Friday, July 30, 2021

Latest Tech News

Trust and credibility

PS5 restock Twitter tracker Matt Swider

(Image credit: Matt Swider / Instagram)

PS5 restock tracker Matt Swider has helped 61,100 people in the US buy a next-gen console in 2021 with his tireless 24/7 tracking, in-stock Twitter alerts and exclusive restock reporting.

The Best Buy PS5 restock date will be sent to you by our 24/7 PS5 restock tracker Matt Swider – if you follow Matt's Twitter account and turn on notifications – but it might not be today, July 30. Matt is closely monitoring a dozen stores in the US, including Best Buy, and he tweeted about the big Target PS5 restock this morning, when the Sony console was in stock for just 13 minutes nationwide. When will Best Buy PS5 restock? Well, the electronics store had both the $499 PS5 Disc and $399 PS5 Digital for sale Friday of last week, and the restock time was 11:38am EDT for both PS5 consoles. We're now well past that time and the latest time it's ever done a restock is 6:05pm EDT, with 3:30pm EDT being its most popular choice. That's why we have to do 24/7 tracking at all of the stores in the US, even if Best Buy stocks PlayStation 5 early next week. 

When? Where? Follow our PS5 restock Twitter tracker Matt Swider and turn on notifications for Best Buy PS5 restock alerts. It's the fastest way to get restock updates.

Warning: don't buy from other Twitter users. They're all scams. Only buy from the US stores Matt alerts you about. No one will sell a PS5 for just $550.

Why trust TechRadar? We don't point you to a bunch of US retailer links, which are always dead ends. Others do that – not us. Matt Swider will send you a push notification when there's actual PS5 stock through his 24/7 tracking efforts.

Directions: Click on this image of an example of a Best Buy PS5 restock alert from Matt Swider and turn on notifications (that little bell icon) for instant alerts.

PS5 restock Best Buy Twitter alert with advice and two PS5 consoles

(Image credit: Matt Swider / Twitter)

Best Buy PS5 restock date and time

  • Next Best Buy PS5 restock date: Restocks every nine days (recently) on average
  • Last Best Buy PS5 restock date: July 23, 2021 at 11:38am EDT  
  • How to buy PS5 from Target: Follow our PS5 restock tracker account

The Best Buy PS5 restock isn't guaranteed to be today, though some people are very adamant about the restock date simply because the US retailer had the PS5 Disc and PS5 Digital in stock on Friday of last week.

However, looking at the history of Best Buy restock dates, there's recently been a nine-day gap in between, so we could see PS5 in stock online next week. Yes, nine days would fall on a Sunday, but we rarely see a PS5 restock on weekends. 

While the Best Buy restock date is easier to predict, the actual time that add-to-cart button goes live is much, much harder to figure out. Best Buy had opened up PS5 sales anywhere from 9:05am to 6:05pm, so during daylight hours, we have to be ready with a Best Buy restock Twitter alert. 

PS5 restock at Target Twitter alert by Matt Swider

(Image credit: Matt Swider / Twitter)

Best Buy PS5 drop: it's the hardest to buy online

Truth be told, while over one hundred Matt Swider followers are usually able to buy the PS5 from Best Buy, it's not the easiest retailer to check out with in the US. Thousands are left frustrated by the Best Buy website and app.

While everyday customers have to wait through a mini virtual queue with Best Buy asking for you to hang on the page for 'one more step' (which it doesn't explain just means waiting until the greyed-out add-to-cart button loads back up in yellow), bots are able to open up multiple windows and determine which page will load that button up the quickest. We've seen hundreds of PS5 consoles secured by bots, leaving customers without a PlayStation 5 to claim within 250 miles of their location.

Best Buy does require people to pick up the PS5 in person at their local store – the actual video game system is held at a warehouse when orders are placed and then shipped to individual stores. It takes 3-5 days for the console to arrive at your local Best Buy. It goes without saying, the actual restock purchase remains online and you should travel to your Best Buy to try to buy the PS5. It hasn't been for sale in stores at Best Buy for all of 2021.

