News

As the promise of AI to rapidly reshape industries intensifies, the gap between having an understanding of AI capabilities and the skills to implement AI solutions continues to widen. This divide is particularly pronounced between senior leadership, who drive digital transformation, and frontline workers, who are expected to implement and adapt to these changes and use this technology in their everyday work.Recent research highlights the consequences of the AI skills gap, with one-third of UK employees feeling unprepared to adopt AI in the next one to three years. This disconnect between strategy and day-to-day execution on the ground is further underscored by the fact that 77% of UK tech workers admit to pretending they know more about AI than they actually do – illustrating the urgent need for organizations to bridge this gap and promote organization-wide AI literacy.To address this divide, businesses must move beyond top-down mandates and build AI literacy across their entire workforce. Let’s explore why its important to act now, and how to achieve this in a scalable and effective way.Why businesses need AI literacy nowAccording to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report, 39% of current skills in the workforce will become outdated within the next five years, with skills gaps remaining the biggest obstacle to organizational preparedness for future markets. As AI transforms ways of working and skills gaps widen, organizations must act now to equip employees with the knowledge necessary to understand AI applications and leverage them effectively.First and foremost, businesses must recognize that AI literacy is no longer a nice-to-have, but a necessity. Employees need a foundational understanding of how AI works, where it adds business value and how it can be integrated into daily operations.AI has the power to enhance efficiency, streamline workflows and improve business operations, transforming organizations across industries. A key element to upskilling efforts beyond understanding general AI capabilities is equipping team members with the ability to identify the opportunities for AI. They should also focus on building the mindset and awareness required to use AI effectively.For IT professionals, understanding AI fundamentals, such as ethical use, large language modelling and data privacy, is crucial. But technical proficiency alone isn’t enough. Power skills, like critical thinking, communication, experimentation, curiosity and resilience, will be equally important for navigating complex environments and driving innovation. A combination of technical and power skills ensures employees can thrive in their current roles, adapt to evolving technologies and build skills for the future.To embed AI literacy across the entire organization, leadership must take an active role in championing AI literacy initiatives. Without visible executive support, companies risk fragmented adoption and widening disparities in AI understanding between senior leaders and frontline workers. AI must be embraced holistically across all levels, from the boardroom to the frontline.Assessing existing skillsetsWith concern over the AI skills gap growing, 66% of C-Suite executives plan to recruit external AI-skilled talent, while 34% intend to ‘build’ talent internally by training existing employees. This split reflects the broader challenge of staying competitive in a landscape where AI capabilities are impacting the business landscape at a rapid pace.However, as skill lifespans shorten, especially in areas like machine learning, generative AI and data science, businesses can’t solely rely on external hires to stay ahead. The pace of change means that today’s skills can quickly become outdated and hiring new talent each time a skill becomes obsolete is not sustainable or cost-effective. Instead, organizations should strike a balance between hiring new talent and investing in continuous learning and reskilling for existing teams.This starts by assessing the existing skillsets in their team. By conducting baseline evaluations, businesses can compare current skills against benchmarks to identify areas for improvement. This targeted approach ensures learning initiatives are relevant, measurable and aligned with strategic business goals, maximising resource efficiency and impact.Bringing existing employees along on this journey by assessing their existing AI skills and upskilling them appropriately will lead to deeper benefits beyond technical proficiency. This approach also boosts employee retention by demonstrating a clear investment in their growth while also improving the quality of and engagement in their work.Creating an AI literacy frameworkRather than relying on ad hoc training sessions, organizations should establish structured, strategic AI literacy programs that equip frontline workers with the knowledge and skills required to identify AI use cases and drive AI adoption. Building this requires a multifaceted approach to learning, including programs that provide access to foundational AI and data skills, but they are only one piece of the puzzle.Programs such as instructor-led sessions that contextualize AI within specific roles and industries and simulation-based learning allow employees to engage with realistic, AI-powered scenarios. By embedding these learning experiences into workforce development, organizations can future-proof their workforce with the skills needed for the AI revolution.Additionally, continuous learning and adaptability must be central to organizational culture, equipping employees with current and future required skilling opportunities, as technical skill lifespans shorten. Creating AI literacy frameworks ultimately helps teams stay ahead of technological shifts while building overall resilience.Achieving organization-wide AI literacyAI literacy is no longer just for tech teams. It’s a business imperative across the entire workforce. For businesses to reduce the AI skills gap, it becomes even more crucial to bridge the divide between senior leadership and frontline workers.By assessing existing skill sets, implementing comprehensive AI upskilling throughout the organization and fostering a culture of continuous learning, businesses can build an AI-ready workforce that is both prepared for and on board with their business strategy.We've featured the best productivity tool.This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Biometric data, fingerprints, facial scans or iris patterns have long been a key to seamless digital identity. Whether used to unlock a smartphone or verify passengers at airport gates, biometrics are becoming part of everyday life.As these unique identifiers become more prevalent in our personal and professional lives, their worth is skyrocketing with many experts arguing that biometric data could become more