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Microsoft

Here's How To Put An End To Passwords Here's How To Put An End To Passwords
Here's How To Put An End To Passwords Tired of forgetting your passwords? You’re not alone, and the solution might finally be in sight. For years, juggling online passwords has felt like a never-ending struggle, but the push for a password-free world is gaining serious momentum.  Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple are accelerating efforts to make passkeys, the next-generation way to sign in, mainstream.  The FIDO Alliance, an industry group dedicated to reducing reliance on passwords, has spent more than 10 years championing this shift. Passkeys work by letting you sign in with built-in device security, s…
‘Government Agents’ Were Actually Rutherford Brothers In $400K Senior Scam, Prosecutors Say ‘Government Agents’ Were Actually Rutherford Brothers In $400K Senior Scam, Prosecutors Say
‘Government Agents’ Were Actually Rutherford Brothers In $400K Senior Scam, Prosecutors Say Two New Jersey brothers are accused of running a scam that stole nearly $400,000 from elderly victims in New York and Connecticut, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Monday, Aug. 25. Abhishek Barvalia, 31, and Tushar Barvalia, 32, of Rutherfo, were indicted on charges of second-degree grand larceny, first-degree scheme to defraud, and fourth-degree conspiracy, Gonzalez said. They were released without bail after being arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court and are due back Oct. 22. Prosecutors say the scam ran from June 2023 to January 2024, targeting women ages 76, 78, 83, and 90 i…
PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much
PlayStation 5 Price Jumps As Trump Tariffs Hit Imports: Here's How Much PlayStation 5 consoles are about to get more expensive in the US as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs fuel price hikes for many products. The recommended retail price for the PS5 will increase to $549.99, the Digital Edition will cost $499.99, and the PS5 Pro will go up to $749.99, Sony announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The higher prices will begin on Thursday, Aug. 21. While Sony didn't directly point to Trump's tariffs in its announcement, the duties have increased the costs of many imported goods, especially from countries that produce many electronics. "Similar to…
Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do
Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do Scams targeting older Americans are surging, causing victims to lose millions of dollars to scammers posing as government officials or trusted companies. The number of victims age 60 and older who lost more than $100,000 has increased by more than 700%, the Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday, Aug. 7. Those high-value thefts jumped from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Older adults who lost at least $10,000 also dramatically rose by more than 300%. "While younger consumers also have reported these scams, older adults were much more likely to report these ex…
Cyber Breach Hits Agency In Charge Of US Nuclear Arsenal Cyber Breach Hits Agency In Charge Of US Nuclear Arsenal
Cyber Breach Hits Agency In Charge Of US Nuclear Arsenal The agency in charge of the nation’s nuclear arsenal was swept up in a cyberattack targeting Microsoft’s SharePoint software, according to a brand-new report. A person familiar with the breach told Bloomberg that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which designs, maintains, and dismantles the US nuclear weapons stockpile, was among the agencies affected.  The Energy Department, which oversees the NNSA, confirmed that multiple systems were impacted but described the effect as limited. The breach began affecting the Department of Energy on Friday, July 18, an agency spo…
TikTok Ban Delayed Again Despite Doubts About Trump's Legal Power: Reports TikTok Ban Delayed Again Despite Doubts About Trump's Legal Power: Reports
TikTok Ban Delayed Again Despite Doubts About Trump's Legal Power: Reports TikTok will reportedly stay available in the US for at least three more months despite legal questions surrounding President Donald Trump's authority to keep delaying enforcement of the ban. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump will sign an executive order to extend a pause on the ban for 90 more days, CNBC reported. An extension would push the Thursday, June 19, deadline to Wednesday, Sept. 17. The divest-or-ban bill became law in April 2024. The ban's enforcement has been postponed for a third time under Trump, who once advocated for banning the popular video app. The …
NY Times Brings Content To Amazon's AI Platforms In New Licensing Deal NY Times Brings Content To Amazon's AI Platforms In New Licensing Deal
