Technology

Be aware of extortion scam emails claiming your data is stolen

Published

4 weeks ago

March 7, 2026

Be aware of extortion scam emails claiming your data is stolen

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You open your inbox and see a message that instantly makes your stomach drop. Someone claims they have your passwords, your files, your credit card details and your entire digital life. They say they will sell everything on the dark web unless you pay them quickly.

One reader, Bobby D, wrote to us after receiving a message exactly like this.

“I received the attached email, and I’m wondering what to do. I have the capability to mark it as Spam with my email provider, Earthlink. Because of its threatening nature, is there any other type of action you can recommend? I was wondering if just designating as spam, there really would be no deterrence for the sender?”

It feels personal. It feels urgent. And it feels terrifying. Then you actually read the email. “I have your complete personal information… I will send this package to dark net markets… Or you can buy it from me for 1000 USD in Bitcoin…”

If this looks familiar, you are not alone. This exact extortion scam email is hitting inboxes everywhere right now.

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Extortion scam emails often claim hackers stole your data and demand bitcoin, but they rarely include any real proof. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why this extortion email is a scam

At first glance, the message sounds confident and detailed. That is intentional. Once you slow down, the warning signs are obvious.

No proof of compromise

The sender claims they stole everything but provides no real evidence. There are no screenshots, no passwords and no files attached. Scammers rely on fear, not facts.

Vague language and sloppy writing

Phrases like “a multitude of files” and “your devices” sound dramatic but say nothing specific. Real breaches include details. Scams stay vague.

Bitcoin demand and urgency

Any email demanding bitcoin while warning you not to tell anyone follows a classic scam formula. Legitimate companies do not operate this way.

Mass sent message

This email is not personal. It is part of a large campaign sent to thousands of addresses at once. The goal is to scare a few people into paying.

MICROSOFT ‘IMPORTANT MAIL’ EMAIL IS A SCAM: HOW TO SPOT IT

These messages rely on fear and urgency to push people into acting before they have time to think. (Annette Riedl/picture alliance via Getty Images)

How scammers got your email address

Here is the uncomfortable truth. Your email address likely appeared in an old data breach somewhere online. That does not mean your computer, phone or accounts are hacked. Scammers buy leaked email lists, then send threatening messages in bulk. Even one payment makes the entire operation profitable. They are playing the odds, not targeting you.

What to do right now

If you receive an email like this, here is the correct response.

Step 1: Do not reply

Responding confirms your address is active and can lead to more threats.

Step 2: Do not send money

Paying does not make you safer. It only signals that the scam worked.

Step 3: Mark it as spam or phishing

Flagging the email in EarthLink or any provider helps train spam filters. It reduces how often these messages reach you and others.

Step 4: Delete the message

Once it is reported, remove it and move on. To Bobby’s question, yes, marking it as spam absolutely helps. It does not stop the sender directly, but it protects you and others from future scams.

APPLE APP PASSWORD SCAM EMAIL WARNING

Slowing down and verifying information independently is often all it takes to break the scam’s grip. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from extortion scam emails

You cannot stop scammers from trying. You can stop them from succeeding. These steps reduce risk and remove the fear factor.

1) Use unique passwords for important accounts

Reused passwords make old data breaches more dangerous. A password manager helps you create and store strong, unique passwords.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com) 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.

2) Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of protection even if a password leaks.

3) Keep devices and software updated

Updates close security gaps scammers rely on. Automatic updates offer the strongest protection.

4) Remove your personal data from the web

Data removal services help limit how much personal information scammers can find and misuse. 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

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

5) Avoid links and use strong antivirus protection

Never click links in threatening emails. Strong antivirus software helps block malicious sites and fake support pages. 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

6) Slow down when messages create urgency

Scam emails rely on panic and speed. Pausing to verify removes their power.

7) Reporting still matters even if it feels pointless

Many people wonder if marking these emails as spam does anything at all. It does. Spam reports help email providers identify patterns, block sender networks and reduce future scam attempts. You may not stop the individual scammer, but you help protect everyone else.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Extortion scam emails succeed because they hijack fear. They want you to act fast, alone and without thinking. The moment you pause, question the message and verify safely, the threat collapses. No stolen files. No hacked devices. Just a recycled script designed to scare. If you received one of these emails, you did the right thing by stopping and asking.

Have you ever received a threatening email that made your heart race before you realized it was a scam? What helped you spot it, or what would you do differently next time? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Related Topics:cybercrime email Featured Hackers Privacy Security

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Technology

A folk musician became a target for AI fakes and a copyright troll

Published

11 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

A folk musician became a target for AI fakes and a copyright troll

In January, folk artist Murphy Campbell discovered several songs on her Spotify profile that did not belong there. They were songs that she had recorded, but she’d never uploaded them to Spotify, and something was off about the vocals.

