• Concern over DHS move to create giant information databank

    In an effort to enhance DHS’ information sharing capabilities, the department is looking to construct an integrated database known as the “Federated Information Sharing System,” a move which has raised concerns from the American Civil Liberties Union

  • Interface could help Facebook members limit security leaks

    Researchers develop a sign-up interface for Facebook apps could help members prevent personal information — and their friends’ information — from leaking out through third-party games and apps to hackers and identity thieves

  • British law enforcement exploits flaw in iTunes to spy

    British law enforcement agencies and Apple are coming under sharp criticism after it was discovered that authorities exploited a security flaw in iTunes to spy on individuals

  • Digital DNA the new DNA

    With the increasing ubiquity of computers, smart phones, and other electronic devices comes a torrent of “digital DNA,” which can be used to record an individual’s every move and even convict them of a crime

  • Drones and privacy

    With civilian unmanned surveillance drones now capable of listening in on cell phone conversations, monitoring Wi-Fi traffic, seeing into backyards and windows not visible from the street, and tracking a person’s movement privacy advocates are concerned that the rapid advances in technology could violate privacy rights

  • FTC forces Facbook to change privacy policies

    It appears that it will not be too long before Facebook could be forced to get users’ consent every time it wants to make private data available to other members. This will be the result of an agreement Facebook has reached with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over criticism of the social network’s questionable private data policies.

  • Majority of Americans willing to use biometric scanners

    A recent survey revealed that a majority of Americans are willing to provide their biometric data at airport security checkpoints, during banking transactions, and when receiving government benefits or other services

  • Americans anxious about identity theft

    Americans will go to great lengths to avoid identity theft, and many say they would take legal action against government or private organizations that compromise their personal data; more than half of surveyed Americans are willing to provide biometric data to secure their identities

  • Stuxnet-clones easily created

    Initial reports regarding Stuxnet suggested that the code was developed by elite computer experts with the help of state support and highly secretive military intelligence, but security experts working in a laboratory setting have been able to recreate key elements of the worm in a short time frame with limited resources

  • Anonymous targets child porn sites, releases names of 1,500 members

    Last week hackers from the hacktivist movement Anonymous took down more than forty child pornography websites and leaked the names of more than 1,500 members that belonged to one of the sites Law enforcement officials may have a surprising new ally in the fight against child pornography and those who distribute it

  • Privacy flaws can reveal users’ identities, locations, and digital files

    Researchers will soon notify Internet scholars of flaws in Skype and other Internet-based phone systems that could potentially disclose the identities, locations, and even digital files of the hundreds of millions of users of these systems

  • Google making search more secure

    Google is enhancing its default search service for signed-in users; over the next few weeks, many users will find themselves redirected to https://www.google.com (note the extra “s”) when they are signed in to their Google account; this change encrypts their search queries and Google’s results page

  • GAO report: DHS data mining puts personal information at risk

    A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found that DHS and its sub-agencies do not properly protect personal information when conducting counterterrorism investigations

  • Civil rights groups urge Supreme Court to rule against GPS tracking

    In advance of the Supreme Court hearing on the use of GPS tracking by law enforcement agencies, several civil liberties groups are urging the court to rule in favor of privacy rights

  • Sony hit by hackers again, 93,000 accounts compromised

    Once again Sony has been the victim of a major cyberattack. This time as many as 93,000 accounts have been compromised from Sony Entertainment Network, PlayStation Network, and Sony Online Entertainment