Posts

How to Spot 'Living Off the Land' Computer Attacks

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I write frequently about the threat of malware and how threat actors are using it to do everything from steal personal information to fully take over users' devices or add them to botnets . These malicious programs spread through various forms of phishing, ClickFix attacks, malvertising, and even apps that have been vetted and approved by Apple and Google. However, as users (and security tools) have gotten better at identifying the signs of a malware infection and savvy enough to avoid them in the first place, some cybercriminals have changed tactics: Living Off the Land (LOTL) attacks exploit built-in system utilities and tools that may be less likely to raise red flags. How Living Off the Land attacks work As Huntress describes , LOTL refers to using local resources instead of importing new ones from outside. Rather than sneaking custom-built malware onto a user's machine, attackers exploit tools like PowerShell, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), built-in utilitie...

If You Have One of These Older Apple Devices, Update It ASAP

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If you have an older Apple device that doesn't support the most current operating system, you may not receive every security update pushed to the latest iOS—or at least not at the same time. Apple has just released a patch for older devices that addresses a handful of bugs that have already been addressed in updates to newer models. Many of these have been exploited in zero-day attacks, so if you have one of the affected devices, you should ensure these updates are installed as soon as possible. Zero-day exploits fixed with the update to older iPhones and iPads As BleepingComputer reports, the March 11 security update addresses vulnerabilities used in cyber-espionage and crypto-theft attacks. The bugs are part of the Coruna exploit kit , a spyware and surveillance package with 23 total exploits that targeted iOS releases from 13.0 to 17.2.1. Google Threat Intelligence Group researchers have observed its deployment by state-backed Russian hackers, surveillance vendors, and a ...

Microsoft Will Soon Let You Use Any Windows 11 PC Like an Xbox

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Microsoft's next-gen Xbox isn't an Xbox. Or it isn't just an Xbox, anyway: While the rumored console will undoubtedly play Xbox games, " Project Helix ," as it's codenamed, will reportedly also play PC titles. That's huge news for gamers who usually have to decide whether to buy a console for the convenience, or a PC for the potential. 'Xbox mode' lets you access games on your PC with a controller But while Project Helix is still a ways off (we won't see it until 2027, at least), Microsoft is already doubling down on merging its two major gaming platforms. As reported by PCMag , Microsoft is giving PC gamers access to the Xbox Full Screen Experience, and rebranding it "Xbox mode." Starting next month, every Windows 11 PC will be able to use Xbox mode—including laptops, desktops, and tablets. That means that at some point in April, your PC will kind of be an Xbox. And next year, the reverse will be true as well. (Well, assuming you...

You Can Get ClearVPN, an Easy, Beginner-Friendly VPN Setup, on Sale for Just $20 Right Now

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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. VPNs tend to fall into two camps: Some are packed with settings and server lists that assume you know what you’re doing, while others aim to disappear and run silently in the background. The ClearVPN Premium Plan sits firmly in the latter category, and right now, a one-year subscription is on sale for $19.99 on StackSocial , down from $119.88. The price alone makes it worth a look, but it's especially worth trying if a simplified VPN fits your internet use. ClearVPN isn't a power user’s playground. It’s built for people who want protection without fiddling with settings every time they connect. Using ClearVPN feels closer to flipping a switch than configuring a tool. You simply open the app and tap once, and the connection is live. Under the hood, it uses AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by banks and security-focused services, along w...

How I Use My iPhone's Focus Modes to Stop Getting Distracted at the Gym

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There’s a stereotype of the phone-obsessed gym rat hogging equipment while they “just sit there and scroll on their phone.” Excuse me, I am logging my sets and trimming my training videos and, um, scrolling Reddit, and yeah I kind of got sucked into TikTok somehow? And there’s a work email, crap, it could wait until after but I’m really curious what it says. Just a sec while I open it... Yeah, I’m not the only one who can get a bit distracted during a training session. You're probably doing it too. So I've always loved this tip from powerlifting coach Claire Zai about setting a “focus” on your phone for when you’re working out. How your phone can actually help you focus during a workout Your phone probably has a focus mode feature. I'll demonstrate with my iPhone, but Android has this as well. (Look for "modes" in your control panel). Create a fitness mode, and either set appropriate triggers or simply keep it available to turn ...

Google I/O 2026: How to Watch and What We Know so Far

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Google I/O 2026 is nearly upon us. This is Google's annual opportunity to showcase the software features (and perhaps some of the hardware) the company has been cooking up behind the scenes. Like other big tech keynotes, anyone can tune in live and catch Google's latest announcements as they happen. Here's when Google I/O 2026 will kick off, and what we know about the conference at this time. When and what time is Google I/O 2026? Google tends to kick off its I/O event in May of each year, and 2026 is no different. This year, Google I/O will run May 19 through May 20. If you're used to watching one single livestream, that two-day schedule might come as a surprise. But I/O isn't just an announcement: It's a developer conference, spanning keynotes, demos, and product sessions. But if you're only interested in the company's main keynote, you'll want to get May 19 on your calendar. Google hasn't announced the exact time for its presentation, but ...

These Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Are $100 Off Right Now

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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Open-ear design earbuds have been gaining in popularity, likely because active noise-cancelling tech has gotten so good that people have forgotten what the world around them sounds like and don't want to shut it out anymore. The Ultra Open Earbuds are Bose's attempt at riding the trending tech wave, and they're a pretty good option at that, earning an 8/10 from our colleagues at CNET . And at their current price of $199.99 (originally $299.99), they are also something of a steal. This is the lowest price they've yet reached, according to price-tracking tools , and they are available in seven different colors.  Bose Ultra Open ...