gigastacey
@gigastacey.bsky.social
Recovering tech journalist and IoT expert who now works on cybersecurity, IoT, and right to repair for Consumer Reports.
Reposted by gigastacey
💵Reminder: You can get $10 off your @consumerreports.org subscription until the end of the year!
🎙️ And be sure to check out my delightful interview with @yaelwrites.com @gigastacey.bsky.social and @jefflandale.bsky.social , too!
www.consumerreports.org/fdsd/
🎙️ And be sure to check out my delightful interview with @yaelwrites.com @gigastacey.bsky.social and @jefflandale.bsky.social , too!
www.consumerreports.org/fdsd/
Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons - Consumer Reports
Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons CR membership discount
www.consumerreports.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:24 PM
💵Reminder: You can get $10 off your @consumerreports.org subscription until the end of the year!
🎙️ And be sure to check out my delightful interview with @yaelwrites.com @gigastacey.bsky.social and @jefflandale.bsky.social , too!
www.consumerreports.org/fdsd/
🎙️ And be sure to check out my delightful interview with @yaelwrites.com @gigastacey.bsky.social and @jefflandale.bsky.social , too!
www.consumerreports.org/fdsd/
I hit up the Barnes Museum in Philly and I think I have grown out of liking Impressionism. Is this something that happens with age? Serraut still jams, but there may be just too many Renoirs in one place.
November 29, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I hit up the Barnes Museum in Philly and I think I have grown out of liking Impressionism. Is this something that happens with age? Serraut still jams, but there may be just too many Renoirs in one place.
Interesting tool to see if the potential zombie devives on your network (or simply poorly secured devices) are up to no good.
This holiday season, run our IP Check at your family’s house, a free tool that answers a question we hear constantly: "How do I know if my home network has been compromised?"
www.greynoise.io/blog/your-ip...
www.greynoise.io/blog/your-ip...
Your IP Address Might Be Someone Else's Problem (And Here's How to Find Out)
Your home network might be part of someone else’s attack. GreyNoise IP Check shows if your IP’s been caught scanning the internet—free and private.
www.greynoise.io
November 28, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Interesting tool to see if the potential zombie devives on your network (or simply poorly secured devices) are up to no good.
When thinking about E2E encryption in a wearable, as opposed to the E2EE for messaging, we have to define "user data." Are we talking the raw data or the metrics such as heart rate variability or body temp? All of that is algorithmically generated using raw data from sensors.
I wrote about Oura's security and privacy practices earlier this year for this.weekinsecurity.com, and found:
• Oura rings *don't* end-to-end encrypt users' health data;
• Oura *can* access its users' data;
• Oura told me that the company *has* received U.S. government demands for users' data.
• Oura rings *don't* end-to-end encrypt users' health data;
• Oura *can* access its users' data;
• Oura told me that the company *has* received U.S. government demands for users' data.
November 28, 2025 at 3:40 PM
When thinking about E2E encryption in a wearable, as opposed to the E2EE for messaging, we have to define "user data." Are we talking the raw data or the metrics such as heart rate variability or body temp? All of that is algorithmically generated using raw data from sensors.
Reposted by gigastacey
So much fun talking holiday gifts alongside @gigastacey.bsky.social and @jefflandale.bsky.social for Carey Parker's podcast, @firewalldragons.bsky.social. And Bailey makes a guest appearance! podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2025/11/24/b...
Best & Worst Gifts for 2025! - Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast
Holiday shopping season is here! And that must mean that it’s time again for my annual Best & Worst Gift Guide! But this time...
podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:26 PM
So much fun talking holiday gifts alongside @gigastacey.bsky.social and @jefflandale.bsky.social for Carey Parker's podcast, @firewalldragons.bsky.social. And Bailey makes a guest appearance! podcast.firewallsdontstopdragons.com/2025/11/24/b...
Reposted by gigastacey
For the love of humanity, don't buy kids in your life toys that require a cloud connection, much less anything with AI-powered chat ability.
"...powered by Wi-Fi, powered by artificial intelligence, those types of things are red flags that a lot of children’s data might be collected here.”
