This article originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.The homeowners of a once pedestrian, now chic yet understated house in Aspen are unconditional fans of Paris-based decorator Caroline Sarkozy. We love everything about her style, the wife raves. Its classic but modern, comfortable, and warm without being fussy. And we like that our house doesnt feel like a clinic. Were not keen on everything being bare and spare. Sarkozy herself attributes her eclectic aesthetic to her nomadic childhood. Although she was born in Paris and is half sister to the former French president, her upbringing took a global route when her mother, Christine de Ganay, married American diplomat Frank G. Wisner, who has served as the U.S. ambassador to Zambia, Egypt, the Philippines, and India.Eric PiaseckiA Harvey Probber table and 1950s Wegner chairs in the kitchen.The clients have a similarly international profile. The husband was born in Iran and raised in England; his wife is Swedish. They were drawn to Aspen not simply by the allure of winter sports but for the sunny, culturally rich summer months, a highlight of which is the season-long Aspen Music Festival. Ive never been to a place that offers so many things, she says. Theres music every day, everywhere. Theres hiking, fishing, and biking. Plus, if you want Prada and Gucci and Nobu, you have that too.Eric PiaseckiIn the entry, an 1880 Belgian table, a 1940s Kaare Klint sofa, and a 1937 Josef Frank cabinet found at Christies; the staircase is made of antique oak, and the floor is paved with Belgian bluestone.The couple have a decade-long relationship with Sarkozy, who initially revamped several rooms in the husbands London apartment and decorated a home for his mother. For the Aspen project, Sarkozy collaborated with French architect Laurent Bourgois, who oversaw the renovation of the structure while Sarkozy handled the furnishings and finishes.Eric PiaseckiThe kitchen features Belgian bluestone counters, custom-made painted-pine cabinetry, and a pendant fixture by LB Studio. The stove is by Viking, the ovens are by Miele, and the sink fittings are by Blanco.Built in the 1980s, the house itself was no architectural gem. It was run-of-the-mill, Sarkozy explains. It lacked charm and personality. The walls were covered in stucco and painted bright yellow. There were lots of cheap-looking terra-cotta tiles, a circular staircase with a wrought-iron banister, and arches everywhere. It was like a bad interpretation of a Spanish hacienda, says the wife.Eric PiaseckiHans Wegner chairs from the 1950s in the dining room; the table base and chandelier are by Christian Astuguevieille, the walls are lined in a grid of birch veneer framed with split branches, and the rug is by FJ Hakimian.The location, however, was breathtaking. The eight-acre property is situated in the foothills of the Rockies, near the Snowmass ski resort, with views of the sweeping plain. The landscape is so vast, its astonishing, Bourgois says. The view is like something out of a Western film. The house is surrounded by nature yet just a 15-minute drive to the bustling town. It feels so remote because you cant see other houses, adds Sarkozy. Its more like a ranch.The view is like something out of a Western film.Only minor changes were made to the exteriorBourgois simply tweaked the facade by moving some windows and repositioning chimneys. He did, however, extend one side of the house to create a spacious new kitchen and expand the master suite above it. The terrace off that suite is where the wife spends her early mornings in the warmer months. I like to have my cappuccino up there and watch the world wake up, she says.Eric PiaseckiIn the primary bedroom, the linens are by Linge au Coeur, the wicker chair is by Ron Arad, and the artwork is by Robert Longo. The curtains are of Rogers & Goffigon linen, and the carpet is by Godfrey Hirst.The interior, on the other hand, was completely gutted. The proportions of the rooms were off-kilter, Sarkozy explains. They were not very big, but had cathedral-like ceilings. In their place, lower, but larger, spaces were created. The sloping ceilings on the second floor, for instance, are six feet beneath the actual roofline.Style-wise, the owners initially wanted interiors that had the feel of a log cabinbut thats not what we inherited, says Sarkozy. That would have been at odds with the exterior. Instead, she and Bourgois sought to conjure the look of a European chaletless hokey, more luxe. They imported wood from Canada for the door and window frames, wall paneling, bookshelves, ceilings, and beams. They also installed a stone fireplace in the library. The most rustic-chic touch is the wall treatment in the dining room, which