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March 4, 2024

RETIRED FISHERMAN CLAIMS HE FOUND PART OF MALAYSIA AIRLINES MH370 IN SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WATERS: REPORT

Malaysia announces renewed push to find MH370

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The Malaysian government announced Sunday that it is pushing for a renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which vanished nearly 10 years ago while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Flight MH370 was a Boeing 777 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew when it disappeared on March 8, 2014.

The disappearance of the aircraft ranks among the world’s greatest aviation mysteries after Australia, China and Malaysia ended a fruitless $157-million search effort in January 2017.

Investigators in Malaysia have not ruled out the possibility that the commercial airline was deliberately taken off course, as debris confirmed and believed to have come from the plane has washed up on the coast of Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean.

A young child watches the Malaysia Airlines planes on the tarmac hopefully for the return of the missing flight, MH370 in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Tuesday, March 11, 2014. (Joshua Paul/NurPhoto/NurPhoto/Corbis via Getty Images)

On Sunday, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Ocean Infinity, a U.S.-based firm that explores the seabed, had been invited to discuss the latest search proposal after two previous failed efforts.

“The Malaysian government is committed to the search (for MH370) and the search must go on,” Loke said at a remembrance event on Sunday.

The minister also said Malaysia would talk with Australia about cooperation in resuming the search once Ocean Infinity’s proposal is approved by the Malaysian government.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT 370 PILOT SUSPECTED BY ‘TOP LEVELS’ OF MASS MURDER-SUICIDE, EX-AUSSIE PM SAYS

Man speaking about missing plane at press conference

A CASSA Malaysia president Dr. Jacob George shows the co-ordinates of where the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is believed to has crashed during a news conference on January 16, 2019 in Subang Jaya outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Mohd Samsul Mohd Said/Getty Images)

Ocean Infinity did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital on the matter.

One of the victims on the ill-fated flight was Anne Daisy, and her husband, V.P.R. Nathan, said the proposal from Ocean Infinity has a “no find, no fee” option, which he welcomed.

“We want the search to carry on, but we also have to be realistic,” he said. “We cannot expect the government to spend billions [on the search].”

The flight’s disappearance sparked a multiyear search that resulted in a confusing and convoluted series of revelations that have yet to turn up a solid conclusion of what happened. After three years, Malaysian authorities called off the search, and subsequent search efforts have remained short-lived.

DEBRIS OFF MADAGASCAR ‘MOST LIKELY’ FROM MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT 370, REPORT SAYS

Malaysian Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke (C) looks at the Wing flap found on Pemba Island, Tanzania which has been identified a missing part of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 through unique part numbers traced to 9M-MRO during a commemoration event to mark the 5th anniversary of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 03, 2019. (Adli Ghazali/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

A Netflix documentary released in March 2020 examined the timeline of the plane’s disappearance, speaking with some of the more prominent voices and players involved in the response and search for the plane.

The documentary also revived some of the more outlandish theories about what happened to the plane.

Following its disappearance, the plane emitted several “pings” that London-based satellite firm Inmarsat recorded and tracked over the immediate six hours.

The pings allowed the company to confirm that the plane backtracked over Malaysia before the final ping somewhere over the Indian Ocean. After that, the mystery deepened. Inmarsat used the data to determine the plane flew south into the Indian Ocean rather than bank north over continental Asia.

In subsequent years, Blaine Gibson, a self-described hobbyist “adventurer,” found several pieces of the plane that washed up on islands around the Indian Ocean that airline authorities say were consistent with the Boeing 777. And they determined that as proof enough that the plane went down because no other plane has been reported missing in the intervening years. It’s the closest to a confirmation they believe the families will get.

Just last year, a retired fisherman claimed he found a large piece of the missing plane off the coast of Australia.

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Retired Australian fisherman Kit Olver said, in an interview with Sydney Morning Herald that he discovered the piece of the plane during a deep-sea fishing expedition when his trawler pulled up what appeared to be a wing.

He said he kept quiet for nine years but wanted to come forward with the information to help the families of those who were on board MH370.

Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Reuters contributed to this report.

Beware of these doorbell cameras that could be compromised by cybercriminals

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March 3, 2024

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

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Chances are, if you’re like many people nowadays, you’ve got a doorbell camera set up at your front door. You know, the ones that let you see who’s at your doorstep even when you’re miles away.

No doubt, they can be great for enhanced security, and I definitely feel safer with mine running 24/7, but then comes this news. Turns out, some doorbell cameras have serious security flaws.

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports has unveiled a troubling scenario.

Certain doorbell cameras, touted for their ability to keep our homes safe, have been found to contain critical security flaws. This disturbing discovery brings to light the potential risks you face whether you already have a doorbell camera or you’re thinking about incorporating one of these devices into your home.

