News May 18, 2024
US Official Warns a Cell Network Flaw Is Being Exploited for Spying
As science fiction becomes a reality, laser warfare is finally taking off with the US military deploying defense systems in the Middle East to counter drone threats from adversaries like Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Meanwhile, concerns over Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act continue to simmer as civil liberties organizations demand more transparency on NSA wiretaps. In other security news, a gun-detection system was deployed in New York City subways despite high false-positive rates, and Google introduced an AI-powered feature to detect stolen phones. The stakes for financial privacy and surveillance were highlighted by the Tornado Cash money laundering case, whose cofounder was sentenced to over five years in prison.
Researchers have long warned about the security risks of SS7 and its upgrade Diameter, which can be exploited to track individuals or eavesdrop on communications. Now, a US official has confirmed that this technique has been used against real victims in the US, including one person whose location was tracked in March 2022. The revelation serves as a warning for telecoms and regulators to address the known vulnerability.
The post-pandemic era of remote work has led to a new problem: North Korean tech workers secretly infiltrating US companies to earn money for the authoritarian regime. Three arrests were made, including one American woman and a Ukrainian man, who allegedly helped thousands of North Korean workers obtain jobs in Western companies with fraudulent job applications and stolen identities.
Given that Teslas are equipped with cameras, they have the potential to serve as powerful surveillance devices. However, Tesla staff have been collecting and circulating videos recorded by cars’ cameras, which include everything from mundane shots turned into memes to violent incidents. The company assures customers that videos remain anonymous, but seven former staffers claim that location data could be used to identify vehicle owners.
Finally, the cybercriminal marketplace BreachForums has been taken down for the second time in two years in an FBI operation that also seized its Telegram channel and that of its alleged operator. This bust follows the arrest of the site’s previous administrator last year, highlighting the ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal activity online.
How to watch the Microsoft Build 2024 keynote live on May 21
As the tech world gears up for its keynote season, Microsoft is set to take center stage at its annual developer conference, Build 2024. The event kicks off on Tuesday, May 21, with a keynote presentation that promises to showcase the company’s latest AI advancements. But before that, Microsoft will host an exclusive Surface event on Monday, May 20, where it’s expected to unveil new consumer-targeted Surface PCs powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. These updated devices are rumored to offer improved battery life and reduced heat generation, but may come with some compromises in terms of app compatibility and processing speeds. The Build keynote is likely to focus on Microsoft’s AI vision across hardware and software, building on last year’s announcements about Copilot AI and its integration into various aspects of the company’s ecosystem. With the Surface event out of the way, Tuesday’s presentation will provide a deeper dive into what these advancements mean for end users and how they fit into Microsoft’s overall strategy.
Doctor Who: Boom review: All hail the conquering hero
This article reviews the latest episode of Doctor Who, “Boom”, written by Russell T. Davies and directed by Ben Browder. The episode is a masterclass in building tension and features a unique premise where the Doctor and his companions are trapped in a crater on Kastarian 3, surrounded by an enemy that doesn’t exist.
The article praises the episode’s ability to create a sense of unease and perpetual tension, which is a departure from the usual format of the show. The pacing is uneven, with the ending feeling rushed, but the article notes that this may be due to the constraints of the 45-minute runtime.
The cast, particularly Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby, deliver strong performances. However, the rest of the cast doesn’t get much screen time or development.
The article also touches on the theme of fatherhood, noting that the show seems to be hinting at the Doctor’s own paternal status through his interactions with Vater’s AI homunculus.
Overall, the article concludes that “Boom” is a standout episode in the Disney+ era of Doctor Who and sets the stage for future episodes.
How to watch ‘Love Island UK’ online for free
Get ready to indulge in the drama-filled summer of love, as Series 11 of Love Island UK is now available to stream for free on ITVX. But don’t worry if you’re not in the UK, because a clever VPN trick can grant you access from anywhere in the world. With ExpressVPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and tune in to the latest episodes of Love Island UK without breaking the bank. The 11th series kicks off on June 3, presented by Maya Jama and narrated by Iain Stirling. So, grab your VPN, connect to a UK server, and get ready to binge-watch the sizzling summer romance that’s got everyone talking.
‘Wordle’ today: Here’s the answer hints for May 18
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Hey there! If you’re still here, it must be time for another Wordle fix. As always, we’ve got our daily dose of hints and tips to help you crack today’s code. Want to skip the suspense and jump straight to the solution? Head down to the bottom for May 18th’s Wordle reveal. But if you’re up for a challenge, keep reading for some clever clues and strategies to guide you.
Wordle’s origins are just as fascinating as its addictive gameplay - did you know it was created by an engineer as a gift for his partner? Fast forward to today, and thousands of players worldwide are hooked on the daily puzzle. From battle royale Squabble to music identification game Heardle, fans have even created their own Wordle variations.
So, what’s the secret to solving Wordle? We’ve got some insider tips to share - start with a word that includes at least two vowels and common consonants like S, T, R, or N. And if you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry - we’ve got a hint for today’s answer: “A taste of the sea.” Get your last guesses in now before we reveal the solution…