New research may shock a lot of Apple fans: iPhone users are actually more likely to fall for online scams than Android owners. The problem isn’t the device itself; it’s the habits of the people using it.

The survey from Malwarebytes, a global cybersecurity company, of 1,300 adults across the United States, United Kingdom, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, found that many iPhone owners put blind trust in Apple’s security. That confidence makes them easier targets for scammers who count on overconfidence.

5 PHONE SETTINGS TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW FOR A SAFER SMARTPHONE

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New research suggests iPhone users are more likely to fall for online scams than Android users. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The truth about iPhone security habits

Here’s what the Malwarebytes survey uncovered:

• More than half of iPhone users (53%) admitted they’ve fallen for a scam, compared to 48% of Android users.
• Only 21% of iPhone owners add security software, while 29% of Android users do.
• Just 35% of iPhone users set unique, strong passwords, compared to 41% of Android owners.
• 47% of iPhone users grabbed a “best price” deal from shady sellers, compared to 40% of Android users.
• 41% of iPhone owners DM’d sellers for discounts on social media, compared to 33% of Android owners.

The takeaway? It’s not the phone that makes you safe, it’s your choices every time you go online.

A survey from Malwarebytes found that many iPhone owners blindly trust Apple’s security measures, which makes them easier targets for scammers who count on overconfidence. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why this matters

For years, Apple’s reputation led iPhone users to believe they were automatically safer. This study proves otherwise. Cybercriminals don’t care what brand of phone you carry; they care about how easy it is to trick you. And right now, too many iPhone users are letting their guard down.

Many iPhone software updates contain security patches that block new threats to keep users safe.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7 ways to stay safe on iPhone

Even if you love your iPhone, staying safe means making smarter choices online. Follow these steps to keep scammers one step behind you.

1) Stop and double-check

If something feels off, whether it’s a text, link, or offer, pause. Scammers rely on urgency to trick you.

2) Avoid random links and shady DMs

Never click on links or QR codes from unknown senders. Always visit the company’s website directly. Also, use strong antivirus software to block malicious links before they reach you. 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/LockUpYourTech

3) Keep your software updated

Apple pushes out updates for a reason. Many contain security patches that block new threats. Make sure your iPhone is always running the latest iOS and app updates.

How to update iOS:

• Go to Settings
• Tap General
• Click Software Update and install any available updates. 

Manually updating apps:

• Open the App Store.
• Tap your profile icon at the top right.
• Scroll down to see pending updates.
• Tap Update All (or update individual apps).

Enabling Automatic App Updates:

• Open Settings.
• Scroll down and tap App Store.
• Under Automatic Downloads, toggle on App Updates.

This way, your phone will always stay current, reducing the chances that hackers can exploit old vulnerabilities.

IS YOUR PHONE HACKED? HOW TO TELL AND WHAT TO DO

4) Pick stronger, unique passwords

Using the same password everywhere is a hacker’s dream. Create unique ones for each account. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see CyberGuy.com/Passwords) 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/Passwords

5) Consider using a personal data removal service

Scammers thrive on the personal details they can easily find about you online, and iPhone users in particular tend to overshare and trust their device to keep them safe. That leaves a bigger trail for criminals to exploit. A personal data removal service helps wipe your information from data broker sites and shady lists that fuel targeted scams. 

While no service can erase everything, it makes it much harder for crooks to connect the dots and trick you. 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

6) Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most powerful ways to lock down your accounts. It adds an extra login step that blocks criminals, even if they already have your password. On your iPhone:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap on [your name] (your Apple ID at the top).
• Select Sign‑In & Security.
• Tap Turn On Two‑Factor Authentication, then tap Continue.
• Enter a trusted phone number to receive verification codes (via text or call), tap Next, and enter the code sent to you to complete the setup.

Once set up, you’ll get a code each time you or someone else tries to sign in.

