Saturday, 31 July 2021

How to Prevent Unknown Users From Adding You to WhatsApp Groups

WhatsApp users can avoid being added to random groups by tweak their privacy settings. Follow the steps mentioned below to add a wall of protection and eliminate group spam.

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How to Schedule an Email in Gmail via Desktop Browser, App

Google added email scheduling to Gmail in April of 2019. It allows you to draft a mail and send it at your chosen time in the future. Email scheduling on Gmail is available on both the mobile app and the desktop browser.

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Xfinity home internet review: Is the biggest cable provider the best? - CNET

Available to more than one-third of US households, Comcast's home internet service is a viable option for many. But is it a clear first choice?

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Spectrum home internet review: Keeping it simple - CNET

Charter Communications' broadband service, available to over 33% of the population, aims to win you over by cutting to the chase.

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Hughesnet satellite internet review: Dependability over speed? - CNET

For Americans in rural areas, slower satellite internet may be the only option. Explore what to expect from one of the country's most available providers.

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WOW home internet review: Cable internet done a bit better - CNET

These three letters may not be as familiar as AT&T or Cox, but this cable internet provider is a key player in several states.

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Verizon home internet review: Simply the best? - CNET

Though its broadband service is only available to about 20% of the US, Verizon aims to be better than all the rest. Does it succeed?

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CenturyLink home internet: Get a fiber price that's mighty nice - CNET

Its Quantum Fiber product can be found in 25 states, but the DSL alternative -- which is more widely available -- falls short.

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Cox Communications home internet review: High speed, but at what cost? - CNET

Considering going with Cox for your home's internet connection? Read this first.

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Best rewards credit cards for August 2021 - CNET

Earn cash back, travel points, welcome bonuses and more with these credit cards.

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Best weighted blanket for 2021 - CNET

Bearaby, Yaasa, Layla and more: These are the best weighted blankets for faux cuddles.

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SolarWinds hackers nailed federal prosecutors' offices, Department of Justice says - CNET

Email accounts were breached at nearly 30 US Attorneys' offices, the DOJ says, as it provides new details of an attack revealed last December.

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New batch of 1.5 million unemployment refunds: IRS schedule, tax transcripts and more - CNET

More refunds on 2020 unemployment compensation are being issued throughout the summer. Here's what to know about your money and how to check online.

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Best 0% APR credit cards for August 2021 - CNET

The right 0% credit card could save you big money in interest payments.

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Best travel credit cards for August 2021 - CNET

Level up your travel and dining experiences with the right travel rewards credit card.

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How to watch Can vs Wood: live stream boxing WBA Featherweight title fight

British champ Leigh Wood has a chance to demonstrate he can compete at the top tier of boxing tonight as he takes on China's  Xu Can for the WBA Featherweight (Regular) title.

The first of three consecutive Fight Camp cards over the coming weeks, tonight's event marks something of a new era for British boxing with it being the first card for Eddie Hearn's Matchroom promotions following their newly-penned exclusive deal with streaming service DAZN after moving from Sky Sports.

Read on to discover the fight time, full card and your best Can vs Wood live stream options to watch, with DAZN the main broadcaster around the world.

Can vs Wood live stream

Date: Saturday, July 30

Venue: Matchroom HQ (Brentwood, Essex)

Can vs Wood ring walk time (approx): 6pm ET / 3pm PT / 11pm BST / 8am AEST (Sun) / 10am NZST (Sun)

Global live stream: get DAZN in 200+ countries (exclusding Australia and New Zealand) from just £1.99 p/m 

Can I get a free trial? Yes - but only for DAZN Canada

Watch anywhere: try our No. 1 rated VPN 100% risk-free

Tonight's event had originally been set to be headlined by Conor Benn vs Adrian Granados, but the 24-year-old British welterweight champ was forced to pull out following a positive covid test.

Tonight's main event marks the first time that Can has fought for 20 months, but the 126-pound star has insisted he has never been better prepared coming into this fight.

Can won his title after defeating Jesus Rojas in January 2019, and has since gone on to defend his crown on two occasions. 

The 27-year-old from Jiangxi, will likely be looking at tonight's fight as a stepping stone to a showdown with the winner of next month's clash between Mauricio Lara and Josh Warrington.

Follow our guide below to catch this big fight - here's how to watch Xu Can vs Leigh Wood online and get a Can vs Wood live stream, no matter where you are in the world.


Xu Can vs Leigh Wood live stream options

You can watch Can vs Wood for free - but only in certain parts of the world. And you can at least get the fight dirt cheap in other countries.

The cheapest of the cheap sees DAZN UK available for just £1.99 a month - a big saving, compared to the steeper DAZN US price of $19.99 a month.

Boxing fans in Canada are also in luck, as while it costs 20 bucks in the Great White North, you can get a FREE trial of DAZN in Canada, as well as in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Brazil and Japan.


Xu Can vs Leigh Wood live stream: how to watch the fight online with DAZN

Streaming service DAZN  has the rights to show the Can vs Wood fight all over the world, including the US, UK,  and Canada. The only exceptions it seems is that DAZN in both Australia and New Zealand won't be showing the fight. 

A DAZN contract in the US will set you back $19.99 per month, or $99.99 for the year. 

DAZN Canada is priced similarly at $19.99 per month, however a 12-month subscription comes in at $150. It's one of the few places that offers a FREE DAZN trial though.

And a DAZN subscription is currently dirt-cheap in the UK, with it priced at an ultra-affordable £1.99 a month.


Xu Can vs Leigh Wood time

Coverage of the main card starts on DAZN at the somewhat early time of 7pm BST in the UK and 2pm ET /  11m PT in the US and Canada. 

The headline act is expected to start around 10pm BST local time, making it a 5pm ET / 2pm PT on start on Saturday afternoon in the US - though this of course depends on how long the earlier fights last.

What is DAZN? All about the sports streaming service

Pronounced 'Da Zone', DAZN is a sports-centric streaming service that launched in 2016 and is now available in over 200 countries all around the world including the US, Canada, and the UK.

Its offering varies by region, but as an idea, it owns the rights to the Premier League, Champions League, NFL, cricket, snooker, rugby union and more in Canada - one of its original and biggest markets.

It's also seeking to challenge the pay-per-view boxing hierarchy, and is landing an increasing number of coups.


How to watch Xu Can vs Leigh Wood if you're away from your country 

As we say, DAZN has this wrapped up pretty much everywhere. But if you're abroad and discover that your coverage is geo-blocked, then the only alternative that we know is to use a VPN to dial in to a country that is showing the fight.

The software is perfect for this as it allows you to change your IP address and appear to be in a completely different location - and all through a safe, encrypted connection. Here's how to get started.

Use a VPN to live stream anywhere

ExpressVPN is the world's top VPN
We've tested all of the major VPN services and we rate ExpressVPN as the absolute best. It's compatible with loads of devices including iOS, Android, Amazon Fire Stick, PlayStation, Apple TV and such, and we found it secure, speedy and simple-to-use. 

Another great perk is the fact that it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and 3-months FREE, so you can see if it's right for you with no strings attached.

Once you've downloaded the software, just follow the prompts to install it then select the location you want to relocate your IP address to - it really is that easy.

- Try ExpressVPN 100% risk-free for 30 days

Remember, there are loads of benefits to using a VPN beyond just helping you regain access to streaming services and content from abroad. One of the biggest is security: by using encrypted tunnels, VPNs give you a robust first-line of defense against cybercriminals and government snooping. This makes everyday tasks like online shopping and banking much safer, and many people choose to use one for that reason alone.

