There was a time not too long ago when buying a power bank was as easy as choosing the cheapest portable battery that could charge your phone and quickly slip into your pocket, purse, or backpack. The hardest part was deciding whether it was time to ditch USB-A ports.
Technology
Think you're safe? Identity theft could wipe out your entire life’s savings
Identity theft has become a pervasive issue, affecting millions of Americans each year. In 2023 alone, American adults lost a staggering $43 billion to identity fraud. The following story illustrates the devastating impact this crime can have on individuals:
Paula Disberry, a former Colgate-Palmolive employee, was living a comfortable life when she discovered that her 401(k) account had been drained of $750,000. The shock came when she tried to access her account online, only to find it blocked.
A fraudster had impersonated her, changing her contact details and withdrawing her entire retirement savings in a single transaction. Stories like this of financial identity theft are becoming all too common. If you live in the U.S., you’ve likely already encountered one, or worse, experienced it firsthand.
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Illustration of a scammer at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Think identity theft won’t happen to you? Think again
The FBI’s Internet Crime Report for 2023 reveals that adults 60 and above accounted for 24.08% of all identity theft claims and suffered 41.46% of the total financial losses. While they may not face a higher risk of becoming victims, the financial toll is significantly greater than any other age group. Older adults, especially those over 60, often feel the impact more deeply. Why? They typically have more assets than younger individuals and are less likely to monitor their bank accounts daily.
Illustration of a scammer at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE ‘APPLE ID SUSPENDED’ PHISHING SCAM
An age-old scam with a high-tech makeover
Identity theft has been a concern for centuries, with one of the most famous historical impostors being Frank Abagnale Jr. Abagnale claims to have successfully impersonated various professionals in the 1960s, including a Pan Am pilot and a doctor, forging checks and documents to amass a small fortune. His alleged exploits were so notorious that they inspired the film “Catch Me If You Can.”
While Abagnale’s story is a dramatic example, modern identity theft has evolved into a more pervasive threat, particularly with the rise of digital technology. The widespread availability of personal information on the web, combined with a lack of regulation preventing companies from collecting data without consent, has made it easier for criminals to exploit personal data. The scale is massive, and the impact can severely disrupt your life and that of your family.
KURT’S PICK FOR REMOVING YOUR PERSONAL DATA FROM THE INTERNET
A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
YOUR EMAIL DIDN’T EXPIRE, IT’S JUST ANOTHER SNEAKY SCAM
Red flags to look out for
Being aware of the warning signs of identity theft can help you take action before it’s too late. Here are some red flags to watch for.
Unexplained account activity: Keep an eye out for unfamiliar transactions or changes in your bank or credit card statements that you don’t recognize.
Credit report changes: Regularly check your credit report for new accounts that you did not open or inquiries from lenders that you did not initiate.
Missing mail or bills: If you stop receiving bills or other important mail, it could indicate that someone has changed your address without your knowledge.
Unexpected denials: If you’re denied credit unexpectedly, it might be a sign that someone is using your information to apply for loans or credit cards.
Strange communication: Be cautious of emails, texts or calls asking for personal information, especially if they create a sense of urgency or fear.
Unusual password changes: If you notice changes to your online accounts that you did not make, such as password resets or security questions being altered, act quickly to secure your accounts.
Alerts from identity theft protection services: If you use an identity theft protection service and receive alerts about suspicious activity, investigate immediately.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
Strengthen your defenses now
Identity theft doesn’t have to be a devastating blow. You can significantly reduce your risk by being more mindful of your online habits. Here’s how.
1. Monitor your accounts regularly: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements to spot unauthorized transactions early. This can prevent financial losses and protect your assets.
2. Use strong passwords: Use complex passwords and a password manager to secure your online accounts. Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cyber threats.
3. Stop oversharing: Limit the personal information you share on social media and other platforms. It’s a treasure trove for cybercriminals who use it to craft convincing fraud campaigns targeted specifically at you.
4. Invest in personal data removal services: Given the alarming rise in identity theft cases, taking proactive measures to safeguard your personal information is essential. One effective strategy is to invest in personal data removal services. hile 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.
5. Freeze your credit: Initiate a credit freeze on your credit file with all three major credit bureaus. This restricts access to your credit records, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
6. Use an identity theft protection service: Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or 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.
7. Use two-factor authentication: Enable this extra layer of security on your accounts to make it more difficult for thieves to access your information, even if they obtain your password.
8. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions or use a VPN to encrypt your online activity. Using a VPN (virtual private network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs don’t directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
9. Shred sensitive documents: Regularly shred financial documents, credit offers and other paperwork containing personal information before disposing of them.