She quickly surmised that someone had pulled performances of the songs she posted to YouTube, created AI covers, and uploaded them to streaming platforms under her name. I ran one of the songs, “Four Marys”, through two different AI detectors, and it seemed to support her suspicions with both saying it was probably AI-generated.

Campbell was shocked, “I was kind of under the impression that we had a little bit more checks in place before someone could just do that. But, you know, a lesson learned there,” she told The Verge. It took some time before Campbell managed to get the fake songs removed, “I became a pest,” she said. And even then, it wasn’t a complete victory. While the offending tracks don’t appear to be available on YouTube Music or Apple Music anymore, at least one can still be found on Spotify, just under a different artist profile, but with the same name. There are now multiple Murphy Campbells — “Obviously, I was thrilled by that,” the real Murphy Campbell said.

Spotify is testing a new system that would allow artists to manually approve songs before they appear on their profile, but Campbell is skeptical after being burned. “I feel like, every time, an entity that’s that large makes a promise like that to musicians. It seems to just not be what they made it out to be, but I’ll be curious to try it out in the future,” she said.

This was just the beginning of Campbell’s nightmare, however.

On the day that a Rolling Stone article was published, discussing Campbell’s brush with AI imitators, a series of videos were uploaded to YouTube through distributor Vydia. Those videos have not been posted publicly, and it’s unclear if anyone other than the uploader, who goes by Murphy Rider, has seen them. YouTube declined to comment for this story.

Those were used to claim ownership of the material in several of Murphy Campbell’s videos. Campbell received a notice from YouTube reading: “You are now sharing revenues with the copyright owners of the music detected in your video, Darling Corey.” The most confusing part, the songs at the center of these claims are all in the public domain, including the classic “In the Pines,” which dates back to at least the 1870s and has been covered by everyone from Lead Belly to Nirvana (as “Where Did You Sleep Last Night”).

Vydia has since released those claims, and spokesperson Roy LaManna says the person who uploaded the videos has been banned from their platform. Of the over 6,000,000 claims filed by Vydia through YouTube’s Content ID system, 0.02 percent were found to be invalid, which LaManna says is, “by industry standards is like amazing.” Continuing, “we pride ourselves on doing this the right way.”

LaManna also says that Vydia has no connection to Timeless IR or the AI covers that were uploaded to streaming platforms under Campbell’s name. While the timing is certainly suspicious, LaManna says the two incidents are separate.

Vydia has received a lot of blowback including, LaManna says, “literal death threats” which have led to the offices being evacuated. Campbell isn’t about to let Vydia off the hook, but notes that it’s not solely to blame. The worlds of generative AI, music distribution, and copyright are complex with multiple points of failure and opportunities for abuse. “I think it goes way deeper than we think it does,” Campbell says.

Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.

Terrence O’Brien

Technology

Industrial exoskeletons help workers do more with less strain

Published

12 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Industrial exoskeletons help workers do more with less strain

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If you have ever spent a full day lifting, drilling overhead, or bending over a conveyor belt, you know how quickly fatigue sets in. That is exactly where industrial exoskeletons come in.

These wearable systems strap onto the body and help carry the load. Instead of your muscles doing all the work, the device shares it. As a result, workers feel less strain and can stay productive longer. This tech is already showing up on real job sites across the country.

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WEARABLE ROBOTICS ARE CHANGING HOW WE WALK AND RUN

A worker uses the Laevo FLEX exoskeleton to support the lower back during repetitive lifting and bending tasks. (Laevo)

What are industrial exoskeletons?

Industrial exoskeletons are wearable mechanical systems designed to support your body during physical tasks. They do not replace workers. They help workers perform demanding jobs with less physical stress. There are three main types, and each works differently depending on the job.

Passive exoskeletons: simple support that works

Passive systems do not use motors or batteries. Instead, they rely on springs or mechanical structures to redistribute weight.

A strong real-world example is the Hilti EXO-O1. This shoulder harness shifts the weight of your arms to your hips using spring-loaded supports. Testing shows it can reduce shoulder muscle load by up to 47% during overhead work. Many workers say tools feel almost weightless by the end of the day.

Another example is the Laevo FLEX. This passive system uses spring-based assistance to support the lower back during bending and lifting. It is designed for dynamic movement, allowing workers to walk freely and lift without needing to switch the system on or off.

Laevo FLEX also offers adjustable support and is built for long wear across different environments, including outdoor use. Like other passive systems, it helps reduce strain on the lower back during repetitive tasks without adding motors or batteries.

These systems are relatively lightweight, typically between about 4.4 and 8.8 pounds. However, support remains constant during use, so it cannot adapt automatically to different tasks in real time.

Passive Hilti EXO-O1 exoskeleton to help relieve strain on shoulders and arms during overhead installation work. (HILTI)

Powered exoskeletons: high-tech strength on demand

Powered exoskeletons use motors, sensors, and onboard processors to actively assist movement. An example is the German Bionic Exia. This battery-powered back exoskeleton is designed for warehouse and logistics work, where employees lift and move items throughout the day. It actively supports the lower back during lifts, helping reduce strain and fatigue over time.

