Feed aggregator

• Security researchers claim two Cisco Smart Licensing Utility bugs are being abused in the wild
• One of the bugs is a hardcoded admin account
• Both bugs were fixed in 2024, so users should update now

Cybercriminals are abusing two vulnerabilities found in Cisco Smart Licensing Utility (CSLU) to unknown ends.

Johannes Ullrich, Dean of Research at the SANS Technology Institute, noted threat actors are now chaining the two security flaws to target internet-exposed CSLU instances.

"A quick search didn't show any active exploitation at the time, but details, including the backdoor credentials, were published in a blog by Nicholas Starke shortly after Cisco released its advisory. So it is no surprise that we are seeing some exploit activity," Ullrich said.

No workarounds

CSLU is a tool that helps organizations manage and report the usage of Cisco software licenses in a more flexible and automated way.

It enables devices to connect to Cisco's Smart Licensing system, either directly or through an on-premises satellite server, to register and track entitlements without requiring constant internet access.

In September 2024, Cisco announced patching CVE-2024-20439, “undocumented static user credential for an administrative account”, which is a fancy way of saying someone left hardcoded admin credentials in the back end.

The vulnerability allowed threat actors to log into vulnerable systems remotely, over the API or the CSLU app.

At the same time, Cisco addressed CVE-2024-20440, an information disclosure vulnerability that threat actors used to access log files with sensitive information such as API credentials.

Abusing these flaws isn’t that straightforward, BleepingComputer notes, since it requires the victim to run the CSLU app in the background, which isn’t its default setting.

In any case, both vulnerabilities were patched, and there are no workarounds, so the only way to secure your instances is to apply the patch.

In the security advisory for the flaws, Cisco said it was “not aware” of any public announcements or malicious use, meaning the pages have not yet been updated.

Via BleepingComputer

You might also like

• Cisco patches critical flaws in Smart Licensing Utility and Identity Services Engine
• We've rounded up the best password managers
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app

The rapid advancement of AI tools has intensified global competition, particularly between the United States and China.

The release of DeepSeek’s flagship large language model (LLM), followed closely by Alibaba’s Qwen, has ignited debate within the tech industry. Now, with the news that DeepSeek is fast-tracking the launch of its R2 model, moving up the release from May to as soon as possible, concerns around U.S. AI innovation, market stability, and national security are escalating.

As these developments unfold, they further underscore the global AI arms race, with companies and governments racing to establish dominance in AI-driven applications. The sudden emergence of low-cost, high-performance models has increased scrutiny over data policies, cost structures, and broader market implications.

Security concerns and regulatory scrutiny of DeepSeek

Beyond immediate market disruption, DeepSeek has raised serious security concerns. Recent research revealed that DeepSeek suffered a significant data breach, exposing over one million records and fueling fears about how AI models manage and protect user information.

This breach has amplified existing concerns about data security, particularly as AI models continue to expand their access to vast datasets. DeepSeek leverages open-source data from GitHub and Wikipedia as part of its training set. While these repositories provide vast information, they also introduce potential vulnerabilities related to misinformation, bias, and cybersecurity threats.

As a result, regulatory scrutiny of DeepSeek has intensified. Its operations have already been blocked in Italy, South Korea, and Taiwan, and a bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. Congress to ban DeepSeek from government devices due to national security concerns.

Additionally, several states, including Texas, New York, and Virginia, responded by prohibiting the use of DeepSeek on government-issued devices and networks. These actions reflect the growing apprehension about foreign AI models, particularly regarding data governance and security risks.

While LLMs trained on vast data sources inevitably present some risk for misinformation and bias, these concerns do not represent a critical threat to AI development. Modern LLMs process terabytes of data, meaning any single data set, such as Wikipedia, is only a small fraction of the total input. Thus, while concerns about data accuracy are valid, they do not pose an existential threat to AI’s progression. Instead, they underscore the need for rigorous oversight and validation mechanisms to ensure responsible AI deployment.

The balance between AI innovation and security

The rise of DeepSeek and Qwen highlights the need for organizations to strike a balance between embracing AI innovation and ensuring security. While competition drives technological advancement, it also introduces significant risks that demand careful evaluation. Security leaders must adopt an initial “zero trust” approach before vetting and integrating AI into their workflows. Transparency in model training, data sourcing, and governance structures should be a prerequisite for adoption.

To achieve this, a proactive security strategy here is essential to shift from reactive AI security measures to real-time risk monitoring, behavioral analytics, and robust governance frameworks to safeguard data integrity and compliance. Security leaders should implement a comprehensive approach, which includes the following:

• Evaluate AI model security & compliance: Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to understand how AI models handle sensitive data, comply with regulatory requirements, and mitigate misinformation risks.
• Deploy continuous AI threat monitoring: Implement behavioral analytics and anomaly detection to identify suspicious activity in AI-driven workflows, ensuring early detection of potential risks.
• Strengthen data protection & access controls: Enforce Zero Trust principles, restricting access to AI-generated data while leveraging automated threat detection to mitigate potential security gaps.
• Enhance incident response for AI threats: Organizations must update their incident response playbooks to include AI-specific risks, ensuring rapid response to data leaks, adversarial AI manipulation, and unauthorized model access.

DeepSeek’s emergence should be viewed as both a challenge and an opportunity. While U.S. markets have been thrown into turmoil by the influx of Chinese models, this disruption is likely to drive technological innovation, enhanced security frameworks, and more robust AI policies.

Organizations that take a proactive approach can harness the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks. By strengthening security protocols and governance measures, businesses can safely integrate AI into their operations without compromising data integrity or compliance. Ultimately, by aligning innovation with security, organizations can navigate the evolving AI landscape with confidence and control.

We've featured the best AI phone.

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

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, March 21 (game #1152).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1153) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1153) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1153) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• Yes. One of Q, Z, X or J appears among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1153) - hint #4 - starting letters (1) Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1153) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• P

• B

• B

• S

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1153) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1153, are…

• PICKY
• BRACE
• BOOZE
• SURLY

A close shave for me, as I struggled to find words that began B-O and ended in E with the letters I had left.

In the end I decided it had to include a double-O but it took me a while before I realized there had to be a rare Z too. I don’t think any starting combination would have made getting BOOZE any easier.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1153) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1153, are…

• GREAT
• THRUM
• TIPSY
• CAULK

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1152, Friday 21 March: DITTY, VALOR, TOWER, AMISS
• Quordle #1151, Thursday 20 March: RIPER, STILL, WAFER, NOTCH
• Quordle #1150, Wednesday 19 March: FLAME, CARAT, SPAWN, TUNIC
• Quordle #1149, Tuesday 18 March: NAVEL, TREAT, COPSE, SLINK
• Quordle #1148, Monday 17 March: INFER, FLINT, CHUMP, SHEER
• Quordle #1147, Sunday 16 March: INPUT, RUMBA, ELUDE, BLANK
• Quordle #1146, Saturday 15 March: SPEED, CLASH, RISKY, GRATE
• Quordle #1145, Friday 14 March: BELIE, SPEAR, GROWL, ADOBE
• Quordle #1144, Thursday 13 March: AMISS, METAL, TEARY, SHORT
• Quordle #1143, Wednesday 12 March: AWASH, PUSHY, RALPH, PROOF
• Quordle #1142, Tuesday 11 March: LINGO, JUICE, SHARP, REVEL
• Quordle #1141, Monday 10 March: AVAIL, THESE, TITAN, GAUGE
• Quordle #1140, Sunday 9 March: SKILL, IDEAL, WHERE, REHAB
• Quordle #1139, Saturday 8 March: WATCH, LAPSE, WREST, HEFTY
• Quordle #1138, Friday 7 March: GLEAN, SHINY, DECRY, MANGA
• Quordle #1137, Thursday 6 March: TRICE, EIGHT, BELCH, RIPER
• Quordle #1136, Wednesday 5 March: PLEAD, TWANG, MAJOR, RISKY
• Quordle #1135, Tuesday 4 March: FLOWN, ETUDE, TOPAZ, JOKER
• Quordle #1134, Monday 3 March: FRILL, KAYAK, REBAR, WORDY
• Quordle #1133, Sunday 2 March: TUNIC, GLOSS, DEBUG, LARGE

