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T-Mobile investigating claims of major hacking involving customer data
T-Mobile says it is investigating allegations of big data breaches that could affect its 100 million customers. According to the information, a message is seen at a secret forum on Sunday, August 15, came from someone claiming to have the personal data of 100 million people.
The message did not mention T-Mobile, but when a poster was touched on the newsletter Motherboard, it became clear that mobile phone customers were at the center of the alleged hacking. The figure of 100 million might be noted as it is almost equal to all T-Mobile customers.
The vendor told Motherboard that the information belongs to “T-Mobile USA” customers and contains everything from names, social security numbers, and phone numbers, to home addresses, driver’s license details, and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The news website said it was able to verify the accuracy of the stolen data after reviewing the sample.
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The perpetrator is asking for 6 bitcoin – currently worth about $285,000 – in exchange for a social security information block and a driver’s license linked to T-Mobile’s 30 million customers.
T-Mobile has said in a statement that “we are confident that the entry point used to gain access has been closed, and we are continuing our deep technical review of the situation across our systems to identify the nature of any data that was illegally accessed.” The company has also pledged to “proactively communicate” with customers and stakeholders once more is understood, but that the investigation will “take some time”. T-Mobile is also not confirming the number of records affected or the validity of any statements made by others. This is a developing story and more information will likely be released in the future.
Those claiming to hold the data added that T-Mobile may have already found out about the hack as they can no longer access the company’s servers. But the company, which merged with Sprint last year in a $26 billion deal, will still publicly verify if its servers are violated, saying it only “knows the claims made in an undercover forum” and that “actively investigates legitimacy.” for more details when available.
If this breach proves to be true and affects such a large number of T-Mobile customers, it could be a major problem for the company as it seeks to restore its reputation following a similar collapse in recent years, which occurred recently at the end of 2020 with more than 200,000 affected customers.
Samsung confirmed One UI 7 Beta coming by the end of this year for developers. We were guessing a short and limited Beta availability this year. In a shocking development, the company announced One UI 7 rollout will start next year.
We observed a major reshuffle in Samsung’s software strategy this year. The company fueled many features in the One UI 6.1 update. The One UI 6.1.1 is also a big update, which expanded in much time as compared to previous versions.
One UI 7 Beta was not announced in August, its usual release month. September was also left waiting and seemingly October will also change nothing. Samsung says, One UI 7 Beta will release for developers by the end of this year.
Previous Beta activities still had wider availability among users. However, we don’t expect the same to repeat this year with One UI 7. With “developers” the company might have meant to a limited audience for a limited period.
The Beta release is scheduled for later this year, quite close to January’s Stable debut. So, flagship Galaxy users have to be satisfied with One UI 6.1.1 features. The next big thing would arrive when you would have guessed the 7.1 release.
At SDC24, the company also teased core design elements of the One UI 7. The firmware will bring a new user experience focused on simple, impactful, and emotive design. The home screen layout will also add intuitive grid functionality for better UX.
Apple and Samsung’s mobile software bring their own set of features and innovations, but the question remains: does iOS 18 set a new standard that One UI 7 can’t meet? Let’s explore the strengths of both OSs and see how they compare.
iOS 18 is available on compatible Apple iPhone models internationally. Samsung is paying the price of reliance on the Android operating system. The delay in Android 15 seemingly caused One UI 7 Beta to be delayed and delayed.
Apple’s software is well known for its fluid animations and reliable functioning. Samsung is trying hard to challenge iOS reign but lags behind. Galaxy phones are literally unable to make sensible use of cutting-edge hardware specifications.
iOS 18 comes with many design enhancements, including updated widgets and improved notification management. These changes make a major impact on everyday usage, providing a more seamless and visually appealing user experience.
Apple Intelligence’s inclusion will help iOS lead further. The company has collaborated with OpenAI for AI capabilities on the iPhone. The software is deeply integrated with AI to deliver a seamless and reliable user experience.
It doesn’t mean iOS 18 is unbeatable.
iOS 18 is difficult to defeat but not impossible for Samsung’s One UI 7. The Galaxy AI suite is far ahead in terms of usability against Apple Intelligence. Galaxy phones have countless AI tricks that Apple would be able to adopt in years.
Samsung has to work on system stability and performance. The software always shines with its customization capabilities. The Galaxy’s hardware should be optimized for Android, so the processor, display, and camera would offer the most.
Whether you pick iOS or One UI, depends on your priorities. If you love the customization and openness of Android, One UI will be your first choice. Meanwhile, if you aren’t a power user and prefer reliable + stable UX, iOS would attract you.
One UI and iOS have their strengths. Samsung is expected to introduce the One UI 7 at the SDC24 event today. We are guessing the Stable rollout could be promised without the commencement of Beta testing activity as it’s already delayed.
Google clarified after Epic Games sued Samsung over One UI’s Auto Blocker feature. The company disclaims involvement in the creation or functioning of Auto Blocker. Meanwhile, Samsung said it is ready to contest a legal battle with Epic Games.
Recently, Google’s Head of Android Security and Privacy, David Kleidermacher, called Epic’s latest lawsuit a “meritless and dangerous” move. The executive clarified that Google did not request Samsung to “create” the Auto Blocker feature.
🧵Epic’s latest lawsuit is a meritless and dangerous move. Google did not request that Samsung create their Auto Blocker feature. (1/5) https://t.co/WFrPXAje9Z
— David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024
Following David’s clarification, MishaalRahman asked him about the functioning of Auto Blocker. He, then, explained that Google has no role in Samsung shipping Auto Blocker enabled by default in new Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1 and later.
TheVerge reached out to Samsung for a follow-up on the recent controversy. The company would not confirm or deny whether it worked with Google on Auto Blocker, but said “ready to contest” with Epic. Here is the full statement of a Samsung spokesperson:
- Contrary to Epic Game’s assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly.
- The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users’ personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time.
- We plan to vigorously contest Epic Game’s baseless claims.
Epic Games, in its lawsuit, claimed that Samsung intentionally crafted Auto Blocker to benefit Google. Epic highlighted that Samsung first debuted Auto Blocker and started shipping it enabled by default after a few months.
Samsung launched Auto Blocker in late 2023, which started arriving enabled by default in newer One UI versions. The feature disables app sideloading to secure your device against any unauthorized app installation.