Tech

Apple Warns of Two macOS Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Apple has issued a critical security advisory after uncovering and addressing two Mac-OS zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in the wild. The vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2024-44308 and CVE-2024-44309, affect macOS Sequoia and were patched in the latest update, macOS Sequoia version 15.1.1. These exploits underscore the growing cybersecurity threats targeting macOS devices, particularly as their adoption in corporate and personal environments continues to rise.

The vulnerabilities were discovered by Clément Lecigne and Benoît Sevens, researchers from Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG). Apple has credited them for their role in identifying these flaws, which highlight a growing trend of threat actors focusing on macOS as a target for sophisticated attacks.

The Mac-OS zero-day Exploitation

What Are the macOS Sequoia Vulnerabilities?

Apple has described the two vulnerabilities and their potential impact:

CVE-2024-44308: This vulnerability resides in JavaScriptCore, the engine that powers web content in macOS. Exploitation of this flaw allows arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to take control of an affected system. The exploit is triggered when a user interacts with a malicious webpage, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability for users who browse the web without additional protections.
CVE-2024-44309: Found in WebKit, the core engine for Safari and other Apple applications, this vulnerability enables cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Exploiting this flaw, attackers can inject malicious scripts into trusted websites, potentially stealing sensitive information or compromising user sessions. Apple identified the root cause as a cookie-related issue and resolved it by improving state management.

Both vulnerabilities are confirmed to have been exploited in the wild, particularly targeting Intel-based Mac systems, though Apple has not disclosed specific details about the attack campaigns.

Patches and Affected Versions

Apple has rolled out patches across its ecosystem to address these vulnerabilities. The updates include:

macOS Sequoia 15.1.1
Safari 18.1.1
iOS 17.7.2 and 18.1
iPadOS 18.1
visionOS 2.1

Apple urges users and organisations to update their devices immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

The Mac-OS zero-day Exploitation

macOS: A New Focus for Cyber Threats

macOS has long enjoyed a reputation as a secure platform, leading many users to believe it is immune to malware and cyberattacks. However, 2024 has shattered this myth, with a sharp rise in macOS-targeted attacks.

What’s Driving the Surge in macOS Threats?

Increased Adoption: More organisations are deploying macOS devices for their workforce, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Sophisticated Threat Actors: Advanced persistent threat (APT) groups, such as Lazarus Group, have shifted their focus to macOS, particularly targeting sectors like cryptocurrency and finance.
Rising Malware Variants: Security researchers have identified a surge in macOS-specific malware, including Atomic Stealer, Poseidon Stealer, and Cthulhu Stealer.

In a recent blog post, Trellix researchers highlighted how threat actors are adapting to exploit macOS vulnerabilities, particularly as corporate usage grows. They noted that threat actors are even using valid Apple developer accounts to notarise their malware, bypassing macOS’s built-in security protections.

Insights from the Cybersecurity Community

Cybersecurity experts have weighed in on the significance of these developments:

Laura Brosnan, a senior information security specialist at Red Canary, emphasised the urgency of addressing misconceptions about macOS security:“Many people still hold the belief that macOS is immune to malware—a dangerous misconception. However, 2024 has shattered that illusion.”
Researchers at SentinelOne observed that North Korea-affiliated threat actors are actively targeting macOS, particularly organisations in the cryptocurrency sector. Their analysis revealed a troubling trend: attackers are manipulating legitimate Apple developer accounts to bypass security measures.

Protecting macOS Users from Emerging Threats

With macOS under increasing attack, both individual users and organisations need to take proactive steps to safeguard their systems:

Update All Devices Immediately: Ensure that macOS Sequoia, Safari, and all other Apple devices are updated to the latest versions. Updates include critical patches for the vulnerabilities described above.
Implement Advanced Security Solutions: Use endpoint protection tools to detect and mitigate malware threats.
Educate Teams on Security Risks: Organisations should conduct training sessions to inform employees about the rising risks of macOS-targeted malware.
Adopt Additional Security Layers: Implement firewalls, sandboxing tools, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce attack surfaces.
Monitor System Activity: Regularly review logs and system activity to identify unusual behaviour that might indicate a breach.

