Portable projectors have been a common instrument in protest art for some time now. In 2020, Artists for Workers and The Illuminator lit up Guggenheim New Yorks facade with messages of solidarity for museum personnel on strike. Trustees to Workers: Drop Dead, Open for Racism, and Open for Exploitation, were some of the phrases the artist-activist groups cast onto the rotundas exterior, to name but a few, not unlike Jenny Holzers provocation last May. This week in Manhattan, on December 10, protesters again leaned upon the medium to express collective outrage against a demolition and privatization plan for NYCHA Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea (FEC) Houses. The demonstration was organized by The Illuminator; Save Section 9 (SS9); residents of Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea Houses; and More Art, a local arts nonprofit. It was directed toward Related Companies, Essence Development, and NYCHA, and also the architects behind the project: PAU, COOKFOX, and ILA. Politicians like Eric Bottcher, Mark Levine, Brad Hoylman, Eric Adams, Kathy Hochul, and others were also thrown shade for supporting the FEC plan.The art piece was meant to spread awareness about threats to public housing in New York today. (Avery J. Savage)Phrases like STOP THE DEMOLITION OF OUR HOMES, RELATED PLANS TO DEMOLISH 2,056 HOMES, and PRIVATIZED PUBLIC HOUSING=DISPLACED FAMILIES got straight to the point for passersby shuttling through Chelsea that evening. Some of the most poignant slides cast quotes from NYCHA residents: I WILL CHAIN MYSELF TO THE BUILDING BEFORE I LET THEM DEMOLISH MY HOME. While the slides were played, SS9 founder Ramona Ferreyra and Renee Keitt of Elliott-Chelsea Houses fielded questions on the sidewalk from curious observers about the protest, the FEC plan, and why people are against it.This event allowed us to tell the city that theyre wrong about Section 9, Ferreyra told AN. The quotes and statistics surprised many. But its time that New Yorkers stop avoiding the projects and instead start applying for a home where their rent is capped at 30 percent of their income, and 10 percent make more than 100k a year, while only 12 percent, like me, are on public assistance. We represent the best of the city and they should be jealous.The slides had personal testimonies from public housing residents. (Avery J. Savage)Madison Markham is More Arts community engagement coordinator. For the past year, More Arts community partner has been SS9, and the two organizations have held other protests and conducted teach-ins to spread awareness about imminent threats to public housing in New York today. One of the most creative stunts to date was when More Art invited the Yes Men, a famous culture jamming activist group, and the Good Liars to infiltrate a gala dressed up as Related executives. Markham affirmed for AN that the installation was a very collaborative effort between SS9, More Art, and The Illuminator. Over the last six or so months, Markham continued, we worked with tenants from SS9 at every step to shape what the day would look like and what message they wanted to share. And The Illuminator helped us actualize that intention and guided us on how to best get our message across to the public.One slide compared the development team with the Grinch. (Avery J. Savage)More Art and SS9 have also held film screenings of Katja Essons documentary, Razing Liberty Square, which was about how Related Companies demolished public housing in Miami, and replaced it with condos, much like whats underway in Manhattan today. Together, More Art and SS9 do much to combat misinformation, Markham told AN. I have always followed The Illuminators work and really enjoyed what they do, Markham said. We thought it would be great to work with them and somehow have SS9s message, and testimonies from tenants, projected somewhere in Chelsea. This came to fruition when Markham, Ferreyra, Keitt, and others set up a projector from a sidewalk on Manhattans west side, and illuminated the night sky with anti-demolition messages.(Avery J. Savage)Earlier that day, public housing residents and allies symbolically chained themselves to Fulton Houses with paper chains. This was inspired, Markham said, by an elderly woman who told More Art that she would chain herself to her radiator before she lets [Related] demolish her building. So with that, Markham continued, we started gathering more testimonies from tenants describing what they love about public housing, and what public housing has made possible for them and their family. These testimonies made up about 60 percent of what we projected onto the building.Public housing residents and allies symbolically chained themselves to Fulton Houses with paper chains. (Avery J. Savage)For Markham, the provocation was an important story to tell in Chelsea, but it has national implications. It was a local piece, Markham said, but we hope its a starting point for a larger conversation about Section 9, and why public housing needs to be reinvested in and refunded.

