I love black-and-white photography. I also adore compact cameras you can always have by your side. So I’m a total mark for the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a fixed-lens camera that can’t zoom and can’t record color — at all. It’s a formula that makes the average person ask, “Why?”
Technology
Pornhub hit by massive user data leak exposing 200 million records
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Pornhub is dealing with fresh fallout after the hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for a massive user data leak. The group says it stole 94GB of data tied to more than 200 million records and is now attempting to extort the company for a Bitcoin ransom.
According to reporting from BleepingComputer, the hackers say they will publish the data if their demands are not met. Pornhub has acknowledged the situation but maintains its core systems were not breached.
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DATA BREACH EXPOSES 400K BANK CUSTOMERS’ INFO
Pornhub is facing new fallout after hackers claimed to steal millions of user records tied to Premium accounts. The group is threatening to release sensitive activity data unless paid in Bitcoin. (Philip Dulian/picture alliance via Getty Images)
What data ShinyHunters claims to have stolen
ShinyHunters says the exposed data focuses on Pornhub Premium users. While no financial information was included, the dataset still contains highly sensitive activity details.
The group claims the stolen records include:
- Email addresses
- Activity type
- Location
- Video URLs and video names
- Keywords linked to videos
- Timestamps showing when the activity occurred
Activity logs reportedly show whether a user watched or downloaded a video or viewed a channel. Search histories are also included, which raises serious privacy concerns if the data is released publicly.
How Mixpanel is connected to the breach
The alleged breach appears linked to a separate November security incident involving Mixpanel, a data analytics vendor that previously worked with Pornhub. That earlier breach occurred after a smishing attack gave threat actors access to Mixpanel systems. However, Mixpanel says it does not believe Pornhub data came from that incident. The company stated it found no evidence that the data was taken during its November 2025 breach. Pornhub has also clarified that it stopped working with Mixpanel in 2021. That means the stolen data would be several years old. Reuters contacted some Pornhub customers to verify the claims. Those users confirmed the data tied to their accounts was accurate but outdated, which aligns with the Mixpanel timeline.
What Pornhub says was not exposed
Pornhub moved quickly to reassure users following the reports. In a security notice, the company said:
“This was not a breach of Pornhub Premium’s systems. Passwords, payment details and financial information remain secure and were not exposed.”
That distinction reduces the immediate risk of financial fraud. However, exposure of viewing habits and search activity still carries long-term privacy risks. We reached out to Pornhub for a comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.
Why ShinyHunters remains a serious threat
ShinyHunters has been linked to some of the most disruptive data breaches this year. The group relies heavily on social engineering tactics such as phishing and smishing to gain access to corporate systems. Once inside, the group typically steals large datasets and uses extortion threats to pressure companies into paying ransoms. This strategy has affected businesses and users worldwide.
PASSWORD MANAGER FINED AFTER MAJOR DATA BREACH
A hacking group says it obtained years-old Pornhub Premium user data, including viewing activity and search history. Pornhub says its core systems were not breached. (Donato Fasano/Getty Images)
Pornhub warns Premium members about direct contact from hackers
Pornhub has updated its online statement to warn Premium members about possible direct contact from cybercriminals. In cases involving adult platforms, this type of outreach often escalates into sextortion attempts, where criminals threaten to expose private activity unless victims pay.
“We are aware that the individuals responsible for this incident have threatened to contact impacted Pornhub Premium users directly. You may therefore receive emails claiming they have your personal information. As a reminder, we will never ask for your password or payment information by email.”
Pornhub remains one of the world’s most visited adult video platforms. People can view content anonymously or create accounts to upload and interact with videos.
PETCO CONFIRMS MAJOR DATA BREACH INVOLVING CUSTOMER DATA
ShinyHunters claims responsibility for a massive Pornhub data leak involving alleged user activity records. The company says passwords and payment details remain secure. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ways to stay safe after a data breach
Even if the data is several years old, users should take this opportunity to strengthen their digital security.
1) Change your passwords
Start by updating your Pornhub password. Next, change the password for any email or payment account linked to it. Using a password manager makes it easier to create and store strong, unique passwords.
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
2) Stay alert for phishing attempts and install strong antivirus software
Data breaches often lead to follow-up scams. Be cautious of emails, texts or phone calls that reference Pornhub or account issues. Avoid clicking links, downloading attachments or sharing personal information unless you can verify the source. Installing a strong antivirus program adds another layer of defense against malicious links and 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 & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Use a data removal service to limit future exposure
Data removal services work to remove your personal information from data broker websites that collect and sell details such as email addresses, locations and online identifiers. If leaked data from this breach is shared, resold or cross-referenced with broker databases, removing your information can make it much harder for scammers to connect it to you.
This step is especially important after high-profile breaches involving activity data. Shrinking what is publicly available about you reduces the risk of targeted phishing, impersonation and long-term privacy harm.
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
4) Consider identity theft protection
Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information such as your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or used to open an account. Early warnings can help limit damage if your data surfaces. 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
5) Add extra privacy protection with a VPN
A VPN helps protect your browsing activity by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic. That is especially relevant in breaches like this one, where exposed activity data may include location signals or usage patterns. While a VPN cannot erase past exposure, it reduces how much new information is visible going forward and makes it harder to link future activity back to you. Using a VPN consistently can also limit tracking across sites, which helps lower your overall digital footprint after a breach.
For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The Pornhub massive data leak highlights how long stored user information can remain a risk. While passwords and payment details were not exposed, activity data can still be damaging if released. ShinyHunters has shown it is willing to apply pressure through public threats. As a result, you should stay vigilant and proactive about your online security.
Should companies be allowed to store years of user activity data once it is no longer needed? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Allow me to explain why I love this camera that can’t shoot color
I’ve tested the GR IV Monochrome for over a month, taking it with me everywhere and photographing everything. Let me explain how this pricey little point-and-shoot is likely to go down as one of my all-time-favorite cameras.

$2197
The Good
- Excellent black-and-white image quality
- Everything great about the standard GR IV: sharp lens, small size, solid focusing
- Fantastic high-ISO noise performance
- Limiting yourself to black and white has creative benefits
The Bad
- Expensive for a Ricoh GR
- Face / eye tracking autofocus pales in comparison to the bigger camera brands
- Short battery life (about 200-ish shots)
Ricoh GRs are some of the most unassuming, no-frills cameras around, and they have been since their conception in the film days. In the digital era, they’re pocket-size point-and-shoots with a large APS-C sensor permanently attached to a fixed focal length lens. If you’re familiar with Fujifilm’s popular X100 line, it’s like trimming one of those down to the bare minimum — that means no viewfinder and no fancy aperture ring. The X100 and other coveted street cameras like Leicas offer vintage-style shooting and double as lifestyle accessories or shoulder-carried jewelry (with prices to match). But a Ricoh GR is purely a shooter’s camera, with unabashedly modern methods of being used. Atop the camera is a typical mode dial, with customizable user presets, not an old-timey shutter speed dial.
The GR IV Monochrome takes last year’s Ricoh GR IV, strips out the color filter from the sensor, and replaces its built-in ND filter with a red filter (for one-click contrast adjustment purely using optics). Functionally, the alteration to the sensor gives the GR Monochrome an elevated ISO range of 160 to 409,600 and makes it better in low-light shooting (because color noise looks worse at high ISO than pure luminance grain). It maintains the upgrades established with the GR IV: improved autofocusing for its 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens, a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, and 53GB of internal storage (supported by a microSD card slot).
Using the GR IV Monochrome feels just like the standard GR IV, with key functions that help it thrive in impromptu street-style shooting. It powers on and is ready to shoot in less than one second, and at any moment you can quickly full-press the shutter to forgo autofocusing and take a shot at a preset focus distance. Ricoh calls this Snap Focus, and it allows you to easily shoot from the hip with zone focusing — a staple of street photographers. The GR is all about spontaneity. Its autofocus system has face and eye detection, but it’s just a serviceable helper. The main way to use the GR is with single-point focusing and quickly moving it around the touchscreen. Many hardcore photographers will loathe its lack of an electronic viewfinder, but I’ve come to terms with its forgoing one for the sake of size.
