IT General

Apple responds to DarkSword spyware, the hacker tool targeting iPhones

Mashable - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 22:17

Numerous reports, including Mashable's own coverage, were published on Wednesday about a new hacker tool called DarkSword that is being used to target iPhones. 

Apple has now shared with Mashable some important information regarding the threat and how the company is addressing it.

According to Apple, the company last year patched the underlying iOS vulnerabilities that the spyware exploited. In addition, Apple also pushed out an emergency software update for iOS 15 and iOS 16 on March 11 meant for older iOS devices that were not able to update to the more recent, patched versions of iOS.

Apple says that any user running iOS 15 through iOS 26 are protected from DarkSword spyware. 

SEE ALSO: Hackers target millions of iPhones with new DarkSword spyware

However, users running iOS 13 or iOS 14 need to update to iOS 15 in order for their device to receive these same protections. Apple says users still using these older versions of iOS will receive an alert to install a Critical Security Update within the next few days.

Apple also shared that security researchers confirmed that DarkSword spyware and other similar exploits do not work on devices with Apple’s optional Lockdown Mode protection enabled. In addition, iPhone 17 users were protected from these attacks thanks to the lineup's Memory Integrity Enforcement feature.

On Wednesday, Google, along with cybersecurity firms Lookout and iVerify, published detailed reports about DarkSword, a new hacking toolkit being deployed by bad actors, such as a notorious hacking group with ties to the Russian government. One of DarkSword's most concerning aspects is that the spyware did not require the target to download any malware or other malicious file. DarkSword is deployed by a target simply visiting a compromised website.

According to Apple, Apple Safe Browsing in Safari blocks all known malicious URLs identified by Google.

Apple also provided other general security and safety tips, such as using two-factor authentication for logins, never clicking on unknown links or attachments, and always keeping your devices' software up-to-date.

Apple has also published more information about how it's protecting users from these web-based attacks in a post found on its website.







Categories: IT General, Technology

Every Ryan Gosling fan needs to watch these 3 free movies this weekend (March 20-22)

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 22:15

Ryan Gosling is one of Hollywood's most likable movie stars. His Canadian charm paired with his handsome looks makes for a winning formula. Gosling's versatility is his greatest asset. The three-time Oscar nominee can play someone who steals your heart in The Notebook, just as he can easily beat you to a pulp in Drive. I'm glad to see the struggling cornerback in Remember the Titans got back on his feet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Not a fan of Plex’s apps? The Plezy client is even better now on desktop, mobile, and TV

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 22:07

Plezy is quickly emerging as one of the best third-party clients for Plex, with a few notable enhancements over the official apps. Now, it’s getting even better with expanded Picture-in-Picture availability, updates to the TV interface, and other changes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 21:00

TL;DR: Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Bundesliga action kicks off this weekend with a fascinating matchup between RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim. Only three points separate these sides in the battle for continental qualification. Hoffenheim have been one of the biggest stories of the season — they're only eight points behind Dortmund in second and they'll go into this clash with a lot of confidence.

If you want to watch RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim?

RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga kicks off at 7:30 p.m. GMT on March 20. This fixture takes place at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig.

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim for free

RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the Bundesliga before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is Reddit down? User-reported server error issue appears resolved

Mashable - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 20:56

Reddit appeared to be inaccessible to some users Thursday afternoon, with attempts to access the site showing a "server error" message.

At 3:20 p.m. ET, more than 30,000 users have reported problems with accessing Reddit, according to Downdetector. However, as of 3:50 p.m., user issues appeared to have been resolved.

While Reddit's status page shows no reported issues, attempts by Mashable to access Reddit by both desktop and app were met by errors shortly after 3 p.m. ET. Users on other social media sites also reported issues.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Should user-reported issues spike again, this story will be updated.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 luxury cars guzzle way more gas than a Ford Maverick

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 20:00

In the automotive world, luxury usually translates to more. More hand-crafted leather, more high-resolution screens, more panoramic roof space, and more social clout. It can also translate to more visits to the gas station.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Cagliari vs. Napoli online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 20:00

TL;DR: Live stream Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Serie A action kicks off this weekend with a huge clash between Cagliari and Napoli.

