Lucid Motors found itself in a tough bind this week, fending off bankruptcy rumors and watching its stock price plunge as a result. The company quickly denied the report, calling it “completely false” and pointing to its available free cash flow as evidence that it has enough runway to operate into next year.
Technology
Banking tech data breach exposes 672K in ransomware attack
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If you’ve ever trusted your bank to keep your financial data safe, this incident will hit close to home.
A behind-the-scenes tech company used by banks has revealed that more than 672,000 people had sensitive personal and financial information stolen in a ransomware attack. That includes details that criminals can use to drain accounts, open loans, or impersonate you.
What makes this more concerning is that the company is not a household name, so you likely never knew your data was even there.
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HOW TO SAFELY VIEW YOUR BANK AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ONLINE
More than 672,000 people had personal and financial data exposed after a ransomware attack hit Marquis, a little-known tech company used by banks. (ArtMarie/Getty Images)
All about the Marquis data breach
Marquis, a fintech company based in Texas, provides data analytics tools to hundreds of banks. Banks rely on Marquis to study customer behavior and improve services, which means Marquis has access to highly sensitive financial and personal data.
In August 2025, hackers reportedly gained access to Marquis’ systems and carried out a ransomware attack. The company now says at least 672,075 people were affected. More than half of them are in Texas, but customers across multiple regions are involved.
The stolen data reportedly includes names, dates of birth, home addresses, bank account details, debit and credit card numbers, and even Social Security numbers. That combination is enough to commit serious identity fraud.
Marquis later filed a lawsuit against its firewall provider, SonicWall, claiming that a security flaw may have allowed attackers to steal critical configuration files. According to the lawsuit, those files gave hackers a roadmap into Marquis’ network, which they used to steal data and deploy ransomware.
What the lawsuit alleges
The lawsuit goes further, alleging that SonicWall failed to properly secure its cloud backup system, which exposed firewall configuration files, encrypted credentials and detailed network architecture tied to customer environments. Marquis claims this level of access effectively gave attackers a blueprint of its defenses. Marquis also alleges that SonicWall knew its cloud backup service had been compromised but did not promptly disclose the full scope of the breach. According to the complaint, the company initially reassured customers that firewall protections were not affected, delaying Marquis’ ability to take protective action. The complaint further alleges gross negligence, arguing that SonicWall failed to uphold basic cybersecurity responsibilities expected of a security provider.
What Marquis says happened
CyberGuy reached out to Marquis for comment, and a spokesperson provided the following statement:
“In August 2025, Marquis Marketing Services identified a data security incident and immediately enacted our incident response protocols, including proactively taking affected systems offline to protect our data and our customers’ information. We engaged leading third-party cybersecurity experts to conduct a comprehensive investigation and notified law enforcement.
In September 2025, after the data security incident affected our systems, our firewall service provider, an industry-leading cybersecurity company, publicly disclosed that a threat actor had earlier in the year gained unauthorized access to its cloud backup service. Marquis had recently begun using this provider’s firewalls to help protect our network. While the provider initially reported that fewer than 5% of customers were affected, it later clarified in October 2025 that firewall configuration data and credentials associated with all customers using the cloud backup service, including Marquis, had been accessed.
We know our customers place great trust in us, and we take that responsibility seriously. Protecting information remains our highest priority, and we continue to enhance our security measures in response to the evolving cyber threat landscape. We are grateful for the cooperation, understanding and support of our employees and customers throughout this process.”
We also reached out to SonicWall for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.
WHY SCAMMERS OPEN BANK ACCOUNTS IN YOUR NAME
A ransomware attack on Texas-based fintech firm Marquis exposed sensitive data that criminals could use to steal identities, open loans and target bank customers. (FreshSplash/Getty Images)
How the attack unfolded and why it matters to you
This attack did not target you directly. Instead, it hit a company that sits in the middle of the banking system. That is what makes it dangerous. Think of it like this: you lock your house, but someone breaks into the security company that manages keys for your entire neighborhood. Suddenly, they can unlock multiple homes without ever touching your door.
