Tedch review: Yellen: Ransomware poses 'direct threat' to U.S.

The U.S. Treasury says the "number and severity of ransomware attacks against U.S. critical infrastructure" is growing dramatically. The agency’s report was culled from suspicious activity reports, or SARs, that financial institutions are required to file when transactions appear to be connected to criminal actions. The number of ransomware-related SARs in the first six months of 2021 was $590 million, higher than for all of 2020. In addition to the SARs, the Treasury identified $5.2 billion in suspicious bitcoin transactions that may have been used for ransomware payments. "Ransomware and cyberattacks are victimizing businesses large and small across America and are a direct threat to our economy," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

Rags to riches

Apple hopes to clean up with a new polishing cloth it is selling for $19. Apple says the cloth, which appears similar to microfiber fabric cloths widely available for under $5, is "made with soft, nonabrasive material" and can clean "any Apple display." The cloth does have one feature no other cloths have: The Apple logo is embossed on one corner.

Up-to-date idea

Pandemic-delayed weddings are surging, leaving many single wedding guests scrambling to find dates. Dating app Tinder has added a "Plus One" section where users can indicate they are looking for a wedding date or willing to be one. The section includes tips on being a guest, with Tinder noting "a year of Zoom events has led many of us to forget how to efficiently prepare for and attend a social gathering."

LinkedIn is out in China

LinkedIn closed its site in China after facing public criticism for censoring the posts of several U.S. journalists. LinkedIn cited "a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements" in China for the move. The news brings to an end the last major Western social-media site operating inside China, where authorities block Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and other apps — THE WASHINGTON POST