Technology

Is your Roku safe? Massive data breach exposes thousands of accounts

Published

2 years ago

March 16, 2024

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Is your Roku safe? Massive data breach exposes thousands of accounts

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Hackers have stolen data from at least 15,363 Roku users, including credit card information, passwords and more.

According to Roku officials, hackers used information from third-party sources to break into accounts. They then sold user data for just $0.50 per account, according to BleepingComputer.

This effectively lets anyone who wants to pay 50 cents use the credit card stored in the account.

While Roku says they have secured affected accounts, you can still take steps to ensure your safety.

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Roku stuffing attack

According to Roku, hackers obtained usernames and passwords from a third party. This is called a password stuffing attack. Hackers will try to use those logins on several websites, hoping to get your personal information. Once they do break into your account, your credit card information, shipping address, email, and password are all susceptible.

FRENCH GOVERNMENT HIT WITH ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ WAVE OF CYBERATTACKS

Roku has secured accounts and forced password resets on affected accounts. The company also investigated for fraudulent charges, canceled subscriptions and issued refunds to defrauded users.

MORE: HOW TO FIND OUT WHO’S SPYING ON YOU

Someone else is controlling my Roku

We often hear of people wondering how someone else nearby can get access to their Roku device. Channels may change unexpectedly, content can be cast onto the Roku or the previously viewed shows may not be recognizable. If this happens, in addition to locking down your wireless home network and following advice in the next section, check your Roku settings for anything unusual. Here’s how.

On the Roku remote, press the home button to go to the main screen
Select “Settings,” then System, find Screen Mirroring, and make sure “none” is selected for others having permission to stream content to your Roku
Next, do the same for Remotes by selecting Remotes & Devices from the Settings menu. Unless you have permitted others, you should not see any other remote control devices connected except yours
Now check the Guest Mode by clicking Guest Mode from the Settings menu. Make sure no other people are shown — who may have access to your Roku in Guest Mode
Finally, from the Settings menu, select System, then Advanced System Settings. Click Control by mobile apps and make sure you see either “default” or “disabled” selected so that no one else is using a mobile app to control your Roku

Data on a computer. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM STREAMING HACKS

Roku’s response to the hack

Roku announced the breach in a public memo sent to customers dated March 8, citing various information on what happened and what the company is doing to combat the issue:

“We are committed to maintaining the privacy and security of your Roku account and we are taking this incident very seriously. When we identified potentially impacted Roku accounts, we secured the accounts from further unauthorized access by requiring the registered account holder to reset the password, we investigated account activity to determine whether the unauthorized actors had incurred any charges, and we took steps to cancel unauthorized subscriptions and refund any unauthorized charges.

“We did not delay notification as a result of a law enforcement investigation, and we are providing this letter to notify you about these issues, to provide information about how you can further protect yourself, and to let you know that we are continuing our investigation to identify any additional appropriate steps. Finally, our team continues to actively monitor for signs of suspicious activity, to ensure that all customer information and data is kept secure.”

What to do if you’ve been hacked

If it has already happened and you’ve been hacked, then you should take immediate action to minimize the damage and secure your device. Here are some steps that you can follow.

Change your Roku passwords

If hackers have recorded your passwords, they could access your online accounts and steal your data or money. ON ANOTHER DEVICE (i.e., your laptop or desktop), you should change your passwords for all your important accounts, such as email, banking, social media, etc. You want to do this on another device, so the hacker isn’t recording you setting up your new password on your hacked device. And you should also use strong and unique passwords that are hard to guess or crack. You can also use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.

Enable two-factor authentication: You’ll want to activate two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.

Monitor your accounts and transactions

You should check your online accounts and transactions regularly for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it to the service provider or the authorities as soon as possible. You should also review your credit reports and scores to see if there are any signs of identity theft or fraud.

Use identity theft protection

Identity Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Contact your bank and credit card companies

If hackers have obtained your bank or credit card information, they could use it to make purchases or withdrawals without your consent. You should contact your bank and credit card companies and inform them of the situation. They can help you freeze or cancel your cards, dispute any fraudulent charges and issue new cards for you.

Alert your contacts

If hackers have accessed your email or social media accounts, they could use them to send spam or phishing messages to your contacts. They could also impersonate you and ask for money or personal information. You should alert your contacts and warn them not to open or respond to any messages from you that seem suspicious or unusual.

Hacker on a computer. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HACKERS USE PIRATED SOFTWARE TO HIJACK MAC, ANDROID AND WINDOWS DEVICES

Kurt’s key takeaways

Who knew hackers could snag your info for less than a cup of coffee? The good news is Roku took action and locked things down. Plus, we now have a game plan to keep our accounts extra secure. Remember, the key is making it as tough as possible for hackers. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication — that kind of stuff. And keeping an eye on your accounts for anything fishy. If you think you’ve been hacked, don’t panic. Just follow the steps we discussed — changing passwords, checking accounts and contacting your bank.

