Current Events in February 2020

Although some autonomous vehicle technologies are currently being used in the U.S., these systems are still in the testing phase and need to be fine-tuned before being rolled out en masse. That point was driven home earlier this week when a team of white-hat hackers from McAfee Advanced Threat Research fooled Tesla’s Autopilot into breaking the speed limit by slightly altering road signs.

In the video below, the researchers demonstrated how they were able to fool the autonomous system by simply using a small piece of black tape to extend a portion of the “3” on the 35 mph sign. 

Newer vehicles may not be susceptible

In a blog post detailing the team’s test, the researchers stated that the goal of the project was to expose deficiencies within the Tesla MobilEye camera system, which is used to read traffic signs and adjust what the vehicle does accordingly. 

The test findings showed that these kinds of alterations worked to trick earlier versions of Tesla’s systems (Tesla hardware pack 1, mobilEye version EyeQ3), but one vehicle using the latest 2020 version of MobilEye was able to spot the changes. The team commended Tesla’s engineers for improving the company’s code, but the researchers say the findings can still be useful for the larger automotive industry.

“In order to drive success in this key industry and shift the perception that machine learning systems are secure, we need to accelerate discussions and awareness of the problems and steer the direction and development of next-generation technologies,” the team concluded.

You can chalk up another delay for Boeing getting its 737 Max aircraft back in the air. The company has discovered debris in several of its 737 Max jets’ fuel tanks. 

The debris -- formally referred to as “foreign object debris” (FOD) -- was found in jets that were being held in storage. That represents a huge problem because FOD can cause a plane to short circuit or experience a fire while in operation.

Absolutely unacceptable

CNN reported that Boeing fired off a memo to its employees, saying that FOD was “absolutely unacceptable. One escape is one too many. With your help and focus, we will eliminate FOD from our production system." 

"During these challenging times, our customers and the flying public are counting on us to do our best work each and every day. That's why we're taking action.”

Boeing said it will tackle the problem head-on by updating the aircraft’s instructions and checklist it uses before a plane is cleared to go. It’s doubling-down by also adding affirmations for when the aircraft are being inspected or audited.

A never-ending story

Boeing can’t win for losing. Now into a second year of fatal crashes, groundings, production stoppages, and continued misgivings about the 737 Max, it was only a few weeks ago that Boeing uncovered a possible wiring issue that could compromise control of the tail of the aircraft. If that happens, it could cause a short-circuit and lead to a crash if pilots don’t respond to the problem correctly and in time. 

The FAA says no 737 Max is taking off until it sees firsthand proof that the jet is completely ready to take to the skies again.

A new story about Citrix Systems proves that no one is safe from hackers and digital con artists.

One would think that a software company known for networking, software as a service (SaaS), and cloud computing might be super vigilant. But, it appears that no person or company is immune. Citrix has confirmed that some nasty hackers were roaming through its networks for five months between 2018 and 2019, grabbing the financial and personal data of Citrix employees, contractors, and even interns and dependents of employees. 

The company says the hackers may have also made off with Social Security Numbers, other tax ID numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account numbers, payment card numbers, passport numbers, and health claims information like provider names and dates of service.

It took Citrix almost a year to come clean about the intrusion. In a February 10, 2020 letter to those who may have been affected, Citrix divulged that the attackers “had intermittent access” to Citrix’s internal network between Oct. 13, 2018 and Mar. 8, 2019. However, it stated there was zero evidence that hackers remained in the company’s systems.

Why a letter? Actually, there’s a law in most U.S. states that requires any company to notify affected customers about hacking incidents. Citrix’s letter was prompted by laws in virtually all U.S. states that require companies to notify affected consumers of any incident that may have compromised their personal data. Plus, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has an additional breach notification rule for any business that collects health-related information.

Password spraying

Rewinding back to March, 2019, Krebs on Security reports that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) alerted Citrix about the potential incursion, saying that the hackers probably got into Citrix’ networks using a technique called “password spraying.” 

Password spraying is an attack mode that tries to make its way into large databases of usernames by using a few commonly used passwords, such as “Password1.” The reason that technique is used is because it allows the hacker to remain hidden and avoid account lockouts.

While one recent study explored how it can be easy for kids to get too much fluoride when they brush their teeth, researchers from New York University are now explaining why all consumers should be limiting their exposure. 

Though fluoride has cavity-fighting properties, the researchers found that too much exposure to fluoride can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis, which can lead to tooth decay. 

“The benefits of fluoride for oral health considerably outweigh the risks,” said researcher Rodrigo Lacruz. “But given how common dental fluorosis is and how poorly understood the cellular mechanisms responsible for the disease are, it is important to study this problem.” 

Protecting your teeth

To understand how fluorosis occurs, and what risks it poses to consumers, the researchers tested enamel cells from rats after exposing them to high levels of fluoride. Ultimately, they learned that too much fluoride affected the way cells responded to calcium, which is a crucial component of maintaining strong, healthy bones. 

