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Showing posts from October, 2022

How to update macOS as unsafely as possible

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Around once a year, a magical thing happens: Apple releases a new version of macOS. When this hallowed day rolls around, you have one option and one option only: to make things as hard for your computer as possible. Look, life’s hard. Actually, life’s more than hard, it’s brutal. Every day is a challenge that’s more pressing than the last. So I ask you this… why should your computer have it so easy? If I want to update my life, it takes months, if not years, of hard work for some incremental change — but Apple thinks my computer should… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/P4BFdUo

You Need to Update Google Chrome, Windows, and Zoom Right Now

Plus: Important patches from Apple, VMWare, Cisco, Zimbra, SAP, and Oracle. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/5DSyZe3

The Election That Saved the Internet From Russia and China

Open-internet advocates are breathing a sigh of relief after a recent election for the International Telecommunications Union's top leadership. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/hqBEPHg

Startups Have a Sellout Problem. There's a Better Way

Startups like Meta and Twitter serve as digital infrastructure, but aren't accountable to users. Some startups are trying to chart a new way to exit that focuses on community—not shareholders. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/jQ56qIY

China Operates Secret ‘Police Stations’ in Other Countries

Plus: The New York Post gets hacked, a huge stalkerware network is exposed, and the US claims China interfered with its Huawei probe. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/agD0qu6

If Musk Starts Firing Twitter's Security Team, Run

What's next for the social network is anyone's guess—but here's what to watch as you wade through the privacy and security morass. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/I1maklW

The Art of Hitting Disinformation Where It Lives

Combating fake news with facts doesn't work because humans are wired for emotion. It's time for more creative tactics. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/4efTBYG

Musk’s Twitter Will Not Be the Town Square the World Needs

This is a moment to choose a different path, inspired by the lessons of thriving offline communities. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/Fhn6HEd

Passionate about your job? Here’s why that might not be good for you

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You might wish you were more passionate about your job. Or that you had the kind of job you could at least imagine being passionate about. Something that made you jump out of bed in the morning, excited about a new day filled with fist pumps and joy. But psychologists differentiate between two types of work-related passion — and they may not both appeal, even if you’re more than a little fed up with your current role. “Harmonious” work passion refers to situations in which a person not only enjoys their job, but also has control over their relationship with… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/X6DszW5

Is Listening to Audiobooks Really Reading?

WIRED’s spiritual advice columnist on bardic traditions for a modern age—and why book snobs worry about the wrong things. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/rnEpaFb

Apple MacOS Ventura Bug Breaks Third-Party Security Tools

Your anti-malware software may not work if you upgraded to the new operating system. But Apple says a fix is on the way. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/6CoTe1G

A Pro-China Disinfo Campaign Is Targeting US Elections—Badly

The suspected Chinese influence operation had limited success. But it signals a growing threat from a new disinformation adversary. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/Z5Qtbqz

The Real Reason Elon Musk Wants You to Have More Babies

People who complain about population aren’t talking numbers—they’re fantasizing about tightening the reins on workers. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/fKi1hgw

Automakers are going all-in on gaming to keep us in our cars

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Every new car release means another competitor for manufacturers — and the industry seems to be pumping out new vehicles every day. Companies are chasing every avenue to attract customers in this competitive market. And the latest? Well, that’d be gaming. Besides, of course, a vehicle’s visual appeal and the joy of being behind the driver’s seat, designers are focusing their attention on our overall in-car experience. This is especially the case with EVs and their time-zapping charging. Sitting in the car gets boring, and carmakers want to entertain us.   One company entering this space is N-Dream, the Swiss startup… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/RIVXvur

Ukraine’s top IT event lays foundations for a post-war tech hub

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The war in Ukraine extends beyond the front lines. While soldiers risk their lives on battlefields, those left defend the home front — and the economy. The conflict has ravaged businesses, but the tech ecosystem has shone amid the gloom. In the first quarter of this year, the industry generated a record $2 billion in export services. IT Arena 2022, an annual conference in the city of Lviv, showcased the sector’s vital role in the war — and in the peace that will follow. The event is the brainchild of Lviv IT Cluster, a community of companies, authorities, and universities… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/2mMo6LF

Could Europe have a dominant smartphone again — and is it even needed?

