The Fourth of July might be your favorite summer holiday, but for dogs, it’s often the scariest night of the year. 

Across the country, shelters see a huge uptick in lost pets between July 4 and July 6. Some report increases as high as 60%. 

July 5 is even considered one of the busiest days for animal shelters. So what’s going on? Fireworks. Those loud, unpredictable explosions can send even the calmest dogs into full-blown panic mode. In their attempt to escape the noise, many run off through doors, fences, or windows, often traveling far from home before they calm down.

FLORIDA BOMB SQUAD DEMONSTRATES DAMAGE FIREWORKS CAN INFLICT USING WATERMELON

Ziggy the dog reunited with her owner. (Love Lost)

Ziggy’s story: A lost dog reunited by tech

While the Fourth of July leads to a big spike in missing pets, dogs can go missing at any time, and being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference. That was the case for Ziggy, a sweet pup from Long Beach, California, who ran off while his family was visiting relatives in Watsonville. One moment, the door was open, and the next, Ziggy was gone. His owner, Surely, was devastated and searched for days with no luck.

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Months later, hope came through a notification from Love Lost, a free national database that uses AI photo-matching to help reunite lost pets with their families. A dog that looked just like Ziggy had turned up at a shelter in Santa Cruz County. Surely reached out, and to her relief, it was him. After five long months and hundreds of miles apart, Ziggy was finally back home.

“When I reunited with Ziggy, it was the most unimaginable feeling,” Surely said. “Love Lost brought him back.”

Ziggy the dog is pictured lost and then reunited. (Love Lost)

Simple ways to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

Loud fireworks, flashing lights and crowds can all be overwhelming for pets. But the good news? With a little planning, you can greatly reduce the chances of your dog going missing during the holiday.

5 smart tips to protect your pet during fireworks

1. Keep pets indoors and secure: Before the fireworks start, bring your dog inside, even if they’re usually fine in the yard. Close windows, lower the blinds and draw the curtains to soften the noise and block flashing lights. If you’re hosting guests, post a reminder on the door so no one accidentally lets your pet out.

2. Set up a calm, cozy space: Choose a quiet room or area where your dog feels safe. Add their favorite blanket or toy, and consider playing calming music or white noise to help muffle outside sounds. There are also pet-calming playlists and anxiety wraps that can help.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

3. Check ID tags and microchips: Make sure your dog’s collar tag has your current phone number and that their microchip is registered with up-to-date contact info. If your dog does get loose, this can be the fastest way to get them back.

4. Use a GPS tracker or smart collar: Technology has come a long way when it comes to pet safety. Affordable GPS trackers like the Apple AirTag, Tractive, or Jiobit let you follow your dog’s location in real time using your smartphone. Many even let you set safe zones or share tracking with others if your dog goes missing. Just make sure the tracker you choose is durable, attaches securely to the collar, and offers live tracking features, because when every second counts, knowing where your dog is can make all the difference. 

Check out the five best pet trackers at Cyberguy.com/PetTrackers.

5. Register with Love Lost: Take a few minutes to upload a clear photo of your dog to Love Lost, a free, nationwide database powered by AI photo-matching. If your pet ever goes missing, this one step could be the reason they make it home safely. Also, if you find a lost dog wandering in your neighborhood, take a quick photo and upload it to Love Lost. The platform makes it easy to match found pets with their families, and again, it’s free to use.

Ziggy the dog reunited with her owner.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The 4th of July can be tough on pets, but it doesn’t have to end in heartbreak. July also marks the start of National Lost Pet Prevention Month, so now is the perfect time to take action. Register your dog with a lost pet database, secure your home, and check those ID tags. By planning ahead, you can enjoy the fireworks and keep your best friend safe at home.

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What’s one tip you would share with other pet owners to prevent lost pets? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Have you heard of “jugging?” Police are raising alarms about this new crime trend targeting ATM users nationwide and locally. Jugging happens when criminals wait near banks or ATMs, watching people withdraw cash. 

Then, they follow their targets, hoping to rob them or break into their vehicles. This crime can catch anyone off guard. You might not even realize you’re being watched. That’s why staying alert is crucial whenever you use an ATM.

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POLICE SOUND ALARM ON DANGEROUS ‘JUGGING’ ROBBERY TREND SWEEPING ACROSS AMERICA

A customer using an ATM machine  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How jugging works: The criminal’s playbook

Jugging starts with suspects lurking near an ATM or bank. They watch for customers who withdraw money. Once a target is spotted, the suspects follow them, looking for an opportunity to strike. This could mean stealing cash directly, breaking into cars or worse. 

The key to jugging’s success is surprise and timing. Criminals rely on victims being distracted or unaware. Knowing this can help you avoid becoming their next target.

ATM machine (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Top safety tips to protect yourself from jugging

Police recommend several simple yet effective steps to stay safe:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings: Always scan the area before and after using an ATM. If something seems suspicious, it probably is.

2. Avoid distractions: Don’t use your cellphone or wear headphones while at the ATM. Stay alert to what’s happening around you.

3. Be Discreet with your cash: Put your money away immediately after withdrawing it. Avoid counting cash in public.

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4. Lock your vehicle doors: Once inside your car, lock the doors right away. Never leave cash visible inside your vehicle.

5. Change your routine: Visit different ATMs or banks at varying times. Being unpredictable makes it harder for criminals to target you.

6. Watch for anyone following you: If you notice a vehicle tailing you after an ATM visit, don’t drive home. Instead, head to the nearest police station or a busy public place. Call 911 if you feel threatened.

A customer withdrawing cash from an ATM machine     (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why paying attention matters more than ever

Jugging is on the rise across the country, and it’s not just happening in big cities anymore. Small towns and suburbs are seeing more cases, too. Criminals look for moments when people let their guard down, when they’re feeling safe or distracted. Staying alert and following a few simple safety tips can make a big difference and help keep you from becoming a target. 

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Jugging is a clever and dangerous crime, but you don’t have to be a victim. Awareness and simple precautions can keep you safe. Next time you head to the ATM, ask yourself if you’re paying enough attention to your surroundings. Could a criminal be watching me right now? Your safety depends on your awareness. Stay alert, be unpredictable and protect yourself from jugging.

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Have you ever felt uneasy or noticed something suspicious while using an ATM, and how did you handle it?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. 

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At this point, most Americans are aware that their personal information is often up for sale. But few would have expected their domestic flight records to be part of the trade. 

You might think that when you book a flight, the data stays between you, the airline and perhaps your travel agency, but a new report suggests otherwise. Internal documents reveal that major U.S. airlines have been funneling detailed passenger data to a little-known broker, which then sells that information directly to the Department of Homeland Security. 

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16 BILLION PASSWORDS LEAKED IN MASSIVE DATA BREACH

Airplane flying in the sky  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Which airlines shared data and how the travel intelligence program works

At the center of the controversy is the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), a company jointly owned by several of the largest U.S. airlines, including Delta, American Airlines and United. ARC’s core business includes managing ticket settlements between airlines and travel agencies. However, under a lesser-known initiative called the Travel Intelligence Program (TIP), ARC collects and monetizes vast amounts of data from domestic flight bookings. This includes names, complete itineraries and payment details.

Internal government records and procurement documents reveal that Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security, has purchased access to ARC’s TIP data to track individuals of interest across the U.S. While CBP maintains that this data supports criminal and administrative investigations, critics argue that the arrangement raises major privacy concerns. 

The data is shared without travelers’ knowledge or consent, and ARC reportedly requested that the agency keep its identity confidential unless legally required to disclose it.

The documents confirm that CBP’s initial contract with ARC began in June 2024. It has already been extended and may continue through 2029. Although the initial amounts seem modest, around $11,000 with a recent $6,800 update, the implications are far-reaching.

