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Postal Service
Amazon Brushing Scam customer privacy Cyber Fraud cyber threat Data Fraud data security Data Theft Postal Service

Brushing Scam Targets Amazon Customers with Unsolicited Packages and Hidden Cyber Threats

 

Ray Simmons was confused when he received an unexpected Amazon package containing beet chews. Initially, he thought it might be a joke from someone encouraging him to eat healthier. However, it turned out to be part of a broader scam known as “brushing,” where consumers receive unsolicited deliveries from online sellers attempting to manipulate product ratings and reviews. 

Brushing scams involve third-party sellers who send low-value goods to individuals whose names and addresses are often scraped from publicly available online sources. After the product is delivered, scammers use the recipient’s identity or create a fake account that resembles the recipient to leave positive reviews. These fake reviews can artificially boost a product’s credibility, helping it rank higher in search results and increasing sales. 

While receiving a free item might seem harmless, the scam carries hidden dangers. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) warns that these incidents indicate misuse of personal information. Even more concerning is the potential for packages to include QR codes, which might direct recipients to malicious websites. Scanning such codes can result in the installation of malware or the theft of personal data. 

The scam is a reminder that personal data is often accessible and can be exploited without a consumer’s knowledge. USPIS stresses the importance of not interacting with suspicious elements included in unsolicited packages. Inspector David Gealey noted that even though these items may appear insignificant, they are a signal that someone has unauthorized access to your personal information. 

Fortunately, the package Simmons received did not include a QR code. Nonetheless, he took immediate action by checking his Amazon and banking accounts for any signs of unauthorized access. This kind of vigilance is exactly what USPIS recommends for anyone in a similar situation. 

Authorities advise that recipients of such packages should not scan any QR codes or click on any related links. They also emphasize that there is no obligation to return unsolicited items. Instead, consumers should monitor their financial and e-commerce accounts for any suspicious activity and report the incident to local law enforcement, USPIS, or the Federal Trade Commission.  

Though brushing scams may appear to be minor nuisances, they reflect deeper issues related to data privacy and cyber fraud. Staying informed and cautious can help consumers protect themselves from further harm and support efforts to hold malicious actors accountable.
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Workplace
Amazon Employee Personal Information Privacy Workplace

Over 21 Million Employee Screenshots Leaked from WorkComposer Surveillance App

Over 21 Million Employee Screenshots Leaked from WorkComposer Surveillance App

An app designed to track employee productivity by logging keystrokes and taking screenshots has suffered a significant privacy breach as more than 21 million images of employee activity were left in an unsecured Amazon S3 bucket.

An app for tracking employee productivity by logging keystrokes and capturing screenshots was hit by a major privacy breach resulting in more than 21 million images of employee activity left in an unsafe Amazon S3 bucket. 

Experts at Cybernews discovered the breach at WorkComposer, a workplace surveillance software that monitors employee activity by tracking their digital presence. Although the company did secure access after being informed by Cybernews, the data was already leaked in real time to anyone with an internet connection, exposing the sensitive work information online of thousands of employees and companies. 

WorkComposer is an application used by more than 200,000 users in various organizations. It is aimed to help those organizations surveil employee productivity by logging keystrokes, monitoring how much time employees spend on each app, and capturing desktop screenshots every few minutes. 

With millions of these screenshots leaked to the open web raises threats of vast sensitive data exposed: email captures, confidential business documents, internal chats, usernames and passwords, and API keys. These things could be misused to target companies and launch identity theft scams, hack employee accounts, and commit more breaches. 

Also, the businesses that have been using WorkCompose could now be accountable to E.U GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or U.S CCPA  (California Consumer Privacy Act) violations besides other legal actions. 

As employees have no agency over what tracking tools may record in their workday, information such as private chats, medical info, or confidential projects; the surveillance raises ethical concerns around tracking tools and a severe privacy violation if these screenshots are exposed. 

