Tech T-Mobile hacked by Chinese cyber espionage in major attack on US telecoms Learn how to stay safe amid rise in telecom data breaches Published November 18, 2024 10:00am EST | Updated November 18, 2024 4:47pm EST close 'CyberGuy': NSA urges Americans to reboot phones once a week. Why? Tech expert Kurt Knutsson says the National Security Agency advises weekly phone reboots to protect against cyberattacks and enhance mobile security. The telecom industry is one of cybercriminals' favorite targets, likely because of the sensitive data it stores. Your carrier knows who you call and what you text. This type of information is valuable not only to hackers but also to governments. Thats probably why U.S. phone giant T-Mobile was hacked as part of a broad cyberattack on domestic and international phone and internet companies in recent months.IM GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYSEnter bysigning up for my free newsletter! T-Mobile booth (T-Mobile) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to knowThere was unauthorized access to a limited number of T-Mobile routers using methods indicative of a major Chinese cyber-espionage operation, but T-Mobiles layered defenses and security monitoring enabled T-Mobile to quickly identify and shut down the threat.The report revealed that hackers connected to a Chinese intelligence agency breached T-Mobile as part of a monthslong effort to spy on the cellphone communications of high-value intelligence targets. The report did not specify when the attack occurred, but T-Mobile says no customer calls or communication records were stolen.The U.S. government alsoconfirmed this month that Chinese hackers breached multiple U.S. telecommunications service providers to access wiretap systems used by law enforcement for surveillance of Americans. Wiretap systems allow law enforcement agencies to monitor phone calls, text messages and internet communications as part of investigations, typically with a warrant.CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) and the FBI issued a joint statement revealing "a broad and significant" cyber-espionage campaign. The statement disclosed that PRC-affiliated hackers had breached networks at "multiple telecommunications companies" across the United States. While CISA and the FBI did not name the organizations affected, multiple reports suggest that T-Mobile, AT&T, Lumen (formerly CenturyLink) and Verizon are likely on the list.WSJ reported in October that Chinese hackers had access to the networks "for months or longer," enabling them to collect "internet traffic from internet service providers that count businesses large and small and millions of Americans as their customers." Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)T-Mobiles many data breachesT-Mobile has faced several hacks in recent years. In 2021, a malicious actor breached T-Mobiles lab environment by posing as a legitimate connection to an unidentified piece of equipment. The hacker guessed passwords for multiple servers and moved laterally through the network, ultimately stealing personal data, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers and drivers license IDs, from tens of millions of customers.In 2022, T-Mobile experienced another breach when a malicious actor used SIM-swapping, phishing and other tactics to infiltrate the companys internal platform for managing mobile resellers who serve T-Mobile customers.The troubles continued into 2023. Early in the year, hackers used phished credentials from dozens of T-Mobile retail employees to access a sales application originally set up during the COVID-19 pandemic for remote viewing of customer data. Then, in January 2023, a misconfigured application programming interface exposed personal data for 37 million current customers, marking yet another significant security lapse. Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)T-Mobiles responseWhen CyberGuy reached out to T-Mobile regarding the latest security incident, a spokesperson provided the following statement: "T-Mobile is closely monitoring this industry-wide attack. Due to our security controls, network structure and diligent monitoring and response we have seen no significant impacts to T-Mobile systems or data. We have no evidence of access or exfiltration of any customer or other sensitive information as other companies may have experienced. We will continue to monitor this closely, working with industry peers and the relevant authorities."5 ways to stay safe amid the rise in telecom data breaches1) Change your passwords regularly: Make it a habit to update your passwords every few months, especially for your telecom accounts and related services. Use strong, unique passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.Password managers can help you generate and store these securely.2) Invest in personal data removal services: Consider services that scrub your personal information from public databases. This reduces the chances of your data being exploited in phishing or other cyberattacks after a breach.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.3) Use identity theft protection: Identity theft protection services monitor your accounts for unusual activity, alert you to potential threats and can even assist in resolving issues if your data is compromised.See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your telecom accounts with2FA. This requires a second form of verification, like a text code or an app-based prompt, making it harder for hackers to access your accounts even if they have your password.5) Guard against phishing scams with strong antivirus software: Be cautious about unsolicited calls, texts or emails that ask for personal information or account access. Legitimate companies won't ask for sensitive details this way. If something seems off, contact your telecom provider directly through official channels. Whatever you do, don't click on links, as they can lead to scams or malware.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 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.Kurts key takeawayTelecom providers like T-Mobile and AT&T are frequent targets for hackers. Over the last two years, millions of Americans have had their data stolen, things like call records, text messages and even personal details. The issue got so bad that the FCC stepped in, warning T-Mobile to step up its cybersecurity efforts. The company was fined about $30 million, split between a $15 million penalty and a mandatory $15 million investment in better security. Unfortunately, if the companies handling your data keep getting breached, there's only so much you can do.Do fines and penalties for telecom companies feel like enough of a deterrent, or should they face stricter consequences? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.CLICK 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/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 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 Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

