Roger Linn is a legend in the world of musical instruments. He’s been at the cutting edge of music technology for decades. He created the LM-1, the first drum machine to use samples, and its successor, the LinnDrum, is one of the most iconic drum machines of all time. They were used on countless records in the 1980s, including hits by Tom Petty, Queen, and Tears for Fears. But the most notable fan was probably Prince, who used them extensively on Purple Rain and 1999.
Technology
Tech giants unite to fight online scams
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If you’ve ever gotten a suspicious text, a fake delivery alert or a message that felt just a little too convincing, you’ve already seen how fast scams are evolving. Now, some of the biggest names in tech and retail are scrambling to catch up.
Eleven major companies across those industries, including Google, Amazon, OpenAI, Adobe, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Match Group, Meta, Microsoft, Target and Levi Strauss & Co., have signed a new agreement to share information about scams and fraud.
At first glance, it sounds like a strong step forward. But this is more than a coordinated effort. It is a response to how modern scams actually work today.
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SCAMMERS USING AI MEET THEIR MATCH AS OPENAI, TECH INDUSTRY FIGHT BACK
A new industry agreement aims to block scam accounts, fake domains and fraud patterns before they spread across platforms. (Tristan Spinski for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Why online scams are getting harder to stop
Scammers no longer operate in one place. They might find you on social media, move the conversation to a messaging app, then push you to send money through a fake website or payment service. It is all connected. That’s exactly what this new agreement, called the Industry Accord Against Online Scams & Fraud, is trying to address.
Instead of companies working in isolation, they are promising to share threat data in near real time. That includes things like scam accounts, fake domains and patterns tied to organized fraud. The idea is that if one company spots a scam early, others can block it before it spreads.
What the companies are actually promising
This is not just about talking. The companies outlined a few concrete steps they plan to take:
Share intelligence faster
They will exchange information about scam networks, tactics and accounts across platforms and with law enforcement.
Use AI to detect scams earlier
Many companies already rely on AI to flag suspicious behavior. Now they want to expand those systems to catch scams faster and more accurately.
Add stronger verification
Expect tighter checks for financial transactions to confirm both sides are legitimate.
Improve reporting tools
Users should see clearer ways to report scams and get help.
Push governments to act
Companies are also calling for scam prevention to become a national priority in more countries.
That all sounds promising. But there is a catch.
The biggest limitation you should know
This agreement is voluntary. There are no penalties if companies fail to follow through. That means success depends entirely on how seriously each company takes it.
Still, even a loose collaboration could make a difference. Scammers thrive in gaps between platforms. Closing those gaps, even partially, could slow them down.
YOUTUBE JOB SCAM TEXT: HOW TO SPOT IT FAST
Big Tech and retail leaders are promising faster scam detection, stronger verification and better reporting tools for consumers. (Halfpoint/Getty Images)
How AI is making online scams more dangerous
This push comes as scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. AI is a big reason why. Scammers can now:
At the same time, companies are using AI to fight back. Google alone blocks hundreds of millions of scam-related results daily, while Meta has removed massive numbers of scam ads using automated systems. It’s essentially an arms race.
What this means for your online safety
In theory, this agreement could lead to fewer scams slipping through the cracks.
You might start to notice:
- Faster removal of scam accounts
- More warnings when something looks suspicious
- Fewer fake ads or impersonation attempts
But this won’t eliminate scams entirely. Criminal networks are global, coordinated and constantly adapting. So while companies are stepping up, your own awareness still matters.
Cybersecurity expert warns scams are evolving fast
To understand what this really means in practice, it helps to hear from people who track these threats every day. Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity company, says this kind of collaboration is long overdue.
Trend Micro’s VP of Consumer Marketing and Education, Lynette Owens, believes cross-industry coordination is a critical step forward as scams increasingly unfold across multiple platforms. She tells CyberGuy:
“It’s encouraging to see major platforms like Google, Meta and Amazon coming together to share intelligence and disrupt scam networks. Cross-industry collaboration has proven to be helpful in fighting other types of online harms and has been a fruitful counter-measure against scams and fraud in other countries. Anything that moves us more towards prevention is a win, as so much effort is currently directed at what happens after the harm is done.
“But while it’s a useful step forward, it’s not a complete solution. Scammers are constantly evolving, using AI and multi-channel tactics to create more convincing, personalized attacks that are harder for people to recognize in the moment.
