Data brokers create privacy concerns; still get millions from the federal government

Login.gov sounds like a great idea: a single way to access services provided by numerous federal agencies, like passports and small-business loans. But its creation was stymied by a simple problem: “the government” isn’t a monolithic institution. It’s a complex web of independent agencies that often can’t share personal information thanks to the Privacy Act […]

Russia exploits Telegram security flaw to surveil Ukrainian operative

Information security expert Matt Tait has a fascinating piece on Russia’s exploitation of a security flaw in the chat app Telegram to surveil an operative working with Ukraine’s special forces. Tait analyzes the details in a Washington Post story to evaluate Russia’s access and capabilities. Here’s the bottom line:

Telegram is not safe to use as a chat or call app. It nearly cost [the Ukrainian operative] his life. Ukrainians—and frankly everyone else too—should find another encrypted application for chats and calls.

Matt Tait
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