New Plug-In Covid-19 Virus Detector Works Like A Smoke Alarm; Easy NSA Phone Security Tip
Tech For Uncertain Times
A new plug-in Covod-19 virus detector that works like a smoke alarm. Get ready for the debut of easy-to-use, virus-detecting devices for the home and office. ViraWarn is the first plug-in screening device designed to detect airborne Covid-19 and other coronavirus particles like the flu in indoor spaces. “New procedures and technologies are needed to stop the spread of Covid-19 this year while allowing people to enjoy their lives,” says Conrad Bessemer, chairman and co-founder of Opteev, the company that makes ViraWarn. You can say that again! ViraWarn works much like a smoke detector. Just plug ViraWarn into a wall socket and it continuously monitors air quality. The key bits are sensors built into ViraWarn that focus on the unique electrochemistry of spiked protein viruses and trigger a visual and audible alarm when found in the air. Opteev says detection happens within minutes and the alarm will surely prompt a rush to the exits. There are actually two versions of ViraWarn: the X model is the plug-in with a list price of $459 and a larger, stand-alone XL model listing for $799. A mobile app controls the settings and individual units can be networked together. Shipments begin in September although Opteev says it will prioritize orders from schools, hospitals, and senior communities. If ViraWarn proves effective, it could go a long way toward mask-free living indoors. opteev.com
NSA Phone CyberSecurity Tip: Turn Off, Turn On. That’s the advice coming from those who know about phone cybersecurity at the National Security Agency (NSA). The tip comes as ‘zero click” hacks have come to light that can compromise your phone without you having to click on dodgy links or open files secretly infected with a malicious virus. Phone makers generally have strong security protections around a phone’s core operating system so hackers often opt to attack what are called “in memory payloads.” The good news is that these attacks typically don’t survive a phone off/on move on your end. The NSA suggests doing this once a week to make life difficult for hackers but it notes the action may not be effective for all attacks. But it beats doing nothing. I’d also suggest checking the privacy settings on your social media accounts when you turn your phone back on. Facebook, for example, tends to make all my posts public even though the privacy setting was originally set for friends.
Lastly, a Resiliency Tech salute to the Olympics for its recycled medals. The gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded to athletes were all made from metals recycled from old phones and other small devices. That’s a first!
(Note an earlier version incorrectly listed the website for Opteev. It’s opteev.com)
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