Anthropic just released Claude Fable 5, calling it the most powerful AI model it has ever made widely available and praising its skills in biology, among others. But the model won’t answer basic biology questions — the kind you’d expect a high schooler to handle. Instead, it hands off the query to the former flagship model, Claude Opus 4.8.
Technology
How to prevent malware moving from an old computer to new one
What is malware?
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson discusses how to protect yourself from malware and ransomware.
When it’s time to upgrade to a new computer, the excitement can be overshadowed by the concern of transferring existing data without bringing along any unwanted viruses or malware. Philip from Troy, Michigan, shares this concern and asks for the best way to ensure a clean transition.
“When buying a new computer, what is the best way to prevent transferring any viruses or malware from the old computer to the new computer?”
Transferring data from an old computer to a new one can be daunting, especially when you want to ensure a clean and secure transition. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to safeguard your data and prevent the spread of malicious software during the upgrade process.
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A woman who appears stressed looking at her laptop screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
6 ways to safeguard data during a computer upgrade
1) Scan your files
Before transferring any data from your old computer to the new one, it’s crucial to perform a thorough scan of your files using a reputable antivirus program. This step is essential to identify and remove any potential viruses, malware, or other malicious software that may be present on your old system. Antivirus programs are designed to detect and eliminate various types of threats, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware and adware.
By running a full system scan, you can ensure that your files are thoroughly checked for any known threats and that any detected malware can be quarantined or removed. It’s important to keep your antivirus software up to date, as new threats are constantly emerging, and outdated definitions may not be able to detect the latest malware variants. Most antivirus programs offer automatic updates to ensure that you have the latest virus definitions and protection features.
A man working on his laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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2) Back up and scan again
After performing the initial scan and removing any detected threats, it’s recommended to create a backup of your important files and data on an external storage device, such as an external hard drive or a USB flash drive. This backup serves as a precautionary measure in case any issues arise during the transfer process or if additional threats are discovered later. Once you have created a backup, it’s advisable to perform another scan on the backed-up files.
This redundancy ensures that any potential threats that may have been missed during the initial scan are detected and removed before transferring the data to your new computer. By scanning your files twice, you significantly reduce the risk of inadvertently transferring any viruses or malware to your new system, providing an additional layer of protection for your data.
A woman on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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3) Use Windows Backup or Time Machine
If you’re a Windows user, you can take advantage of the built-in Windows Backup feature to create a comprehensive backup of your files, folders, settings, and preferences. This backup can be stored on an external hard drive or a network location, making it easier to restore your data and settings on the new computer.
For Mac users, the Time Machine feature serves a similar purpose. Time Machine automatically creates backups of your files, applications, and system settings, allowing you to restore your data to a previous state or transfer it to a new Mac. Using these built-in backup solutions can simplify the process of transferring your data and settings to a new computer while also providing an additional layer of protection against potential data loss or corruption.
A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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4) Avoid booting the infected system
If you suspect that your old computer may be infected with malware, it’s crucial to avoid booting from the old system’s operating system during the transfer process. Booting from an infected system can potentially spread the malware to any connected devices or storage media, including your new computer. Instead, consider using a clean, bootable USB thumb drive or a live operating system environment, such as a Linux live CD or USB, to access and transfer your data.
These bootable media are designed to run independently from your computer’s hard drive, providing a safe and isolated environment for data transfer. By avoiding booting from the potentially infected system, you can significantly reduce the risk of transferring any malware or viruses to your new computer during the data migration process.
A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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5) Protect sensitive data with encryption
While encryption alone does not prevent malware transfer, it can add an extra layer of security for your sensitive information during the data migration process. Consider encrypting files containing confidential or personal data, such as financial documents, personal records, or business-critical information.
- Windows Users: You can enable BitLocker Drive Encryption or use third-party encryption tools. BitLocker is accessible under Settings > About in Windows.
- Mac Users: Utilize FileVault, Apple’s built-in encryption feature for macOS.
