#Automatic Device Encryption

[techdirectarchive]

How to Disable device encryption

How to Disable device encryption

How to Disable device encryption Encryption is a powerful tool for protecting data on your Windows devices. However, there are times when you might need to disable it. Let’s walk through the process of disabling device encryption in Windows 10/11 and understand the difference between Device Encryption and BitLocker Drive Encryption. Kindly see, How to Change BitLocker Password in Windows and how…

[techdriveplay]

What Should You Look for in a NAS?

In today’s digital world, data storage and security are essential, both for personal and business use. Whether you have a growing library of family photos, critical work documents, or media collections, a reliable storage solution is paramount. Network-Attached Storage (NAS) systems offer an efficient way to store, back up, and access data across devices from anywhere. But with so many NAS…

[canmom]

Can you get a virus/malware by viewing a link, but not clicking on it?

short answer: no.

long answer: what you're talking about is a zero-click exploit, which is an attack that works without user interaction (such as clicking on a link). an example of a zero-click exploit is the 2013 FORCEDENTRY exploit, which involved sending someone a file disguised as a gif on iMessage, and when iMessage automatically processed this file to display the gif, it would compromise their device. (don't worry about that one, it's been fixed for a decade).

i'm assuming you're talking about being sent a link on a messenging service/social media/etc.? in general, if an attack involves sending you a link that you can see, then it probably depends on you clicking on the link. if you don't click on the link, it's very unlikely to be able to execute code.

zero-click exploits are thankfully pretty damn rare, and require a lot of technical knowledge to design; when they're found, they tend to be fixed urgently. but I should caveat this by saying I don't know every exploit that exists out there. there have been Discord zero-day exploits in the past (for example in 2022). the main defence against this is standard security stuff: keep your software up to date, make sure your device requires credentials to do admin shit, encrypt your passwords and don't reuse them, etc. etc.

if someone sent you a link to malware and you didn't click on it, don't worry about it too much, I wouldn't expect trouble.

[netscapenavigator-official]

Just in time for fascism, Apple has introduced a new feature into iOS which makes it exponentially more difficult for law enforcement to crack confiscated iPhones.

Basically, starting in iOS 18.1, if an iPhone hasn’t been unlocked in a while, it will automatically reboot. Why is this a big deal? Because it resets your login token.

Basically, upon first boot, iPhones are in a “Before First Unlock” mode, or “BFU” mode. After you punch in your passcode, they go into “After First Unlock” mode (or “AFU” mode).

In BFU mode, iPhone are significantly more difficult to brute force into. Basically, the iPhone’s storage and system are totally encrypted and inaccessible until AFU mode is activated. In addition, Apple disables access to a lot of items such as camera, Siri, and notifications which can be used to bypass the password screen. The data which can be given and received from the device’s port is also severely limited. BFU mode also completely disables Touch and Face ID. If you have your phone set to Custom Numeric or Custom Alphabetic, that makes it infinitely more difficult to get into your phone via passcode brute forcing.

So anyway, if your iPhone supports iOS 18.1, I’d recommend updating ASAP. Y’know… for… security update reasons. 👀

[miraculousfanworks]

Writing Prompt: No Signal

Cerise smirked as she powered on the Tsurugi laptop. Finally, she has beaten its encryption and managed to log in! Oh, the secrets she'll uncover deep within its memory! The files on their servers she'll be able to... Access... Remotely....

Wait. She has, like, 0 signal in this catacomb. She'll have to visit a local coffee shop to get better download speeds.

Elsewhere, a harried IT employee makes note of the fact that lost laptop #46-539 just came online and starts the automatic geo location trace to begin prosecution and recovery of the stolen device.

Prompt by: tempestsoul343

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Jess Weatherbed at The Verge:

Android is launching a new security feature that will force devices to reboot themselves if you haven’t unlocked them for a while, making it harder for other people to access the data inside. The feature included in the latest Google Play services update says that Android phones will automatically restart “if locked for 3 consecutive days,” requiring users to enter their passcode the next time they want to open the device. As 9to5Google notes, this update should apply to both Android phones and tablets, but will exclude other device categories like Auto, TV, and WearOS. The reboot function — not to be confused with a device reset that returns it to factory settings — puts phones and tablets into a Before First Unlock (BFU) state that encrypts data files and disables biometric login support until the device PIN has been entered. Apple introduced a similar iPhone “Inactivity Reboot” feature in iOS 18.1 that triggers a device restart after four days of being locked.

If you have an Android phone or tablet, you may want to be aware that after 3 consecutive days of non-usage, Android phones and tablets will auto-reboot, meaning that a passcode is required to get on before using it.

