Severe case of H5N1 bird flu detected in US, CDC confirms

-

December 18, 2024

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

When you visit a webpage, you might see a CAPTCHA to make sure you’re a real person and not a bot. These usually involve jumbled words, some recognizable images or just a box that says, “I am not a robot.”

CAPTCHAs are harmless, but hackers are now using them to infect your PC with malware.

Security researchers have found a huge fake CAPTCHA campaign spreading the dangerous Lumma info-stealer malware, which can bypass security measures like Safe Browsing.

This campaign shows how malvertising works, with more than a million ad impressions every day and thousands of victims losing their accounts and money through a network of more than 3,000 sites. I’ll break down how this scam works, who’s responsible and how you can protect yourself.

Illustration of a scammer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How does the scam work?

As reported by Guardio, the fake CAPTCHA scam is a sophisticated malvertising campaign that lures you into unknowingly installing malware under the guise of routine CAPTCHA verification. The cyberattack starts when you’re browsing websites, often those offering free streaming, downloads or pirated content. These sites are used by hackers to present you with what appears to be a legitimate CAPTCHA verification page.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

The page mimics a real CAPTCHA, asking you to confirm you are human. However, the instructions are designed to trick you into initiating harmful actions, like triggering the Windows “Run” dialog. Users unknowingly paste and execute a crafted PowerShell command, which silently installs the Lumma info-stealer malware onto their system.

The malware targets sensitive data, including social media accounts, banking credentials, saved passwords and personal files, potentially leading to financial and identity theft.

Illustration of fake CAPTCHA (Guardio)

HERE’S WHAT RUTHLESS HACKERS STOLE FROM 110 MILLION AT&T CUSTOMERS

Who’s to blame for this?

The fake CAPTCHA scam shows how messy the internet’s ad system has become, with everyone involved passing the buck. Guardio Labs points to ad networks like Monetag as a big part of the problem. They distribute malicious ads that are disguised during moderation using tricks like cloaking. Publishers, especially those offering free or pirated content, add to the issue by running these shady ads on their sites, often without checking what they’re actually showing users.

Then there are services like BeMob, which lets scammers hide their bad links behind harmless-looking URLs. These companies call themselves analytics tools, but they’re helping the scams stay hidden. Hosting providers don’t escape blame either. They’re where these fake CAPTCHA pages live, and they often don’t bother to check what’s being hosted.

Of course, the scammers themselves are the ones pulling the strings. But because they spread their operations across so many platforms, they’re almost impossible to track down. Guardio’s research shows how all these moving parts work together, creating a system where no one takes responsibility, and the scams keep running.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Illustration of a scammer at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEWARE OF ENCRYPTED PDFs AS LATEST TRICK TO DELIVER MALWARE TO YOU

6 ways to stay safe from fake CAPTCHAs

1. Use reliable security software: Keeping your antivirus and anti-malware software up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from fake CAPTCHA scams. A strong antivirus software will detect and block malware like the Lumma info-stealer before it can infect your device. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Enable browser protection features: Modern browsers offer built-in security features, such as Safe Browsing and phishing protection, which warn you about potentially dangerous sites. Make sure these features are enabled in your browser settings. These tools can alert you to malicious links or fake CAPTCHAs trying to trick you into downloading malware.

3. Be cautious with “free” content: There’s a saying that goes, “If something is free, you’re what they are selling.” Websites that offer free downloads, streaming services or pirated content are often associated with malvertising campaigns. Fake CAPTCHA scams are commonly spread through these types of sites, where users are tricked into clicking on malicious ads or links. Even if a site seems tempting, it’s important to be cautious. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or using “free” services, as they could be traps designed to infect your device with malware.

4. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads: Always be wary of ads that appear out of nowhere or seem too good to be true. Fake CAPTCHA scams often disguise themselves as legitimate ads, asking you to click to verify you’re human. Never interact with pop-up ads or unfamiliar banners, especially those that claim to give you something for free, as they may lead to malicious pages or trigger malware downloads. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

5. Check for HTTPS and look for signs of a legitimate site: Before entering any personal information or interacting with a CAPTCHA, ensure that the website is secure. Look for “https://” in the website’s URL, which indicates the connection is encrypted. Legitimate websites also tend to have a professional appearance, so if something feels off or the design looks poor, trust your instincts and leave the site.

6. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to access your accounts.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IS HACKED

Kurt’s key takeaway

There’s no question that fake CAPTCHA scams are a growing threat, putting millions of us at risk of malware infections and financial loss. What’s even more concerning is that ad networks, publishers and hosting services continue to allow malicious campaigns to spread through their platforms despite the widespread awareness of the problem. The companies involved must take immediate action to improve content moderation, tighten security measures and prevent these scams from thriving. We are seeing a dangerous loophole in the digital advertising ecosystem that could have serious consequences for internet users.

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

Do you think ad networks and publishers should be held accountable for the spread of malware through their platforms? 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.

Source link

Half a million patients’ personal info stolen in massive health care data breach

By

-

December 18, 2024

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Data breaches happen all the time, and while no data breach should be ignored, those involving health care institutions require special attention.

These breaches can be very damaging and haunt people for life. Recently, hackers leaked the personal data of around 500,000 Americans.

They breached the databases of the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), which claims to be “America’s largest physician-led vein center,” stealing not just personal data but also medical records.

A doctor filling out a form (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know

CVR, a clinic headquartered in Maryland, experienced a massive data breach where hackers stole highly sensitive personal information, including lab results and health insurance details, as reported by Cybernews. The breach occurred in early October, with the clinic detecting “unusual activity” in its systems on Oct. 6.

CVR has more than 110 branches across the country, from Alabama to Alaska. This breach has affected hundreds of thousands of individuals. According to a notice filed by CVR with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, more than 445,000 people had their personal information compromised.

As the name suggests, CVR specializes in vein restoration, a very specialized procedure aimed at improving the health and function of veins. This means the clinic keeps a very elaborate record of its patients’ health, and now all that is in the hands of hackers, along with copious amounts of personal information.

The full list of exposed data includes addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, medical record numbers, diagnoses, lab results, medications, treatment information, health insurance information, provider names, dates of treatment and financial information.

The inside of a health care center (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WINDOWS FLAW LETS HACKERS SNEAK INTO YOUR PC OVER WI-FI

The risks associated with the CVR data breach

The risks of data breaches depend on the type of company affected. For instance, breaches involving companies like Ticketmaster are generally more manageable because they often expose information like contact details, addresses and, in some cases, identification documents. Even if financial data is leaked, it can typically be mitigated by replacing or blocking compromised accounts.

Health care data breaches, however, are far more severe. When companies like CVR are targeted, hackers gain access to sensitive medical records that cannot be altered. Your medical history is permanent and highly sought after on the dark web. Cybercriminals can use this information to commit identity fraud, such as obtaining prescription drugs through false insurance claims. Plus, detailed knowledge of medical treatments, lab results and medications allows attackers to create highly targeted phishing scams, exploiting victims’ vulnerabilities with alarming precision.

We reached out to CVR for a comment but did not hear back before our deadline.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

An emergency room sign (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CYBER SCAMMERS USE AI TO MANIPULATE GOOGLE SEARCH RESULTS

7 ways to keep yourself safe from such data breaches

1. Regularly monitor your financial and medical accounts: Periodically review your medical records and health insurance statements for any unusual or unauthorized activity. This can help you quickly identify and address any discrepancies or fraudulent activities.

Use patient portals provided by health care providers to access your medical records online. These portals often have features that allow you to track your medical history and appointments.

2. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Create strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, including health care portals. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible: 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app, in addition to your password.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

4. Don’t fall for phishing scams; use strong antivirus software: Be mindful of the information you share online and with whom you share it. Avoid providing sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or medical details, unless absolutely necessary. Verify the legitimacy of any requests for personal information. Scammers often pose as health care providers or insurance companies to trick you into revealing sensitive data by asking you to click on links in emails or messages.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

5. Use identity theft protection services: Consider enrolling in identity theft protection services that monitor your personal information and alert you to potential threats. These services can help you detect and respond to identity theft more quickly. Some identity theft protection services also offer insurance and assistance with recovering from identity theft, providing additional peace of mind. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

6. Freeze your credit: A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name without your authorization, reducing the risk of identity theft. Contact the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) to request a credit freeze. This is often free and can be temporarily lifted when you need to apply for credit.

7. Remove your personal data from the internet: After being part of a data breach, it’s crucial to minimize your online presence to reduce the risk of future scams. Consider using a personal data removal service that can help you delete your information from various websites and data brokers. This can greatly diminish the chances of your data being used maliciously. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

DON’T LET SNOOPS NEARBY LISTEN TO YOUR VOICEMAIL WITH THIS QUICK TIP

Kurt’s key takeaway

The CVR data breach is deeply troubling, affecting nearly half a million individuals and exposing highly sensitive medical and personal information. What makes this breach particularly concerning is the lasting impact health care data leaks can have on victims, from identity theft to targeted phishing scams. Whether or not you’ve been directly affected, it’s a stark reminder to take proactive steps, such as monitoring your accounts, enabling multifactor authentication and staying alert to phishing attempts.

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

Do you think companies are doing enough to protect sensitive data, especially in health care? 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.

Source link

5 cancer types where screenings save the most lives

By

-

December 18, 2024

COOKING OIL LINKED TO COLON CANCER IN EARLY STUDY, TIED TO INFLAMMATION

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

Early detection is widely seen as key to cancer survival, which is why screenings and prevention are so widely recommended.

And the message seems to be getting across, according to a study led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) and published in JAMA Oncology.

Researchers found that over a 45-year span — between 1975 and 2020 — improvements in cancer screenings and prevention strategies have reduced deaths from five common cancers more than any advances in treatments.

“In fact, prevention and screening interventions accounted for eight out of 10 deaths averted,” co-lead investigator Katrina A. B. Goddard, Ph.D., director of NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences in Maryland, told Fox News Digital via email.

Over a 45-year span — between 1975 and 2020 — improvements in cancer screenings and prevention strategies have reduced deaths from five common cancers more than any advances in treatments. (iStock)

Using the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) and cancer mortality data, the study analyzed death rates and screenings for five cancer types: breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate.

A total of 5.94 million deaths were prevented for those five disease types, according to an NCI press release. Eighty percent of those averted deaths were attributed to screening and prevention.

PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENT SURVIVAL DOUBLED WITH HIGH DOSE OF COMMON VITAMIN, STUDY FINDS

Below are the averted deaths for each individual type of cancer.

– Breast cancer: 250,000 deaths

– Lung cancer: 3,381,000 deaths

– Cervical cancer: 160,000

– Colorectal cancer: 743,000

– Prostate cancer: 201,600

“In recent years, these five cancers have made up nearly half of all new cancer diagnoses and deaths,” said Goddard.

“Prevention and screening interventions accounted for eight out of 10 deaths averted.”

Prevention and screening beat out treatment advances in terms of preventing deaths for cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers.

Breast cancer was the only type for which treatment advances prevented more deaths.

Quitting smoking was found to be the most beneficial prevention strategy overall, credited for averting 3.45 million lung cancer deaths.

Breast cancer was the only type for which treatment advances prevented more deaths. (iStock)

“This study provides strong evidence to support the benefits of prevention and screening for these cancers,” Goddard said.

“For people wanting to act on this information, I suggest they talk to their health care providers about what steps they may want to take to help prevent and screen for cancer.”

Potential limitations

The study had some limitations, the researchers acknowledged.

First, the five cancer types represented less than half of all cancer deaths.

