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Articles by Samuel Gush
What Is Polygon (MATIC) & Why Is It So Important to Ethereum?
The Polygon network is a layer-2 Ethereum chain solution that has risen in popularity over the past few years to become a leading Ethereum sidechain. Sidechains are essential to the Ethereum network because they allow for greater innovation. They are also more dynamic when it comes to scaling because of their optimized transaction throughput. As such, they help to diversify the Ethereum ecosystem and are instrumental in decongesting it.
4 Reasons Why People Still Play Second Life
Second Life is still a thing. Not only that, it's still extremely popular, boasting 1 million active users despite having been around since 2003. So, why are people still drawn to Second Life despite its age, limitations, and apparent lack of things to do? Let's take a look. Reasons People Still Play Second Life Second Life has some distinctive elements that have contributed to its growth and relevance over the years. 1.
Is It Possible to Recover Lost Cryptocurrencies?
It is estimated that tens of billions of dollars worth of crypto have been lost since the advent of blockchain technology. Many of the coins have been lost due to human error after crypto users misplaced their wallets or wallet keys. So, can lost crypto wallets and keys be recovered? Is It Possible to Recover Lost Cryptocurrency? Unfortunately, there are limited possibilities when it comes to recovering lost crypto wallets and keys. There are two common methods used to recover lost crypto coins.
What Are CPU Protection Privilege Rings?
CPU protection rings are structural layers that limit interaction between installed applications on a computer and core processes. They typically range from the outermost layer, which is Ring 3, to the innermost layer, which is Ring 0, also referred to as the kernel. Ring 0 is at the core of all system processes. Anyone who can control the kernel can basically control all aspects of a computer. To prevent abuse of this core, computer system architects limit interaction to this zone.
The Top 5 Ransomware Removal and Decryption Tools
Ransomware incidences are on the rise, and many targeted companies have lost millions of dollars to cybercriminals in this way. The anonymity provided by crypto networks is partly to blame for the scourge. Most ransomware groups currently prefer that payments be made in privacy-centric tokens, a strategy that complicates the process of tracking down perpetrators. So how can you protect against ransomware? Are there are removal tools you can use?
How Hackers Hack Crypto Wallets, and How to Protect Yourself
The crypto world has opened up numerous innovative investment avenues for retail investors across the globe. But with the new opportunities come potential pitfalls. Cryptocurrency wallet hacks are among them. And while the threat posed by such attacks is significant, you can protect yourself in several ways. Let's look at how hackers get into your wallet and what you can do to stop them.
How to Find a PS5 for Sale in Under Two Weeks
Many consider the PlayStation 5 (PS5) as being at the zenith of gaming technology, but right now, there is an acute shortage of consoles. With so few consoles available, you may wonder if you'll ever get your hands on a PS5. Well, fortunately there are several tricks you can try to get hold of a PS5 within two weeks. While it is no guarantee, there's no harm in following these steps. What's Causing the Shortage? Myriad issues currently plague the PS5 supply chain.
What Is Malware-as-a-Service?
Every year, computers and gadgets around the world are compromised using automated hacking tools. Many of the attacks are carried out by hacker groups that rely heavily on Malware as a Service (MaaS) networks. So what is MaaS? How do hackers distribute malware? And how can you protect yourself from malware?
How to Start Earning Cryptocurrency With the Brave Browser
Share Tweet Email Yes, you can earn digital money using just a web browser on your computer. The Brave browser is currently in vogue among privacy-loving anoraks because of its widely acclaimed data handling features. Currently among the most popular in the world, it has over 20 million monthly users. According to its developers, the browser was designed to bypass data harvesting intermediaries that serve advertisements.
The Top 5 Cloud-Based Security Solutions in 2021
Cloud security solutions are fast becoming the go-to option for sprawling organizations and enterprises that require comprehensive multi-network coverage. This is because they support holistic mitigation configurations that cover all devices and files stored on a network, thereby allowing protection under a common framework. That said, the following is an outline of some of the best cloud security solutions on the market. 1.
What Is Firmware Malware and How Can You Prevent Infections?
Firmware malware are persistent and particularly hard to detect. This is because their infection chains typically target computing components with Ring 0 access privileges and higher. The control privileges are far beyond what a typical computer user controls and are at the intersection of hardware and memory communications. Access to firmware allows attackers to modify hardware responses, system memory, and installed applications.
What Are DNS Attacks and How Do You Prevent Them?
Domain Name System (DNS) attacks are a common occurrence, and each year, hundreds of websites fall victim to these types of attacks. To protect a network against this category of exploits, it is important to understand the different types of DNS attacks as well as the best mitigation methods. What Is DNS? Domain Name System (DNS) is a structured naming system that is used by internet devices to locate online resources.
Microsoft, Cloud Security Alliance Discuss Zero Trust For Enhanced Security
Many organizations across the world are beginning to recognize the importance of enhanced network security. With more companies requiring their staff to work from home, more robust security solutions are needed to cover emerging issues that range from unpatched devices to poor best practices adherence. As such, Microsoft has been looking to provide customized solutions that not only cover intrusion detection, but breach mitigation to provide better security to more diverse online environments.
