NTSB explains what SpaceShipTwo pilot endured during horrific incident

Michael Hatamoto | Science, Space, & Robotics | Jul 29, 2015 5:56 PM CDT

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo pilot Peter Siebold's frightening account of what happened as the test craft broke apart after suffering a "serious anomaly."

Aware that SpaceShipTwo disintegrated, Siebold blacked out as the cool air was extremely difficult to breathe. The next time he woke up, he desperately tried to active the equipped backup oxygen, and his next memory was when his parachute automatically deployed.

Scaled Composites failed to create a system that would have prevented the braking system from being prematurely unlocked, which caused the issue when the other pilot unlocked it, according to the NTSB.

Continue reading: NTSB explains what SpaceShipTwo pilot endured during horrific incident (full post)

Satechi shows off its BT Cortana Button on Windows 10 launch day

Michael Hatamoto | Peripherals | Jul 29, 2015 2:41 PM CDT

Satechi has announced the launch of its BT Cortana Button, a custom solution as Microsoft rolls out Windows 10 to millions of users.

The BT Cortana Button is designed so users are able to quickly access Cortana on a Windows smartphone or computer remotely. It can be easily stored on key chains, steering wheels or anywhere that is convenient for the owner - and provides access to the virtual personal assistant in a safe manner.

Satechi promises up to two years battery life and Bluetooth wireless range up to 40 feet with the BT Cortana Button. It is expected to launch in late August with a $22.99 MSRP.

Continue reading: Satechi shows off its BT Cortana Button on Windows 10 launch day (full post)

Chinese hackers suspected in recent cyberattack on United Airlines

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Jul 29, 2015 2:26 PM CDT

United Airlines, the No. 2 largest airline company in the world, was apparently attacked by Chinese hackers in May or June.

If true, it looks like hackers could have been able to collect movement data on millions of American travelers. Passengers, flight origins and destinations, and other data was likely taken by the hackers, according to unnamed officials speaking with Bloomberg.

"Speculation that China is responsible for the United Airlines breach is interesting but at this point, irrelevant," said Jason Polanich, founder and chief architect of SurfWatch Labs. " Too many companies have a false sense of security, thinking it won't happen to them. Pair that with the fact that hacking tools are available to virtually everyone today via illicit trade on the Dark Web and in other places and you've got a recipe for disaster.

Continue reading: Chinese hackers suspected in recent cyberattack on United Airlines (full post)

US government unsure what to do after major cyberattacks

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Jul 29, 2015 2:14 PM CDT

The United States faces an overwhelming number of foreign-based cyberattacks, and there is no clear strategy on how to defend - and retaliate - against these attacks.

"We have known for a long time that there are significant vulnerabilities and that these vulnerabilities are gonna accelerate as time goes by, both in systems within government and within the private sector," Obama noted during an international summit last month.

Even though it's important to be able to conduct surveillance - the United States, which arguable has more to lose in the cybersecurity space than other nations - should have worked more diligently to improve its security infrastructure.

Continue reading: US government unsure what to do after major cyberattacks (full post)

id Software blended old school with the modern era while making Doom

Michael Hatamoto | Gaming | Jul 29, 2015 10:40 AM CDT

id Software has blended characteristics from the original Doom video games with a more modern twist, hoping to keep gamers interested.

"Ultimately, I don't think it's about old and new," said Marty Stratton, executive proder of Doom at id Software, in a statement to IGN. "It's about what's fun and what's Doom. We started early on with trying to figure out the game's identity. Not what is 'old Doom,' but what is Doom? How does it make us feel? What do we want from a Doom experience? When we boil it down, are the things we're doing feeding into that?"

When playing Doom next year, there are a few things you'll likely notice: your health doesn't regenerate, so you won't need to bother trying to hide and wait fights out. You also won't need to bother reloading, and your actual movement in the game is quite fast. The multiplayer experience features loadouts, and the minute you spawn, you'll be ready to go.