NY Times Brings Content To Amazon's AI Platforms In New Licensing Deal The New York Times has agreed to let Amazon use the prestigious newspaper's coverage in its artificial intelligence products. The Times announced its new licensing agreement with Amazon in a news release on Thursday, May 29. The deal allows Amazon to use Times content like news reporting, NYT Cooking stories, and The Athletic's sports coverage for AI features like real-time summaries and excerpts. That content will appear across Amazon services, including direct links to Times platforms. "This broadens the companies' existing relationship, and will bring additional value to Amazon cus…
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Most online users say they're worried about data breaches, but still skip basic ways to improve their cybersecurity, according to a new survey. The Acronis Data Privacy in 2025 Survey polled nearly 2,500 adults in the US and seven other countries, finding that many aren't doing enough to protect their personal data. The Swiss tech company found that while 64% of respondents listed data breaches as their top online privacy concern, only one-third back up their data daily or weekly. Fewer than half (46%) said they use security features like two-factor authentication. "Perhaps …
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know A cybersecurity researcher has uncovered a massive trove of compromised login credentials, raising new alarms about the scope and scale of InfoStealer malware campaigns. The exposed Elasticsearch database contained more than 184 million unique usernames and passwords. It was not password-protected or encrypted, and it was publicly accessible when discovered earlier this month. The database included login details tied to popular platforms such as Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.  It also contained services with potentially greater stakes, including banking portals, health …
Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know
Hackers Infect 394K+ Computers, Microsoft Disrupts 'Most Popular Infostealer': What To Know A global cybercrime tool used to steal passwords and drain bank accounts was shut down in a major takedown led by Microsoft and federal authorities. The tool called Lumma Stealer had infected more than 394,000 Windows computers worldwide between March and May, Microsoft said in a blog post on Wednesday, May 21. Hackers used the malware to target schools, hospitals, banks, and gaming communities, often holding victims for ransom or committing financial fraud. A federal court order allowed Microsoft's digital crimes unit to seize more than 2,300 web domains that powered the malware's ope…
PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works
PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works An artificial intelligence search engine will soon help Americans buy products, book trips, and check out with PayPal or Venmo in online chats. Perplexity is teaming up with the financial technology giant for the new chat-based shopping experience, PayPal announced on Wednesday, May 14. The service is expected to be available in the US in the summer. Shoppers can make purchases within chat prompts on Perplexity Pro. "This partnership unlocks new possibilities, where conversations now drive commerce," said PayPal president and CEO Alex Chriss. "We're making it easy and secure…
Microsoft Laying Off Thousands Of Workers In Biggest Job Cuts Since 2023 Microsoft Laying Off Thousands Of Workers In Biggest Job Cuts Since 2023
Microsoft Laying Off Thousands Of Workers In Biggest Job Cuts Since 2023 Microsoft is laying off about 6,000 employees as it restructures to "enhance efficiency" and reduce layers of management. A spokesperson for the tech giant confirmed the global layoffs to the Daily Voice on Tuesday, May 13. Microsoft had about 228,000 employees at the end of June 2024, according to market data firm Statista. The company said it regularly adjusts its workforce "to meet the strategic demands of the business." "We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace," the spokesperson said. The layoffs …
Bill Gates To Donate Nearly All His Wealth In 20 Years: 'Too Many Urgent Problems To Solve' Bill Gates To Donate Nearly All His Wealth In 20 Years: 'Too Many Urgent Problems To Solve'
Bill Gates To Donate Nearly All His Wealth In 20 Years: 'Too Many Urgent Problems To Solve' Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said he'll give away virtually all of his fortune and permanently close his foundation by the end of 2045. Gates announced his massive philanthropy plans in a blog post on his website on Thursday, May 8. The billionaire also said the third-largest charitable foundation in the world will be shuttered on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2045. The Seattle businessman said he'll donate more than $100 billion over the next 20 years in what he calls the "last chapter" of his career. The Gates Foundation was created in 2000 by Gates and his ex-wife Melinda Gates French. …
Xbox Console, Game Prices Rise As Trump's Tariffs Hit Gamers: Here's What You'll Pay Xbox Console, Game Prices Rise As Trump's Tariffs Hit Gamers: Here's What You'll Pay
