Introducing Daily Tech Talk with Andrew Plata
Nina Gille Nielsen • June 1, 2025
Quick, Simple, and Insightful Tech Breakdowns You Can Actually Use
Technology is moving fast, sometimes too fast. But understanding it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re launching Daily Tech Talk with Andrew Plata, a quick, approachable series designed to make sense of the digital world one topic at a time.
🎙 What Is Daily Tech Talk?
Each day, Andrew Plata, our in-house Digital Learning & Content Developer, breaks down complex tech topics into simple, digestible insights you can actually use.
Whether it’s AI, cybersecurity, productivity hacks, or the future of creative tech, Andrew’s goal is to help you:
- Stay informed
- Learn how tech impacts your everyday life
- Find new ways to use digital tools for growth
Tech is no longer just for “tech people.” It touches every part of our lives. Work, art, business, even how we connect with others. Daily Tech Talk is here to bridge the gap between tech talk and real talk, showing how these tools can empower you, not intimidate you.
What You Can Expect
- Quick reads & blog posts like How Spotify Knows What You’ll Like
- Simple explanations of trending tech (AI, automation, algorithms)
- Practical tips to make digital tools work for you
- Occasional guest insights from creators and innovators
Today’s Topic: Operating Systems
We’re kicking things off with a fascinating question: Need a New Operating System That Doesn’t Cost a Penny? 👉 Read the full blog here
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Daily Tech Talk, and let us know if there’s a topic you want us to cover next!
At Find Your Vision, we’ve seen firsthand how critical these programs are. They connect entrepreneurs to mentorship, capital, federal contracts, and networks that can completely transform the trajectory of a small business. Without strong and sustained funding, these vital resources could disappear. Why the MBDA Matters The Minority Business Development Agency is the only federal agency dedicated to the growth of minority-owned businesses. Each year it helps thousands of entrepreneurs with: Access to contracts and new markets Technical assistance and financial education Connections to capital and procurement opportunities Programs specifically designed to address systemic inequities Last year alone, MBDA Business Centers helped secure billions in contracts and financing for minority-owned businesses. But proposed cuts threaten to weaken this national support system. The Impact of Minority-Owned Businesses Over 9.2 million minority-owned businesses in the U.S. employ more than 8 million workers. These businesses generate over $1.3 trillion in annual revenue, fueling local economies. When minority entrepreneurs thrive, they create jobs and opportunities in communities that have historically been underserved. When programs like MBDA lose funding, it’s not just businesses that suffer—it’s families, neighborhoods, and entire local economies. How You Can Help Right now, advocacy efforts are underway to protect and expand funding for MBDA and similar equity-driven programs. Your voice can make a difference. Here’s what you can do today: Sign on to protect MBDA funding Many advocacy organizations have made it simple. Just enter your zip code and your message goes directly to your Congressional representatives. Spread the word The more people who know what’s at stake, the stronger the movement. Share this post with your network or on social media. Support minority-owned businesses Buy from, collaborate with, or amplify businesses in your own community. Real economic support is the strongest argument for why these programs matter. Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners This advocacy campaign is made possible through the support of organizations and companies committed to advancing equity for minority-owned businesses: National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Empowering minority business enterprises and driving supplier diversity across industries. National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers Providing tools and resources for minority entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses. U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. The voice of Black business owners and a nationwide resource for advocacy and growth. Corporate Sponsor Example: Bank of America Supplier Diversity Program Investing in inclusive supply chains and minority business development. Local Minority Chambers & Community Partners Grassroots organizations helping amplify the needs of small businesses. Your sponsorship directly fuels the outreach and education needed to keep these resources alive. Take Action Now Every signature. Every email. Every shared post. It all adds up to a stronger collective voice. Help us show lawmakers that minority business programs are not optional, they’re essential. 👉 [ Sign the petition here ] 👉 Learn more about MBDA Business Centers here When we protect the programs that protect our businesses, we build a stronger, more inclusive economy for everyone. Sources & Further Reading Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) – Official Website MBDA Business Centers Directory National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers U.S. Chamber of Commerce Directory – Find Your Local Chamber U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business – Minority Business Reports
