Cyber Shield: 10 Essential Strategies for Safe Web Surfing and Technology Security

 

In today's digital age, the internet is like a vast ocean, brimming with information and opportunities. However, just as the seas have their hazards, so does the web. Cybersecurity is the life jacket keeping us afloat in these digital waters. As a part of our Technology commitment to empowering and educating, here are 10 key pointers to ensure your safety while surfing the web.

1. Keep Your Software Updated: The digital world is constantly evolving, and so are its threats. Regularly updating your software, especially your browser and operating system, is akin to maintaining your ship for the journey. These updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities, keeping cyber pirates at bay.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Imagine your password as the key to your treasure chest. The stronger and more unique it is, the harder it is for marauders to plunder your digital valuables. Avoid common words and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to keep track of these complex passwords.

3. Beware of Phishing Attempts: Phishing is the siren song of the cyber seas, luring unsuspecting users to peril. Be cautious of emails or messages that urge immediate action, request personal information, or come from unknown sources. When in doubt, verify the source before clicking any links.

4. Secure Your Wi-Fi Connection: Unsecured Wi-Fi is like an anchor less ship in a storm, prone to drifting and danger. Ensure your home Wi-Fi is protected with a strong password, and avoid conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.

5. Use Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of defense, much like a double-lock on your treasure chest. Even if a hacker guesses your password, this second form of verification can stop them in their tracks.

6. Be Cautious with Downloads: Downloading files from the internet can be like fishing in murky waters; you never know what you might catch. Stick to reputable websites and verify the legitimacy of the files before downloading to avoid inadvertently introducing malware to your system.

7. Monitor Your Online Footprint: Your online activity leaves a trail, like a ship's wake in the sea. Regularly check your privacy settings on social media and be mindful of the information you share online. The less personal information you have out in the open, the less there is for cyber criminals to exploit.

8. Educate Yourself on the Latest Threats: The cyber world, much like the ocean, is always changing. Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it's your compass in navigating these waters safely.

9. Back Up Your Data: In the event of a cyber-attack, having a backup of your data is like having a lifeboat. Regularly back up important data to an external drive or a cloud service. This way, if something goes wrong, you won't lose everything.

10. Trust Your Instincts: Last but not least, trust your instincts. If something feels off, like a storm brewing on the horizon, it probably is. Listen to your gut feeling when something on the web seems amiss.

In conclusion, while the internet is an incredible resource, it’s crucial to sail its waters with caution and awareness. By following these 10 cybersecurity tips, you're not just protecting your information; you're ensuring a safer journey through the digital universe. Remember, in the vast ocean of the internet, it's better to be the cautious navigator than the reckless sailor.

Unprecedented Leak of Apple TestFlight Data Leak

 

Unprecedented Leak of Apple TestFlight Data Reveals Trove of iOS Apps and Games

A massive data breach has occurred, involving Apple's TestFlight service, which predominantly functioned between 2012 and 2015. This incident, now known as the "Teraleak", has resulted in a startling revelation of a vast number of iOS apps and games, including some that were never released.

 

The scale of this leak is reminiscent of the 2020 Nintendo "gigaleak," which famously exposed numerous gaming prototypes and unreleased content. In the case of the TestFlight breach, the leaked archives have been discovered on the Wayback Machine and subsequently disseminated through various online platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter). These archives are readily accessible through a simple online search.

This leak is notable not only for its scale but also for its content. It contains a variety of iOS app and game builds, including prototypes and beta versions that were distributed for testing through TestFlight. Interestingly, it also features several unreleased Angry Birds games, adding a layer of intrigue to this already significant event.

 

The leak provides a unique opportunity for game preservationists, as it includes apps that have been removed from the App Store and are no longer available through official channels.

Despite the potential for historical and preservationist interest, the origin of the leak remains shrouded in mystery. An anonymous source, known only by the handle @Teraleak, appears to be the primary disseminator of this information. However, the exact pathway through which this data left Apple's servers remains unknown.