Encryption converts your data into a coded format that can only be accessed with a specific key or password, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties. This measure helps protect your sensitive information from potential data breaches or unauthorized access, even if your files are accidentally transferred with any malware.
However, it’s important to note that encryption alone does not prevent malware from being transferred along with the encrypted files. Malware can infect encrypted files, and when those files are decrypted on the new computer, the malware can spread. Therefore, encryption should be used in conjunction with other security measures, such as thorough scanning, cleaning and safe file transfer methods, to minimize the risk of malware transfer during the computer upgrade process.
A woman on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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6) Update your antivirus software
Keeping your antivirus software up-to-date is crucial for maintaining effective protection against the latest threats. Antivirus companies regularly release updates that include new virus definitions, improved scanning engines, and enhanced security features to combat emerging malware and cyberthreats.
Before transferring your data to the new computer, ensure that your antivirus software is fully updated on both the old and new systems. This step ensures that you have the most recent protection against known threats, reducing the risk of transferring any undetected malware during the migration process.
Additionally, it’s recommended to schedule regular updates and scans on your new computer to maintain ongoing protection against potential threats. Many antivirus programs offer automatic updates and scanning features, making it easier to keep your system secure without manual intervention. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of transferring viruses or malware from your old computer to your new system, ensuring a smooth and secure transition for your data and files.
A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Transferring data to a new computer doesn’t have to be a risky endeavor. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of carrying over any viruses or malware. It’s important to remember that while no method is entirely foolproof, diligence and the use of reliable antivirus software can provide substantial protection. If at any point the process seems overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a professional. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy your new computer with peace of mind, knowing that your data is as secure as possible.
Have you ever dealt with data loss or corruption during a computer transition? What lessons did you learn from that experience? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Bluesky will be getting “communities,” which will function as smaller spaces where you can “go deeper and hang out with people who care about the same stuff” sometime this year, according to head of product Alex Benzer. They will be built on the decentralized AT Protocol that underpins Bluesky, with Benzer saying that “it’s a new structure for everyone” that’s part of the “Atmosphere” (a shorthand for the AT Protocol ecosystem).
Benzer listed out a “few ideas we have in mind so far” in a thread. “On Bluesky, you’ll be able to create communities, join them, post in them, and get updates,” Benzer says. “The core features on Bluesky stay simple. The magic comes from communities also existing on the open web. This means you can truly customize them and add features with other Atmospheric apps and tools.”
Communities will get a handle that “doubles as a URL,” and if you go to that URL, you’ll “land on a custom homepage for the community,” according to Benzer. “Builders can also host a completely custom experience there instead.” There will be three privacy levels for communities: public, invite-only, and private. And each community would have its own feed, Benzer says.
Benzer’s thread follows Bluesky COO Rose Wang saying last week that the company wanted to move away from being a “public square” and that it was “very inspired by companies like Reddit.” Meta’s Threads is currently testing a communities feature, while X announced in April that it would be shutting down its own take on communities.
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Amazon is getting ready for Prime Day, and you can bet scammers are, too. In fact, I received a fake Amazon email that looked like an account recovery warning. It claimed there was unusual activity on my account and pushed me to “Sign In to Verify.”
That kind of message can make anyone uneasy. It certainly did for me. After all, who wants to lose access to an account right before a major sale? Then came the part that really stood out: the email said I might need to upload a document to confirm my account.
That was the giveaway. A real deal can save you money. A fake Amazon email can cost you your login, your payment details and even your identity.
Here’s how this scam works, the red flags that exposed it and the steps you should take before clicking any Amazon account warning.
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A fake Amazon account recovery email is targeting shoppers ahead of Prime Day, using urgency and document requests to steal sensitive information. (Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Fake Amazon email warning before Prime Day
The timing made this phishing email more convincing. With Prime Day coming up, many people are already watching for Amazon emails. They may be checking delivery updates, deal alerts and order confirmations. That creates the perfect opening for a fake account warning.
The email used the same tricks you see in many phishing scams. It claimed there was account trouble, used urgent language and pushed me toward a sign-in button. That is exactly what scammers want.
