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Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

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Re: Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

#192

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The article omitted it, but the message says to update iOS to the latest software and enable its lockdown mode.

Right. That's a "turn it off and turn it on again" tech support answer.

Hardly. Keeping your apps and operating system updated is one of the more reliable prophylaxis against vulnerabilities.

Unless I'm misunderstanding "turn it off and on again" suggest a kind of pointless, "just start over and try again" kind of suggestion, no?

Re: Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

#193
post #94

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Excellent point. Thank you! I would hope people aren't using flags for low-value comments, but you make a great point that it could have been edited to remove something that was deserving of a flag.

aren't using flags for low-value comments They could, and if you ask me, they should. They gum up threads and often start meta discussions about exactly how low-value they are. Many are even explicitly listed in the guidelines - snark, tropes and memes, 'broke the back button', shallow putdowns, etc. Righteously flaggable, one and all.

I agree regarding snark, and pretty much anything that criticizes the person rather than the ideas. But one person's tropes and memes are often somebody else's current belief/position, especially if they are part of today's lucky 10,000[1].

What (in your opinion) is the purpose of the down-vote button?

[1]: https://xkcd.com/1053/

Re: Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

#195

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Excellent point. Thank you! I would hope people aren't using flags for low-value comments, but you make a great point that it could have been edited to remove something that was deserving of a flag.

Saw it while it was flagged. There were two sentences. They removed the second one. Cant remember the exact wording, it was a short one, but it was basically saying: "Israel bad".

Ah thanks, that does indeed sound flag-worthy

Re: Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

#196
post #117

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I'm seriously considering changing to Apple after this. Ironically that may be worse for you. iMessage is probably a critical step in 60% (or more) of these exploits, and the various unicode/pdf etc rendering engines are responsible in many exploits. Android's open-source nature likely means that a lot of these things are found by security researchers first. Don't forget that zerodium still pays more for an android…

you changed my mind successfully thank you but what about dumb phones from late 2000s like my Samsung Alias 2? what kind of sick bastard would make zero days for this

I can never pass up an opportunity to mention Justine Haupt’s Rotary Un-Smartphone.

Buy: https://skysedge.com/telecom/RUSP/index.html

Story: https://www.justine-haupt.com/rotarycellphoneinfo/index.html

Edit: wait, was she not able to get it certified? Does it really say it won’t connect to a US network?

Oh,

> This is a regulatory approval issue which will take time to resolve.

Re: Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

#197
post #81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's just weird. the US is definitely a lower cost country than Norway yet my youngest son works for a company here in Norway that does quite a lot of business making metal and plastic tags of various kinds with text engraved, printed, or laser cut. As far as I know most of the machinery is made in Europe, mostly Germany, again generally higher cost than the US. So I find it difficult to believe that it can't be do…

My guess is that it's likely cultural. Cost cutting seems to be done much more deeply in the US than in Europe. For example, economy class on all North American airlines is rather miserable, while most European non budget carriers have a better experience in economy.

Can confirm just got back from Barcelona on an Iberia flight. Evonomy on this flight was hands down better than any flight I have taken in the US. Food, service, even baggage policy was just simply a better experience. Honestly my mind was blown / food multiple meals included in price of economy seat. Just less nickel and diming and overall better experience,

Re: Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

#198
post #117

Earlier quoted context omitted.

you changed my mind successfully thank you but what about dumb phones from late 2000s like my Samsung Alias 2? what kind of sick bastard would make zero days for this

I can never pass up an opportunity to mention Justine Haupt’s Rotary Un-Smartphone. Buy: https://skysedge.com/telecom/RUSP/index.html Story: https://www.justine-haupt.com/rotarycellphoneinfo/index.html Edit: wait, was she not able to get it certified? Does it really say it won’t connect to a US network? Oh, > This is a regulatory approval issue which will take time to resolve.

weird why wouldn't it work with US networks...but works in other countries?

not sure about the rotary thing that looks cool tho

Re: Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

#199

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Well dang I work in a research lab and I didn’t get an email. I’m just going to assume my research is so interesting that they sent the real badasses after me, somebody that Apple can’t catch. The truth is too ego-shattering.

Look to your left. Look to your right. Both of those people are working for a foreign government. At least one of them does not know it. Trust no one.

[deleted]

Re: Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary spyware attacks

#200

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You'd be surprised. A college student in an interesting field is an interesting target. Doesn't mean he's done anything nefarious or even shady. Industrial espionage is a thing.

Why would a college student be an interesting target simply for being a college student in an interesting field? If they work at an interesting company or something like that I would understand, but the knowledge that is accessible in colleges is not some super secret stuff or am I missing something?

They are gullible and they need the money.

Student debts are a harsh reality a lot of people cannot escape from.

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