Russian news outlets aren’t allowed to tell the truth about the war in Ukraine. Listen to this one-minute podcast for the BBC’s plot to get the truth to the Russian people.
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This is why Ukraine live traffic data has disappeared from Google Maps
If the current events in Ukraine have proven one thing, it is that technology plays a significant role in distributing and disseminating information. Over the last few days, live webcams have provided a bird’s eye view of assaulted cities, and social media is being used to coordinate evacuations.
But too much information can sometimes be harmful. For example, data on locations, routes, and people movements can have devastating consequences when it falls into the wrong hands. Russia could use the same methods as a California research team that tracked troop movements before the invasion.
Read on to see how Google took steps to disable some information about Ukraine and major cities temporarily.
Here’s the backstory
Google has many tools in its arsenal, but one of the most useful is Google Maps. You can instantly get directions, points of interest, and live traffic conditions with it. Under normal circumstances, that would be valuable information to drivers and tourists.
But under conflict conditions, the same data can indicate where the most people are, where traffic jams are forming, and how busy certain businesses are. So Google decided to temporarily disable some live Google Maps features in Ukraine with that in mind.
In a blog post, Google explained that the move comes after consulting with multiple sources in the country. As a result, the live traffic layer and information about how busy places are will be disabled “to help protect the safety of local communities and their citizens.”
The tech giant also added information on Google Maps about refugee and migrant centers in neighboring countries. In addition, when people search for refugee and evacuation information, an SOS alert will pop up. This will point them to United Nations resources and humanitarian aid.
How Google is supporting Ukraine
For those in Ukraine, Google Maps will still have most functions like turn-by-turn directions. Google is just one tech company that has taken a hard line against Russia’s actions while helping the people of Ukraine.
In addition to blocking YouTube channels connected to Russian state-news agency RT and Sputnik across Europe, Google Pay is no longer available. Apple has also disconnected Apple Pay from Russian banks, and citizens can’t buy Apple products or accessories.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk made good on his promise to Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov by sending Starlink satellite internet devices to ensure that Ukraine remains connected to the internet. Musk also said more terminals would be on their way soon.
Ukraine Invasion: What it means for you and your family if Russia retaliates against the US
Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday, launching a coordinated attack by land, sea and air. Joseph Borrel, the EU foreign affairs chief, put it simply: “These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War.” Countries globally are condemning Russia, weighing in with sanctions to protest, and America’s voice is one of the loudest.
10 things (aside from gas) that will get more expensive during the Russian-Ukrainian war
Millions worldwide looked on in horror as Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday, the most significant attack in Europe since World War II. The invasion has continued to grow, and there is no clear answer on how long the war will continue. Tap or click here to secure your tech and prepare for cyberattacks.
Retaliation? Russian hackers take credit for McDonald's ransomware attack
In an effort to hurt the U.S., Russia launched a cyberattack on the quintessential American food chain: McDonald’s. To be more specific, a Russian group called Snatch took the credit for a recent hack on the McDonald’s Corporation. According to National Cybersecurity News, Snatch stole 500GB of data and demanded payment on the Dark Web.
Anonymous joined the war in Ukraine - What you need to know
Did you hear that the hacker group Anonymous blinded Russia’s fleet of spy satellites? Listen to this one-minute podcast for my take on what Russia is calling “an act of war.”
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The world's first cryptocurrency war is on
Did you know Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is triggering the world’s first cryptocurrency war? Listen to this one-minute episode to find out what’s going on.
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The "Nintendo Generation" and the Russia-Ukraine War
Is Gen Z unfit to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war? Listen to this one-minute podcast to find out why the Pentagon says the “Nintendo Generation” is at risk for boot camp injuries.
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Ukraine cyberattacks could be sign of things to come - Secure your systems
Your accounts and devices are always at risk for cyberattacks. You could be personally targeted or be one of thousands or millions of victims if a company you have an account with is hacked.
The Red Cross was recently targeted by cybercriminals, exposing more than half a million people’s data. Tap or click here for our report.
Alert for all small business owners
Did you know the Russia-Ukraine conflict could hurt your small business? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a few ways to prepare.
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What happens if Russia retaliates and the internet goes down?
Can Russia’s invasion harm average Americans like you and me? Listen to this one-minute podcast for my take.
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18 people die after lightning strikes - Here’s why you shouldn’t risk everything for a selfie
Only a few professional photographers have managed to capture a truly astonishing selfie. That doesn’t prevent everyone with access to a camera or smartphone from attempting to get the perfect shot.
Unfortunately, many have taken the art of selfies a step too far. Sadly, several people have died trying to reach secluded spots or dangerous locations. In October 2018, a couple fell to their death from Taft Point at Yosemite National Park. Two months before that, another teen fell while trying to take a selfie in Yosemite.
Hit by ransomware? Don't count on help
The recent ransomware attack over the holiday weekend was the single biggest in history. Behind the attack is the same Russia-linked gang that hit JBS meat processing and got an $11 million dollar payout during the Memorial Day weekend.
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Scam VPN app is bringing in $1M per month - Is it on your phone?
Apple’s iOS infrastructure is fairly robust when it comes to app downloads and services. Unlike third-party platforms, Apple’s App Store is guarded against malicious apps or those that don’t meet the requirements.
Hackers are targeting the COVID-19 vaccine distribution chain
Vaccines are a complex business, but a safe and effective one may be the key to getting through the COVID-19 pandemic and back to our normal lifestyles. And thanks to scientists and researchers’ tireless effort the world over, we have several promising candidates that are currently awaiting approval.
Americans will pay $32K for internet over a lifetime. Here are 3 ways to cut your bill
If you feel like you’re paying an arm and a leg for internet every month, you’re not imagining things. Americans really do pay more for internet service over a lifetime than almost any other country on earth.
Our internet isn’t exactly the fastest or most stable compared to other countries, so why the high costs? It isn’t government-subsidized for starters, and service providers take a decent sized cut of the profit. Tap or click here to see how to reduce your data usage.
Don't fall for these scare tactics that try to keep you from voting
The 2020 election is less than a week away, and voters are already reporting unusual activity both on and offline. Between robocalls, scams and foreign disinformation, there are plenty of reasons to stay vigilant as we make our way towards Election Day.
Hackers selling info on 148 million voters - Here's what you can do
Intelligence agencies have identified attempts by two foreign governments to interfere in the 2020 Presidential Election. According to reports from the Department of Justice, Iran and Russia — both of which oppose U.S. interests — have worked to sow discord and break down trust in the election process.
Online fraud is skyrocketing – Can you guess where most of it comes from?
The Justice Department recently shut down hundreds of sites for defrauding customers with fake hand sanitizer and disinfectant sales. The sellers, based out of Vietnam, tricked tens of thousands of customers into making purchases that never arrived, and got away with it by using PayPal and fake UPS tracking numbers to conceal their crimes.
Scam alert: Beware of COVID vaccine emails - they're all fake
Russia’s Vladimir Putin announced yesterday that they’ve developed a COVID-19 vaccine — and that it works so well that even his own daughter has taken it. This only adds to the frenzy of scam emails being received by millions of Americans promising a vaccine. Here’s what’s going on.
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