Category: Technology

Software development has developed unexpectedly within the ultimate decade, bringing with it new methodologies, philosophies, and tooling that aim to make the improvement lifecycle greater green, reliable, and scalable. Among these methodologies, Continuous Integration (CI) stands out as one of the most transformative practices for each small groups and organisation-degree engineering departments. Understanding the cause and implementation of a CI pipeline is a foundational step in cutting-edge development workflows, especially for those simply getting into the arena of DevOps. This manual offers a complete introduction to help new builders understand what a CI pipeline is and how it fits into the software program lifecycle.

At its middle, Continuous Integration is about merging code right into a shared repository regularly—a couple of instances a day, ideally—and running computerized processes to test, construct, and validate that code. This manner acts as a shield in opposition to bugs, integration troubles, and inconsistent environments. It’s no longer only a technical tool, however a philosophical method to team collaboration and quality control. A newbie’s guide to putting in a continuous integration pipeline desires to go beyond device selection; it requires understanding how CI shapes the improvement way of life itself.

The importance of CI becomes extra obtrusive as projects develop in complexity. In small tasks, manual trying out and local improvement can suffice for some time. But as more members get involved and the codebase expands, so do the risks. Without CI, merging modifications can come to be unstable, time-consuming, and blunders-susceptible. CI presents the self belief to transport quickly without compromising balance. It ensures that every devote is robotically tested and demonstrated before it impacts others. This proactive first-rate guarantee reduces the likelihood of regressions and creates a shared knowledge among builders that quality is all people’s obligation from the very starting.

Understanding the Role of CI in the Development Lifecycle

Before diving into gear or infrastructure, it is vital to understand why CI has come to be a essential part of software shipping. Traditionally, development cycles had been lengthy and segmented. Code was written, then examined, then deployed—regularly through totally extraordinary teams working in silos. This fragmentation brought about long delays, unclear responsibility, and painful integration levels. CI emerged as a reaction to those demanding situations. It promotes smaller, common adjustments over huge, rare ones. Each exchange is incorporated into the principle codebase early and often, catching troubles earlier than they snowball into larger issues.

This workflow does extra than simply capture mistakes—it builds believe in the device. When developers push code and acquire fast remarks from the pipeline, they’re empowered to innovate. They’re no longer guessing whether their adjustments will spoil the build or create unexpected insects. The CI pipeline becomes a source of truth, strolling unit checks, lint checks, and other validations automatically. That sort of instantaneous comments hurries up learning, supports experimentation, and makes teamwork extra efficient.

CI additionally performs a important role in standardizing development practices. When you automate responsibilities like code formatting, check insurance checks, and construct steps, you lessen subjective decisions and boom consistency across individuals. That consistency lowers the barrier to access for brand spanking new group participants, who can depend on the pipeline to guide them through the expected requirements. A novice’s manual to setting up a continuous integration pipeline have to continually emphasize this issue—no longer simply the technical benefits, but the cultural brotherly love it enables.

In larger corporations, the CI technique turns into the connective tissue among development, QA, and operations. As a part of the wider DevOps environment, CI lays the muse for non-stop delivery (CD) and non-stop deployment. It is the primary and maximum essential stage in a completely automatic software program launch technique. But even for solo developers or small groups, imposing CI early builds behavior that scale. It introduces shape, predictability, and discipline which could rework interest projects into production-ready applications.

Designing a Pipeline That Aligns With Your Goals

Setting up a CI pipeline isn’t about adopting a one-length-fits-all solution. It starts with figuring out the dreams and constraints of your unique challenge. Every pipeline is a mirrored image of the improvement process it supports. For novices, the temptation can be to replicate a configuration report from an instructional and get in touch with it an afternoon. But a extra sustainable method is to invite: what must this pipeline assist me gain? Should it ensure code pleasant? Speed up deployments? Reduce integration issues? Your answers will form the pipeline’s shape.

At a minimum, most pipelines consist of levels like code checkout, dependency set up, automatic trying out, and construct or packaging. But every of those tiers may be custom designed to fit your technology stack, your environment, and your group’s workflow. If you’re operating with a Python application, your pipeline may include test runners like pytest. For JavaScript, it could involve ESLint and Jest. A key precept to recall is that CI is not simply automation for the sake of automation—it’s centered support in your improvement desires.

The tools you select—whether it’s GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, Travis CI, or CircleCI—will offer comparable capabilities, however they each come with trade-offs in complexity, flexibility, and integration. A novice’s manual to setting up a non-stop integration pipeline should encourage experimentation. Start easy. Create a basic pipeline that runs a test suite on each push. Watch it fail, study from the logs, and improve it incrementally. CI is a manner of refinement, now not perfection.

Moreover, don’t overlook approximately environment issues. One of the strengths of CI is reproducibility. When your code runs on a managed construct environment, it eliminates the “it works on my system” problem. Many offerings offer field-based runners or pre-configured virtual machines to simulate deployment environments. Learning the way to define your runtime surroundings the use of tools like Docker or YAML configurations is a part of learning CI. Over time, you’ll build more sturdy, portable pipelines that reflect your production settings intently.

Growing With Your Pipeline Over Time

As you benefit revel in and your tasks evolve, so too will your CI pipeline. What starts as a easy testing series can make bigger into an advanced flow of computerized satisfactory exams, multi-surroundings builds, artifact deployments, and security scans. The key’s to think about your pipeline as a living system—one which grows with your codebase, your group, and your ambition. A novice’s manual to putting in a continuous integration pipeline should consist of this long-time period angle. CI isn’t always something you place as soon as and forget; it’s an indispensable a part of your improvement subculture.

With that growth comes complexity, and managing that complexity calls for field. As your pipeline provides more tiers, the time it takes to run can boom. You’ll begin thinking about parallelization, caching, and selective take a look at execution. These optimizations ensure that CI enhances pace instead of slowing it down. You’ll additionally start to deal with your pipeline configuration as code—versioning it, documenting it, and testing changes earlier than merging them into production branches.

