Technology
7 must-have apps to save big this holiday season
Imagine walking into a store or browsing online, confident that you’re getting the best deals without spending hours hunting for discounts.
With the right tools at your fingertips, this can be your reality. We’ve researched and reviewed seven fantastic options that can help you save both time and money during your holiday shopping spree.
From cash-back apps to discount tools, these strategies will ensure you check off every item on your wish list without breaking the bank. Ready to save some money? Let’s dive in.
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A woman shopping on an app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
1. Retailer apps and manufacturer sites
Downloading big retailer apps can lead to more savings that cannot be found in stores or online. From Target and Walmart to your local drugstore, many offer secret app-only savings and offers. Retailers are trying to get us to shop more with their own app by combining an app purchase with an in-store pickup that can at times offer additional savings. Look for each app in the official Apple app store and Google Play Store, never from a link or other site.
A woman shopping on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
KURT’S BEST HOLIDAY DEAL PICKS
2. Cash-back shopping apps
Rakuten
Cashback shopping apps like Rakuten let you earn cash back when shopping online. According to Rakuten, thousands of retailers participate in the savings.
Image of the Rakuten welcome page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How it works is simple. Register for free online, then use their app or website while shopping at retailers that offer a commission for sending you to their shopping site.
Rakuten shares a portion of the commission it earns with you. Once you earn enough cash-back savings, you can choose to receive a check, have it paid to your PayPal account or use the American Express rewards program.
Click this link and get a $40 bonus when you spend $40.
Ibotta
I’ve mentioned this app before. Ibotta is an app that you use for couponing and gives you cash back on items you’re already purchasing at your favorite stores, including grocery stores, food delivery, movie and concert tickets, and more.
Image of Ibotta app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Some of the most popular retailers you can find deals with through Ibotta are CVS, Walgreens, Target, Lowe’s, Petco, Domino’s Pizza, REI and more than 1,500 brands and retailers.
If you scroll to the bottom of the app, you’ll see a section called “Special Deals.” If you scroll, you’ll see a panel called “Free made easy: All free offers all in one place.”
Ibotta special deals section of app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Click this link and use referral code mpiaurm to earn $5 when you submit your first receipt.
Copy the code to insert into the Referral code box on Ibotta “Create account” page: mpiaurm
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
3. Discount and price comparison apps
Image of Flipp welcome back (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Discount apps like Flipp aggregate sales fliers and store circulars. All you do is put in your zip code and start browsing for savings from thousands of popular retailers. The Watch List lets you track items from your holiday shopping list. Make sure to create a tight shopping list of each item to track in case prices go down before or after your purchase.
KURT’S UNBEATABLE HOLIDAY DEALS
4. Automatic coupon code apps
PayPal Honey
PayPal Honey leads the pack by automatically entering coupon codes into the promo code field when checking out at 5,500+ retail sites.
Image of PayPal Honey welcome back (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How it works: You can use the PayPal Honey app directly, but you are better off using it the way it was designed as a browser extension. Once added to your browser, it tracks where you are shopping and applies the best coupon codes without you needing to do anything. Just watch the total price drop as you are checking out when there is a match to a good discount.
The PayPal Honey browser add-on is available on Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera and Edge browsers. Again, for security, only download directly through your browser and not from a link or email offer.
PayPal paid $4 billion dollars for the automated coupon code technology browser add-on. That’s when Honey became PayPal Honey you will find here.
While it has come under fire by Amazon for privacy concerns, upon close examination it does not collect anything more than most other shopping technologies and says it does not resell customer shopping data. Maybe Amazon does not like that it works with Amazon, too, which can drive down prices.
5. Shop refurbished and like new
Amazon Warehouse
Amazon Warehouse has millions of open boxes, refurbished, renewed and used goods. Few know that retail giant Amazon has a renewed outlet shopping area that can save you when buying items in good-to-like-new condition.
Make sure you get a very good understanding of an item’s condition before buying. You are protected by Amazon’s policies making it easier to return the rare dud.
Image of Amazon Warehouse page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
BookFinder.com buys and sells used textbooks. Search with your teacher or professor’s textbook ISBN to make sure you are getting the exact match. Watch that you have thoroughly checked the condition of any used textbook before pulling the trigger at checkout. Avoid textbooks that say there are notations on the various pages, as these may not be the notes that earn you a good grade.
