Tech
Clawdbot AI security risks you need to know before trying it
Yesterday, we wrote about Clawdbot, a new AI personal assistant that's achieved viral status in Silicon Valley. Many AI agents have been criticized for over-promising and under-delivering, but early users are raving about Clawdbot. That would be impressive enough, but this open-source tool is also completely free — no purchase price, no subscriptions, no nothing.
So, what's the catch?
Clawdbot's creator Peter Steinberger is completely transparent about the fact that running Clawdbot comes with certain risks. As he writes on Github, "Running an AI agent with shell access on your machine is… spicy."
Before you install Clawdbot and start running it on your device (or before you buy a whole new Mac Mini to power it), you should understand the security risks.
What is Clawdbot?
First, let's quickly explain what this tool is. Clawdbot is an AI agent that runs on your device. You can give it access to AI models like Claude or ChatGPT, as well as your email, Slack, browser, and calendar. Clawdbot also has an extensive memory, and it remembers your past conversations and preferences. Because it has wide-ranging access to your computer and apps, it's able to take proactive action and execute tasks.
As an open-source tool, you can download it and customize it for free.
Clawdbot AI: How secure is your data?
Credit: Clawdbot
With Clawdbot, your system is as secure as your security practices. That might seem obvious, but stick with us.
Clawdbot isn't a normal piece of software, which is also why installing and running it isn't as easy as downloading Zoom or Microsoft Word onto your Mac or Windows PC. Beginners can find step-by-step instructions, but you'll need some technical competence to use it properly and keep it secure. That's because Clawdbot has the ability to read and write files, run commands, and execute scripts on your device. It can also control web browsers, giving it the ability to make purchases, reserve hotels, or check into a flight.
In short, everything that makes Clawdbot unique and helpful also makes it potentially risky. Generally, AI processes that happen on your device are much more secure than cloud-based AI processes. In this regard, Clawdbot is a step up from many AI tools. However, its system-level access also leaves you vulnerable.
As Steinberger writes, "There is no 'perfectly secure' setup."
Prompt injection is one of the major risks, but there are others outlined in the Clawdbot security page on Github. Before using Clawdbot, be aware of risks such as:
-
Use prompt injection to get Clawdbot to misbehave
-
Use social engineering to get access to your private data
-
Learn information about your device
-
It could make purchases you didn't intend
-
It could damage your device by rewriting important files
How to keep Clawdbot secure:
Luckily, you can find an entire guide to securely using Clawdbot, available for free on Github. There's even a security audit you can periodically run to make sure your setup is as secure as possible.
However, another word of warning: If terms such as config file, remote admin API, sandboxing, localhost, reverse proxy, and legacy models don't mean anything to you, then Clawdbot may not be the right AI assistant for you.
Tech
Bad Bunnys halftime show sparked emotional reactions across the Americas. See the heartwarming videos now.
During Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show, millions of viewers experienced the performance together — cheering in living rooms, filming on their phones, and reacting in real time. But for those of Latin American descent, hearing their home countries named out loud during Benito's grand finale made the moment especially meaningful.
In his closing act, Bad Bunny transformed the stage into a celebration of the Americas. Dancers carried flags from countries across North, Central, and South America, while a massive screen behind him flashed messages like "The only thing more powerful than hate is love." He capped the roll call of nations with a declaration that "together, we are America," framing the finale as a moment of shared identity and joy.
For those watching at home, the emotion didn't end when the music stopped. Viewers immediately took to social media to document their reactions, sharing clips of their friends and families cheering, hugging, and erupting with pride when their countries were named — turning a televised performance into a collective celebration.
Together, these clips formed a digital mosaic of diaspora, stitched from small, intimate moments across phone screens and time zones. Each video captured the same feeling: that for a few minutes, home — wherever it was — didn't feel so far away.
Tech
Best last-minute deals on Valentines Day flowers so far — you have way more options than plain roses
The Bouqs Co.
1-800-Flowers
Urban Stems
Unless your recipient has explicitly expressed their disdain for receiving flowers (we all know at least one hater), you really can't go wrong with surprising someone with fresh blooms for Valentine's Day. Not when there are so many opportunities to pick out a truly unique bouquet that fits his or her tastes: Most of the best flower delivery services are offering great last-minute Valentine's Day deals on flower deliveries, saving you 25% to 50% on a gift for the upcoming romantic weekend.
1-800-Flowers is your go-to spot for a classic bouquet of roses on a budget, while The Bouqs Co. and Urban Stems have elevated takes on traditional arrangements that aren't like anything you'd walk past in the grocery store. A majority of bouquets on sale can be delivered by Saturday, Feb. 14 (check the earliest possible delivery date for each). Either way, you're bound to find some pretty stems that scream "them" — so while the timing itself is rushed, the flowers they receive don't have to feel like an afterthought.
Opens in a new window
Opens in a new window
Opens in a new window
Opens in a new window
Opens in a new window
Opens in a new window
SAVE $30: As of Feb. 10, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is on sale for just $69.99 at Amazon. That's 30% off its list price of $99.99.
Opens in a new window
Mashable's shopping team has spent quite a bit of time with Ultimate Ears Bluetooth speakers and we're big fans. We love the Hyperboom and Epicboom, but the itty bitty Wonderboom is one of our absolute favorites. If you're in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker, we highly recommend this tiny powerhouse — especially when it's on sale.
As of Feb. 10, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is down to just $69.99 at Amazon. That's 30% off its list price of $99.99 and just 10 bucks shy of its best-ever price from Black Friday.
Our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker, the Wonderboom 4 fits in the palm of your hand but offers surprisingly balanced and powerful sound. As Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard noted in our roundup, "the sound profile is well-rounded and can get loud."
It can last up to 14 hours on a full charge, handles drops from up to five feet like a champ, and can be submerged in water for up to half an hour. We do wish it offered a companion app to customize the sound profile, but for a ultra-portable no-frills speaker, it's an excellent value.
Bad Bunnys halftime show sparked emotional reactions across the Americas. See the heartwarming videos now.
NFL Player Keion White Shot Following Alleged Argument With Lil Baby at a Nightclub
‘Pamphlets About Sharia Law and Other Islamic Things’ in Texas High School
How I Paid Off My Mortgage 10 Years Early On A Teacher’s Salary
Black Lives Matter Activist in Boston Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges – Scammed Donors to Fund Her Lifestyle
Get a lifetime subscription to the “ChatGPT for investors” for under $60
-
Business5 months ago
How I Paid Off My Mortgage 10 Years Early On A Teacher’s Salary
-
Politics5 months agoBlack Lives Matter Activist in Boston Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges – Scammed Donors to Fund Her Lifestyle
-
Tech5 months agoGet a lifetime subscription to the “ChatGPT for investors” for under $60
-
Tech5 months agoReview: The Dreame H15 Pro CarpetFlex is the first wet/dry vacuum I liked
-
Business5 months ago
25 Low-Effort Side Hustles You Can Start This Weekend
-
Business5 months ago
9 Ways to Command a Six-Figure Salary Without a Bachelor’s
-
Entertainment4 months agoFat Joe Recalls Bruno Mars Snapping on Him Over Question About Puerto Rican Roots: ‘Broke My Heart’
-
Business5 months ago
25 Side Hustle Jobs With Great Pay