consists of a geometric pattern created with birch marquetry. Its a material that has a life and peels, Sarkozy says. To avoid disintegration, she applied a layer of varnish.Eric PiaseckiThe guest rooms walls are sheathed in a de Le Cuona linen, the artworks to the left are by Cordy Ryman, and the bench is palm wood.In contrast, the furnishings steer clear of mountain clichs. In deference to the origin of the lady of the house, there are smatterings of Scandinavian design. One of the first items found for the home was a Josef Frank floral-print cabinet. It reminds me of my childhood in Sweden, the wife says.The use of muted reds, greens, and blues was inspired by old American barns It was one of those iconic pieces of furniture when I was growing up. Others have a more local provenance. The use of muted reds, greens, and blues was inspired by old American barns, and the artworks include a Clifford Ross photograph of nearby Mount Sopris.The chandelier in the entry hall, meanwhile, is one of the rare exceptions to the antilog-cabin rule. Its made of deer antlersas classically Western as it gets. Bourgois says, There had to be at least one thingan homage to the spectacular surroundings.Tour this Fresh and Fabulous Aspen HouseThis story originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE

Every home in a storybook setting deserves equally enchanting interiors. So when a young family moved into a house nestled on an idyllic wooded lot spanning more than four acres in Williams Creek, Indiana, they knew it needed a renovation. It felt like a time warp, says interior designer Amy Knerr, who was brought on to give the Georgian-style residence a welcoming yet sophisticated upgrade.Previously remodeled in 1987, the property suffered from a nonsensical layout, oversize scale, and cosmetic craziness marked by layers of heavy upholstery, explains Knerr, who founded Of Place Studio. The worst offender: a terra-cotta kitchen with brownish granite and one long, wide island. Id never seen anything so big, honestly, Knerr says. Related StoryTo maximize flow without losing prep space, Knerr installed a double island in the kitchen. On the same floor, the couples request for a main level primary bedroom called for transforming a screened-in porch and building a small addition. Nearby, a portion of the massive home office was carved out to create a sizable primary bath. Architectural details throughout nod to the original era of the venerable 1936 home. In the living room, hand-hewn wood beams and a variety of seating ensure that what once felt like a chilly, high-ceilinged banquet hall is now a cozy hub for family game nights and gatherings with friends.From there, Knerr selected natural materials to drive the muted color palette in the 7,500-square-foot, five-bedroom, house. Custom walnut kitchen cabinets and white oak vanities have a quiet warmth; Calacatta marble counters add an element of drama. Natural stone is a living art piece in your home, so its really special when you find and use beautiful ones, she says. The kids rooms are drenched in soothing huesa mellow purple, a soft bluethat balance excitement and enduring appeal.A mix of new, vintage, and heirloom pieces fill the house. Exceptional lighting, like the Roman and Williams pendant in the breakfast nook, ties it all together. You can sort of get away with other more budget-friendly items if you invest in lighting, Knerr says. It makes all the difference. And its the perfect way to give each room its happy ending. Living RoomNicole FranzenAnchored by an Indiana limestone mantel, the multipurpose space exudes comfort. Credenza and dining chairs: Lawson- Fenning. Curtains: Dedar. Game table: Nickey Kehoe. Rug: Armadillo. Lamp: Victoria Morris. Wall art: McKenzie Dove.DenNicole FranzenThe office doubles as a serene hangout where the vinyl record collection is kept. Sofa: custom, Community MFG. Chairs and side table: Four Hands. Lamp: Visual Comfort & Co. Coffee table and rug: vintage. KitchenNicole FranzenThe double islands maximize prep space. Cabinetry, hardware, and pendants (white): Devol. Stools: Black Creek Mercantile & Trading Co. Faucet: Brizo. Lamp: Dumais Made. Backsplash, counters: Calacatta marble.Breakfast NookNicole FranzenThe custom banquette, upholstered in Perennials fabric, is an intimate spot in a big kitchen, says designer Amy Knerr. Pendant: Roman and Williams. Paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore. Table and chairs: vintage.Dining RoomNicole FranzenWe wanted this space to feel like a big, inviting hug, says Knerr. An heirloom hutch from the clients mother was refinished for the space. Chandelier: The Urban Electric Co. Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries. Paint: Iron Ore, Sherwin-Williams. Chairs: Crate & Barrel, in Pierre Frey fabric. Curtains: Brook Perdigon Textiles. Rug: Armadillo.Primary BedroomNicole FranzenThe boucl bedcover and shams from Principals Daughter encourage endless relaxation. Nightstands: Crate & Barrel. Sconces: Lumfardo. Rug: Armadillo. Side table: Hti Home. Lamp: Zara Home. Bunk RoomNicole FranzenWe needed a space for [the kids] friends to come by and have the ultimate sleepover, Knerr says. Paint: Summer Shower, Benjamin Moore. Sconces: Schoolhouse. Bedding: Garnet Hill. Rug: Serena & Lily. Daughters BedroomNicole FranzenA built-in bed and integrated storage, painted in Benjamin Moore Muskoka Dusk, creates space for play in a tiny room. Bedding: Parachute. Sconce: Visual Comfort & Co. Hardware: Devol. Rug: Crate & Barrel. Primary BathroomNicole FranzenNicole FranzenHoned limestone flooring from Zia Tile is practical but not clinical. Bathtub: Kohler. Fixtures: Brizo. Sconces: The Urban Electric Co. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

In life, you either have charm or you dont. But in a house, you can always add it. That was the task at hand for Ariel Okin with this young familys home. Even though it wasnt old by architectural standards, it had been a little unloved, she says of the center hall colonial, built in the early aughts in Oyster Bay, New York. The mandate was to channel the homeowners free-spirited sensibilities while maintaining the houses traditional bones. Its classic prep meets traveling bohemian, Okin says.Related StoriesThe house didnt need a complete overhaul, but we definitely did a cosmetic gut, she says. The designer brought in warm yet slightly unexpected hues: coral, plum, and marigold, often in varying tones, to create tension. She wasnt afraid of pattern, which was amazing and so fun, says Okin of her client. It also helped to layer in some unpredictable touches: A sitting room got a ceiling more lustrous than a mollusk shell, and an existing built-in bar was painted a lush purple. The glossy aubergine bar definitely tied into my clients love of jewel tones, says Okin. The finishes throughout are hard-wearing for a growing family with a rescue dog. (For example: The polypropylene rug in the breakfast nook looks like sisal but can be cleaned like vinyl.)Its classic prep meets traveling bohemian.Okin balanced the bolder choices with design elements worthy of The Official Preppy Handbook, layering in stripes, woven natural fibers, scallops, and plates as wall artdecidedly orthodox touches beloved by generations. In the family room, the stripes on the rug really anchor that space because it is so vast, Okin says. The final result is exactly what the homeowner originally conjured. Its a traditional home, but it also has a curated assortment of things from all over the globe, Okin says. Its warm and collected and lived in. A real charmer.Family Room Donna DotanThe homeowners wanted it to be formal but not fussythey wanted to be able to entertain but have it feel kid friendly and accessible, Okin says. Draperies: Schumacher linen. Sofa: Ferrell Mittman. Wall plates: Tory Burch. Baskets: Pottery Barn (planter), Mainly Baskets (wood).Donna DotanIt was existing, but we updated it with fresh lacquer in a yummy plum hue, Okin says. Paint: Brinjal, Farrow & Ball. Lamp: Penny Morrison. Table: Wildwood. Chair: Hollywood at Home.Sitting RoomDonna DotanI wanted it to feel really cozy and enveloping in here, Okin says. Paint: Skylight (ceiling), Beverly (trim), Farrow & Ball. Wallcovering: Gregorius Pineo. Ottoman: Williams Sonoma. Rug: custom. Living RoomDonna DotanThe game table reminded Okin of her client: It was a little bit whimsical but still tailored. Table: Fabulous Things Ltd. Wallcovering: Rose Tarlow. Chairs: The Antique and Artisan Gallery. KitchenDonna DotanFittingly, the kitchen island is painted in Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green. Pendant: Hudson Valley Lighting. Countertops: ABC Stone. Counter stools: Serena & Lily.Donna DotanAn all-purpose spot in a high-traffic area. Desk: Crate & Barrel. Chair: Nickey Kehoe. Lamp: Oka x Cabana.Breakfast NookDonna DotanThe existing paneling was kept, since it lends nice texture to the space. Chandelier: Visual Comfort & Co. Drapery: Rose Tarlow. Table: Wayfair Professional. Chairs: O&G Studio.Dining RoomDonna Dotan The intention was a space that felt elegant yet organic, Okin says. Table: Leporello. Chairs: 1stDibs. Wallcovering: Cowtan & Tout. Pendant: The Urban Electric Co. Rug: Sisal Rugs Direct.Childs RoomDonna DotanWe wanted this space to feel polished, fresh, and fun, Okin says. Pendant: Arteriors. Wallcovering: Cowtan & Tout. Paint: Belvedere Blue (trim), Farrow & Ball. Glider: Serena & Lily. Guest Bedroom Donna DotanThe boho vibes were kept in small doses here, ensuring the mood remains serene. Chairs and bed: Serena & Lily. Wallcoverings: Schuyler Samperton (ceiling) and Madeaux (walls). OfficeDonna DotanThe study is the clients escape room, says Okin, and she wanted it to feel 100 percent her. Sofa: Serena & Lily, in Natasha Baradaran fabric. Poufs: Amazon. Sconces: Visual Comfort & Co.BackyardDonna DotanFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

