Business

Cisco Hit With Data Breach Caused By a Voice Phishing Attack

IT giant Cisco, which makes networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment, recently faced a major data breach, the company disclosed on Friday.

A Cisco representative fell victim to a voice phishing or “vishing” attack, when a caller pretends to be a legitimate individual or organization, and tricked the employee over the phone to obtain the personal information of Cisco.com users.

The bad actor was able to access and export a subsection of profile information from Cisco’s cloud customer management system. They stole data from individuals who had registered for a Cisco.com account, including customer names, organization names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Cisco discovered the breach on July 24. The company stated that the data breach did not affect passwords or impact any of its products or services. It added that it notified affected customers where required by law and talked to data protection authorities.

“We are implementing further security measures to mitigate the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future, including re-educating personnel on how to identify and protect against potential vishing attacks,” Cisco stated in the disclosure.

Cisco declined to provide details of the breach to TechCrunch, including how many users were impacted by it. The company has more than 300,000 global customers. Cisco had a market value of $268 billion at the time of writing, with its stock up over 14% year-to-date.

Cisco uses Salesforce to manage customer relationship data, and this incident was one in a series of recent attacks that impacted Salesforce customers. For example, U.S. insurance company Allianz Life uncovered a data breach last month that exposed the personally identifiable information of the majority of its 1.4 million customers, including addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.

Two of the company’s customers, Cheryl Marotta and David Werner, filed a class action lawsuit on Tuesday related to the breach, alleging that Allianz failed to safeguard their personal information because the data was unencrypted and stored in one database.

Another company, Australian airline giant Qantas, also underwent a data breach on June 30, which impacted the personal information of more than six million customers. The bad actor called one of the company’s call centers and used the call to steal information like names, phone numbers, and dates of birth.

^{Join top CEOs, founders and operators at the Level Up conference to unlock strategies for scaling your business, boosting revenue and building sustainable success.}

Business

What is Movierulz 2024? Risks, Reality & Safer Alternatives

Introduction

Movierulz 2024 is one of the most searched terms by movie enthusiasts who want free access to the latest films. The platform is infamous for leaking Bollywood, Hollywood, and South Indian movies within hours of release. For many viewers, the temptation of free, instant access seems too good to resist. But beneath the surface, Movierulz carries significant dangers—legal issues, security threats, and ethical concerns.

In this article, we’ll explain what Movierulz 2024 is, why people keep using it despite bans, and the risks of relying on piracy. We’ll also highlight real cases where major films and series were leaked online and show how piracy harms the entertainment industry. Most importantly, we’ll guide you towards safe, legal alternatives that protect both you and the creators. By the end, you’ll understand why choosing ethical viewing is better for everyone—viewers, artists, and the film industry.

What Is Movierulz 2024?

Movierulz 2024 is part of a large piracy network that uploads newly released films and TV shows without permission. The site is known for:

Offering movies in multiple languages such as Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and English.
Providing different formats like DVDScr, HDRip, 720p, and 1080p.
Operating through changing domain names and mirror sites to avoid government bans.

In short, Movierulz is not just one website but a group of interconnected sites designed to bypass legal restrictions and keep piracy alive.

Why Do People Still Use Movierulz?

Despite being blocked in many countries, Movierulz continues to attract millions of visitors every month. Some of the reasons include:

Free access: No subscription fees or rental charges.
Speed: New movies are uploaded within hours or days of release.
Variety: A wide library covering regional and international films.
Accessibility: Even users with slow internet connections can download low-resolution copies.
Cost barriers: In some regions, legal streaming services are too expensive or unavailable.

For many users, Movierulz feels like the easiest option. But what seems free actually comes with hidden costs.

The Legal Risks of Using Movierulz

Accessing or downloading pirated content is a violation of copyright laws. The legal risks include:

Fines: Some countries impose heavy fines on piracy consumption.
Prosecution: In serious cases, criminal charges may apply.
Blocked access: Internet service providers (ISPs) often block piracy domains, leaving users stranded.

While enforcement may vary, the risk is real. Users may not face punishment every time, but repeated piracy can lead to legal consequences.

