You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereThe Finals Season 5 has been a lot of fun, but there has been a lack of significant balance changes throughout pretty much the whole chapter. Update 5.7.0 was basically just a store rotation, meanwhile, other updates were more based on LTM events celebrating Christmas and Lunar New Year. Fortunately, for fans yearning balance changes, The Finals dev has teased that big updates are coming soon for a whole bunch of weapons.The Finals dev teases weapon balance changes for next updateOscar conducted a livestream for The Finals on January 30th. This was another of their regular livestreams playing with the community, and this time they were greeted by special guest, Waterdance.During the livestream, Oscar responded to a question in the chat asking if there are any balance changes planned for the next update. Although not willing to give anything away, Oscar said, weve [Embark] looked at a whole bunch of weapons. The developer also said, Weve looked at Cashout overall.Unfortunately, this is all Oscar disclosed, but it seems we are set to receive updates for weapons in patch 5.8.0. This should come out on February 5th, provided there are no delays.There hasnt been much, if any, huge balance changes for weapons in Season 5. There were weapon fixes in 5.6.0, but fans have been missing the influx of buffs and nerfs. Hopefully any buffs and nerfs delivered by Embark will be well received.It will also be interesting to see what changes Embark make to Cashout. Embark already made a couple of improvements to Cashout in 5.6.0, and they included changing spawn behaviour so respawned players are no longer placed too close to enemies, as well as too close and too far from objectives. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now For more The Finals, check out our guide to thebest weapons in the game ranked, and we also have a guide to thebest gadgets. In addition, we have a guide to thebest FPS settingsto help you win matchesalong witharanking of the best classesin the game.The FinalsPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, First-Person Shooter, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereNetEases Marvel Rivals is rapidly evolving with new heroes planned to release every month-and-a-half alongside new events, maps and more. While many leaks have released to leak characters such as upcoming X-Menalthough some leaks may be fakefew map leaks have released in the past few months.However, new files discovered in the latest Marvel Rivals update have revealed plans to massive expand the map rotation for the Symbiote-infested world of Klyntar. According to leaker 10Gillion, via Reddit, the map scenario will be receiving a host of new arenas to fight through.Klyntar expands in Marvel RivalsAccording to the dataminer, Marvel Rivals Klyntar location is set to receive two maps in a future update. Expected to launch alongside the addition of Captain Marvel in Season 2, there are two new maps hidden within the games files.The first leaked map is dubbed Klyntar: The Celestials Remains. While no images were released for the upcoming map, the maps description does lead us to believe that we will be fighting around a dead Celestial.The map also has an internal classification as Klyntarc,perhaps teasing that the next seasons story will focus on something happening on the Symbiote planet. With Season 1 Eternal Night focusing on a vampire-infected New York, Season 2 could be more Symbiote focused.Theres a lot less information given about the second new Klyntarc map. Dubbed Klyntar: Core, it seems that players may be duking it out in the middle of the planets core. Its probably all gooey and Symbiote-y down there. Gross. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now For more Marvel Rivals coverage, check out our interview with Game Director Thaddeus Sasser or read his thoughts on why PlayStation 5 exclusive hero shooter Concord failed so spectacularly. Additionally, you can read through our current tier list of the games hero roster or even check out the best team comps for the game right now.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

When the lead guitarist for Imagine Dragons, Wayne Sermon, and his wife, Alexandra, were looking for their forever family home, they had just one search criterion on Zillow: acreage. After being vagabonds for 15 years due to Waynes touring schedule with his band, the couple craved space and roots. What they discovered was an unexpected oasis: a six-acre property in a horse-filled community south of Los Angeles, complete with a barn, guesthouse, and sweeping views.We went and just drove up to this hill up here, and thought, What is this magical place? recalls Wayne, who grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. I felt like in some way I was able to get the best parts of what I loved growing up in Utah, here in California. For Wayne, the expansive property offered a familiar connection to his childhood, where his sister had horses.An exterior view of the familys hilltop home. Exterior landscaping by Bosky Landscape Architecture.While Wayne admits to initial hesitation about the extensive renovations needed, Alexandra, who grew up in Huntington Beach, immediately saw the potential of the home, which exists in a single story. The layout just felt very conducive to keeping our family kind of close-knit and together, she explains. A lot of things that you look at on big properties are just these McMansions, and Im just not drawn to that. It doesnt feel warm, it doesnt feel cozy.For the renovation, the couple enlisted AD PRO Directory firm FORMM. The architecture and interior design studio is headed by husband and wife team Michael Maciocia and Heather Docherty, creative director and design director, respectively. (Alexandra knew Docherty back when they were studying ballet.) One of their primary objectives was flooding the space with natural light. Some of these vaulted ceilings were covered up, Maciocia notes. The addition of the skylights and their views over South Bay and LA and beyond was important.

