

Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast
Carey Parker
A Podcast on Computer Security & Privacy for Non-Techies
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
Best & Worst Gifts for 2024
Holiday shopping season is here! And today I'll give you the highlights of my annual Best & Worst Gift Guide for 2024, with regard to privacy and security. The worst offenders may not surprise you, though some have actually gotten worse since just last year. And I have a few new suggestions for people on your nice list!
In the news this week: another popular browser extension has gone rogue; Mozilla laid off 30% of their staff; FBI warns that bad guys are filing fraudulent emergency data requests to steal your private info; Apple quietly introduces a brilliant security feature that is frustrating cops; Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 next October; a free decryptor was released for ShrinkLocker ransomware; Signal offers new call link feature; an air fryer app is sending your data to China; and Apple announces feature to share AirTag location with others including airlines to help find lost luggage.
Article Links
[cyberinsider.com] Popular Chrome Extension to Hide YouTube Shorts Turned Malicious https://cyberinsider.com/popular-chrome-extension-to-hide-youtube-shorts-turned-malicious/
[Tech Crunch] Mozilla Foundation lays off 30% staff, drops advocacy division https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/05/mozilla-foundation-lays-off-30-staff-drops-advocacy-division/
[Tech Crunch] FBI says hackers are sending fraudulent police data requests to tech giants to steal people’s private information https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/08/fbi-says-hackers-are-sending-fraudulent-police-data-requests-to-tech-giants-to-steal-peoples-private-information/
[404media.co] Apple Quietly Introduced iPhone Reboot Code Which is Locking Out Cops https://www.404media.co/apple-quietly-introduced-iphone-reboot-code-which-is-locking-out-cops/
[blog.0patch.com] Long Live Windows 10... With 0patch https://blog.0patch.com/2024/06/long-live-windows-10-with-0patch.html
[The Hacker News] Free Decryptor Released for BitLocker-Based ShrinkLocker Ransomware Victims https://thehackernews.com/2024/11/free-decryptor-released-for-bitlocker.html
[signal.org] Improving Private Signal Calls: Call Links & More https://signal.org/blog/call-links/
[malwarebytes.com] Air fryers are the latest surveillance threat you didn’t consider https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/11/air-fryers-are-the-latest-surveillance-threat-you-didnt-consider
[macrumors.com] Apple Announces iOS 18.2's New AirTag Location Sharing Feature Coming to These 15+ Airlines https://www.macrumors.com/2024/11/11/apple-announces-airtag-location-sharing/
Best & Worst Gift Guide 2024! https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/best-worst-gifts-2024/
Further Info
Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:00:50: Update Android phones
0:01:23: News preview
0:03:23: Popular Chrome Extension to Hide YouTube Shorts Turned Malicious
0:10:30: Mozilla Foundation lays off 30% staff, drops advocacy division
0:14:06: FBI says hackers are sending fraudulent police data requests to steal people’s private info
0:19:59: Apple Quietly Introduced iPhone Reboot Code Which is Locking Out Cops
0:29:46: Long Live Windows 10... With 0patch
0:39:54: Free Decryptor Released for BitLocker-Based ShrinkLocker Ransomware Victims
0:42:45: Improving Private Signal Calls: Call Links & More
0:45:23: Air fryers are the latest surveillance threat you didn’t consider...

Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 3min
Cutting the Software Tether
Device manufacturers are breathing new life into old mundane products by connecting them to the internet, giving us the ability to monitor and control them from anywhere. However, this connection to the cloud works both ways. Not only do device makers now have unprecedented access to our usage and personal information, but they can hobble or limit our use of these devices at their whim. Today I'll speak with IoT expert Stacey Higginbotham who is working with Consumer Reports and other consumer rights groups to bring more transparency to the smart device industry, and hopefully allow us to regain control over the devices we purchase.
