Not just random servers…

https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/security-data-protection/snake-ransomware-targeting-entire-corporate-networks/

SNAKE Ransomware Targeting Entire Corporate Networks

… SNAKE isn’t the first ransomware that’s directed its focus to entire corporate networks. Back in March 2019, for instance, researchers discovered a new variant of the CryptoMix Clop ransomware family that claimed to target entire networks instead of individual users’ machines. A few months later, the security community learned of a new crypto-ransomware threat called “TFlower” targeting corporate environments via exposed Remote Desktop Services (RDS).

The emergence of SNAKE ransomware highlights the need for organizations to defend themselves against a ransomware infection. They can use these recommendations to prevent a ransomware infection in the first place. They should also consider investing in a solution like Tripwire File Analyzer for the purpose of detecting suspicious files and behavior on the network.

Eventually we will get it right. Unfortunately, I think it will take a major hack to spur us to action.

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/615019/new-secure-voting-machines-are-still-vulnerablebecause-of-voters/

New “secure” voting machines are still vulnerable—because of voters

A new study of voting machines is spotlighting the “serious risk” that election results can be manipulated because most voters do not check that their ballot is correct, according to new research.

… The research raises questions about hackable computers and post-election audits—two major issues in election cybersecurity—just weeks before the first US primary votes are cast in Iowa on February 3.

Probably won’t eliminate TSA. Does it also detect ‘box cutters’ like those used on 9/11?

https://venturebeat.com/2020/01/08/evolv-raises-30-million-to-expedite-security-screenings-with-ai/

Evolv raises $30 million to expedite security screenings with AI

Perhaps the worst thing about air travel is having to wade through congested airport security. Wait times at airports like Salt Lake City International and Washington Dulles regularly exceed half an hour on average, and that’s assuming folks follow TSA instructions.

The founders of Evolv Technology, a Waltham, Massachusetts-based security startup specializing in tech-based screening technology, think they have a better solution: the Evolv Edge and Express. They’re self-contained and portable gates that tap AI, machine learning, and millimeter wave sensors to expedite security screenings in high-traffic places.

… It remains unclear how the Edge’s threat detection rates compare to traditional checkpoints. A leaked 2015 TSA report revealed that Department of Homeland Security investigators managed to sneak weapons and fake bombs past airport screeners in an alarming 95% of attempts.

Another view.

Winston Privacy Releases New Report on the State of Data Privacy

From AiThority:

The ‘Navigating the Age of Surveillance’ report uncovers changing consumer attitudes, the rise of third-party tracking and the need for mandated data privacy protection

Winston Privacy, an innovative start-up and makers of the Winston privacy filter, released a new report titled, “Navigating the Age of Surveillance” and results of a national survey revealing consumers’ attitudes about data privacy.

Read more on AiThority.

[Registration requied. https://winstonprivacy.com/pages/state-of-privacy-report-2020

Have you been waiting for a refrigerator than has this ability? Has anyone?

https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/samsung-fridge-ai-suggest-recipes-ces-2020/

Samsung’s new food A.I. can suggest recipes based on what’s in your fridge

Imagine if, after a long day at work, your fridge could look to see what you’ve got in stock and then suggest a meal composed of those ingredients. That’s what Samsung has developed with a new personalized cooking experience feature for its fridges, shown off at CES.

Is this surprising in a Congress where Senators are willing to attack Facebook without bothering to learn how the company makes money?

https://www.bespacific.com/copy-paste-legislate-beta/

Copy, Paste, Legislate Beta

The Center for Public Integrity – “Do you know if a bill introduced in your statehouse — it might govern who can fix your shattered iPhone screen or whether you can still sue a pedophile priest years later — was actually written by your elected lawmakers? Use this new tool to find out. Spoiler alert: The answer may well be no. Thousands of pieces of “model legislation” are drafted each year by business organizations and special interest groups and distributed to state lawmakers for introduction. These copycat bills influence policymaking across the nation, state by state, often with little scrutiny. This news application was developed by the Center for Public Integrity, part of a year-long collaboration with USA TODAY and the Arizona Republic to bring the practice into the light…”