The security flaws researchers exposed

Researchers have identified major vulnerabilities in video doorbells manufactured by the Chinese company Eken Group Ltd. These devices, sold under the Eken and Tuck brand names, among others, have been available for purchase on major online retail platforms including Amazon, Walmart, Sears, Shein and Temu.

The flaws could potentially allow unauthorized access to view footage or even take complete control of the devices.

DOG CAUGHT ON DOORBELL CAMERA STEALING PACKAGE FROM NEIGHBOR’S FRONT PORCH

Doorbell cameras on display (Consumer Reports)

The technical glitch that was discovered

The core of the problem lies in the doorbells’ dependency on an app called Aiwit, operated by Eken Group. Crooks could exploit this by pairing an unsecured doorbell to their device, thereby gaining the ability to view or capture images and lock out the legitimate owner.

Additionally, the absence of a registration code mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) further questions the legality of these devices in the U.S.

Aiwit app (Consumer Reports)

MORE: IS YOUR DOORBELL CAMERA VULNERABLE TO JAMMING OR INTERFERENCE?

Retailers’ response to the investigation

Following the investigation, retailers like Temu have pulled the questioned doorbells from their listings. Walmart, acknowledging the issue with third-party sellers, has taken steps to offer refunds.

Amazon, however, despite awarding these products the “Amazon’s Choice” badge, had not responded to CyberGuy’s inquiry at the time of publishing. Critics argue e-commerce giants like Amazon need to shoulder more responsibility for the products sold on their platforms.

MORE: TOP PICKS TO AMP UP YOUR HOME SECURITY

Industry and regulatory challenges

The investigation highlights a complex ecosystem of brands and manufacturers often operating under multiple names and offering similar products. This complicates the task of regulating and ensuring the safety of products sold online. Despite contacting the manufacturers and online retailers, Consumer Reports found most of the problematic products still available for sale.

Eken doorbell camera (Amazon)

MORE: HOW TO DETECT A HACKER SPYING ON YOUR DOORBELL CAMERA

What you can do to protect yourself

For your part, we recommend you exercise caution and conduct due diligence before incorporating these doorbell cameras into your home. Here are 12 things you can do to stay protected.

1. Check the maker of all home video doorbells and security cameras: Investigate the manufacturer — check their reputation, read reviews and see if they’ve got a track record of keeping things secure. Remember, not all doorbell cameras are created equal.

2. Disconnect and unplug any camera identified as unsafe or a security risk: Consumer Reports has done the legwork for you. If you own one of the doorbell cameras it has flagged, be sure to unplug that camera, disconnect it from your Wi-Fi, and maybe even consider getting a more secure one like the ones we’ve listed here under top video doorbells.

3. Access the camera’s app or web interface: Most modern doorbell cameras are managed through a smartphone app or web interface. Start by logging into your account.

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Here’s what you can do to protect your privacy on the Ring app:

Launch Ring App
Tap 3 line menu on top left
In Control Center, check these three areas
Account Verification – Change to Text instead of Email
Authorized Client Devices – give this list a look over to make sure all of these devices belong to you or someone else you have authorized as a shared user
Shared Users – review each person listed to make sure you only see who you have granted access
Account Verification – Change to Text instead of Email
Authorized Client Devices – give this list a look over to make sure all of these devices belong to you or someone else you have authorized as a shared user
Shared Users – review each person listed to make sure you only see who you have granted access

4. Update firmware and software: Regularly updating your device’s firmware and the associated app is crucial for security. Manufacturers often release updates to patch vulnerabilities. Look for an ‘Update’ or ‘Check for Updates’ option in the settings menu.

5. Review account security settings: Ensure your account is secured with a strong, unique password. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Also, enable two-factor authentication if available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.

6. Check camera privacy settings: Look for settings that control who can view your camera feed and when the camera records. Some devices allow you to set privacy zones, which are areas the camera ignores when recording.

7. Manage data storage and sharing settings: Understand how your video recordings are stored —whether locally on the device, in the cloud, or both — and for how long. Review any options related to data sharing, especially with third parties.

8. Enable Encryption: Ensure that your camera supports end-to-end encryption for video feeds and recordings to remain secure. This makes it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access your data.

9. Secure your Wi-Fi network: Since your doorbell camera connects to your home Wi-Fi network, ensure your router is secured with WPA3 encryption if available. Also, consider using a guest network for your smart home devices.

10. Familiarize yourself with privacy policies: Review the manufacturer’s privacy policy to understand how your data is used, shared and protected.

11. Monitor access logs: If the device or app offers access logs, regularly check them for any unauthorized access.

12. Contact support for advanced settings: If you’re unsure about some settings or their implications, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer’s customer support for guidance.

Remember, the specific steps and available settings can vary significantly between different brands and models of doorbell cameras. It’s always a good idea to consult the user manual or support documentation for your specific device for detailed instructions.

