jilix
jilix
WASHINGTON — A top White House official said Wednesday at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations were impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. FILE - The American and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, in Zhangjiakou, China, on Feb. 2, 2022. A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) Kiichiro Sato Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could grow. The U.S. believes the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden was briefed on the findings and the White House “made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” US officials recommend encrypted messaging apps amid "Salt Typhoon" cyberattack, attributed to China, targeting AT&T, Verizon, and others. Straight Arrow News The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack Tuesday after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages Wednesday. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts White House officials believe the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Trump's pick to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel was allegedly the target of cyberattack attempt by Iranian-backed hackers. Straight Arrow News Neuberger pointed to efforts made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt Typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online. Picture this: You're on vacation in a city abroad, exploring museums, tasting the local cuisine, and people-watching at cafés. Everything is going perfectly until you get a series of alerts on your phone. Someone is making fraudulent charges using your credit card, sending you into a panic. How could this have happened? Cyberattacks targeting travelers are nothing new. But as travel has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, so has the volume of hackers and cybercriminals preying upon tourists. Financial fraud is the most common form of cybercrime experienced by travelers, but surveillance via public Wi-Fi networks, social media hacking, and phishing scams are also common, according to a survey by ExpressVPN . Spokeo consulted cybersecurity sources and travel guides to determine some of the best ways to protect your phone while traveling, from using a VPN to managing secure passwords. Online attacks are not the only type of crime impacting travelers—physical theft of phones is also a threat. Phones have become such invaluable travel aids, housing our navigation tools, digital wallets, itineraries, and contacts, that having your phone stolen, lost, or compromised while abroad can be devastating. Meanwhile, traveling can make people uniquely vulnerable to both cyber and physical attacks due to common pitfalls like oversharing on social media and letting your guard down when it comes to taking risks online. Luckily, there are numerous precautions travelers can take to safeguard against cyberattacks and phone theft. TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP // Getty Images Hackers can—and do—target public Wi-Fi networks at cafés and hotels to gain access to your personal information or install malware onto your device, particularly on unsecured networks. Travelers are especially vulnerable to these types of cybersecurity breaches because they are often more reliant on public Wi-Fi than they would be in their home countries where they have more robust phone plans. This reliance on public, unsecured networks means travelers are more likely to use those networks to perform sensitive tasks like financial transfers, meaning hackers can easily gain access to banking information or other passwords. One easy way to safeguard yourself against these breaches is to use a virtual private network, or VPN, while traveling. VPNs are apps that encrypt your data and hide your location, preventing hackers from accessing personal information. An added bonus is that VPNs allow you to access websites that may be blocked or unavailable in the country you are visiting. To use a VPN, simply download a VPN app on your phone or computer, create an account, choose a server, and connect. Robert Nickelsberg // Getty Images Pickpockets, scammers, and flagrant, snatch-your-phone-right-out-of-your-hand thieves can be found pretty much everywhere. In London, for instance, a staggering 91,000 phones were reported stolen to police in 2022 , breaking down to an average of 248 per day, according to the BBC. Whether you're visiting a crowded tourist attraction or just want peace of mind, travel experts advise taking precautions to make sure your phone isn't physically stolen or compromised while traveling. There are several antitheft options to choose from. If you want a bag that will protect your phone from theft, experts recommend looking for features like slash-resistant fabric, reinforced shoulder straps, hidden zippers that can be locked, and secure attachment points, like a cross-body strap or a sturdy clip. For tethers, look for those made of tear-resistant material with a reinforced clip or ring. Lauren DeCicca // Getty Images In order for the previous tip on this list to work, "Find My Phone" must be turned on in advance, but remotely wiping your device isn't the only thing this feature allows