robot call center

Can AI replace white collar jobs?

Let’s start with the definition of "REPLACE," from Merriam-Webster: To restore to a former place or position (e.g. replace cards in a file); To take the place of especially as a substitute or successor; To put something new in the place of (e.g. replace a worn carpet).

Now, let’s check the definition of "ENHANCE": To increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness (e.g. enhanced the room with crown molding); To increase or improve (something); To make greater or better (e.g. the products claim to enhance beauty).

By Todd Chusid -
CCPA

How to securely comply with rising CCPA rights requests amid COVID-19

As California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) enforcement officially started July 1, affected enterprises (based on size, California customer base and business type) can no longer delay complying with the new law. CCPA grants California residents an array of new rights, starting with the right to be informed about what kinds of personal data companies have collected and why it was collected.

A June 2020 survey found that more than 20 percent of organizations were either somewhat unlikely to be, very unlikely to be, or didn't know if they would be fully compliant with CCPA by July 1. With only 14 percent of respondents CCPA compliant and nearly one-third of organizations just starting to plan for CCPA, enterprises need to be prepared for enforcement sooner than later to uphold the rights of California consumers and avoid non-compliance penalties, which can reach up to $7,500 per violation.

By Robert Prigge -
rocket boost laptop

Digital communications strategies given a six year boost by COVID-19

The coronavirus crisis has led to many changes in working patterns. But what's its effect on the longer term strategies of businesses?

Cloud communications platform Twilio surveyed over 2,500 enterprise decision makers globally to gauge the effect of the pandemic on their companies' digital transformation and communication roadmaps.

By Ian Barker -
Password tweezers

VPN with 'strict no-logs policy' exposed millions of user log files including account passwords

An unprotected database belonging to the VPN service UFO VPN was exposed online for more than two weeks. Contained within the database were more than 20 million logs including user passwords stored in plain text.

User of both UFO VPN free and paid services are affected by the data breach which was discovered by the security research team at Comparitech. Despite the Hong Kong-based VPN provider claiming to have a "strict no-logs policy" and that any data collected is anonymized, Comparitech says that "based on the contents of the database, users' information does not appear to be anonymous at all".

Data cloud lock

New research provides organizations with a roadmap for cloud security

Organizations often rush into cloud deployments without fully appreciating all of the risks that they can present.

A new report from cybersecurity advisory and assessment services firm Coalfire identifies key considerations, common pitfalls, and practical advice for professionals who have responsibility for enterprise cloud strategy, planning, adoption, and operations.

By Ian Barker -
Windows 10 box

A Windows 10 update is removing apps for some users

These days it is hardly uncommon to find that an update for Windows 10 ends up breaking something, but the latest problematic update is causing a strange issue by removing components of Windows itself.

Yesterday, Microsoft released KB4565503 to fix various bugs, including problems introduced by previous updates to the operating system. After installing this update, some users are reporting that the Notepad and Paint apps have been removed from their computers.

Coronavirus

13 percent of Q1 phishing attacks related to COVID-19

In the first quarter of 2020 phishing attacks increased by 22.5 percent compared to the end of 2019, and 13 percent of all phishing was related to COVID-19.

A new report from Positive Technologies also shows that in Q1 there were 23 very active APT groups whose attacks targeted mostly government agencies, industrial, finance, and medical institutions.

By Ian Barker -
Rainbow Revolut card with cryptocurrency logos

Fintech startup Revolut brings cryptocurrency trading to US customers

British fintech firm Revolut has partnered with New York-based Paxos to bring Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to customers in the US.

Having only launched in the United States in March this year, Revolut is gradually bringing the services it already offers in Europe to its American user base. Thanks to the new partnership, residents of 49 states can now indulge in some crypto trading.

FC616CE6-D1DF-4B09-B446-D142A83B2D67

Razer launches itsy bitsy teenie weenie Huntsman Mini gaming keyboard

I'm a big fan of tenkeyless keyboards, which come without the number pad on the right side. Since I don't use those keys (I use the top row of numbers instead), it allows me to save space on my desk. Why have a number pad take up valuable desk space?

Taking things even further, there are "60 percent" keyboards that remove everything from the right of the enter key (arrow keys, insert, print screen, etc). Instead, it maps those as function options on other keys. These keyboards save even more space, all while looking rather cool too. Now, Razer is launching its own 60 percent gaming keyboard. Called "Huntsman Mini" it comes with two options for optical switches -- clicky and linear. And yes, they feature RGB lighting.

By Brian Fagioli -
Network switch

F-Secure uncovers counterfeit Cisco network devices

Finnish cybersecurity company F-Secure has published a report detailing its investigation into a pair of counterfeit Cisco network switches.

The investigation concludes that the counterfeits had been designed to bypass processes that authenticate system components. Two different counterfeit versions of Cisco Catalyst 2960-X series switches were discovered by an IT company after a software update stopped them from working.

By Ian Barker -
Windows 10 desktop background

Microsoft releases KB4565503 to fix problems caused by previous Windows 10 updates

On Patch Tuesday last month, Microsoft kept up its track record of problematic updates. Users who installed KB4557957 or KB4560960 found they were plagued by problems with the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) and forced restarts.

Now the company has pushed out a new update, KB4565503, to address these issues and more.

refinery industry

How digital transformation is changing the oil and gas industry [Q&A]

Businesses across all sectors are looking to review their processes and launch digital transformation projects. But long-established industries like oil and gas, while innovative in some areas often lag behind with their back office systems.

We spoke to Leon Busch, COO of specialist in this sector WolfePak Software to find out how companies in this field are using transformation and what it's doing for their businesses.

By Ian Barker -
Colorful Microsoft logo

SIGRed: Microsoft releases patch for critical, wormable vulnerability in Windows DNS Server

As part of this month's Patch Tuesday, Microsoft has issued a fix for a 17-year-old Windows DNS Server vulnerability. Known as SIGRed and tracked as CVE-2020-1350, the flaw is a serious one that has been assigned a CVSS base score of 10.0.

The vulnerability affects all version of Windows Server and is a wormable remote code execution flaw that requires no user interaction. In addition to issuing a critical patch, Microsoft has also provided details of a workaround for anyone who is unable to deploy the fix immediately

Plugable

Plugable launches UD-3900Z and UD-6950Z USB docking stations

When people ask me for advice on buying a computer, I usually recommend a laptop. Why? Because a laptop offers more versatility than a desktop, allowing it to be taken from place to place. Unless they are a gamer or enthusiast, a desktop is probably a bad choice. Even if they plan to work from a desk with a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, a docking station can easily transform the laptop into a makeshift desktop. Why limit yourself?

Speaking of docking stations, today, Plugable launches two new models. Called "UD-3900Z" and "UD-6950Z" these vertical space-saving docks use USB rather than Thunderbolt, which should be fine for most consumers. Best of all, they are rather affordable, with a starting price below $100.

By Brian Fagioli -
Windows-10 key

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Insider Build 19042.388 (20H2) to the Beta Channel

It’s been a month since Microsoft announced that it would be replacing its Insider ring system, sorting Windows 10 preview releases by quality rather than frequency, and today sees another new release on the Beta Channel -- what used to be the Slow ring.

Build 19042.388 (20H2) is all about fixing issues and making general improvements. Key changes in this build are:

By Wayne Williams -
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