Despite being taken down and humiliated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) coordinated Operation Cronos in February 2024, an unknown individual(s) associated with, or claiming to represent, the LockBit ransomware gang has broken cover to announce the impending release of a new locker malware, LockBit 4.0.In screengrabs taken from the dark web that have been widely circulated on social media in the past day, the supposed cyber criminal invited interested parties to sign up and start your pentester billionaire journey in 5 minutes with us, promising them access to supercars and women. At the time of writing, none of the links in the post direct anywhere, while a countdown timer points to a launch date of 3 February 2025.Robert Fitzsimons, lead threat intelligence engineer at Searchlight Cyber, said it was hard to say at this stage what LockBit 4.0 entailed whether the gang was launching a new leak site, its old one having been seized, or whether it has made changes to its ransomware.It is worth noting that LockBit has already been through many iterations, its current branding is LockBit 3.0. It's therefore not surprising that LockBit is updating once again and given the brand damage inflicted by the law enforcement action Operation Cronos earlier this year there there is clearly a motivation for LockBit to shake things up and re-establish its credentials, keeping in mind that the LockBit 3.0 site was hijacked and defaced by law enforcement, said Fitzsimons.There has been a decrease in LockBit's victim output since Operation Cronos but this post shows that it is still trying to attract affiliates and continue its operations.The gangs sudden announcement comes just days after it emerged that the United States government is seeking the extradition from Israel of an alleged LockBit operative named as Rotislav Panev to face trial for wire fraud and cyber crime.Panev was arrested in Haifa in Israel in August according to Israeli news site Ynet, which was first to report the extradition request, news of his arrest has been restricted up to now in order to avoid tipping off other LockBit associates who may be located outside Russia and giving them a chance to escape to the relative safety afforded them there.Panev is accused of working as a software developer for LockBit and may have created the mechanism by which the gang was able to print ransom notes on printers connected to the compromised systems. Panevs lawyer told Ynet that he was a computer technician and was never aware of nor involved in any fraud, extortion or money laundering.Computer Weekly understands an extradition hearing in this case is scheduled for January 2025.Since Operation Cronos unfolded in early 2024, the NCA and other agencies that participated in the takedown have been drip feeding more information about the infamous cyber criminal operation.In May, the NCA unmasked its leader, LockBitSupp, naming him as Russian national Dmitry Khoroshev and targeting him with asset freezes and travel bans, concurrent with an indictment in the US that has seen him charged with a total of 26 counts of fraud, damage to protected computers and extortion. Khoroshev remains at large despite a multimillion dollar reward, and LockBitSupp has denied that this is their true identity.Later in the year the NCA named-and-shamed a high-profile LockBit affiliate, Aleksandr Ryzhenkov, aka Beverley, who was also a key player in the Evil Corp operation and served as a henchman to its leader Maksim Yakubets.Despite the apparent success of Operation Cronos, recent history has shown that even when law enforcement operations can be effective at disrupting their activities, cyber criminals are remarkably resilient and often able to stand up their operations again with relative ease.Although it is not currently possible to ascertain what the person behind LockBits announcement is actually planning, defenders should be alert to the possibility of attack in the coming weeks, and take appropriate anti-ransomware measures wherever possible.Read more about LockBitThe US authorities say they now have more than 7,000 LockBit decryption keys in their possession and are urging victims of the prolific ransomware gang to come forward.Coalition is the latest company to confirm LockBit activity against vulnerable ScreenConnect instances. But the insurer found significant differences between previous LockBit attacks.Reaction to the takedown of the LockBit ransomware gang is enthusiastic, but tempered with the knowledge that cyber criminals are often remarkably resilient.

