It’s natural to be leery regarding the ways in which people may use artificial intelligence to cause problems for society in the near future. On a personal level, you may be concerned about a future where artificial intelligence takes your job or creates a Terminator that comes back in time to try to eliminate a younger you. (We admittedly might be overthinking that one.)

One fear regarding AI on a personal level that you should know about because it’s very much in the present is the creation of deepfake photos, including those that strip you of the most basic of privacy rights: the right to protect images of your body.

Two German artists recently created a camera called NUCA that uses AI to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away their clothing. The automated removal of the photo subject’s clothing occurs in close to real-time, speeding up the creepy factor exponentially.

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Why would someone create an AI camera that removes clothing?

The two German artists, Mathias Vef and Benedikt Groß, decided to create the camera to show the implications of AI’s rapid advancements. The pair were trying to think of the worst possible uses of AI to affect someone’s privacy, and they realized that the technology needed to create a camera like NUCA was already possible.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

The two artists hope that people will consider the dangers of continuing to develop AI technologies like this, which could eliminate the expectation of privacy. They hope it will spark debates about the direction of AI.

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How does a camera that digitally strips away clothing work?

The German artists used 3D design and print software to create the lenses and the shell for controlling the camera. It then uses a smartphone on the inside of the shell that handles the image capture. NUCA passes the photo to the cloud for the application of AI that removes the subject’s clothing.

The result of NUCA camera using AI to strip away clothing. (NUCA)

Of course, NUCA is not actually creating a photo of your naked body. Instead, it analyzes your gender, face, age and other aspects of your body shape to develop a replication of what AI believes your naked body would look like.

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Illustration of what NUCA camera analyzes to create image. (NUCA)

MORE: ARE AI DEEPFAKES THE END OF ACTING AS WE KNOW IT 

Doesn’t deepfake nude photo technology already exist?

Deepfake nude photos, usually of celebrities, have been around for a long time on pornography websites, but the photos from NUCA require almost no technical know-how. 

Even more frightening, NUCA is able to perform the process within about 10 seconds. The immediacy of the creation of the deepfake nude photo is what sets NUCA apart from other fake nude photos that typically require quite a bit of editing skill and time. 

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NUCA’s deepfake dilemma: Artistic innovation or ethical Invasion?

Bottom line: Anyone could use the technology that’s found with NUCA to create a deepfake nude photo of almost anyone else within several seconds. NUCA doesn’t ask for permission to remove your clothing in the photo.

It’s worth emphasizing again that the two artists have no plans to allow others to use NUCA for commercial gain. They will showcase its capabilities in late June at an art exhibition in Berlin all in an effort to spark public debate.

However, the next people who develop a similar technology may choose to use it in a far different way, such as to potentially blackmail people by threatening to release these fake nude photos that other people won’t necessarily know are fake.

Kurt’s key takeaways

If it feels like AI is expanding wildly in dozens of different directions all at once, you aren’t all that far off. Some of those directions will be helpful for society, but others are downright terrifying. As deepfakes continue to look more and more realistic, the line between a fake digital world and reality will become increasingly difficult to discern. Guarding our privacy will almost certainly be more and more difficult as AI strips away our safeguards … and, potentially, even our clothing. 

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Are you concerned about AI-created deepfake photos and videos affecting you personally? What safeguards should exist around the use of AI? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

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If you’re the person skipping updates on your devices … knock that off. You’re missing out on important security enhancements—like iOS 17.4, which adds better Stolen Device Protection and Android’s new Find My feature to locate your lost phone.

🎉 Win an iPhone 15 worth $799! I’m giving it to one person who tries my free daily tech newsletter. Enter to win now!

It’s nearly impossible to keep up with every update and added feature. That’s what I’m here for. I hope you find a tech tip below that makes life better for you!

Shop open-box deals

US AIRPORTS ADAPT TO TRAVEL SURGE BY EXPANDING USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO PROCESS PASSENGERS

Most sites use grades or ratings, so you know the condition. For example, a “Grade A” smartphone has just a bit of wear. Amazon open-box products are always fully functional and in one of four conditions: “Used/Like New,” “Very Good,” “Good” or “Acceptable.” Here’s a link to Amazon’s open-box deals.

Know what apps are listening

Buried within all the legal mumbo jumbo you said “yes” to when downloading an app, you may have given the app permission to listen using your phone’s microphone and collect data.

(Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

• Have an iPhone? Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. Disable apps you don’t want picking up on your conversations.
• On Android, go to Settings > Apps Permission Manager. Disable the microphone for any apps you don’t want eavesdropping.

Your Google Doc holds secrets you shouldn’t share

It’ll be called “Copy of” and your original file name by default. Rename it, then share that. Why? Anyone accessing the original doc can review all your edits, changes and versions. Hit File > Make a copy. Pro tip: Reverse this idea to see someone else’s edits and changes.

Make your iPad more useful

SEE WHAT THE HOME YOU GREW UP IN LOOKS LIKE NOW AND OTHER MAPS TRICKS

This is a pro move if you spend time with your Apple tablet on the couch. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard, then enable Split Keyboard. Long-press the keyboard key at the bottom right, slide your finger to Split, then release. Now you can type with your thumbs! To return to normal, long-press the keyboard key, slide your finger to Merge and release.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you

Take off your phone’s case and you’ll see all the grime collected inside. Gross. For plastic, rubber and silicone cases, use an old toothbrush and a bit of warm, soapy water. For leather cases, very lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water and mild soap.

Stay safe on the road

Get the free NHTS SaferCar app. Enter your car’s VIN and receive automatic alerts about recalls. There have been a lot lately, and it’s easy to miss notifications from your dealership.

For your eyes only

If you have sensitive pics like your driver’s license on your phone, set up a locked folder in Google Photos. Open the Google Photos app > Utilities > Set up Locked Folder. Follow the on-screen directions to finish up. Note: Anything stored there isn’t backed up to the cloud. Wouldn’t be very private that way.

Have an iPhone?

CAN YOU SPOT ELECTION DEEPFAKES? HERE’S HOW NOT TO BE DUPED

You can store secret pics in the Notes app. Open the pic in the Photos app, tap the share icon and select Notes. Go into the note you want to protect, tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner, then choose Lock.

You made a bad call

And streamed a terrible rom-com. Get it off your Netflix history so it doesn’t influence your future suggestions. On a computer, click your profile, then Viewing activity. By each show or movie, you’ll see a small icon of a circle with a line through it. Click on that to hide it.

(Photographer: Noah Berger/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

I’d rather be safe than sorry

For every study that shows your phone is perfectly safe, there’s another about the impacts of even low-level radiation. I rarely bring my phone to my head or put it in my pocket. AirPods are my favorite way to take a call (I’m an iPhone gal). Go with AirPods Pro if you can. On an Android, here’s a budget earbuds option and the fancy ones. Men, don’t store your phones in your pants pockets. It can hurt your fertility.

Too many tabs and too much noise? 

Right-click on a tab in your browser and select Mute Tab or Mute Site. In some browsers, you can also click the microphone on a tab playing noise to stop it.

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Get tech-smarter on your schedule

Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

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Computers are complex machines. They sometimes run into issues like any machinery. One common issue many of us face is our computer freezing or becoming unresponsive. 

If you are dealing with a PC that locks up occasionally, don’t worry; you’re in the right place. 

We’ll discuss what causes a computer to freeze and what you can do to fix it and get your computer running smoothly and efficiently again. (Mac users, get these 8 tips to speed up your Mac’s performance.)

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A man using a laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why do PCs freeze up?

PCs can freeze up for a variety of reasons, some related to software and others purely mechanical. Here are a few different reasons your computer might be freezing up.

Insufficient RAM: If your PC does not have enough memory (RAM), running too many programs, or even browser tabs, at once can cause your computer to freeze due to a lack of system resources.

Overheating: If your computer’s CPU (central processing unit) or GPU (graphics processing unit) generates too much heat, it might lock up as a preventative measure. Rising temperatures within your PC can cause a shutdown to protect its integrity. Check out our best cooling pads for your laptop by clicking here.

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Software or Driver Conflicts: Errors in a program can create conflicts and cause your PC to freeze up. Driver conflicts often create instabilities in your computer’s internal system, including freezes. A device driver, such as a USB driver, can also cause a device to freeze if it’s outdated, conflicts with another driver or does not work properly.

Hardware Issues: A defective stick of RAM, hard drive, video card or other hardware can cause your PC to freeze.

Corrupt Operating System Files: Corrupt operating system files can cause several problems, including your PC locking up.

A man working on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to fix a frozen PC

More often than not, a frozen PC is an issue that has simple solutions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you unfreeze your computer and get it running smoothly again.

Step 1 — Give it a moment

Sometimes PCs appear frozen, but they are actually just slowly processing tasks. Give it a minute or two to see if it resolves itself first.