Our new presidents obsession with buying Greenland has inspired jeers, laughs, and jokes about the cost of eggs, but more and more, the attempted procurement looks less like a joke and more like a big handout for the tech companies that backed him during the election. Multiple new reports show that some of Donald Trumps most prominent financial benefactors have long been pursuing financial opportunities in the Arctic nation. The Lever reports on the activities of KoBold Metals, a startup that is actively engaged in mining Greenland for raw materials that can be used to build AI products. KoBold, which is based in Berkeley, California, and uses AI to hunt for metals like cobalt, lithium, copper, and nickel, is basically the property of the tech industrys most powerful executives. Recent White House visitors Jeff Bezos, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, have all invested in KoBold. Billionaire venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, who has helped out with Elon Musks DOGE and who heartily supported Trump during the election, also has a large interest in Kobold. So does Microsoft magnate Bill Gates, despite his less charitable views of Trump. KoBold is part of something called the Disko-Nuussuaq project, a mining effort to drill for minerals along Greenlands western coast. It has also secured a Mineral Exploration License for Disko Islandwhich is located off Greenlands west coastfor the years 2024-30.The New York Times has also reported on the business interests of a firm called Critical Metals, which has plans to mine Greenland starting in the year 2026. Cantor Fitzgerald, a powerful financial firm owned by Trumps current nominee for U.S. Commerce Secretary, Wall Street billionaire Howard Lutnick, has a stake in Critical Metals. Though Lutnick plans to step down from Cantor Fitzgerald and sell off his stake if he is confirmed, the Times has noted that Lutnick could stand to influence tariff and trade policy relative to Greenland in his new position as Commerce Secretary. As such, the Arctic territorys acquisition may come down to mining lithium to create car batteries and extracting precious metals to build Americas data centers.The AI industry obviously has major plans to scale up its operations in the coming years and, to do that, its going to need easy access to two things: raw materials and energy. Last week, the Trump administration announced project Stargate, a $500 billion effort to build data centers across the U.S. with money from OpenAI, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Oracle, and other big-name players in the AI industry. The project seeks to create unparalleled AI infrastructure to make America competitive with China in the race to build increasingly advanced forms of AI. Gizmodo reached out to KoBold and Critical Metals for comment.Another factor to keep in mind is the growing influence of the Network State movement, a bizarre side-project of Silicon Valleys billionaire class that seeks to create a diaspora of privately-funded, crypto-powered cities in countries all over the globe. Companies associated with the Network Statelike the crypto startup Praxishave announced their desireto use Greenland as a neo-colonial testing ground for their urban development experiments. Despite what Donald Trump Jr. has said, Greenland, itself, has expressed little interest in being owned by America. A recent poll found that only 6 percent of the nations residents wanted to join the U.S. Denmark, meanwhile, has been even more vociferously hostile to the idea. The Scandinavian country has signaled a willingness to engage in a trade war with Trump if thats what it comes to. The general consensus is that the rush to invest in Greenland may be tied to the broader geopolitical struggle between the U.S. and China. AI is broadly viewed as the most important innovation of our era, which is why both countries are fighting for technological supremacy.The Lever points to a recent comment from Michael Waltz, Trumps incoming national security adviser: This is about critical minerals, this is about natural resources, Waltz recently told Fox News, of the Greenland acquisition. It couldnt be any clearer than that.

Helldivers 2 players are supposed to be focusing on wiping out the Jet Brigade right now, but it looks like some pretty ominous Illuminatey goings on have been a pretty big distraction from the bots over the last 12 hours or so. Read more

Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)A few years ago, a little tabletop-RPG-inspired visual novel called Citizen Sleeper arrived on the eShop, expertly crafting an experience that tied together dice-rolling mechanics with a player-driven science fiction narrative. It quickly gained a cult following, leading to a short series of free DLC chapters and the announcement of a sequel. Now that Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is finally here, were pleased to report that one-person team Gareth Damian Martin of Jump Over The Age hasnt lost a stepthis new release is everything that the first game was and then some.Citizen Sleeper 2 cold opens with your conveniently amnesiac character waking up in the clutches of a gangster boss named Laine giving you an angry speech about his claim of ownership over your synthetic body. Before he can literally pull the plug on you and bring about a very swift Game Over, a mysterious ally spirits you away in a small, stolen starship. Your saviour claims to know you and, knowing that Laine will be painting a target on both your backs, you make for a nearby station to hopefully find the resources needed to disappear and earn your freedom.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)Much like its predecessor, Citizen Sleeper 2 places a strong emphasis on its choose your own adventure narrative, expertly weaving a series of tense subplots that add up to a compelling story that's hard to put down. Scenes and conflicts are described in beautiful detail, and theres something about the raw unpredictability of what will come next that keeps you on the edge of your seat. New crew members come and go, and just when it feels like your character is finally getting a grip on things and coming out ahead, something else explodes or goes wrong to send you scrambling again.This constant tension is the key to Citizen Sleeper 2s excellent pacing. It excels in conveying the hardship of life out in the Starward Belt, and it explores this in myriad ways through the various interesting conflicts you get caught up in. Against the backdrop of an all-out war between a few mega-corporations far off in the inner systems, everyone stuck on the edge of civilisation is barely scraping by fighting for scraps while resources dwindle. In this dog-eat-dog world, you have to suss out who you can trust and whos only looking to exploit you as you work, bargain, and steal your way across the stars.