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Less than two weeks into 2024, and Windows 10 users are being treated to their first update of the new year.

The KB5034122 update is a significant security release which also addresses a variety of bugs in Windows 10. Among the problems the updates fixes are two related to smart card usage, and a scroll bar issue.

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Microsoft has released its first batch of cumulative security updates of 2024, including the KB5034123 update for Windows 11. While the security fixes are a good reason for installing this particular update, there are plenty of other enticements too.

The KB5034123 update addresses various non-security issues including Wi-Fi connectivity problems and a bug that caused Windows to shut down. The update also ushers in new lock screen options thanks to the addition of a "richer weather experience" complete with dynamic, interactive weather updates.

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Satechi has announced its latest offerings in wireless charging technology at CES 2024 -- the 3-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand and its counterpart, the 2-in-1 Foldable Qi2 Wireless Charging Stand. Both products employ the advanced Qi2 technology, a step up from the traditional Qi standard, ensuring more efficient and faster charging capabilities.

The 3-in-1 model is designed to simultaneously deliver a 15W charge to an iPhone, 5W to AirPods, and 5W to an Apple Watch. Its 2-in-1 counterpart offers similar functionality but with a focus on iPhones and AirPods -- no Apple Watch support. The stands are foldable, emphasizing portability and ease of travel. Both models boast a premium-grade aluminum enclosure, a vegan leather base, and a soft silicone charging puck. The robust hinges are engineered for durability, promising long-term reliability.

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Businesses rely heavily on technology to drive operational efficiency. While this has benefits, it also brings with it challenges and risks, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. As cyber threats continue to be a persistent concern for businesses there has been a marked surge in demand for cyber insurance as companies recognize the importance of financial protection in the face of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybersecurity incidents. However, as the threat landscape evolves, so does the landscape of cyber insurance, with insurers raising the bar on their security requirements. 

While this is a concern for businesses that want to ensure that they are insured against potential security risks, there are a few considerations that can help improve their risk profile ahead of a potential breach or attack. Fundamental to this is cyber resilience within the broader framework of operational resilience.

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Generative AI has the potential to reshape entire industries and how they operate, and financial services stand out as uniquely poised for AI-driven transformation. McKinsey & Company calls generative AI the next frontier for productivity, estimating that analyzing natural language text -- a core generative AI use case -- accounts for an average of 25 percent of the time people spend in any given enterprise.

The finance industry is a data-driven industry, so it’s no surprise that finance sector firms see big potential in using generative AI to tackle use cases that require assessing enormous amounts of unstructured data, such as company due diligence, know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, sustainability research, and controversy monitoring.

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In Cybersecurity First Principles, Rick Howard, the Chief Security Officer, Chief Analyst, and Senior fellow at The Cyberwire, challenges the conventional wisdom of current cybersecurity best practices, strategy, and tactics and makes the case that the profession needs to get back to first principles.

The author convincingly lays out the arguments for the absolute cybersecurity first principle and then discusses the strategies and tactics required to achieve it.

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Today, Satechi launches the SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Keyboard at CES 2024. This device is notable for being the company's first mechanical keyboard. The keyboard is designed with a rechargeable battery, boasting a 75 percent layout, and features low-profile brown switches. It also includes a unique lock screen shortcut for macOS users, enhancing security.

The SM1 is crafted to modernize any workspace with its four-device connectivity, allowing users to switch between devices effortlessly. You can connect via Bluetooth, a wireless USB dongle, or with the included cable. It even comes with extra key caps, so you can swap between macOS and Windows layouts.

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Some industries make more attractive targets for cybercriminals than others, thanks to the type of data they hold and the services they provide. The telecoms sector is one such. 85 percent of the top telecom companies in the US, UK, France, Italy, Denmark, and Germany experienced a third-party data breach in the past 12 months alone.

Which is why SecurityScorecard is introducing a new set of security ratings developed especially for telecommunications companies, internet service providers, and cloud providers.

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Researchers at Cybernews have uncovered a huge data leak which could potentially put the entire population of Brazil at risk.

They uncovered a publicly accessible Elasticsearch instance which contained more than 223 million records-worth of private data belonging to Brazilian individuals -- the country's current population is only around 217 million.

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According to new research 82 percent of companies report an increase in the gap between the number of vulnerabilities/exposures in their environment and their ability to remediate them.

The 2024 State of Security Posture Survey from XM Cyber is based on a survey of 300 CISOs and security decision-makers from large organizations in the US and UK, and shows 62 percent of security and IT teams actively engage in the remediation of exposures or vulnerabilities, handling an average of 12 per week.

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Today at CES, eufy announced the X10 Pro Omni, a state-of-the-art robotic vacuum and mop This new flagship device blends the robust suction and self-emptying capabilities of the X8 Pro with the advanced mopping and self-cleaning functions of the X9 Pro, further enhanced by AI technology.

The eufy X10 Pro Omni stands out with its 8,000Pa suction power, effectively tackling common household messes like pet fur, mud, and various spills. This performance is paired with the MopMaster System 2.0, offering features like auto-lift mopping for seamless surface transition, dynamic dual rotating mops for thorough cleaning, and edge-hugging capabilities for comprehensive coverage.

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Anker has unveiled the SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station in the United States, introducing a novel approach to home energy management. The F3800, a first in the realm of portable power stations, brings AC coupling and solar power cycling capabilities to the forefront when used in conjunction with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel.

Installation of the F3800 is a straightforward process, requiring only a few hours of professional electrician's time. Its affordability makes it an accessible option for those seeking a home power solution.

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Wi-Fi 7 technology, the latest in wireless networking, has reached a major milestone with the introduction of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7 -- a certification program by Wi-Fi Alliance. Keep in mind, this certification is not really introducing new technology, but rather, affirming the robustness and interoperability of the existing Wi-Fi 7 that many early adopters are already using.

This program guarantees that Wi-Fi 7's advanced features are uniformly deployed, ensuring high-quality user experiences across various devices and applications. This certification plays a critical role in reinforcing the technology's reliability for high throughput, deterministic latency, and critical traffic handling.

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The Solus development team has released version 4.5 of the Linux distribution. Code-named “Resilience,” it marks a significant update in the Solus operating system lineup. This release brings forth a ton of enhancements, including updated applications and kernels, revamped software stacks, a new installation experience, and the introduction of an ISO edition with the XFCE desktop environment.

A standout feature of Solus 4.5 is the implementation of the Calamares installer, replacing the Python 2-based os-installer. This transition not only makes installation more straightforward, particularly with filesystems like BTRFS, but it also represents a strategic move away from Python 2. The installer now allows users to customize their partition layout directly, significantly enhancing the installation process.

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MSI has unveiled its latest product, aimed at competing with the popular Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. Called “Claw,” it is a PC gaming handheld device, making it the first of its kind to be powered by Intel’s Core Ultra Processor. This collaboration with Intel introduces the advanced Meteor Lake processors to the gaming world.

The Claw is designed to cater to the needs of gaming enthusiasts, featuring a 7-inch premium 120Hz display for vibrant color reproduction. In addition, Claw offers customizable macros, allowing players to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences.

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