How to restore deleted text messages on Android

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December 30, 2024

RARE DISEASE DIAGNOSIS STRENGTHENS BOND BETWEEN TWIN SISTERS: ‘DOING OUR BEST’

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When a 3-year-old New York boy was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, hope came in an unlikely form — a golden retriever named Yammy.

Susan Bresnahan’s son, Patrick, was born in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, she told Fox News Digital.

Bresnahan, who has been a nurse for 20 years, noticed that her son wasn’t hitting any of the normal developmental milestones as he reached toddler age.

“I knew in my gut that something was wrong,” she said during an on-camera interview.

Patrick Bresnahan, now 4, was diagnosed with a rare neurodevelopmental genetic disorder at 2 years old. (Susan Bresnahan)

A tough diagnosis

After seeing many specialists and undergoing genetic testing, the family learned that Patrick — just over 2 years old at the time — had a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Timothy syndrome.

“After getting the diagnosis, it was the first good night’s sleep I had in two years, because I was losing my mind knowing there was something really wrong,” Bresnahan recalled.

FAMILY SELLING DREAM HOME TO FUND LIFE-SAVING TREATMENT FOR 5-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

Timothy syndrome occurs when there is a mutation of the CACNA1C gene, according to Cleveland Clinic. Fewer than 100 people are diagnosed worldwide.

The disorder, which is life-threatening, can affect a child’s heart, cognitive abilities, nervous and immune systems, and physical appearance, the same source stated.

Initial symptoms can include certain physical characteristics, irregular heart function, seizures, trouble communicating, and developmental delays, the last of which Bresnahan first noticed in her son.

“I was losing my mind knowing there was something really wrong.”

In many cases, Breshanan said, the CACNA1C mutation can be mistaken for autism, when the autism is really just a symptom of the genetic disorder.

“In Patrick’s case, I feel strongly that if I wasn’t a nurse, especially in pediatrics, I would be walking around saying my child has autism, but he doesn’t,” she noted.

Timothy syndrome occurs when there is a mutation of the CACNA1C gene, according to Cleveland Clinic. Fewer than 100 people are diagnosed worldwide. (Susan Bresnahan)

Although there is no cure for the syndrome, certain treatments can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes.

Nearly 80% of diagnosed cases lead to fatal heart conditions in early childhood, according to Cleveland Clinic.

‘Had to do more’

Experts recommend early intervention after a diagnosis of Timothy syndrome.

“Besides the occupational therapy and speech therapy, I just felt like I had to do more,” Bresnahan told Fox News Digital.

FATHER CREATED A DRUG TO SAVE HIS SON FROM A RARE DISEASE, NOW OTHER FAMILIES ARE DESPERATE TO GET IT

“So I asked a neurologist what their thoughts were on a service dog, because Patrick just had no motivation to move.”

The family started the process of getting a service dog at ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities) in Torrington, Connecticut, which matches up families with dogs suited to their needs.

The Bresnahan family had to raise $25,000 for their portion of the cost to receive a service dog. “It was amazing how people came forward to support us,” Susan Bresnahan said. (Susan Bresnahan)

Each ECAD dog receives more than 1,500 hours of training, according to Bresnahan. The person seeking a dog must also complete a two-week course at the ECAD facility before they are matched with the animal that best suits their specific needs.

The service dogs can be trained to open and close doors, turn on lights, retrieve items and steady people while walking or going upstairs.

‘Match made in heaven’

The Bresnahan family had to raise $25,000 for their portion of the cost to receive a service dog.

Within three weeks, they had received the full amount through donations from friends, family and community members.

“It was unbelievable,” Bresnahan recalled. “I just cried for three weeks straight — it was amazing how people came forward to support us.”

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A couple of years after starting the process, Patrick received his dog, Yammy.

“Within two weeks, he was doing like 12 new things he had never done,” she said. “I really couldn’t believe my eyes.”

“It was a sense of security, having the dog next to him,” Bresnahan said. Yammy has also increased Patrick’s social ability and self-confidence, she added. (Susan Bresnahan)

Where Patrick used to walk slowly and move “clumsily,” he suddenly began walking, running and moving much more easily and smoothly with Yammy.

