Archives January 2024

Schneider Electric has revealed it suffered a major ransomware attack that resulted in the disruption of certain services and the theft of confidential data. 

On January 17, the company’s Sustainability Business division was targeted by a threat actor deploying the Cactus ransomware variant, it was said. 

A new scam has been circulating on the internet in the form of a popup warning about your computer being infected with some kind of virus. The scam poses as the popular antivirus program — McAfee. Apart from making users panic about the computer being infected, it also says that the McAfee subscription has expired.
It looks legit, but it is a scam
Fox News has reported that McAfee’s popup message appears to look genuine. However, it is a scam. And, several users have reported receiving such prompts on their computers.
A user named Suzy reported “I am attempting to rid my new computer of a pesky McAfee Google Chrome Ad that keeps telling me I am infected with trojan viruses and I have an expired McAfee account with my new computer.”
What is this new McAfee popup scam?
These types of popup prompts aren’t new. These scams have been there for a while and they are usually aimed at making users panic and click on the popup and enter personal and financial information. Which is then used by scammers or dupe users. The idea is to make users act fast to renew their antivirus subscription.
The latest one is the McAfee scam in which scammers are using McAfee’s name to target users. These scams use two methods to collect information. First, it directs users to a fake website where it asks them to re-subscribe the antivirus software. Users enter the necessary details including financial information and make the payment thinking they are renewing their antivirus program. What really happens here is that the information and the payment made for the renewal go to the scammers. Also, users end up sharing their card information along with their address, etc with them.
Another method is an injection of a malicious program into the computer. So, when users click on the banner, it may inject the PC with an affected program which can compromise the system’s security. Also, hackers can use this program to gain unauthorised access to the PC and end up stealing sensitive information from it, including passwords, card information and more.
What can you do about it?
First and foremost, think whether or not you are a McAfee user or whatever antivirus program the popup message is pretending to be. If you are not a user of that particular antivirus program, then simply dismiss the notification or ignore it completely.
Don’t click on such popups
It is important to note that even authentic antivirus programs show some sort of similar notifications. If you see such a notification, instead of clicking on the popup banner, open the antivirus program on your computer and then check if your subscription has actually expired or is expiring soon. If you want to renew it, then click on the renew button from the antivirus program instead of the popup banner.
Close the web browser
Another important thing to do is close the browser. This is important because this will help you make such popups go away, in case it is stuck. Also, once you reopen the browser, avoid opening the same website again.
Clear browser cache
Sometimes, these pop-ups get stored as the cache within the browser and keep reappearing all the time. To solve this, head to the browser’s settings and clear the cache.
Remove extensions
Extensions on Chrome and other browsers are often the culprit behind such popups. Remove the extension, especially from the developer you don’t trust.

Ubisoft Massive has confirmed that Star Wars Outlaws will feature a choices and consequence system that will determine the player’s reputation within the underworld.

Speaking in a recent interview with GamesRadar+, creative director Julian Gerighty touched on the game’s reputation system. This is a central feature of the game, playing a major role in how playable protagonist and scoundrel Kay Vess is regarded among the many crime syndicates that they will encounter throughout the adventure.

A new message has been circulating via SMS that claims to offer loans at an affordable interest rate as a part of the PM scheme. The message mentions that users can get a loan using their Aadhaar card.
Here’s the message
“प्रधानमंत्री योजना आधारकार्ड लोन 2% ब्याज, 50% माफ Call 8595311955”
Pradhan Mantri Yojana Aadhar Card Loan 2% interest, 50% waiver Call 8595311955 — (translated using Google Translate).
This message is fake: PIB Fact Check
PIB Fact Check has confirmed on the microblogging platform, X, that the message circulating is fake and the government as a part of the PC Scheme is offering no such loans.
For those unaware, PIB Fact Check, as the name implies, checks for fake news and misinformation related to the Government of India.
Here’s the post
“In a fake message, it is being claimed that under the PM scheme, a loan will be given from an Aadhaar card at 2% annual interest. Please do not share such fake messages. It may also be an attempt to steal your personal information. (translated from Hindi using Microsoft Translate).
PIB Fact Check has also warned users who receive such messages that this scheme is not true and has also advised them to not share such fake messages.
Risk involved
The post also highlights the fact that this can be a scammer’s game to steal sensitive information including personal details, financial details, PAN number, etc. This can lead to stealing money from bank accounts.
What to do if you receive such a message
If you receive such a message on your phone or mail, it is best to avoid and delete the message instead of clicking on the link or calling the phone number provided. Also, the best practice is to not forward such messages to more people to help them stay away and safe from such scams.

