The importance of modernizing cyber defenses [Q&A]

The state of high-profile cyber incidents in recent years has highlighted the fact that defenses need to be kept up to date to provide adequate protection.

AI and machine learning have the potential to transform security operations to enhance protection against emerging threats. We spoke to Gurucul CEO Saryu Nayyar to get her view on how protection technologies are evolving and why this is so crucial.

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Millions of Windows 10 PCs face security disaster as Microsoft ends support

Millions of computers are heading towards a security crisis as Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Despite this impending deadline, 32 million devices -- roughly 65 percent of household computers in Germany -- are still running the aging operating system. In the DACH region, including Austria and Switzerland, over 35 million systems rely on Windows 10, leaving millions of users exposed to potential cyberattacks once updates stop. By contrast, only about 33 percent of German devices have transitioned to Windows 11, and over a million are still running even older systems like Windows 8, 7, or XP.

Thorsten Urbanski, an IT security expert at ESET, is sounding the alarm. “It’s five minutes to midnight to prevent a security fiasco in 2025. We strongly urge users not to wait until October. Upgrade to Windows 11 now or choose an alternative operating system if your device cannot support the latest version. Otherwise, users are exposing themselves to significant security risks, including dangerous cyberattacks and data breaches.”

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Belkin BoostCharge Pro MagSafe Power Bank 5K gets Year of the Snake design

Belkin has introduced a new design for its existing BoostCharge Pro MagSafe Power Bank 5K to celebrate the Year of the Snake. This refreshed version of the popular power bank features a colorful snake-themed pattern symbolizing intelligence and elegance, inspired by the Chinese Zodiac. The updated design is available now through apple.com and select Apple retail stores across Asia and Australia, with a planned launch in the United States and Canada.

The BoostCharge Pro MagSafe Power Bank 5K remains unchanged in functionality, offering the same reliable performance it is known for. Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, it provides up to 16 hours of additional battery life for iPhone 12 and newer models. It supports Qi2 wireless charging, delivering up to 15W when plugged in or 7.5W when used as a standalone battery. Additionally, a USB-C port enables dual-device charging for added convenience.

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BenQ introduces Zowie XL2586X+ gaming monitor with 600Hz refresh rate

BenQ’s gaming brand, Zowie, has revealed the XL2586X+, a 24.1-inch eSports monitor tailored for competitive gaming. With a 1920x1080 resolution, 600Hz refresh rate, and 320-nit brightness, this monitor is designed for gamers who demand fast performance and sharp visuals. It offers a 1000:1 contrast ratio, delivering detailed imagery with deeper blacks and brighter highlights. Connectivity includes three HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a headphone jack, 

The XL2586X+ features several enhancements, including DyAc 2 technology, which uses dual backlights and precise control to minimize ghosting and improve motion clarity. Additionally, a new vivid color film enhances color accuracy by up to 35 percent, addressing common issues with TN panels like color washout and making on-screen elements more visually distinct.

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McAfee brings AI-powered deepfake detection to HP OmniBook Ultra Flip and X Next-Gen PCs

McAfee logo on laptop

McAfee has announced that its Deepfake Detector will now come preinstalled on the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip and HP OmniBook X Next-Gen AI PCs. This collaboration aims to address the growing concerns around deepfake videos and the potential for AI-driven scams and misinformation. By integrating advanced AI detection technology directly into consumer devices, McAfee and HP are offering users a way to assess the authenticity of online content.

Deepfakes -- AI-generated videos and audio that mimic real people -- are increasingly used to spread misinformation. McAfee’s Deepfake Detector analyzes video and audio for signs of manipulation using the neural processing unit (NPU) on HP’s Copilot+ PCs. This on-device processing approach enhances privacy by ensuring user data stays local and off the cloud.

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ORICO Mac Mini Upgrade Series adds storage and ports for professionals

ORICO has introduced its Mac Mini Upgrade Series, a collection of accessories designed to expand the functionality of Apple’s popular Mac Mini M4. Known for its compact design and reliable performance, the Mac Mini arguably falls short when it comes to storage capacity and port availability.

The company’s new lineup offers practical solutions aimed at addressing these limitations for users in fields like graphic design, video editing, and content creation. These accessories provide expanded storage, improved connectivity, and enhanced workspace organization, catering to the needs of modern professionals.

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Apple Fitness+ unveils new fitness programs and Strava integration

Apple Fitness+ has expanded its offerings for 2025 with new fitness and mindfulness programs, including strength training, yoga workshops, pickleball conditioning, and breath meditation. The service also features a collaboration with Strava, enhancing how users can share and track their workouts.