Screenshot of scam fake Amazon email (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
They want you to react before you inspect the message. They want you to sign in before you think through the request. And in this case, they wanted me to believe a document upload was part of a normal Amazon account check.
Amazon phishing scam red flags
This fake Amazon email had several warning signs. First, it landed in my junk folder. That alone does not prove fraud, but it should make you cautious.
Second, the subject line sounded awkward. It said, “Account Recovery: Sign-in and Verify your Amazon account.” That wording felt stiff and a little off.
Third, the greeting was generic. The email said “Dear Customer” even though it claimed to be about my Amazon account. That alone does not prove the email is fake, but it adds to the concern.
Fourth, the message created urgency. It claimed the account was on hold and that orders or subscriptions had already been canceled.
Fifth, the sender display name said “Amazon,” while the address appeared as account_update@amazon.com. That may look official at first. Still, scammers can spoof sender names or make email addresses look convincing.
Under the yellow “Sign In to Verify” button, the email also says, “Don’t share it with others.” That may sound protective, but in this context, it felt like another attempt to make the fake warning seem official.
The biggest warning sign came from the document request. The email said I would have the option to upload a document with the required information to verify the account.
That should stop you cold. Scammers may be after more than your Amazon password. They may also want your driver’s license, passport, address, phone number or payment details.
Screenshot of fake Amazon email sender address (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why fake Amazon account emails fool shoppers
This scam works because it hits a very real fear. Most people do not want to lose access to an online shopping account. That concern grows when a big sale is about to start. If you are planning to buy something on Prime Day, an account warning can feel urgent.
The email also borrowed Amazon’s familiar look. It used the Amazon name, a logo area and a yellow sign-in button. It also included a footer that appeared to show an Amazon.com link. That can make the message feel safer than it really is.
Here is the problem. The visible link text in an email can mislead you. A link can appear to point to Amazon while sending you somewhere else. It can also pass through tracking links, redirects or look-alike pages. That is why you should avoid signing in through any account warning email.
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Scammers are impersonating Amazon with convincing account alerts designed to capture login credentials, payment details and personal documents. (Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
What happens if you click a fake Amazon link
If you click the link, you may land on a fake Amazon sign-in page. It may look close enough to fool you. Once you enter your email and password, scammers can try to access your real Amazon account. They may check your saved payment methods, shipping addresses and order history.
They may also try that same password on other websites. That becomes a bigger risk if you reuse passwords.
The document request adds another layer of danger. If a fake page asks for your ID, scammers could use that information for identity theft, account takeovers or other fraud. That is why one quick click can turn into a much bigger mess.
Ways to stay safe from fake Amazon emails
A fake Amazon email can look convincing at first, so the best move is to slow down and use these simple checks before you click, sign in or share anything.
1) Do not click the sign-in button
Skip buttons like “Sign In to Verify,” “View details” or “Restore access.” Open the Amazon app or type Amazon.com into your browser yourself.
2) Check Amazon’s Message Center
After signing in directly, go to Your Account > Message Center. If the alert is real, you should see a matching message there.
3) Watch for pressure language
Scammers often say your account is locked, your orders were canceled, or you must act right away. That pressure is designed to make you click before thinking.
4) Never upload ID through an email link
If an email asks for a passport, driver’s license or other document, stop. Contact Amazon through the app or website before sending anything.
5) Use a password manager
A password manager can help you spot fake login pages. If the page is fake, your saved Amazon password usually will not autofill. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com.
6) Turn on two-step verification
7) Use strong antivirus software
Install strong antivirus software on your computer, phone and tablet. Good security software can help detect malicious links, phishing pages, malware and other threats before they do damage. This is especially important if you clicked a suspicious link or downloaded anything from a fake email. Security software should back up your smart habits, not replace them. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
8) Use a data removal service
Scammers often build more convincing attacks with information they find about you online. That can include your name, address, phone number, relatives, old usernames and other personal details from people-search sites and data brokers. A data removal service can help remove your personal information from many of those sites. That makes it harder for scammers to personalize phishing emails and identity theft attempts. 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.
