Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Cheap Android TV streaming boxes can come pre-infected with malware and fraud software, highlighting the need to be cautious with IoT devices.
- DNA testing company 23andMe is investigating a potential data breach, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal information.
- US agencies, including ICE and CBP, were found to have illegally used smartphone location data, raising concerns about privacy violations.
- Meta is considering offering an ad-free version of its platforms for a monthly fee in response to privacy regulations, but concerns about data misuse arise.
- The FBI warns about an increase in phantom hacker scams targeting elderly individuals, highlighting the need for caution and not sharing personal information.
- Microsoft's ValE AI tool can simulate any voice with just 3 seconds of audio, raising concerns about privacy and ethical guidelines.
Deep dives
Beware of Malware-Infected Android TV Streaming Boxes
Cheap Android TV streaming boxes have been found to come pre-infected with malware and ad fraud software. Researchers have identified multiple models of these devices that contain backdoors and are linked to a web of fraud schemes. Users are advised to be cautious when purchasing unbranded or cheap Android TV boxes, and to stick with trusted brands. This discovery highlights the importance of being cautious with IoT devices and avoiding potentially compromised products.
Data Breach at 23andMe Raises Privacy Concerns
DNA testing company 23andMe is investigating a potential data breach after information about customer profiles was offered for sale on a cybercrime forum. While it is still unclear if the data offered is authentic, 23andMe has acknowledged unauthorized access to customer accounts. This incident highlights the need for individuals to be cautious with personal data and carefully consider security measures when sharing sensitive information.
US Agencies Illegally Use Smartphone Location Data
An oversight body of the Department of Homeland Security found that US agencies, including ICE, CBP, and the Secret Service, broke the law by using location data harvested from ordinary smartphone apps without proper authorization or oversight. These agencies engaged in tracking individuals and accessing their banking accounts under the guise of protecting their assets. This raises concerns about privacy violations and the need for stronger regulations to address the misuse of personal data by government agencies.
Meta's Proposal for Ad-Free Facebook and Instagram
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is considering offering an ad-free version of its platforms for a monthly fee of around $17 in Europe. This proposal comes as a response to new privacy regulations in the EU that require explicit user consent for personalized advertising. While the plan aims to comply with privacy rules, critics express concerns about the potential misuse of personal data and the implications of a subscription-based model for social media.
FBI Warns of Phantom Hacker Scams Targeting the Elderly
The FBI has issued a warning about a surge in phantom hacker scams, targeting senior citizens across the United States. Scammers impersonate bank representatives and prompt victims to transfer funds from their accounts to a so-called 'safe account.' These scams have resulted in significant financial losses, and individuals are advised to be cautious and avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers or responding to unsolicited requests related to financial accounts.
Microsoft's AI Tool Clones Voices with Three Seconds of Audio
Microsoft has developed an AI tool called ValE that can clone voices, including tone and inflections, using just a three-second audio sample. This technology has potential applications in speech generation and content creation. However, concerns regarding privacy and misuse have been raised, highlighting the need for ethical guidelines and safeguards when utilizing voice-cloning technology.
FCC Plans to Reinstate Net Neutrality Rules
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced plans to reinstate net neutrality rules to ensure equal access to the internet. These rules would prohibit internet service providers from blocking or throttling lawful internet traffic and creating fast lanes. The FCC aims to seek public comment on the proposed rules and establish guidelines to protect users' rights and prevent discrimination in internet access.
EFF Criticizes Google's Privacy Sandbox
Consumer Reports has released an app called Permission Slip, which helps individuals regain control over their personal data. This app collects a list of companies and data brokers that may have users' personal information and allows users to request their information to be deleted or not sold. The app simplifies the process of controlling personal data and provides a means to protect privacy online.
Consumer Reports Launches App to Control Personal Data
Consumer Reports has released an app called Permission Slip that allows individuals to take control of their personal data. The app identifies companies and data brokers that may have users' personal information and enables users to request the deletion of their data or prohibit its sale. This tool provides individuals with a simplified way to manage their personal information and protect their privacy online.
Impersonation Risks of Voice Synthesis Technology
Voice synthesis technology known as Val E slash X has the ability to generate speech that maintains the identity of the speaker. This technology has various applications, including educational, entertainment, and interactive voice response systems. However, there are potential risks associated with the misuse of this technology, such as voice identification spoofing or impersonation of a specific speaker. The model used for speech synthesis assumes that the user agrees to be the target speaker. It is important for users to take responsibility for using this tool properly and obtaining the necessary permissions. Concerns about abusive or illegal usage can be reported through an abuse portal.
Microsoft Study Finds Short Passwords Vulnerable to Brute Force Attacks
A study conducted by Microsoft reveals that most brute force attacks primarily target short passwords. Approximately 77% of the attempted attacks used passwords with one to seven characters, while only 6% of the cases involved passwords with over 10 characters. The analysis also found that only 7% of the brute force attempts included special characters, and none of them used passwords with whitespace. Longer passwords, especially those that incorporate special characters, appear to be safer from the majority of brute force attacks, assuming they have not been leaked online or included in attackers' dictionaries. The study also indicates a significant increase in attacks on remote desktop protocol (RDP) servers, emphasizing the importance of using strong passwords, managed identity, and multi-factor authentication for secure access.
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