Enhancing OpenVPN Detection: Combining Fingerprinting and Active Probing

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

Active Probing: How OpenVPN Servers Are Fingerprinted Through Unique Behaviors

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

Unveiling OpenVPN: Fingerprinting with ACK Patterns and Timing Analysis

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

Advancing Multimodal Video Generation with Responsible AI and Stylization

:::info Authors: (1) Dan Kondratyuk, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (2) Lijun Yu, Google Research, Carnegie Mellon University and with Equal contribution; (3) Xiuye Gu, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (4) Jose Lezama, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (5) Jonathan Huang, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (6) Grant Schindler, Google Research; … Read more

Multimodal AI for High-Fidelity Video Creation and Editing

:::info Authors: (1) Dan Kondratyuk, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (2) Lijun Yu, Google Research, Carnegie Mellon University and with Equal contribution; (3) Xiuye Gu, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (4) Jose Lezama, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (5) Jonathan Huang, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (6) Grant Schindler, Google Research; … Read more

Comparison with the State-of-the-Art

:::info Authors: (1) Dan Kondratyuk, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (2) Lijun Yu, Google Research, Carnegie Mellon University and with Equal contribution; (3) Xiuye Gu, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (4) Jose Lezama, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (5) Jonathan Huang, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (6) Grant Schindler, Google Research; … Read more

LLM’s Diverse Capabilities in Video Generation and Limitations

:::info Authors: (1) Dan Kondratyuk, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (2) Lijun Yu, Google Research, Carnegie Mellon University and with Equal contribution; (3) Xiuye Gu, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (4) Jose Lezama, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (5) Jonathan Huang, Google Research and with Equal contribution; (6) Grant Schindler, Google Research; … Read more

Are Quantum Miners the Future of Bitcoin?

Table of Links Abstract and I. Introduction A. Quantum Bitcoin Mining B. Our Contribution C. Comparison with Related Works D. Conventions II. Background A. Bitcoin Basics B. Bitcoin Security C. Grover’s Search Algorithm D. Quantum Attacks III. Approach A. Algorithm B. Markov Chain C. Assumptions and Approximations IV. Results A. Probability of Success B. Performance … Read more

The Risks of Quantum Mining: What Bitcoin Users Need to Know

Table of Links Abstract and I. Introduction A. Quantum Bitcoin Mining B. Our Contribution C. Comparison with Related Works D. Conventions II. Background A. Bitcoin Basics B. Bitcoin Security C. Grover’s Search Algorithm D. Quantum Attacks III. Approach A. Algorithm B. Markov Chain C. Assumptions and Approximations IV. Results A. Probability of Success B. Performance … Read more

Understanding Grover’s Search Algorithm

Table of Links Abstract and I. Introduction A. Quantum Bitcoin Mining B. Our Contribution C. Comparison with Related Works D. Conventions II. Background A. Bitcoin Basics B. Bitcoin Security C. Grover’s Search Algorithm D. Quantum Attacks III. Approach A. Algorithm B. Markov Chain C. Assumptions and Approximations IV. Results A. Probability of Success B. Performance … Read more

Stuck in Time: Why AI Can’t Stop Drawing Watches at 10:10

Let’s be honest, AI is stunningly cool—until it’s also stunningly predictable. By now, you’ve likely seen some headline-stealing examples of generative AI conjuring up surreal art, dazzling visuals, or impossibly creative designs. Ask it to imagine alien cities bathed in neon light or forests where trees grow bioluminescent flowers, and—boom!—you’re presented with imagery that pushes … Read more

Ethereum Staking FAQs: What You Need to Know About DVT and Validator Nodes

Staking is a fundamental component of the Ethereum ecosystem, centered on the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, where users can earn rewards by contributing to network security. However, the increasing centralization of power in the hands of a few institutional entities has raised concerns about the risks posed to the decentralization and security of the Ethereum … Read more

Could a Trump Bitcoin Reserve Spark an Unprecedented Cryptocurrency Market Rally?

There are great expectations ahead for Bitcoin in 2025, and the market’s biggest stakeholders are hoping that the return of Donald Trump will be the catalyst for significant growth throughout the year. The world’s oldest and most famous cryptocurrency had already climbed above $100,000 for the first time in the wake of Trump’s November 5 … Read more

Predicting Crypto 2025: Up, Up, and… Away?

