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Personal Information
2FA API Data Breach Data Leak Instagram Meta Personal Information

Instagram Refutes Breach Allegations After Claims of 17 Million User Records Circulating Online

 



Instagram has firmly denied claims of a new data breach following reports that personal details linked to more than 17 million accounts are being shared across online forums. The company stated that its internal systems were not compromised and that user accounts remain secure.

The clarification comes after concerns emerged around a technical flaw that allowed unknown actors to repeatedly trigger password reset emails for Instagram users. Meta, Instagram’s parent company, confirmed that this issue has been fixed. According to the company, the flaw did not provide access to accounts or expose passwords. Users who received unexpected reset emails were advised to ignore them, as no action is required.

Public attention intensified after cybersecurity alerts suggested that a large dataset allegedly connected to Instagram accounts had been released online. The data, which was reportedly shared without charge on several hacking forums, was claimed to have been collected through an unverified Instagram API vulnerability dating back to 2024.

The dataset is said to include information from over 17 million profiles. The exposed details reportedly vary by record and include usernames, internal account IDs, names, email addresses, phone numbers, and, in some cases, physical addresses. Analysis of the data shows that not all records contain complete personal details, with some entries listing only basic identifiers such as a username and account ID.

Researchers discussing the incident on social media platforms have suggested that the data may not be recent. Some claim it could originate from an older scraping incident, possibly dating back to 2022. However, no technical evidence has been publicly provided to support these claims. Meta has also stated that it has no record of Instagram API breaches occurring in either 2022 or 2024.

Instagram has previously dealt with scraping-related incidents. In one earlier case, a vulnerability allowed attackers to collect and sell personal information associated with millions of accounts. Due to this history, cybersecurity experts believe the newly surfaced dataset could be a collection of older information gathered from multiple sources over several years, rather than the result of a newly discovered vulnerability.

Attempts to verify the origin of the data have so far been unsuccessful. The individual responsible for releasing the dataset did not respond to requests seeking clarification on when or how the information was obtained.

At present, there is no confirmation that this situation represents a new breach of Instagram’s systems. No evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the data was extracted through a recently exploited flaw, and Meta maintains that there has been no unauthorized access to its infrastructure.

While passwords are not included in the leaked information, users are still urged to remain cautious. Such datasets are often used in phishing emails, scam messages, and social engineering attacks designed to trick individuals into revealing additional information.

Users who receive password reset emails or login codes they did not request should delete them and take no further action. Enabling two-factor authentication is fiercely recommended, as it provides an added layer of security against unauthorized access attempts.


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Scams
2FA Cyber Threats Digital ID Digital identification Passwords Privacy Ransomware Scams

How Oversharing, Weak Passwords, and Digital IDs Make You an Easy Target and What You Can Do




The more we share online, the easier it becomes for attackers to piece together our personal lives. Photos, location tags, daily routines, workplace details, and even casual posts can be combined to create a fairly accurate picture of who we are. Cybercriminals use this information to imitate victims, trick service providers, and craft convincing scams that look genuine. When someone can guess where you spend your time or what services you rely on, they can more easily pretend to be you and manipulate systems meant to protect you. Reducing what you post publicly is one of the simplest steps to lower this risk.

Weak passwords add another layer of vulnerability, but a recent industry assessment has shown that the problem is not only with users. Many of the most visited websites do not enforce strong password requirements. Some platforms do not require long passwords, special characters, or case sensitivity. This leaves accounts easier to break into through automated attacks. Experts recommend that websites adopt stronger password rules, introduce passkey options, and guide users with clear indicators of password strength. Users can improve their own security by relying on password managers, creating long unique passwords, and enabling two factor authentication wherever possible.

Concerns about device security are also increasing. Several governments have begun reviewing whether certain networking devices introduce national security risks, especially when the manufacturers are headquartered in countries that have laws allowing state access to data. These investigations have sparked debates over how consumer hardware is produced, how data flows through global supply chains, and whether companies can guarantee independence from government requests. For everyday users, this tension means it is important to select routers and other digital devices that receive regular software updates, publish clear security policies, and have a history of addressing vulnerabilities quickly.

