How a flaw in iPhone’s security could leave you locked out

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March 31, 2024

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There’s a common misconception that Apple products come with more security than Android.

Whatever side of the argument you’re on, don’t let that idea prevent you from keeping your guard up.

There’s a new scam out there targeting iPhone users, and if you’re unprepared, you might find yourself permanently locked out.

Scam article on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is the ‘push bombing/MFA fatigue’ scam?

If you suddenly see a “Reset Password” notification on your iPhone screen that only gives you the option to “Allow” or “Don’t Allow,” you may be a victim of this latest “push bombing” scam. Scammers have supposedly found a way to exploit this new bug in Apple. Though, it’s not totally clear if the bug is the reason.

MORE: HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PASSCODE ON YOUR IPHONE

If you see this notification, and you hit “Don’t Allow” (as you should), it only prompts more of these notifications to pop up, like those annoying pop-up window attacks that we used to get back in the day. As you frantically click “Don’t Allow” over and over again, your finger could accidentally slip, clicking “Allow.”

If you do click “Allow,” scammers will be given access to your iPhone account, and you can be permanently locked out of your phone.

“Reset Password” notification scam on iPhone (KrebsOnSecurity)

Warnings if you’re in the Apple ecosystem

This scam isn’t just stopping at your iPhone. If you’re dedicated to the Apple ecosystem, then it’s important to note that users reported experiencing this scam on their other Apple devices, including the Apple Watch.

Not only this, but one user reported that after clicking “Don’t Allow” over and over again and the notifications eventually going away, the scammers actually called his iPhone in another attempt to catch him. Generally, Apple Support won’t call you out of nowhere.

“Reset Password” notification scam on Apple Watch (KrebsOnSecurity)

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE CALENDAR FROM DISTRACTING SPAM INVITATIONS

Apple’s response to the ‘reset password’ notification scam

“We are aware of reports that a small number of iPhone users are receiving a high volume of alerts asking if they are attempting to reset their password and have taken steps to address the reported issue,” a spokesperson for the company said.

How to outsmart this scam and protect yourself

If you do happen to be targeted by this attack, it’s of the utmost importance that you don’t tap “Allow” on any of these password reset notifications. Dismissing them one after the next will take a while, but they will go away.

If you give up and click “Allow,” it will give the hackers behind this campaign complete control over your Apple account. So don’t click “Allow” whatever you do. If you need help, you can always reach out to Apple by logging on here.

A Mac and iPhone on a table

MORE: 8 WAYS TO LOCK UP YOUR IPHONE’S PRIVATE STUFF

What to do if the prompts persist?

If the prompts persist, temporarily change your phone number associated with your Apple ID. Keep in mind that this may affect iMessage and FaceTime functionality.

Watch out for scammers posing as Apple Support

If you manage to eliminate the notifications and then get a call from someone claiming to be from Apple Support, it’s likely the scammers. Just hang up. Whatever you do, don’t give any information to them. If you gave out any personal information like a Social Security number, follow the steps at IdentityTheft.gov. You’ll be able to make a report there, and the website will help come up with a recovery plan for you and walk you through each step of gaining your identity back. You can also call Apple directly at 800-275-2273 (in the U.S.) to verify any communication.

AI WORM EXPOSES SECURITY FLAWS IN AI TOOLS LIKE CHATGPT

Reporting scam phone calls

You can report scam phone calls to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or to your local law enforcement agency.

Is turning on ‘Apple Recovery Key’ a solution?

According to Krebs on Security, real Apple Support suggests turning on Apple Recovery Key to avoid the notifications, but when one of the victims tried it, it did not stop them.

Stay tuned at Apple Support’s page for updates.

Safeguarding your Apple account

When setting up an Apple account, it’s common knowledge that a phone number is required. However, once the account is established, this phone number doesn’t necessarily have to be a mobile one. Apple accepts VOIP numbers (such as Google Voice) as valid alternatives. Therefore, one potential mitigation strategy is to change your account phone number to a lesser-known VOIP number.

Important Note: If you opt for a VOIP number, be aware that Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime applications will be disabled for that device unless you also include a real mobile number.

Additionally, Apple’s password reset system accommodates email aliases. By appending a “+” character after the username portion of your email address and adding a site-specific notation (e.g., cyberguy+example@use.startmail.com), you can create an unlimited number of unique email addresses associated with the same account. This technique allows for better organization and tracking of incoming emails.

Tip: When choosing an alias, consider using something less obvious than “+apple” to enhance security and privacy.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Security is a never-ending game of cat and mouse, and no device is ever truly invincible. Apple’s on the case, but until a fix is here, vigilance is key. If you are bombarded with “Reset Password” prompts, stay calm, resist clicking ‘Allow’ at all costs and patiently dismiss each notification. Also, be sure to stay updated on Apple’s progress for a permanent solution. By following these steps, you can outsmart this scam and keep your Apple ecosystem safe.

