Google has put forth a denial of any wrongdoing in its trial with the Department of Justice over allegations of antitrust practices. The trial began Tuesday September 12 and is expected to last through the next 10 weeks.
The DOJ initially filed a lawsuit against Google back in 2020. Alleging that Google had used its considerable market power and large coffers to edge out competitors. The lawsuit alleges that Google paid companies to give Google Search the default spot. Thus blocking competitors from having any real chance at competition. Google denied these claims back in 2020 and at the start of the trial it has denied them again. Sticking to its story that users chose Google over competitors.
In court, the DOJ has argued that Google paid billions of dollars to companies like Apple and others to make Google the default search engine. Lead litigator for the DOJ Kenneth Dintzer says Google “began weaponizing defaults” around 15 years ago. Dintzer also called these tactics an “Achilles Heel” for competitors. An interesting argument when you think about how often Yahoo and MSN are probably used today compared to Google.
Google pays more than $10 billion per year for these default contracts
Google is worth about $1.7 trillion these days. And the majority of that money comes from Search ad revenues. Amounting to somewhere in the ballpark of $224 billion a year. By no means a paltry sum. That makes it a little more believable when you hear how much Google is being accused of paying for default search contracts. According to Dintzer, Google is paying about $10 billion. But not just $10 billion flat since it started “weaponing defaults.” $10 billion per year. A staggering dollar amount that many companies will never see in lifetime revenue. Annually. All to keep Google Search at the top.
The allegations against Google are pretty serious and could result in sweeping changes across the industry. And as the biggest antitrust case in the US in over 20 years, its decision will probably end up setting a precedent going forward. Interestingly, Google argues that it still faces plenty of competition. Noting competitors like Amazon and Yelp, stating that “consumers can post questions about what to buy or where to go.”
Google is also accused of deleting documents “for years” that could have been used in the court proceedings. With Dintzer saying that Google “turned history off to rewrite it in this court.” It’s going to be a long 10 weeks.
Ransomware news in August was highlighted by the sudden fall of CL0P from the list of the monthly most active gangs, while Lockbit returned to the number one spot.
This article is based on research by Marcelo Rivero, Malwarebytes’ ransomware specialist, who monitors information published by ransomware gangs on their Dark Web sites. In this report, “known attacks” are those where the victim did not pay a ransom. This provides the best overall picture of ransomware activity, but the true number of attacks is far higher.
Ransomware news in August was highlighted by the sudden fall of CL0P from the list of the most active gangs in any given month, while Lockbit returned to the number one spot after a steady four-month decline in activity.
CL0P published the data of just four victims on their leak site last month, down from 91known victims in June and 170 known victims in July. In June, CL0p shot to the top of the charts due to their use of a zero-day exploit in MOVEit Transfer, with victims of those attacks continuing to be posted into July.
This dramatic decrease isn’t too surprising given that CL0P’s vulnerability-focused approach to attacking has diminishing returns. As more organizations became aware of and patched the zero-day that CL0P discovered, CL0P’s zero-day campaign saw less and less momentum, with fewer at-risk targets. We witnessed a similar trend earlier this year when, after targeting 104 victims using a GoAnywhere MFT zero-day, CL0P’s presence almost vanished in April and May, as organizations presumably caught on and patched the vulnerability.
Lockbit, on the other hand, posted a total of a 124 victims on its leak site last month to reclaim its usual number one spot on the monthly charts. Before this sudden increase in attacks, we had been observing an average decrease of 20 attacks a month from the group since April 2023.
Known ransomware attacks by gang, August 2023Known ransomware attacks by country, August 2023Known ransomware attacks by industry sector, August 2023
We speculated on reasons for the downward trend in last month’s review, such as it being possibly related to a recent affiliate arrest, but interesting research published last month may also hold the clue to other answers.
In the third installation of his “Ransomware Diaries” series, researcher Jon DiMaggio reveals the extent of Lockbit’s alleged internal instability, including how its apparent storage limitations and slow response times have led to affiliates leaving it for competitors. If more frustrated clientelle are leaving Lockbit than before, then it could be a novel, possible explanation to any monthly dips in activity.
