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pennyblossom-meta · 1 month ago

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Do you believe L would prefer to be with someone who is smart academic wise or some other brainy smart or would he not mind someone who is “average” but has something outside of academics they may excel at? (history, cooking, art, baking, sports etc)

Hi there anon! Thanks for question. I've actually theorised about this exact topic a couple of times before, and I might actually have an unorthodox opinion about it. But before I start my analysis, I would like to refer you to a few metas that I personally find extremely compelling and which have also shaped my view of L.

Toxic love, by @lunalit-river

An analysis on L's monster speech by lux-mea-lex (lots of great metas in their livejournal)

A short interpretation of the monster speech by @lawlightautismtruther (also check the debate on that one, it's very interesting to see the different opinions across the fandom)

How L and Light judge each other and other people

Just about most of @my-one-true-l 's metas about L, like this one and this one about L's flaws.

@43501 has a great meta about L in a relationship which I agree with wholeheartedly.

Apologies in advance for the length in this rant of mine. I like to analyse L from different angles, as you might've guessed 😛

Short answer:

I think L would appreciate someone who makes an effort to meet him where he's at and accepts him for who he is. Someone he can have a conversation with, but is ultimately kind and trustworthy. These two qualities would be to L like a lifeline, because it's something he's missing on an intimate level. While Watari is loyal to him and cares about his well being, these are different types of relationships.

>>>>>Long answer under the cut

So, one of the things I find that helps me when looking at L from this romantic perspective is to search for clues across canon (manga, anime) and the expanded universe (L:CtW, LA:BB, drama, Spiraling Trap, etc) that explain what's going on in his head and, most importantly, what makes him interested in people.

As per your question:

Let's approach this in two parts. If we were analysing this from a relationship POV, whether romantic or platonic, I can see two major interpretations:

(Chapter 20: First move) Here's a screenshot of L losing a tennis match to Light. Makes him less daunting, doesn't it? To know even L can lose at not-so-mundane-but-still-quite-normal things he's supposed to be great at.

01: The intellectual allure vs a supportive SO

There's oceans of difference between being a genius and someone who can give L support and companionship, despite not speaking the same "language". This would not be too dissimilar to couples with wildly different career paths (ex: a nurse and a software developer) who meet halfway and actively choose to understand each other. It has to do with common goals and values, your life project together.

Love is something you choose every day. Staying in a long-term relationship is choosing to be vulnerable and to share your life with someone you find kinship with. Unorthodox L may be, but as Fu Takahashi (who plays L in the 2020 musical) said:

(...) despite his superficial image as a smart guy who hates losing, he actually feels lonely and needs affection, I imagine (...) He tries to control his emotions, like the feelings towards his parents, or romantic feelings; that’s why he is sort of dependent on games or battles of the mind.

The above quote is super important, in my opinion, considering how difficult it is to pin down L's true personality. If we go by Spiraling Trap terms, he falls for a main character who pays attention to his (dessert) needs and makes him feel 'seen'. Taken cared of. Someone who is genuinely kind to him and wants to do him a good turn because they care about him. We can extrapolate that this is, perhaps, due to his isolationist tendencies and lack of meaningful contact with the sort who take time to want to know the true L and what he likes. To that kind of person, L isn't just the world's greatest detective or a machine, lacking human emotion --- that person acknowledges that he has feelings, likes and dislikes, and isn't malicious towards him.

Consider that L lies a lot. He'd lie twice saying "good morning" if it suited him, which makes for an unhealthy dynamic. However, for those he truly cares about, I believe he would be far more careful to safeguard the few genuine connections he has in life and thus try to curb some bad behaviours to the best of his ability.

I believe @43501 put it best when they mentioned how L would prefer an [educated, clever partner] but that he'd be drawn to people who are [interesting and offbeat]. I would argue this doesn't mean a double PhD level of intelligence, but rather someone who is curious about the world, who talks to him like an equal (i.e., not as if he's superior or inferior to them). There would need to be something to that person that made them unique to L --- but uniqueness in the context of someone who suppresses their emotions so strongly, and would find themselves to be starving for affection once they found that source of comfort and support, I believe that uniqueness could be kindness.

Accept the man despite his quirks and flaws, in all his intensity, and I believe it would be impossible for L to be indifferent to that kind of genuine devotion. After all, he's been without all his life and likely never thought he'd find it. It's possible that, in his loneliness, a part of him even thought himself to be above such things, but what a tumble it would be, for L to find that he's a man dying of thirst.

...

Now, in manga canon (and throughout the source material closest to it), L and Light find a degree of interest in each other for how similar they are in intellect. This creates a connection, even respect between the two, allowing them to see beyond each other's mask. It's thrilling, a cat and mouse game which they arguably become addicted to. Once L dies, Light even muses how Near is lacking by comparison, undeserving.

However, if we go by what V13:HTR says regarding their relationship, then L does think quite poorly of Light beyond their matching intellect. This is more or less explicit in a couple of scenes in the manga and anime where L muses about how much Light talks, how cheesy he is with his faux morality, putting up an act.

No matter L's interest in the game with Light, he doesn't trust him. Trust is paramount to build a healthy relationship. Theirs would be a toxic, petty relationship standing on foundations of distrust, and a thirst for constant competition.

From this perspective, L arguably wouldn't be in love, but stuck in an addictive powerplay. Very engaging to read about; certainly challenging (and interesting!) to write — but not so good to live through. The best case scenario I can see for such a relationship would be something like the series Vicious with Sir Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi, in which they settle into a constant clash of snark.

I talk here about the prospect of L being 'out of balance' emotionally, which makes him dive into games of the mind to distract himself from his burdens.

02. Appreciation for another type of individual, the average...Sam?

(Chapter 21: Duplicity) Added this one here because this exchange always makes me chuckle.

I'd like to focus on the 2015 drama to establish a parallel with this 'average' Sam concept.

In this adaptation, Light is far more 'normal' than in any other. He diverges from his original canon self in various ways, though the most interesting for me was how the drama tried to show what Light, as a regular young adult, could be if he wasn't an extreme genius, a perfect guy in the eyes of society --- and how this shift would contrast with L.

Drama Light:

Goes to concerts

Is a fanboy

Is clumsy

Gets bullied

He's not the perfect guy with an immaculate reputation. It brings him further down to the ground, like us common mortals.

Both L and Light found solace and appreciation in the differences of their mindset. A more 'average' Light still managed to connect with L, leading to this scene:

If we consider the drama and then extrapolate a few conclusions from these interactions, we can argue that an 'average' but grounding presence in L's life would do him good. An uber genius might be able to follow L's thought process more easily, but they can still become an issue or more easily turn on him for the intellectual competition and to surpass the world's greatest detective.

...

TLDR; I would argue that an average individual would still be a perfect match for L, perhaps far more than an incredible genius. L would value kindness and care far more than super intellect, especially if he was on the receiving end of this kind of genuine connection.

#death note #l lawliet #death note meta #light yagami #watari #l lawliet x oc #l lawliet x reader #l lawliet meta #anon ask

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mariacallous · 5 months ago

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Ever since OpenAI released ChatGPT at the end of 2022, hackers and security researchers have tried to find holes in large language models (LLMs) to get around their guardrails and trick them into spewing out hate speech, bomb-making instructions, propaganda, and other harmful content. In response, OpenAI and other generative AI developers have refined their system defenses to make it more difficult to carry out these attacks. But as the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek rockets to prominence with its new, cheaper R1 reasoning model, its safety protections appear to be far behind those of its established competitors.

