In 2025, phone numbers are essential for online services, but they're vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks. Hackers exploit cell carrier security weaknesses, impersonating customers to transfer numbers. The primary sign of a SIM swap attack is loss of cell service for seemingly no reason.

To combat these attacks, major US carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have introduced security features:

• AT&T: Offers Wireless Account Lock to prevent SIM swaps.
• T-Mobile: Allows customers to block unauthorized number port outs.
• Verizon: Provides SIM Protection and Number Lock to prevent SIM swaps and phone number transfers.

Customers should check their carrier accounts to enable these security features, which are often not enabled by default.

The U.S. Justice Department has confirmed the arrest of Xu Zewei, a Chinese national accused of hacking on behalf of the Chinese government.

Xu is indicted on nine charges, including the theft of COVID-19 research from U.S. universities in February 2020.

He and another individual are also accused of mass hacks of Microsoft Exchange servers starting in March 2021, affecting over 60,000 servers.

Xu's company, Shanghai Powerock Network, allegedly conducted hacking operations for the Chinese government.

The hacking group, known as Hafnium, targeted small businesses across the United States, stealing private company information.

Hafnium has since launched a new hacking campaign, dubbed Silk Typhoon, targeting big companies and government agencies.

Mastodon 4.4 introduces several updates, most notably preparing for Quote Posts, similar to Twitter's Quote Tweets, with user controls to limit misuse. The update also includes profile enhancements with a 'Feature on my profile' option, carousel display of Pinned Posts, and a profile widget showing mutual follows. Navigation is improved with a redesigned 'Trending' section and reorganized sidebar. Media player updates offer better controls, mobile zoom, and alt-text reminders. Onboarding is simplified for new users, and server admins gain new legal compliance features. The changes follow Mastodon's move to a non-profit structure and plans for commercial offerings.