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Boston Globe
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
China unleashes hackers against its friend Russia, seeking war secrets
Advertisement China is far wealthier than Russia and has plenty of homegrown scientific and military expertise, but Chinese military experts often lament that Chinese troops lack battlefield experience. Experts say that China sees the war in Ukraine as a chance to collect information about modern warfare tactics, Western weaponry, and what works against them. 'China likely seeks to gather intelligence on Russia's activities, including on its military operation in Ukraine, defense developments, and other geopolitical maneuvers,' said Che Chang, a researcher with TeamT5. It is unclear how successful these attempts have been, partly because Russian officials have never publicly acknowledged these intrusions. But a classified counterintelligence document from Russia's domestic security agency, known as the FSB, makes clear that intelligence officials are concerned. The document, obtained by The New York Times, says that China is seeking Russian defense expertise and technology and is trying to learn from Russia's military experience in Ukraine. The document refers to China as an 'enemy.' Advertisement With Putin largely cut off from the West, his country has come to rely on China to buy its oil and sell it technology that is essential to its war effort. Moscow and Beijing have formed a bloc against Washington and its allies, alarming Western leaders. The FSB document presents a more complicated relationship than the 'no-limits' partnership that Xi and Putin describe. Allies have been known to spy on one another, but the extent of China's hacking activities against Russia suggests both a higher level of mutual distrust and a reluctance by the Kremlin to share all that it is learning on the battlefield in Ukraine. Drone warfare and software are of particular interest to China, the document says. 'The war in Ukraine fundamentally shifted intelligence priorities for both countries,' said Itay Cohen, a senior researcher with cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks who has followed Chinese hacking groups for years. Experts say, and the document indicates, that China wants to learn from Russia's war experience to bolster its own preparedness for potential future conflicts. Taiwan, in particular, is a major potential flashpoint with the West. One Chinese government-funded group has targeted Rostec, the powerful Russian state-owned defense conglomerate, seeking information on satellite communications, radar and electronic warfare, according to Palo Alto Networks. Others have used malicious files, intended to exploit vulnerabilities in Microsoft Word, to penetrate Russian aviation industry targets and state bodies. Advertisement Messages seeking comment were left with the Kremlin and the Chinese Embassy in Moscow. Not all Chinese hacking groups operate at the behest of the government. But security experts have seen evidence of government ties. Russian cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies, for example, said in 2023 that cyberattacks had been mounted on several Russian targets, including in the aerospace, private security, and defense sectors. The attackers used a tool known as Deed RAT, which is widely deployed by Chinese state-sponsored hackers. Cybersecurity experts say Deed RAT is considered 'proprietary' among these groups and is not available for purchase on the dark web like other malware tools. That has enabled state-backed hacking groups in China to use it more widely because it is tough for their adversaries to find a way to combat the malware. Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups have often targeted international companies and government institutions, including in the United States and Europe. But hacking groups appear to have become more interested in Russian targets after the country's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Chang said he and his colleagues tracked several Chinese hacking groups targeting Russia. Among them was one of the country's most active hacking groups, known as Mustang Panda. Little is known about Mustang Panda's origins or where it operates inside China, according to researchers who have studied the group. Its activities often accompanied China's Belt and Road economic development initiative, according to Rafe Pilling, director of threat intelligence at security firm Sophos. As China invested in development projects in West Africa and Southeast Asia, he said, hacking soon followed. That is most likely because China invests in countries where it has political and economic interests, which motivates state-sponsored hackers, Pilling said. Advertisement After Russia invaded Ukraine, TeamT5 said that Mustang Panda expanded its scope to target governmental organizations in Russia and the European Union. Pilling, who has been monitoring Mustang Panda's activities for several years, says he suspects that the group is backed by China's Ministry of State Security, its main intelligence body. The ministry supports threat groups that attack targets around the world, he said. In 2022, Mustang Panda targeted Russian military officials and border guard units near the Siberian border with China. 'The targeting we've observed tends to be political and military intelligence-gathering,' Pilling said. That is true of all Chinese hacking groups targeting Russia, he said. 'I think of them as being one of the main tools that the Chinese state has for gathering political and economic intelligence.' Mustang Panda has also attracted the attention of US authorities. In January, the Justice Department and the FBI said that Mustang Panda's malware had infected thousands of computer systems, seeking to steal information. Many of the targets were American, but the malware was also found on computers belonging to Chinese dissidents and European and Asian governments, according to a federal indictment. The indictment makes clear that the United States believes that Mustang Panda is a state-sponsored group. Other Chinese groups have targeted Russia, too. Chang said his team was following another threat group, Slime19, that is continuously targeting the Russian government, energy, and defense sectors. In agreements in 2009 and 2015, China and Russia promised not to carry out cyberattacks targeting each other. But even at the time, analysts suggested that the announcement was largely symbolic. Chinese hacking in Russia did not begin with the war in Ukraine. A 2021 cyberattack, for example, targeted Russian submarine designers. But experts say the war prompted a spike in computer intrusions. Advertisement 'The activity — we saw it immediately in the months following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine,' Cohen said. 'Even though the public narrative was of close ties between Russia and China.' This article originally appeared in