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, March 21 (game #383).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #384) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… A good roast

NYT Strands today (game #384) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• PLUG
• GLUE
• LINE
• KICK
• CROW
• KING

NYT Strands today (game #384) - hint #3 - spangram letters How many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 10 letters

NYT Strands today (game #384) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: bottom, 3rd column

Last side: top, 3rd column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #384) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #384, are…

• CHUCKLE
• HOWL
• SHRIEK
• GIGGLE
• CACKLE
• ROAR
• LAUGH
• SPANGRAM: CRACKING UP

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 2 hints

Okay, I’ll confess. After seeing the theme “A good roast” I spent a couple of minutes hunting for chicken, pork, lamb and potatoes.

Instead, we were looking for an entirely different type of roast and the many reactions to a well-told put-down. It’s a shame they didn’t find room for my two favorite laughter synonyms – guffaw, which is something a flamboyant person would do, and titter, which is something an introverted person might do.

The hardest I have ever laughed at a comedy show is at a comedian whose entire act was pointing at images of owls with a stick. I think this possibly says a great deal about me and why I don’t get out much.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, 21 March, game #383)

• STUFFED
• MOUSSAKA
• PARMIGIANA
• RATATOUILLE
• SPANGRAM: EGGPLANT DISH

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, March 21 (game #649).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #650) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• TOUCHDOWN
• TRIFLE
• TRILLION
• TROMBONE
• TRIDENT
• TRADEMARK
• THEREMIN
• TCHOTCHKE
• TRIANGLE
• TELEVISION
• TRINKET
• TRILOBITE
• TIMPANI
• THINGAMAJIG
• TAMBOURINE 
• TUBERCULOSIS

NYT Connections today (game #650) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Making sound
• GREEN: Bric-a-brac
• BLUE: Must “tri” harder
• PURPLE: Known by shortened forms

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #650) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
• GREEN: KNICKKNACK
• BLUE: WORDS WITH THE PREFIX MEANING "THREE"
• PURPLE: WORDS ABBREVIATED WITH "T" + LETTER

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #650) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #650, are…

• YELLOW: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TAMBOURINE, THEREMIN, TIMPANI, TROMBONE
• GREEN: KNICKKNACK TCHOTCHKE, THINGAMAJIG, TRIFLE, TRINKET
• BLUE: WORDS WITH THE PREFIX MEANING "THREE" TRIANGLE, TRIDENT, TRILLION, TRILOBITE
• PURPLE: WORDS ABBREVIATED WITH "T" + LETTER TELEVISION, TOUCHDOWN, TRADEMARK, TUBERCULOSIS

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 3 mistakes

Oh my gosh this was a difficult Connections. Similar to the occasions when the grid is made up of just two or three letter words, or that one time when it was a dozen numbers, I found just looking at all these T-words baffling and really struggled to make headway.

I wasn’t helped by making three Mistakes on MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS – convinced that TRIANGLE (the greatest of all instruments) should be in there.

With KNICKKNACK I gambled that TCHOTCHKE was one of the common words, although I’d never heard of this wonderful Jewish-American word before. For WORDS WITH THE PREFIX MEANING "THREE" I just linked all the options that began with TRI and was surprised that the answer was that simple – although there’s not much else that could link an extinct arthropod to a spear.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, 21 March, game #649)

• YELLOW: MILIEU CIRCLE, SCENE, SPHERE, WORLD
• GREEN: LUMINARY GREAT, ICON, LEGEND, LION
• BLUE: ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING TOOLS COMPASS, RULER, STENCIL, T-SQUARE
• PURPLE: __BAR CHART, EXAM, MITZVAH, SOAP

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Welcome to the end of another working week. It's time to put your feet up and load up one of the many new movies and/or TV shows that have debuted on the world's best streaming services this weekend.

Personally, I'll be tuning in to watch the Severance season 2 finale again (read my Severance season 2 ending explained piece if you need more information on what just happened). But, from Oscar winners like Anora and Wicked, to intriguing new series, such as The Residence, there's plenty more to check out before Monday arrives. – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter

Anora (Hulu)

Who else cried watching Anora? This year's huge Oscar-winning smash hit completely bowled over critics and audiences alike with the way it challenges the well-trodden rags-to-riches storyline. If you missed the chance to catch it in the cinema, now's the time to watch it as it's finally available on Hulu.

For anyone unfamiliar with the plot of Sean Baker's romantic drama, which will soon secure a spot as one of the best Hulu movies, it follows sex worker Ani (Mickey Madison), who meets and falls in love with Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch, that she ends up having a whirlwind marriage with. However, not everything's peachy when Ivan's parents find out...

If your Disney+ or Hulu subscriptions are about to expire, make sure to take advantage of this great deal that brings the bundle back down to its lowest ever price to watch this blockbuster hit and more for less. – Amelia Schwanke, senior entertainment editor

• Watch Anora on Hulu (US only)

The Residence (Netflix)

Move over Benoit Blanc, there’s another eccentric detective on the case in the new Netflix show The Residence. Inspired by The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower, the mystery series follows Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), who arrives at the White House to solve a murder where all the staff and guests at a state dinner are suspects.

Produced by Shondaland, The Residence has promise to become one of the best Netflix shows given the production company’s history of creating acclaimed series like Bridgerton and Grey’s Anatomy. And, I’m certainly excited to see all the secrets and scandals unfold in this whodunnit. – Grace Morris, entertainment writer

• Watch The Residence on Netflix

O'Dessa (Disney Plus/Hulu)

Sadie Sink may have joined the cast of Spider-Man 4 in a big supporting role, but the Stranger Things star proves she has the acting credentials to lead films in her own right in this straight-to-streaming dystopian cyberpunk musical.

In the Disney+/Hulu flick, Sink plays the titular farm girl, who embarks on a cross-country trip to retrieve a family heirloom – a guitar that might hold special power – and rescue the love of her life from the tyrannical Plutonovich (Murray Bartlett).

O'Dessa's early reviews have been mixed, so it's unlikely to find a spot on our best Disney+ movies and best Hulu movies lists. Nevertheless, critics say Sink delivers a great performance, which is to be expected from this rising star ahead of her final outing as Max in Stranger Things season 5. – TP

• Watch O'Dessa on Disney+ (internationally) and Hulu (US)

Wicked Part One (Peacock)

There's no place like home for one of 2024's biggest blockbuster hits. Indeed, Peacock is the service to sign up to this weekend if you want to catch Wicked in the US. The first part of the broadway musical's film adaptation is available alongside a singalong version, too, if you fancy belting out its classic numbers.

Ozians will also be treated to extra behind-the-scenes content from Universal's musical hit, which will include deleted and extended scenes, a making-of documentary, in-depth interviews with director Jon M Chu, and more besides!

