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Do your digital due diligence this EOFY

Do your digital due diligence this EOFY

Tech-news

The End Of the Financial Year (EOFY) is almost upon us. For many, it conjures images of sorting through receipts, fumbling through tax terminology, and the sweet relief of a tax return. But while you’re busy wrangling your finances, have you considered another crucial aspect of your fiscal year? Your digital well-being.

Just as you meticulously track your expenses and investments, now is the perfect time to also take stock of your online security. Whether you’ve got a family at home or you’re running a small business, our devices are the gateways of communication, commerce, and connection. And as so, it needs robust protection. This EOFY presents a perfect time to conduct a thorough assessment of your digital security.

So read up on our tips, and have a think about whether or not you’re currently doing your digital due diligence!

Essential digital security for families

Modern households with multiple connected devices are big potential targets for cyber threats. Diverse online activities such as social media, education, gaming,entertainment, and financial transactions necessitate a comprehensive approach to digital safety.

  • Secure Your Devices: Each connected device in your home network can be a gateway for cyberattacks. Ensure all devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles, have updated operating systems and security software installed. Regularly review the security settings on each device.

  • Parental Controls: The internet offers numerous benefits for children but also exposes them to risks. Utilise parental control features available on your operating systems, routers, or third-party software to filter inappropriate content, manage screen time, and monitor online activity. Most importantly, educate kids about safe online practices.

  • Backup Important Data: Irreplaceable digital assets like family photos and important documents should be backed up regularly to a separate, secure location. Consider using a combination of local external drives and cloud-based backup services to protect against data loss from hardware failure or cyberattacks.

Essential digital security for small businesses

A secure digital environment is crucial for business continuity and the protection of sensitive data for small businesses. You need to get ahead of things, proactive security measures are vital.

  • Strong Authentication: Protect access to your business systems and data by using strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, adding an extra layer of security beyond just a password.

  • Secure Your Network Infrastructure: Ensure your business Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password and the latest encryption protocols (e.g., WPA3). Consider segmenting your network to isolate sensitive data and limit the impact of a potential breach. Regularly update your router’s firmware.

  • Educate Employees on Cybersecurity: Human error is a significant factor in many security incidents. Conduct regular training for employees on topics such as identifying phishing emails, creating strong passwords, handling sensitive data, and recognising social engineering attempts.

  • Develop an Incident Response Plan: Prepare for the possibility of a security incident by creating a plan outlining the steps to take in case of a breach. This plan should include procedures for identifying, containing, eradicating, and recovering from an attack.

General tips for digital due diligence this EOFY

Regardless of whether you are a family or a small business, consider these general tips as part of your EOFY digital check-up:

  • Review Software and App Permissions: Take some time to review the permissions granted to the software and apps installed on your devices. Revoke access that seems unnecessary or suspicious.

  • Update Everything: Ensure all operating systems, software applications, and firmware on your devices are up to date. Updates often include critical security patches that address known vulnerabilities.

  • Be Vigilant Against Phishing: Exercise caution when opening emails, clicking on links, or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Phishing attacks are a common method used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information.

  • Consider a Security Solution: Evaluate the benefits of a comprehensive internet security solution that provides features such as antivirus protection, firewall, anti-phishing, and potentially a VPN for enhanced privacy. For most everyday uses, can recommend Bitdefender Total Security.

Our pick: Bitdefender

Bitdefender offers a range of security products tailored to different budgets and needs:

  • Bitdefender Total Security: A comprehensive solution providing cross-platform protection for multiple devices. Includes limited VPN traffic (200 MB/day/device) for basic privacy enhancement.

  • Bitdefender Premium Security: Builds upon Total Security with the inclusion of unlimited VPN traffic and Scamio Copilot, an integrated tool designed to identify and mitigate scam attempts.

  • Bitdefender Ultimate Security: The most comprehensive offering, encompassing all features of Premium Security, along with Digital Identity Protection, Dark Web Monitoring, and Real-Time Breach Notifications for proactive management of personal information security.

Digital safety is a year-round job

So, as you’re finishing up your tax stuff this EOFY, don’t forget to do your digital due diligence. Make sure your family and your business are protected by a reliable security solution, and take advantage of both EOFY deals, and timing around your refund. Bitdefender offers the comprehensive protection you need to navigate the online world with confidence. It’s an investment that certainly pays off in peace of mind and keeping your important digital stuff safe. Put it on your EOFY to-do list this year, and your future self will thank you for it.

