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Comparison of Apple’s M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max Chips: Performance in Relation to Earlier Generations and Among Themselves

# Apple’s M4 Chip Family: Core Count Enhancements and Design Advancements

Apple has officially introduced its M4 chip family, which will drive the upcoming range of Macs, including the newly announced M4 MacBook Pros. The M4 series brings several important enhancements across the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, featuring significant core count boosts and architectural upgrades. Below is an overview of the new M4 series and its comparison with the earlier M2 and M3 chip families.

## Summary of the M4 Chip Family

The M4 series includes three primary chips: the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. Every chip is offered in two variants: a slightly scaled-down base version and a more potent, fully equipped variant. The M4 and M4 Pro experience increases in core counts, while the M4 Max emphasizes architectural improvements, especially regarding memory bandwidth and GPU capabilities.

### M4 Chip: Core Count Enhancements

The M4 chip is the first in Apple’s Silicon series to boost the maximum core count for its entry-level processors. Earlier models, such as the M1, M2, and M3, all utilized a 4+4 distribution between performance and efficiency cores. In contrast, the M4 now features a 4+6 layout, incorporating six efficiency cores. Although efficiency cores are not intended for high-performance tasks, they enhance multithreaded performance in applications that can utilize additional cores.

#### M4 Chip Specifications:
| **M4 Version** | **CPU P/E-cores** | **GPU Cores** | **RAM Options** | **Memory Bandwidth** | **Display Support** |
|—————-|——————-|—————|—————–|———————-|———————|
| M4 (Low) | 4/4 | 8 | 16/24GB | 120GB/s | Up to 2 displays |
| M4 (High) | 4/6 | 10 | 16/24/32GB | 120GB/s | Up to 3 displays |

The M4 chip is integrated into several products, such as the $1,299 iMac, $599 Mac mini, and $1,599 MacBook Pro. The increase in efficiency cores is anticipated to enhance performance in multithreaded scenarios, though it may not materially benefit single-threaded applications.

### M4 Pro: A Return to Originality

The M4 Pro represents a substantial enhancement over the M3 Pro, which was perceived as more of a lateral move than a genuine advance. The M4 Pro reinstates higher core counts, featuring up to 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, along with a considerable boost in memory bandwidth.

#### M4 Pro Chip Specifications:
| **M4 Pro Version** | **CPU P/E-cores** | **GPU Cores** | **RAM Options** | **Memory Bandwidth** | **Display Support** |
|——————–|——————-|—————|—————–|———————-|———————|
| M4 Pro (Low) | 8/4 | 16 | 24/48/64GB | 273GB/s | Up to 3 displays |
| M4 Pro (High) | 10/4 | 20 | 24/48/64GB | 273GB/s | Up to 3 displays |

The M4 Pro is available in devices like the $1,999 14-inch MacBook Pro, $2,499 16-inch MacBook Pro, and $1,399 Mac mini. The most significant enhancement is the boost in memory bandwidth, which escalates from 153.6GB/s in the M3 Pro to 273GB/s in the M4 Pro. This is expected to lead to improved performance for memory-heavy tasks, such as video editing and 3D rendering.

### M4 Max: Design Improvements

In contrast to the M4 and M4 Pro, the M4 Max does not feature a notable rise in core counts. Instead, Apple has concentrated on architectural enhancements, especially regarding memory bandwidth and GPU performance. The M4 Max comes in two versions, with the fully enabled variant providing up to 40 GPU cores and 546GB/s of memory bandwidth.

#### M4 Max Chip Specifications:
| **M4 Max Version** | **CPU P/E-cores** | **GPU Cores** | **RAM Options** | **Memory Bandwidth** | **Display Support** |
|——————–|——————-|—————|—————–|———————-|———————|
| M4 Max (Low) | 10/4 | 32 | 36GB | 410GB/s | Up to 5 displays |
| M4 Max (High) |

Worker Accidentally Contaminates 46 Colleagues with Impure Home-Cooked Meal

# Staphylococcus Aureus Outbreak Tied to Homemade Noodle Dish at Maryland Seafood Plant

In a recent incident of foodborne illness, 46 workers at a seafood distribution facility in Jessup, Maryland, became ill after eating a homemade noodle dish brought by one of their coworkers. The episode, which took place at the NAFCO Wholesale Fish Distribution Facility, has been linked to contamination by *Staphylococcus aureus* (*S. aureus*), a bacterium frequently associated with food poisoning.

