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A new report by Socket shows that more than 50,000 Chrome users are using fake VPNs that steal their data. In the world of online security, VPNs are often the tool many users turn to. They help direct your internet traffic through a secure, encrypted channel, preventing your metadata from spilling out into the open. However, the key to this arrangement is trust; if the VPN itself is compromised, you might be trading one set of risks for a guaranteed breach.

Recently, a concerning report from Socket revealed that over 700 fake VPN apps have infiltrated the Chrome Web Store. These extensions, some free and others paid, often masquerade as legitimate services from well-known cybersecurity providers, enticing users into granting them unrestricted access to their networks and browsing activities.

Socket's analysis focused on 737 dubious Chrome extensions claiming to offer VPN and SOCKS5 proxy services. Alarmingly, they discovered that many of these apps were selling access to non-existent VPN servers, tracking users' online activities by hijacking their proxy settings, and impersonating reputable VPN brands like NordVPN and Surfshark.

The cybersecurity team at Socket, which also offers tools for developers to analyse AI-generated code for malicious behaviour, found that these extensions were published by just 40 developer accounts and had amassed a staggering 75,486 installs. They conducted a detailed examination of 525 of these extensions, revealing some troubling findings:

• Plagiarism: A significant 274 out of the 525 extensions copied branding and logos from 66 established VPN platforms, including Proton VPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and TunnelBear.
• Impersonation: Two extensions specifically mimicked AmneziaVPN and AntiZapret, which are commonly used to bypass internet censorship.
• Security Flaws: The extensions directed all traffic through a fixed SOCKS5 proxy without offering split tunnelling or per-site controls, meaning all your online activities would be routed through the same server.

Since you can't rely on app store review processes alone, you need some way to spot fake extensions before they embed spyware into your browser. You can't be expected to reverse-engineer every extension's manifest file like Socket did, but thankfully you don't have to, because there are easier ways to tell if something might be amiss.

• Install extensions by following a link directly from the VPN provider's official website, not the search bar on the Web Store or Google Play.
• Always read reviews before installing a new browser extension. If too many people are complaining about security concerns, avoid it.
• Before you install a Chrome Web Store extension, look past the app listing and user reviews to the developer account tied to that app as well. Check if the account is officially associated with the VPN provider and see if Web Store reviews flag security concerns on their other apps too.
• Use a tool like WhatIsMyIPAddress.com to check your currently visible IP address. Confirm that it matches the IP address displayed in your VPN extension's UI.
• Run a DNS leak check while your VPN is on to make sure that it's working properly, not merely concealing your IP address but also encrypting your DNS queries. If either your IP address, general location, or internet service provider (ISP) shows up in the test results, that's a red flag.

It seems like the RAM crisis is far from over, and Samsung has recently weighed in with some concerning predictions. According to the tech giant, the ongoing shortage of memory components isn't going to improve anytime soon. In fact, they believe that the situation will only get worse as we approach 2027, with the supply of RAM expected to remain tight until at least 2028.

What's Causing the Crisis?
The memory market has been under pressure for a while now, and Samsung's comments suggest that they see no immediate relief. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Samsung has been accused of price fixing, which some argue has exacerbated the RAM crisis.
• The company believes that demand will continue to outstrip supply, leading to higher prices.
• Experts are concerned that without significant changes in production or supply chain management, consumers and manufacturers alike will feel the pinch.

TechCrunch report Samsung bigwigs said as much during a recent Q2 earnings call, revealing that AI labs have been "sharing their medium-to-long-term demand forecasts" with the RAM makers directly in the hopes of locking up future supply.

As much as this means Samsung's sales of devices like smartphones and TVs will continue to suffer the negative effects of the memory crisis, with higher component costs driving up prices for consumers, the company are doing well out of AI firms begging for oodles of RAM. That demand from the AI companies gives Samsung leeway to push such firms to sign long-term contracts which, at least in theory, help secure Samsung's financial future against any sudden drying up of demand for memory.

As long as AI firms are bending over backwards to horde RAM in huge quantities and can promise the money to pay for it, Samsung are under no pressure to lower prices or pivot back towards prioritising making the kind of RAM consumer devices like PCs need. The fact that neither Samsung nor competitors SK Hynix and Micron have moved to take advantage of the industry's push towards providing for AI datacentres by reversing course to fill the demand left on the consumer RAM side, likely making a ton of money selling more reasonably priced RAM for regular devices in the process, is at the centre of an ongoing US lawsuit which accuses the firms of fixing RAM prices and supply.

