ExtraHop’s Global Threat Landscape Report shows 49% of ransomware victims only detected attacks after data theft, up from 31% last year
Average dwell time before detection is 2.5 weeks; attackers exploit encrypted channels, valid accounts, and alert fatigue to evade defenses
Ransom payments fell from $3.6M to $2.8M, but payment frequency rose sharply, with 83% of surveyed victims paying in 2026 vs. 70% in 2025
Criminals are getting better at hiding within their victims’ infrastructure, lurking and stealing files without triggering any alarms whatsoever.
Earlier today, network detection and response experts ExtraHop released the “Global Threat Landscape Report”, based on a survey of more than 1,800 IT and security leaders worldwide. In it, it is said that roughly half (49%) of organizations that were struck by ransomware did not detect the threat until after the data was stolen.
This is up from 31% a year ago, ExtraHop stressed, showing the improvement criminals made within just 12 months.
Several factors
On average, cybercriminals have 2.5 weeks of quiet time before being spotted in ransomware incidents, the report stated. Furthermore, 14% of victims were unaware of an attack until receiving a ransom demand, which is also up from 6% a year ago.
“Prolonged dwell times often parallel a highly complex threat environment where critical alerts are obscured,” ExtraHop said in a press release shared with TechRadar Pro. The researchers uncovered several factors that led to delays in investigating critical alerts, including attackers using encrypted channels (41%), attacker activity mirroring legitimate workflows and processes (38%), using valid, high-privilege account permissions (34%), and alert fatigue (30%). Undermined baseline behavior also enabled anomalous actions to fly under the radar (27%).
The good news is that the average ransom payment dropped year-on-year, from $3.6 million down to $2.8 million. However, the bad news is that the payment frequency spiked. While in 2025 70% of respondents paid a ransom, this year 83% have done the same, at least among ExtraHop’s respondents.
When Chainalysis ran a similar survey recently, it said that in 2025 the number of successful ransomware attacks grew, while the number of payments remained relatively flat, meaning that in absolute numbers - there were fewer companies paying ransomware attackers.
There are huge savings on Blink home security cameras this Amazon Prime Day, but don't rush to grab one just yet. Although basic features are included with Blink cameras — live view and two-way-talk — for anything more advanced you'll need a Blink subscription in addition to the cost of the camera itself, which adds up over time.
That's not the case with all home security cameras though, and here I've rounded up my top five Blink alternatives that give you local storage, plus features like AI facial-recognition, object-tracking, and pre-roll all without any extra payments.
1. Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K
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The Baseus Security S2 isn't the only solar-powered security camera we've tested, but it's the only one with a photovoltaic panel that rotates around its body to follow the sun, ensuring it captures as much light as possible throughout the day. It looks strange, but in our tests, we found it worked brilliantly, noticeably extending the battery life.
During tests, the S2 produced very few false alerts. This not only prevents you from being bombarded with unnecessary phone notifications, it also means recording is triggered only by genuine events, extending the cam's battery life. Images are superbly detailed during the day, and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night to ensure high-quality footage in the dark, too.
The Baseus S2 is also one of the most affordable subscription-free security cameras we've tested. The camera itself has a nice little Prime Day price cut, and the absence of fees for storage and advanced features mean it almost certainly works out cheaper overall.
If you're on a strict budget, take a look at the Baseus Security S1 instead. It's available for about half the price of the S2 and has the same rotating solar panel. However, it records at only 2K and has 8GB built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a microSD card.
A record-low Prime Day price for this feature-packed home security camera. It blew us away in our tests, and with no subscription fees to worry about, it's spectacular value.View Deal
The S2 Outdoor Camera 4K is currently out of stock in the UK, but you can snag the previous generation S1 for £33.99 right now. It has the same rotating solar panel, but has a maximum resolution of 2K rather than 4K.View Deal
2. Reolink Altas PT Ultra
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The Reolink Altas PT Ultra earned four stars in our review thanks to its crisp video recordings, pan-and-tilt functionality to cover an extra-wide area, and local storage for your video. Although it's somewhat bulky, it looks smart and didn't worry our neighbors unnecessarily (always a plus).
The camera can automatically track subjects such as people and animals, or you can pan and tilt it manually using the app, if there's something in particular that you want to keep an eye on. There's a pre-record option, too, similar to the one you'd get with a dash cam, which captures footage continuously in the background and saves the 10 seconds that were recorded before a trigger event.
