Why small data points re-identify people

In episode 459 of Smashing Security, we dive into a chillingly clever account takeover attempt targeting WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg - involving MFA fatigue, real Apple alerts, a convincing support call, and a phishing page that oh-so-nearly worked. If a famous techie could have this happen to you, can you be sure you're immune?

Plus: would you donate your lifetime medical history to science if you were promised anonymity? We unpack serious concerns around UK Biobank, where “de-identified” data may not be as anonymous as you think — and how surprisingly little information it takes to reveal everything.

And! Human-powered “AI”, and a punishment worse than prison: eight hours on the RSA expo floor...

All this, and much more, in episode 459 of the "Smashing Security" podcast with cybersecurity veteran Graham Cluley, and special guest Paul Ducklin.

EPISODE LINKS:

• DOGE employee stole Social Security data and put it on a thumb drive, report says - TechCrunch.
• Foreign hacker in 2023 compromised Epstein files held by FBI, source and documents show - Reuters.
• New font-rendering trick hides malicious commands from AI tools - Bleeping Computer.
• Lockdown Mode - Apple support.
• Gone (Almost) Phishin’ - Matt Mullenweg.
• Listen to the Live Scam Call Targeting Matt Mullenweg’s Apple Account - YouTube.
• Confidential health records from UK BioBank project exposed online - The Guardian.
• A message from Professor Sir Rory Collins, Chief Executive and Principal Investigator of UK Biobank - UK BioBank.
• Psychotherapy data breach blackmailer sent to prison - Paul Ducklin.
• Your AI slop bores me.
• Post by Vaughan Shanks - LinkedIn.
• Judge Sentences CISO to 8 Consecutive Hours on RSA Expo Floor as Formal Punishment for Security Breach - The Exploit.
• Smashing Security merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, stickers and stuff)

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THANKS:

Theme tune: "Vinyl Memories" by Mikael Manvelyan.

Assorted sound effects: AudioBlocks.