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The sickening truth: Healthcare data breaches reach all-time high

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If your healthcare data hasn’t been breached in 2024, then you either don’t know it yet or should consider yourself very lucky. 

That’s because 2024 was a nightmare year for healthcare institutions and patients in the U.S. A total of 184,111,469 records were breached. That’s 53% of the 2024 population of the United States. 

This staggering figure represents a significant increase from previous years, setting a new and alarming record in healthcare data breaches. 

The healthcare sector faced unprecedented challenges in cybersecurity, with attacks becoming more frequent, sophisticated and damaging than ever before.

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healthcare breach 1

Illustration of a hacker at work stealing healthcare data (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Health check or data leak?

Being admitted to a hospital is stressful enough. It caused additional stress for the 100 million clients of Change Healthcare, whose data was exposed following a breach orchestrated by the BlackCat ransomware group. Not only did the breach expose sensitive health information, but it also caused widespread disruptions in claims processing. Patients and providers across the country faced chaos as the breach impacted their ability to access and pay for healthcare services.

The second significant breach occurred at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, where the personal data of 13.4 million individuals was compromised. This breach involved unauthorized access and the use of tracking technologies that transmitted user interactions to third parties. 

healthcare breach 2

Illustration of healthcare data needing to be locked up (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HACKERS CLAIM MASSIVE BREACH OF COMPANY THAT TRACKS AND SELLS AMERICANS’ LOCATION DATA

Your health data gets breached, so what?

You’ll receive a notification letter, although be aware that it may take months before it reaches you (as was the case for victims of the Ascension Health data breach). The consequences are real and can be very painful. Medical identity theft directly affects patients’ health and safety. It happens when criminals use stolen personal health information to obtain medical services or medications under another person’s name. It can result in incorrect medical records being created that can include inaccurate diagnoses, allergies or treatments. 

And as you may have guessed, it can also result in financial repercussions, such as patients getting fraudulent claims and bills for services they did not receive. Resolving these issues with insurers and healthcare providers takes time and mental strength. And you’re probably not in a hurry to see your breached healthcare provider ever again. That’s normal. A study has shown that up to 54% of patients consider switching providers after a data breach.

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healthcare breach 3

A doctor looking at healthcare data on a screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ARE DATA BROKERS ENDANGERING YOUR RETIREMENT SECURITY?

When health data gets into the hands of data brokers

Sensitive health information can easily be combined with personal identifiers from data brokers, creating comprehensive profiles that criminals can exploit. As a reminder, data brokers are companies that specialize in collecting, processing and selling personal information from various sources, including public records, online activities and social media. 

They aggregate this data to create detailed consumer profiles that can be sold to marketers, insurance companies and other entities for various purposes. The more detailed the profile, the higher the chance of identity theft and potential discrimination in employment and insurance. Employers might make hiring decisions based on perceived health risks, while insurers could deny coverage or increase premiums.

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healthcare breach 4

A doctor and patient in a healthcare facility (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

Wash your hands, remove your data

You can’t prevent a data breach, but you can minimize its consequences by reducing your digital footprint overall.

1. Set your social media to private: Restrict access to your personal information and limit what strangers can see about your life and potentially your health status. Ensure your privacy settings are robust and regularly updated to prevent unauthorized data collection.

2. Remove your personal data from data brokers’ databases: Either by searching for your name on people search sites and requesting removals, one by one, or by using a data removal service. Data removal services automate data removal for you and let you track where exactly your data has been found and whether it was removed, not only on people search sites, which are public data brokers, but also on hidden, private databases where you can’t look yourself up (and these are the worst).

Once your data is removed, data removal services monitor data brokers for your data and remove it again as needed (because it has a tendency to be re-listed after a while). This way, you prevent data broker companies from compiling a full profile on you and selling it to the first bidder, whether that’s a hacker, a marketing agency or an insurance company. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

3. Delete all unused apps on your phone: Unused applications can be hidden gateways for data leakage and potential security vulnerabilities. Regularly audit and remove apps that you no longer use or need.

4. Check the permissions of the ones you want to keep: Review each app’s access to your personal data, location and device features to ensure you’re not inadvertently sharing more information than necessary. Be particularly cautious with health and fitness tracking applications.

