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Codemasters website, store, and database hacked
Another day, another game publisher in a hacker's crosshairs. This time around it's Codemasters, and Eurogamer has the details on a security violation that compromised the company's website, EStore, CodeM database, and Dirt3 VIP code redemption webpage. The intrusion occurred on June 3rd, and Codemasters has sent out a letter to affected customers advising of the potential threat to their identity-related information. The article reports that no payment details or credit card info was pilfered, but encrypted passwords as well as Xbox Live gamer tags and personal data (including addresses and user names) were taken. Thus far no groups or individuals have claimed responsibility for the attack. You can read the full Codemasters letter at Eurogamer.
SOE answers our questions about the recent database incursion
After PSN's data breach a couple of weeks back, questions and rumors spread across the internet, including speculation about the source of the incursion and how many records were actually taken. However, we still did not have all the answers. Customers of Sony Online Entertainment have been curious about the details of the recent intrusion into SOE servers, so Massively teamed up with our sister site, Joystiq, to get some direct statements from Sony. We put only our best detectives on the job. Joystiq Contributing Editor Ben Gilbert fired up the communicator with SOE PR Representative Ryan Peters to discuss the issues plaguing the MMO developer. Admittedly, many of the answers given were reiterated from a press release on SOE's website, but he was able to extract a few nuggets of information regarding the depth of the incident, which we've compiled past the break. Rest assured that our team will continue to keep you up to date on the latest information.
Skype for Android update adds US 3G calling, fixes personal data hole
Verizon Android users have had 3G Skype calling since this time last year, but the latest app release -- v1.0.0.983 for those of you keeping tabs -- brings 3G calling to the masses, without the need for a VZW-sanctioned app. The update also patches a rather significant security hole discovered last week, which could let third-party apps get hold of your personal information. We're glad to see that's no longer the case, and who's going to object to free calling as part of the deal as well? Make sure your phone's running Android 2.1 (2.2 for Galaxy S devices) and head on over to the Android Market to get updated.
Skype for Android vulnerable to hack that compromises personal info
If you didn't already have enough potential app privacy leaks to worry about, here's one more -- Android Police discovered that Skype's Android client leaves your personal data wide open to assault. The publication reports that the app has SQLite3 databases where all your info and chat logs are stored, and that Skype forgot to encrypt the files or enforce permissions, which seems to be a decision akin to leaving keys hanging out of the door. Basically, that means a rogue app could grab all your data and phone home -- an app much like Skypwned. That's a test program Android Police built to prove the vulnerability exists, and boy, oh boy does it work -- despite only asking for basic Android storage and phone permissions, it instantly displayed our full name, phone number, email addresses and a list of all our contacts without requiring so much as a username to figure it out. Android Police says Skype is investigating the issue now, but if you want to give the VoIP company an extra little push we're sure it couldn't hurt.
Pandora mobile app found to be sending birth date, gender and location information to ad servers
We still haven't heard much more about that Federal Grand Jury investigation into Pandora and other mobile apps over privacy concerns, but an independent security firm has now gone ahead and taken matters into its own hands. According to an analysis done by the folks at Veracode, Pandora does indeed seem to be sharing more information about you then it lets on. More specifically, they found that the Android app (they haven't yet gotten around to the iOS version) "appears" to be sending information about users' birth date, gender, Android ID and GPS location to various advertising companies -- bits of information that the firm notes could be combined to determine who someone is, what they do for a living, and even who they associate with. For its part, Pandora is simply declining to to comment at the moment, and we're guessing that's unlikely to change anytime soon given the aforementioned investigation. Hit up the source link below for Veracode's complete findings.
APB blog talks beta applications, information security
Welcome back to the weekly APB Reloaded update. This time around, GamersFirst has a followup to last week's beta application deadline announcement. APB's beta application process is a bit different than the norm, and GamersFirst producer Jon "Neume" Merriex has penned a lengthy blog entry that aims to fill in the gaps. In addition to reviewing the game's beta key redemption process, the entry touches on the time-honored tradition of fudging your beta app in the hope of presenting a more appealing tester profile (and thus increasing your selection chances). "In the end, if you do fill out the form accurately and completely, we expect that the vast majority of beta applicants will in fact get closed beta access well before the roll out of the open beta," Merriex writes. Finally, this week's post spends a bit of time on your personal information, and more specifically, the sharing of it with third parties. In a nutshell, GamersFirst pledges to keep your email address, phone number, credit card number, and other valuable bits of data both secret and safe. Information sharing from beta participants "is always aggregated, such as '85% of our players are male between the ages of 18 and 25,'" Merriex says. Head to the official APB Reloaded blog for more specifics.
Contactizer 3.7 adds Dayboard, other enhancements
Contactizer, the personal information management application from Objective Decision, LLC, has been updated to version 3.7. The update, which applies to both the Pro and Express versions of Contactizer, includes over 20 new features. One of the more significant changes is the addition of a new standalone application called Dayboard that allows users to see calendar events, task list items, and birthdays when Contactizer is closed. Other enhancements include the ability to define custom types for tasks and events, QuickLook previews of attachments, and a Cover Flow mode for Leopard users that displays contacts like business cards. The update is available now and is free to all registered users of previous 3.x releases. Contactizer Express and Pro 3.7 are available in a free 30-day trial, or you can purchase the software for US$119 (€99) for Pro or US$54.90 (€49) for Express. Contactizer requires Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5 to operate.
