Technology

Okta says security protocols limited hack, but response came too slow

Published

2 years ago

March 23, 2022

Okta says security protocols limited hack, but response came too slow

After the disclosure of a hack affecting its authentication platform, Okta has maintained that the consequences of the breach had been largely contained by safety protocols and reiterated that customers of the service don’t have to take corrective motion because of this.

The statements had been made by David Bradbury, chief safety officer at Okta, in a video name with prospects and press Wednesday morning.

On Monday, hacking group Lapsus$ launched photos demonstrating that the group had compromised Okta’s inner techniques, placing hundreds of companies that depend on the authentication instrument on excessive alert.

“The sharing of those screenshots is a humiliation for myself and the whole Okta workforce,” Bradbury stated initially of the decision. “Immediately I need to present my perspective on what has transpired, and the place we’re with this investigation.”

In the midst of a ten-minute briefing, Bradbury stated that the hackers had compromised Okta’s techniques by gaining distant entry to a machine belonging to an worker of Sitel — an organization subcontracted to offer customer support features for Okta. Utilizing a distant desktop protocol, the hackers had been in a position to enter instructions into the compromised machine and examine the monitor output, enabling them to take screenshots, Bradbury stated.

None of Okta’s techniques had been instantly breached, the CSO stated, however the Sitel help engineer’s machine was logged into Okta when it was compromised and remained so from the date of compromise on January sixteenth till the Okta safety workforce grew to become conscious and suspended the account on January twenty first.

Nevertheless, on account of the usage of least privilege entry protocols — by which a community consumer is simply allowed to carry out the minimal set of actions needed for his or her job — the hackers had been restricted in what they may entry by way of a help engineer’s account, main Okta to state that no corrective motion was wanted from customers of the service.

Particulars of the breach had been compiled by a forensic investigation agency that had been engaged shortly after the unauthorized entry was found, however the full report had not been offered to Okta till lately, in response to Bradbury.

“I’m significantly upset by the lengthy time frame that transpired between our preliminary notification to Sitel in January, and the issuance of the entire investigation report simply hours in the past,” Bradbury stated.

Whereas impacts of the breach seem like much less extreme than first feared, the Lapsus$ hacker group is rising as a prolific and chronic menace, having mounted confirmed hacks in opposition to various giant tech firms, and claimed accountability for different incidents that haven’t but been concretely attributed to the group.

On Tuesday – the identical day that the Okta hack was confirmed – Lapsus$ additionally posted supply code stolen from Microsoft’s Bing and Cortana merchandise, obtained by way of compromise of an worker account.

Graphics card producer Nvidia was additionally hacked by the group in late February, and had worker credentials leaked on-line. In the same time-frame, Lapsus$ claimed accountability for a breach of South Korean tech large Samsung by which supply code for Galaxy units was obtained, and likewise implied that the group was chargeable for a ”cyber safety incident” affecting video games developer Ubisoft.

Safety professionals see the group as a classy and versatile menace actor and are advising potential targets to proactively guard in opposition to strategies of compromise.

“This group’s ‘all in’ strategy to focus on its victims with ransom, SIM swapping, exploits, darkish net reconnaissance, and dependable phishing ways reveals the main focus and open toolbox used to perform its objectives,” stated Mark Ostrowski, head of engineering at Verify Level Software program. “Firms and organizations throughout the globe ought to deal with schooling of those ways to their customers, deploy prevention methods in all points of their cyber safety applications, and stock all factors of entry on the lookout for potential weaknesses.”

Technology

House of the Dragon’s fourth season will be its last

Published

6 hours ago

August 6, 2024

Press Room

House of the Dragon’s fourth season will be its last

House of the Dragon has just concluded its second season, but we now know there are two more to look forward to. As reported by Variety, House of the Dragon showrunner and co-creator Ryan Condal confirmed during a press event that the series would have four seasons in total, with the third expected to go into production in “earlyish 2025.”

