Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Best of Bonus 2024! Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Every week, I record a special, private bonus podcast for my patrons. Until today, all of that content was restricted to my supporters. But today I’ve got a sampler platter of some of the best snippets from my bonus Q&A with my interview guests. You’ll hear from Micah Lee (author, journalist), Nick Weaver (cybersecurity researcher), Kate Black (health data specialist), Jason Edison (OSINT expert), Dani Cronce and Lizzie Moratti (TunnelVision hack), Bruce Schneier (cryptographer, author), and Carissa Véliz (author, professor). Original Interview Links Ep358: Micah Lee https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/01/08/investigating-data-leaks/ Ep360: Nick Weaver https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/01/22/rise-of-the-slaughterbots/ Ep368: Kate Black https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/03/18/health-data-privacy/ Ep386: Jason Edison https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/07/22/open-source-intelligence/ Ep388: Jack Daniel https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/08/05/catch-you-on-the-bside/ Ep396: Dani Cronce & Lizzie Moratti https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/09/30/tunnelvision-vpns-and-you/ Ep400: Bruce Schneier https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/10/28/episode-400-special/ Ep404: Carissa Véliz https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/11/25/privacy-is-power-2/ Related Links Micah’s book: https://hacksandleaks.com/ Nick Weaver: https://www1.icsi.berkeley.edu/~nweaver/ Security BSides: https://bsides.org/w/page/12194156/FrontPage Frankie’s Tiki Room (Las Vegas): https://frankiestikiroom.com/ Intel Techniques: https://inteltechniques.com/ TunnelVision: https://www.tunnelvisionbug.com/ Schneier Blog: https://www.schneier.com/ Privacy is Power: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673341/privacy-is-power-by-carissa-veliz/ Further Info Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:00:24: New Years coming up 0:00:48: Show preview 0:02:33: Ep358: Micah Lee - the Snowden docs 0:11:48: Ep360: Nick Weaver - other types of killer drones 0:18:02: Ep368: Kate Black - how do you know if a site or app respects health privacy? 0:20:22: Ep386: Jason Edison - what's it like trying to protect the privacy of celebrities? 0:26:53: Ep388: Jack Daniel - the story of the Les Pukelele 0:33:39: Ep396: Dani Cronce & Lizzie Moratti - getting into hacking 0:42:08: Ep400: Bruce Schneier - can we ever make our devices secure out of the box? 0:48:01: Ep404: Cariss Veliz - should STEM students be required to take ethics classes? 0:53:05: Wrap-up

Replay: Golden Age of Surveillance Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

I'm digging into the vault for a classic replay! I first interviewed Phil Zimmermann, creator of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), on May 7, 2018. It was Episode 63 (we're now at 408) and it was entitled "We Now Live in the Golden Age of Surveillance". In this episode we talk a little about the origins of PGP in the 1990's and what he feels about the FBI's claims that we're "going dark" due to strong end-to-end encrypted communications. I've added some new commentary, but the original episode is preserved in all of its original glory! Interview Notes Original Ep63 interview: https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2018/05/07/we-now-live-in-the-golden-age-of-surveillance/ Ep214: Social Media is Ruining Society https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2021/04/05/social-media-is-ruining-society/ Ep243: Through the Past, Privately: PGP Turns 30 https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2021/10/25/through-the-past-privately-pgp-turns-30/ Phil Zimmermann’s website: https://philzimmermann.com/ Further Info Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/ Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:00:26: Flashback setup 0:02:18: Original intro 0:03:20: What drove you to create PGP? 0:06:32: Why were you prosecuted for PGP? 0:13:08: Isn't banning cryptography like trying to ban math? 0:15:13: What's the difference between security and privacy? 0:17:04: Is it possible to be truly anonymous online today? 0:19:06: How is the average person tracking online today? 0:21:49: What are the most private ways to communicate online? 0:24:44: How do we identify trustworthy attachments? 0:25:30: How secure is SMS (texting)? 0:29:41: Are we "going dark"? 0:32:44: Can we escape mass surveillance? 0:36:35: What's next for you? 0:38:09: Original interview wrap-up 0:40:38: Flashback wrap-up 0:41:00: ShmooCon 2025 0:41:56: Looking ahead

