#pipeline leak detection

[plumbingclearlakecitytx]

Plumbing Clear Lake City TX

Having a leakage anywhere in your residence such as kitchen, shower, hot water heater or bathroom sinks can waste gallons of water per month and increase your utility bills. This might work against your savings’ goal that you set in place to get money for the holidays. If you have this problem let Plumbing Clear Lake TX know and immediately our plumbers will get to work with their pipeline leak detection equipment that can identify any weak areas in your plumbing. Having leaking pipes can cause some serious damages in your home and should be attended to immediately. There may be something you can do such as turn off the water main lines in your home, but how long can you operate without running water? Our plumbers will be able to correct this problem and address the cause easily when we arrive. Make an appointment today and we will be on our way momentarily.

Contact us on 281-962-5721

[thermoeliteinc]

Unlocking the Power of Drone Thermal Imaging with Thermo Elite

In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for faster, safer, and more precise inspection and analysis methods is skyrocketing across industries. Whether it's infrastructure, agriculture, construction, or energy—organizations are seeking smarter technologies to gain insights and optimize operations. This is where drone thermal imaging comes into play, and Thermo Elite is proud to be at the forefront of this cutting-edge service in Canada.

What is Drone Thermal Imaging?

Drone thermal imaging involves the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, equipped with advanced thermal cameras that detect heat emitted by objects. These thermal sensors capture temperature variations invisible to the naked eye and convert them into detailed infrared images. The result? A powerful, non-invasive tool for identifying problems, inspecting assets, and improving decision-making.

At Thermo Elite, we integrate the latest in drone technology with high-resolution thermal cameras to deliver accurate, real-time data that helps our clients reduce risks, cut costs, and enhance efficiency.

Why Choose Drone Thermal Imaging?

Traditional inspection methods often involve scaffolding, rope access, or shutting down equipment—costly and time-consuming processes that also carry safety risks. In contrast, drone thermal imaging allows for:

Non-contact inspections

Faster turnaround times

Access to hard-to-reach or dangerous areas

Accurate temperature mapping

Minimal downtime and disruption

Thermo Elite’s drone thermal imaging services are designed to serve a broad range of applications while ensuring safety, compliance, and exceptional accuracy.

Industries We Serve

1. Building and Roof Inspections

Leaks, insulation problems, or moisture accumulation can lead to costly damages if left undetected. Drone thermal imaging identifies temperature anomalies on rooftops and building envelopes—pinpointing issues such as water intrusion, heat loss, or faulty insulation before they escalate.

2. Solar Panel Inspections

Maintaining solar panel efficiency is crucial for both residential and commercial installations. Our drone-mounted thermal cameras detect underperforming cells, hot spots, and defects without needing to physically touch or disassemble panels—saving time and improving maintenance strategies.

3. Electrical and Mechanical Inspections

Overheated components, loose connections, and failing motors are visible in thermal. Using drones, Thermo Elite can inspect high-voltage transmission lines, transformers, and electrical systems in real time—safely and efficiently.

4. Agriculture and Crop Monitoring

Thermal imaging is revolutionizing precision agriculture. Our drone services help farmers identify irrigation issues, detect pest infestations, and monitor plant health by capturing variations in canopy temperature, ensuring smarter farming and healthier crops.

5. Oil and Gas Industry

Drone thermal imaging helps in detecting leaks in pipelines, monitoring storage tanks, and ensuring facility safety. Inspections can be performed without shutting down equipment or risking personnel, making operations more secure and efficient.

Why Thermo Elite?

At Thermo Elite, we combine decades of experience in thermographic inspection with the latest drone technology to deliver unparalleled service. Here's what sets us apart:

Certified Thermographers: Our team includes Level 1, 2, and 3 thermographers certified to industry standards.

Advanced Equipment: We use high-resolution FLIR thermal sensors for accurate diagnostics.

Customized Reports: Every project comes with a comprehensive, easy-to-understand report complete with images and recommendations.

Safety First: All our drone pilots are certified and trained to operate in compliance with Canadian aviation laws.

Nationwide Coverage: Whether you’re in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver—we bring our services to your site.