The Road Ahead for macOS Security

Apple’s swift response to these vulnerabilities demonstrates its commitment to addressing emerging threats, but it also highlights the need for vigilance among users and organisations. As macOS adoption continues to grow, so too will the interest of cybercriminals in exploiting the platform.

The increasing sophistication of attacks, coupled with the perception of macOS as a secure system, creates a dangerous scenario where users may underestimate risks. By staying informed, applying updates promptly, and adopting robust security practices, users can significantly reduce their exposure to these threats.

Tech

WhatsApp Is Officially Getting Ads

Meta has officially confirmed the rollout of ads on WhatsApp, marking a significant shift in how the world’s most popular messaging app operates. After years of speculation and internal debate, the social media giant is finally introducing sponsored content through WhatsApp’s Status feature — the app’s version of Instagram Stories.

How Ads Will Appear in WhatsApp

The new advertising format will be integrated into the “Updates” tab — the same area where users view disappearing text, image, voice note, or video messages from their contacts. Instead of just seeing content from friends and family, users will now encounter sponsored updates from businesses, placed seamlessly between regular Status updates.

These advertisements are designed to appear natively within the feed, offering a scrollable experience similar to what users are accustomed to on Instagram Stories or Facebook Reels. Unlike in-app banner ads or pop-ups, the WhatsApp Status ads are expected to blend naturally into the user experience, although their presence marks a clear departure from WhatsApp’s ad-free ethos.

meta ads whatsapp — WhatsApp Is Officially Getting Ads

A Shift from Founders’ Vision

The concept of advertising on WhatsApp has long been a point of contention. WhatsApp’s original founders, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, strongly resisted any form of commercialisation via advertising. Their resistance stemmed from a core belief that communication apps should protect user privacy and remain free from commercial noise. This philosophical clash eventually led both founders to exit the company following its acquisition by Facebook (now Meta).

Meta’s original plan, announced in 2018, aimed to introduce ads to WhatsApp’s Status feature by 2020. However, after intense public backlash and concerns about user retention, the plan was shelved. The reversal seemed temporary. In 2023, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart confirmed that the company was still exploring a “non-invasive” path to monetisation. Now, that path has been realised.

Meta’s Advertising Empire and WhatsApp’s Entry Point

Meta generated more than $160 billion in ad revenue last year, largely driven by Facebook and Instagram. With WhatsApp now hosting more than 2.5 billion users globally, it has remained a relatively untapped revenue stream within Meta’s portfolio.

Until now, WhatsApp Business and API-based tools were the primary monetisation avenues. These tools offered businesses direct messaging services and automated workflows — but not large-scale ad campaigns. The introduction of Status ads changes that completely, opening WhatsApp to traditional digital advertising models and allowing businesses to extend brand awareness directly into user feeds.

How Meta Will Target WhatsApp Ads

Meta claims that the ad targeting will be minimally invasive and rely on a limited dataset. Specifically, ad personalisation will use:

Country or city-level location
Language preferences
Followed WhatsApp channels
Ad interactions across other Meta platforms

Critically, Meta asserts it will not use messages, calls, or group interactions to tailor ads. Instead, it relies on engagement signals from across its ecosystem, including Facebook and Instagram, as well as WhatsApp’s public-facing features.

Users who opt into Meta’s Accounts Center can also view and modify their ad preferences, offering some degree of transparency and control.

Meta’s Public Reassurances

In a statement published on its newsroom, Meta wrote: “We’ve been talking about our plans to build a business that does not interrupt your personal chats for years, and we believe the Updates tab is the right place for these new features to work.”

Meta also reiterated that it “will never sell or share your phone numbers with advertisers”, an assurance designed to combat lingering scepticism about the platform’s privacy commitments.

WhatsApp Is Officially Getting Ads

Beyond Ads: Promoted Channels and Subscriptions

In addition to ads in the Status section, WhatsApp is launching promoted channels. These will appear in the Explore section, allowing businesses, content creators, and brands to boost their visibility through paid placements.