Security is some other vicinity where your CI method can evolve. By integrating security assessments—inclusive of static analysis, dependency vulnerability scanning, or mystery detection—you begin to shift protection left inside the improvement lifecycle. This approach guarantees that safety is built into the software program from the beginning as opposed to being an afterthought. Even novices can gain from including easy security tools to their pipeline, developing behavior in an effort to serve them in greater annoying environments later.

Another important dimension of CI is visibility. As teams grow, having a clear, obvious view of construct effects turns into crucial. Dashboards, logs, and standing signs help teams music progress and quickly perceive troubles. Communication round CI effects turns into part of the day by day workflow. Developers learn how to interpret test screw ups, debug environment issues, and optimize construct performance.   

In an an increasing number of digital international where time is one of the most precious assets, automation has end up a vital tool in maximizing productivity and efficiency. For the ones just entering into the sector of coding, Python offers a effective, newbie-friendly platform for automating repetitive and mundane tasks. Understanding the fundamentals of automation through Python scripts not most effective boosts your skillset however additionally frees up treasured time that may be redirected in the direction of extra meaningful work. This beginner’s guide to automating every day responsibilities with Python scripts will open up a practical method to hassle-solving using code.

Python’s simplicity and clarity have made it a favorite for professionals across industries, from data analysis and machine management to content management and customer service. The splendor of Python lies in its versatility. Even with out a deep background in software development, it’s possible to create scripts that take a look at emails, rename documents, scrape statistics, or schedule reminders—at some point of basic coding. As your experience grows, the obligations you automate can end up extra complicated and impactful. The adventure doesn’t begin with building a complete utility; it starts offevolved with recognizing the patterns for your habitual and seeing how a few traces of code can reduce hours of guide work.

For many beginners, the concept of automation might sound intimidating, often associated with advanced programming knowledge or expert software engineering. But the reality is a ways extra on hand. Python’s rich surroundings of libraries lets in you to have interaction with your pc and the net in pretty easy approaches. Whether you are looking to streamline your workflow on the workplace or control your virtual lifestyles extra efficaciously at home, automation thru Python scripts is within attain. It’s not about replacing your process or obligations entirely—it’s about enhancing how you engage with them.

Discovering Opportunities for Everyday Automation

Before diving into the syntax and structure of Python scripts, it’s critical to increase the dependancy of figuring out what can and need to be computerized. Automation isn’t continually approximately complexity; once in a while, the most treasured scripts are those that clear up small, normal annoyances. Perhaps you often prepare downloaded documents, send repetitive emails, or carry out primary calculations. Over time, these apparently trivial obligations add up, quietly draining your electricity and time.

Learning to understand patterns on your each day routines is step one toward leveraging Python for automation. The moment you notice you’re appearing the equal sequence of movements often—be it transferring documents, formatting reports, or generating logs—you’re gazing an possibility for a script. Python can examine, mimic, and repeat those patterns with out the threat of human mistakes or fatigue. Even actions that feel specific regularly observe a set of regulations whilst broken down, making them best applicants for automation.

The more acquainted you emerge as with your workflows, the extra really you may start to see in which scripting makes feel. For example, if you paintings with spreadsheets every day, you would possibly locate value in Python libraries that control and analyze information. If you are constantly browsing websites to check updates or download files, Python can perform the ones obligations quietly within the heritage. Automation doesn’t usually take away the mission—it transforms it into some thing lighter, greater efficient, and much less prone to disruption.

What’s equally vital is to technique automation with the mind-set of enhancement as opposed to substitute. The great scripts are people who reduce cognitive friction, letting you attention on paintings that calls for your insight. When you integrate the reliability of automation with human creativity and oversight, you create a gadget that works smarter and stronger. Python absolutely acts as the bridge between your awareness of inefficiency and your electricity to remedy it.

Building Your First Scripts with Intention

The real splendor of automating daily obligations with Python scripts is that your adventure can begin with a completely modest understanding of programming. You don’t need to grasp algorithms or dive into computer technological know-how idea to put in writing beneficial scripts. What you do need is a clear sense of purpose and a primary command of the way Python works. Even the most effective scripts—those that rename files, convert textual content, or perform batch operations—can without delay prevent time.

Getting began manner understanding the building blocks of Python: variables, loops, conditionals, and features. These elements shape the muse of all your future scripts. Python’s syntax is intentionally smooth, that means it reads greater like English than code. That makes it simpler to grasp, mainly while you’re simply starting out. Once you have internalized these basics, you are geared up to begin connecting your script to actual-international actions, whether or not meaning analyzing a file, sending an e mail, or accessing a website.

The secret’s to technique every new script as a getting to know opportunity. Don’t count on your first programs to be perfect; they received’t be. Instead, recognition on making some thing work—even supposing it’s messy. Refinement comes later. Many beginners fall into the entice of over-engineering or trying to solve every aspect case on their first attempt. But automation is iterative. You’ll study via doing, by using testing, and through refining your technique over the years.

One of the most empowering moments in this adventure is knowing that a script you’ve written can operate with out supervision. Scheduling scripts with undertaking managers or the use of Python’s built-in modules to execute obligations at precise durations unlocks a brand new stage of productivity. You’re not tied on your display screen, manually starting up each system. Your script becomes a background companion, working for you whilst you flow on to higher-price sports.

The Long-Term Value of Scripted Efficiency

While automating every day responsibilities with Python scripts would possibly begin with small initiatives, the cumulative cost it generates through the years can be big. Every repetitive movement you automate is one much less distraction, one more second reclaimed. When viewed over weeks or months, these minutes grow to be hours of regained awareness. And beyond saving time, automation reduces errors, enforces consistency, and builds a greater scalable technique to regular virtual challenges.