To get a better idea of the true strength of Lockbit’s current operations, however, we can compare any period of decline to their typical number of monthly attacks. Data stretching back to March 2022, for example, places their median number of attacks at around 67 a month. From April 2023 to July 2023, their median number of attacks was actually slightly higher than this at 69 attacks a month, making the decline seem less substantial. In other words, while Lockbit might be plagued by internal instability at the moment, the effect of this on their monthly numbers seems insignificant in the long-run.
Contrasting with LockBit’s storage server challenges, the recent move by CL0P last month to use torrents underscores the evolving tactics ransomware gangs employ to circumvent storage limitations.
As ransomware gangs steal data from major companies, the scale of the information requires immense storage capacities. Traditional cloud services like AWS and Azure not only come with high costs but also demand personal identifiable information (PII) and credit card details upon registration—information that can easily be subpoenaed by law enforcement. A torrenting service, on the other hand, optimizes downloads by sourcing data from multiple proximate locations, rather than a lone server.
Since torrenting necessitates the data be scattered across all participating nodes in the peer-to-peer network, ransomware gangs can bypass the challenges of storage and bandwidth while also better evading law enforcement. Additionally, if more top ransomware gangs can follow CL0p’s footsteps and start to rely more on torrents to distribute stolen data, victims may feel increased pressure to pay ransoms as their data becomes more widely available.
Newcomers
CloAk
CloAk is a relatively new ransomware group that emerged between late 2022 and the beginning of 2023. In August 2023 the group published the data of 25 victims, mostly from Europe and with a special focus on Germany.
The CloAk leak site
Metaencryptor
Metaencryptor is a new ransomware gang that published the data of 12 victims in August 2023.
The Metaencryptor leak site
RansomedVC
RansomedVC is a new group that published the data of nine victims on its leak site last month. The group has adopted a favorite ideology of other ransomware actors—that they are serving as nothing more than “pen-testers”—and added a twist, alleging that any vulnerabilities they have found in victims’ networks must also be reported under compliance to Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). RansomedVC has advertised themselves as a “digital tax for peace” service and threatened victims with data breach fines if the ransom isn’t paid.
The RansomedVC leak site
INC Ransom
INC Ransom is a newcomer to the ransomware scene last month that published three victims to its leak site in August.
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Following the new iPhone 15 series launch, Apple also made a USB-C to Lightning adapter available for purchase. This new accessory is very important for the brand, considering that it has made the switch to USB-C ports. However, the pricing of this new accessory is not only jaw-dropping but also makes it seem like an unnecessary accessory.
The tech giant already has this new accessory listed on their website for purchase. There is also the new 2-meter-long USB-C charging cable, supporting 240 watts of charging and USB 2 data transfer speed. Now, the pricing of this new USB-C to Lightning adapter and the 2-meter USB-C is $29.
Apple still offers the same USB-C charging cable but measuring at 1 meter for $19. This option gives users up to 60 watts of charging whilst supporting USB 2 data transfer speed. But why should users concern themselves with purchasing a $29 USB-C to Lightning adapter in place of a $19 USB-C cable?
What makes the new Apple USB-C to Lightning adapter stand out as a smart purchase
According to Apple, this new USB-C to Lightning adapter is packed with a ton of features. Aside from connecting your lightning cable to the new iPhone 15 series for charging, it also brings other benefits. This new accessory brings three key functions that will impact how users interact with the new iPhone 15 series.
These functions include charging, data transfer, and audio for listening to music. If users of the new iPhone 15 series still have a lightning cable, they can connect with this adapter and charge their devices. For data transfer, those who purchase this adapter will be able to connect their previous device and move data over to their new iPhone 15 device.
Since the new devices lack a headphone jack, the audio function of this adapter is helpful. Connecting the lightning headphone cable to this adapter will enable users to listen to music via the USB-C port on their new iPhone 15 device. These are some useful features, but critics can easily question the last on the list.