He even started climbing steps, something he had never attempted before.

“It was a sense of security, having the dog next to him,” Bresnahan said. Yammy has also increased Patrick’s social ability and self-confidence, she added.

“It’s just a huge physical therapy session all day long, along with the love and security.”

While many people think of service dogs as a solution for the vision-impaired, Bresnahan said they are ideal for a developmentally delayed child.

“It’s just a huge physical therapy session all day long, along with the love and security.”

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Yammy comes along to all of Patrick’s doctor’s appointments, providing unspoken support and comfort.

“It’s a distraction, it’s a friend,” Bresnahan said. “When he pets him, I feel like his anxiety goes down. It’s just been a beautiful thing — it’s like a new family member.”

Where Patrick used to walk slowly and move “clumsily,” he suddenly began walking, running and moving much more easily and smoothly after receiving his service dog, said Susan Bresnahan. (Susan Bresnahan)

“As Patrick’s mother, I can say that Yammy and Patrick are a match made in heaven,” she went on.

“Receiving a service dog allows Patrick to thrive and push himself to continue reaching new goals.”

Today, at 4 years old, Patrick is doing well, although he is at risk of cardiac problems and seizures. He receives EKGs each year to monitor his heart’s electrical activity.

“He’s the only one in the whole world with this exact mutation, so there’s really no one to compare it to,” Bresnahan said. “So we just have to keep monitoring and hoping.”

“It’s just been a beautiful thing — it’s like a new family member,” Susan Bresnahan said of her son’s service dog. (Susan Bresnahan)

While Patrick’s progress is still “very delayed,” she said, it’s “going in the right direction.”

“And he’s the happiest kid alive.”

Bresnahan, who stays in touch with scientists who are researching the disorder, is hopeful for new treatments or therapies in the future.

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For other parents whose children aren’t hitting the expected developmental milestones, she recommends seeking out genetic testing.

“It’s just a mouth swab — and the amount of information you can get from that swab can change your life.”

Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ painted in late 1400s is viewed by 460,000 visitors each year

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December 30, 2024

HISTORIC ITALIAN VILLAGE CREDITED FOR FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND CHRISTMAS NATIVITY SCENE DRAWS CROWDS FOR 800 YEARS

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One of the world’s most famous paintings depicting a significant religious moment in Christianity attracts visitors far and wide.

Located in the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy, the painting is 15 feet high. It stretches roughly 29 feet wide.

Da Vinci painted the fresco between 1496 and 1498 to represent the last dinner between Jesus and His disciples.

About 460,000 people visit the masterpiece per year, according to Google Arts & Culture.

To keep the painting maintained at the right temperature, only groups of 25 visitors may view the masterpiece every 15 minutes, according to Milan-Museum.

Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” is visited by over 460,000 tourists each year. Access to the masterpiece is strictly confined to small groups for short periods of time. (iStock)

“His work of art represents the Last Supper as told in the Gospel of John 13:21, when Jesus announces that one of his twelve Apostles would betray him before sunrise, but does not reveal which one,” wrote Inside the Vatican Magazine.

TRAVELERS MAY FACE YET ANOTHER ‘TOURIST TAX’ WHEN VISITING CERTAIN CITIES

The religious publication noted that da Vinci showed “the human emotions of doubt, shock, fear, and anger through the expressions on their faces, the movements of their hands, and their body language, which contrast with Jesus’ calmness.”

Located in the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy, the “Last Supper” is 15 feet high and roughly 29 feet wide. (iStock)

It added, “It should also be mentioned that the daylight and unbroken bread confirm that it is too early for Judas to have been identified as the traitor.”

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Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera museum, located near the Santa Maria delle Grazie, has expanded its presence in the city, opening a new modern art edition on the first Sunday of this month.

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The wing named “Palazzo Citterio” is home to 20th century Italian art, while incorporating the “Last Supper,” the Associated Press reported.

Da Vinci painted the fresco between 1496 and 1498. It represents the last dinner between Jesus and His disciples. (iStock)

Brera director Angelo Crespi told AP that the museum and the “Last Supper” are among the top 10 most-visited sites in Italy.

