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Password Manager
cybersecurity tips Data Breach delete old accounts identity theft protection Online Security Password Manager

Why It’s Critical to Delete Old Online Accounts Before They Endanger Your Security

 

Most people underestimate just how many online accounts they’ve signed up for over the years. From grocery delivery and fitness apps to medical portals and smart home devices, every service requires an account—and almost all require personal information.

Research by NordPass last year revealed that the average person manages close to 170 passwords for different accounts. For anyone who has spent a significant part of their life online, that figure is likely much higher.

Abandoned or forgotten accounts still hold sensitive data—your name, email, address, birthdate, and payment information. All this information is exactly what shows up in massive data breaches and is precisely what cybercriminals look for.

In an era where data leaks often compile older breaches into vast collections of stolen personal details, inactive accounts lacking updated protections like strong passwords or two-factor authentication become major security liabilities.

Once hackers gain access to your information, they can leverage it in countless ways. For example, if they compromise your email or social media, they can impersonate you to launch phishing attacks or send scams to your contacts. They might also try to trick your friends and colleagues into downloading malware.

Dormant accounts can hold even more sensitive material, such as scans of IDs or insurance documents, which can be exploited for identity theft or fraud. Accounts with saved financial information are an even bigger risk since attackers can drain funds or resell the details on dark web marketplaces.

Deleting old accounts is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to strengthen your online security. It may seem tedious, but it’s something you can easily do while catching up on your favorite shows.

Start by searching your email inbox for common registration keywords like “welcome,” “thank you for signing up,” “verify account,” or “validate account.” A password manager can also help you see which logins you’ve saved over time.

Check the saved password lists in your browser:
  • Chrome: Settings > Passwords
  • Safari: Preferences > Passwords
  • Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Saved Logins
  • Edge: Settings > Profiles > Passwords > Saved Passwords
Many services let you sign in with Google, Facebook, Twitter, or Apple ID. Review the list of connected apps and services—while disconnecting them doesn’t automatically delete accounts, it shows what you need to remove.

Visit Have I Been Pwned? to check if your email has been involved in breaches. This resource can remind you of forgotten accounts and alert you to which passwords should be changed immediately.

If you spot apps you no longer use on your phone or laptop, log in, close the accounts, and delete the apps from your device. Some antivirus tools, such as Bitdefender, offer features to find all accounts you’ve created using your email with a single click.

Certain platforms intentionally make deletion difficult. If you’re struggling, search the site’s name along with “delete account,” or use justdelete.me, a helpful directory with step-by-step removal guides. If that fails, reach out to the site’s support team.

If you cannot fully delete an account, take steps to minimize the risk:

  • Remove saved payment information.
  • Delete personal details such as your name, birthdate, and shipping address.
  • Clear any stored files or sensitive messages.
  • Use a fake name and a disposable email like Mailinator.

Before creating new accounts in the future, consider whether you can use a guest checkout or a dedicated email address just for sign-ups.

For accounts you decide to keep, always update your passwords, store them securely in a password manager, and enable multi-factor authentication or passkeys to strengthen security.
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Online Security
Cyber Scammers Cyber Security Dark Web Dark web malware Dark web marketplace Dark Web Monitoring Illegal Sites Malwares Online Security

Why Exploring the Dark Web Can Lead to Legal Trouble, Malware, and Emotional Harm

 

Venturing into the dark web may seem intriguing to some, but even well-intentioned users are exposed to significant risks. While many people associate the dark web with illegal activity, they may not realize that just browsing these hidden spaces can lead to serious consequences, both legal and emotional. Unlike the regulated surface web, the dark web operates with little to no oversight, which makes stumbling across disturbing or illicit content dangerously easy.

A simple click on an unfamiliar link can redirect users to graphic or illegal material. This content is not always clearly labeled, and visitors may not realize what they’re seeing until it’s too late. In several jurisdictions, merely viewing certain types of content—whether or not you meant to—can have legal repercussions. Users may also experience lasting psychological impact after encountering explicit or violent media. Reports of anxiety, stress, and trauma are not uncommon, even among casual users who were simply exploring out of curiosity.  

Malware, spyware, and keyloggers are often disguised as legitimate downloads or hidden in popular tools. Many websites host dangerous files designed to infect your device as soon as they are opened. Even privacy-focused platforms like Tor can’t fully shield users from malicious code or phishing attempts, especially when browsers are misconfigured or when users interact with suspicious content. 

