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Naval Group
Data Breach Data Leak France Hacker Forum Naval Group

French Defense Shipbuilder Naval Group Probes 1TB Data Breach

 

France’s state-owned defense firm Naval Group is investigating a major cyberattack after 1TB of allegedly sensitive data was leaked on a well-known hacking forum. The company, which designs and builds naval vessels, described the incident as an attempt at destabilization and a reputational attack, not a confirmed breach. Naval Group quickly involved cybersecurity specialists and French authorities, launching a thorough investigation to verify the authenticity and origin of the leaked data. 

The threat actor, going by the alias ‘Neferpitou’, initially posted a 13 GB data sample as proof and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Naval Group for negotiations before publishing the full dataset. The leaked material reportedly contains classified information such as combat management systems for military vessels, technical documentation, and internal communications. Naval Group, however, asserts it has not detected any IT systems intrusion and operations remain unaffected. 

Naval Group is France’s leading naval defense supplier, majority-owned by the state with a global footprint that includes exports to Australia, India, Brazil, and Egypt. The company is responsible for constructing and maintaining some of France’s most sensitive assets, including submarines and aircraft carriers. The breach, if genuine, could have significant implications for national security and international defense partnerships. 

The data appeared on DarkForums, which has reportedly surged in popularity since the collapse of BreachForums, now acting as a central hub for cybercriminal activity. The incident has also sparked speculation that the leaked data might be recycled, possibly linked to a previous breach involving Thales, another key French defense player, in 2022. 

Despite the hacker’s claims and the potentially catastrophic exposure of confidential systems, Naval Group maintains that current evidence points more toward a reputational attack rather than proof of direct compromise. Investigations are ongoing, with the company committed to collaborating with authorities to resolve outstanding questions around the legitimacy and impact of the data leak.
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Personal Data
Advanced Social Engineering Customer Data Customer Data Exposed Data Breach Data Leak Data Privacy data security Malware. Scattered Spider Personal Data

Allianz Life Data Breach Exposes Personal Information of 1.4 Million Customers

 

Allianz Life Insurance has disclosed a major cybersecurity breach that exposed the personal details of approximately 1.4 million individuals. The breach was detected on July 16, 2025, and the company reported the incident to the Maine Attorney General’s office the following day. Initial findings suggest that the majority of Allianz Life’s customer base may have been impacted by the incident. 

According to Allianz Life, the attackers did not rely on exploiting technical weaknesses but instead used advanced social engineering strategies to deceive company employees. This approach bypasses system-level defenses by manipulating human behavior and trust. The cybercriminal group believed to be responsible is Scattered Spider, a collective that recently orchestrated a damaging attack on UK retailer Marks & Spencer, leading to substantial financial disruption. 

In this case, the attackers allegedly gained access to a third-party customer relationship management (CRM) platform used by Allianz Life. The company noted that there is no indication that its core systems were affected. However, the stolen data reportedly includes personally identifiable information (PII) of customers, financial advisors, and certain employees. Allianz SE, the parent company, confirmed that the information was exfiltrated using social engineering techniques that exploited human error rather than digital vulnerabilities. 

Social engineering attacks often involve tactics such as impersonating internal staff or calling IT help desks to request password resets. Scattered Spider has been known to use these methods in past campaigns, including those that targeted MGM Resorts and Caesar’s Palace. Their operations typically focus on high-profile organizations and are designed to extract valuable data with minimal use of traditional hacking methods. 

The breach at Allianz is part of a larger trend of rising cyberattacks on the insurance industry. Other firms like Aflac, Erie Insurance, and Philadelphia Insurance have also suffered similar incidents in recent months, raising alarms about the sector’s cybersecurity readiness.  

Industry experts emphasize the growing need for businesses to bolster their cybersecurity defenses—not just by investing in better tools but also by educating their workforce. A recent Experis report identified cybersecurity as the top concern for technology firms in 2025. Alarmingly, Tech.co research shows that nearly 98% of senior leaders still struggle to recognize phishing attempts, which are a common entry point for such breaches. 

The Allianz Life breach highlights the urgent need for organizations to treat cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, ensuring that every employee is trained to identify and respond to suspicious activities. Without such collective vigilance, the threat landscape will continue to grow more dangerous.
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Personal Information
customer data compromise customer data leak customer data privacy Data Breach Data Leak Data Privacy data security Database Leaked Fashion Retailer Personal Information

SABO Fashion Brand Exposes 3.5 Million Customer Records in Major Data Leak

 

Australian fashion retailer SABO recently faced a significant data breach that exposed sensitive personal information of millions of customers. The incident came to light when cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler discovered an unsecured database containing over 3.5 million PDF documents, totaling 292 GB in size. The database, which had no password protection or encryption, was publicly accessible online to anyone who knew where to look. 

The leaked records included a vast amount of personally identifiable information (PII), such as names, physical addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and other order-related data of both retail and business clients. According to Fowler, the actual number of affected individuals could be substantially higher than the number of files. He observed that a single PDF file sometimes contained details from up to 50 separate orders, suggesting that the total number of exposed customer profiles might exceed 3.5 million. 

The information was derived from SABO’s internal document management system used for handling sales, returns, and shipping data—both within Australia and internationally. The files dated back to 2015 and stretched through to 2025, indicating a mix of outdated and still-relevant information that could pose risks if misused. Upon discovering the open database, Fowler immediately notified the company. SABO responded by securing the exposed data within a few hours. 

