Welcome to Tech Beat, your daily look at the stories shaping our digital world.
Asus router owners should check for firmware updates today. Researchers have identified a critical vulnerability where a maliciously crafted VPN configuration file can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the device. A second flaw involving leftover debug code could let bad actors bypass security checks entirely and enable Telnet access. Asus has issued a patch, so update now.
On a lighter note, if you still have a Nintendo three DS sitting in a drawer, two thousand twenty six might actually be a reasonable time to pick one up or dust one off. Nintendo's last dedicated handheld has no new games coming, but its deep library, unique dual-screen design, and falling second-hand prices make it a genuinely compelling option for portable gaming on a budget.
And speaking of devices with second lives, that old Android phone you've been ignoring has more utility left in it than you might think. From a dedicated smart home controller to a security camera or a bedside media player, repurposing aging hardware is both practical and a reasonable way to reduce electronic waste before you consider throwing it out.
Keep surfing. Tech Beat out.
