Tech Data breach exposes over 56 million clothing store customers This data includes email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, more Published November 19, 2024 10:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': This years most devastating data breaches Kurt Knutsson: Data breaches in 2024 exposed info of millions, stressing the need for better cybersecurity. A cybersecurity vendor claimed last month that a hacker stole data from the fashion retailer Hot Topic, including the personal information of millions of customers. At that time, there was no confirmation from the retailer itself. However, a breach notification site has now confirmed that the personal data of 56,904,909 users was found online and leaked from customers of Hot Topic, Torrid and Box Lunch.This data includes email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, purchase history, gender and dates of birth. Partial credit card data was also included in the breach.IM GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYSEnter bysigning up for my free newsletter. Image of a person shopping (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to knowThe breach notification serviceHave I Been Pwned (HIBP) announced this week that it alerted 56 million Hot Topic customers about a data breach compromising their personal information. While Hot Topic, which operates more than 640 stores across the U.S., has yet to confirm the breach, HIBP reported that it occurred on Oct. 19. Just two days later, a threat actor using the alias "Satanic" claimed responsibility.Satanic alleges that the database contains details of 350 million users, though that number seems inflated. The leaked data does, however, include names, email addresses, physical addresses and dates of birth; all information collected through Hot Topics loyalty program. The hacker is offering the database for $20,000 and demanding that Hot Topic pay $100,000 to prevent its sale.Hudson Rock, an Israeli cybersecurity firm, initially reported the breach and considers it credible. The firm traced the issue back to a malware infection on an employees computer at Robling, a third-party retail analytics firm. Hudson Rock, which operates the cyber intelligence platform Cavalier to monitor compromised devices, discovered the infection and flagged it for clients.Its likely that the threat actor used credentials stolen by info stealer malware to gain access to an analytics platform used by Hot Topic, potentially allowing them to infiltrate the retailers cloud environments. Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Hot Topics silence after the breach is suspiciousEvidence of a data breach at Hot Topic keeps piling up, but the company hasnt said a word yet. Customers and state attorneys general havent been notified, either. Hot Topics silence could mean a few things, especially with such a big breach. They might still be investigating, working with cybersecurity experts to confirm what happened and figure out the extent of the damage. Sometimes, companies stay quiet, hoping to delay or dodge bad press. But this strategy can backfire, leading to more scrutiny and skepticism.We reached out to Hot Topic to request a comment on our story but did not hear back before our deadline. Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5 ways you can stay safe in the event of a data breach1) Keep a strong password:With the Hot Topic data breach exposing sensitive information, its essential to update your passwords. Use a strong, unique password for each account, especially for services where your personal details are stored. A mix of letters, numbers and symbols will make it harder for hackers to guess. Consider using apassword manager to keep everything secure and easily accessible.2) Beware of suspicious links:After a breach, phishing attempts increase, and hackers may use your leaked email to send fake links or emails. Never click on suspicious links, especially those that ask for personal information. Always double-check the sender's email and look out for strange language or urgent requests. If in doubt, go directly to the website instead of following the links in the message.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have 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.3) Invest in a data removal service:Since your personal information could be floating around on the dark web or public databases, its a good idea to invest in a data removal service.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.4) Watch out for the risk of identity theft:The leaked data includes sensitive details like addresses, birthdays and purchase histories, which could be used for identity theft. Be extra cautious when sharing personal information moving forward, and if you notice anything unusual, report it immediately. If you are a Hot Topic customer, you might also want to consider an identity theft monitoring service.See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.5) Monitor your accounts regularly:Keep an eye on your bank accounts, credit card statements and even loyalty programs where your information is stored. Set up alerts for transactions and logins so you can act fast if anything seems off. Regular monitoring can help you catch fraudulent activity early, minimizing the damage if your data is misused.Kurts key takeawayThe Hot Topic data breach is alarming, especially since it affects over 56 million people. What makes the situation even more concerning is that Hot Topic has stayed silent about it. The company hasnt notified those affected, leaving many unprepared for potential cybersecurity threats. Hackers could use this gap to target victims with scams, leading to financial losses. This situation is a strong reminder of the importance of maintaining good cybersecurity hygiene, whether youre impacted by a breach or not.Should companies be forced to compensate customers whose data has been exposed instead of just staying silent? 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.

My husband has to sew my buttons on I still cant sew, confesses co-CEO of technology education charity Tech She Can, Sheridan Ash.This years Computer Weekly most influential woman in UK technology has always had a sense of wanting to right the injustice inflicted on women by gender stereotyping.At school, the girls had to do sewing or needlework or typing, and the boys did metalwork and woodwork. So I went to the local newspaper. I set up a petition. I got other pupils to stand outside the school with placards. Anyway, I got it changed. Hence, I cant sew or type, but Im great at welding, says Ash.Computer Weekly attended the launch of the first Tech She Can research eight years ago, when it was still a part of Ashs work at PwC.Ash has since left the professional services firm to focus on the technology education charity full-time, but like many women in the tech sector, her journey has not been linear.Ash left school at 16 with no qualifications, which she puts down, in part, to undiagnosed dyslexia. Not knowing what to do, she accepted a modelling job she was offered when window shopping with her mother in London.While this sufficed for a while, in her early 20s, Ash needed a career change for various reasons. After getting help with her dyslexia, she returned to education to study psychological sciences, then worked in the pharmaceutical industry before returning to school again to gain a masters in business administration.Eventually, Ash was offered a job at PwC to implement the firms health and technology practice.Ash has always been passionate about equality hence wanting to weld at school and in her role at PwC, she started to notice the diversity gap in the technology sector.What was going wrong? Why was it so predominantly male? she found herself wondering at the time.After the firm selected its first technology leader to sit on the board, the work Ash had done to collect data around diversity, both within PwC and the wider sector, began to pay off in a big way.She explains: I worked directly for that technology leader. I wrote the whole technology and innovation strategy for the firm, and at the heart of that, I embedded the piece around diversity.It was when working with the board of PwC eight years ago that Ash was inspired to commission the first piece of research on diversity, which eventually evolved into the Tech She Can movement.Ash says while there had been research at the time about the lack of women in the sector and the reasons for that, there was not enough around why younger girls were overlooking jobs in tech.After asking thousands of young people between the ages of 18 and 24, Ash explains: They said, We know who Sheryl Sandberg is, and Ada Lovelace, but ones been dead a long time and the others a COO. What they were looking for is relatable role models, people [in roles] they could see a pathway to.The research also found girls were less likely than boys to have technology suggested to them as a career option by others in their lives, such as teachers, parents or career advisors.Girls were also more likely to say they wanted a career that has a positive impact on society, but Ash speculates the digital native generations dont see how technology can achieve that because its so embedded in their lives.Read more about diversity in techResearch by organisations Women in Tech North and Tech Returners finds that women believe developing alternative routes into tech jobs will help close the industrys diversity gap.Research from the Institute of Coding has found UK adults dont think tech represents the wider UK population, and are uncertain about the level of education needed for a tech job.She explains: They wanted to have a positive impact on themselves, the community, their family, the UK and the wider world, and they didnt understand the relationship between technology and doing that.Recognising that no single person or organisation will be able to shift the dial alone, Tech She Can is focused on acting as a bridge between government, schools and industry.Were quite good at bridging that demand and supply [gap], along with [addressing] whats putting girls off, the perception issues and all of those things, Ash claims. Often, you dont get [to hear] teachers, schools and childrens voices.Tech She Can was launched as a charter with 18 partner organisations to collaborate on improving the pipeline of women going into technology roles. As part of this, it has become focused on helping educate children about tech careers.A common barrier between young girls and tech careers is a lack of understanding about what a tech career involves, what roles are available, how to go about pursuing a tech career, and the kinds of people who work in the industry.This goes hand in hand with a lack of visible and accessible role models, as young women are less likely to be drawn to a career if they dont see anyone like them in such roles.Photographer: Elyse MarksI want to persuade girls they have a role to play in making sure that the world isnt just developed by a lot of white tech bros, that they could be part of making sure the world is a fit place for everybody, and that it is somewhere women are treated equally in creating that worldSheridan Ash, Tech She CanAsh urges: Weve got to start changing these perceptions and addressing the inspiration and aspiration gaps very early on, and childrens understanding of what technology is and what roles and careers there are out there. Nobody seems to be doing that.Tech She Can regularly visits schools and provides online learning to prepare young people for technology careers, educating them about possible roles and how technology will play a role in their future careers. It also helps government and industry connect with schools with the aim of closing the technology skills and diversity gaps.We dont teach the coding. We teach the inspiration, the aspiration, and show them how the technology they can use [translates into] careers and jobs.Last year, Ash left PwC to pursue Tech She Can full-time, launching the initiative as a charity in partnership with co-CEO Claire Thorne.The programme has gone from strength to strength. It now has 200 member organisations, 800 registered champions, and has reached more than 130,000 children.At a time when so many organisations are stepping back when it comes to implementing diversity and inclusion in their technology remit, how does Tech She Can make sure those involved are not using it as lip service?What we concentrate on is what we call our strategic partners, which are the people who fund us, and across all our partners we train champions to go into schools, we package up all our live lessons in a way that the champions can take them out and deliver them in person. In primary schools, they often do it to a whole assembly, and in secondary schools, its usually to individual classes.During these sessions, the champions explain technology concepts, how they apply in the real world and what tech jobs involve, which over time has changed the way children perceive technology, the subjects they choose to study and what careers they consider in the future.Underpinning it all is data. For example, the organisation uses social mobility data to ensure it offers its services to schools that have the greatest need for it.Wearing other hats, Ash is a non-executive director for several other organisations, leaning into her life-long need to help women achieve equality.But she still has moments when she needs to perform a Wonder Woman-style power pose to amp herself up.We often talk about technology role models, and in Ashs childhood, she aspired to be Wonder Woman.She kicked the ass of the baddies, she says. She wanted to have a positive impact. She did good shit. And that felt right from a young age, whether I was conscious or not about what I wanted in life.There is plenty of research highlighting the importance of role models for young women, especially in the technology space. Ash is a role model herself.Ash says she wants every young woman to know that not only is technology a joyful career, but it is going to be one of the most important factors of shaping her world.She says: I want to persuade girls they have a role to play in making sure that the world isnt just developed by a lot of white tech bros, that they could be part of making sure the world is a fit place for everybody, and that it is somewhere women are treated equally in creating that world.

Sheridan Ash, founder and co-CEO of Tech She Can, has become the 13th person to be named Computer Weeklys Most Influential Woman in UK Tech.Launched in 2012, the Computer Weekly list of the 50 Most Influential Women in UK Tech started as a list of 25, expanding to 50 in 2015, and now seeing hundreds of nominations each year.The list was originally created to showcase the amazing women in the technology industry, shining a light on the sectors role models who may inspire the next generation of women in tech.As well as the 2024 longlist of more than 700 nominated women, and our list of Rising Stars, there are also new entrants to our Hall of Fame, launched to acknowledge those who have made a lifetime contribution to the UKs technology sector.This years winner, Sheridan Ash, launched Tech She Can to teach girls and young women about technology careers and subjects to inspire them to choose this path in the future.1. Sheridan Ash, founder and co-CEO, Tech She CanUntil 2023, Ash led technology innovation at PwC UK, and is currently co-CEO and founder of the charity Tech She Can. She was a board member of the Institute of Coding for four years and, in 2020, received an MBE for services to young girls and women through technology.Tech She Can is an award-winning charity with more than 240 member organisations, which together work with industry, government and schools to improve the ratio of women in technology roles. It provides initiatives and pathways into tech careers across all the different stages of girls and womens lives.At PwC, Ash led change in the technology workforce, pioneering initiatives that saw the percentage of women in tech more than double to reach 32%.2. Naomi Timperley, co-founder, Tech North Advocates; innovation director, Oxford InnovationTimperley is a freelance consultant and co-founder of Tech North Advocates, a private sector-led collection of tech experts who champion thetechnology sector in the north of England.In 2021, she co-founded advisory firm Growth Strategy Innovation, which helps to grow startup and scaleup organisations. She is now innovation director for Oxford Innovation, which helps organisations develop ecosystems for entrepreneurs and innovators, in turn boosting local areas.Timperley was named a Computer Weekly Women in Tech Rising Star in 2017 when, until 2021, she was a board member of FutureEverything. She previously co-founded Enterprise Lab.3. Sarah Turner, CEO and co-founder, Angel AcademeTurner founded Angel Academe, a pro-women and pro-diversity angel investment group focused on technology, and is currently CEO of the group.Until 2023, Turner was also an advisory board member of tech recruiter Spinks, and in 2007 co-founded consultancy Turner Hopkins, which helps businesses create digital strategies.Previously, Turner was an external board member and chair of the investment committee for venture capital fund the Low Carbon Innovation Fund and a board member of the UK Business Angels Association, the trade association for early-stage investment.4. Charlene Hunter, CEO and founder, Coding Black FemalesHunter founded Coding Black Females in 2017 to help black female software developers meet each other and network. Alongside her work at Coding Black Females, Hunter is a software developer.She is an advisory board industry representative in the University of Essex Onlines computing department, technical director at SAM Software Solutions, and technical director at full-stack and front-end training organisation Black CodHer Bootcamp.Previously, Hunter was lead software engineer at Made Tech, and held roles such as senior software developer, lead Java developer, app developer and technical consultant at various firms. She was named a Computer WeeklyWomen in UK Tech Rising Star in 2020.5. Samantha Niblett, founder, Labour Women in TechBefore her time as an MP, Niblett had a long career in technology, having roles such as industry sales leader at DXC Technology and head of alliances, channel and ecosystem in EMEA at 1E.Now, alongside her role as an MP, shes founder of the Labour: Women in Tech group, which campaigns to reach equal gender opportunities in the technology industry. Shes also the co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on FinTech and the Parliamentary Internet, Communications and Technology Forum (PICTFOR), as well as the chair for the Interparliamentary Forum on Emerging Technologies and a member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee.6. Anna Brailsford, CEO, Code First GirlsAn entrepreneur and co-founder, Brailsford joined Code First Girls as CEO in 2019, where she works to encourage more women into the tech sector by providing software development skills and education.Prior to her work at Code First Girls, she co-founded and was CEO of performance management firm Frisbee, which was part of venture capital fund Founders Factory. Until summer 2024, she was was a board member for the Institute of Coding, where she focused specifically on diversity and inclusion. She is also a self-employed commercial and strategy consultant.7. Deborah ONeill, partner head of digital, Europe, Oliver WymanAs part of her role as partner and head of digital for Europe at Oliver Wyman, ONeill leads digital transformation and new proposition launches at companies all over the world.Alongside this, she is also a strategic partner at FutureDotNow, a board trustee for Girlguiding and special adviser to the founder at The Youth Group.8. Hayaatun Sillem, CEO, Royal Academy of EngineeringSillem worked for the Royal Academy of Engineering for 12 years before being appointed its CEO in 2018. Previous roles at the academy include deputy CEO and director of strategy, director of programmes and fellowship, and head of international activities.As well as her work for the academy, Sillem is a trustee of EngineeringUK and the Foundation for Science and Technology, and CEO of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering.9. Priya Lakhani, founder and CEO, Century TechLakhani founded Century Tech as a teaching and learning platform focused on subjects such as artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive neuroscience, big data analytics and blockchain, where she is also CEO.A frequent public speaker, she has previously been a member of the UKs AI Council, a board member for the Foundation for Education Development, a board member for Unboxed 2022, and a non-executive director for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).She is a digital patron for Cottesmore School, and has appeared on the BBCs AI Decoded news segment. She was awarded an OBE in 2014.10. Mary McKenna, co-founder, AwakenHubMary McKenna is a huge supporter of entrepreneurship and startups, holding several roles as an adviser and investor. Her social enterprise, AwakenHub, where she is co-founder, is focused on building a community of female founders in Ireland.As well as being an expert adviser for the European Commission, she is an entrepreneurship expert with the Entrepreneurship Centre at the University of Oxfords Said Business School, and a trustee for CAST, among many other board memberships and non-executive directorships.11. Claire Thorne, co-CEO, Tech She CanThorne is co-CEO of Tech She Can, a charity aimed at increasing the number of women in the technology sector, as well as a venture partner at Deep Science Ventures and a diversity and inclusion advisory board member for the Institute of Coding.She has a background in the education sector, previously holding roles as director of innovation strategy for the University of Surrey and executive officer to the vice-president (innovation) at Imperial College London.12. Liz Williams, CEO, FutureDotNow; chair, Good Things FoundationWilliams is CEO of inclusion campaign FutureDotNow, which aims to ensure people are not left behind by the growing skills gap caused by digital adoption. She is a member of the UK governments Digital Skills Council, and chair of the Good Things Foundation.Prior to her current work, Williams spent more than 20 years at BT in a number of different roles, including programme director for sustainable business, director of tech literacy and education programmes, and director of digital society. Until 2024, she was a member of the board of trustees for Transport for London.13. Emma Wright, director, Institute of AI; partner, Harbottle and LewisWith a background in law surrounding telecoms, the internet and media, Wright now uses her expertise as director of not-for-profit The Institute of AI, as well as partner at Harbottle & Lewis, heading up the tech, data and digital group.She has worked in the tech sector for over 20 years. Her team atHarbottle & Lewis is comprised of 66% female and 66% ethnic minority members.During 2023, she worked with the OECD, WEF and the ITU to build a reputation in relation to the regulation of AI. She is also working with the Ditchley Foundation, considering whether the collaborative approach in relation to telecoms can work for AI regulation.14. Bina