Interview Notes
Stacey Higginbotham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyhigginbotham/
Consumer Reports’ FTC filing on software tethering: https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/ftc-software-tethering/
Who Ya Gonna Call? https://innovation.consumerreports.org/who-ya-gonna-call/
Spotify Cancels Car Thing: https://innovation.consumerreports.org/how-to-kill-a-smart-device-spotify-car-thing-post-mortem/
When Will Your Smart Appliance Turn Dumb? https://innovation.consumerreports.org/when-will-your-smart-appliance-turn-dumb/
CR’s Permission Slip: https://www.permissionslipcr.com/
CR’s Security Planner: https://securityplanner.consumerreports.org/
My interview with Cory Doctorow on adversarial interoperability: https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2020/02/17/adversarial-interoperability-part-1/
Further Info
Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:00:54: Chevron deference
0:01:48: US election impacts
0:03:15: Interview setup
0:03:55: What does it mean for devices to be 'software tethered'?
0:09:23: How might software tethering affect resale of smart devices?
0:13:52: What are the impacts on security and privacy?
0:15:20: How did we agree to these limitations?
0:17:13: 1. Require disclosure of guaranteed minimum support time
0:23:55: 2. Eensure core functionality will work offline or after support ends
0:27:50: What devices might fail to work when offline?
0:30:19: 3. Encourage tools that enable reuse if support ends
0:34:24: 4. Protect adversarial interoperability
0:39:05: What happened to Amazon Dash buttons?
0:40:03: 5. Educate manufacturers on ways to build longevity into designs
0:46:28: Is it easier to get FTC rulings than new regulations?
0:51:29: Does the DMCA still apply to abandoned products?
0:53:13: Should we force companies to escrow software for release if they fail?
0:56:06: What should we be doing as consumers to further this cause?
0:57:39: What's next for your FTC filing?
0:59:55: Interview wrap-up
1:01:28: Patron bonus preview
1:02:19: Looking ahead

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 2min
Curbing Location Tracking
Our location is being tracked mercilessly today, in several ways. In the digital age, location data is among the most sensitive information we share, providing a record of our daily lives that can reveal where we live, who we associate with, and our personal routines. For app developers, marketers, and even law enforcement, this data is a goldmine for the ‘app economy’. Today I’ll talk about the most common sources of location data and give you some tips for limiting the tracking.
In other news: the FTC files rule that requires canceling be just as easy as subscribing; CFPB takes action against worker surveillance; macOS Sequoia's tightened app security may be annoying to some; it's now legal to hack McFlurry machines to fix them; the EU makes vendors liable for software bugs; city sues Flock saying license plate readers are Unconstitutional; tracking world leaders with a fitness app; smartphone location tracking is out of control.
Article Links
[theverge.com] The FTC is finally making it easier to cancel your gym membership https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/16/24271649/ftc-click-to-cancel-subscriptions-final-rule
[consumerfinance.gov] CFPB Takes Action to Curb Unchecked Worker Surveillance https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-curb-unchecked-worker-surveillance/
[appleinsider.com] What's changed in runtime protection for macOS Sequoia https://appleinsider.com/inside/macos-sequoia/tips/whats-changed-in-runtime-protection-for-macos-sequoia
[404media.co] It Is Now Legal to Hack McFlurry Machines (and Medical Devices) to Fix Them https://www.404media.co/it-is-now-legal-to-hack-mcflurry-machines-and-medical-devices-to-fix-them/
[Risky Business] The EU will make vendors liable for bugs https://news.risky.biz/risky-biz-news-the-eu-will-make-vendors-liable-for-bugs/
[404media.co] Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/
[schneier.com] Tracking World Leaders Using Strava https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2024/10/tracking-world-leaders-using-strava.html
[arstechnica.com] Location tracking of phones is out of control. Here’s how to fight back. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/10/phone-tracking-tool-lets-government-agencies-follow-your-every-move/
Tip of the Week: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/how-to-curb-location-tracking/
Further Info
Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:03:06: News preview
0:04:41: FTC is finally making it easier to cancel your gym membership
0:07:19: CFPB Takes Action to Curb Unchecked Worker Surveillance
0:14:23: What's changed in runtime protection for macOS Sequoia
0:21:57: It Is Now Legal to Hack McFlurry Machines (and Medical Devices) to Fix Them
0:28:15: The EU will make vendors liable for bugs
0:33:00: Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional
0:41:09: Tracking World Leaders Using Strava
0:42:38: Location tracking of phones is out of control. Here’s how to fight back.
