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Highlight

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At Highlight, we face a unique challenge when it comes to adapting to a load of our customers. Because we record our customers' web apps, we need to be able to handle bursts of traffic as they come from their users. When we first started, our data ingested was simple: we would stream data from our recording client to our backend and perform updates as it came in. Our data handlers would perform metadata updates and write session recordings to PostgreSQL via SQL queries, and they would be consumed and removed from the database tables for permanent storage. The initial approach worked fine for a while. But as our customer base grew, we ran into key issues with this implementation. We had to run some database migrations that ran an ALTER command with an aggressive table lock. Immediately, we saw a wave of blocked commands, all waiting for the migration to complete. For the ~30 minutes that this took, we were dead in the water with incoming session requests and could not store any of our customers' recordings. All of the backend traffic would time out since we didn't have a place to put the data in the meantime. Maintaining all of our customers' recordings is always our top priority, so we knew we had to find a way to improve our ingest. Possible Solutions Since we needed a way to buffer data, we considered various techniques that could accomplish the task. One idea was to abstract each backend payload into a 'message' to be put into a buffer and consumed by a worker. We had a few considerations that were driven by details about our data: Our task data can range from ~10KB to ~100MB Tasks must be processed in order and serially for a given recording. Tasks across different recordings can be processed in parallel. We can't lose any messages for a recording as that would invalidate the entire recording. / / / Other NoSQL Databases Apache Cassandra MongoDB DynamoDB Has row size limits that vary but generally do not support our ~100MB messages. Would require much more application-level logic to write and consume data. Redis Data may expire, so messages may be lost. Message ordering is harder to maintain without performance constraints. RabbitMQ Fully ordered so scalability without application-level re-architecture may be a challenge. Brokers are replicated but do not scale well horizontally. Apache Kafka Messages can be as large as ~500MB. Messages are ordered within a partition. One consumer per partition allows for consistent ordering with linear parallel scaling. Messages only expire after a time-based or space-based retention policy. Building a Scalable Task Queue As we evaluated our options, we settled on a producer-consumer message strategy. Our architecture would have our backend HTTP request handlers produce 'task' messages that would block until the data was sent to our chosen broker. The messages would arrive at the broker quickly and reside until a worker machine could consume them and process their data. This effectively decouples our incoming data stream from the processing, allowing us to buffer data for as long as we want (space permitting based on the configuration of our broker). Focusing on the specifics of Apache Kafka, we had to define partitions that would store the sets of messages. As part of the process, we needed to think of a key that would ensure decide which messages fall into the same partition and are ordered relative to each other. Since one of our requirements is ensuring that tasks for a given recording are processed serially, we chose the session ID as the partition key. On both the producing and consuming ends, we could arbitrarily scale up the number of concurrent processes. Since messages of the same recording are processed in order, consumer scaling is limited. This is based on the number of partitions since, to maintain this property, each partition only has one consumer. For example, to be able to scale up to 128 consumers, we would need to have at least 128 partitions. Note that increasing the number of partitions increases overhead on the Kafka broker nodes and will require a more powerful machine (primarily more memory). For reference, we easily consume/produce ~5k messages per second (each ~100KB on average) across 768 partitions on a 3-node AWS kafka.m5.2xlarge cluster. Our 5 Key Learnings on Apache Kafka Managing our Apache Kafka cluster has been fairly straightforward, but we learned a lot of lessons along the way. To manage the cluster, we set server-side configuration via AWS MSK and monitor/edit topics via an ECS container running . Certain actions normally require the use of the running within the cluster's VPC, but we've found this UI to accomplish most of those tasks well. provectuslabs/kafka-ui Kafka CLI Message Ordering Producers must send messages with the Kafka SDK configuration of acks=all to guarantee message ordering. means that each producer will send the message to ALL brokers and wait for them to all receive the message before continuing. Messages are delivered to all replicas of a particular partition in the same sequence, ensuring that consumers of that partition observe the data in identical order. This setting Log Compaction As we learned the hard way, enabling log compaction for a message broker. Log compaction will replace old messages of a given key with future messages of the same key. This may be useful if messages represent a state which is updated by a superset state, but this approach will cause data loss if each message represents a unique piece of data. is a bad idea Replication Factor / Minimum In-Sync Replica One important feature of Apache Kafka is the ability to replicate data across multiple brokers to ensure high availability. Each partition can be replicated across N brokers to allow for reliable read/writes when a broker is down for maintenance or due to issues. For example, if you have a Kafka cluster with three nodes and a replication factor of three, then all brokers will have copies of all the data. You could lose a node without worrying about data loss and with minimal impact on read/write performance. The replication factor can be configured for the entire server or per data topic. You can find more information about how to configure that here. The setting dictates how many brokers must acknowledge a message before it is considered sent out. You may want to increase this setting to ensure that data is replicated and ordered correctly in the case of a broker outage. However, take care not to set the value to the total number of brokers since that would mean that writing will be blocked if even a single broker is offline for maintenance. min.insync.replicas Data Compression When thinking about how to best compress data, you have two options: compress on the producer/consumer nodes or have the Kafka brokers do it for you. We went with the first option of compressing before sending data and decompressing upon retrieval to ease the load on our cluster. Scaling up our producers/consumers proved to be more cost-effective than adding more CPU/brokers to the Kafka cluster. To accomplish this, we used the client library which provides an excellent abstraction for interacting with the cluster and will handle data compression completely transparently. segmentio/kafka-go Rebalance Timeout As we discussed, a consumer group distributed partitions to all processes so that each partition has exactly one consumer. To accomplish this, consumers send heartbeats to the broker to ensure they are still able to receive messages. When a consumer process stops, such as when rolling out an upgrade or if a worker ECS container crashes, Kafka must detect the missed heartbeat and assign the partition to a new consumer so that its messages do not back up. Two key settings dictate the configuration of rebalancing. By default, the setting governs the duration without consumer heartbeats that a broker considers the consumer dead and initiates a rebalance, and the setting sets the amount of time that the group coordinator will wait for new members to join. This means that once a consumer process stops, the amount of time until new data is consumed is the sum of the two settings. session.timeout.ms group.initial.rebalance.delay.ms We had to tweak these two settings from their default values to ensure that the rebalance time is reasonably short to quickly resume consuming messages while giving enough of a delay for new containers and processes to start up and connect to the cluster. Originally published here.

Is Kafka the Key? The Evolution of Highlight's Ingest

LONDON, united kingdom, November 22nd, 2024/Chainwire/--The memecoin market is evolving rapidly, with Pepeto($PEPETO) emerging as a project focused on supporting and integrating all memecoins through its multifaceted ecosystem. Offering features such as a zero-fee trading platform, a blockchain bridge, and a swap solution, Pepeto aims to enhance interoperability, accessibility, and liquidity in the memecoin space. With its presale price currently set at $0.000000093 and a total token supply of 420 trillion, matching that of Pepe, Pepeto seeks to establish itself as a competitive player in the memecoin ecosystem as it builds out its platform. https://www.youtube.com/embed/lKZl_T51MVY A Revolutionary Ecosystem for Memecoins Pepeto distinguishes itself with an ecosystem designed to address the unique challenges of the memecoin market: Zero-Fee Cross-Chain Trading: Seamlessly trade across blockchains without incurring fees, promoting accessibility for all investors.
Advanced Bridge Functionality: Pepeto’s bridge ensures interoperability between blockchains, creating a unified trading environment for memecoins.
Token Listing Platform: Supporting token owners by providing a space to list and promote assets, facilitating collaboration and enabling liquidity within the memecoin ecosystem.
Swap Platform: Designed for quick and efficient transactions, offering users the tools needed for an evolving market. These features aim to provide both token holders and developers with practical utilities while promoting wider adoption of memecoins. Pepeto Hits $600K in Viral Crypto Presale Pepeto’s presale has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing $600,000, which the team sees as a reflection of strong community interest. Positioned as an early-stage project with a presale price of $0.000000093, Pepeto’s total supply of 420 trillion tokens mirrors the well-known Pepe coin. This milestone highlights the growing engagement around Pepeto’s ecosystem-driven approach. Tokenomics Supporting Community Growth Pepeto’s token distribution strategy reflects its commitment to balanced growth: Presale: 30%
Staking: 30%
Marketing: 20%
Project Development: 7.5%
Liquidity: 12.5% This allocation supports both immediate project needs and long-term sustainability, incentivizing early participants and fostering ongoing community involvement. A Growing Community and Early Opportunities X POST: https://x.com/Pepetocoin/status/1859961228304769189 With a focus on utility and scalability, Pepeto is positioning itself as a significant player in the memecoin space. The project has attracted a rapidly expanding community and is preparing for the anticipated 2025 bull run by enhancing its ecosystem for both new and established memecoins. Conclusion As the crypto market prepares for its next cycle, Pepeto positions itself as a project focused on integrating memecoins within its ecosystem. By offering tools such as a blockchain bridge, exchange, and zero-fee listing platform, Pepeto aims to provide practical value to users and developers. The project’s mission to support interoperability and accessibility underscores its vision for long-term utility in the memecoin space. About Pepeto Pepeto is a memecoin project designed to integrate cross-chain utility with community-driven development. Offering zero-fee trading, blockchain bridge functionality, and a staking rewards program, Pepeto seeks to combine accessibility with practical features. The project emphasizes interoperability and long-term value, fostering a dedicated user base through its ecosystem innovations and community-focused approach. For more information about Pepeto, users can visit the official website https://pepeto.io Disclaimer Pepeto.io is the sole official platform for purchasing Pepeto tokens. Investors are encouraged to exercise caution and avoid unofficial sites. For accurate information, visit https://pepeto.io. Contact Head of MK Baker Uccio contact@pepeto.io This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here LONDON, united kingdom, November 22nd, 2024/Chainwire/--The memecoin market is evolving rapidly, with Pepeto($PEPETO) emerging as a project focused on supporting and integrating all memecoins through its multifaceted ecosystem. Offering features such as a zero-fee trading platform, a blockchain bridge, and a swap solution, Pepeto aims to enhance interoperability, accessibility, and liquidity in the memecoin space. With its presale price currently set at $0.000000093 and a total token supply of 420 trillion, matching that of Pepe, Pepeto seeks to establish itself as a competitive player in the memecoin ecosystem as it builds out its platform. https://www.youtube.com/embed/lKZl_T51MVY https://www.youtube.com/embed/lKZl_T51MVY https://www.youtube.com/embed/lKZl_T51MVY A Revolutionary Ecosystem for Memecoins Pepeto distinguishes itself with an ecosystem designed to address the unique challenges of the memecoin market: Zero-Fee Cross-Chain Trading: Seamlessly trade across blockchains without incurring fees, promoting accessibility for all investors. Advanced Bridge Functionality: Pepeto’s bridge ensures interoperability between blockchains, creating a unified trading environment for memecoins. Token Listing Platform: Supporting token owners by providing a space to list and promote assets, facilitating collaboration and enabling liquidity within the memecoin ecosystem. Swap Platform: Designed for quick and efficient transactions, offering users the tools needed for an evolving market. Zero-Fee Cross-Chain Trading: Seamlessly trade across blockchains without incurring fees, promoting accessibility for all investors. Advanced Bridge Functionality: Pepeto’s bridge ensures interoperability between blockchains, creating a unified trading environment for memecoins. Token Listing Platform: Supporting token owners by providing a space to list and promote assets, facilitating collaboration and enabling liquidity within the memecoin ecosystem. Swap Platform: Designed for quick and efficient transactions, offering users the tools needed for an evolving market. These features aim to provide both token holders and developers with practical utilities while promoting wider adoption of memecoins. Pepeto Hits $600K in Viral Crypto Presale Pepeto’s presale has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing $600,000, which the team sees as a reflection of strong community interest. Positioned as an early-stage project with a presale price of $0.000000093, Pepeto’s total supply of 420 trillion tokens mirrors the well-known Pepe coin. This milestone highlights the growing engagement around Pepeto’s ecosystem-driven approach. Tokenomics Supporting Community Growth Pepeto’s token distribution strategy reflects its commitment to balanced growth: Presale: 30% Staking: 30% Marketing: 20% Project Development: 7.5% Liquidity: 12.5% Presale: 30% Staking: 30% Marketing: 20% Project Development: 7.5% Liquidity: 12.5% This allocation supports both immediate project needs and long-term sustainability, incentivizing early participants and fostering ongoing community involvement. A Growing Community and Early Opportunities X POST: https://x.com/Pepetocoin/status/1859961228304769189 https://x.com/Pepetocoin/status/1859961228304769189 https://x.com/Pepetocoin/status/1859961228304769189 With a focus on utility and scalability, Pepeto is positioning itself as a significant player in the memecoin space. The project has attracted a rapidly expanding community and is preparing for the anticipated 2025 bull run by enhancing its ecosystem for both new and established memecoins. Conclusion As the crypto market prepares for its next cycle, Pepeto positions itself as a project focused on integrating memecoins within its ecosystem. By offering tools such as a blockchain bridge, exchange, and zero-fee listing platform, Pepeto aims to provide practical value to users and developers. The project’s mission to support interoperability and accessibility underscores its vision for long-term utility in the memecoin space. About Pepeto Pepeto is a memecoin project designed to integrate cross-chain utility with community-driven development. Offering zero-fee trading, blockchain bridge functionality, and a staking rewards program, Pepeto seeks to combine accessibility with practical features. Pepeto Pepeto The project emphasizes interoperability and long-term value, fostering a dedicated user base through its ecosystem innovations and community-focused approach. For more information about Pepeto, users can visit the official website https://pepeto.io https://pepeto.io https://pepeto.io Disclaimer Pepeto.io is the sole official platform for purchasing Pepeto tokens. Investors are encouraged to exercise caution and avoid unofficial sites. For accurate information, visit https://pepeto.io . https://pepeto.io https://pepeto.io Contact Head of MK Baker Uccio contact@pepeto.io This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here here

