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Israeli cybersecurity expert says business leaders need more knowledge
Business leaders need to become more computer literate so they are better able to understand evolving threats posed by cybercriminals. Criminals are using the digital equivalent of an F-16 fighter jet to launch attacks against governments and corporations, finding surprising levels of success, according to an Israeli cybersecurity expert.
"The breakers in cyber are one step ahead of the makers... we're out of equilibrium," said Nadav Zafrir, former Israel Defense Force tech commander and founder of Team8 Cyber Security Venture Creation, during a recent meeting with corporate leaders. "You have to redefine control. You have to let go, and it's scary. It's too important to leave it to the cyber experts. You [the CEO] have to become cyber literate."
Business leaders are confused in their efforts to defend against cyberattacks, often unsure how to prevent data breaches - and what to do if one occurs. However, analysts and experts recommend companies focus on preventing insider attacks, try to clamp down on outside threats, and have a recovery plan in case a breach does take place.
Continue reading: Israeli cybersecurity expert says business leaders need more knowledge (full post)
Dennis Rodman doesn't believe his friends in Pyongyang hacked Sony
Dennis Rodman doesn't believe North Korea is responsible for attacking Sony Pictures, with the former NBA champion thinking Pyongyang wouldn't lash out against Sony Pictures just for making "The Interview."
"If the North wanted to hack anything in the world, anything in the world, really, they are going to go hack a movie? Really?!" Rodman recently said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "How many movies have there been attacking North Korea? And they never hacked those. North Korea is going to hack a comedy, a movie that is really nothing? I can't see that happening. Of all the companies... really? Over a movie?
It's worth noting, however, North Korea has been blamed for attacking South Korean infrastructure, including financial institutions - and has a budding cybercriminal unit that is well-trained and financed by Pyongyang. Furthermore, if North Korea actually is responsible for breaching SPE, it was likely done to further develop its cyberespionage abilities that could be used against future targets.
Continue reading: Dennis Rodman doesn't believe his friends in Pyongyang hacked Sony (full post)
Fable creator ponders HoloLens, and whether a killer app is available
Microsoft's recent unveiling of its HoloLens has generated a lot of interest from consumers, but developers understand it will be up to them to create appealing apps for the new platform. Microsoft is promoting HoloLens as something different than Oculus Rift or Sony Morpheus, and will likely try to build its success piggybacked on Windows OS and Xbox One integration in the future.
"I think [HoloLens], for me, more exciting than even VR but it shares a similar problem as VR does and that is: what is the application going to be?" said Peter Molyneux, creator of Fable, in an interview with Gamesindustry.biz. "This is the problem with VR - the applications that we think are going to be great on it quite often are exhausting or very challenging. My hope is that their concept video doesn't over promise what the technology can deliver."
Molyneux is basing his opinion on a HoloLens prototype that was tested more than two years ago, however.
Continue reading: Fable creator ponders HoloLens, and whether a killer app is available (full post)
Researchers developing wearable brain scanner able to measure activity
Researchers are working on a portable positron emission tomography (PET) scanner that can be worn to show brain activity throughout the day. Normal PET scanners used in hospitals are large and unable to provide a better understanding of brain function and neurological disorders - but the new device could change that.
Using a helmet that has PET detectors located in a ring, the helmet can help monitor stroke patients while they do rehab, or study when someone with autism has to interact in social environments. If released to hospitals and other researchers, there are a number of different uses for the portable PET scanner.
Tested using a brain slice tagged with a radiotracer chemical, the scanner successfully worked, despite capturing images that were a bit fuzzy - which researchers will work to improve.
Continue reading: Researchers developing wearable brain scanner able to measure activity (full post)
Mojang: Minecraft passwords compromised by phishing, not hacking
Reports were published within the past week that more than 1,800 Minecraft accounts were hacked, with passwords leaked online - but the company has defended itself, and it looks like phishing attacks are to blame.
"No! We haven't been hacked," said Owen Hill, Chief World Officer at Mojang, in a published blog post. " No one has gained access to the Mojang mainframe. Even if they did, we store your passwords in a super encrypted format. Honestly, you don't need to panic."
Affected Minecraft players have been emailed and will now need to reset their passwords. If you want to change your password just in case, head to Minecraft.net/resetpassword.