MORE: A PRIVACY WIN: AMAZON LIMITS POLICE ACCESS TO YOUR RING CAMERA

Kurt’s key takeaways

The disturbing revelations from Consumer Reports underscore a pressing need for tighter security measures and more rigorous oversight in the smart device industry. While technology offers the promise of making our homes smarter and safer, it also introduces new vulnerabilities that can be exploited. So, be sure to follow the three recommendations above to keep you and your family protected from creeps and crooks who might be trying to violate your privacy.

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

How concerned are you about the security flaws in doorbell cameras, and what steps would you take to mitigate these risks? 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:

Health’s weekend read includes kidney donations, cancer prevention, measles vaccinations and more

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March 3, 2024

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Health’s weekend read includes kidney donations, cancer prevention, measles vaccinations and more

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Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on a range of wellness topics: disease prevention, nutrition, medical research, health care and much more — plus, personal stories of people and families overcoming huge obstacles.

This weekend, check out some of the top stories of the week in Health that you may have missed, or have been meaning to check out.

These are just a few of what’s new, of course.

Many more can be seen at http://www.foxnews/health.

Check out this selection!

Kidney swap saves two lives in Texas

Two hard-to-match transplant patients 250 miles apart started the year of 2024 with shining new hope for long, healthy lives — thanks to the collaboration of two Texas hospitals. The donors, recipients and doctors shared the events leading up to their surgeries. Click here to get the story.

Rebecca Warden, second from left, volunteered to give a kidney to her mother, 71-year-old Ann Winer of San Antonio, far left. And Svetlana Balmeo Stockdale, 28, far right, volunteered to give a kidney to her co-worker, Jorge Mendez, 50, standing beside her. Find out what ultimately happened. (University Health; UT Southwestern)

Cancer prevention … just a pill away?

Lucid Diagnostics, a New York-based biotech company, created a vitamin-sized diagnostic to help prevent esophageal cancer. Fox News Digital spoke with Lishan Aklog, M.D., chair and CEO of Lucid, and Dr. Bruce Greenwald, a leading gastroenterologist at the Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of Maryland Medical Center, about how the new test could revolutionize esophageal cancer screening. Click here to get the story.

Lucid Diagnostics, a New York-based biotech company, created an esophageal cancer screening test that requires taking just one pill-sized diagnostic. (Lucid Diagnostics)

Daily steps for women over age 60

We’ve all heard the widespread recommendation of hitting 10,000 steps per day for optimal health. Yet some groups of people — such as women over age 60 — may not need that many. A new study reveals the recommended number of steps to reduce heart disease risk in women over 60. Click here to get the story.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo in New York observed 6,000 U.S. women between ages 63 and 99, gathering data about their physical activity, sedentary time and heart health. (iStock)

Experts share caffeine cautions

Coffee in the morning is a ritual for many people — but is it ever too early in the day to indulge? Sleep experts weighed in on whether it’s OK to grab a cup as soon as you wake up, or if you should wait a while. Click here to get the story.

Brewing a cup or a pot of coffee as soon as you wake up might not give you the biggest energy boost throughout the day, according to sleep experts. (iStock)

Fasting-like diet could extend longevity

Researchers from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology in Los Angeles found that adopting a fasting-like diet could help slow down aging. They revealed how the fasting-mimicking diet was shown to reduce biological age. Click here to get the story.

A fasting-mimicking diet was found to reduce biological age and immune system aging, as well as insulin resistance and liver fat, in a new study. (iStock)

CDC drops 5-day isolation rule for COVID

In the first update to the CDC’s quarantine guidelines since late 2021, the public health agency has called off the 5-day isolation guidance for those with COVID. Here’s what doctors had to say about the change. Click here to get the story.

Prior to Friday’s update, the CDC called for people who test positive for the virus to “stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home,” a recommendation that was implemented in late 2021. (REUTERS/Tami Chappell/File Photo)

Hydration alternatives for those who hate water

An NFL sports dietitian offered a few healthy alternatives for those who don’t like H20. He also warned against unhealthy beverage choices and shared warning signs of dehydration. Click here to get the story.

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

Do you need a new measles vaccination?

Some doctors are saying that those who received the measles vaccine in the ‘70s or ’80s may no longer be protected against the contagious virus. Infectious disease experts shared what you can do to determine your level of immunity. Click here to get the story.

For those who received measles vaccinations in the ‘70s and ’80s — mainly people who are currently in their 40s and 50s — a doctor recommends checking with a health care provider about immune status. (iStock)

In Case of Emergency iPhone shortcut could save your life

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March 3, 2024

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

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If you ever find yourself in a dangerous or life-threatening situation, you might not have time to call for help or explain your condition.

That’s why it’s important to have a quick and easy way to alert your trusted contacts and let them know where you are and how they can help you.

