information (6do encyclopedia)



Information is a fundamental concept in the field of communication and technology. It refers to data that has been processed, organized, and presented in a meaningful way. Information can come in many forms, including text, images, audio, and video.

The study of information began in the 1940s, with the development of the first digital computers. This allowed researchers to explore the properties of information in a systematic way. Since then, information has become a central topic of study in fields as diverse as psychology, sociology, statistics, philosophy, and engineering.

One of the key properties of information is that it reduces uncertainty. When we receive new information, it often helps us make more informed decisions, or helps us to predict the behavior of systems. For example, if we receive information about the weather, we can make more accurate plans for the day ahead. Similarly, if we receive information about the stock market, we can make more informed investment decisions.

However, information can also be misleading or incomplete. In some cases, people deliberately spread false information, or withhold important facts. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. It is therefore important to be critical of the information we receive, and to verify it whenever possible.

A related concept is knowledge, which refers to the understanding and insights that we gain through the processing of information. Knowledge is not just a collection of facts, but also includes our ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems or create new ideas. Knowledge can be structured in various ways, such as in a database or a hierarchy of concepts.

Another important aspect of information is its storage and retrieval. With the increasing amount of information available today, it has become essential to develop efficient methods for storing and retrieving it. This has led to the development of various technologies such as databases, search engines, and information retrieval algorithms.

A related concept is data, which refers to raw, unprocessed information. Data can take many forms, such as sensor readings, survey responses, or website clicks. Data needs to be cleaned and organized before it can be used as meaningful information.

In recent years, the rise of big data has led to a renewed interest in information. Big data refers to the massive amounts of data that are generated by our digital interactions, such as social media, website visits, and online purchases. Big data presents both opportunities and challenges, as it can provide valuable insights into human behavior, but also raises concerns about privacy and security.

In conclusion, information is a key concept in communication and technology. It plays a crucial role in reducing uncertainty, but can also be misleading or incomplete. Knowledge, data, and storage/retrieval are all important aspects of information. With the rise of big data, information has become more important than ever before, as it provides valuable insights into human behavior and societal trends. As we continue to develop new technologies and systems for processing and analyzing information, it is important to remain critical and aware of its limitations.


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U.S. charges Russian man in Babuk ransomware attack on D.C. police

Washington Post

23-05-16 16:31


Mikhail Matveev, a Russian man, has been accused by US authorities of being a “key actor” in ransomware campaigns against US law enforcement, critical infrastructure and businesses. The Babuk ransomware campaign has netted criminals millions of dollars in ransom payments. The US authorities have placed economic sanctions on Matveev, and he has a $10m bounty on his head for information leading to his arrest.

The Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network analysed 2021 ransomware incidents between July and December 2021, reporting 75% were linked to Russia or people acting on its behalf, with Matveev “a central figure in launching cyberattacks against US law enforcement, businesses and critical infrastructure in 2021”. Babuk has preyed on hospitals, school districts and financial firms. Neither the US nor the UK provisions on cryptocurrency exchanges have begun to contain malicious use of Bitcoin, known to be the preferred method for payment by criminal enterprises.

After negotiations with District officials broke down about the Babuk ransomware attack against D.C. police, hackers sensationally posted stolen documents, including raw intelligence on threats after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, more than three dozen daily intelligence briefings for the chief of police, confidential files that could reveal names of suspected gang members and witnesses and internal files dealing with job candidates. District officials and police authorities refused to pay the ransom of $4m.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/05/16/babuk-ransomeware-attack-dc-police-indictment/

Myanmar and Bangladesh begin cleaning up, counting casualties after devastating Cyclone Mocha

