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Image: perinjo/GETTY Microsoft security researchers have discovered new variants of the one-year-old Hive ransomware that was written in the Go programming language but has been re-written in Rust. Hive emerged in June 2021 and was spotlighted by the FBI in an alert two months later. In November, European electronics retail giant MediaMarkt also got stung […] More
iStock The vast majority of federal government organizations in Brazil are at a high risk of cyberattacks, a new report produced by the Federal Audit Court (TCU) has found. A group of 29 areas that represent a high risk in terms of vulnerability, abuse of power, mismanagement, or need for drastic changes was analyzed in the […] More
Image: Getty/Jay Yuno Businesses should be prepared for an extended period of heightened cyber threats and they need to take action to prevent their cybersecurity staff from being overworked, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned. While the UK’s cybersecurity body says the UK hasn’t experienced severe cyberattacks in relation to Russia’s invasion of […] More
Image: wacomka/Shutterstock The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected four quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms for general encryption and digital signatures. NIST, a US standards setting body and research organization within the Department of Commerce, announced the four algorithms after a six-year period assessing potential quantum-resistant (QR) alternatives to today’s […] More
Image: Getty Cybersecurity is hard. Technology is continually changing, cyber criminals’ tools and techniques are always evolving and maintaining the security of a network with users who each want to do their own thing without being restricted by security is a constant challenge. Special Feature Ransomware remains a significant problem, as cyber criminals threaten to […] More
Image: Getty Ransomware has been a cybersecurity issue for a long time, but last year it went mainstream. Special Feature Major ransomware attacks like those on Colonial Pipeline, the Irish Healthcare Executive and many others demonstrated how significant the problem had become as cyberattacks disrupted people’s lives. What was once a small cyber-criminal industry based […] More
Image: Getty/Bloom Productions Keeping on top of cybersecurity risks is a constant challenge. Threats including phishing, malware and ransomware are continually evolving and adapting, as cyber criminals regularly find new, innovative ways to conduct malicious hacking campaigns, break into computer systems and find a way to stay there. Special Feature This combination is proving difficult […] More
Google says it will automatically delete location logs when it detects visits to abortion clinics and domestic violence shelters. In a blog post, Jen Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of Google Core Systems & Experiences, said the changes would be rolling out in the coming weeks.Following the overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which enshrined the right to legal abortion in the United States, there are fears that data collected through search histories, medical tracking apps, and GPS location data, among other technologies, could be used in prosecutions. According to Fitzpatrick, while many privacy controls are on offer for users, the tech giant will also contribute by ensuring that some datasets are automatically wiped before such a future becomes a reality. “Given that these issues apply to healthcare providers, telecommunications companies, banks, tech platforms, and many more, we know privacy protections cannot be solely up to individual companies or states acting individually,” the executive says. Location history on your Google account is off by default, but some users may find it useful for personalized recommendations. However, if location history is enabled and a user visits a sensitive area, Google will now delete these logs automatically. Suppose the company’s systems detect a visit to places including medical facilities, counseling centers, domestic violence shelters, abortion and fertility clinics, or addiction treatment centers. In that case, Fitzpatrick says, “we will delete these entries from Location History soon after they visit.” Period tracking apps and software are also of concern. At the moment, the logs of menstruation trackers in Google Fit and Fitbit can be deleted one record at a time, but the company intends to expand this to allow multiple logs to be removed at once. Google has also reiterated its stance on law enforcement data demands. In some cases, the company is legally obligated to hand over user information. Still, users are informed when their data is shared unless Google is barred from doing so or a situation is considered an emergency. The company also publishes a regular transparency report that shares the number of law enforcement requests it receives and how many are successful. Google may push back against over-broad requests or object to providing records at all. “We remain committed to protecting our users against improper government demands for data, and we will continue to oppose demands that are overly broad or otherwise legally objectionable,” Fitzpatrick commented. “We also will continue to support bipartisan legislation, such as the NDO Fairness Act recently passed by the House of Representatives, to reduce secrecy and increase transparency around government data demands.” Previous and related coverage Have a tip? Get in touch securely via WhatsApp | Signal at +447713 025 499, or over at Keybase: charlie0 More
