Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New software uses facial recognition to defend against prying eyes]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/new-software-uses-facial-recognition-to-defend-against-prying-ey/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/new-software-uses-facial-recognition-to-defend-against-prying-ey/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/04/07/new-software-uses-facial-recognition-to-defend-against-prying-ey/#comments Having the right programs and hardware to keep the information on your display safe from prying eyes is never a bad idea, and new software from Oculis Labs offers a very interesting take on how to do just that. It's called PrivateEye, and it utilizes facial recognition to automatically pixelate the contents of your display when you look away.

If you step away from your system and someone else decides to sit down and poke around, PrivateEye will present a confusing jumble of garbled text. It'll even notify you if someone tries to peek over your shoulder -- and display a picture of your peeping Tom, throw up an alert, or sound an alarm.

Check out the video embed after the break, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Continue reading New software uses facial recognition to defend against prying eyes

Download SquadNew software uses facial recognition to defend against prying eyes originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsfacial recognitionFacialRecognitionoculispeeping tomPeepingTomprivacyprivatreeyesecuritywindowsThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Gmail ads will start learning from your email habits]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/gmail-ads-will-start-learning-from-your-email-habits/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/gmail-ads-will-start-learning-from-your-email-habits/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/gmail-ads-will-start-learning-from-your-email-habits/#comments Gmail better ads
Google is preparing to make the ads in Gmail even more accurately predict your tastes and needs. While Google has been relying on the contents of each individual email to help it target the ads next to it, the coming overhaul will make ads learn from the entirety of your email correspondence.

To become more relevant to you, Gmail ads will start using some of the same signals that are incorporated into Priority Inbox, the feature which lets you separate important messages from bacn. Google explains that if you've had a lot of email conversations about digital cameras, for example, you may want to see a local deal from a camera store. If, however, you've recently marked camera-related messages as spam, you probably don't. A Google spokesperson has told TechCrunch that "offers and coupons for your local area" will soon be served by Gmail as part of the new system, highlighting the company's increasing efforts in the local space.

The ads featuring improved relevance will be slowly rolling out to Gmail users. For starters, you'll see a notification such as the one depicted in the image above, inviting you to Google's dedicated information page about the new system. You'll be able to turn the new feature off through Gmail's Settings, but you will be opted-in by default.

For those concerned with the privacy implications of this, Google says that the interest profile established by Gmail will not be used by any of Google's other advertising products. Also, like the original Gmail ad product, this will be a fully automated system -- no Google employees will secretly read your emails to find out just how much you love those lolcats.

Download SquadGmail ads will start learning from your email habits originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingGmailgoogleprivacyWebWed, 30 Mar 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google settles Buzz privacy case with FTC, apologizes]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-settles-buzz-privacy-case-with-ftc-apologizes/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-settles-buzz-privacy-case-with-ftc-apologizes/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/google-settles-buzz-privacy-case-with-ftc-apologizes/#commentsGoogle Buzz logoGoogle and the FTC have just announced that they've reached a settlement in the FTC's investigation of Google's privacy violations committed during the rollout of Google Buzz, the company's social network built inside of Gmail.

One of the reasons Buzz never quite took off may have been the enormous backlash surrounding its launch, and Google's handling of Gmail users' privacy. The FTC claims that by not adequately informing users of the privacy issues surrounding Buzz, Google has violated the FTC Act. Specifically, Google didn't properly inform Gmail users that they had the option to decline or leave the social network, and the controls for limiting the sharing of personal information were confusing and difficult to find. If you remember, before the backlash kicked in and Google subsequently backtracked, upon joining Buzz the identities and email addresses of the people you frequently emailed were made public by default. Google received "thousands of emails" complaining about this situation, the FTC claims.

Continue reading Google settles Buzz privacy case with FTC, apologizes

Download SquadGoogle settles Buzz privacy case with FTC, apologizes originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbuzzftcftc investigationftc settlementFtcInvestigationFtcSettlementgooglegoogle buzzgoogle buzz privacyGoogleBuzzGoogleBuzzPrivacyInternetprivacysocial networkingSocialNetworkingWed, 30 Mar 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Yahoo! Messenger now censors the links you share]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/yahoo-messenger-now-censors-links-raises-serious-privacy-issue/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/yahoo-messenger-now-censors-links-raises-serious-privacy-issue/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/30/yahoo-messenger-now-censors-links-raises-serious-privacy-issue/#commentsWe've all thought it, but never dared think it could be true: what if Microsoft, Yahoo, and AOL actively monitor our instant messenger chats? What if mentions of 'bomb' and 'underage' are tracked and sent to law enforcement agencies? What if chat providers don't agree with the things we say, or the links we share, and filter or censor the content of our transmitted messages?

Well, it looks like our fears may actually have some basis in reality: Yahoo Messenger strips FilesTube links from instant messages. It doesn't tell either party that a URL has been removed from chat -- it just deletes it. Poof. FilesTube, in case you were wondering, is one of the largest file hosting meta search engines on the Web -- it indexes RapidShare, Megaupload, Mediafire, and many other 'cyberlocker' services.

It's fairly obvious why FilesTube links are being removed -- the Censor General at Yahoo is probably one of those perplexed primates who think all uses of BitTorrent are illegal -- but this situation poses a far more important question: is Yahoo censoring messages on the client side, or the server side. Does the messenger client itself maintain a list of 'blacklisted' words -- and if so, why are we not told that FilesTube links are banned? What other words and terms does Yahoo protect us from?

Continue reading Yahoo! Messenger now censors the links you share

Download SquadYahoo! Messenger now censors the links you share originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscensorshipchatfile sharingFileSharingfilestubefilteringIMinstant messaginginstant messengerInstantMessagingInstantMessengerprivacysecuritywebyahooyahoo messengerYahooMessengerWed, 30 Mar 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to prevent people from seeing your recent activity on Facebook]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/how-to-prevent-people-from-seeing-your-recent-activity-on-facebook/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/how-to-prevent-people-from-seeing-your-recent-activity-on-facebook/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/how-to-prevent-people-from-seeing-your-recent-activity-on-facebook/#comments Hiding Facebook recent activity Facebook changed its privacy controls a few times in 2010, and while it's now quite easy to block entire groups from seeing your location or contact details, there's no obvious way to hide your recent activities.

Recent activities are everything you do on Facebook, from commenting on a friend's wall to posting photos or changing your relationship status. If a friend visits your profile they can see all of your actions -- a humbling thought, eh? -- unless they don't have permission.

Put simply, the only way to prevent people from seeing "John Lonelypants is now single" on their News Feed is to change your privacy settings so that your current relationship is hidden from your friends. This in turn makes any relationship-related status changes invisible.

Likewise, the only way to prevent other people from seeing which things you 'like' is to prevent them from seeing all of your likes and interests. It's either one way or the other with Facebook's current privacy model.

To begin, click Account in the top right corner, and then Privacy Settings -- or click this link.

