Researchers have identified a set of vulnerabilities in the Saflok door locks that threaten hotel rooms’ security. Named ‘Unsaflok,’ the security flaws let an adversary to unlock Saflok RFID locks with forged cards.
‘Unsaflok’ Security Flaws Riddle Saflok Door Locks
After working hard for a year and a half, a team of researchers has now disclosed Unsaflok – a set of security flaws affecting the Saflok door locks.
According to the details shared via a dedicated web page, Unsaflok vulnerabilities exist due to the inherent flaws in Saflok’s encryption (the Key Derivation Function (KDF)) and the MIFARE Classic RFID system used in the locks. An attacker may exploit the flaw by reading specific codes from a target hotel’s keycard and writing two of their keycards. Once done, placing the two cards back-to-back on the lock’s scanner causes the first keycard to rewrite a certain code, and the second opens the lock. An adversary may do so via a $300 RFID read-write device, preparing the two keycards for tricking the target door locks.
The researchers have demonstrated the attack in a separate video, showing how an adversary may render the locks useless by exploiting Unsaflok flaws.
These vulnerabilities affect all Saflok locks launched since 1988. That means the hotels and other Saflok consumers have been using vulnerable Saflok locks all along. The researchers haven’t detected any exploitation attempts yet but don’t rule out such a threat.
Patches Released But Need Aggressive User Input
According to Wired, the researchers began working on this subject following an invitation to hack a Vegas hotel room. Consequently, they found and reported the vulnerabilities to dormakaba—Saflok vendors—in September 2022.
Following their report, the vendors began working on a fix, eventually deploying the updates to hotels in November 2023. Until March 2024, roughly 36% of the affected locks received the update. And now, the researchers decided to go ahead with the disclosure to inform the users about the potential threat.
Nonetheless, given the extensive use of Saflok locks, the vulnerabilities affect over 13,000 RFID locks installed across various hotels and homes globally. This requires immediate attention from all users to address the matter by updating the lock software or replacing the locks. Until the matter gets largely addressed, the researchers have decided to hold the PoC release.
UPDATE: Android 14 is reaching T-Mobile OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro users in the US. This is the last major Android update they’ll get. You can find more information at the very end of the article.
OnePlus announced its OnePlus 9 series flagships on March 23, 2021. As part of this flagship series, the company announced the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro handsets. In addition to them, the company also talked about its first-ever smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch.
Having said that, the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are the first two smartphones from the company to include Hasselblad branding on the back. OnePlus partnered up with Hasselblad in order to boost the cameras on the OnePlus 9 series. This time around, it seems like Hasselblad only helped with the color science, but that partnership will delve much deeper into the camera systems with next-gen flagships.
The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are both immensely powerful. This time around, they’re even coming with the same RAM and flash storage, in addition to offering the same processor. The “Pro” model does have its advantages, but the difference is not as significant as it was in the last couple of years. In this article, we’ll do our best to provide you with a lot of information about both of these smartphones.
How much does the OnePlus 9 series cost?
The OnePlus 9 starts at $729, while the OnePlus 9 Pro’s pricing starts at $969. Those price tags apply for 8GB RAM variants of each device, and those variants come with 128GB of storage. Each of the two phones is also available with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Price tags for those two models are $829 and $1,069, respectively.
Those of you who are in the loop will notice that the OnePlus 9 series is more expensive than the OnePlus 8 series was at launch. This was to be expected, especially with the Hasselblad being thrown into the mix. The price increase is not all that big, though. The most affordable OnePlus 8 variant was priced at $699 at launch, while the OnePlus 8 Pro’s base model cost $899.
In the case of the OnePlus 9, we’re seeing a price increase of $30, while the OnePlus 9 Pro’s base model costs $70 more than its predecessor.
Should I wait for a price drop?
If you want to get either of these two phones in the foreseeable future, waiting probably won’t do you much good. OnePlus does tend to discount its smartphones after a while, but that doesn’t usually happen until we’re well into the current generation of smartphones. So, you can wait, and hope to spot a discount of some sort, but you may wait for a while.