Technical errors—like enabling JavaScript, resizing your browser window, or leaking DNS requests—can also expose your identity, even if you’re using encrypted tools. Cybersecurity professionals warn that mistakes like these are common and can be exploited by attackers or even government agencies. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor known dark web nodes and can use advanced techniques to track user behavior, collect metadata, and build profiles for surveillance. 

Additionally, scammers thrive in the anonymous environment of the dark web. Fake login portals, spoofed forums, and crypto wallet traps are rampant. And if you’re scammed, there’s little you can do—there are no refund options or customer service teams to help you recover lost funds or data. 

The dark web is often underestimated, constant exposure to unsettling content and the need to stay hyper-aware of threats can wear down a person’s sense of safety and trust. In many cases, the psychological damage can linger far longer than the browsing session itself. 

In short, exploring the dark web without a thorough understanding of the dangers can backfire. It’s a space where curiosity offers no protection, and the consequences—ranging from infections and identity loss to legal charges and emotional distress—can affect even the most cautious users.
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Privacy
AI Chatbot Ai Data AI Security AI Techniques Chatbots Cloud Security Data Privacy Data Usage Online Security Privacy

PocketPal AI Brings Offline AI Chatbot Experience to Smartphones With Full Data Privacy

 

In a digital world where most AI chatbots rely on cloud computing and constant internet connectivity, PocketPal AI takes a different approach by offering an entirely offline, on-device chatbot experience. This free app brings AI processing power directly onto your smartphone, eliminating the need to send data back and forth across the internet. Conventional AI chatbots typically transmit your interactions to distant servers, where the data is processed before a response is returned. That means even sensitive or routine conversations can be stored remotely, raising concerns about privacy, data usage, and the potential for misuse.

PocketPal AI flips this model by handling all computation on your device, ensuring your data never leaves your phone unless you explicitly choose to save or share it. This local processing model is especially useful in areas with unreliable internet or no access at all. Whether you’re traveling in rural regions, riding the metro, or flying, PocketPal AI works seamlessly without needing a connection. 

Additionally, using an AI offline helps reduce mobile data consumption and improves speed, since there’s no delay waiting for server responses. The app is available on both iOS and Android and offers users the ability to interact with compact but capable language models. While you do need an internet connection during the initial setup to download a language model, once that’s done, PocketPal AI functions completely offline. To begin, users select a model from the app’s library or upload one from their device or from the Hugging Face community. 

Although the app lists models without detailed descriptions, users can consult external resources to understand which model is best for their needs—whether it’s from Meta, Microsoft, or another developer. After downloading a model—most of which are several gigabytes in size—users simply tap “Load” to activate the model, enabling conversations with their new offline assistant. 

For those more technically inclined, PocketPal AI includes advanced settings for switching between models, adjusting inference behavior, and testing performance. While these features offer great flexibility, they’re likely best suited for power users. On high-end devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, PocketPal AI runs smoothly and delivers fast responses. 

However, older or budget devices may face slower load times or stuttering performance due to limited memory and processing power. Because offline models must be optimized for device constraints, they tend to be smaller in size and capabilities compared to cloud-based systems. As a result, while PocketPal AI handles common queries, light content generation, and basic conversations well, it may not match the contextual depth and complexity of large-scale models hosted in the cloud. 

Even with these trade-offs, PocketPal AI offers a powerful solution for users seeking AI assistance without sacrificing privacy or depending on an internet connection. It delivers a rare combination of utility, portability, and data control in today’s cloud-dominated AI ecosystem. 

As privacy awareness and concerns about centralized data storage continue to grow, PocketPal AI represents a compelling alternative—one that puts users back in control of their digital interactions, no matter where they are.
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US Citizens
Business Safety Cyber Security Online Security Threat Landscape US Citizens

Digital Danger Zone: America's Rising Cybersecurity Threats

 

A major firm being hacked, facing a cyber threat, or having critical digital data leaked seems to make headlines every day. Cyberattacks increased dramatically worldwide in the first quarter of 2025, with an average of 1,925 attacks per organisation per week. Compared to the same period in 2024, that is an astounding 47% increase. 

The personal information of hundreds of thousands of Americans has been made public by high-profile hacks at organisations like Ticketmaster, AT&T, and UnitedHealth. These kinds of attacks have turned cybersecurity from a technical issue to a national security and economic one. 

New cybercrime front lines 

With cyberattacks expected to skyrocket in 2025, many Americans are investigating what's driving this digital crime wave. One significant factor is our increasing reliance on the internet. As more people and organisations share personal and financial information online, fraudsters' targets have grown in size and profitability. 

The transition to remote employment has also provided new opportunities for attackers. Employees working from home, coffee shops, or communal spaces frequently use unprotected networks and personal devices that lack the security of a corporate IT system. 

