In this tech-insight, we take a brief look at what solid-state batteries are, their benefits and challenges, and how why they hold a great deal of promise for use in electric vehicles in the near future.

Solid State

A solid-state battery is a battery that has solid electrodes and solid electrolytes to transfer ions from the cathode to the anode when charging (and vice versa when discharging).  This differs from lithium-ion/ lithium polymer batteries which have a liquid or polymer gel as the electrolyte.

The Benefits of Solid-State Batteries

Some of the main benefits of solid-state batteries are:

– Longer battery run time in relation to the battery size due to higher energy density.

– Safety. There’s no risk of explosion or fire, as there is with some batteries with liquid electrolytes.

– Better use of space and lower costs (compared to lithium-ion batteries) because there is no need for (fire/explosion) safety components.

– Increased battery capacity due to the better use of space, allowing for the inclusion of more active materials.

– Compact/small and light, therefore giving flexibility in where they can be used.

– Longer lifespans, plus solid-state batteries can be charged more times than lithium-ion batteries.

– Fast charging time, better performance over time, a longer life cycle, and better recycling potential than lithium-ion batteries.

Disadvantages and Challenges

Some of the disadvantages and challenges of solid state batteries include:

– Expensive to manufacture because it’s an emerging technology, so the economies of scale aren’t in place, and electrolytes are expensive to produce (and are prone to cracking).

– Uncertainty about the best chemical and atomic composition for a solid electrolyte between metallic anodes and cathodes.

– Difficult to manufacture at scale.

Applications of Solid-State Batteries

Some of the current places where solid-state batteries are used include within pacemakers, smartwatches/wearable devices, and RFID tags (in industry).

Electric Vehicles

Factors such as the high energy density per unit area (providing a higher capacity and longer run time) have made solid-state batteries a very promising prospect for the EV market, with many automobile and tech companies investing in moving solid-state technology forwards.  For example, Samsung’s Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) claims to have made a breakthrough in solid electrolyte technology which has enabled the size of a solid-state battery to be halved.  This could, in theory, double the range of today’s first-generation EVs on one charge. Many tech commentators are predicting that solid-state batteries may take over from lithium-ion batteries.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Smaller, more powerful, longer-lasting batteries that offer the promise of greater sustainability are surely an attractive prospect in many industries, particularly the emerging EV industry. All the major car companies are now committed to electric vehicle production and how well a battery performs is an important value-adding factor for motorists to consider as they buy their first electric vehicles. There are still several challenges to overcome with solid-state batteries (e.g. finding the best composition and manufacturing at scale) but momentum is now building towards making the breakthroughs that could see solid-state batteries delivering benefits in more industries.

The introduction of the Age Appropriate Design Code (also known as the Children’s Code) by the ICO means that Facebook has decided to ask Instagram users to give their date of birth as part of the login.

Age Appropriate Design Code

The statutory Children’s Code (‘The Age Appropriate Design Code’), which came into force on 2 September 2020, is a set of 15 “flexible standards” that should act as a data protection code of practice for online services, such as apps, online games, and web and social media sites, likely to be accessed by children.  The idea is that it should help provide more protection for children online and companies/organisations must conform to the code and demonstrate that their services use children’s data fairly and in compliance with data protection law. The ICO says that developers and those in the digital sector must act, but gave a maximum transition period of 12 months, which is now up, and which is why Facebook’s services (including Instagram) are starting to flag up the new conditions.

Insta Login

In line with the allowed transition period, and to let Instagram users know that the changes are coming in, users will be asked for their date of birth upon login but will be able to dismiss the prompt for now. Instagram has already started blurring content that’s unsuitable for under-18s and a date of birth will be required at some point in the near future to enable people to continue using the Insta app.

Instagram’s owner, Facebook, is also now defaulting any new accounts for under 16 s to a private setting in order to help with its compliance.