Best of 2024! Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

I've had some truly amazing interviews this past year. For your listening enjoyment, I've curated a set of clips from some of the best shows, creating a sampler platter of stellar audio content from some amazing guests! If you've never listened to my podcast, this will give you a taste of what you're missing! If you're a regular listener, this will be a fun trip down memory lane, complete with a little new commentary. Enjoy! Original Interview Links Ep362: Patrick Wardle https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/02/05/securing-your-mac/ Ep364: Jen Caltrider https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/02/19/car-privacy-is-horrid/ Ep366: 404 Media https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/03/04/how-our-data-is-abused/ Ep375: Dina Temple-Raston https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/05/13/inside-ukraines-it-army/ Ep378: Naomi Brockwell https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/05/27/why-privacy-matters/ Ep380: Joseph Cox https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/06/10/anom-the-fbis-phone-company/ Ep382: Byron Tau https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/06/24/means-of-control/ Ep386: Jason Edison https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/07/22/open-source-intelligence/ Ep392: Andy Yen https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/09/02/crazy-proton-summer/ Ep398: Space Rogue (Cris Thomas) https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/10/14/l0pht-heavy-industries/ Ep400: Bruce Schneier https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/10/28/episode-400-special/ Ep402: Stacey Higginbotham https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/11/11/cutting-the-software-tether/ Ep404: Carissa Veliz https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/11/25/privacy-is-power-2/ Related Links Objective-See: https://objective-see.org/ 404 Media: https://www.404media.co/ Privacy Not Included: https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/ Click Here: https://therecord.media/podcast NBTV: https://www.nbtv.media/ Dark Wire: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/joseph-cox/dark-wire/9781541702691/ Means of Control: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706321/means-of-control-by-byron-tau/ Intel Techniques: https://inteltechniques.com/ Proton: https://proton.me/ Space Rogue book: https://www.amazon.com/Space-Rogue-Hackers-Known-Changed-ebook/dp/B0BRQWPBGL Schneier Blog: https://www.schneier.com/ Privacy is Power: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673341/privacy-is-power-by-carissa-veliz/ Further Info Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:00:26: Show preview 0:02:22: Ep362: Patrick Wardle - Mac hardening 0:05:55: Ep364: Jen Caltrider - Car privacy not included 0:11:13: Ep366: 404 Media - abuse of public camera data 0:21:35: Ep375: Dina Temple-Raston - what we should learn from the cyber war in Ukraine 0:30:41: Ep378: Naomi Brockwell - fighting for our privacy 0:36:40: Ep380: Joseph Cox - what did law enforcement learn from Anom? 0:39:22: Ep382: Byron Tau - how law enforcement hides their data gathering 0:45:43: Ep386: Jason Edison - how does law enforcement view mass surveillance? 0:57:10: Ep392: Andy Yen - why Proton embraced AI tech 1:04:08: Ep398: Space Rogue (Cris Thomas) - do you need a college degree to work in cybersecurity? 1:11:05: Ep400: Bruce Schneier - how AI will change politics and law 1:19:02: Ep402: Stacey Higginbotham - escrowing money to address IoT software tethering problems 1:22:50: Ep404: Carissa Veliz - will the younger generation every have privacy? 1:30:31: Looking ahead

