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How fame-seeking teenagers hacked some of the world’s biggest targets

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A ragtag bunch of amateur hackers, many of them teenagers with little technical training, have been so adept at breaching large targets, including Microsoft, Okta, Nvidia, and Globant, that the federal government is studying their methods to get a better grounding in cybersecurity.

The group, known as Lapsus$, is a loosely organized group that employs hacking techniques that, while decidedly unsophisticated, have proved highly effective. What the group lacks in software exploitation, it makes up for with persistence and creativity. One example is their technique for bypassing MFA (multi-factor authentication) at well-defended organizations.

Studying the Lapsus$ hacking playbook

Rather than compromising infrastructure used to make various MFA services work, as more advanced groups do, a Lapsus$ leader last year described his approach to defeating MFA this way: “Call the employee 100 times at 1 am while he is trying to sleep, and he will more than likely accept it. Once the employee accepts the initial call, you can access the MFA enrollment portal and enroll another device.”

On Thursday, the Homeland Security Department’s Cyber Safety Review Board released a report that documented many of the most effective tactics in the Lapsus$ playbook and urged organizations to develop countermeasures to prevent them from succeeding.

Like a few other more technically advanced threat groups, Lapsus$ “showed adeptness in identifying weak points in the system—like downstream vendors or telecommunications providers—that allowed onward access to their intended victims,” the officials wrote in the 52-page report. “They also showed a special talent for social engineering, luring a target’s employees to essentially open the gates to the corporate network.”

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The list of targets breached by Lapsus$ or whose proprietary data was stolen by Lapsus$ through hacks on third parties is surprisingly extensive for a group that operated for a little over a year and whose primary motivation seemed to be fame. Highlights of the group’s feats and unconventional practices are:

A phishing campaign that used MFA bombing and other unsophisticated techniques successfully breached San Francisco-based MFA provider Twilio and came close to breaching content delivery network Cloudflare were it not for the latter’s use of MFA that’s compliant with the FIDO2 industry standard.The breach of Nvidia’s corporate network and purported theft of 1 terabyte of company data. In return for Lapsus$ not leaking the entire haul, the group demanded Nvidia allow its graphics cards to mine cryptocurrencies faster and to make its GPU drivers open source.The posting of proprietary data from Microsoft and single-sign-on provider Okta, which Lapsus$ said it obtained after hacking into the two companies’ systems.The network breach of IT services provider Globant and the posting of as much as 70 gigabytes of data belonging to the company.The reportedly multiple breaches in March 2022 of T-Mobile. The hacks reportedly used a technique known as SIM swapping—in which threat actors trick or pay phone carrier personnel to transfer a target’s phone number to a new SIM card. When the group got locked out of one account, it performed a new SIM swap on a different T-Mobile employee.Hacking into Brazil’s Ministry of Health and deleting more than 50 terabytes of data stored on the ministry’s servers.The mostly successful targeting of many additional organizations, including, according to security firm Flashpoint, Vodafone Portugal, Impresa, Confina, Samsung, and Localiza. Advertisement

Other low-skill tactics that proved particularly effective were the group’s purchase of authentication cookies and other credentials from initial access brokers.

The authors of Thursday’s report wrote:

Lapsus$ drew the attention of cybersecurity professionals and the press almost immediately after providing unparalleled transparency into the inner workings of how it targeted organizations and individuals, organized its attacks, and interacted within itself and with other threat groups. Its mindset was on full display for the world to see and Lapsus$ made clear just how easy it was for its members (juveniles, in some instances) to infiltrate well-defended organizations. Lapsus$ seemed to work at various times for notoriety, financial gain, or amusement, and blended a variety of techniques, some more complex than others, with flashes of creativity. But Lapsus$ did not fall into that category of threat actor that grabs most of the headlines: the nation-state threat actor with well-resourced offensive tactics that lurks behind the scenes for years at a time or the transnational ransomware groups that cost the global economy billions of dollars. In fact, Lapsus$ did not use the type of novel zero-day techniques the industry is used to seeing frequently in the news.

The report contains a variety of recommendations. Key among them is moving to passwordless authentication systems, which presumably refer to passkeys, based on FIDO2. Like all FIDO2 offerings, passkeys are immune to all known credential phishing attacks because the standard requires the device that provides MFA to be no further than a few feet away from the device logging in.

Another recommendation is for the Federal Communications Commission to beef up regulations concerning the porting of phone numbers from one SIM to another to curb SIM swapping.

“Organizations must act now to protect themselves, and the Board identified tangible ways to do so, with the help of the US government and the companies that are best prepared to provide safe-by-default solutions to uplift the whole ecosystem,” the report’s authors wrote. “Many of the Board’s recommendations come within the broader theme of ‘security by design,’ reflecting the larger industry conversation, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA’s) Secure by Design efforts.”

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“I am Antifa!”- Portland Defense Attorney Declares Solidarity with Militants and Issues Threat Against Jurors During Andy Ngo Assault Case’s Closing Arguments – Jury then Finds Antifa Thugs NOT LIABLE Despite Overwhelming Evidence (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pun

Credit: the Post Millennial

Two members of Antifa were found not liable in a civil case brought against them by journalist Andy Ngo despite overwhelming evidence implicating their guilt.