Microsoft's Recent Outage Was Caused By DNS Issues
Microsoft has announced that its Office 365 and Sharepoint Online platforms are back to normal after the outage that occurred on April 1. The company has blamed a spike in Domain Name System (DNS) traffic for the downtime. The disruption also caused its Bing, Azure, and Xbox Live services to be inaccessible to some users. According to the latest update, a spike in DNS requests targeting its domains on Azure caused the problem.
Cybersecurity Concerns Force Microsoft To Scrap Azure Domain Fronting
Microsoft has discontinued support for domain fronting via Azure. The cloud computing platform is primarily designed for developing, testing, and running applications. It supports setups ranging from virtual computing to networking and is underpinned by Microsoft’s data centers. The company has cited a fast-changing security landscape for the latest move. Before this, Azure was considered to be the premier domain fronting product.
Microsoft Security Report Says Firmware Exploits Are On The Rise
Microsoft has released a security report indicating an increase in firmware attacks. It also highlights the complexities of fighting back against these types of exploits. Their insusceptibility to automated removal processes is chief among the reasons why they are so formidable. Microsoft cites a recently commissioned study on firmware security investments compiled by Security Signals. It shows that over 80 percent of businesses have experienced a firmware attack within the past two years.
Hackers Target WordPress PHP
Hackers are becoming more audacious with attacks being launched daily across the globe. In the case of WordPress, tens of thousands of organizations, including OnMSFT.com utilize the platform to provide daily updates to millions of users. With hackers constantly changing tactics, the platform is slowly becoming a new cybersecurity frontier that will in the future impact Microsoft and non-Microsoft users alike.
Microsoft Launches Teams Bug Bounty Program
Microsoft has launched a bounty program for its Teams communication platform. With people now more than ever working remotely due to Covid-19 restrictions, there’s an increased need for robust security protocols to protect business communication apps such as Teams. Of course, the proactive involvement of security researchers from around the world is imperative to achieving this objective.
For Google And Microsoft, Malware Exploit Reports Are A Perilous Affair
Google and Microsoft have in recent months scrambled to counter cyberattacks of an unprecedented scale. And as the two companies consistently find themselves at the frontlines of cyberwarfare, a new dilemma is emerging regarding how best to maintain transparency through comprehensive security reports while reducing the probability of intractable collateral damage.
Swedish Carrier Telia Offers One Month Of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate To Its Customers
Microsoft and Telia, a Swedish multinational telecommunication company, have teamed up to provide gamers with a stirring exclusive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offer. According to the announcement (via Windows Central), current Telia customers qualify to get a one-month free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which will give them access to over 100 Xbox gaming titles.
Microsoft Security Team Commended For Efforts To Curb Exchange Attack
The Microsoft Security team has been commended for its handling of the latest Microsoft Exchange breach, which affected over 25,000 customers globally. According to Charles Carmakal, the senior vice president at FireEye, the tech giant has done exceptionally well in reaching out to its clientele and availing the necessary tools to combat the wave of intrusion attacks. The company had initially advised users to manually update their programs to prevent a breach of their systems.
Cybersecurity researcher reveals Lazarus hacking technique
Samuel Gush Neowin @@SamuelGushW · Mar 22, 2021 13:34 EDT The Lazarus hacker group has launched numerous disruptive campaigns against notable companies over the past few years. Reportedly backed by the North Korean regime, it is presently categorized as an advanced persistent threat by a collective of nations for its cybercriminal activities which have led to over a billion dollars in losses.
Facebook will implement algorithm changes to limit the virality of political posts
Why it matters: Facebook is set to deploy more rigid algorithmic tools to limit the spread of viral content on its platform. This is according to a new report by the Wall Street Journal that highlights measures that have been tested in recent elections, including in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, to mitigate disinformation campaigns. The move is in preparation for the November U.S. presidential election, which is set to pose some unique challenges.
Google purges popular children apps from Play Store due to data privacy violations
Why it matters: Google has purged the wildly popular Number Coloring, Princess Salon, and Cats & Cosplay apps from the Play Store. The apps were banned following an investigation by the International Digital Accountability Council (IDAC). They were found to have engaged in persistent data collection practices in apps used by children, in contravention of Google statutes.
Russian and Iranian hacker groups are looking to undermine U.S. elections
A hot potato: Russian and Iranian hacker groups are working overtime to undermine the U.S. presidential elections. This is according to a report by the New York Times that highlights some unsettling findings by U.S. intelligence agencies. It reveals that the groups of hackers have been able to infiltrate American aviation and electoral systems in recent weeks.