Passengers traveling on an airplane   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What DHS is collecting from your flight bookings and why it’s concerning

ARC’s Travel Intelligence Program goes far beyond basic passenger manifests. It includes over a billion records spanning both past and future travel, updated daily. The system can be queried by name, credit card or even travel agency. Importantly, it does not include data from tickets purchased directly through airline websites, focusing instead on bookings made via travel agencies, such as Expedia.

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The DHS has justified its use of TIP data in a public Privacy Impact Assessment, noting the program helps in active investigations. CBP echoed this, stating that data is only used when a case is already open. Still, this sets a dangerous precedent. It normalizes mass surveillance through third-party data purchases, undermining safeguards designed to limit unnecessary intrusion.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement also acknowledged purchasing ARC data. Other federal agencies listed in procurement records include the Secret Service, SEC, DEA, TSA and even the Air Force.

Travelers at an airport        (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

6 ways you can protect your privacy from data brokers

If you want to take back control of your personal information, here are six smart steps you can take right now to reduce your exposure to data brokers.

1. Book flights directly on airline websites: Whenever you can, avoid using third-party travel sites like Expedia, Orbitz or travel agencies. These platforms are the main sources of the data collected by the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) through its Travel Intelligence Program. When you book directly on an airline’s official website or mobile app, your data is far less likely to be shared with ARC or sold to government agencies. While it might be tempting to look for deals on aggregator sites, once you find a fare you like, try to book it directly through the airline.

2. Use virtual or disposable credit cards: The ARC system allows queries by credit card number, which means your travel activity can be tracked even if your name is not directly searched. To protect yourself, consider using a virtual credit card or a disposable card number for flight bookings. These are often available through banking apps or fintech services like Revolut, Privacy.com or certain American Express accounts. Virtual cards are tied to your main account but generate a temporary number that can only be used once or at a specific merchant. This makes it much harder for brokers to link future bookings to you.

3. Share the bare minimum when booking: Be cautious about the personal information you enter during the booking process. Unless it is legally required, avoid adding unnecessary details like your frequent flyer number, passport data for domestic flights or secondary phone numbers. You can also create a separate email address specifically for travel bookings to reduce the risk of cross-linking data with your other online accounts. When it comes to loyalty programs, consider opting out or using a separate identity if you are concerned about data being shared across companies.

4. Remove your data from the internet: The most effective way to take control of your data and avoid data brokers from selling it is to opt for data removal services. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com/Delete

5. Use a privacy-focused browser and email service: Prevent tracking at the source by using privacy-first tools. Switch to browsers like Brave, Firefox or DuckDuckGo, which block ads and data collectors by default. Set up a separate, secure alias email address for booking travel using services. This limits how easily brokers can link your travel data to your online identity. See my review of the best secure and private email services by visiting Cyberguy.com/Mail

6. Use an identity theft protection service: If your travel or payment data is ever leaked or abused, freezing your credit can help prevent identity theft. Identity theft companies can assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. They can also monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. 

One of the best parts of my No. 1 pick is that is it has identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft by visiting Cyberguy.com/IdentityTheft 

Kurt’s key takeaway

The ARC incident is yet another example of federal agencies bypassing traditional legal channels by buying sensitive data from private firms. Travelers are not just passengers, they are data points in a growing ecosystem where information is currency. The fact that this trade happened without informed consent and behind legal smokescreens should worry anyone who values privacy.

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Would you change how you book flights if it meant protecting your personal data? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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If you’ve ordered food on Uber Eats recently, you may have seen a delivery robot instead of a human driver. 

Uber has partnered with Avride to bring autonomous robots to the streets. 

They already operate in several U.S. cities, and your area could be next.

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ROBOT-RUN STORE VENHUB IS CHANGING THE FUTURE OF SHOPPING

Uber Eats delivery robot (Uber Eats)

What is an Uber Eats delivery robot?

