Geekly Update - 08 May 2024
Does using a VPN make you invisible online? Would you pay 40K a year for a gym membership? Will powerful quantum computers make encryption obsolete? And will your home security camera spray tear gas at the mailman? Get answers in today's Geekly Update... it's jam-packed with the latest tech news. This issue is guaranteed to make you 146% smarter -- you'll see why. Read, think, and, comment!s |
The AskBobRankin Geekly Update
If you think using a VPN increases your online privacy and security, think again. Ars Technica reports that a new attack "against virtually all VPN apps neuters their entire purpose." Even worse, the vulnerability known as TunnelVision has existed for over 20 years.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) still uses floppy disks to run the subway. Even though a "catastrophic failure" may be looming, the city probably won't upgrade the system until 2030.
Encryption works by scrambling data in a way that only the sender and recipient can unlock the data. In theory, a supercomputer could crack the code, but it would take thousands or millions of years using today's technology. The concern is that massively powerful quantum computers may render encryption obsolete in the near future. But scientists are proposing a new method called 'space encryption' to protect against that possibility.
Dumb idea? An AI-powered home security system will launch paintballs and tear gas at unknown persons approaching your home. The system alerts the homeowner when an unknown person is detected and will prompt the owner to “take the shot” or not.
Wired says "Real-Time Deepfake Romance Scams Have Arrived" Smooth-talking scammers known as “Yahoo Boys” are using widely available face-swapping tech to carry out elaborate romance scams.
Apple just announced two new iPad Pros and two new iPad Airs, plus a revamped Pencil and Magic Keyboards. CNET breaks down the new features.
“Optimize By Equinox” is a luxury fitness program focused on improving overall health and increasing longevity. Luxury may be an understatement -- the swanky gym-plus-lab-testing offering will run you $40,000 per year.
Amazon reported "only" $30 billion in profits last year. So a few months ago, they started inserting ads in Prime Video streaming shows. Now they're planning to put ads in the ads.
Amazon Factoids: 75% of US shoppers now have Amazon Prime memberships, and 49% of all online purchases are on Amazon. How much is too much?
And finally, this week's Just Here For The Headline item:
Mycocycle Uses Mushrooms To Upcycle Old Tires.
Your thoughts on these topics are welcome. Post your comment or question below...
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This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 8 May 2024
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Most recent comments on "Geekly Update - 08 May 2024"
Posted by:
BillP
08 May 2024
Hey Bob, what exactly is the difference between a VPN, Cloudflare's WARP (http://1.1.1.1) and using the Tor browser?
Posted by:
hifi5000
08 May 2024
A AI supported system that will fire tear gas or paint balls at a intruder at your home? All it is is a way to a lawsuit.
Imagine a new neighbor in your neighborhood walking on the sidewalk with a baby stroller.The neighbor is not recognized by your system as they are new on your street.The system decided to fire on said neighbor with the resultant injuries to the walker and/or baby.Not only are you subject to a lawsuit,but there could be criminal charges as well.You better have a good attorney ready.
What kind of world are we living in??!!
Posted by:
Mike Davies
09 May 2024
Shoot first and ask questions afterwards.
It won't be long before someone modifies the kit to incorporate an actual firearm.
America really is going bomkers.
Posted by:
Chuck
09 May 2024
I think it might be time to drop my prime membership.
Posted by:
bb
09 May 2024
Best line from a recent 'AskWoody' newsletter: it it's illegal to do it without a computer, it's illegal to do it with a computer.
Posted by:
PgmrDude
13 May 2024
SFMTA: There's nothing wrong with using Floppy Disks, they ARE still a legitimate storage media.
They're much S-l-o-w-e-r than ALL subsequent media, they have a much Lower storage capacity, AND since they do come in contact with the read/write heads on the storage device, they need to be replaced "frequently", but they do still WORK, and that's important to note.