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#digital #due #diligence #EOFY

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Most of us sense we’re in an affordability crisis these days. If you’re like me, you’re helpless and complacent at the checkstand even when it feels like you’re being mugged. But being billed for billions—or even trillions—more than you owe on web hosting would snap anyone out of their affordability daze.

Amazon Web Services users around the world have noticed one such glitch:

Bharath, an X user based in India, showed off what looks like a $1,499,659,180,107 cost statement and writes, “my soul left my body.” That statement says Bharath’s total is up by 744,728,201,771% this month, which means, by my math, the previous month’s bill was about $200.

According to the Guardian, a marketer named  Dan Harvey, working for an educational nonprofit in the U.K. said he “almost had a heart attack” after seeing a bill climb from 43 cents last month to $7.8 billion this month—and the month wasn’t even over. Harvey added to the Guardian that he had to get on the phone with tech support and “have a real dig around,” to get to the bottom of things. Amazon did not apparently return the Guardian’s request for comment.

This has been resolved, according to Amazon, which writes that on July 16 and 17, “customers received erroneous budget and cost anomaly detection alerts, and saw inflated estimated cost and usage data in the Billing and Cost Management Console and the Cost and Usage Reports.” The amounts are “inaccurate” and “did not affect customer invoices,” Amazon writes, but everything has apparently been restored to normal.

An update Saturday on the AWS service health dashboard lays out what happened. Apparently on July 16, a faulty “configuration change” in the AWS billing system was implemented. “This system relies on unit conversion data to calculate line item charges,” AWS writes, but the change “caused updates to the unit conversion data to fail, resulting in inflated line item costs, which propagated to the Billing and Cost Management console and triggered the budget and cost anomaly alerts.”

Logs on the health dashboard show AWS trying to roll out a solution for about two days before marking the issue as fully resolved.

#Soul #Left #Body #Amazon #Accidentally #Bills #Users #Billions #Times #Oweaffordability crisis,AWS,billing">‘My Soul Left My Body’: Amazon Accidentally Bills Users Billions of Times What They Owe Most of us sense we’re in an affordability crisis these days. If you’re like me, you’re helpless and complacent at the checkstand even when it feels like you’re being mugged. But being billed for billions—or even trillions—more than you owe on web hosting would snap anyone out of their affordability daze. Amazon Web Services users around the world have noticed one such glitch: I just saw .5 trillion on my AWS bill and my soul left my body https://t.co/EgfQKJTHVl pic.twitter.com/L0gXYbDio7 — Bharath (@Bharath_uwu) July 17, 2026 Bharath, an X user based in India, showed off what looks like a ,499,659,180,107 cost statement and writes, “my soul left my body.” That statement says Bharath’s total is up by 744,728,201,771% this month, which means, by my math, the previous month’s bill was about 0. According to the Guardian, a marketer named  Dan Harvey, working for an educational nonprofit in the U.K. said he “almost had a heart attack” after seeing a bill climb from 43 cents last month to .8 billion this month—and the month wasn’t even over. Harvey added to the Guardian that he had to get on the phone with tech support and “have a real dig around,” to get to the bottom of things. Amazon did not apparently return the Guardian’s request for comment. This has been resolved, according to Amazon, which writes that on July 16 and 17, “customers received erroneous budget and cost anomaly detection alerts, and saw inflated estimated cost and usage data in the Billing and Cost Management Console and the Cost and Usage Reports.” The amounts are “inaccurate” and “did not affect customer invoices,” Amazon writes, but everything has apparently been restored to normal. An update Saturday on the AWS service health dashboard lays out what happened. Apparently on July 16, a faulty “configuration change” in the AWS billing system was implemented. “This system relies on unit conversion data to calculate line item charges,” AWS writes, but the change “caused updates to the unit conversion data to fail, resulting in inflated line item costs, which propagated to the Billing and Cost Management console and triggered the budget and cost anomaly alerts.” Logs on the health dashboard show AWS trying to roll out a solution for about two days before marking the issue as fully resolved. #Soul #Left #Body #Amazon #Accidentally #Bills #Users #Billions #Times #Oweaffordability crisis,AWS,billing

Bharath, an X user based in India, showed off what looks like a $1,499,659,180,107 cost statement and writes, “my soul left my body.” That statement says Bharath’s total is up by 744,728,201,771% this month, which means, by my math, the previous month’s bill was about $200.

