The tech world is buzzing with both innovation and concern this week. From Alphabet's groundbreaking work on high-speed internet to a massive data breach, here's what you need to know.
Alphabet's Taara Chip: Internet at the Speed of Light
Imagine a world where internet access is fast, affordable, and available even in the most remote locations. Alphabet, through its "moonshot factory" X, is one step closer to making that a reality with its new Taara chip. This tiny silicon photonic chip uses light to transmit high-speed data through the air. It's a game-changer!
Taara's general manager, Mahesh Krishnaswamy, explained that the chip is a significant upgrade from their first-generation technology, Taara Lightbridge. While Lightbridge, the size of a traffic light, used mirrors and sensors to steer light, the new chip relies on software. This makes installation much quicker – days instead of months or years for traditional fiber optic cables.
How does it work? Taara uses a "very narrow, invisible light beam to transmit data at speeds as high as 20 gigabits per second, up to distances of 20 kilometers (12.1 miles)." It's like fiber optic internet, but without the cables! The team anticipates the chip will be available by 2026.
Cybersecurity Alert: 493 Million Accounts Compromised
In more alarming news, a massive infostealer malware campaign has compromised 493 million unique accounts. That's a staggering number! Security consultant Troy Hunt discovered the breach, which involved a collection of 23 billion entries being sold on Telegram.
According to Bleeping Computer, 284 million unique email addresses are affected. What makes this particularly dangerous is that infostealers can steal data from multiple accounts on a single person's computer. This means both your throwaway and sensitive accounts could be at risk.
"Infostealing malware can be more personally dangerous than the more typical breaches and leaks seen repeatedly in the news."
Worried you might be affected? Head over to Troy Hunt's website, Have I Been Pwned, to check if your email address has been compromised. The site has been updated with information from this latest breach.
Protecting Yourself: What You Need to Do
If you find your data has been caught in the breach, don't panic! Here's what you should do:
- For Your PC: Uninstall any suspicious apps, update your antivirus software, and run a full scan.
- For Your Accounts: Log into each compromised website and update your password with a strong, unique one. Consider using a password manager.
Remember, staying vigilant and practicing good online security habits is crucial in protecting your personal information. Stay safe out there!