5. Use a VPN (virtual private network) when browsing: Encrypt your online activities and mask your digital location to add an extra layer of anonymity and protection. A reliable VPN can help shield your personal information from potential interceptors and data miners. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The reality of healthcare data breaches is daunting, but it’s not entirely out of your control. While you can’t prevent breaches from happening, you can take steps to minimize the risks and protect your personal information. Think of it as adding locks to your digital doors: set your social media to private, use a VPN and clean up unused apps. Remember, the less information you leave out there, the harder it is for bad actors to exploit it. Stay vigilant and don’t let your data become someone else’s advantage.

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How do you feel about the growing risks to your personal information, and what steps have you taken to protect your data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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This flying motorcycle can take you from traffic to sky in minutes

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The unveiling of the Skyrider X1, which claims to be the “world’s first amphibious flying passenger motorcycle,” has certainly stirred up excitement. 

This innovative vehicle promises to change how we think about personal mobility by combining land and air travel in one sleek design.

flying motorcycle 1

A major advancement in transportation

Developed by Rictor, a sub-brand of the Chinese company Kuickwheel, the Skyrider X1 marks a big progression from Rictor’s previous product, the K1 e-bike. Transitioning from an electric bicycle to a flying motorcycle is no small feat, and it shows Rictor’s ambition to push the boundaries of eco-friendly and energy-efficient transportation.

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flying motorcycle 2

Innovative features

The Skyrider X1 features amphibious functionality, allowing it to operate on both land and water, although some skeptics are curious about how well it will perform in real-world conditions. This vehicle can reach speeds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h) and offers flight times of around 25 minutes for the base model with a 10.5-kWh battery. The premium version, equipped with a 21-kWh battery, boasts up to 40 minutes of flight time.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

Made from lightweight carbon fiber composites and aviation-grade aluminum, the Skyrider X1 balances durability with flight capability. It also incorporates smart technology that includes automatic route planning to determine optimal flight paths based on your destination and real-time adaptability that adjusts altitude, speed and direction according to weather conditions.

flying motorcycle 3

CHINESE AUTO GIANT WANTS TO MAKE FLYING CARS YOUR NEXT COMMUTE OPTION

Safety as a priority

Safety is a top priority for Rictor in the design of the Skyrider X1. The vehicle includes triple-redundant flight control systems that ensure safe operation even if an engine fails. Additionally, it features an integrated emergency parachute for added peace of mind.

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flying motorcycle 4

AN ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT THE MILITARY HAS ITS EYES ON CAN TAKE OFF WITH ONLY 150 FEET OF RUNWAY

Pricing and accessibility

With an expected price tag of around $60,000, the Skyrider X1 aims to make personal air travel more accessible compared to other eVTOL options. By blending performance with affordability, Rictor hopes to bring flying within reach for more people.

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flying motorcycle 5

A look into the future

As cities grow and traffic congestion worsens, innovative solutions like the Skyrider X1 could become essential. This vehicle not only aims to ease urban travel but also promotes sustainable options in personal transportation. With advancements in battery technology and autonomous systems, eVTOL vehicles may soon transform how we navigate our environments.

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flying motorcycle 6

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Skyrider X1 is a glimpse into a future where flying could actually be part of our everyday lives. Imagine zipping through the skies instead of sitting in traffic. It sounds pretty cool, right? However, there are still some big questions to tackle about how this will all work in practice. We need to think about safety and whether it can really handle the demands of real-world travel. So, while the idea of flying motorcycles is exciting, we’ll have to wait and see how they fit into real-world scenarios.

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So, what do you think? Would you be ready to hop on a flying motorcycle like the Skyrider X1? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Ozempic’s health benefits keep growing, but are the risks worth it?

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One in eight adults in the U.S. has taken Ozempic or another type of GLP-1 drug, surveys show — and now a major new study has revealed a long list of benefits and some little-known risks.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists — which contain either semaglutide or liraglutide — are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, but previous studies have linked the drugs to other, unexpected benefits.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System studied the health outcomes of more than two million veterans with diabetes who took Ozempic or another type of GLP-1 drug between Oct. 1, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2023, according to a university press release.

