Matt Burgess
Senior writer
Matt Burgess is a senior writer at WIRED focused on information security, privacy, and data regulation in Europe. He graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in journalism and now lives in London. Send tips to Matt_Burgess@wired.com.
Forcing WhatsApp and iMessage to Work Together Is Doomed to Fail
Europe’s Digital Markets Act requires interoperability between popular messaging apps. But experts warn encryption could be compromised.
A Mysterious Satellite Hack Has Victims Far Beyond Ukraine
The biggest hack since Russia’s war began knocked thousands of people offline. The spillover extends deep into Europe.
Leaked Ransomware Docs Show Conti Helping Putin From the Shadows
Members of the hacker gang may act in Russia’s interest, but their links to the FSB and Cozy Bear hackers appear ad hoc.
The Big, Baffling Crypto Dreams of a $180 Million Ransomware Gang
Leaked files from cybercrime group Conti show it started building a crypto payment platform, a social network—and even had plans for a casino.
The Workaday Life of the World’s Most Dangerous Ransomware Gang
A Ukrainian researcher leaked 60,000 messages from inside the Conti ransomware group. This is what they reveal.
How Police Abuse Phone Data to Persecute LGBTQ People
In many parts of the world, law enforcement uses WhatsApp chats, text messages, and photos from confiscated phones as "evidence" against persecuted groups.
When War Struck, Ukraine Turned to Telegram
As Russian troops surround Kyiv, millions of Ukrainians have relied on the messaging platform for government information.
Ukraine’s Volunteer ‘IT Army’ Is Hacking in Uncharted Territory
The country has enlisted thousands of cybersecurity professionals in the war effort against Russia.
The Quiet Way Advertisers Are Tracking Your Browsing
Cookies are on the way out—but not enough is being done about browser fingerprinting. So what is it?
If Russia Invades Ukraine, TikTok Will See It Up Close
As troops amass on Ukraine’s border, civilians capture it all on camera. Online sleuths are now unpacking the details.
Is Firefox OK?
Mozilla’s privacy-heavy browser is flatlining. What it does next is crucial for the future of the web.
Twitter Has Started Blocking Porn in Germany
Dozens of accounts have been vanished as Twitter bows to pressure to make it harder for children to find adult content online.
Welcome to the Burner Phone Olympics
China’s Winter Games are overshadowed by human rights problems and overreaching state surveillance.
Inside Trickbot, Russia’s Notorious Ransomware Gang
Internal messages WIRED has viewed shed new light on the operators of one of the world's biggest botnets.
Google Has a New Plan to Kill Cookies. People Are Still Mad
Google has scrapped FLoC, its controversial cookie replacement. Now it’s back with Topics—but rivals and privacy experts are still nervous.
Europe’s Move Against Google Analytics Is Just the Beginning
Austria’s data regulator has found that the use of Google Analytics is a breach of GDPR. In the absence of a new EU-US data deal, other countries may follow.
Russia Takes Down REvil Hackers—as Ukraine Tensions Mount
Over a dozen alleged members of the notorious ransomware group have been arrested, but the Kremlin's critics are wary of the underlying motivation.
Apple’s Private Relay Roils Telecoms Around the World
Security experts say there's little reason for the criticism from Europe’s mobile operators and US limitations over the VPN-like iCloud tool.
6 Ways to Delete Yourself From the Internet
You’ll never be able to get a clean slate—but you can significantly downsize your digital footprint.
The Biggest Deepfake Abuse Site Is Growing in Disturbing Ways
A referral program and partner sites have spurred the spread of invasive, AI-generated “nude” images.