Apr 4, 2019 | internet, Security
So Facebook is in hot water again. But this time, it’s due to a potential security leak. It’s another Facebook venerability exposed.
So here it is. A cyber security firm they call Up Guard discovered over 500 million Facebook records in a public server. To be more specific, a media company in Mexico named Cultura Collectiva left such records in an Amazon S3 server. These records include names, comments, posts, and likes. It may not sound like much. But if you look at previous leaks, look at what a little leak can lead to. Also keep in mind the Amazon S3 server they used has no password. Therefore, anybody who wants to can access it with little struggle.
Then there is former app maker At The Pool. The same security company, Up Guard, found over 22,000 users’ Facebook accounts just sitting there, ripe for the taking. These accounts includes names, posts, friends’ lists, group listings, etc. According to TechCrunch, Facebook reached out to Amazon, and asked them to get the remove the data before it falls into the wrong hands. But so far, we haven’t heard anything from Amazon nor At The Pool.
This isn’t the first time Up Guard caught Facebook with their pants down. Because back in 2018, they found over 48 million Facebook records just floating around. However, I want to get off Facebook for a minute. Because this is a great time for Amazon to do the right thing. In this case, it’s erase those hundreds of millions of files off the venerable S3 server. If I were a leader of this IT service giant, I would do so like yesterday. Because what if these things did get in the wrong hands? Then, what if they did get exploited, and ruined the lives of so many millions? Could they have that on their conscious?
Apr 3, 2019 | Uncategorized
So there is one complaint that faces Google. In fact, it faces many IT service and IT support companies. It’s the lack of diversity in their offices. But Google vowed to do something about it and they did. Let’s see how Google’s diversity increases.
So the first thing I noticed is the men/women ration. The number of women Google employees are going up. However, the number of men Google employees are going down. But the numbers are up only slightly, from 25% in 2018 to 26.3% in 2019. That’s women employees. Now let’s look at racial/ethnic diversity. Asians make up for about 40% of Google’s workforce, and that number increased over the past year.
Meanwhile, other minority groups saw their Google employees increase. But many will say it’s not enough. For example, African-Americans in Google now stands at 3.3%. That is an improvement from 3% in 2018, but keep in mind African-Americans represent 14% of the US population. The Latino community also saw their numbers at Google rise in the past year, but the representation still stands at roughly 5%. Other groups saw Google employee numbers increase. For instance, 8% of Google employees identify as GLBTQ, and 7% identify as disabled. Come to think of it, the only group that saw numbers decrease at Google is Caucasian men.
Over the last several years, Google vowed to make their offices a more diverse place. That’s why Google’s diversity increases. They even visited schools and universities, reaching out to the next generation. They’re making other moves as well. This is a good start, but as we can see, Google needs to do more. Because the number of some groups are still very much underrepresented. But it is going in the right direction. We are seeing numbers of people of all walks of life working in Google offices. That’s a good thing because then, you get a perspective from all peoples. What can Google do to further increase it’s diversity?
Apr 2, 2019 | Uncategorized, youtube
So In Great Britain, Brexit is coming up. Back in 2016, a slight majority of British voters voted for their nation to leave the European Union. So of course, there is a lot of tension in the British Parliament and public. Then you have guys like Tommy Robinson, a far-right You Tube host that capitalizes off such tension. You Tube restricts British extreme right wing commentator.
So not only do they take away his ability to livestream. But they remove some of his videos too. A You Tube spokesperson said they came up with the restrictions only after careful consulting with third parties. However, we don’t know who these third parties are, and we probably never will know. Furthermore, if you do a search engine check on Tommy Robinson, you won’t even find his You Tube channels. Instead, you will find news from other sources. But wait…there’s more. Because now, you won’t even be able to like or comment on Robinson’s video, or subscribe to his channel. Keep in mind there are millions of You Tube channels. Many of them express controversial and radical beliefs. So why are they coming down on Tommy Robinson? I think we need to dig deeper in who this Robinson character is.