cam_pine - stock.adobe.comNewsInfinidat gets in on the RAG act with workflow architecture offerStorage array maker says customers can get data from any NFS storage to use in RAG for internal enterprise AI projects, and claims its OS metadata expertise enables thisByAntony Adshead,Storage EditorPublished: 18 Nov 2024 15:54 Infinidat has launched a retrieval augmented generation (RAG) workflow architecture, deliverable as a consultancy service to its storage customers, which allows them to build in up-to-date, private data from multiple company data sources to artificial intelligence (AI) from any NFS storage in their organisation.The move reflects a trend that has seen multiple storage companies address AI workloads, and RAG issues in particular in generative AI (GenAI) that result when data used for training is incomplete, out of date or lacks the type of information that can only be gained from private data, such as within an organisation or from expert knowledge.When an organisation wants to develop GenAI, it puts a dataset through a training process in which the AI learns how to recognise particular attributes that can be used for information, or for triggers in applications.Those training processes are often built around datasets that are very general, can go out of date or perhaps initially lack specialised or private data. This is often the case with AI projects inside organisations that need to stay up to date over time, said Infinidat chief marketing officer Eric Herzog.A lot of organisations are using generative AI as an internal project with private data, said Herzog. And as well as wanting to protect their IP, they have concerns about accuracy, avoiding hallucinations, etc.For example, a large enterprise that generates vast amounts of data in sales, support, operations would want to boost the performance of what it is doing, and thats very much tied to its storage performance.The customer wants to see accurate data in near real time. It can use AI to understand the details it might be screws in a component, the type, the supplier, any number of details and be able to update that information on a continual basis.What Infinidat now offers is professional services consulting to allow its customers to access data for RAG purposes from its own and other suppliers storage, as long as it is in NFS file storage format.According to Herzog, that comprises help with configuring the storage system to get at data and metadata rapidly for RAG purposes. He said Infinidat is well-positioned to do this because of the importance it places on metadata and the neural cache within its architecture and the InfuzeOS environment.Infinidat arrays can be all-flash or hybrid spinning disk and solid state, and are mostly targeted at high-end enterprise andservice provider customers. Their hardware products feature triple-active controllers and use of a so-called neural cache that marshals data to the most appropriate media, with the bulk of I/O requests going via very fastDRAM, with a cache hit rate of more than 90% claimed.Infinidats focus here on RAG capabilities sees it join other storage suppliers that have recently made a push for customers embarking on AI projects.Pure Storage CEO Charlie Giancarlo was keen to highlight his companys AI push at its Accelerate event in June, with storage write speed and availability emphasised. Meanwhile, NetApp launched a push towards data management for AI with the announcement of data classification for AI via its OnTap operating system at its annual Insight shindig in September.Read more about storage and AIStorage technology explained: AI and data storage. In this guide, we examine the data storage needs of artificial intelligence, the demands it places on data storage, the suitability of cloud and object storage for AI, and key AI storage products.Storage technology explained: Vector databases at the core of AI. We look at the use of vector data in AI and how vector databases work, plus vector embedding, the challenges for storage of vector data and the key suppliers of vector database products.In The Current Issue:Interview: Niall Robinson, head of product innovation, Met OfficeIAM: Enterprises face a long, hard road to improveDownload Current IssueClearly smart, SAS acquires Hazy: A wider vision for synthetic data CW Developer NetworkI guess the trainings down in Africa, CNCF & Andela skill-up 20,000+ IT pros CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is to widen the scope of a mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) programme it introduced earlier this year, after seeing strong uptake among customers and a slump in password-related phishing attacks.The cloud giant made MFA compulsory for management account root users in the AWS Management Console beginning in May 2024, starting with its largest accounts. In June, it added support for FIDO2 passkeys as an MFA method to give users more options, and expanded the original requirement to include root users in standalone accounts, too.According to AWS principal product manager of account protection Arynn Crow, over 750,000 root users have enabled MFA since April, with customer registration rates more than doubling since the addition of FIDO2 passkeys to the mix. She claimed the policy change had prevented greater than 99% of password-related attacks.At AWS, weve built our services with secure-by-design principles from day one, including features that set a high bar for our customers default security posture, said Crow. Strong authentication is a foundational component in overall account security, and the use of MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent unauthorised individuals from gaining access to systems or data.Based on this early success, AWS will now be expanding MFA requirements to member accounts in AWS organisations from Spring 2025.Customers who have not enabled central management of root access will be required to register MFA for their AWS Organizations member account root users in order to access the AWS Management Console, said Crow.As with our previous expansions to management and standalone accounts, we will roll this change out gradually and notify individual customers who are required to take action in advance, to help customers adhere to the new requirements while minimising impact to their day-to-day operations.On the back of its early successes with an MFA mandate, Crow said AWS was keen to do more to shore up security for its customers, and had recognised another opportunity to try to eliminate unnecessary passwords for good.She said that on top of the run-of-the-mill security issues seen with standard passwords, attempting to secure password-based authentication was introducing too much operational overhead for AWS customers, especially those operating at scale or subject to regulatory requirements to rotate their credentials frequently.As such, AWS has now launched a new capability to centrally manage root access for accounts managed in AWS Organizations, enabling them to cut down on the number of passwords they need to manage while still keeping control over the use of root principals.Crow explained that customers can now turn on centralised root access with a quick configuration change either in the identity and access management console or the AWScommand line interface and then remove the long-term credentials of member account root users.This will improve the security posture of our customers while simultaneously reducing their operational effort, she concluded.Read more about cloud IAMPoor identity and access management puts enterprise data at risk, but the path to stronger IAM remains complex.Cloud adds a level of complexity to identity and access management. Be sure to follow these cloud IAM best practices to prevent identity-related security issues.This comparison dives into the differences among cloud IAM services from AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. Use it to evaluate features, resource hierarchy configuration and pricing.