Deleting Your Data Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever searched for your personal information online? There are dozens of "people search sites" out there, but a simple Google search can also find information about you, too. Behind the scenes, there are hundreds if not thousands of data brokers who are scouring the web constantly for your info creating dossiers on all of us, for sale to anyone willing to pay. We have no federal privacy laws in the US, but even if you live in the EU (with GDPR) or a US state with some privacy protections (like California), you still may find your data online - because much it comes from public records, including voting records, property tax records, and legal filings. How do you find your data? Where did it come from? And more important, what can you do about it? Today will discuss this and more with Ben and Tyler, the founders of data deletion service EasyOptOuts. Interview Notes EasyOptOuts: https://easyoptouts.com/ Consumer Reports study: https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/personal-information/services-that-delete-data-from-people-search-sites-review-a2705843415/ Brian Krebs on Radaris: https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/03/a-close-up-look-at-the-consumer-data-broker-radaris/ My blog series on data removal: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/osint-reconnaissance/ Jason Edison OSINT interview: https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/07/22/open-source-intelligence/ Big Ass Data Broker Opt Out List: https://github.com/yaelwrites/Big-Ass-Data-Broker-Opt-Out-List Further Info Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2 Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/ Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:01:04: Staying up to date during December 0:01:45: NPR shout out? 0:02:25: Interview setup 0:04:11: Why did you get into the data deletion business? 0:05:58: How does EasyOptOuts differentiate its service? 0:09:35: Where do these data brokers get all my information? 0:13:37: How often do you find errors in people's information on these sites? 0:15:36: What are the names of some of the top data brokers? Would we know them? 0:17:34: Will a credit freeze prevent data sharing? 0:19:02: What does it cost to get these people reports? 0:21:21: Have you tried deleting data from the recently breached National Public Data? 0:23:02: How do the various US state privacy laws impact our ability to delete our data? 0:27:52: How many data brokers operate in non-US/EU jurisdictions? 0:29:00: Who is selling my data that would surprise me? 0:31:26: How did we consent to this data sharing and can we opt out? 0:34:14: If I wanted to try to clean up my data myself, how would I go about that? 0:38:09: How do I avoid giving away more information while I try to prove my identity? 0:41:34: If I would rather use a deletion service, how does that work and what does it cost? 0:46:39: After deletion, will my data just be replenished after some amount of time? 0:48:01: Any final pro tips on reducing my public data? 0:51:02: Interview wrapup 0:53:26: Patron bonus content preview 0:54:05: Plan for December shows

