I'm an investigative reporter and tech journalist covering online privacy, security, surveillance, and digital freedom. yael@yaelwrites.com
How one hacker's push to secure the internet became a crucial part of Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems
Jason A. Donenfeld is the 32-year-old creator of WireGuard, an open-source VPN protocol widely seen as one of the most secure in the world. In 2020, it found mainstream success and was adopted into the popular Linux kernel, as well as on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Donenfeld started the project in 2015, and spent years building an open-source community to support WireGuard. He spoke with Business Insider about his path to creating WireGuard, how he sees VPN security, and the overwhelming response the project, which is funded entirely by donations, has gotten from developers.
CR Security Planner
Keep Your Data Secure With a Personalized Plan: Cut down on data collection and prevent hackers from invading your laptop, tablet and even your phone. Answer a few simple questions to get customized recommendations to help you safely backup files, browse online without tracking, avoid phishing scams, prevent identity theft, and more.
A.I. Helped Uncover Chinese Boats Hiding in North Korean Waters
A combination of technologies helped scientists discover a potentially illegal fishing operation involving more than 900 vessels.
The Best Security Key for Multi-Factor Authentication
A good password manager is the first step to online security but not the last. Enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts is the next step, and using a physical security key is the most secure way to do so. The Yubico YubiKey 5 Series has the best combination of compatibility, usability, and security of any key we tested.
Zoom Meetings Aren’t End-to-End Encrypted, Despite Misleading Marketing
Zoom, the video conferencing service whose use has spiked amid the Covid-19 pandemic, claims to implement end-to-end encryption, widely understood as the most private form of internet communication, protecting conversations from all outside parties. In fact, Zoom is using its own definition of the term, one that lets Zoom itself access unencrypted video and audio from meetings. Co-written with Micah Lee.
Voatz ‘Blockchain’ App Used in US Elections Has Numerous Security Issues, Says Report
An audit report of Voatz platform confirms numerous issues previously discovered, and the voting app declines to make all the necessary changes.
Why is the healthcare industry still so bad at cybersecurity?
This demanded a cross-industry summit—so now medical, security pros attend CyberMed.
Safe Harbor, or Thrown to the Sharks by Voatz?
How a student researcher on the hunt for a bug bounty found themselves on the wrong end of an FBI investigation.
The Best VPN Service
After fresh research and testing, TunnelBear is our new pick for the best VPN. It’s the best-performing and most trustworthy of the few that have published results from an independent security audit.
Facebook Insists No Security ‘Backdoor’ Is Planned for WhatsApp
The company is fighting back against rumors that it would scan messages on users’ phones prior to encryption.
What Really Happened With West Virginia’s Blockchain Voting Experiment?
We don’t really know—and that’s worrisome.
Arizona police agencies gather & share license plate data, but few ensure rules are being followed
How police in the Valley use automated license plate readers
A Critical Look at Sovereign Identity Startups
A new wave of startups is offering a fundamentally different approach to data collection and use.
Full Engagement
Museums globally are expanding their social role—and value—by engaging underserved communities.