Over the past few years, data breaches targeting schools, healthcare providers, and childcare services have been making headlines, exposing sensitive personal information and leaving families vulnerable. Now, a new breach has come to light that targets a nursery chain. Kido, which operates in the U.S., U.K., China and India, has reportedly had sensitive data stolen from thousands of children. Names, photos, addresses, birthdates, parental details and even safeguarding notes and medical records were allegedly accessed by a hacker group called Radiant.

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The incident highlights how stolen data threatens not just privacy but also long-term child safety. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know about nursery breach

According to reports, the hacker group Radiant claims to have stolen data related to around 8,000 children. To prove possession, they posted samples, including pictures and profiles of ten children, on a darknet website. They then issued a ransom demand, threatening to release more sensitive information unless Kido paid. In addition to targeting the nursery chain directly, Radiant reportedly called some of the children’s parents, pressuring them to push Kido into paying the ransom.

FBI WARNS ABOUT NEW EXTORTION SCAM TARGETING SENSITIVE DATA

When questioned about their actions, the group defended their tactics as a form of “penetration testing” for which they supposedly deserved compensation. This defense is misleading, as such testing requires explicit permission from the organization being targeted or participation in an official bug bounty program. Without that consent, these actions are illegal and deeply unethical.

Hackers exploited children’s data in the Kido breach, exposing families to serious risks. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why is this attack so disturbing?

The Kido breach is alarming for multiple reasons. First, it involves children’s data, which is particularly sensitive and legally protected in most countries. Second, the attackers combined traditional data theft with intimidation tactics, reaching out to parents directly. History suggests that once criminals gain access to such information, the attacks can escalate.

Breaches like this highlight how personal and digital security are intertwined. The potential misuse of data extends beyond simple identity theft. It can impact children’s safety, family privacy and long-term well-being. With attackers leveraging both the stolen data and psychological pressure on parents, the threat is particularly potent and long-lasting.

Parents reported being directly contacted by attackers, showing how intimidation adds to the harm. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7 steps parents can take to protect their child’s data

Even though the investigation into the Kido breach is ongoing, parents and schools can take immediate action to protect children’s data and reduce the risk of further exploitation. Here’s a detailed guide:

1) Monitor your child’s online accounts regularly

Log in to email, school portals and cloud storage accounts linked to your child. Look for unusual activity such as unrecognized logins, changes to passwords or new connected devices. Set up notifications for account activity whenever possible so you are alerted instantly if something suspicious happens.

2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts

Adding 2FA creates an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker has a password, they won’t be able to access the account without the second verification step. Most email providers, school portals and messaging platforms support this, and it’s a simple step that dramatically improves security.

3) Consider a personal data removal service

Data broker sites often collect names, addresses and other personal details that hackers can use. Services that remove your child’s information from these databases can make it harder for attackers to find and exploit sensitive data.

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

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

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: CyberGuy.com/FreeScan

THINK YOU’RE SAFE? IDENTITY THEFT COULD WIPE OUT YOUR ENTIRE LIFE’S SAVINGS

4) Use identity theft protection services

These services can continuously scan for your child’s personal information online and alert you if their data appears on suspicious websites or the dark web. This early warning allows you to take action before criminals attempt to exploit it.

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/IdentityTheft

5) Install antivirus software on all devices

A strong antivirus program protects devices from malware, phishing scams, and suspicious scripts. It is particularly important on devices that children use to access school portals or personal accounts. This ensures that if a hacker tries to use malware to get deeper access, it is blocked.

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/LockUpYourTech

6) Use a secure mail provider for sensitive communications

For communications with schools, healthcare providers or any service handling sensitive information about children, consider using an email service that offers strong encryption and built-in protection against spoofing. This makes it harder for attackers to impersonate a school or parent.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit CyberGuy.com/Mail

7) Educate your children about online safety

Teach children not to share personal information online, including photos, addresses or school details. Encourage them to report anything suspicious and explain why it’s important to keep login information private.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Data breaches targeting children are particularly concerning because they can have long-lasting consequences. The Kido incident is a stark reminder of the importance of proactive digital security measures for families. While organizations bear responsibility for protecting sensitive data, parents can take significant steps to monitor, secure and respond to potential threats.