UK startup Surf Security has launched a beta version of what it claims is the worlds first browser with a built-in feature designed to spot AI-generated deepfakes.The tool, available through Surfs browser or as an extension, can detect with up to 98% accuracy whether the person youre interacting with online is a real human or an AI imitation, the company said.The London-based cybersecurity upstart uses military-grade neural network technology to detect deepfakes. The system uses State Space Models, which detect AI-generated clones across languages and accents by analysing audio frames for inconsistencies.To maximise its effectiveness, we focused on accuracy and speed, said Ziv Yankowitz, Surf Securitys CTO. The tools neural network is trained using deepfakes created by the top AI voice cloning platforms, he said.Register NowThe system has an integrated background noise reduction feature to clear up audio before processing. It can spot a deepfake audio in less than 2 seconds, said Yankowitz.The new feature is available for audio files, including online videos or communication software such as WhatsApp, Slack, Zoom, or Google Meet. You just need to press a button and the system verifies if the audio recorded, or live is genuine or AI-generated. Surf said it will also add AI image detection to the browsers toolkit in the future.Deepfakes are a growing problemDeepfakes, which use AI to create convincing fake audio or video, are a rising threat.Just this week, researchers at the BBC unearthed deepfake audio clips of David Attenborough that sound indistinguishable from the famous presenters own voice. Various websites and YouTube channels are using the deepfake to get him to say things about Russia, about the US election that he never said.This is just the tip of an ugly iceberg. Deepfakes have been used to enable large-scale fraud, incite political unrest through fake news, and destroy reputations by creating false or harmful content.Surf said it launched the new deepfake detector to help protect enterprises, media organisations, police, and militaries around the world from the growing risk of AI cloning. However, battling deepfakes is a continuous battle between humans using machines for good, against other humans using machines for nefarious means.AI voice cloning software becomes more capable by the day, admitted Yankowitz. So like all of cybersecurity, we are committing to winning an ever-evolving arms race.Surf expects to release the full version of its deepfake detector early next year. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Regarding docking solutions for your MacBook, iVANKYs FusionDock lineup is like your tech sidekick, helping you level up your workspace. Whether youre a power user juggling multiple displays or just need a reliable dock to expand your MacBooks capabilities, FusionDock has your back. Known for top-notch compatibility, sleek design, and serious performance, these docks are made to keep your workflow smooth and your desk clutter-free. Lets dive into the lineup and see what each dock can do for your MacBook!Get an additional 10% off by using the code FOR9to5Mac for a limited time. Be sure to check out our hands-on video below on iVANKYs FusionDock Pro 1+ to see what they are all about!FusionDock Pro 1+The FusionDock Pro 1+ takes MacBook docking to the next level, offering seamless integration for M1, M2, and M3 MacBooks. Its designed for professionals who need a boost in productivity and connectivity without compromising on performance.Key HighlightsTriple 4K Display Support: Connect up to three external 4K@60Hz displays for an immersive and expansive workspace.14 Ports: Includes HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, SD card readers, and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port.Fast Data Transfer: Up to 10Gbps for fast file sharing.100W Charging: Provides robust power delivery to keep your MacBook and devices charged all day.The FusionDock Pro 1+ is iVANKYs go-to choice for users who need a powerful and efficient multi-display docking solution for any MacBook. It combines robust features with affordability, making it the perfect companion for professionals looking to enhance their productivity.FusionDock Max 1For those who