Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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INTERPOL Operation Jackal IV Arrests 58, Identifies 263 in Global Cyber Fraud Crackdown
INTERPOL arrested 58 people and identified 263 more suspects after an eight-month operation targeting West African cybercrime groups known for running online fraud schemes. The effort involved 22 countries working together to disrupt networks that steal money from ordinary people through scams and fake business deals. For Portage County: If you receive an unexpected email, call, or message asking you to send money or gift cards, hang up or delete it, because these are the exact scams this operation was targeting.
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The hidden iPhone setting stopping your mobile carrier from tracking your every move
Your iPhone has a setting that limits how much your cell carrier can track your location and browsing habits, but most people never know it exists. Turning it on takes only a few taps in your phone's settings under your carrier plan options. For Portage County: Ask Bill to show you where this setting is on your iPhone the next time he visits, so your carrier shares less of your personal data.
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Fake Apple Support AI Calls Target Stolen-Device Owners for Passcodes and 2FA Codes
Scammers are using AI voice technology to call iPhone owners and pretend to be Apple Support, then trick them into giving up their passcode or two-factor verification code. Once they have those, they can unlock a stolen iPhone and access everything on it, including banking apps and personal photos. For Portage County: Apple will never call you out of the blue asking for your passcode or a verification code, so hang up immediately if that happens.
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SpaceX is building a $100 billion 'Starbase' launch site in Louisiana
SpaceX announced plans to build a massive $100 billion launch facility it is calling Starbase in Louisiana. The company described it as a spaceport unlike anything built before. For Portage County: This does not affect your daily tech use, but it is a good reminder that space travel is becoming a private business, not just a government project.
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Newly SLEEPWALKER Backdoor Waits for One Crafted Packet, Then Runs Its Own Bytecode
A newly discovered piece of malware called SLEEPWALKER hides quietly on a Windows computer and does nothing until it receives a special signal over the internet, then it runs hidden commands. Researchers say it is designed to be very hard to detect because it stays completely still until activated. For Portage County: Keep your Windows computer set to install updates automatically, because Microsoft's security patches are one of the best defenses against threats like this.
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What is the ‘Android Pulse’ app that just appeared in Google Play Store updates? [U]
Google quietly pushed an app called Android Pulse to some Android phones through the Play Store, and many users had no idea what it was or why it appeared. Google has not fully explained the app's purpose, which caused confusion among Android users who spotted it in their update list. For Portage County: If you see an unfamiliar app appear on your Android phone, do not delete it right away, but do call Bill to find out whether it is safe before opening it.
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BenQ's New iScreenBar is a Monitor Light Bar Made for the iMac
BenQ released a new desk light bar called the iScreenBar, designed specifically to sit on top of an iMac without blocking the camera or microphone. It uses aluminum to match the iMac's look and includes a touch panel and a Mac app to control brightness and color. For Portage County: If you use an iMac and want better desk lighting without the clutter of a separate lamp, this is worth a look the next time you are shopping for accessories.
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WhatsApp Adds Security Measures to Help Prevent Accounts From Being Hacked
WhatsApp added stronger two-step verification and now lets users store more than one passkey to protect their accounts from being taken over by hackers. These changes make it harder for someone to break into your WhatsApp even if they know your phone number. For Portage County: If you use WhatsApp to stay in touch with family, go into the app's settings and make sure two-step verification is turned on, it only takes a minute.
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