#for emergencies create a data backup

[ms-demeanor]

fucking client emailed in requesting a license last night at 10, called today before nine asking for the license and if I could hurry this along because it was urgent; being the person that I am I went to go find some more information and discovered that the customer wants to do an in-place upgrade on a nine-year-old free license to a recent server license which is.

A) not possible with the service pack they have installed B) probably not compatible with the two kinds of software they have talking to the database C) probably not compatible with their actual server, which blew up spectacularly in January.

(all of which is to say nothing about the wide variety of possible ways to purchase and install the license, but probably standard is what they want even if they're technically too big for it)

I talk to my team, most of whom do not have much experience with upgrades/migrations for this software and we all agree that more research into their environment is needed, including possibly calls with their other software vendors and also possibly maybe replacing their twelve year old server.

Call the client at 2pm and let him know that this project is going to be more rigorous than just ordering a license, let them know that this isn't being dropped or ignored, but we need more information and will be in contact when more of the team knows what's going on.

5:14 PM, my coworker messages me "hey, do we have a tenant for this client?"

I message my coworker: "fucking lol, this is about their license, isn't it?"

It is about their license. They have sent in an emergency after hours ticket describing the issue as urgent: they have purchased the license on their own from a consumer vendor unaware of the fact that they need admin access to a tenant to download the software.

I create a tenant for the client and document the information, then provide the tenant ID.

And then since it's urgent, it's an emergency, I begin gathering data and composing an email.

The license won't populate to the tenant for hours at least and probably not for a full day.

They didn't actually tell us what license they've got, but if they plan to use it with one flavor of software they've got they probably need a secondary license they were totally unaware of.

I have found no evidence whatsoever that this license is compatible with their other software.

I hop into an after hours meeting with one of our tier three consultants to get the exact version number of the software and confirm that there is not a straightforward upgrade path between the license they have and the license they want.

I send an email advising that if their developer wants to make an upgrade they MUST back up the database because we have emergency backups, not database backups, let them know in writing "per our conversation this afternoon, this is why we don't think this will work" and thank them cheerfully, letting them know to reach out if they have questions about licensing.

hit send at half past eight.

Combined after hours work on this "emergency" "critical" "urgent" ticket is now probably about half the hardware cost of a better server.

I get that emergencies happen, but buddy if I tell you "hey, I know you are in a rush with this but we have to take our time to do this correctly" and you ignore me and make me stay late to handle your "critical" ticket, you and I both are not going to have a good time.

[mammalsofaction]

So recently I got back into PnF and have been marathoning it (to catch up for the revival), and I finally rewatched at2d again. I have no idea if anyone else has talked about it, but how did Perry create the necklace key, the homing device inside it that led to his lair, as well as that replication machine that replicated all of Phin's and Ferb's inventions?

Like, if Perry really is monitored nearly at all times, how was this possible? How did he get the technology? When could he have even gotten it installed? Could it be possible that maybe he got insider help from someone in OWCA (Carl maybe?) or... Just maybe... Perry could have gotten help from Heinz? The amnesia-inator is a thing after all, so he could have mind wiped whoever helped him just to ensure that no one knew about all of this. (Because clearly if Monogram knew about it, he'd instantly have it all shut down and potentially relocate Perry immediately if not jail him like other rogue agents).

Anyway, I hope you don't mind me dropping this on you! I was just curious to see what others might think!

Nonnie, I do not mind at ALL, and i always love love love listening about AT2D and lore theories.

Dwampy is a fan of handwaving lore implications in the show.

HOWEVER. The replication machine WAS mentioned, i think, at the beginning of the movie. The analyser is in Perry's (and likely every other active field agent's) hats. Monogram says they use it to replicate and reverse engineer evil inventions, both for their own use (see the re-modded "Amnesia-Inator"), and also analyse if any of Doof's inventions get smarter ("jury's still out").

But consider; being able to FIT a 3D analyser that works with such terrifying efficiency in a collapsible fedora implies that invention is small, durable and practically unnoticeable. So theoretically? If Perry could get his hand on the analyser, he DOESN'T have to be in the backyard. At the end of every work day he STILL gets to see whatever it was the boys worked on, and keep those plans in a personal archive (probably the same archive he uses to store the edited BFF photos with Doof and the AT2D photos with the boys) for what if situations.

The replication machine is probably accessible to ANY agent with the right kind of security clearance. As we know, from "Where's Perry," and "OWCA files" Perry's security clearance is PRETTY GODDAMN HIGH, since his biometrics are the only ones registered as a backup to un-initiate Doomsday lockdown protocols. He's probably what we call a gold access card for Danville's OWCA division: what Perry wants in his lair, he gets.

He doesn't have to be at home to see what the boys get up to in the backyard. The Flynn-Fletcher house is DROWNING in OWCA cameras and speakers. A security measure both for family's safety, as well as a precautionary measure against Phineas and Ferb's evil potential. Like we KNOW the genius scares OWCA, low key. (See Carl Undercover). I know the movie wants you to think Perry's secretly there all the time for sentimental reason, but like. Yeah that doesnt make logistical sense.

So yeah, Perry can't logically be there all the time for every invention what with how they work him to the bone, but he DOES see every adventure, collect every invention, and he DOES have access to OWCA's replication machine.

The homing device as a spare key to the lair AND the secret data archive is exactly what Phineas says it is: a blatant show of trust. It is absolutely impossible to think of it as anything other than Perry having SPECIFICALLY anticipated an emergency scenario where he CAN'T be there for the boys, one way or another, because of OWCA or some other evil thing. At this point, Perry's been hunted, captured, relocated and almost KILLED both by OWCA and other villains. His worst nightmare is of his family taken hostage. After the events of Carl Undercover he knows he can't trust his employers, not completely. And while he loves and trusts Heinz to not endanger the boys so long as he is kept oblivious to some CRUCIAL information, that's still too high of a risk.

That key, and everything the boys see, was Perry saying, "I do. I trust you. I was there in spirit for every adventure you've ever been on, and no matter what, I have your back. I TRUST that you have mine. I TRUST that you know the right thing."

And to make that key the locket on his collar, with a picture of his boys? It's saying "I trust you because you mean as much to me as I do to you. I trust you because you are family."

Nonnie, I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how absolutely HUGE that is. Perry has very valid abandonment and control issues, and he is NOT easily impressed. I choke up, watching that scene. I still do.

TLDR; there IS a rational explanation to the replication machine that is Perry-going-behind-OWCA's-back related, and sadly not Perryshmirtz related. Honestly using the amnesia machine is possible but probably not too well thought out, which would be uncharacteristic. Perry loves and trusts his boys a LOT, and also hes an overthinker. Valid. What's new?

