In this insight, we look at the history of fears about a possible link between mobile phone usage and cancer, then we look at the latest studies, conclusions, and expert opinions. History Claims that mobile phones could cause cancer (e.g. brain tumours) can be traced back to the 1990s when mobile phones were first used frequently. This led to…
A report by SEO software firm SEMrush has shown that so-called ‘Dumbphones’ are experiencing a revival, but why? What Is A ‘Dumbphone’? Dumbphones are mobile handsets that lack the advanced functionality characteristics of a smartphone and typically have press-button based inputs, a small non-touch display, and can just make and receive calls and SMS text messages. Google Searches – 89…
In this article, we look at what the digital switchover is, why it’s needed, what the challenges are, and why it’s now been paused. The Switch To ‘Digital Voice’ Back in April 2021, BT Openreach announced that starting from the end of the year and finishing in 2025, it would be “switching off the UK telephone network as we know…
WhatsApp has announced that it will soon be introducing some new features to improve its voice messaging. Voice Messaging WhatsApp’s voice messaging, introduced back in 2013, saves typing and is a fast way and free way to send expressive, encrypted messages. WhatsApp says that its users send 7 billion voice messages on average every day. WhatsApp is owned by…
Following the discovery of a ‘zero-day’ vulnerability in its Chrome browser, Google has advised users to update Chrome to version 99.04844.84 or later. This security issue also affects the Microsoft’s Edge browser because it uses the same underlying technology as Chrome. Microsoft is, therefore, also advising users to install the latest Edge security updates.
The UK’s national fraud reporting centre, Action Fraud, says that it has received 196 reports of scam emails claiming to be raising funds for victims of the war in Ukraine. Facebook Post In a Meta / Facebook post on 18 March, Action Fraud reported: “We’ve received 196 reports about FAKE emails purporting to raise money for those affected by…
In this article, we look at the cyber-crime gang Lapsus$, how they operate and the details of some of their recent high-profile attacks. Cyber-Crime Gang Lapsus$ is reported to be a mostly teenage cyber-crime gang (hackers), mainly based in South America, yet with its alleged multi-millionaire teenage leader based in Oxford, UK. The gang, which typically uses ransomware and…
The EU Parliament, Council negotiators and lawmakers have agreed new rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will limit the market power of the big technology companies and open up the market for competitors. What Is The Digital Markets Act? The Digital Markets Act (DMA) from the European Commission has been designed to ensure a higher degree of…
In this insight, we look at how Stephen Wilhite invented the GIF file, and how his invention has endured while the Internet has undergone vast changes. Who Was Stephen Wilhite? Stephen Wilhite is regarded as one of the inventors who changed the face of the Internet. White worked at CompuServe in the 1980s. Founded in 1969, Ohio-based Compuserve was…
Microsoft is building a new data centre region in Finland that will use the clean heat from its server cooling processes to heat local homes and businesses. Microsoft and Fortum The project, which will see Microsoft working in collaboration with local state-owned utility provider Fortum Corporation, requires Microsoft to build a new data centre region in the Helsinki metropolitan area of Finland. …
