Technology

• Report warns vulnerabilities, data exposure, and API authentication weaknesses, are key issues
• Many firms were forced to slow down app rollouts due to API issues
• Businesses can mitigate API risks before they can be exploited, researchers are saying

Virtually all (99%) of organizations have experienced some API security issues over the last 12 months, and more than half (55%) were forced to slow down the rollout of new applications due to various API security concerns, new research has claimed.

A new research paper from Salt Security found businesses are essentially being plagued by API security risks.

Vulnerabilities that expose APIs to various exploits (for example, injection attacks and Broken Object-Level Authorization (BOLA)), accounted for more than a third of issues (37%), similar to sensitive data exposure (34%). API authentication weaknesses took the third spot with 29%.

Outdated practices

Salt added Generative Artificial Intelligence has “advanced” API security challenges, since almost half (47%) of the respondents expressed concerns about securing AI-generated code. Furthermore, for two in five (40%) potential risks introduced by AI-generated code is a top concern. Only 11% of respondents do not see the use of GenAI applications as a growing security.

The researchers also determined that traditional API security methods, in which authentication is the primary defense mechanism, can no longer suffice. Almost all (95%) of API attacks over the past 12 months came from authenticated sources, and what’s more, 98% of attack attempts targeted external-facing APIs.

To protect against “rampant” API attacks, Salt says businesses should make API posture governance strategies “essential”, and warned that the majority is far removed from that notion. It claims only 10% of organizations currently have an API posture governance strategy set up, similar to the previous year - but the good news is that 43% plan on implementing such a strategy soon.

Since threat actors are actively abusing security weaknesses, businesses need to implement a “robust, proactive API security strategy,” says Roey Eliyahu, co-founder and CEO, Salt Security.

“A strategy that should not only encompass timely threat detection and incident responses but also API governance. By implementing frameworks that ensure security policies are clearly defined, continuously enforced, and regularly assessed, organizations can mitigate API risks before they can be exploited.”

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• A purported benchmark has emerged for AMD’s RX 9070 XT
• It suggests that the incoming RDNA 4 GPU could match the RTX 4080
• This is another in a line of leaks indicating that this is the case

Another hint has been dropped that AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card is going to be more powerful than rumors previously indicated, and that it could be the equal of the RTX 4080.

Wccftech reports that a Gigabyte (Gaming OC) RX 9070 XT was highlighted in a benchmark by a user on the Anandtech forums (Gaav87). This was a FurMark score of 20,732 points (345 frames per second) in the OpenGL graphics stress test at 1080p resolution.

Now, take that with more than the usual skepticism reserved for any such purported leaks, but if correct, this score would mean that, as mentioned, the 9070 XT could offer a performance level similar to the RTX 4080 (actually, it’ll edge out the Nvidia GPU a smidge).

However, extra care is needed here because the benchmark was run on Linux, and those comparisons are drawn with the RTX 4080 on Windows, so that’s not an apples-to-apples affair.

That said, there’s another recent leak of the 9070 XT courtesy of FurMark which showed the GPU reaching roughly the same kind of performance (equivalent to the RX 7900 XTX, very much in the RTX 4080 ballpark, in other words). In that case, the graphics card wasn’t named, but it was easy enough to piece together the clues of what GPU it was.

On top of this, another piece of spillage – this time purportedly direct from AMD – also suggests that the 9070 XT is going to pitch in at around this same level, allowing it to be competitive against the RTX 5070 Ti, in theory.

This fresh leak brings with it some extra info, too, pertaining to thermals, with the 9070 XT seemingly coping very well considering that FurMark is a stress test, meaning it challenges the GPU with a very demanding workload that pushes the chip hard.

The 9070 XT apparently contains its heat levels to 55 degrees Celsius during this tough workout, which is commendably cool.

(Image credit: Shutterstock / DC Studio) Analysis: Looking strong, albeit with hints of 'hopium' on the pricing front

The upshot is that the RX 9070 XT is looking very promising here, both in terms of raw performance and its ability to stay cool under pressure. It’s worth noting that the Gaming OC graphics card featured in this latest leak is a mid-tier model from Gigabyte, so this isn’t its best cooling solution in action (though it’s not an entry-level one either, that’s WindForce).

These are exciting revelations, albeit coming with caveats, and the fact that FurMark is definitely not 3DMark (and moreover, synthetic benchmarks only go so far in estimating the performance of a GPU). Still, it’s a more telling metric than Geekbench graphics tests, and speaking of those, it handily dispels notions recently presented via Geekbench that RDNA 4 won’t be all that much to shout about, frame rate-wise.

Finally, it's worth bearing in mind that last month, a rumor was aired by YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead that during development, AMD was targeting the RX 9070 XT to be just a touch faster than Nvidia’s RTX 4080 Founders Edition – which is the assertion we see in all these leaks.

It feels to me that there’s more than a grain of truth here, with all these rumors aligning, but as ever, let’s not get carried away with speculation, even if it does all seem to be lining up in a reasonably compelling manner.

Besides, as I keep banging on about, whatever the performance level of the 9070 models, AMD’s pricing of these new GPUs will be essential – and we’ll see the full picture tomorrow, with pricing going to be revealed at AMD’s press event for RDNA 4.