Step 2 — Check for overheating

Make sure to check that your computer’s vents are not blocked and that your internal cooling fans are working properly.

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Computer fans  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Step 3 — Close unresponsive programs on your PC

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select Task Manager. From the task manager, you can end any programs and processes using a lot of CPU power. If your Windows desktop, including the taskbar and Start menu, freezes, you can sometimes restart Windows Explorer to fix these problems.

Step 4 — Restart your PC

If the above steps haven’t worked, try restarting your computer.

Step 5 — Check for updates and drivers

Ensure that your operating system and all your drivers are up to date. Outdated software can often cause system freezes. By default, Windows will scan your computer’s programs and install the recommended drivers for system stability. Make sure Windows Update is turned on for automatic updates.

Step 6 — Run a virus scan

Malware can also cause computers to freeze. We recommend running a full system scan using antivirus software to ensure your computer is malware- and virus-free. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Step 7 — Free up disk space

If your hard drive is full, it can slow down your PC and cause it to freeze up. In that case, you’ll want to try to optimize your computer’s performance by cleaning the files on your computer.

Images of microprocessors  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: BEST WAYS TO KEEP SNOOPS OUT OF YOUR COMPUTER 

Step 8 — Install more RAM

If your PC frequently freezes, you may need more RAM. Consider upgrading its memory. Depending on where you are, you can bring your computer into a BestBuy or MicroCenter, and a technician can install the RAM. Depending on which company built your computer, you can also likely send it in for a RAM upgrade.

Step 9 — Restore to an earlier state

Use the Windows System Restore feature to restore your computer to its previous state. Beware, though, that using system restore will restore everything on your PC to its original state on the date you selected. Make sure to back up anything you need.

Is it time for a new desktop or laptop?

If you are working with an older laptop or desktop, it might be time to look at new computers on the market. Our list of the best desktop computers is available here, and our list of the best laptops is available here.

Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s always a good idea to keep your PC updated and regularly check for potential hardware issues. If any problems related to freezing persist, you might want to consider getting professional help. Remember also to regularly back up your data to prevent any potential losses.

Can you share a “computer freeze” horror story and the lessons it taught you about computer maintenance?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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A company from Slovenia, called PaintCam, is shaking things up in the security world. 

It has come up with this wild new gadget, the PaintCam Eve. 

It’s not just another security camera watching over your house. This thing packs a punch with paintball and tear gas projectiles to really give intruders a surprise they won’t soon forget.

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Eve security camera. (PaintCam)

How does the high-tech deterrent work?

The heart of Eve’s capability lies in its sophisticated computer vision technology. It can identify human faces and animals even in low-light conditions, distinguishing between friends and foes.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

The system, which comes in 3 models, Eve, Eve +, and Eve Pro, allows homeowners to categorize visitors via an app interface — making decisions about who is welcome and who is not. But the most intriguing feature? When Eve detects an intruder, it issues a stern warning, and if not heeded, it proceeds to launch paintballs or tear gas.

Eve security camera. (PaintCam)

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User control and responsibility

PaintCam does offer users a significant degree of control. The system alerts the homeowner when an unknown person is detected in the company of someone known, asking whether to “take the shot” or not.

This feature places a heavy responsibility on the user, turning home security into a more interactive and potentially morally complex activity. How users will navigate these choices, especially in high-pressure situations, is yet to be seen.

Eve security camera. (PaintCam)

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Ethical and legal implications

While the prospect of a security camera that can “shoot” at intruders may sound appealing to some, it raises significant ethical and legal questions. The use of force, even non-lethal, by an autonomous system could lead to unintended consequences.

For instance, what happens if the system mistakenly identifies a neighbor or a child retrieving a lost toy as a threat? The legal ramifications of such scenarios remain unclear, making Eve a subject of debate among security experts and civil rights advocates alike.

Eve security camera. (PaintCam)

MORE: SNEAKY LIGHTBULB SECURITY CAMERAS ARE THE NEXT BIG THING IN HOME SECURITY 

Market potential and challenges

The global home security market is set to garner a market size of an estimated $106.3 billion by 2030, indicating a vast potential customer base for innovative products like Eve. However, its market success will depend not only on consumer interest but also on navigating the legal landscape and public perception challenges that such a confrontational device presents.

Eve security camera app. (PaintCam)

When will Eve be available?