CANCER SCREENINGS: HERE ARE 5 TYPES AND CRITICAL INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT EACH

“The findings for these cancers may not necessarily apply to other cancers — especially those for which there are not effective prevention, screening or treatment interventions,” noted Goddard.

“It’s also worth noting that the findings are based on population averages in the United States and may not be generalizable to specific population groups.”

Quitting smoking was found to be the most beneficial prevention strategy overall, credited for averting 3.45 million lung cancer deaths. (iStock)

The study also looked at mortality and did not include other measures, such as quality of life.

Finally, the researchers did not take into account potential risks of screenings, such as false positives and overdiagnosis.

Reducing risk for specific cancers

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, agreed that cancer screenings are “crucial,” along with advances in treatment.

For breast cancer, he emphasized the importance of early intervention and advanced treatment modalities.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“Aggressive treatments, including lumpectomy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy, have saved lives,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. “Also digital mammography, and increased use of ultrasound and MRI where needed.”

To reduce lung cancer deaths, the biggest impact is reduced smoking, Siegel reiterated.

“We need to optimize the uptake and use of prevention and screening for these five cancers so that all Americans can benefit.”

“Also improved imaging, earlier screening, chemo followed by immunotherapy, and now the use of robotics for earlier surgical intervention.”

For colon cancer, colonoscopy combines screening with treatment (polypectomy), “which has changed the playing field,” the doctor noted.

To reduce the risk of cervical cancer deaths, Siegel recommends getting the Pap test and the HPV vaccine, as well as the removal of any precancerous lesions found during screening.

“For prostate cancer, I am a believer in the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, so am glad to see this statistic,” he told Fox News Digital.

“For prostate cancer, I am a believer in the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, so am glad to see this statistic,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“PSA is a tool to guide you and not an automatic biopsy. MRI, biopsy, robotic surgery and various forms of radiation treatments have all saved many lives.”

Siegel also noted that screening and interventions guided by artificial intelligence will likely save many lives across all kinds of cancers.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“We need to optimize the uptake and use of prevention and screening for these five cancers so that all Americans can benefit, especially underserved populations, as well as develop novel prevention and screening strategies to avert deaths due to other, very lethal cancers, such as those of the pancreas and ovary,” stated co-lead investigator Philip E. Castle, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of NCI’s Division of Cancer Prevention, in the NCI press release.

Rise of ‘seat squatters’ on flights prompts etiquette debate: Expert weighs in

By

-

December 18, 2024

FLIGHT PASSENGER WARNS TRAVELERS TO ‘ALWAYS SCREENSHOT YOUR BOARDING PASS’: HERE’S WHY

As the rise of the travel term “seat squatters” circles the internet, some flyers may find themselves in a pickle when confronted with a passenger who’s stealing a seat.

One traveler shared a recent experience on Reddit in the “r/delta” forum with the title, “Rise of ‘Seat Squatters.’”

The user claimed to have witnessed three different seat squatting incidents while on a Delta flight.

“First was a guy that was supposed to be in 28C was all the way up in 12B and was trying to argue it was his seat. The next was a lady in 18A that was being adamant with the seat holder that she needed to be by the window and not in the middle,” the user wrote.

“The next was a couple that was supposed to be in 24C and D and decided to camp out and plant their flag in 24A and B.”

While users share stories of “seat squatters” on social media stealing plane seats, an etiquette expert (not pictured) weighs in on the new travel trend and offers advice. (iStock)

Fox News Digital reached out to Delta Air Lines for comment.

“This seat squatting is getting to be too much of a common thing,” the poster wrote.

‘SEAT SQUATTERS’ ON PLANES ARE LATEST TRAVEL TREND TAKING OVER SOCIAL MEDIA

Reddit users took to the comment section to discuss the rise of the travel trend and debated how passengers and airlines should approach a “seat squatter” situation.

“Kick them off and put standbys in their seat. That’ll probably fix it,” said one.