Continue reading How to prevent people from seeing your recent activity on Facebook

Download SquadHow to prevent people from seeing your recent activity on Facebook originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookprivacyrecent activityRecentActivityrelationship statusRelationshipStatussocial networkingsocial networkssocial-networkingSocialNetworkingSocialNetworksstatusstatus updateStatusUpdatetipsMon, 14 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Charlie Sheen death hoax spreads malware on Facebook and Twitter]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/charlie-sheen-death-hoax-spreads-malware-on-facebook-and-twitter/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/charlie-sheen-death-hoax-spreads-malware-on-facebook-and-twitter/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/charlie-sheen-death-hoax-spreads-malware-on-facebook-and-twitter/#comments Facebook Charlie sheen scam No, despite what you may have heard on Facebook and Twitter, Charlie Sheen is not yet dead.

With the eye-catching title of "RIP! Charlie Sheen found Dead at his House," a massive clickjacking hoax is doing the rounds on Facebook and Twitter. Clicking the link will take you to a fake YouTube page -- and if you click anywhere on the page, the hoax will infect your Facebook profile and begin sharing the link to your friends.

You are then asked to complete a survey (why does anyone complete these surveys?) Finally, to consummate the malware trifecta, some users are reporting that malware is downloaded to your computer.

If you've fallen prey to this drug-and-porn media orgy and clicked the "RIP!" link, head to Account > Privacy Settings > Edit your settings (bottom left). Alternatively, click this link to go straight to your app settings. From there, revoke any applications that look spammy (they'll be at the top of the list).

You should also update and run your antivirus/anti-malware software to clean up any residual mess.

Finally, to protect yourself from future scams, you really should follow FaceCrooks, which is dedicated to uncovering and publicizing the latest Facebook scams.

Download SquadCharlie Sheen death hoax spreads malware on Facebook and Twitter originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie sheenCharlieSheenclickjackingfacebookhoaxmalwareprivacyscamsecuritysocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingspamFri, 11 Mar 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to block specific friends from reading a Facebook status update]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/how-to-block-specific-friends-from-reading-a-facebook-status-upd/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/how-to-block-specific-friends-from-reading-a-facebook-status-upd/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/09/how-to-block-specific-friends-from-reading-a-facebook-status-upd/#comments Facebook granular status updates This week's set of tech tips are all about the most popular website in the world: Facebook. For more tips, check our tips index!

Facebook, despite the blogosphere's perpetual bickering, actually has good, granular privacy controls. You can control exactly who can see each section of your profile, and easily block specific people from even finding your profile.

One lesser-known feature, however, is that you can control who can read each and every one of your status updates. You've probably seen the padblock below the status update box, but if you click it, and then Customize, you can block specific people from reading your update!

Maybe you're not quite ready to unfriend someone, or perhaps you're simply trying to arrange a surprise birthday party for one of your friends -- either way, it's a great little feature. As a commenter points out, it's also rather handy if you want to block family members from reading... sensitive... things.

Now, if only you could control who could read your posts on your friends' pages...

Download SquadHow to block specific friends from reading a Facebook status update originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookprivacysocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingstatusstatus updateStatusUpdatetipswall postsWallPostsWed, 09 Mar 2011 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[How Secure is My Password lets you know just that]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/05/how-secure-is-my-password-lets-you-know-just-that/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/05/how-secure-is-my-password-lets-you-know-just-that/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/05/how-secure-is-my-password-lets-you-know-just-that/#comments howsecureismypassword We've all heard it before; you need to select a lengthy password, one that's hard to guess. Not a dictionary word. And it has to have some capital letters in it too, and some digits, and a symbol or two won't hurt either.

That's a handy set of rules to keep in mind, but How Secure is My Password helps us understand why they're important.

It's basically like a full-screen version of one of those password-strength meters websites sometimes use. But instead of showing you a bar going from "weak" to "strong", it shows you an estimation of how long your password would take to crack. That's a much more visceral way to understand why your password is strong.

For example, when I entered "rabbit", it came back with "your password is one of the 500 most common passwords. It could be cracked almost instantly". "rabbit5" would take two hours, "$rabbit5" would take 38 days, and "$rabbitZ5" would take 237 years. It's quite enlightening to see what a difference three simple characters can make.

Download SquadHow Secure is My Password lets you know just that originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appspasswordsprivacysecuritywebSat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Winamp forums attacked, accounts and email addresses exposed]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/16/winamp-forums-attacked-accounts-and-email-addresses-exposed/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/16/winamp-forums-attacked-accounts-and-email-addresses-exposed/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/16/winamp-forums-attacked-accounts-and-email-addresses-exposed/#commentsWinamp Hacked
 [Full disclosure: AOL is the parent company of both Winamp and Download Squad]

Hackers have broken through security protecting the Winamp forum database, compromising the user forums, exposing accounts and email addresses in the process. In a post on the company's forum, Winamp's General Manager, Geno Yoham, explained that an attack was quickly detected and isolated to the Winamp forum database, protecting the rest of the Winamp sites and communities. The developer portal, Winamp.com, and accounts associated with the Winamp Desktop Media Player were unaffected.

Winamp is urging anyone who could have been affected to change their forum password, which is good advice regardless of whether or not you think your account might have been breached. They're also advising that if you happen to have reused your Winamp forum password on any other sites, that you change those login details too. It's a poor, yet common, practice to reuse the same login details across several different sites, making a breach of one lead to many compromised accounts across many different sites.

Winamp has apologized for any inconvenience this has caused and is putting additional security measures and procedures in place in an attempt to prevent a similar breach occurring in the future.

Download SquadWinamp forums attacked, accounts and email addresses exposed originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOLbreachhackedprivacysecurityWebwinampWinamp forumWinampForumWed, 16 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet Explorer 9 Tracking Protection Lists not all created equal]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/15/internet-explorer-9-tracking-protection-lists-not-all-created-equal/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/15/internet-explorer-9-tracking-protection-lists-not-all-created-equal/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/15/internet-explorer-9-tracking-protection-lists-not-all-created-equal/#comments Tracking Protection is Internet Explorer 9's kicked-up privacy protection system, a sort of evolution from IE8's InPrivate Filtering. And while there are now four lists posted on Microsoft's official site, they're not all designed to function the same way. ZDNet's Ed Bott took an in-depth look at all four, and what he found may surprise you.

One list -- provided by TRUSTe -- does very little to block potential privacy issues. In fact, it's designed as more of an allow list, making sure that sites on the TRUSTe list have access to data which can personally target you. Have a look at the list in plain text [link] -- all of those +d domains are being allowed. At first blush, it looks as though any site which has a TRUSTe seal has been greenlighted, from yo-yoma.com to student-health-insurance-rates.com to every Windows Live domain you can think of.

This may not surprise you, of course, if you know a bit about TRUSTe. The California-based company has been providing digital privacy certifications for websites since 1997, and has posted seals on pretty much every big-name site you can think of: Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Yahoo!, IBM, and eBay are just a few. So apart from knowing that TRUSTe's list gives the all-clear to any sites it has previously stamped, it's also worth knowing that TRUSTe received some heat in the past following a report by Benjamin Edelman, who found that sites with TRUSTe certs were 50% more likely to violate privacy policies than those without.