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There was a time, long, long ago, that Europe sat at the top of the phone industry. Nokia was the most used handset in the world, Sony Ericsson made beloved devices, and people actually talked about Siemens. This, of course, didn’t last. While their downfall was multifaceted and took several years, it can be roughly linked to the time when our old dumb phones morphed into the touchscreen polymaths they are today. Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Siemens Mobile crumbled, and Europe’s smartphone dominance vanished. In their place Apple and Samsung rose, companies that now dominate Europe’s smartphone market. The stats… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/6RZUMzg

The Pandemic Uncovered Ways to Speed Up Science

There doesn't have to be a trade-off between good research and fast research. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/FSV9qUI

The Hunt for the Dark Web’s Biggest Kingpin, Part 1: The Shadow

AlphaBay was the largest online drug bazaar in history, run by a technological mastermind who seemed untouchable—until his tech was turned against him. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/b1KNYDp

‘Soundbite stats’ and other cover letter tips to get you that dream job

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Job hunting is exhausting, and it can be tempting to try and find shortcuts. However, no success comes from a lazy approach to cover letters. Like the marathon runner who takes a shortcut to cut out hours of hard work, a job seeker who sends generic cover letters to each employer is never going to win gold. The cover letter is your first impression, and needs to pique the interest of the hiring manager enough that they want to continue reading, but also want to seek out your CV to learn more about you. It’s that important. The ideal cover… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/RSaKZkD

Hot on the Trail of a Mass-School-Shooting Hoaxer

For months, an anonymous caller has terrorized communities around the US by reporting false shooting threats. We know how they did it. The question is, why? from Security Latest https://ift.tt/lKg7nui

The Quiet Insurrection the January 6 Committee Missed

A former congressman who helped the House select committee investigate the Capitol attack says the US is losing sight of the big picture. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/48rq5fO

TikTok’s Security Threat Comes Into Focus

Plus: A Microsoft cloud leak exposed potential customers, new IoT security labels come to the US, and details emerge about Trump’s document stash. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/jumLHCB

Beware the Distraction of the Twitter Mob Campaign

A kerfuffle over Bayonetta voice actor Hellena Taylor's pay reveals the often hollow structure of social media activism. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/rISb4fn

Ukraine Enters a Dark New Era of Drone Warfare

A series of deadly attacks using Iranian “suicide drones” shows Russia is shifting gears in the conflict. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/nuaGW8J

Here’s what work would be like if it were run like a DAO

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This article was originally published on .cult by Adrien Book. .cult is a Berlin-based community platform for developers. We write about all things career-related, make original documentaries, and share heaps of other untold developer stories from around the world. Let me tell you about the future of work. You’ll work on something you love, without having to interview. You’ll work for numerous employers, all of which will pay you based on a contract you didn’t sign. You’ll compete for rewards with colleagues you don’t know, but you’ll see everything they do. You’ll get a say in the organization’s strategy, but… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/D3B1GOc

Ukraine Could Never Afford to Bet on Starlink

The internet service tool was essential in the early days of the war with Russia. But the caprices of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have exposed dangerous flaws. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/TxRojbz

The Vice Society Ransomware Gang Thrives in a Crucial Blind Spot

Vice Society has a superpower that’s allowed it to quietly carry out attacks on schools and hospitals around the world: mediocrity. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/OBzmFvR

Polestar’s new car is an electric SUV — but its carbon-zero goal feels far away

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The conventional SUV is an environmental offender. ​​Research in 2019 found that the vehicles were the second largest cause of the global rise in carbon dioxide emissions over the past decade — eclipsing even behemoths like aviation and trucks. But Polestar aims to redeem the category, launching their third vehicle: Polestar 3. This is the company’s very first SUV — and it’s all-electric, as well as underpinned by some serious sustainability cred. I attended the launch last week and got an up-close look at it. Sorry, but SUVs are popular First, let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s an… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/EfUPst9

