Harmony Evans's Blog, page 622
November 23, 2023
Russian hackers unleash new USB-based cyber threat LitterDrifter
The Russian state-affiliated hacker group, known by various aliases including Gamaredon, Primitive Bear, ACTINIUM, Armageddon, and Shuckworm, has broadened its cyber espionage efforts beyond its initial focus on Ukraine, as per reporting by Computing. This expansion has been marked by the global spread of a USB-based malware known as LitterDrifter.
Historically linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service by Ukraine’s Security Service, Gamaredon has been active since 2014. Their operations have predominantly targeted Ukrainian organizations to collect comprehensive data through various malware tools, with LitterDrifter being a notable example. This particular malware is a computer worm developed in Visual Basic Scripting language.
The mechanics of LitterDrifter’s spreadThe primary mechanism of LitterDrifter involves propagation through USB drives, leading to the persistent infection of devices. These infected devices then communicate with servers controlled by Gamaredon. Check Point Research has noted that LitterDrifter has inadvertently or intentionally spread to several countries, including the USA, Vietnam, Chile, Poland, Germany, and Hong Kong.
LitterDrifter rapidly replicates, a trait typical of computer worms. Its self-replicating nature mirrors significant cyber threats like Stuxnet, but it stands out with its USB-based activation, similar to worms like NotPetya and WannaCry.
The spreading mechanism of LitterDrifter involves creating deceptive shortcut files (LNK) and hidden instances of a file named “trash.dll” on removable USB drives. It uses Windows Management Instrumentation to scan a computer’s logical drives, specifically targeting removable USB drives identified by a null MediaType value. The worm then infiltrates subfolders on these drives, generating shortcuts that aid in disseminating the malware.
The global spread of LitterDrifter signifies a worrying escalation in cyber espionage capabilities, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by state-affiliated hacking groups. The ease with which this malware spreads via USB drives emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and awareness, particularly for organizations that handle sensitive data. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying ahead of such risks is crucial for maintaining global cybersecurity integrity.
Maxwell WilliamMaxwell William, a seasoned crypto journalist and content strategist, has notably contributed to industry-leading platforms such as Cointelegraph, OKX Insights, and Decrypt, weaving complex crypto narratives into insightful articles that resonate with a broad readership.
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An unmissable Xbox Series X price crash brings it down to under £350
Black Friday has arrived and an absolute stormer of an Xbox Series X deal is kicking the day off with a bang. You can now grab the console for more than £150 off.
We’ve seen a lot of offers on the Series X over the November deals season already but this is the best yet. The Xbox Series X is down to £341.86, down from £479.99 for Black Friday using code OFFER5 on Ebay.
Save £138 on the Xbox Series X for Black Friday
If you’ve thought about grabbing Xbox’s most powerful console then now is the time, with it down to £341.86 on the ShopTo store over on Ebay (using code OFFER5).
EbaySave £138Now £341.86The Xbox Series X is a premium console, and that’s why it’s come in at a cost of £500 for much of its lifespan. But, over the course of the Black Friday event, we’ve seen it drop below £400. It’s fallen lower and lower as we’ve approached the big day and, now, you can surprisingly nab it for under £350. It’s a price that’s better than everything we’ve seen thus far across the big retailers, with it sitting at £359 on Amazon right now.
Is the Xbox Series X worth buying?Our review of the Xbox Series X two years after release
ProsSleek and premium designXbox Game Pass offers a stunning level of valueQuick Resume is a game changerSSD makes games and applications faster than everConsUser interface and overall design is very familiarNot as many high-quality exclusives as PS5 and SwitchThe Xbox Series X is a powerhouse of a console, providing excellent 4K gameplay and access to AAA gaming. The design has been hugely modified from the previous generation, offering a sleek and stealthy look. A big sell of the new console is the growth of Xbox Game Pass (which is available across other Xbox consoles) with a stunning range of games available for a monthly price, and they look best on the Series X. The new onboard SSD also gives you fast loading times and the brilliant Quick Resume feature that lets you bounce from game to game.
If you want to find out more, make sure you take a look at our comprehensive Xbox Series X review.
