Lucid Motors found itself in a tough bind this week, fending off bankruptcy rumors and watching its stock price plunge as a result. The company quickly denied the report, calling it “completely false” and pointing to its available free cash flow as evidence that it has enough runway to operate into next year.
Technology
WhatsApp Web malware spreads banking trojan automatically
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A new malware campaign is turning WhatsApp Web into a weapon. Security researchers say a banking Trojan linked to Astaroth is now spreading automatically through chat messages, making the attack harder to stop once it starts.
The campaign is known as Boto Cor-de-Rosa. It shows how cybercriminals keep evolving, especially when they can abuse tools people trust every day. This attack focuses on Windows users and uses WhatsApp Web as both the delivery system and the engine that spreads the infection further.
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BROWSER EXTENSION MALWARE INFECTED 8.8M USERS IN DARKSPECTRE ATTACK
Attackers abuse WhatsApp Web to spread malware through messages that appear to come from people you trust. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How this WhatsApp Web attack works
The attack starts with a simple message. A contact sends what looks like a routine ZIP file through WhatsApp. The file name appears random and harmless, which lowers suspicion. Once opened, the ZIP contains a Visual Basic script disguised as a normal document. If the user runs it, the script quietly pulls in two more pieces of malware. Then the script downloads the Astaroth banking malware written in Delphi. It also installs a Python-based module designed to control WhatsApp Web. Both components run in the background without obvious warning signs. From there, the infection becomes self-sustaining.
Malware that spreads itself through your contacts
What makes this campaign especially dangerous is how it propagates. The Python module scans the victim’s WhatsApp contacts and sends the malicious ZIP file to every conversation automatically. Researchers at Acronis found that the malware adapts its messages based on the time of day. It sends friendly greetings, making the message feel normal and familiar. The text reads, “Here is the requested file. If you have any questions, I’m available!” Because the message appears to come from someone you know, many people open it without hesitation.
NEW MALWARE CAN READ YOUR CHATS AND STEAL YOUR MONEY
A single ZIP file sent through chat can quietly install banking malware and begin spreading to every contact. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Built-in tracking keeps the attack efficient
This malware is carefully designed to monitor its own performance in real time. The propagation tool tracks how many messages are successfully delivered, how many fail to send, and the overall sending speed measured per minute. After every 50 messages, it generates progress updates that show how many contacts have been reached. This feedback allows attackers to measure success quickly and make adjustments if something stops working.
What happens after infection
The initial script is heavily obfuscated to avoid detection by antivirus tools. Once it runs, it launches PowerShell commands that download more malware from compromised websites. One known domain used in this campaign is coffe-estilo.com. The malware installs itself inside a folder that mimics a Microsoft Edge cache directory. Inside are executable files and libraries that make up the full Astaroth banking payload. From there, the malware can steal credentials, monitor activity and potentially access financial accounts.
Why WhatsApp Web is being abused
WhatsApp Web is popular because it mirrors your phone conversations on a computer. That convenience makes it easy to send messages, share files and type faster, but it also introduces risk. When you use WhatsApp Web, you link your phone to a browser by scanning a QR code at web.whatsapp.com. Once connected, that browser session becomes a trusted extension of your account. Your chats appear on the screen, messages you send come from your real number and incoming messages sync across both devices.
That setup is exactly what attackers take advantage of. If malware gains access to a computer with WhatsApp Web logged in, it can act as the user. It can read messages, access contact lists and send files or links that look completely legitimate. The messages do not raise alarms because they are coming from a real account, not a fake one.
This is what turns WhatsApp Web into an effective delivery system for malware. Instead of breaking into WhatsApp itself, attackers simply abuse an open browser session to spread malicious files automatically. Many users do not realize the danger because WhatsApp Web feels harmless. It is often left signed in on work computers, shared devices or systems without strong security. In those situations, malware does not need advanced tricks. It only needs access to an already trusted session. That combination of convenience and trust is why WhatsApp Web has become such an attractive target.
MALICIOUS MAC EXTENSIONS STEAL CRYPTO WALLETS AND PASSWORDS
Once WhatsApp Web is compromised, malware can act like the user, sending messages and files that look completely legitimate. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to stay safe from WhatsApp Web malware
Attacks like this WhatsApp Web malware are designed to spread fast through trusted conversations. A few smart habits can dramatically lower your risk.
1) Be skeptical of unexpected attachments
Messaging apps feel casual, which is exactly why attackers use them. Never open ZIP files sent through chat unless you confirm with the sender first. Watch for file names made of random numbers or unfamiliar names. Treat messages that create urgency or feel overly familiar as a warning sign. If a file arrives out of nowhere, pause before clicking.
