Latest news with #NicoElNino
New York Post
01-08-2025
- New York Post
Uber rich tourists are paying upwards of $25K to visit this new hotspot — but pilots refuse to fly there: ‘It's not worth the risk'
It's got some pilots feeling flighty. Antarctica has become a trendy travel spot for extreme adventurers looking to chill out, with some intrepid explorers spending upwards of $25,000 for an icy-cold expedition, according to Aurora Expeditions. Despite the enticing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to take a true polar plunge or go penguin-spotting, many aviation experts say it's actually among the scariest places on the planet to fly. 3 For decades, the only humans on the continent have been researchers, but technological innovations have changed that. NicoElNino – 3 Cruises are by far the most popular way for tourists to reach the icy continent. íí»íµí°íí°í½í´í⬠íÅí°íâ¬íâ¡íµí½í°í¾ – It's not for lack of experience, or even the planes themselves — despite recent crashes and incidents that have air travelers feeling anxious — it's the weather and inestimable climate. 'I've flown into mountainous regions, remote islands and through tropical storms. But Antarctica? That's different,' Richard Wells, a 54-year-old retired pilot, told The Mirror. 'Weather changes with no warning, there are no proper runways in most areas, and if something goes wrong — there's no backup. It's not worth the risk.' Though the pilot has logged over 10,000 hours of hang time and has decades of experience flying over Europe, Asia, and the Americas, he's perfectly fine to leave Antarctic travel to the adventurers. 'There's no margin for error. The infrastructure is minimal, and even experienced flight crews have limited options if conditions deteriorate mid-flight. That's not something I'd ever gamble with,' Wells said. Commercial planes almost never fly in the region, and often, specialized, highly trained charter pilots are the only ones making the journey, Wells added. The small planes that fly there are also typically more prone to turbulence, making the windy skies above the sea especially scary. 3 Many expeditions to Antarctica offer outdoor travel, tours and penguin spotting activities. ANITEK MEDIA – 'Exercise increased caution in Antarctica due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services,' warned a July 28 travel advisory issued by the U.S. government. The Drake Passage — the rough stretch of southern sea between the tip of Chile and icy Antarctica — has been regarded as one of the most dangerous ocean crossings for well over a century, and according to weather experts, for good reason. 'It's the only place in the world where those winds can push all around the globe without hitting land – and land tends to dampen storms,' Alexander Brearley, oceanographer and head of open oceans at the British Antarctic Survey, told CNN. 'The Southern Ocean is very stormy in general [but] in the Drake you're really squeezing [the water] between the Antarctic and the southern hemisphere,' he said. 'That intensifies the storms as they come through.' Apparently, waves regularly churn and crash anywhere between 15 and 49 feet — when they reach storm wave classification. Between the waves and wind, ship captains and pilots alike are wary about crossing the stormy stretch of the Antarctic Ocean — which is why the passage is so highly regulated. Last month, an American teenager was detained in Chile after attempting to make the flight without clearing it with the proper authorities first. He was attempting to fly around the world solo, but experienced complications while in the air and landed at a Chilean air base.
New York Post
24-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Cyberattacks reshape hiring priorities for tech executives
America's tech executives say cybersecurity threats are the biggest challenge businesses will face in the next 10 years, according to new research — and it's affecting their hiring approach. A recent survey examined the business forecasts of 1,000 C-Suite executives in cybersecurity or data center roles and revealed that nearly two-thirds (64%) view data breaches and ransomware attacks as the most significant threat for companies over the next decade. 7 A survey examined executives in cybersecurity and revealed that nearly two-thirds view data breaches and ransomware attacks as the most significant threat for companies. NicoElNino – In fact, more than half (56%) of companies have already defended against a hacking attempt, 43% have experienced a data breach and 14% have fallen victim to a successful hack. Given recent high-profile hacks, security breaches and the ever-growing need for cyber vigilance, it's no surprise that 53% of executives see cybersecurity skills as the most in-demand for their future talent pipelines–especially since 43% 'often' seek to hire entry-level talent. Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Per Scholas, the results found that adaptability and problem-solving (52%) as well as digital and technical skills (38%) also ranked among the top three most sought-after skillsets. Additionally, a notable 42% placed an emphasis specifically on understanding and developing AI. 7 More than half of companies have already defended against a hacking attempt, 43% have experienced a data breach and 14% have fallen victim to a successful hack. SWNS / Per Scholas As the AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly, another 48% of business leaders said that integrating AI and other emerging technologies is a top challenge, while 35% pointed to the growing rules and regulations surrounding AI, rounding out the three biggest challenges ahead. However, adapting to these challenges is also front of mind for these leaders, as nearly all (95%) say that increased awareness and use of AI has an impact on how they store data. A further 87% even believe that AI played an integral role and changed which challenges their business will face. The survey also looked at the perspective of employees working in tech and found that of the 1,000 polled, only 48% believe that their company is 'very prepared' to prevent cybersecurity attacks. 