Another rising threat is ransomware. Criminal groups continue to target both individuals and large organisations, encrypting data and demanding payment for recovery. Recent cases involving individuals with cybersecurity backgrounds show how profitable illicit markets can attract even trained professionals. Because attackers now operate with high levels of organisation, users and businesses should maintain offline backups, restrict access within internal networks, and test their response plans in advance.

Privacy concerns are also emerging in the travel sector. Airline data practices are also drawing scrutiny. Travel companies cannot directly sell passenger information to government programs due to legal restrictions, so several airlines jointly rely on an intermediary that acts as a broker. Reports show that this broker had been distributing data for years but only recently registered itself as a data broker, which is legally required. Users can request removal from this data-sharing system by emailing the broker’s privacy address and completing identity verification. Confirmation records should be stored for reference. The process involves verifying identity details, and users should keep a copy of all correspondence and confirmations. 

Finally, several governments are exploring digital identity systems that would allow residents to store official identification on their phones. Although convenient, this approach raises significant privacy risks. Digital IDs place sensitive information in one central location, and if the surrounding protections are weak, the data could be misused for tracking or monitoring. Strong legal safeguards, transparent data handling rules, and external audits are essential before such systems are implemented.

Experts warn that centralizing identity increases the potential impact of a breach and may facilitate tracking unless strict limits, independent audits, and user controls are enforced. Policymakers must balance convenience with strong technical and legal protections. 


Practical, immediate steps one should follow:

1. Reduce public posts that reveal routines or precise locations.

2. Use a password manager and unique, long passwords.

3. Turn on two factor authentication for important accounts.

4. Maintain offline backups and test recovery procedures.

5. Check privacy policies of travel brokers and submit opt-out requests if you want to limit data sharing.

6. Prefer devices with clear update policies and documented security practices.

These measures lower the chance that routine online activity becomes a direct route into your accounts or identity. Small, consistent changes will greatly reduce risk.

Overall, users can strengthen their protection by sharing less online, reviewing how their travel data is handled, and staying informed about the implications of digital identification. Small and consistent actions reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of cyber threats.

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personal data security
2FA 2FA security Cyber Security Data Management data security Password Security personal data security

How to Make Zoom Meetings More Secure and Protect Your Privacy

 

Zoom calls remain an essential part of remote work and digital communication, but despite their convenience, they are not entirely private. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information, intercept conversations, or access meeting data. However, several practical measures can strengthen your security and make Zoom safer to use for both personal and professional meetings. 

One of the most effective security steps is enabling meeting passwords. Password protection ensures that only authorized participants can join, preventing “Zoom-bombing” and uninvited guests from entering. Passwords are enabled by default for most users, but it’s important to confirm this setting before hosting. Similarly, adding a waiting room provides another layer of control, requiring participants to be manually admitted by the host. 

This step helps prevent intruders even if meeting details are leaked. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is another crucial feature for privacy. While Zoom’s standard encryption protects data in transit, enabling E2EE ensures that only participants can access meeting content — not even Zoom itself. Each device stores encryption keys locally, making intercepted data unreadable. 

However, when E2EE is activated, some features like recording, AI companions, and live streaming are disabled. To use E2EE, all participants must join via the Zoom app rather than the web client. Users should also generate random meeting IDs instead of using personal ones. A personal meeting ID remains constant, allowing anyone with previous access to rejoin later. Random IDs create a unique space for each session, reducing the risk of unauthorized reentry. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) offers further protection by requiring a verification code during login, preventing unauthorized account access even if passwords are compromised. 

Meeting links should always be shared privately via direct messages or emails, never publicly. Sharing on social platforms increases the risk of unwanted guests and phishing attempts. During meetings, hosts should manage participants closely — monitoring for suspicious activity, restricting screen and file sharing, and remaining alert for fake prompts requesting personal information. Maintaining strict host control helps minimize the risk of data theft or identity fraud. Zoom’s data collection settings can also be adjusted for privacy. 

While the platform gathers some anonymized diagnostic data, users can disable “Optional Diagnostic Data” under My Account → Data & Privacy to limit information sharing. Keeping the Zoom application up to date is equally important, as regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and improve overall system protection. Finally, operational security (OPSEC) practices outside Zoom are essential. Users should participate in meetings from private spaces, use headphones to limit audio leakage, and employ physical camera covers for additional protection. 

