UK’s Total Fitness exposed nearly 500k images of members and staff through unprotected database

June 17, 2024 at 06:45AM A security researcher disclosed that UK health club Total Fitness failed to secure a database containing over 474,000 images, including members’ personal data. The leaked information comprised identity documents, bank details, and sensitive records. The company defended data collection for operational use, but hadn’t notified all affected members. The incident … Read more

Microsoft Delaying Recall Feature to Improve Security

June 14, 2024 at 06:39AM Microsoft has postponed the launch of the Recall feature preview due to security and privacy concerns. It allows users to find past screenshots on their PC, but experts have pointed out potential risks of sensitive data being obtained by malware. The feature will now be rolled out through the Windows … Read more

Cisco fixes WebEx flaw that allowed government, military meetings to be spied on

June 7, 2024 at 11:15AM This week, Cisco addressed critical bugs in WebEx that allowed unauthorized access to meeting information and metadata, potentially compromising security and privacy. Dutch government conference calls were exposed, along with sensitive details about high-profile officials. While Cisco has fixed the bugs and notified affected customers, investigations are ongoing, and potential … Read more

The AI Debate: Google’s Guidelines, Meta’s GDPR Dispute, Microsoft’s Recall Backlash

June 7, 2024 at 08:06AM Google is advising Android app developers to responsibly implement generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) features to combat problematic content, such as sexual content and hate speech. Meanwhile, Meta’s use of public data for AI has prompted privacy concerns and a GDPR complaint. Microsoft’s Recall feature is facing scrutiny due to privacy … Read more

Researchers Show How Malware Could Steal Windows Recall Data

June 5, 2024 at 09:30AM Microsoft’s Recall feature, enabled by default on new Copilot+ PCs, captures user activity through regular screenshots stored locally. However, cybersecurity researchers have raised concerns over potential data theft, with demonstrations showing information-stealing malware could access sensitive data. They also highlighted the feature’s security vulnerabilities, prompting Microsoft to address the issues … Read more

Microsoft’s ‘Recall’ Feature Draws Criticism From Privacy Advocates

May 24, 2024 at 02:32PM Microsoft is introducing “Recall,” an AI-powered feature that enables users to find and remember content on their PC. The technology takes periodic snapshots, storing them locally and fully encrypted. However, this has raised privacy concerns, as critics worry about potential exposure of sensitive information. Microsoft assures users of control and … Read more

Apple wasn’t storing deleted iOS photos in iCloud after all

May 23, 2024 at 01:27PM Security researchers reverse-engineered Apple’s iOS 17.5.1 update, revealing a bug causing deleted images to reappear. Despite widespread concerns, Apple remained silent. The update fixed the bug, easing privacy worries. Researchers identified changes in the update, which revealed the bug’s cause. Apple’s silence prompted speculation about data policies. BleepingComputer’s attempts to … Read more

UK’s Investigatory Powers Bill to become law despite tech world opposition

April 26, 2024 at 08:07AM The UK’s Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill 2024, approved by the King, extends digital surveillance powers under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. It allows authorities to gather more data on citizens, citing national security and child protection. Critics oppose the expanded scope, citing privacy concerns and potential impact on technology innovation … Read more

OpenTable won’t add first names, photos to old reviews after backlash

April 14, 2024 at 06:35PM OpenTable faced backlash for revealing members’ names and profile pictures in past anonymous restaurant reviews. After user feedback, the decision was reversed, and old reviews will remain anonymous. However, new reviews will include first names and profile pictures, aiming to increase transparency in restaurant reviews. The new policy’s implementation date … Read more

UK flooded with forged stamps despite using barcodes — to prevent just that

April 13, 2024 at 05:35AM Royal Mail switched to barcoded stamps for added security and efficiency, offering an exchange program until July 2023. However, multiple senders faced fines for “counterfeit stamps” despite purchasing them from legitimate sources. Investigations revealed Chinese suppliers offering forged stamps, leading to a diplomatic dispute and blame game. The transition to … Read more