Technology
This is what they never told you about online privacy
Protecting your personal information online starts with understanding the language of the internet. We’ll break down five essential tech terms that directly affect your online privacy, from the secretive Dark Web to the nuances of email etiquette.
Learning these concepts will equip you to navigate the internet more securely.
Stay tuned for more in this series as we dive deeper into privacy-related tech terms and other essential concepts, answering the top questions we get from readers like you!
GET THE LATEST TECH TERMS, SECURITY ALERTS, TOP TECH TIPS, AND DIGITAL TRENDS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX. SIGN UP FOR KURT’S CYBERGUY REPORT—IT’S FREE!
People working on their laptops (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The Dark Web
A hidden internet below the surface
Beneath the familiar internet you browse every day lies the Dark Web, a concealed layer of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines like Google and requires specialized software, such as the Tor browser, to access.
Originally developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1990s for secure and anonymous communication, the Dark Web has since evolved into a double-edged sword, a haven for privacy advocates, journalists and whistleblowers, as well as a hot spot for cybercriminals engaging in illicit activities.
While some use the Dark Web for legitimate purposes, like bypassing censorship or protecting free speech, it’s also a marketplace for stolen personal data, financial fraud and illegal goods, making it a high-risk zone for identity theft.
If you want to safeguard your personal information from being bought, sold or leaked on the Dark Web, consider using identity monitoring services that scan underground forums and databases for exposed data.
If you want to make sure your data stays out of nefarious hands and away from the Dark Web, consider identity monitoring services that can scour the internet for your data and remove it for you.
Illustration of a hacker on the Dark Web (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC, PC, IPHONES AND ANDROIDS – CYBERGUY PICKS
Encryption
Securing your digital world, one byte at a time
Ever wonder how your online banking info stays safe? That’s thanks to encryption, a process that scrambles your data into a secret code so only authorized people (or devices) can read it.
How encryption works:
- Turns data into unreadable text – If intercepted, it looks like gibberish.
- Only the right system can unlock it – Your bank, email provider or messaging app automatically decrypts it so you see normal text.
Where you use encryption every day:
- Secure websites – Look for HTTPS (the “S” means encrypted).
- Messaging apps – WhatsApp and iMessage use end-to-end encryption.
- Online banking and shopping – Protects your financial transactions.
Encryption keeps prying eyes out and your private info safe because not everything you do online should be an open book. Check out other tips to protect your documents and keep them private.
Saving a document with encryption (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
BEST LAPTOPS OF 2025
CAPTCHA
Proving you’re human online
Have you ever had to click on pictures of traffic lights or type in wavy letters before logging onto a website? That’s a CAPTCHA, a simple test designed to tell humans and bots apart.
Websites use CAPTCHAs to block automated programs (like spambots) from accessing accounts, submitting fake forms or posting junk. The name stands for “Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.”
So what’s a Turing test? Named after computer scientist and WW2 codebreaker Alan Turing, it’s a challenge to see if a machine can act so much like a human that people can’t tell the difference. CAPTCHAs flip the idea around, making sure you’re human, not a bot!
While some CAPTCHAs ask you to solve puzzles, newer versions just check if your mouse movements look human. So next time you prove you’re “not a robot,” you’re actually helping protect the internet.
But not all CAPTCHAS are created equal. Follow my guide to learn how to spot the signs of a fake CAPTCHA designed to download malware.
Website using Captcha (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
BEST TECH FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION IN 2025
Spam
From Monty Python to malware: The evolution of spam
The term “spam” for unwanted email comes from a Monty Python sketch where the word “Spam” (referring to the canned meat) is repeatedly mentioned, overwhelming the conversation. This led to the term being used to describe the overwhelming nature of unwanted email: spam.
Originally, spam was just a nuisance flooding inboxes with promotional emails, chain letters and irrelevant ads. But, over time, spam has evolved into a major cybersecurity threat. Phishing emails, malware-laden attachments and fraudulent schemes now lurk within spam messages, tricking unsuspecting users into clicking malicious links, revealing sensitive information or even infecting their devices with ransomware and spyware.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
A woman encountering spam on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
CC/BCC
Who sees what? Mastering email copies
Believe it or not, you may already know what the nicknames for these tech terms come from. If you’ve ever sent an email, you’ve probably seen CC and BCC. But what are they for?
CC stands for “carbon copy,” a throwback to the days of typewriters when carbon paper made duplicate copies. In email, it means sending a copy of your message to someone so they can stay informed. Everyone can see who’s been CC’d, making it great for keeping people in the loop without needing them to respond.
