After two days of dealing with wildfires that have burned thousands of acres, residents across Los Angeles County received a wildfire evacuation alert on Thursday afternoon that was a mistake. Shortly after, officials sent a follow-up alert saying that the notice was intended only for people near the Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills.

Los Angeles County shared a message on X explaining what happened: “An evacuation order for residents near the Kenneth Fire currently burning in West Hills was mistakenly issued Countywide. This alert was only intended for residents of Calabasas and Agoura Hills.”

CBS News quotes a local official who said that the alert, which included a broken URL, was sent “due to a technical error.”

Many wildfires are burning in the LA area, and officials have confirmed at least six deaths, CNN reports. LA County has a population of nearly 10 million people, which is the “largest population of any county in the nation,” according to the county’s website.

Imagine a world where clean drinking water is readily available even in the most remote areas.

This vision is becoming a reality thanks to innovative research from scientists in Canada. 

A team of scientists at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has developed a groundbreaking device that could revolutionize water desalination, offering hope to millions facing water scarcity worldwide.

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The power of plasmonic solar stills

At the heart of this innovation is a floating solar still, a device that harnesses the sun’s energy to purify seawater. 

Dr. Mita Dasog, an associate professor of chemistry and Killam Memorial chair at Dalhousie, explains the science behind it: “Refractory plasmonic nanomaterials are very good at capturing light and converting that light into heat.”

This principle forms the foundation of their ingenious design. The solar still, conceptualized by Dr. Matthew Margeson during his Ph.D. studies, addresses challenges that have long plagued similar devices. It minimizes thermal losses, prevents salt buildup and can withstand harsh maritime conditions.

Researcher pictured next to floating solar still (Matthew J. Margeson)

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How it works

The floating solar still operates through an elegantly simple yet highly effective process. First, ocean water is drawn up to the device’s foam surface through a wicking system. Once the water reaches the surface, it is evaporated by solar-heated plasmonic materials. As the water vapor rises, the salt is left behind, ensuring that only purified water is collected. The vapor then recondenses on a clear plastic dome situated above the device. Finally, the purified water is funneled down the sides of the dome and collected in a sealed bag for easy access.

The results of this process are impressive. In real-world tests conducted in Halifax Harbour, the device produced up to 0.97 gallons of clean water daily, which was a record-breaking yield for passive floating solar stills.

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Floating solar still process (Dalhousie University)

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Upcycling for sustainability

What sets this device apart is its use of unconventional materials. Instead of relying on expensive precious metals, the team turned to an unlikely source: used tires. Through a process called pyrolysis, carbon waste from tires is transformed into a crucial component of the desalination unit.

Dr. Dasog emphasizes the importance of accessibility: “We shouldn’t be making an expensive or very complicated device. It has to be easy to manufacture, last for a long time and be easy to take apart and move.” This approach not only makes the technology more affordable but also addresses the environmental issue of tire waste.

Floating solar still process (Dalhousie University)

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Affordable water purification and energy generation in one device

The device’s capabilities extend beyond water purification. It can simultaneously desalinate, disinfect and decontaminate water at a remarkably low cost: less than one cent per liter. It can also generate a small amount of thermoelectricity, potentially powering onboard water quality sensors.

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Looking ahead

The team’s next step is to conduct further testing in South Asia, with the ultimate goal of making the device available worldwide. Dasog, nominated for the Emerging Leader award at the Water Canada Summit, envisions the device as a lifeline for communities displaced by war or climate change.

Kurt’s key takeaways

As we tackle the growing challenges of water security, innovations like the plasmonic solar still shine a light of hope. By blending cutting-edge science with sustainable materials, the researchers at Dalhousie University are doing more than just purifying water; they’re paving the way for a future that is both equitable and resourceful. This device not only makes clean drinking water accessible but also highlights how we can use renewable energy sources to address pressing global issues.

