Tangerine employing Apple's Touch ID, biometrics for added security

Tangerine (formerly ING) held an event earlier today to discuss the Future of Banking and announced that their customers will soon have the option of using additonal security features to access their account through the mobile app. Aside from the usual password access, a second level of security can be added that enables Apple's Touch ID (on select iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models) to validate the user's identity. This is quite similar to accessing your iPhone using Touch ID instead of a PIN code or password. Conversely, users that don't have iPhones or are using other devices can use voice authentication as an added access control tool. Hit jump for their full release and more details.

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Apple clarifies take on "Shellshock" bash bug

Apple has reached out to clarify that most Mac OS X users are safe from the circulating bash bug exploit also known as "Shellshock."

"The vast majority of OS X users are not at risk to recently reported bash vulnerabilities. Bash, a UNIX command shell and language included in OS X, has a weakness that could allow unauthorized users to remotely gain control of vulnerable systems. With OS X, systems are safe by default and not exposed to remote exploits of bash unless users configure advanced UNIX services. We are working to quickly provide a software update for our advanced UNIX users.”

So there you have it, nothing to worry about unless you're deep into UNIX.

Apple offers workaround to iOS 8.0.1 issues, reinstall iOS 8

Apple has released a workaround for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus units that may have lost cellular connectivity or Touch ID support. 

“We have a workaround for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who lost cellular service and Touch ID functionality today after updating to iOS 8.0.1. Affected users can reinstall iOS 8 through iTunes, for more information visit http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6487. We apologize for the great inconvenience experienced by users, and are working around the clock to prepare iOS 8.0.2 with a fix for the issue, and will release it as soon as it is ready in the next few days.”

Apple posts message from Tim Cook on Privacy

A few years ago, users of Internet services began to realize that when an online service is free, you’re not the customer. You’re the product. But at Apple, we believe a great customer experience shouldn’t come at the expense of your privacy.

Apple has posted a page with a message from CEO Tim Cook pertaining to privacy. A follow up to some of Cook's comments during his lengthy yet meaty interview on Charlie Rose. The gist of the page is that Apple values user's privacy and refuses to monetize it or compromise it in any way.

 "I want to be absolutely clear that we have never worked with any government agency from any country to create a backdoor in any of our products or services. We have also never allowed access to our servers. And we never will," Cook states. The website has different sections focusing on how Apple products are designed for privacy of their users, how users have the freedom to manage their information and also US government information requests.