First of all, that’s not even his real name. His real name is Stephen Yaxely-Lennon. This isn’t the first time he’s gotten in trouble because of his extreme views. Because back in February 2019, Facebook banned him for the same reason. Then there is his beef with journalist. According to a Tech Crunch article, he threatened and harassed a journalist late at night. It got to the point someone called the police for intervention. Also, according to an article, Yaxely-Lennon has been involved with far-right organizations like the British National Party. He caused much tension and controversy over his hate speech over the years. However, he uses the online alias, ‘Tommy Robinson’ to get funding for his channel, mostly from far right-wing extreme sympathizers. But he manipulated the system good enough that he was able to get advertising. That is…until January 2019, when the ad dollars stopped flowing because of his extreme views.
So this is how You Tube restricts Bristish extreme right wing commentator. Some of my IT service people will say he gets what he deserves. But some will say You Tube didn’t go far enough. Still, others in the IT support community may say they went too far, and they shouldn’t punish him at all. But I look at the timing here. They knew all about his extremist views for years. However, they wait until this Brexit controversy to do something about it? Obviously, I don’t agree with Tommy Robinson’s extreme views. The fact that he even changed his name shows cowardice on his part. What is he hiding from? What is he ashamed of? At least people are talking. Is this the right thing to do or a threat to free speech?
Apr 1, 2019 | Malware, Security
So for many years, a weakness of Android has been security. In fact, stat after stat says their cyber security is weaker than rival Apple’s. But now, there are over two billion Android smartphones out there. I have one myself, so do many others in IT?service. That’s why Android fights dangerous apps and security threats.
So I read some interesting numbers today. They even gave an annual report of their security. Now, 0.o4% of Google’s apps are potentially harmful. That’s comparing to 0.02% just two years ago. But don’t panic. It doubled in the last two years because Google is doing a better job finding and tracking the dangerous apps. We can thank certain API’s (application programming interface). They add extra layers of privacy. There is also a built-in malware scanner. There are stronger attempts at keeping non-Google Play store apps out of Androids. That is where many of the problems seem to come from. Even the chances of getting a malicious app is less. For example, in 2017, there is a 0.56% chance you will download a bad app. But today, there is a 0.45% chance your Android will get a bad app.
Let’s keep in mind not all malicious apps will rob you financially. Some will. But other bad apps just invade your privacy. In some ways, that is even worse. This is why Android fights dangerous apps. And they’re doing a better job of it. But we in computer repair have to tell Apple users all the time: You’re not immune. Over the past few years in computer repair, many an Apple user got hit by malware and other dangers. And it shocks them. So just because you don’t have a Droid, it doesn’t mean you’re totally safe. Even iPhones are venerable. What can both Droid and Apple users do to be safe?
Mar 29, 2019 | General, News
So most of us know that Venezuela is in a crisis state. In fact, the people rarely have enough to eat and their lights cut off at any moment. Also, they live under constant fear, from their own leadership. But there’s another devastating blow. Technology and Venezuela’s crisis: the tech pool leaves.
So this is perhaps the biggest resource that this troubled nation is losing: Their IT service and IT support pool. In fact, in recent years, over three million people left Venezuela. Nearly half of those got permits from other countries to immigrate to their land. One tech leader in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital and largest city, already sees this. In fact, he really sees the departure senior level tech talent.
For example, someone smaller might stay for the experience. But as soon as they get to the next level, they take their talent to Chile, or another South American nation. Venezuela ranks in the global bottom 10% for keeping their tech talent around and recruiting international talent.? Their Internet connection is very poor. In fact, it’s less than half that of other South American countries. While they’re collapsing, their neighbors are thriving. Argentina’s software companies are rising. And now, 10% of their employees come from Venezuela. Columbia’s tech ecosystem is flourishing. They can thank Venezuela refugees for that.