Androm - stock.adobe.comOpinionChallenging the cloud giants: Is a new era of competition on the horizon?With the dominant hold that Amazon and Microsoft has on the global cloud market under scrutiny by regulators across the world, could 2025 usher in a new era of cloud competition?ByNicky StewartPublished: 19 Dec 2024 The UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) sent shockwaves through the tech industry in October 2023 when it announced its investigation into potential anti-competitive practices in the UK cloud infrastructure services market.The CMA is not ploughing a lonely furrow: regulators across the world from Spain and Denmark to South Africa and (if reports are to be believed) the United States are examining various aspects of cloud computing and its impact on competition.This scrutiny is long overdue, and it marks a significant step forward. For too long, regulators have looked the other way as the Western worlds cloud market quietly amalgamated around just two cloud providers.While these tech giants have undoubtedly played their part in a global digital industrial revolution, their dominance is often accepted as an inevitable and unchangeable reality even if it may have been achieved by anti-competitive practices.This implicit acceptance of the status quo is a false narrative because there are alternatives. Challenger cloud providers stand ready to compete, asking for nothing more than a level playing field.For inquiries like the CMAs to succeed, it is crucial that decision-makers do not allow the dominant cloud providers to monopolise the conversation and they need to give equal weight to the voices of those challengers.At the beginning of next year, we will learn about the CMAs provisional opinion on the four theories of harm under investigation.These range from concerns about exploitative pricing practices to barriers that restrict customers from switching providers.During the summer, the CMA proposed numerous remedies to combat these. While we cant second guess the exact conclusions, one thing is clear: challenger cloud providers hold strong and united views, based on decades of cumulative experience.These challengers offer a vital dose of reality to what can often become dry, legalistic debates.While the industry may be guilty of using jargon like data egress fees and anti-competitive licensing practices, these terms have real-world consequences.Ask a challenger provider to explain what these practices mean for their business, and youll hear stories of dominant players charging exorbitant fees to customers who try to leave their platforms or dramatically increasing the cost of widely-used software when its run on a competitors cloud. These practices have profound implications for competition.If the CMA can create a framework that enables competition, the benefits will ripple through the market. Challenger cloud providers, with their agility and innovation, will drive down prices, expand consumer choice and spur further technological advances. They will also help to address critical concerns like cloud concentration risk and digital resilience, which become ever more pressing as our dependence on cloud services grows.The stakes couldnt be higher. This isnt just about todays challengers and consumers; its about future-proofing the entire cloud ecosystem. Emerging markets such as AI and quantum computing both heavily reliant on cloud infrastructure must not fall victim to a winner takes all scenario.Such an outcome would stifle innovation and concentrate power in ways that could threaten global digital resilience and even national security.The CMA, alongside its international counterparts, has a unique and urgent opportunity to reset the dial. This is a moment to usher in a new era of openness, competition, and fairness in the cloud market.Challenger cloud providers will be watching closely to see how the CMAs provisional decision translates into meaningful solutions that benefit not only the industry but also consumers, the wider economy, and the future of digital innovation.While the last twelve months may have fired the starting gun on investigating the cloud market, the next twelve could be when we see real change begin.In The Current Issue:What do the home secretarys policing reforms mean for the future of the Police Digital Service?What are the security risks of bring your own AI?Download Current IssueMicrosoft Copilot: A Year of Learning Write side up - by Freeform DynamicsPrint Industry Trends, 2025 Quocirca InsightsView All Blogs

Two amendments to the Data (Access and Use) Bill that would have established a statutory legal defence for security professionals and ethical hackers to protect them from prosecution under the 1990 Computer Misuse Act (CMA) have failed to make it beyond a House of Lords committee hearing after being withdrawn.The 34-year-old CMA broadly defines the offence of unauthorised access to a computer that is frequently relied upon in the UK when prosecuting cyber criminals, but given it became law when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, it has not been updated to reflect the emergence, and practices, of the legitimate cyber security profession.Campaigners say this is putting the UK at a competitive disadvantage because security pros fear they may be prosecuted simply for doing their jobs for example, by accessing a system during the course of an incident investigation while their employers lose out to companies located in more permissive jurisdictions.Introduced by Lord Chris Holmes and Lord Tim Clement-Jones, the changes would have introduced two amendments into the Data Bill to amend the CMA