The study revealed that higher exposure to fluoride led to decreases in calcium, which weakened teeth over time; this could eventually lead to tooth decay. Moreover, the researchers learned that high exposure to fluoride created more stress proteins throughout the enamel cell and also slowed its energy production. 

Enamel is the outer, protective layer of a tooth, and too much fluoride prevents the enamel from properly doing its job. This can lead to discoloration of the teeth, a common side effect of fluorosis, and an overall weakened enamel. 

“If your cells have to make enamel, which is heavily calcified, and due to exposure to too much fluoride the cells undergo continued stress in their capacity to handle calcium, that will be reflected in the enamel crystals as they are formed and will impact mineralization,” Lacruz said. 

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling 239 of the vollowing model year 2020 vehicles:

• C300 Cabrios
• C300 Cabrio 4MATICs
• C300 Coupes
• C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATICs
• C43 AMG Coupe 4MATICs
• C63S AMG Cabrios
• CLS53 AMG 4MATICs
• E350, E350 4MATICs
• E450 Cabrios
• E450 Cabrio 4MATICs
• E450 Coupes
• E450 Coupe 4MATICs
• E450 4MATICs
• E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATICs
• GLC300 Coupe 4MATICs
• GLC300s
• GLC300 4MATICs
• GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATICs
• AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATICs
• AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATICs

An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.

An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.

What to do

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2020.

Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at (800) 367-6372.

Missa Bay of Swedesboro, N.J., is recalling 1,154 cases of Ready Pac Bistro Bowl Spinach Dijon Salad.

The product may contain egg and wheat, allergens not declared on the label.

No adverse reactions have been reported to date.

The recalled product has a use-by date of Feb. 18, 2020, and product lot code of 255588007 (printed on the top label).

It was sold at retail stores in 15 states including Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled product should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions about the recall may contact Mary Toscano at (800) 800-7822.

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, does not appear to be spreading in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes it as an "emerging, rapidly evolving situation."

But the group Doctors for Disaster Preparedness says it’s very hard to tell the status of the virus in the U.S. because at this point there is no way to really know.

"It is impossible to be sure that the virus is not spreading without more extensive testing," said Dr. Jane Orient, the group’s president. 

She points out that testing for COVID-19 has been limited to "persons under suspicion" (PUIs), that is persons with fever, signs of a lower respiratory infection, exposure to a person known to have COVID-19, or travel to China within 14 days of symptom onset.

In recent days, the CDC has changed the way it considers whether someone in the U.S. is a person under suspicion. If a patient is severely ill, testing can be considered if “exposure history is equivocal.” Otherwise, testing is not likely.

Limited test kit availability

The problem is the limited availability of test kits, which are in great demand in Asia at the moment. Doctors for Disaster Preparedness says some test kits have been shown to be defective, so replacements have been ordered. Accuracy has also been an issue.

"With all laboratory tests, there are both false positives and false negatives," Orient said.

There have been social media posts from people complaining that hospitals will not test their coughing and fever symptoms for COVID-19, even if they have tested negative for the flu.

Orient says it is vitally important to stop this epidemic with public health measures, especially if it begins to increasingly show up in the U.S. If it were to rapidly spread, she worries about its effect on the U.S. healthcare system.

"We may not even be able to support seriously sick people who need ventilators because the necessary drugs come from China," she said.

On one hand, Orient is encouraged that the U.S. government is racing to ramp up production of critical drug and medical supplies. But she says if the system doesn’t prepare for the worst, it will be very difficult to deal with a major outbreak when and if it should take place.

A whopping 46 million American consumers say they’re likely to miss at least one credit card due date in 2020.

A new WalletHub credit cards survey shows that the cocktail of overzealous spending and credit card dependence may be getting the best of consumers and putting them in the difficult position of determining which bills they can pay based on their monthly income. 

WalletHub’s survey took a look at how consumers handle late payments and what their feelings are when it comes to leaning on plastic money going forward.

Here are the highlights of the study:

• Credit card issuers are forgiving…if you ask nicely. Almost 90 percent of the consumers who asked forgiveness for missing a due date were given a pass on the late fee. Women aren’t shy about asking to get a late fee waived -- with that demographic asking about 18 percent more than men. However, women are also 2 percent less likely to get their waiver request approved. 

• Payment priorities change with age. The 18-44 demographic has the most worrywarts when it comes to missing credit card payments. The 45-59 demographic does most of its hand-wringing about their mortgage, and those over the age of 59 say tax payments are what makes them the illest at ease.

• Luxury can lead to lapses. The more people make, the more they apparently forget. The survey shows that high-income consumers are nearly twice as likely to miss a payment due to absentmindedness as people with lower incomes. 

• Men and women react differently to fees. Do you feel “punished” when you’re confronted with a late fee? Of the women surveyed, 39 percent said they were more likely to feel that way than men; however, men are twice as likely to feel “indifferent.”

Stretched out?

“The reason that roughly 46 million people expect to miss at least one credit card due date in 2020, according to WalletHub’s latest credit card survey, is that we’re stretched too thin -- in terms of both time and money,” said WalletHub CEO Odysseas Papadimitriou. 