Pepeto’s $600K Presale Highlights Vision For Supporting Memecoins Ahead Of 2025

Cybersecurity Ventures (2023) revealed that nearly 20% of IP addresses associated with cyber attacks originated from common VPN providers. The statistic raises a critical question: Should VPN service providers be held accountable for attacks launched through their networks? VPNs were originally designed to provide users with greater privacy, enabling them to hide their IP addresses and encrypt their data. This is particularly important in countries where internet freedom is restricted or surveillance is common. However, the very same features that protect legitimate users are also being exploited by cybercriminals who use VPN networks to mask their identities and launch malicious activities, including ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. A Double-Edged Sword: Protection and Exploitation “The dual nature of VPNs highlights a troubling reality. On one hand, they offer crucial protection, especially for those in high-risk or censored environments. But on the other hand, VPNs can be manipulated to facilitate harm, making it difficult to trace the true origins of a cyber attack.” In some recent high-profile cyber attacks, VPNs have played a significant role in masking attackers’ identities. One such incident involved a ransomware attack on a major healthcare provider, where hackers accessed sensitive data by first connecting through VPNs to conceal their IP addresses. Another case saw a European bank hit with a massive DDoS attack, with over 5,000 IP addresses associated with free or low-cost VPN services. The Call for Accountability These incidents have led to calls for more accountability from VPN providers, with some experts suggesting that providers should monitor their networks more actively to detect unusual activity or potentially suspicious traffic patterns. This, however, is easier said than done. VPNs are typically marketed with a promise of complete user privacy, and any form of monitoring could be seen as undermining this core principle. Yet, as cyber-attacks involving VPNs continue to rise, regulators and cybersecurity advocates are considering a middle ground. “Holding VPN providers responsible doesn’t mean we want to end-user privacy. What I propose is that VPN providers take reasonable measures to ensure their networks aren’t being abused. For instance, some minimal logging or network monitoring could help flag malicious activity without completely compromising user privacy.” Global Inconsistencies in VPN Regulations One of the challenges in holding VPN providers accountable is the lack of consistent regulations across countries. While some governments have restricted or even banned certain VPN services, many Western countries have allowed VPNs to operate with minimal oversight. This regulatory disparity complicates efforts to implement global standards or hold providers accountable when attacks involve cross-border networks. Cyber attacks are rarely confined to one jurisdiction. If a VPN provider in one country isn’t held to the same standards as a provider in another, that creates a loophole for cybercriminals to exploit. Coordinated international efforts are essential to address this issue effectively Balancing Privacy and Security The discussion about holding VPN providers accountable brings up ethical concerns as well. Privacy advocates worry that increased regulation could erode the very benefits that VPNs provide to ordinary users, including secure and private access to the internet. With many VPN users relying on these services for protection in high-risk environments, privacy advocates are cautious about measures that might compromise this security. However, the issue of VPN accountability is gaining traction. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of Americans believe that tech companies should take more responsibility in preventing abuse of their platforms, including VPNs indicating a growing sentiment that while user privacy is critical, some level of oversight may be necessary to prevent cybercriminals from misusing these services. Potential Solutions: Finding the Middle Ground Several proposed solutions aim to strike a balance between accountability and privacy: Basic Logging: Requiring VPN providers to retain minimal logs, such as connection timestamps and server usage statistics, could help trace cyber attackers without revealing individual browsing history.


User Verification: Certain VPN providers could implement basic verification processes, particularly for high-bandwidth or business accounts, to deter potential misuse.


Network Monitoring for Suspicious Activity: By monitoring for unusual traffic patterns, VPN providers could flag suspicious activity and even restrict access in extreme cases, helping to curb potential abuse. While these measures could deter cybercriminals, they also risk diminishing the privacy benefits that VPNs offer. Privacy advocates argue that providers should not compromise user trust by over-monitoring or logging data, and some warn that such steps could lead to greater government surveillance or censorship. A Future of Shared Responsibility? As the debate continues, the cybersecurity community is divided. Some experts argue that VPN providers must step up their role in cybersecurity, while others believe the focus should remain on individual accountability. The rise in cyber attacks involving VPNs, however, suggests that a compromise may be necessary to ensure that the technology remains a force for good rather than a shield for malicious activities. If cyber attacks involving VPNs continue to increase, VPN providers may face mounting pressure to adopt at least some level of accountability. By implementing moderate, privacy-conscious measures, VPN providers could help prevent cybercriminals from exploiting their networks, allowing VPNs to fulfill their original purpose: protecting users and enhancing online privacy. Personal Opinion Isn’t it ironic? VPNs—the very tools designed to protect our privacy, secure our data, and shield us from prying eyes—are now some of the biggest enablers of cybercrime. The same encryption that safeguards our information is also being exploited by hackers and malicious actors to launch attacks, hide their tracks, and wreak havoc. We trust VPNs to keep us safe from surveillance and data breaches, yet they’ve become the go-to disguise for cybercriminal. VPNs were built on a promise of safety, yet there’s an ever-growing catalog of cyber-attacks traced back to VPN IP addresses. Think about that: the same platforms people use to protect themselves from online threats are hosting the very networks from which those threats are coming. It’s absurd! Major cyber attacks on banks, healthcare systems, and corporations have VPNs to thank for enabling criminals to bypass location-based security measures. Hackers can now hide in plain sight, bouncing through encrypted servers and masked IPs, all while the VPN providers stand by, washing their hands of any responsibility. It’s time we start asking why these VPN providers aren’t being held accountable. We need to question why they can promote “no-logging” policies and prioritize privacy to the point where it’s hurting the very internet safety they claim to defend. Sure, privacy is essential, but it doesn’t have to mean giving cybercriminals a free pass to exploit these networks unchecked. It’s now time for VPNs to rethink how they operate and consider how they can help protect us not only from surveillance but from the malicious misuse of their own platforms. Whether through regulation or self-imposed standards, VPNs may one day balance their mission of privacy with the imperative of security, allowing users to enjoy online freedom without enabling malicious actors. Cybersecurity Ventures (2023) revealed that nearly 20% of IP addresses associated with cyber attacks originated from common VPN providers. The statistic raises a critical question: Should VPN service providers be held accountable for attacks launched through their networks? Cybersecurity Ventures (2023) revealed that nearly 20% of IP addresses associated with cyber attacks originated from common VPN providers. The statistic raises a critical question: Should VPN service providers be held accountable for attacks launched through their networks? VPNs were originally designed to provide users with greater privacy, enabling them to hide their IP addresses and encrypt their data. This is particularly important in countries where internet freedom is restricted or surveillance is common. However, the very same features that protect legitimate users are also being exploited by cybercriminals who use VPN networks to mask their identities and launch malicious activities, including ransomware attacks, phishing schemes, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. A Double-Edged Sword: Protection and Exploitation “The dual nature of VPNs highlights a troubling reality. On one hand, they offer crucial protection, especially for those in high-risk or censored environments. But on the other hand, VPNs can be manipulated to facilitate harm , making it difficult to trace the true origins of a cyber attack.” VPNs can be manipulated to facilitate harm In some recent high-profile cyber attacks, VPNs have played a significant role in masking attackers’ identities. One such incident involved a ransomware attack on a major healthcare provider, where hackers accessed sensitive data by first connecting through VPNs to conceal their IP addresses. Another case saw a European bank hit with a massive DDoS attack, with over 5,000 IP addresses associated with free or low-cost VPN services. The Call for Accountability These incidents have led to calls for more accountability from VPN providers, with some experts suggesting that providers should monitor their networks more actively to detect unusual activity or potentially suspicious traffic patterns. This, however, is easier said than done. VPNs are typically marketed with a promise of complete user privacy, and any form of monitoring could be seen as undermining this core principle. Yet, as cyber-attacks involving VPNs continue to rise, regulators and cybersecurity advocates are considering a middle ground. “Holding VPN providers responsible doesn’t mean we want to end-user privacy. What I propose is that VPN providers take reasonable measures to ensure their networks aren’t being abused. For instance, some minimal logging or network monitoring could help flag malicious activity without completely compromising user privacy.” Global Inconsistencies in VPN Regulations One of the challenges in holding VPN providers accountable is the lack of consistent regulations across countries. While some governments have restricted or even banned certain VPN services, many Western countries have allowed VPNs to operate with minimal oversight. This regulatory disparity complicates efforts to implement global standards or hold providers accountable when attacks involve cross-border networks. Cyber attacks are rarely confined to one jurisdiction. If a VPN provider in one country isn’t held to the same standards as a provider in another, that creates a loophole for cybercriminals to exploit. Coordinated international efforts are essential to address this issue effectively Balancing Privacy and Security The discussion about holding VPN providers accountable brings up ethical concerns as well. Privacy advocates worry that increased regulation could erode the very benefits that VPNs provide to ordinary users, including secure and private access to the internet. With many VPN users relying on these services for protection in high-risk environments, privacy advocates are cautious about measures that might compromise this security. However, the issue of VPN accountability is gaining traction. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of Americans believe that tech companies should take more responsibility in preventing abuse of their platforms, including VPNs indicating a growing sentiment that while user privacy is critical, some level of oversight may be necessary to prevent cybercriminals from misusing these services. 65% of Americans Potential Solutions: Finding the Middle Ground Several proposed solutions aim to strike a balance between accountability and privacy: Basic Logging: Requiring VPN providers to retain minimal logs, such as connection timestamps and server usage statistics, could help trace cyber attackers without revealing individual browsing history. User Verification: Certain VPN providers could implement basic verification processes, particularly for high-bandwidth or business accounts, to deter potential misuse. Network Monitoring for Suspicious Activity: By monitoring for unusual traffic patterns, VPN providers could flag suspicious activity and even restrict access in extreme cases, helping to curb potential abuse. Basic Logging: Requiring VPN providers to retain minimal logs, such as connection timestamps and server usage statistics, could help trace cyber attackers without revealing individual browsing history. Basic Logging : Requiring VPN providers to retain minimal logs, such as connection timestamps and server usage statistics, could help trace cyber attackers without revealing individual browsing history. Basic Logging User Verification: Certain VPN providers could implement basic verification processes, particularly for high-bandwidth or business accounts, to deter potential misuse. User Verification : Certain VPN providers could implement basic verification processes, particularly for high-bandwidth or business accounts, to deter potential misuse. User Verification Network Monitoring for Suspicious Activity: By monitoring for unusual traffic patterns, VPN providers could flag suspicious activity and even restrict access in extreme cases, helping to curb potential abuse. Network Monitoring for Suspicious Activity : By monitoring for unusual traffic patterns, VPN providers could flag suspicious activity and even restrict access in extreme cases, helping to curb potential abuse. Network Monitoring for Suspicious Activity While these measures could deter cybercriminals, they also risk diminishing the privacy benefits that VPNs offer. Privacy advocates argue that providers should not compromise user trust by over-monitoring or logging data, and some warn that such steps could lead to greater government surveillance or censorship. A Future of Shared Responsibility? As the debate continues, the cybersecurity community is divided. Some experts argue that VPN providers must step up their role in cybersecurity, while others believe the focus should remain on individual accountability. The rise in cyber attacks involving VPNs, however, suggests that a compromise may be necessary to ensure that the technology remains a force for good rather than a shield for malicious activities. If cyber attacks involving VPNs continue to increase, VPN providers may face mounting pressure to adopt at least some level of accountability. By implementing moderate, privacy-conscious measures, VPN providers could help prevent cybercriminals from exploiting their networks, allowing VPNs to fulfill their original purpose: protecting users and enhancing online privacy. Personal Opinion Isn’t it ironic? VPNs —the very tools designed to protect our privacy, secure our data, and shield us from prying eyes—are now some of the biggest enablers of cybercrime. VPNs The same encryption that safeguards our information is also being exploited by hackers and malicious actors to launch attacks, hide their tracks, and wreak havoc. We trust VPNs to keep us safe from surveillance and data breaches, yet they’ve become the go-to disguise for cybercriminal. VPNs were built on a promise of safety, yet there’s an ever-growing catalog of cyber-attacks traced back to VPN IP addresses. Think about that: the same platforms people use to protect themselves from online threats are hosting the very networks from which those threats are coming. It’s absurd! Major cyber attacks on banks, healthcare systems, and corporations have VPNs to thank for enabling criminals to bypass location-based security measures. Hackers can now hide in plain sight, bouncing through encrypted servers and masked IPs, all while the VPN providers stand by, washing their hands of any responsibility. It’s time we start asking why these VPN providers aren’t being held accountable. We need to question why they can promote “no-logging” policies and prioritize privacy to the point where it’s hurting the very internet safety they claim to defend. Sure, privacy is essential, but it doesn’t have to mean giving cybercriminals a free pass to exploit these networks unchecked. It’s now time for VPNs to rethink how they operate and consider how they can help protect us not only from surveillance but from the malicious misuse of their own platforms. Whether through regulation or self-imposed standards, VPNs may one day balance their mission of privacy with the imperative of security, allowing users to enjoy online freedom without enabling malicious actors.

