Ashley Madison hacked
Many users of Ashley Madison, an online dating site for married couples looking to commit adultery, might wish for other reasons they had stayed off the ethically questionable dating service, as hackers known as “The Impact Team” claim to have stolen customer data.
Information stolen allegedly includes “all the customers’ sexual fantasies and matching credit card transactions,” according to the hackers.
The owner of Ashley Madison, Avid Life media, released a statement condemning the hack and offered information on its security moves. “We apologise for this unprovoked and criminal intrusion into our customer’s’ information. We have been able to secure our sites, and close the unauthorised access points. Any and all parties responsible for this act of cyber-terrorism will be held responsible.”
Spam emails at 12-year low
Security firm Symantec has revealed data that the level of spam emails found in scans conducted through the month of June dropped below 50%, the lowest amount in 12 years.
The firm suggested that the drops can be explained by a higher level of scrutiny given to criminal networks responsible for spam, and action against hijacked computer networks known as botnets.
The significance of the reports is blurred, however, as experts believe cyber criminals are simply finding other ways to make money from online users, according to the BBC. In addition, the existence of malware has been rising to offset any of the security gains made from fewer spam emails.
Reddit hides vile content
Following a controversial month in the news for Reddit, the company has announced that it will be hiding ‘vile’ and ‘abhorrent’ content that had otherwise been readily accessible.
As a move that many have deemed to remove free speech principles from its users, Reddit stopped short of a full ban and will allow users to log in to see the said material. It also reiterated its strict policy on banned images such as child abuse or ‘revenge porn.’
The company’s new CEO, Steve Huffman, told users that the company has “spent the last few days here discussing, and agree that an approach like this allows us as a company to repudiate content we don’t want to associate with the business, but gives individuals freedom to consume it if they choose.”
It makes sense that the company is concerned with its public image – coming off the back of a recent controversy when a large scale ‘Reddit revolt’ took place in the response to the firing of a popular employee, Reddit will want to make sure it stays controversy free.