May 21, 2017 | News, Software, Uncategorized
SoftBank is an IT support and telecommunications powerhouse. Their headquarters are in Tokyo, Japan. But they made history again. Because they teamed up with an unlikely ally to create a mega fund. SoftBank and Saudi Arabia Create a tech monster.
Hence, this monster is the world’s biggest technology fund. They call it Vision Fund. ?The fund will start with $93 billion. Also, Japan and Saudi Arabia hope this fund challenges Silicon Valley investors. We will see. How is Saudia Arabia in this? Because the Saudi prince is the main investor. Not only that, but tech giants Apple and Qualcomm take part. So is US President Donald Trump. SoftBank promised President Trump this deal would give the US 50,000 jobs.
Keep in mind this happens while Trump visits the Saudi Royal Family. So why did Saudi prince Mohammad bin Salman invest in this? Because he wants his nation to be a powerhouse in technology, not just oil. So why did SoftBank CEO Mr. Son create this deal? He dreams to have a tech powerhouse outside of Japan. This deal was months in the making. In fact, there was so much infighting they didn’t think this deal would happen at all. But it did. SoftBank and Saudi Arabia created a tech monster.
But what does this have to do with the rest of us in computer repair, or other tech aspect? Well, if this SoftBank and Saudi Arabia deal does create all these jobs, then things will definitely look up. Here in the US, we need all the jobs we can get. Furthermore, we need all the tech jobs we can get. But I’m skeptical. How many times have we heard this before? So I’ll believe it when the jobs come over here. What about Silicon Valley. This SoftBank and Saudi Arabia deal will give them competition. Maybe that’s what they need in California: a wake up call. What do you think of this SoftBank and Saudi Arabia potential tech monster?
May 18, 2017 | Uncategorized
Are you visiting a site that has a Twitter button or logo? Be careful. Because Twitter knows you’re on that site, whether you push the button or not. Also, they will be sudden targets for advertisers. So Twitter updates privacy policy: What this means.
Yesterday, Twitter updated their privacy policy. So now, they collect and hold your web habits for 30 days. Before this, it was only 10 days. They do this because they want to sharpen their ad targets. Twitter wants to make sure the right ads go to the right people. Furthermore, Twitter updates policy for mobile apps. But wait…there is more.
Yes, you can control what ads come to you. But the Do Not Track option is gone. This options lets you tell websites not to track you. This was huge when they created it back in 2017. But recently, more and more companies, like Hulu, either refused to support it or quit it’s support. Twitter says the Do Not Track app simply didn’t come to much of anything. They will cut off this support on June 18, 2017. However, if you don’t want tracking, Twitter can still help you. There’s still the ‘Privacy and Safety’ setting and other settings. One disables Twitter from seeing when you visited websites.
We can be glad for that. Twitter updates privacy policy. At least there will be a privacy policy. Here in our Boston computer service shop, online/social media privacy is a major concern. So is security against malware. And Twitter hasn’t been doing that well, lately. Not even the NFL can help it. The bullying scandals haven’t help much either. So this is the last thing Twitter wants to be messing with: other people’s privacy. I know businesses have to evolve. We evolve in computer repair all the time. But we also have to realize what time it is. Don’t take away people’s right to protect their privacy. ?What does Twitter updates privacy policy mean to you?
May 15, 2017 | Uncategorized
Last weekend, I reported the WannaCry virus attacking 99 countries. But in the last two days, it got worse. It’s now in 153 countries. Asia is hit really hard. WannaCry: Could this be the worst ransomware?
So thy hackers demand $300. In six days, they’ll double it. Then, they threaten to delete the files. So far, over 38,000 businesses and individuals paid this ransom. So do the math. The cyber thugs made over $1.4 million in just a few days. ?They reported incidents in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. So imagine going to see the hottest movie in a theater. But instead of watching the movie, or the previews, all you see is the malware. That’s what theaters in South Korea went through.
