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1 doordash data breach exposes user info

DoorDash breach exposes contact info for customers and workers

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DoorDash confirmed a data breach that exposed personal details for a mix of customers, delivery workers and merchants. The stolen information included names, email addresses, phone numbers and physical addresses. The company said it has no evidence of fraud tied to the breach so far, but the event still raises concerns for anyone who uses the service.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter. DoorDash says an employee fell for a social engineering scam that let an unauthorized party access basic contact information. (DoorDash)How the DoorDash breach happenedThe company traced the incident back to a social engineering attack. An employee fell for a lure that gave hackers access to DoorDash systems. Once the company spotted the breach, it shut down access, launched an investigation and notified law enforcement. DoorDash also directly notified users where required. The company confirmed the incident exposed names, email addresses, phone numbers and physical addresses for some people in its system. (DoorDash)Who was affected by the DoorDash breachDoorDash said the breach impacted a mix of users across its platform. That includes customers, delivery workers and merchants. CyberGuy reached out to DoorDash and a representative provided the following statement to us:”DoorDash recently identified and shut down a cybersecurity incident in which an unauthorized third party gained access to and took basic contact information for some users whose data is maintained by DoorDash. No sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or other government-issued identification numbers, driver’s license information, or bank or payment card information, was accessed. The information accessed varied by individual and was limited to names, phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses. We have deployed enhanced security measures, implemented additional employee training, and engaged an external cybersecurity firm to support our ongoing investigation. For more information, please visit our Help Center.”LOOKING FOR A CHEAP CHEESEBURGER? 10 AMERICAN CITIES THAT DELIVER THE BEST MEAL DEALSIf you received an alert from the company, take steps to protect your information. If you use the app but did not get a notice, you should still follow the safety tips below because exposed contact information can lead to scams long after a breach. DoorDash says no sensitive information was accessed and investigators found no signs of fraud or identity theft tied to the breach. (DoorDash)How to protect yourself after the DoorDash breachEven though payment data stayed protected, exposed contact details can still open the door to scams. You can lower your risk with a few smart steps that keep your information safer online.1) Watch for phishing attemptsScammers move fast after a breach. They often send fake alerts that look like real DoorDash messages. These emails or texts may claim you need to verify your account or update your payment details. Delete any message that asks for personal information or urges you to click a link. When in doubt, go straight to the official app instead of trusting a message.2) Use a data removal serviceData brokers collect and resell personal details that scammers often exploit. A data removal service works to pull your information off those sites. This limits your exposure and makes it harder for criminals to target you. It is one of the easiest long-term steps you can take to protect your privacy.IS YOUR PHONE HACKED? HOW TO TELL AND WHAT TO DOWhile 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.3) Use strong passwords and a password managerStronger passwords give you better protection. Create unique passwords for every account so one breach cannot unlock your digital life. A password manager makes this easier by generating secure passwords and storing them safely. It also autofills them, so you spend less time typing.Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com) pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.4) Turn on multi-factor authenticationMulti-factor authentication (MFA) adds a simple barrier that blocks most break-in attempts. When you turn it on, you confirm each login with a code or app prompt. This keeps your account safe even if someone learns your password. Most major apps let you enable this setting in the Security section.5) Use strong antivirus protectionStrong antivirus software shields you from malicious links and downloads. It scans files in real time and warns you when something looks dangerous. This gives you an extra layer of defense against phishing attempts that try to install malware.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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com6) Review your account activityIt helps to check your DoorDash account for anything unusual. Look at your order history, saved addresses and payment methods. If something looks off, update your password and contact DoorDash support right away. Quick action can stop a small issue from turning into a bigger problem. Kurt’s key takeawaysA breach like this reminds us how quickly cybercriminals can exploit a single mistake. DoorDash moved fast to cut off access and confirm the damage, but exposed contact information can still create risks. Staying alert and using basic security habits can help you avoid trouble.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat concerns you most about companies holding your personal information, and how would you like them to handle incidents like this? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.comSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

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How to stop Google AI from scanning your Gmail

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Google shared a new update on November 5, confirming that Gemini Deep Research can now use context from your Gmail, Drive and Chat. This allows the AI to pull information from your messages, attachments and stored files to support your research.Some people view this as a convenience. They like the idea of faster answers and easier searches. If you feel that way, too, that is completely fine.However, many people do not want AI scanning private messages or personal documents. If that sounds like you, there is good news. You can turn these features off with a few quick taps in Gmail.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.GOOGLE ISSUES WARNING ON FAKE VPN APPS Google’s new update allows Gemini to scan Gmail. These steps help you take control of your privacy. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Why this update mattersThis feature gives Google permission to scan every email in your Gmail account. That includes personal notes, financial documents, tax files and any sensitive information in your inbox. AI looks for patterns to improve responses, but Google says Gmail content is not used to train the Gemini model and that no user settings were changed automatically.  Google also says that Gmail, Docs and Sheets are not used for AI training unless you directly give Gemini that content yourself.While Google says the feature improves your experience, some users prefer more control. You may want privacy first and convenience second. If so, you can opt out today.GOOGLE CHROME AUTOFILL NOW HANDLES IDSHow to stop AI from scanning your GmailYou can turn this off directly in Gmail settings. Follow these steps:Open Gmail Open Gmail to start the process of turning off AI features. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Tap the gear icon in the top right Tap the gear icon to access your main Gmail settings. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Select See all settings Select See all settings to reach the full menu. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Scroll until you find Smart FeaturesTurn off Smart features by clicking it off. Scroll until you find Smart features and personalization.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)It will ask you to click “Turn off and reload.”  Turn off Smart features to reduce scanning across your inbox. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Now, scroll to Google Workspace smart features and click “Manage Workspace smart feature settings.” Go to Google Workspace smart features for the next control. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Turn off both checkboxes and then click Save.  Turn off both checkboxes to stop extra data scanning. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)A pop-up will appear in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen that says “Your preferences have been saved.”  Watch for the confirmation pop up that tells you the changes are active. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Once you switch these off, Gmail stops scanning your messages for smart features or AI enhancements. This returns control to you.What happens when you turn it offAfter you disable these settings, features like smart email suggestions may stop working. That includes predictive text, automatic bill reminders and quick booking prompts. You can always turn them back on if you change your mind.Turning these off does not break Gmail. Your inbox works the same. You simply gain more privacy while you use it.Want a more private inbox?If you’d rather keep your email fully separate from AI features, you may want to consider a privacy-focused email service. They don’t scan your messages or use your inbox to train any systems. Everything stays private and encrypted.For people who want more control over their digital privacy, these private and secure email providers offer a straightforward way to keep email activity protected. They give you peace of mind knowing your messages aren’t being analyzed in the background.For recommendations on private and secure email providers, visit Cyberguy.com.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.Kurt’s key takeawaysGoogle’s newest update blends convenience with automation. It can simplify research by tapping into your Gmail, Drive and Chat. Still, many people want a clear boundary between AI tools and personal messages. With a few quick steps, you can keep your inbox private without losing access to core Gmail features. Just keep in mind: Google says Gmail content isn’t used to train Gemini unless you explicitly give that content to the AI.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think AI tools should have access to your messages by default or should companies ask before scanning anything? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 

