideological fanatics and policies that sully students’ educational experience with sex discrimination.”

The proposed resolution would require the district to redesignate all-gender bathrooms back to sex-designated multi-stall restrooms, scrap any policies or guidance allowing students to access bathrooms based on gender identity rather than biological sex and adopt “biology-based definitions” for the words “male” and “female” in all policies and practices related to Title IX.

The district must also issue a memorandum to its schools affirming that they must provide access to bathrooms that “protect the privacy, dignity and safety of students and are comparably accessible to each sex.” It is also required to state that Title IX compliance ensures girls may not be discriminated against in any education program or activity.

Fox News Digital reached out to Denver Public Schools for comment.

The federal government said it had sent the district a proposed resolution to which it must agree within the next 10 days to resolve the matter. (J. David Ake/Getty Images)

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Under the Trump administration, federal officials have sought to target school districts for policies allowing students to use bathrooms or participate on sports teams that correspond with their gender identity.

The president signed an executive order in February to block transgender girls from participating on sports teams that do not match their biological sex.

Earlier this week, House Republicans introduced legislation to prohibit transgender girls from bathrooms or sports teams or restrooms that align with their gender identity and not their biological sex.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Russia blames Trump’s Iran nuclear deal withdrawal for Tehran’s violations

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August 28, 2025

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Russia on Thursday struck out against President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and argued Washington is to blame for Tehran’s non-compliance with the international treaty.

The accusation came just hours after the U.K., France and Germany (E3) alerted the UN Security Council that they had initiated the snapback mechanism to reimpose severe UN sanctions on Iran within 30-days, following its non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA.)

“The United States abandoned JCPOA, and since then the situation started [to] deteriorate,” Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russia’s UN Ambassador, said Thursday.

“We should not confuse the real source of the problem that happened in 2018,” he added in reference to Trump’s decision to drop the U.S. from the JCPOA over Iran’s alleged violation of the agreement.

Dmitry Polyanskiy, First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine at the U.N. Headquarters on in New York City on March 26, 2025. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

UK, FRANCE, GERMANY TRIGGER UN SANCTIONS ON IRAN OVER ‘SIGNIFICANT’ NUCLEAR PROGRAM DEFIANCE

Though Trump has repeatedly claimed Tehran was violating the agreement, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as well as the other signatories on the JCPOA said there was no evidence that Iran had begun expanding its nuclear program until 2019 – a stance it continues to hold.

“We all know that the measures that were taken by Iran in terms of uranium enrichment, they were taken in response to the U.S. withdrawal from JCPOA,” the Russian diplomat said Thursday. “And these measures can easily be reviewed.”

Russia and China on Thursday introduced a draft UNSC resolution in an attempt to extend the timeline of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement by six months and therefore extend when sanctions can be put on Tehran.

But given Iran’s refusal to comply when a similar extension was floated in July by E3 negotiators, it seems unlikely that the U.S., France or the U.K., as permanent members of the UNSC, will agree to push the action forward.

A map shows damage to Iran’s Fordow nuclear site after being struck by the United States in Operation Midnight Hammer on June 22, 2025. (Fox News)

IRAN SEEKS CHINA, RUSSIA HELP TO STALL UN SANCTIONS AHEAD OF NUCLEAR TALKS WITH EUROPEANS

The U.S. has long called on the other signatories to reinforce snapback sanctions on Iran for the violations after it lost its ability to do so by bowing out of the agreement in 2018.

But despite clear evidence that Iran has in recent years violated the JCPOA, including by amassing up to 45 times the amount of enriched uranium that it is permitted to have, operating advanced centrifuges and denying the IAEA access to its nuclear sites, the Russian official claimed the “move by E3 cannot and should not entail any legal or procedural effect.”

“It’s a mere escalatory step,” he continued. “Western countries…don’t care about diplomacy, and they care only about, blackmail and, threats, and coercion of independent countries.”

A UK official confirmed Thursday morning that attempts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran have been ongoing for years, including in 2022 when a proposal was agreed to by all JCPOA participants, including Russia and China, but which Iran rejected.

China, Russia, Iran meeting on nuclear program

Chinese Foreign Minister Wag Yi, stands with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, left, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazeem Gharibabadi, right, before a meeting regarding the Iranian nuclear issue at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, China on March 14, 2025. (Getty Images)

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The official also said that there had been “very intense diplomacy” over the last “12 months, 6 months, 6 weeks,” but which Russia appeared to dismiss on Thursday.

