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Trump's allies find signs of respite from scrutiny at the Justice Department

NPR News Headlines - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 04:00

The department dropped a case against former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, withdrew from an investigation against Rep. Andy Ogles, and moved to dismiss the case against New York Mayor Eric Adams.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik)

Categories: News

Human gene variant alters the voices of mice

NPR News Headlines - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 04:00

A new study shows that giving mice the human version of a gene changes their squeak, suggesting some of the genetic underpinnings of language.

(Image credit: anyaivanova/Getty Images)

Categories: News

Can President Trump ignore Congress' spending laws? The debate over 'impoundment'

NPR News Headlines - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 04:00

Since taking office, the Trump administration and DOGE have been seeking to unilaterally override the spending plans set by Congress. Can they do that under the U.S. Constitution?

Categories: News

Kia's promising EV4 electric saloon breaks cover – and it stays true to its concept car roots

TechRadar News - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 03:55
  • Kia promised lots with the EV4 Concept and it has delivered
  • Both a saloon and hatchback will be offered
  • Upcoming EV Day will reveal more about specification

Kia has whipped the silk sheet off its latest EV4 model ahead of an upcoming EV Day later this month, where the Korean company will lay out its plans for this, its PV5 van and a sneak peek at the concept version of the EV2 – slated to be the smallest and most affordable EV in the current line-up.

Although it was previewed more than a year ago now, the production-ready EV4 appears to have remained faithful to the original concept, and slots neatly into the ever-expanding range of electric vehicles that was debuted at the marque’s inaugural EV Day back in 2023.

A play on Kia’s ‘Tiger Face’ front end, which can be seen in the revised EV6 and the most recent EV3, while the sharp and distinctive lines of the entire family can be seen on the sides and particularly at the rear of the elongated saloon model.

However, it is predicted that the saloon or fastback will be made available for global markets, including the US, while the hatchback is predominantly for the UK and European markets.

(Image credit: Kia)

Specification is still under wraps, but we do know that it will ride on the same E-GMP platform as everything else in Kia’s EV range, so will likely be offered with a 58kWh or 81kWh battery.

That said, there is no word on the charging speeds, as EV6 and EV9 are capable of drawing power at 350kW thanks to 800V architecture, but the recent EV3 and EV5 (coming to the UK soon) manage 128kW thanks to 400V architecture.

Inside, we can expect to see the EV4 following the same sort of minimalistic approach as EV3, with a focus on comfort, roominess and plenty of space for the latest screen tech.

Analysis: Kia continues to deliver the goods

(Image credit: Kia)

By offering both saloon and hatchback versions of the EV4, Kia has bolstered its pure-electric line-up and widened its appeal.

Several SUVs of varying sizes join the sporty crossover mash-up EV6 and the forthcoming EV2 city car to deliver an electrified option to suit most needs.

It is a similar story with price, as the EV2 is rumored to compete with the recent Renault R5 E-Tech and battle it out in the £25,000 ($30,000/ AU$50,000) arena, while the range-topping EV9 seven-seat SUV tickles the £77,000 mark in the UK – $73,900 in the US.

With a solid battery range, the latest constantly-connected tech and a very clear and bold design language, Kia now offers a range of electric vehicles that is arguably better than anything it sells with a combustion engine.

Rather than sitting on the fence, the Korean marque committed to a battery-powered future and it appears to be paying off. The company reported that its all-electric sales have been growing year-on-year and in the third quarter of last year EVs accounted for 21% of the company's total sales.

There is no sign of slowing, either, as Kia has gone on record to say that its EV line-up will be 15 strong by 2027, including a new range of battery-powered commercial vehicles, while 2030 will see it hit a target of 1.6 million EV sales globally.

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Categories: Technology

Understanding the difference between assisted intelligence and artificial intelligence

TechRadar News - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 03:54

Since the term AI was first introduced in 1956, our reliance on artificial intelligence has grown immensely—much more than we ever anticipated. It’s not just a concept from futuristic sci-fi films anymore; today, nearly every sector, including highly regulated fields like finance, has embraced AI to enhance its competitive edge and boost profitability.