When connecting through public Wi-Fi, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds encryption to internet traffic, shielding sensitive data from potential interception. While Zoom provides several built-in safeguards, the responsibility of maintaining secure communication lies equally with users. 

By enabling passwords, encryption, and 2FA — and combining these with good digital hygiene — individuals and organizations can significantly reduce privacy risks and create a safer virtual meeting environment.
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Windows
2FA Antivirus Computer Devices malware Windows

How Six Simple Habits Can Keep Your Computer Safe From Malware

 



For many, the first encounter with malware comes during student years, often through experiments with “free” software or unprotected internet connections like USB tethering. The result is almost always the same: a badly infected system that needs a complete reinstall of Windows. That hard lesson shows why consistent security habits matter. Fourteen years and several computers later, users who follow basic precautions rarely face malware again.


1. Be selective with downloads

Unsafe downloads are the main entry point for malware. Cracked or “premium” software shared on random forums can secretly install hidden programs, such as cryptocurrency mining tools, that hijack your computer’s resources. The safest option is to download software only from official websites, verified GitHub repositories, or trusted app stores. If paying for premium tools is not possible, free alternatives are widely available. For example, LibreOffice can replace Microsoft Office, GIMP is a strong substitute for Photoshop, and many platforms provide safe, free video games.


2. Keep your antivirus protection updated

Antivirus tools are only effective if they are current. On Windows, the built-in security program updates automatically, scanning files against Microsoft’s threat database and blocking or quarantining suspicious files before they run. Unlike many third-party programs, Windows Security works quietly in the background without constant interruptions or slowing your device. Whether you choose the built-in system or another provider, keeping it updated is essential.


3. Approach email attachments with caution

Phishing emails often look convincing, sometimes copying entire designs from services like PayPal. In one example, a fake message claimed a new address had been added to an account and urged immediate action. The scam was revealed by its sender address — “paypal-support@secureverify-payment.com” instead of a genuine PayPal domain. Today’s phishing attempts go beyond suspicious links, with QR codes, PDFs, or fake DocuSign prompts that ask for login details. To protect yourself, disable automatic image loading, never open unexpected attachments, and always confirm unusual requests with the sender through another trusted method.


4. Avoid public Wi-Fi without protection

Public Wi-Fi in airports, cafés, hotels, or libraries may be convenient, but it is also risky. Other users on the same network can intercept traffic, and cybercriminals often set up fake hotspots with names like “Free_Airport_WiFi” to trick unsuspecting users. A safer approach is to use mobile data or a personal hotspot. If you must connect to public Wi-Fi, always use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your traffic, and avoid logging into banking or other sensitive accounts until you are on a trusted network.


5. Keep Windows updated

Those frequent updates and restarts on Windows serve a purpose: patching security vulnerabilities. Once Microsoft releases a fix, attackers study it to find the weakness and then target systems that delay updating. While feature updates can be postponed, security patches should never be skipped. Enabling automatic updates is the most reliable way to stay protected.


6. Strengthen account security

Reusing the same password across multiple accounts is one of the fastest ways to be compromised through credential stuffing. Use a password manager to generate unique logins, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on any account involving personal or financial information. An even stronger option is to adopt passkeys, which use device biometrics and cryptographic keys. Passkeys cannot be phished, reused, or stolen, making them far safer than traditional passwords.


Staying free from malware does not require expensive tools or advanced skills. By practicing safe downloading, keeping antivirus tools and operating systems updated, approaching emails cautiously, protecting yourself on public networks, and securing accounts with strong authentication, you can keep your devices safe for years to come.



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Privacy Risks
2FA 2FA security Authentication Authentication Bypass Cyber Security Online Security Privacy Risks

Two-factor authentication complicates security with privacy risks, unreliability, and permanent lockouts

 

Two-factor authentication has become the default standard for online security, showing up everywhere from banking portals to productivity tools. Its purpose is clear: even if someone steals your credentials, they still need a second verification step, usually through an email code, SMS, or an authenticator app. In theory, this additional barrier makes hacking more difficult, but in practice, the burden often falls more heavily on legitimate users than on attackers. For many people, what should be a security measure becomes a frustrating obstacle course, with multiple windows, constant device switching, and codes arriving at the least convenient times. 