Xbox Console, Game Prices Rise As Trump's Tariffs Hit Gamers: Here's What You'll Pay Xbox video games, consoles, and accessories are now more expensive as gamers navigate higher production costs and mounting trade pressure from President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. The Xbox Series X now costs $599.99, up from $499.99, Microsoft announced on Thursday, May 1. The cheaper Series S 512GB model is up to $379.99, while the 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition console price jumped to $729.99. Some new, first-party games are expected to cost $79.99 by the holiday season. "We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given ma…
Trump Administration Exempts These Electronics From Tariffs Trump Administration Exempts These Electronics From Tariffs
Trump Administration Exempts These Electronics From Tariffs In a reversal that could impact some of the world’s biggest tech brands, President Trump has carved out key electronics from his sweeping new reciprocal tariffs. Click here for a new, updated story - Trump Now Says There Will Be 'No Exceptions' On Tariffs For iPhones, Other Chinese Electronics Smartphones, laptops, memory chips, and other consumer electronics will be exempt from the latest round of tariffs targeting Chinese imports — easing fears of a sudden jump in prices on popular tech products. According to new guidance released on Friday, April 11 by US Customs and Border…
Trump's Tariffs Hit Nintendo: Switch 2 Preorders Delayed, Video Game Giant's Stock Tumbles Trump's Tariffs Hit Nintendo: Switch 2 Preorders Delayed, Video Game Giant's Stock Tumbles
Trump's Tariffs Hit Nintendo: Switch 2 Preorders Delayed, Video Game Giant's Stock Tumbles The Nintendo Switch 2 was hit with a Mario Kart "red shell" as preorders for the highly anticipated video game console have been delayed due to President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs. Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 won't start on their scheduled date of Wednesday, April 9. A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed the delay to the Daily Voice on Friday, April 4. Nintendo said the pause won't affect when the portable console will be released. "Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will not start April 9, 2025 in order to assess the potential impact of tariffs and e…
Market Freefall Deepens After Trump's Sweeping Tariffs Despite Moderate Job Gains In March Market Freefall Deepens After Trump's Sweeping Tariffs Despite Moderate Job Gains In March
Market Freefall Deepens After Trump's Sweeping Tariffs Despite Moderate Job Gains In March Unemployment inched up in March – slightly higher than economists expected – as stock markets crashed and Big Tech companies saw their worst single-day loss on record in response to President Donald Trump's aggressive new tariffs. March's unemployment rate was 4.2%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Friday, April 4. That was slightly higher than the 4.1% forecast as the labor force participation rate also rose, CNBC reported. The US added 228,000 nonfarm payrolls in March, significantly higher than the Dow Jones estimate of around 140,000. The BLS also reduced …
Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet
Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet Microsoft is shutting down Skype, marking the end of the once-dominant video and voice chat service as the tech giant shifts focus to its Teams platform. Skype, which revolutionized online communication after launching in 2003, will be officially retired, Microsoft said in a blog post on Friday, Feb. 28. The final day Skype will be active is Monday, May 5. The company is encouraging users to switch to Microsoft Teams, where they can log in with their Skype credentials to retain chats and contacts. "During the transition period, Teams users can call and chat with Skype users and Skype users…
Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why
Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why The Microsoft 365 bundle price is increasing in the U.S. for the first time in a dozen years as the tech giant adds artificial intelligence tools into longtime products like Microsoft Word. The cost of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions will rise by $3 per month, the company said in a blog post on Thursday, Jan. 16. It's the first price change since the software bundle launched in 2013 under the name "Office 365". Existing subscribers will see the adjustment at their next renewal. "We understand that our customers have a variety of needs and budgets, so we’re committ…
Norwalk Senior Citizen Scammed Out Of $10K; Police Warn Of More Fraud Attempts Norwalk Senior Citizen Scammed Out Of $10K; Police Warn Of More Fraud Attempts
Norwalk Senior Citizen Scammed Out Of $10K; Police Warn Of More Fraud Attempts Police are urging residents to remain cautious after a local senior was scammed out of more than $10,000 in a sophisticated fraud scheme.  The scammer posed as a Microsoft representative and convinced the victim to withdraw cash from their bank account and deliver it in a package to an individual who later came to their home. A similar incident occurred in Milford last week, according to police, suggesting this scheme is targeting residents in the area. Authorities are warning the public to stay alert to scams involving supposed computer or software issues, particularly those requesti…
