Tech Republic

Image: DC_Photo via Envato AI’s workplace potential is being hindered by outdated tools and employee concerns, a Lenovo report finds. While 79% of IT leaders see Gen AI as boosting productivity, only 36% say it effectively supports engagement. With 42% of employees fearing it will reduce their contributions and 89% of IT leaders calling for a digital workplace overhaul, businesses must go beyond automation to fully unlock AI’s benefits. Digital workplace tools are failing to support productivity When the researchers surveyed 600 IT leaders worldwide for this Lenovo report, they found that while 79% of respondents believe Gen AI will let employees focus on more impactful work by automating operational processes, less than half said their current digital workplace tools support productivity, engagement, and innovation effectively. The main barrier may be the emergence of large language models (LLMs), which have rapidly accelerated the pace and sophistication of automation. The emergence of Gen AI as a key component of the digital workplace has also introduced new challenges, the report states. More must-read AI coverage Businesses struggle to unlock Gen AI’s full potential Despite Gen AI’s vast opportunities —  including enhanced collaboration, creativity, innovation, engagement, and productivity — business leaders struggle to implement it effectively and achieve meaningful productivity gains. Only 36% believe their AI systems support employee engagement “very effectively,” while a staggering 89% say organizations must first overhaul their digital workplace to unlock Gen AI’s full potential. Another significant challenge is employees’ concerns over privacy, security, and ethics with 35% citing these major barriers to adoption. “That’s why digital workplace transformation is needed,’’ said Linda Yao, vice president of AI Solutions & Services Group, in the report. “It’s about understanding how people stay productive, what their preferences are, and rolling it out to everybody.” Despite hurdles, IT leaders remain motivated — nearly half (49%) say creating a more productive and engaging employee experience is their top priority for the coming year. Delivering transformative productivity requires reinvention To fully realize Gen AI’s potential, organizations must do more than simply automate existing processes; the report outlines three strategies to improve the digital workplace: Unlock productivity and engagement: Tailor the employee experience to each user’s role, requirements, and working style using persona-based configuration. A Gen AI-powered IT support experience will minimize disruptions to their workflow. Simplify the personalization process with Gen AI: Create personas, then configure devices, software, and IT support levels to them. Gen AI automation can be used to ensure disruptions are predicted, detected, or resolved as soon as possible. Reinvent to leverage people’s capabilities: Determine how Gen AI can enhance and augment an organization’s value creation objectives and competitive differentiation. Anticipate and manage the change the technology brings, ensuring employees have the skills and motivation they need to adapt. The report underscores that in order to achieve AI-driven productivity gains businesses must rethink their approach, modernize their digital tools, and actively address employee concerns. source

Choosing the right e-commerce platform goes beyond an online store setup — it’s about finding a scalable, flexible, and future-proof solution that streamlines operations, boosts sales, and drives growth. To identify the best e-commerce platforms of 2025, I conducted hands-on testing, analyzed 41 key data points, and scored each platform on usability, scalability, tools, and innovation for a data-driven comparison. Below are my recommendations: Best overall: Shopify Best for high-volume businesses: BigCommerce Best for enterprise: Adobe Commerce Best for creatives, artists, and portfolio-based e-commerce businesses: Squarespace Best for SEO and design flexibility: Wix Best for businesses adding selling functionality to their existing website: Ecwid by Lightspeed Best for service-based businesses and brick-and-mortar stores: Square Online Best for WordPress users and open-source flexibility: WooCommerce Top e-commerce platforms comparison Below is an e-commerce platform comparison table that shows our rating, the platform’s starting price, and whether they offer a free trial or not. Our rating (out of 5) Online store starting price Free trial Shopify 4.26 $5 Yes BigCommerce 4.13 $39 Yes Adobe Commerce 3.89 Custom quote Yes Squarespace 3.70 $36 Yes Wix 3.70 $29 Yes Ecwid by Lightspeed 3.68 Paid at $25 Free plan Square Online 3.62 Paid at $29* Free plan WooCommerce 3.36 $0 Forever-free Lump sum billing. Shopify: Best overall Image: Shopify Our rating: 4.26 out of 5 Shopify is one of the most user-friendly e-commerce platforms and also excels in multichannel selling, with built-in integrations for Amazon, eBay, Facebook, and Instagram. It is the best choice for businesses that want a beginner-friendly, all-in-one e-commerce platform with multichannel selling and strong third-party integrations. Why I chose Shopify After personally using and testing Shopify for over five years, I still find that it consistently outperforms other e-commerce platforms in usability, store management, and overall value. Its user-friendly backend makes it accessible even for non-tech-savvy business owners, while its built-in marketing tools — including discount codes, email marketing, and abandoned cart recovery — help drive sales. Moreover, Shopify is a favorite among real-world users and industry experts, with its quality customer support frequently praised in third-party reviews. It also innovates twice a year, introducing AI-driven tools and automation to keep merchants ahead. While transaction fees can be high without Shopify Payments, its app marketplace, automation tools, and enterprise solution (Shopify Plus) make it one of the most flexible and scalable e-commerce platforms. Pricing Starter: $5/month (social media selling, basic online store with checkout, contact page, and product pages) Basic Shopify: $39/month (basic features, 2 staff accounts, standard reports) Shopify Plan: $105/month (5 staff accounts, lower transaction fees, advanced reporting) Advanced Shopify: $399/month (15 staff accounts, lowest transaction fees, custom reporting) Shopify Plus: Custom pricing (starts at ~$2,300/month for enterprise businesses) Transaction fees: Payment processing fee: 2.4% + 30¢–2.9% + 30¢ per transaction; 5% per transaction for Starter Transaction fee: 0% transaction fee if using Shopify Payments (otherwise, 0.5%–2% additional fee for third-party gateways) Domain name: ~$10-$20/year SSL certificate: Free, included on all plans Estimated upfront cost: $300-$600 (depends on domain and optional upgrades) Ongoing cost: $39-$399+/month (higher for Shopify Plus) Features Free trial length: Shopify offers a 3-day free trial, followed by a $1/month introductory offer for the first three months on select plans Integrated sales channels: Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Google Shopping, Walmart Marketplace, and Pinterest Mobile app features: Available Manage orders, track inventory, and process payments. Edit product listings and update store settings. Receive real-time notifications for new orders and customer interactions. Standout features: Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop store builder with extensive theme options. Built-in multichannel selling with marketplace and social media integrations. Shopify Payments eliminates third-party transaction fees. Large app marketplace with thousands of third-party integrations. Scales from small businesses to enterprises with Shopify Plus. User reviews: Third-party user reviews have the following sentiments: Users appreciate the ease of use, strong multichannel selling options, and extensive app ecosystem. Some users find transaction fees high when not using Shopify Payments, and customization can be limited without coding. Shopify’s website builder is easy, intuitive, and customizable. (Image: Shopify)   Pros and cons Pros Cons Extremely beginner-friendly with drag-and-drop customization Incur transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments Massive app marketplace for extending store functionality Customization limitations without using code (Liquid language) Scales well from small to enterprise businesses (Shopify Plus) Limited built-in (search engine optimization) SEO features compared to BigCommerce Excellent multichannel selling (social media, marketplaces, in-person) Reliable support and vast online resources BigCommerce: Best for high-volume businesses Image: BigCommerce Our rating: 4.13 out of 5 BigCommerce is the best platform for businesses looking to scale without incurring additional transaction fees. It’s one of the few platforms that supports headless commerce, giving brands greater flexibility by separating the storefront from backend operations. BigCommerce is an excellent option for growing e-commerce brands that need powerful, built-in features. Why I chose BigCommerce BigCommerce is a powerful Shopify alternative that offers scalability without transaction fees, allowing businesses to use any payment gateway without extra costs. Unlike Shopify, which relies on apps for advanced SEO and product management, BigCommerce provides built-in tools like faceted search, AMP support, and advanced product filtering, making it a strong choice for brands that depend on organic search traffic. However, its design customization is more limited than WooCommerce or Adobe Commerce, and some users find its interface less intuitive than Shopify. Still, for businesses that need growth-friendly pricing, scalability, and enterprise-level features, BigCommerce is one of the best options available. Pricing BigCommerce offers tiered pricing based on revenue thresholds rather than fixed feature limits. Standard Plan: $39/month (up to $50K in annual sales, no transaction fees) Plus Plan: $105/month (up to $180K in annual sales, abandoned cart saver) Pro Plan: $399/month (up to $400K in annual sales, advanced search filtering) Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing (for high-volume businesses, additional support, and API capabilities) Transaction fees: None on all plans (only standard payment processor fees apply) Domain name: ~$10-$20/year SSL certificate: Free, included on all plans Estimated upfront cost: $0-$100 (depends on domain and optional upgrades) Ongoing cost: $39-$399+/month (scales based

Key Takeaways Point-of-sale (POS) security operates through a combination of hardware and software protections designed to prevent unauthorized access and data theft. A well-planned POS security includes multi-layered programs, such as encryption, tokenization, and network segmentation. Businesses should also be prepared with an incident response plan in the event of a data breach. Strengthening POS security is not only essential for data protection but also for maintaining customer trust and regulatory compliance. At the core of every business operation is a POS system. In addition to processing transactions, POS systems also store customer-sensitive information and integrate all other business management tools into a single hub. Unfortunately, this makes POS systems prime targets for cybercriminals looking to steal business intelligence, credit card information, and personal data. Without reliable POS security, businesses are in danger of data breaches, which can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. What is POS security? POS security is a collection of strategies, technologies, and best practices designed to safeguard POS from cyber threats. Given that POS terminals handle sensitive payment information, multiple security measures must be in place to prevent data breaches and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Effective POS security is not just about installing the most advanced anti-malware software in the market. It also requires a complete understanding of your business network system that will allow you to identify every access point that hackers may exploit. This includes everything from your customer’s use of mobile devices to make payments to your employee’s use of company email. How does POS security work? The POS system has multiple direct access points — POS terminals, ecommerce websites, and merchant dashboards — as well as indirect channels that eventually give them access to your POS system. This includes piggybacking their hacking programs on legitimate connections, such as company computers and integrated third-party software. To address