“U.S. credit card users started 2020 with more than $1 trillion in credit card debt. Up until this point, we’ve managed to keep our accounts in good standing at historical rates. However, expecting to miss due dates is a sign of cracks in the foundation. And not only do 18 percent of people expect to miss at least one credit card due date in 2020, but 30 percent say that not having enough money is the reason we’re most likely to be late.”

Taking the stress out of late payments

If you fall into the oh-no-not-again category when it comes to paying your credit card bill on time, there are some steps you can take to stop that slide.

“The easiest way to avoid late payments, and the fees and credit score damage that can accompany them, is to set up automatic monthly bill payments from a checking account for at least the minimum amount due each month. This will at least remove forgetfulness as a potential cause,” said WalletHub CEO Odysseas Papadimitriou. 

“Automated payments won’t do much good if you don’t have enough money in your bank account, however. So careful budgeting and saving are key, too.”

Consider asking for help

Besides Papadimitriou’s suggestion, there’s also the credit counseling route. 

Unbeknownst to most consumers, credit counseling agencies certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offer free debt counseling. Whether it’s a last resort or you just feel like you need to get a grip on your credit card use, those agencies can be a good -- and understanding -- resource. 

ConsumerAffairs has put together a free guide on the best credit counselors. If you ever find yourself needing some help, it might be a good place to start. You can find the guide to credit counselors here, and the guide to debt relief programs is available here.

The price of gold is surging, hitting its highest level in more than seven years. The reason for the surge is uncertain, but many analysts say it’s probably not solely due to the coronavirus in China.

Gold prices have risen over the last six months and some analysts think the mountains of money the world’s central banks have pumped into the financial system have made the precious metal more desirable.

This week, gold prices have continued their rise and actually gained new momentum, rising more than $17 in Tuesday’s trading and closing at $1,611. Gold bugs were ecstatic since it was the highest price since March 2013. It was also their biggest one-day gain since earlier this year.

Gold prices are approaching their previous high of over $1,900 an ounce, reached on August 22, 2011. After peaking, the precious metal spent the next couple of years giving up those gains, falling back to around $1,200 an ounce.

Effect of the coronavirus

Gold has moved higher as concerns about the coronavirus outbreak have increased. Some analysts have suggested gold’s recent run has been spurred by concerns that the epidemic in 

China is dragging down economic activity. Others have said other economic factors are at work.

“The interest rate cut in China and other stimulus measures were expected, but equity markets have become a safe haven in the U.S,” Jeff Wright, executive vice president of GoldMining Inc., told MarketWatch. “Risk and exposure to the global economy is a bad reason to use equities for safety.”

Wright believes the coronavirus is having an impact on gold prices, saying the virus is likely to negatively affect U.S. GDP and global consumption. That, he says, is leading some investors to view gold as a true safe haven.

The outlook

So where do gold prices go from here? Wright is among those who believe they can go much higher over time. In the short term, he says bad news about the coronavirus could send prices significantly higher, serving as a catalyst for a price movement that was bound to happen anyway.

If gold prices continue their upward trend, consumers are likely to be bombarded with commercials on cable TV and on the internet that urge them to buy gold in one form or another. Most commercials are pushing physical gold, but investors can also get exposure to gold through stocks in gold mining companies and ETFs.

As always, it’s wise to consult with a trusted and objective financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Previous studies have highlighted the risks associated with weight loss supplements, and now a  new study conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney is warning consumers about using herbal supplements for weight loss. 

After a thorough investigation of such supplements, the researchers recommend that consumers avoid taking these pills. Their findings revealed that herbal weight loss supplements don’t have enough known benefits for consumers to take them -- especially for long periods of time. The team says they could also pose some health risks. 

“The problem with supplements is that unlike pharmaceutical drugs, clinical evidence is not required before they are made available to the public in supermarkets or chemists,” said researcher Dr. Nick Fuller. “This finding suggests there is insufficient evidence to recommend any of these herbal medicines for the treatment of weight loss.”

“Further, many studies had poor research methods or reporting and even though most supplements appear safe for short-term consumption, they are expensive and are not going to provide a weight loss that is clinically meaningful,” he added. 

What to know about herbal supplements

The team explained that these supplements generally pose a risk to consumers because they can hit store shelves without receiving proper evaluations. Also, manufacturers aren’t always required to prove that the supplements produce the desired results. 

Taking this into consideration, the researchers then analyzed 54 previous studies to determine what effect the supplements had on consumers. The work spanned the last two decades and included results from over 4,000 participants. 

While they did observe some weight loss among participants who used herbal supplements, the team determined that the weight loss wasn’t statistically significant and wasn’t maintained over a long enough period of time to properly be considered. 

Because the long-term effects of these products are relatively unknown, Fuller says that consumers should be mindful of any potential side effects that could arise. 

“The growth in the industry and popularity of these products highlights the importance of conducting more robust studies on the effectiveness and safety of these supplements for weight loss,” he said.