There's a lot of excitement around this Wizard of Oz prequel, which tells the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Once you've watched it, stream these six other movie musicals on Netflix, Max and more. – AS

• Watch Wicked Part One on Peacock

Sing Sing (Max)

This overlooked gem flew under the radar after its limited theatrical run. Luckily, it's out now on Max.

Sing Sing is one of six Max movies and shows we're most excited to watch in March, not least because of the ever-incredible Coleman Domingo (Selma; Lincoln), whose performance earned him multiple Best Actor awards from various ceremonies. Clarence Maclin is similarly brilliant; the former inmate playing a fictional version of himself in the film.

In Sing Sing, which is based on a true story, Domingo plays an inmate called Divine G, who's been imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit but finds solace by acting in a theatrical comedy with fellow prisoners. It's one of the best Max movies you'll watch this year. – AS

• Watch Sing Sing on Max

Happy Face (Paramount Plus)

After his creepy performance as the powerful Harvey in The Substance, Dennis Quaid is about to get creepier as he steps into the role of serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson, aka the Happy Face Killer. However, Happy Face isn’t just about the notorious murderer – it also focuses on his daughter Melissa Jesperson-Moore.

Adapted from Melissa’s podcast Happy Face and her 2009 autobiography Shattered Silence, this new Paramount+ true crime drama series follows Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford), who discovered that her father was the Happy Face Killer when she was 15 years old. In Happy Face, an incarcerated Keith finds a way to force himself back into Melissa’s life after decades of no contact.

With an 83% critical Rotten Tomatoes score, it's got a good chance of going down as one of the best Paramount+ shows and I can’t wait to see Quaid embody evil as this TV adaptation's antagonist. – GM

• Watch Happy Face on Paramount Plus

Last One Laughing UK (Prime Video)

Want to see a battle royale between comedians trying to make each other laugh? Prime Video has you covered with the UK edition of Last One Laughing, which is creatively titled Last One Standing UK.

Hosted by Jimmy Car, its 10 comedians will attempt to make each other smile (without getting the giggles themselves). Considering the reality comedy gameshow format is based on a successful series from Japan called Documental that's been adapted in various countries, it has a high chance of carving out a spot as one of the best Prime Video shows. – AS

• Watch Last One Laughing UK on Prime Video

For more streaming recommendations, read our guides on the best Netflix movies, best Disney+ shows, best Prime Video movies, and best Apple TV+ shows.

Personal information is often scattered across numerous platforms in today's digital landscape.

PeekYou aims to serve as a comprehensive people search engine that consolidates an individual’s online presence into a single, accessible profile. This review will explore PeekYou's features, assessing its functionality, accuracy, and the ethical implications of its data aggregation practices.

As social media footprints grow and online identities become increasingly complex, services like PeekYou raise important questions about privacy and access to personal data. We will evaluate whether PeekYou fulfills its promise of providing a unified view of an individual’s digital presence, consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using the service, and ultimately determine its value in the ever-changing landscape of online information retrieval.

Plans and pricing

PeekYou primarily operates as a free people search engine, setting itself apart from many competitors that rely on subscription-based models for detailed information. This means users can typically access a significant amount of information, including aggregated social media profiles, web mentions, and publicly available data, without any direct costs.

However, PeekYou does offer additional services, such as reputation management tools and professional data solutions, which may involve fees or customized pricing. Since PeekYou focuses on aggregating already public information, it does not employ the same "pay for more" structure found in other people search websites.

It's important to note that PeekYou emphasizes online presence rather than conducting deep background checks. As a result, its monetization strategy differs from those that sell comprehensive reports. For the most precise and up-to-date information regarding any potential paid services, it's best to visit PeekYou's official website.

How it works

PeekYou aggregates publicly available information from a variety of online sources. Unlike traditional people search engines that primarily rely on public records, PeekYou focuses on compiling an individual's digital footprint. It crawls and indexes data from social media platforms, websites, blogs, forums, and other online repositories where personal information may be found.

When a user performs a search on PeekYou, the platform creates a profile that links various online presences associated with the searched name. This profile may include social media accounts, photos, videos, web mentions, and other content that has been publicly shared. The platform employs algorithms to identify and connect related data, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's online presence. Since the information is gathered from public sources, PeekYou does not have a paywall for its main people search function.

Features

PeekYou stands out with its unique features that focus on aggregating an individual's online presence. Its main function is to create a comprehensive digital footprint by indexing publicly available information from various online sources, including social media platforms, websites, blogs, and forums.

One of its key features is the ability to generate detailed profiles that connect different online identities related to a searched name, offering a consolidated view of an individual's activities across the internet. Unlike many competitors, PeekYou provides its core search functionality for free, relying on the aggregation of already public information. This allows users to access a significant amount of data without needing a paid subscription.

Moreover, PeekYou goes beyond basic contact information to explore a person's broader online identity, including photos, videos, web mentions, and social media interactions. While it offers additional services for reputation management and professional data solutions, its main appeal lies in its capacity to synthesize a person's digital footprint into a single, accessible profile.

Interface

PeekYou's interface is designed to provide a visually rich and information-packed profile of individuals, reflecting its focus on aggregating online presence. When users conduct a search, they are typically presented with a results page that features profile pictures and summaries of potential matches, offering a quick visual overview.

By clicking on a profile, users are taken to a page that compiles the individual's publicly available online information. This page often includes links to social media accounts, photos, videos, and other web mentions, creating a consolidated view of their digital footprint. Although the interface aims to be comprehensive, the large volume of information can sometimes feel overwhelming. Nevertheless, the layout is generally well-organized, allowing users to navigate between different sections of the profile easily.

The visual presentation of profile pictures and social media icons contributes to a more engaging experience compared to text-heavy people search engines. The interface emphasizes displaying the connections between various online presences, which is central to PeekYou's functionality.

The competition

PeekYou operates in a competitive data aggregation and people search industry. Its competitors include companies that specialize in sales intelligence and marketing data, as well as those focused on identity verification and general people search. Notable competitors include ZoomInfo, Versium, and others.

Final verdict

PeekYou is a platform designed to help users find and connect with people, verify identities, and gather information. Its extensive database can uncover details that are often not easily accessible through standard search engines. This can be particularly useful for reconnecting with lost contacts, conducting background checks, or verifying online identities.

However, there are some drawbacks to using PeekYou. The accuracy of the information can vary, as it relies on publicly available data that may be outdated or incorrect. Privacy concerns also pose a significant issue, as the platform compiles and displays personal information that individuals may prefer to keep private.

Additionally, search results can sometimes be overwhelming, requiring users to sift through large amounts of data to find relevant information. PeekYou is most beneficial for individuals or professionals who need to conduct detailed people searches, such as recruiters, investigators, or those looking to reconnect with long-lost acquaintances. However, users should remain aware of the potential privacy implications and the importance of verifying the information they find.

Check out our pick of the best free people search finder service

In an era where online information is readily accessible and increasingly scrutinized, search engines have become standard tools for various purposes, ranging from reconnecting with lost contacts to conducting background checks.

ZabaSearch, a long-standing player in this field, claims to provide access to many public records, including contact details, addresses, and other personal information.

This review will examine ZabaSearch's functionality and effectiveness, focusing on its usability, accuracy, and ethical considerations related to its data aggregation practices. We will explore whether ZabaSearch fulfills its promises, assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of using the service, and ultimately determine if it is a reliable resource in the complex landscape of online people search platforms.