The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are discounted quite a bit at this very moment. The OnePlus 8’s 8GB RAM model is priced at $499 ($200 off), while the OnePlus 8 Pro’s 12GB RAM model is priced at $699 ($300 off). It is worth noting that both phones were launched a year ago at this point, so these discounts are expected. OnePlus did start discounting them a couple of months ago, but that didn’t happen soon after they launched last year.
What trade-in offers are available at launch?
At the moment, we don’t have any information about trade-in offers, at least not from OnePlus. The company may end up offering some once the two devices go on sale, as it did in the past. We’ll update this portion of the article once more information becomes available. That will likely happen on March 26, when the pre-orders start.
If you plan on purchasing the phone from T-Mobile, however, we know for sure that trade-in deals will be available. T-Mobile said that its customers can get half off the OnePlus 9 5G (or $365 off the 9 Pro 5G) when they trade in an eligible device, or add a new line.
Where can I buy the OnePlus 9 series?
The OnePlus 9 series will become available to pre-order on March 26, while the sales will commence on April 2. The devices will be available directly from the company and from T-Mobile in the US. A number of retailers will also sell the two devices in the States. Those retailers include Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H. We’ll add the purchase links once the two devices go on sale.
What carriers support the OnePlus 9 series?
T-Mobile will be the US carrier that will sell the OnePlus 9 series. Both smartphones do support 5G connectivity, and both will work with T-Mobile’s 5G network. The company has also confirmed that both phones will work with Verizon and AT&T 4G LTE networks, while we’re not sure about 5G connectivity just yet. If you’re planning to use 5G, getting it from T-Mobile (and using it with the company’s network) is your best bet.
Which carriers will sell the OnePlus 9 series?
The only carrier in the US that will sell the OnePlus 9 series devices is T-Mobile. It seems like Verizon and AT&T don’t plan on selling the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, at least not for the time being.
What colors are available?
The OnePlus 9 variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage comes in two color options, Astral Black and Winter Mist. The 12GB RAM model with 256GB of storage comes in an Astral Black color only.
The OnePlus 9 Pro, on the other hand, comes in two color variants in the US. The 8GB RAM variant with 128GB of storage is available in Morning Mist color only. The 12GB RAM model with 256GB of storage comes in both Pine Green and Morning Mist options.
What are the specs of the OnePlus 9 series?
OnePlus 9
OnePlus 9 Pro
Display
6.55-inch FHD+ Flat AMOLED 120Hz
6.7-inch QHD+ Curved AMOLED (LTPO) Adaptive 120Hz
Processor
Snapdragon 888 5G
Snapdragon 888 5G
RAM
8/12GB
8/12GB
Storage
128/256GB
128/256GB
Battery Capacity
4500mAh
4500mAh
Charging Speeds
65W fast wired charging, 15W wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging
65W fast wired charging, 50W fast wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging
The OnePlus 9 series comes with a number of new features, and that goes for both software and hardware. The “Pro” model offers more in that regard, of course, but that was to be expected. Before we begin, do note that we cannot list everything here, of course, but we’ll do our best to highlight the most important changes.
Hasselblad camera
OnePlus announced its partnership with an iconic camera company, Hasselblad. Hasselblad doesn’t need a special introduction, but this partnership does. For the OnePlus 9 series of devices, Hasselblad pitched in the color department The company contributed to the color science on the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, to make sure that the two phones offer the best color accuracy.
We’ve noticed some improvement in that regard during our initial camera testing, and we do expect things to go much further than that. Hasselblad may have been involved in color science only thus far, as that is one of its trademarks, but that partnership will likely go much further in the future. The two companies have agreed on a three-year deal, so we do have high expectations for future OnePlus smartphones.
Camera hardware improvements
The OnePlus 9 Pro comes with a new custom-designed Sony IMX789 sensor, that gives OnePlus quite a bit of control. That sensor has been co-engineered with Sony, and it’s quite a large sensor (1/1.4”). It has some impressive tech on the inside, including a 2×2 on-chip lens (OCL), 12-bit RAW, dual native ISO, and DOL-HDR. This sensor can autofocus extremely fast and improves color accuracy on its own as well.
The company also improved things in the ultra-wide department. It is using a 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 sensor in both the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro. That is a 1/1.56-inch sensor, and we’re looking at a free-form lens here. It uses unique curves to correct incoming light, so it brings distortion at the edge of photos down to around 1 percent. This camera also acts as a macro camera, as it can focus from as close as 4cm away from your subject.
