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Twitter Kills Third Party Apps
For those of you who enjoy Twitter but use different apps to do so, these have been a sad few days. By tightening control over the Twitter API, Twitter kills many 3rd party apps. The longer explanation is that Twitter ending support for 3rd party apps means the company has cut off access to their system by 3rd parties. The company halted access through the API (application programming interface).
For me, my go-to Twitter app was TweetCaster. I have used this to tweet and read tweets for years. Suddenly it stopped working. After a brief bit of research, I realized that Twitter killed TweetCaster. TweetCaster was not the only app affected. Here is another take on the story from SearchEngineJournal.
The app that I use on my desktop, TweetDeck, is still operating. So that is some good news for me.
As you will read in the interview, not only can TweetCaster not connect to Twitter (401 error), TweetCaster was removed from the Google PlayStore.
So many users connect with Twitter through other apps, writing the headline “Twitter Kills 3rd Party Apps” seems like a bad move by Twitter. Twitter has tightened on the use of the API before, but this time it feels more permanent.
Here is a Q and A with the very smart and always with it ChatGPT around the situation at Twitter and what it means to be a “public trust”.
Wayne: Why did Twitter cut off 3rd party access?
Twitter cut off access to its API for third-party developers in order to have more control over its platform and to improve the user experience. By limiting access to its API, Twitter can better regulate the types of apps and services that interact with its platform. This ensures that they align with its policies and terms of service. Additionally, it can also better protect user data, and improve the performance and reliability of its services.
Wayne: Why are many users mad that Twitter cut off 3rd party access?
Many users are upset that Twitter cut off access to its API for third-party developers. This limits their ability to customize and enhance their experience on the platform. Third-party apps and services provide a wide range of functionality, including additional features, different ways of viewing and interacting with tweets, and various tools for managing and analyzing social media activity. With these apps, users are able to tailor their Twitter experience to their specific needs and preferences. Many users believe that by cutting off access to its API, Twitter is limiting their ability to use the platform in the way that they want. Overall, making the experience less enjoyable.
Wayne: Many users think of Twitter and media outlets (Fox News, CNN) as a public trust. What are the elements of a public trust relationship?
A public trust relationship is a legal concept in which certain assets, such as land or natural resources, are held in trust by the government for the benefit of the public. The government has a fiduciary duty to manage and protect these assets for the public’s benefit. Citizens have the right to access and use them.
In the context of social media and news outlets, there is a concept of public trust. The idea of a public trust relationship may refer to the responsibility of these organizations to provide accurate and unbiased information to the public. The elements of a public trust in this context could include transparency, accountability, and a commitment to serving the public interest.
Wayne: What were the most popular 3rd party apps for Twitter?
There are many popular third-party apps for Twitter, but some of the most commonly used ones include:
Note that these apps are just a few examples, and the popularity of third-party apps for Twitter can change over time.
Wayne: In specific regard to TweetCaster: it has been removed from the Playstore and access to the Twitter API has been cut-off. What is the official reason for being removed from the Google Playstore?
I apologize for the confusion, it seems that TweetCaster app has been removed from the Google Playstore and no longer available for download. This could be due to various reasons. A few reasons: the developer discontinuing the app, or it not meeting the store’s guidelines. It’s possible that the app’s developer has chosen to focus on other projects. Or that the app was not able to adapt to changes in Twitter’s API. It is not available any more.
Wayne: As a follow-up, according to TweetCaster, it is because of the ban on 3rd party apps that connect via the twitter API.
Yes, that is correct. The reason for the discontinuation of the app, as stated by the developer, is because of the changes to Twitter’s API and the limitations placed on third-party apps like TweetCaster. These limitations have greatly reduced the capabilities of third-party apps compared to the official Twitter app. The developer may have decided that it was no longer worth the effort to continue developing the app. They may have taken it down from the app store.
Wayne: What 3rd party Twitter apps that are similar in function to TweetCaster are still available for download?
There are a few third-party Twitter clients that are still available for download, although they may have limited functionality compared to what was available with TweetCaster. Here are a few examples:
Keep in mind that these apps may have limited functionality compared to the official Twitter app. They may not have all the features available that TweetCaster had. They are also subject to the limitation of the Twitter AP. Note that functionality may change over time. It’s always good to check the app ratings and reviews before downloading.Wayne Viener is the CEO of Viener Consulting, Inc. (Viener4Gates) and leverages Twitter in his work with TerpTalk.com as he covers the Maryland Terrapins.
