Hackable Cisco Phones, a Locust Invasion, and More News

Credit to Author: Alex Baker-Whitcomb| Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2020 21:42:57 +0000

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Hackers are pervading and locusts are raiding, but first: a cartoon about deepfake news.

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Cisco flaws puts millions of workplace devices at risk

If, in the course of your workday, you use stuff like desk phones, web cameras, and network switches, you've probably used a Cisco product. Researchers have recently discovered security flaws in those products that affect millions of devices and could be exploited to penetrate deep into corporate networks: Attackers could collect sensitive information, turn the devices into eyes and ears inside an organization, or shut the devices down altogether.

The terrifying science behind the locust plagues in Africa

New estimates show that the locust population in East Africa—already numbered in the hundreds of billions—could increase 500-fold by June, causing massive food shortages across the continent. Researchers say that a swarm covering one square kilometer can eat as much food in a day as 35,000 humans, and when locusts get together another scary thing happens: Their bodies transform from tan into a striking yellow and black, and they start eating toxic plants—and becoming toxic themselves.

That's the portion of Nike's Vapormax shoe that's made from recycled manufacturing waste. The company introduced its gear for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics today, showing off neat colors and technology made from sustainable materials.

Yesterday, we told you about the best mattress to sleep on. But you can't stay in bed forever: Grab one of these sunrise alarm clocks to make the waking-up process as easy and natural as possible.

Miss the president's State of the Union address last night? Watch it right here.

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