LTPO display
The OnePlus 9 Pro comes with what OnePlus calls Fluid Display 2.0. This is an LTPO panel (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide), which is the most advanced backplane technology used in OLED displays. In other words, this display can automatically adjust the refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz. That should help with battery life quite a bit. This is also a QHD+ panel, and it’s curved, but less curved than the unit on the OnePlus 8 Pro. The OnePlus 9 does not offer an LTPO display, but it still has a 120Hz fullHD+ panel, which is flat.
Warp Charge
OnePlus arguably offers the most compelling charging combo in the market. The company’s wired and wireless charging got extremely fast. Both the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro offer Warp Charge 65T when it comes to wireless charging. This is 65W wired charging, and it can charge up each device from 1 to 100 percent in only 29 minutes. Do note that both phones include 4,500mAh battery packs.
On the flip side, the OnePlus 9 Pro also supports 50W wireless charging. OnePlus calls it “Warp Charge 50”, and with the proprietary charger, you can charge up the OnePlus 9 Pro from 1 to 100 percent in only 43 minutes. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s wireless charging is much faster than most wired charging solutions in the market, and that’s saying a lot. On top of that, both devices do offer reverse wireless charging and ship with a 65W fast charger in the box.
OxygenOS 11 improvements
OnePlus is bringing quite a few improvements with OxygenOS 11 to these two smartphones. The new Turbo Boost 3.0 memory optimization enables both phones to keep more than 25 percent more apps open in the background. The company managed to achieve this with the help of RAM compression.
Pro Gaming Mode can utilize the true power of the Snapdragon 888 SoC in order to offer stellar gaming performance. It can also block app notifications, calls, and other distractions so that you can game in peace. The company’s five-layer gaming-grade cooling system is also here, and much more.
Which OnePlus 9 should I buy?
This is never an easy question, and it always depends on your needs. What you should know, in order to make that decision, is what you prefer. The OnePlus 9 is a lighter and smaller smartphone, with a flat display. You’ll feel the added weight with the OnePlus 9 Pro, though the phone is not as heavy as some of the competition, it’s still lighter than 200 grams.
The OnePlus 9 Pro also has a better display, though truth be said, the difference is not that big at all. The main camera sensor on the “Pro” model is also better, and it does result in somewhat better pictures, though most people would be happy with what the OnePlus 9 offers in that regard as well.
If you need really fast wireless charging, then the “Pro” model is for you. If you don’t need all those benefits, the OnePlus 9 is an excellent alternative. It comes with the same SoC, same ultra-wide camera, same RAM and storage as the “Pro” variant. It’s an extremely powerful smartphone, and it can save you quite a bit of money.
Updated March 25, 2024:
The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro users on T-Mobile US are finally getting Android 14 update with OxygenOS 14. This follows the Android 14 update for unlocked variants of those two phones, which arrived weeks ago. This update also brings the Android security update for January 2024 with it, in addition to some changes with the new version of OxygenOS 14, of course. Don’t expect all the software features that the OnePlus 12 users have, of course.
When it comes to an official changelog, it’s not particularly long. In addition to the security patch, some improvements to stability and performance are mentioned. The battery life improvements are also included, and the swipe-up gesture problems should be resolved now too. OnePlus did remove the Background stream feature in Smart Sidebar too. The stability of mobile network connections has been improved, and the same goes for Wi-Fi connections and Camera stability.
There is bad news here too, unfortunately. This will be the last major update that the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro users will get. It’s the third major OS update, as the company promised. The two devices will be getting security updates for an extra year, though.
The European Commission opened up investigations targetting Google, Apple & Meta
The whole purpose of these investigations is to find out how Google, Apple, and Meta are complying with its new Digital Markets Act antitrust rules. The EU antitrust chief, Margrethe Vestager said: “We suspect that the suggested solutions put forward by the three companies do not fully comply with the DMA”.
What about Meta? Well, its “pay or consent model” for ad targeting is another point of interest for the European Commission. The regulator said that it plans to conclude these investigations within the next 12 months.