Adding to the difficulty, fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make their attacks faster, smarter, and more challenging to detect. AI-powered tools enable hackers to automate phishing emails, impersonate reputable websites, and even crack passwords at breakneck speed. As a result, traditional cybersecurity defences are unable to keep pace.

Infrastructure flaws

Cyberattacks are endangering not only private businesses, but also the systems that keep the government functioning. The US Department of Homeland Security has identified sixteen critical infrastructure sectors as crucial to national security, public health, and economic stability. These include energy, healthcare, water systems, financial services, and transportation, among others. 

A successful cyberattack on any of them might result in widespread disruptions, ranging from power outages to delayed emergency services. Ransomware assaults have recently targeted hospitals, oil pipelines, and even public transportation systems, indicating that these sectors are becoming increasingly vulnerable to both cybercriminals and state actors. 

One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in 2021, when a ransomware group targeted the Colonial Pipeline. The attack forced a temporary stoppage of the pipeline, resulting in fuel shortages and price increases across the Southeastern United States. Colonial later paid the hackers $4.4 million in cryptocurrencies to restore its servers. That attack, and others like it, have raised fears that essential utilities and infrastructure are still vulnerable to foreign intrusion. As cyberthreats advance, many experts fear that future attacks may have far larger and more severe consequences.

Remain cautious 

With AI making hacks easier than ever, it is critical to keep ahead of the curve. New legislation, such as updated data privacy laws and tougher cybersecurity regulations, can help safeguard both businesses and citizens from these emerging threats. Beyond legislation, public awareness is crucial. 

Americans should be aware of the most prevalent cybercrime strategies, such as phishing emails, deep fakes, and social engineering frauds. As AI-generated material gets more convincing, fraudulent actors have an easier time impersonating trusted sources or manipulating digital identities. 

Cybersecurity experts emphasise the importance of integrating digital literacy into ordinary education. Small efforts, such as multi-factor authentication and safe browsing practices, can help to reduce risk significantly. Staying vigilant in the age of AI-enhanced cybercrime is not just sensible, but also critical.
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Threat Landscape
Cyber Warfare Online Security Russia-Ukraine War Technology Threat Landscape

The Rise of Cyber Warfare and Its Global Implications

 

In Western society, the likelihood of cyberattacks is arguably higher now than it has ever been. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advised UK organisations to strengthen their cyber security when Russia launched its attack on Ukraine in early 2022. In a similar vein, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued warnings about increased risks to US companies. 

There is no doubt that during times of global transition and turmoil, cyber security becomes a battlefield in its own right, with both state and non-state actors increasingly turning to cyber-attacks to gain an advantage in combat. Furthermore, as technology advances and an increasing number of devices connect to the internet, the scope and sophistication of cyber-attacks has grown significantly. 

Cyber warfare can take numerous forms, such as breaking into enemy state computer systems, spreading malware, and executing denial-of-service assaults. If a cyber threat infiltrates the right systems, entire towns and cities may be shut off from information, services, and infrastructure that have become fundamental to our way of life, such as electricity, online banking systems, and the internet. 

The European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) believes that cyber warfare poses a substantial and growing threat to vital infrastructure. Its research on the "Threat Landscape for Foreign Information Manipulation Interference (FIMI)" states that key infrastructure, such as electricity and healthcare, is especially vulnerable to cyber-attacks during times of conflict or political tension.

In addition, cyber-attacks can disrupt banking systems, inflicting immediate economic loss and affecting individuals. According to the report, residents were a secondary target in more than half of the incidents analysed. Cyber-attacks are especially effective at manipulating public perceptions through, at the most basic level, inconvenience, to the most serious level, which could result in the loss of life. 

Risk to businesses 

War and military conflicts can foster a business environment susceptible to cyber-attacks, since enemies may seek to target firms or sectors deemed critical to a country's economy or infrastructure. They may also choose symbolic targets, like media outlets or high-profile businesses connected with a country. 

Furthermore, the use of cyber-attacks in war can produce a broad sense of instability and uncertainty, which can be exploited to exploit vulnerabilities in firms' cyber defences.

Cyber-attacks on a company's computer systems, networks, and servers can cause delays and shutdowns, resulting in direct loss of productivity and money. However, they can also harm reputation, prompt regulatory action (including the imposition of fines), and result in consumer loss. 