OZEMPIC ‘MICRODOSING’ IS THE NEW WEIGHT-LOSS TREND

They then compared those outcomes to veterans who took non-GLP-1 diabetes medications.

One in eight adults in the U.S. has taken Ozempic or another type of GLP-1 drug, surveys show. (iStock)

The study, published in the journal Nature on Jan. 20, identified “widespread associations” between Ozempic and some significant health benefits.

Those benefits included reduced risks of neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia, seizures, and addiction to harmful substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants and opioids.

Other positive health effects included lower risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

OZEMPIC COULD HELP REDUCE ALZHEIMER’S RISK FOR SOME, STUDY SUGGESTS: ‘SHIFTING THE PARADIGM’

“GLP-1s have many benefits for at least 42 conditions beyond weight loss – from addiction disorders to memory/cognition problems, blood clots, and infections,” lead study author Ziyad Al-Aly, clinical epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis, told Fox News Digital.

Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs act on receptors in the brain that are involved in impulse control, reward and addiction, Al-Aly noted, which could explain why they are effective in reducing cravings for food and addictive substances.

“GLP-1s have many benefits for at least 42 conditions beyond weight loss.”

“These drugs also reduce inflammation in the brain and result in weight loss; both of these factors may improve brain health and explain the reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” he added.

They also found, however, that GLP-1 drugs were linked to several adverse side effects.

Ozempic

Novo Nordisk is the maker of Ozempic, which is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. (Getty Images)

The risk of gastrointestinal problems — including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a rarer paralysis of the stomach — were widely known before this new study, the researcher noted.

The new finding, however, was that these drugs can negatively affect the pancreas and kidneys. They were also linked to a higher chance of developing arthritis.

DIABETES AND WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS SHOWN TO REDUCE ALCOHOL-RELATED HOSPITALIZATIONS, STUDY FINDS

“While these adverse effects are uncommon, they can be very serious; physicians must be vigilant for signs of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and monitor kidney function among people taking GLP-1RA medications,” Al-Aly stated in the press release. 

“Kidney problems can occur without symptoms until the condition is at an advanced stage with limited treatment options.”

Happy woman weight loss

Decreased obesity has long been linked with less inflammation in every body system, an expert pointed out.  (iStock)

The study, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, did have some limitations, the researchers acknowledged. 

“This is a discovery approach involving more than two million people and is not a randomized trial,” Al-Aly told Fox News Digital.

“People with real weight loss are happier overall — they feel empowered.”

Seth Kipnis, MD, medical director of bariatric and robotic surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, was not involved in the study but said it confirms what he has seen in his own clinical practice.

“People with real weight loss are happier overall — they feel empowered that they can finally control their weight,” he said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

IBD

The risk of gastrointestinal problems — including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a rarer paralysis of the stomach — were widely known before this new study. (iStock)

Decreased obesity has long been linked with less inflammation in every body system, Kipnis pointed out. 

“GI problems and renal problems will always be seen if people are not eating correctly and maintaining hydration,” he said. “If you take these medications without nutritional education, they can be harmful.”

Recommendations and predictions

Based on the findings, the researchers noted, people should be aware that these drugs have not only a “broad beneficial profile,” but also important risks. 

“People should use the information to discuss with their provider whether GLP-1 is the right medication for them,” Al-Aly recommended. 

“A person with a lot of GI issues may find these meds intolerable.”

“A person who is trying to lose weight and quit smoking or drinking may find GLP-1s especially useful – helping hit two birds with one stone — but a person with a lot of GI (gastrointestinal) issues may find these meds intolerable,” he went on.

“Each person’s health profile is different. Pros and cons should be discussed with the provider.”

CHEAP OZEMPIC KNOCK-OFFS HAVE RISEN IN POPULARITY

Given their effectiveness at causing weight loss and improving health, GLP-1 drugs will likely become more common and increase in use, Hackensack’s Kipnis predicted.

“We have been prescribing many long-term drugs for hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, reflux and many other diseases without hesitation,” he said.

