Ireland’s Data Privacy Commissioner will reportedly fine Instagram for its handling of children’s data. According to an investigation that began in 2020, Instagram published emails and phone numbers for children ages 13 to 17 who operated business accounts. Business accounts typically post this information by default. Meta, Instagram’s parent, plans to appeal the €405 million
Irish DPA Hits WhatsApp with $266M Fine for Alleged GDPR Violations
By Linn Foster Freedman on
When GDPR became effective three years ago, companies took notice of the fines and penalties attached to violations of the stringent privacy law—4 percent of global annual sales. The fines have been racking up, including the most recent one by the Irish Data Protection Commission against WhatsApp—$266 million. WhatsApp is owned by Facebook.
The fine…
Privacy Tip #273 – What’s with WhatsApp’s New Privacy Policy?
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
WhatsApp started notifying its 2 billion users last month about an update to its privacy policy. Most of its users probably didn’t look at the details, and simply clicked “I agree” when the notice popped up on their phones. (To use the app, one must click “I agree.”) There has been a backlash from privacy…
Privacy Tip #211 – WhatsApp Users: Update Your App to Patch Vulnerability
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
WhatsApp has announced that it has patched a vulnerability that would have allowed hackers to access with malware the chat history of users. Android 8.1 and 9 could have been susceptible to the attack. However, WhatsApp is urging all users to update their app.
Although WhatsApp says it has patched the vulnerability and does not…
The WhatsApp Hack – Practice Good Phone Hygiene and Update Your Apps
By Robinson+Cole's Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team on
Posted in Data Privacy
WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app announced a hack and the exposure of a security flaw this week. The flaw injected malware onto users’ phones, potentially exposing their otherwise encrypted data and messages. WhatsApp allows users to instant message and make phone calls throughout the world. The app features described on its website include simple,…
Millions of Sensitive Records Leaked by Another Spyware Maker
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Cybersecurity
We reported last week that a spyware maker compromised users’ and victims’ sensitive information [view related post]. Since that time, another spyware maker, mSpy, which holds itself out as having over a million users employing its product to “spy” on their partners and children, has reportedly leaked the passwords, call logs, text messages, location…
iPhone Users Targeted by New Malware Campaign
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Cybersecurity
Cisco Talos has discovered a new menace to iPhone users—a sophisticated malware campaign targeting iPhones to trick users into downloading an open-source Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution that gives the hackers control of the phone. It is reported that Cisco and Apple are working together to combat the threat.
According to reports, once the MDM…
Privacy Tip #130 – Smartphones Targeted by Dark Caracal Attack
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
There is a global malware campaign that is targeting mobile devices across the world. It is called Dark Caracal, which is believed to be sourced in Beirut by the Lebanese General Security Directorate. According to security researchers, attacks on mobile devices are on the rise because people are using their smartphones more than they are…
Privacy Tip #122 – What’s Up with WhatsApp’s Security Flaws?
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
WhatsApp has been applauded for adding end-to-end encryption on its platform to secure conversations of its users two years ago. But encryption has its challenges, despite its security posture.
Recently, a team of German cryptographers found flaws in WhatsApp that they say makes it easier for unauthorized individuals to access group chats. They also found…
Privacy Tip #119 – Getting the Newest Smartphone as a Gift? Take Care When Downloading Apps
By Linn Foster Freedman on
Posted in Privacy Tips
‘Tis the season for gift giving. Smartphones and mobile devices are a hot item during the holidays. The first thing many people do when they get a new phone or device is to start downloading apps. Since there will be a lot of downloading over the next week, here are some tips to help you…