Security News, Tips, Tricks & Ideas

Apple is opening small cracks in the iPhone's digital fortress as part of a regulatory clampdown in Europe that is striving to give consumers more choices — at the risk of creating new avenues for hackers to steal personal and financial information stored on the devices.

Hello, wonderful people, and welcome to the mid-Season 9 Director's Take! This season had the most significant changes to the game that we've made in a long time. When we launched Season 9 in February, we wanted to make sure to keep an eye on your feedback and react to what we saw. We've had two patches so far, and we have another one, which is quite the stunner, coming up next week. Let's get into that… no, wait! ...Let's talk about where we're at… and then get into that.

Samsung is regarded as a major smartphone chipset customer for Qualcomm, which is likely why the latter recently renewed a multi-year agreement with the Korean giant to use its Snapdragon silicon. However, it can become worrisome if one company depends on just one client to bring in 40 percent of the total revenue for a specific quarter, but according to the data shared for Q4 2023, Qualcomm appears to be too dependent on Samsung in this regard. We have witnessed on previous occasions that things can go from bad to worse if companies cannot diversify.

The developer of the Tails Noir series, Eggnut Games, ceased operations yesterday (March 6th).

Forty U.S. states and Washington, D.C. called on Meta Platforms to crack down on scammers who hijack Facebook and Instagram accounts, to address a "dramatic" surge in account takeovers.

Don't expect any of the games in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series, including the recently-released Rebirth, to come to Xbox, as Sony has secured the trilogy as a PlayStation console exclusive.

Samsung is gearing up to introduce two new additions to its highly acclaimed Galaxy A series smartphones on March 11, 2024. These upcoming devices promise to elevate the user experience with their flagship features, premium design, and robust processors, reaffirming Samsung's commitment to democratizing innovation in the mobile industry.

Passkeys sure look like the future of passwords, and password managers are slowly adapting to the new technology. 1Password was one of the first services to add support for passkeys, and now that extends to the 1Password app for Android.

You could forgive Rockstar for focusing its full attention on the upcoming GTA 6, but that’s not the case. Starting from 7th March, it’ll be launching another major content update for its existing sandbox, with GTA Online adding the Cluckin’ Bell Farm Raid. Only chickens would shy away from this new multi-stage mission, eh?

Before we begin, big thanks to Crepuscular Fluffle designer Merlijn Eskens for answering the last column's call for a sheep picture so I had an excuse to use this column's headline. It is very much appreciated.

From genomic information to internet-connected cars, the United States is rethinking its data protection policies -- with further trade curbs aimed at China in the cards -- as tech like AI brings new risks.

In a recent blog post marking half a year since Cfx.re's acquisition by Rockstar Games, the developers of the popular GTA 5 RP server host, FiveM, shed light on their evolving strategies and latest advancements. The update encompasses a range of improvements, addressing support, security, anti-cheat measures, game development, and impacts on RedM, a multiplayer modification framework for Red Dead Redemption 2.

Artificial intelligence firms are facing increasing pressure from some of the world's most formidable names in technology and media, as new tools spark fresh questions over the risks posed by chatbots that threaten to rival human intelligence. Elon Musk became the latest power player to sue OpenAI, alleging the company and its chief executive officer, Sam Altman, have strayed from their original mission by prioritizing profit over the benefit of humanity.

Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games is releasing a GTA Online story expansion called The Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid on March 7.

Android-based operating systems pushing aside core Android features is nothing new. Huawei is going down that route with HarmonyOS, but Amazon did it first with its Fire OS ecosystem. The operating system is used by Amazon's Fire TV streaming sticks and TVs, as well as Amazon's Fire tablets—the company even attempted to make a Fire Phone at one point, but that was a disastrous failure and we don't talk about it. The latest "improvement" to the OS seems to be restricting basic Android app functionality.

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is planning to appoint several new board members in March, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Rockstar Games is planning to go fully back to in-office working from April, five days a week, it has told employees, citing security and productivity as they head into the final stages of Grand Theft Auto 6 development.

At the time of writing, the GTA 6 trailer is sitting pretty at 178 million views on YouTube. But that’s not what most people are interested in. What we want to know is exactly when it’s coming out. Well, the end may be in sight for the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto game.

Rockstar Games is planning to go fully back to in-office working from April, five days a week, it has told employees, citing security and productivity as they head into the final stages of Grand Theft Auto 6 development.

Developers at Rockstar Games have hit out at the company’s decision to force staff to return to the office five days a week to close out work on GTA 6.