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)The gameplay at the heart of all this is quite simple to understand and borrows heavily from the TTRPG playbook. Citizen Sleeper 2 is broken up into a series of hubs, each with a handful of nodes that are home to various interactive activities that dangle tasty rewards. Whether a signal station that pays handsomely for your specialised engineering skills or a pub packed with freelancers and loose-lipped spacer crews who know all the local gossip, everything has something to offer and yet youll never have enough resources to do it all.This is because at the start of each cycle, you roll five six-sided dice and have to spend them on an activity. You can preview potential outcomes before you lock in the die, with there being various chances of either a positive, neutral, or negative result depending on the value. Once youre out of dice, sleeping will get you a fresh set, but this advances time one cycle and potentially throws wrenches in your plans due to various events being time-limited.As if the time limits didnt add enough anxiety, one of the new mechanics is a stress meter that can massively upset your plans if you dont manage it properly. Things like chronic starvation or a negative dice check will add to your stress, and as it goes up, your five dice can be damaged each time you roll for a new cycle. If any of your dice run out of health, they break and become unusable until you spend resources to repair them.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)As upsetting as it can be, we loved what this stress system brought to the table, as it behaves like another diminishing resource that you have to carefully balance when choosing how to best act to get your character ahead.Another new mechanic is Contracts, side quest missions that require planning and prep as you gather the fuel, resources, and crew needed to do something like mine materials out of a derelict ship or disable a wayward corporate drone. Picking crew members with a diverse set of skills is important, as the mission rarely goes according to plan, and victory is hard to come by even when youre well prepared.Despite the same focus on making careful decisions, we appreciated how these Contracts manage to feel suitably distinct from other tasks back on the various stations or hubs, notably in how each crew member comes equipped with their own skills and dice. And not only do these vignettes feel like suitably terrifying sorties into unknown danger, but they also act as great vehicles for storytelling and character-building.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)Success will often result in upgrade points that can then be invested into a character's skill tree. There are three basic classes you can pick at the beginning which each have different specialities and weaknesses, and each skill influences success chances when they come up in a given task. We went with the Operator class initially, which meant that most hacking or computer-related activities would automatically add a point to the dice value chosen due to the buff to the Interface skill that comes with that class.Given the options, the stat system here manages to have enough complexity that new runs can feel almost entirely different depending on the skills you focus on, but it's never complicated enough that it takes your mind off the narrative. We also appreciated the overall impact of this stat system; it takes time to manage even one upgrade to a single skill, but every update feels like a big advantage.As for its visuals, the primarily text-based nature of Citizen Sleeper 2 means that it goes for the less is more approach. Simple 3D models of space stations and ships in the backdrop are par for the course here, while the foreground is occupied by a sharp, utilitarian UI and detailed character portraits to accompany dialogue. Those looking for spectacle wont really find it here, but we wouldnt say that the graphics are disappointing. The rich details given in the text descriptions fill in the gaps well, merging perfectly with the visuals for an immersive experience.Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)A big part of what creates this immersion is the music, which does an outstanding job of setting an effective atmosphere. Its combination of synthwave and trance perfectly fits the science fiction aesthetic, while creating an air of hope, wonderment, and fear in equal measure as you journey through various stations and subcultures in your quest for peace. Wed recommend you play in portable mode with headphones, as this soundtrack deserves to be appreciated to the fullest extent.The only real negative Citizen Sleeper 2 is that it suffers from the same issue its predecessor in feeling like a game better navigated with a mouse. Its not always clear which node or menu option is currently highlighted, which can sometimes lead to accidentally making the wrong selection. Touchscreen controls also arent an option here, while the analogue stick or D-pad are serviceable, they feel like awkward means of navigating some of the interfaces.We wouldnt say that the slight awkwardness of the control scheme is reason to avoid playing this truly excellent game if Switch is your only available platform, but if you have a PC you regularly play games on, you might prefer to pick it up there.ConclusionCitizen Sleeper 2 is an excellent example of a polished sequel, continuing all the things that made its predecessor a beloved indie darling while building upon and expanding those systems with some new and interesting ideas of its own. The decision-driven narrative, tense RPG systems, and incredible soundtrack all come together to make for a game that is almost impossible to put down once you get pulled in. Newcomers who want to see what all the fuss is about will enjoy this as much as players who loved the first game - Citizen Sleeper 2 stands tall as a worthy follow-up.Tense RPG gameplayDetailed, decision-driven storyImmersive soundtrackNew gameplay systems add welcome depthSometimes awkward to navigate with a controllerExcellent 9/10

The cybersecurity world is full of jargon and lingo. At TechCrunch, we have been writing about cybersecurity for years, and we frequently use technical terms and expressions to describe the nature of what is happening in the world. Thats why we have created this glossary, which includes some of the most common and not so common words and expressions that we use in our articles, and explanations of how, and why, we use them.This is a developing compendium, and we will update it regularly.If you have any feedback or suggestions for this glossary, get in touch.Advanced persistent threat (APT)An advanced persistent threat (APT) is often categorized as a hacker, or group of hackers, which gains and maintains unauthorized access to a targeted system. The main aim of an APT intruder is to remain undetected for long periods of time, often to conduct espionage and surveillance, to steal data, or sabotage critical systems.APTs are traditionally well-resourced hackers, including the funding to pay for their malicious campaigns, and access to hacking tools typically reserved by governments. As such, many of the long-running APT groups are associated with nation states, like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. In recent years, weve seen examples of non-nation state cybercriminal groups that are financially motivated (such as theft and money laundering) carrying out cyberattacks similar in terms of persistence and capabilities as some traditional government-backed APT groups.