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You may recognize it as the “V for victory” or the peace sign. But regardless of what you call it, Apple CEO Tim Cook is known for flashing the two-fingered salute everywhere he goes. From his visits to the White House to court appearances, Cook has been spotted giving the peace sign on multiple occasions. While the reason behind Cook’s gesture remains unknown, it adds a touch of humanity to one of the world’s most powerful business leaders. It’s these relatable gestures and habits that make well-known figures seem more like us.
The V sign, with the index and middle fingers raised, has a rich history and various meanings. It was famously used by Winston Churchill to rally the British public during World War II and became an antiwar symbol during the Vietnam War. It has been adopted by authoritarian leaders like former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and has also been used as a symbol of resistance by protesters in Iran and Egypt. Even pop stars like K-pop idols and Beyoncé have been known to flash the V sign in photos.
The practice of making the V sign in photographs originated in Japan in the 1980s, primarily among young women. Today, it is a common gesture in East Asia and is equivalent to saying “cheese” when posing for a picture. This cultural significance shows how a seemingly meaningless gesture can take on new meanings in different contexts.
Now, you might be wondering if Cook’s habit of flashing the peace sign poses a security threat. Some cybersecurity experts have voiced concerns about hackers recreating fingerprints from photos. While it is technically possible, it is highly unlikely and impractical. In order to impersonate Cook using his fingerprint, criminals would need both a high-resolution photo of his fingers and physical access to his devices. Additionally, duplicate fingerprints or faces alone are not very useful to bad actors in unlocking devices without the owner’s cooperation.
Speaking of passwords, most of us are terrible at creating and remembering them. A recent report revealed that more than one out of five passwords used at the US Interior Department (including passwords of senior officials and technology specialists) were cracked by the agency’s watchdog. To improve password security, experts suggest using memorable passphrases consisting of multiple words. Aim for a length of 16 characters or more, and consider adding numbers and symbols to replace certain letters. While not all online accounts support passphrases due to outdated security guidelines, advancements in technologies like passkeys offer hope for a future with safer and more user-friendly authentication methods.
In conclusion, Tim Cook’s habit of flashing the peace sign may seem insignificant, but it adds a touch of relatability to one of the most influential figures in the business world. The V sign itself has a complex history, representing various movements and cultures. And while concerns about security and passwords persist, there is hope for improved authentication methods in the future. So, next time you see someone flashing the peace sign, remember that even the most powerful individuals have their own quirks and gestures that make them more human.
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