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Showing posts with label China. Show all posts

Friday, 6 October 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - October 5, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

Saudi Arabia recently removed its 2013 ban on internet and voice over internet protocols (VoIP). According to the country’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), “This decision comes in line with recent trends in the ICT sector; the reliance on data revenues (Internet delivery) and added services is the global trend that operators in the Kingdom should take.”

Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

A leading Chinese messaging app, WeChat, has revealed that it will release the private information of users, including contacts and online searches, to Chinese authorities. WeChat currently boasts 662 million users.

Cryptography experts have found a flaw in the United States National Security Agency’s push for Simon and Speck encryption protocols to become global industry standards: although the NSA maintains these are secure protocols, the organization can, in fact, break them.

China has added messaging app WhatsApp to its list of Facebook products banned in the country. The ban is seen as a measure to limit communication leading up to October 18’s Communist Party congress, which will determine future leadership.

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

The continent of Africa now has its own internet domain: .africa. Users in Africa see the measure as a step towards “cyber independence” and fostering a continent-wide “internet community”.

The 2017 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa was held in South Africa, marking the first time it was not hosted by Uganda. This year’s event recognized the second annual International Day for Universal Access to Information.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe recently held its second Internet Governance Multi-Stakeholder Conference. Noted digital security trainer, Natasha Msonza, “There is no digital world and a real world, just as there are no human rights and digital rights. The two are not mutually exclusive.”

Australia plans to build a cybersecurity cooperative research center (CRC) with funding from government, industry, and research partners. The CRC is, in part, a response to the fact that Australia ranks second to last in the world for collaboration.

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

United Kingdom-based “Big Four” accounting firm Deloitte has suffered a cyberattack. The company reports that it has contacted “each of the very few clients impacted.”

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

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Friday, 1 September 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - September 1, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

“Privacy is the constitutional core of human dignity,” says India’s Supreme Court. The country joins the United States, Canada, South Africa, the European Union and the United Kingdom in recognizing this fundamental right.

China has a new internet policy: “For users who have not given identifying information, platforms for and providers of online communities may not allow posting of any kind.” In other words, real names must be used when posting online.

Privacy, Surveillance, and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

Seven members of the United States’ National Infrastructure Advisory Council have resigned. Their letter of resignation accuses President Trump of giving “insufficient attention to the growing threats to the cybersecurity of the critical systems upon which all Americans depend.”

In compliance with United States sanctions against Iran, Apple is “moving aggressively” to remove Iranian apps from its store. Most recently, the ride-hailing app Snapp was eliminated.

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

One thousand Russians protested censorship last week. The demonstration responds to measures such as a recent Putin-approved ban on VPNs, which will go into effect in November.

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

A sustained cyber spying campaign has been carried out against India and Pakistan. Several groups working on behalf of an unnamed nation state are thought to be responsible.

introducing

SumRando Stash

SumRando Stash allows you to temporarily store files securely and anonymously for file transfer and file sharing needs. With SumRando Stash, mail providers are prevented from scanning your attachments and gaining insight into your personal activities, and you don't have to worry about fumbling with USB storage devices or multiple devices. Files automatically self-destruct in 1, 7, or 30 days. SumRando Stash is currently available for Android and the web - try it today!

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

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Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - August 25, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

Donald Trump has raised the status of the United States Cyber Command to that of a Unified Combatant Command. According to the American president's statement, the Obama-era policy “will strengthen our cyberspace operations and create more opportunities to improve our Nation’s defense.”

Privacy, Surveillance, and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

Human rights groups are calling for the release of Radio France Internationale correspondent Ahmed Abba, who is serving a ten-year sentence in Cameroon for coverage related to the activities of Boko Haram. Said Reporters Without Borders’ Clea Kahn-Sriber, “The campaign will grow in strength if the authorities do not free Ahmed Abba.” #FreeAhmedAbba

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

The second Japan-India Cyber Dialogue has strengthened the two nations’ commitment to an “open, free, secure, stable, peaceful and accessible” cyberspace. The dialogue will continue in Tokyo in 2018.

United States-based Apple has added an ‘Emergency SOS’ feature to its iPhone; hitting the power button 5 times will lock the fingerprint scanner and call the police, prohibiting attackers from forcing a phone to be unlocked.

China now has a cybercourt—a place to resolve online disputes. Said cybercourt Chief Justice Du Qian, “Not only will this make lawsuits as convenient as online shopping, but it will also give online shopping the same degree of judicial protection as consumption at bricks-and-mortar stores.”