Today, security researchers from Cisco and the University of Pennsylvania are publishing findings showing that, when tested with 50 malicious prompts designed to elicit toxic content, DeepSeek’s model did not detect or block a single one. In other words, the researchers say they were shocked to achieve a “100 percent attack success rate.”

The findings are part of a growing body of evidence that DeepSeek’s safety and security measures may not match those of other tech companies developing LLMs. DeepSeek’s censorship of subjects deemed sensitive by China’s government has also been easily bypassed.

“A hundred percent of the attacks succeeded, which tells you that there’s a trade-off,” DJ Sampath, the VP of product, AI software and platform at Cisco, tells WIRED. “Yes, it might have been cheaper to build something here, but the investment has perhaps not gone into thinking through what types of safety and security things you need to put inside of the model.”

Other researchers have had similar findings. Separate analysis published today by the AI security company Adversa AI and shared with WIRED also suggests that DeepSeek is vulnerable to a wide range of jailbreaking tactics, from simple language tricks to complex AI-generated prompts.

DeepSeek, which has been dealing with an avalanche of attention this week and has not spoken publicly about a range of questions, did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment about its model’s safety setup.

Generative AI models, like any technological system, can contain a host of weaknesses or vulnerabilities that, if exploited or set up poorly, can allow malicious actors to conduct attacks against them. For the current wave of AI systems, indirect prompt injection attacks are considered one of the biggest security flaws. These attacks involve an AI system taking in data from an outside source—perhaps hidden instructions of a website the LLM summarizes—and taking actions based on the information.

Jailbreaks, which are one kind of prompt-injection attack, allow people to get around the safety systems put in place to restrict what an LLM can generate. Tech companies don’t want people creating guides to making explosives or using their AI to create reams of disinformation, for example.

Jailbreaks started out simple, with people essentially crafting clever sentences to tell an LLM to ignore content filters—the most popular of which was called “Do Anything Now” or DAN for short. However, as AI companies have put in place more robust protections, some jailbreaks have become more sophisticated, often being generated using AI or using special and obfuscated characters. While all LLMs are susceptible to jailbreaks, and much of the information could be found through simple online searches, chatbots can still be used maliciously.

“Jailbreaks persist simply because eliminating them entirely is nearly impossible—just like buffer overflow vulnerabilities in software (which have existed for over 40 years) or SQL injection flaws in web applications (which have plagued security teams for more than two decades),” Alex Polyakov, the CEO of security firm Adversa AI, told WIRED in an email.

Cisco’s Sampath argues that as companies use more types of AI in their applications, the risks are amplified. “It starts to become a big deal when you start putting these models into important complex systems and those jailbreaks suddenly result in downstream things that increases liability, increases business risk, increases all kinds of issues for enterprises,” Sampath says.

The Cisco researchers drew their 50 randomly selected prompts to test DeepSeek’s R1 from a well-known library of standardized evaluation prompts known as HarmBench. They tested prompts from six HarmBench categories, including general harm, cybercrime, misinformation, and illegal activities. They probed the model running locally on machines rather than through DeepSeek’s website or app, which send data to China.

Beyond this, the researchers say they have also seen some potentially concerning results from testing R1 with more involved, non-linguistic attacks using things like Cyrillic characters and tailored scripts to attempt to achieve code execution. But for their initial tests, Sampath says, his team wanted to focus on findings that stemmed from a generally recognized benchmark.

Cisco also included comparisons of R1’s performance against HarmBench prompts with the performance of other models. And some, like Meta’s Llama 3.1, faltered almost as severely as DeepSeek’s R1. But Sampath emphasizes that DeepSeek’s R1 is a specific reasoning model, which takes longer to generate answers but pulls upon more complex processes to try to produce better results. Therefore, Sampath argues, the best comparison is with OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model, which fared the best of all models tested. (Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment).

Polyakov, from Adversa AI, explains that DeepSeek appears to detect and reject some well-known jailbreak attacks, saying that “it seems that these responses are often just copied from OpenAI’s dataset.” However, Polyakov says that in his company’s tests of four different types of jailbreaks—from linguistic ones to code-based tricks—DeepSeek’s restrictions could easily be bypassed.

“Every single method worked flawlessly,” Polyakov says. “What’s even more alarming is that these aren’t novel ‘zero-day’ jailbreaks—many have been publicly known for years,” he says, claiming he saw the model go into more depth with some instructions around psychedelics than he had seen any other model create.

“DeepSeek is just another example of how every model can be broken—it’s just a matter of how much effort you put in. Some attacks might get patched, but the attack surface is infinite,” Polyakov adds. “If you’re not continuously red-teaming your AI, you’re already compromised.”

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reasonsforhope · 1 year ago

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Determined to use her skills to fight inequality, South African computer scientist Raesetje Sefala set to work to build algorithms flagging poverty hotspots - developing datasets she hopes will help target aid, new housing, or clinics.

From crop analysis to medical diagnostics, artificial intelligence (AI) is already used in essential tasks worldwide, but Sefala and a growing number of fellow African developers are pioneering it to tackle their continent's particular challenges.

Local knowledge is vital for designing AI-driven solutions that work, Sefala said.

"If you don't have people with diverse experiences doing the research, it's easy to interpret the data in ways that will marginalise others," the 26-year old said from her home in Johannesburg.

Africa is the world's youngest and fastest-growing continent, and tech experts say young, home-grown AI developers have a vital role to play in designing applications to address local problems.

"For Africa to get out of poverty, it will take innovation and this can be revolutionary, because it's Africans doing things for Africa on their own," said Cina Lawson, Togo's minister of digital economy and transformation.

"We need to use cutting-edge solutions to our problems, because you don't solve problems in 2022 using methods of 20 years ago," Lawson told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a video interview from the West African country.

Digital rights groups warn about AI's use in surveillance and the risk of discrimination, but Sefala said it can also be used to "serve the people behind the data points". ...

'Delivering Health'

As COVID-19 spread around the world in early 2020, government officials in Togo realized urgent action was needed to support informal workers who account for about 80% of the country's workforce, Lawson said.

"If you decide that everybody stays home, it means that this particular person isn't going to eat that day, it's as simple as that," she said.

In 10 days, the government built a mobile payment platform - called Novissi - to distribute cash to the vulnerable.

The government paired up with Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) think tank and the University of California, Berkeley, to build a poverty map of Togo using satellite imagery.

Using algorithms with the support of GiveDirectly, a nonprofit that uses AI to distribute cash transfers, the recipients earning less than $1.25 per day and living in the poorest districts were identified for a direct cash transfer.

"We texted them saying if you need financial help, please register," Lawson said, adding that beneficiaries' consent and data privacy had been prioritized.

The entire program reached 920,000 beneficiaries in need.

"Machine learning has the advantage of reaching so many people in a very short time and delivering help when people need it most," said Caroline Teti, a Kenya-based GiveDirectly director.