Furthermore, WhatsApp is testing channel subscriptions. These will allow users to receive exclusive content or early updates from influencers, businesses, or media outlets they follow. This model mirrors premium offerings seen on platforms like Telegram or Patreon, where subscription tiers unlock bonus content.

By layering these features, WhatsApp is signalling its long-term goal: becoming not just a messaging app, but a creator platform and commerce channel.

Industry Reaction and Public Sentiment

The industry reaction has been mixed. Marketers are celebrating the news as a long-awaited opportunity to reach billions of users in an uncluttered, direct environment. The simplicity of WhatsApp, combined with high open rates, offers a compelling proposition for advertisers.

However, privacy advocates and some loyal users have voiced concern. Many worry that the presence of ads — even in Status — signals the beginning of deeper monetisation, possibly leading to interruptions in chat threads in the future.

Tech analyst Mira Qassim commented: “It’s a delicate balance. Meta needs to show revenue growth, and WhatsApp is their biggest under-monetised property. The key is maintaining user trust. If they lose that, the entire platform could become volatile.”

What This Means for Businesses

For businesses — especially in the UAE, India, Brazil, and Nigeria, where WhatsApp dominates — the introduction of Status ads is a game-changer. Brands can now advertise in a format that feels native and non-invasive. Unlike traditional banner ads, Status ads allow for storytelling: short videos, disappearing offers, behind-the-scenes footage — all in a space users habitually scroll through.

Moreover, the integration of WhatsApp Business tools means brands can direct users from an ad to a private message thread — potentially converting interest into purchase in real-time.

The Future Outlook for WhatsApp Monetisation

This update is just the beginning. Analysts predict Meta will continue integrating more monetisation layers:

Native e-commerce features (like shopping tabs)
Creator payouts and ad-revenue splits via subscriptions
Payment gateways tied to business accounts
AI-powered customer service bots linked to ad funnels

WhatsApp’s evolution mirrors a broader trend: messaging apps are no longer just communication tools — they’re becoming digital ecosystems.

As Meta continues to shape WhatsApp into a hybrid of commerce and content, the line between social media and messaging continues to blur. And with a global audience of billions, the implications are massive.

WhatsApp Is Officially Getting Ads

Final Thoughts on WhatsApp’s Pivot

WhatsApp’s adoption of ads signals the end of its decade-long resistance to monetisation. While the changes won’t affect your personal conversations — yet — they mark a turning point. The world’s most intimate chat app is now stepping onto the ad stage, cautiously but purposefully.

For Meta, it’s about unlocking a revenue powerhouse. For users, it’s about adjusting expectations. And for advertisers, it’s a brand new playground.

Tech

What is Kahoot and Why Is It Everywhere?

Step into any classroom, training seminar, or even a virtual team-building session, and you might hear the same word being shouted with unrestrained enthusiasm: “Kahoot!” But what exactly is Kahoot, and why has it become such a ubiquitous tool across education, business, and social spaces?

Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that blends technology with traditional quizzing, creating an experience that is equal parts engaging and educational. Launched in 2013 by a Norwegian startup, Kahoot allows users to create, share, and play quizzes (called “kahoots”) in real-time using devices like phones, tablets, or laptops. The catch? It turns the dry format of a multiple-choice quiz into a highly interactive game-show experience, complete with music, countdowns, and leaderboards.

At first glance, Kahoot may seem like just another quiz app. But a deeper dive reveals why it has become a global phenomenon, with more than 9 billion participants since its inception and over 50 million games played every month. It isn’t just about answering questions; it’s about the energy it brings into a room, the competitive excitement it fosters, and the way it makes learning feel less like a chore and more like a communal celebration.

Kahoot! Is A Playful Revolution in Education

Kahoot’s meteoric rise began in schools, where educators were desperate for tools that could keep students engaged in an increasingly digital and distraction-heavy world. Its colourful interface, fast-paced format, and real-time feedback turned dull review sessions into fierce but friendly competitions.