The holidays are just around a week-long corner. Therefore,Black Friday and its sweet deals are closer than you think. Now that cable TV is out and streaming is in, many people are subscribing to multiple platforms, and buying the devices that host them, like Rokus, Firesticks, and Chromecasts -- all of which can get pricey quickly. Since many streaming platforms have raised their fees in the past few years, finding a good deal for the content you love is essential.Also: The best Black Friday deals available nowLuckily, Black Friday and the entire month leading up to it is the perfect time to hunt for some holiday streaming deals, either for your own home or to gift. (You, too, could go to Roku City, and at a cheaper price than usual.) Our deal-hunting experts at ZDNET have rounded up the best streaming deals ahead of Black Friday so far.Our favorite streaming deals for Black Friday 2024Roku Streaming Stick 4K: $34 (save $16 at Amazon): This streaming option is compact but has a lot of capabilities. It would be perfect for a dorm room or smaller space.Roku Ultra: $80 (save $20 on Amazon): The Roku Ultra offers a more complete streaming experience. It even has a remote finder option.Roku Streambar SE: $76 (save $24 on Amazon): This product combines a soundbar and a streaming device. This would work great in a large living room or bedroom.Amazon Fire TV Stick: $33 (save $27 on Amazon): If you don't like Roku, Amazon offers a great streaming alternative. This one is compact, and great for a smaller space.Roku Premiere: $18 (save $22 at Walmart): This Roku streams in 4K and would be a great gift for a loved one.Roku Express: $19 (save $10 at Walmart): The Roku Express is perfect for first-time users, and it is a great deal for this price.Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle: $17-30 a month (save $15 a month): Having multiple streaming services subscriptions can be an expensive venture. Luckily, there is a bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and Max that will save you money every month.Onn. Google TV: $15 (save $4 at Walmart): This Onn streaming stick is a great way to watch TV on more of a budget.Google Chromecast 3rd Gen: $44 (save $6 at Walmart): Google has its own version of a streaming box, making this is a good gift for Google fans. Artie Beaty/ZDNET Current price: $34Original price: $50I have had one Roku for 5 years without any issues. I highly recommend these for those who do not want to deal with the high maintenance of cable and need something convenient for a dorm room or small apartment. However, beware of how easily Roku remotes can disappear from where you put it down. View now at Amazon Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $33Original price: $60Amazon also has its own version of a Roku streaming stick. While it is a tiny bit pricier, it still is just as great as a Roku. The compact form factor is plug-and-play and preloaded with apps like Prime Video and Netflix. There is also a marketplace to customize what streaming apps you want on the device. View now at Amazon Disney+/ZDNET Current price: $16 or $30/monthOriginal price: $30 or $45/monthHaving multiple subscriptions adds up. Streaming services gatekeep content, so your favorite movie may be on a different platform than your current show. This can cause a huge dent in your pocket. With this bundle, you can save up to $15 a month by purchasing these three services in one package. There are two options: the less expensive ad-supported option or the pricier ad-free option. Both are at a way more discounted rate. View now at Disney+ Current price: $44Original price: $50Are you a Google fan looking to purchase a streaming device? Well, this one may be perfect for you. Just like the other devices, it hosts tons of streaming services and apps. Not to mention, a great gift. View now at Walmart Artie Beaty/ZDNET Current price: $76Original price: $100The Roku Streambar SE offers a streaming device and soundbar in one. Amazon ratings it at 4.4 stars out of 5, and reviewers love it. The soundbar will help improve your TV audio while also giving you access to your favorite platformsa great combination. View now at Amazon FAQsWhat is the best streaming service?This is up to the individual. However, many people say Netflix is because of its staying power in the industry and its original content. In terms of live TV streaming services, we named YouTube TV as our tested top pick.What streaming service has the most content?Amazon Prime Video has the most options, as there is an option to rent movies or shows that aren't included in the subscription.What is the best streaming device?Lots of publications have Roku devices as their top pick. Rightfully so, as it has a simple user interface and aesthetically pleasing backgrounds -- and, of course, the iconic Roku City. However, Amazon Fire Sticks and Google Chrome Casts are also good alternatives.What is the cheapest streaming service?Peacock is widely regarded for its high quality for a lower price. It has a great variety of content at only $8 a month (with ads).When is Black Friday?Black Friday takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, or the day after US Thanksgiving.When is Cyber Monday?Cyber Monday takes place on Monday, Dec. 2, or the Monday after Black Friday and US Thanksgiving.Are streaming deals really better on Black Friday?Yes and no. Certain deals, like the Hulu bundle, usually stay live year-round. However, as Black Friday and Cyber Monday get closer, companies are more likely to drop the prices of these services and devices. Amazon and other retailers have consistent sales on streaming devices, but they drop the price more for sales events. Keep a watchful eye as the dates get closer.What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?The only technical difference between the two is that Black Friday takes place at in-person stores. Think old-fashioned Black Friday sales at the mall, when people used to be more serious about sales. Now, there is an online solution with Cyber Monday, where sales move to online as well as in-store locations. Many stores still honor the Black Friday tradition, but many retailers have moved their focus to online sales. It all depends on the retailer.How did we choose these Black Friday deals?At ZDNET, we only believe in recommending products and services that we would also purchase. I am someone who always uses a streaming device and services, so I know how pricey the experience can be. That is why it is essential that we recommend things that are a good enough quality to leave you with a satisfactory experience.We here at ZDNET also test lots of the devices we recommend. And if we haven't, we are committed to thoroughly researching the products to ensure their quality. At the end of the day, we want what's best for the reader.Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more offer the best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sales will be in-store and in-person, but there will also be lots more online.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

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holiday sales will begin soon (seriously, Black Friday is about two weeks away). And even though Black Friday historically kicks off the holiday shopping season, it's certainly not the only time you can save.As early Black Friday sales kick off, you can already find plenty of shoppable savings on top tech from headphones to TVs to tablets and beyond across major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more.Our team of deal-hunting experts at ZDNET have been rounding up the best early Black Friday deals you can shop ahead of the post-Thanksgiving sale, so you can get a jump start on your holiday shopping. We'll continue to update this list before and during the holiday shopping season.Shop deals at AmazonOur favorite early Black Friday 2024 dealsApple Watch Series 10: $349 (save $50 at Walmart): Apple's newestWatch Series 10is already seeing savings in several colors at Walmart. Get one for $349 (save $50) starting Nov. 11 for Walmart+ members during Walmart's early Black Friday event, while supplies last.Samsung T5 EVO Portable 4TB SSD: $218 (save $203 at Amazon): You can't go wrong with practical buys ahead of the holidays, like this portable SSD to store all those pictures you'll be taking. This one from Samsung is apopular dealamong ZDNET readers.Nomad iPhone cases and accessories: Save up to 30% off on iPhone 15 cases.Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 40mm: $169 (save $131 at Amazon): Do you need a new smartwatch? Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 is already discounted by 47%, and it includes some great features, like sleep tracking.Torras MiniMag 5,000mAh MagSafe Battery Pack: $42 (save $11 at Amazon):ZDNET's favoritethinMagSafe batterypack is on sale for 21% off, plus an extra 5%. This battery is lightweight, powerful, and perfect for topping off your phone's battery on the go.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $73 (save $26 at Amazon):AirTagsare great for tracking keys, luggage, wallets, and more. Grab this four-pack for nearly 20% off.Anker Nano Power Bank with USB-C: $20 (save $10 at Amazon): Thislipstick-sized battery boosterplugs right into the bottom of your phone for quick, portable charging. Plus, it comes in several fun colors and makes a perfect stocking stuffer.MacBook Air M2 256GB: $799 (save $200 at Amazon): Apple's M2 model of the popularMacBook Airis 25% off, a significant savings for Apple.Apple iPad 10th Gen: $299 (save $50 at Amazon): Snag $50 savings on the most up-to-datebase model iPadahead of the holiday season.Apple Watch SE: $189 (save $60 at Amazon): The best deal on theApple Watch SEis available at Amazon for $60 off.Black Friday deals under $50: AirTags, Fire TV Sticks, and more Maria Diaz/ZDNETRocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook: $24 (save $13 at Amazon): The Rocketbook notebook is a great budget buy for those looking to maximize their note-taking while still keeping the environment happy. Plus, it's aZDNET-testedpick.TP-Link Wi-Fi Extender: $15 (save $20 at Amazon): Extend the range of your Wi-Fi by up to 1,200 square feet and connect up to 30 devices.Renpho Smart Scale: $20 (save $15 at Amazon): Connect this smart scale with popular health and fitness apps like Samsung Health, MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, and Apple Health to track your body fat percentage, muscle mass, visceral fat, water weight, metabolic age, and more.Apple AirTag: $20 (save $9at Best Buy): The popular item tracker can be placed in a wallet, backpack, or car to give you peace of mind. It's also our tested top pick for thebest Bluetooth tracker.Roku LE Streaming Player: $20 (save $5 at Walmart): Roku LE lets you stream free, live, and premium TV, as well as connect to your subscribed apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others.USX TV Wall Mount: $23 (save $17 at Walmart): This wall mount fits TV sizes 23-55 inches and can move in full motion to find the perfect angle for your TV.Black Friday TV deals: Samsung, Sony, and more Jason Hiner/ZDNETAmazon Fire TV 50-inch 4-Series 4K: $300 (save $150 with Amazon): You can't go wrong with snagging a Fire TV on sale, and this one is discounted by $150.Amazon Fire TV 32-inch 2-Series HD: $100 (save $90 with Amazon): If you're on a budget, this 32-inch Fire TV for just $100 is a great buy for a dorm, apartment, or bedroom.LG 65-inch Class C4 Series Evo 4K: $1,499 (save $1,200 at Best Buy): The high color accuracy, perfect contrast, and wide viewing angles of this OLED display TV come with a staggering price drop.TCL 65-inch Class Q5 Series 4K TV: $380 (save $170 at Best Buy): One of the best budget TVs features 4K video resolution, a decent QLED panel that gets bright and colorful, and Fire TV software.Sony 65-inch Class Bravia 8 OLED Smart Google TV: $1,699 (save $300 at Best Buy): This impressive high-end TV features individual control over 8 million self-illuminating pixels, delivering pure blacks, vibrant colors, and deep contrast for an unparalleled viewing experience.Black Friday Apple deals: Apple Watches, MacBooks, and more Kerry Wan/ZDNETApple Watch Series 10: $349 (save $50 at Walmart): Apple's newestWatch Series 10is already seeing savings in several colors at Walmart.Apple Watch Series 9: $349 (save $50 at Best Buy): Last year'sWatch Series 9is available for $50 off right now at Best Buy. Grab the 41mm GPS model with the sport loop in Light Pink.Apple Watch Series 9:$359 (save $70 at Best Buy): The larger 45mm face Watch Series 9 is $100 off at Best Buy right now.Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $189 (save $61 at Walmart): One of the best deals on theWatch SE (2nd Gen), which is still the latest base model available, is at Walmart, where it's currently $61 off in most iterations.MacBook Air M2 256GB: $749 (save $250 at Amazon): Apple's M2 model of the popularMacBook Airis almost $200 off, and while this isn't the best price we've seen, it's still a significant wound.Apple iPad 10th Gen: $299 (save $50 at Amazon): Save $50 on the most up-to-datebase model iPadahead of the holiday season.Apple iPad Air M2: $784 (save $65 at Amazon): Our reviewer called theiPad Air M2"the iPad most people should buy" -- and it's almost 10% off right now. Snag the 256GB Wi-Fi+ Cellular model in four different colors.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29 at Amazon): You can't go wrong with a practical buy this holiday season, andAirTagsare great for tracking keys, luggage, wallets, and more. Grab this four-pack for nearly 20% off.Black Friday tablet deals: iPads, Fire tablets, and more Adam Breeden/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy Tab A9+: $170 (save $50 at Amazon): This 11-inch, 64GB Android tablet features a large screen, quad speakers, and a slim, durable design, which makes it perfect for kids.Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet: $140 (save $90 at Amazon): Amazon's newestFire Max 11 tabletis perfect for streaming, gaming, and more, and right now it's available for 39% off.Apple iPad Air M2: $784 (save $65 at Amazon): Our reviewer called theiPad Air M2"the iPad most people should buy" -- and it's almost 10% off right now. Snag the 256GB Wi-Fi+ Cellular model in four different colors.Samsung Galaxy Tab A7: $140 (save $90 at Walmart): This Samsung tablet has a 10.4-inch screen, a 10-hour battery life, 32GB of storage, and a quad-speaker system with Dolby Atmos sound.Apple iPad (9th generation): $258 (save $71 at Walmart): Although not the most recent model, this iPad has a 10.2-inch Retina display, a powerful A13 Bionic chip, and an Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage.Black Friday laptop deals: MacBooks, gaming laptops, and more Cliff Joseph/ZDNETMacBook Air M3 15-inch: $1,099 (save $200 at Amazon): TheMacBook Air M3model packs a powerful chip into Apple's seamless design, making this laptop great for school, work, or personal use. Plus, it's over $200 off.MacBook Air M2 256GB: $749 (save $250 at Amazon): Apple's M2 model of the popularMacBook Airis almost $200 off, and while this isn't the best price we've seen, it's still a significant