Mujjio Brings Forth A Bold Olive For iPhone X

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 19, 2017 by itnerd

With a natural and serene color, Mujjio’s new cases for iPhone X add a dash of personality, without compromising the iPhone’s immaculate appearance.

Mujjio has gone through an intensive process developing the perfect shade of Olive to complement their current selection of black, tan and gray leather finishes. Based on their innovative iPhone X cases, the Olive collection showcases their most premium design elements.

  • Fully leather wrapped – We’ve fully wrapped the cases with leather to reinforce their durability and closely follow the contours of the device, resulting in a very streamlined silhouette. The premium quality of our full-grain vegetable-tanned leather provides a soft feel and ages beautifully. Over time, the leather will acquire a patina: the color will become deeper adding character – a gradual refinement that will give your case a truly personal character.
  • Every detail considered – The buttons are fully covered in leather, which adds to the sleekness of the overall design. The optimised button profile is specifically designed and tested for responsiveness and ease of use – the result of a production process that they’ve refined meticulously.
  • Protective and effortless – The leather rises 1mm above the edge of the glass, creating a raised bezel that keeps abrasive surfaces away from your screen. The camera opening and mute button feature a leather chamfer which makes using the mute button effortless.
  • Satin-like microfiber-lined – The case interiors are lined with the finest Japanese microfiber with a satin-like finish, providing soft padding for your iPhone X.

Full-leather-wallet-case-for-iphone-x-Olive-02.jpgAvailable as a wallet – a Mujjo original praised for its functionality and form. The leather wallet case for iPhone X features a leather card pocket that fits two or three bank, ID or commuter cards conveniently in one sleek package.

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If you don’t want to use your iPhone X as a wallet, they’ve still got you covered with the Full Leather Cases for iPhone X.

Compatible with iPhone X, the cases start at US$44.90, ranging up to US$49.90 and EUR €44.90 ranging up to EUR €49,90 (incl. VAT for European customers). Available for order on mujjo.com (ships worldwide).

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Cryptojacking: The New Threat That You Don’t Know Anything About But Should

Posted in Commentary on October 19, 2017 by itnerd

I remember the good old days…. As in six months ago where I would be called by clients to investigate and remove browser add ons that just magically appeared, or adware that got installed via a browser that visited an infected website. That still does happen, but I am getting a new call from my clients to address a new threat called cryptojacking.

Now you’ve likely never heard of cryptojacking, so here’s a rundown on what it is. A website can have a JavaScript installed on it that uses the browser of a website visitor to get at the CPU of that computer to mine cryptocurrency. Specifically Monero coins which are harder to trace than Bitcoin. So in short, this is a money making scheme that uses the CPU power of your computer to do it. Typically, the website that has the JavaScript has been pwned by hackers and this code is installed. But some unscrupulous site owners have installed these scripts themselves to make a few extra bucks. JavaScript isn’t the only attack vector as it’s also been seen on self hosted WordPress sites (as opposed to WordPress.com hosted sites like this one) via plug-ins. Plus there are other means to do this that don’t rely on JavaScript or WordPress that are starting to appear.

So, how do you know if you’ve been hit by one of these cryptojackers? Simple. You visit a website with a cryptojacker installed on it and you’ll notice almost immediately that your computer will slow down. If you were to open Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on Mac, you’ll notice that the browser that you’re using at the time is consuming up to 100% of the CPU power. Terminating the browser usually brings things back to normal. And typically, nothing gets left behind on your computer.

Now this issue started to appear last month. But in the last couple of weeks it’s really become pervasive. Websites all over the world that are owned by major corporations to someone who hosts cat videos have been affected. And it’s growing by the day. Thus you have to protect yourself. I would suggest a two part strategy to protect yourself:

  1. Disabling JavaScript in your browser settings is the first step as many of these cryptojackers are JavaScript base. Thus simply disabling JavaScript in your browser makes a lot of these cryptojackers non issues. This is a good article that tells you how to disable JavaScript in the browser of your choice.
  2. Using a script-blocking addon or installing an extension specifically designed to prevent coin mining in the browser, like MinerBlock or No Coin is your next step as those will protect you from the non-JavaScript cryptojackers.
  3. Always have a good anti-virus program installed as you never know when these cryptojackers will evolve to the point where they install something onto your computer to do their evil work.

Seeing as this is an evolving threat, you’re going to hear more about cryptojackers soon enough. And the means to defend yourself will start to shrink. Thus the real way to stop this is for governments to go after the people who do this. Wishful thinking I know. But outside of that, there’s no real incentive for the people behind cryptojacking to stop their activities. And that’s not good for anyone.

 

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Domino’s Pizza In Australia Pwned….. Email Addresses Swiped

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 19, 2017 by itnerd

It seems that Pizza Hut isn’t the only pizza joint to get pwned by hackers. Domino’s Australian outfit has fessed up to being pwned by hackers as well. The company has called in the Australian information commissioner to find out how a list of customer emails managed to find their way into the hands of creepy spammers. Though Domino’s is blaming a supplier for the issue:

The pizza seller has called in the Australian information commissioner to investigate the breach but insists its systems haven’t been compromised. Instead, it blames a “former supplier’s systems” for leaking customer email addresses, names and store suburb.