“The ‘Last Supper’ and the Pinacoteca di Brera receive 1 million visitors a year, and take in more than 10 million euros ($10.5 million) in revenue,” said Crespi.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Pinacoteca di Brera museum for further comment.

Jimmy Carter spent nearly 2 years in hospice care before his death at 100

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December 29, 2024

JIMMY CARTER, 39TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, DEAD AT 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States who died at the age of 100 on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, had been living in hospice care at his home since Feb. 2023.

Back in May, Carter’s son, Jason Carter, said in a speech at the Carter Center in Georgia that his grandfather was “doing OK.”

Jason Carter also praised the “outpouring of love” the Carter family received since the passing of the former first lady Rosalynn Carter in Nov. 2023.

“He has been in hospice … for almost a year and a half now, and he really is, I think, coming to the end,” Jason Carter said at the time.

“I’ve said before, there’s a part of this faith journey that is so important to him, and there’s a part of that faith journey that you only can live at the very end, and I think he has been there in that space,” the grandson also said.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died at age 100 on Dec. 29, 2024. He had been in hospice care at home for nearly two years. (Ida Mae Astute/American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images)

Previous health issues

Carter had experienced multiple health issues in recent years.

Following liver surgery to remove a mass in 2015, the former president was diagnosed with melanoma, which had spread to multiple areas of his brain, according to reports.

After surgery and several months of treatment with radiation and immunotherapy, Carter’s cancer cleared.

Carter had since experienced a bout of dehydration and several falls that led to a broken hip, pelvic fracture and other injuries, per reports.

Carter’s wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, entered hospice in Nov. 2023 alongside her husband. She died just a few days later at the age of 96. (Getty Images)

Carter’s wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, also entered hospice in Nov. 2023 alongside her husband. She died just a few days later at the age of 96.

Some experts have praised the Carter family for sharing the details of the couple’s journey through aging, hospice care and death.

FORMER FIRST LADY ROSALYNN CARTER DEAD AT 96

“It’s been massive to have the Carters be so public,” said Angela Novas, chief medical officer for the Hospice Foundation of America in Washington, D.C., according to an Associated Press report.

“It has shed hospice in a new light, and it’s raised questions” for people to learn more, she added.

What is hospice care?

“Hospice is health care for people who are dying,” Dr. Harold Braswell, associate professor of Health Care Ethics at St. Louis University and author of several books related to end-of-life issues, told Fox News Digital in November.

A photo of former President Jimmy Carter

Former President Carter is shown departing after the funeral service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Georgia, on Nov. 29, 2023. (ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

This type of medical care is “interdisciplinary,” the doctor noted, including a mix of medical, psychosocial and spiritual support.

It also includes assistance with day-to-day activities.

Hospice care focuses on managing symptoms and making patients as comfortable as possible rather than administering treatment for a disease or ailment.

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A person becomes eligible for hospice after receiving a medical diagnosis with six months or less to live, according to Braswell.

“Hospice is not curative care,” said Braswell. “It is not oriented toward curing a patient’s medical condition — and qualifying for hospice generally requires that a patient abandon curative interventions such as chemotherapy.”

Hospice care focuses on managing symptoms and making patients as comfortable as possible rather than administering treatment for a disease or ailment, according to experts. (iStock)

Hospice is also not seen as a replacement for nursing home care or other residential care, and is not intended to “hasten death,” according to the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA)’s website.

It also does not encompass 24/7 care, the HFA noted. Instead, hospice team members generally visit the patient and family caregivers as needed.

Most U.S. hospice patients receive care in an outpatient setting, such as their private home, a nursing home or a long-term care facility, Braswell told Fox News Digital.

“Some hospices — a relatively small number — offer inpatient care, though this is only for a very short amount of time, generally for people who are actively dying,” Braswell said.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Man on vacation goes viral for blunt answer to question: ‘No, I’m not having fun’

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December 29, 2024

FLIGHT PASSENGER CALLS OUT FELLOW FLYERS FOR BAD HABIT, SHARES FIX FOR PROBLEM

Some people may want to consider being a bit more … diplomatic.