Saturday, I mentioned how they hit British hospitals. One poor man couldn’t even have his open heart surgery because of this cyber virus. So far, we don’t know of an attack in the US. But Homeland Security works overtime to stop the malware and seek out those responsible. Good luck with that one. I say that because their codes are around the world. Then, there are copycat people are doing this. So where does this end?
This is no time for Americans to be complacent or laugh WannaCry. Wouldn’t they just love to attempt to destroy our American IT support and tech infrastructure? In fact, tech experts brace for more attacks this week. So let’s be on guard. First and foremost, patch up your system. If you’re having trouble with that, call a computer repair firm, like Geek Choice. I can’t stress this other point. If you’re using Windows XP, or another unsupported software, stop immediately! Not only is it causing tech chaos, but political too. In Britain, political parties are already arguing about whose fault this is. I’ll solve the argument: it’s the hackers’ fault. So how seriously are you taking WannaCry?
May 14, 2017 | Computer technology
Tech companies and IT support companies obsess over AI (artificial intelligence) and robot technology. But Apple made a move putting them in the AI lead. Apple AI race: Apple acquires Lattice Data.
But what is Lattice Data? That is a company that takes AI engines. Then, those engines turn dark data into useful information. Sources say Apple is paying Lattice Data $200 million to merge with them. Hence, they agreed. This happened about two weeks ago. In fact, some of Lattice’s engineers already work for Apple. As usual, Apple says very little about this merger, or about the Apple AI race.
But what is ‘dark data’? That is data that is worthless. You can’t process it, study it, nothing. So what Lattice Data does is put such data into order and make it useful. Basically, it turns nothing into something. Therefore, this can help AI systems create more useful data feeds. But that’s not all. Law enforcement uses this tech tactic in fighting crimes, like murder and human trafficking. Also, they’re using it in medical research, and in research in general. So not only could this help Apple win the AI race, but in other areas as well.
But their theme startles me a bit. It says, “…with human caliber quality at machine caliber scale”. ?At least they’re giving humans some props. I know I rant about this often, but I worry about AI technology replacing humans altogether. But, I know AI is the wave of the future. And I admit, I attended some AI demonstrations. Some were really neat, especially using the VR Oculus. So of course, Apple wants to be in the AI race. Will Lattice Data help?
We at Geek Choice wishes every mother and every mother figure a safe and Happy Mothers Day. Thank you for all your services and sacrifices.
May 13, 2017 | Security
This is breaking news. Over the last 24 hours or so, a massive ransomware attack hit 99 countries. Many believe the hackers used NSA (National Security Agency) technology tools to pull this off. It’s the global cyber attack: United Kingdom hit hardest.
So how hard did the United Kingdom get it? Just ask the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Scotland. Because over 40 of their hospitals fell to this attack. One man couldn’t even have his critical heart surgery. ?But this was a slow, painful ransomware. British doctors’ computers went down one by one. Then there is a group WannaCry, demanding $300 in Bitcoin. The UK got the worst of it, but they weren’t the only ones. Russia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and the United States all reported hacked systems. So did China.
Do you want to know something really ironic? This happened when world leaders fight the global cyber attack epidemic. President Trump signed an anti-hacking bill. ?In Italy, financial leaders met to talk about how cyber crime could cripple financial centers. But how did this start? A worm spread itself between computers. Then, it took off. Experts believe the anti-Trump cyber group The Shadow Brokers stole NSA technology. Also, here’s an ironic thing. Systems still using Windows XP and even Windows Server 2003 were hit hard.
And guess what system NHS uses. That’s right, Windows XP. Keep in mind Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP back in 2014. Let this be a lesson to all of us in IT service. If Microsoft stops supporting it, stop using it! End of discussion! How else can we stop, or prevent this global cyber attack? They urge you to patch up your system, sooner than later. Also, computer repair companies like us fought these viruses for over 20 years. Don’t hesitate to give us a call. But back to another question. Why are major businesses and health organizations still using Windows XP?
May 12, 2017 | internet
Social media used for good…and evil. Yes, social media often gets a bad reputation. But sometimes, people do use it for good. But others use it for evil and madness. So here are two examples.
First, let me cover the good. Instagram opens a space to address mental health. Hence, they created a hashtag #Hereforyou. They’re focusing on three particular issues. Those are eating disorders, depression, and suicide. This hashtag also connects you to a community with people who struggle with these same issues. Instagram COO Marne Levine came up with the cause. Supporting Levine is movie star?Troian Bellisario, who had her own struggle with eating disorders. They created this because millions struggle with mental issue. What #Hereforyou does is create a community. Yes, there are others going through the same struggles. But it also has doctors, psychologists, and other professionals to help those fighting mental illness. So kudos to Instagram for creating this. They may even save lives through this.
But while Instagram is saving lives, some sociopaths on social media are trying to take them. Two boys shot and a teenage girl. The boys were 14 and girl was 16. Thankfully, the young lady survived. But why did they shoot her? Because her Snapchat message annoyed them, and she wasn’t even trying to annoy them. The girl repeatedly contacted them through Snapchat. But instead of asking her to stop, they conspired to kill her. Now, they’re facing attempted murder charges. Also, the 14-year-olds will be tried like adults. Though the girl survived, she now has paralysis and partial blindness. If convicted, the boys will face life in prison.
It almost seems like the boys looked for an excuse to murder. They used social media for that demonic quest. But let’s be thankful for people like Marne Levine and Trojan Bellisario. They’re proving social media used for good. The two boys prove social media being used for evil. So for those in computer repair, and in any other job in IT service, we have a choice. Will we use social media for good, or for evil?
May 11, 2017 | Malware, networking, Security, Software
When it comes to Malware, Microsoft does better at protecting themselves then most. But even they must watch their back. Because there is a new, powerful and scary threat looming over Microsoft, especially the anti-malware system. Microsoft fixes potential disaster, or did they?
Researchers say this threat is so powerful it bypasses any security. Then, it turns over your whole computer system to a hacker. But this threat needs a ‘specific crafted file’. They send this bad file either through email or send them the websites with hardly any protection. Windows’ malware protection system scans this file. But all this software does is let the hacker get into the system. Then, this malware can add or delete however it pleases. That’s how it gets and exploits private information.
This is why the threat is so scary. It abuses and exploits the very system it needs to protect. What’s even scarier is that Windows usually does a great job scanning all content for malware threats. However, this one just passes through. In fact, you don’t even need to open this vile thing before mayhem breaks loose on your computer. All it has to do is just show up. So what is Microsoft doing about it?
This is how Microsoft fixes potential disaster. They’re rolling out a patch. This patch is supposed to close this whole so this threat won’t get through. These updates can take up to 48 hours. However they don’t tell me how to obtain this patch. In computer repair, and at our Boston computer servicing shop, we haven’t seen this issue, yet. But now that you know about this threat, I suggest you do all you can to avoid it at all cost. And if you were hit, then do what you must to rid yourself of it before it destroys or exploits your system. I with I knew more about how Microsoft fixes potential disaster. What tips do you have for prevention?
May 10, 2017 | Smartphone
Parents today have all kinds of app to monitor their kids. There’s a driving app to monitor teen drivers. Then there’s the app to make sure they’re in school. But now, there is a Visa kids debit card: Good idea or big brother?
We can thank rising tech company Current. This card lets teenagers shop from their bank account and allowance. Also, this allows parents to fund their bank account through allowance. For instance, instead of giving the kid cash, you put the allowance money on this Visa kids debit card. Furthermore, through the app, parents can limit spending, track spending, even set up chores and show the pay for them.
But that’s not all. Parents can set up chores and review how good the work is before they pay the allowance. They can choose how much money they can spend per day. Parents can also block age restricted items, like alcohol, casinos, cigarettes, pornographic material, R-rated movies, M-rated video games. I like the Giving Wallet feature. It allows parent and child to support charities of their choice. It’s available on Apple and Android devices. You pay a subscription. Then, you pay $2 or $3 a month. Or you can pay $5 a month without a yearly subscription. So they’re going to get this money.
