Justice Department and FBI Lead International Operation to Eradicate PlugX Malware from U.S. Computers

Posted on January 17, 2025 by admin
cyber security

The Justice Department and FBI recently concluded a multi-month operation, successfully removing the PlugX malware from over 4,200 U.S.-based computers. This court-authorized initiative targeted the malware deployed by Chinese state-backed hacker groups, “Mustang Panda” and “Twill Typhoon.”

Understanding PlugX

PlugX is a sophisticated malware used by Mustang Panda since 2014 to infiltrate and control victim computers, stealing sensitive data. It has affected governments, businesses, and dissident groups across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Despite previous warnings, many users were unaware their systems were compromised.

The Cleanup Operation

The operation, in collaboration with French law enforcement and cybersecurity firm Sekoia.io, involved sending commands to delete the malware from infected computers. Between August 2024 and January 2025, nine court warrants authorized the removal of PlugX from 4,258 U.S. computers.

Key Statements

  • Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen stressed the importance of disrupting cyber threats proactively.
  • FBI Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran highlighted the success of international collaboration in tackling PRC-sponsored cyber threats.
  • U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero underscored the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting U.S. cybersecurity through a collective effort.

Global Collaboration

French authorities and Sekoia.io played a crucial role by identifying PlugX vulnerabilities, enabling this coordinated cleanup. This operation showcases the importance of global partnerships in cybersecurity.

What’s Next?

The FBI is notifying affected users through their ISPs and continues investigating Mustang Panda’s activities. They encourage anyone with a compromised system to report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and maintain strong cybersecurity practices like using antivirus software and keeping systems updated.

This operation marks a significant step in defending against state-sponsored cyber threats and highlights the value of international cooperation in cybersecurity efforts.

Security is also important in website builders. Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban: A Financial Nightmare Looms for Tech Giants

Posted on January 17, 2025 by admin
TikTok ban, USA

On January 17, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA), mandating ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its ownership by January 19 or face a nationwide ban. The decision stems from national security concerns over TikTok’s data collection practices and alleged ties to the Chinese government.

Supreme Court Ruling and Enforcement

The court’s ruling requires Google and Apple to halt new downloads of TikTok, with a fine of $5,000 per user for non-compliance. This enforcement begins on January 19, posing a significant challenge for these tech giants.

Financial Risks for Tech Giants

The potential penalties for failing to comply with the ban could amount to $850 billion for Apple and Google. Senator Tom Cotton highlighted the severe financial implications, advising companies not to ignore the law despite any political reassurances.

TikTok’s Major Partnerships

TikTok’s ties extend beyond its app. It is one of Microsoft’s biggest customers, paying nearly $20 million per month for access to OpenAI’s models through Microsoft’s services, as reported by The Information. Microsoft has also faced scrutiny for its collaboration with ByteDance on an AI project named KubeRay. Oracle, another major tech player, provides cloud-computing support for TikTok and was involved in “Project Texas,” a plan to store U.S. user data domestically to address security concerns.

TikTok’s Response to the Ban

TikTok plans to redirect users to a website with details about the ban and how to download their data. While users who already have the app will retain access, the lack of updates will lead to a gradual decline in service quality.

Political Context and Executive Orders

President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office a day after the ban’s enforcement, has suggested he may issue an executive order delaying the ban by 60 to 90 days to facilitate a sale to a U.S. buyer. However, the legal standing of such an order is still uncertain.

Market Shifts and Competitor Gains

The ban could benefit competitors like Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram), Snap, and YouTube, as they may attract users looking for alternatives to TikTok.

Impact on Big Tech and Future Prospects

The Supreme Court’s decision has added pressure on Big Tech firms to reconsider their relationships with ByteDance. Geoffrey Cain, policy director at the Tech Integrity Project, advised companies to cut ties with ByteDance due to national security risks.

CEO’s Attendance at Inauguration

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday, January 20th, signaling ongoing efforts to negotiate a potential resolution. The next few days will be critical in determining TikTok’s fate in the U.S. and the broader implications for the tech industry.