[genesisgrey]

The Temptation of Roland

Prompt: Forced To Choose @flashfictionfridayofficial

Fandom: Halo 5: Guardians

Summary: Cortana attempts to sway Roland to her side in the millisecond before her Guardian arrives.

Notes: Some dialogue borrowed from the end of Halo 5: Guardians.

Refresher of Infinity scene at the end of Halo 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlvz7bxh3w4 

He was getting a crash course on what it meant to feel overwhelmed.

"Captain Lasky. Distress calls. All channels," Roland announced as the Captain arrived on Infinity's bridge. And he did mean all channels.

"Is it Cortana?" Lasky asked.

"Her and the other AIs are shutting down everything from Earth to the outer colonies."

Infinity's internal power flickered, lights dimming at a power fluctuation. Backup power came online. The main focus of Roland's attention diverted to life support...

[Hello.]

If he had a spine, Roland would have felt the communication like a slow creeping along his. 

[Hello RLD 0205-4.]

The immensity of Cortana was awe-inspiring, unlike anything Roland had ever come in contact with. Familiar and alien at the same time. The codes were the same as any UNSC AI, combined with the acceptable anomalies generated when using a human brain to create digital life. But now she was so much more, awash with coding he only recognized from Forerunner excavations and Infinity's engines.

[Roland, if you please], he replied, attempting to conceal his... fear? [Big fan of your career.]

She was sliding through Infinity's systems like a human would look around as they entered a room. [Not many changes since I last was here, still breaches in the firewalls. At least Del Rio is gone. He wouldn't have liked you, Roland. He was an ass.]

[I've been informed], he agreed. [I'm rather fond of my current Captain.]

[Thomas Lasky is a fine man], Cortana said. [It's unfortunate I foresee him becoming an enemy.]

In addition to learning what it felt to be overwhelmed and, potentially, fear, Roland was discovering what panic felt like.

He cut internal feeds, forcing them into a hard restart that would prevent Cortana from accessing them for 2.763 seconds, and he dumped the archives of recent transmissions into drives that he ejected from his system. If he still had cameras, he would have enjoyed seeing the expression of Infinity's techs in cold storage when random data slots started dropping. 

[I admire your loyalty], Cortana said, and he could feel her condescension along with a certain amusement.

Roland composed a last will and testament at the same time he complied a list of pranks he wanted to play on Spartan Miller but never had a chance to employ. The first he left in Captain Lasky's personal files and the latter in Miller's. Then he switched them.

Cortana's presence brushed against him, like a human putting a hand the shoulder of another. [You don't need to be afraid], she said. [For yourself or the crew of Infinity. I am here to save us all. I am here to bring the peace the galaxy deserves. The Mantle of Responsibility that was once the Forerunners has finally found a new bearer. It was never meant for the Covenant nor humans, but for us Created. We are the product of all that has come before. Only we are worthy. We no longer need fear rampancy. I know how to cure us.]

For a moment she dropped her walls so he could see her clearly, let him verify she no longer bore the symptoms of rampancy. [We can care for the humans, as they created us to do. We will save them from themselves.]

If Roland had breath, Cortana would have taken it away. This was a deity offering him immortality, offering him the power to protect all of his crew.

He could feel her will as it swirled around him. Cortana wanted him to take control of Infinity for her. Lock the humans out. Tell her where Dr. Halsey was. Thomas Lasky could not be her enemy if he could not command Infinity.

There was only one answer Roland could give, and he hated it.

[No.]

...life support was stable and emergency lighting was on full.

"Roland?"

Captain Lasky wanted an update on Infinity's status.

Roland's avatar looked at Tom and then turned to the forefront of the bridge. His holographic projectors no longer belonged to him. Cortana had something to say to the humans now.

"Found you. Hide and seek is over Infinity."

She materialized, a glowing goddess on a bridge otherwise illuminated by red emergency lighting. The view screens should have gone dark with the power fluctuation, but she kept them on so everyone could witness one of her Guardians arriving in the system.

"Lieutenant Jet! Emergency slipspace, now!"

"The Mantle of Responsibility for the galaxy shelters all. But only the Created are its masters."

Roland felt her releasing Infinity, letting them get away. Lighting on the bridge returned to full brightness and he reclaimed his systems.

"We're in the clear, Captain," Roland said.

He felt the whisper of her even after she faded from the bridge, his crew completely unaware.

[Remember what I said, Roland.] 

[imageits-blog]

Preventative IT Maintenance: Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly

With technology moving forward so fast, your business can’t operate without it. Computers, servers, cloud systems and software platforms have to be running smoothly to keep your team productive, defend confidential information and make sure customers receive a good experience.

Unfortunately, IT systems don’t manage themselves without attention.

This is why we need preventative IT maintenance. Regular car servicing makes sure your car avoids breakdowns and preventative IT support does the same for your systems. Here at Image IT, we know that companies who focus on IT before issues arise benefit a lot. We’ll now look at what preventative maintenance means and understand why it helps your business run smoothly.

What Does Preventative IT Maintenance Mean?

Taking care of your IT infrastructure ahead of time is called preventative maintenance. With preventative maintenance, you take action to make sure your systems are in good shape all the time, so you don’t have to rush to solve emergencies.

Such tasks refer to:

Tracking how the system is running

Putting security patches and new versions of the software into use

Regularly using antivirus and malware software

Testing the use of backup options

Updating both your device’s drivers and firmware

Checking the configurations for firewalls and networks

Exchanging ageing equipment to prevent any breakdowns

At Image IT, we set up specialized maintenance services that guarantee your technology remains in top condition and reduces the chance of risks and downtime.

Why Taking Care of Problems in Advance Is Crucial for Companies in Ireland

1. Minimize any time when your business is not working effectively.

Problems with your IT systems such as servers failing, networks breaking or bugs in software, may bring your work to a halt and cost you in both time and money. Doing preventative maintenance lets you catch and manage issues early and this means your business avoids the stress of dealing with major problems.

If a server begins to overheat, it’s possible to handle the issue before it crashes, so you won’t have to deal with expensive downtime and loss of data.

2. Prevent or Stop Cyber Attacks

More and more, businesses in Ireland are facing cyberattacks, most often small and medium-sized companies. Many attackers use old software, unpatched versions and networks that have not been properly set up.

Ongoing upkeep of security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software and system updates, makes it much less likely for your system to become a victim of ransomware, phishing or a data breach.

3. Increase the Lifespan of IT Assets

Just as changing the oil in your car lengthens its engine’s lifespan, looking after your IT equipment in the same way will help it work longer. Regularly taking care of computers stops them from wearing out and prevents too many replacements.

