• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

As CEO of the $96 billion Sam’s Club, Latriece Watkins is testing her mettle at the warehouse retailer that produced CEOs for Walmart, Target, and Walgreens

2

Surging Treasury yields expose a brutal truth: America has no margin for error on its $39 trillion debt

3

Current price of oil as of May 29, 2026

1

As CEO of the $96 billion Sam’s Club, Latriece Watkins is testing her mettle at the warehouse retailer that produced CEOs for Walmart, Target, and Walgreens

2

Surging Treasury yields expose a brutal truth: America has no margin for error on its $39 trillion debt

3

Current price of oil as of May 29, 2026
TechCyber Saturday

Data Sheet—Saturday, May 6, 2017

Robert Hackett
By
Robert Hackett
Robert Hackett
Down Arrow Button Icon
Robert Hackett
By
Robert Hackett
Robert Hackett
Down Arrow Button Icon
May 6, 2017, 10:56 AM ET

Enough is enough. This week’s giant Google Docs phishing attack, which led to the compromise of millions of Gmail accounts is a wake-up call that we need a solution to the hacking epidemic. And I think I have one.

First, though, let’s recap what happened: A canny hacker sent an email saying a contact wanted them to view a Google Docs document. People who clicked on a “Open in Docs” link were then asked for access to their account. The whole thing looked pretty convincing, and a lot of people fell for it (ThreatPost has a full breakdown of all the details). And while Google quickly took steps to mitigate the attack, the hackers were able to access a large number of accounts.

In the wake of this, it’s tempting to do one of two things: blame Google for allowing this to happen, or shake your head at those poor fools who didn’t know any better and clicked the link. Both responses are reasonable. As SwiftonSecurity notes, an oversight by Google helped the hacker make the scam look convincing. But at the same time, the attack was suspicious enough that those with a passing knowledge of phishing and computer security knew enough to stay away.

But such finger pointing won’t do anything to avoid the next big phishing attack, which will no doubt be zipping around the Internet before long. Instead, the solution I propose is a life-skills style education campaign aimed at high school students, and then at everyone else.

I asked my partner, who is an educator in a New York City school, if such a thing exists. To my surprise, she said no. Instead, computer education is aimed at those who already have a passion for computers (and would be the least likely to fall for a phishing scheme.) There is no computer safety course for the general student population. Nor, as far as I know, is there such a thing for colleges or entry level jobs.

And this is my point. Just as schools help young people to read maps or make a budget or cook or sew, it’s time for them to explain the Internet’s architecture and where the dangers lie. A decade ago, it was enough to warn kids about creeps on Craigslist. These days, the threats are infinitely more subtle, and the time has come to train kids to avoid them. Hacking is now a public safety issue. We should respond accordingly.

Jeff John Roberts

@jeffjohnroberts

jeff.roberts@fortune.com

Welcome to the Cyber Saturday edition of Data Sheet, Fortune’s daily tech newsletter. You may reach Robert Hackett via Twitter, Cryptocat, Jabber (see OTR fingerprint on my about.me), PGP encrypted email (see public key on my Keybase.io), Wickr, Signal, or however you (securely) prefer. Feedback welcome.

THREATS

Le hackers meddle with Macron. Just two days before France votes for a new President, the campaign of frontrunner Emmanuel Macron has been hit with a "massive and coordinated" hacking attack. The hackers reportedly duped campaign staff with phishing attempts and fake websites, and have now dumped reams of emails and accounting statements onto the Internet. Once again, it appears Russia is behind the attacks, seeking to disrupt and destabilize another democracy. (New York Times)

So long security blanket. 2FA is compromised. We've long talked up the virtues of two-factor authentication (2FA) as an easy and effective way to keep the hackers out. Looks like we spoke too soon. In recent months, hackers figured out a way around 2FA via a vulnerability in a mobile data protocol used for cell phone roaming. The upshot is that criminals are getting hold of SMS codes—which serve as the second factor in many 2FA system—and draining bank accounts. It's unclear how or when banks and Internet companies will address this. (Ars Technica)

Censorship in the age of Facebook: Fears over online censorship typically turn on autocrats shutting down the Internet. But now governments don't even have to do that because they can rely on a new and more subtle tactic: Drowning dissidents out with distraction and fake information. That's one of the big ideas shared by noted tech scholars Zeynep Tufekci and Tim Wu, who talked about the future of the networked world during a First Amendment event at Columbia University. (Fortune)

It's not just Chipotle. The data breach reported at down-on-its-luck Chipotle appears to be part of a systemic campaign to phish U.S. restaurant chains and bilk them with fake invoices. The campaign is reportedly being run by a sophisticated Eastern European gang and has successfully hacked more than 20 U.S.-based hospitality companies, using booby-trapped attachments to install malware. Samples of the malware suggest victims may also include Ruby Tuesdays and Baja Fresh. (CyberScoop)

The Dark Overlord lacks people skills. What a surprise—the hacker who goes by "The Dark Overlord," who last week published stolen Netflix shows, comes across a juvenile, publicity-hungry jerk in a profile piece. '"You'll be publishing something?' The Dark Overlord incessantly asked," according to the profile. (Motherboard)

Share today's Data Sheet with a friend:
http://fortune.com/newsletter/datasheet/

Looking for previous Data Sheets? Click here.