(See: Hacker)Arbitrary code executionThe ability to run commands or malicious code on an affected system, often because of a security vulnerability in the systems software. Arbitrary code execution can be achieved either remotely or with physical access to an affected system (such as someones device). In the cases where arbitrary code execution can be achieved over the internet, security researchers typically call this remote code execution.Often, code execution is used as a way to plant a back door for maintaining long-term and persistent access to that system, or for running malware that can be used to access deeper parts of the system or other devices on the same network.(See also: Remote code execution)AttributionAttribution is the process of finding out and identifying who is behind a cyberattack. There is an often repeated mantra, attribution is hard, which is to warn cybersecurity professionals and the wider public that definitively establishing who was behind a cyberattack is no simple task. While it is not impossible to attribute, the answer is also dependent on the level of confidence in the assessment.Threat intelligence companies such as CrowdStrike, Kaspersky, and Mandiant, among others, have for years attributed cyberattacks and data breaches to groups or clusters of hackers, often referencing groups by a specific codename, based on a pattern of certain tactics, techniques and procedures as seen in previous attacks. Some threat intelligence firms go as far as publicly linking certain groups of hackers to specific governments or their intelligence agencies when the evidence points to it.Government agencies, however, have for years publicly accused other governments and countries of being behind cyberattacks, and have gone as far as identifying and sometimes criminally charging specific people working for those agencies.BackdoorA backdoor is a subjective term, but broadly refers to creating the means to gain future access to a system, device, or physical area. Backdoors can be found in software or hardware, such as a mechanism to gain access to a system (or space) in case of accidental lock-out, or for remotely providing technical support over the internet. Backdoors can have legitimate and helpful use cases, but backdoors can also be undocumented, maliciously planted, orotherwise unknown to the user or owner, which can weaken the security of the product and make it more susceptible to hacking or compromise.Black/white hatHackers historically have been categorized as either black hat or white hat, usually depending on the motivations of the hacking activity carried out. A black hat hacker may be someone who might break the law and hack for money or personal gain, such as a cybercriminal. White hat hackers generally hack within legal bounds, like as part of a penetration test sanctioned by the target company, or to collect bug bounties finding flaws in various software and disclosing them to the affected vendor. For those who hack with less clearcut motivations, they may be regarded as a gray hat. Famously, the hacking group the L0pht used the term gray hat in an interview with The New York Times Magazine in 1999. While still commonly used in modern security parlance, many have moved away from the hat terminology.(Also see: Hacker, Hacktivist)BotnetBotnets are networks of hijacked internet-connected devices, such as webcams and home routers, that have been compromised by malware (or sometimes weak or default passwords) for the purposes of being used in cyberattacks. Botnets can be made up of hundreds or thousands of devices and are typically controlled by a command-and-control server that sends out commands to ensnared devices. Botnets can be used for a range of malicious reasons, like using the distributed network of devices to mask and shield the internet traffic of cybercriminals, deliver malware, or harness their collective bandwidth to maliciously crash websites and online services with huge amounts of junk internet traffic.(See also: Command-and-control server; Distributed denial-of-service)BugA bug is essentially the cause of a software glitch, such as an error or a problem that causes the software to crash or behave in an unexpected way. In some cases, a bug can also be a security vulnerability.The term bug originated in 1947, at a time when early computers were the size of rooms and made up of heavy mechanical and moving equipment. The first known incident of a bug found in a computer was when a moth disrupted the electronics of one of these room-sized computers.(See also: Vulnerability)Command-and-control (C2) serverCommand-and-control servers (also known as C2 servers) are used by cybercriminals to remotely manage and control their fleets of compromised devices and launch cyberattacks, such as delivering malware over the internet and launching distributed denial-of-service attacks.(See also: Botnet; Distributed denial-of-service)CryptojackingCryptojacking is when a devices computational power is used, with or without the owners permission, to generate cryptocurrency. Developers sometimes bundle code in apps and on websites, which then uses the devices processors to complete complex mathematical calculations needed to create new cryptocurrency. The generated cryptocurrency is then deposited in virtual wallets owned by the developer.Some malicious hackers use malware to deliberately compromise large numbers of unwitting computers to generate cryptocurrency on a large and distributed scale.Data breachWhen we talk about data breaches, we ultimately mean the improper removal of data from where it should have been. But the circumstances matter and can alter the terminology we use to describe a particular incident.A data breach is when protected data was confirmed to have improperly left a system from where it was originally stored and usually confirmed when someone discovers the compromised data. More often than not, were referring to the exfiltration of data by a malicious cyberattacker or otherwise detected as a result of an inadvertent exposure. Depending on what is known about the incident, we may describe it in more specific terms where details are known.(See also: Data exposure; Data leak)Data exposureA data exposure (a type of data breach) is when protected data is stored on a system that has no access controls, such as because of human error or a misconfiguration. This might include cases where a system or database is connected to the internet but without a password. Just because data was exposed doesnt mean the data was actively discovered, but nevertheless could still be considered a data breach.Data leakA data leak (a type of data breach) is where protected data is stored on a system in a way that it was allowed to escape, such as due to a previously unknown vulnerability in the system or by way of insider access (such as an employee). A data leak can mean that data could have been exfiltrated or otherwise collected, but there may not always be the technical means, such as logs, to know for sure.Def Con (aka DEFCON)Def Con is one of the most important hacking conferences in the world, held annually in Las Vegas, usually during August. Launched in 1993 as a party for some hacker friends, it has now become an annual gathering of almost 30,000 hackers and cybersecurity professionals, with dozens of talks, capture-the-flag hacking competitions, and themed villages, where attendees can learn how to hack internet-connected devices, voting systems, and even aircraft. Unlike other conferences like RSA or Black Hat, Def Con is decidedly not a business conference, and the focus is much more on hacker culture. There is a vendor area, but it usually includes nonprofits like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, The Calyx Institute, and the Tor Project, as well as relatively small cybersecurity companies.Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS)A distributed denial-of-service, or DDoS, is a kind of cyberattack that involves flooding targets on the internet with junk web traffic in order to overload and crash the servers and cause the service, such as a website, online store, or gaming platform to go down.DDoS attacks are launched by botnets, which are made up of networks of hacked internet-connected devices (such as home routers and webcams) that can be remotely controlled by a malicious operator, usually from a command-and-control server. Botnets can be made up of hundreds or thousands of hijacked devices.While a DDoS is a form of cyberattack, these data-flooding attacks are not hacks in themselves, as they dont involve the breach and exfiltration of data from their targets, but instead cause a denial of service event to the affected service.(See also: Botnet; Command-and-control server)EncryptionEncryption is the way and means in which information, such as files, documents, and private messages, are scrambled to make the data unreadable to anyone other than to its intended owner or recipient. Encrypted data is typically scrambled using an encryption algorithm essentially a set of mathematical formulas that determines howNearly all modern encryption algorithms in use today are open source, allowing anyone (including security professionals and cryptographers) to review and check the algorithm to make sure its free of faults or flaws. Some encryption algorithms are stronger than others, meaning data protected by some weaker algorithms can be decrypted by harnessing large amounts of computational power.Encryption is different from encoding, which simply converts data into a different and standardized format, usually for the benefit of allowing computers to read the data.(See also: End-to-end encryption)End-to-end encryption (E2EE)End-to-end encryption (or E2EE) is a security feature built into many messaging and file-sharing apps, and is widely considered one of the strongest ways of securing digital communications as they traverse the internet.E2EE scrambles the file or message on the senders device before its sent in a way that allows only the intended recipient to decrypt its contents, making it near-impossible for anyone including a malicious hacker, or even the app maker to snoop inside on someones private communications. In recent years, E2EE has become the default security standard for many messaging apps, including Apples iMessage, Facebook Messenger, Signal, and WhatsApp.E2EE has also become the subject of governmental frustration in recent years, as encryption makes it impossible for tech companies or app providers to give over information that they themselves do not have access to.(See also: Encryption)Escalation of privilegesMost modern systems are protected with multiple layers of security, including the ability to set user accounts with more restricted access to the underlying systems configurations and settings. This prevents these users or anyone with improper access to one of these user accounts from tampering with the core underlying system. However, an escalation of privileges event can involve exploiting a bug or tricking the system into granting the user more access rights than they should have.Malware can also take advantage of bugs or flaws caused by escalation of privileges by gaining deeper access to a device or a connected network, potentially allowing the malware to spread.EspionageWhen we talk about espionage, were generally referring to threat groups or hacking campaigns that are dedicated to spying, and are typically characterized by their stealth. Espionage-related hacks are usually aimed at gaining and maintaining stealthy persistent access to a targets network to carry out passive surveillance, reconnaissance for future cyberattacks, or the long-term collection and exfiltration of data. Espionage operations are often carried out by governments and intelligence agencies, though not exclusively.ExploitAn exploit is the way and means in which a vulnerability is abused or taken advantage of, usually in order to break into a system.(See also: Bug; Vulnerability)ExtortionIn general terms, extortion is the act of obtaining something, usually money, through the use of force and intimidation. Cyber extortion is no different, as it typically refers to a category of cybercrime whereby attackers demand payment from victims by threatening to damage, disrupt, or expose their sensitive information.Extortion is often used in ransomware attacks, where hackers typically exfiltrate company data before demanding a ransom payment from the hacked victim. But extortion has quickly become its own category of cybercrime, with many, often younger, financially motivated hackers, opting to carry out extortion-only attacks, which snub the use of encryption in favor of simple data theft.(Also see: Ransomware)ForensicsForensic investigations involve analyzing data and information contained in a computer, server, or mobile device, looking for evidence of a hack, crime, or some sort of malfeasance. Sometimes, in order to access the data, corporate or law enforcement investigators rely on specialized devices and tools, like those made by Cellebrite and Grayshift, which are designed to unlock and break the security of computers and cellphones to access the data within.HackerThere is no one single definition of hacker. The term has its own rich history, culture, and meaning within the security community. Some incorrectly conflate hackers, or hacking, with wrongdoing.By our definition and use, we broadly refer to a hacker as someone who is a breaker of things, usually by altering how something works to make it perform differently in order to meet their objectives. In practice, that can be something as simple as repairing a machine with non-official parts to make it function differently as intended, or work even better.In the cybersecurity sense, a hacker is typically someone who breaks a system or breaks the security of a system. That could be anything from an internet-connected computer system to a simple door lock. But the persons intentions and motivations (if known) matter in our reporting, and guides how we accurately describe the person, or their activity.There are ethical and legal differences between a hacker who works as a security researcher, who is professionally tasked with breaking into a companys systems with their permission to identify security weaknesses that can be fixed before a malicious individual has a chance to exploit them; and a malicious hacker who gains unauthorized access to a system and steals data without obtaining anyones permission.Because the term hacker is inherently neutral, we generally apply descriptors in our reporting to provide context about who were talking about. If we know that an individual works for a government and is contracted to maliciously steal data from a rival government, were likely to describe them as a nation-state or government hackeradvanced persistent threat), for example. If a gang is known to use malware to steal funds from individuals bank accounts, we may describe them as financially motivated hackers, or if there is evidence of criminality or illegality (such as an indictment), we may describe them simply as cybercriminals.And, if we dont know motivations or intentions, or a person describes themselves as such, we may simply refer to a subject neutrally as a hacker, where appropriate.Hack-and-leak operationSometimes, hacking and stealing data is only the first step. In some cases, hackers then leak the stolen data to journalists, or directly post the data online for anyone to see. The goal can be either to embarrass the hacking victim, or to expose alleged malfeasance.The origins of modern hack-and-leak operations date back to the early- and mid-2000s, when groups like el8, pHC (Phrack High Council) and zf0 were targeting people in the cybersecurity industry who, according to these groups, had foregone the hacker ethos and had sold out. Later, there are the examples of hackers associated with Anonymous and leaking data from U.S. government contractor HBGary, and North Korean hackers leaking emails stolen from Sony as retribution for the Hollywood comedy, The Interview.Some of the most recent and famous examples are the hack against the now-defunct government spyware pioneer Hacking Team in 2015, and the infamous Russian government-led hack-and-leak of Democratic National Committee emails ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Iranian government hackers tried to emulate the 2016 playbook during the 2024 elections.HacktivistA particular kind of hacker who hacks for what they and perhaps the public perceive as a good cause, hence the portmanteau of the words hacker and activist. Hacktivism has been around for more than two decades, starting perhaps with groups like the Cult of the Dead Cow in the late 1990s. Since then, there have been several high profile examples of hacktivist hackers and groups, such as Anonymous, LulzSec, and Phineas Fisher.(Also see: Hacker)InfosecShort for information security, an alternative term used to describe defensive cybersecurity focused on the protection of data and information. Infosec may be the preferred term for industry veterans, while the term cybersecurity has become widely accepted. In modern times, the two terms have become largely interchangeable.InfostealersInfostealers are malware capable of stealing information from a persons computer or device. Infostealers are often bundled in pirated software, like Redline, which when installed will primarily seek out passwords and other credentials stored in the persons browser or password manager, then surreptitiously upload the victims passwords to the attackers systems. This lets the attacker sign in using those stolen passwords. Some infostealers are also capable of stealing session tokens from a users browser, which allow the attacker to sign in to a persons online account as if they were that user but without needing their password or multifactor authentication code.(See also: Malware)JailbreakJailbreaking is used in several contexts to mean the use of exploits and other hacking techniques to circumvent the security of a device, or removing the restrictions a manufacturer puts on hardware or software. In the context of iPhones, for example, a jailbreak is a technique to remove Apples restrictions on installing apps outside of its walled garden or to gain the ability to conduct security research on Apple devices, which is normally highly restricted. In the context of AI, jailbreaking means figuring out a way to get a chatbot to give out information that its not supposed to.KernelThe kernel, as its name suggests, is the core part of an operating system that connects and controls virtually all hardware and software. As such, the kernel has the highest level of privileges, meaning it has access to virtually any data on the device. Thats why, for example, apps such as antivirus and anti-cheat software run at the kernel level, as they require broad access to the device. Having kernel access allows these apps to monitor for malicious code.MalwareMalware is a broad umbrella term that describes malicious software. Malware can land in many forms and be used to exploit systems in different ways. As such, malware that is used for specific purposes can often be referred to as its own subcategory. For example, the type of malware used for conducting surveillance on peoples devices is also called spyware, while malware that encrypts files and demands money from its victims is called ransomware.(See also: Infostealers; Ransomware; Spyware)Metadata is information about something digital, rather than its contents. That can include details about the size of a file or document, who created it, and when, or in the case of digital photos, where the image was taken and information about the device that took the photo. Metadata may not identify the contents of a file, but it can be useful in determining where a document came from or who authored it. Metadata can also refer to information about an exchange, such as who made a call or sent a text message, but not the contents of the call or the message.PhishingPhishing is a type of cyberattack where hackers trick their targets into clicking or tapping on a malicious link, or opening a malicious attachment. The term derives from fishing, because hackers often use lures to convincingly trick their targets in these types of attacks. A phishing lure could be attachment coming from an email address that appears to be legitimate, or even an email spoofing the email address of a person that the target really knows. Sometimes, the lure could be something that might appear to be important to the target, like sending a forged document to a journalist that appears to show corruption, or a fake conference invite for human rights defenders. There is an often cited adage by the well-known cybersecurity influencer The Grugq, which encapsulates the value of phishing: Give a man an 0day and hell have access for a day, teach a man to phish and hell have access for life.(Also see: Social engineering)RansomwareRansomware is a type of malicious software (or malware) that prevents device owners from accessing its data, typically by encrypting the persons files. Ransomware is usually deployed by cybercriminal gangs who demand a ransom payment usually cryptocurrency in return for providing the private key to decrypt the persons data.In some cases, ransomware gangs will steal the victims data before encrypting it, allowing the criminals to extort the victim further by threatening to publish the files online. Paying a ransomware gang is no guarantee that the victim will get their stolen data back, or that the gang will delete the stolen data.One of the first-ever ransomware attacks was documented in 1989, in which malware was distributed via floppy disk (an early form of removable storage) to attendees of the World Health Organizations AIDS conference. Since then, ransomware has evolved into a multibillion-dollar criminal industry as attackers refine their tactics and hone in on big-name corporate victims.