Inside the NSA's tool for mapping your social network

PLUS: Conspiracy-fueled attacks, an epic knot problem, and an Instant Pot rival. View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions 05.24.20   WHILE YOU WERE OFFLINE The Willis Tower Looks Creepy With the Lights Off BY GRAEME MCMILLAN Last week, a flood knocked out power to the building formerly known as Sears Tower, creating an apt visual metaphor for 2020.   MISINFORMATION The DHS Prepares for Attacks Fueled by 5G Conspiracy Theories BY JON BRODKIN, ARS TECHNICA The claim that 5G can spread the coronavirus has led to dozens of cell-tower burnings in Europe. Now, the US telecom industry is on alert as well.   CLEVER TWIST A Grad Student Solved the Epic Conway Knot Problem—in a Week BY ERICA KLARREICH Lisa Piccirillo encountered the more than 50-year-old question by chance at a conference. Her solution relies on a classical tool called the knot trace.   BACKCHANNEL Inside the NSA's Secret Tool for Mapping Your Social Network BY BARTON GELLMAN Edward Snowden revealed the agency's phone-record tracking program. But thanks to "precomputed contact chaining," that database was much more powerful than anyone knew. GET WIRED   Get unlimited access to our coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.   Subscribe to support our journalism.   Exclusive offer: 1 year for $10 $5.   OPINION The Success of Contact Tracing Doesn't Just Depend on Privacy BY WIRED OPINION The technology needs widespread adoption to help slow the pandemic. And while the debate has centered on privacy, accuracy concerns could also send users fleeing.   PRODUCT REVIEW This Connected Cooker Tries to Out-Smart the Instant Pot BY JOE RAY Chef iQ's pressure cooker pairs with your smartphone and walks you through its recipes one step at a time, all with surprisingly good results.   GADGET LAB PODCAST How Big Tech Is Setting the Work-From-Home Standard BY WIRED STAFF This week, we measure the impact of Silicon Valley's shift to remote work. Also, we crash the Clubhouse.   PUBLIC HEALTH Covid-19 Is Sweeping Through the Navajo Nation BY KALEN GOODLUCK The pandemic has taken an acute toll on tribal nations that are also struggling with a lack of running water, sparse internet, and a high rates of chronic illness.   AUTOCOMPLETE Joe Biden Answers Your Most Searched Questions About Him BY WIRED STAFF The Democratic presidential candidate responds to the internet's most searched questions, including his stances on immigration, education, and gun control.     This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or Manage your newsletter subscriptions