Since workers have no control over what tracking tools may capture in their workday, be it private chats, confidential projects, or even medical info, there’s already an iffy ethical territory around tracking tools and a serious privacy violation if the screenshots are leaked.

The WorkComposer incident is not the first. Cybernews have reported previous leaks from WebWork, another workplace tracking tool that experienced a breach of 13 million screenshots. 

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Technology
Amazon Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT Cybersecurity CyberThreat Google GTI Microsoft New Sec Gemini OpenAI Technology

New Sec-Gemini v1 from Google Outperforms Cybersecurity Rivals

 


A cutting-edge artificial intelligence model developed by Google called Sec-Gemini v1, a version of Sec-Gemini that integrates advanced language processing, real-time threat intelligence, and enhanced cybersecurity operations, has just been released. With the help of Google's proprietary Gemini large language model and dynamic security data and tools, this innovative solution utilizes its capabilities seamlessly to enhance security operations. 

A new AI model, Sec-Gemini v1 that combines sophisticated reasoning with real-time cybersecurity insights and tools has been released by Google. This integration makes the model extremely capable of performing essential security functions like threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and incident analysis. A key part of Google's effort to support progress across the broader security landscape is its initiative to provide free access to Sec-Gemini v1 to select institutions, professionals, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions to promote a collaborative approach to security research. 

Due to its integration with Google Threat Intelligence (GTI), the Open Source Vulnerabilities (OSV) database, and other key data sources, Sec-Gemini v1 stands out as a unique solution. On the CTI-MCQ threat intelligence benchmark and the CTI-Root Cause Mapping benchmark, it outperforms peer models by at least 11%, respectively. Using the CWE taxonomy, this benchmark assesses the model's ability to analyze and classify vulnerabilities.

One of its strongest features is accurately identifying and describing the threat actors it encounters. Because of its connection to Mandiant Threat Intelligence, it can recognize Salt Typhoon as a known adversary, which is a powerful feature. There is no doubt that the model performs better than its competitors based on independent benchmarks. According to a report from Security Gemini v1, compared to comparable AI systems, Sec-Gemini v1 scored at least 11 per cent higher on CTI-MCQ, a key metric used to assess threat intelligence capabilities. 

Additionally, it achieved a 10.5 per cent edge over its competitors in the CTI-Root Cause Mapping benchmark, a test that assesses the effectiveness of an AI model in interpreting vulnerability descriptions and classifying them by the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, an industry standard. It is through this advancement that Google is extending its leadership position in artificial intelligence-powered cybersecurity, by providing organizations with a powerful tool to detect, interpret, and respond to evolving threats more quickly and accurately. 

It is believed that Sec-Gemini v1 has the strength to be able to perform complex cybersecurity tasks efficiently, according to Google. Aside from conducting in-depth investigations, analyzing emerging threats, and assessing the impact of known vulnerabilities, you are also responsible for performing comprehensive incident investigations. In addition to accelerating decision-making processes and strengthening organization security postures, the model utilizes contextual knowledge in conjunction with technical insights to accomplish the objective. 

Though several technology giants are actively developing AI-powered cybersecurity solutions—such as Microsoft's Security Copilot, developed with OpenAI, and Amazon's GuardDuty, which utilizes machine learning to monitor cloud environments—Google appears to have carved out an advantage in this field through its Sec-Gemini v1 technology. 

A key reason for this edge is the fact that it is deeply integrated with proprietary threat intelligence sources like Google Threat Intelligence and Mandiant, as well as its remarkable performance on industry benchmarks. In an increasingly competitive field, these technical strengths place it at the top of the list as a standout solution. Despite the scepticism surrounding the practical value of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity - often dismissed as little more than enhanced assistants that still require a lot of human interaction - Google insists that Sec-Gemini v1 is fundamentally different from other artificial intelligence models out there. 

The model is geared towards delivering highly contextual, actionable intelligence rather than simply summarizing alerts or making basic recommendations. Moreover, this technology not only facilitates faster decision-making but also reduces the cognitive load of security analysts. As a result, teams can respond more quickly to emerging threats in a more efficient way. At present, Sec-Gemini v1 is being made available exclusively as a research tool, with access being granted only to a select set of professionals, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations that are willing to share their findings. 