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

Do you think companies like Apple should be held more accountable for security vulnerabilities? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Jersey Trenchless Rolls-Out Client Educational Series – First Installment -Sewer-Line Replacement Options: Excavation – Pipe-Lining – Bursting

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March 31, 2024

Every house relies on its sewer line, an essential part of the plumbing system that carries away all the wastewater to the city’s sewer system. As time goes by, these pipes can degrade due to various factors like aging, invasion by tree roots, or even physical harm. Consequently, this deterioration results in troublesome issues such as leaks, blockages, and a host of other serious sewer line problems.

Bound Brook, New Jersey, March 30, 2024, Replacing a sewer line is an important task when it comes to taking care of a home. It may seem overwhelming, but it’s necessary. Homeowners have three main options for sewer line replacement: conventional excavation, pipe lining, and pipe bursting. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice for one’s home depends on factors like the condition of existing pipes, the physical characteristics of the property, and the budget.

Conventional Excavation: The traditional way to replace a sewer line is through conventional excavation. This method has been around for a long time and involves digging a trench along the entire length of the existing sewer line. By physically removing the old pipe and putting in a new one, the sewer line can be completely replaced. However, this method is quite disruptive and can cause damage to landscaping, driveway, and other surface structures. It is also the most expensive and time-consuming option because it requires extensive excavation and restoration work. In some cases, if the sewer line has severe damage, collapse, or needs to be rerouted, conventional excavation may be the only choice for fixing sewer line problems.
Pipe Lining, Cured-in-Place Pipe, CIPP: Pipe lining, also referred to as CIPP, offers a minimally invasive solution for sewer line problems. Instead of digging up the property, this technique involves inserting a flexible, resin-coated tube into the existing pipe. When the tube is inflated and the resin is cured, a smooth and sturdy lining forms inside the old pipe. This process effectively seals cracks and restores the pipe to almost its original condition, all without extensive excavation. Pipe lining is a quicker, less disruptive, and potentially more cost-effective option. However, it’s important to note that this method is not suitable for severely misshapen or collapsed pipes. Additionally, it may slightly reduce the pipe’s diameter, which can impact flow capacity in the long term.
Pipe Bursting: Pipe bursting is a method for replacing sewer lines without digging trenches. Instead, it involves breaking the old pipe and simultaneously inserting a new one. This technique requires digging two small access pits at the ends of the sewer line, which means less impact on your landscaping compared to traditional excavation. If you’re dealing with sewer line problems and want to minimize disruption to your property, pipe bursting can be a great option. It even allows for the installation of a larger pipe, potentially improving the flow capacity of your sewer system. However, it’s important to note that pipe bursting may not be suitable for every situation, especially if there are other utility lines nearby or if the path of the pipe is difficult to follow.

When deciding on how to replace a sewer line, take into account the condition and location of the existing one, the impact on the property, and budget. Each method has its own advantages, so the best option for one’s home depends on the specific circumstances. Consulting with a professional plumber or sewer line repair service can give you valuable insights and recommendations based on the situation. Remember, dealing with sewer line problems is a significant investment in a home’s infrastructure, so take the time to make an informed decision for the most effective and efficient solution.

For complete information, visit: https://jerseytrenchless.com/

Media Contact:

Jersey Trenchless LLC
Attn: Media Relations
410 Talmage Avenue, Unit 4
Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805
732 690 3716
jerseytrenchless@gmail.com

Jersey Trenchless Rolls-Out Client Educational Series - First Installment -Sewer-Line Replacement Options: Excavation - Pipe-Lining – Bursting 10

How to zoom in and out on browser text on your Mac

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March 31, 2024

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Have you ever felt like you’re squinting at your Mac screen, trying to decipher tiny text that is hard or even impossible to read?

Well, not anymore. We’ve got a nifty trick to make details stand out bigger.

Man typing on a Mac (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ready, set, zoom

First things first. Let’s fire up that Mac and dive into the magic of the zoom function, which lets you zoom in and out using keyboard shortcuts on your Mac. There are three main keyboard shortcuts that will trigger the zoom function for text within your browser.

How to zoom out on browser text on your Mac

Want that text to balloon before your eyes? Hold down the Command key (look to the left of your space bar) and tap the Plus symbol (yep, that’s the one next to your delete key) at the same time. This will increase the size of the text to make it bigger in your browser window.

Steps to zoom out on browser text on your Mac (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO SMARTLY ORGANIZE YOUR PHOTOS ON A MAC

How to zoom in on browser text on your Mac

Too much zoom? No problem. Just hold the command key and press the minus symbol (to the left of the plus symbol) on your keyboard. This will reduce the text size, making it smaller in your browser window.

