Connect with us

Technology

AI-powered scams target kids while parents stay silent

Published

on

AI-powered scams target kids while parents stay silent

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Kids are spending more time online than ever, and that early exposure is opening the door to a new kind of danger. 

Artificial intelligence has supercharged online scams, creating personalized and convincing traps that even adults can fall for. The latest Bitwarden “Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025” poll shows that while parents know these risks exist, most still haven’t had a serious talk with their children about them. 

This growing communication gap is leaving the youngest internet users vulnerable at a time when online safety depends more than ever on education and oversight.

Young children face real risks online

Children as young as preschool age are now part of the connected world, yet few truly understand how to stay safe. The Bitwarden survey found that 42% of parents with children between 3 and 5 years old said their child had accidentally shared personal information online.

Advertisement

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

5 PHONE SAFETY TIPS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW

AI-powered scams are finding new ways to reach kids who go online earlier than ever. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Nearly 80% of kids between the ages of 3 and 12 already have their own tablet or another connected device. Many parents assume supervision software or family settings are enough, but that assumption breaks down when kids explore apps, games and chat spaces designed to hold their attention. Device access has become nearly universal by early elementary school, but meaningful supervision and honest safety conversations are lagging behind.

The AI threat and the parental disconnect

Artificial intelligence has changed the nature of online scams by making them sound familiar, personal and hard to recognize. Bitwarden’s data shows that 78% of parents worry their child could fall for an AI-enhanced threat, such as a voice-cloned message or a fake chat with a friend. Despite that fear, almost half of those same parents haven’t talked with their kids about what an AI-powered scam might look like. The disconnect is even stronger among Gen Z parents. 

Advertisement

About 80% of them say they are afraid their child will fall victim to an AI-based scheme, yet 37% allow their kids full or nearly full autonomy online. In those households, problems are more common. Malware infections, unauthorized in-app purchases and phishing attempts appear at the highest rates among families who worry the most but monitor the least. The paradox is clear. Parents recognize the threat but fail to translate awareness into consistent action.

Why parents haven’t had the talk

There are many reasons this important talk keeps getting delayed. Some parents simply feel unprepared to explain AI, while others assume their existing safety tools will protect their children. Only 17% of parents in the United States actively seek information about AI technologies, according to related research by Barna Group. That leaves a large majority relying on partial knowledge or outdated advice. 

Many parents also juggle multiple devices at home, making it difficult to track every app or game their child uses. Some overestimate how safe their own habits are, even though they admit to reusing passwords or skipping security updates. Without firsthand understanding or personal discipline, it becomes even harder to teach those lessons to children. As a result, many kids face the internet with curiosity but without proper guidance.

Smart ways to protect your child online

The Bitwarden findings make one thing clear: kids are getting connected younger, and scams powered by artificial intelligence are already targeting them. The good news is that parents can take practical steps right now to reduce those risks and build lasting online safety habits.

1) Keep devices where you can see them

Set up tablets, laptops and gaming consoles in shared family areas rather than bedrooms. When screens stay visible, you naturally become part of your child’s online world. This not only encourages open conversation but also helps spot suspicious messages, fake friend requests or scam links before they cause trouble.

Advertisement

Staying involved in your child’s digital life is the best defense against today’s AI threats. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Use built-in parental controls

Most devices have strong tools you can activate in minutes. Apple’s Screen Time and Google Family Link let you limit screen time, approve new app installs and monitor how long your child spends on specific apps. These controls are especially useful for younger kids who, according to the Bitwarden poll, often have little supervision despite heavy device use.

TEENS TURNING TO AI FOR LOVE AND COMFORT

3) Talk through every download

Before your child installs a new game or app, take a moment to check it together. Read the reviews, look at what data it collects and confirm the developer’s name. Explain why some games or “free” apps might ask for camera or contact access they don’t need. This kind of shared review teaches healthy skepticism and helps children recognize red flags later on.