This is the first time that HBO has confirmed how many seasons the Game of Thrones prequel will have, but the network hasn’t revealed how many episodes remain. “I haven’t had discussions with HBO about it,” Condal said when asked whether Season 3 will have eight episodes, matching that of its second season. “I would just anticipate the cadence of the show, from a dramatic storytelling perspective, will continue to be the same from Season 2 on.”

That estimate is a smidge below what “A Song of Ice and Fire” author George R.R. Martin previously suggested. In 2022, he said that House of the Dragon would likely require four 10-episode-long seasons to “do justice to the Dance of the Dragons, from start to finish.” Viewers may also have a lengthy wait ahead of them given the almost two-year gap between the first two seasons, but the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series — yet another Game of Thrones prequel — should help to keep fans sated when it premieres next year.

Technology

Ready for some robo-relaxation at the gym or your next hotel stay?

Published

6 hours ago

August 6, 2024

Press Room

Ready for some robo-relaxation at the gym or your next hotel stay?

Imagine this scenario. You’ve just finished a grueling workout at the gym or checked into a swanky hotel. Your muscles are aching, and all you want is a good massage. But instead of booking a session with a human masseuse, you’re directed to a high-tech pod that promises to knead away your stress using artificial intelligence. Welcome to the future of massage therapy.

This trend isn’t happening in a vacuum. The wellness tourism market is booming and is expected to hit a whopping $1.2 trillion by 2027. Hotels and gyms are scrambling to offer the latest and greatest in relaxation technology.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

A woman getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The rise of AI massage robots

It seems like AI is taking over every aspect of our lives, and now it’s coming for our massages, too. Companies like Phillonlabs and Aescape are leading the charge. In fact, Aescape is bringing fully automated massage experiences to high-end hotels and gyms. Their robots are already available at Equinox in select locations throughout New York City.

The Lotte New York Palace, an iconic luxury hotel, has already partnered with Aescape to bring this futuristic massage experience to their guests. Joe Rose, owner of ila Only Spa at the Lotte New York Palace, explains the move: “It’s clear that more people wish to maintain and increase their sense of well-being when traveling, and they’re looking for the resources available to support this when choosing hotels.” This tech-forward approach to wellness is becoming a key differentiator in the competitive hospitality industry.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

A person getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SKYROCKET TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE WITH THIS YEAR IN 2024

How tech giants are revolutionizing massage

Aescape, a New York-based startup, has spent seven years in stealth mode, perfecting their AI-driven massage technology. They’ve assembled a team of experts from tech giants like Amazon, Apple and Uber as well as fitness innovators like Peloton and Tonal. The result? A massage experience that uses advanced AI to create a 3D computational model of each user’s body, delivering a personalized massage tailored to individual needs.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S FACEBOOK PAGE FOR QUICK TECH TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

Touchscreen for AI-powered massage robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ARE YOUR STEPS TOTALLY OFF FOR YOUR FITNESS GOALS?

How does this AI robo-massage actually work?

You start by slipping on what’s known as Aerwear, which comes in sizes from 2XS to 4XL, so there’s no need to worry about finding the right fit. If you’ve got long hair, you’ll need to pull it up into a ponytail, and they’ll provide a special headband to keep everything neatly in place. Once you’re suited up, you’ll lie down on the table and adjust it to your liking – headrest, armrest, the works. Then comes the cool part: You get to play DJ of your own massage using a touchscreen called Aerview.

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Want to focus on your shoulders? Crank up the intensity on your lower back? Change the lighting to set the mood? It’s all at your fingertips. The Aerview console lets you control every aspect of your massage. And get this: It remembers your preferences for next time. Talk about a smart massage.

A man getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CARMEN, THE ROBOT COMPANION, CAN HELP BOOST YOUR MEMORY AND COGNITION

Is the AI robot massage safe?

I know what you’re thinking: “A robot massaging me? Is that safe?” The folks at Aescape have thought of everything. They’ve equipped their tables with pressure sensors to make sure you’re not getting squished. There’s a pause button if you need a breather, and for those “get me outta here” moments, there’s an emergency stop. Plus, those seven “Aerpoints” on the massage surface are designed to mimic human touch. So, you’re getting the best of both worlds: human-like touch with machine precision.