In this case, hackers reportedly gained access to firewall configuration files. These are like blueprints that show how a company’s defenses are set up. With that information, attackers can find weak spots and slip in without setting off alarms.
Security experts warn that when firewall configuration files and credentials are exposed, attackers can more easily map out a network, identify vulnerabilities and bypass protections that would normally stop an intrusion.
Once inside, they copied sensitive data and likely encrypted systems to demand a ransom. Even if the company restores operations, your data is already out there.
Criminals can use your Social Security number and financial details to open credit cards, take loans, or access your bank accounts. They can also combine your data with other leaks to create convincing scams that look legitimate. You might receive calls, emails, or messages that seem to come from your bank but are actually attempts to steal more information.
9 ways you can protect yourself from the Marquis data breach
If your information was exposed, or even if you’re not sure, taking action now can reduce your risk of fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access to your accounts.
1) Check if your email and passwords are compromised
To see if your email was affected, visit Have I Been Pwned at haveibeenpwned.com. It is the first and official source for this newly added dataset. Enter your email address to find out if your information appears in the Synthient leak. When done, come back here for Step 2.
2) Change your passwords immediately
Start with your most important accounts, such as email, medical and banking. Use strong, unique passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid predictable choices like names or birthdays. Never reuse passwords. One stolen password can unlock multiple accounts. A password manager makes this simple. It stores complex passwords securely and helps you create new ones. Many managers also scan for breaches to see if your current passwords have been exposed. See my review of the Best Password Managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
3) Monitor your bank accounts closely
Check your transactions at least once every few days, not just when your monthly statement arrives. Look for small, unfamiliar charges because criminals often test accounts with tiny transactions before attempting larger withdrawals. Catching this early gives you a better chance of stopping further damage.
4) Place a fraud alert or credit freeze
If your Social Security number may be exposed, consider placing a fraud alert or freezing your credit. This makes it harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name. A freeze is a stronger protection because lenders must verify your identity before issuing credit.
WHY A CREDIT FREEZE ISN’T THE END OF IDENTITY THEFT
The Marquis breach shows how sensitive financial data can be exposed through third-party companies most bank customers never know exist. (sshepard/Getty Images)
5) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible, especially for banking and email accounts. This adds a second step, like a code sent to your phone, which makes it much harder for someone to access your accounts even if they have your password.
6) Check if your data is already circulating online
With breaches like this, your information can end up on the dark web without you knowing. If you find your information is out there, take it seriously and consider removing your data where possible or using a data removal service to limit further exposure. 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) Watch out for targeted scams
With your personal details exposed in the Marquis data breach, scammers can craft messages that feel legitimate. Be cautious of calls or emails claiming to be from your bank asking for verification or urgent action. Always contact your bank directly using official numbers instead of responding to those messages. Also, avoid clicking links you don’t recognize. 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.
8) Consider identity theft protection services
These services monitor your personal information across credit reports, dark web marketplaces, and financial systems. They can alert you quickly if your identity is being misused, giving you a chance to act before serious damage occurs. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.
9) Keep your devices updated and secure
Make sure your phone, computer, and apps are up to date with the latest security patches. Install trusted antivirus software to detect malicious activity. While this breach did not happen on your device, attackers often follow up with malware-based scams.
Kurt’s key takeaway
This breach highlights a growing problem you rarely see. Your data does not just live with your bank. It is shared across a network of third-party companies that you have never heard of, yet they hold enough information to expose your entire financial identity. When one of them fails, the consequences fall on you. The legal battle between Marquis and SonicWall also raises a bigger question about accountability. When cybersecurity providers themselves are accused of exposing sensitive infrastructure and delaying disclosure, it shows how quickly trust can break down across the entire system.
Should companies that handle your financial data face automatic penalties when breaches expose hundreds of thousands of people? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Skullcandy announced a new version of its Crusher wireless headphones today featuring a few of Bose’s audio technologies including its QuietControl ANC and head-tracking spatial audio. The Crusher headphone line differentiates itself from the competition through the use of both full-range and dedicated bass drivers in each ear cup to boost deeper frequencies. Skullcandy admits that approach can result in a loss of audio quality when the bass is heavily boosted, but its new Crusher 1080 ANC are meant to address and improve that with Bose’s help.
