Hot on the heels of a report detailing a surge in malware being developed for macOS, a new one has been discovered that's specifically targeting developers.
Security researchers discover ‘XcodeSpy’ malware targeting developers
Privacy
Facebook’s iOS and Android apps now support hardware security keys
Way, way back in 2017 Facebook rolled out support for hardware security keys for its desktop experience. Now, several years later, that same support is finally arriving for its mobile app experience.
You can now view privacy labels for all Apple apps in one central location
When Apple introduced privacy labels on the App Store back in December 2020, the company said it would hold itself to the same standard as its developers by providing privacy labels for all its stock apps for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Keeping true to its promise, the tech giant recently launched a webpage listing privacy labels for all its stock apps.
New report says macOS malware development surged in 2020, but still pales in comparison to Windows
It's always been a point of pride for some Mac users out there that worrying about potential malware threats isn't as big of a concern as it is while using Windows. And, despite the fact that a new report says threats are growing for Apple's computers, that talking point still seems to stand true.
Instagram will prevent adults from messaging teenagers who don’t follow them
To make its platform safer for teenagers, Instagram today announced new policies to restrict direct messaging between teens and adults they don’t follow. In other words, adults will no longer be able to send messages to Instagram users who are underage and don't follow them.
WhatsApp is working on password-protected encrypted iCloud backups
Your WhatsApp chats saved in iCloud could be read and shared with authorities when lawfully requested. That might change soon as the Facebook-owned messaging service has been working on a new privacy feature that would protect these iCloud backups with encryption.
Some Android and iOS apps are leaking data due to improperly configured cloud services
Public cloud services are an important tool. Offerings from Microsoft, Amazon, and Google make it possible for a lot of developers to get their apps and services out there into the world. However, it can lead to some issues, too.
A cringey Facebook video tries to sell the idea of privacy-breaching personalized ads
Facebook has launched a new campaign to tell the world that small businesses operating on its social platforms rely heavily on personalized advertising. It includes a video, titled “Good Ideas Deserve To Be Found,” featuring Houston-based fashion brand House of Takura. The company omits the fact that targeted advertising available on its platforms is a result of massive privacy breaches. Facebook is vehemently opposing Apple's upcoming App Tracking Transparency initiative that will require iOS apps to seek user permission to track users.
Keep prying eyes away from your missed notifications with LeaveMeOff Pro
It’s not uncommon for nosy onlookers to peer at your phone screen from over your shoulder as you enjoy a text message-based conversation with one of your friends or loved ones. Albeit creepy, such is life.
Apple’s iOS mobile operating system takes this fact into account, offering a handy feature in the Messages app’s notification settings that can hide message contents from your Lock Screen’s notification banners under various circumstances. But if that’s still not enough privacy for you, then a newly released jailbreak tweak dubbed LeaveMeOff Pro by iOS developer Plat-Ykor could be worth checking out.
Here’s what will happen if you don’t accept WhatsApp’s new privacy policy by May 15
Facebook-owned WhatsApp has detailed in a FAQ what will happen if you don't accept the new terms in its updated privacy policy that's due to go into effect May 15. Although your account won't be deleted, failure to accept the new terms by the effective date will cripple the app
iPadOS 14.5 improves iPad microphone privacy when using smart folio cases
Apple's iPadOS 14.5 software disables onboard microphones when you close your iPad smart folio case, another way the company continues to boost user privacy across its platforms.
How to stop sites from requesting your location in Safari
Learn how to configure Safari websites to stop asking for your location on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You can always allow sites you want and deny those you don’t at any time.