MSI Targeted by New Cyber-Ransomware Group, Hackers Demand $4 Million Ransom

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April 7, 2023

Taiwanese hardware manufacturer MSI (Micro-Star International) has become the target of a new cyber-ransomware group, Money Message.

The group claims to have extracted the source code from the company’s network. MSI is a well-known producer of motherboards, graphics cards, desktop computers, laptops, peripherals, and industrial systems. The company’s annual income exceeds $6.5 billion.

The hackers behind Money Message posted screenshots of the alleged CTMS and ERP databases owned by MSI on their website, where they usually publish information about leaked data. The ransomware also claims to have stolen software source code, private keys, and BIOS firmware. The cybercriminals threaten to release all the compromised documents in five days if MSI does not comply with their demands.

The total amount of stolen data is 1.5TB, for which the hackers are asking for a $4 million ransom. The hackers demand that MSI fulfil all their requirements to prevent the release of stolen data.

This latest cyber attack highlights the increasing frequency and sophistication of ransomware attacks targeting corporations worldwide. Companies are urged to remain vigilant and ensure that their security measures are up-to-date to mitigate such attacks.

Q Lite: Sony to Release New Handheld Gaming Console

By

Adwaith

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April 7, 2023

Sony Q Lite — Image Credits: insider-gaming

According to insider Tom Henderson, Sony is developing a new handheld gaming console codenamed Q Lite. However, unlike Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck and the recently announced ROG Ally, the device won’t compete as a standalone console but only work with PlayStation 5 to receive images in 1080p resolution at 60 fps using the Remote Play function.

According to Insider Gaming, the device’s design resembles the DualSense gamepad but with an 8-inch screen with adaptive triggers and speakers also provided. The release of the Q Lite is expected to happen before the launch of the PS5 Pro but after the updated PS5 model with a removable drive.

Despite lacking more specific details, the news of Sony’s upcoming portable console has already caused excitement among gaming enthusiasts. Tom Henderson has a reputation for reliable insider information, so this development has caught the attention of gamers and tech experts alike.

With the expected release date before Christmas 2024, we can’t wait to see more information and details about Sony’s upcoming Q-Lite console. It will be interesting to see how Sony positions this device within its gaming ecosystem.

Magento Development Services: A Comprehensive Guide

By

Rakesh Babu

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April 7, 2023

If you’re looking to build an online store that is robust, scalable, and feature-rich, then Magento development services are the way to go. Magento is a popular e-commerce platform that provides merchants with a wide range of tools and features to build and manage their online stores.

At PowerSync, we offer Magento development services to help businesses create, optimize, improve, and maintain their online stores. Our team of experts can help you with everything from custom development to integration with third-party systems.

Here’s a closer look at what PowerSync offers:

Contents

1 Custom Magento Development
2 Magento Integration Services
3 Magento Maintenance and Support
4 Magento Migration Services
5 Magento Optimization Services
6 Final Thoughts

Custom Magento Development

PowerSync offers custom Magento development services to help businesses build online stores that meet their unique needs. The team of PowerSync developers can help you create a custom Magento store from scratch or modify an existing one to meet your requirements, develop custom modules and extensions to add functionality to your store.

Magento Integration Services

Integrating Magento with other systems is essential for businesses that want to streamline their operations. PowerSync offers Magento integration services to help businesses integrate their online stores with third-party systems such as ERP, CRM, accounting software, or any other extenal platform or system. Integrations help businesses automate their operations, reduce errors, and improve the overall efficiency of any business.

Magento Maintenance and Support

PowerSync understands that maintaining and supporting a Magento store can be a challenging task for many merchants and B2B companies. With PowerSync Magento maintenance and support services become less of a headache and lets your place your focus on business strategy and growth. Delegate maintenance, routine tasks, platform upgrades and bug fixing to the team of experts.

