Apple’s default Mail app for the iPhone has a severe security flaw, researchers claim – The Verge:
“‘To mitigate these issues — you can use the latest beta available. If using a beta version is not possible, consider disabling Mail application and use Outlook or Gmail that are not vulnerable,’ ZecOps writes.”
*Expect more pressure on Apple to let people change default apps. Even if it turns out that doing so doesn’t provide increased security
‘Pure Hell for Victims’ as Stimulus Programs Draw a Flood of Scammers – The New York Times:
“Over the last month, 4,305 malicious website domains were set up to take advantage of people looking for new forms of government support, according to the security firm Check Point. The fake sites, with names like whereismystimulus and 2020reliefprogram, generally ask people to input their personal data with the promise that they can get information about their checks. But hackers then use the data against those who fall for the trick.”
Social Distancing for Coronavirus Has a History – The New York Times:
“The outcome of their research was startling. By closing the schools in a hypothetical town of 10,000 people, only 500 people got sick. If they remained open, half of the population would be infected.”
Early, aggressive action to limit social interaction using multiple measures like closing schools or shutting down public gatherings was vital to limiting the death toll, they found.
Leaked pics from Amazon Ring show potential new surveillance features | Ars Technica:
“Amazon subsidiary Ring, which has partnerships with almost 1,200 law enforcement agencies nationwide, does not currently include facial recognition or license plate scanning tools in its home surveillance line of consumer products. “
*Thinking facial recognition is a top feature that is missing… Example: this same person has been to three Ring members homes and two had recent incidents. Maybe the network could keep an eye out for the person and when spotted a nearby authority would be informed. Certainly there could be a lot of false positives. Lots of privacy concerns to be worked out too.
The auto industry — already fretting lengthy factory shutdowns and depressed new-vehicle demand — is starting to sound the alarm about a potential used-car price collapse that could have far-reaching consequences for manufacturers, lenders and rental companies.
— Read on www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-13/fear-of-an-impending-car-price-collapse-grips-the-auto-industry
*How will consumers react? Huge incentives on manufacturers to move more new cars? If the values and prices for gently used cars drop people may feel better buying used rather than new. Many new people without regular income will lead to uncertainty and caution in household expenditures, especially large purchases like automobiles. Home price may also see a reset which could be rather significant. The home price reset may take time to become apparent. Look for a lengthening of days-on-market.
D.L. Damore 