Companies around the globe are now integrating AI to streamline their operations, stay ahead of their competition, and solidify their positions in the market. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine any CEO ignoring the potential AI has, when used properly, to make our work lives easier, more efficient, and cost-effective. I’ll say it again: when used properly.

While AI is certainly driving growth for many businesses, it's important for us as leaders to take a moment to reflect: Are we truly leveraging what we refer to as "artificial intelligence," or are we actually dealing with "assisted intelligence"? Have we fully tapped into the capabilities of genuine "artificial intelligence"?

From my perspective, we still have a long way to go to reach that goal. Although I am not yet a believer in the full potential of AI, I am a strong advocate for assisted intelligence. For example, using machines to analyze thousands of messages in search of potential non-compliant language and behavior is a practical application of this technology. But it all starts by understanding the difference between what is assisted intelligence and what is artificial intelligence.

The Role of Assisted Intelligence in Modern Workplaces

If we really think about how “AI” has changed our daily lives - is it really doing what it says on the tin? While many of us call it "Artificial Intelligence," a more accurate term might be "Assisted Intelligence." Thanks to innovation in machine learning and natural language processing, many workplaces are changing for the better—about 75% of knowledge workers are already using AI tools to their advantage. However, the idea of AI being fully independent and capable of independent thought is still a long way off.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

Many companies are not yet ready for these types of - advanced - AI solutions. When we take the time to properly examine their primary challenges, it becomes very clear that the biggest obstacle is managing the vast amounts of data generated each day. In fact, over half of employees—around 53%—report feeling overwhelmed by this amount of data, which hinders their ability to engage in strategic thinking, or what I refer to as "meaningful work."

Here is an example: a company with 100 employees that sends out 100 messages each day generates approximately 200,000 messages each month. Even if the company implements policies to monitor just 5% of these messages, it would require a large compliance department to read through them all. Instead of relying on random sampling, companies should allow technology to analyze all messages in real-time and identify the ones that are significant. This way, compliance teams can focus on essential tasks and ensure that the company remains safe from any fines.

So, what can organizations do? They need solutions that can cut through the data clutter and offer clear, actionable insights, allowing teams to concentrate on what truly matters.

Navigating Uncertainty in AI

It’s important to recognize that AI has the potential to boost global corporate profits by up to $4.4 trillion a year. This possibility has business leaders everywhere eager and excited to incorporate AI into their operations for better efficiency and smarter decision-making.

But there’s also some hesitancy from cautious CFOs and compliance officers who want to make sure their organizations really understand the needs, benefits and risks of new technologies - especially something as unregulated as AI. Even though AI tools, especially large language models, can analyze massive datasets, their decision-making processes often aren’t transparent.

This lack of clarity can be a real challenge for compliance teams. In recent years, the amount of data they handle has increased by 10 to 15 times. While the idea of AI spotting noncompliant behavior is appealing, the industry is still figuring out how to best use AI and machine learning within compliance frameworks.

To make matters worse, the rules and regulations are constantly changing. Compliance professionals need to have accurate data to make necessary adjustments while navigating the complexities of compliance amidst ongoing changes.

Another big challenge is understanding how AI makes its decisions. Organizations frequently face questions about where their data comes from, its accuracy, and whether it’s ethically sourced, especially in tightly regulated sectors like finance, where compliance is critical.

For example, FINRA has recently shared updates regarding how regulatory standards apply to AI-generated content, reminding us that businesses are still accountable for their outputs, whether created by humans or AI.

So, what’s the takeaway? While adopting AI can be complicated, businesses should start with a clear vision. This vision needs to outline how AI can help tackle operational challenges while also highlighting growth opportunities—even as they weigh the risks of non-compliance against the potential benefits of AI.

New Year, New Possibilities

Despite the challenges that come with AI, there are plenty of opportunities for organizations ready to face these issues head-on. The good news is that as companies become more aware of their specific needs, they can use AI to pull valuable insights from their data.

In the coming year, we should expect even more exciting advancements in AI technology that will enhance its capabilities and improve user experience further. This progress will help organizations integrate these tools into their everyday workflows more effectively, giving them a competitive edge.

