Few things frustrate internet users more than losing connection, being watched online or dealing with censorship. If you’ve ever had spotty service or worried about who might be reading your messages, you’re not alone. Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter (now X), is developing a new instant messaging app called Bitchat that lets you communicate without needing an internet connection.

Bitchat uses a decentralized mesh network to link people directly. This setup removes the need for central servers and makes it possible to send secure messages even when you’re offline. It’s a fresh take on messaging privacy, and here’s how it works.

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META AI’S NEW CHATBOT RAISES PRIVACY ALARMS

Messaging on Bitchat  (@jack/X)

How Bitchat’s Bluetooth messaging app works without internet

Bitchat works by using Bluetooth to send messages to nearby devices. It’s designed like old-school chat rooms, where people can message each other directly or go into topic-based chat rooms with private conversations that are intended to be encrypted. Messages can travel up to 984 feet in ideal conditions when messaging directly, or hop device-to-device through other Bitchat-enabled phones to reach their destination in less connected zones.

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In a nutshell, Bitchat provides internet- and server-free communication, messages that are intended to disappear by default, no requirement for user IDs (email or phone number), and password-protected chat rooms.

Furthermore, it doesn’t collect personal data, and the technology it’s built on is intended to work across different devices and platforms, although it’s currently only available on iOS via TestFlight. Bitchat is a strong step toward privacy-first messaging, but users are cautioned not to rely on it for sensitive communications at this early stage.

A private chat in Bitchat  (@jack/X)

Why this offline messaging app could solve major connectivity problems

Bitchat tackles several pressing challenges of the digital age. For instance, those with limited access to the internet will find it useful during network outages or in areas with poor connectivity. People will also be able to use it in regions with a lot of data restrictions due to government sanctions. Furthermore, it provides true digital autonomy since there’s no centralized service storing your communications.

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What Bitchat is doing is not entirely new. Apps like FireChat and Bridgefy explored similar offline messaging approaches, and while they gained brief popularity during protests and emergencies, they struggled with security flaws and scalability. However, it’s Bitchat’s renewed urgency at a time when online freedom is increasingly under threat that might propel it above those that came before.

Bitchat features  (@jack/X)

Upcoming features for Bitchat’s private Bluetooth messaging app

Bitchat is currently in early testing via Apple’s TestFlight program. Right now, it’s in the experimental phase. However, Dorsey has hinted that he will add more features like Wi-Fi Direct to boost its speed and range. Also, with the technology behind Bitchat being open and decentralized, we could see it embedded into other platforms, meaning more and more people might be using it in the near future.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Bitchat could spark a new era of communication. The app works offline and gives you control over your conversations. You don’t have to rely on centralized systems. Bitchat lets you send messages without anyone snooping or profiting from your data. As more people use it, Bitchat could serve as a lifeline during crises. It may help those living under digital restrictions. The app could also challenge companies that ignore privacy. As digital surveillance grows, this app might become more than just a trend. It could be exactly what we need.

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In what scenarios do you see apps like Bitchat being useful to you? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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What if the answer to cleaner energy was right out on the waves? A new green energy system is set to change how we capture clean power, and it all starts with the ocean. French startup Seaturns has designed technology that taps into the natural motion of the sea. Their water pendulum turbines are built to last, require little maintenance, and turn rolling waves into electricity. Unlike other renewable options, ocean waves offer a steady, often predictable source of power.

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Water pendulum turbine. (Seaturns)

How renewable wave energy works using a water pendulum system

Here’s how the water pendulum wave converter works. These large, yellow, floating cylinders pitch back and forth with each passing wave. Inside, the motion causes a column of water to swing like a pendulum, compressing air between two chambers and driving a turbine that generates electricity. This constant back-and-forth movement happens entirely within the hull, protecting components from corrosive saltwater and turbulent seas.

Unlike older wave converters that rely on exposed mechanical parts, Seaturns’ design is simple, reliable, and self-contained. Backed by organizations such as Bpifrance, Horizon Europe, and marine research institute Ifremer, the project has drawn support from across France’s public and private sectors.

Water pendulum turbines. (Seaturns)

Renewable wave energy turbine passes open-sea testing

Seaturns recently completed 18 months of successful offshore testing using a prototype built near Brest, France. Built at quarter-scale, the test demonstrated the system’s durability and energy efficiency under harsh marine conditions. This confirms the power-producing concept as a promising alternative to traditional energy technologies.

Historically, ocean power projects have struggled due to their complexity, cost, and vulnerability to damage. Seaturns’ design addresses these weaknesses head-on. A water pendulum is driven by the horizontal motion of wave surges, allowing it to function efficiently even in shallower waters where wave height is limited. This enables performance in shallower depths, bringing the system closer to shore. Its compact size, modular construction, and simplified deployment process make it attractive for coastal cities, offshore industries, and island communities alike.

And unlike wind or solar power, which can fluctuate with weather and daylight, wave converters can generate energy more consistently, though typically at lower output levels, even when skies are cloudy or winds are still.

Water pendulum turbine. (Seaturns)

Low-maintenance renewable wave energy designed to last

Wave energy offers enormous untapped potential. According to some estimates, global oceans could theoretically produce more than 2 terawatts of renewable electricity using wave technology. That’s enough to power a significant portion of national grids, potentially up to a third of the United States’ energy demand, if fully harnessed, though real-world output would depend on many local and technical factors. Harnessing even part of Alaska’s extensive coastline could significantly reduce fossil fuel reliance in remote communities.

