Technology
3 most dangerous tech threats to 2024 elections
With elections around the corner, people need to work harder to do their own research into who they want to vote for. That’s because, as we’ve seen in the previous election, technology and social media have made it easier to sway people in a certain direction.
With the rise of artificial intelligence technology in the form of deepfakes, as well as misinformation campaigns that can manipulate peoples’ emotions, don’t let yourself fall for them.
These three categories of cyberthreats should be on the radar ahead of elections. Here’s what you need to know and how to keep yourself safe and thinking for yourself.
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A man putting a “vote” button on his jacket (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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1. Deepfakes and AI-driven misinformation
Though deepfakes aren’t new, their potential to distort our reality has made it very difficult to distinguish what’s real from what’s fake. Not only has deepfake technology itself gotten better, but the increasing accessibility of these AI technologies has made it easier to create and distribute deepfake videos and audio on a mass scale.
Why is this problematic in terms of elections? Well, these can imitate public figures to spread false information, disrupt voter opinions and create confusion. Imagine seeing a political figure or celebrity you admire talking about a topic that really resonates with you, even though everything you may have already researched about this person contradicts what they are saying. This has the power to convince voters who may have otherwise voted differently or were unsure about who to vote for, meaning that people can be influenced by something that is not even real.
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Illustration of artificial intelligence (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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2. Social media manipulation
One of the ways in which deepfakes spread so quickly is because of social media platforms. Social media platforms have always been a major battleground for misinformation campaigns, and it’s getting harder to detect which posts are real and which aren’t. Bots and AI-generated content can quickly disseminate false information before content checkers on these platforms are able to take it down. This makes it harder for users to distinguish between real and fake news, especially when it might be coming from a trusted source within their network.
Men looking at social media on a phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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3. Hacking and cyberattacks
In addition to the above, cyberattacks have gotten much more sophisticated. Politicians, their families and campaign staff are all targets for cyberattacks, just like anyone else. Attackers may not only steal sensitive information to release at strategically damaging times but simply exploit their victims by using deepfakes, AI and social media. Long-term undetected attacks could also compromise the security and integrity of the electoral process both in the short term and in the long term.
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Illustration of a hacker (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tips to keep yourself safe from cyberthreats during elections
All in all, voters have a lot to watch out for this voting season, on top of already needing to be vigilant in general. These threats don’t just have the ability to trick you in the context of the election, but in general. Therefore, implementing these best practices for cybersecurity can keep you safe overall.
1. Verify information source
Use trusted news outlets: Rely on reputable news organizations for election information.
Cross-check facts: Validate news stories by checking multiple sources.
Be skeptical of sensational content: If something seems overly provocative or too shocking, it may be designed to manipulate emotions.
Don’t give your information over the phone: Phone spoofing and scam calls are prevalent around election time. For instance, someone could call pretending they are from your local representative’s office (even posing as such on caller ID) when it could just be a scammer. Don’t give them your information.
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“I voted” stickers (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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2. Protect your online accounts
Enable 2FA: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by asking you to verify your identity in more than one way.
Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across different sites that are hard to guess. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Monitor account activity: Regularly check for any unauthorized activity.
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3. Recognize and report deepfakes
Look for inconsistencies: Pay attention to unnatural facial movements or audio that don’t match the video.
Use verification tools: Tools like reverse image search can help verify the authenticity of images and videos.
Report suspicious content: Alert platform moderators or use reporting features on social media.
4. Secure your devices
Keep software updated: Ensure all devices have the latest security updates.
Avoid public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but notoriously insecure. Hackers can easily intercept data transmitted over these networks, putting your personal information at risk. Whenever possible, avoid accessing sensitive accounts or transmitting private data while connected to public Wi-Fi.
Use a virtual private network (VPN): If you need to access sensitive information on public networks, we recommend using a VPN. Also, consider using a VPN to protect against being tracked and to identify your potential location on websites that you visit. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on their privacy settings, may display the city from which you are corresponding. A VPN will disguise your IP address to show an alternate location. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
Don’t click on any links or attachments you don’t trust: It’s very easy for malware to slip through links that look legitimate, so be sure to verify the source and be wary of unexpected requests for sensitive information. Always approach unsolicited requests for your personal data with caution, even if they appear to come from known contacts or reputable organizations.
