WASHINGTON − The State Department’s Global Engagement Center, the highly touted nerve center for coordinating U.S. efforts to counter foreign disinformation – especially by Russia and China – shut down this week after becoming a lightning rod for conservative criticism. The mission of the GEC, as it is commonly known, was to “direct, lead, synchronize, integrate, and coordinate” the U.S. campaign against propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining or influencing the policies, security and stability of the U.S. and its allies. But the GEC, with a relatively tiny $60 million budget and staff of 120, was first criticized in 2023 by Elon Musk, the multibillionaire advisor to President-elect Donald Trump, as the “worst offender in U.S. government censorship & media manipulation.” More:‘President-elect Musk’: Elon’s influence on display in government spending fight The GEC was initially included in a stopgap bill to fund the government past a Dec. 20 deadline, but GOP lawmakers deleted it from a last-minute bill ultimately passed by Congress. A State Department spokesperson said the GEC “will terminate by operation of law [by the end of the day] on December 23, 2024. The Department of State has consulted with Congress regarding next steps,” the AFP news agency reported. The GEC evolved from the Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications, established by the Obama administration in 2011 to counter online extremist recruitment and propaganda. An Obama 2016 executive order created the GEC to broaden its mission to include fighting disinformation by state and non-state actors. The GEC soon began to focus primarily on using high-tech tools such as social media analytics to identify and counter disinformation campaigns by Moscow and Beijing that were increasingly targeting Washington and its allies. It sought to broaden its impact by working with other U.S. agencies, foreign allies and the private sector. News from abroad, made sense for you: Sign up for USA TODAY’s Russia-Ukraine Crisis newsletter. A Sept. 28, 2023 report by the GEC called out China for spending billions of dollars annually on foreign manipulation efforts. It detailed how Beijing employed “a variety of deceptive and coercive methods as it attempts to influence the international information environment.” The report said China extensively pushed propaganda, including through fake media and research papers “falsely blaming the United States for creating COVID-19.” Those efforts falsely promoted China and the Chinese Communist Party’s “desired narratives on issues such as Taiwan, its human rights practices, the South China Sea, its domestic economy, and international economic engagement.” More broadly, the GEC report said, China sought to leverage propaganda, censorship and “digital authoritarianism” to encourage foreign governments, journalists and civil society at large to accept its preferred narratives and avoid criticizing its conduct as it sought more influence on the global stage. The GEC also has published numerous hard-hitting criticisms of Russia. In 2020, the GEC has detailed how Russia spread conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has called out the Kremlin for trying to sow chaos in U.S. And it has exposed Russian attempts to destabilize U.S. influence in Africa by spreading false claims about U.S. health programs. In September, it called out Moscow and its state-run media organization RT for using propaganda, disinformation – and sophisticated “cyber capabilities” – to sway the global community on issues like its war against Ukraine. More:Lara Trump, Kari Lake, other notable Republicans appeared on podcasts accused of Russia tie That effort by RT involved not only information operations but also covert influence and even military procurement efforts in targeting countries around the world, including in Europe, Africa, and North and South America, the GEC said in a Sept. 13 report. “When state or non-state actors spread disinformation, material deliberately meant to deceive or divide our public, they attack the very foundations of our free and open society,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in releasing the report. He laid out specific steps the Biden administration was taking “to hold accountable those who weaponize disinformation to undermine our democracy,” including coordinated crackdowns by the State, Justice and Treasury departments. In January, the GEC spearheaded an agreement to counter state-run disinformation campaigns that’s now backed by at least 21 countries including Spain, Poland, Finland and the West African nation of Côte d’Ivoire – and that could enable them to also create their own versions at home. Funding for the GEC ran into congressional opposition in 2024 by Republican lawmakers who claimed it was overstepping its authority by trying to silence conservative voices in the U.S. including pro-Trump influencers. Three ranking House Republicans wrote Blinken in July to accuse the GEC of straying from its statutory duty to counter propaganda and disinformation abroad. “Your Department refuses to acknowledge that … any value the GEC provides is tempered by genuine concerns that the GEC is at best indifferent to, and at worst complicit in, an orchestrated and systematic effort to stretch the term ‘disinformation’ to encompass viewpoints that, among American progressives, are deemed to be politically disfavored or inconvenient…” the lawmakers wrote. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who co-authored the 2016 legislation that established the center, said such criticisms were unwarranted and politically motivated. He led the effort to save it from GOP shutdown, along with Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Former Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman is also a staunch supporter. “[The GEC] has played an indispensable role in combating Russian and Chinese disinformation,” Murphy said in October. “It would unnecessarily undermine U.S. national security if we eliminated this tool.” When Trump won a second term on Nov. 5, Republicans also retained control of the House and retook the Senate. The GEC tweeted its last on Dec. 18, praising the European Union for its “first-time use of designations under its Russia hybrid sanctions framework.” On Tuesday, the day before Christmas, the site went offline with this message: “This account is no longer in use as of 12/23/2024. For updates on the U.S. Department of State, please follow @StateDept.”
