Category: Australia Tech News

Brief Overview

• Select a premium smartphone with manual camera options for astrophotography.
• Play around with ISO settings and exposure durations to achieve remarkable images of the night sky.
• Use a tripod for steady long-exposure photography.
• Pick a location far from light sources to reduce light pollution for clearer images of the stars.

The Ideal Smartphone

To take remarkable photos of starry nights and the Milky Way with your smartphone, begin with a solid mid-range or high-end device that possesses an excellent rear camera and a superior image sensor. Make sure the camera application supports manual adjustments like custom ISO settings and delayed shutter release. For instance, the Oppo Reno13 Pro 5G is an excellent option for this task.

Optimal Camera Configuration

Modifying your camera configurations is vital for capturing the night sky. Experiment with various ISO values and exposure time based on your surroundings and lunar brightness. Consider the following:

• 15-30 second exposure durations
• 3-second timer to avoid camera shake
• ISO settings between 250-1600, keeping it as low as feasible to retain image clarity
• Direct the camera at different sections of the sky and horizon for artistic captures

These settings can assist in capturing distinctive scenes such as light trails from trucks on highways or tree outlines against a star-filled backdrop.

Stabilizing Equipment

A stable foundation is crucial for long-exposure images. Investing in a tripod, such as the Joby Gorillapod, guarantees that your smartphone stays motionless, which reduces blurriness and improves image clarity. Opt for a lightweight tripod if your focus is primarily on smartphone photography.

Choosing the Right Spot

Locating a dark area is arguably the most crucial element of night sky photography. Dark Sky Parks, such as Warrumbungle National Park in Coonabarabran, are perfect due to their limited light interference. Such places significantly enhance your opportunities to capture the splendor of the Milky Way and a multitude of stars.

Conclusion

To create stunning night sky photography with your smartphone, concentrate on having the proper equipment, modifying your camera configurations, utilizing a tripod, and selecting an area with minimal light interference. With these suggestions, your astrophotography abilities can elevate significantly.

FAQs

Q: What kind of smartphone is best for capturing the night sky?

A: A solid mid-range or high-end smartphone equipped with a quality rear camera and manual controls is ideal for photographing the night sky.

Q: What settings should I utilize for night sky shots?

A: Test ISO levels between 250-1600 and exposure intervals of 15-30 seconds. Employ a 3-second timer to avoid camera shaking.

Q: Why is a tripod important for photographing the night sky?

A: A tripod steadies your smartphone during prolonged exposures, minimizing motion blur and enhancing picture clarity.

Q: How can I determine the best location for night sky photography?

A: Opt for a site with minimal light pollution, like a Dark Sky Park, to achieve clearer photographs of the stars and the Milky Way.

Q: Is it possible to capture night sky photos without a tripod?

A: While it’s feasible, maintaining stability for long exposures without a tripod is difficult, leading to potential motion blur.

Q: What can I do to reduce noise in my night sky images?

A: Keep the ISO as low as you can while ensuring adequate light intake. Experiment with varying ISO and exposure configurations to balance brightness and noise.

Brief Overview

• Microsoft’s Edge browser encounters security issues due to its legacy IE mode.
• Malicious actors utilize social engineering to circumvent security improvements.
• Some websites still operate in IE mode, relying on obsolete technologies.
• Microsoft eliminates critical access points for IE mode to bolster security.
• Questions remain regarding the Chakra vulnerability patch within IE mode.

Context on Internet Explorer and Edge

Microsoft’s Edge browser, built on the open-source Chromium framework, signifies a major advancement from the now-retired Internet Explorer (IE). Even though IE officially reached end-of-life status in June 2022, its legacy mode continues to function within Edge to accommodate older technologies that certain sites depend on, such as Microsoft ActiveX and Adobe Flash.

Security Issues with IE Mode

Legacy IE mode in Edge remains an attractive target for cybercriminals due to its inadequate architecture when compared to contemporary browsers. In recent times, cybercriminals have deployed social engineering strategies to take advantage of vulnerabilities in IE mode, notably a zero-day exploit in the Chakra JavaScript engine, which allows them to perform remote code execution and possibly gain total control over a user’s device.

Microsoft’s Approach to Security Threats

In response to these security challenges, Microsoft’s Edge security team has removed major entry points for enabling IE mode, including the toolbar button and context menu. Users are now required to activate IE mode on a per-site basis, enhancing security by minimizing unintentional activation.

Current Situation and Future Considerations

Though these modifications signify a positive advancement in securing Edge, uncertainties linger regarding the complete resolution of the Chakra vulnerability. Organizations that depend on IE mode must remain alert and ensure they implement any forthcoming updates from Microsoft to safeguard their networks.

Conclusion

Microsoft’s modifications to Edge’s legacy IE mode are intended to improve browser security by curtailing automatic access to this vulnerable feature. While this initiative fortifies defenses against recent exploit tactics, ongoing diligence and updates are essential for users dependent on IE mode for compatibility purposes.

Q: What led Microsoft to implement these changes to Edge?

A: The alterations were triggered by security threats targeting IE mode, especially through social engineering and vulnerabilities in the Chakra JavaScript engine.

Q: What is the new process for activating IE mode?

A: Users are now required to manually turn on IE mode for each site, lowering the likelihood of accidental activation and improving security.

Q: Has the Chakra vulnerability in IE mode been fixed?

A: It is still uncertain whether Microsoft has completely resolved the Chakra vulnerability, underscoring the necessity for continuous updates and supervision.

Q: Who continues to use IE mode, and why?

A: IE mode is utilized by websites and applications that depend on outdated technologies like ActiveX and Flash, often due to the challenges associated with updating older systems.

Q: What steps should enterprises take to ensure security while utilizing IE mode?

