Cable bills are only getting higher, and many people are looking for ways to save without losing access to their favorite shows. Bob from Plymouth, Massachusetts, reached out with this question:

“Can you give me any tips on how to cut the cord? I have Verizon Fios right now. It’s getting too expensive. I am a senior on a fixed income.”

Whether you’re on a budget or just tired of overpaying for cable channels you never watch, cutting the cord can be easier (and cheaper) than you think. Here’s how to do it in eight straightforward steps.

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REDUCE SCREEN TIME AND DITCH BIG TECH’S GRIP

A man using a remote to stream a movie    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1. Check if your internet speed can handle streaming

Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube TV recommend at least 25 Mbps download speed for smooth HD streaming. If more than one person in your home is watching at the same time, you may need even faster speeds. To determine if your internet is fast enough for streaming, the easiest way is to run an internet speed test using popular, free online tools like:

• Fast.com: Starts testing your download speed immediately without needing to click anything. It also shows upload speed and latency if you click “Show more info”.
• Speedtest.net: Click “Go” to start the test, which measures download/upload speeds and latency. You can run multiple tests to see fluctuations and compare your results to global averages.
• You can also simply search “speed test” on Google or Bing and use their built-in tests powered by Measurement Lab or Ookla.

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2. Switch to an internet-only plan to cut the cord

Call your current provider (like Verizon) and ask about their internet-only options. Many companies offer unadvertised plans for existing customers. You may even find a better deal by switching to another provider.

Looking to save even more each month? You can also cut costs by switching to a lower-cost mobile plan. Check out more affordable wireless phone plans here at Cyberguy.com/BestPhonePlans

3. Buy a streaming device for easy TV access

Even if you don’t have a smart TV, you can still stream easily. Devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast and others plug into your TV and cost under $50. They’re simple to set up and give you access to all major streaming platforms. 

Check out my five best streaming devices in 2025 at Cyberguy.com/StreamingDevices

A family watching a streaming show   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

4. Choose the right streaming services and save

Instead of subscribing to everything, pick the services you’ll actually use. Popular options include:

• YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV (closest to cable, but starts around $82/month)
• Sling TV (more affordable live TV starting around $45/month)
• Netflix, Hulu, Peacock or Paramount+ for on-demand shows and movies

Check out the best streaming services at Cyberguy.com/BestStreamingServices

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5. Get local TV channels for free with an HD antenna

Want access to FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS without paying extra? A basic indoor HD antenna can do the trick. These allow you to watch local channels for free over the air with no subscription required.

6. Try free streaming services to save even more

There are tons of free streaming services offering live news, TV shows and movies. Pluto TV, Tubi and The Roku Channel are all worth checking out if you want entertainment without spending another dime.

A man using a remote to stream a show   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7. Compare internet providers for better streaming deals

Even if you’re already paying for internet, it’s worth seeing if a better deal is available. Internet providers often change their pricing or offer new promotions, so it’s smart to shop around regularly and compare what’s out there. 

You can compare internet providers and pricing to see if you’re still getting the best deal at ​​Cyberguy.com/BestInternetPlans

8. Ask about promotions and discounts before canceling cable

When calling your provider, always ask if they offer any promotions, loyalty discounts or budget-friendly plans. Even if you don’t qualify for a formal discount, customer service might be able to knock a few dollars off your bill, especially if you’re considering canceling.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Cutting the cord doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by ensuring your internet is fast and affordable. Then, select just a few streaming services you’ll actually use. Don’t forget about free content and local channels. Try your setup first so you know it works well. Once everything is in place, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.

What’s your biggest challenge or concern when thinking about cutting the cord? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Bluetooth headphones are supposed to make life easier. You put them on, press play and forget they exist. But researchers have found that some of the most popular audio products on the market might be doing more than streaming your playlist. 

Cybersecurity firm ERNW has revealed that 29 devices using Airoha Bluetooth chips are vulnerable to attacks that could expose your personal data or let someone snoop on your conversations. The affected devices come from well-known brands, including Bose, Sony, JBL, Jabra and Marshall. They include headphones, earbuds, speakers and wireless microphones.

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FBI WARNS OVER 1 MILLION ANDROID DEVICES HIJACKED BY MALWARE

A pair of Bluetooth headphones next to a laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Bluetooth flaws that go beyond annoying

The Bluetooth flaws in question are built into Airoha chips commonly used in true wireless audio devices, as reported by BleepingComputer. Three flaws were disclosed, each allowing an attacker to gain some level of unauthorized access. The most serious flaw lets an attacker read or manipulate data by exploiting a custom protocol used by the chip. All three flaws have been assigned official CVE numbers and scored between medium and high severity.

