TSMC to charge 30% more for US-made 4nm and 5nm chips

andreasc
-
0
TSMC to charge 30% more for US-made 4nm and 5nm chips
[ad_1]

TSMC will reportedly charge more for chips manufactured in the US. Customers will have to pay 20-30 percent higher than what a chip would cost if manufactured in the company’s home country Taiwan. Chips manufactured in its Kumamoto facility in Japan will cost 10-15 percent more.

TSMC is planning to start producing 4nm and 5nm chips at its upcoming semiconductor factory in Arizona, US by the end of 2024. Ahead of that, the company has begun discussions on orders and prices with customers. According to a DigiTimes report (via), the Taiwanese firm has quoted a price 20-30 percent higher than the current pricing structure of its most advanced semiconductors, which are manufactured in Taiwan. Similarly, TSMC also plans to charge 10-15 percent more for chips manufactured in Japan. The company produces older process chips (12nm to 28nm) at its Kumamoto facility

The higher price is because of the high construction and operational costs of factories in the US and Japan, the report states. TSMC doesn’t want to lower its gross margin rate of 53 percent. As such, it is passing the added manufacturing costs to customers. The company’s customers for the Japanese fab have reportedly agreed to its pricing structure, but its American customers are still negotiating. Some are even mulling switching to rival foundries such as Samsung and Intel to keep their costs down. AMD and Qualcomm are reportedly considering switching to Samsung, while Nvidia may go to Intel.

Interestingly, Qualcomm recently switched to TSMC from Samsung because of the latter’s performance and yield issues. However, the Korean firm has significantly improved its 4nm yield rate in recent months. It has also improved its advanced process nodes. So a return to Samsung may not be a bad move for the American fabless chipmaker. It will also save some money in the process. Although there have been rumors of Qualcomm dual-sourcing the production of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 between Samsung and TSMC, those plans may not materialize. Time will tell which way the company goes.

TSMC will continue to offer a hefty discount to Apple

TSMC may be risking losing a few customers by increasing its prices for US-made chips, but it surely won’t upset its biggest customer. Apple, which contributes to about 25 percent of the company’s annual revenue, will reportedly continue to get a 20-30 percent discount on the latest process nodes. The priority treatment is because of the close relationship between the two firms. Apple is usually the first to adopt TSMC’s latest nodes, which often cost more and come with risks. It has already booked 3nm chips for the iPhone 15 series. Even with the increased cost, Apple is unlikely to move away from TSMC.


[ad_2]
Source link

Gmail pulls a Twitter, adds blue checkmarks to verified accounts

andreasc
-
0
Gmail pulls a Twitter, adds blue checkmarks to verified accounts
[ad_1]

Twitter is going through a lot of changes since it’s been acquired by Elon Musk and while most of these changes don’t make users happy, it looks like other companies took note and decided to implement them into their products.

Google announced this week it has added an extra security layer for Gmail users: blue checkmarks. This is an evolution to BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification), a feature that requires senders to use advanced authentication and verify their brand logo to display it as an avatar in emails.

With the introduction of the new feature, Gmail users will see a blue checkmark for senders that have adopted BIMI. It’s a visual signal that the email you receive is not a scam and you can open it safely without having your computer/phone hacked.

It’s important to note that end users don’t have a setting for this feature. They will simply see the blue checkmark attached to the emails they receive, if they’re coming from a BIMI approved company. For admins, simply follow Google’s guidelines detailed in its recent blog post.

The rollout of the new feature has already begun and should take up to 3 days to show up for everyone. That includes Google Workspace, legacy G Suite Basic and Business users, as well as users with Google Accounts.

[ad_2]
Source link

Authorities Dismantled the Card-Checking Platform Try2Check

andreasc
-
0
Authorities Dismantled the Card-Checking Platform Try2Check
[ad_1]
Try2Check

As per reports, the U.S government authorities have dismantled yet another large network of cybercriminals.

Denis Gennadievich Kulkov, the prime owner of the illegal network, was charged with access fraud, computer intrusion, and money laundering through his “Try2Check” platform.