The behavior of defense attorney during closing arguments may have played a role in this after she declared her solidarity with the terrorist group and issued a threat against members of the jury.

The Post Millennial reported

Defendants John Colin Hacker and Elizabeth Renee Richter, who allegedly work as Antifa’s “doxxers,” which after identifying Ngo had led to a series of physical beatings on May 28, 2021, were found by the jury on Tuesday not liable for all of these claims. Evidence provided during the trial, along with testimony given by both defendants, asserts Ngo’s claims in the complaint.

One of the defense attorney’s in the case, Michelle Burrows, engaged in some truly abominable behavior during closing arguments. She declared that she was Antifa and told jurors she would “remember their faces.”

Moreover, she lied about the sinister nature of the group as the Post Millennial notes:

During closing statements, defense lawyer Michelle Burrows told the jurors that not only does she self-identify as both a progressive and an “anti-fascist,” she strongly declared, “I am Antifa!” and insisted upon making herself an “I am Antifa” t-shirt, which she said she would wear after the trial. Despite Antifa’s significant recorded history of violence, she told the jury that Antifa’s unfavorable reputation is untrue and depicted the organized militant group as activists fighting for social justice and civil rights.

Here is the background on the case and why this was such a travesty of justice:

Ngo filed a complaint in Portland in 2020, claiming assault and other injuries over alleged acts of violence carried out by members of Antifa which began in 2019. He accused two of the Antifa scumbags, Hacker and Richter of assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The civil trial began July 31. Ngo was seeking nearly $1 million in damages.

BREAKING: Today begins the trial of @MrAndyNgo vs. Rose City Antifa, et al.

Ngo is seeking nearly $1 million in damages from alleged Antifa violence, which began in 2019 in Portland, Oregon.

The trial is expected to last at minimum 5 days. Reporting by @KatieDaviscourt pic.twitter.com/OyKq6qdLfZ

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 31, 2023

Back on May 7, 2019, Hacker allegedly threw a liquid of unknown origin on Ngo at a local gym and then stole his phone. When Hacker refused to return the phone to Ngo, gym staff had to intervene and get Ngo’s phone back.

ALLEGATIONS: John Colin Hacker, according to @MrAndyNgo’s complaint.

On May 7, 2019, Hacker allegedly threw an unknown liquid onto Ngo at a local gym, then forcibly robbed Ngo, taking his phone.

When Hacker refused to return the phone to Ngo, gym staff allegedly intervened and… pic.twitter.com/NvaqpclWP1

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 31, 2023

A month later, Ngo was covering a protest in Portland, Oregon, when he was violently assaulted by members of Antifa. Jim Hoft previously covered this story.

As one can see from the below video, his attackers were too cowardly to show their faces.

First skirmish I’ve seen. Didn’t see how this started, but @MrAndyNgo got roughed up. pic.twitter.com/hDkfQchRhG

— Jim Ryan (@Jimryan015) June 29, 2019

It only got worse Ngo, though. As Cristina Laila reported, Hacker approached Ngo May 28, 2021 while Ngo was observing Antifa attacks on the Portland Justice Center and the Portland Police Central Precinct.

An Antifa mob recognized Ngo and proceeded to beat him up. Ngo eventually escaped and sought refuge in the Nines Hotel.

WATCH:

ALLEGATIONS: John Colin Hacker (continued)

On May 28, 2021, Hacker allegedly participated in events that resulted in Andy Ngo being beaten by a mob of alleged Antifa members.

Ngo was observing Antifa attacks on the Portland Justice Center and the Portland Police Central… pic.twitter.com/ayD4Z1IKnY

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 31, 2023

Richter then followed Ngo into The Nines Hotel before she was kicked out by hotel staff. Once she was out side the hotel, she unleashed a series of violent threats against the journalist.

I can’t wait for you to come out, Andy! You thought the milkshakes were bad last time? We are going to beat the f*ck out of you b*tch.

After broadcasting his location, members of Antifa started beating the hotel’s doors and windows, and spewing more violent threats towards Ngo.

ALLEGATIONS: Elizabeth Renee Richter, according to Ngo’s complaint.

On May 28, 2021, Richter allegedly followed Ngo into The Nines Hotel before she was kicked out by hotel staff.

While outside the hotel, Richter is allegedly heard screaming on video, “I can’t wait for you to… pic.twitter.com/GVuu1rtYNv

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 31, 2023

With the clear-cut evidence on video, one would think even a liberal Portland jury might deliver a modicum of accountability to the perps. Alas, they let Hacker and Richter off scot-free possibly in part due to the defense attorney’s actions.

Andy Ngo is a truly courageous man, but maybe it time he stay out of Portland for his own safety and seek a place where he can count on actual justice.

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Second Amazon Prime Day coming October

Amazon has confirmed that it will be holding a second Prime Day sales even in October.

It’s been exactly a month since Prime Day 2023 wrapped up, and we reported on the usual flurry of deals coming from the world’s biggest online retailer.

Now Amazon has announced the news of a second Prime Day set for October. This time it’s called Prime Big Deal Days (doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue, does it?), and once again it promises to bring a range of deals to Prime members.

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Given the timing and nature of the event, it seems to be a rebranded take on last year’s Prime Early Access Sale, which was a two-day sales event that took place on October 11 and 12.