4) Make password strength and 2FA a family rule

AI scams thrive on weak or reused passwords. Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique logins for each account. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible so that even if a password is stolen, the account stays protected. Let your kids see how you use these tools so they learn that security isn’t complicated, it’s just a habit.

Advertisement

Many parents delay important online safety talks because they feel unprepared to explain AI, leaving kids curious but without the guidance they need to stay safe. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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) Teach them to stop and tell

One of the best defenses is simple: encourage your child to pause and talk before reacting to anything unusual online. Whether it’s a pop-up claiming a prize, a strange link in a chat or a voice message that sounds familiar, remind them it’s always okay to ask you first. Quick conversations like these can prevent costly mistakes and turn learning moments into trust-building ones.

6) Keep devices updated and use strong antivirus software

Outdated software can leave gaps that scammers exploit. Regularly update operating systems, browsers and apps to close those holes. Add strong antivirus software. Explain to your child that updates and scans keep their favorite games and videos running safely, not just their parents happy.

Advertisement

The best way to safeguard from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing 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) Make online safety part of everyday life

Don’t save these conversations for when something goes wrong. Bring them up casually during family time or when watching YouTube or gaming together. Treat digital safety like any other life skill, something practiced daily and improved with time. The more normal it feels, the more confident your child becomes when facing online risks.

Talking about online safety early helps build trust and awareness before trouble starts.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

If you are a parent, guardian or anyone helping a child use technology, this issue deserves your attention. Start talking early, even before your child begins exploring the web on their own. Teach them simple concepts like asking before clicking or sharing. Instead of relying only on parental controls, have ongoing conversations that help them recognize suspicious links, messages or pop-ups. Show them that cybersecurity isn’t about fear but about awareness. Model strong digital habits at home by using unique passwords and turning on two-factor authentication. Explain why those steps matter. When your child understands the reasoning behind the rules, they are more likely to follow them. Make technology part of your family routine rather than a private space your child navigates alone. Regularly check the apps they use and the people they interact with. Set clear expectations and age-appropriate boundaries that can grow with your child’s experience. Staying engaged is the most powerful protection you can offer.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Kurt’s key takeaways

The numbers from Bitwarden show a clear warning sign. Concern among parents is high, yet actual conversations about AI-powered scams remain rare. That silence gives scammers the upper hand. Children who learn about online safety early are more confident, more cautious and better equipped to handle unexpected messages or fake alerts. It only takes a few minutes of honest conversation to create awareness that lasts for years. By taking action now, you can close the gap between fear and understanding, protecting your family in a digital world that changes every day.

Are you ready to start the conversation that could keep your child from becoming the next target of an AI-powered scam? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Advertisement

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Technology

Michael and Susan Dell surpass $1 billion in donations backing AI-driven hospital project

Published

on

Michael and Susan Dell surpass  billion in donations backing AI-driven hospital project

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Billionaire Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell, have become the first donors to give more than $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin, funding a massive new medical research campus and hospital system powered by artificial intelligence.

The couple’s latest investment includes a $750 million gift to help build the UT Dell Medical Center, a planned “AI-native” hospital expected to open in 2030 as part of a more than 300-acre advanced research campus.

University officials said the project will integrate research, clinical care and advanced computing to improve early disease detection, personalize treatment and expand access to care in the rapidly growing Austin region.

The Dells’ support builds on decades of contributions to UT, including funding for its medical school, scholarships and research programs.

Advertisement

EXCLUSIVE: REPUBLICANS IN KEY RED STATE LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO ELECT ‘TRUE’ CONSERVATIVES AHEAD OF TRUMP RETURN

Michael Dell and Susan Dell attend the Breakthrough Prize ceremony as they become the first to donate more than $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin. ( Craig T Fruchtman/WireImage)

“By bringing together medicine, science and computing in one campus designed for the AI era, UT can create more opportunity, deliver better outcomes, and build a stronger future for communities across Texas and beyond,” Michael Dell and Susan Dell said.