Looking for a different deal?Fancy a quality peripheral to go with your Xbox Series X purchase or just looking for something different? The stunning 5-star Asus ROG Azoth keyboard is down to £222.99 for Black Friday. If you aren’t committed to a new Xbox, do check out our best Black Friday Nintendo Switch Deals for offers on Nintendo’s device, as well as our Black Friday Deals for a bumper set of deals.
Our favourite Black Friday deals:Source link
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Says State Will Phase Out Sale of New Gas Powered Cars by 2035 | The Gateway Pundit
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently announced that the state will phase out the sale of new cars that run on gas by 2035. This is similar to what the Democrat governor of New Mexico has said. Other states are making similar moves.
These people will not be in office in 2035. Why are they able to make decisions now that will affect people in their states over ten years from now?
This is part of the Democrats’ grand plan for a green push. They’re not waiting for the country to be ready for it, they don’t even care if people want it, they’re just doing what they want to do.
The Hill reported:
New Jersey to phase out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035
New Jersey will phase out the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, joining states such as California and New York, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced Wednesday.
The Advanced Clean Cars II rule, set to take effect Jan. 1, will make the Garden State the 11th state on such a trajectory, joining Vermont, Washington, Oregon, Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maryland and Connecticut. The rule, which California originated in 2022, will have no effect on use or ownership of existing gas-powered vehicles or used car sales.
New Jersey has already adopted an emissions standard for trucks that also originated in California.
“By filing the landmark Advanced Clean Cars II rule, New Jersey builds upon its standing as a national leader in climate action and its participation in the global Accelerating to Zero commitment,” Murphy said in a statement. “The steps we take today to lower emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, all while increasing access to cleaner car choices. Indeed, together with my Administration’s continuing investments in voluntary electric vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, and the green economy, these new standards will preserve consumer choice and promote affordability for hardworking New Jerseyans across the state.”
In the future that they envision for the rest of us, the only people who will be able to own a car are the wealthy and powerful. Everyone else will be expected to use public transportation.
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Meta’s responsible AI team disbanded for generative AI focus
In a significant shift of focus, Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, has reportedly disbanded its Responsible AI team, pivoting more resources toward the development of generative artificial intelligence. This move, first reported by The Information, indicates a strategic realignment within the company’s AI division.
The transition to generative AIAccording to internal sources, most members of the RAI team will be integrated into Meta’s generative AI product team, while others will contribute to the company’s AI infrastructure. This restructuring comes as Meta continues to emphasize its commitment to developing AI responsibly, a promise underscored on its website where it lists key pillars of responsible AI, including accountability, transparency, safety, and privacy.
Meta’s continued commitment to responsible AIDespite the dissolution of the RAI team, Jon Carvill, a representative for Meta, assured that the company remains dedicated to safe and responsible AI development. He emphasized that the disbanded team members would still support cross-Meta efforts on responsible AI development and use. However, Meta had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
Earlier this year, the RAI team underwent a restructuring that included layoffs, as reported by Business Insider. This left the team, established in 2019, with limited autonomy and a requirement for extensive stakeholder negotiations before implementing initiatives. The team mainly scrutinizing AI training methods, focusing on training data diversity and averting moderation problems across Meta’s platforms.
Controversies and challenges in AIMeta’s AI systems have faced various challenges, including a Facebook translation error leading to a false arrest, biased image generation in WhatsApp AI stickers, and Instagram algorithms inadvertently aiding in the discovery of child sexual abuse materials. These incidents highlight the complexities and ethical considerations in AI development.
Meta’s restructuring, alongside Microsoft’s similar move, aligns with global efforts to establish AI regulations. The U.S. is collaborating with AI firms to set safety standards, and the EU is progressing towards its AI Act.
Maxwell WilliamMaxwell William, a seasoned crypto journalist and content strategist, has notably contributed to industry-leading platforms such as Cointelegraph, OKX Insights, and Decrypt, weaving complex crypto narratives into insightful articles that resonate with a broad readership.