Available starting today for $279.99 in black, candy, primer, and cement color options, the new Crusher 1080 ANC feature redesigned drivers with a stiffer diaphragm material resulting in enhanced clarity and detail with less distortion at higher volume. As with previous models in the Crusher line, the bass boosting is entirely adjustable using Skullcandy’s mobile app or the on-headphone controls that now include a more prominent dial on the outside.
The Crusher 1080 ANC will be the first non-Bose headphones to feature that company’s TrueSpatial audio technology with head tracking that works whether you’re stationary or out for a run and its WaveForm audio engine that “keeps audio full, balanced, and smooth.” Skullcandy’s latest will also offer industry-leading noise cancellation with Bose’s six microphone QuietControl ANC tech that adapts as sounds around you get louder or quieter. The Crusher 1080ANC even features Bose’s SpeechClarity that reduces noise so your voice comes through clearly during a call, but they’re not the first third-party headphones to offer it.
Battery life is estimated to be up to 60 hours with ANC turned off, or 50 hours with it on, while a 10-minute rapid charge will keep the Crusher 1080 ANC going for up to four hours if they die. There’s multipoint pairing for connecting and switching between multiple devices, auto reconnect and wear detection that pauses music when you take the headphones off, and a design that folds flat for easier storage. The Crusher 1080 ANC supports Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, low latency audio, and Auracast.
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You paid for the product. So why does it feel like the company still controls the screen? That is the question more of us are starting to ask as smart devices get updated long after we bring them home. A refrigerator can show ads in your kitchen. A car can flash offers on the dashboard. Even a Windows 11 computer can surface promotions before you get to work.
The frustrating part is that this often happens through software updates. You tap update because you want your device to stay secure and work properly. Then one day, the product you bought starts acting like a billboard. This is also why it pays to understand the hidden privacy clauses and settings that come with smart products before those screens start doing things you never expected.
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Smart devices from refrigerators to cars and computers can show ads after software updates, raising questions about who controls screens consumers already paid for. (Michele Tantussi/Getty Images)
Free live CyberGuy class: Sick of Spam? Join us July 22.
Join us Wednesday, July 22, at 1 p.m. ET for a free CyberGuy Live class that will help you cut down on robocalls, spam texts, junk email and other unwanted messages. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson will walk you step by step through simple ways to filter spam, clean up your inbox and recognize the messages that could put your personal information at risk. No technical experience is needed. You’ll also receive our spam-stopping checklist, and every registrant will get a link to the class recording afterward.
Reserve your free spot today at CyberGuyLive.com.
Samsung Family Hub refrigerators started showing ads
Samsung Family Hub refrigerators are sold as connected kitchen hubs. You can use the screen for weather, calendars, grocery lists and other household features. But as we discussed on The CyberGuy Report podcast at CyberGuy.com, that same screen can also become a place for ads after a software update. Samsung began showing ads on some Family Hub refrigerator Cover Screens in the U.S. We reached out to Samsung about this, and a spokesperson provided us with this statement:
“Last year, Samsung piloted a new Cover Screen widget on Family Hub refrigerators in the U.S. The widget rotates through useful information like weather, news, calendar events, and curated ads. After the pilot concluded in March, the widget was launched fully with the same user experience.
Users can turn off the Cover Screen widget, including ads, in the Advertisements tab of the Settings menu (Settings > Advertisements > Cover screen Ads) without impacting any other features or functions. Ads can also be dismissed on the Cover Screens where shown, meaning that the dismissed ad will not appear again during that specific ad’s campaign period. Since the start of the pilot program last October, our review has indicated consumers are finding value in this new widget. The percentage of users who have turned off the feature is in the low single-digits.
A Cover Screen appears when the Family Hub screen is idle, and the widget only appears on the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes. The widget does not appear on the Cover Screen’s Art or Album themes.”
That answer is important because Samsung says you can turn the Cover Screen ads off without losing other features. Still, the larger point remains. You bought a refrigerator, then a later update added an ad experience to the screen in your kitchen.