Iran's Internet Blackouts Are Part of a Global Menace

Repressive regimes are teaching each other how to control protesters' web access with increasingly surgical precision. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/VtAfdbR

London emerges as the best city in Europe for cybersecurity professionals

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The good news first: The European cybersecurity market was valued at €28.05 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach €53.52 billion by 2027, with an average compound annual growth rate of 24.4% during the forecast period 2022-2027. Here’s some even better news: there are multiple cities and regions across Europe where a cybersecurity professional can locate — or relocate — to nurture a flourishing career in this rapidly growing sector. As we accelerate our cloud adoption and do more of our banking and shopping online, the potential for malicious actors to access our data increases; therefore the need for… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/JpijNAH

Section 230's Fate Belongs With Congress—Not the US Supreme Court

A case heading to SCOTUS claims platforms should be held responsible for their algorithmic recommendations. A history of the statute suggests otherwise. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/cW9YPXU

5 Best Password Managers (2022): Features, Pricing, and Tips

Keep your logins locked down with our favorite apps for PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, and web browsers. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/PzwyhH5

The Unnatural Future of Physics

To get a sense of how physicists might solve the “unnaturalness problem,” I contacted one who calls himself “a deviant by default.” from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/m95hqMO

How the World Will Know If Russia Is Preparing to Launch a Nuclear Attack

While tensions over a possible nuclear attack on Ukraine remain high, experts say surveillance will likely catch Russia if it plans to do the unthinkable. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/AFf2ehL

A dummy’s guide to infecting your Mac with malware

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The human body is miraculous. Just take the immune system for example. This adapts to pathogens and viruses, learning how they operate, and changing itself to deal with them. This means that once your immune system has come into contact with an attacker, it’s better prepared in the future. Because I’m an optimist, this is how I choose to believe computers work too. Don’t believe all the naysayers out there who claim that a laptop and a body are totally different things and work in utterly different ways. They’re small minded. Getting a virus or malware on your machine won’t… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/ASGHF1j

The Hunt for Wikipedia's Disinformation Moles

Custodians of the crowdsourced encyclopedia are charged with protecting it from state-sponsored manipulators. A new study reveals how. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/jwaiIPJ

How to Use Passkeys in Google Chrome and Android

Google wants to make your digital life—in its ecosystem, anyway—passwordless and more secure. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/x9kpvw6

Elon Musk’s SpaceX Bails on Starlink Funding for Ukraine

Plus: Hackers hit the Mormon Church, Signal plans to ditch SMS for Android, and a Fat Bear election erupts in scandal. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/iSX7Urz

When Algorithms Promote Self-Harm, Who Is Held Responsible?

A British court ruled that teenager Molly Russell died in part because of online content—but holding platforms accountable is complicated. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/603smwZ

Analysis: Europe’s quantum sector is poised for massive growth

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The European quantum computing sector might be the most exciting field in tech. Funding is at an all-time high and the number of quantum startups is increasing year over year. Yet the global media tends to portray the EU and UK as potential runners up in the supposed quantum computing race.  In order to understand Europe’s position in the global quantum computing market we need to roll the clock back a couple years. Investors and entrepreneurs began flocking to quantum during the COVID-19 tech boom and, despite the expected post-pandemic drop off, analysts are predicting a massive increase in market… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/swInXOU

The $1 Billion Alex Jones Effect

The Infowars host now knows the cost of “free speech”—but does the landmark judgment signal a crackdown on disinformation? from Security Latest https://ift.tt/BKEUecZ

Are the EU’s policies hurting freelancers? We surveyed 2,500 to find out

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Europe’s political elite tend to focus on Gig work and platforms as the harbingers of a dystopian nightmare. A picture has been painted of workers with less freedom and fewer options; humans becoming slaves to algorithms and monopoly-seeking companies. More recently, out of the chaos of the early days of the pandemic, a new story shot into the public consciousness: a generation breaking free from the clutches of traditional working arrangements. For the first time, people are demanding increased flexibility with regard to where, when and how they work, with recent technological advances making this a viable possibility. This is… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/Ss27ZRe

