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CNET
27-06-2025
- Business
- CNET
This Is the Least Rewarding Card in My Wallet. Here's Why I Still Use It
CNET/Getty Images As a credit card writer, I carefully curate my wallet. I have cash-back cards that earn rewards on everyday spending, travel cards with useful perks and other cards that I've picked up for one reason or another. Most of them earn between 2% and 5% rewards in different categories or provide benefits such as trip insurance. Then there's my humble Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card*, which earns a flat 1.25x miles on all purchases and comes with relatively few travel benefits. It's not a bad card for its niche -- a no-frills travel card meant for those who don't want to pay an annual fee -- but I personally have more rewarding options in my wallet. So why do I use it? For one specific feature: Capital One's virtual credit cards tool. It's invaluable for keeping my card information secure when shopping online. This alone makes my VentureOne worth using over my other, more rewarding cards. What's a virtual credit card and how does it work? A virtual credit card is a unique, randomly generated card number you can use in place of your real card information when making purchases online. The benefit of a virtual card is that you don't have to share your real card number during the transaction, giving you some extra protection from hacking and fraud. A digital wallet like Google Pay and Apple Pay provides similar benefits, but not all merchants accept this payment method. You can use virtual credit cards anywhere online that you'd use a normal credit card. Some issuers will give you a temporary virtual card number for a newly opened card so you can start spending while you wait for the physical card to arrive. But Capital One's virtual cards feature lets you create and manage new virtual cards at will, which is what really makes it useful. How to use Capital One's virtual credit card Capital One's virtual card is available on most of its credit cards, not just the VentureOne. So if you have one of Capital One's other consumer or business cards, you can still use this feature. There are two ways to generate a virtual credit card for your Capital One credit card: Use the Eno browser extension, which lets you automatically generate a virtual card at checkout when shopping online. Manually generate virtual card numbers through the Capital One online account portal or mobile app. To create a virtual card in the online portal, click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "digital wallet manager" in the drop-down menu. Screenshot by Raina He/CNET You'll be directed to a new page. Click on the "virtual cards" tile to go to your virtual cards manager. Screenshot by Raina He/CNET Here, you can see and manage all your existing virtual cards. You can check the card information and lock, unlock or delete them. Screenshot by Raina He/CNET If you click on the "create virtual card" link at the top, you'll be prompted with a pop-up to choose which credit card you want to link your virtual card to (if you have multiple compatible Capital One cards). You can then give your virtual card a nickname. You can also choose whether you want to limit the virtual card to a single use. By default, each virtual card is good for repeated use at one store only. Once you create your virtual card, you'll be presented with a virtual card number, CVC and expiration date. Use this card like you would your physical credit card when shopping online. When I use my VentureOne virtual card (and when I don't) Because the VentureOne's 1.25x flat rewards rate is lower than what most of my other cards earn, using its virtual card feature typically means losing out on some rewards or benefits. But I think the trade-off is worth it for these situations: Online purchases on sites I don't completely trust: Whenever I buy something from a website I'm not familiar with or I don't trust completely, I'll use a virtual card for some extra security. Depending on whether I think I'll shop there again, I'll either generate a single-use virtual card or a repeated-use card for the specific merchant. In the latter case, I'll lock the virtual card after purchasing and keep it locked until I need it again. Whenever I buy something from a website I'm not familiar with or I don't trust completely, I'll use a virtual card for some extra security. Depending on whether I think I'll shop there again, I'll either generate a single-use virtual card or a repeated-use card for the specific merchant. In the latter case, I'll lock the virtual card after purchasing and keep it locked until I need it again. Services that require me to keep a credit card on file: Some services, like rideshare apps, require you to keep a payment method on file. I'll use a virtual card for these services so that if my account is hacked, my real credit card won't be at risk, and I can easily disable the virtual card in my Capital One dashboard. Some services, like rideshare apps, require you to keep a payment method on file. I'll use a virtual card for these services so that if my account is hacked, my real credit card won't be at risk, and I can easily disable the virtual card in my Capital One dashboard. Subscriptions, memberships and free trials: I currently don't have many subscriptions or memberships, but if I did, I'd use a virtual card for them. I've heard horror stories about subscriptions that are easy to sign up for but hard to cancel, and I'd want an easy way to cut off payments if a company doesn't honor my cancellation request. The same goes for free trials, which often automatically turn into ongoing subscriptions if you don't cancel in time. Using a single-use virtual card can help prevent this. And here's what I don't use the card for, because I either don't need to or I don't think the trade-off is worth it: Anywhere I can use my digital wallets: While creating a virtual card through Capital One's tool is relatively simple, it's still an extra step. When a site lets me use my digital wallets, which offer the same protections as a virtual card but are more streamlined to use, I'll use that instead. While creating a virtual card through Capital One's tool is relatively simple, it's still an extra step. When a site lets me use my digital wallets, which offer the same protections as a virtual card but are more streamlined to use, I'll use that instead. Expensive purchases from trustworthy sites: For high-value