Technology
Transfer photos from your phone to a hard drive
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If you own a smartphone, this moment eventually arrives. A warning pops up saying your storage is almost full. Photos stop syncing. Apps slow down. Suddenly, you are deleting emails, clearing messages and searching for anything that will free up space.
Many people hit this problem because their photos automatically back up to services like Google Photos or iCloud. Those services include a limited amount of free storage. Once it fills up, the solution is usually the same. Pay for more space.
Janice from Alabama recently wrote to us about this exact situation.
YOUR IPHONE HAS A HIDDEN FOLDER EATING UP STORAGE SPACE WITHOUT YOU EVEN KNOWING
“My Google storage of 15 GB is almost used up, according to Google. I need to get my photos off my phone. How can I do this and keep access to them? I don’t want to delete them. I continually empty trash, delete emails, etc. I understand that this is a common problem with Google users on Android phones. Their answer is to purchase more storage space. I don’t appreciate being held hostage by Google. Any suggestions?”
Janice is far from alone. Millions of smartphone users face the same choice every year. Either pay monthly for more storage or move their photos somewhere else. The good news is that you can store your photos on a hard drive you own, keep access to them anytime and avoid ongoing subscription fees. Let’s walk through the easiest ways to do it.
Smartphone users can free up storage by transferring photos to a computer and external hard drive instead of paying for more cloud space. (Yusuf Coskun via Getty Images)
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Method 1: Transfer photos from your phone to a computer
The simplest approach is to first copy your photos to a computer. After that, you can move them to an external hard drive.
For iPhones
Apple devices use a slightly different process. Instead of opening the phone like a storage device, you import photos through the Photos app on your computer.
On a Mac
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable (Lightning or USB-C, depending on your iPhone model)
- Unlock your iPhone if it is locked
- If prompted, tap Trust This Computer on your iPhone
- Open the Photos app on your Mac
- Select your iPhone under Devices in the sidebar
- Choose the photos or videos you want to transfer
- Click Import Selected or Import All New Items
The photos will download to your Mac’s photo library.
Another option: Use iCloud Photos
If you are signed into iCloud and iCloud Photos is enabled on your iPhone, your photos may already be syncing automatically. In that case, you can simply open Photos on your Mac or visit iCloud Photos in a browser on your desktop to access and download them without connecting your phone.
HOW TO HIDE PHOTOS ON YOUR IPHONE AND ANDROID FROM SNOOPS
With a USB cable and a hard drive, users can protect thousands of photos while reclaiming valuable phone storage. (Jun via Getty Images)
For Android phones
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable
- On your phone, choose File Transfer when prompted
- Open File Explorer on Windows or Finder on Mac
- Locate your phone under connected devices
- Open the DCIM or Pictures folder
- Copy the photos you want to save
Once copied, paste the files into a folder on your computer. This step gives you a full backup before moving them to a drive.
On Windows
- Connect your iPhone with a USB cable
- Unlock your phone and tap Trust This Computer
- Open the Photos app on Windows
- Choose Import from a USB device
Windows will copy your photos directly to your computer.
Method 2: Move the photos to an external hard drive
Once your photos are on your computer, transferring them to a hard drive is quick.
- Plug your external hard drive into your computer
- Open the drive in Finder or File Explorer
- Drag your photo folder onto the drive
- Wait for the files to finish copying
Now your photos are stored safely on a device you control. External drives can hold tens of thousands of photos, depending on the size of the drive. Check out our best external drives article at Cyberguy.com.
BEST WAYS TO SAVE YOUR PHONE’S PHOTOS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE
Moving photos from an iPhone or Android device to a hard drive helps preserve memories without ongoing subscription fees. (Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Method 3: Transfer photos directly to a USB flash drive
If you prefer skipping the computer, some flash drives plug directly into smartphones. These drives typically include:
- USB-C connectors for Android phones
- Lightning connectors for older iPhones
- USB-C connectors for iPhone 15 and newer models
After connecting the drive, open the companion app that comes with it. From there, you can move photos directly from your phone to the drive. This option works well when you need to free up space quickly. Be sure to explore our best flash drive recommendations at Cyberguy.com.
Method 4: Keep your photos organized
After transferring photos to a hard drive, spend a few minutes organizing them.
Create folders by:
Hard drives are reliable, but keeping a second backup ensures your memories stay protected if one drive ever fails.
Why this approach saves money
Cloud storage can feel inexpensive at first. Over time, the monthly charges add up. An external hard drive often costs less than a year or two of cloud storage fees. After that, the storage is essentially free. Even better, your photos stay under your control rather than sitting only on a company server.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Janice asked a question many people quietly wonder about. Do we really need to keep paying companies just to store our own memories? Fortunately, the answer is no. With a simple cable and an affordable hard drive, you can free up phone storage, keep every photo you want and avoid ongoing storage fees. Once you try it, the process becomes fast and routine.