wound.Lenovo Flex 3 15.6-inch Touch-Screen Chromebook Laptop: $329 (save $150 at Best Buy): This versatile 2-in-1 laptop has a 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen display, an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 processor, 8GB RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage.Acer 14-inch Chromebook Spin 714 Intel Evo Laptop: $530 (save $170 at Best Buy): Acer's high-performance 2-in-1 laptop features a WUXGA touchscreen display, an Intel Core i5-1335U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, all contained within a durable and stylish steel gray chassis. Take advantage of this great deal while it lasts.Black Friday smartphone and accessory deals: iPhone, Samsung, and more Kerry Wan/ZDNETAnker MagGo 3-1 Wireless Charger: $82 (save $28 with coupon at Amazon): Anker's MagGo multi-charger is portable and foldable for easy on-the-go use. Plus, it's aZDNET favorite.Anker Nano Power Bank with USB-C: $20 (save $10 at Amazon): Thislipstick-sized battery boosterplugs right into the bottom of your phone for quick, portable charging. Plus, it comes in several fun colors and makes a perfect stocking stuffer.Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: $1,169 (save $251 at Amazon): Thebest phonewe've tested so far, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs the best specs across key categories, including display, performance, battery life, and camera. It also has a built-in S-Pen for precision inputs.Apple iPhone 16: $0.00/month (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.Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: $71/month (save $1,200 at Boost): Boost Mobile will cover the cost of the latest iPhone 16 model when you sign up for an eligible wireless plan and 36-month financing.Motorola Razr+ 2024: $1,000 (save $300 on Bose at Motorola): The best flip phone you can buy right now comes with 256GB of storage. While it's not discounted, you can get a free pair of Bose QuietComfort II earbuds with purchase, a $300 value.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: $803 (save $297 at Amazon): A refined foldable with 256GB of storage ideal for small-phone enthusiasts, content creators, and Samsung fans.Google Pixel 8: $499 (save $220 at Amazon): Coming with 128GB of storage, the year-old Pixel 8 is still a fantastic mid-range option if you value camera quality above all else. Google Pixel Fold: $1,350 (save $450 at Amazon): The brand's firstfoldable phonehas a compact 5.8-inch display on the outside and an expansive 7.6-inch screen on the inside.Black Friday headphone and speaker deals: Beats, Apple, Sony, and more Nina Raemont/ZDNETBeats Solo 4Headphones: $130 (save $70 at Amazon): The fourth generation ofBeats' most popular headphones debutedwith redesigned audio components, fresh colorways, and lengthy battery life, making them one of our favorite headphones of 2024.Apple AirPods Pro 2Earbuds + 3 free months Apple Music and Apple Fitness+: $190 (save $60 at Best Buy): We've dubbed these earbudsthe best AirPods you can buy, thanks to their seamless integration with Apple devices and hearing health features.Sony WH-1000XM5Headphones + 4 free months SiriusXM and 3 free months Youtube Premium: $330 (save $70 at Best Buy): Sony's premium over-ear headphones areamong our favorite noise-canceling headphones. They sport a low-profile design, all-day comfort, and Sony's signature sound.Shokz OpenRun ProHeadphones: $160 (save $20 at Amazon): Bone conduction headphones are fabulous for outdoor enthusiasts, and these earbuds offer immense comfort, sweat and water resistance, and lengthy battery life.Beats Studio ProHeadphones + 3 free months Apple Music and Apple Fitness+ (trade-in discount available): $250 (save $100 at Best Buy):Beats' premium headphonesdeliver effective noise cancellation, plenty of style, and impressive battery life.Sony WF-1000XM5Earbuds + 3 free months YouTube Premium: $249 (save $50 at Best Buy): These Sony earbuds offer plenty of future-forward software features and effective noise cancellation, which is whythey're one of our favorite earbuds.Bose Ultra OpenEarbuds: $249 (save $50 at Bose): The Bose Ultra Open offer vibrant sound, a nondescript and stylish design, and an open-ear design for environmental awareness, making themone of our picksfor the best earbuds of the year.Nothing Ear OpenEarbuds: $149 (save $40 at Amazon): These open-ear earbuds areone of our favoritesdue to their unique and stylish design, all-day comfort, and crystal-clear sound.Sony WH-CH720NHeadphones + 4 free months SiriusXM and 3 free months Youtube Premium: $90 (save $60 at Best Buy): If the XM5 over-ear headphones are too expensive,these affordable Sony headphonesshare some of the same internal audio components.Sennheiser Momentum 4Headphones: $250 (save $130 at Amazon): We love these flagship Sennheiser headphones for their simple design, incredible sound, and marathon battery life.Sennheiser AccentumHeadphones: $130 (save $20 at Amazon): If the Sennheiser Momentum headphones are too expensive, the Accentum headphones offer a similar audio experience for less money.Black Friday home and wellness deals: Robot vacuums, air purifiers, and more Maria Diaz/ZDNETJackery Explorer 1000 V2 Portable Powerstation: $459 (save $340 with coupon at Amazon): Always be prepared with a backup battery-boosting option for emergencies. Thisportable power stationoption from Jackery is on sale for over $300 off.Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A: $19 (save $11 at Amazon): Snag a pack of smart plugs just in time for winter holidays and turn your holiday lights on and off with ease.Bluetti EB3A Portable Power Station: $198 (save $69 at Amazon): Never lose a way to charge your phone or favorite devices with Bluetti's portable power station.DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill Kit: $99 (save $80 at Amazon): This DeWalt drill kit is a great gift for Dad, a new homeowner, or perfect for keeping on hand for here and there tasks.Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum and Mop: $360 (save $510 at Amazon): ZDNET's robot vacuum reviewer Maria Diaz calls this "one of thebest midrange Roborock robot vacuums" for a reason. Right now you can save nearly $500.Roborock Qrevo S Robot Vacuum and Mop: $550 (save $250 with coupon at Amazon): Right now you can save $250 on the Roborock Qrevo S vacuum and mop combo thanks to a sneaky on-page coupon.Dreame L20 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop: $720 (save $680 at Amazon): Dreame's L20 combo robot vacuum and mop is self-emptying, self-refilling, and features AI obstacle avoidance.Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop: $330 (save $370 at Amazon): This robot vacuum and mop combo uses smart navigation, features a duo roller brush, and has 5,500 Pa of suction.Ecovacs Deebot T30S Robot Vacuum and Mop: $850 (save $350 at Amazon): This combo robot vac and mop is an all-in-one cleaning hub with 11,000 Pa of suction. Enjoy hot water-washing, self emptying, and more.Shark AV753 ION Robot Vacuum: $150 (save $80 at Amazon): If you're looking for a budget robot vacuum pick, this option for Shark is a great starter to test the robot vacuum waters.Black Friday FAQs Tharon Green/ZDNETWhen is Black Friday?This year, Black Friday falls on Nov. 29, which is exactly one day after Thanksgiving 2024.When is Cyber Monday?Cyber Monday is always on the first Monday following Thanksgiving. This year, it falls on Dec. 2, 2024.Are deals really better on Black Friday?Black Friday certainly brings seasonal savings and, of course, some artificial deals you need to be aware of. But for the most part, it is a good time to score savings on a majority of products across tons of categories, from tech to home, to name a few. Perhaps the best part about Black Friday is the enormous amount of sales occurring at nearly every major retailer, both in-store and online, giving you the best opportunity to find savings at basically everywhere you like to shop.What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?Semantics, mostly. Black Friday traditionally refers to the day of savings that follows Thanksgiving, which at one point was an in-stores only event. Over the years, Black Friday sales have expanded and lengthened to include online retailers, hence "Cyber Week" and "Cyber Monday." Cyber Monday refers to the Monday following Thanksgiving weekend, and originally referred to online savings on lots of products. These days, both Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer similar savings in-store and online.How did we choose these Black Friday deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?You'll be able to shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at nearly every major retailer, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and more. Plus, you'll likely be able to grab savings even earlier thanks to staggering sales throughout the month of November, too. Top holiday deals

Speeding towards Earth, meteors from the Geminid meteor shower streak across the sky above the ... [+] Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), a Program of NSFs NOIRLab, in Arizona.KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/R. Sparks (NSFs NOIRLab)Is there a meteor showre tonight? The Geminids, the northern hemispheres most spectacular meteor shower of the year, has begun and there are some good reasons why you should see them as soon as you can.Everyones heard of the Perseids in August, but the years most reliable annual meteor shower is Decembers Geminids, which run from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24, peaking overnight on Dec. 13 through Dec. 14.The maximum number of shooting stars per hour its possible to see on peak night is 120, making the Geminid meteor shower the strongest of the year, but with a full moon on Dec. 15, there will a bright moon-bleached sky during the peak.Heres everything you need to know about 2024s Geminid meteor shower.Geminid Meteor Shower 2024: When Is It?The Geminids are named after the constellation Gemini because thats where its shooting stars appear to come from. Astronomers call it the radiant point.In 2024 the Geminid meteor shower will last for six weeks and peak during the late evening/early morning hours of Dec. 13-14. Its been visible since the mid-19th century.MORE FOR YOUIts the most prolific of all the meteor showers in the calendar, with up to 120 shooting stars potentially visible each hour around the peak. Geminids can appear in the night sky as bright streaks of mostly yellow, but also white and, if youre lucky, even green. They move at a pedestrian 21 miles (34 kilometers) per second), according to the American Meteor Society.The asteroid 3200 Phaethon completes an orbit around the Sun every 1.4 years. Its path is highly ... [+] elongated, much like a comet's. Perhaps it is an extinct comet, or maybe it's a true asteroid that is cracking and shedding rocky bits when closest to the Sun. In fact, it's most commonly called a "rock comet."Sky & Telescope diagramGeminid Meteor Shower 2024: CausesAll shooting stars are caused by meteoroids striking the Earths atmosphere. As they do, they energize and heat up, releasing that energy as light.The Geminids are a unique meteor shower in the annual calendar because the source of the meteoroids is an asteroid rather than a comet. The meteorites that become shooting stars when they strike Earths atmosphere were left in the solar system by asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the sun every 1.4 Earth years. After its discovery in 1983, it was noticed that Phaethons orbit matched that of the Geminid debris trail around the sun.According to NASA, Phaethon nevertheless behaves like a comet, brightening and forming a sodium gas tail when its near the sun. Thats because its surface gets so hot that sodium inside Phaethons rock likely vaporizes into space.Geminid meteors can flash into view anywhere in the late-night sky. But if you follow their paths ... [+] back far enough, they all appear to diverge from a point in the constellation Gemini. The meteors' perspective point of origin is called the shower's radiant. Don't expect to see several meteors at once! This diagram is meant only to show their divergence from the radiant point.Sky & Telescope diagramGeminid Meteor Shower 2024: DetailsHow can you see a shooting star during the Geminid Meteor Shower 2024? Look vaguely the southeastern sky after dark from 22:00 during the first week of December and again from Dec. 22. Although the moon will be too bright between First Quarter (Dec. 8) and Third Quarter (Dec. 22), this is the one major shower of the year that provides good activity before midnight, according to the International Meteor Organization, because the radiant point in Gemini will be high in the sky.From the southern hemisphere, the Geminids are not such a big deal. They are sometimes visible, but since Gemini is low in the northeastern night sky, the rates of shooting stars are lower and they occur after midnight.Geminid Meteor Shower 2024: How To WatchTo see any shooting stars during the Geminid meteor shower you will need a cloud-free sky. If that happens, it will likely be a cold night, so wrap up warm and take regular breaks. Have a hot drink nearby and dont stay outside for more than an hour at a time.An observing location away from light pollution is ideal, but failing that, keep any lights out of your eyes. That includes white light from the screen of a smartphone and any other devices.The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium.Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

Here's some help with today's Quordle, including hints and the answers.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesLooking for Mondays Quordle hints and answers? You can find them here:Hey, folks! Hints and the answers for todays Quordle words are just ahead.How To Play QuordleFor any newcomers joining us, heres how to play Quordle: Just start typing in words. You have four five-letter words to guess and nine attempts to find them all. The catch is that you play all four words simultaneously.If you get a letter in the right place for any of the four words, it will light up in green. If a word contains a letter from one of your guesses but its in the wrong place, it will appear in yellow. You could always check out the practice games before taking on the daily puzzle.Here are some hints for todays Quordle game, followed by the answers:What Are Todays Quordle Hints?Word 1 (top left) hint also known as a shinobiWord 2 (top right) hint one-hundredth of a British poundWord 3 (bottom left) hint the area of an NBA court in front of the basket that doesnt have a wood-colored finishWord 4 (bottom right) hint force onto anotherTwo of the words each have a pair of repeated lettersTodays words start with N, P, P and FMORE FOR YOUWhat Are Todays Quordle Answers?Spoiler alert! Dont scroll any further down the page until youre ready to find out todays Quordle answers.This is your final warning!Todays words are...NINJAPENCEPAINTFOISTThats all there is to it for todays Quordle clues and answers. Be sure to check my blog for hints and the solution for Wednesdays game if you need them.

