OneBlood, a major non-profit blood bank that services over 300 hospitals in the southeastern United States, fell victim to a disruptive ransomware attack, prompting over 250 hospitals to activate critical blood shortage protocols. The cyberattack, which occurred at the end of July, has significantly hampered OneBlood's operations, leading to widespread concerns about blood supply shortages. The ransomware attack has forced OneBlood to shift to manual processes, severely slowing down their ability to collect, test, and distribute blood. Susan Forbes, OneBlood's senior vice president, emphasized the impact of these manual procedures on inventory availability and the organization's overall efficiency. She stated, "Manual processes take significantly longer to perform and impact inventory availability. We have asked the more than 250 hospitals we serve to activate their critical blood shortage protocols and to remain in that status for the time being"​. HOLY SMOKES!!! This is extremely bad if true! Apparently, OneBlood, a major not-for-profit organization that provides blood donation services to hospitals, got hacked and they're not distributing blood across hospitals nationwide. This could severely impact medical treatments and… pic.twitter.com/wwviHFzEV1 — RSP (@RedShortsYT) July 30, 2024 OneBlood is collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as anti-malware specialists, to address the breach and restore full functionality to their systems. Although the organization remains operational, the attack has created a pressing need for blood donations to mitigate the shortages caused by the slowed operations​​. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on healthcare and critical infrastructure. Earlier this month, the U.S. government and cybersecurity firm Mandiant exposed a North Korean APT group responsible for numerous ransomware attacks on healthcare providers, underscoring the vulnerability of the sector​. Ransomware Attack Disrupts OneBlood Operations Leaving all there Virtual Machines Encrypted, Raising Concerns Over Blood Supply Stability!!! Details: https://t.co/HY43XS2tq2#ransomwareattack #VMWare #cyberattack #healthcare #encryption #Threatfeed #SecureBlink pic.twitter.com/GBan9mr2D6 — Secure Blink (@secure_blink) August 2, 2024 The OneBlood ransomware attack is part of a disturbing trend of cyberattacks targeting healthcare providers. Recently, Octapharma Plasma, another major blood donation center, faced a suspected ransomware attack that forced the closure of nearly 200 donation centers across the United States. This attack, attributed to the BlackSuit ransomware gang, disrupted plasma supplies critical for life-saving therapies​. The healthcare sector has been particularly susceptible to ransomware attacks, with malicious actors often targeting hospitals and medical services suppliers due to the critical nature of their operations. These attacks not only compromise sensitive data but also disrupt essential services, posing a significant risk to patient care and safety. As OneBlood works to recover from the attack, the organization urges individuals to donate blood to help alleviate the shortages. "Our team reacted quickly to assess our systems and began an investigation to confirm the full nature and scope of the event. Our comprehensive response efforts are ongoing, and we are working diligently to restore full functionality to our systems as expeditiously as possible," Forbes said​​. The urgency of blood donations cannot be overstated. Hospitals rely on a steady supply of blood for surgeries, trauma care, and patients with chronic conditions. With the current disruptions, maintaining adequate blood supply levels is critical to ensuring that patient care is not compromised. The post Hackers Target OneBlood, Trigger Blood Shortage Protocols Across 250 Hospitals appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

In a recent provocative assertion, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson suggested that Bitcoin, the world's first decentralized cryptocurrency, was created by the CIA. Carlson, known for his outspoken and often controversial views, made this claim during one of his broadcasts, igniting debates across the crypto community. Carlson stated, "Obviously, it was the CIA – I think we all know that." He argued that while the origins of Bitcoin might be murky, its importance as a history-transforming technology remains undiminished. According to Carlson, the creation of Bitcoin by such an entity doesn't detract from its value or its revolutionary potential​​. https://x.com/AOEvcBreakthru/status/1818803395266011546 The reaction from the crypto community was mixed. Some enthusiasts outright dismissed Carlson's claims as speculative and unfounded. Prominent voices in the industry, including former cyber forensic investigator Vinny D'Agostino, criticized Carlson for not understanding how Bitcoin was built or its underlying technology​​. D'Agostino pointed out that attributing Bitcoin to the CIA could imply potential control or manipulation by the government, a concern for many in the crypto space. Conversely, some users on social media speculated that Carlson might have inside information due to his high-profile connections, although these assertions lacked concrete evidence​​. https://x.com/JackStr42679640/status/1768548281020469743 This isn't the first time Carlson has ventured into controversial territory with his theories. Previously, he suggested that a massive computer outage grounding thousands of flights might have been a ransomware attack paid in Bitcoin. Carlson linked a surge in Bitcoin prices to this incident, although the FAA attributed the outage to an internal database issue, not a cyberattack​​. Despite the controversy, Carlson has expressed a deep appreciation for Bitcoin, viewing it as a crucial tool for financial freedom and decentralization. He highlighted its role in the "Bitcoin for Truckers" campaign, where the digital currency was used to support the Canadian truckers' protest against government mandates. Carlson emphasized that Bitcoin's decentralized nature makes it resistant to government control and censorship, which aligns with his broader libertarian views​​. Experts remain divided on the actual origins of Bitcoin. Some, like Daniel Keller, firmly believe that the CIA had no role in its creation. Others argue that the decentralized, open-source nature of Bitcoin means that its origins, whether governmental or not, are less significant than its current function and potential​​. Carlson's assertion has undoubtedly stirred the pot within the crypto community, leading to a broader discussion about the origins and control of Bitcoin. Whether one believes in his theory or not, it has underscored the ongoing intrigue and speculation surrounding Bitcoin's mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. The post Tucker Carlson Claims Bitcoin Was Created by the CIA appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