Plans and pricing

ZabaSearch operates on a “freemium” model, providing some basic information for free, such as names, ages, and addresses. However, access to more detailed information, including phone numbers and comprehensive reports, requires a paid subscription. Monthly plans start at approximately $25 for unlimited reports.

How it works

ZabaSearch is a comprehensive online platform that aggregates publicly available information from a diverse array of legal sources. These sources predominantly include official public records, such as phone directories, property records, voter registration lists, court records, and various other accessible databases. By tapping into these resources, ZabaSearch aims to facilitate user searches by consolidating pertinent information in one location.

When users initiate a search on ZabaSearch, the platform employs sophisticated algorithms to scan its extensive database for matching entries. It efficiently cross-references the inputted search criteria—such as names, locations, or phone numbers—against its compiled records. The result is a user-friendly summary that may include various details such as names, addresses, approximate ages, and in some cases, associated individuals.

While the platform provides access to basic information at no charge, more granular data often necessitates a paid subscription. This premium content can include sensitive details like unlisted phone numbers, detailed background checks, criminal history reports, and additional personal data that may be relevant for more thorough investigations.

It is critical for users to understand that the accuracy and reliability of the information offered by ZabaSearch are heavily contingent on the source material from which it derives its data. Public records vary in their accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. Therefore, while ZabaSearch can be a valuable tool for gathering initial information, users should exercise caution and verify the results through additional research or official channels when necessary.

Features

ZabaSearch is primarily a people search engine that aggregates publicly available information about individuals. Its main function allows users to find contact details, mainly addresses and occasionally phone numbers, by entering a name. A significant aspect of ZabaSearch is its "freemium" model; it provides basic information like names, ages, and addresses for free, while more detailed data—such as unlisted phone numbers or background reports—requires a subscription.

The platform indexes a wide variety of public records, including phone directories, property records, and voter registration lists, with the goal of offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's publicly accessible information. The interface is relatively straightforward, making it easy for users to conduct searches. However, the accuracy of the search results depends heavily on the currency of the underlying source data. In summary, ZabaSearch's key features include basic people searches, a freemium access model, aggregation of public records, and varying levels of detail based on subscription status.

The competition

ZabaSearch operates in a competitive landscape of online people search engines, facing direct competition from several established players. Its main competitors include platforms like WhitePages, which provides similar services for finding contact information and background details. Other notable competitors are AnyWho, known for its people search and reverse phone lookup capabilities, and Intelius, which offers more extensive background check services.

Additionally, websites like PeekYou and PeopleFinders compete in this space, providing various levels of information aggregation and search functionalities. These platforms all compete for users by offering access to public records, contact details, and background information, though they differ in their pricing models, data accuracy, and the comprehensiveness of their databases. The competition is intense, prompting these services to continuously update their data and address user privacy concerns.

Interface

ZabaSearch offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface that makes navigation easy. The homepage prominently features a search bar where users can enter a name, city, and state to begin their search. Results are displayed in a clear list format, providing basic information such as names, ages, and addresses.

The design prioritizes simplicity by avoiding complex graphics and menus, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical skill. Although the layout is functional, it may seem outdated compared to more modern websites. The site primarily focuses on delivering search results quickly and efficiently rather than prioritizing elaborate visual aesthetics.

The overall layout allows users to scan results, helping them quickly identify potential matches. However, this simplicity may also mean that advanced filtering or sorting options are limited.

Final verdict

In conclusion, ZabaSearch has both advantages and limitations. On the positive side, its "freemium" model allows users to access basic information without any immediate cost, and it aggregates public records, which can be helpful for locating individuals or verifying addresses. However, the accuracy of the information provided depends on the quality of the source data, which can sometimes be outdated or incomplete. Additionally, the need for a paid subscription to access detailed information raises concerns about accessibility and value.

The ethical implications of having personal data readily available cannot be overlooked, as privacy remains a significant issue. While ZabaSearch can be a useful tool for certain purposes, users should tread carefully, being aware of the potential for inaccuracies and carefully considering the privacy implications before using its services. Overall, ZabaSearch offers a functional, but not flawless, service within the competitive landscape of online people search engines, and users should exercise discernment when interpreting its results.

Take a look at the best free people search finder service

The company said scammers used these accounts to exploit people out of money.

An AI filter used on videos uploaded to TikTok has been the subject of criticism, generating its own subset of response videos on the platform.

Though we're still in the era of iOS 18, we're already hearing some key rumors about iOS 19, Apple's next major iPhone software update.

From speculation on new features to the possibility of a massive design overhaul, there's plenty of buzz already about what Apple could bring to its mobile operating system.

Furthermore, there could be huge new Apple Intelligence features on the way, with Siri specifically poised for a revamp.

Keep reading for an overview of everything you need to know so far about iOS 19.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next major update to the iPhone’s operating system
• When is it out? Probably September
• Who will get it? If you bought a new iPhone in the last five years, you'll probably be able to upgrade to iOS 19

iOS 19: release date rumors

iOS 18 was released in September 2024 (Image credit: Apple)

iOS 19 will probably launch in September 2025, alongside the expected iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and possible iPhone 17 Air.

Though we haven’t heard any solid rumors about exact release dates yet, Apple normally launches major version updates of iOS alongside that year’s iPhone lineup.

Likewise, we don’t know for sure when the iPhone 17 family will release, but Apple has stuck to September for many years, so this feels like a safe bet.

iOS 19: rumored new features

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

iOS 19 is expected to launch with a slew of useful new features, ranging from overhauled apps to an Apple Intelligence-powered Siri, finally.

A new camera app

(Image credit: Front Page Tech)

iOS 19 could bring with it a redesigned camera app, taking design cues from visionOS.

We previously heard that this could be part of a wider UI redesign which would extend that VisionOS inspiration across the whole of iOS, but at the time of writing we’ve only seen supposed screenshots of the new camera app.

The redesigned app does away with the clutter of the current interface, instead using transparent icons and overlays to tuck options away into menus.

Apple Intelligence, meet Siri

(Image credit: Apple)

Siri was due to get a major Apple Intelligence upgrade at some point during the iOS 18 life cycle, but Apple is now rumored to bring users this update later this year (as Daring Fireball reports)

To us, that suggests Siri could be getting its long-awaited overhaul with iOS 19, either at launch or during a mid-year update.

As we recently covered, Siri is well overdue a decent update – it’s currently struggling to answer even basic questions.

RCS encryption

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Tero Vesalainen)

Apple made waves late last year by enabling RCS messaging on iOS, but users were left without access to one of the main benefits of RCS – end-to-end encryption.

End-to-end encryption secures messages by scrambling them into code which is only decipherable by the sender and recipient – effectively meaning your message can’t be understood if intercepted.

We’re expecting a new RCS standard developed by the GSM Association and partners, including Apple, to come to iOS 19, finally giving Apple users the full capabilities of RCS.

AirPods could get live translation

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

As MacRumors recaps, a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that AirPods may get the ability to translate spoken language in real-time thanks to a new Apple Intelligence feature in iOS 19.

Gurman is the foremost source for Apple rumors and insights, which lends this rumor some additional weight.

The way this supposedly works is by picking up speech with the AirPods microphones, and relaying the translated audio through the AirPods’ speakers. The AirPods wearer will then have their speech picked up and relayed by their iPhone speaker, theoretically enabling conversation.

There could also be attendant updates on the way to the iPhone's translation capabilities.

iOS 19: redesign rumors

iOS 19 could take inspiration from VisionOS (Image credit: Apple)

One of the biggest iOS 19 rumors we’ve seen so far concerns a design overhaul for Apple’s user interface, the likes of which we haven’t seen in over ten years.

