Technology

What are Malware and Examples?

Published

2 years ago

December 11, 2022

Viruses, adware, rootkits, and other forms of malware are all forms of malicious software that are designed to cause harm to your computer. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect yourself against this danger.

Phishing Attacks

Typically, phishing attacks are conducted via email. In addition to exploiting known security vulnerabilities, phishing uses tactics such as misdirection, forgery, and lying to gain access to personal information. Besides stealing personal information, threat actors also install malware on the infected device.

The first step to protecting against phishing attacks is identifying the attack type. There are three direct phishing attacks: standard email, spear, and voice.

Spear phishing is a targeted email attack that targets specific individuals or organizations. It requires a lot of intelligence to pull off.

In this attack, the malicious actor sends a fraudulent email that appears to come from a trusted source. Often, this email will request the recipient to review a document or to provide account information. The sender may also ask the recipient to wire money.

The goal of a phishing attack is to get the victim to download or install malware on the infected machine. This can be done by sending links to password-protected documents or redirecting the link to a malicious website.

Malvertising

Using the Internet has become increasingly easy for criminals to get their hands on stolen information. Malvertising is one of the many ways criminals have taken advantage of this.

Malvertising is a form of cybercrime involving malware distribution through online ads. These ads are designed to look like regular advertisements but can infect users’ computers.

Malvertising often uses ad networks like Google to spread malicious ads. However, most website owners need to learn who buys ads next to their content.

These ads are very effective for hackers in spreading malware to users. In a typical malvertising campaign, the attackers choose a popular website or content to place their ads. They then use a “steganography” attack to redirect users to a spoofed website.

The ad may also direct users to a landing page that prompts them to install the software. This software could be spyware that spies on their activity or a keylogger that sends their login credentials to the hacker.

Computer viruses

Viruses are malicious programs that damage your computer, data, or software. They can also steal your private information. They can be distributed through email attachments, websites, and other methods. They can infect a Mac, Windows, Linux, or Android device. Computer viruses, worms, ransomware, and spyware are some examples of malware. These malicious programs steal, encrypt, and delete private information. They also change or hijack fundamental computer operations and track end users’ online behavior.

They have become so destructive that the annual cost of malware is estimated at over $55 billion. Sometimes, they can even disrupt your computer and make your system crash regularly.

The most common method of spreading a virus is via an email message. Some viruses can also attach themselves to legitimate software or software packs. These programs can be downloaded from the Internet, code repositories, or compromised application stores.

Other computer viruses include web scripting viruses, infecting a browser, and executing JavaScript. Another type of virus is a boot sector virus. This type of malicious software infects the master boot record on a hard drive or a USB thumb drive.

Adware

Whether browsing the Internet, downloading software, or reading emails, you’ve probably encountered malware or adware. Both are harmful to your computer and the privacy of your personal information.

When a user installs an adware program, it may change the homepage of the web browser, redirect users to a malicious website, or collect and store sensitive user information. The data collected by the adware can be shared with advertisers without the user’s knowledge or consent.

Adware may also generate revenue for the developer. This can come from two sources: the ads it displays and the clicks it generates. Typically, adware serves deceptive advertisements. Some adware, such as Rafotech’s Fireball, floods users with ads.

Some adware programs install new toolbars, extensions, and pop-up windows to a browser. These applications are usually bundled with free or fee-to-use software.

Some adware programs can add spyware and malicious programs to your system. Some adware can collect sensitive information like your bank account or credit card numbers. The adware’s authors can use these to track your activity and serve more targeted ads.

Rootkits

Originally, rootkits were maliciously modified administrative tools for Unix-like operating systems. These tools could be used to gain full system privileges and hide activity from standard operating system security tools.

Today, a more specialized type of rootkit has emerged. These programs are designed to take over the entire system, allowing an attacker to control the computer and perform malicious activities.

To install a rootkit, the hacker must have access to the system’s hardware. This makes them difficult to remove, although the good news is that they are relatively difficult to detect.

Malware distributors, cybercriminals, and APT groups often use these programs to gain computer control. They can be used to install spyware, ransomware, and other malicious software. They also act as keyloggers, allowing the hacker to record every key press.

Ransomware

Usually, ransomware is malicious software that encrypts or locks data on your computer. Then, it demands money in exchange for the decryption key. It can also block your access to your computer or device. Fortunately, you can fix the problem.