You can store your videos to an SD card, or to an encrypted Reolink Home Hub. The Home Hub comes with 64GB storage, expandable with up to two 512GB SD cards, which should be more than enough. Cloud storage is available if you really want to pay for it, but there's really no need and all the standout features are available free of charge.
With an enormous $70 off for Prime Day, this is the cheapest the Altas PT Ultra has been this year and a great investment in your home security. There's a reason it won a TechRadar Choice award for best home security camera.View Deal
A discount of £57 is not to be sniffed at, and makes the Altas PT Ultra brilliant value in the UK as well. In fact, it's a record-low price for this feature-packed security camera, with no subscription fees necessary afterwards,View Deal
3. EZVIZ EP4 Peephole Door Viewer
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This little camera threads through the peephole in your front door, giving you a wide-angle view of the area beyond in sharp 4K on an internal screen, and on your phone. It's a clever design that means there's no need to drill any holes, and is ideal if you live in an apartment and/or rent.
Installation is a piece of cake (I had it fitted and working within 10 minutes during my tests) and you'll receive alerts to your phone when motion is detected. This will trigger a 10-second video recording, which can be saved to an SD card in the display unit. The AI person detection works very well, but what impressed me most was the facial recognition. Just upload photos of friends and family, and you'll be notified when they arrive. Ideal if you want to be sure that the kids have got home safely, for example.
It doubles as a doorbell too, offering two-way talk and even a voice changer so you can stay anonymous if you prefer — all subscription-free.
The EP4 is currently only available in the UK, where Amazon has knocked a very generous £70 off the price for Prime Day. That's a surprising saving considering the camera only launched a few months ago.View Deal
The eufyCam 3 S330 is a full security system designed for large properties, and even businesses. It consists of a set of cameras (the starter kit includes two, and additional ones are available to purchase separately) plus a HomeBase unit that connects them all to one another, and to your home Wi-Fi network.
Your videos are stored within the HomeBase unit, which comes with 16GB of storage that you can expand up to a colossal 16TB by plugging in an external hard drive, so you don't need to pay for cloud storage and your data is safely saved indoors.
Although it's a 'prosumer' system partially aimed at businesses, we found it easy to install and set up for the average user. Each camera has a 135-degree field of view, and a bright floodlight that can be triggered by motion at night for full-color footage, and a top-mounted solar panel so you don't need to take them down for frequent charging. Subject detection is excellent (and available without a subscription), though on the standard settings it proved so sensitive that it sometimes also mistook a person's reflection for someone else in our tests, so it's worth taking some time to tinker with the settings.
Amazon has trimmed a huge $170 off the eufyCam 3 S330 starter kit, which includes the base station and two cameras. It's a great deal for mid-sized homes, and you can expand it later with extra cams if necessary.View Deal
There isn't a Prime Day deal on the full eufyCam 3 S330 system in the UK, which is a shame, but if you already have the base unit then you can snap up an additional camera for £60 off the list price, which is a steal.View Deal
5. Aqara Camera Hub G350
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Don’t be fooled by this camera’s cute looks, complete with removable bunny ears. Despite looking like a gadget for kids, it’s actually a very advanced piece of kit with a motorized base which provides a 360-degree field of view with zero blind spots. This is paired with a dual lens setup that allows you to track a subject (human or animal) using the wide-angle lens or zoom in to an area of detail using the telephoto lens. A 9x hybrid zoom is provided which really does allow you to get close up to your subject with reasonable picture quality.
There's advanced subject-detection, but what really impressed our reviewer Chris Price was the AI-powered sound recognition which can identify noises like a dog barking or a baby crying, and send you notifications accordingly.
It also acts as a Zigbee hub and Matter controller, meaning it can serve as the heart of your smart home. All the key features are available subscription-free, and there's no need to pay for cloud storage; just slide in a microSD card and you can keep all your recordings safely at home. A few features are only available to HomeGuard members, such as AI video search, but only a couple.