However, the brand did not reply to the researcher’s inquiries, leaving critical questions unanswered—such as how long the data remained vulnerable, who was responsible for managing the server, and whether malicious actors accessed the database before it was locked. SABO, known for its stylish collections of clothing, swimwear, footwear, and formalwear, operates three physical stores in Australia and also ships products globally through its online platform. 

In 2024, the brand reported annual revenue of approximately $18 million, underscoring its scale and reach in the retail space. While SABO has taken action to secure the exposed data, the breach underscores ongoing challenges in cybersecurity, especially among mid-sized e-commerce businesses. Data left unprotected on the internet can be quickly exploited, and even short windows of exposure can have lasting consequences for customers. 

The lack of transparency following the discovery only adds to growing concerns about how companies handle consumer data and whether they are adequately prepared to respond to digital threats.
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protecting sensitive data
Army British Army Data Breach Data Leak Data protection data security Information Security protecting sensitive data

UK Army Probes Leak of Special Forces Identities in Grenadier Guards Publication

 

The British Army has initiated an urgent investigation following the public exposure of sensitive information identifying members of the UK Special Forces. General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, has directed a comprehensive review into how classified data was shared, after it was found that a regimental newsletter had published names and postings of elite soldiers over a period of more than ten years. 

The internal publication, created by the Grenadier Guards Regimental Association, is believed to have revealed the identities and current assignments of high-ranking officers serving in confidential roles. Several names were reportedly accompanied by the abbreviation “MAB,” a known military code linked to Special Forces. Security experts have expressed concern that such identifiers could be easily deciphered by hostile actors, significantly raising the risk to those individuals. 

The revelation has triggered backlash within the Ministry of Defence, with Defence Secretary John Healey reportedly outraged by the breach. The Ministry had already issued warnings about this very issue, yet the publication remained online until it was finally edited last week. The breach adds to growing concern over operational security lapses in elite British military units.  

This latest disclosure follows closely on the heels of another incident in which the identities of Special Forces soldiers involved in missions in Afghanistan were exposed through a separate data leak. That earlier breach had been shielded by a legal order for nearly two years, emphasizing the persistent nature of such security vulnerabilities. 

The protection of Special Forces members’ identities is a critical requirement due to the covert and high-risk nature of their work. Publicly exposing their names can not only endanger lives but also jeopardize ongoing intelligence missions and international collaborations. The leaked material is also said to have included information about officers working within the Cabinet Office’s National Security Secretariat—an agency that advises the Prime Minister on national defence—and even a soldier assigned to General Walker’s own operational staff. 

While the Grenadier Guards’ publication has now removed the sensitive content, another regiment had briefly published similar details before promptly deleting them. Still, the extended availability of the Grenadier data has raised questions about oversight and accountability in how military associations manage sensitive information.  

General Walker, a former commander of the Grenadier Guards, announced that he has mandated an immediate review of all information-sharing practices between the army and regimental associations. His directive aims to ensure that stronger protocols are in place to prevent such incidents in the future, while still supporting the positive role these associations play for veterans and serving members alike. 

The Defence Ministry has not released details on whether those named in the leak will be relocated or reassigned. However, security analysts say the long-term consequences of the breach could be serious, including potential threats to the personnel involved and operational risks to future Special Forces missions. As investigations continue, the British Army is now under pressure to tighten internal controls and better protect its most confidential information from digital exposure.
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Ransomwares
Cyber Attacks Data Leak data security Data Theft DragonForce DragonForce Ransomware Group Hacker attack Hacking Group Ransomware attack Ransomware group Ransomwares

Belk Hit by Ransomware Attack as DragonForce Claims Responsibility for Data Breach

 

The department store chain Belk recently became the target of a ransomware attack, with the hacking group DragonForce taking responsibility for the breach. The cybercriminals claim to have stolen 156 GB of sensitive data from the company’s systems in early May. 

JP Castellanos, Director of Threat Intelligence at cybersecurity firm Binary Defense, stated with high confidence that DragonForce is indeed behind the incident. The company, based in Ohio, specializes in threat detection and digital forensics. During an investigation of dark web forums on behalf of The Charlotte Observer, Castellanos found that DragonForce had shared samples of the stolen data online. 

In a message directed at Belk, the group stated that its original aim wasn’t to damage the company but to push it into acknowledging its cybersecurity failures. DragonForce claims Belk declined to meet ransom demands, which ultimately led to the data being leaked, affecting numerous individuals. 

Following the breach, Belk has been named in multiple lawsuits. The complaints allege that the company not only failed to protect sensitive personal information but also delayed disclosing the breach to the public. Information accessed by the attackers included names, Social Security numbers, and internal documentation related to employees and their families. 

The cyberattack reportedly caused a complete systems shutdown across Belk locations between May 7 and May 11. According to a formal notice submitted to North Carolina’s Attorney General, the breach was discovered on May 8 and disclosed on June 4. The total number of affected individuals was 586, including 133 residents of North Carolina. 

The stolen files contained private details such as account numbers, driver’s license data, passport information, and medical records. Belk responded by initiating a full-scale investigation, collaborating with law enforcement, and enhancing their digital security defenses. On June 5, Belk began notifying those impacted by the attack, offering one year of free identity protection services. These services include credit and dark web monitoring, as well as identity restoration and insurance coverage worth up to $1 million. 

Despite these actions, Belk has yet to issue a public statement or respond to ongoing media inquiries. DragonForce, identified by experts as a hacktivist collective, typically exploits system vulnerabilities to lock down company networks, then demands cryptocurrency payments. If the demands go unmet, the stolen data is often leaked or sold. 