These systems track your motion using sensors and respond almost instantly. Many can detect lifting movements in real time and provide support as you move, so the assistance feels natural instead of delayed.

Powered exoskeletons can significantly reduce the effort required for repetitive lifting tasks, especially in high-volume environments.

However, there are trade-offs. Some powered systems are heavier and can weigh over 40 pounds, depending on the design. They are also far more expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars, so most companies introduce them through pilot programs.

NEW EXOSKELETON ADAPTS TO TERRAIN WITH SMART AI POWER

German Bionic’s powered exoskeleton Exia provides real-time support to ease physical strain on the job. (German Bionic)

Soft exosuits: flexible and lightweight

Soft exosuits use fabric, straps and tension systems instead of rigid frames. One example is the HeroWear Apex 2. This lightweight system weighs about three pounds and wraps around the shoulders and waist to assist with lifting movements.

In warehouse testing, soft back-support exosuits have been shown to improve productivity while reducing reported lower back discomfort for workers performing repetitive tasks.

These systems allow more natural movement than rigid exoskeletons. However, they provide less force, so they are best suited for repetitive tasks rather than heavy lifting.

Workers use the HeroWear Apex 2 exosuit to reduce back strain during repetitive lifting and bending tasks. (HeroWear)

Where exoskeletons make the biggest impact

The biggest benefits show up in everyday tasks that put the most strain on your body.

Overhead work becomes manageable

Holding tools above your head all day strains your shoulders and neck. Systems like the Hilti EXO-O1 can reduce muscle load by up to about 47%, making tools feel much lighter.

Heavy lifting gets safer

Back-support systems like the Laevo FLEX shift part of the load away from the spine. Studies show muscle effort can drop by up to 30% during lifting.

Repetitive bending adds up less

Soft systems like the HeroWear Apex 2 help reduce fatigue during constant bending. Workers complete more tasks while feeling less strain by the end of a shift.

The trade-offs you should know

Exoskeletons offer real benefits, but they are not perfect. Fit is critical. If a device does not align properly with your body, it can cause discomfort or limit movement. Proper fitting and training are essential. Weight also matters. Even lightweight systems add extra load. Powered systems can weigh more than 40 pounds.

Cost remains a barrier for many companies. Passive systems may cost a few thousand dollars, while powered systems can cost tens of thousands. There is also a long-term consideration. Relying too heavily on assistance could reduce muscle engagement over time. Experts recommend using exoskeletons alongside proper ergonomics and regular movement.

What this means for you

If your job involves physical labor, this technology could change your daily experience. You may feel less sore at the end of a shift. You may reduce your risk of injury over time. You may even be able to work longer without the same level of fatigue.

For employers, the benefits are clear. Fewer injuries, fewer missed workdays, and more consistent productivity. Adoption is still growing, so many workplaces are testing these systems before rolling them out more broadly.

Where can you buy industrial exoskeletons?

You might be wondering if you can order one of these like any other piece of gear. In most cases, you cannot. Most industrial exoskeletons are sold directly to companies, not individuals. Manufacturers typically work with employers through pilot programs or bulk orders. That means you will not usually find these on standard retail sites.

Some lighter systems, especially passive or soft exosuits, are easier to access. Even then, many brands still prefer to sell through business channels or approved partners.

If you are interested, start with the manufacturer’s website. Look for options like “request a demo” or “contact sales.” This is often the first step before any purchase. For now, access depends on where you work. As adoption grows, that could change. More companies are testing these systems, which may eventually make them easier to get.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Industrial exoskeletons are moving quickly from early trials to real-world use. They are not replacing human workers. They are helping people work smarter and safer. As the technology improves, expect lighter designs, better comfort, and more intelligent assistance. This shift could redefine what physically demanding work looks like in the years ahead.

If your employer offered you an exoskeleton tomorrow, would you wear it on the job or would you hesitate? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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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.

Technology

Anthropic essentially bans OpenClaw from Claude by making subscribers pay extra

Published

23 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Anthropic essentially bans OpenClaw from Claude by making subscribers pay extra

Starting tomorrow at 12pm PT, Claude subscriptions will no longer cover usage on third-party tools like OpenClaw.

You can still use these tools with your Claude login via extra usage bundles (now available at a discount), or with a Claude API key.

We’ve been working hard to meet the increase in demand for Claude, and our subscriptions weren’t built for the usage patterns of these third-party tools. Capacity is a resource we manage thoughtfully and we are prioritizing our customers using our products and API.

Subscribers get a one-time credit equal to your monthly plan cost. If you need more, you can now buy discounted usage bundles. To request a full refund, look for a link in your email tomorrow.

We want to be intentional in managing our growth to continue to serve our customers sustainably long-term. This change is a step toward that.