Word of a redesign comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, so though this is still very much an unofficial rumor, there is some weight behind it. Gurman has a great track record, though he tends to gloss over times he has gotten things wrong.

iOS 19 has been rumored to bring with it the largest redesign to the iPhone software experience since iOS 7 launched alongside the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.

This redesign may take cues from Apple Vision Pro’s visionOS software, introducing more circular elements and making use of transparent overlays.

We recently reported on a supposed leaked screenshot of a new camera app that follows this new visionOS-inspired design philosophy.

iOS 19: rumored compatible devices

iOS 19 may drop support for the iPhone Xs (Image credit: Future)

The list of devices compatible with iOS 19 will probably look similar to the list of devices compatible with iOS 18, though naturally expanded to include the iPhone 17 family.

Conversely, we may see Apple drop support for the oldest currently-supported iPhones – the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, and iPhone XR.

However, this loss of support for the older iPhones isn’t assured – the models mentioned above were all eligible to upgrade to iOS 18, despite also being the oldest phones to run iOS 17.

In any case, it’s a fairly safe bet that all iPhones released alongside or after the iPhone 11 will support iOS 19.

What do you want to see on the best iPhones as a result of the iOS 19 update? Let us know in the comments below.

You might also like

• iPhone 18 series: the 5 biggest rumors so far, from camera upgrades to new display tech
• The iPhone 16e’s 5G performance seemingly has the iPhone 16’s beat
• The latest batch of leaked iPhone 17 dummy units appear to show where glass meets metal on the new designs

The New York Times reported Musk would be getting a briefing on U.S. plans for any potential war against China. The Trump administration pushed back, saying this is false.

(Image credit: Mandel Ngan)

• NAKIVO patched a high-severity flaw in November 2024
• However CISA has now added it to KEV, signalling abuse in the wild
• The bug can lead to remote code execution

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added a NAKIVO bug to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, signaling in-the-wild abuse and giving government agencies a deadline to apply the provided patch.

The bug in question is tracked as CVE-2024-48248. It is an absolute path traversal vulnerability affecting the Backup & Replication software, in versions before 11.0.0.88174.

It has a severity score of 8.6/10 (high) and can lead to remote code execution across the vulnerable enterprise.

CISA's deadline

The bug was patched in November 2024, two months after being tipped off by watchTowr Labs.

"Exploiting this vulnerability could expose sensitive data, including configuration files, backups, and credentials, potentially leading to data breaches or further security compromises," NAKIVO said in its security advisory.

While the security advisory does not discuss the idea of abuse in the wild, CISA removed any doubt when it added the bug to the KEV catalog. Now, Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies have three weeks (until April 9), to apply the patch, or stop using the NAKIVO product entirely.

"These types of vulnerabilities are frequent attack vectors for malicious cyber actors and pose significant risks to the federal enterprise," CISA said.

While FCEB agencies are mandated by the Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01, commercial businesses are not. It would still be wise to follow CISA’s lead and apply the patch, especially knowing that cybercriminals are actively exploiting the bug.

NAKIVO is a US-based company, specializing in backup, ransomware protection, and disaster recovery solutions for virtual, physical, cloud, and SaaS environments.

Backup & Replication is its flagship product, supporting platforms such as VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV, Amazon AWS EC2, Microsoft Azure, Wasabi, Backblaze B2, Microsoft 365, and various NAS devices.

According to some reports, the company has 25,000 customers in 183 countries and a network of over 7,500 partners worldwide. Some of its clients include Honda, Cisco, Coca-Cola, and Siemens. Their clientele spans multiple industries, including IT, hospitality, government, and education.

Via BleepingComputer

You might also like

• Another serious WordPress plugin vulnerability could put 40,000 sites at risk of attack
• We've rounded up the best password managers
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app

Many Pentagon materials now labeled as "DEI" were a bit more like advertisements — aimed at recruits who have shown a willingness to serve, military experts tell NPR.

(Image credit: Mike Groll)

Apple is a fantastic tech company that is, perhaps, not having its best moment. It failed to deliver the AI Siri update we were promised, it's being pestered by the EU to open its secret sauce to competitors, its iPhone 16e failed to inspire, and it hasn't had a major category splash in a while.

I want Apple to step out of its comfort zone and show us what it's working on, specifically in the folding space. This might be the best way for it to reclaim the conversation and, perhaps, inspire a new legion of future Apple customers.

It's not that the work on Siri isn't important or worth pursuing. I desperately want a better Siri, but I think what I miss is Apple delivering FOMO-inducing products.

A new vision

Those who insist that Vision Pro, unveiled almost two years ago, was it, a reminder that Apple could do big things, they're right, in a way. The Vision Pro remains an almost unmatched piece of engineering but has not moved the consumer needle.

This is partly because it's so expensive but also because of the fundamental limits of what people are willing to wear on their faces for extended periods of time.

Apple's steady stream of new utility apps and services, like Journal, Sports, and News+ Food, are not it and I won't even bother to argue the point.

You might counsel me to be patient. After all, that promised Siri update is now, possibly back on track thanks to rumored new leadership in the person of Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell. I happen to agree with Daring Fireball's John Gruber that the real news here is Apple Senior Vice President Software Engineering Craig Federighi is now in charge of the Siri project (Rockwell reports to him).

The delivery of a Siri that can dig into your phone and use your data to help you live a better digital life is good but also just a fulfillment of a promise made at WWDC2024. It's not something new and not the reset Apple needs.

Similarly, excellent iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watches, AirPods, and iPad updates are not it – though I welcome all of them.

Let's get folding

(Image credit: Ming-Chi Kuo)

A folding iPhone, however, comes very close to a new product category since there's nothing else quite like it in the Apple product corral. It'll potentially be a true hybrid between a smartphone and a small tablet.

Current rumors have it launching in 2026 (a larger folding iPad could follow in 2027). That's not soon enough. Apple needs something this year.

My hope is that Apple will tease its first folding device at WWDC 2025. It's something of a necessity to distract from what Apple has failed to deliver: a Siri that knows your screen as well as it does you and can act on all that information.

Apple will have to address Siri and make fresh iOS 19 promises, ones it has a better chance of delivering with this rumored new leadership. But it'll still feel mostly like a mop-up.

Apple can essentially wave its hands and point in the direction of this new folding device, completely distracting consumers and media from the less-than-sunny Siri story.

I'm not suggesting Apple launch the phone in June, but a brief video and even Apple CEO Tim Cook standing on stage at Apple Park with a prototype could be a game changer.

(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)

As much as I'd like to see it, I still don't expect Apple to unveil the foldable in September along with the iPhone 17 lineup, but that should not stop them from doing something extraordinary, like teasing an upcoming smartphone design breakthrough.

You might argue that this is not Apple's way, and you'd be right, but Apple hasn't necessarily been itself lately.

It has yet to address the true state of the Vision Pro. It failed to deliver a true AI Siri and fully enter the AI race, and even its efforts to update its "budget" iPhone with the iPhone 16e left many confused.

It's time for Apple to return to surprising people with one more eye-popping thing

Apple has in recent years, done extremely well with services and has had a cultural phenomenon hit on its hands with Severance, but content and annuity-based services are not, I'd argue, what drives Apple or its consumers.

It's time for Apple to return to surprising people with one more eye-popping thing and the folding iPhone would be perfect. We know it's hidden somewhere at Apple Park, where engineers try to make it perfect, perhaps the best folding smartphone ever.

