Why identity security could be the Achilles heel of your business [Q&A]
Most successful cyberattacks rely on compromised identity or social engineering. Yet this can be a major blindspot for enterprises with basic awareness of the problem lacking and a growing number of personal devices used for work.
We spoke to Jim Taylor, chief product officer of identity platform RSA, -- which recently published a report on the issue -- to learn more about the problem and how it can be addressed.
Microsoft is finally updating Sticky Notes for Windows 11 -- expect an AI upgrade
Sticky notes, both virtual and physical, remain incredibly popular. Since Windows 10, Microsoft has had its own app called, funnily enough, Sticky Notes -- an app that had not been updated in years.
But this is about to change; Microsoft has issued a notice that users should "stay tuned for some of our biggest announcements yet". The company is yet to provide details of just when we can expect to see the updates, and has said outright what it NOT going to be -- but we can take a decent guess at what might be.
Budgie 10.9 Linux desktop environment gets refreshed Bluetooth applet and partial Wayland support
In a significant update for Linux enthusiasts, Budgie Desktop has today unveiled its latest iteration, Budgie 10.9, marking a new series with notable enhancements and forward-looking architectural changes. This new release gets a redesigned Bluetooth applet, initial steps towards Wayland compatibility, and the adoption of budgie-session for refined session management.
The Bluetooth applet in Budgie 10.9 has undergone a comprehensive redesign, now offering direct connectivity options for paired Bluetooth devices, including the ability to send files seamlessly. Users can also monitor battery life indicators, a feature that adds a layer of convenience to the desktop experience. This redesign signifies a departure from the gnome-bluetooth library, with Budgie now directly interfacing with BlueZ and UPower over D-Bus. This strategic move not only enhances Bluetooth functionalities but also simplifies maintenance and potentially allows certain Linux distributions to eliminate the older gnome-bluetooth from their repositories.
Microsoft introduces much-needed changes to Windows 11 setup
When installing Windows from scratch, the process has not really changed much over the years -- and neither has the way the setup experience looks. This means that the installer for Windows 11 looks virtually identical to that of Windows 10, which in turn looked virtually identical to that of Windows 8.
Until now. With the latest release of Windows 11, Microsoft has finally updated the look and feel of the installer. This means not only a cleaner and more consistent aesthetic, but also an improved experience for the "Repair my PC" option.
Opera readies AI-powered web browser for iOS in response to Apple's DMA-driven changes
In a significant development, Opera has warmly welcomed Apple's decision to open the iOS platform to alternative browser engines, a mandate stemming from the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). Seizing this opportunity, Opera is set to introduce Opera One, a browser that promises to redefine the browsing experience for iPhone and iPad users through its AI-powered capabilities and a robust engine.
The enforcement of the DMA in March 2024 is perceived by Opera as a pivotal moment that will enhance competition and offer iOS users a wider array of browser choices. Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, shared his thoughts on this development:
EndeavourOS Galileo Neo Linux distribution is focused on stability and core improvements
The EndeavourOS Galileo Neo Linux distribution is now available (ISO found here). This update primarily focuses on system stabilization and core package updates. While not introducing new features, the distribution emphasizes updates to the offline KDE Plasma option and the overall installation process, aiming to provide a solid foundation for both new installations and existing systems.
Galileo Neo comes equipped with the latest Linux kernel 6.7.1.arch1-1 and includes updates to key components such as Calamares 23.11.2.4-1, Firefox 122.0-1, Mesa 1:23.3.3-1, Xorg-server 21.1.11-1, and Nvidia-dkms 545.29.1.06-1. These updates are part of EndeavourOS’s commitment to keeping the system up-to-date and ensuring compatibility and performance.
Microsoft releases Windows Server 2025 for brave sysadmins to try out
Microsoft has announced the availability of Windows Server Preview Build 26040, the first preview of what has now been confirmed to be called Windows Server 2025.
The release marks the resumption of the Windows Server Insider builds after a break for the winter. In addition to the revelation of the Windows Server 2025 branding, Microsoft has also added flighting and downloadable in-place upgrades to the Windows Server Insider program which works in the same way as for Windows 11.