“Domino’s acted quickly to contain the information when it became aware of the issue and has commenced a detailed review process,” an undated statement posted on the company’s website reads.

The company did not say when it first became aware of the issue and insists no financial information has been accessed.

The thing is, that Domino’s customers are now getting spammed. And the spam is apparently not too cool. While this isn’t as bad as having financial data out there in the wild, it’s still not good as it shows that there were gaps in how customer information was handled. The other part of this story is that this is another company that took a while to disclose that this happened. That has not gone over well as many people vow not to do business with the pizza joint again. Hopefully that serves as a warning to other companies who think that not disclosing data breaches is a good idea.

 

 

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SURE Universal And Open Connectivity Foundation Deliver Interoperability For The Connected Home

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 18, 2017 by itnerd

SURE Universal will spearhead a series of product demonstrations at the 2018 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that will represent a milestone in IoT market development.

The company has been selected by the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) to showcase the groundbreaking interoperability between home electronics that are NOW possible through the emergence of the OCF standard. SURE Universal will conduct demonstrations that will effortlessly operate multiple smart home and IoT devices of different types and brands, such as set-top boxes, gateways, smart TVs and appliances, using its OCF compliant software. The OCF standard is now supported by over 300 global technology leaders, including Samsung, LG, Intel, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Cisco and Electrolux.

As the first client software certified by OCF, SURE Universal will participate in the OCF Pavilion at CES, demonstrating products from multiple OCF member companies working seamlessly with other through SURE Universal Remote. In addition, SURE Universal will be showing both Linux and Android gateways and set-top boxes featuring its award-winning smart home solutions. The company will also announce certification of its iOS mobile client, which will join the company’s top-rated and massively popular Android SURE Universal client (30 million downloads) as the universal remote control solution.

Interoperability and Security Through OCF

Until now, one of the greatest obstacles to IoT and smart home adoption has been the lack of a universal IoT standard for manufacturers to use when designing smart home products, and one that consumers can trust to work as expected inside their homes. The market has so far been confused and constricted by proprietary systems from large and small tech companies that don’t communicate with products that exist outside their own branded ecosystems.

By contrast, the OCF standard provides a universal language for device interoperability. The OCF technology incorporates and builds on the proven technologies of both the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP) standards, which have been successfully deployed in billions of electronics products worldwide. OCF takes these core technologies deeper into the smart home environment, particularly through the inclusion of a security architecture that manufacturers can count on.

Security against hacking and other intrusions is a primary concern for consumers as they fill their homes with smart, connected IoT products. However, many simple smart devices, such as light switches and outlets, cannot provide genuine security because of the lack of built-in computing power in such cost-driven products. As a result, many manufacturers don’t enter the market, because no one manufacturer or business can take responsibility for attack vulnerabilities that might hit millions of smart home networks. By adding its own layer of security, particularly through the cloud and the gateway — the prime entry points for unwanted intrusion — OCF is able to assume responsibility for network security. This brings tremendous value to the IoT market, especially for manufacturers.

The International Consumer Electronics Show is held January 9-12 in Las Vegas NV. SURE Universal will participate in the Open Connectivity Foundation pavilion, which is located in the Sands Expo Center, Booth 42914.

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$2.5B Impact Of Canada’s Growing Side Seller Community: PayPal Canada

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 18, 2017 by itnerd

An emerging form of entrepreneurship is making waves in the Canadian economy, according to new research from PayPal Canada and Barraza & Associates. It is estimated that 2.5 million Canadians, or about nine per cent of the adult population, have embraced a “5-to-9’er” lifestyle turning their passions into profitable side-businesses in addition to working a fulltime job.

This community of makers, creators, freelancers and service providers has gained notable traction in Canada. In fact, half of Canadian 5-to-9’ers started their business in the last three years. In the past 12 months, this small but mighty community reported combined median revenues of $2.5 billion dollars.

Canada’s 5-to-9’ers are online savvy and keen to grow

Young and driven to evolve, Canada’s 5-to-9’ers are eager to turn their part-time endeavors into a primary source of income. The research shows that these emerging entrepreneurs employ e-commerce tools to reach their vision of success. Their e-commerce arsenal includes extensive use of online marketplaces and social media networks, demonstrating 5-to-9’ers deep appreciation of the digital economy. From age to attitude towards selling online, Canada’s enterprising 5-to-9’ers differ greatly from traditional Canadian small business owners.

  • More than half (54%) of 5-to-9’ers surveyed have seriously considered making their part-time business into a full time career.  More than a third (38%) are actively testing out the idea of becoming a full time entrepreneur, using this time in their small business journey as a launch pad.
  • 5-to-9’ers are selling where Canadians are shopping – online. Over a third (32%) of 5-to-9’ers accept online payments for their goods and services leveraging a variety of e-commerce tools, like online marketplaces (59%) and social networking sites (52%). Turning the lens on traditional small businesses, less than a quarter accept payments online.
  • The 5-to-9’er community skews younger compared to traditional small business owners. In some cases, there is a 30-year differential. More than half of 5-to-9’ers (54%) are between the ages of 25 and 44 years-old, which could explain why they are more comfortable using digital technology.