0:49:56: Tip of the Week: Curbing Location Tracking
1:00:57: Looking ahead

7 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 15min
Episode 400 Special
Bruce Schneier, an esteemed technologist and security expert, returns to discuss pressing cybersecurity issues. He dives into the CrowdStrike incident, exploring the complex relationship between government regulation and tech accountability. The conversation highlights the need for transparency in electoral processes to restore public trust. Schneier also examines the interplay between artificial intelligence and democracy, advocating for ethical frameworks to safeguard election integrity. His insights echo the importance of corporate responsibility in today's digital landscape.

Oct 21, 2024 • 59min
Understanding AI Chatbots
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the buzzword of the day. There are many types of AI, but one particular flavor is getting a lot of press these days: chatbots. Formally referred to as Large Language Models (LLMs), chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are everywhere - either directly or integrated with other popular apps. This technology is real and it's here to stay, so it's important that we understand what it is, how it works, and what the limitations are. Today I'll explore some aspects of LLMs that you probably weren't aware of.
In other news: critical, exploited Firefox bug is fixed (update now!); National Public Data files for bankruptcy after massive breach; hackers target Qualcomm chip zero-day used in many Android phones; China attackers exploit legally-mandated wiretapping backdoor in major telecom systems; new FIDO standard proposed for allowing passkeys to be exported and backed up; a PSA on why you shouldn't share personal information with AI chatbots.
Article Links
[The Hacker News] Mozilla Warns of Active Exploitation in Firefox, Urges Users to Update Immediately https://thehackernews.com/2024/10/mozilla-warns-of-active-exploitation-in.html
[therecord.media] National Public Data files for bankruptcy, citing fallout from cyberattack https://therecord.media/national-public-data-bankruptcy-cyberattack
[techcrunch.com] Hackers were targeting Android users with Qualcomm zero-day https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/09/hackers-were-targeting-android-users-with-qualcomm-zero-day/
[pluralistic.net] China hacked Verizon, AT&T and Lumen using the FBI’s backdoor https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/07/foreseeable-outcomes/
[appleinsider.com] Future Passkeys will be able to be shared across platforms & password vaults https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/10/15/future-passkeys-will-be-able-to-be-shared-across-platforms-password-vaults
[9to5mac.com] PSA: Here’s another reason not to include personal details in AI chats https://9to5mac.com/2024/10/17/psa-heres-another-reason-not-to-include-personal-details-in-ai-chats/
Tip of the Week: Understanding AI Chatbots
Further Info
Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2
Privacy Not Included chatbot privacy guide: https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/articles/how-to-protect-your-privacy-from-chatgpt-and-other-ai-chatbots/
Gandalf AI game: https://gandalf.lakera.ai/baseline
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:01:01: Google finally killing uBlock Origin
0:04:07: News preview
0:05:54: Mozilla Warns of Active Exploitation in Firefox
0:08:55: National Public Data files for bankruptcy
0:14:42: Hackers were targeting Android users with Qualcomm zero-day
0:19:14: China hacked Verizon, AT&T and Lumen using the FBI’s backdoor
0:26:10: Future Passkeys will be able to be shared across platforms & password vaults
0:31:08: Here’s another reason not to include personal details in AI chats
0:37:40: Tip of the Week: Understanding Chatbots
0:55:55: Wrapping up
0:56:35: Celebrating 400 episodes!

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 9min
L0pht Heavy Industries
L0pht Heavy Industries (pronounced "loft") was one of the most influential hacker groups in history. Unlike many others, L0pht carefully cultivated a relationship with mass media, sold profitable products, started businesses, and even testified before the US Senate. Cris Thomas, aka Space Rogue, was one of the earliest members of the L0pht and he recently published a book chronicling the groups long and storied history called Space Rogue: How the Hackers Known As L0pht Changed the World. Today I sit down with Cris to discuss that history and the impacts that the L0pht and other hacker groups have had on all of us.
Interview Notes
Space Rogue’s website: https://www.spacerogue.net/
L0pht homepage: https://l0pht.com/
L0phtCrack: https://www.l0phtcrack.com/
Textfiles.com: http://textfiles.com/
L0phy testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVJldn_MmMY
Charlie Rose “Hackers” interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbTkOuPv2fo
PicoCTF: https://www.picoctf.org/
Hack the Box: https://help.hackthebox.com/en/articles/5200851-introduction-to-ctfs
Further Info
Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:00:23: Episode 400 coming soon!
0:01:16: Interview setup
0:03:49: Tell us about your book
0:04:52: What is your origin story? How'd you get into hacking?
0:08:15: How often did you meet your fellow hackers in person?
0:10:49: How did the L0pht get started?
0:15:39: What was the reaction when you "come out" as a hacker to friends and family?
0:20:02: How much did different hacker groups interact back in the day?
0:23:19: L0pht cultivated a relationship with the media - how did that affect the dynamic?
0:28:19: What's the history behind the infamous L0phtCrack password tool?
0:35:36: What was it like testifying in front of the US Senate?
0:38:32: How did you get away with testifying under your hacker names?
0:45:29: How did Hacker News Network come to be?
0:52:06: How did we avoid a hacker cyber war against China in the late 90s?
0:57:15: Which of L0pht's many achievements are you most proud of?
0:59:40: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into cybersecurity?
1:05:39: What's next for you?
1:06:23: Patron bonus content preview
1:06:52: Post-interview notes
1:08:36: Looking ahead

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
Indicators of Account Compromise
Sometimes it’s obvious when your accounts are hacked. Maybe your money is gone. Maybe you can no longer log in using the password you know is correct. Maybe everyone you know has gotten a scam email from you that you didn’t send. But sometimes bad guys aren’t so obvious. They may lurk around in your accounts to gather information for identity theft or in hopes of gaining access to other more lucrative accounts. I'll tell you how to find out.
In other news: CA governor vetoes opt-out signal bill but signs car privacy bill; 23andMe is in trouble and your data may be, too; PayPal opted you into data sharing without asking; Kaspersky deletes itself and installs UltraAV without asking; 100 million Americans had background data leaked; researchers add facial recognition tech to Meta's smart glasses; NIST updates password rules to with common sense changes; US & Microsoft seize 100+ web domains used by Russian hackers.
Article Links
[Ars Technica] Calif. Governor vetoes bill requiring opt-out signals for sale of user data https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/09/calif-gov-vetoes-attempt-to-require-new-privacy-option-in-browsers-and-oses/
[Teach Privacy] Bankruptcy Sale of DNA Data: From Toysmart to 23andMe https://teachprivacy.com/bankruptcy-sale-of-dna-data-from-toysmart-to-23andme/
[404 Media] Paypal Opted You Into Sharing Data Without Your Knowledge https://www.404media.co/paypal-personalized-shopping-opt-out/
[Bleeping Computer] Kaspersky deletes itself, installs UltraAV antivirus without warning https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/kaspersky-deletes-itself-installs-ultraav-antivirus-without-warning/
[Tom’s Guide] 100 million Americans just had their background check data exposed https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/online-security/100-million-americans-just-had-their-background-check-data-exposed-online-how-to-stay-safe
[404 Media] Someone Put Facial Recognition Tech onto Meta's Smart Glasses to Instantly Dox Strangers https://www.404media.co/someone-put-facial-recognition-tech-onto-metas-smart-glasses-to-instantly-dox-strangers/
[Ars Technica] NIST proposes barring some of the most nonsensical password rules https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/09/nist-proposes-barring-some-of-the-most-nonsensical-password-rules/
[The Record] California passes car data privacy law to protect domestic abuse survivors https://therecord.media/california-car-data-privacy-law-domestic-abuse-tracking
[Semafor] US, Microsoft seize more than 100 websites used by Russian hackers https://www.semafor.com/article/10/03/2024/us-microsoft-seize-more-than-100-websites-used-by-russian-hackers
Tip of the Week: Indicators of Account Compromise: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/indicators-of-account-compromise/
Further Info
Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2
Treasure Chest promotion: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/treasure-coin-promo/
How to enable Global Privacy Control: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/how-to-enable-global-privacy-control/
My article on removing your data from the web: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/osint-remediation/
CISA Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/secure-our-world-resources-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2024-toolkit
Stay Safe Online CAM site: https://staysafeonline.org/programs/cybersecurity-awareness-month/
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 14min
TunnelVision, VPNs and You
Two security researchers showed how many modern VPN services are vulnerable to malicious misconfiguration, exposing some or all of your internet traffic. While this is not likely to impact most of us, it does expose the limitations of Virtual Private Networks and why they are not silver bullets for security of privacy - despite many marketing claims to the contrary. Today we'll discuss how TunnelVision works, how it can be mitigated, and how this affects different privacy threat models with the two researchers from Leviathan Security, Dani Cronce and Lizzie Moratti.
