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Becoming just the second president to be defeated and then reelected to a subsequent term, former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Harris and will be the 47th president.

(Image credit: Charly Triballeau)

In a decisive victory, Trump won every swing state that has been called so far.

• Interpol has taken down 22,000 crime-linked IP addresses
• Multiple devices, including servers, phones and laptops were seized
• The Interpol operation led to the arrest of 41 individuals globally

A global Interpol operation has shut down over 22,000 IP addresses linked to cybercrime and malicious threat actors, the agency has said.

Operation Synergia II included agencies from 95 Interpol members and seized 59 servers alongside 43 other electronic devices used in malicious activity including laptops, phones, and hard drives.

41 people were arrested as part of the operation, with a further 65 still under investigation for their participation in cyber criminal activity.

Operation Synergia II

The first Operation Synergia, which concluded in February 2024, saw 31 people arrested and 70 others investigated alongside 1,300 malicious IP addresses identified and numerous command-and-control (C2) servers operated by cyber criminals taken down.

Operation Synergia II has significantly improved on these numbers, with the main focus of the crackdown being on phishing networks, infostealing malware, and ransomware.

In China, police in Hong Kong took down 1,037 servers, with a further 291 taken offline in Macau. 21 houses were searched by authorities in Mongolia leading to one server being seized and the identification of 93 individuals with cybercriminal links.

11 devices were seized in Madagascar, and 11 individuals were identified as having links to servers used for malicious purposes. In Estonia, 80GB of data was seized from a server likely used for phishing operations and banking malware.

“The global nature of cybercrime requires a global response which is evident by the support member countries provided to Operation Synergia II,” said Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate.

“Together, we’ve not only dismantled malicious infrastructure but also prevented hundreds of thousands of potential victims from falling prey to cybercrime. INTERPOL is proud to bring together a diverse team of member countries to fight this ever-evolving threat and make our world a safer place,” Jetton concluded.

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You snooze, you lose on APYs up to 4.75%.

Apple, it seems, is all about ‘intelligence’ these days, as following on from the launch of Apple Intelligence, the company might be about to roll out a feature dubbed Battery Intelligence. But unlike Apple Intelligence’s suite of tools, this new feature will seemingly have just one job.

9to5Mac has found a framework called ‘BatteryIntelligence’ in code from the latest iOS 18.2 beta, and while the feature isn’t active in the beta, it’s reportedly designed to estimate how long it will take to charge your phone.

According to 9to5Mac, Battery Intelligence won’t just estimate the time to reach 100%, but it'll also let you choose to get an estimate for when your battery will reach 80%, and perhaps other charge levels.

It’s easy to see how this could be a useful tool – if you don’t have long to charge, you’ll be able to get an immediate indication of how fully charged your phone will be able to get in a given time. Or, if you don’t want to charge your phone above a certain level (in order to preserve battery health), but haven’t set a charging limit, you’ll know to check on it after however much time the estimate says.

We might not get it in iOS 18.2

The iPhone 16 Pro Max (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

However, as this feature isn’t currently enabled, it’s unclear whether it will actually launch as part of iOS 18.2. It might land with iOS 18.3 or beyond instead, and it’s always possible that Apple will choose not to roll this tool out at all.

Still, there’s a good chance that Battery Intelligence will launch, and since the framework for it is present in iOS 18.2 beta code, we’d think it’s likely we’ll see it sooner rather than later.

Either way, there’s plenty more to get excited about in iOS 18.2, with numerous new AI tools coming, including Image Playground, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Intelligence.

iOS 18.2 will also add improvements to the Camera Control button and the Find My feature, and it should be coming soon, with iOS 18.2 reportedly landing in early December.

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The clock is ticking on high APYs. Experts expect another rate cut at this week's Fed meeting.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the beating heart of Europe’s economy, employing around 90 million people, creating 85% of new jobs every year and adding value of more than €4 trillion. However, in a rapidly evolving business environment where the competition for customers is more intense than ever before, digital innovation is vital for these businesses to grow.

I am proud to have started my career at start-ups and so I know first-hand that when digitalization is done right, SMEs can reap enormous rewards – increasing their speed to market, making them more efficient, providing the tools required to protect their businesses from threats.

This requires access to the right technologies and support, which for many small businesses are often out of reach. Indeed, our research on SMEs has found that more than 1.2 million European businesses with less than 250 employees are yet to digitize fully, highlighting the scale of the challenge that this sector faces.