A person getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Programs and pricing of the AI robot massage

Now, let’s talk options. At first, Aescape is focusing on upper body and glute massages. They’re short and sweet – think 15 to 30 minutes. Perfect for squeezing into your lunch break or before a big meeting. And here’s a fun fact: Thanks to some fancy technology, a 30-minute session on Aescape is like getting an hour-long massage from a human. Time is money, people.

Speaking of money, prices start around $60 for a 30-minute session, but it might vary depending on where you go and what kind of experience they’re offering. Aescape isn’t stopping here. They’re planning to roll out longer programs; we’re talking up to 120 minutes of blissful robotic kneading.

A man getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The allure of AI-powered massages

The appeal of robo-massages is multifaceted. For one, they offer consistency. No more rolling the dice on whether your masseuse will hit the right spots or use the perfect amount of pressure. These AI-powered systems promise to deliver the same high-quality experience every time. Additionally, they’re always available. Imagine getting a professional-grade massage at 3 a.m. after a late-night workout or a long flight. The convenience factor is undeniable.

A man getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The privacy perks of AI robo-massages

Privacy is another selling point. For those who feel uncomfortable with human touch or simply prefer a more solitary relaxation experience, these automated systems offer a compelling alternative. You can unwind and de-stress without the potential awkwardness of small talk or concerns about personal boundaries.

A man getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s next? Robo-spas and beyond

As this technology spreads, we might see entire spa experiences automated. Imagine a full day of pampering where you never interact with a single human. For some, this might sound like bliss, a chance to truly disconnect and focus on personal relaxation without any social demands. For others, it might feel a bit too dystopian, reminiscent of a “Black Mirror” episode where human touch has become obsolete.

The potential applications extend far beyond luxury hotels and high-end gyms. Aescape is already eyeing partnerships with professional sports teams, corporate offices and luxury real estate developments. Could we see a future where every home gym comes equipped with an AI massage station? Where office workers can duck into a massage pod for a quick stress-relieving session between meetings?

Touchscreen for AI-powered massage robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The human element: What AI can’t replicate in massage therapy

As we embrace these innovations, it’s worth considering what we might be losing. Can a machine, no matter how advanced, truly replicate the intuitive touch of a skilled human masseuse? There’s an art to massage therapy that goes beyond mere pressure points and muscle groups. It involves reading subtle cues from the client, adapting on the fly and providing that intangible human connection that can be so comforting. But Aescape says it works with human licensed massage therapists to inform every stroke of the massage.

A person getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

While the idea of on-demand, personalized massages sounds appealing, there’s something to be said for the human element in wellness and relaxation. As we embrace these new technologies, we should also consider what we might lose. The warmth of human hands and the empathy of a skilled therapist are all valuable aspects of the traditional massage experience.

Perhaps the future isn’t about replacing the human touch entirely but finding a balance. There may be times when the precision and convenience of a machine are exactly what we need. Other times, nothing will beat the intuitive, adaptive touch of a human therapist. As consumers, we’ll have the power to choose based on our needs and preferences.

Are you excited about the prospect of AI-powered massages, or do you prefer to stick with traditional methods? Are you ready to put your wellness in the hands of robots? 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:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

The Verge’s 2024 back-to-school gift guide

Published

13 hours ago

August 5, 2024

Press Room

The Verge’s 2024 back-to-school gift guide

Maruman Mnemosyne N196 B6 Notepad

A simple, compact notepad is like a trusted companion, one that can help you get your thoughts and tasks in order. The real, functional beauty of this Maruman Mnemosyne notebook is its top-oriented spiral binding, which makes it lay flat and offers corner-to-corner writability, even for southpaws.
Price: $5.40+

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + Stand

If you own a MagSafe-compatible iPhone, you’re doing yourself a disservice by pairing it with an old-fashioned power bank that relies solely on cables. All you need to do with Belkin’s portable charger is slap it onto the back of your phone, providing you with enough juice to recharge even a Max-sized iPhone while on the go. The kickstand and fun color options are just a bonus.
Price: $30.71+

