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How to use passkeys on PC without camera or fingerprint reader hardware

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Keeping your computer secure is more important than ever. Cyberattacks target computers, accounts and sensitive data daily. Traditional passwords have long been the cornerstone of security, but they come with real challenges. Many of us reuse passwords across sites, and even strong passwords can be compromised in data breaches.

Passkeys offer a safer and more convenient way to authenticate. However, they’re still relatively new, and many of us are still trying to figure out how they work. For example, Peter recently reached out asking, “How do I get a passkey from a PC desktop that doesn’t have a camera or fingerprint device?”

That’s a great question, Peter, and you’re not alone in wondering about this. The good news is that passkeys are designed to work on virtually any device, whether or not it has biometric hardware like a fingerprint reader or camera. Let’s explore what passkeys are, why they’re worth using and how to set them up on both Windows and Mac, regardless of your hardware setup.

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A MacBook

Passkeys make signing in faster and safer by replacing traditional passwords with encrypted keys. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What are passkeys?

Passkeys use cryptography to prove who you are. When you create a passkey, your device makes two keys, one public and one private. The public key goes to the website, and your private key stays on your device. During login, your device confirms your identity with the private key. The website never sees or stores it.

This process blocks phishing and password theft. It also makes sign-in faster. You don’t need to remember or type long passwords anymore.

While passkeys simplify authentication, they don’t eliminate the need for a secure password manager. Password managers can safely store and sync your passkeys, just as they do with passwords, allowing you to access your credentials across devices and browsers—even if those devices don’t natively sync passkeys, such as between Windows and Apple systems. Using a password manager alongside passkeys creates a bridge between platforms and provides an additional layer of security and convenience.

Can you use passkeys without biometrics?

Yes, you can. A PC or Mac without a camera or fingerprint reader can still use passkeys. On Windows, you unlock them with your Windows Hello PIN. On Apple devices, you can use Touch ID, Face ID or your passcode. The key is having an updated operating system and browser that support passkeys.

If you manage multiple accounts or devices, a password manager that supports passkeys can act as your central vault. This lets you use passkeys even on systems that don’t directly support syncing through iCloud or Google Password Manager. It’s an easy way to ensure you always have access to your credentials, no matter what kind of device you use.

Why you still need passwords

Not every website supports passkeys yet. Some services still rely on passwords. Keep strong, unique passwords for those accounts. Passwords also serve as backup if you lose a device or can’t use your passkey. Over time, more sites will support password-free logins.

This is where password managers continue to play an important role. They bridge the gap between old and new authentication methods, allowing you to store both traditional passwords and passkeys in one secure place. Until the web is fully passkey-ready, combining the two provides both convenience and resilience, giving you a seamless experience across multiple devices and services.

A MacBook

Passkeys also prevent phishing because your private key never leaves your device during sign-in. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Passkey support by platform 

Windows

  • Works on Windows 10 and 11.
  • Windows 11 version 22H2 (KB5030310+) includes passkey management.
  • Unlock with Windows Hello PIN, face, or fingerprint.

If your browser or operating system doesn’t yet sync passkeys automatically, a third-party password manager with passkey support can store them for cross-platform access.

macOS and iOS

  • Works on macOS 13 Ventura or later and iOS/iPadOS 16 or later.
  • Passkeys sync through iCloud Keychain with end-to-end encryption.
  • Two-factor authentication must be turned on.
  • Use Touch ID, Face ID or your device passcode to confirm logins.

While Apple’s iCloud Keychain handles passkeys securely within its ecosystem, using a password manager that supports passkeys provides extra flexibility, letting you securely access the same credentials on non-Apple devices or browsers outside Safari.

Android

  • Available on Android 9 and later.
  • Android 14 adds third-party passkey manager support.
  • Passkeys sync through Google Password Manager by default.

Alternatively, password managers now integrate passkey syncing, letting you use your passkeys seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices.

Browsers

  • Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox all support passkeys.
  • Keep your browser updated for the best compatibility.

Browser-based password managers can also sync passkeys, adding flexibility if you switch between devices or operating systems.

Major services that support passkeys

As of publishing, these major services offer passkey sign-in:

  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Apple
  • Amazon
  • PayPal
  • GitHub
  • Uber
  • eBay
  • WhatsApp
  • Facebook

Support continues to expand every month. Most new accounts on these platforms can now use passkeys.

How to set up passkeys on Windows

  • Open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
  • Set up Windows Hello PIN or biometrics.
  • Visit a site that supports passkeys.
  • Choose Create a passkey and confirm with your PIN or biometric.
  • Manage passkeys later under Settings → Accounts → Passkeys on Windows 11.

If your PC lacks biometrics, you can still approve sign-ins using your phone nearby or a synced password manager that supports passkeys.

Windows passkey

(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to set up passkeys on Mac

Apple devices also provide a simple and secure way to use passkeys through iCloud Keychain. There’s no separate setup for passkeys if you have iCloud Keychain enabled. Once it’s on, an eligible app or service will ask you to create a passkey at the time of login, and you’ll be able to do so by following the instructions on the screen. Below is how you can enable iCloud Keychain.

  • Go to Apple menu → System Settings → your name → iCloud.
  • Click Passwords and turn on Passwords & Keychain and enable syncing.
  • Visit a site that supports passkeys.
  • Select Create a passkey and confirm with Touch ID or your passcode.
  • Passkeys will sync to your other Apple devices through iCloud Keychain.

You can also approve logins on a non-Apple device using your iPhone nearby, or access them through a password manager that stores both your passkeys and passwords in one place.

iCloud Keychain

On Windows, you can use passkeys with a simple Hello PIN, even without a camera or fingerprint reader. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Common questions about passkeys

Can I move passkeys between devices?

Yes. iCloud and Google Password Manager sync passkeys securely. For more flexibility, password managers now support passkey portability across different ecosystems, perfect if you use both Mac and Windows, or Android and iPhone.

What if I lose my device?

You can recover passkeys from iCloud, Google, or your password manager. Always keep a backup login method and 2FA enabled. Storing your passkeys in a secure password manager ensures recovery even if you lose access to one platform’s ecosystem.

Are passkeys fully replacing passwords?

Not yet. Many major platforms support them, but full adoption will take time. Until then, password managers remain an essential bridge technology, providing secure storage, synchronization and transition support as passkeys continue to expand.

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5 additional steps you can take to keep your computer safe

Even with passkeys and strong passwords, there are other steps you can take to enhance the security of your computer.

1) Use a password manager

Password managers help generate and store strong, unique passwords for every account. This reduces the risk of password reuse and ensures that your backup passwords are secure. Now that many password managers support passkeys, they also act as your universal credential vault, letting you log in with either method depending on what a website supports.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see CyberGuy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. 

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at CyberGuy.com.

2) Install strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software protects against malware, ransomware and other threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong 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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

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3) Keep your system updated

Regular updates fix security vulnerabilities in your operating system and software. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to stay protected.

4) Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second verification step, usually through a code sent to your phone or email, or through an authentication app. This makes it harder for attackers to access your accounts even if your password or passkey is compromised.

5) Backup your data

Regularly backing up your Mac or PC to a secure cloud service or external drive ensures that you can recover important data in case of hardware failure, malware attack, or accidental deletion.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Passkeys are a major upgrade over traditional passwords, but we’re not living in an all-passkey world just yet. Many sites still rely on passwords, and you’ll need backups if something happens to your device. Supplementing passkeys with a password manager is the best move right now; it lets you store, sync and protect both passkeys and passwords under one roof. The good news is that setting up passkeys takes just a few minutes, and once they’re enabled, logging in becomes faster and more secure.

Have you tried using passkeys yet? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Archaeologists uncover colonial tavern remains in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

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Beneath a pasture in scenic Lancaster County, archaeologists — and archaeologists in training — recently unearthed the likely remains of the county’s oldest tavern, offering a glimpse into colonial American life.

The dig, involving students from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, has yielded thousands of artifacts this autumn.

The excavation site is located north of Marietta at what researchers believe was a tavern called the Galbraith Ordinary, built around 1725.

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Timothy Trussell, an anthropology professor at Millersville University, is leading the project — and the treasures he’s uncovered reveal insight into provincial life. 

Trussell told Fox News Digital the team found “an astounding number of bones and bone types” — all the probable remains of 18th- and 19th-century meals.

Archaeologists and students from Millersville University unearthed thousands of colonial-era artifacts from a Lancaster County tavern site. (Timothy Trussell / Millersville University Archaeology Program)

“Bones identified so far include cow, pig and chicken, but also deer, wild bird — likely wild turkey — and turtle,” he said. 

“This is interesting, as it tells us they were augmenting the traditional ‘barnyard’ animals with wild game, something that is common in pioneer settings.”

Among the thousands of artifacts were shards of ceramics and glass, as well as personal effects like a handmade toothbrush made of bone and glass buttons.

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“The ceramics are particularly valuable, since they are easily dated and can be used as time-markers for us to discern when in time a particular soil layer or feature was created,” he said.

Some of the ceramics date back as far as the 17th century, but Trussell placed most of them between 1750 and the 1790s.

“It is genuinely exciting to hold something in your hand and know you are the first person to touch this item in nearly three centuries.”

“This isn’t surprising, because although the tavern was built circa 1725, it was a pioneering, frontier setting in Lancaster County, so people naturally had fewer items,” he said. 

“As wealth grew over time, they began buying more refined ceramics in larger numbers, and those are what we are finding.”

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Some of the finds that surprised Trussell the most were a series of brass bells that reminded him of Christmas sleigh bells.

“The brass bells that look exactly like antique sleigh bells were especially surprising,” he said. 

