computers and peripherals – Computer Security Articles

Researchers build a scary Mac attack using AI and sound

August 8, 2023 admin apple, Artificial Intelligence, computers and peripherals, MacOS, Security

A UK research team based at Durham University has identified an exploit that could allow attackers to figure out what you type on your MacBook Pro — based on the sound each keyboard tap makes.

These kinds of attacks aren’t particularly new. The researchers found research dating back to the 1950s into using acoustics to identify what people write. They also note that the first paper detailing use of such an attack surface was written for the US National Security Agency (NSA) in 1972, prompting speculation such attacks may already be in place.

“(The) governmental origin of AS- CAs creates speculation that such an attack may already be possible on modern devices, but remains classified,” the researchers wrote.

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ComputerWorld Independent

Apple’s MFi scheme for USB-C is a good thing

March 1, 2023 admin apple, computers and peripherals, iPhone, Mobile, Security, small and medium business

Apple appears poised to make it more difficult to use cheap USB-C cables with its devices, and while it may well make a few dollars more from the purported plan, there are also good reasons to put the system in place.

Apple got to make a dollar or two

The claim is that Apple plans to replace Lightning ports and cables with USB-C in the iPhone 15, and when it does it will introduce a Made For iPhone (MFi) scheme for such products. The idea is that consumers will be able to purchase cables and other devices in full confidence that they will be compatible with their iPhone.

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ComputerWorld Independent

Apple finally adds encryption to iCloud backups

December 7, 2022 admin apple, computers and peripherals, Data Privacy, Endpoint Protection, iPhone, Security

Apple today introduced several new security features focused on fending off threats to user data in the cloud, including end-to-end encryption for backups for iCloud users.

Along with end-to-end encryption for iCloud, Apple’s cloud storage and computing platform, the company announced iMessage Contact Key Verification, allowing users to verify they are communicating only with whom they intend.

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Apple also announced hardware Security Keys for Apple ID, giving users the choice to require two-factor authentication to sign into their Apple ID account. (Hardware security keys use devices, such as USB thumb drives or near-field communication (NFC) dongles, to enable access to a service or application.)

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ComputerWorld Independent

What is USB Restricted Mode in macOS Ventura, and why do you want it?

August 15, 2022 admin computers and peripherals, iOS, MacOS, Security

Credit to Author: Jonny Evans| Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:35:00 -0700

Once upon a time, one attack vector for industrial sabotage consisted of exfiltrating data from Macs using a standard-issue USB storage card. Researchers have also shown that it’s possible to hijack computers with malware-infested cables. It’s a jungle out there, so Apple has toughened up (Apple Silicon) Mac protection with USB Restricted Mode.

What is USB Restricted Mode?

Beginning with macOS Ventura, the new layer of protection comes in the form of USB Restricted mode, which should provide a little reassurance to enterprise IT and is enabled by default.

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