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What Are Default Open Ports? Should You Change Them?

What are default router ports, and why are they open to begin with?

Your computers, servers, and routers communicate over the internet with external services, like web, database, and email servers. Ports are the portal through which these communications occur.

When you buy a new device, some ports—default open ports—are already configured to enable communications over the internet with certain services. Should you change these default open ports?

What Is a Default Open Port?

A default open port is a port number that is configured by default to accept internet connections and packets from specific services, using protocols such as Datagram Congestion Control Protocol (DCCP), Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), or Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) .

For instance, when you buy a computer or router, you won't need to open or configure port 80 to access web servers , as port 80 is open by default. Most computer, server, and router manufacturers enable Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) communications between web servers and browsers over port 80 by default.

So although you can reconfigure port 80 for use with another service, it'll likely be configured for use with web servers out of the box.

Examples of Common Open Ports

According to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) 's Port Number Registry , there are over 65,000 ports. Ports 0–1023 are System Ports or Well-Known Ports. System ports are usually open and assigned to specific, well-known services. Meanwhile, ports 1024 to 65535 are typically registered by users, services, or processes. However, not all ports are used or open at any given time.

Default open ports mostly fall between ports 0–1023. However, while it's technically possible to use any port from 0 to 65,535 as the default port for any service, it's best to adhere to the established conventions to avoid compatibility issues. Remember port 80? If you set that to something other than HTTP traffic, you'll struggle to connect to internet services. Sure, you can change the port, but programs and service will follow their programming.

For instance, the default open port for the MySQL Server is port 3306 across Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. These are some other common open ports:

• Port 21 for File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Control
• Port 23 for Telnet
• Port 53 for Domain Name System (DNS) Service
• Port 110 for Post Office Protocol (POP3)/Authenticated Post Office Protocol (APOP)
• Port 139 for Server Message Block (SMB) /NetBIOS-ssn
• Port 5000 for Universal Plug and Play (UPNP)/network discovery protocol, mostly used in routers

Note that different default open ports may carry different names due to slight differences in specific services.

For example, Windows and Linux use port 67 to receive requests from Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DCHP) clients and 68 to send requests to DCHP servers, while macOS uses port 67 and 68 for the Bootstrap Protocol Server (bootps) and Bootstrap Protocol client (bootpc). But in reality, these ports are used for the same process, as DHCP is the extension of the Bootstrap Protocol, and it functions similarly on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Should You Change the Default Open Ports?

You can change or reconfigure default open ports to help defend against automated cyberattacks—if you know what you're doing. Otherwise, changing default ports doesn't necessarily improve security, and in fact, you may create a vulnerability.

Default open ports aren't dangerous by themselves. They become dangerous when the service attached is unpatched or vulnerable to exploits. This can lead to services and hosts possibly getting compromised due to mistakes or malicious actors. A good example was the WannaCry ransomware attack , where infected systems searched the target network for devices receiving traffic on ports 135-139 or 445 (the ports for the SMB protocol).

Nevertheless, changing default open ports can complicate things for you. For instance, if you change the port HTTP uses, you'll have to update your web browsers to use the new port. So instead of changing your default ports to avoid cybersecurity risks, you can employ common open port check tools like Nmap and Wireshark to help you identify if your sensitive data are exposed or if your open ports are susceptible to cybersecurity risks.

Additionally, you may change default open ports to run multiple instances of one application on the same computer, access services like Remote Desktop, SQL Server, and Configuration Manager, or comply with your company's firewall rules.

How to Check Your Computer's Default Open Ports

There are two commands you can use on Windows , the netstat command on Linux , and the Terminal app on macOS to check the ports that are open on your computer or server. The open port is the number after the colon (:) after the IP address. For instance, in 111.122.1.23:80, 80 is the open port .

Similarly, you can connect your router to your computer using an Ethernet cable to check for your computer's default open ports.

With the Ethernet cable connected:

Alternatively, enter your router's public IP address into a web browser. Then, navigate to Settings to view information about your computer's default open ports.