This is the first time Amazon has cut the price of this mini indoor security camera, which captures super sharp 4K video and stores it locally without the need for a subscription. Just supply your own SD card.View Deal
In the UK? Good news — you get the same discount as shoppers in the US, with 15% off the G350 for Prime Day 2026. It's compatible will all the main smart home ecosystems, so it's a safe buy that'll fit right in.View Deal
Airbnb scams have surged 30x since 2023, including a sharp rise this year
Criminals hijack legitimate host accounts to to trick holidaymakers
Staying safe isn't so straightforward as threats evolve
Airbnb-related scam activity has increased 30x since the first half of 2023, according to new research from Saily and NordStellar, confirming that cybercriminals continue to go after holidaymakers seeking the best deals amid rising prices.
The report ultimately concludes that attackers are now targeting the trust built by larger platforms, saving them from having to build new identities from scratch.
And to top it all off, the nature of scams is also changing, as instead of using suspicious websites to obtain victim payments or information, criminals are now targeting legitimate Airbnb host accounts which have spent years amassing positive reviews and high ratings.
Exploiting legitimate accounts and hijacking trust
While the end goal remains high volumes of vulnerable consumers, scammers have added an extra layer of victim in their pipeline. Verified Airbnb hosts are now valuable assets for criminals because they already have identity verifications, positive reviews, booking histories, years of activity and established credibility.
Once the verified account is compromised, attackers can then go on to scam higher volumes of unsuspecting victims by posting – and charging for – fake property listings.
“Travelers are getting better at spotting obvious scams,” Saily Head of Product Matas Cenys said. “Criminals know this, so they are increasingly trying to steal trust instead of building fake trust from scratch.”
Where this type of attack differs from others, though, is that the victims never leave the platform. Rather than falling victim to phishing attacks and being redirected to malicious external sites, they interact fully with supposed legitimate hosts on the Airbnb platform.
While Airbnb attacks have seen a 30x increase in around three years and a sharp rise in the last year alone, they reflect a much broader trend of attackers compromising existing trusted accounts.
The recent ramp-up in attacks could also be tied to the summer season, with holidaymakers looking to book last-minute deals in the run-up to the summer season. Urgency and pressure to keep costs low also adds to criminals’ success.
“Everything looks normal until they arrive at their destination and discover the accommodation never existed," Cenys added.
How to protect yourself from booking scams
Saily is recommending that all communication stays within the booking platform and that customers avoid payment methods suggested outside of official channels. Unusually attractive listings in high-demand destinations could also be taken with a pinch of salt, and savvy shoppers may choose to reverse image search a property to double check its authenticity.
“As travel booking becomes increasingly digital, trust becomes one of the most valuable currencies in the travel ecosystem,” Cenys warned.
As for abusing victim trust, researchers also argue that AI has aided attacks by allowing criminals to produce better fake listings more quickly.
More generally, Airbnb revealed that two in five Americans have fallen victim for an online scam, with the average loss totalling nearly $2,000. The company has introduced measures to remind its users how to avoid scams, including introducing identity verification and reminders not to leave the platform, but account takeovers can still slip under the radar.
Airbnb also holds guest payments until 24 hours after check-in to ensure that everything is as described. Anti-fraud tech also prevented around 265,000 suspicious listings from appearing on the platform in 2025, the company boasted.
The company posted a comprehensive eight-step list of how to avoid scams on its platform online, calling out pressure tactics and unusual deals.
Ring video doorbells always get deep discounts for Amazon Prime Day, but the savings might not be quite as impressive as they first seem. Although the up-front cost might be low, you'll need a Ring Home subscription to get the most out of your new purchase, and that can really add up over the years. That's not the case with all video doorbells, though, and here I've rounded up my top five picks that give you full functionality without the monthly fees.
The key is that all the video doorbells here let you store videos on a microSD card. Some brands offer cloud storage if you really want it, but it's definitely not necessary. Some doorbells (like the EZVIZ EP4 I'm testing right now) also include newer features like facial recognition that you'd usually expect to be part of a paid membership plan.
All of these doorbells have been tested, reviewed, and given the seal of approval by our team of home tech experts, so you can be confident you're making the right choice.
Eufy Video Doorbell Dual
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Eufy's smart-looking device is an excellent option if you're looking for a subscription-free video doorbell on a budget. The Video Doorbell Dual records video at 2K, which is just fine for us, and is loaded with advanced features like package detection and the ability to play pre-recorded voice messages, all with no membership necessary.
It has an infrared sensor that detects visitors' body heat, while a radar motion detector scans for movement. Better yet, its software includes AI person-recognition, and during our tests, it was able to accurately identify and label visitors in our video clips. We didn't receive any false positives, and the detailed app notifications meant we could tell who was calling at a glance, without even picking up our phone.