There have been early signs that the model will make a significant contribution to the evolution of AI-driven threat defence, as evidenced by the model's use-case demonstrations and early results. It will introduce a new era of proactive cyber risk identification, contextualization, and mitigation by enabling the use of advanced language models. 

In real-world evaluations, the Google security team demonstrated Sec-Gemini v1's advanced analytical capabilities by correctly identifying Salt Typhoon, a recognized threat actor, with its accurate analytical capabilities. As well as providing in-depth contextual insights, the model provided in-depth contextual information, including vulnerability details, potential exploitation techniques, and associated risk levels. This level of nuanced understanding is possible because Mandiant's threat intelligence provides a rich repository of real-time threat data as well as adversary profiles that can be accessed in real time. 

The integration of Sec-Gemini v1 into other systems allows Sec-Gemini v1 to go beyond conventional pattern recognition, allowing it to provide more timely threat analysis and faster, evidence-based decision-making. To foster collaboration and accelerate model refinement, Google has offered limited access to Sec-Gemini v1 to a carefully selected group of cybersecurity practitioners, academics, and non-profit organizations to foster collaboration. 

To avoid a broader commercial rollout, Google wishes to gather feedback from trusted users. This will not only ensure that the model is more reliable and capable of scaling across different use cases but also ensure that it is developed in a responsible and community-led manner. During practical demonstrations, Google's security team demonstrated Sec-Gemini v1's ability to identify Salt Typhoon, an internationally recognized threat actor, with high accuracy, as well as to provide rich contextual information, such as vulnerabilities, attack patterns and potential risk exposures associated with this threat actor. 

Through its integration with Mandiant's threat intelligence, which enhances the model's ability to understand evolving threat landscapes, this level of precision and depth can be achieved. The Sec-Gemini v1 software, which is being made available for free to a select group of cybersecurity professionals, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations, for research, is part of Google's commitment to responsible innovation and industry collaboration. 

Before a broader deployment of this model occurs, this initiative will be designed to gather feedback, validate use cases, and ensure that it is effective across diverse environments. Sec-Gemini v1 represents an important step forward in integrating artificial intelligence into cybersecurity. Google's enthusiasm for advancing this technology while ensuring its responsible development underscores the company's role as a pioneer in the field. 

Providing early, research-focused access to Sec-Gemini v1 not only fosters collaboration within the cybersecurity community but also ensures that Sec-Gemini v1 will evolve in response to collective expertise and real-world feedback, as Google offers this model to the community at the same time. Sec-Gemini v1 has demonstrated remarkable performance across industry benchmarks as well as its ability to detect and mitigate complex threats, so it may be able to change the face of threat defense strategies in the future. 

The advanced reasoning capabilities of Sec-Gemini v1 are coupled with cutting-edge threat intelligence, which can accelerate decision-making, cut response times, and improve organizational security. However, while Sec-Gemini v1 shows great promise, it is still in the research phase and awaiting wider commercial deployment. Using such a phased approach, it is possible to refine the model carefully, ensuring that it adheres to the high standards that are required by various environments. 

For this reason, it is very important that stakeholders, such as cybersecurity experts, researchers, and industry professionals, provide valuable feedback during the first phase of the model development process, to ensure that the model's capabilities are aligned with real-world scenarios and needs. This proactive stance by Google in engaging the community emphasizes the importance of integrating AI responsibly into cybersecurity. 

