Russian hackers are suspected of leaking sensitive British military and defense equipment on the dark web, including information about a nuclear submarine base and a chemical weapons lab.
Data on HMNB Clyde base and Porton Down weapons lab leaked
Hacker group LockBit was also behind a cyberattack on the Royal Mail
By George Odling, Crime Correspondent
Update: 3:27 a.m. EDT, September 4, 2023
Sensitive military and defense equipment has been stolen by suspected Russian hackers and leaked onto the internet.
Thousands of pages of data on the HMNB Clyde nuclear submarine base, the Porton Down chemical weapons laboratory and a GCHQ listening post were reportedly posted on the dark web after the hack.
Information about a site specializing in cyber defense and some high security UK prisons was also stolen in the raid on Zaun, a supplier of fencing for maximum security sites.
The latest hack, which follows a massive data breach at Scotland Yard earlier this month and another breach of information about officers in Northern Ireland, was carried out by hacker group LockBit, at the origin of a cyberattack on the Royal Mail Group in January. , reported the Sunday Mirror.
MPs warned that any information that could provide security intelligence to enemies of the UK was extremely worrying. A defense source said the hack was taken “very seriously”, but no stolen information posed a real threat to national security.
Sensitive military and defense equipment was stolen by suspected Russian hackers and leaked onto the internet (file image)
LockBit – which many cybersecurity experts say has members in Russia – is one of the most dangerous hacker gangs in the world, with suspects on the FBI’s most wanted list. He attacked West Midlands-based Zaun last month, it has been reported.
Documents stolen from the company, which supplied security barriers at the 2012 London Olympics, include an order report for equipment for the GCHQ communications complex in Bude, Cornwall.
The leak also includes information about security equipment at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, where the MQ-9 Reaper attack drone squadron is based, and Cawdor Barracks, which has specialist electronic warfare regiments.
Documents relating to high-security prisons, including Category A prisons at Long Lartin in Worcestershire and HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire, were also stolen.
Labor MP Kevan Jones, who sits on the Commons Defense Committee, told the Sunday Mirror: “This could be very damaging to the security of some of our most sensitive sites.
“The government must explain why this company’s computer systems were so vulnerable. »
The Dstl high containment laboratory building at Porton Down in Salisbury, Wiltshire
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, Chairman of the Defense Committee, asked: “How can we better defend ourselves against Russian-backed interference, arguably linked to our stance in support of Ukraine?
“This is another example of how conflict is no longer confined to the traditional battlefield, it now includes the digital realm and places ever greater demands on the security apparatus. »
A Zaun spokesperson told the Sunday Mirror: “Zaun is the victim of a sophisticated cyber attack and has taken all reasonable steps to mitigate any attack on our systems. »
A government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on security matters. »
Available from this Friday, October 8, 2021, the new Nintendo Switch wants to impress us with its eponymous Oled screen. But the talent of this screen, although real, is only available to those who will know how to get it out of its hiding place …
It is finally here, this new model of Nintendo Switch long awaited. Starting today, October 8, 2021, gamers can get their hands on Nintendo’s new hybrid console review. Laying your eyes on this famous new Oled screen, in the absence of the improved computing power that had once been anticipated for a possible “Switch Pro”, constitutes the only major technical innovation of this new version of the console – as indicated by its very elegant official name, “Nintendo Switch (OLED model)”.
The only major novelty certainly, but not an insignificant novelty for all that, because Oled technology is here, as in all circumstances, carrying many promises (ultra deep blacks, more vibrant colors). But we obviously cannot be satisfied with the theory: what is the display quality actually produced by this screen? We have equipped ourselves with our faithful colorimetric probes in order to be clear about it.
Black ebony
So let’s start with the first of these promises: blacks of infinite depth. Contrary to what one might think, this characteristic is in fact not guaranteed by the use of Oled technology. The absence of backlighting and self-emitting pixels are one thing, but their power supply must be able to drive very low voltages with enough precision so that the transition between absolute black and very dark gray does not cause very unpleasant banding effects. This is the reason why the Oled displays of the PlayStation Vita or of the PlayStation VR, for example and to remain in the field of the video game, indeed emit small luminous residues even when they display black “0%”.
Fortunately, none of this concerns the Switch Oled screen, which from this point of view is well worthy of the standards set by current smartphones. In the dark, our probe is not able to detect the slightest photon emitted, nor our naked eyes. This infinite contrast compares very favorably to the ratios of 1084: 1 and 847: 1 measured on the LCD screens of the Switch Original and the Switch Lite, respectively. And we have known, since time, the advantages of these perfect blacks: depth and relief of the image, richness of detail brought to the shadow areas … Among the few games that we were able to try for this test, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which highlights these qualities in the most striking way, with its nocturnal sets whose shaded areas become veritable magnetic abysses for the gaze.