How to turn off Samsung Family Hub Cover Screen ads
On the Family Hub screen:
- Tap Settings
- Tap Advertisements
- Tap Cover Screen Ads
- Turn the switch off
You can also change the Cover Screen theme. Samsung says the widget does not appear on Art or Album themes.
Car screen ads appeared in Jeep, Ram and Chrysler vehicles
Now move from the kitchen to the driveway. Some Jeep, Ram and Chrysler drivers previously saw promotional messages on their infotainment screens through Stellantis’ Uconnect system.
Stellantis, the automaker behind Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge, says its In-Vehicle Message technology, or IVM, is designed to help the company stay in contact with owners at important points during ownership. The company says it uses IVM for important messages, such as vehicle recalls and vehicle health monitor alerts. Stellantis also confirmed that the earlier pop-up promotions were part of its in-vehicle messaging or Uconnect communication system. However, the company says it has not run the promotional in-vehicle messages referenced in those reports since mid-fall 2025 and has nothing planned for future in-vehicle promotional messages.
At the time those promotional messages were active, Stellantis says owners could opt out by calling customer service or by updating their profile or Message Settings on their vehicle brand’s website account, such as a Ram owner account. That update is important. There are no current promotional in-vehicle messages to opt out of, according to Stellantis. Still, the larger concern remains: modern vehicles are software-driven, and the screen in the middle of your dashboard can be changed long after you drive off the lot.
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Some Jeep, Ram and Chrysler drivers previously saw promotional messages on infotainment screens through Stellantis’ Uconnect system. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Why dashboard messages feel more intrusive
A car screen is different from a phone app or website. You use that display for directions, music, climate controls and vehicle settings. So when a promotional message appears there, it can feel more personal than an ad on a webpage.
To be fair, in-vehicle messaging can serve an important purpose. Recall notices and vehicle health alerts can help owners respond to safety or maintenance issues faster.
However, promotional messages hit differently. You are sitting in a car you paid tens of thousands of dollars for. That screen should help you drive, maintain your vehicle and get where you are going without feeling like another place for a sales pitch.
Windows 11 ads can appear in several places
Then there is your computer. Windows 11 can show promotional content in places that feel like part of the operating system. That includes the lock screen, the Start menu and account-related notifications.
The lock screen can use Windows Spotlight, which displays rotating images along with tips, tricks and notifications. Start menu settings also include areas where Microsoft can show recommendations and account prompts.
Some of these messages may look like helpful notices. Others can feel like upsells. The most annoying ones are the alerts that look urgent, then steer you toward a Microsoft service such as OneDrive backup. Microsoft declined to comment for this story.
How to reduce ads and suggestions in Windows 11
You can cut down on much of this in Settings.
Change the lock screen:
- Go to Settings
- Click Personalization
- Click Lock screen
- Change Windows Spotlight to Picture
- Turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen
Reduce Start menu suggestions:
- Go to Settings
- Click Personalization
- Click Start
- Turn off any available toggles for recommendations, tips, suggestions or personalized offers
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Samsung says Family Hub refrigerator Cover Screen ads can be turned off, but the feature highlights how connected appliances can change after purchase. (SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Limit account-related prompts:
- Go to Settings
- Click Personalization
- Click Start
- Turn off Show account-related notifications
Microsoft may change wording over time, so look for anything tied to recommendations, tips, suggestions, offers or account notifications. For more Windows settings help, see these Windows 11 tips.
Device screen ads are spreading after you buy
The real problem isn’t one ad on one screen. It is the fact that software gives companies a way to change products after you buy them. A refrigerator used to stay a refrigerator. A car dashboard used to do what it did on the day you drove off the lot. A computer operating system used to feel like the tool you used to get things done.
Now those screens can change later. A company can add a widget, promote a service or push an offer through an update. That does not mean every update is bad. Security fixes are essential. Bug fixes help. New features can be useful. However, ads feel different when they arrive after you already paid for the product. That is why you should keep your devices updated, but also check what changed after the update installs.
What this means to you
Before you buy a smart appliance, connected car or computer, think beyond the hardware. Ask what kind of software controls the screen. Check whether ads, recommendations or promotional content can be turned off.
