The cyber security community has reacted positively to Googles 4 November announcement that it will begin to enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) for millions of Google Cloud users worldwide during 2025, with the move being described as a significant step forward in securing the wider digital ecosystem.The enhanced policies, announced earlier this week by Google Cloud vice-president of engineering Mayank Upadhyay, will see mandatory MFA rolled out to every user who currently signs in with just a password.We will be implementing mandatory MFA for Google Cloud in a phased approach that will roll out to all users worldwide during 2025. To ensure a smooth transition, Google Cloud will provide advance notification to enterprises and users along the way to help plan MFA deployments, said Upadhyay.Weve been strong advocates for our MFA system for over a decade, and were here to help you with this important security upgrade. At Google, we understand that you need flexibility and control when implementing new security measures. Thats why were rolling out mandatory MFA in phases, he added.The first phase, beginning this month, will see Google begin to target unprotected users with more reminders and information on MFA in their Google Cloud Console, specifically targeting the 30% of service users not already enrolled. This guidance will push organisations towards raising awareness and planning for MFA, as well as providing advice on testing processes and enablement.From early 2025, Google will begin to require MFA for all new and existing users who sign in with a password, with notifications and guidance on this appearing throughout the Google Cloud Console, Firebase Console, gCloud, and other platforms. Those that wish to continue to use these tools will have no option but to enrol in MFA at this time.Finally, by this time next year, MFA requirements will have been extended to all users who federate authentication into Google Cloud. There will be a number of options available to meet this requirement organisations may choose to enable MFA with their primary identity provider prior to accessing Google Cloud, and work is ongoing to ensure there are standards and procedures in place to make this easier. Or users may wish to add extra layers of MFA through their Google accounts, if they prefer to use Googles own system.Introducing mandatory MFA for cloud services is very much an idea whose time has come, and Google is not the only cloud giant to be making such moves earlier in 2024,Microsoft announced it was introducing such a policy in the wake of a number of high-profile cyber attacks involving its users, and it has been in force across Azure since the beginning of October.Meanwhile, open source community giant GitHub, which brought in compulsory MFA for select developers and projects in 2023, said it has seen an opt-in rate of 95% across code contributors who received the MFA requirement, and a 54% uplift in MFA adoption among all active contributors to projects that it hosts.Mike Britton, CIO atAbnormal Security, said Googles move was long overdue: [MFA]I believe that software vendors should provideMFA and other core security services like SSO to their customers as part of their standard baseline offering. We shouldnt be monetising basic security capabilities and features in our product unless those features are cost prohibitive to provide without additional subscription fees, which is often not the case.Patrick Tiquet, vice-president of security and compliance atKeeper Security,The multi-step plan, starting with console reminders and advancing to full enforcement, prioritises user adoption and minimises operational disruption with gradual transition to ease users intoMFA paving the way for smoother implementation and stronger compliance.However, organisations usingGoogleCloudwill also need to plan for implementation within their workforce. Employee training about the importance ofMFAwill be critical and tools like a password manager can facilitate adoption by securely storing and fillingMFAcodes.Anna Collard, senior vice-president of content strategy and evangelist at security training specialistKnowBe4, also praised Googles new policy, but said that MFA alone was no silver bullet.Effective security relies on a layered defence approach that combines multiple strategies to protect assets and data. Not allMFAquality is equal either, for example phishing-resistantMFA, such as those enabled by FIDO are a much better option than text-based or push-basedMFA, she said.Read more about MFA and identityThe Security Think Tank considers best practices in identity and access management and how can they be deployed to enable IT departments to combat cyber-attacks, phishing attacks and ransomware.Not every MFA technique is effective in combating phishing attacks. Enterprises need to consider new approaches to protect end users from fraudulent emails.Traditional MFA provides benefits but tests users patience. Explore how invisible MFA can make it easier to access resources and reduce MFA fatigue.