The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This election season is going to open up a whole new can of cyberthreat worms, so to speak. If you’re unsure who to vote for, or you’re on the fence about certain issues, it’s important to be aware of the threats that exist, from AI deep fakes to social media’s power. Keep your wits about yourself and always cross-check information as best as you can.
What role do you believe social media platforms should play in safeguarding elections against cyberthreats and misinformation? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
Amazon’s smart shopping cart for Whole Foods gets bigger, lighter, and adds tap-to-pay
Amazon is launching a revamped version of its smart shopping cart, which it plans to bring to dozens of Whole Foods locations by the end of this year, according to an announcement on Wednesday. The new Dash Cart features a “more responsive” item scanner that’s now located next to the built-in display, along with a new NFC reader that lets you tap to pay with your credit card or phone.
Amazon’s previous Dash Cart design put scanners beneath and in front of the handle, potentially making them harder to spot. It also only let you pay with the credit card attached to your Amazon account.
With the upgraded Dash Cart, you’ll find a new scale alongside the cart’s handle, which Amazon says “works in tandem with on-cart cameras, weight sensors, and deep learning models to ensure accurate pricing for every item.” The upgraded Dash Cart eliminates the large sensors facing inside the cart as well, offering a 40 percent larger capacity and a 25 percent lighter weight.
The Dash Cart shows an interactive map of the store on its display, similar to Instacart’s smart Caper Cart. You can sync your shopping list created with Alexa, too, and see how much you’re spending as you add more items to your cart. The cart uses built-in sensors and computer vision to detect when you’ve removed an item, allowing it to automatically update your total. When you’re done shopping, you can skip the checkout line and leave the store in a designated Dash Cart lane.
Amazon is launching its new Dash Cart as the company shakes up its grocery business, which has tied Whole Foods more closely to the Amazon brand. The company has already brought its new Dash Cart to three Whole Foods stores in McKinney, Texas; Reston, Virginia; and Westford, Massachusetts, along with two Amazon Fresh stores.
Technology
Fake error popups are spreading malware fast
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A dangerous cybercrime tool has surfaced in underground forums, making it far easier for attackers to spread malware.
Instead of relying on hidden downloads, this tool pushes fake error messages that pressure you into fixing problems that never existed. Security researchers say this method is spreading quickly because it feels legitimate. The page looks broken. The warning feels urgent. The fix sounds simple.
That combination is proving alarmingly effective for cybercriminals.
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How fake error malware attacks actually work
These attacks begin with a compromised website. When a visitor lands on the page, something looks wrong right away. Text appears broken. Fonts look scrambled. Visual elements seem corrupted. A pop-up then appears claiming the issue can be fixed with a browser update or a missing system font. A button offers to repair the problem instantly.
Clicking that button copies a command to the clipboard and displays instructions to paste it into PowerShell or a system terminal. That single step launches the infection.
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Fake error popups make a website look broken by scrambling text or fonts to create urgency and panic. (Jens Büttner/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Why this new tool changes the threat landscape
The tool behind these attacks is called ErrTraffic. It automates the entire process and removes the technical barriers that once limited cybercrime operations. For about $800, attackers get a full package with a control panel and scripted payload delivery. Analysts at the Hudson Rock Threat Intelligence Team identified the tool after tracking its promotion on Russian-language forums in early December 2025.
ErrTraffic works through a simple JavaScript injection. A single line of code connects a hacked site to the attacker’s dashboard. From there, everything adapts automatically. The script detects the operating system and browser. It then displays a customized fake error message in the correct language. The attack works across Windows, Android, macOS and Linux.
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The popups often claim a browser update or missing system font is needed to fix the problem. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Why security software struggles to stop it
Traditional malware defenses look for suspicious downloads or unauthorized installations. ErrTraffic avoids both. Browsers see normal text copying. Security tools see a legitimate system utility being opened manually. Nothing appears out of place. That design allows the attack to slip through protections that would normally stop malware in its tracks.
