NC #972 Create GPTs with Bodie Grimm, Security Bits with Bart Busschots, Night Before Christmas with Honda Bob
Dec 23, 2023
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Guests include Bodie Grimm, who discusses creating GPTs, and Bart Busschots, who talks about security bits. They cover topics such as the applications of GPTs, generating visual pieces with GPTs, data breaches and SSH vulnerability, and improving security in Windows printing system and iOS passcode reset. The podcast also includes a modified version of 'The Night Before Christmas' dedicated to Honda Bob.
Active listening advertising products for smart TVs and smartphones may not be as realistic as claimed.
Using separate smart devices can provide more control over data collection and privacy.
Users should be cautious about sharing recovery codes and clicking on manipulated links.
Deep dives
Cox Media Group's Active Listening Advertising Product
Cox Media Group advertised an active listening product that claimed to listen to and translate real-time conversations from smart TVs, smartphones, and other connected devices to target ads based on what people were talking about. The product promised advertisers the ability to buy ads based on specific statements heard, such as discussions about retirement planning or home improvement needs. However, it is unclear whether this product was actually real or more aspirational in nature. The page promoting the product was removed from Cox Media Group's website after it gained attention. While smart TVs have been known to collect data for targeted advertising, the feasibility and scale of the claimed active listening product remains questionable.
Concerns About Privacy and Smart TVs
The use of smart TVs to collect user data for monetization purposes is well-documented. Cheaper smart TVs often rely on selling user data as a means of generating revenue. However, it is unlikely that smartphones can actively listen and translate conversations in the background without indicators or noticeable data flows. Privacy researchers have not detected significant data streaming indicative of widespread active listening on smartphones. While the details of Cox Media Group's active listening product remain unclear, it is prudent to exercise caution and maintain privacy measures, such as refraining from connecting televisions to the internet.
The Need for Personal Smart Solutions
Given the concerns surrounding active listening advertising products and the potential privacy risks they pose, it is advisable to consider personal smart solutions that provide control over connected devices' data collection. Using separate smart devices, such as Amazon Fire Sticks or similar products, can offer a way to bring smart capabilities to televisions without connecting them directly to the internet. This approach allows more control over data collection and privacy.
New Phishing Technique Targets Two-Factor Authentication
Attackers are exploiting a new phishing technique to trick users into handing over their recovery codes, which allows them to bypass two-factor authentication and gain access to personal accounts. Users should be cautious and never share their recovery codes with anyone.
Vulnerabilities in Twitter and Windows Security
Twitter has a bug that allows links to be manipulated so that they appear to be from a different user, potentially leading to phishing attacks. Microsoft, however, has rolled out the Windows Protected Print Mode to address vulnerabilities in its printing system. Users are advised to be cautious when clicking on Twitter links and to update Windows to benefit from better security measures.