However, those looking to subscribe to DAZN for the first time may find the service manages to effectively block certain VPNs at the point of creating an account. VPNs most notably encounter obstacles starting from scratch with DAZN Canada, though in other places like the US our general sports VPN recommendation was working fine in 2021. 

And if you've already got an account, a VPN should work wherever you are to help you regain access to pre-existing subscriptions.


Who is Xu Can? 

China may be the world's most populated country, but Xu Can's unique rise through the ranks marks him out as one of the first fighter's from the country to make a big impact on the world stage.

Nicknamed the "The Monster" for his trademark relentless punching, (he managed to throw a stunning 1,562 shots in his title defence against Manny Robles II, a figure that ranked as sixth most punches delivered by a fighter since CompuBox starting taking records), Can has made two successful defences of his title since Jesus Rojas in January 2019.

having not fought since November 2019, his progression has been put on hold largely thanks to the pandemic, but a win tonight should help underline once more that he has the potential to become one of the sport's biggest stars.

Who is Leigh Wood?

Nicknamed Leigh-Thal, 32-year-old Leigh Wood is the current the British featherweight title holder.

The Nottingham-born fighter has built back his career after his early promise was curtailed following a defeat to Gavin McDonnell for the British Super Bantamweight in 2014.

After making a successful step up to the 125lb division, Wood  claimed the Commonwealth and WBO European featherweight belts, but his progress suffered a setback last year after losing a majority points decision to fellow Brit Jazza Dickens at York Hall.

An impressive TKO win over Reece Mould in February this year however appeared to show he was back to his best, setting up tonight's title challenge.

Xu Can vs Leigh Wood: Fight Camp 2 full card for Saturday's fight

  • Can Xu vs Leigh Wood (WBA ‘Regular’ Featherweight Title Fight)
  • Tommy McCarthy vs Chris Billam-Smith (Cruiserweight)
  • Campbell Hatton vs Jakub Laskowski (Super-Featherweight)
  • Anthony Fowler vs Rico Mueller (Super-Welterweight)
  • Avni Bildirim vs Jack Cullen (IBF International Super-Middleweight Title Fight)
  • Sandy Ryan vs Kirstie Bavington (Super-Lightweight)



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Swimply lets you swim in a stranger's pool. It's less weird than you think - CNET

It's like an Airbnb-style for swimming pools. Your visit may or may not include a giant unicorn floatie.

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Netflix: 40 best movies to see tonight - CNET

Rom-com Resort to Love is out now.

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Best credit card for August 2021 - CNET

The best credit cards for cash back, travel and balance transfers -- plus our top picks for students, Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers and Apple Pay enthusiasts.

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Will your advance child tax credit payments affect your 2022 taxes? They might - CNET

If you receive too much money from the IRS, you may have to return part of this year's monthly child tax credit payments next year. Here's what to know.

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Netflix: The 40 best TV shows to watch tonight - CNET

Season 4 of supernatural Western Wynonna Earp is out now.

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Cellebrite: The mysterious phone-hacking company that insists it has nothing to hide

Cellebrite refers to itself as a digital intelligence company, but this opaque description doesn’t paint a particularly clear picture.

In short, digital intelligence is code for device hacking; Cellebrite helps government and law enforcement agencies break into the smartphones and laptops of people under investigation - provided the client has legal grounds for doing so.

The Israeli firm has attracted plenty of criticism in recent years from data privacy activists who say its practices are ethically unsound. Others have attacked the company for failing to disclose the active vulnerabilities it exploits to break into devices.

However, Cellebrite is steadfast in its stance that its technology does far more good than it could possibly do harm. It also points to inconsistencies in the arguments of its detractors; there is little criticism of the execution of physical search warrants, says CMO Mark Gambill, so why should different rules apply in the digital sphere?

“We get lumped with surveillance companies, but that’s not what we do. And you cannot use our technology without a legal warrant, so if used correctly there is no breach of privacy,” he told TechRadar Pro.

“There are countless examples of our technology being used for social good; to find missing children, break up drug trafficking rings and more. But unfortunately, we’re in an environment where sensationalism sells.”

However, whether intentionally or otherwise, Cellebrite has courted an air of mystery that it now seeks to dispel ahead of a Nasdaq listing that is set to value the company at $2.4 billion. According to Gambill, Cellebrite has nothing to hide.

Legislating for abuse

Cellebrite says it serves roughly 6,700 customers worldwide, the vast majority (circa 5,000) of which hail from the public sector. In this context, there are three main facets to the company’s services: data collection, analysis and audit.

As Gambill explains, criminals have become extremely savvy about using technology, and predictably, are often unwilling to volunteer their unlocked devices. With legal approval, Cellebrite’s Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED) can be used to extract data stored on smartphones, computers, smartwatches and more, sometimes by exploiting active vulnerabilities in the operating systems.

Cellebrite

Cellebrite UFED Touch (Image credit: Cellebrite)

At a software level, Cellebrite’s Physical Analyzer tool then helps clients dig through the terabytes of data often stored on consumer devices today. The company combines keyword-based filtration with artificial intelligence (AI) to surface specific information.

Finally, in order to preserve evidentiary integrity, Cellebrite’s hardware is supported by a management suite that keeps a strict activity log and audit trail.

“It’s critical to have transparency about who is handling evidence, because there are concerns about both privacy and tampering,” said Gambill. “Our solution is able to demonstrate precisely who has accessed what data and when.”

Even more than most companies, Cellebrite has a responsibility to pick and choose which clients it works with. Indeed, Gambill admits there have been instances in which its technologies have been misused, although he stressed these are extremely rare.

To shield against this eventuality, Cellebrite has designed its hardware such that it cannot be used by anyone other than active licensees. Updates rolled out every couple of weeks also mean that out-of-date Cellebrite kit is effectively useless, “unless you want to make a flower pot out of it”, Gambill quipped.

Asked about the potential for a current licensee to misuse the hardware behind closed doors, he told us it would be “very difficult” without Cellebrite finding out. “It’s about having the ability to monitor what’s occurring and, in rare situations where someone goes rogue, to take decisive steps.”

Cellebrite

Cellebrite cable kit and ruggedized case (Image credit: Cellebrite)

Gambill also notes that Cellebrite has pulled its products from a number of countries, including China and Russia, that it believes may use its technology in an unethical manner or that rank poorly in human rights indices.

However, multiple privacy advocates, such as non-profit Access Now, claim the company has not gone far enough to legislate against the potential human rights abuses its arsenal is capable of facilitating. Further, they say Cellebrite has been too slow to cut ties with unsavory clients and took action only as a result of public pressure.

In a recent open letter, Access Now and its peers argue that Cellebrite has long been aware of the potential for abuse, yet knowingly continued to sell its products into repressive regimes, in the likes of Saudi Arabia and Myanmar (something ex-Cellebrite employees have corroborated). Until it has “taken sufficient measures to comply with human rights”, the firm should not be allowed to go public, the activists say.

Grey area

Late last year, Cellebrite made an enemy of messaging company Signal. The firm had recently announced support for Signal file types and also released a report suggesting it had cracked the platform’s famous encryption, but this was later debunked and referred to as “embarrassing”.

A few months on, Signal CEO Moxie Marlinspike released a report of his own, in which he demonstrated vulnerabilities in Cellebrite hardware. In the same post, he claimed the company “exists within the grey - where enterprise branding joins together with the larcenous to be called ‘digital intelligence’”.

He also joked he was “willing to responsibly disclose the specific vulnerabilities we know about to Cellebrite if they do the same for all the vulnerabilities they use in their physical extraction and other services to their respective vendors, now and in future.”

