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privacy protection
Automotive Cyberattack Connected Car Security Cybersecurity Breach Data Breach Data Exposure Digital threats Hyundai AutoEver identity theft risk personal data safety privacy protection

Hyundai Faces Security Incident With Potential Data Exposure

 


In the past few months, Hyundai AutoEver America, a division of Hyundai Motor Group, has confirmed a recent data breach that exposed sensitive personal information after hackers infiltrated its internal IT environment earlier this year, revealing a recent data breach. 

A company spokesperson told me that unauthorized access to the company's computer systems began on February 22, 2025 and went undetected until March 2, giving intruders nine days to access confidential data. 

The early breach notices didn't specify how many people were affected, but according to state regulatory disclosures as well as a subsequent statement issued to Kelley Blue Book, approximately 2,000 people—out of the over 2.7 million users HAEA serves across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis platforms—were impacted. There have been a number of compromises of the data, including names, Social Security numbers, and driving license information. 

In response to the suspicious activity, HAEA contacted an external cybersecurity expert who conducted an investigation, contained the intrusion, and informed law enforcement. As officials continue to assess the full scope of the incident, officials have begun issuing formal notices to those whose information was possibly exposed. 

It was only in the months that followed that it became increasingly clearer and more troubling just what the breach's consequences and the broader risks associated with connected vehicles were in the future. Even though Hyundai AutoEver America eventually acknowledged that the incident could have affected as many as 2.7 million Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis owners, internal assessments and state filings later narrowed the directly affected group to merely 2,000 individuals, yet the sensitive nature of the data involved makes even this smaller number quite significant. 

A nine-day intrusion that took place between February 22 and March 2, 2025, revealed the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and Social Security numbers of several automobile manufacturers, revealing to intruders a full range of data and details that underpinned core digital services across the automaker’s brands during that period. 

Among privacy experts, there is no doubt that what has caused concern is not just the scope of information but also that it has taken seven months for customers to be informed about the incident, a timeframe that gave the possibility for stolen identities to be misused or combined with other data circulating from other breaches.

Hyundai is also experiencing a growing pattern of security breaches since 2023, which reinforces concerns that these are not isolated incidents but rather signs of deeper structural problems. As the episode illustrates, modern cars—once purely mechanical devices—now act as sophisticated data hubs, collecting everything from passengers’ financial details to route histories, biometric inputs, driving behaviour, and even information synced from their mobile devices, which is not visible to the driver. 

Manufacturers are expanding their digital ecosystems and the breach has raised questions about the industry's ability to safeguard the vast and intimate data it collects on a regular basis. Immediately following the intrusion, Hyundai AutoEver America made an effort to reassure its customers by offering two years of complimentary identity theft and credit monitoring services through Epiq as a gesture of goodwill.

In spite of this, security analysts note that such measures are rarely sufficient to relieve customers after sensitive information has been stolen. Additionally, Hyundai Motor Europe’s disclosure also brought back memories of a similar experience it suffered just a year earlier when it was attacked by a ransomware gang called Black Basta, which claimed to have taken over 3TB of internal files before appearing dormant in early 2025, when the company lost control of its operations. 

All in all, these incidents emphasize one more uncomfortable reality: automakers now harvest and manage far greater amounts of personal information than most drivers are aware of. Besides the information required for financing or registration of vehicles, companies routinely collect (and in some cases monetize) data regarding the locations of their customers, their driving habits, the biometric patterns they use, and even behavioral patterns that can help them infer consumers' preferences with a remarkable degree of accuracy. 

Following a complaint made by General Motors that it had shared driver data with third-parties to the point of being able to obtain their information from them, the Federal Trade Commission issued a five-year ban on the practice. In July, a U.S. Senate inquiry raised concerns about other manufacturers continuing the same data-sharing practices. 

The HAEA notified the California Attorney General of the incident by notifying them that they had enlisted cybersecurity experts to determine the scope of the breach and confirm that the intrusion had been contained, even though investigators were unable to determine if the information was exfiltrated. Those affected customers have been given 90 days to enroll in monitoring services, and a hotline has also been established to assist customers. 

As Hyundai AutoEver asserts, only a small number of users have been directly impacted by this incident, but the incident has ignited a wider industry debate over precisely how well automakers secure the ever-increasing amount of personal data embedded in most connected vehicles today. After Hyundai AutoEver America found out that a wide range of sensitive data points had been exposed as part of this breach, including a number of customer names, government-issued identification numbers, and passwords, it confirmed that the investigation of the technical footprint was continuing. 

Among the records that were compromised, according to notification letters sent to the individuals affected, were Social Security numbers and driver's license information, with each recipient receiving a customized breakdown of which data elements applied to them in the initial notification. In order to conduct the analysis in a comprehensive way, extensive forensic work and collaboration with external cybersecurity specialists were necessary. 

