Technology
7 simple ways to protect your credit cards while traveling
As you rush through busy terminals, juggling bags and boarding passes, your credit cards may be at risk, not just from pickpockets, but from digital thieves using high-tech tools like RFID (radio-frequency identification) skimmers.
While today’s chip-enabled cards are more secure than old magnetic stripes, it’s still wise to take extra precautions, especially in crowded places like airports.
Here’s how to keep your cards protected while traveling.
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A person holding a passport while traveling (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
How credit card theft happens while traveling
Before diving into how to protect yourself, it helps to understand the most common ways credit cards are compromised during travel.
- RFID skimming: Some credit and debit cards are equipped with RFID chips that enable contactless payments. Thieves carrying handheld RFID readers can capture your card’s data simply by being near you. No physical contact is required, and you often won’t even notice it happening.
- Card skimming at ATMs and terminals: In some regions, criminals install fake card readers over legitimate machines at airports, gas stations or retail locations. These skimmers copy your card’s information when you insert it. In many cases, a hidden camera is also installed nearby to record your PIN as you type it.
- Pickpocketing and physical theft: Airports are full of distractions, which thieves rely on. A quick bump in a security line or a moment of inattention at the check-in counter is all it takes for someone to slip your wallet out of a bag or pocket.
- Public Wi-Fi snooping: Using unsecured airport or hotel Wi-Fi can expose your private data. Hackers connected to the same network can intercept sensitive information, including credit card numbers and login credentials, especially if you’re making purchases or accessing banking apps without protection.
- Lost or stolen cards: It’s not uncommon to misplace a card during travel. If someone finds it – or worse, steals it from your luggage or hotel room – they could make unauthorized purchases before you realize it’s missing.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
Ways to protect your credit cards
The good news is that protecting your credit cards while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart habits and the right tools, you can avoid the most common threats and enjoy your trip with more peace of mind. Here are some easy ways to keep your cards safe while you’re on the move.
A man holding a credit card wallet (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
THIS IS HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CREDIT AND BANK CARDS FROM GETTING HACKED
1. Use RFID-blocking gear
Some credit cards include RFID chips that make contactless payments easy and convenient. However, this same feature can be exploited if someone with the right equipment gets close enough to scan your card without your knowledge. Using RFID-blocking gear such as a wallet, card sleeve or passport holder is a simple and affordable way to prevent this type of theft. These items are widely available and effective at blocking unauthorized scans.
2. Carry only what you need
Limiting the number of cards you bring reduces the risk of your wallet being lost or stolen. Ideally, take only one or two credit cards that you plan to use during your trip. Keep any backup cards in your hotel safe and store a secure digital record of your card details in a password manager. This can be helpful if you need to cancel or replace a card while you’re abroad. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.
3. Set up real-time spending alerts
Most credit card companies offer instant notifications through their mobile apps. Turning on transaction alerts ensures you’ll be notified the moment your card is used, allowing you to spot suspicious activity quickly. If your card issuer offers the ability to lock your card directly from the app, enable that feature as well, so you can act immediately if anything looks off.
4. Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions
Public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels and cafés is rarely secure. Avoid entering credit card information or logging into banking websites while on these networks, unless you’re using a virtual private network (VPN). A reliable VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your data from prying eyes on shared networks. 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.
A woman using a mobile payment method (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
TOP 6 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A VPN WHEN YOU TRAVEL
5. Watch for card skimmers at ATMs and terminals
Before using an ATM or card reader, take a moment to inspect it. Skimming devices are sometimes placed over the card slot or keypad. Gently wiggle the card reader or look for anything that seems loose, bulky or out of place. When possible, use ATMs inside banks or secure buildings instead of freestanding machines, which are easier for thieves to target.
6. Lock your cards when not in use
Many credit card apps now allow you to temporarily lock your card with a single tap. If you’re not planning to use a card for a day or two, consider locking it until you’re ready to make a purchase. This simple habit adds an extra layer of protection. If someone tries to use the card while it’s locked, the transaction will be declined.
7. Use mobile or contactless payments
Apple Pay and Google Pay provide an additional level of security by creating unique, one-time-use codes for every transaction. Your actual card number is never shared with the retailer, which lowers the risk of your data being stolen. Mobile payments are also faster, touch-free and less vulnerable to physical theft.
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED NO MATTER WHERE YOU TRAVEL IN THE WORLD
Bonus tips before you travel
- Notify your bank or credit card issuer about your travel dates and destinations to prevent legitimate purchases from being flagged or declined.
- Review your credit card statements daily during your trip. It only takes a minute and can help you catch fraud early before it escalates.