This is not solely about advancing the technology, but also about establishing a collaborative framework that can make it easier to detect and respond to emerging cyber threats more effectively, more quickly, and more securely. The real issue is the evolution of Sec-Gemini version 1, which may turn out to be one of the most important tools for safeguarding critical systems and infrastructure around the globe in the future.
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Technology
Amazon Cryptography CyberCrime CyberThreat Global Attacks Google Microsoft NIST PQC Quantum Technology

Microsoft and Amazon’s Quantum Progress Poses New Risks for Encryption

 


Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have all announced recent advances in quantum computing that are likely to accelerate the timeline for the possible obsolescence of current encryption standards. These developments indicate that it will become increasingly important to address the vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing to existing cryptographic protocols shortly. Those who are leading the way in the technological race are those who are advancing quantum computing technology, which is the most powerful technology that will be able to easily decrypt the encryption mechanisms that safeguard the internet's security and data privacy. 

On the other hand, there are researchers and cybersecurity experts who are working on the development of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) - a new generation of encryption technologies that can handle quantum system computational power with ease. A quantum-resistant encryption system must be prioritized by organisations and governments to ensure long-term security of their data and digital communications, especially as the quantum era has come closer than anticipated to being realized. 

Even though quantum decryption and quantum-resistant encryption are competing more than ever, the race for global cybersecurity infrastructure requires strategic investment and proactive measures. There has been an important advancement in quantum computing in the field, with Amazon Web Services (AWS) announcing the inaugural quantum computing chip called Ocelot, which represents a significant step in the pursuit of practical quantum computing. 

One of the most critical challenges in the field is error correction. Using Ocelot, Amazon Web Services claims that it may be possible to drastically reduce the cost of quantum error correction by as much as 90 percent, thus speeding up the process toward fault-tolerant quantum systems being realized. In the future, error correction will continue to be an important barrier to quantum computing. This is because quantum systems are inherently fragile, as well as highly susceptible to environmental disturbances, such as fluctuating temperatures, electromagnetic interference, and vibrations from the environment.

As a result of these external factors, quantum operations are exposed to a substantial amount of computational errors, which make it extremely challenging to maintain their stability and reliability. Research in quantum computing is progressing rapidly, which means innovations like Ocelot could play a crucial role in helping mitigate these challenges, paving the way for more robust and scalable quantum computing in the future. 

If a sufficiently advanced quantum computer has access to Shor's algorithm or any potential enhancements to it, it will be possible for it to decrypt existing public key encryption protocols, such as RSA 2048, within 24 hours by leveraging Shor's algorithm. With the advent of quantum computing, modern cybersecurity frameworks are going to be fundamentally disrupted, rendering current cryptographic mechanisms ineffective. 

The encryption of any encrypted data that has been unauthorizedly acquired and stored under the "harvest now, decrypt later" strategy will become fully available to those who have such quantum computing capabilities. A severe breach of internet communications, digital signatures, and financial transactions would result in severe breaches of trust in the digital ecosystem, resulting in serious losses in trust. The inevitability of this threat does not depend on the specific way by which PKE is broken, but rather on the certainty that a quantum system with sufficient power will be able to achieve this result in the first place. 

Consequently, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been the frontrunner in developing advanced encryption protocols designed to withstand quantum-based attacks in response to these threats. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is an initiative that is based on mathematical structures that are believed to be immune from quantum computational attacks, and is a product of this effort. To ensure the long-term security of digital infrastructure, PKE must be replaced with PQC. There is, however, still a limited amount of awareness of the urgency of the situation, and many stakeholders are still unaware of quantum computing's potential impact on cybersecurity, and are therefore unaware of its potential. 

As the development of quantum-resistant encryption technologies through 2025 becomes increasingly important, it will play an increasingly important role in improving our understanding of these methodologies, accelerating their adoption, and making sure our global cybersecurity standards will remain safe. For a cryptographic method to be effective, it must have computationally infeasible algorithms that cannot be broken within a reasonable period. These methods allow for secure encryption and decryption, which ensures that data is kept confidential for authorized parties. However, no encryption is completely impervious indefinitely. 

A sufficiently powerful computing machine will eventually compromise any encryption protocol. Because of this reality, cryptographic standards have continuously evolved over the past three decades, as advances in computing have rendered many previous encryption methods obsolete. For example, in the "crypto wars" of the 1990s, the 1024-bit key encryption that was at the center of the debate has long been retired and is no longer deemed adequate due to modern computational power. Nowadays, it is hardly difficult for a computer to break through that level of encryption. 

In recent years, major technology companies have announced that the ability to break encryption is poised to take a leap forward that has never been seen before. Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft have announced dramatic increases in computational power facilitated by quantum computing technology. Google introduced "Willow" in December and Microsoft announced "Majorana 1" in February, which signals a dramatic rise in computational power. A few days later, Amazon announced the "Ocelot" quantum computing machine. Each of these breakthroughs represents an important and distinct step forward in the evolution of quantum computing technology, a technology that has fundamentally redefined the way that processors are designed. 

In contrast to traditional computing systems, quantum systems are based on entirely different principles, so their efficiency is exponentially higher. It is evident that advances in quantum computing are accelerating an era that will have a profound effect on encryption security and that cybersecurity practices need to be adjusted urgently to cope with these advances. In recent years, quantum computing has made tremendous strides in computing power. It has led to an extraordinary leap in computational power unmatched by any other technology. In the same manner as with any technological breakthrough that has an impact on our world, it is uncertain what it may mean. 

However, there is one aspect that is becoming increasingly clear: the computational barriers that define what is currently infeasible will be reduced to problems that can be solved in seconds, as stated by statements from Google and Microsoft. In terms of data security, this change has profound implications. It will be very easy for quantum computers to unlock encrypted information once they become widely accessible, thus making it difficult to decrypt encrypted data today. Having the capability to break modern encryption protocols within a matter of seconds poses a serious threat to digital privacy and security across industries. 

The development of quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions has been undertaken in anticipation of this eventuality. A key aspect of the Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) initiative has been the leadership role that NIST has been assuming since 2016, as it has played a historical role in establishing encryption standards over the years. NIST released a key milestone in global cybersecurity efforts in August when it released its first three finalized post-quantum encryption standards. 

Major technology companies, including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google, are not only contributing to the advancement of quantum computing but are also actively participating in the development of PQC solutions as well. Google has been working with NIST on developing encryption methods that can withstand quantum-based attacks. These organizations have been working together with NIST to develop encryption methods that can withstand quantum attacks. During August, Microsoft provided an update on their PQC efforts, followed by AWS and Microsoft. 

The initiatives have been in place long before the latest quantum hardware advances, yet they are a strong reminder that addressing the challenges posed by quantum computing requires a comprehensive and sustained commitment. However, establishing encryption standards does not guarantee widespread adoption, as it does not equate to widespread deployment. As part of the transition, there will be a considerable amount of time and effort involved, particularly in ensuring that it integrates smoothly into everyday applications, such as online banking and secure communications, thereby making the process more complex and time consuming. 

Because of the challenges associated with implementing and deploying new encryption technologies on a large scale, the adoption of new encryption technologies has historically spanned several years. Due to this fact, it cannot be overemphasized how urgent it is for us to prepare for a quantum era. A company's strategic planning and system design must take into account PQC considerations proactively and proactively. It has become increasingly clear that all organizations must address the issue of PQC rather than delay it. The fundamental principle remains that if the user breaks encryption, they are much more likely to break it than if they construct secure systems. 

Moreover, cryptographic implementation is a complex and error-prone process in and of itself. For the cybersecurity landscape to be successful at defending against quantum-based threats, a concerted, sustained effort must be made across all aspects. There is a lot of excitement on the horizon for encryption, both rapidly and very challenging. As quantum computing emerges, current encryption protocols face an existential threat, which means that organizations that fail to react quickly and decisively will suffer severe security vulnerabilities, so ensuring the future of digital security is imperative.
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Technology
Amazon Cryptographic CyberThreat data security Datathreat PQC Quantum- safe Encryption Technology

The Future of Data Security Lies in Quantum-Safe Encryption

 


Cybersecurity experts and analysts have expressed growing concerns over the potential threat posed by quantum computing to modern cryptographic systems. Unlike conventional computers that rely on electronic circuits, quantum computers leverage the principles of quantum mechanics, which could enable them to break widely used encryption protocols. 

If realized, this advancement would compromise digital communications, rendering them as vulnerable as unprotected transmissions. However, this threat remains theoretical at present. Existing quantum computers lack the computational power necessary to breach standard encryption methods. According to a 2018 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, significant technological breakthroughs are still required before quantum computing can effectively decrypt the robust encryption algorithms that secure data across the internet. 

Despite the current limitations, researchers emphasize the importance of proactively developing quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions to mitigate future risks. Traditional computing systems operate on the fundamental principle that electrical signals exist in one of two distinct states, represented as binary bits—either zero or one. These bits serve as the foundation for storing and processing data in conventional computers. 

In contrast, quantum computers harness the principles of quantum mechanics, enabling a fundamentally different approach to data encoding and computation. Instead of binary bits, quantum systems utilize quantum bits, or qubits, which possess the ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously through a phenomenon known as superposition. 

Unlike classical bits that strictly represent a zero or one, a qubit can embody a probabilistic combination of both states at the same time. This unique characteristic allows quantum computers to process and analyze information at an exponentially greater scale, offering unprecedented computational capabilities compared to traditional computing architectures. Leading technology firms have progressively integrated post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) solutions to enhance security against future quantum threats. 

Amazon introduced a post-quantum variant of TLS 1.3 for its AWS Key Management Service (KMS) in 2020, aligning it with evolving NIST recommendations. Apple incorporated the PQ3 quantum-resistant protocol into its iMessage encryption in 2024, leveraging the Kyber algorithm alongside elliptic-curve cryptography for dual-layer security. Cloudflare has supported post-quantum key agreements since 2023, utilizing the widely adopted X25519Kyber768 algorithm. 

Google Chrome enabled post-quantum cryptography by default in version 124, while Mozilla Firefox introduced support for X25519Kyber768, though manual activation remains necessary. VPN provider Mullvad integrates Classic McEliece and Kyber for key exchange, and Signal implemented the PQDXH protocol in 2023. Additionally, secure email service Tutanota employs post-quantum encryption for internal communications. Numerous cryptographic libraries, including OpenSSL and BoringSSL, further facilitate PQC adoption, supported by the Open Quantum Safe initiative. 

Modern encryption relies on advanced mathematical algorithms to convert plaintext data into secure, encrypted messages for storage and transmission. These cryptographic processes operate using digital keys, which determine how data is encoded and decoded. Encryption is broadly categorized into two types: symmetric and asymmetric. 

Symmetric encryption employs a single key for both encryption and decryption, offering high efficiency, making it the preferred method for securing stored data and communications. In contrast, asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key cryptography, utilizes a key pair—one publicly shared for encryption and the other privately held for decryption. This method is essential for securely exchanging symmetric keys and digitally verifying identities through signatures on messages, documents, and certificates. 

Secure websites utilizing HTTPS protocols rely on public-key cryptography to authenticate certificates before establishing symmetric encryption for communication. Given that most digital systems employ both cryptographic techniques, ensuring their robustness remains critical to maintaining cybersecurity. Quantum computing presents a significant cybersecurity challenge, with the potential to break modern cryptographic algorithms in mere minutes—tasks that would take even the most advanced supercomputers thousands of years. 

The moment when a quantum computer becomes capable of compromising widely used encryption is known as Q-Day, and such a machine is termed a Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer (CRQC). While governments and defense organizations are often seen as primary targets for cyber threats, the implications of quantum computing extend far beyond these sectors. With public-key cryptography rendered ineffective, all industries risk exposure to cyberattacks. 

Critical infrastructure, including power grids, water supplies, public transportation, telecommunications, financial markets, and healthcare systems, could face severe disruptions, posing both economic and life-threatening consequences. Notably, quantum threats will not be limited to entities utilizing quantum technology; any business or individual relying on current encryption methods remains at risk. Ensuring quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions is therefore imperative to safeguarding digital security in the post-quantum era. 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the inevitability of quantum computing necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity. The widespread adoption of quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions is no longer a theoretical consideration but a fundamental requirement for ensuring long-term data security. 