According to the Guardian, a marketer named  Dan Harvey, working for an educational nonprofit in the U.K. said he “almost had a heart attack” after seeing a bill climb from 43 cents last month to $7.8 billion this month—and the month wasn’t even over. Harvey added to the Guardian that he had to get on the phone with tech support and “have a real dig around,” to get to the bottom of things. Amazon did not apparently return the Guardian’s request for comment.

This has been resolved, according to Amazon, which writes that on July 16 and 17, “customers received erroneous budget and cost anomaly detection alerts, and saw inflated estimated cost and usage data in the Billing and Cost Management Console and the Cost and Usage Reports.” The amounts are “inaccurate” and “did not affect customer invoices,” Amazon writes, but everything has apparently been restored to normal.

An update Saturday on the AWS service health dashboard lays out what happened. Apparently on July 16, a faulty “configuration change” in the AWS billing system was implemented. “This system relies on unit conversion data to calculate line item charges,” AWS writes, but the change “caused updates to the unit conversion data to fail, resulting in inflated line item costs, which propagated to the Billing and Cost Management console and triggered the budget and cost anomaly alerts.”

Logs on the health dashboard show AWS trying to roll out a solution for about two days before marking the issue as fully resolved.

#Soul #Left #Body #Amazon #Accidentally #Bills #Users #Billions #Times #Oweaffordability crisis,AWS,billing">‘My Soul Left My Body’: Amazon Accidentally Bills Users Billions of Times What They Owe‘My Soul Left My Body’: Amazon Accidentally Bills Users Billions of Times What They Owe Most of us sense we’re in an affordability crisis these days. If you’re like me, you’re helpless and complacent at the checkstand even when it feels like you’re being mugged. But being billed for billions—or even trillions—more than you owe on web hosting would snap anyone out of their affordability daze. Amazon Web Services users around the world have noticed one such glitch: I just saw $1.5 trillion on my AWS bill and my soul left my body https://t.co/EgfQKJTHVl pic.twitter.com/L0gXYbDio7 — Bharath (@Bharath_uwu) July 17, 2026 Bharath, an X user based in India, showed off what looks like a $1,499,659,180,107 cost statement and writes, “my soul left my body.” That statement says Bharath’s total is up by 744,728,201,771% this month, which means, by my math, the previous month’s bill was about $200. According to the Guardian, a marketer named  Dan Harvey, working for an educational nonprofit in the U.K. said he “almost had a heart attack” after seeing a bill climb from 43 cents last month to $7.8 billion this month—and the month wasn’t even over. Harvey added to the Guardian that he had to get on the phone with tech support and “have a real dig around,” to get to the bottom of things. Amazon did not apparently return the Guardian’s request for comment. This has been resolved, according to Amazon, which writes that on July 16 and 17, “customers received erroneous budget and cost anomaly detection alerts, and saw inflated estimated cost and usage data in the Billing and Cost Management Console and the Cost and Usage Reports.” The amounts are “inaccurate” and “did not affect customer invoices,” Amazon writes, but everything has apparently been restored to normal. An update Saturday on the AWS service health dashboard lays out what happened. Apparently on July 16, a faulty “configuration change” in the AWS billing system was implemented. “This system relies on unit conversion data to calculate line item charges,” AWS writes, but the change “caused updates to the unit conversion data to fail, resulting in inflated line item costs, which propagated to the Billing and Cost Management console and triggered the budget and cost anomaly alerts.” Logs on the health dashboard show AWS trying to roll out a solution for about two days before marking the issue as fully resolved. #Soul #Left #Body #Amazon #Accidentally #Bills #Users #Billions #Times #Oweaffordability crisis,AWS,billing

Most of us sense we’re in an affordability crisis these days. If you’re like me, you’re helpless and complacent at the checkstand even when it feels like you’re being mugged. But being billed for billions—or even trillions—more than you owe on web hosting would snap anyone out of their affordability daze.

Amazon Web Services users around the world have noticed one such glitch:

Bharath, an X user based in India, showed off what looks like a $1,499,659,180,107 cost statement and writes, “my soul left my body.” That statement says Bharath’s total is up by 744,728,201,771% this month, which means, by my math, the previous month’s bill was about $200.