Drone Thermal Imaging: A Smart Investment

From identifying early-stage faults to monitoring system performance, drone thermal imaging is a game-changer. It transforms how businesses handle inspections—making them smarter, faster, and safer.

For facility managers, property developers, solar farm owners, or agricultural experts—this service offers unmatched value. And with Thermo Elite as your partner, you can trust that you’re getting reliable data backed by real expertise.

Ready to See the Unseen?

Thermal imaging with drones opens a world of invisible data—and Thermo Elite is here to help you access it. Whether you need routine maintenance or urgent diagnostics, we tailor our services to your exact needs.

Want to know how drone thermal imaging can benefit your next project? Contact Thermo Elite today and schedule a free consultation with our certified team. Let's help you see what your eyes can’t—and make informed, data-driven decisions every step of the way.

[etplumbingmarketing]

Detecting Leaks Before the Damage Starts: Why It’s Essential

Water leaks can quietly cause massive damage to your home, which is why timely leak detection in Pinecrest, FL, is crucial for preventing expensive repairs.

Learn more.

[superavenueunknown]

Why regular plumbing servicing is helpful, and how you can do it yourself.

Your living space reflects your state of mind, pristine works if pristine it seems. Messy works too if that your vibe is. Imagine shut windows, boarded up, what do you think that reflects? Decay; not just mess, Now, mess is when there exist leaks or no electricity. Well, leaks and electricity issues are common place. Let’s quit the meditation on decay and messy states and check into reality. Why is a regular plumbing maintenance important on a regular basis? 

Simplifying this,

What are some plumbing grievances that could disrupt your daily routine, and how you could do it yourself, although getting professional plumbing services would be better and it is easy on your pockets too. 

Leaks, drainage clogs, water heater hazards, flushing issues and the likes. A regular plumbing maintenance routine would look something this,

Simple routine things if done on a regular could save you from potential water hazards.

Checking water pressure, making sure it is in the normal range.

Checking for leaks, inspecting pipes, shower heads, faucets, valves and taps to check in case there are leaks.

Drainage cleaning, plungers come in handy or perhaps natural solutions like using baking sodas or vinegar to rid of the sheen.

Toilet maintenance, water heater, flush them both to eradicate the sediment accumulated.

Finally, checking the water quality, and taking care of the garbage disposal, since that is the key.

Now you know how to prevent blockages and clogs, issues with the sewer line and drain clogs, this would be real helpful to avoid damages and any other potential plumbing hazards.

But despite this, you encounter any plumbing hazards or issues. Reach out to us to get instant fixes.

Contact: +91 9980806696

Visit: www.instafix.in

[cnilocates]

Accurate Pipe Locating Service for Fast and Efficient Detection

Locate underground pipes quickly and accurately with professional pipe locating services. Using advanced technology, experts detect pipe locations for repairs, maintenance, or construction projects. Ideal for homeowners, contractors, and utility workers seeking safe and precise solutions. For more information visit our site: https://cnilocates.com/services/

[cyberswift-story]

Enhancing Gas Pipeline Management with GIS: Key Benefits and Applications

In the energy and utilities sector, gas pipeline management is complex, requiring precision, safety, and a clear strategy for both existing infrastructure and future expansion. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have revolutionized pipeline management by providing a spatially accurate, data-rich view of assets. From asset management and leak detection to route planning and demand forecasting, GIS is becoming indispensable for gas companies. This blog delves into the ways GIS transforms gas pipeline management, delivering benefits across safety, efficiency, cost-saving, and planning.

[reasonsforhope]

"On a blustery day in early March, the who’s who of methane research gathered at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara, California. Dozens of people crammed into a NASA mission control center. Others watched from cars pulled alongside roads just outside the sprawling facility. Many more followed a livestream. They came from across the country to witness the launch of an oven-sized satellite capable of detecting the potent planet-warming gas from space. 

The amount of methane, the primary component in natural gas, in the atmosphere has been rising steadily over the last few decades, reaching nearly three times as much as preindustrial times. About a third of methane emissions in the United States occur during the extraction of fossil fuels as the gas seeps from wellheads, pipelines, and other equipment. The rest come from agricultural operations, landfills, coal mining, and other sources. Some of these leaks are large enough to be seen from orbit. Others are miniscule, yet contribute to a growing problem.