BCC stands for “blind carbon copy.” It’s like CC but private. Recipients in the BCC field get the email, but their names and addresses aren’t visible to others. This is handy for group emails where you want to protect privacy or avoid a reply-all storm.
These tools help you manage communication and keep everyone on the same page. Looking to switch up your email provider to a more secure and private platform? Check out my picks – I’ll take you through the pros and cons.
CC/BCC outlined in red (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Understanding these five privacy-related tech terms is essential. The Dark Web highlights the need to protect your personal data. Encryption is your digital shield, securing your information during online activities. CAPTCHAs help protect websites from automated attacks, which indirectly preserves your security. Recognizing spam protects you from phishing and malware. And using CC and BCC correctly in emails respects privacy. By knowing these concepts, you’re better equipped to enhance your online privacy and security.
Confused by a tech term or want something explained? We want to hear from you! Share your questions at Cyberguy.com/Contact so we can help.
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
Follow Kurt on his social channels
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Tenways just launched its new CGO Compact electric bike in Europe that’s designed to fit into tight spaces like car trunks, apartment hallways, and train compartments.
To achieve this, the CGO Compact is fitted with small 20-inch wheels, folding pedals, and a handlebar fitted with a twistable stem to create a slim, wall-hugging profile. The adjustable steering column and low-step through frame also make it suitable for a wide range of rider heights, so it could be a good shareable e-bike for families. And its MIK HD rear carrier system is good for hauling up to 27kg (almost 60 pounds) around town, with mounting points for additional accessories like a crate or child seat.
Tenways might not be a household name globally, but the Chinese e-bike company headquartered in the Netherlands is making a name for itself in Europe thanks to aggressive pricing, sleek designs, and over 1,500 shops and service centers. And while the CGO Compact’s €1,999 (about $2,365) price tag isn’t cheap, it’s well below the €2,681 average for European e-bikes.
The company does sell e-bikes in the US, but the CGO Compact is only for sale in Europe as of today. It features a 250W rear-hub motor connected to a Gates Carbon belt drive for maintenance-free propulsion. It promises a range of up to 100km from its 500Wh removable battery, but its single-speed drivetrain produces only 45Nm of torque so it’s best suited for relatively flat cities. If your commute does stray from asphalt then the suspension seat post should help absorb bumps. There’s also an integrated torque sensor to ensure the smooth delivery of pedal-assisted power, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes should keep any sudden stops under control.
The CGO Compact lives up to its name regarding size, but it’s not all that lightweight. Stripped down it weighs 19.8kg (almost 44 pounds), or 22.1kg (almost 49 pounds) with all the accessories you’ll want in wet urban environments. That makes it heavier than many full-sized e-bikes, even from Tenways, and less versatile than the excellent 20-inch Brompton G foldable which also weighs less but costs more than twice as much.
President Donald Trump’s administration is tasking an AI “tech force” to modernize systems. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
– Inside Trump administration’s AI tech force designed to modernize government
– Elon Musk slams Anthropic AI models as ‘misanthropic’ and ‘evil’ in scathing social media post
– AI power players pour cash into competitive primaries as 2026 midterms heat up
‘TECH FORCE’: Inside Trump administration’s AI initiative designed to modernize government – FOX Business reports on the Trump administration’s latest initiative to overhaul federal efficiency, detailing an internal AI “tech force” tasked with modernizing antiquated government systems and streamlining operations.
TECH ALLIANCE: War Department to partner with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT, GenAI for military use – The Department of Defense is reportedly strengthening its technological arsenal through a strategic partnership with OpenAI, aiming to integrate ChatGPT and generative AI capabilities into military operations to maintain a strategic edge.
SCATHING POST: Elon Musk slams Anthropic AI models as ‘misanthropic’ and ‘evil’ – Tech billionaire Elon Musk took to social media to unleash a scathing attack on rival AI firm Anthropic, characterizing their models as “misanthropic” and “evil” in a post that highlights the intensifying ideological rift within Silicon Valley.
Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., during the US-Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
POWER PLAYERS: AI execs pour cash into competitive primaries as 2026 midterms heat up – With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, deep-pocketed investors and executives from the artificial intelligence sector are pouring cash into competitive primaries, hoping to shape the regulatory landscape for the booming technology.