That’s the overall assessment of commenters on a viral Reddit thread after a man described the experience of going for a nature hike with his brother while on vacation in Arizona — then shared his blunt response to a question his brother asked him after their hike was done.

“I am a guy who, when I don’t enjoy something, I’ll tell you I don’t,” Reddit user “Ness_Lucas” wrote at the start of his post on the social media site a few days ago.

As of Sunday, the post had accumulated over 6,000 reactions.

He added, “But if I commit to something, I’ll see it through to the end without complaining.”

A man described the experience of going for a nature hike with his brother (not pictured) while they were on vacation — and social media commenters had a field day with the account. (iStock)

He said the issue “came to a head” when he was “on vacation with my older brother in Arizona, who wanted to do a lot of nature hikes.”

Wrote the man on Reddit, “Nature hikes are fine. I don’t mind them, but I do dislike walking up large hills.”

“Walking uphill … is very draining and leaves me sweaty.”

He added, “Walking downhill is the easiest thing ever. It’s like being nature’s passenger princess. You just put your foot forward and let gravity do all the work.”

‘GATE LICE’ AND ‘SEAT SQUATTERS’ AMONG 2024’S MOST VIRAL TRAVEL TRENDS

He went on, “Walking uphill, conversely, is very draining and leaves me sweaty.”

He continued, “I don’t make a point to complain about something when I do it, so when I was walking uphill, despite not liking it much, I held [a] basic conversation with my brother.”

“When I was walking uphill, despite not liking it much, I held [a] basic conversation with my brother,” wrote a man on social media as others weighed in on his dilemma. (iStock)

However, once the pair began to head back down, the man said his brother “asked me if I was having fun — and I said no.”

He added, “Not because of any fault of my brother. I just didn’t find the activity fun. Not even bad, just satisfactory.”

“I don’t like it when people ask for my opinion and get upset when I give my honest answer.”

Later, when the brother was driving the Reddit poster to the airport for his flight home, the man said his brother told him, “If I ask you if you’re having fun, don’t say ‘no.'”

HOT TRAVEL TREND HAS PEOPLE PRIORITIZING WELLNESS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: ‘KEEPS ME MENTALLY SHARP’

Wrote the Redditor, “I understand that it can be demoralizing to hear someone’s not having fun.”

However, “I don’t like it when people ask for my opinion and get upset when I give my honest answer,” he said.

“Sometimes in life you have to walk uphill to get to where you’re going,” wrote one responder on the viral Reddit thread. (iStock)

“If I’m not having fun, I’ll just say I’m not having fun.”

Responders on the Reddit page known as “Am I the a–hole” had a field day with the post — rendering their general assessment that the man was indeed the “a–hole” for the way he replied to his family member.

“People want to hear that you’re enjoying their company.”

Wrote one commenter in the top-rated response, “‘It’s been a fun day hanging with you, but, man, this hike is steep’ [or] ‘I’m looking forward to the downhill bit!’ That’s the sort of polite answer people are looking for.”

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The same person added, “You acknowledge you’re enjoying your brother’s company, which was what he was looking for, but you can also acknowledge the hike is hard/difficult etc. It doesn’t matter how much the activity sucks — people want to hear that you’re enjoying their company.”

A man turned to Reddit for insights into his personal dilemma — and was blasted by most people for his blunt comments to his brother. (iStock)

Another individual put it this way, responding to the first commenter, “Exactly! It’s a small social nicety that expresses that ‘I’m happy to spend time with you, even if I don’t enjoy the activity.'”

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Yet another person said pointedly, “You are perched on your self-anointed pedestal and expecting everyone to treat you like a little princess. Your brother probably regrets ever going on a hike with you. Sometimes in life you have to walk uphill to get to where you’re going.”

A different commenter let the Reddit poster off the hook but shared this suggestion: “Not everyone is into hiking. That’s a personal choice. But a better option would be to talk with your brother and compromise on doing something you will BOTH enjoy.”

Fox News Digital reached out to a psychologist for thoughts.

Maureen Mackey is managing editor of lifestyle at Fox News Digital.

