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While the blue checkmark of verification used to be something prized by Twitter users, the takeover of the platform by Elon Musk, and the introduction of the option to buy a checkmark rendered it less valuable or meaningful.

More than this, last year the European Commission voiced concerns about the potential for confusion, suggesting X was violating the Digital Services Act. Now, in what appears to be an attempt to stave off legal action or fines, X is displaying a message that downplays the value of the checkmark.

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Android users have an update to Circle to Search to look forward to. Currently only available in the latest beta version of the Google app (version 16.18, specifically) there is a significant change to the way in which the AI-powered search tool works.

Previously, the name of the feature was a perfect description of how it worked -- activate Circle to Search and then draw a circle to perform a web search using selected on-screen data. Now an unannounced change sees the search feature automatically capturing the entire content of the screen. As with most big changes -- and this is a big one -- there are plusses and minuses.

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The Canary builds of Windows 11 are very much the cutting edge of Microsoft’s operating system development, and the latest release includes numerous welcome changes and additions, as well as fixing problems.

Not only does Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27871 see Phone companion for the Start menu rolling out once again, but it is rolling out in an improved form with new features. There are also tweaks to the Taskbar, and new energy saving options in Microsoft InTune.

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Microsoft is launching a new cybersecurity initiative in the EU and associated regions to help governments bolster their protections. The European Security Program is needed, the company says, because of the growing threat posed by AI, as well as increasingly complex and numerous cyberattacks from the likes of Russia and China.

The new program builds on Microsoft's existing Government Security Program, but is tailored to the specific needs of Europe. In a move that will be well-received by the EU, the European Security Program is free of charge and includes important new components.

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After decades of making chargers, cables, and other essentials, Belkin is finally diving into gaming. The company has revealed a new set of accessories designed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Yes, the same Belkin that’s been making gear since the 1980s is now trying to win over gamers.

This isn’t some half-baked cash grab either. Belkin’s new lineup was made with actual care, featuring high-end materials and smart design choices. Everything is built under its “Future Ventures” umbrella, which is basically Belkin’s way of saying “we’re trying new stuff.” The accessories aim to give Switch 2 owners better portability, charging, and screen protection.

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Nintendo has made a controversial change to its upcoming Switch 2 console by removing the option to select male or female when creating a Mii. Instead, users are presented with two vague “styles” that lack any clear reference to gender. The company hasn’t offered much explanation, but the decision is already fueling a growing backlash -- particularly from conservative gamers who see the move as yet another erasure of traditional identity.

Miis have been around since the Wii era, allowing players to reflect their appearance and identity through their avatar. For many, that included expressing gender in a straightforward way. By eliminating this option, Nintendo has effectively stripped away a basic layer of self-representation that some gamers valued.

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Let’s face it, folks. Power outages are no longer rare. Between heatwaves, hurricanes, and overloaded grids, losing electricity is just part of modern life now. That’s why Anker SOLIX has launched its new F3000 portable power station. This thing isn’t just for camping or tailgating. It’s made for real emergencies. And unlike some other solutions, it’s built to actually keep your fridge cold and your lights on.

The F3000 delivers 3072Wh of capacity and up to 3600W of output. That’s enough to power high-draw appliances like full-size refrigerators, power tools, or even medical equipment. If that’s not enough, you can link two units together and get 240V at 7200W with Anker’s optional hub. That is a serious amount of power.

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Cloud infrastructure is rapidly scaling but security teams are struggling to keep pace according to a new report from Prowler which shows 64 percent of organizations now operate in hybrid and 55 percent in multi-cloud environments, increasing the surface area for potential threats.

This diversification offers flexibility but also adds layers of complexity that traditional security models were never built to handle. Because of this, vulnerability management is a top concern with 46 percent of companies detecting an average of 17 cloud vulnerabilities each week.

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Security teams receive an average of over 4,000 alerts per month from multiple cloud security tools, leading to major inefficiencies and serious delays that result in a weakening of overall cloud runtime security.

This 'cloud security paradox' -- more tools leading to less security -- is revealed in a new report from ARMO based on responses from more than 300 SecOps stakeholders and cybersecurity leaders. It finds that security teams must sift through roughly 7,000 alerts to find a single active threat.

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Since Gartner introduced Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) in 2022, adoption has grown rapidly, driven by multi-cloud complexity, AI risks, and stricter privacy regulations.

Yet, a knowledge gap remains, as organizations often compare DSPM to traditional tools like DLP or CNAPP without fully understanding its unique benefits. We spoke to Nikhil Girdhar, senior director for data security at Securiti to discuss how DSPM has evolved and how organizations can use it to best advantage.

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Chaos RAT is back and causing trouble on Linux and Windows systems. This open source remote access tool was once pitched as a legitimate way to manage computers remotely. Now, it is being used to spy on users, steal data, and possibly set the stage for ransomware. According to Acronis, attackers are now turning the tables and exploiting Chaos RAT itself.

Originally written in Go and designed for cross platform compatibility, Chaos RAT has evolved from a basic tool into a very dangerous piece of malware. It has been spotted in real world attacks including a recent sample disguised as a Linux network utility. Victims were likely tricked into downloading a fake troubleshooting tool containing the malware.

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Logitech is trying to make wired cool again, and honestly, I’m totally here for it. The company today announced the Signature Slim Wired Combo, a modern keyboard and mouse pair built for folks who still value physical connections over convenience. And yes, that includes me.

Look, I get it. Wireless looks cleaner. But as someone who’s constantly typing and clicking, I’ve always preferred wired gear. I don’t have to worry about charging or keeping spare batteries around. Sure, the cables aren’t exactly pretty, but the peace of mind is worth it.

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As technology advances, the integration of artificial intelligence and automation is reshaping the landscape of pool maintenance. These innovations promise not only to enhance efficiency but also to align with eco-friendly practices, paving the way for a sustainable future in pool care.

The future of pool maintenance is being defined by the convergence of AI and automation. Homeowners are increasingly adopting these technologies to streamline pool care, reduce manual labor, and minimize environmental impact.

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A new survey released today by Google and carried out with Morning Consult, reveals that over 60 percent of US consumers have seen an increase in scams over the past year, with a third personally experiencing a data breach due to a scam.

Most have seen scams through text messages, but over 61 percent say they've also been targeted via email. As people experience more scams though, they report feeling more confident in their ability to spot them.

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Valid account credentials -- with no MFA in place to protect the organization should they be
misused -- are still by far and away the biggest stumbling block for organizations investigated
by the Rapid7 IR team, occurring in 56 percent of all incidents in the first quarter of 2025.

Exposed RDP services account for six percent of incidents as the initial access vector (IAV) and were abused by attackers more generally in 44 percent of incidents.

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