Dan Goodin reports:
Researchers have uncovered an
advanced malware-based operation that siphoned more than 600 gigabytes from
about 70 targets in a broad range of industries, including critical
infrastructure, news media, and scientific research.
The operation uses malware to
capture audio recordings of conversations, screen shots, documents, and
passwords, according to a blog
post published last week by security firm CyberX. Targets are initially infected using malicious
Microsoft Word documents sent in phishing e-mails. Once compromised, infected machines upload the
pilfered audio and data to Dropbox, where it’s retrieved by the attackers.
Read more on Ars
Technica.
Would you believe none of these things were required
before the Department of Financial Services thought them up?
New York financial firms will have to implement cybersecurity
programs
… “These strong,
first-in-the-nation protections will help ensure this industry has the necessary
safeguards in place in order to protect themselves and the New Yorkers they
serve from the serious economic harm caused by these devastating cyber crimes,”
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said in a news release.
The state's move comes as the Federal Reserve and Federal
Deposit Insurance Corp. are seeking suggestions and comments for potential
cybersecurity requirements for U.S. banks.
Requirements under the new regulation include:
- a cybersecurity program based on a risk assessment of each regulated firm;
- a written cybersecurity policy approved by each firm's senior officer or board of directors;
- a chief information security officer appointed by each firm;
- annual testing of cybersecurity systems and biannual system vulnerability assessments;
- an audit trail for all cyber activity;
- multifactor or risk-based authentication procedures for all system users' access; and
- secure processes for data disposal.
The New York DFS cybersecurity regulation is available on
the department's website.
For my Data management students.
At Kroger, Technology Is Changing the Grocery-Store Shopping
Experience
… For a glimpse of
how technology can affect shopping, consider Kroger Co., whose 2,778 stores make it the largest
supermarket chain in the U.S. Kroger has
deployed cameras and infrared sensors to monitor foot traffic, and is using
data algorithms to help schedule cashiers in real time. Its mobile app can analyze shopping habits and
produce relevant digital coupons. Kroger’s
latest move: testing sensor-laden interactive shelves that detect shoppers in
the aisles via their smartphones to offer them personal pricing and product
suggestions as they walk along.
… In an interview,
Mr. Hjelm discussed the imperative to make store
shopping more like online shopping—cutting wait times and creating a
more interactive experience—with technology such as the Internet of Things,
data analytics and video. Edited
excerpts follow:
Interesting. Should
my rates drop because I don’t have a smartphone? Is the assumption that everyone has one?
Smartphone addicts driving car insurance rates higher
Distracted by their smartphones, America’s drivers are
becoming more dangerous by the day. And as The Wall Street Journal
reports, their behavior is pushing auto-insurance rates even higher as insurers
struggle to keep up.
Costs associated with crashes are outpacing premium
increases for some companies, and insurers say the use of smartphones to talk,
text and access the internet while on the road is a new and important factor
behind the wrecks.
Apparently, there is money in moving money.
TransferWise launches international money transfers via
Facebook
Money transfer company TransferWise has launched a new
service that allows users to send money internationally through Facebook Inc's
chat application, as competition in the digital payments landscape intensifies.
The London-based startup
said on Tuesday that it had developed a Facebook Messenger "chatbot",
or an automated program that can help users communicate with businesses and
carry out tasks such as online purchases.
(Related).
Alibaba’s Ant Financial Will Invest $200 Million in This
Korean Payment Firm
China's Ant Financial will invest $200 million in Kakao
Pay, the mobile payment subsidiary of South Korean messaging platform giant
Kakao Corp, extending a major
push by the Chinese firm to create a global network of financial assets.
… The firm, the
payment affiliate of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding, announced
an $880
million deal for U.S. money-transfer firm MoneyGram International last
month.
… "Ant's
ultimate goal is to become a global payments monster—the biggest, broadest
option for consumers," said Ben Cavender, Shanghai-based principle for China
Market Research.
"The challenge is facing strong
local players around the world, so it's cheaper to buy into these companies
rather than burning money to steal market share from them."
Another large investment area…
Spending spree: Samsung rumored to have $1 billion put aside
to buy AI companies
… The massive sum
won’t only be used for acquisitions, but also to invest in companies involved
in AI. Although there’s no question a
billion dollars will buy you plenty of talent and tech, it’s still only a
fraction of the $8 billion Samsung recently spent acquiring Harman
International. However, while the two
may not initially seem connected — Harman is best known for its in-car
infotainment systems and other audio/visual equipment — it has divisions hard
at work on AI projects, smart cities, and voice
control. These are all key applications
for AI and machine learning technology.
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