purchases on sites I trust, the potential for additional rewards outweighs the security risks, so I'll use the card with the highest rewards. Generally, that means a tiered rewards card or a 2% flat rewards card (depending on the purchase). For high-value purchases on sites I trust, the potential for additional rewards outweighs the security risks, so I'll use the card with the highest rewards. Generally, that means a tiered rewards card or a 2% flat rewards card (depending on the purchase). Travel purchases (with a caveat): I use my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for most travel purchases to activate the card's various trip protections. However, sometimes I'm forced to book travel through sites whose security I'm not entirely confident in. In these situations, I weigh the risk of not having my Chase Sapphire Preferred's travel protections if something goes wrong versus the risk of having my credit card information potentially compromised, then make a decision on a case-by-case basis. I use my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for most travel purchases to activate the card's various trip protections. However, sometimes I'm forced to book travel through sites whose security I'm not entirely confident in. In these situations, I weigh the risk of not having my Chase Sapphire Preferred's travel protections if something goes wrong versus the risk of having my credit card information potentially compromised, then make a decision on a case-by-case basis. In-person purchases: Since I can't use a virtual card to make in-person purchases (except through a digital wallet, which makes a virtual card unnecessary), I'll generally use my other, more rewarding credit cards over my VentureOne card. There are many different Capital One credit cards, and some offer competitive rewards in their category. Depending on which card you have and what you're buying, your virtual card may well be your most rewarding card. In that case, feel free to use it for everything. Other tips to keep your credit cards safe Using a virtual card is one good way to keep your money safe, but it shouldn't be your only line of defense. Here are some other strategies I personally use and recommend: Lock any cards you aren't regularly using: I have a lot of credit cards, and some see more frequent use than others. Any card I'm not using on a daily basis, I keep locked, which blocks new purchases but generally allows established recurring transactions to go through. Most banks allow you to lock and unlock your card at will through your account dashboard. If you have virtual cards that allow repeated use, lock those too when you're not using them. I have a lot of credit cards, and some see more frequent use than others. Any card I'm not using on a daily basis, I keep locked, which blocks new purchases but generally allows established recurring transactions to go through. Most banks allow you to lock and unlock your card at will through your account dashboard. If you have virtual cards that allow repeated use, lock those too when you're not using them. Don't save payment methods in your browser or online accounts: I try to avoid saving my credit card information in my browser or on any website that doesn't require it. The convenience isn't worth the security risk if your account gets hacked or the site experiences a data breach. I try to avoid saving my credit card information in my browser or on any website that doesn't require it. The convenience isn't worth the security risk if your account gets hacked or the site experiences a data breach. Regularly monitor your accounts and report any unauthorized transactions immediately: Make a habit of going through your credit card transactions on a regular basis. If you find anything that looks wrong, report it to your issuer immediately. This way, they can deactivate and replace your card to prevent further unauthorized transactions, as well as potentially refund your money. And if your physical card has been stolen or you suspect your card information has been compromised, you should also report it, even if no unauthorized transactions have occurred. *All information about the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
QuantumGate debuts new security product, partners with PwC to strengthen cybersecurity in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi-UAE: – QuantumGate, an Abu Dhabi cybersecurity venture, unveiled a new product and announced a strategic partnership with PwC Middle East today during GISEC 2025, the region's leading cybersecurity event, to strengthen cybersecurity resilience for enterprises throughout the region. With experts predicting that quantum computing advances will make traditional cybersecurity ineffective as little as five to 10 years, QuantumGate offers a suite of tools designed for the quantum era. Their newest addition, Crypto Discovery Tool, is a cryptographic asset management platform designed to help enterprises discover, inventory, and manage their cryptographic assets. This is a critical first step in preparing for the transition to quantum-safe cybersecurity—by identifying existing assets and highlighting vulnerabilities, organizations can build a clear roadmap for remediation. 'As quantum computing advances, traditional security solutions are becoming obsolete,' said Janne Hirvimies, the Chief Technology Officer of QuantumGate. 'That's why it's essential to understand your organization's current cryptographic posture and start managing these assets proactively. We're committed to supporting enterprises as they navigate this paradigm shift.' 'Our made-in-the-UAE cybersecurity tools are designed for the quantum era, and collaborating with an industry leader such as PwC will help ensure they have an even greater impact,' said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne, QuantumGate's parent company. 'Their deep expertise, strong client relationships, and regional market presence make them the ideal partner to help accelerate market adoption and will help ensure we can support businesses across the UAE and beyond.' The agreement, signed today by Nidhakou and Raddad Ayoub, a Cybersecurity and Digital Trust Partner at PwC Middle East, will combine QuantumGate's advanced cybersecurity technology and PwC's advisory expertise with the goal of helping public and private organizations build quantum-resilient digital infrastructures. 'As the world moves toward a quantum future, cybersecurity must keep pace,' said Clinton Firth, a Cybersecurity Partner and Quantum Computing Consulting Leader at PwC Middle East. 