Identifying and repairing them is a relatively straightforward climate solution. Methane has a warming potential about 80 times higher than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, so reducing its levels in the atmosphere can help curb global temperature rise. And unlike other industries where the technology to decarbonize is still relatively new, oil and gas companies have long had the tools and know-how to fix these leaks.

MethaneSAT, the gas-detecting device launched in March, is the latest in a growing armada of satellites designed to detect methane. Led by the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund, or EDF, and more than six years in the making, the satellite has the ability to circle the globe 15 times a day and monitor regions where 80 percent of the world’s oil and gas is produced. Along with other satellites in orbit, it is expected to dramatically change how regulators and watchdogs police the oil and gas industry...

A couple hours after the rocket blasted off, Wofsy, Hamburg, and his colleagues watched on a television at a hotel about two miles away as their creation was ejected into orbit. It was a jubilant moment for members of the team, many of whom had traveled to Vandenberg with their partners, parents, and children. “Everybody spontaneously broke into a cheer,” Wofsy said. “You [would’ve] thought that your team scored a touchdown during overtime.”

The data the satellite generates in the coming months will be publicly accessible — available for environmental advocates, oil and gas companies, and regulators alike. Each has an interest in the information MethaneSAT will beam home. Climate advocates hope to use it to push for more stringent regulations governing methane emissions and to hold negligent operators accountable. Fossil fuel companies, many of which do their own monitoring, could use the information to pinpoint and repair leaks, avoiding penalties and recouping a resource they can sell. Regulators could use the data to identify hotspots, develop targeted policies, and catch polluters. For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency is taking steps to be able to use third-party data to enforce its air quality regulations, developing guidelines for using the intelligence satellites like MethaneSAT will provide. The satellite is so important to the agency’s efforts that EPA Administrator Michael Regan was in Santa Barbara for the launch as was a congressional lawmaker. Activists hailed the satellite as a much-needed tool to address climate change. 

“This is going to radically change the amount of empirically observed data that we have and vastly increase our understanding of the amount of methane emissions that are currently happening and what needs to be done to reduce them,” said Dakota Raynes, a research and policy manager at the environmental nonprofit Earthworks. “I’m hopeful that gaining that understanding is going to help continue to shift the narrative towards [the] phase down of fossil fuels.”

With the satellite safely orbiting 370 miles above the Earth’s surface, the mission enters a critical second phase. In the coming months, EDF researchers will calibrate equipment and ensure the satellite works as planned. By next year [2025], it is expected to transmit reams of information from around the world."

-via Grist, April 7, 2024

[arcpunk]

Bioluminal Lighting in Arcpunk Metropolises

In the world of Arcpunk, neither electricity nor natural gas serves as an energy source. While in theory it would be possible to power gas lamps using H², the sheer amount of H² required for the 24/7 lighting typical of many cities - such as Bangaloi - would be so immense that even if the entire volume of imports consisted solely of H², the city likely still couldn’t be fully supplied. Moreover, Metropolites (Chunks made up entirely of one massive city) would suffocate within days. Not to mention the extreme fire hazard.

Instead, cities rely on a highly specialized biological lighting system based on luminous microorganisms.

Functionality: 

The microorganisms emit light when digesting certain nutrients. This light is bioluminescent and typically has a greenish-yellow glow, which gives the cities their distinctive color palette. While it is technically possible to alter the light’s tone using filters like colored glass, this significantly reduces the lamp's brightness - so such modifications are generally avoided.

The organisms reside in lamp-like structures that functionally resemble aquariums - filled with a liquid colloquially known as "glow soup."

To ensure city-wide distribution, a network of pipes runs through the entire urban area, transporting the glow soup and its nutrients into all districts. Pump stations regularly infuse the liquid with fresh nutrient solution to keep the microorganisms active and glowing. The system is similar to a water supply network, but it's entirely dedicated to maintaining the city’s lamps.

Societal and Aesthetic Impact 

Urban Landscape: In poorer or poorly maintained districts, leaks in the pipeline system are common, leading to the formation of glowing puddles. These contribute to a distinctive, grimy-organic atmosphere reminiscent of the aesthetic seen in subaquatic scifi.

