Guests Helma van der Linden and Bart Busschots discuss porting programming languages and the versatility of Cricut Smart Cutting Machines. They also talk about the Tailwind HomeKit Garage Controller, the Skwheel Electric Ski, and various security bits. Other topics include stolen device protection in iOS 17.3, health reports from genetic data, concerns surrounding big tech companies, and tech-related news and alerts. The podcast ends with a story about mistaken credit and family involvement.
Companies are using push notifications to collect users' location data even when their apps are not in use.
Apple has made over 600 changes to its iOS system to comply with the EU's digital markets act.
The European Commission will evaluate Apple's proposed changes to ensure fair competition and protect user privacy.
23andMe experienced a data breach that exposed sensitive user information, including genetic data.
Deep dives
Developers are finding clever ways to continuously track users' locations on iOS
Developers, including Facebook and TikTok, are utilizing push notifications as a way to continuously collect users' location data even when their apps are not in use. By sending push notifications that prompt the app to send the user's location back to their servers, these companies are able to track user movement. The best defense is to disable push notifications for apps that are not fully trusted.
EU's digital markets act leads to changes in Apple's policies
In response to the EU's digital markets act, Apple has made over 600 changes to its iOS system in order to comply. These changes mainly affect developers and provide new APIs and reports to improve the overall app experience. However, the impact for end users will depend on how these changes are reviewed and enforced by the European Commission, which will evaluate Apple's proposals on March 1st.
Apple faces scrutiny from EU over privacy and competition concerns
The European Commission will assess proposed changes made by Apple to comply with the EU's digital markets act. A key concern for the commission is ensuring fair competition and protecting user privacy. While Apple has made significant adjustments ahead of the act's enforcement on March 1st, the European Commission will determine whether further revisions are necessary.
23andMe reveals details of data breach
23andMe recently disclosed that a password stuffing attack resulted in a data breach that went undetected for five months. The attack exposed sensitive user information, including genetic data, for a certain number of accounts. The company has urged affected users to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts.
Potential UK law could give government veto over software patches
The UK government is considering a law that would give them the power to tell Apple and other software vendors not to disclose or patch a vulnerability that the government is using for surveillance purposes.
Fake data breach spreads panic but turns out to be false
Car rental company Europcar was falsely accused of a data breach that affected 50 million users. The data turned out to be fake, highlighting the growing trend of extortionists claiming breaches to scare companies into paying them.
Research finds decline in ransomware payments
Recent research suggests that fewer people are paying ransoms to cybercriminals, leading to a decline in the financial incentive for ransomware attacks.