'This partnership with QuantumGate combines our deep digital trust capabilities with cutting-edge, quantum-resilient tech helping organizations across the Middle East fast-track their transition to quantum-safe security and build trust in their digital future.' QuantumGate will work with PwC to deliver strategic client projects, lead cybersecurity events, co-host educational webinars on post-quantum cryptography, and publish white papers exploring the security implications of quantum computing. Additional information: Crypto Discovery Tool The Crypto Discovery Tool scans a company's systems, networks, cloud environments, and applications to identify and create an inventory of cryptographic assets such as keys, certificates, and algorithms. Key features: Scans and discovers cryptographic assets Detects weak encryption, misconfigurations, and compliance gaps Delivers real-time analytics and alerts Provides actionable recommendations Crypto Discovery Tool is designed as a starting point for organizations near the beginning of their transition to quantum-safe security. About QuantumGate QuantumGate is an Abu Dhabi cybersecurity company by VentureOne, the Advanced Technology Research Council's venture builder. QuantumGate's suite of enterprise solutions helps organizations protect their data assets for a post-quantum world using proprietary cryptographic libraries created by cryptography experts at the Technology Innovation Institute. About PwC At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 370,000 people in 149 countries. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting we help build, accelerate and sustain momentum. Established in the Middle East for over 40 years, PwC Middle East has 30 offices across 12 countries in the region with 12,000 people. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please visit for further details.
Trade Arabia
23-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
VentureOne, Adasi team up to integrate autonomous flight tech
As dual-use technologies increasingly drive economies of scale worldwide, Adasi, a leader in UAV system manufacturing, has announced their adoption of two advanced autonomous flight technologies by Abu Dhabi's VentureOne: Perceptra, a new cutting-edge GPS-less navigation technology, and Saluki, a high-security flight control technology for autonomous systems. These technologies, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, are designed to deliver secure, resilient operations in the most challenging environments. They have been optimized for UAV manufacturers, offering enhanced resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations, it stated. The agreement between VentureOne, Adasi, and TII was formalized at IDEX 2025, the Middle East's largest defense exhibition, at which Saluki and Perceptra were unveiled. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has long been a fundamental pillar of navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical defense and military operations. However, this widespread reliance on GPS has exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited through techniques like jamming and spoofing. Jamming occurs when signals on the same frequency overwhelm GPS receivers, preventing accurate location tracking, while spoofing involves transmitting counterfeit signals to deceive receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks across sectors that depend on precise navigation, including autonomous drones, commercial aviation, and military aircraft. In defence and security, compromised GPS signals can impact mission success and personnel safety, while in aviation, navigation errors may cause flight path deviations and operational disruptions – reports of which have the aviation industry and international regulators such as IATA and European regulator EASA seeking urgent solutions for GPS interference, according to one Reuters report in 2024. For autonomous systems like drones and self-driving vehicles, the inability to maintain accurate positioning can create safety hazards, particularly in dynamic or high-risk environments, from aviation to defence. As the use of GPS-dependent systems continues to grow, the need for resilient, alternative navigation solutions has become increasingly critical. Perceptra and Saluki overcome many of today's numerous challenges with advanced vision-based navigation, delivering reliable, resilient performance. Dr Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said: "Perceptra, with its GPS-less capabilities, and Saluki, with its sophisticated Zero Trust architecture, represent a significant leap in autonomous navigation with the potential to transform multiple sectors." "From supporting safe travel in commercial flights, search-and-rescue missions with precise navigation, to enabling efficient urban drone logistics for deliveries in densely populated cities, these technologies have broad real-world applications," noted Aaraj. "Their adaptability also makes them invaluable in defense, ensuring secure and resilient operations in even the most challenging environments. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing advanced, dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defense needs while positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation autonomous systems," he added. Perceptra is a vision-based system that ensures reliable navigation without GPS, allowing aerial platforms to operate in GNSS-denied environments. It features visual relocking, low navigation errors, and easy integration across platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Saluki is a secure, high-performance flight controller and mission computer with Zero Trust architecture. With PX4 compatibility, Gen AI capabilities, and 300 TOPS compute power, it supports multi-vehicle management for mission-critical defense applications. "At Adasi, we integrate only the most advanced, field-proven technologies to ensure our UAVs operate with unmatched precision, resilience, and security, even in the most contested environments," remarked its CEO Juma Al Kaabi. "Perceptra and Saluki provide exactly what next-generation UAVs require: secure, GPS-independent navigation and AI-powered mission control," he added. Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne, said: "We are dedicated to ensuring that cutting-edge research becomes reality to make a positive impact and transform industries."
