A computer virus that exploits the same vulnerability as the global “ransomware” attack has latched on to more than 200,000 computers and begun manufacturing digital currency, experts said Tuesday. The development adds to the dangers exposed by the WannaCry ransomware and provides another piece of evidence that a North Korea-linked …
your ad hereThailand Backs Off Threat to Block Facebook Over Content
Thailand backed off a threat to block Facebook on Tuesday, instead providing the social media site with court orders to remove content that the government deems illegal. Thailand made the threat last week as it wanted Facebook to block more than 130 posts it considers a threat to national security …
your ad hereInstagram Launches Snapchat-like Filters
Get ready for more rabbit ears, dog noses and funny hats to show up in your Facebook feed. Facebook’s Instagram service is launching face filters in an effort to keep up with rival, Snap Inc.’s Snapchat. “From math equations swirling around your head to furry koala ears that move and …
your ad hereUS Military Taps into Innovations in Startup Tech World
Recently, one of the largest computer hacks of its kind hit companies and governments around the world. It is an example of the challenges in digital security and keeping ahead of technology. The U.S. military has developed a way to tap into the innovation and speed unique to Silicon Valley …
your ad hereSolar Power Gains Popularity in Africa
It looks like the time has finally come for residents across Africa to start using their most abundant natural power source. While building power plants and transmission lines takes years and costs much more, installing solar panels is quicker and more affordable for individual home owners, businesses and farmers. VOA’s …
your ad hereHigh-tech Gloves Give Doctors Better Data on Muscle Stiffness
One of the effects of progressive muscle diseases like cerebral palsy is muscle stiffness. There are drugs and therapies that are supposed to help but gauging their effectiveness is challenging. Now there’s a high-tech way that may help provide relief for patients. VOA’s Kevin Enochs reports. …
your ad hereComputers in Africa, Asia Seen as Vulnerable Following Global Virus Attack
Cybersecurity experts warn that hundreds of thousands of computer users across the globe remain vulnerable following a large-scale virus attack in recent days. The so-called ‘ransomware’ virus struck governments and companies around the world, as Henry Ridgwell reports from London. …
your ad hereWhat Is Ransomware?
A look at the software being used by extortionists to attack computer users around the globe. …
your ad hereMan Thanks iPhone’s Siri for Saving His Life in Explosion
A New Hampshire man who was injured in a house explosion is thanking Siri for saving his life. Christopher Beaucher says he was checking on his mother’s vacant cottage in Wilmot on May 1 when he saw something suspicious and went inside. He tells WMUR-TV that when he switched …
your ad here5 Ways to Become a Smaller Target for Ransomware Hackers
This weekend’s global online extortion attack reinforces the need for businesses and other large organizations to update their computer operating systems and security software, cybersecurity experts said. The attack largely infected networks that used out-of-date software, such as Windows XP, which Microsoft no longer offers technical support for. “There’s some …
your ad hereEuropol says Global Cyberattack Affects 150 Countries
Europe’s police agency Europol says a global cyberattack has affected at least 100,000 organizations in 150 countries, with data networks infected by malware that locks computer files unless a ransom is paid. “I’m worried about how the numbers will continue to grow when people go to work and turn on …
your ad hereNew Rover to Make Moon Landing Next Year
Science fiction movies often contain imaginary technology. But now a real life moon rover has made it onto the big screen. Not only is it a star in a new film, but it will also play a starring role on a private mission to the moon next year. VOA’s Deborah …
your ad hereGlobal Cyberattack in Brief: Ransomware, a Vision of Future?, Seeking Culprits
In what is believed to be the largest attack of its kind ever recorded, a cyberextortion attack continued causing problems Saturday, locking up computers and holding users’ files for ransom at dozens of hospitals, companies and government agencies. Businesses and computer security organizations await problems in the new workweek. Ransomware …
your ad hereWhere Global Cyberattack Has Hit Hardest
Here is a look at some of the places hit by the global cyberattack. European Union — Europol’s European Cybercrime Center, known as EC3, said the attack “is at an unprecedented level and will require a complex international investigation to identify the culprits.” Britain — Britain’s home secretary said the …
your ad hereRansomware Attack Could Herald Future Problems
Tech staffs around the world worked around the clock this weekend to protect computers and patch networks to block the computer hack whose name sounds like a pop song — “WannaCry” — as analysts warned the global ransomware attack could be just the first of a new wave of strikes …
your ad here‘Perfect Storm’ of Conditions Helped Cyberattack Succeed
The cyberextortion attack hitting dozens of countries spread quickly and widely thanks to an unusual confluence of factors: a known and highly dangerous security hole in Microsoft Windows, tardy users who didn’t apply Microsoft’s March software fix, and a software design that allowed the malware to spread quickly once inside …
your ad hereWorldwide Cyberattack Spreads Further in Second Day
A cyberattack against tens of thousands of data networks in scores of countries, all infected by malware that locks computer files unless a ransom is paid, spread further in its second day Saturday, with no progress reported in efforts to determine who launched the plot. Computer security experts assured individual …
your ad hereWhat Is the Digital Currency Bitcoin?
It’s worth more than an ounce of gold right now, it’s completely digital and it’s the currency of choice for the cyberattackers who crippled computer networks around the world in recent days. When the attackers’ “ransomware” sprang into action, it held victims hostage by encrypting their data and demanding they …
your ad hereAuthorities Seek Clues On Culprits Behind Global Cyberattack
The British government said on Saturday it does not yet know who was behind a massive global cyberattack that disrupted Britain’s health care services and targeted vital computer systems in as many as 100 other countries. British Interior Minister Amber Rudd said Britain’s National Cyber Security Center was working with …
your ad hereGlobal Cyberattack in Brief: Ransomware Attack, How Does It Work, How to Prevent It
In what is believed to be the largest attack of its kind ever recorded, a cyberextortion attack struck in dozens of countries Friday, locking up computers and holding users’ files for ransom at dozens of hospitals, companies and government agencies. Massive Cyberattack Hits Organizations Around Globe — An aggressive wave of cyberattacks …
your ad hereDon’t Click: What Is the ‘Ransomware’ WannaCry Worm?
Malicious software called “ransomware” has forced British hospitals to turn away patients and affected Spanish companies such as Telefonica as part of a global outbreak that has affected tens of thousands of computers. How does it work? WannaCry — also known as WanaCrypt0r 2.0, WannaCry and WCry — is a …
your ad hereIs Human Behavior Impeding Self-Driving Cars?
Most technology experts agree that self-driving cars will soon finish the testing phase and enter the commercial market, probably as taxis and delivery vehicles. But some of them wonder if the cars’ artificial brains will be able to cope with the human propensity to bend the traffic rules. VOA’s George …
your ad hereWhat You Need to Know About Ransomware
An aggressive wave of cyberattacks hit companies and public institutions around the globe Friday, causing international havoc and bringing many services to a standstill. Computers were locked up and users’ files held for ransom when dozens of countries were hit in a cyberextortion attack that targeted hospitals, companies and government …
your ad hereCompanies Affected by Global Cyber Attack
A global cyber attack on Friday affected British hospitals, government agencies and companies in 99 countries, with Russia, Ukraine and Taiwan the top targets, security software maker Avast said. Hacking tools widely believed by researchers to have been developed by the U.S. National Security Agency that were leaked online last …
your ad hereMassive Cyberattack Hits Organizations Around Globe
An aggressive wave of cyberattacks has hit companies and public institutions around the globe, causing international havoc and bringing many services to a standstill. The cyberextortion attempt appeared to use stolen software developed by a U.S. spy agency. One of the first and worst attacks was aimed at Britain’s National …
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