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To be clear, these are not casual attacks. They require close proximity and technical expertise. But when successful, the results are concerning. Researchers showed that they could extract call logs, contact lists and media being played. They could even force a phone to place a call without the user’s knowledge. Once connected, they could listen in on any sound the phone picked up.

In one proof-of-concept, the researchers retrieved Bluetooth link keys from a headphone’s memory. This allowed them to impersonate the device and hijack the connection to the phone. With that access, they could issue commands using the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile, a feature available across most modern phones.

A pair of Bluetooth headphones  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

List of Bluetooth headphones and audio devices vulnerable to Airoha chip security flaws

ERNW researchers have identified the following devices as vulnerable:

• Beyerdynamic Amiron 300
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
• EarisMax Bluetooth Auracast Sender
• Jabra Elite 8 Active
• JBL Endurance Race 2
• JBL Live Buds 3
• Jlab Epic Air Sport ANC
• Marshall ACTON III
• Marshall MAJOR V
• Marshall MINOR IV
• Marshall MOTIF II
• Marshall STANMORE III
• Marshall WOBURN III
• MoerLabs EchoBeatz
• Sony CH-720N
• Sony Link Buds S
• Sony ULT Wear
• Sony WF-1000XM3
• Sony WF-1000XM4
• Sony WF-1000XM5
• Sony WF-C500
• Sony WF-C510-GFP
• Sony WH-1000XM4
• Sony WH-1000XM5
• Sony WH-1000XM6
• Sony WH-CH520
• Sony WH-XB910N
• Sony WI-C100
• Teufel Tatws2

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Keep in mind that this list may not include every product affected by these vulnerabilities. As more research emerges, the list could change. Furthermore, not every device faces all the same risks. For instance, at least one manufacturer seems to have already addressed CVE-2025-20700 and CVE-2025-20701. However, we do not know if this fix was intentional or accidental.

Because of these factors, getting a complete and accurate picture of which devices are truly secure remains a challenge. As a consumer, you should stay alert for updates and check with your device’s manufacturer for the latest information.

A pair of Bluetooth headphones   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Firmware updates rolling out but gaps remain

Airoha has addressed the vulnerabilities in its software development kit (SDK) and released an updated version to device manufacturers in early June. These manufacturers are now responsible for building and distributing firmware updates to affected products. If you haven’t seen an update yet, it should be arriving soon, though some may already be available.

However, there’s a catch. According to a report by German outlet Heise, many of the most recent firmware updates for affected devices were released before Airoha provided its official fix. This means some products may still be running vulnerable code, despite appearing up to date.

To make matters more complicated, consumers typically aren’t notified directly about these updates. Firmware patches for headphones and similar devices often install silently, or in some cases, may not be delivered at all. As a result, most users have no way of knowing whether their devices are secure or still exposed to risk.

We reached out to all 10 companies for a comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.

5 ways you can stay safe from Bluetooth vulnerabilities

1. Regularly check for firmware updates: Visit the manufacturer’s app or website to manually check for firmware updates, even if you haven’t received a notification. Automatic updates aren’t always reliable, especially for headphones and earbuds.

2. Turn off Bluetooth when not in use: Disabling Bluetooth when you’re not actively using it reduces your exposure window and makes it harder for attackers to target your device.

3. Use devices in low-risk areas: Since these attacks require close proximity, avoid using Bluetooth audio devices in crowded or unfamiliar public places where someone nearby could exploit vulnerabilities.

4. Pair devices with trusted sources only: Avoid pairing your Bluetooth headphones with unfamiliar phones, computers or public terminals. Once paired, those devices can sometimes maintain a connection or reestablish one without your knowledge, increasing the risk of abuse if they’re compromised.

5. Remove unused paired devices: Go into your Bluetooth settings and delete old or unfamiliar pairings. This helps prevent unauthorized reconnections from previously trusted devices that may now be compromised.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

The real concern here isn’t the Bluetooth flaw itself, but what happens when the software inside everyday devices fails quietly. Vulnerabilities like this aren’t unusual, but the way they are handled often leaves users in the dark. As long as consumers can’t see or control the software running inside their own headphones, problems like this will keep happening.

Should manufacturers be required to notify users directly when security flaws are discovered in their products? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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As you scroll through X (formerly Twitter), you might come across Elmo, the lovable red monster cherished by children and parents, sharing cheerful, family-friendly content. However, recently, the official Elmo account had suddenly posted hate speech, racist slurs and political attacks. This shocking breach transformed a beloved feed into a source of confusion and pain.

Sesame Workshop, the team behind Elmo, acted swiftly to remove the offensive posts, but for millions of fans, the damage had already been done. This was far more than a typical hack. It represented the digital defacement of one of the world’s most trusted childhood icons. This incident underscores that in today’s cyber landscape, no account, not even the most seemingly secure one, is immune to attackers.