Continue reading: id Software blended old school with the modern era while making Doom (full post)

Bethesda: Fallout 4 was 'basically done' when the game was unveiled

Michael Hatamoto | Gaming | Jul 29, 2015 9:35 AM CDT

If there are certain features you'd like to see in Fallout 4, don't hold your breath, as the game is "basically done."

With most of the hard work already done, and the gaming community excited, Bethesda is spending its time fixing bugs and finalizing things.

"Let's be honest, [right now] it doesn't matter what anybody wants for a feature in Fallout 4," Pete Hines, VP of marketing at Bethesda, in a statement published by GameSpot. "The game is basically done. It was by and large done before we announced it, in terms of the features going in. You're not adding new features in May, June, July in the next year you're releasing; you're trying to get everything fixed."

Continue reading: Bethesda: Fallout 4 was 'basically done' when the game was unveiled (full post)

US government worried as more Americans wooed by Islamic State online

Michael Hatamoto | Internet & Websites | Jul 29, 2015 8:40 AM CDT

More US citizens are being stopped as they try to leave the country, in an effort to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

FBI Director James Comey admits the group's recruitment efforts using social media is successful, as they recruit "troubled souls." IS has been able to radicalize potential recruits from across the world, and those responsible for running the accounts are quick to create new online profiles if one is taken down.

"What worries me most is that ISIL's investment in social media - which has been blossoming in the last six to eight weeks in particular - will cause a significant increase in the number of incidents that we will see," Comey said while speaking at a national security conference. "That's what I worry about all day long."

Continue reading: US government worried as more Americans wooed by Islamic State online (full post)

Anonymous continues siege against Canadian intelligence agency

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Jul 29, 2015 7:30 AM CDT

As part of its "Operation Anon Down," the Anonymous hacker collective promises to continue leaking documents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). In its first data release, Anonymous shared a 2014 Treasury Board memo regarding funding of the Canadian spy agency's operational ability overseas.

Anonymous continues siege against Canadian intelligence agency

During a protest of a dam project, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) shot and killed James McIntyre, a protester wearing a Guy Fawkes mask. The police said McIntyre ignored their commands while approaching in an "aggressive manner." Here is what Independent Investigations Office said:

"According to the police, officers were responding to a report of a male causing a disturbance at a public information session. Upon arrival, police encountered a masked individual outside, believed to be connected to the complaint. A confrontation occurred and the male affected person was shot."

Continue reading: Anonymous continues siege against Canadian intelligence agency (full post)

Report: Apple Music already has 10 million users testing the service

Michael Hatamoto | Business, Financial & Legal | Jul 29, 2015 6:30 AM CDT

Apple Music launched on June 30 and has quickly amassed more than 10 million subscribers, according to a report published by Hitsdailydouble.com.

The website spoke with anonymous sources inside a few major record labels, as Apple doesn't release those types of figures publicly. Each new member can enjoy a three-month free trial of the service, so it will be interesting to see how many subscribers stick around following the trial period.

The entry-level plan costs $9.99 per month, and a $14.99 per month family plan allows for up to six users to enjoy the streaming music service.

Continue reading: Report: Apple Music already has 10 million users testing the service (full post)

Former NSA lawyer: Snowden 'really set back' cybersecurity discussion

Michael Hatamoto | Hacking, Security & Privacy | Jul 29, 2015 5:30 AM CDT

Edward Snowden doesn't have very many fans when it comes to people in the US government and the National Surveillance Agency (NSA).

"It is hard to quantify this harm, such as it is, but I think the inflammatory nature of the way the Snowden affair played out really set back our collective discussion on cybersecurity," said Rajesh De, former general counsel for the NSA, when asked about Snowden's data leaks during the Big Law Business Summit.

The White House recently responded to a petition to the White House that sought an official pardon for Snowden. Of course, that's not going to happen:

Continue reading: Former NSA lawyer: Snowden 'really set back' cybersecurity discussion (full post)

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