Get caught up on the latest technology and startup news from the past week. Here are the most popular stories on GeekWire for the week of Dec. 13, 2020.
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Most popular stories on GeekWire
Microsoft unleashes ‘Death Star’ on SolarWinds hackers in extraordinary response to breach
[Editor’s Note: Independent security consultant Christopher Budd worked previously in Microsoft’s Security Response Center for 10 years.] “Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational Battle Station.” – Emperor Palpatine, Return of the Jedi Analysis: This week Microsoft took a series of dramatic steps against the recent SolarWinds supply chain attack. … Read More
Amazon: Trump corruption the only plausible explanation for Microsoft winning $10B cloud deal
In a newly unsealed court filing, Amazon blames an “extraordinary environment of corruption, interference, and retribution” by President Donald Trump for improperly influencing the U.S. … Read More
Retired UW computer science professor embroiled in Twitter spat over AI ethics and ‘cancel culture’
The University of Washington computer science department denounced comments made online by a retired professor over a debate about AI ethics, Timnit Gebru’s controversial exit at Google, so-called “cancel culture,” and more. … Read More
MacKenzie Scott gives $4B to 384 organizations as she calls pandemic a ‘wrecking ball’ for Americans
MacKenzie Scott has made her second large philanthropic gift of the year, giving more than $4 billion to 384 organizations as part of her pledge to give away the majority of her wealth. … Read More
Seattle area boasts 10 fast-growing unicorns: Can you name the billion-dollar startups?
The unicorn — that supposed elusive creature of the startup world — is becoming a bit more commonplace in these parts. … Read More
GIG vehicle gets stuck on Washington ferry, resurfacing car-share concern on state’s vessels
More than three years after BMW ReachNow had to deal with its vehicles becoming disabled on Washington State Ferries, a new car-sharing company has suffered a similar fate. … Read More
Two Seattle techies create bracelets to let people signal they’re vaccinated against COVID-19
With a resume that includes Microsoft, Amazon and the shipping powerhouse Convoy, Seattle’s Greg Akselrod is hardwired for data. … Read More
Microsoft says internal probe finds malicious SolarWinds code, no sign of further impact yet
Microsoft says an investigation of its internal systems has found evidence of malicious SolarWinds software code, indicating that the tech giant was infiltrated in the stealthy cyberattacks roiling the U.S. … Read More
SolarWinds hack: What we know, and don’t know, so far
I keep hearing this from people I respect: It’s hard to overstate how serious the SolarWinds hack is. … Read More
Seattle startup Symbl raises $4.7M from Amazon and others for ‘conversational AI’ enterprise tech
Symbl has raised more cash to fuel growth of its enterprise software that helps companies transcribe real-time conversations and pull more insights from internal meetings, customer care interactions, sales calls, and more. … Read More