Letters from the Mailbag Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

It's been too long since I've dipped into the listener mailbag, so today I'm going to answer a small selection of your questions on the air! Topics include privacy-respecting baby monitors, the "IoT network" on some Orbi routers, why you can't really use a computer monitor as a "dumb" TV, and whether browser privacy plugins work on first party tracking. We'll also cover some news stories: why you shouldn't upload medical images to AI chatbots; the Fancy Bear "nearest neighbor" attack; Google's new website link overlays; the curious case of cutting undersea internet cables; Microsoft's new Windows Resiliency Initiative; mobile pay apps coming under regulatory scrutiny; iPhone's new tool to strip metadata from shared photos; and Google now warning you about suspicious apps. Article Links [techcrunch.com] PSA: You shouldn’t upload your medical images to AI chatbots https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/19/psa-you-shouldnt-upload-your-medical-images-to-ai-chatbots/ [darkreading.com] Fancy Bear 'Nearest Neighbor' Attack Uses Nearby Wi-Fi Network https://www.darkreading.com/cyberattacks-data-breaches/fancy-bear-nearest-neighbor-attack-wi-fi [9to5google.com] Google’s iOS app now injects links on third-party websites that go back to Search https://9to5google.com/2024/11/25/google-ios-app-link-annotations-search/ [newsweek.com] Chinese Vessel Allegedly Drags Anchor, Severs Undersea Cable Links https://www.newsweek.com/chinese-vessel-allegedly-drags-anchor-severs-undersea-cable-links-1992580 [dw.com] Hybrid warfare on the seabed? https://www.dw.com/en/baltic-sea-underwater-cable-damage-highlights-hybrid-warfare-on-critical-infrastructure/a-70853706 [theverge.com] Microsoft’s new Windows Resiliency Initiative aims to avoid another CrowdStrike incident https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/19/24299873/microsoft-windows-resiliency-initiative-crowdstrike-incident [lifehacker.com] Venmo, Apple Pay, and Other Payment Apps Are About to Be More Regulated https://lifehacker.com/money/payment-apps-are-about-to-be-more-regulated [lifehacker.com] Your iPhone Can Now Automatically Remove Location Data From Photos You Share Online https://lifehacker.com/tech/your-iphone-can-now-automatically-remove-location-data-from-photos-online [lifehacker.com] The Google Play Store Will Soon Warn You Before You Download a Bad App https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-google-play-store-will-warn-you-bad-app Further Info ExifTool: https://exiftool.org/ Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2 Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:00:51: Holiday PSA 0:02:12: News preview 0:03:59: PSA: You shouldn’t upload your medical images to AI chatbots 0:07:22: Fancy Bear 'Nearest Neighbor' Attack Uses Nearby Wi-Fi Network 0:12:59: Google’s iOS app now injects links on third-party websites that go back to Search 0:15:10: Chinese Vessel Allegedly Drags Anchor, Severs Undersea Cable Links 0:18:17: Hybrid warfare on the seabed? 0:27:19: Microsoft’s new Windows Resiliency Initiative aims to avoid another CrowdStrike incident 0:33:11: Venmo, Apple Pay, and Other Payment Apps Are About to Be More Regulated 0:36:30: Your iPhone Can Now Automatically Remove Location Data From Photos You Share Online 0:42:23: The Google Play Store Will Soon Warn You Before You Download a Bad App 0:46:20: Finding a private, secure baby monitor 0:50:44: IoT Network on Netgear Orbi routers? 0:52:50: Using a computer monitor as a dumb TV? 0:55:47: Can browser plugins prevent first party tracking? 0:59:23: The plan for the rest of the year

Privacy is Power Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Privacy has been defined in many ways. The right to tell your story your own way. The right to have control over your personal information. The right to be left alone. There's a reason we have T-shirts that say "dance like no one is watching". We censor ourselves when we're being watched. But if knowledge is power, then asymmetries in knowledge must lead to asymmetries in power. Privacy is a human right but it's also a collective good - something we need to respect and support, even if we do not personally feel the need to exercise it. Today I'll explore why privacy is essential, how it is being threatened, and what we can do to reclaim it with Carissa Véliz, a professor of philosophy and author of the wonderful and important book, Privacy is Power. Interview Notes Carissa’s website: https://www.carissaveliz.com/ Privacy is Power: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673341/privacy-is-power-by-carissa-veliz/ My review of her book: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/privacy-is-power-review/ The Ethics of Privacy and Surveillance: https://www.oxford-aiethics.ox.ac.uk/blog/new-book-ethics-privacy-and-surveillance TEDx: The Case for Ending Data Economy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luCXlPYrTP4 Google’s Don’t Be Evil motto history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_be_evil Give Thanks & Donate! https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/give-thanks-donate/ Further Info Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2 Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/ Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:00:31: Give Thanks & Donate! 0:01:27: Follow me on Bluesky 0:02:06: Interview setup 0:04:17: What inspired you to write this book? 0:07:04: What impacts has your book had? Did any response surprise you? 0:10:01: When researching the book, what surveillance methods most surprised you? 0:13:31: How and when did all this surveillance start? 0:15:40: Are behavior ads really more effective than contextual ads? 0:19:04: Is it possible to have privacy and still target ads? 0:22:08: What's your take on Google's Privacy Sandbox concept? 0:23:57: Why is the 'notice and consent' model such a failure? 0:28:14: What's your take on the notion of data sovereignty? 0:30:09: Why is privacy a collective good that we all need to protect? 0:32:12: How does asymmetry in knowledge lead to asymmetry in power? 0:34:06: Are we at risk of normalizing surveillance for future generations? 0:37:09: What will it take to trigger a surveillance backlash? 0:40:21: What can we learn from history about overzealous data collection? 0:43:35: How will AI technology impact our privacy? 0:49:30: Can we reap the benefits of our data without giving up privacy? 0:52:45: How do we manifest a society that values and respects privacy? 0:56:15: Interview wrap-up 0:58:36: Still celebrating 400th episode! 0:59:02: Looking ahead