5 SECRETS TO SHOPPING SMARTER ON AMAZON
6. Buy discounted gift cards
You can buy discounted gift cards or sell unwanted gift cards for cash. I also recommend that you check the balance and expiration date of your gift cards before using them and use them as soon as possible to avoid losing them or forgetting about them. Check out the best way to buy gift cards ever by clicking here.
7. Set deal alerts
Set Deal Alerts at Slickdeals.net. This community of millions of fellow shoppers is looking for and sharing the best deals. When the price reaches a desired level, you’ll receive a notification so you don’t miss the deal.
Pro tip: I like to track larger dollar items and then create a calendar entry in my phone reminding me of the last day to reprice a purchase so that I can potentially get money back when the price goes down after the sale.
Make sure it’s a deal by using price tracking sites like Camelcamelcamel.com, which shows the history of sale prices.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
As we gear up for the holiday shopping season, remember that saving money doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools and strategies at your disposal, you can enjoy a stress-free shopping experience while keeping your budget intact. Whether you choose cash-back apps, discount tools or retailer-specific offers, there’s something out there for everyone. So, why not dive in and start exploring these options?
What are some of the absolute best deals you have found using these tools or other methods? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Grubhub confirms data breach amid extortion claims
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Food delivery platform Grubhub has confirmed a recent data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems.
The disclosure comes as sources tell BleepingComputer the company is now facing extortion demands linked to stolen data.
In a statement to BleepingComputer, Grubhub said it detected and stopped the activity quickly.
“We’re aware of unauthorized individuals who recently downloaded data from certain Grubhub systems,” the company said. “We quickly investigated, stopped the activity, and are taking steps to further increase our security posture.”
Grubhub added that sensitive information, such as financial details or order history, was not affected. However, the company declined to answer follow-up questions about when the breach occurred, whether customer data was involved or if it is actively being extorted.
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RANSOMWARE ATTACK EXPOSES SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AT MAJOR GAS STATION CHAIN
Grubhub confirmed a data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems, prompting an investigation and heightened security measures. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
What Grubhub has confirmed so far
While details remain limited, Grubhub confirmed several key points. It has brought in a third-party cybersecurity firm and notified law enforcement. Beyond that, the company has stayed largely silent. That lack of detail has raised concern, especially given Grubhub’s recent security history. Just last month, the company was linked to scam emails sent from its own b.grubhub.com subdomain. Those messages promoted a cryptocurrency scam promising large returns on Bitcoin payments. Grubhub said it contained the incident and blocked further unauthorized emails. It did not clarify whether the two events are related.
Sources link the breach to ShinyHunters extortion
According to multiple sources cited by BleepingComputer, the ShinyHunters hacking group is behind the extortion attempt. The group has not publicly commented on the claims and declined to respond when contacted. Sources say the attackers are demanding a Bitcoin payment to prevent the release of stolen data. That data reportedly includes older Salesforce records from a February 2025 breach and newer Zendesk data taken during the most recent intrusion. Grubhub uses Zendesk to run its online customer support system. That platform handles order issues, account access and billing questions, making it a valuable target for attackers.
How stolen credentials may have enabled the attack
Investigators believe the breach may be tied to credentials stolen during earlier Salesloft Drift attacks. In August 2025, threat actors used stolen OAuth tokens from Salesloft’s Salesforce integration to access sensitive systems over a 10-day period. According to a report from Google Threat Intelligence Group, also known as Mandiant, attackers used that stolen data to launch follow-up attacks across multiple platforms. “GTIG observed UNC6395 targeting sensitive credentials such as AWS access keys, passwords and Snowflake-related access tokens,” Google reported. ShinyHunters previously claimed responsibility for that campaign, stating it stole roughly 1.5 billion records from Salesforce environments tied to hundreds of companies.
Why this breach still matters
Even if payment data and order history were not affected, support systems often contain personal details. Names, email addresses and account notes can be enough to fuel phishing attacks or identity scams. More importantly, this incident highlights how older breaches can continue to cause damage long after the initial attack. Stolen credentials that are never rotated remain a powerful entry point for threat actors.
Ways to stay safe after the Grubhub data breach
If you use Grubhub or any online delivery service, a few smart steps can reduce your risk after a breach.
1) Update your password and stop re-use
Start by changing your Grubhub password right away. Make sure you do not reuse that password anywhere else. Reused passwords give attackers an easy path into other accounts. A password manager can help here. It creates strong, unique logins and stores them securely so you do not have to remember them all.