There are also concerns about the nature of the data included in the leak, particularly regarding any sensitive information it may contain. Given the age of the archives, the relevance of such data might be limited, but the implications for privacy and security are still significant.

As the internet community delves into this treasure trove of digital history, legal and ethical questions loom. The implications for intellectual property rights and the broader issues surrounding data leaks present complex challenges.

As of now, Apple and the developers affected by the leak have not issued any statements regarding this unprecedented breach. The situation continues to evolve, with more discoveries likely as people continue to explore the depth of the leaked data.

Cisco Acquire Splunk in $28B mega deal

 

 

 

Cisco, the renowned leader in computer networking equipment, has made a historic move by announcing its largest-ever acquisition. The tech giant is set to acquire the cybersecurity software firm, Splunk, in a cash transaction valued at approximately $28 billion, equivalent to $157 per Splunk share. This significant deal signifies Cisco's commitment to fortifying its cybersecurity capabilities to meet evolving customer demands and to foster growth.

Splunk, a company specializing in cybersecurity and data analysis, has seen its shares surge by 21% following this announcement, while Cisco's shares closed down by 4%. Splunk's technology plays a pivotal role in helping businesses safeguard their data, monitor for potential security breaches, and expedite the resolution of technical issues.

Cisco's CEO, Chuck Robbins, emphasized the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing network protection through Splunk's technology. Robbins stated that the combined strengths of Cisco and Splunk will drive the next generation of AI-enabled security and observability, covering everything from threat detection and response to proactive threat prediction and prevention. The ultimate goal is to bolster organizations of all sizes, rendering them more secure and resilient in today's complex threat landscape.

The acquisition is slated to conclude in the third quarter of 2024. Cisco expects it to have a positive impact, with improved gross margins anticipated in the first year and enhanced non-GAAP earnings by the second year.

In terms of scale, this acquisition is a considerable leap for Cisco, representing approximately 13% of the company's market capitalization. Historically, Cisco has been cautious in pursuing blockbuster deals, with its most significant acquisition prior to Splunk being the $6.9 billion purchase of cable set-top box manufacturer Scientific Atlanta in 2006 when Cisco's market capitalization was just over $100 billion.

This bold move reflects Cisco's need to explore new avenues for revenue growth as the public cloud increasingly encroaches on its traditional back-end business. Cybersecurity has become a primary focus area for Cisco. In the fiscal year 2022, Cisco rebranded its core switching and routing business to "Secure, Agile Networks," emphasizing the integration of security into networking infrastructure. The company also established a dedicated reporting unit, "End-to-End Security," focused exclusively on security products. These strategic shifts have borne fruit, with the core business's revenue surging by 22% to $29.1 billion and the security unit seeing a 4% increase in sales to $3.9 billion.

 

While Cisco's shares have not performed as strongly as the broader tech sector this year, with a 12% increase compared to the Nasdaq's 27% rise, this acquisition underscores the company's determination to remain competitive and innovative in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

Both Chuck Robbins, Cisco's CEO and board chair, and Gary Steele, Splunk's president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the merger. Robbins highlighted the synergy between AI and cybersecurity, emphasizing the combined potential to enhance security and observability. On the other hand, Steele eagerly anticipates the next phase of Splunk's growth journey and the value it will bring to shareholders.

Ray Wang, founder and principal analyst at Constellation Research, echoed the sentiment that these companies are well-positioned to complement each other. Wang stressed the natural synergy between threat detection, security, AI, and observability, noting that this union promises better network security and a stronger AI-focused narrative for Cisco, while Splunk gains a key home for its observability platform. This strategic alignment between Cisco's network telemetry and Splunk's observability platform is set to offer customers unparalleled insights into their data, further solidifying the significance of this acquisition.

8 Key Websites That Everyone Should Know About

The internet is full of amazing resources that can help you with various tasks, from designing to learning to traveling. But how do you find the best ones among the millions of websites out there? To save you some time and effort, we have compiled a list of 8 key websites that everyone should know about. These websites offer free or affordable services that can make your life easier and more productive. Check them out below!