Mehta, chair, KPMG UKIn her 30 years at KPMG, Mehta has had many responsibilities, including building the firms focus on trade and investment, and helping scaleup clients to access financial support.She is now chair of the organisation, and in 2022 was awarded an MBE for services to UK trade and investment and supporting female entrepreneurs.15. Arfah Farooq, scout, Ada Ventures; founder, Muslamic Makers; founder, Muslim Tech FestAn expert in diversity, inclusion and community building, Farooq co-founded Muslamic Makers in 2016 as a networking group for Muslims in tech, design and development.As well as a freelance diversity and inclusion consultant, Farooq is a scout for Ada Ventures with special interest in edtech, healthtech and fintech, and until March 2024 was a community manager for Big Society Capital.She has an extensive background in digital and AI in both the private and public sectors.16. Beckie Taylor, CEO, co-founder, TechReturnersTaylor co-founded TechReturners, where she is currently CEO, to give skilled individuals who have had a career break the opportunity to connect with firms and help them back into mid-level to senior-level tech roles.She is also co-founder of The Confidence Community, which aims to provide resources, training information and events to give people more career confidence. Taylor is co-founder of community WIT North and co-founder of ReframeWIT.She recently founded community platform Voices in Tech to help connect speakers with event opportunities.17. Melanie Dawes, chief executive, OfcomDawes has headed up Ofcom since 2020 following her previous role as permanent secretary at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, as well as many other roles across the Civil Service.She has previously been a trustee at Patchwork Foundation, which aims to encourage under-represented young people to participate in democracy, and a non-executive director of consumer group Which?.18. Avril Chester, founder, Cancer Central; CTO, Royal Pharmaceutical SocietyAward-winning entrepreneur Avril Chester is currently the CTO of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, her most recent in a series of roles heading up technology in organisations. In 2018, she founded technology charity platform Cancer Central to help support people with cancer.19. Nicola Martin, BCS Women committee member and BCS Pride vice-chair; founder, Nicola Martin Coaching & ConsultancyMartin has a history of working as a test consultant at firms such as Barclays, Sony, the UK Home Office, Shazam and Sky, and is currently a startup adviser and founder of her own coaching and consultancy firm.Prior to this, she was head of quality at Adarga and is currently chair for the BCS Special Interest Group in Software Testing, and until January 2023 was the vice-chair of the BCS LGBTQIA+ tech specialist group.20. Amanda Brock, CEO, Open UKAmanda Brocks role at OpenUK sees her leading the sustainable and ethical development of open technologies in the UK, including technology such as open source software, hardware and data.She also sits on the boards of both the Cabinet Office Open Standards Board and US cyber security firm Mimoto, is an advisory board member of several firms, as well as acting as a judge for the CIO 100 Awards.21. Natalie Moore, CEO, Apps for GoodMoore has been at Apps for Good since 2019, originally as director of education, products and events, then as chief operating officer (COO), before becoming CEO in 2021.Her career background has been heavily weighted towards education, having been international education programme coordinator for London 2012, and volunteering as governor at the Harris Academy Ockendon and Sixth Form.22. Tristi Tanaka, head of the CMO portfolio, NHS Black Country ICB; BCS committee memberTanaka is currently part of the programme team for All4Health&Care, a community launched during the pandemic to connect digital healthcare providers with the public sector. She is also the head of the CMO Office for NHS Black Country ICB, and is on the community support committee for BCS.Previously, she has been a fellow, independent audit for AI systems for ForHumanity, and BCS Women membership secretary.23. Casey Calista, chair, Labour DigitalCalista has a history in both technology and the public sector.Alongside her role at Labour Digital, she is head of policy and public affairs at UK scaleup Vorboss, and she co-founded network Women in Tech Policy.She volunteers as an adviser for digital citizenship charity Glitch, and is a policy board member for OpenUK.24. Helen Kelisky, managing director UK&I, Google CloudWith experience in cloud at companies such as Salesforce and IBM, Kelisky started her role at Google in 2022 well-equipped with the skills needed to run its cloud division.Alongside this, Kelisky is on the board of directors for Calnex Solutions, and is a member of the board of directors for the Women in Telecoms and Technology networking group.25. Lila Ibrahim, chief operating officer, Google DeepMindLila Ibrahim became Google DeepMinds first COO in 2018, looking after teams in disciplines such as engineering, virtual environments, programme management and operations.Prior to this role, she was COO of online skills platform Coursera, and has also acted at general manager for emerging markets platforms in China at Intel.26. Kate Philpot, vice-president, global sales enablement, Getty Images; board member, TLA Black Women In TechPhilpot has a background in both sales, and learning and development, which she uses in her role as the vice-president of global sales enablement at Getty Images. She has held various roles both in and outside of sales at many notable firms, such as Shell, Mars and GSK.As well as being a board member for the TLA Black Women in Tech group, she is a member and speaker for the Sales Enablement Directive.27. Nicola Hodson, CEO for UK&I, IBMHodson has an extensive background in the technology sector, and has had roles such as managing consultant at EY and general manager at Siemens Business Services responsible for public sector, healthcare, financial services and manufacturing.More recently, she was vice-president for global sales, marketing and operations field transformation at Microsoft, before becoming chief executive of IBM in UK and Ireland at the beginning of 2023.Shes also a board member and deputy president of TechUK, and holds several non-executive directorships.28. Roni Savage, managing director, Jomas Associates (Engineering & Environmental)As managing director of Jomas Associates (Engineering & Environmental), Savage specialises in geotechnical and environmental engineering.She is also passionate about topics such as women in engineering and social mobility, and is on the UK governments SME Business Council.29. Allison Kirkby, CEO, BT GroupWith a long history of CEO positions, Kirkby has experience in running companies with a background in telecoms, and in February this year took over as CEO of BT Group. Her past CEO roles have included TDC group, Tele2 and Telia, and she is also a non-executive director of Brookfield asset management.30. Clare Barclay, president, enterprise and industry, Microsoft UKBarclay has been with Microsoft for more than 10 years, holding several roles including director of SMB, general manager of small and mid-market solutions and partners, COO, and CEO in the UK.In November 2024, she became president of enterprise and industry for Microsoft in the UK. She is chair of the industrial strategy advisory council for the Department for Business and Trade, volunteers as a board member for the British Heart Foundation and, until recently, was a non-executive director at CBI.31. Kike Oniwinde Agoro, founder and CEO, BYP NetworkOniwinde Agoro founded BYP Network in 2016 to help black professionals network and have easier access to jobs, after a trip abroad confirmed the challenges young black people face in getting jobs both in and outside the UK.Until 2024, she was board trustee for volunteer organisation Getting On Board, and has received several awards and accolades, including Forbes 30 Under 30 and Financial Times Top 100 BAME Leaders in Technology.32. Sharon Wallace, head of D&I, partnerships and people change, SkyWallace heads up diversity and inclusion, partnerships and people change at Sky, and one of her focuses in this role is designing and delivering the people strategy for technology within the firm.Outside of this, Wallace was a member of the advisory board for recently disbanded Tech Talent Charter, and volunteers as a cub and scout assistant.33. Toni Scullion, computing science teacher; founder of dressCodeScullion is a serial founder, having founded dressCode, a not-for-profit that encourages young women in Scotland to consider a career in computer science, and co-founded the Ada Scotland Festival, which aims to use collaboration to close the gender gap in computer science education in Scotland.These endeavours stem from her being a computer science teacher passionate about encouraging more children to take the