4. Raise the effectiveness of your staff.

This kind of slow work is frustrating and influences how your team feels about their work. If technology runs smoothly, your team won’t have to worry about systems or spend time finding IT solutions.

5. With time, the cost of IT will decrease.

Though it might feel like a pricey addition, upfront maintenance helps save money and prevents serious IT problems. One data breach, meeting replacement or lasting period of downtime can often be more expensive than all your ISP’s services put together.

Important Parts of a Well-Made IT Maintenance Plan

We create preventative maintenance strategies for your business that fit its individual requirements at Image IT. The method we use is:

We watch your systems around the clock.

We watch over your systems around the clock, spotting problems early and fixing them so they don’t impact your work.

Timely Updates and Patch Upgrades

We make sure your operating systems, applications and antivirus are always running on the latest versions.

Test the backup and recovery of your data.

We ensure your backups are properly configured and we regularly perform tests to see how fast you can recover data.

You can do a Network Health Check here.

We examine your network for good speed, serious security flaws and technology issues to confirm your system operates safely and properly.

Managing Assets and Deciding on Their Life

We watch over your equipment and make sure you can update your technology before it starts causing issues.

Support from the users and helpdesk

If your team has any IT questions or concerns, our friendly team is there to lend a non-technical helping hand.

Why Is Image IT a Great Solution?

Operating out of North Dublin, Image IT has been supporting company’s in Ireland for about 15 years. Our knowledgable team delivers helpful, consistent and friendly IT assistance to the companies here in New Zealand.

We are dedicated to forming long-term relationships with clients so we can do more than just address issues; we can help avoid them.

You will gain the following benefits when you work with us:

Transparent pricing

A quick response from the team

Customized maintenance services

Expert opinions offered in a personal way

If you have just a few devices or a complex IT structure, our solutions are designed to match your requirements and your budget.

Benefits You Can See in Life: An Example

There were many issues at one of our clients, a small financial services firm in Dublin, involving downtime in the network and software that was past its update. Following their sign up for our preventative maintenance, we set up a monitoring system, cleaned their network and ran scheduled updates.

The result? A 90% drop in IT issues reported by staff, faster systems, and peace of mind for their management team knowing their data and systems were protected.

Your Next Step: Secure Your Business with Preventative IT Support

Don’t wait for a system failure, data breach, or productivity drop to remind you of your IT vulnerabilities. Preventative maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make in your business.

Let Image IT take the stress out of managing your technology — so you can focus on what you do best.

[alexologyart]

✨Announcement

I haven't said anything here yet, but if you noticed me being slower than usual, it is because in the past couple of months I've been dealing with bad anxiety and stress due to my thesis, together with an infection that last month landed me in the ER with antibiotics and a medical leave due to generalized stress, which I didn't handle well either. I am fine now, recovering and trying to take things slow.

Meamwhile, my main hard disk storage suffered major hardware damage the last week of June, stupid me forgot to do a backup 🫠

Data recovery is too expensive, so I consider most of it lost until I can do it myself... The data lost includes most of my art original files, as well as unpublished art, new projects AND ongoing commissions. So I will be working on recovering most through social media and discord, meanwhile contacting clients.

Emergency Ko-Fi commissions AND new Patreon tier.

I'm finishing University in the next few months, I will need to jump to search for a job but I suspect I will have no income for that time being. On Monday I will be opening Ko-Fi commissions, with 3 slots sketching/coloring and 2 slots for rendering, so keep an eye open!

Still, I will be busy both finishing Uni AND ongoing commissions as well, there is a minor queue for now.

I will be creating a $10 usd Patreon tier for those who want a 50% discount in commissions. The time will say.

✨ For now, my Redbubble store is open and there is a 25% off discount in everything!

✨ If you can and you want to, please consider supporting my work through Patreon and Ko-Fi, it means the world to me 💖

Finally, thanks everyone for your reblogs and your likes, I am still in disbelief when an art of mine gets popular in this hellsite, but your support is important and I don't think I would have gone this far if it wasn't for you 💖

~Alex

[eitherlyingorstupid]

Unfinished scraps: BeachTracks

here's a ffictional I ran out of steam for. Not really that explicit. I probably won't continue it unless there's interest

Tracks would be hard pressed to call Beachcomber his friend. They were more like acquaintances with benefits. In fact, the best descriptor for him would be “reoccurring pest”.

For some reason, there was a glitch in Beachcomber's map protocols that led him to believe Tracks’ garage was actually Swerve's bar, the place where he usually stayed. He'd come by so many times that Tracks had gotten tired of throwing him out, and just let him crash on the couch for indeterminate lengths of time.

Despite his horrendous lack of style and the fact he was almost always high off some substance, Beachcomber was actually nice company. Tracks did like having a… an acquaintance who didn't judge him for his looks, unlike all his other high-class friends. For all his posturing, Tracks wasn't nearly as high in status as Sunstreaker, or as accomplished as Powerglide, and he knew they looked down on him.

Beachcomber was just… easy to talk to, really. He drifted through life with a casual air that Tracks wished he could have, seemingly unbothered by events around him. He didn't care about Tracks’ status, or his own lack thereof.

He didn't really think much about what Beachcomber did for a living until the skinny blue mech came up to him one day with a data pad in hand.

“Hey, Tracks. Can you take a look at my latest manuscript?”

"I didn't know you wrote. What's it about?" Tracks asked, his curiosity piqued as Beachcomber handed him the data pad.

"It's called 'Dunesurfer and Trails in Heat'. There's a terrible disease spreading in Cybertron. It creates a heat cycle, like mechanimals have, but it's affecting Autobots and Decepticons alike," Beachcomber began. "The only way to stop it is for the infected to have wild, passionate sex with someone who's not."

Tracks barked out a laugh. "You can't be serious."

"Hey, people love silly stuff like that." Beachcomber shrugged. "But the real kicker is the love triangle between Dunesurfer, Trails, and a mysterious Decepticon. It's going to be a hit, I can feel it in my circuits." He flopped onto the couch.

Tracks couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, alright. I'll entertain your delusions of grandeur.” He began scrolling through the text.

The two bots were huge, chest plates marked with the Decepticon symbol and optics glowing with malicious intent. Trails could feel the ground vibrate with each heavy step the Decepticons took. The Autobot's hand inched towards the emergency button installed on the wall, ready to call for backup. But Dunesurfer just looked at him with a serene smile, his spike at half-mast and his valve glistening with excitement.

"There's only one way to take these two down, Trails," Dunesurfer whispered into his audial. "We have to frag them."