Amazon will only go as far as naming the month of its Prime Big Deal Days event at this point, but it has confirmed the 19 countries that it will be running in. Besides the UK, the US, and Australia, Prime Big Deal Days will be coming to Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, and Sweden.

Expect more details as October draws nearer. We don’t have any information on the products you can expect to see, but if there aren’t a stack of deals on Amazon’s Kindle, Echo, and Fire products, not to mention one of two air fryer bargains, we’ll be extremely surprised.

What with this Amazon Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday (which this year takes place on November 24) still to come, tech heads should be well served for bargain deals before Christmas. Something tells us these events are going to come in extra-handy this year.

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GOOD NEWS: 7-11 Workers in Viral Beatdown Video Will NOT be Charged After All | The Gateway Pundit

Photo: @yo_folkers
/Instagram

A video of two 7-11 workers beating the tar out of a would-be robber recently went viral on social media. One worker tackled the thief and then the second worker began hitting him with a large stick.

Watch below:

Sikh grocery store owner was told that “there ain’t nothing you can do” repeatedly and that “ayy, just let him go” as they were being robbed. The Sikhs disagreed. pic.twitter.com/ZIb5CVLMNl

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) August 2, 2023

Last week it was announced that the workers would be investigated, causing backlash from the public which is sick of rampant crime going unpunished.

Now it has been announced that the workers in the video will not be charged.

KCRA News reports:

Stockton 7-Eleven clerks in viral beatdown won’t be charged, DA indicates

Two Stockton 7-Eleven clerks seen on video attacking a would-be thief shouldn’t expect to be charged in connection with the viral beatdown, the San Joaquin County District Attorney indicated on Tuesday.

“The Stockton 7-11 Store Clerks are not & have never been, suspects of the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office,” District Attorney Ron Freitas said in a statement. “Any Investigation going forward is to hold accountable the individual who threatened & attempted to rob them.”

Video of the July 29 assault has gained national attention. In the more than five-minute clip, a man can be seen emptying shelves of cigarettes and other products from the store’s shelves before the clerks step in to stop him. The clip shows one of the clerks pinning the man down while another beats the would-be thief with what appears to be a pole.

This is great news.

I’m relieved @kevinjlincoln says the Stockton 7-11 Sikhs are not suspects. But just in case, I contacted them and, with the help of law student @trisdhaliwal and @jpdeol, helped them secure great legal counsel. If necessary, we are prepared to defend them fully! stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/hZKUnaKIwn

— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) August 9, 2023

UPDATE: The 7-11 store clerks in Stockton are NOT under investigation – DA

“Any investigation going forward is to hold accountable the individual who threatened and attempted to rob the store clerks” pic.twitter.com/UL0GBd6bYE

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 9, 2023

Public officials need to realize that if police are going to be handcuffed, people will take matters into their own hands.

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The new pastel Switch Joy-Cons have been reduced

If you’re in the market for a new set of Joy-Cons for your Nintendo Switch, this Amazon deal has come along at the perfect time.

Amazon is selling the new purple and pastel green shade of Nintendo’s Joy-Con controllers for just £59.95. That’s a considerable 14% saving on the usual price of £69.99.

Save 14% on the pastel Switch Joy-Cons

You can currently pick up the new pastel Switch Joy-Cons for 14% less on Amazon.

AmazonSave 14%Now £59.95

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The Switch is an inherently social machine, what with its portability, ingenious two-controller Joy-Con design, and a library full of brilliant local multiplayer games. You’re going to want plenty of controllers, preferably with colours that are distinct from the rest.

On a slightly less positive – but no less important – note, these Joy-Con controllers are infamous for being prone to cases of ‘stick drift’. It’s always handy to have a spare set around, even if it’s just as a fill in while your faulty controllers are being repaired by Nintendo.

Mechanical flaws aside, the Switch controllers are just about the most flexible console controllers around. They can serve as a single regular controller, either bracketing the Switch body or slotting into a plastic control peripheral. Alternatively, they can be flipped on their side and serve as two simplified controllers for local multiplayer games.

Recent reports have claimed that Nintendo is preparing to launch a Switch 2 console in late 2024. We’re expecting it to feature a similar hybrid form factor to the original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED, but with a big power and storage bump.

Somewhat surprisingly, it’s claimed that the Switch 2 will roll back from the Switch OLED’s brilliant OLED display and feature a cost-saving LCD instead.

It’s not yet known if these original Switch Joy-Cons will be compatible with the new device, but we’d be surprised and disappointed if they weren’t.

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Angel Number 8: Meaning & Spiritual Significance

If you keep seeing the same numbers pop up in various places, you might chalk it up to coincidence. However, numerologists will argue that its occurrence could symbolize something much more significant, like a message from the universe, or what they might otherwise refer to as angel numbers. The number eight is one example, and though not technically an angel number unless seen as a sequence of multiple eights, the individual numbers that make up this sequence hold important significance in numerology, too.

Intrigued? Numerologists uncover the meaning of angel number 8, as an individual number and when seen as a sequence of multiple eights, and what to make of it if it’s repeatedly showing up in your life.

What is the meaning of angel number 8 in numerology?