valuable than conventional financial assets. This shift raises urgent questions about data privacy, the emergence of a black market for stolen biometrics and the responsibility of companies that collect, store and process this sensitive information. It’s becoming increasingly important to engage in conversation around the main drivers behind biometrics’ surging value, the inherent risks and the steps we must take to protect this new form of digital wealth.The allure of biometric dataBiometric technology offers something that passwords, PINs and physical tokens cannot: a secure method of verifying identity-based on an individual’s characteristics. Fingerprints, facial geometry and irises are far more difficult to replicate than traditional credentials. More importantly, these physical attributes cannot be easily reset, simultaneously their greatest strength and most significant vulnerability.In the UK especially, the popularity of biometrics has skyrocketed. Banks and fintech firms encourage customers to log in through fingerprints or facial recognition, citing convenience and security. At the same time, biometric passports at UK airports streamline queues, providing a look into how identity verification might function for other services in the future.From a business perspective, biometrics have a broad appeal. Fraud is more complex if a criminal cannot simply guess or steal digits. Meanwhile, customers appreciate the simplicity of scanning a fingerprint rather than juggling multiple login details. This combination of security and convenience has given biometric identifiers an economic value that rivals payment cards or cash.Hidden dangers and privacy concernsImportantly, what makes biometric data so appealing for day-to-day transactions also makes it a potential privacy nightmare. Unlike compromised passwords or credit card numbers, biometric attributes cannot be revoked. If a database of facial scans is breached, victims cannot simply “change” their faces to regain control of their information, adding an entirely new dimension to cybersecurity.A case in point is the BioStar 2 breach, where a central biometric security platform left over a million people’s fingerprints and facial recognition data exposed on an unprotected server. Incidents like this are particularly alarming because a single breach places individuals at permanent risk, enabling criminals to create fake fingerprints or exploit stolen face templates.Furthermore, misuse of facial recognition in public spaces can erode fundamental rights, enabling authorities or private companies to track individuals secretly. With UK regulators already scrutinizing facial recognition in law enforcement and public venues and as biometrics become more entrenched, the ethical and legal boundaries around its usage will grow more contentious.The rise of the biometric black marketWhere value grows, criminals follow. Cybercriminals have traded in stolen credit card numbers and personal data for years, but biometric information is emerging as a lucrative commodity. On the dark web, “fingerprint kits” and facial image sets now sell for significant sums. A stolen credit card can be cancelled, but a hacked fingerprint is forever.In some online marketplaces, criminals sell “selfie with ID” packages, bundling a victim’s photograph, personal details, and other documentation. These packages enable fraudsters to defeat facial recognition checks used by banks, cryptocurrency exchanges or government services.Given the intensity of security around biometrics, these bundles fetch higher prices than typical account credentials. This shift shows that shady marketplaces have realized stolen biometrics aren’t just a one-off windfall; they’re the gift that keeps giving to identity thieves.Regulation, ethics and responsibility in the UKUnder British law, biometrics are treated as sensitive personal details. Any organization collecting them must secure valid consent, demonstrate a genuine need and apply safeguards like encryption and minimal storage. Significant lapses risk hefty penalties from the ICO. A potential solution to this is storing said data directly on personal devices rather than central servers to limit the damage a large-scale breach can cause. Yet this is not a common practice in the industry.Following legal rules alone doesn’t guarantee public trust. Firms relying on biometric checks should explain precisely how they gather data, who has access and when it will be deleted. This openness helps prevent backlash and lawsuits; one mistake can severely harm a company’s image. Those handling fingerprints or facial templates have a high duty of care: they must restrict database access and run regular security checks.A few developers use “cancellable” biometrics which lets them invalidate compromised data, though this approach remains uncommon. Equally important is alerting users at once if a breach happens. Concealing problems only deepens the harm, whereas prompt, honest disclosure can preserve goodwill and set a business apart in a crowded marketplace.The future outlookIn the coming years, biometric authentication may become a de facto standard for everything from online shopping to medical records access. This will likely coincide with further growth in the dark web market for biometric data as attackers recognize the long-term exploitative potential. We can anticipate an arms race in which hackers develop new spoofing techniques while security researchers refine liveness detection and AI-driven fraud prevention.On the regulatory front, UK bodies such as the ICO will continue to evolve guidelines to ensure innovations do not jeopardize personal rights. At the same time, international standards, including potential updates to GDPR, will seek to address emerging threats posed by deepfakes and synthetic identities. If biometric data truly becomes “the new currency” of our digital economy, it will demand the same level of oversight as financial assets, if not more.Yet the future need not be dystopian. Done correctly, biometrics can significantly reduce fraud, streamline processes and offer unprecedented convenience. With robust encryption, limited data retention, transparent policies and a focus on privacy by design, organizations can harness the power of biometric technology without undermining trust. The stakes are high, but so are the benefits, provided we prioritize responsible implementation and vigilant oversight.We've featured the best Security Key.This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Summer is almost here for those of us in the northern hemisphere, which means that you might be getting more active outdoors. One way to keep track of all your workouts en plein air is with the Apple Watch Series 10. The smartwatch is back on sale for $299, which is $100 off the regular price. It also matches a record low.

