In-brief: A BBC article profiles an information security expert who finds herself the bearer of an implanted pacemaker, raising issues about the risks and benefits of new, connected health devices.
Hardware
Toymaker Hack Highlights Dark Side of Tech Industry’s Data Obsession
In-brief: The hack of VTech, a maker of technology products for children, has exposed sensitive data on hundreds of thousands of children, the company acknowledged this week. Also exposed: the toy industry’s growing and unregulated appetite for information on the children who play with their toys.
Firm Finds Crypto Keys Recycled on Thousands of Devices
In-brief: Encryption keys used to secure data on- and communications between embedded devices are being recycled, creating a huge vulnerability that malicious hackers could exploit to snoop on sensitive communications or impersonate devices.
Updated: Green Light or No, Nest Cam Never Stops Running
In-brief: Alphabet’s Nest Cam continues to run even after users have turned it “off,” the company acknowledged on Tuesday, raising questions about transparency and the potential for privacy abuses using the popular home surveillance device.
Starwood Added to List of Hacked Hotel Chains
In-brief: Starwood Hotels said on Friday that it was the victim of a malicious software infection on point of sale (POS) systems at restaurants, just the latest in a string of high profile hotel chains to admit that it was the victim of a cyber attack involving compromises of point of sale systems and the theft of customer data.
