Technology
How tech is being used in Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation
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Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson after she failed to appear for church and could not be reached by family. When deputies arrived, several things stood out. Her phone, wallet and car keys were inside the home. The daily medication she relies on was left behind. Given her age and mobility challenges, investigators said she would not have left voluntarily.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has since stated publicly that the case is being treated as a suspected abduction, and the home was processed as a crime scene. As the search continues, investigators are piecing together not only physical evidence and witness tips, but also the digital trail left behind by everyday technology.
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149 MILLION PASSWORDS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE CREDENTIAL LEAK
Investigators are examining digital clues from phones, cameras and networks to help narrow the timeline in the Nancy Guthrie missing person investigation. (Courtesy of NBC)
Why technology matters in missing person investigations
In cases like this, technology rarely delivers a single smoking gun. Instead, it helps investigators answer quieter but critical questions that shape a timeline. Investigators ask when everything still looked normal. They look for the moment when devices stopped communicating. They try to pinpoint when something changed. Phones, medical devices, cellular networks and cameras generate timestamps. Those records help narrow the window when events may have taken a dangerous turn.
YOUR PHONE SHARES DATA AT NIGHT: HERE’S HOW TO STOP IT
Smart cameras and neighborhood footage can provide crucial time markers, even when images are unclear or partially obscured. (Courtesy of NBC)
How investigators connect data across agencies
Behind the scenes, investigators rely on advanced analytical systems to connect information from multiple sources and jurisdictions. In Tucson and across Pima County, law enforcement agencies use artificial intelligence-assisted crime analysis platforms such as COPLINK, which allows data sharing with at least 19 other police departments across Arizona. These systems help investigators cross-reference tips, reports, vehicle data and digital evidence more quickly than manual searches.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Tucson Police Department and the FBI also work through real-time analytical crime centers, including Tucson’s Real-Time Analytical Crime Center (TRACC). These centers allow analysts to review large volumes of data together, from phone records and license plate reads to surveillance timestamps.
This type of analysis does not replace traditional police work. It helps narrow timelines, rule out possibilities and prioritize leads as new information comes in.
Bluetooth data and Apple’s potential role
iOS may retain low-level Bluetooth artifacts outside the pacemaker app. Access to this data typically requires:
- Legal process
- Apple cooperation
- Device forensic extraction
Bluetooth artifacts cannot determine distance. They cannot show that two devices were a few feet apart. What they can sometimes provide is timestamp correlation, confirming that a Bluetooth interaction occurred. That correlation can help align pacemaker activity with phone movement or inactivity. It is not publicly known whether Apple has been formally contacted in this case. An inquiry has been made. Apple typically does not comment on specific investigations but may confirm what categories of data could be available.
What the iPhone itself may reveal
Even without medical data, the iPhone left behind may provide valuable corroboration. With proper legal access, investigators may examine:
- Motion sensor activity
- Cellular network connections
- Wi-Fi associations
- Camera metadata
- Power and usage patterns
This data can help establish whether the phone moved unexpectedly or stopped being used at a specific time. Again, the value lies in confirming timelines, not speculating motives.
Cell tower data and coverage around the home
Public mapping databases show dense cellular coverage in the area surrounding the Guthrie residence. There are 41 cell towers within a three-mile radius. The closest carrier towers are approximately:
- AT&T at 1.0 mile
- Verizon at 1.4 miles
- T-Mobile at 3.0 miles
Carrier records can be analyzed to identify device connections, sector handoffs and anomalous activity during the critical window between Saturday evening and Sunday morning. This analysis is complex, but it can help confirm whether a device moved or disconnected unexpectedly.
Cameras, license plate readers and neighborhood footage
Investigators are also reviewing surveillance systems. Tucson primarily uses Verkada cameras integrated with the Fusus platform. Flock Safety cameras are used in other parts of the region, including South Tucson.
More than 200 automatic license plate readers are deployed in the broader area, allowing investigators to review historical vehicle movements during the critical time window. These systems can capture license plates, vehicle make and color, vehicle type and alerts tied to suspect vehicles.
