The Latest

Here’s an overview of some of last week’s most interesting news, articles, interviews and videos:

Week in review

Creative cybersecurity strategies for resource-constrained institutions
In this Help Net Security interview, Dennis Pickett, CISO at RTI International, talks about how research institutions can approach cybersecurity with limited resources and still build resilience. He discusses the tension between open research and the need to protect sensitive information, noting that workable solutions come from understanding how people get their jobs done.

Smart grids are trying to modernize and attackers are treating it like an invitation
In this Help Net Security interview, Sonia Kumar, Senior Director Cyber Security at Analog Devices, discusses how securing decentralized smart grids demands a shift in defensive strategy. Millions of distributed devices are reshaping the attack surface, and she explains why utilities must rethink threats, resilience, and trust.

Cryptomixer crypto laundering service taken down by law enforcement
German and Swiss law enforcement agencies have taken down Cryptomixer, an illegal cryptocurrency mixer service, and have confiscated over 25 million euros (approximately $29 million) in Bitcoin.

How a noisy ransomware intrusion exposed a long-term espionage foothold
Getting breached by two separate and likely unconnected cyber attack groups is a nightmare scenario for any organization, but can result in an unexpected silver lining: the noisier intrusion can draw attention to a far stealthier threat that might otherwise linger undetected for months.

Google fixes Android vulnerabilities “under targeted exploitation” (CVE-2025-48633, CVE-2025-48572)
Google has shipped patches for 51 Android vulnerabilities, including two high-severity flaws (CVE-2025-48633, CVE-2025-48572) that “may be under limited, targeted exploitation”.

Massive gambling network doubles as hidden C2 and anonymity infrastructure, researchers say
A sprawling network that’s seemingly maintained to serve (illegal) online gambling opportunities and deliver malware to Indonesian citizens is likely also being used to provide threat actors command and control (C2) and anonymity services.

Max-severity vulnerability in React, Node.js patched, update ASAP (CVE-2025-55182)
A critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-55182) in React Server Components (RSC) may allow unauthenticated attackers to achieve remote code exection on the application server, the React development team warned on Wednesday.

Malicious Rust packages targeted Web3 developers
A malicious Rust crate (package) named evm-units, aimed at stealing cryptocurrency from unsuspecting developers, has been pulled from the official public package registry for the Rust programming language, but not before having been downloaded 7257 times.

What zero trust looks like when you build it step by step
In this Help Net Security video, Jonathan Edwards, Managing Director at KeyData Cyber, walks us through what practical zero trust adoption looks like in stages. He explains why he dislikes the term itself, then shifts to steps teams can follow without getting stuck in theory.

What security leaders should watch for when companies buy or sell a business
In this Help Net Security video, Lane Sullivan, SVP, CISO and Strategy Officer at Concentric AI, explains what security leaders should think about during mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.

Enterprise password audits made practical for busy security teams
Security teams carry a heavy load, and password risk is one of the most overlooked parts of that workload. Every year new systems, cloud tools, and shared services add more credentials into the mix. Some sit in proper vaults, others drift into documents, chat threads, or temporary workspaces.

Offensive cyber power is spreading fast and changing global security
Offensive cyber activity has moved far beyond a handful of major powers. More governments now rely on digital operations to project influence during geopolitical tension, which raises new risks for organizations caught in the middle. A new policy brief from the Geneva Centre for Security Policy examines how these developments influence international stability and what steps could lower the chance of dangerous escalation.

Treating MCP like an API creates security blind spots
In this Help Net Security interview, Michael Yaroshefsky, CEO at MCP Manager, discusses how Model Context Protocol’s (MCP) trust model creates security gaps that many teams overlook and why MCP must not be treated like a standard API. He explains how misunderstandings about MCP’s runtime behavior, governance, and identity requirements can create exposure. With MCP usage expanding across organizations, well-defined controls and a correct understanding of the protocol become necessary.

MuddyWater cyber campaign adds new backdoors in latest wave of attacks
ESET researchers say an Iran aligned threat group is refining its playbook again, and the latest activity shows how much its tactics have shifted. MuddyWater is a long running cyberespionage group, and new findings points to a campaign that hits a range of organizations in Israel, with one confirmed victim in Egypt.

