Mozilla: SameSite, SUMO, Firefox and More

       

• Changes to SameSite Cookie Behavior – A Call to Action for Web Developers

  We are changing the default value of the SameSite attribute for cookies from None to Lax, per new IETF guidelines. This will greatly improve security for users. However, some web sites may depend (even unknowingly) on the old default, potentially resulting in breakage for those sites. At Mozilla, we are slowly introducing this change. And we are strongly encouraging all web developers to test their sites with the new default. [...] Testing in the Firefox Nightly and Beta channels has shown that website breakage does occur. While we have reached out to those sites we’ve encountered and encouraged them to set the SameSite attribute on their web properties, the web is clearly too big to do this on a case-by-case basis. It is important that all web developers test their sites against this new default. This will prepare you for when both Firefox and Chrome browsers make the switch in their respective release channels.

        

• New platform milestone completed: Python upgrade

  In 2020 a lot of the SUMO platform’s team work is focused on modernizing our support platform (Kitsune) and performing some foundational work that will allow us to grow and expand the platform. We have started this in H1 with the new Responsive and AAQ redesign. Last week we completed a new milestone: the Python/Django upgrade. Why was this necessary Support.mozilla.org was running on Python 2.7, meaning our core technology stack was running on a no longer supported version. We needed to upgrade to at least 3.7 and, at the same time, upgrade to the latest Django Long Term Support (LTS) version 2.2.

       

• Firefox 79 includes protections against redirect tracking

  A little over a year ago we enabled Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) by default in Firefox. We did so because we recognize that tracking poses a threat to society, user safety, and the autonomy of individuals and we’re committed to protecting users against these threats by default. ETP was our first step in fulfilling that commitment, but the web provides many covert avenues trackers can use to continue their data collection. Today’s Firefox release introduces the next step in providing a safer and more private experience for our users with Enhanced Tracking Protection 2.0, where we will block a new advanced tracking technique called redirect tracking, also known as bounce tracking. ETP 2.0 clears cookies and site data from tracking sites every 24 hours, except for those you regularly interact with. We’ll be rolling ETP 2.0 out to all Firefox users over the course of the next few weeks.

       

• Fast Company Recognizes Katharina Borchert as one of the Most Creative Business People

  We are proud to share that Katharina Borchert, Mozilla’s Chief Open Innovation Officer, has been named one of the  Most Creative People by Fast Company. The award recognizes her leadership on Common Voice and helping to diversify AI speech through machine learning. Katharina was recognized not just for a groundbreaking idea, but because her work is having a measurable impact in the world. [...] The full list also includes vintner, Krista Scruggs, dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp, and Ryan Reynolds: “for delivering an honest message, even when it’s difficult”. “‘This is a real honor,” said Katharina, “which also reflects the contributions of an incredible alliance of people at Mozilla and beyond. We have a way to go before the full promise of Common Voice is realized. But I’m incredibly inspired by the different communities globally building it together with Mozilla, because language is so important for our identities and for keeping cultural diversity alive in the digital age. Extending the reach of voice recognition to more languages can only open the doors to more innovation and make tech more inclusive.”

       

• Latest Firefox rolls out Enhanced Tracking Protection 2.0; blocking redirect trackers by default

  Today, Firefox is introducing Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP) 2.0, our next step in continuing to provide a safe and private experience for our users. ETP 2.0 protects you from an advanced tracking technique called redirect tracking, also known as bounce tracking. We will be rolling out ETP 2.0 over the next couple of weeks. Last year we enabled ETP by default in Firefox because we believe that understanding the complexities and sophistication of the ad tracking industry should not be required to be safe online. ETP 1.0 was our first major step in fulfilling that commitment to users. Since we enabled ETP by default, we’ve blocked 3.4 trillion tracking cookies. With ETP 2.0, Firefox brings an additional level of privacy protection to the browser. Since the introduction of ETP, ad industry technology has found other ways to track users: creating workarounds and new ways to collect your data in order to identify you as you browse the web. Redirect tracking goes around Firefox’s built-in third-party cookie-blocking policy by passing you through the tracker’s site before landing on your desired website. This enables them to see where you came from and where you are going.

       

• Moth wants you to design a Firefox Theme for San Francisco Shock

  This summer we partnered with Overwatch League’s San Francisco Shock to help the fans at home cheer on their 2019 Grand Finals Champions. This included Firefox Protection Plays and giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of the SF Shock players. Before the summer season ends, we wanted to do one last thing for the SF Shock team and their fans. One of the players, Moth, shared that Firefox is the only browser he uses. He learned about Firefox while studying software engineering in college. Firefox and Mozilla’s mission along with the open source ethos is what keeps him a loyal user. To celebrate that, we’re inviting SF Shock fans — and anyone else who might be interested — to design an original Firefox theme.

today's howtos

• Add a repo and install a package the Ansible way

• Check and Repair Filesystem Errors With fsck Command in Linux

• Using Swap Space on Oracle Linux 8

• Using fstab to Mount Devices on Oracle Linux 8

• Protect Apache Against Brute Force or DDoS Attacks Using Mod_Security and Mod_evasive Modules

• HTTP-based Kafka messaging with Red Hat AMQ Streams

• Logging into a Linux System with G Suite Password

• Storage in Kubernetes

Android Leftovers

• How to Block Clipboard Access on Android

• Lava Z66 affordable smartphone with stock Android launched in India for Rs 7,777

• The Best 5 Android 11 Features Explained And A Guide On How To Use Them

• OnePlus prepares Android 11 Open Beta as final OxygenOS 11 preview build approaches

• Bell Huawei P20, P20 Pro & P30 Lite Android 10 update to roll out soon

• Long term review: Xiaomi’s Mi 10 is the unexpected king of Android in India

• Sony Bravia X7400H 4K UHD Android TV With 55-Inch Triluminos Display, Dolby Audio Launched in India

• Kodak launches new Android TV starting at Rs 10,999

• TeamViewer Expands Remote Access and Control Capabilities to Android

• Xiaomi Mi A4 not coming as Android One program gets the axe

• Samsung Galaxy S20 series phones starts receiving latest Android security update

• The Xbox Series X Controller Is Compatible With Android and iOS

• Hypnotic twitch runner Super Glitch Dash blasts onto iOS and Android today

• The EU opens a full-scale investigation into Google's Fitbit acquisition

• Google launches Nearby Share on Android, rolling out now to Pixel & Samsung devices

• Android's answer to AirDrop, Nearby Share, is available now

• ASUS ROG Phone 3 Review: Fastest Android On The Planet

• Android's Alternative to Apple's AirDrop Is Called 'Nearby Sharing' and It's Rolling Out Today

• Android phones will finally let you share files and pictures with people nearby, like Apple AirDrop