Tag Archive for: finally

BlackBerry phones will finally rest in peace on January 4

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The pioneer of the smart phone before the smartphone BlackBerry has announced devices running on its BlackBerry OS software will stop working as of next week.

From January 4th, BlackBerry OS device owners won’t be able to make or receive calls, send texts, use Wi-Fi, or access mobile data.

That includes all smartphones running on BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, the ill-fated BlackBerry 10 operating system and even the tablet-based BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 (and earlier).

“As of this date, devices running these legacy services and software through either carrier or Wi-Fi connections will no longer reliably function, including for data, phone calls, SMS and 9-1-1 functionality,” the company said in a support post (via Liliputing).

However, if you have one of the few BlackBerry devices that launched running Android, such as the 2017 BlackBerry Priv, you won’t be affected.

The company had already announced over a year ago that its transition to a software company had been completed. Back in September of last year it would be “taking steps to decommission the legacy services” ahead of the termination date of January 4.

So, this has been coming for a long, long time but it still feels like the end of an era. Since it got out of the smartphone game Blackberry has reinvented itself as an internet security software company that assists governments and such. The company was initially renowned for the security of its email and BlackBerry Messenger platform so this isn’t too great of a leap.

In the announcement in September 2020, the company said: “Today BlackBerry is focused on providing intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. Since pivoting to an enterprise software and cybersecurity company, we have received questions about our plans to provide ongoing support for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier and BlackBerry 10 devices. In 2017, we committed to providing at least two more years of support for BlackBerry 10 and at least two years of BlackBerry network access for BBOS…

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Google finally rolling out Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro December security patch

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Google’s December security patch is finally rolling out to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, according to 9to5Google and Reddit.

The update was delayed more than a week, but it’s here now and comes with 80 bug fixes and much-needed improvements.

Some of the standouts of this update include improved fingerprint sensor stability and performance, fixes for screen flickering, and full 23W wireless charging from the Pixel Stand 2.

Further, there are also some specific camera updates included as well.

  • General image quality improvements in camera preview / capture
  • General improvements for camera stability and performance
  • General improvements for auto-focus response in certain capture modes
  • General improvements for color consistency in viewfinder preview
  • Fix for issue causing blank viewfinder preview in certain conditions

You can check out the full list of fixes, here.

The patch also fixes several security vulnerabilities that ranged from moderate to high. To download the update head to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘System update.’

It’s worth mentioning that I haven’t received the update on my Pixel 6 Pro and many others on Reddit are also waiting for the patch, so it seems as the update hasn’t hit everyone. Hopefully, it won’t take too much longer.

Source: Google (2), Via: 9to5Google

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AT&T is finally adding a security feature to cut down on port-out scams

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It looks like AT&T already has a response to the FCC’s new proposals announced today, because they are adding a one-time passcode security feature to cut down on port-out scams.

A new AT&T support article we spotted today states that the carrier will soon require customers who want to port out their number to generate a one-time passcode before switching carriers. The feature is called a “Number Transfer PIN”, and Verizon has been using it since March of last year. It’s a secure one-time-use code that can only be generated by the customer.

Customers that want to port out must first either dial *PORT from their current line or generate a code with the myAT&T app/their online account. The code is then provided to the carrier they are porting to, along with other general account information. Importantly, AT&T employees cannot generate this code on a customer’s behalf. This eliminates an “inside job” type of situation, at least for port-out scams.

Number Transfer PINs replace the existing pre-configured PIN setup that AT&T (and T-Mobile) currently uses. The pre-configured PIN is established when the account is opened, and is used for both account access and to port out. The new PINs are randomized and only generated when needed, making them much more secure.

The change is currently set to take place on October 18th, according to the support article. T-Mobile will then be the only major carrier not using the Number Transfer PIN method.

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Finally! Ring Doorbells get End-to-End Encryption, but There’s a Big Catch

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Amazon’s Ring unit is moving ahead with plans to allow end-to-end encryption (E2EE). U.S. customers can turn it on now, with the feature rolling out to other countries any second now.

But there’s always a catch. You need to remember a huge random passphrase. And a lot of features will stop working—including the ability to resell your device on the used market.

Is it a dark pattern? If it walks and swims and quacks like one, then it probably is. In today’s SB Blogwatch, we’ve got a bad feeling about Ring.

Your humble blogwatcher curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment. Not to mention: Turning into random objects.

I’m Sorry, Dave; I’m Afraid I Can’t Do That

What’s the craic? Jay Peters reports—“Ring’s end-to-end encryption … available now”:

More secure”
Ring’s end-to-end encryption for video streams is leaving technical preview, is now available to US users, and is currently rolling out globally. … The opt-in feature makes it so that your video streams can only be viewed by you on an enrolled iOS or Android device.
…
Ring first announced video end-to-end encryption in September 2020 and launched the technical preview in January. … If you use two-step authentication to provide extra security to your account, Ring now supports authenticator apps, which [is] more secure than SMS.

And Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols adds—“Amazon is finally delivering it”:

Use E2EE—I will be”
Did you know that that handy video your Ring doorbell takes … isn’t private? … Not only are your videos kept in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud, [but they’re] transmitted in the clear.
…
A sufficiently motivated hacker, or your local police force, can easily watch who’s walking by your door. Until now. … If you decide to install this optional privacy feature, you’ll need to install a new version of the Ring application on your smartphone. Once installed, it uses a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) security system based on an RSA 2048-bit asymmetric account signing key pair.
…
You’ll also need to set a passphrase, which you must remember. … If you lose it, you’re out of luck. [But] if you value your privacy, and you still like the convenience…

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