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Russian hackers are hijacking computers at embassies (updated)
Russian hackers have apparently launched cyberattacks against embassies, although it might not be the kind of campaign you're expecting. Check Point Research reports that the attackers have attempted to compromise PCs at embassies for countries like Italy, Bermuda and Kenya by tricking officials into loading malware. Most often, they emailed Excel spreadsheets with malicious macros that would hijack a computer using the popular remote access app TeamViewer.
Julian Assange is facing extradition to the US following arrest (update)
Julian Assange has been arrested by London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and removed from the embassy, according to the MPS. Police entered the facility at the request of Ecuador's Ambassador, "following the Ecuadorian government's withdrawal of asylum," the MPS wrote on their website. Assange is now in custody at a "central London police station where he will remain, before being presented before Westminster Magistrates' Court as soon as is possible."
Embassy 'sonic attacks' may have been microwave blasts
When researchers postulated that the "sonic attacks" on embassies in Cuba (and more recently China) were the fault of malfunctioning surveillance gear, that wasn't the end to concerns about the true cause... if anything, there's more worry than ever. The University of Pennsylvania's Douglas Smith (who led a paper discussing the trauma of embassy victims) said in an interview that microwave blasts are now considered primary candidates. The concussion-like symptoms more closely line up with microwaves and other radio frequency-related illnesses than previous explanations, including straightforward acoustic attack, anxiety or viruses.
Julian Assange’s protection reportedly cost Ecuador millions
The Ecuadorian government has apparently spent quite a bit of money protecting Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. According to a report at The Guardian, the country had the full assent of the Ecuadorian president and foreign minister to "protect" Assange via "Operation Guest," which sources say had an average cost of at least $66,000 per month.
Julian Assange: I'll turn myself in if Chelsea Manning walks
America's most wanted hackers apparently think they've got some leverage over the US government. The ACLU last week began petitioning the Obama administration for a full pardon for Edward Snowden and, on Thursday, Julian Assange announced that he would willingly hand himself over to US authorities. But that's if, and only if, the Feds drop their court-martial conviction of Chelsea Manning.
UK police pull Assange embassy guard after wasting millions waiting
For the past three years, London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has maintained a 24/7 presence outside the Ecuadorean embassy in an attempt to arrest Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange for questioning over sexual assault charges. It's been a costly operation: the force admits it's already spent more than £9 million (over £10,500 a day) in the hope that the controversial privacy activist will give himself up. Now, it appears, the Met has had enough -- it's removed police guards from the embassy altogether.
Technical error prevents US from issuing passports and visas overseas
A technical issue has halted the State Department's issuing of passports and visas from its overseas offices. According to the department's guidance, anyone that applied for a passport from outside the US after May 26th is affected by the problem, the root of which is unclear. Simultaneously, but apparently separate to the passport issue, visa applications made on or after June 9th are not able to be processed. At least this time, the department has pinpointed the problem: a hardware failure is preventing biometric clearance requests from making their way to database for processing. In a statement given to The Hill, a spokeswoman said there was "no evidence the problem is cyber security related."
Star Trek Online lets the light shine in to your Romulan embassy
If your fleet has a nice little embassy on New Romulus in Star Trek Online, you'd probably like to make it more than just a square brick building with a handful of desks. That's why the development team has been running a steady series of special projects for players to enjoy, allowing everyone to beautify their diplomatic homes away from home. The newest project is kicking off on April 11th, and it's all about brightening up the place a little. This new project will improve your embassy's shuttle bay, adding several features including an open ceiling for a brighter atmosphere. Fleets who want to undertake the project will have two weeks to complete it, as it runs until April 25th. However, once it's gone it will stay gone, so it's time to get ready for renovations later this week. It might be a little thing, but be honest, you always wanted a shuttle bay with a skylight.
East Memphis Embassy Suites getting facelift, two HDTVs per room
Those planning any future trips to Tennessee should put the East Memphis Embassy Suites atop their list for lodging, as each of the 220 guest rooms will soon house not one, but two LCD HDTVs. Reportedly, the $3.5 million renovation project will get underway next month, and when every single room is "completely gutted and remodeled," each one will boast new furniture, new kitchenettes and new carpet. Sadly, there's no mention of how many high-definition channels will be available, but it is notable that the aforementioned changes were put into place due to "guest preferences learned through surveys." HDTVs being expected in hotels? Absolutely.
Estonia joins the list of countries with Embassies in Second Life
Joining the ranks of The Maldives and Sweden, Estonia has opened a virtual embassy in Second Life. The Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet stated that the importance of the internet as a source of communication, and the growing number of countries interested in establishing a virtual presence in SL drove the decision to set up the embassy.There are plans for there to be regular events at the embassy, including art exhibits, conferences and lectures, with the first lecture scheduled for January and being delivered by the Estonian Ambassador to Great Britain. The design of the building, both interior and exterior, looks rather unique and sort of futuristic. One of the coolest parts of this news though, is a talking dog: "Visitors to the Estonian embassy will hear current news read by an Estonian hound". The TechCrunch article linked below has a picture of said hound, and I'm sure it eagerly awaits your visit so that it can fill you in on the latest happenings.There is a full gallery of the new embassy at the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.[Via TechCrunch]