That's fine, keep at it, but give us something at WWDC to keep customers inspired and remind everyone that Apple is still very good at being Apple.

You might also like

• Apple's rumored foldable iPad tipped to launch sooner than expected with an exciting software twist
• There's zero chance we'll get an Apple iPhone Fold this year, and I'm bummed
• Siri's chances to beat ChatGPT just got a whole lot better

The Autonomous SmartDesk 5 is a beautiful desk. It's sleek and modern and has been purposefully designed to appeal to the creative and "sleek-tech-loving" markets. On the purchasing page, Autonomous touts that many big-tech employees have purchased this desk from Google, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and more.

Over the last several years, the concept of something being "what Apple would do" has been a common way to describe things. Apple has a distinguished way of designing simplistic and minimalistic beauty in their products. I see Apple or Google releasing this desk. It's clean, well-designed, minimal, smooth, elegant and beautiful, and in this regard, it's one of the best standing desks I've tested.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Autonomous SmartDesk 5: Price and Availability

The Autonomous SmartDesk 5 is sold for $599 through the Autonomous website by clicking here, and through selected retailers. They have bulk discounts if you're buying for the office, and they have two height options. Three colorway options allow you to pick the best color for your space.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Autonomous SmartDesk 5: Unboxing & first impressions

The packaging for the Autonomous SmartDesk 5 is well-organized and very secure. All parts arrived in excellent condition without a scratch or a dent in the pieces. In one box, I got the desktop itself; in another, I got the legs, feet, and other accessories.

Right off the bat, I loved how smooth the desktop texture was and how simple the setup was. All the necessary parts were in the box, though I used my electric screwdriver set to speed things up.

Once everything was put together, I quickly grabbed a mouse to check just how great the tracking was since this is something that Autonomous heavily promotes. The mouse on the desk's surface was accurate, responsive, and uncomfortable. Granted, I still prefer the feel of a deskpad, but that may be due to familiarity. I tried out an Apple Magic Mouse, a Logitech MX Master 3, a Logitech MX Anywhere, a mouse from ProtoArc, and even a Dell mouse. All of them tracked well on the surface of the Smart Desk 5.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

I'm happy to see C-shaped legs on this desk. I've tried a lot of different desk leg types, and for most people, C-shaped is the way to go. It helps get the legs out of the way of your... well, legs... and pushes them back so you won't knock your knees while twisting around in your fancy ergonomic chair.

Another thing that I loved was the cable management. I'm used to having this be a feature or add-on that I must assemble or figure out independently. There are some offerings from Ergonofis, and I have come to love some more from Flexispot, but they have frequently been add-ons. With the Smart Desk 5, though, it's built-in. There is a nice drop-down that tucks things away nicely. However, I had to add another power strip on the back right of the desk because my desks usually need more than four outlets, but hey, that's just me. You could run a simpler desk. I would like to have mine ready for anything and serve multiple purposes.

The last thing I'll mention on first impressions is the control surface. This reminds me of the Beflo Tenon or several others moving to this surface-mounted control panel. While these are super nice not to hit your chair on, using the desk is a very different experience. For example, if you are someone who uses a desk pad, now you need to keep an eye out for not hitting this pad, or if you rest your arms on the desk, lean on the desk, or put things on your desk other than work, all of those are scenarios in which you need to watch out, but all in all, it's not a bad thing at all.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Autonomous SmartDesk 5: Design & build quality Specs

Dimensions: 53”L x 29”W x 1.2”H
Frame Type: C-frame design
Motor Type: Dual motors
Height Range: Adjustable from 24" to 50"
Weight Capacity: Up to 330 lbs
Surface Material: High-density fiberboard (HDF) with smooth-touch finish
Color Options: Meteor Grey, Titanium White, Stone Desert
Control Panel: Integrated touchscreen
Cable Management: Built-in system with power outlets

The Autonomous Smart Desk 5 is made of a 1.2-inch HDF material on the desk, with a C-shaped frame, legs, rounded edges, and three modern colorways. In addition to these high-quality materials, Autonomous includes bag hooks, a touchscreen built into the top of the desk, and fantastic cable management, helping the design feel streamlined and minimal while staying highly functional and beautiful.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Autonomous SmartDesk 5: In use

I've had this desk in rotation for a while now, and it's been great so far. There have been a few instances where the touchscreen takes a second to respond, but other than that, this desk is terrific. As you can see in the photos, I have it set up with a single BenQ RD320UA monitor, the Grovemade Studio Pad and vertical laptop holder, the Logitech MX Master 3, the SM3 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard, a cheap desk shelf off Amazon and a few other accessories.

I wanted to create a relaxing yet multi-functional workspace for one of my team members, and the SmartDesk 5 is the perfect candidate. It's decent, not too big or small, and the material is gorgeous in most locations. I've had this desk set up in a couple of different places to test it out, and in all of them, this grey looked stunning.

As I mentioned, the touch control can be slow to respond sometimes. Regardless, having the three-height presets has been great. I could set this desk at an excellent sitting height, a great "working on something height," and a wonderful "standing and working" height. Sadly, I wish to move the studio pad down a hair more, but it stops at the top of the built-in keypad. However, this is not the end of the world.

While the materials used, the great size, the smooth mechanics, the sleek top, and the rounded edges are all great, the actual great feature of this desk is the cable management. As I mentioned, it's not only great but easily expandable. I added a power strip (admittedly, one I had from FlexiSpot) to the back right of the desk to give me some more outlets since I knew this would be a powerful, multi-use desk. Other than that, having the drop-down for quickly accessing and adjusting, having the spot to wrap cables, and having it all lift and tuck away is beautiful, and I hope other desk companies are taking note.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Autonomous SmartDesk 5: Final verdict

As a desk for the masses, the SmartDesk 5 delivers. It's an all-around excellent desk; it's beautiful, sleek, smart (heh, SmartDesk), functional, and durable. It's built for professionals, though it could be used by gamers, home officers, creatives, or anyone looking for a quality desk.

In Atomfall, you play as a total unknown, risen from a bunker and confronted by a bleeding scientist begging for help. Whether you assist them or not is up to you, but what’s important to know is that you’re in the Windscale Atom Zone, you shouldn’t be here, and ‘it’s all gone wrong’.

One more thing, actually, is that the only way out is through the ‘Interchange’... whatever that is. Armed with a keycard and literally nothing else, you emerge from the dingy, dilapidated bunker into a gorgeous world flush with as many blooming flowers as there are gun-toting lunatics.

From this point on, the choice of where you go is entirely up to you, the only obstacle in your way being how long you can stay alive. Decisions make up most of Atomfall, an intriguing role-playing game (RPG) that takes cues from Bethesda’s beloved Fallout series. It dances between enthralling and frustrating, but all told, Atomfall is a hilarious jaunt through rural Britain that begs the question – why aren’t more survival games set in the north?

Review info

Platform reviewed: PS5
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release date: March 24, 2025

On my journey out of the bunker, I opted for a conflict-averse route, trailing past a ringing telephone booth and down toward the central plot point on the horizon: a dangerous-looking power plant featuring a plume of swirling purple around it. Down the country lane, I came upon a ginger bearded straggler, Nat, who generously caught me up on the town gossip.

Between bouts of endearing slang, Nat explains that the ‘boffins’ are all gone after an incident at the plant and that all that remains are loons and outlaws. Before taking my leave, Nat offered me one more piece of information: there’s a trader down the way who could help me find some survival goods.

