Monday, March 18, 2024

Python Ollama LLMs Tutorial


 Large Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as powerful tools for natural language processing tasks. Ollama, an open-source project, brings the capabilities of LLMs directly to our local systems, empowering developers to easily harness their potential. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore leveraging the Ollama API to generate responses from LLMs programmatically using Python on your local machine.

Prerequisites

Before we embark on our journey with Ollama, ensuring that the project is installed on your system is essential. If you haven't done so already, refer to the Beginner’s Guide to Ollama for detailed instructions on setting up Ollama seamlessly.

Python FastAPI Websocket Tutorial


FastAPI stands out as a contemporary, high-performance web framework tailored for crafting APIs using Python 3.7 and above, leveraging standard Python type hints. While renowned for its prowess in constructing RESTful APIs, FastAPI also extends support for WebSocket communication, adding a layer of versatility ideal for real-time applications. In this technical discourse, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of integrating WebSocket functionality within FastAPI, empowering developers to usher in a new era of interactive and responsive web applications.

Demystifying Linux Security: Is the OS Truly Immune to Malware?


When it comes to cybersecurity, the debate over which operating system reigns supreme often leads to spirited discussions. Among the contenders, Linux stands out as a formidable force, renowned for its robust security features and resilience against malware attacks. But is Linux truly impervious to threats, or does it simply excel at mitigating risks? Let's delve into the intricacies of Linux security to uncover the truth.

The Myth of Invulnerability

It's a common misconception that Linux is immune to malware. While it's true that Linux-based systems experience fewer malware incidents compared to their Windows counterparts, attributing this solely to obscurity overlooks the inherent strength of Linux's architecture. Despite its widespread adoption in critical infrastructure, Linux remains a challenging target for cybercriminals due to its fortified defenses.

How to Set IP Alias in Linux (Red Hat/Fedora/CentOS/Almalinux/Rocky Linux)


The ability to configure multiple IP addresses on a single network interface is a game-changer. This technique, known as IP aliasing, offers a wealth of possibilities, particularly in scenarios where setting up multiple virtual sites on a web server is paramount. In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of IP aliasing, exploring its advantages and providing a step-by-step guide to implementation on RHEL-based distributions.

Understanding IP Aliasing

IP aliasing allows you to create multiple virtual interfaces (aliases) for a single physical network adapter. This means you can assign different IP addresses to these virtual interfaces, all while utilizing the resources of a single network interface card (NIC). The versatility of IP aliasing eliminates the need for multiple physical adapters, streamlining network configuration and management.

Grok-1 Models Released by xAI, Grok-1 The 314 Billion Parameters AI Model

 In a groundbreaking announcement, xAI, a leading AI research organization, has revealed the release of Grok-1, a monumental advancement in the field of natural language processing. Boasting an unprecedented 314 billion parameters, Grok-1 promises to revolutionize language understanding as we know it.



Grok-1's architecture, a Mixture-of-Experts model, stands as a testament to innovation in AI. Unlike its predecessors, Grok-1 is not tailored for specific tasks but serves as a versatile foundation for various applications.

Released under the Apache 2.0 license, the raw base model checkpoint of Grok-1 is now available to researchers and enthusiasts. This release includes both the model's weights and architecture, providing a rare opportunity to delve into its inner workings.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Google's Gemini Language Model Exposes Security Risks

 


Google's Gemini large language model (LLM) has been flagged for vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise system prompts, generate harmful content, and enable indirect injection attacks.

The discoveries come from HiddenLayer, which highlighted that these issues could affect users utilizing Gemini Advanced with Google Workspace and organizations leveraging the LLM API.

One vulnerability involves bypassing security measures to leak system prompts, which provide instructions to the LLM for generating appropriate responses. By manipulating the model to output foundational instructions in a markdown block, attackers could exploit this vulnerability.

Microsoft Addresses 61 Security Flaws in Monthly Update

 Microsoft has rolled out its latest monthly security update, tackling a total of 61 security vulnerabilities across its software suite. This update includes patches for two critical issues affecting Windows Hyper-V, capable of causing denial-of-service (DoS) conditions and remote code execution.


Of the 61 vulnerabilities addressed, two are classified as Critical, 58 as Important, and one as Low severity. While none of the flaws are currently known to be under active attack or publicly disclosed, six have been identified as having a higher likelihood of exploitation.

How PixPirate Banking Trojan, Can Utilizes New Stealth Method to Avoid Android Security?


 In the latest cyber threat update, researchers have uncovered a sophisticated evolution of the PixPirate banking trojan, designed to lurk undetected on Android devices even after its dropper app has been removed.

Originally identified by the Cleafy Threat Intelligence and Response (TIR) team targeting banks in Latin America, PixPirate has now adopted advanced tactics to evade detection and remain active on infected devices.

Unlike conventional malware that typically hides its icon on the device, PixPirate takes a novel approach by entirely omitting a launcher icon. This innovative technique allows the trojan to evade detection on recent Android versions up to 14, making it particularly stealthy and challenging to detect.

Stanford University Reports Ransomware Attack Impacting 27,000 Individuals


 In a recent development, Stanford University has revealed that personal data belonging to 27,000 individuals was compromised in a ransomware attack affecting its Department of Public Safety (SUDPS) network.

The university detected the attack on September 27 and subsequently launched an investigation into the cybersecurity incident impacting SUDPS systems. It wasn't until a month later that Stanford publicly disclosed the ongoing investigation.

Windows 10 KB5035845 Update: What's New?


Microsoft has rolled out the latest Windows 10 KB5035845 update, bringing nine fixes and enhancements to the operating system. These updates build upon the improvements introduced in last month's KB5034843 preview update.

Here's a breakdown of the highlighted fixes and new features included in the KB5035845 update:

Microsoft's March 2024 Patch Tuesday Addresses 60 Flaws, Including 18 RCE Bugs


 Today marks Microsoft's March 2024 Patch Tuesday, with security updates addressing a total of 60 vulnerabilities, notably including eighteen remote code execution (RCE) flaws.

While this Patch Tuesday addresses only two critical vulnerabilities, namely Hyper-V remote code execution and denial of service flaws, it encompasses a range of other issues across various categories:

How to Run Github Action Locally on Raspberry Pi


Recently, I shared my experience of revamping the script that managed my GitHub profile updates. But that's not all - since my exciting win at GeeCON Prague, I've also become the proud owner of a Raspberry Pi. So, naturally, I decided to experiment with self-hosted runners for GitHub Actions. Here's what I discovered along the way.

GitHub Actions offers extensive free usage, but the landscape can change at any time. As a proactive measure, I wanted to explore alternatives before the need to migrate arises. This led me to delve into the world of self-hosted runners.

Introducing LogicAnalyzer: A Budget-Friendly 24-Channel Logic Analyzer Running on Raspberry Pi

Meet Agustín Gimenez Bernad, the brains behind LogicAnalyzer, an affordable yet powerful tool designed for electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike. With features like 24 digital channels, 100Msps, 32k samples depth, edge triggers, and pattern triggers, LogicAnalyzer promises to revolutionize your debugging experience.


Best Cloud-based Music Apps for Linux


 In today's music landscape dominated by streaming services, cloud-based music apps have gained immense popularity for their convenience and accessibility. Linux enthusiasts, in particular, are always looking for reliable and feature-rich music players tailored to their operating system.

This article delves into three top-tier cloud-based music apps, each offering distinct features and advantages perfectly suited for the Linux environment.

1. Spotify: The Ultimate Music Streaming Platform

Spotify is one of the most beloved and versatile cloud-based music streaming platforms. It provides a dedicated desktop app for Linux users, ensuring a seamless and integrated music listening experience.

Key Features of Spotify: