Latest Tech News

Stay updated with the latest in technology, AI, cybersecurity, and more

Filtered by: protection Clear Filter

Over 80% of sunscreen performed below their labelled efficacy (2020)

The use of effective sunscreen can reduce the harm caused to the skin by ultraviolet rays (UV) and slow down skin aging. The Consumer Council tested 30 models of sunscreen for daily use and over 80% of them were found to perform below their respective labelled efficacy. The measured sunscreen efficacy of 4 models were below SPF15, of which 2 were sunscreen products with very high protection i.e. labelled with SPF50+. Among the 23 models using the “PA System” which is commonly adopted by Asian co

Your Android phone will soon backup and restore some very important settings

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Your Android device will soon automatically back up and restore Theft Protection settings. Android’s Theft Protection settings include Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, Remote Lock, and more. The backup and restore feature for Theft Protection will roll out with the September Play Services update. Google has quietly introduced an update that automatically backs up and restores the Theft Protection setting on Android devices. Android’s Theft

Android 16 will soon let you know which apps use Advanced Protection features (APK teardown)

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Android 16’s Advanced Protection is getting new useful features. We’ve discovered an under-development interface that will list all the apps that are aware of Advanced Protection being turned on. Besides Google apps, the feature will also include third-party apps that can access the state of Advanced Protection. With the rollout of Android 16 earlier this year, Google introduced an “Advanced Protection” mode that enables high-security features on Andr

One universal antiviral to rule them all?

For a few dozen people in the world, the downside of living with a rare immune condition comes with a surprising superpower—the ability to fight off all viruses. Columbia immunologist Dusan Bogunovic discovered the individuals’ antiviral powers about 15 years ago, soon after he identified the genetic mutation that causes the condition. At first, the condition only seemed to increase vulnerability to some bacterial infections. But as more patients were identified, its unexpected antiviral benef

One Universal Antiviral to Rule Them All?

For a few dozen people in the world, the downside of living with a rare immune condition comes with a surprising superpower—the ability to fight off all viruses. Columbia immunologist Dusan Bogunovic discovered the individuals’ antiviral powers about 15 years ago, soon after he identified the genetic mutation that causes the condition. At first, the condition only seemed to increase vulnerability to some bacterial infections. But as more patients were identified, its unexpected antiviral benef

Fight Chat Control

You Will Be Impacted Every photo, every message, every file you send will be automatically scanned—without your consent or suspicion. This is not about catching criminals. It is mass surveillance imposed on all 450 million citizens of the European Union. 📱 Mass Surveillance Every private message, photo, and file scanned automatically: no suspicion required, no exceptions*, even encrypted communications. 🔓️ Breaking Encryption Weakening or breaking end-to-end encryption exposes everyone’s commu

The best antivirus software 2025

Antivirus software for your desktop PC, laptop, and mobile devices provides an additional layer of protection that goes beyond your operating system's default security. Today's antivirus solutions offer far more than just signature-based scans. They protect against threats such as phishing, ransomware, trojans, and worms. They may also warn you when you visit an untrusted website, when your personal details -- including passwords -- are found online due to data breaches, and when you are trying

This new Android security feature could interfere with fast charging, and here’s why

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Android 16’s upcoming USB Protection feature enhances security by defaulting new USB connections to charging-only when the device is locked. This security measure may interfere with fast charging, as many protocols require data negotiation between the phone and the charger to work. If your phone isn’t fast charging, a simple workaround is to unlock the device and then reconnect the USB cable. Of all the new features in Android 16, Advanced Protection

This handy NordVPN tool flags scam calls on Android - even before you answer

NordVPN / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET's key takeaways NordVPN can detect a scam call before you answer it. The Scam Call Protection is only for NordVPN Premium Android users. Future features include caller ID for legitimate calls and an option to report. Your phone rings, but the call is from an unknown number. Should you pick it up? It could be important. Or it could be a scam call. You're not sure what to do. Well, a new tool from the folks at NordVPN could help you decide. Scam C

Two critical Android 16 security features you're not using (but absolutely should)

JEFF PACHOUD/Getty Images Although Google's earlier-than-expected release of Android 16 was missing a few important features, the updated OS does deliver improved security that every Android user would be well-advised to enable. I'll explain these two key security features and how to find and enable them. Also: How to clear your Android phone cache (and why it greatly improves performance) 1. Identity Check This feature was added in 2024, but it didn't receive much attention until the relea