Underserved SMEs

The reality is that for years SMEs have been underserved by the technology and telecoms industries. Instead of the right solutions that match the needs of their businesses, SMEs have been offered ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions that are more suited to consumers rather than small businesses. Research by Analysys Mason from last year found that 69% of SMEs in the US switched service provider because they felt product and service options were not tailored to their needs. This is symptomatic of a landscape where larger corporates are prioritized over smaller companies - and it is not contained to North America.

Combined with additional barriers such as funding shortages, and limited time and resources that were highlighted by our survey of 3,000 businesses across 11 European countries, SMEs are left facing a series of obstacles that prevent them from unlocking the benefits that effective technological transformation of their business will bring.

That is why as an industry, we need to step up to better support SMEs in their digitalization journeys.

We need to create solutions that don’t just work for SMEs, but which are made for SMEs – for example tailored security services that match the needs of their organization, or AI tools that empower SMEs to boost their productivity and efficiency in ways that are bespoke to their business.

And we need to consider how connectivity providers can use their bigger enterprise level relationships, for example with Big Tech, to provide SMEs with the right support, giving them access to upskilling and knowledge sharing services that will guide them on their journey.

Strengthening product capabilities

We are strengthening our established product capabilities at our business and paying particular attention to making these affordable and easily accessible to SMEs, enabling them to can compete with larger enterprises and access new markets. We will do this through continued investment in new technology, deepening bespoke partnerships with the best tech companies, growing the number of digital specialists in our company, and providing managed services that are fit for SME customers.

Cyber security is an area where industry needs to level the playing field. As threats multiply and become ever more sophisticated, the onus is on connectivity providers to ensure security platforms work for businesses of all sizes.

If we can tackle the barriers that SMEs face head-on, we will empower new and emerging businesses to effectively use digital tools, fueling growth and contributions to Europe’s economy for years to come. It matters from a supply chain perspective too. The success of companies is built on their relationship with a myriad of suppliers, and it is important that they are technologically coordinated and able to learn from each other.

The potential is immense, but so too are the stakes. We must act now to ensure no small business is left behind in the digital age.

We've listed the best small business accounting 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

Arizona’s 15-week abortion ban is expected to fall once the new constitutional amendment goes into effect. But there are dozens of other laws on the books regulating abortion.

(Image credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN)

• Meta to use AI age-prediction software to spot teenagers lying about their age
• Move comes after Instagram introduced teen accounts in September
• Meta will begin moving teens automatically to its new accounts

According to a new Bloomberg report, Meta is set to use AI to predict the age of its Instagram users and automatically transfer anybody under 18 to a teen account, if it believes they are lying about their age.

In the wake of national outcry about the impact of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook on the mental health of teenagers, Meta introduced teen accounts in September. Teen accounts, for children aged 13-17, have built-in limits on who can contact them, and what content they can see. They are automatically set to hide potentially offensive comments and message requests.

Secure accounts for teenagers will only work if those under 18 volunteer to use them or are honest about their ages, which is why Meta has devised a way of enforcing the appropriate accounts. The proprietary software tool Meta has developed, called ‘adult classifier’, will come into play next year and is designed to classify users into two groups: under or over 18 years of age. According to Allison Hartnet, Meta’s director of product management for youth and social impact, the tool will scan a user's profile, what content they interact with, and their follower list to determine their age. Even innocuous “happy birthday” messages can be used to help determine a user's true age.

Busted

Meta's own research from 2019 indicates that social media apps like Instagram can be bad for the mental health of teenagers. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Since teen accounts are new and currently voluntary there’s a large user base of teens on Instagram who are using regular adult accounts. Meta plans to start moving teens who have volunteered their age information onto the new teen accounts very soon, and introducing the 'adult classifier' early next year.

The move is Meta's latest attempt to redress some of the public outcry over the effect of social media on teens. In 2021 a report published in the Wall Street Journal showed that Meta’s reports indicated that it knew Instagram was harmful to the mental health of teenagers, especially teenage girls. “We make body image issues worse for one in three teen girls,” said one slide from Meta’s own report from 2019.

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• Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be backwards compatible
• It will also support Nintendo Switch Online
• More details to come at a later date

We now know for sure that the Nintendo Switch 2, our tentative name for a Nintendo Switch successor, will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch software.

