Matt Warman reports: A new extension for the Firefox web browser makes it easier than ever before for users to steal account information from users logging on to unencrypted websites via unsecured wifi networks. Developed by Eric Butler, the Firesheep extension collects the “cookies” that a selection of websites such as Facebook and Twitter use…
Category: Breaches
Computer security head suspended over e-mail spying
Randy Ludlow reports: The head of computer systems security for the Ohio Department of Public Safety was suspended today amid the fallout from an e-mail spying scheme. David A. Brown, 46, was placed on paid administrative leave from his $94,284-a-year job as the department continues to review employees’ roles in a plan to illegally intercept…
Brazilian police to charge journalist for privacy breach
Maira Magro reports: The Federal Police are working to indict journalist Amaury Ribeiro Júnior for his alleged role in violating the financial privacy of individuals linked to opposition presidential candidate José Serra, O Estado de S. Paulo and O Globo report. In statements to the police, Ribeiro confirmed that he paid a mediator to obtain documents from the…
Researchers hack toys, attack iPhones at ToorCon
Elinor Mills reports: From “weaponized” iPhone software to hacked toys and leaked cookies, researchers at the ToorCon security conference here this weekend showed how easy it can be to poke holes in software and hardware with the right tools, know-how, and curiosity. […] Two researchers gave a light-hearted talk, titled “Real Men Carry Pink Pagers”,…