At Find Your Vision, we believe that every artist (whether they’re painting on canvas, creating digital worlds, making music in their bedroom, or telling stories through media) deserves to be seen and celebrated. That’s why we’re launching the Artist Spotlight Series, a new monthly feature dedicated to highlighting emerging and independent artists across all genres. Redefining “Artist” in Our Spotlight Series At Find Your Vision, we believe artistry isn’t confined to a canvas, a stage, or a screen. It’s any act of creativity, innovation, or passion that shapes culture, inspires others, and leaves a mark on the community. That’s why our Artist Spotlight Series goes beyond traditional definitions of “art.” We’re highlighting creators and changemakers of all kinds—from visual artists and musicians to athletes, entrepreneurs, coaches, and trailblazers breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. Whether it’s a storyteller with a camera, a mentor shaping future athletes, a woman leading in a tech space, or a tradesperson whose craft is often overlooked, we believe everyone who creates impact deserves the spotlight. Stay tuned as we showcase a diverse mix of voices and talents that inspire, uplift, and reimagine what creativity can look like. 🎨 Visual artists and illustrators 🎶 Musicians, vocalists, and producers 🎥 Media artists, filmmakers, and storytellers 🖥 Digital creators, designers, and tech innovators 📚 Writers, poets, and multidisciplinary creators 🏅 Athletes making an impact on and off the field 💼 Business owners and entrepreneurs driving change 🏋️ Coaches, trainers, and mentors shaping future talent ⚡ Skilled tradespeople like electricians, carpenters, and craftspersons 🌟 Trailblazers in minority or male-dominated fields (e.g., women in STEM or leadership, LGBTQ+ pioneers) 🤝 Community leaders and activists building bridges 🎭 Performing artists, dancers, and theater creatives 🌱 Innovators in sustainability and environmental justice 🧩 Educators and cultural preservationists keeping heritage alive Why We’re Doing This Too often, the spotlight only shines on those with big platforms and connections. But the real magic—the innovation, raw storytelling, and cultural shifts—starts with the small, independent artists who create because they must. This series is about: ✅ Giving independent artists a platform ✅ Building connections between creators and the community ✅ Inspiring others to support, collaborate, and share these voices 🎤 How It Works Each month, we’ll feature: An interview or Q&A with the artist A look at their work, process, and inspiration Ways you can support or connect with them Whether it’s a painter breaking traditional rules, a filmmaker experimenting with new tech, or a musician creating powerful DIY projects—we’ll bring their story straight to you. 🤝 Want to Be Featured? If you’re a small or emerging artist looking to share your story, we’d love to hear from you! 📩 Email us at info@findyourvision.org with your name, art genre, and a short introduction to your work. 🚀 First Spotlight Coming Soon Stay tuned—our very first Artist Spotlight drops next week, and you won’t want to miss it. Let’s build a space where small artists are seen, heard, and supported. Would you like me to: ✅ Create a social media promo graphic for the Artist Spotlight Series launch? ✅ Draft a short LinkedIn/IG caption to tease the blog? "Shining a Light on Emerging Creators and the Stories Behind Their Art"
We often blame tech for our distractions (endless notifications, social media scroll holes, email overload). But used intentionally, technology can boost productivity instead of draining it. Here are 7 practical digital habits you can adopt today to stay focused, get more done, and feel less stressed. Time Block Your Day with a Digital Calendar What it is : Instead of a to-do list, schedule blocks of time on your calendar for focused work, meetings, breaks, and even personal tasks. Why it works : Makes your priorities visible. Keeps you from multitasking. Builds in time for breaks and thinking. Tool : Google Calendar Source : Cal Newport on Time Blocking Silence Non-Essential Notifications What it is : Turn off notifications that don’t require your immediate attention (social media, promo emails, etc.). Why it works : Interruptions cost focus, it takes 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction. Helps you stay in control of your attention. Tools: Use Focus Mode (iPhone) or Do Not Disturb (Android). Customize notification settings on apps Source : University of California Irvine – The Cost of