Asked about the ethics around holding onto vulnerabilities that could potentially be abused in the wild by malicious third parties, Gambill gave us an indirect response. He described the company’s relationship with device vendors, such as Apple, as one of “coopetition”, an amalgam of cooperation and competition.

“Apple is a key partner of ours in many ways. Certainly, we all respect the right of people to ensure their phones have the right types of security and encryption from the standpoint of privacy,” he said.

“At the same time, we have an obligation to provide technology and tools that aid in investigations. The means by which we do that is part of our secret sauce.”

Privacy

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Valery Brozhinsky)

Gambill explained he does not recognize a contradiction between the company’s attitude towards privacy and its approach to vulnerability disclosure, partly because it has legal grounds for its behavior and partly because the ends justify the means. 

“What we do is provide technology that you can only use with a legal warrant and to me that does not suggest operating in any grey areas - it’s pretty cut-and-dry,” he told us. “A lot of it is about educating the marketplace further about what exactly our technology does and the positive outcomes that come about as a result.”

And yet, ahead of its Nasdaq listing, Cellebrite is working to establish a standalone committee designed to ensure it always operates within the law and in the most ethical manner possible. This panel will be made up of people with no previous association with the company, says Gambill, but the full purview of the new board is still being ironed out.

Depending on perspective, the move could be celebrated as a laudable effort to nip issues in the bud before they occur, or instead regarded as evidence the company is aware there are immediate ethical problems to be solved.

Ultimately, whether something is legal and ethical are two separate questions, one objective and the other subjective. Although Cellebrite may well operate within the bounds of the law, whether it operates within the bounds of morality will continue to provide fuel for debate.

Ironically, as noted by Stanford researcher Riana Pfefferkorn, the company’s ability to break into devices might actually have a net positive effect on privacy. She says the firm acts as a kind of “safety valve”, relieving pressure on smartphone manufacturers to create backdoors into their devices, which many would consider an unmitigated disaster.

Whether this “uneasy equilibrium” stands the test of time, though, will likely depend on Cellebrite finding a way to make itself more palatable to an increasingly vocal and privacy-conscious technology community.

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Sony sold 10 million PS5 consoles. Don't have it? This is what you're doing wrong

Trust and credibility

PS5 restock Twitter tracker Matt Swider

(Image credit: Matt Swider / Instagram)

PS5 restock tracker Matt Swider has helped 63,000 people in the US buy a next-gen console in 2021 with his tireless 24/7 tracking, in-stock Twitter alerts and exclusive restock reporting.

Sony has sold more than 10 million PS5 consoles as of today, according to the latest official sales figures announced this week. But this news doesn't tell the whole story.

If you're having trouble finding PS5 in stock, we have our 24/7 PS5 restock tracker Matt Swider, who will send you an alert – if you follow his Twitter account and turn on notifications. But we also have advice on what's been preventing many of the followers from getting the console in the first place.

Here are ways to overcome the "shortage" of PS5 consoles – even though Sony has called this the fastest-selling console to date. You'll still need expert advice, and we have that, along with expanded details below.

Quick PS5 sales advice at a glance

  1. When will PS5 be for sale? Follow our PS5 restock Twitter tracker Matt Swider and turn on notifications for restock alerts. It's the fastest way to get updates.
  2. Subscribe to live coaching on YouTube: Our PS5 restock live stream videos are helping people check out of retail stores in the US. They're all different and we're coaching you through so you can join those 10 million PS5 units sold.
  3. Stop trying to buy PS5 Digital: Seriously stop trying to save $100 on a console that will cost you more money in the long run (Disc games get cheaper faster) because Sony isn't making the PS5 Digital version nearly enough. 
  4. Give in and get a PS5 bundle: standalone consoles are targeted by resellers, who can easily turn a profit off of a $499 PS5 Disc console. People refusing bundles are often the ones who have to wait the longest.
  5. Don't buy from other Twitter users: they're all scams. Only buy from the US stores Matt alerts you about. No one will sell a PS5 for just $550.

1. Follow a PS5 restock Twitter tracker

Matt sends out these console restock alerts every time the PS5 is in stock in the US. His exclusive reporting on the GameStop PS5 restock led to around 800 people finally getting the Sony console through his alerts.

PS5 restock Twitter GameStop

(Image credit: Matt Swider / Twitter)

Directions: Click on this image of an example of this Best Buy PS5 restock alert from Matt Swider and turn on notifications (that little bell icon) for instant alerts.

PS5 restock Best Buy Twitter alert with advice and two PS5 consoles

(Image credit: Matt Swider / Twitter)

2. Get our live PS5 stock coaching through YouTube

So we've recently expanded our advice from simply sending out alerts on Twitter (we still do that) and breaking news here on TechRadar, to live coaching people on how to check out of the various US retailers via YouTube.

These YouTube PS5 restock live streams have helped walk people through the step-by-step process of buying a PS5. You need an edge if you're going to join the group of Sony fans who are part of its 10 million PS5 units sold.

Click on the image to subscribe to our YouTube PS5 restock tips and tricks.

PS5 restock at Sony Direct with Matt Swider and a PlayStation 5 console

(Image credit: Matt Swider / Instagram)

GameStop is different from Best Buy, and all are from Walmart, which is a mess all on its own. Target, which offers online purchases for same-day in-store pickup is the easiest to buy if you ask the right questions. And you can do exactly that in a PS5 restock live stream.

3. Stop trying to buy PS5 Digital – stick with Disc

PS5 Digital Edition is tempting, and we get it. It costs $100 less than PS5 Disc and who needs a disc drive in 2021, many people will ask. What Sony hasn't disclosed is how many of the 10 million PS5 consoles were PS5 Digital. Our guess? A lot less than PS5 Disc.

PS5 restock

(Image credit: Future)

When American retail stores like Best Buy, Target and Walmart stock the PS5, they always have more PS5 Disc inventory than Digital; the latter runs out almost instantly. And we've also seen inventory numbers showing this extreme. Target, right before one PS5 restock, had 40 PS5 Disc consoles and one single PS5 Digital in several stores. Sure enough, PS5 Digital was a flash of a restock the next day.

It's more than the 40:1 lopsidedness of PS5 Disc vs PS5 Digital. We also offer advice showing that PS5 Disc will save you more money in the long run. Disc games get far cheaper faster than their digital counterparts where Sony is the gatekeeper of the online PlayStation Store. Competition and used games are what make PS5 Disc a far better – and cheaper – option in the long run.

4. Give in and get a PS5 bundle

"But I don't want those games," said a Matt Swider follower when he complained how impossible it was to buy a PS5 and he's been trying for months. After a five--minute conversation, Matt shot back, "Well, the PS5 GameStop restocks are bundles and they're easier to get... if you really want it." 

The follower was aghast, "Did you just say if I really want it?!"

It's true though. PS5 bundles are easier to buy than the standalone consoles simply because resellers and bots scoop up the inventory before real customers are able to check out. GameStop and Antonline sell bundles, and they sell out in about three minutes (when the companies don't play funny business with the sometimes working add-to-cart button).

We've seen resellers in line at Best Buy buying RTX graphics cards, including the coveted RTX 3080, asking us "Is this the good one?" No one in that line got the RTX 3080 for gaming. Everyone who did buy it was trying to turn a profit. That's exactly what's happening – at Best Buy and Walmart especially – when there are no bundles. GameStop has even limited "early access" to restocks to its paid PowerUp members, and in a way, that's a good thing.

Don't fall for PS5 scams 

These are everywhere these days and it's preventing people from buying a PS5 due to the fact that they just sent all of their money to an overseas scammer.

These PS5 scammers are ruthless, too: they'll change their name and profile picture to match the official PlayStation brand and logo, they eagerly reach out to victims only charging $550 for the "one extra" that they happen to have, and they'll even go as far as sending the victim a video of "their console" right before the purchase – even writing the victim's name on a piece of paper to prove it's not a stock photo.