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The Overview Effect: Astronaut Perspectives from 25 Years in Low Earth Orbit

To see Earth from space is to be forever changed by the view. Since Alan Shepard became the first American to lay eyes on our home planet from above, countless NASA astronauts have described feeling awed by the astonishing sight and a profound shift in perspective that followed.This unique experience is known as the overview effect – a term coined in 1987 by space philosopher and author Frank White in a book of the same name. The phenomenon creates powerful changes in the way astronauts think about Earth and life and can be particularly strong for those who lived and worked aboard the International Space Station during its 25 years of continuous human presence. The orbiting laboratory’s cupola module, equipped with seven windows looking down on Earth, provides the perfect place for observation and reflection.

As Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch explained:

“The overview effect is when you’re looking through the cupola and you see the Earth as it exists with the whole universe in the background. You see the thin blue line of the atmosphere, and then when you’re on the dark side of the Earth, you actually see this very thin green line that shows you where the atmosphere is. What you realize is every single person that you know is sustained and inside of that green line and everything else outside of it is completely inhospitable. You don’t see borders, you don’t see religious lines, you don’t see political boundaries. All you see is Earth and you see that we are way more alike than we are different.”

Koch’s Artemis II crewmate, NASA astronaut Victor Glover, said the overview effect’s potency is closely tied to the “sea level effect” – humanity’s shared experience on Earth. “You come back to sea level, and then you have a choice,” he explained. “Are you going to try to live your life a little differently? Are you going to really choose to be a member of this community of Earth?”

Many astronauts emphasize the importance of unity after experiencing the overview effect. “You see that it’s a single planet with a shared atmosphere. It’s our shared place in this universe,” said former NASA astronaut Bob Behnken. “I think that perspective, as we go through things like the pandemic or we see the challenges across our nation or across the world, we recognize that we all face them together.”

Seeing the Earth from space can also change their concept of home. Former NASA astronaut Nicole Stott recalls wanting to see her home state of Florida during her first mission to the International Space Station. “Finally, we were flying over Florida. I wanted to go to the window and see it, and then realized somewhere down the line that I wasn’t looking at Florida that same way anymore,” she said. “I still wanted to see Florida, but Florida had just become this special part of home, which is Earth. We’re all earthlings.”

For some astronauts, their perspective shift inspired them to make changes on the ground. “I think if you’re not a conservationist before you go to space, you’re at least partly a conservationist when you come back. Because when you see how thin that atmosphere is, that protective layer that we have here, you think, wow, we really have to take care of this because it does look so fragile from space,” said retired NASA astronaut Mike Foreman.

Others hope to share the overview effect with more people. “That perspective helps you grow. It has really inspired me to try to get more people this experience and to get a permanent foothold in the stars for our species,” said former NASA astronaut Jack Fischer. “I want to do everything I possibly can to help the human species, humanity as a whole, go further and grow and evolve like I know they’re capable of.”

Future crews to the orbiting laboratory can look forward to a similar experience. “In that instant, when you’re overwhelmed with that vista, when your eyes see nothing but the beauty of the Earth – every single crew member that I brought in [the cupola] for that exposure, cried,” said retired NASA astronaut T.J. Creamer. “It is heart stopping. It is soul pounding. It is breathtaking.”

For more astronaut perspectives from the International Space Station, watch “Down to Earth” on NASA+.

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Google issues warning on fake VPN apps