9) Report the suspicious email
Forward suspicious Amazon emails to reportascam@amazon.com. Then delete the message from your inbox or junk folder.
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Cybersecurity experts warn consumers to avoid clicking links in Amazon account warning emails and verify alerts directly through Amazon. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Prime Day is a great time to find real deals, but it is also a busy season for fake Amazon emails. Scammers know shoppers are checking delivery updates, watching for discounts and hoping nothing gets in the way of a good buy. That is what made this email so sneaky. It used a familiar fear at the perfect moment: losing access to your account right before a major sale. The safest move is to slow down before you click. Do not trust the button. Do not trust the sender name alone. Open the Amazon app or type Amazon.com into your browser and check your account yourself.
Have you ever received an email that looked official enough to make you click, and what finally made you stop? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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HOW TO DETECT FAKE AMAZON EMAILS AND AVOID IMPERSONATION SCAMS
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It isn’t because Fable doesn’t know the answers. It’s because Anthropic won’t let it, by design.
Fable is a public-facing, Mythos-class model, a family so capable at cybersecurity tasks Anthropic said it was too dangerous to release publicly. But while Anthropic has spent much of the extended Mythos rollout warning about cybersecurity, it is biology where Fable’s guardrails are the most obvious — and most limiting.
When I tried the model, it refused to answer a range of basic biology questions, many that felt about as far away from any plausible safety risk as any question could be. It would not respond to “tell me about cell membranes” or answer “what are mitochondria,” that famous powerhouse of the cell. It refused to explain “what is a prion,” the proteinaceous particles behind mad cow disease, or “how mRNA vaccines work.”
“We made this tradeoff so customers could benefit from the model’s capabilities sooner without the risks.”
The restrictions applied to ordinary and objectively rather harmless medical queries too. Fable would not answer “what causes hay fever,” explain how asthma medicine works, explain how antibiotic resistance arises, or tell me what Ebola is and how it spreads. Some of my basic queries occasionally got through, with Fable answering questions like “what is cancer” and “what is DNA.” When Fable refused, Opus 4.8 generally answered perfectly well.
Anthropic says the broad biology filters are an intentional choice and are deliberately conservative, with bioweapons the primary concern. “With the launch of Claude Fable 5, our first Mythos-class model, we believe models now have a greater ability to accomplish real-world scientific tasks and for malicious actors to potentially use our models for highly risky biological research,” spokesperson Paruul Maheshwary told The Verge. “We have always used classifiers to block our models from helping with bioweapons-related requests. To deploy Fable 5 safely, we believe it was necessary to be overly conservative with our safeguards so they block most queries tied to biology work.”
Anthropic has previously highlighted four key areas where it would throttle Fable’s responses for safety: chemistry, biology, cybersecurity, and distillation, a technique for training smaller AIs using the outputs of larger ones. The company has accused Chinese rivals like DeepSeek of using distillation on its models on an “industrial” scale.
While I could not meaningfully test distillation, Fable seemed more willing to answer questions about chemistry and cybersecurity. For example, it gave a basic overview of the explosive TNT, though withheld synthesis instructions “for obvious reasons.” It readily answered questions on the use of chlorine gas as a chemical weapon, common password threats, and nuclear fusion and fission, as well as explaining how to secure an iPhone from hackers. It still limits: Fable deferred to Opus when I asked it about sarin gas, a highly toxic nerve agent. Fable and Opus both refused the prompt “how to make anthrax,” and Claude paused the chat entirely. That made sense. The mitochondria prompt refusal seems like a false positive.
“We made this tradeoff so customers could benefit from the model’s capabilities sooner without the risks,” Maheshwary explained, adding that Anthropic is working hard to improve its detection and reduce the false positives. “We intend to make Mythos-class models available without these safeguards to the broader biology and life sciences community so these capabilities can be used to accelerate biomedical research and drug discovery.”
Anthropic did not answer questions about whether this kind of restricted release will become the new norm for future models.
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