Technology

Is your friend's phone number compromised? Here's what to look for

Published

3 hours ago

December 2, 2024

Is your friend's phone number compromised? Here's what to look for

Phone hacking is a bigger deal than most of us realize, and it’s something we all need to be aware of. Just the other day, Dennis sent an email sharing that he had a pretty unsettling experience with a suspicious text message that seemed to come from a friend’s number. His story is a wake-up call for all of us to stay alert and informed. By understanding the signs of potential hacking, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from cyber threats.

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A woman texting on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The suspicious text message

Dennis received a text from a friend that was unusually brief and out of character, simply asking, “Would you like to chat?” This raised immediate concerns, especially since the number appeared to be his friend’s but wasn’t recognized by Messenger as being in his contact list. Such scenarios often suggest phone number spoofing or hacking, where cybercriminals disguise their identity by using someone else’s number.

Illustration of friend’s suspicious text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Signs your friend’s phone number might be compromised

Understanding the signs of a compromised phone number is crucial for protecting your personal information and that of your friends. Here are some indicators that your friend’s number might be hacked:

Unusual messages: If your friend starts sending texts that seem out of character – such as odd phrasing, unexpected links or requests for personal information – it could indicate their number has been hacked.

Unknown contacts: If Messenger says the number is not in your contact list when it actually is, it might indicate a problem.

Unexpected phone behavior: If your friend mentions their phone is acting strangely, they should look out for:

High data usage: Unexplained spikes in your friend’s data usage can indicate malicious apps running in the background on their phone.
Unfamiliar apps: If your friend notices new apps that they didn’t download, it could be a sign that their phone has been hacked.
Battery drain: Rapid battery drain, even when not using the phone heavily, might suggest background malware activity.
Slow performance: If your friend’s phone suddenly becomes sluggish or unresponsive, it might be due to malicious software using up the device’s resources.
Pop-ups and ads: An increase in pop-up ads or redirects to dubious websites while your friend is browsing could indicate adware or malware on their device.

Unauthorized charges: If your friend’s phone bill shows unexpected charges, it can result from premium SMS services or calls made by malicious apps.

Spam sent from your friend’s number: If you or other contacts receive spam or suspicious messages from your friend’s number, it’s a strong sign that their phone might be compromised.

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A man texting on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Steps to protect yourself

If you suspect your friend’s phone number has been hacked, consider these actions:

1) Verify with your friend: Contact them through another method to confirm if they sent the message.

2) Check for malware using strong antivirus software: Advise your friend to use strong antivirus software to scan for malicious apps or malware on the device. The best way for them to safeguard from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing their private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all their devices. This protection can also alert them to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping their personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

3) Change passwords: If your friend suspects their phone number has been hacked, they should change their passwords for all accounts linked to their phone number. They should consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

4) Contact service provider: Your friend should contact their mobile service provider to report the issue. The provider can help secure their account and prevent further unauthorized access.

5) Enable two-factor authentication: Encourage your friend to enable two-factor authentication nn their accounts for added security.

6) Monitor accounts: Advise your friend to regularly check their bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Phone hacking is a bigger issue than most people realize, and Dennis’s recent experience is a stark reminder of that. It’s crucial for all of us to stay vigilant and informed about the signs of potential hacking. By recognizing these warning signs and taking proactive steps, we can better protect our personal information and our loved ones from cyber threats.

Have you ever experienced a suspicious message or a potential hacking incident? Share your story with us and let us know how you handled it by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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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.

Technology

Intel’s CEO is out after only three years

Published

2 hours ago

December 2, 2024

Press Room

Intel’s CEO is out after only three years

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired after over four decades at the company and stepped down from the board of directors effective December 1st, 2024.

He’d rejoined the company as CEO in February 2021, taking over from Bob Swan to turn around the already struggling chipmaker — an effort that hasn’t gone as planned. It’s largely missed out on the AI boom that fueled Nvidia’s rise, failed to launch new technology on schedule, and struggled with recent CPU instability issues.

During a 2022 interview with Decoder, Gelsinger said, “not only do we have to rebuild the internal culture and execution, but we also have to rebuild our customer’s confidence.”

For now, Intel’s chief financial officer, David Zinsner and Intel Products CEO, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, will serve as co-CEOs while the board searches for a new leader. Frank Yeary, an independent chair on Intel’s board, will take on the role of interim executive chairman.

“Leading Intel has been the honor of my lifetime — this group of people is among the best and the brightest in the business, and I’m honored to call each and every one a colleague,” Gelsinger said in the press release. “Today is, of course, bittersweet as this company has been my life for the bulk of my working career. I can look back with pride at all that we have accomplished together. It has been a challenging year for all of us as we have made tough but necessary decisions to position Intel for the current market dynamics.”