All your footage is stored locally on the HomeBase 2 (bundled with the doorbell), which provides 16GB for your clips. You can buy cloud storage if you really want to, but there's no compelling reason to when you can keep control over your own videos and access them for free.
We didn't love having to take the doorbell down to charge it (there's no swappable power pack), but it can be connected to existing doorbell wiring if you'd rather not run it from its battery.
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Swann makes some of the best video doorbells and best home security cameras we've tested here at TechRadar, and they all have one big selling point: there's no subscription plan necessary to save your videos or to use their most advanced features. Although you can pay for cloud storage if you really want to, it's not necessary at all.
The Swann Buddy4K is also a fully-fledged home security camera with features like motion detection and the ability to differentiate among subjects such as people, pets, cars, and packages. All of this is included with the initial cost of the doorbell (unlike devices from brands like Ring, which charge a regular fee to unlock such features).
"It’s possible to store videos by type – particularly handy if you want to find out when a parcel was left on the doorstep," said our reviewer Chris Price. "Alternatively, you can store videos in chronological order on the built-in MicroSD card."
The doorbell's AI assistant (which generates custom voice responses for visitors so you don't have to speak to them) was still in beta when we reviewed it, but even without it, it's an excellent device that comes highly recommended for helping secure your home.
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The Philips 7000 Series boasts impressive video quality, great viewing angles, and a generous 8GB of onboard storage.
It boasts dual cameras to give a clear view of both visitors and any packages they may leave on your doorstep. Its 2K resolution will be ample for most homes (4K doorbells are now widely available, but usually burdened by subscription fees), and during our tests, we were thoroughly impressed by how sensitive it was to motion. In terms of responsiveness, it was up there with the best home security cameras. Night vision is crisp as well (the doorbell is equipped with infrared sensors).
We found installation refreshingly straightforward, with a choice of mounting plates so you can choose one to suit your home, and it can be used with existing doorbell wiring or wireless from a rechargeable battery.
The 7000 Series isn't the cheapest video doorbell around, but its price is competitive considering how much you're getting. It's around the same as the Ring Video Doorbell 2, which requires a membership to save and review video footage.
The only other drawback for us was a slight lag we noticed during two-way talk with visitors. Otherwise, the 7000 Series is hard to beat (though it's not currently available to buy in the UK).
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Aqara is well known for its excellent subscription-free video doorbells and home security cameras, and the Video Doorbell G4 ranks among the best. It works with all the main smart home platforms, which is quite rare, can run from a battery or be used wired, and is packed with extra features that you'd normally expect to come with a hefty subscription fee, such as subject-identification and customizable motion-detection zones.
You can store your videos on a microSD card installed in the doorbell chime supplied in the box, but Aqara also offers a free cloud storage plan that saves 7 days of recordings at no charge. You can pay for extra online storage if you really want, but there's no need.
Its field of view is narrower than you'd get with a Ring doorbell, and its picture isn't as sharp, but it's still a great budget option — and one that could get even cheaper on Amazon Prime Day.
The clever little EZVIZ EP4 is marketed as a security camera, and it does serve that purpose, but it does double-duty as a video doorbell, with a large push-button on top that triggers a notification on your phone when pressed, allowing you to see and speak to the person at your door via the EZVIZ app.
This is a great option for anyone who rents or lives in an apartment, because there's absolutely no drilling required, and when you want to move out, you can simply remove it and take it with you. Just unscrew the peephole from your front door, and you can install it in seconds. I used it at home and had it up and running within 10 minutes. Removing it is even quicker, and it did no damage to my door whatsoever.
The 4K picture is sharp and vivid, whether you're viewing it on the internal screen or within the EZVIZ app. The camera has AI person-detection, and can alert you when someone is at the door even if they've not pressed the bell. It can also use facial recognition to let you know when certain individuals have arrived.
There's no subscription required (videos can be stored on an internal MicroSD card), and for me, the only significant drawback is that the camera's field of view isn't wide enough to see packages on your doorstep. Note that the EZVIZ EP4 is currently only available in the UK.
Hackers reportedly breached Russia's Glaz/Groza combat control platform
Attackers gained access to manuals, patents, and training materials
Telegram groups reportedly handled software updates and user support
Ukrainian hackers have reportedly breached the Russian Glaz/Groza combat control system, gaining access to data and internal materials linked to the platform.