Governments, enterprises, and technology providers must collaborate to accelerate the development and deployment of post-quantum cryptography to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive information. While the full realization of quantum threats remains in the future, the urgency to act is now. Organizations must assess their current security frameworks, invest in quantum-safe encryption technologies, and adhere to emerging standards set forth by cryptographic experts.

The transition to quantum-resilient security will be a complex but essential undertaking to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and resilience of digital communications. By preparing today, industries can mitigate the risks posed by quantum advancements and uphold the security of global digital ecosystems in the years to come.
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Data Theft
Amazon class action lawsuits Data Breach Data Harvesting SDK Data Privacy Data Safety User Data data security Data Theft

Amazon Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Secret Collection and Sale of User Location Data

 

A new class action lawsuit accuses Amazon of secretly gathering and monetizing location data from millions of California residents without their consent. The legal complaint, filed in a U.S. District Court, alleges that Amazon used its Amazon Ads software development kit (SDK) to extract sensitive geolocation information from mobile apps. According to the lawsuit, plaintiff Felix Kolotinsky of San Mateo claims 

Amazon embedded its SDK into numerous mobile applications, allowing the company to collect precise, timestamped location details. Users were reportedly unaware that their movements were being tracked and stored. Kolotinsky states that his own data was accessed through the widely used “Speedtest by Ookla” app. The lawsuit contends that Amazon’s data collection practices could reveal personal details such as users’ home addresses, workplaces, shopping habits, and frequented locations. 

It also raises concerns that this data might expose sensitive aspects of users’ lives, including religious practices, medical visits, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Amazon leveraged this information to build detailed consumer profiles for targeted advertising, violating California’s privacy and computer access laws. This case is part of a broader legal pushback against tech companies and data brokers accused of misusing location tracking technologies. 

In a similar instance, the state of Texas recently filed a lawsuit against Allstate, alleging the insurance company monitored drivers’ locations via mobile SDKs and sold the data to other insurers. Another legal challenge in 2024 targeted Twilio, claiming its SDK unlawfully harvested private user data. Amazon has faced multiple privacy-related controversies in recent years. In 2020, it terminated several employees for leaking customer data, including email addresses and phone numbers, to third parties. 

More recently, in June 2023, Amazon agreed to a $31 million settlement over privacy violations tied to its Alexa voice assistant and Ring doorbell products. That lawsuit accused the company of storing children’s voice recordings indefinitely and using them to refine its artificial intelligence, breaching federal child privacy laws. 

Amazon has not yet issued a response to the latest allegations. The lawsuit, Kolotinsky v. Amazon.com Inc., seeks compensation for affected California residents and calls for an end to the company’s alleged unauthorized data collection practices.
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User Data
Amazon Chrome Cookie Data Facebook Safari Technology User Data

No More Internet Cookies? Digital Targeted Ads to Find New Ways


Google Chrome to block cookies

The digital advertising world is changing rapidly due to privacy concerns and regulatory needs, and the shift is affecting how advertisers target customers. Starting in 2025, Google to stop using third-party cookies in the world’s most popular browser, Chrome. The cookies are data files that track our internet activities in our browsers. The cookie collects information sold to advertisers, who use this for targeted advertising based on user data. 

“Cookies are files created by websites you visit. By saving information about your visit, they make your online experience easier. For example, sites can keep you signed in, remember your site preferences, and give you locally relevant content,” says Google.

In 2019 and 2020, Firefox and Safari took a step back from third-party cookies. Following their footsteps, Google’s Chrome allows users to opt out of the settings. As the cookies have information that can identify a user, the EU’s and UK’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) asks a user for prior consent via spamming pop-ups. 

No more third-party data

Once the spine of targeted digital advertising, the future of third-party cookies doesn’t look bright. However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. 

