Chinese officials uncover massive data theft by local Apple employeesAn underground identity-theft ring where Apple employees were selling customers' personal data was uncovered in China.Douglas Black, 08 Jun 2017 11:15
Chinese "Fireball" malware infects almost 250 million computersChinese company Rafotech has been found to be responsible for the current epidemic of the "Fireball" malware, which has affected nearly 250 million computers worldwide. Fireball is usually installed by piggybacking on an installer...Hassan Arshad Chattha, 04 Jun 2017 06:34
Intel and Microsoft moving forward with always-on eSIM PCsNotebook PCs will soon have WWAN/LTE capabilities without requiring external SIM cards or special modems.Allen Ngo, 02 Jun 2017 01:34
COMPUTEX 2017 | Intel's credit card-sized PC fully detailedIntel has revealed more details on the Compute Card this Computex. The Card will be available in four SKUs and will begin shipping in August. Pricing is not confirmed.Douglas Black, 31 May 2017 03:53
"Cloak and Dagger" vulnerability can leave your Android phone open to attackThe exploit, which has long been theorized, was confirmed by computer security researchers. By using invisible overlays and some clever social engineering, hackers can quickly gain full control to an Android device.Sam Medley, 27 May 2017 03:34
Vulnerability found in subtitle system of VLC, Kodi, and other media playersBy injection malicious code into subtitle files, hackers are able to take full control of a device that loads the malicious subtitles. The exploit affects four of the biggest media streaming services: VLC, Kodi, Popcorn Time, and ...Sam Medley, 26 May 2017 21:00
If you're tired of Facebook Messenger's bloat, try Messenger LiteFacebook's ubiquitous chatting app, Messenger, has become so bloated that Facebook has already spun off a version for developing markets called "Messenger Lite". To install it in most countries, however, you'll have to sideload it...Douglas Black, 23 May 2017 14:20
Leaked internal Facebook censorship guidelines fuels concern about ethicsInternal documents from Facebook revealed to the Guardian show the difficulties the company is facing to police its 2-billion-strong membership.Douglas Black, 22 May 2017 13:43
Amazon Echo Dot ReviewBig ears. With the Amazon Dot, we are looking at the smaller of the two speakers from the US-based retail giant. While the assistant Alexa was very convincing in the test, the power consumption and data security provided reasons for criticism.unknown | unknown | 163 gDaniel Schmidt, 14 May 2017 12:52
Microsoft's new "Surface Laptop" reveals how seriously the company takes Chromebooks as a threatImages and information leak about the Microsoft's latest piece of hardware, the Surface Laptop. The Laptop is designed to combat the rising popularity of Chromebooks in education and business by running a lighter, more secure clou...Douglas Black, 02 May 2017 08:11
Ubuntu Phone support will end in June, app store will close in DecemberThe mobile OS will no longer be updated after June of this year, while the Ubuntu Touch app store will be closed by the end of the year. These moves will essentially kill off Ubuntu Touch.Sam Medley, 25 Apr 2017 21:59
Researchers: Microsoft Office security hole exploited by hackers and government agenciesMicrosoft recently released a security patch to resolve a vulnerability in Microsoft Office. Attackers, including malware distributors and cyber-espionage groups, are exploiting the flaw to seize control of users' systems.Isaac Brown, 12 Apr 2017 18:00
Hackers compromise U.S. taxpayer data through university financial aid systemUsing an exploit in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and tools used to retrieve tax data, hackers were able to breach part of the IRS database and steal personal data for 100,000 U.S. taxpayers. Sam Medley, 07 Apr 2017 21:29
Samsung Galaxy S8 can be unlocked with a photographA video has surfaced of Samsung's new Galaxy S8 being tricked into unlocking with a photograph, raising questions of security.Douglas Black, 01 Apr 2017 05:48
United States House of Representatives votes to allows ISPs to sell browsing historyBoth the House and Senate have now voted to allow ISPs to sell the personal data of their customers. The measure will go before President Trump, who is expected to sign the bill into action. Sam Medley, 29 Mar 2017 22:34
An iPad bomb threat partly led to the recent device ban on flightsIslamic terrorists have been plotting to use iPads as bombs, which would be smuggled into a plane's passenger cabin and detonated mid-flight. Such a plot forms part of the reasoning behind the recent laptop and tablet bans on US &...John Garcia, 27 Mar 2017 18:21
Publicly-shared documents hosted on Docs.com expose sensitive informationResearchers as well as everyday users have discovered a trove of easily-accessible sensitive information on Docs.com. From phone numbers to social security numbers, the info is just a quick search away, open for malicious actors t...John Garcia, 27 Mar 2017 17:58
ISPs can sell your browsing history without your consent, Senate rulesFCC regulations that would disallow ISPs to share or sell users' internet browsing history and other private information without their explicit consent have been shot down in the US Senate.Douglas Black, 27 Mar 2017 17:55
Most Android devices are running old security patches and could be vulnerableA whopping 71% of Android devices in the United States run security patches that are 2 months old or older. This could leave them vulnerable to exploits made known in the latest security update logs.Sam Medley, 24 Mar 2017 21:18
Wikileaks says the CIA specifically targeted Apple productsThe notorious activist group says that the CIA developed specialized tools to specifically target and infiltrate Apple products, namely Macbooks and iPhones. The tools have been in use since at least 2008.Sam Medley, 24 Mar 2017 20:55
T-Mobile fights scammers with call warningsTwo new programs, Scam ID and Scam Block, will help T-Mobile customers avoid scam phone calls by identifying known scam numbers and warning users. Clients can also opt in to Scam Block, which outright blocks known scammers.Sam Medley, 24 Mar 2017 18:59
Google promises better security for Android in 2017Google has promised to provide more frequent and timely security updates for Android in 2017 due to the increasing number of Android-powered devices and the corresponding threat from malware.Douglas Black, 23 Mar 2017 07:54
87% Lenovo ThinkPad 13 2017 (Core i7, Full-HD) Laptop ReviewA worthy successor? Following Lenovo’s delivery of a good outcome in the business sector with its ThinkPad 13 last year, the manufacturer now sends the successor based on Kaby Lake CPUs into the race. We examined whether Lenovo is successful and has listened to our complaints concerning the predecessor.Intel Core i7-7500U | Intel HD Graphics 620 | 13.30" | 1.4 kgSebastian Bade, 22 Mar 2017 18:12
Zotac set to release business-centric mini PCs at CeBIT 2017The small form factor PCs are meant for business professionals and sport features like Intel AMT and Intel UNITE.Sam Medley, 19 Mar 2017 16:17
Apple invests US$500 million into opening two more Chinese R&D centersApple has announced it will open two more research and development centers in Suzhou and Shanghai. The two additional centers will join the existing two slated to open in Beijing and Shenzhen. The total cost of the investment will...Douglas Black, 19 Mar 2017 07:28
Microsoft blocks Windows 7 and 8.1 updates for Kaby Lake and Ryzen PCsAs promised by the Redmond company last year, Microsoft will soon begin blocking updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 on Kaby Lake and Ryzen platforms.Douglas Black, 17 Mar 2017 08:43
Google offers a solution to content management through Family LinkThe service (currently invite-only) allows parents to restrict their children's use of Android devices. Parents can control what apps are downloaded, limit screentime, and lock a device at certain intervals during the day.Sam Medley, 16 Mar 2017 06:57
Sirin Labs' ultra-secure $16,000 smartphone is no moreSolarin, a really expensive Android smartphone focused on security and marketed towards business consumers, is no longer the company's focus. However, it will continue to receive official support for at least a year.John Garcia, 15 Mar 2017 19:45
Severe malware infection discovered in 38 Android device modelsWhat makes this infection noteworthy is not that it exists, but the circumstances surrounding it. The malware was found to come pre-installed on the devices, meaning there was no way for users to avoid it.John Garcia, 10 Mar 2017 22:47
Google says it has patched exploits used by the CIAGoogle is confident that the latest versions of Android and Chrome are not vulnerable to the hacking tools detailed in the latest Wikileaks dump. Older versions of the software, however, may still be vulnerable.Sam Medley, 09 Mar 2017 23:44
Wikileaks reveals trove of CIA hacking tools for iOS and Android-driven devicesWikiLeaks has released a trove of information revealing the range of the CIA's hacking exploits and cyber-ordinance, including malware to use Samsung smart TV's for surveillance.Douglas Black, 08 Mar 2017 06:58
Consumers are still (rightfully) wary of smart home devicesA new research report released by Gartner has revealed consumers to be wary of the risks of IoT devices while skeptical of their benefits.Douglas Black, 07 Mar 2017 09:55
IBM creates IBM Q to sell quantum computersQuantum computing may be years off, but IBM thinks the technology has come far enough to begin programming and applying quantum computers. Big Blue plans to start programming a new API for the machines.Sam Medley, 06 Mar 2017 23:53
Kensington releases lock for ultra-thin devicesKensington has announced the release of the first security lock designed for ultra-thin systems. The NanoSaver Keyed Laptop Lock has a head of only 10mm, and is making its debut in the HP Pro x2 2-in-1.Douglas Black, 01 Mar 2017 01:17
MWC 2017 | Blackberry: KeyOne Smartphone announced & Hands-OnBlackberry fans will be happy about a new handheld with mechanical buttons after the button-less DTEK60. Blackberry calls the new smartphone KeyOne, which is once again manufactured by TCL and equipped with Blackberry's Android based software with special security features.J. Simon Leitner, 25 Feb 2017 22:06
Google and Microsoft agree to censor pirated movies, music, and sport websites in the UKGoogle and Microsoft have joined a voluntary anti-piracy action in the UK which has the companies demote search results for website where pirated music, movies, or sporting events can be found.Douglas Black, 20 Feb 2017 16:00
77% Acer TravelMate P449-M-7407 Notebook ReviewSecond best. The P449-M-7407 is the latest 14" notebook from Acer's TravelMate series. The device is aimed at business professionals looking for a portable and affordable notebook in the highly competitive business market. While it has its shortcomings, the P449 is a well-rounded device. Can this Jack of all trades best the competition, or is it merely the court fool?Intel Core i7-6500U | Intel HD Graphics 520 | 14.00" | 2 kgSam Medley, 20 Feb 2017 01:58
HP to launch Sure Click cyber protection for the EliteBook x360 1030 G2 this SpringHP will tackle web-based security threats with new software designed specifically for its Elite series of business PCs.Allen Ngo, 17 Feb 2017 03:28
89% Dell Latitude 14 E5470 6440HQ Notebook ReviewWorkhorse with minor drawbacks. A business device for everyday use: This is where Dell comes in with its Latitude 14 E5470. Security features, strong processor, plenty of working memory, and a solid-state drive are installed. These are good prerequisites for a business laptop. However, not all that glitters is gold, and thus our review sample has to accept some criticism. Read just where these shortcomings are found in our in-depth report.Intel Core i5-6440HQ | Intel HD Graphics 530 | 14.00" | 1.9 kgSebastian Bade, 15 Feb 2017 21:49
Coin to shut down mobile payment services in FebruaryWhile their wallet devices will still operate, all app and support services will shut down at the end of next month.Sam Medley, 31 Jan 2017 22:35
Silent killer: Update to Blackphone's Silent OS intentionally breaks unauthorized devicesThe makers of the ultra-secure Blackphone have released an update to Silent OS that prevents the operating system from running on phones "identified as unlicensed."Sam Medley, 30 Jan 2017 23:52
Uninstall your anti-virus and use Windows Defender, says veteran software engineerThird-party anti-virus programs are doing more harm than good, says a veteran programmer. If you're running a modern Windows operating system, stick with Windows Defender.Douglas Black, 28 Jan 2017 06:18
Toshiba introduces new Portégé X30 and Tecra X40The new devices are targeting business consumers looking for a durable thin-and-light notebook. Sam Medley, 25 Jan 2017 23:18
China cracks down on "unauthorized" VPNsThe Communist Party of China has decided to crack down further on their control of the internet, targeting VPNs. The new law would make "unauthorized" VPNs illegal, and would require the companies to obtain government approval in ...Douglas Black, 25 Jan 2017 10:10
Toshiba updates Portégé and Tecra lines with Kaby Lake processorsSeveral business devices are getting bumped to Kaby Lake over the next month.Sam Medley, 24 Jan 2017 23:36
Internet of Things will need extensive support lifecyclesCompanies need to take security updates for IoT-enabled devices just as seriously as smartphones—if not more. Companies that fail to supply regular security updates for phones should not be entrusted with putting smart-appliances ...Douglas Black, 16 Jan 2017 04:49
CES 2017 | Qualcomm officially announces Snapdragon 835 SoCThe flagship SoC from mobile giant Qualcomm is the first mobile platform to be manufactured using a 10 nm FinFET process. Specifically tailored for VR experiences and UHD media, the SoC promises improved power in a smaller, more e...Sam Medley, 03 Jan 2017 23:00
Starting today, Singapore will begin recording iris-scans of residentsBeginning January 1, Singapore will begin requiring the iris-scans of its residents. Singapore already collects photographic and fingerprint data of its residents, but the addition of iris scans poses the greatest potential risk t...Douglas Black, 01 Jan 2017 09:53
BlackBerry partner TCL's "Mercury" handset to have 4.6-inch 3:2 display, hardware keyboardMore details regarding BlackBerry's new "Mercury" handset have emerged, confirming a Snapdragon 625 CPU, 3:2 aspect ratio, and 4.6-inch screen.Douglas Black, 30 Dec 2016 03:04
T-Mobile rolling out Note-7-killing update; AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint to followT-mobile has begun rolling out firmware designed to effectively brick remaining Samsung Galaxy Note 7s. Verizon and AT&T will roll out the update January 5, while Sprint will wait until January 8.Douglas Black, 28 Dec 2016 03:26