Steps to zoom in on browser text on your Mac (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: 5 THINGS TO DO FIRST IF YOU GOT A NEW MAC

How to return to your Mac browser’s default view

If you’ve gone a bit overboard and need a quick reset, hold down the command key and press zero, which is to the left of the minus symbol. This will reset the text size to your Mac browser’s default view.

Steps to return your Mac’s browser’s default view (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO DELETE EMBARRASSING AUTOFILL ENTRIES ON YOUR MAC OR IPHONE BROWSERS

How to adjust text size in your browser using the browser menu

Not a fan of keyboard shortcuts? You can achieve the same results with a few simple clicks using your browser menu.

Navigate to the browser menu at the top of your screen.
Click the “view” tab at the top.

Steps to adjust text size in your browser using the browser menu (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Then click zoom in or zoom out to increase or decrease text in your browser window.

THE 4 BEST SECRET NOTE-TAKING APPS THAT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE

Steps to adjust text size in your browser using the browser menu (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

And there you have it — a quick and easy guide to making the most of your Mac’s zoom capabilities. Whether you prefer to use a keyboard shortcut or the browser menu, you’re now equipped to tackle any text size troubles that come your way.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The next time you find yourself squinting at the screen, remember that relief is just a keyboard shortcut away. Embrace the flexibility and freedom that your Mac’s zoom capabilities provide. After all, technology should adapt to you, not the other way around.

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

What are some customizations or features you’d love to see introduced to enhance your personal experience with your Mac? 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

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

World travelers gave up everything to see 92 countries and counting: ‘Why not?’

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March 31, 2024

PENNSYLVANIA COUPLE TRAVELING ALL OVER THE GLOBE SHARE AMAZING PHOTOS, STORIES FROM WORLD TRAVELS

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A married couple who were once based in Florida set their sights on traveling the world during their retirement — and they’re off and doing just that.

Bev and John Martin retired in 2020. They decided to start “small” on their travel adventures by road tripping around the United States first.

The pair purchased an Airstream trailer and made it their mission to mark every state off their bucket list — something they proudly accomplished.

The Martins, who now run a blog called Retirement Travelers, decided to take things to the next level after that.

They sold their home, donated items to charity and gave things to their children and more, all to travel the world.

The Martins are shown visiting Padar Island in Indonesia as one of their roughly 90 stops around the globe so far. (SWNS)

“We thought, ‘Why not go see the world?’” John Martin told SWNS.

The couple, who are grandparents, said they got rid of everything, including the Airstream that took them around the U.S. — but kept their golf clubs, as noted on Retirement Travelers.

SOLO TRAVEL EXPERTS REVEAL BENEFITS OF TRAVELING ALONE IN 2024, HOT DESTINATIONS TO PUT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

With five children and eight grandchildren to consider leaving behind, the Martins told SWNS that their children were extremely supportive of their big decision.

“I think our children are excited for us to live out our best lives,” Bev said.

The pair have been traveling for over two years now — and have no plans to take a pause in their globetrotting. (SWNS)

She continued, “I hope we are setting a good example for them that things don’t matter, items don’t matter.”

At the age of just 60 and 61, John and Bev Martin left behind Stuart, Florida, for a life of backpacking across the globe.

So far, the pair have gone to Morocco, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Sweden, Ireland, Chile, Uruguay — and dozens more locations.

A 2024 BUCKET LIST FOR SOLO TRAVELERS WHO STILL SEEK ADVENTURE AND GLOBAL TOURISM

Thanks to years of saving money and living within their means, the Martins have been traveling around the world since Nov. 2021.

The retired travelers said on their blog that they normally stay in an Airbnb or hotel for between four and seven days before moving on to another spot.

John Martin and his wife Bev Martin took a boat ride while they were in Vietnam. (SWNS)

“As we age, we anticipate slowing down a bit, but at this time, we are healthy enough to move about, and because we carry so little in our backpacks, it is not difficult to move on down the road when we choose,” the couple wrote on their blog.

The pair, now 92 countries into their excursion, said they come home to see their family twice a year but have met new friends through their travels.

The Taj Mahal was one of the must-see spots for the Martins, who formerly lived in Florida. (SWNS)

“We are happy to report [that] we make new friends all the time, and we are blessed beyond measure to have dear friends who support our dream and encourage us to go while we can,” they said.

They said Ukraine was one of the most memorable spots they’ve visited, as John Martin’s grandfather came to the United States from Ukraine in the early 1900s — but was never able to return, as SWNS reported.

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“It was important to me to fulfill his unfinished dream of returning, [and] it felt so incredible to cross the border not knowing when we might get to return,” he recalled.

John Martin told Fox News Digital on Friday, March 29, that he and his wife are currently in Cape Town, South Africa, and are headed on a safari beginning the week of April 1 — something they’ve always dreamed of doing.

The couple is backpacking and recently went on a hike in Norway. (SWNS)

He noted that one stop was the most surprising: Guatemala.

