Warning: These are signs that you are being watched through your phone's camera

0
(0)

Jan , 22. 12. 2025

Article content

Scientists from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) published a disturbing report revealing how modern technology can be used to spy without your knowledge. According to their research, „Big Brother“ is watching us not only through television screens, but also by means of the seemingly harmless light sensor in our smartphones.

How does it work?

Ambient light sensors, which are commonly part of smartphones, serve to automatically adjust display brightness based on the intensity of ambient light. According to MIT researchers, however, these sensors can be abused to spy without the camera being turned on. Hackers can use algorithms to analyze changes in the light intensity on the display and thereby reconstruct movements and activities in front of the screen.

How does it work in practice?

The algorithm developed by the MIT team can track subtle changes in light when, for example, you scroll the screen or touch it. This process allows specialists to reconstruct an image of the environment and monitor the movements of people who are in front of the phone. In this way, sensitive information can be gathered without activating the camera.

Protection against spying

To minimize the risk of these attacks, MIT researchers recommend several measures:

  1. Manual control of sensors: Provide the option to manually turn light sensors on and off, which gives you greater control over when they are active.

  2. More detailed app permissions: Require more detailed permissions for apps that use sensors, and regularly check which apps have access to these functions.

  3. Reduce motion quality: Intentionally degrade the quality of on-screen motion so hackers cannot effectively interpret lower-quality images.

  4. Raising awareness: Inform yourself about potential security risks and use security measures to protect personal data.

Conclusion

With awareness of these new threats, it is important to be cautious and take steps to protect personal information. Being aware of these potential security risks can help you better safeguard your data and privacy in the digital world.

Cholesterol and sugar: what really raises LDL and how to protect the liver

Eggs, liver and bacon are often labeled as the main culprits of high cholesterol. The reality is more complex. For most people, dietary cholesterol has only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels. Much more important is the overall diet, the proportion of saturated and trans fatty acids, intake of added sugars, body weight, genetics and lifestyle. Below you will find a balanced overview of what the facts say – without myths and shortcuts.

What cholesterol is and why the body needs it

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and vitamin D. In the blood it is carried in the form of lipoproteins. LDL ("bad") carries cholesterol to tissues, HDL ("good") takes it back to the liver. The goal is to keep LDL low and HDL in an appropriate range.

Dietary cholesterol vs. saturated fats and trans fats

In most healthy people, dietary cholesterol (e.g., from eggs) has only a small effect on LDL. A much stronger factor is saturated fats (fatty processed meats, high-fat cheeses, large amounts of butter) and trans fats (industrially hydrogenated fats), which raise LDL and can lower HDL. Eggs are also a source of nutrients (e.g., choline), so for most people they can be part of a balanced diet.

How added sugars and refined carbohydrates worsen the blood lipid profile

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates (sweetened drinks, sweets, white bread) raises triglycerides and promotes the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver then more often releases VLDL/LDL particles and the overall lipid profile worsens. The liver is particularly harmed by excess fructose from sweetened drinks and syrups.

The role of choline and "healthy" fats

Choline (eggs, lean meat, legumes) helps form and export fat particles from the liver, thereby supporting its normal function. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) can lower LDL and some fractions of inflammatory lipids, if you also limit saturated fats and added sugars.

When eggs can be a problem

For a portion of the population with a genetic burden (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) or for people with very high LDL, even dietary cholesterol can play a larger role. In such cases, individual recommendations from a physician and a nutrition therapist are decisive.

Practical meal plan for healthy lipids and liver

  • Limit added sugars: sweetened drinks, confectionery, excess white-flour baked goods.
  • Prefer unsaturated fats: olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty sea fish twice a week.
  • Reduce saturated fats and avoid trans fats: processed meats, fast food, toppings made from partially hydrogenated fats.
  • Eat enough protein: fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, fermented dairy products – they support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Fiber: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes – soluble fiber helps lower LDL.
  • Alcohol in moderation: excess increases triglycerides and burdens the liver.
  • Hydration and exercise: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, cycling), strength training twice weekly.
  • Body weight: even a 5–10% weight reduction can noticeably improve triglycerides and LDL.

Key takeaway: it's not "forbidden eggs", but the overall dietary pattern

For most people, eggs or liver alone do not "cause" high cholesterol. The key is the combination of fewer saturated fats, less added sugar and more unsaturated fats, fiber and exercise. If you have high LDL, a family history or liver disease, discuss a specific eating plan with your doctor – sometimes pharmacotherapy (e.g., statins) is also necessary.

18. 12. 2025 Jan
0
(0)