Technology

Is your friend's phone number compromised? Here's what to look for

Published

1 year ago

December 2, 2024

Is your friend's phone number compromised? Here's what to look for

Phone hacking is a bigger deal than most of us realize, and it’s something we all need to be aware of. Just the other day, Dennis sent an email sharing that he had a pretty unsettling experience with a suspicious text message that seemed to come from a friend’s number. His story is a wake-up call for all of us to stay alert and informed. By understanding the signs of potential hacking, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from cyber threats.

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A woman texting on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The suspicious text message

Dennis received a text from a friend that was unusually brief and out of character, simply asking, “Would you like to chat?” This raised immediate concerns, especially since the number appeared to be his friend’s but wasn’t recognized by Messenger as being in his contact list. Such scenarios often suggest phone number spoofing or hacking, where cybercriminals disguise their identity by using someone else’s number.

Illustration of friend’s suspicious text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Signs your friend’s phone number might be compromised

Understanding the signs of a compromised phone number is crucial for protecting your personal information and that of your friends. Here are some indicators that your friend’s number might be hacked:

Unusual messages: If your friend starts sending texts that seem out of character – such as odd phrasing, unexpected links or requests for personal information – it could indicate their number has been hacked.

Unknown contacts: If Messenger says the number is not in your contact list when it actually is, it might indicate a problem.

Unexpected phone behavior: If your friend mentions their phone is acting strangely, they should look out for:

High data usage: Unexplained spikes in your friend’s data usage can indicate malicious apps running in the background on their phone.
Unfamiliar apps: If your friend notices new apps that they didn’t download, it could be a sign that their phone has been hacked.
Battery drain: Rapid battery drain, even when not using the phone heavily, might suggest background malware activity.
Slow performance: If your friend’s phone suddenly becomes sluggish or unresponsive, it might be due to malicious software using up the device’s resources.
Pop-ups and ads: An increase in pop-up ads or redirects to dubious websites while your friend is browsing could indicate adware or malware on their device.

Unauthorized charges: If your friend’s phone bill shows unexpected charges, it can result from premium SMS services or calls made by malicious apps.

Spam sent from your friend’s number: If you or other contacts receive spam or suspicious messages from your friend’s number, it’s a strong sign that their phone might be compromised.

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A man texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Steps to protect yourself

If you suspect your friend’s phone number has been hacked, consider these actions:

1) Verify with your friend: Contact them through another method to confirm if they sent the message.

2) Check for malware using strong antivirus software: Advise your friend to use strong antivirus software to scan for malicious apps or malware on the device. The best way for them to safeguard from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing their private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all their devices. This protection can also alert them to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping their personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3) Change passwords: If your friend suspects their phone number has been hacked, they should change their passwords for all accounts linked to their phone number. They should consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

4) Contact service provider: Your friend should contact their mobile service provider to report the issue. The provider can help secure their account and prevent further unauthorized access.

5) Enable two-factor authentication: Encourage your friend to enable two-factor authentication nn their accounts for added security.

6) Monitor accounts: Advise your friend to regularly check their bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Phone hacking is a bigger issue than most people realize, and Dennis’s recent experience is a stark reminder of that. It’s crucial for all of us to stay vigilant and informed about the signs of potential hacking. By recognizing these warning signs and taking proactive steps, we can better protect our personal information and our loved ones from cyber threats.

Have you ever experienced a suspicious message or a potential hacking incident? Share your story with us and let us know how you handled it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

It’s a new heyday for gas thanks to data centers

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Press Room

It’s a new heyday for gas thanks to data centers

The US is now leading a global surge in new gas power plants being built in large part to satisfy growing energy demand for data centers. And more gas means more planet-heating pollution.

Gas-fired power generation in development globally rose by 31 percent in 2025. Almost a quarter of that added capacity is slated for the US, which has surpassed China with the biggest increase of any country. More than a third of that growth in the US is expected to directly power data centers, according to a recent analysis by the nonprofit Global Energy Monitor (GEM).

More gas means more planet-heating pollution

The rush to install more powerful hardware into expanding data centers used for generative AI has led to forecasts of skyrocketing power demand. There’s still a lot of uncertainty about whether AI will become as ingrained in everyday life as tech companies might like, and many proposed data centers could fall flat. Even so, plans to build out more gas plants in the name of AI are stalling efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.

“There is a risk that this capacity could lock in future emissions and become stranded assets if anticipated electricity demand from AI never materializes,” Jenny Martos, project manager for GEM’s Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker, said in a press release.