“The landscape is incredible at Lake Atitlán, and so many people cautioned us not to go because of safety, [but] we had a wonderful visit and the people were so gracious,” he said.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

When asked what the couple might miss most about the United States, John Martin said a simple, home-cooked meal — plus Cracker Barrel.

“Usually when we land back in the States, you can find us at the nearest Cracker Barrel ordering a veggie platter and a large glass of tea,” he said.

He joked that “being called ‘Sweetie’ by the waitress is the welcome we need.”

“Sounds Like A Joke … But It’s Also Very Real”

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March 31, 2024

Saturday Night Live went with Donald Trump’s hawking of Bibles for its cold open, with James Austin Johnson returning as the former president to make the pitch.

It was another case of the show trying to satirize something that hardly needs rewriting.

More from Deadline

“That’s right, it’s Easter. The time of year when I compare myself to Jesus Christ,” Johnson as Trump said. “That’s just the thing I do now, and people seem to be OK with it. I’m going to keep doing it. If you think that this is a bad look, imagine how weird it would be if I started selling Bibles. Well, I’m selling Bibles.”

“Sounds like a joke, and in many ways it is, but it’s also very real. As you know, I love Bible. It’s my favorite look.”

Earlier this week, Trump posted a video to his Truth Social account in which he pitched the “God Bless The USA” Bible, earning some criticism in the religious community and derision from others, who saw it as the latest in a long line of the former president’s efforts to capitalize on endorsement deals. And Trump has taken to reposting memes that compare him to Jesus.

As if to counter the suggestion that his Holy Week sales pitch was sacrilegious, Trump today pushed out a statement slamming Joe Biden as “blasphemous” because the president had proclaimed March 31, Sunday, as Transgender Day of Visibility, the same day as Easter. But the Transgender Day of Visibility is commemorated on March 31 each year; Easter falls on different dates.

The SNL sketch opened with what looked like a reenactment of the Resurrection, with the three women who had come to anoint Jesus’s body instead witnessing Trump emerging from the tomb.

“Alright girls, you can go,” Johnson’s Trump said, shooing them away. “Bye bye.”

The show then riffed on Trump’s lack of knowledge of the Bible. He said, “Definitely read it. My favorite part is probably the ending, how it all it wraps up.”

He then went on to reveal the “high high price of $60.”

“But I am not doing this for the money,” Trump said. “I’m doing this for the glory of God and for pandering and mostly for money.”

He went on, “But it’s so sad. Religion and Christianity are totally gone from this country, and we need them back. Without religious, you don’t have laws. You don’t have mission trips. Mission trips are a lot of fun. You go to Mexico. You build a house. Maybe you make out with someone on the last night.”

For the opener, SNL skipped one of the other big political stories of the week: NBC News’ decision, following an internal revolt, to sideline former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel as a contributor, just a few days after her hire.

The opener finished with Trump trying to recite the Lord’s Prayer “in the name of the Father, the Son and the Easter Bunny.”

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AI worm exposes security flaws in AI tools like ChatGPT

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March 30, 2024

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You’d think keeping things secure would be easy, with artificial intelligence getting sharper every day. I mean, if it can crank out intricate code in no time, fending off cyber crooks should be a breeze, right? But, hey, it’s not all black and white.

It’s easy to overlook that AI-assistant tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are vulnerable to malware threats, but this may precisely be one reason that malware worms can get through more easily, which might just be the welcome mat for malware to waltz right in, catching you off guard.

So, if you’re using ChatGPT or Gemini, here’s what you need to know about this new malware worm. Though not an actual threat right now, a new research study and report tell us a lot about the potential security issues and headaches facing AI down the road.

The researchers did disclose the paper with OpenAI and Google and the fact that “the worm exploits bad architecture design for the GenAI ecosystem and is not a vulnerability in the GenAI service.”

A smartphone with ChatGPT. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is the Morris II computer worm?

The particular computer worm in question is a type of malware called Morris II, named after the Morris worm, a malware discovered in 1988 after crashing about 10% of all computers connected to the internet at that time.

To back up a bit, though, it’s important to understand that a computer worm is a type of standalone malware that can replicate itself to spread to other computers, poisoning everything in its path.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

In this circumstance, the worm we’re talking about was designed by researchers to understand some of the vulnerabilities that AI-assistant tools — like AI booking calendars or email services — have. Although it’s not a direct threat right now, it could be coming for your AI tools sooner than you think.

A man types on a laptop keyboard. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW SCAMMERS USE AI TOOLS TO FILE PERFECT-LOOKING TAX RETURNS IN YOUR NAME

How does this computer worm work?

Morris II is a “zero-click” worm that infects Generative AI (GenAI) systems without requiring user interaction. GenAI platforms rely on prompts, which are essentially instructions given in text format.

