Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could grow. The U.S. believes the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden was briefed on the findings and the White House “made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack Tuesday after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages Wednesday. White House officials believe the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Neuberger pointed to efforts made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt Typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online.AI Stock Plummets! What Investors Need to Know Now
Walmart says it is likely to miss 2025, 2030 climate change targets
In the evening, before going to bed, Sarah reflects on her day through her WeChat Moments. She takes a moment to express gratitude for the little joys in life, share inspirational quotes with friends, and engage in heartfelt conversations with loved ones. WeChat has become a digital diary of sorts, documenting her thoughts and feelings in real-time.As players navigate through the immersive world of "Black Myth: Wukong" decked in their New Year finery, they are not only treated to a visually stunning experience but also a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and traditions. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and symbolic motifs woven into the game's New Year set serve as a bridge between players from different cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and shared celebration.
It can be tempting to hibernate indoors during the winter months, but staying active is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Embrace the season by taking up a winter sport such as skiing or ice skating, or simply go for a brisk walk in the crisp winter air. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help combat the winter blues and keep you feeling energized.
None
As the manager who once guided Son on the international stage, Huang Mingfu's words carry significant weight. Speaking to the media, Huang Mingfu highlighted Son's exceptional abilities as a player and a leader, emphasizing the importance of his presence both on and off the pitch. Huang Mingfu lauded Son for his dedication, professionalism, and positive attitude, qualities that have endeared him to fans worldwide.In terms of star power, "National Beauty" has an edge with Yang Zi's strong fan base and reputation as a versatile actress in the industry. Her portrayal of the iconic Yang Yuhuan has already generated a significant amount of buzz, drawing in viewers who are eager to see her take on this challenging role. Additionally, the drama's focus on a well-known historical figure gives it a sense of familiarity and intrigue that may appeal to a broader audience.
Beyond his individual prowess, Son's impact on the collective success of Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team is undeniable. At Spurs, Son has been a key figure in the team's attack, forming a formidable partnership with Harry Kane and consistently delivering crucial goals in high-stakes matches. His versatility, tactical awareness, and relentless work rate make him an invaluable asset to the squad.
Title: Trump Strikes Again with Awkward Handshakes, Macron's Embarrassed Expression Adds to the Tension of the MeetingNo. 25 Illinois rebounds in big way, blasts UMES 87-40As the magic of Nezha's world unfolds once again on the silver screen, fans old and new are poised to embark on an unforgettable cinematic journey that promises to be nothing short of legendary. Brace yourselves for an adventure like no other and prepare to be swept away by the myth and majesty of "Nezha: The Demon Child's Sea Adventure".However, the decision to purchase this limited edition collaboration ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual interest. For some, the appeal of owning a collector's item tied to a beloved game may be enough to justify the purchase. Others may be hesitant to invest in a product that is priced higher than standard cola offerings, despite the added value of the collaboration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual ‘Direct Line’ event in Moscow on Thursday during which he addressed a wide range of issues in the marathon Q&A session. From regrets about the timing of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine to blunt comments on global and domestic challenges, the Russian leader offered numerous insights into his thinking. Here are the key takeaways from the event: Putin: Maybe we should have launched the Ukraine operation earlier The Russian president acknowledged that it might have been better to have launched the military operation in Ukraine sooner. “You know, if it were possible to look at the situation in 2022, knowing what is happening now, what would I think? That such a decision, which was made at the beginning of 2022, should have been made earlier,” he said. Putin added that he acted at the time “because it was impossible to stand still and wait for the situation to get worse for us – that’s what it’s all about.” He said the operation is a necessary step to secure Russia’s national interests, dismissing accusations of aggression. Moscow ready to talk to Ukraine, but Zelensky needs to be elected Putin signaled Moscow’s willingness to engage in talks with Ukraine – but with conditions. “We are ready for dialogue, but if not with the head of the regime, then with whom? If he is illegitimate himself. You know, if someone runs for election [and] gains legitimacy, we will talk to anyone, including Zelensky,” Putin said, implying that Vladimir Zelensky lacks democratic legitimacy due to his having postponed the elections. He also criticized Kiev’s Western backers for prolonging the war by supplying arms. Zelensky will likely go abroad Putin speculated that Zelensky might seek exile, hinting at the potential political fallout in Ukraine. “He will be supported by the people whose interests he serves today,” the president remarked. Porn is a global ‘scourge’ Putin addressed what he described as the moral decay caused by internet pornography. “This is not only our problem, but also the problem of many other countries,” he said. “The answer can be what? In general, you could ban, but you should always offer an alternative that is more interesting than a porn site. So that a person