Light Inequality: The farther a lamp is from the central supply station, the dimmer it glows. Since light hubs are rarely built in low-income districts, these areas are quite literally darker and more dangerous. However, private homes and clubs can operate their own lamps and "feed" them individually, which has led to a new kind of status symbol: the brightness of one's personal spaces.

Safety Factor: In cities with higher oxygen levels, using gas-based lamps would be extremely dangerous. The use of microorganisms thus represents a fire-safe lighting solution that has become well-established over generations.

Sabotage: Though rare, attacks on the municipal lighting system do occur. In these cases, perpetrators inject toxins into the network to kill the microorganisms. If detected by the city wardens, they quickly sever the return flow, resulting in a localized blackout for the affected district. The fluid must then be drained and the pipes thoroughly cleaned - a process that can take weeks. Residents are forced to rely on their own lamps during this time.

One might assume this would be an effective way to sabotage the luxury estates of the wealthy, but those typically have independent and often decentralized lighting systems, with well-protected lamps and lanterns - precisely for such reasons.

Did that pique your curiosity? You can find more about Arcpunk at: Arcpunk.com

Many lamps can function perfectly well without any internal flow, but they then require separate nutrient supply. In contrast, the central municipal system operates exactly like a water supply: through pipes in which the luminous medium flows. This not only eliminates the need to maintain each lamp individually, but the movement of the liquid also stimulates the microorganisms to emit a stronger glow.

However, over the course of several weeks, more and more microorganisms settle on the glass surfaces, forming an increasingly thick film. Therefore, the lamps must be cleaned from time to time. This is done either manually or by adding labettes to the fluid - organisms that consume the biofilm from the surfaces.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

A recent oil spill in Wisconsin is exacerbating already tense relationships between state officials and several groups that are fighting to stop a controversial pipeline project from moving forward.

For years, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, along with several environmental groups, have been fighting to stop Enbridge Energy from replacing 41 miles of its Line 5 pipeline that runs through northern Wisconsin. The groups say the project will endanger wildlife and sensitive wetlands used by tribal members.

Wisconsin officials approved two key permits for that project last month following a lengthy environmental review that concluded the Line 5 project could be safely constructed and maintained. But opponents are calling that decision a mistake, pointing to an oil spill at a separate Enbridge pipeline in the state that was reported just days before the Line 5 permit approvals.

On Nov. 11, an Enbridge technician discovered a valve failure that resulted in the release of nearly 70,000 gallons of crude oil from the company’s Line 6 pipeline in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, west of Milwaukee, according to a federal accident report released last week. In the report, investigators noted that the pipeline “was likely leaking for an extended period of time,” and that the employee found the leak during a routine check—indications that Enbridge didn’t immediately notice the problem. The report also said the spill did not result in any injuries or deaths, and that the oil contaminated soil but not groundwater.

Opponents of the Line 5 project say the Line 6 spill, as well as how it was handled, has further eroded their trust in state regulators. Some also criticized the DNR for not making information about the spill immediately available to the public. 

“The very same week that DNR issued permits for Line 5 based on its conclusion that the risk for a spill would be ‘low,’ DNR was investigating a significant oil leak on another Enbridge pipeline,” Tony Wilkin Gibart, executive director of Midwest Environmental Advocates, said in a statement. “The faulty segment on Line 6 in Jefferson County has a leak detection system, but that system failed to even detect the leak.”

The spill is Enbridge’s worst in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, surpassing a 2012 incident that spilled 50,000 gallons in Adams County. But Robert Blanchard, chairman of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, said he didn’t learn about the incident until last week. He called it “a red flag” that authorities didn’t publicly release details of the leak until a month after Enbridge reported finding it.

[top-leaders-in-india]

Providing Tap Water to Every Home in Jhotwara: Col Rajyavardhan Rathore’s Vision in Action

Col Rajyavardhan Rathore’s leadership has been a catalyst for transformation in Jhotwara, with a primary focus on ensuring clean and reliable tap water access to every home. This initiative, part of a broader developmental vision, is not only improving lives but also empowering the community for a sustainable future.