There are a few variants on sale for this price at Amazon, but they all have a 42mm case and are GPS models with no LTE connectivity. If you'd rather have the larger 46mm case, several Apple Watch Series 10 configurations with that are also $100 off at $329.

Not only is the Apple Watch Series 10 a darn good fitness (and wellness) tracker, it's our pick for the best smartwatch overall. Android wielders need not apply, unfortunately, since you need a paired iPhone to set up and use any Apple Watch. If you're not looking for one for yourself, the Apple Watch Series 10 would also make for a great Father's Day gift.

We gave this smartwatch a score of 90 in our review. It's a fairly iterative update, so if you already have an Apple Watch Series 8 or 9 already, it might not be worth upgrading. At least in the US, the blood oxygen feature that was available in previous versions isn't present in the Apple Watch Series 10 following a patent dispute. Some of the Apple Watch Series 10's major features are found in other models too — the sleep apnea detection function is also available on the Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

However, if you're looking for your first Apple Watch or upgrading from a Series 7 or earlier, the Series 10 is probably the best way to go. It has a larger screen than its predecessors, so it'll be easier to see notifications and such. The thinner frame looks rather fetching too.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-apple-watch-series-10-is-back-on-sale-for-100-off-142236780.html?src=rss

Two information disclosure vulnerabilities were found in Apport and core-dump handlerThey affect Ubuntu, Fedora, and Red HatMitigations are available, so users are advised to take a lookCybersecurity researchers from Qualys have discovered two information disclosure vulnerabilities plaguing different Linux distros.The flaws, both of which are race condition bugs, allow threat actors to gain access to sensitive information.The first one is found in Ubuntu’s core dump-handler, Apport, and is tracked as CVE-2025-5054. The second one is found in the default core-dump handler on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 and 10, as well as on Fedora. It is tracked as CVE-2025-4598.Triggering a crashApport is an error reporting tool in Ubuntu that automatically collects crash data and system information, while systemd-coredump captures and stores core dumps of crashed processes for later debugging and analysis.As Qualys explained, for Apport - Ubuntu 24.04 is vulnerable. Versions up to 2.33.0 are affected, as well as every Ubuntu release since 16.04. For systemd-coredump, Fedora 40/41, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9, and the recently released RHEL 10 are all vulnerable. Debian systems aren’t vulnerable by default, Qualys added, since they don’t include any core-dump handlers.In theory, an attacker could trigger a crash in a privileged process and then quickly replace the crashed process before the core-dump handler intervenes.That way, the attackers could access the core dump which could include sensitive information, such as passwords.What’s more, since systemd-coredump does not properly validate the kernel’s per-process "dumpable" flag, a threat actor could crash root daemons that for and set UID to their own user ID. That way, they could read sensitive memory from critical processes.Qualys developed a proof-of-concept (PoC) for both vulnerabilities, and said that to mitigate the vulnerabilities, system administrators should make sure core dumps are securely stored, implement strict PID validation, and enforce restrictions on accessing SUID/SGID core files.More details about potential mitigations, and which commands to run to secure the infrastructure, can be found on this link.Via The Hacker NewsYou might also likeA worrying stealthy Linux security bug could put your systems at risk - here's what we knowTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator appWe've rounded up the best password managers