CATALOG Shannon - T Kambara

DNA-based chemical computing could revolutionize the IT industry

As volumes of data grow the resources needed to handle the associated computing and storage requirements are coming under increasing scrutiny, particularly in regard to their energy usage.

But maybe there's another way of doing things. Boston-based CATALOG is a leader in DNA-based digital data storage and has just secured $35 million in funding to progress the development of a computing platform where both data management and computation occur through the manipulation of synthetic DNA.

By Ian Barker -
VPN

The NSA and CISA publish advice for selecting and hardening remote access VPN solutions

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have joined forces to publish guidelines design to help people make informed choices when selecting a VPN.

In the joint NSA-CISA information sheet, the organizations provide help and advice in a range of areas including not only choosing a reliable, trustworthy VPN, but also how to configure a VPN for maximum security and a reduced attack surface.

By Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson -
Linux-for-dummies

Thinking of making the switch from Windows? Get 'Linux For Dummies, 10th Edition' ($21 value) FREE for a limited time

Nine previous editions of this popular benchmark guide can’t be wrong! Whether you’re new to Linux and need a step-by-step guide or are a pro who wants to catch up with recent distributions, Linux For Dummies, 10th Edition has your back. 

Covering everything from installation to automation, this updated edition focuses on openSUSE and Ubuntu and includes new and refreshed material -- as well as chapters on building a web server and creating simple shell scripts. 

By Wayne Williams -
Apple Pay Visa cards

Hackers can use Apple Pay to make large contactless Visa payments with locked iPhones

Researchers from the Computer Science departments of Birmingham and Surrey Universities have discovered a way for hackers to make large, unauthorized payments from locked iPhones by exploiting the functionality of Apple Pay.

The academic researchers found that the attack works on Visa cards in Express Transit mode in an iPhone's wallet. They were able to make a contactless payment of £1,000 (around $1,350) without unlocking the iPhone being used. Despite having been reported to Apple a year ago, the issue remains unfixed.

By Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson -
Malware magnifier

Over 90 percent of malware arrives over encrypted connections

Security experts have spent years driving home the message that HTTPS connections are safer, but a new report released today reveals that 91.5 percent of malware arrived over encrypted connections in the second quarter of this year.

The quarterly internet security report from WatchGuard Technologies also shows alarming surges across fileless malware threats, dramatic growth in ransomware and a big increase in network attacks.

By Ian Barker -
YouTube COVID-19

YouTube is finally coming down hard on antivaxxer videos

As is the case with just about any big news story, particularly one relating to health, the coronavirus pandemic has led to a serious problem with misinformation. And as governments around the world try to encourage citizens to get vaccinations, so the antivaxxer movement has been trying to control the narrative surrounding the global crisis.

Conspiracy theories abound, and antivaxxers have had a field day casting doubt on the efficacy, purpose and safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Social media platforms have been fighting to ensure that incorrect or misleading information about vaccinations are either kept offline, or flagged up with warnings, and now YouTube has finally followed suit, implementing new rules that equate to a complete ban on antivax videos.

By Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson -
Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft releases PowerToys v0.47.0 -- download it now!

Microsoft has released an update to PowerToys, taking the utility collection up to version 0.47.0. Although the company has said that this release cycle would be focused on stability updates and optimizations, installer updates, general bug fixes, and accessibility improvements, there's still a welcome change for the Shortcut Guide tool.

Perhaps more interestingly, there is also news about the next experimental release -- PowerToys v0.48 -- which will appear just before the rollout of Windows 11 begins.

By Sofia Elizabella Wyciślik-Wilson -
eCommerce

Shopify in 2021: Staying at the top of the online retail game

It’s been a while since the world shifted its shopping habits from offline to online modes. Smart retailers had realized the need to deliver a purchasing experience that was independent of the consumer's location. And online retail stores solved that need.

The growth of online retail is nothing short of a fairy tale. Back in 2014, total retail eCommerce sales worldwide reached $1336 billion in value, and it is projected to hit $6388 billion by 2024 at a staggering CAGR of 16.93 percent!

By Baskar Agneeswaran -
Windows 11 laptop

Microsoft releases Windows 11 Build 22468

Windows 11 is set to begin rolling out to compatible systems next week, but Microsoft is working on future incarnations of its new operating system

Today the software giant releases Windows 11 Build 22468 to Insiders in the Dev Channel.

By Wayne Williams -
Young,Asian,Man,Playing,Laptop,,Shopping,Online

Download deepin 20.2.4 Linux distro now

Linux does not belong to any specific country -- the open source kernel can be enjoyed by people all over the world. This includes China, a great ally of the United States. We depend on China to manufacture many of our goods, but also, developers in that country contribute to open source projects.

Case in point, deepin is a Linux-based operating system from China that is both beautiful and elegant. For some, it could be a nice alternative to Windows 11. deepin is a miraculous Chinese gift to the open source community. Today, the wonderful deepin developers release version 20.2.4 of the Linux distribution. Based on Debian, it uses Linux kernel 5.13.13 and has a new global search feature.

By Brian Fagioli -
downtime

Why managing your own IT could lead to costly downtime

If there’s one thing that all businesses can agree upon it’s that time equals money. It’s the reason why organizations large and small all over the globe are on the constant lookout for ways to boost productivity and performance -- all while maximizing resources and lowering costs.

This is especially true when it comes to your IT infrastructure. Not only is it (probably) the backbone that keeps your business running smoothly and competitively, but it is also a considerable investment in itself. Whenever it isn’t operating, businesses are quite simply hemorrhaging money.

By Amir Hashmi -
Deep Data Search digital forensics

Sumo Logic boosts systems observability with real-time data

Today's fast evolving business world means modern enterprises have little margin for error when considering the overall reliability and user experience of their applications and digital experiences.

Sumo Logic is using its annual Illuminate user conference to announce an expansion in the breadth and depth of its observability solution with new real-time data sources and integrations to provide deeper insights and value.

By Ian Barker -
Pointing at clock

Time management is key concern for development leaders

Wasting time on tasks that don't deliver value is a major concern for 56 percent of development leaders according to a new study from time management specialist Tempo.

Other key issues include the need to up-level capacity with automation (46 percent), using legacy processes that are not reflective of today's tech landscape (42 percent), and a lack of talent or capacity needed to complete necessary tasks (39 percent).

By Ian Barker -
privacy key

Consumers are becoming more active in protecting their privacy

Almost a third of consumers have taken a more active role in protecting their privacy this year, including leaving organizations over their data practices or policies.

The 2021 Consumer Privacy Survey from Cisco has gathered results from 2,600 people across 12 countries and finds consumers are very concerned about the use of their personal data in AI decision-making, and their trust is at stake.

By Ian Barker -
Robot hacker

The changing face of fraud and how artificial intelligence is helping to counter it [Q&A]

Financial crime is on the increase and attackers must be stopped in their tracks. Financial service organizations new and old need to ensure they have the right technology in place to predict, detect and deter fraud, whilst ensuring minimal disruption to the customer journey.

We spoke to Martin Rehak, CEO of Resistant AI to find out how sophisticated artificial intelligence can detect known criminal practices and more importantly, predict the unknown emerging patterns of financial crime.

By Ian Barker -
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