these vulnerabilities, businesses set up multiple layers of securities beginning with a built-in fraud protection program and network firewall that protects every device and platform connected to your POS system. While there are many sophisticated POS security strategies, each one will include the following key components: End-to-end encryption (E2EE): Converts plaintext data into an unreadable format called ciphertext from the moment it is entered from the payment gateway until it reaches the payment processor, preventing interception. Tokenization: Replaces sensitive cardholder data with unique tokens that reference the sensitive data but have no intrinsic value, making it useless to hackers. Network segmentation: While a POS system is interconnected with the rest of the company’s network, the infrastructure operates in smaller segments with its own security measures to reduce exposure to threats. User authentication and access control: Restricts POS access points with protocols, such as passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), challenge-response tests like CAPTCHA, and role-based permissions. Intrusion detection systems (IDS): Monitors POS networks for suspicious activity and potential breaches from known POS malware. Network firewall: Security program that controls network access based on established company security policies. Regular software updates and patch management: Ensures POS applications are regularly updated with security patches that allow their internal fraud protection tools to recognize the latest cyber threats. In addition to internal security policies, businesses also require their partners that have access to their systems to meet compliance with industry regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Related: What is PCI Compliance? Common POS security threats Below are some of the most common threats along with real-life incidents that show how data breaches impact business operations: Malware attacks: Cybercriminals use malware to infiltrate POS systems and steal payment data. Ransomware is a type of malware virus. Example: January 2025, Lowe Engineers, based out of Atlanta, Georgia became victim to ransomware Lynx, which resulted in the compromise of confidential engineering project information and client data. Skimming: Use of a physical device (attached to a POS terminal) or a set of malicious codes used to steal cardholder information. Example: In May 2024, ALDI, a large supermarket chain, published a notice of data breach on its website. Card skimming devices were discovered in five of its locations. Example: In Jan 2022, cybercriminals managed to embed a Magecart skimmer within Segway’s online store code that captured credit card data while customers entered their information on the website’s online checkout. Phishing: Cyber attacks that are meant to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links. These links redirect victims to spoof websites or embed malicious software in the user’s computer in an attempt to steal sensitive data. Example: In February 2024, Change Healthcare, fell victim to a phishing attack, capturing a user’s login credentials. This resulted in an estimated $1.6 billion in cost and 100 million users of the company’s services affected. Brute force attack: A method used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access through using an algorithm that can generate all possible password combinations. Example: In 2016, Dunkin’ Donuts paid $650,000 in fines and damages due to a brute force attack that gave hackers access to more than 300,000 user account information until 2018. See: How Much Time Does it Take for Hackers to Crack My Password? Insider threats: Employees with access to POS systems may intentionally or unintentionally compromise security. Example: In May 2023, two former Tesla employees leaked 75,000 sensitive personal data of current and former employees to a foreign media outlet. The breach also included Tesla production secrets and complaints about Tesla’s full self-driving features. Understanding these threats helps businesses implement proactive POS security measures and protect customer data from evolving cyber risks. Related: POS Terminals Explained By Experts Enhancing your POS security in 4 steps Securing your POS system requires a proactive approach with multiple layers of defense. Here are four steps to enhancing your POS security: 1. Conduct regular risk assessment Regularly evaluate potential security vulnerabilities within your POS infrastructure, covering hardware, software, and network configurations. Hardware and software: Ensure that all operating systems and applications are updated to patch security flaws. Enable encryption, restrict internet-facing components, and replace default

Image: crosathorian/Flickr/Creative Commons Last week, Amazon sent an email to select Echo users, warning they must now consent to having their Alexa voice recordings sent to the company’s cloud for processing. The email was sent to users with the Do Not Send Voice Recordings setting enabled on their Echo speaker or smart display, which ensured their commands are processed locally on the device; however, starting March 28, this setting will no longer be available, and all recordings will be processed at Amazon data centres, the company confirmed to TechRepublic. On the cutoff date, any Echo that still has this setting enabled will automatically switch to Don’t Save Recordings, meaning voice commands will be transmitted to Amazon’s cloud for processing but deleted afterward. Any previously saved voice recordings will also be deleted, and Alexa’s voice ID — a feature that recognises individual users’ voices to provide personalised responses — will be disabled. In its email, Amazon stated the decision to discontinue the Do Not Send Voice Recordings setting was made to “expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud.” This indicates that Amazon is collecting more voice data to enhance AI training and improve its smart speaker technology. More must-read AI coverage GenAI and the push for more voice data TechRepublic reached out to Amazon for confirmation, and a spokesperson returned a boilerplate statement saying the company is “focusing on the privacy tools and controls that our customers use most and work well with generative AI experiences.” SEE: US to Launch Cyber Trust Mark to Label