A BBC cyber correspondent named Joe Tidy was contacted by a criminal group called Medusa, who offered him money to help them hack into the BBC's systems. The criminals wanted Tidy to provide his login details so they could demand a ransom in bitcoin in exchange for not harming the BBC’s data. Medusa operates a ransomware service that helps criminals target various organizations.
Key Facts
Joe Tidy, a BBC cyber correspondent, was approached by criminals offering him a share of ransom money for helping hack the BBC.
The offer came from a person named Syndicate via an encrypted chat app called Signal.
The plan involved using Tidy’s access to install malware or steal data from the BBC, then demand a ransom.
Medusa is a criminal group that provides ransomware tools to hackers.
Syndicate mentioned successful past agreements with insiders at a UK healthcare company and a US emergency services provider.
Medusa operates on Russian-language dark web forums and avoids Russian or allied state targets.
A US public warning highlighted that Medusa has been active for several years, hacking over 300 victims.
An online music series called Jahri's World is making sensory-friendly videos for neurodivergent children. These videos have become very popular on TikTok, with millions of views.
Key Facts
Jahri's World is a music series aimed at neurodivergent kids.
The series features quirky costumes and funny songs.
Its videos are designed to be a sensory-friendly experience.
WWE star Alexa Bliss will appear as a character in the video game Call of Duty: Mobile. A video clip shows her character in action in a carnival setting, using weapons and wrestling moves. Bliss becomes an unlockable character in the game starting October 2.
Key Facts
Alexa Bliss is a well-known WWE star with various character personas and multiple championships.
She has appeared in WWE 2K video games and is now featured in Call of Duty: Mobile.
The game released a 29-second clip showing Bliss's character combatting masked individuals.
Bliss uses a "Bliss-themed grenade" and a rifle, along with wrestling moves.
She will be an unlockable character with her "Legendary CX9 - Sugarsweet Screamer" starting October 2.
Call of Duty: Mobile launched in 2019 and is available for free on Android and iOS devices.
The game has high ratings and over 1.8 million reviews on Apple's iOS App Store.
Microsoft has stopped the Israeli military from using its Azure cloud computing and AI services. This decision came after reports that these technologies were utilized for surveillance and attacks in Gaza and the West Bank.
Key Facts
Microsoft stopped the Israeli military's access to its cloud and AI services.
The services involved include Microsoft's Azure platform.
The decision followed findings of use in surveillance and military actions.
The affected regions include Gaza and the West Bank.
The report suggests Microsoft's services were used for mass surveillance.
Microsoft's decision might lead Israel to seek other tech suppliers.
Many CEOs in the U.S. believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly reduce hiring for white-collar jobs. Companies like Amazon and Walmart expect that AI will change how jobs are performed and lead to fewer employees. The White House and Congress have not shown urgency in addressing potential job losses due to AI.
Key Facts
AI may reduce hiring for white-collar jobs in the U.S.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predicts AI could eliminate half of entry-level white-collar jobs.
Ford CEO Jim Farley also believes AI will replace many white-collar workers.
Amazon plans to reduce its workforce as AI improves efficiency.
Walmart expects AI to change how all jobs are performed and to freeze hiring.
The U.S. government is more focused on competing with China in AI than on job loss threats.
Some officials believe that AI could eventually create more jobs, despite short-term job disruptions.
Instacart introduced a new feature for its smart shopping carts, called Caper Carts, to help people using SNAP benefits manage their grocery expenses better. This tool separates eligible and non-eligible items and shows a total on the cart's screen, making it easier for shoppers to keep track of their spending in real time.
Key Facts
Instacart launched a feature on its Caper Carts that helps SNAP users by tracking eligible and non-eligible items separately.
The cart's built-in screen provides a running total of the expenses, allowing shoppers to see their spending as they shop.
The SNAP feature is part of Instacart's broader efforts to facilitate the use of SNAP benefits, building on its online EBT payment options.
Customers can scan a bar code on the cart to make payments directly with their SNAP card.
Instacart added other features like a Cart Cash rewards program, loyalty account linking, and digital coupons to enhance the shopping experience.
Caper Carts have been used in stores like Kroger and Wegmans, but they are not yet widespread across all store chains.
Competing companies like Veeve and Shopic are also developing smart-cart technologies for grocery shopping.
Harrods has informed customers that their personal information was taken in a data breach involving a third-party provider. The breach did not affect passwords or payment details, and Harrods' systems were not compromised.
Key Facts
Harrods is a luxury department store based in London.
Customers' personal data, such as names and contact details, were accessed in the breach.
The breach occurred through a third-party provider's systems, not Harrods' own systems.
Harrods described the breach as an "isolated incident" and has notified the relevant authorities.
No passwords or payment details were taken in the breach.
Previous unrelated cyber attacks on Harrods led to arrests by the National Crime Agency.
A group previously linked to cyber attacks on other businesses claimed responsibility for these incidents.