anystock - stock.adobe.comNewsGartner Symposium: Time to get rid of the dead woodIT architecture complexity is set to increase in a way that means IT departments are juggling multicloud and legacy environmentsByCliff Saran,Managing EditorPublished: 07 Nov 2024 16:05 The idea of lifting and shifting workloads into the public cloud is never going to deliver a good return on investment. Instead, according to analyst firm Gartner, IT leaders need to focus on consolidating applications. In particular, CIOs need to get rid of the old wood, Philip Dawson, a research vice-president at Gartner said in a podcast interview with Computer Weekly.Dawson, who presented a session called The Future of Infrastructure Is Distributed and Hybrid at the Gartner Symposium in Barcelona, said cloud management of IT infrastructure is key. He said this becomes increasingly important as IT leaders choose to keep or rehost elements of their enterprise IT platforms on-premise.As IT becomes more complex, Dawson urged IT leaders to rationalise or retire applications. Get rid of your dead wood and only modernise the stuff you really need to modernise, he said. If it has high IT complexity and low business value, get rid of it. You dont need that cost. Download this podcast This also applies in the cloud, where applications have been moved to public cloud infrastructure without first being optimised to take advantage of the elastic compute and platform capabilities available from public cloud providers.A distributed hybrid infrastructure incorporates cloud-native infrastructure principles, such as programmability, elasticity, modularity and resiliency, and can be deployed and managed in any location the customer chooses, including on-premise, at the colocation, at the edge or in the public cloud. For Dawson, this means having a single control plane that can manage the system in any location.Dawson said modernising and refactoring applications is far easier to do on-premise than in a cloud environment.His presentation identified the main companies offering on-premise to cloud capabilities as IBM, with IBM Cloud; Nutanix, with its Cloud Platforms and Cloud Clusters offerings; and VMware, which includes a number of cloud products such as Azure VMware Solution, Google Cloud VMware Engine and VMware Cloud on Amazon Web Services (AWS).A company like Red Hat, which IBM acquired in 2018, is pitching its OpenShift platform as an environment for virtual machines and containers. Dawson regards the tactic Red Hat has adopted with OpenShift as being focused on customers looking for application modernisation. But such platforms only deliver tangible benefits when applications are refactored. As Dawson points out, moving a workload from a virtual machine into a fat container is never going to deliver the efficiencies IT wants to achieve. Moving to containerisation requires a big refactoring of applications, he said.Even if there is an ambition to containerise 30% to 40% of new applications, Dawson said: Youve also got to think that theres two-thirds of stuff that need to be modernised such as legacy Java.net and other legacy environments.This means IT departments will end up with a heterogeneous IT environment comprising some private cloud, some public cloud and some cloud-native environments, along with business application clouds. On top of this, datacentre equipment providers are selling equipment on a pay-per-use basis, with the ability to extend this into their own cloud or to public cloud providers. In addition, the likes of Alibaba, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google, Oracle and TencentCloud offer public cloud to on-premise capabilities.As Dawson points out: You not only have multicloud heterogeneity, but multiple platforms plugging into common infrastructure. Comparisons not only of the infrastructure, not just the platform itself, but the software sitting on top as well.This is the reason he recommends that IT leaders look closely at which applications to refactor, which ones should be moved to the cloud, and then identify applications that should eventually be discontinued.Read more from the Gartner SymposiumFor some CIOs, there is only a 48% chance their digital business initiatives will succeed, but collaborating with non-IT functions can increase success rates.We report on how a deal between ServiceNow and Rimini Street may offer IT leaders an alternative route to enterprise AI.The keynote presentation on the second day of the Barcelona conference examined whether artificial intelligence should be more intelligent than humans.In The Current Issue:Data bill will boost NHS and police access to data, says governmentDell CTO: Enterprise AI poised to take off in 2025Download Current IssueAppercept founder: Bringing Delphi into the AWS cloud era CW Developer NetworkWhat to expect from NTT R&D Forum 2024 CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

ProtonMost everyone uses a cloud service. While some of us use those services daily, others use them sporadically, and others don't even realize they're using one. In the end, it's about keeping your files safe and accessible from anywhere.Also:Proton VPN review (2024): A very solid VPN with robust leak protectionOne cloud storage service that you may only now be hearing about is Proton Drive. The big thing about Proton Drive is that it takes security very seriously. The end-to-end security of Proton Drive is impressive.For example, large files are separated into 4 MB chunks, with each chunk signed with a hash to prevent removal or reordering. When a file is opened, the file transfer and decryption algorithms ensure the file is rebuilt quickly in the correct order. This process keeps those larger files safe from anyone who isn't you.But is Proton Drive simple to use? Yes. It does vary from Google Drive in a few important ways but almost immediately after logging in, you'll know what you're doing. Even so, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the service.1. You can migrate your files and folders from Google DriveThere's a tool, called Google Takeout that allows you to download everything from Drive. To use it, you simply open the site in your default browser, uncheck everything but Google Drive, click "Next Step," choose the file types to export (as well as the frequency and destination), and then export. Once you've exported, you can then upload those folders and files to Proton Drive. You will want to unzip the file before you upload it to Proton because it doesn't have the ability