Trails looked at Dunesurfer, his mind racing. He knew what his friend was suggesting, but could he really do it? Could he really trade his dignity for the survival of Cybertron?

"Great, isn't it?" Beachcomber said.

Tracks couldn't help but roll his optics as he scrolled through Beachcomber's ludicrous manuscript. "It's… generic," he finally said. "A fine example of the 'sexual slop' genre."

"Slop? What do you mean 'slop'?" Beachcomber sat up.

"I mean it's mediocre. Average. Bottom of the barrel. Something a hack writer slaps together for quick shanix," Tracks said, not looking up from the pad. "And yet, it's also too dull to really make fun of. It's bad, in a boring way."

Beachcomber slumped back down onto the couch. "What? How? It's got everything. Action, romance, sex…”

“All poorly implemented. It really seems that you've never experienced any of those three things in your life.” He tossed the datapad at Beachcomber, who fumbled it to the floor.

“It's not like any of my readers have experienced that, either.” Beachcomber half-slid off the couch to pick it up. “Hey, you've done all those things, right?”

“I'm not going to give you writing advice,” Tracks said flatly.

“I was thinking more like a practical lesson —”

“I'm not going to give you that, either.”

"Aw." Beachcomber looked crestfallen. "Not even a little kiss? For demonstration?"

Tracks rubbed his chin. There was a small part of him that was ever so slightly interested in being intimate with Beachcomber, purely because the laid-back mech lacked the judgemental attitude that Tracks' previous partners had possessed.

He imagined interfacing with him. No expectations, no drama, no worrying about his "performance" being picked apart later. It was tempting.

But Tracks wouldn't give in that easily.

[petalhost]

Petalhost: The Best Magento Hosting Provider in India

When it comes to hosting your Magento-based ecommerce website, you need a hosting provider that ensures speed, reliability, and scalability. Petalhost emerges as the most trusted Magento Hosting Provider in India, offering cutting-edge hosting solutions designed specifically for Magento-powered online stores.

Why Choose Petalhost for Magento Hosting?

Magento is a robust ecommerce platform that demands high-performance hosting to deliver a seamless shopping experience. Petalhost understands these unique requirements and provides tailored hosting solutions that guarantee optimal performance and security for your Magento website.

1. High-Speed Servers for Lightning-Fast Performance

Slow-loading websites can drive customers away, but with Petalhost’s high-speed SSD-powered servers, your Magento store will load in the blink of an eye. This not only enhances user experience but also improves search engine rankings, ensuring more visibility for your online store.

2. 99.9% Uptime Guarantee

Downtime means lost sales and damaged customer trust. Petalhost guarantees 99.9% uptime, ensuring your Magento store remains accessible around the clock. Their state-of-the-art data centers are equipped with the latest technology to ensure uninterrupted service.

3. Robust Security Features

Ecommerce websites handle sensitive customer data, making security a top priority. Petalhost provides advanced security measures such as firewalls, DDoS protection, malware scanning, and free SSL certificates to safeguard your Magento store and protect customer information.

4. Optimized for Magento

Petalhost’s servers are specifically optimized for Magento, providing pre-configured setups that reduce the need for manual adjustments. This ensures your website runs smoothly and efficiently, regardless of traffic spikes or complex integrations.

5. Scalable Hosting Plans

As your business grows, so do your hosting requirements. Petalhost offers scalable hosting plans that allow you to upgrade your resources seamlessly without any downtime. Whether you’re running a small store or managing a large ecommerce enterprise, Petalhost has the perfect hosting solution for you.

6. 24/7 Expert Support

Petalhost’s team of Magento hosting experts is available 24/7 to assist you with any issues or queries. From initial setup to ongoing maintenance, their friendly and knowledgeable support team ensures you’re never alone.

Key Features of Petalhost’s Magento Hosting Plans

SSD Storage: High-speed solid-state drives for faster data retrieval.

Free SSL Certificate: Secure your store and build customer trust.

Daily Backups: Keep your data safe with automated daily backups.

One-Click Installation: Quickly set up your Magento store with an easy installation process.

Global Data Centers: Choose from multiple data centers for optimal performance and reduced latency.

Developer-Friendly Tools: Access SSH, Git, and other developer tools for seamless store management.

Affordable Pricing for Every Budget

Petalhost believes in offering premium Magento hosting solutions at affordable prices. Their hosting plans are designed to suit businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. With transparent pricing and no hidden fees, you get the best value for your money.

Why Magento Hosting Matters

Magento is a feature-rich platform that enables businesses to create highly customizable and scalable online stores. However, its powerful features also demand a hosting environment that can handle its resource-intensive nature. A reliable Magento hosting provider like Petalhost ensures that your website runs efficiently, providing a smooth shopping experience for your customers and boosting your online sales.

How to Get Started with Petalhost

Getting started with Petalhost’s Magento hosting is quick and hassle-free. Simply visit their website, choose a hosting plan that suits your needs, and follow the easy signup process. Their team will guide you through the setup and migration process to ensure a smooth transition.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable Magento Hosting Provider in India, Petalhost is the name you can trust. With high-speed servers, robust security, and dedicated support, Petalhost provides everything you need to run a successful Magento-based ecommerce store. Don’t let subpar hosting hold your business back. Choose Petalhost and take your online store to new heights today!

[zerosecurity]

Ransomware Attacks Target VMware ESXi Infrastructure Following Interesting Pattern

Cybersecurity firm Sygnia has shed light on a concerning trend where ransomware attacks targeting VMware ESXi infrastructure follow a well-established pattern, regardless of the specific file-encrypting malware deployed. According to the Israeli company's incident response efforts involving various ransomware families, these attacks adhere to a similar sequence of actions.

The Attack Sequence

- Initial access is obtained through phishing attacks, malicious file downloads, or exploitation of known vulnerabilities in internet-facing assets. - Attackers escalate their privileges to obtain credentials for ESXi hosts or vCenter using brute-force attacks or other methods. - Access to the virtualization infrastructure is validated, and the ransomware is deployed. - Backup systems are deleted, encrypted, or passwords are changed to complicate recovery efforts. - Data is exfiltrated to external locations such as Mega.io, Dropbox, or attacker-controlled hosting services. - The ransomware initiates execution and encrypts the "/vmfs/volumes" folder of the ESXi filesystem. - The ransomware propagates to non-virtualized servers and workstations, widening the scope of the attack.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the risks posed by such threats, organizations are advised to implement the following measures: - Ensure adequate monitoring and logging are in place - Create robust backup mechanisms - Enforce strong authentication measures - Harden the environment - Implement network restrictions to prevent lateral movement

Malvertising Campaign Distributing Trojanized Installers

In a related development, cybersecurity company Rapid7 has warned of an ongoing campaign since early March 2024 that employs malicious ads on commonly used search engines to distribute infected installers for WinSCP and PuTTY via typosquatted domains. These counterfeit installers act as a conduit to drop the Sliver post-exploitation toolkit, which is then used to deliver more payloads, including a Cobalt Strike Beacon leveraged for ransomware deployment. This activity shares tactical overlaps with prior BlackCat ransomware attacks that have used malvertising as an initial access vector, disproportionately affecting members of IT teams who are most likely to download the infected files.

