Author: Scott Dylan

The US Department of Justice has indicted three Iranian nationals for a cyberattack on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. The hackers, linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, allegedly stole documents and emails from campaign officials.Utilising tactics like social engineering and spear phishing, they tricked victims into disclosing sensitive information. The stolen data was then shared with the media.Tracking the HackersInvestigators have traced this operation back to an ISP in Iran, Respina Networks, which allegedly granted the hackers unrestricted internet access outside of Iran. They also utilised commercial virtual private networks (VPNs) to establish fake domains like ‘tinyurl.ink’ and ‘mailer-daemon.online’ to…

Threads has introduced a new feature enabling users to tag their location in posts. This enhancement is designed to foster community engagement and provide contextual information to viewers.With this update, users can now add a location marker to their Threads posts, sharing generalised information such as a city name or neighbourhood. This feature is similar to what is already available on Instagram, making it intuitive for existing users.How to Use the Location-Tagging FeatureTo utilise the new location-tagging feature, simply tap the pin icon in the post composer. This action will prompt a list of location options, allowing users to be…

In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Switzerland’s EPFL have unveiled a robotic hand capable of detaching from its arm to perform independent tasks. This advancement marks a notable milestone in robotics, combining agility with advanced grasping capabilities.Presented at the International Conference on Robotics and Automation, this innovation promises to revolutionise the functionality of robotic arms, traditionally limited by their fixed nature. With this new technology, the robotic hand can operate autonomously, increasing its versatility in various applications.The robotic hand designed by EPFL researchers can detach from its robotic arm, crawl independently, and pick up small objects. This level of autonomous…

The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch a new satellite into orbit in 2027, only to intentionally destroy it upon reentry. This bold mission aims to enhance understanding of satellite disintegration in Earth’s atmosphere.Through this mission, ESA intends to gather crucial data to mitigate space debris, a growing concern with an increasing number of satellites orbiting Earth. Here’s a closer look at their ambitious initiative.Understanding the DRACO MissionThe DRACO mission is a key part of ESA’s Zero Debris Charter initiative, which strives to eliminate new space debris by 2030. Named the Destructive Reentry Assessment Container Object (DRACO), this project…

Several health-care workers in Missouri have reported respiratory symptoms after tending to a patient diagnosed with H5N1 bird flu. This revelation adds to growing concerns about the possible spread and impact of the virus.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed that four additional health-care workers experienced symptoms, bringing the total to six. These workers had varying levels of contact with the patient.High-Risk and Low-Risk ContactsOne of the health-care workers who developed symptoms had high-risk contact with the patient, meaning they provided care before the hospital implemented protective measures such as wearing masks. This highlights the importance of…

In response to mounting security concerns, a significant overhaul has been carried out on the Recall feature.Originally introduced as part of Copilot Plus PCs, Recall has received a comprehensive security update, making it an entirely optional feature that users can now choose to uninstall.The redesigned Recall feature now boasts a much stronger focus on security and privacy. According to David Weston, vice president of enterprise and OS security, the security architecture of Recall has been extensively reworked. This means that users who were hesitant about incorporating Recall into their systems now have a more secure option.The option to uninstall Recall…

In light of recent changes, individuals seeking to subscribe to popular streaming services must act swiftly. The window of opportunity to save on one such service, Disney Plus, is rapidly closing.With a significant price hike set to commence and a stricter password-sharing policy forthcoming, today offers a final chance for potential and returning subscribers to secure a favourable deal.Impending Price Hike and Password-Sharing CrackdownDisney Plus has announced a significant price increase, effective from October 17th. In addition to this price hike, a monthly charge of £6.99 will be introduced for subscribers wishing to add an extra member to the ad-supported…

Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next, has offloaded a substantial £29.2 million worth of shares, amid speculation of impending changes to capital gains tax under Rachel Reeves’s first Budget.This strategic move has sparked considerable discussion among investors, who are bracing for potential tax hikes following record capital gains tax receipts.The recently disclosed filings reveal that Lord Wolfson sold 290,000 shares over a period of days, reducing his total ownership to around £100 million. Before this transaction, his holdings amounted to roughly 1.4 million shares, representing a 1.2% stake in the company, valued at approximately £141 million.Anticipating these changes, many investors are…

CNN is poised to introduce a digital subscription model for some of its online articles starting next month. This strategic move follows similar models adopted by other leading publications.The decision comes amidst a decline in cable TV viewership and aims to generate additional revenue. An initial ‘inexpensive’ pricing plan will be tested to gauge customer demand.CNN chairman, Mark Thompson, revealed plans to trial a metered paywall in early October. This system will require frequent readers to subscribe after accessing a preset number of free articles.The aim is to test customer willingness to pay for premium content, with the subscription initially…

Amtrak trip suggestions are now integrated into Google Search. When searching for airline fares between destinations with Amtrak terminals, users will also receive suggestions for train rides.An effort to offer greener travel options, this integration also calculates carbon emissions saved by taking the train compared to flying or driving.Google has long been dedicated to providing sustainable transport alternatives, and the recent integration of Amtrak trip suggestions in Google Flights exemplifies this ongoing effort. This new feature includes train fares and direct links to Amtrak’s website for ticket purchases, enhancing user experience and promoting eco-friendlier travel options.Additionally, Google’s system calculates the…