Try2Check was a platform used by cybercriminals for validating stolen credit cards and determining how much percentage of the stolen cards were valid for sale on the Black Market. Try2Check was reported to have validated and processed millions of cards yearly.

Kulkov launched Try2Check in 2005 as an illegal credit card trading platform.

Threat actors who steal large batches of credit cards by hacking into credit card readers at stores or exfiltrate information in a data breach run every card through this platform to verify their active state.

Try2Check has been using a major U.S.-based payment processing company to validate the stolen cards belonging to many victims. 

To shut down Try2Check, Germany and Austria joined hands with the U.S. authorities.

As stated by the authorities, Try2Check has performed over 16 million checks within nine months of 2018 and 17 million checks within 13 months from September 2021.

This has generated around $18 million in bitcoin and unverified amounts through other payment systems, which Kulkov used to buy a Ferrari and other luxury items in Russia.

However, Try2Check’s website has been taken Offline by the authorities, and a $10 million reward has been issued for providing any lead on Kulkov’s capture.

If caught and convicted, Kulkov will be given 20 years of imprisonment as a verdict in case the allegations are proven.

Breon Peace, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated, “Today is a bad day for criminals who relied on the defendant’s platform as the gold standard to verify that the credit cards they stole from hard-working individuals living in the Eastern District of New York and across the world had value.

Today’s indictment and global takedown of the Try2Check website demonstrates that the Office and our partners will disrupt cybercrime operations no matter where they are based.”

The U.S. Dept of Justice has asked people to report to “[email protected]” if they have any information leading to Kulkov, said to reside in Russia.

Struggling to Apply The Security Patch in Your System? – 
Try All-in-One Patch Manager Plus

EHA

[ad_2]
Source link

Galaxy S23 phones get May 2023 update in the US

andreasc
-
0
Galaxy S23 phones get May 2023 update in the US
[ad_1]

Samsung‘s May 2023 update is available for the Galaxy S23 series in the US. The company has started pushing the new security patch to the carrier-locked variants of its latest flagships stateside. Users with a factory-unlocked unit should also get this update soon. The new SMR (Security Maintenance Release) has already been rolled out in most international markets.

Samsung first released the May SMR for the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra a couple of days back. It initially covered units in Europe and Asia, before expanding the rollout to Australia and surrounding regions. Today, the May update has reached Galaxy S23 users in the US as well. SamMobile says carrier-locked units are receiving this update with the firmware build number S91*USQS1AWC9. It should be a similar build number for unlocked units as well.

The Galaxy S23 series don’t seem to get getting camera fixes with the May update

Like in other regions, the latest update for the Galaxy S23 trio doesn’t seem to bring anything notable apart from this month’s security fixes. There have been rumors of Samsung improving the camera performance of the phones with an update in May. It is also expected to fix a few issues. However, those goodies seemingly aren’t part of this release. The company may push another update in the coming weeks or have delayed those changes until June. We will let you know when we have more information.

As far as the content of the May SMR is concerned, Samsung says the latest security patch fixes more than 70 vulnerabilities. Over 50 of those are Android OS patches coming from Google or the respective vendors of the affected services. The remaining 20-odd patches are Galaxy-specific and come directly from Samsung. The Korean firm patched at least two critical vulnerabilities this month. The Android OS patches include four critical flaws and several dozen high-severity issues.

All of these security enhancements will reach the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra users globally within the next few weeks. You may receive a notification when the OTA (over the air) update hits your unit. Alternatively, you can go to the Settings app, scroll down and select Software update, and then tap on Download and install to manually check for new updates. If an update is available, you can download it right away. If not, wait for the notification or check back a few days later.


[ad_2]
Source link

Samsung pushing to improve its TV and smartphone earnings

andreasc
-
0
Samsung pushing to improve its TV and smartphone earnings
[ad_1]

With the chip business sliding down, Samsung is reportedly looking to improve its earnings from smartphone and TV businesses. According to the Korean media, the company’s control tower has ordered the two business units to find ways to make more money in the coming months. An early launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 could be a result of this.