Texas Tech defensive back accuses Arkansas lineman of ‘dirty’ play during bowl game

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December 29, 2024

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Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back C.J. Baskerville called foul on Arkansas Razorbacks Fernando Carmona over an allegedly “dirty” play during the Liberty Bowl on Friday.

Baskerville made the claim in a post on X on Saturday. He accused Carmona of stepping on the back of his ankle after a play and shared two videos as proof.

Nov. 30, 2024; Lubbock, Texas: Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive safety C.J. Baskerville (9) is honored on senior day before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. (Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images)

“There’s no denying that Arkansas played a great game last night, I am not taking that away from them. But #55 Fernando Carmona blatantly stepping on my ankle and pressing down on it on purpose is straight up dirty,” Baskerville wrote on X.

“Proceeds to say “got your b**** a***.” Do better.”

Carmona, who is listed at 322 pounds, didn’t immediately respond to Baskerville’s post.

The incident in question occurred in the fourth quarter of Arkansas’ 39-26 win over Texas Tech.

Sept. 21, 2024; Auburn, Alabama: Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Fernando Carmona (55) celebrates with fans after the Razorbacks beat the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. (John Reed-Imagn Images)

MIAMI’S CAM WARD OPTS OUT OF BOWL GAME IN 2ND HALF AFTER SETTING TD RECORD, IGNITES SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATE

Baskerville led the Red Raiders with 10 total tackles, and he had one pass deflection in the game. The senior wrapped up his 2024 season with 52 total tackles and four interceptions on the season.

The defense got to Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green twice. Green managed to avoid most of the pressure and was 11-of-21 with 341 passing yards and two touchdown passes.

The Razorbacks finished the season 7-6 and are on a three-game bowl winning streak under head coach Sam Pittman.

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (10) runs the ball against Texas Tech defensive back C.J. Baskerville (9) during the second half of the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

The Red Raiders fell to 8-5 on the year. The team’s own three-game bowl winning streak was snapped with the defeat.

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Azerbaijan president accuses Russia of ‘absurd’ plane crash cover-up, says flight was ‘shot down’

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December 29, 2024

AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES BLAMES DEADLY PLANE CRASH ON ‘EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE’ AS RUSSIA SPECULATION GROWS

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of executing an “absurd” cover-up after its air defenses allegedly “shot down” a passenger plane last week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized for the “tragic incident” this weekend, but the Kremlin has not formally stated that Russian air defenses shot down the plane. At least 38 people were killed in the incident.

“Our plane was shot down by accident,” Aliyev told state television on Sunday. “Unfortunately, in the first three days we heard only absurd versions from Russia.”

“We witnessed clear attempts to cover up the matter,” he added.

Evidence collection efforts are underway at the crash site of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Dec. 27, 2024. (Meiramgul Kussainova/Anadolu via Getty Images)

A Kremlin statement said the incident occurred after Russian air defenses engaged with Ukrainian attack drones, but did not outright state that Russian forces had shot down the plane.

IT’S ‘VERY UNCLEAR’ WHAT HAPPENED IN AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES CRASH, EX-STATE DEPT OFFICIAL SAYS

Aliyev is a close ally with Putin’s regime, and the pair held a phone call regarding the incident on Sunday. Neither party has released details of their conversation.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev leaves a polling station in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. (Azerbaijani Presidential Press Office via AP)

Crew members and survivors of the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190-passenger jet say they heard at least one loud bang before the aircraft crashed on Christmas day.

AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES BLAMES DEADLY PLANE CRASH ON ‘EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE’ AS RUSSIA SPECULATION GROWS

Subhonkul Rakhimov, one of the passengers aboard Flight J2-8243, told Reuters from the hospital that he had begun to recite prayers and prepare for the end after hearing a bang.

The plane was en route from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus, the Associated Press reports. (The Administration of Mangystau Region)

“After the bang… I thought the plane was going to fall apart,” Rakhimov told the outlet. “It was obvious that the plane had been damaged in some way. It was as if it was drunk – not the same plane anymore.”

Surviving passenger Vafa Shabanova said that there were “two explosions in the sky, and an hour and a half later the plane crashed to the ground.”