OPINION: AI raises the stakes for national security — here is how to get it right – In this opinion piece, OpenAI’s Chris Lehane argues that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has dramatically raised the stakes for American national security, outlining a strategic framework to ensure the U.S. maintains its dominance without compromising safety.
OPINION: The 2028 election will be a referendum on our future in an AI-dominated world – As technology accelerates, this op-ed contends that the 2028 presidential election will serve as a critical referendum on humanity’s future, forcing voters to decide how the nation should navigate an increasingly AI-dominated world.
Children forming deep emotional connections with AI companions is raising questions among parents. (StockPlanets/Getty Images)
BATTLE FOR DOMINANCE: AI wars begin in new Super Bowl commercials – The battle for artificial intelligence dominance has moved to the advertising stage, as tech giants unleash a wave of new Super Bowl commercials designed to capture the public imagination and assert their position in the “AI wars.”
BOT TO THE FUTURE: Humanoid robots are getting smaller, safer and closer to home – Recent advancements in robotics are making humanoid machines smaller, safer, and more viable for domestic use, suggesting that a future where robots assist with daily household tasks is getting closer to reality.
MOYA’S DEBUT: ‘Warm-skinned’ AI robot with camera eyes is seriously creepy – A new development in robotics featuring “warm skin” and camera eyes has sparked a mix of fascination and unease, with many observers describing the lifelike yet artificial creation as “seriously creepy.”
Moya’s humanlike appearance is intentional, from her warm skin to subtle facial details designed to feel familiar rather than mechanical. (DroidUp)
DIGITAL DANGER: AI companions are reshaping teen emotional bonds – A growing trend of teenagers forming deep emotional connections with AI companions is raising questions among parents and psychologists about the long-term impact of synthetic relationships on social development and mental health.
Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.
FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
X
LinkedIn
SIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS
Fox News First
Fox News Opinion
Fox News Lifestyle
Fox News Health
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS
Fox News
Fox Business
Fox Weather
Fox Sports
Tubi
WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE
Fox News Go
STREAM FOX NATION
Fox Nation
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.
To close out its February 2026 State of Play presentation, Sony revealed God of War Sons of Sparta, a new prequel 2D side scroller in the God of War franchise, and announced that it’s out right now on PlayStation 5.
”God of War Sons of Sparta is a 2D action platformer with a canon story set in Kratos’ youth during his harsh training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos,” Sony says. Over the course of the game, Kratos will “learn deadly skills using his spear and shield, as well as harness powerful divine artifacts known as the Gifts of Olympus to take on a wide array of foes.”
Sony’s Santa Monica Studio collaborated on the game with Mega Cat Studios. It costs $29.99, with a Digital Deluxe version available for $39.99.
Sony also announced that it’s working on a remake of the original God of War trilogy, with TC Carson set to return as the voice of Kratos. However, the project is “still very early in development, so we ask for your patience as it will be a while before anything else can be shared,” according to Sony. “When we can come back with an update, we aim to make it a big one!”
San Diego State firmly on bubble in latest NCAA Tournament Bracketology
LSU baseball vs Milwaukee live updates, start time for Opening Day
Atlanta Area High School Boys Basketball Schedule & Scores – February 13, 2026
ICE drawdown in Minneapolis: No deals made with federal government, sheriff says
Man sentenced in 1993 cold case murder of Indianapolis woman
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Video: Pride Flag Returns to Stonewall, Defying Federal Order
DHS shutdown explained: Who works without pay, what happens to airports and disaster response
More than 5,000 ISIL detainees transferred from Syria, says Iraqi ministry
Second US aircraft carrier is being sent to the Middle East, AP source says, as Iran tensions high
Tim Walz demands federal government ‘pay for what they broke’ after Homan announces Minnesota drawdown
-
Politics1 week agoWhite House says murder rate plummeted to lowest level since 1900 under Trump administration
-
Alabama6 days agoGeneva’s Kiera Howell, 16, auditions for ‘American Idol’ season 24
-
Politics1 week agoTrump unveils new rendering of sprawling White House ballroom project
-
San Francisco, CA1 week agoExclusive | Super Bowl 2026: Guide to the hottest events, concerts and parties happening in San Francisco
-
Ohio1 week agoOhio town launching treasure hunt for $10K worth of gold, jewelry
-
Culture1 week agoAnnotating the Judge’s Decision in the Case of Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-Year-Old Detained by ICE
-
Culture1 week agoIs Emily Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Actually the Greatest Love Story of All Time?
-
News1 week agoThe Long Goodbye: A California Couple Self-Deports to Mexico