Mid East Info
21-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
CARACAL and VentureOne Unveil Centurion, Next-Gen Body Armor for Defense Forces - Middle East Business News and Information
Centurion, a next-generation body armor system developed in the UAE, will debut with UAE troops before expanding to global defense and civil security forces. Abu Dhabi, UAE –February 2025 – Abu Dhabi's VentureOne and CARACAL have partnered to launch Centurion, a next-generation body armor system, designed by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), that will set new standards in safety, mobility, and comfort for defense forces, at IDEX 2025, the region's largest defense exhibition. CARACAL is a regional leader in high-performance small arms within EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups. VentureOne, which commercializes groundbreaking TII technologies, ensures that innovations can transition rapidly from R&D to large-scale deployment. Traditional body armor is often heavy, restrictive, and prone to overheating. Centurion is set to revolutionize soldier protection by integrating next-generation advanced materials, developed by experts at TII, that enhance mobility, comfort, and safety, even in extreme conditions. It will debut with UAE troops before being exported to other countries. Hamad Al Ameri, CARACAL CEO, said: 'Our partnership with VentureOne and TII is aimed at meeting the direct fire challenges faced by modern infantries. We understand that lighter weight, enhanced manoeuvrability, and maximum survivability are critical factors in our customers choice of body armor. The result of our understanding and combined research and development efforts have led to the creation of Centurion, our latest offering in advanced anti-ballistic panels'. 'National security, and the safety of those supporting it, require the most advanced and innovative technologies available,' said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. 'Centurion will play a key role in equipping and protecting soldiers in the UAE and beyond. We are proud to bring such protective solution to their hands. By bringing these innovations to market, we are redefining battlefield protection for forces worldwide.' Centurion's armor plates provide rifle-grade protection, with the Level III++ variant withstanding six rounds of 7.62x 51mm NATO FMJ (M80), 7.62x39mm MSC Ball and 5.56x45mm (SS109/M855) bullets while minimizing impact trauma. Centurion exceeds international ballistic standards, including those set by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Centurion is also lightweight, cost-effective, and ergonomically designed for maximum mobility. It can integrate situational awareness features to enhance users' real-time responsiveness. Its modular, customizable plate system offers multiple shapes and coatings, allowing users to tailor protection for covert, tactical, or maritime missions. With positive buoyancy, it is also ideal for marine and diver operations. 'Advanced materials, which combine two or more substances with different properties, are changing the game for defense and other industries that need ballistic protection,' said Prof. Vincenzo Giannini, the Chief Researcher of the Advanced Materials Research Center at the Technology Innovation Institute. 'Centurion uses cutting-edge materials and patented processing technologies that reduce weight and thickness while maintaining superior protection, ensuring troops can move faster and operate longer without compromising safety.' As part of this agreement, VentureOne and CARACAL will establish production lines in the UAE to scale Centurion for both local and global markets, and will keep relying on a feed of innovations from TII to keep the solutions competitive Both VentureOne and TII are part of the Advanced Technology Research Council, which oversees R&D in Abu Dhabi to advance technologies with global impact. About VentureOne: VentureOne, the commercialization arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), bridges the gap between pioneering research and market-ready practical applications by delivering transformative solutions to partners and clients across the public and private sectors. It merges cutting-edge research with deep technical expertise, fostering innovation that enhances lives and generates meaningful impact.