Note that this is to change the default ports on your computer. You'll need to use a tool like Nmap to scan your router ports .

How to Change Default Open Ports

The steps for changing default open ports will depend on the underlying service (HTTP, UPUP, MySQL, and so on) and your computer operating system. However, the steps are similar.

You'll need to find the configuration file for the service and locate the section defining the port you want to change. Then, you'll change the default port number to your preferred one. After changing it, you only have to save the configuration file and restart the service.

Let's assume you want to change the HTTP port from 80 to 8080. The main HTTP configuration file is httpd.conf (on Debian OS, it's apache2.conf ), and you can get it from Apache HTTP Server .

First, download and set up an Apache Web Server on Linux or the relevant operating system.

After installation, httpd.conf may be located in:

• Linux: the /usr/pw/apache/conf directory
• macOS : the etc/apache2 directory
• Windows: the C:\wamp\Apache2\conf directory

You can run the httpd -v prompt in the Command Prompt or Terminal to confirm the file's exact location.

Once you've located the file, open it with a text editor and find the section defining the HTTP service port. You'll likely find Port 80 or Listen 80. Change 80 to 8080.

Then, save the configuration file and restart the Apache HTTP Server with the following command: pw process restart httpd

How to Change Your Router's Default Open Ports

Similarly, you can change your router's default HTTP open port from 80 to 8080 using a macOS, Windows, or Linux computer if it isn't hard-coded to the default port. Unfortunately, some routers don't allow users to change port configurations.

• Open a web browser and insert your router's IP address into the address bar. Click Enter or Return , depending on your device, to navigate to the login page.
• Alternatively, you can input HTTP Port into a Search bar if you see one.
• You'll find that the default open port is 80. Change it to 8080, and save your changes.

Because changing your router's default port may affect how your router works, you may need to configure your firewall or other devices to allow the new port. Also, note that changing your router's default port differs from port forwarding, where you forward incoming traffic to a specific port.

Don't Change Default Open Ports Unless Absolutely Required

Changing default open ports may help you access certain services, comply with your company's firewall rules, or, less likely, avoid exposure to cyber vulnerabilities. However, it'll not solve your security issues; it might even introduce many more!

It's best to leave default open ports alone to avoid unnecessary complexities, compatibility issues, errors, and cyber vulnerabilities.

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How to Port a Number from Google Voice: Complete Guide

Are you tired of spotty connections, missing features, or a lack of international numbers? In that case, why not port your number from Google Voice to a different alternative and take advantage of all the time-saving features VoIP can offer? 

In this complete guide on how to port a number from Google Voice, we’ll walk you through every step of transferring your number to another provider and introduce you to an alternative with 160+ international numbers, unmatched call quality, and 24/7 customer support.   

Key Takeaways:

• Some of the most common reasons why people switch from Google Voice include call quality , lack of features and numbers , and spam calls .
• Porting a number from Google Voice should take around 10-15 days, but this can be affected by the type and amount of numbers you want to port out.
• To change providers, you must submit a Google Voice port request with both companies, fill out a Letter of Authorization, and send all required information. 

How to Port Your Number from Google Voice

So, you want to port a number away from Google Voice but aren’t sure where to start. No worries, it’s not a difficult process. Below, you’ll learn everything you need to know about porting your number from Google Voice, including preparation, wait times, and costs. 

How to Prepare for Porting a Number from Google Voice

Before you start transferring your Vonage number, you’ll need to take a few steps to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. This includes:

• Check for Eligibility: Legally, Google Voice is obligated to accept your port-out request. However, that’s only the case if you’ve fulfilled all your contractual obligations first. So, a good place to start is to hop on a call with support and double-check that you don’t have any unpaid bills or long-term binding contracts .
• Assess Business Needs: Assuming you’re clear to leave whenever you please, you should take the time to think about why you’re leaving and what you want from the next provider, so you don’t have to go through this process again anytime soon. Consider numbers , features , pricing , and your monthly call volume .
• Choose the Right Provider: Once you know what you’re looking for, you can narrow down your list of options with “nice-to-haves”. We recommend looking at overall pricing , customer support quality , integration capabilities , and network reliability/uptime .
• Review Technical Requirements: When switching between two VoIP providers, there should be little change in terms of hardware requirements or network capacity . However, you will need a Google Voice port out PIN , along with potentially other information based on your location, like an address ZIP in the US or SIRET code in France.