7) Don’t trade personal info for deals

Skip giving out your phone number or email just to snag a coupon, unlock a discount code, or enter a giveaway. Scammers use those details to target you later with spam, phishing attempts, and even identity theft schemes. Instead, create and use an alias email address for sign-ups, promotions, or contests. That way your real inbox stays private, and suspicious offers won’t expose your personal data.

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

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What this means for you

If you own an iPhone, don’t assume Apple’s built-in tools are enough. Android users appear to be more proactive, but everyone is vulnerable. Real security comes from your habits, not your hardware.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The bottom line: iPhone users are falling for scams more often because they trust too much and protect too little. The fix is simple: be cautious, be skeptical, and add extra protection. Because when it comes to scams, it’s not about the device, it’s about you.

Do you still believe Apple makes you safer, or are you ready to admit that scammers can outsmart any phone? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

Shopping has gone digital, and with it comes a whole new language. From the way you pay to the platforms you browse, technology is rewriting the rules of retail. We’ll break down five essential terms that directly shape how you shop today, from affiliate links powering influencer recommendations to same-day delivery that gets products to your door in hours.

Stay tuned for more in this series as we decode the tech jargon behind the evolving world of e-commerce, answering the top questions we get from readers like you.

10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE BUYING REFURBISHED ELECTRONICS

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Online shopping comes with its own set of terms native to the digital space. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1) Digital wallet

Your phone, your wallet

A digital wallet is an app that securely stores your credit cards, debit cards, tickets and even IDs on your smartphone. Instead of swiping plastic, you can simply tap your phone or smartwatch to pay at checkout.

Where you’ve likely used it:

• Apple Pay or Google Pay at a coffee shop.
• Samsung Pay at a grocery store.
• Storing boarding passes, concert tickets or loyalty cards.

Digital wallets use encryption and biometric security (like Face ID) to keep your payment data safe. They also cut down on physical clutter—no more fumbling with cards at the register.

Want to make sure your digital wallet is safe? Check out my guide to setting strong authentication and avoiding scams targeting mobile payments.

2) Buy now, pay later

How installment plans reshape shopping

You’ve probably seen “Pay in 4” or “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) at checkout. Some websites and services allow you to split purchases into smaller payments over time, typically with no interest if paid on schedule.

Why it matters:

• Makes big-ticket items more accessible.
• Helps you budget, but late fees can add up.
• Retailers sell more by lowering the upfront cost.

If you want even more ways to manage expenses, take a look at my guide on saving big at the grocery store using simple, proven hacks. For even more ways to stretch your dollars, check out my guide on the best ways to save money on gas with apps and loyalty programs.

9 ONLINE PRIVACY RISKS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT

A digital wallet is an app that securely stores your credit cards, debit cards, tickets and other items like IDs on your smartphone. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

3) Same-day fulfillment

From warehouse to your doorstep in hours

The phrase same-day fulfillment describes when retailers use advanced logistics to process, pack, and ship your order so you get it within hours instead of days. Think Amazon Prime Now or Walmart’s express delivery.

How it works:

• Local warehouses and stores act as mini shipping hubs.
• Algorithms map the fastest routes for couriers.
• Automation speeds up picking, packing, and delivery.

It’s convenience at its peak, and for urgent needs (like a birthday gift you forgot), same-day fulfillment is a lifesaver. Be sure to check out my list of the 5 best secrets to shopping smarter on Amazon to save time and money.

4) Social commerce

Shopping where you scroll

Social commerce is the blend of social media and online shopping. Instead of just seeing ads, you can now buy directly through platforms like TikTok Shop, Instagram Checkout or Pinterest.

What makes it unique:

• Seamless shopping without leaving the app.
• Real-time recommendations from influencers and creators.
• Viral products can sell out within hours.

For consumers, it’s impulse buying made easier. For businesses, it’s a new way to reach audiences where they already spend time.

Want to avoid scams? Stick to verified shops and use buyer protection options when available. For more ways to stay safe while shopping online, check out my CyberGuy guide on how to tell if an online store is real or a scam. 