Split images of students working in field

Students joined professional archaeologists in the field, helping identify and catalog items from Lancaster County’s colonial frontier. (Timothy Trussell / Millersville University Archaeology Program)

He added, “They likely date a bit later, sometime in the 19th century, but I have never found bells like that before. One was small, roughly the size of a quarter, while the other was quite large, just a bit smaller than a tennis ball.”

Archaeologists were also surprised by what they didn’t find. Given that smoking was a popular leisure activity at taverns, Trussell expected to find numerous clay smoking pipes — but spotted far fewer than expected.

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“Although we’ve found some pipe fragments, it was not nearly the amount I expected,” he said. 

“Perhaps the Scots-Irish patrons were not big smokers at that time.”

Aerial view of tavern site, archaeologists working

Excavations at the Galbraith Ordinary site shed light on how settlers dined, traded and socialized nearly 300 years ago. (Timothy Trussell / Millersville University Archaeology Program)

Each artifact is being collected, identified and added to a database — and Trussell expects the biggest discoveries to happen in a lab.

He also said the students “really love” going into the field, not just as a departure from typical classroom routines, but for the excitement of uncovering history.

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“It is genuinely exciting to hold something in your hand and know you are the first person to touch this item in nearly three centuries,” the archaeologist said. “One cannot help but wonder who last used this cup, how it was broken or what life was like for the person who used it.”

He added, “For every day we spend in the field, we create five days of laboratory work, so the process of analyzing this site is just beginning.”

Birds eye view of archaeological excavation

“For every day we spend in the field, we create five days of laboratory work, so the process of analyzing this site is just beginning,” said Trussell. (Timothy Trussell / Millersville University Archaeology Program)

All in all, Trussell said the project is helping to recover stories lost to time — not just about life in colonial Pennsylvania, but also the trade networks that connected it to the rest of the world.

“On this site alone, we have a Scots Irish tavern owner selling food and drink to German and English settlers, serving them on plates imported from England, paying with silver coin minted in Spanish South American colonies, and serving rum from sugar plantations in the Caribbean,” said Trussell.

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“The story of these people happened locally, but it was intimately intertwined with a massive geographical area encompassing a complex flow of people and goods across the entire Atlantic World. … It is a fascinating story, and well worth researching!”

I’m Abigail Spanberger. This is why I want Virginia’s vote for governor.

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Back in May, I spent a morning at a family-owned pharmacy in Hanover County — a locality that voted for President Donald Trump in 2024 by a margin of more than 25 points.

I was there alongside local pharmacists and students, a Hanover County mother whose daughter is battling cancer, and a crush of reporters to roll out my plan to lower Virginians’ healthcare and prescription drug costs as their next governor. The event caught the attention of some community members who greeted me donning red T-shirts, Make America Great Again hats and Trump campaign buttons.

Among the group was a local Tea Party member. After we briefly joked about our party allegiances, the conversation quickly turned to the issues.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger addresses a get-out-the-vote rally on the first day of early voting outside the Eastern Government Center on Sept. 19, 2025, in Henrico County, Virginia. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

His daughter, who had been battling cancer, had recently lost her healthcare benefits. As her pile of medical bills and worries grew, so had his frustration.

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What started as him leaving home on a rainy Wednesday morning to hold me accountable turned into a meaningful conversation about one of the challenges I hear about most from families, veterans, seniors and young people across our commonwealth — the rising cost of medical care.

But it’s not just high healthcare costs that are keeping Virginians up at night. Everywhere I travel across the commonwealth — since I first launched my campaign to serve as Virginia’s next governor, the No. 1 challenge Virginians share with me is the squeeze of high costs. Rising rent and mortgage payments, energy bills, and prices at the pharmacy counter are stretching Virginians’ paychecks thin. Virginians who are working hard to get by deserve a governor who is laser-focused on doing everything in her power to deliver them real relief.

Right now, as we race toward Election Day, I’m on the road for my 40-plus-stop, 11-day statewide bus tour. We’re going everywhere from “Where Virginia Begins” in Lee County up to Leesburg, from Norfolk to Nelson County to lay out the stakes in this year’s elections — because this year, Virginians have the opportunity to choose leadership that actually puts our commonwealth first.

Abigail Spanberger campaigns

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger speaks during an Everytown for Gun Safety rally on April 10, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Since that rainy morning in May, I’ve also rolled out my plans to lower Virginians’ housing costs and Virginians’ energy bills. I’ve rolled out my plans to grow workforce training opportunities — because a four-year degree isn’t the right path for everyone. And I’ve rolled out my plan to make sure Virginia’s public schools are the best in the nation. My opponent — Winsome Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor of Virginia — has not shown an inkling of interest in tackling these challenges. She’s laid out no real plans to make Virginia more affordable or grow our economy.