Fortunately, there is a shortcut on your iPhone that can do just that. It’s called the In Case of Emergency shortcut, and it can send a message to your emergency contacts with your location and display a message on your screen with any relevant information.

The In Case of Emergency shortcut on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A one-tap solution for emergencies on your iPhone

This shortcut can be a lifesaver in many scenarios, such as If you have a medical condition that requires immediate attention, such as an allergic reaction, a heart attack or a seizure. You are in a car accident and need assistance. If you are being attacked or threatened by someone and need to escape or defend yourself. You are lost or stranded in a remote area and need rescue.

The shortcut is available for devices running on iOS 12 or later. This personalized emergency shortcut sets off a multistep chain of alerts with just one tap.

MORE: 6 SURVIVAL GEAR MUST-HAVES TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

How to set up the In Case of Emergency shortcut

To set up this shortcut, you will need to have the Shortcuts app installed on your iPhone. If you don’t have it, you can download it for free from the App Store. Once you have the app, follow these steps to set up the shortcut:

Open the Shortcuts app and tap on the Gallery tab at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Tap on the Shortcuts for Accessibility category and scroll down to the Help section.

The In Case of Emergency shortcut on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tap on the red and white In Case of Emergency shortcut icon
Then tap on the blue Set Up Shortcut button
Tap on the plus icon (with a circle around it) to choose an emergency contact who will get a message with your location when you run the shortcut. You can choose a contact from your phone, like Mom, or enter a phone number manually.
Then, tap on Next

FEMA EMERGENCY ALERT TEST TO HIT AMERICANS’ PHONES WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

Instructions for the In Case of Emergency shortcut on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Now, customize the message that will be sent to your emergency contact. You can use the default message that says, “I’ve just hit my emergency button! Please contact me.” or type your own message. Tap on Next.
Then tap on the plus icon (with a circle around it) to add another emergency contact like Dad. You can add as many contacts as you want, but keep in mind that each contact will receive a separate message.
Tap on Next
Now, type in what you would like to send to this emergency contact, such as “Help. Come find me.”
Tap on Next

Settings for the In Case of Emergency shortcut on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Enter a message that will be displayed on your screen when the shortcut is activated. This can be a medical condition, such as “I’m allergic to penicillin” or “I have diabetes,” that could be useful to someone trying to help you.
When you’re finished, tap on Add Shortcut

You can customize your message in the In Case of Emergency shortcut on an iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: TOP 11 EMERGENCY CAR ESSENTIALS

How to activate the ‘In Case of Emergency’ shortcut

To activate the shortcut, you have two options:

You can say, “Hey Siri, In Case of Emergency,” and Siri will run the shortcut for you.
You can open the Shortcuts app and tap on the In Case of Emergency shortcut from the My Shortcuts tab.

Also, be sure to jot down the words “Hey Siri, In Case of Emergency” and keep it handy. You can save it in your phone’s Notes app, write it on a piece of paper or store it in your wallet or purse. The hardest part is remembering the trigger words, so having them written down ensures you won’t forget.

In addition, before you test the shortcut, make sure to warn your emergency contacts so they don’t panic when they receive your message.

MORE: BEST TECH FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION

The first time you run the shortcut, you will need to give it a few permissions:

The shortcut needs your location to send to your emergency contacts. If you agree, tap on Allow.
The shortcut needs permission to send messages. Tap on Always Allow if you agree.
The shortcut needs permission to display your custom message as a notification. Tap on Always Allow if you agree.

The In Case of Emergency shortcut on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Once the shortcut is activated, a notice will pop up on your screen saying, “Messages have been sent to your emergency contact.”

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An In Case of Emergency shortcut alert on an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: IS YOUR PHONE READY FOR AN EMERGENCY? TURN ON THESE LIFESAVING SETTINGS

Kurt’s key takeaways

The In Case of Emergency shortcut is a handy tool that can help you in a crisis. By setting it up on your iPhone, you can quickly and easily contact your trusted contacts and let them know where you are and how they can help you. You can also display a message on your screen with any relevant information that could assist someone who finds you.

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

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to contact someone urgently but couldn’t? How did you handle it? 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:

Obesity is ‘exploding,’ with more than 12% of people classified as obese worldwide, study finds: ‘Big trouble’

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March 3, 2024

OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY OVERDOSE CALLS HAVE SPIKED, EXPERTS SAY — HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DANGEROUS DOSES

Obesity is ‘exploding,’ with more than 12% of people classified as obese worldwide, study finds: ‘Big trouble’

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One in every eight people globally qualifies as obese, according to a new study published in The Lancet on Feb. 29.

As of 2022, more than one billion people — 43% of adults — were living with obesity across the world, according to researchers from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, a global network of health scientists.

The number of obese adults has more than doubled since 1990.

