Google has taken a major step toward the future of clean energy by partnering with Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), an MIT spin-out working to build one of the world’s first commercial fusion reactors. This Google fusion deal marks a pivotal moment for the tech giant as it looks to secure reliable, carbon-free power for its growing AI operations.

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A person browses Google on a laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Inside Google’s historic fusion power deal

Google will purchase 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity from CFS’s planned ARC fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, Virginia. This amount of power could support roughly 150,000 to 200,000 homes. More likely, it will help run Google’s expanding network of AI data centers. The actual usage will depend on how Google allocates the electricity.

This is Google’s first energy deal involving fusion technology. It is also the largest fusion power purchase agreement signed so far. The ARC plant is projected to begin operations in the early 2030s, though fusion projects often face delays. While the electricity does not yet exist, the deal highlights growing demand for long-term, clean energy solutions.

Steam rises from cooling towers at a nuclear facility. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How nuclear fusion works and why it matters for clean energy

Fusion is the same process that powers the sun. Instead of splitting atoms like traditional nuclear power, fusion forces hydrogen atoms to fuse together at extremely high temperatures. This reaction releases enormous amounts of energy. It does not produce greenhouse gases or long-lived radioactive waste.

Scientists have worked on fusion for decades, but no one has produced fusion power at commercial scale yet. CFS aims to change that with its SPARC demonstration reactor, now under construction in Massachusetts. The larger ARC plant is planned to deliver commercial fusion energy.

Hands framing the sun during a bright orange sunset. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Google invests in fusion to meet rising AI energy demands

Google’s energy needs are growing quickly as it scales up artificial intelligence models and data infrastructure. Since 2010, the company has invested in renewable sources like wind, solar, and geothermal. However, these sources are not always available when needed.

Fusion could solve this problem by providing round-the-clock clean energy. By signing this agreement, Google is securing future power and helping to speed up fusion technology development. The company has also expanded its investment in CFS to support the ARC project.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Google’s new partnership with CFS is the largest fusion energy deal ever signed. The company will purchase 200 MW of clean power from a future reactor in Virginia. The ARC plant is expected to come online in the early 2030s. Google is the first major company to sign on as a customer for commercial fusion energy. Unlike traditional nuclear power, fusion produces no carbon emissions and no long-lived radioactive waste. It also offers consistent, 24/7 electricity. As Google’s AI systems drive up energy demand, this deal shows how tech companies are looking beyond wind and solar for scalable, future-proof solutions. If CFS delivers, fusion could finally move from science experiment to real-world power source.

Do you think fusion energy will power the future of AI? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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If you create and share art online, you might have seen messages warning that Facebook’s parent company, Meta, claims the right to use or even sell anything you post, whether it’s pictures, poems, or artwork. Robert from Edmond, Oklahoma, reached out with this concern:

“I keep getting messages warning me that Facebook/Meta has let all subscribers know that Meta claims the right to own or use anything one puts on their social media systems, including any message, pictures, artwork, etc., that belong to you. I like to post some of my artwork but I am being warned it can be loaded by Meta and sold or given to others without my permission. Is this true? If so, is there a way to protect one’s pictures, art, poems, etc. from this grab?”

This is a common concern, and it’s essential to distinguish fact from fiction. Let’s explore what really happens to your creative content on Facebook, what rights you keep, and how you can protect your work while sharing it on the platform.

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A person using Facebook on their laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The truth about the ownership and rights of content posted on Facebook

Here’s the truth: You retain ownership of your intellectual property rights, including copyright, of everything you share on Facebook. Your creative work, art, photographs, poems, or videos, is still yours to control.

With that said, Facebook has a license to use the content you post on the platform, but it doesn’t mean they own it. If you don’t want Facebook to use it, you should delete it. However, Facebook can still access it if you’ve shared it with others and they haven’t deleted it.

The claim that Facebook or Meta can sell or give away your content without your permission is false. This rumor has circulated for years but is not based on Facebook’s actual policies. While Facebook does have a license to use your content as part of its platform, it does not own your work or have the right to sell it outside of Facebook without your consent.

You still need to protect your content from social media piracy

Social media piracy happens when someone uses your social media content without your permission. Here’s how to protect it: 

Make sure you watermark your artwork

Adding a watermark to your work can help protect it from unauthorized use. You can use any image editor, including the Windows Photos app or Canva. To maximize protection, place the watermark where it cannot e easily cropped out without damaging the artwork, such as across the center.

Adjust your Facebook privacy settings (Desktop)

You should configure your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts:

• On your Facebook profile, click your profile picture in the top-right corner and select Settings & privacy.

Steps to adjust your Facebook privacy settings. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Steps to adjust your Facebook privacy settings. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• In the Audience and visibility section, click Posts.

Steps to adjust your Facebook privacy settings. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click Who can see your future posts?

Steps to adjust your Facebook privacy settings. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Select Friends and click Done.