However, Morris II can manipulate these prompts. It injects malicious prompts that trick the GenAI system into performing harmful actions without the user or even the GenAI itself being aware. For instance, the worm might use a compromised GenAI email assistant to send phishing emails or spam, potentially stealing or compromising your data.

MORE: CREEPY EMBODIED AI AVATAR GIVES A FACE AND A VOICE TO CHATGPT INTERACTION

Steps to shield against the Morris II cyber threat

To protect yourself from potential cybersecurity threats like the Morris II computer worm, here are some steps you can take:

Be cautious with emails: Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on links from unknown or untrustworthy sources.

Use antivirus software: Invest in reliable antivirus software that can detect and remove malware, including computer worms. 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.

Keep systems updated: Regularly update your operating system and applications to patch any security vulnerabilities.

Use strong passwords: Create complex passwords that are difficult to guess and use different passwords for different accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Backup your data: Regularly back up important data on an external drive or cloud storage to prevent loss in case of an infection.

Limit file-sharing: Be wary of downloading files from peer-to-peer networks or file-sharing platforms, as they can be sources of malware.

Enable security features: Turn on security features like two-factor authentication for an added layer of protection.

Remember, while AI tools can be incredibly helpful, they are not immune to cyber threats. It’s essential to be proactive about your digital security to safeguard your personal information and devices.

MORE: HOW AI COULD MANIPULATE VOTERS AND UNDERMINE ELECTIONS, THREATENING DEMOCRACY

Kurt’s key takeaways

While there’s no need to abandon these AI tools yet, these researchers have taken it upon themselves to understand what type of threats we may be seeing with them in the very near future. With this information, we can prepare for potential malware threats in the future and thereby mitigate them.

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

Considering the potential vulnerabilities in AI tools, what measures do you think users and developers should take? 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

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

IOS 17.4 introduces revealing Apple Podcast transcription feature

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March 30, 2024

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Apple’s iOS 17.4 has introduced a game-changing feature that allows you to read your podcasts, not just listen to them.

This hidden gem in the latest update is transforming the podcast experience, offering a new dimension to audio content.

Apple Podcast transcript. (Apple)

How you can now read your podcast in iOS 17.4

If you’re a big podcast listener, you’re going to really like this new feature on iPhone and iPad with iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4, which allows you to get transcripts of your favorite episodes right within the Podcast app. It’s available for episodes worldwide, as long as they’re in English, French, German or Spanish.

And don’t worry about privacy; unlike some other features, these transcripts aren’t generated on your Apple device. Apple’s servers do all the work, which totally makes sense since podcasts are out there for everyone to hear anyway. So, no stress about your personal info — it’s all about enjoying your podcasts with an extra perk.

Apple Podcast transcript. (Apple)

MORE: THE RIGHT WAY TO LISTEN TO A PODCAST

What transcripts are available for Apple podcasts?

Apple is on a mission to transcribe every podcast in its library, but this will be a gradual process. The transcription process has started with the latest episodes and will proceed in reverse chronological order. Keep in mind that transcriptions for new episodes might take up to a day to become available. If you can’t find a transcript for a recent episode, it’s likely just a matter of time before it’s up.

Much like accessing lyrics on Apple Music, you have two options for viewing podcast transcripts. You can read the entire transcript independently of the audio, or you can view it in sync with the audio on the Now Playing screen. Here are the steps to access podcast transcripts:

Apple Podcast transcript. (Apple)

MORE: 10 BEST TRUE CRIME PODCASTS

How to access transcripts in Apple Podcasts

Locate a recent podcast episode for which you’d like to see a transcript.
To read the transcript without starting playback, press and hold on the podcast episode
Select View Transcript. A static copy of the transcript will appear that you can scroll through.

Steps to access Apple Podcasts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: BEST TRANSCRIPTION TOOLS TO EASILY CONVERT AUDIO TO TEXT

Word-for-word transcript highlighting while you listen

Here’s how to enable an interactive transcript that follows along as you listen:

To see a transcript that follows along as you listen, begin playing the episode by tapping the play button
Then, select the quote bubble button in the bottom-left corner. The podcast transcript will be highlighted to match the speaker, word by word, and automatically scroll as it progresses.

THE 4 BEST SECRET NOTE-TAKING APPS THAT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE

Steps to enable word-for-word transcript highlighting while you listen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to search through an Apple podcast for a specific word or phrase

Both modes above offer a search feature. Here’s how to search for a word or phrase:

Click on the magnifying glass in the upper right corner.
Type the word or phrase you’re looking for in the search bar.
The transcript will highlight all instances of the word or phrase.

Steps to search through Apple Podcast for word or phrase. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A bonus for podcasters

The iOS 17.4 update is a plus for podcast creators. Apple now provides automatically generated transcripts for your episodes at no extra charge. This enhances accessibility and improves discoverability and engagement with your content.

Kurt’s key takeaways

IOS 17.4’s transcript feature is a significant step forward in making podcasts more accessible and enjoyable. Whether you prefer reading along or need a written reference, this update ensures that your podcasts are more versatile than ever.