The incident has drawn attention because Groza is used to coordinate reconnaissance, targeting, and battlefield communications between different military units.
Information released following the breach suggests that attackers obtained technical documentation, training resources, and other operational records connected to the system.
According to the “Where is Russia today” community, the compromised materials included instructions, patents, videos, and extensive user documentation.
Groza serves as one of Russia’s command-and-control applications, helping connect drone operators, field commanders, and artillery units during military operations.
The software is designed to shorten the period between identifying a potential target and directing fire against it.
The hack revealed that support and software distribution functions were reportedly managed through Telegram groups used by administrators and military personnel.
Those channels were allegedly responsible for providing application updates and assisting users with operational issues.
The reported reliance on Telegram for elements of administration has prompted scrutiny because combat management systems typically handle sensitive battlefield information.
Maps integrated into the platform enable personnel to record the locations of friendly and opposing forces, helping users maintain operational awareness.
Following the breach, attackers reportedly altered portions of the mapping data and inserted images of the Ukrainian flag alongside other messages.
Reports from the group behind the disclosure indicated that affected users encountered persistent disruptions while attempting to access or restore application functionality.
“Numerous complaints from users about the breach have been recorded: they cannot connect to the application, are unable to remove images that keep reappearing, and administrators are trying to fix the problem,” the group stated.
Internal documents and training materials reportedly exposed
Beyond the visible disruptions, the breach reportedly exposed a substantial collection of supporting materials related to the combat management platform.
The Ukrainian hackers discovered hundreds of pages of user guides explaining the operation of the application and its various functions.
The disclosed information also included a training video that allegedly demonstrated the system operating in real time.
A patent connected to Groza was reportedly among the recovered materials, providing details regarding how the system functions and interacts with other technologies.
The patent documentation is said to contain information concerning the platform’s architecture, intended users, and integration with related military systems.
Such materials could potentially offer insight into the broader structure supporting the software environment.
The operational impact of the breach has not been independently verified, and the extent of any resulting disruption remains uncertain based on currently available information.
A home security camera will give you peace of mind, watching over your property, alerting you to any unusual happenings, and capturing video evidence. However, they can also be expensive to run; many systems require a monthly or annual subscription plan to store your video clips, and to unlock features like subject recognition.
It doesn't have to be that way, though. Here at TechRadar we've tested dozens of security cameras, including lots without any extra fees. This is a great time to pick one up too, with lots of models likely to be discounted for Amazon Prime Day.
Here I've put together a list of the top five subscription-free home security cameras we recommend, with options for everything from apartments through to large detached properties and even small businesses.
1. Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K
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The Baseus Security S2 isn't the only solar-powered security camera we've tested, but it's the only one with a photovoltaic panel that rotates around its body to follow the sun, ensuring it captures as much light as possible throughout the day. It looks strange, but in our tests, we found worked brilliantly, noticeably extending battery life.
In addition, an SD card slot in the bottom means you can save your video recordings locally, without paying for cloud storage. However, the real standout feature in our view is the S2's built-in facial-recognition, which can alert you if the camera spots familiar people nearby. Just upload their photos to the app, and it will keep an eye out for them. It's the kind of advanced feature that would normally only be available as part of a premium subscription package, but here it's thrown in.
During tests, the S2 produced very few false alerts. This not only prevents you from being bombarded with unnecessary phone notifications, it also means recording is triggered only by genuine events, extending the cam's battery life. Images are superbly detailed during the day, and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night to ensure high-quality footage in the dark, too.
The Baseus S2 is also one of the most affordable subscription-free security cameras we've tested. Yes, the up-front cost is more than you'd pay for a camera from Blink or Ring, for example, but the absence of fees for storage and advanced features mean it almost certainly works out cheaper overall.
If you're on a strict budget, take a look at the Baseus Security S1 instead. It's available for about half the price of the S2 and has the same rotating solar panel. However, it records at only 2K and has 8GB built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a microSD card.
Swann's MaxRanger4K Solar cameras are sold in packs of two or three, bundled with a base station that provides 64GB local storage for your videos, and is expandable with an SD card if you need even more room. If that isn't enough coverage, you can also pick up extra cams to connect to the station.
