Unleashing Apate: The Cutting-Edge Chatbot Taking on Phone Call Scammers

An Australian team of cybersecurity specialists from Macquarie University is currently working on the creation of a chatbot called Apate with the aim of countering scammers who make unsolicited phone calls. Apate has been specifically designed to imitate human behavior and effectively involve scammers in extensive conversations, ultimately resulting in the wastage of their time and a subsequent decrease in the overall success rate of their fraudulent activities. Professor Dali Kaafar, who heads the project, is of the firm belief that by disrupting the business models adopted by scammers, it will inherently become increasingly challenging for them to generate profits from their illicit operations.

The idea for the initiative arose when Kaafar received an unsolicited call and effectively prolonged the conversation for a substantial duration, entertaining his children over lunch. This encounter sparked the concept of automating the procedure utilizing Natural Language Processing, with the objective of creating a computerized chatbot capable of engaging scammers in authentic dialogues. Hence, Apate was conceived, drawing inspiration from the Greek goddess associated with trickery.

Apate integrates advanced technology similar to ChatGPT and employs voice cloning techniques to develop a persuasive virtual persona capable of participating in lengthy discussions with scammers. Extensive training of the chatbot has been conducted using genuine scam interactions encompassing phone calls, emails, and social media messages. This training enables Apate to generate responses that closely resemble human behavior when engaging scammers. The research team at Macquarie University is actively conducting tests, utilizing a prototype, where Apate assumes diverse personalities to interact with actual scam calls.

To attract scam calls, the team has strategically exposed "dirty" numbers across the internet by placing them in spam apps or publishing them on web pages. This increases the likelihood of receiving scam calls, providing ample opportunities for Apate to engage with scammers.

The purpose of Apate is to tie up scammers, wasting their time and resources, while also serving as a deterrent to their fraudulent activities. By engaging scammers in lengthy conversations that lead to dead ends, the chatbot disrupts their business model and makes it more challenging for them to profit from their scams.

The development of Apate represents an innovative approach to tackling phone call scams. While individuals have previously taken pleasure in pranking scammers and wasting their time, the automated nature of Apate streamlines the process and enables more efficient interactions. By leveraging Natural Language Processing and voice cloning, the chatbot creates a realistic conversational experience that can be sustained over extended periods.

As technology continues to evolve, initiatives like Apate offer promising solutions in the ongoing fight against scammers. The chatbot serves as an example of how advancements in artificial intelligence can be harnessed to combat cyber threats and protect individuals from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. With ongoing testing and refinement, Apate has the potential to become a valuable tool in the battle against phone call scammers, ultimately making it more difficult for them to succeed in their illicit activities.

In conclusion, the creation of the Apate chatbot by the cybersecurity team at Macquarie University presents a novel and innovative approach to combatting phone call scams. By impersonating a human and engaging scammers in extended conversations, Apate effectively wastes their time and resources while acting as a deterrent to their fraudulent activities. Through its advanced technology, including Natural Language Processing and voice cloning, the chatbot is capable of generating human-like responses, creating a realistic and sustained interaction. The ongoing development and testing of Apate signify a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against scammers, demonstrating the potential for artificial intelligence to play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals from falling prey to fraudulent schemes. As technology continues to advance, solutions like Apate offer promising avenues to disrupt scammers' business models and make it increasingly difficult for them to succeed in their illicit endeavors.

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by Ayesha Hasnain via Digital Information World

Does Switching Off Your iPhone For 5 Minutes Each Night Enhance Your Security? Experts Have Their Say

In the past week, you may have come across some very interesting forms of security advice laid down by Australia’s Prime Minister for iOS users.

He claims that every iPhone user needs to switch off their device for a good five minutes each night to attain the benefits of greater security. And as you can imagine, some people were just baffled as to what that might do and why anyone would make such a suggestion.

On the contrary, we had plenty of others mention that’s harmless so why not give it a try. After all, you can never have too much security, right?

Moreover, the statement was very generalized and bizarre and we’re still wondering what he meant by it. But Anthony Albanese was not kidding when making such comments. He says that it works to get rid of cybersecurity risks in the most proactive manner.

Everyone has a responsibility and sometimes the little things can really make a huge difference, he continued. Meanwhile, those watching and hearing the news were appalled when the prime minister gave more suggestions including when and how people could do this act. This includes watching television or even brushing your teeth.