If the sun could power one solution to improve human life, what would you want it to be? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Fake apps are a big problem, and their clever social engineering tricks make them hard to catch. 

There are tons of these apps out there mimicking popular apps like PayPal and Spotify. Security researchers have found another fake app pretending to be the premium version of Telegram, a messaging app with over a billion downloads. Hackers are using this app to spread malware called FireScam. It can steal everything you type on your Android phone and other personal info. 

Since it tracks your keyboard, it also gets all your passwords, which could give hackers access to sensitive data.

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What you need to know about FireScam

As reported by threat management company Cyfirma, FireScam is a type of malware that targets Android devices to steal personal information. It works like spyware, keeping an eye on what you do on your Android phone, such as reading your notifications, messages, clipboard content and more. 

Hackers are spreading FireScam by pretending it’s a premium version of Telegram. They’ve created a fake website on GitHub that looks like RuStore (a real app store in Russia). When people visit this fake site, they’re tricked into downloading an app that looks like “Telegram Premium.” However, this app is actually a trap. Once installed, it downloads the FireScam malware onto your device and starts stealing your personal data.

To avoid detection, the app is heavily disguised using a tool called DexGuard. It asks for permissions to access your storage, check installed apps and install more software. When you open the app, it shows a fake login page that looks like Telegram’s. If you enter your details, it steals your credentials.

The stolen data is first stored in a Firebase Realtime Database, but hackers later move it to private servers. The malware also registers each compromised device with a unique ID so hackers can keep track of their victims.

A man using his phone (Cyfirma)

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FireScam can steal almost everything on your phone

According to Cyfirma’s analysis, the FireScam malware is highly effective at stealing nearly all types of data from an infected Android device. It categorizes and sends anything you type, drag and drop, copy to the clipboard or even data automatically filled by password managers or exchanged between apps directly to the hackers.

The malware also monitors device state changes, such as when the screen turns on or off, and tracks e-commerce transactions to capture financial details. Plus, it spies on messaging apps to steal conversations and monitors screen activity, uploading key events to its server for further exploitation.

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Fake Telegram Premium app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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6 ways to stay safe from fake apps

1. Download apps only from official stores: Always use trusted app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store to download apps. These platforms have security measures to detect and remove fake or harmful apps. Avoid downloading apps from random websites, pop-up ads or unofficial third-party stores as these are common sources of fake apps.

2. Verify the app’s developer: Before installing an app, check who created it. Look at the developer’s name and ensure it matches the official company behind the app. Fake apps often copy the names of popular apps but use slightly altered spellings or extra characters. For example, a fake might be called “PayPaal” instead of “PayPal.”

3. Pay attention to reviews and ratings: Reviews and ratings can give you insight into an app’s authenticity. If an app has mostly negative reviews, very few downloads or generic comments like “Great app,” it could be fake. Genuine apps typically have a large number of detailed reviews over time. Be cautious of apps with five-star ratings but no specific feedback.

4. Be cautious of app permissions: Check the permissions the app requests before installing. A flashlight app, for example, shouldn’t need access to your contacts or messages. If an app is asking for permissions that don’t align with its purpose, it could be a red flag. Always deny permissions that seem excessive or unnecessary.

5. Keep your phone and apps updated: Regular updates for your operating system and apps often include important security fixes that protect your device from malware. Turning on automatic updates can ensure you always have the latest protections.

6. Use strong antivirus software: Install strong antivirus software on your Android. These tools can scan apps for malware, detect suspicious activity and block harmful downloads. Strong antivirus software provides an extra layer of defense, especially when browsing or downloading apps. 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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

The FireScam malware is a powerful tool that can steal everything on your phone, and it’s tough to detect if you’re not careful. Such apps can’t be distributed through legitimate app stores like the Play Store or the App Store, so they rely on third-party stores and fake websites to spread. To stay safe, the best approach is to stick to verified app stores and avoid downloading from untrustworthy sources.

When was the last time you read through the permissions an app asked for? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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