The talents you expand alongside the manner additionally make contributions in your broader technical literacy. You grow to be extra than only a passive user of software—you begin to engage with systems in an lively, practical manner. This form of questioning opens up pathways in careers, whether you’re working in tech, training, advertising, or operations. Employers more and more value problem solvers who can discover inefficiencies and clear up them via automation.

But there’s also a deeply personal cost in building your personal equipment. There’s pride in seeing your scripts paintings, knowing you created something realistic that immediately advantages you. It’s a reminder which you don’t constantly want business software or steeply-priced tools to improve your workflow. With a few curiosity and dedication, you may create your own answers. That sort of empowerment is difficult to quantify however clean to recognize.

It’s additionally well worth acknowledging that automation doesn’t need to forestall along with your personal use. Once you’re secure with Python scripting, you may begin building equipment for colleagues, family, or the broader community. Perhaps you automate a undertaking in your group that makes each person’s workday simpler. Or maybe you write scripts that help manipulate private tasks extra efficaciously. The factor is, scripting may be a form of provider, as well as self-improvement.

What frequently surprises individuals who begin automating is the way it changes their mind-set. You begin to see digital strategies in another way. You question inefficiencies instead of tolerating them. You seek out patterns and assume in systems. That shift in thinking is one of the most treasured consequences of studying a way to automate daily tasks with Python scripts. It’s now not just about saving time—it’s approximately evolving the way you suspect and paintings. 

In the evolving world of generation, the need to experiment, analyze, and explore new structures has by no means been more relevant. Whether you are an IT expert, a student, or sincerely a person curious about innovation, having your private home lab may be a powerful breakthrough. A home lab offers a personal surroundings in which you can take a look at new technologies, exercise abilties, or simulate business-degree eventualities. However, one important factor that must never be left out is safety. A poorly configured lab can turn out to be a prone factor, especially while connected to the net or your non-public domestic community. That’s why understanding a way to set up a comfortable home lab for checking out new tech isn’t simply beneficial—it’s critical.

Security doesn’t have to come at the fee of exploration. In truth, the very act of securing your lab teaches you as a great deal about the tech you’re running with as the experiments themselves. From running systems to networks, boxes to digital machines, putting in a safe lab requires thoughtful making plans, strategic layout, and continuous tracking. This procedure gives you fingers-on enjoy in actual-international situations, that’s specially treasured if you’re working in cybersecurity, system administration, or software program improvement. As the tech panorama will become greater complicated and integrated, the ability to create comfortable take a look at environments becomes a essential talent.

Building the Right Environment from the Ground Up

The first thing to recall whilst planning your lab is what exactly you need to explore. A comfortable home lab starts with readability. Are you focused on networking, moral hacking, programming, server deployment, or maybe cloud technology? While your recognition will have an effect on your setup, the underlying safety practices remain established. Understanding your goals facilitates decide what hardware and software program additives you may need and a way to isolate them for protection.

One common mistake among novices is treating a home lab like a casual playground. The fact is that even take a look at environments can be attacked if they’re no longer properly isolated. As you explore a way to set up a cozy domestic lab for testing new tech, you’ll comprehend that isolation is key—each from your non-public network and from external threats. This can be achieved via digital machines, VLANs, or using a separate bodily network. Even primary segmentation within your home router can serve as an early barrier.

Think of your lab as a microcosm of a actual-world organisation community. When treated with the equal level of subject, it turns into a genuine schooling floor. You’ll possibly begin with client-grade equipment—perhaps an antique computer or computer—and that’s exceptional. Security doesn’t require agency-degree hardware; it requires approach. As you test, you may learn about how visitors flows, where weaknesses can exist, and how small misconfigurations can result in primary vulnerabilities. That sort of perception is difficult to gather with out arms-on trying out.

Learning Security through Practicing Security

One of the maximum treasured things approximately walking a home lab is how a lot it teaches you approximately the actual-world risks of generation. Learning how to installation a comfortable domestic lab for checking out new tech forces you to assume like each a defender and an attacker. If you’re testing a new server or software program deployment, you’ll also examine what ports it opens, what dependencies it pulls in, and the way it behaves below numerous situations. Every detail, from your firewall settings on your SSH configurations, contributes to your usual knowledge of device security.

The manner turns into even extra insightful whilst you intentionally test vulnerabilities. Safe, contained environments can help you ethically explore exploits and safety flaws. You begin to recognize the results of weak passwords, default settings, and unpatched software program. If you’re operating in cybersecurity, the capability to simulate an assault surface in a comfortable space is precious. This is wherein your private home lab stops being only a lab—it becomes a mastering engine.

The equal common sense applies to updates and patches. Many people in tech fields run updates without questioning them, assuming the whole lot will work easily. But in a lab, you may test the ones updates on a digital system first. If a patch breaks some thing, it won’t affect your primary machine. Over time, this addiction builds a cautious, hazard-conscious attitude that’s essential in any IT or DevOps role.

Moreover, tracking is an regularly-overlooked ability that comes into play here. Once you’ve built some structures on your lab, remember installing primary monitoring gear. This doesn’t should be complicated. Simple logs, signals, or useful resource monitoring educate you ways actual structures behave after they’re operating successfully—and when they’re no longer. These insights will without delay tell your potential to troubleshoot and harden structures inside the discipline.

Scaling Your Lab as Your Skills Evolve

As your technical expertise grows, so too will the needs of your lab. What started out as a unmarried VM or test gadget will amplify into a collection of servers, routers, virtual environments, and software program platforms. The transition from a basic setup to a greater superior infrastructure is wherein many people start integrating standards like infrastructure as code, containerization, and automation. At this factor, your comfortable domestic lab will become a mirror of expert organization environments—on a practicable scale.

