Uncanny Valley | WIRED WIRED Roundup: Satellites Data Leak, Cybertrucks, Politicized Federal Workers
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Oct 17, 2025 Jake Lahut, a Senior Politics Writer at WIRED, dives into intriguing tech-and-politics news. He discusses alarming satellite data leaks, revealing how sensitive communications can be intercepted. Lahut also shares insights from his interviews with Cybertruck owners, highlighting the unexpected political implications of vehicle ownership. Additionally, he examines how federal workers are caught in political crossfires, facing layoffs that affect public services, all while feeling like pawns in a larger game.
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Satellites Expose Massive Unencrypted Data
- Many satellite communications remain unencrypted, exposing texts, calls, and critical infrastructure data to simple eavesdropping.
- Researchers built an $800 dish and captured military, corporate, and passenger Wi‑Fi data, showing the scale of the vulnerability.
Security Through Obscurity Fails In Space
- Many satellite systems rely on security through obscurity, assuming no one will 'look up' to inspect signals.
- That naive approach leaves vast communications exposed until operators add encryption.
Pitch Deck Claimed Big Companies For Gaza Plan
- A leaked pitch deck proposed a 'Great Trust' to rebuild Gaza and listed dozens of companies who denied involvement.
- The deck linked controversial businessmen tied to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, raising credibility and ethical concerns.