Tag Archive for: Risks

Black Majority Schools Face Alarming Internet Security Risks, Report Finds


There is a large digital divide affecting low-income and Black or Indigenous majority schools, a recent report by Internet Safety Labs (ISL) has found.

Ads and trackers

The report “Demographic Analysis of App Safety, Website Safety, and School Technology Behaviors in US K-12 Schools” explores technological disparities in American schools, focusing mainly on marginalized demographics.

This research expands on ISL’s previous work on the safety of educational technology across the country and is supported by the Internet Society Foundation. It reveals how schools of different backgrounds use technology and the risks involved.

One concerning finding is that websites for schools with mostly Black students were the least safe.

One-third of these schools had advertisements on their websites—a rate much higher than the national average—and 100% of the websites had trackers monitoring visitor behavior.

Privacy or digital divide?

The study also highlights a broader problem: a digital divide in how technology is used in education.

Schools in the lowest income bracket, making between $20,000 and $39,000, were among the least likely to provide their students with computing devices. This limits these students’ experience with technology.

Furthermore, the technology that is recommended or required often poses privacy risks, including apps filled with digital and behavioral ads.

Similar trends were seen for schools with the most American Indian/Native Alaskan students, leading to concerns about how this digital divide impacts students’ learning and their understanding of technology.

What Is The Solution?

The report suggests several actions for schools, school districts, and policymakers.

It recommends eliminating digital ads and tracking devices on school websites.

It also emphasizes the importance of schools being transparent about the technology they use, suggesting they publish a comprehensive list of required technology so students and parents know what’s expected.

Finally, it suggests schools should thoroughly vet all technology they recommend or require for educational use, to ensure it’s safe and appropriate…

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Hack Alert: Sharan Hegde’s YouTube Livestream Hacked for Bitcoin Prices – Security Risks in Cryptocurrency Trading


Initially, well-known businessman Sharan Hegde’s YouTube account was hacked, allowing Bitcoin prices to be streamed live without his permission. The event raised questions about possible dangers related to trading cryptocurrencies and the security of internet platforms.

The Hacker:

A well-known personality in the cryptocurrency world, Sharan Hegde, discovered with alarm that his YouTube account had been hacked and that illegal broadcasts of Bitcoin prices were going live. In addition to damaging Hegde’s online reputation, the hack had a big impact on his viewers and followers who looked to him for trustworthy analysis and breaking news on the bitcoin sector.

After his YouTube account was hacked, Sharan Hegde’s reputation as a well-known influencer and entrepreneur in the Bitcoin field suffered. In addition to damaging his reputation, the unapproved broadcast of Bitcoin prices caused his fans to have bookings about the security setup on his websites. Known for his skill in cryptocurrency trading, Hegde was met with criticism from unhappy users who doubted his capacity to protect private data and uphold the integrity of his online identity.

Cybersecurity-Related Fears:

Cybersecurity and the tendency of internet platforms to unwanted attacks have come under fresh attention following the event involving the hacking of Sharan Hegde’s YouTube account. As cryptocurrencies gain more popularity, hackers are focusing more on people and businesses that deal with digital currency. The hack is a clear reminder of how important it is to have strong cybersecurity protections in place to guard against illegal access and data thefts.

Given the recent attack on Sharan Hegde’s YouTube account, cybersecurity must be given top priority for both individuals and companies involved in the Bitcoin industry. Protecting online platforms from potential threats calls for setting strong passwords, turning on two-factor authentication, and updating security software frequently. Furthermore, keeping an eye out for unusual activity and scams can help reduce the chance of hacking and unauthorised entry.

Restoring Security and Trust:

Following the incident, Sharan Hegde acted quickly to take back…

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Navigating Biometric Data Security Risks in the Digital Age


COMMENTARY

Although it wasn’t called biometrics at the time, a rudimentary form of the technology emerged in 1901 when Scotland Yard adopted fingerprint classification to identify criminal suspects. Biometrics has come a long way in the more than 120 years since then.

Public and private sector organizations now use it to identify and authenticate individuals to grant access to computer systems, such as laptops and tablets, and enterprise applications such as human resources or customer relationship management systems. Apple adopted biometrics to unlock the iPhone in 2013, and today face ID is a common feature on mobile phones. The Mastercard Biometric Card combines chip technology with fingerprints to verify the cardholder’s identity for in-store purchases. Healthcare organizations also use biometrics to verify individuals to determine access to medical care. This is particularly useful if the patient can’t produce other forms of identification.

With biometric devices part of the growing body of data-bearing devices deployed across multiple sectors, including government agencies and the military, organizations looking to use this technology must make sure their data security solutions protect what may be a new goldmine for hackers.

DoD Details Biometrics Data Risks

The US government is now fully aware of the potential danger of biometrics data breaches: The Inspector General (IG) of the US Department of Defense (DoD) released a report in November 2023 revealing significant gaps in security and management of biometric data within the DoD. These gaps may pose risks to personnel and potentially threaten clandestine operations. According to the IG’s report, the DoD’s use of biometric data has been extensive, particularly in areas of conflict where accurately identifying individuals is critical for security operations. The report found many of the DoD’s biometric collection devices lacked data encryption capabilities and a clear policy for destroying or sanitizing biometric data.

While commercial enterprises don’t face the same challenges as the DoD, the threat of biometrics data breaches to business operations are also a serious concern. Some of the top threats to private sector…

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Biden probes security risks of Chinese smart cars


The News

The Biden administration is launching an investigation into national security risks posed by “connected” vehicles — cars linked to the internet — that use Chinese technology. Officials will weigh potential restrictions on the products to head off spying, hacking, or data collection.

Led by the Commerce Department, the investigation will solicit public comments over the next 60 days about risks posed by connected vehicles, which include electric vehicles, that use technology from China or other “countries of concern.” Ultimately, the administration could enact bans or “mitigating measures” to address any risks, a senior Biden administration official said, though officials are not currently promising to take any actions.

“Connected vehicles that have technologies sourced from China could be exploited in ways that threaten U.S. national security,” White House National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard told reporters. “The president believes it’s important for the United States to consider imposing safeguards to guard against connected vehicles operating on U.S. roads from relying on information and communication technology from China and other countries of concern.”

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the administration has a “high level of concern” about risks of Chinese-made connected vehicles and wants to act “before Chinese-manufactured vehicles become widespread in the United States and potentially threaten our privacy and our national security.”

The announcement is likely to inflame tensions with China, which has criticized U.S. curbs on semiconductors and other advanced technology the Biden administration says are motivated by national security considerations.

Know More

The investigation will be run by Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, which is putting out an “advanced notice of proposed rulemaking” to solicit public input about potential risks from foreign-made technology in connected vehicles. The administration is taking the action under authorities provided by a Trump-era executive order.

The Biden administration is specifically looking at connected vehicles made with technology from China, even if those vehicles…

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