News of Note for the Internet-Minded (4/19/22) – IP and NFTs, Virtual Reality & Ransom(every)ware

In today’s News of Note, we explore ransomware-as-a-service profits, the continued untangling of IP issues with NFTs, the prospect of scented virtual reality experiences, the development of a humanoid robot, and much more.

• Hackers use source code revealed in Conti ransomware leak to target Russian organizations. (Lawrence Abrams, Bleeping Computer)
• Ransomware-as-a-service nets big profits for the Conti, REvil and HelloKitty gangs. (Dan Patterson, CBS News)
• A teenager earns millions selling her art as NFTs. (Joyann Jeffrey and Savannah Sellers, Today)
• Courts tackle NFT-related questions concerning “ownership, art and commerce.” (Jessica Rizzo, Wired)
• Courts also wrestle with whether NFTs are a receipt or a product. (Kyle Jahner, Bloomberg Law)
• AI chip maker Mythic bets on the revival of analog computing. (Luke Dormehl, Digital Trends)
• Elon Musk announces goal to begin production of Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot, by next year. (Sam Shead, CNBC)
• Details surrounding Chinese hacking of Ukrainian targets on the night before Russia’s invasion offer more questions than answers. (Gordon Corera, BBC News)
• “The Infinite” VR offers users a realistic trip to the International Space Station. (Joan E. Solsman, CNET)
• OVR Technology aims to enhance virtual reality through scent. (Mikaela Lefrak, Vermont Public Radio)
• Alibaba invests $60 billion in Nreal augmented reality glasses. (Arjun Kharpal, CNBC)