Chasing leads is a major part of Atomfall's semi-apocalyptic gameplay loop. In place of specific missions or levels, your job is to chinwag with as many willing non-player characters (NPCs) as possible to find clues about what is happening and who you could be.

The other half of your time is spent managing your heart rate as you bludgeon strangers and loot as much ammunition, bandages, and cornish pasties as your inventory will allow. It’s a simple set-up that’s surprisingly challenging, with essential items like cloth and gunpowder appearing sparsely across the map, limiting your ammo and healing supplies.

Thankfully, if you did want to make things slightly more beginner-friendly, Atomfall’s comprehensively customizable difficulty options allow you to tweak specific gameplay aspects like item drop rates and NPC aggro into a specific ‘playstyle’.

(Image credit: Rebellion) Knackered and afraid

There is a series of central districts to explore as you wander across Atomfall’s approachably sized map, with pathways connecting each area. Some are clear to find and appear as menacing metal doors, while others are obscured and hidden within cave systems, or behind enemy lines.

You can crawl under broken doors, vault over fences and windows, and squeeze between cracked cement blocks in search of new spots, and I was impressed by how vulnerable I felt while trying to navigate the claustrophobic housing clusters, ruins, and mines. I certainly didn’t explore every nook and cranny in my campaign, but the shortcuts I earned soon became a blessing, aiding with the fatigue of sprinting between one district to get to another.

On its recommended difficulty setting, Atomfall’s map doesn’t add specific waypoints when you pick up leads to follow and instead requires you to discern your next move with the information at hand. Some folks will help you orienteer, but for the most part, it’s you and your sense of direction.

At first, this fed into my decision anxiety, and I wasn’t sure where to turn, though soon enough, I let my intuition take the wheel, dashing through fields, flashing my sickle at anyone who looked at me the wrong way and getting into a few heavy-handed scraps. It’s a refreshing approach to exploration that leads to many thrilling encounters, far from the typical hand-holding we’ve come to expect in contemporary RPGs.

As you chart Atomfall’s major districts you’ll come face-to-face with the factions that ultimately come to define your experience in this morally-murky playground. There’s the brutish British infantry known as Protocol, the heretic-hating Druids, and vicious, Droog-like Outlaws. In the wild, you can also find curious outliers like trapped scientists, rogue traders, stately poshos and infected monsters who all have their own prerogatives, the last one being your brains.

Unfortunately, Atomfall’s narrative isn’t nearly as thorough as Fallout: New Vegas and the questions it lays up don’t all have satisfying answers. But there are still tough — if not a little predictable – decisions to be made in its endgame. Best of all, the lead ensemble of NPCs is a memorable bunch who approach this imagination-stoking situation with challenging perspectives, colored in with witty dialogue.

Best bit: Not elementary, my dear Watson

Progressing in Atomfall isn’t just about firepower. To move forward, you’ll also have to dust off your best deerstalker and investigate the motivations behind the various factions that litter the broken British landscape. Alongside conversing with the straight-faced locals, you can pilfer their belongings and find secret notes that allude to their true feelings, summoning campaign-changing leads that are worth following up on. You can also shoot first and ask questions later, of course – just be sure not to take everything at face value.

Atomfall hides a creative post-currency trading system between its complex moral figureheads. Instead of trawling the dales for pounds and pennies, the items you collect accrue a ‘weight’ that can be counterbalanced with another trader’s goods.

Bread isn’t as valuable as a gun, and you’ll need quite a few baker's dozens to earn one. While personally, I think bread is more valuable than a weapon, the process helped to push me into the wilds in search of better bits and bobs — and inevitably into mysterious, illuminating outposts, I would have never found otherwise.

Alas, if bartering doesn’t tickle your fancy, there’s also a crafting system where you can turn the objects you find into functional parts and subsist that way. With plenty of systems at play and a small-but-handy skill tree, I soon felt as if I was tailoring my playthrough as I went, and would find it hard to replicate in another playthrough. Ultimately, Atomfall’s greatest strength is how it makes following your nose so consistently alluring.

(Image credit: Rebellion) Fighting words

Yet despite all the engaging interactions with leaders and citizens, Atomfall’s more limited gameplay suite can shatter some of the immersion. For example, I could go into the pub and chat with the owner about trading. Then, walk behind him, steal his stuff, and sell it back to him, no questions asked.

Certain areas are restricted, signified by a ‘Trespassing’ graphic at the top of the screen. However, the distinction felt at odds with my actions—Why was I more likely to get punished for robbing an empty house than a town hall in front of a military captain?

At one point, I tested the boundaries by killing a soldier in the light of day. With no comrades around, I silently took him out and fled the scene briefly. Upon my return, it appeared nothing had changed, with soldiers spouting the same few lines as if one of them hadn’t been murdered.

The captain didn’t seem bothered, either. Beyond the major and often-material impact of major decisions (as well as a few tannoy announcements), I didn’t get the moment-to-moment sense that anyone was all that aware of my plots and schemes, or who I was planning to betray for the narrative I wanted.

(Image credit: Rebellion)

And while Atomfall’s combat is appropriately desperate, it’s also a bit janky and lethargic, lacking a few conventional coats of polish. Particularly, the enemy AI is aberrant, and will often react in an unusual manner that can shut down your dreams of a rewarding stealthy infiltration. Lacklustre platforming also takes the wind out of the game’s sails, with what may feel like simple maneuvers often taking a few tries.

Despite these limitations, Atomfall does well to keep you on your toes with enemy-shaped speedbumps (read: massive robots) and some slick side quests. There were also plenty of instances where I felt frustrated enough to want to put down the controller before I realized the solution could be much simpler if I approached it from a different angle.

At its best, there are shades of a deeper RPG here, but it doesn’t quite have the mechanical backing to fulfill this proposal. Even so, while the systemic scope of Atomfall isn’t massive, the small world it conjures feels rich and full all the way to its atmospheric finale – or at least the atmospheric finale I chose.

Should you play Atomfall? Play it if...

You love a northern British accent
While many games on the market opt for the BBC British accent, Atomfall leans hard into its Cumbrian setting, providing a variety of accents – beyond British alone – that are a joy to hear.

You want to experience a British post-apocalypse
Technically, Atomfall is a localized event rather than a full-blown apocalypse. Still, seeing a world-shattering event set around the Cumbrian dales is a rare experience that Rebellion does well to imagine.

Don't play it if...

You want fine-tuned gameplay
An intriguing premise does well to paste over the sharper edges of Atomfall’s combat and platforming, which are both fairly mediocre.

Accessibility

You can alter your accessibility settings from the pause menu anytime while playing Atomfall. There are multiple options to tweak your playstyle including combat, survival, and exploration. Each option can be toggled between Assisted, Casual, Challenging, and Intense. Combat impacts the enemy aggression and spawn numbers, Survival affects how frequently loot drops and how generous trading is, and Exploration affects your map and traversal options.

You can toggle how frequently you would like the game to autosave, as well as manually save at any point from the pause menu. From the Gameplay submenu in settings, you can also toggle on Pause Game in Menus to ensure you won’t get into trouble when looking at your inventory or the map.

Where combat is concerned, players can toggle on Melee and Aim Assist, Snap Aiming, and Automatic Fire and Reload. There are also sliders to control Aim, Look, and Hip Fire sensitivity from the Control submenu of the setting. From here you can also switch the controller vibration and adaptive triggers on or off.

For audio, there are multiple sliders to control specific streams of audio such as background SFX and Music. Plus for subtitles, you can change the subtitle color, speaker color, and subtitle box opacity to suit your preferences.

