Search results for “site:cacm.acm.org”

The Outlook for Programmers – Communications of the ACM

Although Sarah Olson is a senior at Massachusetts’ Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) working toward dual bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science, she already has secured a job after graduation as a software engineer at Capital One Bank. Amid an environment of layoffs and shrinking...

In short: Secure a tech job after college amidst competition and shrinking opportunities? Here's how one student did it! Learn about the changing IT landscape, the imp... (AI summary)

The Security Jawbreaker – Communications of the ACM

When someone stands at the front door of your home, what are the steps to let them in? If it is your partner or another member of the family, they use their house key, unlocking the door using the authority the key confers: They are authorized to come and go as they please (just lock the door...

Mauricio Fontana de Vargas – Communications of the ACM

A mobile application can generate situation-specific communication boards automatically from photographs. Shape the Future of Computing ACM encourages its members to take a direct hand in shaping the future of the association. There are more ways than ever to get involved. Get Involved

The Secret of Ramsey Numbers – Communications of the ACM

Mathematicians recently gathered for a workshop in Canadaa to thrash out ideas inspired by a breakthrough a pair of researchers made in 2023 on a conjecture by Paul Erdős. The pair’s success at applying a novel combination of approaches to...

Architecture and Hardware – Communications of the ACM

Dispelling the confusion around serverless computing by capturing its essential and conceptual characteristics. BLOG@CACM Jul 3 2025 Essential considerations for building durable systems in the cloud era. Azim Shaik News Jun 30 2025 Laziness is only one of two desirable properties for a bookshelf...

Behind the Bybit Crypto Theft – Communications of the ACM

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures U.S. personal bank deposits up to $250,000. When the Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank failed in 2023, the FDIC protected consumers and their money. Cryptocurrency has no similar protection. If criminals steal your crypto, you may not...

In short: Uncover the details behind the $1.46b Bybit crypto theft, learn how attackers manipulated a multi-signature wallet's UI to steal Ethereum using malicious JavaScript. (AI summary)

The First Computer Program – Communications of the ACM

This article is a description of Charles Babbage’s first computer program, which he sketched out almost 200 years ago, in 1837. The Analytical Engine (AE), the computer for which the program was intended, did not actually exist; sadly, it was to remain unfinished. Only some portions of Babbage’s...

In short: Discover the world's first computer program sketched by Charles Babbage in 1837! Learn about the Analytical Engine and its programming examples. Explore digitized Babbage Archives at home. (AI summary)

Why Can’t We Predict Earthquakes? – Communications of the ACM

Earthquakes are among the deadliest natural disasters that strike human societies. Major quakes in the last decade alone have killed tens of thousands of people, including an earthquake in 2023 on the Turkey-Syria border that alone resulted in 50,000 deaths. Among the most difficult problems in...

Computer Science and the Law – Communications of the ACM

There were three U.S. technical/legal developments occurring in approximately 1993 that had a profound effect on the technology industry and on many technologists. More such developments are occurring with increasing frequency. The three...

Test Accounts: A Hidden Risk – Communications of the ACM

When it comes to the fundamental principle of never testing in production, nearly every software engineer is guilty of breaking that rule at some point in their career. But this is not just a best practice. It is a keystone value meant to protect your reputation, your customers, and your sanity....