1. Canva.com

Canva is a powerful online design tool that lets you create stunning graphics, logos, flyers, posters, presentations, and more. You can choose from thousands of templates or start from scratch with a blank canvas. You can also access millions of images, icons, fonts, and other elements to customize your designs. Canva has a free version that offers most of the features you need, and a premium version that unlocks more advanced tools and resources.

2. Hunter.io

Hunter is a website that helps you find and verify email addresses of anyone on the web. You can enter a domain name and get a list of all the public email addresses associated with it, or enter an email address and get information about its validity and deliverability. Hunter also has a Chrome extension that lets you find email addresses from any website or social media platform. Hunter is perfect for sales, marketing, recruitment, or research purposes.

3. Cheapoair.com

Cheapoair is a website that helps you find the best deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. You can compare prices from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies and book your trip with just a few clicks. You can also use Cheapoair’s flexible search options to find the cheapest dates and destinations for your travel plans. Cheapoair also offers 24/7 customer support and rewards program for frequent travelers.

4. Edx.org

Edx is a website that offers free online courses from top universities and institutions around the world. You can learn anything from business to engineering to humanities to languages and more. You can also earn certificates or degrees from some of the courses for a fee. Edx courses are self-paced and interactive, with videos, quizzes, assignments, and peer feedback. Edx is a great way to expand your knowledge and skills without spending a fortune.

5. Calendly.com

Calendly is a website that simplifies scheduling meetings and appointments. You can create your own personalized booking page with your availability and preferences, and share it with anyone who wants to meet with you. You can also integrate Calendly with your calendar and other apps like Zoom, Google Meet, Salesforce, etc. Calendly automatically sends reminders and confirmations to you and your guests, and eliminates the hassle of back-and-forth emails.

6. Remove.bg

Remove.bg is a website that lets you remove the background from any image in seconds. You just need to upload an image or enter an image URL, and Remove.bg will automatically detect the foreground object and erase the background. You can then download the image with a transparent or solid background, or edit it further with tools like crop, resize, rotate, etc. Remove.bg works with any image, whether it’s a person, an animal, or an object.

7. Unscreen.com

Unscreen.com is a website that lets you remove the background from any video in seconds. You just need to upload a video or enter a video URL, and Unscreen.com will automatically detect the foreground object and erase the background. You can then download the video with a transparent or solid background, or edit it further with tools like trim, crop, resize, rotate, etc. Unscreen.com works with any video, whether it’s a person, an animal, or an object.

8. Flaticon.com

Flaticon is a website that offers over 11 million vector icons and stickers for your projects. You can browse by categories, styles, themes, or keywords, or use the search function to find what you need. You can download the icons and stickers in various formats like PNG, SVG, EPS, PSD, and CSS. You can also edit them online with tools like color change, resize, rotate, etc. Flaticon is ideal for web design, graphic design, social media, presentations, etc.

 

How Apple Gets Ahead with the 3 nm Chip Technology

 TLDR

Apple has secured a deal with TSMC, the world’s largest chip maker, to buy all the 3 nm chips it can produce for its future iPhones and Macs. The 3 nm process is a new and advanced technology that can make chips faster and more efficient. However, it also has a high rate of defects, which means many chips are unusable. Apple’s deal with TSMC allows it to avoid paying for these defective chips, saving it billions of dollars. This gives Apple an edge over its competitors, who also rely on TSMC for their chips but have to pay for every chip they order. Apple’s 3 nm chips are expected to power its M3 series processors for Macs and the A17 Bionic for some next-gen iPhones.

 

Chip Manufacturing and the 3 nm Technology

Chips, or integrated circuits (ICs), are the tiny electronic devices that power our computers, smartphones, and other gadgets. They are made of silicon wafers that are cut into thin slices and then processed with various techniques to create complex patterns of transistors and wires. These patterns form the logic and memory functions of the chips.