Interrupted Work Organize Your Digital Space Weekly What it is : Spend 10–15 minutes each week cleaning your desktop, downloads, and cloud folders. Why it works : Reduces time spent searching. Keeps your workflow smooth. Makes digital backups more effective. Tools : File Explorer (Windows), Finder (Mac), Google Drive Source : Harvard Business Review – Digital Clutter Hurts Productivity Use a “Second Brain” App What it is : Keep all your notes, ideas, and to-dos in one place you can easily search. Why it works :Reduces mental overload. Makes it easier to capture and retrieve ideas. Tools : Notion, Evernote, Google Keep Source : Tiago Forte – Building a Second Brain Automate Repetitive Digital Tasks What it is : Let apps handle your repetitive work — like saving files, copying data, or sending reminders. Why it works : Saves time. Reduces errors. Frees up mental energy. Tools : Zapier, IFTTT Source : Zapier – Why Automating Small Tasks Matters Track (and Limit) Screen Time What it is : Be aware of how much time you spend on different apps or websites. Why it works : Helps you make conscious choice. Reduces time wasted on social media or distractions Tools :iPhone - Screen Time, Android - Digital Wellbeing, Chrome - StayFocusd extension Source: Pew Research – Americans and Screen Time Use the “Pomodoro” Method for Focus What it is : Work in focused 25-minute sprints, followed by 5-minute breaks. After four cycles, take a longer break. Why it works : Keeps your brain fresh. Encourages deep work. Prevents burnout Tools : Pomofocus.io, Forest App Source : The Pomodoro Technique – Francesco Cirillo Habits > Hacks Productivity comes from building digital habits that work for you, and work consistently. Start small. Try one or two habits this week, and stick with them. Over time, your digital life will become calmer, clearer, and a lot more effective.
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If you’ve been scrolling through YouTube lately and felt like every video looks the same (stock footage, robotic voiceovers, and vague motivational monologues) you're not alone. And apparently, YouTube’s noticed too. In a bold move to clean up the algorithm and give viewers a little more quality over quantity, YouTube has just announced updates to its content policies that directly target “mass-produced or programmatically generated” videos. Translation? The platform is finally addressing the rise of what many creators and users are calling “AI slop.” Let’s break it down. Whether you're a small business, content creator, or someone thinking about automating their way to monetization, this affects you. What’s Changing? As of July 2025, YouTube will be demonetizing content that fits the description of: Videos created in bulk using automation or AI tools Repetitive formats with little to no originality Content that stitches together third-party material with minimal added value Pages run by the same person pushing out near-identical content across multiple channels Sound familiar? This means those faceless channels churning out 20 videos a day with generic B-roll and AI-generated narration are about to take a hit. LAI-generated content floods the platform with low-effort, low-value videos, it drowns out human creativity. YouTube says this move is about prioritizing “original, high-quality content that provides a meaningful viewer experience.” And that’s a win for all of us who are putting in the work. If you’re using YouTube to market your business, share knowledge, or grow your audience—you’re still in good shape. These policy changes are not targeting creators who use AI as a tool (like for script outlines or captioning). The focus is on how you use it. DO: Add your unique voice, story, or perspective Create original visuals or thoughtful commentary Use AI tools to assist, not replace your creativity DON’T: Spam similar videos with different titles Rely on bots to scrape and repackage others’ content Upload content with no real substance just to “game the algorithm” Monetization Update: Read the Fine Print According to YouTube’s official policy, channels applying for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) must demonstrate original, engaging, and creative content. If your channel leans too heavily on auto-generated videos or relies on third-party compilations with little transformation, your monetization application could be denied or your channel could lose monetization entirely. This change reflects a larger trend across social media platforms: a return to authenticity, originality, and trust. People want content that teaches, entertains, or connects. Whether you're a coach, educator, nonprofit, or creative entrepreneur, now’s the time to lean into your story. The future of YouTube isn’t faceless, it’s you. Have thoughts on these new policies? Are you rethinking your YouTube strategy? Let us know how you're navigating the shift and don’t forget to share this with someone who might be relying a little too much on that text-to-video generator.
