What has changed since the 1990s? In addition to the explosive growth of the internet, its worldwide accessibility, and its vital importance to conducting activities of modern life, new networking technologies provide capabilities for novel internet services as well as opportunities for network operators to monetize networks further. One such change, the transition to 5G mobile networks, enables network operators to engage in a technique called network slicing. The portion of a network that is sliced can be used to provide a suite of different service offerings, each tailored to specific purposes, instead of a single, general-purpose subscription for mobile…
Author: Nora Reidy
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission fined data management platform Blackbaud $3 million for improper disclosures to individuals affected by a 2020 ransomware attack. Blackbaud told customers the incident did not compromise bank account information and Social Security numbers when, according to the SEC, security and communications personnel knew the information was accessed. Without due notice, senior management left the full disclosure out of its quarterly report and characterized a breach of personal data as hypothetical. Full Story
It’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2023, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The FTC’s recently released top frauds of 2022 have impersonation scams at #1 again. So, this NCPW, let’s talk with friends, family, and neighbors about spotting and avoiding these impersonation scams. These scams are designed to be hard to spot: It looks like an email from your bank, logo, and all. But logos are easily faked. That call has the right caller ID. But technology makes phone numbers easy to fake. Here are some ways to know what’s real and what’s fake. Full Story
When asked to explain the privacy concerns of generative artificial intelligence apps, ChatGPT listed five areas — data collection, data storage and sharing, lack of transparency, bias, and discrimination, and security risk — each with a brief description. “Overall, it’s important for companies to be transparent about the data they collect and how they use it, and for users to be aware of the potential privacy risks associated with AI chatbots,” ChatGPT said. Full Story
Even if you leave your desktop computer at home, you’ll probably stay connected when you’re vacationing – you can check your phone on the beach or on a mountaintop. Travelers often rely on technology to enhance vacations, like by sharing photos online or finding lodging on an app. Full Story
Whether you’re an eSports pro, killing a few spare minutes on your phone, or enjoying an endless fantasy realm for hours, who doesn’t love online gaming? Remember, though, that you shouldn’t lower your cybersecurity defenses because you’re racking points. Here are our 10 top tips for staying safe online with a joystick, or angry bird, in your hand. Full Story
For many people, online shopping is simply “shopping.” Who can resist one-click ordering and next-day delivery? However, online shopping isn’t just convenient for us and good for businesses…it can present many opportunities for scammers and cybercriminals. Full Story
Want to view or change your privacy/security settings, but don’t know where to find them? Use these direct links to update your privacy settings on popular devices and online services or read about your platforms’ privacy policies and statements. Full Story
With a little knowledge, a dash of effort, and a few minutes of time, you can keep your sensitive data and computer systems locked down tight. Cybersecurity does not have to be intimidating. It does not require a large investment of time or money. In fact, you can secure your digital life with trusted, free tools, and now many cybersecurity best practices can be automated. Full Story
Earlier this week, cybersecurity researchers put the Twitter alternative Mastodon under the microscope and found that the decentralized social media platform had numerous vulnerabilities and other security issues. Mastodon has seen a surge in users since tech entrepreneur Elon Musk took control of Twitter, as many have taken issue with Musk’s policies as well as his reinstatement of controversial figures including former President Donald Trump. Full Story