Nothing makes your wedding day more special than the love shared between you and your partner—or when a celebrity comes to surprise you. That is exactly what happened to this couple in Germany when Vin Diesel became their shocking wedding guest! @matze.lejla Er kam einfach auf uns zu #foryou#hochzeit#vindiesel ♬ Sve Je Laž – Dino Merlin Vin Diesel Gave The Wedding Surprise Of A Lifetime This newly married couple in Germany was enjoying a photo shoot in a luxurious car when Vin Diesel arrived on the scene! A note on the video reads, ” VIN DIESEL erscheint zu unsserer Jugo-deutsch Hochzeit,” which translates to, ” Vin Diesel appears at our Yugo-German wedding.” You can tell from their beaming faces that the couple was ecstatic to share their special day with the Fast and Furious star. This is now a Vin Diesel wedding! He can be seen making a heart with his hands for the couple and posing between the pair. With over 350,000 likes, it is apparent that the internet loves this surprise wedding guest as much as the bride and groom. Why is Vin Diesel In Germany? According to People, Vin Diesel was able to stop at this wedding because he was filming in Germany. They referenced an Instagram post that Diesel made discussing the finale of the Fast and Furious franchise. The caption reads: “One of my favorite pics of 2024…two decades for this moment…as we are in preproduction for the Fast finale, Pablo sent a message, Suki. All love, always.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vin Diesel (@vindiesel) Fans are ecstatic to see the finale of this incredible franchise. People covered some of the teasers Vin Diesel dropped back in February. He teased, “Just finished our end-of-the-week Fast meeting with the writers and the whole team…,” Diesel said, per the outlet. To say the excitement for our finale was incredibly powerful is an understatement.” Now, fans can see Vin Diesel’s weddings and films—how exciting! This story’s featured image is By Fred Duval via Shutterstock. The post Vin Diesel Gives A Bride & Groom The Best Wedding Day Surprise appeared first on InspireMore.

'Unprecedented'

WaPo: Obamaites Take Over Team Kamala

While phrases like “Keep Austin weird” indicate a certain level of “cool” to the left, Trump’s VP pick, JD Vance, has been ascribed a similar phrase for a totally different reason. And Glenn Beck knows why. “JD Vance is from a red state: weirdness number one. JD Vance grew up in white poverty: weirdness number two,” Glenn explains. “He didn’t have white privilege: weirdness number three. And he never gave up or listened to the naysayers: weirdness number four.” While those on the left often look for handouts over hard work, Vance is the opposite. “Nobody’s holding you back except you and your choices. That’s one of the biggest things that’s weird about JD Vance because either they totally believe it or they know they’re running an evil scam on people all over the world,” Glenn says. The reason why this is such an important piece of the “JD Vance is weird” momentum, is because a left-wing government wants you to rely on it. It doesn’t want you to believe the future is in your hands. “Who says that except an abusive partner?” Glenn asks. And Vance doesn’t just not rely on the government for handouts, but he’s created his own world. He’s an entrepreneur — and nothing’s weirder to the left than people with the intellectual and emotional fortitude to build their own reality. “Those are the people with real drive, and they’re different than people that just want a 9 to 5 job, and there’s nothing wrong with either of them,” Glenn says, though he notes that those who don’t believe they have it in them to be like Vance want to take from his wallet. “Those are the people that the left relates to and counts on because they can use greed and envy to have you look at an entrepreneur, somebody with drive. ‘Look man, I don’t have the drive to do what Elon Musk does, I don’t have the brains to do it either,’” Glenn says. “‘I think I should take some money from Elon Musk.’” “They think JD Vance is weird because they can’t relate to him on anything. His white poverty instead of his white privilege, his red state over their blue state, his getting back up again over and over again and rejecting the idea ‘stay down, you need the government, reach out for a handout,’” Glenn continues, adding, “They can’t understand that.” Want more from Glenn Beck?To enjoy more of Glenn’s masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis, and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