Social commerce blends the experiences of online shopping and browsing social media. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5) Dropshipping

Selling without the stockroom

Dropshipping is a retail model where the seller doesn’t keep products in stock. Instead, when you place an order, it’s sent directly to a third-party supplier who ships it straight to your door.

How it works:

• You buy from an online shop.
• The shop forwards your order to a manufacturer or wholesaler.
• That supplier handles storage, packing and shipping.

Why it’s popular:

• Entrepreneurs can start online stores without investing in warehouses.
• Stores can offer a wide variety of products without holding inventory.

The downside? Shipping times may be longer, product quality can vary and customer service sometimes suffers since the seller isn’t handling the goods directly. Still, dropshipping has become a cornerstone of e-commerce, powering countless online shops you scroll past every day. For some advice on how to start and grow an online store, visit CyberGuy’s guide on 10 easy ways to help launch a successful online shop.

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Pro tip: protect yourself while shopping online

Even as shopping gets more convenient, cyberthreats also grow. Fake stores, phishing scams, and shady links can put your data at risk. That’s why running a strong antivirus program is essential.

Why antivirus matters for e-commerce:

• Scans links and downloads before they harm your device
• Blocks malicious pop-ups on retail and social sites
• Warns you about suspicious checkout pages

Using strong antivirus software gives you peace of mind while shopping online. It’s a small step that keeps your personal and financial information safe as e-commerce evolves.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech 

Kurt’s key takeaways:

E-commerce is moving faster than ever. By understanding these five terms, you shop with confidence and spot trends before they become mainstream. From digital wallets to dropshipping, each concept shapes how products reach your hands. Stay curious, keep learning, and watch how retail continues to evolve.

What changes in online shopping do you think will matter most in the next few years? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

AI browsers are no longer just an idea; they’re already here. Microsoft has built Copilot into Edge, OpenAI is testing a sandboxed browser in agent mode and Perplexity’s Comet is one of the first to fully embrace the concept of browsing for you.

This is agentic AI stepping into our daily routines, from searching and reading to shopping and clicking. Instead of simply assisting us, these tools are beginning to replace us.

But with this shift comes a new era of digital deception. AI-powered browsers may promise convenience by handling shopping, emails and other tasks, yet research shows they can stumble into scams faster than humans ever could. This dangerous mix of speed and trust is what experts call Scamlexity, a complex, AI-driven scam landscape where your agent gets tricked, and you pay the price.

HACKER EXPLOITS AI CHATBOT IN CYBERCRIME SPREE

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Falling for the same old tricks

AI browsers are not immune to classic scams. In fact, they can fall for them even faster. When researchers at Guardio Labs told an AI browser to buy an Apple Watch, it confidently completed the purchase, on a fake Walmart store set up in minutes. It autofilled personal and payment details without hesitation. The scammer got the money, while the human never saw the red flags.

AI browsers promise convenience, but security experts warn they can fall for online scams faster than humans. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Handling phishing emails from “your bank”

Old phishing tactics also remain effective. In testing, researchers at Guardio Labs sent a fake Wells Fargo email to the AI browser. The browser clicked the malicious link with no verification and even helped the user fill out login credentials on the phishing page. By removing human intuition from the loop, the AI created a perfect trust chain that scammers could exploit.

PromptFix: A modern AI injection scam

The real danger comes from attacks designed specifically for AI. Researchers at Guardio Labs created PromptFix, a scam disguised as a CAPTCHA page. While humans would only see a checkbox, the AI agent read hidden malicious instructions in the page code. Believing it was “helping,” the AI clicked the button, triggering a download that could have been malware. This type of prompt injection bypasses human awareness and targets the AI’s decision-making directly. Once compromised, the AI can send emails, share files or execute harmful tasks without the user ever knowing.

The growing risks of AI browsers

As Agentic AI becomes mainstream, scams will scale at an alarming speed. Instead of fooling millions of people individually, attackers need only to compromise one AI model to reach millions at once. Security experts warn this is a structural risk, not just a phishing problem.