On New Lots Avenue in Brooklyns East New York, the communitys library is located on land used as an African American burial ground during the Revolutionary War. Drawing from this history, MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architects have conceived a new library and community hub for the site centered on learning and reconciliation. The library sits on a historic burial ground for enslaved and free African Americans from the Revolutionary War era. In 2017, fragments of human bone, pieces of tombstones were found, suggesting the burials beneath the site. The redesign honors this legacy, integrating the African Burial Ground into the librarys identity while creating a meaningful community space that fosters dialogue centered on reconciliation.New childrens area with inspiration from traditional African palaver concepts. (Courtesy MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architects)Its our job as designers to incorporate history into the future of place and try to acknowledge and heal the past, creating a new and shared future that benefits the community, said Jonathan Evans, principal at MASS Design Group. Growing up in New York, I saw architectures potential, and its complicity, in controlling the narrative and priorities of those in power. Being able to deliver change through the reformation of New Lots Library is a clear demonstration of change to honestly reflect history and celebrate the people and community the library serves. The 25,000-square-foot design draws inspiration from traditional African gathering spaces, shaped through extensive community input. The concept of palaveror dialoguetranslates in the design through radial, branch-like beams that extend outward to define reading areas and the childrens and teen zones. Large windows flood light into the open-plan space where collaborative workstations, computers, and flexible seating options will be available. When it opens, new technology will support childrens digital learning and foster creativity. As one of seven projects in the inaugural NYC Mass Timber Studio cohort, the library also showcases timber as a sustainable building material model.The facade recalls themes of Sanford Biggerss Lifting the Veil. (Courtesy MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architects)The new librarys distinct facade does away with its current, tired and dated concrete predecessora single brick building, with no distinct facade or outdoor gathering spaces. MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architectss design was influenced by the themes in Sanford Biggerss 2023 Lifting the Veil. In this work, Abraham Lincoln is seated as the ignorant man being led to enlightenment by the standing Frederick Douglass. The sculpture seeks to recontextualize Frederick Douglass in history, giving him the wisdom, power, and foresight. The themes of Lifting the Veil resonate with the New Lots Library project and its complex history. The timber panels, arranged in a crisscross, woven pattern, add dynamism, while reinforcing the designs connection to the sites history. In this way, the design connects past struggles with a vision for the future, offering a space for reflection and growth. Beyond shelves and books and a collection of media resources East New Yorks New Lots Avenue Library will also house a heritage center and continue the communitys ongoing work for reconciliation. Past work in the area has included, in 2013 renaming the block to African Burial Ground, and creating of a Remembrance Plaza and Reflection Circle to connect the burial ground, library, and Sankofa Parka neighboring site renamed to honor African Americans who endured enslavement in East New Yorks history.The new third-floor terraces and surrounding landscaped plaza will offer expanded community space. Outdoor seating on the terraces will provide sweeping views of the plaza, as well as a connection to the broader city landscape.New third floor terrace with views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Skyline (Courtesy MASS Design Group and Marble Fairbanks Architects)New Lots Library is expected to close in fall 2025 when construction on the new library begins.

Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) is accepting entries for its annual international research and travel fellowship worth $100,000 (Deadline: 9 February)The Wheelwright Prize is open to all graduates around the world awarded a degree from a professionally accredited architecture program within the past 15 years. No links to Harvard or GSD are required.Submissions should include a portfolio of previous relevant work and a two-year research proposal that will involve travel outside of the applicants home country.Applications are encouraged to consider the various formats through which architectural research and practice can be expressed, including but not limited to built work, curatorial practice and written output.According to the brief: The annual Wheelwright Prize is dedicated to fostering expansive, intensive design research that shows potential to make a significant impact on architectural discourse. The prize is open to emerging architects practicing anywhere in the world.The winning architect is expected to dedicate roughly two years of concentrated research related to their proposal, and to present a lecture on their findings at the conclusion of that research.Throughout the research process, Wheelwright Prize jury members and other GSD faculty are committed to providing regular guidance and peer feedback, in support of the projects overall growth and development.Founded in 1874, GSD is a specialist graduate school teaching architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, real estate, design engineering and design studies. Its 13,000 alumni include Charles Jencks, Jeanne Gang and Ayla Karacebey.GSD completed a makeover of Richard Rogers Grade II*-listed Wimbledon house in south London six years ago. Known as 22 Parkside, the building now serves as the residence and research base for international students under the Richard Rogers Fellowship as well as a venue for GSD.The Wheelwright Prize set up as a travelling fellowship in 1935 in honour of Arthur W Wheelwright was relaunched in its current form 11 years ago. The prize is now open to architecture graduates around the world but was originally only open to GSD alumni with previous recipients including IM Pei and Paul Rudolph.Last years winner was RCA senior lecturer Thandi Loewenson for her proposalBlack Papers: Beyond the Politics of Land, Towards African Policies of Earth and Air using aerial surveying techniques to explore dynamic social and spatial relations in contemporary Africa.The winner of the 2023 prize was awarded to AA graduate, architect and filmmaker to Jingju (Cyan) Cheng whose proposal Tracing Sand: Phantom Territories, Bodies Adrift focused on the economic, cultural, and ecological impacts of sand mining and land reclamation.Judges for the 2025 prize will be announced in January. Submissions will be judged on the originality of the proposal, quality of design work, previous scholarly achievements, ability to fulfill the proposal and potential for the proposed project to make important and direct contributions to architectural discourse.How to applyDeadline: 9 February 2025Competition funding source: Not suppliedProject funding source: Not suppliedOwner of site(s): Not suppliedContact details: info@wheelwrightprize.orgVisit the competition website for more information

The Rockland Public Library in Rockland, Maine, is an architecturally significant civic building that showcases the coastal towns prosperity at the turn of the 20th century. The library was built in 190304, and was funded in part by a $20,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. It is the citys only major example of Beaux Arts architecture, a style that is also uncommon in the state. The library was designed by Maine native George Clough,who used granite quarried from nearby Vinalhaven in its construction. The building was later expanded by an addition at the rear, but from the street, the handsome Beaux Arts library looks near-identical as to when it was built over 120 years ago!

The Rockland Security Trust Building is a significant Colonial Revival style bank structure located on Main Street in Downtown Rockland, Maine. Built in 1912 from plans by Boston architect Richard Clipston Sturgis, the brick building is trimmed in marble, to provide a visual representation to the financial wealth and stability the bank could provide its clients. The bank closed and the building is presently occupied by an art gallery. Sadly, the rooftop deck railing takes away so much from the buildings presence.