And people fall for it – daily. Matt gets 100 messages a day asking if these accounts, some of which are verified hacked accounts – are legit. In all cases, the answer is no. If stores like Best Buy don't have PS5 stock for more than a few minutes, no one is here to early sell you a console through CashApp for just $550. Think about it.



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Friday, 30 July 2021

Amazon Prime Video: The 25 best films to see tonight - CNET

Here are the highlights for this week.

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Broadway, Met Opera will require proof of vaccination and masks as shows resume - CNET

Theater is reopening in New York, but shows are taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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Breakthrough COVID infections in fully vaccinated people aren't so rare, CDC says - CNET

After recommending some fully vaccinated people go back to wearing masks indoors, the CDC drew criticism for not citing its sources. Here is one of its sources.

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Netflix: 40 best movies to see tonight - CNET

The Last Mercenary, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, arrives this weekend.

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9 hidden Amazon perks besides Prime shipping and video to save you money - CNET

You already know the famous features: Prime Video, Prime Music and Prime's free shipping. But there's a ton of Amazon perks that you might not know about and will want to start using ASAP to save.

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Netflix: The 53 best TV shows to watch tonight - CNET

Season 2 of Outer Banks is out now.

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Chevy COPO Camaro returns in a big way with Big-Block V8 power - Roadshow

The drag strip special is back for 2022 with a massive 572-cubic-inch V8 under the hood.

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What is PCI compliance? A Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) guide

It would take almost ten years for the world to recognise that, as the internet was evolving in the late 1990s, so was online payment fraud. 

Consequentially, credit card industry leaders developed a set of payment security standards. In December 2004, American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, Mastercard, and Visa teamed up to introduce PCI DSS 1.0 .   

Fast forward to today, and card fraudsters and network hackers have to contend with advanced PCI DSS version 4.0

Don't allow your business to become complacent, though. Even industry-leading POS systems are still at risk of a card data security breach, so it's best to use precaution and become PCI compliant. In late 2020, Forbes reported on two payment terminal manufacturing giants who unintentionally made hacking customer credit card data easier.

These days an independent body—created by the founding members of PCI DSS, (namely, the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC))—manage and administer PCI DSS. In this quick read, we'll explore the definition of PCI, business benefits, implications when not adhered to, and how staying compliant can build customer confidence.



What is PCI DSS compliance? 

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or PCI DSS, is a data security standard which protects transactions made with cash, or branded debit and credit cards from the major providers. 

How does PCI DSS protect my customers?

It protects purchasers against misuse of their payment and personal information. Complying with PCI DSS is also likely to build trust in the relationships between you and your customers, as they're aware that your business is conforming to a globally recognised information security standard. By doing so, their data is less likely to be breached.

Data breaches risk heavy penalties under the Regulation: up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover – whichever is greater.

IT Governance

How does PCI DSS protect my business? 

PCI DSS can help your organisation in so many ways. It ensures that you are accepting, storing, and processing payment data in the most secure way possible. It can also help you, or the payment organisations you work with, to prepare for and defend against network attacks by hackers looking to harvest card data. 

Aside from protection, it may also boost your brand's reputation. Putting customer safety first is an attractive feature in any business, after all. 

Why does PCI DSS and security matter?

Image of padlock against circuit board/cybersecurity background representing PCI compliance

(Image credit: Future)

Throughout the years PCI DSS continues to develop its guidelines to better protect merchants and consumers from credit card data theft. 

PCI DSS compliance should be a top priority for you as merchant, as securing the customer payment process can lead to an uptake in successful customer sales.

Is PCI compliance required by law? 

Gavel

(Image credit: Tingey Injury Law Firm via Unsplash)

No, PCI DSS compliance is a regulatory standard, not a law. 

However, the legal ramifications and financial penalties for not complying with the standard, especially in the event of a data breach, can be weighty. 

IT Governance report that, under EU GDPR law companies who are non-compliant face "up to €20 million or 4% of [your business'] annual global turnover – whichever is greater" if theft or a network breach takes place.  

What happens if my business is not PCI compliant? Does my business need to be PCI compliant?

If a business is not PCI DSS compliant, they are liable for any fraud that takes place in their organization. Merchants could end up paying thousands in fines if there is a breach in security, and risking consumer loyalty. 

Additional liabilities may include: 

  • Fines upwards of $100,000.00 per month until the merchant is compliant 
  • All fraud losses from the compromised accounts
  • Credit monitoring fees, law suits, and more from state and federal governments
  • Costs to reissue stolen cards
  • Costs for future prevention measures 
  • And more…

PCI DSS provides detailed guidelines for merchants to make the compliance process manageable and successful. Initially, merchants have to complete an annual PCI self-assessment questionnaire

Your level of responsibility will be dependent upon the gross number of Visa, Mastercard or Discover transactions processed within your merchant account. 

Questions for the assessment can include: What do you do with receipts? Do you store card data in any way – and if so, is it written on paper or stored electronically? And others to establish the appropriate level for the merchant. Typically, a payment processing advisor is assigned to the merchant to assist with any questions or concerns. 

What are PCI requirements?

Woman sat on porch using credit card and phone at sunset

Following the PCI DSS requirements helps instil customer confidence when they pay for your services.  (Image credit: Oscar Wong via Getty Images)

There are 12 official PCI DSS requirements. We have condensed these into six points, each listed each below. 

Condensed PCI Security Requirements

1. Build and maintain a secure network utilizing a firewall and thoughtful passwords

2. Protect cardholder data in a safe place, encrypt data across open networks

3. Incorporate anti-virus software and develop secure systems to protect against vulnerabilities

4. Only allow limited, trusted parties to access cardholder data, assign unique IDs for individuals with access, and restrict physical access to data

5. Implement regular system and network tests, and change passwords frequently

6. Establish a security policy for employees and partners

Which PCI level applies to my business?

Woman audits business paperwork for PCI compliance

(Image credit: Kiyoshi Hijiki via Getty Images)

The type of PCI compliance you engage with depends solely on how many transactions you process. 

You'll then know if you need to comply with Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 of PCI DSS compliance. This is regardless of if you are online retailer, or have physical storefront. We take a closer look at the different levels below. 

PCI compliance levels
Level 1 PCI compliance Level 2 PCI compliance Level 3 PCI compliance Level 4 PCI compliance
Applicable if you process: Over 6 million card transactions annually 1 to 6 million transactions annually 20,000 to 1 million transactions annually Less than 20,000 transactions annually
Action to be taken External auditor must conduct business assessment Complete a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) Complete a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ) Complete a self-assessment questionnaire (SAQ)

If your business is completing more than six million transactions a year an External Auditor must conduct a business assessment. This is to support the business, offer guidance, and see how well it is meeting the PCI compliance standards. The auditor the submits a Report on Compliance (RoC).

PCI DSS myths debunked

The PCI Security Standards Council have put together a fantastic list of myths about PCI DSS that tend to deter businesses. A popular one is that it's too hard to setup. Beyond that, we've referenced other myths below, so you can quash industry gossip and become PCI compliant without any doubts. 

Simply swipe through the slide deck, using the arrows either side of the slide. 

Image 1 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

If your customers use cash, or a credit or debit card to pay for your services, you should be PCI DSS compliant.

Image 3 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

False! PCI applies to all businesses who require payment. 

Image 4 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Not true. You need to comply with the full criteria. 

Image 5 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

You need to protect all customer payment related data.

Image 6 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

This is false, you need to be compliant regardless of business size. 

Image 7 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Nope, completely untrue...