Viener Consulting helps you to prevent Cyber Crime. Part of our everyday job is to “make your company work” and keeping your computers, data and business safe is at the top of our list.
The benefits of a strong security plan are many, starting with letting you sleep better at night. A direct plus is being ready for the cyber security audit that catch many companies flat footed.
Here are some of the steps that every basic Cyber Security plan should take into account to prevent Cyber Crime:
Our outsourced CIO services are a key in setting the defensive strategy. Years of experience and a keen eye to current attack trends keep your team safe. Viener4Gates can help you set up plans to reinforce your cyber security plans. Call or email today for a free consultation. (301.251.2900 or sales@viener4gates.com)
Kicking off the Holiday season in style, Viener4Gates sponsored the National Children’s Hospital event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown on November 30, 2022.
“With our commitment to children and early childhood development, helping Children’s Hospital meet their fund raising goals in a natural fit”, said Viener4Gates VP Mason Viener. He continues, “this commitment echoes what our corporate partner Celebree does and continues to provide in charitable giving.”
Ringing in the Season with Children’s Hospital
Viener4Gates CEO Wayne Viener added “it was a great event to work with our partners and customers. Kate Mulcahy is one of the chairs of the event. The work that they do with children at the Tysons Corner Celebree location is amazing.” Wayne added, “Of course with Celebree Schools as the name sponsor, that just adds to the Celebree commitment to childhood health and wellness.”
Viener4Gates was a key sponsor to the Celebree led effort with the neonatal care unit of Franklin Square Hospital in October.
About Children’s National – Children’s National is ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. We’re ranked #1 for newborns in the United States and we’re the best pediatric hospital for neurology and neurosurgery in the Mid-Atlantic.
Lacrosse is Maryland’s sport and Viener4Gates supports Maryland Lacrosse. Viener4Gates and the Babe Ruth Museum are celebrating the University of Maryland’s National Championship in Men’s Lacrosse. Come see two-time national champion John Tillman and five-time national champion Cathy Reese (Women’s Lax) for an evening of celebration at the Rolling Road Golf Club in Catonsville on Dec 1st, 2022.
“The 2022 Maryland men’s team is the best team that I have ever covered”, explained Viener4Gates CEO Wayne Viener. Along with being the founder of Viener4Gates, Wayne covers the team in his role with TerpTalk. “One of the great things about the Maryland lax program is that John Tillman is a master recruiter and motivator. I have joked with Tills (Coach Tillman) that I want to help write his management book. No one in sports is better at putting a team together.”
Mason Viener, the Vice President of Viener4Gates and the TerpTalk lacrosse expert, added “Cathy Reese and John Tillman are the pinnacle of coaching lacrosse. They have both built exceptional programs and are the recognized leaders in their field. You won’t find a more powerful example of how to achieve and maintain success then these two all-time greats.”
Viener4Gates is proud to help “get the Maryland fans in touch with their coaches and teams” said Wayne. “I am a Maryland Terrapin and we embrace the ability to host events like this with the Babe Ruth Museum” he concluded.
This is the second event that Viener4Gates has hosted with the Babe Ruth Museum. A few months ago we hosted “An Evening with Maryland Basketball” featuring Men’s Basketball coach Kevin Willard and Women’s Basketball coach Brenda Frese. The event was an overwhelming success. We look forward to our return to Rolling Road.
Space at the event is limited. Make your reservations today.
Viener4Gates helps to make your company work with outstanding customer service for your IT needs.
Viener4Gates gives back to the community. The company helps to raise over $50,000 for MedStar Hospital as the lead sponsor at Celebree’s annual golf tournament.
Mason loves giving back to the community. He got his chance with the annual Celebree golf tournament sponsoring the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at MedStar Franklin Square in Baltimore. Mason is the Vice President of Viener4Gates and he leads the franchise fit out group for the company.
Viener4Gates CEO Wayne Viener commented, “Mason has aligned our sponsorship for the event. He brings the vendors together, like Nextiva and Watchguard, to help meet the fundraising goals. We are proud that Viener4Gates gives back to the community.”
Sam Commadari, the marketing events management with Celebree said “The charitable contributions and hands-on involvement from our lead sponsor, Viener4Gates, is what makes events like these possible. We can’t thank them enough for their continued partnership and the many positive impacts they have had on the MedStar Franklin Square NICU”. This is the 2nd year that Viener4Gates has been the name sponsor of the tournament.
