News June 12, 2024
Medical-Targeted Ransomware Is Breaking Records After Change Healthcare’s $22M Payout
Ransomware attacks on healthcare targets have been on the rise, with every month in 2024 seeing more attacks than the same month in any previous year. The April spike is particularly notable, as it’s likely a follow-on effect of Change Healthcare’s attack, which crippled its ability to process insurance payments and paid out a hefty ransom to AlphV. This has created an opportunity for other ransomware groups to target healthcare providers, who are already vulnerable due to the high stakes involved in their operations. The situation is further complicated by the fact that AlphV appears to have jilted its hacker partners, leaving them without their cut of the profits. As a result, affiliates have begun offering data to other groups, creating a lucrative potential for hacking healthcare victims. With healthcare providers already willing to pay ransoms to control the damage to their life-saving systems, it’s unlikely that these attacks will stop anytime soon.
Silicon Valley’s Fanciest Stolen Bikes Are Getting Trafficked by One Mastermind in Jalisco, Mexico
Bryan Hance was lounging in his basement on a Sunday afternoon when an email caught his attention - a secondhand bike for sale, a BMC Roadmachine 02 with goblin-green racing stripes, boasting top-notch components like Zipp wheels and electronic shifting. The bike’s owner had reported it stolen from an apartment building in Mountain View, California, but the tipster was anonymous and pointed Hance to a Facebook page where more stolen bikes were being sold at a fraction of their original prices. What intrigued Hance wasn’t just the bike itself, but that it was one of many high-end bicycles stolen recently from around Silicon Valley, all being peddled online for a song. As the cofounder of Bike Index, a site where cyclists can register their bikes and report thefts, Hance knew he had to act fast to recover these stolen cycles. But as he delved deeper into the case, he discovered that bike theft was no longer just a crime of opportunity, but a sophisticated operation with thieves using high-tech tools and social media to scope out neighborhoods and steal valuable rides.
The $50 Billion Musk Referendum
Elon Musk’s bold bets on Mars colonization, humanoid workers, and underground highways may not have paid off yet, but six years ago, he took a riskier bet - tying his own pay at Tesla to ambitious financial targets over the next decade. If he failed, he’d receive nothing. The board agreed, but one small investor sued, claiming it was unfair to others. Despite this setback, Musk hit all 12 targets by the end of 2023, making him eligible for a nearly $50 billion pay package - the largest in US corporate history. Now, shareholders are being asked to vote on whether Musk deserves this massive payout, marking a shift in their relationship with the company’s leader. Some analysts wonder if Tesla is ready for a more mature business model, and whether a visionary like Musk is still the best fit to lead it.
‘Dandelion’ trailer is a deeply romantic swoon for music lovers
If you’re one for romantic movies about music, Dandelion is sure to strike a chord with you. KiKi Layne shines as the titular singer-songwriter from Cincinnati, whose talent is matched only by her misfortune. When she meets guitarist Casey in South Dakota, their whirlwind romance and artistic connection are set in motion. Written and directed by Nicole Riegel, Dandelion has generated buzz following its SXSW debut, with a soundtrack featuring music by Bryce and Aaron Dessner that’s sure to leave you emotional. With its focus on creative depth and the power of music, this film is a must-see for anyone who loves a good love story set against the backdrop of song. Get ready to be swept away when Dandelion hits cinemas on July 12.
Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal lead surprisingly emotional ‘The Wild Robot’ trailer
As a cutting-edge robot, Roz finds herself washed up on the shores of a lush island teeming with creatures after a devastating typhoon ravages her ship. Initially alone, Roz begins to form unbreakable bonds with the island’s inhabitants, including the cunning fox Fink, the quick-witted opossum Pinktail, and a lost gosling who becomes her unlikely friend. With its stunning animation and talented voice cast, The Wild Robot promises to be a heartwarming tale of connection and understanding between humans, robots, and animals. Roz’s journey is set to captivate audiences when the film hits theaters on September 27th, featuring an all-star lineup including Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, and more.