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We’ve found one of the last iPhone 13 Mini deals
Apple no longer makes and sells any phones from its shortlived Mini series, and they’re becoming harder and harder to find.
However, we’ve found one of the last remaining iPhone 13 Mini deals around and if you’re keen on picking up Apple’s smallest device this shouldn’t be missed.
For more deals. check out our live blog rounding up the best Black Friday deals.
We’ve found one of the last iPhone 13 Mini deals
This deal gets you the 128GB iPhone 13 Mini, 400GB of data per month plus unlimited calls and texts for an upfront price of £55 and monthly payments of £24. For more deals.
Mobiles.co.uk400GB data£24 a monthApple’s smallest phone still packs a punch
ProsGreat cameraBetter battery life than the previous MiniThe most powerful small phone aroundConsNo ProMotionNo optical zoomStill can’t compete with the other iPhone 13 models for battery lifeApple made two mini-sized devices, and this is the newer of the two. It has a 5.4-inch display, two rear 12MP cameras and can still run the latest iOS 17 software you’ll find on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
We were huge fans of the iPhone 13 Mini when we reviewed it, with our verdict reading “It might be mini in size, but the iPhone 13 Mini excels thanks to an excellent camera, quality display and improved battery life.”
Our favourite Black Friday deals:Below you’ll find some of the favourite Black Friday deals that our team of experts has found so far.
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House Ethics Committee Votes Against Opening Investigation Into Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman For Pulling Fire Alarm | The Gateway Pundit
The House Ethics Committee on Wednesday voted against opening an investigation into Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman for pulling the fire alarm.
There is no DOJ charge for “obstructing an official proceeding” for Bowman or investigation from House Ethics.
Bowman was only hit with one misdemeanor and he struck a deal with Democrat DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb to have the charges expunged.
BREAKING: The House Ethics Committee just voted against opening an investigation into Rep. Jamaal Bowman for pulling the fire alarm.
No DOJ charge for “obstructing an official proceeding” for Bowman or investigation from House Ethics.
Just one misdemeanor. pic.twitter.com/Z4AEAAN14z
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 22, 2023
Insurrectionist Jamaal Bowman was caught on camera pulling the fire alarm in the Cannon building after Democrats unsuccessfully tried to adjourn the House of Representatives and go home hours before a government shutdown in September.
Bowman tore down emergency exit signs before he pulled the fire alarm in an effort to obstruct a crucial vote.
NEW FOOTAGE: Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman removes warning signs before pulling the fire alarm in a House office building last month pic.twitter.com/dhwOQN2G6y
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 26, 2023
However, he continued to lie and gaslight after he committed a crime.
“You know, I don’t know why this has gotten so much attention. I was literally just in a rush to go vote, man! That’s all it was!” a smug Bowman told a reporter last month.
Last month Jamaal Bowman was criminally charged by the DC attorney general for pulling the fire alarm in the US Capitol.
He reported to the police station to be booked, fingerprinted, and have his mugshot taken.
Later that day Jamaal Bowman said he struck a deal with Democrat DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb to have the fire alarm charges expunged from his record once he pays a measly fine. He will not be held in the DC Gulag like dozens of Trump supporters for their actions at the January 6, 2021 protests, many who did much less than this.
The post House Ethics Committee Votes Against Opening Investigation Into Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman For Pulling Fire Alarm | The Gateway Pundit appeared first on Harmony Evans.
Inflection AI unveils Inflection-2, surpassing Google and Meta in AI performance
Inflection AI, the innovative startup behind the conversational chatbot Pi, has recently unveiled a new AI model, Inflection-2, claiming superior performance over popular models developed by Google and Meta. According to a recent Forbes report, this new model is rapidly gaining attention for its potential to rival OpenAI’s GPT-4.
Inflection-2 has demonstrated impressive results, outperforming Google’s PaLM Large 2 and Meta’s LLaMA 2 in various standard benchmarks. According to Inflection AI, their model is the most efficient of its size, only trailing behind OpenAI’s larger GPT-4 model.