to unpack the zipped file. In fact, you can't even upload a .zip file to Proton Drive.2. It doesn't do spreadsheetsThe first thing you need to know going into this is that while Proton Drive does have an outstanding cloud storage system, it's limited in the apps it offers.Also: This lightweight Linux distro is the best way to revive your old computerFor instance, you'll find the ability to create documents but not spreadsheets or presentations. Even if you upload a spreadsheet to your Proton Drive, there is no way to open it or even preview it. There's no indication that Proton Drive will be adding spreadsheets or presentations into the mix, so you need to understand that going in. If you only deal with documents, Proton Drive will serve you well.3. Start with the right folder hierarchyJust like when you first started with Google Drive, One Drive, or iCloud, Proton Drive is a blank slate at first. It might be tempting to upload a ton of files to your Drive, but before you do that, I would highly recommend you start off on the right foot by creating specific folders to house your data.Depending on your needs, you could create main folders by year, by subject, by client, or just about anything. What's important is that you begin your journey with Proton Drive with a modicum of organization.I've had to deal with plenty of instances where someone has jumped into a cloud storage service haphazardly and wound up with a mess on their hands. Chaos and cloud storage are not good bedfellows, so make sure you start by creating some base folders to house your data.4. Get to know the UIProton has done a pretty good job of mimicking Google Drive. The first time you log in, you should feel fairly at home. There are, however, some differences. For example, there is a bit of redundancy in the UI. If you select a file, a new toolbar automatically appears in the upper right corner where you can preview the file, open the file in Docs, download the file, share the file, move the file, rename the file, view information about the file, and delete the file.Also:Proton has a plan to boost your online privacy. And your friend can benefit, tooThose same features can be found in the file drop-down menu that appears when you click the three-dot button at the bottom right of the file's tile. Then, there's the app menu at the top right corner of the left sidebar, where you can access the other apps in the Proton ecosystem (Mail, Calendar, VPN, Pass, and Wallet). The Proton Drive UI should be easy for most to navigate.5. Don't let the Docs interface scare you offWhen you create your first document in Proton Docs, you might think it's missing some things. For example, there are no rulers or borders in documents, just what looks like a floating toolbar with your formatting elements.If you click the file name drop-down in the upper left corner, you'll find another menu that includes tools like printing, word count, version history, download file (as .docx, .html, .txt, markdown, and PDF), and more. Ultimately, the Proton Docs UI is fairly minimal so nothing gets in the way of you getting things written. Personally, I like the Proton Drive docs UI, but then again, I prefer a minimal interface so things don't get too cluttered.6. Its editing tools are limitedAt the moment, Proton Docs has a limited set of editing tools. For instance, you can add comments to a document but there are no track changes. There's a version history tool but you have to know how to access it. Even though there's access to version history from within the document, that point of access doesn't work. To use version history, you have to access it from the file drop-down within Proton Drive.Also: The Thunderbird email client finally landed on Android, and it was worth the waitThe good news is that that version history tool is really good and even allows you to open different versions by the minute. For example, if you modified a file at 8:17 am but need to reverse it to the 8:16 version, you can do that. Although it would be nice to have track changes added into the mix, the version history tool does help smooth that missing piece over.If you're looking to move to Proton Drive, know that the journey will not be all that challenging. It's important, however, to know what you're getting into before you start; otherwise, you might find Proton Drive lacking some of the features you depend on or the UI a bit too sparse.Featured

While Black Friday doesn't officially begin until later this month, the biggest retailers and carriers have already begun discounting the latest phones, tablets, smartwatches, and more. Among the carriers is Verizon, which stands out for its extensive network coverage in the US, as well as perks for new and existing customers. As a bonus, you'll also see promotions at the Big Red that bundle streaming services, data and family plans, and more.Also: The best Black Friday deals available nowThe Verizon deals below will save you a significant amount of money on some of the best devices we've tested and recommend at ZDNET. You'll also find the breakdown of the fine print for each offer, so you know exactly what the requisites are, as well as what products qualify. Stay tuned, as the list will be constantly updated as new deals appear on Black Friday.Our favorite Verizon deals for Black Friday 2024Apple iPhone 16 Pro, iPad 10th Gen, and Apple Watch Series 10: Free (save $1,900 at Verizon): The carrier is bundling the latest iPhone, 10.9-inch iPad, and Apple Watch Series 10 for free when you trade in any phone, enroll in an Unlimited Ultimate plan, and add service plans for the iPad and watch.Apple iPhone 16 Pro: Free (save $1,000 at Verizon): One of thebest phoneswe've tested so far can be had when you open a new line on an Unlimited Ultimate plan -- no trade-in required.Apple iPhone 16: Free (save $830 at Verizon): The carrier will credit you the cost of Apple's base-model iPhone when you open a new line and are under an Unlimited Ultimate plan.Google Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Free (save $1,550 at Verizon): With an eligible trade-in, Unlimited Ultimate plan, and service coverage for the watch and tablet, Verizon will cover the bundled expenses of all three devices.12 months of Netflix and Max with an eligible Home Internet plan: Free (save $203 at Verizon): When you activate an eligible Verizon Home Internet plan (5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig, or Fios 2 Gig), the carrier will include a year's worth of Netflix and Max service.Apple AirTag 4-pack: $75 (save $25 at Verizon): One of the best Bluetooth trackers we've tested at ZDNET, you can grab a four-pack for you and/or your family ahead of Black Friday.Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: $165 (save $85 at Verizon): Verizon will heavily discount the flagship wireless earbuds when you buy an eligibleSamsung phone, including recent S and Z series models, tablet, or smartwatch.Soundcore Space One headphones: $80 (save $20 at Verizon): A great pair of noise-canceling headphones that won't break the bank, you can pick up the Space One by Soundcore for 20% off at Verizon. Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: FreeOriginal price: $1,900In order to qualify for Verizon's most eye-catching "on us" offer, you'll have to enroll in a 36-month installment plan (which credits you back the cost of the iPhone every month), trade in any phone in any condition, enroll in an Unlimited Ultimate plan and activate service plans for the iPad and Apple Watch. That's to say, you're not necessarily getting the three devices for free, but they do come at a significant discount with the underlying cellular services you're paying for.Review: Apple iPhone 16 Pro View now at Verizon Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: FreeOriginal price: $1,100While the iPhone 15 Pro Max is now a year older, it's still one of the best iPhones on the market and supports the highly-advertised Apple Intelligence features. But what sets this deal apart from the rest is the easier qualification, with Verizon opening it up to both Unlimited Ultimate and Unlimited Plus users, and no trade-in device required.Review: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max View now at Verizon Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $80Original price: $100If you're an Apple user, the AirTag is an essential accessory for tracking and finding various items, including wallets, keys, backpacks, and more. With a four-pack, you can spread the trackers across your everyday items or even gift one or two to close family and friends.Review: Apple AirTag View now at Verizon Kerry Wan/ZDNET Current price: $165Original price: $250The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are some of the best-sounding earbuds we've tested at ZDNET, with an improved active noise cancellation this year and a more comfortable, stemmed design. When you buy an eligible Samsung phone, including recent S and Z series models, tablet, or smartwatch at Verizon, the carrier will discount the Galaxy Buds by $85.Review: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro View now at Verizon Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $80Original price: $100While the Soundcore Space One headphones won't beat a pair of flagship Sony or Bose in sound and comfort, they also cost significantly less, with a sale price of $80 ahead of Black Friday. For the money, you're getting a stellar pair of over-ear headphones with ample cushioning in the ears, noise-cancellation capabilities, and a stylish design.Review: Soundcore Space One View now at Verizon Best Black Friday Verizon streaming deals12 months of Netflix and Max with an eligible Home Internet plan: Free (save $203 at Verizon): When you activate an eligible Verizon Home Internet plan (5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig, or Fios 2 Gig), the carrier will include a year's worth of Netflix and Max service. 12 months of Netflix Premium when you buy NFL+ Premium: $99 (save $275 at Verizon): When you buy one year of NFL+ Premium ($99 value), Verizon will include a year's worth of Netflix Premium membership ($275 value).6 months of AMC+: Free (save $54 at Verizon): For new AMC+ customers, Verizon will cover six months of the subscription and then charge $9 per month afterward, which you can cancel at any time.FAQsWhen is Black Friday?Black Friday takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. However, expect retailers to begin early discounts and sales weeks before.When is Cyber Monday?Cyber Monday is happening on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, following Black Friday.Are Verizon deals really better on Black Friday?Yes, phones are often cheaper on Black Friday, matching (if not beating) the level of discount you'd find during any other major shopping event. This is partly because Black Friday happens months after most manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Apple have launched new devices. With the amount of time that has passed, you'll often see the more recent phones discounted by a good amount at this time. What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?While Black Friday's online presence has risen exponentially over the past decade, Cyber Monday was the original "online only" commerce event. Still, you'll find deals in-store and online for both occasions. In some cases, retailers will list new deals during Cyber Monday, especially for products or inventory that didn't sell as much during Black Friday a few days earlier.How did we choose these Black Friday deals?ZDNET chooses Black Friday deals based on the percentage of discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how significant the discount is compared to pricing history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product.We also look at deals from a wider scope, considering better alternatives, unique use cases, stock, and existing customer reviews on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a decent amount of money while giving you a truly worthwhile product.Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?There's no beating in-person shopping that begins on the eve of Black Friday, and carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Best Buy have made it a point to reward those who do. However, you can still find similar discounts online -- and with a higher chance of securing a product before it's snatched by someone else.Besides big-box retailers, most carriers and e-commerce brands will also host some form of Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotion; simply visit your preferred destinations and see what's available. It won't hurt to try.What are the best Black Friday 2024 deals?ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category:You can also find the best Black Friday deals by price:And the best Black Friday deals by retailer:Top holiday deals

