Researchers at security firm Sekoia said hackers they assess with moderate to high confidence were linked to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service used compromised and impersonated websites to target iPhone and Android users. Injected JavaScript identified visitors’ devices and selected exploit chains that could steal cookies and, in some cases, Wi-Fi passwords and other device data; the flaws had already been patched, so the attacks worked only on outdated software.
Key Facts
The campaign targeted visitors to multiple websites, including an organization’s site marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.
Attackers created america250[.]holiday to proxy content from america250.org and add malicious JavaScript.
Another proxy site impersonated the Raffles of London OWO hotel website.
The attackers also used compromised websites, including a Ukrainian gas producer’s site, and a Ukrainian web analytics service used by thousands of websites.
Sekoia identified three delivery methods: JavaScript injected into legitimate website traffic, proxy domains, and a supply-chain compromise of the analytics service.
The JavaScript profiled visitors’ browsers and devices before selecting from three exploit chains that did not require user interaction.
One exploit chain was DarkSword, an iOS exploit kit; Sekoia did not name the other two.
All exploited vulnerabilities had already been patched, and the attacks worked only on outdated iOS or Android versions.
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The article says election results and local votes opposing data centers could slow U.S. construction of facilities that support artificial intelligence. Analysts expect tighter rules, permit delays, and fewer tax incentives to raise costs, with Texas and Georgia highlighted as key states.
Key Facts
Redbud Consulting counted 38 approved ballot measures restricting data centers across several states; Harwood, North Dakota, was the only location reported to approve one.
The article says several candidates who won state or gubernatorial races had campaigned for stricter data center rules.
Analyst Dan Ives cited plans for 800 to 1,000 U.S. data centers and said election results could slow their development.
Ives said Texas could be especially affected because it accounts for an estimated 25% to 30% of data center capacity expected to come online by 2030.
The article says Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa proposed a temporary construction ban, and analyst Gordon Johnson said the state had already suspended data center approvals.
Georgia Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms said she planned to issue an executive order pausing new construction and review tax incentives for developers.
Market analyst Adam Crisafulli said data-center-related stocks fell Wednesday amid investor concerns about permitting delays.
Seema Shah said developers could face costs for grid investment and lose tax incentives, potentially increasing the value of already operating facilities.
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NASA said the Swift Observatory reentered Earth’s atmosphere over North Sumatra, Indonesia, at 7:39 a.m. ET on Nov. 4, 2026. Most of the telescope burned up, though some parts may have survived; NASA had estimated the risk of harm to anyone on Earth at about 1 in 2,100.
Key Facts
The 1.5-ton observatory launched on Nov. 20, 2004, and operated until late October 2026.
Swift searched for gamma-ray bursts, supernovas and other cosmic events.
NASA said Swift observed more than 2,000 gamma-ray bursts and 1,400 exploding stars.
Solar activity gradually lowered the observatory’s orbit, leading to its reentry.
A rescue attempt by Katalyst Space failed after its Link robot could not get within seven miles of the telescope.
NASA and the U.S. Space Force tracked Swift’s reentry.
Swift alerted Hubble, Webb and other facilities to events for further study.
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Broadcom-owned VMware announced vSphere Express, a lower-cost virtualization subscription aimed at smaller organizations that need basic features. TD Synnex lists it at $9,600 per year for up to 128 cores, while VMware has not provided an official price quote.
Key Facts
VMware says vSphere Express costs significantly less than its VMware vSphere Foundation and VMware Cloud Foundation bundles.
The subscription price does not decrease for customers using fewer than 128 cores, according to the article.
The product includes vMotion for moving running virtual machines and high availability to restart failed virtual machines.
vSphere Express supports separate instances but does not allow customers to manage them centrally, a VMware executive said.
VMware says it plans to update vSphere Express as often as its VMware vSphere Foundation and VMware Cloud Foundation products.
The product follows customer reports that VMware had directed some smaller organizations toward its more expensive bundles.
Migrating away from VMware can be costly and time-consuming, which may make a lower-end VMware product useful for organizations with limited resources.
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Telstra said it fixed a MessageBank issue that caused some customers to receive delayed missed-call and voicemail notifications, sometimes days after the calls. The company apologised and said the problem did not affect emergency calls, voice calls or mobile data.
Key Facts
Telstra identified the MessageBank issue on Tuesday and said it fixed it Tuesday night.
Some customers received multiple delayed missed-call and voicemail notifications at once.
Telstra said Triple Zero calls, voice calls and mobile data were not affected.
More than 3,000 people commented on Telstra’s Facebook page about the confusing notifications.
Telstra has 26 million mobile services on its network.