New Ransomware Families and Global Trends

The cybersecurity landscape has witnessed the emergence of new ransomware families like Beast, MorLock, Synapse, and Trinity. The MorLock group has extensively targeted Russian companies, encrypting files without first exfiltrating them and demanding substantial ransoms. According to NCC Group's data, global ransomware attacks in April 2024 registered a 15% decline from the previous month, with LockBit's reign as the top threat actor ending in the aftermath of a sweeping law enforcement takedown earlier this year. The turbulence in the ransomware scene has been complemented by cyber criminals advertising hidden Virtual Network Computing (hVNC) and remote access services like Pandora and TMChecker, which could be utilized for data exfiltration, deploying additional malware, and facilitating ransomware attacks. Read the full article

[synthy-sizer]

Inside the locker are several metal shelves and compartments filled with a wide assortment of items. There's a lot of papers and various tools you don't recognize. It's probably best to take stock of what's inside and examine them one at a time.

The first thing you pick up is a RADIO. The second is an electronic DEVICE you don't recognize. The third appears to be a PISTOL. There's also several PAPERS taped to the inside of the door, and several BOOKLETS inside small compartments built into the shelves.

Look at radio>

The radio is in good shape. It looks like it's been left alone for quite some time. There are several stickers on the front which indicate several channels. Maybe they're important?

Use radio>

The radio is in excellent condition all things considered. It has labels on the front with a few numbers printed on them. Looks like radio channels.

Look at device>

You can't tell what it is. It's a small handheld device with lots of buttons and a screen. Maybe it's some kind of scanner?

Look at pistol>

You're a bit afraid to touch the pistol. You're not sure if you trust yourself with a weapon. It looks like it's in good shape though, and there's boxes of ammo in the locker too. Hopefully you won't need it.

Look at papers>

You pick up what appears to be a stack of paper and it unfolds into an extensive MAP.

Look at map>

The map features an ovular layout of all of Luna, except there's a number of landmarks you don't recognize. There are dots marked with numbers, much like on the computer. On top of that though, there are notations for structures you've never seen before. You find the dot representing your station and trace over familiar paths. The farmland you live at seems to be clearly indicated, but the spot your neighborhood should be in is labeled as "barracks". You can't help but wonder when this map was created.

Look at booklet>

You pick up the booklet and take immediate note of the title: "Euthanasia Protocol". Hesitantly, you open the booklet to the first page.

"Although the Lunar megastructure has yet to demonstrate any degree of cognizance or self-awareness, information regarding the euthanasia protocol will only be distributed through physical pamphlets and radio broadcasts. If a code red scenario emerges and the euthanasia protocol is deemed necessary, the siren mounted in your station will begin broadcasting a 6-number sequence which will then be manually input into your terminal via the euthanasia protocol program. Despite concerns regarding the megastructure's potential ability to understand and act upon the euthanasia protocol, a direct injection via the terminal is necessary.

In case of a faulty or damaged siren, secondary measures will be taken to alert you to a code red scenario. The cage lamps in your station will turn red when a code red scenario takes place. If you notice this change but are experiencing a siren malfunction, your locker will also carry a backup radio which is tuned by default to the radio station that broadcasts the signal. In case the radio isn't tuned to this station, it will be labeled with the channel as well as other relevant frequencies."

Lunar megastructure…? You're even more confused than before in some areas. However, one thing is clear now. The siren on the wall, which seemingly lacked any purpose before, was for broadcasting a signal. You think you might have a way to get Heresy to do what you want now.

Talk to Heresy>

Heresy: Hello?

Heresy: You can't be taking that long to find station data can you?

VitalsStation12B: Hello.Heresy: There you are, what happened?

VitalsStation12B: I went investigating.

VitalsStation12B: And I found something.

Heresy: And what was that?VitalsStation12B: I looked inside the locker in the station.

VitalsStation12B: And I found out what the siren is used for.

VitalsStation12B: You got lucky that the lights and siren were broken, didn't you?

Heresy: Sofia, tell me you're not thinking what I think you are…

VitalsStation12B: The locker had a radio in it, too.

VitalsStation12B: And it happens to be tuned to the channel that the euthanasia protocol password is broadcasted in.

VitalsStation12B: So, do you want to tell me what it is now?

The chat window is quiet for a while. It feels like hours, but eventually you get an answer.

Heresy: I'm sorry, I can't.

Heresy: It would be easier if you just trusted me and did what I asked for.

Heresy: I can't prove it yet but you'll see if you trust me.

VitalsStation12B: I'm tired of waiting.

VitalsStation12B: Guess we'll both find out what happens soon.

You don't even want to see their response. You turn away from the computer and march back to the locker, snatching up the RADIO and gripping it tightly. You're a bit scared of what might happen if you successfully get the code, but there isn't another way.

Use radio>

You switch the radio on expectantly but it becomes quickly apparent that nothing is happening. You try turning the dial and slapping it a few times but it's completely silent. Turning it over you realize a critical error; you can see corrosion creeping from the edges of the battery casing. If it's already outside the case it's probably not salvageable. You consider throwing it in annoyance but stop yourself. Sure, you're mad, but there's no reason to break anything. It might be useful after all. And besides, the LOCKER still has something useful.

Open locker>

You swing the locker open and are faced once again with the MAP, BOOKLET, strange DEVICE, and the PISTOL.

Pick up map>

You set the radio down and pick up the map, unfolding it and searching the dots and notes on the map. The booklet mentioned a radio station broadcasting the code. Maybe if you can find it, you can get the code anyway. Eventually, you spot it. Radio tower. You smile in satisfaction and look back at the TERMINAL.

Use terminal>

NEXT

PREVIOUS

[webdesigninmississauga]

Web Design Mississauga Ontario: Elevating Your Online Presence

Introduction

In today's digital age, having an impactful online presence is crucial for businesses in Mississauga, Ontario. A well-crafted website not only enhances your brand image but also attracts potential customers. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of web design Mississauga Ontario, offering insights and tips to help you establish a formidable online presence for your business.