Do you think streaming services have a responsibility to do more to protect user data? Why or why not? 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

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Technology

AI T-shirt could detect hidden heart risks

Published

13 minutes ago

March 6, 2026

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AI T-shirt could detect hidden heart risks

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Your next heart test might not happen in a hospital. It could start with something you pull from your dresser. Researchers at Imperial College London are developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered T-shirt that monitors the heart for days at a time. The mission is straightforward: detect inherited heart rhythm disorders that often remain hidden until it is too late.

These conditions can sit quietly for years. Then they strike without warning. That unpredictability is what makes them so dangerous.

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A member of the Imperial College London cardiology team and a research volunteer hold the AI-powered T-shirt designed for long-term heart rhythm monitoring. (British Heart Foundation)

Why traditional heart tests miss warning signs

Most people who receive an electrocardiogram spend only a few minutes connected to sensors in a clinic. The test captures a brief snapshot of the heart’s electrical activity. That snapshot works well for many common heart issues. It creates blind spots when it comes to inherited rhythm disorders.

Cardiologists understand that these abnormalities can be intermittent. A dangerous pattern may surface for a short period, then disappear. If your ECG happens during a calm phase, the results can appear completely normal.

Current home ECG monitors rely on adhesive electrodes placed precisely on the chest, with leads connected to a waist-worn monitor. Patients must carefully remove and reattach the system to shower. That process can make extended monitoring inconvenient and difficult to maintain.

Extended monitoring changes that equation. When doctors review days or weeks of heart rhythm data, they gain context. Subtle irregularities become visible. Patterns emerge. Risks that once slipped through the cracks can come into focus.

How the AI T-shirt works

This project combines medical science with wearable design. The shirt uses soft sportswear-style fabric with up to 50 ECG-style sensors woven into the material. You can wear it under everyday clothing. You can sleep in it. You can wash it and put it back on. Instead of collecting a quick reading, the shirt records continuous electrical signals from your heart. Artificial intelligence then analyzes that data for patterns linked to inherited conditions such as Brugada syndrome.

With funding from the British Heart Foundation, researchers are training the algorithm using ECG data from more than 1,000 individuals. Some participants live with inherited heart rhythm disorders. Others do not. That mix helps the system distinguish between healthy variations and signals that suggest elevated risk.

Next, around 200 volunteers will wear the shirt for up to three months. Researchers will evaluate how effectively it detects abnormal rhythms outside a hospital environment.

SMART PILL CONFIRMS WHEN MEDICATION IS SWALLOWED

Dr. Keenan Saleh and Dr. Ahran Arnold hold the AI T-shirt which uses up to 50 built-in sensors to capture continuous ECG data while patients go about daily life. (Imperial College London)

Why this matters for families

Inherited heart conditions often run silently through generations. In the United States, millions of people live with congenital or inherited heart disorders that can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. Since 1999, sudden cardiac death rates have risen among adults ages 25 to 44, a troubling trend for otherwise healthy young people. Some experience breathlessness or fainting during routine activities. Others have no symptoms at all. A normal heart test on a single day may not reveal an underlying rhythm disorder. For families, that uncertainty can weigh heavily.

Carly Benge, one of the people involved in the research, was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome as an adult. Her children may have inherited the condition, but there is no clear answer yet. Families in the U.S. face similar questions when a genetic heart condition is discovered in one relative. Longer-term monitoring could provide clarity much earlier in life. When detection shifts from a short clinic visit to ongoing observation, it offers something powerful. Time. Time to intervene. Time to plan. Time to protect.

When could this AI T-shirt become available?

Researchers estimate the technology may reach clinical practice within five years. Before that happens, it must undergo rigorous trials and regulatory review.

Initial testing focuses on adults. If results are strong, the approach could eventually extend to children. The ultimate goal is clear. Equip doctors with better tools to identify inherited heart rhythm disorders before they become fatal.

Volunteer Carly Benge holds the washable monitoring AI T-shirt that could help detect inherited heart conditions earlier. (British Heart Foundation)

What this means for you

Even if you have no known family history of heart disease, this technology signals a broader shift in healthcare. A normal ECG result on a single day may not tell the full story. Continuous monitoring could uncover hidden risks that brief tests miss. AI systems can process vast amounts of heart data faster than any human reviewer. Comfortable wearable designs may also make long-term screening more practical for everyday people.

If this T-shirt proves accurate, doctors could identify high-risk patients earlier. Early detection often leads to medication, closer follow-up or implanted devices that reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. It also moves heart care closer to real life. Instead of repeated clinic visits, meaningful data collection could happen while you work, relax or sleep. That shift makes prevention more personal and potentially more effective.