Timbuk2 Custom Prospect Backpack

Choosing a bag you will carry with you all day, every day, for years to come can be tough. Timbuk2 offers deep customization options for its 22-liter Prospect Backpack, however, allowing you to pick the colors for up to six exterior panels. Needless to say, you can go full peacock with vivid hues or as subdued and sleek as you’d like.
Price: $112.59+

Beats Studio Pro

Noise-canceling headphones can help you focus by suppressing distracting sounds, and the Beats Studio Pro are a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to be locked into a single ecosystem. They offer good sound, a helpful transparency mode designed to let the outside world in, and most importantly, native support for both iOS and Android features.
Price: $179.95+

Steam Deck OLED

The Steam Deck OLED is the perfect way to relieve stress between classes. Valve’s handheld PC plays all sorts of games, ranging from a vast array of indies to even some open-world 3D titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. It certainly beats trying to play games on a school-assigned Mac or Chromebook, so long as you can keep the procrastination to a minimum.
Price: $549+

Majohn A1 “Moonman” retractable fountain pen

The real OG of retractable fountain pens is Pilot’s Vanishing Point (which you should get if you can afford its very high price), but this imitator is a fine substitute for us normies. The Majohn A1 writes great and makes note-taking or journaling with a traditional pen speedier and more casual, namely because its steel nib appears with a satisfyingly quick click.
Price: $36.79

Logitech MX Vertical wireless mouse

Hand and wrist pain, often a result of marathon computer sessions, can really put a hamper on your work. The Logitech MX Vertical may not pull double duty for gaming like most wireless mice, but its tilted, upright positioning can help prevent those long days doing research at the library from coming back to haunt you.
Price: $81.99+

Owala FreeSip water bottle (40-ounce)

Owala’s insulated bottles keep drinks chilled all day, and their swing-top lid keeps dirt off the spout while concealing a hidden internal straw for easy sipping. It’s kind of like you’re getting the best parts of a conventional water bottle and those uber-popular Stanley cups, all without feeling like you’re succumbing to another trend that may one day age like milk.
Price: $32.94+

Apple AirTag

If you’re an iPhone user, Apple’s AirTags are a great way to help find your keys, backpack, or handbag should you ever misplace them. Those textbooks cost enough money as it is — you don’t want to have to buy them twice.
Price: $22.99+

Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Amazon’s latest Kindle Paperwhite is an easy choice among e-readers for just about anyone. It has a massive ecosystem of books, an easy-to-read 6.8-inch display with adjustable warmth for nighttime reading, and a battery that can easily last a month. It’s even waterproof, allowing for a bit of poolside reading or, at the very least, some “oops” protection.
Price: $149.99

Glocusent Book Light

Late-night cram sessions can be a huge strain on your eyes, especially if you don’t want to turn on the lights and disturb your jerk of a roommate who had the audacity to get their studying done on time. Thankfully, Glocusent’s ultra-nerdy Book Light is a subtle, low-light alternative that’s not nearly as limiting as a clip-on book light.
Price: $17.99+

2024 MacBook Air (13-inch)

Regardless of what Google might tell you, Apple’s latest MacBook Air is the quintessential student laptop. The M3 machine offers a great display and enough battery life to get through a full day of classes, along with enough performance headroom to tackle everyday tasks and light creative work for years to come.
Price: $849.98+

Keychron V1 Max mechanical keyboard

If you’re a student, chances are you’re going to spend countless hours tap-tap-tapping away at a keyboard. So, why not make the experience as enjoyable as possible with a touch of nerdy fun? The Keychron V1 Max may be the best gateway into mechanical keyboards we’ve seen, with satisfying typing feel and sound, hot-swappable switches, and loads of customizability.
Price: $94+

Apple EarPods (USB-C)

Wireless earbuds are great, but sometimes, dealing with a small wire feels easier than dealing with another rechargeable battery. Apple’s basic USB-C EarPods work with just about any current phone, tablet, or laptop — even those without a 3.5mm audio jack. What’s more, the mic on these cheap-o buds sounds better than what you might get with a premium pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Price: $17+