Continue reading: Mojang: Minecraft passwords compromised by phishing, not hacking (full post)
A modders dream? Yet another Parvum modded case hits our radar
We've already covered Dan Woods' simplistic stunner White Gold Parvum build before finding Project Orange Horizon and being blown away yet again. But wait, there's more! Are you a fan of the Pokemon Haunter or Gengar? Well this custom designed Parvum "beast" project might be right up your alley.
Set to be stuffed with an Intel Core i7-4790k CPU, an ASUS GTX 690 dual GPU and a fully custom EK Water Block cooling setup, this case is going to look a little different from the rest.
As I said above, the first thought I had was something similar to the popular purple beasts from Pokemon called Haunter and Gengar. The reason this build catches our attention is due to its 'different' nature - looking toward a custom-designed exterior to set it apart, rather than thousands of dollars in top-notch internal components.
Continue reading: A modders dream? Yet another Parvum modded case hits our radar (full post)
Packing light when you're out? Check out this card-sized charger
If you're a fan of slim wallets and packing light when going out clubbing, to dinner or to a casual bar with your mates, Justin Portable Power Products may have a solution for you.
Although their name is a bit of a tongue-twister, their 2,000 mAh slim offering is elegant, simple and unique.
Quoted on their official website as a "Credit Card Sized Power Bank with Synthetic Leather Carry Case," this product features a handy blue LED battery indicator, a micro-USB in and out port and a leather carry case that can easily hold two or three cards that you may have. Not only do we have one of these for review, but we've been taking it out with us to test it to its limits.
Continue reading: Packing light when you're out? Check out this card-sized charger (full post)
YouTube pressuring artists to sign with YouTube Music Key service
YouTube's Music Key service is trying to build its popularity and apparently they're going the wrong way about it. Zoë Keating has expressed her concerns on Tumblr, asking the simple question "What should I do about YouTube?"
What's the problem, you ask? Summed up in the opening paragraph of this blog, Keating states "...the message was firm: I have to decide. I need to sign on to the new YouTube music services agreement or I will have my YouTube channel blocked." This statement points to a possibility that this is a move by the Google-owned company to force artists over to their new service in a pledge to increase popularity thanks to there being no other option.
If she wishes to keep her channel as it is, she must agree to the following - as described in her blog post:
Continue reading: YouTube pressuring artists to sign with YouTube Music Key service (full post)
Before the Xbox One, Microsoft knew what it was doing with DirectX 12
DirectX 12 is shaping up quite nicely so far, offering up to 50% more performance on CPU bound games, and hopefully some delicious new graphics in unannounced games. But, now Xbox boss Phil Spencer has come out and said: "we knew what DX12 was doing before we built Xbox One". On the PC, DirectX 12 will be exclusive to Windows 10.
This is somewhat interesting, as it shows that Microsoft wasn't just throwing DX12 out there to keep up with the market. It built the Xbox One after it had an idea of where it wanted to go with DirectX 12, something I'm sure even had Windows 10 connected to it, too. As for the Xbox One and DX12, Microsoft's updated API won't offer much additional performance for its Xbox One console.
Spencer was asked if DX12 would have a big impact on the Xbox One, where he said: "On the DX12 question, I was asked early on by people if DX12 is gonna dramatically change the graphics capabilities of Xbox One and I said it wouldn't. I'm not trying to rain on anybody's parade, but the CPU, GPU and memory that are on Xbox One don't change when you go to DX12. DX12 makes it easier to do some of the things that Xbox One's good at, which will be nice and you'll see improvement in games that use DX12, but people ask me if it's gonna be dramatic and I think I answered no at the time and I'll say the same thing".
Continue reading: Before the Xbox One, Microsoft knew what it was doing with DirectX 12 (full post)
NVIDIA rumored to release GeForce GTX 960s with 4GB VRAM in March
NVIDIA only took the wraps off its its GM206-powered GeForce GTX 960 video cards last week, but now we're already being teased with the hint of 4GB models to be coming soon, as in just a few weeks away in March.
Computerbase is behind the rumor, posting a shot of Inno3D's latest offerings under their iChill range. As you can see, it says "4GB available in March - watch this space!", so unless Inno3D had this go out accidentally, or its a new form of guerrilla marketing, we know to expect GeForce GTX 960 cards to start shipping with 4GB of VRAM in March.
But even when, or if it happens, it will put the GTX 960 in a weird position. Unless AIBs can price them at under $250 (the GTX 960 with 2GB of VRAM sells for $199-$209) then it will be too close to the price of the GTX 970, which also has 4GB of RAM. I guess we'll see, with GTC 2015 kicking off in March, it could be the month for NVIDIA announcements, along with the rumored GeForce GTX Titan X.