“The world is at a crossroads,” Polyanskiy said. “It’s quite clear. One option is peace, diplomacy and goodwill.

“Another option is…diplomacy at the barrel of the gun…extortion and blackmail,” he added.

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions.

Caitlin McFall is a Reporter at Fox News Digital covering Politics, U.S. and World news.

Email aliases protect privacy and stop companies from tracking you

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August 28, 2025

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We’re conditioned to think our email address is harmless. Most of us think it’s just an ID, a way to get receipts and shipping updates, but that’s not it.

Your email is the skeleton key to your online identity. It’s what companies use to build behavioral profiles, target ads, link purchases and, sometimes worse, facilitate fraud after a breach. And when you reuse the same email address everywhere, you make that key universal.

To keep things private, I use an alias for online shopping to stay anonymous, cut down on spam and more. Let’s discuss what aliases are, why they matter and how they quietly turn the tables in your favor.

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JOBS THAT ARE MOST AT RISK FROM AI, ACCORDING TO MICROSOFT

A woman browses the Amazon website on her laptop Sept. 29, 2024. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket)

How email aliases help you stay anonymous online

Each time you enter your main email on a shopping site, you give that company a lasting way to connect your behavior across different platforms, devices and timeframes. They might hash or encrypt your email, but the behavioral patterns remain. You can still be tracked, but aliases interrupt that chain.

Instead of sharing my actual email address, I create a unique one for each website. The emails still reach me through forwarding, but the company never sees my real address. That small change prevents them from linking my activity with other accounts or sites. It is not a perfect solution, but it adds just enough friction to disrupt the tracking systems.

Every alias I use becomes a kind of tracker. If one starts getting spam, I know which site sold or lost my data. Most people don’t know where the breach happened, they just assume “it happens.” I take a different approach. When an alias starts getting unwanted emails, I do not try to unsubscribe or set up filters or waste time guessing. I simply disable the alias, and the problem is gone.

HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

A spam phishing email is displayed on a laptop screen March 21, 2022. Retail companies often sell shopper data, leading to unwanted spam and phishing messages. (Peter Dazeley)

Stop companies from tracking you with email aliases

The average e-commerce site uses between 15 and 30 third-party scripts, analytics trackers, ad pixels and behavioral beacons, according to a study. Even if the site itself is honest, its stack probably isn’t. Your email passes through layers of infrastructure, mailing tools, CRM platforms, shipping plugins. And all it takes is one misconfiguration or a careless developer for your data to end up in the wrong hands.

An alias reduces the blast radius. If the site gets breached, your core identity remains untouched.

Aliases don’t just protect privacy, they improve behavior. When I started using them, I found myself thinking more clearly about where I was signing up and why. The mental pause required to generate a new alias made me more deliberate. And it gave structure to the mess. I could set rules like all product warranties going to products@myalias.com, all newsletters to news@myalias.com.

OVER 2B USERS FACE PHISHING RISKS AFTER GOOGLE DATA LEAK

Create email aliases for better online privacy

An alias alone isn’t enough to stay safe out there. You also need a secure email provider to start with. By creating email aliases, you can protect your information and reduce spam. These aliases forward messages to your primary address, making it easier to manage incoming communications and avoid data breaches.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com.

person shopping online through best buy phone app

A woman browses Best Buy on her smartphone while online shopping. (Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket)

Kurt’s key takeaway

We’ve made progress when it comes to password hygiene. Many of us now use password managers and enable two-factor authentication, but when it comes to email, the habits haven’t changed much. Most people still rely on a single email address for everything, including shopping, banking, subscriptions, work and even family communication. That’s not just inefficient but also a security risk. Using email aliases is a simple way to fragment your digital identity. It adds complexity for attackers and reduces the chances of a single breach affecting multiple accounts.

Would you still use your main email for everything if you knew it made you easier to track? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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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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Two die from flesh-eating bacteria in contaminated Louisiana oysters

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August 28, 2025

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Two people have died after eating oysters contaminated with flesh-eating bacteria, health officials confirmed, and others have been infected.

Both of the fatal cases were traced back to Louisiana-harvested oysters that ended up on plates in restaurants in Louisiana and Florida.

The bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, has now been linked to six deaths in Louisiana and five deaths in Florida, according to the states’ health departments.

BRAIN EATING AMOEBA-INFECTED PATIENT DIES, MISSOURI HEALTH OFFICIALS CONFIRM

The rising number of outbreaks prompted the Louisiana Department of Health to issue a statement on July 31, urging residents to take precautions against vibriosis, the infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus.

Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.

Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or under-cooked shellfish, particularly oysters, according to the CDC. In some cases, it can also enter open wounds while people are swimming. (iStock)

Vibrio has the potential to cause severe infections, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in New York.

These include invasive soft tissue infections (sometimes called “necrotizing fasciitis” or “flesh-eating bacteria”) and bloodstream infections.

MORE CASES OF DEADLY ‘FLESH-EATING’ BACTERIAL INFECTION IN POPULAR VACATION DESTINATION

Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or under-cooked shellfish, particularly oysters, according to the CDC.

In some cases, it can also enter open wounds while people are swimming.

Deaths linked to Louisiana oysters contaminated with deadly bacteria

People who have eaten contaminated shellfish will have severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, health officials caution. (iStock)

Prior to this incident, health officials reported 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus among Louisiana residents in 2025. All patients were hospitalized, and four of those illnesses resulted in death.

Over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death were reported each year in Louisiana.

DEATH CONFIRMED FROM RARE AND DEADLY ‘BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA’ IN SOUTHERN LAKE

“It’s just prolific right now,” Jennifer Armentor, the molluscan shellfish program administrator at the Louisiana Department of Health, told the Louisiana Oyster Task Force on Tuesday at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.

Symptoms to watch for

Vibriosis symptoms depend on the type of infection, according to Handel.

“The symptoms of skin infections can progress quickly and become life-threatening in a short time,” he previously told Fox News Digital. “Thankfully, those infections are rare.”

“If you do eat shellfish, make sure it has not been sitting out for a long time and comes from a hygienic source.”

People who have eaten contaminated shellfish will have severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, the doctor warned.

While healthy people generally experience only mild symptoms, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease can face serious health risks.

Lousiana-harvested oysters linked to flesh-eating bacteria, multiple deaths

Bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood. (iStock)

If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe illness marked by fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions, according to Florida Health. About half of these bloodstream infections are fatal.

Some severe cases can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound dies, the CDC cautions.

Diagnosis and treatment

The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood, according to health officials.

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Groups at highest risk include older adults and people who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease, Handel cautioned.

For mild infections, the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

About one in five people will die from Vibriosis infection, sometimes within a day or two of the illness. (iStock)

Those with severe or prolonged infections should receive antibiotics to improve survival rates. For people with infected wounds, surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue.

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About one in five people will die from the infection, sometimes within a day or two of the illness, the CDC states.

“To prevent Vibrio food poisoning, avoid eating raw shellfish, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease,” Handel advised.

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The doctor noted that Vibrio infections are rare and “should not be a major cause of alarm.”

“If you do eat shellfish, make sure it has not been sitting out for a long time and comes from a hygienic source.”

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

New theory explains Bermuda Triangle mystery using ship wave experiments

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August 28, 2025

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A scientist from the University of Southampton claims to have solved the notorious Bermuda Triangle mystery.

Situated between Florida, Bermuda and Puerto Rico, this precarious stretch of sea is known for its quickly changing weather patterns, varying sea levels and complicated navigational realities.

The area’s storied ship and plane disappearances have sparked urban legends, earning it the ominous nickname of the Devil’s Triangle.

SCHOOLBOY SPOTS AMERICAN REVOLUTION WARSHIP ON BEACH AFTER STORM UNCOVERS 230-YEAR-OLD WRECK

Oceanographer Simon Boxall told the Daily Mail the disappearances are due to “rough waters.”

“There are storms to the south and north, which come together,” he said in a British documentary, Channel 5’s “The Bermuda Triangle Enigma,” which is not available outside the U.K.

A University of Southampton oceanographer claims to have solved the Bermuda Triangle mystery, attributing the disappearances to rough waters and rogue waves. (iStock)

Boxall, along with other researchers, reconstructed a scale model of one of the ships that disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle.

During World War I, the USS Cyclops supported warships in European waters as a unit of the Naval Auxiliary Force, according to the National Museum of the United States Navy (NMUSN).

