Wyze Camera Technical Issue Granted 13,000 Users Viewing Access to Other Homes

Introduction

Of the many digital traces we leave in daily life, location metadata may be the most revealing. Location tracking is common in many applications because it’s so useful – it can allow you to get directions from here to there, discover the closest restaurants near you, or tell you your local weather conditions. These perks, however, can come with large privacy risks.

Companies that you would never suspect needing so much of your data, are quietly collecting enormous amounts of data. For example, in 2020, an investigation was done on Tim Hortons, as the Tim Hortons app reportedly tracked an individual’s location more than 2,700 times in five months. Commissioners say Tim Hortons collected “vast amounts” of granular location data with the aim of delivering targeted advertising, to better promote its coffee and associated products, but that it never actually used the data for this purpose.  

Some of the apps on our phone sell or share location data about their users with companies that analyze the data and sell their insights. There are many ways location data can be used, and the market for this data is huge – the location data industry is an estimated $12 billion market. Collectors, aggregators, marketplaces, and location intelligence firms are potential buyers interested in your location data.  

What is being collected?

Some apps genuinely need your location to work properly, but others have different motives. Many collect location data for reasons unrelated to their main function, like targeted ads or selling it to data brokers.

Once an app collects your location data, you lose control over where it goes. It can be sold repeatedly—from data providers to aggregators that combine information from multiple sources. It could end up in the hands of a “location intelligence” firm that uses the raw data to analyze foot traffic for retail shopping areas and the demographics associated with its visitors.  

You might think, “I have nothing to hide.” But location data can reveal much more than you realize, such as:

• Where you get medical treatment and what kind
• If you visit a domestic abuse shelter
• Where you worship
• Where your kids play (if they have phones)
• When you’re on vacation and where you go
• Where you shop, eat, and bank
• Who you spend time with

Even though this data isn’t directly linked to your name, experts have shown that it’s easy to match location history with other data to identify people and their habits. In 2020, a religious publication used smartphone app data to infer the sexual orientation of a high-ranking Roman Catholic official. The publication claimed it obtained “commercially available” location data from an unnamed vendor and linked it to the priest’s phone, revealing visits to gay bars and private residences while using Grindr, a dating app popular with the LGBTQ+ community.  

Privacy advocates have long cautioned that advertisers gather location and personal data, which is then compiled and sold by data brokers. This information can be used to identify individuals and is not subject to regulations requiring clear consent from those being tracked.

What can I do to limit location tracking?

The quickest and easiest way to reduce tracking is to delete unnecessary apps. Both Android and Apple allow you to check which apps have access to your location and whether they track it only while in use or all the time. If you don’t use an app often, consider removing it.

Your location can be tracked through your phone, logged-in accounts, internet connection, and location services. To limit oversharing, take these steps:

• Only allow location access for apps that truly need it.
• Set location permissions to “While Using the App” instead of “Always.”
• Only share “Find My Phone” with trusted friends and family.
• Review third-party apps in location settings—you might be sharing more than you realize.

Despite these precautions, location tracking can’t be completely eliminated. It’s important to support companies that provide clear and transparent privacy policies.

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Introduction​

As technology rapidly advances, so do the threats to business security, underscoring the critical importance of regular software updates. Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, posing significant risks to organizations of all sizes. To defend against these malicious threats, businesses must prioritize keeping their software up to date.​

Software updates not only introduce new features but also provide essential security patches to address potential vulnerabilities. Failing to update can leave individuals and businesses exposed to cyber breaches, data theft, and financial loss. Given the growing reliance on technology for daily operations, maintaining strong security measures is more important than ever.​

Regular software updates are a crucial line of defense against cyber threats, making it imperative for businesses to stay current to protect their data, customers, and reputation. ​

How can I check if my software is up-to-date?

You can check if your device’s software is up to date by going into the device’s settings and looking for the “software update” option. Here’s how to do it on different types of devices:

• On Apple devices (iPhone, iPad): Go to Settings > General > Software Update to see if any updates are available.
• On Android devices (like Samsung Galaxy): Go to Settings and tap on Software Update or System Update. The exact location may vary depending on the model, but it’s usually found in the main settings menu.
• On Windows devices: Go to Settings and find the Windows Update section. From there, click Check for updates to see if your system needs an update.
• On macOS (iMac, MacBook): From the Apple menu n the corner of your screen, choose System Settings. Click General in the sidebar of the window that opens, then click Software Update on the right.

Whenever possible, activate automatic updates to receive the latest patches immediately upon release.

Ready to stay protected from digital threats, with experienced professionals overseeing your security?

Request a private consultation to find out whether Richter Guardian is a good fit for you.

Introduction​

On February 2, 2024, AnyDesk confirmed a recent cyberattack that resulted in hackers gaining access to the company’s production systems. The breach involved the theft of source code and private code signing keys. ​

AnyDesk is a widely used remote access solution that is popular among enterprises for remote support and accessing colocated servers.AnyDesk became aware of the attack after they detected an incident on their production servers. Following a security audit, they identified a compromise on their systems and implemented a response plan in collaboration with CrowdStrike.​

Following the disclosure of the breach, cybersecurity company Resecurity promptly announced that an individual is attempting to vend the credentials of over 18,000 AnyDesk customers on a well-known cybercrime forum. The seller is seeking $15,000 in cryptocurrency for the compromised credentials.​

Implications and recommendations​

Although AnyDesk claims that passwords were not stolen in the attack, the threat actors still managed to successfully breach their production systems. ​

1. If you use AnyDesk, modify your password. ​
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2. If the same password for AnyDesk is employed on other platforms, modify your password on those platforms aswell. ​

f you receive a call from someone purporting to be technical support or receive a pop-up regarding the safety of your device and you are unsure, call us to help you determine the legitimacy of their communication.

Ready to stay protected from digital threats, with experienced professionals overseeing your security?

Request a private consultation to find out whether Richter Guardian is a good fit for you.