Have you ever reviewed what personal information about your child is online? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

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Across the country, schools are cracking down on cell phone use. At least 18 states have rolled out bell-to-bell bans, with New York calling phones “distraction devices.” Teachers are praising the shift, saying classes feel more focused. But teens? They’re not giving up so easily.

Students are sidestepping bans in the most millennial-inspired way possible, turning Google Docs into digital chat rooms. With laptops open, it looks like they’re working on assignments. In reality, they’re typing messages back and forth in real time, just like an old-school AOL chat room.

SCHOOLS’ SAFETY TOOLS ARE SPYING ON KIDS — EVEN AT HOME

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Students secretly turn Google Docs into real-time chatrooms. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A creative workaround for school cell phone bans

Parents and teachers admit the workaround is clever. One teacher said she respects her students’ determination to stay connected and even acknowledged that the phone ban has improved behavior and focus in class. Still, she worries that turning Google Docs into chat rooms could open the door to bullying or cheating. Parents are also weighing in. One parent told CyberGuy that some kids in their district are buying MacBooks just so they can text each other through iMessage. Others, the parent added, are leaning on email threads or even old-school Post-It notes to keep the conversation alive.

Teens share their classroom hacks on TikTok with pride. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Social media reaction

On TikTok, students proudly show off their “secret” Docs conversations. Captions range from playful, “Your cell phone rule was never going to stop me,” to defiant: “Can’t ever silence us, queens.” The creativity is earning laughs from older generations who remember the days before smartphones. But the trend is also stirring debate. Some parents see it as a harmless way for kids to adapt, while others worry it undermines the entire point of the ban. Educators are split too, amused by the ingenuity, yet frustrated that students are still finding ways to drift off task during lessons. The viral clips prove one thing for sure: when it comes to tech, today’s teens will always find a workaround.

Some kids buy MacBooks to keep texting through iMessage. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Parent tips for navigating school cell phone bans

If your child’s school has adopted a phone ban, there are a few ways you can help them adjust while keeping communication open and safe:

• Talk about the rules at home: Explain why schools are putting these bans in place and set expectations for how your child should behave with laptops and other devices.
• Offer safe communication plans: Work with your child and the school to establish how you’ll contact each other in case of an emergency. Some districts allow phones in lockers or require them to stay powered off in backpacks.
• Encourage balance: Remind your child that downtime from screens can actually help them focus better in class and relax during the school day.
• Monitor alternatives: Keep an eye on how your child uses tools like Google Docs, email or messaging apps. What starts as chatting with friends can sometimes veer into bullying or cheating.
• Be open to feedback: Ask your child how the ban is affecting their school day. Their perspective can help you understand where the real challenges and benefits are showing up.

TEENS AND PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING: WHY THIS DEADLY HABIT PERSISTS

What this means for you

If you’re a parent, this shows just how inventive kids can be when rules are put in place. Cell phone bans may cut down on scrolling, but students are quickly shifting to other tools. They’re chatting through shared Google Docs, buying MacBooks so they can iMessage during class, swapping notes over email, and even sticking to old-school Post-Its to stay in touch. While some of these workarounds seem harmless, they also carry risks, from distractions that take focus away from learning to new opportunities for bullying or even cheating. For teachers, it’s a reminder that managing distractions in the classroom goes beyond phone policies. Laptops, messaging apps, and even simple sticky notes can become back doors for the same behaviors schools are trying to limit. 

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com/Quiz

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Phone bans are reshaping the school day, and educators are already seeing benefits. Yet students are proving they’ll always find ways to connect, whether through phones, laptops or even retro workarounds that echo the early internet era.

What do you think? Are these bans helping kids learn better, or are they simply pushing students to get sneakier with tech? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

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TUCSON, Ariz. – As artificial intelligence becomes more mainstream, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department is looking at how it can use the emerging technology.

At the beginning of the year, deputies began a trial of Axon’s Draft One, which is a program that writes incident reports using AI. A body camera records the interactions, then the program uses the audio plus any additional information from the deputy to create a first draft. Deputies then review everything before submitting the final report.

“They’re able to verify the completeness, the accuracy and all of that,” Capt. Derek Ogden said, “But the initial first draft, they can’t submit as their case report.”

Demonstrating the program, Deputy Dylan Lane showed how Draft One can write a case report that would have taken him 30 minutes to complete in five minutes.

