The ever-divisive cryptocurrency market sprang back into national headlines late last year as the price of bitcoin -- the most well-known cryptocurrency -- soared to $100,000 for the first time.While bitcoin's price garnered plenty of press in recent months, the crypto market largely collapsed a few years before, leading some to consider it a bubble, similar to the dotcom boom at the turn of the century.Today, 17% of adults in the US have cryptocurrency, according to a recent Pew Research Center study. This study also found that 63% of Americans say they have low to no confidence in the current methods for cryptocurrency investing.Notably, younger generations may view the market differently. Over half of American Gen Zers report owning investments, with cryptocurrency as their top choice, according to 2023 research from FINRA. Gen Z had highest risk tolerance, and the study found most Gen Z investors had an above-average risk tolerance.With a new administration in the White House and cryptocurrencies like bitcoin still teetering at all-time highs, we turned to the experts to get a temperature check on what's next for crypto. Here's what we learned.Will the government stance on crypto change this year?Historically, the federal government, especially the SEC, has been wary of the cryptocurrency industry. Under Gary Gensler, the former SEC chair, the SEC filed high-profile lawsuits against crypto companies like Coinbase and Kraken.The last few years have also seen countless cryptocurrency scams, the collapse of the Luna token, as well as the downfall of FTX (a former crypto exchange) and the subsequent sentencing of its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried. With a new administration in power, a shift in the federal government's stance is likely. Reuters reports that incoming SEC leadership is set to overhaul cryptocurrency policies.The change could spread to other agencies, like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which regulates financial derivatives markets (i.e., futures contracts and options). Caroline Pham, who has advocated for clearer crypto rules, was recently named acting CFTC chair, and David Sacks has already been tapped as "White House A.I. and Crypto Czar.""These [incoming federal officials] are much more crypto-forward than the current regulatory agencies," Cesare Fracassi, Fintech Research Lab and Blockchain Initiative director at the McCombs School of Business, told CNET. "So, definitely, we should expect a different approach to crypto."Could the crypto market see new laws on the books?The federal framework for cryptocurrency laws has been murky, with many rules differing from state to state. This has been a criticism that cryptocurrency companies cite in response to lawsuits.Christian Catalini, founder of the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab and a research scientist at the MIT Sloan School, says the crypto industry needs new rules to protect people from bad actors."Many of the most serious companies and startups in this space have been asking for regulation for a while," Catalini said. "Because of the lack of clear rules, the bad actors have been able to blend with the good ones -- that has led to very bad situations like the FTX meltdown."In 2022, FTX went bankrupt. Around the same time, many customers found that they were unable to withdraw funds from the crypto exchange. It soon became clear that billions of dollars were missing. Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, is currently serving a 25-year sentence for fraud.A lack of regulation is one reason crypto remains an unpredictable investment vehicle. Catalini hopes with new legislation, the regulatory grey area will become clearer, so that crypto can "turn the page from the hype and speculation and become more useful."Should you invest in the crypto market in 2025?While most Americans see cryptocurrency as a speculative asset with the potential to grow their money, the wild price swings make investing in cryptocurrency risky at best. The industry is also complex, which has provided fertile ground for scammers. You need to be extra diligent if you decide to invest in crypto."Cryptocurrency tends to be more volatile than other investments and can be influenced by unpredictable external events that affect confidence in the crypto ecosystem," Alex Michalka, vice president of investment research at Wealthfront, told CNET.Michalka cited the recent surge in crypto prices following now President Trump's election win as a key example of this volatility. The expectations that the new administration would adopt a more crypto-friendly approach were enough to send prices skyrocketing, he said.Investing directly in cryptocurrency can lead to big wins or losses, but experts say you're speculating when you invest in these digital currencies. There are no guarantees.That advice remains true even if you're investing in an exchange-traded fund that's based on the price of bitcoin or other digital assets. Crypto ETFs became popular with investors last year. Blackrock's iShares Bitcoin Trust smashed previous ETF records when it debuted in 2024.While these types of investments are more accessible for interested investors -- you can purchase them through conventional brokerage accounts -- they don't make investing in cryptocurrency any safer. They're still subject to the same wild swings that exist when investing directly in crypto.To reduce your risk of losses, Michalka advises you never to invest more than 10% of your portfolio in crypto. But depending on how much you're investing, you might want to reduce your risk percentage even more."I would always say that do not invest anything more than you can completely afford to lose tomorrow if you're approaching crypto," Catalini said.Is the market headed for a crypto crash in 2025?Analysts, pundits and YouTubers love predicting the future. Crypto influencers can make money by telling people they have an inside track on what coin or token will rise in value next."You read a lot of predictions about what crypto and bitcoin are going to do in the future in terms of prices," Fracassi said." The reality is that, in the same way as no one can predict stock returns, no one can predict crypto prices."It's important to be wary of anyone who claims that they can predict what will happen with the market or with a specific cryptocurrency. "It turns out," Fracassi said, "that no one really has a crystal ball."