Microsoft makes it easier to leave the Windows 11 beta test
While there is some fun to be gained from being part of the Windows Insider program, testing out beta versions of Windows 11 can also be a frustrating experience. While it has always been possible to leave the beta testing program, it was not an easy or particularly intuitive process.
Now Microsoft has greatly simplified the procedure, so it is now much quicker and easier to unenroll a device from the beta program. With a quick flick of a toggle, it is possible to return to the release build of Windows 11 23H2.
Microsoft buffs native archive support in latest Windows 11 build
Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system will soon support additional compression options and archive formats natively.
Microsoft announced the release of Windows 11 build 26040 to the Canary Channel earlier today. It is a big build that introduces several changes and new features.
Puro Sound Labs launches PuroQuiet Plus Bluetooth headphones for children
Puro Sounds Labs has launched the PuroQuiet Plus -- an upgraded version of the existing (non-Plus) PuroQuiet model. The new version enhances connectivity with a USB-C connector and introduces fresh color choices -- purple and teal. These wireless headphones (designed specifically for kids) can be purchased from Amazon here in six cool colors, priced at just $139.99.
The PuroQuiet Plus stands out with its high-quality aluminium build and plush, noise-isolating ear pads. It incorporates the Puro Balanced Response curve and digital signal processing (DSP) to limit volume and prevent ear damage, replicating the natural sound of a well-tuned listening room. This feature ensures music, movie dialogue, and game audio are crystal clear across the audio spectrum, reducing the need to raise the volume.
Breaking the cybersecurity automation logjam won’t break the bank
Right now, to boost efficiency and achieve economies of scale, businesses want to automate as much as possible. In back office processes, approaches like Robotic Process Automation (RPA), for example, are now increasingly standard and are expected to be a $20bn-plus market by 2030. In parallel, enterprises are looking to ChatGPT and Generative AI to help them speed up everything from creating marketing brochures to drug discovery.
However, where automation is trailing behind is in how organizations go about optimizing cybersecurity. Given that attacks tend to occur at scale, or involve complexity beyond even the smartest average security professional to cope with, this core area of vulnerability should be precisely where the CISO and the SOC (security operations center) seek assistance from automation.
Get 'Artificial Intelligence in Practice' (worth $24) for FREE
Artificial Intelligence in Practice is a fascinating look into how companies use AI and machine learning to solve problems.
Presenting 50 case studies of actual situations, this book demonstrates practical applications to issues faced by businesses around the globe. The rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence has expanded beyond research labs and computer science departments and made its way into the mainstream business environment.
Best Windows apps this week
Five-hundred-and-seventy-nine in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 and 11 on the Microsoft Store and elsewhere in the past seven days.
Windows 12 might not be released this year. The latest rumors suggest that Microsoft will release the feature update Windows 11 version 24H2 instead. This update will be a larger update with a focus on AI.
Making cybersecurity elementary [Q&A]
There are so many terms and acronyms used in the cybersecurity sector that it can be a little overwhelming at times, even for people who work in the industry.
Paul Baird, director of cyber security operations and engineering at Advanced Software and fellow at the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) has produced a round up of all the terms that you might ever need to know in the security space in a format based on the periodic table of elements.
Microsoft making you see red? Ditch Windows 11 for the superior Redcore Linux Hardened 2401
After 11 months of rigorous development, Redcore Linux Hardened 2401, also known as “Tarazed,” is released -- you can download it here now. The new stable ISO, while retaining its familiar appearance, has undergone significant under-the-hood enhancements. It could be a great option for those wanting to ditch Windows 11.
Diving into the changelog, Redcore 2401 aligns itself with Gentoo Linux's testing tree as of January 21, 2024. It offers a versatile kernel lineup including the default linux kernel v6.6.13 LTS, and older versions v6.1 LTS and v5.15 LTS in its repositories. The distribution boasts a robust toolchain featuring glibc v2.37, gcc v13.2.0, and rust v1.74.1.
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