When someone stops breathing, the clock starts ticking. First responders often need to get air into the lungs fast, and one of the most reliable ways is to slide a tube into the windpipe. This process, called intubation, keeps the airway open so that oxygen can flow again.

Here’s the catch: intubation is incredibly hard. Even trained doctors can struggle, and every extra second puts the patient at greater risk. Now, researchers at UC Santa Barbara have designed a soft robotic device that could change how first responders handle these emergencies. It helps guide the breathing tube into place quickly, safely, and with far less training than traditional methods.

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Why breathing tubes are so tough to place

Our bodies are built to keep food and foreign objects out of the lungs. A small flap called the epiglottis blocks the windpipe during swallowing, and the path into the trachea is narrow and curved. To get around these obstacles, current tools are rigid. Medics have to lift the epiglottis with a metal scope and carefully angle the tube forward. If it slips into the esophagus instead, oxygen goes to the stomach instead of the lungs. “Traditional tools must be stiff so you can push them, and they only turn by pressing on sensitive tissue,” explained Elliot Hawkes, professor of mechanical engineering at UCSB.

DANGEROUS HEART CONDITIONS DETECTED IN SECONDS WITH AI STETHOSCOPE

Even trained doctors can struggle with intubation. (Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

How the soft robot works

The new system, called the soft robotic intubation system (SRIS), takes a gentler approach. First, a curved guide sits at the back of the throat. Then a soft inflatable tube slowly unrolls from the inside out as it advances. Instead of being forced in, it naturally follows the right path into the windpipe. This reduces friction, lowers the risk of injury and adapts to different body shapes automatically. “This growing paradigm naturally accounts for minor variations in anatomy,” said lead author David Haggerty, a recent UCSB Ph.D. graduate.

What the tests show

The results are eye-opening:

• Experts had a 100% success rate.
• Paramedics and EMTs reached a 96% success rate with just five minutes of training.
• Non-experts placed the tube in an average of 21 seconds, less than half the time needed with advanced video laryngoscopes.

Why this device could save more lives

Millions of emergency intubations happen in the U.S. each year. Many take place in chaotic, low-light or stressful situations where current tools don’t always work. A device that makes the process easier could be a lifesaver for:

• Paramedics at accident scenes
• Military medics in combat zones
• Doctors in hospitals with limited equipment

AI VIDEO TECH FAST-TRACKS HUMANOID ROBOT TRAINING

In trials, both experts and non-experts achieved faster and more successful intubations using the new airway management system — advancing emergency response efficiency. (Kurt Knutsson)

The UCSB team is now preparing for clinical trials and FDA approval.

HOW MICRO-ROBOTS MAY SOON TREAT YOUR SINUS INFECTIONS

What this means for you

If this device lives up to its early promise, it could mean that more patients survive emergencies where breathing stops. For families, it means a higher chance that first responders can keep loved ones alive until they reach the hospital. For medics, it offers a safer, faster tool when seconds truly matter.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Breathing is life, yet securing an airway is one of the toughest jobs in emergency care. This soft robotic system may help turn a high-risk procedure into something more predictable and safe. While more testing is still ahead, the early data shows how robotics could make a lifesaving difference for patients everywhere.

Medical staff participate in hands-on training to practice emergency response and resuscitation techniques using a lifelike simulation mannequin. (Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

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Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard enough, and families are lucky if they’re able to prepare in advance for the worst. What most families aren’t prepared for, though, are the predatory calls and letters that begin just weeks after filing probate paperwork—the records necessary to officially manage the estate and assets of the decedent. 

Digital scams take advantage of families during this time. They rely on probate records in particular, as they contain sensitive information and are a part of the public record. Fraudsters pose as attorneys, debt collectors and estate service providers, each demanding the immediate payment of made-up fees. This is also known as the “inheritance trap.” It’s a growing kind of cybercrime where scammers exploit public probate records to target grieving families when they’re at their most vulnerable.

HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

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The probate system’s problem with privacy

Probate is a normal, legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, and in most state jurisdictions, these filings become part of the public record. While transparency serves legitimate purposes, it creates an opportunity for scammers. Probate documents typically include:

• Names and addresses of heirs and beneficiaries
• Detailed asset inventories and estate values
• Property descriptions and locations
• Names of executors and personal representatives
• Court dates and filing information.

Digital inheritance scams take advantage of grieving families by relying on probate records. (uchar/Getty Images)

These records are accessible to anyone, often through online databases that make bulk scraping simple. Criminals systematically monitor probate filings, building target lists of families who are emotionally vulnerable and potentially receiving significant inheritances.