Most buyers of the new iPhone 15 series already have AirPod Pros or other wireless headphones, making the audio function useless. Also, for charging, buyers of any device in the new iPhone 15 series will get a USB-C Charge cable in the box. Apple still tries to make this product look useful by giving it the ability to connect lightning accessories to a USB-C iPhone or iPad.
Lastly, those looking out to purchase this product for $29 can consider purchasing the more affordable $19 USB-C cable. However, an impressive feature of this USB-C to Lightning adapter is that it’s braided, just like other USB-C cables from Apple. In the coming weeks, once the iPhone 15 series starts shipping, netizens will get to see this product in use.
Apple just introduced us to the iPhone 15 series of phones during its latest event, and it brings the usual slew of iterative updates over last year’s version. While this is the case, according to Android Authority, it seems that there was one area that Apple skipped. It appears that Apple didn’t improve the battery life of the iPhone 15.
Battery life is one of the most important aspects of the smartphone experience. It doesn’t matter how powerful the processor is or how great the screen is if the phone can’t power on. So, with each new iteration, we typically expect some sort of battery improvement.
Albeit, a lot of the improvement to the battery comes with the new processor. Since Apple makes its own chips, processor optimization falls on its head.
The iPhone 15 might not have improved battery life
This might not be the biggest issue, as iPhones usually have good battery life. However, it’s always nice to see improvements in this department. During the presentation, Apple focused on the camera, design, and processor for the phone. That’s all fine and dandy, but the company completely passed over the part where it says that “iPhone 15 has the best battery life of any smartphone today”.
Looking at the spec charts, it’s easy to see why. We see the ratings for the iPhone 14 along with the ratings for the iPhone 15, and they’re exactly the same. Both base models are rated to have up to 20 hours of video playback, 16 hours of streamed video playback, and 80 hours of audio playback.
That’s 23 hours, 20 hours, and 75 hours for the Pro models and 29 hours, 25 hours, and 95 hours for the Pro Max models. Also, all phones retain the 20W charging from last year.
This could point to the phones using the same exact battery cells from last year’s models. If that’s the case, then the identical battery numbers shouldn’t come as a surprise. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Max still use the same chip from last year’s model.
However, the fact that the Pro model has the same battery numbers is a bit surprising, as this phone uses a different chip. The SoC powering the device actually has a significant impact on the battery life. Apple somehow managed to balance the components in the A17 Max chip to keep the battery life the same.
In any case, if you’re looking forward to picking up one of these phones, pre-orders start on Friday with general sales beginning on September 22nd.
Apple today announced the new FineWoven band material alongside the Watch Series 9 and the Watch Ultra 2. This band material is made of a new textile that Apple says it created. It provides the soft, luxurious look and feel of suede but also allows Apple to lower its carbon footprint.
The company is on a mission to become completely carbon neutral by 2030. The Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 are Apple’s first carbon neutral products. So it makes sense that it would move to release a watch band that follows in pursuit of that goal. The FineWoven band for Apple Watch is made from 68% post consumer content. And that’s good for Apple’s mission of going green. Apple says that its overall more environmentally friendly than the leather accessories it was offering.
Which is why the FineWoven band is going to be replacing the leather bands for Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, and any models in the future.
The FineWoven band for Apple Watch will replace leather starting today
As of today, Apple is committing to the carbon neutrality. And to that end it will no longer be using leather in its accessories. That does not mean however that you can’t get leather accessories anymore. There are still going to be leather accessories available to buy. Both officially licensed Apple accessories and some from third-party brands. At least until stock runs out.
What it does mean is that “new” apple accessories will not be using leather. So anything that comes out after today won’t be made of actual leather material. This is where the FineWoven band comes in. It has the look and feel of suede according to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Giving consumers a suede-like option. The FineWoven band will come in three different colors – Evergreen, Taupe, and Pacific Blue. It will also launch alongside new bands from partners like Hermés and Nike. The new band retails for $99.99 and should launch alongside the new watch.
