Author: infossl

New Research: “Privacy Threats in Intimate Relationships”

Posted on By infossl
academicpapers, cybersecurity, privacy, Security technology, securityawareness

I just published a new paper with Karen Levy of Cornell: “Privacy Threats in Intimate Relationships.” Abstract: This article provides an overview of intimate threats: a class of privacy threats that can arise within our families, romantic partnerships, close friendships, and caregiving relationships. Many common assumptions about privacy are upended in the context of these … Read More “New Research: “Privacy Threats in Intimate Relationships”” »

Zoom’s Commitment to User Security Depends on Whether you Pay It or Not

Posted on By infossl
backdoors, encryption, privacy, Security technology, securitypolicies, videoconferencing

Zoom was doing so well…. And now we have this: Corporate clients will get access to Zoom’s end-to-end encryption service now being developed, but Yuan said free users won’t enjoy that level of privacy, which makes it impossible for third parties to decipher communications. “Free users for sure we don’t want to give that because … Read More “Zoom’s Commitment to User Security Depends on Whether you Pay It or Not” »

Wallpaper that Crashes Android Phones

Posted on By infossl
android, phones, protocols, Security technology

This is interesting: The image, a seemingly innocuous sunset (or dawn) sky above placid waters, may be viewed without harm. But if loaded as wallpaper, the phone will crash. The fault does not appear to have been maliciously created. Rather, according to developers following Ice Universe’s Twitter thread, the problem lies in the way color … Read More “Wallpaper that Crashes Android Phones” »

Password Changing After a Breach

Posted on By infossl
academicpapers, breaches, passwords, Security technology

This study shows that most people don’t change their passwords after a breach, and if they do they change it to a weaker password. Abstract: To protect against misuse of passwords compromised in a breach, consumers should promptly change affected passwords and any similar passwords on other accounts. Ideally, affected companies should strongly encourage this … Read More “Password Changing After a Breach” »

Bogus Security Technology: An Anti-5G USB Stick

Posted on By infossl
cellphones, Security technology, snakeoil, usb

The 5GBioShield sells for £339.60, and the description sounds like snake oil: …its website, which describes it as a USB key that “provides protection for your home and family, thanks to the wearable holographic nano-layer catalyser, which can be worn or placed near to a smartphone or any other electrical, radiation or EMF [electromagnetic field] … Read More “Bogus Security Technology: An Anti-5G USB Stick” »

Facebook Announces Messenger Security Features that Don’t Compromise Privacy

Posted on By infossl
encryption, facebook, machinelearning, metadata, Security technology, securityengineering

Note that this is “announced,” so we don’t know when it’s actually going to be implemented. Facebook today announced new features for Messenger that will alert you when messages appear to come from financial scammers or potential child abusers, displaying warnings in the Messenger app that provide tips and suggest you block the offenders. The … Read More “Facebook Announces Messenger Security Features that Don’t Compromise Privacy” »

Thermal Imaging as Security Theater

Posted on By infossl
covid19, epidemiology, falsenegatives, falsepositives, medicine, Security technology, securitytheater

Seems like thermal imaging is the security theater technology of today. These features are so tempting that thermal cameras are being installed at an increasing pace. They’re used in airports and other public transportation centers to screen travelers, increasingly used by companies to screen employees and by businesses to screen customers, and even used in … Read More “Thermal Imaging as Security Theater” »