[Fox News] AT&T data leak from 73 million customers; what you need to do next
Millions of AT&T customers could be at risk of having their data exposed after the carrier confirmed user data was published on the dark web.
More than 73 million current and former customers now have information like their Social Security number, address and more out in the open.
According to AT&T, the leak was published two weeks ago. So far, all the data is from 2019 or earlier. It includes information from 7.6 million current users and a whopping 65.4 million former customers. AT&T is investigating and says it’s still unclear if the data comes from the company or a third party.
According to the company’s website, “The information varied by customer and account but may have included full name, email address, mailing address, phone number, social security number, date of birth, AT&T account number, and passcode.”
The company is contacting current and former customers whose data has been leaked and resetting passwords for current users. Customers affected by this security breach can expect to receive a direct communication from AT&T via email or letter regarding the incident.
AT&T REVEALS DATA BREACH AFFECTING 9 MILLION WIRELESS ACCOUNTS
In addition to these notifications, AT&T has already reset the passcodes for current users.
AT&T discovered the information in a specific data set on the dark web. The company is still combing through the set but released this statement:
“AT&T has launched a robust investigation supported by internal and external cybersecurity experts. Based on our preliminary analysis, the data set appears to be from 2019 or earlier, impacting approximately 7.6 million current AT&T account holders and approximately 65.4 million former account holders. Currently, AT&T does not have evidence of unauthorized access to its systems resulting in exfiltration of the data set. We encourage current and former customers with questions to visit www.att.com/accountsafety for more information.”
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You can go to haveibeenpwned.com to check if your information was sold on the dark web. Just enter your email address into the search bar. The website will search to see your data and display if there were data breaches associated with your email address on various sites. You may have even received an email from the website already saying that some of your data was stolen.
So, what do you do if you are notified or discover that your info is on the haveibeenpwned.com site? You should take immediate action to minimize the damage. Here are some steps that you can follow:
If hackers have recorded your passwords, they could access your online accounts and steal your data or money. ON ANOTHER DEVICE (i.e., your laptop or desktop), you should change your passwords for all your important accounts, such as email, banking, social media, etc. You want to do this on another device so the hacker isn’t’ recording you setting up your new password on your hacked device. And you should also use strong and unique passwords that are hard to guess or crack. You can also use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.
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You’ll want to activate two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
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You should check your online accounts and transactions regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. If you notice anything unusual, immediately report it to the service provider or authorities. You should also review your credit reports and scores to see if there are any signs of identity theft or fraud.
If hackers have obtained your bank or credit card information, they could use it to make purchases or withdrawals without your consent. You should inform your bank and credit card companies of the situation. They can help you freeze or cancel your cards, dispute any fraudulent charges and issue new cards for you.
You should also contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert to be placed on your credit file. This will make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name without verification. You can even freeze your credit, if need be.
Identity Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is 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.
If hackers have accessed your email or social media accounts, they could use them to send spam or phishing messages to your contacts. They could also impersonate you and ask for money or personal information. You should alert your contacts and warn them not to open or respond to any messages from you that seem suspicious or unusual.
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It’s important to note that this is still a fluid situation. AT&T has said it is actively investigating and gathering information. However, we can take away some concrete lessons. You should do everything you can to lock up your data. That means using unique passwords, password managers and two-factor authentication to stay safe. Some of these lessons are simple, too, like never reusing passwords.
This also shows that your data can end up in some pretty scary places. The dark web is the internet’s Wild West, and you never know who could be accessing your information.
Are you worried about your information being exposed on the dark web? What more can companies do to make sure your data stays off of it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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[Fox News] World’s longest sky pool and resort built on a bridge
Imagine a place where the stark beauty of the desert meets the serene expanse of the sea.
This is Treyam, the latest jewel in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious new NEOM project, designed to transform the desert landscape into a luxurious tourist destination.
As you approach Treyam, you can’t help but be wowed by its unique design. It’s not just a resort; it’s an architectural wonder that bridges a lagoon, promising an experience that’s as infinite as the pool it boasts.
Treyam isn’t just about luxury; it’s about an experience. It’s like your own personal portal to an underwater wonderland. Picture this: you’re chilling in your room, and there’s a glass floor under your feet and a glass ceiling above, giving you a front-row seat to the lagoon.
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When you’re ready to soak up some sun, head up to the 1,476-foot infinity pool, or what they like to call the “world’s longest sky pool.” At a length of four football fields, it’s like floating right into the sky, with nothing but cool blue water blending into the horizon. Talk about the ultimate chill spot.
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But Treyam is more than a place to chill. It’s a destination for the adventurous at heart. With wellness and fitness amenities at every turn, spa treatments that rejuvenate the soul, and water-based activities like scuba diving and windsurfing, there’s no end to the ways you can engage with this dynamic environment.
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What sets Treyam apart is its commitment to sustainability. The resort’s 250-room luxury design minimizes land intervention, preserving the natural integrity of the shoreline. It’s a place where luxury coexists with the landscape, offering panoramic views that celebrate the region’s natural splendor.
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Designed by visionaries Mark Foster Gage, Bashayer Bamohsen and Joe Tabet, Treyam stands not far from the Line on the Gulf of Aqaba. It’s a testament to Saudi Arabia’s focus on innovative development, promising a future where travel is not just about places, but about experiences that stay with you forever.
Treyam is expected to be more than a destination; it’ll be a real experience. Imagine a place where the desert meets the sea, creating a unique oasis. That’s what this place promises. The moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by an impressive structure that’s sure to give you an unforgettable stay. The best part is that your room offers a window to the underwater world, while the infinity pool merges seamlessly with the sky. It’s not just luxury; it’s a connection with nature, the elements and yourself. So, pack your bags and set your future sights on Treyam.