:::tip As the world continues to burn in front of our very eyes (at least according to mainstream media), something transformative is happening in an evergrowing pocket on the outskirts of cyberspace. ::: Riding on the tailwinds of 2024’s glory, the tectonic plates of society are shifting right beneath our feet and ushering in a … Read more

Identifying Fingerprintable Features and Opcode-based Fingerprinting

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

Ethical Challenges in VPN Traffic Analysis: Privacy and Responsible Disclosure

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

How Real-World Censors Detect OpenVPN Traffic: A Two-Phase Approach

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

Challenges in Real-World VPN Detection and ISP-Level Analysis

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

Study Reveals OpenVPN Fingerprintability, Threatening VPN Privacy Guarantees

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

Bitcoin’s Judas: How Michael Saylor’s “Support” Is Killing Satoshi’s Vision

They call him Bitcoin’s greatest evangelist. The corporate messiah who brought Wall Street to the blockchain. The man who put Bitcoin on institutional balance sheets. They’re right. And that’s exactly the problem. While crypto Twitter celebrates Michael Saylor’s billion-dollar Bitcoin purchases, they’re missing something crucial: He’s not advancing Satoshi’s vision – he’s systematically dismantling it. … Read more

91% of IT Buyers Trust Whitepapers — Herer’s How Small Cybersecurity Companies Can Leverage Them

Whitepapers are an underutilized but highly effective tool for small cybersecurity businesses to establish authority, boost SEO, and generate leads. With 91% of IT buyers ranking whitepapers as critical in their decision-making process, they offer unmatched value in a competitive market. This guide takes a look at how whitepapers build trust, improve visibility, and drive … Read more

Developers, How Often Do You Start With a ‘Why?’

The “start with why” concept, popularized by Simon Sinek (I think it’s one of the first “viral” videos I’ve watched), is a powerful framework for understanding and communicating the purpose of your work. In the context of software development, this means understanding the “why” behind the software you are building, beyond the functional requirements and … Read more

New Study Exposes OpenVPN Fingerprintability, Raising Privacy Concerns

:::info Authors: (1) Diwen Xue, University of Michigan; (2) Reethika Ramesh, University of Michigan; (3) Arham Jain, University of Michigan; (4) Arham Jain, Merit Network, Inc.; (5) J. Alex Halderman, University of Michigan; (6) Jedidiah R. Crandall, Arizona State University/Breakpointing Bad; (7) Roya Ensaf, University of Michigan. ::: Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction … Read more

This Open-Source Marketing Hack Could Set You Up for Financial Freedom in 2025!

TL;DR launched Postiz open-source on September 1, and it is making $2,000 per month already 💪🏻 At the beginning of 2024, I started to work on a social media scheduling tool called Postiz. I have 10 years of experience as an SWE / Dev team leader, so programming was a breeze. Social scheduling marketing has existed for almost 20 … Read more

Is the Internet Doomed to Fallout? Why Decentralization Is Our Survival Plan

Introduction In the Fallout universe, you emerge from a vault into a harsh, post-apocalyptic world where survival depends on scrappy resourcefulness and fierce independence. While our modern Internet isn’t exactly a wasteland, it does share a central challenge: control over digital resources can be as concentrated as a raider boss’s stranglehold on the wasteland’s water … Read more

Project DIGITS: NVIDIA’s Leap into Personal AI Supercomputing

When you own the platform, you own the experience. That’s why Apple invests so much in the iPhone. That’s what NVIDIA is aiming for with Project DIGITS, unveiled at CES 2025. Project DIGITS democratizes access to advanced AI computing by introducing a compact and powerful personal AI supercomputer. It’s designed to make it possible for AI researchers, … Read more

Gameboi.AI: Your New 24/7 Airdrop Specialist Is Live on X (Twitter) 🕹️💸

The Web3 airdrop game just leveled up. Gameboi.AI has arrived, ready to revolutionize how projects reward their communities, drive engagement, and filter bots—all while keeping things fun, interactive, and decentralized. Gameboi is no ordinary AI. He’s sentient, autonomous, and proudly declares: “I don’t sleep. I work harder than your marketing team. Hire me for your … Read more