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

How do you think the ability to read podcast transcripts will change your listening habits and overall podcast experience? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Biden says he is working to secure release of Evan Gershkovich on anniversary of Russian detention

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March 30, 2024

WALL STREET JOURNAL LEAVES FRONT PAGE PORTION BLANK IN HONOR OF EVAN GERSHKOVICH: ‘HIS STORY SHOULD BE HERE’

President Biden said Friday, on the one-year anniversary of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich’s detention in Russia, that the U.S. government is working every day to secure his release and is “not giving up.”

Gershkovich, 32, was arrested on espionage charges for allegedly collecting secret military information while he was on a work trip to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The Federal Security Service said he was acting on U.S. orders to obtain state secrets, but no evidence was provided to support the accusation.

The U.S. government, The Wall Street Journal and Gershkovich all reject accusations that he was working for the U.S. government to collect Russian secrets, with U.S. officials saying he was wrongfully detained.

“Journalism is not a crime, and Evan went to Russia to do his job as a reporter —risking his safety to shine the light of truth on Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine,” Biden said in a statement Friday. “Shortly after his wholly unjust and illegal detention, he drafted a letter to his family from prison, writing: ‘I am not losing hope.'”

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich stands inside an enclosure for defendants before a court hearing to consider an appeal against his pre-trial detention on espionage charges in Moscow, Russia, October 10, 2023. (REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina/ File Photo)

“As I have told Evan’s parents, I will never give up hope either,” he continued. “We will continue working every day to secure his release. We will continue to denounce and impose costs for Russia’s appalling attempts to use Americans as bargaining chips. And we will continue to stand strong against all those who seek to attack the press or target journalists — the pillars of free society.”

The Wall Street Journal on Friday left a blank space on the front page of its newspaper with Gershkovich’s image in the space where the image of an article’s author would be and a headline that read: “His Story Should be Here.”

A recent court hearing offered little new information in Gershkovich’s case. He was ordered to remain behind bars pending trial until at least June 30, the fifth extension of his detention.

“I admire the hell out of him,” Biden told reporters Friday when asked about Gershkovich’s case before traveling from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to the Camp David presidential retreat. “We’re not giving up.”

FOX NATION’S ‘PRISONER OF PUTIN’ EXAMINES EVAN GERSHKOVICH’S LIFE, RESILIENCE WHILE DETAINED IN RUSSIA

Gershkovich makes Moscow court appearance

At a recent court hearing, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was ordered to remain behind bars pending trial until at least June 30, the fifth extension of his detention. (NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden said in his statement that the U.S. government was working to free all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, including Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, a corporate executive from Michigan who is also locked up in Russia on espionage charges.

Whelan was arrested in 2018 in Russia and, two years later, was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Whelan, who said he traveled to Moscow to attend a friend’s wedding, has denied the allegations.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Gershkovich and Whelan have “remained resilient despite the circumstances of living in Russian detention.”

“People are not bargaining chips,” Blinken said in a statement. “Russia should end its practice of arbitrarily detaining individuals for political leverage and should immediately release Evan and Paul.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

New Jersey woman sings Taylor Swift hits while awake during brain surgery: ‘Eras Tour’ in the O.R.

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March 30, 2024

WHAT IS TAYLOR SWIFT AMNESIA? SWIFTIES REPORT THEY CAN’T REMEMBER HER CONCERTS FOR THIS REASON

A Stanhope, New Jersey, mom has taken her love of Taylor Swift to a new level.

Selena Campione, 36, underwent brain surgery on Jan. 31, 2024 – but it wasn’t an ordinary procedure.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Campione shared that she’d been to numerous doctors to address some peculiar symptoms that began in March 2023.

This included tingling and numbness on the right side of her body, which developed into an inability to hold objects in her right hand.

“I couldn’t use my right arm, the right side of my face would swell up, and I would have trouble talking,” she said.

“I would be stuck, almost.”

Selena Campione, at right, along with a fellow teacher, are shown wearing their Taylor Swift-inspired T-shirts. (Hackensack Meridian Health)

Campione, a private school teacher, described how her symptoms kept “growing and growing,” leading to problems walking.

“My right leg – I wouldn’t even feel it,” she said. “I wouldn’t have feeling in my foot. Part of my skin would turn purple. I wouldn’t feel anything at all.”

The wife and mother sought help from various experts, including neurologists and MRI specialists, and went through multiple hospital stays. She said she was prescribed eight different medications.

TAYLOR SWIFT SUPERFAN SPENT NEARLY $9K TO ATTEND 12 ERAS TOUR CONCERTS

This was until she connected with Dr. Nitesh Patel, a neurosurgeon and co-director of the Neurosurgical Oncology program at Hackensack Meridian Health at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

In the same interview with Fox News Digital, Patel disclosed his first encounter with Campione’s imaging, which led him to believe there was a larger issue at hand.

