Category: Science and Technology

Scientists say they have discovered a giant volcano hidden in plain sight on Mars.

The volcano, temporarily named the Noctis, spans 280 miles wide and was discovered alongside a buried ice glacier to the east of Mars, near the red-planet’s equator, scientists revealed at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference held in Texas on Wednesday.

Scientists said the 29,600-foot-high volcano was active from ancient through recent times and with possible remnants of glacier ice near its base. They say its discovery points to an exciting new place to search for life and a potential destination for future robotic and human exploration. The findings were detailed in a new study by the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute based at NASA Ames Research Centre.

NASA SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR SECOND YEAR-LONG MARS MISSION SIMULATION

The study was a joint effort between the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute based at NASA Ames Research Centre.

“We were examining the geology of an area where we had found the remains of a glacier last year when we realized we were inside a huge and deeply eroded volcano,” said Dr. Pascal Lee, planetary scientist with the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute based at NASA Ames Research Center, and the lead author of the study.

The site had been imaged repeatedly by orbiting spacecraft around Mars since Mariner 9 in 1971, scientists said, but the volcano had been deeply eroded beyond easy recognition and was “hiding in plain sight” for decades in one of Mars’ most iconic regions, at the boundary between the heavily fractured maze-like Noctis Labyrinthus (Labyrinth of the Night) and the monumental canyons of Valles Marineris (Valleys of Mariner).

In its southeastern part lies a thin, recent volcanic deposit beneath which glacier ice is likely still present.

However, according to the scientists, the jumble of layered mesas and canyons in this eastern part of Noctis Labyrinthus revealed its volcanic nature.

The central summit area is marked by several elevated mesas forming an arc, reaching a regional high and sloping downhill away from the summit area. 

The gentle outer slopes extend out 140 miles away in different directions. 

ELON MUSK WAS WARNED THAT AI COULD DESTROY HUMAN COLONY ON MARS: REPORT

A caldera remnant, the remains of a collapsed volcanic crater once host to a lava lake, can be seen near the center of the structure. Lava flows, hydrated mineral deposits as well as pyroclastic deposits made of volcanic particulate materials such as ash, cinders, pumice and tephra, occur in several areas within the structure’s perimeter.

“This area of Mars is known to have a wide variety of hydrated minerals spanning a long stretch of Martian history,” said Sourabh Shubham, a graduate student at the University of Maryland’s Department of Geology and the study’s co-author.

“A volcanic setting for these minerals had long been suspected so, it may not be too surprising to find a volcano here. In some sense, this large volcano is a long-sought ‘smoking gun.’”

The scientist said that the volcano has experienced eruptions in modern times but it is unknown if it is still active and might erupt again.

In addition to the volcano, the study reports the discovery of a large 1,930 square mile area of volcanic deposits within the volcano’s perimeter presenting a large number of low, rounded and elongated, blister-like mounds. 

This “blistered terrain” is interpreted to be a field of “rootless cones,” mounds produced by explosive steam venting or steam swelling when a thin blanket of hot volcanic materials comes to rest on top of a water or ice-rich surface.

Meanwhile, Lee added that a combination of factors makes the Noctis volcano site “exceptionally exciting.”

“It’s an ancient and long-lived volcano so deeply eroded that you could hike, drive, or fly through it to examine, sample, and date different parts of its interior to study Mars’ evolution through time.”

“It has also had a long history of heat interacting with water and ice, which makes it a prime location for astrobiology and our search for signs of life.” 

Scientists say that the volcano sits on the eastern edge of a broad regional topographic rise called Tharsis, home to three other well-known giant volcanoes: Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia Mons.

According to NASA, Mars is 140 million miles from Earth.

Read More 

Dubai, a city known for its architectural wonders and cutting-edge innovation, recently played host to an extraordinary event that could have been plucked from the pages of a sci-fi novel or a comic book.

Picture this: Jet-suited racers, like real-life Iron Man figures, zooming through the desert cityscape, their powerful engines propelling them forward. 

That was the amazing scene as the world’s first jet suit race unfolded against the backdrop of Dubai’s towering skyscrapers.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

On a sunny day, against the backdrop of Dubai’s towering skyline, pilots lined up on a runway, not for a traditional takeoff but to ascend into the sky as the aircraft themselves. The ear-splitting roar of seven jet engines marked the beginning of a race unlike any other. This event was not just about speed; it was a demonstration of human ambition and technological skill, blurring the lines between reality and the world of superheroes.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

MORE: SOCCER MOMS MAY BE TAKING FLIGHTS IN VAN THAT CAN BOTH FLY AND DRIVE

The imagery of racers, equipped with jet suits, zooming past the skyscrapers of Dubai Marina, might remind many of Tony Stark suiting up as Iron Man. Richard Browning, the mastermind behind Gravity Industries and the jet suit race, likened the experience to the dream of flying straight out of comic books. But here, CGI is replaced with real, gravity-defying technology, offering the closest experience to superhero flight achievable today.

