Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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Attackers Compile khunt Inside Oracle to Turn SQL Injection Into Windows SYSTEM Access
Hackers found a weakness in a company's Oracle database software and used it to sneak in and run commands from inside the database itself, all without leaving obvious traces on the computer. The attack was discovered by a security firm called Huntress, which is now tracking this method so others can watch for it. For Portage County: This is a business-level threat, not something on your home computer, but it's a good reminder that any software connected to the internet needs to be kept updated.
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AWS, Google, and Vercel Agent Flaws Let Attackers Trigger Tools Without Running the Model
Security researchers found flaws in AI tools from Amazon, Google, and a company called Vercel that let attackers send fake instructions directly to the tools, bypassing all safety checks. In some cases the AI model never even ran, meaning its built-in filters had no chance to catch the bad commands. For Portage County: If you use any AI assistant connected to your Amazon Echo or Google devices, make sure those devices get automatic updates turned on.
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G’day, Alexa+: Amazon's AI-upgraded smart home assistant has finally arrived in Australia — and it's fully fluent in 'Strayan
Amazon's upgraded Alexa assistant, called Alexa+, is now available in Australia after rolling out earlier in the United States. The new version uses artificial intelligence to hold more natural conversations and handle more complex requests than the older Alexa. For Portage County: If you have an Amazon Echo at home, Alexa+ is coming to the U.S. too, so watch for a software update that may change how your device responds.
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OpenAI says Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit is ‘rotten to its core’
OpenAI has asked a judge to throw out a lawsuit from Apple that accused OpenAI of stealing trade secrets, calling the claims baseless. OpenAI says Apple is misreading normal product development work as theft. For Portage County: This legal fight is between two big tech companies and won't affect how you use your iPhone or ChatGPT right now, but it's worth knowing these companies are in a serious dispute.
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FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initially refusing to review it
The FDA has approved Moderna's new flu vaccine, which uses the same mRNA technology as the COVID-19 shots. This is the first mRNA flu vaccine to receive full FDA approval in the United States. For Portage County: Ask your doctor or pharmacist this fall whether the mRNA flu shot is available and right for you, especially if you had side effects with older flu vaccines.
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Chinese-Made Zbtlink Routers Ship With Backdoor That Opens Unauthenticated Root Shells
Researchers found that at least 20 router models made by a Chinese company called Zbtlink come with a hidden backdoor built in at the factory. That backdoor automatically starts up and tries to connect to servers in China, giving outsiders potential access to your network. For Portage County: Check the brand name on your router at home, and if it says Zbtlink, call Bill to replace it with a trusted brand like one sold through Spectrum or a major retailer.
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Apple's Private Relay feature could reveal your IP address to websites and services
Security researchers found a flaw in Apple's Private Relay feature, which is supposed to hide your internet address from websites. The bug, found in Apple's browser software called WebKit, could let websites see your real IP address even when Private Relay is turned on. For Portage County: Apple is expected to fix this in an upcoming update, so make sure your iPhone or iPad installs the next software update as soon as it arrives.
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iPhone Too Bright at Night? Try This Secret Dimming Trick
Apple iPhones have a hidden setting that makes the screen dimmer than the normal brightness slider allows, which is helpful for nighttime use. You can find it by going to Settings, then Accessibility, then Zoom, and enabling a display filter. For Portage County: If your iPhone screen still feels too bright at night even at the lowest setting, try this trick to make it easier on your eyes.
This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources.
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— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH