It’s relatively rare for a podcast to last 14 years, especially a fiction one. In fact, as far as I can tell, Welcome to Night Vale is the longest continually running fiction podcast out there. (Some will argue it’s actually We’re Alive, but that has taken a few significant breaks between seasons.) The story of Night Vale, the titular desert town, now spans 12 seasons, over 280 episodes, three books, and at least 10 live standalone shows. While dedicating several hundred hours of your life to listening to every episode might seem like a big ask, I believe you’ll be hooked once you dive in.
Technology
Avoid iPhone privacy disasters with these 10 smart tips
One of the most popular reasons people choose an iPhone over an Android phone is because of how secure the iOS operating system is. While it is true that Apple does a fantastic job of rolling out constant security updates and iOS is harder to crack than Android, you still need to do some work to make the most out of your iPhone’s security features.
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A person holding an iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
10 essential security tips to fortify your iPhone against digital threats
We’ve got 10 smart tips to help you get the most out of your iPhone; let’s dive right in.
Tip #1 – Make sure your iPhone is up to date
When considering keeping any device, especially your iPhone, safe, you should first ensure its software is updated. iOS’s new software updates are routinely rolled out, and they help your phone perform better, fix bugs and make it more secure.
It is important to install the new iOS updates as soon as possible. Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit iOS, and Apple’s programmers are readily battling them with new updates. Here’s a simple way to install iOS updates:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap General
- Tap on Software Update
- If there’s a new update available, tap Update Now
Steps to update your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- While in these settings, it’s a great idea to go to the Automatic Updates section and ensure you have iOS Updates and Security Responses & System Files toggled on.
Ways to automatically install iPhone updates (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Tip #2 – Set up 2FA (two-factor authentication)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an easy way to ensure that only you can access your iPhone. When you have 2FA active, even if someone manages to get your Apple ID and password, you’ll be notified that they are trying to log in. Here’s how to set up 2FA with your Apple ID:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen
- Go to Sign-In & Security
- Tap on Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
- Select Continue
- Follow the instructions presented to set 2FA on your iPhone.
Steps to set up 2FA on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Once 2FA is set up, the next time you try to log in to your Apple ID from another device or on the web, a notification will pop up on your iPhone asking you to give yourself access and providing a six-digit code you’ll need to finish logging in.
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Tip #3 – Turn off web access to your iCloud data
iCloud data can be accessed from any web browser and any device. This means that even if you have a Windows laptop, you can still log into your Apple ID and access all of your stored iCloud data. While this may be helpful for some users, overall, it’s pretty dangerous to have your iCloud accessible. Thankfully, it’s easy to turn off. Here’s how:
- Go to the Settings app
- Open your Apple ID at the top of the screen
- Select iCloud
- Scroll down to disable Access iCloud Data on the Web by toggling it off (it will turn from green to gray)
- Then scroll down and tap Don’t Access
Steps to turn off your iCloud data on your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
If you ever need to access your iCloud data on the web, you can repeat these steps to turn iCloud Data back on.
BEST ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR PHONE
Tip #4 – Lock your private Safari Tabs behind Face ID
Another simple way to secure your personal data is by locking your private browsing behind your iPhone’s Face ID (Touch ID on older iPhone models). This way, only you can access your private browsing activity. To turn this on, you will need iOS 17 or later. Here’s how to turn it on:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and go to Safari (or your browser of choice)
- Scroll down to Privacy & Security, enable Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing
Steps to lock your private Safari tabs (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Tip #5 – Control what you can access from the lock screen
Your iPhone’s Lock Screen has access to several features to make your experience more streamlined. However, this also means anyone could grab your iPhone and look at your Today View to check all of your personal information within your widgets.