The Dual Nature Of VPNs Highlights A Troubling Reality

Dreamforce 2024 pushed the boundaries of what a tech conference can be. The annual event from Salesforce, which had more than 45,000 in attendance this year, showcased cutting-edge AI technology, with the debut of Agentforce as its centerpiece. While tech innovations took center stage, the event also featured some familiar faces. Attendees might have spotted Simone Biles, Kate Hudson, and Matthew McConaughey among the crowd, adding a touch of star power to the venue. On top of that, autonomous robots roamed the conference floors, providing a glimpse into a more automated future. From AI breakthroughs to futuristic demonstrations, these highlights reveal how the conference from Salesforce is shaping the future of business and technology. 1. The introduction of Agentforce: AI Agents are here Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff set the tone for the conference by introducing Agentforce, a platform that enables companies to deploy autonomous AI agents capable of analyzing data, making decisions, and taking action without human intervention. These agents can respond to customer service inquiries, qualify sales opportunities, and optimize marketing campaigns autonomously. Along with the platform, Salesforce also introduced Agent Builder, a low-code tool that allows customers to quickly create and customize their own agents. A successful example is the Sophie agent, created by Saks Fifth Avenue department store, which could be deployed in just one week and is able to perform actions such as arranging product changes without human intervention. “Autonomous AI agents are about to make an impact in the retail world, especially as we head into the holiday season. These smart-systems can tackle tough jobs like automating customer service and streamlining supply chains. This could completely change the way we shop, making it faster, more tailored to our needs, and safer,” said Blake Ellis, Founding Partner at CommerceV3. In Benioff’s words, AI is not just a trending technology, but a crucial solution for the future. “This is our most important Dreamforce yet, you’re going to see technology like you’ve never seen before,” he assured attendees during the inaugural Dreamforce 2024 keynote. In addition, Salesforce launched the Agentforce Partner Network, an ecosystem that provides third-party extensions for use in complex action chains. Launch partners include Amazon Web Services, IBM and Google Cloud, among others. 2. A new era of Slack and AI The tech goliath also announced it has infused AI into Slack, with the integration enabling direct access to Salesforce information without the need for another application. The new Slack interface not only communicates with Agentforce agents, it also interacts with third parties such as Adobe, Anthropic, Cohere, and Perplexity. “We’ve moved beyond collaboration; every day, millions of teams are leveraging purpose-built AI, with customer data, automation, and now agents seamlessly integrated into the flow of work. In today’s increasingly complex work environment, true productivity requires a work operating system built for the future of work, and that is Slack,” said Denise Dresser, CEO of Slack. Other new features include meeting notes, simplified automation, enhanced search, and collections of templates for channels, canvases, lists, and automated workflows. These updates aim to turn Slack into a comprehensive work operating system with accessible data and seamless integrations with other systems. The goal is to improve collaboration and productivity, as studies show that poor collaboration results in the loss of 25 billion hours each year, and AI can save around 12% of that time. 3. Data cloud as the “heartbeat” Salesforce has highlighted the importance of its Data Cloud, calling it the “heartbeat” of its platform and the foundation of its Agentforce. The Data Cloud is capable of processing a staggering 767 billion records per month, and all Salesforce Customer 360 applications, as well as Tableau, have been rewritten to run on it. At the conference, Salesforce announced several new features, including support for unstructured data like audio and video content, a standardized semantic data model for consistent interpretation and use of data, enhanced search capabilities, real-time data triggers to respond to changing customer needs, and improved security and data governance features. “When we encouraged you to use Data Cloud, what we didn’t realize is we were preparing you very well for AI,” Benioff added. 4. The blend of technology, entertainment, and science The conference utilized iconic San Francisco locations like the Salesforce Tower and Oracle Park as venues. It featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including actress Kerry Washington, actor Matthew McConaughey, and primatologist Jane Goodall. In addition to the speaker sessions, the conference included entertainment and celebrity appearances. Musical acts such as Pink, Imagine Dragons, and Japanese pop star Yoshiki performed. Comedian John Mulaney replaced Seth Meyers, who had roasted the conference the previous year. Salesforce also highlighted its technological capabilities by hosting talks from tech industry leaders. This included conversations between Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, as well as presentations by AMD CEO Lisa Su, Anthropic president Daniela Amodei, and former Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg. 5. Salesforce’s Ventures $500M AI fund Salesforce Ventures has announced the creation of a new AI Fund, which will add another $500 million to its existing AI investment fund. This brings the company’s total commitment to AI innovators to $1 billion in the past 18 months. Salesforce Ventures has already invested in over two dozen AI companies, including Anthropic, Cohere, Runway, TogetherAI, Mistral AI, and Hugging Face. The company aims to support dynamic and expansive innovators in winning the market by accelerating their growth through its customer network. “Our expanded investment deepens our commitment to helping the most dynamic and expansive innovators win the market by accelerating their growth through our customer network and delivering trusted AI that earns the confidence of the biggest companies in the world,” added Paul Drews, managing partner of Salesforce Ventures. 6. Lots of autonomous robots This year’s event marked the human-AI collaboration as the core of an exciting era in our daily lives. The integration of autonomous robots throughout the event, demonstrated the potential of AI to work alongside humans, not just as tools, but as partners. When coffee ran out at the park’s main refreshment stand, attendees were directed to another where beverages were served by a robot. Another great example that captured a lot of attention was the presence of autonomous delivery robots. The small and adorable machines navigated the event grounds, disturbing special editions of TIME Magazine’s*“Most Influential People in AI”* to attendees, offering a tangible demonstration of advertising and robotics in action. The robots’ presence highlighted the growing importance of autonomous systems in our daily lives, offering a glimpse into a future where delivery robotics seamlessly integrate into urban environments, potentially revolutionizing everything from local deliveries to advertising. Last Thursday, while participating at the conference, Kiwibot, the company behind the delivery robots, announced its acquisition of Nickelytics in a $25 million deal. This move is effectively turning their fleet of delivery robots into mobile, interactive billboards that hint at innovative new ways brands might engage with consumers in the future. Dreamforce 2024 pushed the boundaries of what a tech conference can be. The annual event from Salesforce, which had more than 45,000 in attendance this year, showcased cutting-edge AI technology, with the debut of Agentforce as its centerpiece. While tech innovations took center stage, the event also featured some familiar faces. Attendees might have spotted Simone Biles, Kate Hudson, and Matthew McConaughey among the crowd, adding a touch of star power to the venue. On top of that, autonomous robots roamed the conference floors, providing a glimpse into a more automated future. From AI breakthroughs to futuristic demonstrations, these highlights reveal how the conference from Salesforce is shaping the future of business and technology. 1. The introduction of Agentforce: AI Agents are here The introduction of Agentforce: AI Agents are here Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff set the tone for the conference by introducing Agentforce , a platform that enables companies to deploy autonomous AI agents capable of analyzing data, making decisions, and taking action without human intervention. These agents can respond to customer service inquiries, qualify sales opportunities, and optimize marketing campaigns autonomously. Agentforce Along with the platform, Salesforce also introduced Agent Builder , a low-code tool that allows customers to quickly create and customize their own agents. introduced Agent Builder A successful example is the Sophie agent, created by Saks Fifth Avenue department store, which could be deployed in just one week and is able to perform actions such as arranging product changes without human intervention. “Autonomous AI agents are about to make an impact in the retail world, especially as we head into the holiday season. These smart-systems can tackle tough jobs like automating customer service and streamlining supply chains. This could completely change the way we shop, making it faster, more tailored to our needs, and safer,” said Blake Ellis, Founding Partner at CommerceV3. In Benioff’s words, AI is not just a trending technology, but a crucial solution for the future. “This is our most important Dreamforce yet, you’re going to see technology like you’ve never seen before,” he assured attendees during the inaugural Dreamforce 2024 keynote. In addition, Salesforce launched the Agentforce Partner Network, an ecosystem that provides third-party extensions for use in complex action chains. Launch partners include Amazon Web Services, IBM and Google Cloud, among others. 2. A new era of Slack and AI A new era of Slack and AI The tech goliath also announced it has infused AI into Slack, with the integration enabling direct access to Salesforce information without the need for another application. The new Slack interface not only communicates with Agentforce agents, it also interacts with third parties such as Adobe, Anthropic, Cohere, and Perplexity. “We’ve moved beyond collaboration; every day, millions of teams are leveraging purpose-built AI, with customer data, automation, and now agents seamlessly integrated into the flow of work. In today’s increasingly complex work environment, true productivity requires a work operating system built for the future of work, and that is Slack,” said Denise Dresser, CEO of Slack. Other new features include meeting notes, simplified automation, enhanced search, and collections of templates for channels, canvases, lists, and automated workflows. These updates aim to turn Slack into a comprehensive work operating system with accessible data and seamless integrations with other systems. The goal is to improve collaboration and productivity, as studies show that poor collaboration results in the loss of 25 billion hours each year , and AI can save around 12% of that time. 25 billion hours each year 3. Data cloud as the “heartbeat” Data cloud as the “heartbeat” Salesforce has highlighted the importance of its Data Cloud, calling it the “heartbeat” of its platform and the foundation of its Agentforce. The Data Cloud is capable of processing a staggering 767 billion records per month, and all Salesforce Customer 360 applications, as well as Tableau, have been rewritten to run on it. At the conference, Salesforce announced several new features , including support for unstructured data like audio and video content, a standardized semantic data model for consistent interpretation and use of data, enhanced search capabilities, real-time data triggers to respond to changing customer needs, and improved security and data governance features. Salesforce announced several new features “When we encouraged you to use Data Cloud, what we didn’t realize is we were preparing you very well for AI,” Benioff added. 4. The blend of technology, entertainment, and science The blend of technology, entertainment, and science The conference utilized iconic San Francisco locations like the Salesforce Tower and Oracle Park as venues. It featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including actress Kerry Washington, actor Matthew McConaughey, and primatologist Jane Goodall. In addition to the speaker sessions, the conference included entertainment and celebrity appearances. Musical acts such as Pink, Imagine Dragons, and Japanese pop star Yoshiki performed. Comedian John Mulaney replaced Seth Meyers, who had roasted the conference the previous year. Salesforce also highlighted its technological capabilities by hosting talks from tech industry leaders. This included conversations between Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, as well as presentations by AMD CEO Lisa Su, Anthropic president Daniela Amodei, and former Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg. 5. Salesforce’s Ventures $500M AI fund Salesforce’s Ventures $500M AI fund Salesforce Ventures has announced the creation of a new AI Fund, which will add another $500 million to its existing AI investment fund. This brings the company’s total commitment to AI innovators to $1 billion in the past 18 months. Salesforce Ventures has already invested in over two dozen AI companies, including Anthropic, Cohere, Runway, TogetherAI, Mistral AI, and Hugging Face. The company aims to support dynamic and expansive innovators in winning the market by accelerating their growth through its customer network. “Our expanded investment deepens our commitment to helping the most dynamic and expansive innovators win the market by accelerating their growth through our customer network and delivering trusted AI that earns the confidence of the biggest companies in the world,” added Paul Drews, managing partner of Salesforce Ventures. 6. Lots of autonomous robots Lots of autonomous robots This year’s event marked the human-AI collaboration as the core of an exciting era in our daily lives. The integration of autonomous robots throughout the event, demonstrated the potential of AI to work alongside humans, not just as tools, but as partners. When coffee ran out at the park’s main refreshment stand, attendees were directed to another where beverages were served by a robot. Another great example that captured a lot of attention was the presence of autonomous delivery robots. The small and adorable machines navigated the event grounds, disturbing special editions of TIME Magazine’s* “Most Influential People in AI” * to attendees, offering a tangible demonstration of advertising and robotics in action. “Most Influential People in AI” The robots’ presence highlighted the growing importance of autonomous systems in our daily lives, offering a glimpse into a future where delivery robotics seamlessly integrate into urban environments, potentially revolutionizing everything from local deliveries to advertising. Last Thursday, while participating at the conference, Kiwibot , the company behind the delivery robots, announced its acquisition of Nickelytics in a $25 million deal . This move is effectively turning their fleet of delivery robots into mobile, interactive billboards that hint at innovative new ways brands might engage with consumers in the future. Kiwibot announced its acquisition of Nickelytics in a $25 million deal

