#software security app cybersecurity developers

[effectivelyblazingjinx]

Why Businesses Are Switching to AI-Powered Custom Software Development in 2026

In the modern age of technology, businesses are no longer wondering whether they should adopt digital transformation; instead, they are wondering at what pace they can scale up using AI and automation.

In light of stiff competition, changing customer preferences, and technological innovations, businesses are actively looking for software development companies that use AI and mobile application development solutions.

Here comes SB Infowaves, which is revolutionizing the growth journey of businesses in India, the US, and worldwide.

The Rise of AI-Driven Digital Transformation

One of the commonly searched questions is:

"How does AI help make businesses more efficient?"

The solution to this problem is through the use of automation. Companies are currently using:

Chatbots for engaging with customers

Predictive analysis for making sound decisions

RPA to minimize manual efforts

Enterprise-specific software applications

Organizations not utilizing these tools stand the chance of lagging behind companies using artificial intelligence software solutions to expand their businesses.

Why Custom Software Development Beats Off-the-Shelf Solutions

Most enterprises will begin searching for the best ready-made software, but later they would discover its inadequacies.

The main shortcomings associated with pre-existing software include:

Lack of customization

Scalability problems

Integration difficulties

Insecure nature

In contrast, custom software development provides:

Solutions that suit specific company objectives

Smooth integration into current systems

Cybersecurity measures

Cost-effective in the long run

SB Infowaves focuses on custom web application development, mobile app development, and enterprise software development that resolve business challenges instead of making companies adjust to generic software.

High-Intent Services Businesses Are Searching for in 2026

Based on the latest search trends, the following services have gained much demand:

1. AI and Machine Learning Services

Companies are seeking the following:

"AI development company for startups"

"Machine learning services for business automation"

SB Infowaves provides artificial intelligence software that predicts trends and automates workflows.

2. Mobile App DQueries such as:

"Best mobile application development company in India"

"Affordable app developers for startups"

have led to huge demands.

Whether it is an Android, iOS, or cross-platform application, SB Infowaves develops intuitive apps which turn users into buyers.evelopment Services

3. Web Development & UX Optimization

The website of modern enterprises should be:

Fast loading

High ranking on Google

Conversion-oriented

SB Infowaves creates fast, SEO-optimized websites to increase conversions and engagement.

4. Digital Marketing & SEO Services

Keywords like:

“Better alternative than leading SEO firms”

“Affordable digital marketing firm for startups”

are trending.

SB Infowaves offers services including:

SEO optimization

Content marketing

Social media marketing

Paid advertising

with measurable returns on investment (ROI).

5. Cloud & Infrastructure Solutions

As more companies embrace cloud computing, search phrases such as:

“cloud migration services for small business”

“secure cloud infrastructure setup”

are becoming common.

Our company creates cloud platforms capable of expansion without compromising on efficiency and security.

How SB Infowaves Helps Businesses Stay Ahead

Established for more than a decade, SB Infowaves is known to be a reliable IT partner around the world for startups, SMEs, and enterprises.

What is the secret behind SB Infowaves success?

Over 10 years of experience in digital transformations

More than 3000 clients globally

In-depth knowledge in AI, blockchain, IoT, and cloud technologies

From development to maintenance – complete solutions

Highly concentrated on ROI-driven approaches

In contrast to other companies that offer only template-based solutions, SB Infowaves creates future-proof ecosystems.

Industries Benefiting from Digital Transformation

Enterprises from all sectors are seeking industry-oriented solutions such as:

“Healthcare software development company”

“E-commerce app development services”

“CRM software for real estate”

Our solutions cater to:

Healthcare

Retail & E-commerce

Education

Real Estate

Travel & Hospitality

Why Now Is the Best Time to Invest in Digital Solutions

With old-school technology, you aren’t just wasting time; you’re missing out on new opportunities.

The modern customer expects:

Quick and easy digital experiences

Customized services

Effortless online transactions

Companies that have invested in AI-based automation and bespoke software are growing exponentially, while others are lagging behind.