“I love being part of the Celebree team”, said Mason. He continues, “We know that the funds that we raise go to help infants, it makes the effort special”.
Viener4Gates presents an evening with Maryland Basketball. New Maryland men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard along with iconic women’s hoops coach Brenda Freese will discuss the upcoming 2022/23 basketball season.
Viener4Gates and the Jacklitsch Law Group are your hosts for the evening at Rolling Road Golf Club on August 25th. Maryland great Johnny Holiday is along to moderate the event.
Viener4Gates has been associated with Maryland sports in one way or another for over 30 years. Recently, we have added the Babe Ruth Museum to stay connected to athletics scene. The museum and its benefactors have a history of bringing the biggest names in Maryland sports to the public.
“I am a Maryland Terrapin” says Viener4Gates CEO Wayne Viener. “With the Maryland Terps, there is always a game to watch or an event to attend” he continues. “Now we get to step to the other side of the stage and host events like An Evening with Maryland Basketball. Its good to give back, we should have more events where the fans can meet the coaches and players”, said Wayne.
Mason Viener, VP of Viener4Gates echoed those sentiments, adding “if you want to continue to have historical places like the Babe Ruth Museum, you have to support the institutions. If you want to promote college sports, you host “Viener4Gates presents an evening with Maryland Basketball”. Sports is part of who we are. Being able to bring you the Terp coaches and support the Museum is a way to be part of the community. If you have time, come out to the event on the 25th in Catonsville. Meet the coaches in person.”
Along with leading Viener4Gates, Wayne is a partner in TerpTalk with long time Maryland broadcaster Bruce Posner. TerpTalk radio shows are heard on 1300 AM “The Bet” in and on WNST Baltimore. Check out www.TerpTalk.com.
Viener4Gates was founded in 1991 and provides tech support and security services to companies across America. If you need help with your computer systems visit www.viener4gates.com. Remember, Viener4Gates makes your company work.
Amazon selects Celebree for new National Landing site is the Best Thing I Saw This Week
Congratulations to Kate and Brian Mulcahy, as they represent Celebree’s new location at National Landing and teaming with Amazon’s new east coast headquarters. Kate and Brian are clients of Viener4Gates and friends of the firm.
Mason Viener said it best, “Kate + Brian try really hard to do things right. They go the extra mile to make sure their school is as perfect as it can be.” Dedication like that to the Celebree brand and to the families that they serve make them an excellent fit for the Amazon model. The Mulcahy’s already operate a very successful Celebree in Tysons Corner, VA.
For our IT partners who know about Viener’s work with Celebree, in IT, strategy and fit out of all the new Celebree locations, we get messages like the one below from the team at ChildCare CRM-
…I did some google searching after our call. Found this article, so cool! Congrats on this, amazing to see the Celebree brand grow in this direction and we’re proud to support y’all.
Check out the Amazon article in the link here –
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/amazon-offices/meet-the-newest-small-businesses-joining-amazon-hq2
Throughout the 30+ years Viener Consulting has been in business; we have had the chance to work with some big brands doing big things. Some our clients have crossed the billion-dollar mark in revenue while others have participated in the largest construction projects on earth.
Working with a growing franchise group like Celebree daily as the CIO and along with Mason (code named “The Director of All Things New” because he is always working on a new project and improving the technology used) we get to see great personal stories of success along with the corporate tale of growth.
Celebree is a great brand doing great things. Seeing the people you partner with and support succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. Seeing “Amazon selects Celebree for new National Landing site” as headline is a proud moment for us all.
Wayne Viener is the fractional CIO and CSO for Celebree Schools
When you are putting a construction project together or a large system replacement (like a phone system), you often need a source that can tie all the loose ends together. That is called “Fit Out” and Viener4gates is expert at “Fit Outs” for IT.
Here are a few more definitions –
What is the meaning of interior Fit Out?
‘Fit out’ is a term used to describe the process of making interior spaces suitable for occupation. It is often used in relation to office developments, where the base construction is completed by the developer, and the final fit out by the occupant.
or –
Fit Out for Shipbuilding
Fitting out, or outfitting, is the process in shipbuilding that follows the float-out/launching of a vessel and precedes sea trials. It is the period when all the remaining construction of the ship is completed and readied for delivery to her owners.
Our “Fit Out” services are a bit different, in that they deal with the computers, phone, camera system, security system and network cabling.
Getting you and your system ready to go is a bit like a sea trial in the explanation above. We are going to test the systems, make sure it all fits and works. And when things go wrong, get the situation fixed as quickly as possible.