Pink Villa
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Did Ju Haknyeon ‘copy-paste' apology after THE BOYZ exit? Netizens spot unusual mistakes in handwritten letter
Following Ju Haknyeon's abrupt departure from THE BOYZ, the controversy surrounding him shows no signs of slowing down. He was allegedly spotted with former Japanese adult video actress Kirara Asuka during a trip to Japan. After that, the idol was swiftly removed from both the group and his agency, ONE HUNDRED. The label cite issues related to his 'private life.' In an attempt to address the situation, Ju Haknyeon then posted a handwritten apology letter on Instagram. He expressed regret for disappointing fans and causing concern. However, rather than calming the situation, the letter has triggered new waves of skepticism and criticism online. It was not for what he said, but for how the letter was written. Netizens baffled by strange formatting in apology Shortly after the letter was shared, Korean online communities began dissecting the content. Many pointed out awkward sentence spacing and line breaks throughout the message. One particular example that caught attention was how the word 'worried' in Korean was split in an unnatural way. Ju wrote, 'Firstly, I'm sorry to have wor-ried everyone due to such unsavory matters as well as the fans who were very shocked by the news reports about me.' This strange break left netizens confused. Some believed it could have been a mistake or a stylistic choice. But others weren't so convinced. A viral post discussing the issue gained over 111,000 views on an online community. The author theorises that the letter might have been copied from a pre-written message. It was possibly sent through a messaging app like KakaoTalk or composed in Microsoft Word. Accusations of a 'copy-paste' apology Digging deeper, some netizens attempted to recreate the formatting using KakaoTalk. They found that the line breaks in the letter matched exactly with how the app auto-wraps text when sending long messages. One commenter wrote, 'I think he just wrote it exactly the way he received it through his phone,' as quoted by Koreaboo. Another added, 'If you send the apology through KakaoTalk, it cuts right at that point.' These findings sparked a new wave of criticism, with users accusing Ju Haknyeon of insincerity. Many questioned why he didn't take the time to rewrite or format the letter properly, especially when addressing fans during a scandal. Others were disappointed that something as sensitive as a public apology seemed to lack personal effort. ALSO READ: Ju Haknyeon faces police complaint over alleged prostitution solicitation in Japan after THE BOYZ exit, know more
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Essential Types of Application Software for Modern Businesses
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, software is the engine behind business productivity, customer engagement, and data management. While most people are familiar with general applications like Microsoft Word or Google Chrome, understanding the different types of application software is crucial for businesses aiming to stay competitive and efficient. This guide breaks down the essential categories of application software, helping you choose the right tools for your operations and growth. Application software refers to programs designed to perform specific tasks for users—whether it's drafting emails, managing databases, creating graphics, or running financial reports. Unlike system software (like operating systems), application software serves the end-user directly. Businesses rely on application software to: Automate routine tasks Improve collaboration and communication Enhance customer service Manage data efficiently Make informed decisions based on analytics Understanding which type of software suits which task can save time, cut costs, and boost productivity. Here are the most commonly used types of application software categorized by functionality and use-case: Purpose: Creating, editing, formatting text documents Examples: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, WPS Office Businesses use word processors for internal documentation, contracts, proposals, reports, and more. Purpose: Organizing data, performing calculations, and generating financial models Examples: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Zoho Sheet Essential for accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and managing large datasets. Purpose: Designing slide decks for meetings, webinars, and product demos Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi Helps businesses communicate ideas visually and effectively. Purpose: Creating and managing structured data storage Examples: MySQL, Microsoft Access, Oracle Database Crucial for managing customer records, product inventories, and employee information. Purpose: Integrating various business functions—HR, finance, inventory, procurement Examples: SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Odoo Streamlines operations and improves decision-making through centralized data. Purpose: Managing customer data, sales pipelines, and marketing campaigns Examples: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM Helps nurture leads, improve customer service, and boost sales efficiency. Purpose: Planning, tracking, and executing projects collaboratively Examples: Asana, Trello, Jira Ideal for agile teams and businesses with multiple ongoing projects. Purpose: Managing billing, payroll, taxes, and financial reporting Examples: QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks Essential for maintaining compliance and financial accuracy. Purpose: Designing visuals, editing images or videos, creating animations Examples: Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Final Cut Pro Used by marketing teams, content creators, and designers to enhance branding and communication. Purpose: Accessing web applications and online services Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari A gateway to SaaS platforms, online tools, and information sources. Purpose: Facilitating internal and external communication Examples: Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet Supports remote work, team collaboration, and virtual