If you're hoping to use an IE9 Tracking Protection list for actual privacy protection, we'd recommend going with EasyList -- which performed very well in Bott's testing.

Download SquadInternet Explorer 9 Tracking Protection Lists not all created equal originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowsersed bottEdBottie9internet explorer 9InternetExplorer9privacytracking protection listsTrackingProtectionListstrustewebTue, 15 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TorChat, anonymous and secure messaging and file transfers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/08/torchat-anonymous-and-secure-messaging-and-file-transfers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/08/torchat-anonymous-and-secure-messaging-and-file-transfers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/08/torchat-anonymous-and-secure-messaging-and-file-transfers/#commentsTorChatUsing the Tor network of virtual tunnels, TorChat is a small, portable and open-source IM client that allows for completely anonymous and secure communications and file sharing. It works on both Windows and Linux.

If you're on Windows, all you have to do is download, unzip, and run torchat.exe. It will automatically connect to the Tor network -- which will take a few minutes -- but then it operates just like a normal IM client. Once your name goes green on the contact list, you're good to go. You can add contacts (you will need their random string of 16 numbers and letters), and give them nicknames. You can even set an avatar and give yourself a short profile description. File sharing is simply a matter of dragging and dropping a file into a chat window.

Feature-wise, TorChat isn't remarkable -- instead, it's the simplicity and ease of configuration that makes TorChat so awesome. Because it's portable and your buddy list is stored in plain text, you can put yourself into the buddy list -- and then zip it up and put it on your website. If someone wants to communicate with you securely, they only have to download the bundle, run torchat.exe, and they'll be securely and anonymously talking to you within minutes. Read the TorChat site for more configuration info.

The Tor network is already used extensively for sensitive communication, such as whistleblowing, and with TorChat it makes the process a two-click affair. If you're in a line of work that requires you to keep your sources protected, TorChat is the best and easiest solution that we've seen.

Download SquadTorChat, anonymous and secure messaging and file transfers originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymityappscross platformcross-platformCrossPlatformlinuxopen sourceOpenSourceprivacysecuritytortorchatwindowsTue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mozilla's Do Not Track header appears in nightly Firefox builds, does nothing]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/01/mozillas-do-not-track-header-appears-in-nightly-builds-does-no/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/01/mozillas-do-not-track-header-appears-in-nightly-builds-does-no/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/01/mozillas-do-not-track-header-appears-in-nightly-builds-does-no/#commentsIf you're into pointless displays of solidarity, the latest nightly builds of Firefox 4 beta 11 now include the option of turning on the Do Not Track (DNT) header. With Google's launch of its Do Not Track extension last week, this now means that we're only waiting on IE9's Tracking Protection Lists.

While this change to Firefox successfully sends the DNT HTTP header with every request, it's up to websites and advertising companies to respond to the header in a suitable fashion -- i.e. by not sending out the normal tracking cookies. There are currently no known sites that acknowledge the new header.

Still, if you want to turn it on -- beardies unite!! -- you can find the option under Tools > Options > Advanced, in the General tab. If enough Firefox users start using the DNT header it will not go unnoticed! We can start a movement! Liberte! Egalite! DNT!

Download SquadMozilla's Do Not Track header appears in nightly Firefox builds, does nothing originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsersdntdnt http headerDntHttpHeaderdo not trackDoNotTrackfirefoxfirefox 4Firefox4http headerHttpHeadermozillaprivacywebTue, 01 Feb 2011 06:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Data Privacy Day 2011: a roundup of add-ons, tools and tips to protect yourself online]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/28/data-privacy-day-2011-a-roundup-of-add-ons-tools-and-tips-to-protect-yourself-online/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/28/data-privacy-day-2011-a-roundup-of-add-ons-tools-and-tips-to-protect-yourself-online/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/28/data-privacy-day-2011-a-roundup-of-add-ons-tools-and-tips-to-protect-yourself-online/#commentsToday is the fourth annual Data Privacy Day -- so we've scoured the Download Squad archives to find the best downloads around for helping you keep your personal data safe and secure! From browser add-ons to encryption software, from Windows to Mac to Linux, we've got something here for everyone.

Once you're done checking out the apps and extensions, there's plenty more to read on our privacy tag page.

Download SquadData Privacy Day 2011: a roundup of add-ons, tools and tips to protect yourself online originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowserbrowsersdata privacydata privacy dayDataPrivacyDataPrivacyDaylistsprivacyroundupsecuritywebFri, 28 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook to let advertisers use your posts in Sponsored Stories]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/27/facebook-to-let-advertisers-use-your-posts-in-sponsored-stories/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/27/facebook-to-let-advertisers-use-your-posts-in-sponsored-stories/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/27/facebook-to-let-advertisers-use-your-posts-in-sponsored-stories/#commentsCan't stop gushing about your favorite new gadget or your latest album purchase? If you're posting about it on Facebook, there's a chance your words could wind up used by advertisers without your knowledge. Facebook has begun allowing companies to re-post endorsements from users as "Sponsored Stories," and there's no way for you to opt out at the moment.

It's not all bad, though. Sponsored Stories retain the same privacy settings that applied to your original post. That means if you only allow friends to see it, they're the only people who will see the Sponsored Story in Facebook's sidebar. The Electronic Privacy Information Center (we see what they did there) isn't happy about this, telling the Associated Press that the ads are "subtle and misleading" and that users should object to companies trying to profit from their "name or likeness without[...]consent."

There's a good chance you already did consent, of course, by agreeing to Facebook's terms of use. But hey, they backpedaled on something like this before -- remember the woman whose husband saw her face used in a "find singles near you" ad? There's a very good chance Facebook will allow users to opt out, especially with the inevitable storm of discontent which is already a-brewin'.

Download SquadFacebook to let advertisers use your posts in Sponsored Stories originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingfacebookfriendslawlegalprivacysocial networkingSocialNetworkingsponsored storiessponsored storySponsoredStoriesSponsoredStorywallwebThu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Do Not Track: Analysis of Google, Microsoft and Mozilla's solutions]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/26/do-not-track-analysis-of-google-microsoft-and-mozillas-solutions/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/26/do-not-track-analysis-of-google-microsoft-and-mozillas-solutions/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/26/do-not-track-analysis-of-google-microsoft-and-mozillas-solutions/#commentsAll three major browser providers have now publicized their solution to the FTC's Do Not Track problem. Google has waded in with a thoroughly brute-force extension that was probably programmed in a few hours, and Mozilla has a much softer, "meta" HTTP approach up its sleeve. Microsoft seems to be somewhere in the middle, with a built-in solution that may prove to be the best of both worlds.

That they've all produced different solutions to the problem seems counter-productive, though. Rather than Google and Microsoft working together to create a unified targeted ads blacklist, or a concerted push behind Mozilla's HTTP header approach, we'll have to deal with all three. Not only will this annoy website owners and ad companies -- all three of the methods require their intervention -- but ultimately, you and I will have to deal with fragmented and incomplete blocking, depending on which browser we're using at the time.