These specialists helped Hyundai AutoEver reconstruct the intrusion, assess database exposure, and determine which users needed formal notification. Hyundai AutoEver said it immediately terminated the intruder's access and implemented additional safeguards and was continuing to implement a comprehensive remediation program that was intended to prevent similar incidents in the future. 

Consequently, Epiq Privacy Solutions has been contacted by the company to offer complimentary two-year credit monitoring and identity protection services to impacted customers, which will include three-bureau monitoring and fraud detection tools, as well as a 90-day enrollment period. It should be noted that these protections are only a layer of protection, however, according to security experts. 

As a precautionary measure, they advise their customers to review financial statements, to check their credit reports, and to place fraud alerts or credit freezes with the major credit bureaus to reduce the risk of unauthorized account openings. 

In addition, this incident has brought about renewed discussions about digital hygiene for vehicle owners, ranging from updating passwords and enabling multifactor authentication on connected car applications to avoiding stored payment information in the infotainment system.

There are a number of cybercrime analysts who note that incidents of this nature often open the door to secondary scams, as cybercriminals impersonate automakers' support teams in order to steal more personal information from car owners through pages pretending to be account verifications and security updates. 

These developments have been identified by industry observers as part of a dramatic shift in the way in which cars now collect far more information than most drivers are aware of. These include location histories, biometric identifiers, behavioral patterns, and synced mobile data, to name a few. 

The results of this study indicate that consumers should adopt strong cybersecurity practices, including using reputable antivirus software, staying current on device updates, and thinking about data-removal solutions that will reduce exposure to data-broker websites as a result of data misuse. Several automakers have been affected by this new trend; the Federal Trade Commission imposed a five-year ban on General Motors' ability to sell data on drivers earlier this year. 

Additionally, a Senate investigation has raised concerns about similar practices in other automakers, including Hyundai, as well. In spite of Hyundai AutoEver's assertion that only a relatively small number of its customers were directly affected by this breach, the incident has brought to light questions about the effectiveness with which carmakers are safeguarding the growing amounts of data embedded in connected cars, as well as what consumers should do in the rapidly growing digital world in order to protect themselves from the threat of fraud. 

It is clear from the Hyundai AutoEver breach that the automobile industry needs to rethink how it approaches data security in an increasingly interconnected digital age, where vehicles become increasingly interconnected digital ecosystems. It is important to note that meaningful protection depends both on stronger corporate safeguards as well as on proactive vigilance on the part of drivers in light of increased regulatory oversight and consumers' increasing awareness of how their information is being used.

It is vital that consumers play an important role in reducing future risks by practicing stricter digital hygiene, minimizing unnecessary data sharing, and demanding that automakers communicate their information more clearly, in order to ensure that the convenience of connected cars does not come at the expense of their individual privacy rights.
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Ransomware
AI AI-Healthcare system Cyber Hygiene CyberCrime Cybersecurity Da Vita Data Breach Digital threats Healthcare Security patient privacy Ransomware

Millions of Patient Records Compromised After Ransomware Strike on DaVita


 Healthcare Faces Growing Cyber Threats

A ransomware attack that affected nearly 2.7 million patients has been confirmed by kidney care giant DaVita, revealing that one of the most significant cyberattacks of the year has taken place. There are over 2,600 outpatient dialysis centres across the United States operated by the company, which stated that the breach was first detected on April 12, 2025, when the security team found unauthorised activity within the company's computer systems. In the aftermath of this attack, Interlock was revealed to have been responsible, marking another high-profile attack on the healthcare industry. 

Although DaVita stressed the uninterrupted delivery of patient care throughout the incident, and that all major systems have since been fully restored - according to an official notice issued on August 1 - a broad range of sensitive personal and clinical information was still exposed through the compromise. An attacker was able to gain access to a variety of information, such as name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance data, clinical histories, dialysis treatment details, and laboratory results, among others. 

It represents a deep invasion of privacy for millions of patients who depend on kidney care for life-sustaining purposes and raises new concerns about the security of healthcare systems in general. 

Healthcare Becomes A Cyber Battlefield 

The hospital and healthcare industry, which has traditionally been seen as a place of healing, is becoming increasingly at the centre of digital warfare. Patient records are packed with rich financial and medical information, which can be extremely valuable on dark web markets, as compared to credit card information. 

While hospitals are under a tremendous amount of pressure to maintain uninterrupted access to their systems, any downtime in the system could threaten patients' lives, which makes them prime targets for ransomware attacks. 

Over the past few months, millions of patients worldwide have been affected by breaches that have ranged from the theft of medical records to ransomware-driven disruptions of services. As well as compromising privacy, these attacks have also disrupted treatment, shaken public trust, and increased financial burdens on healthcare organisations already stressed out by increasing demand. 

A troubling trend is emerging with the DaVita case: in the last few years, cybercriminals have progressively increased both the scale and sophistication of their campaigns, threatening patient safety and health. DaVita’s Ransomware Ordeal.  It was reported that DaVita had confirmed the breach in detail on August 21, 2025, and that it filed disclosures with the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Intruders started attacking DaVita's facility on March 24, 2025, but were only removed by April 12 after DaVita's internal response teams contained the attack. Several reports indicate that Interlock, the ransomware gang that was responsible for the theft of the data, released portions of the data online after failing to negotiate with the firm. Although the critical dialysis services continued uninterrupted, as is a priority given the fact that dialysis is an essential treatment, the attack did temporarily disrupt laboratory systems. There was an exceptionally significant financial cost involved. 

According to DaVita's report for the second quarter of 2025, the breach had already incurred a total of $13.5 million in costs associated with it. Among these $1 million, $1 million has been allocated to patient care costs relating to the incident, while $12.5 million has been allocated to administrative recovery, system restoration, and cybersecurity services provided by professional third-party service providers. 

Expansion of the Investigation 

According to DaVita's Securities and Exchange Commission filings in April 2025, it first acknowledged that there had been a security incident, but it said that the scope of the data stolen had not yet been determined. During the months that followed, forensic analysis and investigations expanded. State Attorneys General were notified, and the extent of the problem began to be revealed: it was estimated that at least one million patients were affected by the virus. As more information came to light, the figures grew, with OCR's breach portal later confirming 2,688,826 victims. 

DaVita, based on internal assessments, believed that the actual number of victims may be slightly lower, closer to 2.4 million, and the agency intends to update its portal in accordance with those findings. Although the company is struggling with operational strains, it has assured its patients that it will continue providing dialysis services through its 3,000 outpatient centres and home-based programs worldwide – a sign of stability in the face of crisis, given that kidney failure patients require life-saving treatment that cannot be avoided. 

Even so, the attack underscored just how severe financial and reputational damage such incidents can have. This will mean that the cost of restoring systems, engaging cybersecurity experts and providing patients with resources such as credit monitoring and data protection will likely continue to climb in the coming months. 

Data Theft And Interlock’s Role 

It appears that Interlock has become one of the most aggressive ransomware groups out there since it appeared in 2024. In the DaVita case, it is said that the gang stole nearly 1.5 terabytes of data, including approximately 700,000 files. In addition to the patient records, the stolen files were also suspected to contain insurance documents, user credentials, and financial information as well. 

A failed negotiation with DaVita caused Interlock to publish parts of the data on its dark web portal, after which parts of the data were published. On June 18, DaVita confirmed that some of the files were genuine, tracing them back to the dialysis laboratory systems they use. As part of its public statement, the company stated that it had acknowledged that the lab's database had been accessed by unauthorised persons and that it would notify both current and former patients. 

Additionally, DaVita has begun to provide complimentary credit monitoring services as part of its efforts to reduce risks. Interlock's services go well beyond DaVita as well. Several universities in the United Kingdom have been attacked by a remote access trojan referred to as NodeSnake, which was deployed by the group in recent campaigns. 

Recent reports indicate that the gang has also claimed responsibility for various attacks on major U.S. healthcare providers, including a major organisation with more than 120 outpatient facilities and 15,000 employees, known as Kettering Health. Cyberattacks on healthcare have already proven to be a sobering reminder of how varied and destructive they can be. Each major breach has its own particular lessons that need to be taken into account:

The Ascension case shows how a small mistake made by a single employee can escalate into a huge problem that affects every employee. The Yale New Haven Health System shows that institutions that have well-prepared strategies are vulnerable to persistent adversaries despite their best efforts. It was revealed by Episource that third-party and supply chain vulnerabilities can result in significant damage to a network, showing how the impact of a single vendor breach may ripple outward. 

Putting one example on display, DaVita shows how the disruption caused by ransomware is different from other disruptions, as it involves both data theft and operational paralysis. There have been incidents when hackers have accessed sensitive healthcare records at scale, but there have also been incidents where simple data configuration issues have led to these breaches.

In view of these incidents, it is clear that compliance-based checklists and standard security frameworks may not be sufficient for the industry anymore. Instead, the industry must be more proactive and utilise intelligence-driven defences that anticipate threats rather than merely reacting to them as they occur. 

The Road Ahead For Healthcare Security 

The DaVita breach is an example of a growing consensus among healthcare providers that their cybersecurity strategies must be strengthened to match the sophistication of modern attackers. 

Cybercriminals value patient records as one of their most valuable assets, and every time this happens, patients' trust in their providers is undermined directly. Additionally, the operational stakes are higher than in most industries, as any disruption can put patients' lives at risk, which is why every disruption can be extremely dangerous. 

Healthcare organisations in emerging countries, as well as hospitals in India, need to invest in layered defences, integrate threat intelligence platforms, and strengthen supply chain monitoring, according to security experts. Increasingly, proactive approaches are viewed as a necessity rather than an option for managing attack surfaces, prioritising vulnerabilities, and continually monitoring the dark web. Consequently, the DaVita case is more than just an example of how a single company suffered from ransomware. 

It's also a part of a wider pattern shaping what the future of healthcare will look like. There is no doubt that in this digital age, where a breach of any record can lead to death or injury, it is imperative to have foresight, invest in cybersecurity, and recognise that it is on an equal footing with patient care. It has become evident that healthcare cybersecurity needs to evolve beyond reactive measures and fragmented defences as a result of these developments. 

In today's world, digital security cannot simply be treated as a side concern, but rather must be integrated into the very core of a patient care strategy, which is why the industry must pay close attention to it. Taking a forward-looking approach to cyber hygiene should prioritise investments in continuous cyber hygiene, workforce awareness in cybersecurity, and leveraging new technologies such as zero-trust frameworks, advanced threat intelligence platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven anomaly detection systems. 

The importance of cross-industry collaboration cannot be overstated: it requires shared standards to be established and the exchange of real-time intelligence to be achieved, so hospitals, vendors, regulators, and cybersecurity providers can collectively resist adversaries who operate no matter what borders or industries are involved.

By reducing risks, such measures will also allow people to build patient trust, reduce recovery costs, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential care, as well as create long-term value. In the healthcare sector that is becoming increasingly digitalised and interdependent, the organisations that proactively adopt layered defences and transparent communication practices will not only be able to mitigate threats but also position themselves as leaders in a hostile cyber environment that is ripe with cyber threats. 

Clearly, if the patients' lives are to be protected in the future, the protection of their data must equally be paramount.
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VPN
Advanced Technology Cybersecurity Cyberthreats Digital Security Digital threats malicious Mobile Plugging Private Network protect Wi-Fi Public Infrastructure TSA USB VPN

TSA Cautions Passengers Against Plugging Into Public USB Charging Stations


 

Despite the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) widespread recognition for its role in ensuring air travel security through rigorous passenger screening procedures, the agency is now drawing attention to a lesser-known, yet equally concerning, cybersecurity threat faced by airport travellers. The TSA reports that cybercriminals have been exploiting public USB charging stations in airport terminals as well as unsecured Wi-Fi networks in order to gain unauthorized access to travelers' personal information in order to gain access to their information. 

Malicious actors are using sophisticated techniques that are used to compromise devices connected to public charging ports or unprotected internet connections without the user's knowledge, many of which are used by these actors. Once the device is accessed, sensitive information can be extracted, including passwords, financial details, and personal files, potentially resulting in identity theft or financial fraud for the victim.

It is a well-known fact that even something as seemingly harmless as plugging user's phone into a public charging station carries significant risks, according to the agency. As a result of this technique, known as "juice jacking," malicious software is installed or data is stolen directly from a connected device by tampering with USB ports. In the same way, connecting to public Wi-Fi networks with inadequate security measures can expose users to a man-in-the-middle attack, where hackers intercept the communication between the device and the internet and attack the device. 

Technology is evolving rapidly, but as digital threats grow and evolve, the TSA urges travellers to take security very seriously by using personal charging equipment, portable power banks, and secure internet connections. To protect one's digital identity while on the go, it is crucial to stay informed and vigilant. Among the top concerns that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expressed is the growing cybersecurity threats associated with the use of public USB charging stations at airports. 

While these charging stations are convenient for travellers who have long layovers or delays, they may also serve as a gateway for cybercriminals to gain access to their data through their smartphone, tablet, or other electronic devices. A technique known as "juice jacking," in which malicious software is installed covertly within public USB ports, is among the most concerning threats, as it allows malicious software to be installed covertly within them. 

By simply plugging in their device, an unsuspecting traveller is transferring the malware, which could potentially allow hackers to access, corrupt, or extract sensitive information that could be of great use to them. During these attacks, personal data may be accessed byunauthorisedd parties,, including emails, login credentials, financial details and even private photographs or documents stored on the deviceEven thoughat visible warning signs do not usually accompany these infections, victims are often unaware of their information being compromised until it is very late in the game. 

Travellers are strongly advised not to connect their devices directly to public USB ports located in airport terminals, lounges, or charging kiosks to minimise this risk. To minimise the risk of this occurrence, cybersecurity experts and the TSA strongly suggest travellers don't do so. Instead, passengers should carry and use their own power adapters and plug them into standard electrical outlets whenever necessary. 

The use of portable battery packs is a much more secure option since it eliminates the possibility of any potential hardware exposure occurring. While security authorities have repeatedly warned citizens about the risks associated with juice jacking, there has been a lack of awareness among the general public regarding it. Many travellers may overlook the hidden dangers associated with seemingly innocuous charging stations in pursuit of convenience. 

As technology continues to develop and digital threats become more sophisticated, air passengers need to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to ensure their personal and financial information remains secure during transit. As a consequence of the threat of "juice jacking" in public spaces like airports, where travellers are frequently seeking out USB charging ports for convenience, this issue is becoming a serious cybersecurity concern. 

The purpose of this type of cyberattack is to compromise any device that has access to a public USB charging station by installing malware that is discreetly installed into these charging stations with the aim of compromising the device. Suppose the malware catches hold of a device while plugged into an infected port. In that case, it can initiate harmful activities, ranging from data theft to complete control of that device, all without the user having any knowledge of it. 

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), malware that is introduced through tampered USB ports can lock the user's device, collect personal information, or harvest passwords stored on that device, which can then be accessed online accounts or sold on the dark web. As a result of such breaches, individuals may experience identity theft and financial fraud as well as unauthorised surveillance of their private communications and documents. 

The risk is further compounded by the fact that there are typically no external signs that indicate a charging station has been compromised, so a traveller may be unable to detect the compromise. Furthermore, airports are also a significant risk for cybersecurity due to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. A warning from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) cautions passengers against using free public Wi-Fi, especially when they are conducting online transactions or accessing accounts that require sensitive information to be entered. 

In order to steal credentials or financial information, cybercriminals often exploit open networks by using methods such as man-in-the-middle attacks. These attacks intercept data exchanges between users and websites to steal data. Travellers should generally refrain from entering any confidential information-such as credit card numbers, personal identifying information, or login details-while connected to public wireless networks, as a general rule. 

Several organisations, including the TSA, the FCC, and other government agencies, recommend adopting safer charging methods to reduce the chances of becoming victims of these threats. If the travellers do not want their devices to be exposed to unknown hardware while charging, they are encouraged to carry TSA-compliant power bricks or personal battery packs that provide secure charging. Additionally, it is far safer to use personal power adapters connected to standard electrical outlets than to use public USB ports. 

Additionally, the FCC suggests that travellers invest in USB data blockers or charging-only cables that allow power to be transferred to and from the device, but do not allow data to be transferred. As the digital landscape continues to become more complex, travellers must stay informed and take precautions to stay safe. If travellers avoid high-risk behaviours, such as using public USB ports and unsecured wireless network connections, they will be able to protect their personal information and devices from harm. 

A growing number of airlines and airports are integrating advanced technologies - ranging from mobile boarding passes and biometric identifications to fully automated check-in and boarding services - into modern travel safety and security has become a crucial component of this landscape. This shift has led to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expanding its focus beyond physical security measures to include digital security measures in order to address the shifting landscape. 

A recent advisory issued by the agency shows that securing personal data is just as important as securing passengers and luggage in today’s hyperconnected travel environment, and that the agency is aware of this growing understanding. During this summewhenere there will be a surge in international passenger traffic and a lot of busy travel season ahead of us, the TSA's warning arrives at an extremely critical time.

Besides reminding travellers to ensure their luggage and documents are ready to go, it also serves as a timely reminder to make sure their digital defences are strong as well before leaving the country. Travellers are advised to follow several essential cybersecurity practices that will enhance their protection while they are travelling, including not charging their devices through public USB ports and connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. 

In order to ensure users' devices are fully up-to-date and that they contain the latest operating system patches and antivirus software, make sure that all their devices (phones, tablets, and laptops) are updated before leaving the country. These updates often contain important security enhancements that prevent newly found threats from being exploited. 

It is important to utilise strong authentication measures, which include using strong, unique passwords for all accounts. In addition, multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides a more protective layer, making sure that even if users' login credentials are compromised, users will be significantly less likely to be accessed by unauthorised individuals. 

In order to protect their digital footprint, travellers should always keep their devices physically secure, especially in public places such as airport lounges, cafes, and rest areas where they will not be disturbed by others. They should also never share passwords or access PINs, even with acquaintances, to maintain control over their digital footprints. 

Keeping important data in backups is essential to ensure that information does not get lost if the device is stolen, damaged, or malfunctions during its transport, because data is regularly saved in secure cloud storage or external backup devices. 

It is advisable to disable automatic Wi-Fi connectivity to prevent devices from unknowingly connecting to undeclared or malicious networks, as well as joining familiar and trusted networks. For extra security, travellers ought to use a virtual private network (VPN) for online security. 

There is a lot to be said for integrating these simple yet effective practices into the travel routines of passengers, reducing the risk that they will fall victim to digital threats significantly. In an age when convenience and connectivity dominate the travel experience, people must remain aware of cybersecurity issues to ensure that technology remains a valuable asset throughout the travel rather than a vulnerability. 

Taking into consideration the blurring line between physical and digital security when travelling by air, it is becoming increasingly important for travellers to recognise that cybersecurity is now an essential part of the security process. Cyber threats to public infrastructure reinforce a bigger truth: convenience is often accompanied by a loss of caution when it comes to public infrastructure. 

Airports are constantly enhancing passengers' experiences with innovative digital services, however, it is ultimately the individual's responsibility to ensure that their data is protected. It is important for travellers to cultivate proactive digital habits to safeguard not only their device but also their digital identities. These include checking the legitimacy of charging stations, using encrypted communication channels, and staying up to date on evolving cyber tactics. 

The TSA’s advisory is not just a warning—it’s a call to action. Keeping digital hygiene is an essential part of staying connected in a world in which it is now as common as packing a passport or getting a boarding pass.T Travellers who embrace this mindset will not only enjoy a smoother trip, but they will also be able to ensure their personal data reaches their destination safely.
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Technology
AI Deepfakes Bangladesh Digital threats legislation Technology

Bangladesh’s Deepfake Challenge: Why New Laws Aren’t Enough

 


Bangladesh has taken a big step to protect its people online by introducing the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. This law updates the country’s approach to digital threats, replacing the older and often criticized 2023 act. One of its most important changes is that it now includes crimes that involve artificial intelligence (AI). This makes Bangladesh the first South Asian country to legally address this issue, and it comes at a time when digital threats are growing quickly.

One of the most dangerous AI-related threats today is deepfakes. These are fake videos or audio recordings that seem completely real. They can be used to make it look like someone said or did something they never did. In other countries, such as the United States and Canada, deepfakes have already been used to mislead voters and damage reputations. Now, Bangladesh is facing a similar problem.

Recently, fake digital content targeting political leaders and well-known figures has been spreading online. These false clips spread faster than fact-checkers can respond. A few days ago, a government adviser warned that online attacks and misinformation are becoming more frequent as the country gets closer to another important election.

What makes this more worrying is how easy deepfake tools have become to access. In the past, only people with strong technical skills could create deepfakes. Today, almost anyone with internet access can do it. For example, a recent global investigation found that a Canadian hospital worker ran a large website full of deepfake videos. He had no special training, yet caused serious harm to innocent people.

Experts say deepfakes are successful not because people are foolish, but because they trick our emotions. When something online makes us feel angry or shocked, we’re more likely to believe it without questioning.

To fight this, Bangladesh needs more than new laws. People must also learn how to protect themselves. Schools should begin teaching students how to understand and question online content. Public campaigns should be launched across TV, newspapers, radio, and social media to teach people what deepfakes are and how to spot them.

Young volunteers can play a big role by spreading awareness in villages and small towns where digital knowledge is still limited. At the same time, universities and tech companies in Bangladesh should work together to create tools that can detect fake videos and audio clips. Journalists and social media influencers also need training so they don’t unknowingly spread false information.

AI can be used to create lies, but it can also help us find the truth. Still, the best defence is knowledge. When people know how to think critically and spot fake content, they become the strongest line of defence against digital threats.

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Software
AI Cloud Computing Cyber Attacks Digital threats Financial Sector Healthcare India RBI Software

Cyberattacks Skyrocket in India, Are We Ready for the Digital Danger Ahead?


 

India is experiencing a rise in cyberattacks, particularly targeting its key sectors such as finance, government, manufacturing, and healthcare. This increase has prompted the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to urge banks and financial institutions to strengthen their cybersecurity measures.

As India continues to digitise its infrastructure, it has become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Earlier this year, hackers stole and leaked 7.5 million records from boAt, a leading Indian company that makes wireless audio and wearable devices. This is just one example of how cybercriminals are targeting Indian businesses and institutions.

The RBI has expressed concern about the growing risks in the financial sector due to rapid digitization. In 2023 alone, India’s national cybersecurity team, CERT-In, handled about 16 million cyber incidents, a massive increase from just 53,000 incidents in 2017. Most banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) now see cybersecurity as a major challenge as they move towards digital technology. The RBI’s report highlights that the speed at which information and rumours can spread digitally could threaten financial stability. Cybercriminals are increasingly focusing on financial institutions rather than individual customers.

The public sector, including government agencies, has also seen a dramatic rise in cyberattacks. Many organisations report that these attacks have increased by at least 50%. Earlier this year, a hacking group targeted government agencies and energy companies using a type of malware known as HackBrowserData. Additionally, countries like Pakistan and China have been intensifying their cyberattacks on Indian organisations, with operations like the recent Cosmic Leopard campaign.

According to a report by Cloudflare, 83% of organisations in India experienced at least one cybersecurity incident in the last year, placing India among the top countries in Asia facing such threats. Globally, India is the fifth most breached nation, bringing attention  to the bigger picture which screams for stronger cybersecurity measures.