A nationwide Telstra outage in July affected millions of customers and disrupted some train services and Eftpos payments.
Telstra blamed the July outage on a software defect.
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Analysts say Democrats’ victories in the midterm elections could slow data center construction through pauses, tighter rules, and changes to tax incentives. They expect delays to future projects but say a slower buildout is unlikely to stop AI investment or sharply weaken economic growth.
Key Facts
Redbud Consulting reported that voters had approved 37 ballot measures restricting data centers and one measure supporting them as of Wednesday afternoon.
The article says public opposition to building a data center nearby exceeded support by more than two to one in a CBS News poll conducted this summer.
Texas represents an estimated 25% to 30% of data center capacity expected to come online by 2030, according to analyst Dan Ives.
The article reports that Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa campaigned for a temporary halt to data center construction.
Georgia Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms said she would issue an executive order pausing new data center construction and review state tax incentives.
Analysts said pauses and stricter rules could raise costs and extend project timelines.
Economists cited in the article said slower construction would not stop AI investment or erase its contribution to economic growth.
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Voters backed restrictions on data centers and elected candidates who have called for tighter oversight of AI development, raising the prospect of delays for planned projects. Big Tech figures played down the results, framing opposition as political resistance to President Donald Trump’s AI agenda rather than broader opposition to technology.
Key Facts
Redbud Consulting tracked 44 ballot measures seeking to restrict data centers across 10 states; 38 had passed at the time of reporting.
The measures included bans and moratoriums, and analysts said they would mainly affect projects planned for 2028 rather than facilities already built or approved through 2027.
One measure allowing a data center to proceed required independent reviews and public hearings for expansions or proposed projects.
Gina Hinojosa won the Texas governor’s race and has said she would delay projects until lawmakers address data centers’ effects on water, electricity, air quality, and property rights.
Texas was expected to account for more than 41 percent of added U.S. data center capacity in 2028; Bloomberg estimated about 13 gigawatts of capacity could be affected by the election result.
Democrats also won governor races in Arizona, Georgia, and Ohio, three other states that have attracted data center developers.
Axios projected that nearly two-thirds of planned 2028 data center capacity could face delays; Bloomberg said half of U.S. data centers were more vulnerable to scrutiny.
The article says some technology industry figures characterized the election results as opposition to Trump’s agenda rather than opposition to technology.
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The UK government is considering restrictions on smart glasses, including limiting their use in some settings or restricting sales to certain users, amid concerns about secret filming. Safeguarding Minister Satvir Kaur said the devices can also benefit people with visual impairments, while existing laws and workplace policies may apply in places such as courts, healthcare settings and schools.
Key Facts
Safeguarding Minister Satvir Kaur told the House of Commons that the government is examining ways to restrict smart glasses in certain settings and limit sales to certain users.
Smart glasses may include cameras, microphones and displays.
Kaur said filming with smart glasses can already break the law in places such as courts, where cameras are prohibited.
NHS England and the Department for Education are reviewing wearable technology in some settings.
Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine said women had reported finding videos of themselves online that were filmed without their knowledge or consent.
Sabine said smart-glasses advertising promotes discreet filming and called for action before harms increase.
Kaur said smart glasses can help people with visual impairments navigate their surroundings.
Welsh Reform UK politician Jason O’Connell said he used a glasses-based teleprompter to avoid looking down at notes while speaking in the Senedd.
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A study of 59,269 U.K. Biobank participants found that links between fat-free mass and metabolic health varied depending on how researchers measured fat-free mass. The findings point to visceral fat and fat within muscle as important factors, but the cross-sectional study shows associations, not cause and effect.
Key Facts
Researchers analyzed body composition and metabolic health data from 59,269 adults in the U.K. Biobank.
They used DXA scans and MRI to study body composition and its association with metabolic syndrome and elevated blood sugar.
Higher total fat-free mass and fat-free mass adjusted for height were associated with a greater prevalence of metabolic syndrome and elevated glycated hemoglobin.
A higher proportion of body weight made up of fat-free mass was associated with a lower prevalence of both outcomes.
Fat-free mass includes muscle, bones, and organs, so it is not a direct measure of muscle alone.
Researchers examined visceral fat, which lies around internal organs, and fat that accumulates within muscle tissue.
The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
The researchers cautioned that the study cannot establish whether body composition causes changes in metabolic health.
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FRANCE 24’s Observers team tested Chinese AI chatbots after Kylian Mbappé’s remark about a meme depicting Mao Zedong drew criticism in China. With a China-based internet address and a question in Chinese, Doubao refused to answer whether Mbappé had called Mao a dictator, saying the request might violate its usage rules.
Key Facts
Mbappé discussed the meme during an appearance on the French podcast “The Bridge.”