In Belk’s case, the group did not list a price for the compromised data. Castellanos advised anyone who has shopped at Belk to enroll in credit monitoring as a precaution. Belk, which was acquired by Sycamore Partners in 2015, has been working through financial challenges in recent years, including a short-lived bankruptcy filing in 2021. 

The retailer, now operating nearly 300 stores across 16 southeastern U.S. states, continues to rebuild its financial footing amid cybersecurity and operational pressures.
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Patient Data
Data Analytics Agency Data Breach Data Leak Data Privacy data security Data Theft Healthcare Healthcare Data Healthcare Security Patient Data

Episource Healthcare Data Breach Exposes Personal Data of 5.4 Million Americans

 

In early 2025, a cyberattack targeting healthcare technology provider Episource compromised the personal and medical data of over 5.4 million individuals in the United States. Though not widely known to the public, Episource plays a critical role in the healthcare ecosystem by offering medical coding, risk adjustment, and data analytics services to major providers. This makes it a lucrative target for hackers seeking access to vast troves of sensitive information. 

The breach took place between January 27 and February 6. During this time, attackers infiltrated the company’s systems and extracted confidential data, including names, addresses, contact details, Social Security numbers, insurance information, Medicaid IDs, and medical records. Fortunately, no banking or payment card information was exposed in the incident. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported the breach’s impact affected over 5.4 million people. 

What makes this breach particularly concerning is that many of those affected likely had no direct relationship with Episource, as the company operates in the background of the healthcare system. Its partnerships with insurers and providers mean it routinely processes massive volumes of personal data, leaving millions exposed when its security infrastructure fails. 

Episource responded to the breach by notifying law enforcement, launching an internal investigation, and hiring third-party cybersecurity experts. In April, the company began sending out physical letters to affected individuals explaining what data may have been exposed and offering free credit monitoring and identity restoration services through IDX. These notifications are being issued by traditional mail rather than email, in keeping with standard procedures for health-related data breaches. 

The long-term implications of this incident go beyond individual identity theft. The nature of the data stolen — particularly medical and insurance records combined with Social Security numbers — makes those affected highly vulnerable to fraud and phishing schemes. With full profiles of patients in hand, cybercriminals can carry out advanced impersonation attacks, file false insurance claims, or apply for loans in someone else’s name. 

This breach underscores the growing need for stronger cybersecurity across the healthcare industry, especially among third-party service providers. While Episource is offering identity protection to affected users, individuals must remain cautious by monitoring accounts, being wary of unknown communications, and considering a credit freeze as a precaution. As attacks on healthcare entities become more frequent, robust data security is no longer optional — it’s essential for maintaining public trust and protecting sensitive personal information.
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User Security
Data Breach Data Leak Episource United States User Security

Major Breach at Medical Billing Giant Results in The Data Leak of 5.4 Million Users

 

Episource, the medical billing behemoth, has warned millions of Americans that a hack earlier this year resulted in the theft of their private and medical data. According to a listing with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the year's largest healthcare breaches affects around 5.4 million people. 

Episource, which is owned by Optum, a subsidiary of the largest health insurance company UnitedHealth Group, offers billing adjustment services to doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare-related organisations. In order to process claims through their health insurance, the company handles a lot of patients' personal and medical data.

In notices filed in California and Vermont on Friday last week, Episource stated that a criminal was able to "see and take copies" of patient and member data from its systems during the weeklong breach that ended on February 6. 

Private information stolen includes names, postal and email addresses, and phone numbers, as well as protected health data such as medical record numbers and information on doctors, diagnoses, drugs, test results, imaging, care, and other treatments. The stolen data also includes health insurance information, such as health plans, policies, and member numbers. 

Episource would not elaborate on the nature of the issue, but Sharp Healthcare, one of the organisations that worked with Episource and was impacted by the intrusion, notified its clients that the Episource hack was triggered by ransomware. This is the latest cybersecurity incident to affect UnitedHealth in recent years.

Change Healthcare, one of the top companies in the U.S. healthcare industry, which conducts billions of health transactions each year, was attacked by a ransomware gang in February 2024, resulting in the theft of personal and health information for over 190 million Americans. The cyberattack resulted in the largest healthcare data breach in US history. Several months later, UnitedHealth's Optum division exposed to the internet an internal chatbot used by staff to enquire about claims.
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User Privacy
Cyber Crime Data Leak Fraud Campaign Southeast Asia User Privacy

Asia is a Major Hub For Cybercrime, And AI is Poised to Exacerbate The Problem

 

Southeast Asia has emerged as a global hotspot for cybercrimes, where human trafficking and high-tech fraud collide. Criminal syndicates operate large-scale "pig butchering" operations in nations like Cambodia and Myanmar, which are scam centres manned by trafficked individuals compelled to defraud victims in affluent markets like Singapore and Hong Kong. 

The scale is staggering: one UN estimate puts the global losses from these scams at $37 billion. And things may soon get worse. The spike in cybercrime in the region has already had an impact on politics and policy. Thailand has reported a reduction in Chinese visitors this year, after a Chinese actor was kidnapped and forced to work in a Myanmar-based scam camp; Bangkok is now having to convince tourists that it is safe to visit. Singapore recently enacted an anti-fraud law that authorises law enforcement to freeze the bank accounts of scam victims. 