Image 8 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Very bad idea. Your business will be open to extra penalties if you wait for this, or any other signal that you need to comply.

Image 9 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

False. 

Image 10 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Wildly inaccurate and potentially illegal if you store customer data without consent. As a merchant you should not store:


Image 11 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Not true. 

Image 12 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

It is your responsibility to ensure your business is PCI DSS compliant, don't leave it up to another business, or chance. 

Image 13 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

PCI compliance affects every area of the business, because the financial penalties you may receive if you don't comply will mean every area of your business loses money. 

Image 14 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

To an extent, yes, but it's not hacker-proof. 

Image 15 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

Untrue. 

Image 16 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

You may need an external auditor, but this depends on the number of transactions you process per year. So, maybe depending on your business. 

Image 17 of 17

PCI myth

(Image credit: Future)

See myth #9. 

What is the relationship between PCI DSS and EMV compliance? 

Visa and MasterCard PCI compliant credit cards

(Image credit: Pexels)

PCI DSS is a set of security standards to implement alongside EMV technology. Meanwhile, EMV is incorporated to prevent fraud. Read our full guide to What is EMV?

Final thoughts

While PCI compliance allows merchants the opportunity to take the right steps to protect their business and customers from fraud, it is not hacker-proof. Business owners should be mindful to look for other security layers that protect customer data. 

Looking at years past, the most problematic areas merchants have with requirements include security system processes and testing, security policies and management, and maintaining secure systems. 

In the end, business owners must take action and must think towards the future. As a society, our digital footprint is in its infancy and as technology evolves, so must security to protect merchants and consumers. Solutions can make a world of difference when smart processes and strategies are implemented in conjunction. 



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Horizon Forbidden West reportedly delayed until early 2022

Horizon Forbidden West has reportedly been delayed until the first quarter of 2022, according to a new Bloomberg report.

This would push the Horizon Forbidden West release date back from its previous window in late 2021, delaying another of the games Sony showcased for the PS5. While developer Guerrilla Games never gave a specific release date for the game, its executives previously suggested the game would come out this year, and the company tweeted in May that ‘development is on track.’ 

While GamesBeat’s Jeff Grubb reported on his podcast that Sony was deliberating on whether to delay the game, Bloomberg’s source affirms that the publisher has indeed delayed it.

See more

Developing...



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Optimising homes could almost halve energy bills

Smart home optimisation could save UK households an average of 49% on their annual energy bills, according to the results of a Core4Grid2 trial that was backed and funded by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The Core4Grid2 trial used geo’s Whole Optimisation Solution, combined with EDF smart meter data. In doing so, it managed rooftop solar generation and home battery storage in 24 homes.

The trail used machine learning to assess the best use of smart meter tariffs and energy generated by the home. The technology used in the trial was able to balance stored and self-generated energy with grid energy to reduce energy costs and emissions in households.

Smart meter rollout has ‘immense potential’

The Core4Grid2 trial brought together geo, energy supplier EDF, distribution network operator UK Power Networks, energy aggregator Upside Energy, consultancies Cambridge and Everoze and the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust.

The trial ran for two years and concluded in February this year. It has shown the significant potential for reducing bills through smart optimisation, with households involved in the trial also witnessing a 14% reduction in their emissions.

Overall, the trial has shown "the immense potential of Great Britain’s smart meter rollout", according to geo chief executive officer, Steve Cunningham. He added that the trial "clearly shows how households can actively – and automatically – reduce their carbon footprint, reduce their bills and at the same time, play a critical part in the drive towards net zero."

The great news is that many households are currently benefitting from smart meters. As of May this year, almost 25 million smart meters and advanced meters had been fitted in homes across Britain.

Now, thanks to the success of the Core4Grid2 trial, we can also see how smart meters can link to other innovative technologies to further drive down costs for homeowners and help tackle climate change.

Cut your energy bills today

The results of the Core4Grid2 trial are incredibly promising. However, it’s likely to be several years until the technology reaches the mass market.

That said, if you’re looking to lower your energy bills and go greener in the process, then run an online energy comparison today and switch to a green energy provider. Many of the country’s best energy suppliers now offer green tariffs, and as an added bonus, they’re usually among the cheapest on the market. Plus, if you don’t currently have one installed, the vast majority of suppliers now offer smart meter installations.

To run an online energy comparison, you’ll just need to provide some basic details about your home and your energy use. You’ll then be shown all the best energy deals in your area from the UK’s leading suppliers. To narrow down your search, you can filter your results so that you only see green tariffs that include 100% renewable electricity. 

Find the best energy deal for your home
TechRadar has partnered with MoneySupermarket to help you find the best energy deals in your area. Our energy comparison tool takes less than five minutes to use, and could save you hundreds on your energy bills. Save money now



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Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 is fixing one of the most annoying issues for developers

With the recent release of Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 Preview 2, Microsoft has introduced a brand-new Hot Reload experience that not only helps developers be more productive but also supports both managed .NET and native C++ apps.

The software giant's goal with the latest update to its development environment is to save developers as many app restarts between edits as possible according to a new blog post. To achieve this, Microsoft has made it possible for developers to edit their applications' code files and in many cases, apply code changes immediately without having to pause an apps' execution or restarting. 

At the same time though, this brand-new Hot Reload technology for code files will also still work side-by-side with XAML Hot Reload making both XAML and .NET Hot Reload available for applications which use XAML for their UI. 

Furthermore, Hot Reload works alongside existing debugger capabilities developers are familiar with such as breakpoints and 'edit and continue' (EnC) to modify running code at a breakpoint and other features.

Revamped Hot Reload experience

In Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 Preview 2, Hot Reload works with many types of apps including those powered by XAML such as WPF and WinUI 3 along with many others including Windows Forms, ASP.NET web apps, Blazor Server, Console apps and others apps where a modern .NET runtime is used in combination with Visual Studio debugger.

Microsoft has also said that it is actively working to support more app types in the future such as Blazor Wasm and .NET MAUI iOS/Android.

Going forward, the company plans to add support for Blazor web apps in more scenarios and editing CSS files during Hot Reload though it also plans to add further improvements to the user experience in Visual Studio 2022.

Being able to edit application code files and apply changes without having to pause an app's execution or restart will likely be welcomed by developers using Visual Studio 2022 as this will save them time and help improve their overall productivity.

Via MSPoweruser



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3 great VPNs for Xbox in 2021 - CNET

Gamers can have a little privacy. As a treat.

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Disney sued by Scarlett Johansson over Black Widow's streaming release - CNET

The movie star alleges that the film's streaming release on Disney Plus at the same time it hit theaters violated her contract and reduced how much she was paid.

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Olympic medalist reveals how she fixed her kayak... with a condom - CNET

It worked. And Jessica Fox's kayaking has no unplanned pregnancies that we know of.

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Google Pixel 6 rumors: Release date, price, camera specs and more - CNET

Google could show "deep technology investments" in the fall with the rumored Pixel 6. Here's all the buzz we've heard about the new smartphone so far.

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COVID breakthrough and fully vaccinated people: Here's the latest - CNET

Breakthrough COVID infections will continue to happen as new variants spread -- but that's not a reason to question vaccines, experts say.

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Huawei P50 series unveiled: Not one, but two camera bumps on these superphones - CNET

Surprisingly, the phones are 4G-only so far and use the company's own operating system, Harmony OS.

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Frustrated parents: Track your delayed child tax credit payment online. Here's how - CNET

The first advance child tax credit check was sent two weeks ago, but some parents are still waiting.

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Saturn at opposition: How to watch the ringed planet line up with Earth - CNET

Break out the binoculars and telescopes, because Saturn is showing off for us.

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Enough ice melted on Greenland this week to cover Florida in a half foot of water - CNET

A summer of rain and heat is causing yet another meltdown for one of the planet's most important reserves of ice.

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Best cash-back credit cards for August 2021 - CNET

Earn more rewards and credit every time you spend.

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The quick and easy guide to spotting a dodgy app

Why Tresorit's end-to-end encryption is crucial for your business

On the surface, it may seem as though the coronavirus pandemic completely redefined our approach to the traditional workplace. And while it's true that lockdown and quarantine measures made distributed work an absolute necessity, this was not unprecedented. At least, not in the way one might think. 

The fact is that, as noted by consulting firm McKinsey, the shift to remote work was one of several inevitable trends — the pandemic simply moved the timeline forward by about a decade.

Distributed work was already inevitable. The hybrid workplace, which blends in-office collaboration with telecommuting, was already the future. The traditional walled fortress approach to cybersecurity was already becoming gradually more obsolete. 

Consider the following: 

Looking beyond the walls 

Lowther Castle Park Photograph

(Image credit: Shutterstock (https://ift.tt/3fbYsQM)

That isn't to say that controlling your security perimeter is no longer important. You still need to ensure your fortress, as it were, remains secure. The prominence of remote work simply requires you to think beyond the walls — to your supply lines and outposts, if we're to use the same analogy. 

Unfortunately, especially if you work in a regulated sector, this is often easier said than done for a few reasons: 

Locking down access and implementing increasingly-strict security controls is not the answer to these problems, either. As countless studies in the past have shown, security measures that interfere with productivity are functionally useless. People will find workarounds, and there is no guarantee that those workarounds will be secure. 

 What can you do, then?  

Tresorit Admin dashboard

(Image credit: Tresorit)

The answer to that is surprisingly simple. All you need is a secure content sharing platform developed with collaboration at its core. A solution that provides seamless, fully compliant end-to-end encryption.

A solution like Tresorit.  

Introducing Tresorit: security that stays with your data 

Tresorit Security Settings

(Image credit: Tresorit)

An alternative to tools such as Dropbox and Google Workspace, Tresorit's end-to-end encryption is some of the best in the industry. Compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, FINRA, TISAX, and ISO27100, it offers full coverage for both email security and data sharing. Moreover, because it's built on zero trust architecture, passwords and encryption keys are neither stored in nor transmitted through the organization's servers.

We'd forgive you for being a bit skeptical, of course. Every software vendor claims that their security is the best. Every software developer says they can help you protect your data.

Where Tresorit differs is that its services have been fully evaluated by FIY Cybersecurity, with the third-party security analyst finding Tresorit's claims about its encryption completely accurate.  

What does Tresorit bring to the table? 

Tresorit Member List (Individual Version)

(Image credit: Tresorit)

Alongside its security controls, Tresorit offers all the same collaboration functionality as its competitors. Your users will be free to collaborate, communicate, and share content just as they did before. The only difference is that you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that, whether it's in the hands of a vendor, a contractor, or a remote employee, your data is never out of your control. 

As for file storage, Tresorit's business plans offer up to 2TB per user with a file size limit of up to 20GB. Individual plans, meanwhile, max out at 2.5TB with a maximum file size of 10GB. Tresorit can be accessed in several different ways, depending on your organization's needs and infrastructure.  

Tresorit Content Shield Security Policies

(Image credit: Tresorit)

Arguably the greatest draw of Tresorit, however, is the Tresorit Content Shield. Available via Tresorit's Enterprise plan, Content Shield considerably amps up the platform's already comprehensive security. It enables a range of functionality including: 

Perhaps most importantly of all, Tresorit offers all this at a fraction of the cost typically associated with enterprise security solutions. Prices for individual plans start at $10.42/month. Business plans are only a little costlier, at $14.50/month. 

It's time to secure your supply chain 

Tresorit macOS Dark Mode Screenshot

(Image credit: Tresorit)

Distributed work isn't going anywhere, and thanks to digitization, your business's supply chain is more complex and comprehensive than it's ever been. To keep pace and ensure you aren't putting crucial data at risk, you need software that's both intuitive and highly secure. Tresorit is exactly that — a powerful, affordable platform to keep sensitive information securely in the right hands. 

Powerful and intuitive, Tresorit is an end-to-end encryption service that offers everything your organization and employees need to enable a seamless, secure approach to distributed work.  

Individual plans begin at $10.42/month
Business plans begin at $14.50/month 



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Thursday, 29 July 2021

More than 120,000 Ford F-150 Lightning reservations on the books - Roadshow

About three-quarters of those reservation are from customers new to the Ford brand.

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Meet Coconuts-2b, an exoplanet with six times the mass of Jupiter - CNET

There's a good explanation for the planet's unusual name.

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Activision Blizzard lawsuit: A timeline of key events, and everything you need to know

Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind World of Warcraft, Diablo and Call of Duty, is being sued by The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing following a two-year investigation into the company’s alleged discrimination against female employees.

The suit claims that Activision Blizzard fosters a “pervasive ‘frat boy’ culture”, with female employees at the company subjected to constant sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation, as well as lower pay and lower opportunity levels than their male peers. 

Below, we’ve put together a timeline of the key developments since the Activision Blizzard lawsuit was filed, with most recent updates listed first, to help give you the full picture of the actions and statements of the publisher.  We will update this timeline as more details emerge.

Content warning: the article below contains information that some readers may find upsetting including mentions of suicide, discrimination sexual harassment and assault.

July 29, 2021 - Shareholders investigate Activision Blizzard amidst lawsuit

In a note shared on BusinessWire, shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP is investigating Activision Blizzard “to determine whether certain Activision officers and directors violated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and breached their fiduciary duties to the company”.

Activision Blizzard shares have dropped by as much as 7% since the lawsuit was filed.

July 28, 2021-  Kotaku’s “Cosby Suite” report

A Kotaku report shares further information on the “Cosby Suite” mentioned in the lawsuit. Based on photographs and Facebook posts obtained by the publication, the report claims that “people beyond Alex Afrasiabi were aware of the ‘Cosby Suite’ mentioned in the lawsuit”. 

Kotaku reports that the “Cosby Suite” was the name given to Afrasiabi’s BlizzCon 2013 hotel room and that the suite was a “meeting place where many, including Afrasiabi, would pose with an actual portrait of Bill Cosby while smiling”. 

According to Kotaku, the captions and comments on these social media images “are both written by and refer by name to other Blizzard employees”, with one ex-Blizzard source telling the publication that an HR representative is present in one of the hotel room images.

Another image obtained by Kotaku shows a screenshot from a 2013 group chat called the “BlizzCon Cosby Crew”.

“In it, former Blizzard designer David Kosak writes, “I am gathering the hot chixx for the Coz.”,” Kotaku reports. “‘Bring em,’ replies Afrasiabi. ‘You can’t marry ALL of them Alex,”’ Kosak writes. ‘I can, I’m middle eastern,’ responds Afrasiabi. Jesse McCree, currently a lead game designer at Blizzard, then writes, ‘You misspelled f***.’”

Kotaku reports that the images it obtained are part of “a series of screenshots depicting a wide array of Facebook posts by Afrasiabi, all under a 2013 photo album”. 

When asked about the “Cosby Suite images” a spokesperson for Activision Blizzard tells Kotaku:  “An employee brought these 2013 events to our attention in June 2020. We immediately conducted our own investigation and took corrective action. At the time of the report, we had already conducted a separate investigation of Alex Afrasiabi and terminated him for his misconduct in his treatment of other employees.

Kotaku approached Afrasiabi for comment but did not receive a response. Riot Games’ Greg Street, one member of the group chat, released a statement.

