I had been anticipating this for a while: there has finally been a publicly known case where the social contact between ransomware extortionists and their victims had been broken. The contract? That…
On weakening encryption
07 March 2016
07 March 2016
Privacy, Security
cybersecurity, drown, encryption, government, security, vulnerability
It’s history time! While we are discussing Apple vs FBI and the ongoing legal battles over encryption, let’s consider how American politics have already prevented technology from being as good…
Over the past few years, we have had plenty of time to read about the exploits of malicious hackers. These have appeared on the news so many times that we…
Stop hiding behind Terms and Conditions
14 February 2016
14 February 2016
Ethics & Fraud, Information & Communication
ass covering, T&C, terms and conditions, TnC
It was revealed two months ago that toy company VTech was hacked. The criminals broke in and stole information including the birth dates and addresses of millions of children and their…
Free Basics (under the umbrella of internet.org) is a service by Facebook to bring “essential services” of the internet to the unconnected people of the world for free. Doing so would…
I have advocated password managers in a few previous posts. Here are a few considerations when you go about picking one for your own use: How are your passwords stored?…
When is 2FA not 2FA?
24 December 2015
24 December 2015
Security
2FA, access control, authentication, cybersecurity, MFA, security
Security experts strongly recommend using 2-factor authentication (2FA) for accessing critical accounts, such as your bank account. What precisely does this mean? Authentication methods are divided into three factors: Something…
Should we ban encryption so that terrorists can’t use it?
09 December 2015
09 December 2015
Information & Communication, Security
backdoor, cybersecurity, encryption, privacy, security, terrorism
Short answer: No. Read on. A pattern has been emerging in the last few years of terror attacks: An attack happens, then politicians and spying bureau chiefs call for increased…
Did the Paris shooters communicate using Playstation 4?
18 November 2015
18 November 2015
Information & Communication
communication, messaging, security, terrorism
The news has been spreading that the Paris shooters planned their attacks using the Playstation 4. Is this true? 1. There is no reason to believe that it is. 2.…
Do you use a lock with the red and white icon as the one in the picture? If so, I hope that you do not think your luggage to be…