To avoid this from happening, your iPhone makes it easy to manage what sort of things you can see directly from the Lock Screen. Here’s how to change what is viewable from the lock screen:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Scroll down until Allow Access When Locked
- From here, disable anything you want to not be viewable from the lock screen
Steps to control what you access from your lock screen on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Tip #6 – Choose what you can use Face ID for
Apple also makes it easy to change the things Face ID can do for you to keep your data private. By default, you’re able to use Face ID to make purchases with Apple Pay, download apps and autofill passwords. However, this also means that if someone has cracked the Face ID feature, they might be able to do all of this without you even knowing about it. To change this:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and go to Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Under Use Face ID For, at the top, disable all the things you don’t want Face ID used for.
Steps to choose what you can use Face ID for (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip #7 – Create a stronger passcode
Many people have transitioned to using Face ID or Touch ID to unlock their iPhones, so it’s understandable if you haven’t given much thought to a passcode you rarely use.
However, the weaker your passcode is, the easier it is to get into your iPhone. The good news is that you can create an even stronger password than just a simple six-digit code. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and go to Face ID & Passcode
- Enter your passcode
- Scroll down and tap on Change Passcode
- Enter your current passcode
- Before entering a new passcode, tap on Passcode Options at the bottom.
- Select how hard you want your passcode to be
- Now, enter your new passcode
This will make your passcode harder to crack, but in case you forget which passcode you used, you’ll have up to 72 hours to use your previous passcode to reset the new one if you forget it.
MORE: I’M A TECH EXPERT STILL IN SHOCK AT THESE WAYS HACKERS STEAL YOUR PASSWORD
Tip #8 – Keep AirDrop turned off
AirDrop is a useful feature that helps you transfer files with people near you in a flash. It’s an especially great feature to swap photos with your friends and family members on vacations. However, if you leave it on all the time, you might get files or photos from people you don’t want.
AirDrop also leaves your iPhone open to hackers who may be able to use it to glean more information about your iPhone. Granted, this is very difficult to do, but you should still keep AirDrop off when you aren’t using it.
Here’s how to disable AirDrop:
- Open your Control Center
- Press and hold the Wi-Fi button in the top left corner.
Screen showing Wi-Fi button (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Tap on AirDrop
- Select Receiving Off
Screen showing Receiving Off on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Tip #9 – Get iCloud+
If you’re willing to invest a small amount each month, Apple’s iCloud+ service is a fantastic option that has seen significant improvements in recent years. The benefits of subscribing to iCloud+ are numerous and well worth considering.
iCloud+ is an enhanced version of the previous iCloud service. In addition to providing you with additional cloud storage space, it also offers a range of security features that can greatly improve your online safety and privacy.
One of these features is iCloud Private Relay. When you use Safari to browse the internet, this feature conceals your IP address and browsing activity from prying eyes. Furthermore, it safeguards your unencrypted internet traffic, providing an extra layer of protection.
Another notable feature is Hide My Email. As the name suggests, this feature allows you to create unique, randomly generated email addresses that you can use when signing up for websites or platforms. The great thing about this feature is that you’ll still receive messages sent to these addresses in your personal inbox, but websites and other individuals won’t have access to your actual email address.
iCloud+ offers many more features, and the best part is that you can access all of these benefits for as little as $0.99 per month. It’s a small price to pay for the added convenience, security and peace of mind that iCloud+ provides.
Tip #10 – Start using a VPN
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are a great and easy way to keep your iPhone safe at all times, especially if you’re constantly using public Wi-Fi networks.
A VPN automatically hides your IP address, so it’s harder for companies and individuals to track you. Not only that, but you can also select a server from a different country to make it look like you’re somewhere else. See my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
Kurt’s key takeaways
In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of your iPhone is more important than ever. By following these 10 smart tips, you can significantly enhance your device’s security and protect your personal information from potential threats.
Remember to keep your iPhone updated with the latest iOS version, enable two-factor authentication, and be mindful of what you share from your lock screen. Additionally, consider investing in iCloud+ for its advanced security features and using a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN to safeguard your online activities.
