A news organization has revealed that while millions of individuals experience online data breaches and insufficient privacy settings, high-level government security officials face more severe online threats, particularly from nation-state hackers. Officials indicated that many of their accounts and personal details were outdated or no longer used. However, Der Spiegel reported having successfully sent messages to WhatsApp and Signal accounts belonging to Waltz and Gabbard. Only after requesting government comment were some of these accounts restricted.
A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread damage across the region, including areas hundreds of miles away in Thailand. At the time of reporting, at least 144 casualties have been confirmed with hundreds more injured. The New York Times suggested that longstanding internet restrictions in Myanmar could be hindering the full understanding of the earthquake’s impact. Since Myanmar’s military junta assumed power in 2021, the country’s connectivity has been severely disrupted or blocked. In 2023, 13 out of Myanmar’s 14 states experienced internet shutdowns.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, more video footage and news reports emerged promptly from neighboring Thailand. According to experts, this contrasts sharply with Myanmar, where the extent of damage and loss remains unclear. Joe Freeman from Amnesty International highlighted the disparity in coverage, noting that recovery and humanitarian efforts might be hampered without reliable internet access.
Canadian authorities arrested Alexander “Connor” Moucka, 26, in connection with the Snowflake hacking incident during the summer. This hacking spree targeted customers of the cloud storage company and is considered one of the largest public data breaches. Moucka has agreed to be extradited to the United States to face charges relating to computer fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Other individuals allegedly involved in the hacking are John Binns and Cameron Wagenius.
The UK’s police forces have significantly increased their use of live facial recognition cameras in recent years. Previously, these technologies were deployed temporarily, but now, London is set to install its first permanent facial recognition cameras in Croydon. The Metropolitan Police are introducing these fixed installations to integrate into regular operations. While the cameras will not be used continuously, privacy advocates are concerned that this could lead to a widespread network of such cameras across London.