The Security Threats of Piracy Sites

Movierulz is not just illegal—it’s unsafe. The biggest risks include:

Malware and viruses: Pirated files may contain harmful software.
Phishing traps: Pop-ups and ads may steal login credentials or banking details.
Data theft: Hackers can access your personal information through insecure downloads.
Unreliable quality: Many files are corrupted or filled with spam instead of the movie.

In short, the “free” movie could cost you your privacy, security, or even your money.

Real-World Examples of Leaks in 2024–25

Several major films and shows were leaked on Movierulz in recent months, damaging their official releases. Examples include:

Sarzameen – A Bollywood action thriller leaked just hours after its streaming debut.
Mahavatar Narsimha – A big-budget animated film, still successful at the box office despite piracy.
Hari Hara Veera Mallu – A Telugu historical epic leaked immediately on release day.
Saiyaara – A romantic Bollywood drama pirated online the same day it hit cinemas.
Special OPS Season 2 – A popular spy thriller series leaked within hours of streaming.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps – A Hollywood superhero film uploaded illegally worldwide.

These leaks show how piracy can undermine both big productions and debut projects.

Why Movierulz Survives Despite Bans

Authorities regularly block Movierulz domains, but the site quickly returns. How?

Mirror sites: Operators launch new URLs that look almost identical.
Proxy access: Users bypass blocks with VPNs.
Global hosting: Servers are hosted in multiple countries.
High demand: As long as people search for free movies, new sites will appear.

This cycle makes it difficult for governments to permanently shut down piracy platforms.

The Impact of Piracy on the Film Industry

Piracy may feel harmless to the user, but it has major consequences:

Revenue loss: Movies earn less at the box office and from streaming rights.
Job cuts: Technicians, writers, and smaller crew members lose income.
Reduced budgets: Producers invest less in new projects due to piracy risks.
Delayed releases: Studios may postpone or restrict releases in piracy-heavy regions.

Ultimately, piracy weakens the industry and limits the variety of content available to audiences.

Ethical Considerations for Viewers

Beyond legal and financial issues, there is a moral side:

Watching pirated films undermines the work of thousands of people behind a movie.
It discourages creativity and originality by lowering returns on investment.
Supporting piracy means supporting an unfair system where creators don’t get paid.

By avoiding Movierulz, viewers show respect for the effort behind each film.

Safer and Legal Alternatives to Movierulz

The good news is that there are many legal and affordable options today:

Global platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar.
Regional OTTs: Aha, Sun NXT, Zee5, Hoichoi, and others.
Theatrical releases: Many films are best experienced on the big screen.
Ad-supported streaming: Some platforms provide free movies with ads.
Local rentals: Affordable per-movie rentals online or through cable providers.

These options offer high-quality viewing, safety, and fair support for creators.

The Future of Anti-Piracy Efforts

Governments and production houses are investing in anti-piracy measures such as:

Advanced watermarking to trace leaks.
Faster takedowns of pirated links.
Awareness campaigns to educate audiences.
Partnerships with ISPs and tech companies to block illegal sites.

While piracy may never disappear completely, collective action can reduce its impact.

Conclusion

Movierulz 2024 may appear to be a convenient gateway to free movies, but the reality is very different. Using such sites exposes you to malware, data theft, and legal trouble while simultaneously harming the entertainment industry. Piracy has already hurt many recent films and series, from Bollywood dramas to Hollywood blockbusters. Every time a user chooses piracy, it weakens the ability of creators to produce high-quality entertainment.

Instead of taking risks with illegal sites, audiences have safer, legal alternatives. Subscription platforms, ad-supported streaming, and cinemas provide reliable access to great content. By supporting these channels, you ensure the industry continues to grow and deliver diverse stories. Choosing the ethical path not only protects your security but also respects the efforts of the countless people behind every movie. Remember—quality cinema thrives when audiences support it the right way.

FAQs

1. Is Movierulz 2024 legal?
No. Movierulz is an illegal piracy platform that violates copyright laws.

2. Why does Movierulz keep coming back after being banned?
The site uses mirror domains, proxies, and global hosting to survive crackdowns.

3. What are the dangers of downloading from Movierulz?
Risks include malware infections, data theft, phishing scams, and corrupted files.

4. Which movies were recently leaked on Movierulz?
Examples include Sarzameen, Mahavatar Narsimha, Hari Hara Veera Mallu, Saiyaara, Special OPS Season 2, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

5. What are the best legal alternatives to Movierulz?
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, regional OTTs, cinemas, and ad-supported streaming apps.