Private sources may matter just as much. Neighbor doorbell cameras and home systems can provide important timeline markers, even if the footage is grainy. Some modern vehicles also record motion near parked cars if settings are enabled.
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Everyday devices quietly record timestamps that may help investigators understand when something has changed and where to look next. (Courtesy of NBC)
Ways to keep your loved ones safe
Technology can help protect older or vulnerable relatives, but it works best when combined with everyday habits that reduce risk.
1) Use connected cameras
Install smart doorbell cameras and outdoor security cameras that notify family members when someone unfamiliar appears. Alerts can matter just as much as recorded footage. Many newer systems allow AI-based person detection, which can alert you when an unknown person is seen at certain times of day or night. These alerts can be customized, so family members know when activity breaks a normal pattern, not just when motion is detected.
2) Wear an emergency pendant or medical alert device
Emergency pendants and wearable SOS devices let someone call for help with a single press. Many newer models work outside the home and can alert caregivers if a fall is detected. Some devices also include GPS, which helps when someone becomes disoriented or leaves home unexpectedly. This remains one of the most overlooked safety tools for older adults.
3) Enable device sharing and safety features
If your loved one agrees, enable location sharing, emergency contacts and built-in safety features on their phone or wearable.
On smartphones, this can include:
- Emergency SOS
- Medical ID access from the lock screen
- Trusted location sharing through apps like Find My
These features work quietly in the background, allowing help to reach the right people quickly without requiring daily interaction.
4) Create simple check-in routines
Use apps, text reminders or calendar alerts that prompt regular check-ins. If a message goes unanswered, it creates a reason to follow up quickly instead of assuming everything is fine. Consistency matters more than complexity.
5) Use devices with passive safety monitoring
Some phones, wearables and home systems can detect changes in normal daily activity without requiring a button press. For example, smartphones and smartwatches can notice when movement patterns suddenly stop or change. If a device that usually moves every morning stays still for hours, that shift can trigger alerts or prompt a check-in from a caregiver. Smart home systems can also flag unusual inactivity. Motion sensors that normally register movement throughout the day may show a long gap, which can signal that something is wrong. Passive monitoring works in the background. It reduces the need for constant interaction while still creating early warning signs when routines break.
6) Know emergency contacts and escalation steps
Enable smart alerts from home security systems so that family members know when doors open late at night, remain open longer than normal or when systems are armed or disarmed. Fire and smoke listener alerts and bedside panic buttons add another layer of protection, especially overnight. Car apps can also share safety signals, such as when a vehicle is unlocked, a door or window is left open or when location sharing is enabled with trusted family members.
“No single device can protect someone on its own,” a law enforcement expert told CyberGuy. “What helps most is layering. A camera paired with a wearable. A phone paired with check-ins. Technology paired with human attention. Each layer adds context and reduces blind spots. Together, they create earlier warnings and faster responses when something goes wrong.”
Kurt’s key takeaways
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is heartbreaking. It also highlights how deeply modern technology is woven into everyday life. Digital data from phones, cellular networks, and cameras can offer valuable insights, but only when used responsibly and in compliance with privacy laws. As this investigation continues, technology may help law enforcement narrow timelines and test theories, even if it cannot answer every question. In cases like this, every detail matters.
As digital footprints grow more detailed, should tech companies give law enforcement broader access when someone goes missing? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Technology
Dyson’s powerful 360 Vis Nav robovac is down to $279.99 for a limited time
If you’re tired of running your vacuum multiple times just to get the dirt and debris out of the carpets in your living room, Dyson’s 360 Vis Nav is worth a look. It’s one of the more powerful robot vacuums currently available, and now through May 11th (or while supplies last), it’s on sale at Woot for an all-time low of $279.99 ($919 off) with a full two-year warranty.
