by Welcome to the first-ever “Weekly Skill Boost”. Regardless of the context, I’ll do my best to share the things I find interesting this week so you always have something interesting to read. I will try out multiple formats, so if one resonates more with you, please let me know.
This week, I have for you AI, security, scams, archeology, and why you should explore the unknown.
3 Articles
The 3 articles that I liked this week.
AI and Internet Hygiene
The author, Kate Wagner, reflects on her experiences using the computer and the Internet during her childhood in the 1990s and early 2000s. She discusses the importance of learning Internet hygiene due to the prevalence of viruses and scams during that era. This resonated with me since I was also growing up with the Internet at the same time. It’s a nice read.
Quick take-home messages:
- The Internet of the past was mostly decentralized and less closed-source than it is today, but it also had its dangers, such as viruses and scams.
- The nature of Internet threats has changed, with organized hackers targeting large-scale systems and social engineering, ransomware, click fraud, and data leaks becoming more common.
- The platformed, app-driven Internet has made websites more closed systems and less susceptible to old-school threats. Still, it has also led to decreased piracy and peer-to-peer sharing and increased data tracking and privacy concerns.
Am I secure?
The article discusses the two pillars of security, which include user knowledge of a secret and possession of something unique. It also discusses the importance of using 2FA, distinguishing between secrets known and possessed, and the necessity of having a recovery plan in case of device or memory loss.
Quick take-home messages:
- Always use 2FA
- Distinguish between secrets known and possessed
- Make sure not to convert one type of secret into another
- Remember that your security is only as strong as its weakest link
- Do not store your 2nd factors in a password manager
- Plan for recovering from device or memory losses
These 3 Things Are Standing in the Way of a Global Plastics Treaty | WIRED
Global plastic pollution talks have stalled, but a treaty is possible if countries can agree on finances, proper regulation of dangerous ingredients, and limits on production.
I would like this to be good news, but it’s not. There are still a lot of problems in getting us to start reducing our impact on the environment.
Quick take-home messages:
- Global plastic pollution talks have hit roadblocks due to finance, regulation, and production issues.
- Agreement on these three key areas could pave the way for a successful global plastics treaty.
- Countries must address the financial, regulatory, and production challenges to combat plastic pollution effectively.
2 Videos
2 videos to take a look.
The honey scam
If you’re unaware, please uninstall this tool and don’t use it. Here’s a fantastic explanation from the point of view of MKBHD , who is one of the “victims” of this scam.
Nice talk by Cabel Sasser (Panic)
Cabel Sasser, a co-founder of Panic, shared his experiences at the XOXO Festival in 2024, reflecting on the company’s accomplishments over the past decade. He discussed the discovery of a mural by artist Wes Cook in a McDonald’s, which led him on a quest to learn more about the artist and his work. Despite the mural being replaced during McDonald’s “Vision 2020” remodeling initiative, Sasser expressed regret over being unable to save it and meet the artist. He encouraged the audience to appreciate the things around them and to explore the unknown.
Quick take-home messages:
- Appreciate the things around you: Wes Cook’s story reminds us to stop and appreciate the things we encounter in our daily lives, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they may be.
- Share kindness and positivity: When you come across something beautiful or inspiring, send a nice email or note to someone. It takes only a moment but can make a big difference.
- Showcase your work: Ignore any company policies that prevent you from sharing your portfolio or creative projects. It’s essential to showcase your accomplishments and let others see your talents.
1 Curiosity
Something I found interesting.
Silver amulet unearthed in Frankfurt grave Is the oldest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps | Archaeology News Online Magazine
An article discusses the discovery of a silver amulet in a 3rd-century burial in Frankfurt, believed to be the oldest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps. The inscription on the amulet was digitally unscrolled for translation and interpretation, shedding light on early Christianity. This discovery’s technological advances and collaboration provide a window into early Christian practices.
Quick take-home messages:
- The silver amulet found in Frankfurt is the oldest evidence of Christianity north of the Alps, dating back to the 3rd century.
- Digital unscrolling of the inscription on the amulet has allowed for translation and interpretation, providing insights into early Christian beliefs and practices.
- This discovery’s technological advances and collaborative efforts showcase the importance of interdisciplinary work in uncovering historical artifacts.
You can follow me on Mastodon (new account), Twitter (I’m getting out, but there are still a few people who are worth following) or LinkedIn. Or email works fine as well 🙂
See you next week
Photo by Daniel Chekalov on Unsplash
