Rob Waugh

Rob Waugh

Independent Correspondent



736 articles by Rob Waugh

Facial recognition camera used to convict robber for first time

Facial recognition camera used to convict robber for first time

Facial recognition camera used to convict robber for first time

In a world-first case, biometric facial recognition software has been used to convict an armed robber, with a Chicago robber “matched” from CCTV footage to a mug shot, and sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Rob Waugh10 Jun 20141 min. read


‘Major’ Smart TV vulnerability could allow mass wireless attacks

‘Major’ Smart TV vulnerability could allow mass wireless attacks

‘Major’ Smart TV vulnerability could allow mass wireless attacks

A vulnerability in the way interactive apps work on many so-called Smart TVs could allow teams of relatively unskilled hackers to attack thousands of devices at once, a team of Columbia University researchers claims in a new paper.

Rob Waugh09 Jun 20142 min. read


Drawing “signature” on screen could replace passwords, study finds

Drawing “signature” on screen could replace passwords, study finds

Drawing “signature” on screen could replace passwords, study finds

Even smartphone and tablet users who choose a four-digit PIN to protect their device are vulnerable to “shoulder surfers” glimpsing the code and using it later - but an older form of password could come to the rescue…

Rob Waugh06 Jun 20142 min. read


Android malware: how to keep your device safe from filecoders (and everything else)

Android malware: how to keep your device safe from filecoders (and everything else)

Android malware: how to keep your device safe from filecoders (and everything else)

When ESET researchers analyzed the first Android ransomware controlled via Tor, it showed how quickly Android malware is evolving to match its PC cousins. Thankfully, sensible use of your device should help keep you safe.

Rob Waugh05 Jun 20146 min. read


DARPA to hold $2m Grand Challenge for “fully automated” cyber defense systems

DARPA to hold $2m Grand Challenge for “fully automated” cyber defense systems

DARPA to hold $2m Grand Challenge for “fully automated” cyber defense systems

The hi-tech research wing of the US military DARPA (Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency) is to offer a $2 million prize offered for a fully automated defense system - a computer that defends itself without human intervention.

Rob Waugh05 Jun 20142 min. read


Windows XP users slow to upgrade despite risks

Windows XP users slow to upgrade despite risks

Windows XP users slow to upgrade despite risks

Users of Windows XP are not upgrading to safer versions of the operating system after the April 8 deadline when Microsoft stopped supporting the aging OS - with a drop of just 2.4% in market share worldwide.

Rob Waugh04 Jun 20142 min. read


Phishers turn to Dropbox links as fresh bait for victims

Phishers turn to Dropbox links as fresh bait for victims

Phishers turn to Dropbox links as fresh bait for victims

Convincing-looking emails where the victim is directed to click on a Dropbox link to download a supposedly unpaid invoice (and other classic phishing tricks) are circulating widely on the internet.

Rob Waugh03 Jun 20142 min. read


“Hacking” cars on the road wirelessly is easy, claims expert

“Hacking” cars on the road wirelessly is easy, claims expert

“Hacking” cars on the road wirelessly is easy, claims expert

It is perfectly possible to “hack” a car while it is driving on the road, seize control, and force the vehicle into a fatal crash, says a car security specialist - saying that the 100-or-so computers in "connected" cars are vulnerable to attack.

Rob Waugh02 Jun 20143 min. read


Android to power Space Station's "Star Wars" floating robot

Android to power Space Station's "Star Wars" floating robot

Android to power Space Station's "Star Wars" floating robot

No one is too surprised to meet robots on the International Space Station - its Robonaut has posed for dozens of photos with astronauts - but a floating ball with an Android smartphone and multiple cameras aboard may turn heads.

Rob Waugh29 May 20142 min. read