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• Threat actors cloned Brazilian government websites using generative AI
• The sites were used to steal personal information and money
• In both instances, the sites were almost identical, experts warn

Experts have warned hackers recently used a generative AI tool to replicate several web pages belonging to the Brazilian government in an effort to steal sensitive personal information and money.

The fake websites were examined by Zscaler ThreatLabz researchers, who discovered multiple indicators of the use of AI to generate code.

The websites look almost identical to the official sites, with the hackers using SEO poisoning to make the websites appear higher in search results, and therefore seem more legitimate.

AI generated government websites

In the campaign examined by ThreatLabz, two websites were spotted mimicking important government portals. The first was for the State Department of Traffic’s portal for applying for a drivers license.

(Image credit: ZScaler ThreatLabz)

The two sites appear to be near-identical, with the only major difference being in the website’s URL. The threat actor used ‘govbrs[.]com’ as the URL prefix, mimicking the official URL in a way that would be easily overlooked by those visiting the site. The webpage was also boosted in search results using SEO poisoning, making it appear to be the legitimate site.

Once on the site, the users are invited to enter their CPF number (a form of personal identification number similar to an SSN), which the hacker would ‘authenticate’ using an API.

The victim would then fill out a web form asking for personal information such as name and address, before being asked to schedule psychometric and medical exams as part of the driving application.

The victim would then be prompted to use Pix, Brazil’s instant payment system, to complete their application. The funds would go directly to the hacker’s account.

A second website based on the job board for the Brazilian Ministry of Education lured applicants into handing over their CPF number and completing payments to the hacker. This website used similar URL squatting techniques and SEO poisoning to appear legitimate.

The user would apply to fake job listings, handing over personal information before again being prompted to use the Pix payment system to complete their application.

In ThreatLabz’ technical analysis of both sites, much of the code showed signs of being generated by Deepsite AI using a prompt to copy the official website, such as TailwindCSS styling and highly structured code comments that state “In a real implementation…”

The CSS files of the website also include templated instructions on how to reproduce the government sites.

The ThreatLabz blog concludes, “While these phishing campaigns are currently stealing relatively small amounts of money from victims, similar attacks can be used to cause far more damage. Organizations can reduce the risk by ensuring best practices along with deploying a Zero Trust architecture to minimize the attack surface.”

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• Altman's tweet suggests that ChatGPT-5 Pro is coming to Plus subscribers
• It will be limited to a few queries a month
• The move would add more confusion to the ChatGPT Plus model selector

Following the backlash against OpenAI removing ChatGPT-4o when it introduced ChatGPT-5, the AI giant has now restored access to ChatGPT-4o, but only for ChatGPT Plus subscribers.

Free tier users are limited to just ChatGPT-5 for now, but it seems that CEO Sam Altman and OpenAI aren’t done making changes to its LLM lineup just yet.

In reply to a post on X praising how good GPT-5 Pro is, Altman responded, “We are considering giving a (very) small number of GPT-5 Pro queries each month to Plus subscribers so they can try it out!”

we are considering giving a (very) small number of GPT-5 pro queries each month to plus subscribers so they can try it out! i like it too.but yeah if you wanna pay us $1k a month for 2x the input tokens feels like we should find a way to make that happen... https://t.co/9qC0rsDl6zAugust 11, 2025

Plus users currently get a choice between ChatGPT-5 for fast answers and ChatGPT-5 Thinking for slower, but more thoughtful answers. ChatGPT Pro is essentially the best of both worlds, delivering thoughtful answers at speed.

Making even a few queries a month available to Plus users would represent a serious added value to the $20 (£20 / AU$30) monthly subscription. OpenAI describes ChatGPT-5 Pro as “research grade” AI, and it’s currently only available to $200 (£200 / AU$300) a month ChatGPT Pro subscribers.

The current Plus user selection box, with GPT-4o added. (Image credit: Future)Model confusion

Before I get too excited, perhaps it's worth noting the word “considering” is contained in Altman’s tweet, and means that this isn’t definitely going to happen. However, if Altman thinks it’s a good idea, then, being the CEO, he can probably make it happen.

Part of the ethos of ChatGPT-5 was to do away with the confusing LLM line-up and naming conventions that had arisen around ChatGPT-4. The streamlined ChatGPT-5 was supposed to simplify all the different options and intelligently decide which version of the model your query would best respond to.

By giving Plus users access to ChatGPT-5 Pro, in addition to reintroducing ChatGPT-4o, we will essentially be back in the same old situation where people are given too much choice about which model to use, meaning that OpenAI still has a product naming and line-up problem.

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• Google Gemini has started spiraling into infinite loops of self-loathing – and AI chatbots have never felt more human

The president said Nvidia would pay the government in exchange for easing export restrictions — and that he'd initially asked for a larger cut.

(Image credit: Michel Euler)

• Microsoft is reportedly looking to formalize three-day in-office working policy
• Rivals like Amazon now ask for full-time office attendance
• Workers must prepare for more changes, reports claim

Microsoft could be the latest tech giant to explore a stricter in-office working policy, with reports claiming the company is reportedly considering enacting a three-day office-working policy for most employees.

Until now, workers have been able to spend around half of their time at home (or away from the office) despite rivals like Amazon enforcing stricter full-time office-working policies.