Reuters contributed to this report.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

Are your smart home cameras spying on you? Study reveals shocking data grabs

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December 29, 2024

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Smart home cameras have become a necessity. You already know they help keep an eye on what’s happening indoors and outdoors, even when you’re not home.

But while these cameras are undeniably useful, they also pose a privacy risk. A new study highlights outdoor security camera apps as some of the biggest collectors of user data.

This includes sensitive personal information like email addresses, phone numbers, payment details, precise location and more.

Smart outdoor camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How smart home cameras can be spying on you

According to a study conducted by Surfshark, outdoor security camera apps are some of the top offenders when it comes to collecting user data. These apps gather 12 data points on average, including sensitive details like email addresses, phone numbers, payment information and precise location. That’s 50% more than what other smart home devices typically collect. What’s even worse is that these apps often connect up to seven of these data points directly to your identity.

Indoor security camera apps are slightly less data-hungry but still raise privacy concerns. They collect an average of nine data points, with six typically tied to users’ identities. Commonly collected data includes email addresses, phone numbers, user IDs, device IDs, purchase histories and audio data. While this information can help improve the user experience, it also increases the risk of privacy violations.

One of the biggest concerns with both outdoor and indoor security camera apps is the kind of data they collect. Many of these apps gather personal info like your name, email, phone number and physical address. Some apps, such as Arlo, Deep Sentinel, and D-Link, even grab data about your contacts, which can be accessed outside of the app. This data isn’t actually necessary for the apps to do their job.

Smart camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MASSIVE SECURITY FLAW PUTS MOST POPULAR BROWSERS AT RISK ON MAC

Which apps collect the most data?

Among the apps that collect the most data, Deep Sentinel and Lorex stand out for outdoor security cameras, each collecting 18 out of a possible 32 data points. Nest Labs, which leads the pack for indoor cameras, collects 17 data points, with Ring and Arlo each gathering 15.

The absence of regulations and standards for smart home devices creates significant privacy risks. Without clear guidelines, users are vulnerable to data breaches, cyberattacks and even physical harm. Some apps track users for targeted ads or share data with third parties and data brokers. While outdoor security cameras typically avoid tracking, indoor cameras like Nooie and Canary Connect engage in user tracking, further complicating privacy concerns.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Smart indoor camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

4.3 MILLION AMERICANS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DATA BREACH

9 ways to stay safe from the risks associated with smart home cameras

1. Limit data sharing: Look for smart home camera apps that allow you to control what data is shared. Many apps offer settings that let you disable certain data collection features, like location tracking or audio recording. Customizing these settings can significantly reduce your risk of exposing personal information.

2. Regularly review and update privacy settings: Smart home cameras often receive software updates that may change privacy settings. It’s important to regularly review the app’s privacy settings to make sure they align with your preferences. Disable features that aren’t essential, such as sharing data with third-party apps or advertisers.

3. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA): Make sure your camera’s app and associated accounts are protected by strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible: This adds an extra layer of security in case your account information is compromised.

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5. Be mindful of camera placement: If your camera is collecting sensitive data like audio or images of people in your home, be mindful of where you place it. Avoid positioning cameras in private areas like bedrooms or bathrooms. This reduces the amount of potentially sensitive data the camera can capture.

6. Consider using local storage instead of cloud services: Some cameras offer local storage options, where footage is stored directly on a device like a hard drive or SD card, rather than in the cloud. This keeps your data more secure since it’s not accessible via the internet and is less likely to be exposed during a data breach.

7. Use a VPN: Encrypt your internet connection with a VPN to safeguard data transmitted from your smart home devices. This is an easy yet powerful way to add an extra layer of protection to your network. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs don’t directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices

8. Regularly review privacy policies: Stay informed about how your devices and apps collect, store and share your data. Ensure that you are aware of any changes to privacy terms that may affect your information.

