What’s the worst virus, malware or hack experience you’ve ever had? How did it happen?

For me, I was trying to either read manga for free or watch a movie for free, and a pop-up executed a program that put malware into my PC. At most, there were a few changes in my browser I didn’t make, as well as a program I didn’t install but couldn’t delete.

My solution was to do a system restore to, like, a month before. I know it isn’t a guaranteed way to get rid of malware, but it worked for me.

There was also this one time a virus forced me to boot my PC in safe mode before running System Restore. I don’t remember how I got it or exactly what it did. But I would assume it was from an unsafe site, while I was trying to get either software or stream "Avengers: Endgame" for free. 

Long story short: no such thing as a free lunch.

Let us know your worst virus or malware story by replying to this email or sending a note to baltimore@technical.ly, anytime.

Dropping Gems

• In case you missed it: Here's some advice all employers could use on how to make the workplace better for neurodivergent employees (and everyone, really).
• A thread explaining the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) in investment for founders. It essentially breaks down the math of and differences between pre- and post-money SAFE.  
• A thread on management skills and how to become a better leader.

In Other News

• Baltimore-based Ryse Health raises $3.4 million in seed funding.
• For undergraduate and graduate students: The Vectorworks Design Scholarship is open for applications. All first-round winners receive $3,000 (with the grand prize winner getting another $7,000). The scholarship is open to those studying architecture, landscape architecture, entertainment and interior design.
• The pause on Maryland's gas tax ends next Saturday.
• Cyber espionage group Ghostwriter has been hacking the Facebooks of Ukrainian soldiers.
• MCB Real Estate’s David Bramble is taking up the mantle of redeveloping Harborplace.