Secure Smart Devices This news came just a few weeks after the unveiling of Alexa+, an AI-powered version of Amazon’s digital assistant. Set to launch this month, Alexa+ will take in data from a user’s home cameras, emails, personal calendars, and more to provide intelligent responses. The Amazon Devices department, which focuses on Alexa-powered hardware, has not been profitable in recent years, reportedly losing $25 billion between 2017 and 2021, according to The Wall Street Journal. Competing with Apple’s Siri, Google’s Gemini, and ChatGPT’s voice capabilities could be key to Amazon’s long-term survival in the smart assistant market. Amazon’s troubled history with privacy concerns The email sent to Echo users stressed voice recordings will be encrypted while in transit, and that the Amazon cloud was “designed with layers of security protections to keep customer information safe.” Given Amazon’s track record on voice command privacy, some users may be uneasy with the new settings. In 2023, Amazon agreed to pay $25 million in civil penalties for indefinitely storing children’s Alexa recordings, violating child privacy laws. That same year, Amazon’s Ring was fined $5.8 million after an investigation revealed employees and contractors had unrestricted access to customers’ private video footage. Amazon also faced backlash for quietly storing Alexa recordings by default until a U.S. Senator publicly questioned Jeff Bezos about the practice — five years after the first Echo was released. Prior to the change, the Do Not Send Voice Recordings setting was only available to U.S.-based users with an Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, or Echo Show 15 set to English. Despite affecting a limited number of users, those who are especially security-conscious and use their devices solely for basic, offline activities may see this as a privacy compromise after purchasing a product they considered aligned with their security needs. source

Gone are the days of the leather wallet and chunky billfold. Instead, people are turning to digital wallets: mobile phone-, tablet- and smartwatch-based tools that securely store payment details and other information. This technology is used to make payments in a more secure fashion than traditional credit card swipes and cash. But there are other benefits too, especially for small business owners. Let’s dive into what digital wallets are, how they work, and how they’re going to help your business up its payments game. What is a digital wallet? A digital wallet is a virtual tool that allows businesses and individuals to store and manage payment information electronically through a secure app that encrypts payment info. This safekeeping eliminates the need to carry physical bank cards. Anytime you need to pay someone, you simply tap your smartphone or device and the digital wallet handles the rest. These apps are all the rage. Capital One’s 2025 Digital Wallet Statistics research report found that as early as 2023, 53% of American shoppers relied on a digital wallet more than a traditional version. Worldwide, there are over 3.4 billion digital wallets in existence, which will swell to over 5 billion by 2026. The benefits are mutual for consumers and small business owners. Digital wallets speed up transactions thanks to simplified checkout. They also avoid cumbersome cash transactions and reduce the risk of handling physical cards. These improvements can spawn increased revenue and happier customers. It’s not all about the money, though. Digital wallets can also keep frequent flier points, loyalty cards, coupons, tickets, and personal identification documents close at hand. SEE: What is a Cashless Society? How do digital wallets work? Digital wallets function by securely storing users’ payment information. A person must first create a wallet, and then enable it on their smartphone using an app. Apple Pay and Google Pay are two examples of popular digital wallets. Once an account is created, they add their payment source details to the platform by either entering the information or using the phone’s camera to scan all the relevant data straight into the app. When a person makes a purchase, the wallet charges a person’s bank card or other source of funds. However, the merchant isn’t privy to private data. Instead, the wallet sends the money to the business, cloaking actual account numbers. This eye for security protects everyone involved and makes it hard for fraudsters to lift credit card numbers. In-person payments via a digital wallet rely on near-field communication (NFC) to enable touchless transactions. For example, a customer can tap their smartphone to an NFC-enabled terminal to complete a purchase. Some wallets also generate one-time codes or use QR codes for added security. Did you know? Digital wallets can also be used to pay for online purchases. Customers will just have to choose their digital wallet from the checkout options and either enter the transaction reference or scan a QR code displayed on the screen to complete the payment. Some are even more sophisticated and can be accessed outside of the app. For example, PayPal users can log on to their PayPal wallet from a web browser. Digital wallets typically support multiple funding sources, such as credit and debit cards, cryptocurrency, and bank accounts. These options grant users flexibility over how they pay. For example, if a customer forgets their billfold at home, they can still pull up their preferred credit card on their smartphone. SEE: What is a Digital Payment? Types of digital wallets Let’s go over the three main types of digital wallets. Closed wallets Closed wallets are specific to a particular company or brand. They allow customers to make transactions only with the issuer of the wallet. For example, Amazon Pay is a closed wallet that enables customers to store funds and perform transactions primarily within the Amazon ecosystem. There is limited use outside this realm. Small businesses yearning to exact control over their customers’ transactions may offer closed wallets. Semi-closed wallets Semi-closed wallets enable users to transact with a select group of merchants accepting the wallet. An example is Paytm, which allows customers to pay online and offline merchants, provided they are authorized. This type of wallet is ideal for businesses operating within a specific network of