If you're a small business owner, especially one from an underrepresented community, certifications can unlock powerful opportunities. From qualifying for government contracts to gaining access to supplier diversity programs, certifications prove that your business meets specific criteria that agencies and corporations are actively seeking. But with so many acronyms floating around (WBE, MBE, SBE, DBE, WOSB, and 8(a)) it's easy to get confused. Let’s break it down. Key Certifications and What They Mean: WBE – Women Business Enterprise: For businesses 51% owned, controlled, and operated by one or more women. Often used by corporations and state/local governments to meet supplier diversity goals. MBE – Minority Business Enterprise: For businesses 51% owned and controlled by individuals from recognized minority groups (such as Black, Latino, Native American, Asian American, etc.) Commonly sought for supplier diversity programs and state contracts. SBE – Small Business Enterprise: A general designation for businesses that meet size standards set by a certifying agency, often based on revenue or employee count. Helpful in local/state procurement and grant programs. DBE – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise: Used mainly in transportation-related contracts funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Must be 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and meet small business size standards. WOSB – Woman-Owned Small Business (SBA Certified): A federal certification specifically for women-owned small businesses. Gives access to federal set-aside contracts through the SBA. 8(a) – SBA 8(a) Business Development Program: For socially and economically disadvantaged businesses that want to grow through federal contracting. Offers mentorship, sole-source contracts, and long-term support. What You Should Know Ownership Matters: Most certifications require your business to be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by the qualifying individual(s). For-Profit Only: Most are only available to for-profit entities (nonprofits typically don’t qualify). Each Has Its Own Process: Certification isn’t automatic—you must apply through the appropriate federal, state, or third-party certifier. Why It’s Worth It Certified businesses gain access to: Exclusive bidding opportunities Corporate supplier diversity programs Mentorship, capital access, and training Stronger visibility and credibility Whether you’re a woman, minority, or small business owner looking to grow, getting certified could be your next big move. These designations aren’t just labels, they’re tools to open doors and level the playing field. Need help determining which certification is right for you? Find Your Vision is here to support you every step of the way.
The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) has awarded over $1.7 billion in grants to transform parks, trails, and public spaces across LA County, and now they’re looking for qualified vendors to join them in building the next chapter of green, inclusive community spaces. If you’re a consultant, designer, project manager, or service provider in this space, this is your chance to get involved. Become a Pre-Qualified Vendor RPOSD is currently accepting submissions for its pre-qualified vendor roster. Only vendors on this list will be eligible for upcoming contract opportunities, so it’s important to act now. Learn how to apply by reviewing the Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ): Click here for the RFSQ Attend the Virtual Vendors Conference Want to learn more before you apply? RPOSD is hosting an optional informational session to help walk vendors through the process: Thursday, June 26, 2025 2:00 PM Online – Virtual Conference Register Here This is a great opportunity to ask questions, understand qualifications, and ensure your submission stands out. We believe in building communities through access, equity, and opportunity. Contracts like these aren’t just about business, they’re about shaping the public spaces our families, youth, and elders rely on every day. If your work can help improve outdoor spaces in LA County, now is the time to step up and partner with a district that’s funding real transformation.
Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2025 `Time: 3:00 PM (PDT) Join Us Are you unsure if your SBA EIDL loan qualifies for a 6-month hardship extension? Curious about the best SBA programs to support your business growth? You're not alone, and help is just one click away. Join us for a special live Q&A session with Dr. Kenneth Crawford, also known as Mr. SBA, a trusted loan specialist with over 27 years of experience navigating the ins and outs of SBA lending. What You’ll Learn: The differences between key SBA loan programs: • 7(a) Loan Program • 504 Loan Program • Community Advantage Loans • SBA Microloans How to strengthen your SBA loan application Why a solid business plan is essential for funding success The Women’s Business Center’s 3-part webinar series can guide you through building your own business plan from scratch Whether you're new to SBA programs or already have a loan, this session offers timely insights to help you better understand your options and take advantage of all available resources. Reserve your spot now and invite your fellow entrepreneurs, because good business advice is better when it's shared. Don’t miss it, see you there!
If your family has been displaced by a natural disaster in California, such as the 2025 LA wildfires, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate the recovery process without support. From mortgage relief grants to FEMA paperwork help, Los Angeles County and community partners are stepping up to provide life-saving resources. Here’s what you need to know: Apply for Mortgage Relief Through CalAssist Homeowners whose homes were destroyed or rendered unlivable by a California disaster between January 1, 2023 and January 8, 2025 may qualify for up to $20,000 in mortgage assistance, and these funds never have to be repaid. Covers 3 months of mortgage payments Funds are paid directly to your lender Available for primary residences including single-family homes, condos, or manufactured homes (up to 4 units) You must meet income limits and have a mortgage or reverse mortgage Apply now at calassistmortgagefund.org Attend the Free CalAssist Workshop Loma Alta Park, Altadena, CA Saturday, June 14 | 10 AM – 12 PM Learn more about your eligibility and get help with the application process in person. Need Help Recovering from the Eaton Fire? A new Survivor Support Center has opened in Altadena for fire survivors. No appointment is needed, just stop by for help with: FEMA applications Federal disaster loans Housing and tenant protections Worker assistance Altadena Community Center 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM Learn more: dcba.lacounty.gov/altadena-center Know Your Rights: Support for All, Regardless of Immigration Status We want to remind our community that everyone has rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. The LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) offers: Legal resources and tip sheets Workshops on how to interact with immigration officers Free help from trained representatives Learn more or download “Know Your Rights” materials: oia.lacounty.gov/kyr Call: (800) 593-8222 Foreclosure Relief for Wildfire-Affected Homeowners If your home was affected by the fires and you have an FHA-insured mortgage, you may qualify for relief. Foreclosure moratorium in effect through July 7, 2025 For help: Call (800) 593-8222 or visit dcba.lacounty.gov/foreclosure-prevention Find Your Vision Is Here to Help You Navigate This We are committed to making sure our community members, especially those affected by disaster or displacement, have access to accurate information, financial help, and the dignity of support without judgment. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let’s rebuild stronger, together.