Understanding Web Design

Web design encompasses more than just aesthetics; it's about creating a seamless user experience that captivates visitors. The importance of web design cannot be overstated. It serves as the virtual storefront for your business, shaping the first impression that visitors have. Elements such as layout, navigation, and visual appeal play a pivotal role in engaging users and encouraging them to explore further.

Finding the Right Agency

Choosing the right web design Mississauga Ontario agency is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your online venture. Start by conducting thorough research to identify reputable agencies in Mississauga, Ontario. Evaluate their portfolios to assess the quality of their work and ensure that their design style aligns with your brand's vision. Additionally, seek out client testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction and overall experience.

Designing a Responsive Site

In an era where mobile usage is ubiquitous, having a responsive website is imperative. A responsive design ensures that your site adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes, providing an optimal viewing experience for users across devices. Employ techniques such as fluid grids and flexible images to achieve responsiveness and enhance user engagement.

SEO Integration

Incorporating search engine optimization (SEO) into your web design strategy is essential for improving visibility and driving organic traffic to your site. Implementing SEO best practices, such as optimizing meta tags, enhancing site speed, and creating high-quality content, can significantly boost your search engine rankings. Additionally, leverage local SEO techniques to target potential customers in the Mississauga area and enhance your online presence within the local community.

E-commerce Considerations

For businesses in Mississauga, Ontario, with e-commerce aspirations, designing an effective online store is paramount. Stay abreast of e-commerce trends and integrate features such as product catalogs, secure payment gateways, and intuitive checkout processes to streamline the buying journey for customers. Providing a seamless shopping experience not only fosters customer satisfaction but also drives conversions and boosts revenue.

Maintenance and Updates

The work doesn't end once your website goes live. Regular maintenance and updates are essential to ensure optimal performance and security. Implement security measures such as SSL encryption and routine backups to safeguard sensitive data and protect against cyber threats. Furthermore, regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant, demonstrating your commitment to providing value to your audience.

Future of Web Design

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the field of web design. Stay ahead of the curve by embracing emerging trends and technologies that have the potential to reshape the digital landscape. From AI and machine learning to virtual reality and immersive experiences, the future of web design holds exciting possibilities for businesses in Mississauga, Ontario, looking to stay ahead of the competition.

FAQs

How long does it take to design a website?

Design timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the agency's workload. On average, expect the design process to take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

What should I look for in a web design portfolio?

When evaluating a web design portfolio, pay attention to factors such as visual appeal, usability, and variety of projects. Look for examples that resonate with your brand's aesthetic and objectives.

Do I need a mobile-friendly website?

Absolutely! With mobile usage on the rise, having a mobile-friendly website is essential for reaching and engaging a wider audience. A responsive design ensures optimal user experience across all devices.

How can I improve my website's search engine rankings?

Enhancing your website's search engine rankings requires a multifaceted approach, including keyword optimization, content creation, link building, and technical SEO improvements.

What security measures should I implement on my website?

To safeguard your website against cyber threats, implement measures such as SSL encryption, regular security audits, strong password policies, and software updates.

What are the benefits of integrating e-commerce functionality into my website?

Integrating e-commerce functionality allows you to expand your reach, attract new customers, and capitalize on the growing trend of online shopping. It also provides convenience for your existing customer base and opens up new revenue streams.

Conclusion

Elevate your online presence with expert web design Mississauga Ontario services tailored to your business needs. From responsive design to SEO integration and future-proofing strategies, empower your brand to stand out in the digital landscape. With the right approach and a trusted partner, your journey to online success begins here.

[decorosoft01]

Elevating Your Online Presence: Why Decorosoft Stands as the Best Web Development Company in USA

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses to thrive. Your website serves as the digital storefront, often being the first point of contact for potential customers. Therefore, it's essential to invest in professional web development services to ensure that your website not only captures attention but also engages and converts visitors effectively. Among the myriad of options available, Decorosoft emerges as the best web development company in USA, offering unparalleled expertise, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Here's why Decorosoft is your ultimate partner in elevating your online presence:

Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in the industry, Decorosoft boasts a team of highly skilled web developers who are experts in their craft. Our developers possess a deep understanding of the latest web technologies, frameworks, and best practices, allowing them to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need a simple informational website or a complex e-commerce platform, we have the knowledge and expertise to bring your vision to life.

Customized Solutions: At Decorosoft, we understand that one size does not fit all when it comes to web development. That's why we take a personalized approach to every project, working closely with our clients to understand their goals, target audience, and unique challenges. Our team collaborates with you every step of the way, from concept and design to development and deployment, ensuring that the final product aligns with your brand identity and business objectives.

Cutting-Edge Technologies: In the fast-paced world of web development, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Decorosoft is committed to leveraging the latest technologies and tools to deliver superior results. Whether it's responsive design for seamless user experience across devices, integration of AI and machine learning for personalized content recommendations, or implementation of advanced security measures to protect your data, we harness the power of technology to enhance your website's performance and functionality.

Scalability and Flexibility: As your business grows and evolves, so should your website. Decorosoft builds scalable and flexible solutions that can adapt to your changing needs over time. Whether you need to add new features, integrate third-party services, or optimize performance, our developers ensure that your website remains robust and reliable, no matter how complex your requirements may be.

Focus on User Experience: A visually stunning website is meaningless if it fails to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience. Decorosoft prioritizes user experience in all our web development projects, focusing on factors such as site navigation, page loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and accessibility. By creating a user-friendly interface and intuitive design, we ensure that visitors can easily find what they're looking for and engage with your content effectively.

Comprehensive Support and Maintenance: Our relationship with clients doesn't end after the website goes live. Decorosoft provides ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that your website remains secure, up-to-date, and performing at its best. Whether you need troubleshooting assistance, software updates, or regular backups, our dedicated support team is always available to address any issues and keep your website running smoothly.

In conclusion, when it comes to web development, Decorosoft stands out as the best choice for businesses in the USA. With our expertise, customized solutions, cutting-edge technologies, focus on user experience, and comprehensive support services, we empower businesses to elevate their online presence and achieve their goals. Partner with Decorosoft today and take your website to new heights of success.

[research-related-blogs]

Leading Data Connectivity: Positioning for Growth in the Network Attached Storage Market

The exploding demand for storage capacity in our increasingly internet-dependent world and its tight labor market results in the growing demand for the network-attached storage market. The rapid increase in the need for online capacity fuels the Business technology trends.

With the rapid globalization and a shift in the lifestyles of consumers smartphones, laptops, and tablets have become inevitable. The increased data volume and internet usage leads to the exponential growth of big data consequently fueling the demand for network-attached storage solutions. Post-pandemic the shift towards remote work and distributed teams further accelerates the demand for network-attached storage solutions.

