Today’s Tech Sightings:
Attackers using ransomware encrypt files on mobile devices or PCs and lock out their users until they comply with a demand to pay ransom. (Ted Benson for VOA)
Ransomware Bosses Make $90K Annually
A recent study found that Russian ransomware bosses “earn” US$90,000 a year. That’s 13 times the average income of people who were taught that crime doesn’t pay. The availability of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) business model is saving hackers a lot of money and accelerating the spread of ransomware.
Microsoft, Google, Facebook Bow Down to Bangladesh Government on Content Removal
“Inappropriate content” will be removed from the Internet following intense talks between the government of Bangladesh and Facebook, Google and Microsoft. The tech companies agreed to respond to removal requests within 48 hours of receipt. But it remains unclear how “inappropriate content” is defined and how it will affect other government requests around the world.
North Korea Hacked 140,000 South Korean Computers
South Korean police said North Korean hackers broke into 140,000 computers at 160 South Korean firms and government agencies. An official said the hackers stole up to 42,000 documents, most of them defense-related. The haul included blueprints for the wings of U.S.-made F-15 fighter jets.
More:
- Net Neutrality Wins (Again)
- Cisco Launches $10 Million Scholarship to Tackle Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
- Ransomware Now Locks Your Smart TV, Demands Apple iTunes Gifts
- Here’s How Apple Plans to Protect Your Privacy
- Flirtey Conducts First Ship-to-shore Drone Delivery
- Finland, Home to Nokia and Jobless Engineers, Struggles to Fill Tech Jobs
- Apple Created an App That Could Turn Your Child Into a Developer
- What You Need to Know About Apple’s Software Upgrades
- Apple Opens Siri to Outside Developers
- Twitter Beefs Up Troll Blocking, but Says It Must Remain Forum for ‘All Voices’