Airbnb has a new design partnership with Sir Jony Ive
Why it matters: Airbnb has announced a deal with former Apple chief designer, Sir Jony Ive. The multi-year agreement will see Ive and his team at LoveFrom, revamp Airbnb’s current product offerings. The move comes at a time when Airbnb is struggling to maintain revenues in an increasingly competitive market and when it's moving towards an IPO. According to details revealed by FT, Ive and his team will focus on the development of Airbnb’s online platforms.
Verizon, Nokia team up for EU and Asia Pacific 5G venture
Why it matters: Verizon is teaming up with Nokia to bring 5G latency capabilities to enterprises requiring private networks. According to the just-released statement, the rollout will target companies in the manufacturing, logistics, and distribution sectors in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. According to Brian R. Fitzgerald, the head of SVP Global Solutions at Nokia, the joint venture will accelerate 5G connectivity in the private sector and provide a richer overall experience to clients.
Toshiba is developing an 'unhackable' network security solution based on quantum technology
Why it matters: Toshiba has been awarded a quantum-based network development contract by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). According to the just-released announcement, the network will be based on a quantum key distribution (QKD) model. Toshiba recently announced its intention to break into the quantum computing market. The move is in lockstep with the company’s latest strategy to shift to more economically resilient technology markets.
Microsoft releases security updates for critical Windows exploits
#1 A hot potato: Microsoft has released security updates for just-discovered Codecs Library and Visual Studio exploits. The Codecs Library exploit tagged CVE-2020-17022 is reported to have a vulnerability that allows attackers to take over a system. The ploy works by tricking users into loading modified image files via native apps. An attack targeting memory relay protocols is then launched to take control of the system.
White House unveils new tech initiative as technology wars intensify
The big picture: The US government has come up with a new tech initiative to overcome China’s expansionist schemes while beating Russia’s technological advancements. The plan dubbed the National Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technologies will help prevent international competitors from acquiring critical US intellectual property and sensitive technology.
How "DeFi" has stirred up the crypto market
Why it matters: The decentralized finance (DeFi) movement has caused renewed interest in the crypto market. With Bitcoin’s value averaging $10,000 in the past year, the lack of notable crypto white swan events such as a halving episode has led to some sought of stasis. The emergence of DeFi networks has saved the situation. These decentralized platforms encourage the pooling of digital tokens to provide financial service liquidity in exchange for interest.
Microsoft fights botnet after Office 365 malware attack
Why it matters: Microsoft has announced that it has successfully disrupted Trickbot’s botnet after it had ensnared some of its Office 365 users. The company submitted a legal request to take down the botnet infrastructure ran by hackers. According to Microsoft, its Defender Antivirus team has been working alongside major cybercrime partners to collect samples and unravel critical information related to the botnet scheme.
Tencent wins with merger of China's game streaming giants Huya and DouYu
Why it matters: Huya has reportedly agreed to buy out Chinese game streaming competitor DouYu. The new merger will see the two companies combine users and cut marketing costs that would have otherwise been dedicated to gaining market dominance over each other. The deal will see Tencent become a majority shareholder in the new enterprise. Tencent currently has stakes in both Huya and DouYu and will have approximately 68 percent combined voting shares once the new firm is formed.
DOJ targets Chrome over probable Google antitrust violations
Why it matters: The Department of Justice is looking to bring antitrust litigation proceedings against Google. The search giant is feared to be using its market dominance to dictate significant changes that have far-reaching consequences. Lawmakers are looking to force Google into selling some of its online properties. Its core businesses include advertising and related technology, the Google search engine, and the YouTube social media platform. The company has a 251 product portfolio.
HP, Lenovo laptop sales take a leap, PC shipments break 10-year record
Why it matters: Laptop sales have gone through the roof, setting a new ten-year growth record. This is according to data compiled by Canalys, which highlights that the emerging trend is primarily driven by a change in learning and working dynamics. More people are working from home due to coronavirus social distancing measures, thereby increasing laptop sales. As a result, major PC purveyors such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo are experiencing a jump in sales.
Alibaba stock has surged 42 percent this year
The big picture: Alibaba’s share price has climbed by 42 percent this year, bringing its valuation to $800 billion. The growth has boosted investor confidence in the company, which is projected to climb to even greater heights in the mid to long term. With over 750 million users in China, will it be able to sustain this growth rate? Much of Alibaba's success can be attributed to the flexible nature of its core business model.
IBM set to launch a new cloud computing company by the end of 2021
In brief: IBM is creating a new company to handle its cloud IT service segment that will cater to over 4,500 IBM clients. Its primary focus will be product development and augmented service delivery to cement the company’s position as a market leader. The new devolved company is set to be christened before its unveiling next year. IBM has announced that it will be splitting the company into two in order to increase its revenue margins.
Arm announces a new generation of 64-bit enhanced performance CPUs
Why it matters: Arm has announced that it is working on a new generation of 64 bit CPUs that will recast the market dynamics in terms of security and performance, offering a 30 percent performance boost over current chips. According to the company, the new processors are designed to amp up raw computing power and overall performance, achieved through a transformative system-on-chip (SoC) design approach.
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