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Linux Mint recently surpassed MX Linux to become the most popular distribution on DistroWatch. Now, with the arrival of Linux Mint 22.1 "Xia" in beta, users get an exciting preview of the features and improvements in the next future stable release.

This long-term support release will eventually be supported until 2029, providing a solid foundation for those seeking reliability and usability. Built on the Ubuntu 24.04 package base and powered by the Linux kernel 6.8, this beta showcases several key improvements and updates.

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A new report shows that endpoint platform security -- securing the hardware and firmware of PCs, laptops and printers -- is often overlooked, weakening cybersecurity posture for years to come.

The report from HP Wolf Security is based on a global study of over 800 IT and security decision-makers (ITSDMs) and over 6,000 work-from-anywhere (WFA) employees, it shows that platform security is a growing concern with 81 percent of ITSDMs agreeing that hardware and firmware security must become a priority to ensure attackers cannot exploit vulnerable devices.

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New research from Imperva shows that 71 percent of UK consumers believe bad bots are ruining Christmas by snapping up all the most wanted presents.

It finds that 40 percent of consumers surveyed say they have been thwarted when trying to buy a gift in the past, only to find that it was completely sold out.

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There are still various obstacles in the way of updating to Windows 11 24H2, but Microsoft has just removed one of them. Until now, systems with a USB scanner that used the eSCL scan protocol were blocked from installing the update, but this block has now been lifted.

This is not all that is to be found in the update, of course. There is a somewhat controversial switch to a shortened date format in the taskbar as well as a batch of important security fixes.

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Ohsnap has introduced MCON, a compact gaming controller designed for MagSafe-enabled smartphones. Set to launch on Kickstarter on January 2, 2025, and make its debut at CES 2025, MCON aims to provide a portable option for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Developed by 19-year-old inventor Josh King in collaboration with Ohsnap CEO Dale Backus, MCON features a minimalist design that prioritizes portability and ease of use. With a “launch” button that slides out full-sized hall-effect joysticks and tactile buttons, the device connects via Bluetooth without requiring clamps, cables, or complex pairing.

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Google has finally unveiled Gemini 2.0, an evolution of its AI models designed to usher in a so-called “agentic era.” Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, has described this as a major leap forward for AI, emphasizing the model’s advanced reasoning, multimodal capabilities, and its potential to revolutionize tools like Google Search, among others. While Google is making big promises, my own experience with Gemini has left me wondering if it’s really a match for the historically superior ChatGPT.

Gemini 2.0 builds on the successes of previous iterations, like Gemini 1.5, and aims to push boundaries with native image and audio output, text-to-speech capabilities, and native integration with tools like Google Search and coding functions. Google is pitching this as more than just an AI chatbot. The model is described as a foundation for creating AI agents capable of handling complex, multi-step tasks, from generating research reports to serving as a developer assistant. Projects like Astra, Mariner, and Jules further showcase Google’s ambition to embed AI into everyday workflows and beyond.

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Creative has launched Pebble Nova, the latest addition to its desktop speaker lineup. Positioned as an upgrade within the Pebble series, the Nova offers updated design elements, versatile connectivity options, and RGB lighting.

The Pebble Nova features a coaxial driver design that aligns the tweeter and woofer, delivering balanced sound across the audio spectrum. Its 45-degree elevated drivers are intended to direct sound toward the listener, and an included stand allows for further elevation and improved projection.

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While enterprise AI adoption boomed in 2024, 45 percent of US employees fear their company does not categorize AI applications based on the risk of potential harm to employees and customers. In the year ahead, business leaders must contend with the real data privacy and intellectual property risks that generative AI poses and chart a more pragmatic path forward.

Here are four trends I see shaping the enterprise technology landscape in 2025:

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New analysis released by SecurityScorecard reveals that 97 percent of the top 100 US banks have experienced a third-party data breach in the past year.

As banks increasingly rely on third-party vendors for core functions, their exposure to supply chain vulnerabilities increases. Using the largest proprietary risk and threat intelligence dataset, SecurityScorecard's experts analyzed how third-party breaches impact the banking sector.

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If you’re tired of the constant updates, system requirements, and licensing headaches that come with Windows 11, OpenMandriva ROME 24.12 might be the perfect solution. As a rolling-release Linux distribution, OpenMandriva offers users the freedom to always stay on the cutting edge without waiting for major version updates.

With this latest release, OpenMandriva delivers a combination of performance and customization, making it a solid choice for those looking to break free from Windows. The inclusion of KDE Plasma Desktop (versions 6.2.4 and 5.27.11) offers a sleek, modern interface that’s as polished as any operating system Microsoft has to offer. Add to that the flexibility Linux provides, and you’re looking at a user experience that can be tailored to your needs.

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Quantum computing is something that we've been covering for a while but commercial implementations always seem to be tantalizingly out of reach.

It could be getting nearer though thanks to work by Classiq Technologies, with Deloitte Tohmatsu Group, and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation to demonstrate improved circuit compression.

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Despite the rise of other means of communication email remains the most commonly used. This makes it attractive to cybercriminals as it offers an entry point to businesses and the gateway that employees rely on to do their jobs.

A new report from Abnormal Security highlights the attacks that we’re likely to see in the next year and shows the need for improved defenses, including the use of AI.

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The run up to the holiday period is a prime time for cyber attackers as they try to exploit the rise in online activity to launch phishing and spoofing attacks, distribute malware, and create fraudulent schemes.

Online retail brands are a prime target. Last year UK shoppers lost  more than £11.5 million to online scammers between November and January.  However, it’s important to remember that the risks also extend to other industry sectors, as employees may use work devices for last minute festive shopping and other end-of-year activity. Here we explore how scammers take advantage of this annual trend and how to protect against these threats.  

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In the modern business world, organizations face the ongoing challenge of aligning their IT and cybersecurity efforts with their business priorities.

The difficulty lies in understanding how your infrastructure supports your business's core functions. Without this understanding, prioritizing cybersecurity initiatives, managing vulnerabilities, and ensuring business continuity remains an uphill battle.

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APIs are the glue that holds together the modern enterprise. As digital transformation projects get the boardroom green light in ever greater numbers, so the infrastructure connecting software, data and experiences has expanded. Yet a potential storm is coming in 2025, as a new wave of agentic AI innovation takes hold in the enterprise. In fact, Gartner predicts over 30 percent of the increase in demand for APIs will come from AI and tools that use Large Language Models (LLMs)by 2026.

Unless organizations can mature their API security posture, next year could be the first time we see an LLM app security breach linked to APIs. And without improved API observability, it won’t be the last.

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