[emeraldspiral]

Thinking about how so far in Invader Zim the only members of Irken society we've seen have been members of the military, fast food workers, and scientists. I headcanon that there are no artists on Irk and all creative work is done by AI, but I like to think that there are civilian Irkens who do other jobs besides working in the military or feeding or supplying the military. I imagine they probably have big corporations that make the snack food Irkens love, their vehicles, communication devices and other infrastructure, their TVs and couches and other everyday items needed for leisure and entertainment, etc... And Irkens absolutely would have a celebrity culture surrounding the CEOs of these companies. Like, everyone idolizes them and hangs onto their every word hoping their success will rub off on them. And since extreme selfishness is so ingrained in their culture, Irkens don't even have to pretend to think these are good people. They know all about and applaud the exploitation of underpaid workers, price gouging customers, and every other shady business practice meant to maximize the CEO's profits at the expense of everyone else. They don't think that makes you evil, they think it makes you smart. But they also kinda only think being greedy and exploitative makes you smart because they think if you're rich, powerful, and successful you must be smart and therefore everything you do is smart. But these guys aren't smart at all. They're basically all indistinguishable from Red and Purple. Literally every CEO is an Almighty Tallest-lite, running their companies the exact same way Red and Purple run the entire Empire. Because the Control Brains love their brainless figureheads.

Irkens are told that if they work hard to prove themselves, they can advance to any station, even overcoming the barriers of height discrimination. But the reality is that the Control Brains have the ability to control for height through genetic selection in the cloning process and hormone control throughout a developing Irken's life. So they can pick and choose who's going to be tall and receive Tallness Privilege and be automatically granted opportunities shorter Irkens have to fight tooth and nail for, only to still be denied no matter what, reinforcing the idea that being taller means being inherently better. So while tall Irkens don't get the benefit of inherited wealth since their are no families on Irk, they do get pre-selected by the system to go through special training sims for business and leadership elites and receive massive grants for free upon graduation to start-up or buy into a business. And of course they also receive bailouts aplenty whenever they run their businesses into the ground. Because don't they deserve another chance to buy their way into and fuck up another company? They are Tall after all. Meanwhile, the lower Irken classes have to save their monies for decades just to open up a hot-dog stand, or try to take out a loan, which most will be denied flat-out if they aren't tall enough. If they can get a loan the interest will be insanely high and investors will expect a return on investment within an unreasonably short period, making it all but impossible for new small businesses to succeed and grow, further reinforcing the notion that smaller Irkens are just too stupid to run businesses.

Also, because Irkens are so greedy and have no families to leave inheritance to it's traditional for rich Irkens to arrange for their monies to be burned so that nobody can access their wealth. Because they don't want any inferior Irkens getting their hands on one cent of their money that they earned because they were smarter, taller, and better than everyone else. There are rumors of certain eccentric Irken billionaires who buried their money in a secret location, or in a tomb full of death traps, or used near-impossible to hack encryption software to lock their funds behind a digital wall, so that their wealth might still be accessible to someone clever enough to prove their worth. But whenever someone manages find these alleged treasure hoards, it always turns out to be a cruel prank by the billionaire before they died. Their money was burnt all along.

[beardedmrbean]

EU’s proposed Chat Control law has become a bone of contention between members of the bloc. First proposed by the European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson in May 2022 as part of bloc’s push to combat child sexual abuse online, the framework of the bill has now come under fire, earning itself a derisive term “Chat Control”. 

France, Germany and Poland have particularly refused to accept a clause that allows for mass scanning of private messages by breaking end-to-end encryption. Some tech companies, along with trade associations, and privacy experts have all vehemently opposed the regulation. 

On the other hand, Interior Ministers of Spain and Ireland have supported the proposal. Separately, a network of organisations and individuals, advocating for children’s rights in Europe, have lashed out at EU leaders for failing to tackle child sexual abuse online. 

What are the concerns of those against the proposal?

Scanning end-to-end encrypted messages has remained a controversial issue. That’s because there is no way to do this without opening risky backdoors that can be accessed by third parties who can exploit the vulnerability, in turn ending the promise of end-to-end encryption.

Tech firms that treaded the encryption bypassing path have have often been made to retreat. In 2021, Apple announced NeuralHash, a feature that could automatically scan iCloud photo libraries of individual devices for child sexual abuse material, or CSAM. Employees and activist groups expressed concerns over the loss of privacy. A year later, Apple said it had abandoned the initiative. 

Another looming issue the iPhone maker recognised in the process was how authoritarian governments could potentially misuse the feature by using it as a tool to target individuals who oppose the regime.

Erik Neuenschwander, Director of user privacy and child safety at Apple, admitted this in a note saying, “It would […] inject the potential for a slippery slope of unintended consequences. Scanning for one type of content, for instance, opens the door for bulk surveillance and could create a desire to search other encrypted messaging systems across content types.” 

When brining in a similar clause through the UK’s Online Safety Bill, lawmakers attempted to make way for client-side scanning of private and encrypted messages. The proposal was postponed after receiving pushback from encrypted messaging app owners like WhatsApp and Signal. The duo threatened to leave the UK if such a law was passed. In its final stages, in September, 2023, the House of Lords considered the potential security threat that the clause would bring saying it would not implement scanning until it was “technically feasible.” 

What is the status of EU’s Chat Control law?

On June 30, a new draft of the proposal is set to be be reviewed. Legislators have now left the idea of scanning text messages and audio, and are instead targetting shared photos, videos and URLs with an adjustment to appease the naysayers. 