such that security professionals could prove their actions were necessary for the detection or prevention of crime or justified as being in the public interest.Speaking in support of the amendment on 18 December 2024, Holmes spoke about how the CMA was introduced to defend telephony exchanges in an era when 0.5% of the population was online, and if that was the acts sole purpose, that alone would indicate it needs updating given the profound advances in technology made in the past three-and-a-half decades.The Computer Misuse Act 1990 is not only out of date but inadvertently criminalising the cyber security professionals we charge with the job of keeping us all safe. They oftentimes work, understandably, under the radar, behind not just closed but locked doors, doing such important work. Yet, for want of these amendments, they are doing that work, all too often, with at least one hand tied behind their back, said Holmes. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 is not only out of date but inadvertently criminalising the cyber security professionals we charge with the job of keeping us all safe Lord Chris HolmesLet us take just two examples: vulnerability research and threat intelligence assessment and analysis. Both could find that cyber security professional falling foul of the provisions of the CMA 1990. Do not take my word for it: look to the 2024 annual report of the National Cyber Security Centre, which rightly and understandably highlights the increasing gap between the threats we face and its ability, and the ability of the cyber security professionals community, to meet those threats.These amendments, in essence, perform one simple but critical task: to afford a legal defence for legitimate cyber security activities, he said. That is all, but it would have such a profound impact for those whom we have asked to keep us safe and for the safety they can thus deliver to every citizen in our society.Its not time, its well over time that these amendments become part of our law. If not now, then when? If not these amendments, what amendment? And if not these amendments, what will the government say to all those people who will continue to be put in harms way for want of these protective provisions? added Holmes.During the hearing in Westminster, other parliamentarians, including the amendments co-sponsor Lord Clement-Jones and Lord James Arbuthnot, better known for his campaigning work in the Post Office Horizon scandal, spoke in favour of reform, but to no avail.Lord Timothy Kirkhope said: This just demonstrates, yet again, that unless we pull ourselves together, with better smart legislation that moves faster, we will never ever catch up with developments in technology and AI [artificial intelligence]. This has been demonstrated dramatically by these amendments. I express concerns that the government move at a pace that government always moves at, but in this particular field it is not going to work.Responding to the meeting, under-secretary of state at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Baroness Margaret Jones said the government agreed the UK needed a revised legislative framework to enable the authorities to tackle the harms posed by cyber criminals, and that it was committed to ensuring the CMA remains up to date and is effective in this regard.However, said Jones, reform is a complex and ongoing issue that is being considered as part of a Home Office review of the CMA itself.We are considering improved defences by engaging extensively with the cyber security industry, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and system owners. However, engagement to date has not produced a consensus on the issue, even within the industry, and that is holding us back at this moment but we are absolutely determined to move forward with this and to reach a consensus on the way forward, she said.The specific amendments are premature, because we need a stronger consensus on the way forward, notwithstanding all the good reasons given for why it is important that we have updated legislation. With these concerns and reasons in mind, I hope that the noble Lord [Holmes] will feel able to withdraw his amendment, said Jones.Katharina Sommer, group head of government affairs at cyber firm NCC Group, said she was thrilled to see such passionate calls for reform, and that the session had rightly highlighted the outdated nature of the CMA and how it holds back cyber security professionals.We need a statutory defence, like that proposed by Lord Holmes welcome amendment, to allow this vital work to proceed unimpeded, at a time where the cyber threat is rising unabatedly. Reforming the CMA would unlock huge opportunities, strengthen our defences, and help the UK compete on the world stage, she said.It is heartening to see the minister recognise the need to provide legal protections for legitimate cyber security activities, and hear about her determination to reach consensus on the way forward, particularly as this follows her colleague the security ministers recent commitment to reviewing the CMA, said Sommer.We do hope sincerely that all those involved in keeping the UK safe in cyberspace are prepared to work together, and find compromise rather than risk deadlock. We look forward to working with the government and all partners to ensure the UKs cyber laws reflect 21st century threats.Timeline: Computer Misuse Act reformJanuary 2020: A group of campaigners says the Computer Misuse Act 1990 risks criminalising cyber security professionals and needs reforming.June 2020: The CyberUp coalition writes to Boris Johnson to urge him to reformthe UKs 30-year-old