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in The UK has called for an independent investigation into the downing of an Azerbaijani plane thought to have been caused by a Russian missile Independent Premium Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. The UK foreign office has criticised Russia after President Vladimir Putin apologised to his Azerbaijani counterpart over a plane crash in Russian airspace that left dozens dead. Mr Putin said he was sorry “for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace” during a call with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on Saturday. But Mr Putin stopped short of admitting Russian responsibility for the crash, which killed 38 people. In response, a spokesperson for the UK foreign, commonwealth and development office demanded a full independent investigation into what happened. A spokesperson said: “President Putin’s statement fails to recognise that the reckless and irresponsible actions of the Russian state pose an acute and direct threat to the interests and national security of other states.” Flight J2-8243 crashed on Wednesday in a ball of fire near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after diverting from southern Russia where Ukrainian drones were reported to be attacking several cities. At least 38 people were killed while 29 survived. The US has suggested that Russia could be responsible for the downing of the plane, while sources in Azerbaijan claimed Russian air defence missiles hit the plane. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says the military alliance will step up patrols in the Baltic Sea area as Finnish investigators work to establish whether a ship linked to Russia sabotaged undersea cables there this week Moscow’s Federal Security Service has arrested four Russians accused of helping plan the attack North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia, according to Kyiv and Seoul Ukraine is facing an array of issues heading into 2025, underscored by anxiety about what the re-election of Donald Trump could mean for the country’s future. Tom Watling speaks to politicians, military experts and aid workers to discover what next year could hold The UK has called for an independent investigation into the downing of an Azerbaijani plane thought to have been caused by a Russian missile. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident, including the family and friends of those who have died. “President Putin’s statement fails to recognise that the reckless and irresponsible actions of the Russian state pose an acute and direct threat to the interests and national security of other states. “We call for a full and independent investigation.” Both US officials and an Azerbaijani minister have blamed the crash on Russian air defences responding to a Ukrainian drone attack. U.S. officials say the United States is expected to announce it will send another $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has urged China to put pressure on North Korea if it “is sincere in its statements that the war should not expand.” In an address on Friday, 27 December, the Ukrainian president said North Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region are “suffering many losses.” “They are doing everything to make it impossible for us to capture Koreans – they are being killed by their own people… And the Russians send them to the frontlines so that they have minimal defence,” he added. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it had responded to a new package of European Union sanctions by significantly expanding a list of EU and EU member state officials banned from entering Russia. The European Union on Monday imposed a 15th package of sanctions against Russia, including tougher measures against Chinese entities and more vessels from Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement it had responded by adding more unnamed “representatives of security agencies, state and commercial organisations of EU countries, and citizens of EU member states responsible for providing military aid to Kyiv” to its stop list. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
The cryptocurrency market is alive with opportunity, and savvy investors are on the hunt for projects that promise life-changing returns. As blockchain innovation continues to expand, identifying the Best Altcoins with 100x Potential has become a priority for anyone looking to make serious gains. From transformative technologies to decentralised solutions, the right altcoins can redefine financial futures. Among these gems is Qubetics ($TICS), a groundbreaking blockchain project setting the market ablaze with its presale success. Alongside Qubetics are rising stars like Kaspa, Stacks, Quant, Aptos, EOS, and Astra—each with its unique strengths and massive growth potential. Let’s explore these seven altcoins, what makes them shine, and why they might just be the best investments you’ll make this year. Qubetics has taken the crypto world by storm, and its ongoing presale is the proof. Currently in its 14th stage, Qubetics has raised over $8 million, with more than 376 million tokens sold to over 12,200 investors. At $0.0377 per token, this is the perfect entry point before the price rises by 10% in the next stage. Analysts predict a post-launch surge to $10–$15, making it one of the Best Altcoins with 100x Potential. But Qubetics isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about solving real-world problems. Designed as a Layer-1 blockchain, Qubetics offers unmatched scalability, robust security, and true interoperability, creating a strong foundation for decentralised applications across industries. Real-World Applications: Interoperability Interoperability is the backbone of Qubetics, enabling seamless communication between blockchain networks. This capability is transforming how people and businesses use cryptocurrency. Take, for instance, a logistics company in Uzbekistan managing supply chains. With Qubetics, they can integrate their systems across multiple blockchains, ensuring real-time transparency and efficiency. Meanwhile, freelancers in Kazakhstan can use Qubetics to send and receive payments in different currencies without worrying about cross-chain compatibility. For professionals and businesses in the Central Asian region, Qubetics’ interoperability eliminates roadblocks, creating a unified