To understand the spiritual significance of angel number 888, it helps to know the meaning of the individual number—and, according to numerology experts, the number eight holds special significance. “In numerology, the number eight represents abundance, karma, manifestation, and power,” says Vannessa Williams, numerologist, astrologer, and tarot reader of Beyond Your Sun Sign. It is also a lucky number, which according to numerologist Joy Woodward, author of A Beginner’s Guide to Numerology, deals with authority, power, finances, and material wealth.

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In a nutshell: “The number eight is a symbol for the energetic vibration of personal power, hidden power, shared resources, determination, material and financial gain, the pinnacle, recognition of work, lifestyle upgrades, rebirth and generation, and transformation,” says astrologer Jacquelyn Tierney.

The spiritual significance of angel number 888

In the words of Ariana Grande, “I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it,” and though she doesn’t mention the number eight in her song “7 Rings,” it’s a fine summation of the angel number 888 and its spiritual significance. “Angel number 888 is a reminder of your powers of manifestation,” says Williams. “It is a reminder that you are abundant in many ways and empowering others is your duty.”

What should you do if you see angel number 8?

When you repeatedly see the number eight or angel number 888, the universe may be calling you to harness its powerful energy. “Seeing the number eight can be a sign that you are in the zone to attract prosperity and abundance,” says Tierney. However, that isn’t to say that what you seek won’t come without effort on your part. “Remain steady in your efforts to put forth good work and continue to show up for what you want,” she says. “The universe will take care of the rest.”

What not to do when you see angel number 8

While angel number 8 or 888 is a positive message that material abundance is within reach, you don’t want to be overzealous in your appetite for power. “The universe is asking you to find balance between your material and spiritual worlds,” says Woodward, as angel number 888 is as much about karma as it is about abundance and power.

In your pursuit of your version of abundance, though important to harness your power and embrace what’s yours, avoid letting this pursuit overpower you and stepping on others’ toes—or it can greatly backfire. Another tip from Tierney? “Avoid haste to keep this great power in check. Everything you have built can come crashing down as fast as it was constructed.”

How to harness the powers of angel number 888 in your daily life

Given that angel number 8 is all about manifesting, appreciating, and sharing abundance, there are several ways you can harness its power.

To manifest abundance

One way to manifest the abundant powers of angel number 888 is with a regular manifestation practice. If you are new to manifesting, you can start with Roxie Nafousi’s Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life ($18), a manifestation guidebook containing lessons and pages to write your thoughts and reflections. You can also opt to use a journal to jot down your hopes, wishes, and dreams. The trick is to write as though they’ve already happened or is currently happening.

If, for instance, you want to make $100,000 a year, you would write it in your journal as “I make $100,000 a year,” which is a concept that’s also known as the law of assumption. This method helps ensure that your ideas are always top of mind, and thus makes it more likely to come to fruition. I’ve personally used this practice for the past three years and it’s been mind-blowing and so fulfilling to watch my life unfold. (Manifesting is real, y’all!)

To show gratitude for abundance

Start a gratitude journal. The Papier Gratitude Journal ($38) offers space to express your thanks, and the hardbound book, which is sold in dozens of different colors and prints, is downright beautiful.

To share your abundance

If you’re open to creating content, make a TikTok video or Instagram reel with one of the various popular audios about manifestation and abundance. In doing so, this might inspire others to tap into an abundance mindset. Podcast host, lawyer, and motivational speaker Mel Robbins is a wealth of good advice and her audios flood social media.

Another option is to get off social media altogether and share your abundance in real life. Donate your money and time to the causes you care most about. Don’t be afraid to reach out a helping hand to those in need. The smallest acts of kindness can go a long way.

At the end of the day, remember this: “The angel number 888 means that you are manifesting abundance,” says Williams. “Be a visionary because the universe supports your manifestations.”

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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President Trump Blasts J6 “Unselect” Committee for Destroying Records and Documents: “That’s a Criminal Act” (VIDEO) | The Gateway Pundit

Screenshot: Newsmax

In a recent interview with Eric Bolling, former President Donald Trump blasted the sham January 6 “Unselect” Committee for a cover-up.

The Gateway Pundit previously reported that Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the sham committee overseeing the investigation of the January 6th Capitol riot has destroyed their documents and records illegally.

“So now that I have full Subpoena Power because of the Freedom of Speech Sham Indictment by Crooked Joe Biden, Deranged Jack Smith, and the DOJ, it has just been reported that the Unselect January 6th Committee of Political Hacks and Thugs has illegally destroyed their Records and Documents. This is unthinkable, and the Fake Political Indictment against me must be immediately withdrawn. The system is Rigged & Corrupt, very much like the Presidential Election of 2020. We are a Nation in Decline!” Trump wrote.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) sent a letter to House January 6th Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) on November 2022 demanding preservation of committee records for the incoming Republican-controlled Congress next January 2023. McCarthy also said Republicans would hold hearings on why the Capitol was “not secure” on January 6, 2021.

“The American people chose Republicans to lead the 118th Congress. On January 3, 2023, your work as Chairman of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol will come to an end. For those reasons, I remind you and your staff on the Committee to preserve all records collected and transcripts of testimony taken during your investigation in accordance with House Rule VII. As the Chairman, regardless of who may be directing the work of the Committee, you are responsible for the work done by its members and staff,” the letter read.