According to the Guardian, a marketer named  Dan Harvey, working for an educational nonprofit in the U.K. said he “almost had a heart attack” after seeing a bill climb from 43 cents last month to $7.8 billion this month—and the month wasn’t even over. Harvey added to the Guardian that he had to get on the phone with tech support and “have a real dig around,” to get to the bottom of things. Amazon did not apparently return the Guardian’s request for comment.

This has been resolved, according to Amazon, which writes that on July 16 and 17, “customers received erroneous budget and cost anomaly detection alerts, and saw inflated estimated cost and usage data in the Billing and Cost Management Console and the Cost and Usage Reports.” The amounts are “inaccurate” and “did not affect customer invoices,” Amazon writes, but everything has apparently been restored to normal.

An update Saturday on the AWS service health dashboard lays out what happened. Apparently on July 16, a faulty “configuration change” in the AWS billing system was implemented. “This system relies on unit conversion data to calculate line item charges,” AWS writes, but the change “caused updates to the unit conversion data to fail, resulting in inflated line item costs, which propagated to the Billing and Cost Management console and triggered the budget and cost anomaly alerts.”

Logs on the health dashboard show AWS trying to roll out a solution for about two days before marking the issue as fully resolved.

#Soul #Left #Body #Amazon #Accidentally #Bills #Users #Billions #Times #Oweaffordability crisis,AWS,billing

Kini is very reliable. I tested it in a drawer and a cabinet, and it always alerted me when they were opened. It also keeps a log with times listed. While alerts go via the cloud, maker Kinisium says it doesn’t collect data, and you can turn off logging entirely if you prefer. Kini also has a Stasis mode, so you can reverse it and have it alert you when there has been no movement for a set period. This makes it a versatile monitoring device, and you could use this mode to ensure an elderly relative opens their medicine cabinet each day or check what time your dog walker opened a door. Kini is also compatible with IFTTT for automation, and there’s even a webhook integration that can send notifications to a custom URL.

More Motion Sensors

There are loads of other motion sensors that can alert you to motion or presence in an area or room and trigger lighting, but the right one for you depends on your current smart-home setup.

I really like the Eve Motion Sensor, but if you want it to trigger alerts, you need a smart-home hub, and you must set up an automation. It’s a reliable sensor that works indoors or out. I tested it with a Google Home system.

The Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor ($83) has many features, including zonal and multiple person detection, and is compatible with all the major smart-home ecosystems, though it’s not always very accurate at identifying the number of people in the room. The more affordable Aqara FP300 ($50) is a good enough presence detector for most folks and can also track light, temperature, and humidity.

The Switchbot Presence Sensor ($30) is the most affordable sensor I tested and has a similar feature set, but you will need a Switchbot hub if you want alerts, and there’s a lag between it detecting and alerting.

Philips Hue

Outdoor Motion Sensor

The Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor is excellent, but only if you already have a Hue setup, because it needs a Hue Bridge to connect to. I installed the sensor in my backyard and tested it with the Bridge Pro. It reliably detects people with few false positives. I configured my outdoor sensor to turn on a backyard light strip (not Hue) after sunset and send me a notification when triggered between specific hours (midnight and 6 am) using Google Gemini.

There’s also a Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor and a Contact Sensor ($40) for doors and windows. Both are very reliable and can be configured to trigger alerts.

Smart Light Sensing

As an interesting alternative to dedicated motion sensors, you can also use some smart lights for detect presence and motion indoors.

Wiz SpaceSense

If you have a few Wiz lights, you can try SpaceSense, which uses Wi-Fi to detect motion in rooms. I wasn’t that impressed when I tried SpaceSense, but how effectively it works depends on how many Wiz lights you have and where they are located. I was also testing it as a way to automatically turn lights on, and there’s some lag that limits its usefulness on that score. But as a security alert that can tell you when there’s motion in your home when you’re away, it could be very useful. If you already have Wiz lights, you may as well try it, as it doesn’t require a subscription.

Philips Hue MotionAware

Signify is the parent company of Wiz and Philips Hue, and MotionAware is very similar to SpaceSense, but it uses Zigbee, rather than Wi-Fi. Again, how well it works depends on the number of Philips Hue lights you have and their layout. Unfortunately, it does require a subscription if you want to receive alerts. MotionAware can trigger lights at no extra cost, but if you want motion alerts, you must pay $1 per month or $10 for the year. It is also included in Hue Secure subscriptions from $4 per month.

