Uncovering Criminal Networks on Social Media Platforms
A recent WIRED report has shed light on the activities of a prolific group of hackers who have been exploiting popular social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Telegram to carry out various criminal activities, ranging from scams to sextortion schemes. Despite the efforts of content moderation systems, the group has managed to evade detection and continue their illicit operations.
Innovative AI Methodology Detects Patterns of GPS Interference in the Baltics
Researchers have recently published a paper outlining a novel AI-based approach to identify the “shape” of GPS interference incidents in the Baltic region since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. These attacks, which can disrupt or manipulate GPS signals, have caused significant navigation problems. Authorities in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have pointed the finger at Russia for the GPS disturbances in the Baltics.
Biometric Data Breach Highlights Risks of Sharing Personal Information
WIRED delved into a recent data breach at a popular gym chain, which appears to have compromised the personal information of over 1 million patrons. This incident underscores the potential dangers associated with entrusting companies with sensitive biometric data.
Strengthening the Cybersecurity of America’s Critical Infrastructure
In the United States, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been tasked with the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure from various threats, including hackers, terrorists, and natural disasters.
Amazon Faces Backlash Over Return-to-Office Policy
Amazon recently announced plans to require employees to return to the office at least three days a week, affecting workers in Silicon Valley, New York City, and Seattle. The company has faced criticism and pushback from employees in response to this decision.
Mass Surveillance Tool Deployed at US Border Raises Privacy Concerns
A report from Notus has revealed that a mass surveillance tool called TraffiCatch, which intercepts wireless signals emitted by smartwatches, earbuds, and cars, is currently being used at the border to track individuals’ locations in real-time. The tool’s manufacturer claims that it links wireless signals from commonly used devices to vehicles identified by nearby license plate readers. A sheriff’s office captain in Webb County, Texas, confirmed that the agency employs TraffiCatch to detect devices in restricted areas and identify trespassers.
While several states require law enforcement to obtain warrants before using devices that mimic cell towers to gather data from connected devices, the courts have not yet addressed the legality of passive signal interception technologies like TraffiCatch. This report highlights the increasing availability of signals intelligence technology, once limited to military use, to local governments and the general public, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance.
Alleged Indian Assassination Plot in the US Sparks Controversy
The Washington Post has reported on allegations that an officer from India’s intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing, was involved in a failed attempt to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the United States. Pannun is a dual citizen of the US and Canada and a Sikh separatist. The White House has expressed serious concern over the matter, while India’s foreign ministry has dismissed the Post report as “unwarranted” and “not helpful.” US authorities first disclosed the alleged plot in November.
OTTAWA, Sept 18 (Reuters) – Canada has information indicating that India was behind the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in a Vancouver suburb last month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday.
In a related development, Canadian authorities have previously stated that they have obtained “credible” intelligence allegedly connecting the Indian government to the murder of another separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down outside a Sikh temple in a Vancouver suburb last summer.
US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Address AI Security Threats
A new bipartisan bill, the Secure Artificial Intelligence Act, has been introduced by US Senators Mark Warner (D) and Thom Tillis (R) to establish a dedicated division within the National Security Agency focused on investigating threats targeting AI systems, known as “counter-AI.” The bill also mandates that agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) monitor and record breaches of AI systems, whether successful or not.
Currently, the NIST maintains the National Vulnerability Database, which serves as a repository for vulnerability data, while the CISA oversees the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures Program, responsible for identifying and cataloging publicly disclosed malware and other threats. The Senate bill aims to expand the government’s threat monitoring capabilities to include “adversarial machine learning,” a term that encompasses techniques used to undermine AI systems and manipulate their data, which differ significantly from traditional forms of cyberwarfare.
2 Comments
So much for privacy, huh? Looks like Big Brother’s not just watching, but moving in next door!
Privacy? In border towns, that’s becoming a relic of the past, courtesy of surveillance tech.