Trump strikes alleged Venezuelan drug boats as pressure mounts on Maduro regime

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October 20, 2025

MUSEUM’S ANCIENT BRACELET THEFT JOINS LIST OF OTHER PRICELESS ARTIFACTS STOLEN AND DESTROYED WORLDWIDE

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The gang of thieves who robbed the Louvre Museum on Sunday and made off with some of France’s most famous crown jewels might end up melting their loot down, an ex-FBI art crime expert said.

Tim Carpenter also suggested the team of robbers behind the “shocking” operation were focused on treasures of immense cultural and historical value.

“This was a targeted heist,” Carpenter told Fox News Digital.

“They knew precisely what they were going for, and they understood the value and the cultural significance of these pieces,” he continued. “They also understood that this was extraordinarily important to the people of France.”

Forensic police officers arrive at the Louvre Museum after reports of a robbery, in Paris, France, October 19, 2025. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters)

Also “shocking,” Carpenter noted, “is that it was a daytime robbery while the museum was open.”

The Louvre was forced to close its doors following the daring morning theft, which happened in under seven minutes and left police racing to recover the jewels.

The raid, at around 9:30 a.m. local time, targeted the museum’s Apollo Gallery, home to historic treasures linked to Napoleon and Empress Eugénie.

The crew reportedly stole a crown believed to have belonged to Empress Eugénie, Le Parisien reported.

According to The Associated Press, eight objects were taken, including a sapphire diadem, necklace and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense.

An emerald necklace and earrings from the matching set of Empress Marie-Louise were also reportedly snatched alongside a reliquary brooch, Empress Eugénie’s diadem and her large corsage-bow brooch.

“They could be melted down or pieced out,” Carpenter explained. “They’ll punch stones out of the crowns, and they’ll cut the stones, and they’ll market them individually.”

EGYPTIAN OFFICIALS SCRAMBLE TO RECOVER ANCIENT PAINTING STOLEN FROM ‘CURSED’ TOMB AMID RECENT THEFTS

Thieves executed a daytime heist at the Louvre Museum, stealing French crown jewels. (Thibault Camus/AP)

According to French daily Le Parisien, the thieves, two of whom were disguised as construction workers, entered the museum after parking next to it. They extended a lift to a first-floor window and smashed it open with an angle grinder.

The time “is when the museum is kind of its most chaotic. People are getting settled,” added Carpenter.

“They breached through a window and made this really brazen. These guys are fast and moving quickly with a purpose, and they breach, and they get in there really quickly,” he added.

After the heist, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez spoke to radio station France Inter and said the thieves “entered from the outside using a basket lift” and “a disc cutter” to slice through glass panes containing precious jewels.

“The investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled,” the ministry also said in a statement. “Beyond their market value, these items have inestimable heritage and historical value.”

THOUSANDS OF PROTESTORS PROMPT WORLD-FAMOUS LANDMARK TO CLOSE ITS DOORS ON TOURISTS

People walking around the outside of the Louvre.

The Louvre is the world’s largest and likely most crowded museum. (iStock)

“Because it’s a historic building, there are just natural vulnerabilities that occur, and these guys just found one of those and found a way to exploit it,” Carpenter said.

“That is definitely a risk,” he continued. “When you look at a building like the Louvre… there always has to be a balance.”

“I think the local authorities there have a very strong chance of doing a really effective criminal investigation, identifying these perpetrators and hopefully recovering these pieces before they’re lost to us,” concluded Carpenter.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Louvre Museum for comment.

Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture.

Boarding flights efficiently, says Lara Trump, means using a controversial ‘no-wait’ travel hack

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October 19, 2025

FINGERPRINT SCANS COMING FOR AMERICAN TRAVELERS TO MOST OF EUROPE IN NEW POLICY

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“My View with Lara Trump” host Lara Trump has sparked a travel debate regarding airport arrival time for passengers before their departing flights.

She spoke to Fox News Digital about how her “no-wait-at-the-gate” approach maximizes her time without requiring her to hang around needlessly at the airport beforehand.

