Violet Blue®
@violetblue.bsky.social
Awarded author, journalist: cybersecurity, privacy, digital human rights, Covid. WIRED, PopSci, Spinoff, Engadget, FT, IFJ. Visiting Scholar at Stout Research Centre, NZ.
Bio: about.me/violetblue
Pod: linktr.ee/raisedbyhorror
News: patreon.com/violetblue
Bio: about.me/violetblue
Pod: linktr.ee/raisedbyhorror
News: patreon.com/violetblue
One thing really driving me nuts about this whole thing is that I personally (and professionally) know that Aotearoa has many of the sharpest, best, and brightest hacking and security people *on the planet* right here
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“We expect MMH, and all other providers of health information systems, to meet the highest standards around system security.”
OK but how do you make sure of that, Health NZ?
#ManageMyHealth
OK but how do you make sure of that, Health NZ?
#ManageMyHealth
Manage My Health data breach: Affected patients will be contacted
MMH, a privately run patient portal used by some general practices, detected the breach in the early hours of 31 December 2025.
www.stuff.co.nz
January 4, 2026 at 8:37 AM
One thing really driving me nuts about this whole thing is that I personally (and professionally) know that Aotearoa has many of the sharpest, best, and brightest hacking and security people *on the planet* right here
╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
Reposted by Violet Blue®
Thinking about this and the Polymarket stuff at the same time and frowning
🟡 NEW: The New York Times and Washington Post learned of a secret US raid on Venezuela soon before it was scheduled to begin Friday night — but held off publishing what they knew to avoid endangering US troops.
www.semafor.com/article/01/0...
www.semafor.com/article/01/0...
News organizations held off on reporting Venezuela raid
The American news organizations held their stories over concerns about endangering US troops.
www.semafor.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:01 AM
Thinking about this and the Polymarket stuff at the same time and frowning
"[ManageMyHealth's] ignorance of our emails and messages, along with their failure to acknowledge users or explain exactly what happened, is the main issue." 👀
I was wondering why this is the lowest ransom demand I've ever seen... Also, that opening graf is napalm.
I was wondering why this is the lowest ransom demand I've ever seen... Also, that opening graf is napalm.
About 10 minutes ago, "Kazu" posted the following statement regarding ManageMyHealth.
Their stated reason for lowering the deadline is frustration with ManageMyHealth's response to their messages. They also cite the relatively fast public acknowledgement of the breach as another reason.
Their stated reason for lowering the deadline is frustration with ManageMyHealth's response to their messages. They also cite the relatively fast public acknowledgement of the breach as another reason.
January 4, 2026 at 4:08 AM
"[ManageMyHealth's] ignorance of our emails and messages, along with their failure to acknowledge users or explain exactly what happened, is the main issue." 👀
I was wondering why this is the lowest ransom demand I've ever seen... Also, that opening graf is napalm.
I was wondering why this is the lowest ransom demand I've ever seen... Also, that opening graf is napalm.
Reposted by Violet Blue®
this is your mission. our pedophile president needs you to jump out of a helicopter to kidnap a head of state and his wife so some oil ceos can make a lot of money. we’ll be watching from a resort in florida that still serves wedge salad and checking how many retweets we get. good luck soldier
January 3, 2026 at 10:57 PM
this is your mission. our pedophile president needs you to jump out of a helicopter to kidnap a head of state and his wife so some oil ceos can make a lot of money. we’ll be watching from a resort in florida that still serves wedge salad and checking how many retweets we get. good luck soldier
Reposted by Violet Blue®
Look, I’m hosting the Hugos in LA next year, but we will film that shit. NOBODY should risk themselves. Our country is acting despicably in every regard.
The world must boycott the World Cup and the Olympics.
It is both the only moral choice and will actually get the attention of these dead-eyed clout demons.
It is both the only moral choice and will actually get the attention of these dead-eyed clout demons.
January 3, 2026 at 7:56 AM
Look, I’m hosting the Hugos in LA next year, but we will film that shit. NOBODY should risk themselves. Our country is acting despicably in every regard.
Postcards from Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. Freyberg Beach.
January 4, 2026 at 12:57 AM
Postcards from Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. Freyberg Beach.
Reposted by Violet Blue®
"Maduro is a brutal authoritarian dictator," I wisely intone, as the corrupt demented paedophile US President violating Constitutional Law while operating a gestapo and concentration camps illegally arrests a foreign leader on charges which read like they were written on a paper placemat in crayon.
January 3, 2026 at 1:24 PM
"Maduro is a brutal authoritarian dictator," I wisely intone, as the corrupt demented paedophile US President violating Constitutional Law while operating a gestapo and concentration camps illegally arrests a foreign leader on charges which read like they were written on a paper placemat in crayon.
