Apple has released patches to fix two zero-day vulnerabilities that were exploited in a spyware campaign dubbed as Operation Triangulation. The vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-32434 and CVE-2023-32439, were first revealed by Russian anti-malware vendor Kaspersky and allow attackers to install spyware on iPhones without the user’s knowledge by sending an iMessage. The Russian government has attributed the campaign to the US and accused Apple of colluding with the US government to insert a backdoor into its products. However, Apple denies such allegations and has fixed the flaws to ensure the security of its users.
In other news, since the US Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion care in the US, the number of groups and channels on the messaging app Telegram selling abortifacients like mifepristone has grown. A recent WIRED investigation showed that pseudo-named sellers on the app are offering the drugs for approximately $135. However, there is no guarantee that the pills being sold are authentic. The rise in such channels and groups shows that abortion care will continue to exist in the underground market despite government laws against it.
Meanwhile, as our vehicles get ever more technologically advanced, data being collected about drivers is also increasing as a result. We discovered how vulnerable drivers’ privacy could be in the most popular vehicles in the US. Our investigation found evidence of smartphones on wheels with each passing year, where carmakers are collecting data such as location, speed, and journey time.
In other tech news, the FBI requires police to keep the use of cell-site simulators or Stingrays a secret from suspects, courts, and the public – according to recently obtained documents by ACLU. Stingrays are used to surveil a target’s phone and have been in public knowledge for years. The documents show that the FBI goes to great lengths to hide the use of such devices, revealing the potential infringement of privacy of both targets and innocent parties.
Finally, researchers have explored what it means for our brains to live in a post-truth world as the artificial intelligence boom is set to create an era of AI-fueled misinformation and deepfakes. They argue that humanity is not mentally prepared for this new era, and there is much more research required to understand what this means for our brains. As AI becomes more advanced, society will need to become more prepared for the challenges that technology brings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What security vulnerabilities did Apple fix with its latest patches?
Apple fixed two zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-32434 and CVE-2023-32439, which were exploited in a spyware campaign known as Operation Triangulation.
How were the security vulnerabilities exploited?
The vulnerabilities were exploited by sending an iMessage to an iPhone, which could then install spyware on the device without the user's knowledge.
Who initially revealed the vulnerabilities?
The vulnerabilities were first revealed by Russian anti-malware vendor Kaspersky.
What did the Russian government accuse Apple of in relation to the spyware campaign?
The Russian government attributed the campaign to the US and accused Apple of colluding with the US government to insert a backdoor into its products.
Has Apple denied these allegations?
Yes, Apple has denied the allegations and states that it has fixed the flaws to ensure the security of its users.
What has happened to the federal right to abortion care in the US?
The US Supreme Court has overturned the federal right to abortion care in the US.
What has happened to the underground market for abortifacients since the right to abortion care was overturned?
The number of groups and channels on messaging app Telegram selling abortifacients like mifepristone has grown.
Are the pills being sold on Telegram authentic?
There is no guarantee that the pills being sold on Telegram are authentic.
What data are carmakers collecting about drivers in their vehicles?
Carmakers are collecting data such as location, speed, and journey time from the most popular vehicles in the US.
What are Stingrays and what are they used for?
Stingrays are devices used to surveil a target's phone.
What potential infringement of privacy do the recently obtained documents by ACLU reveal about the use of Stingrays by the FBI?
The documents show that the FBI requires police to keep the use of Stingrays a secret from suspects, courts, and the public, revealing the potential infringement of privacy of both targets and innocent parties.
What challenges does the artificial intelligence boom bring in terms of misinformation and deepfakes?
The artificial intelligence boom is set to create an era of AI-fueled misinformation and deepfakes, for which society needs to become more prepared.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