The defending champions are nine points behind Inter going into this game, so they need to be incredibly consistent if they stand any chance of bridging that gap. They'll expect to beat Cagliari, but the home team will be desperate to pick up points and move away from the relegation zone.

If you want to watch Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Cagliari vs. Napoli?

Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A kicks off at 5:30 p.m. GMT on March 20. This fixture takes place at the Unipol Domus.

How to watch Cagliari vs. Napoli for free

Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Cagliari vs. Napoli for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Cagliari vs. Napoli for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Cagliari vs. Napoli without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from Serie A before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The most expensive Toyota RAV4 isn’t the one you should buy

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 19:46

Toyota has built its reputation on cars that just work, from dependable sedans to SUVs people trust with everything from commutes to road trips. The Toyota RAV4 is a big part of that story—a compact SUV that’s been practical, efficient, and easy to live with for decades.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google will make you wait 24 hours to sideload Android apps (Update)

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 19:05

One of the biggest Android stories of last year was Google’s planned major changes to sideloading. It caused a legitimate uproar in the community, leading Google to backtrack a bit. Now, we’re getting our first look at what these new restrictions will look like.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 6 simple tricks will turn your Android phone into an eReader

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 19:00

Unless you've got a phone with an e-ink display, you won't be able to get a one-to-one eReader experience on a phone. That said, with a few tweaks, you can get pretty close. The tricks shared below can be especially handy if you've got an old phone or tablet lying around that you'd like to turn into an Android-based eReader.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pokémon Pokopia: How to power up Rock Smash

Mashable - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 18:41

Pokémon Pokopia is arguably the first real Nintendo Switch 2 sensation, but it doesn't spell out everything about its various systems right away.

Case in point: upgrading abilities. Pokopia showers you with a handful of important abilities during its tutorial, and then doles out some more over the course of its story, but what it doesn't make clear up front is that you can upgrade those abilities to make them much more useful.

Rock Smash is one of them. At first, you can punch through most types of materials to clear them out and collect what's inside of them, but you'll also encounter some harder or bigger types of rocks that can't be smashed. What gives? Keep reading to find out how to fix that problem.

SEE ALSO: 10 of the coolest and weirdest 'Pokémon Pokopia' builds we've seen so far How to upgrade Rock Smash in Pokémon Pokopia

Upgrading your abilities in Pokopia is kind of an involved process if you're starting from the beginning. The main thing you need to know is that it's done through cooking, as different types of dishes upgrade different abilities. Specifically, you want to cook a hamburger steak of any kind because eating one will upgrade Rock Smash for you.

SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Pokopia': How to get the Suck ability to move water around

If you don't already have the ability to cook, you'll need to simply progress through the main story until you unlock the Rocky Ridges area. Keep doing the story and eventually you'll meet a friendly Greedent who teaches you how to cook. Sorry for being somewhat vague about this, but it really is just a matter of doing what the game says until you unlock cooking.

SEE ALSO: A cool 'Pokémon' GameCube game is now on Nintendo Switch 2, but there's a catch

In order to make a hamburger steak, you need a frying pan and some beans. The former is what you use to cook hamburger steaks, and the latter is the primary ingredient for them. Once you have both of those, plop the frying pan down over a flame, put beans and another ingredient in it if you like, and then you'll have what you need. Eat your creation and Rock Smash should upgrade itself.

Once it's upgraded, you can punch through those troublesome rocks and collect rare ores from them. Congratulations!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Homelab projects to try this weekend (March 20 - 22)

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 18:30

Stay strong, the weekend is coming—and that means you’ll have a few days to work on some new homelab projects! This weekend, you should give Stirling PDF, Planka, and Glances a try. They’re easy to deploy Docker containers that offer a lot of value.

Categories: IT General, Technology

After 20 years, I've finally found a replacement for WinRAR

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 18:09

WinRAR has been such a steadfast part of the Windows experience that its payment model—politely nagging users to buy a license—has become a meme. But after more than 20 years, I've finally found an alternative.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best laptop deals live ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale: Its a MacBook show so far

Mashable - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 18:06
A quick look at Amazon's best laptop deals ahead of the Big Spring Sale: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,299 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,069.99 at Amazon (save $330 + free code for "Crimson Desert") Get Deal

Amazon's third annual Big Spring Sale is just around the corner (from March 25 to 31). The event is themed around seasonal goodies like spring cleaning supplies, outdoor gear, and warm-weather apparel. But in the past, we've also seen it prompt some great deals on tech — including laptops.

