DarkCyber Video News for May 7, 2019, Now Available
May 7, 2019
DarkCyber for May 7, 2019, is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress and on Vimeo at https://www.vimeo.com/334253067.
The program is a production of Stephen E Arnold. It is the only weekly video news shows focusing on the Dark Web, cybercrime, and lesser known Internet services.
This week’s story line up includes: The use of Telegram for ecommerce; phishing with fake email undergoes a renaissance; Cisco Talos explains a serious attack on foundation servers; a review of weapons for sale on the Dark Web; and a look at advanced autonomous drone technology.
This week’s feature examines a new study about the sale of weapons on the Dark Web. The report explains that handguns are long rifles are for sale on some Dark Web sites. The majority of these weapons are handguns. Only a small percentage of the weapons are automatic rifles. The research comes from three academics involved in criminal justice. The data from the Dark Web were collection in 2016. Because information about the type of weapons offered for sale is limited, the report helps fill this data gap. DarkCyber points out that the Dark Web has undergone some significant changes in the last two years. As a result, the study provides information, but some of it may be outdated.
The May 7, 2019, program also reports on:
First, how Telegram, an encrypted messaging application, can be used to promote and sell certain types of contraband products, services, and data. Messaging technology may be “old school” but Telegram’s features create challenges for enforcement agencies.
Second, phishing and spear phishing are methods for stealing users’ credentials with a long history. Now these techniques are gaining more momentum. DarkCyber reports about a “smart” application which can automate phishing and spear phishing attacks. Unlike commercial specialist tools, the Dark Web phishing kit costs a few hundred dollars, and it features a “fill in the blanks” approach to these malicious attacks.
Third, Cisco’s cyber security unit Talos has published a detailed report about a denial of service attack on core Internet systems. There are 13 foundation or core servers which facilitate domain name services. One of these has been the focus of a digital assault by a bad actor, possible supported by a nation state. The denial of service method relies on a series of nested malware programs. The attack makes use of misdirection and several different methods designed to compromise a foundation server. If such an attack is successful, other types of malicious activity is simplified for the bad actors.
Finally, DarkCyber responds to a viewer’s request for an update on advanced autonomous drone technology. DarkCyber provides a look into the future of US drone capabilities.
Kenny Toth, May 7, 2019
Animatronics: The Impact of Digital
May 6, 2019
DarkCyber noted these statements from “Gold Coast Animatronic Marvels Up for Auction, Rendered Redundant by CGI.” The found of Creature Workshop, John Cox, made these observations:
- CGI had reached the point of photo realism.
- Today with some of the effects we are seeing it is very hard to tell what is real and what is computer-generated
- 3D animation and visual effects are now able to create realistic characters, realistic environments, realistic vehicles all created within the computer.
There was one statement which suggests that human actors may be replaced as well.
We are even seeing in some of the big movies now they are de-aging actors, or totally replacing them with a CGI character, so you have to wonder where it will end.
It is a short step from de-aging to replacing. Now about the accuracy of videos. What’s real and what’s fake? Good questions, particularly if asked by a legal eagle when video footage is evidence assumed to be “real” and there are gaps between an event and “finding” relevant video data.
Stephen E Arnold, May 5, 2019
DarkCyber for April 30, 2019, Now Available
April 30, 2019
DarkCyber for April 30, 2019, is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress and on Vimeo at https://www.vimeo.com/332933089 .
The program is a production of Stephen E Arnold. It is the only weekly video news shows focusing on the Dark Web, cybercrime, and lesser known Internet services.
This week’s story line up includes: The British government’s online harms report; work methods of hackers; Qintar, a Sharia compliant crypto currency; a new Dark Web index; and a close look at Haystax Constellation cyber software.
This week’s feature examines Haystax Technologies’ Constellation system. The platform can perform a range of cyber functions, including analyzing and protecting facilities and events like the US Super Bowl. The system can also identify and monitor employees which are likely to present a high probability of risk to their employers. The insider threat capability reduces risk and helps reduce the loss of sensitive data. Constellation uses a range of patented systems and methods. The company relies, in part, on the mathematics of Sir Thomas Bayes. Like Autonomy plc, Haystax processes existing data and then integrates real time information in order to generate its predictive outputs.
Other stories in the April 30, 2019, DarkCyber video include brief “cybershots” about:
- The British government released a report about the activities of social media firms. The document is a harsh critique of the management and business tactics of a number of high profile firms. The facts uncovered by the government analysts, the examples presented, and the recommendations set forth in the document are likely to have considerable weight. Britain is contemplating new regulations to control the behaviors of US social media firms.
- DarkCyber provides basic information about how hackers (white hat and black hat varieties) perform their work. Not surprisingly, trial and error play a sign cant part. However, there are specific methods, and these have been disclosed by the WikiLeaks-type site edited by a persona which appears to be a former CIA agent. A way to download the report and access the site are included in the video.