Interview Notes
Lizzie Moratti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmoratti/
Dani Cronce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danicronce/
TunnelVision: https://www.tunnelvisionbug.com/
ProtonVPN threat model: https://protonvpn.com/blog/threat-model
Dani’s GitHub: https://github.com/superit23
Leviathan Security blog: https://www.leviathansecurity.com/blog
Veilid: https://veilid.com/
Willy Wonka scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvS3j8VtanM
Linux network namespaces: https://blog.scottlowe.org/2013/09/04/introducing-linux-network-namespaces/
What is DeFi? https://www.investopedia.com/decentralized-finance-defi-5113835
Further Info
Help me brainstorm ways to reach more people!: https://fdsd.me/awareness2
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:01:23: Reminder: brainstorming survey
0:01:47: Podcast chapter markers!
0:02:54: Interview setup
0:05:55: What is a VPN and what isits intended purpose?
0:10:27: If most connections are secured today, why do we need a VPN?
0:12:40: Why do we trust a VPN provider more than our internet access provider?
0:17:40: What are you trying to do with a VPN?
0:19:13: Who can see my internet traffic?
0:25:30: What is TunnelVision and what are the implications for VPN users?
0:29:42: What's a less technical way to understand TunnelVision?
0:33:06: Why might I not want all my traffic to go through the VPN?
0:35:02: How dangerous is TunnelVision for the average person?
0:42:30: How did the VPN companies respond?
0:51:19: What VPN features can mitigate the risk?
0:57:42: Have any VPN makers fixed this problem? Do OS vendors have responsibility here?
1:02:11: Do you have recommendations for VPNs? Is there new tech that might help here?
1:04:00: Would privacy regulations help here?
1:06:24: What are you working on next?
1:08:51: Interview wrap-up
1:13:31: Looking ahead

Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
Malware Reboot Remedy
We often think of malware as a problem for our computers and perhaps our smartphones. But bad guys love to hack our home routers and IoT devices, as well. Thankfully, purging malware from those types of devices can usually be done just by rebooting them. (There's a reason tech support always asks you to try turning your device off and back on again.) I'll explain why this works and what you should do to protect your connected devices.
In other news: I explain why most people are not in danger of their devices blowing up; a new Windows phishing campaign uses fake CAPTCHAs and PowerShell; LinkedIn started training their AI on your data before telling you how to opt out; Oracle's CEO touts his vision of ubiquitous AI surveillance; Ford seeks a patent to show you ads in your vehicle based on your conversations and other private data; Meta admits to scraping public Instagram and Facebook posts to train its AI; four great new iOS 18 privacy and security features; Apple Intelligence servers are very basic, for a reason; and the FBI shuts down a massive Chinese botnet.
Article Links
[WIRED] Your Phone Won’t Be the Next Exploding Pager https://www.wired.com/story/exploding-pagers-hezbollah-phones/
[briankrebs] This Windows PowerShell Phish Has Scary Potential https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/09/this-windows-powershell-phish-has-scary-potential/
[404media.co] LinkedIn Is Training AI on User Data Before Updating Its Terms of Service https://www.404media.co/linkedin-is-training-ai-on-user-data-before-updating-its-terms-of-service/
[theregister.com] Ellison declares Oracle 'all in' on AI mass surveillance https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/16/oracle_ai_mass_surveillance_cloud/
[therecord.media] Ford seeks patent for tech that listens to driver conversations to serve ads https://therecord.media/ford-patent-application-in-vehicle-listening-advertising
[9to5Mac] Meta scraped all public Facebook and Instagram posts since 2007 for AI training https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/11/meta-scraped-all-public-facebook-and-instagram-posts-since-2007-for-ai-training/
[TechRadar] I'm a privacy expert—here are the 4 iOS 18 features I'm excited about https://www.techradar.com/phones/im-a-privacy-experthere-are-the-4-ios-18-features-im-excited-about
[9to5Mac] Apple Intelligence servers are really basic, says Craig Federighi – and that’s deliberate https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/12/apple-intelligence-servers-are-really-basic-says-craig-federighi-and-thats-deliberate/
[Gizmodo] FBI Shuts Down Botnet Run by Beijing-Backed Hackers That Hijacked Over 200,000 Devices https://gizmodo.com/fbi-shuts-down-botnet-run-by-beijing-backed-hackers-that-hijacked-over-200000-devices-2000500627
Tip of the Week: Malware Reboot Remedy
Further Info
Awareness Campaign Phase 2!: https://fdsd.me/awareness2
LinkedIn privacy settings: https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/categories/privacy
Test your ad blocker(s): https://d3ward.github.io/toolz/adblock.html
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:00:31: Update Apple devices
0:01:36: Awareness Campaign teaser
0:02:04: News rundown
0:04:08: Your Phone Won’t Be the Next Exploding Pager
0:08:00: This Windows PowerShell Phish Has Scary Potential
0:12:34: LinkedIn Trains AI on Your Data Before Updating Its ToS
0:16:41: Ellison declares Oracle 'all in' on AI mass surveillance
0:20:15: Ford seeks patent for tech that listens to ...

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 8min
Post-Quantum Crypto
You may be vaguely aware of the term 'quantum computing' from media reports. But what you may not have picked up on is that one of the primary uses for quantum computers may be to break data encryption. Furthermore, you may not realize that if three-letter agencies can save off our encrypted emails and messages now, this could mean they could read them in the future when sufficiently powerful quantum computing becomes viable. How does this work? And what can we do about it now to protect our privacy in the future? We'll dig into all of this today with Brandon Sundh from Tuta (formerly Tutanota), a prominent secure email company, who is already deploying such protections.
Interview Notes
Try Tuta! https://tuta.com/
Tuta’s quantum-safe crypto: https://tuta.com/blog/post-quantum-cryptography
Quantum mechanics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics
Schrödinger's cat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger's_cat
NIST post-quantum standards: https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/post-quantum-cryptography
NSA pays RSA to weaken encryption?: https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/20/us-usa-security-rsa-idUSBRE9BJ1C220131220/
Longer passwords are better: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/need-a-bigger-password-haystack/
Privacy Guides on Proton Wallet: https://www.privacyguides.org/articles/2024/09/08/proton-wallet-review/#why-does-this-exist
Further Info
Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna
Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter
Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons
Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch
Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons
Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support
Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/
Table of Contents
Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show.
0:02:50: Some terminology first
0:07:33: What is quantum computing and what's it good for?
0:16:25: What are the currrent capabilities of quantum computers?
0:22:02: How long have we been working on quantum computers?
0:25:01: If QC is still so far off, why do we need to prepare now?
0:30:53: How do we design encryption to make it safe against quantum computers?
0:36:10: How can we be sure that the NSA isn't buillding backdoors into these algorithms?
0:41:11: Will post-quantum algorithms replace current ones or augment them?
0:45:51: How soon will quantum-safe crypto be roled out?
0:52:42: Who will be able to own and operate these quantum computers?
0:54:45: Are law enforcement agencies pushing back against quantum-safe crypto?
1:00:34: Who is more likely to win: coder makers or code breakers?
1:04:24: Wrap-up
1:05:55: Looking ahead