Uber Eats uses compact, four-wheeled robots to handle the final stretch of food delivery. These delivery robots are about the size of a carry-on suitcase and can move along sidewalks at speeds of up to five miles per hour.

Each robot carries up to 55 pounds of food or drinks, including large pizza orders and bottles. With features like LIDAR, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, the robots can detect obstacles from 200 feet away. They recognize traffic lights and navigate crowded sidewalks with ease.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

These robots work around the clock. Rain or shine, they keep moving. Their secure cargo compartments open only when the customer unlocks them through the Uber Eats app. With swappable batteries and up to 12 hours of life, they’re built for constant service.

Uber Eats delivery robot  (Uber Eats)

Where are Uber Eats Robots delivering food?

Right now, Uber Eats robot delivery is live in multiple U.S. cities. Austin, Texas, was the first to launch the sidewalk robot program. Dallas will join soon.

In New Jersey, Jersey City has already rolled out the robots in neighborhoods like Hamilton Park, Historic Downtown, and the Waterfront. Some cities in Ohio are also part of the program.

Uber and Avride plan to deploy hundreds of delivery robots by the end of 2025. That makes it likely your city will see them soon.

Uber Eats delivery robot  (Uber Eats)

How does Uber Eats robot delivery work?

If you live in a participating city, you might get the option to choose a robot during checkout in the Uber Eats app. Once selected, the app dispatches a delivery robot to your location.

You’ll get a notification when the robot arrives. Use the app to unlock the secure compartment and collect your order. These robots deliver more than just meals, they can handle groceries and small packages too.

Uber Eats delivery robot  (Uber Eats)

Why is Uber using robots for delivery?

Uber Eats serves over 31 million active users in the U.S. The company is always looking for faster, safer, and more affordable ways to deliver food. Robots provide exactly that.

They aren’t delayed by traffic, don’t rely on drivers, and perform well on short trips in urban areas. These delivery robots help reduce fees, increase reliability, and boost safety. Thanks to their sensors and programmed traffic rules, they navigate cities efficiently.

Uber Eats delivery robot  (Uber Eats)

Why is Uber using robots for delivery?

Uber Eats serves over 31 million active users in the U.S. The company is always looking for faster, safer, and more affordable ways to deliver food. Robots provide exactly that.

They aren’t delayed by traffic, don’t rely on drivers, and perform well on short trips in urban areas. These delivery robots help reduce fees, increase reliability, and boost safety. Thanks to their sensors and programmed traffic rules, they navigate cities efficiently.

Uber Eats delivery robot  (Uber Eats)

How do Uber Eats delivery robots handle privacy?

Uber Eats delivery robots are designed with privacy in mind. They do not store personal information such as payment details or delivery addresses. The only data they process is the pickup and delivery locations, which are not tied to any personal details.

Sensor data collected by the robots is anonymized and used solely to improve the technology. Additionally, the robots’ cameras blur faces and license plates to further protect privacy.

Uber Eats delivery robot  (Uber Eats)

Will Uber Eats delivery robots come to my city next?

Uber and Avride are scaling up their operations quickly, with plans to roll out hundreds of delivery robots in more U.S. cities by the end of the year. If you are interested in seeing robot deliveries in your area, Uber Eats encourages customers to reach out and express their interest. The company evaluates requests and considers expanding services based on demand and feasibility.

Uber Eats delivery robot  (Uber Eats)

Kurt’s key takeaways

It is remarkable to see how quickly delivery robots are becoming an integral part of everyday life in cities across the country. Whether you’re someone who loves trying out new technology or you just want your food to arrive reliably, these robots are designed to make things easier and safer for everyone. With Uber Eats and Avride adding more robots every month, it is only a matter of time before you spot one rolling up to your door with your next order.

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If a robot rolled up to your door with your next Uber Eats order, how would you feel about it? Would you be excited to try out this new tech, or do you still prefer having a human delivery driver bring your food? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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