Already, 2026 is shaping up to be a record-smashing year for gas. If all of this year’s proposed projects cross the finish line, it would be an even bigger jump in added capacity than the record set in 2002. That’s pretty remarkable considering the 2000s ushered in America’s so-called “shale gas revolution,” when fracking suddenly unleashed previously hard-to-reach reserves. Gas is now a cheaper power source than coal and creates less carbon pollution when burned. But gas production releases methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide even though it doesn’t persist in the atmosphere for as long.

Image: Global Energy Monitor

Ramping up electricity generation from gas is also a sharp pivot away from global climate goals. A decade ago, nearly every country on Earth — including its two biggest greenhouse gas polluters, China and the US — signed a historic deal in Paris to limit global warming. The only way to achieve the most ambitious goals set out in the Paris agreement would be to replace fossil fuels with less-polluting alternatives like renewable energy and slash greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by around 2050.

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Justine Calma

Technology

Thousands of iPhone apps expose data inside Apple App Store

Published

7 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Press Room

Thousands of iPhone apps expose data inside Apple App Store

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Apple often promotes the App Store as a secure place to download apps. The company highlights strict reviews and a closed system as key protections for iPhone users. That reputation now faces serious questions.

New research shows that thousands of iOS apps approved by Apple contain hidden security flaws. These flaws can expose user data, cloud storage and even payment systems.

The issue is not malware; it’s poor security practices baked directly into the app code.

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APPLE WARNS MILLIONS OF IPHONES ARE EXPOSED TO ATTACK

Cybernews researchers found that many iOS apps store sensitive secrets directly inside app files, where they can be easily extracted. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What researchers discovered inside iOS apps

Security researchers at Cybernews, a cybersecurity research firm, analyzed the code of more than 156,000 iPhone apps. That represents about 8% of all apps available worldwide.

Here is what they found:

Over 815,000 hidden secrets inside app code
An average of five secrets per app
71% of apps leaked at least one secret

These secrets include passwords, API keys and access tokens. Developers place them directly inside apps, where anyone can extract them. According to Cybernews researcher Aras Nazarovas, this makes attackers’ jobs much easier than most users realize.

What are hardcoded secrets in simple terms?

A hardcoded secret is sensitive information saved directly inside an app instead of being protected on a secure server. Think of it like writing your bank PIN on the back of your debit card. Once someone downloads the app, they can inspect its files and pull out those secrets. Attackers do not need special access or advanced hacking tools. Both the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation warn developers not to do this. Yet it is happening at a massive scale.

Cloud storage leaks exposed huge amounts of data

One of the most serious problems involves cloud storage. More than 78,000 iOS apps contained direct links to cloud storage buckets. These buckets store files such as photos, documents, receipts and backups. In some cases, no password was required at all. Researchers found:

836 storage buckets are fully open to the public
Over 76 billion exposed files
More than 406 terabytes of leaked data

This data included user uploads, registration details, app logs and private records. Anyone who knew where to look could view or download it.

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This chart shows the most common types of hardcoded secrets found inside iOS apps, with Google-related keys appearing most often, according to Cybernews research. (Cybernews)

Firebase databases were also left open

Many iOS apps rely on Google Firebase to store user data. Cybernews found more than 51,000 Firebase database links hidden in app code. While some were protected, over 2,200 had no authentication. That exposed:

Nearly 20 million user records
Messages, profiles, and activity logs
Databases that are mostly hosted in the U.S.

If a Firebase database is not locked down, attackers can browse user data like a public website.

Payment and login systems were at risk too

Some of the leaked secrets were far more dangerous than analytics or ads. Researchers discovered secret keys for:

Stripe, which handles payments and refunds
JWT authentication systems that control logins
Order management tools used by shopping apps

A leaked Stripe secret key can allow attackers to issue refunds, move money or access billing details. Leaked login keys can let attackers impersonate users or take over accounts.

AI and social apps were among the worst offenders

Some of the apps with the largest leaks were related to artificial intelligence. According to VX Underground, security firm CovertLabs identified 198 iOS apps leaking user data. The worst known case was Chat & Ask AI by Codeway. Researchers say it exposed chat histories, phone numbers and email addresses tied to millions of users. Another app, YPT – Study Group, reportedly leaked messages, user IDs and access tokens. CovertLabs tracks these incidents in a restricted repository called Firehound. The full list of affected apps has not been publicly released, and researchers say the data is limited to prevent further exposure and to give developers time to fix security flaws.