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereEpic Games recently released another free Fortnite skin. The skin is called Aces Wild Card and can be unlocked through the FNCS Cup on Saturday, February 1. Unfortunately, many players dealt with crashing, which is why the game developer canceled cups in several regions. Due to this, the skin will be unavailable for millions of players.The good news is that Epic will likely reschedule these cups. If youd like to see if youve been affected by the cancellation, you can find all the details below.No free skin cups for Fortnite players in four regionsAces Wild Card is a new Fortnite skin that can be unlocked for free for a limited time. The skin will come to the Item Shop at a later date, but the FNCS Cup is the only way to get it for free. Unfortunately, Epic Games postponed the tournament in Asia and Oceania due to issues with the game crashing. Both Solo Cash Cups and Ranked Cups were canceled in these regions.It appears that the Fortnite creator is struggling to fix the crashing issue, which is why the FNCS Cup in Europe and the Middle East was also canceled. Epic posted this information on X (formerly Twitter), just an hour after canceling ranked cups in Asia and Oceania.The Aces Wild Card skin is free for a limited time. Image by VideoGamerThe good news is that players from North America and Brazil are not affected by this cancellation. However, this might change by the end of the day. The cup is scheduled to begin at 2 PM Eastern Time on NA Central, while Fortnite competitors from Brazil will be able to access it at 11 AM ET.Its important to note that you can change your region to compete on other servers. Unfortunately, this will increase your ping and put you at a disadvantage. If youd rather expand your locker without competing, you can unlock four other free skins in Fortnite. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereEpic Games released the v33.30 Fortnite update on Friday, adding many new things to the game. These additions include new cosmetics, which are set to be released shortly. With Chapter 6 Season 1 ending on February 21, most of them will come out within the next three weeks. Furthermore, a recent leak revealed the exact release dates of new cosmetic items.In this article, we will take a look at the leak and reveal more details about upcoming Fortnite cosmetics.When will new Fortnite skins come out?According to Hypex, the most popular Fortnite leaker, the next Item Shop will bring Eminem back. The popular artist has several skins in the video game and he played a big role in the events of the Remix season. Along with him, Epic Games will release a new pair of Kicks, in-game shoes, as many of them were added with the latest update.Epic will also release a new Fortnite x Nike skin in early February, along with the re-release of Agony and She-Venom.Cosmetic itemRelease dateEminemFebruary 2New KicksFebruary 2New Nike skinFebruary 3SymbiotesFebruary 4Fortnite leak shows new Valentines Day cosmetics as well. Image by VideoGamerThe latest Fortnite update brought many other new skins and cosmetics. Unfortunately, their release date is currently unknown, which is no surprise considering we are still in early February. However, most of them will be released by the time Chapter 6 Season 2 comes out. Simone, a new skin added with the update, has already come out, and others will follow suit.In addition to Simone, Epic has also released a new OG Pass with three skins. Furthermore, another Fortnite leak claims that the game developer will release a new Iron Man skin. This skin will be sold in the Item Shop and will have customizable styles. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Image: Good Smile CompanyThe pink puff Kirby has welcomed in the new year this week - with the 'Good Smile Company' announcing it's reviving select Nendoroid Kirby figures.The highlight of the lot is the Robot Armor & Kirby Figure, which is based on Kirby's look from the 3DS title Kirby: Planet Robobot. It'll set you back $56.99 USD or your regional equivalent and is estimated to ship in Q4, 2025. Here's a bit about this re-release, along with another look:"Kirby is back, and this time with his robot armor! From "Kirby: Planet Robobot" comes a Nendoroid sized version of the Robobot Armor that Kirby makes use of in the game - the armor stands approximately 15cm in height! Nendoroid Kirby can be placed inside the Robobot Armor just like he does in the game and the armor features articulation at all of its joints allowing for various dynamic action poses!Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube795kWatch on YouTube "In addition, a special Planet Robobot version of Nendoroid Kirby that features an all new face plate to recreate the box art of the series is included with the armor, and a helmet part for Nendoroid Kirby is also included! Add this Robobot Armor to your collection and bring out the atmosphere of Dream Land more than ever before! Approximately 150mm (5.90in) in height."Images: Good Smile CompanyApart from this, Good Smile is also re-releasing Nendoroid Kirby and Waddle Dee for $34.99 each. Pre-orders are now live for all of these Nendoroid figures. Good Smile also appears to have re-releases of Ice Kirby Figure and Beam Kirby Figure coming.Images: Good Smile CompanyThe return of the Nendoroid based on Kirby: Planet Robobot follows a rumour last December claiming the same title (originally released in 2016) could potentially be making a return. Some Kirby fans are already getting their hopes up after Good Smile's social media announcement. Be mindful, this is just a rumour and nothing has been officially announced. As "filler for the Switch"Edelgard arrives 2026It includes a "crew of Pikmin to display"Would you be interested in any of the above Nendoroid? Do you already own one? How about a new (or old) Kirby game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.[source goodsmileus.com, via siliconera.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNew-Look Donkey Kong Items Now Available On The My Nintendo Store"You'll go bananas for this"Harvest Moon's New "Cozy" Switch Bundle Revives Two 3DS Titles This Summer"Optimized for the current generation"

Emerson Gaylord (1817-1899) was a businessman and politician from Chicopee, Massachusetts, who operated the Gaylord Manufacturing Company and later, the Ames Sword Company, furnishing military swords and other goods for the Union during the Civil War. His business did extremely well and he became one of the wealthiest men in the industrial city. In 1856, Gaylord purchased the property at the corner of Springfield Street and Fairview Avenue and resided in a home here until years following the war, when he demolished the original structures on the site in 1870 to build a new home currently known as the Gaylord Mansion, worthy of his stature and notoriety in Chicopee. In 1962,Elms Collegepurchased the Gaylord Mansion for $50,000. In 1997, an Elms College Cornerstone Campaign raised $100,000 to refurbish the exterior of this historical treasure. In February 2020, the Gaylord mansion underwent another renovation by the college to transform the interior into a classroom-meeting space with dorm residences on the top floors dubbing it Living-Learning, Community and Cultural Center.

Tech Wheeled wonder robot dog shows off crazy dance moves in all kinds of tough terrain This quadruped robot has mastered rugged areas with agility and moves to match Published February 1, 2025 6:00am EST close Wheeled wonder robot dog shows off crazy dance moves in all kinds of tough terrain This robot dog combines the agility of legs with the speed of wheels. Deep Robotics, a Chinese robotics firm, recently unveiled its latest innovation in quadruped robotics, the Lynx.This impressive robot dog combines the agility of legs with the speed of wheels, showcasing its exceptional flexibility.Emerging from Hangzhou's cutting-edge robotics landscape, the Lynx is pushing the boundaries of what autonomous mobile robots can achieve. With its groundbreaking design, the robot promises to revolutionize how we think about robotic mobility and terrain navigation. The Lynx robot dog dancingin snow. (Deep Robotics)A dance of versatilityThe Lynx demonstrates its remarkable capabilities by performing a series of jaw-dropping maneuvers. From dancing and gliding across ice to powering through deep snow and even executing leaps and flips, this mid-sized quadruped on wheels proves its unmatched adaptability to various terrains.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? The Lynx robot dog dancing in water. (Deep Robotics)Dual-mode locomotionWhat sets the Lynx apart is its unique wheeled-leg hybrid design. This innovative construction allows the robot to lock its wheels, enabling it to switch seamlessly between walking and climbing like a standard four-legged robot. This dual-mode locomotion combines the speed and efficiency of wheeled systems with the versatility of walking robots, making it ideal for navigating uneven and rugged surfaces.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE The Lynx robot dog dancingin rough terrain. (Deep Robotics)Impressive specificationsThe Lynx features an extraordinary range of capabilities that set it apart in the world of quadruped robotics. Its remarkable leg design allows it to climb impressive 8.7-inch steps and confidently navigate challenging 45-degree slopes with unparalleled stability and precision.The robot features a robust IP54 protection rating, which means it can operate effectively in virtually any weather condition, from dusty construction sites to wet outdoor environments. Engineers have designed the Lynx with practical functionality in mind, ensuring it can withstand harsh external conditions without compromising performance.Battery performance is another standout feature, with a solid three-hour operational time and innovative hot-swappable battery technology. This means users can quickly swap batteries in the field, extending mission duration and reducing potential downtime during critical operations.High-performance video transmission ensures operators receive crystal-clear, real-time visual feedback, allowing for precise remote navigation and monitoring. The intuitive user interface further enhances the user experience, making complex robotic control feel surprisingly straightforward and accessible.Priced at $17,999, the Lynx represents a significant but justifiable investment in