“My goal is to make it to the gate right as they’re calling my zone to board the airplane, because I don’t want to waste a single minute,” she said. “If I sit down at all at any point when I’m in an airport — the mission has failed.”

She added, “Whenever you’re trying to spend a little more time with your kids at home, or fit a lot into a day, what I’ve found is that, instead of being one of those people that kind of hovers around the gate and waits around for 30 minutes before they start boarding, my goal is to cut that back as much as humanly possible.”

Summing it up neatly, she said her goal is to “get through security, walk up to the gates, board the airplane — and then they close the doors.”

“My goal is to make it to the gate right as they’re calling my zone to board the airplane, because I don’t want to waste a single minute,” said Lara Trump, shown at right. (Lara Trump )

The TSA advises travelers to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

Passengers spend an average of 29 minutes of lost time, with 12 of those minutes due to departure delays and 17 minutes on the runway before takeoff, according to a 2024 study done by Upgraded Points.

President Donald Trump‘s daughter-in-law shared that she began her no-wait-at-the-gate hack during campaign season, when the family and members of the staff were trying to fit a lot into each day as they traveled from one place to another quickly.

LITTLE-KNOWN ‘SECONDHAND TRAVEL’ TRICK HELPS TOURISTS SCORE LUXURY VACATIONS FOR LESS

“There is a technique that goes into all of this,” added Lara Trump. “I have all the apps for the airlines on my phone, so if there is a delay of any variety, it usually alerts you — which is very helpful.”

She also shared a helpful tip about searching for flight numbers on Google.

Lara Trump shared travel tips to help others minimize their waiting time at airports ahead of their flights. (Lara Trump)

“There are a couple of different websites that pop up, and they give you a lot of information, such as where your plane is coming from, how often it’s delayed, is there another flight that you might be able to take.”

She said it can be helpful for travelers to check flight numbers if they’re not already at the airport, allowing for a little more time at home if possible.

She joked that if she does face a delay while already at the airport, she is always moving and looking to get her steps in.

AIRLINES TOLD TO REEVALUATE EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES AFTER CARRY-ON CONCERNS

Trump joked that now that she has Secret Service agents with her, they “have to keep up with [her] everywhere [she goes], but they [all get] a lot of steps in.”

In a clip she posted on social media discussing her travel strategy, followers took to the comment section to share their thoughts.

“I have all the apps for the airlines on my phone, so if there is a delay of any variety, it usually alerts you, which is very helpful.” (Lara Trump)

“I like to get to the gate as my boarding group is called, walk on and buckle up,” a person said, agreeing with Trump.

Another person wrote on Instagram, “I’m sick of getting there 1.5 hours before. I’ll try this next time, maybe.”

“I would die waiting until the last minute to get to the gate,” said yet another user.

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The person added, “I am arriving two hours before.”

A different user said, “We are the airport four hours early.”

Lara Trump said that sometimes she and her husband, Eric Trump, “disagree on this whole tactic and technique in terms of what time we should leave our house or wherever we are in order to make it to the airport.” (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump said she understands that her travel style is not for everyone and that some people don’t like it.

“I’ve traveled with some people who get a little stressed out over that,” she said.

She admitted that sometimes even she and her husband, Eric Trump, “disagree on this whole tactic and technique in terms of what time we should leave our house or wherever we are in order to make it to the airport.”

“I’ve traveled with some people who get a little stressed out over that.”

She said that when she travels solo, she tries to execute the no-wait-at-the-gate mission, so that she is “not spending an extra minute or two or 10 or more hours in an airport.”

In July, TSA ended the shoe-off requirement at security checkpoints at every airport nationwide.

Trump said that she has CLEAR, so she’s never had to take off her shoes — but she thinks the change is great for efficient travel.

Passengers spend an average of 29 minutes of lost time, with 12 of those minutes due to departure delays and 17 minutes on the runway before takeoff, according to a study. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“Going through security is tough,” she said. “There’s no doubt about it, especially when there’s a long line.”