But being forced into a black-and-white view of the world through this camera’s LCD is where the real magic happens. Any digital camera can be set to black-and-white mode, but not having the choice pushes you to look more intently at light and tonality. I pay extra attention to my compositions and seek out textures and tones I might ignore when shooting color. I know the camera can’t see color, so I mentally adjust my eye and my creativity to match — knowing there’s no bailout or reverting back to color in post. A more disciplined shooter may not feel they need all that, but I’ve shot enough on the GR IV Monochrome, other black-and-white-only cameras, and film cameras to know that I’m feasting when working with some limitations.
1/23
That’s the same ethos that drives people to go back to analog photography and digicams, or use toy-like cameras, but the GR IV Monochrome also unlocks the ability to shoot at extravagantly high ISOs in just about any light. The f/2.8 maximum aperture of the GR’s lens isn’t as fast as the f/1.7 and f/2 lenses of the Leica Q and Fujifilm X100 cameras of the world, but it’s fast enough when you barely notice much noise until ISO 25,600 and even a six-digit ISO is perfectly usable (even before denoising in post-processing software).
The other big way the GR IV sets itself apart from its Leica and Fujifilm competitors is that this camera is actually pocketable. I have ventured out of the house many times with my personal Leica Q2 slung over my shoulder, sans camera bag, ready to go on a little photo adventure or capture memories with family or friends. But it’s even easier to drop a Ricoh GR into a purse, diaper bag, or even a jacket / rear pants pocket. It turns any outing or errand into an opportunity to dabble in your creativity. These are snapshot-y moments that would usually be reserved for the camera you always have with you: your phone. But with the GR IV Monochrome, I feel more empowered and motivated to create something special and purposeful.
1/31
Am I creating art at the grocery store that’s worthy of the white walls of a Chelsea gallery? No. But seeing my own personal world through a black-and-white lens of such quality is enchanting. And there’s nothing wrong with feeling a little “artsy” sometimes, even if you’re just auditioning for the art critic in your own head.
The mundanity of our humdrum lives feels elevated when given the timeless quality of black and white. Lately, it’s felt even more authentic to me and worthy of appreciation, since generative AI is making so much of our world feel fake. It’s now commonplace to doubt everything we see as a possible deepfake or a dubious con — even from our own government. Black-and-white imagery still feels precious and real, at least as long as the AI-obsessed tech platforms don’t focus their Eye of Sauron of Enshittification on this niche of the medium.


To be fair, cameras that can’t shoot color aren’t new. Leica has been making its Monochrom variants of Q and M cameras for nearly 14 years. But priced at nearly $8,000 to $11,000 and up, they’re mostly unattainable to an average enthusiast. At $2,199.95, the GR IV Monochrome isn’t cheap but it’s much more grounded and feasible to own one without it being your only possession. And frankly, it’s less hoity-toity and snobbish when your second, third, or fourth camera — the “artsy” one — doesn’t cost more than a used car.
1/34
I’d be lying if I said that’s not part of why I dig the GR IV Monochrome so much. I’d love to one day personally own a Leica Monochrom of some sort, but it’s hard not to opt for the catch-all color camera when you’re spending that kind of money (hence why I own a Leica Q2 and not a Q2 Monochrom). But since my brain was broken by Leica and pro-level mirrorless system prices years ago, I can simultaneously look at the GR IV Monochrome and think, “$2,200? That’s not bad,” and also “GR cameras used to be like 900 bucks — what gives?”
It’s the everyday companion status of the GR IV Monochrome that makes it extra-extra special. With this little guy in your pocket, with that kind of image quality and light gathering potential, it feels like a permission slip to capture a sense of authentic wonder wherever you go. The standard GR IV is the logical version to get, allowing you to capture the vibrancy of your world. But the more hardcore GR IV Monochrome brings the romance, gritty realism, and magic.
Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
Technology
Samsung Messages ending? What Android owners must know
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You may be hearing that Samsung Messages is going away, and for many Android users, that’s true. Samsung is quietly phasing out its Samsung Messages app and moving people to Google Messages as the default texting platform with a planned cutoff around July 2026 in the U.S.
Newer Galaxy phones already come with Google Messages preinstalled, and Samsung Messages is no longer available to download on many newer devices.
That shift is real. But the way people are finding out about it is causing confusion. For many people, it starts with a text that doesn’t feel quite right. They’re checking their phone, and suddenly a text pops up warning that their messaging app is going away.
That’s exactly what happened to Gilberto of Running Springs, California. He wrote to us saying, “I just received a text on my Android phone advising me that Samsung Messages was going to end on July 6th, 2026, and that I needed to change to Google Messages. Is that true or a scam? I am a fan and enjoy your newsletter.”
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Gilberto is not alone. A growing number of Android owners are seeing similar alerts, and they’re leaving people unsure what’s real and what’s a scam. Here’s what’s real, based on Samsung and Google’s latest moves.
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Scam texts like this use urgency and official-looking language to trick you into clicking dangerous links. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What’s actually happening with Samsung Messages
Samsung says Samsung Messages will be discontinued and is pushing people to switch to Google Messages. Google Messages is already the default texting app on many Galaxy phones.
Here’s what we know right now:
- Newer Samsung Galaxy devices already ship with Google Messages as the default
- Samsung Messages is still available on many older phones, but it is no longer the focus
- Samsung says the app is expected to be discontinued in July 2026 for customers in the United States and advises checking the Samsung Messages app for the exact shutdown date
- Some Galaxy phones may show an in-app notification guiding you to switch to Google Messages
- Owners of newer Galaxy devices already cannot download Samsung Messages, and all devices will lose access to download it after the July 2026 cutoff
Samsung has not made a dramatic shutdown announcement inside settings or via official alerts. Instead, this is more of a phased shift tied to Google’s push for RCS messaging.
Why Samsung is moving to Google Messages
This change is not random. It’s about standardizing how texting works across Android.
Google has been pushing RCS, which stands for rich communication services. Think of it as the Android version of iMessage.
With Google Messages, you get:
- Read receipts and typing indicators
- High-quality photo and video sharing
- Better group chats
- Spam protection powered by Google
- Access to newer Google features, including AI tools powered by Gemini, like suggested replies and experimental features such as image generation inside chats
- Built-in security improvements, including AI-powered scam detection and stronger spam filtering to help block suspicious messages
Samsung has decided it makes more sense to partner with Google rather than maintain a separate messaging platform.
TAX SEASON SCAMS 2026: FAKE IRS MESSAGES STEALING IDENTITIES
As Samsung shifts to Google Messages, many people are receiving confusing alerts that can be easy to misinterpret. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
So is that text message real or a scam?
Here’s where things get tricky.
- The change itself is real
- The text message Gilberto received may not be
Samsung does not typically send standalone text messages with links asking you to switch apps. That creates a perfect opening for scammers.
How to tell if the message is legit
Here’s what to look for:
Signs the message could be legitimate
- You see a notification inside your phone’s system settings
- The alert appears within your existing messaging app
- Links go directly to official sources like Google Play
Red flags that point to a scam
- A random text with a link
- Messages that pressure you to act quickly
- Requests for login details or payment
- Strange sender numbers or email-style addresses
Scammers know people are already hearing about this change, and they’re using that confusion to make their messages look real.
Taking a moment to verify a message before tapping can protect your data, your money and your identity. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What you should do right now
You don’t need to panic. You just need to take control of the process.
1) Ignore the link
Even if the message looks convincing, do not tap anything inside it. It could take you to a fake site designed to steal your information. It’s also smart to have strong antivirus software on your phone, which can help block malicious links and warn you about suspicious activity before any damage is done. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
2) Check your phone manually
Open the Google Play Store and search for Google Messages. If it is already installed, you are ahead of the game. If you’re using a newer Galaxy phone, you may already have Google Messages as your default and may not see Samsung Messages at all.
