More stories

  • in

    Update your iPhone now to patch a CarPlay glitch and two serious security flaws

    Maria Diaz/ZDNETApple has rolled out its latest iPhone update, iOS 18.4.1. Though minor, you’ll want to install the update as it patches a CarPlay glitch and several dangerous security flaws.Also: The best VPN services (and how to choose the right one for you)After the release of iOS 18.4 earlier this month, many iPhone and CarPlay users started complaining of random connection problems and other hiccups. Some people reported that CarPlay would disconnect and reconnect, while others revealed that the CarPlay screen would appear blank. In its description of iOS 18.4.1, Apple said the update “addresses a rare issue that prevents wireless CarPlay connection in certain vehicles.”With that bug hopefully solved, let’s move on to the more urgent matter of security vulnerabilities. The latest update deals with two serious flaws already used in targeted attacks.Also: Just installed iOS 18.4? Changing these 3 features made my iPhone much better to useThe first flaw, CVE-2025-31200, is described as “processing an audio stream in a maliciously crafted media file may result in code execution.” That process refers to an attacker who uses Apple’s CoreAudio framework to create a media file containing malware. Any iPhone user who launches the file would trigger the malicious code, allowing the attacker to access the device.This vulnerability may have been exploited in an “extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals on iOS,” according to Apple. To squash this bug, the company fixed a memory corruption issue, a problem in which a program can modify memory to execute malicious code. More

  • in

    Zoom goes down across the globe – what we know about the outage so far

    Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images) If you need a sign to call it quits early today, this might be it. Zoom, the popular virtual meeting service that many companies rely on around the world, is suffering a major outage.  Also: Is Wi-Fi 7 worth the upgrade? Here’s my advice after using this next-gen router […] More

  • in

    Free IRS Direct File service for taxpayers to end, according to reports

    Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Economic Security Project If you didn’t take advantage of the IRS’ free Direct File service this year, you may have missed your chance. According to an AP News report, President Donald Trump plans to end IRS Direct File, the electronic system that lets residents in 25 states file their federal tax returns […] More

  • in

    Why the CVE database for tracking security flaws nearly went dark – and what happens next

    fotograzia/Getty Images Over the weekend, security experts were beginning to panic. MITRE announced that the US government had not renewed funding for the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database.  MITRE VP Yosry Barsoum warned that the government contract support enabling MITRE “to develop, operate, and modernize CVE” would expire on April 16. That would mean, Barsoum continued, […] More

  • in

    This midrange OnePlus phone is so good, it’s hard to recommend flagship models

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways OnePlus 13R costs $599 and features a bright display, powerful performance, and fast charging. It doesn’t have a flagship camera system and wireless charging. But for the money, you won’t find a more balanced handset. more buying choices For a limited time, you can purchase the OnePlus 13R–> off the company’s online […] More

  • in

    The best iPhone 15 screen protectors of 2025: Expert tested

    ZDNET conducted expert research using our hands-own knowledge with various iPhone 15 models and prior experience with screen protectors for other devices. We spent time considering individual needs and wants for screen protectors, and prioritizing elements like cost, material, durability, extra features, and more. We considered the screen protectors we’re currently using, ones we’ve used before, and options that we haven’t personally tested, to provide a curated list of both hands-on tested and expert researched picks. If we think another product is worth your money, we’ll update this list or write up a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it’s for. Plus, we are routinely scouring the web for new products that are worthy of testing, and following news on product rollouts and upgrades, and sourcing the best deals. We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that’s why we build our lists to match different needs and budgets — and why our picks are expert-tested or expert-vetted. More

  • in

    Linux laptop lagging? 5 simple ways to speed it up fast

    Enrique Aguirre Aves/Getty Images So, you’ve decided to jump to the Linux operating system, and a spare laptop is the best way to go. After installing the open-source operating system, you log in, start using it, and find it far easier than you thought. You also find that Linux is running a bit slow.  I’m […] More