Image by Stock Catalog, from Flickr

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• It features “agentic capabilities,” allowing it to complete tasks autonomously online.
• Personalized recommendations are based on user preferences, like dietary needs and interests.
• Alexa+ costs $19.99/month but is free for Amazon Prime members.

These advancements allow it to understand half-formed thoughts, colloquial language, and intricate topics, making interactions feel more like a conversation with a knowledgeable assistant rather than a machine.

A key innovation behind Alexa+ is its “expert” system, which organizes tasks into specialized modules. This allows it to control devices like smart lights and cameras, make reservations, order groceries, and track event tickets. It connects to a variety of services and devices, helping everything work together more efficiently.

One of its most advanced features is “agentic capabilities”, enabling Alexa+ to autonomously complete tasks online. For example, if a user needs an appliance repaired, Alexa+ can browse the web, find a service provider through Thumbtack, book an appointment, and confirm the details—all without user intervention.

This represents a shift toward AI assistants that actively handle responsibilities rather than just providing information. Alexa+ also offers deep personalization. It can remember user preferences, such as dietary restrictions or favorite music, to make tailored recommendations.

Users can further enhance Alexa’s knowledge by sharing documents, photos, or emails, allowing the assistant to organize schedules, summarize study materials, or extract relevant details from messages.

As noted by Medium , AI-enhanced Alexa introduces several concerns. Privacy remains a major issue, as the assistant collects more user data, raising questions about how it’s stored and used.

Additionally, ethical concerns arise as AI assistants become more human-like, since they can subtly influence user behavior and decision-making , raising ethical concerns. This sophistication also makes them more vulnerable to cyberattacks, as bad actors could exploit AI-generated interactions to manipulate users or extract sensitive data.

Recently, OpenAI demonstrated that its AI models surpass 82% of Reddit users in persuasive writing , raising concerns about their potential for political manipulation and misinformation.

If AI can influence opinions at this level, it could also be weaponized for phishing attacks, scams, or social engineering tactics, making transparency, security, and responsible development crucial for maintaining trust.

Image by David Whelan, from Wikimedia Commons

Fake GitHub Repositories Spread Malware To Developers Worldwide

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
• Reader’s Comments 1

Over 200 fake projects on GitHub have been found to spread malicious software, including tools to steal passwords, monitor activity, and steal cryptocurrency.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• GitVenom campaign targets developers worldwide, including countries like Russia, Brazil, and Turkey.
• Malicious code includes stealers, backdoors, keyloggers, and clipper programs.
• Attackers used AI-generated documentation and frequent code updates to appear legitimate.

This scheme, named GitVenom, has been active for over two years, affecting developers worldwide, as reported in an analysis by Kaspersky .

GitHub is a popular platform where programmers can find and share code for projects. It’s a valuable resource because it saves time, offering pre-written solutions to common coding problems. However, this openness also leaves room for cybercriminals to take advantage of unsuspecting users.

The fake repositories look convincing at first glance. They contain useful-sounding projects, like Telegram bots, game hacks, or tools to manage Bitcoin wallets.

The attackers even created well-written instructions, using AI to make them available in multiple languages. Additionally, the repositories contain thousands of code updates, making them appear authentic and trustworthy.

In reality, the code inside these repositories does not do what it claims. Instead, it secretly installs harmful software on users’ computers. These include a stealer that collects usernames, passwords, browser history, and cryptocurrency wallet information.

Another tool, AsyncRAT, lets hackers remotely control a computer and record keystrokes. Quasar, a similar backdoor, provides hackers with full control of a device.

One of the most dangerous components, a clipper, changes cryptocurrency wallet addresses in the clipboard to the hacker’s own, which can lead to stolen funds. In one case, the attacker received about $485,000 worth of Bitcoin, as reported by Kaspersky.

GitVenom has affected developers in several countries, including Russia, Brazil, and Turkey. It’s a reminder of the importance of being cautious when downloading code from GitHub or other open platforms.

Kaspersky advises that to protect themselves developers should always analyze code before using it in their projects and make sure their devices are protected with antivirus software. It’s important to check project details, looking for warning signs such as new accounts with few stars or a recent creation date.

Developers should also avoid downloading files from untrusted links, especially from chats or suspicious websites. Reporting any suspicious repositories to GitHub can also help prevent further attacks.