MORE: REVOLUTIONARY FLYING SPORTS CAR COMPLETES ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT

The jet suits, boasting 1,500 horsepower – more power than most luxury sports cars – use the same kind of fuel that powers the giants of the skies like the Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

This race was not just a demonstration of sheer power but also a testament to the safety and maneuverability of these futuristic suits. Competitors took off, navigated obstacles and even recovered gracefully from midair bumps, all while flying at speeds of up to 80 mph.

MORE: IT’S A BIRD. IT’S A PLANE. NO, IT’S A FLYING JET SKI

During the race, there was a dramatic moment when Emirati pilot Ahmed al-Shehhi crashed into the water during his heat, entering feet-first but promptly resurfacing to give a thumbs-up to the rescuers.

You can see him in the photo below being pulled from the water and carried away on a boat. The announcer noted that al-Shehhi had received only 12 days of training before the race.

Pilot Issa Kalfon, who ultimately won the race and triumphantly raised a golden jet turbine, admitted to feeling nervous before each flight. However, he said that the jet suit was both safe and easy to handle.

MYSTERIOUS ‘UFO’-LIKE MONOLITH FOUND IN WALES BY HIKER, VIDEO SHOWS

“Everything’s hot, it’s running, the engines are screaming at you … and then the flag drops, and it’s just – you absolutely go for it.”

The event showcased not just skilled pilots like Issa Kalfopn but also Dubai’s commitment to hosting unique global events. Gravity Industries and the Dubai Sports Council envision this event as the start of an exciting new chapter in aerial sports, one that could pave the way for it to become an annual event and lead to more widespread adoption and innovation in jet suit technology.

Dubai recently hosted the world’s first jet suit race, where real-life Iron Man figures zoomed through the skies against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers. These jet-suited racers defied gravity, showcasing human ambition and technological skills. The event blurred the lines between reality and the world of superheroes and signaled that this could become an annual event in the future.

Do you think jet suit races become a competitive sport, akin to Formula 1 racing or extreme sports? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Read More 

“We believe we can overcome this together,” Chew said. “I encourage you to keep sharing your stories. Share them with your friends, share them with...

The Crypto Open Patent Alliance took Craig Wright to court to stop him from suing bitcoin developers, asking for a ruling that Wright was not Satoshi. Read More 

You’ve probably heard it a million times, right? Keep your passwords strong, unique and under wraps. Don’t go clicking on shady links, and change your passwords like you change your socks. Oh, and let’s not forget about tucking them away in a cozy, encrypted password manager. The advice list is never-ending.

But here’s a kicker. What if you tick all those boxes and your password still ends up in the wrong hands? I know it sounds like we’re going overboard, but it’s a legitimate worry. How can you keep yourself safe from all the password-stealing scams out there and the damage that can potentially come with that?

The truth is, you can never keep yourself 100% safe from anything. But you can try your best. It starts by taking a step back and understanding the ways that your password, emails and usernames could be potentially compromised.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

Theoretically, there are many ways that hackers can go about stealing your password and other login information, especially when it comes to tricking you into giving it to them. But, all the methods go back to the basics. Here are some of the methods hackers employ to steal passwords from innocent people like you and me.

Password spraying: This isn’t always successful, but attackers may attempt to log in to your accounts by trying random common passwords and seeing if anything hits.

Credential stuffing: Hackers test databases or lists of stolen credentials against multiple accounts to see if there’s a match. If you use the same password across different sites, these hackers have a good chance of finding a match.

Phishing: Phishing attempts are one of the most common ways that hackers can get your password. It’s a social engineering tactic where they attempt to trick you into providing your login credentials. Phishing often takes place through emails or messages, perhaps telling you that you missed a payment or your credit card will be charged soon. In a panic, you contact them to resolve the issue, sometimes not realizing you gave away your information to a scammer until it’s too late.

THE VERY WORST AND WEAKEST PASSWORDS OF 2023

Extortion: Extortion is more aggressive when hackers demand passwords through threats or blackmail.

Keyloggers: Another way is to get you to download malware onto your device, which is capable of capturing everything you type, including your passwords.

Brute force attacks: This is a trial-and-error method of stealing passwords by employing an algorithm that attempts to crack passwords by trying every possible combination.

Local discovery: This is when hackers are physically able to find your passwords that are written down or stored insecurely. Perhaps they break into your home and steal a list of passwords on a notepad in your office desk drawer. Or, they find a way to use malware to hack into your password storage software. This is scary as those are meant to be trusted, but it can happen.

Once hackers get the information they need, they can access your various accounts – including bank accounts – and potentially wreak havoc on your finances and other aspects of your life.

MORE: THE VERY WORST AND WEAKEST PASSWORDS

In addition to the basics we mentioned earlier – like changing your passwords often – there are other strategies you can use to help protect yourself.

Use strong, unique passwords: This is one you probably know, but your password should be long (more than 12 characters) and contain a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols (and whatever you’re allowed to use on the platform it is). Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

Reset your password often: Sometimes, forgetting your password isn’t all that bad. Okay, kidding. But the reason I mention this is because the more often you reset or change your password, the harder it is for hackers to guess it.

