Privacy & Security — News & Popular Guides
Risk of Ransomware to National Infrastructure
The shutdown of Colonial Pipeline, which delivers gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel to much of the East Coast, is a reminder that essential institutions and the people they serve are vulnerable to potentially devastating cyberattacks.
Facial Recognition Loses Support as Bias Claims Rise
Following the lead of San Francisco, Boston and several other cities, Detroit is poised to end a contract with a company that provides facial recognition technology to its police department.
Video & Podcast: Amelia Vance from the Future of Privacy Forum
Privacy is always an important issue but never more so than during this Covid-19 pandemic when people are being asked to consider giving up some privacy in the name of public health. Whether it's tracing apps or decisions about who gets to go to work or school, there...
Why It Is Essential to Keep your Operating Systems Up to Date
Regardless of what device you’re using — an iPhone or iPad, an Android phone or tablet, a Mac, a Windows PC or even a smart home appliance — it’s important to keep operating systems, apps and browsers updated with the latest security patches.
Quick-Guide to Secure Passwords
The FBI along with other security experts are now recommending a “pass phrase” rather than simply a password. Such a phrase should be relatively long – at least 15 characters.
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How to Keep 'Zoombombers' from Disrupting your Online Meetings or Classes
As you may have heard, several school districts, including New York City, are banning the use of Zoom video conferencing because of security and privacy concerns.
Avoiding Financial Fraud During Covid-19
ConnectSafely’s CEO Larry Magid speaks with US Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Tom Edwards and Visa VP Lori Hodges about why financial fraud is expected to increase in the coming weeks
Prepare Now in Case You Need Remote Tech Support During Coronavirus Crisis
If you’re like most people, you probably have occasional problems with your PC, Mac or other devices. And while some people have the technical skills to solve these problems themselves, most people rely on help from tech support
Data Refute President’s Linkage Between Violent Videogames & Mass Shootings
In his address to the nation following a weekend of two mass shootings, President Trump made a reference to violent video games, suggesting that these games may have something to do with shootings such as the ones that took place in El Paso and Akron.
FaceApp Requires Caution, Not Fear
There are four lessons when it comes to FaceApp. Read on for advice about staying safe on the popular app.
Safety and Privacy of Smart Displays and Speakers at Home and in the Classroom
We discuss our use of the Facebook Portal as well as other smart displays and speakers that they have tested. There are privacy and safety implications, but they can be managed.
Google Password Checkup Helps Make Sure You Have Secure and Unique Passwords
Weak or compromised passwords are among the biggest threats to online security and privacy. Once cyber criminals get hold of your password, they can not only use it to break into your account but sell it to other criminals
How to Disable Facetime till Apple Fixes Serious Privacy Flaw
As you may have heard, there is a flaw on Apple Facetime for iOS and Mac that makes it possible for someone to listen in on what the microphone of another user hears even if that person hasn’t accepted the call.
Facebook Cracking Down on Misbehaving Page Operators
One of Facebook’s main sources of fake news and other inauthentic activity are pages operated by unscrupulous or simply careless operators that post poor quality content.
AI, Machine Learning Battle Child Sexual Exploitation
I’ve seen a steady increase in the number of reports to the organization’s CyberTipline about online child sexual abuse images (child porn) and other crimes against children.
Facebook's New Tech to Counter Child Sex Abuse Images
Podcast | ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid speaks with Michelle DeLaune, senior VP and COO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) about the center’s work and new technology being used at Facebook to very quickly identify and remove child pornography.
Dire Warnings About Children Dying Because of Apps and Games are a Form of ‘Juvenoia’
We can educate children and families about the dangers that surely exist in the Internet world, without having to exaggerate the nature of the danger and the degree to which the Internet itself is a risk amplifying environment.
The Good and Bad of Location Sharing
Two recent news stories about cell phone location services recently caught my eye. One was a positive development and the other quite negative, until it was at least partially fixed.
How to Protect your Router and Home Network from the VPNFilter Malware
The FBI recommends “any owner of small office and home office routers power cycle (reboot) the devices.” It’s in response to a malware threat called VPNFiler that can render routers inoperable and potentially steal information, according to the bureau. There is also the risk of your home or business network infecting other networks.
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