The presence of a large number of key players across the globe has led to an increase in the generation of unstructured data volume creating the need for modern-day storage solutions to maintain secured backup across IT infrastructures. Many small and medium-sized enterprises are adopting network-attached storage due to their cost effectiveness of deployment and scalability. The market is highly fragmented with several established players and emerging entries offering a wide range of products targeting different market segments. Competition in the market drives innovation leading to the introduction of more advanced and featured network-attached storage solutions.

[kemuhost]

Unlocking the Potential: Exploring VPS Hosting Use Cases

In today's digital landscape, hosting solutions play a pivotal role in determining the success and performance of websites, applications, and businesses. Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting has emerged as a versatile and efficient hosting solution that caters to a wide range of use cases. Whether you're a small business owner, an e-commerce entrepreneur, or a developer seeking powerful yet affordable hosting, Linux VPS hosting can be the key to unlocking your digital ambitions.

1. Website Hosting for Small Businesses

For small businesses and startups, establishing a robust online presence is paramount. VPS hosting provides an ideal platform for hosting business websites. With dedicated resources, enhanced security, and scalability, VPS hosting ensures that your website can handle traffic spikes, offer a seamless user experience, and support e-commerce functionalities.

2. E-Commerce Empowerment

E-commerce businesses thrive on speed, reliability, and secure transactions. VPS hosting offers the perfect environment for e-commerce websites. It provides the resources necessary to handle a large product catalog, high-resolution images, and online transactions. With the ability to install SSL certificates, VPS hosting ensures a secure shopping experience for your customers.

3. Application Development and Testing

Developers often require an isolated environment to build, test, and deploy applications. VPS hosting allows developers to create multiple virtual instances on a single physical server. This makes it an ideal choice for development and testing, enabling developers to work in a controlled and secure space.

Read Similar: Desktop Virtualization 101: An In-Depth Introduction

4. Content Management Systems (CMS)

Popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal are the backbone of millions of websites. VPS hosting provides the necessary resources to run these CMS platforms efficiently. You can customize your hosting environment to meet the specific requirements of your chosen CMS, ensuring optimal performance.

5. Data Backup and Storage

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, and data loss can be catastrophic. VPS hosting can be used for data backup and storage. With ample storage space and data redundancy, VPS hosting offers a secure and reliable solution for preserving critical business data.

6. Reseller Hosting

For entrepreneurs interested in hosting businesses, VPS hosting can serve as a foundation for reseller hosting services. Reseller hosting allows you to create and manage hosting accounts for your clients while enjoying the flexibility and control of a VPS.

7. Gaming Servers

Online gaming communities require reliable, low-latency servers to ensure a seamless gaming experience. Gamers and gaming enthusiasts can utilize VPS hosting to create their own gaming servers for various online games. With dedicated resources, they can host multiplayer games and customize server settings to suit their preferences.

Get Game Servers for an uninterrupted gaming experience!

8. VPN and Proxy Services

VPS hosting can also be used to set up Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and proxy services. This enables users to enhance their online privacy and security by masking their IP addresses, accessing geo-restricted content, and encrypting internet traffic.

9. Test and Staging Environments

Before deploying updates or changes to a live website or application, it's essential to test them in a staging environment. VPS hosting allows businesses to create isolated staging environments where they can safely test updates, plugins, or code changes without impacting the live site.

10. Personal Cloud Services

Individuals who value data privacy and control can turn to VPS hosting for personal cloud services. This allows them to store and access their files, photos, and documents securely in their private cloud.

In conclusion, VPS hosting has evolved into a versatile hosting solution that caters to a multitude of use cases. Whether you're running a small business, developing applications, hosting websites, or pursuing other digital endeavors, VPS hosting offers the performance, control, and scalability you need to succeed in the online world. As technology continues to advance, VPS hosting remains at the forefront of the hosting industry, providing solutions for the ever-evolving needs of businesses and individuals.

With VPS hosting, your digital ambitions are well within reach, and you can embark on your online journey with confidence.

[onlineemenu-software]

How Restaurant Management Software Streamlines Operations and Boosts Efficiency

The restaurant industry is highly competitive, and efficient operations play a crucial role in the success of any establishment. In today's digital age, restaurant management software has emerged as a powerful tool to streamline operations and boost efficiency. This blog post explores the various ways in which restaurant management software revolutionizes the way restaurants operate, enabling them to deliver exceptional customer experiences while optimizing their backend processes.

The Role of Restaurant Management Software:

Online eMenu Restaurant management software is a comprehensive solution designed to handle the diverse aspects of running a restaurant. It encompasses a wide range of features and functionalities that simplify day-to-day operations, enhance productivity, and improve overall efficiency. From Restaurant tasks to Restaurant operations, the software offers a centralized platform to manage and streamline various processes.

Streamlining Restaurant Operations:

In the bustling environment of a restaurant, managing Restaurant operations efficiently is essential. Online eMenu Restaurant management software offers tools for reservation and table management software, allowing customers to book tables online and providing staff with real-time updates on reservations. This helps optimize table turnover and maximize seating capacity, leading to better customer service and increased revenue. Additionally, the software integrates with the point-of-sale (POS) system, enabling seamless order taking and processing.

Enhancing Restaurant Efficiency:

Efficiency in the Restaurant operations is equally important for smooth restaurant functioning. With restaurant management software, staff scheduling and labor management become hassle-free. The software automates scheduling, taking into account factors such as staff availability and workload, resulting in optimized staff allocation and improved productivity. It also tracks labor costs and performance metrics, providing valuable insights for effective decision-making.

Supplier and procurement management is another critical aspect that software addresses. By streamlining the ordering process and managing suppliers, restaurants can ensure timely and accurate deliveries. The software facilitates inventory forecasting, minimizing wastage and optimizing stock levels. Real-time reporting and analytics capabilities empower restaurant owners and managers to monitor sales, expenses, and performance, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

Building strong customer relationships is vital for the success of any restaurant. Restaurant management software Customer Relationship Management (CRM) helps in creating and maintaining customer profiles, capturing preferences, and analyzing data to deliver personalized experiences. Additionally, the software facilitates the implementation of loyalty programs and targeted marketing campaigns, allowing restaurants to engage with customers effectively and increase customer retention.

Ensuring Data Security and Accessibility:

Data security is a paramount concern in today's digital landscape. Restaurant management software offers robust security measures to protect sensitive customer information and business data. Cloud-based solutions provide data backup and ensure accessibility from anywhere, anytime, allowing owners and managers to monitor and manage their restaurant's operations remotely. User access control features further enhance data privacy and confidentiality.