- Use a credit monitoring service to receive alerts about suspicious activity on your accounts while you’re away. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Traveling with credit cards doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple steps, like carrying only the cards you need, using RFID-blocking gear, enabling transaction alerts and avoiding public Wi-Fi without a VPN, you can reduce your risk of theft or fraud significantly. Digital tools like card-locking apps, mobile payments and identity monitoring services add even more layers of protection. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway or an international trip, these habits can help keep your finances safe so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Have a tip or tool that worked for you while traveling? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
Uber unveils a new robotaxi with no driver behind the wheel
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Uber is getting closer to offering rides with no one behind the wheel.
The company recently unveiled a new robotaxi and confirmed that autonomous testing is already underway on public roads in the San Francisco Bay Area. While the vehicle first appeared earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026, the bigger story now is what is happening after the show.
These robotaxis are no longer confined to presentations or closed courses. They are driving in real traffic as Uber prepares for a public launch later this year.
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PRIVATE AUTONOMOUS PODS COULD REDEFINE RIDE-SHARING
Uber’s new robotaxi operates on public roads in the San Francisco Bay Area as the company moves closer to offering fully driverless rides later this year. (Klaudia Radecka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Who is behind Uber’s robotaxi
Uber is the name most riders recognize. However, two partners handle the technology behind the scenes. Lucid Group builds the all-electric vehicle. It is based on the Lucid Gravity SUV, which was designed for long-range efficiency and passenger comfort. Nuro provides the self-driving system. Nuro also leads testing and safety validation. Together, the three companies are developing a robotaxi service that will be available only through Uber.
Uber’s robotaxi is already driving itself
Autonomous on-road testing began last month in the Bay Area. These tests take place on public streets rather than private test tracks. Nuro runs the testing program using trained safety operators who supervise each trip. The focus is on everyday driving situations such as intersections, lane changes, traffic lights and pedestrians. This stage is critical. It allows engineers to evaluate how the system behaves in real conditions before opening rides to the public.
What makes Uber’s robotaxi different
Uber’s robotaxi was designed from the start to operate without a driver. It combines electric vehicle engineering with visible autonomy features that riders can understand.
Key features include:
- A multi-sensor system using cameras, lidar and radar for full awareness
- A low-profile roof-mounted Halo module integrated into the vehicle
- Exterior LED displays that show rider initials and trip status
- In-cabin screens for climate, music and support access
- Real-time visuals that show what the vehicle sees and plans to do
- Seating for up to six passengers with room for luggage
The robotaxi runs on high-performance computing powered by NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor. This system handles the real-time AI processing required for autonomous driving.
A robotaxi ride that explains itself
One standout feature is transparency. Riders can see how the robotaxi perceives the road and plans its next move. The display shows lane changes, yielding behavior, slowing at traffic lights and the planned drop-off point. This helps riders understand what the vehicle is doing instead of guessing. Inside the cabin, passengers can adjust heated seats, climate controls and music. They can also contact support or request the vehicle to pull over if needed.
CAN AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS REALLY MAKE HIGHWAYS SAFER?
The all-electric Uber robotaxi, built with partners Lucid and Nuro, is now navigating real traffic without a human driver. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)
Uber plans to scale robotaxis across the U.S. and global markets
Uber plans to deploy 20,000 or more robotaxis over the next six years. These vehicles will operate in dozens of U.S. and international markets. Lucid will integrate all required hardware directly on the production line at its Casa Grande, Arizona factory. Uber will own and operate the vehicles along with third-party fleet partners. Every robotaxi ride will be booked through the Uber app, just like a standard Uber trip.
How Uber is handling robotaxi safety and regulation
Safety sits at the center of this rollout. Nuro’s validation process combines simulation, closed-course testing and supervised on-road driving. The system relies on an end-to-end AI foundation model paired with clear safety logic. The goal is predictable, comfortable driving across a wide range of conditions. Uber and its partners are also working with regulators, policymakers and local governments to ensure the service aligns with public safety standards and city planning goals.
When Uber’s driverless rides are expected to launch
Uber says the first autonomous rides will launch in a major U.S. city later in 2026. The service will be available exclusively through the Uber app. Production of the robotaxi is expected to begin later this year, pending final validation.
What this means to you
If you use Uber, driverless rides may soon appear as an option. These vehicles could offer quieter trips, more consistent driving and improved availability during peak times. For cities, a shared electric robotaxi fleet could help reduce emissions and congestion. For riders, seeing how the vehicle thinks and reacts may make autonomous travel feel less intimidating.
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CES 2026 SHOWSTOPPERS: 10 GADGETS YOU HAVE TO SEE
Uber confirms autonomous testing is underway after unveiling its robotaxi at CES 2026, marking a major step toward a public launch. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Uber’s robotaxi effort feels more grounded than many past autonomous promises. It combines a known ride-hailing platform a purpose-built electric vehicle and a self-driving system already operating on public roads. If testing continues to progress, driverless Uber rides could move from something new to something normal sooner than many expect.
Would you get into an Uber if there was no driver sitting in the front seat? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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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.
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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.
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