In-brief: A prominent Googler says the company is committed to keeping the Android operating system open source, but wouldn’t mind the security benefits that come with Apple’s closed iOS ecosystem, either!
Mobile
Consumer Group Sues Samsung Over Lack of Updates for Smart Phones
In-brief: A consumer group in The Netherlands is suing smart phone giant Samsung over its lax management of the security of its devices – part of the larger fragmentation of the Android ecosystem.
Flaw in Super Secret BlackPhone Underscores Third Party Risk
In-brief: Black Phone contains a security flaw that could enable a malicious actor to redirect phone calls or secretly send text messages from the device, according to a report from the firm SentinelOne. The culprit: vulnerable third party software.*
Update: Hello Barbie Fails Another Security Test
In-brief: The security firm Bluebox says the mobile applications used with Hello Barbie contain security flaws that could lead to the theft of passwords and other information. Update: this story was updated to include comment from Bluebox and ToyTalk. PFR 12/4/2015
Study: Serious Web Security Flaws Rampant on Embedded Devices
In-brief: three quarters of embedded systems that sport web interfaces tested by researchers at universities in Germany and France contained serious security vulnerabilities, according to a new study. The results raise more questions about the security of embedded devices including home routers and home surveillance cameras.