6 Highlights That Stole the Show at Dreamforce 2024

Artificial intelligence could revolutionize conventional eye-tracking technology. Developers would benefit in several ways from incorporating it into accessibility testing. Could this predictive alternative replace today’s standard techniques? What Is AI-Powered Predictive Eye Tracking? AI-powered predictive eye-tracking is an advancement in conventional eye-tracking technologies. It uses a machine learning model to predict where people will look. Its purpose is to use their fixations and scan paths — where their gaze settles and how it jumps from point to point — to inform development processes and improve accessibility testing. There are several ways AI-powered predictive eye tracking can work. The first involves a massive training dataset, where engineers feed tens of thousands of data points to an algorithm. Typical references include attention heatmaps — a visual representation of fixation depicted using cool and warm colors — and past research on how users respond to factors like layout, orientation, color, size, and shape. Another approach involves simulations. Since neural networks are designed to behave like a human brain, they can accurately imitate fixation and scan paths. Alternatively, AI engineers can use a machine learning model to develop synthetic attention heatmaps. Generally, as long as the training data is relevant and preprocessed, their results will be realistic. Professionals can also embed an advanced algorithm into a camera to capture individuals’ eye movements as they scan an image, video, website, or app. These computer vision systems interpret visual data in real-time to determine fixation and scan paths. It can use near-infrared projection or track how the pupil moves in relation to the sclera — the eye’s white outer area. The point of AI-powered predictive eye tracking in accessibility testing is to make platforms as accessible as possible. While many developers account for those with common, permanent visual impairments, they often overlook others. Approximately 15% of the global population — over one billion people — experience situational disabilities. For example, they may have cataracts, night blindness, or broken limbs. With AI, everyone can be accommodated. How Is It Different from Conventional Eye Tracking? Conventional eye-tracking technology differs from AI-powered predictive eye-tracking in that it uses the pupil-center corneal reflection technique. A specialized camera and projection system sends near-infrared light into the user’s eyes. It uses the resulting reflection on the cornea — the transparent, outermost part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil — to establish their relative position. This way, it can measure where an individual’s eyes move. AI-powered systems don’t need to project near-infrared patterns because the algorithms can interpret visual information when embedded into computer vision systems. They can train on existing research to uncover hidden trends. Conversely, conventional eye-tracking technology uses basic mathematical algorithms to calculate fixations and scan paths. Conventional tools are generally inaccurate because someone must manually synthesize eye movement data points into aggregated information blocks. Some information is lost, miscategorized, or misinterpreted in the process, muddling intent. Using these findings for forecasts does not always return precise results. In accessibility testing, the little details matter. For people with disabilities, whether a platform is intuitive is often the difference between being able to use it and having to find an alternative. Since AI has predictive capabilities, it is the clear choice for advanced eye-tracking. Use Cases for AI-Powered Predictive Eye Tracking Several use cases for AI-powered predictive eye tracking in accessibility testing exist. Cursor Control Some people with disabilities lack full use of their limbs or are incapable of fine motor control. With AI-powered predictive eye tracking, they can fully participate in accessibility testing by moving the cursor with their eyes. To click, they can blink twice in rapid succession, fix their gaze on one spot for a predetermined amount of time, or press a hand-held switch. Gaze Prediction Gaze prediction uses past eye movement information to forecast where people will look and what will interest them. These algorithms can analyze behavioral information within seconds — before the user realizes they’re about to make a decision. These real-time adjustments help make the user experience (UX) more intuitive. Personalized Learning Because of the high potential for personalized learning that AI-powered tools provide, experts expect the education sector to play a large role in AI’s growth, with the market projected to be worth $1,345 billion by 2030. Specifically, AI-powered predictive eye tracking can transform accessibility in educational settings, allowing students of all abilities to engage more fully in the learning experience. This technology will let students navigate digital learning resources using only their gaze, fostering an inclusive environment for learners who might otherwise struggle to keep up with their peers. Intuitive UI During accessibility testing, developers can use AI-generated heatmaps to forecast what users will focus on during sessions. Since eye tracking reveals unconscious design preferences, they can use this information to eliminate user interface bloat, ensuring the UX is as streamlined and intuitive as possible. Video Captioning Basic video captioning models translate visual input into language, transcribing videos for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or cognitively impaired. This technology is often unavailable or inaccurate. Predictive AI outperforms those transcriptions, whether embedded into an eye-tracking camera or a mounted fisheye lens that monitors on-screen images. Advantages of Integrating Predictive Eye Tracking Into Accessibility Testing The primary benefit of integrating this AI technology into accessibility testing is the reduced hardware costs. Since these systems don’t need to project near-infrared patterns or use specialized cameras, building them is more affordable. Moreover, since algorithms can interact with multiple users simultaneously, developers only need one model for all analyses. Another one of the major advantages of AI is precision. Unlike conventional eye-tracking tools that need information aggregated into strict, predefined blocks, it can account for numerous variables. People with disabilities often scan differently. For example, those with autism have fewer gaze fixations, and those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have relatively unpredictable eye movements. An advanced algorithm eliminates guesswork by detecting subtle patterns, enabling it to build accurate, personalized profiles for various user segments. This way, developers can tweak their UI and UX with unparalleled precision. With this level of granularity, accessibility testing becomes far more insightful and actionable. Challenges of Integrating Predictive Eye Tracking Into Accessibility Testing Like any emerging technology, AI predictive eye tracking faces some obstacles. For one, developers must consider the legality of using this information to train or inform their model. If they operate in or serve users in the European Union, they must adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation. This may add to development complexity, delaying time to completion. Privacy is crucial for compliance and reputation preservation. One potential solution is to store fixations and scan paths — using the x and y-axis to standardize data points — locally instead of on cloud servers. Anonymizing the data this way protects the users during accessibility testing and future use. Training is another issue. The model may manifest unexplainable biases or skew results if a training dataset is irrelevant or inaccurate. For example, if the references mainly consist of white individuals, it may offensively direct people with epicanthic folds to open their eyes. Companies must factor in all eye, skin, and lighting types for accessibility testing to be precise. Large resource utilization is also a potential issue. The more complex these algorithms are, the more memory and processing power users need. Fortunately, researchers have already begun exploring solutions. One research group developed a saliency prediction model that runs over four times faster and is 93.27% smaller than state-of-the-art alternatives. The Future of AI Eye Tracking in Accessibility Testing Since AI is still a relatively new technology, developers and engineers will incrementally improve it as they explore new use cases and address past pain points. While it may not replace standard near-infrared eye-tracking technology just yet, it likely will in the near future. Artificial intelligence could revolutionize conventional eye-tracking technology. Developers would benefit in several ways from incorporating it into accessibility testing. Could this predictive alternative replace today’s standard techniques? What Is AI-Powered Predictive Eye Tracking? AI-powered predictive eye-tracking is an advancement in conventional eye-tracking technologies. It uses a machine learning model to predict where people will look. Its purpose is to use their fixations and scan paths — where their gaze settles and how it jumps from point to point — to inform development processes and improve accessibility testing. There are several ways AI-powered predictive eye tracking can work. The first involves a massive training dataset, where engineers feed tens of thousands of data points to an algorithm. Typical references include attention heatmaps — a visual representation of fixation depicted using cool and warm colors — and past research on how users respond to factors like layout, orientation, color, size, and shape. Another approach involves simulations. Since neural networks are designed to behave like a human brain, they can accurately imitate fixation and scan paths. Alternatively, AI engineers can use a machine learning model to develop synthetic attention heatmaps. Generally, as long as the training data is relevant and preprocessed, their results will be realistic. Professionals can also embed an advanced algorithm into a camera to capture individuals’ eye movements as they scan an image, video, website, or app. These computer vision systems interpret visual data in real-time to determine fixation and scan paths. It can use near-infrared projection or track how the pupil moves in relation to the sclera — the eye’s white outer area. The point of AI-powered predictive eye tracking in accessibility testing is to make platforms as accessible as possible. While many developers account for those with common, permanent visual impairments, they often overlook others. Approximately 15% of the global population — over one billion people — experience situational disabilities. For example, they may have cataracts, night blindness, or broken limbs. With AI, everyone can be accommodated. 15% of the global population 15% of the global population How Is It Different from Conventional Eye Tracking? Conventional eye-tracking technology differs from AI-powered predictive eye-tracking in that it uses the pupil-center corneal reflection technique. A specialized camera and projection system sends near-infrared light into the user’s eyes. It uses the resulting reflection on the cornea — the transparent, outermost part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil — to establish their relative position. This way, it can measure where an individual’s eyes move. AI-powered systems don’t need to project near-infrared patterns because the algorithms can interpret visual information when embedded into computer vision systems. They can train on existing research to uncover hidden trends. Conversely, conventional eye-tracking technology uses basic mathematical algorithms to calculate fixations and scan paths. Conventional tools are generally inaccurate because someone must manually synthesize eye movement data points into aggregated information blocks. Some information is lost, miscategorized, or misinterpreted in the process, muddling intent. Using these findings for forecasts does not always return precise results. In accessibility testing, the little details matter. For people with disabilities, whether a platform is intuitive is often the difference between being able to use it and having to find an alternative. Since AI has predictive capabilities, it is the clear choice for advanced eye-tracking. Use Cases for AI-Powered Predictive Eye Tracking Several use cases for AI-powered predictive eye tracking in accessibility testing exist. Cursor Control Some people with disabilities lack full use of their limbs or are incapable of fine motor control. With AI-powered predictive eye tracking, they can fully participate in accessibility testing by moving the cursor with their eyes. To click, they can blink twice in rapid succession, fix their gaze on one spot for a predetermined amount of time, or press a hand-held switch. Gaze Prediction Gaze prediction uses past eye movement information to forecast where people will look and what will interest them. These algorithms can analyze behavioral information within seconds — before the user realizes they’re about to make a decision. These real-time adjustments help make the user experience (UX) more intuitive. Personalized Learning Because of the high potential for personalized learning that AI-powered tools provide, experts expect the education sector to play a large role in AI’s growth, with the market projected to be worth $1,345 billion by 2030. Specifically, AI-powered predictive eye tracking can transform accessibility in educational settings, allowing students of all abilities to engage more fully in the learning experience. expect the education sector to play expect the education sector to play This technology will let students navigate digital learning resources using only their gaze, fostering an inclusive environment for learners who might otherwise struggle to keep up with their peers. Intuitive UI During accessibility testing, developers can use AI-generated heatmaps to forecast what users will focus on during sessions. Since eye tracking reveals unconscious design preferences , they can use this information to eliminate user interface bloat, ensuring the UX is as streamlined and intuitive as possible. reveals unconscious design preferences reveals unconscious design preferences Video Captioning Basic video captioning models translate visual input into language, transcribing videos for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or cognitively impaired. This technology is often unavailable or inaccurate. Predictive AI outperforms those transcriptions , whether embedded into an eye-tracking camera or a mounted fisheye lens that monitors on-screen images. AI outperforms those transcriptions AI outperforms those transcriptions Advantages of Integrating Predictive Eye Tracking Into Accessibility Testing The primary benefit of integrating this AI technology into accessibility testing is the reduced hardware costs. Since these systems don’t need to project near-infrared patterns or use specialized cameras, building them is more affordable. Moreover, since algorithms can interact with multiple users simultaneously, developers only need one model for all analyses. Another one of the major advantages of AI is precision. Unlike conventional eye-tracking tools that need information aggregated into strict, predefined blocks, it can account for numerous variables. People with disabilities often scan differently. For example, those with autism have fewer gaze fixations , and those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have relatively unpredictable eye movements. have fewer gaze fixations have fewer gaze fixations An advanced algorithm eliminates guesswork by detecting subtle patterns, enabling it to build accurate, personalized profiles for various user segments. This way, developers can tweak their UI and UX with unparalleled precision. With this level of granularity, accessibility testing becomes far more insightful and actionable. Challenges of Integrating Predictive Eye Tracking Into Accessibility Testing Like any emerging technology, AI predictive eye tracking faces some obstacles. For one, developers must consider the legality of using this information to train or inform their model. If they operate in or serve users in the European Union, they must adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation. This may add to development complexity, delaying time to completion. Privacy is crucial for compliance and reputation preservation. One potential solution is to store fixations and scan paths — using the x and y-axis to standardize data points — locally instead of on cloud servers. Anonymizing the data this way protects the users during accessibility testing and future use. Training is another issue. The model may manifest unexplainable biases or skew results if a training dataset is irrelevant or inaccurate. For example, if the references mainly consist of white individuals, it may offensively direct people with epicanthic folds to open their eyes. Companies must factor in all eye, skin, and lighting types for accessibility testing to be precise. model may manifest unexplainable biases model may manifest unexplainable biases Large resource utilization is also a potential issue. The more complex these algorithms are, the more memory and processing power users need. Fortunately, researchers have already begun exploring solutions. One research group developed a saliency prediction model that runs over four times faster and is 93.27% smaller than state-of-the-art alternatives. runs over four times faster runs over four times faster The Future of AI Eye Tracking in Accessibility Testing Since AI is still a relatively new technology, developers and engineers will incrementally improve it as they explore new use cases and address past pain points. While it may not replace standard near-infrared eye-tracking technology just yet, it likely will in the near future.

