Flipboard Friday - Ransomware Hits Your TV¶

Source: https://www.wte.net/Blog/March-2023/Flipboard-Friday-Ransomware-Hits-Your-TV
Date: March 2023
Author: Martin W Smith

Weekly Summary - This Week in ChatGPT¶

The author highlights ChatGPT-4's positive reception and OpenAI's major development: connecting ChatGPT to the internet. Previously, the system had knowledge only through 2021, limiting current event queries. While ChatGPT-4 provides approximately 30% better responses requiring less editing, access remains limited by OpenAI's usage restrictions and paywall ($20/month).

Sign of the Times Magazine¶

The featured topic examines a significant February ransomware attack on Dish Network affecting nearly 8 million customers. The author, a Dish customer, describes experiencing degraded customer service following the breach. Before the attack, Dish's service was responsive but aggressive with retention tactics.

Key lesson: The author emphasizes that hackers possess singular focus—breaking in—while businesses juggle numerous responsibilities. Companies should implement air gap backups, as recommended in WTE founder Eric's comprehensive guide, to prevent catastrophic ransomware damage. The author argues that air gap protection costs pale in comparison to recovery expenses.

Start Me Up - Startup Incubator Magazine¶

JPMorgan Chase's acquisition of Aumni, an investor platform, reflects strategic positioning in fintech. The purchase addresses inefficiencies in VC operations, where Excel remains the standard tool. This consolidation demonstrates how established institutions capture emerging market opportunities during uncertain economic periods.

Techno Magazine¶

Adobe's Firefly Initiative: Adobe launched generative AI models trained on licensed Adobe Stock content—ethically distinct from competitors like DALL-E that use unlicensed images. The system generates images and text effects across Creative, Document, and Experience Cloud platforms. Currently in public beta (waitlist status), Firefly represents Adobe's response to generative AI developments.

Call to Action - Creative Tools¶

The author demonstrates DALL-E workflow, using the prompt: "create a black, white, abstract painting of two egg shapes Sean Scully style." Generated images require refinement in Photoshop before publication, as direct AI output remains insufficient for professional use without human intervention.

WTE Ecosystem¶

GitHub Copilot X adoption of GPT-4 enhances WTE's custom software development capabilities. The platform demonstrates how developers integrate ChatGPT into coding workflows.

Web Accessibility: Eric's accessibility guide emphasizes 2023's major trend. WTE partners with accessiBe to ensure WCAG compliance, preventing legal issues and enabling universal content access.

Pop Shop¶

Featured content includes robot interpretations of famous paintings and Joeveo coffee mugs—artisan products engineered with phase-change materials for temperature regulation.