Among children between ages five and 19, the obesity rate has quadrupled, according to a press release from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The researchers analyzed data from 3,663 population-based studies with 222 million participants, using different body mass index (BMI) measurements for adults, children and teens.

The data was collected between 1990 and 2022 across 200 countries and territories, according to the findings in The Lancet.

One in every eight people globally qualifies as obese, according to a new study published in The Lancet. (iStock)

Out of the 200 countries, the U.S. ranked 36th for obesity.

“This new study highlights the importance of preventing and managing obesity from early life to adulthood, through diet, physical activity and adequate care, as needed,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, in the release.

OZEMPIC, THE HAPPY DRUG? STUDY SUGGESTS WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS COULD REDUCE DEPRESSION, ANXIETY

“Getting back on track to meet the global targets for curbing obesity will take the work of governments and communities, supported by evidence-based policies from WHO and national public health agencies,” he went on.

“Importantly, it requires the cooperation of the private sector, which must be accountable for the health impacts of their products.”

The number of obese adults has more than doubled since 1990, researchers found, according to a new study published in The Lancet. (iStock)

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, said the world is in “big trouble” in terms of undernutrition and obesity.

“In terms of undernutrition, it is a public health challenge in many places, including Asia and Africa, though overall rates have dropped,” Siegel, who was not involved in study, told Fox News Digital.

“We have far too much processed food with chemicals that produce weight gain.”

“By comparison, obesity is exploding,” he added.

A primary cause of obesity is poor diet, including too many carbohydrates and fats and too few proteins and vegetables, according to the doctor.

“In poor areas, this may be cost-related in part,” he said.

What can be done?

In cases where it’s not an economic issue, Siegel suggested countering obesity by increasing the intake of vegetables, fiber and fish and decreasing the consumption of alcohol, bread, pasta, rice and desserts.

Among children between five and 19 years of age, the obesity rate has quadrupled since 1990, a new study found. (iStock)

“We have far too much processed food with chemicals that produce weight gain,” said Siegel. “We should fight back by trying to use natural foods (farm to table) as much as possible.”

He also emphasized the importance of eating smaller portions, increasing water intake and exercising regularly to help reduce hunger and cravings.

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“We also have effective weight loss drugs — semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) — but they should be reserved for those who are truly obese and have failed lifestyle modifications above,” Siegel said.

A primary cause of obesity is poor diet, including too many carbohydrates and fats and too few proteins and vegetables, according to Dr. Siegel. (iStock)

“Diabetics must be first in line for these drugs as production shortages are overcome, followed by those most in need, but they can certainly make a difference in terms of improving insulin function, improving efficiency of glucose metabolism and decreasing hunger.”

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

Obesity is a primary driver of the leading causes of death, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

UN expert on freedom of expression calls for end to Assange’s prosecution over press freedom concerns

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March 3, 2024

JULIAN ASSANGE’S US EXTRADITION HEARING WRAPS UP IN LONDON, DECISION NOT EXPECTED UNTIL AT LEAST NEXT MONTH

UN expert on freedom of expression calls for end to Assange’s prosecution over press freedom concerns

A United Nations expert on freedom of expression called on the U.S. government to drop the charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, expressing concern that his possible extradition from the U.K. to face prosecution in the U.S. would set a dangerous precedent for investigative journalism.

The Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression at the U.N., Irene Khan, said Assange’s possible extradition to the U.S. and subsequent prosecution could have serious implications for freedom of expression. Assange’s possible final appeal challenging his extradition wrapped up last month before the British High Court in London, with Assange not appearing in court due to health reasons.

“Gathering, reporting and disseminating information, including national security information when it is in the public interest, is a legitimate exercise of journalism and should not be treated as a crime,” Khan said in a statement Friday.

Assange, 52, is charged in connection with WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of classified U.S. military documents leaked by U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Assange is facing 17 charges for allegedly receiving, possessing and communicating classified information to the public under the Espionage Act, and one charge alleging a conspiracy to commit computer intrusion.

A United Nations expert on freedom of expression called on the U.S. government to drop the charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. ((AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File))

“I am concerned about the use of the Espionage Act in this case, as this statute provides no protection for the publication of information in the public interest,” Khan said.

The charges were brought by the Trump administration’s Justice Department over WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of cables leaked by Manning detailing war crimes committed by the U.S. government in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, detention camp. The materials also exposed instances of the CIA engaging in torture and rendition.

WikiLeaks’ “Collateral Murder” video showing the U.S. military gunning down civilians in Iraq, including two Reuters journalists, was also published 14 years ago.

Assange, who is Australian, is the first publisher to be charged by the U.S. government under the Espionage Act, and many press freedom groups have argued that his prosecution is intended to criminalize journalism.

“It would set a dangerous precedent that could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism in the United States and possibly elsewhere in the world,” Khan said.