I can’t wait, and remain hopeful that Team Red will do the right thing, and not just deliver a minor price cut relative to Nvidia’s pricing and overall value proposition, but a major blow (an uppercut, so to speak, from the desktop GPU underdog).

However, I’ve got to acknowledge that there are rumors suggesting that AMD might push MSRPs disappointingly towards making profits rather than taking on Nvidia at the mid-range. Hopefully, those are wrong, and yes, there’s a lot of hoping going on, I fully admit.

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• The Boys has added two more Supernatural stars to its cast for its fifth and final season
• Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins have officially signed on for undisclosed roles
• The Boys season 5 is currently midway through its filming schedule

The Boys season 5 will be a full-blown Supernatural reunion after Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins confirmed they've joined the former's cast.

In a video posted on The Boys' various social channels yesterday (February 26), Jensen Ackles, who plays Soldier Boy in the popular Prime Video series and its wider live-action franchise, is seen asking his Supernatural co-stars to join him for The Boys' final chapter, which was confirmed by Amazon in May 2024. Unsurprisingly, Padalecki and Collins answer the call, which confirms they've officially signed on to feature in Amazon's TV adaptation.

Season 5 just got a bit more supernatural. pic.twitter.com/sbK2ww2EPCFebruary 26, 2025

Padalecki's involvement in The Boys' fifth season isn't a great surprise. Eric Kripke, The Boys' showrunner/executive producer, previously revealed that he'd asked Padalecki to join the hit satirical superhero show's ensemble. Last June, Padalecki announced (per Deadline) that he'd accepted Kripke's invitation.

Collins' involvement wasn't a foregone conclusion. In fact, there's been little to suggest he'd join his fellow Supernatural acting alumni in appearing in one of the best Prime Video shows' last chapter. Clearly, though, he'll do just that.

The additions of Padalecki and Collins to The Boys 5's cast realizes Kripke's dream of re-teaming with the duo and Ackles for a post-Supernatural project. Indeed, Kripke served as showrunner during the latter's successful 15-season run. So, as I said, The Boys' final hurrah will be a fully fledged reunion between Supernatural's creator and main cast.

Who are Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins playing in The Boys season 5?

Don’t you worry, he’s still drivin’ a shitty car next season pic.twitter.com/0CvaCs91XkFebruary 22, 2025

Nobody knows. The Hollywood Reporter (THR) has claimed they'll feature in guest roles, but there's no indication as to how big or small those roles will be.

One thing is for certain, though: the trio will share scenes together. After reaching out to Amazon MGM Studios, THR reporter Rick Porter said that Ackles, Padalecki, and Collins will appear on the screen together at some point in season 5.

That doesn't mean Padalecki and Collins will join Ackles in suiting up as Supes, although it's certainly a possibility. The Boys season 4 included brand-new Supes, such as Firecracker and Sister Sage, who don't appear in Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's graphic novels of the same name. Padalecki and Collins might play wholly original, Compound V-powered individuals rather than characters – superpowered or otherwise – who have featured in the comics.

Until we find out more about who they'll portray, The Boys' fanbase is nevertheless having fun trying to determine which individuals they could play. A thread on The Boys' Reddit page is full of suggestions, with some commenting that Padalecki could play an older version of Ryan Butcher if there's a significant time jump between seasons 4 and 5, while others believe his and Collins' characters will be allies of the titular Supe-hating group.

It'll be a while before we learn more about the identities of their characters. Principal photography only started on season 5 in November 2024 and isn't expected to wrap until mid-2025. I doubt we'll be given any ideas about Padalecki and Collins' roles, then, until late 2025 or even early 2026. In the meantime, you can read more about the R-rated show's last installment via my dedicated The Boys season 5 guide. Alternatively, refresh your memory about what happened in its predecessor's finale in my The Boys season 4 ending explained piece.

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Welcome to our live coverage of CP+, the world’s largest camera and video show which takes place every year in the Pacifico, Yokohama, a suburb of Tokyo in Japan, since it debuted in 2010.

The show opened to the public today, Feb 27, and doors close on Mar 2, and we’re lucky enough to be attending to bring you all of the latest news, announcements and surprises from the camera world.

With the likes of Photokina in Cologne, Germany, no longer taking place, CP+ is the perfect opportunity for many camera and lens manufacturers to reveal their best cameras, lenses and accessories.

We’ve certainly heard no shortage of rumors and big announcements running up to this event. We'll be walking around the show floor to see what’s actually coming out and if any of the rumours came true. Buckle in as we visit Canon, Sony, Sigma and Panasonic stands and more.

Major products debuting at CP+ 2025

• Canon PowerShot V1: a compact vlogging camera that rivals Sony ZV-1 II
• Sigma BF: a full-frame mirrorless L-mount camera with 24MP sensor and bold, minimalist design
• Panasonic Lumix S1R II: flagship 44MP full-frame camera with new 8K video features
• Sony 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS lens: Sony's first ever lens with 800mm reach
• Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS: biggest optical zoom range of any mirrorless lens, for APS-C

Welcome to our CP+ 2025 live coverage Image 1 of 4

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We're at CP+ 2025, psyched to see what new camera gear in store for us. For the general public, this is the first chance to get a look at new gear already announced this week, including the Canon PowerShot V1 vlogging compact, the radically minimalist Sigma BF, and Sony's monster 400-800mm super-telephoto zoom lens.

