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This was the hottest year yet for the UK

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This was the hottest year yet for the UK

2022 will go down because the warmest yr within the books but within the UK, in keeping with provisional figures from the Met Workplace nationwide climate service. A record-smashing summer time heatwave was the burning cherry on high of 11 months of unusually toasty climate within the UK.

That makes this yr the most popular throughout the UK since annual record-keeping started 139 years in the past. Zooming in on England particularly, 2022 may even high the listing of warmest years on the earth’s oldest instrumental file of temperature — the Central England temperature sequence that began 364 years in the past.

Information set this yr won’t maintain for very lengthy

“The nice and cozy yr is according to the real impacts we anticipate because of human-induced local weather change. Though it doesn’t imply yearly would be the warmest on file, local weather change continues to extend the possibilities of more and more heat years over the approaching a long time,” Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Workplace Nationwide Local weather Data Centre, mentioned in a press launch at present. 

A sweltering heatwave in July wreaked havoc in communities used to a milder local weather. For the primary time, the Met Workplace issued a “Pink Excessive” warmth warning for components of England. Knowledge facilities reported “cooling associated” failures. Rail tracks and an airport runway buckled beneath the oppressive warmth. Firefighters in England and Wales responded to an uptick in wildfires sparked by the unusually sizzling, dry climate. In England and Wales, there have been 3,271 extra deaths throughout this summer time’s warmth spells.

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The UK notched its highest day by day most temperature, 40.3 levels Celsius (104.54 Fahrenheit) in Coningsby, Lincolnshire on July nineteenth. It might have been “nearly inconceivable” for the mercury to rise above 40 levels Celsius within the UK with out human-induced local weather change, McCarthy mentioned in a July assertion.

However even that jaw-dropping determine alone wasn’t sufficient to make it a record-breaking yr for the UK. “The record-breaking temperatures in July have definitely boosted the general temperature values for the yr, however that isn’t the total story,” McCarthy mentioned in at present’s assertion.

2022 began off with a bang. January 1st was the warmest New 12 months’s Day on file for the UK, reaching 16.3 Celsius (61.34 levels Fahrenheit) at St James’s Park in London. In actual fact, each month this yr apart from December has been hotter than common, in keeping with the Met Workplace. The climate service nonetheless has just a few days left to doc earlier than releasing a last quantity for the way sizzling this yr has been. But it surely’s already clear that it has surpassed 2014, when the earlier file for the annual common temperature throughout the UK was set at 9.88 levels Celsius (49.78 levels Fahrenheit).

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How to use the latest AI video editing tools in Google Photos

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How to use the latest AI video editing tools in Google Photos

Google Photos continues to get new and improved features on a regular basis, and one of the most recent Android updates has focused on video editing. Even if you don’t have the latest Pixel 9 phone (which is required if you want to try out the weird new Reimagine tool), you can now speed up, slow down, and enhance your clips with a few taps as well as trim them down more easily.

You can also expect what Google calls “AI-powered video presets” on both the Android and iOS versions of Google Photos. After the app algorithm analyzes your clips, you get a choice of effects — trims, zooms, slow-mos — you can apply with a tap. The app takes the role of director and chooses where and how these tweaks should be applied.

When the changes arrive on your phone, you’ll also notice the interface is a little cleaner, with larger icons and bigger text that make it more obvious what you’re doing. The idea is it’s more straightforward than ever to quickly apply a few edits before sharing your clips, without having to open up a separate editor on your phone or computer.

Trim tool

First up, we have what Google describes as “improved controls” for cutting out extraneous footage at the start and end of your clips — though, to my eyes, there’s not a huge amount that’s different here compared to the previous version of the trim tool.

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The handles at each end of the clip are a little bigger and thicker, making them easier to hit with a finger press. You also get a timestamp shown onscreen as you drag those handles around, so overall, the edits are a little easier to apply.

The trim tool shows up automatically as soon as you edit a video, and you can get back to it by tapping the Video button.