On Wednesday, Trump told Bolling that the actions of the Democrats were criminal.

“Now that we have the subpoena power, because we now have subpoena power, all of a sudden, the J6 Committee, the “Unselect” I call them, everything was deleted and destroyed. The documents – everything was deleted and destroyed. That’s a criminal act,” Trump said during the interview.

“All of that stuff, all of that nonsense you watch for a year and a half, go on with all Democrats and two so-called Republicans, but they were worse than any of the Democrats – Kinzinger and Cheney – it’s all been deleted and gotten rid of. They deleted it because they didn’t want anybody to see it, because the real answers were there, but they didn’t want to report it,” Trump added.

WATCH:

President Trump blasts the J6 Committee for deleting their records: “That’s a criminal act!” pic.twitter.com/QhXDlC3ZtW

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) August 10, 2023

According to Fox News, Democrat Bennie Thompson (D-MS) told House Republicans in a letter, stating, “Consistent with guidance from the Office of the Clerk and other authorities, the Select Committee did not archive temporary committee records that were not elevated by the Committee’s actions, such as use in hearings or official publications, or those that did not further its investigative activities.”

The letter continued, “Accordingly, and contrary to your letter’s implication, the Select Committee was not obligated to archive all video recordings of transcribed interviews or depositions. Based on guidance from House authorities, the Select Committee determined that the written transcripts provided by nonpartisan, professional official reporters, which the witnesses and Select Committee staff had the opportunity to review for errata, were the official, permanent records of transcribed interviews and depositions for the purposes of rule VII.”

Video compilation revealed the hypocrisy of the far-left lawmakers regarding destroying evidence during their made-for-TV show trial of President Trump.

WATCH:

Now that the J6 Unselect Committee has been caught destroying their records, let’s see what they said in their own words about destroying evidence during their made-for-TV show trial of President Trump.

Oh, the irony.

These people are nothing but professional criminals. pic.twitter.com/0oSTPPUJAK

— TheStormHasArrived (@TheStormRedux) August 9, 2023

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Amazon’s top e-readers we’ve tested and reviewed

If you’re in the market for an e-reader, Amazon’s Kindle range is likely your top choice. Our team of reviewers has consistently been impressed with each new generation of Kindle since we first reviewed the original many years ago

However, with Amazon now offering a variety of different Kindle models, choosing the right one for your budget and needs can be a bit more challenging. In the past, you could simply buy the latest Kindle, but now there are multiple variations, each with different features.

All the Kindle models reviewed below have the same basic features. They all use Amazon’s excellent Kindle Book store, run on some well-designed software and all have a screen that has a number of LEDs around the edge to allow for night reading. This wasn’t always the case with Kindles, but you don’t need to worry about buying a new Kindle without a light now. The differences are noticeable though and range from the size of the screen, how resistant each model is to water and extras like stylus support, USB-C charging and wireless charging.

Unlike iPads and other tablets, Kindle readers generally have a very long shelf life and models are often sold for around three years without getting updated. We wouldn’t expect the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite to be updated until 2024 or 2025, although we could finally see a new Kindle Oasis this year.

To help you find the right Kindle for your budget and specific needs, we have created this guide that details the best options that we have reviewed and are still available for purchase. 

Each Kindle included in the list below has been thoroughly reviewed and used by one of Trusted Reviews’ product experts for at least a week, although often a lot more. During that time, we check all the most important aspects of an e-reader, including ease of use, portability, build quality, battery life, and display clarity and brightness, to ensure our advice is as accurate as possible.

But before you scroll down, keep in mind the Kindle app is available on most tablets and offers access to the same library of content. So if you only sporadically read books and don’t need a Kindle’s lengthy battery life it may be worth checking out our best tablet list as well.

Best Kindle: At a glanceHow we testLearn more about how we test Kindles

We use any Kindle we review as our main e-reader for at least a week when reviewing it. During this time we will check its battery life with regular use and how much it discharges on average after an hour with the screen on. On top of this we will check battery recharge times, max brightness levels and how easy it is to read in a variety of different conditions, including outdoor sunlight. We check performance, ease of use and build quality to ensure it is pleasant to use and rugged enough to survive use on the go, or with small children.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)The best option for most peopleProsUSB-CExcellent screenDurable designConsNot much support for content that isn’t from AmazonPhysical buttons for flipping pages would be welcome

Picking the best Kindle model is an easy choice. The Kindle Paperwhite takes the crown even though it isn’t the ‘flagship’ e-reader, but it is the perfect mix of feature set and cost. It’s also the most recent Kindle model and comfortably the most up-to-date in terms of hardware.

With the 2021 version of the Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon upped the screen-size to a larger 7-inches. This makes it a bigger device overall, but it helps the reading experience. If you’re really against the bigger footprint then you’re best off plumping for the basic Kindle.

Like all the Kindles on this list, the Paperwhite is a fairly simple device. It has an accurate, sharp display with a light for aiding low-light reading. There are no buttons for flipping through pages, so you’ll have to rely solely on the touchscreen for that. While we found this a minor annoyance, with the screen occasionally missing a turn page command during testing, in general we found a lot to like about the Paperwhite.