partners. Open wallets Open wallets are the most versatile. They allow users to make payments across various platforms and stores, both online and in physical locations. Examples include Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and PayPal. This type is more conducive to small businesses because they reach a broader range of customers. SEE: Top 6 Mobile Payment Methods to Consider Pros and cons of digital wallet payments Pros Convenience: Digital wallets eliminate the need to carry physical cards and remember PINs, making it more convenient for consumers. Easy to use: With the prevalence of smartphones and mobile apps, customers easily learn how to use digital wallets in their day to day transactions. Increased security: Encryption and one-time codes are used to secure transactions. Some providers support biometric verification like facial recognition. Contactless payments: A simple tap of the device or QR code scan is all that’s needed to transact, making it a breeze at checkout. Integrated loyalty programs: Many digital wallets house rewards programs, like frequent shopper points and virtual punchcards — which is a boon for small businesses trying to boost loyalty. Reduced costs: Enhanced security and faster checkout times are conducive to more satisfied customers and a better bottom line. Cons Limited adoption: The tried-and-true swipe or cash transactions are still commonplace, but digital payments are growing by leaps and bounds. Dependence on technology: If the internet or cellular network coverage is spotty, some digital wallets won’t work. And, of course, a dead phone battery could mean the transaction itself is DOA. Startup costs: You’ll need to purchase NFC-enabled payment terminals or a QR code reader. You may also pay increased fees to accept some forms of payment common to digital wallets, like cryptocurrency. Security risks: Though digital wallets are

Image: TechnologyAdvice The March TIOBE Index has revealed an interesting trend: legacy programming languages are growing in popularity among developers. Delphi/Object Pascal is clinging onto a top 10 spot, while COBOL and new entry Ada appear further down the list. However, Python remains firmly in the number one position, accounting for 23.85% of search engine queries, job postings, and educational references — an 8.22% from March 2024. In January, TIOBE Software CEO Paul Jansen referred to it as the “default language.” It’s simply so popular among non-software engineers working to get into programming. Top 10 programming languages in March 2025 According to the TIOBE Programming Community index, the following are the top 10 programming languages in March 2025: Python: A general-purpose programming language commonly used for back-end development and data science. A good programming language for beginners. C++: Very similar to C, with the addition of classes and objects. C++ is well-suited for game and system development. It may be relatively difficult to learn. Java: An exceptionally good language for AI, app, and web development. Java requires relatively advanced skills to learn. C: A programming language often used in app and system development. Its syntax is similar to other popular languages, making it a useful branching-off point for beginner developers. C#: Used in app, game, and web development, C# is an object- and component-oriented programming language similar to the C and Java language families. JavaScript: A scripting language often used for app, game, and web development as well as web servers. JavaScript is simpler and more flexible than Java, which makes it inappropriate for some programming tasks but often easier to learn. Go: Go is a relatively easy-to-learn language that is good for back-end development and working with APIs and web services. SQL: A programming language intended to be used to store and process information in databases. Visual Basic: A programming language with a drag-and-drop user interface good for front-end and full-stack development. Delphi/Object Pascal: Object Pascal is an object-oriented programming language spun out of the Pascal language by Apple developers and often used with the Delphi compiler. Notable movements in the top 10 list in March TIOBE’s proprietary points system considers the most popular programming languages according to various large search engines. Image: TIOBE Software Go and Visual Basic both climbed one position, reaching seventh and ninth respectively, indicating a return to their rankings from January. SQL dropped to eighth place, while Delphi/Object Pascal is barely holding on to a top ten spot after only entering it at the start of the year. Further down the board, Ada experienced similar growth in popularity, rising from 24th place to 18th place year-over-year. The following were the top 10 programming languages in February 2025: Python C++ Java C C# JavaScript SQL Go Delphi/Object Pascal Visual Basic Must-read developer coverage Top 10 programming languages in January 2025 The top 10 programming languages in January 2025, according to the TIOBE Programming Community index, are: Python C++ Java C C# JavaScript Go SQL Visual Basic Fortran Top 10 programming languages in December 2024 The top 10 programming languages in December 2024, according to the TIOBE Programming Community index, are: Python C++ Java C C# JavaScript Go SQL Visual Basic Fortran Top 10 programming languages in November 2024 The top 10 programming languages in November 2024, according to the TIOBE Programming Community index, are: Python C++ Java C C# JavaScript Go Fortran Visual Basic SQL Top 10 programming languages in October 2024 The top 10 programming languages in October 2024, according to the TIOBE Programming Community index, are: Python C++ Java C C# JavaScript VisualBasic Go Fortran Delphi/Object Pascal What is the TIOBE Index? The TIOBE Index is an indicator of which programming languages are most popular within a given month. Its proprietor, TIOBE Software CEO Paul Jansen, notes the index is not a prize for the “best” language or a list of in which programming language the most code has been written; instead, he uses popular search engines to determine which languages are most used among professional programmers, programming courses and third-party vendors. source