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Virginians — including the more than 300,000 federal employees who call our commonwealth home — are grappling with the consequences of the Trump administration’s DOGE firings, use of this devastating government shutdown to escalate those firings, and unpredictable tariffs. My opponent dismissed the devastating impacts of these cuts on Virginia’s economy and even mocked Virginians for worrying about losing their jobs. As Virginia’s next governor, I am clear-eyed about threats to our commonwealth — and I will always stand up for Virginians’ jobs and Virginia’s economy.

If you’re a registered voter in Virginia, my name is on your ballot this year. You may still be making your mind up about who to trust with your vote. You might even be reading this right now and thinking, “I’m a Republican, so why would I vote for a Democrat?”

Abigail Spanberger during a rally

Abigail Spanberger, Virginia Democratic Party nominee for governor, speaks at a campaign event in Richmond on April 8, 2025. (Max Posner/The Washington Post/Getty Images)

I won my first campaign in 2018 — in a district that hadn’t elected a Democrat in 50 years — in part because thousands of Virginians asked themselves that very question. And ultimately, those voters believed in electing a leader who would put the people of Virginia — not a political party, not a group of donors and not a president — first.

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Since I first got into politics, I’ve been focused on addressing some of the most pressing issues facing Virginia’s families and businesses — from protecting Virginians’ access to healthcare coverage to bringing down the cost of living to keeping our communities safe. My focus hasn’t changed — and I’m ready to get to work on day one to deliver for Virginians.

And like I always say: I might be a Democrat, but you don’t have to be one to vote for me. I would be honored to earn your vote and grateful to serve as your governor.

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Putin elevates family members to key roles amid Kremlin instability fears

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is tightening his grip on power by elevating younger loyalists amid growing instability inside the Kremlin as he ages, according to reports.

On Sunday, The Telegraph reported that Putin, 73, who has ruled Russia for more than two decades, is “running out of cards to play” as pressure mounts both domestically and abroad. 

The Federal Security Service (FSB) also opened a criminal case against exiled businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky and 22 members of the Anti-War Committee of Russia, accusing them of plotting a seizure of power, per reports. Khodorkovsky spent a decade in a Siberian prison before founding the Anti-War Committee in 2022.

John Herbst, Senior Director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council and former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, told the U.K. outlet that “the Kremlin is falling into paranoia.”

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Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. ((Vyacheslav Prokofyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP))

“All the people around him have started thinking about a world beyond Putin, so he has arranged his own elite in a really careful way, so there are no clear seams along which it would kind of rip apart,” Henry Hale, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University, told Fox News Digital. 

“He also has members of his own family now that are starting to rise in the ranks. One of the ones that has gotten the most attention is Anna Evgenievna Tsivilyova, née Putina,” Hale said. 

Tsivilyova, 52, is Putin’s first cousin once removed and currently heads the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, a state-run organization that supports Russian soldiers and veterans. 

She has also served as chair of the board of the Kolmar Group, one of Russia’s largest coal companies.

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Anna Tsivilyova is a relative of Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin tightens his grip on power by promoting family members and younger allies to his inner circle. ( Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“The younger people are being brought up by the older generation integrated seamlessly into the power pyramid,” Hale said.

“Putin is worried about what happens as he ages, and if you don’t provide some opportunity for younger people to rise up, you know, then the regime might come under some pressure.”

“These people can be trusted because they’re related to people close to Putin, and they can also be young and energetic. The younger people are being brought up by the older generation, integrated seamlessly into the power pyramid,” Hale added.

In 2023, Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a brief mutiny, sending his fighters toward Moscow before abruptly standing down only to die weeks later in a plane crash. 

Now, the Kremlin’s focus has shifted to silencing opposition abroad. 

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Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to the Moscow-appointed head of the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, Yevgeny Balitsky during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

“Tensions remain within the elite and Putin wants to get rid of any possible risks,” Hale said. “The 2023 incident was a warning from Putin to his own elite, his own inner circle, not to dare try anything. Putin and his people are watching each other carefully and so don’t try anything funny,” Hale added.

Recently, western sanctions, less oil revenue, and war costs could push Russia toward recession.  

The Treasury Department under President Donald Trump sanctioned Russia’s two largest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, escalating pressure on the Kremlin to end its war in Ukraine. 

According to reports, the Russian government could raise taxes and increase domestic borrowing to close the gap.

“Putin has weathered the main crisis that the full-scale invasion of Ukraine brought Russia, which was the initial shock of the invasion and its failure to take Ukraine in a matter of days,” Hale added. 

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“But war brings uncertainty and there’s a risk of disastrous defeat, underperforming expectations. All the people around him start thinking about a world beyond Putin.”

“That said, well, I think Putin’s regime is fairly stable at the moment,” Hale concluded.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Kremlin for comment.

Tesla brings back Mad Max mode in latest Full Self-Driving update

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Tesla is making headlines again with the return of its Mad Max mode in Full Self-Driving (Supervised). This feature, designed to make the car drive more aggressively, has arrived just as the automaker faces new scrutiny from regulators and ongoing lawsuits from customers. 