If you’re operating on how to set up a cozy home lab for checking out new tech with destiny scalability in mind, modularity becomes critical. Keeping your lab modular manner you may upload or eliminate additives with out disrupting your complete gadget. You would possibly start experimenting with Docker boxes, orchestrating them with Kubernetes, or deploying services with equipment like Ansible. All those equipment at the moment are common in enterprise, and studying them palms-on in a lab accelerates your development.

Security at scale brings new challenges. It’s now not just about setting up a firewall; it’s approximately imposing access regulations, securing API endpoints, and encrypting records in movement. You’ll probable begin imposing VPNs or encrypted tunnels, mastering how 0-agree with fashions can paintings in micro-environments. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll research the importance of documentation. Keeping track of your configurations, changes, and observations enables you manage complexity and decreases the danger of accidental vulnerabilities.

Even such things as backing up lab structures, versioning code, or coping with credentials grow to be relevant. You start implementing the same policies used in production environments due to the fact the price of losing data or misconfiguring services—even in a lab—is actual. This interest to element makes you a greater in a position, reliable technologist in any expert putting.

Earning Real-World Value From Your Home Lab

One of the biggest blessings of gaining knowledge of a way to set up a secure home lab for testing new tech is the actual-international fee it generates. Employers increasingly value practical abilities over theoretical expertise. Showing that you’ve set up your own lab, maintained it securely, and experimented with cutting-edge tech proves initiative, hassle-fixing ability, and technical intensity. It becomes some thing you could communicate approximately in interviews, include in resumes, or use as the inspiration for technical blogs, certifications, or even aspect projects.

Beyond activity relevance, your house lab builds self belief. There’s something empowering approximately understanding that you could spin up an entire infrastructure from scratch, installation comfortable structures, and take a look at new technology with out counting on pre-built solutions. It’s a self belief that comes handiest from experience.

This kind of lab environment also encourages continuous learning. As new frameworks, systems, and vulnerabilities emerge, your lab will become a personal area to trap up, take a look at, and adapt. Instead of reading about new technology, you’re interacting with them immediately. You’re debugging, deploying, and defending—all at your very own pace, without external pressure. That’s a unprecedented and precious type of getting to know.

And the security expertise you expand in a lab doesn’t live constrained to your experiments. It changes how you view all virtual structures. You turn out to be extra privy to privateness dangers, assault surfaces, and facts protections. This focus influences how you layout software program, manipulate servers, or recommend solutions to others. In a global more and more shaped by means of era, such perception is priceless. 

The Perfect Rug analyzed 50 US cities to find out which ten have the most Airbnb-ready homes. The analysis includes key variables: city, state, 2023 visitation, the total number of apartment listings, the percentage of those listings available on Airbnb, and the total number of Airbnb listings.

Key insights:

• Nashville, Tennessee, has the highest number of visitors (267,000) but a relatively lower Airbnb saturation, with 48% of its apartment listings on Airbnb. 
• A new study found that Austin, Texas has the most Airbnb-ready homes, with the highest number of Airbnb listings per 1,000 visitors at 49.37.
• Portland, Oregon, has the highest percentage of apartment listings on Airbnb at 77%.

The data was compiled into a structured dataset, ensuring accuracy and consistency, and cities were ranked in descending order based on their Airbnb rentals per 1,000 visitors.

Austin, Texas, leads the list with 49.37 Airbnb rentals for every 1K visitors, the highest number of Airbnb listings in the list, making it the most Airbnb-friendly city. With 61% of its 19,830 apartment listings available on Airbnb, Austin is an undeniable hotspot for travelers looking for short-term stays. Beyond its thriving tourism sector, the city also offers a wide array of unique rental experiences, further enhancing its Airbnb appeal.

San Antonio, Texas, takes the second spot with 59% of its 10,870 apartment listings available on Airbnb. The city’s impressive Airbnb presence highlights its appeal as a destination for travelers looking for short-term rental options, making it a competitive market in Texas right behind Austin.

Portland, Oregon, ranks third with the highest percentage of apartment listings on Airbnb, at 77%. Beyond its impressive Airbnb saturation, Portland also offers a creative, laid-back vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else. Despite having fewer visitors compared to other cities, Portland’s good Airbnb market makes it a go-to destination with a strong short-term rental culture.

Charlotte, North Carolina, takes fourth place, with 62% of its apartment listings on Airbnb. While Charlotte has fewer visitors than cities like Phoenix and Nashville, its Airbnb saturation rate is higher. The city’s expanding tourism sector is well supported by a healthy number of short-term rental options, making it a popular spot for travelers seeking Airbnb stays.

Nashville, Tennessee, ranks fifth despite having one of the highest numbers of visitors among the cities studied, at 267,000. The city has the lowest percentage of Airbnb listings among the top cities at only 48%, suggesting Nashville has significant room to expand its Airbnb market. 

Cleveland, Ohio, comes in sixth, with 68% of its apartment listings available on Airbnb. Though it has fewer visitors than larger cities like Denver or Phoenix, Cleveland’s Airbnb saturation rate is higher than both. Cleveland also has more Airbnb listings (22.30) than Salt Lake City. This shows a stronger short-term rental presence relative to its visitor base.

Salt Lake City, Utah, takes seventh place, with 60% of its apartment listings on Airbnb. The city’s 21.33 Airbnb listings is slightly below Cleveland’s 22.30 but still demonstrates Salt Lake City’s solid position in the short-term rental market. Compared to Phoenix, which has 20.71 listings, Salt Lake City offers a similar level of Airbnb readiness despite attracting fewer visitors.

Phoenix, Arizona, ranks eighth. With 20.71 Airbnb rentals per 1000 visitors, Phoenix is gradually growing its short-term rental market but still has room for further expansion in its Airbnb presence.

Denver, Colorado, comes in ninth. While Denver offers fewer Airbnb listings (19.95) than cities like Austin or San Antonio, it has a similar Airbnb saturation rate to Portland, making it a competitive market in the Airbnb space.

