By KELVIN CHAN LONDON (AP) — After a sprawling hacking campaign exposed the communications of an unknown number of Americans, U.S. cybersecurity officials are advising people to use encryption in their communications. To safeguard against the risks highlighted by the campaign, which originated in China, federal cybersecurity authorities released an extensive list of security recommendations for U.S. telecom companies — such as Verizon and AT&T — that were targeted. The advice includes one tip we can all put into practice with our phones: “Ensure that traffic is end-to-end encrypted to the maximum extent possible.” End-to-end encryption, also known as E2EE, means that messages are scrambled so that only the sender and recipient can see them. If anyone else intercepts the message, all they will see is a garble that can’t be unscrambled without the key. Law enforcement officials had until now resisted this type of encryption because it means the technology companies themselves won’t be able to look at the messages, nor respond to law enforcement requests to turn the data over. Here’s a look at various ways ordinary consumers can use end-to-end encryption: Officials said the hackers targeted the metadata of a large number of customers, including information on the dates, times and recipients of calls and texts. They also managed to see the content from texts from a much smaller number of victims. If you’re an iPhone user, information in text messages that you send to someone else who also has an iPhone will be encrypted end-to-end. Just look for the blue text bubbles, which indicate that they are encrypted iMessages. The same goes for Android users sending texts through Google Messages. There will be a lock next to the timestamp on each message to indicate the encryption is on. But there’s a weakness. When iPhone and Android users text each other, the messages are encrypted only using Rich Communication Services, an industry standard for instant messaging that replaces the older SMS and MMS standards. Apple has noted that RCS messages “aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third party reading them while they’re sent between devices.” Samsung, which sells Android smartphones, has also hinted at the issue in a footnote at the bottom of a press release last month on RCS, saying, “Encryption only available for Android to Android communication.” To avoid getting caught out when trading texts, experts recommend using encrypted messaging apps. Privacy advocates are big fans of Signal, which applies end-to-end encryption on all messages and voice calls. The independent nonprofit group behind the app promises never to sell, rent, or lease customer data and has made its source code publicly available so that it can be audited by anyone to examine it “for security and correctness.” Signal’s encryption protocol is so reputable that it has been integrated into rival WhatsApp , so users will enjoy the same level of security protection as Signal, which has a much smaller user base. End-to-end encryption is also the default mode for Facebook Messenger , which like WhatsApp is owned by Meta Platforms. Telegram is an app that can be used for one-on-one conversations, group chats and broadcast “channels” but contrary to popular perception, it doesn’t turn on end-to-end encryption by default. Users have to switch on the option. And it doesn’t work with group chats. Cybersecurity experts have warned people against using Telegram for private communications and pointed out that only its opt-in ‘secret chat’ feature is encrypted from end-to-end. The app also has a reputation for being a haven for scammers and criminal activity, highlighted by founder and CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France . Instead of using your phone to make calls through a wireless cellular network, you can make voice calls with Signal and WhatsApp. Both apps encrypt calls with the same technology that they use to encrypt messages. There are other options. If you have an iPhone you can use Facetime for calls, while Android owners can use the Google Fi service, which are both end-to-end encrypted. The only catch with all these options is that, as with using the chat services to send messages, the person on the other end will also have to have the app installed. WhatsApp and Signal users can customize their privacy preferences in the settings, including hiding IP address during calls to prevent your general location from being guessed. Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip.A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and prevent an artificial intelligence "dictatorship" is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker's ongoing shift into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. The world's richest man, whose companies include Tesla, SpaceX and social media platform X, last year started his own rival AI company, xAI. Musk says it faces unfair competition from OpenAI and its close business partner Microsoft, which has supplied the huge computing resources needed to build AI systems such as ChatGPT. “OpenAI and Microsoft together exploiting Musk’s donations so they can build a for-profit monopoly, one now specifically targeting xAI, is just too much,” says Musk's filing that alleges the companies are violating the terms of Musk’s foundational contributions to the charity. OpenAI is filing a response Friday opposing Musk’s requested order, saying it would cripple OpenAI’s business and mission to the advantage of Musk and his own AI company. A hearing is set for January before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. At the heart of the dispute is a 2017 internal power struggle at the fledgling startup that led to Altman becoming OpenAI's CEO. Musk in an email outlined a plan where he would “unequivocally have initial control of the company” but said that would be temporary. He grew frustrated after two other OpenAI co-founders said he would hold too much power as a major shareholder and chief executive if the startup succeeded in its goal to achieve better-than-human AI known as artificial general intelligence , or AGI. Musk has long voiced concerns about how advanced forms of AI could threaten humanity. “The current structure provides you with a path where you end up with unilateral absolute control over the AGI," said a 2017 email to Musk from co-founders Ilya Sutskever and Greg Brockman. “You stated that you don't want to control the final AGI, but during this negotiation, you've shown to us that absolute control is extremely important to you.” In the same email, titled “Honest Thoughts,” Sutskever and Brockman also voiced concerns about Altman's desire to be CEO and whether he was motivated by “political goals.” Altman eventually succeeded in becoming CEO, and has remained so except for a period last year when he was fired and then reinstated days later after the board that ousted him was replaced. OpenAI published the messages Friday in a blog post meant to show its side of the story, particularly Musk's early support for the idea of making OpenAI a for-profit business so it could raise money for the hardware and computer power that AI needs. It was Musk, through his wealth manager Jared Birchall, who first registered “Open Artificial Technologies Technologies, Inc.”, a public benefit corporation, in September 2017. Then came the “Honest Thoughts” email that Musk described as the “final straw.” “Either go do something on your own or continue with OpenAI as a nonprofit,” Musk wrote back. OpenAI said Musk later proposed merging the startup into Tesla before resigning as the co-chair of OpenAI's board in early 2018. Musk didn't immediately respond to emailed requests for comment sent to his companies Friday. Asked about his frayed relationship with Musk at a New York Times conference last week, Altman said he felt “tremendously sad” but also characterized Musk’s legal fight as one about business competition. “He’s a competitor and we’re doing well,” Altman said. He also said at the conference that he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence with President-elect Donald Trump. OpenAI said Friday that Altman plans to make a $1 million personal donation to Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. —————————— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has reiterated its dedication to implementing the decisions of the Gulf Health Council’s Gulf Drug Pricing Committee, emphasizing the need for a balance between affordable medication prices and support for the local pharmaceutical industry. In a statement issued, the Kuwaiti ministry highlighted that the Drug Pricing Committee is responsible for reducing the prices of medicines based on studies conducted by the Drug Pricing Department within the Drug Control Sector. The ministry explained that drug price reductions are primarily driven by the expiration of patents for innovative drugs, which causes prices to drop by 30 to 80 percent, depending on the drug type and country. The increasing availability of non-innovative generic drugs and therapeutic alternatives in the local market has further increased competition, driving down prices. The statement also emphasized that the goal of reducing drug prices is to meet the needs of Kuwaiti citizens and expats, providing them with medicines at reasonable prices, easing financial burdens on patients, and lowering medical costs for visitors. The ministry clarified that the drug pricing process takes into account various factors, including expenditures on clinical trials, research and development, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, storage, and the use of technology in the pharmaceutical industry. This approach allows for the creation of flexible pricing