Category: 4. Technology

The Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NXC is a 256-bit AES XTS hardware-encrypted flash drive with a USB-C connector. It is available in storage capacities ranging from 4GB to 512GB and holds FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validation. The device is OS-agnostic, meaning it can work with any device that has a USB-C port, whether it’s a phone, tablet, Windows PC, or Mac.

Apricorn Aegis Secure Key 3NXC setup

Before setting it up, the device must be connected to a powered USB port and charged for 60 minutes. When not in use, the device enters sleep mode, during which it locks itself and becomes inaccessible.

PIN requirements

The Aegis Secure Key 3NXC does not come with a preset PIN. To begin using it, you must first create an Admin PIN, which must be 7 to 16 digits long. The PIN cannot be made up of only identical or sequential numbers (e.g., 123456789, 987654321, 11111111). All configuration settings, like setting a Self-Destruct PIN or Brute-Force protection, require you to enter Admin Mode.

Since the key comes preformatted in NTFS, it must be reformatted before using it on a Mac.

The Aegis Secure Key can have one Admin and one User, making a total of two working PINs.

After setting up the Admin PIN, the User PIN can be created. The User has limited access: they can view and manage data, change their own PIN, and switch between Read-Only and Read/Write modes, but they cannot change Admin settings.

Configure multiple Apricorn secure devices

For larger deployments, companies can use the Aegis Configurator application along with a USB hub authorized by Apricorn to configure multiple devices simultaneously.

If you’re using the Aegis Configurator to set up your Aegis Secure Key or any other Apricorn secure drive, first make sure the device has the “Configurable” logo on the back. Also, do not manually set up the Admin or User PINs, the Aegis Configurator will handle these steps automatically. It will only work with devices that are either in their original factory state or have been fully reset.

Speed

Help Net Security conducted a speed test using the 128GB version of the Aegis Secure Key 3NXC. All tests were done using the same computer and USB port to keep results consistent. The table below shows the average time in seconds it took to transfer different file sizes.

According to official specifications, read and write speeds can reach up to 171MB/s and 160MB/s, respectively.

Advanced security features

The Aegis Secure Key 3NXC includes Brute-Force protection. By default, you are allowed up to 20 incorrect PIN attempts, but this can be reduced (in Admin Mode) to as few as 4.

The key also features a Self-Destruct mode that can be enabled or disabled only by the Admin. However, the Self-Destruct PIN can be created by either the Admin or a User. When this PIN is entered while the device is locked, the key will perform a crypto-erase, wiping all data permanently. After that, the device must be reformatted, and the self-destruct PIN becomes the new Admin PIN.

Another useful security feature is Read-Only mode. It’s especially helpful when you need to access your data in a public setting, since malware can easily attach themselves to USB drives.

Since its inception in the 1930s, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has undergone significant development. The smaller wavelength of electrons provides resolution that surpasses traditional light microscopy. Advances such as the introduction of direct electron detectors, cryo-preparation techniques, and image processing software have dramatically enhanced its resolution and versatility. These developments enable scientists to visualize specimens at atomic resolutions, which provides insights into nanostructures and, more recently, the structure and function of large biological assemblies to small proteins vital for drug discovery.

In 1933, Ernst Ruska first realized he could transmit electrons through a specimen of cotton fibers to form an image and was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery in 1986. In the following years, Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Franck, and Richard Henderson created a technique for generating a three-dimensional (3D) structure of the protein at an atomic level using a cryo-transmission electron microscope (cryo-TEM). Their technique taps vitrification to cool a sample to cryogenic temperatures, typically using liquid ethane around -180°C, which allows biomolecules to retain their native hydrated shape. This approach, commonly called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2017.

Detector technology resolves protein structure

During the past 30 years, every nut and bolt of the cryo-TEM has gradually been optimized. A major technical hurdle was overcome in 2010, when CMOS-direct electron detectors replaced charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras. Direct electron detectors (DEDs) have the advantage of providing immediate access to digital images and higher detective quantum efficiency (DQE) at a wide spatial frequency range, which results in images with a better signal-to-noise ratio. It enables scientists to get to high-resolution images and ultimately 3D reconstructions with fewer images, which is critical when imaging beam-sensitive biological samples.

DEDs can acquire data in movie mode to capture a series of frames at high speed during a single exposure. Further advancement came with the introduction of electron event representation (EER), which captures the position and time of each individual electron impact to enable the preservation of full temporal and spatial resolution of the data (i.e., super-resolution).

Energy filters, cold field emission guns help cross atomic barrier

In 2020, single particle analysis (SPA) cryo-EM broke the atomic resolution barrier, which allowed scientists to distinctly see atoms where blurry shapes and “blobs” once prevailed. Researchers harnessed technological improvements to determine breakthrough structure resolution of 1.2 Angstroms. For perspective, the first high-resolution structure by Henderson and colleagues was within the 10-Angstrom range attained in the early 1990s.