Pancreas

The new study revealed that GLP-1 drugs could negatively affect the pancreas and kidneys.  (iStock)

“This new class of drug, as it lowers obesity, has the potential to lower the use of every other drug that is used to treat obesity-related conditions.”

Not every doctor should prescribe these medications, however, according to Kipnis.

“Doctors with weight management programs and nutrition education programs would likely have better outcomes and fewer side effects,” the doctor said.

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Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and reduced risk of cardiovascular events) and Wegovy (approved for weight management and reduced risk of cardiovascular events), provided the following statement to Fox News Digital.

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 “Semaglutide has helped millions of people fight chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. As we look to help even more people with chronic diseases, we are exploring the potential of semaglutide in several other disease states.”

Wegovy

Wegovy, also made by Novo Nordisk, is FDA-approved for weight management and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. (Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

“Patient safety is of utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. The known risks and benefits of semaglutide medicines are described in their FDA-approved product labeling and we work closely with authorities and regulatory bodies worldwide to continuously monitor the safety profile of our products.”

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The company added that the “totality of data” from previous studies “provides reassurance of the safety profile of semaglutide.”

President Trump supporters sing ‘God Bless the USA’ on flight leaving inauguration in DC

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The celebration wasn’t over for these patriotic passengers leaving the nation’s capital after the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

On a Southwest flight departing from Ronald Reagan International Airport in Arlington, Virginia, headed to Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, one passenger broke into song. 

Matt Oakley of Nashville, Tennessee, posted a clip of the moment on TikTok. The footage shows a man standing in the front of the plane belting out Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

FLIGHT PASSENGERS CELEBRATE PRESIDENT TRUMP BY SINGING ‘YMCA’ IN VIRAL VIDEO

“Kid next to me got into it at the end,” the video’s caption reads.

An airline passenger posted a video of a veteran singing “God Bless the USA” on a Southwest flight leaving President Donald Trump’s inauguration. (Matt Oakley)

Oakley, a performer himself, said he performed at two inaugural balls while he was in town. 

“The man who stood up at the front of the plane was a former veteran who served this country,” Oakley told Fox News Digital.

“He had the entire plane paying attention and a bunch of people singing along,” he added.

The veteran seen in the video was sporting a flannel shirt along with a red “Make America Great Again” hat.

FLIGHT PASSENGERS CELEBRATE PRESIDENT TRUMP BY SINGING ‘YMCA’ IN VIRAL VIDEO

An airline passenger posts a video of veteran singing "God Bless the USA" on Southwest flight leaving President Donald Trump's inauguration.

“In a world where everyone makes things seem so divided, it didn’t feel divided in that moment,” Oakley said. (Matt Oakley)

Oakley said it was hard to tell how many people joined in on the celebratory song.

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“In a world where everyone makes things seem so divided, it didn’t feel divided in that moment,” he said.

Lee Greenwood performs in the Rotunda in front of Senator Mitch McConnell and his wife

“God Bless the USA” was written by Lee Greenwood. Greenwood performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool Photo via AP)

Oakley added, “It was cool to witness a bunch of strangers singing the praises of our country.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to Southwest Airlines for comment. 

Doctors hope for a healthier America, plus Ivanka Trump’s workout routine

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Fox News’ Health newsletter brings you stories on the latest developments in health care, wellness, diseases, mental health and more.

TOP 3:

– As Trump takes office, doctors welcome renewed focus on health and wellness

Ivanka Trump adds popular self-defense practice to fitness routine

– Four viral infections circulating in US spark concerns of “quademic”

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative — led by incoming Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left — aims to improve nutrition, eliminate toxins, preserve natural habitats and fight the chronic disease epidemic, according to its website. (REUTERS/Go Nakamura)

MORE IN HEALTH

JUDGMENT CALL – A Texas surgeon says an insurance provider called while her patient was mid-surgery. Continue reading…

‘FINALLY!’ – Nutritionists react to the FDA banning red dye No. 3, which has been linked to cancer. Continue reading…

BRAIN DRAIN – High fluoride levels in water have been found to lower children’s IQs. Continue reading…

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Raiders expected to hire John Spytek as new GM: reports

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The Las Vegas Raiders have made their first big hire of the offseason. 

The organization is expected to name John Spytek, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ assistant GM, as their next general manager, per multiple reports.

Spytek takes over for Tom Telesco, who lasted just one season after joining the Raiders in the same GM role he held with the Los Angeles Chargers. 

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John Spytek, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vice president of player personnel, watches action on the field before a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins Aug. 13, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Spytek, 44, has an extensive track record in NFL front offices, and it all began as a Detroit Lions operations intern in 2004. 

He moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as a college and pro scout from 2005-09, and then to the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos in similar scouting roles before eventually landing in Tampa Bay in 2016. 

DEION SANDERS HAS ‘VERY STRONG INTEREST’ IN OPEN RAIDERS JOB: REPORT

He joined the Bucs as their director of player personnel, working alongside GM Jason Licht to build a Tampa Bay squad that won the Super Bowl during the 2021 season. 

One of the main reasons for that Vince Lombardi Trophy heading back to Tampa Bay was the Bucs’ acquisition of Tom Brady, which Spytek played a role in after their time together as Michigan Wolverines. 

That connection continues with the Raiders. Brady is a minority owner of the franchise.

John Spytek looks on field

John Spytek, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vice president of player personnel, watches action at Buccaneers rookie minicamp May 14, 2022, at the AdventHealth Training Center at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Fla. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Spytek worked his way through the Bucs’ front office, getting promoted to vice president of player personnel in 2021 and then moving to assistant GM in 2023. 

With Spytek expected to assume his role soon, the next big hire will be head coach for the Raiders after the firing of Antonio Pierce one season after the team named him full-time head coach after an interim stint in 2023. 

John Spytek looks on field

John Spytek, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vice president of player personnel, watches before a preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and the Buccaneers Aug. 13, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Then Spytek will aim to build a roster in desperate need of a franchise quarterback and some more playmakers on both sides of the ball. Las Vegas owns the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and some view the Raiders as a team that may trade up to get a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. 

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Fox News AI Newsletter: Tech titans sound off on Trump’s AI project

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Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– AI executives praise Trump’s Stargate project: ‘This is a very large investment that affects all of humanity’

– Trump announces major AI infrastructure investment involving Softbank, OpenAI and Oracle

– AI company Perplexity bids to merge with TikTok to avoid ban: report

– Chinese tech firm shares robot training secrets with the world

US President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump announced a major AI infrastructure investment involving Softbank, OpenAI and Oracle. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

‘FOR THE GOOD OF HUMANITY’: The three tech CEOs who have joined forces in President Donald Trump’s multi-billion dollar artificial intelligence infrastructure project defended the venture as an investment that “impacts all of humanity.”

POWERING UP: President Donald Trump unveiled a massive artificial intelligence infrastructure project from the private sector on the first full day of his second term in office on Tuesday.

chinese robot 1

Humanoid robot training  (AgiBot)

TIME’S UP: Artificial intelligence company Perplexity AI has bid to merge with TikTok U.S., so the video sharing platform can avoid being banned in the country, according to a report.

ROBOT TRAINING SECRETS: AgiBot, a pioneering Chinese artificial intelligence and robotics company, has introduced a transformative open-source dataset called AgiBot World Alpha.

Network of mesh lines forming brains of different sizes in dark background with red and yellow glowing particles. Illustration of the concept of artificial intelligence, ideas and creativity

Network of mesh lines forming brains of different sizes in dark background with red and yellow glowing particles. Illustration of the concept of artificial intelligence, ideas and creativity

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.





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Taiwan Air Force officer killed after being ‘inhaled’ by fighter jet’s engine

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A Taiwanese Air Force officer died after being sucked into the engine of a fighter jet, officials said. 

The incident reportedly happened at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base on Tuesday while the master sergeant was performing a pre-shutdown inspection of the aircraft. 

Taiwan’s Air Force said the officer was “inhaled by the engine for unknown reasons.” She later was pronounced dead after life-saving efforts were unsuccessful. 

“In response to media reports that ‘it is suspected that an instructor’s throttle application caused a female officer to be inhaled by a fighter jet,’ the Air Force Command stated that the case is currently being investigated by a task force in cooperation with prosecutors to clarify the cause,” it added. 