"...powered by Wi-Fi, powered by artificial intelligence, those types of things are red flags that a lot of children’s data might be collected here.”
November 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM
For the love of humanity, don't buy kids in your life toys that require a cloud connection, much less anything with AI-powered chat ability.
"...powered by Wi-Fi, powered by artificial intelligence, those types of things are red flags that a lot of children’s data might be collected here.”
"...powered by Wi-Fi, powered by artificial intelligence, those types of things are red flags that a lot of children’s data might be collected here.”
Reposted by gigastacey
Don't miss Monday's amazing show: my annual Best & Worst Gift Guide! This year I collaborated with three amazing people from @consumerreports.org : @yaelwrites.com @gigastacey.bsky.social and @jefflandale.bsky.social
Subscribe here:
firewallsdontstopdragons.com/podcast/
Subscribe here:
firewallsdontstopdragons.com/podcast/
Podcast - Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons
I have a weekly podcast called Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons. The show is a mix of cybersecurity news and interviews of prominent people in the industry. But like the book, the shows are targeted squar...
firewallsdontstopdragons.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Don't miss Monday's amazing show: my annual Best & Worst Gift Guide! This year I collaborated with three amazing people from @consumerreports.org : @yaelwrites.com @gigastacey.bsky.social and @jefflandale.bsky.social
Subscribe here:
firewallsdontstopdragons.com/podcast/
Subscribe here:
firewallsdontstopdragons.com/podcast/
Reposted by gigastacey
Reposted by gigastacey
Today we're publishing our list of recommendations on how to build long-lived IoT devices. We're trying to address the factors that lead to your smart thermostat losing functionality or even dying altogether when the manufacturer decides to stop supporting it. It doesn't have to be this way.
Your Smart Devices Don’t Have to Die Young - Innovation at Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports recommends manufacturers take the following steps to design long-lived connected devices.
innovation.consumerreports.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Today we're publishing our list of recommendations on how to build long-lived IoT devices. We're trying to address the factors that lead to your smart thermostat losing functionality or even dying altogether when the manufacturer decides to stop supporting it. It doesn't have to be this way.
Reposted by gigastacey
Cybersecurity agencies from the Five Eyes have released joint guidance on how to deal with bulletproof hosting providers
www.cisa.gov/resources-to...
www.cisa.gov/resources-to...
November 19, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Cybersecurity agencies from the Five Eyes have released joint guidance on how to deal with bulletproof hosting providers
www.cisa.gov/resources-to...
www.cisa.gov/resources-to...
Today we're publishing our list of recommendations on how to build long-lived IoT devices. We're trying to address the factors that lead to your smart thermostat losing functionality or even dying altogether when the manufacturer decides to stop supporting it. It doesn't have to be this way.
Your Smart Devices Don’t Have to Die Young - Innovation at Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports recommends manufacturers take the following steps to design long-lived connected devices.
innovation.consumerreports.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Today we're publishing our list of recommendations on how to build long-lived IoT devices. We're trying to address the factors that lead to your smart thermostat losing functionality or even dying altogether when the manufacturer decides to stop supporting it. It doesn't have to be this way.
Is the gender neutral word for niece or nephew ... nibbling? Or does that just imply cute?
November 15, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Is the gender neutral word for niece or nephew ... nibbling? Or does that just imply cute?
Reposted by gigastacey
What’s behind Silicon Valley’s psychotic break with reality?
Welcome to Apocalypse Capitalism.
As one prominent tech VC put it: “Maybe if you aren’t trying to destroy the world, you’re not trying hard enough.”
www.thenerdreich.com/silicon-vall...
Welcome to Apocalypse Capitalism.
As one prominent tech VC put it: “Maybe if you aren’t trying to destroy the world, you’re not trying hard enough.”
www.thenerdreich.com/silicon-vall...
Silicon Valley Apocalypse Capitalism
“Maybe if you aren’t trying to destroy the world, you’re not trying hard enough.”
www.thenerdreich.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:45 PM
What’s behind Silicon Valley’s psychotic break with reality?
Welcome to Apocalypse Capitalism.