Recent academic studies have highlighted the promise of pendulum-based wave energy converters. Their ability to deliver direct mechanical-to-electrical conversion, combined with structural simplicity, makes them a viable path forward for clean ocean power.

Speaking of power, want to reduce your energy bills while staying cool? Check out these smart ways to beat the heat at Cyberguy.com/KeepCool.

Also, explore the latest innovations in smart thermostat technology for your home Cyberguy.com/SmartThermostats. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

Some people point out that wave energy still has its hurdles, like dealing with inconsistent wave patterns and currently lower power output compared to wind or solar farms. Even so, the Seaturns system could be a real breakthrough. Its tough design, simple upkeep, and environmental benefits make it a strong contender for future energy grids. As we keep searching for reliable and sustainable power, wave energy is starting to stand out. Now, the big question is whether creative ideas like water pendulums can help make wave power a key player in the global shift to clean energy. 

Learn how to save on electricity at home at Cyberguy.com/SaveonPower.

Would you support the installation of wave energy systems like the Seaturns turbines near your local beach? Tell us why or why not. Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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AI chatbots are quickly becoming the primary way people interact with the internet. Instead of browsing through a list of links, you can now get direct answers to your questions. However, these tools often provide information that is completely inaccurate, and in the context of security, that can be dangerous. In fact, cybersecurity researchers are warning that hackers have started exploiting flaws in these chatbots to carry out AI phishing attacks.

Specifically, when people use AI tools to search for login pages, especially for banking and tech platforms, the tools return incorrect links. And once you click that link, you might get directed to fake websites. These sites can then be used to steal personal information or login credentials.

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A man using ChatGPT on his laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know about AI phishing attacks

Researchers at Netcraft recently ran a test on the GPT-4.1 family of models, which is also used by Microsoft’s Bing AI and AI search engine Perplexity. They asked where to log in to fifty different brands across banking, retail, and tech. 

Out of 131 unique links the chatbot returned, only about two-thirds were correct. Around 30 percent of the links pointed to unregistered or inactive domains. Another five percent led to unrelated websites. In total, more than one-third of the responses linked to pages not owned by the actual companies. This means someone looking for a login link could easily end up on a fake or unsafe site.

If attackers register those unclaimed domains, they can create convincing phishing pages and wait. Since the AI-supplied answer often sounds official, users are more likely to trust it without double-checking.

Wikipedia page showing ChatGPT description on a smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

AI phishing attacks are already happening: Real-world example

In one recent case, a user asked Perplexity AI for the Wells Fargo login page. The top result wasn’t the official Wells Fargo site; it was a phishing page hosted on Google Sites. The fake site closely mimicked the real design and prompted users to enter personal information. Although the correct site was listed further down, many people would not notice or think to verify the link.

The problem in this case wasn’t specific to Perplexity’s underlying model. It stemmed from Google Sites abuse and a lack of vetting in the search results surfaced by the tool. Still, the result was the same: a trusted AI platform inadvertently directed someone to a fake financial website.

Smaller banks and regional credit unions face even higher risks. These institutions are less likely to appear in AI training data or be accurately indexed on the web. As a result, AI tools are more prone to guessing or fabricating links when asked about them, raising the risk of exposing users to unsafe destinations.

Image of ChatGPT on a desktop computer screen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7 ways you can protect yourself from AI phishing attacks

As AI phishing attacks grow more sophisticated, protecting yourself starts with a few smart habits. Here are seven that can make a real difference:

1) Never trust links from AI chat responses blindly

AI chatbots often sound confident even when they are wrong. If a chatbot tells you where to log in, do not click the link right away. Instead, go directly to the website by typing its URL manually or using a trusted bookmark.

2) Double-check domain names carefully

AI-generated phishing links often use lookalike domains. Check for subtle misspellings, extra words, or unusual endings like “.site” or “.info” instead of “.com”. If it feels even slightly off, do not proceed. 

3) Use two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible

Even if your login credentials get stolen, 2FA adds an extra layer of security. Choose app-based authenticators like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS-based codes when available. 

4) Avoid logging in through search engines or AI tools

If you need to access your bank or tech account, avoid searching for it or asking a chatbot. Use your browser’s bookmarks or enter the official URL directly. AI and search engines can sometimes surface phishing pages by mistake. 

5) Report suspicious AI-generated links

If a chatbot or AI tool gives you a dangerous or fake link, report it. Many platforms allow user feedback. This helps AI systems learn and reduces future risks for others. 

6) Keep your browser updated and use strong antivirus software

Modern browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge now include phishing and malware protection. Enable these features and keep everything updated..

If you want extra protection, the best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links 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/LockUpYourTech. 

7) Use a password manager

Password managers not only generate strong passwords but can also help detect fake websites. They typically won’t auto-fill login fields on lookalike or spoofed sites. 

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

Kurt’s key takeaway

Attackers are changing tactics. Instead of gaming search engines, they now design content specifically for AI models. I have been consistently urging you to double-check URLs for inconsistencies before entering any sensitive information. Since chatbots are still known to produce highly inaccurate responses due to AI hallucinations, make sure to verify anything a chatbot tells you before applying it in real life.

Should AI companies be doing more to prevent phishing attacks through their chatbots? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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