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submitted 11 months ago by trashhalo@beehaw.org to c/technology@beehaw.org

An iPhone to HDMI adapter was discovered that, when plugged in, runs a program prompting users to download an app. This EZ Cast app collects extensive personal data and sends it to China for ad targeting. It requires location access, photos, and installs tracking cookies. The adapter appears designed to mimic official Apple products. While its intentions are unclear, it demonstrates how such devices could enable privacy risks by introducing untrusted software into a user's devices. Analysis of a similar EZCast dongle found it was vulnerable and not designed with security in mind. Reviews complain the app is useless or a scam. The adapter may have originated as unsold Amazon returns later acquired by electronics recyclers. Its existence relates to concerns about privacy and navigation issues on online marketplaces.

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[-] DeForrest_McCoy@beehaw.org 86 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

It's shit like this that really just makes me want to start the Butlerian Jihad for real.

[-] lauha@lemmy.one 27 points 11 months ago

You want to destroy all machines because capitalists are greedy? Shouldn't we do something about the capitalists instead, and leave innocent machines alone.

[-] jarfil@beehaw.org 4 points 11 months ago

Some post-humanist trends propose extinction as a fair way of achieving that, since it seems like greed is an inherent part of human nature.

[-] someguy3@lemmy.ca 12 points 11 months ago
[-] OneCardboardBox@lemmy.sdf.org 50 points 11 months ago

Universe-wide destruction of machines "designed to do the work of a human mind".

It's the reason why there aren't any computers in the Dune novels.

[-] Grimpen@lemmy.ca 12 points 11 months ago

Better start training the Mentats.

[-] displaced_city_mouse@midwest.social 16 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

It is by will alone I set my mind in motion.

It is by the juice of sapho that thoughts acquire speed, the lips acquire stains.

The stains become a warning.

It is by will alone I set my mind in motion

[-] flicker@kbin.social 8 points 11 months ago

I used to drink a lot of juice of Sappho when I was a younger woman and it never left a stain.

[-] dulcemaria 1 points 11 months ago

This is a Dune reference for folks like me.

[-] XTornado@lemmy.ml 1 points 11 months ago

I am a bigger fan of Project Mayhem, well except the fighting stuff between them.

[-] Retiring@lemmy.ml 63 points 11 months ago

It’s a bit rich for a site that uses about 200 „legitimate interest“ cookies to complain about chinese practices.

[-] jarfil@beehaw.org 10 points 11 months ago

"But"... are they Chinese cookies? /s

[-] 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

No one wants Fujian cookies! Haha

Actually, that sounds pretty interesting. I'd try it

[-] Fizz@lemmy.nz 53 points 11 months ago

Stuff like this is why I handle all technology for my family.

[-] reflex@kbin.social 10 points 11 months ago

Stuff like this is why I handle all technology for my family.

😏👍 Gandalf vibes.

[-] acastcandream@beehaw.org 5 points 11 months ago

I feel like I need a stipend at this point

[-] XTornado@lemmy.ml 4 points 11 months ago

Uhm... do you have space for another family? Can I send them your way? I hate being the technical guy.... specially because somehow in the modern world suddenly a big amount of people lost the ability to read and understand text on an screen, and not just when there is technical jargon or long terms and conditions, just normal simple text.

[-] soulfirethewolf 2 points 11 months ago

Exactly. If you don't, they'll try to cut corners and wind up with something bad

[-] Bebo@literature.cafe 17 points 11 months ago

This is just atrocious.

[-] AbstractifyBot@beehaw.org 10 points 11 months ago

TL;DR of the linked article


Click to expand

An iPhone to HDMI adapter was discovered that, when plugged in, runs a program prompting users to download an app. This EZ Cast app collects extensive personal data and sends it to China for ad targeting. It requires location access, photos, and installs tracking cookies. The adapter appears designed to mimic official Apple products. While its intentions are unclear, it demonstrates how such devices could enable privacy risks by introducing untrusted software into a user's devices. Analysis of a similar EZCast dongle found it was vulnerable and not designed with security in mind. Reviews complain the app is useless or a scam. The adapter may have originated as unsold Amazon returns later acquired by electronics recyclers.

Its existence relates to concerns about privacy and navigation issues on online marketplaces.


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this post was submitted on 29 Sep 2023
287 points (100.0% liked)

Technology

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