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WikiLeaks.org, the controversial whistle-blowing portal, had reported that the CIA have developed programs that take advantage of unknown vulnerabilities in nearly all the OSes powering mobile phones, tablets and computers.

While nobody has been able to verify whether or not the documents are real, the threats contained therein have been taken rather seriously by the major software vendors.

Microsoft statement on Thursday afternoon, claims that the Central Intelligence Agency's alleged hacking tools shouldn't be able to crack Windows 10 PCs. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 software should be safe from the "dated" vulnerabilities that appear to target "older systems.

And the company has also pledged to send updates to customers should any new threats be discovered.

The company stated in an emailed statement, about taking the security issues very seriously and continuing a deeper analysis to determine if additional steps are necessary to further protect its customers.

WikiLeaks alleged CIA Hacks: Is Windows 10 safe from the "dated" vulnerabilities?

Mozilla has released Firefox 52, bringing support for WebAssembly (also known as wasm), a low-level programming language for in-browser client-side scripting, albeit currently in development. WebAssembly as portable stack machine, is designed to be faster to parse and execute than JavaScript.

WebAssembly will enable developers to create CPU-intensive game apps, with full rendering in 3D, and video editors that run in near-native speed without relying on plug-ins.

While the emerging technology, WebAssembly is an offshoot of Mozilla research project, it was first announced in mid 2015, and was demonstrated executing Unity's Angry Bots in Firefox on March 15, 2016. Meanwhile, Apple (WebKit), Google (Chromium) and Microsoft (Edge) have also subscribed to WebAssembly.

WebAssembly has been tagged as the leading standard for both current web apps and newer categories that may have been stymied by performance issues.

Google had announced WebAssembly support in Chrome 57, which is slated to be released on March 14, however, Mozilla's Firefox 52 support for WebAssembly, which is now available for download has taken the steam out of the Google's browser.

If you're a Firefox user and wanted to be part of the early action, you can trigger an update by selecting ‘About Firefox” from the Firefox menu and follow the prompts.

Mozilla fires up Firefox with support for PC games on browser

Facebook had earlier quipped about its intentions to bring down fake news following criticism for its role in spreading demonstrably false stories ahead of the U.S. presidential election. Now, the social network has rolled out, "Disputed Tag", a new flagging system for fake news which tags hoax stories as “disputed” using non-partisan third parties to assess the factual accuracy of stories.

Initially, Facebook declined that the spread of fake news on the social network could have influenced the election, but subsequently acknowledged the possible role of engineered misinformation.

While the system seems to be transparent, as only stories, not entire sites, are flagged and may continue to appear on the social network, albeit with links to debunkers from participating organizations like Snopes and Politifact.

And after a story is flagged as disputed, it will be reviewed by the third-party fact-checkers, if proven to be a fake news story, then it would be labelled as hoax in the News Feed.

Additionally, Facebook is compiling a list of web domains that have been notorious for spreading fake news so that it is automatically flagged.

Facebook has also made it easier to report a hoax if you find one in the News Feed by clicking on the upper right-hand corner of a post and tapping on “It’s a fake news story.”

The new feature is currently rolling out, and every Facebook user should be able to see it in the coming weeks.

How Facebook "Disputed Tag" Tool helps combat Hoax stories

There is no doubt that pictures are worth a thousand words. A beautiful image will give you the ability to capture a special moment, so it can be cherished for the rest of your life. Nonetheless, some consumers will be interested in taking things one step further. If you agree with this statement, you should consider using Movavi Slideshow Maker to transform your gorgeous images into a totally mesmerizing slideshow. The innovative software will allow you to turn your still images into a cool slideshow and top it off with the perfect music. The software’s features will be explored in greater depth below.

How Movavi Slideshow Maker Works




In all probability, you’ve tried to create a slideshow in the past. Sadly, the process isn’t always easy. Some programs are simply too difficult and too complex for the average individual. This will never be a problem with Movavi Slideshow Maker. In fact, this software will give you the ability to create stunning slideshows in just 5 simple steps. First, you’ll want to add your media. You can add photos, videos, and even complete folders. Then, you’ll need to add transitions.

Next, it is time to choose your slideshow’s audio. The fourth step involves adding titles and effects to each slide. Once you’ve made your way through these steps, you’ll be finished. You’ll just need to save your movie to a specific format and make it available to your friends and family members. The entire process could not get any easier.