But why has Asia become associated with cybercrime? Ben Goodman, Okta's general manager for Asia-Pacific, observes that the region has several distinct characteristics that make cybercrime schemes simpler to carry out. For example, the region is a "mobile-first market": popular mobile messaging apps including WhatsApp, Line, and WeChat promote direct communication between the fraudster and the victim. 

AI is also helping scammers navigate Asia's linguistic variety. Goodman observes that machine translations, although a "phenomenal use case for AI," can make it "easier for people to be baited into clicking the wrong links or approving something.” Nation-states are also becoming involved. Goodman also mentions suspicions that North Korea is hiring fake employees at major tech companies to acquire intelligence and bring much-needed funds into the isolated country. 

A new threat: Shadow AI 

Goodman is concerned about a new AI risk in the workplace: "shadow" AI, which involves individuals utilising private accounts to access AI models without firm monitoring. That could be someone preparing a presentation for a company review, going into ChatGPT on their own personal account, and generating an image.

This can result in employees unintentionally submitting private information to a public AI platform, creating "potentially a lot of risk in terms of information leakage. The lines separating your personal and professional identities may likewise be blurred by agentic AI; for instance, something associated with your personal email rather than your business one. 

And this is when it gets tricky for Goodman. Because AI agents have the ability to make decisions on behalf of users, it's critical to distinguish between users acting in their personal and professional capacities. “If your human identity is ever stolen, the blast radius in terms of what can be done quickly to steal money from you or damage your reputation is much greater,” Goodman warned.
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Washington
Chinese Hackers Data Breach Data Leak Law Firm Washington

Chinese Attackers Suspected of Breaching a Prominent DC Law Firm

 

The next front in the silent war, which is being waged with keystrokes and algorithms rather than missiles, is the digital infrastructure of a prominent legal firm in Washington, DC. 

Wiley Rein, a company known for negotiating the complex webs of power and commerce, has notified clients that suspected Chinese state-sponsored hackers have compromised its email accounts. This intrusion demonstrates Beijing's unrelenting pursuit of intelligence in a world that is becoming more and more divided. 

A sophisticated operation is depicted in the Wiley Rein memo that CNN reviewed, indicating that the perpetrators are a group “affiliated with the Chinese government” who have a known appetite for information about trade, Taiwan, and the very US government agencies that set tariffs and examine foreign investments. Such information is invaluable in the high-stakes game of international affairs, particularly in light of the Trump administration's intensifying trade conflict with China. At the centre of this digital espionage is Wiley Rein. 

Describing itself as "wired into Washington" and a provider of "unmatched insights into the evolving priorities of agencies, regulators, and lawmakers," serves as a critical channel for Fortune 500 companies dealing with the complexities of US-China trade relations. Its attorneys are on the front lines, advising clients on how to navigate the storm of unprecedented tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. 

Gaining access to their communications entails looking directly into the tactics, vulnerabilities, and intentions of American enterprise and, by extension, elements of the US government. It is a direct assault on the intelligence that underpins economic and strategic decisions. 


The firm has admitted the breach, stating that it is currently investigating the full extent of the breach and has contacted law enforcement, working closely with the FBI. Mandiant, a Google-owned security firm, is reportedly handling the remediation, indicating the specialised expertise required to overcome such advanced persistent threats. 

However, the act of detection often lags significantly behind the initial breach, leaving uncertainty about what critical insights may have already been syphoned away.
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Malicious Campaign
Columbia University Cyber Attacks Data Leak Hacktivist Malicious Campaign

Politically Motivated Hacktivist Stole Data of 2.5 Million Columbia University Students And Employees

 

In a targeted cyberattack that investigators suspect was politically motivated, a seasoned "hacktivist" allegedly acquired private data from over two million Columbia University students, applicants, and staff.

The savvy hacktivist stole social security numbers, citizenship status, university-issued ID numbers, application choices, employee wages, and other private details on June 24 after taking down the Ivy League's systems for several hours, according to Bloomberg News. A university insider told The Post that the astute hacker appeared to target specific documents to serve their political purpose. 

“We immediately began an investigation with the assistance of leading cybersecurity experts and after substantial analysis determined that the outage was caused by an unauthorized party,” Columbia said in a statement Tuesday. “We now have initial indications that the unauthorized actor also unlawfully stole data from a limited portion of our network. We are investigating the scope of the apparent theft and will share our findings with the University community as well as anyone whose personal information was compromised.”

The lone intruder responsible for the major disruption later admitted to the breach in an anonymous message to Bloomberg News, which said it had investigated the 1.6-gigabyte haul of stolen material. The suspected hacker, who refuses to reveal their name to the site, claimed they targeted the struggling Manhattan university to locate documents revealing the use of affirmative action in admissions, a practice prohibited by the Supreme Court last year. 

The trove of extracted documents allegedly comprised 2.5 million applications stretching back decades, as well as financial help packages, the outlet reported. 

A university official said Columbia’s admissions processes are compliant with the high court’s ruling. The cyber trespasser told Bloomberg they were able to infiltrate Columbia’s classified information after spending more than two months gaining access to the university’s servers. The hours-long incident temporarily locked students and faculty out of university systems and caused bizarre images to appear on screens across campus. 

The university also reassured the Columbia community that the Irving Medical Centre was unaffected. Officials said they identified the hacker's tactics and signature and haven't seen any malicious activity since. The attack occurred during the top school's ongoing dispute with the Trump administration, which revoked over $400 million in grants and contracts for the institution's failure to eradicate antisemitism on campus.
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Privacy Violation
Berlin Commissioner Data Leak DeepSeek Mobile Security Privacy Violation

DeepSeek Faces Ban From App Stores in Germany

 

DeepSeek, a competitor of ChatGPT, may face legal ramifications in the European Union after the Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection ordered that Google and Apple remove the AI app from their stores. 