Best Buy PS5 tracker alerts – get it faster

The Best buy bot situation is why getting our PS5 Twitter tracker alerts have become an essential tool in securing the Sony console. While Sony sold 10 million PS5 consoles wordwide, millions more in the US alone are still looking to buy it.

There's an entire add-to-cart process when it comes to checking out: tap the yellow button, wait whole it's grayed out and turn yellow again, tap it again to truly add it to your cart and try to check out. Often this is where people get stuck, and it requires waiting until the Best Buy PS5 restock second wave happens – when it does, try to complete the purchase or chose a different store to pick it up from.

Because of these 'waves' where Best Buy constantly makes consoles available to purchase, often for over 30 minutes, persistence remains key. Speed on clicking on our restock Twitter alerts is also important, but only so far as to get more chances to add it to your cart and complete the convoluted checkout process.

PS5 restock

(Image credit: Twitter / Matt Swider)

Best Buy PS5 restock history: when has it been in stock?

Best Buy is all over the place with its PS5 restock history, according to an alaysis of the Twitter alerts by Matt Swider. His 24/7 tracking of US stores like Best Buy offers insight into when the Sony console could be available next.



from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3xd4lDB

Latest Tech News

Cybercriminals have begun sending out phishing emails after they were able to gain access to one of the email marketing accounts used by the US-based Mexican food chain Chipotle.

According to a new blog post from the email security company Inky, those behind the campaign sent out at least 120 malicious emails in just three days from a hacked Mailgun account that the food chain uses for email marketing.

Cybercriminals often try to obtain legitimate email addresses from businesses as they increase the chances of their phishing emails being delivered since they'll be able to bypass authentication methods including DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) and Sender Policy Framework.

While the majority of the phishing emails sent from Chipotle's hacked Mailgun account led users to credential-harvesting sites, a small number also had attachments which contained malware.

Compromised Mailgun account

Many of the emails sent out from the hacked Mailgun account led users to a fake Microsoft login page with the aim of harvesting their credentials. According to Inky, 105 of the 120 malicious emails it detected tired to harvest users Microsoft account credentials.

The emails themselves appeared as if they came from the “Microsoft 365 Message center” and the body of these emails informed recipients that their messages could not be delivered as a result of low email storage in the cloud. When a user then clicked on a button labeled “release messages to inbox”, they would be redirected to a fake login page used to collect their credentials.

In addition to Chipotle, the cybercriminals behind this recent campaign also impersonated the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and tricked users to visiting a phishing site that appeared to be legitimate at a first glance. The remaining fake emails posed as voicemail notifications that also contained malware attachments.

To prevent falling victim to this and similar phishing scams, Inky recommends that users pay close attention to any discrepancies between a sender's display name (Microsoft, USAA, VM Caller ID” and the message's actual email address.

Via BleepingComputer



from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3idx9Ye

3 great VPNs for Xbox in 2021 - CNET

Gamers can have a little privacy. As a treat.

from CNET https://ift.tt/2SXZE2y

Disney sued by Scarlett Johansson over Black Widow's streaming release - CNET

The movie star alleges that the film's streaming release on Disney Plus at the same time it hit theaters violated her contract and reduced how much she was paid.

from CNET https://ift.tt/2V76eVh

Olympic medalist reveals how she fixed her kayak... with a condom - CNET

It worked. And Jessica Fox's kayaking has no unplanned pregnancies that we know of.

from CNET https://ift.tt/3icdjN2

Google Pixel 6 rumors: Release date, price, camera specs and more - CNET

Google could show "deep technology investments" in the fall with the rumored Pixel 6. Here's all the buzz we've heard about the new smartphone so far.

from CNET https://ift.tt/377yWYv

COVID breakthrough and fully vaccinated people: Here's the latest - CNET

Breakthrough COVID infections will continue to happen as new variants spread -- but that's not a reason to question vaccines, experts say.

from CNET https://ift.tt/2WuFaQa

Huawei P50 series unveiled: Not one, but two camera bumps on these superphones - CNET

