News
Experts Warn of Cybercriminals Exploiting IT Outage
Cybersecurity experts are cautioning about a second wave of disruption as cybercriminals aim to exploit the recent mass IT outage. The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), equivalent to the UK’s GCHQ or the US’s NSA, issued an alert this morning regarding hackers distributing fake software fixes under the guise of CrowdStrike.
The ASD’s alert reads, “Alert! We understand a number of malicious websites and unofficial code are being released claiming to help entities recover.” The agency is advising IT responders to source information and assistance exclusively from CrowdStrike’s official website.
This warning comes after the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) urged heightened vigilance against suspicious emails or calls posing as CrowdStrike or Microsoft support. The NCSC stated, “An increase in phishing referencing this outage has already been observed, as opportunistic malicious actors seek to take advantage of the situation.”
Over 1,500 Flights Cancelled Amid Ongoing Disruptions
The global flight disruptions persist, with significant cancellations continuing today. According to airline data company Cirium, as of 10:00 BST (09:00 GMT), 1,639 flights have been cancelled worldwide, including 23 departures from the UK and 25 arrivals.
Yesterday saw a total of 6,855 flights cancelled globally, accounting for 6.2% of all scheduled flights. The UK experienced 207 departures and 201 arrivals cancelled. For context, on July 18, the day before the outage, only 1.8% of flights were cancelled worldwide.
The cybersecurity community and travel industry are working diligently to manage and mitigate the ongoing effects of the IT outage, striving to protect users and restore normal operations as swiftly as possible.
News
Tragedy Strikes Hindu Festival in India: Nearly 40 Children Drown During Ritual Bathing
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
News
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
News
Strong Winds Cause Further Ferry Cancellations Between Isle of Man and Lancashire
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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