Privacy

Facebook vs The Sitting Bull

March 11, 2015 — Leave a comment

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We all know that native Indians have colorful and meaningful names. However, in the world of modern social networks this can be a huge disadvantage, rather than a “competitive” advantage we can envy them for. So, what is the catch with Facebook and native Indian names?

Well, it turns out that you cannot register on Facebook, if you have a name, which has some other meaning. Why? Facebook thinks that these names are the fake ones. And you know how it goes with the rigorous Facebook policy, when it comes to an unconditional obligation to use only your “real” name, don’t you?

Unfortunately, these Indians have only their own names, as they are. There are no alternatives. So, the Sitting Bull can simply forget about a Facebook account. Why have nit they tried to communicate the Facebook support about this annoying problem? Trust us, they have done their best.

They scanned their IDs. Library membership cards. They wrote letters of explanations and protests. All of those in vain. It seems that Facebook is both deaf and blind, when it comes to some basic rights of native Indians. Do they have to come up with a social network of their own? Any other option?

Happy Privacy Day

February 9, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Did you know that even the privacy has its own birthday? We are a little bit behind. Remember January the 28th. So, what are you supposed to do on that day? At least what you can do is think about the concept of privacy under the modern circumstances. What about the candles? Who is going to take care of them?

Who else, than our grandpa Microsoft. For what is worth, Microsoft has launched a privacy awareness campaign. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to guess, which date is going to be used as the official launching date, do you? OK, we have a birthday. Microsoft will take care of the birthday party.

It is time to wish something. So, what could be our privacy’s birthday wish? Now, we are obviously moving into the tricky terrain. Unfortunately, when it comes to the privacy the rule, be careful what you wish for – because it may become true and real, is not going to happen in this case by default.

Maybe, this is the only how it should be. We need to be reminded each year that our privacy is not something that is going to work all on its own. As a matter of fact, we need to have a privacy’s birthday every single month, but as to begin with, let us start with once a year, shall we? Just do not forget.

Talk To The Hand

February 7, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Here is one of the worst SF nightmares knocking at our doors, right now. More than 700 employees in one Swedish company are being offered with one extremely unusual and above all controversial choice. What do you say about an implant in your hand? Small and cozy microchip inside your own body.

These Swedish humans implant pioneers are not forced. At least, not for the time being. There is a recommendation from the manager’s level that these implants are supposed to ease their everyday’s working duties and use of machines. So, it is supposed to be a helpful and time saving tool.

Then, how come we are not convinced? Are we exaggerating or witnessing the first and most important manifestation of our brave, but bitter new future? We do not even dare to think what could happen to our already endangered and compromised privacy. Do we really need this 1984 scenario?

Is this supposed to improve our working efficiency or eliminate the last stronghold of our privacy? It just does not feel right, does it? What is going to happen to the workers, who refuse to comply with the new company’s implant policy? We were afraid, but this obviously happened too soon. Right?

Galaxy S(ecurity) 6

February 5, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Here is a promise in the air. It is entirely up to you, whether or not you are going to fall for it. Among other shiny and memorable things and features the new Samsung Galaxy 6 is supposed to do something useful for our security and privacy, as well. Can you guess what could it possibly be? Do you dare?

For what is worth, your finger comes with a big secret. There is a serious rumor about the new and improved ID fingerprint scanner. All what it would be necessary for you to do in order to use it properly is to press the specially designed area. That is all. No left or right. No forward or back. Only a simple touch.

We.do not want to spoil the party, nor ruin your optimistic mood, but there is an unavoidable dark cloud in the Samsung’s Galaxy. You have probably heard that there is a way to hack this fingerprint scan technology. Apparently, there is a way you can take the pictures of a fingerprint in order to trick the system.

This is a nice initiative and an effort, which deserves some honest respect on our end. However, what is going to happen with the old enemy within? Who or what is going to protect us from the malicious things we cannot touch with our precious and sensitive fingers? How about that Samsung for a change?

Bad Apps

January 22, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Is there such a thing as a bad app? Well, it is hard to tell. Why? On the one hand, you newbie apps, which are jumping out in an unprecedented number. On the other hand, it all comes down to the matter of your personal preferences. However, some apps are really the bad ones. No question about it.

Here is a quick overview of the most notorious ones. Unfortunately, this list can never be a final one. Girls Around Me is not a nice thing, if you are a girl whose movement is being tracked by an app. What about the app called Me So Holly? It shows you how would you look like a Jesus. The Door of Hope is not what you think.

This app tries to cure your homosexuality in 60 days. In addition, do you really want to know Who Is Jew? This app included a list of celebrity names for such a purpose. I Am Rich app allowed you to brag around for a symbolic price of only $999,99. With the Phone Story you could see how it looks making a phone in the third world country.

So, why are we telling you this story about the controversial apps? Well, there is no such a thing as a bad app police. That is why you have to keep your eyes open and alarm the cyber community as soon as you see one. There is no more efficient way to ensure the removal of a harmful app, than through a powerful public criticism. Have you seen one?

