OpenBSD 8.0, released as Blowfish on a Bike on October 20, 2026, is a feature and platform-focused update that expands kernel and hardware capabilities, tightens security, and improves virtualization and graphics support. Key kernel changes include raising amd64 kernel virtual address space from 4GB to 512GB (enabling mapping of >4GB VRAM), randomizing the pmap direct map, and accelerating swap encryption with AES instructions. arm64 gains hibernate and bounce-buffer support; riscv64 adds detection of CPU extensions, vector-extension support, Advanced Interrupt Architecture drivers (imsic/aplic), and timer extension support. Graphics and DRM were updated to Linux 6.18.53 with Intel Arc A-Series support and workarounds for GuC timeouts. VMM/VMD saw major enhancements: up to 64 VCPUs per guest, improved exit handling, x2apic support, checksum offload and MSI/MSI-X virtio support, and better qcow handling.
Hardware, driver, installer, userland, and security work includes many new drivers (Samsung SABI/battery, Rockchip OTP, SpacemiT support), extensive qwx/qwz wireless fixes and 802.11n support, and numerous device additions for Intel/AMD/SoC platforms. Suspend/hibernate robustness was improved across devices and unpacking/validation was hardened to avoid overreads. Installer and pkg tooling tightened firmware update validation, limited download sizes, adjusted pkg_add behaviour, and sped syspatch handling. Security fixes address pledge, iked IKEv2 handling, libcrypto RSA‑PSS salt usage, x509 verification memleaks, and DHCP daemon robustness. Signify public keys, a detailed changelog, and an errata page are provided for verification and further details.
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Death Plan Switch is a self-hosted dead man's switch for solo developers that sends weekly check-in emails and alerts designated contacts if the user disappears. It automates notifying the right people in case of an emergency, ensuring business continuity and safety. (deathplanswitch.com)
A leak of over 421,000 emails from Germany's far-right AfD party reveals instances of nazism, including Nazi symbols, jokes, and references by party members and staff. The emails also detail discussions of violence, racist comments, and Nazi memorabilia, highlighting deep-rooted extremist attitudes within the party. (twitter.com)
Go will reject certificate chains containing eight distrusted SPKIs due to security concerns with certain intermediate certificates. The change aims to improve security by filtering out these problematic certificate chains. (github.com)
OpenBSD 8.0 was released on October 20, 2026, marking its 61st release with enhanced security and performance features. The update includes platform-specific improvements, kernel enhancements, and support for suspend and hibernate functions across various architectures. (marc.info)
A Ukrainian drone evacuated a wounded soldier from the front line, marking a world first according to the brigade. The operation successfully saved the soldier, who is now receiving treatment, with the drone lowering itself to pick him up. (abc.net.au)
Supporters of Brazilian President Lula protested outside Meta's headquarters in São Paulo, accusing the company of electoral interference by favoring opposition content. The protest occurred ahead of the election, with Lula's supporters demanding equal treatment and transparency from Meta. (efe.com)
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