While giants like Amazon, Google, and Facebook are burning bridges by blocking third-party cookies to address privacy concerns, they can still collect first-party data about a user from their websites, and the data will be sold to advertisers if a user permits, however in a less intrusive form. The harvested data won’t be of much use to the advertisers, but the annoying pop-ups being in existence may irritate the users.

How will companies benefit?

One way consumers and companies can benefit is by adapting the advertising industry to be more efficient. Instead of using targeted advertising, companies can directly engage with customers visiting websites. 

Advances in AI and machine learning can also help. Instead of invasive ads that keep following you on the internet, the user will be getting information and features personally. Companies can predict user needs, and via techniques like automated delivery and pre-emptive stocking, give better results. A new advertising landscape is on its way.

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Streaming Platform
Amazon Data Breach Data Leak Data protection data security Fines Hacker attack Personal Data Streaming Platform

Amazon Fined for Twitch Data Breach Impacting Turkish Nationals

 

Türkiye has imposed a $58,000 fine on Amazon for a data breach that occurred on its subsidiary, Twitch, in 2021. The breach exposed sensitive personal information of thousands of Turkish citizens, drawing scrutiny from the country’s Personal Data Protection Board (KVKK). The incident began when an anonymous hacker leaked Twitch’s entire source code, along with personally identifiable information (PII) of users, in a massive 125 GB torrent posted on the 4chan imageboard. The KVKK investigation revealed that 35,274 Turkish nationals were directly affected by the leak. 

As a result, KVKK levied fines totaling 2 million lira, including 1.75 million lira for Amazon’s failure to implement adequate preemptive security measures and 250,000 lira for not reporting the breach in a timely manner. According to the regulatory body, Twitch’s risk and threat assessments were insufficient, leaving users’ data vulnerable to exploitation. The board concluded that the company only addressed the vulnerabilities after the breach had already occurred. Twitch, acquired by Amazon in 2014 for $970 million, attempted to minimize concerns by assuring users that critical login credentials and payment information had not been exposed. The company stated that passwords were securely hashed with bcrypt, a strong encryption method, and claimed that systems storing sensitive financial data were not accessed. 

However, the leaked information still contained sensitive PII, leading to significant privacy concerns, particularly for Turkish users who were impacted. The motivation behind the hack was reportedly ideological rather than financial. According to reports from the time, the hacker expressed dissatisfaction with the Twitch community and aimed to disrupt the platform by leaking the data. The individual claimed their intent was to “foster more disruption and competition in the online video streaming space.” While this rationale highlighted frustrations with Twitch’s dominance in the industry, the data breach had far-reaching consequences, including legal action, reputational damage, and increased regulatory scrutiny. Türkiye’s actions against Amazon and Twitch underline the growing importance of adhering to local data protection laws in an increasingly interconnected world. 

The fines imposed by KVKK serve as a reminder that global corporations must ensure compliance with regional regulations to avoid significant penalties and reputational harm. Türkiye’s regulations align with broader trends, as data privacy and security become critical components of global business practices. This incident also underscores the evolving nature of cybersecurity challenges. Hackers continue to exploit vulnerabilities in popular platforms, putting pressure on companies to proactively identify and address risks before they lead to breaches. As regulatory bodies like KVKK become more assertive in holding companies accountable, the need for robust data protection frameworks has never been more urgent. The Twitch breach also serves as a case study for the importance of transparency and swift response in the aftermath of cyberattacks. 

While Twitch’s reassurances regarding encrypted data helped mitigate some concerns, the lack of prompt reporting to Turkish authorities drew criticism. Companies handling large amounts of user data must prioritize both preventive measures and clear communication strategies to regain user trust after incidents. Looking forward, the Twitch data breach highlights the necessity for all companies—especially those managing sensitive user data—to invest in proactive cybersecurity strategies. As hackers grow increasingly sophisticated, businesses must adopt a forward-thinking approach to safeguard their platforms, comply with local laws, and ensure users’ privacy remains uncompromised.
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