A Microsoft spokesperson told Business Insider the company had been exploring changes to the policy, but no official alterations have been made yet.

Microsoft considering upping its office-working days

The report claims an official Microsoft announcement could come as soon as September 2025, with rollout of any changes arriving as soon as January 2026, although dates and indeed policies may vary depending on location.

Reports of upcoming changes come after the company has made other changes to its workforce, including ongoing worker readjustments and an updated PIP framework to more quickly exit underperforming workers.

In July 2025, Microsoft laid off around 9,000 of its workers, and two months earlier in May a further 6,000 workers lost their jobs.

Company CFO Amy Hood told workers in an internal memo (see by Business Insider) that they should prepare for another year of "intensity."

"We're entering FY26 with clear priorities in security, quality, and AI transformation, building on our momentum and grounded in our mission and growth-mindset culture," she added.

Although the company has undergone major layoffs in recent months, hiring efforts in other areas and a broader restructuring has seen minimal changes to actual overall headcount.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently said the layoffs had been "weighing heavily" on him, likening the ongoing transformation to that of the 1990s, when PCs and software became democratized, blaming the shifts on evolving customer needs.

Microsoft told us that it is looking at refreshing its flexible working guidelines, as it has done many times before. The company has a page dedicated to its flexible work approach, which reads "No 'one size fits all'."

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• Amazon's War of the Worlds movie has boosted the visibility of another movie with the same name
• Viewers are tuning into the 2005 Tom Cruise-led film on various streaming platforms
• Neither flick is the best way to experience its sci-fi horror story, though

It turns out Amazon's War of the Worlds movie has done some good after all.

The Ice Cube-starring Prime Video film, which was one of July's final new Prime Video movies, continues to be ridiculed by fans and critics alike. At the time of publication, it holds 3% critical and 22% audience approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes – scores that makes it one of the worst-rated original movies in the platform's history.

But it's not all bad news for War of the Worlds – well, another movie adaptation of H.G. Wells' famous sci-fi horror story. Indeed, given the level of interest in the property itself, the 2005 Tom Cruise-led film is enjoying a renaissance on some of the world's best streaming services.

Right now, Cruise's War of the Worlds movie is the eighth most popular film on Netflix in the UK. By all accounts, it's enjoying some success on Paramount+ in the US and further field on other streamers where it's available, too.

It's difficult to determine how many people have actually watched it and/or how many have made it to the end of the Steven Spielberg-directed flick on either streaming service. The fact remains, though: Prime Video's War of the Worlds film might be absolutely abysmal, but it's introduced Wells' incredibly influential story to a whole new generation and, as a huge fan of the original novel, that's worth celebrating in my view.

Why I won't be streaming Tom Cruise's War of the Worlds movie

The Steven Spielberg-directed War of the Worlds film was liked by critics, but not by fans (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

If you're trying to decide which War of the Worlds movie is worth watching based on their Rotten Tomatoes scores, it's a no-brainer. Cruise's team-up with Spielberg is by far the better film, with its 76% critical and 42% audience ratings indicating as much.

As its audience score suggests, though, I, like many general moviegoers, was less than enthused by Paramount Pictures' big-budget take on Wells' literary works. Yes, it looks great and there are some genuinely scary moments, especially early on. But, whether it's the movie's present day setting in New York – Wells' original story is set in England at the end of the 19th century – or other baffling changes it makes to the source material, I was unimpressed by the overall package. For that reason, I can't recommend the Cruise-led vehicle as one of the best Netflix movies or best Paramount+ movies.

But we're all about offering alternate suggestions here at TechRadar so, as one of our resident entertainment experts, it's my duty to do just that. I'm not going to do what my colleague Jasmine Valentine did and tell you to stream a far better movie version of the sci-fi classic, though, so what do I recommend instead?

If you're really not fussed on reading the original book, which I'd highly recommend anyway, check out Jeff Wayne's 1978 concept record The War of the Worlds, which is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other good audio streaming services. It takes Wells' story – without changing its narrative for the sake of it – and turns it into a progressive rock double album that allows your imagination run wild as you listen along. Nothing's scarier than what your own mind can make up, so why not give it a go? I promise you'll be humming the opening minutes of its first track 'The Eve of the War' for days to come.

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• Tom's Guide offers a comprehensive look at the World in 2025
• The special reports covers everything from AI and iPhones to wearables ands robots
• It's a believable look at where most of major innovation is heading – with a few surprises

The problem with most stories about the future is that they look so far into the distance that it's hard to connect them with our current circumstances. Tom's Guide's deep dive on what might be termed "the near future", 2035, suffers no such disconnect.

Even I can see the threads that lead us from, for instance, humanoid dreams to more practical home helper robots. Or from Micro-LED TV aspirations to more reliable OLED and beyond. Or from the current AI revolution to proactive and emotionally aware chatbots in 2035.

Tom's Guide, part of the Future network and a friend and competitor to TechRadar, has built a rich, eight-part deep dive on The World in 2035.

It's a world of ambient computing, stretchable batteries (that might recharge via embedded solar panels), and smart glasses that finally achieve their promise thanks to the deep integration of AI and awareness.

There's also a nice deep dive on the future of Apple's iPhone business, which Tom's Guide, unsurprisingly, predicts isn't going anywhere, even as more AI wearables and unique sensors try to make it obsolete.

There are tons of interviews with industry leaders across AI, smartphones, wearables, robotics, and cars that help paint a picture of 2035 that is both completely recognizable, yet also on the precipice of being truly futuristic.

I suggest you pour a nice cool drink, grab a spot by the pool, and settle in for a deep summer read. You'll probably learn something. I know I did.

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This September, we'll see the end of an era in internet history.

The classic dial-up handshake sounds melodic, scratchy, and harsh, and is inexorably associated with connection. It’s also now silent. AOL’s decision this week to finally end dial-up service is not surprising, but it still feels like a door closing, one I walked through more times than I can count to step onto the world wide web.

It’s a sound immortalized in the 1998 Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan rom-com You’ve Got Mail, a film in which the then insanely popular AOL service propels the plot forward to its unsurprising and deeply romantic conclusion.

When I first started covering and working online, AOL was one of the chief portals to the new digital world, and the only way to traverse that portal was via a dial-up modem, one connected to your PC on one side and your phone line on the other. (Having a phone line close to your computer was a big deal – kids today are spoiled by ubiquitous, high-speed Wi-Fi... but I digress.)

(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

In today's always-connected world, it’s hard to conceive of the intentionality of this act. In the 1990s, our phones were dumb, and your computer dealt with local networks and files. We called dial-up “going online” because it was like taking a trip in which the mode of transportation was a little box with the magic code to connect you to the Internet and, ultimately, the information superhighway.

Before home broadband, everyone knew the handshake sound and, yes, millions were dialing into AOL (America Online) – a network of its own – to access the internet.

If you were breaking down the dial-up process, you might look at it as two distinct parts: the dialing of the AOL number, and then a series of negotiation sounds all designed to ensure that the modem was legit and speaking the correct language. Once the system on the other side of the connection was satisfied, you’d be connected and soon hear, “You’ve got mail.”

That mail system was also an integral part of AOL. There was no Gmail, and far fewer people were using online mail systems from Yahoo or even Microsoft (I should add that these days, having a @hotmail.com mail account is akin, for some, to having an @AOL.com mail account).

Dial-up started its rapid decline in the late 1990s as cable companies introduced broadband over coaxial cable. Instead of knocking on the internet’s door with a phone call, broadband paved an open path to the digital realm. One day, we had the classic dial-up sound in my home, and the next day, we did not.

Dial-up continued to serve a purpose well into the first decade of the new millennium, and broadband took years to reach rural communities. In 2009, Netzero tried to bring dial-up back as an affordable alternative to pricey broadband. Imagine someone trying to sell consumers on the horse and buggy decades after the automobile had become ubiquitous. It was a terrible plan and, in my opinion, set back broadband reach a few years.

Even so, by 2022 the number of people still using dial-up had dropped to 175,000. I'm sure the number today might equate to the population of a very small, one-street town in middle America. I hope AOL is at least supporting those who still can't connect to cable or fiber.

It's not like we didn't see this coming. In recent years, other big companies with names that start with A have been turning their backs on dial-up technology.

My sadness is not ennui for a better time. It’s really just nostalgia for a digital snapshot, a moment when we had to make an effort to get connected and then wait, in anticipation, as the modem completed its digital handshake before opening the door to reveal the growing world of digital connections and information. I wonder if, perhaps, we appreciated the miracle of connection more for the effort that was involved.

We take it for granted now; and Gen Z, in particular, surely has no idea what it means to prime the pump of online before adding an Instagram post. But what if they did? What if, just once a year, we declared it 'Dial-Up Day' and you had to run a fake modem handshake before you could use your laptop or smartphone?

Ridiculous, I know, but the thought does make me smile.

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The Morning Show season 4: key information

- Coming on September 17
- Teaser trailer officially revealed
- Main cast set to return
- New characters confirmed
- Season 4 jumps two years ahead of season 3 finale
- Potential for more seasons, though yet to be confirmed

The Morning Show season 4 is coming on September 17 and from what I've seen announced so far, there's plenty more intense drama lined up for the news crew – both inside and outside the studio.

The Morning Show storms onto Apple TV+, one of the best streaming services, every other year with real-life headlines played out in the fictional news room. And it appears season 4 is about to tackle one of the most prominent debates of modern times. But, we'll jump into more on that below.

With the merger officially complete, Alex and Bradley are set to return. But, The Morning Show season 3 finale saw their lives split into two very different directions. So, what's next? Well, a time jump for starters as season 4 picks up two years after the events of season 3.

Here's everything we know so far ahead of The Morning Show season 4 returning to Apple TV+ from release date, trailer, confirmed cast, plot synopsis and more.

Full spoilers follow for The Morning Show seasons 1-3. Potential spoilers are also discussed for season 4.

The Morning Show season 4 release date

A post shared by Apple TV (@appletv)

A photo posted by on

On May 28, Apple TV+ officially revealed that The Morning Show season 4 will arrive on the streamer on September 17.

Like the previous seasons, there will be ten episodes in total, releasing weekly (every Friday) until November 19.

The Morning Show season 4 trailer: is there one?

The Morning Show season 4 teaser trailer dropped on July 9 giving a first look at what's to come in the newsroom. And, it's a little bit intense.