How Long Does Porting from Google Voice Take?

Multiple factors influence how long it takes to port your number. These include providers’ processes , regulatory and contractual obligations , geographical location , special services , and the volume of porting requests . 

For example, porting your number from Google Voice to CloudTalk should take around 15 days – 10 for the set-up process and 5 for the actual migration. However, depending on the type of number you want to port, it can take longer.

Number Type

Avg. Port Time

Mobile Number

1 to 3 business days.

Streamlined via a standardized process.

Local Number

2 to 5 business days.

Can be significantly slower due to local requirements.

Toll-Free Number

5 to 10 business days.

Slowed down by the national registry process.

International Number

Depends on international regulations and carrier agreements.

How Much Does Porting from Google Voice Cost?

Google Voice doesn’t charge for port-out requests, so the only costs are potential early-cancellation fees , your new VoIP subscription , and possible port-in costs . 

Your new provider may charge you for porting, with the price depending on the type, location, and amount of your number(s). You can learn more about this, including the types, locations, and price per number, in our article Porting Pricing and Coverage .

6 Simple Steps to Transfer Your Google Voice Number to CloudTalk

Ready to make the jump to CloudTalk? Here’s everything you need to know and do to make the transition as smooth as possible.

#1: Make Sure You Have Everything You Need:

You need to fulfill several requirements to be eligible for porting your number to CloudTalk. This includes:

• A number type for a country supported by our country coverage .
• An active CloudTalk account .
• An active account with your current provider.
• The ported phone number(s) ready and configured in CloudTalk.

#2: Ensure Your Number Can Be Ported:

There are two situations when it might be impossible to port your number. The first is that CloudTalk doesn’t offer the specific country/format combination you requested. The other is that your service provider doesn’t allow number porting. In either situation, you can purchase a different number alternative from our selection of 160+ globally available phone numbers .

#3: Submit All The Necessary Documentation:

To start a porting request for your existing phone numbers, send us an email to [email protected] with the subject “Port-in request” and provide us with the following:

• The numbers you want to port in an E. 164 international format (e.g., +442012345678).
• Name of your current service provider for the numbers you want ported.
• Name of the range holder or underlying carrier. This can be different from the service provider, so ask your current VoIP company.
• Name of the person, company, or organization the number is registered under with your current service provider.
• Full registered address of the person, company, or organization the number is registered under with your current service provider. This may be different from your billing address, so make sure to double-check.
• A copy of your last bill for the numbers you want to port.

#4: Fill Out The Letter Of Authorization:

After you make your porting request, our team will check if the number is portable from our side. If it is, we’ll provide you with an LOA (Letter of Authorization) template to fill out and ask you for any other documents that may be required.  Please take care when filling out the LOA to ensure all the information submitted is correct.

#5: Wait While CloudTalk Takes Care Of The Rest:

Once the LOA and all signed documents are received, the process is as follows:

• CloudTalk will add the number to your dashboard so you can start setting inbound call flows, business hours, agents, and call groups.
• When the losing carrier accepts the port-out request, both carriers will schedule the date the number will be moved to our network.
• The number will be ported to CloudTalk’s carrier on the agreed-upon date and will thereby become active in your app.

#6: Start Calling With Your (Old) New Number:

In total, the set-up process will take 1-10 days, and migration around 5 days. Once everything is done, you can log into your CloudTalk account and start calling again!

• CloudTalk and our partnered “gaining” carrier will submit all documents to the current “losing” carrier.

Why Choose CloudTalk as Your Google Voice Alternative?