Best & Worst Gifts for 2024 Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

Holiday shopping season is here! And today I'll give you the highlights of my annual Best & Worst Gift Guide for 2024, with regard to privacy and security. The worst offenders may not surprise you, though some have actually gotten worse since just last year. And I have a few new suggestions for people on your nice list! In the news this week: another popular browser extension has gone rogue; Mozilla laid off 30% of their staff; FBI warns that bad guys are filing fraudulent emergency data requests to steal your private info; Apple quietly introduces a brilliant security feature that is frustrating cops; Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 next October; a free decryptor was released for ShrinkLocker ransomware; Signal offers new call link feature; an air fryer app is sending your data to China; and Apple announces feature to share AirTag location with others including airlines to help find lost luggage. Article Links [cyberinsider.com] Popular Chrome Extension to Hide YouTube Shorts Turned Malicious https://cyberinsider.com/popular-chrome-extension-to-hide-youtube-shorts-turned-malicious/ [Tech Crunch] Mozilla Foundation lays off 30% staff, drops advocacy division https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/05/mozilla-foundation-lays-off-30-staff-drops-advocacy-division/ [Tech Crunch] FBI says hackers are sending fraudulent police data requests to tech giants to steal people’s private information https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/08/fbi-says-hackers-are-sending-fraudulent-police-data-requests-to-tech-giants-to-steal-peoples-private-information/ [404media.co] Apple Quietly Introduced iPhone Reboot Code Which is Locking Out Cops https://www.404media.co/apple-quietly-introduced-iphone-reboot-code-which-is-locking-out-cops/ [blog.0patch.com] Long Live Windows 10... With 0patch https://blog.0patch.com/2024/06/long-live-windows-10-with-0patch.html [The Hacker News] Free Decryptor Released for BitLocker-Based ShrinkLocker Ransomware Victims https://thehackernews.com/2024/11/free-decryptor-released-for-bitlocker.html [signal.org] Improving Private Signal Calls: Call Links & More https://signal.org/blog/call-links/ [malwarebytes.com] Air fryers are the latest surveillance threat you didn’t consider https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/11/air-fryers-are-the-latest-surveillance-threat-you-didnt-consider [macrumors.com] Apple Announces iOS 18.2's New AirTag Location Sharing Feature Coming to These 15+ Airlines https://www.macrumors.com/2024/11/11/apple-announces-airtag-location-sharing/ Best & Worst Gift Guide 2024! https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/best-worst-gifts-2024/ Further Info Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2 Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/ Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:00:50: Update Android phones 0:01:23: News preview 0:03:23: Popular Chrome Extension to Hide YouTube Shorts Turned Malicious 0:10:30: Mozilla Foundation lays off 30% staff, drops advocacy division 0:14:06: FBI says hackers are sending fraudulent police data requests to steal people’s private info 0:19:59: Apple Quietly Introduced iPhone Reboot Code Which is Locking Out Cops 0:29:46: Long Live Windows 10... With 0patch 0:39:54: Free Decryptor Released for BitLocker-Based ShrinkLocker Ransomware Victims 0:42:45: Improving Private Signal Calls: Call Links & More 0:45:23: Air fryers are the latest surveillance threat you didn’t consider 0:48:28: Apple Announces iOS 18.2's New AirTag Location Sharing Feature 0:51:40: Tip of the Week: Best & Worst Gift Guide 0:56:38: Worst Gifts 0:59:31: Best Gifts 1:06:32: Dragon book and coupons 1:09:55: Wrapping up