Dream Backpack 1 (2023), volcanic rock and objects collected from a ritual ofretracing the artists original migration route, 16 1/4 x 12 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches. All photos by JSP Art Photography, courtesy of Guadalupe Maravilla and PPOW, shared with permissionGuadalupe Maravillas Volcanic Rock Sculptures Invoke Resilience and RegenerationDecember 13, 2024ArtGrace EbertWith the regions smallest geographic footprint, El Salvador boasts the second-highest number of volcanos in Central America. The country is located on the Ring of Fire, a tectonic band that encircles the Pacific Ocean and houses about two-thirds of all volcanos worldwide. Given its eruptive landscape, much of the soil is rich in ash.In a series of sculptures, Guadalupe Maravilla (previously) draws on his home country as he sculpts backpacks and enlarged hands from volcanic rock. The works reference the artists migration from civil war-era El Salvador as an unaccompanied minor, a traumatic journey that remains a central theme in his practice.Luz y Fuerza (2024), oil on volcanic rock, 14 x 14 x 4 inchesA trio of pieces, titled Dream Backpacks, refers to how we immigrate to the U.S. by land and carry everything we own in a backpack in search of the American Dream, Maravilla writes in a statement. Embellished with pink, purple, and blue paints, the poignant works display a variety of charmsfeathers, a small cat figure, and metal details like a spigotthe artist collected while retracing his childhood route.Other works take the form of a burly hand cradling smooth shapes featuring pieces redolent of retablos,small devotional paintings often invoking protection during times of hardship. Lightning bolts, stars, and snakes recur throughout the compositions, along with references to the artists colon cancer diagnosis, which he has long linked to the trauma he suffered as a child.December 12 is special to Maravilla and titles one recent work featuring linked wishbones, crystals, and the childrens rhyme Sana, sana, colita de rana, which translates to heal, heal, little frogs tail. As Maravilla shares on Instagram, On 12/12/12 I found out I had cancer. 12/12/13 I overcame cancer. Today, I am starting a new chapter 12/12/24 with a special meditation. Similarly, a cake with a 0 candle appears in Luz y Fuerza, which resembles a pastry the artist once used to celebrate both his birthday and what he considers his rebirth as cancer-free.Citing resilience amid struggle, Maravillas sculptures call on healing and regeneration. Volcanic ash, after all, is one of the most potent natural fertilizers and a key factor in sparking new growth.Maravilla is represented by PPOW Galleryin New York, where you can find more of his work.12/12/24 (2024), oil on volcanic rock, 13 3/8 x 13 3/8 x 4 1/8 inchesDream Backpack 3 (2023), volcanic rock and objects collected from a ritual ofretracing the artists original migration route, 16 1/4 x 12 x 4 3/4 inchesSelf Love (2024), oil on volcanic rock, 13 3/8 x 13 3/4 x 4 7/8 inchesHeal Seven Years Back (2024), oil on volcanic rock, 13 3/8 x 13 3/4 x 5 1/2 inchesDream Backpack 2 (2023), volcanic rock and objects collected from a ritual of retracing the artists original migration route, 16 1/2 x 12 1/4 x 4 1/4 inchesSana 7 Aos Atras (2024), oil on volcanic rock, 14 1/8 x 14 x 4 3/4 inchesSi No Sanas Hoy Sanars Maana (2024), oil on volcanic rock, 13 3/8 x 14 1/8 x 4 3/8 inchesSana Sana Colita de Rana (2024), oil on volcanic rock, 14 1/8 x 13 3/4 x 4 7/8 inchesNext article

All images Todd Antony, shared with permissionOur Favorite Stories of 2024December 13, 2024ColossalAs we look back at the hundreds of remarkable initiatives, artworks, discoveries, and events weve chronicled throughout 2024, were continually awed by the creative work were able to write about everyday. Its a privilege to be able to share so much creativity with you, and we thought wed compile a list of our favorites.Below, youll find eight pickstwo from each of usthat showcase just a few of the remarkable projects we published over the past twelve months. Many of these articles impart deeper context, delve into personal experiences through interviews, and highlight important stories that may have flown under the radar.You might also enjoy our readers choice top articles of the year and Colossals favorite books of 2024. Happy reading!Christopher, Grace, Kate, and JackieImage Irina WerningFor the last 17 years,Irina Werninghas traveled throughout Latin America photographing women and girls for her ongoing series,Las Pelilargas, orThe Longhairs. Shot in color and black and white, the portraits document a distinct cultural practice through an incredibly alluring, even surreal lens.L.V. Hull at her home in Kosciusko, Mississippi, in 2002. Photo by Bruce West. Image courtesy of the L.V. Hull Legacy CenterKosciusko is a small town in the center of Mississippi with just under 7,000 residents. Known as the birthplace of Oprah Winfrey, Kosciusko was also home to the late artistL.V. Hull(19422008) who devoted her life to painting and assembling found objects.Ellie Hannon works on one of her paintings on the aft deck during sunset on the Timor Sea around Ashmore Reef. Images Schmidt Ocean InstituteThere are many ways to tell a story or to document and share research and discoveries, says artist Ellie Hannon, one of 54 artists who have embarked on a unique residency organized by theSchmidt Ocean Institute. From slip-cast porcelain and painting to 3D printing and virtual reality, the storytelling possibilities are endless in the Artist-at-Sea program, which invites artists to work alongside scientists on weeks-long expeditions into some of the least-explored areas of our oceans.Image courtesy of the artistChristophers Pick: Nadya Tolokonnikova On Pussy Riot, Life as Performance Art, and How Anonymity Is Her StrengthPeople often dont think about how important a person