LAS VEGAS, NV - March 5: Jon Jones meets with the media following his win over Cyril Gane at ... [+] T-Mobile Arena for UFC 285 -Jones vs Gane : Event on March 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV, United States.(Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesUnless Jon Jones is bluffing or he loses to Stipe Miocic on November 16 in the main event of UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden, Tom Aspinall will be the interim champion for a long time.Jones spoke with longtime combat sports reporter Kevin Iole on Thursday and made it clear that he has no plans to fight Aspinall after Miocic, assuming he wins. Iole asked Jones if he would defend his belt against Aspinall."More than likely not," Jones said. "I feel like Tom Aspinall is, I don't want to say nobody, but he just hasn't proven anything. He hasn't done anything. I understand he won his belt against Sergei, and Sergei just got slaughtered by someone else, so it's like, I'm not here to gamble someone else making a name off of me. I'm here to compete against the guys where when we look back, you know, 10 years from now, you'll be like, 'Jon Jones fought this guy and that guy, this legend, and that champion and this champion,'"You can see the entire question and answer in the post below from Championship Rounds.If the first part of Jones answer wasnt enough to make Aspinalls blood boil, the last section likely landed even harder. Jones said that if there were a fighter on the current roster who made sense for him to fight, it would be UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.The two men are almost the same age, and Pereira has elevated himself to legendary status.Were both 37 years old, Jones said. Right now, I weigh about 235. Im an incredibly light heavyweight. I think Pereira walks around at 240. I think that fight would go much farther on my legacy than a young man whos cool today, and may be gone tomorrow. I remember a time when the whole world thought Johnny Walker was going to be the guy to beat me. No disrespect to Johnny Walker, but we have all seen how his career has played out. Ive just been here too long to get all excited about someone who is hot today. Im here for legacy. Ive been gambling way too long just to take random fights.MORE FOR YOUIn many ways, Jones approach toward Aspinall is not much different than Terence Crawfords handling of the Jaron Boots Ennis challenge. Crawford could fight Boots, but the two men are at different points in their careers.Crawford and Jones want to take on legacy fights that bring a sizable payday in exchange for their efforts. Both men are looking closely at their professional mortality and measuring each of what they know is their final steps in their respective combat sports. Like Crawford, who has chased a fight with Canelo Alvarez, Jones isnt ducking all the smoke.He wants a fight with Pereira, which isnt the easiest assignment on paper. Its also likely a bigger commercial fight for the UFC. If it takes place at heavyweight, Pereira can make history by becoming the only three-division champion. If Pereira loses, hes still the champion at 205 poundsunless he falls to Magomed Ankalaev before he gets to the superfight with Jones.Because of the plausibility of the Jones-Pereira clash, the money that can be made from it, and the sway the former may have at this stage of his career, Aspinall may have to accept that hell never get the opportunity to face and defeat the man hes been chasing for nearly a year.

Daniel Cormier (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesLoyalty is everything for Khabib Nurmagomedov, and it rubs off on the people closest to him.The UFC Hall-of-Famer and former lightweight champion has forged a strong relationship with fellow HOFer and former two-division champion Daniel Cormier.Because of the bond between the two all-time greats, Nurmagomedov keeps his distance from Cormiers biggest rival, Jon Jones. Nurmagomedov told the media that Jones could not be his friend because Cormier was in conflict with him.Cormier has learned to do the same with Nurmagomedovs most bitter foe, Conor McGregor.Cormier addressed the situation in a recent video on his YouTube channel.I dont try to request McGregor for interviews, Cormier said as he addressed Nurmagomedovs recent comments towards Jones and explained the depth of their friendship. I dont think that I would get him, but Im just saying its not a request I make every time Im there. But this is like, par for the course for these dudes. Because honestly, Khabibs not just a teammate. Hes family. And theyre like that with everyone and they feel like if someones in conflict, especially at the level that Jones and I were in conflict, theyre very stern in the side they pick. And its kind of refreshing because most people arent like that guys. Theyre just not, especially us, as Americans. So, watching that, that wasnt crazy for me. Dude, he really is the man. Khabib is the man. Hes got to be one of the most genuine human Ive ever met.You can watch the entire video below.MORE FOR YOUQuite honestly, Nurmagomedovs loyalty is an admirable trait. Many of us would hope to find it in the people we call our friends. What was also refreshing in the concept is that Nurmagomedov did not allow his loyalty to lead to disrespect.He acknowledged Jones greatness and pointed to the issues between Bones and Cormier as the singular factor that would prevent him from befriending the former. That simplicity has amazing depth and has inspired Cormier, who admitted he once ran afoul of the unwritten rule when he shook hands with McGregor in Abu Dhabi.Cormier understood and pivoted with his behavior toward McGregor. While on a personal level, it is admirable, on a professional level, it may cause a problem for Cormier if McGregor ever returns to the Octagon.If McGregor fights again, no matter how the fight ends, there will be a post-fight interview. Because of the money McGregor can command, there is a chance he could return to action on a card in Saudi Arabia that is financially supported by the countrys strong push toward combat sports.If the fight is in Saudi Arabia or back in Abu Dhabi, there is a good chance Joe Rogan will not be present. He has sworn off attending events outside of the United States. If Cormier is present and tasked with interviewing McGregor, the situation could get dicey.We may never see those scenarios come to fruition, considering McGregor is embroiled in a legal matter and hasnt looked like a fighter heading back to the Octagon soon.However, if we find ourselves in that position during a UFC PPV, all eyes will be on the interaction.

