BLACK HAT 2020: THE SCARIEST THINGS WE SAW
PC Magazine|September 2020
Every year, hackers and researchers flock to Las Vegas for the Black Hat security conference to see and share the latest in security research. This year, though, everyone had to stay at home because of COVID-19—but there was still plenty to be worried about at this year’s conference.
MAX EDDY, NEIL J. RUBENKING
BLACK HAT 2020: THE SCARIEST THINGS WE SAW

WORK FROM BLACK HAT FROM HOME

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the US knocked a lot of security conferences offline—or rather, it knocked them to online-only. This year, both Black Hat and DEF CON (along with HOPE 2020 and others) used live and prerecorded video coupled with chat platforms. It worked surprisingly well and could be a pattern for other gatherings to follow. That said, the experience lacked the fun of an in-person event, and it’s hard to make time for a video session when you also have to walk the dog. Hopefully, 2021 will be a kinder year for everyone.

TRACK THE TRACKERS

It’s been known for a long time that law enforcement (and others!) use devices to track cell phones in real time, and in some cases even intercept data from those devices. Sometimes called IMSI catchers, such devices work by impersonating cell towers to trick mobile devices into connecting. At Black Hat, the EFF showed off Crocodile Hunter, a tool that identifies suspicious cell towers in real-time. The researchers also put forth a bold suggestion to stop their worst uses altogether: Apple and Google should make use of the poorly secured 2G spectrum optional.

SATELLITES SPEW SECRETS ACROSS SEAS

This story is from the September 2020 edition of PC Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2020 edition of PC Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PC MAGAZINEView All
AUDIO
PC Magazine

AUDIO

AUDIO

time-read
1 min  |
December 2022
SMART HOME
PC Magazine

SMART HOME

SMART HOME

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2022
T Mobile
PC Magazine

T Mobile

Mobile

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2022
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric
PC Magazine

Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric

A powerful, feature-rich media streamer that’s pricier than most

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2022
20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game
PC Magazine

20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game

Whether you're new to working remotely or just looking fo do if beffer, fhese fips can help you stay productive and maintain balance.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2022
12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using
PC Magazine

12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using

Wondering how to share your Google Calendar? Want to add a new calendar? Here are the tips you need.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2022
SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use
PC Magazine

SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use

Affordable security with a focus on flexibility

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2022
Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform
PC Magazine

Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform

The Honda Prologue battery-electric SUV arrives in 2024 and will use the Ultium battery technology developed by General Motors.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2022
We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late
PC Magazine

We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late

A generation of art risks extinction if the companies that own streaming services don’t believe their vast libraries are worth preserving. We have to act now to save it.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2022
If You Have a Uterus, Don't Buy an Apple Watch
PC Magazine

If You Have a Uterus, Don't Buy an Apple Watch

New women's health and reproductive features in the Apple Watch 8 and Ultra have the potential to cause harm following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2022