The plastic body only comes in black, but it’s water-resistant for poolside reading and feels very rugged. It’s certainly more rugged than the metal Oasis, and during our months of testing, the Paperwhite has remained free of any notable scratches or dings.

This Paperwhite, along with the Signature Edition we’ll mention below, feels like the most modern Kindle. It replaces the aged micro USB port you’ll find on the Kindle and Kindle Oasis with the far more modern, faster USB-C and feels faster than the other models in everyday use.

Battery Life depends wildly on use and is roughly on par with the other models on this list. Our reviewer managed to make it last throughout a two week holiday, reading two books, without the need to bring along the charger.

Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) review

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature EditionThe best premium optionProsGreat screenWireless charging is a handy extraSwitch to USB-CConsThe cheaper model is the better buy for most people

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature is, at its core, a slightly more beefed up Paperwhite. While the extra features are nice, they won’t be for everyone and that’s the reason this isn’t our number one pick.

All the features of the regular Paperwhite are present here, plus the additions of wireless Qi charging, more onboard storage and a light that automatically changes depending on your surroundings.

Wireless charging is a neat addition, and as it uses the same Qi standard as many of the best phones around, you won’t need to invest in another charger if you’ve already got one. Qi charger is a bit slow here but it’s handy for small top ups.

The additional onboard is another feature we like – although it’s far from vital. The regular Paperwhite has 8GB, while this version has 32GB. eBooks are generally very small in size, so 8GB is plenty of space for hundreds of reads, however 32GB is much better is plan on downloading long audiobooks from Audible. There are no speakers here though, so both the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition need to be connected to Bluetooth earphones to make use of the audio features.

The automatic brightness is the least interesting addition, as it doesn’t really work that well. We tend to prefer just altering it manually. If those three features appeal, you should choose the Signature Edition.

Reviewer: Max Parker

Full review: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition review

Amazon Kindle (2022)The best affordable optionProsCompact size sets it apart from the larger Paperwhite and OasisVery sharp display makes reading a pleasureThe switch to USB-C is welcomeAccess to Amazon Prime’s ebook and audiobook ecosystemConsSlight price increaseMisses out on a waterproof bodyFeels a bit cheap

The cheapest Kindle is, as you can probably guess, is the most basic option in this list. If you want a device purely for reading and aren’t fussed about design flourishes then this a great choice for the price.

Compared to the Paperwhite above and the Oasis below, the Kindle is missing a few features. There’s no waterproofing, meaning this isn’t a great choice for poolside or beach reading nor does it have the warm light you’ll find elsewhere.

What it does have is a light behind the display, a feature that used to be kept for the pricier Kindle models. The amount of LEDs is only 4 (as opposed to 17 on the Paperwhite and 25 on the Oasis) so the light isn’t as bright, but it still works well enough in regular daylight based on our tests.

A big upgrade this time around is the sharper, 300PPI display which actually matches the pricier models for resolution. It looks great, and is a pleasure to read on. There’s a USB-C port for charging too – you won’t even find that on the Oasis.

For many people the Kindle is a great choice. It has access to the same books as the other models and the smaller form-factor might be a benefit to some.

Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle (2022) review

Kindle OasisThe best for travellersProsBig and sharp displayPage-turning buttons are greatNew “warmth” display setting is nice on the eyesConsWith the Paperwhite being so good, the oasis is a hard sellLack of USB-C is annoyingMinimal updates from the previous model

The Kindle Oasis is a good e-reader, however it is starting to age slightly and could do with a healthy refresh, hence its place this far down on the list. Still, it remains the best looking Kindle model thanks to a metal body and is the only one to have physical buttons for flipping through pages.

It’s also the only model to offer 4G connectivity for downloading books away from Wi-Fi and it has the brightest, most accurate display light. The 4G connectivity is particularly important as, with a sim installed, it makes it the only option there that can download content without relying on a WiFi connection.

However, its use of the older micro USB port along with the high price make it hard to recommend to anyone other than those who really want wider connectivity options and a premium build. For most the high price that make this feel like an e-reader for a very specific users.

Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle Oasis review

Kindle Kids (2022)The best for kidsProsExcellent, sharp displayTwo-year guarantreeFree access to Kids+ConsIt’s literally an Amazon Kindle (2022) with a jacketKindle Kids+ not a comprehensive libraryNot waterproof

While all Kindle devices can be locked down with parental controls, the Amazon Kindle Kids Edition is well worth it. Undr

It comes with Amazon’s excellent two-year worry-free guarantee (a staple of all Amazon’s Kids edition products): if the device is broken, accidentally or otherwise, Amazon will simply replace it.

Secondly, it comes with a year’s subscription of Kids+, which gives you thousands of books thrown in for free, ranging from comic books, educational titles and bigger books. That said, there are still plenty of big children’s authors whose books aren’t included, so expect to splash out on some titles to keep your kids amused.

Parental controls are built-in as standard, controllable through the web interface. For each child in your house, you can set up a profile, locking down content to titles that are suitable for their age only. Crucially, the controls also prevent children from buying books through your account. Parental controls work brilliantly and, combined with Kids+, it means you can leave children to explore and find a range of books, without the worry that they’ll download something inappropriate.