Both Samsung and Google have come together to club the two different file-sharing solutions together on the Android platform. And, now a new report from 9to5Google suggests that Samsung is working on a new version of the Quick Share app for Windows.
If you are unaware, Quick Share (Samsung’s version) has been there on Galaxy smartphones, tablets and PCs, for a while and it has also worked on several other Windows PCs that have Intel-based Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and the app is available via Microsoft Store.
That said, Samsung has updated the Quick Share app with the new logo — the one that Samsung and Google have adopted after the merger of Nearby Share and Quick Share — for Windows devices on Microsoft Store. The same logo is also available on the newly launched Galaxy S24 series phones.
But this update is not what you think
The common perception is that the new logo should also bring the new features — the entire merger of both the file-sharing features into one single app. However, that’s not the case. Despite the new logo adaptation, Samsung hasn’t updated the app with support for Nearby Share support.
This means, users still need to download the Nearby Share app separately that’s being offered by Google.
Also, there’s no information or confirmation available about making the two work together as a part of the single app as it happens on the Galaxy S24 series smartphones. And, it is also unclear when this transition will happen.
Considering Google and Samsung have joined hands together for Android, it makes more sense that they make it compatible with Windows devices too by making Quick Share a common app available for all Windows P

Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to be unveiled soon. The model is likely to join the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro that were unveiled in October 2023. These handsets are expected to be introduced globally at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 which will be held in Barcelona from February 26 to February 29. The top-of-the-line Ultra model may be launched alongside the other Xiaomi 14 models at the same event. Several leaks and reports over the past few months have suggested several key features of the purported flagship phone. The latest leak also hints at the launch timeline as well as some camera specifications of the handset.

Tipster Fixed Focus Digital (translated from Chinese) claimed in a Weibo post that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to launch in February. The timeline coincides with the MWC 2024 event, which has historically seen big launches from various smartphone makers. It is, therefore, likely that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, expected to succeed the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, may be unveiled at a Xiaomi event during MWC 2024. The Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro models, which have only been launched in China so far, are also likely to be introduced globally at the same time. 

The tipster added that the main rear camera of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra may support a variable aperture ranging between f/1.63 and f/4.0. Earlier leaks have suggested that the phone may feature a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-900 sensor with a f/1.6 lens as part of its primary camera. The rumoured quad rear camera system of the handset has also been tipped to include a 120mm periscope telephoto shooter and a Vario-Summilux 1:1.63-2.5/12-120 aspherical (ASPH) lens.

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has also been tipped to come with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, a 6.7-inch 2K AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, and a 5,180mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging support. For security, the phone may also carry an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. Like other Xiaomi 14 handsets, the Ultra model will likely also ship with the company’s new HyperOS skin on top of Android 14.

Notably, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is equipped with a Leica-tuned quad rear camera system which includes a 50-megapixel 1-inch IMX989 primary sensor, alongside three 50-megapixel IMX858 sensors. The front camera of the handset uses a 32-megapixel sensor. 