TAIWAN HAILS IMPORTANCE OF US RELATIONSHIP, SAYS GROUP VISITS ‘CONTRIBUTE TO PEACE AND STABILITY’ 

A Taiwanese Air Force ground crew mounts a Sky Sword II missile onto an Indigenous Defense Fighter aircraft as part of a combat readiness exercise at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung on Jan. 8. (I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)

Officials say they are “deeply saddened” by the death. 

Taiwan’s Air Force also said that it will “fully assist the family in handling the aftermath” and that it will “conduct a comprehensive review and improve the work process to prevent similar cases from happening again.” 

CHINA WARNS US TO STOP ARMING TAIWAN AFTER BIDEN APPROVES $571 MILLION IN MILITARY AID 

Taiwan Air Force pilot climbs into Indigenous Defense Fighter aircraft

A Taiwanese air force pilot climbs into the cockpit of his Indigenous Defense Fighter aircraft during a scramble as part of a combat readiness exercise at the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung on Jan. 7, 2025.  (I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)

The plane involved in the incident was an Indigenous Defense Fighter, the Taipei Times reported, adding that the victim served in the military for around 17 years. 

A source familiar with the aircraft told the Taipei Times that the chance of a ground crew member being sucked into its engine – which has a fairly small intake opening — is “miniscule.”  

The source said after the plane lands, its motor speed is on a slow rotation and should have been stopped by the time the wheel chocks were being deployed at the base. 

Taiwan fighter jet takes off

A Taiwanese Air Force Indigenous Defense Fighter aircraft takes off during a scramble as part of a combat readiness exercise at the Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung on Jan. 7.  (I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)

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Security cameras installed in the hangar of the base should provide the full picture as to what happened, the source added. 

5 best home inventory apps to protect your property in case of emergency

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The recent disasters sweeping the nation, from the torrential floods in North Carolina to the fires still raging in Southern California, showed how vital it is to have an evacuation plan because you might only have mere seconds to determine which items to take with you as you evacuate. 

While caring for your loved ones during this extremely stressful time should be a top priority, it is unavoidable that you must rebuild your home and life, which can mean having to provide detailed accounts of what you lost to your insurance provider. 

Trying to figure out what to take when you are given seconds or minutes to evacuate or having to file detailed insurance claims afterward can be a painful and confusing process.

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home inventory apps 1

Firefighters at a house fire (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why keeping track of your home inventory matters

Home inventory and restoration apps can provide you with a tool to itemize and track every item in your home. Not only can these apps help you stay organized and fiscally responsible for everyday home projects, but they can also help you easily determine what you need to grab and where it would be when you have limited time to grab items to take with you when you evacuate. It is important to determine where and what to prioritize, especially if your home is at risk. 

These apps can centralize all your home information so that you can stay within budget for home projects and maintenance work, and they can help you should you ever have to submit a claim after any disaster. It can also help you keep your home safer with routine maintenance. Additionally, creating a home inventory can help you determine if you have the appropriate amount of insurance coverage. Some apps allow you to upload important documentation for your home in general or specific items. This means if you ever deal with the worst-case scenario and cannot grab all the important home documents, your apps will have them stored for you and accessible by phone or computer.

Here are the top picks for apps that are best at keeping track of your home before or after a disaster.

family watching fire

A family watching their home go up in flames (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

TOP FIREPROOF BAGS, ORGANIZERS AND SAFES TO PROTECT YOUR VITAL DOCUMENTS

Top 5 apps for home inventory & management

1. HomeZada

HomeZada

A comprehensive home management platform, HomeZada, helps homeowners manage all aspects of their home, including but not limited to: maintenance, finances, inventory and improvement projects. Because it acts as a central hub to organize and track important home-related information, it will help you track, locate, rescue important items and make filing insurance claims easier.