## The Incident

On October 21, 2024, first responders arrived at the NAFCO plant after a significant number of employees unexpectedly fell ill within hours of a communal lunch. Aerial footage captured the tumultuous scene, showing workers doubled over in discomfort around picnic tables outside the establishment. Among the 46 affected individuals, 26 required hospitalization due to symptoms typical of food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Thankfully, all those affected have since made a full recovery.

NAFCO, a prominent seafood distributor, swiftly issued a statement reassuring customers that the outbreak was not linked to its seafood products. “NAFCO upholds the highest food safety standards and routinely undergoes comprehensive inspections by health authorities,” the company stated. “Our products continue to be produced and consumed safely by customers across the nation, and there are no concerns regarding our supply chain.”

## The Culprit: *Staphylococcus aureus*

Following a thorough investigation by the Maryland Department of Health, it was concluded that the outbreak was caused by *Staphylococcus aureus*, a bacterium that may lead to foodborne illnesses when food is mishandled or improperly stored. *S. aureus* commonly resides on the skin and within the nasal passages of healthy individuals but can contaminate food through unwashed hands or dirty surfaces.

This bacterium thrives in food that is inadequately cooked or maintained at temperatures favorable for bacterial growth, generally between 40°F and 140°F. In this instance, the homemade noodle dish, recognized as pancit—a favored Filipino noodle meal—was presumably prepared or stored in a way that permitted the bacteria to proliferate and produce harmful toxins.

## How *S. aureus* Causes Food Poisoning

Unlike some other foodborne pathogens, *S. aureus* does not necessitate large quantities to induce illness. The bacterium generates enterotoxins, which are proteins that can lead to a swift onset of food poisoning symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as little as one microgram of these toxins can result in severe gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

The toxins produced by *S. aureus* are heat-stable, implying they are not eliminated through cooking. Thus, proper food handling and storage are essential to prevent outbreaks. Once toxins are present in food, merely reheating the dish does not remove the risk of illness.

## Food Safety and Prevention

The incident at NAFCO stresses the significance of food safety, even within informal settings like employee lunches. While the company itself did not cause the contamination, the occurrence emphasizes the necessity for vigilance in food handling, particularly in environments where large groups share meals.

To mitigate *S. aureus* contamination, the CDC advocates the following food safety measures:

1. **Wash Hands Thoroughly**: Always wash hands with soap and water prior to handling food, especially after contacting your face, hair, or any potentially contaminated surface.

2. **Proper Food Storage**: Maintain perishable items at safe temperatures. Cold foods should be stored below 40°F, and hot foods must be kept above 140°F to inhibit bacterial growth.

3. **Cook Food Thoroughly**: Ensure that all food reaches the appropriate internal temperature to eliminate any harmful bacteria present.

4. **Avoid Cross-Contamination**: Utilize separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods to avert the spread of bacteria.

## Conclusion

The outbreak at NAFCO serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous homemade dishes can pose serious health risks if not prepared and stored correctly. Although the employees impacted by the *S. aureus* contamination have recovered, the incident underscores the significance of food safety measures in both commercial and personal contexts. By adhering to proper hygiene and food handling practices, similar outbreaks can be prevented, ensuring that shared meals are a source of pleasure instead of illness.

As noted by a representative of NAFCO, “It’s unfortunate because we are in the food business, but this occurred in our parking lot. If there’s a silver lining, we have an extensive food safety team here and all of these contingency plans.”

“Android Trojan Obtains Enhanced Stealth Features to Capture Banking Voice Communications”

# FakeCall Malware: An Advanced Trojan for Android That Redirects Bank Calls

## Introduction

In the constantly shifting realm of cybersecurity threats, **FakeCall** has become a notably perilous Android malware. Initially identified in 2022, this Trojan has gained infamy due to its skill in intercepting and rerouting phone calls made by victims to their banking institutions, sending them to numbers controlled by attackers. This article examines the features of FakeCall, its progression, and what it means for Android users, especially those dealing with financial entities.