who has a photo and video camera is. The action could be gorgeous, but if you dont have a good photographer to capture it, then its just not gonna work. Nadya TolokonnikovaNadya Tolokonnikovacreated Pussy Riot in 2011 partly in response toVladimir Putins declarationthat he would continue his reign over Russia. In 2012, when she and her collaborators undertook their now-famous performance at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, she was infamously sentenced to two years in prison, vaulting the art collective to international fame. Grace Ebert, Colossals editorial director, spoke with Nadya over Zoom one Saturday in February, more than a decade since Pussy Riots founding, her imprisonment, and her release.A Wind Phone in Evanston, Illinois. Image courtesy of Amy DawsonGarden designer Itaru Sasaki lost his cousin to cancer just months before a 9.1-magnitude earthquake devastated his town, the small fishing village of Otsuchi. In an attempt to wrangle his grief, he decided to create a space for mourning in his backyard, one that would offer quiet and a symbolic connection to his loved one. He called it Kaze no denwa, or Phone of the Wind.Containing photos and stories from the creators, Amy Dawsons searchable map tracks more than 300 Wind Phones around the globe, each individually installed and maintained.The Two Walls by Alejandro Cegarra, The New York Times/Bloomberg. Image courtesy of World Press PhotosFrom Israels ongoing assault leaving the people of Gaza in horrific destitution to a record-breaking surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, the last year has seen incredible devastation around the globe. The 2024World Press Photocontest gathers a profound and illuminating collection of images that approach myriad crises with compassion and clarity.Replica of a Chip (1994), wool mounted on wood, 120 146.1 centimeters. Photo Museum Associates/LACMA. Image courtesy of American Indian Science and Engineering SocietyWhat does Intels Pentium computer chip have in common with Navajo textiles? More than you might think. For artistMarilou Schultz, the ancestral practice of weaving melds with an unexpected contemporary source of inspiration. Merging analog loom methods with the patterns found on computer processor cores, Schultz entwines the histories of the Navajo people and modern technology.Image Todd AntonyOriginally meant as a pejorative term,cholitahas been embraced by Aymara and Quechua women, who have adopted the name as a signal of pride. PhotographerTodd Antony caught up with a group who call themselves the Climbing Cholitas, and a breathtaking series of images was born inCholitas Escaladoras.Previous articleNext article

By Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show Published December 13, 2024 3:05pm EST close Jimmy Joins 'Fox & Friends' To Share His Thoughts On The TikTok 'Venmo Mom' During an appearance on "Fox & Friends", Jimmy Failla gives his take on a mother in Tennessee who came up with an interesting alternative for volunteering in her kids' classrooms or for their extracurricular activities. "Reminder: You've still got a money request!" That was the subject line of the messages flooding my husband Barrys inbox for weeks. The first couple were concerning, then it was just downright annoying.Enter to win a $500 Amazon gift card. No purchase required.Hes not the only one getting them; theres a sneaky scam going around that looks totally legit because it actually comes from PayPal.Lets take a closer look at how it works so you dont fall for it.DONT SCAM YOURSELF WITH THE TRICKS HACKERS DONT WANT ME TO SHAREHeres how it goes downLucky for us, scammers use the same tricks. This one is getting common enough, its easy to spot if youre careful.First, you receive an invoice via PayPal. It might say something like, "Payment due for a purchase" or tell you a payment was processed due to a technical error.It looks real because it was sent through PayPal's platform. They hope youll panic and act without thinking. PayPal is a trusted platform, so when you see their logo and familiar format, its easy to let your guard down. A woman is pictured using a phone. (iStock)Related:Dont fall for it! Hackers are trying to get you to scam yourselfIts a bogus invoice, of coursePayPal allows anyone with an account to send an invoice, which scammers exploit to make it seem legit.In the invoice notice is a phone number you can call for support. Its listed as PayPals number, but its someone ready to steal your money and info. All the scam emails Ive reviewed had different numbers attached.12 EASY, TECHY WAYS TO MAKE THE HOLIDAY SMOOTHERCalling the fake support number is the worst thing you can do. The scammer might ask for your login details or payment card information to 'resolve the issue.' In some cases, theyll install malware on your device, stealing passwords and financial details in the background."Related:How to spot and stop it This March 10, 2015, file photo, shows signage outside PayPals headquarters in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)PayPal will never send invoices for random purchases you didnt authorize. If something seems off, trust your instincts and double-check before taking action.Check