Ransomware attacks on healthcare businesses increase 30 percent
New research from Comparitech, based on data from its worldwide ransomware tracker, finds a 30 percent rise in ransomware attacks on healthcare businesses in the first nine months of 2025.
It recorded 293 ransomware attacks on hospitals, clinics, and other direct care providers -- a similar number to 2024 -- but there were a further 130 attacks on businesses operating within the healthcare sector, such as pharmaceutical/medical manufacturers, medical billing providers, and healthcare tech companies.
SMBs vulnerable to AI-powered cyberattacks and complacent about ransomware
A new report from Cork Protection looks at the security challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), backed up by comment from a range of industry leaders. Challenges include an asymmetric threat landscape, defined by the misuse of artificial intelligence and relentless exploitation of human vulnerabilities.
Among the findings are that AI-powered adversaries are launching automated, sophisticated campaigns at unprecedented scale. Also the financial fallout of a breach now extends far beyond ransom, often resulting in business-ending costs.
Ubuntu Linux 25.10 'Questing Quokka' arrives with memory-safe system tools and better hardware support
Ubuntu Linux 25.10, codenamed “Questing Quokka,” is now available to download. This interim Ubuntu release focuses on improving security, performance, and accessibility, laying the groundwork for next year’s long-term support version.
25.10 introduces memory-safe implementations of key tools, a refreshed desktop, and better hardware compatibility across a wider range of devices. The latest Linux release also arrives with GNOME 49, a new version of Ubuntu’s default desktop environment that includes lock screen media and power controls, improved accessibility options, and support for HDR brightness settings.
America embraces AI but some states show greater interest
Americans are increasingly turning to AI to save time, automate tasks, and boost creativity. Research from AI company Chatronix shows that the US is embracing the use of AI but that some states show more interest than others.
Analysis of Google Trends data between June 2024 and June 2025 reveals where searches for ChatGPT and Gemini are most concentrated. Scores from 0-100 represent the relative popularity of each search term by state, as a fraction of total Google searches in that region. Higher values reflect a larger share of interest, not higher total search counts.
Windows 10's end of life is only days away -- WhyNotWin11 explains why your PC may not qualify for Windows 11
It’s been a long time coming, but Windows 10 is now only days away from reaching the end of its lifecycle, marking the end of updates and security support for one of Microsoft’s most widely used operating systems.
For millions of users still running the OS, this change raises an important question: what’s next? While upgrading to Windows 11 seems like the natural path forward, not every PC meets Microsoft’s stringent system requirements.
AI girlfriend apps leaked millions of intimate conversations and images -- here's what we know
Two AI companion apps leaked millions of private conversations, more than 600,000 images and videos, and detailed usage data from over 400,000 users.
The exposed information included in-app transactions showing that some users spent thousands of dollars on their virtual partners, raising serious questions about data privacy in AI relationship platforms.
Nearly a third of US and UK consumers plan to switch internet providers, survey finds
A new consumer study shows that around 28 percent of US and 37 percent of UK households are considering switching internet service providers in the near future, mainly due to concerns over service quality.
The findings suggest that poor connectivity and customer support continue to be major drivers of churn in the broadband market.
Sora 2, OpenAI's AI video generator is now available for everyone on Invideo
Invideo has become the first platform to offer unrestricted global access to Sora 2, OpenAI’s next-generation AI video model for generating cinematic, photorealistic footage from text prompts.
The partnership with OpenAI removes previous barriers such as invite codes, waitlists, VPNs, and 10-second limits, making next-generation generative video creation available to everyone. If you’ve ever wanted to see what your dog battling Godzilla at the end of the world might look like, now you can find out.
Software engineers love building new features but are spending more time on other things
A new survey of 1,200 software engineers and technology leaders finds that only 33 percent of engineers strongly agree that they spend the majority of their time on work that energizes them. They spend just 16 percent of their week building features, despite 93 percent saying it’s the most rewarding part of their jobs
The study from Chainguard looks at how friction from repetitive maintenance, fragmented tools, and burnout continues to weigh heavily on the developer experience, while also revealing how AI and automation ease workloads to give software engineers more time for meaningful work.
Cyber skills gap leads to escalating security risks
A shortage of skilled cyber professionals is leading to critical security roles being unfilled at a time when they are needed most, according to a new skills gap report from Fortinet.
Organizations are turning increasingly to AI to strengthen their cybersecurity postures and fill gaps, but they also acknowledge that AI may be used against them as an engine of new or improved cyberattacks, especially given the lack of AI skillsets across teams.
Poor API security practices could put agentic AI deployments at risk
A new report exposes a disconnect between rapid API adoption and immature security practices, which threatens the success of critical AI and automation initiatives.
The study from Salt Security, based on responses from over 380 professionals tasked with managing APIs, finds 80 percent of organizations lack continuous, real-time API monitoring, leaving them blind to active threats targeting AI agents.
US companies dominate as banks race to adopt AI
The leading banks for AI maturity have pulled away from their peers in 2025, consolidating earlier gains and increasingly realizing ROI for their AI investments.
The latest AI Index from intelligence and benchmarking platform for AI adoption in financial services, Evident, shows JPMorganChase, Capital One and Royal Bank of Canada are the three leading banks in AI adoption.
Qualcomm is acquiring Arduino to help speed up developer access to AI
Chipmaker Qualcomm has announced that it is acquiring Arduino. Best known for its Arduino boards, the Italian firm is getting a new owner for an undisclosed sum of money.
Qualcomm says that its own products will be combined with Arduino’s ecosystem, and has announced the launch of the new Arduino UNO Q, powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing platform. This is being promoted as a joining of forces, as well as a way of speeding up developers’ access to key technologies.
Is artificial intelligence about to steal your job? [Q&A]
With artificial intelligence becoming more powerful and completing more complex tasks, the natural question being asked in the industry is if and when AI will steal human jobs.
Myths abound about AI working autonomously and eliminating the human workforce, starting with entry-level jobs. In reality, however, AI makes workers better and it works best when paired with humans -- their strategic thinking, specialized judgment, and adaptability remain irreplaceable.
Waze is rolling out voice-controlled Conversational Reporting of hazards
Navigation tools such as Waze and Google Maps not only help you find a route from A to B, but also provide information about road closure, vehicle breakdowns, police in the area, and hazards on the road. With this last item being reliant on reports from road users, Waze has been investigating ways to make do so easier.
When you spot a hazard on the road and want to warn others, you have had to wait until you are able to stop to do so (safely, at least). Now Waze is rolling out a feature called Conversational Reporting which lets you use your voice – and a dash of AI – to let other road users know about what you have spotted.
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