subject. Alongside this work, she is a volunteer for the Scottish Tech Army, a not-for-profit aimed at using tech for good.34. Sarah Tulip, chief growth officer, Conquer Technology; co-founder, Women in Leeds DigitalEarlier this year, Tulip took on the role of chief growth officer at software engineering consultancy Conquer Technology. In 2018, she co-founded community-led initiative Women In Leeds Digital, which encourages and helps minority groups to consider a career in technology.Tulip is also chair of the regional productivity forum in Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East for the Productivity Institute, ambassador for Leeds as a digital city at Leeds City Council, and managing director at &Then Consulting.35. Zandra Moore, CEO and co-founder, PanintelligenceMoore co-founded data analytics and AI firm Panintelligence in 2010 with the aim of helping firms properly organise their data to more easily adopt AI. She became CEO in 2018.Alongside this, Moore also founded low-code tech community No Code Lab and gender equality community Lean In Leeds. As well as a position as chair for Lifted Ventures, Moore is an Ada Angel for inclusive venture firm Ada Ventures.36. Laura Moore, global director of identity, Sky; co-founder, Lift as we ClimbAs global director of identity at Sky, Moore is responsible for leading the firms identity management projects. Prior to this, she held several roles as a project manager, and was previously the head of infotainment group technology for Vodafone.As well as being a member of the board for Tech Talent Charter, she is the co-founder of female tech leaders community Lift as we Climb.37. Maria Axente, head of AI public policy and ethics, PwC UK; vice-chair and member of data analytics and AI Leadership Committee, TechUKMaria Axente is the head of AI public policy and ethics at PwC in the UK, where she combines her skills in analytics and ethical AI policy development to ensure AI is developed with humans in mind.Previously, she was the artificial intelligence and AI-for-good lead at the firm, responsible for advising clients on responsible use of AI, and ensuring ethical development of PwC AI operations, products and services.Shes a vice-chair for the data, analytics and AI leadership committee at TechUK, and in the past she has been an advisory board member for the APPG for AI, and adviser for the PHI for Augmented Intelligence.38. Bev White, CEO, Nash SquaredAs CEO of Nash Squared, White heads up the global firm which provides IT recruitment, technology solutions and leadership services out of 36 offices across the world.White has a long background in the tech sector, having previously held roles as CIO and director of IT, as well as completing a degree in computer science.39. Alice Bentinck, co-founder and CEO, Entrepreneur FirstBentinck was named aComputer Weekly Rising Star in 2014, and has co-founded several organisations, including Entrepreneur First, a firm that supports European technology startups, and not-for-profit coding training programme Code First Girls.She is on the Computer Science Department Industrial Liaison Board for Imperial College London, is a board trustee for Generation and is the author of startup business bookHow to be a founder.40. Janine Hirt, CEO, Innovate FinanceHirt joined Innovate Finance in 2015 as the industry bodys head of community, before eventually becoming its CEO six years later. She now heads up the organisation, aiming to drive innovation and transformation in the fintech sector to make it more inclusive.She has worked around the world in a variety of roles, including acting head of corporate relations for Chatham House in the UK, head of membership for the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce in New York, and head new hire trainer for an English language training programme in Japan.41. Cynthia Davis, CEO and founder, Diversifying GroupDavis is the co-founder of diversity career platform Diversifying, and founder and CEO of recruitment organisation BAME Recruitment and Consulting.She is chair of the board of directors for Pop Up Projects and a board trustee for charity Over the Wall, both aimed at changing young peoples lives for the better.Davis has previously held roles in talent acquisition in the STEM sector, at telecoms firm BT, and as part of a short-term project at an aerospace, aviation, F1 and motorsport organisation.42. Anne Keast-Butler, director, GCHQThe first female to head up GCHQ, Keast-Butler moved into the director role last year after serving as deputy director general of MI5. With a long career in security and defence, her previous roles have included overseeing the upkeep of functions that support MI5s operational activities and the launch of the UKs National Cyber Security Programme.43. Akua Opong, senior EUC engineer, infrastructure and cloud engineering, London Stock Exchange; STEM adviserAs well as her work as senior EUC engineer, infrastructure and cloud engineering at the London Stock Exchange Group, Opong is a freelancer and STEM adviser and a board trustee for The Blair Project Foundation.Until recently, she was part of the City of London Corporation volunteer advisory group for equality, diversity and inclusion, and was previously an advisory board member for Neurodiversity in Business, and a mentor at the TechUp mentor programme for Durham University.Opong was a contributor forVoices in the shadows, the book of black female role models created by the 2022 Computer Weekly Most Influential Woman in UK Tech, Flavilla Fongang.44. Sarah Munby, permanent secretary, Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyMunby has a long history of working in government, and became permanent secretary leading the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in February 2023.She has also been partner, leader of strategy and corporate finance practice in UK and Ireland at McKinsey & Company, where she led the firms work on productivity across the UK economy.45. Charlotte Crosswell, chair, Centre for Finance, Innovation and TechnologyCrosswell is managing director of consulting firm Exadin, as well as chair for the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology. She holds several other non-executive directorships in firms such as Freemarket and the Centre for Policy Studies. In 2021, she received an OBE for services to the financial services sector.46. Irene Graham, CEO, Scaleup InstituteGraham has been the CEO of not-for-profit the ScaleUp Institute since 2015, and has an OBE for services to UK business and economy.As well as being a visiting professor of entrepreneurship at Strathclyde University, Graham holds various non-executive and advisory roles.47. Zahra Bahrololoumi, CEO, Salesforce UK&IAs CEO of Salesforce in the UK and Ireland, Bahrololoumi is responsible for the workforce in these regions across all industries and functions, and is particularly focused on ensuring its customers are ready for digital transformation.She sits on several boards, including for Seeing Is Believing Coventry Place, Movement to Work and Cancer Research UK Corporate Partnerships, and is an independent non-executive director on the TSB board.In 2023, she was awarded a CBE for services to the information technology sector.48. Nzinga Gardner, business operations analyst, News UK Technology; chair of Women in Tech Network, News UKNaming the technology sector her familiar territory, Gardner has an extensive background in the technology sector, having held roles such as first line support at Fujitsu, senior supply chain administrator at Technicolor and project manager at the BBC as a member of the BBCs Design and Technology Business Management Unit HQ Team.Now, shes a business operations analyst as part of the technology arm of News UK, and is a board trustee of food and hygiene bank Necessities UK.49. Sarah Cardell, CEO, Competition and Markets AuthorityCardell has been at the Competition and Markets Authority since 2013, first as general counsel, then as interim CEO, and now as CEO.Prior to her time at the Competition and Markets Authority, she was a legal partner for the markets division of energy markets authority Ofgem, and in her early career spent 11 years at law firm Slaughter and May, working her way from trainee solicitor to partner.50. Elena Sinel, founder, Acorn Aspirations and Teens in AI; business mentor, Microsoft for StartupsSinel founded Teens in AI and Acorn Aspirations to help young people who want to solve real-world problems using technology such as AI, virtual, augmented and mixed reality.She has won awards for her work, including CogX 2017 Award in Using AI for Social Good Projects, and is currently an education taskforce committee member for the All Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence, and a business mentor at Microsoft for Startups.Before working on Acorn Associates and Teens in AI, Sinel was a consultant for several firms, including the British Council, NGOs, Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Ethiopian Cultural Heritage Project.