More Security System Alternatives

Image may contain: Electronics, Phone, Mobile Phone, Electrical Device, and Switch

SimpliSafe

8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

You might consider a modular security system. We like the Simplisafe system, which offers a base station, keypad, and a range of sensors. You can also find modular systems from security stalwarts like ADT and Vivint, and security camera makers like Eufy and Arlo.

#PrivacyFirst #Alternatives #Home #Security #Camerassecurity,shopping,privacy,smart home,sensors,buying guides">The Best Privacy-First Alternatives to Home Security CamerasKini is very reliable. I tested it in a drawer and a cabinet, and it always alerted me when they were opened. It also keeps a log with times listed. While alerts go via the cloud, maker Kinisium says it doesn’t collect data, and you can turn off logging entirely if you prefer. Kini also has a Stasis mode, so you can reverse it and have it alert you when there has been no movement for a set period. This makes it a versatile monitoring device, and you could use this mode to ensure an elderly relative opens their medicine cabinet each day or check what time your dog walker opened a door. Kini is also compatible with IFTTT for automation, and there’s even a webhook integration that can send notifications to a custom URL.More Motion SensorsThere are loads of other motion sensors that can alert you to motion or presence in an area or room and trigger lighting, but the right one for you depends on your current smart-home setup.I really like the Eve Motion Sensor, but if you want it to trigger alerts, you need a smart-home hub, and you must set up an automation. It’s a reliable sensor that works indoors or out. I tested it with a Google Home system.The Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor () has many features, including zonal and multiple person detection, and is compatible with all the major smart-home ecosystems, though it’s not always very accurate at identifying the number of people in the room. The more affordable Aqara FP300 () is a good enough presence detector for most folks and can also track light, temperature, and humidity.The Switchbot Presence Sensor () is the most affordable sensor I tested and has a similar feature set, but you will need a Switchbot hub if you want alerts, and there’s a lag between it detecting and alerting.Philips HueOutdoor Motion SensorThe Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor is excellent, but only if you already have a Hue setup, because it needs a Hue Bridge to connect to. I installed the sensor in my backyard and tested it with the Bridge Pro. It reliably detects people with few false positives. I configured my outdoor sensor to turn on a backyard light strip (not Hue) after sunset and send me a notification when triggered between specific hours (midnight and 6 am) using Google Gemini.There’s also a Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor and a Contact Sensor () for doors and windows. Both are very reliable and can be configured to trigger alerts.Smart Light SensingAs an interesting alternative to dedicated motion sensors, you can also use some smart lights for detect presence and motion indoors.Wiz SpaceSenseIf you have a few Wiz lights, you can try SpaceSense, which uses Wi-Fi to detect motion in rooms. I wasn’t that impressed when I tried SpaceSense, but how effectively it works depends on how many Wiz lights you have and where they are located. I was also testing it as a way to automatically turn lights on, and there’s some lag that limits its usefulness on that score. But as a security alert that can tell you when there’s motion in your home when you’re away, it could be very useful. If you already have Wiz lights, you may as well try it, as it doesn’t require a subscription.Philips Hue MotionAwareSignify is the parent company of Wiz and Philips Hue, and MotionAware is very similar to SpaceSense, but it uses Zigbee, rather than Wi-Fi. Again, how well it works depends on the number of Philips Hue lights you have and their layout. Unfortunately, it does require a subscription if you want to receive alerts. MotionAware can trigger lights at no extra cost, but if you want motion alerts, you must pay per month or for the year. It is also included in Hue Secure subscriptions from per month.More Security System AlternativesSimpliSafe8-Piece Wireless Home Security SystemYou might consider a modular security system. We like the Simplisafe system, which offers a base station, keypad, and a range of sensors. You can also find modular systems from security stalwarts like ADT and Vivint, and security camera makers like Eufy and Arlo.#PrivacyFirst #Alternatives #Home #Security #Camerassecurity,shopping,privacy,smart home,sensors,buying guides

IFTTT for automation, and there’s even a webhook integration that can send notifications to a custom URL.

More Motion Sensors

There are loads of other motion sensors that can alert you to motion or presence in an area or room and trigger lighting, but the right one for you depends on your current smart-home setup.