AI-Powered Predictive Eye Tracking Highlights the Future of Accessibility Testing

SILVER SPRING, Maryland, September 19th, 2024/CyberNewsWire/--Aembit, the non-human identity and access management (IAM) company, today released its 2024 Non-Human Identity Security Report, a definitive survey highlighting how organizations currently manage and protect non-human identities (NHIs) – such as applications, scripts, and service accounts. The report reveals a stunning, widespread reliance on outdated methods and manual practices that fail to provide adequate protection against the reality of increased NHI-focused breaches. As non-human identities (NHIs) rapidly proliferate in modern IT environments, driven by the shift from monolithic to distributed architectures, widespread cloud adoption, and increasing automation, the report reveals a chasm between non-human and user identity security practices, with most organizations acknowledging their efforts to secure non-human identities are either lagging or struggling to keep pace. The survey of IT and security professionals also shows that careless habits, such as storing long-term credentials directly in code, relying on spreadsheets for manual input, and sharing sensitive information via collaboration tools, are still prevalent. Additionally, many organizations face difficulty in securing NHIs in complex, multi-cloud environments, with concerns about inconsistent access management and unclear ownership of security processes. Key findings of the survey include: IAM Maturity Gap: 88.5% of organizations admitted that their non-human IAM practices lag behind or are on par with their user IAM efforts.
Low Confidence: Only 19.6% of respondents expressed strong confidence in their non-human IAM practices.
Insecure Practices: 30.9% of respondents store long-term credentials in code and 23.7% share secrets through copying and pasting, such as via email or messaging apps.
Outmoded Methods: 38.9% of respondents still use less-secure methods like secrets managers for non-human workload-to-workload authentication.
Cloud Complexity: 35.6% of organizations struggle to manage non-human identity security across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Blind Spots: 23.5% of organizations are not sure of the biggest threat to their non-human identities. “Organizations are starting to recognize that non-human identities are more than just background tools. As businesses rapidly automate, NHIs play a critical role in digital ecosystems and often handle sensitive data,” said David Goldschlag, co-founder and CEO of Aembit. “But, as our survey shows, NHI security remains very much a work in progress. While awareness is growing, most organizations still have significant shortfalls in how they secure these identities and the vital connections between them. It’s time to elevate non-human IAM to the same level of importance as user IAM.” The survey, which included responses from 110 professionals, from developers to identity architects to CISOs, also revealed a growing need for more holistic approaches to managing non-human identities. As businesses expand across cloud environments, managing workload identities has become increasingly complex, with many organizations struggling to keep up due to piecemeal or legacy approaches. Those interested can read the full survey by downloading it here. About Aembit Aembit is the non-human identity and access management platform that secures access between workloads across clouds, SaaS, and data centers. With Aembit’s identity control plane, DevSecOps can fully automate secretless, policy-based, and Zero Trust workload access with MFA-strength capabilities. For more information, users can visit https://aembit.io/ and follow Aembit on LinkedIn. Contact CMO Apurva Davé Aembit info@aembit.io This story was distributed as a release by Cybernewswire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here SILVER SPRING, Maryland, September 19th, 2024/CyberNewsWire/--Aembit, the non-human identity and access management (IAM) company, today released its 2024 Non-Human Identity Security Report, a definitive survey highlighting how organizations currently manage and protect non-human identities (NHIs) – such as applications, scripts, and service accounts. The report reveals a stunning, widespread reliance on outdated methods and manual practices that fail to provide adequate protection against the reality of increased NHI-focused breaches. increased NHI-focused breaches. increased NHI-focused breaches. As non-human identities (NHIs) rapidly proliferate in modern IT environments, driven by the shift from monolithic to distributed architectures, widespread cloud adoption, and increasing automation, the report reveals a chasm between non-human and user identity security practices, with most organizations acknowledging their efforts to secure non-human identities are either lagging or struggling to keep pace. The survey of IT and security professionals also shows that careless habits, such as storing long-term credentials directly in code, relying on spreadsheets for manual input, and sharing sensitive information via collaboration tools, are still prevalent. Additionally, many organizations face difficulty in securing NHIs in complex, multi-cloud environments, with concerns about inconsistent access management and unclear ownership of security processes. Key findings of the survey include: IAM Maturity Gap: 88.5% of organizations admitted that their non-human IAM practices lag behind or are on par with their user IAM efforts. Low Confidence: Only 19.6% of respondents expressed strong confidence in their non-human IAM practices. Insecure Practices: 30.9% of respondents store long-term credentials in code and 23.7% share secrets through copying and pasting, such as via email or messaging apps. Outmoded Methods: 38.9% of respondents still use less-secure methods like secrets managers for non-human workload-to-workload authentication. Cloud Complexity: 35.6% of organizations struggle to manage non-human identity security across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Blind Spots: 23.5% of organizations are not sure of the biggest threat to their non-human identities. IAM Maturity Gap: 88.5% of organizations admitted that their non-human IAM practices lag behind or are on par with their user IAM efforts. Low Confidence: Only 19.6% of respondents expressed strong confidence in their non-human IAM practices. Insecure Practices: 30.9% of respondents store long-term credentials in code and 23.7% share secrets through copying and pasting, such as via email or messaging apps. Outmoded Methods: 38.9% of respondents still use less-secure methods like secrets managers for non-human workload-to-workload authentication. Cloud Complexity: 35.6% of organizations struggle to manage non-human identity security across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Blind Spots: 23.5% of organizations are not sure of the biggest threat to their non-human identities. “Organizations are starting to recognize that non-human identities are more than just background tools. As businesses rapidly automate, NHIs play a critical role in digital ecosystems and often handle sensitive data,” said David Goldschlag, co-founder and CEO of Aembit. “Organizations are starting to recognize that non-human identities are more than just background tools. As businesses rapidly automate, NHIs play a critical role in digital ecosystems and often handle sensitive data,” said David Goldschlag, co-founder and CEO of Aembit. “But, as our survey shows, NHI security remains very much a work in progress. While awareness is growing, most organizations still have significant shortfalls in how they secure these identities and the vital connections between them. It’s time to elevate non-human IAM to the same level of importance as user IAM.” “But, as our survey shows, NHI security remains very much a work in progress. While awareness is growing, most organizations still have significant shortfalls in how they secure these identities and the vital connections between them. It’s time to elevate non-human IAM to the same level of importance as user IAM.” The survey, which included responses from 110 professionals, from developers to identity architects to CISOs, also revealed a growing need for more holistic approaches to managing non-human identities. As businesses expand across cloud environments, managing workload identities has become increasingly complex, with many organizations struggling to keep up due to piecemeal or legacy approaches. Those interested can read the full survey by downloading it here . downloading it here downloading it here About Aembit Aembit is the non-human identity and access management platform that secures access between workloads across clouds, SaaS, and data centers. With Aembit’s identity control plane, DevSecOps can fully automate secretless, policy-based, and Zero Trust workload access with MFA-strength capabilities. For more information, users can visit https://aembit.io/ and follow Aembit on LinkedIn . Aembit Aembit https://aembit.io/ https://aembit.io/ follow Aembit on LinkedIn follow Aembit on LinkedIn Contact CMO Apurva Davé Aembit info@aembit.io This story was distributed as a release by Cybernewswire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Cybernewswire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here

Aembit Unveils 2024 Survey Report Highlighting Major Gaps In Securing Non-Human Identities

Aembit onthul 2024-opnameverslag wat groot leemtes in die beveiliging van nie-menslike identiteite beklemtoon

Aembit ukax 2024 maran yatxatäw yatiyäw uñacht’ayi, ukax jach’a ch’amanchawinak uñacht’ayi, jan jaqinakan identidad ukanakar jark’aqañataki

Aembit odhaluje zprávu o průzkumu z roku 2024, která zdůrazňuje hlavní mezery v zabezpečení nelidských identit

Aembit afslører 2024-undersøgelsesrapport, der fremhæver store huller i sikringen af ikke-menneskelige identiteter

Aembit presenta el informe de la encuesta de 2024 que destaca las principales deficiencias en la protección de las identidades no humanas

Aembit presenta o informe da enquisa de 2024 que destaca as principais lagoas na garantía de identidades non humanas

Aembit、非人間IDのセキュリティ確保における大きなギャップを浮き彫りにした2024年調査レポートを発表

Aembit dia manambara ny tatitra fanadihadiana 2024 izay manasongadina ny banga lehibe amin'ny fiarovana ny maha-olona tsy maha-olombelona

Aembit 2024 watapi tapukuymanta willakuyta riqsichin, chaypim qawachin hatun mana allin kaqkunata mana Runa kaqkunata waqaychaypi

Aembit Inofumura 2024 Survey Report Inosimbisa Mapundu Makuru Mukuchengetedza Zvisizvo Zvevanhu

Aembit, İnsan Olmayan Kimliklerin Güvenliğini Sağlamadaki Büyük Boşlukları Vurgulayan 2024 Anket Raporunu Açıkladı

Aembit оприлюднила звіт про опитування за 2024 рік, у якому висвітлюються основні прогалини в захисті нелюдських ідентичностей

