Technology
A helmet using a curtain of air could make face masks obsolete
In an era where airborne health threats remain a constant concern, a groundbreaking innovation has emerged from the University of Michigan that could revolutionize how we protect ourselves from viruses and other harmful particles. Let’s explore this development and its potential impact on worker safety and beyond.
GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE
Worker Wearable Protection Device (University of Michigan) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The ‘Worker Wearable Protection Device’
Imagine a device that shields you from airborne viruses without covering your face. That’s exactly what the “Worker Wearable Protection Device” does. Created by a team led by associate professor Herek Clack at the University of Michigan, this ingenious gadget uses an invisible curtain of air to keep harmful particles at bay.
Worker Wearable Protection Device (University of Michigan) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
SKYROCKET TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE WITH THIS GEAR IN 2024
How does the shield work?
The device consists of a hard hat equipped with a visor that houses downward-facing air nozzles. These nozzles create a curtain of air that curves around the wearer’s face, effectively blocking 99.8% of aerosols, including viruses. But here’s the interesting part: The air itself is pre-treated to kill any viruses present, pushing that protection level to nearly 100%.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
Worker Wearable Protection Device (University of Michigan) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
5 BEST TELEMEDICINE APPS FOR VIRTUAL HEALTH CARE
The science behind the shield
The magic happens in a 10-pound backpack that houses the device’s brain. This backpack contains several crucial components: a battery to power the system, electronics to control the operations, an air handling system to manage airflow, and a nonthermal plasma module. The nonthermal plasma module is the star of the show. It creates ionized gas at low temperatures, effectively killing airborne viruses before they reach the air curtain.
Worker Wearable Protection Device (University of Michigan) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW GENERATIVE AI COULD CUT HEALTH CARE COSTS, DEVELOP NEW CANCER DRUGS
Real-world testing of the shield
The Worker Wearable Protection Device is currently being tested at Michigan Turkey Producers, a poultry-processing plant. Here, workers face constant risk of respiratory viruses from both their colleagues and the birds they handle. Previously, these workers relied on paper masks, which came with a host of problems. They found it difficult to communicate effectively, their safety goggles would often fog up, and the masks couldn’t maintain a consistent facial seal throughout the workday. Moreover, workers had to remove their masks when eating or drinking, leaving them temporarily unprotected. The new device solves all these issues while providing superior protection.
Worker Wearable Protection Device (University of Michigan) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Looking to the future of the shield
While the current model is designed for industrial settings, Taza Aya, the company commercializing the technology, has plans for a smaller, sleeker consumer version. CEO Alberto Elli expressed excitement about the initial results and anticipates launching the Worker Wearable in 2025.
Woman at Michigan Turkey Producers wearing Worker Wearable Protection Device (University of Michigan) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
As we continue to face challenges from airborne pathogens, innovations like this give us hope for a future where we can work and interact safely without the limitations of traditional face masks. While there’s still work to be done before this technology becomes widely available, the early results are promising. As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, the Worker Wearable Protection Device may well become a common sight in workplaces and public spaces, offering an invisible but powerful shield against airborne threats.
In what other industries or settings do you think this technology could be applied? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
Technology
Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE
5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. 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
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
- Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
-
Technology5 minutes agoOpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle
-
World11 minutes agoHamas used sexual violence ‘deliberately and systematically’ on Oct 7, commission report finds
-
Politics17 minutes agoTrump leaves China with breakthroughs — and unfinished business on Xi’s biggest fights
-
Health23 minutes agoCancer-related brain fog may improve with 2 simple treatments, scientists say
-
Sports29 minutes agoSky vs Mercury betting preview: Why the over 166.5 looks like the play in this WNBA matchup
-
Technology35 minutes agoIs that traffic ticket text a scam or real?
-
Business41 minutes agoAltadena’s latest roadblock to rebuilding: Sewage
-
Entertainment47 minutes agoBreaking down Drake’s Temu haul of an album drop