10. Set up bank alerts: Many financial institutions offer text or email alerts for transactions on your accounts, helping you quickly spot unauthorized activity.
11. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
12. Keep software updated: Ensure your devices and antivirus software are up to date. Regular updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities that scammers might exploit. Keeping your software current is a critical step in safeguarding your digital assets.
IS JUST READING THAT SKETCHY SCAMMER’S EMAIL DANGEROUS, OR DO I HAVE TO CLICK ON A LINK TO GET IN TROUBLE?
Kurt’s key takeaways
While the statistics are sobering, they don’t have to leave you feeling helpless. Identity theft is a serious threat, but with awareness and proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember, criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, which means we must stay one step ahead. The most powerful weapon against identity theft is knowledge. Understanding how these scams work, recognizing potential red flags and taking preventive measures can make all the difference.
Do you believe that governments should impose stricter regulations on how companies collect and use personal data to better protect consumers? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Recently, however, brands have been slathering on features, many of which are superfluous, in an attempt to both stand out from the commodified pack and justify higher price points. It’s especially prevalent amongst the bigger power banks that can also charge laptops, those that butt right up to the “airline friendly” 99Wh (around 27,650mAh) size limit.
At CES 2026, we’re seeing a trend towards power banks with integrated cables, which is very convenient. But a similar trend to slap large, energy-sapping displays onto these portable batteries is just silly. And that’s just the start of the atrocities witnessed in recent months.
The power bank that pushed things over the edge for me is the $270 EcoFlow Rapid Pro X Power Bank 27k that I received for review. Here’s my review: it’s bad. Do. Not. Buy. As a power bank, it tries too hard to do too much, making it too expensive, too big, too slow, and too heavy.
The snap-on decorative faceplates are ridiculous and the proprietary magnetic modules for its Apple Watch charger and retractable USB-C cable are too easy to misplace.
The giant display EcoFlow uses scratches easily and is too dim to easily read outdoors. The confusing UX on the Rapid Pro X model is especially offensive in its touch-sensitive clumsiness. Nobody needs a display that takes 30 seconds to wake up from sleep and plays swirly graphics and blinking eyeballs when awake, slowly sapping the power bank’s energy reserves. The fact that it has a screensaver tells me that the product team completely lost the plot.
Anker’s also guilty of putting large displays onto its power banks. Most people don’t need anything more than four dots to show the remaining capacity, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to buy a power bank without a colorful LCD display. In the 20,000mAh range, Anker doesn’t even list a display-less model anymore. I, like many Verge readers, love to see the actually wattage pumping in and out of those ports — but the vast majority of people have no need for that.
Anker, like EcoFlow, also offers power banks with proprietary pogo-pin connectors, Both companies use those connectors to lure owners into buying expensive desk chargers that don’t work with anything else. Those extra-fast charging speeds are unlikely to justify the premium expense for most people.
Most people, even tech savvy Verge readers, don’t even need a power bank that can output 140W of power delivery over USB-C. The majority of non-gaming laptops require 65W or less. And the primary computing device for most people — the phone — only requires about 20W.
We certainly don’t need power banks with built-in hotspots when that’s already built into our Android and iOS phones. Baseus made one anyway.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity are becoming a common feature in some flagship power banks. I’m all for remotely monitoring massive power stations used to power off-grid homes and campers, but not a portable power bank that’s charging the phone in your hand or is plugged into a nearby wall jack.
We also don’t need integrated flashlights. Why random Amazon brand, why?
All these extra “features” just add weight, size, and cost to power banks. They also increase the risk that something will go wrong on a device that’s meant to always be with you and just work when you need it. And power banks don’t need any extra help justifying a recall.
One power bank trend I can get behind is integrated cables like the retractable version found on EcoFlow’s Rapid Pro Power Bank 27k (note the lack of “X” in the name). Always having a properly specced cable that matches the device’s max input and output is super convenient. I like that Kuxiu’s S3 MagSafe power bank, for example, neatly wraps the cable around the chassis to plug into a hidden USB-C jack. That way the cable can be replaced if it frays or breaks.
I’m also a fan of adding kickstands to MagSafe power banks that prop phones up at your preferred angle for extended viewing or recording. More importantly, a few companies are now adopting semi-solid state chemistry that makes their power banks less susceptible to thermal runaway, which was an industry plague in 2025. They cost more to buy, but they’re cheaper to own over their extended lifetimes.