Marco Silva discusses the technology behind cloud seeding and why it's gaining attention again. Alasdair Keane highlights new technology used in underwater search and rescue operations. The episode focuses on various tech innovations across different fields.
Key Facts
Cloud seeding is a technique used to modify weather by dispersing substances into the air.
The episode examines how cloud seeding technology is gaining renewed interest.
Alasdair Keane discusses advances in technology for underwater search and rescue.
The show outlines various technological innovations across different industries.
IFA Berlin showcases rising trends in smart technology.
The series covers topics like AI, cancer detection technology, and fighting wildfires with tech.
Three individuals with no social media experience try to become influencers over three months. They explore the challenges and emotional highs and lows of creating an online presence. The journey highlights the complexity of gaining followers and the impact on personal well-being.
Key Facts
Social media can be a difficult and competitive space, with algorithms playing a major role in visibility.
The creator economy is predicted to be worth almost $500 billion by 2027.
Emily, a potter and stroke survivor, uses TikTok to reach people with similar experiences.
Emily finds success but feels overwhelmed by the responsibility of engaging with her audience.
Alun, a historian, posts videos on history and faces emotional challenges due to low view counts.
Alun experiences a lack of satisfaction even when a video gets more than 10,000 views.
All participants share their experiences to highlight challenges faced in the influencer journey.
The Trump administration introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, aiming to deter misuse and protect U.S. workers. This policy affects technology companies that rely on foreign workers. There is confusion and potential legal challenges concerning the administration's authority to implement this fee.
Key Facts
The Trump administration announced a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application.
This fee does not apply to existing H-1B visa holders, renewals, or amendments.
The administration claims the fee is to prevent misuse of the visa program and protect U.S. jobs.
Some experts question whether the administration has the power to enforce this new fee.
Big tech companies, which often use the H-1B program, have largely remained silent on the policy.
Legal challenges against this fee are expected, with various parties preparing lawsuits.
There are concerns that smaller tech start-ups may struggle with the new fee, potentially impacting innovation.
This article's content is unavailable due to an error message. It mentioned Martin Lewis speaking on a misunderstanding about student loans, but no further details are provided because the page cannot be found.
Key Facts
The page discussing Martin Lewis's views on student loans is unavailable.
The error message is a "404 error," meaning the page is missing.
Readers are advised to check the URL for correct entry.
There is no information available from the article about Martin Lewis's perspective.
The error message suggests contacting BBC for further assistance via email.
The article briefly lists other current updates on BBC, unrelated to Martin Lewis.
Category: technology
Scientists at Yale used advanced 3D imaging technology to understand how Legionnaires' disease bacteria infect human cells. They discovered a complex structure within the bacteria and identified the proteins involved, which could assist in developing new treatments. This research could lead to better ways to combat the disease, which is increasingly common in the U.S.
Key Facts
Yale scientists used a technology called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to study Legionnaires' disease bacteria.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe type of pneumonia and is often caught from sources like air conditioning systems and hot tubs.
The disease has been on the rise in the U.S., affecting about 10,000 people each year.
Researchers mapped out over 76,000 particles to understand the bacteria's complex infection system.
They identified 20 different proteins, including one called DotA, crucial for the bacteria's function.
The findings could help develop treatments that prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is a major global health threat, according to the World Health Organization.
Gaming has grown into a big global industry and is seen as both a sport and a cultural trend. There are discussions and concerns about how gaming affects mental health and the possibility of addiction.
Key Facts
Gaming is now considered both a global sport and a cultural trend.
Concerns exist about the impact of gaming on mental health.
Discussions continue about gaming potentially leading to addiction.
Stefanie Dekker presents insights on gaming.
Maryam Maher is a professional e-sports player from Team Falcons.
Nick Ballou is a PhD researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute.
Microsoft has stopped providing some of its AI and cloud services to the Israeli military. This decision came after investigations suggested that the services were used for mass surveillance of Palestinians. Microsoft is reviewing its connection with the Israeli Ministry of Defense to ensure its services comply with terms that prevent mass surveillance.
Key Facts
Microsoft has removed certain services from the Israeli army, citing concerns of mass surveillance.
The decision followed a report by The Guardian and Israeli media, which found the Israeli army using Microsoft's services for surveillance.
Microsoft is conducting an external review of its communications and financial records related to this use.
Four Microsoft employees were fired, and others resigned over the company's links with the Israeli army.
The review aims to check compliance with Microsoft’s terms, which prohibit using their tech for civilian mass surveillance.
Microsoft's review is being conducted by a law firm and a technical consulting firm in Washington D.C.
Brad Smith, Microsoft's Vice Chairman, explained the decision was based on new findings from the investigation.
Japan is building a new train line, called the Chuo Shinkansen Maglev, which aims to be the fastest in the world, connecting Tokyo to Nagoya, and possibly extending to Osaka. These trains use magnetic technology to travel faster than regular trains without touching the tracks. The project is important for technology advancement, but it also faces challenges due to high costs and complex technology.