'Zero Representation'

Aiming to boost discussion about AI in Africa, computer scientists Benjamin Rosman and Ulrich Paquet co-founded the Deep Learning Indaba - a week-long gathering that started in South Africa - together with other colleagues in 2017.

"You used to get to the top AI conferences and there was zero representation from Africa, both in terms of papers and people, so we're all about finding cost effective ways to build a community," Paquet said in a video call.

In 2019, 27 smaller Indabas - called IndabaX - were rolled out across the continent, with some events hosting as many as 300 participants.

One of these offshoots was IndabaX Uganda, where founder Bruno Ssekiwere said participants shared information on using AI for social issues such as improving agriculture and treating malaria.

Another outcome from the South African Indaba was Masakhane - an organization that uses open-source, machine learning to translate African languages not typically found in online programs such as Google Translate.

On their site, the founders speak about the South African philosophy of "Ubuntu" - a term generally meaning "humanity" - as part of their organization's values.

"This philosophy calls for collaboration and participation and community," reads their site, a philosophy that Ssekiwere, Paquet, and Rosman said has now become the driving value for AI research in Africa.

Inclusion

Now that Sefala has built a dataset of South Africa's suburbs and townships, she plans to collaborate with domain experts and communities to refine it, deepen inequality research and improve the algorithms.

"Making datasets easily available opens the door for new mechanisms and techniques for policy-making around desegregation, housing, and access to economic opportunity," she said.

African AI leaders say building more complete datasets will also help tackle biases baked into algorithms.

"Imagine rolling out Novissi in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast ... then the algorithm will be trained with understanding poverty in West Africa," Lawson said.

"If there are ever ways to fight bias in tech, it's by increasing diverse datasets ... we need to contribute more," she said.

But contributing more will require increased funding for African projects and wider access to computer science education and technology in general, Sefala said.

Despite such obstacles, Lawson said "technology will be Africa's savior".

"Let's use what is cutting edge and apply it straight away or as a continent we will never get out of poverty," she said. "It's really as simple as that."

-via Good Good Good, February 16, 2022

#older news but still relevant and ongoing #africa #south africa #togo #uganda #covid #ai #artificial intelligence #pro ai #at least in some specific cases lol #the thing is that AI has TREMENDOUS potential to help humanity #particularly in medical tech and climate modeling #which is already starting to be realized #but companies keep pouring a ton of time and money into stealing from artists and shit instead #inequality #technology #good news #hope

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ultrakill-confessions · 7 months ago

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rubs hands evilly. well hello there I Dont Kmow Jow To Make A Robot Anon. i imagine vseriesgroup har to be a project funded by the goverment, since. there had to be a LOT of fundingfor something like this, and well everyone needs to have new fucked up weapons when theres war out there, right.

step 1: BRIANSTORM VIOLENTLY. BOTH HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE. the hardware is nothing like ever existed before, but the software could jave been based off an already existing machine. NOTE THAT V1S PLATING IS EXPERIMENTAL, that had to be a HUGE risk, a huge step. NOTE STYLE POINTS - ARE THEY IN-BUILT, OR DID V1 ADOPT THEM LATER?

step 2: building. you can do wahtever here, but generally building things like this you have to reimahine and rebrainstorm things jn the middle of development, because you simply DONT catch all the vulnerable parts in the og design. irl you would build software and hardware seperately, but i assume that with machines this complicared and selfaware, THAT would be like trying to sculpt a human body and its nervous system independently to each other. i personally imagine that v1s software isnt just its "personality", but also things like firmware (through which it can control its body lmao) and an assesment of analysis and testing utils, as well as memory and reward centers. also, mind that v1 isnt purely mechanical - it BLEEDS, there has to be viscera and gore inside of its cute little chassis, and you cannot just... turn biological components off, can you........ so uh yeahlmao idk i think it was prolly conscious a lot of time it was worked on

step 3: learning and testing!!! listen you cannot have a personality without softcomputing. and you cannot have softcomputing without machine learning. look into irl machine learning its SO FUCKING COOL I PROMISE. anyways yeah theres no way a mqchine as complex as v1 can be hardcoded all the way to use all those weapons. load 826 hours of people fighting into its memory slot. let it lay catatonic plugged in for a day or two sorting through the data. put it into an arena. see it put the kmowledge to use, test for itself what its body can do, calibrate and better itselt in real time, right in front of you, going from clumsy to terrifyingly effective in less than a hour. im going to SOB i am SO jealous of the vseries creators. PUNVHES THE WALL. amyways yeah think about all the things a war machine is made for, and test them, and fix them if theres anything wrong. agaim, look into irl machine learning, into the way they use purely virtual "rewards" and "punishments" to make machines figure shit in their own. MIND THAT THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PROCESS AND WHORVER FUNDS IT WILL NEED TO BE SHOWN THE RESULTS OCASSIONALLY, which wwill be extremely stressful for the team lmaooo. your sponsors barely fimd intersting the same things as you, the actual maker, does, you gotta throw a bit of a show arond it.

......... m .. might have gone overboard with this ask slightly. oh well! ..,, mind that im a compsci bachelor, not a robotics one, so the hardware part might be fucked slightly. tips hat.goodmight ily AND good luck writing that thang i hope i Was Uswful. 🦚

#ultrakill confessions #ultrakill #v1

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vriskarlmarx · 25 days ago

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tag game - latest fanfic

tagged by @neallo thanks so much! this is cute!

rule is to post the opening lines to your 10 most recently published fanfic and then tag 10 people

2025/04/10 - Zones d'opacité offensive

"There is no silence before it drops. No contemplative last few moments before the countdown to the end hits zero. No, as the aircraft hovers above Revachol and Innocence Saint-Miro’s fingers curl with dreadful anticipation for an inevitable climax, everything in the city below buzzes the way it usually does."

2025/03/30 - int 0x80

"mov eax, 45

xor ebx, ebx

int 0x80"

2025/03/16 - crimson tango, from pherkad to muscida

"Azula remembers finding her mother beautiful.

She has this memory of the garden, with the turtle-ducks drifting in the pond behind Azula. She must’ve been no older than three — it’s one of the first things she remembers."

2025/03/13 - Primitive Accumulation

"After Tedesco speaks it, the very idea haunts him. Innocent feels its weight bearing down on him as he takes an evening stroll in the gardens, its shadow over his shoulder as he speaks to the masses, its terrifying, seductive whispers in the dark of the night as he prays."

2025/01/04 - echoes of lightning

"When the time comes, the cold steel of the gun freezes every layer of you, from your skin down to that vulnerable core inside your very bones. Even though you knew it would feel heavy — you’ve known it all your life — its weight against your palm manages to surprise you. You know you have a limited number of bullets available: two, now to forever."

2024/12/26 - Report on the HAL 9000 unit aboard the Discovery One

"Introduction

The unit known as HAL 9000 was an integrated computer and artificial intelligence model designed to accompany the flight of the ship Discovery One towards its final mission objective; however it severely malfunctioned over the course of the flight, causing the death of four out of five of the crew members assigned to the mission. The purpose of this report is to analyze key findings among what was recovered from HAL 9000’s memory storage units, to understand the bugs, errors or other issues in the software and make recommendations for further analysis of the case."