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This example shows how sensitive keys like Google API credentials and Stripe payment secrets can be stored directly inside an iOS app’s files, where they are easy to extract. (Cybernews)

Why Apple’s App review can miss hidden security risks

Apple reviews apps before they appear in the App Store. However, the review process does not scan app code for hidden secrets. If an app behaves normally during testing, it can pass review even if sensitive keys are buried inside its files. This creates a gap between Apple’s security claims and real-world risks. Removing leaked secrets is not simple for developers. They must revoke old keys, create new ones and rebuild parts of their apps. That can break features and delay updates. Even though Apple says most app updates are reviewed within 24 hours, some updates take weeks. During that time, vulnerable apps can remain available.

CyberGuy contacted Apple for comment, but did not receive a response before publication.

Ways to stay safe right now

You cannot easily inspect an app for hidden secrets. Apple does not provide tools for that. Still, you can reduce your risk and limit exposure by being selective and cautious. These steps help reduce the risk if an app leaks data behind the scenes.

1) Stick to established app developers

Well-known developers tend to have stronger security teams and better update practices. Smaller or unknown apps may rush features to market and overlook security basics. Before downloading, check how long the developer has been active and how often the app is updated.

2) Review and limit app permissions

Many apps ask for more access than they need. Location, contacts, photos and microphone access all increase the risk of data leaks. Go into your iPhone settings and remove permissions that are not essential for the app to work.

3) Delete apps you no longer use

Unused apps still retain access to data you shared in the past. They may also store information on remote servers long after you stop opening them. If you have not used an app in months, remove it. Here’s how: Open Settings, tap General, select iPhone Storage, and scroll through the list of apps to see when each one was last used. Tap any app you no longer need and select Delete App to remove it and reduce ongoing data exposure.

4) Be cautious with personal and financial details

Avoid entering sensitive information unless it is absolutely necessary. This includes full names, addresses, payment details and private conversations. AI apps are especially risky if you share deeply personal content.

5) Use a password manager for every account

A password manager creates strong, unique passwords for each app and service. This prevents attackers from accessing multiple accounts if one app leaks data. Never reuse passwords tied to your email address.

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 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

6) Change passwords tied to exposed apps

If an app uses your email address for login, change that password immediately. Do this even if there is no confirmation of a breach. Attackers often test leaked credentials across other services.

7) Consider using a data removal service

Some leaked data ends up with data brokers that sell personal information online. A data removal service can help find and remove your details from these databases. This reduces the chance that exposed app data gets reused for scams or identity theft.

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.

8) Monitor your accounts for unusual activity

Watch for unexpected emails, password reset notices, login alerts, or payment confirmations. These can signal that leaked data is already being abused. Act quickly if something looks off.

9) Pause use of risky AI and chat apps

If you use AI apps for private conversations, consider stopping until the developer confirms security fixes. Once data is exposed, it cannot be pulled back. Avoid sharing sensitive details with apps that store conversations remotely.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Apple’s App Store still offers important protections, but this research shows it is not foolproof. Many trusted iPhone apps quietly expose data due to basic security mistakes. Until app reviews improve, you need to stay alert and limit how much data you share.

How many apps on your iPhone have access to information you would not want exposed? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Technology

Apple just had a record-breaking iPhone quarter

Published

18 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Press Room

Apple just had a record-breaking iPhone quarter

Apple says the iPhone had its “best-ever” quarter, with revenue hitting more than $85.3 billion over the past few months. The company announced the news as part of its Q1 2026 earnings report, which also revealed record-breaking revenue of $143.8 billion, up 16 percent when compared to the same time last year.

“iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment, and Services also achieved an all-time revenue record, up 14 percent from a year ago,” Apple CEO Tim Cook says in the press release.

Apple’s services revenue, which includes subscriptions like Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV surged 14 percent year over year, while Mac and wearable revenue were down.

In the coming months, Apple will bring promised AI-powered personalization features to Siri. Apple is partnering with Google to power this upgrade, which will use a custom version of Google’s Gemini AI model.

The company is also acquiring an AI startup, called Q.ai, for $2 billion, according to the Financial Times. Though there aren’t any details on how Apple plans to use the startup’s technology, the Financial Times reports that Q.ai’s patents “show its technology being used in headphones or glasses, using ‘facial skin micro movements’ to communicate without talking.”