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Firefox 89 Gets Design Overhaul and ‘Total Cookie Protection’ Feature

Andrew Orr ·

Mozilla has released Firefox version 89 on Tuesday, bringing a new design for desktop users and a privacy feature called Total Cookie Protection added to private browsing.

We’ve enhanced the privacy of the Firefox Browser’s Private Browsing mode with Total Cookie Protection, which confines cookies to the site where they were created, preventing companies from using cookies to track your browsing across sites. This feature was originally launched in Firefox’s ETP Strict mode.

More information on Total Cookie Protection can be found on Mozilla’s blog.

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You Have One Week to Opt Out of Amazon’s ‘Sidewalk’ Network Service

Andrew Orr ·

Amazon Sidewalk is the company’s network mesh service that shares your internet bandwidth with Amazon devices. You must opt out by June 8 if you don’t want this because the setting is turned on by default.

The new wireless mesh service will share a small slice of your Internet bandwidth with nearby neighbors who don’t have connectivity and help you to their bandwidth when you don’t have a connection.

By default, Amazon devices including Alexa, Echo, Ring, security cams, outdoor lights, motion sensors, and Tile trackers will enroll in the system.

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Postal Workers Targeted With Phishing Campaign

Andrew Orr ·

Postal workers returning to the office after COVID-19 restrictions may find themselves targeted by a new phishing campaign.

The email-based campaign, observed by Cofense, is targeting employees with emails purporting to come from their CIO welcoming them back into offices.

The email looks legitimate enough, sporting the company’s official logo in the header, as well as being signed spoofing the CIO. The bulk of the message outlines the new precautions and changes to business operations the company is taking relative to the pandemic.

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Meat Supplier JBS Hit With Cyber Attack, Data Not Affected

Andrew Orr ·

JBS SA shut down its computer networks for its operations in Australia and North America due to a cyberattack.

Backup servers were not affected, and the company is actively working to restore systems as soon as possible, according to a statement from JBS USA Monday. The processor said it’s not aware of any customer, supplier or employee data being compromised or misused.

Cool Stuff Found

How 'Cherry' Tries to Highlight the Veterans' PTSD

Charlotte Henry ·

A new video, released on Memorial Day, explains how Cherry from Apple Original Films, Hideaway Entertainment, and AGBO looks to highlight the PTSD suffered by many veterans. As well as directors the Russo brothers and star Tom Holland, the clip features contributions from Timothy Wynn of the Philadelphia Veterans Court and IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. The film itself is available to watch on Apple TV+ now.

Podcast

Juice Jackers and Battery Drainers – Mac Geek Gab 873

John F. Braun & Dave Hamilton · · Add Comment

Ever heard of Juice Jacking? Neither had John nor Dave. No problem, though, they dug in and found everything you needed to know. That’s the beauty of Mac Geek Gab, too: you ask the questions and then your two favorite geeks dig and see what they can find. Press play and learn at least five new things about battery draining, external drives, M1 displays, backups, and more!

News

In Observance of Memorial Day 2021

Bryan Chaffin ·

In honor of Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday, The Mac Observer will be taking the day off. We will resume our regular coverage of the Apple Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch world on Tuesday, June 1st. Please stay safe.

Cool Stuff Found

How Does a Blockchain Work? Here is a Simple Explanation

Andrew Orr ·

I’ve been slowly learning about all things cryptocurrency, or rather all things related to the blockchain. But what is a blockchain, anyway? I came across this video today, and the channel—Simply Explained—features more related videos, like explaining smart contracts, Cardano, and how a proof-of-stake system works as opposed to proof-of-work.

TMO Deals

TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise-Cancelling Headphones: $71.97

Bryan Chaffin ·

We have a deal on a pair of TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise-Cancelling Headphones. This updated version of the original Z2s comes with a new all-black design, Bluetooth 5.0, and TREBLAB’s Sound2.0 technology with aptX and T-Quiet active noise-cancellation. They’re $78.99 but they’re discounted to $71.97 for our Memorial Day sale.