employment Archives

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Experts warn of risks linked to period tracker apps

Academics from the University of Cambridge have raised concerns about the collection and commercialization of personal information through menstrual tracking applications, which have over 250 million downloads globally. These apps collect extensive data, including exercise, diet, medication, sexual preferences, hormone levels, and contraception use, making menstrual data valuable for consumer profiling. The report highlights that information on pregnancy status is particularly sought after in digital advertising, leading to risks of exploitation for targeted ads. If this data is misused, it could result in health insurance discrimination, employment risks, or domestic abuse. The researchers advocate for enhanced governance in the femtech industry, emphasizing the need for improved data security and meaningful user consent. They suggest that public health organizations develop alternatives to commercial tracking apps to prioritize user privacy and safety.

Tech Optimizer

June 2, 2025

Streamline code conversion and testing from Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle to PostgreSQL with Amazon Bedrock

Organizations are transitioning from legacy database systems like Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle to open-source alternatives such as PostgreSQL to reduce costs and enhance scalability. This migration process involves several steps, including schema conversion, business logic transformation, data migration, application changes, and performance tuning. Amazon Bedrock aids this process by automating schema and code conversion, data transformation, identifying code compatibility issues, and generating test cases for validation. The migration challenges include adapting database objects to PostgreSQL's syntax, converting stored procedures and functions, executing ETL processes for data accuracy, modifying application code, and optimizing performance. Amazon Bedrock utilizes generative AI to simplify these tasks, significantly reducing manual effort and errors. An example of code conversion from Microsoft SQL Server to PostgreSQL is provided, illustrating how to convert a stored procedure into a PostgreSQL function while generating corresponding test cases. The process involves using the Amazon Bedrock chat interface to submit prompts for conversion and validation. To support the migration, table creation scripts for the Employees and SalaryUpdateLog tables are included, along with test data that covers various employee scenarios. This data allows for comprehensive testing of the converted function, ensuring it correctly applies salary updates based on specified criteria.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

SAG-AFTRA union files complaint against Epic over Darth Vader Fortnite AI voice work

SAG-AFTRA has filed a formal complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Epic Games for using artificial intelligence to voice Darth Vader in Fortnite without prior notice or negotiation. The union emphasizes the need to protect performers' rights and accused Epic Games of failing to engage in good faith negotiations regarding changes to employment terms, specifically the replacement of human actors with AI-generated voices.

AppWizard

April 4, 2025

ZeniMax union votes to strike

Members of the ZeniMax Workers United union have voted 94 percent in favor of authorizing strike action in ongoing negotiations with Microsoft. The union, established in January 2023, is advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions amid concerns about underpayment and rising living costs. Union members express a commitment to using their collective power to secure a first contract with Microsoft.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

PlaySide is making layoffs

PlaySide Studios, an Australian game developer, is reducing its workforce as part of an operational restructuring due to challenges in securing new work-for-hire projects. The layoffs will primarily affect work-for-hire and non-project specific personnel, with an undisclosed number of positions being cut. The restructuring is expected to save between AUD 4 million and AUD 5 million annually, but will incur a one-time cost of AUD 1.5 million. Ongoing projects, such as Mouse: PI for Hire, will not be impacted. The company plans to provide outplacement support and counseling services to affected employees. CEO Been Skender emphasized the need for resilience in the business model while acknowledging the difficulties faced by staff.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Youth pastor charged with possessing and sharing child sex abuse material

Daniel Menelaou, a youth pastor in Roswell, Georgia, is in custody after allegations of sharing explicit videos involving minors. The investigation began following a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, leading to a search of Menelaou's residence where several electronic devices were seized for analysis. He is accused of uploading videos depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct via the messaging app Kik. Futures Church, where he served, condemned his actions and placed him on administrative leave before terminating his employment. The police are investigating further and may file additional charges.

Tech Optimizer

February 14, 2025

XELERA Ransomware Attacking Job Seekers With Weaponized Word Documents

Job seekers are targeted by a ransomware campaign called "XELERA," which uses counterfeit job offers from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to lure victims. The campaign begins with spear phishing emails containing a malicious Word document named “FCEI-job-notification.doc.” This document hides an OLE object that extracts a compressed PyInstaller executable called “jobnotification2025.exe,” which is designed to evade antivirus detection. The malware's structure includes a core script (mainscript.pyc) and supporting libraries for system monitoring and network operations. A Discord bot serves as a Command-and-Control server, allowing remote command execution, including privilege escalation, system control, credential theft, and visual disruption. The final stage of the attack involves deploying the XELERA ransomware, which demands a ransom in Litecoin and includes functions to terminate Windows Explorer and download a tool for MBR corruption.

Winsage

February 9, 2025

Save Big on the Top 8 MS Office Programs, Only one Payment of $60

Nearly 60% of entrepreneurs have transitioned from the corporate world to launching their own ventures, often being well-acquainted with Microsoft Office programs. A limited-time offer allows individuals to secure a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for .97. This suite includes Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Access, Outlook, Publisher, and OneNote, designed to enhance productivity with a familiar interface. The license is compatible with a single PC running Windows 10 or 11 and is tied to the device rather than a Microsoft account. Customers will receive download links and software license keys via email upon purchase, which includes complimentary customer service. The offer is available until 11:59 p.m. PT on February 23.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Microsoft’s AI Recall Tool Is Still Sucking Up Credit Card and Social Security Numbers

Luigi Mangione, 26, was charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after evading authorities. He was found with counterfeit identification and a 3D-printed firearm. The U.S. government indicted 14 North Korean nationals for fraudulent IT operations aimed at funding the country's nuclear ambitions, generating an estimated million while stealing sensitive information. Microsoft’s AI Recall Tool faced privacy concerns after capturing sensitive data, prompting the company to postpone its launch and enhance security measures. Cleo file-sharing software warned customers about a vulnerability exploited by cybercriminals using malware named Malichus. The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Chinese hackers accused of hijacking thousands of firewalls, targeting critical infrastructure, and offered a million bounty for information leading to their apprehension.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

Warner Bros Montreal cuts 99 staff

Warner Bros Montreal has laid off nearly 100 employees, specifically 99 staff members, with an eight-week notice period. The layoffs primarily impact quality assurance subcontractors from Keywords Studios. The company has offered these workers the chance to return in 2026 or assistance in finding new jobs. An affected employee expressed feelings of stress and depression due to the layoffs. This announcement coincides with Rocksteady Studios pausing development on Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.