Inflection AI’s vision for the futureMustafa Suleyman, CEO of Inflection AI, expressed his excitement about the future capabilities of AI, emphasizing that we are just at the beginning of a transformative era. He highlighted the upcoming integration of Inflection-2 into their chatbot Pi, which will enhance its functionality and real-time information processing capabilities.
Inflection AI aims to refine Pi’s ability to handle sensitive topics like race, gender, and politics with factual accuracy. The integration of Inflection-2 into Pi is expected soon, promising a more nuanced and informed user experience.
User popularity and industry impactWhile specific user numbers remain undisclosed, the CEO assures that Pi has achieved massive popularity and retention. This development comes amidst significant events at OpenAI, including the temporary firing and subsequent reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman.
Despite industry turmoil, Inflection AI insists that the release of Inflection-2 was not expedited but rather slightly delayed. The model, trained on 5,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs, showcases significant improvements in speed and cost-efficiency.
Inflection-2 has shown remarkable performance in the MMLU benchmark, excelling in high school and professional-level tasks across various subjects. It outperformed other models in scientific answering and question-and-answer tasks, although it still trails GPT-4 in some areas.
Inflection AI is now focusing on developing a model 10 times larger than Inflection-2 within the next six months, followed by another model 10 times bigger. This ambitious scaling reflects the competitive and innovative spirit driving the AI industry.
Balancing business and innovationAs the AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly, Suleyman acknowledges the competitive nature of the industry, viewing any potential stumbles by rivals like OpenAI as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Inflection-2 not only marks an AI advancement but also signals a new era of competition and creativity in Silicon Valley. With its impressive performance and strategic vision, Inflection AI could become a key player in shaping AI’s future.
Maxwell WilliamMaxwell William, a seasoned crypto journalist and content strategist, has notably contributed to industry-leading platforms such as Cointelegraph, OKX Insights, and Decrypt, weaving complex crypto narratives into insightful articles that resonate with a broad readership.
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iPhone 13 is now a mid-range handset at this price
On the hunt for a new phone this Black Friday, but don’t want to break the bank? This iPhone 13 contract deal is certainly worth considering due to the large amounts of data and low upfront cost.
For more deals. check out our live blog rounding up the best Black Friday deals.
iPhone 13 is now a mid-range handset at this price
With this deal you’re getting 250GB of data per month, plus all the calls and texts you want, for £26.99. There’s also a small upfront fee of £9.
MobilesID Mobile Network£9Is the iPhone 13 still a good phone?Bigger upgrades than you might think
ProsMuch improved battery lifeBright, vivid OLED displayExcellent main cameraConsNo ProMotionNo optical zoomThe iPhone 13 isn’t the newest iPhone you can buy, however at this price it remains a good choice. It’s also worth always noting with iPhones that Apple supports these phones for multiple years with iOS updates, so this model is compatible with the same iOS 17 update you’ll find installed on the iPhone 15. This features additions like Standby mode which turns the phone into a nifty bedside clock.
There also wasn’t much difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 and it’s generally accepted the colour choices are a bit nicer with the iPhone 13. The OLED display is great, even in 2023, while the cameras still compare favourably to other devices at a similar price.
Our favourite Black Friday deals:Below you’ll find some of the favourite Black Friday deals that our team of experts has found so far.
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November 22, 2023
SNL Alum Jon Lovitz Slams Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel for Pushing a Political Agenda With Late Night Shows | The Gateway Pundit
Saturday Night Live alum Jon Lovitz may not be a conservative, but he does often seem like a common sense guy.
During a recent interview with FOX News, Lovitz tore into late night hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel for constantly using their late night shows to push a political agenda.
Lovitz points out that the legacy of Johnny Carson was one of comedy and entertainment and that late night has been ruined in recent years.
FOX News reports:
Jon Lovitz tears into Colbert, Kimmel for pushing ‘political agenda’ in late night: They ‘hammer it to death’
Actor and comedian Jon Lovitz took aim at the politicization of late night comedy, calling out liberal hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers during an exclusive interview with FOX News Digital.
Lovitz, who’s been a comedy icon for nearly 40 years since his days as a “Saturday Night Live” cast member, was asked about the transformation of comedy over the years and drew attention to how polarizing late night shows have become since the Trump era.