- A new Dark Web indexing service called Darkmention. The viewer learns where a detailed technical description of the system can be obtained. Although there are numerous Dark Web indexing systems, the Darkmention approach is to process more than 350 different content platforms, not just Tor accessible sites.
- DarkCyber explains that a new Sharia compliant crypto currency is now available. Qintar is based on the Islamic blockchain technology. The crypto tokens may be purchased from the Qintar bank based in Geneva, Switzerland.
The video is available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress.
Kenny Toth, April 30, 2019
DarkCyber for April 23, 2019, Now Available
April 23, 2019
DarkCyber for April 23, 2019, is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress and on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/331645696.
The program is a production of Stephen E Arnold. It is the only weekly video news shows focusing on the Dark Web, cybercrime, and lesser known Internet services.
This week’s story line up includes: Candiru, a vendor of cyber software; ways to obtain open source content for free; a shotgun equipped drone; and a look at the conclusions from the audit of the LAPD data driven policing effort.
This week’s feature looks at the conclusions reported in the audit of the Los Angeles Police Department’s data-driven policing programs. In the final part of this three-part series we look at the major weakness identified by the Inspector General’s team. The challenge will be to introduce workflows which reduce the errors in data provided to the analytic systems. Stephen E Arnold, producer of DarkCyber, said: “Investigators have work procedures in place for tangible evidence. Information streaming from GPS systems or automatic devices may vary from the after action reports filed by law enforcement professionals. With conflicting data, the analytic systems can produce outputs which are less accurate. Training can help, but specialists who review data may play a more important role as data-driven policing increases.” The audit reveals that the software used by LAPD helps reduce criminal activity. Data quality requires attention.
Other stories in the DarkCyber video include:
A low-profile cyber intelligence firm called Candiru develops tools for law enforcement and government agencies. The company markets in the Middle East and in some Asian countries. Candiru is just one of more than 100 firms providing cyber services from Tel Aviv. The company’s name evokes a powerful image of how the firm’s technology works.
Russia’s large defense contractor funded a program to develop weaponized drones. One of the more interesting engineering solutions involved a vertical takeoff and landing drone equipped with a shotgun. The drone flies near a target and a ground operator discharges the shotgun in order to disable the target. The drone makes it clear that autonomous or semi-autonomous technology combined with weapons can yield a potent force multiplier.
Social media content is available from commercial vendors, often at costs that range from $5,000 a month an up. DarkCyber reveals that there are low cost or no cost options available to investigators with technical expertise. There are more than a dozen application programming interfaces available. Each can deliver a stream of near-real time data for analysis in an IBM Analyst’s Notebook- or Palantir Technologies-type system.
Kenny Toth, April 23, 2019
DarkCyber for April 16, 2019, Now Available
April 16, 2019
DarkCyber for April 16, 2019, is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress and on Vimeo at https://www.vimeo.com/330298628 .
The program is a production of Stephen E Arnold. It is the only weekly video news shows focusing on the Dark Web, cybercrime, and lesser known Internet services.
This week’s story line up includes… The LAPD’s review of Palantir Technologies; Australia’s forceful social media crackdown; Russia blocks virtual private networks; and X1 offer social eDiscovery.
This week’s feature continues DarkCyber’s review of the Los Angeles Police Department’s audit of its data-driven policing programs. In the second part of this series we look at the LAPD’s assessment of Palantir Technologies’ platform. The Palantir system provides a platform for integrating and analyzing data for the department’s identification of chronic offenders. The audit revealed that the program provided officers with a useful tool for reducing certain types of crimes. However, the challenge for the department is to provide the Palantir platform with more accurate and consistent data.
Other stories in the DarkCyber video include:
Australia’s crack down on US social media companies continues. In addition to fines, the country proposes mandatory three-year prison terms for offenders. The country, like New Zealand, is a member of the Five Eyes’ intelligence sharing group. Legislation in Australia often provides a model for similar legislation in Canada, Britain, and the United States.
Russia’s government has taken steps to prohibit the use of virtual private networks. This technology makes it more difficult for law enforcement and intelligence professionals to monitor Russian citizens’ communications. More than a half dozen VPN providers have been blocked by Russian Internet Service Providers. Crackdowns on obfuscation technologies is another example of the “Chinafication” of communications and privacy.
Software designed to compromise adults’ and children’s mobile phones is being distributed via the Google Play store. The mechanism Google uses to prevent compromised software or malware from being available on its electronic store for Android users has allowed thousands of individuals to install these programs. One government is alleged to have used the Google Play Store as a way to gain access to personal contacts and confidential information.