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.
ILLINOIS DHS DATA BREACH EXPOSES 700K RESIDENTS’ RECORDS
The food delivery platform says it quickly stopped the intrusion but has not disclosed when the breach occurred or whether customers were targeted. (Leonardo Munoz/VIEWpress)
2) Turn on two-factor authentication
If two-factor authentication (2FA) is available, enable it. This adds a second step when you sign in, such as a code sent to your phone or app. Even if a hacker steals your password, two-factor authentication can stop them from getting in.
3) Watch closely for phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software
Be alert for emails or texts that mention orders, refunds or support issues. Attackers often use stolen support data to make messages feel urgent and real. Do not click links or open attachments unless you are certain they are legitimate. Strong antivirus software can also help block malicious links and downloads before they cause harm.
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 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
4) Remove your data from people-search sites
Consider using a data removal service to reduce your online footprint. These services help remove your personal details from data broker sites that attackers often use to build profiles. Less exposed data means fewer tools for scammers to exploit.
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.
5) Ignore crypto messages using trusted brands
Be skeptical of any cryptocurrency offers tied to familiar companies. Grubhub was previously linked to scam emails promoting crypto schemes, which shows how often attackers abuse trusted names. Legitimate companies do not promise fast returns or pressure you to act immediately.
6) Monitor your Grubhub account and email activity
Check your Grubhub account for anything that looks unfamiliar. Watch for unexpected password reset emails, order confirmations or support messages you did not request. Attackers often test stolen data quietly before making bigger moves.
7) Secure the email linked to your Grubhub account
Your email account is the key to password resets. Change that password and enable two-factor authentication if it is not already on. If attackers control your email, they can regain access even after you change other passwords.
8) Stay alert for delayed scams tied to the breach
Breach data is often reused weeks or months later. Phishing attempts may appear long after headlines fade. Treat any future messages claiming to reference Grubhub support, refunds or account issues with extra caution.
These steps will not undo a breach, but they can limit how attackers exploit stolen information and reduce your risk going forward.
FIBER BROADBAND GIANT INVESTIGATES BREACH AFFECTING 1M USERS
Sources tell BleepingComputer the Grubhub breach is tied to extortion demands involving allegedly stolen customer support data. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Grubhub’s confirmation puts an official stamp on what sources have warned about for weeks. While the company says sensitive data was not affected, unanswered questions remain. As extortion-driven breaches rise, transparency and rapid credential rotation matter more than ever. What stands out most is how past compromises continue to create new risks. When access tokens live too long, attackers do not need to break in again. They simply walk back through an open door.
If companies stay quiet after breaches, how can customers know when it is time to protect themselves? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
TikTok is still down, here are all the latest updates
Starting early Sunday morning, TikTok’s now under new ownership US arm started breaking down just a couple of days after Oracle & Co took the reins. Its For You page algorithm is suddenly unreliable, while features like comments are failing to load or loading slowly, and publishing new videos seems nearly impossible for many people.
Rumors of censorship targeting anti-ICE protesting or attempting to block discussion of Jeffrey Epstein appear to be misguided (even the governor of California is resharing misinformation now), with problems blocking traffic to all kinds of videos and messages on the service through Monday night.
Read on below for the latest updates about the ongoing TikTok problems.
Technology
Malicious Google Chrome extensions hijack accounts
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Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a serious threat hiding inside Google Chrome.
Several browser extensions pretend to be helpful tools. In reality, they quietly take over user accounts. These extensions impersonate popular human resources and business platforms such as Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors. Once installed, they can steal login data and block security controls designed to protect users.
Many people who installed them had no warning signs that anything was wrong.
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WHY CLICKING THE WRONG COPILOT LINK COULD PUT YOUR DATA AT RISK
Cybersecurity researchers warn that fake Google Chrome extensions are silently hijacking user accounts by stealing login data and bypassing security protections. (Bildquelle/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
The fake Chrome extensions to watch out for
Security researchers from Socket’s Threat Research Team identified five malicious Chrome extensions connected to this campaign. The add-ons were marketed as productivity or security tools, but were designed to hijack accounts.