We've already had hands-on time with some of this gear, but it will be interesting to see which cameras and lenses draw the biggest crowds, and we're hoping to find some lesser-known treats.

This is the ideal place for the likes of third-party lens manufacturers to showcvase their latest optics, such as Cosina / Voigtlander. Without further ado, let's dive in!

A radically minimalist Sigma BF Image 1 of 5

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First stop, Sigma!

For camera enthusiasts, Sigma made waves this week with its new BF full-frame camera, plus two impressive new lenses, as well as a whole new look with a rebranded Sigma logo. The company doesn’t appear to be wasting any time either and is proudly displaying all three for the general public to see at the Sigma stand in this year’s CP+. Let's look at the Sigma BF first...

...starting with its rather quirky and unique design and feature set. We're told the metal body is made from a single aluminum ingot over 7 hours, while the user interface is properly stripped back – reminding us a little of the Leica CL. Sigma's compact 24MP full-frame camera has already caused quite a stir online in the past few days, and now guests at CP+ are seeing what all the fuss is about.

Sigma's monster 300-600mm f/4 pro super-telephoto lens Image 1 of 4

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While Sigma caught us off guard with the BF camera at Monday's unveiling, there were way more rumors about a new lens. Those rumors ultimately proved unfounded, with many people speculating a fixed 800mm lens – we got two lenses instead; the 300-600mm f/4 DG OS for full-frame cameras, and the 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS for APS-C, and they're here at Sigma's stand.

It's the super-telephoto zoom that's getting the most attention – it's monstrously big! It's a pricey lens for pros available for L-mount and Sony's E-mount cameras, and which is said to be the same size and weight as a 600mm f/4 lens, but with the advantage of having that wider reach. It also delivers up to 5.5 stops of optical image stabilization.

It's a heavy thing, mind – cue the show-offs touting the lens. This feels like being in the gym. Think we'll look for something smaller...

Sigma's travel lens with world's biggest optical zoom range

In the 300-600mm lens' shadow? A new 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS superzoom lens, which boasts an incredible zoom range, that should make it ideal for travel photography. Apparently it has the biggest optical zoom range of any mirrorless lens – a mega 18.8x zoom. It may not steal the headlines in the same way as the BF camera and 300-600mm lens, but this could just be our favourite of the three new Sigma products.

It’s available for L-mount, Sony E, Fujifilm X and also Canon RF - taking Sigma’s tally of APS-C lenses for Canon RF now to a total of seven. Sadly, there’s still no news on any third-party lenses for Canon's full-frame RF-mount cameras...yet.

All three of Sigma’s products are available to see and try at CP on stand 89.

Canon's compact vlogging camera, the PowerShot V1 Image 1 of 3

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Next up on our CP+ tour...it's Canon.

It's a week ago today that Canon put out a teaser trailer announcing its brand-new PowerShot V1 vlogging compact. Sadly for most of the world, it's only available in Japan... for now. Good news for the lucky few including us... it debuts here at CP+ where the general public can catch a first glimpse...and it's seemingly drawing the biggest crowd.

People that made a beeline for the Canon stand when the show doors opened are hogging the V1, so we're admiring it from a distance for now.

We've already written some news about the V1 – although we didn't have a full picture of what it can do yet. One thing's for sure, it's a dinky, pocketable vlogging camera that's getting plenty of interest here.

Set to rival the Sony ZV1-II?

From what we know so far, the PowerShot V1 is made for content creators. It can shoot 4K 10-bit video with Canon's Log 3 color profile, and features a tidy 16-50mm F2.8-4.5 lens. It's also compatible with external accessories such as a hotshoe microphones and flashes.

We're told it packs Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS AF II for the best autofocus performance of any Canon compact, and there's a flip-out vars-angle screen for easy self-recording for selfies and vlogging.

In the flesh, it looks a little larger than the Canon's trending G7 X Mark III, which we believe will remain on sale, and it also appears to have ventilation holes around body, much like we’ve seen on Canon’s EOS R5 Mark II, so could this video-first camera have some cooling features for decent record times?

Our first impressions? The PowerShot V1 most obvious rival is Sony's ZV-1 II. We'll be sure to get a proper hands-on of the V1 as soon as we can after the show.

Unfortunately there’s no sign of the rumoured Canon EOS R6 Mark III here. It's the PowerShot V1 that's the star of the show here.

Time for us to move on again...

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If there was an award for the most capable camera debuting at CP+ 2025, it would go to the Panasonic Lumix S1R II.

The flagship mirrorless camera was unveiled just two days before the CP+ and largely kept under wraps in the show's lead up to CP+, and here it is at stand 88, home to an array of Panasonic gear for the next few days.

We already know the Lumix S1R II has a totally new 44MP full-frame sensor, and it will be the first full-frame camera with 8K 'open gate' video after a firmware update, plus 32-bit float audio recording via Panasonic's XLR adaptor.

Panasonic tells us that the Lumix S1R II's 8K video has 14EV of dynamic range when shooting 10-bit 8K movies at up to 30fps. This is a big upgrade from the Panasonic Lumix S1R if you major on video, but photographers might be happy to stick with the original S1R's 47MP stills and top LCD.