The real competitive edge however will be seen in those organizations that prioritize transparency and accountability in their AI strategies and will earn trust from clients, stakeholders, and regulators. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about fostering fairness and equity in how technology is used.

We've compiled a list of the best data migration tools.

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

Categories: Technology

Garmin's latest update offers a to-do list task manager app, in a swerve towards traditional smartwatch territory

TechRadar News - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 03:50
  • Garmin has released a new app called ComingUp
  • It can be used to log to-dos, deadlines and more
  • It runs in the background of your device, so may have an impact on battery life

Garmin has released a new app, ComingUp, which works as a to-do list for some of the best Garmin watches. The app comes with a QWERTY keyboard for task entry, and can talk to various task management services, including Microsoft To Do, Google Tasks, and Todoist, to ensure your tasks sync across your connected services.

Garmin has always walked the line between being some of the best fitness trackers and incorporating some of the features common on the best smartwatches. It appears the company could be preparing to tiptoe over that line.

Naturally, that extra data that's running regular syncs in the background can have an impact on battery life, but given how robust Garmin watches are in that regard we've got no major concerns.

How to get ComingUp on your Garmin (and which watches can get it)

(Image credit: Garmin)

You can find ComingUp in the ConnectIQ store here, and it's worth noting it'll need your permission to run in the background, access to your Garmin Connect profile, and the ability to send and receive data.

Garmin says it syncs in real-time, so your lists will update instantly while you're working away from your desk. As someone who loves a workout at lunch but my head is always filling with ideas for my afternoon, that could be a huge help.

Perhaps best of all are the new reminders for tasks. Getting a timely reminder of your next task being due can help users stay on target, and could be a huge help.

As for compatibility, the full list is on the app link above and it's very extensive. Most of Garmin's most popular models can access the ComingUp app, including the Garmin Fenix 8, Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Instinct 3, Garmin Venu 3 and the Garmin Forerunner range.

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Categories: Technology

PebbleHost review

TechRadar Reviews - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 03:16

PebbleHost has been around since 2017 and despite not often featuring among best Minecraft server hosting provider lists it is still a great host. It offers three different types of plan encompassing budget, premium, and extreme. Understandably, the prices vary wildly depending on what you choose here with the budget servers proving the highlight for those on a tight budget.

PebbleHost sticks to focusing on its Minecraft server hosting rather than including other games, but you can also sign up for VPS hosting or dedicated server hosting if you want more freedom. For gaming communities, there’s also Discord bot hosting. If you’re looking for the best dedicated server hosting, it could be worth checking out PebbleHost but in this review, we’ve focused on its dedicated Minecraft server hosting options. Here’s how we found the PebbleHost experience to be.

Plans and pricing

PebbleHost offers three tiers of Minecraft server plans. All its plans offer 24/7 customer support via Discord, a free MySQL database, full FTP access, unmetered storage, a free subdomain creator, unlimited slots, and global server locations. Where plans differ is in terms of the hardware involved.

The budget range uses older CPUs such as the Intel i9-9900k and Ryzen 5700X, and DDR4 memory. The premium range uses the Ryzen 7900 CPU and DDR5 memory, with the Extreme range using the same hardware but also offering dedicated CPU threads. The two pricier plans also provide a one-click Modpack installer and free automatic backups which are bordering on essential for any Minecraft server admin.

For all servers, you can use a sliding scale to increase the RAM involved, and whether you want any additional CPU threads for your server. The cheapest budget server offers just 1GB RAM but costs only $3 per quarter. A more mid-range option comes from the Premium server with 5GB RAM which is $11.25 per month. The cheapest Extreme server has 6GB of RAM and 3 threads and starts at $37.50.

PebbleHost offers a 72 hour refund policy which isn’t the longest but is fairly standard with other competitors like Shockbyte offering similar.

During the signup process, Advanced DDoS mitigation is added onto the price tag but you can unselect it. Another options include a dedicated IP, and additional MySQL databases. Whatever you decide, payment is possible via credit or debit card, Apple and Google Pay, as well as Paypal, FastSpring, and crypto currencies. Costs can ramp up (more on if it’s worth it later) but everything is laid out in a clear and obvious manner.