Global law enforcement actions put pressure on cybercrime networks
In 2025, law enforcement agencies disrupted the infrastructure and operations of established cybercriminal groups. These groups shift across borders, and the agencies pursuing them are adjusting to that.

AI vs. you: Who’s better at permission decisions?
A single tap on a permission prompt can decide how far an app reaches into a user’s personal data. Most of these calls happen during installation. The number of prompts keeps climbing, and that growing pressure often pushes people into rushed decisions or choices that feel a bit random. A new research examines whether LLMs can step in and make these choices on the user’s behalf.

A day in the life of the internet tells a bigger story
On any given day, the internet carries countless signals that hint at how networks behave behind the scenes. Researchers from RIPE NCC and several universities found a way to capture a detailed snapshot of that activity by studying one day of data from the RIPE Atlas measurement platform. What they uncovered shows how much insight sits inside routine network checks that most people never see.

The weekend is prime time for ransomware
Over half of organizations that experienced a ransomware event in the past year were hit during a weekend or holiday, according to a Semperis report. Those periods often come with thin staffing, slower investigation, and fewer eyes on identity systems. Intruders know that reduced attention allows them to move deeper before alarms are raised.

The collapse of trust at the identity layer
Identity verification has become the latest front in the fight against industrialized fraud, according to a new report from Regula. The shift is visible across sectors that once relied on predictable verification routines. Criminals have learned to target the identity step itself, and the impact is spreading through financial services, healthcare, telecoms, crypto platforms, and aviation.

Attackers keep finding new ways to fool AI
AI development keeps accelerating while the safeguards around it move on uneven ground, according to The International AI Safety Report. Security leaders are being asked to judge exposure without dependable benchmarks.

Threat intelligence programs are broken, here is how to fix them
Security teams often gather large amounts of threat data but still struggle to improve detection or response. Analysts work through long lists of alerts, leaders get unclear insights, and executives see costs that do not lead to better outcomes. A recent report from ISACA notes that this gap remains wide across enterprises, and explains that organizations collect information at a pace that makes it hard to understand what matters.

CISOs are questioning what a crisis framework should look like
CISOs increasingly assume the next breach is coming. What concerns them most is whether their teams will understand the incident quickly enough to limit the fallout. A recent report by Binalyze looks at how investigation practices are holding up across large US enterprises.

Portmaster: Open-source application firewall
Portmaster is a free and open source application firewall built to monitor and control network activity on Windows and Linux. The project is developed in the EU and is designed to give users stronger privacy without asking them to manage every rule by hand.

The quantum clock is ticking and businesses are still stuck in prep mode
Quantum computing is still years away from breaking current encryption, but many security teams are already worried about what happens when that moment arrives. A new report from the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) shows that most businesses say they grasp the threat, but almost none have the planning or technical groundwork needed to handle a shift to post quantum cryptography.

Data brokers are exposing medical professionals, and turning their personal lives into open files
Large amounts of personal information about medical professionals are available on people search sites. A new analysis by Incogni’s researchers shows how much data about doctors appears online and how easily it can be found. The findings should concern healthcare leaders who support staff safety, workforce protection, and clinical operations.

Building the missing layers for an internet of agents
Cybersecurity teams are starting to think about how large language model agents might interact at scale. A new paper from Cisco Research argues that the current network stack is not prepared for this shift. The work proposes two extra layers on top of the application transport layer to help agents communicate in a structured way and agree on shared meaning before they act.

Product showcase: UserLock IAM for Active Directory
UserLock brings modern identity and access management (IAM) to Active Directory, adding granular multi-factor authentication (MFA), contextual access controls, single sign-on (SSO) and real-time session management. It helps AD-first teams secure logons and govern access to network and SaaS resources without overhauling their identity stack.

Cybersecurity jobs available right now: December 2, 2025
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a selection of roles that span various skill levels within the cybersecurity field. Check out this weekly selection of cybersecurity jobs available right now.

New infosec products of the week: December 5, 2025
Here’s a look at the most interesting products from the past week, featuring releases from BlackFog, Datadog, Forward Edge-AI, SandboxAQ, and Upwind.