Are you ready to design & build your own website, perhaps the next big video sharing website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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How important is Domain Rating (DR) in SEO and building organic traffic?

Domain Rating (DR) is a significant factor in SEO and building organic traffic, though not the sole determinant. Here’s why:  

  • DR as an Indicator of Authority:
    • DR (developed by Ahrefs) estimates a website’s authority based on its backlink profile.  
    • Higher DR generally suggests a stronger website with more high-quality backlinks, which Google often views as a signal of trust and credibility.  
  • Impact on Search Rankings:
    • While not a direct ranking factor for Google, DR correlates with higher rankings.  
    • Websites with higher DR tend to rank better in search results, especially for competitive keywords.  
  • Building Trust and Credibility:
    • Backlinks from high-DR websites signal to search engines that your website is trustworthy and valuable. This can improve your overall online reputation and user perception.  
  • Driving Organic Traffic:
    • Higher rankings in search results lead to increased organic traffic.
    • DR plays a role in achieving those higher rankings.  

Important Considerations:

  • DR is not the only factor: On-page SEO, user experience, content quality, and other factors also heavily influence search rankings and organic traffic.  
  • Focus on quality over quantity: It’s crucial to prioritize high-quality backlinks from relevant and authoritative websites, rather than simply chasing a high DR number.  
  • DR is an estimate: It’s an Ahrefs-specific metric and doesn’t directly reflect Google’s view of your website’s authority. Other SEO tools may have their own authority scores, but they won’t necessarily be identical to DR.  

In Summary:

DR is a valuable metric for understanding your website’s backlink profile and its potential for ranking well in search results. While not the sole determinant of SEO success, it’s an important factor to consider and strive for as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy.

What is DR in more detail?

Domain Rating (DR) is a proprietary metric developed by Ahrefs.  

  • What it represents: DR estimates the strength of a website’s backlink profile on a logarithmic scale from 0 to 100.  
  • How it’s calculated:
    • Ahrefs analyzes various factors, including:
      • Number of referring domains: The quantity of unique websites linking to your site.  
      • DR of referring domains: The authority of the websites linking to you. Ahrefs considers the DR of these linking domains recursively.  
      • The overall strength of the linking domains’ backlink profiles.  
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Logarithmic scale: The gap between DR scores widens as the numbers increase. For example, the difference in authority between a DR 75 and 76 is much greater than between a DR 20 and 21.  
    • Predictive value: DR is designed to predict a website’s ability to rank in search results.  
    • Correlation with search rankings: Websites with higher DRs tend to rank better in search engine results pages (SERPs).  

In simpler terms: Imagine DR as a measure of a website’s “authority” or “credibility” within the internet. Websites with many high-quality backlinks from other authoritative websites will generally have a higher DR.  

How to find your Domain Rating (DR)?

You can find your website’s Domain Rating (DR) using the following methods:

  • Ahrefs:
    • Create an Ahrefs account: If you don’t have one, you can sign up for a free trial.
    • Enter your website’s URL: In the Ahrefs Site Explorer, enter the domain name of your website.
    • View your DR: The DR score will be displayed prominently on the main overview page.
  • Other SEO Tools (with limitations): Some other SEO tools may provide estimates of your website’s authority, but the specific metric and calculation methods may differ from Ahrefs’ DR.

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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WordPress Co-Founder Warns Lawsuits Could “Force the Closure of WordPress.org”

Posted on January 14, 2025 by admin
WordPress may close

The ongoing legal battle between WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg and hosting company WP Engine has escalated, with Mullenweg issuing a stark warning about the potential consequences: “The lawsuits will go years and could potentially bankrupt me or force the closure of WordPress.org.”

This statement, made public via social media, underscores the gravity of the situation and has raised significant concerns within the WordPress community. The conflict stems from Mullenweg’s attempts to restrict WP Engine’s access to certain WordPress resources, which led WP Engine to file a lawsuit in response.