Three Mile Island Nuclear Reactor Will Power Microsoft AI Factory Three Mile Island Nuclear Reactor Will Power Microsoft AI Factory
Three Mile Island Nuclear Reactor Will Power Microsoft AI Factory The Constellation Energy Corporation has entered a purchase agreement with Microsoft meaning a nuclear reactor could be turned back on on Three Mile Island as soon as 2028, the company announced in a release on Friday, Sept. 20. The announcement comes exactly Five years to the day that the company turned off Unit 1 reactor on TMI. Nuclear Reactor Unit 2 on TMI infamously was shut down following the historic partial meltdown in 1979. The 20-year power purchase agreement will includes turning back on at least the Unit 1 reactor and opening Crane Clean Energy Center on the property. The agre…
Scammer Posing As Microsoft Employee Tries Draining East Meadow Man's Savings, Police Say Scammer Posing As Microsoft Employee Tries Draining East Meadow Man's Savings, Police Say
Scammer Posing As Microsoft Employee Tries Draining East Meadow Man's Savings, Police Say A 26-year-old man is accused of targeting a Long Island resident through an elaborate computer scam. Nassau County Police said an 82-year-old East Meadow man contacted detectives at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, saying he had received a message on his computer from someone claiming to be an employee for Microsoft. The purported employee told the man that his bank accounts had been compromised and that he needed to withdraw all of his savings and “await further instructions” about where to send the funds. Fortunately, the victim realized he was being scammed and immediately contacted…
Phone Scammer Stole $13K From Elderly Woman: NJSP Phone Scammer Stole $13K From Elderly Woman: NJSP
Phone Scammer Stole $13K From Elderly Woman: Njsp Police are attempting to identify and locate a phone scammer that took $13,000 from an elderly woman in Hunterdon County last month, authorities said. On Thursday, July 25, an elderly woman received a pop-up alert on her computer, falsely warning her of a virus and instructing her to contact Microsoft, the New Jersey State Police said.  The victim was told to contact the TD Bank Fraud Office at a phone number later determined to be fraudulent, police said. The individual posing as a bank representative convinced the victim that she needed to withdraw $13,000 from her account to protect…
Microsoft Outage Forces All Maryland Courts, Clerks' Offices To Close Microsoft Outage Forces All Maryland Courts, Clerks' Offices To Close
Microsoft Outage Forces All Maryland Courts, Clerks' Offices To Close The worldwide Microsoft outage has had wide-ranging impacts, including Maryland courts, which had to close on Friday.  Maryland's Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs Division announced on July 19 that all of the state's courts, offices, and facilities will be closed to the public, but will remain open for emergency situations. Clerks' offices are also closed. Notice: Due to the worldwide Microsoft outage, all Maryland courts, offices, and facilities will be closed to the public today but will remain open for emergency matters. All clerks’ offices are closed. This mess…
Mass Global Tech Outage Grounds Flights, Causes Chaos With Banks, Stock Markets, Media Mass Global Tech Outage Grounds Flights, Causes Chaos With Banks, Stock Markets, Media
Mass Global Tech Outage Grounds Flights, Causes Chaos With Banks, Stock Markets, Media A major tech outage is causing issues worldwide, including grounding flights. Banks, stock markets, and media outlets are also being affected on Friday morning, July 19. An update by cybersecurity technology company CrowdStrike appears to be the cause of device outages for millions of Microsoft Windows device users. Several major US air carriers, including Delta, United, and Spirit are under a full ground stop, according to the FAA. "Several airlines have requested FAA assistance with ground stops until the issue is resolved," the agency said. Microsoft has said it is taking "mitigation …
PA Man Sends Minor 'Explicit Images' While On Bail For Child Porn Charges: Police PA Man Sends Minor 'Explicit Images' While On Bail For Child Porn Charges: Police
PA Man Sends Minor 'Explicit Images' While On Bail For Child Porn Charges: Police A Penndel man who was out on bail for child pornography charges now faces an additional count, said the Lower Southampton police department.  Justin Refsnyder was originally charged in June 2023, authorities said in a release. After posting bond, police said they received a cybertip from Microsoft that he "had disseminated explicit images of himself to a minor" in March 2024.  Additional charges were filed on May 8 and his formal arraignment is scheduled for June 7, according to police and court records. 
HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY
HS Sweethearts Killed In Out-Of-State Crash; Fundraiser Seeks To Transport Remains Back To NY Sam Cullen and Suzie Kedar were planning on spending the rest of their lives together when tragedy struck. The Long Island natives and Farmingdale High School sweethearts were killed in a car crash in Washington State on Thursday, May 2. Details about the wreck were not immediately available. Their deaths came just two days after the 28-year-old Cullen, a Petty Officer in the US Navy stationed outside of Seattle on Whidbey Island, picked up an engagement ring that he planned on giving to Kedar, according to relatives. “They had plans on Friday morning to look at houses together with a real…
Phone Scam: Man Nabbed After Swindling Victim Out Of $28K In Northern Westchester, Police Say Phone Scam: Man Nabbed After Swindling Victim Out Of $28K In Northern Westchester, Police Say
Phone Scam: Man Nabbed After Swindling Victim Out Of $28K In Northern Westchester, Police Say A 48-year-old man was hit with a grand larceny charge after posing as a Microsoft employee and scamming a victim out of $28,000 in Northern Westchester, police announced. The arrest stemmed from an incident on Thursday, April 18, when a victim told Bedford Police that he had been swindled out of tens of thousands of dollars, the department announced on Wednesday, April 24.  According to Bedford Police, the victim had received a pop-up security alert appearing to be from "Microsoft" on their home computer that included a phone number to call for support. Upon calling the number, the vic…
Duo Scams Over $30K From Long Island Man: Police Duo Scams Over $30K From Long Island Man: Police
Duo Scams Over $30K From Long Island Man: Police Two men were arrested after they allegedly managed to pull off a scheme that cost a Long Island man tens of thousands of dollars. Rong Chen, age 47, and ZhenSheng Yu, age 46, were arrested on Monday, April 8 for the scheme that occurred months prior, Nassau County Police announced. On Thursday, January 18 at about 1 p.m., an 83-year-old Saddle Rock man received a notification that his computer had been compromised and to call the number on his screen for help. When he called, the alleged scammer claimed to be a Microsoft employee and told the victim that there was additional suspicious a…
$30K Gambling Scam: Man Nabbed For Scheme On Long Island $30K Gambling Scam: Man Nabbed For Scheme On Long Island
$30K Gambling Scam: Man Nabbed For Scheme On Long Island A Brooklyn man was caught and arrested for attempting to scam a Long Island woman out of tens of thousands of dollars, police said. It happened on Monday, April 1 in Mineola, according to Nassau County Police. On that day, a 57-year-old woman was contacted by the alleged scammer, who claimed to be a Microsoft employee. He told the victim that she had a $30,000 gambling charge on her account. Then, a short time later, another man called the victim, this time claiming to be from Chase Fraud Prevention. Police said that the second caller persuaded the woman to take out the $30,000 in cas…
Online Fraudster Who Scammed Elderly Woman Out Of $30K Busted By Police In NJ Online Fraudster Who Scammed Elderly Woman Out Of $30K Busted By Police In NJ
Online Fraudster Who Scammed Elderly Woman Out Of $30K Busted By Police In NJ A 49-year-old Queens, NY man was arrested and charged on Tuesday, Feb.  27 with scamming $30,000 from a 76-year-old Nutley woman through an email scam, authorities said. The woman said she responded to a Microsoft e-mail telling her to contact technical support, Nutley police said.  The scammer told her accounts had been jeopardized and walked her through a $30,000 withdrawal, police said. The woman visited several banks and handed the money to a person who came to her door on the evening of Monday, Feb. 26, police said. A caller attempted to obtain an additional $15,000 on Tuesd…