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We took Hide.me Windows VPN app for a spin and came away impressed. (Image source: Hide.me)

Hide.me VPN offers free to use private web searching with no sign-up required

CheckSum Hide.me VPN app is worth giving a try for those out of love with having to disclose e-mail addresses and other personal details to companies no-one's ever heard of. The data cap is comfortably high, too.

Sergey Tarasov, 18 Mar 2023 04:57

Western Digital Purple HDD (Source: Western Digital)

Deal | 14 TB Western Digital Purple surveillance HDD hits lowest Amazon price in 30 days

Introduced on the market at the end of November 2019, the 14 TB Western Digital Purple HDD is optimized for surveillance tasks with design traits that ensure long-term reliability while in use 24/7. With a list price of US$319.99 ...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Mar 2023 10:39

Enabot EBO X home robot Kickstarter attains nearly 20 times its goal

Enabot touts its latest EBO X as the "first true family bot", and, as such, capable of helping protect, entertain and inform your loved ones while moving independently around the home. Its launch via Kickstarter involves a hefty d...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Mar 2023 19:23

Subscription plan for Instagram and Facebook coming later this week

In a move supposed to help users protect themselves from impersonation and to gain direct access to customer support, Meta Verified is rolling out this week to increase security across the brand's services. Australia and New Zeala...

Codrut Nistor, 20 Feb 2023 14:08

Heybike Tyson launches as a fat-tire e-bike with 4G, Bluetooth and GPS support

Heybike's "most advanced" new e-bike has a fairly standard 750W motor, foldable form-factor, augmented with hydraulic front-fork suspension and disc brakes with "excellent stopping power." Then again, it also has the in-built conn...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 18 Feb 2023 18:38

Google may claim Android 14 is even more secure than ever. (Source: Google)

Android 14 slated to start preventing old app installs

Google reportedly intends to start blocking the installation of apps that have been developed for older versions of Android soon. These changes are slated to come into effect with the next major upgrade to the operating system, an...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 Jan 2023 22:36

CES 2023 | MediaTek Filogic Wi-Fi 7 and 6E chips pass Federated Wireless AFC system testing

MediaTek and Federated Wireless have announced that products such as 5G hotspots and Ethernet gateways powered by Filogic chips for either Wi-Fi 7 or 6E stand to benefit from improved capacity, speed and range, as they are now mor...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 02 Jan 2023 17:10

Twitter is hit by a new scandal. (Source: Twitter)

Twitter: 400 million user profiles reportedly up for sale following new data breach

A database containing an allegedly "devastating" amount of personal data is reportedly being offered for sale by a "threat actor" that claims to have derived the information from a vulnerability in Twitter's defences. According to...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 Dec 2022 15:43

A frame allegedly grabbed from streamed eufy camera footage. (Source: Wasabi Burns via Twitter)

Anker eufy security camera footage can allegedly be viewed in a media player without encryption

Anker's home security brand eufy has built its name on assertions that footage recorded using its cameras is stored securely and only arrives on a user's device via “end-to-end military-grade encryption". However, The Verge now cl...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Dec 2022 19:23

The Twitter Files: Leaked documents suggest Twitter execs actively influenced 2020 U.S. presidential campaign

In a thread posted on Twitter, journalist Matt Taibbi discussed documents and messages he obtained from Twitter employees and Elon Musk that suggest Twitter took an active role in influencing the 2020 U.S. presidential election. T...

Sam Medley, 03 Dec 2022 18:51

Meta fined €265 million by Ireland's Data Protection Commission

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been fined €265 million (~US$275 million) by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) due to a data breach affecting Facebook during 2019. This breach affected over 500 mil...

Sam Medley, 28 Nov 2022 22:08

A new lawsuit claims that Apple continues to collect user data even when users have specifically opted out of data tracking. (Image via Apple)

Apple continues to collect iPhone user data regardless of privacy settings, lawsuit alleges

A new lawsuit alleges that Apple continues to collect user data in stock iPhone apps even when users have opted out of data tracking. This tracking contradicts assurances that Apple safeguards user privacy and can completely disab...

Sam Medley, 16 Nov 2022 05:18

Google refreshes the Nest Doorbell (wired) with updated camera specs and a reduced footprint

Google has somewhat quietly added a new version of its Nest Doorbell to its Store. This refreshed version runs on wired power, and is rated to send the telemetry from its inbuilt to the user in a 4:3 aspect-ratio, rated for improv...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 05 Oct 2022 17:52

The Simple Phone utilises middling hardware with customised software. (Image source: Simple Mobile Tools)

Simple Phone launches for €399 devoid of Google with SimpleOS

The Simple Phone is aimed at those who want a smartphone free of interference from Google. Instead, the Simple Phone ships with SimpleOS, an open-source OS based on Android 11 that ships with F-Droid, not the Google Play Store.