9. Consider home security systems with enhanced physical security features, but be aware that, like all smart devices, they collect a variety of user data, including personal information, device data and location tracking. To minimize privacy risks, here are some tips for adjusting the settings within most security system apps:

Disable location tracking: The security company may use location data for features like geofencing, which triggers actions based on your proximity to your home. If you’re concerned about privacy, you can disable location tracking in the app to prevent the system from collecting this data.
Limit video storage: Many security company’s cameras can store video footage in the cloud, but you can adjust the app settings to limit how long footage is stored or to delete it automatically after a certain period.
Adjust device permissions: Review and adjust permissions for devices like cameras and smart locks to limit data collection. For example, disable audio recording if it’s not necessary for your security needs.
Control third-party data sharing: Your security company may share data with third parties, so it’s essential to check and disable any settings that allow your data to be shared beyond your security system’s ecosystem.

By actively managing these settings and using a VPN, you can significantly reduce your exposure to potential privacy risks associated with your smart home system. Check out my picks for best security systems.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

Kurt’s key takeaway

The rapid rise of IoT tech has changed the way we live and interact. But without proper rules in place, companies might put profits over user safety. This can lead to devices with security holes and weaknesses. A lot of smart home cameras are collecting more data than they really need and aren’t clear about what they’re doing with it. It could be sold to third-party companies or used to target you with ads.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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Apple Mail app redesign introduces new categorization feature in iOS 18.2

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December 29, 2024

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Apple’s new Mail Categories in iOS 18.2 and later are here to help you take control and make managing your email a lot easier.

Let’s dive into how you can make the most of these new inbox features on your iPhone.

Apple’s new Mail Categories in iOS 18.2 (Apple)

How to update your software to iOS 18.2 or later

First things first, let’s update your software to iOS 18.2 or later:

Open Settings
Tap General
Select Software Update
Tap Update Now
Enter your passcode and agree to terms
Wait for the installation to complete

Steps to update your software to iOS 18.2 or later (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

GET ORGANIZED: NEW IOS 18 CALENDAR FEATURE

Using Categories in Mail on iPhone

In iOS 18.2 and later, the Mail app enhances email management by automatically sorting messages into distinct categories. This feature is designed to help you quickly find and manage your emails.

Categories overview

Primary: Contains personal messages and time-sensitive information.
Transactions: Tracks confirmations, receipts and shipping notices.
Updates: Includes news, newsletters and social media updates.
Promotions: Displays coupon and sales emails.

Note: If a message in the Transactions, Updates or Promotions categories contains time-sensitive information, it will also appear in the Primary category.

Steps to use Categories in Mail on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

IOS 18’S NEW TEXT FORMATTING AND EFFECTS IN MESSAGES

Using the New Mail categorization feature

Now that you’re all set with iOS 18.2 or later, let’s explore how to use the new Mail Categorization feature:

Open the Mail app on your iPhone.
At the top, you’ll see the four new categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates and Promotions.
Tap on any category to view emails sorted specifically for that section.
If you want to see all your emails together, swipe from right to left at the top to reveal the “All Mail” option.
Once you update to iOS 18.2 or later, the default will be the “Categories” view. If you tap the three horizontal dots in the top right corner of your inbox, you’ll see it is set to Categories.
If you prefer not to use categories, tap the three horizontal dots again and select List View.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Steps to use the New Mail categorization feature (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SECRET TRICK TO SEND A TEXT MESSAGE AGAIN WITH IOS 18’S NEW “SEND LATER” FEATURE

Ensuring important emails land in Primary

To make sure important emails, like the CyberGuy newsletter, land in the “Primary” category:

Scroll through your inbox and locate and tap any email from the CyberGuy Newsletter.
If you don’t have one handy, check your “Junk” or “Promotions” folders.
Tap the leftward arrow.
Click where it says “Categorize Sender.”
Tap Primary.
Then, tap Continue.

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Steps to ensure important emails land in Primary (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

This simple action helps signal its importance. Once you manually move an email to the Primary category, Apple’s Mail app will learn from this action.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Apple’s new Mail Categories feature aims to streamline your email management by automatically sorting your messages. While it can be incredibly helpful, it may take some time to adjust and fine-tune. Remember to periodically check other categories to ensure important emails aren’t misclassified. With a bit of patience and customization, you can transform your inbox into a more organized and efficient space.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Have you found the new email categorization feature helpful, or do you wish you could go back to the way things were? Let us know 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

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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‘Alcohol gene’ could predict how cocktails may affect you — and there’s a test for it

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December 29, 2024

DRINKING ALCOHOL IS LINKED TO SIX TYPES OF CANCER, EXPERTS SAY

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Feel like you “can’t handle your alcohol” — or do you experience nausea, facial flushing or a racing heart after enjoying even small amounts of your favorite cocktail?