The last-gen 360 Vis Nav offers a whopping 65 air watts of suction, allowing it to pull dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets impressively well. In her brief time testing the robovac, my colleague Jennifer Pattison Tuohy said the Dyson “demolished a pile of dry oatmeal in seconds,” adding that she briefly worried it might even suck up the tassels on her large rug (it didn’t). By comparison, many robot vacuums — including Dyson’s new $1,200 Spot + Scrub AI — require multiple passes to fully eradicate the same kind of mess on your floor.
What’s more, the robovac’s small, D-shaped design and the location of its ultra-fluffy brush allow it to dig into edges and corners more effectively than many of the more roundish robot vacuums, while its lower profile lets it easily get under most beds and sofas. The roomy 500ml dustbin also means you likely won’t need to empty it too often, while Dyson’s built-in handle and terrific quick-release button make removing said bin a relatively simple task when it’s time to do so.
While it is undeniably powerful, it’s worth noting that the 360 Vis Nav lacks a few features found on some of its more modern rivals. Although its navigation worked well enough during our testing, it lacks AI-powered obstacle avoidance and doesn’t come with a self-emptying dock. Battery life is also relatively short at around 65 minutes per charge. Nonetheless, if your top priority is quickly removing dust, dirt, and pet hair from carpets without multiple passes, the Dyson remains an option worth considering, especially at this discounted price.
Technology
Global scam crackdown leads to 276 arrests
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We’ve often warned you about romance scams and crypto “investment” opportunities that feel too good to pass up. Now, there’s a major update that shows just how organized these operations have become.
The Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a sweeping international operation that led to at least 276 arrests and the shutdown of multiple scam centers tied to cryptocurrency fraud. These networks targeted Americans and drained millions of dollars from victims.
The operation spanned continents and involved coordinated efforts by law enforcement and tech companies.
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TOP 5 SCAMS SPREADING RIGHT NOW
The Department of Justice and FBI say international scam networks used romance and fake crypto investment schemes to steal millions from victims. (Helena Dolderer/Picture Alliance)
How the cryptocurrency scam crackdown unfolded
Authorities worked with partners around the world, including the Dubai Police and law enforcement agencies in Thailand and beyond. Together, they dismantled at least nine scam centers linked to large-scale crypto fraud.
Several suspects now face federal charges in the United States, including wire fraud and money laundering. Investigators say these operations functioned like businesses, with recruitment, management layers and structured systems designed to deceive victims.
Officials made it clear that this effort sends a message. Fraud crosses borders, and enforcement is now doing the same.
How crypto investment scams target victims
These schemes often follow a pattern known as “pig-butchering.” It is a slow, calculated tactic that builds trust before any money is involved.
A scammer may reach out through social media or a messaging app and start a casual conversation. Over time, that interaction turns more personal. In some cases, it feels like a real relationship. Once trust is established, the topic shifts toward investing, often framed as a unique crypto opportunity.
Victims are guided through setting up accounts and transferring funds to platforms that appear legitimate. The dashboards may even show fake gains to build confidence. At that point, control of the money is already gone. Funds are quickly moved through multiple accounts and eventually end up with the scammers.
Many victims are encouraged to keep going, sometimes borrowing money or taking out loans to invest more. By the time the truth becomes clear, the losses can be devastating.
How Meta Platforms, Inc. helped track scam networks
Meta Platforms, Inc. played a key role in the investigation by providing data that helped law enforcement identify and track these networks.
The company says it has taken aggressive action across its platforms. In 2025 alone, Meta removed more than 159 million scam ads and shut down 10.9 million accounts linked to scam centers. More recently, it disabled over 150,000 accounts connected to these networks as part of a coordinated enforcement effort.
“Meta is committed to combatting online fraud and scams, and we are proud to partner with law enforcement in these efforts,” Chris Sonderby, Meta’s vice president and deputy general counsel, said. “We applaud the DOJ and FBI for their leadership in holding criminal scammers accountable and protecting American consumers.”