More recently, for the first time, researchers used the combination of a cold field emission gun electron source to lower the energy spread of the electrons, and more stable energy filters to remove inelastically scattered electrons. This combination contributed to increasing the image contrast while also boosting the resolution at the high spatial frequency range—and it allows researchers to break the atomic resolution boundary.

Most impressively, cryo-EM at atomic resolution enabled visualization of individual hydrogen atoms—even on water molecules inside of the protein structure. The visualization of hydrogen bonding networks inside protein structures and within drug binding pockets allows researchers to better understand how a drug interacts with its target molecule (see Fig. 1).

Autonomous microscopy and artificial intelligence (AI)

Cryo-EM innovation is reaching beyond higher resolution and contrast (see Fig. 2). Today, it’s also being adopted outside of academic labs by pharmaceutical institutions, which creates a need for automating routine workflows. Integrated software solutions offer a way to streamline data acquisition and 3D analysis with connected tools.

On Sunday, a 53-year-old man reached the summit of Snowmass Mountain and began his descent using a method called glissading, which involves sliding down snow-covered slopes. During the descent, he injured his wrist, which left him unable to continue the trek. The injury occurred at an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet, in an area with no cellular service, according to a KDVR (via Reddit) report.

Also read: Apple loses bid to halt court ruling that blocks some fees from its iPhone app store

How iPhone’s Satellite Message Triggers Emergency Response

Despite the lack of a cell signal, the man used the satellite messaging feature available on his iPhone to send a text to a family member. This message alerted the family, who then contacted the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Mountain Rescue Aspen for help.

Responders found the injured climber near Snowmass Lake, located about eight miles from the nearest parking area. Due to the severity of his injury, he could not walk out of the area on his own. A team of 17 rescuers hiked into the remote location and began evacuation efforts early Monday morning. They reached the climber at approximately 8:25 a.m. and successfully brought him out of the area by 5:30 p.m.

Also read: iOS 19 to take to boost iPhone’s battery life with help of AI

iPhone’s Satellite SOS Feature

The iPhone’s satellite communication function allows users to send messages without the need for cellular or Wi-Fi signals. This feature, available on iPhone 14 and later models, enables contact with emergency services in remote locations where traditional coverage is unavailable.

Also read: iPhone 17 Air likely to come with optional accessories for lasting battery life- Details

Following the rescue, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office emphasised the importance of knowing how to use satellite communication tools during outdoor activities. In a public advisory, officials encouraged hikers and climbers to carry emergency communication devices and understand how to activate satellite-based SOS features. They noted that using the SOS button can help rescue teams establish direct contact and reduce response time during emergencies.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) cancelled the Australian financial services (AFS) licence of Downunder Insurance Services Ltd effective from 24 June 2025 and Ipraxis Pty Ltd effective from 25 June 2025.

The AFS licences were cancelled after the financial services providers failed to pay industry funding levies which were outstanding for over 12 months.

Under s915B(3)(e) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), ASIC may suspend or cancel an AFS licence held by a body if the body is liable to pay a levy imposed by the ASIC Supervisory Cost Recovery Levy Act 2017 and has not paid that amount (consisting of the levy, any late payment penalty and any shortfall penalty) in full at least 12 months after the due date for payment.

Downunder Insurance held AFS Licence number 281478 since 22 February 2005. It was authorised to carry on a financial services business to deal in and provide financial product advice in relation to general insurance products to retail clients.

Ipraxis held AFS licence number 329337 since 21 October 2008. It was authorised to carry on a financial services business to deal in and provide financial product advice in relation to deposit and payment products, life products, interests in managed investment schemes, securities, retirement savings accounts and superannuation.

Downunder Insurance and Ipraxis have the right to appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decision.

Atopalm, a skin care brand specialising in sensitive skin, recently introduced a new product called Mild & Soothing Feminine Cleanser, which is aimed at providing gentle care for the Y-zone in hot and humid weather.

According to the brand, the summer season is a time when women need to take extra care, as the skin around the intimate area becomes more sensitive and can easily feel uncomfortable.

The product has completed a gynaecological skin test to ensure that “all women can use it safely” on a daily basis. Based on results of the test, it is suitable for use on the vulva area, with its skin safety grade being rated as “very good”.

Its key ingredient is AMPamide, Neopharma’s proprietary ingredient that has been proven to soothe and alleviate inflammation, to help manage skin irritated by friction and humidity.

In addition, it contains plant-based cleansing ingredients derived from coconut and corn, and a synbiotic formula combining probiotics and prebiotics that helps maintain Y-zone skin health.

“The hypoallergenic, weakly acidic foam gently acts on Y-zone skin without friction, expels 99% of three types of harmful bacteria (Candida, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus), and even eliminates unpleasant odours caused by sweat and secretions,” Atopalm said.

A human application test found that the product has a soothing effect of 70.03% on skin damaged by external stimuli.

It has also completed a 7-second cleansing power test, where it showed that the ingredients will be washed off cleanly without leaving any residue, if the user rinses the skin under running water for seven seconds after using the product.

“The Mild & Soothing Feminine Cleanser does not contain any of the ‘10 ingredients harmful to the skin’ and is formulated only with ingredients that have received an EWG Green Grade, so any woman over the age of four can use it safely every day.”

Balancing act

Neopharm’s body care brand Derma:B has released a new range called Balance FIT that claims to help “create a balanced body line” for those concerned about swelling and cellulite, which are difficult to resolve through diet alone.

The two products, Body Cream and Body Serum, were sold for the first time on a live broadcast by leading Korean fashion store Musinsa on June 5.

A core ingredient of the Balance FIT line is the patented PPC Complex, consisting of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), peptide, and collagen.

“The 99% pure low-molecular vegan PDRN activates collagen synthesis to improve decreased skin elasticity. Similarly, the low-molecular liposome peptide promotes collagen and elastin synthesis, while the ultra-pure nano collagen of 300Da size is effectively absorbed into the skin and helps improve elasticity.”

Additionally, the Body Cream contains pumpkin extract and mate leaf extract that are said to aid in relieving swelling. Its cream texture allows for smooth application, and it is more effective when gently massaged on areas that often swell, such as the calves.

In a human application test, it was evaluated to improve calf swelling after just one use, with the effect being ascertained both visually and through a calf circumference reduction test. It was also found that sock marks were less formed and disappeared quickly after application of the product.

Targeted at ameliorating cellulite, the Body Serum is formulated with garcinia extract, banana leaf extract, and green tea catechins to moisturise the skin and enhance skin texture.

Its temporary cellulite improvement effect on the thighs as well as elasticity improvement effect on the upper arms were confirmed after eight weeks of use in a human application test.

Furthermore, the abdominal elasticity of participants had an 11.82% improvement after a one-time use of the product, suggesting its efficacy in body tightening.

ESET Chief Security Evangelist Tony Anscombe reviews some of the report’s standout findings and their implications for organizations in 2025 and beyond

01 Jul 2025

The ESET research team has released the H1 2025 issue of the ESET Threat Report, offering a detailed look at the key trends and developments that defined the cyberthreat landscape from December 2024 through May 2025.

Among other things, the report describes how a novel social engineering technique called ClickFix has taken the threat landscape by storm, with detections of this threat soaring more than five-fold in H1 2025 compared to the second half of 2024. Android adware detections, for their part, jumped by 160%, mainly on the back of new evil twin fraud and the rise of potentially unwanted apps (PUAs). Meanwhile the number of both ransomware attacks and gangs has also been growing, although the total value of payments trended in the opposite direction.

Watch the video with SET Chief Security Evangelist Tony Anscombe to learn more and make sure to check out the report itself, including to learn which categories of threats surged and which trended down – and what it all means for your cybersecurity in 2025 and beyond.

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Now, a quarter of a century later, the existing black and white versions of the J12 are joined by a new iteration in a dazzling shade of blue – and to mark the occasion, one of Hong Kong’s most instantly recognisable landmarks also received the blue treatment.

On June 20, the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui was illuminated in the dramatic shade seen on the new J12 Bleu, accompanied by an event lit up by performances from ØZI and Tyson Yoshi, and with Chanel ambassadors Park Seo-joon, Chen Bolin, William Chan, Sammi Cheng, Angela Yuen and Amy Lo in attendance.

Blue has long been a key hue in the Chanel palette. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel favoured it in her couture creations and also in her jewellery pieces, beginning with the legendary 1932 Bijoux de Diamants high jewellery collection. In her personal life, she liked decorative items in a blue so deep as to approach black – and it’s this profound shade that is recalled in the new shade developed for the J12 Bleu, in a process that took five years of research.

The unique hue is brought to life on nine watches in the new collection, including everything from a tourbillon version to models with blue sapphires spread across the bezel, dial and bracelet.

Twelve-year-old Lauren Eglite was thrilled to attend a Notre Dame football game with her father, Erik, in 2017, even though her acute peanut allergy demands constant vigilance.

She was even more excited when the stadium’s brand-new video board aired an NBC Fighting For story about Basar Bilgicer’s research into blocking peanut allergens from triggering immune system overreactions. She asked her father, a drug company executive and Notre Dame business school alumnus, if this might be an opportunity to get involved with a solution to a condition that had complicated her life since childhood.

“I remember to this day her looking at that screen and turning to me,” Dr. Erik Eglite said. “She said, ‘Daddy, can I meet him? I really want to do something about it.’ This kid actually did that.”

Originally published by Office of Brand Content at news.nd.edu on July 01, 2025.