Physical threats rank alongside cybersecurity for many US businesses


A new study into the threats faced by US businesses produced by Securitas Security Services reveals that in many sectors businesses are concerned as much or more with physical threats such as shootings than they are with cyber security.
It also shows rising concern about the threats posed to organizations by insiders, of the 27 threat categories security executives consider to be a concern, 21 may be caused or carried out by an insider.
IBM uses technology to help hurricane-hit communities


To mark the start of US National Hurricane Preparedness Week this week, The Weather Company, an IBM Business, is releasing not just its 2019 hurricane forecast, but also analytic data that looks at how weather affects preparedness, emotion and consumer habits.
In addition, through its Code and Response deployment initiative which aims to put open source technologies to use for social good, IBM is taking action to help save the lives of people in communities that are vulnerable to natural disasters.
Is it game over for the Microsoft Store? (And if not, why not?)


Microsoft’s app store came into being at the same time as Windows 8. It was, as I said at the time, part of an attempt to copy Apple's successful model. I think most people expected the Store to be a bit rubbish, but it turned out to be even worse than that. Seven years on and it’s wasteland full of knock offs and junk apps. It hasn’t fallen on hard times, it’s always been that bad.
Part of the problem is there’s no longer a need for the Store, or the apps that it offers. If you want a piece of software to run on your PC, or your Windows tablet, you can download it from a wide range of sources, and the versions you’ll find elsewhere -- programs, legacy apps, whatever you want to call them -- tend to be superior to the crippled and/or packaged apps Microsoft is offering. So what’s the point of the Store?
EU said to be ready to investigate Apple following complaint from Spotify


A new report says that the EU is ready to launch an antitrust investigation into Apple. The report says that the European Commission will begin a probe into the company after Spotify complained that Apple was using the App Store to stifle competition.
The investigation is said to be due to begin "in the next few weeks". It will look at Spotify's complaint that Apple is "monopolistic" and abuses the App Store to "deliberately disadvantage other app developers".
Mozilla issues new Firefox update to fix add-ons problems and warns users not to try dubious workarounds


Mozilla has pushed out Firefox 66.0.4, properly addressing a problem that prevented add-ons from working in the web browser.
On Friday, an expired security certificate caused frustration and confusion for Firefox users as extensions were disabled and rendered unusable. Having delivered a patch through its Studies system (which did not work for everyone), Mozilla has now issued a browser update which it says will fix the problem for more people, although it warns that "there are remaining issues that we are actively working to resolve".
IOGEAR Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro 85 (GTD735) for Windows 10 and macOS [Review]


As the owner of a 2016 MacBook Pro, I was forced to tolerate dongles at first, but over time, I have actually come to like using them. Do I wish my Apple laptop had additional ports, such as USB-A, Ethernet, and an SD Card reader? I suppose, but to be honest, I find myself needing those connection types less and less these days -- especially on the go. I'd rather a thin and minimalist approach.
When at home, however, I do like having those ports as an option, so I typically use a Thunderbolt 3 docking station -- it's a great way to turn a notebook into a makeshift desktop. Lately, I have been testing a TB3 dock from IOGEAR called "Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro 85." As the name suggests, it is designed for professional use, but it can, of course, be used by home users too.
Update your Dell computer now to avoid RCE security vulnerability in SupportAssist tool


As owners of Dell computers will be only too aware, the company is no stranger to stuffing systems with bloatware. This is in itself is irritating, but when this bloatware includes a security vulnerability that could be exploited by hackers, the irritation becomes rather more serious.
The SupportAssist tool is supposed to provide an easy way to update drivers on Dell computers and laptops, as well as deleting unnecessary files and the like. However, it poses a security risk if you don't install the latest update from Dell to plug a vulnerability. The flaw (CVE-2019-3719) has been assigned a high severity rating of 8.0, and could enabled an attacker to take control of your computer.
Privacy: HMRC forced to delete 5 million unauthorized voice recordings of UK taxpayers


The UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), has been forced to deleted voice recording of five million taxpayers. The recordings were made without consent, which the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said constituted a "significant" breach of data and privacy rules.
Before being allowed to access HMRC services, callers were required to repeat the phrase "My voice is my password". This recording was fed into the authority's biometric voice ID database, and violated GDPR rules.
Mozilla explains why Firefox add-ons stopped working... and how to fix the problem


Since late last night, Firefox users have been plagued with a problem that meant no add-ons were working. Extensions were disabled and users were unable to re-enable them, causing confusion and frustrationaround the world.
It turns out that that the reason Firefox add-ons stopped working is that a signing certificate expired. Having determined the cause of the problem, Mozilla has developed a fix for users of the desktop version of Firefox on the Release, Beta and Nightly channels. [UPDATE: Mozilla has released a new version of Firefox that fixes most problems for more users.]
Apple significantly overstates iPhone battery life


Modern smartphones are fantastic, but they burn through battery life like no-one’s business. Most of us charge our devices overnight, but if you’ve used your phone a lot in the day, there’s a good chance you’ll have needed to top up the battery at least once at some point -- especially if your handset is getting on a bit.
Few people choose a smartphone based solely on its battery life (as the abject failure of the 18,000mAh battery-toting Energizer P18K shows) but it is still an important consideration. If you’ve found you’re not getting as much life from your phone as the manufacturer claimed, you won’t be too surprised to see an investigation by consumer champion Which? came to the same conclusion.
Prioritize InfoSec by prioritizing AI data-monitoring


In a survey of IT professionals, 55 percent of respondents reported that their enterprises receive at least 10,000 security alerts every day; of that group, 49 percent receive more than 1,000,000 security alerts each day. And, more to the point, 96 percent of respondents reported that their security teams feel stressed or frustrated over the volume of security alerts that come in.
It's more than mere humans can bear.
Show mommy you love her this Mother's Day with discounted golden Satechi products


Want to make your mommy as excited as the lady in the picture above? Well, if you do, you should get her a very special gift this Mother's Day. Many women like gold, but sadly, the precious metal is quite expensive at over $1,000 an ounce! Don't get discouraged though, as Satechi is launching a very special sale that should enable you to buy a golden present.
No, Satechi hasn't gotten into the jewelry business. Actually, the accessory maker is offering a huge discount on its gold and rose gold colored technology products. By using a special coupon code, you can save up to 50 percent off the MSRP!
Best Windows 10 apps this week


Three-hundred-and-thirty-three in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps, games and extensions released for Windows 10 on the Windows Store in the past seven days.
The next feature update for Windows 10, the May 2019 Update, is less than a month away. While that is the case, the last Windows 10 feature update, Windows 10 version 1809, is not performing particularly well in regards to adoption rates.
It is getting harder than ever for VPNs to break through the Great Firewall of China


The censorial Great Firewall of China is famed throughout the world for the restrictions it places on Chinese citizens. Internet users play a game of cat and mouse, seeking tools and methods for slipping through the censoring and spying that the government enforces.
But it is getting harder and harder to evade the Great Firewall. VPNs that once allowed unfettered access to the greater internet are quickly stomped on by the Chinese government, just as happens in Russia. At the end of March, a new update to the firewall blacklisted hundreds of VPN servers and now fewer VPN tools than ever work in China. So which is the best VPN for those fighting the Great Firewall?
Confirmed: YouTube Originals content will be free


YouTube CBO Robert Kyncl has confirmed that all of the company's Originals content will be made available free of charge.
Currently locked behind a paywall, Originals will become free and ad-supported. At the moment, it is not clear exactly when the change will happen, but it is certainly in the cards, meaning shows like Cobra Kai should reach a larger audience.
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