Assange has been held at London’s high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was removed from the Ecuadorian Embassy on April 11, 2019, for breaching bail conditions. He had sought asylum at the embassy since 2012 to avoid being sent to Sweden over allegations he raped two women because Sweden would not provide assurances it would protect him from extradition to the U.S. The investigations into the sexual assault allegations were eventually dropped.

A U.K. District Judge rejected the U.S. extradition request in 2021 on the grounds that Assange was likely to kill himself if he was held under harsh U.S. prison conditions. Higher courts later overturned that decision after receiving assurances from the U.S. about his treatment, and the British government signed an extradition order in June 2022.

While February’s hearing could be Assange’s final appeal attempting to block his extradition to the U.S., a full appeal hearing could come in the future if the judges rule in his favor. If he loses this appeal, however, Assange’s only remaining option would be at the European Court of Human Rights.

The judges who heard arguments in the two-day hearing last month said they would take time to reach a verdict in Assange’s case.

UK HIGH COURT HEARS ARGUMENTS IN ASSANGE’S US EXTRADITION CASE WITHOUT HIM PRESENT DUE TO HEALTH REASONS

The Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression at the U.N., Irene Khan, said Assange’s possible extradition to the U.S. and subsequent prosecution could have serious implications for freedom of expression. (Getty Images)

Should he be extradited to the U.S. after exhausting all his legal appeals, Assange would face trial in Alexandria, Virginia, and could be sentenced to up to 175 years in an American maximum-security prison. His supporters have argued that he would not receive a fair trial if he is extradited.

“International human rights law provides strong protections for whistle-blowers, journalistic sources and reporting in the public interest,” Khan said. “I call on the United States and the United Kingdom, which profess to uphold the right to freedom of expression, to uphold these international standards in the case of Julian Assange.”

Last month, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, called on the U.K. government to halt the possible extradition of Assange over concerns that he would be at risk of treatment amounting to torture or other forms of ill-treatment or punishment.

In January, a group of Australian lawmakers wrote a letter to U.K. Home Secretary James Cleverly demanding Assange’s U.S. extradition be halted over concerns about his safety and well-being, urging the U.K. government to instead make an independent assessment of Assange’s risk of persecution.

Assange’s wife Stella has said that her husband’s life is at risk every day he remains in prison and that she believes he will die if he’s extradited to the U.S.

One of Assange’s lawyers, Mark Summers, said during last month’s hearing that there was evidence showing there had been a plan crafted by the Trump administration’s CIA to kidnap or murder Assange while he was in the Ecuadorean Embassy and that former President Trump had requested “detailed options” to kill him.

The CIA under the Trump administration allegedly had plans to kill Assange over the publication of sensitive agency hacking tools known as “Vault 7,” which were leaked to WikiLeaks, Yahoo reported in 2021. The agency said the leak represented “the largest data loss in CIA history.”

The agency was accused of having discussions “at the highest levels” of the administration about plans to assassinate Assange in London and allegedly acted upon orders from then-CIA director Mike Pompeo to draw up kill “sketches” and “options.” The CIA also had advanced plans to kidnap and rendition Assange, and had made a political decision to charge him, according to the Yahoo report.

While he was in the embassy, the CIA was exposed for spying on Assange and his lawyers. A judge recently ruled that a lawsuit brought against the CIA for spying on his visitors can move forward.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT URGES UK TO RELEASE ASSANGE AS POSSIBLE FINAL APPEAL CHALLENGING US EXTRADITION BEGINS

Assange is facing 17 charges for allegedly receiving, possessing and communicating classified information to the public under the Espionage Act, and one charge alleging a conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. (Getty Images)

The Obama administration in 2013 decided not to indict Assange over WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of classified cables because it would have had to also indict journalists from major news outlets who published the same materials, which has been described as “The New York Times problem.” Former President Obama also commuted Manning’s 35-year sentence for violations of the Espionage Act and other offenses to seven years in January 2017, and Manning, who had been imprisoned since 2010, was released later that year.

But the Justice Department under former President Trump later moved to indict Assange under the Espionage Act, and the Biden administration has continued to pursue his prosecution.

Khan urged the U.K. authorities not to extradite Assange and the U.S. government to drop the charges against the Australian publisher.

In 2022, the editors and publishers of U.S. and European outlets that worked with Assange on the publication of excerpts from the more than 250,000 documents he obtained in the Cablegate leak – The Guardian, The New York Times, Le Monde, Der Spiegel and El País – wrote an open letter calling for the U.S. to drop the charges against Assange.

There have also been made by lawmakers in the U.S. and Australia in the last year to demand Assange’s freedom, including a vote last month in which the Australian Parliament overwhelmingly supported calling on the U.S. and U.K. Governments to end Assange’s prosecution and a resolution introduced in January in the U.S. House calling for him to be released.

