Snap Map Hits 400 Million Monthly Active Users - 1

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Snap Map Hits 400 Million Monthly Active Users

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Snap announced this Wednesday that its Snap Map feature has surpassed 400 million active users. In addition to celebrating this milestone, the company revealed plans to introduce a new feature called Promoted Places that will allow brands to interact with and participate in the popular platform experience.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Snap announced that Snap Map has surpassed 400 million active users.
  • The social media platform will introduce Promoted Places, a new feature for companies to interact in the popular platform experience.
  • The popular feature has been replicated by competitors such as Instagram.

According to the announcement , Snap Map connects users in real time and offers more capabilities than traditional digital maps that only show routes from one destination to another. The feature’s original characteristics—such as location-based snaps, and interactive heat maps—have resonated with Snapchatters, enabling them to stay informed and discover new places.

“Every month, more than 400 million Snapchatters open the Map to make plans, explore local hotspots and stay informed about what’s happening around them,” the statement reads.

The social media company also introduced Promoted Places, a feature that enables businesses to join the community and engage directly with users.

“We’ve built new ways for brands to be part of the Snap Map journey too,” wrote the company. “With Snapchat’s Promoted Places, businesses can show up where Snapchatters are already exploring — making it easier than ever to drive IRL visits, discover new customers, or just show up in the moments that matter.”

According to TechCrunch , Snap Map was launched in 2017 to allow users to see their friends’ live locations and has evolved with more capabilities and options.

“Snap Map is one of the most used mobile maps in the world, and we’re thrilled to see our community continue to grow,” said Ceci Mourkogiannis, VP of Product at Snap, in a statement to TechCrunch. “The Snap Map is helping hundreds of millions connect with friends and their favorite places and discover what’s happening around them, making the world feel more connected every day.”

The success of the feature among younger generations has made competitors add similar functionalities. Last year, Instagram developed and started to roll out “Friend Map,”

CISA Issues Alert On Cyberattacks Targeting Oil And Gas Infrastructure - 2

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CISA Issues Alert On Cyberattacks Targeting Oil And Gas Infrastructure

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the United States (CISA) issued an alert on Tuesday, warning that cyber actors are targeting oil and natural gas infrastructure. While the techniques used are not advanced, the agency raises concerns over “poor cyber hygiene” within companies and organizations in the sector.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • CISA issued an alert warning about basic cyberattacks targeting oil and gas infrastructure.
  • The agency raised concerns over “poor cyber hygiene” within companies in the industry.
  • Owners and operators have been encouraged to review a document with mitigation recommendations and take action.

According to the alert , titled Unsophisticated Cyber Actor(s) Targeting Operational Technology , the malicious actors have been focusing on energy and transportation systems.

“Although these activities often include basic and elementary intrusion techniques, the presence of poor cyber hygiene and exposed assets can escalate these threats, leading to significant consequences such as defacement, configuration changes, operational disruptions, and, in severe cases, physical damage,” states the document.

CISA shared a fact sheet with guidelines on how to mitigate risks, Primary Mitigations to Reduce Cyber Threats to Operational Technology , and urged infrastructure owners and operators in the industry to read it and act to improve cybersecurity as soon as possible.

The document, issued by CISA, the FBI, EPA, and DOE, contains mitigation recommendations such as removing operational technology connections to the public internet, using strong, unique passwords, securing remote access, and maintaining manual controls operational.

As cyber threat actors continue targeting critical infrastructure entities and their operational technology, FBI, @CISAgov , and other partners have released a list of recommended actions to strengthen defenders’ cybersecurity posture against these threats: https://t.co/JjTWmqxSxI pic.twitter.com/XvvUp4lEwJ — FBI (@FBI) May 6, 2025

“Cyber threat actors use simple, repeatable, and scalable toolsets available to anyone with an internet browser,” reads the document regarding data accessible through the public internet. “Critical infrastructure entities should identify their public-facing assets and remove unintentional exposure.”

The governmental agencies also advise owners and operators to communicate with third-party system services providers about this alert, get guidance, and work together to safeguard operational technologies.

Although the threats are not serious, as they involve basic attacks using rudimentary technology, institutions remain alert to these and other threats. A few weeks ago, two chief architects behind CISA’s Secure by Design program resigned and urged companies to build safe products.