Ransomware isn’t just about encryption anymore. Today’s most dangerous attacks begin long before the ransom note appears. Instead of crashing through the front door, threat actors are quietly slipping in the back, using modular tools like Skitnet and TransferLoader to silently map systems, steal credentials, and plant malware in stages. These advanced loaders and backdoors are turning corporate networks into slow-burning fuse lines, setting the stage for devastating, full-scale ransomware detonation. In this post, we break down how Skitnet and TransferLoader operate, why they're so hard to detect, and what cybersecurity teams must do to stop them before it’s too late. 1. From Stealth to Siege: Skitnet Malware What it is: Skitnet (also known as Bossnet) is a modular, multi-stage malware marketed on underground forums like RAMP since April 2024. Swiss firm PRODAFT observed its increasing use by ransomware gangs such as Black Basta, Cactus, and others throughout early 2025 (thehackernews.com, zscaler.com). How it works: Initial loader: A Rust-based binary decrypts a Nim payload in memory. Communication: The Nim payload establishes a DNS-based reverse shell via dynamic GetProcAddress resolution and threading, sneaking past detection every ~10 seconds (scworld.com, logstail.com). Commands: Allows persistence, screenshots, AV enumeration, installation of remote tools (AnyDesk, RUT‐Serv), PowerShell script execution, and additional payload downloads like .NET loaders (thehackernews.com). Why it's worrying: With plugins for credential theft, lateral movement, and ransomware, Skitnet primes environments for full-scale attacks long before encryption begins (csoonline.com). 2. A Sneaky Enabler: TransferLoader Overview: Identified by Zscaler’s ThreatLabz and others, TransferLoader is a sophisticated loader active since at least February 2025. It has been used to deploy Morpheus ransomware, notably against a U.S. law firm (zscaler.com). Modular design: Downloader: Fetches malicious payloads while displaying harmless decoy PDFs. Backdoor loader: Manages decryption and execution of the backdoor component. Backdoor: Enables arbitrary remote command execution and updates configuration. Evasion techniques: Implements heavy anti-analysis: dynamic API resolution via hashing, PEB debugging checks, dynamic string decryption, control-flow obfuscation (jump address modification, SIMD instruction tricks), and filename checks (logstail.com, zscaler.com). Resilient communication: If primary C2 is down, the backdoor falls back to IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) to fetch updates – bypassing takedown efforts (zscaler.com). 3. The Playbook: How These Tools Work Together Initial compromise A phishing email drops Skitnet or TransferLoader, initiating DNS-based communication and stealthy reconnaissance. Lateral movement & persistence Skitnet’s DNS shell paves the way for deeper infiltration. TransferLoader secures foothold and flexes its backdoor to execute commands silently. Payload delivery TransferLoader delivers Morpheus or other ransomware variants; meanwhile, Skitnet continues to harvest data, credentials, or escalate privileges. Ransomware detonation Once systems are weaponized, attackers move to encrypt or exfiltrate critical files, demanding ransom. 4. What It Means for Cybersecurity Teams Stealth communications matter DNS-based C2 and IPFS-fallback mechanisms bypass common detection channels, so monitoring for unusual DNS traffic or IPFS requests is critical. Defeat the loader architecture Detect dynamic API resolution or memory-based decryption, routine EDR and antivirus may not catch these evasive techniques. Modular chain detection Alerts for one stage (e.g., DNS shell) should trigger deeper inspections, early detection disrupts the ransomware kill chain. IT hygiene matters Enforce multi-factor authentication, patch systems vigorously, tighten controls on PowerShell usage and remote tools like AnyDesk. 5. Defending Against This Wave; Strategy and Why It Helps DNS and IPFS monitoring - Identifies stealth C2 traffic early Behavioral EDR - Detects in-memory decryption, dynamic API usage PowerShell hardening - Blocks misuse for persistence and control Network segmentation - Limits lateral movement and credential abuse Threat intelligence feeds - Keep IOCs and TTPs up to date (e.g., multiple C2 domains, backdoor indicators) The rise of Skitnet and TransferLoader highlights a troubling trend in ransomware: modular, stealthy pre-encryption frameworks that deeply infiltrate networks before detonating. These aren't simple "encrypt and demand" tools, they're multi-stage instruments of sustained compromise. Defenders must adopt a layered approach: detect stealth communications, analyze behavioral anomalies, and thwart loaders before they deploy payloads. In today’s landscape, stopping the infection early means the difference between a blocked threat and a catastrophic breach. Sources: Detailed analysis of Skitnet behavior, DNS-based C2, and ransomware toolkits (thehackernews.com, impresscomputers.com, linkedin.com, hivepro.com, pcrisk.com, csoonline.com, linkedin.com, scworld.com, stratosally.com) Zscaler, GBHackers, SC Media, and Gurucul insights into TransferLoader’s loader-backdoor ransomware pipeline, evasion tactics, and IPFS fallback (zscaler.com)