21 April 2018

SmugMug acquires Flickr


Two photo-sharing services are teaming up, as SmugMug buys Flickr from Verizon’s digital media subsidiary Oath.

USA Today broke the news and interviewed SmugMug CEO Don MacAskill, who said he hopes to revitalize Flickr.

At the same time, he said he’s still figuring out his actual plans: “It sounds silly for the CEO to not to totally know what he’s going to do, but we haven’t built SmugMug on a master plan either. We try to listen to our customers and when enough of them ask for something that’s important to them or to the community, we go and build it.”

Flickr was founded in 2004 and sold to Yahoo a year later. Yahoo, in turn, was acquired by Verizon, which brought it together with AOL to create a new subsidiary called Oath.

Over the past couple months, Oath (which owns TechCrunch) has been selling off some of its AOL and Yahoo properties, including Moviefone (sold to the company behind MoviePass, which Oath now has a stake in) and Polyvore (assets sold to Ssense).

In an FAQ about the deal, SmugMug says it will continue to operate Flickr as a separate site, with no merging of user accounts or photos: “Over time, we’ll be migrating Flickr onto SmugMug’s technology infrastructure, and your Flickr photos will move as a part of this migration — but the photos themselves will remain on Flickr.”

The company also uses the FAQ to describe its vision for the combined services:

SmugMug and Flickr represent the world’s most influential community of photographers, and there is strength in numbers. We want to provide photographers with both inspiration and the tools they need to tell their stories. We want to bring excitement and energy to inspire more photographers to share their perspective. And we want to be a welcome place for all photographers: hobbyist to archivist to professional.

The financial terms were not disclosed.


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Google Forms vs. SurveyMonkey: Which Survey Tool Is Right for You?


When you want to create a simple survey, you can find a variety of online options. Some, like Google Surveys, provide great features. But many come with a price tag that can get pretty hefty.

Google Forms and SurveyMonkey are two popular online tools that let you design basic surveys at little to no cost. For business, personal, and educational questionnaires, they each have their offerings.

If you need help deciding between the two, this Google Forms vs. SurveyMonkey comparison should answer your questions.

Pricing Basics

Are you only in the market for a free tool or are you willing to pay for extra features?

Google Forms is completely free regardless of your design, number of questions, or amount of responses. You can create as many surveys as you like, save them all, and turn them into templates to use again. If you want a completely free option, Google Forms is a terrific choice.

SurveyMonkey has both free and paid plans. The good news is that for simple surveys of 10 questions with 100 responses, the free Basic plan is ideal. Plus, you can create unlimited surveys.

The paid plans that SurveyMonkey offers are subscription-based and there are a few more options:

  • The Standard plan gives you unlimited surveys and questions with 1,000 responses.
  • The Advantage plan provides all these items in unlimited numbers as well as data exports and survey logic.
  • The Premier plan gives you what’s in the other plans along with extra features like advanced survey logic and multilingual surveys.

How to decide: If you really need all the bells and whistles, then SurveyMonkey is the one to check out. But if you want to stick with a free tool for basic surveys, then read on for more comparisons.

Template Options

We talk a lot about templates and that’s because these handy starters let you get things done faster.

Google Forms has templates sorted by personal, work, and education but are somewhat limited. With just over 15 templates to pick from, the selection isn’t huge. But one thing to keep in mind is that you can edit any template you pick to suit your particular survey.

Google Forms Work Templates

SurveyMonkey, on the other hand, offers over 150 templates. With options such as healthcare, market research, and non-profit organizations, you will definitely find one here. Just like with Google Forms, you can edit any template you choose. However, with so many to pick from, you may only need to make a few changes.

SurveyMonkey Templates

How to decide: When it comes to templates, it really depends on your specific needs. Remember, a template should help you create what you need quickly and easily. If too many edits are necessary, like with the limited choices from Google Forms, you might be better off with SurveyMonkey or even starting from scratch.

Ease of Use and Features

Both Google Forms and SurveyMonkey give you options to create your own survey from scratch without a template.