But is the Visa kids debit card a good thing? It can be. It can teach kids about how to manage money. Also, the card can stop a habit of overspending before it starts. That’s are good habits to have in life. So yes, this can be a good teaching tool. It can also bring families together. But like all technology, this can be abused. Somebody can use this just to spy on people. Others can use this to spy on what adults are doing. A jealous or abusive spouse/lover can use this against their spouse/partner. That’s just one example. Like all things IT service, or all things computer technology, this can be abused. But I ask you, Visa kids debit card: Good idea or big brother?
May 9, 2017 | internet, News, youtube
Most of us know the headlines by now. So most know the tensions between the US and North Korea, as well as with other nations. Consequently, many ask, “What will become of this?” One hacktivist group says these tensions could have catastrophic results. Hacking group Anonymous warns of World War Three.
Anonymous put out a video telling people to prepare for WW3. They also say signs of war on the Korean peninsula are looming. The video is on You Tube. In fact, it’s around six minutes long and it’s been up for several days now. As usual, the Anonymous newscaster disguised his/her voice. They also wore the Guy Fawkes masks. They don’t call them Anonymous for nothing.
But back to their warnings of WW3. They pointed out military movements the US, Japan and South Korea made. They also claim President Donald Trump tested several ballistic missiles last week. Of course, we all know about North Korea’s nuclear tests as of late. Then Anonymous said China urged it’s people in North Korea to get out ASAP. Furthermore, Anonymous claims Australia is now involved. In fact, they’re looking for strategies involving the Indian Ocean. Hacking group Anonymous warns there will be severe world consequences if World War 3 really breaks out.
So what does this have to do with computer repair, or anything technology? Well, hacking group Anonymous told us things mainstream media wouldn’t, or couldn’t. Some of it was wrong. But some of it was right. I’m not saying I’m a big Anonymous fan. But when they issue a dire report like this, maybe we should at least listen. We can agree to disagree, but we should at least listen. Like them or not, they have made a big impact on the world in recent years. Obviously, I hope these warnings don’t come to anything. I don’t want this disaster anymore than you do. Remember what Einstein taught us, “I don’t know with what weapons WW3 will be fought. But they will fight WW4 with sticks and stones.” I think that’s why Anonymous put this report out. What do you think of hacking group Anonymous’ latest video?
May 8, 2017 | Security, Software
Over the past several days, an Intel chip made news for all the wrong reasons. Because there is a flaw leaving people’s computers venerable. And because of this flaw, hackers can take over your system. The Intel chip bug: consumer alert.
So it turns out this isn’t a new problem. In fact, the problem is almost 10 years old. Apparently, this bug is so bad that it can allow hackers to control your computer even when it’s off. ?The bug took advantage of Intel’s Active Management Technology (AMT). This AMT lets you do your own maintenance and software updates. So you can see why it would be so popular.
But it’s potentially dangerous. It has been for years. One security expert says the AMT does give you remote services. But there is a price to pay, and I don’t just mean money either. The AMT needs network access, access to memory and disk/hard drive information, and more. Yes, one can protect their AMT through a password. But the problem is hackers can easily break into these passwords. In fact, security experts say the Intel chip bug began when the default admin still processes passwords. Therefore, anybody can log into your system because of this bug.
We don’t know how many PCs got hit. But some say the toll is about 8,500 worldwide, with 3,000 of them in the USA. But that’s on the low end compared to a lot of bugs and hacks in the past. Let’s hope it stays on the low end. In our Boston computer service shop, we haven’t yet got this complaint. But our computer repair company fixes bugs like the Intel chip bug all the time. We see plenty of bugs like this too. This is why I believe it’s so important to inform ourselves and the public about these dangers. ?Intel says they’re working on the problem and instructing manufacturers to do better. But is it too late?
