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Fake AI tools climb search rankings to spread ransomware and malwareCybercriminals are targeting tech marketing and B2B users with cloned installersTalos has uncovered threats that are using branding tricks and search manipulation tacticsCybercriminals are already using AI to make phishing emails more convincing, and now they’re manipulating search engine results to spread malware disguised as AI tools.New research from Cisco Talos claims these fake downloads appear to be legitimate software, often promoted through search engines and social platforms, and are predominantly targeting users in the tech, marketing, and B2B sales industries.Talos recently uncovered several threats distributed this way, including ransomware families CyberLock and Lucky_Gh0$t, as well as a destructive new malware called Numero.SEO manipulation Talos says these threats use familiar branding, fake websites, and misleading metadata to trick users into downloading and running infected software.In one case, attackers created a clone of a known AI service, “NovaLeads,” and used SEO manipulation to rank the fake site near the top of search results.When victims downloaded what appeared to be the legitimate installer, it executed CyberLock ransomware, written in PowerShell, which encrypted targeted files and demanded a $50,000 ransom in Monero. The ransom note falsely claimed the payment would fund humanitarian aid.Lucky_Gh0$t ransomware, another discovery, was bundled with real Microsoft AI tools inside a self-extracting archive named “ChatGPT 4.0 full version - Premium.exe.” Once executed, it encrypted files smaller than 1.2GB and deleted or corrupted larger ones.The newly identified malware, Numero, is especially destructive. Disguised as an installer for a video AI tool, it repeatedly runs a loop that corrupts the Windows interface by overwriting GUI elements with numeric strings, rendering systems unusable.These campaigns exploit rising demand for AI software and target sectors most likely to adopt these tools quickly. With data centers, businesses, and individuals increasingly reliant on AI platforms, the potential harm from such threats is growing.Talos warns users to be cautious when searching for AI tools online and to only download software from trusted vendors.You might also likeStay protected with the best endpoint protection tools aroundWe've also rounded up the best malware removal toolsAI is making phishing emails far more convincing with fewer typos and better formatting

As promised, Nintendo has updated a bunch of Switch games to support the Switch 2. Unlike Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, these don't cost a dime. Just install them on your new console when it arrives, and enjoy next-gen enhancements.

The list includes Mario's greatest hits from the Switch era. Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe are all there. Ditto for the top-down Zelda titles: Echoes of Wisdom and Link's Awakening.

The Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom may require a purchase. They'll set you back $70 or $80 new, but if you already own the games, it's only $10 each. (And Switch Online Expansion Pack members get the enhanced updates for free.) Regardless, at least you have a sharper-looking open world to explore for paying a second time.

Here's the complete list of (free) updated games, which also includes Pokémon and Captain Toad.

ARMS – visual upgrades (resolution, frame rates and HDR)

Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain – GameShare (up to four players, local / online GameChat sharing)

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker – visual upgrades (resolution and HDR) and GameShare (two players in all courses, local / online GameChat sharing)

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics – GameShare (up to four players can play 34 games, local / online GameChat sharing)

Game Builder Garage – visual upgrades (resolution), Joy-Con 2 mouse control

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – visual upgrades (resolution)

Pokémon Scarlet – visual upgrades (resolution, frame rates)

Pokémon Violet – visual upgrades (resolution, frame rates)

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury – visual upgrades (resolution, frame rates and HDR), GameShare (up to four players in Super Mario 3D World, two players in Bowser's Fury and local / online GameChat sharing)

Super Mario Odyssey – visual upgrades (resolution, frame rates), GameShare (two players, local / online GameChat sharing)

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom – visual upgrades (resolution, HDR)

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening – visual upgrades (resolution, HDR)

The Switch 2 launches on Thursday. Here's how to (maybe) still get one in time.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-rolls-out-switch-2-updates-for-super-mario-odyssey-and-other-switch-games-174202849.html?src=rss

Maybe you’ve camped out all night, or you’ve refreshed furiously at the risk of breaking your F5 key, but tomorrow you are finally getting your hands on the Nintendo Switch 2. After tearing it open and booting it up, you might quickly realize that the console’s functionality out of the box is basically non-existent. You have just purchased a very expensive paperweight.

This is all by design, as Nintendo wanted the console as locked down as possible in order to prevent leaks ahead of time. They didn’t even send review units to press ahead of launch this time around (it’s fine, I’m not bitter). Now that the Switch 2 is out in parts of the world where it’s already June 5, we’re getting our first look at the patch notes for the console’s day one update.

The Version 20.1.1 update for the Switch 2 basically turns the console on. The day one update enables support for Switch 1 games, virtual game cards, the Nintendo eShop and those Game-Key cards where the physical card you bought doesn’t actually contain the game, but allows you to download it. The patch notes themselves include some fairly important features like "use of Nintendo Switch Software" and "Nintendo Switch Online." You can read the full patch notes at nintendolife.

Users will be prompted to update their consoles during initial setup, so it should be a seamless experience. I won’t give them the clicks by linking here, but suffice to say seeing leakers and hackers get their hands on the console early only to realize they can’t do much of anything was strangely satisfying.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendos-day-one-update-for-the-switch-2-is-just-a-big-on-switch-175136898.html?src=rss