Another tweak in the making could be people’s consent in sharing material being scanned before being encrypted. But this compromise has been largely called out as a farcical one. A report by Euractiv which has been confirmed by internal documents show that if a user refuses the scanning, they will simply be blocked from sending or receiving images, videos and links hardly leaving them with a choice.

Despite these measures, EU’s enforcement of such regulations have seen exemptions to the rule. In November 2023, the European Commission reportedly published a proposal to amend the regulation on a temporary derogation of the E-Privacy Directive against CSAM. Under the regulation, specific online communications service providers were allowed to sift through or scan messages to detect, report and remove online child sexual abuse material or CSAM and content that solicits children. The regulation is set to expire in early August . The initial plan on the table was to simply extend this regulation for another three years. But, according to media reports, plans for further extensions were stalled in February this year.

Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal app called the measures to assuage concerns as “cosmetic”, and has signed a joint statement along with a group of over 60 other organisations like Mozilla, Proton, Surfshark and Tuta, voicing out her concerns. Whittaker has echoed her earlier warning saying Signal will leave the UK rather than undermine end-to-end encryption. 

A blog, co-authored by Riana Pfefferkorn, a research scholar at the Stanford Internet Observatory and Callum Voge, director of government affairs and advocacy at the Internet Society, notes, ”If government surveillance is a concern in an established democratic entity like the EU, what hope is there for beleaguered democracies like Turkey, India and Brazil, much less autocracies?”

[marchzheng]

What is the mechanism behind RFID hotel key cards?

In the modern hospitality industry, enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency is a core goal for every hotel manager. With advancements in technology, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has become an essential tool in hotel management. Particularly in the application of hotel key cards, RFID technology has brought unprecedented transformations. RFID hotel key cards not only simplify the check-in and check-out processes but also provide enhanced security, significantly improving guest convenience and overall satisfaction. How does RFID technology make all this possible? What is its working principle? This is a common curiosity among hotel managers, and today, we will explore this topic.

1. The Working Principle of RFID Hotel Key Cards

Before delving into how RFID hotel key cards work, let’s briefly introduce what RFID technology is.

What is RFID Technology?

RFID technology facilitates the exchange of information between objects through radio waves. It employs a tag and a reader for contactless data transmission, eliminating the need for physical contact. Users can simply bring an RFID card close to the reading device, and data will automatically transfer to complete authorization, authentication, or operations.

RFID hotel key cards are a type of RFID tag that connects with the hotel lock system via an RFID reader installed on the door lock, enabling contactless identity authentication and unlocking functions. Each card contains a tiny embedded chip that can store encrypted data such as the guest's room number, validity period, and access permissions. When a guest approaches the door lock with their card, the RFID reader communicates with the card via electromagnetic waves, retrieves the stored information, and decides whether to unlock the door based on pre-set security rules.

How RFID Cards Interact with Hotel Lock Systems

The interaction between RFID cards and hotel lock systems is grounded in simple, efficient wireless communication. In this process, the embedded chip within the RFID card contains a unique ID number, which is decoded by the RFID reader upon receiving a signal. Here’s a breakdown of the specific workflow:

Signal Emission: When the RFID card nears the lock system, the RFID reader within the lock emits an electromagnetic signal, activating the chip in the card.

Data Transmission: The chip in the card transmits its stored ID information to the reader, which then compares this information against the hotel management system.

Authentication and Authorization: If the card information matches the records in the system and the access validation is successful, the door lock will unlock, granting the guest entrance to their room.

The contactless feature of RFID technology makes the hotel check-in process smoother and more convenient, as guests don’t have to insert the card or physically manipulate a key, significantly enhancing the overall fluidity and experience of entering the hotel room.

Additionally, RFID cards offer heightened security. Compared to traditional magnetic stripe cards, the data transmission of RFID cards employs more complex encryption algorithms, making it harder to copy or tamper with information, thus providing greater security for hotels.

Through this series of simple and efficient operations, RFID hotel key cards not only ensure guest convenience but also significantly enhance hotel operational efficiency and security.

2. Advantages of RFID Hotel Key Cards

The introduction of RFID hotel key cards offers significant advantages to hotels, enhancing not only security but also customer experience and operational efficiency.

Enhanced Security

RFID cards utilize encrypted data transmission and unique chip designs to prevent card information from being copied or hacked. They can also be configured with specific validity periods and access permissions, ensuring that rooms can only be accessed within authorized times, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized entry. Many five-star hotels have effectively improved room security and protected customer privacy through such solutions.

Improved Customer Experience

RFID cards streamline the check-in and check-out processes, allowing guests to simply hold the card near their room door to unlock it automatically. This contactless operation not only enhances convenience but also reduces the risk of contact transmission, increasing guests' peace of mind.

Cost Savings in Operations

RFID technology aids hotels in automating management tasks related to rooms and keys, minimizing human errors and wasted time. The system can monitor card usage in real time, alerting staff to lost or unauthorized use of cards promptly, which improves management efficiency and lowers operational costs.

Increased Management Flexibility and Scalability

RFID technology can seamlessly integrate with other management systems, enabling hotels to expand functionality on demand, such as automated climate control or lock management. This flexibility allows hotels to respond quickly to changing demands and easily upgrade their systems.

Enhanced Brand Image and Customer Loyalty

The use of RFID cards boosts the technological appeal of the hotel, enhancing its brand image. Additionally, through RFID cards, hotels can offer personalized services, which helps increase customer loyalty.

In summary, RFID hotel key cards provide a range of advantages that contribute to a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable experience for both guests and hotel staff. This technology is not just a trend but a valuable asset in modern hotel management.

3. Future Development of RFID Hotel Key Cards

As technology continues to advance, the application of RFID technology in the hotel industry is expected to become more widespread and intelligent.

Smarter Integrated Systems

Future RFID systems will be more tightly integrated with other intelligent systems within hotels, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart room controls, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Through this integration, hotels can offer more personalized services, such as automatically adjusting room temperature, lighting, and other amenities based on guest preferences, thereby enhancing the customer experience and reducing energy consumption.

Enhanced Security and Encryption Technologies

As security requirements continue to grow, future RFID hotel key cards will employ more advanced encryption technologies to ensure the safety of guests' personal information and room security. With dynamic encryption and multi-factor authentication mechanisms, RFID cards will effectively defend against various cyber attacks and forgery attempts, further strengthening the security of hotel management.

Data Analytics and Personalized Services

RFID systems will evolve beyond being simple door lock management tools. In the future, they will integrate with data analytics tools to help hotels analyze guest behavior and preferences, thereby enabling more personalized services. For example, hotels could automatically push tailored offers and services based on guests’ check-in history and spending habits, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.

In summary, the future of RFID hotel key cards promises to be more intelligent, secure, and personalized, transforming the hospitality experience and paving the way for a new era in hotel management. As these technologies develop, they will not only improve operational efficiency but also create a more satisfying experience for guests.

4. RFID Hotel Key Cards: The Key to Enhanced Hotel Management Efficiency and Customer Experience

Through contactless, efficient, and secure solutions, RFID hotel key cards not only provide guests with a more convenient and safe check-in experience but also enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs for hotels.

As technology continues to advance, RFID systems will become increasingly intelligent and integrated, with a stronger focus on security and data analytics functions. Whether through integration with smart room control systems or the fusion of mobile devices with RFID cards, future RFID technology will bring even more innovative opportunities to the hospitality industry.

However, to ensure the successful deployment of RFID systems and maximize business value, choosing an appropriate RFID vendor is crucial. With over a decade of deep experience in RFID technology, many hotel managers have achieved intelligent upgrades and heightened management efficiency through our customized RFID solutions, providing guests with an unparalleled stay.

If you are interested in the RFID hotel key card system or want to know more about solutions for improving hotel management efficiency, please feel free to contact us. Our RFIDCard.com professional team is ready to provide you with free consultation and testing services to ensure you select the RFID products and systems that best meet your needs. Take action now, and let us help you offer your guests a safer, more convenient check-in experience while driving your hotel towards future success!

[techdirectarchive]

How to encrypt your Data with Trellix Data Encryption

Trellix Data Encryption offers a full range of products to safeguard data and devices from unauthorized access. In this article, we will discuss how to encrypt your Data with Trellix Data Encryption. Trelix also makes it possible to protect corporate-owned devices and shared servers with comprehensive encryption and integrated centralized management. Please see How to upgrade Trellix ePolicy…

[xaltius]

Protecting Patients, Protecting Data: Cybersecurity in Healthcare

The healthcare industry holds some of the most sensitive information imaginable: patient medical records, personal details, insurance information, and more. This makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. A data breach in healthcare can have devastating consequences, impacting patient privacy, disrupting operations, and even endangering lives. Therefore, robust cybersecurity measures are not just recommended in healthcare – they are absolutely essential.

The Stakes are High: Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare

Healthcare organizations face a range of cyber threats, including:

Ransomware: Attackers encrypt critical systems and data, holding them hostage until a ransom is paid. This can disrupt patient care, delay treatments, and even shut down hospitals.

Phishing: Deceptive emails or messages trick employees into revealing login credentials or downloading malware, providing attackers with access to sensitive data.

Data Breaches:��Unauthorized access and exfiltration of patient medical records, leading to privacy violations and potential identity theft.

Malware: Malicious software designed to damage systems, steal data, or disrupt operations.

Insider Threats: Malicious or accidental actions by employees or other insiders that compromise security.

IoT Vulnerabilities: Connected medical devices, while offering many benefits, can also introduce security vulnerabilities if not properly secured.

Building a Strong Defense: Essential Cybersecurity Measures in Healthcare

Protecting patient data and ensuring business continuity requires a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. Here are some crucial measures:

Risk Assessment and Management: Regularly assessing cybersecurity risks and developing a comprehensive risk management plan is the foundation of a strong security posture.

Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data, both in transit and at rest, protects it even if a breach occurs. This is a critical requirement for HIPAA compliance.

Access Control and Authentication: Implementing strong access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.

Network Segmentation: Dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments limits the impact of a breach. If one segment is compromised, the others remain protected.