FROM FRIENDLY TEXT TO FINANCIAL TRAP: THE NEW SCAM TREND
Federal authorities announced a sweeping international crackdown that led to at least 276 arrests tied to cryptocurrency scam centers targeting Americans. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
New tools to stop cryptocurrency scams in real time
Meta is also rolling out new protections across its apps to help users spot scams before they get pulled in.
On Facebook, users may see alerts tied to suspicious friend requests, especially when an account shows unusual behavior such as limited connections or inconsistent location details.
On WhatsApp, new warnings are designed to prevent scammers from linking their own devices to someone else’s account, giving users a chance to pause before approving a risky request.
Messenger is also expanding its scam detection tools. When a conversation shows patterns linked to common fraud tactics, users may receive prompts that explain the risk and suggest actions like blocking or reporting the account.
Why this cryptocurrency scam crackdown matters to you
This operation highlights how organized these scam networks have become. These are not random messages from a single person. They are coordinated groups running structured operations designed to build trust, create urgency and move money quickly.
Even with hundreds of arrests, the threat remains. New networks continue to emerge, often using the same playbook with slight changes. That means staying informed is still one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.
Ways to stay safe from cryptocurrency scams
Scammers follow familiar patterns, which means there are clear warning signs you can watch for and simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
1) Slow down unexpected connections
If someone you do not know reaches out and quickly builds a personal connection, slow things down and question the situation. Scammers rely on momentum, so taking a pause can help you spot inconsistencies.
2) Verify investment platforms before sending money
Before sending money to any investment platform, take time to verify that it is legitimate. A professional-looking website or app does not guarantee it is real. Look for independent reviews and official registration details.
3) Avoid sending crypto to unknown sources
Avoid sending cryptocurrency to individuals or platforms you cannot confirm. Once those transactions go through, they are extremely difficult to recover.
4) Watch for pressure and urgency
Be aware of pressure. If someone pushes you to act quickly or invest more, that urgency is often a warning sign.
5) Use strong antivirus protection
Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, fake investment sites and other threats before they reach you, adding another layer of defense against scam attempts. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
THE ONE THING SCAMMERS CHECK BEFORE TARGETING YOU ONLINE
Meta said it removed more than 159 million scam ads in 2025 and helped investigators track networks tied to cryptocurrency fraud. (Halfpoint/Getty Images)
6) Limit your personal data exposure
Scammers often rely on publicly available information to build trust. Reducing how much of your personal data appears online by using a data removal service can make it harder for them to target you in the first place. 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) Strengthen your account security
It also helps to strengthen your digital security. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts and use trusted security tools to reduce exposure to malicious links and messages.
8) Report scams as soon as possible
If you believe you have been targeted or defrauded, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov as soon as possible.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This global crackdown is a meaningful step forward. It shows what can happen when law enforcement, tech companies and international partners work together. At the same time, these scams are not going away. The tactics will continue to evolve, and new networks will take the place of those that were shut down. Awareness and caution remain your strongest defenses.
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We report a lot about scams but not so much about scammers getting caught. Does this make you feel like real progress is being made in stopping them? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Asus chases Elgato with its own secondary touchscreen display
Asus’s latest gaming monitor is a little smaller than usual. The ROG Strix XG129C, announced on Friday, is a 12.3-inch touchscreen IPS display that’s intended to be a sidekick for a larger main monitor, similar to the 14.1-inch secondary display in the 2020 Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15. It’s a slightly smaller competitor to Corsair’s Xeneon Edge, which has a 14.5-inch display, but the same 720p resolution.
Asus says the XG129C covers 125 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with a one-year subscription for the hardware monitoring tool AIDA64 Extreme, which would usually cost $65. Besides acting as a performance monitor for your PC, sidekick displays like this can also be handy as an extension for streaming or editing setups, much like Elgato’s Stream Deck.
Along with the little XG129C, Asus also announced the ROG Strix OLED XG34WCDMS, a 34-inch RGB Tandem QD-OLED gaming monitor. It features a 280Hz refresh rate and a 3440 x 1440p resolution, and, according to Asus, covers 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Asus has not yet officially announced pricing for either display.
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