Continue reading: NVIDIA rumored to release GeForce GTX 960s with 4GB VRAM in March (full post)
Battlefield Hardline's maps and modes detailed
Battlefield Hardline is much closer to its release on March 17, with Electronic Arts teasing what maps and modes to expect from the new entry into the Battlefield franchise.
The maps that will be included with Hardline are as follows: Downtown, Bank Job, The Block, Dust Bowl, Hollywood Heights, Derailed, Riptide, Everglades and the 420 friendly map Growhouse. As for the modes, we have Conquest, Team Deathmatch, two capture the flag variants with Heist and Blood Money; Rescue, where gamers playing as cops have to handle a hostage situation; Crosshair which sees a VIP being protected; and finally Hotwire, where the bad guys try to steal cars while the cops try to stop them from taking the cars - usually resulting in a big shootout.
The upcoming new beta of Battlefield Hardline will include both Dust Bowl and Downtown, but we don't know when the new beta of Hardline will be arriving.
Continue reading: Battlefield Hardline's maps and modes detailed (full post)
Windows 10 Preview build 9926 with Cortana, and more is now available
It was only last week that Microsoft was showing off the latest build of Windows 10, but the company has just made this version of its upcoming OS available to all. During the event, we found out about the awesome look AR headset HoloLens, and that DirectX 12 will be an exclusive to Windows 10.
The January Technical Preview build - 9926 - is now out, and includes total Cortana integration. Microsoft's virtual assistant will hang out on the taskbar, helping users search for apps, settings, files and more across the Internet. The revised Settings menu has also had some work done to it, bringing it into line with the look of the Control Panel.
Microsoft has also baked in the new Photos, Maps and Xbox applications, as well as a look at the Windows Store Beta. Minor changes have sneaked into the new build according to insiders, with a bug in the keyboard lights not working for Caps/Num/Scroll lock, now being fixed in the latest build. One of the bigger parts of the new build of Windows 10 that is missing is Internet Explorer's replacement, Spartan. Another is the new Music Locker feature, which is based on the company's OneDrive service.
Continue reading: Windows 10 Preview build 9926 with Cortana, and more is now available (full post)
Connected homes could pose major security concerns to early adopters
The Internet of Things (IoT) captured a lot of headlines during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this month, and security will remain a major issue for early adopters. The idea that connected household items can access the Internet provides great opportunity for enhanced services - but provides cybercriminals an access point to compromise new products.
Cybersecurity companies are aware of the great potential of IoT and connected devices, but understand they must scramble to defend an entirely new ecosystem that seems poised to boom.
"If people are worried about Facebook and Google storing your data today, wait until you see what is coming with IoT in next 2-5 years," said Ed Montgomery, Marketing Manager at F-Secure, via Tweet.
Continue reading: Connected homes could pose major security concerns to early adopters (full post)
Call of Duty: World at War II rumored to be unveiled in May
It looks like Activision is preparing for the unveiling of the next entry into the Call of Duty franchise with Call of Duty: World at War II. The publisher will reportedly unveil the new game on May 4 according to an alleged promotional poster for the gmae.
While Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare took gamers into the future with some next-gen weapons, exosuits and more, World at War II will bring things back to reality, and history. Anonymous Protection leaked out the reveal date, which is May 4 at 10AM PDT/1PM EDT. It makes sense, as Activision unveiled the first look at Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare on May 1 last year.
Treyarch will likely be the studio behind the development of the game, handing off the yearly Call of Duty game torch from Sledgehammer.
Continue reading: Call of Duty: World at War II rumored to be unveiled in May (full post)
Key to wider wearable adoption could be to just keep things simple
Wearable products will invade the consumer and business markets in the coming years, but will take patience from manufacturers and buyers. There is a lot of confusion regarding the current wearable market, as there is a clutter of different products, multiple platforms, and rather uneven marketing efforts from manufacturers.
Integrating faster and more powerful hardware doesn't seem to be a problem for wearables, but manufacturers are now trying to create more visually appealing products. Early generations of consumer wearables were rather bulky and didn't seem to be fashionable at all, though that is beginning to change.
Wearables were quite popular during the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), with many new product announcements and public launches. However, analysts still are unsure what to make of the industry, even though they expect it to rapidly grow in the coming years.