Samsung wants its TV and smartphone units to contribute more to its earnings

Samsung posted its lowest quarterly profit in several years this past quarter. The Korean behemoth took home just KRW 640 billion (roughly $483 million) in the first three months of 2023. In comparison, it made KRW 14.12 trillion (more than $10 billion) in the same period last year. The latest figure marks a year-on-year drop of 96 percent in its profit, which doesn’t bode well for any global company.

This massive decline is due to a slowdown in the semiconductor industry. Chip prices have fallen steeply over the past few months. And, since Samsung usually made more than half of its quarterly profit from chip sales, it couldn’t avoid this slump. To put things into perspective, the Korean behemoth made KRW 8.45 trillion from chips in Q1 2022 (almost 60% of the total profit that quarter). But, in Q1 2023, it ended up losing KRW 4.58 trillion.

This is the company’s first loss from the chip business in 14 years. Worst yet, the outlook for the coming months isn’t any better. Samsung doesn’t see its semiconductor division massively overturning this deficit anytime soon. As such, it wants other business units to contribute more to its profits. Most notably, the Korean behemoth is looking at its TV and smartphone business divisions.

According to The Elec, Samsung’s Business Support Task Force, which is the control tower of the conglomerate, has ordered these units to work out strategies that help make more money in the coming quarters. In response to that call, the smartphone unit is reportedly considering launching the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 about 2-3 weeks earlier than usual. A late July launch of the duo will allow it to improve its earnings in the third quarter (July-September).

But for Samsung’s TV business, it’s all looking very gloomy. It posted lower earnings than compatriot and rival LG in the first quarter and reportedly has no weapon ready to propel business growth in the second quarter. To make matters worse, LCD prices are increasing even though consumer spending on electronics remains low. It remains to be seen if Samsung manages to improve its earnings in the coming quarters.


[ad_2]
Source link

Often requested new feature for Waze is reportedly coming to the app “in the near future”

andreasc
-
0
Often requested new feature for Waze is reportedly coming to the app “in the near future”
[ad_1]
Sure, Google Maps helps you navigate safely and quickly to help you arrive at your destination. But it also helps you find a place to stay, recommends where to go for entertainment and meals, and where to find points of interest (historical and otherwise). On the other hand, Google also owns Waze which focuses more on helping you survive the grind of driving on local roads and highways thanks to the Waze community that passes along things like traffic jams, accidents, bad weather, police presence, and more.  

According to Autoevolution, Google has been investigating the possibility of adding the location of speed bumps to Waze as a way to alert drivers when to expect these speed-reducing bumps to appear. If you don’t think that being alerted in advance about a speed bump is a big deal, you’ve never driven over one at full speed. 
Waze is reportedly adding a speed bump warning to the app - Often requested new feature for Waze is reportedly coming to the app "in the near future"

Waze is reportedly adding a speed bump warning to the app

Back in 2020, speed bump warnings were one of the most requested features for Waze and the company responded by saying that adding a speed bump warning was “on the roadmap.” And as recently as this past February a Waze team member said that the feature was coming to the app “in the near future.” Adding speed bump warnings to Waze will require that the Waze community pass along their real-time travel experiences involving speed bumps.

Another change coming to the app will allow Waze users to report lane closures. Currently, the community can only report road closures. While there is no time frame for when this feature will be added to Waze, it will allow users to note when a specific lane on a road has been closed because of construction or an accident.
If you don’t have Waze installed on your handset, you can add it to your iPhone by tapping on this link. Those using an Android phone can install Waze by clicking on this link. Keep in mind that you are not limited to having either Google Maps or Waze on your phone. Personally, I have both apps installed and there are many others who have done this as well.

[ad_2]
Source link

A Google’s New Passwordless Authentication

andreasc
-
0
A Google’s New Passwordless Authentication
[ad_1]
Passkeys

In accordance with World Password Day, Google has launched its new feature called “passkeys” which will provide a passwordless authentication for users.