Audio issues , unhelpful customer support , and a limited selection of features and international numbers are just some of the several reasons why businesses choose to look for a Grasshopper alternative . So, what can a provider like CloudTalk do for you?

• Crystal-Clear Call Quality Poor call quality can be costly, let alone an outage. 42% of people never call back if they experience lag or delay. CloudTalk works with carriers all over the world to ensure your customers can always hear you loud and clear – regardless of location.
• Access to 160+ New Markets Don’t let landlines and borders limit your company’s growth. Take advantage of CloudTalk’s country coverage and choose from the biggest offer of international, local, mobile, and toll-free numbers on the market today and connect with people across 160+ countries.
• Advanced Productivity Features Whether you want to amplify your calling operations, build better inbound customer experiences, or automate workflows as a whole, CloudTalk got you covered. Choose from 75+ AI-powered features and 35+ integrations for your favorite tools.
• Comprehensive Analytics Track calling metrics, KPIs, and OKRs for individual employees, teams, departments, or your call center as a whole with ease. Leverage AI-powered sentiment analysis and real-time reporting to benchmark your operations and drive continuous growth.
• Improved Security Protect both the company’s and your customers’ sensitive information with comprehensive end-to-end encryption . CloudTalk keeps you easily compliant with industry-mandated regulations, including GDPR, MAN, and more.
• 24/7 Customer Service CloudTalk won’t leave you to your own devices when a crisis strikes. Solve all your issues quickly and easily by getting in touch with our team of experts any day and hour of the week. Our customer support has an average pick-up rate of just 60 seconds.

What did Nokia achieved with CloudTalk?

• 30% Increase in outbound success rates
• 10% Increase in agent productivity
• 25% Decrease in leads lost

As you can see, transferring your Grasshopper number isn’t hard if you’re unhappy with your service. It’s the best way of transitioning to a new provider while maintaining business continuity and not losing access to numbers your customers recognize. 

With CloudTalk, you can confidently embark on your journey toward operational and communicational excellence. And if you don’t believe us, you can always see it for yourself. 

Ready to get started?

Skype Number Porting FAQs

When would i need to port my number.

You might need to port your number when switching to a new mobile carrier, landline provider, or  VoIP service . Porting your number allows you to retain your existing phone number even if you’re changing service providers or moving to a different location. 

This is particularly useful if you want to maintain continuity in your contact information or avoid the hassle of notifying all your contacts about a new number.

What are the device requirements when porting in a number?

The specific device requirements for porting a number depend on the type of service you’re using (e.g., mobile, landline, VoIP) and the telecommunications provider involved. In most cases, you’ll need a compatible device that supports the service you’re switching to. 

For mobile number porting, ensure that your device is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier’s network technology (e.g., GSM, CDMA). For landline or VoIP number porting, you may need a compatible router or adapter to connect your existing phone equipment to the new service.

Why does porting a phone number take so long?

Number porting  involves coordination between multiple telecommunications carriers and regulatory authorities to ensure the accurate transfer of phone numbers while maintaining service continuity. 

The process may also require verification and validation of customer information to prevent unauthorized transfers. Delays can occur due to administrative processing, technical issues, or discrepancies in the information provided. 

Additionally, regulatory requirements and industry standards may impose certain waiting periods to prevent fraud or abuse of the porting system.

How to speed up number porting?

While the duration of number porting is largely dependent on the procedures and policies of the involved telecommunications providers and regulatory authorities, there are some steps you can take to expedite the process:

– Ensure all required information is accurate and up to date. – Coordinate closely with both providers. – Pay extra for expedited services if possible. – Be proactive in providing any requested documentation.

How to delete a Google Voice number?

If you don’t want to keep your Google Voice number and port it, you can get rid of it by simply closing your Google Voice account and canceling your subscription.

What are the disadvantages of porting a number to Google Voice? 

The aspects Google Voice users dislike the most are unstable connections, a lack of advanced features, integrations, and international numbers, as well as frequent spam calls. 

