The Weekly Cypher is specially curated to keep you up-to-date on the latest in cybersecurity, biometrics, and related news and innovations. Here are a few of the headlines you might have missed this week:
“The Ultimate Back Door” | New York Times
Antivirus software offers millions of users peace of mind, but it may be unwarranted. Since 2015, Russian hackers have been using Kaspersky Lab’s antivirus software as a back door to access people’s computers, including one owned by an NSA employee. What’s frightening is that 400 million people worldwide–along with governments and private companies–use Kaspersky’s software, giving hackers access to just as many machines. [Read More]
105,000 Additional IT Jobs in September | TechRepublic
The US added over 100,000 IT jobs to the workforce in September. This increase represents the well-documented need for more IT workers, and that the need isn’t going away anytime soon. What’s interesting is that the number represents a drop of 40,000 jobs from the month before. [Read More]
Blockchain and Your Social Security Number | Bloomberg
The Equifax breach has left many Americans feeling wary about using Social Security numbers. It turns out that the President’s administration agrees and is seeking an overhaul of the current system. The new system doesn’t have to be built from scratch, though. Blockchain and biometrics could prove to be what we need to get rid of Social Security numbers and strengthen our identity credentials. [Read More]
Facing the Fish | PYMNTS.com
Dubai International Airport will have a striking new addition– a virtual tunnel that mimics the feeling of walking through an aquarium. That is, if you don’t notice the 80 cameras hidden throughout the tunnel (and to be clear, you won’t).
The tunnel isn’t for passenger entertainment– it’s to capture people’s faces so that airport security can use them for biometric authentication. The cameras will ultimately replace customs officials who currently check passports manually, speeding up the process. [Read More]
Pennsylvania Releases Cybersecurity Guide | Government Technology
Massive leaks have become such commonplace nightmares that it can be easy to forget that we can combat cybercriminals. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe’s office has released a consumer cybersecurity guide to teach the state’s residents how to protect themselves from hackers. Pennsylvania has become a cybersecurity leader in recent years by implementing effective security practices at the state level and running exercises on how to weather cyber attacks. [Read More]