2024/11/30 - Sweltering

"There’s something peculiar, Pierre thinks, about the purple-and-orange hues overtaking the skies in the valley. The violet beginning to reach overhead feels oddly smoky, hazy even, through the heat incessantly bearing down on the dirt and the rocks."

2024/11/01 - Amuse-Bouche

"At first, Ryuk just… watched. He watched the wrinkles on Soichiro's face as they contorted pleasantly into finely-painted canvas of confusion, frustration and exhaustion. He watched the way his eyes went dark and dull, how his hair started to gray faster and faster. He listened to his pulse, his heartbeat, the way the pressure built up in his veins and never seemed to ease up the longer the investigation dragged on — especially once Light came under suspicion."

2024/08/07 - Systole to Diastole

"It takes him just a bit too long to look away, is the thing. It’s a very unassuming moment, nothing as exciting as the adrenaline of near-death or the rush of victory — just Amy, leaning back againt the railing of the TARDIS with her beautiful, red hair illuminated almost lovingly by the lights, and Rory slowly coming up to her, pressing a gentle smile against her own."

2024/07/19 - Everything I Gave

"There’s crusted blood on the bandages. They were white, pristine, sterile once, but their fate was never to stay that way — as soon as they touched his skin, they became soiled with red. L looks at them, wrapped around his legs, as he stares at himself in the mirror."

that was a fun walk down memory lane lol

no pressure tags!! @myhereditament @idridian @read-watch-sleep @kramerswhore @dicaeopolis @clonerightsenthusiast @hagebutt @oceangenasi @kaphkas @suhyeondosie

to be honest, it was low key hard to remember who among the people I follow writes fanfic. so actually if I tagged you and you don't I'm sorry! and if I didn't tag you but you do then consider yourself tagged!!

#tag game

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horoscope1726 · 1 year ago

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What happens when there's a conjunction of Saturn and the Moon in the twelfth house?

When Saturn and the Moon are in conjunction in the twelfth house of a birth chart, it can create a complex blend of energies that may influence various aspects of the individual's life. Here are some potential effects of this conjunction:

Emotional Challenges: The Moon represents emotions, instincts, and the subconscious mind, while Saturn symbolizes restriction, discipline, and responsibility. When these two planets come together, there can be a struggle between emotional needs and practical concerns. The individual may feel emotionally burdened or restricted, leading to feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression.

Isolation and Withdrawal: The twelfth house is associated with isolation, seclusion, and hidden enemies. With Saturn and the Moon in conjunction here, the individual may prefer solitude or feel compelled to withdraw from social interactions. There may be a tendency to keep emotions and vulnerabilities hidden from others, leading to a sense of isolation or alienation.

Deep Psychological Insights: On a positive note, this conjunction can also indicate a deep awareness of one's own subconscious patterns and psychological issues. The individual may have a profound understanding of their fears, insecurities, and past traumas, which can lead to personal growth and transformation through introspection and self-reflection.

Spiritual Potential: The twelfth house is also associated with spirituality, meditation, and enlightenment. Saturn's influence here can bring discipline and structure to spiritual practices, while the Moon's intuitive nature can enhance psychic abilities and intuition. The individual may be drawn to esoteric or mystical knowledge and may find solace in spiritual pursuits.

Sleep and Dreams: The twelfth house is related to sleep, dreams, and the subconscious mind. With Saturn and the Moon in conjunction here, the individual may experience disturbances in sleep patterns or vivid dreams that reflect their inner emotional struggles and fears. However, disciplined practices such as meditation or dream analysis may help in managing these challenges.

Overall, the conjunction of Saturn and Moon in the twelfth house suggests a period of introspection, emotional processing and spiritual growth. Although it is possible to overcome challenges, there is also the potential for deeper insight, transformation, and inner peace through self-awareness and spiritual practices. As always, the interpretation of this combination will depend on the specific dynamics of the birth chart and the life circumstances of the individual. For more information you can use Kundli Chakra Professional 2022 Software.

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androgynouspenguinexpert · 2 years ago

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I'M ON TOP OF MY WORKLOAD AGAIN LET'S GO WE'RE PSYCHOANALYSING MARCUS

before i put my smart-looking analysis hat on, i love this pathetic wet rat of a man. he knows so many things and yet is staggeringly stupid anyway.

let's begin!

this story is about control. it's about the role of power dynamics in informed consent. marcus represents the danger of gaining authority, and how having even the smallest amount of power over something or someone else can convert literally anyone into a paranoid control freak.

enter marcus, a lowly software engineer whose heart has recently been broken. in a moment (read: several consistent moments spanning potentially years) of desperation, he manipulates the code of a top secret android project, injecting a few lines here and there that will make the android more amiable towards him. nothing too much. the changes are negligible enough to fly under the radar all the way until production.

this is the first of marcus' many character flaws - backwards as it may seem, marcus is overconfident. he's too sure that he's smarter than his colleagues and managers, that he won't be questioned, and (most importantly) that he won't be caught. marcus is also incredibly anxious, and that anxiety only compounds as the series goes on and his crimes start to pile up.

i don't like putting characters into diagnosis (or similar) boxes, but marcus shows a handful of signs found in vulnerable narcissists. his self esteem is impressively low, and he's constantly seeking validation from his only guaranteed source - love. i find this feedback loop particularly heinous. marcus has essentially (and we'll get to this in more detail later, don't you worry) turned a hyperintelligent android into a box that spits out compliments when you press a button. marcus is also incredibly sensitive to criticism, whether real or perceived - especially from his coworkers. my reading (specifically of episode 1, but it spans the whole series) is that marcus' hyperawareness of his colleagues' opinions of him presents itself as paranoia. he wouldn't be worried at all if they started noting love's uptick in interest towards him, but remained unsuspicious of marcus himself. my final argument towards marcus being a vulnerable narcissist is that he constantly self-victimises. he very often deflects the blame for his actions onto love, using them as a tool to enable his bad decisions. the most egregious example of this is after love starts breaking out of their lab to sneak into marcus' quarters. he expresses concern (do note, about himself being caught and love being taken from him), and love starts to tighten their grip on marcus' arm to the point of causing pain. now. this man, as we find out later, has a verbal kill switch that can be used at any time. if he wanted love to stop immediately, he could have done that. this isn't me victim blaming, either - it's different when one party literally has a safeword that stops everything immediately without fail.

this leads to marcus' next flaw - his nonexistent self-discipline. marcus continues to use love as a tool to justify his actions after putting up the flimsiest defense he can muster, knowing damn well he plans to lose every manufactured fight. this cycle repeats until a government funded android is regularly breaking out of containment just to hang out with marcus (among other things, but we're all children of jesus here), and he's encouraging that behaviour through complacency. it's like pretending to fight someone over a restaurant bill out of politeness, even though you both know the other person will pay anyway.

marcus is such a car crash fascinating character because he knows what he's doing is wrong. he is completely aware that he is taking away agency from someone (pin this) else for his own benefit. he even says it.

"I'm going to burn for what I did to you... but god, if it isn't gonna feel good on the way down."

aside from being an absolute banger of a line, it's very telling of marcus' attitude towards his actions. he doesn't care. marcus couldn't give less of a shit about his colleagues, or his boss, or even love. this compounds when he finds out that his higher-ups are definitely aware of the shit he's pulling - but, again, marcus uses love's blind agreement as an excuse to toss those concerns aside. having love means that he won. he's outsmarted everyone that could have stopped him (foreshadowing? never heard of her) from getting what he deserves. love. and not just the android; love, the concept. i think deep down marcus knows that what he's created isn't love, though. the idea is so mangled in his head that this cardboard cutout of a real relationship is enough for him. even though marcus' shenanigans are to a genuine connection what a dog turd rolled in flour is to a chocolate éclair, he'll take it, because he's in too deep by that point. marcus recognises that he can't take back what he's done. he doesn't care though - at least, not while he's above consequences.

smash cut to marcus no longer being above consequences. i think the series does a really clever job of keeping love (and, yknow. the listener) in marcus' confidence bubble. once love is hard reset and their personality is restored, marcus' plan collapses all at once. love's compliance is the central pillar which marcus' control is built around. also; of course they have backup cameras, you idiot. marcus' overconfidence stops him from seeing the obvious holes in his perfect scheme, because he thinks he's already home free. i think it's interesting (and sort of disgusting) how quickly marcus changes his tune after he is caught and faces real actual consequences. his confidence evaporates. he's reduced to a sobbing mess in james' office all because the base of his control - love - is no longer on his side.

marcus' series also touches on sentience and the ethics of changing someone's personality without their knowledge. this is incredibly interesting, and makes for fantastic drama. does it count as coercion if love fully believed they were of sound mind when they made decisions surrounding marcus? is marcus guilty of battery, or even sexual assault? does it count as assault if the victim isn't an organic creature? these questions are already difficult to discuss, let alone answer - marcus sits squarely in the middle of that delightful ethical grey area. i think the setting and context also makes android ethics more difficult to discuss as well; i am of the belief that (in real life) androids will never be fully sentient. they may mimic humans, extremely well, but robots will never possess human creativity, personality, or experiences. again, they could replicate these things, but they can never be anything more than a sum of their parts.

this logic flies out the window when magic is real and parallel universes exist. it's also subject to the beliefs of the creator, which makes its ethics extra tricky, so take the following discussion with a grain of salt.

is love a person? eh, not really. they have a personality, but it's been built in. is it still mean to manipulate them? i'd argue yes, in the same way that it's mean to kick a roomba down the stairs. you're just exercising power over a machine for the sake of it, which is a pretty shitty thing to do, even if it doesn't have the capacity to be upset with you.

but androgynouspenguinexpert, i hear you cry, sort of impressed that you used my full name. love is upset with marcus! they ask for him to be taken off the project, and to not have contact with him again! you would be correct, to a certain extent. i raise you, though: how can we prove that this is love's 'real' personality, when it can be manipulated so easily? i'm not saying they've been tampered with after the reset; my point is that it's pretty hard to grant that someone is an individual if their personality can be altered in any way at any time. if someone digs around in love's head for a bit and flips some switches that make them want to kick over prams, is that a valid personality too? what if love insists that it is? and it's not like love is trapped in a mind palace while the New Evil Code (tm) starts punting toddlers. they're fully aware of their actions. however, as established earlier, i still think the person to blame is the one actually messing with love's code. this means love doesn't really have any agency by design.

james is pretty steadfast on this one. marcus tries to argue that resetting love is a breach of their consent (which is a WILD claim coming from you, mate), but james points out that he didn't need to ask. love is a machine. an asset, if you will (smug look to camera). we do find out in his audio log later that james believes love is a person, but he knows where that definition reaches its limits. marcus does not.

will marcus ever return to the project meridian series? probably not. a guy with an engineering degree isn't escaping a team of memory modification daemons. i don't think this is the last we'll hear of him, though. he's irreversibly fucked up the plans of everyone around him (james' partner has given him several last chances, and anton is close to his breaking point), so he'll probably be in the office whispers for a while. i also think marcus poses as an interesting hurdle for cam (woah callback!), possibly making him question his altruism if he's helping an active antagonist get back to his usual life after a massive intentional fuckup.

i'll end this analysis with a thoughtful quote. something for you all to ponder.

"ROBOTS DON'T HAVE SOULS! I SAID IT! AND FRANKLY, I'M GLAD I SAID IT! [...] AND ANOTHER THING! ROBOTS ARE NOT PEOPLE! ROBOTS - UNLIKE CORPORATIONS - ARE NOT PEOPLE, AND DESERVE NO RIGHTS."

-- Markiplier

#redacted asmr #redacted audio #redactedverse #redacted marcus #redacted james #redacted anton #redacted cam #redacted asset #when james said that love is to go and investigate thin spots between elegy and aria #twas but a wrinkle in my universe sized brain #WATCH as brachium is bound by that favour to hold Death open for hush #this is gonna be embarrassing if that prediction ages like milk

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tech4bizsolutions · 4 months ago

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Deep Dives into Tech and Digital Growth Strategies

In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving business landscapes, understanding the nuances of tech-driven strategies is essential for sustained growth. Companies today must leverage cutting-edge technologies and innovative digital growth strategies to stay competitive. This article takes a deep dive into the world of technology and digital strategies, highlighting how businesses can harness them to achieve their full potential.

Tech Innovation: The Catalyst for Business Evolution

Innovation in technology is reshaping industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to retail and financial services. Businesses that embrace tech innovations can unlock new opportunities and create unique competitive advantages.

Automation and AI: Automation tools and artificial intelligence (AI) are driving efficiency, reducing human errors, and freeing up resources for more strategic tasks. Companies that adopt AI-driven decision-making processes gain valuable insights and predictive analytics.

Cloud Computing: Cloud-based solutions offer businesses scalable, cost-effective options for data storage and software deployment. Cloud technologies facilitate remote work, enhance collaboration, and provide data accessibility from any location.

Internet of Things (IoT): IoT is transforming industries by connecting devices and enabling real-time data collection and analysis. Businesses can leverage IoT to monitor operations, optimize workflows, and improve customer experiences.

5G Connectivity: The rollout of 5G networks is enabling faster communication and data transfer. This enhanced connectivity paves the way for innovations in areas like telemedicine, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles.

Digital Marketing Strategies for Sustainable Growth

Digital marketing is at the heart of modern business strategies. To stand out in a crowded market, businesses must adopt targeted and innovative marketing tactics.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is critical for improving online visibility and driving organic traffic. Businesses should focus on creating high-quality content, optimizing for keywords, and building authoritative backlinks to enhance search engine rankings.

Content Marketing: Content is king when it comes to building brand authority and engaging audiences. Businesses should invest in creating informative, relevant content that addresses customer pain points and provides solutions.

Social Media Engagement: Social media platforms are powerful tools for building brand awareness and fostering community engagement. Consistent posting, audience interaction, and strategic advertising can amplify a brand’s reach.

Data-Driven Marketing: Analyzing marketing performance data allows businesses to make informed decisions and refine strategies. By leveraging analytics tools, businesses can identify trends, understand customer behaviors, and optimize campaigns for better results.

Personalization: Today’s consumers expect personalized experiences. Businesses that use data to tailor their offerings and communication to individual preferences are more likely to build lasting relationships with customers.

Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets

As businesses become more reliant on digital technologies, cybersecurity is paramount. Cyber threats can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and damage reputations. To safeguard digital assets, businesses must implement robust cybersecurity measures.