Surprisingly, the phones are 4G-only so far and use the company's own operating system, Harmony OS.

from CNET https://ift.tt/3BXLGiC

Frustrated parents: Track your delayed child tax credit payment online. Here's how - CNET

The first advance child tax credit check was sent two weeks ago, but some parents are still waiting.

from CNET https://ift.tt/3zRr9dH

Saturn at opposition: How to watch the ringed planet line up with Earth - CNET

Break out the binoculars and telescopes, because Saturn is showing off for us.

from CNET https://ift.tt/3C1tzs2

Enough ice melted on Greenland this week to cover Florida in a half foot of water - CNET

A summer of rain and heat is causing yet another meltdown for one of the planet's most important reserves of ice.

from CNET https://ift.tt/2V9VXro

Best cash-back credit cards for August 2021 - CNET

Earn more rewards and credit every time you spend.

from CNET https://ift.tt/3oKAOyu

Latest Tech News

It would take almost ten years for the world to recognise that, as the internet was evolving in the late 1990s, so was online payment fraud. 

Consequentially, credit card industry leaders developed a set of payment security standards. In December 2004, American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, Mastercard, and Visa teamed up to introduce PCI DSS 1.0 .   

Fast forward to today, and card fraudsters and network hackers have to contend with advanced PCI DSS version 4.0

Don't allow your business to become complacent, though. Even industry-leading POS systems are still at risk of a card data security breach, so it's best to use precaution and become PCI compliant. In late 2020, Forbes reported on two payment terminal manufacturing giants who unintentionally made hacking customer credit card data easier.

These days an independent body—created by the founding members of PCI DSS, (namely, the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC))—manage and administer PCI DSS. In this quick read, we'll explore the definition of PCI, business benefits, implications when not adhered to, and how staying compliant can build customer confidence.



What is PCI DSS compliance? 

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, is a data security standard which protects transactions made with cash, or branded debit and credit cards from the major providers. 

How does PCI DSS protect my customers?

It protects purchasers against misuse of their payment and personal information. Complying with PCI DSS is also likely to build trust in the relationships between you and your customers, as they're aware that your business is conforming to a globally recognised information security standard. By doing so, their data is less likely to be breached.

Data breaches risk heavy penalties under the Regulation: up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover – whichever is greater.

IT Governance

How does PCI DSS protect my business? 

PCI DSS can help your organisation in so many ways. It ensures that you are accepting, storing, and processing payment data in the most secure way possible. It can also help you, or the payment organisations you work with, to prepare for and defend against network attacks by hackers looking to harvest card data. 

Aside from protection, it may also boost your brand's reputation. Putting customer safety first is an attractive feature in any business, after all. 

Why does PCI DSS and security matter?

Image of padlock against circuit board/cybersecurity background representing PCI compliance

(Image credit: Future)

Throughout the years PCI DSS continues to develop its guidelines to better protect merchants and consumers from credit card data theft. 

PCI DSS compliance should be a top priority for you as merchant, as securing the customer payment process can lead to an uptake in successful customer sales.

Is PCI compliance required by law? 

Gavel

(Image credit: Tingey Injury Law Firm via Unsplash)

No, PCI DSS compliance is a regulatory standard, not a law. 

However, the legal ramifications and financial penalties for not complying with the standard, especially in the event of a data breach, can be weighty. 

IT Governance report that, under EU GDPR law companies who are non-compliant face "up to €20 million or 4% of [your business'] annual global turnover – whichever is greater" if theft or a network breach takes place.  

What happens if my business is not PCI compliant? Does my business need to be PCI compliant?

If a business is not PCI DSS compliant, they are liable for any fraud that takes place in their organization. Merchants could end up paying thousands in fines if there is a breach in security, and risking consumer loyalty. 