Business

Anna’s Archive: Inside the World’s Largest Open Shadow Library

Introduction

Anna’s Archive is a unique and ambitious project that has rapidly grown into one of the largest collections of digital knowledge available online. Launched in late 2022 after the shutdown of Z-Library, this open-source search engine was created to unify and preserve access to books, research papers, and digital media that might otherwise be hidden, restricted, or lost.

Unlike traditional libraries, Anna’s Archive does not directly host files. Instead, it functions as a metasearch engine, indexing data from well-known shadow libraries such as LibGen, Sci-Hub, and others, connecting users to sources across the web. Its mission is clear: to provide open and unrestricted access to humanity’s written heritage.

But while the project inspires admiration for its scale and vision, it also sparks significant legal, ethical, and security debates. In this article, we’ll explore its history, how it works, controversies, and what users should know before exploring it.

Origins and Purpose

The shutdown of Z-Library in 2022 left millions of readers and researchers without a trusted hub for free digital books. In response, a pseudonymous activist known as Anna, together with the Pirate Library Mirror team, launched Anna’s Archive. Their aim was to create a resilient platform that could not be easily removed by legal or political action.

The philosophy behind Anna’s Archive is rooted in digital preservation and open access to knowledge. Its creators argue that information should be free and that society benefits when knowledge is widely available, rather than restricted by paywalls, expensive publishers, or limited regional access.

At its core, Anna’s Archive is an experiment: Can humanity build a digital library so vast and decentralized that it becomes unstoppable?

How Anna’s Archive Works

Anna’s Archive isn’t a hosting platform. Instead, it operates as a search engine for shadow libraries.

Key Features:

Indexing Metadata: Rather than storing files, the archive collects metadata—information about books, papers, and documents.
Redirection to Sources: Users are guided to external sites like LibGen, Sci-Hub, or other mirrors where files can be downloaded.
Open-Source Code: The platform is open for developers to inspect, improve, and build upon, enhancing transparency.
Decentralized Structure: By not hosting files directly, the platform reduces legal vulnerability and can adapt quickly when blocked.

This design makes Anna’s Archive both powerful and difficult to fully shut down.

Scale and Reach

Few digital platforms can match the size of Anna’s Archive. By 2025, the project had cataloged metadata for tens of millions of books and over ninety million research papers, along with massive collections of magazines, academic journals, and historical documents.

The total indexed data is estimated at more than a petabyte of content, making it one of the largest organized knowledge repositories in history. For many users—especially in developing regions without strong access to academic libraries—Anna’s Archive provides materials they might never otherwise obtain.

Legal Controversies

While its mission is celebrated by advocates of open knowledge, Anna’s Archive faces strong opposition from publishers, governments, and copyright enforcement agencies.

Common Legal Challenges:

Copyright Infringement: Many of the indexed works remain under copyright, meaning downloading or distributing them without permission is often illegal.
ISP Blocking: Countries such as Italy and the Netherlands have ordered internet providers to block access to Anna’s Archive domains.
Domain Instability: To stay online, the site frequently changes domains, creating a constant game of cat and mouse with authorities.
Lawsuits: Library organizations and publishers have criticized the project for scraping databases and redistributing protected works.

The archive’s defenders argue that copyright systems are outdated and that the benefits of free access outweigh industry profits. Critics, however, view it as large-scale piracy disguised as activism.

Ethical Debates

Anna’s Archive exists in a gray zone between activism and infringement. The ethical debate often centers on these points:

Knowledge as a Human Right: Supporters claim access to information should not depend on wealth or geography.
Impact on Authors and Publishers: Critics argue that free distribution undermines the livelihoods of writers, researchers, and publishers.
Digital Preservation vs. Piracy: Is archiving copyrighted works for future generations a noble cause—or theft?
Educational Equity: In regions where textbooks cost months of wages, Anna’s Archive can be the only lifeline for students.

The truth likely lies in between: it empowers millions while challenging established industries.

Community Reception

The project has developed a strong following among researchers, students, and activists. Online forums often describe Anna’s Archive as the most reliable source of free academic and literary content. Users celebrate its vast coverage and resilience.