cutting-edge robotic technology, offering capabilities that could transform how we approach challenging terrain and complex operational scenarios. The Lynx robot dog performing a clip in a stream. (Deep Robotics)Part of a larger initiativeThe Lynx is part ofDeep Robotics' "AI+" initiative, which is building on the company's expertise in legged robotics. It joins a lineup of innovative quadrupeds, including the Lite3, X20 and X30, each designed for specific applications ranging from emergency rescue to scientific exploration in hazardous environments. The Lynx robot dog dancingin a stream. (Deep Robotics)Kurts key takeawaysThe Lynx combines the best of both wheeled and legged locomotion. Its ability to navigate complex terrains with ease opens up new possibilities for applications in search and rescue, industrial inspection and scientific research. As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more impressive capabilities from future iterations of these robotic dogs.So, what's your gut reaction? Are these robot dogs the most impressive technological breakthrough you've seen recently, or do they make you feel just a little bit unsettled? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

ZDNET's key takeaways The $799 Samsung Galaxy S25 is for users who want a flagship experience in a smaller form factor. This year's hardware upgrades are fairly limited, but a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy does improve the battery and camera quality. The camera still suffers from shutter lag, making it less ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. more buying choices The Samsung Galaxy S25 might not be as flashy as the Ultra, but it's still the best compact phone you can buy right now. It refines an already great formula with a slimmer, lighter design, better battery life, and smarter AI features. But with minimal hardware upgrades over its predecessor, is it still worth $799?Also: I replaced my iPhone 16 Pro with the Galaxy S25 Ultra - and there's a clear winnerIt helps that Samsung is counting on an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor this year, which not only brings speed improvements but also better image clarity and more efficient battery life -- arguably the three most important aspects for consumers. I've spent the past week testing the device, and while the spec sheet may not excite you, the real-world experience tells a different story. details View at Samsung The Galaxy S25 is slimmer and lighter than last year's Galaxy S24. In fact, it's one of the most comfortable phones I've held and used. Unlike the larger Galaxy S25 Ultra, the flat sides don't feel unwieldy, and the curved edges keep it handy. I'd go as far as to say it offers a better in-hand feel than the Google Pixel 9 and iPhone 16.Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: I compared the base models that most people should buyOn the front, there's a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution, which, on paper, is less sharp than the QHD+ screens found on the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra. But in practice, it's still sharp and vibrant for its size. From scrolling through Reels on Instagram to browsing on Chrome to watching movies on Netflix, the Galaxy S25 display delivers a satisfying content consumption experience. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETI just wish the anti-reflective coating of Gorilla Armor 2 from the Galaxy S25 Ultra had trickled down to this model, as it makes the screen more usable in bright environments. It's a quality-of-life upgrade that would have made the compact phone experience truly one of a kind. That said, the screen is still fairly legible in direct sunlight, as shown in the image above.At Galaxy Unpacked, I had the impression that Samsung was over-relying on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to deliver a substantial upgrade over the Galaxy S24 this year. Maybe I dismissed it too quickly because, in my time reviewing the Galaxy S25, I've noticed battery life improvements that I've never seen from the smallest Samsung model.From my tests, the Galaxy S25 lasted me at least an hour and a half longer than its predecessor under similar usage. It's a one-day phone for moderate users -- those who browse, use social media, and message frequently. While navigation and camera use will drain the battery faster, most people will be satisfied with the battery life here.While I like the fact that Samsung has managed to deliver better battery life in a slimmer and lighter design, I'd have preferred a charging rate faster than 25W this year. At least keep it on par with the Galaxy S25 Plus and Ultra's 45W! Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETLike the charging, Samsung hasn't updated the cameras on the Galaxy S25 this year. It features the same optics as the Galaxy S24, which are the same as the Galaxy S23 from the year before. Instead, Samsung continues to lean on the latest processor to enhance its camera hardware, which keeps the devices market-relevant, but nothing more.For a refresher, the camera system includes a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide-angle sensor.Also: These useful One UI 7 features are coming to the Galaxy S25 series - and older models tooThe phone offers good dynamic range and consistent colors across its sensors. I've found my image samples to be slightly more detailed than those from last year's model. Samsung has also worked on delivering more accurate human skin tones, along with better low-light results in terms of clarity and lesser noise in challenging environments. 