Here's how to take in more of the video game hit starring Pedro Pascal.

Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 uses DLSS confirms CD Projekt RED Nvidia's machine learning upscaler is used in both docked and handheld modes. News by Richard Leadbetter Technology Editor, Digital Foundry Published on April 20, 2025 One of the most ambitious titles lined up for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, CD Projekt RED's Cyberpunk 2077 has been showcased via work-in-progress code seen at the console's launch tour. Digital Foundry had the chance to go hands-on at the recent London event and while our initial impressions are on the record, many questions remained unanswered. Is the port using Nvidia DLSS? CDPR has now confirmed that the answer is yes, making this the first known title to use the machine learning-based upscaling technology. "We're using a version of DLSS available for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, powered by Nvidia's Tensor cores," the firm told us. "The game utilises DLSS in all four modes: in handheld and docked, and the performance and quality variations of each." DLSS has been viewed as a 'magic bullet' of sorts in the run-up to the Switch 2's unveiling. In a world where developers are pushing visual technology to the next level, running games at full native res with consistent performance becomes unviable, so rendering at lower rendering resolutions is commonplace, with upscalers used to produce the final output image. These upscalers can range from basic bilinear scaling to more advanced techniques, like TAA upscaling - where information from prior frames is fed into the current one to improve detail. DLSS is a form of TAA upscaling, but with a twist - by feeding the lower resolution frame along with history from prior frames and other data, such as motion vectors - a neural network is then used to reconstruct the image. As the Switch 2's GPU includes machine learning tensor cores, there's no reason why any DLSS technology couldn't come to the Nintendo hybrid - the caveat being that there's still a computational cost to using it. We discuss Cyberpunk 2077 on Nintendo Switch 2 - and a whole lot more - in the new DF Direct Weekly.Watch on YouTube 0:00:00 Introduction 0:02:39 News 1: Next-gen portable PlayStation allegedly detailed 0:20:16 News 2: Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 uses DLSS! 0:31:30 News 3: Switch 2 docked VRR support in question 0:39:18 News 4: Alex explains Nvidia’s GDC 2025 presentations 0:56:50 News 5: Star Wars Outlaws looks questionable on Switch 2 1:04:49 News 6: Mario Kart World Direct impressions! 1:11:11 Supporter Q1: What would a potential Switch Pro have looked like? 1:15:57 Supporter Q2: What is the Switch 2’s true GPU performance, absent “flopflation”? 1:23:23 Supporter Q3: Should Indiana Jones use more ray tracing features on PS5 Pro? 1:27:51 Supporter Q4: What could the NPU in the Z2 Extreme do for gaming? 1:31:54 Supporter Q5: Could the PlayStation Portal connect to the upcoming PlayStation handheld? CD Projekt RED also confirmed that the current target for the Switch 2 version of the game is to offer different graphics modes - a quality and performance toggle for the handheld and docked versions. When connected to a TV, there's the choice of a 30fps quality mode and a 40fps performance mode. The latter would presumably operate only with the TV in 120Hz mode - a new frame for every three display refreshes, up against the 30fps quality mode which delivers a new frame for every other refresh. With consistent performance, both should look smooth, with the 40fps mode sitting between 30fps and 60fps in terms of fluidity. Both modes are using 1080p as the output resolution with dynamic resolution scaling in effect in combination with DLSS. The handheld mode - as things stand - is slightly different. Necessarily so as system performance is lower. In this scenario, the quality mode is still outputting a 1080p image with DLSS and dynamic resolution scaling, again targeting 30fps. The performance mode sees the output resolution drop to 720p, with the handheld screen in 120Hz mode and 40fps as the target. In terms of input resolutions, our initial pixel counts from the very, very short snippet of footage seen in the Nintendo Direct delivered readings from 540p to 1080p - and the fact we could pixel count it at all made us doubt whether DLSS was in play at all. CD Projekt RED has also confirmed that "scaling can range from 2x and up per axis", so depending on GPU load, the DLSS upscaler will be fed with anything from 540p to 1080p in the 30fps quality modes and the docked 40fps performance mode. For the handheld iteration of the performance mode, the 2x and up scaling would suggest DRS between 360p and 720p, depending on GPU load. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. DLSS compatibility had been mentioned by Nintendo and Nvidia in previous PR, but its use in Cyberpunk 2077 (and in both handheld and docked configurations, no less) is our first confirmation of the technology being used in a launch title. However, we are seeing a slightly different utilisation of DLSS compared to PC. There, it's typically the case that post-processing elements are rendered at the same output resolution. So, if you're outputting 1080p from a 540p image, there are still components of the image that should be rendered at full 1080p. It may be the case that Cyberpunk 2077 is still rendering those post-processed components at input resolution instead, which may explain why we're able to see obvious stair-stepping edges that make pixel-counting possible. As you'll see in the DF Direct posted today, it does look to be the older convolutional neural network version of DLSS that's being used - not Nvidia's freshly minted DLSS 4.0 transformer model. In our hands-on with Cyberpunk 2077 at the Switch 2 London event, our impression was that CDPR's work-in-progress code was recognisably Cyberpunk, but we encountered many situations where it appeared both CPU and GPU were over-taxed resulting in some lurching drops to performance. However, the code was seven weeks old at that point with a good deal of development time remaining until the Switch 2 launch on June 5. We view Cyberpunk 2077 as something of a benchmark game - and can't wait to see final code on the new Nintendo console.

Just like a fresh bouquet, the best floral bed sheets are an extension of your home decor—only they’re beautiful and bound to last for a lifetime with the right care. Instead of covering mattresses with a basic pair of sheets, floral bedding is a dream for sleepers who want to bring the beauty of the great outdoors into their bedrooms. But even if you’re not into pastel colors and wildflower-inspired prints, floral bed sheets come in tons of styles that are incredibly versatile no matter your design preference.We rounded up the best floral sheets from our go-to bedding brands that speak to everything from breezy coastal design to whimsical cottagecore styles. Plus, our tried-and-true picks are designed for easy care with durable, machine washable materials like percale and linen, backed by Oeko-Tex certifications to guarantee high-quality fabrics for your bedding. Here, find all of our favorite bedding in full bloom.Our Top Picks for the Best Floral Bed Sheets:For the Traditionalist: Petite Plum Luxe Premium Cotton Bed Sheets, $154The Budget Pick: Ruvanti 100% Cotton Sheet Set, $37For a Coastal Bedroom: Serena & Lily Hydrangea Percale Sheet Set, $398A Muted Set: Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet Set, $289Best Cottagecore Bedding: Lulu & Georgia Fransen Linen Cotton Sheet Set, $288Classic Floral Bed Sheets: Legends Hotel Peyton Premium Smooth Sateen Bed Sheet Set, $244To streamline our list, all prices shown reflect queen-size picks.Photo: Nashia BakerPetite Plume Luxe Premium Cotton Bed Sheets“I usually stick with sheets in solid colors, but the timeless toile print caught my eye and evoked an elegant aesthetic I wanted to try for my sleep setup,” senior commerce editor Nashia Baker says of these percale sheets from Petite Plume, adding that “the botanical print is like something out of a painting.” While we think this classic floral print would be a great fit in a traditional bedroom style, Baker says these are great for hot sleepers thanks to their crisp and breathable feel.RUVANTI Sheet SetDon’t overlook Amazon sheets for your next bedding refresh. This budget