“What consumers really need is intervention that alerts them where scams actually happen, with clear, timely signals that something isn’t right. In today’s environment, scams don’t come as a single message. They unfold over time and adapt faster than ever to changing consumer habits or platform best practices. Collaboration is an important piece of the puzzle, but the more tools consumers have at their fingertips to fight back, the better their chances at stopping a scam before any real damage is done.”
Her takeaway is clear. Collaboration helps, but it will not be enough on its own.
SPRING CLEAN YOUR DIGITAL FOOTPRINT: WHY RETIREES ARE SCAM TARGETS
Google, Amazon, Meta and other major brands are teaming up as AI-powered scams grow more convincing and harder to stop. (John Keeble/Getty Images)
How to protect yourself from online scams
Even as companies step up their defenses, there are still simple steps you can take right now to reduce your risk and stay one step ahead of scammers.
1) Avoid unknown links
Do not click links in unexpected texts, emails or messages. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the address yourself.
2) Use strong security software
Install strong antivirus software to help detect malicious links, phishing attempts and suspicious apps before they cause harm. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Turn on two-factor authentication
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is exposed.
4) Limit where your personal data appears
The more your personal information is available online, the easier it is for scammers to target you. Consider using a data removal service to reduce your exposure on data broker and people-search sites. 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
5) Monitor your accounts regularly
Check your bank, credit card and online accounts often so you can catch suspicious activity early and act quickly.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
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Kurt’s key takeaways
This new alliance signals a shift. Tech companies are starting to treat scams as a shared problem rather than isolated incidents. That’s a big step in the right direction. But whether it actually slows down scammers will depend on execution, not promises. Coordination helps, but enforcement and accountability matter just as much.
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If scams keep getting smarter, should tech companies be required to do more than just cooperate voluntarily? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Somehow, those are not his greatest contributions to the music world. That would, undoubtedly, be the MPC. Linn partnered with Akai to create one of the most popular and important samplers ever. The MPC60 and its successors became the tool of choice for countless hip-hop and house producers. J Dilla’s MPC 3000 even sits in the Smithsonian.
Roger Linn was also an early adopter of MPE, or MIDI polyphonic expression. It’s a key feature of his LinnStrument, an expressive 3D controller released in 2014 — three years before the Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI) officially released the MPE standard. Turns out the man stays so innovative by keeping things simple and focused.
What is your most indispensable tool?
My MacBook Pro.
Which is the most underappreciated?
My Vision Pro. I called it the most amazing product I rarely use.
What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
On a computer, Rhino3D.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
Apple Mail’s bugs.
What sites do you have pinned to your tab bar?
New York Times.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
One. This document.
Which social media platform do you use the most (if any)?
I don’t use social media except to announce my monthly “All Things LinnStrument” email newsletter.
What is your happy place online?
A VR app for the Meta Quest called Walkabout Mini Golf. It was a large number of artistically created open VR worlds that offer a surprising level of beauty from the Quest 3’s limited power. I go there to play a game of mini golf, fly around, or meet friends in a private instance of a particular world.
What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
I don’t know about “ever”, but these days it’s VR headsets, currently the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro.
Which was the most disappointing?
In general, I’m disappointed by products that are designed by engineers who assume their customers are engineers.
What game do you have the fondest memories of?
Myst.
Which tech trend do you wish would go away?
Spam.
What creation are you most proud of?
LinnStrument.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Keep it simple.
What is your current obsession?
VR.
What do you do when you need to focus?
Breathe. Calm down.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?
I try to shift my perspective.
When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
I never go anywhere without my phone. Maybe swimming.
What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
That would be a long time ago. I’ve only bought books, music, films, etc. in digital form for a long time.
What do you think is worth splurging on?
If someone made a VR headset with retina resolution, very high power, lots of beautiful open worlds, but it was expensive, I’d probably buy it.
What would the tagline for your biopic be?
“He created tools that allowed musicians to make better music.”
What’s the last GIF or meme you used?
This isn’t a GIF, but maybe it’s a meme:
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
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A robot mower sounds like the kind of yard tool that should make life easier. It cuts the grass, saves you time and quietly handles a chore most people would rather avoid.
But a new independent security report raises a bigger concern about what may be happening behind the scenes. Security researcher Andreas Makris says Yarbo robots, which include autonomous lawn mowers and snow blowers, contained serious flaws that could expose owners to remote access, live camera viewing and Wi-Fi credential theft. The report says roughly 6,000 robots are currently affected.