AI Shouldn’t Compete With Workers—It Should Supercharge Them

The economy could get a boost if machine learning engineers switched from copying human abilities to augmenting them. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/ycmdgxA

Celsius Exchange Data Dump Is a Gift to Crypto Sleuths—and Thieves

By releasing half a million users’ transactions in a bankruptcy court filing, the company has opened a vast breach in its users’ financial privacy. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/NTgyCU7

This Swedish startup is saving the world by adding solar power to your favorite gadgets

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It’s a sunny time for solar power — and for good reason: it’s abundant, renewable, and sustainable. As the world is turning towards alternative energy sources, solar is the fastest growing renewable. In fact, it accounts for over half of the 302GW of renewable capacity installed internationally in 2021. But there’s still a long way to go. And one sector that solar can have a seismic difference? Consumer tech. Swedish deeptech startup Exeger entered this space in 2009, with the vision to harness solar energy for consumer electronics and make battery life woes a thing of the past. Now, 13… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/rFgE1d9

What It Means to ‘Feel Normal’ Online

A personalized, authentic experience is an unquestioned building block of digital infrastructure. But what does that really involve? from Ideas Latest https://www.wired.com/story/psychology-data-surveillance-normality-personality/

The Dutch are world leaders in lab-grown meat. How come they can’t eat it?

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My cravings for meat are well-known to regular readers (hi mum!). But as a self-righteous vegetarian, I refuse to dine on murdered animals. Those beliefs, however, are now being challenged by a heretic: cultivated meat. Cultivated meat, also known as cultured meat, brings the farm to the lab. Cells are collected from an animal, grown in vitro, and then shaped into familiar forms of edible flesh. Industry advocates proffer myriad benefits — and needs. According to the UN, around 80 billion animals are slaughtered each year for meat. This livestock produces an estimated 14.5% of global greenhouse gasses, grazes across… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/az9lyKc

Google's Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro Pack New Android VPN and Tensor G2, Titan M2 Chips

The company says it hardened the security of its new flagship phones—and plans to release a built-in Android VPN. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/tXgUSxc

The Signal for Help I Created Went Viral. Now It Could Be Misused

Well-meaning efforts to integrate the hand signal with digital technology could expose vulnerable people to detection and escalated violence. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/7bOLtxH

3 hot tech careers in 2023

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Despite fears of a looming recession, global economic pressures, and worries over recent layoffs in many tech firms over the spring and summer, the jobs picture across Europe is still broadly good. Particularly so in tech where many areas within the IT industry are thought to be (so far) fairly recession-proof, notably across industries like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud services. In fact, the tech scene is currently experiencing levels of growth we haven’t seen since the early days of the dot.com bubble, with global IT expenditure expected to hit $4.5 trillion by early 2023 — a 5.1% increase, according to… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/YwaflLm

This startup is giving renters solar power

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Renewable energy is all the rage, but while homeowners can install things like solar panels, renters are being left behind. Fortunately, a Berlin startup is trying to change that. We Do Solar was founded in September 2021 by Karolina Attspodina and Qian Qin. They’ve created a solar panel kit that you can attach to your balcony or fence — and can help renters reduce their energy bills by up to 25%. The panels come with mounting straps, a micro-inverter, and a plug. They can be attached to a balcony railing or privacy screen. Once installed, connected, and plugged in, you… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/vPLQ0wI

Windows 11 Now Offers Automatic Phishing Protection

You’re safer than ever—here’s how. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/rlj5Bdf

How to Protect Yourself If Your School Uses Surveillance Tech

Colleges and K-12 campuses increasingly monitor student emails, social media, and more. Here’s how to secure your (or your child’s) privacy. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/ptc6o8b

Paranoia Threatens to Upend Professional Chess

The Magnus Carlsen–Hans Niemann cheating scandal points to abuses and suspicion at the highest levels. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/AMamDVc

Binance Hackers Minted $569M in Crypto—Then It Got Complicated

Plus: The US warns of a mysterious military contractor breach, a "poisoned" version of the Tor Browser is tracking Chinese users, and more. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/CEvq9Ox

