Latest news with #securityexperts
The Independent
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Security experts are ‘losing their minds' over Trump's latest plan to solve FAA staffing crisis
Despite the Trump administration's hardline immigration policy and mass deportation plans, one government agency is looking to recruit from overseas, and security experts are said to be 'losing their minds' over the prospect. The Federal Aviation Administration is studying the possibility of recruiting air traffic controllers from foreign countries, according to a document seen by The Atlantic. 'The FAA is facing significant air traffic controller staffing shortages, and to address this issue, is exploring the idea of recruiting experienced international talent,' states a three-page executive summary of the initiative. 'However, this approach must be carefully managed to ensure that the FAA's high standards for safety and procedures are upheld,' it adds, acknowledging the need to 'balance the critical areas of safety, training, national security, and immigration law to create a sustainable and effective workforce strategy for the FAA.' The Trump administration has vowed since President Donald Trump 's inauguration to 'protect American workers' over 'the foreign-born,' and yet the median salary for an air traffic controller is approximately $145,000, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2024. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a U.S. official told The Atlantic that the FAA's security experts are 'losing their minds' over the idea of bringing foreign nationals in to work at such a sensitive part of the U.S. aerospace system. There is particular concern over access they could gain to radars and communications networks, as well as sensitive information about military flight paths, restricted airspace, and air-defense zones. Department of Transportation spokesperson Nathaniel Sizemore told the outlet that the FAA is 'exploring every available option' to address a shortage in the air traffic controller workforce. No final decision has been made regarding the hiring of overseas candidates, Sizemore said. However, he also suggested that the initiative could be payback, because 'foreign countries routinely steal U.S. controllers, who are rightfully frustrated by outdated tools and crumbling infrastructure.' Current staffing shortfalls result in ground delays at airports across the U.S., which diminishes flight capacity. More than 90 percent of the country's 313 air-traffic-control centers are functioning below the FAA's recommended staffing levels, according to the union that represents controllers. These shortages have led to fatigue and burnout among controllers, who are required to work mandatory overtime to maintain air travel operations. A preliminary FAA report says that January's midair collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport occurred when staffing was 'not normal.' The crash killed 67 people. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Secretary Sean Duffy released plans to increase salaries for new trainees by 30 percent and offer bonuses to existing employees who agreed to postpone their retirement. A major stumbling block to looking overseas for controllers is that most federal jobs are only available to U.S. citizens, and FAA rules stipulate that non-citizens are not eligible for the necessary security clearances. In an effort to get around the rule, The Atlantic reports that the memo envisions a 'need to create a structured pathway for these international recruits that leads to FAA employment and eventual U.S. citizenship.' The FAA appears to be taking inspiration from 'institutions that admit international students,' despite the Trump administration's moves to crack down on foreign nationals studying in the U.S. The memo suggests a four-and-a-half-year path for candidates that includes language training and courses about weather and 'basic phraseology.' Any applicants will require rigorous vetting and background checks, it notes, and objections are expected from labor unions.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
The 1 Boarding Pass Mistake You Should Never Make—It Could Cost You Your Vacation
Experts recommend against sharing photos of a boarding pass on social media. A family had their seats and meals changed, after sharing a selfie with their boarding pass, according to press reports. Luggage tags and baggage claim tags can also have a significant amount of personal information. Snapping photos and posting them on social media is a fun way to share a travel adventure. However, experts are sounding the alarm on one type of photo that could turn a dream vacation into a travel nightmare. Security experts have published a warning against posting screenshots or photos of boarding passes on social media. In recent years, online scammers and thieves have been able to extract significant personal information from a boarding pass, even if the confirmation number is obscured. As an added precaution, experts also advise not posting photos of luggage tags which can also contain additional personal information and other traveler information. The warning was authored by the United Kingdom-based law firm HD Claims, which says that advanced scammers can scrape the personal data from a QR code or a barcode on the boarding pass, even when the main personal information is concealed. In addition to not sharing the information on social media, the firm recommends shredding and destroying all travel documents, as they have observed cases where tickets had been picked out of hotel trash cans. 'This isn't just about social embarrassment, it's a serious data protection issue,' legal expert at HD Claims Adam Douglas shared in a statement to Travel + Leisure. 'If your ID or travel account is compromised as a result, you could end up footing the bill or losing your holiday altogether.'In May 2025, a family who innocently posted photos of their boarding pass online to celebrate an upcoming international trip became victims of a travel nightmare, according to a report detailing the alleged 'sabotage' from Wake Up Singapore. The Hong Kong-based family claimed in the report that their seats were re-assigned, and special kosher meals were replaced from their initial requests. Worst of all, the parents were separated from their two children, according to the report. When former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott posted his boarding pass for an upcoming flight on his Instagram account, his personal information was obtained by a third party. However, the self-described hacker who obtained Abbott's passport details and number used it as an opportunity to spotlight the importance of internet security, versus any negative outcome, according to a BBC report. In addition to not posting a boarding pass, there are many other easy tips to enhance safety when traveling. The United States Department of State recommends carefully researching a destination, not telling strangers where you are staying, locking windows and doors, and avoiding carrying anything expensive. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
The Verge
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
May 27, 2025 at 4:55 PM EDT
Adidas confirmed customer data was stolen in a cyber attack. The company released a statement last week disclosing that an 'unauthorized external party' managed to obtain 'contact information relating to consumers who had contacted our customer service help desk in the past.' Adidas says the data 'does not contain passwords, credit card or any other payment-related information.' It has 'launched a comprehensive investigation, collaborating with leading information security experts' and is 'in the process of informing potentially affected consumers.'
