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UK outlaws awful default passwords on connected devices

Arstechnica

Arstechnica · 1y ago

UK outlaws awful default passwords on connected devices

The United Kingdom has implemented new guidelines under the 2022 Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act (PTSI) that prohibit the use of default passwords for internet-connected devices. Now, all devices, even the smallest Wi-Fi boards, must either have a randomized password or generate one upon initialization. The password must be strong, non-incremental, and not related to public information. The regulations also require software components to be securely updatable, check for updates, and allow users to easily apply them. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines. These measures aim to improve device security and combat malware attacks like Mirai.

Related News

How to protect your smart home from hackers

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

How to protect your smart home from hackers

Smart home devices, such as internet-linked TVs, camera-equipped doorbells, and online thermostats, have become increasingly popular, but they also pose security risks. Hackers can exploit these devices to access private information, cause system failures, or even gain control of other devices connected to the same network. To protect against these threats, users should secure their Wi-Fi router, change default passwords, use two-factor authentication, and create a separate guest network for smart devices. Checking manufacturers' security policies before making a purchase and limiting the number of smart devices owned can also enhance security.

The Internet is (once again) awash with IoT botnets delivering record DDoSes

Arstechnica

Arstechnica · 6m ago

The Internet is (once again) awash with IoT botnets delivering record DDoSes

The Internet is experiencing a surge in large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks driven by Internet of Things (IoT) botnets. These botnets, often comprised of vulnerable IoT devices like routers and cameras, are being exploited by malware such as Mirai to flood targets with massive traffic, reaching record levels of 5.6 terabits per second. Security lapses in IoT devices make them ideal for such attacks. Measures like changing default passwords and updating security settings can help mitigate risks.

Google makes passkeys default option for all users

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Google makes passkeys default option for all users

Google is making "passkeys" the default sign-in method for all users as an alternative to passwords. Passkeys enable users to sign in with biometric sensors, a PIN, or pattern, eliminating the need to manage passwords. Google reports that 64% of users found passkeys simpler to use than traditional methods like passwords and two-step verification. This change is aimed at improving security and user experience. Google will also implement stricter rules for Gmail bulk senders to reduce spam and unwanted emails starting in February 2024.

Microsoft’s new “passwordless by default” is great but comes at a cost

Arstechnica

Arstechnica · 3m ago

Microsoft’s new “passwordless by default” is great but comes at a cost

Microsoft's new initiative makes "passwordless by default" the standard for signing into new accounts, driving an industry shift towards passkeys. These alternatives, coordinated by the FIDO Alliance, aim to address security issues from passwords like leaks and phishing. While promising, users need Microsoft's Authenticator app to fully eliminate passwords, complicating the transition. Despite being seen as production-ready, passkeys are still often challenging to use, though they hold potential to resolve current weaknesses.

DuckDuckGo says market share constrained by rival Google's huge wallet

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

DuckDuckGo says market share constrained by rival Google's huge wallet

The CEO of DuckDuckGo testified that his company struggled to grow its market share due to Google paying billions of dollars to companies to keep its search engine as the default. DuckDuckGo's CEO believes these contracts hindered their ability to be the default search engine on devices made by large companies.

Microsoft negotiated with Apple to sell Bing search in 2020: Report

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Microsoft negotiated with Apple to sell Bing search in 2020: Report

Microsoft reportedly explored a deal to sell its Bing search engine to Apple in 2020. The deal would have replaced Google with Bing as the default search engine on all Apple devices. However, the talks between the two tech giants never advanced. Apple's doubts about Bing's ability to compete with Google and the revenue generated by the existing Google deal may have contributed to Apple's decision. Google has been the default search engine on Apple devices since 2002, with Apple earning billions from the agreement.

Microsoft executive says Google deals kept Bing small

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Microsoft executive says Google deals kept Bing small

A Microsoft executive, Jonathan Tinter, testified that Apple and other smartphone makers declined revenue-sharing agreements with Microsoft's Bing search engine, which would have challenged Google's default search engine position on their devices. The U.S. Justice Department's antitrust case against Google alleges that the company pays billions to ensure Google search remains the default. Tinter stated that Bing struggled to become the default search engine on smartphones in the U.S., leading to poorer quality search experiences. Despite offering significant revenue sharing, Bing could not secure default status on Android or Apple smartphones in the past decade.

Google claims switching from its search engine is easy. It's not.

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Google claims switching from its search engine is easy. It's not.

In Google's defense against the Justice Department's antitrust trial, the company argues that changing one's default search engine is as easy as swapping out a box of cereal at a supermarket. However, experts and a practical test reveal that it's not as simple as Google claims. On an iPhone, it takes six taps to change the search engine. On a Mac, two clicks are required, but the process can be confusing. On Android, it's more complex and doesn't necessarily change the web browser's default search engine. The trial raises questions about how easy it is to switch away from Google as the default search engine on various devices.

Microsoft's Satya Nadella hits out at ‘dominant’ Google during US antitrust case

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Microsoft's Satya Nadella hits out at ‘dominant’ Google during US antitrust case

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified in an antitrust trial against Google, alleging that Google's unfair tactics, such as default browser agreements on smartphones and computers, have led to its dominant position in the search engine market, hindering Microsoft's Bing. Nadella downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence or niche search engines on the market. The trial focuses on Google's alleged abuse of its search engine dominance. Nadella's testimony highlighted the limited choice users have in switching default web browsers on their devices.

Device Authority Raises Further $2M in Funding

Finsmes · 1y ago

Device Authority Raises Further $2M in Funding

Device Authority, a UK and US-based company specializing in identity and access management for Enterprise IoT ecosystems, has secured an additional $2 million in funding. Prelude, an investment firm, provided the funding. The company plans to use the funds to expand its operations and development efforts. Device Authority's KeyScaler identity security platform and KeyScaler-as-a-Service (KSaaS) help organizations enhance device and data trust, reduce human error, and enable trusted AI in connected environments. CEO Darron Antill emphasized the importance of ensuring trust in devices and data and expressed gratitude for Prelude's support in advancing their solution.

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