Creating a Survey in Google Forms

Name your form, title your survey, and then start adding questions. These features are readily available on the right side of your survey:

  • Add a question: Click to add questions and select the type of response like checkboxes, linear scale, or short answer.
  • Add a title and description: Write your question and insert an explanation or instruction if needed.
  • Add an image: Upload, enter a URL, search Google, or pick an image from your Google Drive account.
  • Add a video: Enter a URL or search YouTube for a video.
  • Add a section: Add sections to organize your survey by topic or question type. Then drag to rearrange if necessary.

Create Survey in Google Forms

You can apply a color to your survey with the palette button at the top and all changes are automatically saved for you in Google Drive.

Creating a Survey in SurveyMonkey

Give your survey a name, select a category for it, and then move onto customizing it. With the following elements on the left side of the screen, you can create the exact survey you need.

  • Question Bank: Search for questions, choose from recommended ones, or select by category. You can also create your own question with the wording you want.
  • Builder: Choose your question type like multiple choice, rating scale, text, or ranking.
  • Themes: Browse themes that add a splash of color or full photo background.
  • Logic: Apply logic options such as page skipping, question randomization, or custom variables.
  • Options: Add a logo, progress bar, required asterisks, or question numbers.
  • Print: Pick your print style, orientation, and page size.

Create Survey in SurveyMonkey

With SurveyMonkey, you can add items with a click, use drag-and-drop, and get help with handy screen prompts.

How to decide: Both tools are simple to use and intuitive for the most part. But it’s easy to see that SurveyMonkey offers many useful features that Google Forms does not. In particular, the Question Bank provides help with wording questions and the Logic options give you the flexibility to control how your survey is completed.

Response Reviewing

Just as important as your survey questions are its responses. You will want an easy way to view, save, and analyze those results.

Google Forms Responses

You can check your responses in Google Forms on the same page as your survey. Just click the Responses tab at the top. You can review a quick Summary of your responses with both bar and pie charts. If you want to see each response separately, just click the Individual button.

Additional Features

  • Use the convenient slider to deactivate receiving responses.
  • Click a simple button to view responses in Google Sheets.
  • Download responses as a CSV file.
  • Print all responses.
  • Receive email notifications for new responses.

Google Forms Survey Responses

Google Forms makes it super easy to review your survey responses and download them for further analysis. Also, take a look at tips for improving your Google Forms response rate.

SurveyMonkey Responses

SurveyMonkey offers similar response viewing options to Google Forms with easy-to-read charts. Review responses for each question, check out data trends or look at individual responses. But you will find that the response area provides options that Google Forms does not.

Additional Features

  • Save and share responses as a shared data link.
  • Choose from different chart types per question.
  • View data by absolute numbers or percentages.
  • Collaborate on responses.
  • Filter responses by collector, time period, completeness, and more (a paid plan may apply).
  • Export data in a variety of file formats (paid plans only).

SurveyMonkey Survey Responses

SurveyMonkey offers features for not just viewing your response data but analyzing it as well. This makes it an attractive tool that goes a step further than Google Forms.

How to decide: If you plan to slice and dice your responses and want to do it within the tool you use to build your survey, then SurveyMonkey is what you want. But if you would rather download your data and analyze it your own way, then Google Forms will work just fine. If you already work with Microsoft Excel, you can test out creating surveys with it too.

Take Them for a Test Drive

If you still aren’t sure which is right for you, take them both for a spin. You can even create a test survey with each one, respond yourself with different answers, and review the entire process including the response results.

After that, you can decide on Google Forms vs. SurveyMonkey. Try both to find the perfect fit for you.

If you end up choosing Google Forms, take a look at how you can use it for business, which add-ons can help you do more, and our complete guide to Google Forms.

Image Credit: jannystockphoto/Depositphotos


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German Supreme Court dismisses Axel Springer lawsuit, says ad blocking is legal


Germany’s Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit yesterday from Axel Springer against Eyeo, the company behind AdBlock Plus.