Typically, ransomware attacks are distributed through phishing emails. These malicious emails include a link that enables the download of a malicious program. Once the malware is downloaded, the attacker can exploit the system and network vulnerabilities to infect the victim’s machine.

The victim may have to pay hundreds of dollars in ransom to restore their files. Some malware encrypts files with asymmetric encryption. These files can only be opened with a mathematical key that the attacker knows. Once the victim pays the ransom, the encrypted data is unlocked.

Technology

From Wagons to Wi-Fi: The Surprising History of Mobile Billboards

Published

21 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Backlinks Hub

Advertising has come a long way from painted signs and print ads. One of the most adaptable and attention-grabbing formats is the mobile billboard. These moving advertisements are impossible to ignore—and that’s the point. Their story spans centuries, from simple carts to dazzling digital mobile billboard Trucks cruising down busy highways today.

Table of Contents

A Rolling Start: Pre-Motor Innovation

The idea of mobile advertising began with merchants and performers in the 1800s. They used wagons to carry signs through towns, alerting people to products or upcoming shows. These early advertisement trucks were basic, but they worked—they brought messages where the people were.

This approach wasn’t just clever—it was revolutionary. Unlike print media, mobile billboard advertising gave businesses direct access to people in public spaces. It was personal, visual, and highly visible.

Enter the Engine: The Car Changes Everything

When cars became widespread in the early 1900s, advertisers saw an opportunity. Trucks could be outfitted with large signs or banners, making them moving platforms for advertising. The first motorized mobile billboards were born.

A standout moment came in 1929, when Pepsi-Cola transformed delivery trucks into moving advertisements. It was an ambitious project that gave them exposure in places traditional ads couldn’t reach.

The Motorized Revolution: Advertising Hits the Road

The 20th century brought about the automobile revolution, and with it came enormous changes in transportation and marketing. Cars and trucks were no longer just vehicles—they became mobile platforms for advertising. This ushered in a new age of visibility, and by the 1920s, businesses had started to mount static billboards onto trucks.

These early mobile billboard trucks allowed businesses to take their messages directly to their audience, driving through towns, attending public events, or parking in high-traffic areas. They turned every road into a potential marketing venue.

Helping During Hard Times

The 1930s brought economic hardship, but also increased creativity in advertising. During the Great Depression, the government and businesses used mobile billboard trucks to spread information about job programs and social services. These trucks carried real value, delivering both commercial and essential public messages.

Wartime Messaging Goes Mobile

When WWII hit, mobile billboards became part of the government’s communication tools. Trucks were used to promote war bonds, military recruitment, and national unity. This era showcased the true flexibility and effectiveness of mobile billboard advertising.

The Highways Open Up New Opportunities

Post-WWII America was all about cars and travel. As highways expanded, companies realized the road itself was an advertising space. Iconic brands like Marlboro and Coca-Cola used mobile billboards to build national awareness during this time.

The key here was visibility. Unlike static billboards, mobile billboard trucks moved with the traffic—making them hard to ignore during long road trips.

The Digital Revolution Hits the Streets

The 1990s brought a massive change: the introduction of LED screens and digital mobile billboard Truck technology. With these updates, an advertisement truck could display animations, update messaging remotely, and target specific audiences based on location and time of day.

This new generation of digital mobile billboard Trucks delivered greater flexibility and impact for advertisers, allowing them to be more creative and responsive to campaign needs.

Conclusion: Trust the Experts at Can’t Miss US

Today’s advertisers have more tools than ever—but mobile billboard advertising remains a uniquely powerful channel. If you want to put your message directly in front of real people in real-time, Can’t Miss US has you covered. As experts in digital mobile billboard Trucks, they offer stunning displays and strategic campaigns across the country. Their fleet of advertisement trucks helps brands get noticed—and remembered. Make your next campaign unforgettable with Can’t Miss US.

Technology

How to Edit Images UsingOpenAIGPT-Image-1API

Published

1 day ago

May 16, 2025

Shiekh Fazzi

OpenAI’s GPT-Image-1 API is revolutionizing the way developers and creatives approach image editing. By combining advanced multimodal capabilities with intuitive text prompts, it enables precise and high-quality image manipulation directly through code. Whether you’re looking to generate newvisuals, edit existing images, or create variations, gpt-image-1 offers a robust solution.

What Is gpt-image-1?