Those are the main points of the investigations, but there are more secondary targets. The Commission plans to look into the fee structure Apple announced for distributing apps outside of the App Store.
Amazon’s practices will also be looked over by the EU
Amazon is not exempt either. It will find out whether Amazon is preferencing its own products in its store. When it comes to Meta, the Commission gave it an additional six months to make Messenger interoperable with other messaging services.
The EU Commissioner, Thierry Breton, said “We are not convinced that the solutions by Alphabet, Apple and Meta respect their obligations for a fairer and more open digital space for European citizens and businesses”. He also added: “Should our investigation conclude that there is lack of full compliance with the DMA, gatekeepers could face heavy fines”.
If found guilty, heavy fines are coming, along with steps on how to improve current practices. The European Commission can fine each of the companies up to 10% of their annual global revenue under the DMA. If repeated offenses are in question, those fines go up to 20% of annual global revenue.
Ars Technica reports that Instagram users have started complaining on X/Twitter after discovering that Meta has begun limiting recommended political content by default.
Back in February, when the announcement was made, Meta said:
We want Instagram and Threads to be a great experience for everyone. If you decide to follow accounts that post political content, we don’t want to get between you and their posts, but we also don’t want to proactively recommend political content from accounts you don’t follow. So we’re extending our existing approach to how we treat political content – we won’t proactively recommend content about politics on recommendation surfaces across Instagram and Threads. If you still want these posts recommended to you, you will have a control to see them.
Fast-forward to present days. There’s an abundance of users who complain on X/Twitter about it and they’re not happy their accounts are set to limit such posts by default:
Instagram put up a new “limit political content” feature in settings and set it as the default for tons of accounts. The timing of this feature is very suspect to me, but anyway here is how to fix it pic.twitter.com/wPofpiFwZk
“Political content is likely to mention governments, elections, or social topics that affect a group of people and society at large”, reads the Instagram settings page for such kinds of posts. Even if you’re sick of politics and you just want to see another cat/dog/red panda video, the “… or social topics that affect a group of people…” part is extremely vague and could incorporate… well, everything.To change the setting and not let Meta’s algorithm decide what’s a political post (and what’s not) that you should or should not see, users can navigate to Instagram’s menu for “settings and activity” in their profiles, and update their “content preferences”. There’s a “political content” menu (the last item under a list of “suggested content”) where users can set preferences for what content is recommended in their feeds.
Choosing “don’t limit” means “you might see more political or social topics in your suggested content,” the app says. By default, all users are set to “limit,” which means “you might see less political or social topics.”
This affects suggestions in Explore, Reels, Feed, Recommendations, and Suggested Users. It does not affect content from accounts you follow. This setting also applies to Threads.
A malvertising campaign has been discovered deploying a fake PuTTY client to deliver the Rhadamanthys stealer, a dangerous malware.
This campaign cleverly exploits the trust in the widely used SSH and Telnet client, PuTTY, by presenting a counterfeit website through malicious ads at the top of Google search results.
This article delves into the mechanics of this attack, the role of malware loaders, and the subsequent deployment of the Rhadamanthys stealer, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance among Linux administrators.
Malware Loader
Malware loaders, also known as droppers or downloaders, play a pivotal role in the cybercriminal ecosystem.
Alert Fatigue that helps no one as security teams need to triage 100s of vulnerabilities.:
The problem of vulnerability fatigue today
Difference between CVSS-specific vulnerability vs risk-based vulnerability
Evaluating vulnerabilities based on the business impact/risk
Automation to reduce alert fatigue and enhance security posture significantly
AcuRisQ, which helps you to quantify risk accurately:
Their primary function is infiltrating a machine and deploying additional payloads while evading detection.
A sophisticated loader delivers malware and ensures that the victim is legitimate, thereby maximizing the attack’s impact.
The loader discussed in this campaign is particularly noteworthy for its use of the Go programming language and an innovative technique to deploy the Rhadamanthys stealer.
Malwarebytes has reported that the latest version of Go loader is being used to deliver the Rhadamanthys stealer malware.
This new variant is being actively distributed and poses a significant threat to organizations and individuals.
The Malvertising Campaign
The campaign begins with a malicious ad that masquerades as the homepage for PuTTY.
malicious ads
This ad, cunningly placed above the official site in Google search results, directs unsuspecting users to a domain controlled by the attackers.