cyber crime laws.November 2020: CyberUp, a group of campaigners who want to reform the Computer Misuse Act, finds 80% of security professionals are concerned that they may be prosecutedjust for doing their jobs.May 2021: Home secretary Priti Patel announces plans to explore reforming the Computer Misuse Act as calls mount for the 31-year-old law to be updatedto reflect the changed online world.June 2022: A cross-party group in the House of Lords has proposed an amendment to the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill that would address concerns about security researchers or ethical hackers being prosecutedin the course of their work.August 2022: A study produced by the CyberUp Campaign reveals broad alignment among security professionals on questions around the Computer Misuse Act, which it hopes will give confidence to policymakersas they explore its reform.September 2022: The CyberUp coalition, a campaign to reform the Computer Misuse Act, has called on Liz Truss to push ahead with needed changes to protect cyber professionalsfrom potential prosecution.January 2023: Cyber accreditation association Crest International lends its support to the CyberUp Campaign forreform to the Computer Misuse Act 1990.February 2023: Westminster opens a new consultation on proposed reforms to the Computer Misuse Act 1990, but campaigners who want the law changed to protect cyber professionals have been left disappointed.March 2023: The deadline for submissions to the governments consultation on reform of the Computer Misuse Act is fast approaching, and cyber professionals need to make their voices heard,say Bugcrowds ethical hackers.November 2023: A group of activists who want to reform the UKs computer misuse laws to protect bona fide cyber professionals from prosecution have been left frustrated by a lack of legislative progress.July 2024: In the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill introduced in the Kings Speech, the UKs new government pledges to give regulators more teeth to ensure compliance with security best practiceand to mandate incident reporting.July 2024: The CyberUp Campaign for reform of the 1990 Computer Misuse Act launches an industry survey inviting cyber experts to share their views on how the outdated lawhinders legitimate work.December 2024: An amendment to the proposed Data (Access and Use) Bill that will right a 35-year-old wrong and protect security professionals from criminalisation is to be debated at Westminster.Andrew Jones, strategy director at The Cyber Scheme, a supporter of the CyberUp Campaign for legal reform, said: Whilst we are slightly disappointed by the governments decision not to seize this opportunity to bring the Computer Misuse Act into the 21st century, we are encouraged by their recent comments suggesting a review of the act is being considered. Until then, the CMA will remain an outdated piece of legislation, preventing our cyber security professionals from defending organisations effectively and leaving us lagging behind peer nations, as the US and EU move to safeguard ethical cyber security work as a cornerstone of national resilience.With the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre recently acknowledging that hostile activity in UK cyberspace has increased in frequency, sophistication and intensity, it is vital that the UK takes measures to upgrade its cyber resilience.He added: The statutory defence we propose drafted in consultation with industry and legal experts would protect legitimate cyber security professionals, strengthen UK cyber defences, and reinforce its place as a cyber security leader. We are fully prepared to work with the government to help implement this necessary change in the future, as soon as it is ready to act.

Overshadowed by the shiny AI features, the latest iPhone update brought multiple QOL improvements, such as the new Home Screen controls.

The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is a low-profile, elegant soundbar that'll look good under any TV. Jack Wallen/ZDNETZDNET's key takeawaysThe Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now at a discount, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually).The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious.I just wish the setup process was more seamless and simple.For months, I was one hundred percent certain the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar couldn't be beat. It offers incredible clarity of sound, rich bass, and brilliant surround via two wireless speakers.When Yamaha sent me the True X Bar 50A to review, I assumed it wouldn't be able to stand up to the sound the JBL delivered. Given that the Yamaha sells for roughly half the price of the JBL, that assumption was a fairly safe bet. And even though my audiophile ears could easily tell the difference between the two (with the JBL coming out on top), for the money, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is hard to beat. Also: One of the loudest Bluetooth speakers I've tested is not made by Sonos or BoseOne thing to remember is that I was also sent aTrue X Speaker 1A, which is sold separately and runs for $150 each. If you want surround (which you should), now you're talking about $850 for the whole kit. Another thing to keep in mind is that I only reviewed this connected to my television and didn't opt to test how music might sound via this speaker. For me, a soundbar serves a single purpose to replace built-in TV speakers that rarely offer sound of much quality.With that in mind, let's dive into the review. details View at Amazon The specsDrivers - Front L/R: 4.6 6.6 cm (1-3/4 2-5/8") cone 