Digital fortress or open vault? Community banks on the cybersecurity front lines

The US government just charged 16 Russians they say were running a massive cybercrime operation—using botnets to launch ransomware attacks, spy on targets, and cause chaos. The indictment paints a picture of a single malware network pulling double duty: making money through cybercrime while also allegedly aiding state-backed espionage.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another hacking story—it’s a rare look at how criminal and government-backed cyber operations sometimes blur together. If the feds are right, these guys weren’t just after quick cash; they were also helping Russia’s broader hacking goals. It’s a reminder that cyber threats aren’t always neatly labeled "crime" or "spying," and that the lines between the two can get dangerously fuzzy.

A developer has built "rtcollector," an open-source tool designed to simplify monitoring and observability by directly integrating with RedisTimeSeries. It's modular, meaning you can customize it for different data collection needs, and it's optimized for performance. The project is being shared on Hacker News, where developers are discussing its potential uses and improvements.

Editor’s Note: Observability tools are crucial for keeping systems running smoothly, but they can be clunky or hard to customize. If rtcollector lives up to its promise, it could make life easier for DevOps teams and developers who rely on Redis for real-time data. Open-source projects like this often spark innovation, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how it evolves.

Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff is taking direct control of Tinder after the dating app's current CEO announced her resignation. Tinder, which has been facing challenges lately, will now have its parent company's top boss at the helm—a clear sign that Match Group sees this as a critical moment for the app.

Editor’s Note: Tinder isn't just another dating app—it's a huge revenue driver for Match Group, so when it struggles, the whole company feels it. Rascoff stepping in personally suggests they're serious about turning things around, but it also raises questions: Is this a short-term fix, or does Tinder need a bigger shakeup? For users, the real test will be whether this leadership change leads to meaningful improvements in the app.

If you're in the market for a reliable work laptop that won't break the bank, tech editors are raving about the Dell 14 Plus. The latest version packs more power and longer battery life—two things every office warrior cares about—without the premium price tag of some competitors.

Editor’s Note: Laptop upgrades can be overwhelming with endless options, but a trustworthy recommendation cuts through the noise. This matters because better battery life and performance directly translate to fewer midday charger hunts and smoother multitasking—real wins for productivity. Plus, affordability means more people can access solid tech without sacrificing quality.

An experienced AI professional with a background in education sifted through countless online courses to handpick the best free AI learning resources for 2025. They’re sharing their tried-and-tested recommendations for anyone looking to boost their skills without spending a dime.

Editor’s Note: With AI skills becoming essential across industries, this curated list cuts through the noise of online learning options. It’s especially valuable coming from someone who combines teaching expertise with hands-on AI experience—like getting recommendations from a trusted friend who’s already done the legwork.