League of Lexicon

Fool the kids into learning with League of Lexicon, which is kind of like if Trivial Pursuit was all about words, languages, and their origins. It’s also a beautifully designed quiz game, with terrific art and an easy learning curve for kids as young as 10 years old.
Price: $39.99

Samsung Portable SSD T7 (1TB)

Storing precious files and documents between classes is not something to be taken lightly, as data loss can be a nightmare. Samsung’s portable T7 drive is a good balance of speed, reliability, and price. The aluminum-clad SSD offers plug-and-play functionality for both Windows and macOS machines, as well as iPads.
Price: $99.99+

Philips Hue Solo Lightstrip (10-foot)

In terms of design, dorm rooms range from the mundane to giving off borderline-prison vibes. Luckily, a simple LED strip is an easy way to make things feel cozier and more dramatic. The Philips Hue Solo Lightstrip tucks behind or around furniture and can mimic the warmth of the sun (or any hue) throughout the day, making it easy to add a splash of light to any space.
Price: $54.34+

8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad

When you account for laptops, most keyboards have done away with the classic number pad. But what if it returned as a wireless, ambidextrous numpad that also happened to function as a standalone calculator? That’s what 8BitDo has built with this lovely bit of retro-styled tech, which flaunts classic IBM colors and clicky mechanical switches.
Price: $44.99

Azhido Laundry Backpack Bag

Nobody should have to lug their dirty laundry home or to the laundromat in a plastic trash bag, especially when a simple backpack like Azhido’s does the job for so little. The inexpensive, jumbo-sized bag features both backpack straps and tote handles, rendering it a useful tool for the cleaners or your next trip to the beach.
Price: $22.49+

JisuLife Handheld Fan Life8

JisuLife’s portable, folding USB fan has a rechargeable battery that will keep you cool for hours, whether you’re holding it or using its built-in stand to prop it up on a table. Plus, it looks like a cute little bear when packed up to throw in your purse or bag. I don’t think you can ask for much more from such a cool cub.
Price: $14.39+

Ninja Air Fryer (AF101 Series)

Campus life can be rife with food waste from the dining hall, but you don’t have to let those leftovers go unloved. Instead, use a reheating method that best preserves the taste and texture. An air fryer is basically just a small convection oven, which makes it perfect for dorm / apartment living — because nobody wants soggy french fries or mushy pizza.
Price: $89.99+

Nespresso Vertuo Pop Plus

Sometimes, group discussions and late-night cram sessions call for more than the occasional cup of the black stuff. A Nespresso machine may sound like a bit of a luxury, but it will feel well worth it when you’re running on fumes during finals week and have both coffee and espresso at your fingertips.
Price: $99.99+

Fitbit Ace LTE

Google’s new Fitbit Ace LTE gives parents some peace of mind with GPS tracking and a selection of fun, step-activated games that motivate your child to keep moving. The smartwatch requires a $9.99 monthly subscription, but at least it doesn’t require you to go through a carrier or purchase your kid a phone before they’re ready.
Price: $229.95

PlanetBox lunch box

Making sure the kiddos actually eat the lunch you’re sending them to school with is no small feat. That being said, your little learners are sure to take some pride in brown-bagging it if you let them customize their tray and lunch bag with a custom-ordered PlanetBox (and magnet pack).
Price: $25.46+

Votes for Women board game

Help teach a youngin’ how history isn’t boring at all when you interact with it and see how it relates to you today. Votes for Women is an upcoming card game based in the women’s suffrage movement of the US, allowing for some light education that can be played either competitively or cooperatively.
Price: $74.99+

Satechi 200W USB-C 6-Port GaN Charger

Rechargeable batteries power much of our lives these days, and this satechi charger can handle just about everything for both work and play. Plug this 200W-capable hub into a wall outlet at your desk and you’ve got six lovely USB-C ports at your disposal to power everything from your laptop to your phone and all the odds and ends.
Price: $149.99

Python Flash Cards

Study up your STEM with these Python programming flash cards. These 101 cards quiz you on syntax, vocabulary, and more in the versatile programming language. The beginner-friendly cards are great for light and quick study sessions to help keep you sharp.
Price: $21.63+