AI firm unveils privacy-preserving digital masks

AI firm unveils privacy-preserving digital masks | Ransomware attack uses fake COVID-19 tracking app | Google's image fact check aims to fight misinformation

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June 25, 2020

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Top Story

AI firm unveils privacy-preserving digital masks

Alethea AI has developed synthetic media avatars, or "digital masks," that counter facial recognition algorithms and can be used to preserve users' privacy on pre-recorded videos. The company hopes to develop a marketplace in which people can license out their likenesses, with the resulting images verified via secure blockchain, and the company eventually aims to create a way to mask faces in real time, such as during live videoconferencing.

Full Story: CoinDesk (UK) (6/23)

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Data Breaches

Ransomware attack uses fake COVID-19 tracking app

Canadian Android users were targeted in a COVID-related ransomware attack called CryCryptor that used a fake coronavirus tracking app containing malware. The attack coincided with the government's push for the use of nationwide tracing app COVID Alert.

Full Story: Infosecurity (U.K.) (6/25)

Security Tips and Tools

Google's image fact check aims to fight misinformation

(Pixabay)

Images on Google are now being fact-checked by third parties and labeled by Google in an effort to weed out misinformation. Publishers can use ClaimReview to indicate that an image has been verified.

Full Story: TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (6/22)

Video piracy spreads malware during pandemic

Devices for pirating video have become more likely to infect users' home networks or computers during the pandemic as people use them more often, the Digital Citizens Alliance reports. The group found that malware has infected about 25% of these machines.

Full Story: Multichannel News (6/23)

The ransomware landscape in 2020

Meeting the payment demands of hackers who deploy ransomware doesn't always result in the return of encrypted data, and having cyberinsurance policies could make the holders of those policies a more enticing target, writes SmartBrief's Patrick Hopkins. In this wide-ranging exploration, he addresses various types of ransomware, the emergence of ransomware-as-a-service, and the common targets and financial impact of ransomware.

Full Story: SmartBrief/Technology (6/24)

How IT can help drive employee engagement

Sponsored content from ADP

Leveling up your contingent workforce

If you are using a greater number of independent workers during this time, you may be facing some unique challenges. Learn more about optimizing your contingent workforce, keeping them engaged and productive, and getting the most out of your organization's relationship with these valuable workers. Read the article.

What CIOs need to know about HR

ADP executives Sreeni Kutam and Sugi Venkatesh say greater collaboration between IT and HR can help create a better experience for employees throughout your organization. Read the article.

Managing Data

Google to auto-delete user data after 18 months

Google will start auto-deleting search and location history for new users after 18 months by default, while YouTube history will be automatically deleted after three years. Mobile users will also be able to switch to incognito mode in Google Chrome by long-pressing their profile pictures, a feature available now on iOS and soon on Android and other platforms.

Full Story: The Verge (6/24), 9to5Google (6/24)

Government Security and Policy

DOJ expands indictment against Assange

Assange (Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

In a new indictment, the Justice Department is broadening the scope of its accusations against Julian Assange to include his alleged collaboration with hacking collective LulzSec in seeking material for WikiLeaks. The indictment also alleges that Assange gained unauthorized access to the government IT system of a NATO member.

Full Story: Infosecurity (U.K.) (6/25)

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