Today is the day that iPhone users have been waiting for all year. Apple just announced the new iPhone 15 series of phones, and they bring the usual slew of improvements. Sitting on top of the new phones, we have the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This handset is the most powerful iPhone to date, and it comes in at a hefty price.
Along with this phone, Apple also unveiled the upcoming Apple Watch 9 series. These watches come with a new chip that will enable on-device dictation, and the screen will reach an eye-blazing 2000 nits of brightness.
What’s perhaps the most notable feature of this watch is the Double Tap gesture. When you want to do a specific action on your watch like answer a call, start a timer, snooze an alarm, etc., all you have to do is tap your index finger on your thumb twice. That feature will make this watch stand out among other watches until another company eventually steals it; we all know that it’s going to happen.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at a hefty price
Since this is Apple’s latest crown jewel, you shouldn’t be surprised that it costs about as much as an actual crown jewel. The handset comes in at $1,199 for the 256GB storage variant, according to Mac Rumors. That’s not out of the ordinary for a top-of-the-line flagship smartphone from Apple.
This is unfortunate for people who want a more affordable option. Last year, the iPhone 14 Pro Max started with 128GB of storage, and that phone started at $1,099. Sure, that’s less storage, but with the way the economy is, most people would have appreciated a cheaper iPhone. Also, 128GB is a bit of a sweet spot when it comes to storage. Most people will be just fine with a 128GB phone.
If you’re looking to pick up this phone, pre-orders begin on September 15th. General sales of the phone will begin on September 22nd.
The new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have now been made official and you’ll likely want to know when you can pre-order them. In the past, Apple has typically opened up pre-orders at the end of the week when it holds the announcements. Usually this is around the same time that Apple opens pre-orders for the new iPhone. Which this year is the iPhone 15 series, with pre-orders opening up on September 15.
However, Apple isn’t doing that this time for the new watches. It’s a small departure from starting pre-orders on the same day as the new phone. But it’s also good news for anyone who wants to upgrade. Because the Apple Watch Series 9 is officially open for pre-orders starting today. You can get the watch pre-order secured directly from Apple online, and it’ll be available for both the Watch Series 9 and the Watch Ultra 2.
Should you pre-order the Apple Watch Series 9 or Watch Ultra 2?
These both use the new S9 chip with a faster neural engine. And what that means for you is that it enables new features with smarter functionality that won’t be available on older watches. If you’re on the Watch Series 8, moving to the new Watch Series 9 probably makes a lot of sense. You get the double tap gestures, plus quite a few new features all without losing battery life for a starting price of $399. And that’s a pretty good reason to want the new Watch Series 9 as opposed to keeping the older model.
You can likely get a trade-in too. So that would offset the cost some. With the Watch Ultra 2, there are more similarities between it and the original Watch Ultra. With what seems like less upgrades. And with its cost being $799, paying that is a big ask for just a handful of new features. But, if you really like the idea of double tap, and the other new features enabled by the S9 chip, the Watch Ultra 2 might be worth it. The value lies in how much you would use those features. And if the answer to that question is often, then consider upgrading.
Like with the Watch Series 8 to Watch Series 9, there’s the potential for a trade-in of your original Watch Ultra. Though it will be about half the cost of the new watch.
The new iPhone 15 models have been announced, and that means one thing. New Wallpapers! This is an easy way to make your old iPhone look like you have the new iPhone 15, without spending a dime. You can download the wallpapers at the bottom of this article.
There’s a distinct difference between the wallpapers on the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro. The Pro models appear to take inspiration from the event invite, with specs of titanium in the corresponding colors all over the display, in an S shape. While the iPhone 15 comes in more colors, that matches the phones too, and looks more like pebbles. Each wallpaper looks really great, and will also look great on your Android phones.
