Feed aggregator

The tiny east African country of Rwanda says it's holding "early talks" with the Trump administration about taking in deported migrants from the U.S.

(Image credit: Jacquelyn Martin)

The setback is a major embarrassment for the leader of the center-right Christian Democrats, less than three months after winning the most votes in Germany's federal election.

(Image credit: Markus Schreiber)

A new era of AI is emerging and it’s more autonomous than ever before. Agentic AI is set to transform the way people interact with technology, marking a paradigm shift in artificial intelligence.

Unlike generative AI (GenAI), agentic AI is proactive, and can solve complex problems and make decisions autonomously without human oversight. While these capabilities will prove hugely beneficial for enterprises, it is highly likely that ransomware groups will also look to exploit agentic AI to execute more effective attacks with much greater efficiency, at scale.

Security professionals should take note because today’s emerging agentic AI models are set to revolutionize cybercriminal tactics and supercharge the ransomware exploits of bad actors. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how security teams should prepare for the floodgate of possibilities on the horizon.

Agentic AI – what’s different?

Back in 2022, the release of ChatGPT ignited concerns among security experts who postulated that threat actors could leverage generative AI to do bad things. Fortunately, these predictions about an AI security apocalypse proved unfounded. Instead, cybercriminals used gen AI tools to streamline tasks such as generating and debugging malware code and industrializing the creation of sophisticated phishing content.

It turned out that while gen AI’s coding and scripting abilities boosted some aspects of their activities, it offered cyber-attackers limited incremental capabilities when it came to how they undertook some key malicious tasks. However, the emergence of agentic AI in late 2024 marks a whole new era in AI development and potentially changes the rules of the game where ransomware is concerned.

Designed to autonomously make decisions, problem solve, and act dynamically in real-time, agentic AI systems are capable of independently pursuing complex goals with limited human supervision. Context-aware, dynamic, and highly adaptable to changing environments and events, agentic AI does not rely on human guidance to determine which potential actions to take. It goes ahead and acts.

These new incremental abilities have the potential to transform how ransomware gangs overcome the technical and operational bottlenecks that, until now, have restricted their ability to launch successful attacks at scale.

The current state of play: how ransomware gangs operate

To reduce their workloads, today’s cyber threat actors will use specialist independent Initial Access Brokers (IABs) to find targets and secure a foothold in target networks. Having outsourced infiltration and paid an IAB for this access, they are able to focus on the task of identifying which assets to encrypt and the best way to deliver the malware payload and conduct the extortion.

This is not as straightforward as it sounds. It requires a lot of skill and manpower to move laterally around the network, determine the best way to pivot and get from A to B, and identify where the organization's most valuable data is located - all without being detected.

Today, this is a highly manual process that is difficult for humans to do reliably and efficiently. Indeed, many ransomware attacks are abandoned mid execution either due to human errors or mistakes that trigger antivirus software or data detection and response tools, or because it is simply too challenging to identify a potential payload trove of high value data.

The emergence of agentic AI, however, closes the skills gap for threat actors. As well as making it easier to evade detection and launch attacks, it could also scale up the number and speed at which these attacks are executed.

Making life easier for ransomware groups

In the not too distant future, ransomware groups could be using agentic AI to boost up their ‘manpower’ and handle all the heavy lifting around identifying which assets to target and the best way to compromise these.

Whether it is identifying exploitation paths of least resistance, finding ways to circumvent firewalls and EDR tools, researching and validating what data is located where, or determining which data presents the most promising target, these agents could decide the optimal point at which to execute the attack.

In other words, agentic AI will be able to determine a target and figure out the most effective and efficient way to compromise it. Plus, it will automate every aspect of the attack execution process, independently handling all fetching and enumeration tasks as it navigates its way through the network and covers its tracks as it goes.

In addition to lowering the skills and resource bar for threat actors, agentic AI reduces the time it takes to plan and execute a highly sophisticated attack to a matter of minutes - all of which will make it difficult for security professionals to detect and shut down threats. Ransomware gangs using agentic AI will also be able to improve the effectiveness of their attacks, and will acquire the automated resources they need to conduct multiple attacks in parallel.

In summary, AI agents will make ransomware operations faster and more reliable. Requiring little or no human input, agentic AI can work in a predictable and highly efficient manner and tell ransomware gangs exactly where to focus and what to focus on.