need top-tier performance, the FusionDock Max 1 is the powerhouse youve been waiting for. As the big brother of the Pro 1+, it offers even more connectivity and speed, making it perfect for professionals who demand the best.Key HighlightsQuad Display Support: Handles up to four external 6K displays for unmatched multitasking.Dual Thunderbolt 4 Chips: First and only dock with this technology, delivering ultra-fast data transfers and seamless performance.20 Ports: Including 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3 HDMI ports, 4 USB-A ports (up to 10Gbps), 2 USB-C ports (up to 10Gbps), 1 USB-C PD (96W Power Delivery), 1 SD card reader, 1 microSD card reader, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, 1 3.5mm audio jack.96W Charging: Keeps your MacBook and all connected devices charged with ease.With its dual Thunderbolt 4 chips and capability to support four displays, the FusionDock Max 1 is ideal for professionals seeking maximum performance in their workspace.FusionDock 1The FusionDock 1 is iVANKYs entry-level docking station, offering an impressive set of features at a reasonable price. Ideal for users looking to enhance their MacBooks capabilities without breaking the bank, it strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability.Key HighlightsDual 4K@60Hz Display Support: Enjoy crisp visuals with dual HDMI 2.0 ports for a seamless multi-screen experience.12 Ports: 2 USB-C, 4 USB-A, 2 HDMI 2.0, SD card reader, microSD card reader, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack.96W Charging: Full-speed charging for your MacBook and an 18W fast-charging port for your iPhone.An economical option for those seeking a highly compatible dock that integrates seamlessly with their MacBook, the FusionDock 1 provides the perfect blend of functionality and value.Pricing and AvailabilityNow its time to save big on these awesome docks. The FusionDock Pro 1+ normally costs $299, but it is on sale for $199.99, offering exceptional multi-display support for professionals. The FusionDock Max 1 is priced at $439 but is also on sale for $373.99, providing the ultimate docking solution with its dual Thunderbolt 4 chips. For those on a budget, the FusionDock 1 normally comes in at $169 but is now on sale for $119.97, delivering reliable performance at an affordable price. All docks are available on iVANKYs official website and on Amazon. Lastly, our readers will get an additional 10% off by using the code FOR9to5Mac at checkout, even with the discounted prices! With options for every user, iVANKYs docks enhance productivity while keeping your workspace sleek and efficient.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

More than a year ago, WhatsApp began testing a new feature for transcribing audio messages into text. The feature was only available to beta users, but starting today, everyone can benefit from voice message transcripts on WhatsApp.WhatsApp can now transcribe voice messagesWith this feature, the app identifies what is said in voice messages and turns it into text, so that users can read the content of the messages without having to play the audio which is useful in situations where you cant listen to audio messages. According to Meta, all transcriptions are processed on-device after the audio message is downloaded.Sending a voice message makes connecting with friends and family even more personal. Theres something special about hearing your loved ones voice even when youre far away. Though sometimes, youre on the move, in a loud place, or you receive a long voice message that you just cant stop and listen, the company said in a blog post.Its worth noting that only a small number of languages are currently supported. Audio transcripts on WhatsApp are only available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian. Meta says the feature is being rolled out globally and should be available to everyone over the coming weeks.When it comes to Apple, the company added a similar feature to iMessage last year with iOS 17. However, Apples messaging platform is capable of transcribing audio in dozens of languages.WhatsApp for iPhone and Mac isavailable for free on the App Store. Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed in order to get access to the new features.