Steps to adjust your Facebook privacy settings. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Put a copyright notice on your Facebook posts

You can also include a copyright notice in your posts to remind others that the content is protected by copyright law. Something as simple as “© [Your Name], [Year]” can work and is legally recognized. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s important to know that you keep ownership of your creative work on Facebook. While Meta can use your content within the platform, it cannot sell or give it away without your permission. Protecting your art is still up to you; watermark your work, adjust privacy settings, and add copyright notices to help prevent misuse.

How do you protect your creative content on social media?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Cybercriminals hit Qantas in a major data breach that exposed information from up to six million customers. Airline data breaches are on the rise, putting millions of travelers at risk. The Qantas incident underscores how vulnerable personal information can be. The FBI recently warned that a hacking group called Scattered Spider is actively targeting airlines and the transportation sector. So, what should you do if your data was compromised, and how can you protect yourself moving forward?

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Qantas aircraft on the runway. (Qantas)

What happened in the Qantas data breach?

On June 30, 2025, Qantas found unusual activity on a third-party customer service platform. Hackers broke into this system and took personal information, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and frequent flyer numbers.

Qantas confirmed that hackers did not access credit card details, financial information, or passport data. The airline quickly stopped the breach and began telling affected customers. We reached out to Qantas for comment. They referred us to their official update, which says the system remains secure. No one compromised frequent flyer accounts or passwords. Qantas also reports no further threat activity. The airline is working with cybersecurity experts and government authorities to investigate. They have added new security measures to protect customer data and frequent flyer accounts.

Qantas app on a smartphone. (Qantas)

Why this Qantas data breach matters for travelers now

The timing is alarming. Just days before the breach, the FBI warned that Scattered Spider, a hacking group known for its social engineering and ransomware tactics, was targeting airlines. This group has been linked to attacks on Hawaiian Airlines and WestJet.

Chris Borkenhagen, a seasoned cybersecurity leader who serves as CISO & Chief Digital Officer at AuthenticID and brings over two decades of experience protecting digital identities, explains:

“Even partial personal data like names, contact details, birthdates, and loyalty account numbers can be weaponized by cybercriminals. Affected consumers should immediately update passwords, especially if reused elsewhere, and enable multi-factor authentication.”

Qantas aircraft at a gate at an airport. (Qantas)

Why airline data is valuable to hackers

Airline data is highly valuable to hackers because, even without financial details, airlines collect a wealth of personal information that criminals can exploit. Hackers can use this data to hijack loyalty accounts and steal points or miles, create fake identities for fraudulent activities, and launch highly convincing phishing campaigns that target both travelers and employees. Airline breaches are especially dangerous since they often involve a combination of personal, behavioral, and contextual data, which enables cybercriminals to carry out targeted attacks with greater effectiveness.

Qantas aircraft at a gate at the airport. (Qantas)

Signs your data is being misused after a data breach

Watch for these red flags after a breach:

• Suspicious messages referencing your frequent flyer account
• Unexplained changes to airline or loyalty program settings
• Notifications about credit applications you did not initiate
• Sudden drops in your credit score

“Cybercriminals act fast after breaches, using personal details to impersonate victims or extract more data. Investigate any unusual activity immediately,” warns Borkenhagen.

What to do if you’re affected by the Qantas data breach

If Qantas notifies you that your data was compromised, act immediately: 

1) Update passwords

Change passwords on your airline account and any other accounts using the same credentials. Use strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. 

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

2) Enable Multi-factor authentication 

Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, especially on travel, email, and financial accounts.

3) Monitor accounts

Watch your loyalty program and financial accounts for any unusual activity. 

4) Use an identity theft protection service

Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.  One of the best parts of my #1 pick is that they have identity theft insurance of up to 1 million dollars to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a US-based case manager helps you recover any losses.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft. 

5) Stay alert for phishing scams and use strong antivirus software

Watch out for phishing attempts, as scammers may use stolen data to craft convincing messages. Don’t click on any links or download attachments from suspicious emails or texts-instead, verify the sender’s identity by contacting the company directly through their official website or app. Using up-to-date antivirus software can also help detect and block malicious content before it can do harm.

For the best antivirus protection in 2025, visit CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech. 

6) Remove your data from risky sites

Consider using a personal data removal service to help limit how much of your information is exposed online. Reducing your digital footprint makes it harder for cybercriminals to find and exploit your personal details.

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. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

As we’ve seen, airline data breaches, such as the recent Qantas incident, are no longer rare; they’re a growing reality for travelers everywhere. While Qantas acted quickly to contain the breach and safeguard sensitive data, this event is a reminder that cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit personal information. By taking proactive steps, such as updating your passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, you can reduce your risk and protect your identity. Don’t wait for the next headline to take action; start securing your accounts and digital footprint today.

Should airlines face stricter legal standards for data protection? Who should enforce these? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Central Texas is still reeling from those devastating floods that claimed more than 100 lives and left dozens missing. Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise nearly 30 feet in under an hour, overwhelming communities and emergency responders, and catching many off guard.

Despite some warnings, many residents reported receiving little to no advance notice, highlighting critical gaps in alert systems during life-threatening weather events.

