Thunderbolt 4 is coming, with Intel detailing the next-generation port that promises better performance and more security, as well as greater flexibility on laptops and desktops. Sticking with the same USB Type-C connector as Thunderbolt 3 - and indeed backward compatible with the existing port - computers with Thunderbolt 4 will now support two 4K displays instead of just one.
Long gone are the days when Windows is the only vulnerable operating system or at least the most reported one. Mac and Linux computers have their own share of vulnerabilities, some worse than others, but recent times have made them just as enticing to data and money thieves as Microsoft's platform. And then there is Android and iOS which is home to even more personal and sensitive data than our desktops and laptops. A new ransomware has popped up that specifically targets Macs and its mere existence is reason enough for both users and developers to wake up and be on guard.
Some people take it as a badge of honor when you've become big or popular enough to be the target of attacks. Considering how OnePlus is slowly becoming such a target, one could assume it has definitely crossed that threshold. Unfortunately, it also means that the company has to step up its efforts in making sure that most of its biggest security holes are not left open for long. Sometimes it may not be directly in control but it still has the responsibility of safeguarding its customers' information. Fortunately, it was able to plug up such a gaping hole in this latest case before the cat got out of the bag, at least as far as we know.
Smartphones have put a lot of power into our hands, literally, but they have also exposed potential security and privacy violations in things we've been taking for granted on desktops. Things like asking permission to use certain hardware and software capabilities were almost an alien concept on desktop operating systems until Android and iOS showed how those can be easily abused, like how some mobile apps have been discovered to be reading clipboard content even when not in use.
This week Facebook admitted to wrongly sharing the personal data of thousands of app users with thousands of developers. The issue here isn't as simple as Facebook selling your personal information to advertisers, or Facebook allowing political advertisers to publish inaccuracies and lies on their platforms. Instead, it's more like a little mistake. A little mistake that lends more evidence to the idea that when a company is as big as Facebook, a little mistake can have big consequences.
The deadline for affected apps to implement Apple's new single sign-on or SSO experience has now passed. Announced mid-2019, the system was praised for its privacy-focused implementation compared to what the likes of Facebook and Google have been offering on apps and services for years. While few will contest Apple's intentions and the security of its system, there are some who are still on the fence about it. In fact, one app will be throwing out all third-party logins because of the problems that Apple won't tell you about Sign in with Apple.
One of Android's selling features is its openness. Some of it is by design, like the ability to use different app launchers or default apps. Others, however, are products of some rather involved hacking and development, specifically rooting and custom ROMs. Unfortunately, it seems that the latter set of superpowers might soon be coming to an end as Google ramps up its efforts to secure the Android platform, a move that could also make that same platform less attractive to a particular class of users.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has dealt a new blow to Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE, alleging that they are both national security threats. With an official proclamation established, the FCC says that its Universal Service Fund cannot be used to purchase or otherwise support any services or hardware from either company. The move follows years of US government concern over potential espionage and security issues related to hardware from Chinese companies.
Although Google loves to talk about how it uses the latest AI and machine learning technologies to power its anti-malware systems, Android's security and its sibling privacy are almost points of ridicule for the mobile platform. Of course, that gives Google even more reasons to double down on improving Android's security and privacy features. Such is the case with Android 11 and Google developers are now sharing the changes that will affect how users interact with apps and permissions.
The Internet of Things market, from smart homes to smart cars, promises a lot of conveniences but, like everything, also comes with hidden costs. For this segment of products, that cost is a reliance on the Internet or at least some form of connectivity. While some devices can continue working even after remote servers go dark, others are so intricately tied to the cloud that they immediately stop working once that plug is pulled, like the dozens of Guardzilla security cameras that have now become totally worthless without any warning.
Another major city in the United States, Boston, has banned the use of facial recognition technology for surveillance purposes, stating that not only does this tech trample 'on everyone’s rights to anonymity and privacy,' but it also enforces systemic racism and makes it easier for communities to target minorities. Boston joins five other regions in Massachusetts that have also banned their respective governments from using these systems.
Google's enacted an auto-delete system in their Web & App Activity section of all user accounts. Google Account settings will include an "auto-delete" option by default. It'll be up to you to decide when Google deletes your user info - or if you'd like them to keep your info forever. But don't let that make you think you're good to go forever, automatically! It's not quite that simple.