While Alex and Bradley walk in parallel along the UBN building, their reflections become other cast members, new and old. Like ghosts of seasons past, present and future bringing their own haunting dialogue.

Like, Chip Black saying: "I need some dirt. Something I can trade". Or, Cory: "It's always nice when you can get someone else to do your dirty work for you, right?"

And, in true The Morning Show fashion, the final words: "It sounds like the drama at the network is juicier than the drama on the network".

It doesn't show us much, but it certainly tells us that season 4 is primed and ready for more drama.

With previous seasons, the full trailer has dropped in late August ahead of the September release date. So, I'll be sure to update here when it arrives.

The Morning Show season 4 confirmed cast

Marion Cotillard joins The Morning Show season 4 cast (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Full spoilers follow for The Morning Show seasons 1-3.

Thanks to The Morning Show season 4 trailer and official Apple TV+ announcement, I can share the confirmed cast as follows – with returning cast and entirely new characters:

• Jennifer Aniston as Alex Levy
• Reese Witherspoon as Bradley Jackson
• Billy Crudup as Cory Ellison
• Jon Hamm as Paul Marks
• Greta Lee as Stella Bak
• Mark Duplass as Chip Black
• Nicole Beharie as Christina Hunter
• Karen Pittman as Mia Jordan
• Tig Notaro as Amanda Robinson
• Nestor Carbonell as Yanko Flores
• Marion Cotillard as Celine Dumont
• Jeremy Irons as Martin Levy
• Boyd Holbrook as Brodie
• Aaron Pierre as Miles
• William Jackson Harper as Ben

Alex's father, Martin, will be played by Jeremy Irons (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

As reported in Deadline, William Jackson Harper will play Ben: "the network's self-assured and innovative Head of Sports. Whilst Jeremy Irons will play Alex Levy's father, Martin.

Aaron Pierre is joining as Miles "an acclaimed visual artist who moves through the circles of the New York elite". And, Boyd Holbrook will play Brodie "a podcaster and talk show host".

Finally, Marion Cotillard joins as Celine "a savvy operator from a storied European family". Some big names to join an already impressive cast list.

Though, there is one character that has been confirmed to not be returning and that's Bradley's ex Laura Peterson (Julianna Margulies), as per The Hollywood Reporter.

The Morning Show season 4 potential plot synopsis and rumors

The Morning Show season 4 plot jumps two years ahead (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Major spoilers follow for The Morning Show seasons 1 through 3.

The Morning Show season 4 picks up two years after the events of season 3. So, while season 3 saw real-life news stories from a trip to space to the January 6 insurrection play out on screen, it was the huge merger between UBA and NBN after Musk-like billionaire Paul Mark's deal was thwarted that led the season's biggest drama.

The big question is what will the focus be for season 4 – and it seems like the answer is artificial intelligence (AI), as explored in the official Apple TV+ synopsis: "With the UBA-NBN merger complete, the newsroom must grapple with newfound responsibility, hidden motives and the elusive nature of truth in a polarized American.

"In a world rife with deepfakes, conspiracy theories and corporate cover-ups – who can you trust? And how can you know what's actually real?"

With the season 3 finale setting Alex and Bradley on very different paths, we watched on as Alex triumphantly outsmarted Paul to get herself a seat in the boardroom, sacrificing her relationship in the process.

And Bradley was left facing a possible felony charge after her brother assaulted a police officer during the January 6 insurrection, with Bradley withholding evidence.

But, how will the two-year time jump affect how we all come down from the ledge we were left teetering on after the season 3 finale?

Well, Aniston told The Hollywood Reporter, it looks like it'll be pretty hectic: "We reenter the world mid-chaos. Because she's jumping into something that has never existed. She's a bit of a pioneer, and she is kind of left alone on a buoy.

"Bradley's not there. Cory's not there. Paul Marks is not there. All of her touchstones". So, with Alex's main support system missing, season 4 looks set to explore how she copes with the new reality she's played a part in creating for herself.

Where do figures like Cory stand post-merger? (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

But with women, like Alex, now in charge pushing Paul and Cory to the sidelines, executive producer Michael Ellenberg says there's opportunity, but also risk: "They're being handed the keys to the kingdom in a period where it's almost impossible to succeed, so it can end up being a step back for progress.

"The show is curious about all of those realities. So I think Charlotte opened the runway so we can keep going as long as we're all inspired to do so".

And when it comes to the fallout from the merger, showrunner Charlotte Stoudt told Deadline: "I think mergers are always messy, whether they're personal or corporate. So, it's always fun to play with that".

And so, it may not be the main focus for season 4. Instead, she says: "We're also trying to reflect the world... how many streamers can there be? People getting laid off, that sort of stuff. So we also just want to reflect what's actually happening in the media world. Some people are doing very well, some people are doing less well. It's like the Wild West".

Will The Morning Show get more seasons on Apple TV+?

Will The Morning Show return after season 4? (Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

While there's been no official news on The Morning Show season 5 or future seasons beyond it, there have been some positive signs.

Like how when season 4 received it's early renewal, Deadline reported: "At the time of this announcement, a fifth season was also in consideration".

And when Stoudt spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in November 2023, after the season 3 finale, about the potential for more, she said: "You can always say something new about what's going on in the world...