REMOVE YOUR DATA TO PROTECT YOUR RETIREMENT FROM SCAMMERS

How to spot a probate scam

There are four common types of inheritance traps that use probate records as sources for their fraudulent claims:

The fake fee scam: Just like the DMV notice scam that claims the recipient has unpaid toll fees, scammers use probate data to pose as attorneys or court officials, claiming heirs owe fees to release inheritance funds. They create urgency with threats of legal action or frozen assets, demanding payment via wire transfer or gift cards.

The fake debt collector: Fraudsters send texts or make AI-generated voice calls, claiming that the deceased person owed debts that have to be settled immediately. They often have enough information from probate records to sound legitimate, pressuring families to pay non-existent debts.

The fake estate service: Scams that offer seemingly helpful services like “property appraisals,” “finding hidden assets,” or “estate clean-out services” can look like they offer reasonable deals. Some take payment and disappear—others perform unnecessary services that families never requested.

Cyberguy lays out ways to avoid inheritance scams. (Cyberguy.com)

The “advanced fee” gift: Anyone who promises to expedite probate proceedings or secure larger inheritances for an upfront fee is probably in it to win it (for themselves). Some cases even involve disgruntled family members acting out of greed. These are not your run-of-the-mill remote scammers from a foreign country; these can be local “facilitators” who have no actual authority and simply pocket the money. If someone claims you have an inheritance coming, but they need “a fee to unlock it” or they promise to “handle your probate case” for a small upfront fee, you guessed it—nothing ever comes from it.

Why probate scams work

Grief is a beacon for fraudsters. With grief comes diminished critical thinking from even the hardiest of privacy diehards. Scammers deliberately strike during this window when defenses are low. A scammer who can reference your personal information, family information or property details doesn’t sound like a criminal, they sound like a legitimate professional. Scams often use the weapon of urgency—you have to purportedly act fast to avoid asset seizures, legal penalties or missed deadlines. When something demands immediate action, victims feel compelled to respond before verifying claims or consulting attorneys, which is exactly what fraudsters count on.

HOW TO HAND OFF DATA PRIVACY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS TO A TRUSTED LOVED ONE

How to protect yourself against the inheritance trap

The good news is that with awareness and a few smart steps, you can lower your risk of falling victim to inheritance scams.

1) Verify, verify, verify

Never send money or give information to an unsolicited contact about an estate. If someone claims you owe fees or have obligations, independently verify their identity or company. Contact the probate court directly using publicly listed numbers, not information provided by the caller. Ask your estate attorney about any claims before making payments.

2) Limit information sharing

In most jurisdictions, you can’t prevent a probate filing from going public. But you can minimize additional data exposure by not sharing anything on social media and limiting contact to only key parties that you trust with financial information.

3) Use personal data removal services

Data removal services specialize in removing personal information from data broker sites that scammers use to supplement probate data. Personal information combined with probate records create the perfect setup for inheritance traps—scammers can make super-convincing, alarmist content that can bypass your intuition about scams, especially during times of grief.

Illustration of a cybercriminal. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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.

5 STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCES FROM FAMILY SCAMS

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

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4) Let them leave a voicemail

Legitimate attorneys and court officials will leave detailed messages and provide callback numbers you can verify independently by searching online. Unknown callers without legit numbers are likely scams. 

5) Ask about your bank’s fraud detection

Set up appropriate fraud alerts and prevention methods with the bank or estate holder, especially if the estate holds a significant value that would be a golden opportunity for thieves. 

Scammers use convincing calls and messages to pressure people into paying fake debts, authorities warn. (Cyberguy.com)

6) Report inheritance scams immediately

You can report potential probate scams to your probate court. They can issue a special order to protect assets, require executors to adopt formal procedures or even remove an executor for fraudulent behavior. You can also go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file a complaint. 

7) Share what you know

Ensure elderly relatives or those less familiar with scam tactics understand these risks. Scammers often target multiple heirs, seeking the most vulnerable respondent. 

Kurt’s key takeaway

The probate system creates a privacy trade-off. You can’t prevent much of this information from entering the public record, but you can control how you respond, and how much personal data is out there. Any probate topics should come through official court channels, and never an unsolicited phone call, email or text message. When in doubt, verify with your probate court, and always consult your estate attorney. With a little vigilance and a bit of data cleanup, you can ensure that the probate process doesn’t put you in harm’s way, during the time when you’re at your most vulnerable.