Plane believed to be carrying Norway’s king departs Malaysia, a day after he received a pacemaker

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March 3, 2024

Plane believed to be carrying Norway’s king departs Malaysia, a day after he received a pacemaker

LANGKAWI, Malaysia (AP) — An airplane believed to be carrying Norway’s King Harald departed Malaysia on Sunday, a day after he was implanted with a pacemaker.

Europe’s oldest reigning monarch was hospitalized in Malaysia for an infection during a private vacation in the northern resort island of Langkawi, the royal house said Tuesday.

He underwent surgery at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital on Saturday to implant a temporary pacemaker due to a low heart rate, according to the royal house.

Norwegian media outlets said Harald traveled to the Malaysia with his wife, Queen Sonja, to celebrate his 87th birthday.

A Scandinavian Airlines medical evacuation plane, which took off from Oslo on Thursday, arrived in Langkawi on Friday. The Boeing 737-700 aircraft has previously been used as a flying ambulance.

According to Flightradar24, the same plane departed from Langkawi on Sunday headed for Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, before it is scheduled to travel onward to Norway.

The aging Norwegian monarch has suffered from frail health over the past few years, and has been admitted to a hospital for treatment on numerous occasions. Harald, who has been seen using crutches, had an operation to replace a heart valve in October 2020 after being hospitalized with breathing difficulties.

Harald has repeatedly said he has no plans to abdicate, unlike his second cousin Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who stepped down earlier this year. The heir to the Norwegian throne, Crown Prince Haakon, has stepped in and taken over his father’s duties while he’s hospitalized.

Harald’s duties as Norway’s head of state are ceremonial and he holds no political power. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Olav, in 1991.

The country’s first native-born king since the 14th century, he married a commoner as a prince and won hearts in his egalitarian country by leading the mourning in 2011 for the victims of mass killer Anders Behring Breivik.

Don’t fall for these sneaky tax scams that are out to steal your identity and money

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March 2, 2024

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Tax season isn’t fun for most people, but it can be downright miserable if you fall for a scam. This year, there’s been a noticeable uptick in scam callers impersonating IRS officials, and with the rise of AI-voice programs, these scams have become more convincing than ever.

The IRS flagged 2.4 million tax returns with refunds totaling roughly $13.8 billion for possible identity theft. Identity thieves use stolen information — like your SSN, name, address and more — to file fraudulent tax returns in your name.

Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Scam Tracker collects reports on tax scams from the public. For scams reported as tax collection to BBB’s Scam Tracker in 2023, the median dollar loss was $2,100.

Here are some of the scams the BBB warns you to look out for this tax season.

“Tax time” post-it on tax documents. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1. Phone scams

Scammers pretend to be someone from the IRS and call you to ask to make back payments or send over personal information that can’t be found in the IRS system. They often pressure you to act immediately, threatening arrest or fines if you don’t comply.

In 2024, phone scammers have gotten so sophisticated that they will create fake badge numbers, get a fake caller ID name that appears to be from the government or leave official-sounding robocalls with the help of AI voiceovers.

NEW IRS CRACKDOWN ON ‘HIGH-INCOME’ TAX CHEATS OWING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS

2. Phishing email scams

Phishing emails are scam emails designed to get personal information from you. Scammers will text, email or even message you on social media, claiming to be an IRS agent, and they will send you a link to a fake IRS website designed to steal your Social Security number and other sensitive personal data. Always remember: the IRS will never communicate with you via email but instead by physical USPS mail.

A person preparing their tax documents. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3. Signs of tax-related identity theft

1. If you try to file your tax return by mail and receive a letter from the IRS stating that they have already received a return in your name, that could mean your identity has been compromised.

2. Also, if you go to file your tax return electronically and the IRS alerts you that someone filed for your return using your Social Security number, then you have likely been a victim of identity theft.

3. Lastly, if the IRS sends you a letter stating that you have created a new online account and you know you didn’t do this, that is a dead giveaway that your identity may have been stolen.

Tax documents. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: THE URGENT PAYPAL EMAIL SCAM YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE

Stay safe with these 8 tips from the Better Business Bureau

Tip 1 – File early

Filing early is one of the most sure-fire ways to keep yourself safe during tax season. If you file as soon as possible, there’s less of a chance someone can steal your identity by filing your taxes before you do. Always make sure to have all of your tax documents ready when you start to file.

Tip 2 – Know how the real IRS will contact you

The IRS doesn’t send emails, and their agents will never text you or contact you on social media. Typically, the IRS will only contact you through postage mail, but there is a chance that an IRS agent may perform an in-person visit, but only after confirming the visit via postage mail.