If there's one mobile trend in the past decade that I'll proudly stand by, it's the fact that cheap phones are getting good. Really good. In today's market, buying a phone that costs a fraction of the latest flagship iPhone or Samsung Galaxy doesn't mean settling for a noticeably inferior experience. Instead, manufacturers have begun to bring core features such as wireless charging, 5G, and high-performance processors downmarket, making the more accessible tier of handsets just as worthy of your consideration.Also: The best phones of 2024 What is the best cheap phone right now? My pick for the best cheap phone overall goes to the CMF Phone 1. Available for around $200, the CMF Phone 1 is the embodiment of a great-value handset, with a large 6.67-inch AMOLED display that gets plenty bright, a beefy 5,000mAh battery, clean yet highly-customizable software, and unique features that give it character. For a more premium experience that won't break the bank, consider the OnePlus 12R, which beats out the likes of theGoogle Pixel 8ain terms of display quality, brightness, battery life, performance, and charging. Considering many people shopping in the low-to-mid-range market value such features the most, the OnePlus 12R is the better option of the two mid-rangers.For more cheap phone recommendations, look to our tested selections below.Best cheap phones of 2024 Show less Pros Very affordable, starting at $239 Bright and large AMOLED display Customizable backplate design Long-lasting battery with efficient processor Cons Lack of Verizon bands makes it unusable for some No NFC means no tap-to-pay function Middling camera system CMF Phone 1 by Nothing Best cheap phone overall The best cheap phone you can buy today is the CMF Phone 1. Starting at $239, the Phone 1 has several features going for it that put it above devices that cost hundreds of dollars more, such as the ability to manually replace the back cover, screw in accessories (including a kickstand, wallet slot, and more), and insert a MicroSD card for expanded storage.Review:CMF Phone 1You would think that a $200 phone would settle on essential specs like display quality, battery life, and software, but those exact three aspects score high marks for the Phone 1. The 2,000-nit display gets bright enough to use comfortably outdoors, the 5,000mAh battery will hold up for most users, and Nothing's interpretation of Android is thoughtful, short on bloatware, and full of unique widgets.Of course, you'll have to settle with something when you're paying around $200 for a phone. In the case of the Phone 1, that comes in the form of a Dimensity 7300 5G processor that's just good enough for browsing and social media but less so for extended gaming, a camera system that's not as capable in low light environments, and a lack of network band support that makes the phone unusable if you're on Verizon.CMF Phone 1 by Nothing tech specs: Display size:6.67 inches |Display type:AMOLED |Resolution:2780 x 1264 |Refresh rate:120Hz |Battery life:5,500mAh|RAM:Up to 16GB |Storage:Up to 256GB |Rear camera:50MP Sony IMX890 main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro |Front camera:16MP |Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Show Expert Take Show less Show less Pros Large battery with the fastest charging on the market Big, bright, beautiful AMOLED display Snappy Qualcomm processor with up to 16GB RAM $399 with trade-in Cons No wireless charging support Limited to three years of software updates Curved-edged design may not be for all OnePlus 12R Best cheap phone under $500 While the Google Pixel A-series has always been the budget king, the OnePlus 12R tips the scales this year, and in a big way. OnePlus launched the device alongside the flagship OnePlus 12 in February, ultimately making the mid-range phone look more attractive due to its feature parity with the more expensive model. Features like an LTPO 4.0 display that could ramp up to 4,500 nits of brightness, a 5,500mAh battery (which is even larger than the OnePlus 12's 5,000mAh), and 80W SuperVOOC charging made the OnePlus 12R look like a steal at $499.Review: OnePlus 12RHow did OnePlus get the price so low? Using an older processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, was one way, but it turned out to be just as competent for most mobile use cases, as ZDNET's Matthew Miller discovered when he reviewed the phone. "I used the review device for a month and could easily see myself daily driving it since it performs flawlessly, has an IP64 dust/water resistance rating, and has an exceptionally bright display," Miller noted.While the 50MP camera system doesn't capture photos in low-light environments like the latest iPhone Pro or Samsung Galaxy Ultra model, it does a commendable job in most other conditions. But what the OnePlus 12R lacks in camera quality, it makes up for the fastest charging speed in the North American market, being able to charge from 0% to 100% within 40 minutes. Several Best Buy customers have commended the OnePlus for its lifestyle-changing charging speed.OnePlus 12R tech specs: Display size: 6.78 inches | Display type: AMOLED | Resolution: 2780 x 1264 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Battery life:5,500mAh| RAM: Up to 16GB | Storage: Up to 256GB | Rear camera: 50MP Sony IMX890 main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro | Front camera: 16MP | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Show Expert Take Show less Show less Pros Compact OLED display with 120Hz Seven years of software updates Exceptional cameras with useful AI tools Cons 18W charging is relatively slow Maxes out at 256GB internal storage Google Pixel 8a Best cheap camera phone The Google Pixel 8a can easily be the best cheap phone overall, but that would depend on your list of priority features. The Pixel is for you if you place camera quality, software updates, and security above the display, performance, and battery life.The latest model features a handy 6.1-inch, 120Hz OLED display that, to be fair, works great for media consumption and scrolling through the web. However, because it's smaller, you're dealt with the usual benefits and drawbacks, including better one-handed usage and limited viewing angles. Fortunately, most people buy Pixel phones for the clean software experience, abundant Google AI features, including Magic Editor and Photo Unblur, and excellent camera quality.Read the review:Google Pixel 8aYou'll get all that with the Pixel 8a, which is excellent for a phone that costs half the price of Google's flagship model. ZDNET's Prakhar Khanna says the camera system, which includes a 64MP shooter, is solid, capturing "sharp and vibrant" photos while "handling high-contrast and low-light scenes better than other devices." Amazon users mostly agree with Khanna, with one customer citing, "I chose (the Pixel 8a) because of the camera, and it did not disappoint."Secretly, the best feature of the Pixel 8a is Google's commitment to seven years of operating system upgrades, Pixel Feature Drops, and security patches. This means the phone will stay feature-relevant until at least 2031, which is unheard of in the mid-range market and a key selling point for those who value it.Google Pixel 8a tech specs:Display size: 6.1 inches | Display type: OLED with HDR support | Resolution: 1080 x 2400 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Battery life:4,500mAh| RAM: 8GB | Storage: Up to 256GB | Rear camera: 64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide | Front camera: 13MP | Processor: Titan M2 security Show Expert Take Show less Show less Pros Price is very reasonable A 'jack of all trades, master of none' smartphone Reliable 5,000mAh battery Up to five years of software and security updates Cons Low-band 5G support UI can be sluggish at times Cameras are not as capable as Pixel 8a Samsung Galaxy A35 5G Best cheap Samsung phone There are three key reasons to buy the Galaxy A35 5G over any other sub-$400 phone: For the price, you get a fantastic 6.6-inch AMOLED display that ramps up to 120Hz refresh rate, a triple-camera setup that includes a 50MP main sensor, and a beefy 5,000mAh battery.Read the review:Samsung Galaxy A35 5GSamsung knows what features people value the most, and even if you have preferences beyond that list, my time testing the Galaxy A35 5G has left me with enough confidence that it will meet your mobile needs. Coming from the older A34 5G, the latest model features a glass backing, a more performant Exynos chipset, and an improved camera system. Reddit users agree that the battery life on the A35 5G has been one of its bright spots, too.The A-series smartphones also benefit from Samsung's five-year commitment to software and security updates, a significant advantage compared to competing phones by Motorola and OnePlus. If you're currently using a Samsung phone and don't see yourself moving away from the ecosystem, the A35 5G is the best "cheap phone" option for you.Samsung Galaxy A35 5G tech specs:Display size: 6.6 inches | Display type: Super AMOLED | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Battery:5,000mAh| RAM: 6GB | Storage: Up to 1TB with microSD | Rear camera: 50MP, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro | Front camera: 13MP | Processor: Exynos 1380 octa-core Show Expert Take Show less Show less Pros 120Hz display for a relatively low price 5,000mAh battery with 30W charging Useful Motorola gestures Cons Only gets one year of operating system support Camera system takes a hit in low-light environments Motorola Moto G Power 5G Best cheap Motorola phone If you're on a tighter budget, say under $300, consider the Motorola Moto G Power 5G. It's quite the mouthful, but the excessive branding is warranted because the phone gives you a lot. There is a lot of battery life, performance, and unique features that existing Motorola users will be familiar with and happy to see.Read the review: Motorola Moto G Power 5G"Motorola's user interface is one of my favorites, with a fairly stock, Pixel-esque look and feel that is boosted by the brand's handy gestures and system enhancements," ZDNET's Matthew Miller said in his review. The gestures in question include "twist" to launch the camera, "chop" to toggle the flashlight and picking up the phone to silence the ringer. This year's model also features a new vegan leather back panel that gives the Moto more class than your typical plastic-built budget phone.Ultimately, the Moto G Power 5G is praised for its battery life. Its 5,000mAh battery and relatively power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor should keep the phone running for more than a full day. As a bonus, you can consider the additional features, including the 3.5mm headphone jack.Motorola Moto G Power 5G tech specs:Display size: 6.7 inches | Display type: IPS LCD | Resolution: 1080p | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Battery:5,000mAh| RAM:8GB | Storage: Up to 1TB with microSD | Rear camera:50MP main | Front camera:16MP | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7020 Show Expert Take Show less Show less Pros Affordably priced and available unlocked Large 6.5-inch display with all-day battery life Extensive software support Cons Plastic build is not for all Limited to 128GB storage size MediaTek processor is just decent for performance Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Best cheap phone under $200 The flashiest smartphone features tend to exist only on flagships. Still, many will find appeal in Samsung's humble Galaxy A15 5G, which boasts 5G connectivity, a massive 5,000mAh battery, and the lowest price on this list at $199. That's a compelling package at a time when consumers arecutting down on spending.Also:The best cheap 5G phones ZDNET's testedDon't let the lower cost fool you; the Galaxy A15 5G has all the specs you'd want for a feasible mobile companion, from the relatively sizable 6.5-inch 90Hz AMOLED display -- a rarity in this price range -- to the expandable storage (up to 1TB) to Samsung's four-year commitment to security patches. This year's model also gets a notable 5MP ultra-wide camera, an upgrade from last year's 2MP macro lens.As of this writing, I've been testing the Galaxy A15 5G model for over a week, and while the phone won't feel like a million dollars, it's surprisingly sturdy to hold. The 90Hz display especially looked great for app browsing and navigating around. One Best Buy customer review puts it best, "(Galaxy A15 5G) is a $200 phone... It's not gonna blow you away, but for the price, it packs a punch."Samsung Galaxy A15 5G tech specs:Display size:6.5 inches |Display type:LCD |Resolution:1080p |Refresh rate:90Hz |Battery:5,000mAh|RAM:4GB |Storage:Up to 1TB with microSD |Rear camera:50MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro |Front camera:13MP |Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6400+ Show Expert Take Show less What is the best cheap phone? Currently, the CMF Phone 1 is the best cheap phone on the market, thanks to its larger and bright display, unique hardware, and long-lasting battery. Here's how it stacks up against the competition.Best cheap phonePriceDisplay size, typeBattery and charging speedCMF Phone 1$2396.67 inches, AMOLED5,000mAh with 33W chargingOnePlus 12R$4996.78 inches, AMOLED5,500mAh with 80W chargingGoogle Pixel 8a$4996.1 inches, OLED4,500mAh with 18W chargingSamsung Galaxy A35 5G$4496.6 inches, AMOLED5,000mah with 25W chargingMotorola Moto G Power 5G$2996.7 inches, LCD5,000mah with 30W chargingSamsung Galaxy A15 5G$1996.5 inches, LCD5,000mah with 25W charging Which cheap 5G phone is right for you? To help you decide which phone is right for you, I've highlighted the key buying reasons for each below.Buy this best cheap phone...If you need...CMF Phone 1The best cheap phone right now, with a starting price of $239. The CMF Phone 1 features a customizable back cover, a large and bright display, and surprisingly clean software.OnePlus 12RThe best phone for less than $500. The OnePlus has the best-looking display in the mid-range market, the fastest charging speed, and performs like phones of much higher prices.Google Pixel 8aThe best camera phone for less than $500. You should also buy the Pixel 8a if you want a phone that can last you for as long as possible. Just know that it's smaller than most handsets.Samsung Galaxy A35 5GA cheap 5G Samsung phone. The Galaxy A35 gives you most of the essential features, with an AMOLED display that's great for media consumption and mobile gaming.Motorola Moto G Power 5GA cheap phone for less than $300. The Moto G Power 5G will last you a good day or two before needing to charge, and it looks relatively stylish with its vegan-leather backing.Samsung Galaxy A15 5GA cheap phone for less than $200. If you're on an even tighter budget, the Galaxy A15 5G is a formidable pickup; arguably the best in its price range. Factors to consider when buying a cheap phone When shopping for a new cheap phone, here are the factors that you should consider:Budget: The definition of "budget" and "cheap" will vary from person to person, but the way I perceive it is what product gives you the best bang for your buck. All the phones listed in this guide have been tested by ZDNET's team of mobile experts and offer more value than their price points suggest.Memory and storage:As is the case with any phone of any price, you should keep in mind how much memory and storage you'll need. Many budget handsets come with as low as 64GB of base storage -- the iPhone SE (2022) included. If you frequently take pictures and videos, play games, or download content for offline use, consider a phone with at least 128GB of storage or MicroSD card support.Battery life: Beyond a good screen, you'll want a phone that can last. Ideally, you'll want a phone that can withstand at least one full day of usage and can charge fast. How we tested these cheap 5G phones ZDNET's review team spends upwards of a year testing the ins and outs of every major phone release, evaluating the day-to-day performance, camera quality, battery life and endurance, and special features. Here's a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:Design and ergonomics:How good a phone looks and feels plays a big role in many users' buying journeys, so we consider these aspects heavily when testing.Performance:Several factors affect a phone's performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery life, and background tasks. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, with all background tasks closed, and with as stable of a mobile connection as possible.Camera quality:ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.Battery life and charging:It's also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it (wired, wireless, or both).Special features:These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.Pricing and availability:Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the US or only internationally.For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensivephone testing methodology page. Should you buy a used cheap phone? I typically wouldn't advise buying a used cheap phone unless you're using it as a secondary device. That's because used phones, depending on the condition you buy them, are more susceptible to damage, won't support any warranties, and may potentially be reported as stolen or lost, rendering the device useless after you've purchased it.Instead, it's always ideal to buy a new phone and adjust your buying journey based on your budget and desired features. Should you buy a used flagship phone or a new cheap phone? I've been asked this question several times, and my answer is always this:You should buy an older flagship phone if...You want a phone with a premium and durable build qualityCamera performance is another priorityDisplay quality matters to youYou should buy a new cheap phone if...You want a phone with a year or two more of software updatesYou plan on buying insurance for your phone Other cheap phones we tested:Whether you're looking to upgrade or get your first smartphone, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have great choices that ZDNET's tested and recommends.ZDNET Recommends

The Segway Max G2 is a great, eco-friendly way to run errands, joyride through the park, or commute to work or class this fall. What's more, Best Buy is offering it for $600 off.