Reposted by Violet Blue®
me standing around the rave looking at all these gay people wearing cool tails and ears knowing that I'm the only one who knows that we are invading another country and kidnapping their president
January 3, 2026 at 9:47 AM
me standing around the rave looking at all these gay people wearing cool tails and ears knowing that I'm the only one who knows that we are invading another country and kidnapping their president
Reposted by Violet Blue®
This is a big scary project, so I'd really appreciate a share and maybe even a sub
I'm going to write a book and post it on my substack.
One chapter every month, for a year.
TEN GIGS is a memoir.
Ten gigs that shaped my life. For good and bad.
This is scary!
I'd love your support - by signing up, or sharing my work, or ideally both!
matricardo.substack.com/p/ten-gigs
One chapter every month, for a year.
TEN GIGS is a memoir.
Ten gigs that shaped my life. For good and bad.
This is scary!
I'd love your support - by signing up, or sharing my work, or ideally both!
matricardo.substack.com/p/ten-gigs
January 3, 2026 at 11:03 AM
This is a big scary project, so I'd really appreciate a share and maybe even a sub
Reposted by Violet Blue®
US bombs Caracas in large offensive against Venezuela trib.al/jJ9QoAK
US bombs Caracas in large offensive against Venezuela
Multiple airstrikes hit various sites in Venezuela as helicopters were spotted flying through the capital city of Caracas.
trib.al
January 3, 2026 at 9:04 AM
US bombs Caracas in large offensive against Venezuela trib.al/jJ9QoAK
Reposted by Violet Blue®
Even with the various forces amassed in the region actually launching an American attack on Venezuela takes a lot of prep time and mobilization. Not a "in 5 minutes" sudden situation
U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee was not notified ahead of U.S. airstrikes on Venezuela, source tells CNN
January 3, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Even with the various forces amassed in the region actually launching an American attack on Venezuela takes a lot of prep time and mobilization. Not a "in 5 minutes" sudden situation
Reposted by Violet Blue®
libshit wikipedia editors are trying to neutral voice the current illegal aggression against venezuela only to get told by a venezuelan editor that he is literally being bombed right now. un-fucking real
January 3, 2026 at 7:45 AM
libshit wikipedia editors are trying to neutral voice the current illegal aggression against venezuela only to get told by a venezuelan editor that he is literally being bombed right now. un-fucking real
Reposted by Violet Blue®
Hearing Alan Fisher, one of the best DC reporters, on Al Jazeera English, talking the US strikes on Venezuela here. www.aljazeera.com/live
LIVE - Al Jazeera English | Video broadcast from Al Jazeera
Watch Al Jazeera’s live broadcast now
www.aljazeera.com
January 3, 2026 at 7:48 AM
Hearing Alan Fisher, one of the best DC reporters, on Al Jazeera English, talking the US strikes on Venezuela here. www.aljazeera.com/live
Reposted by Violet Blue®
The first reaction from a political leader comes from the President of Colombia, who is calling for immediate meetings of the Organization of American States and the United Nations:
January 3, 2026 at 7:12 AM
The first reaction from a political leader comes from the President of Colombia, who is calling for immediate meetings of the Organization of American States and the United Nations:
Reposted by Violet Blue®
What I'm seeing as well. No answer from any SOUTHCOM spokesperson as well, and I've tried everyone I've got.
January 3, 2026 at 7:42 AM
What I'm seeing as well. No answer from any SOUTHCOM spokesperson as well, and I've tried everyone I've got.
Great news everyone the code has been fixed 😐 www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
ManageMyHealth says code fixed, security tightened after hack
ManageMyHealth says it has received "independent confirmation" from IT experts that the flaws in its code have been fixed.
www.rnz.co.nz
January 3, 2026 at 6:48 AM
Great news everyone the code has been fixed 😐 www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...
My favorite show there was The Vulcaneers, a costumed Star Trek TOS garage-surf band.
Local nickname of this venue was/is Bottom of the Swill.
Local nickname of this venue was/is Bottom of the Swill.
BREAKING: Bottom of the Hill, the storied rock club that’s hosted countless local bands as well as global superstars like Oasis, the Strokes, and the White Stripes, will shutter at the end of this year, owners say. What’s next for the space isn’t clear. www.coyotemedia.org/san-francisc...
Beloved SF Club Bottom of the Hill to Close at the End of 2026
One of the city’s last independent music venues, Bottom of the Hill has survived waves of gentrification, COVID closures, and more throughout its 35 years. Now, owners say it’s last call — on their ow...
www.coyotemedia.org
January 3, 2026 at 3:41 AM
My favorite show there was The Vulcaneers, a costumed Star Trek TOS garage-surf band.
Local nickname of this venue was/is Bottom of the Swill.