the details: Look at the senders email and transaction history. If its not a company or person you recognize, its likely a scam.Double-check the invoice recipient:Thats another glaring red flag in this case. All the emails I saw had someone other than my husband listed in small text at the top. Look carefully.Dont call any of the phone numbers listed: This is smart with any strange invoice, call, document, email, text, whatever. Dont use contact info thats included. Go to the official website to find it.I looked this one up for you: PayPals real support number is 1-888-221-1161. They take calls from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT every day.THIS CRIME SHOT UP 400% HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELFWhen in doubt, your best bet is to contact customer service. Theyre much more familiar with scam patterns then most regular folks since they see them day in and day out. Plus, they can look into your account to tell you what is a legitimate request and whats not.If youre sure the invoice is fake, delete it. But first Report it to PayPal.Consider this your good deed of the day. Reporting scams doesnt just help you it helps everyone. When you flag fake invoices to PayPal, their team can track patterns, shut down scammers accounts and warn others about similar tactics.Log in to your PayPal account, then visit theResolution Center, where you can report suspicious invoices.Even easier, forward the email tophishing@paypal.com to alert their security team.Related:3 immediate steps to take if you fell for a scam A person is pictured holding a stack of twenty-dollar bills. (iStock)Lock down your account for extra securityIf you dont have two-factor authentication set up, dont wait. It only takes a minute. Now youll get a code when you log in. Annoying? A little. But its worth the extra step on any account tied to your finances.Log in to your PayPal account on a browser. Click the Settings icon > Security > 2-step verification. You can use an authenticator app or receive codes as text messages. Pro tip:An authenticator app is the more secure option.Follow the on-screen directions to finish up.Scams like this are sneaky, but theyre easy to spot if you know what to look for. Share this with your friends and family so they dont fall for it.Get tech-smarter on your scheduleAward-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.National radio:Airing on 500+ stations across the US -Find yours or get the free podcast.Daily newsletter:Join 575,000 people who read the Current (free!)Watch: OnKims YouTube channelPodcast: "Kim Komando Today" - Listen wherever you get podcastsCopyright 2025, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Published December 13, 2024 10:00am EST close How to protect yourself from identity theft Simple ways to stay secure Identity theft has become a pervasive issue, affecting millions of Americans each year. In 2023 alone, American adults lost a staggering $43 billion to identity fraud. The following story illustrates the devastating impact this crime can have on individuals:Paula Disberry, a former Colgate-Palmolive employee, was living a comfortable life when she discovered that her 401(k) account had been drained of $750,000. The shock came when she tried to access her account online, only to find it blocked.A fraudster had impersonated her, changing her contact details and withdrawing her entire retirement savings in a single transaction. Stories like this of financial identity theft are becoming all too common. If you live in the U.S., youve likely already encountered one, or worse, experienced it firsthand. Illustration of a scammer at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Think identity theft won't happen to you? Think againThe FBI's Internet Crime Report for 2023reveals that adults 60 and above accounted for 24.08% of all identity theft claims and suffered 41.46% of the total financial losses. While they may not face a higher risk of becoming victims, the financial toll is significantly greater than any other age group. Older adults, especially those over 60, often feel the impact more deeply. Why? They typically have more assets than younger individuals and are less likely to monitor their bank accounts daily. Illustration of a scammer at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)An age-old scam with a high-tech makeoverIdentity theft has been a concern for centuries, with one of the most famous historical impostors beingFrank Abagnale Jr. Abagnale claims to have successfully impersonated various professionals in the 1960s, including a Pan Am pilot and a doctor, forging checks and documents to amass a small fortune. His alleged exploits were so notorious that they inspired the film "Catch Me If You Can."While Abagnale's story is a dramatic example, modern identity theft has evolved into a more pervasive threat, particularly with the rise of digital technology. The widespread availability of personal information on the web, combined with a lack of regulation preventing companies from collecting data without consent, has made it easier for criminals to exploit personal data. The scale is massive, and the impact can severely disrupt your life and that of your