X1, a vendor of keyword search and retrieval, has introduced a version of its software tailored to social media eDiscovery. Founded in 2003, X1 allows a lawyer or investigator to search for people, places, events, and other content across a collection of open source data provided by X1 for a starting fee of $2,000. The eDiscovery product joins a growing list of investigative tools, including the personal investigative tool Hunchly which starts at $129 per year.
Kenny Toth, April 16, 2019
DarkCyber for April 9, 2019, Now Available
April 9, 2019
DarkCyber for April 9, 2019, is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress and on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/328921981
The program is a production of Stephen E Arnold. It is the only weekly video news shows focusing on the Dark Web, cybercrime, and lesser known Internet services.
This week’s story line up includes: Predictive Policing at the LAPD; How to spoof PDF signatures; How teens can hold secret chat sessions in front of parents and teachers; Tips for creating a credible online persona; and phishing lures that work.
This week’s feature examines the Los Angeles Police Department’s audit of its data-driven policing programs. In what will be a three part series about this report about advanced law enforcement technology, DarkCyber examines the evaluation of Predictive Policing’s system. This software analyzes data from field interviews and automated systems and produces maps of hot spots. Those with access to the system can plan patrol routes or take other preventive actions. DarkCyber explains the basics of the system and the challenges PredPol and similar systems face in a dynamic law enforcement environment. Sophisticated data analysis requires accurate, consistent data to generate high-value outputs.
The “cybershots” in this week’s program cover these four topics:
- Digitally-signed Adobe Portable Document Formats are presumed to be authentic. DarkCyber explains that a student in Europe has found ways to compromise the security of these widely-used files.
- Google Docs, used by middle school and high school students, can conduct chats within school work online. Teachers and parents may monitor this activity and be unaware that the school software makes it possible for users to exchange messages, set up drug deals, and disseminate the location of parties in a way that neither teachers nor parents are monitoring. The system allows these chat messages to be deleted with a single mouse click. DarkCyber explains how.
- Predators and con artists create false personas or online identities. What is needed to craft a credible online identity. DarkCyber reveals the methods used by bad actors outside the US.
- What are the five best subject lines to use in an email intended to steal a user’s password or other information? DarkCyber reveals the top five phishing lures. The research, conducted by Barracuda networks, was performed by analyzing 300,000 phishing emails.
A new blog Dark Cyber Annex is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress. Cybercrime, Dark Web, and company profiles are now appearing on a daily basis.
Kenny Toth, April 9, 2019
Deep Video Fakes: Getting Easier and Better, Much Better
April 4, 2019
You may have seen one of the news stories explaining that unwanted artifacts can be removed from video. The magic is one of the features of Adobe After Effects, an application which requires some effort to learn. “Adobe Creative Cloud Updates – New Features for Video Post Production” stated:
[A] new feature for Adobe After Effects is the Content-Aware Fill. It enables users to automatically remove unwanted objects from the footage. Content-Aware Fill for video is powered by Adobe Sensei and it was first introduced in Photoshop. It automates the process of removing visual elements like boom mics, signs, logos and even people from footage, which should save hours of manual work.
Zap. Reality or lousy video footage “fixed.”
You can get a rundown of other tools which can help out, improve, or alter reality in “Top 5 AI-Powered Video Editing Tools.”
Will non US propaganda agencies find these tools useful?
Yep.
Stephen E Arnold, April 4, 2019
DarkCyber for April 2, 2019, Now Available
April 2, 2019
DarkCyber for April 2, 2019, is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress and on Vimeo at https://www.vimeo.com/327544822.
The program is a production of Stephen E Arnold. It is the only weekly video news shows focusing on the Dark Web, cybercrime, and lesser known Internet services.
This week’s story line up includes: Online censorship increases; Dark Web drug czar goes offline; Dark Web tech comes to the Firefox browser; and more evidence of change in the Dark Web; plus a look at Megaputer’s fraud detection technology.
This week’s feature reviews Megaputer’s fraud detection technology. The firm uses a number of advanced mathematical and linguistic methods to make sense of large flows of data. Based in Bloomington, Indiana, the company serves a wide range of clients from finance, government, pharmaceuticals, and consulting services. The firm was the first to put advanced text analytics on the desktop at a time when other firms required Unix workstations and client server computing resources. The firm’s PolyAnalyst H makes it possible to process large volumes of data at extremely high speed.
This week’s “Cybershots” cover four subjects:
There are more indications that online censorship is becoming more aggressive. Russia has implemented regulations governing what sites can be accessed and what type of content is permissible. Germany’s statement legislators have begun work on a bill to criminalize use of Tor and other hidden Internet tools.
The individual who created RAMP or the Russian Anonymous Marketplace asserted that his customized encrypted chat client was one reason his site had eluded government authorities. The site is now offline.