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Port of New Orleans’ chief resigning amid praise for moves to advance new cargo terminal project

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Port of New Orleans’ president and chief executive officer, who won praise for advancing plans for a new international cargo terminal project, is resigning to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.

Brandy Christian, who has served in the leadership post since 2017, will step down in mid-June, the port said Tuesday in a news release praising her for “exemplary leadership.” Her next steps were not immediately disclosed.

“Under Christian’s guidance, Port NOLA has navigated through profound challenges and achieved remarkable successes. ... Through her vision and leadership, Christian has positioned Port NOLA to regain its place as the premier destination within the global supply chain as we embark on a transformational economic development project in the Louisiana International Terminal,” said Walter Leger Jr., chairman of the port’s Board of Commissioners.

Christian was seen as instrumental in moving forward with a state-of-the-art terminal project, also known as LIT, which is likely to start construction next year in Violet. Officials said they hope the project, once completed, would stem the bleeding of container cargo volume to competitors including the nearby port in Mobile, Alabama.

Christian came to New Orleans from the Port of San Diego, where she had started in the ports sector after three years as a management consultant following post-graduate work on public sector management at the University of Southern California. She has been one of only about a dozen women in charge of major U.S. ports since she took the top job at Port NOLA.

Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel Jr. will serve as the port’s interim leader. The port didn’t immediately say how it plans to conduct a formal search to replace Christian.

Christian led the acquisition of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, which gave the port control of the city’s switching rail infrastructure and direct access to all six Class I national rail operators, the Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported.

Will a cruise ship wait for me if I'm running late at a port stop? Here's what a captain has to say.

• People considering cruising might wonder what would happen if they were running late to the ship.
• In a Q&A on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Captain Rob Hempstead shared what to do.
• Call the ship agent if you're running late so the captain can decide if they have time to wait.

On March 27, eight travelers on a Norwegian cruise in Africa were stranded on the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe after their private excursion arrived back at the ship more than an hour after boarding closed. The cruisers chased the ship for almost a week before reboarding in Dakar, Senegal.

More recently, on May 13, a couple sailing in the Mediterranean with the same cruise line was left stranded in Motril, Spain, after their excursion (not organized by Norwegian) had an hour bus delay getting back to the ship due to rain,  CNN reported .

On any cruise, travelers have the freedom to experience multiple destinations on one trip with port stops where they can exit the ship and explore a new place.

But cruise ships run on a tight schedule, often only allotting passengers around seven or eight hours for a one-day stop, sometimes even less. This leaves many to wonder what happens if you're running late getting back to the ship : Will the crew wait up, or will you end up stranded, chasing the ship from stop to stop?

Will the captain wait for you?

The answer is maybe. 

On an April 2022 cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas , Business Insider attended a Q&A with Captain Rob Hempstead, where he answered this very question. 

Hampstead, who's been a Royal Caribbean captain for two decades, started his career in Alaska's fishing industry. After 14 years of fishing, he became a captain. Before Wonder of the Seas, Hampstead served as captain of seven other Royal Caribbean ships, including Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas .

Related stories

The most stressful part of a cruise for the crew is getting out of the ports on time, he said, "Because the faster we go, the more fuel we have to burn."

Some people come late, and as a result, are left behind, he added. 

However, this doesn't mean he won't wait for you — you just need to know what to do. 

Two cruise ships docked at Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas — Coco Cay. Joey Hadden/Insider

When will a cruise ship wait for passengers.

There are two instances in which the ship will wait. The first is if you're late returning from a cruise-line organized excursion. Since the excursion is supposed to only take place within the allotted port time, the ship will wait for passengers coming from a cruise line excursion that's running late.

However, if you've spent the day independently on your own, or with a private tour company, there are certain steps you must take to avoid being stranded.

If you're behind schedule, call the ship agent to alert the cruise that you're running late, he said. On Royal Caribbean cruises, this number can be found at the bottom of Cruise Compass, a daily flyer all passengers receive in their stateroom each day detailing the day's activities.

