Hackers modify ransomware to deliver a Coinhive cryptocurrency-mining payload
Trend Micro discovered two variants on the XiaoBa ransomware that carries a cryptocurrency-mining payload. More specifically, it injects the Coinhive script into HTM and HTML pages cached on your PC while browsing the internet. But these variants are also highly destructive by infecting binary files.
AMD’s second-generation Ryzen desktop CPUs hit the market starting at $199
AMD's second-generation family of Ryzen desktop processors are now available on Amazon, Newegg, and more with a starting price of $199. There are four chips in the refreshed family, replacing two Ryzen 7 chips and two Ryzen 5 CPUs. AMD also introduced a new motherboard chipset for enthusiasts,
Intel to close its New Devices Group, signaling a retreat from wearables
Intel hinted that its getting ready to shut down its New Devices Group, the division responsible for its wearable devices. Sources say that the company will either move these developers over to other divisions, or end their employment. According to Intel, sometimes tough choices must be made.
Chrome’s desktop browser now supports web-based VR on the Oculus Rift
The latest stable version of Google's Chrome browser for desktop now supports the Oculus Rift headset via WebVR. The browser will automatically detect the headset, determine its capabilities, and render web-based virtual reality experiences at a compatible framerate. Firefox supports the Rift too.
Researchers claim hackers can create havoc in the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive
A recent paper published by researchers from the University of New Haven in Connecticut shows that a vulnerability in OpenGL enables the team to alter the playing space and virtual environment on the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift headsets. It's just a proof-of-concept but possible nonetheless.
Want to hide your Pornhub browsing? Use digital currency to make payments
Adult-oriented site Pornhub is now accepting cryptocurrency as payment for all products, including its monthly subscription service for premium content. More specifically, the site now accepts Verge Currency, a cryptocurrency that relies on TOR and I2P technologies to hide your transactions.
Microsoft wants to stuff Linux, not Windows 10, into Internet of Things devices
Microsoft introduced a new end-to-end platform for Internet of Things devices called Azure Sphere. It consists of a new microcontroller chip backed by a new Linux-based operating system. Microsoft likely chose Linux due to its open-source roots, given Azure Sphere is an open platform.
Intel, Microsoft using integrated graphics to thwart next Meltdown-style threats
Intel announced its refreshed security push during the RSA security convention The company revealed a collaboration with Microsoft that places Intel's new GPU-based Advanced Memory Scanning technology in Windows Defender. The company also introduced its Intel Security Essentials platform.
New benchmarks show increased MacBook Pro performance using external graphics
Benchmarks show increased performance in the 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar when bypassing the internal discrete Radeon Pro 460 graphics chip and using an external Radeon RX 580 add-in card. The benchmarks are testing the new external graphics support in MacOS, but expect limitations.
Hackers stole digital coins while a YouTube broadcaster advised about ICOs
YouTube streamer Ian Balina was advising about initial coin offerings during a live-stream when hackers stole around $2 million in digital coins from his virtual wallet. He believes the hackers used an old college email address to break into his Gmail and Evernote accounts to access private keys.
Samsung now offers a Chromebook Pro with a backlit keyboard for cave dwellers
Samsung introduced the Chromebook Pro in May 2017. Nearly one year later, the company now offers nearly the same model but with a backlit keyboard and a reduced Bluetooth component. Everything else in the backlit version is identical to the original model -- same processor, memory, and so on.
Another initial coin offering ‘exit scam’ steals $660M from Vietnam’s investors
Reports stemming from Vietnam claim that a company developing two cryptocurrency platforms raised $660.79 million in initial coin offerings and disappeared with the money. The company initially paid commissions to investors with cash, but then reverted to tokens that couldn't be withdrawn for money.
Get your pickaxe ready: The next MineCon Earth show streams in September
Microsoft and Mojang revealed the date for the next MineCon Earth live-stream event. Taking place this September, the show will include live gameplay, discussions between Lydia Winters and community co-hosts, and more Minecraft goodness. There will also be chances to personally appear during the show.
IoT Group revives a power plant to fuel a blockchain applications complex
IoT Group teamed up with Australia's Hunter Energy to revive an old coal-fueled power station located in Hunter Valley. Inside the facility will be a Blockchain Application Complex serving up power at wholesale cost. This will be a cheap alternative to running blockchains on Australia's power grids.
Windows 10 Stocks, Weather, and other apps may retire in favor of web versions
Unnamed sources indicate that Microsoft is pulling developers away from secondary Windows 10 apps to work on Microsoft Edge features. The company is also adding developers to the Edge team who previously worked on canceled features previously planned for the upcoming Windows 10 Redstone 5 update.
HP’s mainstream Pavilion PCs refreshed with latest AMD Ryzen, Intel Core CPUs
HP refreshed its entire family of Pavilion-branded devices spanning its 2-in-1s, laptops, and tower desktops. The devices now support new eighth-generation Intel Core and second-generation AMD Ryzen processors, depending on the model. You'll also find plenty of discrete graphics options, too.