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Automotive giant Stellantis has just revealed that it suffered a data breach, exposing customer contact details, after attackers infiltrated a third-party platform used for North American customer services. The announcement comes at a time when large-scale attacks on cloud CRM systems have already shaken tech and retail sectors alike, with Salesforce clients such as Google, Allianz and Dior reporting similar intrusions. These earlier incidents exposed names, emails, and phone numbers, which were sufficient for attackers to launch phishing campaigns or extortion attempts.

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TRANSUNION BECOMES LATEST VICTIM IN MAJOR WAVE OF SALESFORCE-LINKED CYBERATTACKS, 4.4M AMERICANS AFFECTED

What you need to know about the Stellantis breach

Stellantis was formed in 2021 through the merger of the PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Today, it ranks among the world’s largest automakers by revenue and is fifth in volume globally. The company houses 14 well-known brands, including Jeep and Dodge, as well as Peugeot, Maserati and Vauxhall, and operates manufacturing infrastructure across more than 130 countries. That global scale naturally makes it a tempting target for cyber adversaries.

Stellantis confirmed hackers stole customer contact details in a recent breach. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

In its public statement, Stellantis clarified that only contact information was taken. Since the compromised third-party platform does not host financial or deeply sensitive personal data, Stellantis asserts that social security numbers, payment details and health records were out of reach of the attackers. In response, the company activated its incident response protocols, launched a full investigation, contained the breach, notified authorities and began alerting affected customers. It also issued warnings about phishing and urged customers not to click suspicious links.

Stellantis has not revealed how many customers the breach affected. The company also has not specified which contact fields, such as email, phone, or address, attackers accessed.

The alleged culprit, ShinyHunters, and Salesforce breaches

While Stellantis has not explicitly named the hacker group behind the breach, multiple sources tie this incident to the ShinyHunters extortion campaign, which has spearheaded a wave of data thefts targeting Salesforce this year.

ShinyHunters claims to have stolen over 18 million records from Stellantis’ Salesforce instance, which includes names and contact details, according to Bleeping Computer. These attacks form part of a broader campaign aimed at Salesforce customers. In recent months, ShinyHunters has often worked in concert with groups like Scattered Spider and targeted companies including Google, Cisco, Adidas, Allianz Life, Qantas, and brands under LVMH such as Dior and Tiffany & Co.

OVER 2B USERS FACE PHISHING RISKS AFTER GOOGLE DATA LEAK

The attack is linked to a wider wave of Salesforce data thefts this year. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Their reported method is fairly ingenious. Attackers exploit OAuth tokens tied to integrations like Salesloft’s Drift AI chat tool to pivot into Salesforce environments. Once inside, they can harvest valuable metadata, credentials, AWS keys, Snowflake tokens and more.

In fact, the FBI recently issued a Flash alert that surfaced numerous indicators of compromise linked to these Salesforce environment attacks and warned organizations to harden defenses. The cumulative toll is staggering. ShinyHunters asserts it has stolen over 1.5 billion Salesforce records across some 760 companies.

7 ways to protect yourself from breaches like Stellantis

Even if only contact details were exposed, that’s enough for attackers to target you. Here’s how to stay protected.

1) Clean up exposed personal data from the web

Even basic contact details can be scraped from breaches and sold on data broker platforms, where they are used for spam, scams and targeted attacks. A data removal service can help track down and request the deletion of your information from these databases, reducing your long-term exposure.

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.

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Stolen emails and phone numbers could fuel phishing campaigns. (REUTERS /Rebecca Cook)

2) Stay alert for phishing attempts and use antivirus software

The most immediate risk after a breach like this is targeted phishing. Attackers now have legitimate contact details, so their emails and texts can look convincingly real. Be skeptical of any message claiming to be from Stellantis, your car brand or a related service, especially if it urges you to click a link, download an attachment or share personal details.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have 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.

3) Use a password manager to secure your accounts

If attackers get your contact information, they may try the same password on other sites. This is called credential stuffing. A password manager can create strong, unique passwords for every account. That way, one breach will not put your other accounts at risk. It also helps you quickly update credentials in case you suspect a compromise.

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.

DIOR DATA BREACH EXPOSES US CUSTOMERS’ PERSONAL INFORMATION

4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible

2FA adds an extra step to your logins by requiring a temporary code or approval in addition to your password. Even if attackers manage to steal your password, they will need that second factor to gain access. This significantly reduces the chances of account takeover attempts succeeding.

