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Earth Intelligence

26 Dec 2023 — 4 min read

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Nuclear Fusion Progress
Android Malware

Nuclear Fusion Progress:

Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the United States have achieved a significant progress in nuclear fusion, successfully attaining fusion ignition multiple times. This advancement, first accomplished last December, represents a significant step towards harnessing an abundant and clean energy source.
By utilizing the National Ignition Facility (NIF), the LLNL team directed 192 laser beams at a target containing isotopes within a diamond capsule housed in a gold cylinder. This process, which echoes the fusion occurring in the sun, has led to an energy yield increase of 89 percent. While the current output is modest, enough only to boil a kettle, the potential for scaling up this technology is vast. It could usher in a transformative era in energy production, as noted by experts in the field.
This development in nuclear fusion was a key topic at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), with nations agreeing to accelerate efforts in this area. Internationally, the pursuit of nuclear fusion is gaining momentum, with substantial investments from countries including China, Japan, Russia, the European Union, and corporate entities such as Microsoft.
While LLNL's experiment remains unparalleled, progress is evident globally. A joint EU-Japan project recently launched a large nuclear fusion reactor, JT-60SA, in Japan, aiming to achieve fusion ignition soon. Moreover, an even more significant reactor is under construction in France, highlighting a worldwide commitment to exploring nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy solution.

Android Malware:

The Chameleon Banking Trojan, an Android malware first detected in early 2023, has recently undergone an alarming update. It now possesses the ability to block fingerprint authentication, forcing users to enter their PIN code or password, which it then captures. This malware primarily targets users downloading apps from third-party sites, as it often masquerades as legitimate applications like the Chrome browser.
Users are generally safe if they stick to downloading apps solely from the Google Play Store and remain vigilant against phishing scams. The malware, detailed by ThreatFabric researchers, has expanded its geographical reach, now affecting users in the UK and Italy, in addition to its initial targets in Australia and Poland. The new version of Chameleon, disguised as a Google Chrome download, seeks to enable Accessibility Services on the victim's device and disable biometric authentication to capture PINs and passwords.
This capability significantly heightens the risk of device theft and unauthorized access. Google has acknowledged the threat posed by Chameleon, advising users that its Play Protect service provides protection against such malware. However, the primary defense lies in user vigilance: avoiding downloads from untrusted sources and refraining from clicking on dubious links received through email or messaging apps. This caution is especially crucial for Android phones without Google Play Services, as they lack the protective features offered by Play Protect.

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