Ease of use

A screenshot of the PebbleHost control panel - running a low-end server. (Image credit: Future)

The sign up process with PebbleHost is straightforward and instantly offers up access with passwords for the client side of things and the control panel. During sign up, you’ve already picked what server type you want installed so that’s one step removed. All you really need to do is get the server started and operational.

On the control panel, there’s a list of options on the left hand side with easy ways to check out the file manager, set up your MySQL database, and add subusers which is great if you want to add admins or even a co-owner to your plan. The jar manager helps you switch between different versions like Paper, Vanilla, or Spigot.

For the most part, everything is clearly laid out so you won’t get confused. Opt for anything but the budget plan if you want a one click install for mod packs as well as automatic backups, and there’s even less work involved for you.

If you’ve never set up a Minecraft server before, you won’t get too confused here.

Speed and experience

Adding another user/admin to PebbleHost. (Image credit: Future)

PebbleHost offers servers located in North America (Canada), Europe, and the UK. Premium server users also have the option of a server located in Australia or Singapore, as well as the US. When signing up, keep an eye on what’s available as some server locations sell out.

I used a server based in Europe, as am I, and saw a steady 30-35 ping. There was no downtime either which is always welcome news.

How well the server operates really does depend on the plan you choose. While $3 per quarter seems like a bargain for the cheapest plan, in reality, you won’t get far with it. Even with no one active on the server, half the RAM is allocated, and once someone logs on, the CPU usage soars. It’s best to invest a little into something that actually suits your needs.

That’s even more important if you plan on installing mods or plugins (and you should). Still, even at its most basic, PebbleHost demonstrates what it offers. Just make sure you opt for a Premium plan at minimum if you want to gather together friends with no hassle. Although, bear in mind that if you opt for one of the more expensive plans, it could work out cheaper to go elsewhere.

Support

PebbleHost has two main forms of support -- a ticketing system and a Discord server. The Discord server is reasonably active and useful for quick advice from both staff and experienced users. It can also prove useful if you need advice about mods or other community elements which PebbleHost isn’t equipped to advise on.

When using the ticket system, I received a response within less than 10 minutes. It was both friendly and informative. If you’re truly stuck, you can pay $10 per month for advanced Minecraft support so someone on the PebbleHost team will setup up to 30 Forge/Fabric mods, as well as setup many other key additions for your server.

Besides direct support, PebbleHost also has a knowledgebase which is helpful and incorporates some YouTube videos. PebbleHost is also transparent with uptime with its server status page breaking down every server and part of the company’s infrastructure. At time of writing, its 7-day average uptime is a very respectable 99.992%.

Final Verdict

PebbleHost’s speciality is offering well performing Minecraft servers for those looking for something cheap or mid-range. It gets a little expensive for the most premium/Extreme options which makes your decision a little harder. When it comes to the budget price point though, it’s hard to fault PebbleHost.

I was particularly impressed with how quick and efficient support was (without being cold or unfriendly), and how straightforward the PebbleHost Control Panel is to use. The addition of a Discord server is always useful too.

The sweet spot here is going for a PebbleHost Premium server. Anything pricier is a little too expensive for all but the most high-end user, and the budget option is a little too basic and slow. Stick with the Premium server and you can have a good quality Minecraft server set up in no time. The backup of speedy support will ease any worries newbies to being a server admin may have.

Categories: Reviews

The new Potensic Atom 2 is a DJI Mini 4K-rivaling beginner drone with impressive flight features

TechRadar News - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 02:01
  • Potensic's Atom 2 is an update of the Potensic Atom drone for beginners
  • It costs $329, or $449 for the Fly More bundle (UK / Australia pricing TBC)
  • Features include 4K HDR video, 48MP stills and 10km transmission range

We reckon the Potensic Atom is the best DJI drone alternative for most novices, and now its successor has been announced – the Potensic Atom 2. It offers an array of new features without seemingly breaking new ground, but overall it's a polished upgrade, and becomes the most obvious DJI Mini 4K rival.