Otherwise, this is a standard Kindle 2022 you’ll find higher up in this list. It’s got a 6-inch screen and a light making reading at night or in the car easy. We found the screen to be sharp and detailed and a big improvement over the previous model. There’s a healthy 16GB storage and USB-C for charging, although no waterproofing.

Reviewer: Jon Mundy
Full review: Amazon Kindle Kids Edition (2022) review

Amazon Kindle ScribeThe best for writingProsGreat to write onPen includedSharp displayConsThe software is lackingNo handwriting recognitionSharing notes is tricky and limited

The Amazon Kindle Scribe is very different to the other readers on this list. For one, the 10.2-inch screen makes this the largest option and a good choice for those who find the smaller screens above tough to read.

It’s also the priciest model on this list and hard to recommend to anyone on a budget. But, most importantly, it’s the only Kindle you can write on. The Scribe comes with a pen and a few software tweaks to turn it from a pure e-reader to a smart, modern notebook.

The writing experience is great – the low latency ensures your scribbles are mirrored quickly on screen and the slightly textured display gives a good feeling of paper. There’s even a Premium pen option that includes an eraser and a shortcut button.

The Scribe is let down by its raft of missing features though. Notes can quickly become jumbled up in the messy software, sharing with other devices is tricky and the hardware is missing some basics like an IP rating, physical page turning buttons and a cellular option.

Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Amazon Kindle Scribe review

FAQsDo Kindles have 5G?

There currently isn’t any version of a Kindle with 5G. Outside of the Oasis, which has LTE connectivity, to download books and magazines you need an active WiFi connection. The content is stored locally, however, so you can read it offline

Is there a colour screen Kindle?

Kindle’s all use black and white e-ink screens. Amazon doesn’t currently sell a colour screen Kindle.

Are Kindles the only e-reader?

Numerous companies have and do make e-readers including Kobo, Sony, Huawei and many more. We generally recommend Kindles over rivals due to the wealth of content available on the store.

Comparison specs

You can see a detailed breakdown of the all the devices mentioned in this guide’s specs in the table below.

‹

UK RRP

USA RRP

EU RRP

CA RRP

AUD RRP

Manufacturer

Screen Size

Storage Capacity

Video Recording

IP rating

Wireless charging

Fast Charging

Size (Dimensions)

Weight

ASIN

Release Date

First Reviewed Date

Ports

RAM

Colours

Bin capacity

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

£129.99

$139.99

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

Amazon

6.8 inches

–

–

IPX8

–

Yes

125 x 8.1 x 174 MM

205 G

B08N36XNTT

2021

02/11/2021

USB-C

–

Black

–

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

£179.99

$189.99

–

–

–

Amazon

6.8 inches

32GB

–

IPX8

Yes

Yes

125 x 8.1 x 174 MM

207 G

B08N2QK2TG

2021

01/02/2022

USB-C

–

Black

–

Amazon Kindle (2019)

£79.99

$79.99

€79.99

CA$119.99

–

Amazon

6 mm

–

Yes

No

–

–

113 x 160 x 8.7 MM

174 G

B07FQ4DJ7X

–

26/11/2019

Micro USB

512MB

Black, white

litres

Kindle Oasis

£229.99

–

–

–

–

Amazon

–

–

–

–

–

–

159 x 141 x 3.4 MM

188 G

B07L5GDTYY

2019

–

–

–

–

–

Amazon Kindle Kids Edition (2019)

£99.99

$99.99

–

–

–

Amazon

–

–

–

–

–

–

162 x 119 x 44 MM

288 G

B07NMXR6DG

2019

–

–

–

–

–

Amazon Kindle Scribe

£329.99

$339.99

€369.99

CA$429.99

AU$549.99

Amazon

10.2 inches

16GB

–

IP57

–

–

7.7 x 9 x 0.22 INCHES

433 G

–

2021

–

USB-C

–

–

–

›

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Salt in Coffee Is a Thing—But Should You Try It?

My fellow coffee lovers likely have their preferences for their go-to cups of brew down pat. But for those who may be interested in experimenting—as well as people who want a caffeine fix, but find coffee to be a bit too bitter for their liking—there’s one hack that may be new to you: adding salt to coffee.

There are a few key insights worth knowing before you start to sprinkle on the salt, including which types of coffee are the best fit and how much salt you should really use. Below, Jiyoon Han—a barista, certified Q grader (aka a sommelier of coffee), and CEO and co-founder of Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters in New York City—shares the ins and outs of the trend.

5 FYIs about adding salt to coffee1. It works best to reduce bitterness

Whether you find all coffee to be too bitter for your palate or if you’re simply faced with a less-than-delicious cup, adding a bit of salt can help balance things out. “The function of adding salt to coffee is purely to reduce the perception of bitterness,” Han explains. “It won’t enhance any other flavors in coffee or make a bad cup of coffee taste any better.” Moreover, she notes that astringency will still be there.

“The function of adding salt to coffee is purely to reduce the perception of bitterness… [But] bitterness is an essential component of coffee’s flavor profile—the same goes for beer and chocolate—and some bitterness is a good thing,” Han says.

Yet she also adds the caveat that removing all bitterness shouldn’t be your end goal. “Bitterness is an essential component of coffee’s flavor profile—the same goes for beer and chocolate—and some bitterness is a good thing,” Han says.