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## What is FakeCall?

FakeCall is far from a typical banking Trojan. While numerous malware variations concentrate on acquiring credentials via phishing or keylogging, FakeCall employs a more straightforward and advanced tactic. It reroutes calls directed to authentic bank customer support lines, deceiving victims into believing they are conversing with their bank, when in reality, they are engaging with attackers.

### How Does It Operate?

1. **Installation**: FakeCall usually disguises itself as a genuine application, often presenting itself as a financial or banking utility. It is often distributed via websites that imitate the Google Play Store, deceiving users into downloading it.

2. **Permissions**: During installation, the application requests permission to set itself as the default call handler on the Android device. Once this permission is granted, the malware can intercept and manipulate phone calls.

3. **Call Rerouting**: When a victim tries to contact their bank’s customer support, FakeCall notices the outgoing call and reroutes it to a number controlled by the attacker. To enhance the illusion, the malware can overlay its own interface over the system’s, concealing indications of any wrongdoing.

4. **Simulated Incoming Calls**: FakeCall can also imitate incoming calls from what seems to be a bank employee, further persuading victims that they are dealing with legitimate representatives.

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## A Strategic Evolution

Since its initial discovery, FakeCall has undergone numerous updates, with newer versions incorporating more advanced functionalities. In October 2024, researchers from **Zimperium**, a mobile security company, revealed **13 new variants** of the malware. These variants highlight that the creators behind FakeCall are consistently enhancing its capabilities, making it increasingly challenging to spot and more threatening to users.

### Key Features of the New Variants

1. **Obfuscation**: The newest versions of FakeCall utilize advanced obfuscation methods, concealing malicious code within a dynamically decrypted and loaded `.dex` file. This makes it tough for conventional malware detection tools to recognize the Trojan.

2. **Native Code Migration**: Certain functionalities of the malware have been transitioned to native code, complicating detection initiatives even more. This strategic evolution indicates that attackers are honing their techniques to bypass security protocols.

3. **Bluetooth and Screen Monitoring**: The latest variants include aspects that track Bluetooth status and screen activities. Although these features do not currently display malicious behavior, they might serve as precursors for future capabilities.

4. **Accessibility Service Exploitation**: FakeCall has now integrated an **Accessibility Service**, granting it substantial control over the user interface. This enables the malware to:
– **Monitor Dialer Activity**: Identify when the user is making calls via applications other than the malware itself.
– **Automatic Permission Granting**: Circumvent user consent by automatically issuing permissions for the malware.
– **Remote Control**: Allow attackers to remotely manipulate the device’s user interface, simulating user interactions such as taps and gestures.

5. **Command and Control (C2) Communication**: The malware communicates with a **C2 server**, enabling attackers to issue commands and perform actions on the infected device. This includes the ability to manipulate the device’s user interface, facilitating the theft of sensitive information.

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## Targeting and Language Support

At first, FakeCall seemed to focus on users in **South Korea**, with the malware exclusively supporting the Korean language. Nonetheless, recent findings suggest that the Trojan has broadened its language support to encompass **English, Japanese, and Chinese**. Although there is no solid proof that speakers of these languages have been targeted thus far, the expansion implies that the attackers may be gearing up to widen their scope.

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## Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Zimperium has released a compilation of **Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)**, which can assist security experts and users in identifying the presence of FakeCall on their devices. These IoCs encompass file hashes, network indicators, and behavioral patterns linked to the malware. You can access the complete list of IoCs on Zimperium’s

Dropbox Cuts Workforce by 20%, Dismissing 528 Staff Members

### Dropbox Reveals Job Cuts Amid Strategic Shift Towards AI-Driven Solutions

In a notable initiative aimed at reorganizing and redirecting its enterprise, Dropbox has disclosed the termination of 528 staff members, accounting for approximately 20% of its worldwide workforce. This determination, communicated by CEO Drew Houston, arises as the firm contends with a mature core business and aims to pivot towards emerging growth possibilities, specifically in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions.

#### The Context: An Evolving Core Business

Dropbox, previously a trailblazer in cloud storage and file synchronization, has observed its central operations in file sharing and syncing reach a stage of maturation. As Houston elaborated in a