Revolutionizing Water Access in Jhotwara

1. Jhotwara’s Journey to ‘Har Ghar Jal’

Once plagued by water scarcity, Jhotwara has now become a model for effective water management.

The implementation of the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ program has brought much-needed relief to thousands of households.

2. Addressing Water Scarcity Challenges

Recognizing Jhotwara’s unique challenges, Col Rathore introduced tailored solutions to address the region’s water needs effectively.

Transformative Impact on Jhotwara

1. Health and Hygiene

The availability of clean tap water has reduced waterborne diseases, ensuring better health outcomes.

Families now enjoy improved hygiene standards with readily available water.

2. Reducing the Burden on Women

Women, who often bore the brunt of fetching water, now have more time to focus on education, employment, and personal development.

3. Boosting Local Livelihoods

Reliable water supply supports small businesses, agriculture, and other livelihood activities, enhancing the local economy.

Steps Taken to Ensure Tap Water Access

1. Infrastructure Development

Extensive pipelines, modern pumping stations, and advanced water purification systems have been installed.

Continuous monitoring ensures the seamless functioning of water distribution systems.

2. Community Collaboration

Regular interactions with local residents have fostered awareness about water conservation and efficient usage.

Public feedback has been instrumental in fine-tuning the initiative’s implementation.

3. Leveraging Technology

Smart water management systems have been employed to detect leaks, ensure equitable distribution, and minimize wastage.

Milestones Achieved in Jhotwara

1. Overwhelming Coverage

More than 90% of households in Jhotwara now have functional tap water connections.

2. Success in Rural and Urban Areas

Both urban settlements and rural communities in Jhotwara have been brought under the program’s ambit, ensuring no one is left behind.

Public Response and Recognition

1. Community Gratitude

Residents have expressed immense gratitude for this life-changing initiative.

Many families have shared how their daily lives have become easier and healthier.

2. Statewide Recognition

Jhotwara’s success has set an example for other regions in Rajasthan, with many seeking to replicate its model.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Progress

1. Expanding Reach

The target is to achieve 100% tap water access in Jhotwara by mid-2024.

2. Promoting Water Conservation

Awareness campaigns and rainwater harvesting projects will ensure sustainable water usage for future generations.

3. Enhancing Quality Standards

Regular quality checks and upgrades to infrastructure will maintain high standards of service.

A Testament to Effective Leadership

Col Rajyavardhan Rathore’s dedication to providing tap water to every home in Jhotwara is a monumental achievement. It reflects his unwavering commitment to public welfare and his ability to deliver impactful results.

As Jhotwara flourishes with newfound ease and dignity, it stands as a testament to what focused leadership can achieve. This initiative not only addresses a basic need but also empowers the community, paving the way for sustainable development and prosperity.

[muegroup]

Iraq Oil and Gas Construction Companies: Key Players in Energy Development

As one of the world’s largest oil-producing countries, Iraq relies heavily on its oil and gas industry to drive economic growth. Iraq oil and gas construction companies are essential in building the infrastructure needed for exploration, extraction, and distribution of oil and gas. These companies play a vital role in constructing pipelines, refineries, storage facilities, and processing plants, which are crucial for Iraq’s energy sector. The expertise and efficiency of Iraq oil and gas construction companies directly influence the country’s ability to maintain its role as a global energy provider.

The Importance of Iraq’s Oil and Gas Sector

The oil and gas sector contributes around 90% of Iraq’s national revenue, making it a cornerstone of the economy. With abundant reserves and a strategic location, Iraq has positioned itself as a major player in the global energy market. However, the sector faces challenges, including the need to update outdated infrastructure and improve efficiency in extraction and refining processes. This is where Iraq oil and gas construction companies step in, offering the expertise and technology to modernize and expand infrastructure. Through their work, these companies not only contribute to economic growth but also help secure Iraq’s future as a competitive energy producer.

Key Services Offered by Iraq Oil and Gas Construction Companies

Iraq’s oil and gas construction companies provide a variety of services to meet the complex demands of the industry. These services include:

Pipeline Construction and Maintenance One of the most critical components of the oil and gas infrastructure is pipelines. They enable the safe and efficient transport of crude oil and natural gas across long distances. Iraq oil and gas construction companies specialize in designing, building, and maintaining pipelines that meet both national and international safety standards. Regular maintenance of these pipelines is crucial for preventing leaks and ensuring smooth operation, making these companies indispensable to the sector.