In a new post to the official Nintendo investor relations X / Twitter account, CEO Shuntaro Furukawa said that “at today's Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch.”

The post then goes on to explain that “Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well” with more details set to be “announced at a later date.”

This is Furukawa. At today's Corporate Management Policy Briefing, we announced that Nintendo Switch software will also be playable on the successor to Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch Online will be available on the successor to Nintendo Switch as well. Further information about…November 6, 2024

Rumor mill

Although quite sudden, this news won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has been following the latest rumors about the upcoming console, many of which have pointed toward backwards compatibility. Back in 2023 a Nintendo executive even hinted at the possibility that the Nintendo Switch 2 could be backwards compatible.

Backwards compatibility could be hugely important for existing Nintendo Switch owners thinking about an upgrade, as it will allow them to play some of the best Nintendo Switch games on their new system right out of the box.

Hopefully, any software played on the Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to benefit from its almost inevitably improved technical specs, with smoother frame rates and potentially improved resolutions. Just bear in mind that this is pure speculation at this time and we’ll just have to wait and see what Nintendo has in store.

The confirmation that Nintendo Switch Online will be coming to the platform is rather interesting too, suggesting that the transition between the two platforms could be quite smooth compared to be previous generations.

In case you need a recap, in May this year Nintendo confirmed that a "successor to the Nintendo Switch" will be announced, "within this fiscal year". As the Japanese fiscal year ends on March 31, 2025, there’s a strong chance that we will learn even more about the system in the coming months.

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Nebraska voters faced opposing abortion proposals on the ballot and chose to keep the state’s current law and enshrine it into the constitution.

(Image credit: Bonnie Ryan)

The proposal would guarantee abortion access until fetal viability and to protect the life of the pregnant person. It will need to pass again in 2026 to be fully approved.

(Image credit: Ronda Churchill)

It’s already illegal under federal law to cross into the United States outside of legal ports of entry. The Arizona measure would allow local police to arrest undocumented migrants.

(Image credit: Brandon Bell)

South Dakota voters rejected an abortion rights amendment to the state constitution, according to a call by the Associated Press. Anti-abortion groups called the proposal ‘too extreme.’

(Image credit: Jack Dura)

Flanked by family and staff, Trump spoke to a convention center ballroom crowd in West Palm Beach after Fox News had projected that he had won — but before the Associated Press called the race.

(Image credit: Alex Brandon)

Securing the state’s 19 electoral votes is a major victory for Trump and a major blow to Vice President Harris.

(Image credit: Evan Vucci)

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: 30-second review Specs

Capacities available: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB, 16TB 
Size: 131 x 83mm x 20.8mm 
Weight: 257g (2TB) 
Enclosure material: Tamper-proof epoxy casing 
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen 1 
Technology: AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption 
Warranty (years): 3 
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): 448MB/s read, 444MB/s write 
Software bundle: Nero BackItUp (1-year license), iStorage DriveSecurity 

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is essentially an easy way to keep all your digital data safe, whether personal or for business, albeit at a cost. The design is reminiscent of a traditional safe keypad, and the way it works isn't too far removed. Once set up with admin and user passcodes or passwords, you can be assured that the only way back into the ample 2TB of storage is with the correct codes. 

The passcode protection is at the hardware level, and iStorage has built the small drive to withstand brute force attempts to access it, both physically and through software. If someone does find a way to hack their way in, then there are options to erase all data if unauthorized access is attempted, essentially meaning that this drive offers one of the most secure data drive options out there.

When it comes to software protection, the drive is safeguarded by AES 256-bit encryption with FIPS 140-3 validation. This security is coupled with a rugged, tamper-proof casing that will help to ensure your data stays safe, although it's also worth pointing out the while this case is tough it isn't waterproof.

Reflecting the drive's security, the build and design all reflect the nature of this SSD. However, in terms of size, it's only slightly larger than other 2TB portable SSDs on the market and shares a similar USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection. This connection enables quoted data transfer speeds of up to 448MB/s, and in our benchmarking tests, the read speeds we registered weren't too far off that mark.

While speed is important, with the drive enabling access at speeds in excess of 400MB/s through our test, this is relatively slow for an SSD, however, that's more than enough for most documents you want to keep secure. With a decent 2TB of storage space, there should be ample room for a business's corporate documents and any other digital data that needs to be kept secure, and there are options for a larger capacity if your budget allows.