models, market data evaluation, and enhancement of the supply chain. Read More: Kuwait apprehends gang for forging medical record On 11 November, Kuwaiti authorities apprehended a gang of four individuals involved in the forgery of official documents and medical records. Authorities announced that they have been referred to public prosecution for possessing counterfeit documents, government seals, computers, and drugs. Additionally, the Interior Ministry reported that the suspects were issuing falsified sick leaves backdated to align with a well-known medical center and the Medical Licensing Department in exchange for money. The police closely monitored the suspects and their actions, and upon their arrest, discovered seals and equipment used for forgery in their possession. They were also linked to intoxicants and narcotic substances, the ministry noted. It remains to be investigated whether the forged medical reports were presented to employers and, if so, what the outcome was, as it has not yet been confirmed. A nationwide security campaign has also been initiated to address illegal foreign residents in Kuwait. These individuals were exploiting a three-month grace period to correct their residency status.
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams beat a current Super Bowl contender and last year's NFC champions in a five-day span, and they did it in two games so different that they scarcely looked like the same sport. But after scoring six touchdowns to outlast Buffalo 44-42 and kicking four field goals to beat San Francisco 12-6 in this memorable short week, the Rams (8-6) firmly control their destiny in the NFC West. With seven wins in nine games, Los Angeles has nearly caught the Seahawks (8-5), who will visit SoFi Stadium next month after the Rams beat them in overtime in Seattle last month. The Rams are also looming in the NFC wild-card race, right behind Washington (8-5). Coach Sean McVay will have plenty to dissect about his defense's struggles against the Bills and his offense's woes in Santa Clara, but the scoreboard reflects his overall optimism about the Rams' direction. “It says a lot about our team to be able to figure out different ways,” McVay said Monday. “Would you like to be able to put together complete performances where we play well on offense, on defense and the kicking game? Yeah, of course, but the enemy has a say, and this league is difficult. What I do like is that our team plays off of each other well enough to ultimately be able to find a way, and I think there is something to be said for learning how to be able to win, especially with the youth of this group.” The Rams went into their bye week at 1-4, and a team that didn't get above .500 this season until last weekend now has a chance to reach the playoffs for the sixth time in McVay's eight years in charge. What's not so encouraging is their profound struggles on each side of the ball in successive weeks. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) reacts after catching a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vásquez Against the Bills, Los Angeles gave up 445 yards. Against the 49ers, Los Angeles didn't score a touchdown while gaining 302 yards — but just 94 in the first three quarters. On the bright side offensively, the Rams have established a steady ground game with a healthy offensive line and Kyren Williams, who has rushed for 299 yards and three TDs in the past three games. That line also didn't allow Matthew Stafford to be sacked in the Rams' last two wins. What's working Nose tackle Kobie Turner was at his game-wrecking best, recording two sacks and five tackles. He also applied the pressure that led to Brock Purdy's overthrow and Darious Williams' interception in the fourth quarter. Turner is already an elite defensive lineman in his second NFL season, even drawing double teams just as Aaron Donald did for years. What needs help The offense that was so effective against Buffalo was poor in the Santa Clara rain, driving into Niners territory only once in the first three quarters. The unit then struggled in the red zone, failing to score a touchdown on three drives inside the Niners 11 in the fourth quarter. Los Angeles remains in the bottom half of the NFL in red-zone touchdown efficiency. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes the ball while pressured by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. Credit: AP/Godofredo A. Vásquez Stock up Tight end Tyler Higbee is expected to make his season debut next weekend against the Jets, McVay said. The most productive tight end in Rams history tore ligaments in his knee during last season's playoff loss in Detroit, but the nine-year veteran returned to practice last month. Tight ends Colby Parkinson and Hunter Long combined for four catches at San Francisco. Stock down Cooper Kupp didn’t have a reception for only the third time in his NFL career. That wasn’t the Super Bowl 56 MVP’s fault, McVay said, instead pointing to several factors that kept the ball out of his hands on three targets — two on the opening drive. Stafford completed only 16 passes in the South Bay rain, and just eight went to wideouts. “(Kupp) contributed in other ways,” McVay said. “I thought he had some key blocks at the point of attack. He did have a way of impacting the game, but when you only throw for 160 yards, there were some reasons.” McVay cited his own play-calling, the rain and LA’s 4-for-15 struggles on third down as limitations on Kupp’s performance. The Rams must keep Kupp involved and diversify their passing attack beyond Puka Nacua to have much chance against top defenses in the postseason. Injuries OLB Nick Hampton is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Key number 8-1 — McVay's record in Thursday games on short rest. Next steps The Rams will be rested for a potential trap game at the New York Jets on Dec. 22. They can't afford to overlook an opponent playing out the string before LA's visits from NFC West rivals Arizona and Seattle.Poem wins Google Australia PR business
Hyderabad, November 24: Hyderabad police arrested three persons, including a couple from Andhra Pradesh, for the kidnapping of a month-old baby boy from the government-run Niluofer Hospital for children in the city, and restored the child to his family. The baby was kidnapped from the hospital on the evening of Saturday and was rescued by the police early on Sunday in Jogu Lamba Gadwal district while the kidnappers were taking him to Andhra Pradesh. Woman Befriends Mother and Kidnaps Her 1-Month-Old Baby at Niloufer Hospital; Police Launch Investigation. According to police, a couple from Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh kidnapped the baby with the help of their relative as they were desperate to have a male child. The baby boy was kidnapped by a woman who approached his mother Haseena Begum and grandmother to help them in completing the formalities for discharge at the Aarogya Shree ward. Haseena, 27, had given birth to a baby boy at a hospital in Zaheerabad town of Telangana on October 25. As the newborn was suffering from jaundice, on the advice of local doctors, she brought the child to Niluofer Hospital in Hyderabad. After the treatment, Haseena with her mother were signing discharge papers when a burka-clad woman offered to help them in completing the formalities. She diverted their attention and escaped with the infant. Vikhroli: Lawyer Befriends and Rapes Woman on Promise of Marriage After Helping Victim’s Mother Get Bail in Theft Case, Arrested. Haseena filed a complaint with the Nampally Police Station. The police formed five teams to rescue the baby. Based on the CCTV footage, police found that kidnappers were proceeding on National Highway 44 towards Kurnool. DCP Central zone Akshansh Yadav informed SP Gadwal and in turn, SP Gadwal alerted DSP Gadwal and Manapadu and Undavalli police stations on the Kurnool highway. The police intercepted a vehicle at the Pullur Toll Plaza and found the kidnappers with the baby. After confirming the baby boy’s photo with the complainant, the accused were arrested. The accused have been identified as Shaheen Begum, Abdulla alias Venkatesh and his wife Reshma alias Renuka. The couple hails from Anantapur district and resides in the First Lancer area in Hyderabad. According to police, Abdulla and Reshma married in 2009 and they are blessed with three daughters. Reshma was eight months pregnant and they feared having one more girl child. Desperate for a male child, they hatched a plan to kidnap a baby and executed it with the help of Shaheen, the younger sister of Reshma, who had come to Hyderabad from Anantapur to assist her during pregnancy. Police said Shaheen and Abdulla went to Niluofer Hospital to execute their plan. While Shaheen kidnapped the baby boy, Abdulla was waiting near the hospital and they sped away in an autorickshaw. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2024 11:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).RED BLUFF — It’s not often that principals and students embrace and shout happily at one another, but Friday night was a special occasion. With a 21-10 victory over the Foothill Cougars, the Red Bluff Spartans secured their first Northern Section championship berth in 25 years. The Spartans (10-2), seeded third in Division II, got off to a slow start against a Foothill team (7-4) that beat them 29-26 in Eastern Athletic League play. Red Bluff will play top-seeded Pleasant Valley, to whom the Spartans forfeited an EAL game. It took a while Friday for Red Bluff to establish its ground game with the rain pouring. Zach Shaver was the driving force behind the running strategy. The Spartans punted on their first possession. Red Bluff’s defense was able to hold off