The fediverse has the potential to help create enduring and interoperable social networks. But many creators and businesses rely on bigger, closed platforms because they offer direct ways to make money from their audiences, which is hard to do in the fediverse right now.
Technology
Boeing’s Starliner started making a repeating ‘pulsing’ sound yesterday
![Boeing’s Starliner started making a repeating ‘pulsing’ sound yesterday Boeing’s Starliner started making a repeating ‘pulsing’ sound yesterday](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/odPoIxwjhdqnkVqlMdywKFR3718=/0x0:1920x1280/1200x628/filters:focal(960x640:961x641)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25596111/starliner_spacecraft_boeing.jpg)
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.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Technology
This sneaky malware is after your passwords and personal data
![This sneaky malware is after your passwords and personal data This sneaky malware is after your passwords and personal data](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/3-Beware-Mac-users-This-sneaky-malware-is-after-your-passwords-and-personal-data-outro.jpg)
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.
GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE
A man working on his Mac (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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.
![woman with a mac](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/2-Beware-Mac-users-This-sneaky-malware-is-after-your-passwords-and-personal-data-copy.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A woman working on two Macs (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
4.3 MILLION AMERICANS EXPOSED IN MASSIVE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT DATA BREACH
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.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
![woman typing on laptop](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/3-Beware-Mac-users-This-sneaky-malware-is-after-your-passwords-and-personal-data-outro.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A woman works on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MASSIVE SECURITY FLAW PUTS MOST POPULAR BROWSERS AT RISK ON MAC
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.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
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
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover
Follow Kurt on his social channels
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Sub.club is here to help the fediverse make money
![Sub.club is here to help the fediverse make money Sub.club is here to help the fediverse make money](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8A0q_n8p9e1FkUJ_LlqP_epNcHY=/0x0:1990x1224/1200x628/filters:focal(995x612:996x613)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25596303/Screenshot_2024_08_30_at_10.30.43_AM.png)
Sub.club is trying to solve that.
The idea is that this will let users on ActivityPub-based platforms like Mastodon easily offer paid subscriptions and premium content while taking a 6 percent cut in addition to payment processing fees. It could solve a big problem with the fediverse right now: it’s not easy to make a living on it unless you direct your followers back to existing platforms like Patreon that are closed off and require users to visit a particular site or app to get much of the content.
Bringing money into the fediverse ecosystem and having a way for creators to get paid could be an important building block, Bart Decrem, one of the founders of sub.club, tells The Verge. “So we think this work is super important for all of us that believe in the promise of the internet.”
That could be especially true if the fediverse is successful to the point where it creates what sub.club adviser Anuj Ahooja calls “one last network effect.” That would be the idea of everyone joining fediverse platforms built on an open protocol where it’s possible to interact online with the option to move from network to network and platform to platform at will. “From there, you can drive so much innovation around social media,” Ahooja says.
While X is still culturally relevant enough that it was the first place where Joe Biden’s campaign posted the news that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, many people got the news on other platforms as it splashed across Instagram, TikTok, Discord, and Whatsapp. I’m not sure everyone is going to coalesce in one place or that they even want to, and profiles you can take with you could be a part of that.
Currently, sub.club is only available for Mastodon users, and depending on how you use Mastodon, you might run into the service in different ways. On Mastodon web clients, creators can point people to a subscription page.
In clients that include a rich experience for the subscriptions — right now, that’s Mammoth, which is made by the same developer team, and Ice Cubes — creators can add a subscribe button that appears at the top of their profile that takes users to a subscription webpage.
As a creator, making the post your subscribers will see takes an extra step: you have to DM your sub.club account. Then, people who subscribe to your posts will see that post in their following feeds.
Sub.club doesn’t just want to push creators to only use its services; instead, the team envisions building “a subscribe button that integrates with other paid subscription products,” Ahooja says. That’s why it’s launching as a developer preview; “if you’re going to build something, build it in a way that’s standard and portable across multiple services,” according to Ahooja.
It’s also created an API that can build premium bots, according to this FAQ, so you could, for example, set up a silly bot that adds animals to photos.
Sometime this fall, sub.club also plans to let Mastodon server admins use the tool to help fund maintenance instead of asking users for support through platforms like Patreon or Ko-Fi.
“There’s a lot of free labor that runs the fediverse right now,” Ahooja says. “So let’s make sure people are getting compensated.”
Technology
California's first electric train could be what’s coming to your city
![California's first electric train could be what’s coming to your city California's first electric train could be what’s coming to your city](https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg)
All aboard. California’s transportation landscape is getting a major upgrade as Caltrain, the oldest continuously operated railroad in the West, ushers in a new age of electric trains.
This isn’t just any old train ride. It’s a journey into the future of public transit.