AUSTIN, TX, September 18th, 2024/CyberNewsWire/--Research indicates that an infostealer malware infection is often a precursor to a ransomware attack SpyCloud, the leader in Cybercrime Analytics, today announced new cybersecurity research highlighting the growing and alarming threat of infostealers – a type of malware designed to exfiltrate digital identity data, login credentials, and session cookies from infected devices. SpyCloud’s latest findings reveal the staggering scale of identity exposure caused by infostealers, the influence this type of malware has had on the surge in ransomware incidents, and the profound implications for businesses worldwide. Massive Scale of Identity Exposure Creates New Risks According to SpyCloud, 61% of all data breaches in the past year were malware-related, with infostealers responsible for the theft of 343.78 million credentials. These stolen credentials are then sold in criminal communities for use in further attacks. The research also found that one in five individuals has been a victim of an infostealer infection. Each infection, on average, exposes 10-25 third-party business application credentials, creating fertile ground for further access and exploitation, particularly by ransomware operators. “Our latest findings reveal a critical shift in the cybersecurity landscape,” said Damon Fleury, chief product officer at SpyCloud. “Infostealers have become the go-to tool for cybercriminals, with their ability to exfiltrate valuable data in a matter of seconds, creating a runway for cyberattacks like ransomware off the vast amounts of stolen access to SSO, VPN, admin panels, and other critical applications.” Infostealers: The Precursor To Ransomware Attacks The link between infostealers and ransomware is becoming increasingly evident. Through deep analysis of recaptured infostealer logs, SpyCloud discovered a worrying trend: companies with employees and contractors who are infected with infostealer malware are significantly more likely to experience a ransomware attack. In fact, nearly one-third of companies that suffered a ransomware attack last year had previously experienced an infostealer infection. According to the report, this is based on publicly known incidents and confirmed ransomware events. The true exposure is potentially even higher as not all ransomware incidents are made publicly available. “The correlation between infostealer infections and subsequent ransomware attacks is a wake-up call for businesses,” said Trevor Hilligoss, vice president of SpyCloud Labs, SpyCloud. “However, this field is incredibly complex and fast-moving. This year, we’re seeing new infostealers families that make use of expanded capabilities such as advanced encryption to stay stealthy or the ability to restore expired authentication cookies for more persistent access.” The Rise of Malware-as-a-Service And Account Takeover Attacks The infostealer threat is further exacerbated by the rise of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS). This off-the-shelf model allows even low-skilled cybercriminals to purchase and deploy sophisticated malware, including infostealers, with ease. Through MaaS, these criminals can acquire fresh and accurate identity data in bulk, fueling the cycle of cybercrime. SpyCloud’s findings also shed light on the evolution of account takeover (ATO) attacks, powered by infostealers. Unlike traditional ATO, which relies on stolen credentials (username and password combinations), next-generation ATO leverages stolen session cookies to sidestep traditional authentication methods in what is known as session hijacking. By taking over these already-authenticated sessions, cybercriminals can mimic legitimate users and infiltrate networks undetected. This method significantly increases the success rate of attacks and poses a severe threat to organizational security. “The sheer volume of credentials and session cookies being siphoned by infostealers is staggering,” said Hilligoss. “In the last 90 days alone, SpyCloud has recaptured over 5.4 billion stolen cookie records – with an average of nearly 2,000 exposed records per infected device. This vast trove of data is increasingly used by ransomware operators and initial access brokers to facilitate their attacks, highlighting the need for advanced defense strategies.” Antivirus, MFA And Traditional Defenses Are No Longer Enough At least 54% of devices infected with infostealers in the first half of 2024 had antivirus or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions installed, underscoring the limitations of traditional cybersecurity measures in combating the techniques used by modern cybercriminals. Furthermore, infostealers and session hijacking attacks render multi-factor authentication (MFA) and passwordless authentication methods like passkeys ineffective. By hijacking already-authenticated sessions, cybercriminals can impersonate legitimate users and side-step even the most robust authentication methods. The call for next-generation cybersecurity The findings from SpyCloud make it clear: traditional malware mitigation is no longer sufficient and ignoring the problem only exacerbates the impact on businesses. Organizations must move beyond merely removing infections and focus on remediating the long-term risks posed by exposed data. This includes resetting compromised application credentials and invalidating session cookies siphoned by infostealers. By understanding the risks posed by infostealers and working to mitigate the data that has been exfiltrated, organizations are able to limit the likelihood of devastating cyberattacks such as ransomware that stem from this stolen data. SpyCloud remains committed to helping organizations navigate these challenges and safeguard their digital assets. Readers can download the full 2024 Malware and Ransomware Defense Report. To learn more about how SpyCloud helps organizations defend against ransomware, readers can visit https://spycloud.com/use-case/ransomware-prevention/. About the SpyCloud 2024 Malware and Ransomware Defense Report For this fourth annual report, SpyCloud surveyed 510 individuals in active cybersecurity roles within organizations in the US and the UK with at least 500 employees. The report examines the top concerns and real-life impacts of ransomware, including popular entry points, ransom payments, and the cumulative costs of these attacks to the business. It also highlights key cyber threat prevention strategies and future security priorities identified by these experts. About SpyCloud SpyCloud transforms recaptured darknet data to disrupt cybercrime. Its automated identity threat protection solutions leverage advanced analytics to proactively prevent ransomware and account takeover, safeguard employee and consumer accounts, and accelerate cybercrime investigations. SpyCloud's data from breaches, malware-infected devices, and successful phishes also powers many popular dark web monitoring and identity theft protection offerings. Customers include more than half of the Fortune 10, along with hundreds of global enterprises, mid-sized companies, and government agencies worldwide. Headquartered in Austin, TX, SpyCloud is home to more than 200 cybersecurity experts whose mission is to protect businesses and consumers from the stolen identity data criminals are using to target them now. To learn more and see insights on their company’s exposed data, readers can visit spycloud.com Contact EVP, Public Relations Katie Hanusik REQ on behalf of SpyCloud spycloud@req.co This story was distributed as a release by Cyberwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here AUSTIN, TX, September 18th, 2024/CyberNewsWire/--Research indicates that an infostealer malware infection is often a precursor to a ransomware attack SpyCloud, the leader in Cybercrime Analytics, today announced new cybersecurity research highlighting the growing and alarming threat of infostealers – a type of malware designed to exfiltrate digital identity data, login credentials, and session cookies from infected devices. SpyCloud’s latest findings reveal the staggering scale of identity exposure caused by infostealers, the influence this type of malware has had on the surge in ransomware incidents, and the profound implications for businesses worldwide. Massive Scale of Identity Exposure Creates New Risks According to SpyCloud, 61% of all data breaches in the past year were malware-related, with infostealers responsible for the theft of 343.78 million credentials. These stolen credentials are then sold in criminal communities for use in further attacks. The research also found that one in five individuals has been a victim of an infostealer infection. Each infection, on average, exposes 10-25 third-party business application credentials, creating fertile ground for further access and exploitation, particularly by ransomware operators. “Our latest findings reveal a critical shift in the cybersecurity landscape,” said Damon Fleury, chief product officer at SpyCloud. “Our latest findings reveal a critical shift in the cybersecurity landscape,” said Damon Fleury, chief product officer at SpyCloud. “Infostealers have become the go-to tool for cybercriminals, with their ability to exfiltrate valuable data in a matter of seconds, creating a runway for cyberattacks like ransomware off the vast amounts of stolen access to SSO, VPN, admin panels, and other critical applications.” “Infostealers have become the go-to tool for cybercriminals, with their ability to exfiltrate valuable data in a matter of seconds, creating a runway for cyberattacks like ransomware off the vast amounts of stolen access to SSO, VPN, admin panels, and other critical applications.” Infostealers: The Precursor To Ransomware Attacks The link between infostealers and ransomware is becoming increasingly evident. Through deep analysis of recaptured infostealer logs, SpyCloud discovered a worrying trend: companies with employees and contractors who are infected with infostealer malware are significantly more likely to experience a ransomware attack. In fact, nearly one-third of companies that suffered a ransomware attack last year had previously experienced an infostealer infection. According to the report, this is based on publicly known incidents and confirmed ransomware events. The true exposure is potentially even higher as not all ransomware incidents are made publicly available. “The correlation between infostealer infections and subsequent ransomware attacks is a wake-up call for businesses,” said Trevor Hilligoss, vice president of SpyCloud Labs, SpyCloud. “The correlation between infostealer infections and subsequent ransomware attacks is a wake-up call for businesses,” said Trevor Hilligoss, vice president of SpyCloud Labs, SpyCloud. “However, this field is incredibly complex and fast-moving. This year, we’re seeing new infostealers families that make use of expanded capabilities such as advanced encryption to stay stealthy or the ability to restore expired authentication cookies for more persistent access.” “However, this field is incredibly complex and fast-moving. This year, we’re seeing new infostealers families that make use of expanded capabilities such as advanced encryption to stay stealthy or the ability to restore expired authentication cookies for more persistent access.” The Rise of Malware-as-a-Service And Account Takeover Attacks The infostealer threat is further exacerbated by the rise of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS). This off-the-shelf model allows even low-skilled cybercriminals to purchase and deploy sophisticated malware, including infostealers, with ease. Through MaaS, these criminals can acquire fresh and accurate identity data in bulk, fueling the cycle of cybercrime. SpyCloud’s findings also shed light on the evolution of account takeover (ATO) attacks, powered by infostealers. Unlike traditional ATO, which relies on stolen credentials (username and password combinations), next-generation ATO leverages stolen session cookies to sidestep traditional authentication methods in what is known as session hijacking. By taking over these already-authenticated sessions, cybercriminals can mimic legitimate users and infiltrate networks undetected. This method significantly increases the success rate of attacks and poses a severe threat to organizational security. “The sheer volume of credentials and session cookies being siphoned by infostealers is staggering,” said Hilligoss. “The sheer volume of credentials and session cookies being siphoned by infostealers is staggering,” said Hilligoss. “In the last 90 days alone, SpyCloud has recaptured over 5.4 billion stolen cookie records – with an average of nearly 2,000 exposed records per infected device. This vast trove of data is increasingly used by ransomware operators and initial access brokers to facilitate their attacks, highlighting the need for advanced defense strategies.” “In the last 90 days alone, SpyCloud has recaptured over 5.4 billion stolen cookie records – with an average of nearly 2,000 exposed records per infected device. This vast trove of data is increasingly used by ransomware operators and initial access brokers to facilitate their attacks, highlighting the need for advanced defense strategies.” Antivirus, MFA And Traditional Defenses Are No Longer Enough At least 54% of devices infected with infostealers in the first half of 2024 had antivirus or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions installed, underscoring the limitations of traditional cybersecurity measures in combating the techniques used by modern cybercriminals. Furthermore, infostealers and session hijacking attacks render multi-factor authentication (MFA) and passwordless authentication methods like passkeys ineffective. By hijacking already-authenticated sessions, cybercriminals can impersonate legitimate users and side-step even the most robust authentication methods. The call for next-generation cybersecurity The findings from SpyCloud make it clear: traditional malware mitigation is no longer sufficient and ignoring the problem only exacerbates the impact on businesses. Organizations must move beyond merely removing infections and focus on remediating the long-term risks posed by exposed data. This includes resetting compromised application credentials and invalidating session cookies siphoned by infostealers. By understanding the risks posed by infostealers and working to mitigate the data that has been exfiltrated, organizations are able to limit the likelihood of devastating cyberattacks such as ransomware that stem from this stolen data. SpyCloud remains committed to helping organizations navigate these challenges and safeguard their digital assets. Readers can download the full 2024 Malware and Ransomware Defense Report . 2024 Malware and Ransomware Defense Report 2024 Malware and Ransomware Defense Report To learn more about how SpyCloud helps organizations defend against ransomware, readers can visit https://spycloud.com/use-case/ransomware-prevention/ . https://spycloud.com/use-case/ransomware-prevention/ https://spycloud.com/use-case/ransomware-prevention/ About the SpyCloud 2024 Malware and Ransomware Defense Report For this fourth annual report , SpyCloud surveyed 510 individuals in active cybersecurity roles within organizations in the US and the UK with at least 500 employees. fourth annual report fourth annual report The report examines the top concerns and real-life impacts of ransomware, including popular entry points, ransom payments, and the cumulative costs of these attacks to the business. It also highlights key cyber threat prevention strategies and future security priorities identified by these experts. About SpyCloud SpyCloud transforms recaptured darknet data to disrupt cybercrime. Its automated identity threat protection solutions leverage advanced analytics to proactively prevent ransomware and account takeover, safeguard employee and consumer accounts, and accelerate cybercrime investigations. SpyCloud SpyCloud SpyCloud's data from breaches, malware-infected devices, and successful phishes also powers many popular dark web monitoring and identity theft protection offerings. Customers include more than half of the Fortune 10, along with hundreds of global enterprises, mid-sized companies, and government agencies worldwide. Headquartered in Austin, TX, SpyCloud is home to more than 200 cybersecurity experts whose mission is to protect businesses and consumers from the stolen identity data criminals are using to target them now. To learn more and see insights on their company’s exposed data, readers can visit spycloud.com spycloud.com spycloud.com Contact EVP, Public Relations Katie Hanusik REQ on behalf of SpyCloud spycloud@req.co This story was distributed as a release by Cyberwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Cyberwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here

SpyCloud Unveils Massive Scale Of Identity Exposure, Highlighting Need For Advanced Security Measure

SpyCloud تكشف عن نطاق هائل من الكشف عن الهوية، مما يسلط الضوء على الحاجة إلى تدابير أمنية متقدمة

SpyCloud ukax Jach’a Escala de Exposición de Identidad ukar uñacht’ayi, Medida de Seguridad Avanzada ukan munatapat uñacht’ayi

SpyCloud revela una escala masiva de exposición de identidad, lo que pone de relieve la necesidad de medidas de seguridad avanzadas

SpyCloud مقیاس عظیمی از قرار گرفتن در معرض هویت را معرفی می کند، که نیاز به اقدامات امنیتی پیشرفته را برجسته می کند

स्पाईक्लाउड ने पहचान उजागर करने के बड़े पैमाने का खुलासा किया, उन्नत सुरक्षा उपाय की आवश्यकता पर प्रकाश डाला