Looking ahead: evaluating the impact

Cybercriminals have proven adept at leveraging GenAI to streamline certain aspects of the ransomware attack cycle and improve their productivity in these areas. In recent years the number of ransomware gangs using AI to hone the production of malware has grown significantly. The emergence of AI agents that can reason, plan and act autonomously is set to make ransomware attacks more scalable, more effective, and more efficient to undertake, with attack cycles reducing from weeks to near real-time.

While agentic AI promises to automate, refine, and power up how ransomware gangs compromise targets on an industrial scale, security experts also predict that autonomous AI agents are set to become a critical defense tool for cyber security teams. By delegating intrusion detection and network monitoring and analysis tasks to agentic AI, security teams can up their game when it comes to detecting and shutting down cyber threats. It should also be possible to use AI agents to simulate assets that will tempt and misdirect hackers into connecting their malware and generating an intrusion alert.

In terms of timelines, agentic AI is still under development and we are unlikely to see it being widely leveraged by ransomware gangs for a few years yet. This gives cyber security defenders ample opportunity to get one step ahead and develop the agentic AI tools and algorithms that will be needed to stop them.

Making proactive preparations

While organizations don’t need to worry about the immediate impacts from agentic AI right now, they should keep a finger on the pulse when it comes to its ongoing development and use. For security teams, keeping up with this fast evolving threat landscape depends on finding ways to integrate AI agents into their own defense techniques.

One thing is for sure: where agentic AI is concerned the race is on. It remains to be seen who will get there first – attack or defense.

We've compiled a list of the best online cybersecurity courses.

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

• B&O A1 3rd Gen promises more bass in the same design
• Up to 24 hours of battery life, and pairing with other A1 models
• $349 / £299 is a price hike over the previous model

Bang & Olufsen has announced the Beosound A1 3rd Gen, which is the new version of B&O's mid-tier portable Bluetooth speaker. The new model promises more powerful sound, a few new features, and longer battery life, and comes at a higher price than its predecessor, even before you take discounts on the old model into account.

I've been a fan of the B&O A1 2nd Gen since its release in 2020 – it's the Bluetooth speaker I use at home, and I love it for its stylish aluminum design, more full sound than other mid-size Bluetooth speakers, and generous battery life that means it's always ready to go even if it's been forgotten for a season.

According to B&O, the A1 3rd Gen has "the largest woofer in its class", meaning more powerful and "deeper" bass output (with a claimed bass SPL of 64dB, which is 2dB higher than the 2nd Gen). This sounds great to me, assuming it's well-balanced with the mids and treble – as I mentioned above, the real trick of the B&O A1 2nd Gen is that it managed a broader and more well-rounded sound than similar offerings from JBL and Sonos.

The battery life has increased from 18 hours to 24 hours, which is really great for any of the best Bluetooth speakers, let alone a smaller option – even the five-star JBL Flip 7 is limited to 16 hours max with its battery extension feature active.

(Image credit: Bang & Olufsen)

Upgrades other than these are more subtle, though. The wireless connection is Bluetooth 5.1, which seems a little behind the times – so many new Bluetooth speakers today are arriving with newer versions that include Auracast support for audio sharing across multiple speakers.

B&O hasn't gone for that kind of option, but it can be used in a stereo pair with either another A1 3rd Gen, or an A1 2nd Gen (I obviously have my eye on that feature…).

The Alexa voice assistant support of the 2nd Gen seems to have been dropped, but there is still a mic – you can use it as a speakerphone. You have Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair for easily connecting to those devices.

(Image credit: Bang & Olufsen)

The design looks largely unchanged from the previous model, which is alright by me – I really like the 'button' shape, and the clean metal finish. It's not quite as pocketable as the JBL Flip 7, but it's fairly thin and can slip into a bag easily enough anyway.

As before, it comes with a strap attached and is IP67 rated, so it can stand up to a light dunking in water or roaming among the sand like the best waterproof speakers.

B&O says this is also the first ever Bluetooth speaker to be "Cradle to Cradle Certified (Bronze Level)", meaning that it's made with sustainable practices in mind, and has modularity in the design that makes it repairable in the future – including a battery that can be replaced in a B&O service center.

There are three colors: Natural Aluminium, Honey Tone, and Eucalyptus Green. I don't like the latter as much as the beautiful Forest Green finish B&O used on the A1 2nd Gen and the B&O Explore – which is maybe my favorite finish on any tech product ever – but it's still very nice, as is the Honey Tone.