Headline features include gimbal-stabilized 4K video with the option for detail-rich HDR output, vertical video enhanced for social, 48MP stills, AI subject tracking, plus improved transmission range and stability of up to 10km, with Full HD / 30p live view and just 120 milliseconds latency.

With the Atom 2, Potensic has also introduced its first after-sales care service, including easy device exchanges and professional assistance, though we're not sure if this service is available with other models. This kind of customer support should provide peace of mind should you run into any issues with the Atom 2.

The Atom 2 standard bundle costs $329, while the Fly More Combo with additional batteries and charging hub costs $449 – we'll update this page when we get UK and Australia pricing. That's a small mark-up compared to the Atom, which launched at $299 / $399.

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(Image credit: Potensic) DJI's biggest drone rival (for beginners) just got better

We rate the DJI Mini 4K as the best drone for beginners, while the Mini 4 Pro is the best money-no-object option for first-time pilots. However, uncertainty remains around the prospect of a DJI drone ban in the US, and as such any viable alternative is likely to get plenty of attention. Cue the Potensic Atom 2.

On paper, the Atom 2 looks like a refined upgrade. There are no major upgrades that stand out, but the sub-250g drone appears to be refined in many areas, and certainly looks like viable DJI Mini 4K rival.

It's equipped with a 12MP 1/2-inch Sony CMOS sensor, a brighter new f/1.8 lens, together with a 48MP stills output, and a new HDR video mode. Potensic says an upcoming firmware update is on the way too, and it will introduce its first log video recording option. Log video color profiles are flat, and ensure you can get the most detail possible from your drone's hardware, although you'll need to edit them to get the look you want.

Other features include an AI Follow function which automatically tracks subjects to keep them in the center of the frame, while AI Night Mode "captures clear and vivid images" in low-light scenarios', says Potensic. There's also a Dolly Zoom mode, which Potensic "enables users to create cinematic shots with just a single tap, as well as panoramic photography capabilities that allow users to effortlessly capture expansive landscapes'.

We're not sure when the Atom 2 sales start date is, nor do we have our hands on a Potensic Atom 2 for testing yet. We'll be sure to update you on both fronts when the situation changes, and complete our expert review in due course.

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Categories: Technology

Huawei just unveiled fully waterproof IP57-rated open earbuds and I think they could be the bargain of 2025

TechRadar News - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 02:00
  • Huawei FreeArc are here, boasting IP57 dust- and water-ingress protection
  • It's Huawei's second open-ear option after FreeClip, but the firm's first 'shell' design
  • They're affordable – and there's an extra saving if you buy now

My main issue when considering open-ear earbuds? Actually, there are two things: something that will survive a particularly sweaty/rain-soaked attempt to improve my (abysmal) 5k personal best, and something that won't fall out of my ear during the aforementioned attempt.

While the all-new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 certainly claimed to have sorted the latter during their hotly-anticipated February 11 arrival announcement, their IPX4 rating won't necessarily tackle the former. Oh, and they come in at $249 / £249 / AU$399. Want something that costs just £99 – or £75 if you act fast – and offers IP57 protection, meaning you could actually drop one in the pool, leave it languishing in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes and still expect music after you've fished it out? Meet Huawei FreeArc.

Open earbuds are big in 2025 – and this set won't break (the bank)

(Image credit: Huawei)

Are the Huawei FreeArc some of the best open ear headphones I've seen? Well, I haven't had a chance to test them fully yet, but on paper there's an awful lot to celebrate, especially for this money.

The sports-focused open-ear category is growing incredibly rapidly, and I predict Huawei's done well to price them so competitively. According to Huawei, a company that boasts seven audio-specific R&D facilities (one with a wind tunnel lab capable of serving up winds of 10 meters per second for mic testing) plus over 1,000 audio engineers with more than 150 PhDs between them, open ear headphones are the fastest growing product in the audio industry, with a 600% growth rate year on year.