Students suddenly had a reason to pay attention: they could win. And unlike traditional classroom tests, Kahoot allowed for instant feedback, social interaction, and laughter. It also empowered teachers to see which topics students were struggling with in real time, enabling more responsive and tailored instruction.

As the platform matured, Kahoot expanded into every corner of the educational sector, from primary schools to universities. It now includes different question formats like true/false, polls, puzzles, and even open-ended questions. With options to integrate videos, images, and diagrams, the platform became a versatile canvas for all kinds of lessons. Whether you’re teaching algebra or Shakespeare, Kahoot can be customised to fit the bill.

Corporate Training and Team Building

Kahoot’s transition into corporate spaces was as natural as it was inevitable. Boring PowerPoint presentations and compliance training could now be transformed into dynamic learning experiences. Companies began using Kahoot in onboarding, upskilling, and even during weekly meetings to lighten the mood and boost retention.

In an age where hybrid work and remote teams are increasingly the norm, Kahoot has become an essential tool in maintaining workplace culture. It brings people together from across locations for shared moments of fun, whether it’s a trivia game before a strategy meeting or a themed quiz during a virtual happy hour.

Its enterprise version, Kahoot! 360, offers features tailored for businesses, including analytics dashboards, team competitions, and seamless integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Companies like Facebook, Microsoft, and even NASA have all incorporated Kahoot into their internal workflows.

The Psychological Hook

What makes Kahoot so addictive? The platform is built on well-studied psychological principles. Immediate feedback, gamification, and peer competition create dopamine loops similar to those seen in video games. Users get a rush when they see their name on the leaderboard. Timed questions add pressure and thrill, and colourful animations keep users visually engaged.

This dopamine reward system makes learning enjoyable. When you feel good while taking a quiz, you’re more likely to remember the content. It’s no wonder then that some students have asked to “play Kahoot” even during free periods or after school.

Kahoot! Cultural Impact and Viral Growth

Kahoot’s reach isn’t limited to classrooms and offices. It has found a surprising foothold in pop culture. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are full of Kahoot challenge videos, memes, and livestreams. The platform has become part of the Gen Z digital lexicon, joining the ranks of Snapchat, Discord, and Spotify.

This virality isn’t accidental. Kahoot is designed for sharability. Users can create custom quizzes about anything—from BTS trivia to world capitals—and share them with friends or the wider Kahoot community. It’s this open-ended versatility that has allowed Kahoot to evolve into a platform for not just learning, but pure entertainment.

Global Reach and Multilingual Success

As of 2025, Kahoot is available in multiple languages and is used in more than 200 countries. Its interface supports a diverse range of scripts and right-to-left languages, making it accessible for millions. The platform has also been integrated into various learning management systems (LMS), further cementing its place in global education.

Strategic acquisitions have helped Kahoot grow its ecosystem. For example, the purchase of Drops (a language-learning app) and Clever (a US-based edtech platform) expanded its capabilities and reach.

Monetisation and Business Model

Kahoot operates on a freemium model. While many features are free, more advanced capabilities—such as detailed analytics, branding, and audience size control—require paid subscriptions. These come in several tiers tailored for individuals, educators, businesses, and event organisers.

Despite initial concerns about how a free quiz app could make money, Kahoot has proven itself to be a financially robust platform. Its IPO on the Oslo Stock Exchange in 2021 brought significant attention, and its subsequent revenue growth showed that engagement could, in fact, be monetised without sacrificing user experience.

Kahoot! Is The Future of Learning

As attention spans shrink and traditional lectures fall out of favour, Kahoot has positioned itself as the future of learning. It combines the best of pedagogy, psychology, and technology into one seamless experience. And its growth shows no signs of slowing down.

From remote classrooms in Kenya to boardrooms in New York, Kahoot continues to break down barriers between knowledge and the learner. It has proven that education can be fun, social, and emotionally resonant.

Final Score: More Than Just a Game

Kahoot isn’t just a tool. It’s a cultural shift. It’s what happens when innovation meets utility, and when fun is no longer seen as the enemy of learning but its most powerful ally. Whether you’re a teacher, a CEO, or a student who just wants to win bragging rights, Kahoot has a place for you.