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Mad Max Mode returns in Tesla’s latest FSD update

Tesla recently launched its FSD v14.1.2 update. The update follows last year’s major FSD v14 release, which introduced “Sloth Mode” for slower, more cautious driving. The latest update moves to the opposite end of the spectrum with Mad Max mode.

According to Tesla’s release notes, this profile allows higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than Hurry mode. The update has sparked mixed reactions. Some Tesla fans praise it for making driving feel more natural. Critics argue that it invites risky behavior at a time when regulators like the NHTSA and California DMV are already investigating Tesla’s advanced driver-assist systems.

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Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) interface now includes a new Mad Max speed profile.

A new Mad Max speed profile is now included in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving interface. (Tesla)

History of Tesla’s Mad Max mode since 2018

The Mad Max setting isn’t new. Tesla first introduced it in 2018 for the original Autopilot system. At the time, Elon Musk described it as ideal for handling aggressive city traffic. The name, borrowed from the post-apocalyptic movie series, immediately drew attention for its bold tone.

Now, the feature is back in Tesla’s latest FSD version. Within hours of release, drivers reported seeing cars equipped with Mad Max mode rolling stop signs and driving over the speed limit. These early reports highlight how the mode may behave more assertively than before.

Why Tesla brought back its Mad Max mode

Bringing back Mad Max mode may serve several purposes for Tesla. It helps demonstrate the company’s continuous development of FSD software while appealing to drivers who prefer faster, more decisive movement in traffic. It also acts as a signal that Tesla is still chasing the goal of Level 4 autonomy, even though its system remains classified as Level 2, requiring constant driver supervision.

Elon Musk sitting with hands together

Tesla owners can access Mad Max mode through the car’s settings under Speed Profiles.  (Chesnot/Getty Images)

For Tesla, this feature shows confidence in its progress. For observers, it raises concerns about timing. With multiple investigations and lawsuits in progress, many expected Tesla to focus on safety rather than on more aggressive driving profiles.

What this means for you

If you own a Tesla with Full Self-Driving (Supervised), you can access Mad Max mode through the car’s settings under Speed Profiles. This mode provides a more assertive driving experience that includes quicker acceleration, more lane changes, and less hesitation.

However, remember that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system still requires active driver attention. You must keep your hands on the wheel and remain ready to take control at any moment. While the name suggests thrill and speed, safety and awareness should remain your top priority.

Tesla Model Y on California highway

Tesla’s speed-profile menu includes the toggle options of Chill, Standard, Hurry, and Mad Max profiles to customize how aggressively their car responds in traffic.  (REUTERS/Mike Blake)

If you share the road with Teslas, it’s smart to stay alert. Vehicles using Mad Max mode may accelerate or change lanes more quickly than expected. Giving Teslas a little extra space can help reduce surprises and keep everyone safer on the road.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Tesla’s decision to reintroduce Mad Max mode is both strategic and provocative. It revives a feature from its early Autopilot days while reigniting debate over the balance between innovation and responsibility. The mode’s return reminds everyone that Tesla continues to test the limits of driver-assist technology and public tolerance for it.

Will Tesla’s revived Mad Max mode mark a bold step toward autonomy or a dangerous gamble in the race for self-driving dominance? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com

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Delta flight attendant accidentally deploys emergency slide at Pittsburgh airport

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Passengers on a flight departing Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) were left waiting on the tarmac after a flight attendant accidentally deployed the aircraft’s emergency slide.

According to a Reddit post from a user who identified as being on board, the costly mishap happened just before takeoff.

“The flight attendant accidentally triggered the emergency slide,” the person wrote. “Everyone’s entire night just became a cluster f—.”

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The user described a confusing scene followed by a long delay. The attendant, visibly shaken, quickly addressed passengers.

“He did apologize and was quite flustered,” the post continued, adding that the crew member mentioned that in his 26-year career, it had never happened before.

Emergency slides are very costly in the airline industry, so mistakenly deploying them can be an expensive error. (iStock)

When another Redditor asked whether passengers at least got to use the slide to deplane, the original poster joked: “Haha. That would be fun. They specifically said that would be a bigger trouble.”

Instead, it took maintenance crews about an hour to unhook and remove the deployed slide. Only then did airport staff bring the jet bridge back so that travelers could exit the plane safely.

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The original poster said the incident happened while the other flight attendant was announcing that the plane was leaving the gate, and guessed that it happened while the flight attendant was closing the plane doors.

“The jet bridge just left. I guess he meant to secure the door, but instead opened it?”

Flight attendant checking that everything is ready for take-off

Flight attendants often communicate with ground control to make sure everything is set for takeoff. (iStock)

The conversation later suggested that the affected flight may have been Delta 3248 to Salt Lake City (SLC), which experienced a significant delay that evening.

