University of Calgary hands over $16,000 in ransomware attack

The University of Calgary has become the latest victim in a recent string of ransomware attacks. According to a statement released Wednesday morning, University computer systems were affected for 10 days while the IT team worked to remedy the issue. Ultimately, the University paid around $16,000 ($20,000 Canadian) to recover its data, with no guarantee that it was even possible to restore it.

“Ransomware attacks and the payment of ransoms are becoming increasingly common around the world,” the University’s VP of Finance and Services Linda Dalgetty wrote in her statement. “The university is now in the process of assessing and evaluating the decryption keys. The actual process of decryption is time-consuming and must be performed with care. It is important to note that decryption keys do not automatically restore all systems or guarantee the recovery of all data. A great deal of work is still required by IT to ensure all affected systems are operational again, and this process will take time.”

The University also says it is working with Calgary Police to investigate the hack, although other such investigations have come up empty handed in the past. Regarding the payment, Dalgetty told the Globe and Mail, “We are conducting world class research daily and we don’t know what we don’t know in terms of who’s been impacted and the last thing we want to do is lose someone’s life’s work.” (That’s work like building neurochips out of silicon and human brain cells, or creating one-handed iPhone gestures, by the way.)

In another recent case, Kansas Heart Hospital paid “a small amount” in ransom money, only to have the hacker turn around and ask for even more cash. In May, a ransomware attack on the United States Congress was thankfully averted. And on one, slightly reassuring note and the hackers behind the original “uncrackable” TeslaCrypt ransomware virus released the keys that would allow anyone affected to retrieve their data.

Former Reddit exec intros a friendlier message board alternative

Reddit earned its reputation as the “front page of the internet” thanks to its sheer diversity of topics and deep community. However, the message board also has its dark side: while its almost-anything-goes attitude is great for freedom of expression, it has also led to vicious abuse and harassment by people who only occasionally face consequences for their actions. Former Reddit VP Dan McComas thinks there’s a better way, though. He recently started Imzy, a board that tries to preserve the community while eliminating the vitriol. Much of it comes down to preventing the hit-and-run posting that sometimes sours Reddit and other online communities.

For one, you’re encouraged to join a few communities from the get-go. You’re not as likely to stumble upon a community at random, then. Also, you can only create one username for each community, which should (hopefully) reduce the chances that one person will create multiple accounts to cause havoc. Moderators in those groups will largely set their own rules, but a tip-based revenue model could give mods an incentive to run a tight ship.

Imzy is currently invitation-only, and the New York Times cautions that there’s a large backlog of people waiting to get in. However, its biggest challenge may simply be convincing people that there’s a need to leave Reddit for a safer equivalent. Reddit itself has more tools to help you fight abuse. And alternative message boards frequently exist because their founders think the originals are too safe — just look at 8chan and Voat, both of which pride themselves on their lack of filters. Imzy will have to show that there’s a clear advantage to keeping things clean (such as the celebrity partnership it has with Lena Dunham) if it wants a sizable following.

Via: Reddit, New York Times

Source: Imzy

Apple Again References ‘MacOS’, This Time on Developer Website

Because iOS, watchOS, and tvOS all share a common naming scheme, there’s been some speculation that OS X, the operating system for Macs, could see a name change to “MacOS” at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.

Earlier this year, Apple referenced “MacOS” in an environmental website update, and today the company has made the same gaffe on a developer FAQ page outlining new App Store revenue sharing policies, again raising the question of whether a name change is on the horizon.

In a section on when the new revenue split goes into effect, Apple references the types of apps that are eligible, listing iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS.

Unlike the first time “MacOS” was spotted on the Apple website, the iTunes Connect mention uses “macOS” with a lowercase “m” that better fits with the lower case letters used in iOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

It continues to be unknown if the macOS mention is a mistake made because of the naming of Apple’s other operating systems or an error made because of an imminent name change planned for OS X.

If Apple is planning to switch from “OS X” to “macOS” or “MacOS,” it is not clear if the company will continue on with naming each iteration after California landmarks, a tradition that started with OS X Mavericks in 2013. tvOS, watchOS, and iOS operating system upgrades follow a number-based naming scheme.

We don’t have long to wait to find out if there’s a naming change in store for Apple’s Mac-based operating system. The Worldwide Developers Conference is set to kick off next Monday with a keynote event that will take place at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

(Thanks, Guilherme!)

Related Roundups: WWDC 2016, OS X 10.12
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Honeywell Water Leak and Freeze Detector explained

Small issues can develop into major problems if they aren’t dealt quickly. Spilling red wine on a cream carpet for example, isn’t something you want to leave unattended for too long. While in this case it wouldn’t be catastrophic if you did, aside from needing a new carpet, there are some small problems that could result in serious problems if they aren’t handled, such as a water leak.

The implications of not dealing with a water leak have the potential to be a lot worse for your home than a red wine stain. We’re not just talking a new carpet, we could be talking several new carpets, at best. Worst case scenario, you’re looking at a flood that could destroy your entire home and everything in it.

A water leak is of course not as easy to detect as a huge red patch on your pristine floor, but it can be if you have the right equipment. Honeywell has something called the Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector that will notify you of a drip or potential freezing through an app before these issues turn into a flood or a burst pipe.