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 15:52


A cyclone has caused widespread destruction, at least 21 deaths and has left hundreds of others believed missing in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Cyclone Mocha made landfall with winds of up to 130 miles per hour on 5 May. Myanmar took the greatest impact from the storm, with 11,532 houses, as well as schools, hospitals and government buildings, damaged. Bagan, one of Myanmar’s major tourist attractions, was also damaged. The 21 reported dead, and many of the missing, came from ramshackle displacement camps in Myanmar, populated by members of the Muslim Rohingya minority, who lost their homes in a 2017 counterinsurgency campaign.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/2023/05/16/myanmar-and-bangladesh-begin-cleaning-up-counting-casualties-after-devastating-cyclone-mocha.html
Jailed Saudi dissident, sister sue Twitter under RICO act in spy case

Washington Post

23-05-16 14:38


Twitter has been sued in the Northern District of California by an American citizen, Areej Al-Sadhan, who argues the social media firm let employees reveal the identity of her brother, police detainee Abdulrahman Sadhan, to Saudi agents. The leak led to his incarceration. The suit cites repeated security failures at Twitter, which reportedly allowed spies working for the platform to send details on thousands of anonymous users to the Saudi government, while royal funds were invested in the company, making the country a large shareholder. Various Saudi officials and the kingdom itself are named as defendants in the suit. The filing hinges on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute. The case is the latest to be brought against Twitter over allegations it upheld Saudi practices against dissidents.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/05/16/twitter-rico-saudi-arabia/
Montreal mayor calls for probe into fire safety enforcement after deadly blaze

The Globe and Mail

23-05-17 01:52


Montreal's fire department has come under scrutiny after a blaze in an Old Montreal flat killed seven people and injured nine more. Mayor Valérie Plante has asked the city’s comptroller-general, Alain Bond, to probe the local fire department’s enforcement of safety regulations in the years leading up to the fire. A report by The Globe and Mail includes internal memos suggesting the department imposed a moratorium on investigations related to safety issues surrounding evacuation routes and fire alarm systems upgrades. Fire chief, Richard Liebmann, has confirmed the moratoriums were put in place, but two anonymous officials said they were lifted after the fire in March.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-montreal-mayor-calls-for-probe-into-fire-safety-enforcement-after/
Gun­men at­tack con­voy of US em­bassy per­son­nel in Nige­ria

Al Jazeera

23-05-17 00:33


Two US embassy employees and two police officers have been killed in Nigeria when gunmen opened fire on their convoy. Three additional individuals have also been kidnapped. Police officials have suggested that separatist groups are involved following an increase in such violence. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been mentioned, in particular, as a group pushing for secession from Nigeria to form its own republic. Such opinions are historically controversial, with a civil war beginning in Nigeria in 1967 after the Republic of Biafra declared independence. The US State Department confirms that it is investigating the incident.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/17/gunmen-attack-convoy-of-us-embassy-personnel-in-nigeria
How do I keep my children grounded financially?

Financial Times

23-05-17 04:22


Experts have said that parents passing on significant amounts of inherited wealth to their children should adopt an open approach to money matters, with an emphasis on educating their offspring about money and instilling the right attitudes. While riches can lead to issues with drug addiction, gambling and a sense of entitlement, transparency is seen as the best course of action. After outlining the values and concerns, it is suggested that parents educate their children on the value of money, its proper usage, saving and budgeting. Setting financial goals and devising plans to achieve them in conjunction with pocket money and part-time jobs can be helpful. For larger sums of money which are less immediately accessible, advisers should be appointed to explain different savings and investment options, risks attached to various plans, and the salient benefits of longer-term strategies.

https://www.ft.com/content/0c5634dd-6514-4dda-beb7-6baf5515f108
Smaller consultancies eye opportunities as China crackdown hits sector leader

Reuters

23-05-17 03:45


Smaller Chinese consultancy firms are predicted to gain from the country's increasing demand for expert knowledge, particularly after the shock delivery of the Beijing crackdown on firms supplying too sensitive information for Chinese consumption. Many of these firms are now working to reduce risk. For the long-term, the sector will become more regulated, becoming more popular for investors and firms who need greater insight into China. US-based Frost and Sullivan has predicted the Chinese market for expert information will grow from $1bn in 2015 to $1.9bn by 2025.

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/smaller-consultancies-eye-opportunities-china-crackdown-hits-sector-leader-2023-05-17/
The one thing Michael Gove must do to avoid ruining decent landlords

Telegraph

23-05-17 10:08


The UK needs a clear and workable plan to ensure that the court system can efficiently hear and process possession cases, according to Ben Beadle, CEO of the National Residential Landlords Association. Freedom of Information data from Scotland shows the number of administrative officer grade caseworkers in the country's Housing and Property Chamber increased 72% between 2017 and 2021, and Beadle called for a similar increase in staff for England and Wales. He said tenants should have access to legal advice when possession cases are being heard, while the Renters’ Reform Bill should enable both rogue landlords to be challenged and responsible landlords to deal with issues regarding rental properties. The cross-party housing select committee recently warned the government that an "unreformed courts system" could undermine its tenancy reforms.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/michael-gove-landlords-rental-market-tenants-courts/
Indonesian IT minister arrested for alleged corruption in procurement

The Independent

23-05-17 09:55


Indonesia’s minister of information technology was arrested on 7 April by police investigating a corruption scandal linked to mobile phone transmission towers. Johnny G. Plate was taken into custody after showing up for questioning at the Attorney General’s Office. It is believed that losses amounted to IDR8tn ($548m) due to fictitious payments for base stations that were not constructed, although 4,200 have been set up so far on a project to handle more than 7,900 blank spots in mobile coverage across underdeveloped and remote areas of the country. Four other members of Indonesia’s current cabinet have already been jailed for related crimes.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/joko-widodo-ap-indonesian-jakarta-cabinet-b2340477.html
Investigator boasted about 'getting queen's medical records', Prince Harry case told

Reuters

23-05-17 12:43


A private investigator hired by the publisher of the Daily Mirror newspaper boasted that he could get the medical records of the UK's Queen Elizabeth II, according to a retired police officer giving evidence in a lawsuit being undertaken against Mirror Group Newspapers by more than 100 people, including Prince Harry. The claimants allege the papers engaged in phone-hacking and other unlawful behaviour between 1991 and 2011. MGN, which is now owned by Reach, denies the allegations.

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/investigator-boasted-about-getting-queens-medical-records-prince-harry-case-told-2023-05-17/
TikTok’s sister app Douyin sees 80 per cent annual growth in GMV for e-commerce

South China Morning Post

23-05-17 11:00


Chinese online marketplace Douyin has seen its gross merchandise volume (GMV) rise by 80% as it continued to ramp up e-commerce efforts. Parent ByteDance set up a dedicated unit last year to lead efforts to convert the social media platform's hundreds of millions of users into buyers. GMV for Douyin in 2021 was Yuan 1.41tn ($202.3bn), according to The Information. Alibaba and JD.com still have significantly higher volumes, of nearly Yuan 8tn and Yuan 3.48tn respectively.

https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3220886/tiktoks-sister-app-douyin-says-gmv-e-commerce-business-grew-80-cent-last-year
Lawyer sues FDA to keep identity secret in public inspection report

Reuters

23-05-17 16:29


An anonymous lawyer has filed a lawsuit against the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent it revealing their identity in a public report regarding the lawyer's company's regulatory compliance when inspected by the agency. The complaint argues that the lawyer would suffer "reputational harm that could impede" their ability to continue practising. The case was filed anonymously in Washington DC, and seeks to bar the FDA from releasing public information. The FDA allegedly intends to release an inspection report on the unidentified company, including information about the anonymous attorney.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/lawyer-sues-fda-keep-identity-secret-public-inspection-report-2023-05-17/
Peel police charge three of four suspects in Brampton electronics store robbery

The Toronto Star

23-05-17 21:23


Canadian police have charged three people suspected of committing an armed robbery at an electronics store in Brampton, Toronto, on 16 May. Four gunmen reportedly entered the store and stole equipment at gunpoint before making their getaway in a car with stolen number plates. Police arrested three suspects within an hour, as they were driving in a vehicle near Jane Street and Finch Avenue in Toronto. Officers recovered a replica gun and $50,000 worth of property. They are still searching for the fourth suspect, believed to have been the getaway driver. No injuries were reported.