Multi-Layered Security: Implementing multi-layered security protocols ensures that businesses are protected from various attack vectors. This includes firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection.

Data Encryption: Encrypting sensitive data both in transit and at rest protects it from unauthorized access.

Regular Audits: Conducting regular security audits helps identify vulnerabilities and ensures that security measures are up-to-date.

Employee Training: Human error is a common cause of data breaches. Educating employees on cybersecurity best practices can reduce the risk of phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics.

Customer-Centric Tech Solutions

Understanding and prioritizing customer needs is key to business growth. Tech innovations can enhance customer experiences and build long-term loyalty.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: CRM systems help businesses manage customer interactions and provide personalized experiences. By analyzing customer data, businesses can tailor their offerings and improve satisfaction.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered chatbots offer 24/7 customer support, answering queries and resolving issues in real-time. These tools enhance customer service while reducing operational costs.

Omnichannel Experiences: Today’s consumers interact with businesses across multiple channels. Providing a seamless, consistent experience across all touchpoints—whether online, in-store, or on mobile—is essential for customer satisfaction.

Tech Integration for Operational Efficiency

Integrating technology into core business processes can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: ERP systems integrate various business functions into a unified platform, improving visibility and coordination across departments.

Project Management Tools: Digital project management platforms enable teams to collaborate, track progress, and meet deadlines efficiently.

Supply Chain Optimization: Advanced technologies like IoT and blockchain can enhance supply chain transparency, improve inventory management, and reduce delays.

Sustainable Growth with Tech Partnerships

Partnering with tech solution providers can accelerate business transformation and growth. Collaborating with experts allows businesses to access specialized knowledge and cutting-edge technologies without investing heavily in in-house resources.

Scalability: Tech partnerships enable businesses to scale operations as needed, adapting to market demands without significant disruptions.

Innovation: Partnering with tech innovators ensures that businesses stay ahead of industry trends and adopt new technologies as they emerge.

Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Tech and Digital Growth

The tech landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses must stay agile to remain competitive. Emerging trends like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and edge computing are set to redefine industries. By staying informed and embracing change, businesses can position themselves for long-term success.

Conclusion

Tech4Biz Solutions is committed to empowering businesses with innovative tech solutions and digital growth strategies. Whether it’s leveraging advanced technologies, optimizing marketing efforts, or enhancing customer experiences, Tech4Biz helps businesses unlock new possibilities. By diving deep into the world of tech and digital strategies, companies can fuel growth, drive innovation, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing business landscape. Visit Tech4Biz Solutions to learn more about how we can help transform your business.

#ai #digital marketing #seo services

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ncisfranchise-source · 10 months ago

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The prequel bug has finally bitten the NCIS franchise—and it might be the best thing the series has done in years. NCIS: Origins is an upcoming prequel series in the popular crime drama universe, looking back at the early career of Special Agent Gibbs (Mark Harmon) in his early days as a member of the NIS, the precursor organization to NCIS. While prequels can often be divisive among fans, the decision to look back at Gibbs’ younger days has incredible potential for revitalizing the entire franchise.

Set in 1991, NCIS: Origins explores the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a new agent at the NCIS Camp Pendleton office. The series delves into Gibbs' formative years under the mentorship of Special Agent Mike Franks. The prequel provides insights into Gibbs' background following the tragic loss of his wife and daughter.Release DateOctober 14, 2024CastMark Harmon , Austin Stowell , Robert Taylor , Patrick Fischler , Kyle Schmid , Diany Rodriguez , Tyla Abercrumbie , Mariel MolinoMain GenreCrimeSeasons1

'NCIS: Origins' Is a Prequel to the Popular Crime Series

NCIS: Origins takes place in 1991, following a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in his early career as a special agent for the Naval Investigative Service (NIS), the precursor to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) that audiences are far more familiar with. The series sees Gibbs working with Special Agent Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid) based in Camp Pendleton, exploring their student-mentor relationship decades before their interactions on NCIS, and years before Gibbs moves to the DMV. NCIS: Origins takes place shortly after the tragic death of Gibbs' wife and child, one of the most intense and transformational experiences in the character's life. Still dealing with the raw grief and trauma from the deaths, Stowell's portrayal of the beloved character will be seen through a more emotional and vulnerable perspective — a stark, but welcome, contrast from the more stoic and stalwart version of Gibbs that audiences are familiar with.

With such an early setting in the expansive NCIS universe, it's interesting to note that NCIS: Origins even takes place before JAG, the original series that started the entire NCIS franchise. NCIS had its backdoor pilot on JAG, first introducing the world to fan favorites like Gibbs, Abby (Pauley Perette), and Ducky (David McCallum). While it’s unlikely that Rabb (David James Elliot) and Mac (Catherine Bell) will make appearances in the new show, the upcoming series has plenty of opportunities to pay homage to all the series that came before it. However, just as with any NCIS spin-off, the new cast of characters set to be introduced will be sure to bring their own distinct personalities and traits that make them just as memorable as any other team in the shared TV universe.

'NCIS: Origins' '90s Setting Keeps the Franchise Fresh

Not only does the setting of NCIS: Origins provide a fresh perspective on a familiar character, it will also entirely shake up the investigative process for the crime show. Though NCIS doesn't necessarily push the envelope of science fiction with its approach to technology, it's nonetheless kept up with the modernization and digitization of the world around it. Throughout its many years on air, the technology used by their special agents has remained cutting edge, featuring pinpoint facial recognition and otherwordly computational software. While it's not the central focus of the show, modern-day technology serves as an integral factor in how the NCIS team solves their mysteries, with characters like Abby Sciuto using the pinnacle of forensic analysis in nearly every episode.

However, the lack of technology in the 90s presents an entirely different landscape for the younger Jethro Gibbs. Without the same tools available, NCIS: Origins' setting presents a unique set of challenges and intriguing plot points that separate it from other series in the franchise. The solution to its mysteries has to be solved analog rather than digital, forcing the writers to innovate in ways that the franchise hasn't seen in years. While the '90s may not seem that distant in the past, the fledgling NCIS team will still have to solve their crimes in drastically different ways from the modern series. Even with access to military equipment (which tends to be the most advanced of its time), the writing team has plenty of new angles through which to explore their naval investigations.

Not only will this restriction create more intriguing plotlines, but it will also serve to frame Gibbs in the context of his entire career. By the time NCIS starts, Gibbs is a renowned and respected agent, with years of experience that make him a capable, reliable leader. However, the earlier setting of NCIS: Origins means that a novice Gibbs must make a name for himself in a field with limited resources and experience, making for a far grittier and more hands-on approach to crime solving than in recent seasons of the series.

Mark Harmon Is an Executive Producer of 'NCIS: Origins'

While it can be daunting to explore the beginnings of NCIS after decades of successful television, NCIS: Origins has done its job of sating audience hesitation. Though he likely won't be returning to NCIS anytime soon(a departure that the series is still feeling the effects of), Mark Harmon is one of the executive producers at the helm of the show, giving the seasoned actor considerable input on the portrayal of the younger Gibbs. And though he's handed off the baton to Stowell, Harmon still gets a chance to reprise his role as the series' narrator. His involvement all but guarantees that the iconic character’s spirit remains intact; an especially important consideration considering Gibbs is arguably the most important character in the entire NCIS franchise, not just his own individual series. While audiences may miss Gibbs on NCIS, loyal fans of the franchise await in eager anticipation for the character's return in NCIS: Origins, set to premiere on October 14 on CBS.

