Threads is about to gain millions more users as Meta prepares for EU launch in a matter of days
Concern surrounding Elon Musk and his control of Twitter, or X as he decided to rename it, caused an exodus of users seeking a new social media home. The likes of Mastodon and Bluesky have proved popular, but it was Meta's Threads that generated the greatest levels of excitement.
Right from the offset, however, Threads fell victim to strict European data privacy regulations meaning it was unable to launch in the EU. Now this is set to change, with Meta counting down to an EU launch of Threads on December 14 giving the potential for millions of new user to access the service.
SABRENT Multi-Port USB-C Hub is the perfect Christmas stocking-stuffer for under $20
The holiday season brings an array of deals, and for those in search of tech accessories, the current offer on the SABRENT Multi-Port USB-C Hub (HB-SHPU) really stands out. Designed for functionality and convenience, this hub is now available for less than $20, making it a very attractive stocking-stuffer.
Constructed from lightweight aluminum, the hub is both portable and durable, suitable for travel and daily use. It features efficient heat dissipation, ensuring reliability during prolonged use. Currently, it is offered at $19.80, marked down from $24.99!
Advanced authentication: 5 steps to enhance security and user experience
With the development of new technologies, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and personal data remains one of the most desirable targets. The Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report states that 49 percent of hacks use credentials.
Traditional authentication methods, such as username and password with standard Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), are no longer sufficient to protect sensitive information and systems from unauthorized access. According to Microsoft, there are 1287 password attacks every second. Consequently, businesses must adopt more sophisticated and layered methods of user authentication. One of these methods is Advanced Authentication.
How to stop digital twins from being used against you
Digital twins are growing in leaps and bounds. These virtual representations of real-world devices are essentially digital proxies for enterprises -- delivering insights into an asset’s data, processes, operation states, and lifecycle. This is particularly beneficial in achieving better visibility in smart factories, or accurately predicting how devices might perform in connected healthcare.
In creating digital twin simulations and running models, however, there’s a problem. Doubling the data and doubling the digital assets of any company is, in effect, doubling the cybersecurity surface area. This increases the chances of exposure and sensitive company information falling into the wrong hands. Without proper safeguards, the risk is that digital twins can be turned against their owners. Amidst a landscape of record growth in the Internet of Things (IoT), let’s look at how to safely leverage the power of digital twins.
Best Windows apps this week
Five-hundred-and-seventy-two 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 10's official support will run out in October 2025. Microsoft confirmed that customers will be able to extend support beyond that month for a price.
How AI can help app developers keep up with changing regulations [Q&A]
A changing regulatory landscape can prove difficult for app developers as they need to make sure they remain compliant and keep up with evolving rule sets.
We spoke to Pedro Rodriguez, head of engineering at AI-powered compliance intelligence platform Checks, to find out how AI can help mobile app developers to handle data responsibly and keep up with ever-changing global regulations,
Silicon Power unveils fast and durable PX10 USB-C SSD in black and pastel pink
Silicon Power has introduced the PX10; a new portable SSD. The PX10 stands out with its high-speed performance, facilitated by a PCIe USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, allowing for read and write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s. This capability is highlighted by its ability to upload a 10GB 4K video in about 15 seconds. Storage capacity is another key aspect of the drive, offering options of 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB to suit various storage needs.
Durability is a significant feature of the PX10, having passed a military-grade drop test to ensure resilience against drops up to 1.2 meters. It complies with MIL-STD 810H Method 516.8. This makes it a reliable option for portable use. Additionally, the PX10 supports Apple ProRes, which is particularly beneficial for iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max users who require direct capture and storage of high-quality video content.
Debian-based SparkyLinux 7.2 'Orion Belt' is the Windows 11 alternative of your dreams
SparkyLinux, a well-known Debian-based distribution, has just released its latest update -- version 7.2. Code-named "Orion Belt," this update offers a variety of enhancements and new features.
As a quarterly updated point release of Sparky 7 “Orion Belt”, Sparky 7.2 maintains full compatibility with Debian 12 “Bookworm,” ensuring a seamless experience for users who rely on the solid foundation of Debian. This update brings a comprehensive package refresh, with all packages updated from both Debian and Sparky stable repositories as of December 5, 2023.
Satechi launches new USB-C accessories
Satechi has launched three newUSB-C products that should make great stocking-stuffers for Christmas: the USB-C to HDMI 2.1 8K Cable, USB-C to HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter, and USB-C 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
Both the USB-C to HDMI 2.1 8K Cable and the Adapter utilize the latest HDMI 2.1 technology, enabling devices with USB-C ports to connect directly to HDMI-enabled monitors. These products support a high-resolution display of 8K/60Hz. Additionally, for tasks that require smooth motion, like high-definition gaming and professional video editing, they provide a 4K/120Hz output option.
Sensitive data on Google Drives puts companies at risk
New research from Metomic finds that 40 percent of Google Drives hold sensitive data that could put an organization at risk of a data breach or cybersecurity attack.
The research scanned around 6.5 million Google Drive files and also shows that 34.2 percent of all the files scanned were shared with external contacts (email addresses outside of the company's domain) and more than 350,000 files (0.5 percent) had been shared publicly, giving access to anyone who had the document link.
Ransomware attacks lead to companies raising prices
Ransomware attacks are influencing price inflation, according to a new UK survey by Censuswide, commissioned by Veeam Software.
The findings show that large organizations are having to increase costs to customers by an average of 17 percent following an attack. Nearly a quarter of companies (22 percent) say they increased prices by 21-30 percent, while six percent increased prices by 31-40 percent.
Google adds new file recovery option to the new Drive for desktop app
Google upset a lot of people recently when synchronization issues caused a "small subset" of Google Drive users to lose months' of data. The number of people affected is not known, but even a small subset of a large userbase is, potentially, a huge number.
Now there is some good news. In releasing an updated version of Drive for desktop, Google is giving users access to file recovery options that should make it possible to regain access to files that were lost.
Imagine: Meta makes its AI image generator available as a standalone tool
Meta has separated Imagine, its AI-powered image generation tool, from its chatbot by giving the service its own dedicated website. In breaking the image generator out of its messaging apps, Meta will be hoping to see faster uptake and increased interest.
The idea behind Imagine is much like the plethora of other AI image generators. Using Meta's own Emu technology, it will create four images based on text prompts and descriptions provided by users. Images are securely watermarked to make it difficult to pass off an AI image as a photo or a human-made creation. But the launch of the service will prove controversial as it will forced interested users into creating a Meta account.
Facebook Messenger gets default end-to-end encryption
The latest update to Facebook Messenger (aka Messenger), announced by Loredana Crisan (a Vice President at Meta), is quite monumental from a digital privacy perspective. You see, Meta has shifted to default end-to-end encryption for all personal chats and calls on Messenger, ensuring that communications are secure from sender to receiver, with no possibility of interception, even by Meta itself.
This enhancement goes beyond just encryption. Users can now edit messages up to 15 minutes after sending, offering flexibility in conversations. The update also introduces an improved disappearing messages feature, now lasting 24 hours, with a clearer interface to indicate when it is active.
Logitech G ASTRO A50 X LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset + Base Station now available for pre-order
Logitech G has unveiled its latest gaming product -- the ASTRO A50 X LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset + Base Station. The headset is notable for its PLAYSYNC technology, which allows effortless connectivity and switching between XBOX, PS5, and PC with just a single button press.
Another key feature is the PRO-G Graphene Audio Driver technology, which enhances gaming audio performance. The 24-bit LIGHTSPEED Wireless technology ensures pro-grade performance on console platforms.
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