Key Facts
Japan is constructing the Chuo Shinkansen Maglev train line from Tokyo to Nagoya.
The train is expected to reach speeds of up to 314 miles per hour, making it the fastest in the world.
Maglev trains use magnets to lift off the track, allowing them to move without friction.
The project is managed by the Central Japan Railway Company.
The maglev technology, developed in the 1970s, involves complex and expensive systems.
Experts have differing opinions on maglev's future, with concerns about high costs and energy use.
There is ongoing interest in high-speed rail globally, with China and the U.S. developing new lines.
Scientists, including NASA researchers, proposed using nuclear devices to prevent an asteroid, identified as 2024 YR4, from hitting the moon in 2032. Although the asteroid no longer poses a threat to Earth, there is a 4 percent chance it could impact the moon, potentially creating debris that could threaten satellites and astronauts.
Key Facts
The plan involves nuclear devices to stop asteroid 2024 YR4 from hitting the moon.
The asteroid has a 4 percent chance of impacting the moon in 2032.
Initially, the asteroid was a potential threat to Earth, but that risk has been removed.
The moon impact could create debris harmful to satellites and astronauts.
Nuclear devices are considered more effective than other deflection methods for this scenario.
Devices would be launched at the asteroid to disrupt its path before it reaches the moon.
The James Webb Space Telescope will track the asteroid for updated probabilities in 2026.
The plan helps researchers prepare for future similar threats to Earth.
Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, will introduce a paid subscription option in the UK allowing users to avoid seeing ads by paying £2.99 a month on the web or £3.99 on mobile apps. This move provides an alternative to the free, ad-supported model and comes after similar offerings were introduced in the EU. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has supported these changes, which align with guidance on ad-free subscriptions.
Key Facts
Meta is launching a subscription option in the UK for Facebook and Instagram users to avoid ads.
The subscription costs £2.99 a month on the web and £3.99 on iOS and Android apps.
EU users can already pay to avoid ads with rates starting at €5.99 (£5) a month.
The UK's data watchdog, the ICO, has published guidance on ad-free subscriptions.
UK users will not have the option to see "less personalised" ads without paying.
Meta's move follows scrutiny about how it uses personal data for targeted ads.
The ICO described this as an important shift in Meta’s handling of personalized ads.
Earlier, a British woman successfully challenged Facebook’s targeted ads, influencing this change.
Rivian is expanding its electric vehicle production by building a new manufacturing site in Georgia, focusing on sustainability and creating jobs. The company is committed to using renewable energy sources to power its manufacturing processes and vehicles. Rivian's new factory aims to produce 400,000 vehicles annually and generate up to 7,500 jobs once fully operational.
Key Facts
Rivian is building a new electric vehicle plant in Social Circle, Georgia.
The new site will produce the Rivian R2 and R3 SUVs.
The plant is expected to create up to 7,500 jobs.
It aims to produce up to 400,000 vehicles a year when fully operational by 2028.
Rivian's first plant in Illinois uses renewable energy like wind turbines and solar panels.
Each vehicle's first charge at the Illinois plant comes from renewable energy.
Rivian plans to maintain a sustainability focus at the new Georgia plant.
The company partners with Volkswagen Group to develop future electric vehicle technology.
Hackers who accessed private data, including pictures and personal information of children and their families from the Kido nursery chain, are threatening to publish more data online if they are not paid. The hackers have already shared some information on the dark web and are targeting individuals with threatening phone calls. The police are investigating the breach, and the nursery is working with authorities to address the situation.
Key Facts
Hackers calling themselves Radiant accessed private information from the Kido nursery chain.
They have already posted online profiles of 10 children, including their pictures and personal details.
The hackers threaten to release more information, including data on 30 additional children and 100 employees.
The breach occurred through a software service called Famly, which is used by many nurseries.
A mother reported receiving a threatening call from the hackers, demanding pressure on Kido to pay the ransom.
The hackers stated their motive is monetary gain and acknowledged their criminal actions.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident.
Experts advise not paying the ransom to discourage such criminal activities.
Rick Perry and Fermi America, a company he co-founded, are planning to create a massive data center in Texas powered by a mix of nuclear, natural gas, wind, and solar energy. The project aims to support the growing demand for data centers driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI). Fermi America plans to raise up to $550 million in an initial public offering (IPO), targeting a $13 billion valuation.
Key Facts
Fermi America was co-founded by Rick Perry, former Texas governor and U.S. energy secretary.
The company plans to go public with a valuation of up to $13 billion.
Fermi's site near Amarillo, Texas, will combine nuclear, natural gas, wind, and solar power to support a large data center.
Rick Perry owns about 3% of Fermi, and his son Griffin owns about 23%.
The project plans to generate up to 11 gigawatts of power for data center operations.
Fermi announced letters of intent with Siemens Energy for 1.1 gigawatts of power.
The IPO could raise up to $550 million, with shares priced between $18 and $22.
The data center is designed to keep the U.S. competitive in AI technology.