If you could design your perfect getaway, what would it look like? Would it be a blend of adventure and zen like Treyam or something totally different? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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[Fox News] 6 things to do before you leave on vacation
Planning a vacation is exciting, but the lead-up can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. From managing mail delivery to ensuring home security, there are several steps you can take to make your time away more relaxing. Let’s dive into some practical tips to help you prepare before your next getaway.
You can easily set up a vacation hold with the USPS, allowing them to hold onto your mail at the post office while you’re out of town. You can request one online directly from USPS, and you can even see photos of your mail in your email before it arrives with USPS’ Informed Delivery.
If, like me, you live somewhere where the temperatures shift greatly depending on the time of the day, a smart thermostat can make your life easier at home and when you’re away from home. A Wi-Fi thermostat will allow you to keep your house warmer or cooler hours before you return from vacation. They also allow you to prepare for inclement weather events that might occur back home while traveling, such as heat waves or deep freezes.
Wi-Fi thermostats are cheaper than smart thermostats and only cool or heat the room based on your prompts. A smart thermostat can track your temperature settings and automatically adjust them for efficiency. If you need something for when you travel, a Wi-Fi thermostat is the more budget-conscious way to go.
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If you enjoy having the peace of mind that your property is safe while you’re gone, look into putting up security cameras around the entrances and exits of your home. We have a list of our top picks to amp up your home security here.
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A wide variety of grocery delivery apps are available to download for those moments when you need groceries promptly — whether it’s after returning from vacation or during a trip. Nearly any grocery delivery app allows you to customize your order, including the date and time of drop-off.
Often less expensive than resort food options, ordering groceries on vacation could save you money. Also, returning home to an empty fridge after an extended amount of time away? Online ordering ensures you will have groceries to make dinner with right when you get home from vacation.
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Setting up a security camera inside your home allows you to monitor activity and provides peace of mind. If you have pets at home, you can use it to check in on them while you’re away. Leaving them in the care of others can be stressful, and a camera allows you to ensure their well-being. I often travel with an inexpensive camera to watch my vacation rental when away from home. And about the only time I feel comfortable using a camera inside my home is while I’m away. It’s promptly relocated away from the interior once I return as I’m not a fan of using inside cameras while I’m at home.
If you handle your emails through Gmail, you can set an out-of-office response to all emails you receive. This will let anyone emailing you know you have received the message but cannot respond. As a tech journalist, I need to stay in communication with everyone, and auto-reply makes this easy. Here’s how to set up a vacation response in Gmail.
These Outlook instructions are based on the January 2024 update for Microsoft 365 subscribers. If you encounter any differences, make sure to check for any further updates or specific settings.
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While security cameras and holding your mail are great deterrents, there are other ways to make your home look occupied while you’re away. Here are a few ideas:
By following these tips, you can create the illusion of occupancy and deter potential burglars.
Vacations are a great way to get away from work, unwind and spend quality time with friends and family. However, they can also be a headache if you come home to a stack of overflowing mail and emails and a house that is too hot or too cold. These six tips I use anytime I go on vacation give me greater peace of mind and help keep everything organized when I get home. Auto-reply emails, in particular, have saved me a lot of stress.
Security concerns can vary depending on location. Have you ever had a close call or learned a valuable lesson related to home security while traveling? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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[Fox News] This robot invention can do backflips better than a gymnast
The Unitree H1 robot is flipping the script on what humanoid robots can do — literally. This bipedal bot has just snagged the spotlight by pulling off a standing backflip without any hydraulics. That’s right, no bulky, leak-prone hydraulics here, just pure electric dexterity.
You might be thinking, “Haven’t we seen robots backflip before?” Sure, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas has been somersaulting its way into our social media feeds for a while now, but it’s always had the help of hydraulics.
The H1, on the other hand, is all about those sleek M107 electric joint motors, each packing a punch with 360 Nm (that’s 265.5 pound-foot) of peak torque. And guess what? These motors aren’t just for show; they’re the same ones powering Unitree’s four-legged friend, the B2 quadruped.
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The H1 is 71 inches tall, weighs 104 pounds and can carry up to 66 pounds of payload. While it doesn’t have human-like hands just yet, that’s on the to-do list. The H1 has already broken records for speed, sprinting at 7.4 mph.
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Now, let’s talk design. The H1’s legs are a marvel of engineering, with three degrees of freedom at the hip, one at the knee and another at the ankle. Plus, all the wiring is tucked away inside, which means no more tripping over cables — just smooth, clean lines. Its head is equipped with 3D LiDAR and an Intel RealSense depth camera, which gives it a panoramic view of its surroundings. Powering all this is a hefty 864-Wh battery that’s quick to swap out.
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So, how did the H1 learn this acrobatic feat? Through reinforcement learning simulation, it practiced its heart out until it almost nailed the perfect backflip, save for a tiny corrective hop at the end. It’s like watching an Olympic gymnast stick the landing — almost.
H1 incorporates AI technology that enables it to learn and perform a variety of tasks, including backflips. The AI allows the H1 to adapt to different scenarios, whether in industry or service sectors.
Sure, doing backflips might not seem like a must-have skill for a robot, but it’s a flashy way to show off the H1’s agility. And it’s not just a one-trick pony; this robot has already mastered speed-walking, stair climbing and even dancing. Talk about a robot with rhythm.
Now, for the nitty-gritty. The H1 is still fresh on the scene, but it’s already got a price tag of around $90,000.
The Unitree H1 is more than just a robot; it’s a glimpse into a future where humanoids could be flipping, dancing and walking their way into our lives. And with its impressive specs and acrobatic prowess, the H1 is one robot you’ll want to keep your eyes on.
As robots like the Unitree H1 start doing things we never thought possible, there’s a really good chance they will take over jobs now done by humans. What’s your take on this? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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