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JEFF PACHOUD/Getty Images Although Google’s earlier-than-expected release of Android 16 was missing a few important features, the updated OS does deliver improved security that every Android user would be well-advised to enable. I’ll explain these two key security features and how to find and enable them. Also: Google quietly confirms ChromeOS-Android merger – here’s what it means for […] More
tolgart/Getty Images How hard is it in 2025 — just three years after generative AI captured the global spotlight — to fight back against AI-generated plagiarism? Also: Anthropic’s AI agent can now automate Canva, Asana, Figma and more – here’s how it works This is a completely updated version of my January 2023 article on AI content detectors. When […] More
Eufy Eufy’s Smart Display E10<!–> is designed to control your Eufy smart home ecosystem, with intelligent features like facial recognition, quad-view live stream, event summaries, and a built-in battery for portability. The 8-inch tablet can be wall-mounted or placed on a desk or tabletop with the included stands. It can be plugged in for continuous […] More
CollinsChin/Getty Images Over the last few decades, compromised usernames and passwords have typically been at the root of some of the most sensational, damaging, and costly data breaches. An incessant drumbeat of advice about how to choose and use strong passwords and how not to fall prey to social engineering attacks has done little to […] More
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images AI has proven itself to be a huge security risk — even US government officials aren’t safe. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that an unknown individual used AI to pose as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and contact “at least five government officials, including three foreign ministers, a US governor, and a member of […] More
On the page that announced details of the ESU program for commercial customers, a Microsoft spokesperson wrote that details and prices for consumers “will be shared at a later date” on the company’s consumer end-of-support page. Six months later, the company finally revealed that consumers would be able to sign up for a one-year ESU subscription for $30. Also: The best Windows laptop you can buyAnd if that $30 price tag is too much, the company announced two “free enrollment options” in June. You can enroll a Windows 10 PC for ESU coverage by using Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud, or you can use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (worth less than $1), which you accumulate by using Bing search services. For details, see “How to get Windows 10 extended security updates for free: 2 options.”) The deal comes with two significant restrictions.First, it’s available only for “personal use,” a move that’s obviously designed to discourage business customers from trying to get security updates at a discount. Second, the subscription can’t be renewed after that first year. On Oct. 13, 2026, security updates will stop for good on those consumer PCs.Still, the fact that Microsoft is even offering a consumer option is noteworthy. The Windows 7 ESU program was messy. It was not exactly friendly to small businesses, and there was no option at all for consumers. The difference, of course, is that those customers had a straightforward option to upgrade their Windows 7 PCs to the successor OS, Windows 10, at no cost. Also: Have a Windows 10 PC that can’t be upgraded? You have 5 optionsMicrosoft says the enrollment wizard will start rolling out for consumers in July and should be available to all Windows 10 PCs by the end of August. More
Getty Images / SOPA Images / Contributor Cybersecurity is a cat-and-mouse game, with new technologies providing more sophisticated protections — and threats. That has only accelerated with generative AI, which has led to even more advanced attacks, but PayPal is now leveraging it to stay ahead. PayPal, which also owns the digital payment platform Venmo, […] More
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETMacOS is a solid operating system. But no matter how secure an operating system is, it’s vulnerable if it’s connected to a network. As for privacy, if you get online, your privacy is at stake, so never assume you’re safe just because you’re using Apple’s OS. Also: I’m switching to the MacBook Air M4 from my Windows laptop – and you should too at this priceYou can always take steps to improve the chances that your privacy won’t be infringed upon. What are those steps? Let’s jump in. 1. Use a VPN A VPN is always a good idea. Why? A VPN not only anonymizes your IP address (so it’s much harder to track you), but it also encrypts your traffic. Individually, those things can help. Together, they’re a powerful weapon against those who would disrupt your privacy. Also: The best VPN for Mac: Expert tested and reviewedThere are plenty of VPNs you can use (such as Proton VPN or Nord VPN), but it’s important to use one that integrates with the operating system so all your outgoing traffic is anonymized and encrypted. If you use only a browser extension, only the traffic leaving your web browser is altered. To get the most security and the fastest speeds, use a paid option. Most free VPNs slow down your network traffic, which negatively impacts your browser’s speed. 2. Use strong passwords This should go without saying, but strong passwords are the easiest method of protecting your accounts (starting with your MacOS user account). If you use weak passwords, someone could break into your desktop and wreak havoc on your privacy. Also: The best password manager for MacYou should also use a password manager (such as Bitwarden). Not only do password managers secure your login credentials, but they also include random password generators capable of creating very strong passwords. If your MacOS account is secured with a weak password, change it immediately in System Settings > Login Password. 3. Use encrypted storage Your MacOS drive is most likely encrypted, which protects you if someone steals your computer. With the storage encrypted, they’ll have a harder time accessing your data. But that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from using encryption tools. Also: The best cloud storage services of 2025: Expert testedOut of the box, your MacOS machine uses FileVault — enabled by default — to secure the data on your disk. However, you might want to take this a step further by encrypting specific folders in your home directory to give them an extra layer of protection. You can use tools like VeraCrypt (available for free), which feature drag-and-drop AES-256 encryption for files and folders and easy sharing with Windows. More