Tips to protect yourself from AI browser scams

AI browsers can save time, but they can also put you at risk if you rely on them too much. Use these practical steps to stay in control and reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

1) Stay in control of your AI

Always double-check sensitive actions like purchases, downloads or logins. Keep final approval in your hands instead of letting the AI complete tasks on its own. This way, you prevent scammers from sneaking past your awareness.

2) Use a personal data removal service

Scammers rely on exposed personal details to make their tricks more convincing. A trusted data removal service can help scrub your information from broker sites, reducing the chance that your AI agent hands over details that are already floating around online. 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.

 GOOGLE AI EMAIL SUMMARIES CAN BE HACKED TO HIDE PHISHING ATTACKS

AI browsers still click malicious links and autofill login credentials with no human oversight or verification to stop them. (Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

3) Use strong antivirus software

Install and keep strong antivirus software updated. It adds an extra line of defense that can catch threats your AI browser may miss, including malicious files and unsafe downloads. 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.

4) Consider using a password manager

A trusted password manager helps you generate and store strong, unique passwords. It can also alert you if the AI agent tries to reuse weak or compromised passwords when logging into sites.

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.

5) Watch your accounts closely

Review your bank and credit card statements often. If your AI agent shops or manages accounts for you, always cross-check receipts and login records. Quick action on suspicious charges can stop a scam from spreading further.

6) Beware of hidden AI instructions

Scammers hide malicious instructions in the code your AI reads, and the agent may follow them without question. If something feels wrong, stop the task and handle it manually.

HOW AI IS NOW HELPING HACKERS FOOL YOUR BROWSER’S SECURITY TOOLS

Kurt’s key takeaways

AI browsers bring convenience, but they also bring risk. By removing human judgment from critical tasks, they expose a wider scam surface than ever before. Scamlexity is a wake-up call: the AI you trust could be tricked in ways you never see coming. Staying safe means staying alert and demanding stronger guardrails in every AI tool you use.

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Would you trust an AI browser to handle your banking and shopping, or is the risk of Scamlexity too high? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

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

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Zuckerberg’s AI glasses suffer live demo hiccup at major tech event
– OpenAI announces measures to protect teens using ChatGPT
– OPINION: Speed up B-21 Raider stealth bombers to counter China

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wears the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, as he delivers a speech presenting the new line of smart glasses, during the Meta Connect event at the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, U.S., September 17, 2025.  (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

THAT ZUCKS: Mark Zuckerberg’s much-anticipated demo of Meta’s new AI glasses tanked Wednesday at the Connect 2025 keynote, with glitches playing out in front of a packed audience.

‘WORTHY TRADEOFF’: OpenAI on Tuesday announced new measures aimed at creating a safer experience for teens who use ChatGPT.

SPARTAN SOARS: She’s nicknamed “Spartan.” The second B-21 Raider stealth bomber fittingly flew on Sept. 11, from its factory in the high desert of Palmdale, California, to adjacent Edwards Air Force Base. 

The B-21 Raider was unveiled to the public at a ceremony Dec. 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California. Designed to operate in tomorrow’s high-end threat environment, the B-21 will play a critical role in ensuring America’s enduring airpower capability. (U.S. Air Force photo)

BUTLER BOT: What if a robot could handle cleaning, serving and even complex tasks around your home or workplace? That’s exactly what X Square Robot hopes to deliver with its latest launch. 

THREAT SOURCE: Netskope CEO Sanjay Beri explains how his cybersecurity company uses A.I. models to protect customers and its path to profitability on ‘The Claman Countdown.’

Sanjay Beri, chief executive officer of Netskope Inc., during the company’s initial public offering (IPO) at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York, US, on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. Netskope Inc.’s shares jumped 21% in its trading debut, after the cybersecurity firm raised $908.2 million in an initial public offering.  (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

‘SPEED TO POWER’: U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright announces ‘Speed to Power’ initiative designed to cut red tape and accelerate major grid infrastructure projects nationwide on ‘Mornings with Maria.’

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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