Welcome to your daily tech news roundup! Today, we're covering a mix of cybersecurity concerns, legal battles, and helpful tips to keep you safe online.
Chinese Hackers Indicted in the US
The US Justice Department has indicted twelve Chinese nationals, including two officers from China's public security ministry, for a series of hacking attacks. These attacks, which occurred as recently as 2024, included a breach of the US Treasury. 
The alleged victims include US-based Chinese dissidents, foreign ministries in several Asian countries, religious organizations, and various US federal and state government agencies. This indictment highlights the ongoing concerns about state-sponsored cyberattacks and their impact on international relations and cybersecurity.
“Cybersecurity is paramount in today's interconnected world," says one expert. "These indictments send a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated."
Apple's 'Batterygate' Lawsuit Continues in the UK
Apple's legal woes aren't over yet. The UK Court of Appeal has rejected Apple's attempt to dismiss a $1 billion lawsuit related to the "Batterygate" scandal. This lawsuit, initiated by consumer rights activist Justin Gutmann, accuses Apple of intentionally slowing down the performance of older iPhones (specifically the iPhone 6 and other models) with chemically depleted batteries.
Gutmann's legal team released a statement, saying: "Apple will now be forced to defend itself in court, after it tried but failed to get the 853 million pounds [$1.1 billion] claim thrown out." 
This ruling means Apple will have to face the music and defend its actions in a high-stakes legal battle.
Secure 2FA While Roaming: Tips and Tricks
Traveling internationally and struggling with two-factor authentication (2FA) codes? Many websites and apps rely on SMS-based 2FA, which can be problematic (and expensive!) when roaming. Fortunately, there are alternatives.
The best approach is to upgrade to an app-based authentication method. Apps like Google Authenticator or Apple's Passwords app generate time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) that don't rely on SMS. 
You can also use passkeys, which are a single-step login that combines two security factors.
Another option is to use Google Voice. Google Voice provides a free phone number that can receive SMS messages in the US, even when you're abroad. You can even forward these messages to your email for easy access. While some services might block Google Voice numbers, it's worth a try. By taking these steps, you can ensure secure and convenient access to your accounts, no matter where you are in the world.
Stay safe out there!