This is the Chinese tech specialist's second stab at going open-ear, following the December 2023 cuff-like FreeClip. But this is the first time Huawei's attempted a shell-like design that slides over your outer ear so that the drivers slip in near your ear canal, but not covering it – think Shokz OpenFit Air or Oladance. Huawei tells me its engineers worked exceptionally hard on the new "140-degree optimal Triangle Design", which marries a delicate gravitational balance and data from over 10,000 auricle curves, in something Huawei is calling a "C-bridge design". That 'C' essentially amounts to 8.3g of liquid-silicone rubber covering a 0.7mm titanium nickel wire, with a 17 x 12mm high-sensitivity driver unit at one end and a battery pack at the other (behind the ear).

Leave your phone in your gym locker

Another big selling point for me here is the dual antenna design for stability at long ranges. Although you only get SBC and AAC codec support from the Bluetooth 5.2 chipset (so no higher-resolution codecs such as LDAC or aptX) your quoted range is 100m indoors or 400m outdoors, which means you can leave your phone in your bag by the running track – or in the locker at the gym. And that's a huge bonus if, like me, you'd rather not cart your smartphone around during workouts.

There's also an AI algorithm for the dual mics, to help eliminate blustery wind and ambient noise during calls, and your battery life is a highly competitive seven hours on, or 28 with the case. Did I mention they support on-ear sliding touch gestures for volume too?

The Huawei FreeArc are available to pre-order from today (February 18) in your choice of black, gray or green. Ultimately, they'll be priced at £99.99 – but pre-order them now and you'll get £25 off until March 3, only at a Huawei Store. The full product line will be officially launched on March 4, with a launch offer of £20 off once they hit shelves, until April 1. I'm still waiting on official US and Australian prices where available, but I have to say, predict a big hit at those prices…

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Categories: Technology

Why AI is playing a growing role in helping SOC teams keep up with cyber threats

TechRadar News - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 01:50

Most security operations center (SOC) teams find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Threat actors are becoming steadily more effective, organized, and aggressive. At the same time, the average IT environment has grown twice as complex over the last five years. That can only mean we can expect these environments to become twice as dense within another five.

SOC teams therefore struggle to keep up with an overwhelming flood of alerts and prioritizing the most critical threats. This is only compounded by chronic staff shortages.

Security teams end up on the defensive, forced to react to issues rather than proactively addressing risks.

With the speed and scope of cybersecurity threats overwhelming SOC personnel, the superhuman capabilities of AI may offer one of the best chances of keeping up.

The growing burden on SOC teams

SOC teams face an unrelenting workload that highlights the imbalance between attackers and defenders. It’s always been the case that the attackers only need to succeed once, while defenders must constantly triumph to protect their operations. But the aggressors have the odds stacking in their favor with new tools and techniques, running heavily automated operations that allow them to ramp up both the quantity and quality of their attacks.

For example, AI tools are enabling cybercriminal gangs to easily create highly targeted phishing campaigns. Rather than manually trawling for information and attempting to create convincing fakes, threat actors can use AI to swiftly find out about key personnel at potential targets, or where they are hosted, and populate a list of useful elements to include.

Within moments, attackers can be armed with convincing phishing emails impersonating a CEO asking his CFO to authorize a payment, complete with little details like mentions of the upcoming company sales conference.

Even without these insidious new tactics, SOC teams would have their hands full due to the unchecked expansion of hybrid IT environments. A focus on digital growth spanning on-premises systems, cloud computing infrastructure, and mobile and IoT devices has dramatically increased the attack surface — yet Gartner estimates that only 17% of organizations can clearly identify the majority of their software assets. This makes it difficult to address vulnerabilities like misconfigurations or a lack of protections such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). Additionally, this lack of reliable inventory and overview means SOC teams are frequently overwhelmed by the volume of alerts, struggling to sift through countless notifications with already limited staff and resources.

AI as a game-changer in cybersecurity

Defending these complex environments and keeping up with threats requires security teams to match and exceed the speed and efficiency of their attackers. Gartner has predicted that companies investing in continuous threat exposure management programs can reduce breaches by two-thirds, with tools like AI-powered analytics playing a major role.

Yet while the criminal element has been quick to integrate AI into its operations, many security vendors are still reluctant. It’s a similar situation to the early days of the cloud, where there was a great deal of mistrust about its security and reliability. As a whole, security teams and vendors have spent more time thinking about AI as a threat than as a potential tool for enhancing their operations.