The European publishing giant (which acquired Business Insider in 2015) argued that ad-blocking, as well as the business model where advertisers pay to be added to circumvent the white list, violated Germany’s competition law. Axel Springer won a partial victory in 2016, when a lower court ruled that it shouldn’t have to pay for white listing.

However, the Supreme Court has now overturned that decision. In the process, it declared that ad-blocking and Eyeo’s white list are both legal. (German speakers can read the court’s press release.)

After the ruling, Eyeo sent me the following statement from Ben Williams, its head of operations and communications:

Today, we are extremely pleased with the ruling from Germany’s Supreme Court in favor of Adblock Plus/eyeo and against the German media publishing company Axel Springer. This ruling confirms — just as the regional courts in Munich and Hamburg stated previously — that people have the right in Germany to block ads. This case had already been tried in the Cologne Regional Court, then in the Regional Court of Appeals, also in Cologne — with similar results. It also confirms that Adblock Plus can use a whitelist to allow certain acceptable ads through. Today’s Supreme Court decision puts an end to Axel Springer’s claim that they be treated differently for the whitelisting portion of Adblock Plus’ business model.

Axel Springer, meanwhile, described ad-blocking as “an attack on the heart of the free media” and said it would appeal to the country’s Constitutional Court.


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Learn About Cybersecurity with These 11 Essential Videos


People can head to YouTube to learn about everything from changing guitar strings to Photoshop basics. As such, it’s an excellent way to learn about cybersecurity.

A formal, real-world class may be out of your budget, but the great thing about YouTube videos is that they’re free and versatile. You can watch or listen to them anywhere, such as on your smartphone or tablet during downtime or commute to work.

The best cybersecurity videos give actionable strategies and rich details from respected experts in the field. Here are some good ones you shouldn’t miss.

1. Your Role in Fighting Cybercrime

As the CEO of an internet security consultancy, Theresa Payton oversaw White House IT for George W. Bush. In this video, she offers tips for staying ahead of cybercriminals, thereby empowering her audience.

Payton also strategically uses anecdotes to make her words even more memorable. After watching it, you’ll be significantly more aware of how you can help curb cybercrime with practical behaviors and measures.

Don’t worry about feeling overwhelmed afterward, either. Peyton emphasizes how everyone who uses the internet can help reduce cybercrime through small but effective measures.

2. Innovation in Risk and Cybersecurity

Making progress often involves noticing opportunities others miss. This cybersecurity video explores how all members of an organization must strive for business-driven security.

It’s an important one to watch due to the way it emphasizes collective responsibility for positive change. It’s most applicable to people in the corporate world; however, there are relatable aspects for people from all sectors.

By breaking this topic into manageable chunks, Ramzan shows how it applies to your life and internet usage. He is the Chief Technology Officer of RSA, a company offering advanced cybersecurity solutions.

3. Why Most Cyber Security Training Fails

As a University of Buffalo academic, Arun Vishwanath specializes in how criminals affect breaches by exploiting people. In this talk, he highlights how today’s cyber attacks have gotten bigger and why. Vishwanath concludes that the majority of hackers use spearfishing attacks to convince people to disclose sensitive information.

This video positions awareness training as a way to stop spearfishing, making it immensely relevant. You might not know much about spearfishing yet; perhaps you haven’t heard of it before reading this. Luckily, Vishwanath explains the concept thoroughly to illustrate why it matters to everyone.

4. Ransomware: How to Stay Ahead of the Game

This Q&A with Andrew Hay—delivered in an easy-to-understand format—is about ransomware’s prominence. Aside from introducing it, Hay talks about awareness and how to not become a ransomware victim.

You may feel confident you’re doing a lot to stay protected from ransomware attacks. However, there’s a good chance you’ll hear new information in this discussion.

Receiving current information is an effective way to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Hay has nearly 20 years of cybersecurity experience and is the CTO of LEO Cyber Security.

5. Social Engineering in Cybersecurity

Social engineering—or human hacking—combines conventional hacking techniques with manipulation, blackmail, and other coercion. Dr. Joseph M. Hatfield is an assistant professor in the U.S. Naval Academy’s Department of Cyber Science. Here, he discusses social engineering’s origins before the digital age, providing a rich background for understanding it.

