Instagram tool accidentally exposed some user passwords

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The woes and security faux pas Instagram and its parent company Facebook doesn’t seem to end. It was recently reported that Instagram’s Download Your Data tool had a security flaw that accidentally leaked passwords in plain text. The tool was designed to let users get a file of all the pictures, comments, and other information they’ve shared on the platform be downloadable. It was rolled out in April to comply with new data privacy regulations in Europe as well as address any privacy concerns users had in the middle of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Unfortunately, there was a security issue that included passwords being sent in plaintext in the URL. And for some reason, these were stored on Facebook’s servers, too. But the company said these have since been deleted. The issue has also been fixed, according to Instagram.

According to a spokesperson from the company, only a “small number of people” were affected and they were informed if they were affected by the security vulnerability. If you didn’t hear anything from Instagram, it means you’re safe. But if you’ve used the tool, it might be better to start updating those passwords and activating two-factor authentication for good measure. And if you use that password for other accounts, better update passwords there, too.

Source: Digital Trends

‘Daredevil’ showrunner pitches fourth season of the show to Netflix

We don’t know what the future is for Daredevil but at least we know that its showrunner Erik Oleson is trying to keep it going. Reviews for the third season of the Charlie Cox-led Marvel show has been positive with the story going back to basics, as Screen Rant describes, with a deep dive into Matt Murdock’s psyche. And while plots have been wrapped up, fans aren’t ready to see the show go. But with the cancellation of other Marvel-Netflix like Luke Cage and Iron Fist, it reminds us that none of these Marvel shows are safe. Oleson, who took over showrunning duties in season 3, revealed on Twitter that he’s sent to Netflix his plans for season 4. The details obviously haven’t been revealed but at least we know there are plans for another season. And now we can only hope for the best. What do you think? Would you want another season?

Google Clock gets Assistant Routine integration

A couple of days after Google announced it was integrating its Assistant Routines to its Clock app, the company has rolled out the feature. What Assistant Routines bring to the app is you’ll be able to get information or trigger other actions after you dismiss an alarm. For example, you can get your device to tell you the weather, what traffic is like, and your calendar of events and reminders for the day. You’ll know the feature is activated for you if you see the Google Assistant Routine option after the option to label an alarm. Simply follow the prompts to setup your routine and you’re good to go. It must be noted, though, that this only works with Google’s Clock app and not OEM-specific versions of the Clock app. So, make sure you have that downloaded if you want access to this feature.

Source: Android Police

YouTube lets you watch ad-supported movies for free

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If you’re willing to sit through ads that “appear at regular intervals,” you’ll be able to watch movies for free on YouTube. Google introduced the “free to watch” section to the site in October. But reports about it just started showing up last week. The company won’t say how many ads will show up while you watch. But if you’re okay with that. You can watch films like Igor, The Terminator, Hackers, and many more.

Rohit Dhawan, YouTube’s director of product management, told Ad Age saw this offering as a way to give to both its users and advertisers options. Dhawan hopes it might encourage advertisers to even sponsor movies and hosts complimentary views or exclusive screenings. Dhawan says, “Eventually, there could be a way for advertisers to pay to sponsor individual movies, giving users complimentary views and exclusive screenings, Dhawan says. However, that all pretty much depends on how studios evolve their businesses to account for these new digital streaming windows that are opening up.”