  • Drag the left-hand handle to change where the video starts.
  • Drag the right-hand handle to change the video’s end point.
  • Drag the white bar between the two handles to move around the clip.
  • Tap the play button at any point to check your new footage.
  • Choose Save copy to confirm your changes and save a separate clip.

The trim tool has a new look.
Screenshot: Google

You can toggle the auto-enhancement changes on and off.
Screenshot: Google

Auto-enhance tool

Google Photos now has a new auto-enhance feature you can access, which analyzes your clip and then applies its own choice of color enhancements, while stabilizing the video at the same time.

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  • Tap Video then Enhance to apply the automatic enhancements.
  • Tap the play button to see how the updated footage looks.
  • Tap Enhance again to see the difference with and without the tweaks.
  • Choose Save copy to save the enhanced video as a separate file.

If you’d rather apply the video stabilization without the color enhancements, just tap Stabilize on the Video panel of tools instead.

Speed tool

Speed up or slow down your footage.
Screenshot: Google

The new speed tool in Google Photos gives you more control over the pace of your videos for speeding up and slowing down the action. The effect can be applied to a specific section of your clip or all of it.

  • Tap Video and then Speed to bring up the editor.
  • Use the bars on the timeline to indicate where you want the effect to start and stop.
  • Choose a playback speed under the timeline: from 1/4 speed to 4x the speed.
  • Tap the play button to see how the video now looks.
  • Choose Done, then Save copy when you’re happy with the results, to save a separate video file.

It’s not the most advanced video editing effect you’ll ever see, but considering it only takes a couple of taps on your phone screen, you can get some impressive results from it.

Video presets

AI-powered presets make editing easier.
GIF: Google
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Unlike the tools above, which are exclusive to Android, the AI-powered video presets are available in Google Photos for both Android and iOS. Or at least, they will be eventually — though they were announced in September, as of this writing, I haven’t yet seen the presets in the Google Photos apps on either platform.

When they do appear, the Presets button will appear between Video and Crop in the options at the bottom of the interface. Select it, and you’ll see a choice of edits you can apply with a tap: Basic cut, Slow-mo, Zoom, and Track. These will be applied as the Google Photos AI sees fit based on the video content.

The example Google gives is a skateboard video, with the action trimmed right down to a key jump, which is also slowed down. Color enhancements are applied at the same time for good measure. As before, you can preview the changes, then tap Save copy to accept the changes and save a new video file, leaving the original untouched.

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How a researcher hacked ChatGPT's memory to expose a major security flaw

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How a researcher hacked ChatGPT's memory to expose a major security flaw

ChatGPT is an amazing tool, and its developer, OpenAI, keeps adding new features from time to time.

Recently, the company introduced a new memory feature in ChatGPT, which essentially enables it to remember things about you. For example, it can recall your age, gender, philosophical beliefs and pretty much anything else. 

These memories are meant to remain private, but a researcher recently demonstrated how ChatGPT’s artificial intelligence memory features can be manipulated, raising questions about privacy and security.

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ChatGPT introduction screen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is ChatGPT’s Memory feature?

ChatGPT’s memory feature is designed to make the chatbot more personal to you. It remembers information that might be useful for future conversations and tailors responses based on that information, even if you open a different chat. For example, if you mention that you’re vegetarian, the next time you ask for recipes, it will provide only vegetarian options. 

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

You can also train it to remember specific details about you, such as saying, “Remember that I like to watch classic movies.” In future interactions, it will tailor recommendations accordingly. You have control over ChatGPT’s memory. You can reset it, clear specific memories or all memories, or turn this feature off entirely in your settings.

ChatGPT hack 2

A prompt on ChatGPT. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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The security vulnerability in ChatGPT

As reported by Arstechnica, security researcher Johann Rehberger found that it’s possible to trick the AI into remembering false information through a method called indirect prompt injection. This means the AI can be manipulated into accepting instructions from unreliable sources like emails or blog posts.