I really like the Eve Motion Sensor, but if you want it to trigger alerts, you need a smart-home hub, and you must set up an automation. It’s a reliable sensor that works indoors or out. I tested it with a Google Home system.

The Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor ($83) has many features, including zonal and multiple person detection, and is compatible with all the major smart-home ecosystems, though it’s not always very accurate at identifying the number of people in the room. The more affordable Aqara FP300 ($50) is a good enough presence detector for most folks and can also track light, temperature, and humidity.

The Switchbot Presence Sensor ($30) is the most affordable sensor I tested and has a similar feature set, but you will need a Switchbot hub if you want alerts, and there’s a lag between it detecting and alerting.

Philips Hue

Outdoor Motion Sensor

The Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor is excellent, but only if you already have a Hue setup, because it needs a Hue Bridge to connect to. I installed the sensor in my backyard and tested it with the Bridge Pro. It reliably detects people with few false positives. I configured my outdoor sensor to turn on a backyard light strip (not Hue) after sunset and send me a notification when triggered between specific hours (midnight and 6 am) using Google Gemini.

There’s also a Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor and a Contact Sensor ($40) for doors and windows. Both are very reliable and can be configured to trigger alerts.

Smart Light Sensing

As an interesting alternative to dedicated motion sensors, you can also use some smart lights for detect presence and motion indoors.

Wiz SpaceSense

If you have a few Wiz lights, you can try SpaceSense, which uses Wi-Fi to detect motion in rooms. I wasn’t that impressed when I tried SpaceSense, but how effectively it works depends on how many Wiz lights you have and where they are located. I was also testing it as a way to automatically turn lights on, and there’s some lag that limits its usefulness on that score. But as a security alert that can tell you when there’s motion in your home when you’re away, it could be very useful. If you already have Wiz lights, you may as well try it, as it doesn’t require a subscription.

Philips Hue MotionAware

Signify is the parent company of Wiz and Philips Hue, and MotionAware is very similar to SpaceSense, but it uses Zigbee, rather than Wi-Fi. Again, how well it works depends on the number of Philips Hue lights you have and their layout. Unfortunately, it does require a subscription if you want to receive alerts. MotionAware can trigger lights at no extra cost, but if you want motion alerts, you must pay $1 per month or $10 for the year. It is also included in Hue Secure subscriptions from $4 per month.

More Security System Alternatives

Image may contain: Electronics, Phone, Mobile Phone, Electrical Device, and Switch

SimpliSafe

8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

You might consider a modular security system. We like the Simplisafe system, which offers a base station, keypad, and a range of sensors. You can also find modular systems from security stalwarts like ADT and Vivint, and security camera makers like Eufy and Arlo.

#PrivacyFirst #Alternatives #Home #Security #Camerassecurity,shopping,privacy,smart home,sensors,buying guides">The Best Privacy-First Alternatives to Home Security Cameras

Kini is very reliable. I tested it in a drawer and a cabinet, and it always alerted me when they were opened. It also keeps a log with times listed. While alerts go via the cloud, maker Kinisium says it doesn’t collect data, and you can turn off logging entirely if you prefer. Kini also has a Stasis mode, so you can reverse it and have it alert you when there has been no movement for a set period. This makes it a versatile monitoring device, and you could use this mode to ensure an elderly relative opens their medicine cabinet each day or check what time your dog walker opened a door. Kini is also compatible with IFTTT for automation, and there’s even a webhook integration that can send notifications to a custom URL.

More Motion Sensors

There are loads of other motion sensors that can alert you to motion or presence in an area or room and trigger lighting, but the right one for you depends on your current smart-home setup.

I really like the Eve Motion Sensor, but if you want it to trigger alerts, you need a smart-home hub, and you must set up an automation. It’s a reliable sensor that works indoors or out. I tested it with a Google Home system.

The Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor ($83) has many features, including zonal and multiple person detection, and is compatible with all the major smart-home ecosystems, though it’s not always very accurate at identifying the number of people in the room. The more affordable Aqara FP300 ($50) is a good enough presence detector for most folks and can also track light, temperature, and humidity.

The Switchbot Presence Sensor ($30) is the most affordable sensor I tested and has a similar feature set, but you will need a Switchbot hub if you want alerts, and there’s a lag between it detecting and alerting.