5) Invest in identity theft protection

Attackers often combine exposed contact information with other data to build complete identity profiles. Identity theft protection services monitor for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized credit applications or changes to official records, and alert you early so you can act before serious damage occurs. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

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

6) Regularly review account activity

After a breach, it is worth auditing your accounts, not just with Stellantis but also with related services such as financing portals, insurance accounts or loyalty programs. Look for unusual sign-ins, unfamiliar devices, or changes to your personal details. Most services offer tools to review login history and security events, making checking these a routine habit.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Even giants in manufacturing are vulnerable when cloud platforms and third-party systems are part of their customer workflow. The same patterns seen in attacks on Google, LVMH, and others have now reached the auto industry in a serious way. As Stellantis confronts the fallout, the broader lesson is clear. Organizations must treat the surfaces exposed by their service providers and SaaS integrations with as much vigilance as their own core systems.

Do you trust companies to secure your data, or do you feel they’re not doing enough? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Imagine the heartbreak of a missing pet. For Sharon, a senior living in Ridgefield, Washington, that fear became reality when her beloved Louie, an indoor-only cat who had never ventured outside, slipped out of a window. For 11 long days, she searched everywhere. But thanks to a free tool called Love Lost and the kindness of a good neighbor, Louie is back home safe and sound.

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Sharon and Louie’s happy reunion

Louie, a bright orange Maine Coon who had just turned two years old, was adopted by Sharon and quickly became part of her family. When Louie disappeared, Sharon and her family knocked on doors and checked with their local shelter, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. Staff there suggested she upload Louie’s photo to Love Lost and create a free profile.

Sharon’s beloved cat, Louie, slipped out of a window and went missing for 11 days. (Petco Love)

Eleven days later, Sharon received a message through the Love Lost chat from a neighbor who spotted a cat perched on a roof near a vet’s office. The good Samaritan went straight to Love Lost, saw Sharon’s post and reached out using the built-in chat feature. This tool lets pet parents and finders connect directly without sharing personal contact information. Together, they tracked Louie down in a storage lot behind the building. After 11 stressful days, Louie was finally back in Sharon’s arms.

DANA PERINO: OUR DOGS REMIND US OF LIFE’S SWEETEST TRUTH

“We were just thrilled. When I posted on Love Lost, it was easy to use. If it had not been simple, I probably would not have finished it,” Sharon said. “Thank you, thank you, Love Lost, for bringing Louie home.”

Love Lost, powered by Petco Love, is a national database driven by artificial intelligence that matches lost and found pet photos. Sharon joked that if she could figure it out, anyone could.

The emotional reunion shows how simple tech and community can bring pets home. (Petco Love)

What makes Love Lost powerful

Love Lost works by using AI photo-matching. When you upload a picture of your pet, the system compares it to images from nearly every major shelter across the U.S., plus photos posted on platforms like Nextdoor and Ring’s Neighbors app. The platform also includes a secure chat feature, which was used in this case, allowing finders and pet parents to connect without sharing personal phone numbers or emails, making communication safe and simple.

This fall, Love Lost is rolling out a new feature called Search Party. It lets pet parents quickly rally their community by printing flyers, sharing posts on social media and coordinating search areas. This structure helps reduce stress when every second counts.

A good neighbor used the Love Lost chat feature to help Sharon track Louie down. (Petco Love)

Alternatives to consider: pet trackers

While Love Lost is an excellent safety net, pet parents may also want to consider pet trackers. These small GPS devices attach to your dog or cat’s collar and let you follow their location in real time on your phone.

CyberGuy has reviewed some of the best pet trackers for peace of mind, whether you’re dealing with an adventurous cat or a dog who slips out of the yard. Using both a tracker and Love Lost gives you double protection if your pet ever goes missing. 

Check out our list of the best pet trackers at CyberGuy.com.

WOULD YOU DATE YOUR PET? 1 IN 3 SAY YES TO AI VERSION

What this means for you

If you own a pet, now is the time to prepare. Uploading a photo of your furry friend to Love Lost takes just a minute, and it could save days of panic later. You’ll be ready to report them as lost with one click, and the system will instantly scan for matches. Pairing Love Lost with a pet tracker ensures you’re covered on both fronts: community-powered recovery and real-time location tracking.

Additionally, be sure to check out our comprehensive pet guide to keep your pets happy, healthy and entertained with these innovative solutions at CyberGuy.com/.

The bright orange Maine Coon had just turned 2 years old when he disappeared. (Petco Love)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Sharon’s reunion with Louie is a reminder of the bond we share with our pets and how technology and neighbors can help keep that bond unbroken. By taking a few minutes now, you can set yourself up for success if the unthinkable were to happen.

If your pet slipped out tonight, would you have a plan in place to bring them back home quickly? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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