As devastating as the latest widespread ransomware attacks have been, it’s a problem with a solution. If your copy of Windows is relatively current and you’ve kept it updated, your laptop is immune. It’s only older unpatched systems on your computer that are vulnerable. Patching is how the computer industry maintains security in the face … Read More “Ransomware and the Internet of Things” »
Author: infossl
There’s interesting research on using a set of “master” digital fingerprints to fool biometric readers. The work is theoretical at the moment, but they might be able to open about two-thirds of iPhones with these master prints. Definitely something to keep watching. Research paper (behind a paywall). Powered by WPeMatico
According to court documents, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is using Stingray cell-site simulators to track illegal immigrants. Powered by WPeMatico
Ransomware isn’t new, but it’s increasingly popular and profitable. The concept is simple: Your computer gets infected with a virus that encrypts your files until you pay a ransom. It’s extortion taken to its networked extreme. The criminals provide step-by-step instructions on how to pay, sometimes even offering a help line for victims unsure how … Read More “The Future of Ransomware” »
Reuters has an article on North Korea’s cyberwar capabilities, specifically “Unit 180.” They’re still not in the same league as the US, UK, Russia, China, and Israel. But they’re getting better. Powered by WPeMatico
The Department of Homeland Security is rumored to be considering extending the current travel ban on large electronics for Middle Eastern flights to European ones as well. The likely reaction of airlines will be to implement new traveler programs, effectively allowing wealthier and more frequent fliers to bring their computers with them. This will only … Read More “Extending the Airplane Laptop Ban” »
It’s rare: Fishermen caught a 19-foot-long giant squid off the coast of Ireland on Monday, only the fifth to be seen there since 1673. Also the first in 22 years. As usual, you can also use this squid post to talk about the security stories in the news that I haven’t covered. Read my blog … Read More “Friday Squid Blogging: Giant Squid Caught Off the Coast of Ireland” »
Earlier this month, the NSA said that it would no longer conduct “about” searches of bulk communications data. This was the practice of collecting the communications of Americans based on keywords and phrases in the contents of the messages, not based on who they were from or to. The NSA’s own words: After considerable evaluation … Read More “NSA Abandons “About” Searches” »
Criminals go where the money is, and cybercriminals are no exception. And right now, the money is in ransomware. It’s a simple scam. Encrypt the victim’s hard drive, then extract a fee to decrypt it. The scammers can’t charge too much, because they want the victim to pay rather than give up on the data. … Read More “WannaCry Ransomware” »
I’m sure it pays less than the industry average, and the stakes are much higher than the average. But if you want to be a Director of Information Security that makes a difference, Human Rights Watch is hiring. Powered by WPeMatico