Tech Cheat Codes @TechCheatCode

The FBI continues to warn about two critical security flaws in PHP, a programming language used to build many websites and online services. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to break into systems, putting sensitive information and business operations at risk. Security updates are available and should be applied immediately. If you are a business owner or website operator, check whether your systems are affected. Contact your IT support team, website developer, or hosting provider for help identifying vulnerable systems and applying the necessary updates. The FBI urges organizations to take the following steps now: ➡️ If an immediate update is not feasible it is recommended that organizations take the system offline until it can be fully mitigated. ➡️ Immediately update affected PHP installations following the guidance on php.net. Inventory where PHP runs in your environment, prioritizing internet-facing systems and vendor products that bundle PHP. ➡️ Monitor web servers for suspicious activity, including PHP processes unexpectedly launching command shells or downloading files. Ensure appropriate process-monitoring capabilities are in place to help identify potential exploitation. ➡️ If you find signs of compromise, isolate affected systems, preserve your web server and PHP logs, and report it to your local FBI field office or ic3.gov. Those reports help us identify the actors involved and warn other organizations before they become victims. For the latest information on these vulnerabilities (CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619), follow PHP’s announcements on php.net, CERT-EU Security Advisory 2026-018, and CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/1…

Over the past 24 hours, two completely separate, absolutely massive cybersecurity disasters collided. First, Microsoft revealed that a nation-state hacking group used an autonomous AI agent to brute-force its way into thousands of cloud accounts in a matter of hours. Then, a critical vulnerability was discovered in PHP — the foundational code that runs roughly 70% of the entire internet — forcing major sites like Wikipedia to temporarily pull the plug on their own servers just to survive.

@BleepinComputer Cheat code for everyone else: if anyone in your family installed "Popcorn Time" years ago, uninstall it now. Researchers say turning off the updater doesn't fix its 2014-era Chrome engine. On Android, never accept an update prompt from it.

Texas sued OpenAI, claiming ChatGPT was sold as safe without warning users, including kids, about risks. What it means for you: ChatGPT doesn't change today. A lawsuit isn't a ruling. If your kid uses it, check its settings together. via @TexasTribune texastribune.org/2026/10/23/ken…

RTX Spark laptops are out from ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft and MSI. One chip, up to 128GB of shared memory. Built for gamers, video editors and home AI. For homework and email, you don't need one. techcheatcodes.com/news/2026/nvid…

Is this a scam? The FTC's 4 warning signs: 1. They pretend to be someone you trust 2. There's a problem or a prize 3. They pressure you to act now 4. They want a specific payment (gift card, crypto, wire) Spot one? Stop and check. techcheatcodes.com/fixes/scams/is…

Google's privacy policy changed Oct 16. If you connected Gmail or Photos to Search, info from them can now help pick your ads. Check: Search Services Personalization > Connected Content Apps. Or turn off personalized ads in My Ad Center. Source: Google techcheatcodes.com/news/2026/goog…

Apple's foldable iPhone Duo is in stores today. 📱 Before you buy: 1. Hold one in person first 2. Check price and storage on apple.com, not a reseller ad 3. Back up your old phone before Quick Start What to know 👇 techcheatcodes.com/news/2026/ipho…

Switch Sports Resort is out, Switch 2 only. Up to 4 players on one console for most sports. TV or tabletop mode, not handheld. Every player needs a controller, and online play needs Nintendo Switch Online. techcheatcodes.com/news/2026/nint…

Game Pass, Oct 29: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted. Check your plan: Essential gets neither. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga leaves Oct 31. Finish it first. techcheatcodes.com/news/2026/xbox…

Forgot your Wi-Fi password? A phone that's already connected can show it: iPhone: Settings > Wi-Fi > tap (i) > Password Windows 11: Settings > Network & internet > Properties > Show Android: share it as a QR code Mac, routers & more: techcheatcodes.com/fixes/wifi-int…

Had lab work through Quest Diagnostics? Quest says an intruder got into a system doctors' offices use for test results and accessed some patient records. Expect scam calls and texts about "your results." Don't click or share your SSN. What to do: techcheatcodes.com/news/2026/ques…

Spotify says it may ask some Family plan members to scan a QR code on the plan manager's phone, in person, within 7 days. Miss it and you can't join another Family or Duo plan for 12 months. How to get ready: techcheatcodes.com/news/2026/spot…

Capcom says emails and login records for 11.8M CAPCOM ID accounts were exposed. No card data, per Capcom. What to do: • Treat "Capcom" emails/texts with suspicion • Type Capcom's site yourself • Change reused passwords • Talk to your kids techcheatcodes.com/news/2026/capc…

We're live. Every tech problem has a cheat code. Free fixes for a slow PC, Wi-Fi that keeps dropping, a printer stuck offline, and "is this a scam?" Plus gaming briefs, a tech news feed and AI tool picks. techcheatcodes.com