Flight passengers’ encounters with “seat squatters” are circulating on social media, with some flyers taking over more desirable seats not assigned to them. (iStock)

Another commented, “This has happened to me a couple of times over the past 2 years. I simply offer to sell them my assigned seat… You can have the aisle for $500 cash.”

“The evaporation of civility, [halted] by a pandemic. It is what it is, until DL [Delta Airlines] starts tossing people off of flights and forcing inconvenience without compensation. Act like kids, get punished. It’s worked in the past,” said a user.

Another user said, “I had one last week. I paid for the window, not the middle.”

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

“People are going to try it as long as they get away with it. Gate agents should warn against this along with boarding with the wrong group,” one user chimed in.

Another added, “Say no and you end up getting the evil eye (or worse), throughout the flight.”

California-based etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall (not pictured) told Fox News Digital it is never OK to seat squat once on board. (iStock)

California-based etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall told Fox News Digital “it is never OK to seat squat once on board. Eventually, the passenger with that seat assignment will claim it.”

Randall said when dealing with a seat squatter it is best to address the situation calmly and in good faith.

“Pull out your boarding pass. Not only to double-check [if] you are correct, but also as proof if the seat squatter protests,” said Randall.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

“If the seat squatter refuses to move, do not engage; do not recruit other passengers to rally; immediately request assistance from the flight attendant.”

Flight attendants may be able to step in if a traveler encounters a “seat squatter.” (iStock)

She said that if you do give in and allow the seat squatter to stay, don’t expect the airline to reimburse you for any fees that were associated with the seat.

Randall added that if you are squatting yourself, eventually you will be caught.

“Expecting to get your way by boring them with your story, becoming louder and bolder or faking that you don’t speak English will get you a new seat assignment — in the airport security office,” said Randall.

Study finds longer periods of poor health toward end of life

By

-

December 18, 2024

‘I’M A DOCTOR — HERE’S THE WELLNESS ROUTINE I FOLLOW FOR A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE’

Living longer doesn’t always mean living healthier.

That’s according to a study published in JAMA Network Open, which found a “widening gap between lifespan and healthspan” among 183 countries.

In 2019, there was a “healthspan-lifespan gap” of 9.6 years globally, a 13% increase from 8.5 years in 2019, Mayo Clinic researchers found.

That gap was largest in the U.S., as Americans live in poor health for an average of 12.4 years, compared to 10.9 years in 2000.

The “healthspan-lifespan gap” was largest in the U.S., as Americans live in poor health for an average of 12.4 years, compared to 10.9 years in 2000. (iStock)

The U.S. also reported the “highest burden of chronic disease,” the researchers noted, primarily due to mental illness, substance use disorders and musculoskeletal conditions.

The researchers analyzed data from the WHO Global Health Observatory, which included statistics on life expectancy, health-adjusted life expectancy and years lived with disease for each member country.

TRUMP’S STAMINA AT AGE 78 IMPRESSES THE EXPERTS: ‘MENTAL AND PHYSICAL RESILIENCE’

Lead study author Dr. Andre Terzic, the Marriott family professor of cardiovascular research at Mayo Clinic, calls the healthspan-lifespan gap a “universal threat to healthy longevity.”

“Advances in longevity are a major milestone for humankind — gains in life expectancy, however, have not been matched with an equivalent expansion in healthy longevity,” he told Fox News Digital.

The U.S. reported the “highest burden of chronic disease,” the researchers noted, primarily due to mental illness, substance use disorders and musculoskeletal conditions. (iStock)

There was also a gender gap, with women experiencing more years in poor health than men.

“Worldwide, women live longer than men, but exhibit a 2.4-year-wider healthspan-lifespan gap,” said Terzic.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“In the U.S., women had a higher non-communicable disease burden, with a particularly pronounced contribution from musculoskeletal, genitourinary and neurological diseases.”

The study findings point to the need for an “accelerated pivot to proactive, wellness-centric care systems,” according to Terzic.

