Archive for October 31, 2024

OWC Helps Power the Future for Apple Users with Thunderbolt 5 Solutions for New Mac Mini and MacBook Pro with M4

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 31, 2024 by itnerd

Other World Computing today announced the full compatibility of its OWC Thunderbolt 5 innovations – including its OWC Envoy Ultra SSD and OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) Cables – with the latest Mac mini powered by the new M4 Pro chip and MacBook Pro powered by the M4 Pro and M4 Max family of chips. With these cutting-edge OWC solutions, Apple users are empowered to unlock the full potential of Thunderbolt 5, and enjoy a new era of speed, reliability, and connectivity.

The OWC Envoy Ultra is the first and fastest Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD. Built for those who refuse to slow down, it is:

  • Faster than Fast – Revolutionary speed over 6000MB/s – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4
  • A Machine Maximizer – Gets the most speed possible from Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 machines
  • Ready for Anything – Easily handle daily data needs to pro-level creative projects while matching internal storage performance
  • Versatile – Works with Macs, PCs, iPad Pros, Chromebooks, and Surface devices
  • Weatherproof – Protects data from dust, drops, and downpours
  • Convenient – Bus-powered with built-in Thunderbolt cable
  • Silent – Fanless, heat-dissipating aluminum design

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) Cable is the only cable you’ll ever need. Built for speed, power, and compatibility with every device, past, present, and future, it is:

  • 100% USB-C Compatible – Connect to today’s, tomorrow’s, and yesterday’s Macs, PCs, iPads, Chromebooks, Surface, and other devices with a Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C port
  • Lightning Quick – Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
  • Versatile – Connect to millions of docks, displays, eGPUs, PCIe expansion, external SSDs, RAID storage, and accessories
  • Powerful – Lab certified to safely deliver up to 240 watts to charge the most power-hungry device
  • All About Stunning Visuals – Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays

Pre-order your OWC Envoy Ultra today (2TB to 4TB from $399.99) here: https://www.owc.com/solutions/envoy-ultra (ships early November).

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) Cable is immediately available (from $19.99) here: https://www.owc.com/solutions/thunderbolt-5-usb-c-cables.

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CISA releases International Plan to strengthen global collaboration on cyber threats related to critical infrastructure

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 31, 2024 by itnerd

Earlier this week, CISA released its The 2025-2026 International Strategic Plan aimed at enhancing global collaboration to address cyber threats to critical infrastructure.

The plan recognizes the intricate and geographically dispersed nature of cyber risks, emphasizing the importance of quickly sharing threat information and risk reduction guidance with international partners.

CISA International Strategic Plan Goals sets out three goals for CISA to achieve over the 2025-2026 period:

  1. Bolster the Resilience of Foreign Infrastructure on which the US Depends – CISA will work with interagency and international partners to identify and understand which international systems and assets are critical and assess how they are vulnerable to create strategies to manage shared risks.
  2. Strengthen Integrated Cyber Defense – CISA plans to collaborate with partners, international organizations, and NGOs to shape global cybersecurity practices and standards, promoting widespread cyber safety and security.
  3. Unify Agency Coordination of International Activities – The CISA Stakeholder Engagement Division will create a governance structure to advise on international issues and clearly outline the agency’s international priorities. This will involve enhancing systematic information sharing across CISA to ensure situational awareness of ongoing and future international activities.

CISA will also focus on enhancing the skills of its workforce to better influence the international landscape including developing training programs for employees overseas and providing guidance on international affairs for all traveling staff.

“In following this plan, CISA will improve coordination with our partners and strengthen international relationships to reduce risk to the globally interconnected and interdependent cyber and physical infrastructure that Americans rely on every day,” CISA Director Jen Easterly commented.

Emily Phelps, Director, Cyware:

“CISA’s 2025-2026 International Strategic Plan underscores the urgency of an interconnected approach to securing critical infrastructure across borders. As cyber threats grow increasingly complex and far-reaching, swift, collaborative information-sharing becomes essential to mitigate risks that could impact not just a single nation but the global landscape. CISA’s commitment to bolstering the resilience of international assets and systems vital to U.S. security reflects a forward-thinking acknowledgement of interdependencies in today’s cyber ecosystem. The focus on strengthening integrated cyber defenses and establishing clearer governance structures is a strategic leap towards a unified, cohesive response to these shared threats. This approach—fostering resilience, enhancing standards, and emphasizing interagency coordination—can set a precedent for global cybersecurity initiatives, reinforcing that collective defense is the linchpin in navigating future cyber challenges.”

A collective approach to defending critical infrastructure is the way to go. And once again I applaud the CISA in terms of leading the way. Hopefully other countries take this just as seriously as the CISA does.