In response to criticisms about the National Weather Service’s advanced alert system during this disaster, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) publicly backed the NWS, emphasizing the importance of robust and timely severe weather alerts.

This tragedy underscores the importance of having reliable, loud, and timely emergency alerts on your phone or device because when severe weather strikes, every second counts.

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Flooding caused by severe weather. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why your phone may not alert you to severe weather

Many phones only notify you of emergency alerts if you have them enabled. Some devices might silence or limit these warnings, especially if your phone has been previous adjusted to omit overbearing government and Amber alerts. This can be dangerous during flash floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, or other severe weather events when every second counts.

How to enable severe weather alerts on iPhone

To make sure you don’t miss critical warnings, follow these simple steps:

Set location access for Weather App

• Go to Settings.
• Click Privacy & Security.
• Tap Location Services.
• Scroll down and tap Weather.
• Select Always to allow the app to access your location continuously.
• Enable Precise Location for the most accurate alerts.

Enable Weather App notifications

• Go to Settings.
• Click Notifications.
• Scroll down and tap Weather.
• Toggle Allow Notifications on.
• Enable Time Sensitive Notifications to ensure alerts break through Focus modes or Do Not Disturb.
• Optionally, toggle Announce Notifications if you want Siri to read alerts aloud.

Turn on severe weather alerts inside the built-in Weather App

• Open the Weather app that came with your iPhone on your home screen.
• Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right.
• Tap the three-dot icon (ellipsis) in the upper right corner and select Notifications.
• Scroll down and tap Allow.
• It will ask you to confirm your decision by clicking Allow again.
• Toggle on Severe Weather Alerts and Next-Hour Precipitation Alerts for your current location and any saved locations.
• Confirm any permission prompts to allow notifications by clicking Done in the upper right-hand corner.

Enable Government Emergency Alerts (for all emergency warnings)

• Go to Settings.
• Click Notifications.
• Scroll to the bottom section, where it says ‘Government Alerts’.
• Make sure Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts are enabled.

How to enable severe weather alerts on Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

• Navigate to Settings.
• Tap Safety & Emergency.
• Click Wireless Emergency Alerts.
• Enable Allow Alerts.
• Enable Severe threats, Extreme threats, and Public safety messages.

Make sure your phone is updated to the latest software version for full compatibility.

Note: Emergency alerts are designed to override Do Not Disturb or Silent mode, but this may not work on every device, and you must be within range of a cellular or network connection for you to receive a warning.

If you are not receiving alerts, check your carrier, ensure you are connected to a cellular network, and consider using a third-party app for redundancy.

Severe weather. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Top apps that provide loud, severe weather alerts

If you want extra assurance beyond default phone alerts, consider these apps: 

Storm Shield

The Storm Shield app is available for both iPhone (iOS) and Android devices. It provides storm-based alerts, including tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, thunderstorms, and winter storms, through voice and push notifications that can wake your device even if it is locked or on silent. The app uses location-based alerts to reduce false alarms by notifying you only when severe weather impacts your exact location within a county. 

American Red Cross Emergency app

Another excellent option is the American Red Cross Emergency app, available for both iPhone and Android devices. This app allows you to customize NOAA alerts for a wide range of hazards, including tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. You can set unique alert sounds for different types of emergencies and choose which locations you want to monitor, making it perfect for keeping tabs on loved ones or property in various places. However, keep in mind that while this app provides timely notifications, it may not always override Do Not Disturb mode in the same way that Wireless Emergency Alerts can.

Tornado and severe lightning. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why a separate NOAA Weather Radio is still essential

NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It continuously broadcasts official weather information and emergency alerts directly from the National Weather Service. These broadcasts provide vital, real-time warnings about severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters. These work even if your cellular connection goes down or your phone fails to emit a warning.

To receive these alerts clearly and loudly, a dedicated NOAA Weather Radio device is essential. One highly recommended option is the Raynic Emergency Weather Radio. This portable, multi-functional device tunes into all seven NOAA weather channels and automatically announces loud alerts when threatening weather conditions arise. It features multiple power sources, including solar panels, a hand crank, USB charging, and batteries, ensuring it stays powered even during extended outages.

The Raynic radio also offers AM, FM, and shortwave bands, a 5000mAh rechargeable battery that can charge your cell phone, a bright flashlight, a reading lamp, an SOS siren, and a headphone jack for private listening. Its compact, durable, and water-resistant design makes it ideal for both home use and outdoor emergencies. No matter which NOAA radio brand you pick, make sure you follow the directions so that it will automatically turn on for a severe weather warning and that the volume is cranked up.

By combining the NOAA Weather Radio broadcast system with a reliable device like the Raynic Emergency Radio, you ensure you receive timely, loud, and clear severe weather emergency alerts no matter where you are or what power sources are available.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The tragic floods in Texas remind us that severe weather can strike suddenly and with deadly force. Don’t rely solely on chance; take control of your safety by enabling emergency alerts and using trusted apps. Consider adding a NOAA Weather Radio to your emergency kit.

What steps have you taken to ensure you receive loud and timely severe weather alerts? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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