So, here is something worth thinking about. If your phone holds years of photos and videos, should those memories live only on a company’s cloud server or somewhere you fully control? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Splatoon Raiders preorders for the Switch 2 are nearly 20 percent off
Nintendo recently announced a new pricing policy, which knocks $10 off the cost of digital versions of future first-party titles exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. Splatoon Raiders, for instance, is available for preorder ahead of its July 23rd release for $49.99 digitally or $59.99 for the physical edition. However, Amazon and Walmart are the exception in how they’re pricing preorders for the cartridge version. Right now, you can reserve the upcoming title at both retailers for $49.94, which is a few cents cheaper than the digital version. Raiders isn’t a sequel to Splatoon 3, but rather a spinoff that has similar third-person, paint-splatting gameplay set in new locales.
The same $10 discount is in effect for Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a side-scrolling adventure with a gorgeous storybook art style that comes out on May 21st. The price of the physical version is $69.99, but Amazon and Walmart are currently offering it for $59.88, which is similar to the digital edition’s price. Given that prices on many tech and gaming-related products are increasing, it’s nice to see notable discounts on physical Switch 2 games. If you’re looking for other gaming deals, we’ve pulled together the best discounts from Amazon’s weeklong Gaming Week sale.
Update, May 1st: Updated price and availability to reflect the fact that Amazon is now matching Walmart’s preorder promotion on both Switch 2 titles.
Technology
ADT data breach exposes customer information
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ADT has confirmed a new data breach, and it comes with a familiar twist. A well-known cybercrime group is reportedly demanding money and threatening to leak data if it does not get paid.
The group behind it, ShinyHunters, says it stole more than 10 million records. ADT has not confirmed that number, but it says attackers accessed customer data.
According to the company, “ADT’s cybersecurity systems detected unauthorized access to a limited set of customer and prospective customer data on April 20, and the company’s response protocols activated immediately, terminating the intrusion, launching a forensic investigation with leading third-party cybersecurity experts, and notifying law enforcement.”
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GOOGLE CONFIRMS DATA STOLEN IN BREACH BY KNOWN HACKER GROUP
ADT confirmed a new data breach after hackers claimed they stole millions of records and threatened to leak the data. The company said customer payment information and security systems were not affected. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What data was exposed in the ADT breach
ADT says, “The investigation confirmed that the information involved was limited to names, phone numbers, and addresses. In a small percentage of cases, dates of birth and the last four digits of Social Security numbers or Tax IDs were included.
Here is the part that may bring some relief. ADT tells CyberGuy, “Critically, no payment information, including bank accounts or credit cards, was accessed, and customer security systems were not affected or compromised in any way.”
Still, this kind of personal data carries real value. Even without full Social Security numbers, attackers can use it to build convincing scams that feel personal.
How hackers may have accessed ADT systems
This breach may have started with a phone call. ShinyHunters told BleepingComputer it used a voice phishing attack, often called vishing, to compromise an employee’s Okta single sign-on account. The group claims that access allowed it to steal data from ADT’s Salesforce system. ADT has confirmed unauthorized access to customer and prospective customer data, but it has not publicly confirmed that specific attack method. This approach has become more common. Instead of hacking systems directly, attackers target people. One successful interaction can unlock multiple systems at once.
In a statement to CyberGuy, ADT said its response worked as intended.
“ADT’s protocols performed as designed: the breach was identified quickly, the threat was contained, and the scope was limited,” the company said. “ADT has directly notified all impacted individuals and will offer complimentary identity protection services as appropriate. Protecting customers is not just a priority; it is the foundation of what ADT does. The company remains committed to investing in and strengthening the cybersecurity infrastructure that its customers and their families depend on.”
RANSOMWARE ATTACK EXPOSES SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AT MAJOR GAS STATION CHAIN
A sign in front of a suburban home in San Ramon, Calif., indicates the house is secured by an ADT alarm system to prevent burglaries and break-ins.
Why the ADT data breach matters for you
On the surface, this breach may seem limited. No financial data. No system control. That sounds contained. The reality is more complicated.
Names, phone numbers and addresses create a powerful starting point for scams. Add even partial Social Security data, and the risk increases. Criminals can use that information to impersonate companies, reset accounts or trick victims into handing over more sensitive details.
This also raises a bigger issue. Even companies focused on security can become targets. That should change how you think about your own exposure.
ADT’s history of data breaches
This isn’t the first time ADT has dealt with a data breach. The company disclosed incidents in August and October of 2024 that exposed customer and employee information.
When breaches happen more than once, it raises questions about internal security practices and how attackers keep finding a way in.