Supersaturation, c ** trap
We can not say, however, that the first contact with the console is so pleasant when it comes to color reproduction. By default, the Switch Oled indeed presents its user with extremely, if not too saturated, colors. The cause of this is that the console uses the native color space of its screen, which is found to be close to the DCI-P3 space, and not to the Rec.709 space for which the games and the interface of the console are however calibrated (this is the standard “SDR” color space used by the original Switch and Switch Lite, as well as on the HDMI output of the dock). The result to the eye is in substance equivalent to the “extended color” or similar modes that can be found on most Oled and Qled televisions on the market. It is marked by very flashy and perhaps in a sense flattering colors, but also very unfaithful, not doing honor to the artistic direction of the games.
This is particularly visible on the red and green shades, which are very largely oversaturated, which is sanctioned on the DeltaE 94 measurement by the peaks at nearly 9 (average at 4.3). These distorted colors are not so obvious in all games; we recognize for example that a Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with its candy box colors, is not distorted – the excess of liveliness is however perfectly superfluous, the game having absolutely no need of this to sparkle visually. Conversely, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s pastel color scheme is terribly battered. The grass is tinged with a radioactive mint green, and the sky with a blue “produced in WC”, which is the most complete misunderstanding.
Fortunately, there is a solution to all of this … as easy to guess as it is difficult to find when you pick up the console the first time. Yes, the Switch Oled offers two display modes, a “vivid color” mode (default) and a “standard” mode. Yes, the standard mode is much better calibrated. No, we will never be able to explain why the choice between these two modes has been hidden so deeply in the parameters of the console: we can only access it after going to look, at the bottom of the list of sub-menus, the “Console” section, where you can still find at the very bottom or almost the option “Saturation of the console screen”, sandwiched between two unrelated settings.
Still, after switching to standard mode, the rendering is transfigured. The Rec. 709 color space is perfectly respected this time around, and the DeltaE94 drops to an admirable average of 1.8 (against 3.2 for the original Switch, 2.1 for the Switch Lite), without any peak above. of 4. On our test copy – just like on the copy received by our dear neighbors of Gamekult, which we also took a look at -, we can only painfully distinguish a tiny drift from green to yellow, and nuances of gray pulling a bit towards blue (color temperature almost constant at 7367 K, for a target at 6500 K). The rest is indistinguishable. It should be noted that the rendering could present some small variations depending on the copies sold in the trade. But this is of little importance: in practice, the sight adapts in a few moments to these small drifts, which we can therefore qualify as insignificant.
Screen readability: maximum brightness limited, but reflectance finally tamed!
All this being specified, the simple fact that the Oled panel of this new Switch is able to cover a large part of the DCI-P3 color space opens up an interesting potential. We are surprised to imagine future games which, being aware of the Switch model on which they are running, could automatically adjust their tone-mapping on the Oled screen to use it authentically. Better yet, it might even go hand in hand with adding HDR compatibility with expanded color space on the dock’s HDMI output. A daydream ? No doubt, alas.
As it stands, the Switch Oled screen itself could not however claim any HDR label, the fault of a too limited peak in brightness. It tops out at 330 cd / m², a little less even than the 360 and 380 cd / m² achieved respectively by the original Switch and the Switch Lite.
This does not mean, however, that the Switch Oled does not achieve a colossal leap compared to its predecessors in terms of readability in full light, thanks to another less expected benefit of the new screen: its drastically reduced reflectance. This was one of the biggest weaknesses of LCD models, real mirrors that reflected almost 90% of incident light. This figure is almost halved by the Oled screen, which reflects 49% of the light. The difference is major.
The new Switch Oled screen therefore keeps its promises, and improves the visual experience on almost all possible metrics compared to LCD models. So on condition that you take the time to dig deep into the options of the machine …
We look forward to seeing you in a few days for our complete test of the Nintendo Switch Oled.
Grounded has a brand new content update that was released on November 10, finally bringing the highly anticipated Koi Pond. This brought in new enemies, materials, a whole new environment, and access to the Third Secret Lab. The previous two labs are one in the oak where you meet “BURG.L”, and the other in the hedge bush.
The trip to the Secret Lab in the Hedge isn’t too dangerous, as long as you keep your balance. The Secret Lab in the Koi Pond is a bit of a different story, however. Here’s the best way to access the new lab, as well as pick up the Koi Pond “BURG.L” chip.
In the depths of Koi pond
Grounded
Survival coop
Grounded is an Early Access Co-op survival game created by Obsidian Entertainment. Can your shrunken self survive among ladybugs, ants, wolf spiders and uncover the secrets of mysterious laboratories?
Find the lab
Where is the Koi pond?
For those unfamiliar with grounding and landscape layout, there is an easy way to find out where the Koi Pond is and where to find it. Look out to the horizon and gaze at the oak tree, as the koi pond is behind the tree. Since the koi pond is a whole new biome to explore, it would be a good idea to set up a base camp nearby.
There are many spiders along the inner edge of the pond, especially the oak side. Head to the north edge of the pond and look for the “Frankenline” toy which is the ground. It’s a giant, green, Frankenstein-like drawing machine. This is a great area that provides enough materials to get you established and ready to tackle the koi pond.