The extensions include:
- DataByCloud Access
- Tool Access 11
- DataByCloud 1
- DataByCloud 2
- Software Access
We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson told CyberGuy that the extensions are no longer available on the Chrome Web Store. However, some are still available on third-party software download sites, which continues to pose a risk. If you see any of these names installed in your browser, remove them immediately.
Why malicious Chrome extensions look legitimate
These malicious add-ons are designed to look legitimate. They use professional names, polished dashboards and business-focused descriptions. Some claim to offer faster access to workplace tools. Others say they restrict user actions to protect company accounts. Privacy policies often promise that no personal data is collected. For people juggling daily work tasks or managing business accounts, the pitch sounds helpful rather than suspicious.
What these extensions actually do
After installation, the extensions operate silently in the background. They steal session cookies, which are small pieces of data that tell websites you are already logged in. When attackers get these cookies, they can access accounts without a password. At the same time, some extensions block access to security pages. Users may be unable to change passwords, disable accounts or review login history. One extension even allows criminals to insert stolen login sessions into another browser. That lets them sign in instantly as the victim.
Why malicious Chrome extensions are so dangerous
This attack goes beyond stealing credentials. It removes the ability to respond. Security teams may detect unusual activity, but cannot fix it through normal controls. Password changes fail. Account settings disappear. Two-factor authentication tools become unreachable. As a result, attackers can maintain access for long periods without being stopped.
How to check for these extensions on your computer
If you use Google Chrome, review your extensions now. The process only takes a few minutes.
- Open Google Chrome
- Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner
- Select Extensions, then choose Manage Extensions
- Review every extension listed
Look for unfamiliar names, especially those claiming to offer access to HR platforms or business tools.
WEB SKIMMING ATTACKS TARGET MAJOR PAYMENT NETWORKS
Malicious Chrome add-ons disguised as productivity tools targeted users of popular business platforms like Workday, NetSuite and SAP SuccessFactors. (Photo by S3studio/Getty Images)
How to remove suspicious Chrome extensions
If you find one of these extensions, remove it immediately.
- Open Manage Extensions in Chrome
- Find the suspicious extension
- Click Remove
- Confirm when prompted
Restart your browser after removal to ensure the extension is fully disabled. If Chrome sync is enabled, repeat these steps on all synced devices before turning sync back on.
What to do after removing the extension
Removal is only the first step. Change passwords for any accounts accessed while the extension was installed. Use a different browser or device if possible.
A password manager can help you create strong, unique passwords for each account and store them securely. This reduces the risk of reused passwords being exploited again.
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.
Finally, review account activity for unfamiliar logins, locations or devices and be sure to follow the steps below to stay safe moving forward.
Ways to stay safe going forward
Simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.
1) Limit browser extensions
Only install extensions you truly need. The fewer extensions you use, the smaller your attack surface becomes.
2) Be cautious with add-ons
Avoid extensions that promise premium access or special tools for enterprise platforms. Legitimate companies rarely require browser add-ons for account access.
3) Check permissions carefully
Be wary of extensions that request access to cookies, browsing data or account management. These permissions can be abused to hijack sessions.
4) Review extensions regularly
Check your browser every few months and remove tools you no longer use or recognize.
WHATSAPP WEB MALWARE SPREADS BANKING TROJAN AUTOMATICALLY
Several fake browser extensions were removed from the Chrome Web Store after researchers linked them to account takeover attacks. (Photo Illustration by Serene Lee/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
5) Use strong antivirus software
Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious extensions, block suspicious behavior and alert you to browser-based threats before damage occurs.
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 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
6) Consider a data removal service
If your work or personal information has been exposed, a data removal service can help reduce your digital footprint by removing your details from data broker sites. This lowers the risk of follow-up scams or identity misuse.
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.
7) Avoid third-party download sites
Do not reinstall extensions from third-party websites, even if they claim to offer the same features. These sites often host outdated or malicious versions.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Browser extensions can be useful, but this research shows how easily they can also be abused. These fake Chrome add-ons did not rely on flashy tricks or obvious warnings. They blended in, looked professional and quietly did their damage in the background. The good news is that you do not need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. Taking a few minutes to review your extensions, remove anything unfamiliar and lock down your accounts can make a real difference. Small habits, repeated regularly, go a long way in reducing risk. If there is one takeaway here, it is this: convenience should never come at the cost of security. A clean browser and strong account protections give you back control.
How many browser extensions do you have installed right now that you have never looked at twice? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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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 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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