The form factor of the Lumix S1R II looks really tidy – it's evidently much smaller than the S1R and has more in common with the Lumix S5 II.

Lumix S1R II musings

We've actually been able to get hands-on with the Lumix S1R II ahead of the CP+ show, back in the UK, and you can find out more about Panasonic's flagship full-frame mirrorless camera in our hands-on Lumix S1R II review.

There's plenty to like about the Lumix S1R II; it's first-class for video and, depending where you are in the world, it is properly reasonable too – about half the price of the Sony A1 II (which we hope to get another play with later), 50% cheaper than the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, and roughly the same as a discounted Nikon Z8.

It might not be getting the same fanfare as Canon, but on capabilties alone, it deserves a proper look.

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Squeaking in a day before CP+ 2025, Sony made a global announcement for two new lenses, and we've got our eyes on both of these optics at Sony's stand. Both E-mount lenses are made for Sony's full-frame mirrorless, but they couldn’t be more different from each other...

...we have a compact and affordable Sony 16mm F1.8 G wide angle prime, and a hefty Sony 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS telephoto.

It's the latter that of the two that is particularly interesting – so much so that people who want to try the Sony 400-800mm at the show need to a ticket and join a digital queue before being beckoned up to the balcony to give it a road test.

So what gives? Well, it has Sony’s most impressive reach of any Sony E-mount optic to date – in fact, it's Sony first-ever lens to reach 800mm. We reckon it's best for wildlife and sports subjects you can't get close to, like birds and motorsports. There's a severe lack of those subjects in the CP+ halls, mind...

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There are several reasons why you might need to unpair your Apple Watch from an old iPhone, most of which are pretty obvious. Whether you're selling your Apple Watch or trading it in, you'll want to make sure your sensitive health data is removed from the device. Furthermore, unpairing it ensures that the next owner can use that watch with their own iPhone.

Unpairing your old Apple Watch is also an important step if you’ve just bought a new iPhone. While Apple’s iCloud setup in principle enables you to switch your Apple Watch from your old phone to your new one, you do sometimes need to unpair the device from your old iPhone before pairing it with a new one.

If your Apple Watch is being repaired by Apple at the Genius Bar, the company may also ask you to unpair the device, so it’s important that you know how to do it properly.

There are two basic methods for unpairing an Apple Watch. If you have your iPhone, the process is more straightforward, and will also remove the Activation Lock from the device so that it can be used by someone else. If you don’t have your iPhone, you can still erase the device, but the Activation Lock will persist. The latter will cause problems if you’re selling or giving the device away, so even connecting to a borrowed device temporarily might be preferable depending on your circumstances.

How to unpair your Apple Watch from an old iPhone

(Image credit: Future) You will need:

• Your iPhone
• Your Apple Watch

Before you start:

Keep your phone and watch close together, otherwise, the unpairing process may be interrupted

To unpair your Apple Watch from your iPhone:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on iPhone
2. Select the My Watch tap and tap All watches
3. Tap the circled 'i' info button on the device you want to unpair
4. Scroll down and tap Unpair Apple Watch

Follow the prompts – you’ll need to enter your Apple Account password to disable the Activation lock, and if you have a cellular model you'll be asked whether you want to keep or remove your plan. If you’re keeping your watch and iPhone, select Keep, if you’re getting rid of it, choose Remove – just remember to contact your provider to cancel your subscription.

Unpairing your Apple Watch will automatically backup your device to the cloud, so when you re-pair it or set up a new device, you can restore your old settings.

How to unpair Apple Watch if you don’t have an iPhone

(Image credit: Future)

If you don’t have the iPhone you’re trying to unpair the Apple Watch from, follow these steps:

1. On your Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
2. Enter your password
3. Tap Erase All

This will reset and erase the watch, unpairing it from any old devices in the process. However, it will not remove the Activation Lock on your device, which can only be turned off with your Apple Account and password. Remember, this is really important if you’re selling or giving the watch away, as the new owner won’t be able to use it otherwise.

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• Google moves to help users update outdated search results
• Results About You tool can track down your personal info on the internet
• You can then easily request its removal, or a search result update

You will now be able to remove certain search results and personal information from Google’s search results due thanks to an update to its redesigned Results About You tool.

Users can enter their personal information into the tool, such as phone numbers and addresses, and the tool will scrape search results that turn up your info, and help you remove them.

The Results About You tool will also help you to remove your information from people search finders, stopping snoops from looking up your data.

Remove your data from the web

Previously, if you wanted to remove your personal data, you would have to use a data removal service, or manually contact a search finder service to have your data taken down.

Now, however, the Results About You tool will bring up matches to your data and by clicking on the three dots next to a search result the tool will tell you what data you are able to remove in just a few clicks.

For example, if you are listed as an employee at a company you no longer work at and the page has been updated to remove your data but still shows up in search results, you can use the Results About You tool to request a page recrawl so that the changes are reflected in the search results.

If you need additional guidance on searching for and keeping your data off the internet, we have a dedicated guide on how to remove yourself from the internet.

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• The PS Plus Monthly Games for March have been revealed
• They include the latest Dragon Age game and Sonic Colors: Ultimate
• They will be available from March 4 to March 31

Big news PlayStation gamers, your PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for March have been revealed and they're some of the strongest we've seen yet.

Soon, PS Plus members will be able to head to the store and claim Dragon Age: The Veilguard for PlayStation 5 at no additional cost. This is honestly pretty incredible and something that I wouldn't have expected as the game only hit shelves four months ago.

It's a very meaty role-playing game (RPG) too, with a roughly 30 hour story and over one hundred hours of content if you want to complete everything. Our Dragon Age: The Veilguard review described it as "uplifted by a compelling cast of supporting characters, an impressively dynamic combat system, and gorgeous environments."

That's an awful lot of value right there, but that's not the only game up for grabs. You will also be able to get Sonic Colors: Ultimate for PlayStation 4 (also playable on PS5 via backwards compatibility), a remastered version of the fan-favorite Sonic game. It's not the longest experience out there as you launch through levels at high speeds (my playthrough clocked in at just over six hours in total), but it is highly replayable if you want to chase high scores.

Luckily, you will be able to dive into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection once the credits roll too, as this is the third game free to claim this month. As the name would suggest, this is a retro collection with thirteen Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games. Although not quite a remaster, the games have been updated with modern quality of life features like the ability to save whenever you want and a rewind function. The offer includes both a PS5 and PS4 version, so owners of either console will be able to play.

All three games will be available on March 4 and run until March 31, so make sure to mark your calendars. If you don't yet own a PS Plus subscription and don't want to miss out, you can see the very best prices in your region below.

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• Colorware has launched two retro-themed AirPods redesigns
• They come in Mac-style cream and NeXT-inspired black
• The revamps are available for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2

Apple’s best AirPods are only available in white, which isn't surprising given Apple’s near obsession with minimalism. But if you want a bit more color in your earphones, Colorware has now started selling AirPods in a range of custom retro designs.

The Colorware AirPods Retro collection features two options: a Light design in matte cream, and a Dark version in matte black. They’re intended to mimic the look of classic Steve Jobs computers, with the former replicating the beige appearance of Apple Macs from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and the latter paying homage to the NeXT computers that Jobs worked on after he left Apple in 1985.

In both cases you’ll get rainbow-tinted highlights that nod to the rainbow logo Apple used for much of its early existence. Past Macs also incorporated this multicolored motif into their designs.

Colorware’s Retro Collection comprises revamps of the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation and the AirPods Pro 2. You’ll pay $439 for the AirPods 4 version and $499 for the AirPods Pro edition. That’s a significant markup in each case, as these earphones normally cost $179 and $249, respectively.

Expanding the color palette

(Image credit: Colorware)

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Colorware offering custom overhauls of Apple products. The company recently launched a range of skin-tone remakes for much of the AirPods range, and it also sells a retro-flavored Mac mini with similar stylings to the firm’s latest AirPods redesigns.

Unfortunately, this is one of the few ways you can add a splash of color to your AirPods. There are claims that Apple at one point considered selling AirPods in a variety of tones, but that never came to pass. Instead, you can have AirPods in any color you like, as long as it’s white.

Colorware’s souped-up earphones are a pricey way to inject a lick of paint into your audio life, but they’re certainly an eye-catching option. If you’ve been wanting to jazz up your AirPods and don’t mind paying a premium for the privilege, they might be worth a look.

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• Silent Hill 2 remake developer Bloober Team is continuing its partnership with Konami
• It will be working on a new project with Konami's intellectual property
• It could potentially be another Silent Hill remake

More Silent Hill remakes could be on the horizon as Silent Hill 2 remake developer Bloober Team is set to continue its partnership with Konami.

The continuation of the partnership was announced on Bloober Team's website (via GamesIndustry.biz). The post confirms that the Polish developer and Japanese publisher "are continuing their partnership, announcing the signing of a new agreement for a joint project. Following the massive success of the remake of one of the most highly anticipated psychological horror games - Silent Hill 2 - the developers are now focusing on a new game based on Konami's IP."

Bloober Team CEO Piotr Babieno stated that the partnership had been "incredibly fruitful," adding: "we can't reveal too many details at this time, but we are confident that fans will be just as excited about our collaboration as we are. We can't wait to share something truly special with players when the time is right."

At present, there's no information on what this new project is. But it does seem likely that Bloober Team could be set on delivering another remake - potentially for the 1999 original or its direct sequel Silent Hill 3. It could even be a wholly original Silent Hill title. In that case, it'd be interesting to see Bloober Team's take on the town within the confines of a brand new story.

At present, Bloober Team is working on a science fiction horror game called Cronos: The New Dawn. It'll be an original project from the developer, and is currently slated for release in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC.

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New York City's transit authority is one of a few US systems experimenting with using sensors and AI to improve track inspections.

• Elon Musk's DOGE is a Slack customer, Marc Benioff reveals
• Salesforce CEO says partnership shows closeness to US government
• Salesforce reports another successful financial quarter, with $10bn in quarterly revenues

The major recent cuts to the US government by Elon Musk's DOGE department are being co-ordinated using Slack, the CEO of parent company Salesforce has declared.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff confirmed DOGE is using the company's online collaboration platform to communicate and stay in touch.

“We have a lot to offer the government in terms of giving them opportunities to operate with more efficiency,” Benioff said in an interview held to mark the company's latest financial results. “The DOGE team is using Slack, which is very exciting.”

DOGE and Slack

Benioff, who said he is yet to meet Musk or President Trump, added DOGE offers a chance to “create a more automated and more efficient government over time.”

Salesforce has long been a significant software provider for the US government, with a recent report from the US Government Accountability Office claiming it is responsible for 8.70% of licences.

This is someway behind Microsoft, with 31.30%, but ahead of the likes of Oracle (6.96%), VMware (3.48%) and Cisco (3.48%).

Stephen Ehikian, currently acting administrator of the US General Services Administration, is a former Salesforce executive, and has said he will work closely with DOGE, suggesting further tie-ups could launch soon.

Benioff was speaking as Salesforce announced its results for Q4 2024 and full fiscal year ended January 31, 2025.

The company announced fourth quarter revenues of $10.0 billion, up 8% year on year, for a total FY25 revenues of $37.9 billion, up 9% year on year.

“We had an incredible quarter and year, with strong performance across all our key metrics, including the highest cash flow in our company’s history and more than $60 billion in RPO,” Benioff said in a press release accompanying the results.

“No company is better positioned than Salesforce to lead customers through the digital labor revolution. With our deeply unified platform, seamlessly integrating our Customer 360 apps, Data Cloud and Agentforce, we’re already delivering unprecedented levels of productivity, efficiency and cost savings for thousands of companies.”

Via Bloomberg

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Oscar Wilde once said, "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life." Let’s hope that isn’t true when it comes to the Netflix series Zero Day, which has just started airing. This political thriller stars Robert De Niro and Angela Bassett, whose characters lead the investigation and response efforts after a devastating cyberattack causes massive casualties, chaos and hardship across the United States.

Hollywood Taps into Our Fears

While audiences often joke that Hollywood keeps recycling the same storylines, writers have no trouble tapping into the public’s deepest fears. Over the past decade, we’ve seen countless films and TV shows explore unsettling topics like pandemics, EMP attacks and the existential threat of AI. As humans, we fear things that we don’t fully understand but that could pose a threat. That is because uncertainty breeds fear.

It’s only natural, then, that cyberattacks have become the latest fodder for gripping on-screen dramas. Even if the average Netflix viewer isn’t familiar with the technical details of how cyberattacks are carried out, they’re acutely aware of their growing frequency and severity. Millions of Americans have had their data exposed in attacks, and while they may not fully understand what ransomware is, they know it isn’t good.

Could Such an Attack Really Happen?

While the critical reception of Zero Day remains to be seen, one thing is certain: viewers will debate the plausibility of the events unfolding on their screens. Could a devastating attack like that actually happen? It’s technically possible, but the risk is similar to the remote chance of a civilization-ending asteroid strike (a scenario that has itself inspired more than one movie).

Why? Well, while it is one thing to bring down the business operations of a single entity such as Colonial Pipeline, MGM Resorts or Halliburton, executing a coordinated attack on an entire nation's critical infrastructure is an entirely different challenge. There are multiple reasons:

1. A broadscale attack would require a vastly more complex and coordinated effort. Critical infrastructure organizations include everything from power plants to transportation networks to healthcare providers, and these sectors employ different security protocols, procedures and technologies. Therefore, it would be very difficult for attackers to develop a one-size-fits-all approach.

2. Unlike a single organization, national infrastructure is managed by a mix of public and private entities, making it harder to exploit a common vulnerability.

3. Many critical infrastructure systems have built-in redundancies and resilience measures to withstand localized failures or attacks, making it more difficult to cause widespread disruption.

Other Deterrents: Time, Scale and Retaliation

Let's consider possible initiators for such an attack. Today, only the largest cybercriminal groups may have the skills and resources for it. However, they are driven by financial gain. They would see no sense in investing their efforts with seemingly no future benefit while having dozens of proven methods to monetize their activities, from business email compromise to ransomware attacks.

Another possible threat actor, hacktivists driven by social or political agendas, may have enough motivation, but they have no resources for a large-scale coordinated effort spanning multiple years. The Netflix screenplay writers will surely come up with an unexpected twist in the plot, but in reality, it could only be a nation-state cyber operation.

Cyberattacking another nation’s civilian infrastructure is an assault on all its citizens. In today's digital world, such a move would be considered an act of war and spur an intense global manhunt for the perpetrators. While some nation-states eagerly perform espionage and reconnaissance campaigns, the stakes would be too high for any of them to risk the wrath of a superpower with a wealth of responses in their arsenal. The potential for escalation to conventional warfare serves as a powerful deterrent against any large-scale cyberattacks.

Reducing Risk Remains Imperative

Even though the odds of a devastating asteroid collision are remote, NASA still actively works to mitigate the risk through planetary defense initiatives. Similarly, even though a cyberattack like the one depicted in Zero Day is unrealistic, it’s essential for critical infrastructure organizations to continue bolstering their defense and response postures.

