by 1 month in 2025 is almost gone. Did you notice? I hope you’re doing well with your “New Year resolutions”.
I will try out multiple formats, so if one resonates more with you, please let me know.
This week, I have some vulnerabilities in technologies we use daily and a lot of creepy tracking.
Enjoy!
3 Articles
The 3 articles that I liked this week.
GPS Is Vulnerable to Attack. Magnetic Navigation Can Help | WIRED
GPS signals are vulnerable to attack through jamming and spoofing, leading to the development of an alternative magnetic navigation system using Earth’s magnetic field.
Quick take-home messages:
- Global navigation satellite system signals can be compromised through jamming and spoofing.
- Utilizing the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation can provide a more secure alternative to GPS.
- Innovation in navigation technology is essential for addressing vulnerabilities in existing systems.
A hack of location data company Gravy Analytics has revealed which apps are being used to collect user information without consent. These apps include popular ones like Candy Crush, Tinder, and MyFitnessPal.
Quick take-home messages:
- Many popular apps are collecting user location data without consent.
- Users should be cautious about the information they share on these apps.
- It is essential to review app permissions and settings regularly to protect privacy.
I know that we don’t always have time to review everything, but apps that we use constantly are increasingly getting our information and selling it. It may not be an issue to you, but tracking and monitoring people’s behavior at all times is a slippery slope to more aggressive politics that can harm many people.
Subaru Security Flaws Exposed Its System for Tracking Millions of Cars
Subaru’s security flaws were exposed, allowing hackers to unlock and start millions of cars remotely. The bugs also enabled access to at least a year of car location histories. Subaru has since fixed the vulnerabilities.
Quick take-home messages:
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in automotive systems can have serious consequences for user safety and privacy.
- Companies need to prioritize security measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
- Promptly addressing and fixing security flaws is essential in safeguarding user information.
Now we have cars tracking us 😔.
2 Videos
2 videos to take a look.
The Race to Harness Quantum Computing’s Mind-Bending Power | The Future With Hannah Fry
If you don’t have time to watch it:
- Quantum Computing Potential: Quantum computers can solve complex problems in minutes that would take today’s supercomputers millions of years, with applications in material science, medicine, and fundamental physics.
- IBM’s Research Facility: IBM’s research facility is a secretive institution where breakthroughs in computer science have happened, and quantum computers are being developed.
- Quantum Computing vs. Classical Computing: Quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can be in multiple states at once, allowing for simultaneous calculations, whereas classical computers use bits that can only be on or off.
- Challenges in Quantum Computing: Maintaining the delicate quantum state of qubits requires extremely cold temperatures, making it a challenging and expensive endeavor.
- Quantum Arms Race: The US and China are engaged in a quantum arms race, with the US investing heavily in quantum computing and China investing over $15 billion to catch up.
- Importance of US Leadership: The US recognizes the importance of leading in quantum computing, which is considered a sensitive technology with significant national security implications.
The Hidden Autopilot Data That Reveals Why Teslas Crash | WSJ
Tesla Autopilot crash that resulted in the death of Steven Hendrickson. It highlights the limitations of Tesla’s camera-based Autopilot technology and the risks it poses to the public.
It’s a scary view of how the technology has, in theory, good intentions but quickly can fall when saving costs on the car’s parts is more critical than s safety.
1 Curiosity
Something I found interesting.
An Entire Book Was Written in DNA—and You Can Buy It for $60
A commercially available book saved in DNA is a new example of molecular data storage. The book can be purchased for $60. I’m tempted to buy one myself just for the novetly of it 🙂
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See you next week
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
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