[ad_1]
This is today’s edition download, Our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the tech world.
Chinese hackers exploited years of software flaws to break into telecom giants
News: Hackers employed by the Chinese government have hacked into multiple major telecommunications companies around the world in a cyber-espionage campaign that lasted at least two years, according to a new recommendation from American security agencies.
How was it: Hackers allegedly breached their targets by exploiting old and well-known critical vulnerabilities in popular networking hardware. After gaining a foothold in the hackers’ targets, US officials said numerous private companies and government agencies used compromised devices to gain full access to network traffic. They did not name those affected by the campaign and did not explain the impact it had.
What does it mean: The campaign is a warning about the need for better fundamental cybersecurity for some of the world’s most important networks and is a striking example of how dangerous software flaws are still emerging years after they were discovered and made public. Read the full story.
—Patrick Howell O’Neill
Aviation industry can achieve emissions targets, but new fuels need to take flight first
Reducing carbon emissions from airplanes will be difficult, but not impossible, according to a new report by the International Council for Clean Transport.
The report outlines possible ways aviation can reduce emissions enough to do its part in keeping global warming below 2 °C below pre-industrial levels, the target set by the Paris agreement. It is estimated that around 60% of the emissions reductions will come from low-carbon fuels, with the rest coming from efficiency and low demand. Read the full story.
—Casey Crownhart
must read
I scoured the internet for today’s most entertaining/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 Twitter agrees to give Elon Musk access to millions of tweets
This can make it much more difficult for him to stop buying the company. (NYT $)
+ One of Musk’s financiers is linked to a Russian businessman. (Bloomberg $)
+ Texas’ decision to investigate Twitter’s fake accounts is a purely political one. (NYT $)
How Big Tech’s data storage hurts us all
And why sharing wouldn’t hurt them too. (Time $)
+ Bulk data rights could prevent big tech from destroying privacy. (MIT Technology Review)
3 A start-up accused of distributing ADHD drugs too freely
Especially during the pandemic, when regulations on remote prescriptions are relaxed. (WSJ $)
4 Rugged batteries work better in freezing temperatures
Flat lithium-ion batteries struggle in the cold; Changing the shape of its components may be a solution. (New Scientist $)
+ This startup wants to pack more energy into EV batteries. (MIT Technology Review)
5 South Korea investigates company behind stablecoin collapse
On allegations that a worker embezzled crypto assets. (FT $)
+ Workers considering switching to Web3 are hesitant. (vox)
6 Smart windows are an obvious way to save energy 
The problem, as always, is getting them fit enough to go mainstream. (knowable journal)
7 Caribbean’s hurricane activity at a historic low
And for a surprisingly long time. (Hakai Magazine)
+ We may need to start naming heat waves the same way we do hurricanes. (axioms)
+ How to keep power on during hurricanes and heat waves?. (MIT Technology Review)
+ Monitoring vibrations can help experts prevent flash floods. (Economist $)
8 Not all NFT art is terrible 
It’s just that most of the truly famous pieces do. (Boundary)
+ Bored Apes dethroned as most popular NFT project. (motherboard)
9 A saxophonist sneaks secrets into the USSR using encrypted music code 
Making knowledge irresolvable for all but experienced musicians. (wired $)
It’s time to get over 10 The Current Thing
Our collective ability to forget what we are angry about should help. (FT $)
Word of the Day
“There’s literally no computer in that clinic unless I bring my laptop from home.”
— Mia Raven, director of policy at an abortion clinic in Alabama, explains NBC News As the risk of Karaca’s repeal rises, its customers are increasing security as part of better safeguards.
big story
Ghost ships, crop circles and soft gold: a GPS mystery in Shanghai
November 2019
On a sultry summer night in July 2019, MV Manukai arrived in Shanghai port near the mouth of the Huangpu River. The city would be the American container ship’s last stop in China before making its long voyage to Long Beach, California.
The captain watched the navigation screens closely as the crew carefully navigated the 700-metre vessel through the world’s busiest port. According to Manukai’s screens, another ship was moving in the same channel at about seven knots (eight miles per hour). Suddenly, the other ship disappeared from the AIS screen. Moments later, the screen showed the other ship at the dock. Then it entered the canal and moved again, then back to the pier, then gone once more.
Surprised at last, the captain took the binoculars and scanned the dock. The other ship was stationary in the dock the entire time. Now, new research and unprecedented data suggest that Manukai and thousands of other ships are victims of a mysterious new weapon capable of mimicking GPS systems like never before. Read the full story.
–Mark Harris
We can still have beautiful things
A place for comfort, fun and distraction in these strange times. (Any ideas? Write me or tweet me.)
+ this oompah band cover of Highway to Hell It will make a great start to your Thursday (Thanks Allegra!)
+ who knew bamboo salt Was it very interesting?
+ Riley a LGBTQ+ icon after our own heart. 
+ What does it look like growing a mango tree from seed for a year (don’t expect it to bear fruit soon.)
+ Asparagus season – here it is how to cook perfectly.
[ad_2]
Source link