1x, 3x and 5x photos on the Galaxy S25. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETCompared to the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9, I prefer the Galaxy S25 camera for its versatility. A dedicated 3x telephoto camera is essential for me. However, if your camera usage involves capturing toddlers or pets, the iPhone may serve you better, as these cameras still struggle with fast-moving subjects. Unless you use the Expert RAW app to adjust the shutter speed for all photos, this isn't the best camera system for capturing little humans and furry friends.Some of the biggest camera upgrades come in video mode. You can now shoot log videos with Galaxy Log, enabling cinematographers to apply LUTs to color-grade their 10-bit footage.Also:Every Samsung Galaxy S25 model compared: How to decide which phone to buyThe Galaxy S25 also introduces a new post-editing feature called Audio Eraser, which uses AI to recognize and remove unwanted noises such as wind, water, or public chatter. A similar feature is available on Apple and Google phones, so I'm happy to report that Samsung has finally caught up -- and it works well. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15-based One UI 7, which will soon roll out to the older Galaxy S24 series, bringing most, if not all, of the features I'm about to mention to last year's phones.Starting with AI Select, my most-used AI feature over the past few days. It works like Circle to Search, allowing you to highlight on-screen content and suggest on-device actions based on the information.Also: This $300 Samsung phone looks as good as the Galaxy S25 - at a fraction of the priceFor example, if you receive an event invite via text or email with time, date, and location details, you can tap on AI Select from the Edge Panel, highlight the invite details, and the phone will suggest an "Add to Calendar" option. Tap on it, and the time, date, and location are automatically filled in within your Calendar app.There's also a new Galaxy AI feature called Now Brief, an app-widget hybrid that consolidates important data in one place. In theory, it can show weather updates, suggest taking the day easy if Galaxy Health detects poor sleep, recommend Spotify playlists from your favorite artists, display news and calendar events, and suggest YouTube Shorts. Now Brief Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETHowever, in my experience, it has mostly been a glorified weather app. It couldn't detect my Google Fit data synced with Galaxy Health and didn't show me any news. The suggested Spotify playlists weren't based on my preferences either. Samsung claims the service will improve over time, so I'll update this review if I notice changes.One UI 7 introduces the Now Bar, a new way to display active app notifications on the lock screen. If you have a timer, music player, or navigation running, they appear as stacked cards on the lock screen that you can swipe and interact with.It reminds me of Dynamic Island and Live Activities on iPhones and, in a similar fashion, supports a limited number of apps at launch. I expect it to gain support for more apps as developers integrate it into their products. For now, it feels like a nice feature in its early stages.Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: I compared the base models that most people should buyOther Galaxy AI party tricks include Portrait Studio for creating 3D cartoons and sketches from portraits, Sketch to Image, and Generative AI for adding objects to photos. These features are more refined and consistent, but tasks like Generative AI and background expansion in the Gallery app can still take more than 10 seconds to process.The Galaxy S25 also includes Gemini AI upgrades. The new, transformed version of Google Assistant can be triggered by a long press of the side button. It allows you to ask for information, plan things, and send WhatsApp messages to contacts. It's better at handling multiple commands in a single line, and I'm looking forward to broader third-party app support.ZDNET's buying adviceWhile it may seem like an underwhelming upgrade on paper, I've enjoyed using the Samsung Galaxy S25. My only gripe is its inability to capture moving subjects well without adjusting the shutter speed in Expert RAW. If you can overlook that, this is a solid phone for $799 -- and an even better deal if you can snag it with a trade-in offer or promotion.Compared to Google and Apple, the Galaxy S25 offers a better display, the best in-hand feel in its segment, a more versatile camera setup, and good battery life. It's better than the similarly priced Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 -- and my top pick for anyone looking for a compact flagship right now.Featured reviews

USB ports on TVs are often overlooked and forgotten, but their multifunctionality is surprisingly useful.