I can’t help but enjoy the look of Sharge’s Retractable 3-in-1 Power Bank, even though its integrated wall outlet and underwhelming specs for a battery pack of this size and price completely undercuts my entire argument. I’m a sucker for Braun design, forgive me!
There are still basic power banks available that charge phones and even laptops without too much feature creep and attempted upsell. If all you want is to charge your phone then there’s Anker’s trusty $26 PowerCore 10k or, if you’re feeling fancy, Nitecore’s $65 NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim USB-C Power Bank. If you also want to charge laptops then you might consider INIU’s delightfully named Cougar P64-E1 Power Bank Fastest 140W 25000mAh for $90, or even Belkin’s more capable $150 UltraCharge Pro Laptop Power Bank 27K coming in March.
The fastest and most powerful power banks with lots of gee-whiz features will often generate headlines for pushing the envelope of what’s possible. But the “best” power bank might not be best for you, when basic affordability is all you really need.
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Creating invitations should feel easy, not stressful. Apple’s Invites app makes it simple to create free digital invitations with built-in RSVP tools, even if your guests do not use iPhones.
You can design the invite, track responses, and share photos after the event, all from your iPhone. Below is a clear step-by-step guide with exact instructions so you can get it right the first time.
Oh, and if you want more options beyond Apple’s Invites app, we also cover the best invitation apps for both iPhone and Android.
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HOW TO SHARE YOUR ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME ON IPHONE AND ANDROID
Apple’s Invites app lets users create free digital invitations with built-in RSVP tools directly from an iPhone, making event planning faster and easier. (Katharina Kausche/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Why Apple Invites makes event planning easier
Apple Invites keeps everything in one place. You design the invite, manage RSVPs and share memories without switching apps. You can:
- Create invitations for parties, meetings and family events
- Let guests RSVP from any device
- Share photos, playlists and links after the event
Apple Invites system requirements
Before you start, confirm these basics. You need:
- An iPhone running iOS 18 or newer
- An iCloud+ subscription to create invitations
Guests can view and RSVP without an iCloud+ subscription. The steps in this article were tested on an iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 26.2.
Download Apple Invites from the App Store
First, install the Apple Invites app.
- Open the App Store.
- Search for Apple Invites.
- Download the app named Apple Invites to avoid confusion.
Open the Invites app after installation.
How to create a free digital invitation with RSVP on iPhone
You are now ready to build your invitation.
Start a new invitation in Apple Invites
- Open the Invites app.
- If this is your first time, tap Create Invitation.
If you have created invites before, tap the plus icon in the top corner.
Add a background image to your invitation
- Tap Add Background.
- Choose one option:PhotosCameraPlayground using Apple Intelligence on supported modelsYou can also select Emoji, Photographic or Color backgrounds.
- Photos
- Camera
- Playground using Apple Intelligence on supported models
- You can also select Emoji, Photographic or Color backgrounds.
Grant photo or camera access if prompted.
Add event details like title, date and location
Next, fill in the key information.
- Tap Event Title and enter the name of your event.Choose from four available fonts.
- Choose from four available fonts.
- Tap Date and Time.Select a start and end time or mark the event as all day.
- Select a start and end time or mark the event as all day.
- Tap Location.Enable Location Services if prompted.
- Enable Location Services if prompted.
- Tap Add a Description to include event details or notes.
If you add both a date and a location, the app automatically shows:
- The weather forecast for that day
- A Maps link with directions
Add optional features like photos, links and playlists
You can add several optional features to enhance your invitation.
- Add a shared photo album so guests can view and upload photos by tapping Create Album
- Add a website link, such as a gift registry, by tapping Add a Link
- Add a shared Apple Music playlist guests can listen to and add songs to by tapping Add Playlist
Add a Tile to bundle photos, playlists or links in one place by tapping Add Tile
Preview and create your invitation
Before sending, review everything.
- Tap Preview.
- Review how the invitation will look to guests.
- Tap Next in the upper-right corner.
- Wait a few seconds while the invite is created.
NEVER LOSE YOUR CAR WITH MAPS PARKING TOOLS
Apple Invites allows hosts to design invites, track guest responses and share photos without requiring guests to own an iPhone. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
How to send invitations and manage RSVPs on iPhone
Once your invitation is live, you can share it in two different ways.
Invite guests using a public link
- Under Invite with Public Link, choose how you want to share the link:MessagesMailShare LinkCopy Link
- Messages
- Share Link
- Copy Link
- Toggle Approve Guests on if you want to review RSVPs before guests are added.
- Leave Approve Guests off to allow anyone with the link to RSVP automatically.