Here is a short list of what Viener is engaged to do: get the computers into place, change out the phone handsets, make sure that your staff is trained, work with the building security to make sure the door access is correct and get the monitors installed on the wall. Its all the little things that make the office ready to work. From cabling to security and more.
“Business owners have too much on their plate already,” says Mason Viener, VP at Viener4Gates (pictured above, center). He continues, “You need to have someone with your project who knows how all the parts fit together, what the expectations are and how to make it all work. That is where we come in.”
Fit Out Services aligns perfectly with our motto – “We make your company work”. Moving into a new space or installing a major system is a situation where everyone needs a hand to get rolling in the right direction. Our expert Project Managers are here to help. Viener4gates is expert at “Fit Outs” for IT
Our partner, Datto, put together a tour of how cybercriminals work. The report briefly goes over planning the attack, dropping the infected payload and so on. It’s an informative and quick read. Take a look here.
Essential-Cybersecurity-Toolkit_2018Download
The costs of cybercrime reach far beyond the ransoms paid. It encompasses the costs of the damage and destruction of data, lost productivity, theft of intellectual property, theft of personal and financial data, and not to mention reputational harm. You need to defend your company.
With cybercrime costing businesses roughly $6 trillion a year and heading towards $10.5 trillion according to CyberCrime magazine. The average payout estimated to be $200,000 for each attack, it is easy to understand why the business of being a hacker has become so appealing and lucrative.
Datto is our go to partner for backing up and restoring data for your files servers. If you are a customer of Viener4Gates, you most likely are using Datto.
All of the defenses that we have pointed out in the blogs and on the website are part of the Viener4Gates plan that “Defense Wins Championships”. Our aim is that you and your company do not become a member of the “I have been hacked” club.
Here is the Defensive game plan –
No plan is foolproof, the criminals are trying harder every day to break into systems. Your data is worth money to someone. Even if it is just stealing your credit card, let alone data on every customer you have. Figuring out how cybercriminals work is part of the battle, being ready for them is the key.
Protect your business and yourself with cyber security defenses from Viener4Gates.
Keep Your Security up to Date
Phishing Attacks are on the rise and you have to keep your defenses up to date.
Threats
The threats keep coming and more businesses are being affected. Protect yourself, your company and your customers by improving your security.
And the threats are real and are on the rise. Whether is it locking up your data for ransom or getting control of one of your emails accounts to try to get your team to pay fake invoices, the crooks are getting smarter.
Make Improvements
Your job, if you run a company or head up IT, is to make your company as hard to penetrate as possible.
When you look to make the improvements, look to check the box for security training.
Make sure that the security training you select includes Phishing testing.
Phishing attacks are continuing to grow more common. Studies have shown that 25% of all data breaches originate with a phishing attack. People are at great risk from falling for these scams.
Read the report here – The Three Most Harmful Examples of Phishing Attacks (expertinsights.com)
Security Training
The first question that we hear around training is, “who is to be trained?” Everyone who has access to the system needs to be trained. Along with “Defense Wins Championships” another well-used phrase is, “You are only as good as your weakest link”. The criminals are searching for that weak link.
Security Training takes two forms here. One is short videos and emails that prepare your team for what to look for to heighten awareness. Vigilance against an attack is a great defense.
A second spot to see how ready your group is for a phishing attack is to run your own test attack. For those that don’t do this yet – Phishing testing is where your IT team leverages a system to send planned “fake” emails to your employees.
Then you see who falls for the fake emails. The fake emails have great offers in them, for example “click here to win a free pizza” if you just provide some personal information. Scraping the PI (personal information) is the point of both the real and test phishing attacks.
Pay attention to who fails the fake attack. These team members are vulnerable to a real attack. Make sure that they take the awareness training.
In some cases, when the Phish is well targeted, we have had personnel enter their user name and password. That make breaking into your system really easy.
If you need help with a Phishing testing system and awareness training, let us know. Phishing Attacks are on the rise – defend your company with Viener4Gates.
Next Time
Over the next few blog posts we are going to get into the following and more –
Get and use MFA (multi factor authentication) for at least your email. If you have confidential information, Use MFA as you access your servers as well.
Clean up unused accounts
Keep track of all of the PCs and make sure all are managed, patched, and have current antivirus
Keep your firewall up to date
We can get into backups, tough questions the insurance companies and auditors ask and more in the future installments.