Let's take a closer look at how Firefox, Chrome and Internet Explorer will block tracking cookies, and which solution is ultimately the best.

Continue reading Do Not Track: Analysis of Google, Microsoft and Mozilla's solutions

Download SquadDo Not Track: Analysis of Google, Microsoft and Mozilla's solutions originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onbrowserschromecookiesdo not trackDoNotTrackextensionfirefoxgoogleie9internet explorer 9InternetExplorer9microsoftmozillaprivacytrackingtracking cookiestracking protection listTrackingCookiesTrackingProtectionListwebWed, 26 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google joins the privacy fray, offers up extension that blacklists tracking cookies]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/24/google-joins-the-privacy-fray-offers-up-extension-that-blacklists-tracking-cookies/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/24/google-joins-the-privacy-fray-offers-up-extension-that-blacklists-tracking-cookies/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/24/google-joins-the-privacy-fray-offers-up-extension-that-blacklists-tracking-cookies/#commentsHot on the heels of Mozilla's proposed Do Not Track solution, Google has launched Keep My Opt-Outs, an extension that blocks tracking cookies from targeted advertising providers.

The extension, which is simply a free download from the Chrome Web Store, takes an utterly brute-force approach to the problem. It has a blacklist of known targeted advertisers, and it simply blocks any cookies originating from their domains. The blacklist will be regularly updated as advertising companies adopt the industry's self-regulated privacy standards.

Google notes that the extension is only targeted at U.S.-based ad companies, but a blacklist with European and international advertisers is in the works. The extension will also soon be updated to provide granular control over which cookies are kiboshed, so you'll be able to pick and choose which sites get to show you targeted advertising.

Download SquadGoogle joins the privacy fray, offers up extension that blacklists tracking cookies originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onadsdo not trackDoNotTrackextensiongoogleonline adsOnlineAdsopt-outprivacytargeted advertisingTargetedAdvertisingwebMon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook temporarily removes developer access to your home address and mobile number]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/18/facebook-temporarily-removes-developer-access-to-your-home-addre/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/18/facebook-temporarily-removes-developer-access-to-your-home-addre/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/18/facebook-temporarily-removes-developer-access-to-your-home-addre/#commentsFacebook, after a quiet announcement of the new home address and mobile phone access permissions, has made a quick about-turn. Citing some "useful feedback," Facebook has decided to to make changes "to help ensure you only share this information when you intend to do so."

The feature, which will be re-enabled in a few weeks, will allow Facebook app developers to request both your home address and mobile phone number. The changes being made will hopefully involve a bold, explicit warning in the Request for Permission boxes -- the boxes that you click through to use a new app -- but hopefully there are some better solutions on the table, too.

Ideally, Facebook would give us the option of securing your details permanently, from your Privacy Settings page. There should be a check box that simply says "never give my home address out" -- but that might be a little too hopeful.

Download SquadFacebook temporarily removes developer access to your home address and mobile number originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookprivacysecuritysocialnetworkingwebTue, 18 Jan 2011 10:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook enables one-click identity theft option for rogue application developers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/16/facebook-enables-one-click-identity-theft-option-for-rogue-application-developers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/16/facebook-enables-one-click-identity-theft-option-for-rogue-application-developers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/16/facebook-enables-one-click-identity-theft-option-for-rogue-application-developers/#comments In a rather odd and haphazard move, Facebook has now made it possible for apps to read your home address and mobile telephone number.

In the "Request for Permission" window -- the one you have to accept before using an app on the Facebook platform -- look out for "Access my contact information", with the subtitle "Current Address and Mobile Phone Number" (see image above). You'd think that such important details would deserve a bolder warning, instead of the usual faded gray -- but obviously not.

As Sophos' Naked Security blog points out, making such details available in a landscape that is already packed full of rogue spam and scam applications puts Facebook users at even greater risk. With your full name and home address, identity theft basically becomes a no-brainer -- and can you imagine the SMS spam that awaits the unlucky Facebooker that gives his phone number to the wrong app developer?

Still, even if you're not bothered by this (and you can always remove your home address or mobile number from Facebook), you have wonder what Facebook will do next. Facebook is quickly becoming The One True Internet Hub, and the wealth of data it knows about us is terrifying. If access to incredibly sensitive data can be reduced to a small-font subtitle in a cluttered permission box, it's only a matter of time until you accidentally press "Allow" and fritter away your entire life story to a random rogue developer.

Download SquadFacebook enables one-click identity theft option for rogue application developers originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>privacyscamsecuritysocial networkingSocialNetworkingspamwebSun, 16 Jan 2011 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Cocoon hands on: the one-shot solution to private and secure Firefox browsing]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/13/cocoon-hands-on-the-one-shot-solution-to-private-and-secure-fir/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/13/cocoon-hands-on-the-one-shot-solution-to-private-and-secure-fir/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/13/cocoon-hands-on-the-one-shot-solution-to-private-and-secure-fir/#commentsCocoon A lot has been said about safe, secure surfing in recent months. Firesheep brought the necessity for HTTPS (and WPA-encrypted WLAN) into the limelight, and the Gawker Media breach reminded all of us that no one is safe.

The truth is, if you want to stay secure on the Web, you have to take a proactive stance. You need to install LastPass or KeePass, and using HTTPSEverywhere is a very good idea too. A good anti-virus suite like Microsoft Security Essentials is a necessity, and get into the habit of regularly scanning with Malwarebytes.

Alternatively, you can scrap everything and just use Cocoon, a service that proposes to solve all of your privacy and security problems in one fell swoop. There is a 45-day free trial, and it requires Firefox 3.6.13. I suggest you install it, and then read on!

Gallery: Cocoon, an all-in-one secure and private surfing solution for Firefox

A fresh installA handy interface tutorialThe home page (searches Google by default)SSL-secured proxyBuilt-in feedback tool (very cute!)

Continue reading Cocoon hands on: the one-shot solution to private and secure Firefox browsing

Download SquadCocoon hands on: the one-shot solution to private and secure Firefox browsing originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onbrowserscocoonemailextensionfirefoxprivacyproxysecurityvirtual world computingVirtualWorldComputingvpnvwcwebThu, 13 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe initiative to let you easily clear 'Flash cookies' from your Mozilla or Google Web browser]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/13/adobe-working-with-mozilla-and-google-to-bring-clear-flash-cook/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/13/adobe-working-with-mozilla-and-google-to-bring-clear-flash-cook/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/13/adobe-working-with-mozilla-and-google-to-bring-clear-flash-cook/#commentsIn a strong, head-held-high missive, Adobe has detailed a new initiative to bring Flash local storage clearing to Web browser UIs. The new API, NPAPI ClearSiteData will let Firefox and Chrome users clear Flash's Local Shared Objects, or 'Flash cookies,' in the same way that you currently clear cookies and temporary Internet files.

LSOs are very commonly used throughout the Web, but unlike conventional cookies they're a little harder to delete. A lot of websites use them to track you across the Web, but they're also used by sites like YouTube to store your video preferences.