Key takeawaysCoinbase CEO Brian Armstrong predicts the next US Congress will be the most pro-crypto to date, fostering a more favorable regulatory environment.He highlights the potential for greater economic freedom by relaxing previous restrictive policies, which could stimulate innovation in digital finance.For everyday users and crypto investors, this could mean fewer obstacles in managing or transacting digital assets.Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is enthusiastic about the 2024 election results, calling them a huge win for crypto.Armstrong noted that pro-crypto candidates like Ohios Bernie Moreno helped Trump secure a victory. Moreno, who defeated crypto-skeptic Sherrod Brown, has openly endorsed the use of cryptocurrency.Armstrongs optimism isnt just about better regulation, its about the greater economic freedom. But what does this mean for crypto investors? Lets break it down.Stablecoins: $USDT Could Go MainstreamArmstrongs statements suggest the new administration could ease up on restrictive policies seen in recent years.This next congress will be the most pro-crypto congress ever. StandWithCrypto voters showed up in force to help elect pro-crypto candidates in almost every district on both sides of the aisle. (257 pro-crypto candidates elected in the House). Brian ArmstrongFor instance, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has previously targeted companies that issue or support stablecoins, demanding strict backing, transparency, and limits on trading pairs.Reducing such regulatory barriers would allow currencies like Tether ($USDT) a stablecoin tied to the US dollar to achieve wider adoption, both retail and institutional.Removing legal hurdles could make stablecoins more accessible, bridging the gap between traditional banking and digital finance for regular consumers.Policy and Economic FreedomIn Armstrongs view, Trumps win may also mean a greater push for economic freedom in the crypto space.America is going to follow a path toward ECONOMIC FREEDOM which is our source of strength, based on limited government, rule of law, meritocracy, fiscal discipline, respecting the free market (not government) as the source of economic growth. Brian ArmstrongThis could include eliminating restrictive policies that currently limit how people can trade crypto and develop new digital financial tools in the US.One example of such regulations is the SECs broad definition that labels different tokens as securities, which holds back innovation by placing strict compliance demands on developers and companies.While the Coinbase CEO doesnt advocate for eliminating the SEC definitions completely, he emphasizes the need for balanced regulations.Armstrong believes that loosening these policies could unleash new opportunities for Americans to engage in the growing digital economy, potentially creating new jobs and improving financial independence.$BTC as a National Reserve Asset?Senator Elizabeth Warrens idea of recognizing Bitcoin ($BTC) as a national reserve asset or digital gold a term used for safe-haven assets is in line with Armstrongs advocacy for economic freedom.Source: XThe idea of adopting $BTC as legal tender has gained international popularity, with El Salvador being the first to implement it and the Central African Republic being the second. Now, Trumps administration may also see $BTCs role as a stable, reserve-like asset.While Armstrong hasnt specifically advocated for this perspective, this move could bring $BTC a step closer to being recognized as an official currency, much like US dollar.Not only would this give $BTC significant legitimacy, but it would also encourage broader adoption across other sectors, including retail, travel, real estate, online gaming, and financial services.Source: CoinMarketCapCryptos Future in the USThe election of 257 pro-crypto candidates to the House of Representatives, spanning both parties and nearly every district, signals a significant shift towards a crypto-friendly Congress, paving the way for major growth in the industry.Brian Armstrong expects clearer rules that will support consumer protection while also promoting crypto industry stability.With a less restrictive environment, we could see digital currencies become as integrated in finance as credit cards, potentially positioning the US as a leader in the global crypto economy.ReferencesClick to expand and view sourcesBrian Armstrong (X)Business Insider: Armstrongs outlook on Congresss pro-crypto stance (Business Insider website)BeInCrypto: Coinbase CEO Anticipates the Most Pro-Crypto Congress Ever (BeInCrypto website)BNN Bloomberg: Crypto Celebrates Trumps Return (BNN Bloomberg website)CoinMarketCap: Case Studies of Countries with Significant Crypto Adoption (CoinMarketCap study)Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Anya Zhukova is a tech and crypto writer with 8+ years of experience creating practical, easy-to-understand content for top publications like MakeUseOf, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, Switching to Mac, and Make Tech Easier.An advocate for financial freedom, Anya covers the latest in cryptocurrency, tech trends, and product reviews to keep readers informed and empowered.Through her work with brands like Framework, Insta360, Redmagic, Inmotion, Secretlab, Kodak, and Anker, she brings a hands-on perspective to her reviews, helping people get the most out of new tech. View all articles by Anya Zhukova Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Key TakeawaysAnticipation of favorable policies under Trump boosted DeFi tokens by nearly 30%, with traders hoping for regulatory support.Solanas rapid price increase and Ethereums push past $2.5K demonstrate strong demand fueled by each networks scalability and upcoming technical upgrades.The Fear & Greed Index reached Extreme Greed as $BTC hit $75K, prompting euphoria and caution alike.Senator Lummis renewed calls for a $BTC Strategic Reserve, reflecting a shift in institutional attitudes towards the leading cryptocurrency.Its been under 24 hours since the US election results became official, and its already been a wild ride.Crypto markets