At the same time, many users advise caution, recommending the use of VPNs, antivirus software, and careful attention to mirror domains. Even supporters acknowledge that the site can be difficult to navigate and sometimes unsafe compared to official libraries.

Risks and Safety Considerations

For anyone exploring Anna’s Archive, it’s important to recognize the potential risks.

Legal Risks

Downloading copyrighted content without permission is illegal in many jurisdictions. While casual users are rarely targeted, there have been cases of enforcement against heavy or commercial usage.

Security Risks

Because the platform relies on external mirrors, there’s always a chance of encountering malicious files, fake domains, or viruses.

Privacy Risks

Without proper precautions, visiting shadow libraries may expose users’ IP addresses and browsing habits to surveillance.

Safe Usage Guidelines

For those who still choose to access Anna’s Archive, consider these precautions:

Use a VPN to protect identity and location.
Install antivirus software and scan all downloads.
Verify mirror domains carefully to avoid phishing or fake sites.
Consider legality—understand the laws in your region before downloading copyrighted content.
Prefer legal alternatives when possible, such as Project Gutenberg or Open Library for public domain works.

Alternatives to Anna’s Archive

While Anna’s Archive is massive, there are safer and fully legal options worth exploring:

Project Gutenberg – Over 60,000 free public domain eBooks.
Open Library – A project of the Internet Archive offering millions of borrowable titles.
Internet Archive – A vast collection of books, media, and cultural history.
Institutional Repositories – Many universities and organizations provide free access to research papers.

These alternatives ensure open access without legal or ethical concerns.

Conclusion

Anna’s Archive represents both the promise and the controversy of the digital age. On one hand, it is the most ambitious attempt yet to build a free, universal library of human knowledge. On the other, it operates in a legal gray zone, facing ongoing battles with publishers, governments, and copyright enforcement agencies.

For students, researchers, and readers around the world—especially in places where books and journals are unaffordable—it can feel like a lifeline. But accessing it comes with real risks: legal exposure, security threats, and ethical dilemmas.

The best approach is one of balance. Recognize the enormous value of open access, while also respecting intellectual property, supporting authors, and prioritizing safe, legal alternatives where possible. In the end, Anna’s Archive is more than just a website—it’s a symbol of humanity’s struggle over who controls knowledge in the digital era.

FAQs

1. What is Anna’s Archive?
Anna’s Archive is an open-source search engine that indexes metadata from shadow libraries, helping users find books, papers, and documents across multiple sources.

2. Is Anna’s Archive legal?
Its legality depends on your country. Accessing or downloading copyrighted content without permission may be illegal.

3. Is Anna’s Archive safe to use?
It can pose risks due to fake domains, malware, or unsecured downloads. Using a VPN and antivirus protection is strongly advised.

4. Why is Anna’s Archive blocked in some countries?
Governments and publishers push for blocks due to copyright infringement and unauthorized data scraping.

5. What are legal alternatives to Anna’s Archive?
Safer options include Project Gutenberg, Open Library, Internet Archive, and university repositories offering free, authorized materials.

Business

Internet Chicks: Women Redefining Influence Online

Introduction

In today’s digital world, the term “Internet Chicks” has become a popular way to describe women who use online platforms to create, connect, and influence. These are not just social media personalities; they are entrepreneurs, educators, entertainers, and activists. By building strong online communities, they inspire millions of people globally and drive real cultural and business impact.

From sharing beauty and lifestyle tips to raising awareness about mental health and social justice, Internet Chicks are shaping conversations in ways traditional celebrities rarely can. But behind the curated feeds and viral videos lies hard work, creativity, and often personal sacrifice. This article explores the rise of Internet Chicks, their impact on culture and commerce, the challenges they face, and what the future holds for this digital phenomenon.

What Are Internet Chicks?

Internet Chicks are women who have built strong personal brands online. They use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, blogs, and podcasts to share content, express creativity, and connect with audiences. Unlike traditional celebrities who rely on film, music, or television, Internet Chicks rise to fame through authenticity and accessibility.

They cover niches such as:

Fashion and beauty
Fitness and health
Gaming and streaming
Comedy and entertainment
Activism and social justice
Entrepreneurship and personal branding

Their influence often extends far beyond likes and followers—they change how people shop, think, and even vote.