Transitions

While your family pictures will truly be the heart and soul of your slideshow, you will also want to make sure that the transitions are perfect. With Movavi’s Slideshow Maker, you will be able to choose from a wealth of transition options. In total, there are more than ninety different transitions to choose from. These transitions are conveniently placed into three categories, so you will be able to find one that suits your needs right away. You can also add fades to your clips. With these options, you will be able to ensure that your video beautifully switches from one clip to the next.

Music Choices

A slideshow can be great on its own, but it will far better with a little bit of music. The music can help set the mood and make your slideshow so much more personal. This is one of the best features of the amazing slideshow maker. With this software, you will be able to complement your images with music with just a few quick clicks. The program comes with a few tracks or you can easily import your own audio files. The software is compatible with various audio formats, including MP3, M4A, WAV, WMA, AAC, and more.

Once your music has been synced to your slideshow, you will be able to make more detailed alterations. For instance, you’ll be able to configure the slide duration, so it perfectly matches the tempo of the selected music.

Adding Titles And Effects

While this software is specifically designed for creating slideshows, the benefits go well beyond this. For instance, it can be utilized to add captions and titles to each and every one of your slides. You can use this feature to ensure that the viewer is aware of the picture’s meaning, location and date. There are more than twenty caption styles to choose from. You can also utilize this software to manipulate your images with a variety of different effects and filters. In total, there are more than 60 cool special effects and filters to choose from. Truly, with this software, you will be able to customize and perfect everything, until your movie is absolutely immaculate.

Exporting Your Slideshow



Eventually, you’ll want to export your slideshow and share it with your friends and family members. With Movavi’s software, this couldn’t be easier. The software is compatible with a wealth of video and audio formats. In terms of video formats, you will be able to choose between MP4, MPG, WMV, WebM, and more. The available audio formats include AAC, FLAC, MP3, WMA, WAV, and others. This ensures that you’ll be able to share your slideshow across a variety of social networks, video sharing sites, and numerous mobile devices.

The software is capable of making your slideshow compatible with Android, Apple, BlackBerry, and other smartphones. Alternatively, you can also configure the file format to ensure that your slideshow can be uploaded to Facebook, YouTube, and other video sharing websites right away.

Simple Alterations

In some cases, your slideshow will only need a few minor tweaks to reach sheer perfection. If this is the type of situation you’re facing, you will adore Movavi’s software. The software is more than capable of making advanced changes. It is also perfect for making simple manipulations quickly and easily. For instance, you will be able to cut and rotate your slides. You can quickly split the slideshow into multiple segments and remove unwanted frames. You can also rotate your frames to ensure that they’re not upside down or sideways.

On top of this, you will also be able to use the program to crop your photographs and zoom in as necessary.

An In-Depth Review Of Movavi Slideshow Maker

What's earlier known as Google Messenger has now turned Android Messages, and would be rolling out as the default messaging app across all Android phones. Google had formerly hinted on works to bring Rich Communication Services (RCS) to Google Messenger, while the released version 2.0 sports a number of changes to cleanup the interface and prepare for better messaging experience.

Android Messages as the default text messaging app for Android phones, means the app will be pre-installed on Android phones from manufacturers like  LG, Motorola, Sony, and others.

While the expected update to the Android Messages to make text messages more powerful by changing from Short Messaging Services (SMS), to Rich Communications Services (RCS) - remains in the works.

And when updated to RCS, Android Messages will offer features such as receipts that show when a message has been read, stickers, maps and more.

Albeit, for Android Messages to feature RCS capabilities, major service providers including Sprint, Rogers, Telenor, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Globe, have been selected as supported partner cell phone service providers.

The RCS features will only be available for messages sent and received within the Android Messages app on the select networks.

Google renames its Messenger app, Android Messages; now default Messaging app

In the wake of the growing infiltration of malware via third-party application vendors, Microsoft may soon introduce a replica of Google's "Verify Apps" feature for Android to Windows 10, allowing "express" install for only apps from the Windows Store.

While, the preview version of Windows 10 already have the option to prevent classic Win32 apps from installing on Windows PCs (as they aren't available in the Windows 10 Store), the new feature will offer even more restriction options for Windows 10 users.

The new feature was reported by MSPoweruser, and it's expected to arrive in the Creators Update, coming in April.