By implementing these measures, you’ll be taking proactive steps to maintain the integrity of your iPhone and your sensitive data. While no security system is perfect, these tips will help you stay one step ahead of potential hackers and enjoy a more secure and private iPhone experience.
In what ways do you think iPhone security features could be improved in future updates? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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The show is written by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, who draw heavily on the work of H.P. Lovecraft. Every season has its own arc, but broadly, the show tells the story of a town that exists in an alternate version of Earth. In this town Angels are real, but acknowledging their existence is illegal; librarians are dangerous creatures with “thousands of spiny legs” and “pincers”; and there is a Faceless Old Woman who secretly lives in your home.
These are clearly unsettling concepts when taken at face value. But rather than trying to scare the listener, Cranor and Fink lean into the natural absurdity of cosmic horror and refuse to take themselves too seriously. They also routinely subvert the bigotry of their inspiration, using Lovecraftian creations to tell stories rich with LGBTQ+ characters.
Of course, having well-written scripts and telling a compelling story is only part of the equation. What elevates Welcome to Night Vale to true greatness is the cast, especially narrator Cecil Baldwin, who plays the host of the central radio show, Cecil Palmer. Cecil’s voice has the gravitas to tell ominous stories of secretive government agencies and ancient gods. But he has the range to deliver light-hearted banter with a sentient patch of haze (her name is Deb, in case you were wondering).
Cecil Baldwin has the charisma to make even the reading of a repair manual for a toaster compelling. He can be creepy, funny, or soothing, often all within the same episode. (For this reason, I don’t suggest listening to Night Vale at night. I have fallen asleep to the dulcet sounds of Baldwin’s voice several times, only for the more unsettling parts of the show to make their way into my dreams.)
Every episode also features a musical interlude in the guise of “The Weather.” The show mostly features lesser-known artists, but alumni include Jason Isbell, The Mountain Goats, Waxahatchee, Angel Olsen, Open Mike Eagle, and Sylvan Esso.
Welcome to Night Vale is also a great way to introduce younger listeners to horror. I would never suggest my eight-year-old read H.P. Lovecraft. Partly because the man’s unrepentant racism is baked into the very fabric of his stories, but also because the violence is often too much for children. Night Vale, on the other hand, takes those horrors and exposes them for what they are: entertainment. I can put the podcast on, bond with my kid over their burgeoning love of all things creepy and weird, and trust that they’ll walk away with a good message.
Welcome to Night Vale is available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Pocketcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
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Personal electric aircraft have teased us for years. They look futuristic, promise freedom from traffic, and usually come with prices that put them out of reach or timelines that feel uncertain. Recently unveiled at CES 2026, the Rictor X4 entered that conversation with some bold claims.
It is a single-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed to make short-range personal flight more accessible and far more affordable. If those promises hold up, it could change how we think about flying for everyday trips.
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CES 2026 put health tech front and center, with companies showcasing smarter ways to support prevention, mobility and long-term wellness. (CES)
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What the Rictor X4 actually is
The Rictor X4 uses a multirotor design with eight propellers spread across four carbon fiber arms. Those arms fold inward when the aircraft is not in use, allowing it to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. The aircraft focuses on low-altitude flight and short hops rather than long journeys.
Key specs include:
- Top speed of about 50 mph
- Maximum flight time of 20 minutes
- Payload capacity of up to 220 pounds, including the pilot
It can lift off and land vertically like a helicopter, then transition into forward flight once airborne. Rictor describes its mission as light aerial mobility, which essentially means short-distance commuting and professional applications.
Inside the X4’s propulsion and power system
According to Rictor, the X4’s propulsion system is built around stability and redundancy rather than raw speed. Each axis uses a coaxial dual-motor configuration designed to provide consistent thrust during low-altitude flight.
