ASW #320: The Latest Tech Developments You Need to Know
In this week's episode of ASW, we're diving into some of the most exciting and concerning tech news out there. From Google's latest move to replace SMS with QR codes for authentication, to a popular VSCode extension being pulled due to red flags, we've got you covered.
Google Replaces SMS with QR Codes for Authentication
Google has announced that it will be replacing SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) with QR code-based 2FA. This move aims to make the authentication process more secure and convenient for users. With this change, Google will generate a unique QR code for each user's account, which can be scanned by authorized devices or apps to verify identity.
This shift towards QR codes marks a significant departure from traditional SMS-based 2FA methods, which have been criticized for their vulnerability to phishing attacks and spoofing. By leveraging the uniqueness of QR codes, Google hopes to provide an additional layer of security for its users.
MS Pulls VSCode Extension Due to Red Flags
Microsoft has recently pulled a popular VSCode extension due to red flags raised by security researchers. The extension, which provided features such as code completion and debugging tools, was found to contain several vulnerabilities that could have been exploited by attackers.
The move highlights the importance of proper vetting and testing for third-party extensions in popular development environments like VSCode. It also serves as a reminder to developers and users to always be cautious when installing and using new extensions, especially those that come from unknown sources.
Threat Modeling with TRAIL
In recent days, there has been an increased focus on threat modeling in the tech industry. Threat modeling is a process used to identify potential security risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
A popular tool for threat modeling is TRAIL, which provides a framework for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in software systems. By using TRAIL and other similar tools, developers can ensure that their applications are more secure and resilient to attacks.
Threat Modeling the Bybit Hack
Last week, hackers targeted the cryptocurrency exchange Bybit, stealing millions of dollars' worth of digital assets. The attack highlights the importance of robust threat modeling in protecting against sophisticated cyber threats.
The Bybit hack was attributed to a combination of human error and software vulnerabilities. The attackers were able to exploit a weakness in the system's security protocol, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Malicious Models and Malicious AMIs
Another growing concern in the tech industry is the rise of malicious machine learning models. These models are designed to deceive and manipulate users into divulging sensitive information or performing certain actions.
Malicious Model Isolation (MMI) is a new technology aimed at detecting and preventing the use of these malicious models. MMI works by analyzing the behavior of models in real-time, identifying patterns that indicate potential malice.
More Tech Developments to Watch
In addition to the above developments, there are several other tech news stories worth keeping an eye on. These include:
- Google's announcement of a new AI-powered chatbot
- The introduction of a new cryptocurrency exchange platform
- A report highlighting the growing threat of ransomware attacks
In conclusion, this week's episode of ASW has covered some of the most significant and concerning tech developments in recent days. From Google's shift towards QR codes for authentication to the rise of malicious machine learning models, there's always something new and exciting (or alarming) on the horizon.