These could be signs that you have an inherited intolerance to alcohol — and a mutated gene could be the culprit, according to Cleveland Clinic.

This gene mutation hampers the body’s ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and eliminate its byproducts from the body, health experts said.

Testing for alcohol intolerance

An at-home DNA test could detect whether you have the mutation causing this alcohol adversity.

The test looks for mutations in the ADH and ALDH genes, which affect metabolism, according to several laboratory company websites that produce the testing kits.

A mutated gene could cause an inherited intolerance to alcohol, according to Cleveland Clinic. (iStock)

The testing kit, which costs approximately $150, involves swabbing the cheek and mailing the sample back to a laboratory company to see if the gene mutations are present.

Results typically come in less than two weeks, according to several of the testing companies’ websites.

ALCOHOL DEATHS HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLED IN RECENT YEARS, ESPECIALLY AMONG WOMEN

“A simple mouth swab is all we need to find out whether you have inherited DNA changes that affect your ability to metabolize alcohol and may increase your risk of serious health complications,” Genex Diagnostics, a Seattle-based company that specializes in DNA testing, stated on its website.

The gene mutation hampers the body’s ability to produce an enzyme that helps break down alcohol and eliminate its byproducts from the body, health experts said. (iStock)

Dr. Frances Lee — a hepatologist (liver doctor) who specializes in alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York City — is not affiliated with any of the lab companies, but commented to Fox News Digital about these testing kits.

“The genes in question are ADH1B, ADH1C and ALDH2,” Lee told Fox News Digital.

The ADH1B and ADH1C genes help break down ethanol (alcohol) into the chemical acetaldehyde, he said. The ALDH2 gene then helps to oxidize acetaldehyde into acetic acid.

“Mutation or not, I urge anyone wanting to consume alcohol to consider both the quality and quantity of their drinks.”

“This is an important step in the metabolism of ethanol, because acetaldehyde is toxic and inflammatory to cells,” Lee said.

“Variations in the ALDH2 gene can cause acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to work at a slower rate, leading to a buildup of acetaldehyde levels in the body.”

The testing kit, which costs approximately $150, involves swabbing the cheek and mailing the sample back to a laboratory company to see if the gene mutations are present. (iStock)

Acetaldehyde is also linked to some of the unpleasant symptoms of alcohol intoxication, such as headaches, flushing, hives and nausea, according to Lee.

This type of genetic test may provide an individual with at least a partial explanation for their alcohol intolerance, Lee told Fox News Digital.

Potential drawbacks of genetic testing

All genetic tests should be approached with caution, as they can sometimes lead to more questions than answers, according to Lee.

Other health experts told Fox News Digital that there are pros and cons to this type of genetic testing.

DRINKING ALCOHOL WEEKLY COULD BE CONNECTED TO 61 DIFFERENT DISEASES, STUDY FINDS

“I can envision a case where this test may encourage one to drink less if a previously unknown heterozygosity in ALDH2 is revealed,” Lee of Mount Sinai told Fox News Digital. “If that occurs, I would consider this test to have a beneficial outcome.”

There is the possibility, however, that the test may not reveal any genetic variation, which could be interpreted as a license to drink even more.

All genetic tests should be approached with caution, as they can sometimes lead to more questions than answers, one expert cautioned. (iStock)

“This would be an example of a harmful outcome,” Lee said.

While the DNA test can confirm that someone has the defective gene that makes them more susceptible to the effects of alcohol at lower doses, “it should not be used to encourage others that they can drink more [alcohol] without repercussions,” Dr. Fred Davis, associate chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.

Tips for responsible drinking

For those who want to enjoy an occasional cocktail, Makenzi Mollitor, a registered dietitian and sports dietitian at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, has some advice.