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Pinterest is prompting teens to close the app at school

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Pinterest is prompting teens to close the app at school

Pinterest is testing a new pop-up prompt it will display to minors in the US and Canada during school hours, encouraging them to close the app and turn off notifications until the end of the day.

“Focus is a beautiful thing,” the prompt says. “Stay in the moment by putting Pinterest down and pausing notifs [sic] until the school bell rings.”

The pop-up will only appear to minors aged 13 to 17, and only between 8AM and 3PM, Monday to Friday. It’s a large-scale test, which Pinterest says will reach “millions” of school-age users. It claims to be the first tech company testing this sort of “proactive” feature to help students focus, after CEO Bill Ready announced support for the Kids Online Safety Act and phone-free school policies.

New York is close to implementing a statewide ban on phone use during the school day, and several other states already have policies limiting or prohibiting phone use. In Europe, countries like Denmark and the Netherlands have already banned phones in schools and France recently announced that teens will have to lock their phones away while at school from the next academic year.

Pinterest has also announced a $1 million grant to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to “support school leaders in creating a healthy digital culture in their schools.” The money will fund task forces across 12 US school districts to develop policies that “improve students’ digital wellbeing.”

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“At Pinterest, we believe that schools can take advantage of all that technology has to offer students, while minimizing the harms and distractions,” said Wanji Walcott, Pinterest’s chief legal and business affairs officer. “Tech companies need to work together with teachers, parents, and policymakers to build solutions that ensure in the hands of our students, smartphones are tools, not distractions.”

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World’s first touch-sensing bionic hand with lightning-fast response

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World’s first touch-sensing bionic hand with lightning-fast response

Losing a hand or limb is a life-changing event, and finding a prosthetic that can truly feel has long been a challenge. For many, traditional prosthetics offer limited movement and no sense of touch, making everyday tasks difficult and frustrating.

But what if a prosthetic hand could do more than just move? What if it could actually feel the objects you touch, giving you real-time feedback and control? Enter the Ability Hand by PSYONIC, the world’s first touch-sensing bionic hand. This innovative device is designed to restore not only movement but also sensation, helping people regain a more natural connection with their environment.

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Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What sets the Ability Hand apart?

When it comes to prosthetic hands, there are a lot of options out there, but the Ability Hand brings some truly unique features to the table. Here’s a look at what makes it stand out from the rest:

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Real touch sensation

One of the most impressive features of the Ability Hand is its integrated pressure sensors in the fingertips. When you grip something, these sensors detect how much force you’re applying and send a gentle vibration to your arm, giving you sensory feedback. This means users can handle delicate objects with greater confidence and precision, something that was previously impossible with traditional prosthetics.

A grip for every occasion

The Ability Hand offers an impressive variety of grip patterns, 32 in total, with 19 ready to use right now. Whether you need a strong power grip for lifting or a delicate pinch for picking up small items, this hand adapts easily. Customized grips are also available for those who want something tailored.

Designed for comfort and natural movement

Weighing just 1.08 pounds lighter than the average human hand, the Ability Hand is comfortable for all-day use. All five fingers flex and extend naturally, and the thumb can rotate both electrically and manually, allowing for a wide range of motions that feel intuitive and lifelike.

Easy charging and compatibility

Charging is simple with a USB-C port, taking about an hour to fully charge. The battery lasts 6 to 8 hours, depending on use. A neat bonus: you can even charge your phone directly from the Ability Hand. The hand is also compatible with most third-party control systems, including EMG pattern recognition and force-sensitive resistors, making it a flexible option for many users.

Built to last

Durability is key for any prosthetic, and the Ability Hand doesn’t disappoint. Each finger is designed to withstand blunt force impacts without breaking. Plus, it’s water-resistant with an IP64 rating, so it can handle everyday spills and splashes without worry.

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World’s first touch-sensing bionic hand with lightning-fast response

Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THE 2025 TERMINATOR? LAB-GROWN MUSCLE BRINGS BIOHYBRID ROBOT HAND TO LIFE

Key specs at a glance

Want to see how the Ability Hand stacks up? Here’s a quick rundown of the bionic hand’s standout specs, from weight to water resistance, all in everyday terms.

  • Weight: Just 1.08 pounds.
  • Grip force: Up to 14.8 pounds of force (66 Newtons) for power grasp.
  • Speed: Finger close time 0.2 seconds.
  • Battery: 2200mAh lithium polymer battery, charges fully in about 1 hour.
  • Water resistance: IP64 rated (protected against splashes and dust).
  • Grip patterns: 32 total (19 pre-defined and ready to use, with more customization available).
  • Compatibility: Works with various control systems, including EMG pattern recognition and force-sensitive resistors.
World’s first touch-sensing bionic hand with lightning-fast response

Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SOFT ROBOTIC PROSTHETIC HAND USES NERVE SIGNALS FOR MORE NATURAL CONTROL

How to use the Ability Hand

Powering on the Ability Hand is as easy as pressing a button on the PSYONIC Power Switch, which also shows battery status through colored LED lights. Switching between grips is primarily done with your muscles or with quick taps on the same button. If needed, the hand can be “frozen” to prevent accidental movements. Charging involves simply plugging in the USB-C cable to the power switch. The LED indicates charging progress, turning solid green when fully charged.

World’s first touch-sensing bionic hand with lightning-fast response

Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SOFT ROBOTIC ARMBAND GIVES PROSTHETIC HAND USERS NATURAL CONTROL

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How much does it cost?

The Ability Hand is priced at around $15,000 to $20,000, plus clinical services, which is considered affordable compared to many advanced bionic hands on the market. This price point helps make cutting-edge bionic technology accessible to more people than ever before. The company tells us that many insurance policies cover the device and clinical services.

For those whose insurance cannot cover the hand, PSYONIC has partnered with the Range of Motion Project to launch the Ability Fund. This initiative is designed to make the Ability Hand accessible to even more individuals who can benefit from advanced prosthetic technology. Through the Ability Fund, your tax-deductible donation helps provide a hand or leg at no cost to the recipient, along with all associated clinical services for the life of the device. To learn more or contribute, visit www.ability.fund.

If you’re exploring prosthetic options, the Ability Hand offers a compelling combination of innovation, comfort and affordability. It’s a great example of how technology can empower people and redefine what’s possible. For more information or to get started, visit PSYONIC’s website or call 1-888-PSYONIC (779-6642).

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World’s first touch-sensing bionic hand with lightning-fast response

Ability Hand (PSYONIC) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s next

Looking ahead, PSYONIC’s technology is focused on creating an even more seamless connection between the human body and robotics by directly linking the hand to the brain, enabling users to experience localized touch and individual finger control through advanced brain-computer interfaces.

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As Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, founder and CEO of PSYONIC, puts it, “Building bionic limbs is a dream I’ve had since I was 7 years old. Seeing our users push the limits of what is possible with the Ability Hand is why we do what we do.”

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Ability Hand combines real touch feedback, durability and easy-to-use design to create a hand that moves and feels more natural than ever before. Whether it’s handling something delicate or just going about everyday tasks, it acts like a true extension of the body. And with a price that makes this kind of advanced tech more accessible, it’s opening up exciting possibilities for many people. Even if you haven’t experienced limb loss, the Ability Hand offers a fascinating glimpse into how technology is bringing us closer to blending human ability with machine precision.

As bionic limbs like the Ability Hand advance, some argue they could shift society’s benchmarks for “ability.” Do you think this tech redefines what it means to be “able-bodied”? 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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Trump reduces tax on cheap imports from China

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Trump reduces tax on cheap imports from China

From May 14th, packages from Hong Kong and China valued below $800 will be subject to either a 54 percent tariff — down from 120 percent — or a flat $100 per-parcel fee, which hasn’t changed. Export companies retain the ability to decide whether they want their goods to be taxed at a flat rate or by percentage. Previous plans for a doubling of the flat rate to $200 from June 1st have been scrapped.

The tax on goods below $800 is an effort to counter the effects of the previous “de minimis” exemption, which allowed cheaper parcels to avoid import taxes and duties. Donald Trump first announced plans for a 30 percent rate on de minimis goods, with a $25 flat fee, which was later tripled and then increased again. The latest rates remain substantially higher than those included in his first tariffs package.

Companies like Temu and Shein thrived thanks to the ability to ship goods directly to consumers tax-free, and even the lowered rates will remain a threat to their business models. Both companies recently raised their prices for US consumers in response to elevated tariffs.

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Over 2,800 websites used to spread AMOS malware

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Over 2,800 websites used to spread AMOS malware

Ransomware gangs once thrived on infected email attachments and bogus invoices, but security-savvy users and hardened mail gateways have weakened those tactics. Attackers are now focusing on a subtler trick that targets the small checkbox labeled “I’m not a robot” that most people click without thinking. 

A widespread campaign known as MacReaper has compromised more than 2,800 legitimate websites and redirects visitors to an infection process designed specifically for Apple computers. The operation relies on visual trust signals, including a convincing fake of Google’s reCAPTCHA, along with hidden clipboard code that ends with the installation of Atomic macOS Stealer malware, a data-harvesting infostealer distributed through Telegram.