Local nickname of this venue was/is Bottom of the Swill.
Reposted by Violet Blue®
I'm a little sick haha
Yeah everyone is sick right now it's crazy
Yeah everyone is sick right now it's crazy
January 10, 2025 at 1:21 AM
I'm a little sick haha
Yeah everyone is sick right now it's crazy
Yeah everyone is sick right now it's crazy
Reposted by Violet Blue®
This is pretty damning stuff for an online organisation holding patient health data. I hope GPs and Health NZ are putting the acid on other providers such as Tend and TheDoctors to ensure they’ve actually got their crap together
#nzpol #newzealand
blackveil.co.nz/blog/managem...
#nzpol #newzealand
blackveil.co.nz/blog/managem...
108GB of Your Medical Records Stolen: What the ManageMyHealth Breach Reveals About NZ Healthcare Security
New Zealand's largest patient portal breached on New Year's Eve. Our security scan reveals the DNS security gaps that should have been fixed years ago.
blackveil.co.nz
January 2, 2026 at 11:15 PM
This is pretty damning stuff for an online organisation holding patient health data. I hope GPs and Health NZ are putting the acid on other providers such as Tend and TheDoctors to ensure they’ve actually got their crap together
#nzpol #newzealand
blackveil.co.nz/blog/managem...
#nzpol #newzealand
blackveil.co.nz/blog/managem...
Reposted by Violet Blue®
We make sure to quarterly change filters for a corsi-Rosenthal box filter at each of my adult kids’ living quarters. They haven’t been sick (even one with three other roommates when one had an active infection). Filtration can make such a huge difference - along with masking.
January 2, 2026 at 11:38 PM
We make sure to quarterly change filters for a corsi-Rosenthal box filter at each of my adult kids’ living quarters. They haven’t been sick (even one with three other roommates when one had an active infection). Filtration can make such a huge difference - along with masking.
Same here: I haven't been sick in six years. My "secret"?
Masking indoors and in crowds.
Also: being firm about testing, keeping an eye on #Covid wastewater trends, aligning my risk profile with clean air and ventilation -- and minimizing time around people who don't care.
Masking indoors and in crowds.
Also: being firm about testing, keeping an eye on #Covid wastewater trends, aligning my risk profile with clean air and ventilation -- and minimizing time around people who don't care.
Read the full article by David Brasure: whn.global/six-years-an...
#LongCOVID #CleanAir #MasksWork #PublicHealth #Prevention #HealthEquity #COVID #MaskUp #InfectionPrevention
#LongCOVID #CleanAir #MasksWork #PublicHealth #Prevention #HealthEquity #COVID #MaskUp #InfectionPrevention
Six Years and Six Winters Without Getting Sick - WHN
This is the ninth of a series of posts on Long COVID by David Brasure. See parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. I haven’t been sick since 2018. No flu. No colds. No COVID. Nothing. Same for my wife. Same...
whn.global
January 2, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Same here: I haven't been sick in six years. My "secret"?
Masking indoors and in crowds.
Also: being firm about testing, keeping an eye on #Covid wastewater trends, aligning my risk profile with clean air and ventilation -- and minimizing time around people who don't care.
Masking indoors and in crowds.
Also: being firm about testing, keeping an eye on #Covid wastewater trends, aligning my risk profile with clean air and ventilation -- and minimizing time around people who don't care.
Reposted by Violet Blue®
starting in six weeks or so, you will hear right wing and centrist commentators on cable news, podcasts etc start to refer to Mamdani as if it's obvious that he's failed, extremely unpopular etc. its very important in order for their plot to succeed that any left wing pol be discredited
January 2, 2026 at 5:41 PM
starting in six weeks or so, you will hear right wing and centrist commentators on cable news, podcasts etc start to refer to Mamdani as if it's obvious that he's failed, extremely unpopular etc. its very important in order for their plot to succeed that any left wing pol be discredited
With the iRobot bankruptcy in mind, please enjoy this ancient video from bygone internet past: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAzT...
cc/ @annaleen.bsky.social @adafruit.com ❤️
cc/ @annaleen.bsky.social @adafruit.com ❤️
Nerd Salon and Roomba Cockfights
YouTube video by geekentertainmenttv
www.youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:08 AM
With the iRobot bankruptcy in mind, please enjoy this ancient video from bygone internet past: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAzT...
cc/ @annaleen.bsky.social @adafruit.com ❤️
cc/ @annaleen.bsky.social @adafruit.com ❤️
Off to Night City to do a pickup: www.twitch.tv/missvioletblue #Cyberpunk2077
January 2, 2026 at 6:41 AM
Off to Night City to do a pickup: www.twitch.tv/missvioletblue #Cyberpunk2077