Byte Size Weekly #7

All 3 billion Yahoo accounts were compromised in 2013. Not just the originally reported 1 billion.

All 3 Billion Yahoo Accounts Compromised

All 3 billion accounts associated with Yahoo’s networks were compromised in the 2013 data breach.

• In a twist that unfortunately was not that surprising, Yahoo revealed that all 3 billion accounts were hacked, rather than the originally annouced 1 billion. If you’ve ever had an account with Yahoo, then you are a victim of this attack.
• This includes everyone who has used Yahoo emails, or any other Yahoo service such as Flickr, Yahoo Finance or fantasy sports.
• For those affected, Yahoo says names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords (using MD5) and potentially even encrypted/unencrypted security answers could have been compromised.

The Swift Life: Taylor Swift’s New Dedicated Social Network for Fans

Glu Mobile, responsible for official Kim K and Nicki Minaj mobile apps, will be releasing The Swift Life ,a dedicated social network for T Swift fans.

• The new app will launch in “late 2017,” with early beta access in some territories
• The app will focus on connecting fans with Taylor Swift and each other through message boards, quizzes, and games
• Glu Mobile’s previous celebrity works mostly consisted of mobile games (that flopped). This social network marks a first for the company.

It’s Official: The Windows Phone is Super, Duper Dead

Microsoft finally admits the Windows Phone is dead.

• Microsoft has revealed that it is no longer developing hardware/software for the Windows Phone, although it will continue pushing security updates.
• Microsoft’s phone business was gutted last year, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs. This is the first time the company has officially admitted that the Windows Phone is dead.
• Bill Gates switched to an Android Phone long ago.