(Image credit: Rebellion) How I reviewed Atomfall

I completed Atomfall’s main story on PlayStation 5 in approximately sixteen hours and experienced two of its multiple endings. I teamed my PS5 console with an AOC 27-inch QHD VA 144Hz gaming monitor, a regular DualSense controller, and external Creative Pebble V2 computer speakers.

First reviewed March 2025

• HP unveiled HP Go, a zero-touch, multi-carrier 5G eSIM solution
• Initially only available in the US, with worldwide deployment to begin in late 2026
• Multi-carrier support with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon

HP has announced a zero touch, multi-carrier 5G eSIM solution designed to keep professionals connected on the go.

Launching in Spring 2025, HP Go looks to eliminate the need for a physical SIM card and manual activation with pre-loaded carrier profiles to ensure instant connectivity from when a device is powered on.

HP Go is not an eSIM for international travel and is only available in the US with plans to deploy worldwide in late 2026 - at launch, it will support multi-carriers including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon allowing automatic switching to the strongest available network.

Decline of physical SIM cards

As remote and hybrid working becomes the norm, tech brands tapping into the growing eSIM market suggest the end of the traditional use of physical SIM cards. At the same time, we have seen global shipments of eSIM volume surpassing half a billion units.

With HP Go, users will receive a factory setting pre-loaded eSIM profile that is ready to use when they turn on their devices and the Windows setup is complete. This zero-touch deployment reduces IT complexity and time. IT administrators can also monitor devices remotely, control access, and analyze real-time data consumption—reducing security risks and hidden costs for businesses.

If you are changing locations while working at your HP Go PC, it will automatically switch from Wi-Fi to 5G and connect to the strongest carrier in the area.

The HP Go eSIM will debut on the HP EliteBook 6 G1q Next Gen AI PC, with additional device compatibility expected in late 2025.

You might also like

• ExpressVPN enters eSIM market with the launch of holiday.com
• We've also rounded up the best eSIMs for Turkey
• Heading to Japan soon? Check out our roundup of the best eSIMs for Japan

• The Lenovo Legion Go S powered by AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor will launch on May 25
• The SteamOS Z1 Extreme variant starts at $749.99 while the Z2 Go version starts at $549.99
• The highest configuration using the Z1 Extreme costs $829.99

While we await the introduction of more next-gen handheld gaming PCs, all eyes have been on Lenovo with its Legion Go 2 prototype and the already-launched Legion Go S. Now, the more powerful model of the Go S finally has a release date and price tag - and the latter is not the prettiest.

As reported by Wccftech, the Lenovo Legion Go S (with Windows 11 & SteamOS variants) powered by AMD's Ryzen Z1 Extreme will officially launch on May 25 alongside SteamOS Z2 Go variants. On Best Buy, the former starts at $749.99 while the long-awaited SteamOS Z2 Go starts at $549.99 - both are available for pre-order now.

Each will have different configurations: the Z1 Extreme processor will be used on both Windows 11 and SteamOS variants using 32GB of RAM. In comparison, the Z2 Go processor will power a new SteamOS model with the choice of 16GB or 32GB of RAM including a storage capacity of either 512GB or 1TB.

The previously-released Legion Go S model with Windows 11 (available at $729.99) is also powered by the Z2 Go processor - and it's safe to say that it didn't compete well against other handhelds on the market. With the Asus ROG Ally seeing frequent price drops and Valve's Steam Deck arguably still the best available in terms of affordability, the prices of these Legion Go S models likely won't do Lenovo any favors. It doesn’t help that this is a fairly messy release slate with multiple differently-priced models, which could potentially confuse buyers.

While the Z1 Extreme processor is no slouch, the highest configuration (with the Z1 Extreme on Windows 11) is available at $829.99 - in other words, you’re paying an extra 80 bucks just to have Windows 11 instead of SteamOS, which feels like a rip-off, especially when anyone with a small amount of know-how could simply install Windows 11 on the device themselves. At around the same price, you can buy the MSI Claw 8 AI+ which excels in performance and battery life for $899.99, making it the better option for gamers.

(Image credit: Lenovo) The only worthwhile upgrade beyond Z1 Extreme-powered handhelds is the MSI Claw 8 AI+

Now, AMD's hotly anticipated Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor hasn't been released yet: the Lenovo Legion Go 2 is expected to be the first handheld gaming PC using the APU (a processor with CPU and GPU on the same die). However, it's not exactly clear how much of a performance leap it will offer over its predecessor, nor does it have a definite launch date.

In the meantime, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ provides fantastic performance across the board, outperforming Team Red's Z1 Extreme using Intel's Core Ultra 7 258V processor - and notably, it uses an 80WHr battery (also present in the Asus ROG Ally X) compared to the Legion Go S' 55WHr battery. The Claw manages to provide high and stable frame rates in multiple games, even at lower TDPs.

Don't get me wrong, I still think the price for MSI's handheld is a bit too high - and like I've said before, just buy a desktop gaming PC or laptop at that point - but, if you're adamant about handheld portability and high performance is up your alley, then right now you should look no further than the MSI Claw 8 AI+. Alternatively, shoppers looking for value first should be strongly considering the Asus ROG Ally.

You may also like...

• Lenovo Legion Go review: this is the true Steam Deck rival
• Lenovo Legion Go vs Lenovo Legion Go S: both handhelds compared
• Future AMD-powered gaming handhelds and notebooks could miss out on a key feature – and it might be a deal breaker for gamers

• Veeam released a patch for a 9.9/10 severity flaw that can lead to RCE
• It was found in Veeam Backup & Restoration
• The bug only works on installations joined to a domain

Veeam released a patch for a critical-level vulnerability recently discovered in its Backup & Replication software.

The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-23120, is described as a deserialization flaw that allows authenticated domain users to conduct remote code execution (RCE) attacks. It was given a severity score of 9.9/10 (critical), and affects Veeam Backup & Replication 12.3.0.310 and all earlier version 12 builds.

It was fixed with version 12.3.1 (build 12.3.1.1139).

Blacklists and whitelists

The bug was discovered by cybersecurity researchers watchTowr Labs, who slammed Veeam for the way it addresses deserialization problems:

“It seems Veeam, despite being a ransomware gang's favorite play toy - didn’t learn after the lesson given by Frycos in previous research published. You guessed it - they fixed the deserialization issues by adding entries to their deserialization blacklist,” the researchers explained.

Adding entries to a deserialization blacklist doesn’t work because hackers can always find new avenues, and the developers will always end up being reactive to their behavior, watchTowr explained. Instead, it suggests Veeam should opt for a whitelist approach.

Despite its critical severity, the bug is not that simple to explicit since it only impacts Veeam Backup & Replication installations joined to a domain.

On the downside, any domain user can exploit the bug. BleepingComputer claims that “many companies” joined their Veeam server to a Windows domain, “ignoring the company’s long-standing best practices.”

The same publication claims that ransomware gangs already told them they always target Veeam Backup & Replication servers, since they are an easy way into archives of sensitive information, and allow them to block any restoration and backup efforts.

At press time, there were no reports of in-the-wild abuse, but it is safe to assume that there will be, and soon - now that the cat is out of the bag.

If your company is using Veeam’s Backup & Replication, make sure to upgrade it to version 12.3.1 as soon as you can.

Via BleepingComputer

You might also like

• Veeam backup software has a serious security flaw - here's how to stay safe
• We've rounded up the best password managers
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app