New Orleans, Louisiana, rounds out the top ten, with 51% of its apartment listings on Airbnb. Despite attracting more visitors (averaging 271,000) than cities like Portland or Cleveland, New Orleans has fewer Airbnb listings.

A spokesperson from The Perfect Rug commented on the study: “When analyzing cities for Airbnb readiness, it’s important to focus on both the percentage of listings available and how that translates to meeting visitor demand. Cities with a higher number of Airbnb listings per visitor tend to offer more diverse accommodation options, which can enhance the travel experience.

If you’re looking to maximize your rental opportunities or find great spots for short-term stays, consider places that maintain a balance between visitor influx and the availability of listings. This can also indicate how well a city caters to tourists, making it easier to find the perfect place to stay.”

Homeowners urged to rethink their Halloween habits as crime rates spike during the spooky season

Key findings:

• Real estate experts warn that leaving indoor lights on for extended periods during and after trick-or-treating hours attracts burglars on Halloween
• They offer expert tips to protect homes during the festive season
• Experts highlight other crimes that can occur due to Halloween activities

With Halloween approaching, homeowners will need to be on the lookout for more than just trick-or-treaters. Research shows a significant 17% increase in crime-related insurance claims during this festive period, with 60% of property crimes on Halloween involving theft. 

That’s why real estate experts at SoCal Home Buyers are urging residents to be vigilant. They point out that the excitement of the season can create security risks and make homes easy targets for burglars.

The primary concern, according to SoCal, is a common but often overlooked mistake made by many homeowners during Halloween: leaving indoor lights on for extended periods after trick-or-treating hours have ended.

Doug Van Soest, Owner of SoCal Home Buyers, commented: 

“A lot of homeowners believe keeping their lights on throughout the night deters burglars, giving the illusion that residents are present, whether they’re at home or not. However, this common practice can actually backfire, especially during Halloween. Experienced burglars scout neighborhoods, looking for homes with lights constantly on late into the night. They know this is a tactic homeowners use when away, inadvertently signaling an unoccupied house.

“On Halloween, this risk is amplified. While many homes keep their exterior dark for a spooky atmosphere, interior lights left on after trick-or-treating hours stand out even more. This makes it easier for intruders to see whether anyone is moving inside, or if the home is empty.

“We recommend being strategic with your lighting, particularly on Halloween night. Both during trick-or-treating and after it ends, consider turning off most lights or using timers to create a more natural pattern. This approach is far more effective in deterring potential break-ins than leaving lights on continuously. Remember, the goal is to make your home appear lived-in and active, not just illuminated.”

Common Halloween Security Mistakes to Avoid

In addition to lighting concerns, Van Soest highlights other common Halloween-related mistakes that can attract burglars:

1. Spooky sound effects leaving windows vulnerable: While cracking windows open for atmospheric sound effects adds to the Halloween spirit, it also provides an easy entry point for intruders. Instead, consider using outdoor speakers for your spooky sounds.
2. Tempting window displays: Showcasing expensive electronics or valuables in Halloween window displays is like advertising to burglars. Keep valuable items out of sight, even during festive decorating.
3. Unsecured outdoor decorations: Large inflatable decorations or expensive outdoor displays can be tempting for thieves. Secure these items properly or bring them indoors when not in use.
4. Neglecting outdoor lighting: Dark areas around your home provide cover for burglars. Install motion-sensor lights to illuminate potential hiding spots.
5. Oversharing on social media: Posting real-time updates about your Halloween plans or vacations can alert burglars to your whereabouts. Wait until you’re at home to share your adventures online.

Van Soest emphasizes that “Homeowners should conduct a thorough security assessment before the Halloween rush. Consider upgrading to smart home security systems that allow remote monitoring and control, as these systems can provide peace of mind while you’re out trick-or-treating or attending Halloween events.”

The message from these experts is clear: don’t let the excitement of Halloween overshadow the importance of home security. 

Sources
Halloween crime statistics: Attorney Shartman. 

Why items typically not expected to be stolen are actually super popular among thieves

Key Findings:

• Expert gives insight into which unexpected items are most likely to get stolen from homes
• Surprising items include a car’s exhaust, prescription drugs and small furniture items
• Expert gives their top tips on how to secure homes

Cash, jewelry, electronics—these are the items our minds jump to when we think about what thieves are after, and the items we focus on when protecting our homes. But it turns out, thieves are actually interested in a much broader range of items. 

On average, homeowners lose $2,692 in each burglary. While cash, jewels, electronics, and clothes are popular, thieves are distressingly creative when it comes to how and what they steal from our homes. 

“As one of the largest entry points to your home, it is important to make sure the garage door is safe and reliable,” say experts at B&D Garage Doors, a premier manufacturer of secure garage doors.

Catalytic Converters

Catalytic converters are part of a car’s exhaust system. They convert harmful emissions from the car’s engine into less harmful substances before they’re ejected through the exhaust pipe. 

These converters contain several precious metals, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. All of these metals command prices that can rival or even exceed those of gold, and the demand for them has surged globally, driving up their value and consequently increasing the incentive for their theft.

Catalytic converters are located on the underside of vehicles, usually within easy reach. 

“With minimal tools – like a saw or specialized cutting tool – a thief can remove a catalytic converter in just a few minutes,” says the B&D team. “This quick turnover means thieves can steal multiple converters in a short time, maximizing their illicit earnings. Once removed, they are virtually unidentifiable, making it nearly impossible for stolen items to be linked to a specific crime or vehicle.” 

“Ensure your car is kept safely behind your garage door to minimize risk,” they warn.

Prescription Drugs

Many prescription medications, especially those that are controlled substances like opioids, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulants, have a significant street value. These drugs can be sold at a high markup compared to their retail price, making them lucrative targets for thieves. 