Firewall Management: Implementing and regularly updating firewalls to control network traffic and block unauthorized access.

Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): These systems monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and can automatically block malicious traffic.

Antivirus and Anti-malware Software: Deploying robust antivirus and anti-malware software on all endpoints (computers, servers, mobile devices) is essential. Regular updates are crucial.

Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments: Regularly assessing systems for vulnerabilities and conducting security audits helps identify weaknesses before they can be exploited.

Employee Training and Awareness: Human error is a major factor in many security breaches. Regular cybersecurity awareness training for all healthcare staff is vital. This training should cover topics like phishing awareness, password security, HIPAA compliance, and safe computing practices.

Incident Response Plan: Having a well-defined incident response plan in place allows healthcare organizations to react quickly and effectively to a security incident, minimizing damage and downtime.

IoT Security: Securing connected medical devices and other IoT devices is crucial to prevent them from becoming entry points for attackers. This includes regular updates, strong passwords, and network segmentation.

HIPAA Compliance: A Critical Component

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets strict standards for protecting the privacy and security 1 of patient health information. Healthcare organizations must comply with HIPAA regulations, which include implementing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.

Xaltius Academy's Cybersecurity Course: Your Partner in Healthcare Security

Protecting patient data and ensuring HIPAA compliance requires specialized knowledge and skills. Xaltius Academy's cybersecurity course provides comprehensive training and equips you with the expertise needed to safeguard healthcare systems and data. Our expert instructors and hands-on labs will prepare you to tackle the unique cybersecurity challenges facing the healthcare industry. Invest in your cybersecurity future and protect the valuable information entrusted to healthcare organizations.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue in healthcare; it's a patient safety issue. By implementing these essential cybersecurity measures, fostering a culture of security awareness, and investing in cybersecurity training, healthcare organizations can protect patient data, maintain operational integrity, and ensure the delivery of safe and effective care.

[xettle-technologies]

Is Payment Gateway Integration Suitable for Small Businesses?

In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, small businesses are increasingly seeking efficient and scalable solutions to handle financial transactions. One of the most transformative tools available to them is payment gateway integration. But is it suitable for small businesses? The answer lies in understanding how this technology aligns with their operational needs, growth aspirations, and customer expectations.

What Is Payment Gateway Integration?

Payment gateway integration refers to the process of embedding a secure, digital payment processing system into a business’s online platform or point-of-sale system. This technology enables businesses to accept payments from customers through various channels, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. By facilitating smooth and secure transactions, payment gateways ensure that both customers and merchants have a seamless experience.

For small businesses, integrating a payment gateway is not just a convenience; it’s becoming a necessity. The rise of e-commerce and digital payments has shifted consumer expectations, making it essential for even the smallest enterprises to provide flexible and secure payment options.

Benefits of Payment Gateway Integration for Small Businesses

Enhanced Customer Experience Payment gateway integration allows small businesses to offer their customers multiple payment options, including digital wallets, UPI, and net banking. This flexibility enhances the customer experience by making transactions quick and hassle-free.

Improved Security Payment gateways use advanced encryption and fraud detection technologies to ensure the security of customer data. For small businesses, this level of protection builds trust and encourages repeat business.

Streamlined Operations Integrating a payment gateway reduces the need for manual transaction management. Payments are processed automatically, minimizing errors and saving valuable time that can be redirected to other aspects of the business.

Global Reach A payment gateway enables small businesses to accept payments from international customers. This capability is particularly valuable for businesses looking to expand their market reach.

Cost-Effectiveness Modern payment gateway solutions often come with flexible pricing models that cater to the needs of small businesses. Some providers even offer pay-as-you-go plans, ensuring affordability for startups and smaller enterprises.

Payout Solutions: Simplifying Financial Management

One of the complementary services that often comes with payment gateway integration is payout solutions. Payout solutions allow businesses to automate payments to vendors, suppliers, and employees, streamlining the flow of funds. For small businesses, this functionality can significantly reduce administrative burdens and improve cash flow management.

By integrating payout solutions with payment gateways, small businesses can achieve end-to-end financial automation. This integration not only saves time but also provides transparency and accuracy in financial transactions. For example, a small business owner can use payout solutions to manage payroll, refunds, or vendor payments with just a few clicks.

Micro ATM: A Complementary Tool for Small Businesses

In addition to utility payment solutions technologies like Micro ATM are gaining popularity among small businesses. A Micro ATM is a portable device that allows merchants to accept card payments and provide basic banking services, such as cash withdrawals, to customers. This solution is particularly useful in areas where digital payment adoption is still growing and cash transactions remain prevalent.

Combining Micro ATM services with payment gateway integration provides small businesses with a comprehensive financial toolkit. While the gateway handles online payments, the Micro ATM ensures that businesses can cater to customers who prefer or rely on cash transactions. This dual approach bridges the gap between digital and traditional payment methods, making businesses more versatile and customer-friendly.

Challenges and Considerations

While payment gateway integration offers numerous benefits, small businesses must also be aware of potential challenges. These include:

Initial Setup Costs Although many payment gateway providers offer affordable plans, there can be initial setup costs associated with integrating the system into existing platforms.