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Are smart glasses worth the hype? If you’re looking for a stylish accessory that doubles as a camera, headphones, and AR display without needing to pull out a phone, they’re a life hack that’s worth the splurge. Right now, the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) smart glasses are 25% off at $246.75 (originally $329), marking their lowest price ever. This version is matte black with polarized lenses, but you can also get a slightly less expensive version that’s shiny with clear lenses for $224.25.

The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) AI glasses have the retro aesthetic of the iconic Wayfarers, and at 49 grams, they’re only slightly heavier than regular glasses (though with prescription lenses, that’ll be bumped up to 54 grams).  They allow you to do everything from record 1080p video and capture photos to listen to music, make calls, text while driving, live-stream on the go, or get answers from Meta AI. They have a wide field of view and solid image stabilization, although they only shoot in a vertical aspect ratio.

The glasses feature an ultra-wide 12 MP camera and have five mics, as well as built-in open-ear speakers that let you listen to audio without fully blocking out your surroundings. Meta AI is one of the main draws of this wearable tech, acting as a built-in personal assistant. There’s also live language translation that processes speech at a conversational pace, which is especially helpful when you’re traveling, and which we discuss in our in-depth  Ray-Ban Metas review. They last up to four hours, and the case contains up to eight additional charges.

While they can do a lot, they can’t perform complex tasks like book hotel researvations, and the battery life and weight may not be ideal for prescription lens wearers who rely on wearing their glasses all day.  Still, they’re a highly giftable gadget that makes everyday tasks smoother and more functional, and at an all-time low price, the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) smart glasses might be one of the top wearable tech buys of the season.


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Using keyboard shortcuts is a lot faster than clicking around in the menus, but only after you learn them. That's the hard part.

You could look up the documentation for the application or explore the menu bar—but if you're on a Mac, you could also just install KeyClu. This free application shows an overlay with all the keyboard shortcuts for the currently open Mac application, which is very useful for anyone trying to become a more keyboard-savvy computer user.

To get started, install the application. Then, you'll need to choose a trigger key (basically one of the modifier keys on your keyboard). By default, you will tap the key twice and hold on the second tap to trigger the overlay, but you can optionally set the application to simply press and hold the key if you prefer. I opted to press and hold Command.

After that, you'll be asked to enable permissions so KeyClu can access the keyboard shortcuts for your applications. Then you can start using the application. I tend to ignore the application until I wonder whether a keyboard shortcut for a particular function exists. I trigger the application, look through the list of keyboard shortcuts, and see what's available. When I let go of the trigger key, the window disappears.

This default floating window is useful, but you might want a window listing shortcuts to stay open even when you let go of the trigger. That's where the persistent panel comes in. This window, which you can trigger using the menu bar, stays open and always shows a list of keyboard shortcuts for the currently active application. You can add a separate keyboard shortcut for this window in the settings, if you like.

A panel to the left of a Safari window, showing the keyboard shortcuts there.
Credit: Justin Pot

If you dig around in KeyClu's settings, you can configure the layout of both the pop-up and persistent panels, changing the size of the windows, how many columns shortcuts are sorted into, and which display the panels show up on.

The settings menu for KeyClu
Credit: Justin Pot

It's a simple piece of software, but it's completely free and can help you get better at using your computer. And if you're reading Lifehacker, that's probably something you want. Speaking of keyboard shortcuts: here are a few keyboard shortcuts you should know. You can also check out our guide to creating your own macOS keyboard shortcuts.


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Based on the (really rather excellent) comic book series from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, Prime Video's satirical superhero romp The Boys picks up the genre deconstructionist torch passed by Alan Moore's Watchmen. The tone is less philosophical but even more cynical, suggesting that power doesn't just corrupt—it makes people absolute dicks.

It's set in a world where people with superpowers work for a powerful multinational corporation, with plenty of money and a powerful PR machine behind them to clean up their messes and excesses, and keep them in the public's good graces. When the girlfriend of Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid) is gruesomely killed by an indifferent superhero, he's recruited by the titular group, which is determined to keep the "supes" in line by absolutely any means necessary. The show's rude and crude veneer masks a disturbing truth: If superpowered people really existed, this is probably how they would act.

While you wait for the premiere of the show's fifth and final season next year (and prepare for the forthcoming prequel Vought Rising), you can check out the spin-off Gen V, the animated miniseries Diabolical—and these 12 other shows that might scratch the same itch.

