Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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Google is now sending out emails with discount codes for the Pixel 11
Google is emailing discount codes to some customers who may be interested in buying the new Pixel 11 phone. The codes appear to be going out through Gmail before the phone is officially available to order. For Portage County: Check your Gmail inbox, including your Spam folder, for an email from Google with a discount code if you were thinking about upgrading your Android phone.
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ShieldBreak Zero-Day PoC Claims Microsoft Defender Patch Bypass With SYSTEM Access
A security researcher has published details of a new flaw in Microsoft Defender, the built-in security software on Windows computers, that could let an attacker take full control of a PC. The flaw bypasses a patch Microsoft had already released, meaning some fixes did not fully close the door. For Portage County: Make sure your Windows computer is set to install updates automatically, and check that Microsoft Defender is turned on and up to date under Windows Security settings.
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Attackers Exploit VMware vCenter Vulnerability to Gain Persistent Remote Access
A serious flaw in VMware vCenter, software used by businesses to manage their computer networks, is now being actively attacked by hackers. The vulnerability scores a near-perfect 9.8 out of 10 for severity, and attackers can use it to run their own code on a company's servers. For Portage County: This affects business and hospital networks, not home computers, but if your doctor's office or a local business contacts you about a data breach in coming weeks, this could be why.
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Malicious LiteLLM Releases Tied to Trivy Hack May Have Exposed 2,100+ Organizations
Two tampered versions of a software tool called LiteLLM were available for download for about 40 minutes earlier this year, and they were designed to steal passwords, account keys, and other sensitive credentials from whoever installed them. A security firm says the stolen data may have touched more than 2,100 organizations before the problem was caught. For Portage County: This one hit businesses and developers, not home users directly, but it is a good reminder to be cautious about any software download and to use unique passwords for every account.
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Google sends out $150 discount codes ahead of Pixel 11 pre-orders
Google is sending $150 discount codes to some customers ahead of the Pixel 11 phone going on sale for pre-order. The codes were going out with less than a day to go before the official launch event. For Portage County: If you have a Google account and are thinking about a new Android phone, check your email for a discount code before you place any order.
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Reservoir raises $8M to make water heaters that people — and the grid — will actually want
A startup called Reservoir has built a smart water heater that predicts when you need hot water, stores energy during off-peak hours, and can detect plumbing leaks in your home. The company just raised 8 million dollars to bring the product to more homes. For Portage County: If your water heater is getting old, this kind of smart replacement could lower your electric bill and warn you about leaks before they cause damage, worth asking about when you shop.
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Sonos Ace Ultra over-ear headphones show up in FCC filing
Sonos may be getting ready to release a new pair of premium over-ear headphones called the Ace Ultra, based on a filing with the FCC. No price or release date has been confirmed yet. For Portage County: Nothing to act on yet, but if you have been eyeing Sonos headphones, it may be worth waiting a few weeks to see what the new model looks like before buying.
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Microsoft Plugs Nearly 400 Security Holes
Microsoft just released fixes for 398 security flaws in Windows and related software, including one that attackers are already using right now. Two other flaws had already been made public before the fixes arrived, giving attackers a head start. For Portage County: Open your Windows computer, go to Settings, then Windows Update, and install any waiting updates today, do not put this one off.
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Facebook is paying controversial creators to produce rage-bait content
Facebook is reportedly paying certain creators to make content designed to make people angry, sometimes called rage-bait, in order to drive more engagement on the platform. For Portage County: If something you see on Facebook makes you furious and you feel a strong urge to share it, pause and ask whether it might be designed to provoke that reaction, that moment of doubt can save you from spreading misinformation.
This digest is auto-generated daily at 6 AM ET from leading tech news sources.
Notice something off? Reply or text Bill at (330) 200-8042.
— Bill's Home Tech, Atwater, OH