you to do. The "Find My Phone" feature enables you to track your device, as long as it's turned on and not in airplane mode. This is particularly helpful if you misplaced your phone or left it somewhere since it can help you retrace your steps. While this feature won't show you the live location of a phone that has been turned off, it will show the phone's last known location. With "Find My Phone," you can also remotely lock your phone or enable "Lost Mode," which locks down the phone, suspends any in-phone payment methods, and displays contact information for returning the phone to you. If your phone was stolen, experts caution against taking matters into your own hands by chasing down the thief, since this could land you in a potentially dangerous situation and is unlikely to result in getting your phone back. Canva Strong passwords for important accounts help protect your information while you travel, but it's just a first step. The National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends creating long, unique, and complex passwords for every account and combining them with multifactor authentication to create maximum barriers to entry. If you're worried about remembering these passwords, password managers can be a vital tool for both creating and storing strong passwords. Password managers are apps that act as secure vaults for all your passwords. Some even come with a feature that allows you to temporarily delete sensitive passwords before you travel and then easily restore them once you return. Story editing by Mia Nakaji Monnier. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Spokeo and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. KT Stock photos // Shutterstock
TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Every pet parent knows that pang of guilt when they have to leave their animals at home, especially for extended periods of time. Even with pet sitters, friends, or family checking in on them, there's nothing like being able to keep an eye out for them yourself from a distance with the help of a pet camera. Luckily, the Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera is 50% off during Amazon's Black Friday sale and it's the perfect opportunity to ensure your pet's safety even when you aren't home. Originally $99, you can score the smart pet camera for just $45. Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera, $45 (was $99) at Amazon Courtesy of Amazon The Furbo 360 Dog Camera can rotate and give you a full view of the room it's in, which is ideal for checking in on your pet while you're away. With the camera's two-way audio, you can also send your pet a quick voice note. But best of all, it dishes out treats on demand. Through the Furbo app and a monthly subscription as low as $5.38 per month, you can get the most out of the smart camera's features, including emergency alerts, behavior alerts, video history, and more. Related: Walmart is selling a 'very cute' $239 patio set with hidden storage for only $100 while it's on clearance With over 28,900 five-star ratings, pet owners swear by the smart camera. One shopper wrote that it's a "game changer" for them and their dog. "I love being able to check in on my dog while I’m at work or out for the day. The video quality is excellent, even at night, and the 160-degree wide-angle lens lets me see the entire room. The two-way audio feature is amazing — I can talk to my dog and even calm him down if he’s feeling anxious." "One of the best parts is the treat-tossing feature! My dog has so much fun with it, and it keeps him entertained when I’m not home. Plus, Furbo sends bark alerts and even activity updates, so I’m always in the loop on what he’s up to. I feel so much more connected to my dog, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I can check in on him anytime," the shopper added. Other reviewers wrote that it's "a must-have for dog owners" and they "couldn’t live without it." For only $45, the Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera is easily one of the best Black Friday deals you can invest in if you want to keep an eye on your pets.
Cartessa Aesthetics Introduces Three New Technologies to Give Providers a Head Start for 2025
The family of the 6th and 7th Dukes of Portland has hit out at the University of Nottingham for claiming that their ancestors benefited from slavery despite being born decades after it was abolished. The establishment, which was founded in 1881, has published a report into the financial links between its donors and the slave trade and concluded that the 7th Duke, William Arthur Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, enjoyed "social capital" and "respectability" thanks to the wealth he inherited through the practice, which was outlawed 60 years before he was born in 1893. The first Duke of Portland, Henry Bentinck, served as a governor of Jamaica in the early 18th century and reportedly earned over £3.8m from his several hundred slaves. However, the family, who have been patrons of Nottingham University since it was founded, say the links made by the report have "troubling ethical implications of holding descendents accountable for the actions of their ancestors," GB News reports . Cavendish-Bentinck, who died in 1977, served in the First World War before becoming a Conservative MP and the Portland building on the university campus is named after him. The report concluded that: "Ultimately, the Cavendish-Bentincks benefited from the slavery business in terms of reputational, cultural and social capital, all of which were inherited, to a greater or lesser extent, by those members of the following generations who opted to remain engaged with Britain's West-Indian colonial project." It adds: "The findings also act as a starting point for the process of truth telling, admission, reconciliation, reparatory justice and, for the descendants of the enslaved African people, healing from the legacies and trauma of transatlantic slavery." The university said it will use the findings to inform "appropriate reparatory measures". Professor Katherine Linehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for People and Culture said: “The publication of this report is the first step in acknowledging these historical links and will act as a catalyst to an open dialogue between the university and its black heritage community with respect to reparative justice.” The report also found that between 36% and 44% of private donations to the university after 1875 were made by patrons with "links to the transatlantic slave economy", including familiar names Boots Pharmacy, Barclays and the Lloyds and Midland banks.An evil that must be ended In Pakistan, the deep entrenchment of unethical practices within both social and political spheres has led to a situation where such behaviour is no longer seen as an anomaly but as the norm. Bribery, favouritism, and the manipulation of systems are often considered not moral failings but rather pragmatic tools for navigating the complexities of bureaucracy or overcoming the barriers of political hurdles. This normalization of corruption is the result of a long history marked by political instability, weak governance, and the absence of strong institutional frameworks. In such an environment, those who strive to uphold integrity are often seen as naive or unrealistic, while those who engage in these morally questionable practices are regarded as smart or resourceful. This mindset fuels a cycle in which dishonesty becomes the currency of success, reinforcing a system that rewards short-term gains over long-term justice and perpetuating a culture of corruption across all levels of society. The feeling of impunity among the wealthy and powerful elites only strengthens this cycle. Politicians, generals, judges, bureaucrats, and businessmen who hold significant influence in Pakistan often feel immune to prosecution, and many believe that their wealth and social connections protect them from accountability. This sense of powerlessness within the public leads to a lack of trust in institutions, reinforcing the idea that corruption is an unavoidable part of Pakistan’s political and social structure. As a result, many citizens view corruption not as a personal moral failing but as a necessary survival tactic in an unjust system where the ruling elites often remain unscathed. This systemic acceptance of corruption has contributed to Pakistan’s steady decline on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The failure of political and administrative leadership to implement meaningful reforms is a major reason for this persistent decline. Structural factors, such as a politicized legal system and weak institutions, have made it difficult to address corruption at its roots. Political patronage and cronyism complicate efforts to break the chains of corruption, as powerful elites often control state institutions and manipulate the system to their advantage. Moreover, political instability and changes in leadership frequently result in anti-corruption measures being viewed not as reforms but as political campaigns aimed at discrediting rivals. To effectively combat corruption, Pakistan needs to undertake comprehensive reforms across multiple sectors. A robust and transparent judicial system is essential for holding corrupt individuals accountable. Furthermore, political financing must be more strictly regulated, as corruption often stems from the unregulated flow of money in politics. Comprehensive reforms in political financing can help reduce the influence of money in elections and governance, ensuring that public office is not a tool for private gain. Another important step is to ensure the protection of whistleblowers, who often face retaliation for exposing corrupt practices. Establishing a legal framework that safeguards whistleblowers would encourage more citizens to come forward and report corruption without fear of reprisal. Despite the formation of institutions like NAB, which is tasked with investigating corruption and recovering misappropriated funds, the anti-corruption efforts in Pakistan have largely been ineffective. NAB has frequently been criticized for selective accountability, with those aligned with the ruling party often avoiding scrutiny, while political opponents are targeted. The lack of independence and slow progress in investigations has also tarnished its credibility. The pace at which cases are handled is