CHATGPT MAY ALERT POLICE ON SUICIDAL TEENS

A Pima County deputy opens Draft One to begin writing his case report. After it’s finished, he will check it for accuracy before submitting it. (Amalia Roy)

“Most of that time is just the quick changes, making sure that all the information is still accurate and then just adding in those little details,” Lane said.

Ogden said Draft One saves crucial time during shifts when deputies are handling multiple incidents back-to-back. He said the program is one of several ways the department is exploring AI tools.

Draft One writes a case report using the recording from an Axon body camera. (Amalia Roy)

“Recently, we saw a detective from our criminal investigative division use AI to identify a deceased unidentified person,” Ogden said. “We’re also looking for ways to increase the productivity and efficiency of our patrol deputies and some of our corrections officers.”

Law enforcement agencies across the country are evaluating how artificial intelligence could help their departments, especially when dealing with resource shortages.

SCHOOLS TURN TO AI GUN DETECTION FOR SAFETY

“A lot of policing agencies are budget constrained. It is very attractive to them to have a tool that could allow them to do more with less,” said Max Isaacs from The Policing Project, which is a non-profit within NYU School of Law that studies public safety and police accountability. 

Isaacs said while AI offers opportunities to save resources, there’s not much data on how much help these programs truly provide.

A Pima County deputy wears an Axon body camera in a simulation of an emergency call. (Amalia Roy)

“You have a lot of examples of crimes being solved or efficiencies being realized,” Isaacs said, “But in terms of large-scale studies that rigorously show us the amount of benefit, we don’t have those yet.”

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO HARNESS AI IN FIGHT AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCERS

 Isaacs also raised the issue of accuracy. 

“AI is not perfect. It can rely on data that is flawed. The system itself could be flawed. When you have errors in AI systems, that can lead to some pretty serious consequences. It can lead to false arrests. It could lead to investigators going down a dead end and wasting time and resources,” Isaacs said.

Addressing those concerns, Ogden agreed that information can be flawed. He said it’s why human eyes must review every report written with Draft One.

After a successful trial with 20 deputies, Ogden said the next step is to expand Draft One to corrections officers.

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I have to tell you about Sora 2. It’s OpenAI’s new video-generating app that’s both mind-blowing and terrifying.

It’s the first tool from any AI company that lets you give it a prompt, and in literally seconds, you get a full-blown, AI-generated video up to a minute long. The results aren’t perfect, but they’re close. Like Hollywood close. 

LEAKED META DOCUMENTS SHOW HOW AI CHATBOTS HANDLE CHILD EXPLOITATION

The lighting, camera motion, facial expressions, it’s all shockingly realistic. 

AI videos surge in light of the new Sora 2 video-generating app. (iStock)

Want to see a golden retriever surfing through Times Square in slow motion? Done. A drone shot of a city being built out of clouds? Easy. 

Dead celebrities

People are using Sora 2 to generate fake videos of dead celebrities doing things they never did. 

• JFK is deepfaked into a WWE superstar.
• Tupac appears with Mr. Rogers talking about respect.
• Stephen Hawking is attacked in the UFC. Warning: I knew this was all AI, but it was still upsetting to watch. Weird, right?
• Even Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is shoplifting GPUs from Target.

SEN SANDERS: AI MUST BENEFIT EVERYONE, NOT JUST A HANDFUL OF BILLIONAIRES

I’m sure you know that under U.S. law, “defaming” someone only applies to living people, not the dead. That means families and estates have no legal recourse when someone uses AI to humiliate or misrepresent their loved one. It’s a free-for-all right now, and no one’s accountable. 

Even creepier?  

In this photo illustration, a smartphone screen shows the Sora 2 app icon developed by OpenAI, in front of the company’s logo, on October 8, 2025, in Chongqing, China. Sora 2 is OpenAI’s next-generation generative video model that powers the Sora app, supporting synchronized audio, realistic motion, and physically accurate scene simulation. (Photo illustration by Cheng Xin/Getty Images) ((Photo illustration by Cheng Xin/Getty Images))

Sora is also being used for stalking and impersonation. All it takes is a photo, and you can make a video of anyone doing anything. Fake crimes, revenge content, political lies, it’s all possible. 

Zero guardrails

DEMOCRATS DEMAND ‘ROBOT TAX’ AS AI REPORTEDLY THREATENS TO REPLACE 100M US JOBS

OpenAI says you need permission to use a person’s face or voice. Yea, like that’s going to stop someone.  