Creature Commandos (2024 – )

The old DCEU ("old" as in 2023) was definitely not shy about being edgy—consider that the plot of cinema's first Batman/Superman team-up turned on a urine explosion—but the new, James Gunn-lead iteration is willing to go harder. This animated show sees Amanda Waller (Viola Davis, reprising the role) assembling a black-ops team to protect a foreign nation from the Amazonian sorceress Circe. Waller can't be trusted with actual humans, so her team is made up entirely of literal monsters: The Bride (Indira Varma), Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour), and aquatic mutant Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao), alongside Nazi-obsessed G.I. Robot and the rodent-like Weasel (both Sean Gunn). The cartoon is extremely violent with a dark sense of humor, but Gunn also brings an impressive amount of heart. Stream Creature Commandos on HBO Max.

Slow Horses (2022 – )

Go with me on this one. Based on the Mick Herron books, this series does for spies what The Boys does for superheroes. Headed by Gary Oldman's rude, farty Jackson Lamb, Slough House is a dumping ground for has-been (or never-were) MI5 agents, who either can't be trusted with important missions or, in Lamb's case, have pissed off far too many people. They're not super-spies, mostly being only mediocre at their jobs, but their expendability frequently puts them in the line of fire, and their general scrappiness and disregard for the rules has saved them more than once. Kristin Scott Thomas is Lamb's foil, a politically savvy spymaster in the main office. It's probably my favorite Apple TV+ show, and it earns extra points for coming out on a consistent schedule; it has been renewed through a seventh season. Stream Slow Horses on Apple TV+.

Doom Patrol (2019 – 2023)

Here's an uncharacteristically bold and indescribably freaky entry in the superhero canon, including characters like the non-binary Danny the Street (a literal street), paranormal investigators the Sex Men, Imaginary Jesus, and orgasm-generating body builder Flex Mentallo. But all the weirdness is grounded in excellent, frequently emotional character work from the entire cast, including Brendan Fraser, Matt Bomer, April Bowlby, Diane Guerrero, Joivan Wade, Michelle Gomez, and Timothy Dalton, all playing characters processing copious amounts of trauma and guilt while becoming something like superheroes in spite of themselves. It’s very queer and very sex-positive, making it a standout among the usually chaste, straight world of superheroes on TV. Stream Doom Patrol on HBO Max.

Deadloch (2023 – )

The cleverly titled Deadloch flips classic crime drama tropes on their heads. It's also an excellent mystery/crime procedural that simultaneously works as a genre send-up—not superhero stories, but dour "murder shows" like Broadchurch and its many imitators. The Australian import stars Kate Box stars as Dulcie Collins, the fastidious senior sergeant of the police force in the fictional town of the title. When a body turns up on the beach, Dulcie is joined by Madeleine Sami's Eddie Redcliffe, a crude, obnoxious detective brought in to help solve the case. The web of secrets and mysteries in the tiny Tasmanian town makes for an addictive narrative, with the added bonus that it's all frequently a hoot. Stream Deadloch on Prime Video.

Legends of Tomorrow (2016 – 2022)

After a rough first season spent trying to find its footing while shoehorning in characters from other CW shows, Legends quickly evolved by taking its core premise seriously. Assembled by a rogue time traveller, the Legends were initially brought together because, while they all had useful powers, none of their lives were destined to have an appreciable impact and, thus they could be pulled from their timelines with impunity. With that in mind, the show developed a sense of humor about its crew of time-traveling losers, and an even bigger heart. Caity Lotz leads the team as former assassin Sara Lance alongside her wife, future-clone Ava Sharpe (Jes Macallan); they're joined by a romance-novel-wiring pyromaniac, a stoner from an alternate timeline, British occult detective John Constantine, and a rotating crew of unlikely heroes. Stream Legends of Tomorrow on Netflix.

Watchmen (2019)

A standalone sequel to the groundbreaking Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, and John Higgins graphic novel from the '80s, this series plays in the sandbox of that book (arguably the wellspring of all modern superhero deconstruction). In an alternate Tulsa, Oklahoma, in a world where super-powered vigilantes exist and have been outlawed, the series starts, dramatically, with a depiction of the real-life massacre and destruction of Tulsa's Black Wall Street by white residents in 1921. Regina King plays Angela Abar, a modern cop whose grandparents were killed during those attacks, an event that echoes throughout the series, which focuses on the fallout from the plot of the original comic, and the conspiracies that grew out of it. Stream Watchmen on HBO Max or buy episodes from Prime Video and Apple TV.