These high-definition cameras were seriously impressive – especially considering you don't need to subscribe to get the most out of them. Each camera arrives with a tough weather-resistant chassis, and captures super-crisp 4K footage with a wide 105-degree viewing angle. That's great for a camera without pan-and-tilt functionality.
That's not all – the cameras also have a sensor that uses heat and motion to identify people, vehicles, and other disturbances, and labels them accordingly. It's the kind of feature you'd usually only get with a paid security plan, but it's bundled in here – and in our tests it worked brilliantly, accurately identifying triggers.
The app lets you tweak camera settings, including its sensitivity, which is a handy way to extend the battery life of the units. Each cam has a solar panel that allows it to last months between charges, but you'll need to spend some time optimizing settings for maximum effect. The more frequently recordings are triggered, the faster the battery will drain.
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The Reolink Altas PT Ultra earned four stars in our review thanks to its crisp video recordings, pan-and-tilt functionality to cover an extra-wide area, and local storage for your video. Although it's somewhat bulky, it looks smart and didn't worry our neighbors unnecessarily (always a plus).
The camera can automatically track subjects such as people and animals, or you can pan and tilt it manually using the app, if there's something in particular that you want to keep an eye on. There's a pre-record option, too, similar to the one you'd get with a dash cam, which captures footage continuously in the background and saves the 10 seconds that were recorded before a trigger event.
Footage is super clear during the day, but we found that the Altas PT Ultra really excels at night. Most home security cameras produce pretty shoddy monochrome video after dark, but Reolink's ColorX technology captures impressive color footage without a spotlight.
Storing your videos in the cloud costs extra, but there's no need when you can save them to an SD card, or to an encrypted Reolink Home Hub. The Home Hub comes with 64GB storage, expandable with up to two 512GB SD cards, which should be more than enough.
If you like the idea of a security camera to cover the front of your home, but you don't want to (or can't) drill holes anywhere, the EZVIZ EP4 is an excellent option. It's installed through the peephole in your front door, and has a wide field of view that gives great visibility in sharp 4K. I installed it in the front door of my apartment within 10 minutes, and was very impressed by the clarity of the picture on the internal display, and on my phone.
When the camera's motion sensor is triggered, it will send a notification to your phone and record a 10-second video clip, which can be saved to a microSD card. You can choose to pay for cloud storage if you want, but there's no need. You also don't need to pay for EZVIZ's facial recognition tool, which lets you upload photos of friends and members of your family, and then notifies you when they arrive. During my tests it worked very well, despite being in beta. The only downside that was you can't yet choose not to receive these alerts, so you would only be notified if a stranger arrives.
The EP4 also functions as a video doorbell, and offers two-way talk, with two voice changing options for privacy. All in all, it's an excellent option for renters and apartment-owners, and when you move out, you can simply take it with you.
The eufyCam 3 S330 is a full security system designed for large properties, and even businesses. It consists of a set of cameras (the starter kit includes two, and additional ones are available to purchase separately) plus a HomeBase unit that connects them all to one another, and to your home Wi-Fi network.
Your videos are stored within the HomeBase unit, which comes with 16GB of storage that you can expand up to a colossal 16TB by plugging in an external hard drive, so you don't need to pay for cloud storage and your data is safely saved indoors.
Although it's a 'prosumer' system partially aimed at businesses, we found it easy to install and set up for the average user. Each camera has a 135-degree field of view, and a bright floodlight that can be triggered by motion at night for full-color footage, and a top-mounted solar panel so you don't need to take them down for frequent charging.
Subject detection is excellent, though on the standard settings it proved so sensitive that it sometimes also mistook a person's reflection for someone else in our tests, so it's worth taking some time to tinker with the settings. It includes facial recognition as well, and unlike the EZVIZ camera above, this doesn't rely on a set of photos and can 'learn' to identify individuals over time. The initial price isn't cheap, but when you consider how much you'd need to pay for an equivalent subscription setup, it's good value in the long term.
Two of the biggest brands in the video doorbell market are Blink and Ring. Incidentally, both are owned by Amazon, which means both have more than their fair share of deals this Amazon Prime Day. If you're not sure which brand is better, read on. In this guide I'll summarize the main differences between the two brands and run through your different options, so you can pick the right one for your needs.
The Ring video doorbell range is extensive, including multiple battery-powered and hardwired options. Generally speaking, this is the more premium brand — the prices are higher than Blink's, but the specs and features are also generally more advanced.