“I don’t like it. I don’t like it,” Lovitz said. “They were comedy shows. And now, except for Jimmy Fallon, they’ve all become very political. And for me, it’s just- it’s too much.”
“I mean, Johnny Carson would, you know, he would do two or three jokes about whoever was president then or what was going on then and that was it. But they were entertainment shows,” he said. “I know all those guys. And they’re very nice guys. Very talented. I know Seth. I know Stephen Colbert. I know Jimmy Kimmel. I think they’re funny, you know. But when they started doing the political stuff, like, so one-sided, it’s like- and that’s all it is, the whole thing, it’s just like, that’s not the shows that I used to go on. You know, it was ‘The Tonight Show’ and David Letterman.”
Lovitz is absolutely right about this. Colbert is the worst. His show has turned into a late night infomercial for the Democrat party. Almost every guest is a hardcore left winger. It’s not entertainment anymore, it’s political propaganda.
(Image:Source)
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Kimberly McMorris Uses Traumatic Past to Fuel Her Success and Aims to Guide Others
Entrepreneur, insurance expert, and community leader Kimberly McMorris knows how it feels to be silenced and powerless. At the age of 12, she was molested by her stepfather’s brother and witnessed her favorite aunt’s life being taken by her uncle. Those were just two of many experiences that created a history of trauma that took her decades to overcome.
However, now that she has managed to overcome her trials, her mission is to help other women use their pain as fuel to propel them to the lives they desire. One way she plans to do that is through her upcoming autobiography, Shadows & Sunshine, set for release in December.
“My purpose is really to empower women,” McMorris said. “When I think of where I am right now compared to where I used to be, it is night and day. I was a broken person, but I have finally found my voice and my purpose, and I want to help other women to pick up the pieces and step into theirs.”
Finding herself meant enduring childhood sexual and domestic abuse, narrowly escaping the drug game, and ultimately getting on the long road to recovery after joining the military and getting therapy. Much of this is covered in her book, and she also shares her journey and lessons during speaking engagements at conferences and women’s events.
From Trauma to Freedom“The best thing I ever could have done was go and get some therapy. It freed me because I had to forgive myself and then I had to forgive others,” she said. “I had to realize this world owes me nothing. There are so many individuals who are holding onto past issues and trauma, whether it is mommy and daddy issues, or relationship issues. This is holding them back personally and professionally. We have to learn to move on and empower ourselves to make our futures better than our past.”
A key moment for McMorris was when she learned that two of her nieces had been molested. Dealing with that news reminded her of the pain and trauma she endured as a young girl. Yet, she realized that in order for her nieces to overcome their trauma, she had to be strong and walk them through it. She eventually took custody of them.
In the last few years, McMorris has become a recognized figure in the city of Atlanta due to her tenacity, service, and volunteerism. She is the co-owner and COO of First Priority Insurance with her husband, in addition to working as a strategic impact consultant for various community organizations and leaders. A master connector, she is frequently spotted at social and networking functions or planning and facilitating business events addressing economic development, education, and empowerment with high-powered local, national, and international leaders.
Kimberly McMorris with a delegation in Bamougoum, CameroonAttacking the wealth gap and improving mental health is of key importance to McMorris. Also, promoting collaboration and the flow of business between Black America and Africa. She ran initiatives through Black Wall Street USA and is currently the Director of Public Affairs for the Conference of Black Mayors. McMorris has taken several trips to Africa to build relationships with numerous organizations and is planning to host a delegation from Cameroon in Atlanta, among other things.
The caliber of her work and her position as a real difference-maker is something she never could have imagined ten years ago. She understands that everything she experienced in her past is the reason she now possesses the ability to navigate chaos and function in high-pressure situations.
“I believe in making an impact in peoples lives by building bridges, not just in business, but in family as well,” she said. “In order to accomplish that, I had to set myself free. I had to discover my strength. Because I have, I can help the broke and the broken – especially women, to discover theirs and find success and purpose.”
Published First on Grit Daily. Read Here.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Adonyi Gábor; Pexels; Thank you!
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