Riverdale (2017 – 2023)

Veering from superhero action to teen serial but keeping the thread of comic book deconstruction, Riverdale offers up a wild take on the once entirely wholesome Archie comics universe. The show veers wildly between genres, starting out by blending a coming-of-age story with a sexy whodunnit. The dour, elderly Miss Grundy of the comics is having an affair with Archie in the series opener, leading into a bloody murder mystery. Before long, we're folding in supernatural horror and alternate universes, made all the weirder by the way the show continues to take itself absolutely seriously in the face of absolutely bonkers plot twists. Steam Riverdale on Netflix or buy episodes from Prime Video.

Talamasca: The Secret Order (2025 – )

Who watches the watchers? That's the question central to The Boys (and its spiritual antecedent, Watchmen), and it's taken up by this surprisingly fun and zippy supernatural spy show. The third series in what AMC is calling its Immortal Universe of shows based on the works of Anne Rice, this one stars Nicholas Denton as Guy Anatole, a new recruit to the title organization of supernatural spies. William Fichtner plays a vampire making a play for control of the organization, and Downton Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern brings us yet another delightfully confusing accent as the leader of the Talamasca's New York motherhouse. Throughout the first season, we, like Guy, are entirely in the dark as to whether the Talamasca are the goodies or the baddies—but maybe there's no clear answer to that question. Stream Talamasca on AMC+.

Hit-Monkey (2021 – 2024)

A breath of fresh air among Marvel's million+ hours of TV and movie content, the animated Hit-Monkey eschews pat morality in favor of, well, monkey violence. Named only Monkey (Fred Tatasciore), the lead character is a particularly aggressive macaque forced from his tribe and mentored by Bryce (Jason Sudeikis), a dead assassin who has returned to the world as a helpful ghost. It's all impressively animated, and Ally Maki, Olivia Munn, George Takei, Leslie Jones, and Cristin Milioti are among the talented voice cast. Stream Hit-Monkey.

Murderbot (2025 – )

One of the smartest new shows of the year is also a dark comedy based on the Hugo-Award winning book series by Martha Wells. Alexander Skarsgård is the title's hilariously deadpan robot, a private "security construct" who's managed to hack its way through its own programming and gain free will—which it mostly wants to use to watch its favorite streaming shows. It can't just run off for fear of drawing attention, but the self-named Murderbot (it's being ironic, kinda) is content to do the bare minimum when it's assigned to a team of inexperienced and naive hippie researchers who don't see the need for a killer security robot—at least, not until they're enmeshed in a complicated capitalist plot in which they're all just cogs. Stream Murderbot on Apple TV+.

Harley Quinn (2019– )

Kaley Cuoco voices erstwhile Joker sidekick Harley Quinn in this very adult cartoon series starring the anti-hero who made her debut in Batman: The Animated Series way back in the day. Don’t expect traditional superheroics, nor the epic narrative swings of The Boys—this one's mostly a zany comedy that delivers solid queer representation alongside moments of personal growth for our (anti)heroine in the wake of her big breakup with Mister J. Stream Harley Quinn.

Peacemaker (2022 – 2025)

Peacemaker spins out of James Gunn's snarky 2021 entry The Suicide Squad, bridging the gap between the old DC movie universe with the current one. John Cena's title character, having survived the events of that film, is once again recruited by the United States government to join a team trying to stop mysterious butterfly creatures from taking over their human hosts. It's got the movie's bloody comic tone, but adds just enough dimension (and emotion) to the jingoistic superhero's story that it's easy to root for him, even as his self-awareness remains...limited. Stream Peacemaker.

Legion (2017 – 2019)

Though vaguely an X-Men spinoff, this show from Noah Hawley (Fargo, Alien: Earth) stands entirely on its own, and winds up feeling like nothing else on TV. Dan Stevens plays David Haller, diagnosed with schizophrenia and possessed of tremendous psychic abilities. In one of the many psychiatric hospitals to which he's been committed, he meets first the freewheeling Lenny (Aubrey Plaza) and then Syd (Rachel Keller), who can trade bodies with anyone she touches. Veering in and out of trippy astral planes and deeply damaged psyches, David soon comes to realize that he's not crazy—and also that he's probably not the hero of the story, even as he's caught between the authorities who'd like to use him for his power, and the Shadow King who's been haunting his mind since childhood. Stream Legion on Hulu.


