Technology
Cloud Storage Full scam steals your photos and money
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A new scam is sweeping across smartphones and catching thousands of people off guard. Criminals are sending fake “Cloud Storage Full” or “photo deletion” alerts that claim your images and videos are about to disappear unless you upgrade your storage. The warning looks urgent and real. It even mimics major cloud services. But the moment you click the link, you enter a trap.
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How this fast-growing Cloud Storage Full scam tricks victims
Trend Micro researchers recently uncovered this fast-growing phishing campaign after seeing a massive jump in activity. The company reports a 531% month-over-month spike from September to October, which shows how quickly the scheme is spreading.
PROTECT YOUR DATA BEFORE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SCAMS STRIKE
Scammers use convincing storage alerts and fake dashboards to push victims into paying small fees that expose their credit card details. (Pixelfit/Getty Images)
Scammers are sending personalized SMS and iMessage alerts that include your name and a believable count of photos or videos. Once you tap the link, you land on a very convincing fake website that appears to be a cloud storage dashboard. From there, you are urged to pay a tiny $1.99 upgrade fee to prevent deletion. Instead of protecting anything, you hand over your credit card, PayPal login or other personal information.
Trend Micro provided several screenshots and internal samples that reveal how polished the scam has become. The fake sites use progress bars, countdown timers and warnings that your files will be lost. They even simulate a cloud storage layout to match the look of popular platforms.
Jon Clay, VP of Threat Intelligence at Trend Micro, shared an important warning to CyberGuy:
“The recent spike in ‘Cloud Storage Full’ scams shows just how well cybercriminals are perfecting emotional manipulation. These scams prey on fear and urgency, warning users their photos will be deleted unless they pay a small upgrade fee. During a time of year when we may be capturing many precious moments on camera, scammers are targeting older adults who may think this type of scam message is legitimate and who may be worried and anxious about losing something that cannot easily replace. Consumers should always stay cautious of unsolicited messages and always verify alerts directly through official apps or websites.”
Trend Micro’s analysis outlines exactly how the scam works, from the initial message to the final theft. Their screenshots show fake dashboards, false warnings and pages asking for credit card or PayPal details. Some versions even redirect to legitimate sites later to cover their tracks.
How the Cloud Storage Full scam works
Scammers follow a predictable pattern with this scheme, and each stage reveals a clear red flag that can help you spot the danger early.
1) Initial contact
Victims receive an unsolicited SMS or iMessage that claims their photos or videos will be deleted soon. Messages include the person’s first name and fake counts like “1,675 images” or “2,010 snaps” to boost credibility. Scammers add statements like “Act now” or “Final warning” to trigger panic. Each message ends with a short link that leads to a malicious .info domain.
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2) Trust building
After tapping the link, the user arrives at a fake “Cloud Storage Full” website. It mirrors the fonts, icons and button styles of real cloud services. Users see alerts such as “Your photos, contacts and private data will be lost.” Everything looks polished to reduce suspicion.
3) The hook
The site claims your storage is completely full and urges a one-time upgrade for $1.99. A progress bar sits at 100 percent full and a countdown timer warns that data will vanish in minutes. The “Continue” button goes to a fake payment page.
4) The exit
Once victims enter credit card or PayPal details, scammers harvest the data instantly. Attackers may use stolen credentials for unauthorized purchases, credential stuffing or resale on dark web markets. Some victims receive fake receipt emails to make the charge look legitimate.
Trend Micro reports that certain scam sites later redirect to real pages like iolo.com to hide their tracks.
Scammers use fake dashboards and alerts to push victims to share payment info. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Red flags to watch for
- Urgent warnings that your photos will be deleted
- Unfamiliar links ending in .info
- Messages that include your name to appear credible
- Payment requests for tiny fees like $1.99
- Countdown timers meant to force quick decisions
- Sites that look familiar but have unusual URLs
Tips to stay safe from Cloud Storage Full scams
Scammers rely on fear and urgency to push quick decisions, but a few smart habits can shut down their tricks before they start.
1) Verify alerts inside the official app or website
Open your cloud storage app or go to the official website directly. If you see a real problem, it will appear there. This simple step prevents you from reacting to fake warnings.
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2) Never tap storage alerts sent through SMS or iMessage, and use strong antivirus software
Break the habit of tapping links in messages. Real cloud services rarely text users about photo deletion. A strong antivirus tool will flag dangerous links before they open.