Last week, I wrote about the joy of dressing little girls; this one's for the boys. The basic principles remain: If Kate Middleton wouldn’t choose it for her George, it’s probably not the best choice. That said, there’s no need to spend a fortune. It’s very easy to find classic silhouettes at affordable stores like the Children’s Place and secondhand stores like Once Upon a Child. I think part of what makes Catherine’s decision-making so prudent is the ever-present thought of the future: These children will lead the Western world someday. I wonder how my own decision-making about my kids (in every area) would improve if I more intentionally remembered the promise etched on my children’s hearts the day they were baptized, which is just as real: These children are future members of God’s kingdom. They deserve to dress with beauty and dignity. Matching their socks is not the most important thing in the world, and it’s certainly not a moral issue, but it’s something I like to do. Maybe you do too. Helen Roy Jon Jons/smocking These are the male counterpart to the smocked bishop dress I mentioned for the girls. They are a lot like overalls but are usually a light, cotton fabric and smocked and embroidered across the chest. I so enjoy picking out Jon Jons (and bishop dresses) with my kids’ favorite motifs. The girls have some with ballerinas, and my George has trucks, for example. Another great part of these that I forgot to mention: Because they’re cotton, they wash very well! Dawn dish soap is my favorite degreaser and stain removal product. Just rub some in and let it set. Good as new, even for the most boisterous boys! See: Pleats and Stitches, Feltman Brothers Socks: Navy, white, or printed I love calf-length or knee-length socks on boys. For boat shoes and boys’ Mary Janes, especially in the summer, they aren’t totally necessary, but I definitely don’t dress them for church, for example, without socks. If you go for a patterned sock, make sure the rest of what he’s wearing isn’t too busy in the patterns and that the colors or motifs match. See: Jeffries’ Socks Shoes For shoes for little boys, consider loafers, boat shoes, Oxford boots, or, again, Mary Janes. Oxfords are the most formal and cumbersome option here, but each go very well with Jon Jons, khakis, and the rest. I avoid suede because it simply isn’t resilient enough for my kids. Always match shoes and belts. You can’t go wrong with brown. See: L’Amour, Carter’s Shirts As I type this, I realize it’s basically a guide for mini-men. There is nothing I like seeing my husband in more than a classic button-down. White, light blue, and stripes all work fabulously. For babies, the buttons may be too annoying, in which case you can find shirts with a Peter Pan collar, linked below. Aim for cotton in various weights according to the season. Oxford shirts are made of thicker cotton than more formal dress shirts but still look sharp. They work extremely well in the cooler months. See: Old Navy, The Children’s Place, Little English Blazers This is a Southern staple. I remember the day my brother was fitted for his first blazer at 8 years old. Dark navy with brass buttons is the move. I know some as young as 3 who show up to church in their blazer and khakis. Just delightful. There’s no real need to tailor a 3-year-old’s blazer unless they have strange proportions. Try Poshmark for high-end brands at a discount. See: J. Crew, Izod, Vineyard Vines Pants: Chinos Another classic. Needs no explanation. I love bright colors for the spring and summer. Anything will go with a navy blue blazer, but khakis are standard. See: Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, The Children’s Place Sweaters A winter essential that will make your Christmas card feel catalog-worthy. Baby boys in sweaters make my heart melt. See: Ralph Lauren, Trotters, Kiel James Patrick Ties Is there anything more adorable than a baby in a bow tie? This is another area where I love to include family symbols or motifs that conform to the kids’ personalities. These are the things that end up in memory boxes and passed down to grandchildren. For that reason, I say buy the nice one. Clip-ons and pre-tied are just fine. I know it’s the age of fashionable minimalism, but sometimes things are more meaningful than we can imagine. When our babies outgrow us, it’s nice to have tangible memories. Legacy lives in these little things; it’s even nicer to pass them on. See: Land’s End, Izod