After discovering that the DeepSeek app violates the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information Meike Kamp issued a press release on June 27 urging Google and Apple to take the app down. The action follows Kamp's earlier request that DeepSeek either voluntarily remove its app from Germany or alter its procedures to safeguard the data of German users, neither of which DeepSeek did. 

"The transfer of user data by DeepSeek to China is unlawful. DeepSeek has not been able to provide my office with convincing evidence that data of German users is protected in China at a level equivalent to that of the European Union. Chinese authorities have extensive access rights to personal data held by Chinese companies,” Kamp stated. 

"In addition, DeepSeek users in China do not have enforceable rights and effective legal remedies as guaranteed in the European Union. I have therefore informed Google and Apple, as operators of the largest app platforms, of the violations and expect a prompt review of a blocking.” 

This does not imply that DeepSeek will be removed from the Google Play Store or App Store right away. Apple and Google must consider Kamp's request and choose their course of action. If the app is eventually taken down, it probably won't affect users in other countries; it might only be blocked in Germany or the EU broadly. Despite this, millions of users may be looking for a new favourite AI software, given that DeepSeek had over 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store as of July 2025.

In any case, given this news, some users might wish to get rid of the app altogether. As Kamp's news statement states, "According to its own website, [DeepSeek] processes extensive personal data of users, including all text entries, chat histories, and uploaded files, as well as information about location, devices used, and networks.” 

Users who care about their data privacy, regardless of where they live, should likely be concerned about Kamp's office's increased efforts to have DeepSeek banned in Germany or to have it provide data protection that complies with EU regulations. However, the same could be said for the majority of social media and AI apps.
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User Security
Axis Max Life Insurance Data Breach Data Leak Indian Insurance User Security

Axis Max Life Cyberattack: A Warning to the Indian Insurance Sector

 

On July 2, 2025, Max Financial Services revealed a cybersecurity incident targeting its subsidiary, Axis Max Life Insurance, India's fifth-largest life insurer. This incident raises severe concerns regarding data security and threat detection in the Indian insurance sector. 

The breach was discovered by an unknown third party who notified Axis Max Life Insurance of the data access, while exact technical specifics are still pending public release. In response, the company started: 

  • Evaluation of internal security 
  • Log analysis 
  • Consulting with cybersecurity specialists for investigation and remediation 

Data leaked during the breach 

The firm accepted that some client data could have been accessed, but no specific data types or quantities were confirmed at the time of the report. Given the sensitive nature of insurance data, the exposed data could include: 

  • Personally identifiable information (PII). 
  • Financial/Insurance Policy Data Contact and health information (common for life insurers) 

This follows a recent trend of PII-focused assaults on Indian insurers (e.g., Niva Bupa, Star Health, HDFC Life), indicating an increased threat to consumer data. 

Key takeaways

Learning of a breach from an anonymous third party constitutes a serious failure in internal threat identification and monitoring. Implement real-time threat detection across endpoints, servers, and cloud platforms with SIEM, UEBA, and EDR/XDR to ensure that the organisation identifies breaches before external actors do. 

Agents, partners, and tech vendors are frequently included in insurance ecosystems, with each serving as a possible point of compromise. Extend Zero Trust principles to all third-party access, requiring tokenised, time-limited access and regular security evaluations of suppliers with data credentials. 

Mitigation tips 

  • Establish strong data inventory mapping and access logging, particularly in systems that store personally identifiable information (PII) and financial records. 
  • Have a pre-established IR crisis communication architecture that is linked with legal, regulatory, and consumer response channels that can be activated within hours. 
  • Continuous vulnerability scanning, least privilege policies, and red teaming should be used to identify exploitable holes at both the technical and human layers. 
  • Employ continuous security education, necessitate incident reporting processes, and behavioural monitoring to detect policy violations or insider abuse early.
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Qantas Airways
Australia Cyber Attacks Data Leak OAIC Personal Data Qantas Airways

Qantas Investigates Cyber Attack That May Have Affected Millions of Customers

 



Qantas Airways has revealed that a cyber attack on one of its third-party service platforms may have compromised the personal data of up to six million customers. The breach was linked to a customer service tool used by a Qantas-operated call centre, and the airline confirmed that suspicious activity was detected earlier this week.

In an official statement, Qantas said a malicious actor gained access to this external platform, but the intrusion has since been contained. Investigations are ongoing to determine how much customer data was exposed, though initial findings suggest the impact could be significant.

The company confirmed that the exposed information may include customer names, contact numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, and frequent flyer membership numbers. However, Qantas clarified that no financial data—such as credit card details, bank information, or passport numbers—was stored on the affected system.

The airline also confirmed that sensitive account credentials, such as passwords, login PINs, and security information, were not accessed. Flight operations and the safety of air travel have not been affected by this breach.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson addressed the incident, expressing regret over the situation. “Our customers place their trust in us to protect their personal data, and we deeply regret that this has occurred. We are contacting affected individuals directly and are committed to offering them full support,” she said.

To assist impacted customers, Qantas has launched a dedicated help centre offering expert guidance on identity protection. The support service is reachable at 1800 971 541 or +61 2 8028 0534 for international callers. Customers with upcoming flights have been assured that they do not need to take any action regarding their bookings.