family. A woman working on her laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Red flags to look out forBeing aware of the warning signs of identity theft can help you take action before it's too late. Here are some red flags to watch for.Unexplained account activity: Keep an eye out for unfamiliar transactions or changes in your bank or credit card statements that you dont recognize.Credit report changes: Regularly check your credit report for new accounts that you did not open or inquiries from lenders that you did not initiate.Missing mail or bills: If you stop receiving bills or other important mail, it could indicate that someone has changed your address without your knowledge.Unexpected denials:If you're denied credit unexpectedly, it might be a sign that someone is using your information to apply for loans or credit cards.Strange communication: Be cautious of emails, texts or calls asking for personal information, especially if they create a sense of urgency or fear.Unusual password changes:If you notice changes to your online accounts that you did not make, such as password resets or security questions being altered, act quickly to secure your accounts.Alerts from identity theft protection services: If you use an identity theft protection service and receive alerts about suspicious activity, investigate immediately.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Strengthen your defenses nowIdentity theft doesnt have to be a devastating blow. You can significantly reduce your risk by being more mindful of your online habits. Heres how.1. Monitor your accounts regularly: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements to spot unauthorized transactions early. This can prevent financial losses and protect your assets.2. Use strong passwords: Use complex passwords and apassword manager to secure your online accounts. Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cyber threats.3. Stop oversharing: Limit the personal information you share on social media and other platforms. Its a treasure trove for cybercriminals who use it to craft convincing fraud campaigns targeted specifically at you.4. Invest in personal data removal services:Given the alarming rise in identity theft cases, taking proactive measures to safeguard your personal information is essential. One effective strategy is to invest in personal data removal services. hile no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.5. Freeze your credit: Initiate a credit freeze on your credit file with all three major credit bureaus. This restricts access to your credit records, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.6. Use an identity theft protection service:Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.7. Use two-factor authentication: Enablethis extra layer of security on your accounts to make it more difficult for thieves to access your information, even if they obtain your password.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE8. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid usingpublic Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions or use a VPN to encrypt your online activity. Using aVPN (virtual private network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs dont directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies.9. Shred sensitive documents: Regularly shred financial documents, credit offers and other paperwork containing personal information before disposing of them.10. Set up bank alerts: Many financial institutions offer text or email alerts for transactions on your accounts, helping you quickly spot unauthorized activity.11. Have strong antivirus software:The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.12. Keep software updated: Ensure your devices and antivirus software are up to date.Regular updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities that scammers might exploit. Keeping your software current is a critical step in safeguarding your digital assets.Kurt's key takeawaysWhile the statistics are sobering, they don't have to leave you feeling helpless. Identity theft is a serious threat, but with awareness and proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember, criminals are constantly evolving their tactics, which means we must stay one step ahead. The most powerful weapon against identity theft is knowledge. Understanding how these scams work, recognizing potential red flags and taking preventive measures can make all the difference.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you believe that governments should impose stricter regulations on how companies collect and use personal data to better protect consumers? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Its that time of year where we, in the industry, attempt to be cyber soothsayers. A tall order even more so when youre trying to look ahead to 2030.The cyber security landscape is in a state of flux, and the past five years has kept us on our toes. As I do my best to peer into the crystal ball of the late 2020s, its clear that the challenges facing CISOs and their teams will become even more complex. From the persistent threat of ransomware to the rise of cyber sabotage, the threat landscape is undergoing a big transformation. And the implications go beyond just the technical the potential for personal liability for security leaders is also a looming issue that could reshape our roles.Here are my thoughts on the exciting and chaotic opportunities that we might see emerging in the next five years.Ransomware will persist, but a blurring of cyber and physical sabotage attacks targeting critical infrastructure specifically may become more prevalent. This is due to the blurred lines between state-sponsored and criminal activities.Sabotage in cyber security means intentionally causing damage to, or manipulation of, digital data or systems, with the intent to disrupt operations, cause damage, or compromise security. Cyber attackers may aim to disrupt operations and compromise the integrity of computer systems and networks. This malicious activity can have severe consequences ranging from temporary disruption to serious long-term issues, financial losses, and data breaches.Sabotage is interesting as it represents a departure from where we were five to 10 years ago in the cyber security landscape. Previously, cyber security professionals didnt have to consider sabotage as a primary threat but thats changing. The interesting thing here is that cyber sabotage isnt new, but the impact that it can have is increasing and will continue to do so.Recent incidents that suggest sabotage is more of a concern, exemplified by the Nord Stream gas pipeline attacks and a recent fibre optic cable incident in the Baltic Sea. These types of physical attacks on critical infrastructure are being viewed as potential acts of sabotage. Sabotage is quite a political issue, which means cyber security professionals may need to be careful in the coming years to avoid getting involved in sensitive geopolitical matters.The advent of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) will introduce new risks and unintended consequences that organisations will need to manage, such as data ownership and privacy issues. This is alongside the fact that if we start to make key decisions using AI, we need to ensure that they have robust and explainable safeguards around them. One exciting area is the UKs AI Safety Institute and the way they are looking at the safe usage of Frontier AI models.AI is a powerful technology that can be used both beneficially and maliciously. While it can enable efficiency gains and help defend against threats, it also has the potential for misuse. The growth of these technologies will introduce new and accidental risks and consequences that organisations will need to manage.What if an organisation puts all their data into an AI-enabled system, and then the system fails or the company goes bankrupt? There could be issues around who owns the data and what happens to it, such as it being sold off to the highest bidder. Take 23andMe who owns that data now?We need to carefully consider the ethical implications of adopting AI and other emerging technologies to avoid negative outcomes like these.The Computer Weekly Security Think Tank looks aheadMike Gillespie and Ellie Hurst, Advent IM:CISOs will face growing challenges in 2025 and beyond.Elliot Rose, PA Consulting:The most pressing challenges for CISOs and cyber security teams.Pierre-Martin Tardif, ISACA:Six trends that will define cyber through to 2030.Stephen McDermid, Okta:In 2025: Identities conquer, and hopefully unite.Deepti Gopal, Gartner: CISOs: Don't rely solely on technical defences in 2025.Cyber security is something people are talking about at the dinner table. I cant decide whether its good or sobering that my mum now talks about it. This increased awareness and attention on cyber security is leading to a situation where CISOs are held to a higher standard and face greater pressure to make the right decisions.The decisions a CISO makes are reflective of risks and usually were just trying to stop someone from making an accidental problem. If we make the wrong call, are CISOs accountable and responsible from a legal perspective?There is an ongoing discussion around whether CISOs should have personal liability insurance, like how company directors do. This is because the decisions made by CISOs on behalf of the organisation can be seen as risk decisions, and if those decisions turn out to be wrong, the CISO could potentially be held accountable.We might start to see CISOs held legally accountable, either in a civil suit or even a criminal case, if they make a decision that leads to a security incident or breach much like the Uber case.While my crystal ball might be a bit hazy for the next five years, one thing is clear: CISOs and security teams will face a variety of challenges. With more regulations, a heightened threat environment, and the potential for cyber sabotage, we'll need to strike a careful balance.But it's not all doom and gloom! There's plenty to be optimistic about. The growing awareness of cybersecurity opens doors to attract diverse talent and foster greater industry collaboration. Plus, AI promises more efficient and better defences against threats. By tackling potential risks head-on, we can embrace the positives of these trends and be well-prepared for the future.