As mentioned, Google has been working with the FIDO Alliance, Apple, and Microsoft to support passkeys on their platform.

After today, All major platforms which use Google accounts for sign-in will have an additional option for Passkeys alongside passwords, 2-step Verification (2SV), and other sign-in methods.

Passkeys

Passkeys are a new and exciting way of signing in to applications and websites without passwords.

It is easier and more secure than the traditional password method, which we must remember for every account. 

Passkeys are like unlocking a device with Face ID, fingerprint, or screen lock PIN.

Google claims Passkeys are immune to phishing or other online attacks and are much more secure than SMS OTP (One-Time Password) codes.

Previously, Platforms like Docusign, Kayak, PayPal, Shopify, and Yahoo Japan have already streamlined this method for their users.

It is now available to Google users who want to go Passwordless for their sign-in.

Passkeys for Google Accounts

To create passkeys on your Google account, visit the passkeys website, which will initially ask you to sign in to your Google account to set up the passkeys. 

Passkeys Supported Devices

  • Laptop or PC with Windows 10 or macOS Ventura (macOS 13)
  • iOS 16 or Android 9 supported Device
  • Hardware Security Key that supports FIDO2 Protocol

Passkeys Supported Browsers

  • Chrome 109 or higher
  • Safari 16 or higher
  • Edge 109 or higher

Along with these requirements, the device must have a Screen Lock and Bluetooth available.

Once users visit the passkeys website, they are asked to “Create a new Passkey,” which can be done by the steps provided by Google. Once the passkeys are set up for the Google account, passkeys are ready to be used for signing in to that account.

If the account has passkeys enabled during sign-in, the users are prompted with a different window.

Passkey Login Window

If the user wants to go with a password, he can click “Try another way” to go to the password page. If the user wants to use passkeys, he can click on “Continue,” which will prompt which device to use for passkey confirmation.

EHA
Passkey Prompt for Device Selection

Here, the user can choose which device to use for passkey confirmation. After selecting the option, the user is presented with a prompt based on his selection.

If the user selects the “External Security Key” option, he is presented with a Security Key prompt and “QR Code” if the user has selected the “Use a Phone or Tablet” Option.

The user can use either of the devices he has used for generating the passkey to confirm their identity.

If the user scans the QR code for a passkey from his Phone or Tablet, the device asks to confirm his identity based on the unlock method he has set up. Once the user confirms the identity on his device, the passkey logs in to the user.

Security Key Prompt
QR Prompt

Google has released this feature as a part of its future passwordless program. It is yet another step towards a new feature.

Administrators will soon have the option to enable passkeys for their end-users during sign-in for Google Workspace accounts.

“Of course, like any new beginning, the change to passkeys will take time. That’s why passwords and 2SV will still work for Google Accounts.” Google says.

Struggling to Apply The Security Patch in Your System? – 
Try All-in-One Patch Manager Plus


[ad_2]
Source link

Is EDR or MDR better for your business?

andreasc
-
0
Is EDR or MDR better for your business?
[ad_1]

Be sure to catch the full webinar on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Don’t miss our upcoming webinar on EDR vs. MDR!

In the webinar, Marcin Kleczynski, CEO and co-founder of Malwarebytes, and guest speaker Joseph Blankenship, Vice President and research director at Forrester, discuss topic such as: 

  • The difference between EDR and MDR, how EDR solutions can be challenging for businesses without dedicated security teams, and why building an in-house SOC can be expensive and difficult.
  • The limitations of Endpoint Protection and EDR, specifically when it comes to advanced threats like ransomware that use Living off the Land (LOTL) attacks and fileless malware. 
  • How MDR providers work with clients to understand their security technology stack, make recommendations, and agree on response actions to take.
  • If EDR or MDR is better for your business based on the resources you have available and the level of security you require. 

Want to learn more about EDR and MDR and which is right for your business? Be sure to catch the full webinar on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET and get valuable insights from industry experts on how to improve your security operations and protect against ransomware and fileless malware.