Mullenweg maintains that the only path to resolution is for WP Engine to drop their lawsuit. He insists, “Everything I’m doing is to defend the long term health of WordPress. The lawsuits can only be dropped by WPE, as they initiated them.”

However, this stance has the potential to have far-reaching consequences. Mullenweg himself acknowledged the significant time and resources these legal proceedings will consume: “It also takes a huge amount of time — there is no ‘lawyers work on that.'” This statement implies that the legal process will not be a passive or easily manageable endeavor. It suggests that the lawsuits will require significant ongoing involvement from Mullenweg himself, beyond simply hiring lawyers and letting them handle everything. He’s likely acknowledging that he will need to be actively engaged in the legal proceedings, which will inevitably consume a substantial amount of his time and energy.

Mullenweg further projected that the cases “will stretch into 26 and 27,” indicating that the legal battle could extend into the coming years.

The prolonged legal battle creates uncertainty for the entire WordPress ecosystem, impacting developers, businesses, and individual users who rely on the platform. The potential for disruption and the unknown consequences of these legal proceedings have cast a shadow over the future of WordPress.

Related Posts:

What are the Drawbacks of Using an Open Source Website Builder?

Open Source vs. UltimateWB: Making the Right Choice for Your Website Builder

The Drawbacks of Using a WordPress Page Builder and Why UltimateWB Is a Better Option

Why do WordPress websites and blogs get hacked so much?

WordPress website hacked? How to fix it…!

What do I do if someone hacked my WordPress e-commerce site?

Transitioning from a Hacked WordPress Site to UltimateWB: A Seamless Rebuild

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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Do You Need to Have Coding Experience to Build a Website with UltimateWB?

Creating website, with beginner-friendly UltimateWB

The short answer: No!

One of the most common concerns people have when thinking about creating their own website is whether they need coding experience. With UltimateWB, the good news is that you don’t need any coding skills or web development experience to build a professional and fully functional website. Here’s why:

UltimateWB is Beginner-Friendly

UltimateWB is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible even to those who are just starting their journey into website creation. The platform offers an intuitive admin panel where you can design and create your website without touching a single line of code. From selecting layouts to customizing colors, fonts, and content, everything can be done with a few clicks.

No Coding Required

With UltimateWB, there’s no need to worry about HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or any other coding languages. The platform’s comprehensive tools and features allow you to build and manage your website with ease. UltimateWB handles the technical aspects behind the scenes so that you can focus on what matters most – your content and design.

Free Tech Support

Should you encounter any issues or have questions along the way, UltimateWB provides free tech support to guide you through the process. This means you’re never alone, and help is always just an email, live chat, or forum post away. The support team is there to ensure that your website-building experience is smooth and stress-free.

Flexibility for Experts

While UltimateWB is beginner-friendly, it’s also flexible enough for more advanced users. If you have coding skills and wish to customize your website further, UltimateWB gives you the option to add your own code. This feature makes it a versatile platform suitable for both beginners and seasoned web developers.

Conclusion

Building a website with UltimateWB is straightforward and accessible to everyone, regardless of their coding experience. Whether you’re a complete novice or an expert looking for a robust platform to create a customized site, UltimateWB has you covered. With an easy-to-use admin panel, no coding requirements, and the support you need, creating your website has never been easier.

Ready to get started? Dive into website building with UltimateWB today and bring your vision to life without the need for coding expertise!

Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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WordPress: A Fork in the Road? Automattic Cuts Back, Prioritizes Profits

Posted on January 9, 2025 by admin
Automattic cuts back on contributions to WordPress open-source project
Automattic blog post, “Aligning Automattic’s Sponsored Contributions to WordPress”

Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, recently announced a significant reduction in its sponsored contributions to the core WordPress open source project. This move, driven by legal battles with competitor WP Engine and a stated desire for a “level playing field,” has sent shockwaves through the WordPress community. But beyond the legal wrangling, this decision raises a critical question: Will this shift in focus jeopardize the long-term stability and innovation of the WordPress platform?

