Latest news with #navigation
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
To steal today's computerized cars, thieves go high-tech
These days, cars are computer centers on wheels. Today's vehicles can contain over 100 computers and millions of lines of software code. These computers are all networked together and can operate all aspects of your vehicle. It's not surprising, then, that car theft has also become high-tech. The computers in a vehicle can be divided into four categories. Many computers are dedicated to operating the vehicle's drive train, including controlling the fuel, battery or both, monitoring emissions and operating cruise control. The second category is dedicated to providing safety. These computers collect data from the vehicle and the outside environment and provide functions like lane correction, automatic braking and backup monitoring. The third category is infotainment systems that provide music and video and can interface with your personal devices through Bluetooth wireless communications. Many vehicles can also connect to cellular services and provide Wi-Fi connectivity. The final category is the navigation system, including the car's GPS system. Computers in one category often need to communicate with computers in another category. For example, the safety system must be able to control the drive train and the infotainment systems. One difference between the network in your car and a typical computer network is that all devices in the car trust each other. Therefore, if an attacker can access one computer, they can easily access other computers in the car. As with any new technology, some aspects of today's cars make it harder for thieves, and some make it easier. There are several methods of stealing a car that are enabled by today's technology. One of the high-tech features is the use of keyless entry and remote start. Keyless entry has become common on many vehicles and is very convenient. The fob you have is paired to your car using a code that both your car and fob know, which prevents you from starting other cars. The difference between keyless entry and the remotes that unlock your car is that keyless entry fobs are always transmitting, so when you get near your car and touch the door, it will unlock. You had to press a button for old fobs to unlock the car door and then use your key to start the car. The first keyless fobs transmitted a digital code to the car, and it would unlock. Thieves quickly realized they could eavesdrop on the radio signal and make a recording. They could then 'replay' the recording and unlock the car. To help with security, the newest fobs use a one-time code to open the door. One method of stealing cars involves using two devices to build an electronic bridge between your fob and your car. One person goes near the car and uses a device to trick the car into sending a digital code used to verify the owner's fob. The thief's device sends that signal to an accomplice standing near the owner's home, which transmits a copy of the car's signal. When the owner's fob replies, the device near the house sends the fob signal to the device near the car, and the car opens. The thieves can then drive off, but once they turn the car off they cannot restart it. Carmakers are looking to fix this by ensuring the fob is in the car for it to be driven. The network used by all computers in a car to communicate is called a controller area network bus. It's designed to allow the computers in a car to send commands and information to each other. The CAN bus was not designed for security, because all of the devices are assumed to be self-contained. But that presumption leaves the CAN bus vulnerable to hackers. Car thieves often try to hack into the CAN bus and from there the computers that control the car's engine. The engine control unit stores a copy of the wireless key code, and thieves can clone this to a blank key fob to use to start the victim's car. One method is accessing a car's onboard diagnostics through a physical port or wireless connection meant for repair technicians. Thieves who access the onboard diagnostics gain access to the CAN bus. Another network hacking method is breaking through a headlight to reach the CAN bus via a direct wiring connection. Modern thieves also try the USB hack, which exploits a design flaw in Hyundai and Kia vehicles. This is more of an old-style hot-wiring of a car than a high-tech computer issue. It is named the USB hack because when thieves break into a car, they look for a slot in the steering column. It turns out that a USB connector fits into the slot, and this allows you to turn on the ignition. So all someone has to do is break the window, insert a USB connector and start the car. This technique has become infamous thanks to a loose affiliation of young car thieves in Milwaukee dubbed the Kia Boyz who have gained notoriety on TikTok. Hyundai and Kia have issued an update that closes the vulnerability by requiring the fob to be in the car before you can start it. Given there are so many different car models, and their complexity is increasing, there are likely to continue to be new and creative ways for thieves to steal cars. So what can you do? Some things are the same as always: Keep your vehicle locked, and don't leave your key fob in it. What is new is keeping your vehicle's software up to date, just as you do with your phone and computer. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Doug Jacobson, Iowa State University Read more: How Ukraine has defended itself against cyberattacks – lessons for the US US autoworkers may wage a historic strike against Detroit's 3 biggest automakers − with wages at EV battery plants a key roadblock to agreement Four strategies to make your neighborhood safer Doug Jacobson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Oil tanker bound for Russia runs aground off Swedish coast