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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Use a data removal service
Consider using a reputable data removal service to scrub your personal details from data broker sites. This step makes it harder for scammers to target you with personalized messages that look real.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. 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
4) Watch for strange links
Look closely at every link. Scammers rely on short domains that look suspicious. Legitimate companies avoid shortened URLs and unknown domains.
5) Use multi-factor authentication
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud and payment accounts. It adds a powerful layer of protection if criminals steal your login.
6) Check your credit card for small test charges
Review your statements often. Attackers start with tiny charges to test a card before making bigger purchases.
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7) Use a password manager
A good password manager helps you create strong, unique passwords. It limits the fallout if your login appears in a data breach.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager 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.
These fake storage warnings mimic real cloud services and pressure users to upgrade for $1.99. Once you enter payment info, scammers steal it instantly. (uchar/Getty Images)
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com
8) Report suspicious messages
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM). This helps carriers block similar messages for everyone.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This scam spreads because it hits people where they are most vulnerable. Our phones store personal memories, family events and moments we never want to lose. Scammers know this and are now creating messages that look real enough to fool even the most cautious users. Emotional triggers like fear and urgency remain powerful tools for cybercriminals. Always question surprise warnings about data loss. When in doubt, check your account directly through the official app or website. A few seconds of verification can save you from credit card theft and identity headaches.
Have you ever received a message like this, and how did you handle it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Google just leaked a first look at Android for PC in action
We’ve been waiting months for our first look at Android running on a PC in Google’s upcoming ChromeOS / Android hybrid platform, codenamed Aluminium OS. Now we’ve seen it in action, and have Google to thank for the leak.
9to5Google spotted a bug report related to Chrome Incognito tabs published to the Google Issue Tracker yesterday, including two screen recordings taken from a device running Aluminium OS. Google has now restricted access to the report, but 9to5Google managed to pull the videos first. The site also reports that the bug tracker mentioned an ALOS software version — already confirmed to be the initialism for Aluminium OS — and that the recordings came from an HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook.
The videos themselves — shared to YouTube by Android Authority — add further confirmation that this is Aluminium OS, listing the OS as Android 16, with a build number that matches the ALOS one mentioned in the bug report. It certainly looks like this is an existing Chromebook being used to test the upcoming ALOS experience, which Android head Sameer Samat previously said we should expect to see more from this year.
As for what we see of Aluminium, it’s very much the mashup you’d expect. The taskbar resembles ChromeOS’s, but moves the start button into the center, à la Android. There’s a status bar at the top, more like Android than ChromeOS, with familiar Android icons for battery, Wi-Fi connection, and so on. The video gives us a brief look at the Play Store, along with some split-screen multitasking, but it’s hardly a deep dive of the new OS. We might need to wait for Google to release a video on purpose for that.
Technology
Uber unveils a new robotaxi with no driver behind the wheel
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Uber is getting closer to offering rides with no one behind the wheel.
The company recently unveiled a new robotaxi and confirmed that autonomous testing is already underway on public roads in the San Francisco Bay Area. While the vehicle first appeared earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026, the bigger story now is what is happening after the show.
These robotaxis are no longer confined to presentations or closed courses. They are driving in real traffic as Uber prepares for a public launch later this year.
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PRIVATE AUTONOMOUS PODS COULD REDEFINE RIDE-SHARING
Uber’s new robotaxi operates on public roads in the San Francisco Bay Area as the company moves closer to offering fully driverless rides later this year. (Klaudia Radecka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Who is behind Uber’s robotaxi
Uber is the name most riders recognize. However, two partners handle the technology behind the scenes. Lucid Group builds the all-electric vehicle. It is based on the Lucid Gravity SUV, which was designed for long-range efficiency and passenger comfort. Nuro provides the self-driving system. Nuro also leads testing and safety validation. Together, the three companies are developing a robotaxi service that will be available only through Uber.
Uber’s robotaxi is already driving itself
Autonomous on-road testing began last month in the Bay Area. These tests take place on public streets rather than private test tracks. Nuro runs the testing program using trained safety operators who supervise each trip. The focus is on everyday driving situations such as intersections, lane changes, traffic lights and pedestrians. This stage is critical. It allows engineers to evaluate how the system behaves in real conditions before opening rides to the public.
What makes Uber’s robotaxi different
Uber’s robotaxi was designed from the start to operate without a driver. It combines electric vehicle engineering with visible autonomy features that riders can understand.