(See also: Malware; Sanctions)Remote code executionRemote code execution refers to the ability to run commands or malicious code (such as malware) on a system from over a network, often the internet, without requiring any human interaction from the target. Remote code execution attacks can range in complexity but can be highly damaging when vulnerabilities are exploited.(See also: Arbitrary code execution)SanctionsCybersecurity-related sanctions work similarly to traditional sanctions in that they make it illegal for businesses or individuals to transact with a sanctioned entity. In the case of cyber sanctions, these entities are suspected of carrying out malicious cyber-enabled activities, such as ransomware attacks or the laundering of ransom payments made to hackers.The U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers sanctions. The Treasurys Cyber-Related Sanctions Program was established in 2015 as part of the Obama administrations response to cyberattacks targeting U.S. government agencies and private sector U.S. entities.While a relatively new addition to the U.S. governments bureaucratic armory against ransomware groups, sanctions are increasingly used to hamper and deter malicious state actors from conducting cyberattacks. Sanctions are often used against hackers who are out of reach of U.S. indictments or arrest warrants, such as ransomware crews based in Russia.Social engineering is the art of human deception, and encompasses several techniques a hacker can use to deceive their target into doing something they normally would not do. Phishing, for example, can be classified as a type of social engineering attack because hackers trick targets into clicking on a malicious link or opening a malicious attachment, or calling someone on the phone while pretending to be their employers IT department.Social engineering can also be used in the real world, for example, to convince building security employees to let someone who shouldnt be allowed to enter the building. Some call it human hacking because social engineering attacks dont necessarily have to involve technology.(Also see: Phishing)Spyware (commercial, government)A broad term, like malware, that covers a range of surveillance monitoring software. Spyware is typically used to refer to malware made by private companies, such as NSO Groups Pegasus, Intellexas Predator, and Hacking Teams Remote Control System, among others, which the companies sell to government agencies. In more generic terms, these types of malware are like remote access tools, which allows their operators usually government agents to spy and monitor their targets, giving them the ability to access a devices camera and microphone or exfiltrate data. Spyware is also referred to as commercial or government spyware, or mercenary spyware.(See also: Stalkerware)StalkerwareStalkerware is a kind of surveillance malware (and a form of spyware) that is usually sold to ordinary consumers under the guise of child or employee monitoring software but is often used for the purposes of spying on the phones of unwitting individuals, oftentimes spouses and domestic partners. The spyware grants access to the targets messages, location, and more. Stalkerware typically requires physical access to a targets device, which gives the attacker the ability to install it directly on the targets device, often because the attacker knows the targets passcode.(See also: Spyware)Threat modelWhat are you trying to protect? Who are you worried about that could go after you or your data? How could these attackers get to the data? The answers to these kinds of questions are what will lead you to create a threat model. In other words, threat modeling is a process that an organization or an individual has to go through to design software that is secure, and devise techniques to secure it. A threat model can be focused and specific depending on the situation. A human rights activist in an authoritarian country has a different set of adversaries, and data, to protect than a large corporation in a democratic country that is worried about ransomware, for example.When we describe unauthorized access, were referring to the accessing of a computer system by breaking any of its security features, such as a login prompt or a password, which would be considered illegal under the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, or the CFAA. The Supreme Court in 2021 clarified the CFAA, finding that accessing a system lacking any means of authorization for example, a database with no password is not illegal, as you cannot break a security feature that isnt there.Its worth noting that unauthorized is a broadly used term and often used by companies subjectively, and as such has been used to describe malicious hackers who steal someones password to break in through to incidents of insider access or abuse by employees.Virtual private network (VPN)A virtual private network, or VPN, is a networking technology that allows someone to virtually access a private network, such as their workplace or home, from anywhere else in the world. Many use a VPN provider to browse the web, thinking that this can help to avoid online surveillance.TechCrunch has a skeptics guide to VPNs that can help you decide if a VPN makes sense for you. If it does, well show you how to set up your own private and encrypted VPN server that only you control. And if it doesnt, we explore some of the privacy tools and other measures you can take tomeaningfully improve your privacy online.VulnerabilityA vulnerability (also referred to as a security flaw) is a type of bug that causes software to crash or behave in an unexpected way that affects the security of the system or its data. Sometimes, two or more vulnerabilities can be used in conjunction with each other known as vulnerability chaining to gain deeper access to a targeted system.(See also: Bug; Exploit)Zero-click (and one-click) attacksMalicious attacks can sometimes be categorized and described by the amount of user interaction that malware, or a malicious hacker, needs in order to achieve successful compromise. One-click attacks refer to the target having to interact only once with the incoming lure, such as clicking on a malicious link or opening an attachment, to grant the intruder access. But zero-click attacks differ in that they can achieve compromise without the target having to click or tap anything. Zero-clicks are near-invisible to the target and are far more difficult to identify. As such, zero-click attacks are almost always delivered over the internet, and are often reserved for high-value targets for their stealthy capabilities, such as deploying spyware.(Also see: Spyware)Zero-dayA zero-day is a specific type of security vulnerability that has been publicly disclosed or exploited but the vendor who makes the affected hardware or software has not been given time (or zero days) to fix the problem. As such, there may be no immediate fix or mitigation to prevent an affected system from being compromised. This can be particularly problematic for internet-connected devices.(See also: Vulnerability)First published on September 20, 2024.