ecosystem that simplifies workflows and reduces costs. It’s not just technology—it’s a solution that meets real needs. Qubetics stands out for its cutting-edge technology, massive presale success, and ability to tackle real-world challenges. It’s a clear leader among the Best Altcoins with 100x Potential. Kaspa is redefining the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus model with its GhostDAG protocol, which allows multiple blocks to be added to the chain simultaneously. This innovation has made Kaspa one of the fastest PoW blockchains, addressing scalability concerns while maintaining robust security. Recent updates have focused on enhancing network efficiency, and these improvements are attracting miners, developers, and investors alike. Kaspa’s ability to combine speed, scalability, and security makes it a standout in the race for 100x returns. Stacks is revolutionising Bitcoin by enabling smart contract functionality, bridging the gap between the most established cryptocurrency and decentralised applications. This innovation has opened doors for developers looking to build on Bitcoin’s unparalleled security. Stacks has recently launched new developer tools and integrated with popular DeFi protocols, making it an increasingly attractive platform for blockchain innovation. Stacks’ ability to enhance Bitcoin’s capabilities positions it as one of the Best Altcoins with 100x Potential. Quant’s Overledger technology is setting new standards for interoperability, allowing blockchains to communicate seamlessly with each other and legacy systems. This unique feature has made Quant a favourite among enterprises exploring blockchain solutions. Quant’s recent partnerships with financial institutions and global enterprises underscore its practical value and scalability. Quant’s enterprise-level focus and pioneering technology make it a strong contender for exponential growth. Aptos is a high-performance blockchain designed for scalability, developer-friendliness, and user accessibility. Its innovative consensus mechanism and network upgrades have made it a hot topic in the crypto community. The platform’s recent efforts to attract dApp developers and improve transaction speeds have solidified its reputation as a go-to blockchain for innovation. Aptos’ focus on scalability and developer support makes it a strong candidate among the Best Altcoins with 100x Potential. EOS has been in the crypto space for years, and it’s making a powerful resurgence with new updates and partnerships. Its recent focus on decentralisation and performance enhancements has drawn the attention of developers and investors alike. The network’s ability to handle high transaction volumes with low fees continues to make it an attractive option for dApp developers. EOS’s adaptability and renewed focus on innovation make it a solid pick for massive growth. Astra is gaining momentum as a leading player in the DeFi space, offering innovative solutions for staking, liquidity mining, and yield optimisation. Its user-friendly design and high rewards have made it a hit among crypto enthusiasts. Recent updates to Astra’s protocol have improved efficiency and security, attracting both retail and institutional investors. Astra’s focus on DeFi and its rapid adoption make it one of the Best Altcoins with 100x Potential. Based on our research and analysis, these seven altcoins represent the best opportunities for exponential returns in the current market. From Qubetics’ groundbreaking interoperability to Kaspa’s innovative PoW model and Astra’s dominance in DeFi, each project offers something unique to investors. The Best Altcoins with 100x Potential aren’t just about speculation—they’re about identifying projects with real-world applications, robust technology, and strong community support. With these coins in your portfolio, you’ll be positioned to capitalise on the next wave of blockchain innovation. For More Information: Disclosure: This is a sponsored press release. Please do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any projects. Read the full disclosure here. Null Transaction PR is a cryptocurrency marketing group responsible for article distribution across a myriad of news sites. 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A New York State law that goes into effect in the new year will ban the use of a toxic fabric treatment found to be carcinogenic in clothing. The environmental and health damage of PFAS chemicals is widespread, partly because they show up in numerous products and processes. They’re called forever chemicals. Polyfluoroalkyl substances -or PFAS – were created for non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam and other uses. But they find their way into the water and soil, and by contact can pose a health hazard. And they stay potent for a long time because they almost never break down. Kate Donovan is regional environmental health director with the Natural Resources Defense Council. She notes the New York law targets one specific area that causes exposure to the chemical. “PFAS is used in lots of consumer products, but in particular in clothing for its water repellency, as well as stain resistance and wrinkle-free properties,” Donovan explains. “So, these are the types of clothing, apparel we would see PFAS being used in.” The law taking effect in January bans the use of PFAS chemicals in clothing. That came after studies showed that long term exposure had a host of negative health effects. New York already has bans on using PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam. But the threat is even broader. “We have lot of industrial and commercial processes in the state that use PFAS for their equipment or their machinery,” adds Donovan. “And what happens is these manufacturing and industrial processes release PFAS into wastewater, into air and other discharges that enter into our environment.” The state has already chronicled extensive contamination by this type of chemical which has thousands of similar formulations. A study by several environmental organizations found millions of gallons of water contaminated with PFAS being dumped or leaching out of landfills and ending up in the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. Several more bills to further ban PFAS are expected to come up in the 2025 legislative session. They would ban their use in household products, personal care, and cosmetics.