Microsoft is currently testing the new feature, perhaps with the upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update, it will see actual implementation to help prevent installation of malware on to Windows 10 machines. Albeit, the new feature is disabled by default, but for anyone who wants increased security, it can easily be turned on for substantial defense against installation of malware.

And through Apps settings, users can be able to control which apps are installed by choosing between 'Allow apps from anywhere' or 'Prefer apps from the Store, but allow from anywhere', or a strict 'Allow apps from the Store only'.

For those worried about Microsoft locking down Windows 10 PCs and locking out traditional desktop apps, certainly this isn't any good news.

Microsoft to introduce "Verify Apps" feature in Windows 10 Update

Google went public on the Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA-1) encryption collision, announcing that they had succeeded in breaking SHA-1 encryption in a use case involving a pair of documents.

SHA-1 play a role in browser security, managing code repositories, or detecting duplicate files in storage, as the functions compress large amounts of data into a small message digest.

While the cryptographic requirement for wide-spread use, means finding two messages that lead to the same digest should be computationally infeasible.

A collision happens when a hashing function breaks, and two files produce the same hash. This simply means that SHA-1 method of internet security that has been known to be theoretically vulnerable has now been proven vulnerable.

Google plans to release the code they used to break the SHA-1 encryption, which practically makes it available to attackers with an instruction manual for breaking the algorithm. It’s now more urgent than ever before for security practitioners to migrate to safer cryptographic hashes.

Google had long advocated for the deprecation of SHA-1, particularly when it comes to signing TLS certificates.

As a result, almost all websites have dropped SHA-1, and most major browsers show a big red warning when you visit a site secured by SHA-1. And luckily, nothing too serious will ever get broken.

SHA-1 Algorithm Crack by Google: Much Ado about Nothing?

As business accounts are a great majority on Twitter, the company has thought it wise to help these businesses leverage on brand recognition in direct messages, even now that they rely on Twitter as a customer service platform.

Twitter “custom profiles” will differentiate real people from bots within Direct Message threads instead of only presenting the business’ logo, with “customer service agents” having their real face, name, and title listed in the DM.

The feature is currently in testing, and aims to give users a clearer sense of who they’re chatting with, whether a human or a bot, thus eliminating distrust in using social media service agents.

With the human touch to interactions in Direct Messages, businesses will be able to create better customer experiences via Twitter.

According to Twitter research, personalized experiences with human connection can create significant benefits for businesses, and 77% of people are likely to recommend a brand following a personalized customer service interaction.

Albeit, businesses can also use the custom profiles to create fictional character as messaging bots, in an effort to give personality to these characters for promotional purposes.

However, for your business to benefit from these new custom profiles service on Twitter, you'll need to get verified and approved.

Twitter bringing Custom Profiles to Direct Message for Businesses

Google has announced that starting 2018, the unskippable YouTube ads which runs for 30-second before any video play, will be discontinued to give way for better format that will ensure enhanced user experience.

According to Google, it will focus on a commercial format that's more engaging and rewarding for both advertisers and YouTube users.

Albeit, YouTube's 15-second and 20-second ads will continue, with the "bumper ads" as users are more likely to see the ads that move after only 5 seconds.

While the change is expected for 2018, and YouTube creators still have several months to digest the coming disruption in revenue, users on the otherhand thinks the change is a pretty good one.

YouTube 30-second Ads getting Axed!

Facebook is rolling out new Jobs tool for businesses to post job openings, and for job seekers to hunt for jobs on the social network. The new feature is targeted at SMEs that typically struggle to find the right people to hire, on part-time or hourly basis.

While Businesses were already trying to connect with prospective employees on Facebook, now they can post new jobs to the Page Feed through status update, and have it tracked on the Jobs tab on the Page.

And users can simply hit the “Apply Now” button to instantly send an application through Facebook Messenger.

When a job seeker apply for an open position by clicking the "Apply Now" button, Facebook will auto-fill some of the public information from their Facebook profile such as personal details, thus easing out the application process.

The Applicant, however, can review and edit the information before submitting the application, as once submitted, a conversation between the job applicant and the business will be initiated on Facebook Messenger.

Job listings will also show up in News Feed for Facebook users who have liked that business' page, and the page admins have the option to boost the jobs placement by buying ads on Facebook.

The feature will be live for U.S. and Canada businesses to post job listings, track applications and communicate with job applicants through their Facebook pages, in the coming weeks and eventual worldwide roll out may follow soon.

Facebook Eases Hiring Employees with new Jobs tool

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