The success rate is deeply concerning
Data pulled from active ErrTraffic campaigns shows conversion rates approaching 60%. That means more than half of the visitors who see the fake error message follow the instructions and install malware. Once active, the tool can deliver infostealers like Lumma or Vidar on Windows devices. Android targets often receive banking trojans instead. The control panel even includes geographic filtering, with built-in blocks for Russia and neighboring regions to avoid drawing attention from local authorities.
What happens after infection?
Once malware is installed, credentials and session data are stolen. Those compromised logins are then used to breach additional websites. Each newly hacked site becomes another delivery vehicle for the same attack. That cycle allows the campaign to grow without direct involvement from the original operator.
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Following the on-screen instructions can quietly trigger malware that steals passwords and personal data. (Kurt Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from fake error malware
A few smart habits can significantly reduce risk when facing fake error pop-ups and browser-based traps.
1) Never run commands suggested by a website
Legitimate websites never ask you to copy and paste commands into PowerShell or a system terminal. Fake error malware relies on convincing messages that pressure you into doing exactly that. If a page instructs you to run code to fix a problem, close it immediately.
2) Close pages that claim your system is corrupted
Fake error campaigns often use broken text, scrambled fonts or warnings about missing files to grab attention. As a result, these visuals create urgency and trigger fear. In reality, a real system problem never announces itself through a random website, so close the page right away.
3) Install updates only through official system settings
Real browser and operating system updates come from built-in update tools, not pop-ups on websites. If an update is needed, your device will notify you directly through system settings or trusted app stores.
4) Install strong antivirus software on every device
Strong antivirus software can help block malicious scripts, detect infostealers and stop suspicious behavior before damage spreads. This is especially important since fake error malware targets Windows, Android, macOS and Linux systems.
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 and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
5) Use a data removal service to reduce exposure
Stolen credentials fuel the spread of fake error malware. Removing personal information from data broker sites can reduce the impact if login details are compromised and limit how far an attack can spread.
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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6) Treat font and browser update pop-ups with suspicion
Claims about missing fonts or outdated browsers are a hallmark of these attacks. Modern systems manage fonts automatically, and browsers update themselves. A webpage has no reason to request manual fixes.
If a real update is needed, the operating system will request it directly. A random webpage never should.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Fake error malware works because it plays on a very human reaction. When something on a screen suddenly looks broken, most people want to fix it fast and move on. That split-second decision is exactly what attackers are counting on. Tools like ErrTraffic show how polished these scams have become. The messages look professional. The instructions feel routine. Nothing about the moment screams danger. But behind the scenes, one click can quietly hand over passwords, banking access and personal data. The good news is that slowing down makes a real difference. Closing a suspicious page and trusting built-in system updates can stop these attacks cold. When it comes to pop-ups claiming your device is broken, walking away is often the smartest fix.
Have you ever seen a pop-up or error message that made you stop and wonder if it was real? Tell us what it looked like and how you handled it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Technology
Intel is planning a custom Panther Lake CPU for handheld PCs
Intel announced yesterday that it’s developing an entire “handheld gaming platform” powered by its new Panther Lake chips, and joining an increasingly competitive field. Qualcomm is hinting about potential Windows gaming handhelds showing up at the Game Developers Conference in March, and AMD’s new Strix Halo chips could lead to more powerful handhelds.
According to IGN and TechCrunch, sources say Intel is going to compete by developing a custom Intel Core G3 “variant or variants” just for handhelds that could outperform the Arc B390 GPU on the chips it just announced. IGN reports that by using the new 18A process, Intel can cut different die slices, and “spec the chips to offer better performance on the GPU where you want it.”
As for concrete details about the gaming platform, we’re going to have to wait. According to Intel’s Dan Rogers yesterday, the company will have “more news to share on that from our hardware and software partners later this year.” The Intel-based MSI Claw saw a marked improvement when it jumped to Lunar Lake, and hopefully the new platform keeps up that positive trend.
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