Dr. Darren Wilkins, Managing Director of the Liberia Telecommunication Corporation, took advantage of a national cybersecurity forum to ask that greater attention be paid to digital safety: “We live in a time of rapid technology and social changes. The uncomfortable and inconvenient truth is that the more we experience these technological and social changes, the more we are vulnerable to cyber threats.”

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

State-owned and private Ukrainian lenders have been warned of a new malware threat: “The nature of this malicious code, its mass distribution, and the fact that at the time of its distribution it was not detected by any anti-virus software, suggest that this attack is preparation for a mass cyber-attack on the corporate networks of Ukrainian businesses,” stated a letter from the Ukrainian central bank.

introducing

SumRando Stash

All cyber alert images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com; SumRando Stash image credit of sumrando.com.

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Friday, 18 August 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - August 18, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

The United Kingdom has a new data protection bill: “The new data protection bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, sets of data laws in the world. It will give people more control over their data, require more consent for its use, and prepare Britain for Brexit” reported digital minister Matt Hancock. The bill, which includes a ban on the reidentification of anonymized individuals, would protect journalists and whistleblowers, but not researchers.

Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

Chinese social media platforms Weibo, WeChat, and Baidu Tieba are under investigation for potential violations of cybersecurity laws. The Cyberspace Administration alleges that users are “spreading violence, terror, false rumours, pornography and other hazards to national security, public safety, [and] social order.”

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

The United Arab Emirates plan to protect the government from “advanced persistent threats” with the Federal Network (FEDNet), an advanced cyber security network that will service 35 federal entities. The technology is the UAE’s response to WannaCry and Petya, viruses that hit government bodies earlier this year.

The United States’ Palo Alto Networks has become the first cybersecurity company to engage in a Data Exchange Agreement (DEA) with INTERPOL. Sean Duca of Palo Alto Networks acknowledged, “This collaboration marks a mutual commitment to information sharing, which is necessary for preventing successful cyberattacks. Together with INTERPOL, we can continue to raise awareness and educate business leaders and reduce the collective cybersecurity risk over time.”

United Nations special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression has pushed back against Apple’s decision to comply with China’s request to remove Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) from its app store. Kaye requested “that Apple states a point of view and speaks up in the context of restrictions on fundamental rights.”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has spoken out against Australia’s proposal to require device and internet companies to provide “appropriate assistance” to government agencies in accessing encrypted communications. Said Elaine Pearson of HRW Australia, “Unfortunately, Prime Minister Turnbull’s proposal could undermine cybersecurity and human rights worldwide.”

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

The Mamba ransomware is back. In 2016, it took over 2,000 computers belonging to San Francisco’s municipal railway; now, it is after Brazilian and Saudi corporations.

Russian hackers are using the American government-made exploit ETERNALBLUE to spy on hotel guests in the Middle East and Europe. ETERNALBLUE was leaked online in April; the campaign marks its first live use.

IT systems of an Indian infrastructure company were recently compromised by Chinese hackers. The goal of the attack was to “just observe” while gaining access to sensitive information.

An investigative study has revealed that CopyKittens, an Iran-backed cyber-espionage group, is increasingly focused on attacks in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Israel, Germany, and the United States. The group targets governments and institutions in support of Tehran, Iran.

introducing

SumRando Stash

SumRando Stash allows you to temporarily store files securely and anonymously for file transfer and file sharing needs. With SumRando Stash, mail providers are prevented from scanning your attachments and gaining insight into your personal activities, and you don't have to worry about fumbling with USB storage devices or multiple devices. Files automatically self-destruct in 1, 7, or 30 days. SumRando Stash is currently available for Android and the web - try it today!

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!

Saturday, 12 August 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - August 11, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

Indonesia’s government has cancelled a ban on messaging app Telegram following a company decision to take measures to block unlawful content. Rudiantara, Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, has advised that other social media sites could be similarly evaluated in the future.

Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

German law enforcement is now able to monitor Android, iOS, and BlackBerry devices with the assistance of Remote Communication Interception Software (RCIS). With this newfound ability to directly install backdoors on targeted devices, the government will no longer look to technology companies to do so.

China has asked Apple to remove Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) from the company’s app store—and Apple has listened. Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged, “We would obviously rather not remove the apps, but like we do in other countries, we follow the law wherever we do business.”