The thing is, you've always been able to delete these LSOs, it's just a bit of a pain in the ass. You have to visit the Flash Global Storage Settings Panel -- and honestly, how many of you knew that? The difficulty of deleting LSOs led to the creation of evercookie, which is likely the main reason behind this new effort from Adobe.

As for when the new API will be rolled out, Chrome Dev will be the first, hopefully in the next couple of weeks. There's no word of when it will be implemented in Firefox, but presumably it will be after the launch of Firefox 4. Opera and Internet Explorer -- who knows!

Download SquadAdobe initiative to let you easily clear 'Flash cookies' from your Mozilla or Google Web browser originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeapibrowsersclearsitedatafirefoxflash cookiesFlashCookiesgooglegoogle chromeGoogleChromeinternetlocal shared objectsLocalSharedObjectsLSOmozillanpapiprivacywebThu, 13 Jan 2011 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[FaceCrooks helps you protect yourself from viral Facebook scams]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/06/facecrooks-helps-you-protect-yourself-from-viral-facebook-scams/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/06/facecrooks-helps-you-protect-yourself-from-viral-facebook-scams/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/06/facecrooks-helps-you-protect-yourself-from-viral-facebook-scams/#comments Facebook has a massive userbase -- somewhere between 500 and 600 million users at the moment. The vast majority of those people are average users, who aren't as aware of the dangers lurking on Facebook as more security-minded types. That makes it a very juicy target for scammers and malware distributors, and they're not shy about trying to take advantage of unsuspecting users.

Viral scams are all over Facebook, but they can be hard to avoid if you don't know what you're looking for. If you've got friends and family members who could use a little extra help, send them over to FaceCrooks.com -- a blog which keeps tabs on scams which are spreading on the social networking site. Knowing which "OMG! Watch this video!" posts actually came from friends and which ones are the results of a scam is an important step in protecting your privacy and data on Facebook, after all.

Download SquadFaceCrooks helps you protect yourself from viral Facebook scams originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfacecrooksmalwareprivacyscammersscammingscamssecuritysocial networkingSocialNetworkingviralThu, 06 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BleachBit privacy app gets a big upgrade, offers nice alternative to CCleaner]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/04/bleachbit-privacy-app-gets-a-big-upgrade-alternative-to-ccleaner/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/04/bleachbit-privacy-app-gets-a-big-upgrade-alternative-to-ccleaner/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/04/bleachbit-privacy-app-gets-a-big-upgrade-alternative-to-ccleaner/#comments BleachBit -- the open source system clean-up utility for Windows and Linux -- has added several new features to its latest version that make it an even better tool for removing unneeded files files from your computer. Support for Google Chrome and Chromium has been greatly improved: BleachBit can now remove everything from DNS prefetch data, to autofill history and DOM storage. Support for HTML5 localStorage cleaning has also been improved and now works with Opera.

On Linux systems, BleachBit can now remove swap files (in addition to swap devices). The Windows version has added the option to remove Windows Update uninstallers -- including hotfixes and Internet Explorer patches. BleachBit's list of supported programs has also grown significantly since we last wrote about the program, and it's well worth checking out the full list of features to see just how much digital crud it can remove from your hard drive.

Download Bleachbit for Windows or Linux

Download SquadBleachBit privacy app gets a big upgrade, offers nice alternative to CCleaner originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbleachbitccleanercleancleaningcross-platformdeletelinuxopen sourceOpenSourceossportableprivacyremovalshredtune upTuneUputilitieswindowswipeTue, 04 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best (or worst) security breaches of 2010]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/29/best-or-worst-security-breaches-of-2010/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/29/best-or-worst-security-breaches-of-2010/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/29/best-or-worst-security-breaches-of-2010/#commentsThe best (or worst) security breaches of 2010 Very soon now -- probably in a year or two -- once everyone carries a smartphone, there won't be any discernible difference between our offline flesh-and-blood body and our online persona. That's not to say that real-life face-to-face interaction will slither into the abyss -- far from it! -- but we are reaching a stage where almost anything can be done online.

This obviously raises security concerns. If I can transfer money out of my bank account with just a name and password, so can you. That isn't to say that online security is worse than offline, however. SSL-encrypted communications are infinitely more secure than banking over the phone, or speaking in hushed tones in a brick-and-mortar bank. Passwords are a lot more secure than merely providing a 4-digit PIN or a mother's maiden name, too.

The actual problem is databases, or centralized repositories of information. It's no good having a password to your account if a nefarious types hacks a bank and takes all of the accounts. Likewise, putting your bag in a locker doesn't help if someone lifts the entire block of lockers into a truck and drives off.

2010 was a bad year for digital security breaches, and it won't get better until every organization and institution hires a security specialist and puts proper safeguards in place. This post, then, is dedicated to the organizations and institutions that left the barn door open in 2010 -- shame on you!

Continue reading The best (or worst) security breaches of 2010

Download SquadThe best (or worst) security breaches of 2010 originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010app storeAppStorebreachfailfeaturesgawkergawker mediaGawkerMediagooglegoogle vs chinaGoogleVsChinahackituneskaperskykasperskyprivacyroundupsecuritythe pirate bayThePirateBayWed, 29 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disconnect: a browser extension that blocks third-party tracking in real time]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/13/disconnect-chrome-extension-blocks-third-party-tracking/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/13/disconnect-chrome-extension-blocks-third-party-tracking/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/13/disconnect-chrome-extension-blocks-third-party-tracking/#comments You may remember a Chrome extension that popped up back in October called Facebook Disconnect, written by a Google engineer named Brian Kennish. Well, he's now parted ways with the big G, and he's got a new extension -- simply called Disconnect. This time around, Kennish isn't just targeting Facebook, but all major collectors of personal browsing data -- like Digg, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo!, and even Google.

The extension basically blocks cookies and requests made by third parties as the page loads, but it's unique in that it actually shows you how many are blocked, in real time and also prevents "personalization" tracking by search engines. You can choose to unblock certain collectors by clicking the Disconnect badge at any time. It's not an adblock, it just blocks third-party data-collection, and though the list of blocked companies is relatively short right now, Kennish plans to add more over time.

While the effects of the extension will be mostly transparent, users might notice that certain sites (ahem, TechCrunch and Mashable) will load much faster. Facebook and Digg widgets will not be able to send any information about you or your system back to company servers, either. Another use for Disconnect is to sanitize your own footprint from Google Search. When active, your searches will be completely sterile and depersonalized, but you can still use your regular Google services like Gmail without issues. Users who like their searches personalized simply need to unblock Google in the Disconnect badge while on the Search page.

