Author: kenmay

Ex-Tesla engineer accused of illegally accessing former boss’s e-mail

A former Tesla mechanical engineer is facing two counts of felony computer intrusion, according to a Thursday press release from the FBI . Nima Kalbasi, a 28-year-old Canadian citizen, is accused of illegally accessing his former boss’s e-mail account nearly 300 times during a period of about 30 days in late 2014 and early 2015. The 28-year-old Canadian citizen appeared before a federal judge in San Jose, California late last month. He was arrested days earlier while crossing the border from Canada into Vermont. Read 4 remaining paragraphs | Comments

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Ex-Tesla engineer accused of illegally accessing former boss’s e-mail

20+ Chinese Android Smartphones Models Come With Pre-Installed Malware

An anonymous reader writes: Security researchers from G DATA have published research (PDF) into Android phones produced in China, which found that a large number of devices ship with pre-installed malware and spyware. Affected models include the Xiaomi MI3, Huawei G510, Lenovo S860, Alps A24, Alps 809T, Alps H9001, Alps 2206, Alps PrimuxZeta, Alps N3, Alps ZP100, Alps 709, Alps GQ2002, Alps N9389, Android P8, ConCorde SmartPhone6500, DJC touchtalk, ITOUCH, NoName S806i, SESONN N9500, SESONN P8, Xido X1111, Star N9500, Star N8000 and IceFox Razor. The researchers do not believe the manufacturers are responsible for the malware; rather, they suspect middlemen within distribution channels. “According to G DATA, the contamination of these smartphones is done by hiding malware as add-on code in legitimate apps. Since users don’t usually interact with the malware and the add-on runs in the app’s background, unless using a mobile antivirus solution, these infections are rarely discovered.” Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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20+ Chinese Android Smartphones Models Come With Pre-Installed Malware

Man who helped code highly destructive financial malware pleads guilty

The Latvian man accused of helping create the Gozi virus, which United States prosecutors dubbed ” one of the most financially destructive computer viruses in history ,” has pleaded guilty. As the original indictment stated : “The Gozi Virus has caused, at a minimum, millions of dollars in losses.” According to Reuters , Deniss Calovskis made the admission in federal court in Manhattan on Friday. Read 9 remaining paragraphs | Comments

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Man who helped code highly destructive financial malware pleads guilty

Solar Windows Could Help Power Buildings

Lucas123 writes: Several companies are now beginning to roll out translucent photovoltaic films or solar cells embedded in windows that can supplement a significant amount of energy in the buildings where they’re used. SolarWindow Technologies, for example, is preparing to launch a transparent product made with organic PVs, while another company, Solaria, is cutting solar cells into thin strips and embedding them in windows. Both companies admit their products can’t produce the 20% efficiency ratings of today’s best rooftop solar panels, but they say that’s not their objective. Instead, the companies are looking to take advantage of millions of skyscraper windows that today are simply unused real estate for renewable energy. One company is aiming at supplementing 20% to 30% of a skyscrapers power requirements. Meanwhile, universities are also jumping into the solar window arena. Oxford University has spun off a PV window company that produces semi-transparent solar cells made of semi-transparent perovskite oxide that has achieved a 20% solar energy efficiency. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Solar Windows Could Help Power Buildings

This Is The Insane Video China Just Put Out Showing It Attacking The U.S. 

A small group of Chinese Navy ships showed up near Alaska earlier this week during President Obama’s visit to the northern state, mostly as a “we’re here” message. But then, as the Chinese People’s Liberation Army marched in a Beijing parade , someone simultaneously put out this completely nuts video of a naval attack on an American fleet, and on an American base that looks suspiciously like the one on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Read more…

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This Is The Insane Video China Just Put Out Showing It Attacking The U.S. 

Inside California’s Crystal Ice Cave

One of the most unique environments on earth exists in a seldom-visited corner of northern California. Lava Beds National Monument is home to over 700 caves, some of which are full of rare ice formations or play home to solitary biomes like this fern cave. They also allowed a tribe of Indians to make one of the last stands against the American government. Here’s how you can visit. Read more…

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Inside California’s Crystal Ice Cave

4 reasons why independent bookstores are thrivingWhile…

4 reasons why independent bookstores are thriving While independent bookstores can’t compete with Amazon or big box retailers on price or selection, the truth is they don’t have to.  1. They offer an experience 2. They curate and recommend in a human way 3. They’re diversifying their offerings 4. They foster community

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4 reasons why independent bookstores are thrivingWhile…

FBI, DEA and others will now have to get a warrant to use stingrays

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced sweeping new rules Thursday concerning the use of cell-site simulators, often called stingrays, mandating that federal agents must now obtain a warrant in most circumstances. The policy, which takes effect immediately, applies to its agencies, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service, among others. “Cell-site simulator technology has been instrumental in aiding law enforcement in a broad array of investigations, including kidnappings, fugitive investigations and complicated narcotics cases,” Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates said in a statement . “This new policy ensures our protocols for this technology are consistent, well-managed and respectful of individuals’ privacy and civil liberties.” Read 15 remaining paragraphs | Comments

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FBI, DEA and others will now have to get a warrant to use stingrays

Google Chrome Just Got a Lot Faster

After months—if not years—of bellyaching over slow speeds and shaky stability , Google finally announced an array of improvements to Chrome that could improve the lives of millions. The company says the browser will now offer users “ a faster and more efficient web .” Well, Google certainly couldn’t make it slower or less efficient. Read more…

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Google Chrome Just Got a Lot Faster