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Are we doomed?Midas TouchIt's been nearly a year since Nobel peace laureate and war criminal Henry Kissinger died but he's somehow still offering policy suggestions from beyond the grave.In an uncanny video introducing his posthumously-published book "Genesis," an AI-generated voice clone of the amply loathed Kissinger likens the burgeoning field of AI to the curse of King Midas.As the mythic tale goes, the Greek god Dionysus grants the greedy Midas a wish: that everything he touches will turn to gold. Before long, the king realizes that the gift is actually a curse when it comes true to the letter, and by the time he seeks to wash it off in the River Pactolus, he'd already lost his beloved daughter Marigold to it."What does this tell us," the robotic Kissinger voice intones, "about humanity trying to wield a power which they cannot possibly understand?"Mixed MessagesThis book co-written by Richard Nixon's secretary of state, alongside ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt and former Microsoft executive Craig Mundie, seems mixed in its takeaways about both the dangers and the benefits posed by AI."Eric, Craig, and I decided to write Genesis to examine what artificial intelligence means for humanity," AI Kissinger said, "and explore solutions to the challenges it poses."In the video, Mundie and Schmidt point out that they were the ones to introduce Kissinger to the concept of AI, and that in doing so, it brought the powerful trio closer than ever.Together, they theorized about what role AI will play in the so-calledHomo technicus era, a term coined two decades ago to describe the next era of human evolution in which we might essentially become one with the machine.While the technology could revolutionize everything from healthcare to diplomacy, as the AI voice clone of the architect of the Vietnam War said without a trace of irony, it could also threaten our very existence."As these AI systems become increasingly sophisticated," the Kissinger voice clone explained, "it is imperative that governments create an environment where ethical considerations and technological advancement can progress in tandem."It remains unclear whether that particular bit of advice will be heeded.During his forthcoming second presidency, Donald Trump has already vowed to unleash AI from its current barely-imposed constraints. He'll also, however, be once again bringing his son-in-law and onetime Kissinger protege Jared Kushner along for the ride.More on AI politics: AI Bros Terrified Singularity Will Hit While Trump Is PresidentShare This Article

"And this is only what can be said publicly."Grime TimeClaire "Grimes" Boucher is getting personal on Elon Musk's "everything" app as she opens up about how the right-wing billionaire has affected her and her art.The Canadian-born artist and mother to three of Musk's ever-growing litter of children suggested in a lengthy post on X-formerly-Twitter that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO is no longer the man she fell in love with.Boucher wrote that among the life experiences going into her next project, "detaching from the love of my life as he becomes unrecognizable to me" is chief among them.Though not explicitly stated, that sorry statement seems like a certain reference to Musk's rightward turn that led him to disown and disavow Vivian Jenna Wilson, his estranged transgender daughter, as part of his transphobic crusade that Boucher once said was "not [his] heart." Over the summer, Boucher publicly shared her support for Wilson and said she is "endlessly proud" of the 20-year-old.Beyond the bigotry, the billionaire has also become a newly-minted politico during his crusade to get Donald Trump back into the White House though given that Boucher has claimed she's apolitical, that may not matter all that much to her.Behind Closed DoorsIn the post, Grimes went on to say that having access to only a "fraction of [Musk]'s resources" and his "IQ/strategy experience," whatever that means is yet another difficulty she's gone through during the ordeal."And this is only what can be said publicly," she continued cryptically, "since most of my experience these last years should remain behind closed doors."Notably, these comments could discount reporting from Peopleearlier this month suggesting that Boucher and Musk were house-hunting together in Los Angeles as the multi-hyphenate business owner seeks to get all his exes and kids below the age of 18 into one massive compound.Then again, the 36-year-old singer did point out in her X post that during her protracted legal battle with Musk, she was painfully separated from one of their three children for five months which could, in a coercive way, incentivize her to join the billionaire's reproductive compound.Dramatic as her tempestuous partnership with Musk has been, Boucher said she's "grateful for every bullet" she's caught because it's leading her to create more and better art than ever before."It might be upsetting and provocative to many," she concluded, "but it's real and the people who will feel me will feel me."More on Musk's family matters: We Have to Point Out That Elon Musk Clearly Has Huge Daddy IssuesShare This Article