ACCESS GRANTED

I don't usually laugh when I read Fortune, but this Q&A about ICOs ("Initial Coin Offerings") is hilarious—and damn helpful too. In it, my colleague Robert Hackett breaks down the finer points of blockchain and digital currency to Erin Griffith, who writes Term Sheet. Fin-tech insiders will chuckle (really) as Erin gets her head around ICOs, while normal folks will learn useful things about one of the hottest niches in finance.

EG: So, why would a company want its stock to be made up of cryptocurrency rather than real money currency?

RH: "Real" money? HAVE I TAUGHT YOU NOTHING.

EG: Okay! Why would a company want its stock to be made up of cryptocurrency rather than fiat currency? Read more on Fortune.com.

FORTUNE RECON

Here's What's Disturbing About Comey's Comments on Wikileaks by Mathew Ingram

Bitcoin is Soaring to Another All-time High by Fortune/Reuters

Coinbase Adds Litecoin and Prices Soar by Jeff John Roberts

FireEye Reports Surprise Rise in Sales by Fortune/Reuters

Hacker Leaks "Orange is the New Black" After Blackmail Attempt by Jeff John Roberts

ONE MORE THING

Tell Facebook your favorite concerts—and a hacker will tell you your password. That social media meme that's going around, which invites you to share things like your 10 favorite concerts, could serve as a way for bad guys to obtain your security questions. Well, that's what one security guy thinks. Sounds a little unlikely to us but, hey, another reason not to overshare. (New York Times)

About the Author
Robert Hackett
By Robert Hackett
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconTwitter icon
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

SoftBank plans up to €75 billion investment in French AI centers
AISoftbank
SoftBank plans up to €75 billion investment in French AI centers
By Benoit Berthelot and BloombergMay 30, 2026
1 hour ago
After Blue Origin rocket explosion, NASA’s entire moon exploration program depends on SpaceX for now as Musk eyes blockbuster IPO soon
Innovationspace
After Blue Origin rocket explosion, NASA’s entire moon exploration program depends on SpaceX for now as Musk eyes blockbuster IPO soon
By Jason MaMay 30, 2026
2 hours ago
Snowflake CEO says monster quarter shows why software firms need new pricing models to thrive in AI age
AISnowflake Computing
Snowflake CEO says monster quarter shows why software firms need new pricing models to thrive in AI age
By Sebastian HerreraMay 30, 2026
4 hours ago
Ex–Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns U.S. tech workers: Competing with China’s grueling 12-hour workdays means sacrificing work-life balance
Future of Workthe future of work
Ex–Google CEO Eric Schmidt warns U.S. tech workers: Competing with China’s grueling 12-hour workdays means sacrificing work-life balance
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezMay 30, 2026
6 hours ago
guitar
AIMusic
AI is splitting the music world. This 49-year-old guitarist used it to keep playing after Parkinson’s
By Mustakim Hasnath and The Associated PressMay 30, 2026
7 hours ago
Russian spies are more aggressively trying to steal Western technology as sanctions add to mounting problems for Putin’s wartime economy
EuropeRussia
Russian spies are more aggressively trying to steal Western technology as sanctions add to mounting problems for Putin’s wartime economy
By Emma Burrows and The Associated PressMay 30, 2026
8 hours ago

Most Popular

As CEO of the $96 billion Sam’s Club, Latriece Watkins is testing her mettle at the warehouse retailer that produced CEOs for Walmart, Target, and Walgreens
Magazine
As CEO of the $96 billion Sam’s Club, Latriece Watkins is testing her mettle at the warehouse retailer that produced CEOs for Walmart, Target, and Walgreens
By Emma HinchliffeMay 27, 2026
4 days ago
Surging Treasury yields expose a brutal truth: America has no margin for error on its $39 trillion debt
Economy
Surging Treasury yields expose a brutal truth: America has no margin for error on its $39 trillion debt
By Shawn TullyMay 30, 2026
15 hours ago
Current price of oil as of May 29, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of May 29, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerMay 29, 2026
1 day ago
As AI slashes white-collar jobs, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff says almost no one is being hired—except in sales
Success
As AI slashes white-collar jobs, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff says almost no one is being hired—except in sales
By Emma BurleighMay 28, 2026
2 days ago
A billionaire and an A-list actor found refuge in a 37-home Florida neighborhood with armed guards—proof that privacy is now the ultimate luxury
Real Estate
A billionaire and an A-list actor found refuge in a 37-home Florida neighborhood with armed guards—proof that privacy is now the ultimate luxury
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezMay 25, 2026
5 days ago
Jamie Dimon tells Gen Z to 'learn how to think, learn how to earn respect' as he describes 'great meeting' with Zohran Mamdani
Success
Jamie Dimon tells Gen Z to 'learn how to think, learn how to earn respect' as he describes 'great meeting' with Zohran Mamdani
By Nick LichtenbergMay 29, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.