OpenBSD 8.0, released October 20, 2026 as the project's 61st release, continues the project's emphasis on correctness and security while adding broad platform and architecture-specific improvements. Notable kernel-level changes include raising the amd64 kernel virtual address space from 4 GB to 512 GB and randomizing the pmap direct map, using AES CPU instructions to speed swap encryption on amd64/arm64, and adding hibernate and bounce-buffer support on arm64. RISC-V gained userland-exposed CPU extension detection, kernel support for the V (vector) extension, new IMSIC/APLIC interrupt drivers and timer support; sparc64 moved to an LLVM toolchain and saw alignment fixes. Legacy loongson support was retired.
Work touched almost every subsystem: suspend/hibernate robustness and resume fixes; DRM updated to Linux 6.18.53 and Intel Arc (DG2/Alchemist) support; VMM/VMD extended to 64 VCPUs, x2apic, improved exit handling, virtio/MSI support and better qcow handling. Userland utilities saw targeted enhancements (netstat multicast counters, mount DUID handling, sndiod controls), while installer/pkg/fw_update received stricter validation and improved behavior. Extensive hardware and networking driver additions and bugfixes (new samsabi, sambat, rkotp drivers; many qwx/qwz wireless fixes and 802.11n support) were included. Security fixes hardened pledge, IPsec AES-GMAC, iked IKEv2 handling, libcrypto/x509 behaviors and DHCP/DHCPD resilience, among other memory-safety and overflow protections.
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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, introducing platform-specific improvements such as increased kernel virtual address space for amd64 and added support for features like hibernate on arm64. The update also includes various kernel enhancements, bug fixes, and architecture support updates across multiple platforms. (openbsd.org)
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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