Key propulsion details include:
- Rated thrust of up to 165 pounds per axis
- Peak thrust exceeding 285 pounds per axis
- Maximum continuous power output of 10 kW
- 120-volt operating system designed for outdoor conditions
Together, these systems aim to deliver controlled, predictable flight with built-in safety margins, especially during takeoff, landing and hover.
The Rictor X4 is a single-passenger electric aircraft designed for short-range, low-altitude flight with a folding multirotor layout. (Rictor)
Safety systems and flight control in the Rictor X4
Rictor puts safety at the center of the X4’s design. The aircraft uses a semi-solid state battery system with dual battery redundancy, which helps enable a controlled landing if one battery module fails. In addition, an emergency parachute system provides backup protection during critical situations. At the same time, a centralized flight control system actively manages propulsion, attitude and overall system health. This system continuously monitors key flight data to help maintain stability in changing conditions.
Beyond software, the hardware plays an important role. The X4 features 63-inch carbon fiber folding propellers in a 4-axis, 8-propeller configuration. Together, they support a payload of up to 220 pounds, including the pilot. According to Rictor, the aircraft is designed to operate at noise levels below 65 decibels, although independent testing has not yet been published. Finally, Rictor’s proprietary Dynamic Balance Algorithm adjusts the output of all eight motors in real time. As a result, the X4 can maintain a stable hover even in side winds rated up to Level 6.
The FAA rule that could make personal flight easier
One of Rictor’s most attention-grabbing claims involves regulation. The company says the X4 is designed to comply with FAA Part 103, which governs ultralight vehicles in the U.S. If operated within Part 103 limits, the X4 could be flown legally without airworthiness certification or a pilot’s license. Rictor says this is enabled by autonomous pre-programmed flight paths and very low altitude operation, reportedly as low as three meters above ground. It is worth noting that Part 103 still carries operational restrictions, including where and how flight can occur. Final compliance depends on real-world use and FAA interpretation.
Designed to fold, transport, and recharge
Portability is a major focus. Rictor says the X4 folds down to about 42 cubic feet, which makes it compact enough to transport in the bed of a pickup truck. The company also highlights in-vehicle charging support while parked or on the move, positioning the X4 as something that can be transported and recharged alongside ground vehicles rather than stored at an airfield.
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The price that resets expectations
The Rictor X4 carries a launch price of $39,900 with a $5,000 deposit. That alone separates it from most personal eVTOLs currently discussed in the market. The aircraft is produced by Kuickwheel Technology, Rictor’s parent company. According to the company, first customer deliveries are scheduled for Q2 2026. As with any aircraft launch, timelines remain aspirational until production units reach customers.
Why this matters now
Personal eVTOLs have lived in a narrow space between concept and reality. High costs, regulatory hurdles and safety concerns have slowed adoption. If Rictor delivers an aircraft that performs as described while operating within ultralight rules, it could expand personal flight beyond niche enthusiasts and into practical short-range use. Now it comes down to whether the company can deliver on what it’s promising.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The Rictor X4 brings together aggressive pricing, compact design and regulatory positioning in a way we have not seen before. Folding propellers, redundant safety systems and Part 103 alignment make it one of the most ambitious personal eVTOL launches to date. The unanswered questions center on real-world performance, regulatory interpretation and production readiness. Until aircraft are flying outside controlled demonstrations, healthy skepticism remains warranted. Still, this is one of the most compelling personal flight announcements to come out of CES in recent years.
Would you trust a personal eVTOL like this for everyday trips, or does flight still feel like a step too far for now? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Microsoft has identified issues upon installing the January 2026 Windows security update. To address these issues, an out-of-band (OOB) update was released today, January 17, 2026.
– Connection and authentication failures in remote connection applications: This issue affects multiple platforms including Windows 11, version 25H2; Windows 10, version 22H2 ESU; and Windows Server 2025. See the bottom of this message for the complete list of affected products.
-Devices with Secure Launch might fail to shut down or hibernate: This issue only affects Windows 11, version 23H2.
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