3) Switch in a safe way
Open Google Messages. If it is not already installed, download it from the Google Play Store. When you open it, tap “Set default SMS app,” select Google Messages, then confirm “Set as default.”
If you do not see that prompt, go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app (this may appear as “Default apps” on some devices), then select Google Messages.
4) Your existing texts should appear in Google Messages
When you switch your default messaging app, your SMS and MMS message history should automatically appear inside Google Messages. Google and Samsung both indicate that existing conversations transfer during the switch. In most cases, that means you will keep your existing text messages and won’t lose your conversation history when you switch apps. It is still a good idea to open Google Messages after switching and confirm your threads are there before removing or disabling Samsung Messages.
5) Reduce your exposure online
Scammers don’t just guess your number. They often get it from data broker sites and other places where your personal information is already floating around online. That’s why it’s smart to use a data removal service, which can help remove your phone number and personal details from these sites. The less information that’s out there, the harder it is for scammers to target you with texts like this in the first place. 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.
What Samsung and Google are not telling you clearly
Here’s the part that frustrates many people. This transition is not being communicated in a consistent or highly visible way. Some Galaxy phones may show notices inside Samsung Messages or system prompts, but there is no single, universal alert reaching everyone at once. Instead, it’s a gradual shift tied to device updates, software versions and Google’s messaging strategy. That uneven rollout is exactly what creates confusion and gives scam texts an opening.
Who may not be affected?
Some older Samsung phones may continue to use Samsung Messages for now, especially if they are no longer receiving major software updates.
However, Samsung has not given a clear cutoff for the Android version, so the timeline can vary depending on your specific device, carrier and region.
You can check your Android version by going to Settings > About phone > Software information > Android version.
Why this matters for you
This is bigger than just switching apps.
It highlights a growing pattern:
- Real tech changes create confusion
- Scammers jump in immediately
- People get caught in the middle
Right now, this change applies to U.S. customers, and timing may vary elsewhere. That kind of uncertainty is exactly what scammers look for, which is why it’s critical to verify any message before you act. Don’t want to use Google Messages? Here are your options
We’re hearing from readers who don’t trust Google and aren’t sure what to do, especially if family members use iPhones.
Here’s the reality:
- Use Google Messages (default option): Works with everyone, including iPhones. No one else has to change anything
- Use Signal for privacy: More secure, but only works if your contacts also use it
- Apps like WhatsApp or Telegram: Both sides need the app
Best practical setup: Use Google Messages for everyday texting and Signal for private conversations.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Gilberto’s instinct to question that message was the right move. The switch to Google Messages is real, but the text he received might not be. When tech companies make quiet changes, scammers step in fast. The safest move is simple. Ignore unexpected links, verify everything yourself and make the switch on your terms, not theirs.
Should Big Tech companies be doing more to clearly warn you about major changes like this before scammers step in and fill the gap? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
The Netherlands is the first European country to approve Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving
Dutch regulators, the RDW, announced that after over a year and a half of testing, it has officially approved Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) Supervised. This makes the Netherlands the first European country to authorize the use of FSD on its roads. This could open the door to wider adoption throughout the EU. Tesla’s European headquarters is located in Amsterdam, so it’s only fitting that the country is the first to embrace the company’s FSD.
In a statement announcing the approval, the RDW said that, “Using driver assistance systems correctly makes a positive contribution to road safety because the driver is supported in their driving tasks; it is a supplement to the driver. Through continuous strict monitoring of the driver in the vehicle, the system is safer than other driver assistance systems.”
The update implementing FSD Supervised (version 2026.3.6) has started rolling out to a limited number of users. Drivers will need to watch a tutorial and take a quiz before self-driving can be enabled, which reminds people that FSD Supervised “does not make your vehicle autonomous. Do not become complacent.”
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