The stumbling block here is really the price. At $349 / £299, it's more expensive than the $299 / £259 official price of the A1 2nd Gen – but that model also regularly falls to around £180/$200, and it's only at the cheaper price that I generally recommend people buy it.

At twice the price of the JBL Flip 7, it's going to have to work hard to feel worth it. But hey, the last version managed it for me.

You might also like…

• The impressive Beats Pill portable speaker is landing in two gorgeous new colors, ready for summer
• Sony adds three Bluetooth speakers to its bass-hungry ULT range: meet Tower 9, Field 5, and Field 3
• B&O’s latest limited edition speaker is also a portrait of David Bowie that looks as good as it sounds

Nobody that I know likes clutter. That could be in their house, in their office, in their vehicle, or on their desk. My workspace is one of the few things I have autonomous control over, meaning I can keep it exactly how I want it (and not have it messed with by my kids, co-workers, etc.) I usually run a laptop, but when I get the opportunity to run desktop units, I prefer them to be the smaller platform size because then I can hide them somewhere in my workstation rather than have a giant tower on, under, or around my desk.

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny is a mini PC workstation that can be tucked away and hidden out of sight, making for an incredibly smooth workspace. On top of the size benefit, the P3 Tiny is also a decently powerful machine, making it a potential secret powerhouse for some.

One of the secrets of a small machine in the business world is for workstations you don't want to see, for example, digital signage, front desks, doctors' offices, classroom digital setups, projectors, and so on. They're great if used the right way, and if they are powerful enough. And this one might be one of the best mini PC workstations for that.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny: Unboxing & first impressions

Lenovo is one of those brands with consistent unboxing for their gear. Granted, they are not recognized worldwide for their unboxing experience, like Apple, but they have a decent unboxing experience every time. Nothing will be misplaced, damaged, or in weird boxes in boxes; it just makes sense.

I noticed right away that there is a VESA mount included, making it super easy to do exactly what I would do with this computer and mount it away. For a lot of mini PCs, the goal is to keep it tucked away out of sight as much as possible.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Right off the bat, I want to compare this TechRadar's top mini computer, the Mac mini. Compared to the older generations, anything before the M4, it's comparable. It has a more squared-off shape, but it's similar in size. Now, if you compare it to the new M4 Mac mini, the P3 Tiny does not look so tiny, but compared to the vast majority of desktop PCs, this computer holds to its name consistently.

Outside of just sizing, the ThinkStation P3 Tiny has great ports overall and is relatively robust for its size. The port layout lends itself to easy access, and it's great to see that Lenovo has included both HDMI and DisplayPort on the back. Sadly, there is no Thunderbolt or USB4 support, but the more I think about it, the less it is necessary for a business computer like this to have those high-speed transfers, so maybe that's not a massive loss.

Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny: Design & build quality Specs

Processor: Up to Intel Core i9-13900T (24 cores, 32 threads, up to 5.1 GHz)
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA T1000 with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
Memory: Up to 64GB DDR5-4800MHz (2x SO-DIMM)
Storage: Up to 2x M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSDs (up to 2TB each)
Ports: Front: 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x 3.5mm audio jack; Rear: 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet
Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions: 179 x 183 x 37 mm
Weight: Approximately 1.4 kg
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny meets MIL-STD-810H durability standards in a small little frame with great ports and an included Vesa bracket to toss on the back of a display. The tool's free access for easy upgrades and maintenance sets this computer apart from sealed computers like the Mac mini. The P3 Tiny has a modular design, allowing for component upgrades and customization to fit each user's needs.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny: In use

My team and I tested this machine for the last few weeks and were impressed. It handled benchmarking software like UL Procyon and others without an issue, it can support up to six displays with the proper discrete GPU configuration, it can be VESA mounted behind a display, it has great ports, and it can run Windows 11 Pro allowing for super easy native remote desktop (if not, Google Chrome Remote Desktop, Teamviewer, or others) making this an excellent computer for AVL systems, tucking the laptop away and running a large display for signage, projectors, customer interfaces, and so on. This machine can run up to six displays with discrete GPU configurations.

All around, this machine is impressive for its size. Consider the ThinkStation P3 Tiny for a front desk setup, a doctor's office, a display system, a minimalist workstation, and many more. This computer can get 90% of jobs done well, without much frustration or issue.