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Microsoft has joined Spotify and Epic Games in criticising Apple‘s new rules aimed at complying with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). These rules, announced before the DMA officially takes effect in March, have drawn criticism from some developers and tech giants, with concerns mounting over potential anti-competitive practices.
Microsoft’s Xbox President, Sarah Bond, called Apple’s policy “a step in the wrong direction,” urging the company to “listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all.” Replying to a post on X— by none other than big Apple critic and rival Spotify CEO — Bond said, “We believe constructive conversations drive change and progress towards open platforms and greater competition.Apple’s new policy is a step in the wrong direction. We hope they listen to feedback on their proposed plan and work towards a more inclusive future for all.”
Notably, Apple’s new policy on App Store would require developers using third-party app stores to pay €0.50 for each annual app install exceeding a million downloads, while Apple maintains a 17% commission on in-app purchases even if alternative payment processors are used.
What Spotify, Epic Games have to say
“This is effectively a tax on innovation and competition,” said Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who has been a vocal critic of Apple’s app store dominance. He previously labeled Apple’s DMA announcement “at best vague and misleading,” arguing it doesn’t address the core issues of app store gatekeeping and unfair pricing.
Epic Games, known for its ongoing legal battle with Apple over Fortnite’s removal from the App Store, also offered a scathing assessment. CEO Tim Sweeney called the new rules “hot garbage” and a “devious new instance of Malicious Compliance,” accusing Apple of attempting to undermine the spirit of the DMA.
The DMA aims to curb the power of Big Tech companies like Apple and Google, which control the dominant app stores for mobile devices. It prohibits gatekeeping practices that hinder competition and allows developers to use alternative payment methods within apps.

Apple Watch Series 8, the successor to the latest version — Watch Series 9 — is currently selling at the lowest price. The premium smartwatch from the company was launched at a starting price of Rs 45,900. However, it is currently selling after a massive 40% discount on Flipkart.
Apple Watch Series 8: Discount details
If you were looking to buy a new Apple Watch Series 8, then this may be a good time to make that purchase as the Apple Watch Series 8, 41mm GPS version, which is usually priced at Rs 45,900, has received a flat discount of 40% on Flipkart.
The smartwatch is currently listed at Rs 24,999 after a discount of Rs 21,000 on Flipkart and there are no strings attached. It is worth noting that this is the lowest-ever price of the Watch Series 8 we’ve witnessed.
Also, note that the discount is applicable only for the Midnight colour version, GPS and 41mm version of the Watch Series 8.
In addition to the flat discount, you can also grab an additional 10% discount of up to Rs 1,500 on Canara Bank Credit Card.
Apple Watch Series 8: Features
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 8 with noteworthy upgrades, including a body temperature sensor and crash detection capabilities. The device shares the same S8 processor as its predecessors, the Series 7 and Series 6.
The addition of a body temperature sensor enhances its functionalities, particularly for cycle tracking. Moreover, the Series 8 boasts advanced motion sensors designed to detect car crashes and automatically alert emergency services. The device further enhances user experience with advanced cycle tracking, comprehensive sleep tracking with stages, and crash detection. To complement these enhancements, the Apple Watch Series 8 operates on the latest watchOS 10.

Yelp, a crowd-sourced business reviews platform, is releasing new features, and some of them is powered by, you guessed it right, artificial intelligence. This includes an AI-powered business summary, then there is a refreshed homepage and improved search experience, among 20 new features coming to the app.
The new summarisation feature uses a large language model to summarise user reviews in a short description that appears at the top of a businesse’s Yelp page.The AI-powered summaries highlight the business’s best features based on recent user feedback, including ambiance, popular dishes, amenities, and more. However, they don’t list any pros and cons cited by users. The summaries are available for restaurants, food, and nightlife industries only.
Yelp says that it has also improved its AI-powered review highlighting feature to match more queries.
Customers can now find better service professionals with a pre-issue form. To protect privacy, Yelp is now using a temporary masked number to connect to businesses and allows texting, and they can also share photos and videos to explain the service they need.
Yelp introduced the “surprise me” option in its iOS app last year, which is now being rolled out for Android devices as well. The AI summaries, overhauled search results, and the improved home feed will only be available for Android users later this year.
AI-powered features to aid businesses
A whole lot more AI is being used in the app. The app’s home feed is using AI to surface new businesses in a user’s community. The feed will show more visual content including collections from Yelp Elites and videos posted by businesses. Yelp is also bringing a new search experience to its iOS app. The search results will include popular and recent searches and “People also search for” and “Popular Dishes Nearby” carousels.
The platform is using AI to enhance its analytics and recommendations. This includes a revamped Yelp for Business homepage with detailed insights into performance, customers, and competitors and an advertising spending recommendation service. Then, the ad budgeting tool now uses neural networks to suggest advertising options that can lead to the highest ROI, taking into account business factors like rating, category, age, and region.