Alex Alderson, 05 Oct 2022 17:42

AMD Ryzen 7000 series architecture (Source: AMD)

AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs are faster in Linux with Spectre V2 mitigations enabled

While most processors on the market are faster when disabling security tweaks/patches for certain bugs such as Spectre or Meltdown, it was recently discovered that the AMD Ryzen 7000 family does better when the Spectre V2 mitigati...

Codrut Nistor, 05 Oct 2022 13:55

The Google Nest Wifi Pro comes in four colours. (Image source: Google)

Google Nest Wifi Pro: Pre-orders commence for Matter standard and Wi-Fi 6E compatible routers

Google has unveiled the Nest Wifi Pro, its most advanced Wi-Fi router to date. Not only does the new router support Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, but multiple units can also be used in a mesh set-up. The Google Nest Wifi Pro supports the...

Alex Alderson, 04 Oct 2022 21:59

Anker eufyCam 3 kit goes to the Edge with a new AI-powered hub for machine learning-enabled facial recognition

Anker's eufy home-security brand has launched a third-gen outdoor camera kit powered by its OEM's new BionicMind AI. It can be "taught" to recognize specific faces as friendly, and can even learn to "perceive" certain human behavi...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Oct 2022 15:48

EZVIZ C3W Pro launches as an up-to-date outdoor security camera with motion-activated color night vision

The C3W Pro is the latest security camera from EZVIZ, of the Wi-Fi-capable form-factor intended to be installed outside. As such, it packs the OEM's latest color night-vision features, including automatic activation in response to...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 29 Sep 2022 18:08

The 'new' Fiido X is nearly here. (Source: Fiido)

Update | Fiido X (2022) launches as an electric bike with an upgraded display and a new PAS-0 mode

The Fiido X may be one of the most successful e-bikes that started out on a crowd-funding website. Nevertheless, the OEM has announced that it will be releasing a new version for 2022. It is rated to offer a new zero-power mode, a...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 Sep 2022 19:38

Samsung doubles up on UDC. (Source: KIPRIS)

Samsung invents the dual under-display camera smartphone for potentially improved Face Unlock purposes

Smartphone OEMs might be pivoting towards under-display camera (UDC) tech to free their future devices from punch-holes, notches or sensor bars of all kinds. Now, Samsung has taken this potential trend particularly far by patentin...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 25 Sep 2022 16:47

HP Support Assistant is vulnerable to DLL hijacking

New security flaw discovered in HP Support Assistant

Included with HP computers, but also available as a standalone release for non-HP PCs that use the brand's peripherals such as scanners or printers, HP Support Assistant is vulnerable to DLL hijacking. HP's security advisory on th...

Codrut Nistor, 08 Sep 2022 11:07

Samsung Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Plus get the September 2022 update (Source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G and Galaxy S21 series get September 2022 security patch

While the Galaxy S21 series and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G are now both receiving this month's security patch on Android 12, the previous generation flagships should receive Android 13 before the end of the year. For the Galaxy ...

Codrut Nistor, 07 Sep 2022 11:14

Apparently, Google is working to improve biometric authentication on the Pixel 6 Pro with a two-in-one method. (Image source: Google)

Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro could receive facial recognition support to improve fingerprint sensor accuracy

Even before the launch of the Pixel 6 series, there were rumours that all models would support Face Unlock functionality. Still in development nearly a year after the release of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, new information suggest...

Alex Alderson, 23 Aug 2022 16:31

TikTok for iOS is monitoring user input (Source: Cybernews)

TikTok is monitoring all keyboard inputs and taps on iOS

Recent research has shown that the TikTok iOS app opens any links inside an in-app browser and all interaction with the website is being recorded. This info can include passwords, credit card information, addresses, and so on. Alt...

Codrut Nistor, 20 Aug 2022 15:07

ÆPIC affects Intel 10th gen to 12th gen CPUs. (Image Source: Aepicleak.com)

New CPU architecture vulnerabilities: Intel 10th gen to 12th gen chips affected by AEPIC, SQUIP exploits loophole in all AMD Zen CPUs with SMT

Researchers have independently discovered new security vulnerabilities affecting Intel and AMD processors. A non-side channel vulnerability named ÆPIC affects Intel 10th gen to 12th gen processors while a side-channel security iss...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 16 Aug 2022 16:56

As with most Windows vulnerability fixes, CPU performance is affected to a certain degree. (Image Source: Lansweeper.com)

Windows 11 encryption standard discovered to damage data, fix affects CPU performance

Microsoft managed to issue a fix for the Windows 11 / Windows Server 2022 encryption vulnerability that makes use of the Vector Advanced Encryption Standard, but the patch is impacting CPU performance. Affected CPUs include Intel'...

Bogdan Solca, 10 Aug 2022 15:28

The EncroPi is a USB stick with a few tricks up its sleeve. (Image source: Kickstarter)

EncroPi: USB stick based on the RP2040 with a display arrives as a secure SD card reader

The EncroPi is a USB stick based on the RP2040 microcontroller. Billed as being capable of encrypting files quickly and securely, the EncroPi has a display, a real-time clock (RTC) and can be backed on Kickstarter for as little as...

Alex Alderson, 04 Aug 2022 18:29

Solana claims its protocol and cryptography weren't compromised during the hack. (image: Executium/Unsplash)

Hackers drain over US$4 million from thousands of Solana wallets in yet another widespread crypto hack

Thousands of Solana wallets have been drained thanks to a widespread attack on Slope mobile wallets. According to initial investigations, the attack is only limited to software wallets as hardware wallets haven’t been breached.

Fawad Murtaza, 04 Aug 2022 10:49

Samsung announces a new One UI feature. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung pilots a new Repair Mode for its smartphones in South Korea

Are you holding off on getting your Android smartphone fixed for fear of the personal data on it going to the repair shop with it? Samsung has come up with a new way to allay such fears with its new Repair Mode, a new option for G...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 29 Jul 2022 21:11

Does the Pixel 6a have an unlocking problem? (Source: Beebom via YouTube)

Google Pixel 6a reviewers claim to encounter a potentially serious device security issue

The Pixel 6a is Google's latest smartphone, and is thus only just now getting into the hands of YouTube reviewers. Two of these channels have found that their experience with the device has been marred by a strange and possibly se...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 Jul 2022 18:44

EZVIZ announces its latest Prime Day deals. (Source: EZVIZ)

EZVIZ home security camera prices get slashed by up to 42% for Amazon Prime Day 2022

EZVIZ has released its Prime Day deals on its residential surveillance accessories for 2022. It includes some of the latest color night vision cameras from the brand, as well as pan-tilt indoor and FHD floodlight-equipped models. ...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Jul 2022 14:36

Apple reinvents the "closed system". Coming this fall. (Image source: Unsplash - Edited)

Lockdown Mode in iOS 16: 4 brutal costs of going incognito

Coming later this year to iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura, Lockdown Mode is a feature for users who may be at risk of being targeted by high-level digital threats, including those from the NSO Group. Learn how to activate the...

Brahm Shank, 08 Jul 2022 12:25

Apple is making the iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura more secure for journalists. (Source: Apple)

Apple's "Lockdown Mode" aims to take privacy to the "extreme" level

Apple is further strengthening the security of its devices against state-sponsored spyware programs with the introduction of the new “Lockdown Mode”. The company is marketing the feature as an “extreme, optional protection” for pe...

Fawad Murtaza, 07 Jul 2022 19:37

Samsung upgrades the Galaxy XCover 5 to One UI 4.1 based on Android 12

Samsung has finally updated its most current rugged smartphone, the Galaxy XCover 5, to Android 12. Its new firmware confers One UI 4.1 on the 2021 device, its new Material You-inspired system color-schemes included. The new major...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Jun 2022 18:25

The Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 Encrypted USB has BadUSB Attack Protection. (Image source: Kingston)

Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 50 Encrypted USB launches with Brute Force and BadUSB attack protection

Kingston has revealed the IronKey Vault Privacy 50 Encrypted USB series. The devices have both Brute Force and BadUSB attack protection, and read-only settings. You can set 16-character passwords in Complex mode, plus the gadget h...

Polly Allcock, 09 Jun 2022 12:53

Foxconn's Mexico facilities suffer a second ransomware attack in two years. (Source: Unsplash)

Ransomware attack affects production at a Foxconn factory in Mexico

For the second time in two years, Foxconn's facilities operating in Mexico have been breached. A ransomware group known as LockBit has taken the responsibility. The group is demanding that Foxconn fulfill certain conditions by Jun...

