Tag

Sms

All articles tagged with #sms

technology2 months ago•7 min saved

SMS sign-in links expose data for millions, study warns

A new study finds that many services authenticate users via SMS-delivered links or codes, with weak, easily guessable tokens that can be brute-forced or enumerated to access other users’ accounts and view sensitive data. Researchers analyzed 332,000 unique SMS URLs from 33 million texts across 177 services, uncovering 701 endpoints that exposed data and 125 allowing mass enumeration. Only a minority of providers contacted by the researchers have fixed the flaws, underscoring the need for stronger authentication, time-limited links, and multi-factor checks or safer alternatives like email-based magic links.

via Ars Technica|

#authentication #privacy #security

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"Telegram's Free Premium Subscription Comes with a Privacy Risk"

Telegram's new peer-to-peer login feature offers users a free premium membership in exchange for using their phone number as a relay for sending one-time SMS passwords to others, potentially exposing personal information and raising privacy concerns. Participants may end up paying more through their phone bill than the value of the premium membership and could face issues with spam and fraud. The terms of service absolve Telegram of liability for any adverse consequences, and there is no way to prevent misuse of the OTP codes. Users must weigh the benefits of the premium membership against the potential privacy risks of sharing their phone number with strangers.

via TechCrunch|

#peer-to-peer-login #privacy #security

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

"Google Messages Enhances Chat Experience with Background Wallpapers and RCS Differentiation"

Google is introducing a wallpaper feature in Google Messages to distinguish RCS chats from SMS and MMS. The default wallpaper consists of overlapping circles and is more visible in light themes. However, there is currently no option to change the wallpaper, suggesting that Google may still be testing the feature.

via Android Authority|

#google #google-messages #mms

technology2 years ago•2 min saved

"Poll Reveals the Most-Used Messaging App"

The dominance of iMessage in the US smartphone market has led to a lack of diversity in messaging app usage among Americans, with many sticking to the default app on their device. However, iMessage is viewed as a boring messaging app compared to other popular options like Telegram and WhatsApp. While Apple plans to add RCS to the iPhone next year, there is still a long way to go. The author personally uses multiple messaging apps, including iMessage, SMS, Google Chat, WhatsApp, Instagram messages, Twitter DMs, and Slack.

via 9to5Google|

#android #imessage #messaging-apps

technology2 years ago

Apple to Embrace RCS Messaging, Bridging the Gap with Android

Apple has announced that it will offer support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) starting in 2024, a move that will bring enhanced messaging features to iPhone users and allow them to communicate with Android users using RCS. RCS is an upgrade to traditional SMS messaging, offering features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing. This move by Apple will bridge the gap between iPhone and Android users, as well as provide an alternative to iMessage for iPhone users.

via Engadget|

#apple #imessage #rcs

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

Starlink's Satellite Cell Service to Revolutionize Connectivity in 2024

Starlink's satellite cellular service, Direct-to-Cell, is set to launch in 2024, initially offering SMS capabilities and eventually expanding to include calling and browsing. The service will connect to IoT devices through the LTE standard and has partnered with T-Mobile, allowing the cell service provider to have extensive coverage in the United States. Starlink will need to launch new microsats with the necessary eNodeB modem to support the cell service. Competition in the emerging satellite cell service market is expected from Apple and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Satellite.

via Engadget|

#competition #satellite-cellular-service #sms

technology2 years ago•1 min saved

Facebook/Meta Messenger to End SMS Support in September

Facebook/Meta Messenger will no longer support SMS integration on Android starting from September 28, 2023. Users will be directed to their phone's default messaging app, such as Google's app, to send and receive SMS messages. This move reflects Facebook's shift away from SMS integration and towards its other messaging services like WhatsApp. The deprecation of SMS support is seen as a win for Google and its efforts to promote RCS messaging.

via 9to5Google|

#facebook #google #messaging

technology3 years ago•1 min saved

Google Messages' auto-organizing categories vanish for users

Some users of Google Messages have reported that the auto-organizing categories, which group SMS texts and RCS chats, have disappeared. The categories, which were introduced last year, use machine learning to group messages into All, Personal, and Business categories. It is unclear whether this is a bug or if Google is removing the feature due to a lack of usage. The disappearance is not impacting all users, and it is not tied to any specific version of Google Messages.

via 9to5Google|

#auto-organizing-categories #google #google-messages

technology3 years ago•2 min saved

Twitter's 2FA Changes: What You Need to Know

Twitter's new policy on two-factor authentication (2FA) goes into effect on March 20, which means that accounts using SMS 2FA without paying for Twitter Blue will become less secure. Users can switch to another form of 2FA or sign up for Twitter Blue for $8/month. Authenticator apps like iCloud Keychain, 1Password, Google Authenticator, or Authy are recommended for better security. Twitter users can manage their 2FA settings in the "Security and Account Access" menu.

via 9to5Mac|

#authenticator-app #security #sms

technology3 years ago•4 min saved

Top Android SMS Apps for Effortless Texting.

Although many messaging apps no longer support SMS, there are still options for Android users who need to communicate with friends and family who don't have the same messaging apps installed. Messages by Google supports RCS and spam filtering, while Pulse SMS offers end-to-end encryption, password-protected conversations, and scheduled messages. Chomp SMS focuses on the basics of sending and receiving SMS messages, while SMS Organizer boasts automatic reminders and a dark theme.

via WIRED|

#android #google #messaging-apps