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Google is sounding the alarm for Android users after uncovering a wave of fake VPN apps that sneak malware onto phones and tablets. These dangerous apps pose as privacy tools but hide info stealers, banking trojans and remote access malware designed to loot personal data.More people are relying on VPNs to protect their privacy, secure home networks and shield personal information while using public Wi-Fi. Attackers know this demand is growing. They use it to lure users into downloading convincing VPN lookalikes that contain hidden malware.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter Fake VPN apps are spreading across Android devices by posing as trusted privacy tools. (iStock)How fake VPN apps lure usersCybercriminals create malicious VPN apps that impersonate trusted brands. They use sexually suggestive ads, geopolitical headlines or fake privacy claims to push people into quick downloads. Google says many of these campaigns run across app stores and shady websites.DELETE THE FAKE VPN APP STEALING ANDROID USERS’ MONEYOnce installed, these apps inject malware that steals passwords, messages and financial details. Attackers can hijack accounts, drain bank balances or lock devices with ransomware. Some campaigns even use professional ad creatives and influencer-style promotions to appear legitimate.Scammers now use AI tools to design ads, phishing pages and fake brands with alarming speed. This gives them the power to reach large groups of victims with very little effort.Why malicious VPN apps are spreadingFake VPN apps remain one of the most effective tools for attackers. These apps request sensitive permissions and often run silently in the background. Once active, they can collect browsing data, cryptocurrency wallet details or private messages.According to Google, the most dangerous apps pretend to be known enterprise VPNs or premium privacy tools. Many promote themselves through adult ads, push notifications and cloned social media accounts.How to recognize a genuine VPN appGoogle recommends installing VPN services only from trusted sources. In Google Play, legitimate VPNs include a verified VPN badge to show that the app passed an authenticity check.A real VPN will never ask for access to your contacts, photos or private messages. It will not ask you to sideload updates or follow outside links for installation.Be careful with free VPN claims. Many free privacy tools rely on excessive data collection or hide malware inside downloadable files.Ways to stay safe from fake VPN appsStaying ahead of these fake VPN scams starts with a few smart habits that make your device much harder for attackers to target.1) Download only from official app storesStick to the Google Play Store. Avoid links from ads, pop-ups or messages that try to rush you. Many fake VPN campaigns depend on off-platform downloads because they cannot pass the Play Store security checks.2) Look for the VPN badge in Google PlayGoogle now includes a special VPN badge that verifies an app has passed an authenticity review. This badge confirms that the developer followed strict guidelines and that the app went through additional screening.If you want a reliable VPN that has already been vetted for security and performance, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.3) Use a data removal serviceMalicious VPN apps often target information already floating around the web, including your email, phone number and personal details exposed through data brokers. A trusted data removal service can help pull your information from people-search sites and broker databases, which reduces the amount of data scammers can use against you. This limits the damage if a fake VPN app steals your info or if attackers try to match stolen data with public records to build convincing scams.CAN YOU BE TRACKED WHEN USING A VPN?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. Once installed, these lookalike VPN apps steal passwords, messages and financial details. (iStock)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.comGet a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com4) Turn on Google Play Protect and use a strong antivirus softwareGoogle Play Protect, which is built-in malware protection for Android devices, automatically removes known malware. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn’t 100% foolproof at removing all emerging malware from Android devices. Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer How to turn it on: Open Google Play Store → Tap your profile icon → Select Play Protect → Tap Settings → Turn on Scan apps with Play Protect → Turn on Improve harmful app detection.While Google Play Protect offers a helpful first layer of defense, it is not a full antivirus. A strong antivirus software adds another layer of protection. It can block malicious downloads, detect hidden malware and warn you when an app acts in unusual ways. 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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com5) Review app permissions carefullyA genuine VPN only needs network-related permissions. If a VPN asks for access to photos, contacts or messages, treat it as a major warning sign. Restrict permissions when possible.6) Avoid sideloading apps from unknown sourcesSideloaded apps bypass Google’s security filters. Attackers often hide malware inside APK files or update prompts that promise extra features. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, sideloading means installing apps outside the Google Play Store, usually by downloading a file from a website, email or message. These apps never go through Google’s safety checks, which makes them far riskier to install.7) Watch for aggressive ads and scare tacticsFake VPN ads often claim your device is already infected or that your connection is not secure. Real privacy apps do not use panic-based marketing.8) Research the developer before downloadingLook up the developer’s website and reviews. A legitimate VPN provider will have a clear privacy policy, customer support and a consistent history of app updates.9) Be skeptical of anything labeled freeFree VPNs often rely on risky data practices or hide malware. If a service promises premium features at no cost, question how it pays its bills.DO YOU NEED A VPN AT HOME? HERE ARE 10 REASONS YOU DO10) Avoid recovery scams after an attackIf someone contacts you claiming they can recover stolen money, cut contact. Real agencies never demand upfront fees and never request remote access to your device.11) Keep your device updatedInstall security patches as soon as they appear. Updates protect your phone from malware strains that rely on old software vulnerabilities. Scammers now use AI-generated ads and fake brands to trick you into quick downloads. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Kurt’s key takeawaysFake VPN apps are becoming a major threat to Android users as scammers exploit the rising demand for privacy tools and home network security. Attackers hide behind familiar logos, aggressive ads and AI-powered campaigns to push apps that steal data the moment you install them. Staying safe requires careful downloading habits, attention to permissions and a healthy amount of skepticism toward anything that claims instant privacy or premium features for free.Do you think Google should do more to block fake VPN apps in the Play Store? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.comCLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPSign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletterCopyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

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Apple now lets you add your passport to your phone’s Wallet

