Technology

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• AI boosts efficiency but requires clear strategies to succeed, report claims
• Automation drives ROI, reducing errors and saving valuable time
• Uncertainty slows AI adoption despite its transformative potential

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, finance leaders are reaching a critical juncture, new research has claimed.

A survey by Basware and Financial Times Longitude reveals while interest in AI remains high, scepticism over its measurable return on investment (ROI) is causing hesitation.

Half of the Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) surveyed reported they would reduce AI spending within a year if the results were not apparent.

Rising AI interest amid uncertainty

The survey, which gathered insights from 400 CFOs and finance leaders worldwide, found that 78% of organizations plan to increase their AI investments over the next 12 to 18 months. Many leaders acknowledge the potential of AI tools to transform financial operations, but nearly one-third (31%) admit their organizations lack a strategic vision for AI implementation.

This lack of clarity is a major barrier, with 41% of finance leaders finding it difficult to prioritize AI investments amid broader macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. Even major corporations, such as Meta have faced scrutiny over the challenges of proving ROI on substantial AI investments, reflecting broader industry concerns.

Despite the hesitancy, the report highlights areas where AI is already yielding results. In finance, automation is seen as a way to reduce manual tasks, improve compliance, and detect errors or fraud more quickly. According to the survey, 75% of CFOs believe AI enables teams to focus on more strategic activities, such as regulatory compliance and e-invoicing.

One promising application is accounts payable automation. Organizations that have prioritized AI in this area reported significant financial benefits, including a 136% ROI over three years.

While the benefits of AI are clear, many organizations struggle with challenges related to change management and unclear strategy. The survey found that 40% of finance leaders cite inadequate change management capabilities as a key obstacle, while 31% believe a lack of strategic vision is hindering AI adoption in the finance function.

“The office of the CFO is tasked with overseeing a complex range of functions from regulatory compliance through to cash flow management and financial reporting," noted Perttu Nihti, Chief Product Officer at Basware. "All of which are areas where AI-powered automation can help to reduce hours and relieve pressure. But the success of AI investment hangs on knowing where to start and proving impact."

"We’re at the AI tipping point. Focusing on high-value wins, such as AI-powered efficiency that demonstrate quantifiable ROI quickly, in areas such as compliance, error reduction and fraud detection, will help justify investment across a company’s organization," Nihti concluded.

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I’m bored of the best streaming services. Or, more accurately, I’m overwhelmed by them. Which, let’s face it, has become boring.

Take Disney Plus, for example. The options that appeal to me right now range from rewatching The X-Files in its entirety to a marathon of all the Star Wars movies in order (yes, even the prequels). Or maybe a documentary about a friendly-looking otter, another about a shark-infested beach, the latest blockbuster superhero movie everyone’s talking about, the latest scary movie everyone’s talking about, or the latest drama everyone’s talking about. Just listing these choices feels exhausting.

And that’s only one platform. Every service promises endless entertainment, yet more often than not, I find myself endlessly scrolling instead of actually watching anything. Enter Mubi, a streaming service that feels refreshingly different. This year, Mubi became my favorite subscription, and here’s why.

(Image credit: Mubi) What is Mubi?

Let’s cover the basics first. Mubi is a streaming platform dedicated to films – you will find some film-length documentaries too, but not many. Unlike other services that have thousands of titles, Mubi takes a 'handpicked' approach. Its carefully curated catalog features iconic classics and acclaimed recent releases through to experimental, indie, and international gems you’d struggle to find on most other platforms.

Mubi costs $14.99 / £11.99 / AU$14.99 per month. Alternatively, you can save 33% by paying $119.88 / £95.88 / AU$119.88 annually, which works out to $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$9.99 per month. Students can get a discounted rate of $9.99 / £7.99 / AU$8.99 per month. This subscription lets you stream on up to five devices, with two simultaneous streams allowed at a time. You can also download films to your iOS or Android device for offline viewing – a lifesaver for flights or commuting.

There’s also Mubi Go, a subscription add-on that includes a free cinema ticket each week to watch a Mubi-picked film at participating cinemas and theaters. This bumps up the price to $19.99 / £18.99 / AU$19.99 a month.

(Image credit: Mubi) 1. It feels like an education in cinema

I love movies, but I’ve often felt I lacked the knowledge and breadth of exposure to truly appreciate cinema. That’s one of my favorite aspects of Mubi, it makes me feel like I’m growing as a movie lover.

Its curated mix of genres, styles, and perspectives pushes me out of my comfort zone, serving up films from indie gems to restored classics and experimental works from all over the globe that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.

But I like that Mubi doesn’t just show me these new films, it guides me through them. There are mini-reviews alongside each title called “Our Take” that highlight what makes these movie choices special. There’s also Mubi’s Notebook blog, which provides context, interviews, and criticism.

I also love exploring Mubi’s “Collections,” these are films that have been grouped by cinematic themes, like “You Up? Midnight Movies”, which Mubi says are erotically charged movies about vice and excess. Or “Modern Lovers”, which are complex romantic stories without cliches. Or even “A Woman’s Bite: Female Vampires,” which should be self-explanatory.

In the past, I’d watch a movie one day then choose a completely different genre the next. With “Collections,” it’s sort of like I’m attending a mini film school and I’m immersing myself into a different theme each week.

(Image credit: Mubi) 2. It’s a treasure trove of exclusives, restorations and hidden gems

Mubi isn’t just a streaming platform, it’s also a film distributor. This means that festival hits like Perfect Days, The Worst Person in the World and more recently The Substance, arrive on the platform so you can stream them shortly after they’ve been shown at cinemas and movie theaters – more often than not, they stay there exclusively.

You’ll also find rare gems and restorations, like the recent 4K update of Tarsem Singh’s cult classic The Fall. This mix of new, classic, and obscure titles feels like uncovering a constant stream of cinematic treasures.

To make the platform feel even more exclusive, like you’re being ushered to great new titles by your own film expert, you can also pay a little more for Mubi Go, which offers a cinema ticket each week for a specific film. Unfortunately, I couldn’t try it this year since there’s no participating cinema near me, but it’s a brilliant add-on for serious cinephiles.

3. The user experience is simple and visually stunning

(Image credit: Mubi)

With its clean layout, white background, and striking banners, browsing feels thoughtfully designed and refreshingly straightforward. Granted, it’s not too dissimilar from the grid-like layout of other streaming services, but it feels like Netflix if an incredibly hip Scandi design agency got its hands on it.

The search functionality on Mubi is simple yet effective, letting you explore by genre, country, year, awards, or filmmaker. While I’d love a few more advanced filtering options, Mubi’s simplicity is part of its charm. User-created lists, like “Mubi Top 1000” or “Essential French Films,” add a sense of being involved in a broader film-loving community, too, and you can also rate movies after you’ve seen them.

The platform also offers features that make watching and engaging with film easier, like offline viewing for iOS and Android devices, quick access to your viewing history, and a gifting option – this allows you to share some Mubi titles with a handful of people after you’ve watched them, a great way to give your friends a taste of Mubi without them subscribing.

(Image credit: Mubi) 4. It's the perfect choice for decision fatigue

Mubi feels like stepping into a curated art gallery for films. Unlike other platforms that are overloaded with thousands of titles, its carefully chosen catalog makes every choice feel purposeful.

Sure, there are still hundreds of movies here, but the way recommendations are tailored to my viewing habits is different – more complementary and thoughtful, rather than just similar. To me, it feels like having a cinema-savvy friend hand-pick my watchlist.

Mubi’s curation has also made me a more adventurous viewer, introducing me to international gems, restored classics, and bold indie debuts I’d probably never have even thought to seek out otherwise. It’s helped me see cinema in a whole new way.

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• Standing privilege can be minimized using the zero trust principle
• Critical servers can be protected by enabling just-in-time access
• FreeBSD jails can help to isolate workloads and enhance defense

A recently discovered ransomware group has been observed targeting organizations with a focus on FreeBSD servers.

Launched in late September 2024, the operation employs a unique approach, using an encryptor specifically designed for FreeBSD.

Interlock has already claimed attacks on six organizations, including Wayne County, Michigan, which experienced a cyberattack in October 2024.

Interlock’s FreeBSD encryptor sets it apart

Initial information about Interlock came from cybersecurity professionals Simo and MalwareHunterTeam, who analyzed samples of the ransomware.

Interlock’s attack method involves breaching corporate networks, stealing data, spreading laterally to other devices, and encrypting files. The attackers use double-extortion tactics and threats of leaking stolen data unless ransom demands, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, are paid.

Unlike other ransomware groups that typically target Linux-based VMware ESXi servers, Interlock’s focus on FreeBSD encryptors makes it particularly unique. FreeBSD’s extensive use in critical infrastructure and servers makes it a prime target for disrupting vital services and pressuring victims to pay substantial ransoms.

The FreeBSD encryptor was compiled specifically for FreeBSD 10.4 and is a 64-bit ELF executable. However, testing the sample on both Linux and FreeBSD virtual machines proved challenging, as it failed to execute properly in controlled environments.

Despite this, Trend Micro researchers discovered additional samples of the FreeBSD encryptor, confirming its functionality. They noted the strategic choice of FreeBSD, highlighting its prevalence in critical systems, where attacks can cause widespread disruption.

While the FreeBSD version has presented challenges during analysis, Interlock’s Windows encryptor functions effectively. It clears event logs and, if configured, uses rundll32.exe to delete its binary after execution. The ransomware appends a ".interlock" extension to encrypted files and creates ransom notes named "!README!.txt" in affected folders.

These notes provide basic information about the encryption, threats, and links to Tor-based negotiation and data leak sites. Each victim receives a unique "Company ID" for communication with the attackers via a chat system.

Ilia Sotnikov, Security Strategist at Netwrix, advises organizations to deploy multi-layered security measures, including network and web application firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and phishing defenses to prevent initial breaches.

“The ransomware group Interlock has recently been attacking organizations worldwide, taking the unusual approach of creating an encryptor to target FreeBSD servers. The FreeBSD operating system is known for its reliability and is therefore commonly used for critical functions. Examples include web hosting, mail servers, and storage systems, all potentially lucrative targets for the attackers. Depending on the function and the configuration, the server may or may not be directly connected to the Internet, “ said Sotnikov.

“Security teams should invest in defence-in-depth, to disrupt a potential attack at an early stage, complicate each further step for the attacker, and detect the potentially harmful activity as quickly as possible with the help of monitoring tools…Since the adversary is most likely to access the FreeBSD server from inside the network, it may be a good idea to minimize standing privilege by implementing the zero trust principle, which allows a user only the necessary permissions to perform their tasks,” Sotnikov added.

Via BleepingComputer

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• Two-step phishing evades security with user-triggered actions
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• Advanced threat detection is key to fighting phishing

A two-step phishing attack is leveraging Microsoft Visio files (.vsdx) and SharePoint, marking a new chapter in cyber deception, experts have warned.

Perception Point’s security researchers reported a dramatic increase in attacks leveraging .vsdx files.

These files, which were rarely used in phishing campaigns until now, are used as a delivery mechanism, with victims being redirected to phishing pages mimicking Microsoft 365 login portals, designed to steal user credentials.

Phishing exploits trusted platforms

Two-step phishing attacks layer malicious actions to evade detection. Instead of delivering harmful content directly, these campaigns rely on trusted platforms like Microsoft SharePoint to host seemingly legitimate files.

The attackers embed URLs within Microsoft Visio files that direct victims to malicious websites when clicked. This layered approach makes detection by traditional email security systems more challenging.

Microsoft Visio, a widely used tool for creating professional diagrams, has become a new vector for phishing. Attackers use compromised accounts to send emails containing Visio files appear to originate from trusted sources, often mimicking urgent business communications, like proposals or purchase orders to prompt immediate action.

As the attackers use stolen accounts, these emails often pass authentication checks and are more likely to bypass recipient security systems. In some instances, the attackers include .eml files within the emails, further embedding malicious URLs that lead to SharePoint-hosted files.

The attackers embed a clickable button inside the Visio file, typically labelled "View Document." To access the malicious URL, victims are instructed to hold down the Ctrl key and click the button. This interaction, requiring a manual user action, bypasses automated security systems that cannot replicate such behaviors.

To mitigate risks posed by such sophisticated phishing campaigns, Perception Point recommends organizations adopt advanced threat detection solutions, including dynamic URL analysis to identify malicious links, object detection models to flag suspicious files, and authentication mechanisms to minimize the impact of breached accounts.

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When I was looking through all the reviews I'd written for TechRadar this year – my Tomify Unwrapped – I was surprised to see that I'd reviewed or tested over 30 pairs of headphones or earbuds since the start of 2024. The reason I was surprised is that I only strongly remember using one.

That's not to say that every pair of the best budget earbuds or best running headphones I've trialed throughout these last 12 months has been totally forgettable, but when the testing time is through, there's been one pair I return to over and over.

This is the Nothing Ear (a) earbuds, released in April as the cheap alternative to the Nothing Ear. I initially only reviewed the latter, with Audio Editor Becky Scarrott giving the Ear (a) five stars. But I listened to the former for a comparison article, and I found myself returning to them the whole rest of the year… I'm listening to them right now!

I've narrowed it down to three reasons that I keep using the Nothing Ear (a), and none of them is actually the price, since I already have them. But if I had to buy them now, the $99 / £99 / AU$169 price tag would be pretty easy to swallow – especially since they now regularly fall to around $70/£70.

The first draw I'll address should probably be the Nothing Ear (a)'s sound quality, since the whole point of earbuds is to play music. I've tested loads of sub-$100 (or equivalent) earbuds this year that are really competitive on this front, but the (a) takes the cake.

The real draw here is the amount of bass the Nothing Ear (a) can offer from their tiny bodies. Thanks to some modes in the Nothing app, you can tune the buds to really pack a punch, but not so much that it drowns out treble or mid. It's energetic and moreish and refreshing to return to once I've finished testing buds that don't have the same determination.

Sound is important, but (controversial opinion time) I don't think it's the single most important factor in a good pair of earbuds. I place a lot more stock in design and feature set, and the Nothing buds trump here too.

That's most evident in the design section, because these are really small buds. I can put them in my ear and they'll fit securely, without feeling like they're weighing me down – you'd be surprised at how infrequently I get to write that in reviews. So many earbuds I've tested offer amazing audio but won't stay in my damn ears! My floorboards do as much earbud testing as I do.

(Image credit: Future)

I love how small the case is too – it can slip in the recess of my pocket or in a pouch in my bag without taking up loads of space. Again this is something loads of other earbuds struggle with, and I've tested plenty of pairs that require me to carry about a veritable boulder in case I need to charge the buds.

The best part of the design – and also the third and final thing that puts the Nothing Ear (a) ahead of the rest – is its touch controls. This is a feature of earbuds I use all the time, and you'd be surprised at how few manufacturers have cracked the code yet.

Touch controls let you pause your music, answer calls or skip songs just by tapping the buds, but more often than not it doesn't work properly. I've pressed buds half way up my ear canal trying to get buttons to work; I've stroked stems until the plastic casing is peeling off; I've prodded and twisted and bopped various buds to try to pause my music throughout those 30+ tests.

Few have been as simple as the Nothing Ear (a). You simply pinch the step, with some big responsive buttons to pick up the gesture, and that's it. When I use the Ear (a) I don't have to worry about how I'll pause my music, or actively harm myself in doing so, and it's great. This is one of the most undersung features of the AirPods Pro 2, as well as the pricier Nothing Ear.

Some people might be wondering why I use the Nothing Ear (a) instead of the more expensive non-A option, since price isn't a concern (I'm loaned them to test). And there are some valid reasons to opt for the pricier alternative, especially with the listening test that I wrote an entire article about.

Largely, this is actually down to one other, more vapid, design reason: yellow. I really like the yellow look of the Nothing Ear (a), even though it dramatically clashes with any shirt, jumper or top I have in my wardrobe. It's a lot more fun than the blacks, beiges and grays of most of the best earbuds I test, and I like it!

Technically speaking, the non-(a) Nothing buds are a better product, with extra useful features and improved audio – but because of their high price, bigger case and lack of a yellow option, the (a) still have their pl(a)ce in my heart.

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• Apple wants to bridge gaps in connectivity with advanced satellite technology
• New direct-to-device satellite services how to expand signal to remote areas
• Enhanced satellite services redefine iPhone’s global communication reach

Apple is working to enhance satellite-based services for iPhone users, focusing on improving connectivity in areas lacking cellular coverage.

Building on its 2022 collaboration with Globalstar, Apple’s latest investment aims to bolster its position in the growing direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communication market.

Apple has committed $1.5 billion to satellite communications company Globalstar, which includes a $1.1 billion cash investment and a $400 million allocation for a 20% equity stake in the business.

A game-changing partnership in low Earth orbit connectivity

This new deal between Apple and Globalstar represents one of the most substantial consumer OEM investments in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to date.

Globalstar, which operates 31 satellites, plans to use Apple’s funds to expand its network.

The company has already ordered up to 26 additional satellites to strengthen its LEO constellation, ensuring broader and more reliable coverage. Approximately 85% of Globalstar’s network capacity will remain dedicated to Apple’s services, underscoring the strategic significance of this partnership.

With Globalstar, Apple will further position itself as a leader in the D2D satellite communication market - a field that enables standard smartphones to connect directly with satellites. The announcement has already had a notable market impact, with Globalstar’s stock rising by 31.4%.

The deal could have a significant impact on the connectivity ecosystem, as the largest and most important consumer OEM low Earth orbit (LEO) agreement to date.

Via CNBC

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Get ready for another round of Red Light, Green Light.

