Weekly Tech Round-Up
This week: password reset panic on Instagram, Amazon’s data centre plans near Oxford, a Monzo outage update, an anxiety-supporting app pick, and a clear reminder on avoiding phishing scams.
🔐 Instagram Password Reset Emails: Breach or “External Party” Abuse?
Instagram has denied it has been victim to a data breach after many users received emails prompting them to reset their password.
The firm said it had resolved a problem which allowed “an external party” to get the social media platform to send out legitimate password reset requests to users. Instagram said there had been no breach of its systems, and told users their accounts were secure.
However, some experts have questioned the statement, with cyber security firm Malwarebytes claiming the password reset emails had in fact been sent as a result of a hack.
Source: BBC News
🏗️ Amazon Awaits Approval for Data Centre at Former Didcot A Site
US tech company Amazon is awaiting planning approval to build a data centre at the site of a former power station.
The company currently has a reserved matters application for development on land at Didcot A Power Station, detailing elements of four data centre buildings. The planned campus would also include a gate house and other supporting buildings.
The site is located on the former power station situated northwest of Didcot and approximately 13 miles (20km) south of Oxford.
Source: BBC News
📱 Monzo App Issue Resolved After Thousands Report Problems
Monzo says it has resolved an issue affecting its mobile banking app on Tuesday 13th Jan after thousands of customers reported difficulties accessing it.
Platform outage monitor Downdetector saw more than 4,000 reports from users complaining of problems shortly after 15:00 GMT. The company earlier acknowledged an issue affecting its app - telling customers who tried to use it that it would “not be fully functional” while it investigated.
Some users attempting to access the app took to social media to complain to Monzo that they could not view funds, recent payments, or make bank transfers. A Monzo spokesperson said “customers can now use the app as normal.”
Source: BBC News
🌿 App of the Week: Rootd
This week’s app of the week is called Rootd. This app helps you manage panic attacks and feelings of anxiety.
You can choose to write in the journal, enjoy breathing exercises, listen to sounds that help lull you to sleep, among others.
This app is free to download on iOS and Android devices:
🛡️ Phishing Reminder: How to Verify Messages Safely
Many frauds start with a phishing email. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine.
- You can always call your bank using the phone number on a genuine piece of correspondence, the official website (typed directly into the address bar), or the phone book to check if you’re not sure.
- Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
- Remember, email addresses and phone numbers can be spoofed, so don’t use those as a means to verify that a message or call is authentic.
- The best way to get in touch with a company is to use a known email or phone number, such as the one on the back of your bank card.