Noise, a prominent Indian smartwatch brand has unveiled its latest offering, the NoiseFit Twist Go. This sleek round-dial smartwatch combines elegance with functionality, catering to individuals seeking a classier aesthetic, the company said in a release.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth features a plethora of minigames, but the one you are likely to spend the most time with is Queen's Blood, a unique trading card minigame that sports a surprising amount of depth.

We are always on the lookout for power, productivity, and efficiency when it comes to hardware. If all that can be achieved in a miniature form, it's not only amazing to look at but also helps move all that power around and take with you on the go. GEEKOM was the first in the industry to introduce a Mini PC powered by the latest Intel 13th Gen chip. Along with the 13th Gen Intel Core processors and an array of cutting-edge features, this mini PC promises a computing experience that defies its tiny little size.

iPadOS 18 will be a major update compared to iPadOS 17 as Apple is expected to bring dedicated AI features for a bigger screen. Since the iPad is a productivity-focused device, AI could be a big part of the upgrade. However, up until now, we have not heard what devices would support iPadOS 18 as it is too early to speculate. We have now heard that the company is expected to drop support for some iPad models. You can check out the list of iPad models which will be compatible with iPadOS 18 later this year.

Dragon's Dogma fans! We've got some good news for you if you're looking to get a cheeky little discount on the upcoming sequel. Dragon's Dogma 2 is down to around £50 for both Xbox and PS5 preorders, which is a huge deal. We've had a lot of great preorder deals recently, and now another one has entered the fold for us to feast on. If you're looking forward to getting your hands on the game for launch day, then head over to trusted eBay vendor The Game Collection (TCG) and use the LEAP20 code to get it for just £49.46 on Xbox, and £50.36 for PS5 (see here).

This is not investment advice. The author has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Wccftech.com has a disclosure and ethics policy.

Most times, when you buy a great new Windows laptop and a PC or Mac, you don't get Microsoft Office included. So, if you need to type up a document or put together a presentation, you'll need to consider purchasing the two modern versions of Office. You can subscribe to Microsoft 365 for a yearly or monthly fee and get the core Microsoft Office apps (and other bonuses), or you can purchase Office 2021 for a one-fee and worry less about subscriptions. We have a look at the benefits of both versions of Office for you right here. When it comes to their fundamental features and user interfaces, Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 are extremely comparable, and customers should expect a pretty uniform experience. Still, there are variations in the positioning of products. Office 2021 is more focused on meeting standard office requirements. The goal of every update is to give users the impression of a more productive workplace. Office 2021 offers certain network storage services as well. Conversely, Microsoft 365 boasts a plethora of exclusive AI features that make it easier for people who aren't familiar with Office's more sophisticated features.

Saltsea Chronicles studio Die Gute Fabrik has announced that it’s disbanding.

Die Gute Fabrik, the indie studio behind adventure game Saltsea Chronicles, exploration title Mutazione, and more, has announced that it’s halted production as a result of the current “tough” publishing and investment scene. 

The PlayStation platform just had a significant update to its security measures. It’s always a good idea to make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to keep your accounts secure and safe. So it’s a big plus to see that Sony is implementing new methods to ensure you’re not having your account potentially compromised while making the sign-in process to your account far easier. Today, we’re looking at a new security method from Sony called Passkey.

The Nintendo Switch successor will reportedly launch in March 2025, a delay that's down to the prevention of 'scalping.'

Motorola has solidified its position as a prominent player in the smartphone market, boasting a diverse array of devices tailored to meet various consumer needs. Within a budget, Motorola lineup unveils a selection of smartphones that promise feature-packed capabilities and ensure maximum value for your investment. These Motorola phones under 30,000 impeccably strike the delicate balance between affordability and functionality, making them the preferred choice for individuals seeking high-quality devices without stretching their budget to the limit. It offers smartphones with impressive specifications, including robust processors, generous RAM configurations, and vibrant displays within budget. This harmonious blend of hardware elements guarantees smooth and responsive performance and an immersive and gratifying user experience. Moreover, Motorola's commitment to a clean and bloat-free user interface distinguishes these devices, fostering a clutter-free digital environment and optimising efficient use of system resources.

Nintendo has been pretty much synonymous with console videogames for over forty years, thus securing a huge and extremely loyal fanbase that keeps loving and purchasing its consoles and games. Sometimes, you can find some of its most hardcore fans in the most unexpected places - such as Hollywood. Academy Award winner Brie Larson, for instance, is a huge Nintendo aficionado, as she confessed to The Hollywood Reporter.