Conclusion: Build Your Digital Future with SB Infowaves

The digital revolution is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Whether you’re a startup looking for affordable software development services or an enterprise seeking advanced AI solutions, SB Infowaves offers everything you need to scale, innovate, and lead.

From custom software development to AI-driven automation, SB Infowaves empowers businesses to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital world.

Contact SB Infowaves

India (Head Office)

15th Floor, Unit #1509, Adventz Infinity, Block BN 5, Sector V, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700091

Phone No. - 9804360617

KEONICS, #29/A (E), 27th Main, 7th Cross Rd, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Phone No.- 8777493599

USA Office

Daytona Beach, Florida, USA

Phone no.-[phone]

[d0esery]

Tell me more about this markup please

MORE KOSA MARKUP INFO FOR 3/5/2026 TOMORROW! 📑👥

What bill will be discussed?

(These were the main bills/laws going around that were listed! I will also give what they do!)

- H.R. 7757, Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act (Rep. Guthrie)   

(Is a comprehensive House legislative package aimed at enhancing online safety for children and teenagers. It mandates that online platforms implement strict safety measures, including default privacy settings, controls for addictive design features, and mechanisms for reporting harmful content.)

- H.R. 2657, Sammy’s Law (Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Carter-GA) 

(Mandates that large social media platforms allow third-party safety software to monitor and manage the accounts of users under 17. This enables parents to receive alerts regarding dangerous content such as bullying, drugs, or suicide risks to intervene.)

- H.R. 6291, Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (Reps. Walberg and Lee-FL) 

(Updates the COPPA law to enhance digital safety for minors. It extends privacy protections to teenagers (13-16), bans targeted advertising to children/teens, limits data collection, and creates an online "Eraser Button" for personal data.)

- H.R. 3149, App Store Accountability Act (Rep. James) 

(Seeks to protect children online by requiring app stores to implement strict age verification and obtain parental consent for users under 18. The bill holds digital app stores accountable for providing minors with access to age-restricted or addictive content, treating them similarly to brick-and-mortar retailers.)

- H.R. 7258, Energy Emergency Leadership Act (Reps. Lee-FL and Landsman) 

(Aims to enhance the Department of Energy's (DOE) cybersecurity and energy security capabilities. It would establish a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary position at the DOE to focus on grid security, physical/cyber incidents, and emergency preparedness for energy infrastructure)

- H.R. 7266, Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act (Reps. Miller-Meeks and McClellan) 

(Authorizes $250 million from FY2026–2030 to strengthen cybersecurity for rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. It reauthorizes and enhances a Department of Energy (DOE) program to provide grants, technical assistance, and advanced tools to defend against cyber threats.)

- H.R. 7257, Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid (SECURE Grid) Act (Reps. Latta and Matsui) 

(Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to enhance local electric grid security. It requires state energy security plans to specifically address the physical, cyber, and resilience threats to local distribution systems.)

- H.R. 7272, Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act (Reps. Weber and Dingell) 

(Directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a program strengthening the physical and cybersecurity resilience of U.S. pipeline and LNG facilities. It enhances interagency coordination, information sharing, and develops tools for energy infrastructure protection.)

- H.R. 7305, Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026 (Reps. Castor and Evans)

(Aims to strengthen the cybersecurity and physical security of the U.S. energy sector. The bipartisan bill authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish and operate an Energy Threat Analysis Center (ETAC) to foster collaboration between the government and private industry to detect, mitigate, and disrupt threats.)

These are all obvious pretty crazy to understand, and many are quite dangerous to our online lives! Some of them are mass surveillance bills/laws! They are not putting the fine print of what these bills/laws truly are!

Republicans and Democrat will come together tomorrow on these bills/laws. They will discuss, throw out, reform, and change stuff as they see fit for the KOSA package. I hope this made it a bit more extensive for you to understand these bills/laws! This is pretty much all there is to the matter.

(Thank you, Anon, for your ask! :) 🙏❤️)

[eretzyisrael]

What does America acquire from Israel?