GERMAN RESEARCHERS DISCOVER DOZENS OF SHIPWRECKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE WWII STEAMER LOST IN AIR RAID

The ship disappeared in March 1918 while returning from Brazil.

“Numerous ships sailed to locate the collier, as she was thought to have been sunk by a German submarine,” the NMUSN website states. “Her wreck has never been found, and the cause of her loss remains unknown.”

Boxall, along with other researchers, reconstructed a scale model of the USS Cyclops (pictured) which disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle. (National Museum of the United States Navy)

Boxall tested the replica to see how it would fare with rouge waves.

Researchers determined the waves could quickly overwhelm the ship due to the vessel’s flat base and large size.

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Since large ships need water to stay afloat, if the ship became suspended in such a way, it could “snap in two.”

“[The waves] are steep, they are high — we’ve measured waves in excess of 30 met[ers],” Boxall said in the documentary.

“If that happens, it can sink in a matter of two or three minutes.”

“The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard contend that there are no supernatural explanations for disasters at sea.” (Sebastien Vuagnat/AFP via Getty Images)

Australian scientist Karl Kruszelnicki has echoed Boxall’s theory.

“The number [of ships and planes] that go missing in the Bermuda Triangle is the same as anywhere in the world on a percentage basis,” he told The Independent in 2017.

He says that human error and poor weather conditions are likely behind the disappearances that have contributed to the superstition associated with the Bermuda Triangle, Fox News Digital previously reported.

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) stated in a 2010 report, “There is no evidence that mysterious disappearances occur with any greater frequency in the Bermuda Triangle than in any other large, well-traveled area of the ocean.”

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“The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard contend that there are no supernatural explanations for disasters at sea,” NOAA also noted.

“Their experience suggests that the combined forces of nature and human fallibility outdo even the most incredulous science fiction.”

Ashley J. DiMella is a Lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Man’s ‘Trump house’ goes viral on TikTok with massive pro-Trump banners

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August 28, 2025

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A Florida beach house, dubbed the “Trump house,” has taken TikTok by storm for its eye-catching décor.

Marvin Peavy’s Walton County home sits on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A in the northwestern part of the Sunshine State, which has been dubbed the “Hamptons of the South.”

Peavy stepped into the spotlight over a legal dispute with local officials after he hung large pro-Trump banners on his home.

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His TikTok account shows various banners he has installed, amassing millions of views and thousands of followers.

One of Peavy’s most popular videos shows him dancing to “YMCA” with three Trump banners, shot a day before the presidential election.

The “Trump house” on Florida’s 30A has become a tourist attraction after going viral on TikTok. (Devon Ravine-USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

“Who’s your Daddy?” says one banner. Others say “bulletproof” and “Trump coming home 2025,” all including photos of President Trump.

In 2021, Peavy was ordered to remove the banners within five days or pay $50 per day until he took them down, according to meeting minutes from a Walton County code enforcement hearing.

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Last year, Trace Gallagher spoke with Peavy on “Fox News @ Night,” debuting his “Who’s your Daddy?” banner with President Trump pointing.

“[Walton County officials] came against my constitutional right. They tried to beat me at my own God-given constitutional rights. And they can’t do it, I stood up, and I will fight,” said Peavy at the time.

In 2021, Peavy was ordered to remove the banners within five days or pay $50 per day until he took them down. (Devon Ravine/USA Today Network)

In March 2025, a circuit judge ruled that the fines were unjust, ordering Walton County to pay Peavy’s legal fees, totaling $42,000.

His latest video, posted on July 2, shows a banner of President Trump’s mugshot, captioned “I don’t give a…” with a rat and donkey.

Also shown in the video is a “Welcome to the Gulf of America” map and a “Salute to 250 years of American independence.”

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Peavy’s home is also flanked by American flags.

His TikTok video has garnered a large following, with fans commenting and some even visiting his home.

“I was there this past weekend,” commented one woman with a photo of herself outside Peavy’s house.

In March 2025, a circuit judge ruled that the fines were unjust, ordering Walton County to pay the legal fees of Peavy, left. (Devon Ravine/USA Today Network)

Another person wrote, “I saw ur banner yesterday, very patriotic.”

“I’ve been waiting for your new signs! Awesome as always,” commented a user.