2, Height L/R: 5.2 cm (2") cone 2, Built-in Subwoofer: 7.5 cm (3") cone 2, Wireless Subwoofer: 16 cm (6-1/4") coneOutput power - 280 W (Front L/R: 30 W 2-ch, Height L/R: 30 W 2-ch, Built-in subwoofer: 30 W 2, Subwoofer: 100W )Dimensions - Center unit: 1,015 63 112 mm (40" 2-1/2" 4-3/8"), Subwoofer: 187 407 409 mm (7-3/8" 16" 16-1/8")Inputs - HDMI, digital opticalSound technology - Dolby Atmos with stereo, standard, movie, and game modes.Bass extensionWireless streaming The Yamaha sub is on the left and the JBL Bar 1000 sub is on the right. Jack Wallen/ZDNETMy experienceThe first thing to note about this soundbar is that the setup can be a bit finicky. It took me several attempts to connect the subwoofer and surround speakers. The issue with the surround speakers turned out to be a low battery -- they needed to be fully charged via USB-C before they would connect. Even then, the setup process is somewhat confusing, requiring you to download a manual on your phone using a QR code for guidance. Also:This stereo amp made me feel like I was hearing my favorite band for the first timeFor some reason, the subwoofer wouldn't connect right out of the box either. I had to go through the manual setup a few times before it finally linked with the main speaker. But once everything was connected, the difference was impressive.Many soundbars in this price range (without the additional surround speakers) tend to overemphasize midrange frequencies, which makes sense since that's where vocals sit. However, too much focus on the midrange can result in tinny or harsh sound. That's not the case with the True X Bar 50A. Instead, it delivers a well-balanced mix that adds richness to the sound. When the subwoofer kicks in, it adds depth and punch for a more immersive experience.Once everything is set up, the True X Bar 50A is easy to use, thanks to a well-designed remote that lets you switch between modes (Standard, Movie, Music, Game, and All), adjust the bass, and control surround levels.While this soundbar does advertise Dolby Atmos for a more immersive sound experience, mid-range systems like this aren't quite capable of delivering the full effect. The True X Bar 50A gets close but doesn't fully achieve the true Atmos experience. That said, it still fills the room with sound beautifully, and when you add the surround speakers, the sound really comes to life.Also:Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar is just for audiophilesMy only gripe with the surround speakers is that they lack the volume power of a JBL system. With JBL, the sound is so immersive that you sometimes wonder if it's coming from the speakers, somewhere in the house, or even outside. In comparison, the Yamaha is more subtle. Even with the surround speakers set to max, the effect is more understated. However, the All mode, which sends sound to both the main and surround speakers, is a great solution -- especially for watching TV or movies where dialogue can be hard to hear. These surround speakers are small but they produce impressive sound. Jack Wallen/ZDNETHit the All button, and you'll have no trouble understanding dialogue. There's also a Clear Voice option that enhances vocal clarity. I tested it with a few films where the dialogue is notoriously hard to hear, and the Clear Voice feature easily solved that issue. In particular, Oppenheimerwhich is known for its challenging dialogue -- sounded crisp and clear with Yamaha's Clear Voice technology.You'll likely find yourself using this feature often, especially with more films leaning into complex sound design.The only downsideAs I mentioned earlier, setting up the True X Bar 50A isn't as straightforward as it should be. With JBL, it was as simple as unpacking, plugging in, and getting started. The Yamaha setup, on the other hand, requires a bit of patience and luck. But once it's up and running, you're good to go.Also:This is the soundbar I recommend if you have limited space at home (and it's $100 off)Here's a tip: if you purchase the surround speakers, keep the soundbar on once everything is connected. When you turn the soundbar off, you'll have to manually switch each surround speaker back on. While the speakers offer around 12 hours of battery life, I recommend keeping them plugged in via USB-C, especially if you mount them on the wall. If you choose to use them wirelessly, be sure to charge them regularly. Otherwise, you risk losing sound mid-movielike during Prometheusand ruining the experience.ZDNET's buying adviceIf you don't have the budget for a $1,000+ soundbar, but you still want high-quality sound, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is a brilliant option, especially with Amazon's current discount. And if you can afford it, add the surround speakers for a much more immersive experience.Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time for setup, and don't be surprised if you have to go through the steps a few times before everything connects properly.If it weren't for the exceptional sound of the JBL Bar 1000, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A would easily be my top pick. With its deep, rich bass, well-balanced mids, and crisp highs, this soundbar is a significant upgrade from your TV speakers and will likely outperform any midrange soundbar you're currently using.When will this deal expire?Deals are subject to sell-out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on this deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you atZDNET.com.Featured reviews

With a simple text prompt, creators will be able to change outfits, backgrounds, and more. (Meta's Mosseri turned himself into a puppet.)

The tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has intensified discussions about the U.S. healthcare system's challenges. This incident has brought to light several systemic issues:Public Perception of Health Insurers: Thompson had previously acknowledged UnitedHealthcare's public relations challenges, noting that many Americans view health insurers as obstacles to care as cited by The Washington PostIndustry Criticisms: Under Thompson's leadership, UnitedHealthcare faced scrutiny over policies like denying payments for certain emergency room visits and increasing prior authorization denials, which some argue restrict patient access to necessary care.Public Outcry: The assassination has garnered a controversial following, with some individuals expressing support, viewing his actions as a stand against perceived injustices in the healthcare system. This sentiment is particularly notable among younger demographics, highlighting deep-seated frustrations with the current state of healthcare in the U.S.Medical Symbol Caduceus on Crash Hole - Color Background - 3D RenderingGetty ImagesThe U.S. health insurance industry is a massive market, with a projected market size of approximately $1.4 trillion in 2024. This industry is driven by major players such as UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Anthem, and Humana, which collectively dominate nearly three-quarters of the market. The sector includes a diverse range of services, from private insurance plans to government-sponsored programs like Medicare and Medicaid.MORE FOR YOUSpecifically, technology advancements like Web3 technology, including but not limited to blockchain, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence are poised as foundational drivers for improving the current state of the healthcare system with accessibility and affordability as its mission. With bitcoin democratizing the financial industry and the ability to bank the unbanked, its a no-brainer that Web3 can democratize access and affordability of healthcare, challenging the current status quo of health insurers as gatekeepers.This robust revenue generation highlights the scale of healthcare spending in the U.S. and underscores the critical role that health insurance companies play in shaping healthcare access and affordability. It also explains why the industry is a key focus for policy discussions and technological innovations aimed at reducing costs while improving patient outcomes.Web3 built on decentralized blockchain systems, presents a groundbreaking solution to the challenges raised in his vision for healthcare reform.How Can Health Insurance Thrive in a Web3 Ecosystem? Life and Health Insurance continually rank as Top 3 industries globally by revenue. The global health insurance market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2024 to 2034, reaching $3.63 trillion by 2034 partly due to growing demand for medical services and treatments, especially post-pandemic and a growing market concentration among fewer insurance companies. With growing revenues, Web3 introduces transparent pricing mechanisms through tokenized ecosystems supported by healthcare focused cryptocurrency exchanges.Healthcare Cryptocurrency Exchanges2025 is the year for the Web3 industry to prove a stronger data economy and individual control over data [sic]. More control and opportunity over their data can result in new types of business models across industries. Althea is a good example of an incentivized payment systems where participants benefit by receiving a bill credit by connecting their routers to the network.- Rene Barton Manager of Impact Research at Crypto Council for InnovationAs data ownership increases in healthcare, healthcare-focused cryptocurrency exchanges have the potential to drive liquidity and affordability in healthcare through several mechanisms:1. Incentivized Payment SystemsBlockchain-based exchanges can facilitate faster and cost-effective transactions for healthcare services by using healthcare-specific tokens. This reduces reliance on traditional payment systems, which often come with high transaction fees, enabling cost savings for providers and patients. Smart contracts can automate billing, insurance claims, and payments, eliminating inefficiencies.Benefits: Lower administrative costs and greater cost transparency for patients.Example: Token-based systems allow patients to directly pay for services, avoiding opaque billing practices.2. Enhanced Liquidity for Healthcare FundingBy tokenizing healthcare services or providing a marketplace for healthcare funding, these exchanges can attract a global pool of investors. This model enables easier access to capital for healthcare providers, particularly in underfunded areas, and provides a liquid marketplace for healthcare-specific financial instruments.3. Transparency in Pricing and PaymentsCryptocurrency exchanges built for healthcare can offer transparent pricing structures through smart contracts. Patients and providers can clearly see service costs, reducing hidden fees and foster trust in transactions.4. Affordable Cross-Border PaymentsFor international healthcare services, such as medical tourism, cryptocurrency can eliminate currency exchange fees and delays, making it easier for patients to access affordable care globally.5. Improving Data Monetization ModelsHealthcare-focused exchanges can enable individuals to tokenize and monetize their anonymized health data. Pharmaceutical companies and researchers could then purchase this data, creating an additional revenue stream that can be reinvested in healthcare affordability initiatives.6. Rewards Programs and Health IncentivesExchanges can enable incentive models where patients earn tokens for healthy behaviors (e.g., maintaining fitness goals, attending preventive care visits). These tokens can be redeemed for healthcare services, lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients.7. Integration