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HACKED ELMO X ACCOUNT SHOCKS USERS WITH ‘KILL ALL JEWS’ AND ‘RELEASE THE FILES’ POSTS

Elmo’s official verified X account  (@Elmo on X)

Social media cybersecurity risks for trusted brands

Hackers crave reach and attention, and few targets offer more than a beloved global brand. When attackers seize control of an account with hundreds of thousands of followers, they gain immediate access to amplify their message, whether it be misinformation, hate speech or targeted harassment. The Elmo incident wasn’t about stealing data or ransoming accounts; this was about causing chaos, sowing division and breaking trust. 

For years, Elmo’s online voice was synonymous with joy and support. With a single breach, that reputation was battered, as followers questioned how such ugliness could appear from a character so trusted. Brand reputation, built over decades, was compromised in minutes.

As Sesame Workshop stated in response, “Elmo’s X account was briefly hacked by an outside party in spite of the security measures in place. We strongly condemn the abhorrent antisemitic and racist content, and the account has since been secured. These posts in no way reflect the values of Sesame Workshop or Sesame Street, and no one at the organization was involved.”

This incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, especially when trusted brands serve as platforms for millions worldwide. 

Sesame Workshop statement after Elmo X hack  (Elmo”s X account)

Why social media accounts get hacked (even with “strong” security)

To better understand what happened, we turned to Daniel Tobok, CEO of Cypfer, a leading global cybersecurity and incident response firm. Daniel has spent over 30 years guiding organizations through major cyber events. 

“Unfortunately, a lot of credentials are harvested and sold on the dark web between different threat actor groups despite strong passwords or MFA barriers. Maybe someone lost their password or an administrator had theirs saved on a laptop that was part of another breach. Once those passwords are collected, they get traded or sold,” Daniel explained.

While brute-force attacks still happen, most criminals don’t waste time hammering away at complex passwords. Instead, they exploit simpler routes: snatching passwords from old breaches, targeting users directly or hijacking password vaults, especially those managed by social media admins. 

“Brute-force attacks make a lot of noise and can trigger alerts. It’s not the most popular strategy anymore because it’s so noisy,” Tobok adds.

Warning signs your social media account may be hacked

Unfortunately, you might not get a warning that your account is being targeted. 

Tobok points out, “There really isn’t public-facing software that notifies you. Sometimes, you might get an email saying, ‘We noticed unusual activity. Was this you?’ That typically comes through MFA channels. But most executives don’t manage their own social media accounts. It’s usually someone on their team or a designated admin. So, if something goes wrong, they’re not necessarily the ones who will see it.”

Hackers can even set up rules that reroute security notifications away from your inbox, leaving you completely unaware that anything’s wrong, until it’s too late.

A woman scrolling on social media on her smartphone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Common social media security mistakes to avoid

Hackers are counting on you to get complacent. Daniel calls out pitfalls to avoid:

• Not verifying your account
• Reusing or failing to rotate passwords
• Skipping MFA (multi-factor authentication)
• Assuming “it won’t happen to us”

Most alarmingly, Daniel added, “Most people’s information has already been compromised at some point. There are over 4.8 billion passwords circulating on the dark web right now. And, finally, never reuse the same password across multiple platforms. I know it’s tedious, but that’s what proper hygiene looks like.”

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A man scrolling on social media on his phone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What to do if your social media is compromised

Act fast. Here’s Daniel’s step-by-step plan:

“If you still have access, change your password right away. Most threat actors, once they’re in, will immediately change the password and the email linked to the account so they can take full control. If you’re locked out, you need to contact the platform and provide proof that it’s your account. Request that they shut it down or help you recover it. The good news is, most platforms will act quickly, especially if you tell them someone is posting offensive or racist content from your account.” 

Key steps to protect your social media accounts

Protecting your social media accounts is more important than ever. Follow these steps to strengthen your cybersecurity and keep hackers out:

1. Use strong, unique passwords

Create passwords with at least nine characters, mixing uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols. Never reuse passwords across platforms, and update them regularly for maximum protection.  Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. Also, use a password manager instead of sending passwords through unencrypted messages. Password managers allow you to share credentials when absolutely necessary and help prevent leaks securely.

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com/Passwords

2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Always activate MFA to add an extra layer of login protection. This makes it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access, even if your password is compromised.

3. Set up suspicious login activity alerts

Take advantage of account alerts and limit unsuccessful login attempts to detect intruders quickly. Regularly review these alerts so you can respond immediately if something looks off. 

4. Verify your accounts with the platform

Apply for official account verification when possible to add an extra safeguard and make recovery easier. Verification can also deter impersonation and build trust with your audience.

