Technology
ADT hacked: Is your home security system really secure?
Security company ADT, which provides residential and commercial electronic security, fire protection and other alarm monitoring services, has been hacked. The threat actors obtained limited customer information, including email addresses, phone numbers and postal addresses. The company stated that it has no reason to believe the hackers compromised home security systems or sensitive information. However, this security breach raises serious questions about data security.
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A technician installing an outdoor security camera (ADT) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What you need to know about the ADT hack
In an SEC filing dated Aug. 3, ADT confirmed that it suffered “a cybersecurity incident” during which hackers gained access to “certain databases containing ADT customer order information.” The company stated that despite taking swift action upon discovering the incident, the hackers managed to steal “limited customer information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses.”
The security company, which had 6 million customers as of June 2024, offers its products throughout the United States. ADT didn’t specify the number of customers affected by the hack, and the wording in the SEC filing portrays the incident as a very minor one. This is a trend we’ve seen, where companies first downplay the incident and later reveal the exact damage caused.
For example, insurance giant Prudential initially reported that only 36,545 users were affected, but it later revised the breach notice to state that 2.5 million were affected by the February incident.
ADT security system (ADT) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Is your home security system compromised?
ADT clarified in its SEC filing that it doesn’t believe that customers’ home security systems or other information, such as credit card data or banking information, have been affected. However, the company did not reveal how it reached that conclusion. The disclosure follows a seller on a cybercrime forum claiming that they had obtained more than 30,000 stolen ADT customer records.
We contacted ADT for comment on this article, and a company spokesperson provided the following statement.
“ADT has determined that an unauthorized individual(s) gained access to certain ADT customer information. The company took immediate action; implemented our cybersecurity protocols, increased our alert levels, and began a forensic review of our systems. We can confirm that none of our customers’ home security systems were compromised and no personally sensitive information credit card data, or banking information was accessed.
“Our customers’ privacy and security is our utmost priority, and we have taken several steps to help keep their information safe, including immediately activating rigorous cybersecurity protocols.
“A dedicated support team is standing by at (866) 437-9016 to assist customers and answer any questions.”
Outdoor security camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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4 ways to protect yourself and your home in the wake of the ADT hack
The ADT hack is concerning, and if you’re a customer, below are some steps you should consider taking to protect your privacy and security.
1) Opt for a reliable home security system: While ADT is one of the largest home security companies in the U.S., the recent breach of customer information highlights potential vulnerabilities despite the company’s assurance that home security systems were not compromised. There are many other options on the market that you can consider, whether you like a professionally installed system or a do-it-yourself one. For reference, you can check out my guide on the best home security systems, where I’ve listed four of my favorite options. You might also want to find out if your home insurance offers a discount for installing robust security protection.
2) Invest in removal services: The ADT hack exposed a limited amount of customer information, including postal addresses, email addresses and phone numbers, which can be misused by hackers. ADT confirmed that no credit card or banking information was compromised, but the exposed data could still be used for phishing or other malicious activities. You can invest in a removal service to get this data removed from the web. While no service can promise to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is beneficial if you want to continuously monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites over a longer period. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
3) Be wary of mailbox communications: Bad actors may also try to scam you through snail mail. The data leak gives them access to your address. They may impersonate people or brands you know and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions and security alerts.
4) Be cautious of phishing attempts: Be vigilant about emails, phone calls or messages from unknown sources asking for personal information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive details unless you can verify the legitimacy of the request.
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.
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Kurt’s key takeaway
Even though ADT says your home security systems are safe, the fact that hackers got their hands on personal info like emails and addresses is a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that even companies we trust to protect our homes can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. As we wait for more details, it’s important to keep an eye on how ADT handles the situation and stay alert. In today’s connected world, trusting our security providers is crucial, but it’s clear that we need to stay cautious, too.
How do you feel about the security of your personal information with companies like ADT after learning about this breach? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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.”
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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.
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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.
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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
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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.
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