The Swedish Coast Guard is inspecting the Panama-flagged vessel Meshka that has run aground off the Swedish coast while en route to the Russian port of Vysotsk. Source: Swedish public service TV company SVT, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Meshka ran aground near the Swedish port city of Landskrona on Saturday after receiving a warning that it was off course and approaching the shore. On the same day, the Swedish Coast Guard questioned all 24 crew members. None were found to be under the influence of alcohol, and during interrogation, the crew claimed they reacted to the warning too late. Swedish authorities have launched an investigation into possible negligence in maritime navigation, and one crew member was served with a notice of suspicion. The Meshka, sailing under the flag of Panama, was headed to the Russian city of Vysotsk near the Finnish border, carrying approximately 938,000 litres of oil. No oil leaks have been detected so far, and the Swedish Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation. Background: The incident comes shortly after the Swedish government adopted a new regulation aimed at tightening insurance checks on foreign vessels, part of a broader effort to strengthen control over Russia's shadow fleet. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Asharq Al-Awsat
9 hours ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Cairo Intensifying Efforts to Restore Normal Traffic in Suez Canal
Egypt is intensifying its efforts to return traffic in its Suez Canal back to normal in wake of the hit revenues have taken because of the attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed Suez Canal traffic in a telephone call with his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp. Veldkamp hoped the recent ceasefire agreement between Yemen and the US would positively impact navigation in the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Abdelatty said Veldkamp stressed the Netherlands' readiness to encourage Dutch companies to resume navigation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, helping restore normal traffic levels. Revenue from the Suez Canal, a key source of foreign currency for Egypt, plummeted to $880.9 million in the fourth quarter from $2.40 billion a year earlier, the victim of Houthi attacks, central bank figures showed in May. Egypt's Suez Canal Authority chief, Osama Rabie, said in May the authority is considering offering discounts ranging from 12% to 15% on transit fees to help restore traffic in the strategic waterway. Rabie met with representatives from shipping agencies who called for temporary incentives that would help offset increased insurance costs for vessels operating in the Red Sea, which they deemed a high-risk zone. The meeting followed an Oman-mediated ceasefire between the US and the Houthis, under which the US agreed to stop bombing the Houthis in Yemen in return for the group agreeing to stop attacking US ships. The accord does not include Israel. Abdelatty and Veldkamp also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East region, particularly the catastrophic situation in Gaza.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Another Lockheed Martin-Built GPS III Satellite Lifts Off into Orbit
CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At 1:37 p.m. EDT today, the eighth GPS III space vehicle—designed and built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) —successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. It achieved signal acquisition shortly thereafter. Similar to its rapid response predecessor in December 2024, GPS III SV08 executed an accelerated launch call-up, shipping from its cleanroom in Colorado and undergoing launch preparations in Florida in just over three months, compared to the typical timeframe of several months. 'Our team is thrilled to support another launch of a critical GPS satellite, just five months since the last liftoff,' said Malik Musawwir, vice president of Navigation Systems for Lockheed Martin Space. 'This demonstrates Lockheed Martin's ability to rapidly launch and deploy national security space assets, and we look forward to putting the next two GPS III satellites on orbit to further enhance this critical constellation.' These GPS III satellites will play a vital role in providing accurate and resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities to both civilian and military users, enabling critical applications such as aviation, maritime, and land transportation, plus search and rescue operations. For military users, the advanced security features and anti-jamming capabilities of GPS III – and the follow-on GPS IIIF – satellites are particularly crucial, as they will ensure uninterrupted access to precise navigation and timing data, even in contested or denied environments, thereby supporting national security and defense operations. SV08 is now under operational control at Lockheed Martin's Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center until its official acceptance into the current operational GPS network. Ground Operations for Space Security In addition to building the spacecraft at its Littleton, Colorado facility, and providing early on-orbit operations, Lockheed Martin