In this case, no passengers were hurt, just stranded for an unexpected hour. As one commenter summed it up, the night may have turned into a “cluster f—,” but hopefully, at least, everyone could laugh about it later.

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Evacuation slides are intended for use only in emergencies, such as when a rapid evacuation is required, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

During normal operations, flight attendants are required to “disarm” the slides before any aircraft door is opened on the ground.

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Accidentally deploying one is considered a serious mistake, as each slide can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repack and replace, and often renders the aircraft temporarily inoperable.

The procedure for disarming these systems can differ depending on the aircraft model, according to experts. 

Emergency exit window in aircraft cabin.

Emergency slides are designed to deploy instantly in the event of an evacuation and are armed manually once the aircraft door is closed. (iStock)

On some planes, the cabin crew performs the disarming process from inside, while in other cases, it may involve coordination with ground staff who operate from the exterior.

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that emergency slide deployments cost airlines around $20 million per year.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Delta for comment.

How to protect yourself from American Express phishing scams with 10 tips

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It started with an urgent subject line: “Resolve Unusual Activity on Your American Express Account Now.” That is how one scam email tried to trick me into clicking a fake link that claimed to “verify account activity.” It looked official with logos, customer support tone and even a partial account number. But it was a phishing attempt, a common tactic used to steal personal and financial information.

Let’s look at what made this message suspicious and how you can protect yourself.

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HOW TO SPOT AND STOP AI PHISHING SCAMS

How the phishing email scam works

Phishing emails copy trusted companies to create panic and urgency. The goal is simple: get you to click. In this case, the email claimed my American Express account was “temporarily restricted” until I verified my identity.

Notification screenshot.

A fake American Express email tried to steal personal data using urgent, fear-based language. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A closer look revealed several red flags:

  • The sender’s email was not from an official American Express domain.
  • The “Click Here” button linked to a strange website.
  • The message used fear-based language about account suspension.

Each of these clues points to a fake email designed to steal login details or credit card numbers.

SCAMMERS NOW IMPERSONATE COWORKERS, STEAL EMAIL THREADS IN CONVINCING PHISHING ATTACKS

Instructions on where to click.

Learn to spot red flags like strange email addresses and fake “verify account” requests. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What to do if you receive a phishing email

If an email looks suspicious:

  • Do not click any links.
  • Check the sender’s address. Real companies use verified domains, not random ones.
  • Go directly to the company website by typing the URL into your browser.
  • Report the email. American Express asks customers to forward phishing messages to spoof@americanexpress.com.
  • Delete the email right away.

These steps can protect you from identity theft and financial fraud.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SNEAKY WEB INJECTION SCAMS

Person typing on their laptop.

Strong passwords, 2FA and data removal services help defend against digital scams. (Neil Godwin/Future via Getty Images)

10 tips to protect yourself from phishing emails

Phishing scams that mimic real companies like American Express can slip into your inbox looking almost legitimate. The best way to stay safe is to create strong digital habits that protect your information and your peace of mind. Here are the top ways to defend yourself against phishing threats and financial fraud.

1) Turn on two-factor authentication for financial accounts

Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) creates an extra layer of protection. Even if a scammer gets your password through a fake American Express email, they cannot access your account without your verification code. Most banks and credit card companies offer this free feature in their security settings. Enable it today and make your login stronger.

2) Consider using a data removal service

Data removal services help clean up your personal information from data broker websites that collect and sell your details to advertisers, marketers and even scammers. Reducing your digital footprint limits the amount of information that phishing attackers can use to make fake emails look convincing. In the case of fake American Express messages, less personal data online means fewer details criminals can use to target you directly.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

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3) Keep your browser and security software updated

Outdated browsers and antivirus programs leave gaps that scammers can exploit. Regular updates close those gaps and strengthen your defense against phishing links and malicious downloads. Set your software to update automatically so you are always protected when opening emails or clicking links.

4) Review account statements and transactions regularly

Make it a habit to log into your credit card accounts directly from the official website, not from email links. Scan your statements for unfamiliar transactions. Early detection helps you report fraud fast and recover funds before more damage is done.

5) Pause and verify before you click anything

Phishing emails thrive on urgency. Before clicking, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Does this message feel pressured or suspicious? Instead of clicking “verify now,” open a new browser tab and visit the official credit card website to check your account. This one simple pause can stop a scam in its tracks.

6) Use strong antivirus software

Good antivirus software not only blocks viruses but also warns you when a site or email is unsafe. Choose a program that includes phishing detection, real-time web protection and email scanning. These tools can automatically block fraudulent look-alike emails before you even open them.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong 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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

7) Use an identity monitoring service

Identity monitoring services keep watch over the dark web and alert you if your personal information, such as your email address, password, or credit card number, appears in stolen data. If scammers gain access to this information, they often use it to create realistic phishing attempts, like the fake American Express “account restricted” email. Early detection through identity monitoring allows you to take action, such as changing passwords, freezing credit, or alerting your bank before real damage occurs.

Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

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

8) Learn to recognize official communications

Legitimate companies like American Express will never ask for full account numbers, passwords, or security codes by email. Familiarize yourself with how real messages from your bank look and sound. If something feels off, forward the message to the company’s official fraud department and delete it immediately.

9) Back up your important data securely

If a phishing attack installs malware on your computer, it can lock or delete files. Keep secure backups on an external drive or a trusted cloud service. That way, even if scammers target your system, you will not lose access to your information.

10) Trust your instincts

If an email feels wrong, it probably is. Your intuition is one of your strongest defenses against scams. Combine it with these habits to stay ahead of cybercriminals and keep your personal and financial information safe. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

Phishing scams are becoming more advanced, but your awareness is your best defense. When you know how to spot fake emails and stay calm under pressure, you protect both your money and your peace of mind. So next time you get an “urgent” message about your account, ask yourself: Would your bank really contact you this way?

Have you ever received a suspicious email like this? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Tourist falls into Venice canal when following Google Maps in viral video

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A tourist who was visiting Venice, Italy, has directed her ire at Google Maps for what she claims were inaccurate directions — which led to an awkward splash.

The Polish tourist posted a recent video of herself walking down steps into a canal. 

“When Google Maps says ‘go straight,’ but you’re in Venice,” the printed words say as the viral video plays. 

URGENT ADVISORY FOR EXOTIC DESTINATION WARNS OF ‘CRIMINAL GANGS’ AND ‘VIOLENT CRIME’

As the woman walks down the steps, she slips — falling onto her back. The video later shows her cleaning her scrapped legs.

“How it started … how it’s going,” says the caption.

A tourist’s viral video (not pictured) shows her falling into a Venice canal after following directions from Google Maps, sparking nearly 300,000 likes and mixed reactions online. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

Fox News Digital reached out to Google Maps for comment, and to the video poster as well. 

The video quickly amassed some 300,000 likes, with followers chiming in about the mishap in the comments section.

“Soooo, what did she think would happen walking down stone steps into the water?” wrote one user.

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An Instagrammer said, “Oh, that water … Girl, hope you disinfected.”

Another person wrote, “Quick question. What were you thinking?”

Venice, view of grand canal and basilica of santa maria della salute. Italy.

One user said of the woman in the video, “She obviously wanted to stop at the last step and ended up falling in.” Venice has long suffered from overtourism and has been working to combat it.  (iStock)

A user wrote about the woman in the video, “She obviously wanted to stop at the last step and ended up falling in.”

The same user added in part, “She was just wanting a cute video and likely cut herself on the sharp shellfish that post up along the Venice waterways.”

Another person said, “People will do anything for attention.”

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Venice has long suffered from the problems of overtourism. It has been working to combat that by announcing a change in tourist fees. 

The city introduced a pilot program in 2024 to charge day trippers a $5.17 (5 euros) entry fee that authorities hoped would discourage visitors from arriving on peak days, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

two women looking at venice canal

Approximately six million Americans traveled to Italy in 2023. (iStock)

Beginning this April, visitors will pay the access fee of $5.17 if they’ve booked four days ahead, while the fee for arrivals that are booked last-minute — within three days — doubles to $10.33 (10 euros), according to the city’s site.

The fee applies (on select dates only) to the ancient city of Venice, not to the minor islands of the Venetian Lagoon.

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Exemptions apply to residents, property owners, students, workers, persons with disabilities and children under 14 years of age.

Pino Parisi, a Connecticut-based Italian travel agent, said he is seeing more tourists than ever travel to Italy this year.

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“Venice’s tourist taxes [are] not preventing people from going to Venice,” he told Fox News Digital. “I don’t think it is making a difference.”

Approximately six million Americans traveled to Italy in 2023, according to the State Department.

Facebook AI turns on camera roll photos into shareable collages for users

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Your phone is full of photos you’ve never posted, moments you meant to share but never got around to. That’s exactly what Facebook wants to change. It now uses Meta AI to spot hidden gems in your camera roll, polish them, and create simple collages you can share. You take the pictures, and Facebook helps turn them into easy, ready-to-share memories. No design skills required.

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Why Meta created this AI photo feature

Many people take photos but then don’t share them because they feel the image isn’t “post-worthy,” or they simply don’t have time to make it look good.  Meta’s logic: if those moments are sitting unseen in your phone, screenshots, receipts, random snaps, they might still matter to you. So the tool helps you rediscover and share them. From Meta’s perspective, this also fits its bigger push into artificial intelligence-driven features across its apps.

LEAKED META DOCUMENTS SHOW HOW AI CHATBOTS HANDLE CHILD EXPLOITATION

Photo instructions.

New AI tool scans your camera roll to find and polish images for quick sharing. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Behind the scenes, Meta AI analyzes photo details, like lighting, people and events, to group similar moments and create polished collage layouts automatically. It can suggest captions or filters, but users can edit or reject any suggestion before posting.

