The recent “ransomware” computer virus outbreak is over, but the speculation is just beginning. And it begins with those quotes around the term ransomware. On Tuesday, organizations in 64 countries around the globe, according to Microsoft, found themselves beating back a virus that’s been variously named Petya, GoldenEye, or even […]
A new ransomware attack created computer chaos worldwide on Tuesday, infecting massive banks, law firms, shipping companies, and even nuclear facility Chernobyl. The outbreak — dubbed both GoldenEye and Petya by researchers — is being compared to WannaCry. While antivirus firms and IT departments struggle to get the outbreak under […]
No matter how many criminal complaints you read, the expression “JV” always sends chills downs your spine. But this line, from a complaint filed April 27 in a California federal court, stands out. “Petersen stated that he recently received via email from JV#1 a video of JV#1’s younger brother…masturbating in […]
Fake news is the new computer virus. That’s the conclusion I came to when reading a remarkable new report from computer security firm Trend Micro (PDF). If you doubt the massive efforts of underground “hackers” to influence you — and the massive cash they can make doing so — flip through […]
Often, the most vulnerable are the least likely to realize their vulnerability. And that puts them at even more risk. Insedia.com recently asked me to examine this issue a little deeper. You can read this story, and several other essays I’ve written for Insedia, by clicking here. In security, […]
Vladimir Putin has been far more visible lately with statements on the Russian-U.S. election story. Well-schooled in the art of Russian linguistic vaguery, he has alternately said that Russian free-lance hackers may have been involved, or that a 3-year-old may have been involved, all with a taunting snicker. Journalists — and […]
I looked into the problem of robocalling recently for MagnifyMoney.com. Here’s the latest: Help is coming, but it’s still going to be a while. I’d say more, but my phone is ringing. Here’s a taste of the story. Click to read the rest at MagnifyMoney.com If you’re afraid to answer […]
While the Internet stirred last night about the meaning of the word “Covfefe” — generated, one could guess, when the President fell asleep mid-Tweet, phone in hand — a far more important Trump cell phone issue got far less attention. The Associated Press reported that Trump is giving out his cell […]
People seem to be showing various degrees of trust in our new president, but here’s a sign that some probably trust him too much: A scan of Insedia’s Pitchfork database of stolen credentials shows lots of users employ “trump,” or a slight variation, as their password. That’s bad digital […]
Every successful cyberattack provides a learning opportunity for technologists. WannaCry provides two: Big organizations, particularly in health care, must learn to prioritize safety over compliance; and while doing that, they shouldn’t have to fight against American-made weaponry. For a long time, many health care providers have been worried about the wrong […]
Bob Sullivan