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Privacy is a growing concern in today’s world. Follow along with all our coverage related to privacy, security, what Apple and other companies are doing to keep your information safe, and what steps you can take to keep your information private.

T-Mobile sees another data breach compromising social security numbers and more for small group

T-Mobile Apple Ultimate plus Business Essentials

In January, T-Mobile revealed it was hit by a data breach that impacted 37 million customers. Now the company has shared that it has seen another incident. The good(ish) news is this time it’s believed to only have affected 836 users but the bad news is the malicious party was able to steal sensitive info like social security numbers, full names, birth dates, contact information, T-Mobile account PINs, and more.

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Study reveals top 20 most used passwords; 83% can be cracked in a second

Most used passwords report

Ahead of World Password Day on May 4, NordPass has released a report showing that “password habits die hard” with a list of the most used passwords in the US and 29 other countries. For the US, many of the usual suspects are on the list, however, this time around “123456” is no longer the most popular password. The study also found 83% of these passwords can be cracked in “less than a second.”

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Proton launching end-to-end encrypted password manager beta as an iCloud Keychain alternative

Proton Pass encrypted password manager beta

Delivering on one of Proton Mail users’ top requests for years, Proton is starting the beta of its password manager. Naturally, coming from Proton, it features end-to-end encryption and is open source so anyone can audit the security features. Read on for all the details on this iCloud Keychain alternative.

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If youā€™ve ever used Facebook, you can now cash in on your share of its $725M privacy settlement

Facebook privacy settlement claim

Five years ago, a major privacy scandal at Facebook surfaced as the world learned the social media giant allowed Cambridge Analytica to mine US user data through paid ads disguised as personality tests. Now after being settled as the largest privacy class action lawsuit ever, you can request your portion of the $725 million. Here’s how to submit a Facebook privacy settlement claim plus all the fine details.

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What’s more prevalent than juice jacking? Fake public WiFi networks, says researcher

Fake public WiFi networks

Juice jacking popped into the mainstream consciousness this month as the FBI shared a warning to avoid public device charging to protect against the rise of malicious cables. While juice jacking can severely compromise devices, one security expert is raising awareness of a more common ā€“ but usually less critical threat ā€“ fake public WiFi connections.

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Terrifying study shows how fast AI can crack your passwords; hereā€™s how to protect yourself

AI cracks passwords this fast

Along with the positive aspects of the new generative AI services come new risks. One that’s surfaced is an advanced approach to cracking passwords called PassGAN. Using the latest AI, it was able to compromise 51% of passwords in under one minute with 71% of passwords cracked in less than a day. Read on for a look at the character thresholds that offer security against AI password cracking, how PassGAN works, and more.

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Apple still a top spender on TikTok ads, despite growing controversy

TikTok ads | TikTok website viewed on a Mac

Apple remains one of the top-spending companies when it comes to TikTok ads, despite growing controversy about whether the app is a threat to US national security.

A separate report today reveals that the Chinese government engaged in an organized social media campaign to mock US concerns about the app, accusing Congress of technical illiteracy, hypocrisy, and xenophobia …

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Data center logins for Apple and others obtained by hackers; could have facilitated physical access

Data center logins for Apple | Illustrative shot of a data center

A cybersecurity company has revealed that hackers obtained data center logins for Apple and other major companies. They were also able to access surveillance cameras remotely, and the privileges they had could even have allowed physical access to servers.

Hackers gained access to two third-party data center companies used by many major companies, and from there were able to obtain customer support logins for Apple, Amazon, BMW, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and as many as 2,000 other companies …

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Tile follows Appleā€™s lead with enhanced anti-theft and stalking features, new $1M penalty

Tile is out with a new feature for its item trackers that hopes to reduce trouble with both theft and stalking. The company is calling the new feature Anti-Theft Mode and there are several components to it including an unscannable mode, a new $1 million penalty for misuse, ID verification, and more. The changes follow similar ones made by Apple last year. Here’s how the approaches compare.

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Apple says Maps privacy bug didn’t affect iPhone, denies that apps used location data without consent

Apple privacy Safari tracking prevention

iOS 16.3 was released to the general public last month, and among other new features, it also included a variety of security updates. One of those fixes addressed an Apple Maps privacy bug that could have allowed an app to “bypass Privacy preferences.”

In a statement to 9to5Mac on Friday, Apple clarified that iPhone users “were never at risk” because of this vulnerability. The company also refuted a report that said a Brazillian food delivery app was accessing user location without permission in iOS 16.2.

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TikTok algorithm

TikTok algorithm could be shared with US, as company fights growing bans

The infamous TikTok algorithm, which has been accused of taking users into dangerous rabbit holes, could be shared with US officials, says the company. TikTok owner ByteDance is hoping that the offer of transparency will fend off further bans of the Chinese video sharing app.

Not everyone is convinced that the offer goes far enough, however …

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State of the Union address calls for Congress to pass antitrust and data privacy legislation

State of the Union address

President Biden’s second State of the Union address called on Congress to pass bipartisan legislation on both antitrust and data privacy issues.

His comments on the antitrust issue specifically referenced the need to prevent tech companies favoring their own products, an accusation frequently levelled at Apple

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Apple highlights 8 ways to keep kids safer online with iPhone and iPad

In honor of Safer Internet Day, Apple has shared a list of features and tips to provide a more secure and private experience for kids on devices like iPhone and iPad. Along with 8 ways to stay safer, Apple has highlighted its dedicated educational hub for parents and families plus a new free Today at Apple session called “Your Kids and Their Devices.”

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