Permissions = Troubles

January 17, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Here is how the absolute majority of all cyber troubles begins for us. We like to install new apps. We hate to check a permissions list. You either do not have time or nerves to do it for each app you are about to install. Some busy little bees have done us a huge favor. Check out the infographic we included in this post.

Does this ring a bell? As you can see, it is not such a big deal, if an antivirus app asks for dozens of permissions. We can see a reason in that. In order to work properly an antivirus software needs to move freely inside your smartphone. Right? It would be crazy to deny or limit the full access for this app.

However, we are really having some difficulties in understanding why some of the most popular social network apps demand the wide scope of authorizations. For example, you have Facebook, WhatsApp, Viber, or Skype, which literally breathe down the neck of any antivirus app in the number of required permissions.

As always, it all comes down to you and your choices you have to make, this way or another, sooner or later. If a certain app asks too many and quite unusual permissions, then you have to ask yourself for a moment, do you really need this app, in the first place. Too many permissions. Not enough privacy.

Skype + Android + Bug = ?

January 12, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Do you know the solution to this question? A spy trouble. This is what you get as a result, when you combine these three elements. Why? Well, there is this annoying and potentially dangerous bug, which allows the unwanted guests to spy on your conversations and messages. Only on Android devices.

For the time being there is only one efficient solution available. You have to log out as soon as you are done with your Skupe communication. Unfortunately, this is not an extremely practical thing to do, is it? If Skype cannot be on all the time on your smartphone, then what is the use, in the first place?

For what is worth, Microsoft is fully aware of this problem. While we are writing this, its development teams are already on it, fixing it. The trouble with the curve in this story is actually a simple one. You cannot never be safe, enough. Which brings us to one of our most used sayings in the field of cyber security.

If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to worry about. Right? At least this is what the NSA has to say to you. Nothing more. Nothing less. However, this is a weak comfort for the millions of Skype users, who are sharing their most intimate thoughts through it. You have a Skype call? Are you going to answer it, or what?

Facebook 2015

January 1, 2015 — Leave a comment

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This year is definitely going to be a crucial one for Facebook. Why? On the one side, we have a new privacy policy, which is going to shake the ground of social networks, for sure. On the other hand, there is a huge legal trouble on the Facebook horizon. So, what is this supposed to mean for us and Facebook?

Well, if Facebook can hit these two birds with one stone, then the shinning and promising future is guaranteed. On the contrary, if the users are not thrilled with the new privacy policy and the lawsuits against Facebook are to be successful, then Facebook will have to prepare billions of dollars and throw them directly into the fire.

Scanning users’ private messages for the advertising purposes is still not a legal activity in California. That is why all successful lawsuits, which are protecting our privacy, are very likely to be “rewarded” with at least $10K per user. Is this enough for Facebook to be dead worried about the situation?

They can afford it, that is for sure, this way or another. But, Facebook will have to change something about the way it runs its business and treats its users. That could be a good thing to start the new year. Right? Otherwise, Facebook will discover the completely new meaning of the word privacy. 

The Lizard Squad

December 31, 2014 — Leave a comment

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Who are these guys? It turns out that we are witnessing a birth of a new phenomenon. We are already treating some hackers and hacker’s groups as the genuine rock stars. These so-called lizards have something against the most popular gaming platforms such as the Xbox Live and PSN. Why is that?

Well, to tell the truth, we are not quite sure. Maybe, they just want to prove something to themselves. This one is entirely up to them. The similar situation we had when the North Korean Bureau 121 was discovered. The “innocent” movie called the Interview was the trigger for their activities.

The trouble with the curve in this matter is that some busy little malicious cyber bees can be caught into the bigger-stronger-more labyrinth. In order to prove something and impress the cyber audience, they can attack the vital systems and literally destroy the world, as we know it today. Can we avoid that?

It is hard to tell. Maybe, we should not make provocative movies, which can annoy the dictatorship regimes all over the world. This was a joke, but not too far from the truth. We should not give the undeserved publicity to the hackers. This can be surprisingly effective. Better than any known antivirus program.

Facebook Me Your CV

December 28, 2014 — Leave a comment

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It is not a secret or a surprising news that nowadays employers demand or look for the social network links in the candidates’ CVs. Well? There are two groups of perfectly logical reasons for this decision. On the one side, there is so much we can find out about a future employee from the social networks.

Probably we are revealing too much on our social network accounts that we have wanted or initially planned. On the other side, an employee you want to hire, who knows to find his or her way around the social networks, can definitely contribute the company a lot. In numerous ways you can possibly imagine.

Finally, Facebook is pretty much determined to offer a compromising solution. Why the CEOs and Facebook has to be the worst enemies? Facebook plans to introduce some refreshing innovation, which will make it to be more business friendly. Facebook activities do not have to be necessarily associated with firing people.

This new LinkedIn like form of Facebook can allow employees to function and work in the social networks working environment. They can actually contribute to their business goals and improve the profit itself. Let us see, if it is possible to work and go on with your Facebook life with no negative changes of your working status.