Security experts discuss the importance of choosing a good PIN code. In the news: data breaches, router exploits, macOS malware, healthcare cyberattack, and data privacy laws passed. Learn about patterns in PIN codes, cybersecurity incidents, IoT security risks, Mac malware protection, email service privacy challenges, VPN security, and new iOS anti-stalking feature.
Choosing a unique PIN code is crucial to avoid common patterns and enhance security.
Healthcare organizations must prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard patient data from cyber attacks.
Maintaining caution with software downloads and utilizing updated antivirus protection can mitigate the risks of malware infections.
Deep dives
Proton Mail Compliance with Legal Requests
Proton Mail complied with legal requests involving the Spanish authorities and a member of the Catalan Independence Organization, leading to questions about privacy concerns and encrypted communication services under national security pretexts. The controversy highlights the interplay between technology firms, user privacy, and law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict operational security and avoiding linking recovery information to personal identities or primary activities.
Ascension Healthcare Provider Cyber Attack
Ascension, a healthcare provider with 140 hospitals across 19 states, faced a cyber attack that disrupted essential systems, including electronic health records and patient communication platforms. The incident raised concerns about the security vulnerabilities in healthcare organizations, stressing the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and critical medical technology from cyber threats.
Cuckoo Malware Targeting Mac Users
Cuckoo malware, targeting both newer Apple Silicon-based Macs and older Intel-based Macs, acts as a blend of info-stealer malware and spyware. Distributed through piracy sites, Cuckoo tricks users into entering their system password, steals sensitive data from infected Macs, and establishes persistence using a Launch Agent, highlighting the importance of being cautious with software downloads and maintaining updated antivirus protection.
Privacy Concerns with VPN Usage
Using services like ProtonMail and Signal provides privacy benefits, but users must remain vigilant about their security. These companies strive to limit the data they can provide, but there are still legal obligations to comply with requests. While Proton and Signal are recommended, users should not solely rely on them for complete security; additional measures like VPNs, Tor, and cryptocurrency may be necessary to enhance privacy.
New Cross-Platform Tracking Detection
Apple's iOS 17.5 update introduces cross-platform tracking detection, addressing concerns about stalking via trackers like AirTags. This feature notifies users if an unauthorized device is moving with them and provides steps to locate and disable the tracker. Through a collaboration with Google, this anti-stalking technology aims to protect users from unwanted tracking and emphasizes the importance of updating devices for enhanced security.
Security experts talk at length about how to choose a good password - but we don't often talk about how to choose a good PIN code. A recent analysis by a researcher shows popular patterns humans use when choosing PIN codes, and therefore what you should avoid doing.
In the news: MediSecure e-Rx firm hit by data breach; CISA warns of active D-Link router exploit; a couple cases of insecure APIs being abused; 53k Nissan employees' SSN's leaked; new macOS malware called Cuckoo; Ascension Healthcare suffers cyberattack; Proton user's poor OpSec gives him away; TunnelVision VPN attack exploits DHCP feature; Maryland & Vermont pass data privacy laws; tracker detection feature debuts on iPhone & Android.
Article Links
[BleepingComputer] MediSecure e-script firm hit by ‘large-scale’ data breach https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/medisecure-e-script-firm-hit-by-large-scale-ransomware-data-breach/
[The Hacker News] CISA Warns of Actively Exploited D-Link Router Vulnerabilities https://thehackernews.com/2024/05/cisa-warns-of-actively-exploited-d-link.html
[Ars Technica] How I upgraded my water heater and discovered how bad smart home security can be https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/05/how-i-upgraded-my-water-heater-and-discovered-how-bad-smart-home-security-can-be/
[BleepingComputer] Dell API abused to steal 49 million customer records in data breach https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/dell-api-abused-to-steal-49-million-customer-records-in-data-breach/
[infosecurity-magazine.com] 53,000 Nissan Employees' Social Security Numbers Exposed https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/employees-social-security-nissan/
[Tom's Guide] New Cuckoo macOS malware can take over all Macs and steal your passwords https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/malware-adware/new-cuckoo-macos-malware-can-take-over-all-macs-and-steals-your-passwords-too-dont-fall-for-this
[Dark Reading] Ascension Healthcare Suffers Major Cyberattack https://www.darkreading.com/cyberattacks-data-breaches/ascension-healthcare-hit-by-cyberattack
[restoreprivacy.com] Proton Mail Discloses User Data Leading to Arrest in Spain https://restoreprivacy.com/protonmail-discloses-user-data-leading-to-arrest-in-spain/
[Ars Technica] Novel attack against virtually all VPN apps neuters their entire purpose https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/05/novel-attack-against-virtually-all-vpn-apps-neuters-their-entire-purpose/
[mullvad.net] Evaluating the impact of TunnelVision https://mullvad.net/en/blog/evaluating-the-impact-of-tunnelvision
[epic.org] Vermont Passes Landmark Data Privacy Bill https://epic.org/vermont-passes-landmark-data-privacy-bill/
[epic.org] Governor Moore Signs Maryland Online Data Privacy Act https://epic.org/governor-moore-signs-maryland-online-data-privacy-act/
[9to5Mac] Here’s how the new Cross-Platform Tracking Detection works https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/13/cross-platform-tracking-detection-ios-17-5/
Tip of the Week: How to Choose a PIN https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/how-to-choose-a-pin/
Further Info
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Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:00:34: Update Apple devices, Chrome
0:01:16: A note on supporting Firefox
0:03:48: News preview
0:07:00: MediSecure hit by large-scale data breach
0:09:01: CISA Warns of Actively Exploited D-Link Router Vulnerabilities
0:13:14: How I upgraded my water heater and discovered how bad smart home securi...
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