Aug 06
After startling news that someone—probably a government agency
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Aug 06
When you set up your Android phone with a secure unlock mode, it often means giving up app shortcuts. You won’t have to make that sacrifice if Google implements a newly granted US patent, however. The technique lets device owners complement a basic pattern unlock with multiple customizable patterns that launch specific apps, such as the camera or dialer. It’s a simple concept. The question is whether or not Google will ever use it — when Android 4.3 still relies on a conventional pattern unlock, it’s clear that the company isn’t in a big rush.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google
Source: USPTO
Aug 05
That custom-built malware that’s tracking down Tor network users? Turns out it might not be the FBI behind it after all. It looks like it might be the NSA.
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Aug 05
If you’ve got an Android device, you’ve probably used Google’s handy one-click authentication shortcut, that handy little button that lets you sign into various Google service sites without having to enter your password. It’s super convenient! For you and for hackers.
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Aug 05
Apple and its developer community have had a few rough weeks: hackers struck Apple’s Dev Center in mid-July, and the company’s efforts to both recover and rejuvenate the portal have been slow going. Things are looking up, however, as the company just sent word that it will restore most of the remaining services this week. These will include crucial elements like enrollments and renewals, although Apple has already extended current developers’ memberships to avoid interruptions. While there’s still a few missing pieces, it’s clear that developers can soon return to business as usual.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Apple
Source: 9to5 Mac
Aug 05
Can You Solve the Encryption Puzzle In the EFF’s Def Con T-Shirt? (Updated)
Posted in: Today's Chili
The annual hackers’ conference, DEF CON, wrapped up yesterday, but one of the weekend’s many great mysteries still persists. The images above are an encryption puzzle ("Encryption is Key") that was printed on the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s fundraising t-shirts from the event. As of Sunday morning, no one had solved it, so here’s a hint, straight from our friends at the EFF.
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Aug 03
Be honest, how often do you use unsecured Wi-Fi for something you shouldn’t? You know, just a quick Facebook login at Starbucks. If you’ve done it even once, that’s too much, because making a secret spy computer that can steal all that data is dumb easy. And cheap to boot.
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Aug 02
The Chinese hacking collective known as APT1 has long been suspected of working with China’s army, and as such has garnered its fair share of attention from the powers-that-be. Back in February, the hackers inadvertently revealed the extent of their intentions, doing so by falling for a “honeypot” – one of several decoy water plants. […]
Aug 02
Samsung has patched a smart TV bug that allowed hackers to remotely activate the integrated webcam and spy on viewers in their living rooms, as well as redirect the onboard browser to a compromised webpage. The security flaw, spotted by researchers at iSEC Partners, has been fixed with a firmware update pushed to affected sets, […]
Aug 02
In an age of mandatory password complexity and burgeoning biosensory protection, the idea of a four-number PIN for the ATM seems almost quaint. That doesn’t excuse the fact that the most popular PIN is still, yes, 1234. Come on, people.
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