I watched a movie last weekend and have seen tons of folks talking about it all over social media ever since. In fact, my friend Lori texted my book club group chat and said, "Y'all I don't normally watch horror movies, but I just watched The Deliverance on Netflix. It was very creepy, but a really good movie about sin and redemption and family dynamics." That is pretty much a perfect description. For fans of movies like The Exorcist or Amityville Horror, The Deliverance is definitely giving similar vibes. Here's the trailer for the movie. Be prepared for some chills. The creepiest part is that it is based on a true story. Telling the tale of an Indiana family and the unexplained terrifying events they experienced starting in 2011 when they moved into their rental house in Gary, Indiana. Andra Day, Mo'Nique, and Glenn Close portray main characters including real-life protagonist and mother Latoya Ammons and her mother, Rose Campbell. They along with Latoya's three children reported what happened to them in 2014 to the Indianapolis Star. The family witnessed shadowy figures, wet boot prints on the floor, and flying objects. Then things got really scary when the kids began to speak low growly voices that were not their own. Levitating above their beds and being thrown around the house by invisible forces, LaToya knew she needed to find someone to help. After having no luck in finding a church leader willing to believe them and cleanse the house, and after following the failed advice of a clairvoyant, their terrifying situation got even worse. Witnesses saw the children acting as though they were possessed by something evil. Medical professionals and the Department of Child Services worker assigned to the case saw Latoya's 9-year-old scurry backward and walk up walls multiple times. The other two children were also obviously experiencing physical and mental distress that could not be explained. Here is a video from the Hammond Police Department with Latoya's mother,
Eventually, the police got involved and the family found a priest willing to perform an exorcism. There were suspicious things uncovered in the basement and so many more unbelievable occurrences that you really need to read for yourself. Here is a link to the original story now shared by USA Today. I also found a documentary on Prime Video that gave me even more goosebumps than the Netflix movie! It is called Demon House made by Zak Bagans, a well-known paranormal investigator. He purchased the home in Gary and as they search for the truth of what happened to the Ammon family. Horrible things happened to almost everyone involved in the production. Accidents, injuries, and Zak's eyes were permanently damaged after seeing a dark figure come out of one of the walls. Zak had the house torn down so it could never harm anyone again. He did, however, keep some remnants of the home. A segment of the basement stairs, a small table with crucifixes from the basement, and dirt from the basement. Once you watch either the movie, the documentary, and especially read the original news story, you'll know why, but if you're like me, you will not understand why they weren't destroyed as well! Gallery Credit: Stacker
The Home of the Security Bloggers Network Home » Editorial Calendar » API Security » Innovation in API Security: What’s New As companies across the spectrum of industries including finance, healthcare, travel, and more intensify their adoption of digital technologies, there’s an undeniable need for robust security measures to protect their assets in the cloud. More than ever, Non-Human Identities (NHIs) and Secrets Security Management are emerging as essential elements of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. But what’s the buzz about API security innovation and how are these new technologies reshaping the cybersecurity landscape? In simple terms, an Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules and protocols that allows software applications to communicate with each other. APIs play a crucial role in modern digital environments, enabling the seamless exchange of data and functionalities across different platforms. Therefore, API security becomes a pivotal facet of an organization’s cyber defense mechanism. So why the surge in API security innovation? With the rapid growth of digital ecosystems, APIs have become high-value targets for hackers. As a result, strides in API security innovation are necessary to stay ahead of the complex and evolving threat landscape. These advancements are aimed at fortifying the security and integrity of these critical data channels, thus, significantly reducing the risk of security breaches and data leaks. According to a report by Everfox, the cornerstone of secure AI innovation lies in protecting APIs through comprehensive NHI management. Non-Human Identities (NHIs), the machine identities used in cybersecurity, have gained substantial importance in recent times. NHIs are created by combining a secret, an encrypted password or key, with permissions granted by a destination server. The management of NHIs involves securing these machine identities and monitoring their behaviors within the system. The primary drivers behind the strategic importance of NHI management are manifold: – It offers a holistic way of securing machine identities by addressing all lifecycle stages, from discovery and classification to threat detection and remediation. – It provides insights into ownership, permissions, usage patterns, and potential vulnerabilities, thus enabling context-aware security. – It enhances compliance with regulatory