Joseph Cox
joseph.cox@vice.comA Computer Generated Swatting Service Is Causing Havoc Across America
As the U.S. deals with a nationwide swatting wave, Motherboard has traced much of the activity to a particular swatting-as-a-service account on Telegram. Torswats uses synthesized voices to pressure law enforcement to specific locations.
Smart Garage Company Fixes Vulnerability by Breaking Customers' Devices
Nexx's garage locks are vulnerable to hackers over the internet. Rather than replying to requests for comment, Nexx is forcing its customers to only use Bluetooth.
Hackers Can Remotely Open Smart Garage Doors Across the World
A security researcher found a series of vulnerabilities with the Nexx brand of smart garage openers. He says he could remotely find garages to target, and then open them across the internet.
IRS Wants to Buy Internet Mass Monitoring Tool
The U.S. military and FBI have previously bought access to netflow data from a company called Team Cymru. Now the IRS wants to buy products from the company too.
The 'Insanely Broad' RESTRICT Act Could Ban Much More Than Just TikTok
Digital rights experts told Motherboard the RESTRICT Act, which may be used to ban TikTok, could impact many other types of services too, including VPNs.
The DEA Bought Customer Data from Rogue Employees Instead of Getting a Warrant
For years the DEA has used paid informants inside airline, bus, and parcel companies to bypass needing to get a warrant. A pair of bipartisan Senators now want the DOJ to put an end to it.
Here is the FBI’s Contract to Buy Mass Internet Data
The FBI previously purchased access to "netflow" data, which a company called Team Cymru obtains from ISPs. Team Cymru then sells it to the government.
Cops Sue Afroman for 'Emotional Distress' After He Made Music Videos of Botched Raid
The footage came from Afroman's wife and security cameras inside his home. The plaintiffs allege they have faced embarrassment, ridicule, and humiliation.
The Cure Tried to Stop Scalpers. Brokers Are Selling Entire Ticketmaster Accounts Instead
Inside the secretive markets scalpers use to buy and sell entire Ticketmaster accounts to sidestep restrictions.
The Best Parts of 'Diablo 4' Were in 'Diablo Immortal' First
Diablo's mobile cousin was, understandably, maligned for its exploitative microtransactions. But underneath that junk was Diablo 4's core, social-first experience.
People Trying to Use Facebook's Leaked AI to Improve Their Tinder Matches
The results aren't as impressive as GPT4, but the news shows what sort of things people will use leaked AIs for.
Inside the DEA Tool Hackers Allegedly Used to Extort Targets
The DEA run "EPIC Portal" includes access to license plate reader information, drug seizures, intelligence reports, and more.