Fawad Murtaza, 03 Jun 2022 01:29

EZVIZ launches the new C8W Pro 2K outdoor security camera via Amazon

EZVIZ has announced pricing for its latest home security camera on its new Amazon page. The C8W Pro 2K is of the spherical outdoor form-factor for 360-degree coverage and AI-powered smart potential intruder detection and tracking....

Deirdre O'Donnell, 20 May 2022 19:28

Google introduces its latest Wallet. (Source: Google)

Google launches a new Wallet with support for digital IDs and more

Google has announced a second-gen Wallet in the course of its I/O 2022 keynote. This app is slated to support more than just payments this time around. It will also support the Mountain View giant's growing capacity to turn mobile...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 11 May 2022 23:02

Face Unlock will be a Pixel 6 Pro-exclusive feature, for some reason. (Image source: Triyanash Gill)

Pixel 6 Pro: Release date for face unlock option outlined but not for the Pixel 6

Reportedly, the Pixel 6 will never receive face unlock as a screen unlock method. Instead, Google is rumoured to be still working on face unlock for the Pixel 6 Pro, which could debut in a future Pixel Feature Drop.

Alex Alderson, 26 Apr 2022 00:04

Could iPhones start to cut into this device's market? (Source: Garmin)

Rumor | The iPhone 14 series will be the first of the line to use the Apple satellite network

Apple is reportedly working on a satellite network of its very own; furthermore, the Cupertino giant might have it ready in time for its latest mobile devices to launch able to connect with it out of the box. Then again, the combi...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 24 Apr 2022 17:26

More than 1 million Lenovo laptops are affected by the UEFI BIOS vulnerabilities. (Image Source: Gettotext)

100+ Lenovo laptop models affected by UEFI BIOS vulnerabilities

Estimations warn that over 1 million Lenovo devices suffer from medium threat UEFI BIOS vulnerabilities. Patches are already available for most models, yet some devices will not get the fix before May 10.

Bogdan Solca, 20 Apr 2022 16:06

Meta is tipped to "repeat all the harms" associated with Facebook as it reportedly plans a near-50% cut of all NFT sales on its platform

One of the most prominent whistleblowers who highlighted Facebook's potential for detrimental effects on human society has voiced concerns of similar ramifications arising from the company's new focus: the metaverse. On that note,...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 17 Apr 2022 17:04

Google is limiting the reach of older apps on the Play Store. (Source: Google)

Google set to limit the discoverability of outdated apps on the Play Store

Google will limit the ability of some users to search and install older apps with outdated API versions from the Google Play Store. The change will take effect after November 1st. Current users of the targeted apps won't be affect...

Fawad Murtaza, 09 Apr 2022 13:24

FCC terms Kaspersky as a security risk. (Image source: Michael Geiger)

Kaspersky joins Huawei and ZTE as a national security threat on the FCC's entity list

The FCC has added Kaspersky, a Russian cybersecurity firm, to its entity list, a collection of companies that the regulator deems as threats to the country's security. Kaspersky is the first Russian firm on the regulator's list.

Fawad Murtaza, 28 Mar 2022 23:54

NFTs valued at around US$1.7 million have been stolen from the founder of DeFiance Capital. (Image source: Muhannad Ajjan via Unsplash)

NFTs worth US$1.7 million have been stolen from DeFiance Capital founder

Arthur Cheong, the founder of DeFiance Capital, has been hacked. NFTs and other tokens worth an estimated US$1.7 million have been stolen from one of their hot wallets. At the time of writing, several stolen NFTs have already been...

Polly Allcock, 22 Mar 2022 16:46

Ubisoft was reportedly hacked by the same group behind the attack on Nvidia. (Image: Ubisoft)

Nvidia hackers take credit for Ubisoft cyberattack

Ubisoft has reportedly been hacked by the same group that was behind the recent attack on Nvidia - a group known as LAPSUS$. The game company has stated that no personal information was stolen; however, Ubisoft has also carried ou...

Aleem Ali, 16 Mar 2022 16:17

Spectre-v2 mitigation is taking its toll on the performance of Intel and AMD CPUs.

Spectre-v2 mitigation wreaks havoc on the performance of some Intel CPUs as AMD chips come out largely unscathed

Testing performed by Phoronix on some AMD and Intel CPUs has revealed that Intel CPUs suffer as much as a 35% performance drop due to the Spectre-v2 mitigation on Linux, whereas almost all AMD processors post a drop of less than 1...

Fawad Murtaza, 15 Mar 2022 22:32