Researchers uncover attack to ‘decloak’ VPN traffic

A novel network technique that bypasses VPN encryption has been revealed by security researchers at Leviathan Security. Dubbed "decloaking," the technique allows an attacker to force a target's traffic off their VPN tunnel by exploiting DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) functionality built into operating systems.  

The result is that the user's traffic is transmitted unencrypted, enabling an attacker on the same network to snoop on their activity—despite their...

7 May 2024 | Networks

Microsoft: UN treaty creates ‘ideal conditions’ for cybercrime

Amy Hogan-Burney, Associate General Counsel, Cybersecurity Policy & Protection at Microsoft, has voiced concerns about a Russia-led United Nations (UN) cybercrime treaty. 

As the global menace of cybercrime gains sophistication and extends its reach, a united front is crucial to effectively combat these digital threats. Concerted cooperation between law enforcement agencies, governmental bodies, international partners, and private corporations is required.

However,...

31 August 2023 | Legislation & Government

UK ditches plan to force ISPs to conduct mass surveillance

The UK Government has ditched a plan to force ISPs to conduct mass surveillance of their users.

Former British Prime Minister Theresa May previously served as Home Secretary during a particularly difficult period for national security when there was a particularly high prevalence of terror attacks. A number of ministers and intelligence agencies called for increased data collection to help combat this scourge.

May intended to introduce a bill named the Draft...

4 March 2022 | Legislation & Government

The key to complete online independence is through crowdsourced VPNs

Geolocation is a key pillar of how the internet functions. Previously founded on the egalitarian principle of complete transparency and total openness is now routinely altered by geolocation services. Simply put, this means that users can access various sets of websites based on where they are surfing the web from. This results in online information silos, which have negative consequences such as restricting knowledge sharing, limiting cultural interchange, and allowing political discourse...

14 September 2021 | Telecoms

FBI used the Patriot Act to gather web records without a warrant

The FBI used controversial provisions of the Patriot Act to gather the records of website visitors without a warrant.

According to the New York Times, the specific provisions the US government is using to justify its actions can be found in Section 215 of the Patriot Act—which lapsed, along with two other bits of surveillance legislation, earlier this year.

Data collected about Americans includes who has visited specific web pages. Federal investigators stop short of...

4 December 2020 | Legislation & Government

Berners-Lee is attempting to fix the web (again) with Inrupt venture

World Wide Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee is attempting to fix his wonderful but problematic creation with his Inrupt venture.

The web enables us to access information and stay connected even when we’re stuck in our homes. At the same time, it provides a gateway to our lives, minds, and homes that is often taken advantage of by companies, governments, and hackers.

Berners-Lee has often been outspoken on the web’s problems.

Last November, the father of the...

10 November 2020 | Telecoms

Six ways blockchain will impact the telecoms industry

As the telecoms industry nears the new era of 5G and disruption, organisations need to focus on innovation and how to continue competing in the sector.

To become more efficient and customer-friendly, many companies are looking for new technologies to help reinvigorate and future-proof their business; preparing them for the inescapable disruption to come.

When it comes to streamlining operations, unlocking new business models, and reducing operational costs, there’s one...

8 October 2020 | Operators

Mozilla wants to ‘Unfck The Internet’ with new campaign

Mozilla wants to fix the problems with the invention we all hold dear with its new “Unfck The Internet” campaign.

The internet is not in a healthy state. Last year, Tim Berners-Lee – creator of the World Wide Web – launched a “contract” to fix it. Needless to say, a lot more still needs to be done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeu0oKBThMg

COVID-19 has brought to light some of the best and worst aspects of the internet. The internet has helped us to...

1 October 2020 | Telecoms

China begins imposing its ‘Great Firewall’ on the citizens of Hong Kong

China’s strict internet censorship is coming to Hong Kong following the passing of a controversial security law.

The so-called Great Firewall of China restricts what internet services and websites citizens can legally access. Google, for example, cannot be easily accessed in China as Beijing cannot control what information citizens can consume in the same way as national alternatives like Baidu.

Hong Kong is supposed to operate under a “one country, two systems”...

9 July 2020 | Legislation & Government