New iPhone 15 Pro comes without a price increase
Despite many rumors and leaks about the iPhone 15 Pro getting a price increase this year, that didn’t happen. Technically, the iPhone 15 Pro Max did go up in price, but that’s because Apple ditched the 128GB model. So you’re starting off with 256GB for the same price as the 256GB iPhone 14 Pro Max from last year. Technically a price increase, but also not.
There’s some pretty nice upgrades for the iPhone 15 Pro series this year, including USB-C. And on the Pro models, Apple is giving you 10Gbps transfer speeds. Which is going to be really great for getting videos and photos off your phone, thanks to the new cameras. On the Pro Max, it now has a periscope camera, which is capable of 5x optical zoom. A first on iPhone, and definitely welcome.
iPhone 15 Pre-orders start on Friday, September 15, 2023. And they will start shipping on Friday, September 22, 2023. The iPhone 15 starts at $799, iPhone 15 Plus at $899, iPhone 15 Pro at $999 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,199. Pretty good to see these mostly stayed the same price, despite inflation running rampant.
Today, Apple announced the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series, which comes in at the same prices, as many were actually surprised to see. But what about the rest of the lineup?
Well, Apple is keeping the iPhone 14, dropping it down to $699, and the iPhone 13 is also remaining and is now $599. While the iPhone SE remains at the bottom of the lineup. So now, you can pick up a ‘new’ iPhone for anywhere from $429 to $1,599. Depending on the model and the storage.
Apple is keeping the iPhone 13 in all three storage configurations too, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. Which is also really great to see.
However, this does mean that the iPhone 13 Mini is gone. Rest in peace little guy, you’ll be missed.
Getting the iPhone 13 over the iPhone 14 might be the best deal
The upgrades from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 14 is actually very minimal. In fact, both phones use the same A15 Bionic chipset. Battery life is rated to be slightly better on the iPhone 14, at 20 hours of video playback, versus 19 hours on the iPhone 13. The iPhone 14 also brings Emergency SOS via Satellite. Otherwise they are pretty identical.
What this also means is that the iPhone 13 and 14 should keep being updated for the same amount of time. Apple does typically update its phones for a good 6 or 7 years. With security updates even longer – in fact, it updated the iPhone 6S just yesterday with a security update to iOS 15.7.9.
Though the one iPhone in this lineup you should definitely stray away from, is the iPhone SE. This is a pretty old model at this point. It’s basically the same as the 2020 model, but with 5G being added. Which means the battery life is even worse. And at $479, you could get a certified refurbished iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 for about the same price. Hopefully Apple will either get rid of the iPhone SE or ditch it altogether pretty soon. As it is just not a good deal.
Leading up to today’s Apple Event, there was a lot of talk about Apple starting storage out at 256GB for the Pro models, and adding a 2TB option. But it looks like that’s not happening. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are already listed on the Apple Store with pricing, and, it only goes to 1TB.
The iPhone 15 Pro starts at 128GB still and the same $999 price. While the iPhone 15 Pro Max does start at 256GB for $1,199. Which is technically a price increase, but if you were buying the 256GB model already, then it’s the same price.
You can get both options in 512GB and 1TB as well. With the prices capping out at $1,599 for the 1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max. That’s the same as the iPhone 14 Pro Max with 1TB of storage.
Let’s face it, 2TB is a bit extreme
While it would be cool to see a phone launching with 2TB of storage, it is a bit extreme. And instead of launching a 2TB iPhone, Apple decided to offer up two more tiers of iCloud storage. Now, you can get 6TB for $30/month or 12TB for $60/month. Which is actually a pretty good price, and right in-line with what Google offers.
A lot of users prefer to keep all of their data on their phone, instead of using the cloud, but the cloud is just so much more feasible for storing things like music, photos, videos and more. And it looks like Apple might be looking to lean into that now, with these new changes to iCloud storage. Though it still sucks that 5GB is all you get for free. It should be 50GB at minimum.
Many of us would be scared to see how much a 2TB iPhone 15 Pro Max would cost. Luckily, we won’t have to see that.
The CloAk leak site
The Metaencryptor leak site
The RansomedVC leak site