It may not be the best portable SSD we've tested when it comes to speeds, but whether it's for business, personal use, or as a drive you'll be taking with you but need to keep secure, the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is one of the smallest and most secure options out there.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Price & availability

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 (2TB SSD) is priced at £660. It is available directly from iStorage and includes a semi-hard protective case, USB Type-C and Type-A cables, and a 3-year warranty. The drive is available for purchase in several storage capacities.

• Score: 4/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Design & build

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The DiskAshur Pro 3's build quality and design completely reflect its intended use as a secure portable SSD. First, the drive's size, at 131 x 83mm x 20.8mm and weighing 257g, makes it ultra-portable and easy to stash in a physical safe if needed. Like other portable SSDs, its small size and weight make it easy to carry, adding little bulk or weight to any bag you might be using. The actual size of the drive is marginally larger than a standard 2.5" portable SSD, although only by a bit, due to the added protection of the case.

Aside from the slight increase in physical dimensions, the main feature that sets this drive apart is the keypad on the front, which has a standard 12-key layout with numbers 0 to 9, along with a shift and lock key. Different key combinations essentially enable you to unlock and access various functions and features.

Alongside the keys are three LED lights that let you gauge exactly what is happening and enable you to set admin and user passwords. It's a very analog approach and enables the drive to be completely independent from the need for a computer, aside from the power draw to the connected device until it's unlocked.

The only other visible physical features are the USB Type-C port on the back, which handles all data transfer, and a Kensington lock, which enables it to be physically secured to a desk with an appropriate cable.

Internally, the drive's construction ensures durability with a tamper-proof epoxy enclosure that prevents physical access, essentially if you try to break it apart the epoxy, as it's removed will inevitably damage the drive. The design also features IP56 protection, which means that drive is dust- and water-resistant, allowing it to withstand more than most.

• Design & build: 4.5/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Features

The DiskAshur Pro 3 is designed with security as its primary focus, and every feature of this compact portable SSD reflects that. Starting with the physical keypad on the front, it's designed to allow you to enter PINs ranging from 8 to 64 digits in length to gain access. Through the setup process, which is carried out using combinations of button presses, you can protect against brute force lockouts and set self-destruct PINs. You can also enable backlit illumination for the keypad to use in low-light environments. Additionally, the drive allows for different PIN setups, including admin, user, and one-time pass, offering plenty of flexibility in how the drive can be used.

The drive's physical features showcase its security credentials, which are backed by its successful evaluation and issuance of CAVP certificates, which demonstrate compliance with the latest U.S. government computer security standards for cryptographic modules. These CAVP certificates include Library—Certificate A5501, EC Library—Certificate A5502, RNG Library—Certificate A5500, and Entropy Source Certificate E198. Essentially, it meets very high-security standards, including those government accreditations. Further adding to its secure credentials, it features military-grade FIPS PUB 197 validated AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption.

In addition to the technology that protects the data, the drive itself is encased in a durable epoxy resin layer, which makes it nearly impossible to remove the drive without breaking it apart. A feature that will appeal to many is the ability to format the drive in native file formats for different systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as others. You can also configure the drive to be bootable for Linux or other operating systems. To ensure maximum compatibility, the drive comes with a USB Type-C connector, and the protective semi-hard case includes both Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A cables.

While the drive isn't built for speed, the USB Type-C connection ensures decent transfer rates, with speeds up to 448MB/s. Once set up, there are plenty of options and protections, including a brute force hack defence mechanism that allows 10 consecutive failed attempts to access the drive before all data is erased. For access, you can set up user, admin, and one-time access, with the option for a self-destruct PIN that will erase the full content of the drive if entered.

Looking at a few of the more physical features of the drive, it includes a backlit keypad that can be switched on or off as needed. The keys themselves are made from ultra-robust, wear-resistant epoxy, ensuring their longevity. It's also worth highlighting that while the drive is rugged, it isn't waterproof but is IP65 certified for dust and water resistance.

When it comes to more advanced features, the drive can be configured to be write-protected, allowing the contents to be viewed but not altered or removed. Additionally, you have three encryption options: AES-ECB 256-bit, AES-CTS 256-bit (default), and AES-CBC 256-bit.

