Apple's time-out punishment of Facebook and Google was sharp but soon over. TechCrunch reports that Apple has restored Facebook's Enterprise Certification, and with it employee access to internal apps. TechCrunch notes that Apple has also restored Google's Enterprise Certification. Google's employees can again access iOS versions of pre-launch test apps. Google's Screenwise Meter and Facebook Research collected user data in ways Apple deemed violated its terms of use. (Foreign Policy suggests Russia envies their access.)
Facebook continues its purge of inauthentic accounts. Ars Technica reports that the social network has taken down more than seven hundred pages that were being directed "from Iran," amplifying Islamic Republic state media content and targeting audiences in the Middle East and South Asia. Facebook stops short of calling it an Iranian government operation: patriotic activism is also possible.
Twitter has been active against information operations as well, offering an account of 2018 election influence attempts emanating from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. The company also took down follow-bot services ManageFlitter, Statusbrew, and Crowdfire. As Graham Cluley explains, Twitter finds them in violation of its automation rules.
Fancy Bear, Russia's GRU, seems to have hit a prominent Washington think tank: the Daily Beast says CSIS was prospected by the military intelligence service. If Russian information operations continue, the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies suggests the US respond in kind.
The Media Trust reports discovery of adaptive malware hitting Alexa 500 sites.
NETSCOUT reports a wave of CoAP reflection/amplification DDoS attacks, mostly affecting China, for now.