Windows Hello fingerprint authentication: Not as secure as you think

Photo: Canadian Reviewer

Researchers have found security flaws in several fingerprint sensors used in laptops that work with the Windows Hello authentication feature. These flaws can allow bad actors to bypass fingerprint authentication easily and take control of the devices.

The researchers from Blackwing Intelligence tested laptops from Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft, which use fingerprint sensors from companies like Goodix, Synaptics, and ELAN. They revealed various attacks that can affect these laptops, such as man-in-the-middle and evil maid attacks, at Microsoft’s BlueHat conference in October.

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Microsoft to invest US$500 million in Quebec cloud and AI infrastructure

Image: Microsoft

Microsoft has announced a US$500 million investment to expand its hyper-scale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Quebec over the next two years.The investment will involve the construction of multiple data centre locations in four different municipalities: L’Ancienne-Lorette, Donnacona, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and Lévis. The construction is expected to start in the coming months and will increase Microsoft’s computing capacity by about 240 percent by 2026. This will build on the existing capacity that Microsoft already has in the province, including a data centre region that was launched in 2016.

Microsoft also said that it will ensure that the future data centre locations will meet its sustainability goals of being carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030. To achieve this, Microsoft will use low-carbon materials during construction and adopt renewable energy sources, advanced cooling features, and measures to reduce diesel fuel use during operation.

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Samsung and Maison Margiela launch a new limited-edition Galaxy Z Flip5

Photo: Samsung

Samsung introduces a new limited-edition Galaxy Z Flip5 in collaboration with Maison Margiela, a Paris-based high-end fashion house. This is their second joint project, following the Galaxy Z Flip 4 Maison Margiela Edition. The new phone, which was leaked earlier, is called the Galaxy Z Flip 5 Maison Margiela Edition. The phone is available in China, Hong Kong, and South Korea, with 512GB of internal storage.

In Korea, it costs KRW 2,497,000 (CA$2,629) and can be purchased through a lottery at Samsung.com. The phone will be displayed in South Korea at Samsung Gangnam and Samsung Store Hongdae from November 23.

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Sam Altman reclaims OpenAI CEO role after board drama

Image: OpenAI

Sam Altman has reclaimed his position as the CEO of OpenAI, after a boardroom dispute that may have nearly destroyed the company in the past few days. He will be joined by Greg Brockman, the former president who quit over Altman’s ouster.

The company said on Tuesday night it has a “preliminary agreement” for Altman to resume his role, along with a new board of Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. D’Angelo is the sole survivor of the previous board that fired Altman on Friday. He stays on the new board to represent the old board, sources say.

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