Imagine working so hard for $18 a month. That’s now a Venezuela employee’s average salary. But I have to wonder. Did Chavez do this by design? Is Muduro still doing this by design? There is something they call ‘brain drain’. In most oppressive systems, the rulers will take the smartest and most educated people out of the system. One way they do this is by driving them to other nations. For example, Chavez made bad changes for their oil companies. This caused many scientist and others to move to the US. It’s a shame because 20 or 30 years ago, Venezuela was the wealthiest nation in South America. It had so much potential. But look at it now. This includes technology and Venezuela’s crisis. How does the affect the rest of the tech world?
Mar 28, 2019 | Computer technology, General
So in this tech and IT service era, headphones are no longer a luxury. They are a necessity. So many of us have a smartphone right? Retailers know this. That’s why we have so many headphones for sale; and headphones for cheap.
So how much will you pay for a noise cancelling wireless headphone? $500? $300? You’re in luck. Because now, you can get Treblab’s Quiet Comfort 35 wireless headphones for as little as around $80. They contain 40mm speakers that keeps your noise in. They also have noise-cancelling technology to keep the world’s noise out. Treblab is a new kid on the block. But at least you won’t be paying for a name, like Bose or Beats by Dr Dre. Here is more info and how to get the Quiet Comfort 35.
What is that you say? You’re more of an earbud person? You’re in luck too. Because JLab has wireless Bluetooth earbuds for as little as $50. Okay, it says $49, but personally, I hate when companies do that, just say $50 and keep it real! But these buds have 10 hours of battery life, a USB cable and they turn on themselves. It’s a great alternative to Apple’s Airpods. Those things will run you $149. And I wouldn’t trust the quality of Airpods, so JLab has the far better bargain.
But the truth of the matter is, nowadays, you can get headsets for under $10. However, they won’t last that long. Just trust me on this one. If you can get the better ones, then please do so. In our computer repair field, we’re even asked by our clients which headsets to get. That just goes to show you what a staple of life they are. That’s why so many companies have so many headphones for sale. And if they were smart, then they would keep the options many and the prices low. What are your favorite headsets?
Mar 27, 2019 | internet
So, do you ever wonder about the products big tech and big IT support disposes of? I’m talking about plans and/or products that never make it past Silicon Valley boardrooms. But now, there is a website that reports on Google on just that. These are the things Google killed.
So yes, there is a list out there. They call it, “Killed by Google”. This includes things like the Inbox email service. It also includes the Google+, that would challenge Facebook. But these ideas went nowhere. It’s simply a list of former Google ideas and products with a tombstone beside them.
According to many online sources, this is the brainchild of Cody Odgen. He is a web developer who lives in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area. His list got so much social media buzz that it even shocked him. But it also reminded him of not just how much we use technology and IT service. We also bond with it. He even compares it to a loving relationship. This is the truth. I notice it myself. We’re coming to a point where we mourn the loss of a smartphone more intensely than we do a close human friend. Odgen backs up his point by highlighting comments about the now defunct Google devices and services. Right here is the list.
In fact, I’m reading some of the comments now. Some people still mourn the loss of Google Reader, a service that ended years ago. So why are we interested in the things Google killed? Maybe it’s a nostalgic trip. It’s a time when we could go back and say, “I remember when they tried that.” Or maybe it’s a reminder that even the best of us mess up sometimes. People often think Google can do no wrong. Yes they can. And here is proof they do wrong often. It’s proof Google leaders and employees are actually human, liable to make mistakes and bad creations. It also gives us a bunch of what ifs. What is these Google products did well?
Mar 26, 2019 | Uncategorized
So Apple fans, including some of our own computer repair clients, glued themselves to the press conference yesterday. Because at their Cupertino theater, they revealed new additions to their new Apple TV features. The new Apple TV: What will it do for me?
So here is a feature that strikes me. With the new Apple TV, you can get third party subscriptions with ease. For example, if you can’t live without Netflix, but you have Apple TV, then you’re now keeping your Netflx. So how is this going to happen? Because the Apple TV app is already available through smartphones. But soon, it’s going to be available through Mac and Apple laptops.