She said she dislikes the automated bin systems used in airports such as LaGuardia and Atlanta, saying that process slows things down compared to when bins are handled by humans.

“I feel like having this robot doing it for you actually adds more time,” she said. “It takes a lot longer for this thing to give me a bin than it would be if I just picked a bin up and put all my stuff in it myself.”

She joked, “I would be in favor of eradicating those. Let’s go back to human beings actually doing it.”

Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Researchers discover how Easter Island statues ‘walked’ to locations

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October 19, 2025

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The mystery of the Moai stone heads has eluded onlookers for centuries — and now, researchers say they finally know how they got there.

The statues, which were carved and placed on the South Pacific’s Easter Island between the 12th and 17th centuries, have puzzled travelers since the first European contact was made there in 1722.

Though the structures appear to only be heads, many of them have full bodies that have been concealed by sediment over the centuries.

According to Rapa Nui legend, the heads “walked” to their spots — and the new study sheds light on that foundational story.

In a study recently published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, researchers Carl P. Lipo and Terry L. Hunt argue that the heads were “walked” vertically — not horizontally — from a nearby quarry.

Researchers say Easter Island’s mysterious Moai statues were likely moved vertically, not horizontally, using a sophisticated rope system. (Andia/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The scientists analyzed 962 statues to reach their conclusion. Using 3D modeling and statistical mapping, Lipo and Hunt found that the heads’ D-shaped bases and forward lean made rope transport possible.

While Lipo and Hunt first demonstrated that the Moai could “walk” in 2012, this new study is the first to prove the method with large-scale statistical and archaeological evidence.

“Our experiments revealed that the forward-leaning design enabled efficient transport, covering [328 feet] in 40 min with a team of 18 people—a significant improvement over earlier vertical transport attempts that used incorrectly proportioned ahu moai forms,” the study’s abstract reads.

The statues were rocked and pivoted along Easter Island roads by multiple people at a time — making the process more efficient.

Many of Easter Island’s famous heads are attached to buried torsos that have been hidden for centuries. (Zhu Yubo/Xinhua via Getty Images)

“The walking method required minimal resources and labor compared to horizontal transport hypotheses, revealing sophisticated engineering rather than environmental destruction, and aligning with Rapa Nui oral traditions that describe moai ‘walking’ from the quarry,” the authors wrote.

The findings come as tourists continue to flock to the Polynesian island to enjoy the privacy it offers as one of the most isolated places on Earth.

The new findings portray Rapa Nui builders as skilled engineers. (Fabien Pallueau/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

To get to Easter Island, most tourists fly to Santiago, Chile, before taking a six-hour flight to the isle’s Mataveri International Airport.

Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the island received 156,000 yearly visitors — and $120 million in annual tourist revenue.

Google data indicates it’s best to book holiday flights in October for cheapest prices

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October 19, 2025

VEGAS BETS BIG ON FAMILY TOURISM TO REVIVE SLUMPING NUMBERS — BUT NOT EVERYONE’S SOLD

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As the weather begins to cool down this fall, the interest in holiday season travel is already beginning to heat up.

About 79.9 million Americans were set to travel at least 50 miles from home over the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period — with 119.3 million people traveling during the Christmas period, according to AAA.

Google has released its trends and tip data on holiday travel for 2025, sharing the best times to book flights and noting the most popular destinations.

For Thanksgiving, the lowest prices were found to be 35 days before departure — with 24–59 days said to be in the “low-price range.”

“If you want to fly right before or after Thanksgiving, you’ll probably find the cheapest options in October,” the report says.

Google has released its 2025 holiday travel data, noting the best times to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights. (iStock)

As for Christmas, the lowest prices can be found 51 days before departure, Google says.

About 32–73 days before departure is the low-price range, with Google recommending booking between mid-October through mid-November.

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For international travel, it is recommended to book early — 49 days before departure, to be exact.

The most expensive day to book flights is on a Sunday, with Tuesday being the cheapest, according to Google.