A: Enterprises ought to remain up-to-date on Microsoft releases and promptly apply them, while also considering a transition away from legacy technologies when feasible.

Brief Overview

• Qantas has acknowledged a July data leak that revealed confidential customer data.
• More than a million customers had personal information accessed; an additional four million’s identities, including names and emails, were compromised.
• The leak is associated with an external platform, reportedly Salesforce.
• The hacker collective known as Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters is accountable for the data exposure.
• Qantas is collaborating with cybersecurity professionals to assess the situation.

Qantas Data Leak: What Occurred?

Qantas Airways has confirmed that customer information taken during a cyber incident in July has been exposed by cybercriminals. This incident stands as one of the largest in Australia, impacting over a million customers whose sensitive data such as phone numbers, birthdates, and residential addresses were accessed. Furthermore, an extra four million customers had their names and email information breached.

Information on the Leak

This cyber incident is the most notable since the 2022 breaches affecting Optus and Medibank, which resulted in the implementation of compulsory cyber resilience regulations in Australia. Qantas reported that the data was taken through a third-party service, generally identified as Salesforce, with cybercriminals utilizing social engineering methods to obtain access.

Actions and Inquiry

Qantas is joining forces with specialized cybersecurity professionals to determine what information was part of the exposure. The airline has also secured a court order to avert any further access to or publication of the compromised data by third parties.

The Cybercriminal Group

The hacking group Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters is responsible for the data exposure, which transpired after the group imposed a ransom deadline that was not fulfilled. This group is recognized for employing advanced cyber tactics to infiltrate corporate networks.

Conclusion

The Qantas data leak serves as a significant reminder of the weaknesses inherent in digital systems and the necessity for strong cybersecurity practices. As investigations proceed, both customers and businesses are encouraged to stay alert and revise security measures to safeguard sensitive data.

Q: How many customers were impacted by the leak?

A: Over one million customers had sensitive data accessed, while an additional four million had their names and emails compromised.

Q: Which platform was allegedly involved in the leak?

A: The breach is widely believed to involve Salesforce, where cybercriminals utilized social engineering strategies to gain entry.

Q: Who is accountable for the data exposure?

A: The hacker group Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters is responsible for the data exposure.

Q: How is Qantas addressing the leak?

A: Qantas is collaborating with cybersecurity specialists to investigate the incident and has obtained a court order to prevent further data exposure or distribution.

Q: What measures can customers take following the leak?

A: Customers are advised to monitor their accounts for unusual activities, update passwords, and remain cautious regarding phishing attempts.

Quick Overview

• Macquarie Bank is the inaugural Australian bank to implement Google’s Gemini Enterprise.
• 99% of staff have finished AI training, with goals for complete integration in six months.
• Gemini Enterprise seeks to boost productivity and enterprise processes with AI solutions.
• The platform provides no-code development for easy AI integration.
• The fee for Gemini Enterprise starts at $US30 per seat per month.
• Macquarie intends to create over 30 AI-enhanced products by 2025.

Macquarie Bank’s Strategic Embrace of AI

Macquarie Bank has revealed its intentions to adopt Google’s newly introduced business AI platform, Gemini Enterprise, positioning itself as the first significant Australian bank to make this move. This effort is in line with the bank’s steadfast commitment to utilise Google’s cloud solutions, a partnership that has strengthened since 2019.

The Functionality of Gemini Enterprise

Gemini Enterprise, which debuted in the US, signifies Google’s latest initiative in AI designed to enable the development of AI agents within large organizations. The platform’s no-code, application-neutral design allows companies to enhance productivity via intuitive interfaces.

Training and Integration for Employees

With the aim of embedding AI into everyday operations within six months, Macquarie Bank has achieved 99% of its workforce completing a generative AI training program. Furthermore, 3,000 employees have participated in presentations of Gemini Enterprise, highlighting the bank’s dedication to equipping its personnel for this tech transition.

Financial Considerations and Pricing

Although Macquarie Bank has not revealed the exact expenses related to the implementation of Gemini Enterprise, there are indications of a price starting at $US30 per seat per month. Targeted at smaller enterprises, Gemini Business is offered at $US21 per user per month.

Prospective Advances in AI

Macquarie Bank possesses ambitious objectives to create over 30 AI-enhanced products and services by 2025. These efforts are intended to provide improved customer features, a seamless experience, and more dependable services, ultimately leading to greater customer interaction.

Conclusion

Macquarie Bank’s alliance with Google Gemini signifies a major advancement in AI integration within the Australian banking landscape. By harnessing Gemini Enterprise, the bank aims to elevate productivity, streamline processes, and enhance customer experiences.

Q&A Section

Q: What is Gemini Enterprise?

A: Gemini Enterprise is Google’s AI platform designed for generating AI agents for large organisations using a no-code, application-neutral framework.

Q: How is Macquarie Bank getting its employees ready for AI integration?

A: The bank has provided generative AI training for 99% of its employees and conducted demonstrations of Gemini Enterprise for 3,000 staff members.

Q: What are the anticipated costs of using Gemini Enterprise?

A: While Macquarie Bank’s specific costs remain undisclosed, reports indicate that Gemini Enterprise starts at $US30 per month per seat.

Q: What future initiatives does Macquarie Bank have with AI?

A: The bank aims to develop more than 30 AI-augmented products and services by 2025 to boost customer engagement and enhance service quality.

Q: How does Gemini Enterprise benefit organizations?

A: It offers a straightforward method to develop AI agents that enhance productivity and operational efficiency, tailored to the needs of the organization.

Q: What distinguishes Gemini Business from Gemini Enterprise?

A: Gemini Business is a variant of the platform designed for smaller businesses, with a more affordable cost per user at $US21 per month.