Cutting the Software Tether Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

Device manufacturers are breathing new life into old mundane products by connecting them to the internet, giving us the ability to monitor and control them from anywhere. However, this connection to the cloud works both ways. Not only do device makers now have unprecedented access to our usage and personal information, but they can hobble or limit our use of these devices at their whim. Today I'll speak with IoT expert Stacey Higginbotham who is working with Consumer Reports and other consumer rights groups to bring more transparency to the smart device industry, and hopefully allow us to regain control over the devices we purchase. Interview Notes Stacey Higginbotham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyhigginbotham/ Consumer Reports’ FTC filing on software tethering: https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/ftc-software-tethering/ Who Ya Gonna Call? https://innovation.consumerreports.org/who-ya-gonna-call/ Spotify Cancels Car Thing: https://innovation.consumerreports.org/how-to-kill-a-smart-device-spotify-car-thing-post-mortem/ When Will Your Smart Appliance Turn Dumb? https://innovation.consumerreports.org/when-will-your-smart-appliance-turn-dumb/ CR’s Permission Slip: https://www.permissionslipcr.com/ CR’s Security Planner: https://securityplanner.consumerreports.org/ My interview with Cory Doctorow on adversarial interoperability: https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2020/02/17/adversarial-interoperability-part-1/ Further Info Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2 Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/ Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:00:54: Chevron deference 0:01:48: US election impacts 0:03:15: Interview setup 0:03:55: What does it mean for devices to be 'software tethered'? 0:09:23: How might software tethering affect resale of smart devices? 0:13:52: What are the impacts on security and privacy? 0:15:20: How did we agree to these limitations? 0:27:50: What devices might fail to work when offline? 0:39:05: What happened to Amazon Dash buttons? 0:46:28: Is it easier to get FTC rulings than new regulations? 0:51:29: Does the DMCA still apply to abandoned products? 0:53:13: Should we force companies to escrow software for release if they fail? 0:56:06: What should we be doing as consumers to further this cause? 0:57:39: What's next for your FTC filing? 0:59:55: Interview wrap-up 1:01:28: Patron bonus preview 1:02:19: Looking ahead

Curbing Location Tracking Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Our location is being tracked mercilessly today, in several ways. In the digital age, location data is among the most sensitive information we share, providing a record of our daily lives that can reveal where we live, who we associate with, and our personal routines. For app developers, marketers, and even law enforcement, this data is a goldmine for the ‘app economy’. Today I’ll talk about the most common sources of location data and give you some tips for limiting the tracking. In other news: the FTC files rule that requires canceling be just as easy as subscribing; CFPB takes action against worker surveillance; macOS Sequoia's tightened app security may be annoying to some; it's now legal to hack McFlurry machines to fix them; the EU makes vendors liable for software bugs; city sues Flock saying license plate readers are Unconstitutional; tracking world leaders with a fitness app; smartphone location tracking is out of control. Article Links [theverge.com] The FTC is finally making it easier to cancel your gym membership https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/16/24271649/ftc-click-to-cancel-subscriptions-final-rule [consumerfinance.gov] CFPB Takes Action to Curb Unchecked Worker Surveillance https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-to-curb-unchecked-worker-surveillance/ [appleinsider.com] What's changed in runtime protection for macOS Sequoia https://appleinsider.com/inside/macos-sequoia/tips/whats-changed-in-runtime-protection-for-macos-sequoia [404media.co] It Is Now Legal to Hack McFlurry Machines (and Medical Devices) to Fix Them https://www.404media.co/it-is-now-legal-to-hack-mcflurry-machines-and-medical-devices-to-fix-them/ [Risky Business] The EU will make vendors liable for bugs https://news.risky.biz/risky-biz-news-the-eu-will-make-vendors-liable-for-bugs/ [404media.co] Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ [schneier.com] Tracking World Leaders Using Strava https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2024/10/tracking-world-leaders-using-strava.html [arstechnica.com] Location tracking of phones is out of control. Here’s how to fight back. https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2024/10/phone-tracking-tool-lets-government-agencies-follow-your-every-move/ Tip of the Week: https://firewallsdontstopdragons.com/how-to-curb-location-tracking/ Further Info Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2 Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/ Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:03:06: News preview 0:04:41: FTC is finally making it easier to cancel your gym membership 0:07:19: CFPB Takes Action to Curb Unchecked Worker Surveillance 0:14:23: What's changed in runtime protection for macOS Sequoia 0:21:57: It Is Now Legal to Hack McFlurry Machines (and Medical Devices) to Fix Them 0:28:15: The EU will make vendors liable for bugs 0:33:00: Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional 0:41:09: Tracking World Leaders Using Strava 0:42:38: Location tracking of phones is out of control. Here’s how to fight back. 0:49:56: Tip of the Week: Curbing Location Tracking 1:00:57: Looking ahead