Technology

The 100 best Cyber Monday deals under $100

Published

12 hours ago

December 2, 2024

Press Room

Gadgets make for expensive gifts, but that’s the beauty of sales. As noted in our roundup of the absolute best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, this year’s shopping event has brought steep discounts on Apple devices, TVs, and plenty of other pricey tech. However, unless you’re planning on spending a couple hundred dollars on yourself or someone else, many of the more expensive items might not be in your budget.

You can buy Apple’s official iPhone 16 Clear Case with MagSafe from Amazon starting at $37 ($12 off), which is its best price yet. Apple designed the polycarbonate case so that it works well with the iPhone 16’s new Camera Control button. The company also added a “glossy scratch-resistant coating,” likely after many complained about how last year’s FineWoven cases scratched easily.

Update, December 1st: Updated to reflect current pricing/availability, added some new deals, and changed the header image.

Technology

No tennis partner? No worries with this AI robot

Published

12 hours ago

December 1, 2024

Press Room

No tennis partner? No worries with this AI robot

Imagine having a personal tennis coach who never gets tired, always hits the perfect shot, adapts to your skill level and is available 24/7.

Enter the PongBot, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered tennis robot that’s turning heads in the tennis world.

This isn’t just another ball-serving machine; it’s a smart training partner designed to elevate your tennis game.

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AI tennis robot (PongBot)

What makes PongBot unique?

The PongBot comes with a clever clip-on sensor that tracks your position on the court. This sensor ensures that the PongBot can deliver shots tailored to your exact position, simulating the dynamic nature of a real tennis match. Additionally, this technology enables the AI match training feature to adjust ball speed and spin in real time, providing a highly immersive and challenging training experience.

AI tennis robot and clip-on sensor (PongBot)

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Customizable drills that adapt to you

Want a personalized training experience? The PongBot app lets you create custom drills down to the individual ball level. Imagine programming a sequence like a deep forehand return, followed by a short backhand, two volleys and an overhead shot — all saved and ready for your next practice session. The PongBot offers up to 300 preprogrammed drills with three difficulty levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s a drill that’ll challenge you just right.

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AI tennis robot remote and app (PongBot)

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AI match training

The real game-changer is the AI match training feature. The robot continuously reads your court position and analyzes your performance, adjusting ball speed and spin to simulate real match conditions. It’s like having a smart opponent who knows exactly how to push your limits.

AI tennis robot (PongBot)

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Technical capabilities that wow

The PongBot isn’t just smart, it’s powerful. It can serve balls at up to 80 mph with various spin types (topspin, underspin or no spin), reaching up to 60 rotations per second. With a ball capacity of 150 and a battery life of eight hours, you’ll have plenty of time for an intense training session.

AI tennis robot (PongBotA)

Two models are available

Pace S Model

120 preprogrammed drills
Basic tracking features
Perfect for beginners

Pace S Pro

300 preprogrammed drills
Advanced AI match training
Comprehensive performance tracking

AI tennis robots (PongBot)

Smart ecosystem integration

What truly sets the PongBot apart is its ability to integrate with the broader tennis technology ecosystem. It works seamlessly with smart devices like intelligent rackets and can sync performance data with the Apple Watch. The over-the-air updates promise continuous improvement, ensuring your training tool stays cutting-edge.

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AI tennis robot (PongBot)

Backing PongBot on Kickstarter

The PongBot’s journey began on Kickstarter, where it far exceeded its initial goal of just $10,000. This overwhelming support showcases not only the demand for innovative training solutions but also confidence in the creators behind this project. Early backers still have the chance to snag some fantastic deals. You can get the Pace S for about $699 or the Pro model for $899.

Despite some caution often associated with crowdfunding platforms, potential backers can feel secure in their investment here; the team behind PongBot has solid backing from Qualcomm and experience in creating impressive robotics technology. If everything goes according to plan, backers can expect their machines to ship by December — just in time for some serious off-season training.

Person pulling the AI tennis robot onto the court (PongBot)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

By combining AI, smart sensors and adaptive training modes, PongBot offers tennis players an unprecedented opportunity to improve their game. Backed by Qualcomm and created by robotics experts who’ve already impressed the tech world with ping-pong robots, the PongBot isn’t just another crowdfunding project. It’s a serious training tool for players who are serious about improving their tennis game.

Would you feel comfortable using a robotic training partner like the PongBot to enhance your tennis skills? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Follow Kurt on his social channels

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