The study findings point to the need for an “accelerated pivot to proactive, wellness-centric care systems,” according to the lead researcher. (iStock)

“Further study is needed to identify demographic, economic and health drivers of the healthspan-lifespan gap.”

The research was funded by the Marriott Family Foundation, National Institutes of Health and National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Personalized nutrition is key, doctor says

Grant Antoine, a naturopathic doctor and clinical lead at Viome, a health care testing company in Bellevue, Washington, said there are a number of factors that have widened the healthspan-lifespan gap in the U.S.

“While medical advancements have extended life expectancy, they haven’t addressed the root causes of poor health, such as diet, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles and preventable diseases,” he told Fox News Digital.

“These issues are compounded by the fact that there is no one answer to eating healthy.”

Some of the key factors contributing to aging and reduced healthspan include poor nutrition, imbalanced gut health and chronic inflammation, according to one expert. (iStock)

Some of the key factors contributing to aging and reduced healthspan include poor nutrition, imbalanced gut health and chronic inflammation, according to Antoine.

“To close the healthspan-lifespan gap in the U.S., we need to prioritize personalized, science-backed nutrition that’s based on each individual’s biology rather than a one-size-fits-all diet,” he recommended.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“There is no universally healthy diet or supplement. Personalized nutrition is a key to ensuring that people live healthier longer.”

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.

Frontier Airlines announces annual pass for unlimited flights priced at $299

By

-

December 17, 2024

FLIGHT ATTENDANTS REVEAL THE SURPRISING DAY TO TRAVEL AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS RUSH

Frontier Airlines has announced an “all you can fly” pass, giving travelers unlimited flights to “GoWild!” visiting both domestic and international destinations.

The airline, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, made the limited-time offer available now for $299 per year, automatically renewing at $699, according to Frontier’s website.

“The GoWild! Pass is perfect for spontaneous adventurers, budget-savvy travelers, and anyone dreaming of limitless journeys,” said Bobby Schroeter, Frontier Airlines COO, in a press release.

In 2022, Frontier offered a similar pass extending to only domestic travel, FOX Business reported.

Frontier Airlines is offering an annual pass for unlimited flights for a year. (Tayfun CoSkun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images))

“Search & Book on FlyFrontier.com the day before flight departure for domestic travel and starting 10 days before flight departure for international travel,” says the budget airline’s site.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

If passholders are booking a round-trip, they “will need to search and book the day before the return flight’s departure for domestic travel,” according to Frontier’s announcement.

The “GoWild!” pass gives passengers the opportunity to book unlimited flights for an entire year. (iStock)

While booking, passengers have the option to select bags and specific seats at an additional cost.

“For each flight, you’ll pay $0.01 in airfare plus applicable taxes, fees, and charges at the time of booking,” the site reads.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Early booking fees may apply, and flights are subject to a blackout period.

The pass will be priced at $299 starting on May 1, 2025. (iStock)

The pass is valid for travel between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.

Similarly, Virgin Voyages announced an annual pass, giving passengers unlimited cruises for an entire year, Fox News Digital reported.

The pass gives passengers access to the entire fleet of Lady Ships and perks of unlimited Wi-Fi, access to events and $100 for bar credit per voyage, according to a Virgin Voyages press release.

Fox News Digital reached out to Frontier Airlines for comment.

Eagles’ Jalen Hurts benefiting from ‘pretty privilege,’ ESPN NFL analyst says

By

-

December 17, 2024

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jalen Hurts has the Philadelphia Eagles back in prime contention for the Super Bowl despite criticism about some of his passing numbers slipping year over year.

Hurts had 290 passing yards and two touchdown passes in Sunday’s win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a shiny chain on, he started his postgame press conference asking reporters if “that’s what they wanted to see?”

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Domonique Foxworth, a former NFL defensive back and current ESPN analyst, said on Tuesday’s “Get Up” that the lack of backlash from Hurts’ remarks after that game was a result of “pretty privilege.”