Continue reading Disconnect: a browser extension that blocks third-party tracking in real time

Download SquadDisconnect: a browser extension that blocks third-party tracking in real time originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian kennishBrianKennishbrowserchromechrome extensioncookiesdiggextensionsfirefoxgoogleprivacyrockmeltsafarisecuritywebMon, 13 Dec 2010 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben the Bodyguard iPhone app is gorgeous, but security functionality may disappoint]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/10/ben-the-bodyguard-iphone-app-is-gorgeous-but-security-functiona/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/10/ben-the-bodyguard-iphone-app-is-gorgeous-but-security-functiona/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/10/ben-the-bodyguard-iphone-app-is-gorgeous-but-security-functiona/#comments
Ben the Bodyguard, a security app for iPhone that's slated to launch in January, has one of the best websites in recent memory. It's a scrollable, animated, HTML5-powered visual bonanza starring the titular bodyguard. Ben's a French tough guy, modeled after The Professional star Jean Reno, but a new piece from Fast Company suggests that users will be more impressed with Ben the character than Ben the security app.

What does Ben do to protect your secrets? Everything Apple will let him, which still isn't much. According to one of the app's creators, Ben can encrypt individual photos, contacts or notes, but it has to be done from within the Ben app. Apple restrictions prevent Ben from integrating tightly with iOS, protecting email, or encrypting third-party apps and their data. So, despite his tough guy persona, Ben isn't recommended for heavy-duty corporate security.

On the other hand, the artwork and design in the app are gorgeous, and it apparently comes with a cinematic trailer that fills in Ben's backstory. Whether that and the chance to protect a few racy photos or secret contacts is worth the estimated $5 price of admission to everyone who loved Ben's innovative website remains to be seen.

Download SquadBen the Bodyguard iPhone app is gorgeous, but security functionality may disappoint originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben the bodyguardBenTheBodyguardencryptioniphonesecurityFri, 10 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook introduces new privacy controls for mobile users]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/08/facebook-introduces-new-privacy-controls-for-mobile-users/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/08/facebook-introduces-new-privacy-controls-for-mobile-users/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/08/facebook-introduces-new-privacy-controls-for-mobile-users/#commentsFacebook continues to tweak privacy controls for users, and now they've added mobile access to your privacy settings. The new mobile privacy settings include a list of every application you use, sorted by the last time each app accessed your information. From this list, you can fine-tune the access level of each app individually.

Within each app's settings, you can decide whether or not to grant it access to your profile info, friends' info, Places check-ins and photos. This is a long-awaited addition to the existing privacy controls that rolled out over the summer, and allowed you to control everything but apps.

This update works on the Facebook mobile website, m.facebook.com, but the Facebook iPhone app still loads up the full website in a mini-browser when you want to adjust your settings.

Download SquadFacebook introduces new privacy controls for mobile users originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookmobileprivacyprivacy settingsPrivacySettingsSocialNetworkingWed, 08 Dec 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FTC wants to fight cookies with cookies in new "Do Not Track" scheme]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/02/ftc-wants-to-fight-cookies-with-cookies-do-not-track-scheme/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/02/ftc-wants-to-fight-cookies-with-cookies-do-not-track-scheme/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/02/ftc-wants-to-fight-cookies-with-cookies-do-not-track-scheme/#comments

The Federal Trade Commission issued a report yesterday outlining what it feels must be done to ensure the privacy of the average netizen. Key points of the initiative include making consumers much more aware of what they're agreeing to when it comes to their privacy, and instituting a "Do Not Track" scheme that could use cookies to ward off other cookies.

The first thing they want to change is the dreaded Terms of Service. By making the average TOS short and simple, as opposed the much-maligned wall of text that we've become so accustomed to these days, the FTC hopes that consumers will actually read the text to which they're agreeing. The flip side of that coin is that the FTC also wants to alleviate some of the pressure that's been put on large companies -- like Google and Facebook -- by making it official that they "should not have to seek consent for certain commonly accepted practices."

That sounds like common sense to me, but there's one small problem: What we consider commonly accepted practices today is a far cry from what was commonly accepted 5 years ago, and it's not difficult to imagine how slippery that slope could get in the next decade.

So, simplifying the issue of privacy is a good start, but what about policing it? The FTC thinks that a "Do Not Track" mechanism should be put in place to keep people who opt out of targeting marketing out. The idea they've floated is to use persistent cookies to ensure that users are always recognized as opt-outs when the targeted-advertising cookies come their way. Sounds simple enough.

Now, if only there were a cookie that could do something about the irony of using a persistent, government-backed cookie to stop the persistent, corporate-marketing cookies.

Download SquadFTC wants to fight cookies with cookies in new "Do Not Track" scheme originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserscookiesevercookieFTCgovernmentinternetprivacyTOSThu, 02 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Foursquare adds TSA badge just in time for National Opt-Out Day]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/foursquare-adds-tsa-badge-just-in-time-for-national-opt-out-day/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/foursquare-adds-tsa-badge-just-in-time-for-national-opt-out-day/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/foursquare-adds-tsa-badge-just-in-time-for-national-opt-out-day/#commentsFoursquare Baggage Handler badgeFoursquare has started awarding a special badge to anyone who checks in at an airport with words such as "TSA", "touch", "grope" or "Don't touch my junk!". The badge is called Baggage Handler. The text that accompanies the unlocking of the badge reads: Looks like you've had your baggage handled. Happy Holidays and have a safe flight!

This, of course, comes right in time for National Opt-Out Day (which is today) -- a day of protest against the new full-body scanners that the TSA is gracefully installing in more and more American airports and the new alternative screening method that requires invasive pat-downs of those who refuse to go through the scanners.

So there you go, Foursquare has a nice sense of humor.

Download SquadFoursquare adds TSA badge just in time for National Opt-Out Day originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appbadgesFourSquareprivacySocialNetworkingtsaWed, 24 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firesheep comes to webOS]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/firesheep-comes-to-webos/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/firesheep-comes-to-webos/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/24/firesheep-comes-to-webos/#comments It's not as fast or pretty as its desktop cousin, but an ambitious tinkerer has still managed to port Firesheep to webOS. Yes, all the Wi-Fi tomfoolery that made you shudder as a Firefox extension can run on your Palm Pre.The man who performed the shoehorning -- who happens to be called Sebastian but probably isn't our Sebastian-- has shared a YouTube video of his handiwork which you can check out after the break.

Homebrew and hacking is part of the fun of owning a webOS device, so it's not really a surprise to see Firesheep running -- and it's pretty darn cool, if only as a proof-of-concept.

Continue reading Firesheep comes to webOS

Download SquadFiresheep comes to webOS originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firesheephackingWed, 24 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upstart Facebook challenger Diaspora now sending out private alpha invites]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/23/facebook-diaspora-private-alpha-invites/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/23/facebook-diaspora-private-alpha-invites/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/23/facebook-diaspora-private-alpha-invites/#comments

The Diaspora blog announced today that private alpha invites are now being sent out. The invites are being rolled out slowly, first to those who donated to the project through Kickstarter, followed by people who have requested them at joindiaspora.com, which is the main website for the operation. Diaspora.com, at the moment, is still an ad-ridden, cash-parked domain masquerading as a "luxury travels" site.

Diaspora first entered the public eye earlier this year, and it's managed to stir up quite a frenzy despite the fact that no actual end-users have been able to use so much as a beta product yet. If nothing else, it's shown just how much the collective populace of the Internet has come to despise and distrust Facebook.