"So I think there will always be a place for this show. I have no idea about how long people want to go on, but it's a show that can constantly reinvent itself".

Though season 4 was given an early renewal, it appears that's not been the case with season 5. But, with hopeful words and hints at a fifth season, there's seemingly potential for more.

For more Apple TV+ coverage, read our guides on Ted Lasso season 4, Foundation season 3, Presumed Innocent season 2, and Silo season 3.

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Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded: one-minute review

The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is a new, upgraded version of the original Victrix Pro BFG, which was originally released back in 2023.

Compatible with PlayStation consoles, an Xbox version hit the market roughly a year later. Thankfully, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is immediately available as two versions for either console family, so you won’t be left out in the cold whether you’re Team Blue or Green.

Our original Victrix Pro BFG review (and that of the Xbox version) covers pretty much everything you need to know about the controller. This Reloaded model is a very similar beast outside of some welcome improvements and some slight aesthetic changes, so that’s what this review is primarily going to be focused on.

If you’re in the market for a cream-of-the-crop PS5 controller, then, and you don’t own the original Victrix Pro BFG, then the Reloaded version is definitely the one to go for.

Thanks to the addition of Hall effect sticks and triggers, as well as an improved Fightpad module, it’s easily one of the best PS5 controllers I’ve ever tested, and as premium gamepads go, I vastly prefer it to the likes of the DualSense Edge and Scuf Reflex Pro.

(Image credit: Future)Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded: price and availability

• $209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)
• Available from September 28, 2025
• Slightly pricier than the original in the US

At $209.99 / £179.99, the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is 30 bucks pricier than the launch price of the original Pro BFG in the US, but retains the same price point in the UK. The controller is available to pre-order now at Turtle Beach’s website, and is currently slated to ship on September 28, 2025.

As far as premium PS5 controllers go, the Reloaded's price point is pretty ballpark. Similar luxury controllers like the DualSense Edge or Nacon Revolution 5 Pro come in at $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95 and $199.99 / £199.99 (around AU$316), respectively.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review: Specs

Price

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

Weight

9.3oz / 265g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC (Xbox version sold separately)

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 20 hours

(Image credit: Future)Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review: design and features

• Solid build quality
• Some minor aesthetic differences compared to the original Pro BFG
• Includes several accessories, modules, and a carry case

Put the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded side by side with its older sibling, and you may need to squint to see the differences. Size and silhouette are the exact same, and this new pad is differentiated only by some slight aesthetic adjustments. Namely, the grips now have a greyish outline, while the thumbstick base swaps the original’s bold purple for a sleek grey. The ‘Victrix’ text on the right module also sees that color change, but that’s really it.

The similarities extend to the included parts and modules. The controller is still housed in that compact Victrix carry case. And inside that, you’ve got a swappable Fightpad module, two alternate d-pads (in addition to the excellent diamond-shaped one affixed to the pad by default), two swappable thumbsticks, and a pair of octagonal thumbstick gates. A 2.4GHz dongle and 30ft cable are also packed in, giving you two connectivity options.

Just like the first Pro BFG, the unique selling point here is those customizable modules. In brief, these can be taken out or slotted in using the included screwdriver.

There are plenty of use cases for such a feature, including choosing between symmetrical or asymmetrical stick layouts, opting for a southpaw layout for left-handed players, and, of course, using the included Fightpad module for play with the best fighting games.

The Fightpad module here is a definite improvement. The ‘Fightpad’ logo has been pushed to the bottom, with the six buttons now higher up. It’s a small change, but one that I found to be more comfortable and gave my thumbs a bit more room during gameplay.

(Image credit: Future)Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review: Performance

The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is, largely, aimed at competitively-minded players. All the hallmarks of such a pad are here: four remappable buttons on the rear, adjustable trigger stops, and a handful of swappable accessories as mentioned above. As with the original pad, these can all be customized on the fly, and you can even swap between profiles for different games.

Every multiplayer-focused controller should at the very least have Hall effect thumbsticks, and it was always a confusing omission to me with the original Pro BFG. Thankfully, they’re here now, along with Hall effect triggers, which should make for a much longer-lasting controller now that stick drift shouldn’t be a problem.

While the Pro BFG Reloaded is aimed at the competitive market, it’s still an impressively versatile controller that can be used casually. I tested a wide variety of titles across a broad range of genres on PS5 and PC, including Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, Zenless Zone Zero, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Final Fantasy 14 Online, PUBG Battlegrounds, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Across all games, the BFG Pro Reloaded offered a comfortable and responsive gameplay experience.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded?Buy it if...

You play a ton of online multiplayer
The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is designed primarily for you in this case. With Hall effect sticks, remappable buttons, and swappable modules, it’s a pro-minded player’s ideal controller in more ways than one.

You don’t have space for a traditional fight stick
Fighting game fans are likely to get plenty of use out of the Pro BFG Reloaded thanks to its revised Fightpad module. Its six-button is ideal for games like Street Fighter 6 and Guilty Gear Strive.

Don't buy it if...

You already own the original pad or a DualSense Edge
Given the commanding price tag of the BFG Pro Reloaded, it’s hard to justify paying for this one if you already own a similarly premium PS5 controller, especially when the upgrades are welcome but slight overall.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review: Also consider

There are other premium controller options out there for PS5. Consider the following two options if the BFG Pro Reloaded isn’t quite what you’re after.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

DualSense Edge

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro

Price

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

$199.99 / £199.99 / AU$399.95

$199.99 / £199.99 (around AU$316)

Weight

9.3oz / 265g

11.4oz / 322g

10.9oz / 308g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm

7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC (Xbox version sold separately)

PS5, PC

PS5, PS4, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (PS5 native), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

Around 20 hours

5-6 hours

Around 10 hours

DualSense Edge
An excellent, if pricey, upgrade over the standard DualSense. The Edge doesn’t offer Hall effect sticks, but includes all the DualSense’s marvelous features while adding some handy remappable buttons, trigger locks, and a set of accessories.

Read our full DualSense Edge review

Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
Developed in tandem with professional Street Fighter player Nathan ‘Mr. Crimson’ Massol, Nacon’s premium PS5 pad impresses with solid build quality and battery life, and is designed from the ground up for competitive play.

Read our full Nacon Revolution 5 Pro review

How I tested the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

• Tested for a week
• Played a wide range of PS5 and PC games
• Compared directly to the original Pro BFG model

I tested the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded over the course of a week for this review. In that time, I endeavored to play a smorgasbord of excellent PS5 and PC games, particularly ones with online multiplayer environments.

As I was already familiar with the original Pro BFG, I felt right at home testing this new model. It’s a familiar yet fresh-feeling pad thanks to its welcome upgrades. And as an avid Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 player, I had tons of fun playing with the included and improved Fightpad module.

First reviewed August 2025

Read more about how we test

The news comes on the heels of both companies' launch date announcements.

It’s not easy being a Mafia fan. As someone who’s experienced the dazzling highs of the ground-breaking 2002 original and its strong sequel, the devastating lows of the incredibly rocky Mafia 3, and subsequent return to form in the brilliant Mafia: Definitive Edition remake, I know better than anyone that it’s not a franchise without its ups and downs.

Review info

Platform reviewed: PC, PS5
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S
Release date: August 8, 2025

In spite of any flaws, however, each entry has always been elevated by brilliant storytelling and strong cinematography that make them feel just like watching a classic mob movie. This is especially true in the case of Mafia: The Old Country, a new prequel from developer Hangar 13.

It delivers some serious narrative goods with a story that’s compelling right from the get-go, thanks to consistently excellent voice acting and well-shot cutscenes that ooze style and flair.

Unfortunately, there are some rough edges that hold the overall experience back - be that the many janky stealth segments or the noticeable lack of opportunities to explore its massive world. The result is an instalment that, while nowhere near the worst, falls short of some of the series’ best.

The old world

(Image credit: 2K)

Set in 1900s Sicily, Mafia: The Old Country is centered around the fictional town of San Celeste - a setting that first appeared in the brief flashback scene at the start of Mafia 2. It’s a great location, with the small handful of areas seen in that older game lovingly recreated. It’s been significantly expanded, too, with a large surrounding countryside, detailed coastline, and a number of small nearby villages.

It all looks incredibly beautiful, with impressively realistic texture work, lifelike lighting, and numerous little details to help sell the period setting. Unfortunately, it’s quite underutilized due to the game’s incredibly linear structure. Don’t get me wrong, the best Mafia titles have never truly been open-world experiences, but the inability to soak in the sights at your own pace is a letdown and a step back.

I loved wandering around Lost Heaven and Empire Bay, either on foot or in a car while travelling between missions, but here you’re forced to turn around if you move even slightly outside the area of your current objective.

Best bit

(Image credit: 2K)

Enzo is one fashionable fella. You can unlock loads of customizable outfits and headwear throughout the game, which presents an enjoyable way to change up your look.

It’s a bit baffling when you consider that there are plenty of collectibles out there to discover, from world-building notes to collectible photographs of key landmarks that you can take with an old-timey camera. There’s even a small store that sells upgrades for your gear, but you’re given few opportunities to actually visit it.

There is still a dedicated free-roam mode at least, where you can sight-see or shop to your heart’s content, but accessing it requires you to exit back to the main menu and choose it from the chapter select screen - a cumbersome and annoying thing to have to do if you just want to buy a new vehicle paint job.

Mafia: Definitive Edition nailed the structure of a modern Mafia game, offering just the right amount of freedom without ever overloading you with pointless busywork, and it’s a huge shame that the same kind of design wasn’t implemented here.

A little too familiar

(Image credit: 2K)

On the plus side, the tightly controlled structure does help the breakneck pacing of the story shine. The main thrust is that it follows new protagonist, Enzo, a young boy sold by his parents to work in a dangerous, mob-operated sulphur mine.

After a dramatic opening that sees you cast out of the mine and become the sworn enemies of the gangsters that control it, you’re put under the wing of the powerful Torissi family.

In classic Mafia fashion, you soon rise through the ranks, gradually transforming from a scrappy laborer into a skilled mafioso. Missions are nicely varied, with plenty of enjoyable third-person shooting segments that have you experimenting with a good selection of ranged weapons, though there are some sore spots.

