Day: July 25, 2018

Kremlin hackers ‘jumped air-gapped networks’ to pwn US power utilities

Posted on by Robin Edgar

The US Department of Homeland Security is once again accusing Russian government hackers of penetrating America’s critical infrastructure. Uncle Sam’s finest reckon Moscow’s agents managed to infiltrate computers networks within US electric utilities – to the point where the miscreants could have virtually pressed the off switch in control rooms, yanked the plug on the Read more about Kremlin hackers ‘jumped air-gapped networks’ to pwn US power utilities[…]

UK snooping ‘unlawful for more than decade’ – but seemingly (and amazingly) responsible

Posted on by Robin Edgar

The system that allowed spy agency GCHQ access to vast amounts of personal data from telecoms companies was unlawful for more than a decade, a surveillance watchdog has ruled. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal said that successive foreign secretaries had delegated powers without oversight. But it added there was no evidence GCHQ had misused the system. Read more about UK snooping ‘unlawful for more than decade’ – but seemingly (and amazingly) responsible[…]

Hackers Breached Virginia Bank Twice in Eight Months, Stole $2.4M

Posted on by Robin Edgar

Hackers used phishing emails to break into a Virginia bank in two separate cyber intrusions over an eight-month period, making off with more than $2.4 million total. Now the financial institution is suing its insurance provider for refusing to fully cover the losses. According to a lawsuit filed last month in the Western District of Read more about Hackers Breached Virginia Bank Twice in Eight Months, Stole $2.4M[…]

Bluetooth security: Flaw could allow nearby attacker to grab your private data

Posted on by Robin Edgar

A cryptographic bug in many Bluetooth firmware and operating system drivers could allow an attacker within about 30 meters to capture and decrypt data shared between Bluetooth-paired devices. The flaw was found by Lior Neumann and Eli Biham of the Israel Institute of Technology, and flagged today by Carnegie Mellon University CERT. The flaw, which Read more about Bluetooth security: Flaw could allow nearby attacker to grab your private data[…]

On Highway Noise Barriers, the Science Is Mixed. Are There Alternatives?

Posted on by Robin Edgar

Engineers and acousticians have known for years that the sound barriers bracketing America’s urban and suburban highways are only marginally useful, and that a variety of better technologies could be developed. The problem: Nobody has an incentive to get them on the road. “Walls are not a very effective solution,” said Robert Bernhard, vice president Read more about On Highway Noise Barriers, the Science Is Mixed. Are There Alternatives?[…]