Yarbo has since responded through its Security Center, saying the core technical findings are accurate and that it has started rolling out security fixes. Still, the report raises important questions about how much access smart yard devices should have inside your home network.
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SMART HOME HACKING FEARS: WHAT’S REAL AND WHAT’S HYPE
A robot mower connected to home Wi-Fi can create security risks if remote access controls are weak or unclear. (Yarbo)
Yarbo robot security risk: What the report claims
Makris says Yarbo robots ship with a persistent remote access setup that uses a tunnel to reach the robot over the internet. According to the report, the robots also include a hardcoded root password shared across the fleet and a remote connection method tied to the robot’s serial number. That is important because “root” access gives someone deep control over the device. In simple terms, it can mean administrator-level access to the system inside the robot. The report also says the remote tunnel runs automatically, can restart itself if stopped and may return if removed. That raises a major concern for owners because they may not have a simple switch in the app to shut it off.
Why a robot mower could put your home network at risk
Smart devices often need internet access to work. App controls, software updates, diagnostics and support all depend on that connection. However, Makris claims Yarbo’s setup creates a much riskier situation. He says remote access appears to be built into every robot, rather than turned on only when an owner asks for help. The report says an attacker with the right information could potentially reach a robot remotely, access internal functions and use it as a foothold on the owner’s network. So while a robot mower may seem harmless as it cuts grass, rolls through the yard or parks near the garage, that same machine can also connect to your Wi-Fi, carry cameras and sit close to your home every day.
5 WORRISOME PRIVACY CLAUSES HIDDEN IN SMART HOME DEVICES
The Yarbo report raises concerns about remote access, live camera feeds and saved Wi-Fi credentials on connected yard robots. (Yarbo)
Yarbo camera access concerns for homeowners
According to the report, Yarbo robots can have multiple camera feeds. Makris says that if someone gained root access through the remote tunnel, they could potentially view the robot’s surroundings remotely. That could include a driveway, backyard, entryway, garage area or outdoor space where your family spends time. For homeowners, this concern goes beyond a glitch. A camera-equipped device outside your home deserves the same scrutiny as a camera inside your home.
How saved Wi-Fi passwords could be exposed
The report also says an attacker with root access could retrieve saved Wi-Fi credentials from the robot’s system. That would be a serious issue because many homes use one main Wi-Fi network for phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, security devices and more. Once someone has your Wi-Fi password, the risk can spread. They may try to reach other connected devices or look for weak spots that were never meant to face the internet. This is why connected outdoor equipment should never get a free pass. A lawn robot may be housed outside or in the garage, but its network access can reach inside.
What Yarbo says now
After Makris published his report, Yarbo posted a response to its Security Center page on its website. The company said the report identified serious vulnerabilities in its remote diagnostic, credential management and data-handling systems. Yarbo co-founder Kenneth Kohlmann also said the “core technical findings are accurate” and acknowledged that the company’s initial response did not reflect the seriousness of the issues.
Yarbo says the problems primarily involved historical design choices in parts of its remote diagnostic, access management and data-handling systems. The company also said some legacy support tools did not give users enough visibility or control. Yarbo said some authentication and credential systems did not meet its current security expectations.
A NEW SECURITY SEAL OF APPROVAL IS COMING TO YOUR SMART HOME GADGETS
Security experts recommend keeping smart yard devices on a guest network instead of your main home Wi-Fi. (Yarbo)
What Yarbo says it has fixed
Yarbo says it has taken several remediation steps since the report was published. According to the company, it has retired historical fleet-level root credentials, revoked shared FRP remote-access credentials and disabled related FRP server-side connection paths.
The company also says updated versions of the Yarbo mobile app no longer contain static credentials or embedded access mechanisms capable of directly authenticating against backend services. Yarbo says it has removed reporting scripts, legacy dependencies and non-essential network configurations that no longer served a necessary product function.
However, Yarbo says more work remains. The company says it is rebuilding its credential management system so any remaining shared-credential models can be replaced with individually scoped, per-device credentials. Each credential would support independent rotation and revocation.
Why Yarbo data connections raise privacy questions
The report also points to connections involving Hanyangtech, Yarbo’s Shenzhen-based parent company, along with ByteDance Feishu, Tencent TDMQ and Chinese DNS resolvers. Makris says some robot telemetry can be sent to ByteDance’s Feishu platform and that certain infrastructure choices are built into the firmware.