Fortunately, governments worldwide are not leaving these organizations to fend for themselves when it comes to cybersecurity. National-level critical infrastructure is now under continuous monitoring by government agencies and specialized security organizations to speed threat detection and response. In the U.S., the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) plays a key role in overseeing cybersecurity efforts and coordinating protections across both public and private sectors, helping to ensure that critical systems are fortified against evolving threats.

In addition, government agencies and critical infrastructure organizations have worked together to establish emergency response teams capable of quickly isolating and neutralizing widespread cyber threats.

The Bottom Line

Hollywood excels at creating TV shows and movies that explore “what if” scenarios, and cybersecurity is a natural topic to inspire writers today. There’s an old adage that “TV holds up a mirror to our society.” In the case of Zero Day, this is only partly true: The show does provide a solid representation of public fear around cyberattacks, but it does not accurately reflect the reality that such a devastating incident is actually highly improbable.

Learn more about cybersecurity with the best online cybersecurity courses.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

• Invincible season 3's final two episodes could be the show's most brutal entries yet
• Episode 6's mid-credits scene teases why this will be the case
• Long-time Invincible fans will know what to expect from episodes 7 and 8

Invincible season 3's final two episodes are fast approaching, and it appears that its seventh and eighth chapters will be the show's most devastating since the show's season 1 finale.

I'm not being hyperbolic, either. The adult animated series' latest episode, titled 'All I Can Say Is I'm Sorry', is one of the numerous Invincible episodes that have a mid- and/or post-credits scene. But, while many of its siblings' mid- and post-credits scenes have teased calamitous incidents to come, season 3 episode 6's mid-credits stinger hints that two of the graphic novel series' most brutal events will play out before this season ends.

Full spoilers immediately follow for Invincible season 3 and the comic books it's based on.

If Mark thought he already had it bad in season 3, he's seen nothing yet (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)

Let's start with episode 6's mid-credits sequence. As Eve consoles Mark for what seems like the umpteenth time this season, the camera pulls back to reveal that the pair are being watched. Indeed, a spherical drone, one that's identical in design to the one that was spying on Mark and his family in season 3 episode 3, is seen hovering at a distance.

That episode already dropped a huge clue that one of Mark's biggest nemeses would return in one of the best Prime Video shows' third season. It's not until 'All I Can Say Is I'm Sorry', though, that the the shock reveal is made: yep, none other than Angstrom Levy is the individual who's been surveilling Mark and his loved ones.

*SPOILERS* #INVINCIBLE #InvincibleSeason3 Angstrom Levy tease at the end of Episode 3! pic.twitter.com/ZHjxMuQOv6February 7, 2025

Non-comic book readers may be stunned that Levy is back from the dead. However, as I discussed in my Invincible season 2 part 2 ending explainer piece, Mark didn't kill him. I mean, that much is obvious now, isn't it?

Anyway, you might be thinking that Levy's return (you'll most likely find out how he survived in season 3 episode 7) spells danger for Mark and all those he holds dear in the Amazon TV Original – and you'd be right. However, they're not the only ones whose lives may be at risk from the cybernetically-enhanced Levy because of the company he now keeps.

*SPOILERS* #INVINCIBLESeason3The Alternate Mark Graysons are finally here! #INVINCIBLE pic.twitter.com/89t5p52jJ9February 27, 2025

After Angstrom rises from the seat of his secret lair, he walks towards a group of individuals who look exactly like Mark Grayson, aka the eponymous superhero. Levy utters the line "this will do" as a wide shot reveals a bunch of multiversal Invincibles.

Invincible devotees, myself included, have known this reveal has been coming. For those who have been introduced to the Invincible franchise via its Prime Video adaptation, though, the signs have been there since season 3 began. Indeed, Invincible's third season has been laying the groundwork for one of the comics' bloodiest battles since its premiere. The evidence for Mark's multiversal variants' arrival? Season 3's new title sequence, which you can remind yourself of in the X/Twitter post above.

So, what's all of this leading to? For one, The Invincible War. You can read more about that cataclysmic event in the article I linked to in the previous paragraph.

"If you choose to oppose me, you will not survive" (Image credit: Image Comics)

That's not all, though. In the immediate aftermath of that potentially world-ending incident that claims the lives of millions, including some of Mark's fellow heroes – now you know why I'm worried for Rex and Rae after that sweet episode 5 scene – an injured and distraught Mark is forced to defend planet Earth from another terrifying and destructive threat. That'll be the monstrous Viltrumite warrior known as Conquest, who's rumored to be voiced by Breaking Bad alumnus Jonathan Banks, i.e. one of nine new actors who were officially announced as part of Invincible season 3's voice cast in January.

I'll refrain from spoiling anything else about The Invincible War and the Mark-Conquest showdown because, for non-graphic novel readers, they're best experienced without knowing what'll happen. One last piece of advice, though: have a box of tissues ready, because you're going to need them.

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• Final ZE3000 SV launch today, for $99.99 / £89.99 (about AU$180)
• New 10mm dynamic drivers with pressure optimization and ANC
• 7-band EQ, gaming mode and multi-point pairing

Underrated audio expert Final Audio has announced a new version of its ZE3000 true wireless earbuds, the Final ZE3000 SV. These aren't just a minor refresh: they've got brand new drivers and active noise cancelling too.