Episode 400 Special Oct 28, 2024

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The first episode of Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast aired on March 8, 2017 - almost 8 years ago now. Over that time, I've interviewed over 135 unique and amazing people, covered countless cybersecurity and privacy stories, and offered 100's of tips for protecting your devices and data. To celebrate this momentous occasion, world-renowned cryptography guru Bruce Schneier has returned to for our traditional Podcentennial interview! We discuss several timely topics including the Crowdstrike incident, the pager bombing and supply attacks more generally, US election security, the open market for cyber vulnerabilities, US intelligence agencies' focus on offense versus defense, how AI might actually benefit democracy and much more! Interview Notes Bruce Schneier’s blog:https://www.schneier.com/ Inrupt’s Solid concept: https://www.inrupt.com/solid Data and Goliath (book): https://www.schneier.com/books/data-and-goliath/ Bruce’s NY Time article on pager bombs: https://www.schneier.com/essays/archives/2024/09/israels-pager-attacks-have-changed-the-world.html Joseph Cox “Anom” interview: https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2024/06/10/anom-the-fbis-phone-company/ WaPo detailed analysis of pager bomb attack: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/05/israel-mossad-hezbollah-pagers-nasrallah/ Restoring Trust in Elections: https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2023/12/11/restoring-trust-in-elections/ Hacking election systems w/ Harri Hursti: https://podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2021/11/08/restoring-trust-in-our-elections/ Hacker Halted conference info: https://hackerhalted.com/agenda/#day-two-october-31st Further Info Help me reach more people! https://fdsd.me/awareness2 Send me your questions! https://fdsd.me/qna Check out my book, Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons: https://fdsd.me/book Subscribe to the newsletter: https://fdsd.me/newsletter Become a patron! https://www.patreon.com/FirewallsDontStopDragons Get your Firewalls Don’t Stop Dragons Merch! https://fdsd.me/merch Give the gift of privacy and security: https://fdsd.me/coupons Support our mission! https://fdsd.me/support Generate secure passphrases! https://d20key.com/#/ Table of Contents Use these timestamps to jump to a particular section of the show. 0:03:53: Interview setup 0:06:21: What should we have learned from the Crowdstrike incident? 0:11:21: Why is it more profitable for products to be brittle? 0:13:59: Do regulations stifle innovation? 0:15:27: Should intelligence agencies focus more on cyber offense or defense? 0:22:29: Should it be legal to buy and sell zero-days on the open market? 0:26:44: How secure are our election systems today? How do we get people to trust the outcomes? 0:35:41: What's your take on the arrest of Telegram's CEO? 0:39:18: How do we convince lawmakers not to subvert encrypted communications? 0:43:48: How did the exploding pager attack change our views of supply chain security? 0:49:26: In what ways might AI actually benefit our democracy? 0:58:03: Should there be any guardrails on AI systems? 1:01:17: What's next for you? What's the latest on the Solid project? 1:03:49: Interview wrap-up 1:07:51: More info for new listeners 1:13:38: Meet me at Hacker Halted Conference! 1:14:14: Looking ahead

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