• Features 4.5/5

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3: Performance

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings) Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark, Read: 439.46MB/s Write: 414.62MB/s
AJA, Read: 400MB/s Write: 388MB/s
ATTO, Read: 420.66MB/s Write: 397.14MB/s
AS SSD, Read: 403.14MB/s Write: 382.19MB/s 

The main feature of this drive is security, but speed is also of interest. With SSD technology and an ultrafast USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 connection, the speeds are relatively decent, though not groundbreaking. In our benchmarking tests, the drive consistently produced results around 400MB/s read and 250MB/s write. While these speeds would be restrictive for any creative use as a working drive, the fact that it offers a huge 2TB of storage means that, if you have client work that needs to be kept secure, it will still back up your content considerably faster than an HDD, even if it takes a bit longer than a standard SSD.

During testing, the drive was carried around for a week in a backpack along with other gear, though always in the protective semi-hard case included with the purchase. The combination of the case, the robust build of the drive, and the solid-state nature of the SSD meant that this test for durability was handled by the drive with ease, as was leaving it on a table during a light rain shower.

When it comes to write speeds, and considering that this is primarily a secure drive rather than one built for outright performance, transfer rates of close to 400MB/s are decent enough as a storage device and good for a bit of light HD video editing if needed. 

On a PC laptop, the drive's performance is solid with no issues. However, on a Mac, the drive can randomly disconnect. In the box, there is a set of instructions that explain how to work around this issue. While for the most part this works, with Apple Silicon and macOS Sequoia, the workaround sometimes required a restart after each time the drive was connected.

The main focus of this drive is security, and in that regard, it is impressive. While for single users the keypad access is simple (essentially functioning like a digital safe), one of the most interesting features is the ability to set up multiple users and one-time users.

This is done through a series of button presses, with confirmation provided by the three lights illuminating in different ways. You follow the instructions, wait for the lights, and proceed. Through various keystroke combinations, you can set up initial admin access, user access, and even one-time access.

This is great for businesses that need to provide sensitive data to their workforce. An IT department can set up admin and user access, and the drive can then be sent out with the content for employees to use. You can, if needed, make the content read-only, so the user can access the content but cannot update it, which is another handy feature.

Additionally, the drive allows you to program one-time access, where a PIN is created and the user can access the drive only once before the PIN becomes void and the drive locks again. It's all very secure, and as long as you take your time to follow the instructions, it's relatively easy to set up.

In terms of security, the way the drive works is quite interesting. Due to the encryption, even when connected, the drive won't do anything. You can check the attached drives, and your computer will show nothing is attach—even if you attempt to access the drive using software designed to decrypt encrypted drives, it remains invisible. Only when the correct code is entered on the keypad does the drive unlock and connect, making it incredibly secure and well beyond any software solution that we have access to.

While the drive may not be the fastest SSD on the market, at 400MB/s it's still fast enough for most tasks. So if you need to use the drive for additional storage for image or video editing, or even for running apps, it will enable you to do so.

In terms of real-world performance, the drive is impressive—fast considering its intended use and, most importantly, exceptionally secure.

• Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3?

The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is completely focused on keeping your data safe, and while the drive isn't the fastest in terms of SSD performance, it's still fast enough for most processes. The security level is impressive, and in testing with all the software we had at our disposal, including EaseUS, the drive remained locked and impenetrable. The fact that it doesn't even mount or attempt to mount before the correct code has been entered makes the usual inroads that software allows void. This truly highlights that this is an ultra-secure drive with military-grade encryption, PIN authentication, and a tamper-resistant design. Of course, this level of security comes at a cost, but if you need your files to be secure, then this is the price you'll have to pay.

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings) Buy it if...

You need ultimate security.  

The DiskAshur Pro 3 offers unmatched data protection with military-grade encryption and physical PIN authentication.

You work in sensitive industries.  

Ideal for government or corporate users handling highly sensitive data.

Don't buy it if...

You need a high-speed drive.  

While secure, the DiskAshur Pro 3 lags behind in speed compared to other SSDs.

You're on a tight budget.  

The high price tag may be overkill for casual users or basic backups.

For more storage, we reviewed the best external hard drives and best external hard drive for Mac.

Cindy Nava came to the U.S. when she was 7 years old. She says she ran for the Albuquerque-area seat to boost political representation of the state's Hispanic-majority population.

(Image credit: Morgan Lee)

Former President Donald Trump has won Georgia and its 16 electoral votes, according to a race call by the Associated Press.

(Image credit: Joe Raedle/)

Republicans have successfully flipped control of the Senate, which Democrats currently control 51-49.

(Image credit: Bonnie Cash)