GPT-Image-1 is OpenAI’s latest image generation model, designed to create and edit images based ontextual descriptions. It’s capable of understanding complex prompts and producing high-fidelity images that align closely with user intent. Key features include:

∙ High-Fidelity Image Generation: Produces detailed and accurate visuals. ∙ Diverse Visual Styles: Supports a range of aesthetics, from photorealistic to abstract. ∙ Precise Image Editing: Enables targeted modifications to generated images. ∙ Rich World Knowledge: Understands complex prompts with contextual accuracy. ∙ Consistent Text Rendering: Renders text within images reliably.

Real-World Applications

Industries leveraging gpt-image-1 include:

∙ Design and Prototyping: Tools like Figma integrate gpt-image-1 to enhance creative workflows. ∙ E-Commerce: Platforms use it to generate product visuals and marketing materials. ∙ Education: Creates diagrams and visual aids for learning platforms.

∙ Marketing: Produces ad graphics and social media visuals on the fly. Setting Up Your Environment

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

∙ An OpenAI API key.

∙ Python installed on your system.

∙ The openai Python package installed.

You can install the openai package using pip:

bashpip install openai

Setting Up the OpenAI API Client

First, set up the OpenAI API client in your Python script:

pythonimport openai

openai.api_key = ‘your-api-key-here’

Replace ‘your-api-key-here’ with your actual OpenAI API key.

How to Edit Images with GPT-Image-1How Does Image Editing Work?

GPT-Image-1 allows you to edit images by providing a base image, an optional mask to specify editable regions, and a textual prompt describing the desired outcome. The API processes these inputs and returns a modified image that aligns with your specifications.

Preparing the Image and Mask

Ensure your input image and mask meet the following criteria:

∙ Both should be square images.

∙ The mask should be a transparent PNG where the transparent area indicates the region to be edited.

Writing the Python Script

Here’s a sample Python script to edit an image using the gpt-image-1 API:

import requests

edit_url = “https://api.openai.com/v1/images/edits”

headers = {

“Authorization”: “Bearer YOUR_API_KEY”

}

files = {

“image”: open(“input-image.png”, “rb”)”mask”:open(“path_to_your_mask.png”, “rb”),}

data = {

“model”: “gpt-image-1”,

“prompt”: “Add a bright red balloon in the sky”,

“n”: 1,

“size”: “1024×1024”

}

response = requests.post(edit_url, headers=headers, files=files, data=data)

image_url = response.json()[“data”][0][“url”]

print(“Edited Image URL:”, image_url)

Replace:

∙ ‘Bearer YOUR_API_KEY’ with your OpenAI API key.

∙ “path_to_your_image.png” with the path to your original image.

∙ “path_to_your_mask.png” with the path to your mask image.

∙ “Describe the desired edit here” with a prompt describing the edit you want to make. Example: Changing an Object’s Color

Suppose you have an image of a red ball, and you want to change its color to blue. Your prompt wouldbe:

pythonprompt=”Change the red ball to a blue ball”

Ensure your mask highlights only the red ball area.

Advanced Tips and Considerations

What Are Some Advanced Features?

∙ Style Transfer: Apply different artistic styles by modifying the prompt. ∙ Object Addition/Removal: Add or remove elements within the image using descriptive prompts.

∙ Text Rendering: Insert text into images with specific fonts and placements. Image Size and Aspect Ratio

The GPT-Image-1 API requires images to be square, with supported sizes like 256×256, 512×512, or 1024×1024 pixels. Non-square images may be resized or cropped, potentially affecting the output.

Token Usage and Costs

When using base64-encoded images, be aware that the payload size increases by approximately 33%, which can impact token usage and costs. To mitigate this, consider hosting your images and providing URLs instead of base64 data.

Model Limitations

While gpt-image-1 offers powerful image editing capabilities, it may not handle complex edits involving multiple objects or intricate details as effectively as specialized image editing software. It’s best suited for straightforward edits guided by clear prompts.

Best Practices for Optimal Results

How to Enhance Image Editing Outcomes?

∙ Be Specific: Detailed prompts yield more accurate results.

∙ Use High-Quality Images: Ensure base images are clear and well-lit. ∙ Test Different Prompts: Experiment with various descriptions to achieve desired effects. ∙ Leverage Masks: Use masks to control editable regions precisely.

Integrating gpt-image-1 to DesignWorkflows

The integration of gpt-image-1 into tools like Figma and Adobe Firefly streamlines the design process. Designers can generate and edit images directly within these platforms using text prompts, facilitating rapid prototyping and iteration.

For example, in Figma, you can select a design element, input a prompt like “Add a shadow to this object,”and the GPT-Image-1 integration will apply the edit accordingly.

Conclusion

OpenAI’s GPT-Image-1 API represents a significant advancement in AI-driven image editing. By enabling natural language prompts to guide image edits, it empowers designers and developers to create and modify visuals efficiently. As integration with design tools continues to evolve, gpt-image-1 is poisedto become an indispensable asset in the creative workflow.

Getting Started

Developers can access GPT-image-1 API through CometAPI. To begin, explore the model’s capabilities in the Playground and consult the API guide for detailed instructions. Note that some developers may need to verify their organization before using the model.

GPT-Image-1 API Pricing in CometAPI，20% off the official price:

Output Tokens: $32/ M tokens

Input Tokens: $8 / M tokens

Technology

From API to UI: Why Translation Matters for Tech Companies

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2025

Shiekh Fazzi

In the fast-paced world of technology, the ability to scale across borders is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. But as tech companies race to launch new features, onboard global users, and partner internationally, one element is often overlooked: translation.

From backend documentation to frontend user interfaces, the way your product communicates across languages can have a massive impact on usability, compliance, and customer trust. And when it comes to technical content, accuracy isn’t just helpful — it’s mission-critical.

Table of Contents

Precision at the Core: Translating the API Layer

APIs are the glue of modern software ecosystems. They power integrations, enable automation, and connect partners. But when your developer documentation or error messages are poorly translated, it can create confusion, bugs, and support bottlenecks.

Why Developer Docs Matter

Your API docs may be the first touchpoint for external developers in other countries. If the information is unclear or mistranslated, they may:

Misunderstand how to authenticate or interact with your endpoints
Fail to implement key security or formatting requirements
Abandon integration due to frustration

Accurate technical translation ensures that parameter names, function descriptions, and error codes are clear and consistent in every language.

Localization for Distributed Teams

Many Canadian tech companies now work with global development teams. Making sure that your internal documentation is readable and actionable in multiple languages can significantly reduce onboarding time and improve collaboration.

The Interface Speaks Volumes: Translation on the UI Side

The user interface is where your product meets your customers — and it’s also where language plays a direct role in user experience. A single mistranslated button or system message can lead to user errors or, worse, lost trust.

Building Confidence Through Clear Terminology

In industries like fintech, medtech, or B2B SaaS, users rely on precise terminology to make informed decisions. Confusing or incorrect translations can raise red flags, especially in high-stakes environments.

That’s why interface copy, error prompts, tooltips, and alerts must be not only translated, but also localized — adapted to cultural and linguistic expectations.

Microcopy Is Not So Micro

Your app’s microcopy — the small bits of text like “Submit,” “Retry,” or “Invalid input” — might seem trivial, but they shape the entire user journey. If they sound awkward or robotic in another language, users may feel the product wasn’t built for them.

Why Developers Shouldn’t Be Translators

It’s common for early-stage tech teams to handle translations in-house, especially when budgets are tight. But technical translation requires more than bilingual ability — it calls for domain expertise, linguistic precision, and consistency across platforms.

Some common pitfalls of DIY translation:

Incorrect use of technical terminology
Literal translations that break UI design
Inconsistent language across documentation, help centres, and apps

That’s where working with a specialized partner like Techniwords can make a real difference. With deep expertise in technical fields — from engineering and AI to software and life sciences — Techniwords helps tech companies communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally across languages.

Build Translation Into Your Development Process

Treating translation as an afterthought often leads to delays, rework, and customer frustration. Instead, consider integrating localization and technical translation into your development cycle:

Create a multilingual glossary of key terms before translating anything
Use internationalization (i18n) best practices in your codebase
Work with translators early to identify UI constraints, character limits, and context
Test localized versions with native speakers before launch

By planning for translation from the start, you streamline your go-to-market efforts and avoid last-minute quality issues.

Conclusion

As tech companies grow beyond borders, they need more than scalable code and robust infrastructure — they need clear, accurate, and context-aware communication in every market they serve.

From APIs to user interfaces, translation is a strategic asset, not a checkbox. Getting it right builds trust, reduces friction, and positions your product for global success. And for that, partnering with experts in technical translation is one of the smartest moves a growing tech company can make.