One TikToker wrote, “Wish I was your neighbor! A: I could drink coffee every morning waiting on the next banner and B: I would be rich.”

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“Love this. Will forever stop and take a picture when coming to 30A,” said another user.

Someone else commented, “I was obsessed with your house on our vacation.”

Ashley J. DiMella is a Lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Microsoft study reveals which jobs AI impacts most and least in workplace

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August 28, 2025

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Right now, many people are worried that artificial intelligence (AI) is coming for their jobs. If you’re one of them, then the recent study by Microsoft will shed some light on how AI’s generative capabilities will impact your field of work. In short, some occupations are more susceptible to its influence than others.

This study is making waves because, unlike previous studies, it draws insight from real-world data. Microsoft looked at 200,000 anonymous Copilot conversations from 2024 and mapped them against the U.S. government’s job classification system.

The study also identified entire occupational groups, like “computer and mathematical occupations” and “office and administrative support”, among those with the highest AI overlap. The results reveal exactly which careers AI is already touching and which ones it barely affects.

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Men in suit walk through a financial district

A man walking to his job in a financial district. Positions like advertising sales agents and market research analysts face the greatest likelihood of AI integration, according to a recent Microsoft study. (Ivan Alvarado)

Is AI Going To Replace You?

The result of the study was the calculation of an “AI applicability score.” It measures how closely certain job activities align with the capabilities of AI. To no one’s surprise, knowledge-based and communication-heavy roles were at the top of the list of jobs that are most impacted. At the bottom of this list were jobs requiring physical labor or machine operation, showing minimal overlap.

This score reflects overlap, not guaranteed job loss. The researchers stressed that no occupation is fully performed by AI. The study focuses only on language-based generative AI (like Copilot), not other AI areas such as robotics or autonomous systems, which could affect different roles.

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Why High AI Overlap Doesn’t Always Mean Job Loss

The researchers emphasized that it’s important to differentiate between overlap and replacement. Overlap means the AI performs certain tasks alongside humans, while replacement means it will take their place. The study makes no predictions about job growth or losses. It’s simply a snapshot of where AI fits in today. In fact, historical trends suggest that automation can sometimes add jobs instead of taking them away. So, it’s not all gloom and doom even in sectors with high overlap.

two men presenting at large screen in office

Two men give a presentation at a meeting on data and AI integration. Jobs deemed “most impacted” by AI indicate that technology can take over portions of an employee’s daily tasks. (Frank Rumpenhorst)

MCDONALD’S AI HIRING CHATBOT EXPOSED DATA OF JOB CANDIDATES

Top Jobs Most At Risk From AI, According To Microsoft

These are the jobs that show a great deal of overlap:

Technical writers
Ticket agents and travel clerks
Editors
Telemarketers
Broadcast announcers and radio DJs
Mathematicians
Political scientists
Interpreters and translators
Advertising sales agents
CNC tool programmers
News analysts, reporters, and journalists
Customer service representatives
Historians
Farm and home management educators
Business teachers, postsecondary
Hosts and hostesses
Public relations specialists
Concierges
Brokerage clerks
Proofreaders and copy Markers
Writers and authors
Sales representatives (services)
Telephone operators
Demonstrators and product promoters
Passenger attendants
Data scientists
Market research analysts
Web developers
Management analysts

Jobs Least Likely To Be Replaced By AI Right Now

If you do any of the jobs below, you have the least to worry about:
Medical equipment preparers
Surgical assistants
Dishwashers
Roofers
Massage therapists
Cement masons and concrete finishers
Motorboat operators
Orderlies
Floor sanders and finishers
Bridge and lock tenders
Industrial truck and tractor operators
Gas compressor and pumping station operators
Helpers-roofers
Roustabouts, oil and gas
Ophthalmic medical technicians
Packaging and filling machine operators
Logging equipment operators
Dredge operators
Pile driver operators
Water treatment plant and system operators
Foundry mold and coremakers
Machine feeders and offbearers
Rail-track maintenance equipment operators
Supervisors of firefighters
Tire builders

WE HAVE TO ACT NOW TO KEEP AI FROM BECOMING A FAR-LEFT TROJAN HORSE

What This Means For You

If your job appears in the “most impacted” list, it doesn’t mean you need to panic or start packing up your desk. It means AI is already capable of handling parts of your daily tasks – and that can be an opportunity if you learn to use it. Those who embrace AI tools now can work faster, free up time for creative thinking, and make themselves even more valuable.