pick comes backed with over 7,000 five-star reviews and a 200 thread count—and at under $40, it won’t break the bank. We’re fans of the neutral hue for a more understated bedroom. Bonus: The crisp percale material will leave your bed wrinkle-free.Serena & Lily Hydrangea Percale Sheet SetIf you ask us, the best coastal bedding is like a breath of fresh air: Soothing oceanic hues and breezy materials are all essential parts of this design ethos. Even though we’re drawn to lived-in linens for this relaxed aesthetic, cotton percale is just as good—especially in the summertime when you’re craving the crisp comfort of cooling sheets. These are super smooth with picture-perfect petite hydrangeas like the ones you’d admire on a sunny day.Boll & Branch Signature Hemmed Sheet SetIf pastels just aren’t your thing, these Boll & Branch sheets come in muted tones that can fit just about any design aesthetic. Aside from its look—which resembles a lush garden—the wrinkle-resistant material is comfortable to sink into night after night. “Boll & Branch claims that these cotton sateen sheets are buttery soft, and I definitely agree,” says commerce director Rachel Fletcher. “That extra-soft feel paired with the lovely, cooling properties of the sheets make them feel like the luxury sheets that they are.”Lulu and Georgia Fransen Linen Cotton Sheet SetTake a walk on the wild(flower) side without compromising the refined look of your bedroom with this sheet set. The natural blend between the cotton and linen fibers give it a classic feel, while the pops of florals throughout offer up a playful touch. Pair with a neutral quilt if you want to quiet it down further.Legends Hotel Peyton Bed Sheet SetThese sateen sheets will bring the bounty of the garden into your bedroom. Here you’ll find full-stem flowers speckled in golds and greens like they were plucked straight out of a greenhouse. What’s more, the bedding is made of 400 thread count fabric that’s designed to feel soft and buttery to the touch. This set comes with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases all in the same print, and if you want to go full-blown florals across the board, you can also add the matching duvet cover to your order.Piglet Mix & Match Linen BundlePiglet in Bed is one of our favorite cottagecore brands, thanks to its gingham designs fit for a countryside-style home, but we’re especially fond of its latest dainty floral pattern. While the price is a little on the steeper side, senior digital design editor Zoë Sessums says this linen sheet set is well-worth the investment: “The quality is unmatched and I predict I’ll use these for as long as they’ll last (seemingly incredibly long!). You really get what you pay for, so I would say these are A+++ sheets.”LoveShackFancy Ikat Meadow Floral Pink Sheet SetWhat does LoveShackFancy founder Rebecca Hessel’s townhouse and her Pottery Barn collection have in common? Whimsical floral bedding. While we think these playful ruffled sheets are perfect for a kid’s room, the meadow-inspired design and pastel pink hues are versatile enough for a romantic, Parisian-style bedroom like in Hessel’s NYC home.Coco & Wolf Betsy Lavender Single Fitted SheetA roundup on the best floral bedding is hardly complete without a classic “ditzy” print. Liberty is famous for its eclectic collections filled with this pattern, ranging from maximalist multi-color to minimalist neutral sheets.California Design Den Sheet SetAnother favorite sheet set on Amazon, commerce editor Audrey Lee says California Designs has “five-star hotel-level luxurious” sheets. The best selling set gets rave reviews—over 60,000 with five stars, FYI—for its plush feel and color quality. In other words, it’s a win-win situation when you shop these adorable soft floral sheets. If all that wasn’t enough, this set also comes with a deep pocket design to cover an extra-thick mattress.Rifle Paper Co. Climbing Vines Border Bed Sheet SetFor those who just want to dip their toes into the floral landscape before diving headfirst, this minimalist set is a great place to start. Reminiscent of the vining flowers you’d find in a Napa Valley cottage garden, these sheets have a hand-painted embroidered border for a subtle splash of color.