Key features of HomeZada

  • Home maintenance tracking: Create and schedule maintenance tasks such as HVAC servicing or gutter cleaning; get reminders for routine upkeep so it is one less thing for you to have to remember and prevent early replacement costs, as well as keep your home running more safely and smoothly
  • Home inventory management: Ability to categorize inventory for all your indoor and outdoor spaces in a streamlined fashion with its established template so you do not have to start from scratch; assign photos, videos, receipts and warranty information for inventory items by room; critical for insurance purposes and disaster recovery
  • Home improvement projects: Helps you create a budget, organize and track the progress of projects of all sizes around your home; store ideas, costs and documentation in one place to assist with tax and resale purposes
  • Finance and property insights: Track home equity and overall property value by monitoring mortgage payments, utility bills and other home-related expenses
  • Document storage: Employs key security features in storing important documents like purchase agreements, blueprints and appliance manuals
  • Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home wherever you are and however you want

Pricing

HomeZada offers both free and premium plans. Premium plans features include providing additional tools for inventory management, financial tracking and project planning.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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2. Centriq

Centriq

While not as comprehensive as Homezada, Centriq has a strong focus on home management, which centralizes everything you need to organize, troubleshoot, operate and maintain your home.

Key features of Centriq

  • Manage paperwork: Scan barcodes of appliances and purchases in the home, which allows you access to manuals and warranty information; photograph product receipts along with photos and video
  • Maintenance tracking: Add tasks with a reminder along with any item in the app
  • Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home
  • Troubleshoot with ease: Input product name or barcode with Centriq and get relevant troubleshooting videos to help you solve your problem
  • Replacement and repair ease: Centriq will lead you to the correct replacement parts and accessories by simply inputting your model number

Pricing

Centriq offers both free and premium plans. Some of the extra features of the Premium plan include interactions between multiple properties and shared access for multi-users.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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3. NAIC Home Inventory

naic app

NAIC Home Inventory app (NAIC)

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners created the NAIC Home Inventory app to help you if you need to file a claim, as well as provide expert tips. The app showcases a simple, clean design of the inventory section with built-in room suggestions. Though a bit more generic than some of its competitors, this app helps you create an itemized list of your home should you need to file an insurance claim in the future.

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Key features of NAIC home inventory app

  • Pro-tip access: Access informative guides from experts regarding insurance claims and disaster mitigation
  • Home inventory management: Add or delete rooms suggested under the inventory section; use the barcode scan feature to easily pull up an item’s serial number; add photos and video with items
  • Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home
  • Information access: Allows you to export inventory as a .CSV file without photos or as a PDF with photos

Pricing

NAIC Home Inventory app is free.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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4. Itemtopia

Itemtopia

Itemtopia app (Itemtopia)

Unlike its namesake, Itemtopia actually goes beyond itemizing your belongings. Available in over 170 countries worldwide, the app allows you to manage services, warranties as well as medical records. A rich and interactive app helps you start with ease by incorporating AI intelligence.

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Key features of Itemtopia

  • Home inventory management: Add or delete items under “Locations” or “Item Collections”; add photos and video with items along with warranties and receipts
  • Life management tools: Add medical records by individual, receipts by service and even manage pet’s vet appointments through the app
  • Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home
  • Information access: Allows you to share export inventory as a .CSV file without photos or as a PDF with photos via email, text and other channels

Pricing

Itemtopia offers both free and premium plans. Some of the extra features of the Premium plan include larger storage (up to 2 GB or approximately 3,000 items), the option to add more users and the ability to showcase items for sale with a shareable link.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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5. Encircle

Encircle app

Created originally for home restorers and insurance adjusters, Encircle is a professionally geared app that can help homeowners stay disaster-ready. This app helps you record items around your home quickly. Because of its focus on industry professionals, some of the features and terminology might be confusing or unnecessary for an average homeowner.

Key features for Encircle

  • Home damage assessment: Document damage and progress of restoration jobs easily, collaborate with contractors and report a complete picture of a property loss
  • Inventory management: Take photos, video and notes and organize by room; generate reports to instantaneously detail the story of loss; ensure the highest level of accuracy with time/date, user and GPS metadata info
  • Mobile access: Access available via web and mobile app makes it easy to manage your home
  • Information access: Share a link to your Encircle inventory through text or email; access spreadsheet view by logging into the web version of Encircle; create a PDF version of your inventory with photos by using the app’s “generate report” feature

Pricing

Encircle offers both free and paid plans. Users can use the home inventory app for free for up to two houses. Encircle’s restoration software has a free 14-day trial but is otherwise a monthly or annual paid membership.

Website

For more information or to sign up, click here.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s easy to feel chaotic and overwhelmed when disaster strikes or when friends or family members are grappling with huge losses in home and security. There are, however, home apps that can help you create a plan before and after disaster strikes so you can have one less problem to manage while grieving your losses. While the hope is that disasters will not happen to you, these apps I mentioned will help you know, organize and restore your home should disaster strike. With some of the easiest and best ways to create a home inventory, it will give you peace of mind and a proactive way to respond during an emergency.

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Are you prepared for possible evacuation in an emergency? Have you survived a disaster? What did you learn, and what would you do differently? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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A new security seal of approval is coming to your smart home gadgets

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The White House has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the security of internet-connected devices in American homes. 

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a new cybersecurity safety label, is set to appear on smart products sold in the United States later this year. 

This program aims to help you make informed decisions about the safety of the smart devices you bring into your home.

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security seal 1

U.S. Cyber Trust Mark (FCC)

What is the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark?

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a label designed for consumer smart devices, including home security cameras, TVs, internet-connected appliances, fitness trackers, climate control systems and baby monitors. This mark signals that a device meets a set of security features approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

How does it work?

Vendors can label their products with the Cyber Trust Mark logo if they meet NIST’s cybersecurity criteria. These criteria include:

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  • Using unique and strong default passwords
  • Providing software updates
  • Implementing data protection measures
  • Incorporating incident detection capabilities

Consumers will be able to scan a QR code next to the Cyber Trust Mark label to access additional security information. This information includes:

  • Instructions for changing the default password
  • Steps for securely configuring the device
  • Details on automatic updates and how to access them
  • The product’s minimum support period
  • Notification if the manufacturer doesn’t offer updates for the device
security seal 2

U.S. Cyber Trust Mark (FCC)

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Why is this important?

There is a growing concern about cybercriminals remotely hacking into home security systems and malicious actors tapping into insecure home cameras. With the average U.S. household having 21 connected devices, according to a Deloitte study, the threat of cyberattacks is increasingly significant.

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When will we see it?

The program is set to launch in 2025. Companies will soon be able to submit their products for testing to earn the label, and major retailers like Best Buy and Amazon have committed to highlighting labeled products. The program has garnered support from major electronics, appliance and consumer product makers, including Amazon, Google, Best Buy, LG Electronics U.S.A., Logitech and Samsung Electronics.

What’s not on the Cyber Trust Mark menu?

While the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark aims to cover a wide range of smart home gadgets, not everything in your tech arsenal will be sporting this new seal of approval. Here’s a rundown of what’s left out:

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  • Medical devices overseen by the FDA: Your smart pacemaker won’t be getting the mark.
  • Cars and car equipment that are under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s watchful eye: So, no Cyber Trust Mark on your fancy new electric vehicle.
  • Wired devices: This program is all about wireless wonders.
  • Industrial and enterprise gear: It’s focused on consumer products, not factory floors.
  • Any equipment on the FCC’s naughty list (aka Covered List) or made by companies on that list
  • IoT products from companies flagged for national security concerns
  • Gadgets made by companies banned from federal shopping sprees

And here’s a surprise: Your trusty personal computer, smartphone and router won’t be getting the Cyber Trust Mark either, at least not yet. The program is kicking off with wireless consumer IoT products, but who knows? It might grow to include more devices down the road. For now, NIST is cooking up some cybersecurity rules for those consumer-grade routers we all rely on.

So, while you might not see the Cyber Trust Mark on everything in your tech toolkit, it’s a solid start in making our connected homes a bit safer from digital ne’er-do-wells.

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security seal 3

Home devices and cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is a game-changer for you and me as consumers in our hyper-connected world. Let’s face it: Understanding device security can be a headache. But this program cuts through the tech jargon, giving us clear, easy-to-grasp info about the gadgets we’re considering bringing into our homes.

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How do you think the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark will impact your future purchasing decisions for smart home devices? Will you actively look for this label when shopping for new gadgets? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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