If your role is on the “least impacted” list, don’t assume you’re immune forever. While physical and hands-on jobs have less overlap with AI today, future technologies beyond language models, like robotics or AI-driven machinery, could change that picture. Staying adaptable, learning basic AI skills, and keeping up with tech trends will help you stay ahead no matter your industry.

In short, treat this study as a career weather forecast, not a doomsday prediction. AI might not replace you, but someone who knows how to work with AI could. The smartest move? Learn to be that person.

While jobs such as writers and editors are heavily impacted by AI, there are currently no predictions of mass unemployment from the technology’s rise. (Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle)

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Kurt’s Key Takeaways

As of now, it seems there are no predictions of mass unemployment due to the rise of AI. However, the study does highlight that impacted areas may evolve. A good example is how bank tellers still exist even though we have ATMs. They just redefined the role of tellers, and this is what will happen with generative AI in various fields. And who knows? AI may even give rise to entirely new professions. So it helps professionals in high-overlap fields to see AI as a collaborator.

Is your career safe from AI or already in its sights? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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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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Ibuprofen and acetaminophen may fuel antibiotic resistance, study warns

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August 28, 2025

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A startling new study warns that two of America’s most common over-the-counter painkillers, ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol), may have an unexpected role in one of the world’s most urgent public health crises.

The everyday painkillers were found to fuel the superbugs that contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Researchers at the University of South Australia conducted lab tests with E. coli and ciprofloxacin, a common antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections.

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They found that ibuprofen and paracetamol (the generic name for Tylenol in Australia) not only drive antibiotic resistance when used individually, but amplify it when used together.

“It is well-known that overuse of antibiotics leads to resistance,” Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

Two of America’s most common over-the-counter painkillers, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, may have an unexpected role in one of the world’s most urgent public health crises. (iStock)

It has previously been shown that the use of common pain relievers (NSAIDs) and antidepressants can lead to antibiotic resistance.

In the new research, when E. coli was exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol – both alone and especially when combined – the painkillers significantly increased genetic mutations in the bacteria.

NSAIDS VS. ACETAMINOPHEN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT HEADACHE

These mutations made E. coli highly resistant to ciprofloxacin and other types of antibiotics.

“Antibiotic resistance isn’t just about antibiotics anymore,” Associate Professor Rietie Venter, the study’s lead author, stated in a press release, highlighting the impact of medications beyond antibiotics.

The World Health Organization designates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top global public health threats. (iStock)

The study highlights a concern in settings where it’s common to administer multiple medications, like elder care facilities.

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Residents often receive combinations of painkillers, sleeping aids, decongestants and other drugs, many of which were included in the study. In this kind of environment, there is a heightened risk of resistant superbugs, experts warn.

The World Health Organization designates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top global public health threats.

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In 2019, drug-resistant bacteria were directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths and were associated with nearly five million deaths.

If the current trend continues, projections suggest that AMR-related deaths could climb to nearly 40 million over the next 25 years.

Rather than stopping medications, the researchers urge people to be mindful of their combinations. (iStock)

“This doesn’t mean we should stop using these medications, but we do need to be more mindful about how they interact with antibiotics — and that includes looking beyond just two-drug combinations,” Venter said in the press release.

In high-risk settings like elder care, healthcare providers may want to re-examine medication schedules and consider safer alternatives, he suggests.

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To help curb AMR, experts recommend avoiding unnecessary prescriptions and completing full courses when needed.

Fox News Digital reached out to the makers of Tylenol and Advil for comment.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

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6 ways to protect yourself against Akira ransomware and similar threats

1) Use strong antivirus software

2) Limit exposure

3) Avoid running unexpected commands

4) Keep your software updated

5) Use two-factor authentication (2FA)

6) Invest in personal data removal services

Kurt’s key takeaway

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Diagnosis and treatment

Is AI Going To Replace You?

Why High AI Overlap Doesn’t Always Mean Job Loss

Top Jobs Most At Risk From AI, According To Microsoft

These are the jobs that show a great deal of overlap:

Jobs Least Likely To Be Replaced By AI Right Now

What This Means For You

Take My Quiz: How Safe Is Your Online Security?

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

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