Despite their drive and determination, there are some barriers holding this community back from transitioning to full time small business owners. Limited access to start-up capital is the main (58%) hurdle identified by this group.

Women are paving the way, yet disparity persists

Women are dominating the 5-to-9’er landscape, representing 66 per cent of the community in Canada. Not only are women propelling this trend, the study revealed that they are more seriously considering fulltime small business ownership, compared to their male counterparts. While it is encouraging to see women taking a leading role in shaping the 5-to-9’er landscape, female 5-to-9’ers reported significantly less revenue than their male peers.

  • Female 5-to-9’ers want to take their passion projects to the next level. Compared to men in this segment, the research shows that women are more actively testing the viability of full time small business ownership (38%), and are more likely to transition to full time small business ownership within the next three years (47%).
  • There is a striking difference in reported revenue between men and women. Female 5-to-9’ers reported earning 71 per cent less average revenue compared to male 5-to-9’ers. A perpetuating pay gap could potentially hold women back from reaching their small business growth goals.

Notably, 12 per cent of women started their side business while on maternity leave. Women may be leveraging maternity leave as an opportunity to explore becoming entrepreneurs while simultaneously bringing in additional household income.

Overall, the research points to a growing, thriving community that has organically formed by leveraging tools like e-commerce platforms, online marketplaces, freelance software and smartphone apps to find success. While small businesses tend to earn significant focus in Canada, the 5-to-9 community is a rising segment of Canada’s economy that has tremendous potential to succeed if nurtured.

Complete study findings and additional information can be found here.

For more information on how PayPal is helping Canadian 5-9’ers thrive, visit www.paypal.ca/yourbusiness 

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HP Announces The ZBook X2

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 18, 2017 by itnerd

Today, HP unveiled the HP ZBook x2, its newest product designed to improve performance and mobility needs for the creative community.

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The HP ZBook x2, the world’s first detachable PC workstation, allows designers to unleash the power of Adobe Creative Cloud and other professional applications. Its unprecedented power and performance increase productivity and allow digital creators and storytellers the freedom to work when and where inspiration strikes. It has four modes:

  • In laptop mode, the HP ZBook x2 is a powerful mobile workstation with a keyboard leveraged from the HP ZBook Studio
  • In detached mode, it allows users to create on the tablet with HP’s most accurate and expressive pen while still having full access to all of their shortcut keys with the Bluetooth enabled keyboard off to the side.
  • In docked mode the HP ZBook x2 can power two additional 4K displays or five total displays
  • In tablet mode it maintains full graphics performance allowing users to capture ideas with powerful NVIDIA 3D graphics.

Key specs include:

  • Windows 10 Pro and security, collaboration, and connectivity features from HP help you power through your day.
  • Work at the speed of your ideas with the latest Quad Core Intel Core processors and up to 4.2 GHz of turbo boost
  • NVIDIA Quadro graphics for real-time visualization of multi-layered artwork and creative projects.
  • 32 GB RAM Dual Channel Memory — twice the memory capacity of any other detachable PC.
  • HP Z Turbo Drive storage is 4X faster than SATA SSD and 14X faster than traditional HDD storage.
  • Enjoy peace of mind with up to 10 hours of battery life for maximum productivity and ultra-fast recharge (50% in just 30 minutes).

The ZBook x2 will be available in December, starting at $1,749 USD. Canadian pricing is still to be confirmed.

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Jump Deeda: Never Be Stranded in Winter Again

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 18, 2017 by itnerd

Winter is coming and there is nothing worse than being left stranded in a lonely parking lot at night, in the snow or with a low battery. While there are many jump starters on the market, it is rare to find a one-of-a-kind portable pack with jump starter that satisfies various power needs for road trip uses. Jump Deeda is the power pack that saves you from being stranded in emergencies. The Jump Deeda is more targeted to daily use. Based on an innovative combination of jump starter, power bank with AC/USB-C outputs and wireless chargers, the Jump Deeda is a one-stop shop for helping to start any car.

Features include:

  • Easy and secure jump start: With a one touch start sequence, even in winter mode, you can jump start your car in emergencies, even in cold weather;
  • Unique self-warming feature: A unique feature for Jump Deeda and let it detect the surrounding temperature and warm up itself to be ready to jump start cars. Therefore, the Jump Deeda can be used in extremely cold weather condition.
  • Daily charging ports with AC and USB-C: Power up your latest phone, tablet, laptop and other handheld devices fast;
  • A clamp design: clamps. The design and material of the clamps make it more safe and durable when jumping start cars. It is easier for people to use and it will warn users when they connect the clamps on opposite side by mistake;
  • Wireless charging: Supports QI standards, making charging life free and easier than ever;
  • Safety and protection: Supports protections like temperature, current, voltage, short circuit, reverse polarity, to name just a few.

Here’s a video on Jump Deeda:

Jump Deeda is live on Indiegogo, starting at $139. For more information, visit www.jumpdeeda.com.

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