2) Lock down WhatsApp Web access
This campaign abuses WhatsApp Web to spread automatically once a device is infected. Check active WhatsApp Web sessions and log out of any you do not recognize. Avoid leaving WhatsApp Web signed in on shared or public computers. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) inside WhatsApp settings. Cutting off Web access helps limit how far malware can travel.
3) Keep your Windows PC locked down and use strong antivirus software
This type of malware takes advantage of systems that fall behind on updates. Install Windows updates as soon as they are available. Also, keep your web browser fully updated. Staying current closes many of the doors attackers try to slip through. In addition, use strong antivirus software that watches for script abuse and PowerShell activity in real time.
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 & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
4) Limit how much of your personal data is online
Banking malware often pairs with identity theft and financial fraud. One way to reduce the fallout is by shrinking your digital footprint. A data removal service can help remove your personal information from data broker sites that attackers often search. With less information available, criminals have fewer details to exploit if malware reaches your device.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
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.
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com
5) Add identity theft protection for extra coverage
Even with strong security habits, financial monitoring adds another layer of protection. An identity theft protection service can watch for suspicious activity tied to your credit and personal data. 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.
You should also turn on alerts for bank and credit card transactions so you are notified quickly if something looks wrong. The less exposed your data is, the fewer opportunities attackers have to cause damage.
See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.
6) Slow down and trust your instincts
Most malware infections happen because people act too quickly. If a message feels off, trust that instinct. Familiar names and friendly language can lower your guard, but they should never replace caution. Take a moment to verify the message or file before opening anything. Attackers rely on trust and urgency to succeed. Slowing down takes away their advantage.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This WhatsApp Web malware campaign is a reminder that cyberattacks no longer rely on obvious red flags. Instead, they blend into everyday conversations and use familiar tools to spread quietly and quickly. What makes this threat especially concerning is how little effort it takes for it to move from one device to dozens of others. A single click can turn a trusted chat into a delivery system for banking malware and identity theft. The good news is that small changes make a big difference. Paying attention to attachments, locking down WhatsApp Web access, keeping devices updated and slowing down before clicking can stop these attacks cold. As messaging platforms continue to play a bigger role in daily life, staying alert is no longer optional. Awareness and simple habits remain some of the strongest defenses you have.
Do you think messaging apps are doing enough to protect users from malware that spreads through trusted conversations? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Lucid’s bankruptcy rumor is a bad sign for the EV future
But despite the swift response, the damage was widespread. The panic immediately bled into competing automakers, pulling down shares of Rivian and Polestar as investors speculated about the long-term survival of EV-only companies in the face of slowing consumer demand and whiplash policy shifts. And it cast a harsh light on the precarity of all three companies and the future of electric vehicles.
The trouble started on Tuesday, when EV trade publication EV reported that restructuring firm AlixPartners had advised Lucid’s board to consider Chapter 11 bankruptcy or a take-private deal. The report also said AlixPartners had encouraged the board to further restructure in the US and Europe and to focus on the Gravity SUV. But while the rest of the media has since reported on Lucid’s denial, no other publication has confirmed EV’s scoop. (For what its worth, EV’s URL is “eletric-vehicle.com,” enshrining the incorrect spelling in its address.)
Lucid confirmed that it had hired AlixPartners, but denied that the firm had made any such recommendations to its board. Instead, AlixPartners would provide advice on “improving execution, strengthening operations and positioning Lucid to realize the full potential of its technology, products and innovation,” Lucid chief communications officer Nick Twork said.
Lucid went a step further, filing a cease and desist order against EV
Lucid went a step further, filing a cease and desist order against EV, claiming that the site’s report directly led to the stock crash. “In short, your actions caused serious injury to a number of investors,” Lucid’s chief legal officer and general counsel, Brian Tomkiel, said in the letter. “And they injured, and continue to injure, Lucid directly.”
Still, the timing was terrible. Lucid is genuinely not in good shape, having lost over $1 billion in the first quarter of the year. The company has also gone through two rounds of layoffs in 2026, having cut 12 percent of staff in February and then 18 percent in June. The company also reduced production at its factory in Arizona in a bid to counteract its high inventory and save money. And there’s been leadership turmoil, with COO Marc Winterhoff departing the company and his position being eliminated entirely in an effort to flatten the structure.
The report sent the stock into freefall, plummeting as much as 50 percent in one of the worst single-day drops in Lucid’s history. And with Polestar and Rivian also catching strays, it’s generally been a glum time for companies not named Tesla trying make a go of exclusively building electric vehicles. Wall Street is panicking because the rumors are aligning with the bad news coming out of these companies’ earnings reports. EV sales are stabilizing, but recovery is still a distant promise. The all-electric future seems further away than ever.
Whether or not Lucid is actually weighing Chapter 11, it’s a sure sign of more turbulent waters ahead. Polestar getting strong-armed out of the US over its Chinese ties has left a lot of EV owners and dealers scratching their heads. Rivian is in an increasingly precarious position thanks to its huge, expensive bet on becoming a mass-market car company with the production of the R2.
All of these companies are increasingly reliant on big stakeholders — Lucid with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Polestar with Geely, and Rivian with Volkswagen — for their future survival. If any of these big backers get cold feet, the future could get really dark really fast.
Technology
Insurance breach exposes 7M driver’s licenses
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AssuranceAmerica, an auto insurance provider that works through a network of independent agents, has disclosed a data breach affecting nearly 7 million people. The exposed information includes driver’s license numbers and other personal details tied to auto insurance customers.
The company said it detected suspicious activity on March 17, 2026, after malicious activity targeted one of its employees one day earlier. Investigators later found that an unauthorized third party accessed parts of AssuranceAmerica’s IT environment and copied certain data files.
According to an Indiana Attorney General breach listing, the incident affected 6,998,886 people. A California Attorney General notice also says AssuranceAmerica began notifying affected individuals after completing its file review on June 15, 2026.
AssuranceAmerica sells auto, renters and commercial auto insurance through independent agents. So even if the company name does not sound familiar, your information could still be involved if your policy, quote, claim or driver details passed through its systems.
ADT DATA BREACH EXPOSES CUSTOMER INFORMATION
AssuranceAmerica says a March cyberattack exposed personal information tied to nearly 7 million people, including driver’s license numbers and insurance data. (Felix Zahn/Photothek via Getty Images)
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What happened in the AssuranceAmerica data breach
AssuranceAmerica said the breach started with malicious activity that targeted one employee. The company did not explain exactly how the employee was targeted. However, it said it later disabled compromised credentials and unauthorized sessions.
That detail should get your attention. Many breaches start with one stolen login, one convincing message or one infected device. Once attackers get inside, they can move quickly and look for files worth stealing.
In this case, AssuranceAmerica said an unauthorized third party copied certain data files from its IT environment. The company then reviewed those files to identify affected individuals.
What information was exposed in the AssuranceAmerica breach
AssuranceAmerica said the stolen files contained names plus one or more other types of personal information. That information may include contact details, auto insurance policy or account information, driver or vehicle information, claims-related information and driver’s license numbers. The California notice also says some files may have included Tax ID information and/or Social Security numbers.
That mix can create real risk. A scammer with your name, license number and insurance details may sound much more convincing. They could pretend to be from your insurer, a repair shop, a claims department or a state agency. This follows other identity-document breaches, including the Texas data breach that hit 3 million license customers. Once driver’s license numbers leak, the risk can last much longer than a stolen credit card number.
How AssuranceAmerica responded to the breach
AssuranceAmerica said it took affected server devices offline and hired external forensic specialists to investigate. The company also said it reset passwords, deployed enhanced monitoring and threat detection tools and gave employees more cybersecurity instruction. It also notified law enforcement.
AssuranceAmerica is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring for affected individuals. That can help spot some suspicious activity. However, you still need to watch your insurance account, financial accounts and mail.
Why the AssuranceAmerica breach puts drivers at risk
A driver’s license number can help an imposter build a more believable scam. Insurance information can make that scam feel personal.
For example, a caller may mention your policy, your vehicle or a claim. Then they may ask you to “verify” more information. That is where the damage can grow.
Also, stolen breach data can be matched with public records and data broker profiles. That can give criminals a fuller picture of your life. We have seen the same pattern in scams tied to travel accounts, phone accounts and other breaches, including the Booking.com breach that exposed traveler data to scams.
BEFORE YOU CONNECT ANOTHER SMART TV, TABLET OR PHONE, LOCK IT DOWN
State officials say the breach involved Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program and rehabilitation services records spanning multiple years. (Photo by Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Ways to stay safe after the AssuranceAmerica data breach
If you receive a notice or think your information may be involved, take these steps now to make the stolen data harder to use.
1) Read the breach notice closely
If you receive a notice from AssuranceAmerica, read it carefully. Check what information the company says may have been exposed in your case. Do not assume every affected person had the same data stolen. Some people may have had driver’s license numbers exposed. Others may also have had Tax ID information or Social Security numbers involved.
2) Use the credit monitoring offer safely
AssuranceAmerica says it is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring. Use the instructions in the official notice. Be careful with emails or texts that claim to offer enrollment links. Scammers often copy real breach language to trick you.
