OpenAI has integrated a search engine into ChatGPT-4o. The AI now combines the functions of a chatbot and Google.
To improve the accuracy of responses, OpenAI has started working with media, weather services, and other data providers.
Access to the feature is already being distributed to paid subscribers. Owners of free accounts are asked to wait a couple of months.

The fired employee launched a cyber attack on restaurants in the Disney World theme park.
Using saved passwords, Michael Sawyer hacked the software to create menus. He labeled dishes with peanuts as safe for allergy sufferers, added profanities to the menu, and changed all the fonts to unreadable Wingdings symbols.
Disney reset the passwords, but the vengeful employee once again infiltrated the system and altered the QR codes to redirect users to third-party websites.
According to the criminal charge (pictured), Sawyer faces up to 10 years in prison.

Apple has introduced a new lineup of MacBook Pro laptops, powered by M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max processors. They are three times more powerful than the M1.
The devices come with 16GB of RAM and a front camera with 12MP. The screen brightness reaches up to 1600 nits in HDR. They also feature Thunderbolt 5 support and Apple Intelligence technology. The battery life has been extended to 24 hours.

The IT specialist decided to change his life by quitting his job and creating a coloring generator. Now he earns around $10,000 a month.
Ben Robertson faced the problem of keeping children entertained and decided to develop a service that automatically creates unique coloring pages. This led to the creation of Color Bliss, based on Stability AI technology.
Color Bliss has been successfully operating for almost a year. To promote the project, Ben used social media, startup blogs, targeted advertising, and SEO. As a result, he gained around 18,000 subscribers, who created over half a million coloring pages in a year.
It's time to create his own startup.

Chat bots in Telegram will soon have the opportunity to earn money. In the messenger's Android source code, lines with a new feature have been discovered.
According to the code, chat bots will display advertisements. Administrators will receive half of the income, similar to advertising in Telegram channels.
Payments will also be made in the cryptocurrency TON through the Fragment platform.

In the new version of iOS 18.1, there is a possibility to record phone conversations. To do this, during a call, you need to press on the special icon in the top left corner. Both participants of the conversation will be notified that their conversation is being recorded.
The recording will automatically stop after the call ends, but it can also be stopped manually. The saved file will be accessible in the "Notes" app.
This feature works with regular phone calls as well as FaceTime calls. However, it is not possible to record conversations conducted through third-party messengers.
There is also an option to create a transcript of the recording and a brief summary using Apple Intelligence, but at the moment this feature does not support the Russian language.

What is QwakMyAgent?

QwakMyAgent is a PowerShell script that is a previously unknown custom module agent for Mythic. When executed, this script sends information about the infected system, periodically receives and processes commands from the server.


The initial infection vector was not detected. It is known that after compromising host systems, attackers established connections with hosts through the WinRM service and executed HTA scripts available via URL links using the system utility mshta.exe.


Experts warn of the possibility of using QwakMyAgent to conduct large-scale cyber attacks on enterprises of any size. To protect against such threats, it is necessary to ensure timely updating of security measures and network security monitoring.

Characteristics of the QwakMyAgent agent:



  • A new Mythic agent that uses PowerShell for its operation.

  • Sends information about the infected system to malicious actors.

  • Receives and executes commands from a remote server.

  • The exact method of agent distribution is unknown.


F.A.C.C.T. company recommends all PowerShell users to take additional security measures to prevent possible infection by the QwakMyAgent agent. It is recommended to use only official and verified script sources, as well as regularly update antivirus databases and software.


Be vigilant and protect your data from cyber threats!

What is the difference between VPS, VDS, and RDP?

In the world of server virtualization, there are several popular technologies such as VPS (Virtual Private Server), VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server), and RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol). While they all provide the ability to remotely manage a server, they have their own features and differences.


VPS (Virtual Private Server)


A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a virtualized instance of a server that runs on a shared physical server. Each VPS has its own operating system, resources, and configuration. VPS is typically used for hosting websites, applications, and other services. The user accesses the VPS through SSH or RDP (depending on the operating system).


Example command for connecting to VPS via SSH:


ssh username@hostname

  • Has its dedicated resources

  • More flexible and customizable

  • Can be managed through SSH


VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server)


A Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) is a more powerful and performance-oriented variant of a virtualized server. VDS also runs on a shared physical server but allocates more computational resources and memory for each instance. This makes VDS more suitable for larger projects and applications.


Example command for managing VDS via RDP:


mstsc

  • Allocates more computational resources

  • Suitable for large projects

  • Managed through RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)


RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)


Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a remote management protocol that allows a user to connect to a remote computer or server and control it through a graphical interface. RDP is commonly used for remote access to Windows servers.


Example command for connecting to a remote server via RDP:


mstsc /v:hostname

  • Managed through a graphical interface

  • Suitable for Windows servers


So, VPS, VDS, and RDP are different server virtualization technologies, each with its own features and advantages. The choice between them depends on the specific needs of the project and the level of management required by the user.

"What should be done when first connecting to a VPS?"

Connecting to a VPS (Virtual Private Server) is the first step in working with a remote server where you will host your projects. Initial server setup upon the first connection is crucial to ensure the security and efficient operation of your project. In this article, we will discuss the basic steps to take when connecting to a VPS for the first time.


1. Updating the System:


The first step after connecting to a VPS is to update all system packages to the latest versions. Use the following commands to do this:


sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

2. Security Configuration:


To ensure server security, you should take the following steps:



  • Change the SSH port for server connection;

  • Create a new user with admin rights and disable root user access;

  • Configure a firewall to block unnecessary ports;

  • Install and configure Fail2Ban to protect against service attacks.


3. Installing Necessary Software:


Additional software installation may be required to work with your project. For example, for the Apache web server:


sudo apt install apache2

4. Setting Up a Domain Name:


If you plan to use your VPS for hosting a website, you should set up a domain name. Specify the server's IP address in the domain settings with the registrar.


After completing all of these steps, your VPS will be ready to work with your projects. Remember that security and regular system updates play an important role in maintaining the stability and security of server operation.

How to connect to a VPS server?

Virtual Private Servers (VPS) have become one of the most popular hosting solutions for websites and applications. They provide users with the ability to have full control over their server without making significant investments in hardware.


To connect to a VPS server, several steps need to be taken.


Step 1: Accessing the VPS Server


The first step is to access the VPS server via SSH (Secure Shell). You will need the server's IP address, username, and password. An example command to connect to the server:


ssh username@ip_address

Step 2: Entering the Password


After entering the command to connect to the server, the system will prompt you to enter the password. Upon successful password entry, you will be connected to the VPS server.


Step 3: Managing the Server


Now you have full access to the server and can manage it as you see fit. You can install applications, configure settings, and much more.


Connecting to a VPS server via SSH allows you to work with the server remotely and securely, as long as you have internet access. This method is the most secure way to manage a server.


In conclusion, connecting to a VPS server is relatively simple but requires some command line skills. However, once you understand the basic SSH commands, you will be able to easily manage your server and deploy applications on it.