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future) Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny is an impressive compact workstation with enough power, ports, and performance to shine in most scenarios. It's excellent for those who need to save on space while maximizing their output (both workload and visual). If you're looking for a computer that can tuck away and be out of sight or help expand what you can see with up to six outputs, consider the Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny for your next purchase.

For more high-powered PCs, we've rounded up the best workstations and the best mobile workstations.

The Trump administration on Monday asked a judge to toss out a lawsuit from three GOP-led states seeking to cut off telehealth access to abortion medication mifepristone.

(Image credit: George Walker IV)

Bukele had announced that all bus fares for a week would be completely free due to construction the government was carrying out on one of the main highways running through San Salvador.

(Image credit: AP)

• Addlink P30 USB 4.0 SSD can transfer 10GB in just 2.5 seconds
• Built-in MagSafe support means hands-free iPhone ProRes recording at 4K 120Hz
• Preformatted in exFAT for instant plug-and-play across phones, consoles, and laptops

Addlink has launched its latest entry into the high-speed storage market: the P30 USB 4.0 Super-Speed Magnetic SSD.

TechPowerUp reports this device supports the latest USB 4.0 standard, delivering sequential read speeds of up to 4000MB/s and write speeds of up to 3600MB/s.

Designed to rival the best portable SSDs, the P30 can transfer a 10GB file in just 2.5 seconds, putting it on par with Thunderbolt 4-class devices and far ahead of traditional external HDDs.

Perfect tool for fast data transfer

Addlink describes the P30 as, “the perfect tool for anyone who needs their data fast, accessible, and secure - wherever life takes them.”

One standout feature is its built-in MagSafe compatibility, allowing users to magnetically attach the SSD directly to an iPhone. This enables hands-free, high-resolution ProRes video capture at 4K 120Hz, ideal for content creators.

The P30 includes a USB Type-C port for broad platform compatibility, including support for gaming consoles, laptops, Android devices, and Linux systems. It comes preformatted in exFAT, enabling immediate use without the need for reformatting.

Weighing about 45 grams and measuring just 64 x 64 x 12 mm - roughly the size of a credit card - the P30 is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, all backed by a 3-year warranty.

It supports operating temperatures from 0°C to 70°C, though actual performance of this fast external SSD may vary depending on host device, interface, and usage conditions.

“The P30 USB 4.0 Super-Speed Magnetic SSD is expertly designed for mobile users, offering seamless support for Apple ProRes recording. With MagSafe compatibility, it effortlessly attaches to your iPhone, providing a convenient, hands-free storage solution,” said Addlink.

You might also like

• These are the fastest SSDs you buy right now
• We've listed the best NAS devices around
• AI is fueling the biggest financial scams ever - cyber safety experts are fighting back

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for May 6.

President Trump issued an executive order Monday banning federal funding for any research abroad that involves a field of scientific study known as "gain-of-function" research. Here's what it means.

(Image credit: Feature China/Future Publishing)

Here are the hints and answers for Connections for May 6, #695.

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle No. 429 for May 6.

Hints and answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 225, for May 6.

• Perplexity AI's new WhatsApp integration offers instant fact-checking without leaving the app
• Perplexity responds with fast, sourced explanations in over 20 languages
• The feature aims to help navigate misleading posts in private group threads

Web browser battles are getting an AI makeover, and Perplexity is sending a Comet to the fight. The AI-fueled web browser is set to launch this month, as first spotted by Testing Catalog.

Hints about the AI search engine developer's plan for a browser have been seen here and there in recent weeks, including a a new homepage, separate from Perplexity’s main website, a Learn Comet button on some people's Perplexity web interface, and even a briefly viewable promotional video that Perplexity soon took down.

Based on the drip of information, it looks like Perplexity is pitching Comet as a Google Chrome alternative that can aid in any research you need done online. Comet will apparently integrate with Google services, as well as access your history and follow along with your browsing to respond in context to your requests. So, you might ask Comet to “find that thing I was looking at about sea otters last Tuesday,” and it will dig up the article about how they hold hands to keep from losing each other. No more keyword-guessing or digging through all of your open tabs like an archaeologist of your own disorganized mind.

The eye on taking Chrome's crown isn't hyperbole, either. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has already boasted about how Comet will beat Chrome when it comes to reopening old tabs, declaring that "Chrome is on its way out."

