Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What transactions do you do online?
- How often do you use online services?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- firm /furm/
- timing /TAHY-ming/
- external /ik-STUR-nl/
- connectivity /kon-ek-TIV-i-tee/
- ransomware /RAN-suhm-wair/
[noun] – a company or business
We submitted the contract to an engineering firm.
[noun] – the time when something happens
The stormy weather has such bad timing. We were supposed to go on a picnic today.
[adjective] – of, on, for, or coming from the outside
External factors such as noises can make anyone lose focus on their work.
[noun] – the ability of a computer, program, device, or system to connect with one or more others
My new internet service provider has higher and better connectivity.
[noun] – software designed by criminals to prevent computer users from getting access to their own computer system or files unless they pay money
Miyuki was a victim of ransomware. Please protect all your computer files.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Major banks in Australia and US airlines were struck by one-hour online outages last Thursday, June 17. American, Delta, United, and Southwest were among the affected airlines in the US. Firms in other countries experienced the same trouble as well. The outages that started at around 2:17 p.m. Sydney time caused major problems in Australia because of its mid-afternoon timing. Among those who reported problems in their online services were banks in New Zealand and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. An Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) spokesperson said that the issue is “related to an external provider” but “connectivity was restored quickly and the most impacted services are back online.” The root cause of the wide-range outages has been traced to US-based tech provider Akamai.
“Our priority is restoring service as quickly as possible. We will share additional information as it becomes available,” a spokesperson from Akamai declared. The recent incident has drawn attention to the stability of important online platforms and services, as well as cybersecurity. Last May, ransomware attacks in several companies in the US stirred worry among businesses. US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin had cybersecurity issues as their top agenda during their meeting in Geneva, Switzerland last June 16.
“Our priority is restoring service as quickly as possible. We will share additional information as it becomes available,” a spokesperson from Akamai declared. The recent incident has drawn attention to the stability of important online platforms and services, as well as cybersecurity. Last May, ransomware attacks in several companies in the US stirred worry among businesses. US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin had cybersecurity issues as their top agenda during their meeting in Geneva, Switzerland last June 16.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- How long did the online outages last?
- What US airlines were affected by the massive outage?
- According to the article, what time did the online outages start?
- What is the root cause of the incident?
- Who attended the meeting in Geneva, Switzerland last June 16?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you experienced something similar to the incident in the article? Please tell me more about it.
- What types of outages often occur in your area or country?
- What would you do if a shutdown happens while you are making online transactions?
- Are tech providers responsible for any cybersecurity risk that may happen to those who use their services?
- What must governments do to ensure the safety of people’s and businesses’ information online?