We like Final's headphones a lot, but they're not as well-known as they should be. The Final Audio UX3000 over-ears got the full five stars in our review and so did the affordable wired in-ears, the Final VR500. And we gave the Final ZE8000 MK2 earbuds four and a half stars out of five. So I'm intrigued by these, because they're promising a lot of performance for not very much money.

The new earbuds feature new 10mm drivers, Final's f-Core SV. (Image credit: Final Audio) Final ZE3000 SV: key features and pricing

There are three key new features in these buds. The first is the new f-Core SV drivers, which are 10mm dynamic drivers – a significant increase from the previous 6mm drivers. Final says that the drivers have been designed to fully utilize the acoustic space inside the earbuds "without the need for equalization."

The second new feature is called the f-LINK Port. It's been carefully created to optimize the pressure inside the earbuds while still retaining waterproofing, and Final promises serious bass as a result.

And thirdly there's Comfort ANC, Final's latest version of active noise cancellation. The promise here is effective ANC without that weird pressure feeling you can sometimes get from ANC buds.

There's also a sub-60ms low latency gaming mode, multi-point connectivity and a seven-band equalizer in the companion app. There's support for LDAC hi-res audio up to 96kHz/24-bit, and battery life is a promised seven hours from the buds and 28 including the charging case. That's with ANC on, so is above average.

The new buds will be available from today, February 27, with a price tag of $99.99 / £89.99 / about AU$180 – we look forward to seeing how they compare to the best budget earbuds soon.

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Ransomware has been becoming an increasingly common problem in recent years for organizations, regardless of size, sector or location. Indeed, Netwrix’s 2024 Hybrid Security Trends Report revealed that malware attacks like ransomware are one the three most common types of security incidents that organizations experienced in the last year. According to the Information Commissioner’s Office report, in 2023 organizations in Britain reported more data breaches due to ransomware attacks than ever before.

In response to this threat, proposals to make ransomware payments illegal have been gaining traction. For example, earlier this year, Ciaran Martin, ex-CEO of the UK National Cyber Security Centre, called for a ransomware payment ban. The reasoning is that if ransomware payments were illegal, organizations would stop making them, so malicious actors would no longer have an incentive to carry out ransomware attacks.

But is this approach really a viable solution to the scourge of ransomware?

The moral imperative in some ransomware situations

Ransomware is clearly different from cases of physical extortion like kidnapping and hostage situations. But a ransomware attack can still pose a serious danger to human lives. Notably, an attack on critical national infrastructure (CNI), such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities, can put patients’ lives at risk. In June 2024, Synnovis, a blood test provider for major London hospitals, fell victim to a ransomware attack that resulted in cancellation or postponing over 1600 operations and outpatient appointments. In such cases, it’s much harder to say that paying the ransom should be prohibited by law.

Moreover, cybercriminals quickly adapt to changing circumstances. If legal limitations are put into effect, threat actors will likely find ways to overcome them quite swiftly. Ultimately, banning ransom payments could push business leaders into further moral conundrums while under pressure.

The possibility of reduced reporting of ransomware incidents

In July the UK Government announced their intention to introduce mandatory reporting of all ransomware incidents as a part of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. Thus, the Government prioritized transparency of the ransomware incidents over an attempt to completely ban them.

Indeed, a well-executed ransomware attack can potentially hinder the victim’s business operations to the point of near bankruptcy. Under the proposed new regulations, decision-makers would be expected to report the incident and not pay the ransom. But would they take that path, given that their livelihood, and the livelihood of many others within the organization, hang in the balance? Or might some organizations choose to pay the ransom without informing government agencies of the attack?

We have to remember that the latter option is a viable choice, and it has ramifications beyond the organization that makes it. Not reporting the incident reduces visibility in cybercriminals' activity, which in turn affects the ability of law enforcement and software vendors to take appropriate steps in response. Without all the information, addressing the challenge of ransomware will become much more difficult.

The banking industry experience — a better way forward?

Various risks are inherent in the nature of the banking industry, and the sector has developed ways to mitigate them. For example, years ago, the main threat was a physical bank robbery, so banks reduced cash handling and installed security cameras, alarm systems and, finally, time-lock safes. Adopting the right security measures is still essential for banks to keep their licenses today.

Following this example, governments could create cybersecurity benchmarks and make risk mitigation strategies the norm for other high-risk industries like energy, manufacturing and healthcare. With standards in place, organizations would have appropriate guidance for establishing an efficient strategy against the threat of ransomware.

Additionally, law enforcement worldwide has a crucial role to play when it comes to collaborating to take down ransomware networks. The recent dismantling of the ransomware gang LockBit performed by the National Crime Agency, FBI, and international partners from nine other countries proves the effectiveness of such collaboration. Government institutions from all over the world released a cybersecurity advisory that summarized LockBit’s tools and tactics. That work resulted in the group's attack assets being seized, which has made it difficult for them to operate.

Looking ahead: how to combat the threat of ransomware

Ransomware continues to cause significant damage to organizations worldwide, and it is natural for governments to consider legislation that could help reduce the threat. However, denying victim companies the option of paying a ransom to restore their data and operations is not a practical solution. Instead, organizations must prioritize improving their cybersecurity measures, while government departments should increase their vigilance, assistance and investigations.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

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