plays a major role in the continuation and maintenance of the modernized GPS ground segment—also known as the Architecture Evolution Plan. This architecture is core to operating the 31 active GPS satellites on orbit, enabling them to provide life-changing PNT capabilities that our modern world relies. The ground segment underpinned by Lockheed Martin is responsible for monitoring and controlling the GPS satellite constellation, as well as providing navigation data to its users. It consists of a network of monitoring stations, master control stations, and ground antennas located around the world. Most recently, Lockheed Martin has further enhanced GPS' ground segment by incorporating M-Code Early Use into the system, which allows for worldwide use of a specialized, secure military communications signal by American and allied troops. Once declared operational, GPS III SV08 will be the eighth GPS III satellite in space with boosted M-code, strengthening navigation, precision and anti-jamming for critical military operations. Lockheed Martin was also recently awarded a contract modification for two additional future GPS IIIF satellites to further enhance the constellation. About Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lockheed Martin
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
We're travel experts — these are our top tips for getting around the six busiest airports in the US
They're the six busiest airports in the US — and massive, too, with the largest one three-fourths as big as Washington, DC. And that means navigating them can be daunting, even for frequent fliers. Luckily, help has touched down. Here, travel experts who know these airports like the back of their neck pillows dispense their top tips for getting around the hubs and reveal the best places to relax before a flight. There are the zen-like walkable tunnels at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, the crucial train to take at Dallas airport, the location of the "shockingly underused" fire pit patio at Denver, the amazing yoga room at Chicago O'Hare, the VIP terminal at LAX and the incredible hotel pool with runway views at JFK. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — 108 million passengers annually Getting around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) is "like Grand Central on steroids", according to Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor for Altezza Travel. "It's the busiest airport in the world and you feel it the second you land," she continues. "Everything is moving, people are rushing, and you're just dropped in the epicenter. "Delta runs the show here and something like 80 percent of passengers are connecting through ATL, which makes it a constant stream of movement." With this in mind, it's best to arrive in good time. Scarlett Martin, Assistant Manager of Flight Centre UK's Horsham Store, tells The Independent: "Security lines at ATL can take a while, so I'd always err on the side of caution and arrive three hours before your flight." ATL is laid out in a fishbone shape with two terminals as the head and tail, a domestic terminal and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal, seven concourses denoted by the letters A, B, C, D, E, F and T; and 193 gates. International flights are served by concourses E, F and, to a lesser extent, T. Georgia, from Pittsburgh, notes that "navigation is straightforward, with the terminals all lined up", and adds that the Plane Train "connects them fast". But she warns that it's "always packed". "I've got a love-hate thing with it," she tells The Independent. "I only use it if I have a heavy bag or I'm late. "Otherwise, I walk the tunnels. They're quiet, with soft lights and art installations. Honestly, it feels like airport therapy. It might seem like a hassle, but after 14 hours of travel, the quiet and motion are exactly what I need." Where to relax Scarlett says that travelers might find Concourse T, which is closest to the main entrance, too crowded. Instead, she suggests heading to Concourse D and the brand-new soccer-pitch-sized Delta Sky Club (if you have eligibility), the eighth in Delta's lounge portfolio at Atlanta. She reveals: "This spacious lounge offers seating for over 500 guests, with panoramic airfield views. The buffet-style food is excellent, offering both hot and cold options and clearly labelled allergens — something I took great comfort in as I suffer from a peanut allergy. "The coffee from the machine is surprisingly good too — not like the typical sludge-like liquid that you can expect from airports." For Claire Baker, Head of Customer Experience at luxury travel concierge company Winged Boots, it's Concourse B that offers the best spot to relax. She says: "I always recommend booking a private pod at Minute Suites in Concourse B. "It's perfect for a pre-flight nap or a quiet space to work or relax." Georgia's go-to quiet zone is near Atlanta Chophouse in the food court before Concourse A. She reveals: "There are wall-side tables and outlets. When I've got work calls, I go there." Where to eat One Flew South on Concourse E is Claire's top spot for a bite to eat. She says: "One Flew South is an absolute must for upscale sushi and southern fusion cuisine." Getting out The best exit strategy? Georgia has a tip up her sleeve for those with carry-on luggage only. She reveals: "If I'm traveling with just a carry-on, I exit through Concourse F. It's cleaner, emptier, and my Uber arrives in three minutes flat. One catch: you can't do this if you've checked a bag." Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport — 87 million annual passengers Getting around Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a behemoth measuring 27 square miles – that's larger than the land area of Manhattan and five-and-a-half times as big as London Heathrow, Europe's busiest hub. So pay close attention to Georgia's tips for navigating it. She tells The Independent: "DFW is a literal city. One of the largest airports in the US by area, with five terminals [A, B, C, D, and E] arranged like flower petals. "It's easy to get lost if you're not paying attention. "Skylink is the internal lifeline — a train that loops inside security. It's fast and honestly a lifesaver. "Terminal Link is its less helpful cousin — the outside bus. It's for folks who haven't cleared security or who've exited already. It's slow, confusing, and I avoid it." Are you always running late? Then you'll need to up your punctuality game at DFW because tardiness is a risky business there. Georgia explains: "You absolutely need extra time to get between terminals. DFW looks compact on the map, but you might spend 15 minutes just riding Skylink. "Even if the gate looks close, I don't risk it. I always buffer time. It cuts down my panic level by at least 80 percent." Georgia also urges fliers to use the official DFW app to help with orientation and to find useful features. She reveals: "It shows wait times, terminal maps, even where the bathrooms are. Sounds small, but it helps more than you'd think." Where to relax Georgia reveals that when she's got time to kill, she'll drift over to Terminal D. She explains: "It's quieter, more spacious, nice food and shops. Even if I'm flying out of B, I'll sometimes head to D just to relax or get work done." Gilbert Ott, frequent flier and Founder of travel site recommends the Capital One lounge in Terminal D. He tells The Independent: "The Capital One lounge here basically invented lounge grab and go, so even if you're pressed for time, cardmembers can get a nice latte and some quality snacks for the flight." Claire, on the other hand, reveals that her top pick for relaxation is the Centurion Lounge by Amex. She says: "[It's] a great spot to freshen up before your flight and serves fantastic Tex-Mex food. Finally, if you've got time, I'd recommend visiting the Founder's Plaza, an open-air observation area just outside the airport." Denver International Airport — 82 million annual passengers Getting around You'll need your wits about you at Denver International Airport (DIA), which is the biggest airport in the US at 54 square miles. Or three-fourths as big as Washington, DC. Denver-based frequent flyer Angela Berardino from The Brouhaha Collective travel PR firm flies out of DIA about 30 times a year, and points out that the airport has been undergoing a major renovation for the past two years, "with more to come". The result? Navigation is even trickier for the uninitiated. She says: "If you are an infrequent flyer, plan ahead because signage and construction is confusing." Georgia agrees, saying: "It's beautiful, but chaotic. From the outside, you've got those iconic mountain-peak roofs. Inside — a confusing experience. Navigation isn't intuitive." Your first step? Check DIA's website for security wait times, advises Angela, who adds that they're shown in real time. "I check every time," she says. Then, ensure you arrive at the correct part of the airport for the security lane you'll be using. Angela explains: "In most airports, the lines for regular TSA, TSA Pre-Check, and CLEAR [a biometric ID verification service] are adjacent, but at DIA, they're in different locations, and the airport is massive, so if you get dropped off at the wrong place, you may need to walk 10 to 15 minutes to find your line. The airport's explanation for how it works is here - It's best, says Angela, to use the "DEN Reserve" system and pre-book a free security slot in the dedicated lane at West Security (5am-5pm). Angela says: "Pick a time online up to three days out, show the QR code, glide through." And if you don't book a slot? "The only stress-free strategy is to show up earlier than feels reasonable," says Georgia. "Seriously. No exceptions. Security is the real villain here." Once you're through, the only way to reach your concourse is via the AGTS (Automated Guideway Transit System) train. "It runs every two minutes and gets you to your concourse with minimal drama," says Georgia. But she walks when possible, adding: "There's also a pedestrian bridge to Concourse A — the only part of the airport you can walk to. "I take it when I can. It's calm, you can see the Rockies, and it gives me a second to breathe before boarding." Where to relax Angela recommends the new outdoor decks with fire pits at Concourse B. She says: "They are shockingly underused. Grab a beverage, charge your phone in the sunshine, and watch the jets with actual Colorado air in your lungs." Another of her picks is in Concourse C. She says: "Duck past the seated diners to the rear bar at Root Down. Order food and craft cocktails to go — no wait list, no up‑charge. They do Denver farm‑to‑gate goodness in a compostable box." And while she's not tried it yet, the newly opened Williams & Graham speakeasy near gate A38 "is getting rave reviews". Chicago O'Hare International Airport — 80 million annual passengers Getting around "A layover marathon." That's how Georgia describes Chicago O'Hare, which has four active terminals with nine concourses. But she has a few tips to make getting around it less of a slog. She says: "The terminals