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Apple now lets you add your passport to your phone’s Wallet, giving you a new way to move through TSA lines with less stress this holiday season. Instead of digging through your bag for your ID, you can use a secure Digital ID on your iPhone at more than 250 airports across the United States. With more digital ID options appearing across the country, here is what you need to know before you start using it.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter  How Apple Digital ID worksDigital ID stores your passport information securely on your device. Your data stays encrypted at all times. Apple cannot see where or when you use your Digital ID. Apple’s new Digital ID lets you store a passport on your iPhone for faster TSA checks. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)When you present your Digital ID, you choose what information the TSA can see. You review the request on your screen and confirm it with Face ID or Touch ID. This helps prevent situations where someone else could access your ID without your approval.APPLE PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMS MAC SECURITY WITH BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION, ENCRYPTED STORAGEWhere Digital ID worksDigital ID works for identity checks at select TSA lanes during domestic travel. It does not work for international flights or border crossings. Apple says support will expand to certain hotels, stores and online services where age or ID checks are needed.Eligibility requirements for Apple Digital IDBefore you add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet, you need to meet a few basic requirements. To start, you must have a valid, unexpired U.S. passport. You also need an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26.1 or later. If your iPhone is not up-to-date, you can install iOS 26.1 by opening Settings, tapping General, choosing Software Update and following the on-screen steps. Make sure your phone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi before you start the update.Digital ID in Wallet works only at select TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. It cannot replace a physical passport. Because of that, you should still bring your physical passport or license in case TSA needs to review it. You must also carry your physical passport for any international travel or border crossing. With Digital ID, you control what information is shared at security and confirm each request with Face ID. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)How to add your passport to Apple Wallet Setting up Digital ID only takes a few minutes. You need an iPhone and a valid U.S. passport.Open the Wallet app on your iPhoneTap the Add buttonSelect Driver’s License or ID CardsChoose Digital IDClick Add to iPhone and Apple Watch or Add to iPhone OnlyScan the photo page of your passportHold your iPhone to read the passport chipWhen it says “Verification Required”, click ContinueTake a selfieComplete the short head movement promptsWait for verificationYour Digital ID appears in Apple Wallet when approved. You will receive a notification that says, Digital ID is ready to use. CLOUD STORAGE FULL SCAM STEALS YOUR PHOTOS AND MONEYHow to use your Digital ID at TSAHow to add a passport to Google WalletGoogle users can also store a digital version of their U.S. passport in Google Wallet. This option works at TSA checkpoints that support digital IDs for domestic travel, just like Apple’s version. You still need to keep your physical passport or license with you in case TSA requests it. Setting it up is simple and only takes a few minutes.How to add your passport to Google WalletSettings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phoneTap Add to WalletSelect ID CardChoose U.S. PassportScan the photo page of your passportHold your phone near the passport chip to read itTake a selfie video so Google can verify your identityFollow the on-screen head movement promptsWait for verificationYour passport will appear in Google Wallet once approved Digital ID works at more than 250 airports for domestic travel, with more locations coming soon. (iStock)How to use your digital passport at TSA with Google WalletSettings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer Open Google Wallet on your phoneTap your passportHold your device near the TSA identity readerReview the information TSA requestsConfirm with your device unlock method, such as fingerprint or PINFAKE FLIGHT CANCELLATION TEXTS TARGET TRAVELERSTake 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.comKurt’s key takeaways Digital ID gives you a fresh way to move through crowded TSA lines with less hassle. It uses the security features built into iPhone and Apple Watch and keeps your passport information stored on your device. Use it for domestic travel and keep your physical ID handy as a reliable backup.Would you feel confident using a digital passport during your next TSA screening? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.comCLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPSign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletterCopyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. 

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Cloud Storage Full scam steals your photos and money

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A new scam is sweeping across smartphones and catching thousands of people off guard. Criminals are sending fake “Cloud Storage Full” or “photo deletion” alerts that claim your images and videos are about to disappear unless you upgrade your storage. The warning looks urgent and real. It even mimics major cloud services. But the moment you click the link, you enter a trap.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletterHow this fast-growing Cloud Storage Full scam tricks victimsTrend Micro researchers recently uncovered this fast-growing phishing campaign after seeing a massive jump in activity. The company reports a 531% month-over-month spike from September to October, which shows how quickly the scheme is spreading.PROTECT YOUR DATA BEFORE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SCAMS STRIKE Scammers use convincing storage alerts and fake dashboards to push victims into paying small fees that expose their credit card details. (Pixelfit/Getty Images)Scammers are sending personalized SMS and iMessage alerts that include your name and a believable count of photos or videos. Once you tap the link, you land on a very convincing fake website that appears to be a cloud storage dashboard. From there, you are urged to pay a tiny $1.99 upgrade fee to prevent deletion. Instead of protecting anything, you hand over your credit card, PayPal login or other personal information.Trend Micro provided several screenshots and internal samples that reveal how polished the scam has become. The fake sites use progress bars, countdown timers and warnings that your files will be lost. They even simulate a cloud storage layout to match the look of popular platforms. Jon Clay, VP of Threat Intelligence at Trend Micro, shared an important warning to CyberGuy:”The recent spike in ‘Cloud Storage Full’ scams shows just how well cybercriminals are perfecting emotional manipulation. These scams prey on fear and urgency, warning users their photos will be deleted unless they pay a small upgrade fee. During a time of year when we may be capturing many precious moments on camera, scammers are targeting older adults who may think this type of scam message is legitimate and who may be worried and anxious about losing something that cannot easily replace. Consumers should always stay cautious of unsolicited messages and always verify alerts directly through official apps or websites.”Trend Micro’s analysis outlines exactly how the scam works, from the initial message to the final theft. Their screenshots show fake dashboards, false warnings and pages asking for credit card or PayPal details. Some versions even redirect to legitimate sites later to cover their tracks.How the Cloud Storage Full scam worksScammers follow a predictable pattern with this scheme, and each stage reveals a clear red flag that can help you spot the danger early.1) Initial contactVictims receive an unsolicited SMS or iMessage that claims their photos or videos will be deleted soon. Messages include the person’s first name and fake counts like “1,675 images” or “2,010 snaps” to boost credibility. Scammers add statements like “Act now” or “Final warning” to trigger panic. Each message ends with a short link that leads to a malicious .info domain.FAKE CHATGPT APPS ARE HIJACKING YOUR PHONE WITHOUT YOU KNOWING2) Trust buildingAfter tapping the link, the user arrives at a fake “Cloud Storage Full” website. It mirrors the fonts, icons and button styles of real cloud services. Users see alerts such as “Your photos, contacts and private data will be lost.” Everything looks polished to reduce suspicion.3) The hookThe site claims your storage is completely full and urges a one-time upgrade for $1.99. A progress bar sits at 100 percent full and a countdown timer warns that data will vanish in minutes. The “Continue” button goes to a fake payment page.4) The exitOnce victims enter credit card or PayPal details, scammers harvest the data instantly. Attackers may use stolen credentials for unauthorized purchases, credential stuffing or resale on dark web markets. Some victims receive fake receipt emails to make the charge look legitimate.Trend Micro reports that certain scam sites later redirect to real pages like iolo.com to hide their tracks. Scammers use fake dashboards and alerts to push victims to share payment info. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Red flags to watch forUrgent warnings that your photos will be deletedUnfamiliar links ending in .infoMessages that include your name to appear crediblePayment requests for tiny fees like $1.99Countdown timers meant to force quick decisionsSites that look familiar but have unusual URLsTips to stay safe from Cloud Storage Full scamsScammers rely on fear and urgency to push quick decisions, but a few smart habits can shut down their tricks before they start.1) Verify alerts inside the official app or websiteOpen your cloud storage app or go to the official website directly. If you see a real problem, it will appear there. This simple step prevents you from reacting to fake warnings.GHOST-TAPPING SCAM TARGETS TAP-TO-PAY USERS2) Never tap storage alerts sent through SMS or iMessage, and use strong antivirus softwareBreak the habit of tapping links in messages. Real cloud services rarely text users about photo deletion. A strong antivirus tool will flag dangerous links before they open.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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com3) Use a data removal serviceConsider using a reputable data removal service to scrub your personal details from data broker sites. This step makes it harder for scammers to target you with personalized messages that look real.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.comGet a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com4) Watch for strange linksLook closely at every link. Scammers rely on short domains that look suspicious. Legitimate companies avoid shortened URLs and unknown domains.5) Use multi-factor authenticationTurn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud and payment accounts. It adds a powerful layer of protection if criminals steal your login.6) Check your credit card for small test chargesReview your statements often. Attackers start with tiny charges to test a card before making bigger purchases.GEEK SQUAD SCAM EMAIL: HOW TO SPOT AND STOP IT7) Use a password managerA good password manager helps you create strong, unique passwords. It limits the fallout if your login appears in a data breach.Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials. These fake storage warnings mimic real cloud services and pressure users to upgrade for $1.99. Once you enter payment info, scammers steal it instantly. (uchar/Getty Images)Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com8) Report suspicious messagesForward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM). This helps carriers block similar messages for everyone.Kurt’s key takeawaysThis scam spreads because it hits people where they are most vulnerable. Our phones store personal memories, family events and moments we never want to lose. Scammers know this and are now creating messages that look real enough to fool even the most cautious users. Emotional triggers like fear and urgency remain powerful tools for cybercriminals. Always question surprise warnings about data loss. When in doubt, check your account directly through the official app or website. A few seconds of verification can save you from credit card theft and identity headaches.Have you ever received a message like this, and how did you handle it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.comCLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPSign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletterCopyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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1 AI driven exoskeleton lightens your load and elevates performance

Smart fabric muscles could change how we move

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A new robotic breakthrough out of South Korea may soon turn your clothes into assistive tech. Researchers have found a way to mass-produce ultra-thin “fabric muscles” that can flex and lift like human tissue. The innovation could redefine how wearable robots support people in everyday life.Scientists at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) developed an automated weaving system that spins shape-memory alloy coils thinner than a strand of hair.Despite weighing less than half an ounce, this new material can lift about 33 pounds. That makes it light, flexible and strong enough to power the next generation of wearable robotics.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.  WORLD’S FIRST AI-POWERED INDUSTRIAL SUPER-HUMANOID ROBOT Dr. Cheol Hoon Park, principal researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, examines a lightweight clothing-type wearable robot. (KIMM)A new way to build strength into clothingUntil now, most wearable robots have relied on motors or pneumatic systems. These made them bulky, loud and expensive. They also limited how easily a person could move.KIMM’s solution replaces the metal core of earlier coil designs with natural fiber. This shift allows the yarn to stretch more freely while keeping its power. The upgraded weaving system now produces these fabric muscles continuously, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing.The result is a lightweight actuator that moves naturally with the body. It can support multiple joints at once, like the shoulders, elbows and waist, without restricting movement.Real results from early testingThe team built the world’s first clothing-type wearable robot weighing less than 4.5 pounds. In testing, it cut muscle effort by more than 40% during repetitive work.A smaller version designed for shoulder support weighs only about 1.8 pounds. In hospital trials at Seoul National University Hospital, patients with muscle weakness improved their shoulder movement by more than 57%.These results show that fabric muscles can do much more than help factory workers; they can restore independence and mobility for people who need it most.THE NEW ROBOT THAT COULD MAKE CHORES A THING OF THE PAST A man runs while wearing an AI-powered exoskeleton. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)What this means to youThis new kind of wearable tech could one day show up in your daily routine. Picture a jacket that quietly helps lift groceries, or a work shirt that reduces strain during long shifts. For people in recovery, it could offer gentle, continuous support that makes movement easier and less painful.Healthcare professionals could see fewer injuries, while patients gain more freedom. And in industries like construction and logistics, these fabric muscles could reduce fatigue and boost safety.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.Kurt’s key takeawaysKIMM’s success with automated fabric muscle production marks a turning point for wearable robotics. By weaving strength into soft, flexible materials, engineers are closing the gap between machine power and human comfort. As this technology spreads from labs to workplaces and homes, the idea of clothing that truly supports you, physically and practically, is becoming a reality.PUTIN CALLS DANCING RUSSIAN ROBOT ‘VERY BEAUTIFUL’ IN AWKWARD AI CONFERENCE MOMENT The humanoid robot Tiangong, developed by Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics Co., moves an orange during a demonstration at Beijing Robotics Industrial Park in Beijing E-Town, China, on May 16, 2025. (REUTERS/Tingshu Wang)Would you wear robotic clothing if it meant less strain, more strength, and greater freedom every day? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPSign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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1 la airport becomes new air taxi and ai test hub