After setup, go through the settings before you assume the default experience is the only option. Look for menus labeled ads, recommendations, notifications, tips, offers or personalization. If you are setting up a new device, this new electronics setup guide is a good place to start.
Also, pay attention after updates. If a new widget or pop-up appears, do not assume you have to live with it. There may be a buried toggle that turns it off. Most of all, remember that a screen in your home, car or office has value. Companies know that. You should know it too.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This is exactly why we covered this on The CyberGuy Report podcast at CyberGuy.com. It hits a nerve because you already paid for these products, yet companies can still use software updates to claim space on the screens you see every day. Samsung says Family Hub Cover Screen ads can be turned off. Stellantis says its vehicle promotions stopped in the fall of 2025. Windows 11 gives you some settings that reduce tips, suggestions and account prompts. Still, the pattern is hard to ignore. Companies are learning how to keep making money from a product after the sale. That may be great for them, but it can feel pretty lousy when the screen is inside your kitchen, your car or your computer. When you pay thousands of dollars for a product, that screen should work for you instead of becoming another place for a company to sell to you.
Which screen ad would bother you most: one on your refrigerator, one on your computer or one in your car? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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- For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
But despite the swift response, the damage was widespread. The panic immediately bled into competing automakers, pulling down shares of Rivian and Polestar as investors speculated about the long-term survival of EV-only companies in the face of slowing consumer demand and whiplash policy shifts. And it cast a harsh light on the precarity of all three companies and the future of electric vehicles.
The trouble started on Tuesday, when EV trade publication EV reported that restructuring firm AlixPartners had advised Lucid’s board to consider Chapter 11 bankruptcy or a take-private deal. The report also said AlixPartners had encouraged the board to further restructure in the US and Europe and to focus on the Gravity SUV. But while the rest of the media has since reported on Lucid’s denial, no other publication has confirmed EV’s scoop. (For what its worth, EV’s URL is “eletric-vehicle.com,” enshrining the incorrect spelling in its address.)
Lucid confirmed that it had hired AlixPartners, but denied that the firm had made any such recommendations to its board. Instead, AlixPartners would provide advice on “improving execution, strengthening operations and positioning Lucid to realize the full potential of its technology, products and innovation,” Lucid chief communications officer Nick Twork said.
Lucid went a step further, filing a cease and desist order against EV
Lucid went a step further, filing a cease and desist order against EV, claiming that the site’s report directly led to the stock crash. “In short, your actions caused serious injury to a number of investors,” Lucid’s chief legal officer and general counsel, Brian Tomkiel, said in the letter. “And they injured, and continue to injure, Lucid directly.”
Still, the timing was terrible. Lucid is genuinely not in good shape, having lost over $1 billion in the first quarter of the year. The company has also gone through two rounds of layoffs in 2026, having cut 12 percent of staff in February and then 18 percent in June. The company also reduced production at its factory in Arizona in a bid to counteract its high inventory and save money. And there’s been leadership turmoil, with COO Marc Winterhoff departing the company and his position being eliminated entirely in an effort to flatten the structure.
The report sent the stock into freefall, plummeting as much as 50 percent in one of the worst single-day drops in Lucid’s history. And with Polestar and Rivian also catching strays, it’s generally been a glum time for companies not named Tesla trying make a go of exclusively building electric vehicles. Wall Street is panicking because the rumors are aligning with the bad news coming out of these companies’ earnings reports. EV sales are stabilizing, but recovery is still a distant promise. The all-electric future seems further away than ever.
Whether or not Lucid is actually weighing Chapter 11, it’s a sure sign of more turbulent waters ahead. Polestar getting strong-armed out of the US over its Chinese ties has left a lot of EV owners and dealers scratching their heads. Rivian is in an increasingly precarious position thanks to its huge, expensive bet on becoming a mass-market car company with the production of the R2.
All of these companies are increasingly reliant on big stakeholders — Lucid with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Polestar with Geely, and Rivian with Volkswagen — for their future survival. If any of these big backers get cold feet, the future could get really dark really fast.
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