“Oh, those incorrigible password abusers. After all these years of being shamed (if they cared or were paying attention), they’re still using “123456” as a password. This year, according to SplashData’s annual worst password list, that stale cracker came in at No. 1.”
Signal says it can’t allow government access to users’ chats
“Last week, the Australian government passed the country’s controversial Access and Assistance Bill 2018 into law, legislation that allows government agencies to demand access to encrypted communications. Companies that don’t comply with the new law could face fines of up to AU$10 million ($7.”
Google Accelerates Google+ Shutdown After Discovery of New Security Hole
“Google had to face reality earlier this year when it announced that its Google+ social network would shut down for consumers. It said usage of G+ had fallen to basically zero, and a security review had found a nasty API bug.”
Further thaw in Apple-Amazon relations: Alexa will now stream Apple music
“Amazon said Friday that Apple’s music-streaming service will soon be available on its Alexa-powered devices, signaling a further thaw in the relationship between the tech titans.”
T-Mobile launches mobile banking solution T-Mobile Money, available now on Android and iOS
“T-Mobile, the self-titled “Un-Carrier,” is further separating itself from the competition by getting into the booming world of mobile banking with “T-Mobile Money.” The new service also comes with extra benefits for T-Mobile’s wireless customers.”
Instagram security lapse exposed some user passwords to the public, company says
“A flaw in Instagram’s “Download Your Data” tool inadvertently exposed some user passwords, a report from The Information claims. In some instances, user passwords may have been exposed to public view. Instagram is said to have informed affected users via an email.”
Tetris Effect is perfect for people overwhelmed by modern video games
“I’m only about halfway through about a half-dozen different video games at the moment, but I cannot stop playing Tetris Effect, a reimagining of the classic puzzle game for the PS4 from Rez Infinite and Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi.”
Verizon rolls out ‘My Numbers’ feature for five lines on a single device, announces RCS support in early 2019
“Verizon on Friday launched My Numbers, a new service that allows customers to manage up to five lines — four of them virtual phone numbers — on a single smartphone via a standalone app. The largest wireless carrier in the U.S.”
FCC allows iPhones and other devices to receive European GPS data for the first time
“Europe brought its own GPS satellite system online in 2016, as it was concerned that the US might switch off civilian access to GPS data in a time of crisis.”
Now it’s easier to protect your browsing privacy on iOS devices with 1.1.1.1 app
“The gold standard for privacy protection on the Internet is to use a VPN service. This encrypts all traffic so your ISP has no way to know which sites you’re visiting or what you’re doing there. But trustworthy VPNs cost money.”