Technology

Ticketmaster data breach exposes 560 million customers' data, IT group says

Published

2 years ago

May 31, 2024

Press Room

Ticketmaster data breach exposes 560 million customers' data, IT group says

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Ticketmaster is a household name for buying tickets to concerts and live performances. But lately, it’s been making headlines, and not for good reasons.

First, it was the Taylor Swift controversy last year, when their systems were overwhelmed by millions of fans trying to purchase tickets, leading to website crashes, long wait times and widespread frustration among fans, and then a recent DOJ lawsuit against its owner, Live Nation.

Now, the company is in the news again for a massive data leak, which has impacted half a billion of its consumers. Here’s what you need to know about the Ticketmaster breach and how to keep yourself safe from other major corporate breaches in the future.

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

What happened in the Ticketmaster breach?

Recently, the U.S. Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster, aiming to dismantle the monopoly its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, allegedly holds over the live music industry. But, this was just the start. Amid this legal turmoil, an Australian Home Affairs Department was allegedly the first to detect a new cyber incident.

A cyber breach hacker group known as ShinyHunters has claimed responsibility for stealing information including full names, addresses, phone numbers and even payment data of over 500 million customers. Not only this, but they are also reportedly selling this 1.3-terabyte cache of data on a popular hacking forum. This group was also responsible for a breach against Mashable back in 2020.

Hacker typing on a keyboard. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

OVER HALF A MILLION ROKU ACCOUNTS COMPROMISED IN SECOND CYBER SECURITY BREACH

What is Ticketmaster doing about it?

As of now, Ticketmaster has not provided specific details on how it is addressing this particular breach. This may not be a huge surprise to past Ticketmaster customers, though, who may feel as though the company isn’t the most transparent.

I also contacted the director of media relations at Live Nation for a response, but as of publishing this story, I have not heard back.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Not only did they not issue a statement at the time of publishing, as we requested, but even ShinyHunters attempted to reach out to them following their admission of the cyber attack, with no response.

While it may be a bit too early to tell, historically, in response to cybersecurity incidents, companies typically:

Investigate the breach: Conduct a thorough investigation to understand how the breach occurred and what data was affected.
Enhance security measures: Implement stronger security protocols to prevent future breaches.
Notify affected customers: Inform customers whose data was compromised and provide guidance on steps they can take to protect themselves.
Collaborate with authorities: Work with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to track down the perpetrators and prevent further incidents.
Offer support services: Provide resources such as credit monitoring services to help affected customers safeguard their personal information.

Ticketmaster’s specific response and any additional measures it may take will likely be communicated through its official channels in the coming days.

Ticketmaster website. (Ticketmaster)

HOW TO GET RID OF ROBOCALLS WITH APPS AND DATA REMOVAL SERVICES

How to know if I was impacted by the breach

With half a billion people impacted by this breach — and, without Ticketmaster doing much about it yet — you might be wondering whether or not your information was in there. Though it may be hard to know for sure if you were impacted, here are some ways to check, which doesn’t hurt to do regardless, as there are breaches that happen everyday:

1. Check for notifications: Keep an eye out for any official communication from Ticketmaster, which should inform you if your data was compromised.

2. Monitor your accounts: Look for unusual activity in your bank and credit card accounts. Pay close attention to any unfamiliar transactions.

3. Review emails: Watch for emails regarding password changes, account updates or login attempts that you did not initiate.

How to protect yourself from similar data breaches in the future

To safeguard yourself from similar data breaches, consider the following cybersecurity practices:

Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex and unique passwords for each of your accounts. A password manager can help you keep track of them. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Enable 2FA: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA whenever possible.

Monitor your accounts regularly: Check your bank statements, credit reports and online accounts frequently for any signs of suspicious activity.

Be cautious with your personal information: Share your personal information only with trusted sources and be mindful of what you share online.

Invest in removal services: 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 removal services here.

Freeze your credit: Consider placing a freeze on your credit reports to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your consent if you learn you are a victim of identity theft.

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission: If you suspect identity theft or fraud, file a report with the FTC.

Use an identity theft protection service: Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), 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.

Update your software: Keep your software, including antivirus and anti-malware programs, up-to-date to protect against the latest security threats.