100,000 Americans Exposed As Auto Giant Warns Customers’ Names, Contact Details, Credit Card Information, Social Security Numbers Leaked in Data Breach A car rental giant says sensitive customer data has been exposed in a cybersecurity incident involving one of its vendors. In a notice posted on its website, Hertz says that its vendor, Cleo Communications US, witnessed a zero-day vulnerability exploit late last year that enabled thieves to siphon customer data. Notifications on various state government websites show at least 100,000 people are affected. Hertz says the data breach exposed customer information, including names, contact details, credit card records and driver’s license numbers. Hertz also says that a “very small number of individuals” had their Social Security numbers, passport records, Medicare or Medicaid IDs and entries related to vehicular accident claims exposed as well. “On February 10th, 2025, we confirmed that Hertz data was acquired by an unauthorized third party that we understand exploited zero-day vulnerabilities within Cleo’s platform in October 2024 and December 2024. Hertz immediately began analyzing the data to determine the scope of the event and to identify individuals whose personal information may have been impacted.” Hertz says it uses Cleo as a file transfer platform for “limited purposes,” and that the vendor immediately took steps to address the security gaps. Hertz has not disclosed how many of its customers were affected by the data breach. The firm also sent letters to its customers to disclose the security incident while offering free identity monitoring services to individuals whose records were stolen. “While Hertz is not aware of any misuse of personal information for fraudulent purposes in connection with the event, we encourage potentially impacted individuals, as a best practice, to remain vigilant to the possibility of fraud or errors by reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports for any unauthorized activity and reporting any such activity.” Follow us on X, Facebook and Telegram Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action Surf The Daily Hodl Mix &nbsp Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube809k Australian developer Winterwire Games has revealed that its deep sea puzzle platformer Power Sink will be launching on the Nintendo Switch on 22nd May 2025 for $14.99 USD / $22.95 AUD / £12.79 / €14,79. We must admit that when we first caught the trailer above, we immediately thought it looked like a cute platforming take on Bioshock. Naturally, there are no Plasmids or Splicers hanging about, but the main character almost certainly looks similar to the Big Daddy. Of course, it's got nothing to do with Bioshock really, and instead has you solve logic-based puzzles across six biomes as you descend deeper into the ocean. You need to leap over platforms as you work to reroute power through decaying systems, all while chatting with your fellow 'Tidekeepers' via voice comms. Here's a look at the key features: - Logic-Based Circuitry Puzzles - Every puzzle is a circuit waiting to be solved. Switch connections, complete pathways, and restore power by interacting with different components in clever ways. The deeper you go, the trickier the puzzles become. - Classic Platforming - Run, jump, and navigate the submerged ruins with fluid, satisfying movement, balancing precision platforming with puzzle-solving. - Six Diverse Underwater Biomes - From faded steel corridors to glowing depths alive with energy, various biomes guide your descent. The station’s architecture grows more intricate, its colors more vibrant, and the surrounding marine life more varied as you restore power and uncover its secrets. - A Descent into Mystery - Your mission begins where the power failed. Fellow Tidekeepers instruct and guide you, their voices familiar in the depths. The station’s story begins with a blackout and ends with a choice only you can make. - Atmospheric Soundtrack - The station comes alive with creaks, groans, and echoes of the deep, accompanied by an atmospheric, handcrafted soundtrack designed to pull you further into the abyss. Images: Winterwire Games What are your thoughts on this one? Do you think you'll pick it up? Let us know with a comment in the usual place.