See more

July 28, 2021-  Ubisoft employees sign letter of support

Nearly 500 Ubisoft employees from 32 studios sign an open letter in support of the Activision Blizzard walkout. 

The open letter was shared with Axios and establishes solidarity with Activision Blizzard employees while criticizing Ubisoft’s handling of the company’s own sexual misconduct allegations which were reported last year. 

The letter calls for steps to be taken to prevent a “deeply ingrained culture of abusive behaviors within the industry”.

See more

In response to the letter, a Ubisoft representative told Axios:

“We want to be very clear that we take this letter — and the issues it raises — very seriously.

“We absolutely stand behind these efforts and the positive impact they have had on our company culture while also recognizing that we must continue to engage with our employees to ensure we are creating a workplace where they feel valued, supported, and most importantly, safe.”

July 28, 2021 - Activision blizzard employees walk out and respond to CEO letter

Activision Blizzard employees walk out in protest of the lawsuit, with some protesting at the gates of the company’s Irvine headquarters. Employees' demands are shared on social media with #ActiBlizzWalkout, with trends worldwide.

The protest organizers also released a statement in response to CEO Bobby Kotick’s email from the previous day claiming it “fails to address critical elements”.

See more

July 27, 2021 - World of Warcraft team to  “remove references that are not appropriate” 

The World of Warcraft team publishes a post on the World of Warcraft forums announcing it will be removing “references that are not appropriate” from the game world. 

It’s unclear what these references are but some World of Warcraft players have been calling for the removal of references to ex-Senior Creative Director Alex Afrasiabi, who is named in the lawsuit. 

Afrasiabi has multiple characters and items named after him in World of Warcraft, including a quest-giver called Field Marshal Afrasiabi. It’s unclear if the statement refers to these references at present. The full statement reads:

“It was clear from our team conversations that we wanted to put forth a statement that was representative of the World of Warcraft team’s sentiments. We asked all members of our team to send us their suggestions and feedback on how best to address the community and this is the result.

“The past days have been a time of reflection for the World of Warcraft team, spent in conversation and contemplation, full of sadness, pain, and anger, but also hope and resolve. 

"As we heed the brave women who have come forward to share their experiences, we stand committed to taking the actions necessary to ensure we are providing an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment both for our team and for our players in Azeroth. 

"Those of us in leadership understand that it is not our place to judge when we have achieved our goals, but rather for our team and our community to let us know when we still have more to do.   

“While we turn to our team for guidance in our internal work to protect marginalized groups and hold accountable those who threaten them, we also want to take immediate action in Azeroth to remove references that are not appropriate for our world. 

"This work has been underway, and you will be seeing several such changes to both Shadowlands and WoW Classic in the coming days.   

“We know that in order to rebuild trust, we must earn it with our actions in the weeks and months to come. But we go forward knowing that we share the same vision as our community about creating a place where people of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds can thrive and proudly call home.”

July 27, 2021- Activision CEO apologizes for “tone deaf” response

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick issues a statement to employees apologizing for the company’s “tone deaf” response to the lawsuit and announces that WilmerHale has been hired to conduct a review into the company’s internal practices and policies. The full statement reads below:

“This has been a difficult and upsetting week.

“I want to recognize and thank all those who have come forward in the past and in recent days. I so appreciate your courage. Every voice matters - and we will do a better job of listening now, and in the future.

“Our initial responses to the issues we face together, and to your concerns, were, quite frankly, tone deaf.

“It is imperative that we acknowledge all perspectives and experiences and respect the feelings of those who have been mistreated in any way. I am sorry that we did not provide the right empathy and understanding.

“Many of you have told us that active outreach comes from caring so deeply for the Company. That so many people have reached out and shared thoughts, suggestions, and highlighted opportunities for improvement is a powerful reflection of how you care for our communities of colleagues and players – and for each other. Ensuring that we have a safe and welcoming work environment is my highest priority. The leadership team has heard you loud and clear.

We are taking swift action to be the compassionate, caring company you came to work for and to ensure a safe environment. There is no place anywhere at our Company for discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment of any kind.

“We will do everything possible to make sure that together, we improve and build the kind of inclusive workplace that is essential to foster creativity and inspiration.

“I have asked the law firm WilmerHale to conduct a review of our policies and procedures to ensure that we have and maintain best practices to promote a respectful and inclusive workplace. This work will begin immediately. The WilmerHale team will be led by Stephanie Avakian, who is a member of the management team at WilmerHale and was most recently the Director of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement.

We encourage anyone with an experience you believe violates our policies or in any way made you uncomfortable in the workplace to use any of our many existing channels for reporting or to reach out to Stephanie. She and her team at WilmerHale will be available to speak with you on a confidential basis and can be reached at ATVI@wilmerhale.com or 202-247-2725. Your outreach will be kept confidential. Of course, NO retaliation will be tolerated.

“We are committed to long-lasting change. Effective immediately, we will be taking the following actions:

“Employee Support. We will continue to investigate each and every claim and will not hesitate to take decisive action. To strengthen our capabilities in this area we are adding additional senior staff and other resources to both the Compliance team and the Employee Relations team.

Listening Sessions. We know many of you have inspired ideas on how to improve our culture. We will be creating safe spaces, moderated by third parties, for you to speak out and share areas for improvement.

“Personnel Changes. We are immediately evaluating managers and leaders across the Company. Anyone found to have impeded the integrity of our processes for evaluating claims and imposing appropriate consequences will be terminated.

“Hiring Practices. Earlier this year I sent an email requiring all hiring managers to ensure they have diverse candidate slates for all open positions. We will be adding compliance resources to ensure that our hiring managers are in fact adhering to this directive.

“In-game Changes. We have heard the input from employee and player communities that some of our in-game content is inappropriate. We are removing that content.

“Your well-being remains my priority and I will spare no company resource ensuring that our company has the most welcoming, comfortable, and safe culture possible.

“You have my unwavering commitment that we will improve our company together, and we will be the most inspiring, inclusive entertainment company in the world.”

July 27, 2021- Activision Blizzard employees organize a walkout 

In support of the lawsuit, Activision Blizzard employees announce they’re conducting a walkout (both physical and virtual) on July 28. The organizers released a full statement to Polygon:

“Given last week’s statements from Activision Blizzard, Inc. and their legal counsel regarding the DFEH lawsuit, as well as the subsequent internal statement from Frances Townsend, and the many stories shared by current and former employees of Activision Blizzard since, we believe that our values as employees are not being accurately reflected in the words and actions of our leadership.

“As current Activision Blizzard employees, we are holding a walkout to call on the executive leadership team to work with us on the following demands, in order to improve conditions for employees at the company, especially women, and in particular women of color and transgender women, nonbinary people, and other marginalized groups.

“1. An end to mandatory arbitration clauses in all employee contracts, current and future. Arbitration clauses protect abusers and limit the ability of victims to seek restitution.

“2. The adoption of recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and promotion policies designed to improve representation among employees at all levels, agreed upon by employees in a company-wide Diversity, Equity & Inclusion organization. Current practices have led to women, in particular women of color and transgender women, nonbinary people, and other marginalized groups that are vulnerable to gender discrimination not being hired fairly for new roles when compared to men.

“3. Publication of data on relative compensation (including equity grants and profit sharing), promotion rates, and salary ranges for employees of all genders and ethnicities at the company. Current practices have led to aforementioned groups not being paid or promoted fairly.

“4. Empower a company-wide Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion task force to hire a third party to audit ABK’s reporting structure, HR department, and executive staff. It is imperative to identify how current systems have failed to prevent employee harassment, and to propose new solutions to address these issues.”