are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. Yes, there's no 4. There was a temporary terminal 4, but it was shut down after terminal 5 was built, and this terminal was not renumbered to avoid breaking airport systems. "Terminals 1 through 3 are connected, so that part is easy. "A whole different game is T5, for international flights. "To get there, you'll need to leave security, hop on the ATS train, and hope you've got time." Claire Baker tells The Independent that at O'Hare, it's "worth reserving a fast lane pass in Terminal 5 to speed through security and avoid the long queues". Where to relax Claire recommends decompressing in the yoga room on the mezzanine level of Terminal 3's rotunda. She says: "Here, travelers can take guided yoga sessions, perfect for unwinding and escaping the airport rush ahead of flying." There are also "Mother's Rooms" and "Mamava pods" throughout the terminals that provide calming environments for nursing parents, the airport itself points out. These spaces include comfortable seating, changing tables, sinks, electrical outlets, and soft lighting. The airport continues: "Travelers who appreciate good views while they wait should explore the breezeway seating across from the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Terminal 3, or stop by the bridge between Concourses G and H to watch aircraft taxi and take off from the American Airlines ramp. "Another excellent vantage point can be found at Gate E1 in Terminal 2, right by the family lounge, which offers a sweeping view of the United Airlines fleet and runway operations." Where to eat The airport tells The Independent that the L Stinger — consisting of the eight gates at the far end of Concourse L —is home to the Burger Federation, "which offers top-ranked burgers". The airport continues: "For those who prefer to slow down with a sit-down meal before a flight, O'Hare has a few reliable go-to spots. Berghoff Café in Concourse C, Tuscany in Concourse B, and Romano's Macaroni Grill near the H and K gates are all popular with frequent travelers, and all offer full-service dining in comfortable settings. Terminal 5 travelers can also enjoy well-regarded local restaurants like Bar Siena and The Hampton Social." The airport reveals that you can also order meals ahead of time using the Grab app and the Farmer's Fridge app. And for those in need of a convenient coffee, the airport brewed up this hack: "Order your coffee from a vendor past the TSA checkpoint before you go through security, where it will be ready for pickup on the other side once you clear screening. Additionally, all O'Hare Starbucks locations offer mobile ordering through the Starbucks app, making it especially easy to time your caffeine fix just right." Los Angeles International Airport — 76 million passengers Getting around Georgia remarks that "Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 'stress-free' don't belong in the same sentence". "But I've got a few moves," she says. "It's old, bloated, always under construction. Nine terminals shaped like a horseshoe, with constant detours and endless people. But the biggest pain is not inside. It's outside. Getting in and out is the real quest. "LAX-it — the Uber/Lyft pickup zone — is in a completely separate area. You have to take a shuttle. Don't try to walk there with luggage, even if it seems close. Trust me, it turns into a sweaty, three-stage odyssey real fast." So, how best to move between terminals? Georgia says: "If I need to move between terminals, I use the free Route A shuttle. But if you exit security, you'll have to go through TSA again. "That's why I always check which terminals are connected inside the secure zone. It saves both time and sanity. For example, Terminals 4 and 5 have an internal walkway —no need to exit. Small thing, huge difference." Where to relax Gilbert Ott suggests setting your sights on the new Delta One check-in, "which has private security and leads directly into the lounge, offering one of the best departure experiences in the US". He continues: "The Sky Club —Delta lounge — has amazing tarmac views with an outdoor terrace, too. People forget that you can walk between most terminals at LAX, so it's easy to lounge hop around." Claire recommends "indulging pre-flight at Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar" and for an "ultra-exclusive experience", book PS (The Private Suite), located in a private terminal". This, she notes, offers travelers access to luxury spaces, private TSA and customs clearance, and a white-glove escort straight to their flight. John F. Kennedy International Airport — 38 million annual passengers Getting around Claire Baker stresses that to avoid stress at JFK "be sure to download the MyTSA and JFK Airport apps for important real-time updates and terminal maps". She adds: "They're a huge lifesaver at such a busy airport." Gilbert adds: "Don't forget that TSA PreCheck officially closes after 8pm on most days, so if you have a late-night flight, factor that in." Want to leave in style? Gilbert suggests the Blade helicopter transfer service, which offers rides into NYC from $195 (down to $150pp) with a promo code, "so you can get from Manhattan to the airport, or vice versa, in seven minutes". The bucket list place to relax is the TWA Hotel, which is unique. Claire describes it as "a must", and no wonder. The rooftop infinity pool offers those splashing around a view of the ever-busy Runway 4 Left/22 Right and Jamaica Bay beyond. Not fussed about plane-spotting? You'll surely admire the TWA logo mosaic on the bottom of the pool.