And when we sat down with the experts to see the answer of what such actions could do, we see why he’s been emphasizing this act all along. See, the advice is very similar to that stated by the NSA.

It was very specific and stated how to reboot the device each week as that would help to prevent things such as exploits linked to having zero clicks. Such threats tend to be at the top of the list in terms of targets and they end up attacking certain groups of people and specific individuals.

A host of other tips were also by NSA including stuff such as disabling Wi-Fi and other services like Bluetooth and then data. But such endeavors are usually directed toward those people linked to intelligence sectors and not usually the general masses.

A lot of attacks carried out by government institutions tend to be aimed at those using the iPhone on a routine basis. And high profile targets entail those linked to human rights supporters and lawyers and those having links to the media industry.

Last year in the month of July, we saw tech giant Apple lay down another one of its modes called Lockdown. This particular offering turned out to be a part of the firm’s constant commitment to keeping users safe from such spyware.

For now, the Lockdown Mode is in-built across each new model of iPhone, starting from iOS 16 and going to newer variants. This also has some huge protections in them to restrict exposure to completely nil exploitations.

Some of the common features include blocking texts, disabling certain browsers, blocking users that are unknown, and preventing them from sending messages or making calls to your device. Similarly, all wired collections linked to a PC get blocked when the device is put on locked.

Last but not least, users can’t download any configuration profiles too when in Lockdown mode.

As you can tell, this particular mode is a new or extreme variant of protection that users should use if they feel they’re at threat of some sort of hacking, malware, or other form of cyberattack. This is why the tech giant feels a limited number of users need to make use of it when using their smartphones as it mostly entails targets of a specific variant.

So all in all, it seems like the recommendations for better security set out by the Australian prime minister aren’t wrong. However, it does appear to miss out on some key aspects.

H/T: 9to5Mac

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Cambridge Scientists Claim Computational Science May Develop Breakthrough Treatments But Enhance Carbon Footprints

Researchers from Cambridge University are setting out a series of principles regarding the world of computational science.

The latter is the name provided to power discoveries through unraveling the universe’s mysteries. This also includes understanding the human body in great detail.

The field has a promising approach linked to it. However, it’s really shocking how scientists now claim the carbon footprint they’re leaving behind is alarming and to make it more sustainable and better the environment, action needs to be taken soon.

The scientists came out with a new article where they’re now urging the whole scientific community to come forward and act against this as it’s rising in an uncontrollable manner.

Remember, data science keeps on increasing, and with time, algorithms rise too. Yes, science has great benefits for society as well but the impact on the environment can never be underestimated. And the reason behind such research is this only.

Now, researchers claim that it’s integral to do what’s possible to restrict this carbon footprint and make sure the benefits of these explorations aren’t canceled out by costs linked to the environment.

This is just the start of many studies where many people claim the figure for carbon footprint has been up to 20 tCO2e.

But one aspect linked to this research does tend to be ignored and that can have a huge effect including top performance and great cloud computing.

Data centers that use less energy and those that have top-performance systems for computing really do prove to make a difference in lessening the harsh impact.

So to better address issues like this, researchers at the University of Cambridge are creating something new called GREENER. This would lead others to make better practices and maximize the benefit of attaining computational science for the human race as well as the environment.

The authors claim that each person in today’s world has a key role to play. They either need to work within the institution or take on steps like limiting the emission of greenhouse gases. Similarly, government bodies need to include funding apps that track carbon emissions and provide strategies that limit the levels.

Monitoring such endeavors would help see where the lacking is present and it’s crucial when you wish to seek what effects the environment is forced to deal with due to poor or inadequate decision-making. This might be why more researchers are quantifying such carbon footprints to gain awareness regarding the realm.

Read next: Striking the Perfect Work-Life Equilibrium: Global Cities that Prioritize Well-being
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Users Are Not Happy With Reddits Blackouts And Its Impacts Googles Head Of Search Confirms

The sudden emergence of Reddit’s blackouts is taking a toll on Google’s users. And now, the news is being confirmed by the company’s head of search who says that the outcry is reaching boiling point.

For so long, Google users were allowed to tweak searches using words like Reddit so that they pop up with the right resources in regard to certain topics.

And when we saw thousands of forums on the app go dark at the start of this month, such tactics began to lose their value. So many pages on the search engine could not get accessed and were called out as being unhelpful. Moreover, some moderators of leading forums flipped pages’ settings to private as they protested against the company’s stance to charge developers to attain data access.

This sort of issue entails executives from Google and it’s resolved in parts by another innovative offering that’s dubbed Perspectives. This happened to be unveiled on Monday. And now, such a tab would be up for grabs across the mobile web as well as Google’s application in America.

It vows to support various discussion forums from top social media apps such as TikTok, Quora, Reddit, and more.

Moreover, another meeting taking place during the month’s start had the firm’s Search VP speak about how the firm was trying to figure out new means to put out the right resources across results without ever needing to add the word Reddit in a search. After all, people were becoming super frustrated over this entire endeavor.

Most people might wonder why search teams are allocated to create such things and how users aren’t exactly happy with the ordeal when their search plans don’t go their way.

Today, another comment was generated in response to feedback attained by a user who was not happy with Google's long list of ads and also the fact that there were so many results that it found to be irrelevant.

People were asked in detail about what they could do to better the whole experience for others. After all, the search engine giant has a reputable name and no one wishes to ruin that.

But from what we can see, Google is really working hard in terms of revamping its search and staying up to pace with other competitors in the industry that would take advantage of new developments in this Generative AI field.

So what we mean by that is saying hello to responses that are not only sophisticated but also very chatty responses for questions linked to the text.

As it is, Android makes says that it’s working hard with efforts to better the whole search experience using AI technology. Yes, it’s still not up for grabs to everyone out there but by showcasing more replies that are in-depth, the company hopes to bring major change soon.

Today, Bard is miles apart from the world of search and continues to function in a trial manner.

H/T: CNBC

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by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Meta Allows Quest Users To Subscribe To Its New VR Service For $7.99

Meta’s Quest users are now being given the chance to subscribe to a brand new service which would provide them with greater access to some leading titles each month.

The service that’s called Meta Quest+ is the name given to a VR subscription that is for $8 each month. But if you’d like to take on the subscription on a yearly basis, it’s $60.

The news was first unveiled when we heard about the service that was launched in the month of March through one user on the Twitter application. This is when they saw more details about a feature linked to the game pass which entailed the Meta Quest platform.

Meanwhile, at the start of the month, we saw another user of the app spot both the cost and title of this service on the platform.

Zuckerberg mentioned at this week’s start through a statement how the feature would be up for grabs for those having the Quest 2 as well as the Pro endeavor. Similarly, there’s also going to be more support getting provided for Quest 3 when such a headset gets rolled out during the fall season.

The games being offered at the start include the action-packed one called FPS Pistol Whip. Similarly, other games called the Walkabout Mini Golf and Pixel Ripped are other ones worth a mention that is arcade styled and launched in the year 1995.

All users must keep the titles, provided they remain as subscribers on the Meta Quest+ app.

We know that this particular subscription by Meta will keep the firm miles apart from PlayStation which does not put VR games on offer through the subscription called PlayStation Plus.

Subscriptions are known to be one great manner to attain more rewards on your investments that go as far back as Blockbuster days. And being valued at $60, the company says it hopes to attract the masses due to a combo of affordability and convenience through the most customized experience.

They are more than excited to provide more gamers across this new endeavor a chance to unravel the greatness linked to headsets. The tech giant adds how it hopes to add some more enticing offers like discounts that would last throughout the end of July. in this program, you’d be paying just $1 during the first month.

The firm went public recently where it spoke about an addition of innovative games for VR headsets such as Stranger Things, amongst others.

Read next: Does Social Media Really Harm Teenagers Mental Health?
by Dr. Hura Anwar via Digital Information World

Does Social Media Really Harm Teenagers Mental Health?

It seems like the noise surrounding social media and the impact it can have on the mental health of teenagers has reached a fever pitch. Major figures like the US Surgeon General have spoken out about its ill effects, and most parents fully believe that allowing their children to use social media will make their mental health harder to maintain than might have been the case otherwise.

In spite of the fact that this is the case, there is a glaring lack of evidence that this is actually the truth of affairs. With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that there isn’t even a consensus on what counts as social media, let alone on the effects it can have on children’s brain chemistry and emotional wellbeing.

Many studies take a look at platforms that feature user generated content as examples of social media, yet they fail to analyze major sites like YouTube. The video streaming platform is used by 95% of teenagers, as per Pew, and about 20% stated that they use it constantly with all things having been considered and taken into account.

However, despite its popularity and its clear status as a social media, YouTube is nowhere to be seen in these reports. The inclusion of YouTube may alter the findings because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up only being used passively. Alternatively, its impact may be similar to that of TikTok, but the lack of studies including it suggests that they are not covering as many sites as they need to.

It bears mentioning that correlation does not imply causation. Most studies have discovered correlations, but a causal link has yet to be established. Until and unless the studies are modified to cover a wider range of social media behaviors, their findings will not be robust enough to drive policy decisions. The presence of conflicting information also casts some doubts on these theories, which has led many study reviewers to call the evidence weak at best and that should be considered by parents when they are restricting social media usage for teens.

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by Zia Muhammad via Digital Information World

Striking the Perfect Work-Life Equilibrium: Global Cities that Prioritize Well-being

In an era where professions span a vast spectrum of pressure levels, the elusive goal of maintaining professional and personal life often drops through our fingers, leaving us feeling overwhelmed.

The pervasive presence of technology grants us unprecedented access to work, blurring the once-distinct lines between professional obligations and private moments. Consequently, the fear of standing behind or being replaced drives many to toil beyond the confines of a typical workday, neglecting their well-deserved holiday span and even sacrificing necessary breaks for rest and recuperation. The struggle to find a counterbalance between professional and private life persists, demanding our attention as we navigate the complexities of modern-day employment.

Nevertheless, certain metropolises around the globe stand out from the rest, where the equilibrium equation is delicately proportional in favor of employees. These leading organizations prioritize the well-being of their workforce, offering comprehensive healthcare benefits, generous holiday allowances, and an overall culture that encourages individuals to embrace a fulfilling private life alongside their proficient pursuits.

Embarking on a quest to uncover the most balanced friendly cities, we turn to the esteemed Forbes ranking this year. This comprehensive analysis corresponds to information from one hundred and twenty-eight cities worldwide, evaluating their equilibrium score to a hundred. Within our captivating illustration, we unveil the leading twenty-six cities that triumphantly excel in fostering an environment where professionals can truly thrive, striking a harmonious chord between their private and proficient lives.

Among the prestigious leading twenty-six cities, a staggering twenty European metropolises proudly claim their spots. This captivating array of cultural richness and diverse way of life lends itself to an exquisite equilibrium, where citizens can gracefully navigate the delicate dance between professional responsibilities and private fulfillment, forging a harmonious existence that remains the envy of the world.

Ascending to the pinnacle of proportion is none other than the enchanting Denmark. With an impressive rank of seventy-five percent, this thriving metropolis effortlessly blends a high-maintenance life, a remarkable family vacation of fifty-two weeks, and a deep-rooted commitment to the environment and greenery. Embracing the Danish way of life, where taking care of yourself and resting are prized.

A fascinating tale of equilibrium between professional and private continues to unfold across the EU greatest three cities on this ranking are Helsinki, Finland, the Swedish city of Stockholm, and Oslo. These cities, adorned with healthy beings, boast plenty of holidays with family leave guidelines but also an astonishing moderate 7 days below thirty hours. The story takes a digital twist in Helsinki as well as Finland, where over fifty percent of employees embrace remote work, further enhancing the seamless integration of professional and personal spheres in these dynamic urban landscapes.

In the realm of European workplaces, a remarkable transformation is afoot as companies place a paramount focus on employee well-being. The result? A flourishing fitness civilization that embraces practices like digital work ethics and unwavering aid for mental fitness. This transformative shift advocates a congruous work-life integration, fostering an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

While Europe takes the lead in maintaining balance, Oceania showcases its own champions. NZ and other cities bask in the fifth position with a delightful twenty-six job hours in 7 days on moderate and abundant family leave. Down under, some metropolis within Australia shines with their moderate weeks ranging from thirty-two to thirty-seven hours, basking in a bright climate that adds to their impressive rankings. The Pacific delivers its own allure for those seeking a unified blend of skilled success and fulfilling private life.

Among the leading twenty-five checklists, the United Arab Emirates stands as the sole representative of Asia, defying the odds. Despite soaring housing costs and fewer holiday days for employees, this vibrant city shines with its protection, bright environment, and enviable quality of life. It proves that while the equilibrium may face its challenges, a combination of favorable factors can create a haven where professional satisfaction and individual commitments harmoniously coexist.

H/T: VisualCapitalist

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World