Additional liabilities may include: 

  • Fines upwards of $100,000.00 per month until the merchant is compliant 
  • All fraud losses from the compromised accounts
  • Credit monitoring fees, law suits, and more from state and federal governments
  • Costs to reissue stolen cards
  • Costs for future prevention measures 
  • And more…

PCI DSS provides detailed guidelines for merchants to make the compliance process manageable and successful. Initially, merchants have to complete an annual PCI self-assessment questionnaire

Your level of responsibility will be dependent upon the gross number of Visa, Mastercard or Discover transactions processed within your merchant account. 

Questions for the assessment can include: What do you do with receipts? Do you store card data in any way – and if so, is it written on paper or stored electronically? And others to establish the appropriate level for the merchant. Typically, a payment processing advisor is assigned to the merchant to assist with any questions or concerns. 

What are PCI requirements?

Woman sat on porch using credit card and phone at sunset

Following the PCI DSS requirements helps instil customer confidence when they pay for your services.  (Image credit: Oscar Wong via Getty Images)

There are 12 official PCI DSS requirements. We have condensed these into six points, each listed each below. 

Condensed PCI Security Requirements

1. Build and maintain a secure network utilizing a firewall and thoughtful passwords

2. Protect cardholder data in a safe place, encrypt data across open networks

3. Incorporate anti-virus software and develop secure systems to protect against vulnerabilities

4. Only allow limited, trusted parties to access cardholder data, assign unique IDs for individuals with access, and restrict physical access to data

5. Implement regular system and network tests, and change passwords frequently

6. Establish a security policy for employees and partners

Which PCI level applies to my business?

Woman audits business paperwork for PCI compliance

(Image credit: Kiyoshi Hijiki via Getty Images)

The type of PCI compliance you engage with depends solely on how many transactions you process. 

You'll then know if you need to comply with Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 of PCI DSS compliance. This is regardless of if you are online retailer, or have physical storefront. We take a closer look at the different levels below. 

PCI compliance levels
Level 1 PCI compliance Level 2 PCI compliance Level 3 PCI compliance Level 4 PCI compliance
Applicable if you process: Over 6 million card transactions annually 1 to 6 million transactions annually 20,000 to 1 million transactions annually Less than 20,000 transactions annually
Action to be taken External auditor must conduct business assessment Complete a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) Complete a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) Complete a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ)

If your business is completing more than six million transactions a year an External Auditor must conduct a business assessment. This is to support the business, offer guidance, and see how well it is meeting the PCI compliance standards. The auditor the submits a Report on Compliance (RoC).

PCI DSS myths debunked

The PCI Security Standards Council have put together a fantastic list of myths about PCI DSS that tend to deter businesses. A popular one is that it's too hard to setup. Beyond that, we've referenced other myths below, so you can quash industry gossip and become PCI compliant without any doubts. 

Simply swipe through the slide deck, using the arrows either side of the slide. 

Image 1 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

If your customers use cash, or a credit or debit card to pay for your services, you should be PCI DSS compliant.

Image 3 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

False! PCI applies to all businesses who require payment. 

Image 4 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Not true. You need to comply with the full criteria. 

Image 5 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

You need to protect all customer payment related data.

Image 6 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

This is false, you need to be compliant regardless of business size. 

Image 7 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Nope, completely untrue...

Image 8 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Very bad idea. Your business will be open to extra penalties if you wait for this, or any other signal that you need to comply.

Image 9 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

False. 

Image 10 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Wildly inaccurate and potentially illegal if you store customer data without consent. As a merchant you should not store:


Image 11 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Not true. 

Image 12 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

It is your responsibility to ensure your business is PCI DSS compliant, don't leave it up to another business, or chance. 

Image 13 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

PCI compliance affects every area of the business, because the financial penalties you may receive if you don't comply will mean every area of your business loses money. 

Image 14 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

To an extent, yes, but it's not hacker-proof. 

Image 15 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Untrue. 

Image 16 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

You may need an external auditor, but this depends on the number of transactions you process per year. So, maybe depending on your business. 

Image 17 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

See myth #9. 

What is the relationship between PCI DSS and EMV compliance? 