Tech

Apple WWDC 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Craig Federighi isn’t one to take a slow start. Apple WWDC 2025 kicked off with a cinematic intro straight out of a Brad Pitt F1 blockbuster—because it was. The opening sequence featured Craig racing around Apple Park in an F1 car, with Tim Cook on team radio, all to promote Apple Original’s upcoming film F1 starring Brad Pitt, set for release on 27 June. But this was more than clever promotion—it set the pace for one of the most innovative and ambitious Apple keynotes in recent history.

Let’s dive into every confirmed announcement, feature, and upgrade—strictly factual, all from Apple’s official broadcast and documentation, and spanning every device platform Apple commands.

Apple Intelligence Gets Sharper, Smarter, and More Ubiquitous

Apple Intelligence, introduced last year, received a foundational upgrade in 2025. At its core: privacy, contextual awareness, and tighter integration across apps, devices, and system features.

What’s New:

Private Cloud Compute: Still a cornerstone—offloads tasks to secure cloud servers when device power isn’t enough, but Apple (or anyone else) still can’t access your data.
Expanded Language Support: Apple Intelligence now works in more languages across the OS ecosystem.
On-Device Foundation Models Framework: This is a game-changer—developers can directly tap into Apple’s large language models, all processed on-device, without API fees or latency.
Smarter App Integrations: Apps like Kahoot and AllTrails showcased direct uses of Apple Intelligence. Expect tailored quizzes, recommendations, and content generation—all offline.

Liquid Glass – A Unified Visual Language Across All Devices

For the first time, Apple introduced a design language that permeates iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Dubbed Liquid Glass, the design features a blend of translucency, refraction, and dynamic responsiveness that mimics real glass but is entirely digital.

App icons adapt to light/dark modes and even offer a clear mode.
Widgets and docks use the new Liquid Glass styling.
Control centers, notifications, and tab bars now react fluidly to user interaction.

This update also comes with unified versioning: every platform this year ships as version 26.

Apple Liquid Glass Apple WWDC 2025 — Apple Liquid Glass Revealed at Apple WWDC 2025

iOS 26 – A Huge Visual & Functional Overhaul for Apple WWDC 2025

With iOS 26, Apple has blended beauty with power:

Lock Screen

Spacial 3D Photo Effects: 2D photos turn into dynamic, responsive scenes.
Adaptive Clock Design: The time now reshapes to fit within the photo’s negative space.
New Music UI: Album art integrates directly into playback controls with Liquid Glass animations.

Camera

Simplified Layout: Only core modes (Photo/Video) are presented by default.
Quick Toggles: Swipe gestures reveal cinematic, portrait, aspect ratios, resolution selectors.

Safari

Edge-to-Edge Design: Tabs float. Interface stays out of the way.
Redesigned Tab Bar: Shrinks during scroll. Expands contextually.

FaceTime

Floating Controls: Located bottom-right and disappear when not in use.

Phone App

Unified Layout: Combines Recents, Voicemail, and Favorites.
Unknown Caller Screening: Auto-answers, transcribes reason, and rings only if relevant.
Hold Assist: Device stays on hold and notifies when a human responds.

Messages

Custom Backgrounds: Shared dynamic backgrounds per chat.
Polls in Group Chats: Natively integrated.
Typing Indicators in Groups: Long-requested and now confirmed.
On-device Spam Detection & Sender Screening: You control who makes your inbox.

Apple Pay & Wallet

Pay with Points in Stores: Not just online anymore.
Order Tracking for Any Purchase: Email parsing builds live dashboards.
Digital IDs from U.S. Passports: TSA-ready. Domestic travel use.
Car Keys & Boarding Pass Enhancements: Visual redesign + Find My support.

Live Translation

On-Device Real-Time Translation: In Messages, Phone, and FaceTime—even with non-iPhone recipients.

Visual Intelligence

Works Across Any App: Screenshot gesture now pulls up a Live Text-style feature set.
Recognise Objects, Events, Text: Search visually, extract data, create events, or ask ChatGPT.