with Decentralized Insurance ModelsCrypto exchanges can also support decentralized insurance platforms where premiums and claims are handled via blockchain. These models can provide lower-cost insurance alternatives and improve access to healthcare coverage.Decentralized FinancingCryptocurrency loans have the potential to enhance affordability and liquidity in the healthcare sector by leveraging decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms. Heres how:1. Improved Access to Capital for Healthcare ProvidersHealthcare providers, especially small clinics and startups, often struggle to secure traditional loans due to lengthy processes and strict requirements. Crypto loans, which use blockchain to automate and decentralize lending, provide quicker and more accessible funding. These loans can help providers invest in new equipment, expand facilities, or enhance service quality.2. Lower Interest Rates Through DeFi PlatformsDecentralized finance platforms eliminate intermediaries, reducing the cost of borrowing. Patients or providers can access loans with lower interest rates compared to traditional financial institutions. This affordability in funding can lead to more competitive healthcare pricing.3. Flexible Payment StructuresCrypto loans often offer more flexible repayment terms, such as income-share agreements or collateralized lending models using crypto assets. For patients, this means manageable financing options for expensive treatments, reducing immediate financial burdens.4. Cross-Border AccessibilityCryptocurrency loans transcend borders, enabling patients from underserved regions to finance medical procedures globally. This is particularly impactful for medical tourism, where affordable loans can make high-quality care accessible internationally without currency exchange challenges.5. Micro-financing Healthcare ServicesCrypto loans can be scaled down to microfinance levels, allowing patients to take out small, affordable loans for basic healthcare needs. This is particularly beneficial in low-income regions where traditional financing is inaccessible or unaffordable.6. Tokenized Health Insurance PremiumsPatients can use cryptocurrency loans to pay insurance premiums, while insurance providers tokenize policies for increased liquidity. This ensures continuous coverage and reduces the risk of care interruption due to lapsed premiums.7. Transparent and Efficient Loan ProcessesBlockchain technology ensures that all loan transactions are immutable and transparent. This builds trust between borrowers (patients or providers) and lenders, encouraging participation in the healthcare financing ecosystem.8. Community-Driven FundingCrypto loans can enable peer-to-peer lending where communities directly support healthcare funding. These models can foster affordable care solutions driven by decentralized, community-backed initiatives.Challenges and ConsiderationsWhile promising, challenges include:Regulatory Risks: Crypto loans may face compliance issues in healthcare.Volatility: Cryptocurrency price fluctuations could impact loan repayments and overall affordability.Adoption: Both patients and providers need education on using cryptocurrency solutions effectively.By providing decentralized, accessible, and cost-effective financial solutions, cryptocurrency loans can alleviate the financial pressures of healthcare, driving both liquidity and affordability. This innovation holds the potential to bridge funding gaps and make quality care more accessible worldwide.

StrandsNYTLooking for Wednesdays Strands hints, spangram and answers? You can find them here:After a series of pretty hard puzzles this week, this one was sort of a speed run in my opinion, but we will see if you feel the sameHow To Play StrandsThe New York Times Strands puzzle is a play on the classic word search. Its in beta for now, which means itll only stick around if enough people play it every day.Theres a new game of Strands to play every day. The game will present you with a six by eight grid of letters. The aim is to find a group of words that have something in common, and youll get a clue as to what that theme is. When you find a theme word, it will remain highlighted in blue.Youll also need to find a special word called a spangram. This tells you what the words have in common. The spangram links two opposite sides of the board. While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name. When you find the spangram, it will remain highlighted in yellow.Every letter is used once in one of the theme words and spangram. You can connect letters vertically, horizontally and diagonally, and its possible to switch directions in the middle of a word. If youre playing on a touchscreen, double tap the last letter to submit your guess.MORE FOR YOUIf you find three valid words of at least four letters that are not part of the theme, youll unlock the Hint button. Clicking this will highlight the letters that make up one of the theme words.Be warned: Youll need to be on your toes. Sometimes youll need to fill the missing word(s) in a phrase. On other days, the game may revolve around synonyms or homophones. The difficulty will vary from day to day, and the puzzle creators will try to surprise you sometimes.What Is Todays Strands Hint?NYT hint first and then I will give one of my own to help further. The official hint is:Morning morselsAnd my hint is:With milkWhat Are Todays Strands Answers?Spangram first and then I will post a full list of answers underneath thatCEREALAnd here is where you find that on the board:StrandsNYTThe answers are:CHEERIOCRUNCHPUFFFLAKESMACKPEBBLECHARMLOOPStrandsNYTSo, I think you get the idea here, different kinds of cereal uh, particles? Not sure what to call them. Shapes maybe. Cheerio feels like the only one that is probably copyrighted. Maybe Smacks? Otherwise we have thinks like Corn Flakes, Fruity Pebbles, Corn Puffs, Fruit Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and so on.