Breakdown & ShowreelsThe Rig Season 2: VFX Breakdown by Vine FXBy Vincent Frei - 31/01/2025 Dive into the Depths with the really cool VFX crafted by Vine FX for The Rig Season 2! The Cambridge-based studio brings the oceans mysteries to life, crafting underwater sequences with the grand finale unveils a mesmerizing, living mycelium forest, its canopy towering 400 meters above the seafloor!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Vine FX: Dedicated page about The Rig Season 2 on Vine FX website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Charles Gwathmey Residence and Studio | Scott FrancisIn 1965, at just 28 years old, Charles Gwathmey designed and built the Gwathmey Residence and Studio for his parents in Amagansett, New York. More than a home, this project became a defining statement of his architectural philosophya formal and spatial experiment that encapsulated the key tenets of late modernism. As one of the earliest built works of the New York Five, it set the foundation for Gwathmeys future career and his contribution to an era of disciplined geometric abstraction.Charles Gwathmey Residence and Studio Technical InformationArchitects1-2: Charles GwathmeyLocation: Amagansett, New York, USAArea: 111 m2 | 1,200 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 1965 1966Photographs: See Captions DetailsI think constraints are very important. Theyre positive, because they allow you to work off something. Charles GwathmeyCharles Gwathmey Residence and Studio PhotographsFacade Paul Yoo Scott Francis Scott Francis Scott Francis Scott Francis Taylor1960s Photograph1960s Photograph1960s PhotographCharles Gwathmey Residence Spatial Composition and Formal StrategyA house designed by an architect for himself or his family often serves as a distilled manifesto, free from external constraints. The Gwathmey Residence and Studio exemplifies this notion, exploring pure geometric composition, volumetric interpenetration, and a rigorous spatial logic. One of the most striking aspects of the Gwathmey Residence and Studio is its explicit geometric articulation. The design is rooted in a Cubist-inspired approach, where the interplay of volumes generates a sculptural presence. The house is defined by interlocking rectilinear forms manipulated through sectional shifts that articulate a dynamic spatial experience. These compositional techniques are reminiscent of Le Corbusiers later works, while also drawing on De Stijl principles of intersecting planes and asymmetry.At the heart of the project is its choreography of movement. Rather than adhering to a conventional plan, Gwathmey employs a series of split-levels and double-height spaces, producing an architecture of visual and spatial connectivity. This is particularly evident in the studio, where carefully framed views and sectional complexity make the relatively compact structure expansive. The spatial sequence moves seamlessly between compression and openness, using height variations and strategic cutouts to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.Perhaps most compelling is the duality between the studio and the residence. While functionally distinct, the two entities are unified through a shared architectural language. This synthesis challenges traditional distinctions between living and working, proposing an integrated model where domesticity and creative production coexist. The question remains, however, whether this formal clarity enhances or constrains the lived experience.Materiality and the Question of ContextMaterial selection in the Gwathmey Residence and Studio is deliberately restrained, reinforcing the projects abstract qualities. The house is clad in wood siding, painted in an almost uniform monochrome, accentuating the volumetric purity. This minimalist approach to materiality recalls the early works of Louis Kahn, where the emphasis was placed on form rather than ornamentation.However, this formal abstraction raises questions about contextual integration. Situated within a natural, wooded landscape, the house does little to engage with its surroundings conventionally. Rather than adopting local vernacular materials or organic forms, Gwathmey presents the house as an autonomous objectan architectural proposition that exists independently of its site.This approach can be seen as both a strength and a limitation. On the one hand, it exemplifies the eras belief in universal architectural principles, reinforcing the notion that internal logic rather than external conditions should dictate form. On the other hand, it raises critical concerns about how modernist principles interact with the landscapedoes the residence belong to its environment, or does it merely occupy it?Legacy and Influence in Architectural DiscourseThe Gwathmey Residence and Studio occupies an important place in late modernist residential architecture, particularly as a forerunner to later explorations of geometric abstraction in domestic settings. It stands alongside other seminal projects by the New York Five, such as Richard Meiers Smith House or Peter Eisenmans House VI, all of which sought to reaffirm a formally pure and theoretically rigorous approach to design.Yet, while some of these projects became emblematic of aesthetic formalism detached from practical function, Gwathmeys work retains a level of spatial ingenuity that actively engages the inhabitant. His ability to manipulate volume and sequence movement ensures that the house is not merely a static object but rather a space to be experienced in motion.As contemporary architects grapple with the evolving relationship between form, function, and context, the Gwathmey Residence and Studio remains a compelling case study. It challenges us to reconsider the role of geometry, abstraction, and autonomy in architectural designquestions that continue to resonate in the discourse of residential architecture today.Charles Gwathmey Residence and Studio Plans Charles Gwathmey Charles Gwathmey Charles GwathmeyCharles Gwathmey Residence and Studio Image GalleryAbout Charles GwathmeyCharles Gwathmey (19382009) was an American architect known for his modernist approach, geometric precision, and contributions to the New York Fivea group of architects who championed a formalist interpretation of modernism. He gained recognition early in his career with the Gwathmey Residence and Studio (196566), a seminal work that demonstrated his commitment to volumetric abstraction and spatial clarity. As a founding partner of Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects, he designed numerous high-profile projects, from private residences to cultural and institutional buildings, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary architecture.Credits and Additional NotesDesign Team: Gwathmey Siegel & Associates ArchitectsStructural Engineers: TBDClient: Robert and Rosalie Gwathmey

Until the early 19th century, Chicopee, Massachusetts, was little more than an agricultural district of Springfield (from which it separated in 1848). Several early mills began to harness the power of a 50-foot drop-off in the Chicopee River, but it was not until the introduction of outside capital from Boston-based industrialists, that Chicopee became an industrial powerhouse. The Dwight textile mills which quickly developed required a wide variety of related manufactures. Edmund Dwight, owner of the Dwight Mills procured brothers Nathan Peabody Ames and James Tyler Ames to relocate their edge tool business from Chelmsford to Chicopee, they did. In 1834, the Ames Manufacturing Company was incorporated with a capital of $30,000 and buildings were erected along the Chicopee River, just east of the Dwight Mills. By 1835, the company was creating works in brass and bronze, and in 1845, an iron foundry was added.The company used the foundries for casting statuary and producing cannons and cannonballs for the US Military. Additionally, the bronze doors of the East Wing of theUnited States Capitol,Daniel Chester Frenchs Minuteman statue at the Lexington-Concord bridge and the large equestrian statue ofGeorge Washingtonat the Boston Public Garden were cast at the Ames Factory. After a period of decay in the latter half of the 20th century, the largest buildings of the complex were restored and converted to housing, today known as Ames Privilege.