Neighbors outraged as LA airport becomes ground zero for AI-driven flying taxis

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Archer Aviation, a leading developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, just made one of its boldest moves yet. The company agreed to acquire Hawthorne Airport for $126 million in cash. According to Archer’s latest shareholder letter, the deal includes the remaining 30 years on the airport’s master lease and an exclusive option to take a controlling stake in the on-site fixed-base operator, subject to city approval. This historic 80-acre site includes about 190,000 square feet of terminals, office space and hangars. Its location near LAX and major Los Angeles destinations makes it a prime spot for an air taxi network that aims to change how people move in crowded cities.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.PENNSYLVANIA BILL SEEKS TO LEGALIZE FLYING CARS A rendering of Archer’s development plans for Hawthorne Airport in Los Angeles. (Archer Aviation)Why Hawthorne Airport matters for the new air taxi networkArcher Aviation plans to use the airport as the main operational hub for its LA air taxi network. The company also plans to prepare the site to support transportation during the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes managing everything from takeoff scheduling to ground operations. In its shareholder letter, Archer frames Hawthorne as a “plug-and-play” anchor hub for its LA28 Olympic plans, saying it expects to ramp up aircraft testing, storage, maintenance and charging on-site as it prepares for commercial service.The airport will also become a test bed for next-generation AI-powered aviation systems. These tools will help Archer develop smarter air traffic management, faster turnaround times and safer operations in crowded airspace.Archer outlines a two-phase plan in the letter. Phase 1 focuses on redeveloping up to 200,000 square feet of hangars and locking in control of the FBO, while Phase 2 layers in AI air traffic and ground management, smart sensor-embedded runways and a more digital, streamlined passenger experience.United Airlines CFO Michael Leskinen praised the move and said, “Archer’s trajectory validates our conviction that eVTOLs are part of the next generation of air traffic technology that will fundamentally reshape aviation. Their vision for an AI-enabled operations platform isn’t just about eVTOLs, it’s also about leveraging cutting-edge technology to better enable moving people safely and efficiently in our most congested airspaces. Through United’s investment arm, United Airlines Ventures, we’re investing in companies like Archer that pioneer technologies that will define and support aviation infrastructure for decades to come.”Meanwhile, Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas celebrated the deal on social media, writing “WELCOME ARCHER TO THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE!” Archer plans to turn Hawthorne Airport into the main hub for its LA air taxi network. (Archer Aviation)Neighbors outraged over ‘AI air taxi’ takeoverNot everyone is cheering Archer’s plan to turn Hawthorne into a flagship hub for AI-guided flying taxis. A local group called Hawthorne Quiet Skies, made up of residents living around the airport, says it was blindsided by the $126 million takeover and that no one from the company or city bothered to engage it before announcing a “test bed for AI-powered aviation technologies” over homes.Neighbors who live just across the street and within a couple of blocks of the runway describe Hawthorne as one of the most tightly packed airports in the country, with homes on three sides and years of complaints about deafening jet and helicopter noise. The city’s own 2021 noise study identified more than 160 homes and roughly 480 people already exposed to unhealthy noise levels, yet residents say there has been “zero progress” on mitigation even as the airport shifted from small private planes to commercial traffic and now an around-the-clock eVTOL hub.The group is also raising alarms about Archer’s AI ambitions, pointing to academic research that current machine-learning systems in aviation still struggle to handle unusual conditions and lack formal safety guarantees. They argue that whatever the promises of cleaner, futuristic air taxis, Hawthorne is being used as a live test site without clear safeguards, updated federal noise rules or any serious plan to compensate families if nonstop eVTOL traffic makes their homes too loud to live in.CHINA’S FIRST MASS-PRODUCED FLYING CAR DEBUTSHow Archer Aviation is funding growth and expanding its air taxi programAlongside the airport news, Archer reported major financial momentum. The company raised an additional $650 million in equity, which boosted its total liquidity to more than $2 billion. The company’s Midnight aircraft also hit new flight milestones, including a 55-mile flight at over 126 mph and a climb to 10,000 feet.Archer also expanded its global technology footprint. It completed the acquisition of Lilium’s patent portfolio, which pushes Archer’s total intellectual property to more than 1,000 global assets. Those patents cover ducted fans, high voltage systems, flight controls and other key technologies.International expansion is underway, too. Archer began test and demo flights in the UAE and secured new partnerships with Korean Air and with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo’s JV in Osaka and Tokyo. The airport will serve as a test bed for next-generation AI aviation systems designed to manage busy airspace more safely. (Archer Aviation)What this means for youArcher’s airport deal suggests that air taxis are moving closer to everyday use. This shift could mean shorter trips across major cities at a fraction of today’s travel time. It could also bring quieter aircraft over neighborhoods compared to helicopters.For Los Angeles residents, Hawthorne Airport may become a central point for fast point-to-point travel once certification moves forward. Visitors flying in for major events like the LA28 Olympics could see air taxis as a smooth alternative to gridlocked freeways.Businesses may gain new options for rapid transport across the region. The move also signals more investment and jobs in advanced aviation, automation and clean electric travel.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.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPKurt’s key takeawaysArcher’s acquisition of Hawthorne Airport marks a major milestone in the race to build a real air taxi network, giving the company the aircraft, funding and prime location it needs to push the industry forward. Its focus on AI-driven operations shows how automated aviation may soon play a much bigger role in daily life, even as regulators are still working out how to safely integrate these aircraft into crowded cities. At the same time, the move is already sparking backlash from neighbors who worry about more noise and safety risks and being turned into a test site for AI-guided aircraft without a real say. If Archer can win over regulators, investors and the communities living just beyond the fence line, this step could make the future of urban flight feel much closer, for better or worse.If air taxis become a real option in Los Angeles by 2028, would you try one for your daily commute or stick to the ground? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. 