Magento Migration Services

When you outgrow your current e-commerce platform, consider migrating the the most flexible e-commerce platform, Magento. PowerSync will be more than happy to partenr with you and assist you on your journey.. PowerSync team will take care of everything from planning to execution, ensuring a seamless migration process.

Magento Optimization Services

A slow-loading website can significantly impact user experience and conversion rates. PowerSync’s Magento optimization services help businesses improve the performance of their online stores, resulting in faster load times, improved user experience, and higher conversion rates.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to build a robust and feature-rich online store, Magento development services by PowerSync is the way to go. At PowerSync, we offer a wide range of Magento development services to help businesses create and maintain their online stores. Contact us today at https://powersync.biz/magento-development-services to learn more about how we can help your business.

Google Steps Up Cost-Cutting Measures, Including Reductions in Equipment and Services

By

Adwaith

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April 6, 2023

Google, the tech giant that laid off 12,000 employees in January, is reportedly intensifying its cost-cutting efforts by implementing more measures to reduce equipment, consumables, and corporate services expenses.

According to a report by CNBC, Google recently informed its remaining employees of these new cost-cutting measures through company-wide emails and memos. One of these measures is reducing the use of staples and tape, with a memo sent to the San Francisco office requesting the removal of tape dispensers throughout the building.

In February, Google informed some employees that they were expected to share desks with others when they were not in the office. According to the CNBC report, employees who do not work in engineering and require a new laptop will receive Chromebooks instead of other laptops, including Apple’s MacBook, previously provided to regular employees.

Moreover, Google employees are no longer allowed to charge the company for the cost of purchasing a new smartphone if they already have another one for internal use. Employees needing accessories valued at $1,000 or more must be pre-approved, even if they are not available in-house.

Google’s employee services, such as meals and transportation, have also been scaled back. Many workers now come to the office only three days a week, so some of Google’s canteens may be closed on Mondays and Fridays, among other measures.

These cost-cutting measures come as no surprise, given the challenging economic environment caused by the pandemic. Many companies have had to make tough decisions to reduce costs and preserve their financial stability. However, whether these measures will significantly impact Google’s employees or the company’s ability to attract and retain top talent remains to be seen.

Simplifying File Sharing Across Devices: Google Brings Android Nearby Share Feature to Windows

By

Vishak

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April 6, 2023

Google has launched a new Windows app for its Android-based Nearby Share feature, aimed at making file sharing between Android devices and Windows PCs even more seamless. While Nearby Share has been an Android staple for years, its limited capabilities and the widespread preference for cloud-based file-sharing services meant it was not widely used.

Google intends to alter that with its new Windows app. To get started, users must first download the app from the Android website and install it using a few easy steps. The tool is compatible with 64-bit Windows PCs equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and it allows users to exchange files by dragging and dropping them on Windows or using the “Send with Nearby Share” option on Android.

To maintain security, all transmissions must be manually authorised on the phone and the desktop. Users may, however, configure auto-approve choices for themselves, their contacts, or everyone. “You may transfer images, movies, documents, audio files, or whole folders between Android smartphones and Windows computers,” Google says.

The new Nearby Share Windows software is a game changer for Android users using Windows PCs. Users may use the app to move data across their devices without relying on cloud-based services or third-party applications. The app’s simplicity and ease of use make it an excellent choice for anybody wishing to transfer files fast and securely between their Android handset and Windows desktop.

ROG Ally: ASUS Introduced Portable Game Console To Rival Steam Deck

By

Vishak

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April 5, 2023

ASUS has confirmed the release of their new portable gaming console, the ROG Ally. While they have not disclosed all the details of the device, one of the popular YouTubers has already received prototypes and shared their impressions of the gadget, including the full specifications.

https://twitter.com/ASUS_ROG/status/1642882143193010176

The ROG Ally will be built around an AMD APU with Zen 4 cores and an RDNA 3 graphics chip. The gaming handheld runs on Windows 11 and features a 7-inch display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is twice as large as the Steam Deck screen. The new screen from ASUS also boasts a higher resolution and higher brightness. Early tests have shown that the ROG Ally delivers 50% more performance than Steam Deck at 15W CPU power and twice the performance at 35W.