Prevention tips

To mitigate these risks, firms can take proactive actions to increase their cyber defences, such as self-critical auditing and third-party testing. Employees should also be trained to identify and respond to cyber risks. Furthermore, firms should conduct frequent security assessments to detect vulnerabilities and adopt mitigation techniques.
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Threat Intelligence
Online Security Quantum Computers Security Breach Technology Threat Intelligence

Quantum Computers Threaten to Breach Online Security in Minutes

 

A perfect quantum computer could decrypt RSA-2048, our current strongest encryption, in 10 seconds. Quantum computing employs the principle of quantum physics to process information using quantum bits (qubits) rather than standard computer bits. Qubits can represent both states at the same time, unlike traditional computers, which employ bits that are either 0 or 1. This capacity makes quantum computers extremely effective in solving complicated problems, particularly in cryptography, artificial intelligence, and materials research. 

While this computational leap opens up incredible opportunities across businesses, it also raises serious security concerns. When quantum computers achieve their full capacity, they will be able to break through standard encryption methods used to safeguard our most sensitive data. While the timescale for commercial availability of fully working quantum computers is still uncertain, projections vary widely.

The Boston Consulting Group predicts a significant quantum advantage between 2030 and 2040, although Gartner believes that developments in quantum computing could begin to undermine present encryption approaches as early as 2029, with complete vulnerability by 2034. Regardless of the precise timetable, the conclusion is unanimous: the era of quantum computing is quickly approaching. 

Building quantum resilience 

To address this impending threat, organisations must: 

  • Adopt new cryptographic algorithms that are resistant against impending quantum attacks, such as post-quantum cryptography (PQC). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently published its first set of PQC algorithm standards (FIPS 203, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205) to assist organisations in safeguarding their data from quantum attacks. 
  • Upgrades will be required across the infrastructure. Develop crypto agility to adapt to new cryptographic methods without requiring massive system overhauls as threats continue to evolve. 

This requires four essential steps: 

Discover and assess: Map out where your organisation utilises cryptography and evaluate the quantum threats to its assets. Identify the crown jewels and potential business consequences. 

Strategise: Determine the current cryptography inventory, asset lives against quantum threat timelines, quantum risk levels for essential business assets, and create an extensive PQC migration path. 

Modernise: Implement quantum-resilient algorithms while remaining consistent with overall company strategy.

Enhance: Maintain crypto agility by providing regular updates, asset assessments, modular procedures, continual education, and compliance monitoring. 

The urgency to act 

In the past, cryptographic migrations often took more than ten years to finish. Quantum-resistant encryption early adopters have noticed wide-ranging effects, such as interoperability issues, infrastructure rewrites, and other upgrading challenges, which have resulted in multi-year modernisation program delays. 

The lengthy implementation period makes getting started immediately crucial, even though the shift to PQC may be a practical challenge given its extensive and dispersed distribution throughout the digital infrastructure. Prioritising crypto agility will help organisations safeguard critical details before quantum threats materialise.
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Payment Scams
AI Scams Cyber Fraud deepfake scams Financial Fraud Identity Theft Online Safety Online Security Payment Scams

Protect Yourself from AI Scams and Deepfake Fraud

 

In today’s tech-driven world, scams have become increasingly sophisticated, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology. Falling victim to these scams can result in severe financial, social, and emotional consequences. Over the past year alone, cybercrime victims have reported average losses of $30,700 per incident. 

As the holiday season approaches, millennials and Gen Z shoppers are particularly vulnerable to scams, including deepfake celebrity endorsements. Research shows that one in five Americans has unknowingly purchased a product promoted through deepfake content, with the number rising to one in three among individuals aged 18-34. 

Sharif Abuadbba, a deepfake expert at CSIRO’s Data61 team, explains how scammers leverage AI to create realistic imitations of influencers. “Deepfakes can manipulate voices, expressions, and even gestures, making it incredibly convincing. Social media platforms amplify the impact as viewers share fake content widely,” Abuadbba states. 

Cybercriminals often target individuals as entry points to larger networks, exploiting relationships with family, friends, or employers. Identity theft can also harm professional reputations and financial credibility. To counter these threats, experts suggest practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Scammers are increasingly impersonating loved ones through texts, calls, or video to request money. 

With AI voice cloning making such impersonations more believable, a pre-agreed safe word can serve as a verification tool. Jamie Rossato, CSIRO’s Chief Information Security Officer, advises, “Never transfer funds unless the person uses your special safe word.” If you receive suspicious calls, particularly from someone claiming to be a bank or official institution, verify their identity. 

Lauren Ferro, a cybersecurity expert, recommends calling the organization directly using its official number. “It’s better to be cautious upfront than to deal with stolen money or reputational damage later,” Ferro adds. Identity theft is the most reported cybercrime, making MFA essential. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring both a password and a one-time verification code. Experts suggest using app-based authenticators like Microsoft Authenticator for enhanced security. 