If the guy who runs OpenAI can’t stop his own face from being misused, what chance do the rest of us have? Right now, you can only get Sora 2 as an iPhone app. You’ll need an OpenAI account, and it’s still invite-only, so most people don’t have access yet.  

Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI Inc., during a media tour of the Stargate AI data center in Abilene, Texas, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. Stargate is a collaboration of OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank, with promotional support from President Donald Trump, to build data centers and other infrastructure for artificial intelligence throughout the US. (Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images) (Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Sora 2 is an incredible tool. But it’s being abused, and the guardrails are flimsy at best. So from now on, when a video goes viral, you better assume it’s fake until proven real.

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When you live in an area with limited or no cell service, Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver. It keeps you connected for calls and texts when your phone would otherwise be useless. However, some iPhone users have noticed that this feature appears to drain their battery more quickly than usual. Laura B wrote to us asking,

“Living in a rural area with no cell service, naturally, my iPhone is used with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi calling only. It seems to me it uses more battery this way than when connected to cellular data. Is this possible?”

Laura’s question is a common one, and the short answer is: yes, Wi-Fi calling can sometimes use more battery than a strong cellular connection. The reasons haven’t changed much in iOS 26, but Apple has added a few tools that make it easier to understand and manage battery use. And if you’re on Android, don’t worry; we’ll cover the steps for your phone too, further down.

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10 IOS 26 TRICKS THAT HELP YOU GET MORE OUT OF YOUR IPHONE

Wi-Fi calling keeps you connected but can drain your iPhone battery faster. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why Wi-Fi calling can use more power

Even though Wi-Fi calling is designed to keep you connected, there are a few behind-the-scenes reasons it may drain your iPhone battery faster than expected.

1) Your phone still looks for a cellular signal

Even when you don’t have service, your iPhone may periodically scan for towers. That search drains energy unless you take steps to stop it.

2) Wi-Fi antenna + call processes stay active

Wi-Fi calling requires your Wi-Fi radio to remain on constantly while also running extra background processes to stabilize calls. That workload can use more energy than simply maintaining a strong LTE signal.

3) Weak or unstable Wi-Fi makes things worse

If your Wi-Fi signal drops or fluctuates, your iPhone works harder to maintain the connection. That extra effort can warm the phone and eat into your battery.

WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS

Simple tweaks help you enjoy Wi-Fi calling without killing your charge. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to Make Wi-Fi Calling More Battery-Friendly on iOS 26

These settings are tried-and-true and work just as well in iOS 26:

1) Stop your iPhone from searching for towers

• Go to Settings
• Tap Airplane Mode
• Turn it ON
• Then go back to Wi-Fi in Settings and turn Wi-Fi ON manually

This keeps your iPhone from wasting power looking for nonexistent cell service.

2) Keep Wi-Fi Calling enabled

• Open Settings.
• Scroll down and tap Apps.
• Click Phone.
• Tap Wi-Fi Calling.
• Make sure “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone” is switched ON.

3) Reduce background activity

• Background App Refresh: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → set to Wi-Fi only or turn it off for apps you don’t need.
• Mail Fetch: Settings → Apps →Mail → Accounts → Fetch New Data → change to Manually or set a longer interval like Every 30 minutes or Every 15 Minutes. 

4) Cut screen and system drain

• Brightness: Settings → Display & Brightness → lower brightness or use Auto-Brightness by clicking Automatic. 
• Location Services: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → turn off for apps that don’t need it.

5) Keep Wi-Fi connection strong

• Place your phone closer to the router
• Consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system if your signal drops across the house

YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT’S NOT

iOS 26 adds new battery analytics to track and manage power use. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What iOS 26 adds to the mix

Apple didn’t change how Wi-Fi calling itself works in iOS 26, but it did improve how you can monitor and manage battery use:

• Adaptive Power (on supported iPhones): This feature adjusts things like screen brightness, refresh rates and background tasks automatically when your battery starts draining faster than usual.
• New battery analytics: iOS 26 shows a single weekly average view with clearer breakdowns of which apps and processes are using power. To check this: Open Settings → scroll down and tap Battery→ the Weekly view of average battery use appears by default → tap a bar to see a specific day’s app and process usage → scroll down and tap Show All Battery Usage to view Screen Active vs. Screen Idle time and charging history alongside the updated weekly stats

These tools don’t remove Wi-Fi calling’s overhead, but they give you better visibility and, in some cases, automatic tweaks to help stretch your charge.