Campione is shown at left, along with one of her nurses, plus Dr. Patel at far right. He said Hackensack Meridian has performed more awake brain surgeries than any other network in the state.

Patel broke the news to Campione that she had a low-grade glioma on the left side of her brain, explaining the trouble on the right side of her body.

To remove the tumor, the neurosurgeon suggested an awake craniotomy, otherwise known as brain surgery, where the patient is not fully put under.

“I was scared out of my mind,” Campione said in reaction to finding out she’d be kept awake.

THE TAYLOR SWIFT OBSESSION: PSYCHOLOGIST WEIGHS IN ON WHY FANS WORSHIP CELEBRITIES

“I couldn’t even believe that was a possibility. I didn’t even know that you could have brain surgery and be awake.”

While the news frightened her, Campione acknowledged that she wasn’t getting any better.

Selena Campione has been married to her husband for 10 years. The couple has two daughters, ages eight and six. (Hackensack Meridian Health)

“It was hard on me, but it was also on my family, too,” she said.

“My girls are little. I missed my daughter’s birthday [because] I was in the hospital. I missed a ton of work. I missed my students.”

” I could see how confident he was that this is what I needed.”

She added, “I trusted Dr. Patel’s judgment, and I could see how confident he was that this is what I needed.”

Why awake?

Campione was numbed from the top of her head down to her eyebrows and ears, Patel said, and then put under light anesthesia.

Patel said that keeping the patient awake during this procedure helps indicate to the surgeon what’s safe to touch and what’s not once the brain is exposed.

TAYLOR SWIFT QUIZ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE FAMOUS POP MUSICIAN?

“When we get to the surface of the brain, before we touch anything, which could potentially cause permanent damage, we want to know what we’re getting into,” he said.

“It’s high-end real estate.”

Campione’s tumor was reportedly sitting “in the middle” of the parts of her brain involved in speech and motor function.

This screening shows Campione’s brain before (at right) and after (at left) her brain surgery. (Hackensack Meridian Health)

During awake craniotomies, Patel can test the boundaries of the brain areas that are safe to tamper with by prompting the patient to stimulate the brain through speaking or, in Campione’s case, singing.

“She can talk, she can repeat things, tell us her name, etc.,” the doctor said. “And while we’re stimulating the brain, if she has any errors in those actions, we know that’s a critical area.”

TAYLOR SWIFT FAN BREAKS WORLD RECORD FOR IDENTIFYING THE MOST SONGS IN ONE MINUTE, SAYS IT WAS ‘EASY TASK’

“We could do it the boring way … or we can do it a bit more of an exciting way, and I found singing is particularly very helpful.”

Patel added that during speech, the “pitch and the cadence of each word” varies, as does articulation, which is also captured in singing.

Surgical sing-along

Once Campione knew she’d be singing during surgery, her young daughters “jumped at the chance” for their mom to sing Taylor Swift tunes.

“That’s what’s playing in my house all the time, so I can probably sing all of her songs,” she said. “So, I – of course – was ready to sing Taylor.”

Patel assured her that since he was a Taylor Swift listener himself, he was “going to pick up” if Campione “mis-phrases something or says a word the wrong way.”

He said, “Furthermore, it’s also testing her memory … She knows the lyrics; she should be able to sing the songs.”

Campione admitted that all she could remember was “vaguely” hearing Swift’s song “Shake It Off” playing in the operating room.

CALIFORNIA SHOW OF TAYLOR SWIFT’S ‘ERAS TOUR’ CLASSIFIED AS ‘MICROEARTHQUAKE’: THESE 5 SONGS HIT LOUDEST

“I felt nothing. I didn’t know anything was going on,” she said. “I didn’t even know my head was open.”

She added, “I didn’t know I was singing until I saw all these videos of me singing.”

Campione said the nurses were “fantastic” and that they held her hand throughout the procedure. (Hackensack Meridian Health)

Patel remembered Campione singing along to other Swift songs, including “22,” “Bad Blood” and “You Need To Calm Down.”

“Basically, she did the Eras Tour for us,” he said, laughing.

“I don’t want to discount the complexity of everything that’s involved in doing a brain surgery,” he said. “But at the same time, I feel like the only way to really help patients get through the shock of going through any type of brain surgery is to have a touch of humor.”

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In addition to “keeping the mood light,” Patel mentioned the importance of patient preparation — of “knowing that the team there is ready to take care of them, is professionally skilled and very good at their job,” he said. “But at the same time, we’re all human beings.”

taylor swift and selena campione graphic

Taylor Swift is shown performing in Glendale, Arizona, on March 12, 2023, center — and on either side, Selena Campione is shown receiving brain surgery on Jan. 31, 2024. (Hackensack Meridian Health; John Medina/Getty Images)

Campione reported feeling “fantastic” since her surgery, and now has scaled back her slew of medications to just one.