Show HN: AgentGuard – Auto-kill AI agents before they burn through your budget

🛡️ AgentGuard 🚨 The Problem Your AI agent has a bug. It makes 1000 API calls in a loop. Your $2000 credit card gets charged. This happens to developers every week: Infinite loops in AI workflows Testing with production API keys Agents that don't know when to stop One typo = hundreds of dollars gone Existing tools only tell you after the damage is done. 💡 The Solution AgentGuard automatically kills your process before it burns through your budget. // Add 2 lines to any AI project: cons

NordVPN joins the scam call fight on Android

Andy Walker / Android Authority TL;DR NordVPN has launched a Scam Call Protection feature for Android users in the US. It flags suspicious numbers using metadata, without listening to or storing call content. The feature works on any Android device with the NordVPN app and Premium plan. Scam calls aren’t slowing down and are getting smarter in many cases. While most modern smartphones already do a decent job of flagging suspicious numbers, NordVPN thinks it can do better. The company has jus

This special Mail app toggle helps protect you from sketchy emails

9to5Mac is brought to you by Incogni: Protect your personal info from prying eyes. With Incogni, you can scrub your deeply sensitive information from data brokers across the web, including people search sites. Incogni limits your phone number, address, email, SSN, and more from circulating. Fight back against unwanted data brokers with a 30-day money back guarantee. A couple years ago, Apple introduced a new feature for Apple Mail users called Mail Privacy Protection. It isn’t on by default, th

NordVPN Debuts Scam Call Protection for Android in an Effort to Help Protect You From Spam Calls

NordVPN is one of our favorite VPNs on the market, boasting blazing-fast speeds, excellent streaming service unblocking capabilities and forward-thinking privacy features. Now, NordVPN is expanding its cybersecurity offerings with scam call protection for Android users in the US. Here’s what you need to know about the service and how to enable it on your mobile device. NordVPN aims to help protect against scam calls You can easily enable NordVPN's scam call protection from within the NordVPN

The Convenience Trap: Why Seamless Banking Access Can Turn 2FA into 1FA

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the bedrock of modern digital security. Its principle is simple and powerful. As Wikipedia defines it, MFA is: an electronic authentication method in which a user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more distinct types of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism. The key phrase here is distinct types of evidence. These factors are typically categorized as something you know (a password), someth

Two new Android 16 security features protect you better - how to switch them on now

JEFF PACHOUD/Getty Images Although Google's earlier-than-expected release of Android 16 was missing a few important features, the updated OS does deliver improved security that every Android user would be well-advised to enable. I'll explain these two key security features and how to find and enable them. Also: Google quietly confirms ChromeOS-Android merger - here's what it means for you 1. Identity Check This feature was added in 2024, but it didn't receive much attention until the releas

Google reveals details on Android’s Advanced Protection for Chrome

Google is sharing more information on how Chrome operates when Android mobile users enable Advanced Protection, highlighting strong security improvements. The tech giant recently extended its Advanced Protection Program to the device level with the release of Android 16, aimed at offering a robust, holistic security posture for high-risk individuals likely to be targeted by sophisticated spyware attacks. Starting Android 16, Advanced Protection can be activated from the settings, strengthening

Samsung reveals One UI 8’s major security upgrades, coming first to Fold 7, Flip 7

Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung has announced several key security upgrades for its One UI 8 software. The company is now offering Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) to further protect user data. Knox Matrix will also automatically sign you out of your Samsung account on a connected Galaxy device in the event of a serious threat. Samsung is gearing up to launch its new foldable phones tomorrow (July 9), and we’re also expecting these devices to offer One UI 8 out of the b

Your Samsung phone will get Android 16’s powerful Advanced Protection mode in One UI 8

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung’s One UI 8 update will introduce a new “Advanced Protection” mode, a one-click toggle to easily enable multiple security features at once. This optional mode activates various safeguards, such as blocking app sideloading, preventing USB data access, and disabling 2G network connections. The feature is part of Android 16 and expands on Google’s Advanced Protection Program, making high-level security accessible to all users. Samsung phones offer

Do We Need to Wear Sunscreen Indoors? This Is What a Skin Expert Says

You know the drill -- whenever you're outside, especially during the summer, you should wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. But what about wearing sunscreen indoors? Can sunlight coming in through windows still negatively affect your skin, making SPF necessary even when you're inside your home? We reached out to a dermatologist for the answer. Do I need to wear sunscreen indoors? Yes, wearing sunscreen indoors is necessary. Even though you're sitting comfortably in your