Biden’s Privacy Order Slaps a Band-Aid on the EU-US Data Crisis

A new executive order tries to reassure Europeans that their data is safe on US soil, despite government surveillance. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/3GdyA6I

Meta Says It Has Busted More Than 400 Login-Stealing Apps This Year

The company plans to alert 1 million Facebook users that their account credentials may have been compromised by malicious software. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/LJ9hGUV

What authors want from AI ‘ghostwriters’

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In Sept. 2020, The Guardian published an opinion piece written by a program. The artificial intelligence, called GPT-3, is a large language model developed by OpenAI, and it posed a bold question in the headline of its machine-generated text: “A robot wrote this entire article. Are you scared yet, human?” Indeed, it is a scary time to be a professional writer. Earlier in 2020, Microsoft laid off journalists to replace them with a writing AI. And as AI language models get increasingly better, researchers are claiming that soon, AI-generated text will be indistinguishable from that written by a person. Our… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/W7DYIvs

The Fight to Cut Off the Crypto Fueling Russia's Ukraine Invasion

Blockchain investigators have uncovered at least $4 million—and counting—in cryptocurrency fundraising has reached Russia's violent militia groups. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/8Nd2piA

Are You Sure You Know What Revenge Porn Is?

Forty-eight states have passed protections against revenge porn—but their narrow definition of such content leaves many people exposed. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/N0azEWj

A Coordinated Swatting Spree Is Targeting US Schools

Sixteen states collectively suffered more than 90 false reports of school shooters during three weeks in September—and many appear to be connected. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/NTCJeXw

Can Italy’s first EV company change the country’s car culture?

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It’s not every day that your introduction to a car company includes spending time in Europe’s largest vertical wind tunnel for aerodynamic tests. Meet AEHRA. Its headquarters in Milan comprises not only the usual meeting rooms and desks, but also a wind tunnel where you can experience flying —  and while mildly terrifying, it’s a hell of a lot of fun.  AEHRA is Italy’s only electric car startup, and its secret sauce is aerodynamics. I spoke to AEHRA’s CEO and co-founder, Hazim Nada, to find out more. Nada tells me: We’re not an automobile company. We’re an energy transition company.… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/LxfY75D

The US Needs to Recognize Intimate Privacy as a Civil Right

Digital privacy invasion isn’t just a consumer protection issue. It’s inextricably linked to equality, with urgent implications for women and minorities. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/2rtWULs

These 3 European hubs offer a better work/life balance

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It’s easy to think of Europe as a well-lit map of interconnected hubs of tech excellence. After all, the continent is home to the renowned tech hubs of Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris, and in the UK, London is a global hub with long-term excellence in the financial services sector. But these are major cities. Full of opportunity, culture, and ambition, they can also be exhausting, not to mention expensive, places to live and work. This is why so many tech professionals are now looking to leave the big super-urban tech hubs for smaller, more up and coming tech cities that… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/dPVJBbK

Streamers Use Playlists to Control the Music Industry

The recorded music market is regaining its former hourglass shape—this time with platforms like Spotify at the center. from Ideas Latest https://ift.tt/GkfY6Kl

Climate risks are a major business threat – here’s how AI can help

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Content provided by IBM and TNW.  When Hurricane Harvey struck southeast Texas in 2017, it caused $125 billion in economic damages. A recent assessment of local businesses in the area found that 90% lost revenue in the five figure range due to employee disruptions, lower customer demand, utility outages, and/or supply chain issues. Those that suffered property damage experienced compounded losses with parts of the business being shuttered for weeks and months at a time until repairs could be made. Since 2017 there’s been an average of 17.8 weather/climate disaster events per year in the US alone. In fact, just… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/zWKYHr2

The High Cost of Living Your Life Online

Constantly posting content on social media can erode your privacy—and sense of self. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/ifSbeDt

Microsoft Exchange Server Has a Zero-Day Problem

Plus: CIA failures allegedly got US informants killed, a former NSA worker is charged under the Espionage Act, and more. from Security Latest https://ift.tt/3vyihXE