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nvidia ceo elon musk donald trump saudi investment forum

Fox News AI Newsletter: Fears of AI bubble ease

President Donald Trump speaks with Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, during the Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)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:- Nvidia CEO predicts ‘crazy good’ fourth quarter after strong earnings calm AI bubble fears- Musk predicts ‘money will stop being relevant in the future’ as AI, robotics progress- Larry Summers steps down from OpenAI board amid Epstein falloutMARKET MOVER: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Wednesday the chipmaker is heading into a “crazy good” fourth quarter, underscoring its dominance at the heart of the global artificial intelligence boom and easing fears of a bubble.CURRENCY OBSOLETE: Billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday speculated money may become irrelevant in the future if current artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics innovations continue.SCANDAL SPIRAL: Former Treasury Secretary and Harvard President Larry Summers resigned from the board of OpenAI amid the fallout over his correspondence with disgraced late financier Jeffery Epstein. Former Harvard University president Larry Summers announces he will step back from public commitments following release of correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. (Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg via Getty Images/ Rick Friedman Photography/Corbis via Getty Images)HIGH-TECH: The General Services Administration struck a deal with Perplexity AI to offer the company’s artificial intelligence services to every government agency for 25 cents each, making it the 21st contract under the OneGov initiative.PRIME USERS: The artificial intelligence-related layoffs sweeping corporate America could impact prime loan borrowers, Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said. ROBOT NATION: Amazon is doubling down on artificial intelligence and robotics to remake work inside its warehouses and fulfillment centers, even as it cuts thousands of corporate roles and faces growing fears about machines replacing human workers.UNITED WE STAND: The artificial intelligence boom promises to be more eventful than the dawn of the internet. It will lead to a higher quality of life for everyone in the first country to achieve AI dominance. AI is already being harnessed for cancer detection and for developing self-driving vehicles that will lower traffic fatalities.  President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. (Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg/Getty Images)ROBOT TAKEOVER: As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, voters hold mixed views about how (and when) it will shape their lives — and whether that impact will be positive.MAJOR MOVE: The Trump administration is preparing a sweeping executive order that would direct the Justice Department to sue states that enact their own laws regulating artificial intelligence, according to a draft reviewed by Fox News Digital.OPINION: HUGH HEWITT: The fact of an “AI bubble” is real. Nobody knows when it will pop. Nobody knows the consequences. But, it is impossible to miss its giant presence in the world of investing and the downstream political consequences when it pops.’ART OF WAR’: In her first joint visit with second lady Usha Vance, first lady Melania Trump met with troops and military families, praising the Marine Corps’ 250 years of service while warning that artificial intelligence (AI) will redefine modern warfare and America’s defense.GONE ROGUE: Texas mom Mandi Furniss sounded the alarm over AI chatbots after she alleged one from Character.AI — one of the leading platforms for AI technology — drove her autistic son toward self-harm and violence.MILITARY SUPERIORITY: The War Department is narrowing its research and development strategy to six “Critical Technology Areas” officials say will speed up innovation and strengthen America’s military edge.MISSING THE BOAT: Democrats in Washington are losing the AI conversation. Not because they are wrong about AI’s risks, but because they have failed to offer Americans a vision for the economic transformation ahead. While they focus on managing problems, others are defining what comes next. One side is talking about building the future, the other about constraining it.  DC Democrats need to reclaim the issue of AI from Republicans. (iStock)Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebookInstagramYouTubeXLinkedInSIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERSFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News HealthDOWNLOAD OUR APPSFox NewsFox BusinessFox WeatherFox SportsTubiWATCH FOX NEWS ONLINEFox News GoSTREAM FOX NATIONFox NationStay 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.

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biosentinel 1920x1080

What is BioSentinel?

Editor’s Note: This article was updated Nov. 21, 2025 shortly after BioSentinel’s mission marked three years of operation in deep space.
Astronauts live in a pretty extreme environment aboard the International Space Station. Orbiting about 250 miles above the Earth in the weightlessness of microgravity, they rely on commercial cargo missions about every two months to deliver new supplies and experiments. And yet, this place is relatively protected in terms of space radiation. The Earth’s magnetic field shields space station crew from much of the radiation that can damage the DNA in our cells and lead to serious health problems. When future astronauts set off on long journeys deeper into space, they will be venturing into more perilous radiation environments and will need substantial protection. With the help of a biology experiment within a small satellite called BioSentinel, scientists at NASA’s Ames Research Center, in California’s Silicon Valley, are taking an early step toward finding solutions.
To learn the basics of what happens to life in space, researchers often use “model organisms” that we understand relatively well. This helps show the differences between what happens in space and on Earth more clearly. For BioSentinel, NASA is using yeast – the very same yeast that makes bread rise and beer brew. In both our cells and yeast cells, the type of high-energy radiation encountered in deep space can cause breaks in the two entwined strands of DNA that carry genetic information. Often, DNA damage can be repaired by cells in a process that is very similar between yeast and humans.                             