Enable two-factor authentication: Most banks and other platforms that hold your sensitive data already have 2FA incorporated into their system, but sometimes, you do need to set it up yourself. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by sending a code to your device or email address. It’s easy once you get it going and can keep your account extra secure.

Check your bank accounts often: One of the most common reasons that a hacker tries to steal your password is to have access to your bank account. Check your activities and statements often to make sure no one is using your account or card to buy anything, and let your bank know of any suspicious or fraudulent activities.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Don’t download suspicious apps: This goes without saying, but if you’re downloading an app from a third-party app store or someone sends you an invitation to download an app, it is best not to do it.

Don’t use public devices or sensitive information: If you must use a public or someone else’s device (for instance, a computer at the library), create a guest user account, use private browsing and sign out of your account before leaving the device and clearing the history.

Be careful on public Wi-Fi: In addition to being careful with which devices you use, you also need to be cautious connecting to public Wi-Fi. Hackers lurk in these places, waiting for people to connect to these often unsecured networks, allowing them to creep in and steal your information.

Do regular software updates on your devices: Clever hackers can find ways to install malware on your device. But by doing software updates regularly, you stay one step ahead of their tricks. These updates patch security vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses and ensure your digital fortress remains resilient against their cunning tactics.

Have good antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed and actively running on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

MORE: HOW TO ENSURE YOUR PASSWORDS DON’T DIE WITH YOU

If you try all of these methods and find out your password has still been stolen, don’t fret. Keep an eye on your accounts, report any identity theft or fraud to the FTC, and reset all your passwords with new, stronger passwords as quickly as possible.

MORE: DITCH YOUR PASSWORD AND SWITCH TO A PASSKEY FOR YOUR AMAZON ACCOUNT

Remember, no security measure is 100% foolproof, but these steps can significantly reduce your risk of being hacked. Stay safe. Any hacker who is determined to steal your password will try nearly every attempt they can think of to get it. But by following the tips above, you can keep yourself that much safer until the hacker moves onto a target who is not as safe.

Have you ever been the victim of a password-related security breach? If so, how did you handle the situation? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Read More 

Since Jan. 1, Palantir's share price has soared by more than 50%. It was trading at $25 a share before the opening bell on Wall...

When asked if he had already teamed up with investors, Mnuchin said he was “working on it” and had “spoken to a bunch of people,”...

Picture looking out the windows of your home and constantly seeing a different view 24/7. 

Sounds pretty cool, right? 

That’s what living in The Lighthouse promises, because it can actually fully rotate 360 degrees. Perched atop Auckland’s coastal Maraetai hillside in New Zealand, this unique property is up for sale for the first time since it was built in the 1990s.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER 

The Lighthouse offers continuous rotation. In just 33 minutes, it completes a full 360-degree spin. The innovative rotating platform ensures that natural light floods through every glass panel. From dawn to dusk, your living spaces are bathed in sunlight. Sliding doors also allow you to connect indoors and outdoors.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

MORE: HOW THIS TINY HOUSE FLIPS ITS DESIGN WITH AN UPSIDE-DOWN LAYOUT

The interior of The Lighthouse spans two floors. A spiral staircase at its center connects these levels seamlessly. Most of the walls are glazed, allowing natural light to flood every corner.

The ground floor features an open-plan layout. Here, you’ll find a sleek stainless steel kitchen, a cozy living room and a dining area.

While there is only one bathroom in the house, it’s a large one with a shower, sink and toilet.

Upstairs, you will find a spacious primary bedroom and two other bedrooms.

Each floor has its own balcony area, perfect for enjoying the changing scenery.

CALIFORNIA UNVEILS 1ST SITE OF TINY HOME PROJECT MEANT TO RELIEVE HOMELESSNESS

MORE: WITH THE PRESS OF A BUTTON, THIS TINY HOUSE FOLDS INTO A BOX THAT YOU CAN TOW ANYWHERE

Engineer and owner/designer Don Dunick built this architectural marvel in the 1990s. Nearly two decades of dedication and ingenuity culminated in a home that defies gravity and convention. Technical challenges were overcome, and groundbreaking solutions were patented – all in pursuit of this innovative home. 

MORE: HOW TO NEVER GET LOCKED OUT OF YOUR HOUSE EVER AGAIN

For the first time, this extraordinary piece of architectural history is up for sale. Valued at just over NZ$1 million (approximately US$600,000), it has already captured the attention of locals and international visitors alike.

This one-of-a-kind property, perched atop Auckland’s coastal Maraetai hillside, can fully rotate 360 degrees. Thanks to its innovative rotating platform, you’ll wake up to different views every day. And now, for the first time since its 1990s construction, this architectural gem is up for sale. Whoever nabs this house will definitely be in for a treat once they move in.

Do you think you’d like to live in a house that spins all the time? Or do you think it’s one of those things that you’d eventually not take advantage of? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Read More 

They're giving us a peek under the lid. Read More 

Computer science researchers at the University of Chicago say they were able to exploit a flaw in the Meta Quest VR's security system. Read More