Letterboxing, a technology which prevents certain types of online tracking, will be introduced in an upcoming release of Firefox, a popular Web browser. This feature has been part of the Tor browser since 2016 and is one more indication of Dark Web technology seeping into the public Internet or “Clear Net”.
The program explains how to get a summary of software and tools to access hidden Internet sites and service. Written by Veracode, a cyber security firm, the video provides information necessary to obtain a copy of this useful report.
A new blog Dark Cyber Annex is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress. Cybercrime, Dark Web, and company profiles are now appearing on a daily basis.
Kenny Toth, April 2, 2019
DarkCyber for March 26, 2019, Now Available
March 26, 2019
The program is a production of Stephen E Arnold. It is the only weekly video news shows focusing on the Dark Web, cybercrime, and lesser known Internet services.
This week’s story line up includes: A call to block Tor in the European Union; Mimikatz, a key hacking tool; and SSL/TLS exploits; a look at IntSights’ marketing of its intelligence software and services; and a Bitcoin poster boy captured in Australia.
This week’s feature reviews IntSights, a cyber intelligence firm which has experienced rapid growth. Most firms providing services to law enforcement and intelligence agencies maintain a low profile. IntSights has published a sponsored book and promoted Digital Risk Protection for Dummies written by a former Forrester consultant. The company also released some financial information, which is a departure from the less open approach taken by other companies in this low profile niche.
The second major story concerns the founder of Auscoin, an Australian digital currency. The Australian Federal Police arrested an advocate of Bitcoin for dealing in controlled substances and operating a drug syndicate. The AFP seized about 60 pounds of cocaine, MDMA, and methamphetamines and the alleged wrongdoer’s bright green Lamborghini. Now faced with 14 charges related to controlled substances, the association of criminal activity and digital currency is difficult to ignore.
The “Cybershots” for this week include:
1. Wolfgang Sobotka’s call for blocking access to Tor (The Onion Router) within the European Union. Tor facilitates access to hidden Web sites, some of which facilitate the sale of drugs and other contraband. Tor may be criminalized after Sobotka’s presentation at the February 2019 European Police Congress.
2. The Mimikatz hacking tool is widely used by hackers around the world. DarkCyber describes this free software and explains where it can be obtained.
3. As cyber security becomes more effective, wrongdoers are seeking new ways to compromise systems. One active approach is to compromise SSL and TLS functions. DarkCyber provides information about obtaining a new, free report about this method of attack written by researchers at Georgia State University and the University of Surrey.
A new blog Dark Cyber Annex is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress. Cybercrime, Dark Web, and company profiles are now appearing on a daily basis.
Kenny Toth, March 26, 2019
DarkCyber for March 19, 2019, Now Available
March 19, 2019
DarkCyber for March 19,2019, is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress and on Vimeo at https://www.vimeo.com/324801049.
The program is a production of Stephen E Arnold. It is the only weekly video news shows focusing on the Dark Web, cyber crime, and lesser known Internet services.
This week’s story line up includes: Google search blockchain data; emojis puzzle lawyers; NATO soldiers fooled by social media come ons; big paydays for hackers; Dark Web search for marketers; and Iran’s hacker army
This week’s feature looks at the Beacon Dark Web search system. Developed by Echosec Systems in Canada, Beacon provides search and analytics for those interested in tracking brands, companies, and people in Dark Web content. The system’s developers enforce a code of behavior on licensees. If Echosec determines that a user violates its guidelines, access to Beacon will be cut off. Echosec offers a number of powerful features, including geofencing. With this function it is possible to locate images of military facilities and other locations.
The second feature in this week’s video focuses on Iran’s cyber warfare activities. One key individual—Behrooz Kamalian—has been maintaining a lower profile. Those whom he has trained have been suspected of participating in online gambling activities. Kamalian himself, despite his connections with the Iranian government, served a short stint in prison for this allegation. Iran has one of the large cyber warfare forces in the world, ranking fourth behind Russia, China, and the US.
The “Cybershots” for this week include:
- Google has made available a search engine for blockchain data. Those skilled in blockchain and digital currency transactions may be able to deanonymize certain aspects of a transaction.
- Emojis which carry meaning are creating issues for lawyers and eDiscovery systems. The colorful icons’ meaning are not easily understood.
- A social media test for NATO soldiers’ resistance to online tricks was completed by central command. The result was that soldiers can be easily tricked into revealing secret information.
- Organize hidden Web criminals are paying up to $1 million a year in salary and providing benefits to hackers.
A new blog Dark Cyber Annex is now available at www.arnoldit.com/wordpress. Cyber crime, Dark Web, and company profiles are now appearing on a daily basis.\
Kenny Toth, March 19, 2019
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