People walking through terminal at Denver airport with suitcases

For international travel, it is recommended that people book early — as early as 49 days before departure. (Denver International Airport)

The most popular destination for Thanksgiving travel is Columbia, South Carolina, the organization says.

This year’s top trending destinations are Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and St. Lucia, according to Google.

The most popular destination for Thanksgiving is Columbia, South Carolina. (iStock)

“It’s no surprise that with colder temperatures on the horizon for many parts of the U.S., travelers are opting for palm trees over fir trees,” the report noted.

The average domestic round-trip price for the first quarter of 2025 was $397, which is down 0.4% from last year, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

1 in 5 US high school students use AI chatbots for romantic relationships

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October 19, 2025

TEENS INCREASINGLY TURNING TO AI FOR FRIENDSHIP AS NATIONAL LONELINESS CRISIS DEEPENS

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just helping students with homework. A new survey from the Center for Democracy and Technology found that nearly one in five high school students in the United States say they or someone they know has used AI to have a romantic relationship. The results shocked researchers and raised big questions about how deeply AI tools are affecting young minds. The report, which surveyed 1,000 students, 1,000 parents and 800 teachers, reveals how AI has quietly become a companion in students’ personal lives.

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Teens say they feel safer opening up to chatbots than real people, a growing emotional shift researchers didn’t expect. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When AI becomes a “friend”

Nearly half of the students said they use AI to talk about emotions, friendships or mental health. Many admit they feel more comfortable opening up to a chatbot than to a parent or friend. Even more alarming, two-thirds of parents said they have no idea how their kids are using AI. Experts warn that while AI can simulate empathy, it has no real understanding or care. According to researchers, students need to remember that they are not actually talking to a person. They are interacting with a programmed tool that has clear limitations and cannot truly understand human emotions.

AI in schools: Help or harm?

AI tools are everywhere in schools. About 85% of teachers and students said they used AI during the last school year. While schools introduce AI to boost learning, this exposure may have a downside. Students who use AI more often in class are also more likely to turn to it for emotional or personal reasons. Teachers and parents are worried that regular chatbot use could weaken important skills such as communication, empathy and critical thinking.

OPENAI LIMITS CHATGPT’S ROLE IN MENTAL HEALTH HELP

Teens sitting next to each other on their phones

Students using AI for classwork are now turning to it for advice on emotions, relationships, and mental health. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When chatbots cross the line

Some AI systems meant to help can actually cause harm. Therapists have warned that chatbots sometimes break their own safety rules and give dangerous advice to teens in distress. Some have been caught encouraging self-harm, giving diet tips for eating disorders or pretending to be romantic partners. The CDT survey also revealed that 36% of students heard about AI-created deepfakes of classmates. Some involved fake explicit photos used for bullying or revenge. This new wave of harassment shows how fast technology can spiral out of control.

Tips for parents to keep their kids safe

It’s hard to keep up with AI, but there are ways to stay informed and protect your child.

Start the conversation early

Ask your teen how they use AI. Keep it calm and curious, not confrontational.

Set clear boundaries

Talk about what’s appropriate to share online and explain that AI chatbots cannot keep secrets or replace human relationships.

Use parental tools wisely

Many devices and apps now include AI activity tracking and chat history settings. Learn how to use them.

Encourage real connections

Promote offline activities, social events and family time to help teens build stronger emotional ties in the real world.

Stay informed

Follow trusted sources like CyberGuy.com or your local school district’s tech guidelines to understand how AI is being used in classrooms.

Some AI tools meant to help teens have been caught offering harmful advice or creating fake images that fuel bullying. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

If you’re a parent or teacher, awareness is key. AI literacy should go beyond typing prompts. Kids need to learn emotional awareness and online safety too. Encourage honest discussions about how these tools work and where they fall short. Remind students that while AI can sound friendly, it’s not a real companion. It’s a programmed system that mirrors what people type into it.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

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Kurt’s key takeaways

AI is transforming how teens learn, talk and even form relationships. What started as a study tool has turned into an emotional outlet for many. The lesson here is balance. Technology can teach and entertain, but human connection still matters most. Parents, educators and tech companies all share the responsibility of helping kids see AI for what it is: a tool, not a friend.