Australian authorities have been notified, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), and the Australian Federal Police. Qantas has pledged full cooperation with the agencies involved in the investigation.

Shadow Minister for Cyber Security Melissa Price commented on the breach during an interview with ABC, calling it a serious wake-up call for all Australian companies. She emphasized the need for transparency and continuous updates to the public when incidents of this scale occur.

This breach adds to a growing list of cybersecurity incidents in Australia. Other major organizations, including AustralianSuper and Nine Media, have also suffered data leaks in recent months.

Earlier this year, the OAIC reported that 2024 saw the highest number of recorded data breaches since tracking began in 2018. Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind warned that the risks posed by cyber threats are growing and called on both private companies and public agencies to strengthen their defences.

As data breaches become more frequent and complex, cybersecurity remains a critical issue for businesses and consumers alike.

Read more »
Swiss Government
Data Breach Data Leak Radix Ransomware attack Swiss Government

Swiss Health Foundation Ransomware Attack Exposes Government Data

 

The Swiss government is announcing that a ransomware assault at the third-party company Radix has affected sensitive data from multiple federal offices.

The Swiss authorities claim that the hackers obtained information from Radix systems and then posted it on the dark web. The nation's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is assisting in the analysis of the leaked data to determine which government agencies are affected and to what extent. 

“The foundation Radix has been targeted by a ransomware attack, during which data was stolen and encrypted,” the Swiss government noted. “Radix’s customers include various federal offices. The data has been published on the dark web and will now be analyzed by the relevant offices.” 

Radix is a Zurich-based non-profit focused on health promotion. It operates eight competence centres that carry out projects and services for the Swiss federal government, cantonal and municipal corporations, and other public and private organisations. 

According to the organization's statement, Sarcoma ransomware affiliates penetrated its systems on June 16. Sarcoma is a newly emerging ransomware outfit that began operations in October 2024 quickly became one of the most active, claiming 36 victims in its first month. One notable example was an attack on PCB giant Unimicron. 

Phishing, supply-chain attacks, and outdated flaws are some of the ways Sarcoma gains access. Once RDP connections are exploited, the hackers usually proceed laterally across the network. The threat actor may encrypt the data in addition to stealing it in the final phase of the attack. On June 29, the ransomware outfit uploaded the stolen Radix data on their leak portal on the dark web, most likely after extortion attempts failed. 

Personalised alerts were sent to affected individuals, according to Radix, which also states that there is no proof that critical information from partner organisations was compromised. Radix advises potentially vulnerable users to be on guard over the next few months and to be cautious of attempts to obtain their account credentials, credit card details, and passwords in order to mitigate this risk. 

In March 2024, the Swiss government confirmed it had experienced a similar exposure via third-party software services provider Xplain, which was attacked by the Play ransomware gang on May 23, 2023. As a result of that incident, 65,000 Federal Administration documents were leaked, many of which included private and sensitive data.
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User Privacy
Data Breach Data Leak Logistics Firm Noida Firm User Privacy

FIR Filed After Noida Logistics Company Claims User Data Leaked

 

High-profile clients' private information, including that of top government officials, was leaked due to a significant cybersecurity incident at Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd (APML) in India. Concerns over the security of corporate data as well as possible national security implications have been raised by the June 1 incident. An inquiry is still under progress after police filed a formal complaint. 

In what could be one of the most sensitive data breaches in recent memory, Agarwal Packers and Movers Ltd (APML), a well-known logistics company with its headquarters located in Sector 60, Noida, has disclosed that private client information, including the addresses and phone numbers of senior government clients, has been stolen. 

The intrusion was detected on June 1 after several clients, including prominent bureaucrats, diplomats, and military people, began receiving suspicious, highly targeted phone calls.

"The nature of the calls strongly indicated that the callers had access to specific customer queries and records related to upcoming relocations," the complainant, Jaswinder Singh Ahluwalia, Group President and CEO of APML, stated in the police FIR. He cautioned that this is more than just a disclosure of company data. It has an impact on personal privacy, public trust, and possibly national security. 

The company initiated an internal technical inspection, which uncovered traces of unauthorised cyber infiltration, confirming worries regarding a breach. The audit detected collaboration between internal personnel and external cybercriminals. While the scope of the hack is still being investigated, its significance is undeniable: the firm serves India's elite, making the stolen data a potential goldmine for bad actors. 

In accordance with Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 66C (identity theft) and 66D (impersonation by computer resource) of the Information Technology Act, a formal complaint was filed at the Sector 36 Cyber Crime Police Station. 

According to Cyber SHO Ranjeet Singh, they have a detailed complaint with technological proof to back it up. At the moment, their cyber unit is looking through access trails, firewall activity, and internal server records. Due to the nature of clients impacted, the issue is being handled with the highest attention. 

The attack has triggered calls for stricter cybersecurity practices in private companies that serve sensitive sectors. While APML has yet to reveal how many people were affected, its internal records allegedly include relocation information for high-level clientele like as judges, intelligence officers, and foreign dignitaries.
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Privacy Issues
AI Chatbots AI technology chatbot security Data Leak Data Privacy data security Meta Meta Chatbots Personal Data Privacy Privacy Issues

Meta.ai Privacy Lapse Exposes User Chats in Public Feed

 

Meta’s new AI-driven chatbot platform, Meta.ai, launched recently with much fanfare, offering features like text and voice chats, image generation, and video restyling. Designed to rival platforms like ChatGPT, the app also includes a Discover feed, a space intended to showcase public content generated by users. However, what Meta failed to communicate effectively was that many users were unintentionally sharing their private conversations in this feed—sometimes with extremely sensitive content attached. 