Linus Sebastian from Linus Tech Tips tested the ROG Ally’s performance in different games and confirmed that it is twice as powerful as the Steam Deck for the same power consumption. In addition, the ROG Ally supports connecting an external XG Mobile RTX 4090 graphics card to increase graphics power.

While ASUS has confirmed that the ROG Ally console will be competitive, its price has not been announced. Nevertheless, rumours say that it will cost roughly $680, which is equal to the price of Steam Deck’s flagship edition. ROG Ally might be released within the next two months.

Overall, the ROG Ally gaming handheld from ASUS is shaping to be a strong competitor to Valve’s Steam Deck. With its impressive specifications and reported performance, it’s no surprise that gaming enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating its release.

Apple Starts Layoffs in Apple Store Division: A Last Resort Measure

By

Vishak

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April 5, 2023

Recent media reports suggest that Apple has begun laying off employees responsible for the construction and maintenance of their Apple Stores. While it’s being perceived more as a rationalization measure, the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, has referred to it as a last resort. Reports from Bloomberg and Business Insider suggest that the number of affected employees will be small.

Although the layoffs are much smaller than those carried out by Google, Amazon, Meta, Dell and Microsoft, Apple can no longer claim to have avoided layoffs.

Bloomberg reported in March 2023 that Apple was already taking several other cost-cutting measures before resorting to layoffs. These measures included leaving new positions vacant, slowing hiring in some departments, postponing bonuses and projects, and cutting travel budgets.

Only a few positions in the company’s retail business will be affected for now. According to Bloomberg, affected employees will have until the end of the week to apply for other positions within the company. If they cannot find a new job, they will receive a severance payment of up to four months’ salary.

It’s said that initially, only a small number of employees in the administration and planning departments responsible for developing and maintaining their flagship stores would be affected. There are also talks of staff cuts at the management level, but some employees were only released and will keep their jobs.

At the end of the last fiscal year in September 2022, Apple employed 164,000 people. While the company reported record sales of $90.1 billion and significant growth in key markets in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2022, sales and earnings declined in the first fiscal quarter of 2023.

Apple is taking a last-resort measure to rationalize its operations in the face of declining sales and earnings.

WhatsApp introduces Chat Lock: An Extra Layer of Security for Individual Chats

By

Vishak

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April 5, 2023

With a new feature called “Chat Lock,” WhatsApp’s latest version is expected to make chats even more secure. This functionality would allow users to restrict unauthorised access to their WhatsApp chats, making it a significant addition for privacy-conscious users.

The Chat Lock feature allows users to safeguard individual chats with biometric information such as fingerprints or face recognition. Once activated, the chat room will no longer be accessible from the list of applications, and users will have to authenticate themselves using their biometric information to open the chat.

This additional security layer will help prevent outsiders from accessing private chats, even if they can access the user’s phone. If someone asked for access to the phone, they would not be able to open WhatsApp and read all of the chats. Instead, the blocked chats will be listed separately and available only with the user’s biometric identification.

Users may enable the Chat Lock function by touching the three points that provide access to chat choices and then going to Chat Lock. They may enable the “Keep this conversation locked and hidden” option here. The functionality must be activated individually for each chat the user wishes to secure.

WhatsApp currently offers a feature that allows users to add a security layer, but it only applies to the full app when using a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition. After removing the barrier, users will have unrestricted access to all the information in the discussions. Individual chats may be safeguarded with the new Chat Lock function, making it an important addition to WhatsApp’s security safeguards.

While this functionality is now only available to WhatsApp beta users — WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.8.2, it will likely be available to all users shortly. With growing privacy concerns, it’s encouraging to see WhatsApp make efforts to guarantee users can have private discussions. We’re curious to see what more security features the service may implement.