How Wi-Fi calling affects battery on Android

Android users face many of the same challenges as iPhone owners when it comes to Wi-Fi calling and battery drain. The basic reasons overlap; extra processes, Wi-Fi radios staying active and unstable signals. But Android also has some unique quirks and settings worth adjusting.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer 

Your phone still scans for cell towers

Even when Wi-Fi calling is on, your Android device may keep searching for mobile networks in the background. This constant scan eats up power unless you turn it off.

Fix: Enable Airplane Mode, then manually switch Wi-Fi back on. To do this open Settings, tap Network & Internet, and turn on Airplane Mode. Once it’s active, go back into Wi-Fi, switch it on manually and reconnect to your network so Wi-Fi calling still works without the phone constantly searching for cell towers.

Carrier settings differ

Not every carrier handles Wi-Fi calling the same way on Android. Some route calls differently, which can use more energy depending on the network.

Fix: Check your carrier’s Wi-Fi calling preferences in Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Advanced → Wi-Fi Calling.

Background apps can pile on

Unlike iOS, many Android devices allow dozens of apps to keep running in the background. When Wi-Fi calling is active, that extra load can drain faster.

Fix: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Usage and identify apps draining the most power, then restrict background activity.

Adaptive Battery and Power Saving modes

Most Android phones (Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, etc.) include Adaptive Battery or similar power-saving tools. These features limit battery-hungry apps when Wi-Fi calling is active.

Fix: Enable Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery → Adaptive Preferences, or use Power Saving mode if you notice faster drain during calls.

Strengthen your Wi-Fi signal

As with iPhones, weak Wi-Fi is a big culprit. Dropped or unstable Wi-Fi forces your Android phone to work overtime to keep a call steady.

Fix: Stay near your router or consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Wi-Fi calling is a lifesaver when you’re off the grid, but it does come with trade-offs. It can use more power than a strong cellular connection, especially if your Wi-Fi signal isn’t steady. The good news is that iOS 26 gives you better battery insights and smarter tools to help manage power. With a few simple tweaks, like turning on Airplane Mode when there’s no service, limiting background apps and keeping your Wi-Fi strong, you can cut unnecessary drain.

What’s been your biggest challenge with your phone’s battery life, and how do you manage it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

Cybercriminals are getting smarter every day, and one of their most convincing tricks is disguising phishing emails to look like they’re coming from people you trust. Work emails are particularly dangerous because they lower your guard. After all, if the sender is your boss or IT department, why would you suspect anything? Unfortunately, scammers know this and use it to their advantage. I recently received an email from Krysti from Rockwall, Texas, who highlighted a similar issue.

“I received a spam email from my employer’s email. It had a document attached to it. I tried to open it and could not. I contacted my employer and they told me they hadn’t sent me anything. I changed my password and ran a virus scan. I also have been checking on the dark web for anything coming up on me. So far everything is okay. I did sign up for antivirus software based on your recommendation and we are signed up for identity theft protection. Is there anything else I should do?”

Incidents like this are more common than many realize, Krysti. And while it sounds like you took the right first steps by changing your password, scanning for malware and monitoring for identity misuse, there are a few additional precautions worth taking. A close call is often a warning sign that your digital habits might need tightening. Let’s break down why these attacks are so dangerous and what everyone should do to make sure they’re fully protected.

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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SNEAKY WEB INJECTION SCAMS

Phishing emails often look like they come from someone you know, making them harder to spot. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why work email scams are so dangerous

Phishing attempts that impersonate coworkers or employers are particularly effective because they rely on trust and urgency. You’re more likely to open an attachment or click a link if you believe it’s tied to your job. Scammers often spoof legitimate email addresses or use addresses that look almost identical to the real ones, hoping you won’t notice the subtle difference.

Once you interact with these emails, the risks multiply. Opening a malicious attachment could install spyware or ransomware. Clicking a fake link might lead to a login page designed to harvest your credentials. Even if nothing obvious happens right away, attackers could still be collecting background information to use in a future attack.

These scams are becoming harder to spot, too. Some are powered by artificial intelligence-generated text, making them free of the usual grammar mistakes that used to be obvious red flags. Others use stolen email threads to insert themselves into ongoing conversations. That’s why even seasoned professionals fall for them.

