Tag Archive for: Enhance

Suomi.fi mobile app update set to enhance user experience with improved security

/in


On April 22, 2024, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency will release updated versions of the Suomi.fi mobile application for both Android and iOS platforms. This major update will not only revamp the visual appearance and functionality of the app but also improve its usability, accessibility, and navigation structure. Importantly, the update will phase out the support for older versions of the app, necessitating users to upgrade to continue services seamlessly.

The update is crucial as it aligns with security enhancements dictated by mobile operating systems. “The update was necessary as older versions of Android will no longer receive security updates from the manufacturer. This change ensures that the mobile application remains secure for all users,” explained Maria Juka-Lahdenperä, Business Owner at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Key Changes and Requirements:

Operating System Compatibility: Post-update, the Suomi.fi app will require Android devices to run version 11 or higher and iOS devices to operate on iOS 16 or later. Users with older operating systems will need to access Suomi.fi Messages via the web portal on desktop or mobile browsers.

New PIN for Enhanced Security: Users installing the new update will need to perform strong identification and set up a new six-digit PIN. This PIN is crucial for accessing Suomi.fi Messages, ensuring enhanced security for communication within the app.

Functionality Updates: The new version eliminates the ability to save messages as drafts but introduces more robust email verification processes. Users changing their email address linked to Suomi.fi Messages will now need to confirm the new email with a code, replacing the previous link-based confirmation method.

Dark Mode: Addressing user feedback, the updated app includes a dark theme option, providing enhanced visual comfort and potentially extending battery life on devices with OLED screens.

Transition and Feedback:

As the update will automatically apply to some devices, users may need to manually download the update from Google Play or the Apple App Store. The agency encourages users to send feedback on the new application…

Source…

Android 15 looking to enhance Wi-Fi security with a new toggle

/in


Android 15Beta 1 was released earlier this week, and as with every new beta release, Android experts everywhere go through the UI with a fine-toothed comb to find all the new features buried within the operating system. This time was not an exception, with the addition of a long-overdue new toggle found targeting Wi-Fi security.

Android expert Mishaal Rahman recently uncovered a significant update in Android 15 Beta 1: a new toggle labeled “Allow WEP networks” has been added to the device’s network settings. This change underscores Google’s ongoing focus on improving user security, particularly in the context of wireless networks.

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless network security protocol introduced decades ago. Unfortunately, WEP technology has been superseded by stronger, more robust standards like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and the newer WPA3.

WEP’s inherent design flaws make it vulnerable to cracking, even by novice hackers. If a network uses WEP, unauthorized individuals could potentially intercept and read data transmitted over it, posing a serious risk to your private information.

Android 15 looking to enhance Wi-Fi security with a new toggleAndroid 15 looking to enhance Wi-Fi security with a new toggle

Android 15 Beta 1 Network preferences screen with WEP allowance ON

By default, Android 15 Beta 1 blocks connections to WEP networks. The new “Allow WEP networks” toggle provides an override, but it includes a clear warning, stating “WEP is an older security protocol that’s less secure.” This change helps users make informed decisions about Wi-Fi connections.

While some users might still need this toggle for connecting to older devices, most users will benefit from leaving it disabled. This update aligns with Google’s attempts to protect user data, especially when using potentially insecure public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in hotels or coffee shops.
It is wise to avoid WEP networks whenever possible, and it is advisable to upgrade your home router’s security to WPA2 or WPA3. Additionally, it is always a good idea to be cautious when connecting to unknown public Wi-Fi networks, or if unsure, consider using a VPN for added protection.

Source…

ICANN Announces New Root Zone Key to Enhance DNS Security in 2024 Ceremony

/in


Internet security is set to receive a significant boost as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) embarks on an initiative to generate a new root zone key signing key (KSK) for the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC). This move, scheduled for the 53rd KSK Ceremony on April 26, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to safeguard the authenticity of DNS information related to domain names across the globe.

Reviving the Key Generation Process

Following a hiatus caused by the departure of a crucial equipment supplier, ICANN has successfully identified and onboarded a replacement vendor, setting the stage for the generation of the new KSK. This development not only resumes the previously suspended plan but also reinforces ICANN’s commitment to maintaining a secure and stable DNS infrastructure. The new key is anticipated to undergo replication to an alternate facility in the third quarter of 2024, with its pre-publication in the DNS slated for January 2025, and eventual production deployment by late 2026 after a two-year standby period.

A Comprehensive Outreach for Smooth Transition

Understanding the critical importance of this transition for the global Internet community, ICANN is gearing up for an extensive outreach campaign. This campaign aims to educate and prepare stakeholders for the upcoming changes, ensuring a seamless integration of the new key into the DNSSEC framework. This proactive approach seeks to replicate the success of the key rollover exercise conducted in 2018, demonstrating ICANN’s ability to enhance DNS security without disrupting the broader Internet ecosystem.

Future-Proofing DNS Security

In addition to the KSK generation initiative, ICANN is also exploring avenues to further bolster DNS security through the modification of cryptographic algorithms used in signing the root zone. This reflects a broader strategy to adapt to evolving security challenges and maintain the integrity of DNS operations. By continuously evaluating and implementing advanced security measures, ICANN aims to stay ahead of potential threats to the DNS, ensuring its resilience and…

Source…

pCloud launches two free online tools to enhance security among Internet users quickly and effectively

/in


ZUG, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach – 2 May 2023 – In Taiwan, the need to improve online security is urgent, with organizations experiencing an average of 3,118 attacks per week last year (https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4783488). This trend will likely worsen due to the rise in remote work and digital transformation acceleration.

Screenshot 2023-04-25 at 15.48.43.png

It is in this context that World Password Day will take place on May 4th. One of its objectives will be to raise awareness among Internet users of best practices for securing their data.

On this occasion, pCloud, the European service that offers a secure online storage solution and an encrypted password manager, launches two free online tools:

Password Checker, to easily validate the security level of each password ;
Data Breach Checker, to find out if an email is part of a hack… and it often is!

“With data breaches on the rise in 2023, we offer these free and easy-to-use tools to help build good practices that increase online security.”

Screenshot 2023-04-25 at 15.48.16.png

Check your password security quickly and effectively

The Password Strength Checker can identify how quickly a password can be cracked, with hackers usually taking just a few seconds to do so.

This is a significant concern since 78% of Generation Z use the same password for everything.

Concrete tips on creating strong passwords and avoiding the risk of being hacked are also shared by pCloud.

Find out immediately if an email is part of a data breach

pCloud’s Data Breach Checker allows users to find out instantly if their email is part of one or more known data breaches.

This is important since popular sites like Deezer, Twitter, Dropbox, and Canva have already been victims of data breaches.

Sensitive personal information associated with emails, such as credit cards, addresses, and passwords, may also have been hacked.

The problem is that people are not always aware of it, because they were not alerted when it happened or because they do not have a full picture of the scale of the phenomenon.

Accessible at any time, this tool allows the user to know instantly if their email is part of one or more known data breaches.

Here again, the Swiss company takes the opportunity to share 3 practical tips to ensure better…

Source…