The problem lies in balancing protection with usability. While the odds of a random hacker attempting to log in may be low, users are the ones repeatedly forced through verification loops. VPN usage adds to the issue, since changing IP addresses often triggers additional checks. Instead of making accounts safer, the process can feel more like punishment for ordinary login attempts. 

Despite being promoted as a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity, two-factor authentication is only as strong as the delivery method. SMS codes remain widely used, even though SIM swapping is a well-documented threat. Email-based codes can also be problematic—if someone gains access to your primary inbox, they inherit every linked account. Even Big Tech companies sometimes struggle with reliable implementation, with failed code deliveries or inconsistent prompts leaving users stranded. A network outage or downtime at a provider can completely block access to essential services. 

Beyond inconvenience, 2FA introduces hidden privacy and security trade-offs. Every login generates more email or text messages, forcing users to hand over personal phone numbers and email addresses to multiple companies. This not only clutters inboxes but also creates new opportunities for spam or unwanted marketing. Providers like email hosts and carriers gain visibility into user activity, tracking which apps are accessed and when, raising further concerns about surveillance and data use. For users who value a clean inbox and minimal exposure, the system feels invasive rather than protective. 

The most damaging consequence is the risk of permanent lockouts. Losing access to a backup email or phone number can create a cascade of failures that trap users outside critical accounts. Recovery systems, often automated or handled by AI chatbots, provide little flexibility. Some users have experienced losing access entirely because verification codes went to accounts with their own 2FA requirements, resulting in a cycle that cannot be broken. The fallout can disrupt personal, academic, and professional life, with little recourse available. 

While two-factor authentication was designed as an essential layer of defense against account takeovers, its execution often causes more harm than good. Between unreliability, privacy risks, inbox clutter, and the looming threat of irreversible lockouts, the cost of this security tool raises serious questions about whether its benefits truly outweigh the risks.
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malware
2FA cryptocurrency Fake Captcha Identity Theft Lumma Stealer malware

Hackers Trick Users with Fake Captchas to Steal Data

 



Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new technique where attackers use fake Captcha tests to trick people into installing malware called Lumma Stealer. This malicious program is designed to quietly search infected computers for valuable information, such as login credentials, cryptocurrency wallet details, and two-factor authentication codes.

The scheme first appeared on a Greek banking website, where users were shown what looked like a Captcha security test. Instead of a normal verification, the prompt instructed Windows users to copy a piece of text into their Run dialog box and press Enter. By doing so, victims unknowingly triggered the installation of Lumma Stealer without downloading a visible file.

According to data shared by DNSFilter, a security company monitoring the incident, clients came across this fake Captcha 23 times in just three days. Alarmingly, around 17% of users who saw it followed the instructions, which led to attempts to infect their systems with malware.


How Lumma Stealer Works

Once inside a computer, Lumma Stealer immediately begins searching for anything that can be exploited for profit. This includes saved browser passwords, cookies, stored two-factor authentication tokens, cryptocurrency wallets, and even the data kept in password managers. Cybercriminals can use this stolen information to commit identity theft, break into financial accounts, or steal digital assets such as crypto funds.

What makes this threat particularly concerning is that Lumma Stealer can be hidden on otherwise legitimate websites, meaning unsuspecting users may fall victim even without visiting suspicious or obviously harmful pages.


Malware-as-a-Service Model

Lumma Stealer is part of a growing cybercrime trend known as Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS). Under this model, professional malware developers create the malicious software, improve its ability to avoid detection, and maintain hosting services. They then rent access to the malware to other cybercriminals in exchange for subscription fees. This arrangement makes it easy for attackers with little technical expertise to launch damaging campaigns.

Earlier this year, authorities attempted to disrupt Lumma Stealer operations. The U.S. Department of Justice seized several domains linked to the malware, while Microsoft removed thousands of related websites. However, security analysts report that Lumma Stealer quickly resurfaced, showing just how resilient and profitable such services can be.

Part of Lumma Stealer’s popularity comes from its low cost. Subscriptions can be found on underground forums for only a few hundred dollars per month, yet the potential financial return for criminals is enormous. In recent analyses, experts estimated that hundreds of thousands of devices have been compromised, with losses reaching tens of millions of dollars.