Philips Hue

Outdoor Motion Sensor

The Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor is excellent, but only if you already have a Hue setup, because it needs a Hue Bridge to connect to. I installed the sensor in my backyard and tested it with the Bridge Pro. It reliably detects people with few false positives. I configured my outdoor sensor to turn on a backyard light strip (not Hue) after sunset and send me a notification when triggered between specific hours (midnight and 6 am) using Google Gemini.

There’s also a Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor and a Contact Sensor ($40) for doors and windows. Both are very reliable and can be configured to trigger alerts.

Smart Light Sensing

As an interesting alternative to dedicated motion sensors, you can also use some smart lights for detect presence and motion indoors.

Wiz SpaceSense

If you have a few Wiz lights, you can try SpaceSense, which uses Wi-Fi to detect motion in rooms. I wasn’t that impressed when I tried SpaceSense, but how effectively it works depends on how many Wiz lights you have and where they are located. I was also testing it as a way to automatically turn lights on, and there’s some lag that limits its usefulness on that score. But as a security alert that can tell you when there’s motion in your home when you’re away, it could be very useful. If you already have Wiz lights, you may as well try it, as it doesn’t require a subscription.

Philips Hue MotionAware

Signify is the parent company of Wiz and Philips Hue, and MotionAware is very similar to SpaceSense, but it uses Zigbee, rather than Wi-Fi. Again, how well it works depends on the number of Philips Hue lights you have and their layout. Unfortunately, it does require a subscription if you want to receive alerts. MotionAware can trigger lights at no extra cost, but if you want motion alerts, you must pay $1 per month or $10 for the year. It is also included in Hue Secure subscriptions from $4 per month.

More Security System Alternatives

Image may contain: Electronics, Phone, Mobile Phone, Electrical Device, and Switch

SimpliSafe

8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

You might consider a modular security system. We like the Simplisafe system, which offers a base station, keypad, and a range of sensors. You can also find modular systems from security stalwarts like ADT and Vivint, and security camera makers like Eufy and Arlo.

#PrivacyFirst #Alternatives #Home #Security #Camerassecurity,shopping,privacy,smart home,sensors,buying guides

True to its source material, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is headed for an epic opening weekend at the box office.

SEE ALSO: ‘The Odyssey’ review: Christopher Nolan turns an epic myth into a movie masterpiece

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Odyssey raked in $17.6 million from domestic Thursday night previews and is on track for a $117 million opening weekend. That would make it the best domestic opening for a live-action film this year, surpassing Michael, which took in $97 million and went on to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide in July. The two best domestic openings of the year belong to animated films: Toy Story 5 ($160 million) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131.7 million).

A $117 million opening would also be the best opening for an R-rated film in 2026, overtaking Backrooms ($81.4 million). It would also be the best opening for an R-rated movie from Universal Pictures, a record formerly held by Fifty Shades of Grey ($85.1 million).

The Odyssey‘s opening weekend box office is also set to surpass that of Nolan’s prior film, Oppenheimer ($82.4 million), making it his biggest since The Dark Knight Rises, which still holds a commanding lead with $160 million.

Based on The Odyssey‘s reported production cost of $250 million and reported marketing cost of $125 million, Forbes estimates that after theaters take their cuts, it will take between $625 to $750 million for The Odyssey to break even. However, given Nolan’s track record, The Odyssey is sure to have massive legs, especially in premium, if exclusive, formats like IMAX 70mm. Screenings for that format in particular are sold out for weeks into the future, and have been since tickets for The Odyssey went on sale last year.

Clearly, the demand for The Odyssey is there. Could it be Nolan’s third film to break $1 billion, following in the footsteps of The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises?

The Odyssey is now in theaters.