The FBI continues the war against criminal hackers.NurPhoto via Getty ImagesAs Google deploys AI hacking bots, hackers continue to fight with each other, and the FBI remotely deletes malware files from U.S. victim computers, the war against criminal hacking is really hotting up. The U.S. Department of Justice has now confirmed that some 17 million Americans have been impacted by the hackers targeted in the latest FBI offensive, Operation Talent, and now a shady group known as The Manipulaters has been hit, hard. Heres what you need to know.Operation TalentThe FBI Attack On Criminal HackersAs I reported Jan. 30, the U.S. Department of Justice has confirmed a joint FBI and International law enforcement agencies offensive against dark web marketplaces and infrastructure allegedly aiding criminal hackers. Operation Talent, according to unsealed seizure warrants, identified a whole bunch of servers hosting the Cracked criminal marketplace infrastructure. Those warrants stated that the Cracked marketplace had been selling stolen login credentials, hacking tools, and servers for hosting malware and stolen data as well as other tools for carrying out cybercrime and fraud since March 2018. Cracked had over four million users, listed over 28 million posts advertising cybercrime tools and stolen information, generated approximately $4 million in revenue, and impacted at least 17 million victims from the United States according to the Department of Justice statement. A separate statement has detailed another raid, this time of 39 Pakistan-based criminal marketplaces, operated by a mysterious group known as The Manipulaters.Who Are The Manipulaters And Why Has The FBI Targeted Them?A Jan. 31 report from the ever-brilliant investigative cybercrime journalist Brian Krebs, has taken a deep dive into the seizure of the servers and domains involved in what he referred to as a hugely popular spam and malware dissemination service, operated by a group collectively known as The Manipulaters.MORE FOR YOUThe Manipulaters, known to have been operating since at least 2015, are behind the targeted cybercrime services that have been running under such brand names as Heartsender and various FUD variations, where rather than Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt, FUD stands for Fully Un-Detectable. It would seem that Fudpage and Fudtools, to name but two, were not as undetectable as they thought. Actually, the FUD reference here is to hacking resources to evade detection by security protections, and now they have been detected and deleted.The Manipulaters never seemed to care much about protecting their own identities, Krebs said, so its not surprising that they were unable or unwilling to protect their own customers.Historically, attackers can more easily obtain information and tools than defenders, giving them a perpetual advantage, Evan Dornbush, a former NSA cybersecurity expert, said, Actions like this make it more expensive for cybercriminals to operate, and ultimately, this is a good thing. Throw in the fact that hackers who relied on purchasing tools and network access from these marketplaces won't now be able to continue, raised the barrier to entry for their criminal enterprise aspirations, Dornbush concluded.Ive said it before, and Im going to repeat it: virtual shots have now been fired by the FBI, and criminal hackers will likely be running scared for a while. And that, dear reader, is a very good thing indeed. While it lasts, the truth is that new marketplaces will appear, and existing ones will soon move into positions of new prominence. But with the FBI on their back, they must know their time is always limited.