The importance of staying alert online cannot be emphasised enough. Unusual instructions, such as copying text into a computer’s Run command should raise suspicion immediately. Cybersecurity specialists advise users to verify unexpected prompts and ensure their systems are protected with updated security tools to reduce the risk of infection.



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Windows
2FA Chrome Katz malware Windows

New Malware Threat Puts Windows Users at Serious Risk — Protect Your Data Now

 

A dangerous new computer virus called Katz is spreading fast, and it's targeting people who use Windows devices. Once it sneaks into your system, it can steal almost everything — from passwords and emails to cryptocurrency wallets and even two-factor login codes.

Security researchers have raised alarms because this virus isn’t just stealing one type of information — it’s collecting anything it can get. That includes browser data, saved login details, private files, and more. And even though companies like Microsoft are working hard to fight these threats, hackers keep coming back with new tricks.


How This Malware Gets In

The Katz virus doesn’t use any fancy or rare method to infect devices. Instead, it spreads through common scams. These include fake emails, harmful ads, shady downloads, and suspicious search results. Once someone clicks the wrong thing, the virus quietly installs itself without any warning signs.

After it's in, it scans to see which web browser you’re using — like Chrome, Edge, or Brave — and then quietly runs in the background. While invisible to you, it's actively collecting your saved information.


What Data Is at Risk?

Here’s what this malware can steal from your device:

1. Website and app passwords

2. Login codes from two-factor authentication

3. Stored messages from chat platforms

4. Cryptocurrency wallets and backup phrases

5. Email account access

6. Game logins and saved payment methods

7. Wi-Fi and VPN passwords

8. Files from file transfer tools

9. Anything you copy to your clipboard

10. Screenshots of your screen

That’s a huge amount of personal data that could be misused.


How to Keep Yourself Safe

To avoid falling victim to this malware, follow these safety tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account

• Turn on two-step login wherever available

• Don’t click on strange links or download unverified software

• Keep your system and apps updated

• Install a reliable antivirus tool and keep it active


Extra Steps for Companies

If you're managing devices at work, it’s also important to:

1.Watch for odd background processes or hidden files

2. Check for unknown files being created in unusual folders

3. Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity

4. Be alert to any strange behavior in browser-related apps


This malware uses very sneaky methods, including social engineering, to trick people into clicking or installing it. But by being cautious and aware, you can stay one step ahead and protect your information.


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Software
2FA Cloud Service Code Cyber Security DNS NPM Software

NPM Developers Targeted: Fake Packages Secretly Collecting Personal Data

 



Security experts are warning people who use NPM — a platform where developers share code — to be careful after finding several fake software packages that secretly collect information from users' computers.

The cybersecurity company Socket found around 60 harmful packages uploaded to NPM starting mid-May. These were posted by three different accounts and looked like normal software, but once someone installed them, a hidden process ran automatically. This process collected private details such as the device name, internal IP address, the folder the user was working in, and even usernames and DNS settings. All of this was sent to attackers without the user knowing.

The script also checked whether it was running in a cloud service or a testing environment. This is likely how the attackers tried to avoid being caught by security tools.

Luckily, these packages didn’t install extra malware or try to take full control of users’ systems. There was no sign that they stayed active on the system after installation or tried to gain more access.

Still, these fake packages are dangerous. The attackers used a trick known as "typosquatting" — creating names that are nearly identical to real packages. For example, names like “react-xterm2” or “flipper-plugins” were designed to fool people who might type quickly and not notice the slight changes. The attackers appeared to be targeting software development pipelines used to build and test code automatically.

Before they were taken down, these fake packages were downloaded nearly 3,000 times.

In a separate discovery, Socket also found eight other harmful packages on NPM. These had been around for about two years and had been downloaded over 6,000 times. Unlike the first group, these could actually damage systems by deleting or corrupting data.

If you've used any unfamiliar packages recently, remove them immediately. Run a full security scan, change your passwords, and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

This incident shows how hackers are now using platforms like NPM to reach developers directly. It’s important to double-check any code you install, especially if it’s from a source you don’t fully recognize.


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