“He got up at the press conference after the game, and he acted like he was Josh Allen,” Foxworth said. “Look at this man with his Kangol looking like Nino Brown… with three thousand million trillion dollars worth of diamonds on his neck, and he acting like he just went for 400 yards for three weeks in a row.

“Man, you had one good week passing. And everyone forgets it when he starts batting his eyes at you.”

BENGALS STAR TEE HIGGINS RESPONDS TO SUPPORT FROM JOE BURROW, JA’MARR CHASE WITH FREE AGENCY LOOMING

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs with the ball from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)

“Pretty privilege” or not, Hurts has the Eagles on top of the NFC East through 15 weeks.

He has 2,892 passing yards, 18 touchdown passes and only five interceptions this season. His completion percentage (69.2%) is the highest it’s ever been in his career. And, his 12 wins have nearly matched his 14-1 season as a starter in 2022.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson embrace after their game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Philadelphia is riding a 10-game winning streak with three games left.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Islamist group running Syria has mixed record over governance in province, ruled with ‘iron fist’

By

-

December 17, 2024

ASSAD PAINTS HIMSELF AS ‘CUSTODIAN’ TO SYRIA AS PICTURE UNFOLDS ON COLLAPSE OF DAMASCUS

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

Following Bashar al-Assad’s fall from power, a new government is taking shape in Syria that has many wondering if it will moderate its Islamist stance or, as some have predicted, function like the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) had been ruling the Idlib Governate in northwest Syria and set up its own regime known as the Syrian Salvation Government and said it had shed its global Jihadist aims for a focus on local governance. In Idlib, HTS created a bureaucratic system and various ministries to administer some public services, including public safety.

“By all accounts, it has ruled with an iron fist there,” Natasha Hall, senior fellow with the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Fox News Digital.

At its height, HTS ruled over approximately 2 million people in Idlib Province. Its leader, Mohammed al-Golani attempted to rebrand HTS and distance the group from the global jihadist elements of al Qaeda and instead focused on local issues in Idlib.

Rebel forces seized Mengh Airbase and the city of Tel Rifaat in the Aleppo countryside on Dec. 1, 2024 following clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces and Syrian regime forces. (Photo by Rami Alsayed/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Questions still remain about how al-Golani would rule all of Syria. Some Syria watchers who monitored the groups record in Idlib caution that HTS was no democratic regime.

Hall, an expert on Syria, said that HTS exhibited mixed behavior in Idlib, including kicking out Christians, although Hall noted that she knows personally of religious minorities, including Alawites, who did live peacefully in Idlib.

Other aspects of their rule in Idlib are more troubling.

People celebrate in Damascus after fall of Assad regime

People wave guns in the air as they gather to celebrate the fall of the Syrian regime in Umayyad Square on Dec. 8 in Damascus, Syria. (Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images)

ASSAD ARRIVES IN MOSCOW, IS GRANTED ASYLUM BY RUSSIA

“In terms of their iron fist, HTS tried to do away with dissent when there were protests against them. It was reported that they had killed a famous political activist, Raed Fares. There were also recent protests in Idlib over people who have died in detention under HTS custody,” Hall said.

HTS was less than tolerant and known for suppressing political dissent. Hall also noted she personally knows of people who were “beat up” by HTS fighters.

Golani did oversee a de-emphasis on strict interpretations of Islam and limited the power of the feared morality police that monitored women’s public wardrobe. The problem now, according to Hall, is not necessarily HTS’ previous record of governance in Idlib, but the power vacuum that is left with Assad ousted.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham chief Abu Mohamed al-Golani checks the damage following an earthquake in the village of Besnaya in Syria’s rebel-held northwestern Idlib province at the border with Turkey, on Feb. 7, 2023. (Photo by Omar HAJ KADOUR / AFP)

“Everyone is going to be grabbing for power and influence,” Hall said, adding that the U.S. and the West need to mitigate risk and insure a more stable and peaceful future for Syria and deal with the vulnerabilities of each potential governing group.