Electric train (Caltrain)
Caltrain’s electric debut
Picture this. It’s a sunny day in San Francisco, and a sleek, modern train pulls into the station. But there’s something different about this one. No diesel fumes, no rumbling engine. Just a quiet hum of electricity. That’s right, folks. After nearly a decade of construction and 160 years of history, Caltrain is going electric.
GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE
On a momentous day, Caltrain was joined by federal, state and local officials, along with transportation, business and labor leaders, to celebrate the inaugural electric train ride. This VIP tour allowed participants to experience firsthand the cutting-edge electric fleet that represents a landmark shift toward a faster, more frequent and environmentally friendly public transportation network along the San Francisco Peninsula.
The first regular electric train service kicked off Aug. 11. More electric trains will be introduced each week until the full electrified service launches Sept. 21.
KURT’S PICKS: LABOR DAY DEALS
![Caltrain goes electric 2](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/2-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Inaugural electric train ride (Caltrain)
EV PARADISE OR CHARGING HELL? ALARMING ELECTRIC CAR SECRET EXPOSED
What’s the big deal?
You might be wondering, “So what? It’s just a train, right?” Wrong! This is a game-changer. These new electric trains can zip between San Francisco and San Jose in under an hour. Plus, they’re increasing service by 20% because they can speed up and slow down faster than their diesel counterparts. This means more robust and flexible access to cities throughout the rail system, with 16 stations seeing trains every 15-20 minutes during peak hours and all stations receiving service every 30 minutes on weekends.
Comfort is king on these new trains. They come equipped with Wi-Fi, digital onboard displays, power outlets at every seat, improved climate control, baby-changing tables in the bathrooms and expanded storage under the cantilevered seats.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
![caltrain goes electric 3](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/3-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Electric train fleet (Caltrain)
THIS FLYING ELECTRIC VEHICLE BREAKS RECORD WITH 523-MILE NONSTOP FLIGHT
Reducing emissions for a cleaner future
By switching from diesel to electric, Caltrain is cutting a whopping 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. That’s like taking 55,000 cars off the road each year. This transition not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves air quality and relieves traffic congestion, contributing to ambitious regional and state climate action goals.
![Caltrain goes electric 4](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/4-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Electric train fleet (Caltrain)
GIANT BATTERY-POWERED DUMP TRUCK DUMPS DIESEL FOR ELECTRIC
A boost for the economy and community
The Caltrain Electrification Project isn’t just about transportation. It’s also a significant economic driver. The project has created 33,000 jobs across 36 states, fueling economic growth and innovation within local communities and nationwide. This collaborative effort to manufacture the electric trains and infrastructure underscores a commitment to sustainability and job creation.
Moreover, the electrification project advances equity along the corridor by reducing noise and air pollution while increasing access and service for equity-priority communities by 26%. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the community.
SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES
![Caltrain goes electric 5](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/5-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Electric train fleet (Caltrain)
THE BEST TRAVEL GEAR FOR 2024
Paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg summed it up perfectly.
“The future of California’s rail systems will be powered by clean, renewable energy,” setting a standard for other rail systems to follow in the effort to reduce carbon pollution across the country, he said.
With enhanced amenities, increased service frequency and a commitment to sustainability, these trains are set to transform the daily travel experience. So, whether you’re a commuter or a curious traveler, now is the perfect time to hop on board and witness the future of transit in action.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS
![Caltrain goes electric 6](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/1200/675/6-A-new-era-on-the-rails-as-Californias-first-electric-train-takes-off.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Electric trains (Caltrain)
Kurt’s key takeaways
As we stand on the brink of this new era in public transportation, the launch of California’s first electric train marks a significant milestone not just for Caltrain, but for the entire Bay Area. This transition to electric service promises not only faster and more reliable commutes but also a cleaner environment, reduced emissions and improvement in air quality for generations to come.
What features or improvements would you like to see in future public transit initiatives to enhance your commuting experience? 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
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover
Follow Kurt on his social channels
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
-
Connecticut1 week ago
Oxford church provides sanctuary during Sunday's damaging storm
-
Politics1 week ago
2024 showdown: What happens next in the Kamala Harris-Donald Trump face-off
-
News1 week ago
Who Are Kamala Harris’s 1.5 Million New Donors?
-
Politics1 week ago
Vivek Ramaswamy sounds off on potential RFK Jr. role in a Trump administration
-
Politics1 week ago
Trump taunted over speculated RFK Jr endorsement: 'Weird as hell'
-
World7 days ago
Portugal coast hit by 5.3 magnitude earthquake
-
Politics1 week ago
With 13 days until voting starts, 'election season' kicks off sooner than you think
-
Politics7 days ago
Why won't Pennsylvania voters have results on Election Night?