Researchers also hope the technology could eventually help identify other rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, expanding its impact beyond rare inherited conditions.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Wearable technology already tracks steps, sleep and workouts. Medical-grade clothing could represent the next step forward. An AI-powered T-shirt will not replace cardiologists. It could give them a longer, clearer view of how the heart behaves in daily life. For families with a history of inherited heart conditions, that deeper view may offer earlier answers and fewer devastating surprises.

If a simple shirt could quietly monitor your heart for weeks and help prevent sudden cardiac death, would you choose to wear it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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

Amazon.com says things are fixed after some issues with logging in and checking out

Published

12 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Amazon.com says things are fixed after some issues with logging in and checking out

If you were having issues shopping on Amazon or loading your playlists on Amazon Music on Thursday, you weren’t alone. For over three hours today, Downdetector showed a sizable spike in people reporting issues with checkout, search, and logging in. The problem seemed to be affecting both the site and the mobile apps. But an Amazon spokesperson tells The Verge that the issues are now fixed.

“We’re sorry that some customers may have temporarily experienced issues while shopping,” Amazon spokesperson Jennie Bryant says in a statement. “We have resolved the issue, which was related to a software code deployment, and website and app are now running smoothly.”

Several Verge staffers experienced issues themselves when there were problems. Clicking through to many products produced a “sorry, something went wrong” error, and even pages that did load were not showing pricing. Users reported being repeatedly logged out of their accounts when trying to check out or load their cart. Even the parts of Amazon.com that were working seem to be loading slowly.

The company has been dealing with AWS outages in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates due to drone strikes by the Iranian military, but there has not been any word of more widespread outages in the US or elsewhere.

Update March 5th: Added comment from Amazon saying that things are fixed.

Technology

$163K in fake medical bill charges; AI uncovers it for you

Published

12 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

3K in fake medical bill charges; AI uncovers it for you

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Last summer, a man’s brother-in-law suffered a fatal heart attack. The hospital bill for four hours of emergency care: $195,628.

The man’s sister-in-law was ready to pay it. He asked her to wait. He requested an itemized bill with CPT codes, the universal billing codes hospitals use, and fed the whole thing into Claude, an AI chatbot.

Within minutes, Claude found duplicate charges, services billed as “inpatient” even though the patient was never admitted, supply costs inflated by 500% to 2,300% above Medicare rates and charges for procedures that never happened. He cross-checked with ChatGPT. Both AIs agreed. He wrote a six-page letter citing every violation by name.

The hospital dropped the bill to $33,000. An 83% reduction. Zero medical training. A $20 app.

A man cross-checked a hospital bill with AI and got it reduced by some 83%. (Neil Godwin/Getty Images)

Your bill is probably wrong, too

That story sounds extreme. It’s not.

The Medical Billing Advocates of America estimates 3 out of 4 medical bills contain errors. The average hospital bill over $10,000 has roughly $1,300 in mistakes. And less than 1% of denied insurance claims are ever appealed. Hospitals and insurers are banking on the fact that you won’t check.

AI flips that equation. You don’t need to understand CPT codes or have a medical billing degree. You just need to paste.

You can use AI platforms, like ChatGPT, to spot errors or suspicious charges on medical bills. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The 5-minute audit

Step 1: Call your provider and request an itemized bill with CPT codes. Not the summary. The full line-by-line breakdown. You’re legally entitled to this.

Step 2: Open ChatGPT, Claude, Grok or Gemini (free versions work) and paste this:

“I’m pasting my itemized medical bill below. Please: (1) Explain every charge in plain English, (2) Flag any duplicate or suspicious charges, (3) Compare each charge to average costs, (4) Identify billing code errors or bundling violations, and (5) Draft a dispute letter I can send to the billing department. Here’s my bill:”

Step 3: Paste your bill. The AI will translate every line and tell you what looks wrong.

WOMAN SAYS CHATGPT SAVED HER LIFE BY HELPING DETECT CANCER, WHICH DOCTORS MISSED

If the AI finds errors, call the billing department and ask for a supervisor. (iStock)

Step 4: If the AI finds errors (it probably will), call the billing department and ask for a supervisor. Reference the specific codes. Hospitals resolve disputes all the time when patients show up prepared.

Pro tip: Counterforce Health (counterforcehealth.org) is a free AI tool built specifically for insurance denial appeals. Worth bookmarking.

It’s time to give your medical bills a thorough examination. The AI will see you now.

Real talk. Everybody’s talking about AI. Nobody’s showing you what to actually DO with it. My new free newsletter, Splash of AI (SplashofAI.com), gives you one trick, one tool and one “wait, I can do THAT?” moment every single week. Five minutes. Plain English. The kind of stuff that saves you time, money or both. You’ll wonder how you got by without it.

Send this to someone who is staring at a medical bill they can’t make sense of. Forward this right now. Seriously. This could save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and it takes less time than making coffee.

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