It is worth noting that since Samsung outlined these predictions for the future of the RAM crisis in an earnings call, meaning that their primary goal would have been seem as profitable as possible to shareholders. Still, reasons to believe the memory shortage will blow over soon feel pretty thin regardless of where you look at the moment.

Looking Ahead
With these predictions, it's clear that anyone looking to upgrade their tech might want to think twice. The rising costs could impact everything from gaming PCs to smartphones, making it a tough time for consumers.

Here is a general phishing/hacking thread where posters can sound out others regarding potentially dodgy emails/sites, or post info about cyber scams they know about.

Cyber scams are ever-present, and even though I know a little stuff in this area and continue to study it, I'm always just several steps short of being taken in myself if I don't take my routine steps and maintain the highest degree of suspicion.

Technically, I know how to operate phishing scams, fake calls (even once took myself in for a split second!!), how to clone/alter websites, redirect traffic, etc, yet I potentially stand to be taken in, eg if I were under great pressure. Nobody should feel bad about falling for these scams, there is space to learn.

Coming up to Christmas my junk mail is filling rapidly with phishing emails, and adverts for sites that might provide shoddy goods, or a "non-service".

My first alert here is regarding an email that has been doing the rounds:

[email protected]

It purports to come from Microsoft and typically states a hacker (usually) from Russia has managed to sign into your Microsoft account and knows your password, had accessed your email, cloud storage, etc etc. it is entirely fake and phishing. Do not click on the link or that in any other email. Go separately to a valid site unless you have determined fully that the email is entirely legitimate.

Most people "fall" for scams because their default thinking is that the rest of the world is generally as honest as they are.

Adobe has officially embarked on an exciting journey to integrate AI assistants into its Creative Cloud suite, and the rollout has begun. Users can access new chatbots in some of the most popular editing and design applications, including Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, InDesign, and Frame.io.

This public beta aims to enhance user experience by providing tailored support through these AI assistants. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, these AI tools are designed to help streamline your workflow, making it easier to navigate the features of each app and improve your creative projects.

The introduction of AI assistants signifies a significant step forward in how we interact with creative software. Imagine having a virtual helper at your fingertips, ready to assist with everything from basic tasks to more complex editing techniques. This could potentially save time and reduce the learning curve for new users.

As we dive into this new era of creativity powered by AI, it will be interesting to see how these tools evolve and what impact they will have on the creative community. Will they become indispensable companions for artists and designers, or will there be challenges to overcome as we adapt to this technology?

What are your thoughts on the integration of AI in creative tools? Do you think it will enhance creativity or hinder it?

A useful little piece of software that I use of my e-book management.

Calibre is a FREE & open-source suite of e-book software for multiple platforms (Windows, Mac/macOS, Linux). Calibre supports organizing existing e-books into virtual libraries, displaying, editing, creating and conversion of e-books, as well as syncing e-books with a variety of e-readers. Editing books is supported for EPUB and AZW3 formats. Books in other formats like MOBI must first be converted to those formats if they are to be edited.

Calibre is a vibrant open-source community with half a dozen developers and many, many testers and bug reporters. It is used in over 200 countries and has been translated into a dozen different languages by volunteers. Calibre has become a comprehensive tool for the management of digital texts, allowing you to do whatever you could possibly imagine with your e-book library.

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Homepage: calibre - E-book management

The Commodore 64! It's hard not to get a bit nostalgic when thinking back to those days of loading games from tapes and the iconic blue screen with the flashing cursor. For many, it was our first taste of computing, and it seems like the love for this classic machine just never fades.



Why the C64 is Still a Big Deal
Even after all these years, the Commodore 64 has a special place in the hearts of gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. Here are a few reasons why:

• Iconic Games: Who could forget classics like "Maniac Mansion" and "The Last Ninja"? These games paved the way for what we enjoy today.
• Modding Community: There's a thriving community of fans who continue to create new games and mods, keeping the spirit alive.
• Cultural Impact: The C64 wasn't just a computer; it influenced music, art, and even the early days of programming.

Let's not overlook the technical side, either. With its 64KB of RAM (which felt like a treasure at the time) and a sound chip that allowed for some seriously catchy tunes, it was a marvel for its day. The SID chip, in particular, is still celebrated for its sound capabilities, inspiring many musicians even now.

I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts. Do you have any fond memories of the C64? Maybe a favourite game that you still play? It's fascinating how this little machine has shaped so many lives.

The Commodore 64 remains a beloved relic from the past, still sparking joy and creativity in the present.

Chrome OS started as little more than a browser, but Google has added Android and Linux app support to give Chromebooks a somewhat respectable software library. You know what's still missing, though? Photoshop. While you can't get Adobe's dominant photo editing tool, there are a number of apps that can do at least part of what Photoshop does. Here are five options you might be able to use in place of Photoshop on a Chromebook.

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This thread is for the general discussion of the ChromeOS Photoshop Alternatives for Chromebooks. Please add to the discussion here.

Recently, a significant legal decision has emerged regarding the practices of major social media platforms, specifically Meta and Google. The courts have ruled these companies liable for designing their platforms to be addictive, which has sparked a wide array of discussions and opinions among users and experts alike.

Key Details of the Case

• A woman was awarded $3 million due to her childhood addiction to these platforms.
• This case is seen as a pivotal moment that could influence future legal actions against social media companies for their addictive designs.

Impact of Addictive Design: Are social media companies responsible for the mental health effects of their platforms?

Legal Precedents: What does this case mean for future legal challenges to social media practices?

Public Awareness: Has this ruling increased awareness about the potential harms of social media addiction?

What are your opinions on the accountability of social media platforms? Do you think more lawsuits will follow? Let's discuss the implications for users and society at large.

• The ruling emphasizes the need for ethical design in technology.
• Many are questioning the role of government regulation in tech industries.
• This could signal a shift in how social media companies operate moving forward.

Mozilla has taken significant steps with the latest update to Firefox, allowing users to disable all AI features currently available, as well as any that may be introduced in the future. This move comes in response to increasing concerns about the integration of AI in technology and its potential implications.



With Firefox 148, released on February 24, 2026, Mozilla introduced five optional AI features, including translation services, alt text for PDFs, AI-enhanced tab grouping, link previews, and sidebar chatbots. However, the standout addition is the "Block AI enhancements" toggle, which lets users opt out entirely.

This feature addresses a crucial need for transparency and user control over AI integration in everyday tools. Many users appreciate the advancements that AI can bring, but equally, a significant number desire the option to maintain a traditional browsing experience without AI interference.

The introduction of easy-to-access AI controls aligns well with Mozilla's commitment to user-centric design. As the tech landscape evolves, it becomes increasingly vital for companies to acknowledge and accommodate the diverse preferences of their user base.

For those who use Firefox or are considering it, take advantage of these new settings to customise your browsing experience according to your comfort level with AI.

What AI features does Firefox offer?

Firefox 148 launches with these five AI features, which you can choose to enable to disable:

• Translations: Translates web pages into your target language.
• Alt text in PDFs: Adds accessibility descriptions to images attached to PDFs.
• AI-enhanced tab grouping: Suggests related tabs and group names for series of tabs.
• Link previews: Shows key points before opening a link.
• AI chatbot providers in the sidebar: Firefox is getting its own AI chatbot, though users can choose from existing chatbots like Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral.

Discord has announced a postponement of its global age verification rollout, initially set for March 2026. This decision follows backlash over its previous plans, which created confusion among users regarding the requirements for verifying age. Notably, Discord clarified that only a fraction of users - over 90% - would need to verify their age, as the platform aims to create safeguards for younger users while respecting adult privacy.

The key takeaways from Discord's recent announcement include:

• The global age verification launch is now delayed to the second half of 2026, continuing only in regions where it is legally mandated.
• Discord will disclose its age verification partners and their practices to enhance transparency.
• Facial scanning will only occur on-device, not sent to the cloud.
• Alternative age verification methods will be explored, such as using credit card information, though compliance with local laws will vary.
• New spoiler channels will allow sensitive content to be shared without requiring age restrictions.
• Discord promises to publish detailed metrics and technical information regarding the age verification process upon rollout.

Discord's goal is to satisfy regulatory pressures while minimising user data collection, stating, "we don't want to know who you are; we just need to know whether you're an adult." As the platform navigates these complex issues, it will be crucial for Discord to follow through on its commitments to regain user trust. The uncertainty surrounding the rollout timeline and potential compromises will likely remain a topic of discussion among users and stakeholders.