Key features include:
- A multi-sensor system using cameras, lidar and radar for full awareness
- A low-profile roof-mounted Halo module integrated into the vehicle
- Exterior LED displays that show rider initials and trip status
- In-cabin screens for climate, music and support access
- Real-time visuals that show what the vehicle sees and plans to do
- Seating for up to six passengers with room for luggage
The robotaxi runs on high-performance computing powered by NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Thor. This system handles the real-time AI processing required for autonomous driving.
A robotaxi ride that explains itself
One standout feature is transparency. Riders can see how the robotaxi perceives the road and plans its next move. The display shows lane changes, yielding behavior, slowing at traffic lights and the planned drop-off point. This helps riders understand what the vehicle is doing instead of guessing. Inside the cabin, passengers can adjust heated seats, climate controls and music. They can also contact support or request the vehicle to pull over if needed.
CAN AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS REALLY MAKE HIGHWAYS SAFER?
The all-electric Uber robotaxi, built with partners Lucid and Nuro, is now navigating real traffic without a human driver. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)
Uber plans to scale robotaxis across the U.S. and global markets
Uber plans to deploy 20,000 or more robotaxis over the next six years. These vehicles will operate in dozens of U.S. and international markets. Lucid will integrate all required hardware directly on the production line at its Casa Grande, Arizona factory. Uber will own and operate the vehicles along with third-party fleet partners. Every robotaxi ride will be booked through the Uber app, just like a standard Uber trip.
How Uber is handling robotaxi safety and regulation
Safety sits at the center of this rollout. Nuro’s validation process combines simulation, closed-course testing and supervised on-road driving. The system relies on an end-to-end AI foundation model paired with clear safety logic. The goal is predictable, comfortable driving across a wide range of conditions. Uber and its partners are also working with regulators, policymakers and local governments to ensure the service aligns with public safety standards and city planning goals.
When Uber’s driverless rides are expected to launch
Uber says the first autonomous rides will launch in a major U.S. city later in 2026. The service will be available exclusively through the Uber app. Production of the robotaxi is expected to begin later this year, pending final validation.
What this means to you
If you use Uber, driverless rides may soon appear as an option. These vehicles could offer quieter trips, more consistent driving and improved availability during peak times. For cities, a shared electric robotaxi fleet could help reduce emissions and congestion. For riders, seeing how the vehicle thinks and reacts may make autonomous travel feel less intimidating.
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Uber confirms autonomous testing is underway after unveiling its robotaxi at CES 2026, marking a major step toward a public launch. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Uber’s robotaxi effort feels more grounded than many past autonomous promises. It combines a known ride-hailing platform a purpose-built electric vehicle and a self-driving system already operating on public roads. If testing continues to progress, driverless Uber rides could move from something new to something normal sooner than many expect.
Would you get into an Uber if there was no driver sitting in the front seat? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Grubhub confirms data breach amid extortion claims
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Food delivery platform Grubhub has confirmed a recent data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems.
The disclosure comes as sources tell BleepingComputer the company is now facing extortion demands linked to stolen data.
In a statement to BleepingComputer, Grubhub said it detected and stopped the activity quickly.
“We’re aware of unauthorized individuals who recently downloaded data from certain Grubhub systems,” the company said. “We quickly investigated, stopped the activity, and are taking steps to further increase our security posture.”
Grubhub added that sensitive information, such as financial details or order history, was not affected. However, the company declined to answer follow-up questions about when the breach occurred, whether customer data was involved or if it is actively being extorted.
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RANSOMWARE ATTACK EXPOSES SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AT MAJOR GAS STATION CHAIN
Grubhub confirmed a data breach after unauthorized actors accessed parts of its internal systems, prompting an investigation and heightened security measures. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
What Grubhub has confirmed so far
While details remain limited, Grubhub confirmed several key points. It has brought in a third-party cybersecurity firm and notified law enforcement. Beyond that, the company has stayed largely silent. That lack of detail has raised concern, especially given Grubhub’s recent security history. Just last month, the company was linked to scam emails sent from its own b.grubhub.com subdomain. Those messages promoted a cryptocurrency scam promising large returns on Bitcoin payments. Grubhub said it contained the incident and blocked further unauthorized emails. It did not clarify whether the two events are related.