July 26, 2021- Activision Blizzard employees sign an open letter supporting lawsuit

Bloomberg reports that more than 2,000 current and former Activision Blizzard employees have signed an open letter calling the company’s responses to the lawsuit “abhorrent and insulting”.

The full letter reads as follows:

“To the Leaders of Activision Blizzard,

“We, the undersigned, agree that the statements from Activision Blizzard, Inc. and their legal counsel regarding the DFEH lawsuit, as well as the subsequent internal statement from Frances Townsend, are abhorrent and insulting to all that we believe our company should stand for. To put it clearly and unequivocally, our values as employees are not accurately reflected in the words and actions of our leadership.

“We believe these statements have damaged our ongoing quest for equality inside and outside of our industry. Categorizing the claims that have been made as “distorted, and in many cases false” creates a company atmosphere that disbelieves victims. It also casts doubt on our organizations’ ability to hold abusers accountable for their actions and foster a safe environment for victims to come forward in the future. These statements make it clear that our leadership is not putting our values first. Immediate corrections are needed from the highest level of our organization.

“Our company executives have claimed that actions will be taken to protect us, but in the face of legal action -- and the troubling official responses that followed -- we no longer trust that our leaders will place employee safety above their own interests. To claim this is a “truly meritless and irresponsible lawsuit,” while seeing so many current and former employees speak out about their own experiences regarding harassment and abuse, is simply unacceptable.

“We call for official statements that recognize the seriousness of these allegations and demonstrate compassion for victims of harassment and assault. We call on Frances Townsend to stand by her word to step down as Executive Sponsor of the ABK Employee Women’s Network as a result of the damaging nature of her statement. We call on the executive leadership team to work with us on new and meaningful efforts that ensure employees -- as well as our community -- have a safe place to speak out and come forward.

“We stand with all our friends, teammates, and colleagues, as well as the members of our dedicated community, who have experienced mistreatment or harassment of any kind. We will not be silenced, we will not stand aside, and we will not give up until the company we love is a workplace we can all feel proud to be a part of again. We will be the change.”

July 25, 2021 - Work on WoW stops

World of Warcraft Senior System Designer Jeff Hamilton tweets that production on World of Warcraft has stopped as a result of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit.

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July 22, 2021- Blizzard Activision President emails staff

Blizzard President J. Allen Brack sends out an email to Activision Blizzard staff addressing the allegations from the lawsuit. It is obtained by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier who publishes it on July 23.

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July 22, 2021- Blizzard Activision executive emails staff

Activision Blizzard executive Fran Townsend also sends out an internal email to Activision Blizzard staff, which is again obtained by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier and published on July 23.

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July 21, 2021- Bloomberg report and Activision Blizzard statement

Bloomberg Law reports that Activision Blizzard is being sued by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Activision Blizzard releases a statement on the lawsuit to Bloomberg Law and other publications. The statement reads as follows:

“We value diversity and strive to foster a workplace that offers inclusivity for everyone. There is no place in our company or industry, or any industry, for sexual misconduct or harassment of any kind. We take every allegation seriously and investigate all claims. In cases related to misconduct, action was taken to address the issue.

“The DFEH includes distorted, and in many cases false, descriptions of Blizzard’s past. We have been extremely cooperative with the DFEH throughout their investigation, including providing them with extensive data and ample documentation, but they refused to inform us what issues they perceived. 

"They were required by law to adequately investigate and to have good faith discussions with us to better understand and to resolve any claims or concerns before going to litigation, but they failed to do so. Instead, they rushed to file an inaccurate complaint, as we will demonstrate in court. 

"We are sickened by the reprehensible conduct of the DFEH to drag into the complaint the tragic suicide of an employee whose passing has no bearing whatsoever on this case and with no regard for her grieving family. 

"While we find this behavior to be disgraceful and unprofessional, it is, unfortunately, an example of how they have conducted themselves throughout the course of their investigation. It is this type of irresponsible behavior from unaccountable State bureaucrats that are driving many of the State’s best businesses out of California.

“The picture the DFEH paints is not the Blizzard workplace of today. Over the past several years and continuing since the initial investigation started, we’ve made significant changes to address company culture and reflect more diversity within our leadership teams. 

"We’ve amplified internal programs and channels for employees to report violations, including the “ASK List” with a confidential integrity hotline, and introduced an Employee Relations team dedicated to investigating employee concerns. 

"We have strengthened our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and combined our Employee Networks at a global level, to provide additional support. Employees must also undergo regular anti-harassment training and have done so for many years.

“We put tremendous effort in creating fair and rewarding compensation packages and policies that reflect our culture and business, and we strive to pay all employees fairly for equal or substantially similar work. 

"We take a variety of proactive steps to ensure that pay is driven by non-discriminatory factors. For example, we reward and compensate employees based on their performance, and we conduct extensive anti-discrimination trainings including for those who are part of the compensation process.

“We are confident in our ability to demonstrate our practices as an equal opportunity employer that fosters a supportive, diverse, and inclusive workplace for our people, and we are committed to continuing this effort in the years to come. 

"It is a shame that the DFEH did not want to engage with us on what they thought they were seeing in their investigation.”

July 20, 2021 - Lawsuit filed

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing files a lawsuit against Activision Inc following a two-year investigation into the company’s alleged discrimination against female employees.

The suit claims that Activision Blizzard fosters a “pervasive ‘frat boy’ culture”, with female employees at the company subjected to constant sexual harassment and retaliation, as well as lower pay and lower opportunity levels than their male peers, forcing “many women” to leave the company.

The suit describes so-called “cube crawls” in which male employees drink “copious amounts of alcohol” and then proceed to “crawl” through various office cubicles, allegedly often engaging in “inappropriate behavior” towards female employees. 

The suit also claims that male employees often come into work hungover and play video games, delegating their work to female employees while engaging in banter about their sexual encounters, talking openly about female bodies and joking about rape. 

The suit claims that this “frat boy culture” is a “breeding ground for harassment and discrimination against women”, with female Activision Blizzard employees continually having to fend off sexual advancements and comments made by their co-workers and superiors and being groped at the aforementioned “cube crawls”, citing high-ranking executives and creators allegedly engage in this sexual harassment without repercussion. 

The suit uses the example of a female employee who committed suicide on a business trip with a male colleague, following intense sexual harassment at the company - which included having nude photos of her passed around at a company party.

According to the suit, Activision Blizzard did not take steps to prevent harassment, discrimination or retaliation. The suit claims that female employees were discouraged from reporting issues to HR as human resource personnel were allegedly close to the perpetrators and so complaints were dismissed and not kept confidential. 

As a result of these complaints, the suit claims that female employees faced retaliation from perpetrators that included being transferred to different units, deprived from work projects and selected for layoffs. 

In another example of sexual harassment, the suit claims that Alex Afrasiabi, former Senior Creative Director at World of Warcraft, was permitted to engage in “blatant sexual harassment” with no repercussions. 

Afrasiabi allegedly made unwanted advances to female employees, tried to kiss them and would tell them he wanted to marry them. The suit also claims that Afrasiabi was “so known to engage in harassment of females” that his suite at BlizzCon was dubbed the “Cosby Suite” after the disgraced Bill Cosby (whose conviction of sexual assault has since been overturned).

Other allegations in the suit include women being denied promotion in case they became pregnant, derogatory name-calling, being criticized for collecting children from child care, and being kicked out of lactation rooms so male colleagues could have meetings. 

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing is demanding a jury trial and is seeking an injunction forcing compliance with workplace protections, as well as unpaid wages, pay adjustments, back pay, and lost wages and benefits for female employees. 



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