Refinery Construction and Expansion Refineries are vital for processing crude oil into usable products, such as gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals. Iraq oil and gas construction companies are skilled in constructing new refineries and expanding existing ones to meet the increasing demand. These projects require advanced engineering and the latest technology to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Storage Facilities Efficient storage solutions are essential for managing the supply of oil and gas, especially as global demand fluctuates. Iraq’s construction companies build and maintain large-scale storage facilities, which help manage the country’s energy reserves and stabilize the supply chain. Properly constructed storage facilities also ensure the safe handling of hazardous materials, reducing the risk of accidents.

Processing Plants and Equipment Installation Processing plants convert raw oil and gas into products ready for distribution. Iraq oil and gas construction companies work on both the construction and maintenance of these plants, installing specialized equipment designed to maximize output and minimize waste. This involves incorporating technology that meets international standards for efficiency and environmental protection, supporting Iraq’s long-term goals for sustainable energy production.

Technology and Innovation in Iraq’s Oil and Gas Construction Sector

To stay competitive and meet the demands of an evolving energy market, Iraq oil and gas construction companies are increasingly incorporating advanced technology into their projects. Key technologies used include:

Digital Monitoring and Automation: Digital sensors and automated systems help monitor pipeline pressure, detect leaks, and manage refinery operations more efficiently.

Drones and Robotics: Drones are now commonly used for aerial surveys and inspections, especially in challenging terrain. Robotics aid in tasks such as welding and equipment installation, enhancing precision and safety.

Environmental Technologies: New technologies designed to reduce emissions and manage waste are also being integrated. For instance, gas flaring reduction technology is becoming more common, helping to minimize environmental impact.

The Role of Local Expertise and International Partnerships

While Iraq oil and gas construction companies possess significant expertise, international partnerships are often crucial for large-scale projects. Collaborating with global firms allows Iraqi companies to leverage foreign technology, knowledge, and financing, enhancing their ability to complete complex projects successfully. These partnerships also facilitate knowledge transfer, training local engineers and workers in the latest techniques and technologies. This local expertise, combined with international standards, strengthens Iraq’s position in the global oil and gas market and builds a more sustainable workforce.

Challenges Faced by Iraq Oil and Gas Construction Companies

Despite their importance, Iraq oil and gas construction companies face several challenges. These include:

Security Concerns: Iraq has areas where security remains a concern, which can disrupt project timelines and create additional costs for safety measures.

Regulatory Hurdles: The regulatory environment can be complex, particularly for international partnerships. Compliance with both local and international regulations requires careful planning and adaptability.

Environmental Impact: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, Iraq oil and gas construction companies are increasingly pressured to reduce their environmental footprint, requiring additional investment in green technology and eco-friendly practices.

Conclusion

Iraq oil and gas construction companies are key drivers of the nation’s energy industry, enabling the development, maintenance, and expansion of crucial infrastructure. Their services in pipeline construction, refinery expansion, storage, and processing plants are foundational to Iraq’s energy production and economic stability. By embracing technological advancements and fostering international partnerships, these companies continue to support Iraq’s ambitions in the global energy sector. Despite challenges, the expertise and innovation of Iraq oil and gas construction companies remain essential for ensuring Iraq’s future as a competitive energy powerhouse.

[mariacallous]

Today marks two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This week, we detailed the growing crisis in Eastern Ukraine, which is now littered with deadly mines. As it fights back the invading Russian forces, Ukraine’s government is working to develop new mine-clearing technology that could help save lives around the globe.

A leaked document obtained by WIRED has revealed the secret placement of gunshot-detection sensors in locations around the United States and its territories. According to the document, which ShotSpotter's parent company authenticated, the sensors, which are used by police departments in dozens of metropolitan areas in the United States, are largely located in low-income and minority communities, according to WIRED’s analysis, adding crucial context in a long-running debate over police use of the technology.

