This is a weekly series to highlight the best articles and news stories going on in the Community.
What was your favorite story? What topics would you like to see? Sound off in the comments! :)
Why You Should Use a VPN on Public WiFi
Working remotely? It only takes a moment on a free WiFi connection for a hacker to access your personal accounts. While complimentary WiFi is convenient, protecting your connection with a VPN is the best way stay safe on public networks, keeping your data and browsing history secure.
VPN stands for “virtual private network” and is a technology that can be used to add privacy and security while online. It’s specifically recommended when using public WiFi which is often less secure and is often no password protected.
Learn why you should start using a VPN!
How to Outsmart Mobile Threats
With the increased popularity of shopping on the go, more and more cybercriminals will move to prey on unsuspecting shoppers. Here are a few tips to minimize your chances of falling victim to cybercriminals this holiday season (and all year long).
- Turn off your Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a resurgent way for cyber deviants to gain access to your devices and personal information, so be sure to keep your Bluetooth off while out and about doing holiday shopping.
- Data over WiFi: Public WiFi networks are notorious hotbeds for digital attacks. If you have to do your holiday shopping online in public, use your cellular connection instead. If you’d rather not use data, a virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to protect yourself while connected to a public network on your mobile device.
Don't get hacked!
Why do companies collect, sell, buy or store personal data?
Google is introducing changes to its Safe Browsing policies, requiring Android apps to display their own privacy warning if they collect users' personal data.
In a post on its security blog, Google says:
Apps handling personal user data (such as user phone number or email), or device data will be required to prompt users and to provide their own privacy policy in the app. Additionally, if an app collects and transmits personal data unrelated to the functionality of the app then, prior to collection and transmission, the app must prominently highlight how the user data will be used and have the user provide affirmative consent for such use.Check out the full story!
A popular virtual keyboard app leaks 31 million users' personal data
Personal data belonging to over 31 million customers of a popular virtual keyboard app has leaked online, after the app's developer failed to secure the database's server.
The database appears to only contain records on the app's Android users.
The discovery was found by security researchers at the Kromtech Security Center, which posted details of the exposure alongside ZDNet. The data was only secured after several attempts to contact Fitusi, who acknowledged the security lapse this weekend. The server has since been secured, but Fitusi did not respond when asked for comment.
Get all the details!
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Apple claims it can collect your data without violating your privacy; here's how
Apple has developed algorithms that allow it to collect sensitive user data while still protecting the privacy of customers, according to a new post on the tech giant's Machine Learning Journal.
To gain the information without revealing who users are, Apple developed a system architecture that uses local differential privacy, released with iOS10. "It is rooted in the idea that carefully calibrated noise can mask a user's data," according to the post. "When many people submit data, the noise that has been added averages out and meaningful information emerges."
Learn more!
What was your favorite story of the week?
What stories or topics would you like to see covered next week?
Sound off in the comments and let us know!