Tip 3 – Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS

An easy way to add an extra layer of security to yourself is by getting an Identity Protection PIN, or IP-PIN, from the IRS. An IP-PIN is a six-digit number that the IRS uses to confirm your identity. It can help identify you even when someone nefarious has accessed your Tax ID and Social Security number. Signing up for an IP-PIN is easy and can be done online at IRS.gov, and the IRS will mail you a new IP-PIN after you opt-in every December.

Calculator and tax documents. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: BEWARE OF THE ‘SAY YES’ PHONE SCAM

Tip 4 – Know how the IRS accepts payments

The IRS never demands immediate payment and will never ask for a credit card number or bank information over the phone. Never, under any circumstances, pay any money to someone claiming to be an IRS agent asking for cryptocurrency, digital gift cards or wire transfers.

Tip 5 – Know the signs of fraud

If the IRS informs you that either your return has already been filed or that you received wages from an employer you aren’t familiar with, you need to visit an IRS office in person as soon as possible to ensure you haven’t fallen victim to fraud.

Tip 6 – Protect your information

Ensure you keep all documents related to your taxes in a secure location, such as a home filing cabinet or on a password-protected computer. Generally, never give out your Social Security number unless absolutely necessary.

Tip 7 – Only use secure filing websites

Always make sure you are accessing the real IRS website by checking that the URL is spelled correctly. Look for the lock symbol next to the URL in your browser’s search bar to tell you that your connection to the IRS’s website is secure.

Tip 8 – Report any suspected scams

If you receive a phone call or email asking for important tax information, hang up immediately. Report the call first to the IRS. Next, you should make a report to the Federal Communications Commission. Finally, head to the Better Business Bureau and report the scam to their scam tracker.

Person upset by what he sees. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW SCAMMERS USE GOOGLE VOICE VERIFICATION CODES TO STEAL YOUR IDENTITY AND MONEY

5 things to do if you are a victim of identity theft

1. Complete IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit: This is the form that all victims of fraud have to fill out for the IRS. This will let them know that the person who is claiming to be you is a fraud. You can find the form on the IRS website.

2. Request a copy of the fraudulent tax return from the IRS: You can do this by going to this page on the IRS website on dealing with fraudulent returns and following the instructions to order a copy.

3. Alert national credit bureaus: Let the national bureaus like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion know that there has been fraud and place a freeze on your account so that the scammers cannot get to it.

4. Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission: The FTC is there to help track down scammers, and your report can also help them keep a record of how many scams are happening in a single year so that they can better improve how to warn others. You should also report the crime to identitytheft.gov

5. Check your online bank accounts: Make sure there aren’t any suspicious transactions on any of your accounts.

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A woman is upset while preparing her taxes. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: TOP WAYS TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER FRAUD

How can you protect yourself from tax-related identity theft?

Use an identity theft protection service: 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.

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Have good antivirus software: 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.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Going from winter into spring may seem like an intense time with scammers due to the tax season immediately following the holiday shopping season. However, the reality is that scammers work around the clock and are active all year. These tips from the Better Business Bureau are a helpful reminder of ways to keep yourself safe from scammers throughout the year.

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

How do you feel about the rise of AI-voice programs and their use in phone scams? Does it make you not even want to pick up the phone? 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:

Fox News AI Newsletter: Companies snoop on employees

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March 2, 2024

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An A.I. startup company called Aware is helping big companies monitor employee communications, according to a new report. (iStock)

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– These major companies are using AI to snoop through employees’ messages, report reveals
– SEC reportedly investigating OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s communications
– AI used by US forces to help identify hostile targets in Middle East: report

Major companies like Walmart and Starbucks have begun to use artificial intelligence to monitor employee messages in a controversial new push. (Getty Images)

WATCHING WORKERS: Several companies, including Walmart, Delta, T-Mobile, Chevron and Starbucks, are now reportedly monitoring employee conversations on messaging apps using software from a startup A.I. company called Aware.

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE’: The Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly investigating whether investors in artificial intelligence startup OpenAI were misled.

MODERN-DAY WEAPON: The U.S. is increasing its use of AI technology on the battlefield, most recently in helping the U.S. strike targets in the Middle East, according to a new report.

A missile is launched from a warship during the U.S.-led coalition operation against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in early February. Over the weekend, the U.S. and U United Kingdom conducted joint strikes against the Houthis. (U.S. Central Command)

‘UNACCEPTABLE’: Google is working to fix its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) tool, CEO Sundar Pichai told employees on Tuesday, calling the images generated by the model “biased” and “completely unacceptable.”

WOKE TECH: Google’s public apology after its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) produced historically inaccurate images and refused to show pictures of White people has led to questions about potential racial bias in other big tech chatbots.

Fox News Digital tested the Google, Meta, Microsoft and Open AI chatbots for evidence of racial bias. (Nikolas Kokovlis/ Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/ Rafael Henrique/Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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This article was written by Fox News staff.