
After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications. To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.” End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is garble that can't be unscrambled without the key. Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won't be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over. Adobe Stock Here's a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption: Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. If you're an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages. The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on. But there's a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards. Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.” Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.” To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps. Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption to all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.” Signal's encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp, so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger, which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms. Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels" but contrary to popular perception, it doesn't turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats. Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France. Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages. There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted. The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed. WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding an IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed.
Over $1.5 Million Raised In Record Time: WallitIQ (WLTQ) Presale Is The Talk of The Crypto MarketHow to protect your communications through encryption
Franklin Resources Inc. Acquires 11,289 Shares of Kayne Anderson BDC, Inc. (NYSE:KBDC)Average rate on 30-year mortgage hits 6.6%, its third straight weekly declineAfter a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications. To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.” End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is garble that can't be unscrambled without the key. Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won't be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over. Here's a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption: Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. If you're an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages. The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on. But there's a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards. Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.” Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.” To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps. Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption to all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.” Signal's encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp, so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger, which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms. Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels" but contrary to popular perception, it doesn't turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats. Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France. Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages. There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted. The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed. WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding an IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
In conclusion, NPC companions are a vital component of the gaming experience, offering players companionship, assistance, and entertainment. To ensure that these virtual allies are perceived as intelligent and engaging rather than irritating and verbose, developers must carefully balance the amount and quality of dialogue presented to players. By giving NPC companions distinct personalities, implementing dynamic dialogue options, prioritizing quality over quantity, and utilizing non-verbal communication cues, developers can create NPC companions that enhance the player's journey without overwhelming them with unnecessary chatter. Sworn to silence, these smart NPC companions will leave a lasting impression on players, making their virtual adventures all the more memorable and enjoyable.ACHC LEGAL DEADLINE: Acadia Healthcare Class Action Deadline is Approaching – Contact BFA Law if You Suffered Losses (Nasdaq:ACHC)
Furthermore, positive developments in the geopolitical landscape also contributed to the rally in stock index futures. Reports of progress in trade negotiations between major economies provided a much-needed boost to investor confidence. The potential for a resolution to long-standing trade disputes has been a major source of uncertainty for markets, and any signs of progress are seen as a positive development.Target Corporation's (NYSE:TGT) institutional shareholders had a great week as one-year returns increased after a 5.8% gain last weekAlibaba Cloud Computing Data Center Fire: Company Responds with Assurance of Situation Control
As the scientific community eagerly awaits further details on JHU's groundbreaking method, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. The potential for a 1000-fold increase in speed, combined with the promise of comprehensive and sustainable performance enhancements, has placed JHU at the forefront of technological innovation.Most of the thematic and sectoral funds launched in the last one year have fallen below the issue price of ₹10 raising serious concern among investors, amid the recent turbulence in the equity markets. Of the 163 thematic funds launched, the net asset value of 57 funds was quoted below ₹10 as of October-end. Among the schemes of large funds that are trading below ₹10 include Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund, Aditya Birla SL Quant Fund, SBI Automotive Opportunities, ICICI Pru Energy Opportunities and SBI Innovative Opportunities. Thematic mutual funds invest in stocks that are tied to a particularly theme. For instance, an infrastructure theme fund will invest in cement, power and steel, among other sectors. Since these funds invest in a particular theme without any diversification, they are categorised as high risk and its return depends on the specific sector performance. They also carry concentrated risk and hence are meant for investors with an aggressive risk profile. With most of the active funds failing to beat their benchmark indices, mutual funds have taken the passive route to tap opportunities in thematic investment. These funds typically replicate the performance of an index and are managed passively by fund managers. They are typically more popular among investors because they are more cost-effective and easy to understand. NSE Indices, the subsidiary of National Stock Exchange, launched five sectoral or thematic indices this year; just one such index was launched in 2023. Over the recent market run-up, investors have thronged to high-risk funds based on prospects around continued growth in the domestic markets, coupled with a strong expectation for instant gratification. Kavitha Narayan, Vice-President and Head Research and New Initiatives, Capricorne Mindframe, said investing in thematic fund NFOs comes with the added risk of being a late entrant into a sector that could have run-up. Huge demand coming in for certain sectors and themes has also led to a lot of asset management companies launching funds with the aim to consolidate additional assets under their umbrella, she said. Investors should re-evaluate their portfolios and ascertain the long-term prospects of the sector they have invested in to take a call on their further action, said Narayan. CA Jashan Arora, Wholetime Director and Promoter, Master Trust Group, said given the current market scenario, adding a thematic fund might offer some opportunities, but it comes with risks, especially when considering new NFOs. While thematic funds, especially NFOs, can offer opportunities, they come with higher risk due to concentration, volatility and lack of performance history, he added. Comments