Tech
Raining USBs: Google’s latest measure to protect users from cyber crime
The tech giant has the key to protecting high-risk users from impending scams in yet another move to safeguard the digital cyberspace.
Google is giving free physical USB security keys to 10,000 users who are at high risk of experiencing cyber threats.
The “Titan” USB key will provide two-factor authentication which will supply users with an additional layer of security.
Politicians and human rights activists are among the large number of users receiving the USB, which are normally available to buy for $41.
Google’s partner against crime
A number of organisations have partnerd with Google to help fund the distribution of the keys, Partnership Manager Grace Hoyt and Project Manager Nafis Zebarjadi said in a statement.
“We’re excited to be working with these leading organisations to protect high risk user groups and learn more about the needs of at-risk users and organisations.”
“These collaborations help us make the world’s most advanced security even stronger, more inclusive and easier to use – helping everyone stay safer with Google.”
It comes as the tech giant encourages its users to join its “advanced protection program“.
Under the program, users with high visibility and sensitive information are safeguarded under new protections added to defend against impending cyber threats.
Preventing unauthorised account access, extra protection from harmful downloads and securing personal information are among the measures Google is taking to protect users.
Fighting back against phishing
In late September, the tech giant warned thousands of Gmail users that they had been targeted in a scam coordinated by Russia-linked hacking group APT28,
In an email campaign designed to look legitimate to trick people into revealing their passwords, the Russian fraudsters tried to phish high-profile users.
Shane Huntley, director of Google’s Threat Analysis Group says around 14,000 accounts “across a wide variety of industries” were targeted,
“As we always do, we sent those people who were targeted by government-backed attackers warnings,” Huntly said before confirming the emails were successfully blocked.
Google vows to continue to support their users in the fight against the rise in cyber crime, with these measures the first of many more to come.
Written by Rebecca Borg
Tech
OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns
OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content
OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.
The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.
Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.
Policy Changes
Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.
The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.
OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.
OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.
Tech
Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage
AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally
AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.
Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.
The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.
Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.
Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.
Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.
British Companies
In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.
Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.
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