Craig Federighi at Apple WWDC 2025

Gaming

Dedicated Games App: Arcade tab, Game Library, Play Together tab for social gaming.
Challenges Feature: Score-based contests in both App Store and Arcade games.

CarPlay

Widgets in Car: Glanceable iOS widgets now appear in supported vehicles.
Compact Incoming Call UI: Minimalist layout for maps priority.
CarPlay Ultra: Unifies screen experience. First vehicles now shipping.

iPadOS 26 – Multitasking Reinvented for Apple WWDC 2025

Apple finally brought true windowing to iPad:

Resizable Windows: Drag corner to snap, tile, or resize.
App Exposé: View all windows in a single space.
Menu Bar: Traditional Mac-style for iPad apps.
Dock Folders + File Previews: Organised, tappable access to file systems.

Preview Comes to iPad

Edit PDFs and images using Mac’s favourite native tool.

Audio & Video Pro Features

Audio Input Selector: Choose mics per app.
Voice Isolation: Works in all apps.
AirPods Studio Recording: Record podcast-quality vocals.
Local Video Capture for Calls: Each user’s audio/video recorded separately for high-quality post edits.
Background Tasks: Run exports or processes even when switching apps.

macOS 26 – Meet macOS Tahoe

New version. New name. Same precision:

Design

Liquid Glass Theme: Menu bar is now fully transparent.
Custom Folder Colours & Icons: Create visual file identity.

Continuity

Live Activities from iPhone: Uber Eats, flights, etc. now show on Mac menu bar.
Phone App for Mac: Complete with Contact Posters, Hold Assist, Call Screening.

Spotlight

Quick Keys: Shortcodes (e.g. “sm” for “Send Message”).
System and App Actions: Hundreds of actions callable from Spotlight.
App Launch from iPhone via Mirroring: Launch iOS apps directly.
Clipboard History: Returns in Spotlight interface.

Shortcuts

Automated Scheduling: Trigger by time, file change, or display connection.
Apple Intelligence Access: Build smart automation with summarisation, classification, ChatGPT.

watchOS 26 – Powered by Workout Buddy

Workout Buddy: Uses AI to comment, encourage, and guide based on fitness history. Text-to-speech motivational feedback.
Smart Stack Enhancements: Context-aware suggestions (e.g. launch workout at gym).
Wrist Flick Gesture: New wrist motion dismisses or silences.
Live Translation in Messages: Just raise your wrist.
Notes App: Finally lands on Apple Watch.

Apple WWDC 2025 came with gifts

tvOS 26 – The Best Looking Apple TV Yet

Liquid Glass UI: Visual depth, clarity, and animation.
New Poster Art View in Apple TV App: More immersive browsing.
Profiles Shown on Wake: Pick up where you left off.
Apple Music Sing Upgrades: iPhone as mic, animated visuals.
Auto Sign-In Across Apple Devices: Fewer logins required.

visionOS 26 – The Spatial Web Has Arrived To Apple WWDC 2025

Spatial Widgets: Persistent and customisable in your 3D space.
Spatial Scenes from 2D Photos: AI-rebuilt depth layering.
Improved Personas: More realistic avatars generated on device.
Two-Person Media Viewing: Watch together—even in same room.
Logitech Muse Stylus: Precision 3D input pen.
Premiere + Spatial Video Editing: Adobe Premiere now supports immersive editing.
New Jupiter Environment: A cinematic, sci-fi spatial setting.

Developer Tools – Xcode and Foundation Models

Foundation Models Framework: Build apps powered by Apple’s LLM across any Apple Silicon device.
Xcode Enhancements:
- Natural language-based code suggestion.
- Swift Assist improvements.
- Built-in support for ChatGPT.
- Icon Composer: Create layered, Liquid Glass-compatible icons.

Tim Cook at Apple WWDC 2025

Apple WWDC 2025 delivered the deepest cross-platform transformation since iOS 7. From a cinematic F1 intro to radical redesigns and on-device AI, Apple has redefined what its devices look like, feel like, and think like.