SpyCloud が大規模な個人情報漏洩を発表、高度なセキュリティ対策の必要性を浮き彫りに

SpyCloud გამოაქვეყნებს პირადობის ექსპოზიციის მასიურ მასშტაბებს, ხაზს უსვამს უსაფრთხოების გაფართოებული ზომების საჭიროებას

SpyCloud විසින් අනන්‍යතා නිරාවරණයේ දැවැන්ත පරිමාණයක් එළිදක්වයි, උසස් ආරක්ෂක පියවරක අවශ්‍යතාවය ඉස්මතු කරයි

СпиЦлоуд открива огромну скалу откривања идентитета, наглашавајући потребу за напредном мјером сигурности

SpyCloud Inafichua Kiwango Kikubwa cha Ufichuaji wa Utambulisho, Ikiangazia Haja ya Kipimo cha Kina Usalama

ஸ்பைக்ளவுட் அடையாள வெளிப்பாட்டின் பாரிய அளவை வெளிப்படுத்துகிறது, மேம்பட்ட பாதுகாப்பு நடவடிக்கையின் தேவையை எடுத்துக்காட்டுகிறது

SpyCloud tiết lộ quy mô lớn về việc tiết lộ danh tính, làm nổi bật nhu cầu về biện pháp bảo mật tiên tiến

Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) 2024 has firmly established itself as one of the most significant events in the global blockchain calendar, bringing together leading innovators, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world. As the event unfolded over the first three days, different projects captured the spotlight. Their impactful presence at the conference, to their divergent  innovative approaches to solving real-world issues demonstrated why blockchain is a force to be reckoned with in the digital age. Day 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation KBW 2024 kicked off with a focus on the convergence of blockchain technology with the physical world, a theme that resonated deeply throughout the conference. Simon Kim, CEO of Hashed, opened the discussions by highlighting how the digital and physical worlds are becoming increasingly intertwined. "Social truths — such as money, identity, credit, ideas, human intellect, and intelligence — are rapidly moving into the digital world," he noted, setting the tone for the rest of the week. The first day of KBW 2024 also saw Chiliz actively participating in panel discussions and networking events, where they shared insights into their journey and vision for the future. Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO of Chiliz, was part of the panel and speakers of the agenda titled: “SportFi: Reshaping Sports Block-by-Block With PSG and Chiliz”. With a strong presence in the sports industry, Chiliz has already partnered with major football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona, creating a new paradigm for fan interaction. The impact of these partnerships was a key topic of conversation, as attendees explored how blockchain can enhance the fan experience across various sectors. Day 2: Web3 Adoption and the Role of AI On the second day of KBW 2024, the spotlight shifted to the future of Web3 adoption and the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the blockchain space. The day featured a series of keynotes, panels, and fireside chats that explored the ongoing evolution of decentralized finance (DeFi), the development of blockchain infrastructure, and how AI is set to revolutionize the crypto industry. Notably, Hayden Adams, co-founder of Uniswap, led discussions on how decentralized exchanges are adapting to the changing regulatory environment, while Brad Garlinghouse, co-founder of Ripple, shared insights on the future of cross-border payments. This day was pivotal in understanding how blockchain projects are gearing up to integrate AI into their ecosystems, aiming for scalability and enhanced user experiences. The sessions highlighted the potential of AI to drive innovation within blockchain, from automating complex processes to enabling more sophisticated data analysis. The synergy between AI and blockchain was a recurring theme, with discussions emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges and opportunities in the crypto space. As the day concluded, it was clear that AI would play an increasingly significant role in the next wave of blockchain advancements. Day 3: Expanding the Vision The third day of KBW 2024 is set to be an exciting showcase of future-focused initiatives and innovative discussions. One of the highlights will be Epoch Seoul, hosted by Arbitrum, where attendees can dive deep into the latest advancements in decentralized applications (dApps) and explore how Arbitrum's cutting-edge technology is driving the next wave of blockchain adoption. This event is poised to bring together developers, entrepreneurs, and blockchain enthusiasts to discuss and shape the future of the Arbitrum ecosystem. Meanwhile, The Aptos Experience will offer a unique opportunity for participants to engage with Aptos’s groundbreaking developments, particularly its collaboration with Microsoft. This partnership, which integrates AI and blockchain, aims to push the boundaries of decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, positioning Aptos as a leader in the industry’s next evolution. Additionally, the Diversity-in-Tech session hosted by Hashed will underscore the critical importance of inclusivity in the blockchain space. This discussion will focus on how diverse perspectives are essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that the benefits of blockchain technology are accessible to all. As the industry continues to grow, these themes of community and diversity will be key drivers in its sustainable development and expansion into new markets. KBW 2024 Living to Expectations As the first two days of KBW 2024 came to a close, it was clear that most, if not all projects had made a significant impact. Their innovative approaches to growing the blockchain ecosystem, combined with their ambitious vision for the future, resonated with attendees and positioned projects as leaders in the tech space. The success of these projects at KBW 2024 is a testament to the growing importance of blockchain in different industries. In conclusion, KBW 2024 served as the perfect stage for blockchain projects to showcase their achievements and share their divergent visions for the future. Projects still attending the summit for the remainder of the week ought to focus on networking and their ongoing commitment to innovation. Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) 2024 has firmly established itself as one of the most significant events in the global blockchain calendar, bringing together leading innovators, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world. As the event unfolded over the first three days, different projects captured the spotlight. Their impactful presence at the conference, to their divergent  innovative approaches to solving real-world issues demonstrated why blockchain is a force to be reckoned with in the digital age. Day 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation KBW 2024 kicked off with a focus on the convergence of blockchain technology with the physical world, a theme that resonated deeply throughout the conference. Simon Kim, CEO of Hashed, opened the discussions by highlighting how the digital and physical worlds are becoming increasingly intertwined. "Social truths — such as money, identity, credit, ideas, human intellect, and intelligence — are rapidly moving into the digital world," he noted, setting the tone for the rest of the week. The first day of KBW 2024 also saw Chiliz actively participating in panel discussions and networking events, where they shared insights into their journey and vision for the future. Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO of Chiliz, was part of the panel and speakers of the agenda titled: “ SportFi: Reshaping Sports Block-by-Block With PSG and Chiliz” . SportFi: Reshaping Sports Block-by-Block With PSG and Chiliz” With a strong presence in the sports industry, Chiliz has already partnered with major football clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona, creating a new paradigm for fan interaction. The impact of these partnerships was a key topic of conversation, as attendees explored how blockchain can enhance the fan experience across various sectors. Day 2: Web3 Adoption and the Role of AI On the second day of KBW 2024, the spotlight shifted to the future of Web3 adoption and the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the blockchain space. The day featured a series of keynotes, panels, and fireside chats that explored the ongoing evolution of decentralized finance (DeFi), the development of blockchain infrastructure, and how AI is set to revolutionize the crypto industry. Notably, Hayden Adams, co-founder of Uniswap, led discussions on how decentralized exchanges are adapting to the changing regulatory environment, while Brad Garlinghouse, co-founder of Ripple, shared insights on the future of cross-border payments. This day was pivotal in understanding how blockchain projects are gearing up to integrate AI into their ecosystems, aiming for scalability and enhanced user experiences. The sessions highlighted the potential of AI to drive innovation within blockchain, from automating complex processes to enabling more sophisticated data analysis. The synergy between AI and blockchain was a recurring theme, with discussions emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges and opportunities in the crypto space. As the day concluded, it was clear that AI would play an increasingly significant role in the next wave of blockchain advancements. Day 3: Expanding the Vision The third day of KBW 2024 is set to be an exciting showcase of future-focused initiatives and innovative discussions. One of the highlights will be Epoch Seoul, hosted by Arbitrum, where attendees can dive deep into the latest advancements in decentralized applications (dApps) and explore how Arbitrum's cutting-edge technology is driving the next wave of blockchain adoption. This event is poised to bring together developers, entrepreneurs, and blockchain enthusiasts to discuss and shape the future of the Arbitrum ecosystem. Meanwhile, The Aptos Experience will offer a unique opportunity for participants to engage with Aptos’s groundbreaking developments, particularly its collaboration with Microsoft. This partnership, which integrates AI and blockchain, aims to push the boundaries of decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, positioning Aptos as a leader in the industry’s next evolution. Additionally, the Diversity-in-Tech session hosted by Hashed will underscore the critical importance of inclusivity in the blockchain space. This discussion will focus on how diverse perspectives are essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that the benefits of blockchain technology are accessible to all. As the industry continues to grow, these themes of community and diversity will be key drivers in its sustainable development and expansion into new markets. KBW 2024 Living to Expectations As the first two days of KBW 2024 came to a close, it was clear that most, if not all projects had made a significant impact. Their innovative approaches to growing the blockchain ecosystem, combined with their ambitious vision for the future, resonated with attendees and positioned projects as leaders in the tech space. The success of these projects at KBW 2024 is a testament to the growing importance of blockchain in different industries. In conclusion, KBW 2024 served as the perfect stage for blockchain projects to showcase their achievements and share their divergent visions for the future. Projects still attending the summit for the remainder of the week ought to focus on networking and their ongoing commitment to innovation.