Continue reading: Key to wider wearable adoption could be to just keep things simple (full post)
Private drone pilots taking to the skies, but safety concerns mount
Many first-time drone pilots are taking to the skies in the United States, and that has increased safety concerns regarding drone crashes. One such concern is a "flyaway" when the small drones catch a jet stream and simply blow away - and pilots are unaware of how to regain control of the flying craft.
Most consumer drones weigh around 2.2 pounds, and if it was being flown at 400 feet, can yield more than 900 pounds of force if it slammed straight into the ground.
"There's just too many people that just have no idea what they're doing flying with their cool cameras," said Bill Stockwell, drone flight instructor at McHenry County Community College, in a statement to the Chicago Tribune. "I fly a competitive 7-foot helicopter that goes about 140 mph. If it was flying at 400 feet, which is legal, it would hit the ground with 2,200 pounds of force. Can you imagine what that would feel like?"
Continue reading: Private drone pilots taking to the skies, but safety concerns mount (full post)
US wireless carrier battle presents great opportunity for subscribers
The four major wireless carriers in the United States are engaged in a war for new subscribers, with an increased level of poaching taking place. The increased competition has presented a great opportunity for subscribers looking to upgrade their plans, get new phones, or switch carriers.
Verizon Wireless and AT&T currently enjoy their respective positions as the No. 1 and No. 2 wireless carriers in the United States, but Sprint and T-Mobile are locked in a fierce battle for the No. 3 position. Sprint is giving current T-Mobile subscribers an incentive to jump ship, offering up to $350 to cover switching costs along with a minimum of a $200 trade-in for T-Mobile phones. The Sprint promotion runs until April 9.
Both companies also have an eye on the remaining one-quarter of US mobile phone owners using feature phones, with both fighting to attract them to smartphones.
Continue reading: US wireless carrier battle presents great opportunity for subscribers (full post)
Report: Active seniors enjoying the Internet, especially using PCs
Active Baby Boomers are aging, but are increasingly embracing the Internet on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and other electronics - with 60 percent of adults 65 years of age or older now regularly using the Internet. Furthermore, 44 percent of smartphone owners 50 years or older access the Internet or check email every day from a PC or mobile device, according to Pew.
Mobile makers are finding a lucrative opportunity to market devices to a wide age group, ranging from children to Baby Boomers - especially as many older adults use devices such as tablets and e-readers for casual Internet use and reading.
"As Baby Boomers age into their 60s and 70s, they are showing a determination to stay current with digital technology's advances," said George Otte, CEO of Geeks on Site, in a press statement. "We see an increased reliance on using the Internet, but with more comfortable access models like desktop computers, rather than smartphones and tablets. It's within this segment that we see an opportunity to guide and help these Boomers."
Continue reading: Report: Active seniors enjoying the Internet, especially using PCs (full post)
NASA is testing helicopter drones that could be used to explore Mars
Exploring Mars has proven to be a beneficial yet extremely tricky operation for NASA, with the Mars rovers helping yield a lot of insightful knowledge - and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory hopes to use the Mars Helicopter to add to exploration.
The Mars Helicopter would be able to travel up to three times the distance that either rover can travel in a single Martian day, along with pinpointing new locations for the rovers to explore.
The light craft could weigh just 2.2 pounds and measure 3.6 feet from the tip of one blade to the other - and the prototype body looks similar to a medium-sized tissue box. The JPL is currently testing the proof-of-concept in California, with no possible launch dates discussed.
Continue reading: NASA is testing helicopter drones that could be used to explore Mars (full post)
Companies must 'update their security' plans to improve security
Business leaders are paying attention to cybersecurity more than they were in recent years, but struggle to find methods to keep networks secure. Trying to determine what steps to take remains a complicated issue, especially with some companies discovering data breaches months after the initial incident occurs.
There are a number of potential problems for companies trying to keep their networks secure, as potential attacks originate from a variety of sources. Much focus is dedicated to preventing a breach, but business leaders also need to focus on the likelihood that a cyberattack was successful:
"The role of organized crime and government-sanctioned hacking will continue to thwart cybersecurity efforts [in 2015]," said JF Roy, CTO of TIBCO LogLogic, in a statement to TweakTown. "Breaches will continue to be discovered after the fact, which means that businesses must update their security and risk management plans to include incident response policies with contingencies for involvement of federal law enforcement."
Continue reading: Companies must 'update their security' plans to improve security (full post)