would get in there, open a porn site and say: I’ve already seen this, I want to see something else.” His comments came amid broader discussions on family values and youth policies. The demographic issue is one of Russia’s key problems Putin listed Russia’s declining population as a strategic challenge, blaming economic instability and societal shifts. “Demographics are a crucial issue for Russia – and for much of the world,” he said. “We need to create conditions where people want to have children.” He promised more state support for families, particularly in rural areas, but acknowledged progress has been slow. Migration is an issue acute for Russia Russia’s labor market is grappling with severe labor shortages, which Putin attributed to a dwindling native workforce and reliance on migrant labor. “The migration issue is acute,” he admitted, adding that illegal immigration must be controlled while skilled foreign workers are welcomed. He noted that regional instability in Central Asia has further complicated migration patterns. Relations with China at all-time high Putin hailed Russia’s partnership with China as unprecedentedly strong, underscoring its geopolitical importance. “Our relations with China are at an all-time high – both economically and strategically,” he stated, highlighting joint energy projects and military cooperation. He dismissed claims that Russia is overly dependent on China, calling the partnership mutually beneficial. Israel is the big winner in Syria, Russia did not lose Turning to the Middle East, Putin acknowledged that Israel emerged as a key player in Syria but rejected any notion that Russia had suffered a setback. “Israel has gained influence in Syria... but we achieved our objectives,” he argued. “Russia’s presence there has always been about fighting terrorism and stabilizing the region, and keeping down the Islamic State,” he explained. Putin reveals no contact with Trump for four years Putin disclosed that he has not spoken to incoming US President Donald Trump since he left office in January 2021. “I haven’t spoken to Trump for four years,” he said, adding that Russia-US relations remain strained regardless of who occupies the White House. Putin also criticized what he called the US’s “hostile policy” toward Moscow under the administration of current President Joe Biden. Black Sea oil spill an “ecological disaster” Putin described a recent oil spill in the Black Sea as an environmental catastrophe. “This is an ecological disaster,” he lamented, calling for urgent cleanup efforts and pledging federal support for affected regions. He blamed negligence by oil companies and promised that those responsible would face consequences.Four more banks approved for dissolution as reforms and restructuring of rural banks continue to advance
DETROIT — China will soon see a massive expansion of electric vehicle battery swapping, as global battery maker CATL said Wednesday it is investing heavily in stations there next year. Battery swapping is not new — but it's had a challenging journey. Adoption of electric vehicles has varied in regions across the globe over the past several years, and that doesn't always bode well for building new infrastructure. While the technology could do well in China, it's uncertain whether it could work in other countries. Battery swapping allows EV drivers to pull into a station on a low battery and receive a swapped, fully-charged battery within minutes. An EV has to be equipped with the right technology to receive a swap — and not many models around the world currently have it. Automakers have to buy into the idea, and EV adoption among consumers also has to grow, so that investing in new infrastructure seems worthwhile. Consumers also have to be comfortable not owning their battery. China is much further along in adopting EVs than other countries. Not only is it the world's largest auto market, but in July, the country hit a milestone with 50% of new sales electric — and it accounts for most of this year's global EV sales. China supports EV growth through government subsidies and mandates. So it makes more sense for companies to invest in unique EV infrastructure there because that's more likely to be needed. The most notable example might be Israeli startup Better Place, which tried its hand at swapping in 2007. But the company shut down a few years later after investing a lot of money and coming up against roadblocks with logistics. EV adoption was especially low at the time. Startup Ample, for example, has a modular battery swapping station that it says can complete a swap in 5 minutes. That’s important as charging time remains a point of concern for prospective EV buyers. Even the fastest fast chargers could take at least 15 minutes for a decent charge. But in the U.S., pure EVs only accounted for 8% of new vehicle sales as of November. Meanwhile Nio, a rival Chinese EV brand, has about 60 swap stations in northern Europe, and the EV adoption is higher there than the U.S., but the same challenges remain. Different automakers put different batteries in their various EV models, so a station would need all of those available if the industry didn't agree to a standardized battery, and not all of those models are out yet in volume. This is something that really needs scale. Swapping could help with EV cost — currently a barrier to adoption for many — because a driver wouldn’t necessarily own the most expensive part of an EV: the battery. Greg Less, director of the University of Michigan Battery Lab, said with proper framing and education, people might like the idea of battery swapping. To him, it's not unlike buying a propane-fueled grill and purchasing a refilled tank every so often. But it would require a rethinking of car ownership. "Where I could see it working is if we went entirely away from vehicle ownership and we went to a use-on-demand model," Less added. “I don’t think we’re there yet.” Battery swapping might make most sense for ride-sharing or other fleet vehicles. Drivers of buses, taxis, Uber or Lyft vehicles want to spend as much time on the road as possible, transporting customers and making money. If battery swapping can shorten the time needed to charge EVs, that makes driving one less disruptive to their business. ___ Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn . Reach her at ast.john@ap.org .
