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What's your data privacy style?

Researchers aim to understand how individuals protect their personal data in the digital age. The new study will develop survey instruments and conduct qualitative fieldwork to identify different strategies for navigating algorithmic privacy. It also plans to create experimental prototype tools to explore the design space around algori...

Broadband Internet causes sleep deprivation, a new study finds

A new study by Bocconi University scholars found that broadband internet access causes sleep deprivation, particularly among individuals with DSL lines. These individuals sleep 25 minutes less than those without DSL Internet and are less likely to reach the recommended amount of sleep, leading to significant economic losses in Germany.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateAug 2, 2018

The politics of cyberattacks

Researchers at the University of Konstanz are analyzing denial-of-service attacks to understand their influence on politics and international attention. The study aims to map global patterns of cyberattacks, evaluate their relationship with traditional forms of contention, and identify consequences for protest dynamics.

Claiming credit for cyberattacks

The study finds that both state and non-state actors face similar decisions when it comes to claiming credit for cyberattacks, but their strategies diverge due to different optics. The researchers highlight the importance of understanding how attackers' motives and identity can be revealed through credit claims.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Global Security Studies·DateJun 12, 2018

Email encryption standards hacked

Researchers demonstrated that two common email encryption standards are vulnerable to attacks, compromising secure communication. The S/MIME standard is not suitable for secure communication due to outdated cryptography, while OpenPGP can be configured securely but often isn't.

Online ads help pregnant smokers quit

A new study found that commercial online advertising can engage large numbers of pregnant smokers earlier in their pregnancies, with an overall uptake rate of 3.4% among those who clicked on adverts. The ads were more effective than free-of-charge adverts on health websites and yielded a high user engagement rate.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 19, 2018

New method for waking up devices

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a wake-up receiver that uses ultrasonic signals to turn on devices, extending battery life. The technology has potential applications in designing the next generation of networked devices, including 'smart' devices that can communicate directly with each other without human intervention.

Report calls for national parks to get smart

A report suggests national parks adopt smart technologies, such as real-time environmental monitoring and sensor systems, to improve visitor experiences and conserve resources. The Smart Parks model demonstrates how high connectivity can benefit all stakeholders, from nature conservationists to park authorities and emergency services.

How well can digital assistants answer questions on sex?

A recent study found that digital assistants on smartphones are less effective than laptop-based Google searches in providing quality sexual health advice. The researchers tested Siri and Google Assistant with 50 questions and compared their answers to laptop-based Google searches, finding that Google performed better in most cases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2017

When brands tempt us to lie, cheat and steal

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that consumers are more likely to engage in dishonest behavior, such as shoplifting or piracy, if they perceive a company as harming the environment or people. This effect occurs even when consumers have not personally had a bad experience with the company.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateNov 29, 2017

Child-proofing the Internet of Things

A new project at Lancaster University aims to discover the likely privacy and security challenges arising from children using IoT devices. Researchers will work closely with child protection experts to provide guidelines and advice for children, their families, and teachers on programming IoT devices.