BioSentinel set out to be the first long-duration biology experiment to take place beyond where the space station orbits near Earth. BioSentinel’s spacecraft is one of 10 CubeSats that launched aboard Artemis I, the first flight of the Artemis program’s Space Launch System, NASA’s powerful new rocket. The cereal box-sized satellite traveled to deep space on the rocket then flew past the Moon in a direction to orbit the Sun.  Once the satellite was in position beyond our planet’s protective magnetic field, the BioSentinel team triggered a series of experiments remotely, activating two strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to grow in the presence of space radiation. Samples of yeast were activated at different time points throughout the six- to twelve-month mission.
One strain is the yeast commonly found in nature, while the other was selected because it has trouble repairing its DNA. By comparing how the two strains respond to the deep space radiation environment, researchers will learn more about the health risks posed to humans during long-term exploration and be able to develop informed strategies for reducing potential damage.
During the initial phase of the mission, which began in December 2022 and completed in April 2023, the BioSentinel team successfully operated BioSentinel’s BioSensor hardware – a miniature biotechnology laboratory designed to measure how living yeast cells respond to long-term exposure to space radiation – in deep space. The team completed four experiments lasting two-weeks each but did not observe any yeast cell growth. They determined that deep space radiation was not the cause of the inactive yeast cells, but that their lack of growth was likely due to the yeast expiring after extended storage time of the spacecraft ahead of launch. 
Although the yeast did not activate as intended to gather observations on the impact of radiation on living yeast cells, BioSentinel’s onboard radiation detector – that measures the type and dose of radiation hitting the spacecraft – continues to collect data in deep space.

NASA has extended BioSentinel’s mission to continue collecting valuable deep space radiation data in the unique, high-radiation environment beyond low Earth orbit.
The Sun has an 11-year cycle, in which solar activity rises and falls in the form of powerful solar flares and giant eruptions called coronal mass ejections. As the solar cycle progresses from maximum to a declining phase, scientists expect strong solar activity to continue through 2026, with some of the strongest storms seen during this declining phase. These events send powerful bursts of energy, magnetic fields, and plasma into space which causes the aurora and can interfere with satellite signals. Solar radiation events from particles accelerated to high speeds can also pose a threat to astronauts in space.

The BioSentinel project builds on Ames’ history of carrying out biology studies in space using CubeSats – small satellites built from individual units each about four inches cubed. BioSentinel is a six-unit spacecraft weighing about 30 pounds. It houses the yeast cells in tiny compartments inside microfluidic cards – custom hardware that allows for the controlled flow of extremely small volumes of liquids that will activate and sustain the yeast. Data about radiation levels and the yeast’s growth and metabolism will be collected and stored aboard the spacecraft and then transmitted to the science team back on Earth.
A reserve set of microfluidic cards containing yeast samples will be activated if the satellite encounters a solar particle event, a radiation storm coming from the Sun that is a particularly severe health risk for future deep space explorers. 

In addition to the pioneering BioSentinel mission that will traverse the deep space environment, identical experiments take place under different radiation and gravity conditions. One ran on the space station, in microgravity that is similar to deep space, but with comparatively less radiation. Other experiments took place on the ground, for comparison with Earth’s gravity and radiation levels. These additional versions show scientists how to compare Earth and space station-based science experiments – which can be conducted much more readily – to the fierce radiation that future astronauts will encounter in space.
Taken together, the BioSentinel data will be critical for interpreting the effects of space radiation exposure, reducing the risks associated with long-term human exploration, and confirming existing models of the effects of space radiation on living organisms. 

December 2021: The BioSentinel ISS Control experiment launched to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX’s 24th commercial resupply services mission.
January 2022: The BioSentinel ISS Control experiment began science operations aboard the International Space Station.
February 2022: The BioSentinel ISS Control experiment began ground control science operations at NASA Ames.
June 2022: The BioSentinel ISS Control experiment completed science operations. The hardware was returned to Earth in August aboard SpaceX’s CRS-25 Dragon.
October 2022: The BioSentinel ISS Control experiment completed ground control science operations at NASA Ames. 
Nov. 16, 2022: BioSentinel launched to deep space aboard Artemis I.
Dec. 5, 2022: BioSentinel began science operations in deep space.
Dec. 19, 2022: BioSentinel began ground control science operations at NASA Ames.
Nov. 16, 2024: BioSentinel marks two years of continuous radiation observations in deep space, now more than 30 million miles from Earth.
Nov. 16, 2025: BioSentinel marks three years of continuous radiation observations in deep space, now more than 48 million miles from Earth.

Partners:

NASA Ames leads the science, hardware design and development of the BioSentinel mission.
Partner organizations include NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. 
BioSentinel is funded by the Mars Campaign Development (MCO) Division within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA headquarters in Washington.
BioSentinel’s extended mission is supported by the Heliophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate at NASA headquarters in Washington, the MCO, and the NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Learn more:

NASA story: NASA’s BioSentinel Studies Solar Radiation as Earth Watches Aurora (Sept. 2024)
NASA story: NASA Extends BioSentinel’s Mission to Measure Deep Space Radiation, Aug. 2023
NASA story: First Deep Space Biology Experiment Begins, Follow Along in Real-Time, Dec. 2022
NASA story: BioSentinel Underway After Successful Lunar Flyby, Nov. 2022
NASA story: Artemis I to Launch First-of-a-Kind Deep Space Biology Mission, Aug. 2022
NASA video: Why NASA is Sending Yeast to Deep Space, Feb. 2022
NASA podcast: “Houston We Have a Podcast,” Deep Space Biology, Jan. 2022
NASA blog: All Artemis I Secondary Payloads Installed in Rocket’s Orion Stage Adapter, Oct. 2021
NASA blog; NASA Prepares Three More CubeSat Payloads for Artemis I Mission. Jul. 2021
NASA story: NASA’s BioSentinel Team Prepares CubeSat For Deep Space Flight, Apr. 2021
NASA in Silicon Valley podcast episode: Sharmila Bhattacharya on Studying How Biology Changes in Space, Mar. 2018
NASA story: For Holiday Celebrations and Space Radiation, Yeast is the Key, Dec. 2018

For researchers: 

For news media:

Members of the news media interested in covering this topic should reach out to the NASA Ames newsroom. 

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