7 As the AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly, another 48% of business leaders said that integrating AI and other emerging technologies is a top challenge. insta_photos – Moreover, only about half of the employees surveyed (51%) are 'very aware' of their company's cybersecurity efforts. The good news? If given the opportunity, 88% said they would participate in additional training — with the average respondent willing to invest just under two hours per week, or 7.1 hours per month. Still, 81% actively take steps to help protect sensitive data, such as keeping software and systems updated (73%), using two or multi-factor authentication (65%) and regularly backing up their data (56%). But that doesn't mean they're without concerns when handling this sensitive data. 7 81% actively take steps to help protect sensitive data, such as keeping software and systems updated (73%). SWNS / Per Scholas Phishing attempts (52%), external threats like outside parties gaining access (42%) and lack of encryption or security measures overall (41%) remain top of mind. Adding to those concerns, only 45% of employees are 'very aware' of where sensitive data is stored within their company. 'AI is finding its way into everything from day-to-day workloads to big-picture strategy, yet cybersecurity concerns remain front and center in the AI economy,' said Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President, Talent Solutions at Per Scholas. 'Our research suggests employees are ready and willing to upskill in order to protect sensitive data, which is a crucial step. By offering comprehensive training and staying ahead of evolving threats, businesses can embrace AI innovations without sacrificing security.' 7 Only 45% of employees are 'very aware' of where sensitive data is stored within their company. Art_Photo – Data centers–facilities where servers and networking equipment are stored and distributed on a large scale–have become essential for businesses managing vast amounts of customers and client data. It's no surprise that they're booming across the globe. Nearly all (95%) business executives and 89% of employees believe they'll only become more integral to a growing economy. As AI takes a more central role in daily life, 66% of all respondents see it as the primary driver of growth in the data center industry. Despite this foresight, just over half (57%) of C-Suite leaders and only 37% of employees feel 'very confident' that the industry will be able to keep up with the rising demand for data centers over the next five years. 7 66% of all respondents see AI as the primary driver of growth in the data center industry. SWNS / Per Scholas Both decision makers and workers agree that technical cybersecurity skills (82%) are crucial for data center professionals, while essential professional development skills like problem-solving (79%) and communication (61%) are also in high demand. As organizations scale to meet this growing demand, they face challenges such as 'recruiting and retaining talent,' 'changes in regulatory compliance' and 'upskilling current talent.' 7 Just over half of C-Suite leaders and feel 'very confident' that the industry will be able to keep up with the rising demand for data centers. StratfordProductions – 'Data centers have become the backbone of our increasingly digital economy, delivering the capacity and infrastructure that modern businesses rely on,' said Murrey. 'There's still a belief that only large enterprises need robust cybersecurity measures, but in reality, every organization — big or small — faces risks. Strengthening security practices, investing in the right talent, and building reliable data infrastructure will help ensure sustainable growth for everyone in this connected landscape.' Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 1,000 U.S. C-Suite and Direct Managers in Cyber Security and Data Center roles and 1,000 employed Americans working in tech; the survey was commissioned by Per Scholas and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 26 and March 5, 2025.
Toronto Sun
21-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Massachusetts student pleading guilty to stealing student and teacher data
Published May 21, 2025 • 1 minute read Photo illustration of a cyber attack. Photo by NicoElNino / Getty Images BOSTON, Mass. — A Massachusetts college student will plead guilty to stealing millions of students' and teachers' private data from two U.S. education tech companies and extorting it for ransom, the U.S. attorney's office said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Assumption University student Matthew Lane, 19, is accused of using stolen login credentials to access the computer network of a software and cloud storage company serving school systems in the U.S. and abroad, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley. PowerSchool was not named in the court filings, but a source familiar with the case confirmed the company's involvement. According to court records, Lane is then alleged to have threatened the release of 60 million students' and 10 million teachers' names, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, residential addresses and medical histories if the company did not pay a ransom of approximately $2.85 million in Bitcoin. Foley said Lane's actions 'instilled fear in parents that their kids' information had been leaked into the hands of criminals _ all to put a notch in his hacking belt.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. An attorney representing Lane didn't return a phone call from The Associated Press requesting comment on Wednesday. Lane, of Sterling, Mass., faces counts of cyber extortion conspiracy, cyber extortion and unauthorized access to protected computers and aggravated identity theft. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled. Lane is also accused of extorting a $200,000 ransom payment from another telecommunications company last spring by threatening to release customer data. 'Matthew Lane apparently thought he found a way to get rich quick, but this 19-year-old now stands accused of hiding behind his keyboard to gain unauthorized access to an education software provider to obtain sensitive data which was used in an attempt to extort millions of dollars,' said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. Canada Canada Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists