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A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How does the attack unfold?

When a Mac user visits one of the compromised websites, they don’t see the page they were expecting. Instead, the site displays a full-screen imitation of Google’s familiar reCAPTCHA box.

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This fake reCAPTCHA appears harmless, simply asking the user to click “I’m not a robot.” However, when the user clicks the box, a hidden command is silently copied to their clipboard. Immediately afterward, the page displays a friendly message, complete with familiar macOS keyboard shortcut visuals, explicitly instructing the user to open Terminal and paste what they’ve just copied. If the user follows these instructions, the command downloads and runs the malicious file known as Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS).

This trick is specifically targeted at Mac users. The website checks the visitor’s operating system and only activates the attack if it detects macOS. For Windows or Linux users, the site behaves normally. Researchers have dubbed this infection method “ClickFix,” referencing the single click that initiates the attack chain.

At the center of this campaign is AMOS, a sophisticated piece of malware that has become notorious in cybercrime circles. AMOS is available for rent on Telegram, with some versions costing attackers up to $3,000 per month. Once installed, AMOS can steal a wide array of sensitive data: it can extract Wi-Fi and app passwords stored in Keychain, collect browser cookies and autofill data, list system information and scan through personal folders such as Desktop and Documents. It is also capable of identifying and targeting more than 50 types of cryptocurrency wallets.

Over 2,800 websites used to spread AMOS malware

Fake reCAPTCHA (Cyber Security News) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

Macs aren’t as secure as Apple wants you to believe

MacReaper challenges two widely held beliefs. The first is that everyday CAPTCHA checks are just harmless speed bumps. The second is that macOS provides a level of built-in security that keeps most attackers at bay. In reality, a single click can expose Keychain credentials, active browser sessions and cryptocurrency wallets.

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These are exactly the kinds of targets that attract credential-stuffing groups and profit-driven cybercriminals. Because the attack is triggered by the user, many network monitoring tools treat the traffic as normal, leaving security teams with little to investigate. In environments where Macs and Windows machines share identity systems, one compromised Mac can open access to single sign-on portals, cloud storage and even production codebases.

Over 2,800 websites used to spread AMOS malware

A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS ARE BEING HIJACKED TO PROMOTE PIRATED SOFTWARE AND SCAMS

6 ways you can stay safe from MacReaper attack

To protect yourself from the evolving threat of the MacReaper attack, which continues to target users through sophisticated social engineering tactics, consider implementing these six essential security measures.

1) Be skeptical of CAPTCHA prompts: Legitimate CAPTCHA tests never require you to copy commands or paste anything into Terminal. If a website instructs you to do this, it’s likely a scam. Close the page immediately and avoid interacting with it.

2) Don’t click links from unverified emails and use strong antivirus software: Many MacReaper attacks start with phishing emails that impersonate trusted services. Always verify the sender before clicking on links. If an email seems urgent or unexpected, go directly to the company’s official website instead of clicking any links inside the email.

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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 and iOS devices.

3) Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.

4) Keep devices updated: Regularly updating your operating system, browser and security software ensures you have the latest patches against known vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals exploit outdated systems, so enabling automatic updates is a simple but effective way to stay protected.

5) Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and change your passwords: If you’ve interacted with a suspicious website, phishing email or fake login page, check your online accounts for any unusual activity. Look for unexpected login attempts, unauthorized password resets or financial transactions that you don’t recognize. If anything seems off, change your passwords immediately and report the activity to the relevant service provider. Also, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.

6) Invest in a personal data removal service: Consider using a service that monitors your personal information and alerts you to potential breaches or unauthorized use of your data. These services can provide early warning signs of identity theft or other malicious activities resulting from MacReaper or similar attacks. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

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MASSIVE SECURITY FLAW PUTS MOST POPULAR BROWSERS AT RISK ON MAC

Kurt’s key takeaway

MacReaper makes it clear that the most durable exploits aren’t zero-days but borrowed moments of trust, an authentic-looking CAPTCHA, a helpful-sounding fix, a clipboard that does what it’s told. As Apple tightens the technical screws with Rapid Security Responses and notarization, expect adversaries to double down on such psychological levers. The counter-strategy is to hard-bake healthy skepticism into user behavior and to instrument Macs with the same telemetry layers enterprises already expect from Windows. Security, in other words, has finally become a platform-agnostic muscle, and complacency is the riskiest operating system of all.

Do you think tech companies are doing enough to stop malware like MacReaper? 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.

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Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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