Content Buffer
Welcome, Tech Leaders.
Despite a still tight venture capital market, new unicorns are still being created every month.
Learn how to detect and uninstall consumer-grade spyware apps that secretly monitor your private data. Let’s dive deeper…
In today's ContentBuffer update:
New unicorns emerge despite tough VC market
Identify and remove stalkerware apps from your Android device
Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg face negative views from Americans
Stalkerware Network Spilling Data
Nikola seeks buyer or sells assets by April
Vulnerability exposes users to regaining access by app developers
5 new AI tools & 5 new AI jobs
More tech news
Latest Development
Startup News
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: New unicorns emerge despite tough VC market; 38 startups have become unicorns so far in 2024; Hippocratic AI and Loft Orbital among the new additions to the list
Key Points:
Hippocratic AI, a healthcare company, creates patient-facing AI agents and has raised $141 million Series B.
Loft Orbital, a satellite space company, has raised $170 million Series C valuing it at $1 billion.
Kikoff, a personal finance platform, last raised an undisclosed amount that valued it at $1 billion.
Why it matters: The emergence of new unicorns highlights the resilience of startups despite challenging venture capital market conditions.
Security
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: Stalkerware apps on Android can monitor your private data without you knowing. Here's how to detect and uninstall them: check for unknown device admin apps, look for generic-looking names and icons, force stop and uninstall the app, and secure your device with a stronger lock screen password and two-factor authentication.
Key Points:
Stalkerware apps can be disguised as regular apps, making them hard to detect
These apps have overly broad access permissions to your device's data
You may not see a home screen icon for these apps, but they will still appear in your Android device's app list
Why it matters: Removing stalkerware apps is crucial to protecting your privacy and security online.
Tech_leadership_opinions
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: The study found that 54% of U.S. adults have an unfavorable view of Elon Musk, while 67% feel negatively toward Mark Zuckerberg. The negative views are largely party-line based, with Democrats and Republican leaning respondents holding differing opinions.
Key Points:
Elon Musk's affiliation with President Trump has led to a majority of Democratic respondents having an unfavorable view of him.
Mark Zuckerberg's company Meta has faced criticism over its content moderation policies, leading to widespread negative views among Americans.
The study found that most Republicans have a positive view of Elon Musk, while most Democrats have a negative view.
Why it matters: Understanding public opinion on tech executives can provide insights into the impact of their decisions and actions on society.
Technology
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: The Truth Spy is a new breed of stalkerware that allows users to remotely access and monitor the activities of others. This type of malware is often used by abusers to control their victims. The Truth Spy has been discovered, allowing abusers to monitor and control their victims' every move.
Key Points:
The Truth Spy can monitor phone activity, including calls, texts, and emails.
It can also track a person's location and access their contacts and photos.
Why it matters: This type of malware is used to control and manipulate victims of domestic abuse, highlighting the need for awareness and action against stalkerware.
Industry News
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: Nikola filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and announced it would no longer operate as a stand-alone business, bringing an end to a company that has been plagued with drama after its founder Trevor Milton was convicted on multiple counts of securities fraud. The company is seeking a buyer or selling off assets by April.
Key Points:
Nikola claims between $500 million and $1 billion in assets.
The company will continue to solicit interest until around March 27, the first proposed date for a bid submission deadline.
If Nikola can’t find a buyer willing to take on the whole business, the company will pivot to selling off its assets in pieces.
Why it matters: Nikola's bankruptcy and potential sale of its business matter as it is an electric trucking startup that has been plagued with drama after its founder was convicted of securities fraud.
Mobile Security
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: A security vulnerability in phone-monitoring apps Cocospy and Spyic has been discovered, allowing users to regain access. This vulnerability exposes users to potential threats and can be removed using an Android spyware removal guide
Key Points:
The vulnerability allows the app developer to regain access
Users can determine if the app is installed using this feature
Android spyware removal guides are available to remove common types of phone stalkerware
Why it matters: The security vulnerability highlights the importance of removing spyware from Android devices and taking precautions to protect personal data
New Tools & Job
Up 👀 - AI-powered video analysis platform for insights and trends
Plain Scribe - Transcribe, translate, and summarize files with AI-powered assistance
SkillMe - AI-driven skill assessment and career development platform
Review Mine 📊 - Analyze customer reviews to uncover insights and improve products
PressPulse - AI-powered PR tool for journalist inquiries, backlinks, and pitches
Source - Senior Software Engineer, Backend
Hygraph - Backend Engineer (f/m/d) - Remote EMEA
Float - Senior Back-End Engineer
Filestage - Revenue Data Engineer
Volatus Health - Senior Backend Engineer
QUICK HITS
🎯 Meta is launching a new community notes program on its platforms, allowing users to add context to posts and decide when they're misleading. Learn more.
🔋 Tesla announces virtual queuing pilot program to mitigate ev charging rage and improve customer experience. Read more.
🔒 The Federal Trade Commission will launch a public inquiry into censorship by tech platforms, soliciting comments from those affected. Learn more.
🚫 Amazon is shutting down its video conferencing service, Amazon Chime, and recommends users switch to Zoom or Salesforce's Slack. Read more.
📊 Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e, a budget-friendly device aimed at emerging markets like India. The phone replaces both the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in Apple's lineup. Learn more.
THAT’S A WRAP
Partner with Us
Showcase your product to our engaged community of Tech enthusiasts
Our newsletter reaches a diverse audience of tech professionals, investors, engineers, managers, and business leaders worldwide. Get in touch today.
Latest Issues