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Rumor mill: The Nintendo Switch 2 rumor mill is in full gear. Many reports and leaks align, which is typical as a launch nears and third-party vendors get information they can use to create accessories. While the company has still not revealed the device, one company claims to have built a mockup based on official Nintendo's specs. On Wednesday, The Nerd Nest Podcast showcased what could be the most accurate mockup of the Switch 2 we have seen so far. The dummy unit comes from the case maker Ivoler. Ivoler doesn't have a record for accuracy. However, case and accessory makers generally get their guesses accurate since manufacturers cooperate with them to have accessories ready on launch day.Over the weekend, a maker of hard protective cases called Dbrand released 3D renders of the Switch 2 that are likely millimeter precise since such cases are form-fitting. Ivoler took its mockup beyond rendering and 3D-printed a dummy unit that matched Dbrand's images aside from minor details like the kickstand, JoyCon eject buttons and color scheme.The mockup has detachable controllers like its predecessor, but they are affixed to the screen magnetically, confirming a leak from earlier this week on Reddit. The Redditor, who goes by the handle NextHandheld, claims he got ahold of a physical unit. He also said the rumors of Hall Effect joysticks are valid and that Nintendo has officially named it the Switch 2.Moderators on the NintendoSwitch2 subreddit and The Verge's Sean Hollister vetted NextHandheld's claims. Both say the Redditor provided enough "proof" to deem the claims credible.On the back of Ivoler's mockup is a non-functional kickstand that goes the width of the screen, making it more stable when standing on a table. This element jives with previous leaks but differs from Dbrand's version of the kickstand, which is shaped more like a handle.Interestingly, the Ivoler mockup has two USB-C ports (also confirming NestHandheld's claims) one on the top and one on the bottom. Nerd Nest host Bill Fairchild speculates that the Switch 2 has two ports to charge from the dock (bottom) or a charging cable (top or bottom). It tracks, but others, including NextHandheld, have suggested that the top USB-C port could be used for accessories like a camera or headphones.I don't want to talk about the Switch 2's new magnetic Hall-effect JoyCons because Fairchild demonstrates them well in the video and I'll just end up ranting about how I have replaced the thumbsticks on my JoyCon's three times because of drift. See? There I go. the only thing I have to say is that I believe that Nintendo will go with the classic red and blue color scheme. The white ones that Ivoler dummied up are likely just to simplify the 3D printing. // Related StoriesIt's worth mentioning that Ivoler also sent Nerd Nest a Nintendo Switch 2 carrying case, indicating that it is already producing the accessory to have it ready for release. Yes, the relatively plain case could fit anything with the Switch 2's overall dimensions. However, coupled with Dbrand's precise design, including button placement, it seems safe to say third-party providers know what they are doing at this point.Nintendo still hasn't hinted at a release date, but the consensus is that the company will reveal it in January and release it in March 2025. Notebook Check says this guess is based on information provided by a "major third-party developer" and on Nintendo's reveal/release schedule for the Switch in 2017, but take it with a full dose of salt.

A hot potato: A month after its release, the PlayStation 5 Pro is proving popular among gamers worldwide. This mid-generation upgrade to the original PS5 lacks a Blu-ray disc drive, doesn't include a vertical stand, and comes with a hefty $700 price tag. Despite these omissions, console enthusiasts seem eager to spend nearly a grand to enjoy enhanced ray tracing effects and improved performance. According to Circana (previously The NPD Group) analyst Mat Piscatella, PlayStation 5 Pro sales are off to a promising start. The much-debated hardware upgrade launched on November 7, 2024, with a price tag of $699. In the US alone, the PS5 Pro accounted for 19 percent of total PlayStation 5 units sold in November and contributed to 28% of the month's PlayStation 5 revenue.Piscatella noted that the PS5 Pro's launch-month revenue was more than 50 percent higher than that of the PlayStation 4 Pro, although unit sales were 12% percent lower. The PS4 Pro debuted in November 2016 under very different market conditions and geopolitical challenges.Early sales figures suggest a comparable level of interest among gamers upgrading from the base PS5 to the PS5 Pro as those who considered upgrading to the PS4 Pro during its lifecycle. Regional performance further underscores the PS5 Pro's appeal: in the UK, the console made up 26 percent of all console sales in November, while in Japan, it accounted for an impressive 63 percent of all PS5 sales.The PS5 Pro's price tag is significantly higher than the PS4 Pro's ($400, inflation aside). According to Rolling Stone, the PS5 Pro's introduction was met with an "overwhelmingly negative" response due to the console's perceived limitations and the modest increase in graphics performance.Despite this, early sales suggest that many gamers are still willing to invest heavily in the latest and greatest gaming hardware. Sony president Hiroki Totoki recently stated that the PS5 Pro's pricing strategy has not negatively impacted sales, as the console is intentionally aimed at "hardcore" users. // Related StoriesWhile PS5 Pro sales are off to a strong start, it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions about its long-term success. Even the Wii U initially saw strong sales before it became one of Nintendo's biggest flops.