Korea Blockchain Week 2024: Event Highlights

Artificial intelligence has become a buzzworthy topic and — as I’ve recently discovered by adding it to my workflow — some of the excitement is warranted. I use AI tools as a web designer and writer to complete routine tasks like sending marketing emails, creating content, and answering repetitive questions. These applications save time and increase my adaptability during pressure-filled days. However, a new AI report also reminded me that people must be thoughtful about integrating the technology. Not every use case is equally beneficial for every worker or identified need. While AI works well for me in many situations, business leaders should be optimistic yet cautious when trying it. Decision-makers can anticipate the best results by understanding their organizations' most pressing needs and determining how — or if — AI could address them. New Benchmark Report Highlights AI Use Also Has Its Downsides One of the downsides of the artificial intelligence boom is that decision-makers may rush into using it, feeling pressured by peers who have already adopted it in their organizations. Forethought is a company specializing in tools that automate parts of the customer experience process. It recently released its first-ever “AI in CX Benchmark Report.” Many of the study’s takeaways show that specific choices significantly affect how well artificial intelligence works for companies. The report examined cost-per-resolution, defined as the average cost of resolving customers’ problems. When companies trained AI tools with historical internal data, they were almost three-and-a-half times more likely to reduce those expenses. Although internal historical training data resulted in the most cost-effective AI tools, in-house development of those resources resulted in 77% customer satisfaction, the lowest of all methods studied. Deflection rate was another critical metric in this study, and it represented the percentage of customer needs solved by self-service resources rather than support agent contact. Tools trained on a company’s data gathered over time achieved a 37% deflection rate. In-house-developed products showed the worst net promoter score (NPS). 4 Best Practices for Implementing AI Wisely The training data and chosen tools substantially affect how much artificial intelligence pays off for the companies using it. Besides paying attention to these factors, decision-makers can do other related things to improve their odds. 1. Personalize Customer Interactions A notable advantage of combining internal and historical data and artificial intelligence is that companies can provide responses targeted to the individual customers contacting them. That’s a strategic way to increase loyalty, especially since research shows 71% of customers want such personalization, and 76% feel frustrated by not getting it. Consider incorporating details such as someone’s favorite products, order history, or the number of interactions with the company during an average month to personalize the responses someone sees when engaging with an AI tool. Train customer service representatives to provide tailored service at every opportunity. Those efforts emphasize that companies are relevant to customers and their needs. 2. Prioritize Efficient Responses AI tools can answer customers outside of business hours. In the best scenarios, they immediately provide the necessary information, eliminating the need for the person to speak to a person. Take a tiered approach that gives people instant responses to the most straightforward queries and tells them when to expect answers to more complicated questions. Then, customers always get quick answers. Alternatively, not receiving a response could make people more likely to look elsewhere for the required product or service. Letting an AI chatbot handle out-of-hours needs is also an excellent way to grow a company’s customer base so it extends to other countries or time zones. 3. Design Tools for Different Groups Company leaders thinking seriously about their AI integrations should aim to create various products or applications to address customer segments. Consider the example of a home health agency. It would likely receive communications from these groups: People currently receiving the agency’s services
Those interested in hiring the company for themselves or loved ones
Individuals interested in working at the business
Concerned family members or other loved ones Creating AI tools for each group keeps the interactions maximally relevant for everyone involved. Leaders from the Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group applied this tip when building five chatbots for people associated with the Taobao shopping platform, including one to train customer service representatives. The latter tool has shortened training by more than 20%, supporting the 1,500+ workers using it daily. 4. Choose a Specific Process to Improve Leaders must also determine which workflows they hope AI will enhance. Figuring that out ensures that organizations use the technology for well-defined reasons that support long-lasting success. As a case study, take inspiration from a Nordic insurance company where leaders wanted to modernize the claims management process by reducing the manual, time-consuming responsibilities it required. Besides hiring external experts to guide this tech transition, decision-makers recognized the importance of keeping humans at the heart of the change. The completed solution digitized and organized unstructured data, allowing workers to process claims data in near real-time. Additionally, the tool correctly interpreted 70% of the data fed into it, saving users time. Leaders should also select metrics before implementing AI and track how they change over time. Remember that people need time to adjust to new processes, so executives should expect gradual progress. Learning From the Study’s Data and Best Practices Much of Foresight’s study focused on the benefits of using internal historical data when training AI tools, and the results revealed the advantages of relying on commercial tools rather than in-house products. Stay mindful of those takeaways and the above tips to have the best chances of applying AI effectively to meet the needs of modern businesses, their service agents, and customers. Artificial intelligence has become a buzzworthy topic and — as I’ve recently discovered by adding it to my workflow — some of the excitement is warranted. I use AI tools as a web designer and writer to complete routine tasks like sending marketing emails, creating content, and answering repetitive questions. These applications save time and increase my adaptability during pressure-filled days. save time and increase my adaptability save time and increase my adaptability However, a new AI report also reminded me that people must be thoughtful about integrating the technology. Not every use case is equally beneficial for every worker or identified need. While AI works well for me in many situations, business leaders should be optimistic yet cautious when trying it. Decision-makers can anticipate the best results by understanding their organizations' most pressing needs and determining how — or if — AI could address them. New Benchmark Report Highlights AI Use Also Has Its Downsides One of the downsides of the artificial intelligence boom is that decision-makers may rush into using it, feeling pressured by peers who have already adopted it in their organizations. Forethought is a company specializing in tools that automate parts of the customer experience process. It recently released its first-ever “AI in CX Benchmark Report.” Many of the study’s takeaways show that specific choices significantly affect how well artificial intelligence works for companies. The report examined cost-per-resolution, defined as the average cost of resolving customers’ problems. When companies trained AI tools with historical internal data, they were almost three-and-a-half times more likely to reduce those expenses. almost three-and-a-half times almost three-and-a-half times Although internal historical training data resulted in the most cost-effective AI tools, in-house development of those resources resulted in 77% customer satisfaction, the lowest of all methods studied. Deflection rate was another critical metric in this study, and it represented the percentage of customer needs solved by self-service resources rather than support agent contact. Tools trained on a company’s data gathered over time achieved a 37% deflection rate. In-house-developed products showed the worst net promoter score (NPS). 4 Best Practices for Implementing AI Wisely The training data and chosen tools substantially affect how much artificial intelligence pays off for the companies using it. Besides paying attention to these factors, decision-makers can do other related things to improve their odds. 1. Personalize Customer Interactions A notable advantage of combining internal and historical data and artificial intelligence is that companies can provide responses targeted to the individual customers contacting them. That’s a strategic way to increase loyalty, especially since research shows 71% of customers want such personalization, and 76% feel frustrated by not getting it. since research shows 71% since research shows 71% Consider incorporating details such as someone’s favorite products, order history, or the number of interactions with the company during an average month to personalize the responses someone sees when engaging with an AI tool. Train customer service representatives to provide tailored service at every opportunity. Those efforts emphasize that companies are relevant to customers and their needs. 2. Prioritize Efficient Responses AI tools can answer customers outside of business hours. In the best scenarios, they immediately provide the necessary information, eliminating the need for the person to speak to a person. Take a tiered approach that gives people instant responses to the most straightforward queries and tells them when to expect answers to more complicated questions. Then, customers always get quick answers. Alternatively, not receiving a response could make people more likely to look elsewhere for the required product or service. Letting an AI chatbot handle out-of-hours needs is also an excellent way to grow a company’s customer base so it extends to other countries or time zones. instant responses to the most straightforward instant responses to the most straightforward 3. Design Tools for Different Groups Company leaders thinking seriously about their AI integrations should aim to create various products or applications to address customer segments. Consider the example of a home health agency. It would likely receive communications from these groups: People currently receiving the agency’s services Those interested in hiring the company for themselves or loved ones Individuals interested in working at the business Concerned family members or other loved ones People currently receiving the agency’s services Those interested in hiring the company for themselves or loved ones Individuals interested in working at the business Concerned family members or other loved ones Creating AI tools for each group keeps the interactions maximally relevant for everyone involved. Leaders from the Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group applied this tip when building five chatbots for people associated with the Taobao shopping platform, including one to train customer service representatives. The latter tool has shortened training by more than 20% , supporting the 1,500+ workers using it daily. shortened training by more than 20% shortened training by more than 20% 4. Choose a Specific Process to Improve Leaders must also determine which workflows they hope AI will enhance. Figuring that out ensures that organizations use the technology for well-defined reasons that support long-lasting success. As a case study, take inspiration from a Nordic insurance company where leaders wanted to modernize the claims management process by reducing the manual, time-consuming responsibilities it required. Besides hiring external experts to guide this tech transition, decision-makers recognized the importance of keeping humans at the heart of the change. The completed solution digitized and organized unstructured data, allowing workers to process claims data in near real-time. Additionally, the tool correctly interpreted 70% of the data fed into it, saving users time. Leaders should also select metrics before implementing AI and track how they change over time. Remember that people need time to adjust to new processes, so executives should expect gradual progress. interpreted 70% of the data fed interpreted 70% of the data fed Learning From the Study’s Data and Best Practices Much of Foresight’s study focused on the benefits of using internal historical data when training AI tools, and the results revealed the advantages of relying on commercial tools rather than in-house products. Stay mindful of those takeaways and the above tips to have the best chances of applying AI effectively to meet the needs of modern businesses, their service agents, and customers.

New CX Benchmark Report Highlights the Hidden Costs of Poor AI Integration in Business

DELAWARE, United States, June 6th, 2024/GamingWire/--Warped Games studio was caught unaware last week when an intern leaked promotional material from their in-development title “Warped Universe” on X/Twitter. With over 70,000 people following the account, the leak quickly gained traction, catching the attention of Web3 gaming influencers who quickly ran with the alpha. The post racked up 80,000 impressions over the subsequent days before the Warped Team decided they might as well keep the post live. The intern acknowledged his error. When contacted for more insight on the matter, Scott Brown, President and Lead Game Developer of Warped Universe, mentioned in his official statement that while “the leak was not ideal”, yet came with a silver lining. “For a team that has been building for the last 2 years, this was a real mood lifter, as the market reacted extremely positively to the video”. He further shared details about the in-development Web3 title.“It’s a Sci-Fi title with multiple mission types that interconnect with one another, giving players total freedom in how they approach the game. It’s hard to classify a game that crosses so many boundaries. It’s a user-driven game. All of the players' actions cumulatively decide the fate of the Universe.” He continued, adding “One of the things about making a game, and especially a Sci-Fi game, is how do you stand out in someone's mind? How are you memorable? It's so easy to fall into the same trope of big grey spaceships in this black, starry background. You just start to look like every other space game that everyone's seen a thousand other times. It's so easy to just blend in with all the others, so we sat down and brainstormed over and over about what is going to make us special. What's going to make Warped stand out? What does it mean to be Warped?” The colourful warped nature of the world and art style puts players in an environment previously unexplored in the Sci-Fi genre, giving a unique gaming experience. ​​ Scott shared that Warped Universe will be a community-centric game, where every token holder can have an influence, but that it wouldn’t function exactly like a DAO, telling “Token holders will influence what's going to be happening in the game. Where’s it going? What’s being added? There are a lot of games that have tokens inside the game, where you're buying the tokens which are buying cosmetics or items in the game. They’re different things. Our token is influencing the game, more than it influences the day-to-day gameplay”. He added, “I think this makes for a very cool and unique relationship between token holders and Warped Universe. We want the community to be involved in the direction of Warped Universe”. It has been shown on the Warped Games’ social media profiles, that two of the four game modes mentioned in this Sci-Fi Web3 epic will be real-time action shooter and turn-based strategy, arguably targeting two of the biggest gaming markets right now. About Warped Games Warped Games is a gaming studio comprising passionate developers and designers with backgrounds at industry giants such as Pixar, Disney, LucasArts, EA, Rockstar, Sony, Netflix, and more. Team members have worked on Lego Universe, Star Citizen, Jumpgate, Dragons & Titans, and others, and have a proven track record in building MMOs, RPGs, and FPSs. This depth of experience is vital as Warped Games develops Warped Universe, a unique, “play your own way” Web3 gaming title on Unreal Engine 5 that redefines the sci-fi genre. Warped Games is working towards leading both players and studios into the next era of gaming. Contact PR manager Ramsey Shallal Warped Games ramsey@gelocubed.com This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. DELAWARE, United States, June 6th, 2024/GamingWire/--Warped Games studio was caught unaware last week when an intern leaked promotional material from their in-development title “Warped Universe” on X/Twitter. With over 70,000 people following the account, the leak quickly gained traction, catching the attention of Web3 gaming influencers who quickly ran with the alpha. The post racked up 80,000 impressions over the subsequent days before the Warped Team decided they might as well keep the post live. The intern acknowledged his error. When contacted for more insight on the matter, Scott Brown , President and Lead Game Developer of Warped Universe, mentioned in his official statement that while “the leak was not ideal”, yet came with a silver lining. “For a team that has been building for the last 2 years, this was a real mood lifter, as the market reacted extremely positively to the video”. Scott Brown Scott Brown He further shared details about the in-development Web3 title.“It’s a Sci-Fi title with multiple mission types that interconnect with one another, giving players total freedom in how they approach the game. It’s hard to classify a game that crosses so many boundaries. It’s a user-driven game. All of the players' actions cumulatively decide the fate of the Universe.” He further shared details about the in-development Web3 title.“It’s a Sci-Fi title with multiple mission types that interconnect with one another, giving players total freedom in how they approach the game. It’s hard to classify a game that crosses so many boundaries. It’s a user-driven game. All of the players' actions cumulatively decide the fate of the Universe.” He continued, adding “One of the things about making a game, and especially a Sci-Fi game, is how do you stand out in someone's mind? How are you memorable? It's so easy to fall into the same trope of big grey spaceships in this black, starry background. You just start to look like every other space game that everyone's seen a thousand other times. It's so easy to just blend in with all the others, so we sat down and brainstormed over and over about what is going to make us special. What's going to make Warped stand out? What does it mean to be Warped?” He continued, adding “One of the things about making a game, and especially a Sci-Fi game, is how do you stand out in someone's mind? How are you memorable? It's so easy to fall into the same trope of big grey spaceships in this black, starry background. You just start to look like every other space game that everyone's seen a thousand other times. It's so easy to just blend in with all the others, so we sat down and brainstormed over and over about what is going to make us special. What's going to make Warped stand out? What does it mean to be Warped?” The colourful warped nature of the world and art style puts players in an environment previously unexplored in the Sci-Fi genre, giving a unique gaming experience. ​​ Scott shared that Warped Universe will be a community-centric game, where every token holder can have an influence, but that it wouldn’t function exactly like a DAO, telling “Token holders will influence what's going to be happening in the game. Where’s it going? What’s being added? There are a lot of games that have tokens inside the game, where you're buying the tokens which are buying cosmetics or items in the game. They’re different things. Our token is influencing the game, more than it influences the day-to-day gameplay”. He added, “I think this makes for a very cool and unique relationship between token holders and Warped Universe. We want the community to be involved in the direction of Warped Universe”. He added, “I think this makes for a very cool and unique relationship between token holders and Warped Universe. We want the community to be involved in the direction of Warped Universe”. It has been shown on the Warped Games’ social media profiles , that two of the four game modes mentioned in this Sci-Fi Web3 epic will be real-time action shooter and turn-based strategy, arguably targeting two of the biggest gaming markets right now. Warped Games’ social media profiles Warped Games’ social media profiles About Warped Games Warped Games is a gaming studio comprising passionate developers and designers with backgrounds at industry giants such as Pixar, Disney, LucasArts, EA, Rockstar, Sony, Netflix, and more. Team members have worked on Lego Universe, Star Citizen, Jumpgate, Dragons & Titans, and others, and have a proven track record in building MMOs, RPGs, and FPSs. This depth of experience is vital as Warped Games develops Warped Universe, a unique, “play your own way” Web3 gaming title on Unreal Engine 5 that redefines the sci-fi genre. Warped Games is working towards leading both players and studios into the next era of gaming. Contact PR manager Ramsey Shallal Warped Games ramsey@gelocubed.com This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Gamingwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

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