This podcast episode covers various topics such as iPhones leaking MAC addresses, Google's privacy updates, Samsung remotely shutting down phones, data breaches, AI chatbot data, public perception of data privacy, new police drone technology, concerns over privacy, challenges to YouTube's ad-blocking detection, Netherlands consumer group suing Amazon for privacy violations, open source projects, Tor security audit, and Mozilla's privacy creepometer.
Apple's privacy feature for hiding iPhones' MAC addresses didn't work properly, posing a security risk.
Multiple companies experienced data breaches, exposing millions of users' personal information.
There are privacy concerns regarding Google and Amazon's data collection and sharing practices.
Companies are enhancing security measures but also collecting more user data, resulting in a 'very creepy' digital privacy state.
Deep dives
iPhones exposing MAC addresses despite Apple's promises
Apple introduced a privacy feature that was supposed to hide iPhones' MAC addresses, but it was discovered that the feature did not work as advertised. Apple devices continued to display the real MAC addresses, which posed a security risk as they were broadcast to every connected device on the network. Apple released a fix for this issue in the latest iOS update.
Multiple data breaches reported in the past two weeks
Various companies have reported data breaches in the past two weeks. D-Link confirmed a data breach after an employee phishing attack. 23andMe leaked records of 4 million users, primarily from Great Britain. Casio disclosed a data breach impacting customers in 149 countries. Okta suffered a security incident resulting in stolen access tokens. The City of Philadelphia and the University of Michigan also experienced data breaches. Parents of students in a US school district received emails with stolen student data. And a French basketball team, ASVEL, confirmed a ransomware attack resulting in stolen personal and sensitive data.
Privacy concerns raised over Google and Amazon practices
Privacy concerns have been raised over Google and Amazon practices. Google's Chrome browser now routes traffic through proxies to protect users' IP addresses while browsing, but it has been criticized for potential privacy violations. Amazon is being sued by a consumer group in the Netherlands for alleged privacy violations related to data collection and sharing. Critics argue that the increasing collection and sharing of personal data by these companies undermines user privacy.
Mozilla's Annual Digital Privacy Creepometer rates privacy as 'very creepy'
Mozilla's annual Digital Privacy Creepometer rates the current state of digital privacy as 'very creepy'. While companies are enhancing security standards, such as encryption and automatic updates, they are also collecting and sharing more user personal data. There is also a trend of products becoming less usable offline, making it difficult for users to control their data. Privacy policies are becoming more ambiguous and sprawling, making it challenging for users to understand how their data is being used.
Signal denies existence of rumored zero-day bug
Signal, the popular encrypted messaging app, has denied the existence of a rumored zero-day bug. The bug was said to exploit the generate link previews feature, but Signal's investigation found no evidence of such a vulnerability. The app remains committed to providing secure and private communication for its users.
Google sponsored link leads to fake KeePass website
Google search results are displaying sponsored links that lead to fake KeePass websites, which look identical to the genuine ones. This malicious campaign aims to install a fake version of KeePass, potentially compromising users' passwords and personal information. Users are advised to exercise caution and ensure they are downloading software from official and verified sources.
Matrix surpasses 115 million users
Matrix, the open standard and real-time communication protocol, has announced that it has reached over 115 million users. This significant growth showcases the increasing adoption of Matrix's secure communication platform, driven by its commitment to privacy and user control.
iPhones exposing MAC address, Google privacy updates, Samsung shutting down phones remotely, AirVPN server seized, Apple browser exploits, and a lot more stories, huge week!