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Security and defence

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What is cyber security?

Understanding protection against digital threats and unauthorised access

Cyber security protects computers, networks and data from unauthorised access and attacks. It involves network security, identity management, data protection, application security and incident response.

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Protection from hostile hardware and software

How do we protect ourselves against malign foreign manufacturers, beit hardware or software?

Hardware and software from any country can pose security risks. Protection requires updating devices, restricting access, assessing manufacturers, and for governments, supply-chain controls and independent testing.

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How to protect a computer, website or business

Cyber security involves making attacks harder, limiting damage if they succeed, and enabling recovery. This guide covers personal computers, websites and businesses, with practical controls for each.

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Ransomware attack

Ransomware attack: from first compromise to discovery

Ransomware attacks typically develop over weeks, with attackers gaining access long before files are encrypted. Understanding the stages helps organisations identify and stop attacks earlier.

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Follow a cyber attack example

A cyber attack working examples and case study

Cyber attacks typically unfold in stages from reconnaissance to achieving objectives. Real examples show how criminals exploit trust, weak access controls and software vulnerabilities rather than sophisticated technical skills.

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Why didn't BAE developed railguns in the UK?

Why didn't BAE Systems developed its railgun technology in the UK?

BAE Systems developed its electromagnetic railgun for the U.S. Navy in America due to superior funding, facilities, regulatory environment, and lack of equivalent UK Ministry of Defence demand or investment.

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When can you legally monitor a phone?

When is it legal to monitor someone's phone?

Phone monitoring is illegal without consent in most countries. It's permitted for parents monitoring children, employers monitoring company devices, and device owners, using approved tools with proper authorisation.

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How to build a nail-firing railgun

A step-by-step guide to constructing a small-scale electromagnetic railgun that fires nails using capacitors and high-voltage electronics

Instructions for building a basic electromagnetic railgun using capacitors, copper rails and a nail as projectile, with safety warnings about high-voltage risks.

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What scandals has the UK nuclear bomb programme caused?

Radiation exposure, secret projects and missing materials: the controversies of Britain's nuclear weapons programme

The UK's nuclear weapons programme has been marked by radiation exposure of servicemen and civilians, secret costly projects, missile test failures hidden from Parliament, and unaccounted nuclear materials.

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Can a country destroy a ship damaging undersea cables?

When might a nation be legally justified in destroying a vessel that damages internet cables or pipelines?

Countries have greater rights to destroy ships damaging infrastructure in their territorial waters than in international waters, though responses must be proportionate and justified under international law.

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Why was Saddam Hussein executed?

What led to Saddam Hussein's downfall and eventual execution?

Saddam Hussein's execution resulted from complex political, economic and military factors including WMD claims, oil interests, regional opposition and documented human rights abuses rather than any single piece of knowledge.

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Can AI cameras reduce corruption in law enforcement?

Using AI cameras to monitor streets can reduce manual interference and minimise corruption. Here's how.

AI-monitored street cameras can automate enforcement, create transparent records and reduce officers' discretionary power, potentially minimising corruption and bribery opportunities.

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How much police time could AI cameras save?

What manpower savings could AI cameras bring to policing?

AI cameras could automate traffic enforcement, incident detection and surveillance, potentially freeing up officers for other work, though implementation requires significant investment and raises ethical concerns.

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What are the problems with AI street cameras?

AI cameras monitoring local streets raise privacy, security, ethical and technical concerns

AI street cameras pose risks including privacy invasion, data security breaches, algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, technical inaccuracy, and public distrust, requiring robust oversight and regulation.

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What are the benefits of AI street cameras?

How AI cameras monitoring local streets can improve traffic, safety, planning and the environment

AI cameras on priority streets improve traffic flow and emergency response, enhance public safety, inform urban planning, monitor pollution, and support economic development whilst raising privacy considerations.

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Does Iran conduct espionage in the US?

Separating credible evidence from geopolitical accusations of Iranian spying

Iran, like most countries, has intelligence operations, but espionage accusations require careful evidence evaluation rather than broad generalizations influenced by geopolitical tensions.

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