Chief among these are the mandatory stealth segments, which are incredibly basic and quickly become grating. There’s nothing particularly exciting about crouching behind cover waiting for guards to move, or tossing coins or bottles into corners to lure them out of your path.

Being detected results in an instant game over, which is especially annoying on the odd occasion when it all bugs out and a guard manages to impossibly spot you.

(Image credit: 2K)

There’s a knife-fighting minigame that is frankly overused, too. Blocking and parrying incoming blows is perfectly responsive, and helps break up some of the longer periods of shooting, but it happens so frequently that it verges on ridiculous. Almost every mission culminates in a knife fight, even in moments when its inclusion doesn’t make any real sense.

There are also multiple race sequences, including two major ones that take place on horseback and in a car. They’re well designed but play out in an extremely similar way to the iconic race scene from the original Mafia (albeit significantly less difficult this time around). This is clearly an intentional homage, but it comes across more like an uninspired attempt to capitalize on nostalgia.

In fact, the whole of Enzo’s story arc feels incredibly reminiscent of Tommy’s in the first game. It’s hard to complain too much when it’s still thrilling to experience, but some more adventurous twists would have made some of its rather predictable emotional beats hit that much harder.

It’s a quibble that epitomizes my biggest issues with Mafia: The Old Country. There are the fundamentals of a fantastic Mafia game here, but it lacks the level of fine-tuning and polish needed to live up to the lofty heights of some of its predecessors.

Should I play Mafia: The Old Country?Play it if…

You love a good crime or mob story
The narrative in Mafia: The Old Country is simple, but effective. If you live for movies about mobsters or organized crime, then you’re going to really enjoy this.

You’re craving a linear game
There’s something to be said about the need for more linear experiences in an age of open-world gaming. If you’re seeking a tightly-paced story-driven experience, then Mafia: The Old Country is worth playing.

Don’t play it if…

You’ve not played a Mafia game before
If you haven't tried a Mafia game before, then I’d still recommend starting with Mafia: Definitive Edition. It has an even more compelling story and a more well-realized world to explore.

You want a more well-rounded experience
The narrative and presentation shines, but other aspects of Mafia: The Old Country could do with some more polish. Consider playing something else if you want an experience that's fantastic across the board.View Deal

Accessibility features

Mafia: The Old Country has a dedicated accessibility menu containing options to adjust the size, color, and background opacity of subtitles. The scale of the HUD can also be adjusted, and there are three colorblind modes: deuteranope, protanope, and tritanope.

The game also features multiple difficult levels, the option to enable aim assist on PC, and a feature that allows you to skip driving between objective markers.

How I reviewed Mafia: The Old Country

(Image credit: 2K)

I played Mafia: The Old Country on both PC and PlayStation 5. I played the PC version for more than sixteen hours, hitting the end credits and spending a little bit of time in the free roam mode.

I relied on my Lenovo Q24i-10 monitor, in addition to a Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro gaming mouse and Endgame Gear KB65HE Hall Effect Gaming Keyboard. For audio, I used a pair of Final VR500 earbuds.

I then spent roughly two hours in the PS5 version, comparing the performance my PC build which features a 12GB RTX 3060, an I5-11400F CPU, and 32GB of RAM. I found it satisfactory, but not exceptional, on both platforms.

Throughout my time with the game, I directly compared it to other entries in the Mafia series as a long-time fan. I also stacked it up more generally with other single-player story-based titles, including the likes of The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption 2, and more.

First reviewed August 2025

• ESET found a high-severity bug in WinRAR being used by RomCom, a known Russian hacking collective
• The bug was being used to deploy backdoors allowing full access to compromised computers
• WinRAR says it has fixed the issue, so users should update now

Iconic archiving platform WinRAR carried a dangerous zero-day vulnerability which could have let hackers plant malware on compromised computers, security researchers are warning.

Recently, researchers from ESET discovered a directory traversal vulnerability in the latest version of WinRAR. The flaw is now tracked as CVE-2025-8088, and was given a severity score of 8.4/10 (high).

To make matters worse, hackers were seen abusing the flaw in the wild to drop RomCom’s malware variants.

Patching the bug

ESET’s researchers said the flaw was being abused in spear phishing attacks (highly targeted phishing attacks) by the Russian-speaking threat actor known as RomCom, a group known for running espionage and financially-motivated attacks.

Its usual targets include government, military, and critical infrastructure organizations, so spear phishing attacks would make perfect sense.

The group was using the bug to deploy backdoors which would give them full access to the compromised computers.

The group’s earliest sightings were in 2022, targeting entities across Europe and North America. It often spoofs legitimate software in its attacks, with the RomCom RAT being its flagship malware.

RomCom is also tracked by other security outfits under monikers Storm-0978, Tropical Scorpius, and UNC2596.

After the discovery, WinRAR released a patch to fix the flaw. The first clean version is 7.13.

"When extracting a file, previous versions of WinRAR, Windows versions of RAR, UnRAR, portable UnRAR source code and UnRAR.dll can be tricked into using a path, defined in a specially crafted archive, instead of user specified path," WinRAR explained in its changelog. "Unix versions of RAR, UnRAR, portable UnRAR source code and UnRAR library, also as RAR for Android, are not affected."

WinRAR is a type of program that doesn’t update automatically, so unless users uninstall it and download the latest version manually, they will remain vulnerable.