Speaking of leaks, WIRED this week obtained 15 years of messages posted to an internal system used by members of the US Congress. The House Intelligence Committee used the “Dear Colleagues” system to warn lawmakers of an “urgent matter”—something that has not happened since at least 2009. That urgent matter, which was quickly leaked to the press, turned out to be related to Russian military research of space-based weapons. But some sources say the matter wasn’t urgent at all, and the warning was instead an attempt by House Intelligence leadership to derail a vote on privacy reforms to a major US surveillance program.

On Tuesday, a coalition of law enforcement agencies led by the UK’s National Crime Agency disrupted the LockBit ransomware gang’s operation, seizing its infrastructure, dark-web leak site, and code used to carry out its attacks against thousands of institutions globally. Although ransomware attacks resulted in a record $1.1 billion in ransom payments last year, Anne Neuberger, a top US cyber official in the Biden administration, tells WIRED how the 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline has transformed the ways American institutions defend against and respond to such attacks.

In dual wins for privacy this week, the Signal Foundation began its rollout of usernames for its popular end-to-end encrypted messaging app. The update will allow people to connect without having to reveal their phone numbers. Meanwhile, Apple began to future-proof its encryption for iMessage with the launch of PQ3, a next-generation encryption protocol designed to resist decryption from quantum computers.

And there’s more. Each week, we highlight the news we didn’t cover in-depth ourselves. Click on the headlines below to read the full stories. And stay safe out there.

A Mysterious Leak Exposed Chinese Hacking Secrets

Hundreds of documents linked to a Chinese hacking-for-hire firm were dumped online this week. The files belong to i-Soon, a Shanghai-based company, and give a rare glimpse into the secretive world of the industry that supports China’s state-backed hacking. The leak includes details of Chinese hacking operations, lists of victims and potential targets, and the day-to-day complaints of i-Soon staff.

“These leaked documents support TeamT5’s long-standing analysis: China's private cybersecurity sector is pivotal in supporting China’s APT attacks globally,” Che Chang, a cyber threat analyst at the Taiwan-based cybersecurity firm TeamT5, tells WIRED. Chang says the company has been tracking i-Soon since 2020 and found that it has a close relationship with Chengdu 404, a company linked to China’s state-backed hackers.

While the documents have now been removed from GitHub, where they were first posted, the identity and motivations of the person, or people, who leaked them remains a mystery. However, Chang says the documents appear to be real, a fact confirmed by two employees working for i-Soon, according to the Associated Press, which reported that the company and police in China are investigating the leak.

“There are around eight categories of the leaked files. We can see how i-Soon engaged with China's national security authorities, the details of i-Soon’s products and financial problems,” Chang says. “More importantly, we spotted documents detailing how i-Soon supported the development of the notorious remote access Trojan (RAT), ShadowPad,” Chang adds. The ShadowPad malware has been used by Chinese hacking groups since at least 2017.

Since the files were first published, security researchers have been poring over their contents and analyzing the documentation. Included were references to software to run disinformation campaigns on X, details of efforts to access communications data across Asia, and targets within governments in the United Kingdom, India, and elsewhere, according to reports by the New York Times and the The Washington Post. The documents also reveal how i-Soon worked for China’s Ministry of State Security and the People’s Liberation Army.

According to researchers at SentinelOne, the files also include pictures of “custom hardware snooping devices,” such as a power bank that could help steal data and the company’s marketing materials. “In a bid to get work in Xinjiang–where China subjects millions of Ugyhurs to what the UN Human Rights Council has called genocide–the company bragged about past counterterrorism work,” the researchers write. “The company listed other terrorism-related targets the company had hacked previously as evidence of their ability to perform these tasks, including targeting counterterrorism centers in Pakistan and Afghanistan.”

Avast Fined for Selling People’s Browsing Data

The Federal Trade Commission has fined antivirus firm Avast $16.5 for collecting and selling people’s web browsing data through its browser extensions and security software. This included the details of web searches and the sites people visited, which, according to the FTC, revealed people’s “religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, location, financial status, visits to child-directed content and other sensitive information.” The company sold the data through its subsidiary Jumpshot, the FTC said in an order announcing the fine.