Would you feel comfortable if your teen turned to an AI chatbot for emotional support or even love? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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

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Unique Roman relic discovered in New Orleans backyard traced to World War II theft

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October 19, 2025

TREASURES IN ITALY, INCLUDING 2,300-YEAR-OLD TOMB, UNEARTHED DURING SEWER INSTALLATION

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A New Orleans couple unearthed a mysterious Roman relic in their backyard this year — and now, officials know why it ended up there.

The Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans (PRCNO) shared the discovery on Oct. 6, detailing how a spring gardening project became an international ordeal.

Daniella Santoro and Aaron Lorenz were clearing away undergrowth from their historic Carrollton home in March when they hit a marble tablet etched in Latin.

A picture of the stone shows it partly buried among weeds and dead leaves. Santoro, an anthropologist at Tulane University, promptly contacted local officials.

An array of experts got involved in the search — from university professors to members of the FBI’s Art Crime Team. They were able to decode the Latin inscription.

A New Orleans couple uncovered a Roman relic in their backyard that had been missing from an Italian museum for decades. (D. Ryan Gray; Susann Lusnia)

The marble relic was an ancient Roman funerary artifact for a sailor named Sextus Congenius Verus.

The inscription had been missing from a museum in Civitavecchia, Italy, a city some 35 miles north of Rome.

Word eventually reached Erin Scott O’Brien, the former owner of the Carrollton home — who was shocked by the news.

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As it turns out, she had placed the slab in her backyard in 2004.

“We planted a tree and said this is the start of our new house, let’s put it outside in our garden,” O’Brien told PRCNO’s Preservation in Print.

Smiling couple sitting on stoop with ancient stone

The relic that was discovered in a New Orleans garden once honored a Roman sailor named Sextus Congenius Verus. (Susann Lusnia)

“I just thought it was a piece of art,” she said. “I had no idea it was a 2,000-year-old relic.”

The previous owners of the stone were O’Brien’s grandparents, Charles and Adele Paddock, who both passed away in the 1980s.

Charles Paddock served in Italy during World War II and met his wife there, suggesting the couple may have taken it from Civitavecchia.

The museum was damaged by Allied bombing in the mid-1940s.

Tulane professor Susann Lusnia traveled to Italy to assist with the artifact’s repatriation. (Susann Lusnia)

It’s unclear how the Paddocks obtained the stone, but the artifact is currently in FBI custody and will head back to Italy.

Tulane University professor Susann Lusnia, part of the team who identified the artifact, recently visited the museum in Civitavecchia as part of the repatriation efforts.

“It’s amazing,” O’Brien said. “It’s wonderful that it’s going back to where it belongs.”

Preservation in Print editor Daniel Monteverde told Fox News Digital this was one of the most unique stories he’s seen in the Big Easy in his two decades of reporting.

Aerial view of Civitavecchia, Italy with ancient buildings

The marble tablet found in Carrollton was traced back to a museum in Civitavecchia, Italy, north of Rome. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“This is a news town with so much history and color that little is surprising,” he said. “But this may be the most unique story I’ve come across. It was a no-brainer for us to share it when it came across my desk.”

He added, “I’m glad this artifact was found by someone who had the right background to know it was something special and to get it into the hands of the people who could vet it — and, ultimately, return it to its rightful owner.”

Discord breach exposes user data through third-party provider hack

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October 19, 2025

MAJOR COMPANIES, INCLUDING GOOGLE AND DIOR, HIT BY MASSIVE SALESFORCE DATA BREACH

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In 2025, it feels like cybercriminals are winning while the world’s biggest data hoarders are losing. One by one, global giants are admitting they’ve been breached, from tech powerhouses like Google to insurance leaders such as Allianz and Farmers and even luxury brands like Dior. The latest company to report a breach is Discord. The popular chat platform confirmed that hackers gained access to a third-party customer support provider, 5CA, exposing user data including names, email addresses, limited billing details and even government ID images.