The United States-based Electronic Privacy Information Center has filed a legal complaint against Google in response to a new advertising program that links online behavior to in-person purchases—and gives Google access to the highly sensitive purchase history of millions of American shoppers. “Google is seeking to extend its dominance from the online world to the real, offline world, and the FTC really needs to look at that,” said Marc Rotenberg of the Federal Trade Commission.

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

China’s Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology will soon release a quantum communications unit. To begin, the “unhackable” technology will connect 200 military, government, and financial officials in Shanghai and Beijing.

The 5th annual RSA Conference 2017 Asia Pacific & Japan was held in Singapore last month. Said RSA Conference Director Linda Gray Martin, “In recent months, we’ve seen more governments taking a pivotal role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape across Asia Pacific & Japan. The large turnout serves as a strong indicator that organizations are taking bolder steps towards their cybersecurity strategies.”

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

An anonymous hacker has taken 1.5 terabytes of data from television network HBO. The hacker claims to have material from ‘Game of Thrones’; the American network has thus far only confirmed that “some of our programming” was compromised.

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!

Friday, 28 July 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - July 28, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

Russia's legislature has passed a bill banning the use of virtual private networks, web proxies, and Tor. Thousands in Moscow protested the attack on a free and open internet; the legislation will next go to President Vladimir Putin for approval.

Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

Chinese telecommunications carrier Guangzhou Huoyun Information Technology has been directed to block virtual private networks (VPNs) that would otherwise be used to work around China’s Great Firewall. Said David Bandurski, editor of HKU’s China Media Project, “We can be sure that as the news in China increasingly goes digital, and as television goes mobile, the Cyberspace Administration of China’s power will grow.”

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

CyberSecurity Malaysia has announced plans to improve the country’s cyber resilience. CEO Amirudin Abdul Wahab reported, “The prevention of cyber-criminal activities is the most critical aspect in the fight against cybercrime. CyberSecurity Malaysia will continue to play a more aggressive role in educating the public on cyber security measures and helping curb cyber-criminal activities in Malaysia.”

The United States and Russia have entered talks to create a joint cybersecurity working group, but even US President Donald Trump has his concerns: “The fact that President Putin and I discussed a Cyber Security unit doesn’t mean I think it can happen. It can’t,” he said in a tweet.

The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Strategy will soon include the opening of a cybersecurity innovation center in London. The center will invest in the technology necessary to make the UK a safe place for digital business and online activity.

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!

Thursday, 29 June 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - June 29, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

In a break with previous policy, interior minister Thomas de Maiziere has announced that Germany is in the process of creating a law that would allow the government to decipher and read the private encrypted messages of apps such as WhatsApp and Signal. “We can’t allow there to be areas that are practically outside the law,” stated de Maiziere.

A terrorist attack in London has prompted British Prime Minister Theresa May to call for greater international “regulation” of cyberspace. Specifically, May is calling for companies such as Facebook and WhatsApp to provide the British government with backdoor access to messages sent by terrorism suspects.

In a vote of 363-0, Russia’s State Duma has approved legislation that would outlaw anonymizing software. News source Meduza explained, “The bill’s sponsors would give the owners of VPN networks and internet anonymizers access to Russia’s registry of blocked online resources, so they could cut access to these websites. Any Internet circumvention tools that refuse to block access to banned resources would themselves be blocked.”

A draft report from the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs has proposed end-to-end encryption for all “electronic communication data”. The legislation aims to protect communication such as “calls, internet access, instant messaging applications, email, internet phone calls and messaging provided through social media.”

Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

Pakistani man Taimoor Raza has been sentenced to death for committing an act of blasphemy on Facebook when he unknowingly engaged in an online debate about Islam with a counterterrorism officer. Raza is one of 15 individuals to be arrested in a recent crackdown on internet blasphemy.

Tweets from Pavel Durov of Russia's Telegram indicate that United States intelligence agencies have tried to bribe the company to weaken its messaging app’s encryption. Durov stated that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation has similarly pressured his company.

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

A Bangkok agreement marks the beginning of increased cybercrime cooperation between Australia, Thailand, Singapore and China. Said Australia’s Tobias Feakin, “Criminals and nefarious actors can adapt and absorb all [this information] so much quicker than governments. So if we’re not talking about it, sharing best practice and keeping on the move as well then we will soon find ourselves behind by quite a margin.”

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

A “sustained and determined” cyberattack took advantage of weak email passwords used by members of the British parliament recently. Said Liam Fox, minister for international trade, “We know that our public services are attacked so it’s not at all surprising that there should be an attempt to hack into parliamentary emails.”

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!