CNET
27-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Home Security Cheat Sheet: I Gathered All Our Best Expert Advice
CNET Smart home solutions abound for home security and safety, from alarm systems to guides on Wi-Fi hacking and stopping porch pirates. It all gets overwhelming for newcomers looking to protect their home, especially if they don't know a lot of tech terms or product specifications. But this is a great place to start. Below, I've collected our top guides on the best tips and products for your security from our CNET experts and literally hundreds of hours of testing. I cover important topics like video doorbells and smart locks as well as recommendations for maintenance, vacation safety, pets and plenty more. Don't worry renters, there's also lots of practical security advice for tenants below. Take a look and find what you need. (You can also check out our home internet cheat sheet and our solar panel cheat sheet.) Is DIY or a professional home security system best? Arlo sensors can do nearly anything and are easy to move whenever you want. Arlo There are pros and cons to each home security option. DIY home security setups are often more affordable, customizable and compatible with other smart home devices, but you'll likely have to do the installing, setup and constant monitoring yourself. A professional home security service, though it's typically a bit more expensive and may require a monthly subscription, can save you the trouble of installing and setting up your equipment and help suggest the best devices to get. However, they may also lock you into contracts. Professional home monitoring is often available for either type of system, but it's more likely to be standard on a professional installation. Here are some resources to help you decide which system will work best for your home. What's the best home security system? Simplisafe/CNET If you're going with a fully home system that includes separate sensors and a hub to arm or disarm, you'll need to consider different package options that may include an assortment of devices including cameras, alarms, window sensors and motion detectors. (And if you prefer to build your own custom setup, virtually any home security device can be purchased separately.) We've got tested reviews on all of the major players in the security system space: What's the best video doorbell? Porch piracy is becoming more common; did you know that 1 in 6 people were victims of porch theft in the past year? If you're looking for a video doorbell to monitor your front door and deter porch pirates from stealing packages, there are tons of options available for under $200. They all function largely the same, so the best one for your home may come down to design, brand preferences and compatibility with any existing smart home devices or hubs you may have. You may also want to compare extra features like free cloud storage, customizable door chimes or color options when selecting the best smart doorbell for your home. Here are our reviews of some of the video doorbells you may be considering: The Arlo video doorbell is one of several strong options on the market. Chris Monroe/CNET What's the best home security camera? Blink's Outdoor 4 cam is easy to mount and reliable for watching an outdoor space. CNET/Tyler Lacoma Like video doorbells, the best home security camera may come down to price and brand preferences, but you'll also want to consider where you'll be placing the camera and the desired field of view. Some cameras have the ability to pan and tilt and can track motion. Others are built to withstand the rain, wind and temperature extremes of being outdoors. Almost all have motion detection, object recognition and two-way audio. If placing a camera outdoors, keep in mind that some cameras have a wired power source, so you may have to run an extension cord to plug it in. Here are our tested reviews of home security cameras for you to consider: Where should I put a home security camera? Home security cameras can help you keep an eye on things while you're away. Molly Price/CNET While you'll naturally want to put your home security camera in a spot that gives you the view you want, there's more to it than that. Corners are often the best spot for indoor cameras as they'll give you a wider view of the room, but if your camera has 360-degree panning, a central location may be best. As for outdoor cameras, try to install it 10 feet or so above the ground and in a spot where it won't take consistent exposure to direct sunlight or rain. Also, avoid installing any camera in a position that may compromise your neighbor's privacy. Video doorbells, meanwhile, should be installed about four feet up from the bottom of the doorframe. How can I give the impression someone is home while I'm away? Ikea's affordable smart lights. Ikea You can use smart plugs and lighting to make possible intruders think twice about whether or not your home is unoccupied. Schedule single light fixtures, such as a lamp, or a whole group of lights to turn on or off at various times while you're away. Plugs and lights won't watch your home the same as a camera or motion sensor will, but they could prevent an intruder from targeting your home in the first place. Also, they're a downright convenient way to turn the lights out at night. Can I get a home security system without a monthly subscription? Most DIY home security systems do not require a monthly subscription and come with live feed viewing, push notifications and alerts, local storage options and more at no extra cost. Several features often require a monthly fee, but this varies a lot between brands. Ring charges for object detection and smart alerts, while Nest doesn't. Nest offers limited free cloud storage, but most brands make you pay a subscription for online video storage. Lorex and Eufy specialize in local storage with less emphasis cloud data. With a little work, you can quickly find devices and whole systems that don't require any kind of subscription. The one caveat is professional home monitoring, where an agent at a security center can respond to your alarms or alerts. That's always going to cost you extra, and usually only becomes available at the higher tier plans. Ring's live views are easily accessible by users, but they're unlikely to be hacked. Ring/Amazon Can my home security system get hacked? Any kind of technology can have security vulnerabilities. However, your home security system isn't going to get hacked. Cybercriminals don't go around trying to hack doorbells or smart locks. They don't have the tools, the know-how or the time. Instead, home security can be "hacked" by people who already have the login information, like a jealous ex or a divorced spouse. That's why it's always a good idea to stay on top of your password management. The closest we've seen to home hacking is the use of security system jammers, but there are barely any reports of criminals actually using these devices and if they do, they usually have first-hand knowledge about the security system beforehand. Most burglars are simply going to test for unlocked doors and maybe smash a window if they're desperate. Instead, your information is more likely to be hacked in a massive data breach on a security company's servers, or stolen by a company employee, which is why we constantly watch for companies that have a track record of poor security practices. Leak detectors, especially battery models, can go nearly anywhere. Eufy How do I prepare for a home emergency? Home emergencies can include anything from raging wildfires to floods, earthquakes or really bad sewer system problems. The best way to handle events like these is with the right preparation. Even if you're caught off guard, keeping a cool head and contacting the right experts can keep the woes at bay. These guides are a great starting place. For more information about home security products and tips for creating and maintaining the best home security setup for your home, check out the CNET Home Security page.