It's usually relatively easy to regain control of a hacked Netflix account, and make sure it stays ... [+] secure in future.NurPhoto via Getty ImagesTABLE OF CONTENTSNetflix is one of the world's most popular streaming services, with more than 280 million paid subscribers worldwide as of the third quarter of 2024.However, partly because Netflix accounts are only protected by a username and password, with no two-factor authentication, it can be vulnerable to hackers. Criminals gain access through, for example, phishing attempts, data leaks, keyloggers or malware infections. The good news, though, is that it's usually straightforward to regain access of a compromised Netflix account. We look at the signs that your account may have been hacked, and what you should do if it has.How To Tell If Your Netflix Account Is CompromisedThere are a number of signs that your Netflix account may have been hacked one the most obvious being a notification that youre violating Netflixs password-sharing policy, or that someone has logged in from an unknown location.You may also find that when you try to sign into your account or reset your password, they've been changed, and youve been locked out. Extra payment methods you dont recognize may appear on your account. Meanwhile, you may notice suggestions that dont match your interests, or see shows or movies in your recently played content or in Continue Watching list that you didnt watch.Sign 1: Emails From NetflixNetflix will alert you if a device has signed in from an unfamiliar location, or a new device has been used and this can be a sign that a hacker is using your account. It will also warn you if it thinks you're violating its password-sharing policy. However, take care scammers are increasingly using fake emails from Netflix as a phishing technique. Don't ever provide your password or payment details.MORE FOR YOUSign 2: You're Locked OutAnother sign that your Netflix account has been hacked is discovering that you're locked out when trying to sign into your account or reset your password. This is a sign that a hacker has changed your password themselves. Sometimes, they are able to change the email address associated with the account, so that you cant reset the password.Sign 3: Payment ChangesYou may spot an additional payment method you dont recognize, or discover that your account has been upgraded without your knowledge. Your monthly payments may also go up, because the scammer is paying for extra content or services that you haven't authorized.Sign 4: Content ChangesNetflix isn't always great at predicting what you're likely to want to watch next but if you start seeing really bizarre recommendations appearing, this may be a sign that you've been hacked. Similarly, shows or movies may start showing up in your recently played content or Continue Watching list that you didnt watch.What Should You Do If Your Netflix Is Hacked?Your first step, if you think your Netflix account has been compromised, is to immediately change your password to something hard to guess. This will keep the attacker out.You should then sign out of all devices. Youll need to re-enter your new password into each device when you start watching again. You should remove any unauthorized payment methods through the Manage payment methods section, and take a look at any previously connected credit card or bank accounts in case there have been any unauthorized transactions. Finally, you should contact Netflix support to report the suspicious activity.Step 1: Change Your PasswordIf you think your Netflix account has been compromised, your first move should be to go to account settings and change your password. You should pick something hard to guess, with a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols and make sure it's different from any passwords you use elsewhere.Step 2: Sign Out Of All DevicesYour next step should be to go to the Security and Privacy settings and sign out of all devices this means the hacker cant use any cookies or permissions to get back in and lock you out. Once you've regained control of your account, youll need to re-enter the new password into each device you use.Step 3: Remove Unauthorized Payment MethodsIt's possible that the hackers have been racking up costs on your account, so the next thing to do is to go to Manage payments and remove any payment methods you don't recognize. You might also, if possible, want to remove the one you're currently using and change to something new. Check whether any unauthorized payments have been made, and let your bank or credit card company know if so.Step 4: Contact Netflix SupportYour final step should be to contact Netflix through customer support or online chat and report what's happened. Go to the Help Center page, then Contact Us. You'll be prompted to describe your problem and the actions you've taken.How Can You Recover Your Netflix Account?If the hackers have changed your password, you may find that you're completely locked out of your account. If this is the case, you'll need to contact customer support.Online chat will encourage you to explain the problem, along with any other information you might have whether you could have fallen for a phishing attempt, for example. You should also tell them if the hackers appear to have changed the email address associated with your account. Depending on what the hackers have managed to accomplish, it is, in very rare cases, unfortunately possible that you may not be able to regain access in which case you'll need to open another account.How Can You Protect Your Netflix From Hackers?If you've been hacked or even if you haven't you'll want to make sure that your account is safe in future. A strong password is key; unfortunately, Netflix doesn't offer two-factor authentication.You can add a phone number to your account to make it easier to recover your password, here. If you think your computer may have been hacked, make sure you have a good antivirus package, and regularly run a scan. Dont share passwords outside of your household or give away personal information, account credentials or credit card details. Finally, be on the lookout for phishing emails, tempting you to give away valuable information that could help an attacker access your account.Bottom LineNetflix accounts are relatively hackable, thanks to the lack of two-factor authentication and the wide availability of log-in details on the dark net. Fortunately, though, it's usually relatively easy to regain control of your account, and make sure it stays secure in future.