The Federal government gathers the data from Cessna airplanes and can cover most of the U.S. population. These devices typically trick phones into sharing its location data and revealing the phone’s identity. CNNMoney has independently confirmed that at least one federal agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has used this technology on planes since 2010, according… Read more »
Monthly Archives: November 2014
‘Regin’ malware described as ‘groundbreaking and almost peerless’
“Its capabilities and the level of resources behind Regin indicate that it is one of the main cyberespionage tools used by a nation state,” Symantec said Sunday, explaining that “development took months, if not years, to complete.” The malware was installed on the computers of companies around the world, but it wasn’t searching for business… Read more »
The U.S. government thinks China could take down the power grid
China and “probably one or two other” countries have the capacity to shut down the nation’s power grid and other critical infrastructure through a cyber attack, the head of the National Security Agency told a Congressional panel Thursday. Admiral Michael Rogers, who also serves the dual role as head of U.S. Cyber Command, said the… Read more »
Russian website streams thousands of private webcams
A new website based in Russia is streaming video live from thousands of private webcams around the world, including images of babies and hospital patients. Hackers accessed the cameras by using default passwords set by the manufacturers, British officials said Thursday. Those log-in details are freely available online, leaving the unsecured cameras accessible to anyone…. Read more »
Vintage tech ‘firsts,’ including Apple 1, up for auction
Discussion: One of only 50 Apple 1 computers thought to exist today, is coming up for auction. Source: CNN News Date: November 15th, 2014 Link: http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/23/tech/innovation/apple-1-up-for-auction/index.html Discussion Questions: Why is the Apple 1 expected to fetch such a high price at auction? Why is the Apple 1 a collectible item?
The truth about technology’s greatest myth
Many optimists believe that technology can transform society, whether it’s the internet or the latest phone. But as Tom Chatfield argues, the truth about our relationship with technology is far more interesting. Source: BBC Date: November 13th, 2014 Link to copy into browser: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140110-technologys-greatest-myth Discussion 1) The author suggests that “technology is not to be… Read more »
The man who hears colour
Until Neil Harbisson was 11, he didn’t know I could only see in shades of grey. He thought he could see colours but that he was confusing them. When he was diagnosed with achromatopsia [a rare vision disorder], it was a bit of a shock but at least he knew what was wrong. Doctors said… Read more »
The device that can help block wireless surveillance
A team of artists, technologists and designers in Germany have created a device which they believe can block wireless surveillance. The machine, called Cyborg Unplug, works by detecting wireless networks in the surrounding area and then acting against that signal. Source: BBC Date: November 11th, 2014 Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-29801921 Discussion 1) Should it be legal to… Read more »
How to print a house
3D PRINTERS are not just being used to fabricate small plastic toys. Researchers are now experimenting with ways to use the technology to build full-scale buildings. Source: The Economist Date: November 7th, 2014 Link: http://econ.st/1mRPuYi Discussion 1) The pace of building with a 3D printer is painfully slow. Where might this technology actually be useful?… Read more »
Domino’s Becomes A Tech Company That Happens To Make Pizza
If we asked you to name a few technology companies, Google or Microsoft might come to mind. But one tech company that isn’t so obvious is Michigan-based but globally present Domino’s Pizza. In recent years, the company has gotten noticeably good at something that wasn’t always its focus — developing technology products to get pizzas… Read more »
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