Discussions, summarized

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• Hacker News1Notepad++ hijacked by state-sponsored actorsA security investigation revealed that Notepad++ update servers were compromised from June to December 2025 through infrastructure-level attacks by suspected Chinese state-sponsored actors. The hosting provider's shared server was compromised, allowing attackers to redirect update traffic and serve malicious updates to targeted users. The issue was resolved with migration to a new hosting provider and enhanced security measures including certificate verification and signed XML updates.Firewall protection and network security:Users discuss using firewalls to block unnecessary internet connections, with recommendations for tools like LittleSnitch (macOS), Fort (Windows), and Lulu. Many argue text editors shouldn't need internet access except for updates, which should be handled through OS package managers.Update postponement as inadvertent protection:Discussion reveals that users running older Notepad++ versions (8.8.1 or earlier) were safer than those with newer versions. This sparked debate about whether staying on older software versions is sometimes more secure than auto-updating.Political messaging as attack motivation:Users connect the attack to Notepad++'s history of political statements about Taiwan and Uyghurs, suggesting this may have motivated Chinese state actors. Debate emerges about whether open source software should include political messaging.
• Reddit science1Using scented products indoors changes the chemistry of the air, producing as much air pollution as car exhaust does outside, according to a new study. Researchers say that breathing in these nanosized particles could have serious health implications.Using scented products indoors, such as flame-free candles and wax melts, can create significant indoor air pollution comparable to car exhaust. Research by Purdue University found these products release nanosized particles that can penetrate deep into lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream, posing serious respiratory health risks.Misleading title scope:Discussion about how study only focused on wax melts but title suggests all scented products, with debate about whether findings could logically extend to other scented itemsHealth concerns from chemist:A chemist's perspective against using scented products leads to sharing of personal health impact stories, from COPD to cancer cases, and debate about necessity of artificial scentsAir purification solutions:Discussion of HEPA filters and other air purification methods as solutions, with debate about effectiveness against different types of pollutants like VOCs and nanoparticles
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