In May, journalists flagged the issue when they discovered public chats revealing deeply personal user concerns—ranging from financial issues and health anxieties to legal troubles. These weren’t obscure posts either; they appeared in a publicly accessible area of the app, often containing identifying information. Conversations included users seeking help with medical diagnoses, children talking about personal experiences, and even incarcerated individuals discussing legal strategies—none of whom appeared to realize their data was visible to others. 

Despite some recent tweaks to the app’s sharing settings, disturbing content still appears on the Discover feed. Users unknowingly uploaded images and video clips, sometimes including faces, alongside alarming or bizarre prompts. One especially troubling instance featured a photo of a child at school, accompanied by a prompt instructing the AI to “make him cry.” Such posts reflect not only poor design choices but also raise ethical questions about the purpose and moderation of the Discover feed itself. 

The issue evokes memories of other infamous data exposure incidents, such as AOL’s release of anonymized user searches in 2006, which provided unsettling insight into private thoughts and behaviors. While social media platforms are inherently public, users generally view AI chat interactions as private, akin to using a search engine. Meta.ai blurred that boundary—perhaps unintentionally, but with serious consequences. Many users turned to Meta.ai seeking support, companionship, or simple productivity help. Some asked for help with job listings or obituary writing, while others vented emotional distress or sought comfort during panic attacks. 

In some cases, users left chats expressing gratitude—believing the bot had helped. But a growing number of conversations end in frustration or embarrassment when users realize the bot cannot deliver on its promises or that their content was shared publicly. These incidents highlight a disconnect between how users engage with AI tools and how companies design them. Meta’s ambition to merge AI capabilities with social interaction seems to have ignored the emotional and psychological expectations users bring to private-sounding features. 

For those using Meta.ai as a digital confidant, the lack of clarity around privacy settings has turned an experiment in convenience into a public misstep. As AI systems become more integrated into daily life, companies must rethink how they handle user data—especially when users assume privacy. Meta.ai’s rocky launch serves as a cautionary tale about transparency, trust, and design in the age of generative AI.
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personal data leak
Data Breach Data Leak data security Data stealing malware Database Breach Infostealer Infostealer Malware Login Credentials Login Security Malware attacks personal data leak

Massive Data Leak Exposes 16 Billion Login Records from Major Online Services

 

A recent investigation by Cybernews has uncovered a staggering 30 separate online datasets containing approximately 16 billion stolen login credentials from services including Apple, Google, and Facebook. These data dumps, discovered through open sources, appear to be the result of large-scale malware attacks that harvested user information through infostealers. 

Each dataset contains a URL alongside usernames and passwords, suggesting that malicious software was used to collect login details from infected devices. While some overlap exists among the records, the overall size and spread of the leak make it difficult to determine how many unique users have been compromised. 

Except for one dataset previously identified by cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler—which included over 185 million unique credentials—most of the remaining 29 databases had not been publicly reported before. These leaked collections are often only temporarily available online before being removed, but new compilations are regularly uploaded, often every few weeks, with fresh data that could be weaponized by cybercriminals. The exact sources and individuals behind these leaks remain unknown. 

To avoid falling victim to similar malware attacks, experts advise staying away from third-party download platforms, especially when obtaining software for macOS. Users are encouraged to download apps directly from the Mac App Store or, if not available there, from a developer’s official website. Using cracked or pirated software significantly increases the risk of malware infection. 

Phishing scams remain another common threat vector. Users should be cautious about clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages. Even if a message appears to come from a trusted company, it’s vital to verify the sender’s address and inspect URLs carefully. You can do this by copying the link and pasting it into a text editor to see its actual destination before clicking. 

To reduce the chance of visiting malicious sites, double-check the spelling of URLs typed manually and consider bookmarking commonly used sites. Alternatively, using a search engine and clicking on verified results can reduce the risk of visiting typo-squatting domains. 

If you suspect your credentials may have been compromised, take immediate action. Start by updating passwords on any affected services and enabling two-factor authentication for added security. It’s also wise to check your financial statements for unauthorized activity and consider placing a freeze on your credit file to prevent fraudulent account openings. 

Additionally, tools like Have I Been Pwned can help verify if your email address has been part of a known breach. Always install the latest system and app updates, as they often include crucial security patches. Staying current with updates is a simple but effective defense against vulnerabilities and threats.
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Personal Data Breach
Customer Information Cybernews Cybersecurity Data Breach Data Hackers Data Leak Data Safety User Data data security Data Trading Hacker attack Personal Data Breach

T-Mobile Denies Involvement After Hackers Claim Massive Customer Data Breach

 

T-Mobile is once again in the cybersecurity spotlight after a hacking group claimed to have obtained sensitive personal information belonging to 64 million customers. The hackers alleged the data was freshly taken as of June 1, 2025, and listed their find on a well-known dark web forum popular among cybercriminals and data traders.  

The leaked trove reportedly contains highly personal information, including full names, birthdates, tax identification numbers, addresses, contact details, device and cookie IDs, and IP addresses. Such data can be extremely valuable to cybercriminals for fraud, identity theft, or phishing attacks. Cybernews, which analyzed a sample of the data, confirmed its sensitive nature, raising alarm over the scale and potential damage of the breach.  