The gift ranks among the largest in the history of higher education, alongside major contributions like Phil Knight’s $2 billion pledge to Oregon Health & Science University and Michael Bloomberg’s $1.8 billion donation to Johns Hopkins University.

The new UT Dell Medical Center will be developed in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, integrating cancer care into a system designed to connect prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Advertisement

AI IS RUNNING THE CLASSROOM AT THIS TEXAS SCHOOL, AND STUDENTS SAY ‘IT’S AWESOME’

The University of Texas at Austin campus at sunset. (iStock)

“We will deliver better outcomes for patients by providing research-driven cancer care that is precise, compassionate and hope-filled,” Peter WT Pisters, president of UT MD Anderson, said.

Officials said the facility will be built from the ground up to incorporate AI, rather than retrofitting older infrastructure — an approach they say could transform how hospitals operate.

Independent experts have cautioned that AI in health care can introduce risks if not carefully validated. A widely cited study published in the journal Science by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago found that a commonly used healthcare algorithm underestimated the needs of Black patients due to biased training data, highlighting broader concerns about equity in AI-driven systems.

Advertisement

The project also includes funding for undergraduate scholarships, student housing and the Texas Advanced Computing Center, where officials are developing one of the nation’s most powerful academic supercomputers.

TURNING POINT USA BACKS TRUMP ACCOUNTS PROGRAM WITH ‘DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR MATCH’ FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE NEWBORNS

Artificial intelligence technology is expected to play a key role in diagnosis and patient care at the planned UT Dell Medical Center. (iStock)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the investment will help position the state as a national leader in healthcare innovation.

“Texas already dominates in technology, energy and business, and now we will further cement our leadership in health care innovation as well,” Abbott said.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The university said it plans to break ground on the medical center later this year and has launched a broader campaign to raise $10 billion over the next decade.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Continue Reading

Technology

SpaceX cuts a deal to maybe buy Cursor for $60 billion

Published

on

SpaceX cuts a deal to maybe buy Cursor for  billion

SpaceX and Cursor are now working closely together to create the world’s best coding and knowledge work AI.

The combination of Cursor’s leading product and distribution to expert software engineers with SpaceX’s million H100 equivalent Colossus training supercomputer will allow us to build the world’s most useful models.

Cursor has also given SpaceX the right to acquire Cursor later this year for $60 billion or pay $10 billion for our work together.

Continue Reading

Technology

Fake Windows update installs hidden malware

Published

on

Fake Windows update installs hidden malware

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

If you’ve ever clicked “Check for updates” and trusted what you saw, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what this latest scam is counting on.

The page mimics official branding, includes a believable knowledge base number and presents a big blue download button that feels familiar.

The catch? The download installs malware designed to steal passwords, payment details and account access.

According to researchers at Malwarebytes Labs, a cybersecurity research and threat intelligence team inside Malwarebytes, the site uses a typosquatted domain that looks close enough to a real Microsoft URL to fool a quick glance. That small trick is often all it takes.

Advertisement

APPLE APP PASSWORD SCAM EMAIL WARNING
 

Cybersecurity researchers warn a fake Microsoft update site uses a look-alike URL and a familiar download button to deliver data-stealing malware. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

Why this fake Windows update malware slips past detection

At first glance, nothing seems off. The file looks like a standard Windows installer. It even lists “Microsoft” in its properties. That’s where this attack gets clever. Instead of using obvious malicious code, the attackers built the installer with legitimate tools and layered the attack in stages. Each piece looks harmless on its own.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

  • The installer launches what appears to be a normal app
  • That app quietly runs hidden scripts
  • A disguised process loads a full Python environment
  • Data theft tools activate in the background

Because each step looks routine, many security tools fail to flag it right away. Researchers also noted that antivirus engines initially showed zero detections for key parts of the attack. That does not mean the file is safe. It means the malicious behavior is well hidden.

What this fake Windows update malware is stealing

Once installed, the malware gets to work fast. It collects details about the infected device, including location and IP address. Then it reaches out to remote servers to receive instructions and upload stolen data.

