Today’s Tech Sightings:
The FBI Used the Web’s Favorite Hacking Tool to Unmask Tor Users
According to WIRED, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) used an abandoned Metasploit project called the “Decloaking Engine” in 2012 to launch “Operation Torpedo” to identify child port suspects using Tor’s anonymous network to hide.
Patient-Specific Knee Parts Can Now Be 3D-Printed
Columbia University researchers using high-resolution MRI scans created a 3D model of a torn meniscus in a patient’s knee, then reprinted the model with built-in growth and repair factors that activate relevant stem cells.
Adoption of 3D Printing Grows, but Hurdles Remain
According to IT research firm Gartner, up to 60% of organizations polled in a recent survey say high start-up costs remain the main stumbling block to the adoption of 3D printing strategies, although early adopters have reaped the benefits in terms of reducing the costs of research and development.
Sony Fights Hack Damage as New Threats Emerge
Sony Pictures is facing new threats of more data leaks three weeks after a devastating hack attack crippled its systems and compromised sensitive information. An online post from hackers claiming to be the “Guardians of Peace” threatened to release more stolen data to the public on Christmas.
Skype Translator Previews for Real-Time Chats
Microsoft has released the first public version of Skype Translator, a service that allows for real-time translations, along with an on-screen transcript. The final product will be able to translate chats in more than 45 languages.
Facebook Drops Bing to Turn Search Queries Into Better Targeted Ads
Facebook is dropping a deal with Microsoft that provided investment and made Bing the social media giant’s default search engine. For all intents and purposes, this looks like another block in Facebook’s ad-driven landscape.