GOOGLE CONFIRMS DATA STOLEN IN BREACH BY KNOWN HACKER GROUP

Opening a fake attachment can secretly install malware or spyware on your device. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What to do immediately after a close call

Changing your password or running a malware scan is often not enough to stop attackers. It’s worth going a little further to make sure nothing slipped through. Start by checking your login history to see if there are any unauthorized sign-ins on your email or work accounts.

Most platforms allow you to review recent activity, including device type and location, and if anything looks suspicious, sign out of all sessions immediately and change your password again. Next, enable two-factor authentication on your email and any other critical accounts. Even if attackers manage to steal your password, they won’t be able to gain access without the second verification step.

It’s also important to alert your IT team, especially if the email appears to come from your employer’s address. This could mean the company’s email system has been compromised, and notifying them will allow them to investigate and secure other accounts if necessary. Finally, make sure all your software is up to date. Malware often exploits vulnerabilities in outdated systems, so regularly updating your operating system, antivirus and productivity tools adds another layer of protection against future attacks.

DON’T FALL FOR THIS BANK PHISHING SCAM TRICK

Work email scams are rising, and even experienced professionals can get fooled. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7 ways to check if your device or data is compromised

Some cyber threats don’t reveal themselves immediately. Scammers often collect small bits of data over time or wait weeks before trying to use what they’ve stolen. The following steps are actions anyone can take to make sure their device and personal data remain secure, and to catch any signs of compromise before they turn into serious problems.

1) Consider a personal data removal service

The more personal information about you that’s publicly available, the easier it is for scammers to target you. Data removal services can help by scanning hundreds of data broker websites and removing your details from them. Reducing this digital footprint not only makes it harder for attackers to build profiles on you but also limits how easily phishing attempts can be tailored to your life.

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

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

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

HOW FAKE MICROSOFT ALERTS TRICK YOU INTO PHISHING SCAMS 

2) Monitor for already exposed personal data

Your information could already be circulating in breach dumps and underground markets without you realizing it. Identity protection services monitor known dark-web sources, forums and leak sites for your email, phone, SSN and other sensitive details. If they find a match, they alert you so you can act quickly: change passwords, turn on two-factor authentication and place fraud alerts or credit freezes with the credit bureaus.

Your information might already be circulating in dark web marketplaces without you realizing it. Identity theft protection services can help by continuously scanning those underground sites for your email, passwords or other sensitive details. If your data does show up, these services notify you right away so you can reset credentials, freeze accounts or take other protective actions before the information is misused.

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

3) Watch for suspicious financial activity

Even if you never shared payment details, attackers may attempt account takeovers or fraudulent transactions using any information they have. Review your bank, credit card and online account statements frequently for unusual activity. Pairing this habit with identity theft protection tools gives you an added safety net, as they often include financial monitoring and fraud alerts to catch problems quickly. 

4) Review connected accounts

Email accounts are often the central hub for many other services. If your inbox is compromised, attackers might try to break into linked accounts such as cloud storage, messaging apps or collaboration tools. Check each of these services for unfamiliar logins, permission changes or device activity, and secure them by changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. 

5) Use a password manager

Weak or reused passwords are one of the easiest ways for attackers to break into accounts after a breach. A password manager solves this by generating and storing strong, unique passwords for every site you use. It also acts as a passive phishing detector. If the tool doesn’t autofill a login form, that’s a sign the page could be fake. Over time, this significantly reduces your risk of falling victim to credential-based attacks.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager 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.

6) Install reliable antivirus protection

Modern cyber threats go beyond viruses. A strong antivirus solution now acts as a full security layer, blocking phishing websites, detecting malicious scripts and stopping suspicious activity before it can compromise your device. If you’ve interacted with a suspicious attachment or link, a reputable antivirus tool can catch malware that might still be hiding in the background.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

7) Enable account alerts

Most major platforms allow you to turn on alerts for unusual account activity, such as new sign-ins, password resets or changes to security settings. These real-time notifications act as an early warning system, giving you a chance to lock down your accounts before significant damage occurs.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Close calls like this are unsettling, but they are also valuable wake-up calls. Cybercriminals are constantly refining their tactics, and phishing emails that once looked laughably fake can now be nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. The key is to build layers of defense, not just reactive steps after an incident, but proactive habits that make you a harder target in the first place.

Have you ever clicked on an email that turned out to be a scam? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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