The domain, arnaudpairoto[.]com, is a red flag due to its irrelevance to PuTTY, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing domain names in ads.
Crawler, sandbox, or scanner, will see this half-finished blog
Fake PuTTY AdVictims from the US are redirected to a counterfeit site that mirrors putty.org, with the critical difference being the download link.
A big difference though is the download link
This link initiates a two-step redirection process, ultimately leading to downloading a malicious PuTTY executable from the astrosphere[.]world.
puttyconnect[.]info/1.php
HTTP/1.1 302 Found
Location: astrosphere[.]world/onserver3.php
astrosphere[.]world/onserver3.php
HTTP/1.1 200 OK
Server: nginx/1.24.0
Content-Type: application/octet-stream
Content-Length: 13198274
Connection: keep-alive
Content-Description: File Transfer
Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="PuTTy.exe"
This server performs checks for proxies and logs the victim’s IP address, setting the stage for the delivery of the Rhadamanthys stealer.
Cybertron Technologies has recently tweeted about a malvertising campaign that leverages the Go Loader to deploy the Rhadamanthys Stealer.
🚨 Threat Campaign Alert – Malvertising Campaign Uses Go Loader to Deploy Rhadamanthys Stealer🚨
Summary: A Malvertising campaign employs a new loader written in Go language to deploy the Rhadamanthys stealer via fake PuTTY sites, targeting system administrators through… pic.twitter.com/YlAZS2jsmj
— CyberXTron Technologies (@CyberxtronTech) March 25, 2024
The Rhadamanthys Stealer: The Final Payload
Upon execution, the fake PuTTY client, dubbed “Dropper 1.3” by its author, verifies the victim’s IP address to ensure the malware was downloaded through the deceptive ad.
The dropper proceeds to retrieve a follow-up payload from another server
Successful verification triggers the retrieval of the Rhadamanthys stealer from another server, utilizing the SSHv2 protocol for a covert download.
Rhadamanthys Stealer DeploymentThe Rhadamanthys stealer, once executed, poses a significant threat by stealing sensitive information from the compromised system.
This highlights the critical nature of the loader-malvertising combo, in which the threat actor meticulously manages the entire deployment process, from ad to loader to final payload.
The discovery of this malvertising campaign serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required in the digital age.
System administrators, in particular, must be wary of seemingly legitimate tools and websites as cybercriminals continue to find innovative ways to breach defenses.
With Perimeter81 malware protection, you can block malware, including Trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, worms, and zero-day exploits. All are incredibly harmful and can wreak havoc on your network.
Stay updated on Cybersecurity news, Whitepapers, and Infographics. Follow us on LinkedIn & Twitter.
Entering the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies is pretty exciting. But one can easily get overwhelmed with the amount of information that floods you once you dip your toes.
Since you’re looking to create a crypto wallet, this guide was designed to help you as a newbie complete this process without a hassle. It will highlight the distinction between custodial and non-custodial wallets, emphasizing the benefits of each, and walk you through the setup process.
Two Types of Crypto Wallets
There are two main types of wallets: custodial and non-custodial. Understanding the difference between these two is detrimental to making the right decision.
Custodial Wallets
Custodial wallets are managed by a third-party entity, such as a cryptocurrency exchange or a specialized wallet service. When you use a custodial wallet, the private keys to your cryptocurrencies are held by the service provider.
Advantages:
Custodial wallets often offer a user-friendly interface, making them accessible to beginners.
Users don’t need to worry about managing their private keys, as the service provider takes care of security.
If you forget your password or lose access to your account, you can recover your funds through the service provider’s customer support.
Disadvantages:
By entrusting your private keys to a third party, you’re exposed to the risk of the service being hacked.
Since the service provider controls the wallet’s private keys, they have the ultimate authority over your funds. This control includes the ability to freeze accounts or delay transactions, which might be concerning for some users.
Non-Custodial Wallets: Security and Autonomy
Non-custodial wallets give you full control over your cryptocurrency by allowing you to manage your wallet’s private keys. This means that only you have access to your funds and the authority to make transactions.
Advantages:
Since you’re the sole holder of the private keys, the risk of external breaches is significantly reduced.