Mid East Info
19-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Launches Next-Gen GPS-Less Navigation and Secure Flight Control to Strengthen Aviation Security - Middle East Business News and Information
VentureOne and ADASI Partner to Integrate Advanced Autonomous Flight Technologies Powered by TII – Perceptra and Saluki Unveiled at IDEX 2025. Abu Dhabi-UAE:February, 2025 – As dual-use technologies increasingly drive economies of scale worldwide, ADASI, a leader in UAV system manufacturing, has announced their adoption of two advanced autonomous flight technologies by Abu Dhabi's VentureOne: Perceptra, a new cutting-edge GPS-less navigation technology, and Saluki, a high-security flight control technology for autonomous systems. These technologies, both developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, are designed to deliver secure, resilient operations in the most challenging environments. They have been optimized for UAV manufacturers, offering enhanced resilience, precision, and security for autonomous aerial operations. The agreement between VentureOne, ADASI, and TII was formalized at IDEX 2025, the Middle East's largest defense exhibition, at which Saluki and Perceptra were unveiled. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has long been a fundamental pillar of navigation, supporting applications from everyday smartphone use to critical defense and military operations. However, this widespread reliance on GPS has exposed vulnerabilities that can be exploited through techniques like jamming and spoofing. Jamming occurs when signals on the same frequency overwhelm GPS receivers, preventing accurate location tracking, while spoofing involves transmitting counterfeit signals to deceive receivers into calculating incorrect positions or times. These vulnerabilities pose significant risks across sectors that depend on precise navigation, including autonomous drones, commercial aviation, and military aircraft. In defense and security, compromised GPS signals can impact mission success and personnel safety, while in aviation, navigation errors may cause flight path deviations and operational disruptions – reports of which have the aviation industry and international regulators such as IATA and European regulator EASA seeking urgent solutions for GPS interference, according to one Reuters report in 2024. For autonomous systems like drones and self-driving vehicles, the inability to maintain accurate positioning can create safety hazards, particularly in dynamic or high-risk environments, from aviation to defense. As the use of GPS-dependent systems continues to grow, the need for resilient, alternative navigation solutions has become increasingly critical. Perceptra and Saluki overcome many of today's numerous challenges with advanced vision-based navigation, delivering reliable, resilient performance. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, 'Perceptra, with its GPS-less capabilities, and Saluki, with its sophisticated Zero Trust architecture, represent a significant leap in autonomous navigation with the potential to transform multiple sectors. From supporting safe travel in commercial flights, search-and-rescue missions with precise navigation, to enabling efficient urban drone logistics for deliveries in densely populated cities, these technologies have broad real-world applications. Their adaptability also makes them invaluable in defense, ensuring secure and resilient operations in even the most challenging environments. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing advanced, dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and defense needs while positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation autonomous systems.' Perceptra is a vision-based system that ensures reliable navigation without GPS, allowing aerial platforms to operate in GNSS-denied environments. It features visual relocking, low navigation errors, and easy integration across platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Saluki is a secure, high-performance flight controller and mission computer with Zero Trust architecture. With PX4 compatibility, Gen AI capabilities, and 300 TOPS compute power, it supports multi-vehicle management for mission-critical defense applications. 'At ADASI, we integrate only the most advanced, field-proven technologies to ensure our UAVs operate with unmatched precision, resilience, and security, even in the most contested environments,' said Juma Al Kaabi, the CEO of ADASI. 'Perceptra and Saluki provide exactly what next-generation UAVs require: secure, GPS-independent navigation and AI-powered mission control.' 'VentureOne is dedicated to ensuring that cutting-edge research becomes reality to make a positive impact and transform industries,' said Reda Nidhakou, the Acting CEO of VentureOne. 'Saluki and Perceptra are just two of many new innovations to come that will help ensure more resilient and safer drone operations in different sectors, starting with defense. We are working on a more comprehensive air autonomy and security portfolio that will play a central role in future drone operations.' Last week, TII announced its collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to support regulatory efforts by developing advanced methodologies for air corridor design. These methodologies aim to optimize flight routes and reduce the risk of aerial incidents in complex urban airspaces, ensuring safe and efficient navigation for both piloted and autonomous drone taxis. These efforts, alongside Perceptra and Saluki, reinforce Abu Dhabi's vision to lead in next-generation navigation and AI-powered autonomy. Both VentureOne and TII are part of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees Abu Dhabi's research and development ecosystem to advance transformative technologies with global impact. ADASI is part of the EDGE Group, the advanced technology and defense conglomerate. About VentureOne: VentureOne, the commercialization arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), bridges the gap between pioneering research and market-ready practical applications by delivering transformative solutions to partners and clients across the public and private sectors. It merges cutting-edge research with deep technical expertise, fostering innovation that enhances lives and generates meaningful impact.