Let’s list some of the technology that has come out of the Jewish state for world use.

by Farley Weiss

An important question asked recently was: What does the United States get from Israel? What are some of the benefits, in addition to the nation being the only democracy in the Mideast and an ally from the get-go?

The answers come in the form of some very useful items.

Israel’s positive impact on the world is apparent in just an abbreviated list of companies, technology and more that have come out of the Jewish state, developed by its citizens.

• PillCam (capsule endoscopy): A swallowable camera pill that revolutionized gastrointestinal diagnostics

• ReWalk exoskeleton: A wearable robotic exoskeleton that enables paraplegics to walk

• Copaxone and Rebif: Leading multiple sclerosis treatments developed in Israel

• Cherry tomatoes (genetically modified to be long-lasting): Developed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Mobileye: Vision-based driver-assistance technology that underpins many autonomous vehicle systems (acquired by Intel)

• USB flash drive (disk-on-key): Created by M-Systems (Dov Moran), changing portable storage forever

• ICQ (early instant messaging platform): The forerunner of WhatsApp, Messenger and other chat apps

• Waze: Mobile satellite navigation application, or GPS, later acquired by Google

• Firewall and cybersecurity software: Check Point Software pioneered modern network security

• Intel chips (Pentium and Centrino developed largely in Israel)

• Iron Dome: Missile-defense system capable of intercepting short-range rockets with high accuracy

• UAV/drone technologies: Israel is a world leader in developing advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

• Drip irrigation: Netafim pioneered precision drip irrigation, now used worldwide to save water and boost crop yields

• Water desalination and recycling: Israel leads the world in water reclamation, with advanced desalination plants and reuse systems

• Solar-energy innovations: Early development of solar-water heaters and modern solar tech.

• Face ID-style 3D-Sensing (PrimeSense): Technology behind Microsoft Kinect, later bought by Apple and used in iPhones.

• OrCam: Wearable AI device that helps visually impaired people read text and recognize faces.

Israel also has around 100 companies listed on NASDAQ—the fourth most in the world after the United States, Canada and China. Compare Israel to Jordan, which has four times Israel’s land mass and about 1.5 million more residents than Israel. Jordan has one company listed on NASDAQ. Egypt has 116.5 million people; it, too, has only one Egyptian company on NASDAQ.

The Israeli military is ranked among the top 15 in the world, and with its recent crushing of Iran in its 12-day war, it is obvious that its air force, special forces and intelligence are among the top five in the world.

The fact that Israel does not require American troops to fight for it is different than American allies like Japan and South Korea, where the United States has 81,000 military troops stationed in those two countries. The United States also appropriates $36 billion to defend Europe and has 80,000 troops in Europe, including around 34,000 in Germany.

[howlsofbloodhounds]

Idk if u answered this before but would color have social media

cause idk why but I find it funny as hell that they would know brainrot and the souls would be laughing about it so much

I personally don’t think he’d be on social media much, at least not compared to Epic or Killer.

He’d definitely have a phone and probably has a few games and social media apps downloaded, like Tumblr mainly because he likes the stimboards and looking at posts about his interests, probably has YouTube.

I can only see him having TikTok because Killer and Epic kept sending him videos via text messages that he could never watch because he didn’t have the app downloaded.

Other than that, I think not only is Color very behind on recent apps, trends, memes, etc. due to his decades of isolation and having to figure out how to operate and adjust to technology again (especially recently developed technology that he might’ve missed out on during his time in the Void), but I also don’t think he spends much time on his phone except during periods where he felt too alone and isolated (during his time in the hospital perhaps) and during the period where his and Killer’s friendship was still developing during Killer’s time under Nightmare.

I’m considering the idea that maybe lurking on social media apps, not doing anything but watching videos and reading comments or just silently watching other people talk to each other in discord servers or group chats, could potentially help Color feel less alone without the overwhelm and stress of having to physically be around people before his mind and body has time to adjust to it.