Register now!

Read also:

How to choose an MDR vendor: 6 questions to ask

Is an outsourced SOC worth it? Looking at the ROI of MDR

Cyber threat hunting for SMBs: How MDR can help


[ad_2]
Source link

TikTok launches its new monetization program

andreasc
-
0
TikTok launches its new monetization program
[ad_1]

Tons of people have made TikTok their primary source of income, and the popular video-sharing app is finding new ways for people to do so. After beta testing it started in February, TikTok has unveiled its new monetization program for creators. The company outlined the qualifications for this new program, and they can be tough to reach for beginners.

Previously, TikTok unveiled its Creator fund. Launching back in 2020, the Creator Fund promised to shell out a total of $200 million in incentives for creators. It eventually upped it to a full billion dollars after it kicked off. However, some creators were not impressed, as they would receive pennies on the dollar for videos that grossed millions of views.

The new TikTok monetization program aims to give better incentives to creators

The company announced this (via Engadget) today. If you are an eager TikTok creator, then this is something you can definitely work toward. In order to be eligible for this new monetization program, you will need to be a TikTok Creator based in the United States at least 18 years or older.

It seems like a bold move for TikTok to unveil this new platform in the States. The company is still fighting with the US government to avoid being banned in the states. In any case, TikTok creators can reap the benefits for as long as they can.

However, not all of the content creators will be able to because of the high barrier to entry for this program. In order to qualify for the program, you must have at least 10,000 followers. Also, you need to have raked in at least 100,000 views in the last 30 days. More established TikTokers have already cleared that no sweat. However, people just getting onto the platform will have a long road ahead of them.

There’s another barrier to entry that may dissuade some TikTokers. The videos that are posted must be of good quality. This means that the videos must be high-quality videos of original content longer than 1 minute.

Now, there’s no hard line that defines a quality video; however, there are a few objective qualifiers. For instance, reuploading someone else’s videos is a no-no. At this point, there’s no telling if this new program will pay creators more than the old Creator fund. Only time will tell.


[ad_2]
Source link

Meta security reports reveals hackers using ChatGPT-related software to disguise malware

andreasc
-
0
Meta security reports reveals hackers using ChatGPT-related software to disguise malware
[ad_1]

It’s no secret that the launch of ChatGPT and other language processing models has ushered in a new era of AI tools aimed at making our lives easier. However, according to security researchers at Meta, this public interest in AI has also led scammers and hackers to find new ways of injecting malware into people’s devices by disguising it as ChatGPT-related software.

In the Q1 security report, Meta says they identified at least 10 types of malware families posing as AI chatbot-related software such as web extensions and toolbars. And although these web extensions performed most of the advertised tasks, they secretly installed malware on devices, making detection even more difficult.

The ultimate goal of these fake web extensions is to run unauthorized ads from compromised business accounts across the internet. However, some of them also run the NodeStealer malware strain, which can steal passwords, loot cookies, and login information.

Meta’s stance

In an effort to counter this malicious activity, Meta says they have blocked over 1,000 links to ChatGPT-related malware on Instagram and WhatsApp. Additionally, since these threat actors upload the fake browser extensions to official stores like the Google Web Store, the company has also informed industry peers, researchers, and governments about these links.

Furthermore, Meta will also provide additional support to help any businesses impacted by the malware from these fake extensions and introduce new work accounts which will support existing single sign-on (SSO) credential services from organizations that are not linked to any personal Facebook accounts.

Cybercriminals are always eyeing the next big trend to take advantage of and craft their next attack, and ChatGPT is no exception. However, the fact that ChatGPT does not have an official app or web extension has made it easier for attackers to deceive unsuspecting people and scam them.

“In the months and years ahead, we’ll continue to highlight how these malicious campaigns operate, share threat indicators with our industry peers and roll out new protections to address new tactics,” says Meta.


[ad_2]
Source link
1...1,2661,2671,268...1,468Page 1,267 of 1,468