In an age where almost every prospective customer or client is connected and online, an organization’s website often functions as the first point of contact. This is also the age when many employees perform work activities through a website interface. These factors mean the website is extremely important to the success of an organization, regardless of industry. In such an operating environment, a website must reliably and seamlessly provide each visitor with a memorable and functional experience. To ensure their website’s user experience is predictable, consistent, and reliable, organizations typically hire specialists known as site reliability engineers. These individuals have experience and expertise in both the front-facing aspects of website design and user experience and backend support functions like cloud computing, database management, and artificial intelligence. Key considerations when hiring a site reliability engineer Hiring the best site reliability engineer can be easier than you think. Key considerations involve establishing the right salary, identifying necessary personality traits and skills, clarifying job duties and responsibilities, specifying desired competencies and experience, preparing effective interview questions, and crafting a job advertisement. For example, the role of a site reliability engineer mostly revolves around writing and developing code to automate processes such as analyzing logs, testing production environments, and responding to any issues that may arise. The site reliability engineer is a software developer with experience in and knowledge of IT operations. Because coding is such an important part of this role, programming skills are vital. This also means many positions will require individuals with significant experience. Practical experience in IT operations and development planning is also a major consideration. In addition, site reliability engineers will need to have knowledge and experience with various automation tools because they are often responsible for building and integrating software tools to enhance an organizational system’s reliability and scalability. Successful candidates will have demonstrable skills in cooperation and social interaction. They should also have advanced verbal and written communication skills. Experience with tools specifically used by your company will be a plus, but adaptability and the ability to learn on the job will be paramount. Choosing the right site reliability engineer for your business Researching all the aforementioned considerations can be a time-intensive effort, and formulating the right interview questions can be a challenging part of the process. Fortunately, TechRepublic Premium’s hiring kit, with its adjustable framework, is now available to help your business find the ideal candidate for a site reliability engineer position. To explore how a candidate processes project information, the resource covers an interview question on how the candidate writes a piece of code, from requirements to delivery. This question expects candidates to mention requirements analysis, specifications, and architecture in their response. Recruiters must also note the candidate’s programming language choices and check if they match the company’s. Another major role of a site reliability engineer is troubleshooting problems, failures, and other contingencies. This role means that such individuals are subject to immediate response requirements during non-typical working hours. This level of on-call pressure requires candidates with strong mental and physical constitutions, particularly where production systems are involved. To look into this, the hiring kit includes a question that delves into how the candidate handled pressure and stress in the past. If this appeals to you, the 12-page hiring kit is available for $19 at TechRepublic Premium. source

Image: United States Department of Justice The U.S. Secret Service has seized the website of Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, marking a major international crackdown on a platform accused of helping criminals launder billions of dollars in illicit money. In a joint operation involving law enforcement from the U.S., Germany, Finland, Estonia, and other European countries, Garantex’s domains — Garantex.org, Garantex.io, and Garantex.academy — were taken offline and now display a takedown notice from the Secret Service. Authorities say the exchange has been a key player in cybercrime, processing more than $96 billion in transactions since it launched in 2019. Investigators claim much of that money came from hackers, drug dealers, and even terrorist groups. “The seizure of website domains associated with Garantex’s operations and the freezing of over $26 million in cryptocurrency strikes a serious financial blow to cybercriminals worldwide,” said Michael Centrella, assistant director of the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Field Operations. Two men behind the scenes — Aleksej Besciokov, a Lithuanian national living in Russia, and Aleksandr Mira Serda, a Russian citizen — have been charged with money laundering conspiracy, and other crimes. Besciokov also faces charges for violating sanctions and operating an unlicensed money business. According to U.S. court documents, both men knowingly helped criminals move money through Garantex and even worked to hide their activities from authorities. In one case, they allegedly gave Russian police false records about an account tied to one of the suspects. Must-read security coverage A history of red flags This isn’t the first time Garantex has been on the radar. In 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the exchange, accusing it of being linked to the infamous Conti ransomware gang and Hydra, a now-defunct darknet marketplace. Despite these sanctions, the exchange reportedly continued to do business by changing wallet addresses daily to dodge detection. They also kept working with U.S. customers, despite being blacklisted. On Thursday last week, the crypto stablecoin issuer Tether froze $28 million worth of its tokens held on Garantex. Shortly after, the exchange announced in a Telegram post that it suspended all operations, including crypto withdrawals. “We have bad news,” the company wrote in Russian. “We are fighting and will not give up!” SEE: $1.5B Bybit Hack is Linked to North Korea, FBI Says, in Potentially the Largest Crypto Heist Ever A warning shot to other crypto outlaws? Law enforcement and cybersecurity experts are calling this a significant victory in the battle against illegal cryptocurrency activities. Michael Centrella of the U.S. Secret Service said the operation “strikes a serious financial blow to cybercriminals worldwide.” Meanwhile, blockchain analysis firm TRM Labs called the seizure a “major milestone” in the global fight against crypto-related crime. source