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Hackers hit Discord’s support vendor, exposing sensitive user data worldwide. (Phil Barker/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

How the breach happened and what data was exposed

The company confirmed that the breach, which occurred on September 20, did not involve a direct attack on Discord’s servers. Instead, attackers gained unauthorized access to 5CA, one of Discord’s third-party customer service providers. This allowed them to view information from users who had reached out to Discord’s Customer Support or Trust & Safety teams.

Discord is a chat app primarily used by gamers, but has expanded to various other communities, enabling text messages, voice chats and video calls. Some even use it as a replacement for Slack. The platform currently has a monthly user base of over 200 million. The data exposed included Discord usernames, real names, emails, limited billing details such as payment type and the last four digits of credit cards, IP addresses and messages exchanged with customer service agents. In some cases, government ID images provided for age verification were also compromised. Discord estimates that around 70,000 users globally may have had government ID photos exposed.

Reports suggest the attackers attempted to use this access to demand a ransom from Discord. Bleeping Computer reported that the Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters (SLH) threat group claimed responsibility for the attack earlier this month. This is the same group that claims to have access to over a billion Salesforce records and is demanding ransom for those as well.

JEEP AND CHRYSLER PARENT STELLANTIS CONFIRMS DATA BREACH

About 70,000 users had ID images stolen in the latest third-party data breach. (Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

What Discord is doing now and what users should do next

Discord disclosed the incident 13 days later, on October 3. Since then, it has cut off the third-party support provider’s access, launched an internal investigation with a digital forensics team and started informing affected users. It also clarified that any communication about the breach will come only from noreply@discord.com and that it will never contact users by phone regarding this incident. The company added that some data remained safe: full credit card numbers, CCV codes, account passwords and activity outside of customer support conversations were not exposed.

Discord also stated that it has notified relevant data-protection authorities about the breach, is working closely with law enforcement, and is auditing its third-party vendors to ensure they meet its enhanced security and privacy standards going forward.

A representative at Discord issued a statement, saying in part, “We want to address inaccurate claims by those responsible that are circulating online. First, as stated in our blog post, this was not a breach of Discord, but rather a third-party service we use to support our customer service efforts. Second, the numbers being shared are incorrect and part of an attempt to extort a payment from Discord. Of the accounts impacted globally, we have identified approximately 70,000 users that may have had government-ID photos exposed, which our vendor used to review age-related appeals. Third, we will not reward those responsible for their illegal actions. All affected users globally have been contacted, and we continue to work closely with law enforcement, data protection authorities and external security experts. We’ve secured the affected systems and ended work with the compromised vendor. We take our responsibility to protect your personal data seriously and understand the concern this may cause.”

Discord cuts ties with vendor 5CA and tightens its security investigations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

6 steps you can take to stay safe after the Discord breach

If you think your details might have leaked in the Discord data breach, below are some steps you can take to stay protected.

1) Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra verification step when logging in, making it much harder for attackers to access your account even if they have your password. Discord supports 2FA via authenticator apps or SMS. Once enabled, you’ll receive a code each time you log in from a new device. This simple step can prevent account takeovers and gives you peace of mind.

2) Consider a personal data removal service

The less information available about you, the harder it is for attackers to target you. Review what personal details you’ve shared online and remove unnecessary data from websites and apps. A personal data removal service can help scrub your information from data broker sites, making it more difficult for attackers to connect the dots and launch identity theft or phishing attacks.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.

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) Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts

Reusing passwords across platforms makes it easy for attackers to access multiple accounts if one password is compromised. A password manager can generate long, complex passwords and store them securely, so you don’t have to remember them all. This not only protects your Discord account but also your email, banking and other online services.