are rallying and shifting across the board. Theres also strong positive movement across decentralized finance (DeFi), Solana ($SOL), Ethereum ($ETH), and Bitcoin ($BTC).Whats driving the optimism isnt president-elect Donald Trump himself, but a broader optimism surrounding potential regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and surging demand.Lets see whats happening and whats likely to keep happening.DeFi Market Optimism with Trumps Potential InfluenceWith the possibility of a more favorable stance toward DeFi under a Trump-led administration, decentralized finance tokens surged by 30%.A look at DeFi markets on DeFiLlama showed an almost-uninterrupted wave of green, as protocol after protocol made big gains in TVL and token performance.Theres a real sense that policy changes may foster continued growth in this sector.Traders anticipate that regulatory adjustments including potentially a more crypto-friendly SEC could boost DeFi adoption and innovation.The fact that crypto continues to expand even against hostile SEC headwinds gives optimism at the growth that could be achieved under a more favorable SEC outlook.Solana ($SOL) Rally Gives Way to Institutional SupportOne of the feel-good stories of 2024, Solana also saw a substantial rally, reaching close to $200, buoyed by high adoption rates and ecosystem growth, as well as institutional support.The networks scalability and low transaction costs have attracted developers and users alike, positioning Solana as a strong competitor to Ethereum.Technical analyses suggest continued strength, with investors eyeing the $200 resistance level as a critical marker for future gains.Ethereums ($ETH) Surge Pushes Investor Confidence UpEthereum gained momentum, surpassing $2,500 as futures markets showed increased institutional interest. With Vitalik Buterin continuing a series on $ETHs technical fundamentals and its transition to Ethereum 2.0, investor confidence is growing.The upgrades promise improved scalability and efficiency.While analysts expect some volatility, the general outlook remains bullish due to the growing demand for Ethereums smart contract capabilities.Crypto Sentiment is Extreme GreedThe simplest and easiest crypto metric the Bitcoin Fear & Greed index was balanced at a perfect 50/100 just a few days ago. But it has since shifted from neutral to outright greedy.The sentiment shows that investors are highly optimistic following Bitcoins recent peak at $76K.But while greed is good, high sentiment levels often precede market corrections, and analysts caution that the current exuberance could lead to increased volatility.Or, in the words of crypto X:Even with the general euphoria or perhaps because of it investors need to monitor market trends closely and be prepared for potential fluctuations.An Official Bitcoin Reserve?Back in the day (whole weeks ago!) there was talk about a US strategic Bitcoin reserve.With Trump headed back to the Oval Office, that talk is one step closer to reality.Building up a reserve of $BTC the proposed target is 1M Bitcoin could give the US government a significant inflationary hedge of its own.Whether or not it would be effective as a financial tool on the national level remains to be seen. But it would further legitimize cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance and could influence global financial strategies, solidifying Bitcoins position as a significant asset class.Traders and investors are navigating a market influenced by potential regulatory changes, technological advancements, evolving institutional attitudes, and the overarching influence of the first Crypto President.Its an exciting, dangerous time for crypto. ReferencesDeFi Markets (DeFiLlama)Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Aaron covers crypto topics with an emphasis on providing accessible, informative perspectives. His background includes over a decade in higher education and 5+ years as a freelance writer in crypto & SEO.When he's not writing professionally, Aaron enjoys writing for fun, volunteering for a local charity, and boxing. View all articles by Aaron Walker Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Krafton and PUBG Studios unveiled Project ARC today. Its a spinoff of the popular game PlayerUnknowns Battlegrounds, but trades in the third-person battle royale gameplay for that of a 5v5 top-down shooter.Currently intended as a multiplayer-only title, Project ARC is trying to stand out by implementing realistic shooting mechanics into a top-down shooter. Things like target height, hit zones, destructible environments, and gun recoil matter in Project ARC when they typically dont in top-down shooters. Players choose a character, each of which uses a unique weapon from PUBG and has a gadget like a Med Kit or Grenade Launcher. Right now, the only confirmed game modes are Team Deathmatch and Demolition, which has the same rules as the primary mode of games like Valorant or Spectre Divide, but swaps the bomb for a Decrypter hacking device.KraftonUnlike The Callisto Protocol, which started as a PUBG spinoff, but developed into its own universe, Project ARC is a direct PUBG spinoff set in the same world as the battle royale. That connection will mainly be seen through weapons and gadgets like the Blue Zone Grenade and Folded Shield. When it comes to expanding PUBG as an IP, developers said in comments provided to Digital Trends that PUBG Studios is currently working on several new projects, including Project ARC. As a small team, the ARC Team will continue to pursue swift and bold experimentation. A team of less than 15 people is working on Project ARC.Recommended VideosProject ARC will be released into early access on PC in 2025. The developers will consider a console release after they add controller support, but dont plan to bring the game to mobile. The developers are still deciding whether Project ARC will be a free-to-play or premium title.Editors Recommendations