Just about every online service requires visitors to create an account, and that typically means more passwords than you can possibly remember. With repetitive passwords considered a poor security practice, using password managers becomes imperative as they help to generate and store complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Among the top password managers on the market are NordPass and Bitwarden. While NordPass is notable for its quality encryption and VPN integration, Bitwarden’s open-source and self-hosting options make it a worthy alternative. But how do you determine which to use? Let’s find out. NordPass: Best for ease of use and suite of security programs with the Nord Security family of software. Bitwarden: Best for open source password management and generous free version. NordPass Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Micro (0-49 Employees), Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Micro, Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Activity Log, Business Admin Panel for user management, Company-wide settings, and more Dashlane Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Micro (0-49 Employees), Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Micro, Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Automated Provisioning ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Access Management, Compliance Management, Credential Management, and more NordPass vs Bitwarden: Comparison table The table below holds a summary of how both password managers stack up against each other. NordPass Bitwarden Our rating 4.6 stars out of 5 4.6 stars out of of 5 Native authenticator app Yes Yes Open source No Yes Encryption Uses XChaCha20 encryption Uses 256-bit AES encryption Password autofill Yes Yes Command Line Interface No Yes Free plan available Yes, (for one device) Yes (can be used on multiple devices) Built-in VPN Yes No Starting price Paid plan starts at $1.69 per month for one year Price starts at $0.83 per month; $10 billed annually Free trial Yes. Offers 30-day NordPass Premium trial and 14-day NordPass Business trial Yes. Offers 7-day free trial for most plans Visit NordPass Visit Bitwarden NordPass and Bitwarden: Pricing NordPass pricing NordPass offers two subscription tiers: Personal and Business. All of NordPass’ premium plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee and the Free plan includes a 30-day Premium free trial you can avail of as well. Meanwhile, NordPass also offers a 14-day free trial of its Business subscription. Personal: Free plan Premium plan Family plan 1-year plan Free $1.69 per month $3.69 per month 2-year plan Free $1.29 per month $2.79 per month Feature differences Autosave and autofill; secure storage; one user per session All Free features plus access on multiple devices, password health, data breach scanner, and file attachments All Premium features for six user accounts Business: Teams plan Business plan Enterprise plan 1-year plan $1.99 per user, per month $3.99 per user, per month $5.99 per user, per month 2-year plan $1.79 per user, per month $3.59 per user, per month $5.39 per user, per month Users Up to 10 users only From 5 to up to 250 users Unlimited users Feature differences Company-wide settings and Google Workspace SSO All Teams features plus Security Dashboard, Shared Folders All Business features plus SSO with Entra ID / MS ADFS / Okta, User and Group Provisioning, Sharing Hub Bitwarden pricing Bitwarden also offers a variety of plans under their Personal and Business tiers. Bitwarden has a seven-day free trial for its Families plan and a seven-day trial for its Teams subscription on the business side. Below is an overview of pricing and feature differences for both. Personal: Free plan Premium Families Free $0.83 / $10 billed annually $3.33 per month Unlimited devices, passkey management, unlimited password storage All Free features plus integrated authenticator, emergency access, security reports, and file attachments Up to 6 users; All Premium features plus unlimited sharing and collections, organization storage Business: Teams plan Enterprise plan Custom plan $4 per month, per user $6 per month, per user Contact Sales for price quote Secure data sharing, event log monitoring, SCIM support, Directory integration All Teams features plus Custom Roles, Passwordless SSO, Free Families Plan for all users, Self-host option, Enterprise policies Depends on your customized requirements NordPass vs Bitwarden: Feature Comparison When it comes to features, both NordPass and Bitwarden offer solutions for security, password sharing, encryption, and more. I’ve included their standout features below: Authentication Both NordPass and Bitwarden offer two-factor authentication (2FA) solutions to add an extra layer of protection for your accounts. NordPass Authenticator uses biometric, possession and knowledge-based authentication methods. Its time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs) expire every 30 seconds and serve as the second login factor you input alongside your password. The Authenticator also comes with QR code scanning and manual key entry options for easy setup. Bitwarden’s Authenticator also utilizes TOTPs for secure logins and offers options for QR code setup and manual key entry. Everyone can store authenticator keys in Bitwarden, but generating the codes requires a premium account or membership in a paid subscription such as a Families, Teams, or Enterprise plan.. Bitwarden Authenticator. Image: Bitwarden Password import and export You can import your saved passwords from other password managers like 1Password and LastPass using NordPass on desktop devices or import passwords from browsers using the Android app. Note: To import files into NordPass, you need to organize the CSV file accordingly. NordPass password import. Image: NordPass Bitwarden also supports importing and exporting data via its Password Safe in CSV. Data must be imported to Bitwarden from the web vault or Command Line Interface (CLI). In my testing, I found that importing data into the Bitwarden vault does not check for duplicates, so this should be done carefully. Bitwarden password import dashboard. Image: Bitwarden Password sharing NordPass offers secure password sharing across most of its plans. You can send passwords securely via the NordPass app, or you can