The agent may also be referred to as a port agent, according to a copy of Cruise Compass obtained by BI.

Whether the ship can wait for you, however, will depend on how late you'll be, he added.

"If I know you're 10 minutes away, I can make an educated decision about whether or not we can wait," Hampstead said. "We will wait if we can." 

Of course, if that's you, you'll have to run up the dock to the ship with many passengers watching, wondering what is holding up the departure, as they quickly realize it was you. Instead, always plan your day with ample time to return to port, or better yet, book your excursions through the cruise line.

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Which Birmingham area private high school is number one in the state?

• Published: May. 19, 2024, 6:00 a.m.

In all, six Birmingham area private high schools were ranked among the 30 best in Alabama. LAW Ho Ming | Getty Images

• Heather Gann | [email protected]

The Birmingham metro has the number one private high school in Alabama, according to a recent ranking from educational data site Niche.com .

In all, six Birmingham area private high schools were ranked among the 30 best in Alabama. Indian Springs School achieved the highest ranking in the state with first place overall.

More from The Birmingham News

• Residential projects among 5 decisions by Birmingham Design Review Committee
• Championship 7: Ranking Friday’s standouts from AHSAA softball, baseball tournaments
• 5 iconic barbecue joints you need to visit in Birmingham
• LaBella Associates bolsters Birmingham office
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Royal Caribbean expands Haiti trip suspension — and adds new replacement stops

A s gang violence continues in Haiti, Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of its port calls to a private day resort it operates in the island nation’s northern tip.

Fourteen sailings that were scheduled to stop at Labadee will be rerouted through the end of April, the cruise line said Monday.

“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority,” Royal Caribbean said in a prepared statement. “Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee. We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly.”

International news reports state that violence and killings continue in and around the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Flights into and out of the city’s airport remain suspended, and gangs have overrun the nation’s main port, hindering entry of food and medicine.

Related Articles

• Travel | Royal Caribbean shuts down trips to Haiti. Here’s where its cruise ships are going instead.
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Royal Caribbean has been leasing the 260-acre Labadee attraction, built on a peninsula accessible only to the cruise line’s guests and employees, since the 1980s. It is located 130 miles north of Port-au-Prince and has remained unscathed during other periods of unrest.

The suspension will affect itineraries of three ships: Oasis of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, traveling from Port Miami, and Symphony of the Seas, leaving from Port Everglades.

Alternative destinations that were not announced during the first week of reroutings in mid-March include George Town, Grand Cayman; Bimini, Bahamas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Labadee stops on some sailings will be replaced by an extra day at sea or a stop at one of Royal Caribbean’s other private resorts, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Here are the affected sailing dates and alternative port calls:

Symphony of the Seas:

March 23 sailing — Replaced with Falmouth, Jamaica, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 31 sailing — Replaced with Perfect Day at CocoCay on Day 2 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scheduled stop at Falmouth, Jamaica, will now be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April 6 and April 20 sailings — Replaced with Falmouth, Jamaica, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 14 sailing — Replaced with Perfect Day at CocoCay on Day 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop in Falmouth, Jamaica is now on Day 3.

April 28 sailing — Replaced with a day at sea. Stop in Falmouth, Jamaica will now be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Independence of the Seas:

April 4 and April 18 sailings — Replaced with stop at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 8 sailing — Replaced with George Town, Grand Cayman, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. New call time for stop in Nassau, Bahamas, is 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 22 sailing — Replaced with Bimini, Bahamas, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nassau, Bahamas is now on Day 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Perfect Day at CocoCay has been added to the itinerary on Day 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oasis of the Seas:

March 24 sailing — Replaced with Falmouth, Jamaica, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Perfect Day at CocoCay will now stop from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 31 sailing — Replaced with an extra day at Perfect Day at CocoCay on Day 4 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop in Falmouth, Jamaica will now run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 7 sailing — Replaced with Philipsburg, St. Maarten on Day 4, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April 14 sailing — Replaced with a day at sea. New call time in Perfect Day at CocoCay will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop in Falmouth, Jamaica, will now be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at [email protected] .

