Here's what's making news today in tech — picked from the 10 sources I trust, translated for normal humans.
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Your old printer might stop working on Windows 11, but there’s a workaround
Microsoft added a new security feature to Windows 11 called Protected Print Mode, which can block older printers from working if they rely on third-party drivers. You or a technician can turn this setting off to get your printer running again. For Portage County: If your printer suddenly stops working after a Windows 11 update, call Bill before buying a new one, because a simple settings change may fix it.
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ASOS hacked? Customers receive threatening notification from hackers, here’s what we know
Customers of the clothing website ASOS received alarming messages from hackers claiming to have broken into the site. It is not yet confirmed exactly what information was taken or how many people are affected. For Portage County: If you have an ASOS account, change your password now and watch your email for any follow-up notices from the company.
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Google Pauses OSS Product Bug Bounty Rewards After Surge in Invalid Automated Reports
Google has paused its program that paid outside researchers to report security flaws in certain Google software, saying too many of the recent submissions were invalid and generated by automated tools. Reports about more serious supply-chain attacks are still being accepted. For Portage County: This is an internal Google policy change and does not affect how you use Google Search, Gmail, or Chrome.
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FBI Removes Accenture Contractor After Patch Failure Led to ShinyHunters Breach
A contractor working for the FBI was removed after failing to apply a security patch, which allowed a hacking group called ShinyHunters to steal personal details of thousands of FBI employees. The FBI confirmed the breach resulted from that security failure. For Portage County: This is a good reminder that keeping software updated matters, and Bill can check that your devices are current if you are unsure.
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iOS 27.2 May Let You Hide Specific Suggested Actions in Messages
Apple is testing a feature in an upcoming iPhone update that would let the Messages app suggest quick actions based on what someone says to you, such as adding an event to your calendar with one tap. You would also be able to turn off specific suggestions you do not want. For Portage County: This feature is not out yet, but when it arrives in a future iOS update, it could make texting a little easier for iPhone users.
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ClickFix Smuggles Payloads Through Browser Cache to Bypass Windows Run Limits
A new scam technique is hiding harmful software inside your web browser's storage area, disguised as an image file, so it runs without downloading anything obvious. Microsoft's security team spotted this and warned that it can slip past some normal protections. For Portage County: If a website ever tells you to copy and paste a command into your computer to fix a problem, stop and call Bill, because that is almost certainly a scam.
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I stopped handing my real email to random websites but here's what I use instead
Using a fake or temporary email address when signing up for websites keeps your real inbox free of spam and reduces the risk of your main email being exposed in a data breach. Several free services let you create these throwaway addresses that forward to your real account. For Portage County: Ask Bill about simple tools like SimpleLogin or Apple's Hide My Email if you want to stop giving your real address to every website that asks.
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Apple Announces iPhone Duo Apps Can Now Be Submitted to App Store
Apple announced that app developers can now submit apps built for the new iPhone Duo, a foldable iPhone launching October 23. Apps not updated for the new phone will still work but will show black borders on the inner screen. For Portage County: If you are curious about the iPhone Duo, know that most of your current apps will work on it, though some may not look perfect right away.
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Goodreads' most requested feature in years is here, and it's going to change how people rate books
Goodreads, the popular book-tracking website, has added half-star and quarter-star ratings so readers can be more precise when reviewing books. The site has been asked for this feature for years. For Portage County: If you use Goodreads to track your reading, you can now go back and fine-tune old ratings to better reflect how you really felt about a book.
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The Matic is the first robovac to get an FCC ban waiver, not that it needs it
The Matic robot vacuum appeared on an FCC list related to a ban on certain robot vacuums, but the company clarified the Matic was never actually banned and continues to be sold and supported normally. For Portage County: If you own a Matic or are thinking about one, there is nothing to worry about, it is not affected by any ban.
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