requirements through policy enforcement and audit trails. In essence, NHI management, when done right, can decrease the likelihood of breaches and data leaks, making it an integral part of the API security innovation wave. NHI management delivers several tangible benefits to organizations, demonstrating why it’s central to the new security technologies. Firstly, by identifying and mitigating security risks proactively, NHI management reduces the chances of data breaches, thus minimizing the potential fallout from such incidents. Secondly, NHI management can aid in compliance with regulatory requirements. By enforcing suitable policies and maintaining comprehensive audit trails, organizations can show they’re taking responsible steps to secure their systems. Moreover, NHI management enhances overall operational efficiency. By automating the process, security teams have more time to focus on strategic initiatives. Additionally, this approach offers a centralized view for access management and governance, making it easier for security professionals to maintain oversight. Notably, NHI management can lead to significant cost savings. By automating tasks such as secrets rotation and NHIs decommissioning, organizations can reduce their operational costs. Entro’s research has underscored these benefits, highlighting the crucial role of NHI management in the realm of cybersecurity. The landscape of API security innovation is rapidly evolving, with new security technologies and methodologies emerging at an impressive pace. The continued expansion of digital ecosystems is expected to further accelerate the development and adoption of these innovations. By fully embracing the benefits of NHI management and keeping abreast of the latest developments in API security, organizations can fortify their cybersecurity posture, paving the way for a safer and more secure digital future. One may wonder, what does the future actually hold for API security and how does NHI management fit into this evolving picture? The rising number of API security breaches, coupled with the increasingly intricate and unfolding threat environment, is prompting businesses to seek more comprehensive, all-encompassing security solutions. In fact, recent theories suggest that the future may reside in holistic security systems which not only govern API protection, but also concentrate on the management of Non-Human Identities and secrets. This unified approach is expected to fortify the entire system, addressing loopholes and mitigating potential risks with foresight. One of the most compelling arguments for a more holistic approach to API security lies in the shifting landscape of cybersecurity threats. According to data available on a New York city official survey , in 2021, the sheer array of attack vectors surpassed the ability of individual security solutions to effectively manage. The enhancement of NHI management practices to cover a broad spectrum of processes including API security, asset management, and risk reduction can potentially provide a comprehensively armored shield against the ever-growing cybersecurity menace. Alongside the demand for holistic protection, the stress on compliance is looming large. As a Tyler Technologies study reflects, there is a growing regulatory expectancy for companies to implement stringent API security policies and measures. The assimilation of NHI management into an all-encompassing security system helps organizations strengthen their compliance posture. By augmenting policy enforcement, monitoring, and maintaining records of all Non-Human Identities and their access privileges, companies can demonstrate compliance in a simplified, streamlined manner. In this evolving digital landscape, NHI management presents a proactive defense against emergent risks. APIs, owing to their pivotal role in digital transformation, are often considered enticing targets for hackers. However, when the management of NHIs and secrets is incorporated into the API security strategy, it can effectively address potential vulnerabilities. A robust NHI management system can identify aberrations, flagging potential threats, and thus reducing the risk of breaches. Entro’s analysis on PCI Compliance highlights the contribution of NHI management in enhancing overall API security. As data-centric cyber threats continue to amplify, the paradigm of a safe and secure digital workspace seems to be permanently shifting towards a proactive defense mechanism. The weaving of NHI management into the broader API security spectrum is a testament to this. In the face of the fast-paced and complex digital transformations, organizations need to be forward-thinking, ready to embrace the new age of API security innovations. Irrespective of the industry or the size of the organization, the protection of digital assets must be a top priority. In conclusion, the future of API security seems to be headed towards a consolidated, integrated approach, with NHI Management as its backbone. With it, businesses are not simply bolstering their defenses, but getting ahead of potential threats, ensuring they stay protected in an ever-expanding digital universe. Without a doubt, embracing NHI management and staying abreast of the latest API security innovations is an imperative step for every organization striving for a robust, and secure digital presence. As we continue to unlock more potential in the realm of technology, it’s important not to undermine our digital defenses. It’s time we adopt a holistic outlook, promoting a secure digital future.
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