Bicycles

Bicycles, especially high-end racing or mountain biking models, sometimes cost thousands of dollars. Moreover, there is a consistent demand for bicycles in both new and used markets, ensuring stolen items can be quickly and easily sold for a good price.

B&D explains that bicycles are also easier to sell than many other high-value items as they can be offloaded in numerous ways: through online marketplaces, at pawn shops, via second-hand dealers, or through informal exchanges. “As they are often kept within a garage, having a garage that locks shut is paramount to protecting your bikes from would-be thieves,” B&D comments. 

Furniture

Some pieces of furniture, especially those that are antique, designer, or part of limited edition collections, can fetch high prices on the resale market. In particular, items that can be easily disassembled or small enough to move quickly, such as chairs, stools, and small tables, are especially at risk. 

“Opportunistic thieves can take advantage of moves, estate clearances, or more easily accessible locations like garages or storage units, which is why it is important to have full control over the operation and monitoring of your garage door,” B&D comments. 

Personal Documents

Unlike physical items, personal documents can be sold on dark web marketplaces where they’re in high demand. The relative ease of transferring these documents anonymously online makes them highly attractive to thieves.

The experts at B&D Garage Doors commented:

“Homeowners can significantly enhance their security and deter potential burglars by adopting a layered approach to home security. Physical barriers, like strong doors with deadbolt locks, window locks, and security bars, can make forced entry challenging. High-quality, durable garage doors can prevent intruders from breaking in easily.

“A garage door system that integrates with smartphones, allowing you to monitor your home remotely, will be a large deterrent.  Simple solutions like these can significantly strengthen a home’s security profile and protect against potential burglaries.”

Sources

Average cost of a burglary statistic: Forbes.

• A recent study analyzed apps in four main categories – communication, navigation, work, and social media – to identify how much data volume grows over time. 
• During the past ten years, the average file size of Video Games has changed from 45 MB to 1955 MB, the biggest increase among apps.
• Video Games expanded their file size by 40 times.

A recent study by TRG Datacenters aimed to identify how much data volume grows over time by collecting apps in four main categories—communication, navigation, work, and social media. The download sizes of these apps were traced over time using the Wayback Machine. The study also gathered data on the most sold phones from 2014 to 2024, focusing on their photo, video, and non-expandable memory characteristics. By calculating the average non-expandable memory and the sizes of photos and videos, the study compared these sizes over the years to determine the file size change both in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB) and as a percentage.

Video Games

Type of data – Entertainment
Overall Change – 4344%

From 2014 to 2024, video game file sizes have grown dramatically, increasing from 45 MB to a peak of 2000 MB in 2024. This represents a 4344% increase, with the most significant jumps occurring after 2017. This sharp rise highlights the growing complexity and enhanced graphics of video games, which demand much larger storage space over time.

Photos

Type of data – Entertainment, Work
Overall Change – 217%

The average file size of photos has seen a moderate increase from 3 MB in 2014 to a peak of 9.5 MB in 2023 before slightly decreasing to 7 MB in 2024. As a result, the app saw a 217% growth throughout the ten years, reflecting advancements in camera technology.

Videos

Type of data – Entertainment, Work
Overall Change – 733%

The file size of videos per minute has grown from 60 MB in 2014 to 500 MB in 2024, a 733% increase. This growth is primarily due to the transition from lower resolution to 4K and even higher video quality, requiring more storage capacity for each minute of footage.

Facebook

Type of data – Entertainment, Social Media
Overall Change – 650%

Facebook’s file size grew from 40 MB in 2014 to a peak of 300 MB in 2024, a 650% increase. This significant growth emphasizes the platform’s expansion in functionalities, including video streaming, marketplace, and more sophisticated social networking features.

Twitter/X

Type of data – Entertainment, Social Media
Overall Change – 367%

Twitter’s file size increased by 367%, from 30 MB in 2014 to a peak of 140 MB in 2024. This growth highlights the platform’s evolution in handling richer media content, including videos, images, and live-streaming features.

Instagram

Type of data – Entertainment, Social Media
Overall Change – 456%

Instagram saw a 456% increase in file size, growing from 45 MB in 2014 to a peak of 250 MB in 2024. This rise reflects the app’s shift toward more visually intensive content, such as high-resolution photos, videos, and stories.

Average Non-Expandable Memory

Type of Data – Available Storage On Mobile Device 

Overall change – 2300%

The average non-expandable memory of devices has increased by 2300%, from 16 GB in 2014 to a peak of 384 GB in 2024. This exponential growth highlights the increasing demands of apps, media, and data storage over time, necessitating larger internal storage capacities in modern devices.

A spokesperson from TRG Datacenters commented on the study: “This evolution is not just about adding more features; it’s about enhancing the overall experience with richer content and stronger functionalities. Interestingly, while some apps have expanded significantly, others have focused on refining their efficiency, balancing growth with optimization. As apps continue to evolve, this shift will undoubtedly influence how we approach storage, design, and user experience in the years to come.”

Imagine receiving a call from your child, their voice filled with fear and panic, begging for help. Moments later, a menacing voice demands a large ransom. Unfortunately, this nightmare scenario is becoming a reality for many, including an Arizona mother in 2023. This distressing situation is part of a growing AI scam known as the ‘Little Mermaid’ scheme, where criminals clone voices to exploit loved ones.

Mukesh Choudhary, Co-founder and CTO of Finoit, explains how this scam works and shares essential tips to protect yourself.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters target publicly available videos from social media accounts, extracting users’ voices using AI software. Mukesh explains, “The stolen voice is manipulated to create realistic audio that mimics the original user’s tone and speech patterns. AI technology can change pitch, tone, and cadence, making it almost identical to the victim’s voice.”

These AI-generated voices are then used to impersonate victims, often calling their loved ones with fake emergencies, demanding money, or extracting sensitive information.