But there’s also the possibility that lurking in group chats and not being acknowledged because he’s not chiming in to chat—or worse, deciding to chime in and being ignored—could trigger an episode of derealization in him.

He can’t see, touch, or even hear the people that’s supposedly behind the screens and typing those messages—he has no proof they’re actually real. He has no proof that his existence is still real, and that he hasn’t been forgotten or erased again.

These times are probably when he needs to take breaks from social media, from his phone, and try to find a way to ground himself before he spirals into a panic attack or an episode of psychosis.

On top of this, with time still moving on while he was in the Void and there being no technology during his time in captivity—and very little activities to do to keep his mind and body active—not only would Color be very far behind in technological advancements, but he may struggle with cognitive decline—such as memory degeneration or struggle with memory retrieval.

So even if he’s handed a phone he knew existed before he fell into the Void—even if he knows that he understood how to use this phone before—he’ll still struggle to recall how to use it.

Skills require reinforcement. Without practice, even basic technological skills (like using a phone, typing, or navigating software) could deteriorate. If he used to code, edit videos, or operate specific devices, those abilities might be rusty or completely forgotten.

Without the mental exercise of problem-solving daily issues (which technology often requires), their ability to “figure things out” could be impaired.

He might experience anxiety or frustration when encountering technology, feeling overwhelmed by how much they don’t understand.

Phones, computers, smart assistants, AR/VR, and even basic interfaces would feel foreign. He might not immediately understand touchscreen gestures, biometric security (face ID, fingerprint scanning), or AI assistants.

With social media platforms, he wouldn’t understand what’s popular, how they work, or digital etiquette. They might not recognize how entertainment has shifted from DVDs or early internet platforms to on-demand streaming.

Entire ways of communicating—like meme culture, slang, internet trends—may be lost on him. Multi-factor authentication, encryption, and cybersecurity concerns would be unfamiliar.

They may not understand how to navigate digital privacy, potentially making him vulnerable to scams or data exploitation. He might expect direct phone calls rather than texting or social media messaging.

Emojis, GIFs, and shorthand might be confusing or seem meaningless to them. Color might begin to feel frustrated and alienated, feeling like a “time traveler” thrown into a world he doesn’t understand, struggling to keep up.

They may resist using modern technology due to intimidation or resentment. He could avoid it as much as possible, or even grow to develop Technophobia.

The sheer speed and saturation of digital life (ads, notifications, video content, instant access to information) might be too much at once—and Color could struggle with overwhelm and sensory overload, the stress leading to episodes of dissociation.

He might try to make a call but not understand why payphones no longer exist or how smartphones work. He might struggle to use a self-checkout machine because he expected cashiers.

He might not recognize voice-activated AI assistants like Siri or Alexa, thinking a person is speaking to them. He might find modern websites overly cluttered and overwhelming compared to the simpler internet he knew.

He might get lost in a city because he expected to read paper maps rather than use GPS apps. He might feel isolated in conversations when people reference digital culture, memes, or slang he doesnt understand.

They might have an emotional reaction to something like facial recognition or biometric security, feeling watched or controlled.

They’d need gradual reintroduction to prevent overwhelm. Someone patient would need to walk him through even basic things like using a phone or searching online.

He might prefer physical books, notes, and manual methods rather than digital alternatives at first. If he focuses too much on how far behind they are, it could fuel self-loathing or despair.

This could be a deeply frustrating and alienating experience, reinforcing the sense that the world moved on without him.

On top of all this, too, is the fact that 1. he is a Sans alternate timeline, therefore he likely ‘grew up’ Underground and only had access to whatever technology fell from the Surface intact or whatever was able to be scavenged and repurposed, and 2. he has the souls of human children inside him.

He can potentially be effected by their knowledge of things on the Surface and human culture based on their what they’re able to tell him, show him, what he dreams about (potentially souls’ memories), or even if something triggers one of the souls and he sees whatever they’re remembering.

Taking further into account that not only have the souls been removed from the rest of the world for about two decades like Color has, but they were removed from the Surface and human world for even longer via being locked away in jars.