Nov 21, 2024Ravie LakshmananVulnerability / Cyber AttackAs many as 2,000 Palo Alto Networks devices are estimated to have been compromised as part of a campaign abusing the newly disclosed security flaws that have come under active exploitation in the wild.According to statistics shared by the Shadowserver Foundation, a majority of the infections have been reported in the U.S. (554) and India (461), followed by Thailand (80), Mexico (48), Indonesia (43), Turkey (41), the U.K. (39), Peru (36), and South Africa (35).Earlier this week, Censys revealed that it had identified 13,324 publicly exposed next-generation firewall (NGFW) management interfaces, with 34% of these exposures located in the U.S. However, it's important to note that not all of these exposed hosts are necessarily vulnerable.The flaws in question, CVE-2024-0012 (CVSS score: 9.3) and CVE-2024-9474 (CVSS score: 6.9), are a combination of authentication bypass and privilege escalation that could allow a bad actor to perform malicious actions, including modifying configurations and executing arbitrary code.Palo Alto Networks, which is tracking the initial zero-day exploitation of the flaws under the name Operation Lunar Peek, said they are being weaponized to achieve command execution and drop malware, such as PHP-based web shells, on hacked firewalls.The network security vendor has also warned that cyber attacks targeting the security flaws are likely to escalate following the availability of an exploit combining them.To that end, it said it "assesses with moderate to high confidence that a functional exploit chaining CVE-2024-0012 and CVE-2024-9474 is publicly available, which will enable broader threat activity."It further noted that it has observed both manual and automated scanning activity, necessitating that users apply the latest fixes as soon as possible and secure access to the management interface as per recommended best practice deployment guidelines.This particularly includes restricting access to only trusted internal IP addresses to prevent external access from the internet.Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Nov 21, 2024Ravie LakshmananCyber Espionage / MalwareThe China-aligned advanced persistent threat (APT) actor known as Gelsemium has been observed using a new Linux backdoor dubbed WolfsBane as part of cyber attacks likely targeting East and Southeast Asia.That's according to findings from cybersecurity firm ESET based on multiple Linux samples uploaded to the VirusTotal platform from Taiwan, the Philippines, and Singapore in March 2023.WolfsBane has been assessed to be a Linux version of the threat actor's Gelsevirine backdoor, a Windows malware put to use as far back as 2014. Also discovered by the company is another previously undocumented implant named FireWood that's connected to another malware toolset known as Project Wood.FireWood has been attributed to Gelsemium with low confidence, given the possibility that it could be shared by multiple China-linked hacking crews."The goal of the backdoors and tools discovered is cyber espionage targeting sensitive data such as system information, user credentials, and specific files and directories," ESET researcher Viktor perka said in a report shared with The Hacker News."These tools are designed to maintain persistent access and execute commands stealthily, enabling prolonged intelligence gathering while evading detection."The exact initial access pathway used by the threat actors is not known, although it's suspected that the threat actors exploited an unknown web application vulnerability to drop web shells for persistent remote access, using it to deliver the WolfsBane backdoor by means of a dropper.Besides using the modified open-source BEURK userland rootkit to conceal its activities on the Linux host, it's capable of executing commands received from an attacker-controlled server. In a similar vein, FireWood employs a kernel driver rootkit module called usbdev.ko to hide processes, and run various commands issued by the server. The use of WolfsBane and FireWood is the first documented use of Linux malware by Gelsemium, signaling an expansion of the targeting focus."The trend of malware shifting towards Linux systems seems to be on the rise in the APT ecosystem," perka said. "From our perspective, this development can be attributed to several advancements in email and endpoint security.""The ever-increasing adoption of EDR solutions, along with Microsoft's default strategy of disabling VBA macros, are leading to a scenario where adversaries are being forced to look for other potential avenues of attack."Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE