Our latest in security articles are becoming quite full these days and this one is no exception. It started when all of Dallas’ tornado sirens were hacked all go off at the same time. Then, the US dropped the MOAB, an enormous 22,600 pound bomb known as the ‘Mother of All Bombs.’
The FBI also had some success taking down a Russian spam king and his equally impressive botnet, so you might have had less spam in your inbox this week. We also had a chat with one the world’s best car hackers about the challenges of securing an autonomous taxi. In addition, we examined the dark underworld of content moderation training. When you thought that the Shadow Brokers had had enough, they leaked a bunch of NSA secrets highlighting vulnerable Microsoft systems and Middle Eastern bank systems.
In the Trump world, the FBI obtained a FISA warrant against Carter Page but still he is innocent until proven guilty. Finally, a conservative group has announced they are suing the EPA to get access to messages they may have sent over signal.
The FBI also had some success taking down a Russian spam king and his equally impressive botnet, so you might have had less spam in your inbox this week. We also had a chat with one the world’s best car hackers about the challenges of securing an autonomous taxi. In addition, we examined the dark underworld of content moderation training. When you thought that the Shadow Brokers had had enough, they leaked a bunch of NSA secrets highlighting vulnerable Microsoft systems and Middle Eastern bank systems.
In the Trump world, the FBI obtained a FISA warrant against Carter Page but still he is innocent until proven guilty. Finally, a conservative group has announced they are suing the EPA to get access to messages they may have sent over signal.
YouTube Network Hacked by OurMine
OurMine breached 1000s of YouTube accounts that are part of a large media network called Studio71, with over 1,200 popular channels. They were able to change the title and description field of every video, but they were mostly innocent messages how the group is testing security.
Microsoft Word Booby Trapped
This new tactic has never been seen before as Microsoft Word documents were ‘Booby Trapped’ to infect your computer with some sort of Malware. It was discovered by security researchers at McAfee and it’s just the latest reminder that you really shouldn’t click on any email attachment that comes across as sketchy. Here’s how it worked. The file seemed like any old Word document, but there was a code concealed inside of it. It then downloads a Rich Text Format Word doc that is the actual source of Malware. This malware was also very damaging to Windows 10, which is now the most common OS out there.
Why Tilting Your Phone could be revealing your PIN
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered that there’s a way your phone tilts as you enter your PIN could in fact give it away. By relying on a smartphone’s gyroscope, the researchers could guess your 4 digit passcode with an incredible 70% accuracy on the first try and the nearly 100% within times. While it’s a cool hack in theory, it would difficult for a hacker to target.
One More Car Hack Revs Up
At an Israeli research firm Argus, a new way to hack a car has been discovered, which could even stop a vehicle while it is in motion. While it took very specific conditions like having a Bluetooth connection in order to work, it’s still an interesting technological development.
OurMine breached 1000s of YouTube accounts that are part of a large media network called Studio71, with over 1,200 popular channels. They were able to change the title and description field of every video, but they were mostly innocent messages how the group is testing security.
Microsoft Word Booby Trapped
This new tactic has never been seen before as Microsoft Word documents were ‘Booby Trapped’ to infect your computer with some sort of Malware. It was discovered by security researchers at McAfee and it’s just the latest reminder that you really shouldn’t click on any email attachment that comes across as sketchy. Here’s how it worked. The file seemed like any old Word document, but there was a code concealed inside of it. It then downloads a Rich Text Format Word doc that is the actual source of Malware. This malware was also very damaging to Windows 10, which is now the most common OS out there.
Why Tilting Your Phone could be revealing your PIN
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered that there’s a way your phone tilts as you enter your PIN could in fact give it away. By relying on a smartphone’s gyroscope, the researchers could guess your 4 digit passcode with an incredible 70% accuracy on the first try and the nearly 100% within times. While it’s a cool hack in theory, it would difficult for a hacker to target.
One More Car Hack Revs Up
At an Israeli research firm Argus, a new way to hack a car has been discovered, which could even stop a vehicle while it is in motion. While it took very specific conditions like having a Bluetooth connection in order to work, it’s still an interesting technological development.