Facebook Criticised Last Year

In addition to a statutory need for compliance, Facebook may also be extra keen to show that it is taking prompt action to protect young users of its platforms following reports from the Home Office and six other countries last October that Facebook was responsible for 94 percent of 69 million child sex abuse images reported by US tech firms.  This figure appears to refer to its end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp chat app being used for criminal purposes by some users.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

This story highlights the fact that the transition period for the Children’s Code/’The Age Appropriate Design Code’ coming into force is now at an end. Facebook/Instagram introducing these measures should, therefore, be an extra reminder to all developers and those in the digital sector that they need to comply with these ‘flexible’ standards to protect young users of their services, avoid any problems with the ICO, and avoid bad publicity.  Many would argue that these standards are long overdue and that young people, for whom the Web and mobile technology have always been around need much better personal and data protection online. Putting the responsibility on providers of digital services, backed by the law, and overseen by the data regulator is one way to get the attention of the big social media platforms and could be an important tool in starting to clean-up some public areas of digital life. Policing private end-to-end encrypted apps however, which is where many criminals may be most likely to interact, is a greater challenge.  The Children’s Code may be a good start.

The results of new research suggest that the comments section for stories on prominent media websites across many western countries are the focus of major Kremlin-based activities to try and influence public opinion.

Multiple Outlets, Many Countries

The Open Source Communications Analytics Research (OSCAR) programme at Cardiff University’s Crime and Security Research Institute has reported finding evidence that 32 prominent media outlets across 16 countries are the subject of a major influence operation to spread propaganda and disinformation that supports Kremlin interests.

Which Media Outlets?

The media outlets that the researchers say have been subjected to the systematic manipulation include The Daily Mail, Daily Express, The Times, Fox News and the Washington Post (in the US), Le Figaro (France), Der Spiegel and Die Welt (Germany), and La Stampa in Italy.

242 Examples Detected

The researchers reportedly identified 242 stories/articles of relevance to Russia where strong pro-Russian or anti-Western statements were posted in reaction to them. The research indicates that the pro-Russian/anti-Western comments were then fed back to different Russian-language media outlets where they were used as the basis of stories used to suggest there that there is extensive support in the west for Russia or President Putin. The stories based on the comments, which used headlines such as/similar to “Daily Mail readers say..” or “Readers of Der Spiegel think…” are believed to have been spread to audiences in Central and Eastern Europe e.g., Bulgaria.

Operation Dating Back To 2018

It is believed that the operation by Kremlin trolls, which was first uncovered following research into online activities relating to tensions between Ukraine and Russia this year, may date back to 2018.

Vulnerable

It appears that the comments sections of articles in the websites of many western media outlets are vulnerable to this type of operation due to them having no significant security measures in place.

Ducking and Diving

The researchers used ‘forensic behavioural analysis’ of account profiles to reveal that pro-Kremlin posters repeatedly changed their personas and locations to avoid detection. Evidence was also found to indicate co-ordination between Russian state-owned media and other outlets linked to the non-state Patriot Media Group, which were using parts of the comments.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Since social media platforms such as Facebook were found to be used by other states in an attempt to influence US elections and the UK (Brexit) referendum, it appears that these states have found other, out-of-the-spotlight ways to influence certain audiences.  In this case, it appears that the western news media websites are part of a process to support stories that are ultimately supposed to promote Russia and its president to audiences in Central and Eastern Europe. It is probably not a great surprise that one state would attempt to influence the politics of other states using covert online tactics, but the scale and scope of this particular operation (multiple outlets across multiple countries) have made it stand out.  It seems that mainstream media sites will now have to tighten their security to stop people (for example) creating multiple, false identities and seeking to use the websites for underhand purposes.

With Google and Amazon (plus soon-to-be Facebook and Apple) getting into making ‘Smart Glasses’, we take a brief look at what different types are currently being used for, plus we look at the vision for the future of these promising wearables.

What Are Smart Glasses?

Smart glasses are glasses that incorporate wireless connectivity/Bluetooth and other technology (e.g., a computer screen/display, speakers, and cameras) so that the wearer can be presented with visual data or other displays, and other media from the background information system. There are many different types and brands. Smart glasses can be paired with phone apps to provide other functionality. Typically, smart glasses have a display that is projected / reflected on the lens of glasses or in a separate visible component. Smart glasses also allow the wearer to observe the environment without distractions when the information provided by the smart glasses is not needed.

Examples of what different types of smart glasses can bring to the wearer include:

– Augmented reality (AR) – a digitally-generated overlay superimposed over the world.

– Hands-free access to information via a small screen in the upper corner of glasses e.g., as with ‘Google Glass’ smart glasses used in a work setting by logistics workers. These (and other smart glasses) can act as a training tool and on-site, convenient, hands-free reference manual in many industries. Microsoft’s HoloLens smart glasses are also used for work in the Enterprise market.

– Videos projected for the wearer to watch.

– Pairing with a smartphone (using an app with the glasses) so the wearer can receive phone notifications on the glasses.

– A built-in camera and microphone(s) to allow the wearer to record videos, take pictures, take calls, and use voice control features. Accompanying earbuds can also allow the wearer to play and pause music.

– Audio sunglasses : i.e. smart sunglasses with speakers built into arms and positioned right behind the wearer’s ears.

– Smart glasses to use with certain social media platforms : e.g., glasses that include HD cameras and (noise cancelling) microphones to enable the recording and uploading of media to Snapchat (Snap Spectacles 3).

– Glasses designed to improve concentration, re-train the mind to slow down, improve concentration, and to help with ‘mindfulness’ by pairing smart glasses with headphones and an app (Smith Lowdown Focus).

– Enabling all-day access to a virtual assistant (Amazon Echo Frames) which connect the user’s frames (which incorporate tiny speakers) to their smartphone via Bluetooth, thereby giving access to Alexa.

Google’s Smart Glasses

Many people may remember the publicity surrounding the ‘Google Glass’ brand of smart glasses. After a prototype version came out in the US in April 2013, a version containing a camera/video was put on sale to the public in May 2014 although this provoked criticism relating to privacy concerns.  By 2015, Google announced that it was stopping the production of the Google Glass prototype, and by 2017 Google announced that it would be making a Google Glass Enterprise Edition for use (e.g., in industry). In May 2019, a second-edition of Google Glass Enterprise was produced.  The ‘Glass Enterprise Edition 2’ is described by Google as “a small, lightweight wearable computer with a transparent display for hands-free work”. This upgraded version of Google’s Enterprise Edition smart glasses includes:

– A powerful multicore CPU (central processing unit) and a new artificial intelligence engine to improve performance and support for vision.

– Glass-compatible safety frames to help in different types of demanding work environments.

– A camera that’s been improved since the first edition in terms of performance and quality.

– An SB-C port for fast-charging and increased battery life.

– The fact that it’s built on Android, so it’s easy to deploy, develop and improve.

Facebook’s First Smart Glasses

Recent reports and hints indicate that Facebook looks likely to release its first AR smart glasses in conjunction with up-market sunglasses/eyewear companies Ray-Ban and Luxottica.  The project is believed to date back to 2017 and it has also been reported that although a version of these glasses could appear this year, they may ultimately be a stepping-stone product to a bigger vision. Firstly, comments from Facebook executive Andrew “Boz” Bosworth indicate that the smart glasses may even be augmented with facial recognition technology (privacy issues permitting). Ultimately though, although the AR glasses concept is something that Facebook appears keen to get into, the vision ahead is for Facebook to create and give users access, from many different devices, to a ‘metaverse’. This is believed to be a kind of immersive virtual space where users can hang out, play games with friends, work, and create.

