Can AI really write malware better than hackers ever could? This episode exposes the first real-world case of advanced, fully AI-generated malware and why it signals a seismic shift in cybersecurity risk.

• CISA's uncertain future remains quite worrisome.
• Worrisome is Ireland's new "lawful" interception law.
• The EU's Digital Rights organization pushes back.
• Microsoft acknowledges it turns over user encryption keys.
• Alex Neihaus on AI enterprise usage dangers.
• Gavin confesses he put a database on the Internet.
• Worries about a massive podcast rewinding backlog.
• What does the emergence of AI-generated malware portend?

Show Note - https://www.grc.com/sn/SN-1062-Notes.pdf

Hosts: Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte

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For 16kbps versions, transcripts, and notes (including fixes), visit Steve's site: grc.com, also the home of the best disk maintenance and recovery utility ever written Spinrite 6.

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Apple launches the next generation of its AirTags. Is Apple developing its own take on an AI wearable pin? Apple is holding an event in LA for creators: could this coincide with an announcement of the next MacBook Pro? And Apple snags a Best Picture nomination for 'F1: The Movie'.

• Apple launches AirTag 2 with improved range, louder speaker, more.
• Incremental iOS 26.2.1, iPadOS 26.2.1, watchOS 26.2.1 updates support the new AirTag.
• Apple developing AI wearable pin.
• Apple hosting LA event for creators on January 27-29 that could coincide with MacBook Pro announcement.
• Apple reportedly aiming to upgrade the MacBook Pro twice this year.
• Tim Cook slammed for attending 'Melania' screening on night of Alex Pretti killing.
• Apple TV earns Best Picture nomination for 'F1: The Movie' in 2026 Oscars.
• I let ChatGPT analyze a decade of my Apple Watch data. Then I called my doctor.
• Ongoing RAM supply and cost crisis isn't an issue for Apple's iPhone — right now.

Picks of the Week

• Dave's Pick: Anker Prime Foldable Wireless Charging Station (Feb 2026)
• Andy's Pick: Mermaid
• Jason's Pick: ChapterPod

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell

Guest: Dave Hamilton

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Microsoft quietly hands over BitLocker keys to the government, TikTok's new privacy terms spark a user panic, and Europe's secret tech backups reveal anxious prep for digital fallout. Plus, how gambling platforms are changing the future of news and sports.

• You can bet on how much snow will fall in New York City this weekend
• Europe Prepares for a Nightmare Scenario: The U.S. Blocking Access to Tech
• China, US sign off on TikTok US spinoff
• TikTok users freak out over app's 'immigration status' collection -- here's what it means
• Elon Musk's Grok A.I. Chatbot Made Millions of Sexualized Images, New Estimates Show
• Microsoft Gave FBI Keys To Unlock Encrypted Data, Exposing Major Privacy Flaw - Forbes
• House of Lords votes to ban social media for Brits under 16
• Overrun with AI slop, cURL scraps bug bounties to ensure "intact mental health"
• Route leak incident on January 22, 2026
• 149 Million Usernames and Passwords Exposed by Unsecured Database
• Millions of people imperiled through sign-in links sent by SMS
• Anthropic revises Claude's 'Constitution,' and hints at chatbot consciousness
• The new Siri chatbot may run on Google servers, not Apple's
• A Wikipedia Group Made a Guide to Detect AI Writing. Now a Plug-In Uses It to 'Humanize' Chatbots
• GitHub - anthropics/original_performance_takehome: Anthropic's original performance take-home, now open for you to try!
• Telly's "free" ad-based TVs make notable revenue—when they're actually delivered - Ars Technica
• Toilet Maker Toto's Shares Get Unlikely Boost From AI Rush - Slashdot
• Dr. Gladys West, whose mathematical models inspired GPS, dies at 95

Host: Leo Laporte

Guests: Alex Stamos, Doc Rock, and Patrick Beja

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