Real-time alerts from your banking app can help detect unauthorized transactions. While banks monitor unusual activities, personal notifications allow you to respond immediately to potential scams. The personal information and media you share online can be exploited to create deepfakes. Liming Zhu, a research director at CSIRO, emphasizes the need for caution, particularly with content involving children. 

Awareness remains the most effective defense against scams. Staying informed about emerging threats and adopting proactive security measures can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime. As technology continues to evolve, safeguarding your digital presence is more important than ever. By adopting these expert tips, you can navigate the online world with greater confidence and security.
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VPN providers
Cyber Security encrypted VPN server free VPNs internet privacy Online Security paid VPNs privacy protection VPN providers

Understanding the Limitations of VPNs and Privacy Protection

 

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are now a ubiquitous part of our digital lives. From being featured in editorials and advertisements to appearing in TV commercials, on billboards, and even within influencer marketing campaigns, VPNs are everywhere. They promise to protect your privacy by hiding your browsing activity and keeping your internet traffic anonymous. 

The claim that VPNs ensure your online privacy by masking your browsing history is an alluring promise, but the truth is more complicated. Many people use VPNs hoping to shield themselves from internet service providers selling their browsing data, government surveillance, or tech companies collecting information about them. However, while VPNs aim to solve these privacy concerns, they can also expose users to new risks.

Originally, VPNs were designed to allow employees to connect to their corporate networks remotely. However, in recent years, VPNs have gained popularity for more personal uses, such as hiding your online activity and tricking streaming services into thinking you're accessing content from a different country. VPNs have also been used by activists and dissidents to circumvent censorship in restrictive environments.

The way VPNs work is fairly simple: They route your internet traffic through a secure tunnel to a remote server, making it more difficult for anyone to monitor which websites you visit or what apps you're using. This setup helps protect your browsing activity from your internet service provider, which is why many people believe VPNs offer true anonymity.

But there’s a catch: VPNs don’t inherently protect your privacy. While they may divert your traffic away from your internet provider, they direct it to the VPN provider instead. That means the VPN provider has the same access to your data as your ISP. This raises a critical question: Why trust a VPN to protect your privacy when they have access to your data, potentially even more than your ISP does?

The Dark Side of Free VPNs

One of the biggest privacy risks with VPNs comes from free VPN services. These providers often claim to offer privacy protection at no cost, but in reality, their business model involves monetizing your data. Free VPN providers typically sell your browsing information to advertisers and third parties, who then use it to target you with ads. This completely undermines the concept of privacy.

Even paid VPN services aren’t immune to these issues. While they may not sell your data for ads, they still route all your traffic through their own servers, which means your data could be exposed to potential risks. Moreover, some of the biggest tech companies offering VPN services profit from advertising, which could create a conflict of interest when it comes to protecting your data.

Many VPN providers claim that they don’t keep logs or track your online activity. This sounds reassuring, but it's hard to verify. Even if a VPN provider promises not to store your data, there’s no way to be certain without independent verification. Some VPN services have been caught lying about their logging practices, and there have been incidents where large amounts of user data were exposed through data breaches. In some cases, VPN providers were forced to hand over user information to law enforcement, proving that their “no logs” policies were not reliable. 

While not all VPN providers are unscrupulous, the real issue lies in the fact that you have no way of knowing what’s happening with your data once it’s out of your hands. If you want to truly safeguard your privacy, the best option is to set up your own encrypted VPN server. This way, you retain full control over your data and can ensure that it stays protected.

Setting up your own VPN server is easier than you might think. You can use open-source software that has been audited by security researchers, and host it on a cloud service like Amazon Web Services, DigitalOcean, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. With this setup, your internet traffic is encrypted using a private key that only you have access to. This means that even if the cloud provider hosting your VPN server is compromised, your data remains protected.

This DIY approach ensures that no one – not even your cloud service provider – can access your private data. In fact, if authorities were to seize your server, the data would still be encrypted and inaccessible without your private key. Only you can unlock the data, providing the highest level of security and privacy.

While VPNs can be useful for specific tasks, like accessing region-locked content or enhancing security on public Wi-Fi networks, they should not be relied upon to protect your privacy or anonymity. If you’re serious about safeguarding your online activity, a self-managed encrypted VPN server is the most secure option.

In conclusion, VPNs can be beneficial in some contexts, but they come with inherent risks and limitations. Don't count on VPN providers to keep your data private. Take control of your privacy by setting up your own encrypted server, ensuring that your online activities stay protected from prying eyes.
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