“The biggest threat is how convincing these AI-generated voices can be,” Mukesh warns.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

To avoid falling victim to the Little Mermaid scam, consider these precautions:

• Limit Publicly Shared Videos: This scam thrives on audio found online. Adjust your social media privacy settings to limit who can access videos that include your voice.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if scammers capture your voice, they will still need a code to access sensitive information.
• Educate Your Family and Friends: Let your loved ones know about the Little Mermaid scam and the potential dangers of voice cloning. Encourage them to be cautious with unexpected messages, even if the voice seems familiar.
• Verify Suspicious Messages: If you receive a distressing message asking for money or personal details, don’t react right away. Call the person directly to confirm their situation using a known phone number.
• Consider Using Voice Modification Apps: These apps can alter the pitch or cadence of your voice in online recordings, making it harder for scammers to replicate.

By staying alert and taking these steps, you can better protect your voice and your loved ones from AI scams. As Mukesh advises, “A little online security awareness can go a long way in safeguarding yourself and others.”

About Finoit
Finoit is a software development company specializing in building secure and scalable AI solutions for SaaS and software startups. With over 13 years of experience, Finoit has worked with more than 100 startups to create innovative software products.

With advancements in technology, software development security has become a critical area of focus. One of the modern security strategies that is becoming widely adopted is Zero-Trust Security. Given the evolution of cyber threats, old-fashioned security approaches that are built on the walls of a perimeter are no longer of any help. Zero-trust security functions on the assumption that no one – in other words, an insider or outsider – is ever trusted outright.

This article explains what zero-trust security means, why it is essential in the field of software development, and how to implement it successfully.

What is Zero-Trust Security?

Zero-trust security treats all actors (users, devices), devices (hardware like laptops, phones), and networks as threats. Unlike Legacy Models that trust users within a network perimeter, Zero-Trust computes trust (verification) at every interaction (access request).

At its core, the Zero-Trust model emphasizes:

• Verification of every request: All requests for access made by users, whether internal or external, go through proper authentication and authorization processes.
• Least privilege access: Users are provided only the necessary rights to perform their activities.
• Micro-segmentation: The access to the network is broken into smaller independent sections to reduce the span of possible attacks.
• Continuous monitoring: Continuous monitoring and validation of users, devices, and network traffic to detect suspicious behavior.

Why is Zero-Trust Security Important in Software Development?

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) has been made richer with the introduction of practices such as DevOps and Agile, which emphasize speed in delivery and numerous iterations. Unfortunately, because security is often neglected, these processes could create risks instead.

Here’s why Zero-Trust Security is essential in software development:

1. Increased Attack Surface: The rise of cloud computing, mobile apps, and the Internet of Things increases the cyber threat attack surface. The zero-trust approach reduces risks through the application of stringent access controls and the reduction of excess access.
2. Insider Threats: There are organizations that deal with the risk of attack from external criminals, as well as internal ones. Zero Trust focuses on the fact that all users and devices, even those that belong to the organization, must first authenticate themselves prior to gaining access to sensitive assets.
3. Software Supply Chain Security: Attacks in recent times, exemplified by the attack on SolarWinds, have revealed some weaknesses in the software supply chains. Zero Trust Security Policies safeguard such threats through robust management policies restricting access to resources at all levels of the development cycle, including code and deployment.
4. Compliance and Regulation: The recent development of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Health Information Portability Act (HIPAA) has necessitated the protection of data to a higher level. Zero Trust Security measures prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, allowing organizations to comply with data management policies.

Best Practices for Implementing Zero-Trust Security in Software Development

When it comes to the implementation of the Zero Trust Security Model in software development, it has to be a multi-pronged approach. The following are some best practices for effective incorporation of this security model:

1. Adopt a “Shift-Left” Security Approach

The term ‘shifting security left’ means that the steps for performing security checks and control should take place as early as possible, preferably in the design and development stage. Traditionally, security was often the last thing to be improved towards the conclusion of the SDLC process. Such an approach is no longer tenable in the era of Zero Trust because security, by default, can no longer be the last thing people think about.

To implement this:

• Automate Security Testing: The security testing process is a must in CI/CD development environments. Static code analysis (SAST), dynamic application security testing (DAST), or dependency checking are examples of tools that can be used to find bugs at the earliest stages of development.
• Security Training for Developers: Teach developers to secure coding principles so they can write secure code from the start.
• Threat Modeling: Teams should develop such models in order to prepare themselves for ways the software can be attacked and how it can be secure while being built.

2. Implement Least Privilege Access

The principle of least privilege means restricting users, devices, and applications to the bare minimum permissions required to carry out their functions. This aids in decreasing the damage caused by possible breaches, especially insider threats, as it limits the access an attacker will have when an account has been compromised.

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Introduce RBAC for the users to ensure that only the resources required for the particular stage of the development process are available to them.
• Contextual Access Control: Accessibility is also extended to the use of some external parameters, such as the location of the user at the time of request.
• Just-In-Time (JIT) Access: Grant privileged access temporarily when appropriate, but ensure that access is removed once the activity is completed.

3. Micro-Segmentation of Networks and Applications

The idea of micro-segmentation is that instead of one central administration for the entire application or network, each network/application can be divided and separated into many parts called segments, and each segment can have its own security policies. Under this strategy, while an attacker may compromise one segment of the network/system, the lateral movement of such an attacker to any other segment is made difficult.

• Secure DevOps Pipelines: Introduce and configure a barrier between different levels of a development pipeline, such as developers’ zones and production environments, to rule out any possibility of access to the sensitive zones.
• API Security: Divide and protect APIs involved in the software. For every API call, provide access to only trustable users and their machines by enforcing authentication and authorization for each API call.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for All Access

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the fundamental building blocks of Zero-Trust Security. It is less likely that someone will advance with the theft of a single credential since additional credentials are required to be verified.