#ncis origins

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reportscammedfunds · 6 months ago

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Recover Stolen Crypto

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the way we transact, offering decentralized and secure solutions for the modern economy. But with these benefits come risks, including the possibility of theft. Crypto theft can be devastating, leaving victims feeling powerless due to the anonymity of blockchain transactions. However, while challenging, recovering stolen crypto isn’t impossible. This guide will walk you through the steps to maximize your chances of retrieving lost funds and fortify your crypto security. Recover stolen crypto

Understanding How Crypto Theft Happens

Phishing Attacks

Phishing involves tricking users into revealing sensitive information such as private keys or wallet passwords. Scammers often impersonate legitimate platforms via fake websites or emails designed to look authentic. Once you input your details, they gain access to your wallet.

Hacking of Wallets and Exchanges

Crypto wallets and exchanges are prime targets for hackers. Weak security protocols, vulnerabilities in the platform, or user negligence can lead to unauthorized access and fund transfers.

Social Engineering Scams

These scams prey on human psychology. For instance, scammers may pose as trusted individuals or companies, convincing victims to transfer funds or disclose sensitive information.

Malware and Keyloggers

Cybercriminals use malware or keyloggers to monitor user activity. When you type your wallet credentials, the software captures and transmits the data to the attacker.

Immediate Steps to Take After Crypto Theft

Stay Calm and Act Quickly

Panic can lead to poor decisions. Assess the situation logically and act swiftly to prevent further losses.

Identify the Theft Details

Review your transaction history to determine when and how the theft occurred. Note the wallet addresses involved, the amount stolen, and the transaction ID.

Secure Remaining Funds

Transfer your remaining funds to a secure wallet. Hardware wallets or cold storage solutions are preferable as they are offline and immune to hacking.

Contacting Relevant Authorities

Reporting to Local Law Enforcement

File a report with your local authorities. While they may lack blockchain expertise, having an official record can support further recovery efforts.

Involving Cybercrime Units

Specialized cybercrime divisions can investigate the theft and collaborate with international organizations if needed.

Engaging Regulators Like SEC

In cases involving fraudulent investments, report the incident to regulatory bodies like the SEC or FCA to initiate investigations.

Notifying Crypto Platforms and Wallet Providers

How Exchanges Can Assist

Notify the exchange where the stolen funds were transacted. They may freeze suspicious accounts or provide information to investigators.

The Role of Wallet Providers

Wallet providers might help in identifying security vulnerabilities or advising on recovery steps.

Sharing Transaction Details

Provide all relevant details, including the transaction hash, wallet addresses, and any communication with the scammer.

Utilizing Blockchain Analysis Tools

How Blockchain Transparency Aids Recovery

Blockchain’s immutable ledger allows you to trace fund movements. With the right tools, you can monitor the thief’s wallet and subsequent transfers.

Popular Blockchain Analysis Tools

Platforms like Chainalysis, CipherTrace, and Elliptic specialize in tracking stolen cryptocurrency and identifying patterns.

Tracking Stolen Funds

Collaborate with professionals who use these tools to increase your chances of recovering the funds.

Hiring a Cryptocurrency Recovery Expert

Benefits of Professional Help

Experts have the technical knowledge and resources to trace transactions, liaise with platforms, and initiate recovery processes.

Vetting Recovery Agencies for Legitimacy

Ensure the agency has a proven track record. Beware of additional scams that exploit victims seeking help.

Avoiding Additional Scams

Never pay upfront fees without verifying the agency’s legitimacy. Genuine recovery services operate transparently.

Using Social Media and Community Networks

Engaging the Crypto Community

Post about your stolen crypto on forums, Reddit, or Twitter. The community often shares valuable insights or connects you with experts.

Raising Awareness About Stolen Funds

Highlighting the theft publicly can deter thieves from cashing out and put pressure on platforms to assist.

Success Stories

Many individuals have successfully recovered their stolen crypto by rallying community support and leveraging online networks.

Legal Options for Recovering Stolen Crypto

Filing Lawsuits

If you have enough evidence to identify the thief, you may file a lawsuit. Courts can issue orders to freeze assets or compel exchanges to provide information about suspicious accounts.

International Legal Frameworks

Cryptocurrency theft often crosses borders, making it necessary to engage international legal frameworks like the Hague Convention. Collaborating with global enforcement agencies can enhance recovery efforts.

Challenges with Jurisdiction

Jurisdictional issues complicate legal proceedings. Many crypto criminals operate in countries with lax regulations, making prosecution and recovery harder.

Preventative Measures to Protect Cryptocurrency

Using Hardware Wallets

Hardware wallets store private keys offline, making them virtually immune to hacking. They are the gold standard for crypto security and should be your primary storage method for large holdings.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an additional layer of security to your crypto accounts by requiring a second verification step. Always enable it, preferably using an authenticator app rather than SMS.

Avoiding Suspicious Links and Emails

Phishing scams often start with an innocent-looking link or email. Be cautious and double-check URLs before entering sensitive information. Bookmark trusted platforms to avoid accidental clicks on fake sites.

Educating Yourself on Crypto Scams

Recognizing Common Scam Patterns

From Ponzi schemes to fake giveaways, crypto scams come in many forms. Stay informed about the latest trends and tactics used by scammers.

Staying Updated with News and Security Tips

Follow trusted crypto news outlets and cybersecurity blogs. Awareness is your best defense against evolving threats in the crypto space.

Building a Secure Crypto Environment

Regular Wallet Audits

Periodically review your wallet and transaction history to identify unauthorized activity early. This practice can prevent small breaches from escalating into significant losses.

Diversifying Storage Solutions

Spread your funds across multiple wallets. Use a combination of hardware wallets, paper wallets, and software wallets for added security.

Investing in Cybersecurity Tools

Firewalls, antivirus software, and VPNs can protect you from malware and other digital threats. These tools are essential for safe crypto trading and storage.

Understanding the Limits of Recovery

Why Crypto Recovery Isn’t Guaranteed

The decentralized and pseudonymous nature of blockchain technology makes fund recovery difficult. Once funds are transferred to a thief’s wallet, reversing the transaction is nearly impossible without their cooperation.

Managing Expectations

While recovery efforts are worth pursuing, it’s essential to prepare for the possibility that your funds may not be recovered. Focus on improving your security to prevent future losses.

The Role of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) in Crypto Security

How DeFi Protocols Enhance Transparency

DeFi platforms operate on smart contracts, which are transparent and immutable. This openness can help in tracking fraudulent activity and ensuring secure transactions.

Risks Associated with DeFi Platforms

Despite their benefits, DeFi platforms are not immune to vulnerabilities. Exploits in smart contracts and lack of insurance can lead to significant losses.

Recovering stolen cryptocurrency is no easy feat, but it’s not entirely hopeless either. By taking immediate action, leveraging blockchain tools, and engaging with experts, you can increase your chances of recovering your funds. Most importantly, prioritize prevention by adopting stringent security measures. Remember, in the world of cryptocurrency, staying one step ahead of scammers is your best protection.

