Latest news with #NeilSmith
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
California fires destroyed his home, then his lender destroyed his credit. How forbearance is burning victims
Neil Smith lost everything when the California Eaton Fire destroyed his home in January 2025. With this in mind, you can imagine his relief when Smith learned about a state-led initiative promising a 90-day mortgage forbearance without penalties. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Shop Top Mortgage Rates Your Path to Homeownership A quicker path to financial freedom Personalized rates in minutes 'I don't need any more stress, and it was presented to me as an option,' Smith told NBC News. 'However, if I had to do it again, I wouldn't go anywhere near it.' What Smith thought would give him some financial breathing room has instead put him in a financial chokehold. The state's agreement says that when the 90-day forbearance ends, homeowners should be offered repayment options without being required to make an immediate lump-sum 'balloon payment.' Smith was also told his credit score wouldn't take a hit. But Smith says both of those promises were broken, and he's not the only one. 'The whole thing is like going around with a begging bowl' Bill AB 238 was designed to allow owners of properties in California with four or fewer residential units to hit pause on their mortgage payments for 90 days. After that period, the borrower can request to have the forbearance extended in 90-day segments for up to one year. 'These financial protections will enable residents to concentrate on taking care of their immediate needs rather than worrying about paying their mortgage bills,' California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a news release. Under the bill, lenders are not permitted to tag on late fees, raise interest rates or start foreclosure proceedings during the forbearance period. Lenders are also required to keep credit reports clean if homeowners were up to date with their payments before entering the program. The bill was meant to give homeowners some breathing room without wrecking their financial future, but attorney Aimee Williams — whose firm is representing Smith and others — says lenders aren't holding up their end of the bargain. 'Four hundred mortgage servicers signed up to abide by these bare minimum standards for mortgage relief,' Williams told NBC News. 'Homeowners are instead being offered the complete opposite.' Williams says her clients are being told to pay up or risk foreclosure. "They want the whole amount due, and until you pay it off, it's still going to have an adverse effect on your credit," said Smith. "And I'm just going… 'unbelievable.'" Altadena resident Lisa Mason says it all began for her when her mortgage provider enrolled her in the forbearance initiative, but Mason claims she didn't give her consent and was mistakenly enrolled by her provider. This resulted in her automatic payments being stopped and her credit score dropping by 120 points. 'I really think they want me out, they want me to give up… so that they can take the property or that I'll sell it,' said Mason. Neither Mason's nor Smith's mortgage providers responded to NBC News's requests for comment. Meanwhile, Smith says this ordeal has made securing new loans nearly impossible. 'You don't have as many options,' he said. 'The whole thing is like walking around with a begging bowl.' Read more: Nervous about the stock market? Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you're not a millionaire. What can California homeowners do? According to NBC News, the Governor's office says it's proud of the agreement with lenders and that it's not acceptable for lenders to break their commitments. The state agency overseeing financial institutions says it has received more than 100 complaints and resolved most of them. However, the homeowners that NBC News spoke with are still awaiting resolution. Those homeowners may have legal recourse, depending on their situation, but they'd be well advised to seek professional advice on whether or not they have a case. Some states, like California, have homeowner protections under the California's Homeowner Bill of Rights, which includes safeguards like notice requirements before filing a Notice of Default. Homeowners affected by this issue need to make sure they do what they can to protect themselves in the meantime. This can include: Documenting everything: Keep every letter, email and statement during your correspondence with your mortgage lender Filing a complaint: Inform the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about your issue and federal regulators can investigate Seeking legal aid: Get assistance from nonprofit housing rights organizations and foreclosure defense attorneys Exploring other options: Alternative settlements like loan modifications or repayment plans can help you avoid foreclosure risks What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 simple ways to grow rich with real estate if you don't want to play landlord. And you can even start with as little as $10 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
Hackers can use just a radio to cause train accidents in US, CISA explains how