The techniques he brings up will likely be ones you hadn’t considered before. However, the resultant education will highlight how not all hacking attempts are online. Then, you can spread the word to others who aren’t aware of human hacking and its dangers.

6. The Role of Intelligence in a Post-Truth World

As a former director of the CIA and NSA and a popular cybersecurity speaker, Hayden intimately understands national security. This talk explores the role of truth in that realm and how it affects intelligence.

With the recent rise of fake news, Hayden gives a fascinating perspective of shaping intelligence decisions. It’s a relevant talk regardless of your interest in politics, or prior knowledge of the subject—and it’s a standout among cybersecurity videos.

7. A Conversation With Lisa Monaco, Former Advisor to President Obama

For four years from 2013, Monaco was the White House’s leading counter-terrorism and Homeland Security expert. In this Dartmouth University discussion, Monaco explores some of the significant security issues of our time. She covers recent material—such as the Russian interference in the U.S. election—as well as significant moments in history, like the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Although Monaco goes into more than just cybersecurity here, this talk is well worth watching. She delivers the information in a way that’s accessible to everyday individuals while still holding interest. She also clarifies how the intent of attacks is not always initially apparent, making them more damaging.

8. Three Threats That Should Be Keeping You Awake at Night

Graham Cluley’s cybersecurity work began in the 1990s, and he’s now an independent analyst and speaker. This talk comes from SecureTour ’17, a series of cybersecurity lectures around the United Kingdom. In it, Cluley discusses some of the most substantial cybersecurity threats and why they matter.

By using anecdotes, engaging slides, and lighthearted dialogue, Cluley highlights a topic some would rather ignore. The video is only about 30 minutes long, and you’ll appreciate its real-world information and tips for online safety.

9. Where Is Cybercrime Really Coming From?

As the Vice President at IBM Security, Caleb Barlow leads IBM’s Threat Intelligence and Incident Response teams. In this fascinating TED Talk, Barlow likens cybersecurity to health care and stopping diseases from spreading. He asserts by not sharing information about cybercrime attacks and how they perpetuate, we make them worse.

After listening to this talk, you’ll understand why our current methods of preventing cybersecurity don’t work well. Better yet, Barlow explains how to make improvements, helping people feel empowered. If you want to learn about cybersecurity, this video is absolutely essential.

10. The Future of Cybersecurity

As a cybersecurity adviser for two U.S. presidents, Melissa Hathaway is well-equipped to discuss what’s ahead. In this United Nations talk, she brings up global cooperation as a necessity. Hathaway says when nations work together, cyber attack prevention becomes easier, especially when using a universal framework.

Until recent events, people did not typically think of the effect nations can have on cybersecurity. This talk matters because it details the value of teaming up for a common goal. Expect it to change your views on how you can tackle cybersecurity threats.

11. How to Stop Cyber Security Awareness-Raising Going Wrong

A specialist in roles in cybersecurity, Jessica Barker is one of the UK’s most influential consultants. She discusses how the wrong approaches to awareness training can cause more harm than good. The talk also reveals why awareness training usually doesn’t have a significant impact, as well as how to improve.

This talk is particularly useful if you’re involved in cybersecurity training at work. Furthermore, it’ll shed light on why you might have felt cynical after getting that education. After hearing this talk, you’ll realize there’s a purposeful way to make people take cybersecurity education seriously.

Understanding Cybersecurity Is the First Step

Indeed, cybersecurity is the central theme of the videos on this list. However, you’ll love the variety of topics, ranging from national security to spearfishing attacks. The experts represented here are some of the best in the business. By watching their videos, you’ll learn about cybersecurity from industry insiders.

Do you watch YouTube videos often? Want to protect your viewing experience from suspicious malware? Learn how to avoid malware infections when viewing videos to protect yourself from sketchy ads.


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Twitter banned Russian security firm Kaspersky Lab from buying ads


The U.S. government isn’t the only one feeling skittish about Kaspersky Lab. On Friday, the Russian security firm’s founder Eugene Kaspersky confronted Twitter’s apparent ban on advertising from the company, a decision it quietly issued in January.

“In a short letter from an unnamed Twitter employee, we were told that our company ‘operates using a business model that inherently conflicts with acceptable Twitter Ads business practices,'” Kaspersky wrote.

“One thing I can say for sure is this: we haven’t violated any written – or unwritten – rules, and our business model is quite simply the same template business model that’s used throughout the whole cybersecurity industry: We provide users with products and services, and they pay us for them.”

He noted that the company has spent around than €75,000 ($93,000 USD) to promote its content on Twitter in 2017.

Kaspersky called for Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to specify the motivation behind the ban after failing to respond to an official February 6 letter from his company.

“More than two months have passed since then, and the only reply we received from Twitter was the copy of the same boilerplate text. Accordingly, I’m forced to rely on another (less subtle but nevertheless oft and loudly declared) principle of Twitter’s – speaking truth to power – to share details of the matter with interested users and to publicly ask that you, dear Twitter executives, kindly be specific as to the reasoning behind this ban; fully explain the decision to switch off our advertising capability, and to reveal what other cybersecurity companies need to do in order to avoid similar situations.”

In a statement about the incident, Twitter reiterated that Kaspersky Lab’s business model “inherently conflicts with acceptable Twitter Ads business practices.” In a statement to CyberScoop, Twitter pointed to the late 2017 Department of Homeland Security directive to eliminate Kaspersky software from Executive Branch systems due to the company’s relationship with Russian intelligence.

“The Department is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies, and requirements under Russian law that allow Russian intelligence agencies to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks,” DHS asserted in the directive at the time.


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Twitter is down again for some [Update: It’s Back]


Rough week to be in Twitter support. Three days after the site experienced downtime across the globe, the site was hit by another outage. Status.io’s service site is currently listing an “active incident,” leaving many users unable to tweet. In other cases, the site isn’t loading at all, instead serving up internal server errors or messages stating that the service is “over capacity.”

Here in the States, at least, the issue doesn’t appear to be quite as widespread as Tuesday’s incident. We’ve reached out to Twitter for comment and will update as soon as we hear more.

Update: Twitter says it’s resolved the momentary outage, telling TechCrunch in a statement, “Earlier today, people were unable to send Tweets for about 30 minutes. We’ve resolved the internal issue and we’re sorry for the disruption.”


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ZTE says export ban will ‘severely impact’ its survival


It’s been a hell of a week for ZTE. News Monday that it was being hit with a seven-year export ban sent the company scrambling. The Chinese handset maker suspended its earnings report and reportedly sent its lawyers to meet with Google to see if anything could be worked out about a punishment that could hamper its ability to utilize Android and various key services.

Four days after we first reached out, ZTE has finally offered us an official reaction to the news. And it’s a doozy. The six-paragraph official statement from corporate mulls over the punishment and reasserts ZTE’s compliance to international law, which it “regard[s] as the foundation and bottom-line of the company’s operation.”

ZTE adds that it invested “over $50 million in its export control compliance program and is planning to invest more resources in 2018.” So, why did the company get dinged by the U.S. Department of Commerce for failure to significantly reprimand staff after pleading guilty to violating sanctions on Iran and North Korea?

The company contends that the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security “ignored” its “diligent work” and progress it has made in complying with the law, calling the punishment, “unfair.” Seven years is certainly severe, given that U.S.-based companies make north of a quarter of the components used in the company’s handsets, according to estimates.

That, coupled with U.S.-based software makers, Google included, put the company in an extremely tight spot moving forward, and will likely require a complete rethink of ZTE’s business model, if upheld.

“The Denial Order will not only severely impact the survival and development of ZTE,” the company says, “but will also cause damages to all partners of ZTE including a large number of U.S. companies.” ZTE adds that it will continue to fight the ruling, taking “judicial measures,” if necessary.

The punishment comes as ZTE finds itself targeted by the U.S. government over spying charges, alongside fellow Chinese handset maker, Huawei.

 


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