With the first week of Meta’s antitrust trial behind us, documents shared by the U.S Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offered more insight into Meta’s internal struggles to keep Facebook relevant. In emails from 2022, Meta executives mulled different visions for Facebook’s future to boost its success, acknowledging that its cultural relevance was decreasing.  Fast-forward to 2025, and Meta is still grappling with this issue. Mark Zuckerberg said during the company’s Q4 earnings call in January that the company wants to restore Facebook’s cultural relevance this year with a return to “OG Facebook.” Part of its solution for this problem is the recent launch of a revamped Friends tab.  In a series of messages from April 2022, which were shared as evidence during the trial, Zuckerberg discussed concerns about Facebook’s “Friends” structure and format being outdated as every other major platform focused on “Following.” He considered ditching the Friends format and even suggested deleting everyone’s Facebook friends and having them start again. Some of the highlights from Mark Zuckerberg’s emails are below. Concerns around Facebook losing cultural relevance “I want to make sure we have a unique vision for the FB app that can lead to sustainable growth over time. Even though the FB app’s engagement is steady in many places, it feels like its cultural relevance is decreasing quickly and I worry that this may be a leading indicator of future health issues. Even if IG and WA do well, I don’t see a path for our company to succeed in the way we need if FB falters, so we need to get this right.” “My theory is that we need to refresh the graph structure of FB in order for it to gain cultural relevance and a better long term path.” “I think we need to find a strategy that doesn’t leave one service picking up the scraps the other service leaves behind or having either service artificially or unreasonably constrain itself. Right now IG is doing well on cultural relevance and FB isn’t, so I’m more focused on figuring out a reasonable path for FB longer term.” Worrying that Facebook’s “friending” structure is outdated “The FB app owns the concept of friending, so if there were a way to freshen this up and make it a more relevant part of life in the 2020s then this could be a good path.” “Friending feels out of vogue right now for at least a few reasons. First, a lot of people’s friend graphs are stale and not filled with the people they want to hear from or connect with. Second, it feels heavyweight to request someone new as a friend, which makes it hard to rectify the first issue. Most of the time when I meet someone or become interested in someone I just want to follow them first but not ask anything of them. Third, and related, “It feels to me like the FB app’s position in cultural relevance is deeply tied to the friend graph structure as opposed to other organizing principles — for example, IG/Twitter-style follow graphs, TikTok-style pure algorithmic approach, Groups/Reddit-style communities, etc.” Proposed solutions “Every other modern social network is built on following rather than friending, so its seems possible that the FB app is just outdated because it never adopted this fundamental innovation. The way to rectify this would be to fully adopt following. If we wanted to do this, I don’t think that simply supporting following for public accounts would be sufficient. I think we’d have to switch from friending to following on private accounts as well (even though this would work similarly for those accounts) and we’d probably want to get rid of the concept of liking pages as well.” “One potentially crazy idea is to consider wiping everyone’s graphs and having them start again. This obviously carries the risk that if we did that then a lot of people just wouldn’t rebuild their graphs or would become less engaged, so if we wanted to consider this we’d have to build out an experiment and test it in a smaller country to make sure it led to a positive result. I think we’d need to do something relatively extreme like this to move the needle though and I don’t think small things like spring cleaning flows would move the needle.”

The Melnikov House | © Ksenia Smirnova, Flickr User Situated in the Krivoarbatsky Lane of Moscow, the Melnikov House is a solitary icon of personal vision within the collectivist backdrop of early Soviet architecture. Designed and built between 1927 and 1929 by architect Konstantin Melnikov as his private residence and studio, the house is one of the few surviving examples of privately commissioned residential architecture during Stalinist rule. It was realized when the Constructivist movement was shaping the Soviet architectural agenda, yet the house’s singularity lies precisely in how it transcends that framework. The Melnikov House Technical Information Architects1-4: Konstantin Melnikov Location: Krivoarbatsky Lane, Moscow, Russia Area: 200 m2 | 2,150 Sq. Ft. Project Year: 1927 – 1929 Photographs: Flickr Users, See Caption Details This house is the precise architectural formula of my soul. – Konstantin Melnikov 5 The Melnikov House Photographs © Doctor Casino, Flickr User © Doctor Casino, Flickr User © Ksenia Smirnova, Flickr User © Paulkuz © Roberto Conte, Flickr User © Ksenia Smirnova, Flickr User © Ksenia Smirnova, Flickr User © Igor Palmin, Flickr User © Roberto Conte, Flickr User © Shakko Context and Vision: A Radical Home in Revolutionary Times Melnikov, trained as a painter and later became a prominent architect, conceived the house as an expression of spatial experimentation and personal autonomy. It was a manifesto—a rebellion against the emerging rigidity of state-sanctioned architectural production. Although