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Microsoft unveils new protections against quantum-powered attacksThese updates come to Windows and LinuxNew tools will continue to evolve to try and match the threat capabilitiesQuantum computers currently only exist within specialized laboratories - but it’s generally understood this will not be the case for long, and the technology could soon be introduced into a number of different industries like finance, cybersecurity, and even medicine.The evolution in quantum computing presents new challenges for cybersecurity teams, with the tech theorized to have the potential to break encryption and “disrupt contemporary cryptographic algorithms,” Microsoft has warned.To tackle this, Microsoft is introducing a “significant milestone” in the post-quantum cryptography (PQC) journey by making PQC capabilities available for Windows Insiders, Canary Channel Build 27852 and higher, and Linux, SymCrypt-OpenSSL version 1.9.0.Save up to 68% on identity theft protection for TechRadar readers! TechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View DealSymCrypt additionsThis means that customers will be able to begin experimenting with PQC “within their operational environments”.For Windows, Microsoft is bringing ML-KEM and ML-DSA for Windows Insiders through updates to the Cryptography API: Next Generation (CNG) libraries as well as the Certificate and Cryptographic messaging functions.This aims to help developers prepare for “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks. The changes correspond with NIST standardised algorithms, but will be continuously developed and updated to meet new requirements.New changes have also been introduced to Linux, with updates for programmers to use OpenSSL’s API surface powered by SymCrypt cryptographic operations. Version 1.9.0 will enable developers to play around with TLS hybrid key exchange to prepare for future threats.“PQC algorithms are relatively new, and it is prudent not to consider the initial generation of PQC algorithms as the definitive solution but rather view this as an evolving field,” Microsoft explains.“This underscores the importance of "Crypto Agility" which involves designing solutions to be more resilient to the use of different algorithms and/or upgradable to use future algorithms as the PQ standards evolve.”Researchers believe that quantum computing could be the ‘biggest security threat of all time’ and able to break even the toughest existing encryptions - so updates to security will be much needed for software firms as the tech develops.You might also likeTake a look at our picks for the best malware removal software aroundCheck out our choice for best antivirus softwareAn OpenPGP.js flaw just broke public key cryptography

Today, TCL announced pricing and availability for its new QM8K series mini-LED TVs. The latest models replace last year’s flagship TCL QM851G, one of the best TVs TechRadar tested in 2024, and provide “up to 35% more dimming zones and up to 65% higher peak brightness” than the mid-range TCL QM7K series, according to the company.The new TVs will be sold in 65- to 98-inch screen sizes, with the 65- and 85-inch models available now, and the 75- and 98-inch models arriving next month. Pricing for the QM8K series is as follows:65-inch QM8K: $2,299.9975-inch QM8K: $2,999.9985-inch QM8K: $3,799.9998-inch QM8K: $6,499.99A key feature of the QM8K series is TCL’s new CrystGlow WHVA Panel with ZeroBorder. This new panel design boasts an anti-reflective coating to reduce screen glare along with an ultra-wide viewing angle that TCL claims “virtually eliminates color shift, with a 40% wider color viewing angle” than last year’s QM851G series.ZeroBorder refers to the vanishingly narrow 3-4mm width between the TV’s edge and the display in the QM8K series, a design feature that TCL achieved using a one-piece aerospace-grade aluminum alloy mold and anodized ceramic film to stabilize the display panel.Another QM8K feature is TCL’s Halo Control System. This uses a new “Super High Energy” LED chip, along with a “Super Condensed” micro lens, 23-bit backlight controller, and a Dynamic Light Algorithm to enhance color accuracy and reduce mini-LED backlight “halo” artifacts. Helping in this regard is the increased number of backlight local dimming zones in the QM8K series, with up to 3,500 in the 98-inch model.TCL QM8K series TVs have a 144Hz native refresh rate and FreeSync Premium Pro for gaming. They support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats and feature Audio by Bang & Olufsen, with upfiring drivers in the TV to deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X sound.Google TV is used in the QM8K series as a smart TV platform, and it features an enhanced GUI, hands-free voice control, and an Art Mode with AI Art. QM8K series TVs also feature a built-in ATSC 3.0 tuner for NextGen TV broadcasts.Ultra-wide viewing angle: a welcome additionA new ultra-wide viewing angle feature in the QM8K series could make it a perfect TV for sports viewing (Image credit: Future)One of the biggest weaknesses of mini-LED and regular LED TVs is off-axis uniformity. This essentially means that both picture contrast and colors shift when viewing the TV from off-center seats, so that a viewer seated anywhere other than directly in front of the screen will experience reduced picture quality.When I reviewed the TCL QM851G, I found its picture quality to be fantastic overall, with one main exception: off-axis uniformity. To quote from the review, the QM851G’s “colors and contrast were both diminished when viewing from far off-center seats.” This was the key reason I gave it a 4.5 instead of a 5-star rating for picture quality, and it was the one point that held it back from getting a full endorsement as a recommended TV for sports viewing.The best OLED TVs don’t suffer from the same off-axis uniformity issue, and some of the best mini-LED TVs also implement features to expand the viewing angle. TCL’s specs for the QM8K indicate that it will have a 40% wider viewing angle, so I’m hopeful this new model will provide a vast improvement when it comes to off-center viewing.TechRadar will soon be reviewing the TCL QM8K, so we’ll have more to say about the matter very shortly.You might also likeTCL's 2025 mini-LED TVs for 2025 promise a mind-blowing 50% brightness increaseThe best 75-inch TVs 2025The best 85-inch TVs for 2025

Sekoia researchers warn of new ViciousTrap botnetSo far, it compromised more than 5,000 dated Cisco routersThe devices are vulnerable to an old improper validation bugA high-severity vulnerability plaguing old Cisco routers is being used to build a malicious, global botnet, experts have warned.Cybersecurity researchers Sekoia published an in-depth report on the threat actor - dubbed ViciousTrap - which is using a vulnerability tracked as CVE-2023-20118, to target Cisco Small Business RV016, RV042, RV042G, RV082, RV320, and RV325 Routers.This flaw, found in the web-based management interface, allows an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary commands on an affected device, made possible due to improper validation of user input within incoming HTTP packets.PolarEdge's little brotherUnfortunately, Cisco won’t be patching the bug since the affected devices are past their end-of-life date, WNE Security reported.The vulnerability allowed ViciousTrap to execute a shell script named NetGhost, “which redirects incoming traffic from specific ports of the compromised router to a honeypot-like infrastructure under the attacker's control allowing them to intercept network flows,” Sekoia explained.So far, almost 5,300 devices, found in 84 countries around the world, were assimilated into the botnet. The majority of the victims are located in - Macau (850).This is not the first time Sekoia is ringing the alarm on CVE-2023-20118. In late February 2025, TechRadar Pro reported Sekoia was warning about a botnet named PolarEdge, using the same vulnerability to target a range of devices from Cisco, ASUS, QNAP, and Synology. At the time, roughly 2,000 devices were said to have been affected.For ViciousTrap’s work, all exploitation attempts came from a single IP address, the researchers further discovered, stating that the attacks started in March 2025. It was also said the threat actors repurposed an undocumented web shell previously used in PolarEdge attacks.Although these things are always difficult to confirm, Sekoia believes the attackers are Chinese in origin.Via The Hacker NewsYou might also likeIoT’s botnet problem is up 500% – three things admins must do nowTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator appWe've rounded up the best password managers