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Earbuds don’t usually get major design overhauls, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro make a clear break from earlier models. This new version leans into a more angular, stemmed shape that feels closer to the AirPods silhouette, complete with small customizable LEDs that add a bit of personality. With today’s drop to $159.99 from $249.99, you’re getting a premium pair for $90 off its regular price.

Samsung uses a 10.5mm dynamic driver paired with a 6.1mm planar driver, which gives the buds a wider, more layered sound than you’d expect from something this size. Music comes through with good depth and detail, but this PCMag review notes that active noise cancellation can soften the treble a little. You can fine-tune that through Samsung’s EQ, though only Galaxy phone users get the full set of audio tools and support for Samsung’s Seamless Codec for 24-bit audio.

Living with the Buds 3 Pro feels different depending on the device you pair them with. Galaxy users get the complete experience: auto-pairing, in-depth customization, and access to features like Interpreter Mode, which handles real-time translation during conversations. Android users outside the Samsung ecosystem still get most core features through the Wear app, with some limitations—no 24-bit audio and fewer advanced controls. iPhone users get the shortest end of the stick, as the buds function as regular Bluetooth headphones with no app support at all. That means no EQ tuning, no control customization, and no access to Samsung’s smart extras. The saving grace here is that the hardware itself holds up well on any device. Calls come through clearly, ANC works well for everyday noise, and the earbuds stay comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

Durability is another bright spot. The IP57 rating puts these buds ahead of many competitors in this price range, making them solid for workouts, commutes, and even rainy runs. The case is compact, and the buds snap into place securely without fuss. Battery life is solid, though not chart-topping, and you can stretch it further by toggling between ANC modes. The lack of LDAC support might disappoint Android audiophiles looking for maximum bitrate playback, but for most listeners, the combination of comfort, sound quality, and smart features will outweigh that gap.

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What if you make this the year you don't fill all the stockings with candy or socks? Both have their place, but if you want to really make this the best Christmas ever, you have to shove some tech in those stockings. The good news: tech gifts don’t have to be expensive to be impressive.

No matter who you're shopping for, there are tons of affordable gizmos that are some combination of cool and useful and that feel pricier than they are. Here are 20 cool tech stocking stuffers to light up any holiday morning, all of which cost less than $50.

This handheld retro gaming console

If there's an old-school gamer on your list, their Christmas morning will be extra merry if it includes a tiny video game emulator. R36T Retro Gaming Console ($47.50) puts over 18,000 video games in the palm of your hand. It has a 3.5" screen, so whether they like arcade classics or consoles-of-the-past, they can fit 'em all in a pocket. You can even network up with another emulator for head-to-head action.

A teeny tiny e-reader

The Xteink X4 is an e-reader that's smaller than your phone. It uses e-ink like an Amazon Kindle, so you can whip a glare-free screen out of your pocket and start reading anywhere there's a light source. The X4 is a no-frills gadget—there's no lighting, touchscreen, or apps—but if you want a cheap, convenient way to read for around $50, it's perfect.

An electric air duster

Those disposable cans of compressed air with the red straws are so 2015. Blow the dust off your electronics with an SDFM Electric Air Duster ($32.99) instead. With an engine that moves at 150,000 RPM, it shoots air such high speeds, the dust doesn't stand a chance. It's also cordless and comes with a variety of cleaning attachments to keep your gear in top shape.

These sleep headphones

If your giftee likes to listen to music or podcasts while drifting off to sleep, there's no gift better than a pair of sleep headphones; except two pairs of sleep headphones! This two-pack retails for $29.99 and contains two headbands with built in speakers you can pair with your phone or other device easily. You could buy a single pair, but these things break fairly regularly, so a backup is good.

These colorful smart LED light bars

Your giftee may have the tech side of their battle station/home office locked down, but I bet they don't have the aesthetics dialed in. Govee Smart LED Light Bars ($33) are programmable, colorful light bars work with Alexa and Google Assistant and can display light effects created from 16 millions colors. It even syncs with your music to provide trippy visuals.