Yarbo now says it has removed reporting scripts, legacy dependencies and non-essential network configurations that no longer served a necessary operational or product function. The company also says historical servers and legacy access channels will continue to be phased out as part of its remediation work.
The core issue is transparency. Owners should know where their devices send data, which companies can access it and whether those connections are essential for normal use. That level of clarity matters even more for devices with cameras, location data and access to home networks.
What this means for you
If you own a Yarbo robot, this report means you should treat it like any other connected device with cameras, location data and access to your home Wi-Fi. Yarbo says it is pushing security updates automatically to connected devices. That means owners should connect their Yarbo long enough to receive the latest security update. After that, consider moving it back to a guest network or an isolated smart-device network.
CyberGuy reached out to Yarbo, and a representative said the company encouraged readers to refer to the Security Center at yarbo.com/pages/yarbo-security-center for the latest verified information and ongoing updates.
How Yarbo owners can reduce the risk
You may not be able to control everything happening inside the robot, but you can take a few practical steps to limit what it can reach on your home network.
1) Put the robot on a guest network
Do not keep your robot mower on the same network as your laptop, phone or security cameras. Use a guest network or a separate smart-device network if your router supports it.
2) Change your main Wi-Fi password if you are concerned
If your robot has connected to your main Wi-Fi and you are worried about exposure, change the Wi-Fi password. Use a strong, unique password and store it in a trusted password manager so you do not have to reuse or remember it. Then reconnect only trusted devices. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com
3) Check your router for unknown devices
Open your router app or admin page and review connected devices. Look for anything unfamiliar. Remove devices you do not recognize.
4) Limit what the robot can access
Some routers let you isolate guest devices. Turn that on when available. This can keep the robot from seeing other devices on your network.
5) Ask Yarbo for specific answers
Owners should ask what remote diagnostic access remains, whether credentials are now unique per robot and whether the company will provide a true off switch for remote diagnostics.
6) Keep the robot updated, but stay cautious
Yarbo says security updates are delivered automatically once devices connect to the internet. Connect the robot through a guest network or an isolated smart-device network so it can receive the latest update without giving it access to your main devices.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The Yarbo report is a reminder that convenience can come with hidden access. A robot mower may seem like a helpful yard tool, but under the hood, it can act like a connected computer with cameras, location data and a path into your network. The biggest concern is control. Owners need to know who can reach their devices, when remote access turns on and whether they can shut it off. A company should not expect you to trust a black box sitting on your Wi-Fi. If you own one of these robots, isolate it from your main network and push Yarbo for clear answers. If you are shopping for any smart yard device, ask about security before you ask about battery life.
Would you let a smart yard robot onto your Wi-Fi if the company could not clearly explain who can access it and when? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Google’s AI Overviews are running into an interesting problem right now. Earlier on Friday, if you searched for the term “disregard,” the AI Overview section would include a response like what you’d see from a more traditional AI chatbot instead of the typical AI summary, as spotted on X. As you can see in the image at the top of this story, I got an AI Overview response that said, “Got it. If you need anything else or have a new question later, just let me know!”
As of Friday afternoon, however, Google isn’t showing an AI Overview for the term “disregard” at all — instead, it shows a list of news stories about the issue first. Google hasn’t replied to our requests for comment. In a statement to Android Authority, a spokesperson said that “We’re aware that AI Overviews are misinterpreting some action-related queries, and we’re working on a fix, which will roll out soon.”
AI Overviews haven’t just been tripping up over the word “disregard.” When searching for “ignore,” Google’s AI Overview section showed the following message to a Verge colleague:
Message received! I’m here and ready to help. What would you like to focus on today? Just let me know if there’s a specific topic, task, or question you’d like to explore.
When they searched “skip,” the AI Overview section said:
It looks like your message was just a test or a typo! Feel free to ask a question, share a prompt, or let me know how I can help you with your tasks today. I’m ready whenever you are!
As of Friday afternoon, Google is still showing me AI Overviews with broken responses when I search for “ignore” and “skip.”
As funny as this all is, it’s almost certainly just some kind of bug — I expect Google will fix it soon enough. Maybe Google Search itself is tired after everything that happened at Google I/O.
Updates, May 22nd: Google now isn’t showing AI Overviews for “disregard.” Also added a Google statement.
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