5. Update account recovery information

Check and keep your recovery email and phone number current to regain access if needed. Outdated information could lock you out just when you need to recover your account the most. 

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6. Review third-party app access

Remove apps or services you no longer use; these can become weak points if they are compromised. Regularly audit connected apps to ensure your data isn’t exposed through unused integrations.

7. Back up your content and followers

Use platform features or trusted tools to back up important data in case of account loss or lockout. This simple step can be a lifesaver if you ever lose access or your data is accidentally deleted.

8. Use strong antivirus software

Install strong antivirus software on all devices used to access social media. Regular updates and real-time scanning protect you from malware and phishing that could compromise your accounts. 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 at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech

9. Consider a data removal service

Reduce your digital footprint and minimize risk by using services that remove your personal information from data brokers and people search sites, especially after a breach. These services make it harder for criminals to gather sensitive data used in social engineering attacks. 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/Delete

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

10. Perform regular security settings audits

Periodically review your social media privacy and security settings to ensure they match your current needs. Platforms often add new settings and features, and staying up to date gives you the best protection. 

11. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi

Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi or always use a VPN. Public networks make it easier for hackers to intercept your information.

For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/VPN

12. Promptly remove former employees or admins

Regularly audit account access and revoke permissions for anyone who no longer needs it. This ensures that only trusted individuals can post or make changes on your behalf.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Elmo hack shattered more than just a cheerful digital persona. It reminded us that no brand, no matter how trusted, is immune to today’s cyber threats. In an environment where trust is built tweet by tweet and lost in mere moments, protecting our digital presence has never been more urgent. Social media security is everyone’s responsibility. Take action before you become the next viral lesson in what not to do.

Do you think social media companies are doing enough to protect users and brands from evolving cybersecurity threats? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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What if your Apple Watch or iPhone could alert you to a pregnancy before a test does? A new Apple-funded study suggests that this is now within reach. 

Researchers used a mix of behavioral and biometric data to train an artificial intelligence model. 

The result? The system correctly predicted pregnancy in 92% of cases. It is not meant to replace a lab test, but it could help women spot early signs before they even suspect anything.

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FOX NEWS AI NEWSLETTER: FDA APPROVES CANCER-FIGHTING TECH TOOL

A woman looking at her Apple Watch  (Apple)

Apple’s AI study: A closer look at the data

The research comes from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, which collected over 15 billion data points from more than 162,000 participants. The data came through the everyday use of the Apple Watch and iPhone. For the pregnancy research, the model analyzed information from 430 reported pregnancies and more than 25,000 non-pregnant participants. The AI looked at more than heart rate and temperature. It also examined movement patterns, sleep habits and exercise routines.

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According to the study, changes in behavior provided strong clues. For example, a shift in walking gait or a change in bedtime routine could signal early pregnancy. 

“Pregnancy results in substantial changes to an individual’s behavior,” the researchers said. “Hence, this task acts as a clear example of the complementary nature of modeling both types of data.”

What else can AI detect?

Pregnancy was just one of several health conditions the AI model learned to identify. The researchers also tested the model on other health issues with strong results. It predicted diabetes with 82% accuracy, infection with 76% accuracy and injury with 69% accuracy. These findings suggest that AI-powered wearables may soon do much more than count steps or track sleep. They could help detect serious health changes before symptoms even appear.

A woman wearing an Apple watch  (Apple)

Women’s health tech faces a trust gap

Even with these promising results, trust remains a major barrier in women’s health technology. Privacy concerns are growing, especially when it comes to sensitive data like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission fined the popular app Premom for sharing user data without consent.  

A recent FTC study confirmed growing skepticism. Women are less likely to trust apps that collect reproductive health information, especially when the companies do not make their data practices clear. That raises an important question. Even if the Apple Watch can detect early signs of pregnancy, would users want it to?

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Apple’s ongoing investment in women’s health

Apple continues to build tools for reproductive and maternal health. In 2019, it added menstrual cycle tracking to the Health app. In 2023, it introduced a pregnancy tracking feature for the Apple Watch. The company has not announced any plans to turn the AI findings into a consumer feature. But this research shows where Apple’s focus may be headed. With support from public health officials calling for widespread use of wearables, Apple could play a key role in shaping the future of personalized healthcare.

More about the Apple Watch and what other health conditions it will help you uncover: CyberGuy.com/AppleWatch

A woman looking at her Apple Watch  (Apple)

Kurt’s key takeaways

This study shows that your Apple Watch may someday detect major health changes before you notice them. It is not a replacement for a doctor, but it could become a powerful early-warning tool. Still, trust and transparency will matter just as much as the technology itself.

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Would you feel comfortable if your watch told you that you might be pregnant or detect any other major health changes?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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