Advertisement

The targets include:

  • Saved browser passwords
  • Login sessions and cookies
  • Payment details
  • Discord account tokens

It even tries to shut down other processes on your system to avoid interference while it works. In some cases, it modifies apps like Discord to intercept account activity in real time.

How the fake Windows update malware stays on your system

This malware is designed to stick around. It creates entries that look like normal system processes, so they blend in. One registry entry mimics Windows Security Health, which most users would ignore. It also drops a shortcut in your startup folder with a familiar name like Spotify. That makes it easy to overlook. Two different persistence tricks mean it can survive a reboot and keep running.

FAKE WINDOWS UPDATE PUSHES MALWARE IN NEW CLICKFIX ATTACK
 

A fake Windows update page is tricking users into downloading malware that steals passwords, payment details and account access. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto)

Why this fake Windows update scam feels so real

There’s a bigger trend behind this. Researchers say campaigns like this often target regions where large data breaches have already exposed personal information. When attackers already know your name, provider or habits, they can build scams that feel tailored to you. That makes a fake Windows update page far more believable than a generic phishing email.

Advertisement

It also highlights something important. Today’s malware often hides inside legitimate tools and trusted frameworks. That makes it harder to detect and easier to trust. This campaign shows how far scammers have come. They are no longer relying on sloppy emails or obvious fake links. Instead, they are building layered attacks that look and behave like trusted software.

Even experienced users can get caught off guard when everything appears normal. The biggest takeaway is simple. A clean scan result or a familiar interface does not guarantee safety.

Microsoft says it’s aware of the threat

Microsoft confirmed it is tracking this type of activity and urges users to be cautious when downloading updates from unfamiliar sources. 

“We are aware of reports of fraudulent websites impersonating Microsoft, and we actively work to detect and disrupt malicious activity across the internet,” A Microsoft spokesperson told CyberGuy. “We encourage customers to be cautious of unexpected prompts or downloads and to verify that they are interacting with legitimate Microsoft domains. As a best practice, we recommend users verify the legitimacy of a link by going directly to our website from your own saved favorite, from a web search, or by typing the domain name yourself.”

For more guidance on how to protect against online phishing scams, you can refer to Microsoft’s official support page at support.microsoft.com.

Advertisement

MICROSOFT CROSSES PRIVACY LINE FEW EXPECTED
 

A convincing Windows update scam is spreading malware that can grab saved passwords, cookies, payment data and Discord tokens. (Todor Tsvetkov/Getty Images)

Ways to stay safe from fake Windows update malware

You don’t need to be a security expert to avoid this. A few habits make a big difference.

1) Only update Windows from your settings

Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates there. Avoid downloading updates from websites. 

2) Double-check the URL

Real Microsoft pages use microsoft.com. Anything else, even if it looks close, should raise a red flag.

Advertisement

3) Be cautious with urgent update prompts

If a site or message pressures you to install an update, stop and verify it manually. 

4) Use strong antivirus software with behavior detection

Traditional antivirus software, which often comes built into your device or as basic security software, mainly looks for known threats using signature matching, which means it can miss new or well-hidden attacks like this one. Strong antivirus software uses behavior detection to monitor what programs are doing in real time, helping flag suspicious activity even if the malware hasn’t been seen before.  Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

5) Use a data removal service to limit your exposure

If your personal information is already circulating online from past breaches, it can make scams like this more convincing. A data removal service helps reduce how much of your information is publicly available, making it harder for attackers to target you with tailored phishing attempts. 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

6) Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of protection if your passwords are stolen.

7) Avoid downloading installer files from unknown sites

Legitimate updates rarely require manual downloads. 

Advertisement

Kurt’s key takeaways

Fake updates are one of the most effective tricks because they tap into something we all trust. Keeping your system secure should not put you at risk, yet that’s exactly what attackers are exploiting here. The safest move is to slow down, verify where updates come from and stick to built-in tools whenever possible.

Are tech companies doing enough to keep fake updates from putting your data at risk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending