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    If You Don't Know, Now You Know - Ransomware in the U.S. | Frank Luntz & Thuso Mbedu

    enMay 14, 2021

    Podcast Summary

    • New CDC guidelines for vaccinated individuals and Ohio's lottery incentive for vaccinationsThe CDC's updated guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals signal a return to normalcy, while Ohio's lottery incentive effectively boosts vaccination rates

      The CDC's new guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals mark a significant step towards returning to normalcy, allowing for social interactions without masks or strict distancing. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's sudden reversal on Bitcoin due to environmental concerns highlights the volatility of cryptocurrencies and their susceptibility to influential figures. In the realm of the coronavirus vaccine, incentives like free food and other perks are being used to encourage vaccinations. Notably, Ohio's innovative approach involves entering a lottery with a chance to win a million dollars, which has seen impressive results in increasing vaccination rates. Overall, these developments reflect progress in the fight against the pandemic and the ever-evolving nature of technology and financial markets.

    • Ohio's lottery incentive for COVID-19 vaccinations sparks debateGovernments may use creative methods to encourage vaccinations, but opinions remain divided, and social media influencers face consequences for deceptive actions.

      Ohio's lottery incentive for COVID-19 vaccinations has sparked controversy and debate. While some view it as a creative way to encourage vaccinations, others criticize it as a waste of resources. Regardless of opinion, the initiative highlights the challenge of convincing people to get vaccinated and the lengths governments may go to address this issue. Meanwhile, on social media, an influencer faced consequences for attempting to deceive her followers by posing as a high school student. These stories illustrate the complexities and consequences of people's actions, whether it's related to public health or social media use. Ultimately, they serve as reminders to be mindful of our actions and the potential impact they may have on ourselves and others.

    • The value of a person isn't determined by online presence, while Colonial Pipeline hack causes disruptionOnline presence doesn't define worth, be kind and good. Colonial Pipeline hack disrupts US East Coast, causing panic buying and $5M ransom.

      The value of a person should not be determined by their online presence or popularity. Instead, being a good and kind person with integrity is what truly matters. On a different note, the Colonial Pipeline hack, allegedly carried out by the Russian hacking group Darkseid, caused significant disruption to the US East Coast, leading to gas shortages and panic buying. The attack is reportedly the most devastating ransomware attack on critical infrastructure in the US to date, with the Colonial Pipeline Company paying nearly $5 million in ransom. The incident highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to such cyber attacks. Ransomware is a cyber attack where hackers encrypt a network's data and demand a ransom to release it. The number of such attacks has seen a 300% increase in the past year, costing over $350 million in ransoms. It's essential to remember that panic buying and hoarding resources during a crisis only worsens the situation and that taking a moment to breathe and think before reacting can help prevent unnecessary stress and potential danger.

    • Ransomware attacks: A major threat with rising costsRansomware attacks have become common, with average payments rising from thousands to over $230,000, and even reaching $935,000. Low barriers to entry make it an attractive option for cybercriminals, often targeting cash-strapped organizations.

      Ransomware attacks have become a major threat to businesses and organizations of all sizes, with the average payment rising dramatically from a few thousand dollars in 2018 to over $230,000 in 2023. Some businesses have even paid as much as $935,000 in ransom. Hackers typically demand payment in Bitcoin, making these attacks a de facto way for businesses to learn about the cryptocurrency. The barriers to entry for creating ransomware are incredibly low, with do-it-yourself kits available on the dark web for as little as $39. These attacks often begin with seemingly innocuous emails or downloads, and can result in debilitating damage to computer systems. The victims of these attacks are often cash-strapped municipalities and organizations that lack the resources to invest in the latest cybersecurity measures. Despite the dramatic nature of these attacks, many are carried out through simple social engineering tactics, making it essential for employees to be vigilant and cautious when clicking on links or downloading files. The low cost and ease of creating ransomware make it an attractive option for cybercriminals, leading to a surge in these types of attacks in recent years.

    • Ransomware attacks on critical infrastructureAmericans need to adapt to potential disruptions and consider investing in cryptocurrencies as the US, being the most technologically connected country, is especially vulnerable to ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure, with limited government visibility and disclosure from private companies hindering effective policy making.

      Ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure such as hospitals, police departments, and utility companies are causing chaos and leaving the federal government with limited options. With 85% of American critical infrastructure owned and operated by the private sector, the government has little visibility into their cybersecurity measures. The lack of disclosure of cyber attacks by private companies further hinders the ability for effective policy making. The US, being the most technologically connected country, is especially vulnerable to these attacks. However, disconnecting from the Internet is not a viable solution. Instead, Americans may need to adapt to the current situation by preparing for potential disruptions and possibly investing in cryptocurrencies. Frank Luntz, a top pollster, can provide insights on how to effectively communicate and persuade people to take necessary actions, which is a crucial aspect in mitigating the impact of these attacks.

    • Effective communication and trust are key to persuading the hesitant on vaccinesSpeaking with healthcare professionals, appealing to personal connections, and addressing biases can help change minds on vaccines

      Effective communication and trust play a significant role in persuading individuals, particularly those who are hesitant or opposed to getting vaccinated. Pollsters like Frank Luntz have found that speaking with doctors and pharmacists, reminding people that their healthcare professionals have been vaccinated, and appealing to individuals' desire to protect their loved ones can be effective in changing minds. Additionally, the polling process itself can reveal how deeply ingrained biases and preconceived notions influence people's decisions. In the context of American politics, the Republican Party is an example of how deeply divided opinions and biases can be, with those who align more closely with Donald Trump reflecting the party's stance, while those who oppose him represent a more diverse and nuanced perspective of the American population.

    • Political Landscape for Elections Amidst Party DivideUnderstanding demographic views, balancing endorsements, and focusing on solutions are key to successful elections in a divided political climate.

      The divide between the Republican and Democratic parties over the 2020 election results creates a challenging political landscape for those looking to win elections. Trump's endorsement may be crucial for securing a primary win, but detrimental in the general election. Furthermore, understanding the nuanced views of various demographics, such as Hispanics, on issues like immigration, is essential for effective messaging. The American people crave solutions and results, and finding common ground and active listening could potentially help heal the current political division. In the entertainment industry, Toussoumbedu's new television series highlights the historical significance of the Underground Railroad. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and engaging content on The Daily Social Distancing Show.

    • Tusson Bedford's journey to becoming the first South African actress to lead an American TV seriesAuthentic representation requires continuous learning and unlearning to accurately tell complex and historically significant stories.

      Tusson Bedford's journey to becoming the first South African actress to lead an American television series began unexpectedly when she auditioned for "The Underground Railroad" in 2018. Her call back and eventual meeting with director Barry Jenkins led to an intensive preparation process to authentically portray a character in a story about a painful period in American history - slavery. Bedford shared that she had to unlearn previously held beliefs shaped by media and a white male gaze to accurately understand and embody the character. Listening to audio tapes of former enslaved people and recognizing the similarities in their broken English to that spoken in rural areas of Africa was a pivotal moment for her. This experience highlights the importance of authentic representation and the need for continuous learning and unlearning to accurately tell complex and historically significant stories.

    • Importance of staying grounded while portraying emotional charactersActors like Toussaint Bedu must stay self-aware to prevent emotional roles from affecting their everyday lives, especially when the themes resonate with current issues.

      Learning from this conversation with Toussaint Bedu is the importance of staying grounded and self-aware while portraying a deeply emotional character. Bedu shared that while playing the role of Cora in "The Underground Railroad," he had to be mindful not to let the character's feelings bleed into his everyday life due to the relevance of the story's themes to current issues. He also discussed his upcoming collaboration with Viola Davis and how their similar acting processes will benefit their work together. Bedu's success story in America includes not only making it in the industry but also having an American production shoot in South Africa. This conversation highlights the depth of emotion and authenticity that Bedu brings to his roles and his excitement for future projects.

    • Supporting Your Mental and Physical HealthListen to MTV's challenge podcast for entertainment and news, get massage and aesthetic services from MassageMD for self-care, and consider donating to Therapy Aid Coalition for free online therapy for essential workers and disaster victims.

      MTV's official challenge podcast and MassageMD are here to support and care for you in different ways. While you can listen to the podcast for entertainment and news, MassageMD offers massage and aesthetic services to help you look and feel your best. Additionally, May is mental health awareness month, and the Therapy Aid Coalition is a nonprofit providing free and low-cost online therapy to essential workers and disaster victims. Consider donating to support their cause. Remember, self-care is important, whether it's through relaxation techniques, therapy, or taking care of your physical health. Stay informed, stay healthy, and support those in need. For more information, check out the Iheartradio app, Apple Podcasts, or your nearest MassageMD location. Donate to Therapy Aid Coalition at the provided link. Stay safe and take care of yourself and others.

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