As one prominent tech VC put it: “Maybe if you aren’t trying to destroy the world, you’re not trying hard enough.”
www.thenerdreich.com/silicon-vall...
Welcome to Apocalypse Capitalism.
As one prominent tech VC put it: “Maybe if you aren’t trying to destroy the world, you’re not trying hard enough.”
www.thenerdreich.com/silicon-vall...
I keep reading how the government is worried about depopulation, but even if we somehow increase the birth rate, killing those kids with cancer seems counterproductive.
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission may soon loosen radiation exposure safety standards at nuclear plants and operations. Experts warn the general public would be unsafe.
@lesleymmblume.bsky.social and @chloeshrager.bsky.social report below.
@lesleymmblume.bsky.social and @chloeshrager.bsky.social report below.
Trump's new radiation exposure limits could be 'catastrophic' for women and girls
“It’s an attack on the science and the policy behind radiation protection of people and the environment that has been in place for decades,” says radiologist Kimberly Applegate, a former chair of the radiological protection in medicine committee of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
thebulletin.org
November 14, 2025 at 7:36 PM
I keep reading how the government is worried about depopulation, but even if we somehow increase the birth rate, killing those kids with cancer seems counterproductive.
My colleagues are asking the FTC and state attorneys general to take action against Meta for profiting off ads for scams that cost consumers billions. It's baffling to me that this company hasn't been fined or regulated out of existence.
advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_releas...
advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_releas...
Consumer Reports calls on the FTC and state attorneys general to take action against Meta for its failure to mitigate harmful scam advertisements - CR Advocacy
Washington, DC – Consumer Reports is calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general across the country to take enforcement action against…
advocacy.consumerreports.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM
My colleagues are asking the FTC and state attorneys general to take action against Meta for profiting off ads for scams that cost consumers billions. It's baffling to me that this company hasn't been fined or regulated out of existence.
advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_releas...
advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_releas...
Taught the second Pilates class. Completely forgot how to cue, count and correct. Apparently I can deliver only one well. Maybe one day I'll get to doing two at the same time.
November 14, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Taught the second Pilates class. Completely forgot how to cue, count and correct. Apparently I can deliver only one well. Maybe one day I'll get to doing two at the same time.
Reposted by gigastacey
This may be the first photograph of the mysterious Okka. In Japan it is known as a yōkai, with only a few old scrolls alluding to it.
The reason for its elusiveness is the deadly poison it sprays around it. Those who have been close enough to see it, such as this photographer, have quickly perished.
The reason for its elusiveness is the deadly poison it sprays around it. Those who have been close enough to see it, such as this photographer, have quickly perished.
November 13, 2025 at 10:30 PM
This may be the first photograph of the mysterious Okka. In Japan it is known as a yōkai, with only a few old scrolls alluding to it.
The reason for its elusiveness is the deadly poison it sprays around it. Those who have been close enough to see it, such as this photographer, have quickly perished.
The reason for its elusiveness is the deadly poison it sprays around it. Those who have been close enough to see it, such as this photographer, have quickly perished.
Reposted by gigastacey
If you need a little laugh today, please enjoy the 93yo artist June Leaf (RIP) answering the T magazine questionnaire by just telling her interviewer that the questions are dumb
www.nytimes.com/2022/11/01/t...
www.nytimes.com/2022/11/01/t...
The Visual Artist Who Thinks of Herself as a Dancer or an Aviator (Published 2022)
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:20 PM
If you need a little laugh today, please enjoy the 93yo artist June Leaf (RIP) answering the T magazine questionnaire by just telling her interviewer that the questions are dumb
www.nytimes.com/2022/11/01/t...
www.nytimes.com/2022/11/01/t...
Reposted by gigastacey
Content you purchased online shouldn’t disappear if a publisher and a tech company get into a fight. www.digitalrightsbytes.org/topics/wait...
Do I Really Own the Digital Media I Bought?
Do I Really Own the Digital Media I Bought?
www.digitalrightsbytes.org
November 12, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Content you purchased online shouldn’t disappear if a publisher and a tech company get into a fight. www.digitalrightsbytes.org/topics/wait...
Reposted by gigastacey
Kociemba has launched the No Longer Evil project, an open-source initiative aimed at breathing new life into decommissioned first- and second-generation Nest thermostats. www.techspot.com/news/110186-...
Hackers are saving Google's abandoned Nest thermostats with open-source firmware
Cody Kociemba, the developer behind the Hack/House collaborative project, is waging war against Google. The tech giant recently decided to discontinue the first two generations of its...
www.techspot.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Kociemba has launched the No Longer Evil project, an open-source initiative aimed at breathing new life into decommissioned first- and second-generation Nest thermostats. www.techspot.com/news/110186-...
This time I only took #shittynorthernlightpics because of the cloud cover and a wee bit more light pollution.
November 12, 2025 at 5:46 AM
This time I only took #shittynorthernlightpics because of the cloud cover and a wee bit more light pollution.
Reposted by gigastacey
Today is Veteran’s Day!
Consider a donation to thurmanperryfoundation.org, named in memory of my deceased father Master Sgt. Thurman Perry Jr. The work we do is in my father’s name, who had a heart for aiding those returning to society from incarceration for many years
tpfwoman2woman.funraise.org
Consider a donation to thurmanperryfoundation.org, named in memory of my deceased father Master Sgt. Thurman Perry Jr. The work we do is in my father’s name, who had a heart for aiding those returning to society from incarceration for many years
tpfwoman2woman.funraise.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Today is Veteran’s Day!
Consider a donation to thurmanperryfoundation.org, named in memory of my deceased father Master Sgt. Thurman Perry Jr. The work we do is in my father’s name, who had a heart for aiding those returning to society from incarceration for many years
tpfwoman2woman.funraise.org
Consider a donation to thurmanperryfoundation.org, named in memory of my deceased father Master Sgt. Thurman Perry Jr. The work we do is in my father’s name, who had a heart for aiding those returning to society from incarceration for many years
tpfwoman2woman.funraise.org
Vote for Automatic Noodles. Also, you should read it first because it is a truly enjoyable story. And it's snack-sized!
Amazing! Automatic Noodle is in the opening round for the Goodreads Choice Awards! You can vote now if you'd like to help some robots and their tasty noodles make it to the next round of voting! www.goodreads.com/choiceawards...
Opening Round: Vote for the Readers' Favorite Science Fiction of 2025!
Discover the Readers' Favorite Science Fiction in the 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards.
www.goodreads.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Vote for Automatic Noodles. Also, you should read it first because it is a truly enjoyable story. And it's snack-sized!
I love this kid, especially because he chose to avoid coming forward to preserve a bit of mystery with his viral moment. I also cannot believe this is a 15 year-old.
‘I have actually become a star’: Louvre heist mystery ‘fedora man’ uncovered – video
‘I have actually become a star’: Louvre heist mystery ‘fedora man’ uncovered – video
The French teenager became an internet sensation after a press photographer captured him outside the museum on the day of the heist
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:05 PM
I love this kid, especially because he chose to avoid coming forward to preserve a bit of mystery with his viral moment. I also cannot believe this is a 15 year-old.
Reposted by gigastacey
So Marriot terminates their deal with Sonder, which then instantly folds
travelers caught in the middle, no recourse
Capitalism has entered a state of full creaky bullshit where you can’t count on contracts or transactions
any component of the system can collapse and eat your money at any moment
travelers caught in the middle, no recourse
Capitalism has entered a state of full creaky bullshit where you can’t count on contracts or transactions
any component of the system can collapse and eat your money at any moment
A horror story, via r/marriott, of the sudden nationwide Sonder shutdown.
www.reddit.com/r/marriott/c...
www.reddit.com/r/marriott/c...
November 11, 2025 at 6:50 PM
So Marriot terminates their deal with Sonder, which then instantly folds
travelers caught in the middle, no recourse
Capitalism has entered a state of full creaky bullshit where you can’t count on contracts or transactions
any component of the system can collapse and eat your money at any moment
travelers caught in the middle, no recourse
Capitalism has entered a state of full creaky bullshit where you can’t count on contracts or transactions
any component of the system can collapse and eat your money at any moment