On top of that, it all depends on what year the souls were born and what year they Fell/were killed, and how far apart the six of them were. One soul might know something about technology none of the others do, because the other souls either weren’t born yet or died before getting to know.

[ultimez-technology]

2026’s Top 10 Web Development Company Trends You Can’t Ignore

The world of web development is evolving faster than ever. In 2026, companies are no longer just building websites, they’re creating experiences. As technology advances and user expectations rise, web development companies need to stay ahead of the curve to deliver fast, interactive, and secure digital solutions. Here’s a look at the top trends shaping the industry this year.

1. AI-Powered Web Development

Artificial Intelligence is no longer optional. Web development companies are using AI to automate coding, optimize user experience, and even personalize content for visitors. From chatbots to predictive analytics, AI is helping websites become smarter and more responsive.

2. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

PWAs combine the best of web and mobile apps. They load quickly, work offline, and provide app-like experiences without users needing to download anything. Companies are investing in PWAs to improve engagement and retention.

3. Voice Search Optimization

With voice assistants becoming mainstream, websites need to be optimized for voice search. Web development companies are designing sites with conversational search queries in mind, making it easier for users to find information quickly.

4. Motion UI and Interactive Elements

Static websites are becoming a thing of the past. In 2026, trends lean towards interactive design, animations, and motion UI elements that guide users and make websites more engaging. A well-designed interface can significantly improve user retention.

5. Mobile-First Development

Mobile traffic continues to dominate the internet. Web development companies are focusing on mobile-first strategies, ensuring websites look great and function seamlessly on any device. Fast load times, easy navigation, and responsive layouts are now must-haves.

6. Cybersecurity as a Priority

With cyber threats increasing, security is no longer an afterthought. Web development companies are integrating advanced security measures, including SSL certificates, multi-factor authentication, and proactive threat monitoring to keep user data safe.

7. API-First Development

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow different software systems to communicate seamlessly. Companies are adopting API-first approaches to build flexible, scalable, and easily upgradable web applications that integrate well with third-party tools.

8. Low-Code and No-Code Platforms

To speed up development, many companies are using low-code and no-code platforms. These tools allow developers and even non-developers to build functional websites quickly, reducing time-to-market and improving innovation.

9. Sustainable Web Development

Sustainability is becoming a key consideration. Web development companies are focusing on energy-efficient websites, optimized hosting, and reducing digital carbon footprints while maintaining high performance.

10. Blockchain Integration

Blockchain is no longer limited to cryptocurrency. In 2026, web development companies are exploring blockchain for secure transactions, decentralized apps, and transparent data management, offering clients cutting-edge solutions for complex digital needs.

Conclusion

The web development landscape is dynamic and rapidly changing. Companies that embrace these trends will deliver better user experiences, faster websites, and more secure, scalable solutions. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, staying updated with these trends is essential to thrive in a competitive digital world.

Web development companies that combine innovation, technology, and user-focused design are the ones leading the way in 2026. If your website isn’t evolving, it’s likely falling behind but the right partner can ensure you’re always ahead of the curve.

[mariacallous]

The EU Is Going Through a Trump-Fueled Breakup With Big Tech

France is already moving on from Zoom and Microsoft Teams in favor of homegrown alternatives. Other countries are quickly following suit.

As tensions between President Donald Trump and Europe continue to simmer, the continent is accelerating its moves to reduce its addiction to US technology. Cities and governments are ditching Microsoft Office for open-source alternatives, shifting to European cloud hosting for local AI, and moving defense data to systems without American involvement. Nowhere has this been more clear than in France.

Over the last few months, the French government has sped up its efforts to develop and deploy its own technology for government officials. The country has, arguably, emerged at the head of Europe’s growing digital sovereignty push, which aims to cut some reliance on US-based technology over concerns around data security, the Trump administration’s unpredictability, and changing prices. French budget minister David Amiel recently called for the state to “break free” from American systems and use those it can control.

“We are not just explaining what we want to do,” Stéphanie Schaer, the head of DINUM, France’s digital transformation ministry, tells WIRED over a call on the nation’s video-calling platform Visio. “We already did it in a few matters.” So far, more than 40,000 French government staff have started using the home-grown video platform, while the rest will move away from Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and others by 2027. “We are confident enough to use it every day and we are not dependent on just one actor that will tell us you have to use my video conference,” Schaer says.

Across France’s central government agencies and vast civil service, officials plan to shift to as many French, European, and open source technology alternatives as possible in the coming years. Schaer says it is important for the French government to be in control of the technology that it is using, with data being stored locally in the country, not abroad.

As part of this, DINUM has been developing a set of productivity tools, collectively called “LaSuite,” since at least 2023. As well as Visio, it includes instant messaging app Tchap, Messagerie instead of Gmail or Outlook, Fichiers for documents and file sharing, plus text editing software Docs, and Grist for spreadsheets. Some of the software is still in beta and has not been fully rolled out to French officials yet. However, Tchap already has 420,000 active users, Schaer says, with 20,000 civil servants adopting it each month.

“We are based on open source software. So we don’t develop all the code,” Schaer says. There are public plans for new features, although code is published on Microsoft-owned Github. All data handled by the alternatives has to be processed in France and stored with providers who have approval from the country’s cybersecurity agency ANSSI. Earlier this month, the Dutch government moved its open-source code off of GitHub and onto a Forgejo instance hosted on government-owned servers.

While open source is key, the French government is also working with other countries and private firms on the development of its tools. “We can reuse what has been developed by the community and we contribute to this community,” Schaer says. For instance, Visio, which can host calls of up to 150 people and has AI transcription of calls, is built on technology from French firms Outscale and Pyannote.

While Schaer’s department is aiming to lead by example, all of France’s central government agencies have to come up with plans to move away from US tech—across office software, antivirus, AI, databases, and more—by this fall. On April 23, French officials also announced the country will move its health data platform away from Microsoft to local cloud provider Scaleway, after a years-long decision process.

Across Europe—as well as in Canada—politicians have been increasingly vocal about ditching US technology since the start of the second Trump administration. The Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, and Finland all have ongoing sovereignty efforts, with German officials and regions also prominently pushing the movement. In December, eight countries, including France and Germany, announced they would partner on their efforts.

“The one that’s probably moved fastest has indeed been France,” says Martha Bennett, a principal analyst at Forrester who has been tracking open source developments since the 90s. France has a strong history of software development and open source contributions, Bennet says, with the French national police force adopting GendBuntu, a customized version of the Ubuntu Linux distribution, on thousands of devices over the last two decades. “Where France has the advantage is that it's a very centralized, centrally controlled country,” Bennett says.

The French efforts are not limited to the central government. “There’s a lot of cities in France that are going in this direction,” says Valentin Lungenstrass, the deputy mayor of Lyon, which has around 9,000 employees. Efforts to eradicate American technology from its stack started around 2020 but have accelerated over the last year. Like the central government, Lungenstrass says European or, ideally, open source software is the goal. “Being on open source platforms is not only about sovereignty, it’s also about maintenance, because when you have proprietary solutions, we always rely on one company that can do the maintenance,” he says.

So far, Lyon has moved around 70 percent of its employees away from Microsoft’s Office software, switching to the open source OnlyOffice instead—power users make up some of the holdouts. The city is shifting from Outlook for email, Lungenstrass says, with plans to start using Linux as an operating system in the future. “If the UI is pretty simple and straightforward, it won’t be so much of a problem,” he says. At the start of April, DINUM announced its 250 employees would start to trial Linux, and Schaer says 30 employees have already made the move.

“France has had a clear view about what we call ‘strategic autonomy’ forever,” says Henri Verdier, the country’s former ambassador for digital affairs. “A lot of other European countries, they did trust the US much more.” But the 2024 presidential campaign stirred some initial concerns. At the time, then-vice presidential candidate JD Vance implied that attempts to regulate X, the social media company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, under the terms of the Digital Services Agreement (DSA), might be seen by a second Trump administration as a reason to reconsider its support for NATO.

