Lock and Code S1Ep20: Tracking the charities that track you online with Chris Boyd

This week on Lock and Code, we discuss the top security headlines generated right here on Labs and around the Internet. In addition, we talk to Chris Boyd, lead malware intelligence analyst for Malwarebytes, about charity organizations and online ad tracking. Though many might assume that these two topics have no overlap, they absolutely do.

Ad tracking itself isn’t anything new—luxury brands used to place their advertisements specifically in newspapers that delivered to high-income zip codes, and medications for age-related illnesses broadcast commercials during daytime television, when retirees are more likely to watch.

But today’s ad tracking supercharges that match-making game with a complex, opaque machinery that can track what you do online, what websites you visit, what browser you use, and even your gender, religion, and political bias.

Tune in to hear about how charity organizations utilize online ad tracking tools—and why that could concern some users—on the latest episode of Lock and Code, with host David Ruiz.

You can also find us on the Apple iTunes store, Google Play Music, and Spotify, plus whatever preferred podcast platform you use.

We cover our own research on:

• Malsmoke operators abandon exploit kits in favor of social engineering scheme
• WebNavigator Chromium browser published by search hijackers
• Chris Krebs, director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, fired by President
• IoT forecast: Running antivirus on your smart device?

Other cybersecurity news:

• Microsoft unveiled Pluton, a new security chip for Windows PCs that the tech giant will deliver through partnerships with Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. (Source: SecurityWeek)
• The ransomware gang known as DarkSide has announced plans to offer a distributed storage platform for affiliates. (Source: Hot for Security)
• Facebook fixed a critical flaw in the Facebook Messenger for Android messaging app that allowed callers to listen to other users’ surroundings. (Source: BleepingComputer)
• A Chinese state-sponsored hacking group has infected more than 200 systems across Southeast Asia with FunnyDream. (Source: ZDNet)
• Capcom has confirmed that hackers stole customer data and files from its internal network following a ransomware attack. (Source: TechCrunch)

Stay safe, everyone!

The post Lock and Code S1Ep20: Tracking the charities that track you online with Chris Boyd appeared first on Malwarebytes Labs.