It’s all consumer-ing! A look back on 845 breaches
In a concerning revelation for online privacy, it appears cyber threats and data breaches show no sign of slowing down. Despite advancements in cybersecurity, an alarming 845 breaches have been reported, affecting billions of user accounts. These numbers paint a stark reality of the risks faced by consumers in the digital age. Regulatory efforts in the United States, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) proposed rules to limit the sale of personal financial data, battle to create meaningful change amidst an administration that has expressed intent to alter the CFPB’s course. The gaps in data protection laws and the ease of data availability have security experts calling for more stringent measures, including federal privacy laws, to protect sensitive information.
Front and data center: Biden’s executive order targets AI infrastructure
President Joe Biden’s latest executive order focuses on enhancing the United States’ AI infrastructure, commissioning the Department of Defense and Department of Energy to scout and lease land for data centers. The administration emphasizes the necessity of self-reliance to prevent dependence on foreign sources for powerful AI tools. This initiative also discusses concerns about the environmental and community impact of these facilities, endorsing locations with minimal adverse effects and advocating the use of clean-power sources. Amidst resistance from local communities wary of the demands such centers place on resources and infrastructure, the White House assures that developers will be responsible for the full costs, ensuring no rise in electricity prices for consumers.
Troy Hunt: Guardian of breached data
Australian security researcher Troy Hunt continues his commitment to maintain one of the internet’s most trusted data breach notification services, Have I Been Pwned. Over the past 11 years, Hunt has cataloged over 845 breaches and 14.5 billion pwned accounts. His dedication to verifying the legitimacy of breaches and advocating for transparency is a testament to the importance of such services in today’s digital landscape. Despite the frequent occurrence of data leaks, Hunt retains a rigorous vetting process to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on his platform, often challenging organizations to acknowledge and disclose breaches.