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/05/17/peel-police-charge-three-of-four-suspects-in-brampton-electronics-store-robbery.html
Illinois Democrats say abortion-access protections are a promise: 'You're safe here'

The Independent

23-05-17 19:57


New legislation approved in Illinois could protect access to abortion for individuals who face penalties in their own state for seeking the procedure. Measures passed by the General Assembly include penalties for pregnancy centres that distribute inaccurate information, requiring colleges to provide emergency contraception in dispensers at a reduced price and demanding Illinois insurers cover abortion-inducing drugs. Another measure approved by the House would insist that interstate agreements to share number plate recognition technology be accompanied by promises that it would not be used to track patients arriving from other states for an abortion.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ap-illinois-chicago-springfield-senate-b2340913.html
Illinois Democrats say abortion-access protections are a promise: ‘You’re safe here’

The Toronto Star

23-05-17 19:25


Illinois politicians have passed legislation that aims to extend access to abortions in the state and protect patients seeking the procedure from being tracked by license-plate reading technology. The law would require companies selling accident or health insurance to provide coverage for abortifacients, such as hormonal therapies or immunodeficiency virus prevention drugs. Crisis pregnancy centres that distribute misinformation about abortions would also potentially face fines of up to $50,000. Pro-choice groups in Illinois said their actions were intended to send a message that even if abortion rights are curtailed in other states, the Illinois judiciary would protect the practice.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/us/2023/05/17/illinois-democrats-say-abortion-access-protections-are-a-promise-youre-safe-here.html
Documents leak suspect had been warned about handling of classified information, prosecutors say

The Toronto Star

23-05-18 01:20


Superiors of the Massachusetts Air National Guard member, Jack Teixeira, had raised concerns internally on multiple occasions about his handling or viewing of classified information prior to him being charged with leaking highly-classified military documents. Teixeira was accused of sharing the documents on Discord, a social media platform, and allegedly continued to leak even after being admonished by superiors. The documents appear to detail US and NATO aid to Ukraine and US intelligence assessments regarding US allies.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/us/2023/05/17/documents-leak-suspect-had-been-warned-about-handling-of-classified-information-prosecutors-say.html
FBI: Agents set to testify on alleged abuses had clearances revoked over security concerns

Washington Post

23-05-18 00:40


Two FBI agents set to appear before a House subcommittee Thursday had their security clearances revoked this month over security concerns, according to a letter sent by the FBI to the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and obtained by The Washington Post. Friend and Allen have been billed by the committee as whistleblowers and are expected to testify Thursday in a hearing about alleged abuses by the bureau and retaliation they allegedly faced for raising their concerns.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/05/17/fbi-agents-testify-security-clearances/
Mon­tana gov­er­nor signs into law first-of-its-kind Tik­Tok ban

Al Jazeera

23-05-18 00:29


Montana has become the first US state to enact a total ban on TikTok, with the law coming into effect in January 2024. In addition to barring TikTok from operating in the state, the law also prohibits its download. Tech companies have expressed doubts that the ban will be possible to impose, while the state's American Civil Liberties Union described the law as "excessive government control". TikTok, which has over 1 billion users globally, including 150 million in the US, has faced privacy concerns and alleged links to the Beijing government.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/18/montana-governor-signs-into-law-first-of-its-kind-tiktok-ban
Fertility app fined $200,000 for leaking customers health data

CNN

23-05-17 22:57


Fertility app Premom has been fined $200,000 in federal and state fines for sharing user’s health information with other companies without their consent, including with Google and two Chinese-based companies. Many regulators have increased scrutiny of fertility trackers and health data security in the face of last year's US Supreme Court decision on abortion protection. The regulation breach allegedly impacted hundreds of thousands of Premom users from at least 2018 to 2020, violating the Health Breach Notification Rule.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/17/tech/easy-healthcare-corporation-premom-app-privacy/index.html