Prepare the dive
Once you’ve established a base camp, it’s time to dip your toes in the water and go for a swim. Be warned; the pond does not forgive. You’ll want to be properly equipped before trying to make your way to the secret lab at the bottom of the pond. The first thing you want to take out in the pond and collect is a new material called lilypad wax. This material is very easy to collect and appears under the lilypads. There are no tools required to harvest this material; pick it up as you would any normal item. For quick and easy preparation of the items you will need, here are the materials you will need for each item.
Once you collect your first lilypad wax, it will unlock recipes for a pebble knife and fins, both of which are essential for managing the koi pond. You will also need the level one rebreather, called the Gill Tube, to breathe longer underwater. It is important to note that you only have forty seconds of oxygen without the aid of additional equipment. Use your time wisely and act quickly.
Between the two new recipes you just learned, you will first need to craft the Pebble Knife. This tool is essential for progressing in the koi pond. Once the knife is made, you will have to hunt and collect with it. To do the fin jumps, you will have to hunt down four waterboatman bugs. They are large swimming insects that have two large legs that propel them into the water. They mostly swim a little below the surface of the water. Insects are tough and swim quickly, so be careful to monitor your oxygen level at the same time as you stalk them. It might also be a good idea to keep an eye out for swimming spiders and Koi fish. Yes, Koi fish can kill you in one hit if you’re not careful.
You will also need to cultivate a material called Eel Grass. It sits at the bottom of the pond and looks like long strands of seaweed. You will need to harvest this with your pebble knife that you recently made. Gathering the Eel Grass will also unlock two other additional recipes for the Gill Tube and the Slime Lantern. Once you’ve gathered at least a stack of ten, you’ll be able to flip those flippers and swim around the pond faster. Now it’s time to craft the Gill Tube and dive into a second, deeper area that leads to the Secret Lab.
Entrance to the Koi Pond Secret Lab
Now that you’re equipped to handle the pond, it’s time to figure out how to get to this secret lab. You have familiarized yourself with what is in the first area of the koi pond, but now is the time to take it a step further. There is another area below the koi pond called “The Depths” which you will need to walk through. There are two entrances to this deeper area, but there is only one safe way to descend; unless you really feel like fighting a few spiders while diving.
Let’s take the safest route because it is also the fastest way to open the entrance to the secret laboratory door. By now you may have noticed black plastic tubes moving along the bottom of the pond. There are notches in this tube that allow air to escape, which is a great way to quickly top up your oxygen meter. Follow this tube directly to the entrance to the depths; just be sure to fill up with oxygen along the way. The character’s location on the map above shows exactly where the hole will be.
Start diving into the deep, dark hole the tube is moving through and move quickly. There is a final notch in the tube as you approach the bottom of the hole that supplies oxygen. It is essential that you use it before going any further. This is right next to the giant T-Rex toy that you just encountered. Also make sure to save your game. This next segment is a little stressful. Welcome to the depths!
How to open the door to the secret laboratory
As soon as you are in oxygen, swim towards the lamps and follow the tunnel. You will see a large cave a little further down the tunnel, with the door to the Secret Lab at the top of the chamber. Before you head into the tunnel to the door, there is something very important that you will need to do on your way to the laboratory door. There are three timer dials in the area, and these are used to activate and open the secret lab door.
The first dial you’ll need to activate is at the bottom left, with the airflow just above and the depths entrance at the far end.
You will see the first one on the right side of the tunnel near the end. Look towards the lamp closest to you and take the draft to propel yourself into the tunnel. When you activate the first dial, look above and find the vent spitting air bubbles.
Dial # 2 is on the left side of the cave, Dial # 3 is further on the right side, and the lab entrance is in the ceiling.
This is activated when you activate the dial, and it will help you propel yourself quickly through the water. It’s much faster than just swimming, especially if you’re low on oxygen. Bring the jet stream to the next dial, activate it, then repeat the process until you’ve activated all three dials. Once they’re all on, the lab door at the top of the chamber will open and you can enter the Secret Lab!
Opening of the dome of the secret laboratory
The electrical network room is on the left side, access to the dome corridor is in the center, above the entrance to the laboratory.
Once you’ve arrived at the lab, rest easy knowing the hard part is officially over! There are now just a few quick and easy steps to turn on the power supply in the lab and open the dome. Take a look at the room you just entered, grab some items from the area, and head to the power grid control room.
Flip the switch, then exit. Interact with the computer in the secret lab bay room, and it will open the locked door and give you access to the ramp leading to the dome. Go up the ramp and enter the Great Dome Room. Climb up the spiral walkway and activate the computer controls you find at the top.
The dome will open and the secret koi pond lab will finally be operational. Don’t forget to take the BURG.L chip from the koi pond which is right next to the biodome computer. This will unlock a floating foundation and a science-based sign game. You’ll also have unlocked a shortcut to the lab from the main area of the koi pond. You no longer need those long dives if you don’t want to risk.
In the depths of Koi pond
Grounded is an Early Access Co-op survival game created by Obsidian Entertainment. Can your shrunken self survive among ladybugs, ants, wolf spiders and uncover the secrets of mysterious laboratories?