meetings. Purpose: Managing email communications Examples: Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, Gmail A core part of business communication and customer support workflows. Purpose: Delivering training programs, courses, or certifications Examples: Moodle, Coursera for Business, TalentLMS Used for employee onboarding, upskilling, and corporate training. Purpose: Tailored to meet specific business needs (e.g., inventory control, field service, logistics) Examples: Custom CRM, ERP, POS, or warehouse management systems developed by IT firms This type of software is often built from scratch to address unique business challenges and workflows. When selecting application software for your business, consider the following: Scalability: Can it grow with your business? Can it grow with your business? Integration: Does it work with your existing tools? Does it work with your existing tools? User Experience: Is it easy for your team to adopt? Is it easy for your team to adopt? Cost Efficiency: Does it fit your budget over the long term? Does it fit your budget over the long term? Security: Does it comply with your data protection policies? Application software is the backbone of modern business operations. From streamlining workflows to improving customer satisfaction, the right tools can be a game-changer. Whether you're a startup or a growing enterprise, understanding the types of application software available—and how to use them—empowers you to make smarter, faster decisions. If you're unsure which tools suit your business, consulting a custom software development partner like Infowind Technologies can help you assess needs, implement the right solutions, or even build tailor-made applications from scratch. Infowind Technologies specializes in web, mobile, and enterprise software development tailored to your industry needs. Contact us to explore how we can boost your business with smart, scalable solutions. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Mint
4 days ago
- Mint
OpenAI supercharges ChatGPT: New Canvas and Projects features unveiled: All details
OpenAI has introduced a range of enhancements to its ChatGPT platform, adding new functionality to both its Canvas and Projects tools. The latest update enables users to download content directly from Canvas in various file formats, while Project capabilities have been expanded to include advanced research tools, voice interactions, and improved flexibility on mobile. Announced via OpenAI's official X account, the update brings long-requested features to Canvas — a live editing and formatting space within ChatGPT, initially launched in preview form in October 2024 and later rolled out to all users by December. With this update, users can now export their work in several formats, including PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), and Markdown (.md). For developers using Canvas to write code, direct export in language-specific formats such as Python (.py), JavaScript (.js), and SQL (.sql) is now possible. The Canvas feature is accessible across all platforms where ChatGPT is available — including the website, desktop clients, and mobile apps — allowing users to maintain a consistent workflow regardless of device. In parallel, OpenAI has announced substantial upgrades to the Projects tool, which is exclusive to ChatGPT's paid subscribers. Projects allows users to organise conversations and store contextual information, including previous chats, uploaded files, and personalised instructions. The new update significantly extends its scope. Most notably, Projects now supports 'deep research' capabilities. This allows users to make complex, multi-step research queries using real-time data from public web sources, improving the AI's performance in tasks that demand more than surface-level information. Additionally, the integration of ChatGPT's voice mode provides a hands-free experience, making it easier for users to interact with the assistant on the go. Further improvements are also being introduced on mobile. Users of the ChatGPT app on iOS and Android can now upload files and switch between AI models directly within a project — two features previously limited to the desktop experience.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Why this German state is banning Microsoft Teams and other tools from its government operations
The German state of Schleswig-Holstein is set to ban Microsoft Teams and other software programs developed by the tech giant from its government operations, a report claims. This change will reportedly affect nearly all civil servants, police officers and judges within less than three months. With this move, it wants to 'take back control' over data storage and ensure 'digital sovereignty,' Dirk Schroedter, the German state's digitalisation minister, said to the news agency AFP. While speaking on a video call via an open-source German program, Schroedter said, 'We're done with (Microsoft) Teams.' The report adds that this switch-over will impact about half of Schleswig-Holstein's 60,000 public servants, with nearly 30,000 teachers expected to follow in the coming years. How the German state is moving away from Microsoft tools According to the report, the state's transition to open-source software began in 2024. The initial phase involves replacing Microsoft Word and Excel with LibreOffice, similarly switching Outlook for emails and calendars with Open-Xchange. Over the coming years, a Linux-based operating system is also planned to be adopted to complete the shift away from Microsoft Windows. 'The geopolitical developments of the past few months have strengthened interest in the path that we've taken,' Schroedter said, noting that he had received requests for advice from around the globe by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo 'The war in Ukraine revealed our energy dependencies, and now we see there are also digital dependencies,' he added. Schroedter highlighted that the Schleswig-Holstein government intends to move its data storage to a cloud platform outside Microsoft's control. He said the state prefers to use publicly owned German digital infrastructure instead of relying on an American provider, the report continued. This comes after concerns about the influence of major American tech firms in Europe. Microsoft is also facing scrutiny over its market dominance, stemming from its control of the Windows operating system and the widely used Office suite in the EU. In 2023, the European Union opened an antitrust investigation into Microsoft's practice of bundling Teams with its other business applications.