On Comet, you can simply ask in English what you want it to reopen specifically. No need to remember fancy shortcuts. Chrome is on its way out. https://t.co/qCg6CoKCx2April 30, 2025

Comet AI

Perplexity is attempting to get ahead of the biggest obvious concern some might have about Comet, namely, privacy. The idea of a browser that reads what you’re looking at and remembers what you did last week might sound convenient to some, but like dystopian surveillance to others. Comet will have privacy settings, including native ad-blocking, and an opt-out for data sharing.

Meanwhile, the competition isn’t standing still. Microsoft is stuffing increasingly bold AI features into Edge, and of course, Google Chrome is expected to unveil many new AI integrations at Google I/O this year. Comet will need to make its AI assistance feel intuitive to stand out. If Comet's AI can help you stay focused, organized, and smart about navigating the chaos of the internet, it could entice a lot of new users. If not, it risks being seen as more of an unhelpful Chrome extension.

Perplexity needs to get past people asking if they really need another browser, and promise to resolve your frustrations with your current one. If you’re tired of being bombarded with ads and manually digging through your history, Comet, when it comes, might offer a welcome change.

You might also like

• You can now fact check anybody’s post in WhatsApp – here’s how
• Perplexity's voice assistant offers a Siri alternative for iPhones
• Perplexity AI drops new Squid Game-inspired ad that pokes fun at Google starring Lee Jung-jae

Commentary: Do you want a phone with fun features or one with longer software support?

Attorneys general from 17 states and D.C. are challenging an executive order Trump signed on his first day in office pausing approvals, permits and loans for all wind energy projects.

(Image credit: Seth Wenig)

the website that her husband Ron Gordon made to celebrate mathematically themed days.

'/>

Square root days happen only a few times in a century, and the man who brought the day fame is celebrating his sixth one.

(Image credit: Linda Gordon)

• Minisforum MS-A2 fits in your hand but flexes harder than most full-sized desktops
• Dual 10GbE ports and 16 cores - this box is built for serious work, not games
• Soldered CPU prevents upgrading, but that's not a concern in this case

Compact systems have long been viewed as underpowered, but Minisforum’s MS series flips that notion.

The company’s latest flagship, the MS-A2 mini PC, uses AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX or 7945HX chips, both 16-core mobile CPUs that boost up to 5.4GHz and draw up to 100W,tapping into desktop territory while retaining thermal efficiency.

With a chassis measuring just 196 x 189 x 48 mm, this mini PC comes with soldered CPUs, which prevents future upgrades, but it incorporates integrated cooling to maintain performance at high power levels.

A networking king

Networking, often an afterthought in compact PCs, is a standout feature in the MS-A2. Designed with advanced use cases such as home labs, media servers, and edge AI deployments in mind, this device supports dual 10GbE via SFP+ and dual 2.5GbE LAN.

The Minisforum MS-A2 features three NVMe-capable slots, including two M.2 2280 slots and one U.2-compatible bay. Despite losing one M.2 slot compared to the earlier MS-A1, the device still offers up to 15TB of fast storage through U.2 and NVMe slots, along with RAID support.

Support for discrete GPUs - though limited to low-profile models via a PCIe 4.0 x8 slot - adds credibility to its workstation claims.

The system’s design includes bifurcation support, allowing advanced users to run compute cards or media accelerators for tasks like Plex transcoding or AI inference. Paired with up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM, this setup puts the MS-A2 in serious contention as the best workstation in its size category.

The barebone version of the MS-A2 costs $839, while the version with 64GB RAM and a 1TB SSD is priced at $1,103 for US customers.

Minisforum has a history of pushing boundaries, with models like the MS-01 supporting Intel’s high-end mobile CPUs such as the Core i9-13900H, and offering features like three M.2 slots, a SATA bay, and 10GbE networking.

The MS-02 continued this trend with a bewildering array of options, including four Ethernet ports - two of which are 10GbE - and support for up to four SSDs.

Via Videocardz

You might also like

• We've listed the best business laptops right now
• These are the best mobile workstations around
• Over half of UK businesses who replaced workers with AI regret their decision

In a rare rebuke, more than a dozen former workers of the powerful data-mining and surveillance company say the firm's work with the Trump administration violates the company's founding principles.

(Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini)

Israel's cabinet has approved plans for Gaza that include expanding the war, taking territory with the intent to keep troops there, and major shifts in the way food and aid are distributed. Our correspondent in Tel Aviv tells us what are in the plans and what they could mean for Gaza.

(Image credit: Hani Alshaer)