He described the person in the meme as, he thought, a Chinese dictator.
The article says Chinese sponsors Dongpeng Group, Mengniu and Milkground ended partnerships linked to Mbappé.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized Mbappé, and the article says he later apologized.
FRANCE 24 tested DeepSeek, Doubao and ByteDance’s international chatbot, Dola.
The team used VPNs with Chinese and French IP addresses and asked questions in Chinese and French.
Doubao refused the Chinese-language question when the team used a China-based IP address.
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A cyberattack raised temperature and defrost settings at three French blood-plasma storage sites, but monitoring systems alerted staff before any products or samples were damaged. French authorities are investigating, while a separate October attack on European grocery refrigeration systems is expected to cost supermarket group Ahold Delhaize up to $281 million in fourth-quarter sales.
Key Facts
The French Blood Establishment said the attack affected three sites that store plasma.
The attack raised temperature and defrosting thresholds to extremely high levels on Monday.
Staff moved or secured the stored plasma, and no blood products or samples were lost.
The EFS said blood collection and distribution continued without interruption.
France’s national cybersecurity agency and Health Ministry are investigating; officials have not identified who was behind the attack.
The refrigeration equipment supplier, Coolworld, said a component from a third-party supplier was involved and that only a limited number of units were affected.
An earlier October attack disrupted refrigeration at hundreds of stores in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Ahold Delhaize said the October attack could reduce its fourth-quarter sales by up to $281 million and operating income by more than $112 million.
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Enough Phone is taking preorders through Kickstarter for a compact smartphone with a 5.3-inch screen, a removable battery and mid-range hardware. The phone starts at $399 for early backers, with shipping planned for May 2027; buyers face uncertainty about delivery, carrier support and some final specifications.
Key Facts
The Enough Phone has a 5.3-inch, 1520-by-720 LCD screen and measures 133 by 64 by 12 millimeters.
It uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7500 processor, 8GB of memory and 128GB of storage, with a microSD slot.
The phone has a 50-megapixel rear camera, a 32-megapixel front camera and a fingerprint sensor in its power button.
Its 3,500 mAh battery is removable, and the company says users can access it by removing screws from the back cover.
Buyers can choose Google-certified Android 17 or OdysseyOS, a streamlined Android version without Google services or a web browser.
Kickstarter early-backer pricing starts at $399; the company lists a $599 suggested retail price.
The company currently plans to ship the phone in May 2027 and says it intends to provide software updates through 2032.
Waterproofing, durability ratings, final battery capacity and support from some carriers remain uncertain.
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Researchers found that calcipotriol, a drug that activates the vitamin D receptor, restored subcutaneous fat in mice with rapid-aging disease and extended their lifespan. The findings point to a possible way to study age-related fat loss, but they do not show that the drug or vitamin D supplements restore fat in people.
Key Facts
Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a layer of fat beneath the skin that helps store energy, insulate and protect the body, and regulate metabolism.
The study linked age-related loss of this tissue in naturally aging mice and mice with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome to a decline in the number of fat cells.
Researchers reported that vitamin D receptor deficiency impaired adipogenesis, the process by which cells develop into mature fat cells.
Treatment with calcipotriol, a vitamin D receptor activator, rescued subcutaneous fat loss and extended the lifespan of mice with progeria.
Dermatologists quoted in the article said the results have not established a benefit in humans, and ordinary vitamin D supplements are not equivalent to calcipotriol.
Experts said human studies are needed to assess whether the treatment works and is safe; they cautioned against expecting vitamin D to restore age-related facial fat.
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On The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan predicted that advanced artificial intelligence could become far more capable than humans and gain control within five to 10 years. Guest Sam Tallent called the prediction “heavy”; the article notes that Rogan offered a forecast, not evidence that such a system exists.
Key Facts
Rogan made the remarks during a discussion with comedian and author Sam Tallent.
Rogan said humans may face a conflict between humans and non-human intelligence in the next five to 10 years.
He described the hypothetical intelligence as digital life and compared it to a “digital god.”
Rogan said people should stop fighting among themselves and recognize the possibility of advanced AI.
Tallent responded with surprise and described the prospect as an “ultimate class war.”
The article says Rogan did not establish that AI will develop as he predicted.
The article reports that Rogan has 21.2 million YouTube subscribers, 19.4 million Instagram followers and 15.6 million X followers.
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Democrats say they will prioritize artificial intelligence regulation and investigations of technology companies after election wins. They are preparing to take control of both the House and Senate, and Rep. Greg Casar said the party must act on the issue.
Key Facts
Democrats won a majority in the House, according to the article.
Democrats are preparing to take control of the House and Senate.