Technical Expertise Small businesses may need assistance in integrating and maintaining a payment gateway. Partnering with a reliable technology provider can help overcome this hurdle.

Regulatory Compliance Businesses must ensure that their payment gateway complies with local and international regulations to avoid legal complications.

Choosing the Right Provider Not all payment gateways offer the same features or pricing models. Small businesses should carefully evaluate providers based on their specific needs.

Xettle Technologies: A Partner for Small Business Growth

One example of a provider catering to small businesses is Xettle Technologies. Xettle offers scalable payment gateway integration services along with advanced payout solutions. Their user-friendly platforms are designed to meet the unique challenges faced by small enterprises, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction experience. By choosing a partner like Xettle Technologies, small businesses can access reliable tools that support their growth and streamline their financial operations.

Conclusion

Payment gateway integration is not only suitable for small businesses but is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of their success. By providing secure, efficient, and flexible payment processing, gateways empower small enterprises to meet customer expectations, expand their market reach, and improve operational efficiency. When combined with technologies like payout solutions and Micro ATM, these tools offer a holistic approach to financial management.

While challenges exist, they can be mitigated by selecting the right provider and leveraging innovative solutions like those offered by Xettle Technologies. As digital payments continue to dominate the financial landscape, small businesses that embrace payment gateway integration will be well-positioned to thrive in a competitive market.

[sab-cat]

Mar 26, 2025

The real lesson is much simpler, says Kenn White, a security and cryptography researcher who has conducted audits on widely used encryption tools in the past as the director of the Open Crypto Audit Project: Don’t invite untrusted contacts into your Signal group chat. And if you’re a government official working with highly sensitive or classified information, use the encrypted communication tools that run on restricted, often air-gapped devices intended for a top-secret setting rather than the unauthorized devices that can run publicly available apps like Signal....

One of the most straightforward reasons that communication apps like Signal and WhatsApp are not suitable for classified government work is that they offer “disappearing message” features—mechanisms to automatically delete messages after a preset amount of time—that are incompatible with federal record retention laws. This issue was on full display in the principals’ chat about the impending strike on Yemen, which was originally set for one-week auto-delete before the Michael Waltz account changed the timer to four-week auto-delete, according to screenshots of the chat published by The Atlantic on Wednesday. Had The Atlantic’s Goldberg not been mistakenly included in the chat, its contents might not have been preserved in accordance with long-standing government requirements.

[brownbiochemist]

Face Blur Technology in Public Surveillance: Balancing Privacy and Security

As surveillance technology continues to evolve, so do concerns about privacy. One solution that addresses both the need for public safety and individual privacy is face blur technology. This technology automatically obscures individuals’ faces in surveillance footage unless there’s a legitimate need for identification, offering a balance between security and personal data protection.

Why Do We Need Face Blur Technology?

Surveillance systems are increasingly used in public spaces, from streets and parks to malls and airports, where security cameras are deployed to monitor activities and prevent crime. However, the widespread collection of images from public spaces poses serious privacy risks. Personal data like facial images can be exploited if not properly protected. This is where face blur technology comes in. It reduces the chances of identity theft, unwarranted surveillance, and abuse of personal data by ensuring that identifiable information isn’t exposed unless necessary. Governments, businesses, and institutions implementing face blur technology are taking a step toward more responsible data handling while still benefiting from surveillance systems (Martinez et al., 2022).

Key Technologies Behind Face Blur

Face blur technology relies on several key technologies:

Computer Vision: This technology enables systems to detect human faces in images and videos. Using machine learning algorithms, cameras or software can recognize faces in real-time, making it possible to apply blurring instantly.

Real-life example: Google’s Street View uses face blur technology to automatically detect and blur faces of people captured in its 360-degree street imagery to protect their privacy.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI plays a crucial role in improving the accuracy of face detection and the efficiency of the blurring process. By training models on large datasets of human faces, AI-powered systems can differentiate between faces and non-facial objects, making the blurring process both accurate and fast (Tao et al., 2023).

Real-life example: Intel’s OpenVINO toolkit supports AI-powered face detection and blurring in real-time video streams. It is used in public surveillance systems in places like airports and transportation hubs to anonymize individuals while maintaining situational awareness for security teams.

Edge Computing: Modern surveillance systems equipped with edge computing process data locally on the camera or a nearby device rather than sending it to a distant data center. This reduces latency, allowing face blurring to be applied in real-time without lag.

Real-life example: Axis Communications’ AXIS Q1615-LE Mk III surveillance camera is equipped with edge computing capabilities. This allows for face blurring directly on the camera, reducing the need to send sensitive video footage to a central server for processing, enhancing privacy.

Encryption: Beyond face blur, encryption ensures that any data stored from surveillance cameras is protected from unauthorized access. Even if footage is accessed by someone without permission, the identity of individuals in the footage remains obscured.

Real-life example: Cisco Meraki MV smart cameras feature end-to-end encryption to secure video streams and stored footage. In conjunction with face blur technologies, these cameras offer enhanced privacy by protecting data from unauthorized access.

How Does the Technology Work?

The process of face blurring typically follows several steps:

Face Detection: AI-powered cameras or software scan the video feed to detect human faces.

Face Tracking: Once a face is detected, the system tracks its movement in real-time, ensuring the blur is applied dynamically as the person moves.

Face Obfuscation: The detected faces are then blurred or pixelated. This ensures that personal identification is not possible unless someone with the proper authorization has access to the raw footage.

Controlled Access: In many systems, access to the unblurred footage is restricted and requires legal or administrative permission, such as in the case of law enforcement investigations (Nguyen et al., 2023).

Real-life example: The Genetec Omnicast surveillance system is used in smart cities and integrates privacy-protecting features, including face blurring. Access to unblurred footage is strictly controlled, requiring multi-factor authentication for law enforcement and security personnel.

Real-Life Uses of Face Blur Technology

Face blur technology is being implemented in several key sectors:

Public Transportation Systems: Many modern train stations, subways, and airports have adopted face blur technology as part of their CCTV systems to protect the privacy of commuters. For instance, London's Heathrow Airport uses advanced video analytics with face blur to ensure footage meets GDPR compliance while enhancing security.

Retail Stores: Large retail chains, including Walmart, use face blur technology in their in-store cameras. This allows security teams to monitor activity and reduce theft while protecting the privacy of innocent customers.

Smart Cities: In Barcelona, Spain, a smart city initiative includes face blur technology to ensure privacy in public spaces while gathering data to improve city management and security. The smart cameras deployed in this project offer anonymized data to city officials, allowing them to monitor traffic, crowd control, and more without compromising individual identities.

Journalism and Humanitarian Work: Media organizations such as the BBC use face blurring technology in conflict zones or protests to protect the identities of vulnerable individuals. Additionally, NGOs employ similar technology in sensitive regions to prevent surveillance abuse by oppressive regimes.

Public Perception and Ethical Considerations

Public perception of surveillance technologies is a complex mix of support and concern. On one hand, people recognize the need for surveillance to enhance public safety, prevent crime, and even assist in emergencies. On the other hand, many are worried about mass surveillance, personal data privacy, and the potential for abuse by authorities or hackers.

By implementing face blur technology, institutions can address some of these concerns. Studies suggest that people are more comfortable with surveillance systems when privacy-preserving measures like face blur are in place. It demonstrates a commitment to privacy and reduces the likelihood of objections to the use of surveillance in public spaces (Zhang et al., 2021).

However, ethical challenges remain. The decision of when to unblur faces must be transparent and subject to clear guidelines, ensuring that this capability isn’t misused. In democratic societies, there is ongoing debate over how to strike a balance between security and privacy, and face blur technology offers a middle ground that respects individual rights while still maintaining public safety (Johnson & Singh, 2022).

Future of Face Blur Technology

As AI and machine learning continue to evolve, face blur technology will become more refined, offering enhanced accuracy in face detection and obfuscation. The future may also see advancements in customizing the level of blurring depending on context. For instance, higher levels of obfuscation could be applied in particularly sensitive areas, such as protests or political gatherings, to ensure that individuals' identities are protected (Chaudhary et al., 2023).

Face blur technology is also expected to integrate with broader privacy-enhancing technologies in surveillance systems, ensuring that even as surveillance expands, personal freedoms remain protected. Governments and businesses that embrace this technology are likely to be seen as leaders in ethical surveillance practices (Park et al., 2022).

Conclusion

The need for effective public surveillance is undeniable in today’s world, where security threats can arise at any time. However, the collection of facial images in public spaces raises significant privacy concerns. Face blur technology is a vital tool in addressing these issues, allowing for the balance between public safety and individual privacy. By leveraging AI, computer vision, and edge computing, face blur technology not only protects individual identities but also enhances public trust in surveillance systems.

References

Chaudhary, S., Patel, N., & Gupta, A. (2023). AI-enhanced privacy solutions for smart cities: Ethical considerations in urban surveillance. Journal of Smart City Innovation, 14(2), 99-112.

Johnson, M., & Singh, R. (2022). Ethical implications of face recognition in public spaces: Balancing privacy and security. Journal of Ethics and Technology, 18(1), 23-37.

Martinez, D., Loughlin, P., & Wei, X. (2022). Privacy-preserving techniques in public surveillance systems: A review. IEEE Transactions on Privacy and Data Security, 9(3), 154-171.

Nguyen, H., Wang, T., & Luo, J. (2023). Real-time face blurring for public surveillance: Challenges and innovations. International Journal of Surveillance Technology, 6(1), 78-89.

Park, S., Lee, H., & Kim, J. (2022). Privacy in smart cities: New technologies for anonymizing public surveillance data. Data Privacy Journal, 15(4), 45-61.

Tao, Z., Wang, Y., & Li, S. (2023). AI-driven face blurring in public surveillance: Technical challenges and future directions. Artificial Intelligence and Privacy, 8(2), 123-140.

Zhang, Y., Lee, S., & Roberts, J. (2021). Public attitudes toward surveillance technology and privacy protections. International Journal of Privacy and Data Protection, 7(4), 45-63.

[aionlinemoney]

Reliance Industry launching Jio AI Cloud Welcome offer upto 100 GB Free Storage

Jio, a part of the Reliance Industry and a major telecom company in India, has been a main player in the change of the country’s digital transformation for the past many years. Jio is Known for its innovative digital services, Jio has significantly changed the market with a range of offerings in telecom services. The latest addition to its lineup is Jio AI Cloud, a modern cloud platform, aimed at businesses, developers, and individual users. In this article, we will discuss what Jio AI Cloud is, its offers, launch details, and how it benefits users by providing secure storage and easy access to digital content such as photos, videos, documents, and other data.

What is Jio AI cloud?

This is a cloud platform by Reliance industry that comes with built in artificial intelligence features to store your data secure and access it anywhere. It provides secure, and affordable cloud solutions for businesses and individuals, making it easy to store, manage, and analyze data. With this users can access powerful AI tools that enable smarter data management, better storage efficiency, and enhanced digital experiences. Whether for startups, large companies, or individual users, Jio AI Cloud offers reliable solutions for cloud storage with the added advantage of AI technology.

When will Jio AI cloud offer will launch :

Reliance industry is preparing for the launch Jio AI cloud  welcome offer and it is expected to be introduced in the market this Diwali. Reliance’s chairman Mukesh Ambani will launch Jio AI cloud with a welcome offer upto 100 GB free cloud storage for Jio users. The users are awaiting and excited for it. Also Reliance industry has introduced AI innovative technologies called Jio Brain and the Reliance industry is also planning to establish Giga byte scale ready AI data center in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Benefits of Jio AI Cloud for Secure Storage and Access to Digital Content :

Jio Cloud provides free cloud storage and easily store and access your data, such as photos, videos, documents, and more.Here are some key benefits that make it a great choice:

Highly Secure Cloud Storage:

Jio AI Cloud organizes security by using advanced multi-layered security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. With end-to-end encryption and strong authentication, users can trust that their photos, videos, documents, and other digital content are securely stored the data into their data centers. Reliance’s chairman Mukesh Ambani has told in the 47th annual general meeting of Reliance industry.

Backup and Real-time Syncing :

Jio AI Cloud offers automatic backups and real-time syncing of digital content across devices. This ensures that important photos, videos, documents, and other data are never lost, even if a device is lost or damaged. Real-time syncing ensures that any updates to a file on one device are immediately updated on all connected devices.

Enhanced Access and Sharing Options :

Jio AI Cloud allows users to access their digital content from any device, anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. The platform also provides easy sharing options, enabling users to create secure links for sharing photos, videos, and documents. This makes it simple and convenient to collaborate with colleagues, friends, and family.

Cost Effective Storage plans :

Jio AI Cloud is likely to provide flexible pricing options, including a pay-as-you-go plan where users pay only for the resources they use. This is especially useful for individuals and businesses looking to control costs while enjoying advanced cloud services.

Conclusions :

Jio AI Cloud represents a major growth in cloud storage in India. Reliance is set to launch a Diwali offer of 100GB free cloud storage, this platform is expected to attract a diverse range of users, from individuals needing secure storage for personal data to businesses seeking scalable, AI-enhanced cloud solutions. With its advanced AI features, robust security, seamless integration with other Jio services, and competitive pricing, Jio AI Cloud is controlled to be a strong competitor in the cloud services industry. As Reliance industry continues to expand its digital innovations, the Jio AI Cloud could significantly change how digital content is stored, managed, and accessed in India.

[60seccyberbrief]

Tails OS

Have you ever traveled and succumbed to using a public computer that could be compromised and could potentially steal your data? Or even want to increase your privacy and anonymity against surveillance? The Tails operating system covers this. After doing some Tor browser surfing, I recently discovered Tails and decided to dig deeper into it and play around with it as I am always looking for new tools and protection measures, I can learn and use. Tails, or “The Amnesic Incognito Live System", is a security-focused Debian-based Linux distribution that connects to the internet only through the Tor network. works by routing internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated servers called nodes or relays. Each user's data is encrypted multiple times and then sent through a randomly selected path of these nodes before reaching its final destination. At each node, one layer of encryption is removed, revealing only the next node in the path, like peeling layers of an onion, hence its logo and nickname.

Tail's most notable feature is its ability to boot from a USB or CD to turn any computer into a temporary�� secure” machine by creating an almost ghost-like presence on the machine. When using Tails nothing is written to the hard disk and only runs from the memory on the computer. On top of this, Tails will actually overwrite the memory when exiting to prevent any cold boot attacks. Meaning, that once you shut down the OS all of your actions and information will be erased from memory. This is much more secure than just using incognito mode in your browser because that information could still be retrieved using computer forensics measures. Despite all this, Tails is not a hundred percent secure. There is still room for vulnerabilities like everything in the cyber realm and you do have the ability to sore data on the portable device to transfer between sessions and it is automatically encrypted, but this can be another vulnerability.

Fun fact: Tails it was used by Edward Snowden the ex-N NSA employee who leaked government secrets.

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