The ban also places five obligations on Avast: not to sell or license browsing data for advertising purposes; to obtain consent if it is selling data from non-Avast products; delete information it transferred to Jumpshot and any algorithms created from the data; tell customers about the data it sold; and introduce a new privacy program to address the problems the FTC found. An Avast spokesperson said that while they “disagree with the FTC’s allegations and characterization of the facts,” they are “pleased to resolve this matter.”

Scammers Sent Apple 5,000 Fake iPhones, Hoped to Get Real Devices in Return

Two Chinese nationals living in Maryland—Haotian Sun and Pengfei Xue—have been convicted of mail fraud and a conspiracy to commit mail fraud for a scheme that involved sending 5,000 counterfeit iPhones to Apple. The pair, who could each face up to 20 years in prison, according to the The Register, hoped Apple would send them real phones in return. The fake phones had “spoofed serial numbers and/or IMEI numbers” to trick Apple stores or authorized service providers into thinking they were genuine. The scam took place between May 2017 and September 2019 and would have cost Apple more than $3 million in losses, a US Department of Justice press release says.

Fingerprints Cloned From the Sound They Make on Your Screen

Security researchers from the US and China have created a new side-channel attack that can reconstruct people’s fingerprints from the sounds they create as you swipe them across your phone screen. The researchers used built-in microphones in devices to capture the “faint friction sounds” made by a finger and then used these sounds to create fingerprints. “The attack scenario of PrintListener is extensive and covert,” the researchers write in a paper detailing their work. “It can attack up to 27.9 percent of partial fingerprints and 9.3 percent of complete fingerprints within five attempts.” The research raises concerns about real-world hackers who are attempting to steal people’s biometrics to access bank accounts.

[mvishnukumar]

What are some challenges in deploying machine learning models into production?

Deployment of machine learning models into production involves a number of challenges that have to be dealt with to make sure that the models work fine in real-world environments. These include: 

 Scalability:

One major challenge will be to make the machine learning model robust with respect to the volume of data it is going to process in production. This basically includes large volumes of data being processed efficiently and quickly. Most of the time, this requires run-time performance optimization of the model and infrastructural considerations of distributed computing and cloud services for scaling.

Existing System Integration:

This makes the integration of machine learning models within existing software systems or workflows quite complex. The model should play well with other components, whether it is databases, APIs, or user interfaces. Ensuring interoperability and ease in integration will require planning and testing to be taken seriously.

Model Monitoring and Maintenance:

Models in deployment should be continuously monitored to ensure that everything works as expected, tracking accuracy, latency, and error rates. Over some time, models will degrade in performance due to changes in the distribution of data or other factors. Noting such degradation regularly, it should be re-trained and updated to be effective.

Data Management:

Data pipeline management is key to the quality and consistency of the data provided to the model. This shall consist of correct collection, cleaning, and preprocessing of data. Any kinds of errors in data quality will upset the performance and reliability of the model.

Handling Model Drift:

Model drift occurs when the statistical properties of the target variable change over time, which causes a decrease in model performance. Model drift detection and handling involve the process of tracking changes in the pattern of data and updating the model accordingly in order to deal with new situations.

Security and Privacy:

This is important for the unauthorized access protection of the model and data and for compliance purposes concerning data privacy regulations. More than that, sensitive information should be secure from leaking through data breaches by putting security controls in place.

Resource Management:

Machine learning model deployment can be resource-intensive. It requires adequate computational resources for model training and inference and proper resource allocation for managing operational costs arising from running the model in production.

Performance Optimization: 

The model should perform well in terms of response time and resource usage. It may need performance optimization by various techniques, such as model compression or quantization for better inference speed, or hardware accelerators. User Acceptance and Feedback:

The deployed model can expect success only through user acceptance and feedback. This would be possible if the models were user-friendly and provided actionable insights to a great extent. There is a need to get feedback from the end-users and incorporate it into model improvements so that desired outcomes can be realized.

Documentation and Transparency: 

In general, there are a lot of challenges associated with deployment, including issues of scalability, integration, monitoring, data management, and security, which can be overcome only by careful planning, ongoing maintenance, and a robust deployment strategy that will ensure the model gives reliable and valuable results in the real world.

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