Visa and MasterCard PCI compliant credit cards

(Image credit: Pexels)

PCI DSS is a set of security standards to implement alongside EMV technology. Meanwhile, EMV is incorporated to prevent fraud. Read our full guide to What is EMV?

Final thoughts

While PCI compliance allows merchants the opportunity to take the right steps to protect their business and customers from fraud, it is not hacker-proof. Business owners should be mindful to look for other security layers that protect customer data. 

Looking at years past, the most problematic areas merchants have with requirements include security system processes and testing, security policies and management, and maintaining secure systems. 

In the end, business owners must take action and must think towards the future. As a society, our digital footprint is in its infancy and as technology evolves, so must security to protect merchants and consumers. Solutions can make a world of difference when smart processes and strategies are implemented in conjunction. 



from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3BYMl3u

Latest Tech News

Horizon Forbidden West has reportedly been delayed until the first quarter of 2022, according to a new Bloomberg report.

This would push the Horizon Forbidden West release date back from its previous window in late 2021, delaying another of the games Sony showcased for the PS5. While developer Guerrilla Games never gave a specific release date for the game, its executives previously suggested the game would come out this year, and the company tweeted in May that ‘development is on track.’ 

While GamesBeat’s Jeff Grubb reported on his podcast that Sony was deliberating on whether to delay the game, Bloomberg’s source affirms that the publisher has indeed delayed it.

See more

Developing...



from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/2WFjRLZ

Latest Tech News

Smart home optimisation could save UK households an average of 49% on their annual energy bills, according to the results of a Core4Grid2 trial that was backed and funded by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The Core4Grid2 trial used geo’s Whole Optimisation Solution, combined with EDF smart meter data. In doing so, it managed rooftop solar generation and home battery storage in 24 homes.

The trail used machine learning to assess the best use of smart meter tariffs and energy generated by the home. The technology used in the trial was able to balance stored and self-generated energy with grid energy to reduce energy costs and emissions in households.

Smart meter rollout has ‘immense potential’

The Core4Grid2 trial brought together geo, energy supplier EDF, distribution network operator UK Power Networks, energy aggregator Upside Energy, consultancies Cambridge and Everoze and the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust.

The trial ran for two years and concluded in February this year. It has shown the significant potential for reducing bills through smart optimisation, with households involved in the trial also witnessing a 14% reduction in their emissions.

Overall, the trial has shown "the immense potential of Great Britain’s smart meter rollout", according to geo chief executive officer, Steve Cunningham. He added that the trial "clearly shows how households can actively – and automatically – reduce their carbon footprint, reduce their bills and at the same time, play a critical part in the drive towards net zero."

The great news is that many households are currently benefitting from smart meters. As of May this year, almost 25 million smart meters and advanced meters had been fitted in homes across Britain.

Now, thanks to the success of the Core4Grid2 trial, we can also see how smart meters can link to other innovative technologies to further drive down costs for homeowners and help tackle climate change.

Cut your energy bills today

The results of the Core4Grid2 trial are incredibly promising. However, it’s likely to be several years until the technology reaches the mass market.

That said, if you’re looking to lower your energy bills and go greener in the process, then run an online energy comparison today and switch to a green energy provider. Many of the country’s best energy suppliers now offer green tariffs, and as an added bonus, they’re usually among the cheapest on the market. Plus, if you don’t currently have one installed, the vast majority of suppliers now offer smart meter installations.

To run an online energy comparison, you’ll just need to provide some basic details about your home and your energy use. You’ll then be shown all the best energy deals in your area from the UK’s leading suppliers. To narrow down your search, you can filter your results so that you only see green tariffs that include 100% renewable electricity. 

Find the best energy deal for your home
TechRadar has partnered with MoneySupermarket to help you find the best energy deals in your area. Our energy comparison tool takes less than five minutes to use, and could save you hundreds on your energy bills. Save money now



from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3rILdw4

Heat Domes and Surging Grid Demand Threaten US Power Grids with Blackouts

A new report shows a sharp increase in peak electricity demand, leading to blackout concerns in multiple states. Here's how experts say ...