In our tech-driven world, batteries are the unsung heroes powering everything from your smartphone to electric cars. But here’s the catch: Traditional battery manufacturing can be pretty harsh on the environment and our health due to those problematic “forever chemicals” called PFAS.

These chemicals sneak into countless everyday products and have even made their way into the bloodstream of most Americans, bringing along a host of health concerns. 

That’s where Ateios Systems comes in. Based in Newberry, Indiana, this innovative company is shaking things up by developing a new way to make batteries without these harmful substances.

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A new era in battery manufacturing

Ateios Systems has developed an innovative electrode manufacturing process that not only removes forever chemicals but also offers a 20% reduction in costs, a 50% increase in energy density and an 82% decrease in energy consumption during production. This breakthrough is not just about creating a cleaner battery; it’s about making batteries more efficient and cost-effective, which is crucial as the global battery market continues to grow rapidly.

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Electrode manufacturing process. (Ateios Systems)

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The impact of RaiCure technology

The company’s proprietary RaiCure Technology, developed in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, replaces traditional high-temperature curing with a radiation-based process using energy-curable polymers. This method not only enhances battery performance but also significantly reduces environmental impact.

By focusing on improving the manufacturing process rather than creating entirely new battery chemistry, Ateios is able to quickly adapt its technology for a wide range of applications, from small electronics to potentially even electric vehicles.

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Electrode manufacturing process. (Ateios Systems)

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Environmental and health benefits

With 95% of batteries currently relying on polymers that are categorized as forever chemicals, Ateios’ innovation represents a major step forward in reducing pollution and protecting public health. By eliminating these harmful substances, Ateios is setting a new standard for environmentally friendly manufacturing practices in the battery industry.

Electrode manufacturing process. (Ateios Systems)

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The future of clean energy

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, the demand for cleaner, more efficient batteries is growing. Ateios’ technology not only promises to enhance the performance of existing battery-powered devices but also holds the potential to further reduce the environmental impact of EVs. This aligns with broader efforts to transition to cleaner energy solutions, which are supported by government incentives and consumer demand.

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Electrode manufacturing process. (Ateios Systems)

Kurt’s key takeaways

By ditching those harmful forever chemicals and streamlining the manufacturing process, Ateios Systems is doing its part to create a cleaner planet while also boosting the performance of the devices we rely on every day. As they continue to grow and refine their technology, it’s clear that Ateios is set to play a major role in the future of clean energy and sustainable manufacturing.

How do you feel about the role of electric vehicles in reducing environmental impact, and what factors influence your decision to switch to one?  Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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US astronaut Barry Wilmore called NASA ground crew on Saturday, asking for help with a repetitive knocking sound that was coming from the Boeing Starliner craft. The interaction was captured by a NASA Space Flight forum member, who included a recording of it in a post that was spotted by Ars Technica.

In the recording, Wilmore asks NASA crew in Houston to configure their call so that he could show them the noise, which he says is coming from the speaker inside Starliner. Then, a repetitive clanging sound with slight there’s-something-on-the-wing vibes can be heard. The Earthside crew member describes it as sounding “almost like a sonar ping.”

The mysterious sound could very well have a very mundane explanation, like the very specific type of feedback loop one person on Reddit compared it to. At the very least, neither Wilmore nor the NASA ground team member he spoke with seemed particularly concerned (even if it does sort of resemble the unnerving Ganado theme from Resident Evil 4).

Boeing’s Starliner is currently scheduled to undock on September 6th for an automated, uncrewed return to Earth, leaving its original intended passengers, Wilmore and fellow astronaut Sunita Williams, behind on the ISS until early next year.

Apple Macs have historically been targeted less by hackers than Windows devices, but this trend is shifting. In recent months, there has been an increase in malware specifically targeting macOS while leaving Windows systems unaffected. 

Security researchers uncovered a new threat called “Cthulhu Stealer,” which has emerged, impersonating popular apps to harvest passwords and steal data from macOS users.

The perception of Macs being inherently more secure is evolving as cybercriminals increasingly develop malware for Apple’s operating system. While Macs still face fewer overall threats compared to Windows PCs, the gap is narrowing.

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How this ‘malware-as-a-service’ targets your Mac

Cthulhu Stealer malware has been available under a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) model for $500 a month since late 2023, Cado Security discovered.

“Cthulhu Stealer is an Apple disk image (DMG) that is bundled with two binaries, depending on the architecture,” Cado Security researcher Tara Gould said. “The malware is written in Golang and disguises itself as legitimate software.”

The malware pretends to be legitimate software, mimicking programs like CleanMyMac, Grand Theft Auto IV and Adobe GenP. Adobe GenP, in particular, is an open-source tool used to bypass Adobe’s Creative Cloud service and activate apps without paying.

Once you install the malware disguised as a legit app and try to open it, macOS will warn you that it isn’t reliable. Ignoring the warning and continuing will prompt you to enter your password. After that, you’ll see a second prompt asking for your MetaMask password. The malware then creates a directory in ‘/Users/Shared/NW’ and stores the credentials in text files. Chainbreak is used to dump Keychain passwords, which are saved in a file called Keychain.txt.

With the required permissions in place, Cthulhu Stealer can grab a wide range of sensitive data, including saved passwords from iCloud Keychain, web browser cookies and even Telegram account details. 

“The main functionality of Cthulhu Stealer is to steal credentials and cryptocurrency wallets from various stores, including game accounts,” Gould explained.

A woman working on two Macs  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Hackers are preying on Mac users

There has been an increase in malware and vulnerabilities affecting Mac users. Recently, researchers at Cisco Talos discovered a vulnerability in Microsoft apps that could allow hackers to steal all your data and gain control of your system.

Plus, a stealer malware called Banshee is targeting over 100 browsers on Mac devices to steal passwords, cryptocurrency and personal data. These threats are in addition to the numerous data breaches we’ve seen throughout the year. This should act as a reminder that you need to take your cybersecurity seriously.

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A woman works on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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5 tips to protect yourself from Mac malware

Follow these essential tips to safeguard your Mac from the latest malware threats, including the notorious Cthulhu Stealer.

1. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Be cautious with downloads and links: Only download software from reputable sources such as the Mac App Store or official websites of trusted developers. Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages prompting you to download or install updates, especially if they contain links. Phishing attempts often disguise themselves as legitimate update notifications or urgent messages.

3. Keep your software updated: Ensure that both macOS and all installed applications are up to date. Apple frequently releases security patches and updates that address vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for macOS and your apps to stay protected without having to manually check for updates. If you need more help, see my guide on keeping all your devices updated.

4. Use strong and unique passwords: To protect your Mac from malware, it’s also crucial to use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices. Avoid reusing passwords across different sites or services. A password manager can be incredibly helpful here. It generates and stores complex passwords for you, making them difficult for hackers to crack.

It also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and automatically fills them in when you log into accounts, so you don’t have to remember them yourself. By reducing the number of passwords you need to recall, you’re less likely to reuse them, which lowers the risk of security breaches. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2024 here.

5. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for your important accounts, including your Apple ID, email and any financial services. This adds an extra step to the login process, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Macs aren’t as safe from hackers as they used to be. With malware like Cthulhu Stealer and Banshee targeting Mac users, it’s a good reminder to step up your cybersecurity game. These threats can steal your passwords, data and even cryptocurrency, so investing in solid antivirus software and being cautious with what you download is more important than ever.

When downloading new software, how do you determine if it’s safe to install? Do you rely on app store ratings, reviews or something else? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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 Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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