Apple Smart Glasses

Apple also appears to be heading further into wearables with its own AR smart glasses.  There have been reports, for example, that Apple’s chief executive, Tim Cook, is staying-on with the company, at least until the introduction of the company’s smart glasses. It is thought, however, that Apple may not release smart glasses for another year or two.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Wearable smart technology and augmented reality are growth areas that the big tech companies are keen to get into on their way to delivering bigger visions of how we could become immersed in (and using) different combined technologies to enhance the value and experiences that businesses and individuals can get. Wearables and AR are now finding real-world applications in multiple industries e.g., with Google Glass 2 being used as a hands-free reference and information tool by production/assembly workers.  Also, smart wearables linked to (phone) apps are a growth area that is providing many opportunities for businesses in the health and fitness market, leisure and entertainment market (music glasses), social media (Snap Spectacles 3), and more. Smart glasses are a particularly attractive area because they are hands-free and allow the user to keep observing the environment while using them, thereby retaining safety. One major drawback of smart glasses that incorporate cameras is the issue of privacy and the possible infringement of privacy laws. This is a key reason why Google Glass products were criticised, and this aspect is likely to remain a challenge for both Facebook and Apple in their forays into smart glasses.

In this article we look at what doxing is, the legality of it, some examples of doxing, and we consider what we can do to protect ourselves and our businesses from attack.

What Is Doxing?

Doxing is a term meaning for dropping (personal) dox where ‘dox’ is a slang term for documents. Doxing is a malicious act where a person/persons use a variety of methods to find previously private personal information about an individual or organisation, and then publicly reveal/expose that information to all, usually over the Internet. The type of information released could be anything from simple personal details (real name, home address, workplace), to much more personal embarrassing and damaging information.  Doxing is actually an old term that pre-dates the modern Web, and dates back to the online hackers in the 1990s.

Is It Illegal?

Although doxing is malicious and can be very harmful, it is generally not illegal because much of the information is gathered from what is considered as the public domain. However, the legality also depends upon whether details were obtained using legal methods, and doxing treads a fine line between and sometimes into the illegal worlds of stalking, harassment, and more. If the threat of doxing is used to extort money this is, of course, blackmail. In many cases, at the very least, doxing often violates many websites’ terms of service.

Proposed Anti-Doxing Law in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has proposed a new anti-doxing law, mainly to prevent details of members of the authorities from being posted online and, perhaps, to crack down on criticism. Unfortunately, the power that this law would hand to Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has led to complaints from an industry group that represents big tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook.

How Doxing Works – Information Gathering

Ways that information is gathered about a person by ‘doxers’ for use in doxing includes:

– Tracking usernames to build up a picture of a target’s interest.

– Using WHOIS searches of domain names.

– Using social engineering on a target’s ISP to discover the target’s IP address, which is linked to their physical location.

– Reverse mobile phone lookup.

– Piecing together bits of information that has been sold across the Web by data brokers.

– Packet sniffing (intercepting a target’s Internet data) – passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information, email messages and more.

High Profile Examples of Doxing

Just some of the many examples of doxing that have made the news include:

– December 2011 – the hacking group Anonymous exposed detailed information online about 7,000 law enforcement as revenge for investigations into hacking activities.

– In 2013, hackers posted Kim Kardashian’s Social Security number, credit report, address (+ six previous addresses) online.

– In 2016, while Donald Trump was campaigning for the US presidency, Anonymous posted his Social Security number and phone number, as well as the contact information for his agent and lawyer online.

– In 2017, the Russian (Moscow) hacker group Turla hacked the Instagram account of Britney Spears, and used it to post secret, cryptic comments.

How To Protect Yourself From Doxing

Some of the measures you can take to help protect yourself/your business from falling victim to doxing include:

– Using a VPN to protect your IP address.

– Using strong passwords, avoiding password sharing, and using 2FA or multi factor authentication where possible.

– Setting up different email addresses for different uses e.g., professional, personal, and spam.

– Maximising your social media privacy settings.

– Hiding domain registration information from WHOIS.

– Asking Google to remove any personal information that you are concerned about.

– Keeping up with good general online security practices and be careful what information you share via social media.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The main motives for doxing appear to be revenge, control, or even as a way to blackmail someone.  Following good online security practices and policies anyway is the best way to avoid giving e.g., disgruntled former employees/customers, hackers, and others the fuel and the openings they need to build their campaigns.  Sadly, much of our data ends up being shared around the Web, perhaps to places we wouldn’t expect to go and determined doxers may be able to find some things despite our best efforts to maintain our privacy.