The Evolution of Internet Fame

The concept of Internet Chicks didn’t appear overnight. In the early 2000s, personal blogs and MySpace profiles gave women a new way to express themselves. As platforms like YouTube and Instagram exploded, the first wave of digital influencers emerged.

By the 2010s, social media stars were gaining more attention than Hollywood celebrities among younger audiences. With the rise of TikTok, Twitch, and podcasting, women have more tools than ever to carve out unique spaces. Today, being an Internet Chick is not just about influence—it’s about entrepreneurship, storytelling, and building communities.

Traits That Define Internet Chicks

While every creator has her own style, successful Internet Chicks often share key traits:

Consistency: They maintain a recognizable aesthetic and brand voice.
Authenticity: They build trust by being relatable and transparent.
Engagement: They interact directly with followers through comments, livestreams, and personal updates.
Creativity: They constantly adapt to new trends and formats.
Resilience: They manage criticism, online harassment, and the pressure to stay relevant.

These qualities make them stand out from traditional media figures who often appear distant and untouchable.

Impact on Culture and Business

Internet Chicks are cultural powerhouses. They:

Set beauty, fashion, and lifestyle trends.
Introduce new music, shows, and brands to mainstream audiences.
Create movements around body positivity, feminism, and mental health.
Drive purchasing decisions through product reviews and recommendations.

Businesses recognize their value, investing heavily in influencer marketing campaigns. Some Internet Chicks launch their own product lines—makeup, clothing, fitness programs—turning followers into customers. Unlike traditional ads, their endorsements feel personal, which increases consumer trust.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the glamour, being an Internet Chick is not easy. Challenges include:

Privacy risks: Oversharing can attract stalkers or cyberbullies.
Harassment: Online hate and trolling are common, especially for women.
Mental health struggles: Pressure to maintain a “perfect” life can cause stress, anxiety, or burnout.
Balancing authenticity with monetization: Too many sponsored posts can damage credibility.
Constant algorithm changes: Social platforms update their rules often, making income unstable.

These challenges highlight that online fame can come with serious personal costs.

Types of Internet Chicks

The term covers a wide variety of personalities:

Influencer Creators: Women who focus on beauty, lifestyle, and fashion.
Gamer Girls: Streamers who dominate platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.
Meme Queens: Creators who use humor and relatability to go viral.
Entrepreneurs: Women who turn online fame into product launches or startups.
Activists: Internet Chicks who advocate for causes like climate change, feminism, and equality.

This diversity shows that the label is broad—it’s less about looks or fame, and more about influence and community.

The Future of Internet Chicks

As audiences demand more authenticity, the next generation of Internet Chicks will focus less on perfection and more on realness. Short-form video will remain dominant, but podcasts and newsletters may also grow as platforms for deeper connection.

We can expect to see:

Stronger emphasis on mental health and balanced lifestyles.
Niche communities instead of massive but shallow followings.
Hybrid roles combining entertainment, education, and business.
More collaboration between influencers and traditional media.

The future of Internet Chicks lies not in chasing trends but in building sustainable, meaningful connections.

Conclusion

Internet Chicks are much more than online personalities—they are leaders of digital culture. Through creativity, authenticity, and persistence, they have transformed how we consume content, shop, and even discuss social issues. They are setting new standards for influence by combining entertainment with purpose, business with advocacy, and trends with truth.

However, this success comes with challenges: harassment, mental pressure, and the constant need to evolve. Still, the resilience and adaptability of these women suggest that their influence will only continue to grow. The most successful Internet Chicks of the future will be those who maintain trust, embrace transparency, and use their platforms for positive impact. Ultimately, they show us that digital spaces are not just about scrolling—they are about shaping culture, inspiring communities, and redefining what influence truly means.

FAQs

1. What does “Internet Chicks” mean?
It’s a term for women who build influence and personal brands online, often through social media, blogs, or digital platforms.

2. How do Internet Chicks make money?
They earn through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and sometimes launching their own businesses.

3. Are all Internet Chicks influencers?
Not all. While many are influencers, others focus on gaming, comedy, activism, or entrepreneurship.

4. What challenges do Internet Chicks face?
They often deal with privacy risks, online harassment, burnout, and the struggle to stay authentic while monetizing their platforms.

5. How are Internet Chicks different from traditional celebrities?
They gain fame through direct engagement and relatability rather than movies or television, often building stronger personal connections with fans.