The new Apple TV app will come to smart TV’s. This will include Samsung’s, LG’s, Sony’s and Vizio’s. The app is even coming to the smart TV of their biggest arch rival, Amazon. We don’t know exactly what day, or even month. But they did say it would happen by the end of the year. Still not sure about this new venture? Then you can get a free trial. If you subscribe after that, then you can pay for it monthly through Apple pay. You’ll no longer have to go from app to app. At least that’s the way Apple advertises it.
One one hand, this looks like a genius move on Apple’s part. In fact, some leaders of these companies, were at the press conference and stood in agreement. To eliminate your competition by teaming up with them sounds like a genius move. But let’s talk about the fact it’s just now coming to Macs and Apple laptops. With all due respect Apple, you should have done that some time ago. Do they really want to embrace their IT support competition? Or are they just afraid of them? And what will the new Apple TV do your you?
Mar 25, 2019 | internet
So in 2010, I logged onto Facebook for the first time. Before long, I was excited to reunite with friends and classmates I haven’t heard from in years. Then, as the years dragged on, the excitement wore off and the misery began. Also, I read an article that begs the question. Is social media making us worse?
So this TechCrunch article says social media is changing, and not for the better. It uses a stat saying unhappier and lonelier people spend more time online, especially on social media. In fact, some argue it too much of it can lead to depression, even suicide. They say it is worse now than it was even five years ago. Or you could blame the social media algorithms.
Because these algorithms do their job keeping us on these sites as long as possible. The longer we’re on there, the more advertising. The more ads, the more profits. And the more profits, the more algorithms, because they measure the profits as success. See the cycle here? Also, there are more algorithms in control now than back in 2014.? Then again, that’s true for any IT support. But let’s look deeper. Back in the early-mid 2010s, most people, especially in IT service, would say social media made us happier. But now, we’re seeing it’s just not true.
Some would argue the world was a better place 5-10 years ago. People weren’t as divided then as they are now. I’m not sure. But since 2016, as the division grew, it added to the misery. For instance, I made a vow to fast off Facebook for the Lenten season, taking Sundays off. Sunday, yesterday, I posted something on Facebook wishing New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski a happy retirement. One man was so angry about it he not only questioned my integrity, but my humanity. Golly gee Wally, if we can’t even wish a football player a happy retirement, then we’re all in trouble. Is social media making us worse, instead of better?
Mar 22, 2019 | Security
So let me start off explaining what a defibrillator is. It’s a device that sends electric shocks to the heart. It’s an IT service that can literally mean life or death. They put it in the patient’s chest, and use it to correct things like irregular heartbeats. This sounds great, but Homeland Security issues a warning. Are Medtronic defibrillators dangerous?
So Medtronic is a company that manufacturers health devices.? In fact, Medtronic is the world’s most popular health device maker. But recently, Homeland Security warned their defibrillators don’t require any authority. Also, they don’t encrypt their radio protocol. What does this mean? It means hackers can break in. In fact, Homeland Security says it’s a ‘low skill level’ hack, meaning it’s fairly easy break into.
But don’t get too worried. Because you can’t just attack a stranger’s defibrillator by grabbing them in the street. However, it’s a different story if the patient is at a doctor’s office. When the doctor is checking this IT support device, then it’s at the most venerable. There, a hacker can erase and hijack the device and totally take it over, running any command on it. They say this potential danger affects 20 of Medtronic’s models. The company says they’re not aware of anybody that’s been hacked. But they insists they’re watching updates and promises a fix.
Let’s hope it comes soon. They’re not the only one sharing concerns. Did you know the medical industry will spend over $65 billion on cyber security by 2021? Lives are on the line, literally. In financial hacks, you lose money, financial and personal information. You can get all that back. It happened to me. But you can’t do that when it comes to someone’s physical life. I guess you could turn back time, but the time machine hasn’t been invented yet. So I guess prevention is the only way to stop this kind of hacking. You don’t think somebody is sick or psychopathic enough to do such a thing? Are you paying attention?