So far, the bulk of Amazon's best pre-sale computer deals involve MacBooks, MacBooks, and more MacBooks. Almost every configuration from the past two years is on sale, if it's still in stock, with the biggest price cuts going to 2025's M4 MacBook Airs. They're all $200 to $300 off, making them significantly cheaper than their iterative M5 replacements, which Apple announced earlier this month. (Those are also on sale already, but only for about $50 off.) A couple of configurations are sitting at record-low prices.

Things are a little less exciting on the Windows laptop side. I managed to find a powerful Asus gaming convertible on sale for $330 off, which is its biggest discount ever; that's the only one I would add to my cart now. A handful of Microsoft Surface Laptop 7s are up to 26% off, but since all of them have been much cheaper before, I'd wait to see if their prices drop further once the sale starts next week.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back: The best deals already live on Apple, robot vacuums, headphones, and more

As a reminder, I don't endorse buying laptops from any third-party sellers on Amazon. (The bulk of its laptop listings comes from them.) They can have different customer service policies than Amazon itself, and they might be advertising misleading specs. This isn't to say they're all scammers doing something illegal, and Amazon has a guarantee that covers delivery or item condition issues. Still, I wouldn't take a chance on a big purchase like a new laptop. The Shipper/Seller should be "Amazon.com" (below the orange "Buy Now" button).

I would also recommend shopping around a bit at other retailers, especially Best Buy. It has a much better selection of Windows laptops than Amazon, and its pricing is competitive where their inventories overlap. Best Buy hasn't announced any plans to hold its own sale around the Big Spring Sale, but I bet that changes in the coming days.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to a record-low price.

Best MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $1,299 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

The 2025 MacBook Air is basically identical to its successor, save for its wireless chip and processor. (You're not missing out on much there: In our performance tests, the M4 version was only about six percent slower than the M5 model in both single- and multi-core workloads — you won't feel that in practice.) It features a vibrant Liquid Retina display, a backlit keyboard, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a 12MP webcam with Center Stage support. This 15-inch configuration is well future-proofed with plenty of RAM, and it's never been cheaper.

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4).

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 🔥 $2,069.99 at Amazon
$2,399.99 Save $330 Includes free code for "Crimson Desert" Get Deal Why we like it

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a zippy gaming convertible with a detachable keyboard and a slick 180Hz display — GTA V's Ned Luke is a fan. This configuration is powered by a high-end AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip with integrated graphics that performed on par with an RTX 4060 GPU when we tested it in another Asus laptop. Amazon has it marked down to $2,069.99, which is 14% off its MSRP and its best deal to date. (Ignore Amazon's deflated list price; it actually retails for $2,399.99, according to Asus' website.) It also comes with a free PC download code for Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss' huge new fantasy-action adventure game.

This ROG Flow Z13 deal is price-matched at Best Buy, but it doesn't include the Crimson Desert code there.

More Windows laptop dealsGaming laptop deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

5 bizarre retro devices that prove floppy disks weren't just for beige PCs

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 18:00

Are you old enough to remember using floppy disks? Do they fill you with nostalgia? But I bet that nine times out of ten, you think of them as something to be used with a PC. After all, that's where most people used them ... but that's far from the only thing floppies were commonly seen in.

Categories: IT General, Technology

IntelliJ IDEA is taking on Visual Studio Code with more free features

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 17:51

Visual Studio Code is an excellent editor for JavaScript and TypeScript code, and its status as a free application has helped pull people away from other integrated development environments (IDEs). Now, JetBrains is striking back with a significant change to IntelliJ IDEA’s free version: proper JavaScript and TypeScript support.

Categories: IT General, Technology

BMW’s new electric 3 Series changes the game: 440 miles of range and 6 big upgrades

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 17:46

The BMW 3 Series is the very soul of the German brand, a true driver’s car in every aspect, whether as an entry-level sedan or a fire-breathing M3. Now, 50 years into that journey, the 3 Series returns for its most significant entrance yet: the fully electric BMW i3 50 xDrive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ home deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale for fresher air and cleaner floors

Mashable - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 17:37
Best Big Spring Sale home deals Best home tech deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best home air deal Blueair Blue Signature $299.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,499.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

It's time for another Amazon sale event. To celebrate the changing seasons, Amazon is hosting its Big Spring Sale from March 25 to 31. The sale highlights warmer-weather products to get your home ready for spring and summer.