Speedify VPN fast facts Our rating: 3.1 stars out of 5.00 Pricing: Starts at $7.49 per month Key features: Dedicated free version. Can combine multiple internet connections. Servers from 55+ locations. As its name suggests, Speedify VPN focuses on speed to set it apart from the competition. It has unique functionality like a bonding feature that combines multiple internet connections for better speed and the ability to share cellular connections amongst other Speedify users. While these speed-centric features can be appealing, Speedify lacks essential security and privacy features we expect from a VPN in 2025. It’s also priced relatively higher than other VPNs with a smaller server network — making it harder to justify against other feature-rich, more secure, and more affordable options available today. Rippling IT Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Activity Monitoring, Dashboard, Data Security, and more Semperis Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise Features Advanced Attacks Detection, Advanced Automation, Anywhere Recovery, and more ESET PROTECT Advanced Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+) Any Company Size Any Company Size Features Advanced Threat Defense, Full Disk Encryption , Modern Endpoint Protection, and more Speedify VPN Pricing Annual Three-year plan Monthly Speedify Individual $7.49 per month $4.99 per month $14.99 per month Speedify for Families $11.25 per month $7.50 per month $22.50 per month Speedify Teams $7.49 per user per month N/A $14.99 per user per month Ideally, users want VPN subscriptions to be priced at around $4-$5 per month for an annual plan and between $10-$12 per month for a monthly plan. However, Speedify VPN subscriptions are on the pricier side. Speedify Individual, designed for individual users, is priced at $7.49 per month for the annual plan and $14.99 per month for the monthly plan. The plan includes up to five simultaneous device connections, but this is on the lower end compared to other VPNs — such as CyberGhost VPN which offers seven simultaneous device connections and Private Internet Access, which offers unlimited connections. Speedify also offers Speedify Teams, which comes with centralized account management. However, it doesn’t provide reduced rates per user compared to its usual monthly price, unlike Windscribe or TunnelBear’s teams implementation. While Speedify Teams offers features like the ability to purchase dedicated servers and command line access, discounted pricing could incentivize more organizations to make the spend. In addition to the monthly and annual options, Speedify has a three-year plan for both its Individual and Teams subscription. If you’re set on a Speedify subscription, their three-year Families plan is the best value. At $7.50 per month, you get five accounts, with up to five simultaneous device connections, at the same monthly fee for an Individual annual subscription. I can see this being a good option for small teams or businesses. Speedify has a full free version that doesn’t require any card or personal information. However, it’s data capped, so free users only get access to 2GB per month. Speedify VPN Free Version Speedify’s Free version. Image: Luis Millares Speedify includes a full free version that gives users access to the VPN with no email or sign up required. However, it has a 2GB data cap per month that will realistically only give you about an hour to a day’s worth of use — depending on how you use it. During my time using Speedify’s free version, I was impressed with its speed. Many free VPNs are fairly slow as a way to entice you to upgrade to the paid version. Having a fast free version could be Speedify’s way of letting users get a feel for their VPN’s fast performance — prioritizing the free tier’s speed instead of giving more data for regular use. Speedify’s free version can theoretically be useful for one-off instances where you need to switch to a different IP location in a pinch. But if you’re looking for a free VPN that doesn’t have a data limit, you should consider Proton VPN instead. Speedify VPN Pros Offers good speed and performance. Has a free version. Unique multi-internet bonding feature. Allows for cellular network sharing amongst Speedify users. Speedify VPN Cons No independent audit. Lacks OpenVPN or WireGuard security protocol. Free version is limited to 2GB per month. On the expensive end. Official site logs too much data for our liking. DNS leak protection can be buggy. Security: Is Speedify VPN safe? Speedify lacks important security features that prevent me from calling it a safe VPN. It doesn’t include leading security protocols OpenVPN and WireGuard, and instead uses its own proprietary Speedify protocol designed to provide fast performance. Not having at least OpenVPN is a big miss in the security department, as it’s widely considered the most secure VPN protocol today. While having a fast-performing protocol can be valuable, Speedify should give users the option to prioritize security over speed. For encryption, Speedify comes with the military-grade AES-256 encryption and ChaCha cipher for older devices. It also comes with a built-in kill switch and protection against DNS leaks. Speedify advertises a no-logs policy that states that their VPN does not log browsing activity, sites visited, or applications used. However, it sadly isn’t backed by an independent audit, which would help verify its security and privacy claims. One peculiar thing is that Speedify’s privacy policy contradicts their own VPN’s no-logs policy. It states: “When you use our website to learn about our services, we store your IP address, the type of browser you are using, the pages you access, and your operating system.” Speedify also says that it records “what time each connection begins, how long each connection lasts and the amount of data used.” To me, this is a significant amount of data recorded when visiting their site, especially since it concerns a VPN that’s typically used to reduce data logging in the