Via BleepingComputer

You might also like

• Still using WinRAR? It has a worrying security flaw that could let hackers hijack your Windows device
• Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app
• We've rounded up the best password managers

Here are the best internet service providers to get connected from the Garden State, from Jersey City to Trenton, vetted by CNET's experts.

A new MacBook for student budgets is expected to arrive early next year.

Watch In Flight online from anywhere

Brace yourself for white-knuckle drama In Flight, starring Katherine Kelley (Happy Valley) as a single mother coerced into transporting illegal drugs across international borders to prevent a criminal cartel from murdering her son. It’s FREE to stream on Channel 4, and below we explain how to watch In Flight online and from anywhere with a VPN.

Premiere: Tuesday, August 12 at 9pm BST

New episodes: every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

TV Channel: Channel 4

Watch free: on Channel 4 (free with TV license)

Use NordVPN to watch any stream

How far would you go to protect your own family? After her son is sentenced to fifteen years in a Bulgarian prison, flight attendant Jo Conran (award-winning actress Kelley) accepts the perilous ultimatum of violent crime boss Cormac (Stuart Martin): successfully smuggle heroin out of the country for him…or never see her son again.

Described by co-creators Mike Walden and Adam Randall (Slow Horses) as “a high stakes, stylish, romantic thriller with iconic characters and nerve shredding action,” and reminiscent of series like ITV’s Red Eye and the BBC’s Nightsleeper, “In Flight” promises heart-pounding drama and suspense as Jo desperately attempts to evade the authorities and outwit her captors.

This propulsive new thriller is about to land, and we’ll explain in the following guide how to watch In Flight online and stream every episode for free from anywhere.

Can I watch In Flight for FREE?

Yes! You can watch In Flight online live or on-demand via the 100% free Channel 4 streaming service in the UK, beginning Tuesday, August 12 at 9pm BST. However, you'll need a TV license to watch the platform’s content live as it airs.

Not in the UK right now? Use a VPN to watch In Flight on Channel 4 from abroad.

Unblock any stream with a VPN

If you're keen to watch In Flight but you're away from home and access to the show is geo-blocked, then you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.

Use a VPN to watch In Flight from anywhere:

Editors Choice

NordVPN – get the world's best VPN
We regularly review all the biggest and best VPN providers and NordVPN is our #1 choice. It unblocked every streaming service in testing and it's very straightforward to use. Speed, security and 24/7 support available if you need – it's got it all.

The best value plan is the two-year deal which sets the price at $3.69 per month, and includes an extra 3 months absolutely FREE. There's also an all-important 30-day no-quibble refund if you decide it's not for you.

- Buy now and you'll also get an Amazon gift card included!VIEW DEAL ON

Can I watch In Flight online in the US?

As far as we know, In Flight hasn’t been given permission for take off by any US streaming services. Should it get the green light, though, we’ll be sure to update the latest information here.

A UK fan abroad? You’ll need a VPN to connect to Channel 4, which will allow you to stream the show just like you would back home.

How to watch In Flight for FREE in the UK

The Katherine Kelley-led thriller In Flight touches down on Channel 4 from Tuesday, August 12. There will be six episodes in total, broadcast on the linear channel at 9pm BST every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening.

If you don’t have cable or satellite, you can stream each episode live as it airs on the FREE Channel 4 service, or on-demand soon after episodes have been broadcast.

Outside the UK? To access Channel 4 from abroad, you'll need to download a good VPN, as detailed below.

Can I watch In Flight in Canada?

In Flight hasn’t been acquired for broadcast in Canada yet. However, we do know that Freemantle will be handling the show’s international distribution.

However, British citizens in Canada could simply purchase a VPN and enjoy every episode via Channel 4 just like you would back home.

Can I watch In Flight online in Australia?

The good news is that new crime thriller “In Flight” has been snapped up by SBS in Australia. The bad news? We’re still waiting on the show’s release date Down Under.

NB: If you’re out of the country – say, a British citizen abroad trying to connect to Channel 4, sign up to a VPN to use the same services you have access to back home.

Can I watch In Flight online free in New Zealand?

Although Kiwis can’t watch “In Flight” online just yet, the six-part drama has been picked up by TVNZ (and for streaming on TVNZ Plus), so it shouldn’t be too long before its made available in that part of the world.

Traveling away from home? Don’t forget that if you’re a New Zealander abroad, you can use a VPN to tune into TVNZ+ while on the move.

In Flight trailerIn Flight cast

• Katherine Kelly as Jo Conran
• Stuart Martin as Cormac
• Ashley Thomas as Dom Delaney
• Bronagh Waugh as Melanie
• Harry Cadby as Sonny
• Corinna Brown as Kayla
• Ambreen Razia as Zara
• Charis Agbonlahor as D.I Shana Wright

In Flight episode guide and schedule

Episodes of In Flight will air on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays over two weeks. Don’t have cable? Stream episodes live or on-demand after broadcast on Channel 4 on-demand:

• Episode 1: Tuesday, August 12
• Episode 2: Wednesday, August 13
• Episode 3: Thursday, August 14
• Episode 4: Tuesday, August 19
• Episode 5: Wednesday, August 20
• Episode 6: Thursday, August 21

VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.