Google has announced a significant change for its users in the United States - the discontinuation of the standalone Google Pay app. In a recent blog post, the tech giant revealed that the app will no longer be available after June 4, 2024. Instead, users are encouraged to migrate to Google Wallet, which will become the primary platform for managing digital payments and transactions.

In a move that has set the tech industry abuzz, Elon Musk, the CEO of X, has officially confirmed the upcoming launch of Xmail. The announcement has triggered widespread speculation about the potential competition it could pose to Google's dominant Gmail service. Musk's revelation follows a whirlwind of rumors surrounding the alleged impending shutdown of Gmail, which had ignited a storm across the internet.

Apple’s iMessage is one of the most popular communications services in the world, with more than one billion users interacting with each other through various regions. However, that also makes it a paramount target against security threats, and even though quantum computers are several years away from materializing any kind of virtual offense, Apple likely wants to be ready before an event like this occurs. This is why the security layer of iMessage has been upgraded to post-quantum cryptography, and it will be available in iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4.

In response to critical security concerns, India's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high-risk alert for users of Google Chrome, urging immediate action to mitigate potential threats. The advisory, released recently, highlights multiple vulnerabilities in the desktop version of Google Chrome that could be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems.

A password can do a mostly fine job of keeping yourPlayStation Network (PSN) account secure, but it comes with the annoyance of having to type it in relatively frequently, and it suffers from needing to set up sometimes cumbersome 2-factor authentication to further reduce the chances of someone else logging in with your information.

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging platforms globally, is making strides in enhancing user privacy with regular updates The company has introduced a new feature aimed at safeguarding users' profile pictures by preventing screenshots within the WhatsApp beta app. This move comes as part of WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to prioritize user privacy and security.

Signal is the gold standard for private and secure messaging, but it has always required you to share your phone number to start talking to someone, which can compromise your privacy unless you take additional steps. Signal is now rolling out regular usernames that can be used in place of a phone number.

A Chinese tech security firm was able to breach foreign governments, infiltrate social media accounts and hack personal computers, a massive data leak analysed by experts this week revealed.

Samsung appears to have failed in its quest to secure large customers for its 3nm GAA process, with TSMC having the upper hand as it reportedly aims to reach production of its next-generation node to 100,000 monthly wafers by the end of 2024. To combat its biggest foundry rival, instead of finding a way to increase its 3nm yields. Samsung is apparently focusing on its 2nm technology, and according to the latest report, the next Exynos SoC is supposedly being tested on this lithography.

The year 2023 has been full of surprises with the biggest announcement in technology and Artificial intelligence. While many smartphone brands entered the race to integrate AI into their devices, Apple seems to be a little behind. However, its commitment to the quality and performance of its smartphones ensured it did not have any impact on its iPhone sales as the company dominated the top 7 positions in the list of 10 best-selling smartphones in 2023. In shocking news, Samsung flagship smartphones were nowhere to be found in the top 10 list. Check details here.

 Intel Corp. has landed Microsoft Corp. as a customer for its made-to-order chip business, marking a key win for an ambitious turnaround effort under Chief Executive Officer Pat Gelsinger. 

Google announced its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro handsets in the second half of 2023. The company reimagined the Pixel this year with a boatload of new changes and enhancements for a streamlined user experience. While there are several changes in the mix, the Pixel 8 series still features an optical fingerprint sensor instead of an ultrasonic one, like on the latest Galaxy S24 models. The optical fingerprint scanner on the Pixel 8 is slower and less reliable than the ultrasonic sensor, but there is a workaround to make it faster.

Quordle today: In Quordle, guessing all four words without running out of attempts can be considered an amazing feat. Since players do not have access to any hints or clues, they must rely on their vocabulary and language skills to maintain their winning streak. The answer for Quordle today is relatively simple, with no challenging words. Thus, most players will be able to guess them within the provided number of attempts. That said, they must exercise caution and not make random guesses. To avoid losing your winning streak, we have provided hints and clues that will help you solve Quordle today. And if you wish to see the answer, simply scroll to the bottom.

Abode Acrobat has been one of the most used PDF management tools due to its splendid features, security, and ease of use. Now, to enhance these features and accessibility, Abode has integrated an AI-powered conversational engine into the tool. Yes, you can talk to it now. These new AI features aim to “completely transform the digital document experience.” The generative AI feature will be seen in Reader and Acrobat workflows enabling users to understand long documents in just a matter of moments. Check out how the AI feature will benefit Abode Acrobat users.

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Upcoming PS5 exclusive Stellar Blade has been given an adults-only rating in Korea, where developer Shift Up is located. Considering the attention-grabbing headlines the game has been generating, it should come as no surprise this is due to apparent (or suggested) nudity and extreme violence.

It was discovered by Wyze co-founder David Crosby that the company was able to identify 14 people who were able to see another person’s home where the security cameras were set up. Unfortunately, the problem is much deeper than previously anticipated, with a new report stating that 13,000 users were able to see each other’s video feeds briefly. This incident will undoubtedly wreak Wyze’s reputation, but it is also valuable insight for future buyers on what potential risk they are getting themselves into when purchasing a product hailing from this particular category.

In the fast-paced world of business, leaders often find themselves buried under a mountain of meeting notes and action items, struggling to maintain focus on strategic priorities. Broadcast, an innovative communication tool, aims to change that narrative by seamlessly integrating meeting notes with existing workflows, automating mundane tasks, and fostering productivity among engineering, product, and project management teams.

Popular YouTuber MrBeast, famous for his amazingly successful videos, has engaged in a humorous and thought-provoking exchange with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman about the new AI tool called Sora, an advanced text-to-video generator launched by OpenAI just 2 days ago .

AMD disclosed four «high security» vulnerabilities affecting its Zen 1–4 processors, including the popular Ryzen 3000 desktop and 4000 mobile series CPUs. These vulnerabilities can drastically affect performance and security across an array of AMD-based systems, including servers, gaming desktop PCs, and workstation PCs utilizing AMD processors.

Major technology companies signed a pact Friday to voluntarily adopt “reasonable precautions” to prevent artificial intelligence tools from being used to disrupt democratic elections around the world.

This is not investment advice. The author has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Wccftech.com has a disclosure and ethics policy.

Sam Altman seeks US approval for multibillion dollar AI chip venture;  Google unveils free AI cyber tools for enhanced online security; Apple set to launch AI code completion tool for developers; AI hiring tools risk filtering out top candidates, despite hopes of bias reduction- this and more in our daily roundup. Let us take a look.

After finally securing its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft is now bringing the company’s games under the Game Pass umbrella. Activision Blizzard titles will be heading to the Xbox Game Pass service, starting with Diablo IV this March.

Samsung and TSMC have locked horns in the 2nm chip race, with both foundry giants earlier said to be preparing samples for Qualcomm on the next-generation lithography. However, when it comes to securing actual orders, the Korean giant obtains a win in that column by bringing a Japanese startup into the fold. It is said that this research firm decided to skip TSMC for its 2nm technology, and we have a few reasons why it would make this decision.

AMD's upcoming RDNA 4 GPUs have witnessed rapid developments at Linux as Team Red pushes out new IP blocks targeted toward bringing enhanced support.

Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for February 15: Among mobile gamers, Garena Free Fire has gained a lot of attention for its amazing gameplay experience and graphics. However, it suffered a lot of controversy due to data security and user privacy issues. But if you are someone who has just started playing the game and want to learn about its concepts then you must explore and practice the game as much as possible to become a pro player. Check out the beginner's Garena Free Fire tips.

In a recent development, a hacker claimed to have obtained sensitive information belonging to thousands of users on Kick.com, a streaming platform owned by Stake.com and positioned as a rival to Twitch. The alleged breach includes payment details, passwords, and additional personal data, raising concerns about the security of Kick's growing user base.

AMD has disclosed new BIOS-side vulnerabilities across all of its Zen CPU generations, which has particularly impacted the SPI connection, compromising security.

The most exciting thing about switching to a new smartphone is that to quickly transfer all your old device data into a new one. However, the process of transferring data takes time and effort to make sure you do not lose any important files, photos or videos. If you have recently purchased the latest iPhone 15 and you are not sure about how to transfer all your data to your device then we have got you covered. We have compiled easy data transfer tips to help you make the process of transferring easy and you do not lose any of your important data. Check out the iPhone 15 data transfer tips here.

Marvel's big Fantastic Four reveal neglected to announce the actor behind one extra character – who you might have missed at first glance.

POCO India has announced the sale of the POCO X6 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant in India. This new variant, exclusively available on Flipkart, comes at an attractive price point of Rs. 20,999, featuring two color options: Mirror Black and Snowstorm White. Customers can also enjoy a discount of Rs. 3,000 by using ICICI Credit/Debit cards for transactions or EMI payments, or by availing the Rs. 3,000 product exchange offer.

A Counter-Strike 2 pro is being hailed for delivering one of the greatest esports performances of all time, despite having only played in one major tournament and being just 17 years old.

Rockstar has officially dated GTA 6 for release in 2025, but there was some optimism evidenced by parent company Take-Two’s financials which suggested the title may arrive early next year. However, updated guidance from the organisation suggests that’s no longer the case, as discussed by Wedbush Securities analysts Nick McCay and Michael Pachter.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has been awarded a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media, a rare nod from the more established mainstream award industry. Jedi: Survivor beat out the likes of God of War Ragnarok, Hogwarts Legacy, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical for the honour.

The now-venerable Apex Legends is looking to change things up in a big way with Season 20: Breakout, an overhaul coming to the game to mark its fifth anniversary, arriving 13th February. 120 frames-per-second should shake things up for players on PS5, and the Body Shield system is going the way of the dodo, with Legend's instead now having an inherent Legend armour rating, which will increase as they level up.

Going online for the Best Microsoft Office Deals can be a daunting task. To help you out in figuring out how to get a cheap Microsoft Office license without breaking the law (and possibly your wallet), we want to share Godeal24 Valentine's Day Sale with you. Let’s say you’re looking for the best deal on Microsoft Office 2021 Professional for your home office. But the Official price in MS is $439.99. Now take a look at Godeal24’s catalog for Microsoft Office 2021 Professional Plus: at this moment, the price is $27.78, meaning you’re going to save over 90% over the official price list. The key is 100% genuine and guaranteed, plus you’ll be covered with a full money-back warranty. Let’s check some other deals, and maybe you want to save even more cash. You just need to pay only $54.18 from Godeal24 for a genuine Office 2021 Home and Business for Mac license. Perhaps you want to save a little extra cash because you don’t need the latest version of Office, so what about Microsoft Office 2019? Here, Microsoft Office 2019 Professional Plus is priced at $24.48 instead of $179.99, so you’ll save over 80%. More favorable are key packages and Business Wholesale. Get the best deals from Godeal24 and buy it for your lover! Happy Valentine's Day!

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will exclusively be mass produced on TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, but its successor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, might switch to a dual-foundry approach as Qualcomm reportedly looks to secure orders from both Samsung and its Taiwanese semiconductor rival. The San Diego chipset maker has apparently requested both companies to provide 2nm samples, which can be evaluated further.

A federal court in California is enforcing a subpoena for Elon Musk to testify before the US Securities and Exchange Commission regarding potential violations of federal securities laws in connection with his purchase of Twitter. 

Tesla has rolled out a significant update to its iPhone app, introducing ultra-wideband (UWB) support in version 2024.2.3. This enhancement, highlighted by Not a Tesla App, brings a more robust and secure digital key experience compared to Bluetooth technology. UWB's precision tracking enables the car to pinpoint the exact location of the key, minimising the risk of replay spoofing attacks.

Assam launches AI flood app 'RAHAT' for disaster relief; Young Chinese turn to AI game for lunar new year family prep; Half believe AI to amplify hacker attacks: Report; OpenAI CSO touts India's AI potential at Global Business Summit 2024- this and more in our daily roundup. Let us take a look.

In a significant milestone, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple's "iPhone Pro Max" models, helped it claim the title of the world's best-selling smartphone. "iPhone Pro Max" has secured its position as the most popular smartphone globally, based on statistics from 2023. Market analysis by Canalys reveals that both the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the subsequent iPhone 15 Pro Max claimed the top spots in global annual shipments for the first time.

As expected, Apple has finally released iOS 17.3.1 update for the iPhone with a fix for a major issue. The update is available for all compatible iPhone models. The company has also released iPadOS 17.3.1, watchOS 10.3.1, and macOS 14.3.1 with bug fixes and performance enhancements. If you have been waiting for the update for a while, you can finally download it for free on your iPhone right now.

In 2023, TSMC only had one 3nm customer, which was Apple, but as it takes on more clients this year, it needs to address its production capabilities to cater to additional orders. According to one report, the Taiwanese giant intends to increase production to 100,000 monthly wafers in 2024 while also focusing on increasing yields by 3nm.

Apple has some good news for iCloud, Apple Music and Apple TV users. Apple has introduced a comprehensive overhaul of the iCloud for Windows app, aiming to enhance user experience and streamline content synchronization across devices. The revamped app boasts a redesigned interface, offering improved clarity regarding the syncing process and accessibility of iCloud content on PC.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has raised a high-severity warning regarding vulnerabilities present in Google Chrome OS, urging users to update their browsers immediately. Released on February 8, 2024, under the designation CIVN-2024-0031, the security note highlights significant risks associated with Google Chrome OS versions preceding 114.0.5735.350 (Platform Version: 15437.90.0) on the LTS channel. Govt wants you to download the latest Google Chrome update as that will remove all current vulnerabilities that are there.