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Chinese Hackers Linked to Major Security Vulnerability
A flaw in Log4j software described by researchers as "one of the most dire cybersecurity threats to emerge in years and could enable devastating attacks" has apparently been a target for explotation by Chinese hackers, the Wall Street Journal reports.
"Both Microsoft and Mandiant said they have observed hacking groups linked to China and Iran launching attacks that exploit the flaw in Log4j," the newspaper reports. "In an update to its website posted late Tuesday, Microsoft said that it had also seen nation-backed hackers from North Korea and Turkey using the attack. Some attackers appear to be experimenting with the attack; others are trying to use it to break into online targets, Microsoft said."
Group Forms To Fight Hiring Bias in AI
The Data & Trust Alliance has announced it has recruited several major employers, including CVS Health, Deloitte, General Motors, Humana, IBM, Mastercard, Meta, Nike and Walmart, in a new alliance to combat biases in AI hiring screening software, the New York Times reports.
The group has devised a 55-question evaluation to "detect and combat algorithmic bias."
“This is not just adopting principles, but actually implementing something concrete,” said Kenneth Chenault, co-chairman of the group and a former chief executive of American Express, which has agreed to adopt the anti-bias tool kit.
Hyatt Rolls Out Apple Wallet Room Keys
Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Apple have announced a partnership to roll out hotel room keys using Apple Wallet for the first time, a change that hotel executives said will considerably reduce friction from the typical mobile room key solutions through loyalty apps.
"One of the pieces of feedback that we often hear [from guests] is to make the process of their stay as seamless and as consumer-friendly as possible," said Julia Vander Ploeg, Hyatt's senior vice president and global head of digital and technology. "And what we heard in Apple's vision to create a more seamless experience with access through Apple Wallet was one that will fit very nicely with our vision to make things easier for our guests and worldwide members."
Google Could Fire Unvaccinated Employees
Google executives have circulated a memo telling employees they could lose pay and ultimately their jobs if they don't get vaccinated against COVID-19, CNBC reports.
"A memo circulated by leadership said employees had until Dec. 3 to declare their vaccination status and upload documentation showing proof, or to apply for a medical or religious exemption," according to the news agency. "The company said after that date it would start contacting employees who hadn’t uploaded their status or were unvaccinated, as well as those whose exemption requests weren’t approved."