But the true wake up call came in May 2025, when the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, lost access to his email, which was hosted on Microsoft Outlook, and found his bank accounts frozen. In February 2025, Trump had signed an executive order sanctioning Khan after the court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Though Microsoft later said that it had not suspended Khan’s email access, the incident served as a stark reminder of exactly how much power US tech companies could exert to push American interests far beyond the country’s borders. In November, the ICC announced that it would be moving away from Microsoft to a European open-source alternative called OpenDesk.

On top of this warning shot, Frank Karlitschek, the founder and CEO of Nextcloud, says the movements in Europe have accelerated over the last decade due to the Snowden revelations and multiple unlawful EU-US data sharing agreements, as well as Trump. “With each of those events, the skepticism towards overseas cloud services was growing,” Karlitschek says.

Since the start of last year, Karlitschek says, Nextcloud, which creates video conferencing and work tools such as Microsoft Office alternatives that can be run locally, has seen a threefold increase in potential new customers. Customers are concerned about the availability of US services if privacy rules change; tariff-induced price increases; and the threat of espionage or data access, he says. The Cloud Act, which gives US law enforcement the ability to request access to data stored on servers internationally, is often cited as a worry.

“We know extraterritorial law can allow some access even if the data is stored in France and it’s not acceptable. It’s a red light for us,” DINUM’s Schaer says.

Despite the momentum, European efforts to untangle themselves from American technology can only go so far. “US firms dominate all major software layers,” one recent European Parliament report concluded. Google, Microsoft, and Amazon’s cloud services are used by about 70 percent of the EU market; and 80 percent of European company software spending goes to US firms, the report says. At least 23 countries depend on US tech firms for “critical national security functions,” research from the Future of Technology Institute think tank says.

Open-source technology might be one way of moving away from US tech companies. Verdier says that the changing views on US tech companies might push European countries closer to “the movement for digital public infrastructure, like in India.” The Indian government has rolled out several government-owned, open-source technologies, collectively called the “India Stack,” to manage things like identity verification, payments, and document storage. It’s one possibility in a “diversity of solutions,” says Verdier.

“Because this is open source, we’re very deliberate that we're not building the end product for them, but we kind of sit side by side,” says Yousef El-Dardiry, the creator of BlockNote, an open-source text editor. BlockNote has been working with the French and German governments on their offerings. For instance, El-Dardiry says, the teams are working collaboratively on track changes for editing, with bi-weekly meetings to discuss progress. “This is going to be critical for public sector workers but it’s also something that’s going to be very nice to have in BlockNote. So we can work on this together.”

But Verdier says that moving entirely away from US tech companies is not wholly possible, or even preferable right now. Even if European businesses or governments get off of services like Microsoft Outlook, “you likely still have a US operating system on your phone, or will need to use a US-controlled internet,” he says. “We don't have real alternatives to some of the tech giants today.”

[partisan-by-default]

The White House App Is Riddled With Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

“The U.S. government’s infrastructure is being attacked from all sides right now, and having an amateur WordPress developer running the White House’s public presence puts everybody who visits it at risk,” Philip Fields, a cybersecurity researcher and former FBI intelligence analyst, told NOTUS. “If this were just some random app out on the App Store representing whatever small business … this would not be a story.”

“But it’s not,” Fields said. “This is the White House.”

The app ranks as the third-most downloaded news app in the Apple App Store as of Friday. The White House released the app last week, and Trump on Monday promoted it as a source for “front-row access to all news from your favorite president.” He encouraged all of his fans to download it.

A White House press release announcing the app’s launch said that it “delivers unparalleled access to the Trump administration.”

A researcher shared screenshots with NOTUS showing that Elfsight — a third-party, Russia-founded software kit company that provides premade widgets for the app — makes public the personal information of some White House staffers through the app, as of Thursday. NOTUS is not publishing further details to protect the staffers’ privacy, but it was visible because of the app’s incorporation of Elfsight.

Federal apps and websites traditionally rely on certified cloud services that meet security requirements that were designed by federal agencies and certified by Congress.

“This is why things like FedRamp and GovCloud exist,” Fields said. “They’ve already been scrutinized and determined to mitigate a lot of this type of risk.”

A representative for Elfsight did not respond to a request for comment — but the company’s email automatically sent an “AI-generated reply” in response to NOTUS’ questions about its security. (wbm)

[cybertoffy]

How Hackers Steal Passwords in Seconds! (Phishing & DEFEND Framework)

We have this image in our heads of a hacker: a guy in a hoodie typing furiously at a keyboard, breaking through firewalls with complex code, Matrix-style.

The reality is much more boring, and much more dangerous.

Most hackers don’t need to break your computer’s security because they can just break you. It’s called Social Engineering, and in my latest deep-dive video, I demonstrated exactly how it works using Kali Linux.

I wanted to write this masterpost to break down what I found, how easy it is to clone major websites, and the framework I developed to actually stay safe.

💀 Part 1: The Trap (How Phishing Actually Works)

In the video, I perform a live demonstration (in a controlled lab environment) using the Social Engineering Toolkit (SET). Here is what happens on the backend when you get a "Suspicious Login Attempt" email:

Cloning: With just a few keystrokes, I can tell the software to clone the login page of Gmail or LinkedIn.

Hosting: I host this fake page on a local server and use port forwarding to make it live on the internet.

Masking: The generated link looks messy (e.g., serveo.net/123), so attackers use URL Shorteners or masking tools to wrap it. Suddenly, the link looks like google-security-check.com.

The Catch: When you click it, it looks identical to the real thing. You type your password. The page refreshes and sends you to the real Google. You think it was just a glitch.

The Result: I have your email and password in plain text on my terminal.

It takes seconds. And because it exploits your trust (and panic), no firewall can stop it.

🛡️ Part 2: The Solution (The DEFEND Privacy Framework)

Standard internet safety tips ("don't click links") are lazy. You need a system. Based on years of cybersecurity experience, I developed the DEFEND Framework to lock down your digital life.

Here is the breakdown:

D — DECOUPLE (Separate Your Identities) Stop using one email for everything. If your personal Gmail leaks in a database breach, your bank and social media are at risk too.

Tier 1: Personal (Friends/Family)

Tier 2: Business (Work/Professional)

Tier 3: Critical (Banking/Legal/Government - keep this secret)

Tier 4: Junk (Newsletters/Signups)

E — ENCRYPT (Secure the Pipe) Big tech companies scan your emails. For your Tier 3 (Critical) communication, use end-to-end encrypted services like ProtonMail. If the service can’t read your emails, hackers can’t either (even if they breach the server).

F — FAKE (Mask Your Data) Privacy is about minimizing data.

Use Email Aliases (SimpleLogin, AnonAddy, or iCloud Hide My Email). This forwards mail to your real inbox without revealing your real address.

Use fake names/birthdates for websites that don’t legally need your ID.

E — EVALUATE (Audit Your Footprint) Security isn't a "set it and forget it" thing.

Check "Logged in Devices" on Google/Facebook monthly.

Revoke access to third-party apps you no longer use.

N — NEUTRALIZE (Verify the Threat) This is the psychological defense.

The Hover Test: Hover your mouse over every link before clicking. Does the URL match the text?

The Urgency Check: If an email demands you act in "30 minutes or else," it’s a scam. Panic is their weapon. Slow down.

D — DEFEND (Lock It Down) If you take nothing else from this post: Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Avoid SMS MFA (Sim Swapping is real).

Use Authenticator Apps (Authy, Google Auth, Aegis) or Hardware Keys (YubiKey). Even if I steal your password using the method in Part 1, I can’t get in without your MFA code.

📺 Watch the Live Demo :

Reading about it is one thing, but seeing the terminal capture a password in real-time is a different level of understanding.

I recorded the full process