Floods are one of the biggest insurance claims and many of them start with a simple leak. The Honeywell detector provides you with the information to stop something small, turn into something huge. Here’s everything you need to know about Honeywell’s water leak detector…

Honeywell Water Leak Detector: What is it?

Honeywell has described its Lyric Water Leak and Freeze Detector as an “early warning system that notifies you on your smartphone when a leak is detected or the temperature drops below a temperature of your choice.” The idea is that by catching things early, you can avoid pipe breaks, water damage, expensive repairs, and the loss of items. The detector has a list price of $79.99.

You can control the detector and manage your alerts via the Honeywell Lyric app. The Lyric app also guides you through setup with step-by-step instructions. The detector can be used with a 4-foot cable sensor that also detects water but you can get longer cords up to 500 feet in length. The device itself connects to standard home Wi-Fi directly with no need for a hub, and it has status LED lights and a buzzer for leak detection.

The detector can also measure temperature and humidity. Its built-in sensors have the ability to record and log your humidity and temperature of the area you are monitoring, and you can view all these stats via the Lyric app.

Honeywell Water Leak Detector: What’s in the box?

When you buy the Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector, you will get the detector and three AA alkaline batteries. You can also get an optional cable sensor and optional mounting screw.

Honeywell Water Leak Detector: Where does it go?

The detector and optional cable sensor can be placed where leaks are likely to occur such as the the bottom level of your home, near water sources, or anywhere you think leaks or freezing are possible.

Examples include floor drains, water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, kitchens, sinks, toilets, and so on. Keep in mind you can connect multiple detectors to the Lyric app to cover the whole home.

Honeywell Water Leak Detector: How do you set it up?

To setup and use your new detector, search for Honeywell Lyric in the App Store or Google Play.

After downloading the Lyric app, setup a new account and follow the instructions in the Lyric app. You’ll need to ensure your Bluetooth is turned on for your Android phone or iPhone. 

The detector uses three AA batteries so make sure you open the battery cover on the detector and install the batteries before you try to register your new detector within the app.

To register your detector in the Lyric app, go to Menu, and then Add New Device. You will also need to provide a location for your detector and enter your Wi-Fi password. The detector’s LED will turn green for five minutes when connected to Wi-Fi.

An audible alert will sound and your detector’s LED will turn blue to indicate your detector is paired. Continue to follow instructions in the Lyric app to configure your detector such as setting levels for humidity and temperature warnings.

Honeywell Water Leak Detector: How does it work?

Simple: once the water leak detector detects a leak through the sensor probe or cable sensor, the detector itself will buzz and the LED lights will blink red. You will also receive in-app, push, or email notification, depending on your settings. Similarly, if the temperature goes below your set threshold, you will again be notified through in-app, push, or email notifications.

If the detector is not connected to your home’s Wi-Fi, the detector will still sound a 100dB alarm when it senses water as it does when it is connected, but you will not receive in-app, push, or email notification.

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Gene-edited organisms aren’t ready for the real world

Gene editing holds the promise of eliminating diseases and perfecting humanity, but is it truly ready for real life? Not by a long shot, if you ask the National Academy of Sciences. It just issued a report warning that organisms modified with gene drives (that is, genetic additions meant to propagate through reproduction) “are not ready” to be released in the wild. We don’t understand enough about how they work, the report says, whether it’s their inner workings, their ethical questions or their impact on the environment.

The consequences could be dire, the Academy says. You could accidentally wipe out an animal population (and not necessarily the one you were targeting), or inadvertently create a super-species that’s resistant to your attempts to shut it down. Even a field test could quickly spiral out of control.

And the solution? The committee involved in the report has a few ideas. It wants phased testing that gives scientists more opportunities to collect evidence before making decisions. It also wants more input from the public, and governance that’s both more flexible and takes gene drives into account. The Academy is in favor of gene editing — it just wants to be sure that the technology is used responsibly.

Source: National Academies

Airbnb makes it easier to find a place to stay with your friends

Airbnb addressed the problem of racist hosts at the beginning of its OpenAir conference today, but the event is primarily focused on new technology and products. As such, VP of technology Mike Curtis quickly took the stage to announce three new products: group collaborative wish lists, an improved booking process for business travelers and multi-party reviews for when a group of guests stay at a property.

To most users of Airbnb, the collaborative wish are probably be the most notable new feature. For a while now, you’ve been able to book a place on Airbnb and then invite other guests to view the details for the stay. But now, you can get your friends involved earlier in the search process and have multiple users save different homes to a shared wish list. From there, you can vote on your favorite option; once you book, the property will be shared with everyone’s account so your friends can see the details of your final choice.

The multi-party review system builds on the concept of group trips. Previously, hosts could only rate or review the single person who actually booked the property, even if multiple other people stayed at the house. Now, a host can write a review that applies to all the guests in your group; hopefully you stay with respectable friends, otherwise your reputation could take a hit. Of course, for both of these features, your friends will need Airbnb accounts to join in the fun.

The last new feature is more focused on business travelers, something Airbnb says is a core part of its business — in fact, the company says that business travel has tripled on Airbnb in 2016 so far. The new third-party booking feature will let another authorized individual (like a company’s travel manager) complete a booking on behalf of an Airbnb user. The company already sees 11 percent of Airbnb useres booking for another individual, so this feature should ease the friction there. All of these new features should roll out immediately.

Source: Airbnb