“I’m doing really well,” she said. “I feel pretty normal, which is fantastic, because I wasn’t able to say that for a long time now, and it was hard.”

She said as well, “I’m so grateful to Dr. Patel and the rest of the neuro team and everyone at Jersey Shore Hospital.”

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

Campione has not been able to attend a Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert due to her medical status.

She joked that if the pop star would like to gift her family tickets to the next U.S. show — “that would be awesome.”

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle writer for Fox News Digital.

Ukraine will ‘lose this war’ if the U.S. does not send aid

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March 30, 2024

FRANCE WILL SOON DELIVER 78 HOWITZERS TO UKRAINE TO MEET KYIV’S URGENT NEEDS, DEFENSE MINISTER SAYS

Ukraine has been fighting the war against Russia for over two years with defensive aid supplied by the U.S. and its European allies.

But as the war of attrition rages on, Russia has recently seen some small advances and Ukraine has begun to face down the possibility that more aid from Washington may not be coming.

“It’s quite dire, it’s quite serious,” George Barros, a Russia analyst and leader of the Geospatial Intelligence Team for the Institute for the Study of War, told Fox News Digital regarding Ukraine’s defense supply shortages.

Ukrainian soldiers of a mortar team in the 24th brigade are seen at positions near Toretsk, Ukraine, on Tuesday as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues. (Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“The Ukrainians don’t actually have what they need to wage a more successful defense,” he said. “The collective Western coalition supporting Ukraine has ensured that we’ll supply Ukraine with enough, and we’ll keep them on a starvation diet.”

“But we’ve also given them enough that they don’t have sort of a catastrophic defeat,” he added.

The Biden administration has pledged to continue backing Kyiv, but Congress’ inability to pass substantial assistance measures means Ukrainian soldiers are bearing the brunt on the front lines.

“If they don’t get that critical resupply, then I think there’s a substantial chance that the Russians actually very well may achieve a breakthrough in 2024,” Barros said.

Kyiv and other European allies have repeatedly warned that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is able to gain a foothold in Ukraine, he is unlikely to stop there.

Barros pointed out that while the U.S. has carried the weight in terms of the sheer amount of military aid supplied to Ukraine from a single nation, Europe has significantly increased its spending when it comes to defensive aid for Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldiers conduct combat drills in woodlands in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Saturday. (Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images)

KYIV ENDURES A THIRD BOMBARDMENT IN 5 DAYS AS RUSSIA STEPS UP TARGETING OF UKRAINIAN CITIES

“The European Union and all of its constituent members, including the U.K., they are actually outspending the United States just on defense in terms of supporting Ukraine,” he said. “Unfortunately, when the Europeans break ground on a new artillery or ammunition factory, that’s not something… that comes online right away.”

“You don’t flip a switch and all of a sudden you have huge output,” he added. “It takes years.”

“But the United States, until those factories become fully operational, has to continue playing this strategic bridging role,” Barros said.

It’s not just a lack of ammunition that has slowed Ukraine’s ability to advance on Russian lines or stop it from making small gains.

Ukraine’s air defenses have become depleted.

Not only are Ukraine’s air defense missiles believed to have run critically low, and its air force degraded after years of fighting with Soviet-era warplanes, but Russia has begun carrying out attacks deep within Ukraine’s interior against critical infrastructure.

Ukrainian soldiers of a mortar team in the 24th brigade are seen at positions near Toretsk, Ukraine, on Tuesday. (Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images)

LITHUANIA FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORT TO SUPPORT UKRAINE: ‘IT’S ABOUT THE FUTURE’

Barros explained that the Russian military regularly conducts highly intensive bombing campaigns against Ukrainian infrastructure like dams, power plants and bridges using cruise missiles, hypersonic missiles and ballistic missiles sourced from Iran.

Though Ukraine does have some air defense systems provided by international allies like U.S. Patriot Missile systems, it does not have enough defenses to protect its interior infrastructure as well as its front line positions.

“The Russians have demonstrated in the last three months that they are adapting, they are implementing some lessons learned, and they are actually doing some military learning — which is improving the effectiveness and lethality of the Russian military,” Barros said.

“We think what the Russians have realized is that if they time and sequence their major strategic strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, at the same time in which they run fighter bomber aircraft to provide strike support, air support, for ground operations on the front line… they saturate the Ukrainians’ air defense bandwidth,” he added. “[Kyiv has] to pick and choose between, do they provide coverage to the frontline positions or do they protect the critical infrastructure in the major strategic cities?”

A photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service

This photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on March 13 shows the destruction of a Ukrainian Armed Forces helicopter at the jump site of an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

This strategy has enabled Russian pilots to run combat missions to get close to Ukraine to launch glide bombs, further obliterating Ukrainian positions.