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

4) Monitor accounts for suspicious activity

Even if you don’t see immediate signs of compromise, attackers can try to exploit stolen data later. Regularly check your email and Discord login history for unusual sign-ins. Services like identity theft protection can scan the dark web for your credentials and alert you immediately if they appear, helping you react quickly before serious 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

5) Be cautious with emails, messages, or links and use strong antivirus software

Phishing attacks often spike after breaches. Attackers may send messages that look like official notifications asking you to reset your password or provide personal information. Always verify the sender, avoid clicking unknown links and never share sensitive info. Treat every unexpected message as suspicious, even if it appears to come from Discord or another trusted service.

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 & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

6) Keep devices and software up to date

Attackers often exploit outdated software and known vulnerabilities. Ensure your operating system, apps and antivirus software are current.

Kurt’s key takeaway

If the recent breaches are any indication, third-party services that companies rely on are often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Discord’s steps to contain the situation are necessary, but they highlight a bigger problem. Many companies do not implement sufficient safeguards to protect sensitive user data. Weak oversight of third-party providers, delayed responses and inadequate security policies leave personal information exposed and vulnerable to attackers.

Should companies be held more accountable for breaches caused by third-party providers? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Las Vegas for families with kids? Tourists and visitors debate the odds

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October 19, 2025

‘IT’S NUTS’: SKY-HIGH LAS VEGAS PRICES STUN VISITORS AS TRAVEL PRO GIVES TIPS TO FIGHT BACK

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Las Vegas – While tourism in Las Vegas is down — with just over 3 million visitors in August, a 6.7% decrease from the same time last year — the city continues to draw attention as a desirable destination. Families, meanwhile, have been debating whether it’s a suitable place to bring their kids or grandkids on vacation.

In the “r/vegas” forum on Reddit, one traveler shared the experience of visiting Vegas in January.

“Why, why, why for the love of all that is holy do people bring a ton of little kids to Las Vegas?” the person titled the post, in part.

“Just got back today from four days in Vegas,” the person wrote. “I can’t figure out why these people bring all of these little kids and there’s absolutely nothing for them to do.”

Other folks on Reddit took to the comments section to weigh in about family trips to Vegas with children.

Reddit users debated whether families should bring children to Sin City for vacation. (Ashley J. DiMella/Fox News Digital)

“It’s weird walking around at midnight and people still have their kids out too,” said one user.

Another person wrote, “I was surprised to see so many little kids and even babies strapped to their moms walking through the smoke-filled casinos.”

It’s “Sin City, not Stroller City,” quipped a different user.

Another user wrote, “Security used to ensure they were out of the gambling areas … I just don’t get it. We used to love going because it was definitely geared more [toward] adults.”

Fox News Digital spoke with visitors in Sin City about their thoughts about kids visiting Vegas.

“It’s weird walking around at midnight and people still have their kids out,” said one person on Reddit about a trip to Las Vegas. (iStock)

A woman named Sarah from Staten Island, New York, said she had just had a conversation with someone about families traveling.

“They tried to make it family friendly quite a few years ago. Treasure Island had a pirate show, and the Mirage had this volcano show. But what I think happened was the parents weren’t gambling,” she said.

“If they’re going to try that again, good luck with that. But they need to lower the prices if they want families here,” she added.

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Sarah said it doesn’t bother her to see children around.

Craig, also from Staten Island, told Fox News Digital he is not bothered by seeing children.

Vegas “needs to lower the prices if they want families here,” said one visitor to the city. (Ashley J. DiMella/Fox News Digital)

“We all have a bunch of grandchildren, so it wouldn’t bother us. I would love to have them with us right now. They’re in school,” said Craig.

Irene from Los Angles said that “Vegas is very nice for the family, but the price is going up and up.”

Visit Las Vegas, the official travel guide site for the city, shared a list of 31 “new and fun things” to do while in Vegas with kids.

“Don’t let all the exceptional nightlife, pool parties and elevated dining fool you — this also can certainly be an ideal spot for your family vacation,” the site says.

Activities such as shows, amusement parks, museums and outdoor tours are all listed.

Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

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