For your home, this means clean floors, clean air, and so much more. While the sale doesn't officially start until the 25th, early deals are aplenty, with special attention on Echo devices, air purifiers, and vacuums.

We rounded up the best deals from Amazon, Blueair, Dreo, Dyson, and more.

Best Big Spring Sale home tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

With the clocks springing forward, you may be feeling a little groggy. If you need a boost in your morning, consider upgrading what's on your nightstand. During the lead-up to Amazon's Big Spring Sale, we spotted early savings on the Amazon Echo Spot.

This smart alarm clock packs everything you love about an Amazon Echo into a bedside device. It wakes you up but also helps you wind down. You can program it to start your day with a weather report and your favorite music.

Ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $49.99 and save $30 off its $79.99 list price.

More home tech dealsBest Big Spring Sale air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Blueair Blue Signature $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Warmer weather means you can put away your heavy winter coats and pull out the antihistamines because spring allergies are on their way. If you're already getting the pollen-induced sniffles, you can do one thing to protect your home air: get an air purifier.

The Blueair Blue Signature is a heavy-duty air purifier, able to clean up to 3,385 square feet. It removes smoke, dust, and pet hair for clean air and easy breathing.

More air purifier dealsBest cooling dealsBest Amazon Big Spring sale vacuum deal Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $200   Get Deal at Amazon

Read Mashable's review of the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete.

If you have the cash to burn and you’re looking for an investment piece, Mashable’s vacuum expert and senior shopping reporter, Leah Stodart, says the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is a “well-rounded premium robot vacuum,” especially for pet owners. It has a livestream pet camera and can clean edges and corners with precision. (Stodart says this vacuum is so good at cleaning corners that it’s dethroned the Roborock Saros 10R for corner mopping.)

“Measuring just over three inches tall, it's also easily the best slim robot vacuum out there — ideal for homes with low-clearance furniture, or expectations for cleaning under cabinets,” she says.

As of March 15, you can get the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete for $1,499.99, down from $1,699.99, at Amazon. That's a 12% discount or $200 savings.

More robot vacuum dealsMore vacuum dealsMore home deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

3 best Tubi movies to watch this weekend (March 20–22)

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 17:31

Many movie fans will head to the theater this weekend to watch Ryan Gosling play an astronaut attempting to save the world in Project Hail Mary. It's a crowd-pleasing story that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in humanity. If you walk out wanting more space adventures this weekend, head to Tubi and stream Ad Astra for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Polymarket set to open a bar dedicated to monitoring the situation

Mashable - Thu, 03/19/2026 - 17:16

Online betting platforms have users betting on nuclear war — and now, apparently, they'll be able to bet on humanity's destruction in person.

Prediction market site Polymarket announced on social media yesterday that its bar The Situation Room will open in Washington, D.C., tomorrow.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Polymarket calls it "the world's first bar dedicated to monitoring the situation," referencing the meme of looking at the news or, for bettors, the market.

SEE ALSO: The Looksmaxxing Glossary: Every term you need to understand the internet's most unhinged subculture

In a follow-up post, Polymarket stated, "Imagine a sports bar… but just for situation monitoring — live X feeds, flight radar, Bloomberg terminals, and Polymarket screens." The concept artwork features not just a bar with screens on the walls, as is typical of any sports bar, but also additional screens on columns and what appears to be a globe in the center of the room (it seems to be a screen, like a mini-Vegas Sphere).

As Mashable has reported, online gambling is everywhere now. The wave that began with sports betting has exploded into wagering money on basically everything — including aforementioned nuclear fallout, but also which movie will win Best Picture, how many times Elon Musk will post on X in a given month, and more.

Given the gambling boom, it makes sense that Polymarket is capitalizing on it and turning it into an IRL experience. And it's not the first; in February, Polymarket opened a free grocery store in New York City for five days.

Who wants to bet on how odd that bar will smell?

Categories: IT General, Technology
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