How Chips Are Made

The chip manufacturing process involves hundreds of steps and can take up to four months from design to mass production

• Deposition: This is the process of adding thin layers of materials, such as metals, insulators, or semiconductors, on top of the silicon wafer. These layers are used to create different components of the chip, such as gates, contacts, and interconnects.
• Photoresist coating: This is the process of applying a light-sensitive material, called photoresist, on top of the deposited layer. The photoresist is used to protect some areas of the layer from being exposed to light in the next step.
• Lithography: This is the process of transferring a pattern from a mask onto the photoresist-coated layer using a beam of light. The mask is a template that contains the desired shape of the chip features. The light changes the chemical properties of the exposed photoresist, making it either soluble or insoluble in a developer solution.
• Etching: This is the process of removing the unwanted parts of the deposited layer by applying a chemical or physical agent. The etching agent only affects the areas where the photoresist has been removed by the developer solution, leaving behind the desired pattern on the silicon wafer.
• Ion implantation: This is the process of altering the electrical characteristics of some regions of the silicon wafer by bombarding them with ions. The ions are atoms or molecules that have been stripped of some electrons, giving them a positive or negative charge. The ions penetrate into the silicon wafer and change its conductivity, creating regions called p-type or n-type.
• Packaging: This is the final step of chip manufacturing, where the finished silicon wafer is cut into individual chips and mounted on a package. The package is a protective casing that connects the chip to external circuits and provides power and cooling.

Why 3 nm Technology Matters

One of the main challenges in chip manufacturing is to make chips smaller, faster, and more efficient. To achieve this, chip makers try to reduce the size of the transistors and wires on the chip, measured in nanometers (nm). The smaller the size, the more transistors can fit on a chip, increasing its performance and reducing its power consumption.

The 3 nm technology is a new and advanced manufacturing process that can create chips with features as small as 3 nm. This is about 10 times smaller than a human red blood cell or 30 times smaller than a coronavirus particle. The 3 nm technology can enable chips that are up to 30% faster and 15% more efficient than the current 5 nm technology.

However, making chips at such a small scale also comes with many challenges. One of them is the high rate of defects, which means many chips are unusable due to errors or flaws in their patterns. Normally, chip makers have to pay for every chip they order from their suppliers, regardless of whether they work or not. This can increase their costs significantly.

Apple has secured a deal with TSMC, one of the world’s largest chip suppliers, to buy all the 3 nm chips it can produce for its future iPhones and Macs. Apple’s deal with TSMC allows it to avoid paying for defective chips, saving it billions of dollars. This gives Apple an edge over its competitors, who also rely on TSMC for their chips but have to pay for every chip they order.

The 3 nm technology is expected to power Apple’s M3 series processors for Macs and the A17 Bionic for some next-gen iPhones. These chips will offer higher performance and lower power consumption than their predecessors, enabling new features and applications for Apple’s devices.

 

AMD vs Intel Which should you choose?

 

Ultimately, the choice between AMD and Intel CPUs will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for good value for money, high core count, and affordability, AMD might be the better option for you. Intel might be a better fit if you need widespread compatibility, strong integrated graphics, and power efficiency.

The detailed two article I found interesting are AMD vs Intel Which should you choose?  also another  intel-vs-amd-vs-nvidia-a-3-way-brawl

 

Have Fun reading.

 

Top 5 Free CDN (Content Delivery Network)

 Content Delivery Network CDN is the geographically distributed network of cached proxy servers in different data centers across the globe. Those servers hold the copy of your your website to provide improved load time of website and performance thus minimizing load on your original servers. almost more than half of the world internet traffic is service by the CDN  that stores the cached versions of the websites at different geographical location. .

Why use CDN?

 CDNs offer a simple way to increase a website's speed while reducing latency as well. They are therefore important for the rapid, effective and safe delivery of content to users around the world.

CDN is also used to protect your sites against DOS and DDOS attacks - they are also a good source to get details analytics through there GUI interface . 

CDN technology should provides the following primary benefits to a business:  

Performance and Speed

 

Security by using WAF 

 Some of the FREE CND Providers 

 1. CloudFlare 

2, OptiMole 

3. Jetpack Site Accelerator

4. ArvanCloud 

5. Netlift