• MFA for Developers: All developers are required to implement MFA when using code repositories, CI/CD systems, and other development tools. This way, even if a developer’s credentials to any sensitive system are compromised, the attacker cannot easily get to the system.
• MFA for Applications: Enforce MFA for every user of the software application without exception, especially when handling sensitive information or performing any of the application’s critical tasks.

5. Continuous Monitoring and Logging

The concept of Zero Trust Security depends on constant vigilance – whereby every action undertaken is observed in order to identify abnormal behavior that can be deemed malicious.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Deploy live surveillance systems such as those that monitor end users, the network, the internal system, and so on. Systems such as SIEM are useful in monitoring and combating security attacks as they occur.
• Audit Logs: Diligently keep proper audit logs of every interaction that takes place in each software development environment. These records must be examined on a frequent basis to ascertain the presence or absence of malicious activities.

6. Secure the Software Supply Chain

Considering the growing number of attacks targeting third-party services and vendor software, protecting the software supply chain comes out as an important element of the Trust Security Policy.

• Dependency Management: Keep an eye out for and examine the various component libraries used in software on a constant basis. Avoid using any additional construction materials that are not safe for use.
• Code Signing: Employ a code signing certificate to confirm the legitimacy of the software packages, meaning no one has interfered with it within the course of its production or delivery.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Periodically analyze all programming codes, materials, and algorithms for existing threats. Execute threat assessment tools to find and fix threats that are discovered all the time.

7. Implement DevSecOps

DevSecOps implies incorporating security measures and practices at every phase of the DevOps workflow. In a Zero-Trust environment, there is no separate security function; rather, security becomes the concern of all the people involved in development, operations, and security.

• Security as Code: Consider security settings, policies, and measures as software. Their distribution and implementation must be performed automatically in each environment.
• Collaboration: Support the risk management activities in the various phases of the software development lifecycle by promoting the integration of the development, operations, and security teams.

Conclusion

Zero-trust security is beyond a mere concept; it is a framework that every organization must embrace in order to shield its software development processes from escalating cyber attacks. An organization may cut down on its attack surface, meet compliance obligations, and promote security and development benefits by implementing a zero-trust strategy.

The incorporation of fundamental principles such as moving testing and quality assurance earlier in the development cycle, implementing policies of least privilege access, micro-segmenting networks and applications, and moving to continuous monitoring makes it possible for an organization to successfully put in place the necessary strategies to protect its software systems from internal as well as external threats.

With the changing times, it is apparent that the adoption of ZT Security is going to be of immense importance in the protection and preservation of systems and even software applications where constant trust issues need to be addressed.

A recent report by tech specialists at setapp.com has revealed the most popular apps of 2024, with Instagram securing the top spot.

With an impressive popularity score of 90, Instagram saw 696 million downloads this year, along with an average user rating of 4.5. This success is largely attributed to Instagram’s sleek design and innovative features like Stories, Reels, and its strong e-commerce functionality, keeping it at the forefront of the social media landscape.

The study examined the popularity of apps across a range of categories, including social media, messaging, gaming, and shopping.

Analysts pulled data from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and third-party sources like Business of Apps and Appfigures. Each app was scored out of 100, considering downloads, user ratings, and overall satisfaction.

Highlights from the Top 10 Apps

Following closely behind Instagram is TikTok, with a popularity score of 85. TikTok’s 654 million downloads and a 4.6 rating underscore its increasing appeal, particularly among younger users drawn to its trend-based, short-form video content.

Facebook placed third, still holding a strong user base with 553 million downloads. However, its slightly lower 4.0 rating points to growing concerns over privacy and potential user fatigue.

In the messaging category, WhatsApp leads with 475 million downloads and a popularity score of 74, driven by its encryption and versatile features for both personal and business use. Telegram, another messaging app known for its privacy features, earned a score of 60, appealing to those with a strong focus on secure communication.

Temu also made waves in the shopping category, scoring 51 with 274 million downloads and a notable 4.65 average rating.

Video editing app CapCut rounded out the top five, racking up 389 million downloads and a 4.55 rating, thanks to its close ties with TikTok.

The Top 10 Most Popular Apps of 2024

1. Instagram – 696 million downloads | Rating: 4.5 | Score: 90
2. TikTok – 654 million downloads | Rating: 4.6 | Score: 85
3. Facebook – 553 million downloads | Rating: 4.0 | Score: 83
4. WhatsApp – 475 million downloads | Rating: 4.55 | Score: 74
5. CapCut – 389 million downloads | Rating: 4.55 | Score: 64
6. Telegram – 355 million downloads | Rating: 4.35 | Score: 60
7. Snapchat – 343 million downloads | Rating: 4.4 | Score: 59
8. Subway Surfers – 304 million downloads | Rating: 4.45 | Score: 54
9. Zoom – 300 million downloads | Rating: 4.5 | Score: 54
10. Temu – 274 million downloads | Rating: 4.65 | Score: 51

Expert Opinions on the Top Apps

Experts from setapp.com highlighted how these leading apps are constantly innovating and engaging users. “Instagram’s seamless e-commerce integration has kept it highly relevant and in demand,” they stated.

Similarly, TikTok’s popularity continues to grow among younger audiences, thanks to its cutting-edge algorithms and trend-driven content.

The study also pointed out Facebook’s continued user base, despite its lower ratings due to concerns around privacy and data security. In contrast, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram continue to thrive, with more users prioritizing secure communication platforms.

As the digital landscape continues to shift, the report highlights the importance of staying innovative and prioritizing user security for apps aiming to maintain a competitive edge.

Instagram and TikTok’s success demonstrates that platforms able to swiftly adapt to new trends and user behaviors are best poised for success. Meanwhile, apps like WhatsApp and Telegram show that privacy features are becoming an increasingly significant factor in user choice within today’s digital world.