At the same time, it highlights a broader trend. Cybercriminal groups like ShinyHunters are focusing on identity systems and employee access instead of traditional hacking methods.
Ways to stay safe after a data breach
After a breach like this, the goal is to reduce how much attackers can do with your information and make yourself a harder target going forward.
1) Watch for targeted scams
If someone claims to be from a company like ADT, pause before responding. Scammers often use real details to sound convincing. Hang up and contact the company directly using a verified number.
2) Limit your exposed personal data
Consider using a personal data removal service. These tools help remove your information from data broker sites, which reduces what scammers can find about you online. 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.
3) Add identity theft monitoring
Identity theft monitoring can alert you to suspicious activity tied to your name or Social Security number early, which gives you a chance to act before damage spreads. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at CyberGuy.com.
4) Strengthen your passwords and account security
Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords. If you reused passwords anywhere, especially on email or banking accounts, update them right away to prevent account takeovers. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com.
HEALTHCARE DATA BREACH HITS SYSTEM STORING PATIENT RECORDS
Hackers accessed a limited set of ADT customer and prospective customer data, the company said, including names, phone numbers and addresses. In some cases, partial Social Security or Tax ID information was also exposed. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
5) Turn on two-factor authentication
Adding an extra login step, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), makes it much harder for attackers to break into your accounts, even if they have your credentials.
6) Keep your devices protected
Make sure your devices run updated security software. Many modern tools can detect suspicious activity before it turns into a bigger problem.
7) Freeze your credit if sensitive data was exposed
If your Social Security number or even part of it may be involved, consider placing a credit freeze with the major bureaus. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name without your approval.
8) Review your financial and account activity
Keep an eye on bank accounts, credit cards and important logins for unusual activity. Even small, unfamiliar charges or login alerts can be an early warning sign.
9) Use strong antivirus protection
Install and maintain strong antivirus software on your devices. It can detect suspicious activity, block malware and help stop threats before they gain access to your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
10) Be cautious with account recovery attempts
Attackers often try to reset your passwords using information they already have. If you get unexpected password reset emails or codes, treat them as a warning sign, not a routine message.
11) Opt for a reliable home security system
While ADT is one of the largest home security companies in the United States, the recent breach of customer information highlights potential vulnerabilities despite the company’s assurance that home security systems were not compromised. There are many other options in the market, whether you prefer a professionally installed system or a do-it-yourself one.
For reference, you can check out my guide on the best home security systems at CyberGuy.com, where I’ve listed four of my favorite options. You might also want to find out if your home insurance offers a discount for installing robust security protection.
Kurt’s key takeaways
If your data was part of this breach, the risk does not end with the initial incident. In many cases, it is just getting started. You may begin to see more targeted scam calls or emails. Messages might include your name or reference your address to appear legitimate. That level of detail can make even cautious people hesitate. Even if you have never used ADT, this is a reminder of how often personal data circulates behind the scenes. Once it is out there, it can be reused in ways you never expected. The bigger takeaway is simple. Breaches like this are less about a single company and more about how exposed personal data has become across the board.
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Should companies like ADT be doing a better job protecting your data, especially after repeated breaches? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Aurzen’s tiny trifold projector is almost 40 percent off right now
Not all trifolds are created equal — just ask our own Allison Johnson, who recently spent time with Samsung’s ill-fated Galaxy phone. Aurzen’s Zip projector is the kind of trifold gadget we can fully get behind, though, and it’s currently on sale at Amazon for $259.99 ($140 off). You can also pick it up in several colors directly from Aurzen for the same price, or in the gold shade for a new low of $249.99.
While not nearly as powerful as Anker’s Nebula P1 and other portable projectors we’ve recently tested, the Zip is surprisingly capable despite its small stature and battery-powered operation. The snake-like 720p projector offers up to 100 lumens of brightness — meaning it will work best in dark environments, or in brighter rooms when viewing a smaller image — while its built-in battery should last about 80 minutes based on our real-world testing. That’s not exactly marathon battery life, but it’s easy enough to top off the Zip using a power bank or wall adapter.
In terms of support, the Zip can quickly connect to iPhones via AirPlay and to Android devices over Miracast, Smart View, and similar standards, allowing you to wirelessly mirror everything you can see on your phone. You can use it to watch any movies you’ve downloaded on your device, peruse your social feeds, or get in a quick session with your favorite game. It works in both landscape and portrait orientations, too, and supports Bluetooth, letting you listen privately with headphones or pair it to your favorite speaker.
The biggest downside to the Zip, at least for some folks, is that you won’t be able to use it to watch content from services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max due to copyright restrictions. Aurzen does make a USB-C dongle that allows you to stream DRM-protected content, if you truly can’t get by without watching the latest episode of Euphoria. You’ll have to pay a whopping $109 for the privilege, or find another way.
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