Among the updates is the “Three Perfect Weeks of Strength” program, which provides a structured approach to building and maintaining muscle. The program includes progressive overload, time under tension, and dynamic power exercises over three weeks. A new pickleball program led by professional player Catherine Parenteau focuses on strength, endurance, and agility, catering to the growing popularity of the sport.

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ToDoList 9.0 adds Attribute Editor and MySQL import support amid a host of feature additions

AbstractSpoon Software has unveiled a New Year’s gift for fans of its portable Windows to-do manager with the release of ToDoList 9.0.

ToDoList, which provides a range of tools and views for managing to-do lists, is designed to be run from a USB drive allowing access from any Windows PC. It unveils two major new features with this release, along with a host of additions to existing tools.

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Apple agrees to $95 million payouts to settle lawsuit alleging Siri recorded private conversations

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Despite not admitting to having done anything wrong, Apple has agreed $95 million in settlement payouts for “unintentional” Siri activations that may have resulted in private conversations being recorded.

The payment agreement comes after years of legal back and forth following reports from users that Siri was “spying” on them after being activated unbidden. The proposed class action lawsuit has its roots in complaints dating back to 2014.

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How AI assistants can make sales teams more effective [Q&A]

Most business areas are starting to feel the impact of artificial intelligence, enabling data to be used more effectively to deliver intelligence and outcomes.

Sales, though, has always been about people and building relationships over time, so can AI offer value here too? Nikhil Cheerla, co-founder of sales AI assistant company Nooks, thinks it can, and we talked to him to find out how.

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Samsung Bespoke smart refrigerators bring Instacart-powered grocery shopping to your kitchen

Samsung is teaming up with Instacart to make grocery shopping smarter and more convenient. Soon, U.S. consumers will be able to order groceries directly from their Samsung Bespoke refrigerators, starting with the 2025 lineup. This partnership brings together Samsung’s AI Vision Inside technology and Instacart’s product-matching API to deliver a high-tech way to restock your fridge without stepping out of the kitchen.

The 2025 models, including the 32-inch AI Family Hub+ and the 9-inch AI Home, will feature the ability to track food inventory and identify items that are running low. With AI Vision Inside, users can place orders directly through Instacart, ensuring same-day delivery from their favorite local grocery stores. And here’s the best part: existing AI Family Hub+ owners won’t miss out. Samsung will roll out firmware updates in 2025 to bring this functionality to their current smart refrigerators.

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Microsoft and Incase team up for Compact Ergonomic Keyboard with AI Copilot key

Incase, a brand mostly known for carry and protection products (such as phone cases), has introduced the Compact Ergonomic Keyboard, designed in collaboration with Microsoft. This keyboard focuses on both comfort and functionality. It even features a dedicated Copilot key for direct access to Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, alongside multi-device connectivity to enhance productivity.

The keyboard’s compact, split design aims to provide a natural and relaxed typing experience. It is complemented by a slim, cushioned palm rest for additional comfort

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MSI unveils 4K 240Hz and QHD 500Hz QD-OLED gaming monitors

MSI has introduced a sweet new lineup of gaming monitors. These displays have advanced features such as DisplayPort 2.1a technology, QD-OLED panels, and AI-driven enhancements.

The MPG 272URX QD-OLED stands out as the first-ever 27-inch 4K 240Hz QD-OLED monitor with DisplayPort 2.1a support. Using a 5-layer tandem OLED panel with EL Gen 3 technology, this model achieves up to 30 percent higher efficiency. It delivers sharp visuals with 166 PPI, ideal for immersive gameplay and everyday tasks. It also supports G-SYNC Compatible technology for tear-free, smooth performance.

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New year, new OS: Nobara 41 Linux is a powerful Windows 11 alternative

Starting a new year often comes with the urge to make a change, and if you’re tired of the quirks and constraints of Windows 11, Nobara 41 Linux might be exactly what you need in 2025. It’s a Linux distribution that builds on Fedora 41, tailored to provide a smoother, more accessible experience for everyday users, gamers, and even creative professionals.

Unlike Microsoft’s Windows 11, which forces users to meet strict hardware requirements, Nobara is refreshingly lightweight and adaptable. Whether you’re running a custom gaming rig, a handheld device, or even an older laptop, Nobara welcomes you with open arms.

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Microsoft issues critical .NET installer warning to developers

Microsoft building logo

Citing an “unexpected change”, Microsoft has issued a warning to software developers to update their .NET Install links.

Microsoft is describing the situation as “critical”, and it comes after the bankruptcy of Edgio, a company responsible for hosting some .NET-related Content Delivery Network (CDN) instances. Developers are being told to take immediate action in order to avoid problems.

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