A mini chainsaw

My lifestyle doesn't involve cutting down trees, but I still need one of these miniature chainsaws. I mean, it's a chainsaw, and it's only six-inches long. This Dodowin mini chainsaw ($40) is battery powered, so no one will be accidentally cutting the cord. According to listing, it's suitable for tree pruning, garden artistry, shrub trimming, forest logging, and wood cutting. They don't mention it, but it's also perfect for tiny Texas massacres.

A programmable macro keyboard

You know what computer fiends are missing in their lives? Knobs. This little $36 gadget lets you assign functions to four external knobs and 12 push buttons, so you can finally have a decent volume control, scrub through video smoothly, skip music tracks with a button push, and control any other function easily and physically. Perfect for gamers.

A laser measuring tool

You could use a tape measure like a caveman, or you could measure things with a frickin' laser that fits in your pocket. This $40 gadget has an LED screen that's easy to read and it doubles as a cat toy. But does it measure things? Goddamn right it measures things—big things, little things, middle-sized things—it doesn't give a shit what you put in front of it, it will measure the hell out of it! (Up to 98 feet, anyway.)

The X10 MAX Bluetooth speaker

This compact bluetooth speaker has an Amazon rating of 4.7 stars out of 5, and it's cheap—just $32. It's waterproof, it sounds great, and it features a built-in light show with six different settings so you can check out cool visuals with your tunes.

These Bluetooth trackers

Keep track of the things in your life with these miniature tracking tags. Slip one in your wallet or your keys, and if you misplace them, you can hit a button and it will play a sound and/or give you a map that will lead you exactly to your missing item. Plus, it works in reverse, so you can hit a tag and it will ring your lost phone. I rely on these; no joke.

This wearable heating pad

If you want to keep warm during the holidays, you could do a lot worse than this portable neck, shoulder, and back warmer. There are three temperature settings and a safety shut-off feature, and it heats up really fast.

A desktop vacuum cleaner

This tiny little vacuum will keep your desktop dustfree. It sucks at 1000Pa of suction power for 400 minutes off a single charge, and it's very easy to use: You put it in the palm of your hand and push it around. Cool!

This USB endoscope camera

It's not like most people need an endoscope camera every day, but if the need for a tiny camera does arise—if you need to see why the engine isn't working or if your wedding ring falls behind the oven or something—you'll be glad you have this Anykit USB Endoscope Camera. It plugs right into your Android or iPhone and captures HD photos and video.

A foldable mini Bluetooth keyboard

Why have you been carrying your laptop around to coffeehouses like a chump when you can just connect this foldable mini Bluetooth keyboard from iClever to your phone, turning it into an ultra-portable productivity device? It even has a little trackpad!

A portable HD mini projector

Projectors have gotten really good over the last few years, and they prices have come down massively too. This mini projector costs only $40 and projects a 1080p image up to 201" and even comes with a remote control and a projection screen.

The Amazon Echo Dot

If your giftee is into house automation within the Amazon ecosystem, you can't go wrong with an Echo Dot. This compact smart speaker packs a surprisingly nice sound along with built-in Alexa, so it can be used for for playing music, setting timers, and controlling your smart devices.

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Alright, most people already have a media streamer attached to their televisions, but in case you're gifting someone who doesn't, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a solid choice. This no-frills device serves up 4K HD video, gives you access to hundreds of free and premium channels, and is easy to setup.

A wireless transmitter for your earbuds 

The Twelve South AirFly SE is an ultra-compact Bluetooth transmitter lets you plug into any device with a 3.5 mm jack, like in-flight entertainment systems, gym machines, or TVs, and stream audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth earbuds or headphones. Leave those accursed wired headphone in the drawer where they belong!

This portable tire inflator

A portable inflator is perfect for car emergencies or keeping your bike tires plump, and this one from Slime is a steal at only $50. It's rechargeable, has an onboard pressure guage, an LED flashlight, and can inflate a car tire in only eight minutes. You will never go back to a manual air pump, I promise.

This versatile Anker Nano II USB charger

I am 100% sure whoever you're giving a gift to will be able to use this compact, high‑power Anker charger. It has two USB‑C ports plus one USB‑A, letting you power up your laptop, phone, and tablet all at once, from one plug.


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