Google is introducing new security tools, including Recovery Contacts and Sign in with Mobile Number, to make account recovery easier and more secure, especially after hacking or device loss, as part of its broader security expansion to protect users from scams and hackers.
Samsung has officially started rolling out One UI 8 to various Galaxy devices, introducing advanced multimodal AI capabilities, personalized suggestions, and enhanced security features to improve user experience across multiple device form factors.
Samsung's upcoming One UI 8 update will introduce an 'Advanced Protection' mode, a one-click toggle that activates multiple security features like app sideloading protection, USB data access blocking, and 2G network disabling, making high-level security more accessible to all users, building on Android 16 and Google's Advanced Protection Program.
Samsung urges Galaxy users to activate new security features introduced with the One UI 7 update, including Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, Remote Lock, and Identity Check, to enhance protection against theft and unauthorized access. These features are available on recent Galaxy models and more devices will receive them soon.
Google has released Android 16, offering major upgrades including real-time lock screen app updates, enhanced security with Advanced Protection, improved hearing device compatibility, and new productivity features like windowing and customizable hotkeys, initially available on Pixel models from Pixel 6 and 7 series.
Android 16 has been officially released with major upgrades including real-time lock screen app updates, enhanced security protections, improved hearing device compatibility, and new productivity features like windowing and hotkeys, initially available on Pixel models and later on other devices.
Google has released Android 16, bringing new features like live notification updates, improved security, enhanced camera capabilities, and ecosystem enhancements to Pixel phones, with wider device availability expected soon.
Criminals are exploiting outdated technology on government-issued EBT cards to steal food aid from low-income Americans, leaving victims like Taisha Simon struggling to feed their families. The cards lack modern security features like computer chips, making them easy targets for fraud. Despite a temporary reimbursement program, many victims remain unaware or are denied compensation. Advocates urge Congress to modernize the EBT system to prevent further theft and ensure better financial security for recipients.
Samsung introduces the new midrange Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35, featuring the Knox Vault security feature to protect sensitive data and a metal frame for the A55. Both models offer 6.6-inch OLED displays, four years of Android OS updates, and five years of security patches. The A55 is powered by a newer Exynos 1480 processor and has a 12-megapixel ultrawide and 32-megapixel selfie camera, while the A35 uses the Exynos 1380 processor and has an 8-megapixel ultrawide and 13-megapixel front-facing camera. European pricing has been announced, with availability starting on March 20th, and US launch details are yet to be confirmed.
In iOS 17.3, Apple has introduced several new privacy and security features for iPhone users, including Stolen Device Protection, requiring Face ID for Private Browsing in Safari, better tracking prevention, auto-deletion of verification codes, and enhanced privacy permissions for Photos. Additionally, a new safety feature called "Check In" in Messages allows users to automatically alert friends or family when they reach a desired destination, with the ability to share useful information if no response is received.
Amazon is introducing a paywall for certain features of its Alexa Guard security service, including smoke and CO alarm detection and glass-breaking sound detection. While some features will remain free, users will need to subscribe to the new Emergency Assist service to access these additional security functions. Ring Protect Pro members who linked their Ring and Alexa accounts before September 20 will receive an Alexa Emergency Assist membership at no extra cost until October 31 next year. The introductory price for Alexa Emergency Assist is $6 per month or $59 per year, but this offer is only valid until January 8.
Apple's upcoming iOS 17 update for iPhone will introduce several important security and privacy features. These include the ability to lock private windows in Safari using Face ID, improved tracking prevention in Safari, auto-deletion of verification codes in Messages and Mail, new privacy permissions for Photos, and an automatic check-in feature in Messages that alerts contacts when the user reaches a desired destination. These features aim to enhance user security and protect personal data.
Apple has released a new video titled "Swiped" that showcases the security features available when using Apple products at work. The video follows a design team's attempt to retrieve a stolen MacBook Air before a crucial presentation, highlighting features such as Notify When Left Behind, Find My location tracking, Touch ID and Face ID, passwords and passkeys, Secure Enclave, end-to-end encryption, MDM Remote Lock and Remote Wipe, and more. The video is part of Apple's "Apple at Work" series and also features other Apple products and features.
Apple's latest ad features "The Underdogs" in a comedic race across town to recover a stolen MacBook. The team uses the Find My feature to track the laptop's journey, while the thieves attempt to sell it at pawn shops but can't unlock it. The ad showcases various Apple ecosystem and security features, although in reality, stolen laptops can be stripped for parts and confronting thieves is not recommended by the police.
Microsoft is rebranding its Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) enterprise identity service to Microsoft Entra ID by the end of the year. The name change will not affect the service's capabilities, and existing deployments and configurations will continue to work as before. Microsoft also announced the launch of two new services, Entra Internet Access and Entra Private Access, in public preview, which provide secure access to corporate resources. The transition to Microsoft Entra ID will be finalized by the end of 2023, requiring no customer action.