Stay vigilant against phishing attempts: Be cautious of unsolicited communications asking for your personal information or directing you to a web page asking for personal data. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

MASSIVE DELL DATA BREACH HITS 49 MILLION USERS — WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR PRIVACY AND SECURITY

Kurt’s key takeaways

Ticketmaster is not the first major company to have a data breach this year, and it’s likely not the last. But, due to the fact that Ticketmaster has disappointed many of its customers already, this might be the last straw for millions of them. Many people are already turning to other ticket sites like Eventify, Eventbrite and StubHub instead. This is a good start, but when it comes to your data, no company is 100% safe. This is why it’s critical that you take security precautions into your own hands as much as possible.

Do you buy tickets from Ticketmaster? Will you reconsider buying from it now following this breach? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Technology

Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio turns your phone into a mobile music studio

Published

5 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Press Room

Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio turns your phone into a mobile music studio

Roland now offers a more capable audio mixer for phones and tablets with the launch of the Go:Mixer Studio. The Go:Mixer audio interface lineup has always been a bit limited, better suited for scrappy live streams and capturing quick demos on their phones than professional recording. The Go:Mixer Studio is an attempt to actually reach that lofty goal, with more inputs and outputs, built-in effects, and up to 24-bit / 192kHz audio. There’s even an iOS app that allows you to capture video and multitrack audio simultaneously.

Streaming and social video are still the major use cases here. The Go:Mixer Studio can even be mounted on a mic stand so you can keep it in easy reach during a live session. The screen and knobs allow you to control all the parameters on the Go:Mixer Studio directly, but there’s also a desktop app for Windows and MacOS that gives you complete control of the mixer remotely.

There’s plenty of connectivity, including two XLR inputs on the back with phantom power, a 1/4-inch instrument input for directly connecting a guitar or bass, stereo 1/4-inch line-in jacks, and an aux input. There’s also 1/8-inch TRS MIDI in and out, two headphone jacks, and stereo line outs for connecting to studio monitors. Each audio input has a dedicated EQ and compressor on the channel. The XLR and instrument ins also have reverb available.

The Go:Mixer Studio is available now for $299.

Technology

Alexa.com brings Alexa+ to your browser

Published

5 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Press Room

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

For years, Alexa mostly stayed in one place. It lived on kitchen counters, nightstands or living room shelves. That setup worked for music and timers, but it also limited when and how people could actually use the assistant. Now that is changing.

Amazon has rolled out Alexa.com, which brings Alexa+ directly to your web browser for Early Access users. Instead of relying on a speaker or phone, you can now open a laptop and start using Alexa like any other web-based AI tool.

This shift is less about new tricks and more about access. Alexa can now follow you throughout your day instead of waiting for you at home.

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CHATGPT HEALTH PROMISES PRIVACY FOR HEALTH CONVERSATIONS

Amazon’s Alexa is no longer tied to a smart speaker, with Alexa.com bringing the assistant and Alexa+ directly to the web browser for Early Access users. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

What Alexa.com actually is

Alexa.com is the browser-based version of Alexa+. You can type questions, explore topics, plan trips, organize tasks, or create content without touching a smart speaker. The biggest difference is continuity. Alexa keeps context across devices, so conversations carry over whether you are on your laptop, phone, Echo, or Fire TV. You do not have to repeat yourself every time you switch screens. That makes Alexa feel less like a command tool and more like an assistant that remembers what you are working on.

Who can use Alexa.com right now

Alexa.com is not open to everyone yet. To use it, you need:

Alexa+ Early Access
An Amazon account linked to a compatible Echo, Fire TV, or Fire tablet
A US-based Amazon account
Device language set to English, United States

Child profiles are not supported on the browser version. Older Echo devices will continue using the original Alexa.

What Alexa.com cannot do yet

Because Alexa.com is still in Early Access, it has limits that matter for everyday users. Right now:

You can only type to Alexa in your browser
Voice interaction is not supported on the web
Music playback is not available
Smart home controls are limited compared to Echo devices

Amazon says features will roll out gradually. Alexa.com is meant to complement your devices, not fully replace them yet.

Meal planning without juggling tabs

One area where Alexa.com feels genuinely useful is meal planning. You can ask Alexa for a full week of meals and set preferences like high protein, low sugar, or kid-friendly lunches. Alexa generates a plan and turns it into a shopping list. From there, items can be added directly to Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods. Instead of bouncing between recipes, notes and carts, everything happens in one place.

Organizing everyday life in one place

Alexa.com also works as a lightweight life organizer. You can upload documents, emails and images so Alexa can pull out key details. That includes appointments, reminders and schedules you would otherwise forget. Instead of searching your inbox, you can ask Alexa when the dog last went to the vet or what time practice starts tonight. The information stays available across devices.

Smart home access, with limits

Alexa.com keeps your smart home controls visible next to your chat window. While full smart home control is still limited in the browser, Alexa.com lets you check status, review activity and continue actions on your Echo or Fire TV devices. It is most useful as a bridge. You can start something in the browser and finish it at home without starting over.

Recipes that follow you into the kitchen

Alexa.com also simplifies cooking. If you find a recipe online, you can paste the link into Alexa and ask it to adjust for dietary needs. Alexa can save it, convert it into ingredients and add everything to your shopping list. When it is time to cook, Alexa can pull the recipe up on your Echo Show, guide you step by step and manage timers so your hands stay free.

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Alexa.com lets users type questions, plan trips, organize tasks and create content without relying on an Echo or smartphone. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Finding something to watch faster

Decision fatigue hits hard at night. On Alexa.com, you can explore movie themes, get recommendations and save picks for later. When you sit down, Alexa remembers your choices and sends them to your Fire TV. That cuts down on scrolling and family debates.

What about privacy

Using Alexa on the web raises natural privacy questions. Amazon says Alexa+ includes built-in protections and user controls. Still, it is worth taking a minute to review your settings, especially if you plan to upload documents or personal information. A few smart habits can help:

Check your Alexa privacy settings and review stored activity
Avoid uploading sensitive documents like IDs or medical records
Use strong antivirus software to protect your device. 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 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

As with any AI assistant, convenience comes with trade-offs. Staying aware helps you stay in control.

How much Alexa+ will cost

Alexa+ is free during Early Access. When Early Access ends, you will not be automatically charged. After that:

Alexa+ stays free with a Prime membership
Non-Prime users can subscribe for $19.99 per month

This makes Alexa.com more appealing for Prime members and a tougher sell for everyone else.

What this means to you

For most people, Alexa.com is about convenience. If you already use Alexa at home, the web version makes it easier to use during the day. You can plan, organize or look things up from your computer and then pick up later on your phone or Echo. It also puts Alexa in the same category as other browser-based AI tools, but with deeper ties to shopping, smart home features and entertainment. Whether you stick with it will likely come down to how often you want Alexa to help you during your day.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.

YOU CAN FINALLY CHANGE YOUR GMAIL ADDRESS WITHOUT LOSING DATA

Amazon says Alexa.com allows conversations to carry over across devices, giving users continuity between laptops, phones and smart home screens. (Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Alexa.com does not reinvent Alexa. It simply makes it easier to use where people already spend time. By bringing Alexa+ to the browser, Amazon is betting that continuity matters more than novelty. For some users, that will be enough to make Alexa feel relevant again.

If Alexa followed you from your laptop to your living room, would you actually rely on it more, or would it still feel optional? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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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

A second US Sphere could come to Maryland

Published

17 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Press Room

A second US Sphere could come to Maryland

The second US sphere would be built in an area known as National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Located along the Potomac River, National Harbor currently features a convention center, multiple hotels, restaurants, and shops. While Abu Dhabi plans to build a sphere as large as the one in Las Vegas, the National Harbor venue would be one of the first mini-Sphere venues announced last March.

Its capacity would be limited to 6,000 seats instead of over 17,000. But the smaller Sphere would still be hard to miss with an exterior LED exosphere for showcasing the “artistic and branded content” that helped make the original sphere a unique part of the Las Vegas skyline.

The inside of the mini-Sphere will feature a high-resolution 16,000 by 16,000 pixel wrap-around screen, the company’s immersive sound technology, haptic seating, and “4D environmental effects.” For the AI-enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz currently playing in Las Vegas, audiences experience effects like wind, fog, smells, and apples falling from the ceiling.

The mini-Sphere will potentially also be cheaper to build than the $2.3 billion original, but its construction is contingent on the “receipt of certain governmental incentives and approvals from Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland.” Sphere Entertainment says the project “would utilize a combination of public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives,” but would potentially generate millions of dollars in revenue for the country and state while supporting over 4,700 jobs once it opens.