If you’re using Android 16, you should turn on this important security feature ASAP

Joe Maring / Android Authority It’s been just about two weeks since Google launched Android 16, and for the most part, it’s an update that came and went without too much fanfare. I’ve been playing around with Android 16 on my Pixel 9a since the update was released, but it wasn’t until a few days ago that I finally enabled Advanced Protection — a new security feature tucked away in the Settings app. Advanced Protection enables a load of robust security features for your phone with the flick of

Your Android phone is getting a big security upgrade for free - here's what's new

Google / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET That smartphone in your pocket is home to your favorite apps, personal accounts, and sensitive data. That means your device should have the strongest security protection available to prevent the wrong people from stealing your money or information. Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025 For Android users, Google offers a variety of tools and technologies to defend you against scammers, malware, and other threats to your security and privacy. In a bl

This Cheap Surfshark VPN + Antivirus Bundle Feels Illegal (But It’s Not)

The new Surfshark bundle practically pays for itself. Who needs a free VPN when you can enjoy virus protection and online privacy for pennies? If you act fast, Surfshark can be yours at a ridiculously low price. When things look too good to be true, something’s always off. Not today. Explore the Surfshark bundle, save big, and enjoy your summer vacation free of viruses, prying eyes, and other online nasties for a pocket change! Grab Surfshark At 85% Off Here Surfshark 2-in-1 Bundle Explained

Updating to Android 16 gives you 2 useful security features - but you need to enable them

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Google released Android 16 a bit earlier than expected, and although it was missing some crucial features, there are key additions to the platform that go a long way to improve security. This was an important step forward, as the need for improved security grows every year. Without companies like Google, Apple, and others upping the ante on security, the mobile space would wind up the wild west of the technological landscape, with ne'er-do-wells poppi

2 clever ways Android 16 guards your security - but you need to enable them

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Google released Android 16 a bit earlier than expected, and although it was missing some crucial features, there are key additions to the platform that go a long way to improve security. This was an important step forward, as the need for improved security grows every year. Without companies like Google, Apple, and others upping the ante on security, the mobile space would wind up the wild west of the technological landscape, with ne'er-do-wells poppi

The best antivirus software of 2025

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. While most devices come with built-in antivirus software, these programs may not offer comprehensive protection. A dedicated antivirus program detects threats like phishing, ransomware, trojans, and worms. The service will also alert you when you visit suspicious websites, try to download or execute potentially malicious software, or if malware otherwise finds its way to your system. You can also perform regular scans to remove threats from your system with

Dbrand’s Killswitch is the best all-around Switch 2 case

is an editor covering deals and commerce. He joined in 2018, and served as commerce editor at Polygon until May 2025. I’ve been checking out a lot of new Switch 2 accessories recently, almost all of which were produced before the companies that made them ever touched a real Switch 2. Even a millimeter’s difference in dimensions could completely throw off a design, and some products I’ve tried lack a perfect fit. For example, Genki’s Attack Vector has problems, which the company is now reworking

Android 16 introduces Advanced Protection mode to fortify your phone against threats

From harmful apps to insecure connections, there are all kinds of risks you’re exposed to. Thankfully, Android features a range of security settings to keep your device and data protected from these threats. To take this protection even further, Google is rolling out an Advanced Protection mode with Android 16 . Today, Android 16 is coming to eligible devices, and with it, Advanced Protection mode. As Android 16 beta users are aware, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this feature, but now it

Everything you need to know about Apple’s changes to encryption in the UK

Apple today announced that it has removed its Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK. The decision comes after the UK government ordered Apple to build a worldwide backdoor into iCloud encryption. Instead of complying with that order, Apple chose to remove the feature in the UK. There’s a huge piece of nuance getting missed in a lot of the coverage of today’s announcement. Apple is not “removing end-to-end encryption” from the UK as some headlines have suggested. The company is removing the

Apple is removing iCloud end-to-encryption features from the UK after government compelled it to add backdoors

Apple is removing the option to enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud users in the United Kingdom. This feature let users fully protect their data stored in iCloud with end-to-end encryption. However, a recent UK government order forces companies like Apple to put backdoors in its encryption systems. Rather than comply and compromise Advanced Data Protection, Apple is left with no choice but to remove the feature altogether. In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple said that current users of ADP i