Cybersecurity and Deterrence
The SolarWinds Breach: Why Your Work Computers Are Down Today
Nicholas Weaver Mon, Dec 14, 2020, 4:07 PM
A quick guide to the news of a major cyber intrusion by the Russian government.
Nicholas Weaver is a senior staff researcher focusing on computer security at the International Computer Science Institute in Berkeley, California, and a lecturer in the Computer Science department at the University of California at Berkeley. All opinions are his own.
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Autonomous Technologies
How Easy Is it to Build a Robot Assassin?
Nicholas Weaver Wed, Dec 2, 2020, 11:38 AM
Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh reportedly may have been assassinated using a remote-controlled machine gun. Such devices are unfortunately easy to construct.
Immigration
Blocking International Students Is an Attack on America’s Future
Nicholas Weaver Wed, Jul 8, 2020, 1:41 PM
On a short timeline, student immigration is not a national security issue. On a timeline measured in decades, it is.
Counterterrorism
Apple vs FBI: Pensacola Isn’t San Bernardino
Nicholas Weaver Fri, Jan 17, 2020, 8:59 AM
Once again, the FBI is seeking Apple’s help in unlocking phones in a counterterrorism case. But this time, Apple is technically incapable of providing assistance.
Cybersecurity
Lessons (So Far) From WhatsApp v. NSO
Nicholas Weaver Tue, Nov 5, 2019, 1:29 PM
What are the key takeaways from the emerging battle between Facebook and NSO group?
Encryption
Encryption and Combating Child Exploitation Imagery
Nicholas Weaver Wed, Oct 23, 2019, 9:00 AM
Child exploitation images are a horrific problem. Even the most clinical descriptions (such as the 23 sites described in the Freedom Hosting NIT warrant application) turn the stomach and chill the soul. Many individuals and companies, such as Facebook, go to extraordinary efforts to fight this menace.
Cyber & Technology
Facebook’s Cryptocurrency: Stop It Before It Starts
Nicholas Weaver Wed, Jun 19, 2019, 5:05 PM
On June 18, Facebook announced its forthcoming cryptocurrency, Libra. The company says it intends to integrate it into Facebook’s Messenger and WhatsApp products. Although Facebook says it has created an “independent” subsidiary, Calibra, and purports that the currency itself will be controlled by an independent Libra Foundation, the coin is really a Facebook project.