Mark Coppock / Digital TrendsUpdate 11/7/24: Black Friday is still a few weeks away, but weve started gathering offers for those who already want to buy a new laptop. Were not sure if these early Black Friday laptop deals will last until the shopping holiday, or if the discounts will get bigger, but if you need a new laptop right now, youll want to set your sights on these bargains.ContentsBlack Friday, which will happen until November 29, promises massive discounts on all kinds of products across all retailers. However, if you need to buy from laptop deals right now and can no longer wait for the shopping holiday, weve rounded up the best bargains that are currently available. Theres a possibility that these prices may go lower when Black Friday begins, but thats a risk that youll have to take with these early Black Friday laptop deals.Weve rounded up offers for laptops of all shapes and sizes, made by the best laptop brands. Gamers may want to take a look at gaming laptop deals instead for machines that can keep up with their needs, and weve got desktop computer deals as well if you havent decided between getting a laptop or a desktop PC.Related$180 33% offAsusIf you need an affordable laptop, you cant go wrong with the Asus E410, which is even cheaper following a 33% discount thats equivalent to $60 in savings. Youll get the Intel Celeron N4500 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and 4GB of RAM, which are enough for basic tasks, along with a 14-inch Full HD screen and a 64GB eMMC for storage.$179 22% offAcerCheck out what the Chrome OS can do with the Acer Chromebook 315, an affordable device thats even cheaper at 22% off for a $40 discount. Its got the Intel Celeron N4500 processor and 4GB of RAM, which will feel much faster with Googles operating system, along with a 15.6-inch screen and a 64GB eMMC for storage.$500 20% offLenovoThe Lenovo Essential IdeaPad is a prime example of a relatively affordable laptop that punches above its weight class. Its powered by the Intel Celeron N6000 processor, integrated Intel UHD Graphics, and 36GB of RAM that youll rarely see for this price. The laptop also comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD screen and a 512GB SSD, all with a 20% discount for savings of $101.$900 39% offSamsungThe Samsung Galaxy Book4 features a striking design with narrow bezels surrounding its 15.6-inch Full HD screen. It also doesnt disappoint with its performance, as its equipped with the Intel Core 7 Series 1 processor, Intel Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The laptop, which supports Microsofts Copilot, is 39% off for a discount of $350.$1,099 18% offLuke Larsen / Digital TrendsApple fans who want the latest of the brands laptops should set their sights on the Apple MacBook Air M3, as its 13-inch model is 18% off for savings of $200. Apples M3 processor combines with 8GB of RAM for speedy performance, and its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is simply gorgeous. Its also extremely lightweight and thin, which explains the name.$1,199 17% offAsusThe Asus TUF F15 is a gaming laptop thats packed with enough power to play the best PC games without any issues. It comes with the 13th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, and youll be able to install several titles on its 1TB SSD. The gaming laptop, which also has a 15.6-inch Full HD screen, is on sale with a $200 discount or 17% off.$1,300 15% offMark Coppock / Digital TrendsThe new Dell XPS 13 following the Dell XPS reset is a steal right now at 15% off, which translates to savings of $200. Its capable of handling anything with its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, Qualcomm Adreno GPU, and 16GB of RAM, and youll see everything clearly on its 13.4-inch Full HD+ screen. Youll also get a 1TB SSD for your files and apps.$1,700 18% offLuke Larsen / Digital TrendsFor a gaming laptop that will be ready for the upcoming PC games of the next few years, go for the Alienware m16 R2 with a 1TB SSD. You can play at the highest settings because of its Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, and 16GB of RAM, and youll enjoy modern graphics on its 16-inch QHD+ screen with a 240Hz refresh rate. Its discounted by 18%, for savings of $300.First and foremost, you should keep an eye out for offers involving any of the devices in our roundup of the best laptops. You wouldnt want to miss the chance to buy any of these laptops for a cheaper price than usual, but youre going to have to hurry because such deals will likely sell out quickly.Outside of that list, you should begin your decision by choosing the operating system that you want for your new laptop. Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsofts popular operating system, and its the one that most people are familiar with, but you may want to go for a MacBook with MacOS if youve already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, or a Chromebook with ChromeOS if you want a budget-friendly machine.Other considerations in choosing from Black Friday laptop deals include RAM consult our guide on how much RAM do you need so you get the appropriate number and the size of the screen, which can go as small as 13 inches or as big as 18 inches. You can also go for a 2-in-1 laptop if you want extra versatility from your machine with the ability to transform into a tablet.In selecting the Black Friday laptop deals that we recommended above, we prioritized value for money above everything else. We just didnt go for the lowest prices available though of course thats still a major consideration but we also searched for the largest discounts in terms of percentage. Getting a new laptop for an unbelievably low price is incredible, but enjoying savings of hundreds of dollars on a premium device will also let you walk away from Black Friday feeling like a winner.The Black Friday deals that we chose also focused on the most trusted manufacturers, to make sure that you dont regret your purchase. Whether youre buying a budget-friendly laptop or a top-of-the-line model, reliability is important, so we wouldnt want you to spend on a product that has a chance of breaking down before you get your moneys worth. Buying laptops from respected brands will also mean that youre getting the latest technology in your new device.Editors Recommendations