Welcome to the Cyber Saturday edition of Data Sheet, Fortune’s daily tech newsletter. You may reach Robert Hackett via Twitter, Cryptocat, Jabber (see OTR fingerprint on my about.me), PGP encrypted email (see public key on my Keybase.io), Wickr, Signal, or however you (securely) prefer. Feedback welcome.
ARM-maggedon. Well, more like Intel-maggedon. The discovery that every processor in the world is exposed to so-called “Meltdown” and “Spectre” attacks is, um, not good. But ordinary consumers may misconstrue the vulnerability and the risk it poses (very low for now) without simple, well-written explanations.
Ripple, are you for real? Ripple’s rapid rise to number two in the crypto-currency scene (and its co-founder’s ascent to top 10 on the world’s rich-guy list), is bringing out the doubters. Check out this Twitter throwdown between Ripple’s CEO and the NYT’s crypto-reporter.
Criminals break from Bitcoin. It’s a bad sign when a product loses a core customer base. But in the case of Bitcoin it’s probably a mixed blessing that ransomware extortionists and drug dealers—both longtime clients—are ditching it in favor of Monero, a rival crypto-currency that’s harder to trace.
Hackers banking on your browser: The crypto-jacking hijinks keep on coming as, in the latest twist, bad guys contaminated a Chrome browser extension to force victims to (you guessed it) mine Monero.
Shady flashlight apps for Android are so 2010. But they’re making a comeback.
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Google says Chrome users should turn on a feature called “site isolation” that limits the ability of a rogue Javascript program to get access to sensitive data. The company also said it will release an update on or about Jan. 23 to Chrome’s Javascript feature that will protect better against Spectre attacks, though browser performance may suffer.
—Fortune’s Aaron Pressman explains how to prevent your web browsers being exploited for a Spectre attack. It’s a long-shot risk but better safe than sorry.
On Bitcoin and Nazis. Media accounts are noting how the boom in crypto-currency values is also swelling the bank accounts of hate groups who receive donations in Bitcoin. It’s a good time to tip our hats to clever people who build Twitter bots to track such transactions.
THREATS
Welcome to the Cyber Saturday edition of Data Sheet, Fortune’s daily tech newsletter. You may reach Robert Hackett via Twitter, Cryptocat, Jabber (see OTR fingerprint on my about.me), PGP encrypted email (see public key on my Keybase.io), Wickr, Signal, or however you (securely) prefer. Feedback welcome.
ARM-maggedon. Well, more like Intel-maggedon. The discovery that every processor in the world is exposed to so-called “Meltdown” and “Spectre” attacks is, um, not good. But ordinary consumers may misconstrue the vulnerability and the risk it poses (very low for now) without simple, well-written explanations.
Ripple, are you for real? Ripple’s rapid rise to number two in the crypto-currency scene (and its co-founder’s ascent to top 10 on the world’s rich-guy list), is bringing out the doubters. Check out this Twitter throwdown between Ripple’s CEO and the NYT’s crypto-reporter.
Criminals break from Bitcoin. It’s a bad sign when a product loses a core customer base. But in the case of Bitcoin it’s probably a mixed blessing that ransomware extortionists and drug dealers—both longtime clients—are ditching it in favor of Monero, a rival crypto-currency that’s harder to trace.
Hackers banking on your browser: The crypto-jacking hijinks keep on coming as, in the latest twist, bad guys contaminated a Chrome browser extension to force victims to (you guessed it) mine Monero.
Shady flashlight apps for Android are so 2010. But they’re making a comeback.
Share today’s Data Sheet with a friend:
ACCESS GRANTED
—Fortune’s Aaron Pressman explains how to prevent your web browsers being exploited for a Spectre attack. It’s a long-shot risk but better safe than sorry.
FORTUNE RECON
Black Mirror and Why Tech Should Be Feared by Andrew Nusca
Blockchain May Provide a Sustainable Solution for Fishing by Jeff John Roberts
Why Smart Lock Startup Otto Has Suspended Operations by Jonathan Vanian
Why the $29 iPhone Replacement Deal Could Hurt Apple’s Stock by Aaron Pressman
Apple Watch is Impervious to Spectre and Meltdown, Experts Say by Jonathan Vanian
Intel Says Major Security Bug Also Affects ARM and AMD by Aaron Pressman
ONE MORE THING
On Bitcoin and Nazis. Media accounts are noting how the boom in crypto-currency values is also swelling the bank accounts of hate groups who receive donations in Bitcoin. It’s a good time to tip our hats to clever people who build Twitter bots to track such transactions.