often associated with Constructivism, Melnikov was not beholden to its principles. His approach blended geometric rationalism with a deeply intuitive understanding of space, resulting in a design that resists categorization. The house was both a retreat and a laboratory, embodying a resistance to ideological conformity and offering an alternative path for the architect’s role in society. At the core of the Melnikov House is its striking formal composition: two intersecting cylinders measuring roughly 9 meters in diameter and standing three stories tall. This bold geometrical decision was not merely formal—it was a strategic response to the structural and spatial challenges Melnikov faced, particularly the narrow plot and limited access to building materials. The cylindrical volumes allowed for optimal structural stability using traditional brickwork, distributing loads evenly without needing internal columns. Within this cylindrical envelope, the spatial organization is non-orthogonal and dynamic. Rooms are stacked in a loosely spiral arrangement, connected without corridors, fostering a continuous flow of movement and visual permeability. The spatial sequence resists traditional zoning, allowing for fluid transitions between domestic and studio functions. This adaptability was crucial for Melnikov, who lived and worked in the house for decades, and reflects his understanding of space as something lived, not merely drawn. The house’s fenestration further reinforces its architectural language. Sixty hexagonal windows punctuate the walls in a precise yet playful grid, diffusing natural light throughout the interiors and generating a rhythmic dialogue between interior and exterior. These openings are not aligned with interior walls or floors; instead, they hover in a pattern that seems independent of the structure’s internal logic, offering a form of visual liberation that echoes the house’s conceptual independence. The Melnikov House: Materiality and Construction Innovation While the design is formally avant-garde, the construction techniques employed in the Melnikov House were grounded in the limitations of the time. The cylinders were built using conventional hand-laid bricks, with no reinforcement from steel or concrete. This was both a necessity and a deliberate choice—Melnikov trusted the structural integrity of the cylindrical geometry to carry the loads, and his design proved remarkably effective. The interior materials are modest: exposed brick walls, wood flooring, and minimal ornamentation. Yet within this simplicity lies a sophisticated understanding of material expression. The white-painted brick surfaces create a luminous backdrop for shifting daylight, while the custom-designed furniture—also by Melnikov—emphasizes the total integration of architecture and life. Every element within the house, from spiral stairs to folding beds, was conceived as part of a cohesive spatial narrative. This integration of design and function underscores Melnikov’s broader architectural ideology. He did not separate architecture from living; the house exemplifies this unity. Rather than a neutral backdrop, the architecture participates in daily life, asserting its presence without overwhelming the occupant. Interpretation, and Contemporary Relevance The Melnikov House is more than an architectural curiosity; it is a case study in resistance, autonomy, and the architect’s role as both maker and thinker. Its reception has been complex. Initially celebrated in Western Europe and the United States for its formal innovation, the house fell obscured during Stalin’s reign, when Socialist Realism overtook avant-garde experimentation. Domestically, it was viewed with skepticism—an individualistic statement in a system increasingly intolerant of deviation. The house has been restored and preserved as a cultural heritage site in recent decades, though not without controversy. Conservationists and scholars have debated how to protect a structure that defies conventional architectural norms. Its preservation raises questions about authenticity, intervention, and the responsibility of institutions to maintain not just buildings, but the ideas they embody. For contemporary architects, the Melnikov House offers a rare example of architecture unmediated by institutional or commercial constraints. It demonstrates how geometric clarity, spatial inventiveness, and ideological resistance can coalesce into a deeply personal yet universally significant work. The house remains a touchstone for those exploring the edges of domesticity, authorship, and the politics of space. The Melnikov House Plans Plans | © Konstantin Melnikov Stair Section | © Konstantin Melnikov Axonometric View | © Konstantin Melnikov The Melnikov House Image Gallery About Konstantin Melnikov Konstantin Melnikov (1890–1974) was a pioneering Russian architect and painter known for his radical, individualistic approach during the Soviet avant-garde era. Although often associated with Constructivism, Melnikov charted an independent path that blended geometric innovation with deeply personal spatial concepts. His most renowned work, the Melnikov House in Moscow, exemplifies his unique vision, merging architectural experimentation with rejecting ideological conformity. Despite political suppression in later years, his legacy remains a cornerstone of 20th-century architectural discourse. Credits and Additional Notes Design Team: Konstantin Melnikov (sole author) Client: Konstantin Melnikov (self-commissioned) Number of Floors: 3 stories Current Status: Preserved as a museum and cultural heritage site (Melnikov House Museum, operated by the Shchusev State Museum of Architecture) Konstantin Melnikov and his House by Fritz Barth The Melnikov House, Moscow (1927 – 1929): Konstantin Melnikov by Juhani Pallasmaa