©2024 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Visit sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Watch CBS News

Nissan data breach exposed Social Security numbers of thousands of employees

By Khristopher J. Brooks

Edited By Alain Sherter

Updated on: May 15, 2024 / 6:10 PM EDT / CBS News

Nissan suffered a data breach last November in a ransomware attack that exposed the Social Security numbers of thousands of former and current employees, the Japanese automaker said Wednesday. 

Nissan's U.S.-based subsidiary, Nissan North America, detailed the cyberattack in a May 15  letter  to affected individuals. In the letter, Nissan North America said a bad actor attacked a company virtual private network and demanded payment. Nissan did not indicate whether it paid the ransom. 

"[U]pon learning of the attack, Nissan promptly notified law enforcement and began taking immediate actions to investigate, contain and successfully terminate the threat," the car maker said in the letter, adding that "Nissan worked very closely with external cybersecurity professionals experienced in handling these types of complex security incidents."

Nissan told employees about the incident during a town hall meeting in December 2023, a month after the attack. The company also told staffers that it was launching an investigation and would notify employees privately if their personal information had been compromised. Nissan said it's providing free identity theft protection services to impacted individuals for two years. 

Nissan North America also notified state officials across the U.S. of the attack, noting that data belonging to more than 53,000 current and former workers was compromised. But the company said its investigation found that affected individuals did not have their financial information exposed. 

Nissan North America "has no indication that any information has been misused or was the attack's intended target," the automaker said in its letter.

Ransomware attacks, in which cybercriminals  disable a target's computer systems  or steal data and then demand payment to restore service, have become increasingly common. One cybersecurity expert said someone likely got a password or multi-factor authentication code from an existing Nissan employee, enabling the hacker to enter through the company's VPN. 

"It is unfortunate that the breach ended up involving personal information, however Nissan has done the right thing by continuing to investigate the incident and reporting the update," Erich Kron, a cybersecurity awareness advocate at KnowBe4, told CBS MoneyWatch in an emailed statement. "In this case, targeting the VPN will often help bad actors avoid detection and bypass many of the organizational security controls that are in place."

• Data Breach
• Cyberattack

Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. He previously worked as a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald, Newsday and the Florida Times-Union. His reporting primarily focuses on the U.S. housing market, the business of sports and bankruptcy.

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Port of New Orleans’ chief resigning amid praise for moves to advance new cargo terminal project

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Port of New Orleans’ president and chief executive officer, who won praise for advancing plans for a new international cargo terminal project, is resigning to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.

Brandy Christian, who has served in the leadership post since 2017, will step down in mid-June, the port said Tuesday in a news release praising her for “exemplary leadership.” Her next steps were not immediately disclosed.

“Under Christian’s guidance, Port NOLA has navigated through profound challenges and achieved remarkable successes. … Through her vision and leadership, Christian has positioned Port NOLA to regain its place as the premier destination within the global supply chain as we embark on a transformational economic development project in the Louisiana International Terminal,” said Walter Leger Jr., chairman of the port’s Board of Commissioners.

Christian was seen as instrumental in moving forward with a state-of-the-art terminal project, also known as LIT, which is likely to start construction next year in Violet. Officials said they hope the project, once completed, would stem the bleeding of container cargo volume to competitors including the nearby port in Mobile, Alabama.

Christian came to New Orleans from the Port of San Diego, where she had started in the ports sector after three years as a management consultant following post-graduate work on public sector management at the University of Southern California. She has been one of only about a dozen women in charge of major U.S. ports since she took the top job at Port NOLA.

Chief Financial Officer Ronald Wendel Jr. will serve as the port’s interim leader. The port didn’t immediately say how it plans to conduct a formal search to replace Christian.

Christian led the acquisition of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, which gave the port control of the city’s switching rail infrastructure and direct access to all six Class I national rail operators, the Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported.

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