In-brief: a survey of cyber criminal groups by Flashpoint revealed that secure messaging apps are becoming more popular, but that security isn’t the only thing motivating online criminals.
China
As Trump and Xi Meet, Reports of China-Sponsored Hacks Flare | Digital Guardian
In-brief: On the eve of a high-profile meeting between China’s President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, new reports underscore the continued scourge of Chinese spying on- and theft from the U.S. and its allies. (Editor’s note: this post is excerpted from one that appeared on Digital Guardian’s blog.)
Barnes & Noble says Nook Tablets will drop Suspect Chinese Software
In-brief: Barnes & Noble said its Nook tablets have not been used to steal data and that it is taking steps to stop using software by the Chinese firm Shanghai Adups Technology Co. Ltd. (ADUPS).
Combustible Hoverboards to Hackable Cameras – its the Supply Chain, Stupid | Quartz
In-brief: An article in Quartz finds a common theme in stories about the massive denial of service attacks from IoT botnets and exploding hover boards: a sketchy global supply chain.
Shoddy Supply Chain Lurks Behind Mirai Botnet
In-brief: A common, China-based supplier of management software is the common thread that ties together the myriad digital video recorders, IP-based cameras and other devices that make up the Mirai botnet, according to analysis by the firm Flashpoint.