close Don’t be so quick to click that Google calendar invite. It could be a hacker’s trap Cybercriminals are sending fake meeting invitations that seem legitimate. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to steal your data. As people become more aware of common threats like phishing links, fake websites, fraudulent emails and impersonation scams, attackers are becoming more creative in their approach.One of the newer methods they are using involves targeting USB flash drives. It may seem surprising that they would focus on something as simple as a flash drive, but the data it holds can be valuable. Plus, flash drives can be used to spread malware to other devices.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS — SIGN UP FOR KURT’S THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW A person plugging in a USB flash drive to a laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Why target USB flash drives?USB drives are ubiquitous in workplaces, especially in environments with air-gapped systems or restricted internet access, such as those in government and energy sectors. This makes them an easy target for data theft and malware propagation. Often, these drives store sensitive files that are not available on networked systems. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?When infected, USB drives can spread malware not just within a single organization but also across multiple entities if shared. These attacks don’t rely on network vulnerabilities, allowing them to bypass traditional security tools.  USB Flash drive plugged into a laptop  (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How hackers are targeting your USB drivesAs reported by Kaspersky's Securelist, a cybersecurity research platform, hackers are using USB drives to spread malware in ways that can easily bypass traditional security systems. One group, known as GOFFEE, kicks off its attacks with targeted phishing emails. These emails often carry infected RAR files or Office documents with harmful macros. Once opened, they install sneaky programs like PowerModul and PowerTaskel on the victim’s system.These tools don’t just sit around. They lay the groundwork for more attacks. PowerModul, in particular, plays a big role. It’s a PowerShell script introduced in 2024 that talks to a command-and-control (C2) server. From there, it can download and run other tools, including two especially dangerous ones, FlashFileGrabber and USB Worm.FlashFileGrabber is made to steal data from USB drives. It can either save stolen files locally or send them back to the hacker's server. Then there’s USB Worm, which infects any USB drive it finds with PowerModul, turning that drive into a tool for spreading malware to other systems.What makes this method effective is that USB drives are often shared between people and offices. That physical movement allows the malware to spread even without an internet connection. The malware hides original files on the USB and replaces them with malicious scripts disguised as normal-looking shortcuts. When someone clicks one of these, they unknowingly trigger the infection.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Illustration of a hacker at work  (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)4 practical ways to stay safe from USB-targeted attacks1. Don’t plug in unknown USB drives: It might sound obvious, but this is one of the most common ways malware spreads. If you find a USB drive lying around or someone gives you one you weren’t expecting, avoid plugging it into your system. Attackers often rely on human curiosity to get the malware onto your machine.2. Be extra cautious with email attachments: GOFFEE’s campaigns often begin with phishing emails carrying malicious RAR files or Office documents with macros. Always double-check the sender’s address and never open unexpected attachments, especially if they ask you to "enable macros" or come from unknown contacts. When in doubt, confirm through a different channel.3. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and use strong antivirus software: Many attacks like GOFFEE’s start with emails that look legitimate but contain malicious links. These links might lead you to fake login pages or silently download malware that sets the stage for USB-targeting tools like PowerModul.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.4. Scan USB drives before use: The USB Worm infects USB drives by hiding original files and planting malicious scripts disguised as shortcuts, which trigger PowerModul when clicked. FlashFileGrabber also steals files silently from USBs, often going unnoticed. Always scan USB drives with updated antivirus software before opening any files. Use a reputable security tool to check for hidden scripts, unusual shortcuts or unexpected executables. If files appear renamed or hidden, don’t click them until verified safe. Kurt’s key takeawayCybercriminals thrive where convenience meets oversight. However, it’s worth considering why USBs remain such a soft target. They’re not just storage but a cultural artifact of workplaces, especially in high-stakes sectors like energy or government, where offline data transfer feels safer than the cloud. But that trust is a blind spot. Attackers like GOFFEE don’t need zero days because they can exploit human habits such as sharing drives, skipping scans and clicking without thinking.How often do you plug in a USB drive without scanning it first? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactCLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

This Gmail attack bypasses Google’s own security checks.

