Topics discussed include a data breach at Mint Mobile, Rite Aid banned from using facial recognition tech, a surveillance court case in France, surveillance in the wrong hands, multiple data breaches, Apple's app tracking transparency policy, a critical flaw in Perforce Helix core servers, Utah charter schools requesting student data, Beeper going open source, antitrust lawsuits against tech giants, FBI's honey pot tactics, and Mexican cartels' use of a police database.
The Mint Mobile data breach highlights the importance of privacy-conscious alternatives and the need for additional security measures to protect personal information.
Rite Aid's ban on using facial recognition technology emphasizes the need for companies to prioritize privacy and security when utilizing surveillance technologies.
Deep dives
Mint Mobile discloses data breach affecting customer data
Mint Mobile, a popular cellular provider, has disclosed a data breach that exposed customer data. The breach occurred a couple of months ago and resulted in the theft of about 30 gigabytes of data, including names, telephone numbers, email addresses, and some serial numbers. While payment data and hashed passwords were not exposed, the incident highlights the importance of privacy-conscious alternatives like Mint Mobile, which allows users to purchase services with cash and maintain a level of anonymity. The breach serves as a reminder of the importance of using additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect personal information.
Rite Aid banned from using facial recognition technology after surveillance mishaps
Rite Aid, a pharmacy chain, has been banned from using facial recognition technology for five years by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The ban comes in response to a case where Rite Aid's facial recognition system falsely identified customers as shoplifters, resulting in wrongful accusations and invasions of privacy. The system was found to generate numerous false positives and lacked accuracy. The case highlights the need for companies to prioritize privacy and security when using surveillance technologies. Customers are encouraged to consider alternative service providers that prioritize user privacy and data protection.
Mexican Cartels using police database to track and target enemies
Mexican cartels are reportedly tapping into a police database known as Titan to locate and target their rivals. The database, which includes various private and confidential information, is being used to gain access to real-time location logs, official identification documents, credit information, and more. The software is actively marketed on the black market and offers a range of services to track and obtain personal information. The source behind Titan remains unknown, and the platform's constantly changing servers make it difficult to track or hold those responsible accountable. The exploitation of police databases by criminal organizations raises concerns about corruption and the need for greater security measures within law enforcement systems.
Black Cat ransomware group retaliates after FBI disruption
Black Cat, a Russia-based ransomware gang, has responded to the recent FBI infiltration by promising increased attacks and targeting, ranging from hospitals to nuclear power plants. The FBI recently seized the gang's darknet website and released a decryption tool to help victims recover their systems. However, Black Cat has temporarily regained control of the website and is engaged in a back-and-forth with the FBI. The ongoing situation underscores the escalating nature of ransomware attacks and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating such threats.
Mint Mobile data breach , Rite Aid banned from using facial recognition tech, an update on a startling French court case, a case of surveillance in the wrong hands, and more.