You have complete autonomy over your funds, without any intermediary having the power to freeze or manage your assets.
Disadvantages:
Managing your private keys means you must be vigilant in securing them. Losing your keys without a backup can result in the irreversible loss of your assets.
Non-custodial wallets can be more complex to use, especially for those new to cryptocurrency.
Your choice between a custodial and non-custodial wallet will depend on what you value more: convenience or control. For those who prioritize ease of use and are just getting their feet wet in the crypto world, a custodial solution might be the way to go.
On the other hand, if you’re keen on having full control over your assets, a non-custodial wallet is your best bet. But then you must learn how to safely store and manage your keys, which might be tough for a beginner.
Setting Up Your Wallet
Regardless of the type of wallet you choose, the setup process is generally straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:
Research
Look for a reputable wallet provider. For non-custodial options, consider security features and compatibility with different cryptocurrencies. For custodial wallets, assess the platform’s reliability and customer service.
Download and Install
Once you’ve chosen your provider, download the wallet application on your smartphone or computer. Follow the installation instructions.
Create Your Wallet
Open the application and select the option to create a new wallet. You’ll likely be prompted to set up a password or PIN for additional security.
Backup Your Wallet
If you’re using a non-custodial wallet, you’ll be given a recovery phrase. It’s crucial to write this down and store it in a safe place. This phrase is your lifeline if you ever lose access to your device.
Deposit Cryptocurrency
You can now transfer crypto into your new wallet. You can do this by purchasing cryptocurrency through an exchange and sending it to your wallet’s address or receiving it from someone else.
Introducing Nonbank: The Best of Both Worlds
Now, let’s talk about Nonbank (PDF). It’s a new player but their concept is intriguing. Nonbank offers the convenience of a custodial wallet with the security and control of a non-custodial option. The upcoming Tron Wallet feature is especially noteworthy for those interested in managing both digital and traditional financial assets seamlessly.
Setting up a wallet with Nonbank is a breeze. Their user interface is intuitive, making it easy for beginners to navigate. With Nonbank, you’re not just getting a wallet; you’re getting a comprehensive platform that supports your journey through the crypto space.
To Sum Up
Choosing the right wallet is a critical step for anyone venturing into the cryptocurrency world. Whether opting for a custodial or non-custodial wallet, the primary considerations should be convenience, security, and control. Nonbank can be a great tool to simplify the management of your digital and traditional assets, which makes it an excellent choice for you as a newcomer.
AliExpress is currently hosting its Anniversary Sale with massive discounts, and Ulefone has decided to join the party. The company is now offering up to 65% off on its devices via AliExpress.
Ulefone has joined the AliExpress Anniversary Sale with some massive discounts
These discounts will be available until March 27, so keep that in mind, you only have a few days to grab something. Ulefone did throw in a bunch of devices in the mix here, so let’s highlight some of them.
The Ulefone Power Armor 16S and Note 17 Pro are the first that come to mind. These are both newer devices, and both are discounted by 60%. The former is a rugged device with a huge battery, while the latter is a more regular smartphone.
The Ulefone Power Armor 16S has a huge speaker on its back
The Ulefone Power Armor 16S has a 36mm smartphone speaker on the back with an 11.5cc sound cavity. It comes with a huge battery, expandable RAM thanks to virtual RAM, and more. It is now priced at $129.99.
The Ulefone Note 17 Pro, on the flip side, has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is drop-proof too, and the display is protected by the Gorilla Glass 5. This handset is priced at $239.99.
The Ulefone Armor 23 Ultra has two-way satellite messaging built in
What else is on offer? Well, the Ulefone Armor 23 Ultra, for example. That rugged handset has two-way satellite messaging built in, and a 50% discount. It’s now priced at $369.99.
The Ulefone Armor 24 can now be purchased for $239.99, and it comes with a night vision lens. If you need a smartphone with a thermal camera, Ulefone has you covered. The Ulefone Power Armor 17T Ultra has the FLIR Lepton 3.5 sensor for thermal imaging. That device is priced at $429.99.
The Ulefone Armor 22’s 8GB RAM variant with 128GB of storage costs only $158.99 now, while more devices are available. If you follow the link below, you’ll be able to see everything that Ulefone is offering.