Blink, in comparison, has just three video doorbells — the Blink range is far more focused on home security cameras. There's one wired option, a budget battery option, and a slightly pricier battery option. At list price, all are cheaper than any of Ring's doorbells (although the current Prime Day deals might mix things up a bit).
Not sure about Blink or Ring? Head to our best video doorbell ranking for some alternatives from other brands.
Ring doorbell deals
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Wired Doorbell
Ring
Wired Doorbell Plus
Ring
Wired Doorbell Pro
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Wired Doorbell Elite
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Battery Doorbell
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Battery Doorbell Plus
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Battery Doorbell Pro
Blink doorbell deals
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Battery Doorbell 2K+ (add-on, Sync module not included)
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Battery Doorbell (with Sync module)
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Wired Doorbell 2K+
Blink vs Ring: features
For the best image quality, you need to shop in the Ring range. Its Pro doorbells both offer 4K video, which is about the most detailed picture you'll find on any video doorbell. The rest of Ring's doorbells, and two of the three Blink options, have 2K (1920 x 1920p) video. Finally, Blink has a budget option that has just 1440p resolution.
In terms of field of view, there's nothing really in it — pretty much every option in both ranges can 'see' 140 degrees vertically and 140 degrees horizontally. Surprisingly, the one exception is the basic, battery-powered Blink Video Doorbell, which offers 150 degrees.
For both there's a subscription option that adds extra features, but what's included as standard and what sits behind that subscription varies by model and also by country. However, you can expect to have to pay for a subscription if you want to save and store video clips for extended periods of time.
Because both brands are Amazon-owned, they'll both work nicely with Alexa and other compatible devices such as Amazon Echo show smart displays.
Blink vs Ring: value for money
At list price, all the Blink doorbells are all cheaper than the Ring ones — prices on the Blink range from $49.99 to $69.99, while the Ring range starts at $79.99. However, in either case, you'll want to make sure the features you want are not tied to a subscription, because that can shift the value-for-money proposition.
Generally speaking, the Blink doorbells are more basic than the Ring ones — check the spec comparison table below to see how the key features compare.
In the Amazon Prime Day sales, there are massive discounts across both ranges. Personally, I'd be tempted to use this opportunity to pick up a better quality doorbell that's been discounted into your budget.
Microsoft warns of “Crypto Clipper,” a worm spreading via malicious .LNK files on USB drives
Malware maintains persistence, connects to Tor C2, enables remote code execution, and steals clipboard crypto data
It swaps wallet addresses, exfiltrates seed phrases/private keys, and uploads screenshots to assess target value
Microsoft is warning of an ongoing campaign targeting cryptocurrency owners with a clipboard-jacking worm.
In a new in-depth report published late last week, Microsoft’s security researchers explained that they recently analyzed a thumb drive that contained seemingly normal documents (Word files, Excel spreadsheets). However, the documents were replaced with Windows shortcut (.LNK) files which actually launched a piece of malware called Crypto Clipper.
This malware does a couple of things. First, it spreads by creating malicious .LNK files on USB drives and other removable media. It also sets up scheduled tasks to maintain persistence and automatically infect newly connected USB devices. Second, it behaves like a backdoor by regularly contacting a C2 server over the Tor network and receiving commands from the attacker. The server can also send commands to have the malware download and execute attacker-supplied code on the infected system, as well.
Stealing wallet data
Finally, Crypto Clipper acts as a clipboard clipper by monitoring the Windows clipboard for cryptocurrency wallet addresses, seed phrases, and private keys. If it spots a wallet address, it can replace it with a different one, owned by the attackers, so that any tokens sent by the victim go to the attacker, instead. It can also steal and exfiltrate copied seed phrases and private keys, which can be used to load a victim's crypto wallet on a separate device.
To help attackers assess the value of a target, the malware periodically captures screenshots of the victim's screen and uploads them through the Tor network.
“This malware family shows how lightweight, script-based stealers can deliver outsized impact when paired with anonymized communications and runtime tasking,” Microsoft said. “The combination of Tor-routed C2, clipboard targeting, screenshot capture, and remote code execution gives attackers both immediate monetization paths and continued control over compromised devices.”
Microsoft did not say if the malware targeted any specific countries or regions, nor did it discuss the number of victims.
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