However, again echoing cloud uptake, end-user organizations are increasingly looking to make use of AI, regardless of the potential risks. The security industry cannot ignore AI, but instead must seek to guide its use responsibly.

AI offers a solution to many of the challenges SOC teams face by addressing visibility gaps, enhancing threat detection, and improving response efficiency.

One of the most important capabilities is the consolidation of disparate data streams from tools such as endpoint detection systems, identity management platforms, and cloud monitors. This unified approach reduces alert fatigue, providing analysts with actionable insights that improve decision-making.

Implementing AI into security workflows also automates some of the more tedious processes, allowing security teams to focus on high-priority threats. By filtering out low-risk alerts, it removes the noise that often hinders effective decision-making. AI can rapidly triage vulnerabilities, prioritizing those actively being exploited or posing the greatest risk to the organization.

Along with helping beleaguered SOC teams keep up, AI also has some powerful applications in improving proactive security. For example, combining data from across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, enables organizations to identify hidden or misconfigured assets creating vulnerabilities across their attack surface.

We have also seen impressive results in using AI to enhance the detection of zero-day vulnerabilities. AI accelerates the identification of behavioral anomalies, isolating threats before they escalate into full-scale incidents.

Addressing AI risks and challenges

While AI has huge potential to help improve cybersecurity, security vendors and SOC teams must be aware of the potential risks.

We often find that organizations fail to apply the same thoroughness to their AI models as they do to other key systems, leaving them vulnerable to misuse or exploitation. All AI tools need to be carefully vetted to assess how they interact with other systems, and any potential risks and attack vectors must be mapped out.

Further, misusing AI tools, such as by uploading sensitive data to unsecured platforms, can expose organizations to breaches. Strict use policies should be put in place so all users know the acceptable uses for any solutions.

For vendors and SOCs operating as MSSPs, it’s also important to consider potential customer reactions to AI usage. Ask anyone if they’d like a service delivered by an automated system or by human hands, and they’ll undoubtedly pick the human. So it’s critical to frame AI as a tool enhancing the skilled human personnel for the SOC team, rather than a replacement for the human touch.

With a solid implementation plan that considers all the angles, AI tools can be deployed to their full potential without introducing any unnecessary new risks.

The future of AI-powered SOCs

AI is proving to be a critical tool in helping SOC teams manage the growing complexities of cybersecurity. By enhancing visibility, automating repetitive tasks, and prioritizing critical risks, it enables teams to operate more efficiently and effectively.

As attackers increasingly use AI to enhance their methods, organizations must keep pace to remain resilient.

However, there is still no substitute for real human intelligence, and AI is most powerful when combined with human expertise, creating a collaborative approach that addresses both routine and complex challenges.

We've compiled a list of the best endpoint protection software.

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

Categories: Technology

Leonard Peltier to be released from prison following commutation in FBI killings

NPR News Headlines - Tue, 02/18/2025 - 00:15

Peltier's imprisonment has symbolized systemic injustice for Native Americans across the country who believe in his innocence.

(Image credit: Joe Ledford)

Categories: News

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Tuesday, Feb. 18

CNET News - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 23:32
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Feb. 18.
Categories: Technology

Health agencies lose staff in key areas as Trump firings set in

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 19:18

As the dust settles from the first wave of firings at health agencies, here's how many people got cut, and the impact of the roles that were lost.

(Image credit: Alex Wong)

Categories: News

A Delta Air Lines passenger jet flips upside down during turbulent landing in Toronto

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 17:18

Authorities said that there were no fatalities, but at least eight people sustained injuries when the regional jet overturned while landing at Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Monday.

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik)

Categories: News

Mexico's President Sheinbaum threatens to take legal action over the Gulf name change

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 16:08

Earlier this month, Sheinbaum shared a letter addressed to Google with reporters, arguing that the U.S. had no authority to unilaterally rename the Gulf.

(Image credit: ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)

Categories: News

Thousands of people protest in Washington, D.C., and across the U.S. on Presidents Day

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 16:06

The protestors participated in the 50501 Movement, which originated in response to the Trump administration and its efforts to cut government spending. Many chanted "Where is Congress?'"