PaintCam launched Eve with a Kickstarter campaign on April 23, 2024. At the time of publishing, Eve’s super early bird cost is $1,275. The Eve + is priced at $1,490, and the Eve Pro is priced at $1,920. This project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by Friday, June 7, 2024, 9:50 AM EDT. You can sign up for notifications about the product on PaintCam’s official website and the Kickstarter product page.

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PaintCam’s commitment to proactive defense

The company posted this mission statement on its site:

“We offer innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate with your environment, establishing both passive presence and active deterrence. Our unwavering commitment is to make the world a safer place, not by fortifying intimidation strongholds, but by delivering intelligent, adaptable, and elegant security options.”

Kurt’s key takeaways

This innovation invites us to reflect on the nature of home security. Are we moving towards a future where our homes are not just passively protected but actively defended by machines? And at what point does the integration of such technology in our daily lives challenge our notions of privacy and safety? Only time will tell whether systems like Eve will become the new norm or remain a curious footnote in the evolution of home security technologies.

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Considering the potential for mistakes, do you feel comfortable with the idea of a security system like PaintCam Eve that can autonomously deploy paintballs or tear gas? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Recently, a small number of iPhone users in 92 countries received an unexpected notification from Apple. 

It was a stark warning that their devices might be under attack by mercenary spyware known for targeting specific individuals.

Threat notification from Apple. (Apple)

Apple’s warning: A call to vigilance

The notification was clear and alarming: “Apple detected a targeted mercenary spyware attack against your iPhone.” It urged users to take the threat seriously. When Apple identifies potential mercenary spyware activity, affected users are alerted through two distinct methods:

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• Upon signing into appleid.apple.com, users will find a Threat Notification prominently displayed at the top of the webpage.
• Additionally, Apple dispatches notifications via email and iMessage directly to the contact details linked to the user’s Apple ID.

Since 2021, Apple has regularly notified individuals through this program.

Threat notification sent by Apple. (Apple)

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Understanding Apple’s alert protocol for spyware threats

Mercenary spyware attacks are sophisticated and continuously evolving, backed by substantial funding. Apple’s approach to identifying these threats is rooted in its proprietary threat intelligence and investigative processes.

While absolute certainty in detection is unattainable, Apple’s threat notifications carry a high degree of confidence. They indicate that an individual has been specifically targeted by such an attack and warrants serious attention.

Apple does not disclose the specific triggers for these alerts to maintain the integrity of detection methods and prevent attackers from modifying their tactics.

iPhone and Mac. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: APPLE IS FIGHTING BACK AGAINST QUANTUM ATTACKS WITH NEW SECURITY SYSTEM FOR IMESSAGE

How to verify authentic threat notifications

It’s important to note that genuine Apple threat notifications will never solicit actions such as clicking links, downloading files, installing apps or profiles, or sharing your Apple ID credentials. The authenticity of a threat notification can be confirmed by signing into appleid.apple.com, where any legitimate alerts will be prominently displayed after login.

Woman holding iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Next steps after receiving an Apple threat notification

If you receive an Apple threat notification, it is imperative to seek specialized assistance. The Digital Security Helpline by Access Now offers rapid-response emergency security support and is accessible 24/7 via its website. While external organizations are not privy to the reasons behind Apple’s issuance of a threat notification, they are equipped to provide personalized security guidance to those affected.

Woman on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Best security practices for all Apple users

By following these essential security practices, you can protect yourself against ever-evolving cyber threats.

1. Stay ahead of the game: Always update your devices to the latest software version to ensure you have the most recent security updates.

2. Lock it up tight: Secure your devices with a passcode to prevent unauthorized access.

3. Double the defense: Enable two-factor authentication and use a strong password for your Apple ID to enhance account security.

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4. Safe downloads only: Only install apps from the official App Store to avoid malicious software.

5. Password power play: To protect your personal information, create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

6. Think before you click: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources to prevent potential security breaches. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams.

Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

For those who have not received a threat notification but suspect they might be targets of mercenary spyware, Apple’s Lockdown Mode offers an additional layer of protection. 

MORE: APPLE CRACKS DOWN ON IPHONE THIEVES WITH NEW SECURITY SETTING

Kurt’s key takeaways

The recent spyware alerts from Apple serve as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of digital threats. Apple’s Lockdown Mode and the company’s commitment to notifying affected users reflect a dedication to security in an age where cyber warfare is becoming increasingly personalized. As we navigate this digital battlefield, staying informed and prepared is our best defense.

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What measures should tech companies like Apple take to protect you from advanced mercenary spyware further? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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

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

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.