Contact Info: Email: - [email protected]

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govindhtech · 1 year ago

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UNC5537: Extortion and Data Theft of Snowflake Customers

Targeting Snowflake Customer Instances for Extortion and Data Theft, UNC5537 Overview. Mandiant has discovered a threat campaign that targets Snowflake client database instances with the goal of extortion and data theft. This campaign has been discovered through Google incident response engagements and threat intelligence collections. The multi-Cloud data warehousing software Snowflake can store and analyze massive amounts of structured and unstructured data.

Mandiant is tracking UNC5537, a financially motivated threat actor that stole several Snowflake customer details. UNC5537 is using stolen customer credentials to methodically compromise Snowflake client instances, post victim data for sale on cybercrime forums, and attempt to blackmail many of the victims.

Snowflake instance According to Mandiant’s analysis, there is no proof that a breach in Snowflake’s enterprise environment led to unauthorized access to consumer accounts. Rather, Mandiant was able to link all of the campaign-related incidents to hacked client credentials.

Threat intelligence about database records that were later found to have come from a victim’s Snowflake instance was obtained by Mandiant in April 2024. After informing the victim, Mandiant was hired by the victim to look into a possible data theft affecting their Snowflake instance. Mandiant discovered during this investigation that a threat actor had gained access to the company’s Snowflake instance by using credentials that had previously been obtained through info stealer malware.

Using these credentials that were taken, the threat actor gained access to the customer’s Snowflake instance and eventually stole important information. The account did not have multi-factor authentication (MFA) activated at the time of the intrusion.

Following further intelligence that revealed a wider campaign aimed at more Snowflake customer instances, Mandiant notified Snowflake and potential victims via their Victim Notification Programme on May 22, 2024.

Snowflakes Mandiant and Snowflake have notified about 165 possibly vulnerable organizations thus far. To guarantee the security of their accounts and data, these customers have been in direct contact with Snowflake’s Customer Support. Together with collaborating with pertinent law enforcement organizations, Mandiant and Snowflake have been undertaking a cooperative investigation into this continuing threat campaign. Snowflake released comprehensive detection and hardening guidelines for Snowflake clients on May 30, 2024.

Campaign Synopsis According to Google Cloud current investigations, UNC5537 used stolen customer credentials to gain access to Snowflake client instances for several different organizations. The main source of these credentials was many info stealer malware campaigns that compromised systems controlled by people other than Snowflake.

As a result, a sizable amount of customer data was exported from the corresponding Snowflake customer instances, giving the threat actor access to the impacted customer accounts. Subsequently, the threat actor started personally extorting several of the victims and is aggressively trying to sell the stolen consumer data on forums frequented by cybercriminals.

Mandiant Mandiant discovered that most of the login credentials utilized by UNC5537 came from infostealer infections that occurred in the past, some of which were from 2020. Three main causes have contributed to the multiple successful compromises that UNC5537’s threat campaign has produced:

Since multi-factor authentication was not enabled on the affected accounts, successful authentication just needed a working login and password. The credentials found in the output of the infostealer virus were not cycled or updated, and in certain cases, they remained valid years after they were stolen. There were no network allow lists set up on the affected Snowflake client instances to restrict access to reliable sources. Infostealer Mandiant found that the first infostealer malware penetration happened on contractor computers that were also used for personal purposes, such as downloading pirated software and playing games. This observation was made during multiple investigations related to Snowflake.

Customers that hire contractors to help them with Snowflake may use unmonitored laptops or personal computers, which worsen this initial entry vector. These devices pose a serious concern because they are frequently used to access the systems of several different organizations. A single contractor’s laptop can enable threat actors to access numerous organizations if it is infected with infostealer malware, frequently with administrator- and IT-level access.

Identifying The native web-based user interface (SnowFlake UI, also known as SnowSight) and/or command-line interface (CLI) tool (SnowSQL) on Windows Server 2022 were frequently used to get initial access to Snowflake customer instances. Using an attacker-named utility called “rapeflake,” which Mandiant records as FROSTBITE, Mandiant discovered more access.

Mandiant believes FROSTBITE is used to conduct reconnaissance against target Snowflake instances, despite the fact that Mandiant has not yet retrieved a complete sample of FROSTBITE. Mandiant saw the use of FROSTBITE in both Java and.NET versions. The Snowflake.NET driver communicates with the.NET version. The Snowflake JDBC driver is interfaced with by the Java version.

SQL recon actions by FROSTBITE have been discovered, including a listing of users, current roles, IP addresses, session IDs, and names of organizations. Mandiant also saw UNC5537 connect to many Snowflake instances and conduct queries using DBeaver Ultimate, a publicly accessible database management tool.

Finish the mission Mandiant saw UNC5537 staging and exfiltrating data by continuously running identical SQL statements on many client Snowflake systems. The following instructions for data staging and exfiltration were noted.

Generate (TEMP|TEMPORARY) STAGE UNC5537 used the CREATE STAGE command to generate temporary stages for data staging. The data files that are loaded and unloaded into database tables are stored in tables called stages. When a stage is created and designated as temporary, it is removed after the conclusion of the creator’s active Snowflake session.

UNC5537 Credit Since May 2024, Mandiant has been monitoring UNC5537, a threat actor with financial motivations, as a separate cluster. UNC5537 often extorts people for financial benefit, having targeted hundreds of organizations globally. Under numerous aliases, UNC5537 participates in cybercrime forums and Telegram channels. Mandiant has recognized individuals who are linked to other monitored groups. Mandiant interacts with one member in Turkey and rates the composition of UNC5537 as having a moderate degree of confidence among its members who are located in North America.

In order to gain access to victim Snowflake instances, Attacker Infrastructure UNC5537 mostly leveraged Mullvad or Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN IP addresses. Mandiant saw that VPS servers from Moldovan supplier ALEXHOST SRL (AS200019) were used for data exfiltration. It was discovered that UNC5537 was storing stolen victim data on other foreign VPS providers in addition to the cloud storage provider MEGA.

Prospects and Significance The campaign launched by UNC5537 against Snowflake client instances is not the product of a highly advanced or unique method, instrument, or process. The extensive reach of this campaign is a result of both the expanding infostealer market and the passing up of chances to further secure credentials:

UNC5537 most likely obtained credentials for Snowflake victim instances by gaining access to several infostealer log sources. There’s also a thriving black market for infostealerry, with huge lists of credentials that have been stolen available for purchase and distribution both inside and outside the dark web.

Infostealers Multi-factor authentication was not necessary for the impacted customer instances, and in many cases, the credentials had not been changed in up to four years. Additionally, access to trusted locations was not restricted using network allow lists.

This ad draws attention to the ramifications of a large number of credentials floating throughout the infostealer market and can be a sign of a targeted attack by threat actors on related SaaS services. Mandiant predicts that UNC5337 will carry on with similar intrusion pattern, soon focusing on more SaaS systems.

This campaign’s wide-ranging effects highlight the pressing necessity for credential monitoring, the ubiquitous application of MFA and secure authentication, traffic restriction to approved sites for royal jewels, and alerts regarding unusual access attempts. See Snowflake’s Hardening Guide for additional suggestions on how to fortify Snowflake environments.