New Fortnite vulnerabilities put users' privacy at risk
Researchers at security firm Check Point have uncovered vulnerabilities in the popular online game Fortnite that would allow attackers to intercept and steal Fortnite users’ login credentials without them being aware of the theft.
The attack manipulates Fortnite's login process to capture usernames and passwords. Armed with these details attackers could view any data stored in the game, buy more V-Bucks in-game currency at users' expense, and access all the user’s in-game contacts as well as listen in on and record conversations taking place during game play.
Verizon gives free Apple Music to (some of) its unlimited customers
Streaming music is all the rage these days, and for good reason. It is affordable and convenient -- long gone are the days of spending $20 for a single CD. Seriously, folks, that is what many albums were selling for before Napster and other piracy offerings leveled the playing field. Nowadays, for a paltry monthly fee, you can access more music than you can possibly listen to in your lifetime. It rules.
There are many quality services from which to choose, but my favorite is Apple Music. It works well on my iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, but also, it is compatible with Windows, Android, and Amazon Alexa too. Sadly, there is no web version, but I digress. I happily give Apple $10 each month to be rewarded with a great music listening experience. If you are a Verizon unlimited customer, you may no longer need to pay for Apple's streaming service. You see, the cell provider will now be providing complimentary access to some of its customers.
Google pushes Android devs to move to 64-bit as it timetables new app requirements
While 64-bit software is pretty much the norm on the desktop, the same cannot -- yet -- be said on mobile platforms. There is a steady movement away from 32-bit apps, and Google wants to accelerate things.
The company is encouraging Android developers to concentrate on 64-bit versions of their apps as it sets out its timetable for the end of 32-bit software.
Apple releases expensive battery cases for iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, with wireless Qi charging
If you're a heavy user of your iPhone, you'll be aware of the need to keep your battery topped up. You could carry around a battery pack, or you could stick your charger in your pocket in the hope that you'll be a near a power outlet. Or, you could invest in one of Apple's official charging cases.
The iPhone-maker has just launched a trio of smart battery cases -- for the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR -- which allow you to protect and charge your phone at the same time.
Privacy-centric DuckDuckGo shuns Google and turns to Apple Maps for location-based searches
With the emphasis it places on privacy, it should come as little surprise that search engine DuckDuckGo is less than keen on Google. The latest demonstration of this is the company's decision to eschew Google Maps in favor of Apple's MapKit JS framework to power its map-related searches.
DuckDuckGo says that this brings users a "valuable combination of mapping and privacy", both on the desktop and on mobile.
Mozilla closes experimental Firefox Test Pilot program
Just weeks after relaunching Mozilla Labs, the Firefox maker has announced that the browser's Test Pilot program is closing down. The move comes as Mozilla says it is "evolving Firefox's culture of experimentation".
The Test Pilot Program has been a beta testing ground for numerous Firefox features including Containers, Activity Stream and Firefox Monitor. But while this particular program is going away -- and with very little notice -- Mozilla says that experimentation will continue, and promises that experimental features will not be disabled for those who are currently using them.
Amazon Fire TV Stick now comes with Alexa Voice Remote at same affordable price
Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos may be having a difficult time in his personal life right now, but professionally, the multi-billionaire is doing phenomenally. Amazon's stock is through the roof, and there seems to be no slowing down the online retailer. Long gone are the days when the company just sold books and other manufacturers’ products -- these days, Amazon offers its own hardware and services. Not only is its line of Echo speakers wildly profitable, but there is Kindle, Fire HD tablets, and Fire TV media devices too.
One of Amazon's greatest devices is the Fire TV Stick. This little HDMI dongle is insanely affordable at just under $40, while offering access to many popular streaming media services, like Netflix, Hulu, and its own Prime Video. Seriously, folks, even though this particular model doesn't offer 4K video playback, it is still a great value. Today, Amazon announces that the popular Fire TV Stick will soon come with the amazing Alexa Voice Remote. That must mean the company is raising the price, right? Actually...
Netflix price increase hits US users
To help bring in more money to fund new shows, Netflix is increasing its prices in the US with immediate effect.