Sources link the breach to ShinyHunters extortion
According to multiple sources cited by BleepingComputer, the ShinyHunters hacking group is behind the extortion attempt. The group has not publicly commented on the claims and declined to respond when contacted. Sources say the attackers are demanding a Bitcoin payment to prevent the release of stolen data. That data reportedly includes older Salesforce records from a February 2025 breach and newer Zendesk data taken during the most recent intrusion. Grubhub uses Zendesk to run its online customer support system. That platform handles order issues, account access and billing questions, making it a valuable target for attackers.
How stolen credentials may have enabled the attack
Investigators believe the breach may be tied to credentials stolen during earlier Salesloft Drift attacks. In August 2025, threat actors used stolen OAuth tokens from Salesloft’s Salesforce integration to access sensitive systems over a 10-day period. According to a report from Google Threat Intelligence Group, also known as Mandiant, attackers used that stolen data to launch follow-up attacks across multiple platforms. “GTIG observed UNC6395 targeting sensitive credentials such as AWS access keys, passwords and Snowflake-related access tokens,” Google reported. ShinyHunters previously claimed responsibility for that campaign, stating it stole roughly 1.5 billion records from Salesforce environments tied to hundreds of companies.
Why this breach still matters
Even if payment data and order history were not affected, support systems often contain personal details. Names, email addresses and account notes can be enough to fuel phishing attacks or identity scams. More importantly, this incident highlights how older breaches can continue to cause damage long after the initial attack. Stolen credentials that are never rotated remain a powerful entry point for threat actors.
Ways to stay safe after the Grubhub data breach
If you use Grubhub or any online delivery service, a few smart steps can reduce your risk after a breach.
1) Update your password and stop re-use
Start by changing your Grubhub password right away. Make sure you do not reuse that password anywhere else. Reused passwords give attackers an easy path into other accounts. A password manager can help here. It creates strong, unique logins and stores them securely so you do not have to remember them all.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager 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.
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The food delivery platform says it quickly stopped the intrusion but has not disclosed when the breach occurred or whether customers were targeted. (Leonardo Munoz/VIEWpress)
2) Turn on two-factor authentication
If two-factor authentication (2FA) is available, enable it. This adds a second step when you sign in, such as a code sent to your phone or app. Even if a hacker steals your password, two-factor authentication can stop them from getting in.
3) Watch closely for phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software
Be alert for emails or texts that mention orders, refunds or support issues. Attackers often use stolen support data to make messages feel urgent and real. Do not click links or open attachments unless you are certain they are legitimate. Strong antivirus software can also help block malicious links and downloads before they cause harm.
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.
4) Remove your data from people-search sites
Consider using a data removal service to reduce your online footprint. These services help remove your personal details from data broker sites that attackers often use to build profiles. Less exposed data means fewer tools for scammers to exploit.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. 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) Ignore crypto messages using trusted brands
Be skeptical of any cryptocurrency offers tied to familiar companies. Grubhub was previously linked to scam emails promoting crypto schemes, which shows how often attackers abuse trusted names. Legitimate companies do not promise fast returns or pressure you to act immediately.
6) Monitor your Grubhub account and email activity
Check your Grubhub account for anything that looks unfamiliar. Watch for unexpected password reset emails, order confirmations or support messages you did not request. Attackers often test stolen data quietly before making bigger moves.
7) Secure the email linked to your Grubhub account
Your email account is the key to password resets. Change that password and enable two-factor authentication if it is not already on. If attackers control your email, they can regain access even after you change other passwords.
8) Stay alert for delayed scams tied to the breach
Breach data is often reused weeks or months later. Phishing attempts may appear long after headlines fade. Treat any future messages claiming to reference Grubhub support, refunds or account issues with extra caution.
These steps will not undo a breach, but they can limit how attackers exploit stolen information and reduce your risk going forward.
FIBER BROADBAND GIANT INVESTIGATES BREACH AFFECTING 1M USERS
Sources tell BleepingComputer the Grubhub breach is tied to extortion demands involving allegedly stolen customer support data. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Grubhub’s confirmation puts an official stamp on what sources have warned about for weeks. While the company says sensitive data was not affected, unanswered questions remain. As extortion-driven breaches rise, transparency and rapid credential rotation matter more than ever. What stands out most is how past compromises continue to create new risks. When access tokens live too long, attackers do not need to break in again. They simply walk back through an open door.
If companies stay quiet after breaches, how can customers know when it is time to protect themselves? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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