3) Freeze your credit
A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. You need to place a freeze separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free, and you can lift it when you need to apply for credit.
4) Add a fraud alert
A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps before opening credit in your name. You can place a fraud alert with one credit bureau, and that bureau should notify the others. This adds another layer of protection if your personal information was exposed.
5) Watch your insurance account
Log in to your insurance account and check for changes you do not recognize. Look for unfamiliar claims, new contact details or strange policy updates. If something looks wrong, call the company using a number from your policy documents.
6) Protect your devices from malware
Credential theft often starts with malware, a bad link or a fake download. Strong antivirus software can help block malicious files and phishing links before they cause damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
CARNIVAL BREACH MAY PUT YOUR TRAVEL DATA AT RISK
Strong passwords protect your accounts, but they do not stop data brokers from collecting public records and selling personal information to people-search sites. (Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
7) Clean up your online personal data
Breached data becomes more useful when scammers can match it with your address, relatives, phone number or public records. A data removal service can help reduce what data brokers display about you. That will not undo a breach, but it can make you a harder target. 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.
8) Be suspicious of insurance-related calls
If someone calls about your policy, claim or payment, slow down. Do not share verification codes. Do not confirm sensitive details during an unexpected call. Instead, hang up and call the company back through an official number.
9) Check your DMV options
If your driver’s license number was exposed, review your state DMV’s fraud guidance. Some states may offer replacement options or identity theft guidance. The rules vary, so check directly with your state agency.
10) Use a password manager
Create strong, unique passwords for your insurance account, email and financial apps. A password manager can also help you spot fake login pages. If it will not autofill, you may be on a scam site. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com.
11) Turn on two-factor authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your insurance account, email and financial accounts when available. Use an authenticator app when you can. Text codes are better than nothing, but scammers often target them.
Kurt’s key takeaways
The AssuranceAmerica data breach is a reminder that your driver’s license number has become a high-value target. You may not be able to control how every company stores your information. However, you can make stolen data harder to use. Start with your credit. Then check your insurance account and watch for imposters who know just enough to sound convincing. Also, clean up the personal data already floating around online. The bigger issue is trust. Companies ask for sensitive information because they need it to do business. When that information leaks, you are the one left checking statements, freezing credit and worrying about what comes next.
What should a company owe you when it loses the ID number you use to prove who you are? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Google and Epic give up fighting — third-party Android app stores are coming next week
Epic Games and Google have just jointly withdrawn their attempt to retroactively settle the lawsuit that’s changing how Android app stores work in the United States — and that means Google will be forced to carry rival app stores inside of its own. In fact, Google tells the court, it’s ready to begin carrying third-party app stores on Wednesday, July 22nd. Does that mean it’s time for Microsoft to launch an Xbox game store on Android?
But Judge James Donato was skeptical he should abandon his original permanent injunction in favor of Google’s proposed “Registered App Stores” that users would have to sideload — instead of simply downloading third-party stores directly through Google Play. On Thursday, July 16th, both parties were set to appear in court to argue it again, but that may no longer be necessary.
Here’s is Google’s full statement on withdrawing its proposed modifications to Judge Donato’s permanent injunction, via Google spokesperson Dan Jackson:
We’ve agreed with Epic to withdraw our motion to modify the US Court’s injunction rather than prolonging this process which creates uncertainty for the ecosystem. This allows us to focus on executing our recently announced global business model evolution to deliver greater app store choice, lower prices, and more opportunities for developers and users. We remain committed to maintaining Android’s industry-leading security and fostering a competitive ecosystem where every app store and developer has the freedom to compete. In parallel, we continue to comply with the US Court’s injunction.”
Google had previously announced that it would launch its sideloaded Registered App Store program in the rest of the world, beginning with the new version of Android later this year. That means there may be two different tracks for Android: stores-within-a-store in the United States, and Registered App Stores everywhere else.
It’s not yet clear if there will be a parallel “program” for third-party app stores inside of the Google Play Store, or if companies will simply submit them the way they’d submit any other app. Technically, the court’s permanent injunction states that Google “may not prohibit the distribution of third-party Android app distribution platforms or stores through the Google Play Store,” not that it has to proactively invite them in.
For access to the Google Play catalog of apps, Google will charge stores an annual fee of $5,000 for “security and policy reviews,” and it has many additional requirements, including: stores can’t distribute apps outside of the US, have to be open to all eligible third-party developers, have “clear, non-discriminatory” trust and safety policies, and no more than 1 percent of “install attempts” can be malware.
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