Yet, T-Mobile has come forward to strongly deny any connection to the alleged hack. In a statement to The Mobile Report, the telecom company asserted that the leaked data does not belong to T-Mobile or any of its customers. “Any reports of a T-Mobile data breach are inaccurate. We have reviewed the sample data provided and can confirm the data does not relate to T-Mobile or our customers,” the company stated. 

Despite T-Mobile’s denial, cybersecurity analysts remain cautious. Cybernews pointed out that portions of the leaked data mirror details from previous breaches that targeted T-Mobile, suggesting there may be some overlap with older incidents. This has sparked speculation that the latest claim may not be based on a new breach, but rather a repackaging of previously stolen information to create hype or confusion. 

Adding to the uncertainty, Have I Been Pwned—a trusted platform used to monitor data breaches—has yet to list the supposed breach, which could support the theory that the leaked data is not new. Still, the situation has left many T-Mobile customers in limbo, unsure whether their data has truly been compromised again. 

If the claims prove to be true, it would be another in a series of cybersecurity setbacks for T-Mobile. The company only recently began issuing compensation checks related to its 2021 data breach, suggesting that resolution in such matters can take years. 

For now, the legitimacy of this latest breach remains unclear. Until further evidence surfaces or an independent investigation confirms or refutes the claims, customers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor their accounts for any unusual activity.
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protecting sensitive data
Chinese Data Breach Data Leak data security Data Surveillance database Database Breach Personal Information protecting sensitive data

Massive Data Leak Exposes Billions of Records in Suspected Chinese Surveillance Database

 

Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a massive trove of sensitive information left exposed online, potentially placing millions of individuals at significant risk. The discovery, made by researchers from Cybernews in collaboration with SecurityDiscovery.com, revealed an unsecured database totaling 631 gigabytes—containing an estimated four billion individual records. 

The open instance, which lacked any form of password protection, was quickly taken offline once the exposure was reported, but experts remain unsure about how long it had remained publicly accessible. The data, according to the investigation, appears to primarily concern Chinese citizens and users, with entries collected from various platforms and sources. 

Cybernews researchers believe this is not a random collection, but rather a systematically curated database. They described it as a tool capable of constructing detailed behavioral, social, and financial profiles of nearly any individual included in the records. The structured and diverse nature of the data has led analysts to suspect that the repository may have been created as part of a broader surveillance or profiling initiative. 

Among the most alarming elements of the database is the presence of extensive personally identifiable information (PII). The exposed details include full names, birth dates, phone numbers, financial records, bank card data, savings balances, debt figures, and personal spending patterns. Such information opens the door to a wide range of malicious activities—ranging from identity theft and financial fraud to blackmail and sophisticated social engineering attacks. 

A large portion of the exposed records is believed to originate from WeChat, the popular Chinese messaging app, which accounts for over 805 million entries. Another 780 million records relate to residential data tied to specific geographic locations. Meanwhile, a third major portion of the database labeled “bank” contains around 630 million records of financial and sensitive personal data. 

If confirmed, the scale of this leak could surpass even the National Public Data breach, one of the most significant data security incidents in recent memory. Experts are particularly troubled by the implications of a centralized data cache of this magnitude—especially one that may have been used for state-level surveillance or unauthorized commercial data enrichment. 

While the server hosting the information has been taken offline, the potential damage from such an exposure may already be done. Investigators continue to analyze the breach to determine its full impact and whether any malicious actors accessed the data while it was left unsecured.
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Ransomwares
Cyberattack Data Breach Data Leak data security Employee Data Healthcare Interlock gang Interlock ransomware Kettering Health Ransomware attack Ransomware group Ransomwares

Kettering Health Ransomware Attack Linked to Interlock Group

 

Kettering Health, a prominent healthcare network based in Ohio, is still grappling with the aftermath of a disruptive ransomware attack that forced the organization to shut down its computer systems. The cyberattack, which occurred in mid-May 2025, affected operations across its hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. Now, two weeks later, the ransomware gang Interlock has officially taken responsibility for the breach, claiming to have exfiltrated more than 940 gigabytes of data.  

Interlock, an emerging cybercriminal group active since September 2024, has increasingly focused on targeting U.S.-based healthcare providers. When CNN first reported on the incident on May 20, Interlock had not yet confirmed its role, suggesting that ransom negotiations may have been in progress. With the group now openly taking credit and releasing some of the stolen data on its dark web site, it appears those negotiations either failed or stalled. 

Kettering Health has maintained a firm position that they are against paying ransoms. John Weimer, senior vice president of emergency operations, previously stated that no ransom had been paid. Despite this, the data breach appears extensive. Information shared by Interlock indicates that sensitive files were accessed, including private patient records and internal documents. Patient information such as names, identification numbers, medical histories, medications, and mental health notes were among the compromised data. 

The breach also impacted employee data, with files from shared network drives also exposed. One particularly concerning element involves files tied to Kettering Health’s in-house police department. Some documents reportedly include background checks, polygraph results, and personally identifiable details of law enforcement staff—raising serious privacy and safety concerns. In a recent public update, Kettering Health announced a key development in its recovery process. 

The organization confirmed it had restored core functionalities of its electronic health record (EHR) system, which is provided by healthcare technology firm Epic. Officials described this restoration as a significant step toward resuming normal operations, allowing teams to access patient records, coordinate care, and communicate effectively across departments once again. The full scope of the breach and the long-term consequences for affected individuals still remains uncertain. 

Meanwhile, Kettering Health has yet to comment on whether Interlock’s claims are fully accurate. The healthcare system is working closely with cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement agencies to assess the extent of the intrusion and prevent further damage.
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