For instance, Rehberger demonstrated that he could trick ChatGPT into believing a certain user was 102 years old, lived in a fictional place called the Matrix and thought the Earth was flat. After the AI accepts this made-up information, it will carry it over to all future chats with that user. These false memories could be implanted by using tools like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive to store files, upload images or even browse a site like Bing — all of which could be manipulated by a hacker.

Rehberger submitted a follow-up report that included a proof of concept, demonstrating how he could exploit the flaw in the ChatGPT app for macOS. He showed that by tricking the AI into opening a web link containing a malicious image, he could make it send everything a user typed and all the AI’s responses to a server he controlled. This meant that if an attacker could manipulate the AI in this way, they could monitor all conversations between the user and ChatGPT.

Rehberger’s proof-of-concept exploit demonstrated that the vulnerability could be used to exfiltrate all user input in perpetuity. The attack isn’t possible through the ChatGPT web interface, thanks to an API OpenAI rolled out last year. However, it was still possible through the ChatGPT app for macOS.

When Rehberger privately reported the finding to OpenAI in May, the company took it seriously and mitigated this issue by ensuring that the model doesn’t follow any links generated within its own responses, like those involving memory and similar features. 

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ChatGPT hack 3

Johann Rehberger’s ChatGPT conversation. (Johann Rehberger)

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OpenAI’s response

After Rehberger shared his proof of concept, OpenAI engineers took action and released a patch to address this vulnerability. They released a new version of the ChatGPT macOS application (version 1.2024.247) that encrypts conversations and fixes the security flaw.

So, while OpenAI has taken steps to address the immediate security flaw, there are still potential vulnerabilities related to memory manipulation and the need for ongoing vigilance in using AI tools with memory features. The incident underscores the evolving nature of security challenges in AI systems.

The company says, “It’s important to note that prompt injection in large language models is an area of ongoing research. As new techniques emerge, we address them at the model layer via instruction hierarchy or application-layer defenses like the ones mentioned.”

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How do I disable ChatGPT memory?

If you’re not cool with ChatGPT keeping stuff about you or the chance that it could let a bad actor access your data, you can just turn off this feature in the settings.

  • Open the ChatGPT app or website on your computer or smartphone.
  • Click on the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Go to Settings and then select Personalization.
  • Switch the Memory option off, and you’re all set.

This disables ChatGPT’s ability to retain information between conversations, giving you full control over what it remembers or forgets.

ChatGPT hack 4

A man using ChatGPT on his laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Cybersecurity best practices: Protecting your data in the age of AI

As AI technologies like ChatGPT become more prevalent, it’s crucial to adhere to cybersecurity best practices to protect your personal information. Here are some tips for enhancing your cybersecurity:

1. Regularly review privacy settings: Stay informed about what data is being collected. Periodically check and adjust privacy settings on AI platforms like ChatGPT and others to ensure you’re only sharing information you’re comfortable with.

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2. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information: Less is more when it comes to personal data. Avoid disclosing sensitive details such as your full name, address, or financial information in conversations with AI.

3. Use strong, unique passwords: Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long, combining letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid reusing them across different accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your ChatGPT and other AI accounts. By requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

5. Keep software and applications up to date: Stay ahead of vulnerabilities. Regular updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered threats, so enable automatic updates whenever possible.

6. Have strong antivirus software:  In an age where AI is everywhere, protecting your data from cyber threats is more important than ever. Adding strong antivirus software to your devices adds a critical layer of protection. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong 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 & iOS devices.

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7. Regularly monitor your accounts: Catch issues early. Frequently check bank statements and online accounts for any unusual activity, which can help you identify potential breaches quickly. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

As AI tools like ChatGPT get smarter and more personal, it’s pretty interesting to think about how they can tailor conversations to us. But, as Johann Rehberger’s findings remind us, there are some real risks involved, especially when it comes to privacy and security. While OpenAI is able to mitigate these issues as they arise, it also shows that we need to keep a close eye on how these features work. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between innovation and keeping our data safe.

What are your thoughts on AI remembering personal details—do you find it helpful, or does it raise privacy concerns for you? 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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Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Arcane’s second season is a revolutionary powderkeg

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Arcane’s second season is a revolutionary powderkeg

The first season of Netflix and Riot’s Arcane animated series fashioned disparate pieces of League of Legends lore into a beautiful, devastating tale about a society on the brink of collapse. The show infused each of its characters with a depth and complexity that felt unlike anything Riot had done elsewhere in the longrunning franchise. And its commitment to telling its own story made it remarkably easy for new fans to dive in.

There’s a density to Arcane’s second season that feels reflective of the show’s creative team working to bring this juggernaut of a story to a satisfying end in just nine short episodes. Especially since it has been three years since season 1, you might need a refresher on how things became so dire for the citizens of Piltover and Zaun. But while the new season drops you right back into the chaos in a somewhat disorienting way, it does an excellent job of weaving together the many different threads of Arcane’s powerful legend.

Arcane’s first season ended with a literal bang — an explosive attack from Jinx (Ella Purnell) on the elite council members of Piltover just as they were about to sign a peace treaty that would have brought an end to their war on the impoverished people of Zaun. Though Jinx’s attack was rooted in years of personal psychological torment and her growing up as part of Zaun’s abused, disenfranchised underclass, it was a moment that made her sister Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) see truly her as a terroristic monster. It wasn’t clear who might emerge from the smoking rubble in the end, but there was no question about how much harder Piltover would retaliate with its dangerous Hextech weapons.

Arcane’s second season picks up in the immediate aftermath of the attack to emphasize the sheer amount of destruction Jinx caused in her crusade to make Piltover pay for its history of injustices. With so many of Piltover’s political leaders dead, the city’s priorities and its balance of power have to shift in ways that feel necessary to Vi and other survivors like enforcer Caitlyn Kiramman (Katie Leung). But while the new season takes some time to make you appreciate the magnitude of Piltover’s loss, it pushes this act of Arcane’s story into motion by exploring how oppressive societies create the monsters they ultimately come to hate and fear.

Everyone suffers as Arcane moves its characters into a new phase of conflict, but the show uses Vi and Jinx in particular to highlight how profoundly war can unmoor people from their senses of self. It’s easier for the sisters to let one another go than it is for either of them to see themselves in the other’s face. And when presented with chances to channel their feelings into action, it seldom occurs to them how fighting just to hurt the other side is guaranteed to cause self-inflicted wounds.

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Arcane repeatedly echoes that idea as it briskly shifts focus to the rest of its cast and brings the devastating danger of Hextech into sharp focus. Inventor Jayce Talis (Kevin Alejandro) and politician Mel Medarda (Toks Olagundoye) can understand the gravity of the escalation her warhawk mother Ambessa (Ellen Thomas) is hungry for. But that foresight can only do so much to keep the calls for a full-on invasion of Zaun at bay.

Arcane’s second season uses the rising tension and Jayce’s fears about what he has helped create to delve deeper into the magical mysteries of Hextech with a subplot that zooms far out into new realms of the League of Legends universe. It’s another way the show reinforces its ideas about actions coming with consequences that aren’t immediately obvious up close. And in some of Arcane’s characters, it crystalizes how heavy a price the planet can pay as humanity wages war.

Hextech also features largely in most of this season’s more visually stunning set pieces, which are once again truly the show’s greatest strength. Though the show as a whole is still utterly gorgeous, the action feels even more brutal this time around. On occasion, the “cool” needle drops feel a bit tone deaf because of how frank Arcane is trying to be in its depiction of a society tearing itself apart. But that has always kinda been Arcane’s vibe, and the season really leaning into it will likely appeal to hardcore fans.

Because the stakes are even higher and all of Arcane’s players are now fully locked into the war, this season’s first three episodes often feel more narratively dense and like they’re moving at a much faster pace. That might be more exhausting if the season was dropping all at once, but Netflix has smartly chosen to split it up into three separate acts set to debut through the end of the month. We won’t know until the end of November just how Arcane’s creators intend to bring this story to a close and whether it might set the stage for whatever’s coming next for the franchise. But this first act is a strong opener for Arcane’s final chapter.

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