Foothill’s initial short passes and force a punt. It was like this for the quarter; neither team could get a strong foothold in their opponent’s territory. With both teams running a lot, the clock did not stop much, and before anyone knew it, the first quarter ended scoreless. Foothill had possession of the ball to start the second and continued to pound the forward with a few passes to shake things up. A sack by Red Bluff’s Bryce Owens squashed what progress the Cougars made at that point. An offensive pass interference call went against Foothill soon after, dampening their momentum further. The Spartans had pass completions to Elijah Hohenberger, Landon Kunau and Brice Clinger. They could not keep this up, though, and ended their drive with a punt. Finally, Foothill’s game plan bore some fruit. The Cougars marched up the field, but the Spartans stopped them from approaching the end zone. The Cougars’ Evan Hutchings kicked a 35-yard field goal to put Foothill up 3-0. Multiple runs by Shaver got Red Bluff within striking distance of scoring. When Kayden Leaf’s 35-yard pass came to Hohenberger, he took the ball and ran straight into the end zone. The Spartans were up 7-3, and Foothill decided to run out the clock to halftime. Neither team was able to establish much at the start of the third quarter. It took a while, but Foothill began finding more success with passes and runs. Penalties that went against the Spartans did not help matters, either. The Cougars scored on a short touchdown run to retake the lead, 10-7. Fortunately for Red Bluff, those were the last points Foothill scored on the night. The running game, anchored by Cruz Servera and Shaver, countered the Cougars’ score by moving the ball upfield, setting up Leaf to quarterback-sneak his way into a touchdown. Red Bluff was up again, 14-10. Foothill tried to respond but could not move the ball and was forced to punt. Leaf opened the next drive with a small gain, then found his favorite target Kunau for deep pass play out the 40-yard line, A Shaver run pushed Red Bluff forward into Foothill territory. That set up a short pass play to Owens, who turned it into a touchdown and a 21-10 lead. After the game, Coach Jacob Daricek joked the rain was not so bad with a victory. “It’s awesome for our town, for our community, for all the coaches that they’ve had,” Daricek said. “You know, in the past, they all played a role in this, from the junior Spartans on. Let’s just go on to get PV!” The Spartans will play top-seeded Pleasant Valley on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Asgard Yard. It will be the Spartans’ first Northern Section championship appearance since they defeated Enterprise 34-2 for the 1999 Division I title.
Lahore ranked second among world’s most polluted cities LAHORE:Once again, the provincial capital ranked second among the list of world’s top 10 most polluted cities on Monday as the average AQI reached 237, which was in the category of very unhealthy. Data collected from IQAir revealed that PM2.5 concentrations were currently 32.4 times the World Health Organisation annual PM2.5 guideline value. It showed that the most polluted localities of the city included Polo Ground Cantt (299), University of Management and Technology (299), Model Town Link Road (288), Askari 10 (276), Burki Road (276), Valencia Town (274), DHA Phase V (272) and Hiking & Mountaineering Club GCU (270). Environmental experts claimed that the deteriorating AQI was the result of cold wave as well as lifting of anti-smog SOPs by the government especially closing of markets at 8.00 pm. They said that the increase in traffic flow on city roads was resulting in release of vehicular emissions as well as generation of fugitive dust (PM2.5) because the government departments concerned have also stopped water sprinkling and washing of roads. They demanded the government re-implement anti-smog measures in the City; otherwise, with the increase in the cold weather the situation will deteriorate further till rainfall, which was not predicted in the near future. They also said that the deteriorating AQI was also resulting in spread of different diseases especially dry cough and other respiratory issues. Meanwhile, Met officials said continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country while a shallow westerly wave was passing over upper parts of the country. They predicted that mainly cold and dry weather was expected in most parts of the country while very cold and partly cloudy to cloudy weather in hilly areas. Shallow to moderate fog (in patches) was likely at few places in Northeast/South Punjab and Upper Sindh during morning hours. Monday’s minimum temperature was recorded at Leh where mercury dropped to -09°C while in Lahore it was 4.5°C and maximum was 21°C.‘It’s frustrating’: Drake Maye is trying to balance short-term struggles with long-term development