Non-Terrestrial Networks panel discussion at 5G Techritory 2024Will TownsendThis year marked my sixth anniversary participating in 5G Techritory. Based in the beautiful Latvian city of Riga, the events mission is to highlight innovative use cases that leverage the power of 5G, AI, mixed reality and more while also fostering collaboration between government and private industry. These efforts over the years have culminated in many creative applications that are transforming financial services, transportation, healthcare and public safety within the European Union and beyond.The program was much the same in October at this years 5G Techritory. I would like to share my insights from visiting the Freeport of Riga for a 5G technical demonstration before the conference started and then attending keynotes and breakouts and hosting panel discussions during the event.Breaking The 5G IceUpon my arrival in Riga after a very long set of flights, I crossed the length of the city to spend time with port services provider LVR Flote and mobile network operator LMT Innovations at the Freeport of Riga. My objective was to learn more about a proof-of-concept aimed at enabling an icebreaker vessel with 5G connectivity.Port operations are a frequently cited use case for 5G, which makes sense given the complexity of operations in the movement of vessels and tracking of cargo containers, as well as the need to provide connectivity over expanses of open water to ensure safe and efficient operations. However, what is intriguing about this use case is that LMT is providing the spectrum, infrastructure and integration to enable a ship-to-ship hop architecture that can facilitate a cellular mesh network in the middle of an ocean in the absence of traditional backhaul and radio access networks.The icebreaker vessel demonstration highlighted a fully self-contained private 5G networka small rack that incorporates core routing functionality, a massive MIMO antenna array and a console to manage functionality. In the future, plans include reducing the rack footprint and power requirements, ruggedizing the enclosure and enhancing the management interface to simplify operations. From my perspective, its an innovative proof-of-concept that can transform maritime communications as well as modernize on-ship functionality through Voice over 5G New Radio communications, aquatic and aerial drone operational control and more.MORE FOR YOUKeynote And Breakout Session ThemesAs in years past, this years 5G Techritory event spanned two days and was filled with keynote presentations, breakout sessions and developer workshops. From my perspective, five themes emerged from the conference:Non-terrestrial networks NTNs, including geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite constellations, are increasingly being considered as a complement to terrestrial 5G networks to provide connectivity in rural and remote areas. Discussions at the event highlighted NTNs role in enhancing road safety and mobility, enabling continuous connectivity for autonomous vehicles and supporting cross-border data transfer for logistics.Industry and policy alignment The conference highlighted the significance of cooperation among industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies and the public sector in establishing standards and policies that promote innovation while guaranteeing security and fairness in deploying 5G, next-generation AI frameworks and more. I believe that this alignment is crucial for driving scale and fostering global innovation.5G use cases and innovation Participants shared various use cases that demonstrated the power of 5Gs low latency, high throughput, massive device support and enhanced encryption. Applications included smart city deployments, remote healthcare and industrial automation, among many others.Sustainability and infrastructure development In response to increased digital demand, there was a strong focus at the conference on building energy-efficient 5G infrastructure and sustainable networks. To no ones surprise, this included discussions about flexible systems such as Open RAN that allow for cost-effective and adaptable network management.The future of 6G and beyond While 5G remains a primary focus, likely for the next five years, discussions at the event centered on the early-stage vision for 6G, exploring how future networks could further support AI-driven applications, ultra-high bandwidth requirements and the additional sustainability considerations raised by power-hungry generative AI workloads.Panel Discussion HighlightsI had the privilege of leading two panel discussions at 5G Techritory and would like to share insights from one that discussed how NTNs could possibly revolutionize road connectivity by filling in gaps in traditional 5G terrestrial networks. Autonomous navigation has huge potential to mitigate traffic congestion and improve driver safety, as evidenced by early demonstrations from Tesla and others, but it is highly dependent on consistent and reliable connectivity. During our discussion, my fellow panelists and I debated how NTNs could be used to provide continuous backhaul coverage along highways and rural roadways, and in other remote areas where traditional network tower deployments are not feasible based on cost and population density.We also discussed opportunities to support V2X, which enables vehicles to communicate with each other, to infrastructure and to other devices and sensors embedded in roadways. NTNs have the potential to enable vehicles to remain connected across vast distances, which is crucial for enhancing safety features, traffic management and autonomous driving capabilities. Our conclusion was unanimous: once LEO satellite constellations from the likes of AST SpaceMobile, Starlink and others are in production, they will play a pivotal role in revolutionizing driver safety and autonomous operation.Furthermore, NTNs offer the opportunity to facilitate cross-border connectivity, which is essential for seamless international transportation and logistics. During our discussion, we speculated that the European Space Agency and the 5G Automotive Association could collaborate to ensure connectivity across borders without disruptions, which is a key need for freight transport and long-haul logistics, especially in the EU. NTNs can bridge the gaps where terrestrial networks vary or are less reliable, making cross-border logistics smoother and more operationally efficient. These developments underscore the ongoing collaboration between satellite and terrestrial providers to shape a robust ecosystem for road mobility, enhancing both safety and efficiency in the connected transportation industry.Reaching Beyond Connectivity5G Techritory 2024 hit the mark in providing a stage for discussing the merits of bringing 5G and eventually 6G, NTNs, AI and mixed reality together to birth new use cases, foster global economic growth and accelerate innovation. I have seen the conference mature over the last several years, outgrowing its singular connectivity roots.With that in mind, organizers announced at the conclusion of this years event a rebrand to simply Techritory. Its a wise move, in my opinion, one that sets up the event to explore new technologies and infrastructure stacks and in the process help foster innovation in Europe and the rest of the world.

Your new best friendAnthony KarczAfter reading e-books with an Amazon Kindle device of some sort for decades, I was certain that Amazon couldn't impress me with their 2024 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.I was wrong.Premium Kindle devices have gone through a lot of evolution over the years, increasing screen size and clarity as e-ink technology has improved, including (then removing) page-turn buttons, adding waterproofing, and more. This year's changes, the first in 3 years, are incremental but combine for a big impact.So what's new, how does it compare to the 2021 Signature Edition, and why is it so impressive (and why am I not recommending the Colorfast version)? Let's find out.The Best ColorsGive me metallics any day of the week over matte finishes.AmazonYes, this is completely superficial, but the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition won the lottery when it comes to device colors. Black, green, and purpley-pink are standard across all the latest Kindle devices but the Signature edition gets an eye-catching metallic finish.MORE FOR YOUKindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024) left, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021) rightAnthony KarczPaired with a black fabric cover (which is also quite nice, though I do miss the cork covers of the 2021 version) the Metallic Jade device Amazon sent me is extremely eye-catching. It makes you notice it. It makes you want to pick it up and read something. And let's face it, sometimes we all need a little extra push to get off our phones and pick up a good book (or magazine or comic).The Colorfast version loses in this category immediately because it only comes in Metallic Black. Boooo-ring!Screen SizeKindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024) left, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021) right Anthony KarczThe big news for this year's Paperwhite (and Signature Edition) is the larger screen. It's 7", up from 6.8" which isn't a huge difference, but it is big enough for one more line of text on a standard page. Especially if you're like me and need the font a little larger, you get more words on the screen, which is always welcome.The ppi hasn't changed, but at 300ppi it didn't need to. The e-ink display looks like words on a printed page, full stop. I would say that any advances past this point are for marketing purposes only.The screen is also "just" black and white which, given the issues with the Colorfast displays, is probably a good thing. The 7" screen is too small for a satisfying comic read and while being able to see your library covers in color is satisfying, I don't think it's worth an $80 markup (though some would disagree with me). There's also the fact that when viewing color pages, the resolution drops to 150ppi. It's a considerable compromise.The screen is still glare-free, making it as easy to read in full sunlight as a regular book.Better BatteryBoth new Paperwhite devices get 2 weeks of extra battery life, making this the most long-lived Kindle Amazon has ever produced. This is another place where the Colorfast is a victim of its own newnessthat color screen knocks the battery life down to a measly 8 weeks.Most often, I read before bed, which means that even if my Kindle's battery is low, I'm most likely going to forget to plug it in when I wake up in the morning. If I can put off having to charge for 3 months, that's a very good thing. What's nice is that the Kindle Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition charge fast.Got a wireless charging dock already? The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is compatible!Anthony KarczOf course, I could solve this by picking up a wireless charging dock since the Signature Edition also adds wireless charging to the mix. You can also just drop it on a convenient Qi charger to get a boost.Faster ResponseSpeaking of boosts, the latest Kindle Paperwhite devices boast 20% faster response timewhich I honestly tried to test but I had trouble figuring out where that boost was discernible. Page turn time was already nearly-instantaneous. I will say that using the current gen Signature Edition feels generally snappier than the 2021 version.All the non-reading things that have a tendency to bog down like scrolling through your library or loading the Kindle Store is super smooth. Launching a new book may be a teeny, tiny bit faster? But again, we're talking about something that was already measured in single-digit seconds, so shaving a second off is barely noticeable.I will say this, a faster processor gives your device more overhead to maintain performance over time. Especially if Amazon is going to keep a multi-year cadence between hardware refreshes, it's better to have more speed available, even if you aren't using it.Ultimate Reading SatisfactionYou could also just not cover up this gorgeous color.Anthony KarczOhand the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is still waterproof, which is welcome news for all of you that are reading poolside or at the beach (or are just prone to spilling your tea while reading). Plus, if you're a fan of audiobooks, the Signature Edition has double the memory of a standard Paperwhite (I mean, you can try to fill that memory with standard books but I've not yet been able to).The Paperwhite Signature Edition also has auto-adjusting brightness, which is something that you will one hundred percent, absolutely, miss the first time you open a different e-book reader in a darkened bedroom and the brightness is turned all the way up. It has the amber shift as well for nighttime reading, making it a perfect bedtime companion.All this to say, I would be completely lost without my Kindle. It is the one piece of technology that I use every single week without fail. It's the way I consume 90% of the books I read (I was going to say "literature" here, but let's be honest, a Kindle is a great way to read SJM "romantasy" on the plane without anyone knowing). Whenever Amazon makes a new version of their top-tier e-reader, it always jumps into my personal top 3 best hardware of the year ranking.This year is no different.Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the best e-reader your money can buy. It has absolutely everything you need to deliver a perfectly optimized reading experience no matter where or how you read. If you value reading (and you get your e-books from Amazon), you must have it. There's no better option.Check out the Amazon site for more information (and keep your eyes peeled for Black Friday sales).