#Odyssey #sails #recordbreaking #opening #weekend">‘The Odyssey’ sails towards a record-breaking opening weekend True to its source material, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is headed for an epic opening weekend at the box office. SEE ALSO: ‘The Odyssey’ review: Christopher Nolan turns an epic myth into a movie masterpiece According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Odyssey raked in .6 million from domestic Thursday night previews and is on track for a 7 million opening weekend. That would make it the best domestic opening for a live-action film this year, surpassing Michael, which took in million and went on to cross the billion mark worldwide in July. The two best domestic openings of the year belong to animated films: Toy Story 5 (0 million) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (1.7 million).A 7 million opening would also be the best opening for an R-rated film in 2026, overtaking Backrooms (.4 million). It would also be the best opening for an R-rated movie from Universal Pictures, a record formerly held by Fifty Shades of Grey (.1 million). Mashable Top Stories The Odyssey‘s opening weekend box office is also set to surpass that of Nolan’s prior film, Oppenheimer (.4 million), making it his biggest since The Dark Knight Rises, which still holds a commanding lead with 0 million.Based on The Odyssey‘s reported production cost of 0 million and reported marketing cost of 5 million, Forbes estimates that after theaters take their cuts, it will take between 5 to 0 million for The Odyssey to break even. However, given Nolan’s track record, The Odyssey is sure to have massive legs, especially in premium, if exclusive, formats like IMAX 70mm. Screenings for that format in particular are sold out for weeks into the future, and have been since tickets for The Odyssey went on sale last year. Clearly, the demand for The Odyssey is there. Could it be Nolan’s third film to break billion, following in the footsteps of The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises?The Odyssey is now in theaters. #Odyssey #sails #recordbreaking #opening #weekend

The Odyssey is headed for an epic opening weekend at the box office.

SEE ALSO: ‘The Odyssey’ review: Christopher Nolan turns an epic myth into a movie masterpiece

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Odyssey raked in $17.6 million from domestic Thursday night previews and is on track for a $117 million opening weekend. That would make it the best domestic opening for a live-action film this year, surpassing Michael, which took in $97 million and went on to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide in July. The two best domestic openings of the year belong to animated films: Toy Story 5 ($160 million) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131.7 million).

A $117 million opening would also be the best opening for an R-rated film in 2026, overtaking Backrooms ($81.4 million). It would also be the best opening for an R-rated movie from Universal Pictures, a record formerly held by Fifty Shades of Grey ($85.1 million).

The Odyssey‘s opening weekend box office is also set to surpass that of Nolan’s prior film, Oppenheimer ($82.4 million), making it his biggest since The Dark Knight Rises, which still holds a commanding lead with $160 million.

Based on The Odyssey‘s reported production cost of $250 million and reported marketing cost of $125 million, Forbes estimates that after theaters take their cuts, it will take between $625 to $750 million for The Odyssey to break even. However, given Nolan’s track record, The Odyssey is sure to have massive legs, especially in premium, if exclusive, formats like IMAX 70mm. Screenings for that format in particular are sold out for weeks into the future, and have been since tickets for The Odyssey went on sale last year.

Clearly, the demand for The Odyssey is there. Could it be Nolan’s third film to break $1 billion, following in the footsteps of The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises?

The Odyssey is now in theaters.

#Odyssey #sails #recordbreaking #opening #weekend">‘The Odyssey’ sails towards a record-breaking opening weekend

True to its source material, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is headed for an epic opening weekend at the box office.

SEE ALSO: ‘The Odyssey’ review: Christopher Nolan turns an epic myth into a movie masterpiece

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Odyssey raked in $17.6 million from domestic Thursday night previews and is on track for a $117 million opening weekend. That would make it the best domestic opening for a live-action film this year, surpassing Michael, which took in $97 million and went on to cross the $1 billion mark worldwide in July. The two best domestic openings of the year belong to animated films: Toy Story 5 ($160 million) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($131.7 million).

A $117 million opening would also be the best opening for an R-rated film in 2026, overtaking Backrooms ($81.4 million). It would also be the best opening for an R-rated movie from Universal Pictures, a record formerly held by Fifty Shades of Grey ($85.1 million).

The Odyssey‘s opening weekend box office is also set to surpass that of Nolan’s prior film, Oppenheimer ($82.4 million), making it his biggest since The Dark Knight Rises, which still holds a commanding lead with $160 million.

Based on The Odyssey‘s reported production cost of $250 million and reported marketing cost of $125 million, Forbes estimates that after theaters take their cuts, it will take between $625 to $750 million for The Odyssey to break even. However, given Nolan’s track record, The Odyssey is sure to have massive legs, especially in premium, if exclusive, formats like IMAX 70mm. Screenings for that format in particular are sold out for weeks into the future, and have been since tickets for The Odyssey went on sale last year.

Clearly, the demand for The Odyssey is there. Could it be Nolan’s third film to break $1 billion, following in the footsteps of The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises?

The Odyssey is now in theaters.

#Odyssey #sails #recordbreaking #opening #weekend

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