Excerpt from Carol Mithers’ book, ‘Rethinking Rescue’SAN SALVADOR – As bitcoin reached historic highs, surpassing $100,000 for the first tim e, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele was triumphant on Thursday about his big bet on the cryptocurrency. The adoption of bitcoin — which has been legal tender in the Central American nation since 2021 — never quite matched the president’s enthusiasm, but the value of the government’s reported investment now stands at more than $600 million. Recommended Videos Bitcoin has rallied mightily since Donald Trump’s election victory last month, exceeding the $100,000 mark on Wednesday night, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Just two years ago, bitcoin’s volatile value fell below $17,000. Bitcoin fell back below the $100,000 by Thursday afternoon, sitting just above $99,000 by 3 p.m. E.T. Bukele on Thursday blamed his beleaguered political opposition for causing many Salvadorans to miss out on the bonanza. There were street protests when the Congress made bitcoin legal tender in June 2021, though that move was not the only motivation for the protesters. The tiny Central American country has long used the dollar as currency, but Bukele promised bitcoin would provide new opportunities for El Salvador’s unbanked and cut out money transfer services from the remittances Salvadorans abroad send home. The government offered $30 in bitcoin to those who signed up for digital wallets. Many did so, but quickly cashed out the cryptocurrency. “It’s important to emphasize that not only did the opposition err resoundingly with bitcoin, but rather, differently from other issues (where they have also been wrong), this time their opposition affected many,” Bukele wrote on Facebook. Bukele drew an "impressive” comment from Elon Musk on the social media platform X Thursday. El Salvador’s former Central Bank President Carlos Acevedo pointed out on Thursday that while there has been a gain, it remains an unrealized one until the government’s bitcoin is sold. That said, he credited Bukele’s administration with doing well on the bitcoin move, especially in light of Trump’s election. Acevedo said “the markets’ optimism that a Trump administration will be friendly with the markets and particularly with bitcoin” explained its sustained rally over the past month. But the cryptocurrency’s volatility was a persistent risk, he said. “The average Salvadoran doesn’t use bitcoin, but obviously there are Salvadorans with economic resources who even before had already invested in bitcoin, but it is a small group,” Acevedo said. Esteban Escamilla, a worker in a clothing store in Santa Tecla, outside the capital San Salvador, said he had cashed out the original $30 of bitcoin offered in 2021. “I don’t use bitcoin because I don’t have (money) to invest and speculate with, but I know it has gone up a lot,” he said, recognizing that he would have more money now if he had kept it in bitcoin. Josefa Torres, 45, said as she was doing her grocery shopping that she didn’t have any bitcoin either. “I took out the money and used it for household expenses,” she said. At the conclusion of meetings between the International Monetary Fund and El Salvador’s government in August, the IMF issued a statement that mentioned the country’s bitcoin holdings. “While many of the risks have not yet materialized, there is joint recognition that further efforts are needed to enhance transparency and mitigate potential fiscal and financial stability risks from the Bitcoin project,” the IMf said.