The cost of plans is jumping by between 13 and 18 percent, and new users will have to pay the new prices straight away. Existing customers can expect to see their subscription fees going up at some point over the next three months.
SIEM helps enterprises cut number of breaches and detect them sooner
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) lets security teams collect and analyze log data from across their IT infrastructure to help detect and combat threats and suspicious activity.
A new report for AlienVault produced by Cybersecurity Insiders reveals three-quarters of cybersecurity professionals believe SIEM is very or extremely important to their organization's security postures.
Average cost of a cyberattack passes $1 million
The average cost of a cyberattack is now estimated at $1.1 million, according to a new report from cybersecurity company Radware. For organizations that calculate rather than estimate the cost of an attack, that number increases to $1.67M.
The main impact of cyberattacks, as reported by respondents, is operational/productivity loss (54 percent), followed by negative customer experience (43 percent). What’s more, almost half (45 percent) report that the goal of the attacks they suffered was service disruption. Another third (35 percent) say the goal was data theft.
Google is kicking apps that ask for SMS or Call Log permissions out of the Play Store
Google has reminded developers that their apps will be removed from the Play Store if they request SMS or Call Log permissions. The policy change was announced last year, and over the next few weeks the app removal process begins.
While these particular permissions have been used to give Android users a choice of dialers and messaging apps, Google says there have also been instances of abuse. The company is introducing far stricter restrictions in the name of privacy and protecting user data.
Windows leak site BuildFeed closes down
After five years of leaking information about unreleased builds of Windows, BuildFeed has shut up shop.
Over the weekend, the site posted a slew of build numbers including references to onecore and shell_devices_foldable. But there will be no more leaks coming from the BuildFeed. Citing "extensive internal pressures and external pressures", site founder Thomas Hounsell says that he has terminated his project with immediate effect.
Microsoft is killing Windows 7, so you should switch to Netrunner 19.01 'Blackbird' Linux distro now!
Windows 7 is an excellent operating system. It is a no-nonsense computing experience that just works. There are no ugly live tiles or forced updates. Conversely, Windows 10 is largely trash. Don't get me wrong, Microsoft's latest operating system isn't all bad, but it has many poor design choices, and the intrusive telemetry makes it feel like you are being spied on when using your own computer. Worst of all, it has proven to be very buggy -- it has been deleting important user files! That is scary stuff...
Many Windows users passed on both Windows 8.x and Windows 10, opting to stay on Windows 7. You know what? I don't blame them. Unfortunately, starting today, the Windows 7 death clock begins ticking away. You see, in exactly one year, Microsoft will end support for Windows 7. While the operating system will still function, it is foolish to use an unsupported OS. These folks will have to decide if they want to "upgrade" to Window 10 or opt for something entirely different. Today, Netrunner 19.01 "Blackbird" -- a Linux-based operating system that is reminiscent of Windows 7 -- is finally released. If you don't want to run Windows 10 on your PC, you should definitely give Blackbird a try before the Windows 7 support ends.
LiFiMAX is a new kind of high-speed internet... that runs on light
During this year’s recent CES conference in Las Vegas, attendees got a preview of the evolution of high-speed internet. It's called LiFiMAX and offers an internet connection based on invisible light.
It gives a 100Mbps downlink data rate and 40Mpbs uplink rate, making it ideal for use in a professional setting.
Philips unveils pair of premium monitors with Windows Hello and USB-C docking
All monitors are created equally, right? Oh, heck no. Quality can vary wildly. Even when two displays have the same specs on paper, the actual appearance can be quite different. That's why it's important to stick with reputable brands that are known for producing solid products.
Philips is a brand I trust for monitors, as its products have historically been of high quality. Not only do they offer a great picture, but they are long-lasting too. The company has two new models that are sure to excite computer enthusiasts. Windows 10 users in particular will love the integrated Windows Hello cameras -- you can login with your face rather than a password. That's not all that makes them special, however -- they also have integrated USB-C docking stations, with features like Gigabit Ethernet. Hardwired LAN access from your display? That is so cool!
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