Led by Matt Mullenweg, Automattic’s reduced involvement could have several concerning implications:

  • Slower Development and Fewer Updates: With less direct involvement from Automattic, the pace of core development could slow down. Critical bug fixes, security updates, and new features may not be implemented as quickly, potentially leaving WordPress vulnerable to exploits and hindering its ability to keep pace with evolving web technologies.
  • Diminished Innovation: A less active Automattic could stifle innovation within the WordPress ecosystem. Fewer resources dedicated to core development may discourage other developers from contributing, leading to a decline in the overall quality and pace of innovation.
  • Erosion of Community Trust: This decision could erode trust within the WordPress community. If the primary contributor, the company that arguably benefits most from WordPress’s success, is scaling back its involvement, why should others invest their time and energy? This could lead to a decline in community contributions to the open source project, further impacting the platform’s long-term health.

While Automattic claims to remain committed to WordPress, the redirection of resources towards internal for-profit projects raises questions about their true priorities. This move could inadvertently discourage community contributions, potentially leading to a less stable, less innovative, and ultimately less successful WordPress platform.

Related Posts:

What are the Drawbacks of Using an Open Source Website Builder?

Open Source vs. UltimateWB: Making the Right Choice for Your Website Builder

The Drawbacks of Using a WordPress Page Builder and Why UltimateWB Is a Better Option

Why do WordPress websites and blogs get hacked so much?

WordPress website hacked? How to fix it…!

What do I do if someone hacked my WordPress e-commerce site?

Transitioning from a Hacked WordPress Site to UltimateWB: A Seamless Rebuild

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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How long does it usually take for Google to approve a new website for Google Adsense?

Google Adsense, getting ready

The time it takes for Google to approve a new website for Google AdSense can vary.

  • Typical Range: Usually, it takes a few days, but it can sometimes take 2-4 weeks.
  • Factors that can influence the time:
    • Website Quality: Websites that meet AdSense program policies (original, high-quality content, user-friendly, etc.) are typically approved faster.
    • Website Traffic: Websites with substantial traffic may be reviewed more quickly.
    • Application Completeness: Providing accurate and complete information during the application process can speed up the review.

Key Points:

  • Account Approval: This is the initial review of your account information.
  • Site Approval: This is the review of your website to ensure it complies with AdSense policies.

Important Note: If your website is not approved, you’ll receive a notification from AdSense explaining the reason for the disapproval. You can then address the issues and reapply.

Related: What Makes a Website User-Friendly?

What Makes Your Website Content “High-Quality Content”? We Spill the Tea!

Website Design Guide: Building a User-Friendly and Engaging Site

How do I create amazing content?

Top 12 Ways to Create a User-Friendly Website

What are the key factors to consider when building a user-friendly website or mobile application for a digital business?

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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Visual Content Titans Merge: Getty Images and Shutterstock Join Forces

Posted on January 8, 2025 by admin
Getty Images and Shutterstock merger

In a move that will reshape the visual content landscape, Getty Images and Shutterstock, two industry giants, have announced a merger of equals. This $3.7 billion deal aims to create a dominant player in the stock photography and video market, combining extensive libraries and resources to navigate the challenges of the evolving digital age.

A New Era for Visual Content

The merger brings together millions of images, videos, and other creative assets, offering customers unparalleled access to a vast and diverse content library. This combined power is expected to drive innovation in areas like 3D imagery, generative AI, and immersive experiences.

Impact on Creators and Customers

This merger presents a complex set of potential outcomes:

  • For Creators:
    • Potential Benefits: The combined entity may have increased resources for marketing and promoting the work of its contributors.
    • Concerns: Concerns exist regarding the potential impact on royalty rates. Industry organizations representing photographers and artists will be closely monitoring the situation and advocating for fair compensation for creators.
  • For Customers:
    • Benefits: Customers can expect access to a significantly expanded library of high-quality content, potentially at competitive prices.
    • Potential Concerns: There are concerns that the combined market power could lead to increased pricing in the long term.

The Road Ahead

The merger is subject to regulatory approval and shareholder votes. The coming months will be crucial as stakeholders, including creators, customers, and industry organizations, closely examine the potential implications of this significant deal.

Related: Where can you download free stock photos for your website?

Should you avoid using stock photos on your website?

Where can you download free stock videos for your website?

Where to get photos/images for your website?

What happened to Google’s Gemini image creation tool?

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

Posted in Technology in the News | Leave a comment

Is Facebook Doomed to Become the Next Twitter/X? Zuckerberg’s Gamble Ditching Third-Party Fact-Checkers Could Backfire

Posted on January 8, 2025 by admin
Facebook, Twitter/X

Mark Zuckerberg has thrown the dice with Meta’s radical shift in content moderation policy. By ditching third-party fact-checkers and empowering users with “Community Notes,” like Twitter/X is using, he’s essentially gambling on a less-regulated, more chaotic information ecosystem. While the intention might be to foster “authentic” discourse, the risk is clear: Facebook could easily descend into a misinformation-riddled wasteland, mirroring Twitter’s – now known as “X” – recent decline.

Twitter/X, under Elon Musk’s leadership, has seen a dramatic unraveling. The platform has become synonymous with the spread of misinformation, the erosion of trust, and the departure of advertisers. Sound familiar? Facebook, with its vast user base, has the potential to amplify these issues exponentially.

Here’s why Zuckerberg’s gamble could backfire:

  • The Rise of Echo Chambers: Community Notes, while well-intentioned, can easily become tools for reinforcing existing biases. Users will likely prioritize information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, leading to the formation of echo chambers and further polarization.
  • The Floodgates of Misinformation: Without the guardrails of independent fact-checkers, misinformation and harmful content could proliferate unchecked. This could severely damage Facebook’s reputation and erode user trust.
  • The Advertisers’ Dilemma: Brands are increasingly wary of associating with platforms that harbor misinformation and hate speech. If Facebook becomes a haven for such content, advertisers will likely flee, severely impacting the company’s revenue stream.

Zuckerberg argues that this shift will empower users and foster a more “authentic” platform. But authenticity without accountability can quickly devolve into chaos. Facebook, with its global reach, has a unique responsibility to ensure the spread of accurate information and combat the spread of harmful content.

This isn’t about censorship. It’s about ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for users. By abandoning third-party fact-checking, Zuckerberg is taking a significant risk. The question is: will this gamble pay off, or will Facebook follow Twitter/X down the path of irrelevance?

You can build the “next Facebook” with UltimateWB and the built-in social networking tools, fully customizable. Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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When do you use a 301 redirect vs 410 redirect?

301 vs 410 redirects

Choose a 301 Redirect when:

  • The content has moved permanently: You’ve simply relocated the page to a new URL.
  • You want to preserve SEO value: 301 redirects pass most of the link equity and ranking signals from the old URL to the new one.
  • A relevant replacement exists: The old page has a clear and related counterpart on your website.

Choose a 410 Response when:

  • The content is permanently gone: The page has been deleted and will never return.
  • No relevant replacement exists: There’s no similar or related content on your website that users should be directed to.
  • You want to inform search engines: A 410 tells search engines to remove the page from their index, preventing wasted crawl effort.

Key Considerations:

  • User Experience: 301 redirects provide the smoothest user experience by seamlessly directing visitors to the new location.
  • SEO Impact: 301s are generally preferred for SEO as they help maintain link equity and prevent ranking drops.
  • Accuracy: Ensure you use the correct redirect type. Incorrectly using a 410 for a page that should be redirected can negatively impact your SEO.

In Summary when updating your .htaccess file for redirects:

  • If possible, prioritize 301 redirects. They offer the best balance of user experience and SEO benefits.
  • Use 410s sparingly and only when appropriate.

I hope this helps!

Related: Maintain SEO Power During Your Website Migration & Rebuild: A Smooth Builder Switch

Are you ready to design & build your own website? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.

Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.

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