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The Rise of QR Codes has Privacy Experts Worried

Andrew Orr ·

The popularly of QR codes has risen due to the pandemic, since it enables touchless interactions. But they can be used for tracking and advertising.

But the spread of the codes has also let businesses integrate more tools for tracking, targeting and analytics, raising red flags for privacy experts. That’s because QR codes can store digital information such as when, where and how often a scan occurs. They can also open an app or a website that then tracks people’s personal information or requires them to input it.

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Ethereum’s EIP 1559 Upgrade Goes Live on August 4

Andrew Orr ·

A major update to the Ethereum blockchain known as EIP 1159 will go live on August 4. Reuters explains what it means.

EIP-1559 is a software upgrade that fundamentally changes the way transactions are processed on Ethereum by providing clear pricing on transaction fees in ether paid to miners to validate transactions and “burning” a small amount of those tokens. The burned tokens will be permanently taken out of circulation.

By reducing the number of tokens, the currencies that remain in circulation become rarer and more valuable.

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Hackers Leak FIFA 21 Source Code After Extortion Attempt

Andrew Orr ·

After a failed extortion attempt, hackers have leaked a 751GB cache of data stolen from Electronic Arts. The files include the source code for FIFA 21.

While initially, the hackers hoped to earn a big payday from the EA hack, they failed to find any buyers on the underground market, as the stolen data was mostly source code that lacked any value for other cybercrime groups, most of which are interested in user personal or financial data primarily.

After failing to find a buyer, the hackers tried to extort EA, asking the company to pay an undisclosed sum and avoid having the data leaked online.

Podcast

Wi-Fi Connects But Doesn't Work – Mac Geek Gab 883

John F. Braun & Dave Hamilton · · Add Comment

Ever have a scenario where everything seems right but nothing IS right? That’s what’s happening with several different MGG listeners this week, each for several different reasons. Listen as John and Dave dig into these questions — and more! — as they diligently work to ensure everyone learns at least five new things. Quick Tips, Cool Stuff Found, and more round out the episode to be sure of that!

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Airbnb Adds New Wi-Fi Speed Test Feature to App

Andrew Orr ·

On Thursday Airbnb announced it added a Wi-Fi speed test tool to its app to let Hosts easily advertise their speeds.

While Hosts have been able to manually add wifi speeds to their listing pages for some time, we’re now providing an easy and efficient in-app solution to allow them to measure the wifi speed in their listing using the Airbnb app.

Hosts can test their listing’s connection speed right within the Airbnb app, and easily have their wifi speed information posted on their listing page, making their listings more appealing to guests looking for connected stays.