Indian companies are most worried about threats related to cloud computing, connected devices, and software vulnerabilities. The adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, combined with the shift to remote work, has accelerated digital transformation, but it also increases the need for stronger security measures.

Manu Dwivedi, a cybersecurity expert from PwC India, points out that AI-powered phishing and sophisticated social engineering techniques have made ransomware a top concern for organisations. As more companies use cloud services and open-source software, the risk of cyberattacks grows. Dwivedi also stresses the importance of protecting against insider threats, which requires a mix of strategy, culture, training, and governance.

AI is playing a growing role in both defending against and enabling cyberattacks. While AI has the potential to improve security, it also introduces new risks. Cybercriminals are beginning to use AI to create more advanced malware that can avoid detection. Dwivedi warns that as AI continues to evolve, it may become harder to track how these tools are being misused by attackers.

Partha Gopalakrishnan, founder of PG Advisors, emphasises the need for India to update its cybersecurity laws. The current law, the Information Technology Act of 2000, is outdated and does not fully address today’s digital threats. Gopalakrishnan also stressed upon the growing demand for AI skills in India, suggesting that businesses should focus on training in both AI and cybersecurity to close the skills gap. He warns that as AI becomes more accessible, it could empower a wider range of people to carry out sophisticated cyberattacks.

India’s digital growth presents great opportunities, but it also comes with strenuous challenges. It’s crucial for Indian businesses and government agencies to develop comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and stay vigilant.


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online misinformation
Bots Business Security Cyber Fraud cybersecurity challenges Digital threats fake users internet integrity online misinformation

The Threat of Bots and Fake Users to Internet Integrity and Business Security

 

 
The bots account for 47% of all internet traffic, with "bad bots" making up 30% of that total, as per a recent report by Imperva .These significant numbers threaten the very foundation of the open web.Even when a user is genuinely human, it's likely that their account is a fake identity, making "fake users" almost as common online as real ones.

In Israel, folks are well-acquainted with the existential risks posed by bot campaigns. Following October 7, widespread misinformation campaigns orchestrated by bots and fake accounts swayed public opinion and policymakers.

The New York Times, monitoring online activity during the war, discovered that “in a single day after the conflict began, roughly 1 in 4 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, formerly Twitter, discussing the conflict appeared to be fake... In the 24 hours following the Al-Ahli Arab hospital blast, more than 1 in 3 accounts posting about it on X were fake.” With 82 countries holding elections in 2024, the threat posed by bots and fake users is reaching critical levels. Just last week, OpenAI had to disable an account belonging to an Iranian group using its ChatGPT bot to create content aimed at influencing the US elections.

The influence of bots on elections and their broader impact is alarming. As Rwanda geared up for its July elections, Clemson University researchers identified 460 accounts spreading AI-generated messages on X in support of President Paul Kagame. Additionally, in the last six months, the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) detected influence campaigns targeting Georgian protesters and spreading falsehoods about the death of an Egyptian economist, all driven by inauthentic accounts on X.

Bots and fake users pose severe risks to national security, but online businesses are also significantly affected.Consider a scenario where 30-40% of all digital traffic for a business is generated by bots or fake users. This situation results in skewed data that leads to flawed decision-making, misinterpretation of customer behaviors, misdirected efforts by sales teams, and developers focusing on products that are falsely perceived as in demand. The consequences are staggering. A study by CHEQ.ai, a Key1 portfolio company and go-to-market security platform, found that in 2022 alone, over $35 billion was wasted on advertising, and more than $140 billion in potential revenue was lost.

Ultimately, fake users and bots undermine the very foundations of modern business, creating distrust in data, results, and even among teams.

The introduction of Generative AI has further complicated the issue by making it easier to create bots and fake identities, lowering the barriers for attacks, increasing their sophistication, and expanding their reach. The scope of this problem is immense. 

Education is a crucial element in fighting the online epidemic of fake accounts. By raising awareness of the tactics used by bots and fake users, society can be empowered to recognize and reduce their impact. Identifying inauthentic users—such as those with incomplete profiles, generic information, repetitive phrases, unusually high activity levels, shallow content, and limited engagement—is a critical first step. However, as bots become more sophisticated, this challenge will only grow, highlighting the need for continuous education and vigilance.

Moreover, public policies and regulations must be implemented to restore trust in digital spaces. For instance, governments could mandate that large social networks adopt advanced bot-mitigation tools to better police fake accounts.

Finding the right balance between preserving the freedom of these platforms, ensuring the integrity of posted information, and mitigating potential harm is challenging but necessary for the longevity of these networks.

On the business side, various tools have been developed to tackle and block invalid traffic. These range from basic bot mitigation solutions that prevent Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks to specialized software that protects APIs from bot-driven data theft attempts.

Advanced bot-mitigation solutions use sophisticated algorithms that conduct real-time tests to verify traffic integrity. These tests assess account behavior, interaction levels, hardware characteristics, and the use of automation tools. They also detect non-human behavior, such as abnormally fast typing, and review email and domain histories.

While AI has contributed to the bot problem, it also offers powerful solutions to combat it. AI’s advanced pattern recognition capabilities allow for more precise and rapid differentiation between legitimate and fake bots. Companies like CHEQ.ai are leveraging AI to help marketers ensure their ads reach real human users and are placed in secure, bot-free environments, countering the growing threat of bots in digital advertising.

From national security to business integrity, the consequences of the “fake internet” are vast and serious. However, there are several effective methods to address the problem that deserve renewed focus from both the public and private sectors. By raising awareness, enhancing regulation, and instituting active protection, we can collectively contribute to a more accurate and safer internet environment.
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ransomware incident
City Hall computer disruption City Hall cyber problems Cleveland Cyber Cyber Attacks Digital threats IT systems breach Ransomware attack ransomware incident

Cleveland Confirms Ransomware Attack Behind City Hall Cyber Issues

 

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s office informed employees today that the "cyber incident" affecting City Hall computer systems was indeed a ransomware attack.

In an email sent to workers on Friday afternoon, which Signal Cleveland obtained, the city confirmed the ransomware presence following an investigation by city IT staff, the FBI, and the Ohio National Guard’s Cyber Reserve.

"The nature of the attack is still under investigation as we work to restore and recover our systems," the email stated. "At this time, we cannot disclose anything further, as this is a sensitive investigation."

This email marked the city’s first public acknowledgment of the ransomware attack since encountering computer system issues the previous Saturday.

The email noted that ransomware attacks are increasingly common, highlighting that no organization is immune to digital threats. Neither the employee message nor a subsequent news release from the city indicated whether the ransom had been paid.

"We are taking this matter very seriously and are working diligently to assess the full extent of the attack on our systems," the email continued. "We have taken immediate steps to validate our cybersecurity measures and are working to restore our systems as quickly as possible."

City Hall will remain closed to the public on Monday, though employees are expected to report to work. The mayor's office assured that essential services—emergency response, waste collection, recreation centers, the airport, and utilities—are still operational.
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World Economic Forum
Cyber Crime Cybercrime Atlas Digital threats Ransomware Security Firms World Economic Forum

International Initiative Targets Cybercrime

 


The Cybercrime Atlas initiative has shifted into its operational phase in 2024, marking a significant milestone in global cybersecurity efforts. Originating from discussions at the RSA Conference two years prior, the initiative aims to dismantle cybercriminal networks by mapping out their relationships, infrastructure, and supply chains.

Founded with the support of key players like Banco Santander, Fortinet, Microsoft, and Paypal, the initiative has since expanded to include over 20 law enforcement agencies, private-sector security firms, financial institutions, NGOs, and academic institutions. Together, they analyse intelligence packages and profile threat actors to disrupt cybercriminal operations effectively.

Derek Manky, Chief Security Strategist at Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs, emphasises the initiative's focus on intelligence gathering and the identification of choke points and disruption opportunities. The ultimate goal is to dismantle criminal infrastructure, make arrests, and reduce the profitability of cybercrime, sending a clear message to criminals.

Sean Doyle, the lead of the Cybercrime Atlas initiative, highlights its twofold purpose: creating actionable insights and using them collaboratively to impede cybercriminal activities. Despite recent high-profile cyber attacks, such as the ransomware attack on Change Healthcare and the British Library, the initiative strives to make life more challenging for cybercriminals.

The initiative's significance is underscored by the World Economic Forum's involvement and its recognition of cybersecurity as a critical global risk. With "cyber insecurity" ranked as the fourth top short-term global risk in the WEF's Global Risks Report 2024, the initiative represents a proactive approach to address digital threats.

Moreover, the WEF has actively engaged in addressing the cyber skills gap and promoting cybersecurity resilience among organisations. At its annual meeting in Davos, discussions on ransomware disruption garnered interest from CEOs and board members, reflecting a growing awareness of cybersecurity issues beyond traditional IT circles.

Tal Goldstein, Head of Strategy at the WEF Centre for Cybersecurity, emphasises the collaborative nature of tackling cyber threats, highlighting the need for concerted efforts from companies, governments, and international organisations. Recognising the complexity of cybersecurity challenges, the initiative signals a collective response to safeguarding digital ecosystems.

All in all, the Cybercrime Atlas initiative represents a pivotal step towards combating cybercrime on a global scale. With a focus on collaboration, intelligence gathering, and disruption tactics, it aims to mitigate the growing threat posed by cybercriminals, making cyberspace safer for individuals, businesses, and organisations worldwide.


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