Back in September, Diaspora released a "pre-alpha" of their code for would-be developers and any other interested parties to comb through, and immediate reports were rife with complaints about pervasive security problems and poorly-written or just plain broken code. To that end, today's announcement comes with several disclaimers. The team at Diaspora, while asserting that they've used feedback from the pre-alpha to secure their code, says that security is still something that "could be better."

Before getting overly excited about these invites, users should note that Diaspora is not sending out invites to a new social network that can immediately replace Facebook accounts. Diaspora is sending out invites for people to test the alpha version of the code residing on the official test "pod" that's being run by the Diaspora team.

And because somebody needs to say it: It's whomever, not who.

Download SquadUpstart Facebook challenger Diaspora now sending out private alpha invites originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad grammarBadGrammardiasporafacebookkickstartersocial networkingSocialNetworkingTue, 23 Nov 2010 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Clean your Market search and browsing history on Android with History Eraser]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/clean-your-market-search-and-browsing-history-on-android-with-hi/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/clean-your-market-search-and-browsing-history-on-android-with-hi/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/clean-your-market-search-and-browsing-history-on-android-with-hi/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's never a bad idea to clean up history files on your devices -- especially your smartphone. As Lifehacker points out, you might have friends constantly wanting to check out your sexy new Android phone, and they don't need to know how many Hotel Mario videos you've been watching on YouTube.

Enter HistoryEraser, which cleans more than just your browsing tracks. This handy little app can also remove search histories for the Android Market, Google Maps, YouTube, and Google Earth. It'll even empty out your call log if you like.

HistoryEraser has garnered a lot of comments for the ease of removing market history alone, so it's worth checking out.

Download History Eraser for Android [AppBrain]

Download SquadClean your Market search and browsing history on Android with History Eraser originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiderasehidehistoryprivacysecuritytracksThu, 18 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook for iOS gets privacy settings]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/15/facebook-for-ios-gets-privacy-settings/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/15/facebook-for-ios-gets-privacy-settings/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/15/facebook-for-ios-gets-privacy-settings/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Users of the Facebook app for iOS can now access their privacy settings without firing up Safari. Following the update to version 3.2, you can tap the account button on the app's main screen to jump to Facebook's controls. The update also adds two-tap access to your Facebook profile settings and the Help Center -- also via the Web. As AppAdvice points out, native controls would have been a nicer addition, but at least the screens can be accessed without leaving the app now.

Facebook for iOS [iTunes]

Download SquadFacebook for iOS gets privacy settings originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookiosiphoneprivacysettingsMon, 15 Nov 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[History Deleter for Firefox lets you selectively purge browsing history]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/history-deleter-for-firefox-lets-you-selectively-purge-browsing/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/history-deleter-for-firefox-lets-you-selectively-purge-browsing/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/09/history-deleter-for-firefox-lets-you-selectively-purge-browsing/#commentsFiled under: ,

historydeleter

Let's say you've browsed somewhere you shouldn't have, or at a time when it was inappropriate. And maybe you've even forgotten to turn on the private browsing mode. Tsk tsk tsk! But the deed is done; now what?

If you just go ahead and hit Ctrl+Shift+Del in Firefox, you will be able to delete all traces of your browsing from the past several hours, from today, or even the entire history. But that's not very subtle, is it? Anyone auditing your browser history might notice a large, gaping hole in the records and start wondering.

What if you could delete only those traces you didn't want seen, leaving the rest undisturbed? That would be far more difficult to track down. But going over your entire browsing history and hunting those errant URLs one by one is tedious, not to mention error prone.

History Deleter is a Firefox add-on aimed at automating this entire process. It utilizes a complex rule-based system that allows you to delete URLs (or page titles) containing certain keywords, which have been visited more than once or browsed a certain number of days ago. You can also have it automatically run upon exiting Firefox, or when the history exceeds a certain number of entries.

Clearly, this has uses other than hiding illicit browsing; Firefox's extensive history is used by the Awesome Bar to yield useful browsing suggestions, but the browser can easily become slow when burdened with too many entries. History Deleter can help you make Firefox a bit leaner, while still enjoying the Awesome Bar and other history-related features.

Download SquadHistory Deleter for Firefox lets you selectively purge browsing history originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsextensionsfirefoxmozillaprivacyTue, 09 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[15+ Google Chrome extensions for better privacy control]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/01/15-google-chrome-extensions-for-better-privacy-control/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/01/15-google-chrome-extensions-for-better-privacy-control/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/01/15-google-chrome-extensions-for-better-privacy-control/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If there's one thing all the recent Firesheep shenanigans have taught us, it's that we all need to take Web security and privacy a bit more seriously. Though you might not be aware, Google Chrome includes a number of privacy-minded features out-of-the-box. From blocking plug-ins, JavaScript, and the transmission of your location via its content settings to disabling prefetching, custom error messages, and usage statistics.

But for the truly privacy-minded, those features may not go far enough. Fortunately, there's no shortage of excellent options in the Chrome Extensions Gallery that can help provide you with better control over your browsing privacy.

Now, on to the extensions -- we'll get the big two out of the way first.

AdBlock

Apart from being an annoyance, Web-based advertising code also tends to harvest information about you and your browsing habits. It serves a purpose, obviously, allowing ad providers to serve more relevant ads. That doesn't mean you have to like it, of course, and AdBlock lets you choose which sites get to show you ads.


Flashblock

Some sites use Flash as a way to creatively store cookies and track you. Installing Flashblock gives you control over which pages are allowed to load Flash elements and which aren't.

Continue reading 15+ Google Chrome extensions for better privacy control

Download Squad15+ Google Chrome extensions for better privacy control originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adblockbrowserchromechromiumflashblockgooglegoogle chromeGoogleChromenoscriptprivacyMon, 01 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Friendship Pages to make your interactions with friends more visible]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/28/facebook-friendship-pages-to-make-your-interactions-with-friends/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/28/facebook-friendship-pages-to-make-your-interactions-with-friends/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/28/facebook-friendship-pages-to-make-your-interactions-with-friends/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Facebook's next big feature will be the "Friendship Page," according to a post on the Facebook blog. These new pages will gather all the public interactions between you and each of your friends -- back and forth wall posts, photos in which you're both tagged, and events you both attended -- and put them all in one convenient page. Friendship Pages will be visible to anyone who's friends with one of you and has permission to view both of your profiles.

At first glance, Friendship Pages don't sound like they could affect your privacy on Facebook. All of the information they collect is currently available to your Facebook contacts, so these pages won't expose anything new. What they will do, however, is make certain friendships visible in a way they weren't before. As Marshall Kirkpatrick points out at ReadWriteWeb, covert friendships and even secret relationships that would have normally been lost in the shuffle of your friends' busy Facebook walls will be all too visible on a Friendship Page.

Facebook, on the other hand, is framing these pages as "telling the story of friendship," and furthering the company's mission of connecting friends. Wayne Kao, the creator of Friendship Pages, says they're designed to bring out the human side of Facebook and bring back memories you've shared with friends.

[via Switched]

Download SquadFacebook Friendship Pages to make your interactions with friends more visible originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfriendsfriendship pagesFriendshipPagesprivacysocialnetworkingThu, 28 Oct 2010 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Schmidt says Street View-phobes "can just move"]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/googles-schmidt-says-street-view-phobes-can-just-move/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/googles-schmidt-says-street-view-phobes-can-just-move/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/googles-schmidt-says-street-view-phobes-can-just-move/#commentsFiled under:

Google's Eric Schmidt
Don't like the thought of having Google's Street View cars photographing your home or business? You're not alone, apparently, what with at least 240,000 Germans recently voicing their desire to remain un-pictured.

Good news, everyone! Google CEO Eric Schmidt has a solution for you: just move. Yes, it's the brilliant solution he offered months back when responding to the "what if I don't want Google tracking me?" question. The Onion, of course, had a field day with that one.

What should we expect from the man who told us the only people with online privacy concerns were naughty boys and girls who were doing things they shouldn't?

... We should probably expect more mind-numbing quotes like this one from The Atlantic: "Google policy is to get right up to the creepy line and not cross it." Right... Because standing on the precipice of creepy couldn't possibly make you appear creepy to all of us, right, Eric?

Continue reading Google's Schmidt says Street View-phobes "can just move"

Download SquadGoogle's Schmidt says Street View-phobes "can just move" originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepcreepyeric schmidtEricSchmidtprivacystreet viewStreetViewMon, 25 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google faces landmark fine in Britain for 'gross invasion of privacy']]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/google-faces-landmark-fine-in-britain-for-gross-invasion-of-privacy/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/google-faces-landmark-fine-in-britain-for-gross-invasion-of-privacy/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/25/google-faces-landmark-fine-in-britain-for-gross-invasion-of-privacy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Britain's Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, announced yesterday that a new investigation into the Google Street View privacy debacle will be opened. If found guilty of a breach of privacy, Google could face a fine of up to £500,000 ($790,000).

While £500,000 might seem like a pittance compared to the billions of dollars that Google has in the bank, it is the maximum fine that a privacy breach in Britain can warrant. It would be a publicity disaster, too, and it would open the flood gates for fines from other countries.

Google has already admitted that both emails and passwords were scooped out of the air by its Wi-Fi snooping. It is probably no coincidence that Britain is only now announcing a new investigation into the matter -- and it's hard to see how this new investigation can return anything other than a guilty verdict for Google.

Download SquadGoogle faces landmark fine in Britain for 'gross invasion of privacy' originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 06:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaingoogle street viewGoogleStreetViewstreet viewStreetViewukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomwi-fiMon, 25 Oct 2010 06:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Google finally admits Street View vehicles collected passwords, promises privacy fixes]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/22/google-finally-admits-street-view-vehicles-collected-passwords/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/22/google-finally-admits-street-view-vehicles-collected-passwords/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/22/google-finally-admits-street-view-vehicles-collected-passwords/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google Street View privacyGoogle has admitted that its Street View cars have collected entire passwords and emails while mapping the world and collecting information about open Wi-Fi hotspots on their way. Google's Senior VP of Engineering and Research, Alan Eustace, mentioned this today in a blog post dedicated to how Google plans to deal with privacy controls inside the company.

Google has been accused by many governments of having collected personal data with their Street View vehicles, but was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing by a UK regulatory body.

At first, Google did not know what types of data it had inadvertently collected, but prompted by the many governments' investigations into this matter, deep analysis of the packets revealed that there were some instances where full emails, URLs and even passwords were captured. Google apologized for this yet again and Alan Eustace said that they would like to delete all the data as soon as possible.

In order for such things never to happen again, Google has a plan to create stronger privacy controls inside the company. To help achieve this, they've hired Alma Whitten as director of privacy across both engineering and product management. Her role will be to ensure that effective privacy controls are built into all Google products and internal practices. Google employees will also undergo privacy training and every lead engineer inside the company will be required to maintain a privacy design document for each project they're working on.

Google certainly hopes that these measures all but guarantee there will be no more privacy debacles involving the company, and for our data's sake, we do too.

Download SquadGoogle finally admits Street View vehicles collected passwords, promises privacy fixes originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datagooglegoogle mapsgoogle street viewGoogleMapsGoogleStreetViewmapsprivacysecuritystreet viewstreet-viewStreetViewFri, 22 Oct 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook suspends several apps over leaked user ID numbers]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/facebook-suspends-several-apps-over-leaked-user-id-numbers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/facebook-suspends-several-apps-over-leaked-user-id-numbers/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/18/facebook-suspends-several-apps-over-leaked-user-id-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Facebook has suspended several popular apps, including Familybuilder's Family Tree app and nearly all apps by LOLapps Media (of Gift Creator and Quiz Creator fame). The suspended apps were found to be leaking Facebook ID numbers to a third-party advertising company called Rapleaf, which could use the Facebook IDs to put names and faces to the anonymous consumer data that it collects. Giving any user data to third-party advertising or data companies is a violation of Facebook's terms for developers.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Rapleaf transmitted this data to a dozen advertising companies, including Google's Invite Media. All 12 companies involved in this leak say that they didn't keep or use the Facebook ID numbers. Rapleaf's defense is that no names were shared, and that the ID numbers were included accidentally. It looks like Facebook is taking your privacy -- or the company's valuable data, if you're cynical -- pretty seriously this time.

Download SquadFacebook suspends several apps over leaked user ID numbers originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookleakpersonal dataPersonalDataprivacyrapleafsocial networkingSocialNetworkingMon, 18 Oct 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Privacy Cleaner from NoVirusThanks helps hide your tracks]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/16/square-privacy-cleaner-from-novirusthanks-helps-hide-your-tracks/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/16/square-privacy-cleaner-from-novirusthanks-helps-hide-your-tracks/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/16/square-privacy-cleaner-from-novirusthanks-helps-hide-your-tracks/#commentsFiled under: ,

NoVirusThanks has provided a trusted tool for remotely scanning files before we download them for quite some time. Now they've introduced a new, free app to help keep your desktop activities private.

Square Privacy Cleaner (SPC) is like a lot of other track-hiding apps, offering to remove things like cookies, browsing history, MRU items, and clipboard contents. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Opera are supported, as are a number of other apps -- including Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, MS Office, FlashGet, 7-Zip. Temp and log file cleanup is also supported.

Hit the settings tab, and you can configure SPC to handle various file clean-up roadblocks by terminating running processes and deleting locked files on reboot. Cleaning can also be scheduled to run automatically at startup or shutdown.

Square Privacy Cleaner is a free download, and it's available as both an installer and a portable app.

Download SquadSquare Privacy Cleaner from NoVirusThanks helps hide your tracks originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccleanerclean-upcleanupfilesjunklogfilesprivacysquare privacy cleanerSquarePrivacyCleanertemptune-uputilitySat, 16 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST