Tony Z. Tan - TONYTAN.IO

Policy Analysis: FCC to Fine Cellphone Carriers for Selling Customers’ Locations

A case of alleged malfeasance by cell phone carriers, or at least a collision between the carriers and its customers and regulators.

privacy

Three Perspectives on Amending the “California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018”

Three perspectives on amending a recently passed California state law that grants consumers new privacy rights.

security

Three Reactions to the “Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2017”

Three perspectives on recently proposed legislation on cybersecurity in the Internet of Things (IoT).

encryption

The Importance of Encryption, Part II: Data in Transit and HTTPS

Unprotected communications on the Internet can be viewed and modified by anyone. Ubiquitous encryption protects against this with little end-user effort.

encryption

After recommending it for years, the FBI now wants to ban encryption.

The FBI used to recommend encryption as a measure against black hat hackers and fraudsters. Now it seeks laws that would ban secure encryption and weaken security, because encryption sometimes makes investigations harder. "The whole controversy stems from Apple’s decision to encrypt iPhones by default - so that

security

Cisco shipping to "dead drops" to avoid NSA interception?

Last year, leaked NSA documents revealed that the NSA was actively intercepting Cisco's packages to some customers and adding backdoors into their systems. In response, Cisco's security chief John Stewart revealed a new plan this week to ship sensitive packages to "dead drops" (empty houses) instead. He said,

operating systems

Windows 10! (Technical Preview)

As many of you may know, Windows 10 Technical Preview was announced by Microsoft four days ago (on Sep 30, 2014). I have installed the preview on a virtual Hyper-V machine to test out the latest features. The "New" Start Menu The first new feature that I noticed

encryption

The Importance of Encryption, Part I: Stored Data on Mobile Devices

Data encryption: A simple and cost-effective way of protecting your data from thieves, even those with sophisticated technical knowledge.