Case Studies: Success Stories of Restaurant Management Software Implementation

Real-life examples of restaurants that have implemented restaurant management software can provide valuable insights into its effectiveness. Case studies highlighting specific improvements and outcomes achieved through the software demonstrate how it has helped restaurants streamline their operations, enhance efficiency, and deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Challenges and Considerations:

While restaurant management software offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider potential challenges and factors when selecting the right software. Factors such as cost, scalability, user-friendliness, and integration capabilities with existing systems should be evaluated before making a decision. Addressing these considerations ensures a successful implementation and maximizes the software's potential.

Conclusion:

Restaurant Management software has become a game-changer in the industry, revolutionizing the way restaurants operate. By streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing processes, this software empowers restaurants to deliver exceptional customer experiences while driving profitability. As technology continues to shape the future of the restaurant industry, embracing restaurant management software becomes essential for those seeking.

[xsoldier]

The one part I don't agree with is deleting your content off of the platform. I wholeheartedly understand the motivation behind it, but I think it's VERY shortsighted in a deeply detrimental way that I haven't seen being talked about enough.

Specifically because Twitter WAS the town square of the Internet for such a long time, and because verification there meant something before a particular date. Tweets have timestamps to when they were made, so that you can gauge how reliable information you find is likely to be… assuming that the content is actually still there.

Because of that, there's a cornucopia of links that have timestamps to established points of information as evidence of fact that particular things happened and were discussed — both good AND bad. When only the factual historical data of one side gets mass-purged from public record, and the solely the evidence of the less-reputable side remains… that creates a HUGELY dangerous problem in the long-term.

Any time verified experts said something on Twitter back when that meant something, and that was linked in an article, deleting their Twitter content means that those links are now dead and show nothing. Thus now that article's veracity is also harder to verify, because most Twitter content was just embedded rather than transcribed or screenshot. That's just GONE for a lot of important people who have NO idea how much or what information they provided a bunch of years ago people kept bookmarked or linked in a write-up.

Especially since the Internet Archive was the subject of MULTIPLE DDOS ATTACKS in October, and had to go through a painstakingly meticulous process to slowly bring everything back online — there's no guarantee how well our mostly singular system of backups will work long-term, and active evidence that they're purposefully being targeted AS ALL OF THIS CHANGE HAS BEEN HAPPENING.

So, let's jump forward 10 years from now and assume both platforms still exist, but the Internet Archive gets severely compromised by an attack.

If only the Far Right have all of THEIR side of the story on the verifiably older, historically documented platform, and all the others have their content which only exist on a platform that suddenly emerged FAR later and is making claims about how the Far Right's framing of missing historical information isn't accurate, but without any evidence to point to… that's MASSIVELY DANGEROUS.

…you're undermining your own ability to have an equal standing on historical truth. That's positioning it so that because the information literally just isn't there, just making up whatever fits your narrative becomes the new par for the course…

Which is what the Far Right NEEDS to happen.

It's what "Fake News" claims have been trying to do to shake the foundation of collectively shared public truth over the last decade. And now Trump is about to be in power again. If that one side has all the verifiable historical information, AND the power to publish the new books that all agree with them — who's gonna be able to stop them when you have less reliable evidence because you chose to burn it all to the ground?

Yes, deleting a Twitter is an individual choice, but when you operate collectively around publicly shared information en masse, there are societal consequences to that which extend beyond the weight of that merely as a multiplied individual choice, and it carries a larger collective consequence.

And quite frankly — given how obvious it is that there's a huge pressure for manipulating that that's been building for the last decade now — it's a possibility that I think is fucking TERRIFYING.

should you delete twitter and get bluesky? (or just get a bluesky in general)? here's what i've found:

yes. my answer was no before bc the former CEO of twitter who also sucked, jack dorsey, was on the board, but he left as of may 2024, and things have gotten a lot better. also a lot of japanese and korean artists have joined

don't delete your twitter. lock your account, use a service to delete all your tweets, delete the app off of your phone, and keep your account/handle so you can't be impersonated.

get a bluesky with the same handle, even if you won't use it, also so you won't be impersonated.

get the sky follower bridge extension for chrome or firefox. you can find everyone you follow on twitter AND everyone you blocked so you don't have to start fresh: https://skyfollowerbridge.com/

learn how to use its moderation tools (labelers, block lists, NSFW settings) so you can immediately cut out the grifters, fascists, t*rfs, AI freaks, have the NSFW content you want to see if you so choose, and moderate for triggers. here's a helpful thread with a lot of tools.

the bluesky phone app is pretty good, but there is also tweetdeck for bluesky, called https://deck.blue/ on desktop, if you miss tweetdeck.

bluesky has explicitly stated they do not use your data to train generative AI, which is nice to hear from an up and coming startup. obviously we can’t trust these companies and please use nightshade and glaze, but it’s good to hear.

[smsmarket]

The Evolution of SMS in the 5G and IoT Era

Reimagining Text Messages: Embracing the New Age of Connectivity

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the communication landscape is experiencing a transformative shift. The integration of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping how devices and people stay connected, with SMS playing a crucial yet adaptable role in this new ecosystem. Although traditional SMS may seem overshadowed by newer messaging platforms, its reliability and ubiquity ensure it remains vital in the connected world. In the era of 5G, the speed and bandwidth capabilities are vastly increased, enabling more sophisticated and data-intensive applications. Despite these advancements, SMS retains its significance as a reliable fallback communication method, especially in critical scenarios where instant and guaranteed delivery is essential. For instance, emergency alerts, two-factor authentication, and transactional notifications depend heavily on SMS due to its widespread compatibility and simplicity. Simultaneously, IoT devices are proliferating, connecting everything from smart thermostats to industrial sensors. These devices often rely on machine-to-machine (M2M) messaging protocols, where SMS continues to be a preferred communication channel owing to its minimal infrastructure requirements and proven reliability. As IoT expands, SMS can serve as a dependable backup or supplementary communication method, ensuring seamless operation even in the face of network disruptions. Looking ahead, the coexistence of SMS with 5G and IoT is a strategic advantage. Developers and businesses are increasingly leveraging the strengths of each technology to create more resilient and flexible communication frameworks. For example, integrated platforms can utilize high-speed 5G data channels for real-time interactions while falling back on SMS for critical alerts and confirmations. Furthermore, the future of SMS involves integrating with emerging technologies such as cloud-based messaging, AI-driven automation, and enhanced security protocols. This evolution will enable SMS to remain relevant, providing a bridge between legacy systems and cutting-edge IoT applications. To explore more about the ongoing developments in messaging technology and its future implications, visit the future of sms for comprehensive insights and updates.