(Image credit: Tyrone Turner)

Categories: News

Peace Talks with Russia; Mexican Street Sweeper Becomes a Star

NPR News Headlines - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 15:33

Members of the Trump Administration will meet with counterparts from Russia this week to discuss a possible peace deal with Ukraine. Notably, the Ukrainians are absent from these talks. Other European nations are also not invited, even though as a whole Europe gives Ukraine more aid money than the United States. We get updates from three NPR reporters covering various parts of the story.

And we meet a street sweeper in Mexico with a golden voice who became an overnight pop star.

Categories: News

These Are the Best Smart Devices for Amazon Alexa in 2025

CNET News - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 15:30
Control smart devices, play music, tell jokes -- Amazon Alexa can do it all and even more with these smart home devices.
Categories: Technology

Comino has workstation PCs with 8, yes 8 Nvidia RTX 5090 GPUs, for less than $60,000 - but that’s not the best news

TechRadar News - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 15:08

At least two workstation specialists have put supercharged PCs with Nvidia RTX 5090 GPUs on sale over the past few days. The most impressive of them all is the Bizon ZX5500 which packs up to seven (yes, seven) water-cooled 32GB RTX 5090 GPUs in a tall tower casing. This is the best GPU ever built and buying it through system builders seems to be the only way to avoid months-long wait.

While BizonTech's solution will probably feature in our best workstation guide, it is not as expansive as Comino’s Grando server, which has eight RTX 5090 GPUs, but the latter has yet to get a launch date (I contacted Comino for more details).

The ZX5500 doesn't come cheap at just under $102,000 with the GPUs accounting the lion share (more than 83%) of the total cost. That’s almost 3x the price of MIFCOM’s Big Boss which has seven liquid-cooled RTX 4090 GPUs.

A beefier 6Kw power supply unit plus and the cards cost an extra $85,000 compared to the same system with a pair of RTX 5080 (with 16GB VRAM each). As a reminder, the suggested retail price of the RTX 5090 is ‘just’ $2000.

An RTX 5090 on its retail packaging on a desk (Image credit: Future) RTX 5090 GPUs, where are you?

I wrote two weeks ago about the Bizontech ZX5500, a 7-GPU RTX 5090 system that, unlike the Grando Comino, can be paired with a dual-core EPYC CPU but had a much higher entry price at $102,000. Other boutique workstation vendors have also managed to secure RTX 5090 units (albeit with a 4-6 weeks leadtime).

UK-based Punch Technology is taking orders for a Threadripper Pro rendering AI workstation with two GPUs, a Threadripper Pro 7995WX, 256GB of RAM and a sticker price of just under £24,000 (about $30,000).

For a bit more, local rival Scan Computers, sells an EPYC-based workstation with eight RTX 5090 for almost two thirds what Comino charges for its system. I reached out to them on X.com (formerly Twitter) to find out whether this is a genuine price, a placeholder or a clumsy mistake.

(ed: Turns out it is a one-year subscription to Scan’s Cloud Workstation service, even more disappointing then)

Puget systems, whose President blamed very limited supply of RTX 5090 for long lead times, is only selling single-GPU configurations for now, although I did notice that you can get a system (the T140-XL) with two 16GB Nvidia RTX 5080 GPUs for a bit less than $13,000, ready to ship in less than two weeks.

Other workstation specialists that are selling RTX 5090 rigs include:

Popular workstation outfit Titan Computers, and none of the three big PC manufacturers (Dell, Lenovo and HP) have yet to release RTX 5090 workstations.

In his review of the RTX 5090, TechRadar’s John Loeffler calls it the supercar of graphics cards, and asks whether it was simply too powerful, suggesting that it is an absolute glutton for wattage.

“It's overkill”, he quips, “especially if you only want it for gaming, since monitors that can truly handle the frames this GPU can put out are likely years away.”

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Categories: Technology

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Feb. 18, #148

CNET News - Mon, 02/17/2025 - 15:00
Here are some hints — and the answers — for Connections: Sports Edition No. 148 for Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Categories: Technology

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