Tech & Security Weekly FAQ: January 7th, 2025

1. Why is Apple paying $95 million in a lawsuit about Siri?

Apple is settling a lawsuit alleging Siri "unintentionally" recorded private conversations without user consent. The lawsuit claimed these recordings were shared with third parties and used for targeted advertising. While denying wrongdoing, Apple will compensate affected users up to $20 per Siri-enabled device purchased between September 2014 and December 2024 and delete recordings obtained before October 2019.

2. What happened to MyGiftCardSupply's customer data?

MyGiftCardSupply, an online gift card store, exposed hundreds of thousands of customers' identity documents due to a publicly accessible storage server with no password protection. This server contained sensitive information like driver licenses, passports, and selfies taken for KYC compliance, putting customers at risk of identity theft.

3. Are Chrome extensions safe to use?

Hackers are increasingly targeting Chrome extensions, including popular VPNs and AI tools, by injecting malicious code through updates. This can compromise user data and accounts. Users are advised to carefully review extension permissions, only install extensions from trusted sources, and be cautious of unexpected updates.

4. Is Windows 10 still relevant despite the release of Windows 11?

Despite Microsoft's promotion of Windows 11, Windows 10 remains the dominant desktop OS, holding a 62.7% market share. This is partly due to user reluctance to upgrade and a significant increase in Windows 10 installations in the US. However, support for many Windows 10 versions ends in October 2025, pushing users towards either extended security updates or potential vulnerabilities.

5. Why is outdated firmware a concern for medical devices?

The Illumina iSeq 100 DNA sequencer and other medical devices use outdated firmware, leaving them vulnerable to malware attacks. Without security features like Secure Boot, malicious code can hide in the firmware, compromising device integrity and potentially patient safety. This highlights the need for manufacturers to prioritize firmware updates and security protocols in medical equipment.

6. How are Chinese hackers evolving their tactics?

Chinese hackers, allegedly linked to the military and intelligence, have shifted from corporate espionage to targeting critical US infrastructure, including water utilities, airports, and energy grids. This suggests preparation for potential geopolitical conflicts, particularly concerning Taiwan, aiming to disrupt US response capabilities. The sophistication and potential impact of these attacks raise serious concerns about escalating cyber-warfare between the two countries.

7. Why are New Yorkers saying goodbye to the R46 subway cars?

New York City is retiring its iconic R46 subway cars, known for their unique seating arrangement and nostalgic charm. These trains are being replaced by the modern R211 cars, featuring brighter lighting, enhanced accessibility, and longitudinal seating to optimize passenger flow. While some lament the loss of a cultural symbol, the upgrade promises a more efficient and modern transit experience.

8. What does Meta's decision to end fact-checking mean for Facebook and Instagram users?

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is ending its fact-checking program and loosening content moderation policies. Zuckerberg claims this aims to promote free speech, but critics argue it will lead to a surge in misinformation and harmful content. This shift raises concerns about the platforms' role in shaping online discourse and their potential impact on political and social issues.

Episode 224

Loose Lips Sink Ships. The IT Privacy and Security Weekly Update for the Week Ending January 7th 2025.

1/7/2025

0 Comments

​Episode 224- click the pic to hear the podcast - In this week's update: Siri couldn't keep her ear shut, and then her loose lips cost Apple $95M as they learned the lesson: "Privacy isn’t optional."
Nothing says 'secure' like a password-free server holding 600,000 IDs, turning this gift card gaffe into MyGiftCardSupply's latest disaster.
Hackers taught Chrome extensions a new trick, making Chrome chaos all about stealing your data, now enhanced with AI flair.
Windows 10 users are hanging on tighter than your grandma's grip on her landline, epitomizing Windows woes as the OS refuses to fade.
When your DNA sequencer runs firmware older than your Spotify playlist, this medical equipment drama becomes more science fiction than science.
Chinese hackers aren’t just stealing blueprints—they’re blueprinting the future of cyberwarfare, potentially marking cyber as the next battleground.
Be kind to New Yorkers this week, they lose their 50 year old R46 subway cars, where love-seats met New York grit, and gain a congestion charge that is hitting them like a new variant of Covid.
Zuck says goodbye to fact-checking, ensuring Meta leaves the internet or at least their portion of it, bracing for chaos (again).
Siri can't hear us if we keep moving. Let's go!

Find the full transcript for this podcast here.

IT Privacy and Security Weekly Update FAQ - December 31st, 2024

1. Why isn't Apple building its own search engine?

Apple has stated that developing a search engine is "outside of its core expertise" and would require substantial investment and resources. The company also cites the rapidly evolving field of AI as a deterrent, making such a venture "economically risky." Apple currently receives a significant revenue stream from Google for being the default search engine on Apple devices, making the development of their own search engine less appealing.

2. What's the story behind Raspberry Pi's recent surge in value?

Raspberry Pi, the maker of affordable single-board computers, saw its valuation exceed $1 billion in December 2024, driven primarily by increased demand in the U.S. market. The company's success is attributed to the versatility and low cost of its computers, which are popular among hobbyists, educators, and professionals. This accessibility has broadened the reach of computing and fueled Raspberry Pi's impressive growth.

3. How did Chinese hackers breach the U.S. Treasury Department?

Chinese state-sponsored hackers exploited a vulnerability in a third-party cybersecurity service provider used by the U.S. Treasury Department. By compromising this provider, the hackers gained access to a security key that allowed them to remotely access employee workstations and steal unclassified documents. This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the risks associated with reliance on third-party services.

4. Why are missiles now the biggest threat to airline passengers?

Accidental missile strikes on commercial aircraft have become the leading cause of aviation deaths in recent years, surpassing terrorism and other threats. This alarming trend is driven by rising global tensions and the increasing availability of advanced antiaircraft weaponry, making civilian flights in or near conflict zones particularly vulnerable. Despite overall advancements in aviation safety, these incidents highlight the unintended consequences of armed conflict on civilian air travel.

5. Why are so many senior citizens struggling with student loan debt?

A growing number of older Americans are facing a substantial student loan burden, with collective debt reaching $121 billion. Many seniors took out loans later in life for their own education or to support their children's studies. This debt burden presents a significant financial strain, particularly for those on fixed incomes or facing limited job opportunities in retirement.

6. What happened with the VW data leak, and what does it mean for EV owners?

Volkswagen Group suffered a major data breach that exposed the sensitive information of 800,000 electric vehicle owners, including GPS location data, battery statuses, and user habits. The data was left unsecured on Amazon's cloud for several months, potentially allowing tech-savvy individuals to link vehicles to owners' personal information. This incident emphasizes the importance of robust data security measures as vehicles become increasingly connected and reliant on data sharing.

7. How is Maine's Mountain View Correctional Facility using remote work to help inmates?

Mountain View Correctional Facility in Maine is offering inmates remote work opportunities with private companies. This program aims to equip inmates with valuable skills and experience, improving their chances of securing employment upon release. Inmates earn competitive wages while working remotely, contributing to restitution, room and board, and developing financial responsibility.

8. What can we learn from these recent events in IT privacy and security?

These events underscore the evolving landscape of digital security and privacy. From state-sponsored hacking to data leaks and the increasing vulnerability of air travel, individuals and organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their information and systems.