Representative Image The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning about a key train system in the US. The warning specifically concerns the End-of-Train and Head-of-Train protocol, which the agency claims could be hacked using only a radio. This vulnerability stems from the system's lack of encryption and authentication protocols. The flaw involves the communication between a Flashing Rear End Device (FRED), or End-of-Train (EOT) device, attached to the back of a train, and a corresponding Head-of-Train (HOT) device in the locomotive. Installed in the 1980s to replace caboose cars, these devices can transmit data via radio signals, where commands can also be sent to the FRED to apply brakes at the rear of the train. The current system is dependent on data packets with a simple BCH checksum for error detection. However, CISA is now warning that a person using a software-defined radio could potentially send fake data packets, which would allow them to interfere with train operations. What CISA said about this train system vulnerability In its advisory, CISA wrote: 'Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to send their own brake control commands to the end-of-train device, causing a sudden stoppage of the train, which may lead to a disruption of operations, or induce brake failure,' the CISA wrote in its advisory.' What researchers said about this train system's vulnerability CISA credited researchers Neil Smith and Eric Reuter for reporting this vulnerability. Moreover, in a post shared on the social media platform X (earlier Twitter) that he had first alerted the agency's predecessor, ICS-CERT, back in 2012 and no action was taken at the time. In his X post, Smith wrote: 'So how bad is this? You could remotely take control over a Train's brake controller from a very long distance away, using hardware that costs sub $500. You could induce brake failure leading to derailments or you could shutdown the entire national railway system.' However, Smith noted that efforts to address a cybersecurity flaw stalled due to a disagreement between ICS-CERT and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) between 2012 and 2016, as the latter considered the risk too theoretical without real-world proof. When Smith raised the issue again in 2024, AAR still downplayed its importance, though it later announced plans to upgrade the outdated system in 2026. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Gizmodo
15-07-2025
- Gizmodo
Hackers Can Tamper With Train Brakes Using Just a Radio, Feds Warn
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an advisory last week warning that a key train system could be hacked using nothing but a radio and a little know-how. The flaw has to do with the protocol used in a train system known as the End-of-Train and Head-of-Train. A Flashing Rear End Device (FRED), also known as an End-of-Train (EOT) device, is attached to the back of a train and sends data via radio signals to a corresponding device in the locomotive called the Head-of-Train (HOT). Commands can also be sent to the FRED to apply the brakes at the rear of the train. These devices were first installed in the 1980s as a replacement for caboose cars, and unfortunately, they lack encryption and authentication protocols. Instead, the current system uses data packets sent between the front and back of a train that include a simple BCH checksum to detect errors or interference. But now, the CISA is warning that someone using a software-defined radio could potentially send fake data packets and interfere with train operations. 'Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to send their own brake control commands to the end-of-train device, causing a sudden stoppage of the train which may lead to a disruption of operations, or induce brake failure,' the CISA wrote in its advisory. The CISA credits researchers Neil Smith and Eric Reuter for reporting this vulnerability to the agency. However, Smith wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he first alerted the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT), which is now part of CISA, of the risk in 2012 and no action was taken to address the issue at the time. 'So how bad is this? You could remotely take control over a Train's brake controller from a very long distance away, using hardware that costs sub $500. You could induce brake failure leading to derailments or you could shutdown the entire national railway system,' Smith wrote on X. According to Smith, there was a stalemate between ICS-CERT and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) between 2012 and 2016. He claims that the AAR found the risk too theoretical and required proof that it could actually happen in the real world before taking action. In 2024, Smith brought the issue up again with the agency. Smith wrote on X that the AAR still felt the issue was not a big deal, but in April, the industry group announced that it would finally start upgrading the outdated system in 2026. Acting Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Chris Butera downplayed any current risks stemming from the EOT's vulnerabilities in a statement emailed to Gizmodo. 'The End-of-Train (EOT) and Head-of-Train (HOT) vulnerability has been understood and monitored by rail sector stakeholders for over a decade,' wrote Butera. 'To exploit this issue, a threat actor would require physical access to rail lines, deep protocol knowledge, and specialized equipment, which limits the feasibility of widespread exploitation—particularly without a large, distributed presence in the U.S.' Butera added that CISA is working with industry partners on mitigation strategies and confirmed that a fix is on the way. The AAR did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Gizmodo.
Powys County Times
04-07-2025
- Powys County Times
Powys man pleads guilty to harassing woman on social media
A Powys man has appeared in court accused of harassing a woman on social media. Neil Smith, 62, had been banned by a court from contacting the woman since February 2016. He pleaded guilty to sending her a text message and a friend request on Facebook, and also 'liking' three of her social media posts. The course of conduct, which the prosecution said amounted to harassment, took place between January 12 and 25 this year. The hearing at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, June 26, was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TalkTalk Joins Forces With NiCE To Deploy CXone Mpower In Mission To Revolutionize Customer Experience
The UK connectivity provider is embracing cutting-edge technology to transform business with NiCE's AI-powered platform HOBOKEN, N.J., July 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NiCE (Nasdaq: NICE) today announced that TalkTalk, one of the UK's largest connectivity providers, has taken another step forward in its mission to become the UK's most recommended Wi-Fi provider by harnessing NiCE's AI-powered customer service automation platform, CXone Mpower. As part of transformation plans aimed at radically simplifying its business and revolutionizing customer experience, the collaboration will enable TalkTalk to combine multiple existing operating systems into one powerful, unified AI platform, CXone Mpower. The platform will empower front-line agents by streamlining end-to-end customer service processes and – through built-in AI technology – equip them with intelligent automated writing tools and the most relevant answers in real-time. The technology will reduce the need for manual interventions and enable agents to stay focused on customers during conversations. With CXone Mpower, TalkTalk hopes to provide faster response times, more accurate resolutions, and a truly seamless experience for customers. It forms part of a broader strategy to adopt innovative and flexible technologies to simplify TalkTalk's operating platform and provide a more customer-friendly offering. Neil Smith, Chief Operating Officer, TalkTalk, said: "We are transforming our approach to customer service to meet the expectations of today's digitally connected customers. Partnering with NiCE will give us a powerful and practical customer service platform powered by AI, enabling us to provide faster resolutions and a better customer experience." Darren Rushworth, President, NiCE International, said: "We are extremely thrilled to be working with TalkTalk at such a pivotal point in their customer service transformation. By unifying operations with CXone Mpower, TalkTalk is eliminating inefficiencies and setting a new benchmark for AI-driven customer service in the UK telecom industry. Their commitment to innovation ensures they remain at the forefront of delivering seamless, scalable, and automated customer experiences. This will be a game-changer for TalkTalk, its customers and employees." Neil Smith and Bhavesh Panchal, Head of Channels and Digital Adoption at TalkTalk, will be delivering a keynote presentation on the business' digital-first transformation and more at NiCE's Interactions International 2025 event, taking place in London on 2nd July. Register here. About TalkTalkTalkTalk is the UK's largest value for money connectivity provider with broadband, TV and phone customers. Since entering the market in the early 2000s, we've had a proud history as an innovative challenger believing that connectivity should be simple, affordable, reliable, and fair. TalkTalk is the consumer business of the TalkTalk Group, headquartered in its Soapworks HQ in Salford, Greater Manchester. About NiCENiCE (NASDAQ: NICE) is transforming the world with AI that puts people first. Our purpose-built AI-powered platforms automate engagements into proactive, safe, intelligent actions, empowering individuals and organizations to innovate and act, from interaction to resolution. Trusted by organizations throughout 150+ countries worldwide, NiCE's platforms are widely adopted across industries connecting people, systems, and workflows to work smarter at scale, elevating performance across the organization, delivering proven measurable outcomes. Trademark Note: NiCE and the NiCE logo are trademarks of NICE Ltd. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners. For a full list of NICE's marks, please see: Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements, including the statements by Mr. Rushworth, are based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of NICE Ltd. (the "Company"). In some cases, such forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "believe," "expect," "seek," "may," "will," "intend," "should," "project," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," or similar words. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those described herein, including but not limited to the impact of changes in general economic and business conditions; competition; successful execution of the Company's growth strategy; success and growth of the Company's cloud Software-as-a-Service business; rapid changes in technology and market requirements; the implementation of AI capabilities in certain products and services, decline in demand for the Company's products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; difficulties in making additional acquisitions or difficulties or effectively integrating acquired operations; loss of market share; an inability to maintain certain marketing and distribution arrangements; the Company's dependency on third-party cloud computing platform providers, hosting facilities and service partners; cyber security attacks or other security incidents; privacy concerns; changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates, the effects of additional tax liabilities resulting from our global operations, the effect of unexpected events or geo-political conditions, including those arising from political instability or armed conflict that may disrupt our business and the global economy; our ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; the effect of newly enacted or modified laws, regulation or standards on the Company and our products and various other factors and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, refer to the Company's reports filed from time to time with the SEC, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise them, except as required by law. View source version on Contacts Corporate Media Contact Christopher Irwin-Dudek, +1 201 561 4442, media@ ETInvestors Marty Cohen, +1 551 256 5354, ir@ ETOmri Arens, +972 3 763 0127, ir@ CET Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