If you’ve opened up an Apple Watch for the first time this Christmas, then you might be wondering where to start. While you can do a range of things on all of the best Apple Watch models, from tracking workouts and making payments to turn-by-turn navigation and voice calling, having even a few great apps can make your Apple Watch a do-it-all wearable companion you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

Like the iPhone, the Apple Watch relies on an ecosystem of third-party apps to expand its user experience, and downloading some out the gate can really make a difference.

I’ve been using and writing about the Apple Watch for nearly 10 years, really since it first debuted. With that in mind, I’ve pulled five of my top picks for apps you should download right away on your Apple Watch.

1. SmartGym

(Image credit: SmartGym)

The Apple Watch boasts a wealth of fitness tracking and health features built-in. But what if you could track and follow personalized workouts directly from your wrist, even if you don’t have your iPhone nearby? SmartGym is a standalone watch app that uses AI to create personalized workouts for you, even suggesting changes as you go. It supports gym workouts, home workouts, and even High Intensity Interval Training. There's a reason it’s featured in Apple’s own Watch adverts. This app is free to download and has a small monthly subscription for more workouts.

• Download SmartGym for Apple Watch

2. Runna

(Image credit: Runna)

I used Runna to kickstart my return to running in 2024 and was really impressed. Runna is an easy-to-use running coach with a great standalone watch app. Without your iPhone, you can get tailor-made running workouts on your wrist, including spoken instructions that give you pace, intervals, and time updates through your headphones. A quick glance at the wrist will show live pace updates, timings, and more. If you want to use your Apple Watch to get running in 2025, definitely give Runna a bash.

• Download Runna for Apple Watch

3. Citymapper

(Image credit: Citymapper)

While you can use Apple Maps and even turn-by-turn navigation on your Apple Watch, Citymapper takes navigation on your wrist to the next level. This app can help you find the best way to traverse over 400 cities by bus, train, walking, tram, subway, or any combination of transport modes. It offers step-by-step directions and instructions, with features to save destinations like Home or Work. It’ll even give you the frequency of buses and trains, and alert you when your stop is coming up.

• Download Citymapper for Apple Watch

4. CARROT Weather

(Image credit: CARROT)

Award-winning app, CARROT Weather brings personality to weather forecasting. It has five personalities including a “profanity-laden” overkill setting, delivering a weather robot that will literally swear at you while telling you the weather. It gathers weather data from various sources including Apple Weather, AccuWeather, and Tommorow.io, and includes alerts for rain, lighting, and more. You can customize the interface and there’s even an Apple Watch complication. It’s a big step up from the basic Apple Weather app.

• Download CARROT Weather on Apple Watch

5. Cheatsheet

(Image credit: Future)

Cheatsheet is a cheat code when it comes to the Apple Watch and might be one of my all-time favorite life hacks. Cheatsheet is a tiny widget app that lets you store important information on your Apple Watch for easy access. Maybe you need the Wi-Fi password handy for visitors, or the combination to a locked door, or the coordinates to your safe hou… Okay, maybe not, but you get the idea. Cheatsheet is an easy way to store important information you’d otherwise forget, viewable as a list or in a complication on your Apple Watch face, replete with more than 200 custom icons for visual cues.

• Download Cheatsheet for Apple Watch

Kickstart your Apple Watch

So there you have it, five top apps to give your Apple Watch a much-needed boost right out of the gate. Even if just one of these apps ends up a mainstay on your wrist, you’ll definitely appreciate the benefits they offer. Be sure to visit Apple’s App Store to continue discovering handy apps for Apple Watch. You might even find that apps you’re already using have dedicated Apple Watch versions you didn’t even know existed!

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• Promeo offers AI creativity with local processing for privacy and speed
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A new release from Promeo - a generative AI tool for marketing and design, looks to allow users to create high-quality promotional materials, visuals and marketing content with minimal effort.

Promeo leverages the advanced capabilities of Intel Core Ultra Processors, integrating NPU and GPU technologies and local AI processing.

By processing AI tasks locally, the platform eliminates the limitations often associated with cloud-based solutions, such as offline functionality and data-leakage risks.

A new era of local AI processing

Promeo comes with multiple features such as AI Magic Designer and AI Cowriter, which enable the creation of editable designs and text using simple prompts.

Microsoft Ignite offered attendees the opportunity to experience Promeo’s capabilities firsthand. At the demo showcase, users interacted with the software on new Copilot+ PCs equipped with Intel processors.

"CyberLink is thrilled to have Promeo showcased during Microsoft Ignite. Promeo’s on-device generative AI features demonstrate our commitment to developing and providing Gen-AI solutions that improve productivity and provide for data privacy protection," said Vincent Lin, President of CyberLink's Digital Media Business.

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