As the debate around potentially banning TikTok comes to a head, two members of the Senate have asked for the Congress TikTok briefing to be declassified. TikTok, the popular Chinese video-sharing platform, has been in hot water for a long time now. Rumors have been flying around for years that the app is Chinese spyware. For instance, some argue it is impossible for a Chinese platform to not hand over user data to the Chinese government. Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn now believe they have something concrete that the American public needs to be made aware of.
Senate bill and the Congress TikTok briefing
The House of Representatives has recently passed a bill that could see TikTok banned in the States. TikTok has been brought up as a national security concern before, but this bill is the closest anyone has come to banning it. The main concerns always raised center around TikTok being a tool to spy on users. Hence, ever since American users first picked up the popular app, it has faced scrutiny, like many other Chinese products and services.
Congress has just received a briefing by intelligence agencies on what they’ve learned about TikTok. This briefing apparently left some senators shocked, and others not convinced of any danger posed by the app. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn had this to say.
“We are deeply troubled by the information and concerns raised by the intelligence community in recent classified briefings to Congress. TikTok is a weapon in the hands of the Chinese government, and poses an active risk to our democratic institutions and national security.” The bill, if passed into law, will force TikTok’s parent company ByteDance to sell the platform within six months or face a ban in the States.
Is TikTok actually Chinese spyware?
The main question that comes to mind after all this drama is whether TikTok is actually spyware. The claim lacks concrete proof as of yet. Nonetheless, the public does not know what the classified briefing to Congress contained. Representative Sara Jacobs, speaking to the Associated Press, thinks the entire thing is blown out of proportion.
“Not a single thing that we heard in today’s classified briefing was unique to TikTok. It was things that happen on every single social media platform,” she said. What Representative Jacobs was talking about here was likely the app permissions each app requires. Less tech-savvy folk often mistake these requirements for something more sinister. Take, for example, an app that has a photo-taking feature. It would require access to the camera. The wording of this permission leads people to believe that the app is always using their camera to spy on them.
If the briefing is declassified, the public will get a look at what intelligence officials have found. Applying different perspectives to the data may lead to a more rational decision.
If you’re using Google’s Gboard and you’re facing issues with the way it behaves, you’ll be able to tell Google about your dissatisfaction even quicker in the near future.
9to5Google reports that Gboard now lets you quickly file a “Quality Bug Report”.
This is Gboard’s latest feature and this shortcut should open Google’s standard tool for submitting issues and feedback on Android.
This “Quality Bug Report” is found on the latest Gboard beta version (13.9.13.x) on Pixel devices.
If you don’t participate in the beta program, but you still want to let Google know about an issue (or a suggestion) on Gboard, you have to take the long road. The current bug filing process involves going to Gboard settings, then tapping Help & feedback (at the bottom), then it’s Send feedback.
When this beta feature rolls out to the public, the whole process would be quicker. It should take two taps or as fast as a single press if one drags and puts the “Quality Bug Reports” shortcut in the shortcuts’ toolbar.
The workflow appears to be otherwise identical, though “Quality bug report” is appended to the start of the “describe your issue” field. This should let the Gboard team filter and find feedback filed in this manner.
Prior to that, Gboard recently introduced a handy OCR feature called Scan Text to Gboard. When you use the feature, your camera will open, taking up a bit more than half of your display. A button will appear at the bottom center, along with a tagline that says, “Take a photo of words to scan.”
Afterward, Gboard highlights all the text it identifies on the page. You can then insert the content captured from the photo into messages, notes, and other places. The feature also provides a quick preview of what it copied beside the insert button.
March 22, 2024 – Since the main reason for the ban was to prevent car thefts that didn’t happen, we’re happy to see the change of heart.
March 21, 2024 – Ivanti has issued patches for two new vulnerabilities with a high CVSS score. Neither is known to have been explioted in the wild. Yet.
March 21, 2024 – Researchers scanned the internet for incorrectly configured Firebase instances and what they found was frightening.
March 20, 2024 – We found a tax scammer that set up a fake website where targets could apply for an Employer Identification Number.
March 19, 2024 – Social media influencers are attractive targets for identity thefs. Not just for their bank accounts but also to influence their followers