KEY TAKEAWAYSThe Central Bank of Brazil has proposed regulations prohibiting privacy-centric cryptocurrencies like Monero.The regulations categorize exchanges into intermediaries, custodians, and brokers, each with specific capital requirements and compliance standards.While the proposed rules apply to cryptocurrencies, certain digital assets like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are still deregulated in Brazil.In a Notice of Participation announcement, the Brazilian Central Bank (BCB) outlines regulations for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) operating in the country.In the document, the Brazilian regulator specifies that privacy-focused coins, such as Monero, must be excluded from all digital asset companies that intend to operate in Brazil.Lets unpack what effect these regulations will have.Brazils Crackdown on Crypto FraudIf the BCBs current rule is approved, exchanges dealing with coins that provide anonymity must delist these currencies or prevent Brazilians from accessing and operating these assets.The Central Bank argues that currencies like Monero make it difficult and even prevent the identification of users, thus creating problems in complying with international AML obligations and policies to prevent the financing of terrorism.According to the Central Bank of Brazil, the bans aim to prevent criminals from using digital assets to launder money. In Brazil, organized criminal syndicates such as the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho have been increasingly using digital assets for money laundering and foreign remittances. restriction on the supply of virtual assets that contain characteristics of fragility, insecurity or risks that favor fraud or crime, such as virtual assets designed to favor money laundering and terrorist financing practices by facilitating anonymity or difficulty identification of the holder. Notice of ParticipationThe Central Bank has identified that removing algorithmic stablecoins is essential to guarantee the safety of users funds and avoid events such as when Terraform Labs entire ecosystem collapsed, losing billions of investors dollars.The Central Bank also wants to control all digital assets traded by companies in Brazil. According to the current proposal, the national regulator will have the power to ask platforms to remove certain listed assets if it considers that they do not meet local regulations.However, the regulations will not include NFTs, real-world asset (RWA) tokens, RWA tokens classified as securities, and tokenized movable or real estate assets. These assets are still deregulated in Brazil.Monero: What Is It and Why Is Brazil Banning It?Monero ($XMR) is a cryptocurrency that uses a protocol called CryptoNote. It launched in 2013 and erases transaction data, preventing the sender and recipient addresses from being publicly known. The Monero network is based on a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism, which incentivizes miners to add blocks to the blockchain.Like Brazil, other nations are banning Monero in search of regulatory compliance. Recently, Dubais new digital asset rules prohibited the issuance of activities related to anonymity-enhancing cryptocurrencies such as $XMR.Furthermore, exchanges such as Binance have already announced they will delist Monero on their global platforms due to its anonymity features. Kraken did the same, removing Monero for their European-based users to comply with MiCA regulations.Data from Chainalysis shows that Brazil is the seventh-largest Bitcoin market in the world. In Latin America, Brazil is the largest market for digital assets. Globally, it leads in the innovation of RWA tokens, with several companies already trading this type of asset.In ClosingFollowing other nations, Brazils regulatory proposals aim to combat illicit activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing.Will the BCBs move safeguard peoples digital assets while also stimulating growth and innovation in the crypto ecosystem? Only time will tell.ReferencesAdd Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Cassio Gusson is a journalist passionate about technology, cryptocurrencies, and the nuances of human nature. With a career spanning roles as Senior Crypto Journalist at CriptoFacil and Head of News at CoinTelegraph, he offers exclusive insights on South Americas crypto landscape. A graduate in Communication from Faccamp and a post-graduate in Globalization and Culture from FESPSP, Cassio explores the intersection of governance, decentralization, and the evolution of global systems. View all articles by Cassio Gusson 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 TAKEAWAYSBeloved 90s animated characters The Smurfs have joined The Sandbox with The Smurfs: Mountain Expedition.Players help the Smurfs retrieve stolen eggs and can purchase exclusive Smurf NFTs.The release coincides with Alpha Season 4, featuring various partnerships with renowned brands.The Smurfs, iconic animated characters from the 90s, captivated audiences worldwide with films, games, collectibles, and other products. Now, they actively expand into the metaverse. On Monday, the franchise revealed a partnership with The Sandbox platform, introducing an interactive experience called The Smurfs: Mountain Expedition.Lets unpack what this exciting collaboration brings to the table.A Thrilling Adventure One of the leading blockchain games, The Sandbox, invites players to explore the Smurfs holiday village in the mountains within the metaverse.The experience begins with an urgent call to action: Gargamel steals the eggs from the Smurfs stork friend, and players must help retrieve them. Throughout the game, fans encounter well-known series characters like Smurfette, Storm, and Handy. Each character provides unique abilities, such as breaking rocks, growing vines, and building bridges, all essential for navigating Mount Smurfs challenging terrain.Additionally, players can purchase exclusive Smurfs NFTs. However, the benefits of these NFTs and how they impact the gameplay are unknown.Mountain Expedition becomes the second official Smurfs experience on The Sandbox. The first game, The Smurfs: Gargamels Castle, tasks players with rescuing a group of Smurfs trapped in Gargamels castle while avoiding Azrael the cat, whos ready to intercept intruders.The Smurfs: Mountain Expedition launches during The Sandboxs Alpha Season 4, which has already surpassed the player engagement levels of Alpha Season 3 from 2022. Alongside The Smurfs nostalgic appeal, the season features experiences from major brands like Ubisoft, Carebears and shows such as Hells Kitchen.Will Smurfs Boost $SAND Value?Despite the excitement around these launches, the games native token, $SAND, experienced a slight correction. $SAND dipped by 1.56% in the last 24 hours, but it still shows an impressive 49.8% increase over the past 14 days.In 2023, the global metaverse market was valued at approximately $94.1B, projected to reach $130.5B by the end of 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, as well as significant investments from major tech companies.Given the sectors rapid expansion, $SAND has the potential for a significant price increase in the long run.Collaborations like these can make any 90s kids heart melt. By combining nostalgic characters with blockchain technology, The Sandbox could substantially grow its already massive user base (over 5M registered accounts). References The Smurfs: Mountain Expedition (The Sandbox)Metaverse market revenue worldwide from 2022 to 2032 (Statista) The Sandbox (CoinGecko) Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Cassio Gusson is a journalist passionate about technology, cryptocurrencies, and the nuances of human nature. With a career spanning roles as Senior Crypto Journalist at CriptoFacil and Head of News at CoinTelegraph, he offers exclusive insights on South Americas crypto landscape. A graduate in Communication from Faccamp and a post-graduate in Globalization and Culture from FESPSP, Cassio explores the intersection of governance, decentralization, and the evolution of global systems. View all articles by Cassio Gusson 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.

Why it matters: Microsoft introduced a cloud-based version of Windows a few years ago to help organizations quickly reach the company's tools and access workstation-level processing power on various devices. Microsoft's upcoming mini PC aims to offer a cheap, secure, and fast access point to that remote OS. Pre-orders are now open for the Windows 365 Link, Microsoft's new $349 mini PC that helps schools, businesses, and other organizations quickly access the cloud-based Windows 365 OS. A beta program is open in several countries, and general availability begins in April 2025.Windows 365 has delivered a simplified take on Azure Virtual Desktop for three years, bringing an accessible but fully-featured Windows environment to on-site devices. Traditional low-end Windows PCs can also use the service for extra horsepower in tasks like 3D rendering. The 365 Link is the first piece of hardware designed specifically for the cloud service, aiming to address security and logistical issues that enterprise cloud users commonly face.For instance, malicious actors often exploit client devices as attack vectors for infiltrating cloud systems. In response, the 365 Link closes some security loopholes by omitting all data, apps, and admin privileges from the local software. Furthermore, user authentication is passwordless, employing multifactor authentication through Microsoft Entra ID, the company's authenticator app, passkeys, QR codes, or FIDO USB security keys.Microsoft designed the 365 Link hardware for fast access. It can boot up within seconds and instantly wake from sleep mode. Furthermore, it requires no user or administrator setup. Organizations can begin using the mini PC out of the box by turning it on, connecting to the internet, and signing in.Although the device is a cloud-exclusive PC, its internal hardware is sufficient for high-resolution streaming and conferencing. Supported services include Microsoft Teams and Webex.Connectivity options on the 120 x 120 x 30mm (4.72 x 4.72 x 1.18-inch) mini PC include dual 4K display support through HDMI and DisplayPort, one front-facing USB-A port, two rear USB-A ports, a rear USB-C port, ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.Admins can monitor fleets of 365 Link devices with familiar Microsoft Intune tools. By default, the mini PCs carry labels starting with "WCPC," making them easy to identify. // Related StoriesPreview testing is now available for the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Microsoft has a public release scheduled for next year in "select" but unspecified markets.