The rising tide of ransomware and what it means for small and medium-sized businesses [Q&A]
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are facing an escalating onslaught of cyberattacks as they evolve in both sophistication and speed. Among the most insidious threats are ransomware variants like QakBot and Black Basta, which operate in the shadows, often slipping past the radar of law enforcement and the media.
The consequences of these attacks can be devastating, leaving SMBs exposed and unprepared, with the potential to disrupt operations, damage reputations, and incur significant financial losses.
Google launches Identity Check, a new location-based security feature, and completes roll-out of AI-powered theft detection
Theft of mobile devices is a crime that is not going away any time soon. Phones are now completely central to so many aspects of life, and the theft (or loss) is about much more than the monetary value of the device itself. There is great potential for a thief to gain access to a wealth of information via a stolen phone.
This is why the security of mobile devices is so important, and it is why Google is taking steps to limit the impact of theft. A new feature that is starting to roll out is Identity Check, which requires the use of biometric authentication whenever your device is in an unknown or untrusted location. The company is also harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for good, using AI-powered tools to detect thefts.
Vivaldi 7.1 brings privacy-focused features to Windows, Mac, and Linux
Vivaldi has made version 7.1 of its web browser available for download here. This version introduces many powerful new features for those seeking a more private and customizable browsing experience. With its focus on user control and independence, Vivaldi 7.1 should be an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable alternative to Chrome.
One cool new feature is the new weather widget, which provides real-time forecasts directly on your dashboard. This hub, which was introduced in Vivaldi 7.0, integrates tools like mail, calendar, and RSS feeds into one convenient location. The weather widget adds another layer of functionality, giving users quick access to forecasts without leaving their browser.
Kensington launches security mount for Apple’s M4 Mac mini
Kensington has released a cool new product for fans of Apple’s diminutive desktop -- the Security Mount for the Mac mini equipped with M4 and M4 Pro chips. This mount is designed to help users securely install and protect the compact computer, making it suitable for home, office, and shared workspaces.
The Mac mini’s recent redesign incorporates Apple’s silicon into a smaller 5x5-inch form factor -- a space-efficient design. While the reduced size saves desk space, it also introduces potential security concerns, which the Kensington Security Mount aims to address. The worry is, someone could easily walk off with it before someone notices.
MSI introduces Strike 600 mechanical keyboard designed for quiet performance
MSI has announced the Strike 600, a mechanical keyboard aimed at providing a quieter typing and gaming experience while offering durability and customizable features. The keyboard is targeted at gamers, professionals, and content creators looking for a balance between functionality and style.
The Strike 600 features Kailh Midnight Pro Silent Tactile switches, which are designed to reduce noise to levels below 35 decibels. These switches offer a tactile bump for a responsive feel, with a pre-travel distance of 1.9mm and a total travel distance of 3.7mm. MSI states that the switches are built to last, with a lifespan of up to 70 million keystrokes.
CISOs get more time in the boardroom but struggle with budgets
A new report from Splunk shows 82 percent of CISOs now report directly to the CEO, up from 47 percent in 2023, and 83 percent participate in board meetings somewhat often or most of the time.
However, only 29 percent of CISOs say they receive the proper budget for cybersecurity initiatives and accomplishing their security goals, compared to 41 percent of board members who think their cybersecurity budgets are adequate.
If you sign into your Microsoft account on a public or shared computer, you need to know this
Microsoft has quietly announced a significant change to the sign in/out process for Microsoft accounts. The change could have massive security implications for many people.
As of next month, when you sign into your Microsoft account, you will remain signed in until you opt to sign out manually. At the moment the (arguably more secure) approach sees users signed out automatically after a period of inactivity, helping to protect anyone using a public computer.
New AI assistant aims to streamline cross-platform UI development
Repetitive UI development tasks often don't involve coding and in order to free up developer time from these, Qt Group is launching Qt AI Assistant, an experimental tool for streamlining cross-platform user interface (UI) development.
It gives advice on building application UIs with Qt Framework and automates manual tasks like writing unit test cases, code documentation, and repetitive code. Users request this advice with a prompt window and quick-access commands inside the code editor of Qt Creator (used for creating and modifying cross-platform apps).
Netflix celebrates its largest jump in subscribers by announcing its first price increase of 2025
Trotting out a tried and tested line about “invest[ing] in programming and deliver[ing] more value for our members”, Netflix has announced significant increases in subscription fees.
The news about price increases came in the streaming firm’s fourth-quarter earnings call and it comes despite the company simultaneously announcing its biggest ever increase in subscriber numbers. New subscribers will pay the increased fees straight away, while existing users will be hit with larger bills in the next billing cycle. So how much more can you expect to pay?
Microsoft is turning to forced updates to increase the number of Windows 11 24H2 users
The most recent big update to Windows 11 has been available for more than three months now, and if you have not yet opted to make the leap, Microsoft may be about to do it for you.
The Windows 11 2024 Update is now, in Microsoft’s words, “broadly available”. While there is a lot of focus on getting Windows 10 users to upgrade before their operating system reaches end of life, fans of older editions of Windows 11 need to be aware that forced updates could see Windows 11 24H2 installed whether you are ready or not.
7-Zip users need to take action right now to address a serious security flaw
If you are a 7-Zip user, you need to be aware of a serious Mark-of-the-Web bypass vulnerability. The security hole is not new, having been reported way back in October 2024, but details have only just been released about it, and a fix has only just been produced.
Unlike many security fixes, however, 7-Zip users will need to be proactive in securing their software. Here’s what you need to know.
LibreELEC 12.0.2, the Linux distribution for Kodi, gets feature-packed Omega 21.2 update
LibreELEC, the lightweight Linux distribution designed exclusively to run Kodi, has released version 12.0.2. This latest update brings Kodi (Omega) 21.2 along with several notable changes and improvements. However, users running 64-bit ARM SoC devices like the Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 should pay close attention to the transition from ‘arm’ to ‘aarch64’ userspace.
Due to this switch, manual updates through LibreELEC settings won’t show version 12.0 releases on these devices, as there are no matching arm images available. To update, users will need to manually place a LibreELEC 12 file into /storage/.update and reboot.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25 redefine Android flagship phones with AI and cutting-edge specs
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series has officially arrived, offering a trio of flagship smartphones: the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Packed with innovative AI features, premium hardware, and the latest version of Android, the devices will offer a blend of performance, personalization, and security.
Here’s a detailed look at what each model brings to the table.
Trump is back -- here’s what it means for IoT
On January 20, Donald Trump was inaugurated to the highest office in the United States of America. If his last four-year term contains hints about his next four-year term, the tech sector can expect more protectionist policies reflected in tariffs, trade wars, and production.
For connected devices in the Internet of Things, this means flow-on effects in manufacturing supply chains and potentially stricter cybersecurity oversight. Let’s explore.
Hyper-personalization is here -- but are organizations ready?
The rising demand for relevant, convenient and personalized customer experiences across all sectors has put modern organizations under pressure to adapt. McKinsey reports that almost three quarters of buyers now expect personalized interactions. The choice is clear: either embrace personalization, with individual offers or tailored updates based on previous habits, or risk falling behind competitors with a standardized approach.
Many organizations already do this well. From personalized Netflix movie recommendations to tailored Google adverts built on previous searches, organizations are able to delight customers with tailored services.
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