Security

Security Roundup

US Hackers Reportedly Caused a Blackout in Venezuela

Plus: AI reportedly caused ICE to send agents into the field without training, Palantir’s app for targeting immigrants gets exposed, and more.

Half Measures

Elon Musk’s Grok ‘Undressing’ Problem Isn’t Fixed

Immune Systems

Why ICE Can Kill With Impunity

Cyberattacks and Hacks

Hundreds of Millions of Audio Devices Need a Patch to Prevent Wireless Hacking and Tracking

Flaws in how 17 models of headphones and speakers use Google’s one-tap Fast Pair Bluetooth protocol have left devices open to eavesdroppers and stalkers.

ICE Can Now Spy on Every Phone in Your Neighborhood

Plus: Iran shuts down its internet amid sweeping protests, an alleged scam boss gets extradited to China, and more.

How to Protect Your iPhone or Android Device From Spyware

Being targeted by sophisticated spyware is relatively rare, but experts say that everyone needs to stay vigilant as this dangerous malware continues to proliferate worldwide.

The Worst Hacks of 2025

From university breaches to cyberattacks that shut down whole supply chains, these were the worst cybersecurity incidents of the year.

Privacy

What to Do if ICE Invades Your Neighborhood

With federal agents storming the streets of American communities, there’s no single right way to approach this dangerous moment. But there are steps you can take to stay safe—and have an impact.

X Didn’t Fix Grok's ‘Undressing’ Problem. It Just Makes People Pay for It

X is allowing only “verified” users to create images with Grok. Experts say it represents the “monetization of abuse”—and anyone can still generate images on Grok’s app and website.

Grok Is Pushing AI ‘Undressing’ Mainstream

Paid tools that “strip” clothes from photos have been available on the darker corners of the internet for years. Elon Musk’s X is now removing barriers to entry—and making the results public.

How Protesters Became Content for the Cops

The tactics behind protest policing are changing—from one of cooperation to intentional antagonism for political marketing purposes.

Security Advice

How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance

Law enforcement has more tools than ever to track your movements and access your communications. Here’s how to protect your privacy if you plan to protest.

8 WhatsApp Features to Boost Your Security and Privacy

Meta’s end-to-end encrypted messaging app is used by billions of people. Here’s how to make sure you’re one of the most locked-down ones out there.

The WIRED Guide to Digital Opsec for Teens

Practicing good “operations security” is essential to staying safe online. Here's a complete guide for teenagers (and anyone else) who wants to button up their digital lives.

The Password Managers You Should Use Instead of Your Browser

Keep your logins locked down with our favorite password management apps for PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, and web browsers.

Security News

Former CISA Director Jen Easterly Will Lead RSAC Conference

The longtime cybersecurity professional says she’s taking the helm of the legacy security organization at “an inflection point” for tech and the world beyond.

Verizon Outage Knocks Out US Mobile Service, Including Some 911 Calls

A major Verizon outage appeared to impact customers across the United States starting around noon ET on Wednesday. Calls to Verizon customers from other carriers may also be impacted.

Trump Warned of a Tren de Aragua ‘Invasion.’ US Intel Told a Different Story

Hundreds of records obtained by WIRED show thin intelligence on the Venezuelan gang in the United States, describing fragmented, low-level crime rather than a coordinated terrorist threat.

Dozens of ICE Vehicles in Minnesota Lack ‘Necessary’ Lights and Sirens

A contract justification published in a federal register on Tuesday says that 31 ICE vehicles operating in the Twin Cities area “lack the necessary emergency lights and sirens” to be “compliant.”