often too slow, and in many instances, corrupt individuals settle for relatively minor penalties, which further erodes public trust in the system. Other anti-corruption bodies, such as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and provincial offices, also face similar challenges due to political interference, lack of resources, and ineffective enforcement. The consequences of corruption in Pakistan ripple through vital sectors like healthcare, education, and law enforcement, causing profound harm to society. In healthcare, corruption diverts resources, fuels the theft of funds, and leads to the distribution of substandard medicines, leaving the poor to suffer in an inefficient system. Bribes for basic medical services erode trust, worsening public health. In education, misappropriated funds and bribery for promotions or grades create a broken system where ghost schools exist only on paper, perpetuating inequality and hindering progress. This corruption fosters a cycle of ignorance that stunts both individual potential and national growth. In law enforcement, bribery and political interference compromise the rule of law, enabling criminals to flourish and eroding justice. Such systemic corruption not only weakens institutions but also poisons the moral fabric of society. To break free from this cycle, Pakistan must strive for integrity and accountability, embracing justice as the foundation for true progress and equality. Corruption, with its deep and lasting impact, continues to hinder Pakistan’s development, eroding trust in institutions and deepening social and economic divides. It obstructs the potential for growth by diverting critical resources that could otherwise be used to foster prosperity, improve public services, and reduce inequality. As corruption becomes entrenched in the political system, citizens lose faith in the democratic process, leading to political apathy, disillusionment, and a sense of powerlessness. The resulting inefficiency and inequality trap the most vulnerable in a cycle of poverty, denying them access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and justice. Without substantial reforms and a genuine commitment to transparency, the cycle of corruption will persist, keeping Pakistan from realizing its full potential. Engaging civil society, strengthening media oversight, and ensuring public access to government records are key steps towards increasing accountability and fostering a culture of openness. Ultimately, only by confronting corruption head-on can Pakistan break free from its current constraints and begin building a future founded on justice, integrity, and progress, one where the ideals of democracy and fairness are not just aspirations, but attainable realities for all. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
3 Reasons to Buy Estée Lauder Stock Like There's No Tomorrow
Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 seasonAP News Summary at 5:05 p.m. EST
Alex Berenguer prodded the hosts ahead after 53 minutes before Mbappe – who failed to convert a Champions League penalty against Liverpool last week – sent his kick too close to Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. Jude Bellingham appeared to have rescued a point for Real after scoring for the fourth successive league game 12 minutes from time. 📸 PORTERAZO. JULEN, JULEN! JULEN JULEN! #AthleticRealMadrid #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/w260s6xo79 — Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) December 4, 2024 But Federico Valverde’s mistake two minutes later gifted Gorka Guruzeta the winner in front of a delirious San Mames crowd. On a busy night of second-round Copa del Rey action, Villarreal suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Pontevedra while there were wins for Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano and Valencia. Fiorentina went out of the Coppa Italia to Empoli on penalties on an emotional night at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Viola were back in action after Edoardo Bove’s health scare forced their weekend league fixture with Inter Milan to be abandoned during the first half. Midfielder Bove collapsed on the pitch and required emergency medical treatment. He was taken to hospital but regained consciousness in intensive care. Esposito's penalty books Empoli's place in the next round 💪 #FiorentinaEmpoli pic.twitter.com/UUxghH9l6b — Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 4, 2024 Empoli led at half-time through Emmanuel Ekong’s fourth-minute opener before Moise Kean and Riccardo Sottil put Fiorentina ahead. Sebastiano Esposito struck 15 minutes from time to make it 2-2 and take the last-16 tie into extra time, Empoli eventually winning 4-3 on penalties. Benjamin Sesko opened the scoring and Luis Openda struck twice as RB Leipzig brushed aside Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in the German DFB Pokal. Second-half goals from Denis Vavro, Jonas Wind and Yannick Gerhardt saw Wolfsburg beat Hoffenheim 3-0. Cologne knocked out Hertha Berlin 2-1 after extra time with Dejan Ljubicic converting a penalty in the final seconds, while Augsburg prevailed 5-4 on penalties against Karlsruhe after a 2-2 draw.
Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference and classified documents cases against Trump
Jones alleges fraud and collusion marred the bankruptcy auction in which The Onion was named the winning bidder on November 14 over a company affiliated with him. US bankruptcy judge Christopher Lopez had been scheduled to hear an emergency motion to disqualify The Onion’s bid, but decided to put it off until either December 9 or December 17. That is also when the judge will hear arguments on a request to approve the sale of Infowars to The Onion. Mr Lopez said similar arguments are being made in both requests. He could allow The Onion to move forward with the sale, order a new auction or name the other bidder as the winner. At stake is whether Mr Jones gets to stay at Infowars’ studio in Austin, Texas, under a new owner friendly to him, or whether he gets kicked out by The Onion. The other bidder, First United American Companies, runs a website in Mr Jones’s name that sells nutritional supplements. Regardless, Mr Jones has set up a new studio, websites and social media accounts that would allow him to keep airing his show. His personal account with 3.3 million followers on the social platform X was not part of the sale, although Mr Lopez will be deciding whether it should be included in the liquidation and sold off later. In a new court filing on Monday, lawyers for X objected to any sale of the accounts of both Mr Jones and Infowars, saying X is the owner of the accounts and that it has not given consent for them to be sold or transferred. Mr Jones has praised X owner Elon Musk on his show and suggested that Mr Musk should buy Infowars. Mr Musk has not responded publicly to that suggestion and was not among the bidders. Mr Jones’ bankruptcy and the liquidation of his assets came about after he was ordered to pay nearly 1.5 billion dollars (£1.19 billion) to relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Mr Jones was found liable for defamation and emotional distress damages in lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas for repeatedly calling the 2012 shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators a hoax staged by actors to increase gun control. Proceeds from the liquidation are to go to Mr Jones’s creditors, including the Sandy Hook families who sued him. Mr Jones alleged The Onion’s bid was the result of fraud and collusion involving many of those families, the humour site and a court-appointed trustee who is overseeing the liquidation. First United American Companies submitted a 3.5 million dollar (£2.7 million) sealed bid, while The Onion offered 1.75 million dollars (£1.3 million) in cash. But The Onion’s bid also included a pledge by Sandy Hook families to forego some or all of the auction proceeds due to them giving other creditors a total of 100,000 dollars (£79,400) more than they would receive under other bids. The trustee, Christopher Murray, said that made The Onion’s proposal better for creditors and he named it the winning bid. He has denied any wrongdoing. Mr Jones and First United American Companies claimed that the bid violated Mr Lopez’s rules for the auction by including multiple entities and lacking a valid dollar amount. Mr Jones also alleged Mr Murray improperly cancelled an expected round of live bidding and only selected among the sealed bids that were submitted. Mr Jones called the auction “rigged” and a “fraud” on his show, which airs on the Infowars website, radio stations and his X account. In a court filing, Mr Murray called the allegations “a disappointed bidder’s improper attempt to influence an otherwise fair and open auction process”. Mr Lopez’s September order on the auction procedures made a live bidding round optional. It gave broad authority to Mr Murray to conduct the sale, including the power to reject any bid, no matter how high, that was “contrary to the best interests” of Mr Jones, his company and their creditors. Hi friends! I wanted to give a quick update on The Onion’s purchase of InfoWars, which we can’t wait to relaunch as the dumbest site on the internet. Long and short of it: We won the bid and — you're not going to believe it — the previous InfoWars folks aren't taking it well. — follow @bencollins on bluesky (@oneunderscore__) November 16, 2024 But at a November 14 hearing, Mr Lopez said he was concerned about the process and transparency. “We’re all going to an evidentiary hearing and I’m going to figure out exactly what happened,” he said. “No one should feel comfortable with the results of this auction.” The assets of Infowars’ parent company, Free Speech Systems, that were up for sale included the Austin studio, Infowars’ video archive, video production equipment, product trademarks, and Infowars’ websites and social media accounts. Mr Jones is appealing the 1.5 billion dollar (£1.19 billion) in judgments citing free speech rights but has acknowledged that the school shooting happened. Mr Jones has brought in millions of dollars a year in revenue by hawking nutritional supplements, clothing, survival gear and other merchandise from his Infowars Store website, according to court documents. Many of Mr Jones’ personal assets, including real estate as well as guns and other personal belongings, also are being sold as part of the bankruptcy.