The article describes the election results as a sweep for Democrats.
Democrats have committed to making AI regulation a priority.
Democrats have committed to investigating technology companies.
Rep. Greg Casar made a statement shortly after news of the House majority broke.
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Cyberattacks on grocery store refrigeration systems in Europe spoiled food, while a separate breach of France’s emergency blood supply network was contained by alerts and backup systems. Cybersecurity experts say internet-connected household appliances can also be vulnerable, potentially letting hackers control devices, spy on residents, or reach other devices on a home network.
Key Facts
European grocery refrigeration systems were attacked on Monday, raising temperatures and causing food losses.
A similar attack targeted hundreds of French stores in October, with some refrigeration units reaching 122°F.
Hackers compromised France’s national emergency blood supply network, but alert and backup systems kept cold storage operating and no supplies were lost.
Experts said weak or reused passwords, outdated software, and poorly secured accounts can leave smart appliances exposed.
Experts warned that a flaw in one popular device model could affect many households.
A hacked device could let attackers perform actions it is designed to carry out, such as changing heating settings, disabling cameras, or unlocking doors.
Unauthorized access to cameras or microphones could reveal when people are home and what they are doing.
U.S. cybersecurity officials identified a serious flaw in certain Wi-Fi thermostats in 2025, and the FTC documented cases of hackers using Ring cameras to spy on and harass homeowners.
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Binance said hackers spent months preparing a cryptocurrency theft by using fake job interviews, malicious software and compromised internal tools. The attackers initially targeted $6.34 billion in crypto, and Binance said it had frozen or intercepted $2.85 billion; the FBI and TRM Security attributed the operation to North Korean actors.
Key Facts
Binance said the attackers’ campaign began no later than June and continued until late October.
The attackers compromised an engineer’s laptop and used access to several wallets to initiate transfers.
In September, an attacker posing as a recruiter persuaded an engineer to download a malicious coding assignment.
Binance said the malware evaded endpoint security tools and concealed traces of its activity.
On October 20, attackers used a compromised computer and an internal AI tool to take control of two other engineers’ devices.
The attackers used a stolen credential and a container deployment to activate a transfer script.
Binance said it froze or intercepted $2.85 billion of the $6.34 billion initially targeted.
Binance said it had set aside funds to cover the loss.
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The headline says AI chatbots have given medication advice that can be deadly. The only article text provided says the research suggests the problem is not limited to one older model; it gives no study details or examples.
Key Facts
The article title concerns medication advice from AI chatbots.
The title says some chatbot medication advice can be deadly.
The article text says the researchers view the issue as more than a one-off problem.
The text says the issue is not limited to one older model.
The provided excerpt includes no research methods or results.
The excerpt names no chatbots or medications.
The excerpt gives no date or location for the research.
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A reviewer drove a Slate Auto electric truck prototype for about 45 minutes around Maryland and found it simple to operate and easy to maneuver. The prototype has a 181-horsepower motor, an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of eight seconds, and a utilitarian two-seat cabin, but its ride is not especially supple and its regenerative braking is strong at low speeds.
Key Facts
The prototype had nearly 6,000 miles on its digital display.
Its cabin layout matched the planned production version, but the prototype used hard, shiny black plastic surfaces.
The truck has manual seat, steering-column, mirror, and window adjustments, along with three physical climate-control dials.
The Slate weighs 4,048 pounds and has a De Dion rear axle with coil springs.
Its bed is designed to carry up to 1,500 pounds of cargo.
The electric motor produces 181 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.
The truck's stated 0-to-60 mph time is eight seconds, and it uses fixed regenerative braking with default one-pedal driving.
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Two Russian hacktivist groups claimed responsibility for cyberattacks that put supermarket freezers in several European countries into defrost mode. Researchers say the attacks appear coordinated, but they have not confirmed who carried them out; possible suspects include Russian or Iranian actors and pranksters.
Key Facts
The groups Noname057(16) and Z-Pentest Alliance claimed on Telegram that they worked together on the freezer attacks.
The groups’ posts and Telegram channels were later deleted, and researchers expressed doubt about the claims.
Three cybersecurity firms set up fake freezer systems, called honeypots, to study attempts to attack them.
Researchers observed activity focused on European fake freezer systems before the second wave of attacks.
Experts said the affected software was poorly protected, but attackers still needed to identify devices and plan when to target them.
A cybersecurity firm said evidence could fit activity by Russian hacktivists or the Russian government, while also pointing to possible Iranian actors.
The article reports that freezers at at least six U.S. military bases were forced into defrost mode in late August; investigations are ongoing.
The Russian groups claimed they had targeted freezer software maker Danfoss since the start of 2026.
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