Forward-looking: Western Digital has launched a large-scale hard disk drive recycling initiative in partnership with Microsoft, Critical Materials Recycling, and PedalPoint Recycling. The program, called the Advanced Recycling and Rare Earth Material Capture Program, aims to tackle a longstanding problem in the tech industry: the loss of valuable rare earth elements and other critical materials when data center drives reach the end of their lifecycle and are typically destroyed, generating significant e-waste. Although solid-state drives have become the standard for personal computers, mechanical hard drives remain the backbone of data centers worldwide. When these drives are retired, they are often shredded for data security, and their components – ranging from aluminum and steel to rare earth magnets – frequently end up in landfills. The environmental cost is further compounded by the fact that mining new rare earth elements such as dysprosium, neodymium, and praseodymium is highly energy-intensive and produces substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Adding to the challenge, China, which dominates global rare earth material production, has recently imposed export restrictions on several key materials, threatening the supply chain for US technology companies. Western Digital's program aims to reclaim critical materials domestically. The process begins with collecting end-of-life drives from Microsoft's US data centers, which are then shredded and sorted by PedalPoint Recycling. The extracted magnets and steel are sent to CMR, where an acid-free dissolution recycling technology recovers rare earth elements. This copper salt-based process selectively leaches out rare earth oxides with remarkable purity (up to 99.5 percent) while avoiding the harsh chemicals that can damage rare earths and other valuable metals like aluminum. The pilot program has already diverted approximately 47,000 pounds of hard drives, SSDs, and mounting caddies from landfills or less effective recycling streams. According to Western Digital, the process has recovered over 90 percent of the rare earth elements and about 80 percent of all shredded material by mass. The environmental benefits are substantial. A life cycle analysis cited in Western Digital's whitepaper estimates that the new process generates 95 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional mining and refining methods. By keeping the entire rare earth oxide production process within the United States, the initiative also reduces transportation emissions and strengthens the resilience of the domestic supply chain. // Related Stories Microsoft, which provided the initial batch of drives for the program, sees this as a crucial step toward a more circular economy in tech. "HDDs are vital to our data center infrastructure, and advancing a circular supply chain is a core focus for Microsoft," said Chuck Graham, the company's corporate vice president for cloud sourcing, supply chain, sustainability, and security. "This pilot program has shown that a sustainable and economically viable end-of-life management for HDDs is achievable." The technology behind the recycling process was originally developed at the Critical Materials Innovation Hub at Ames National Laboratory and has been scaled from lab to demonstration in just eight years. The potential impact of this program is vast. According to the Financial Times, there were 23,000 data centers housing 70 million servers in 2022 – each containing multiple hard drives that typically last only three to five years. Meanwhile, global e-waste is projected to reach 75 million tons by 2030. "Western Digital is currently expanding the HDD rare earth material capture program based on the successful pilot with Microsoft," Jackie Jung, WD's VP of global operations strategy and corporate sustainability, told Tom's Hardware. "This program is now in development with a number of our hyperscale customers."