Tammy Palacios, program manager of the Priority Sustainable Counterterrorism program at the New Lines Institute and who closely monitors Syria, noted that although al-Golani made significant efforts to disconnect from his Jihadist past, moderation at other levels of HTS remains less clear.

HTS security forces were known to “arrest, judge, torture, detain, and kill individuals as a form of sharia law enforcement” exercising control in Idlib. Elements of the HTS administration in Idlib also educated and influenced the population in accordance with a hardline interpretation of Sharia law.

SYRIA’S UNACCOUNTED FOR CHEMICAL WEAPONS ‘EXTREMELY WORRYING,’ UN OFFICIAL SAYS

Since toppling the Assad dynasty, HTS set up a transitional government, called the Syrian Salvation Government, and named an interim prime minister, Mohammed al-Bashir. HTS leader al-Golani and the interim prime minister met with the former prime minister of Syria during the final months of the Assad regime, Muhammad Ghazi Al-Jalali, who decided to remain in his home in Damascus when the government fell.

During their lightning two-week advance to conquer Syria, HTS promised to protect the rights of all Syrians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and also promised to protect Shia religious sites. When the rebels finally entered Damascus and Assad fled, al-Golani ordered his fighters not to attack government ministries and, along with Jalali, ensured that the day-to-day work of the government would continue.

Syrians gather at Umayyad Square to celebrate the collapse of 61 years of Baath Party rule in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 9, 2024. (Murat Sengul/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Al-Golani, who has a $10 million bounty on his head from the U.S., seeks to present a toned-down version of the radical Islamism that has defined his years of fighting in Syria and in Iraq against American troops. Al-Golani was detained by the U.S. military in the first decade of this century. When the Syrian uprising against Assad broke out, al-Golani built a new organization called Jabhat al-Nusra.

He also had once pledged allegiance to al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, but he officially broke ties with the group in 2016, and Nusra became HTS in 2017. Many observers of HTS at the time critiqued the break as cosmetic, but al-Qaeda actually condemned the creation of HTS, creating further divides between the groups.

TRUMP URGES US TO STAY OUT OF SYRIAN CIVIL WAR, BLAMING OBAMA FOR FAILURE AS ISLAMISTS CLOSE IN ON CAPITAL

While HTS governed Idlib in northeast Syria, the group targeted rival Islamist groups, including Ahrar Al-Sham, Hurras Al-Din and other Jihadist groups tied to al Qaeda and ISIS. Much like U.S. negotiations with the Taliban in Afghanistan, combating terrorism and ensuring that Syria does not become a safe haven for terrorists will be a prerequisite for any recognition by the U.S. and other allies.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Saturday that the U.S. has had direct contact with HTS since it overthrew the regime of Bashar al-Assad. HTS has already said it would cooperate with the U.S. in the search for Austin Tice, the American journalist missing in Syria since 2012 and who was believed to be held captive by the Assad regime. The initial contact with the rebel group and their promise to work with the U.S. to bring Tice home could further legitimize the group as it looks to consolidate its control over post-Assad Syria.

A picture taken at the entrance of the Kweyris military airfield in the eastern part of Aleppo province on Dec. 3, 2024 shows a portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and a national flag in the garbage dumpster following the takeover of the area by rebel groups. (Photo by RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images)

The U.S. and U.K. are considering whether to remove HTS off its foreign terrorist list, which will be important if HTS consolidates its rule over Syria. Hall says that HTS must establish a checklist to implement in order to get itself removed from the terrorist designation list.

“It’s vitally important right now, and it’s important to do it quickly, because if a designated terrorist group is running a country, it could have devastating humanitarian and economic effects, the likes of which we have not seen in the past decade,” she said.

Fox News Digital’s Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report.

Steps to protect yourself while shopping on your phone this holiday season

By

-

December 17, 2024