How to enable the Facebook AI feature

Here’s how to turn this feature on in Facebook (and how to disable it if you prefer).

  • Open the Facebook app on your phone (iOS or Android).
  • Tap your profile picture or the menu icon.
  • Go to Settings & Privacy.
  • Click Settings.

META STRENGTHENS TEEN SAFETY WITH EXPANDED ACCOUNTS

Instructions for Meta.

Meta aims to revive old memories with Facebook’s AI-powered collage creator. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Scroll to Preferences (or something similar) and find Camera Roll Sharing Suggestions and tap on it.
  • Toggle on ‘Get creative ideas made for you by allowing camera roll cloud processing’ (or similar wording). You may be prompted to allow “cloud processing,” whereby Facebook uploads photos from your device to its servers so Meta AI can analyze them.

INSTAGRAM FRIEND MAP FEATURE SPARKS PRIVACY QUESTIONS

Camera roll instructions.

Users can now let Facebook’s AI curate camera roll highlights automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Confirm the opt-in and accept any permission prompts. Once enabled, Meta claims that only you see suggestions, and you decide if you save or share them.

META DELETES 10 MILLION FACEBOOK ACCOUNTS THIS YEAR, BUT WHY?

Camera roll instructions for Facebook.

Facebook rolls out AI photo suggestions to make sharing easier than ever. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

You’ll also receive optional notifications when new collage suggestions are ready, giving you the chance to preview and edit them before sharing.

Steps to disable or opt out

  • Follow the same path: Facebook app → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Preferences → Camera Roll Sharing Suggestions.
  • Toggle the feature off or disable “cloud processing.”
  • For extra privacy, you can also revoke Facebook’s access to your camera roll in your phone’s OS settings.

If you’ve already uploaded photos for analysis, Meta says you can delete that data by turning off the feature and clearing saved files under “Your Facebook Information” in Settings.

What this means for you

Here’s how Facebook’s new AI photo feature could change the way you share, save and see your favorite moments online.

  • More sharing without the effort. You capture the moment, Facebook helps polish it. The barrier of “this photo isn’t good enough” gets lowered.
  • Greater visibility for memories. That vacation scrapbook photo or family snap buried in your camera roll might now get a second life.
  • Full control remains. You decide whether to share the suggested edit or keep it private. Meta emphasizes that the suggestions are shown only to you unless you choose to share.
  • Privacy considerations. Even though Meta says your photos won’t be used to train AI unless you edit or share them, they do get uploaded to Meta’s cloud when you opt in and may be stored for some time. Meta confirms that the uploaded photos aren’t used for ad targeting or facial recognition, but they may be stored temporarily for processing before being deleted.
  • Limited rollout. At present, U.S. and Canada only; international users may need to wait.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

This move by Facebook addresses a common pain point (photos that don’t get shared) and leverages AI to make sharing more effortless. If you’re an active Facebook user who takes many photos and wants to share more of them, this feature could be a welcome boost. But if you’re cautious about how your private media may be handled, the opt-out path is important and worth using. Either way, it reflects how AI is quietly reshaping everyday apps.

Will you turn on Facebook’s AI-powered photo suggestion feature or keep your camera roll private just the way it is?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Trump indicates he’d be willing to extend his trip to meet with Kim Jong Un

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President Donald Trump said he’d be willing to extend his trip abroad to Asia if North Korea’s Kim Jong Un wants to meet with him.

“But I’d love to meet with him if he’d like to meet. I got along great with Kim Jong Un. I liked him, he liked me,” Trump said during a gaggle on Air Force One.

When asked if he’d extend his trip in order to meet with the North Korean figure, Trump indicated that he would be willing to do so.

TRUMP SAYS HE’S ‘OPEN’ TO MEETING WITH KIM JONG UN DURING ASIA TRIP, NORTH KOREA IS ‘SORT OF A NUCLEAR POWER’

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un poses with President Donald Trump at the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019 (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

The president had previously noted during a prior gaggle aboard Air Force One that he would be open to meeting with Kim Jong Un.

“I got along very well with him,” he said of the foreign leader.

TRUMP TO JET OFF TO ASIA AS NORTH KOREA FIRES BALLISTIC MISSILES AND CHINA TRADE QUESTIONS LOOM

North Korea is one of the few nations around the globe armed with nuclear weapons.

During his first term, Trump met with Kim Jong Un several times.

TRUMP AND KIM JONG UN SHOULD MAKE ‘BOLD DECISION’ TO MEET DURING HIS ASIA TRIP, SOUTH KOREAN OFFICIAL SAYS

North Korea's Kim Jong Un shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump

A handout photo provided by Dong-A Ilbo of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a meeting on the south side of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the South and North Korea on June 30, 2019 in Panmunjom, South Korea.  ( Dong-A Ilbo via Getty Images/Getty Images)

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He even made history as the first sitting U.S. president to step into North Korea.