We have collected the most important news from the world of cybersecurity for the week.
- Tor has introduced browser updates aimed at bypassing blocking and improving security.
- Twitter suffered a global outage due to “problems with internal systems.”
- The head of WhatsApp warned about applications masquerading as messenger and stealing user data.
Tor Browser Updates Help Bypass Blocks
The Tor Project team has released Tor Browser 11.5 with updates to help bypass censorship.
Among the innovations is the Connection Assist function, which allows you to automatically bypass restrictions on access to the Tor network, taking into account the peculiarities of blocking in various jurisdictions. The developers have also simplified and expanded the network connection settings section if the user wants to do it manually.
In addition, HTTPS-Only mode is now enabled by default. The HTTPS-Everywhere add-on was left only in the Android version.
UK delays controversial internet safety bill
In the UK, a vote on a bill on Internet security, which causes much controversy among human rights activists, has been postponed.
The document obliges powerful technology platforms to tighten content regulation to combat illegal, potentially harmful, and offensive material. In non-compliance with the requirements, they face a fine of up to 10% of the annual turnover.
Many companies, including Google, Meta and Twitter, and human rights activists, have expressed concerns that the bill threatens freedom of speech and end-to-end encryption.
New malware spread on Google Play
Cybersecurity experts at Evina have discovered a new Android malware in the Google Play Store that secretly signs users up for paid services.
The malware, called Autolycus, was found in at least eight Android apps, two of which were available on Google Play through analyst releases. Infected applications have been installed more than three million times.
Twitter has had a massive outage
On July 14, users worldwide began to complain about the inability to access Twitter.
Later, the company explained the failure to “problems with internal systems.”
WhatsApp warned about fake versions of the messenger stealing user data
The head of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart, said that the messenger team discovered hidden malware in the Hey WhatsApp application and others that allegedly offer advanced functionality.
In fact, these applications are aimed at stealing data from victims’ phones. Cathcart said that the company is working with Google Play to identify such fake messengers.