Guests who accept the invite will appear in your guest list.
Invite guests individually
- Scroll to Invite Individuals.
- Tap Choose a Guest.
- Then you’ll be prompted to access your contacts and click Continue.
- Click Select Contacts
- Select only the contacts you want to include for this invitation and click Continue
- Tap Allow Selected Contacts
- Select a contact to send a one-time invite link.
- Then click Messages, Mail or Share Link
This option sends a unique link to a single guest.
Guests can RSVP even if they do not own an iPhone.
How to send invitations and manage RSVPs on iPhone
Once your invitation is live, you can share it in two different ways.
Invite guests using a public link
- Under Invite with Public Link, choose how you want to share the link:MessagesMailShare LinkCopy Link
- Messages
- Share Link
- Copy Link
- Toggle Approve Guests on if you want to review RSVPs before guests are added.
- Leave Approve Guests off to allow anyone with the link to RSVP automatically.
Guests who accept the invite will appear in your guest list.
Invite guests individually
- Scroll to Invite Individuals.
- Tap Choose a Guest.
- Then you’ll be prompted to access your contacts and click Continue.
- Click Select Contacts
- Select only the contacts you want to include for this invitation and click Continue
- Tap Allow Selected Contacts
- Select a contact to send a one-time invite link.
- Then click Messages, Mail or Share Link
This option sends a unique link to a single guest.
Guests can RSVP even if they do not own an iPhone.
Manage event settings and RSVP notifications
You stay in control after sending.
- Tap the Settings icon inside the invite.
- Adjust guest permissions and RSVP options.
- Enable notifications to receive alerts when guests respond.
- Set plus one limits or block additional guests if needed.
Your invitation appears on the app home screen under Upcoming.
Edit an invite after sending it
Plans change, and edits are allowed.
- Open the invite from the Upcoming list.
- Tap the More Button (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
- Click Edit to update details.
- Changes sync automatically for guests.
5 BEST APPS TO USE ON CHATGPT RIGHT NOW
With Apple Invites, users can manage event details, RSVPs and shared content all in one place using iOS 18 or newer. (Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Pro tip: duplicate invitations for recurring events
If you host a recurring event, such as a book club, save time.
- Open an existing invitation.
- Tap the More button. (three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner)
- Select Duplicate.
- Adjust the date, time or details as needed.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple Invites makes event planning feel simple again. You can create free digital invitations, send them in seconds and track RSVPs without chasing people down. Everything lives in one place, from guest lists to shared photos, which saves time and reduces stress. Best of all, guests do not need an iPhone to respond. That makes Apple Invites practical for real life, not just Apple users. Whether you are planning a birthday, a family dinner, or a casual meetup, this app helps you focus on the event rather than the logistics.
Would you consider replacing paper invites or group texts with Apple Invites, or are you still planning events the old way? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Nvidia’s RTX 5080 rollout for its GeForce Now cloud gaming service is now complete, so it’s ready to announce some additional features for subscribers. In the coming months, Nvidia is planning to launch native GeForce Now apps for Linux and Amazon’s Fire TV devices, alongside flight control support for its cloud gaming service.
The native Linux app is a highly requested feature for GeForce Now, especially as subscribers have had to rely on unofficial apps or browser tweaks to get access to the service. A beta of GeForce Now for Linux will be available initially for Ubuntu 24.04 and newer soon, nearly a year after Nvidia made it easier to access GeForce Now on the Linux-based SteamOS.
“Right now, the GeForce Now Linux app is going to launch first as a beta on Ubuntu 24.04 primarily because this is a long-term support release that enables stable graphics drivers and consistent system libraries,” says Michael McSorley, product marketing manager at Nvidia, in a briefing with The Verge. “As we continually test the app, we’re going to be expanding formal support to additional [Linux] distributions in the coming weeks.”
Nvidia is also further expanding GeForce Now into the living room with support for Amazon Fire TV devices. The app will launch early this year for Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and 4K Max initially, allowing owners to stream PC games to their TV with just a controller.
If you’re a fan of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Nvidia is also introducing full flight control support for GeForce Now so that devices from Thrustmaster and Logitech will work on its cloud gaming service. That means you can connect a joystick or yoke to an underpowered laptop and stream a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with the controls all working in the game.
Nvidia is also enabling automatic sign-in for Battle.net accounts on GeForce Now this week, with Gaijin.net account support soon. And if you’re wondering when GeForce Now will finally launch in India, as Nvidia promised last year, it has been delayed to “sometime in Q1, 2026,” according to McSorley.
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