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2. It’s ideal for limited roasts and styles of coffee

“This salt trick is most noticeable with really bitter coffee—think super dark diner instant coffee,” Han says. On the other hand, she says that adding salt to light or medium roasts is unlikely to yield any benefit since the inherent bitterness won’t be there. Even worse, you’ll run the risk of tasting the salt with these roasts.

In addition, Han suggests limiting the salt hack to drip coffee and cold brew only. “It might also work with a very bitter espresso, but you’ll need to be very careful with how much salt you add since an espresso is very small and it’ll be easy to over-salt,” she cautions.

3. It can reduce the need for additives

Don’t like the taste of black coffee? In case you rely on additives like milk and sugar to enjoy your brew, a bit of salt may help limit your desire to use a heavy hand with the extras. “By reducing the bitterness in coffee, adding salt could be a healthy alternative for people who are looking to cut out the amount of cream or sugar they add to their coffee,” Han posits. In the long run, reducing your intake of sweeteners can work to your advantage—especially if you drink coffee daily (or multiple times a day). But same goes for salt.

4. A little salt goes a long way

You don’t want to end up with salty coffee, so it makes sense to start with a smidge and build your way up. “It only takes a tiny amount of salt to mitigate bitterness—about .3 to .5 grams of salt per 350 milliliters (about 12 ounces) of coffee,” Han says. “Add just a few grains at a time—so the absolute smallest pinch you can manage—and taste until you get the desired effect.”

It only takes a tiny amount of salt to mitigate bitterness—about .3 to .5 grams of salt per 350 milliliters (about 12 ounces) of coffee,” Han says. “Add just a few grains at a time—so the absolute smallest pinch you can manage—and taste until you get the desired effect.”

Those who are exacting about their coffee creations may prefer to make a precise saline solution to abide by her measurement suggestions. In this case, Han advises sticking to an 80/20 ratio of water to salt and using a dropper to add the solution directly to your cup. “That way, you’ll know that for every gram of water you add to your coffee, you’re adding .2 grams of salt,” she shares. “Of course, you’ll need to use a fairly precise digital scale to weigh out how much you’re adding.”

5. Any salt will suffice, but you can upgrade with coffee salt

Han says that any standard salt will get the job done. (If you have fancy sea salts in your pantry, she says you can save them for other culinary creations.) That said, if you want to go beyond masking bitterness by boosting the flavor profile of your cup, you can invest in salts made specially for coffee. For instance, Osmo Salt and Chamberlain Coffee recently collaborated on a line of three coffee-enhancing flavored salts—hazelnut, caramel, and cinnamon bun—which can elevate standard drip coffee or lattes by introducing slight but discernibly delectable hints of flavor.

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REPORT: Bernie Sanders Quietly Funneled $200K in Campaign Cash Into Wife and Son’s Non-Profit Organization | The Gateway Pundit

Democratic-Socialist Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders apparently moved $200,000 from his campaign into the non-profit institute that employs his wife and son.

Sanders frequently demands that the rich ‘pay their fair share’ and rants against the capitalist system, but has done extremely well for himself financially in the process.

The is report also raises questions about what the non-profit in question actually does.

From FOX News:

Bernie Sanders funneled $200K in campaign cash to wife and stepson’s nonprofit institute, records reveal

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders quietly funneled $200,000 from his campaign’s coffers to his wife’s nonprofit institute, which appears to do very little work and pays six figures’ worth of compensation to her son, Fox News Digital has found.

The independent senator’s committee cut two $100,000 checks to the Sanders Institute for reported charitable contributions in January and March, its Federal Election Commission records show. The expenditures are the largest from the Sanders campaign to any entity this election cycle.

The senator’s wife, Jane O’Meara Sanders, and stepson, David Driscoll, co-established the Sanders Institute in 2017 to act as a think tank to promote progressive voices, The Washington Post wrote at its launch…

Just two years after its launch, in 2019, the institute announced it would suspend operations as Sen. Sanders sought the Democratic nomination for president to avoid the “appearance of impropriety” and presumably to take away a line of attack from his rivals over its money.

The institute has since quietly resumed operations while seemingly sidestepping media attention. Its latest publicly available tax forms from 2021 show the nonprofit burnt nearly 40% of its donations on salaries while appearing to conduct minimal work and having very few identifiable accomplishments.

Here are a few Twitter reactions to the story:

Corrupt “non-profits” wash the left’s money. Tax them into oblivion. https://t.co/YPpqKlpYux

— Reform. It. All. (@RealRobSeal) August 10, 2023

I’m so damn sick of this shit. Children, wives, relatives, etc., laundering campaign money to enrich themselves. It’s called public service, but these days it’s a cash cow for far too many! https://t.co/6xC3jx9ZHT

— Roscoe Streyle (@RoscoeStreyle) August 9, 2023

Bernie has so many people fooled https://t.co/5bGXE1xQaa

— Sean Agnew (@seanagnew) August 10, 2023

He has been in politics for five decades and owns 3 houses. Is anyone really surprised by this? https://t.co/As9k8a4UTz

— Man (@Thoughtsof1Man) August 10, 2023

It appears Bernie Sanders has some explaining to do.

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