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Rogers Net-Zero Targets Approved by SBTi

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 31, 2024 by itnerd

Rogers today announced its net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets have been approved by the globally recognized Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Rogers is the first national carrier in Canada to have approved science-based net-zero targets published by the SBTi. The global organization for corporate climate goals validates submitted targets and action plans to ensure they are in line with the Paris Agreement.  

The company’s action plan will aim to deliver on environmental commitments in four key areas: 

  • Increasing energy efficiencies across its operations and network   
  • Transitioning its fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles    
  • Expanding its renewable energy strategy    
  • Engaging suppliers to set their own science-based targets 

Rogers efforts have already reduced scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 33% since 2019. Rogers long-term net-zero targets are to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions to net-zero by 2050. Near-term targets are to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and ensure 80% of its suppliers set their own science-based targets by 2029.

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OpenTable and Visa Team Up to Offer Exclusive Dining Access in Canada

Posted in Commentary with tags , on October 31, 2024 by itnerd

Today, OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech, and Visa, a world leader in digital payments, announced a collaboration that will offer eligible Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders access to high-demand and sought-after primetime restaurant reservations at restaurants in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and surrounding areas, in addition to select cities in the U.S. and Mexico through OpenTable.  

Primetime reservations at select restaurants in each of these cities will be available to OpenTable diners who book with eligible Visa Infinite Privilege cards through the OpenTable & Visa Dining platform. Restaurants include MICHELIN-starred venues and local favorites in beloved culinary destinations, with the list set to grow to more than 500 restaurants across 34 North American cities by 2025. Visa Infinite Privilege cards, issued in Canada, are eligible at launch. 

Eligible Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders can now take advantage of access to primetime reservations by adding their eligible card to their OpenTable account or opening an account at https://www.opentable.ca/c/en/visadining.  

Participating restaurants in the program and culinary experiences in select cities across North America will be regularly updated as they become available.  

The program’s inaugural establishments in Canada are: 

  • Toronto: Alder, Alo Restaurant, Alobar Yorkville, Aloette, ARDO Restaurant, Bar Isabel, Bar Prima, Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House, Dailo, DaNico, Don Alfonso 1890, Enigma Yorkville, Giulietta, Lucie, Mimi Chinese, Osteria Giulia, Piano Piano – Colborne – Harbord – Mt. Pleasant and Oakville, Quetzal, Richmond Station, Simpl Things, Sunny’s Chinese, Vela Toronto, Yugen Sushi, Yukashi Japanese Cuisine.
  • Vancouver: Acquafarina, AMA, Autostrada – Vancouver House, Barbara Restaurant – Vancouver, Bravo, Botanist, Capo & The Spritz, Dovetail, Fiorino – Italian Street. Food, Hawksworth Restaurant, Le Crocodile, Mott 32 – Vancouver, Lobby, Nammos Estiatorio, Nightingale, Per Se Social Corner, Selene Aegean Bistro, Song (By Kin Kao), The Acorn.     
  • Calgary and Southern Alberta: änkôr (Canmore), Bar Chouette, Donna Mac, DOPO, Fortuna’s Row, LUPO Italian Ristorante & Patio (Banff), Orchard, Proof, River Café, Rodney’s Oyster House – Calgary.                                                 
  • Montreal: Alma, Anémone, Bar St-Denis, Damas Restaurant, Garde Manger, Hoogan & Beaufort, Île Flottante, Joe Beef, Kitano Shokudo, Le 9e – Restaurant Ile de France, Le Vin Papillon, Les Mômes, Liverpool House, Park Restaurant, Salle Climatisée, Tinc Set. 

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Other World Computing Announces Compatibility of OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Display Adapter with Latest Apple iMac with M4

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 31, 2024 by itnerd

 Other World Computing today announced that its OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Display Adapter offers seamless compatibility with Apple’s latest iMac with M4 release. For iMac users seeking dual-display capabilities, this OWC adapter empowers them to easily connect two 4K displays via a single USB-C port – especially useful where native support is limited.

The OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Display Adapter is compatible with Apple’s newest iMac M4, as well as previous models such as the M1 and M3 iMacs, M1-M3 MacBook Air, and 13″ and 14″ MacBook Pros equipped with M-series chips. While Macs with Pro, Max, and Ultra processors natively support multiple displays, this industry-unique OWC adapter unlocks the ability to use dual external displays on Mac models limited to a single monitor, expanding productivity for users across the Apple ecosystem.

OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Display Adapter – Key Features & Benefits

  • Scalable – easily solves the one external display limitation of Apple silicon standard M1, M2, and M3, M4 Macs
  • Expansive – connect up to two 4K displays via a single Thunderbolt or USB-C port on any Mac or Windows PC, or add a second adapter for up to four displays
  • Flexible – choose either Extended or Mirror display modes
  • Convenient – bus-powered via integrated 13-inch USB-C cable for use anywhere
  • Comprehensive – certified pass-through power delivery so you can fully power/charge your Apple silicon M1/M2/M3 MacBook Pro or M1/M2 MacBook Air and run dual displays all through a single port
  • Portable – about the size and weight of a compact smartphone
  • Complete – one easy, affordable solution vs costly hassle of multiple adapters and cables
  • HDMI Pass-Through Support – Allows audio signals to pass through the adapter to the connected displays

The OWC USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Display Adapter is immediately available for $94.99 – learn more and purchase here.

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Hisense C2 Ultra Smart Mini Projector, Designed for Xbox, Now Available in Canada 

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 31, 2024 by itnerd

The ultimate 4K laser projector, designed specifically for use with Xbox, has been launched in Canada.  

The Hisense C2 Ultra is a smart mini projector that marries performance with convenience. Boasting a screen size between 65 inches and 300 inches and a picture in stunning 4K UHD, the C2 Ultra transforms any space into a cinematic experience. The unique Gimbal design allows effortless 360° horizontal and 135° vertical adjustment for flexible viewing, and it is packed with smart TV features that will keep movie buffs, TV bingers, sports fanatics and avid gamers enthralled.  

But the C2 Ultra is for more than just gamers. It is loaded with features that make it perfectly suited for movies, TV shows and sports as well.  

  • Unparalleled Picture — With a picture delivered by a triple-laser light source that produces 3000 ANSI Lumens brightness, 4K and 4K Upscaling, Optical Zoom and 2000:1 native contrast, experience a bright, vivid and colourful viewing experience with deeper blacks, brighter whites and vibrant colours. 4K Upscaling enhances lower-resolution content with sharpness and detail, (It’s remarkable how much more each pixel can achieve!) The Optical Zoom feature ensures the image stays in 4K detail no matter how much you zoom in our out. The C2 Ultra also supports IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Vision so you can watch movies the way the filmmakers intended them to be seen.  
  • Cinematic Sound — With built-in JBL speakers, subwoofer and DTS Virtual:X, the sound perfectly matches the action on screen. The dedicated subwoofer adds deep bass, making the audio feel more balanced and immersive for a more lifelike, truly cinematic experience. 
  • Hassle-Free Operation — The C2 Ultra puts the smart in smart projector. Seamless auto keystone correction automatically adjusts the image for clear, sharp, and perfectly aligned projections, eliminating the need for manual tweaks to enjoy the ultimate viewing. Experience precision like never before with the C2 Ultra’s 3D ToF (Time of Flight) technology, which emits light pulses and measures the time they take to return, instantly adjusting the image for perfect depth and alignment. Seamless Auto Focus adapts to changes in distance or screen size to ensure a consistently sharp and clear image, delivering an optimal viewing experience. Enjoy uninterrupted clarity at all times. It will also detect and avoid objects that obstruct the screen during projection, and guarantees the picture stays perfectly aligned within the screen, regardless of the screen size. The C2 Ultra also detects your wall colour and adjusts the projection for a flawless viewing experience. It can coordinate colours with up to seven different shades, ensuring the image remains crystal clear, even on non-white walls. 
  • Smart Features — While a mini projector, the C2 Ultra boasts many features found on panel smart TVs. Powered by Hisense’s proprietary VIDAA OS, access an extensive library of streaming content from platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video, along with other smart features like hands-free voice control —simply converse with your projector without a remote! Ask it to play music, catch up on the news, or check the weather.  

For more information, please visit hisense-canada.com. 

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New Mandarin Chinese Phishing Kit: UK, US, ES, AU, JPN Victims Across Public, Postal, Banking Sectors

Posted in Commentary with tags on October 31, 2024 by itnerd

Netcraft has published its latest research into a phishing kit used in campaigns targeting the UK, US, Spain, Australia, and Japan from September 2024.

Over 1,500 related IP addresses and phishing domains have been identified, targeting victims with fake charges related to motorists, government payments, and postal scams.

The kit, which uses a branded mascot and interactive features added for entertainment, has identified over 2,000 phishing websites.

Netcraft discovered organizations targeted across the public sector and the postal, digital services, and banking sectors.

Threat actors using the kit to deploy phishing websites often rely on Cloudflare’s anti-bot and hosting obfuscation capabilities to prevent detection.

The kit uses Mandarin Chinese throughout and provides users with an admin panel to configure and manage phishing campaigns.

You can read the details here.

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