HIGHLIGHTS$XRP surged over 30% in the past day and broke through the $1 resistance level, driven by a favorable shift in the US regulatory landscape and anticipated pro-crypto policies from the incoming Trump administration.Speculation around SEC Chairman Gary Genslers possible resignation has raised hopes for Ripples legal case to conclude, potentially leading to even higher $XRP price momentum.Analysts project that $XRP could reach $5 by the end of 2024, equating to a 277% increase from its current levels.Beyond $XRP, investors are eyeing meme coins like Pepe Unchained, Flockerz, and Crypto All-Stars for potentially high returns, with presale prices steadily increasing as these projects gain traction.$XRP Price Climbs to New Heights, Surpassing $1The $XRP price is on a tear, skyrocketing 30% in the last 24 hours to reach $1.08, finally breaking through the $1 resistance level that has held since December 2021.Long-time $XRP holders, often called the XRP Army, are reveling in their vindication as the so-called bankers coin proves its resilience despite past skepticism.But, as it turns out, a new political landscape can make all the difference. The anticipated pro-crypto stance of the Trump administration and Congress is expected to ignite a renewed crypto bull market.Key Catalysts Driving XRPs RallySeveral recent developments aligned with the Trump-led, risk-on sentiment have fueled the surge in XRPs price.Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouses announcement about engaging with Trumps transition team gained attention after being reported in the Washington Post on November 11.The following day, Garlinghouse referenced it in a social media post.Additionally, during his speech at the 56th Annual Institute on Securities Regulation, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler gave what many interpreted as a farewell message.This shift is highly significant for Ripple, as Genslers departure could bring an end to the SECs legal case against the company over alleged unregistered securities.Before I close, I want to say something about the SEC and its staff. Its a remarkable agency. The staff and Commission are deeply mission-driven, focused on protecting investors, maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formationIts been a great honor to serve with them, doing the peoples work, and ensuring that our capital markets remain the best in the worldIve been proud to serve with my colleagues at the SEC who, day in and day out, work to protect American families on the highways of finance. SEC Chairman, Gary GenslerBefore the recent election, legal analysts anticipated a settlement in Ripples favor. Now, with the potential exit of Gensler, the likelihood of the SEC dropping the case entirely has increased.Although Trump cannot directly remove Gensler, he could demote him from Chairman to a regular commissioner.Most analysts expect Gensler to resign instead. The hints in his latest speech certainly pointed in that direction, and the resulting wave of optimism in the market drove $XRP to new highs, as seen in the chart below.$XRP Projected to Hit $5 by Late 2024Despite potential market corrections as the Trump-fueled rally wanes, $XRP appears poised for a bull run that could surpass its previous peak of $3.84 (or $3.30 using daily close prices).The target for year-end 2024 stands at $5, marking a 277% surge from the current price of $1.08.Additionally, a recent burn of 13M $XRP tokens has contributed to the bullish momentum.Cross-Border Payments Remain $XRPs Core Strength$XRP stands in a strong position as a liquidity solution for financial institutions focused on cross-border transactions. While $XRPs broader utility has expanded, this remains the core strength driving its adoption.A regulatory shift in the US, driven by the incoming administration, could transform $XRP into a globally dominant payment solution.Ripple is also expanding its offerings with its new stablecoin, $RLUSD, under the Ripple Payments Solution brand, which could gain traction among both corporate and sovereign users, especially in the context of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).Strategic Insights: Bernstein Bullish on CryptoOn Monday, US brokerage Alliance Bernstein issued a bullish note to its clients, urging them to Buy everything you can in the crypto space.While $XRP is likely to be a star performer, a diversified portfolio should include a range of digital assets to maximize returns.Exploring High-Potential Meme Coins: Pepe Unchained and More$XRP might be a standout performer, but meme coins are currently the hottest trend in crypto. Here are three meme coins worth considering during their ICO phase for the best returns.Pepe Unchained ($PEPU)The first meme coin with its own Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain, Pepe Unchained, has already raised $32M. The ICO ends in 27 days, making it a limited-time opportunity.Pepes Pump Pad forms a key part of the rapidly-growing $PEPU ecosystem. Its an Ethereum-based platform where users can launch meme coins effortlessly.The presale price of $PEPU increases every 12 hours, and its currently sitting at $0.01286.Whales have already dived into $PEPU, as evidenced by a recent $50K purchase.Flockerz ($FLOCK)Dubbed the peoples meme coin, Flockerz is pioneering a Vote-to-Earn model where token holders guide project decisions and are rewarded for their participation. With nearly $2M raised, $FLOCK is currently priced at $0.0060289.There are only 36 hours left in its current price stage.Crypto All-Stars ($STARS)Crypto All-Stars introduces unified staking for meme coins through the MemeVault Network. Investors can stake various meme tokens while holding $STARS to maximize their rewards.The project is bearing down on $4M in presales, with the token priced at $0.001568 for a limited time.Where to Buy?The presales mentioned can be accessed via the Best Wallet app, which also offers its native token, $BEST, exclusively to its users through a private sale.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.

KEY TAKEAWAYSJPMorgans retail sentiment score suggests extreme investor optimism for $BTC and related products.MicroStrategys and Metaplanets aggressive $BTC acquisitions are paying off as MSTR stock rises by 55.51% and JP:3350 by 57.63% month-to-date.The high put-call skew for MSTR options indicates extreme bullishness, which could be a precursor to a market correction.JPMorgans retail sentiment score hit its record high of four, indicating an extremely optimistic investor outlook. Last week, $BTC climbed to its new all-time high (ATH) of $93.4K, and inflows into $BTC ETFs surpassed $1.6B.Investment giants like Metaplanet believe the bull run is far from over. Metaplanet announced a bond sale this morning to top up its $92.3M $BTC stash.Without further ado, lets unpack the current market situation.Retail Bulls Bet on $BTC and MSTRJPMorgans retail sentiment score measures how retail investors feel about $BTC and the broader crypto market. It considers data from sources like social media, online forums, and trading platforms.JPMorgans equity research team notes a multi-sigma spike in retail sentiment for $BTC products, including IBIT $BTC ETFs (+3.4z) and COIN (+6z).However, SoSoValue data shows $BTC ETFs saw the third-highest outflow (over $400M) since their launch in January on November 14. The outflows primarily came from Fidelitys $FBTC and ARK 21Shares $ARKB ETFs.Source: SoSo ValueMicroStrategys MSTR stock investors are also bullish, as evident from the one-year 25-delta put-call skew plummeting to a record low of 26.7% on Wednesday.This means that investors were paying a significantly higher premium for call options (bets on the stock price rising) than put options (bets on the stock price falling).Its worth noting that a correction usually follows record highs. Unless $BTC continues its parabolic upward trend, MSTR price is likely to pull back by some degree.More Green Dots for MicroStrategyOn Sunday, Michael Saylor posted a screenshot of MicroStrategys portfolio tracker and said it needs more green dots, which indicate $BTC purchases.Michael Saylor is a known $BTC maximalist, so his hinting at a new investment isnt surprising. Last time Saylor made a similar statement, MicroStrategy bought $2B worth of $BTC, bringing its portfolio to $23B.The firm aspires to raise $42B by 2027 through shares and convertible debt to fund future $BTC investments. The ultimate goal is to become the leading $BTC bank worldwide.Following in MicroStrategys footsteps, Tokyo-listed investment firm Metaplanet announced plans to allocate the proceeds from its 1.75B yen (roughly $11.3M) one-year bond issuance, offering a 0.36% annual interest rate, entirely towards $BTC acquisitions. To date, Metaplanet has accumulated over 1K $BTC, worth $92.3M.In October, Metaplanet adopted $BTC yield, which measures the percentage change in the total $BTC holdings ratio to fully diluted shares outstanding, as a KPI. By tracking $BTC yield, Metaplanet aims to evaluate the effectiveness of its strategy.Is a Correction Looming?The CMC Crypto Fear & Greed Index currently stands at 83. Despite $BTCs strong performance, for risk-averse investors, such a high value is a concerning sign.Is the market overheated and due for a correction, or will the frenzy continue? Well have to wait and see.SourcesClick to expand and view sourcesUS Spot BTC ETF (SoSoValue)Michael Saylor (X)Metaplanet Inc. (X)MicroStrategy Inc. (MarketWatch)MSTR (MarketWatch)Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Lora is a writer based in Ireland. Her background in finance and interest in technology helps her present complex concepts in an intelligible and fun way, which is especially useful when it comes to the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Starting as an agency writer, she soon branched out to freelance and later launched a family-run digital marketing agency. In her spare time, Lora attends dance classes or immerses in reading, preferring technology news or postmodern literature. View all articles by Lora Pance 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.

In a nutshell: Everyone is complaining about how Microsoft does business in the cloud, and the Federal Trade Commission has finally decided to step in. While the Commission has not formally opened an investigation, hopes are that the exchange of power between the outgoing and incoming presidential administrations won't hinder efforts. The FTC is considering opening a new investigation into Microsoft, a company accused time and time again of employing anticompetitive practices to hinder competitors in the lucrative cloud business. Unnamed sources spilled the beans to the Financial Times, stating that the federal agency asked industry players for relevant feedback before deciding to start a formal probe.Redmond competitors told the FTC that Microsoft is forcing customers to use its Azure platform by using unlawful practices to block third-party cloud services. Microsoft is allegedly making Office 365 products incompatible with other cloud platforms and requiring costly exit fees for customers considering leaving Azure.The FTC investigation would also look into alleged minimum spending contracts that Microsoft offers to companies at significant discounts if they agree to a certain spending level. The US agency listened to feedback from public cloud providers, and competitors highlighted that some software licensing practices were forcing customers to stay on Azure in perpetuity.This investigation will be the last major initiative by FTC Chair Lina Khan, who has served as the youngest chair (35) since President Joe Biden appointed her in 2021. Khan was particularly active against Big Tech's anticompetitive behavior, stating that her agency was going after the "mob bosses" in the technology business rather than the "henchman" at the bottom.When President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, 2025, Khan's tenure at the FTC will likely end. Fortunately, the fight against technology giants is one of the few political issues that attracts bipartisan support in Washington. So, a new FTC boss could continue Khan's investigation against Microsoft and other technology monopolists in the future. // Related StoriesRedmond is one of the "Big Three" ventures in the cloud business, fighting for market share with Amazon and Google. In 2023, Google alleged that Microsoft abused its dominant position to gain an anti-competitive advantage in the European cloud sector. Microsoft reacted by accusing Google of funding "shadow campaigns" by hostile lobbying organizations to undermine its position with EU regulatory authorities.