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User Privacy
Biosecurity Cyber Security DNA Sequencing Health Security User Privacy

Scientists Warn of Cybersecurity Threats in Next-Gen DNA Sequencing

 

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) is under increasing criticism for its cyber risks. While NGS has transformed disciplines ranging from cancer diagnosis to infectious disease tracking, a recent study warns that the platforms that enable these advancements could also be used as a gateway by hackers and bad actors.

The study, published in IEEE Access and headed by Dr. Nasreen Anjum of the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing, is the first to systematically map cyber-biosecurity vulnerabilities throughout the NGS workflow. 

NGS technology, which enables rapid and cost-effective DNA and RNA sequencing, supports not only cancer research and medicine development, but also agricultural innovation and forensic science. Its ability to process millions to billions of DNA fragments at once has significantly reduced the cost and enhanced the speed of genome analysis, making it a standard in labs around the world. 

However, the study focuses on a less-discussed aspect of this technological advancement: the increasing number of vulnerabilities at each stage of the NGS pipeline. From sample preparation to sequencing and data processing, each stage requires specialised instruments, complicated software, and networked systems. 

According to Dr. Anjum, these interrelated processes generate several points where security might be compromised. As large genetic databases are being stored and shared online, cybercriminals are more likely to access and misuse this sensitive information. The report cautions that such breaches might lead to not only privacy violations or identity tracing, but potentially more serious possibilities like data manipulation or the fabrication of synthetic DNA-encoded malware. 

Experts from Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Gloucestershire, Najran University, and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women's University contributed to the research. The researchers discovered multiple emerging threats including AI-powered genomic data manipulation and improved re-identification techniques that could jeopardise individual privacy. These concerns, they suggest, transcend beyond the person and endanger scientific integrity and possibly national security. 

Despite these risks, Dr Anjum observes that cyber-biosecurity remains a neglected field, with fragmented safeguards and little collaboration between computer science, bioinformatics, biotechnology, and security. To address these challenges, the research suggests a number of feasible options, including secure sequencing procedures, secured data storage, and AI-powered anomaly detection systems. The authors recommend governments, regulatory agencies, and academic institutions to prioritise research, education, and policy development in order to close biosecurity gaps.
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Viral Tend
Barbie Doll Trend Cyber Security Generative AI Threat Intelligence User Privacy Viral Tend

Security Analysts Express Concerns Over AI-Generated Doll Trend

 

If you've been scrolling through social media recently, you've probably seen a lot of... dolls. There are dolls all over X and on Facebook feeds. Instagram? Dolls. TikTok?

You guessed it: dolls, as well as doll-making techniques. There are even dolls on LinkedIn, undoubtedly the most serious and least entertaining member of the club. You can refer to it as the Barbie AI treatment or the Barbie box trend. If Barbie isn't your thing, you can try AI action figures, action figure starter packs, or the ChatGPT action figure fad. However, regardless of the hashtag, dolls appear to be everywhere. 

And, while they share some similarities (boxes and packaging resembling Mattel's Barbie, personality-driven accessories, a plastic-looking smile), they're all as unique as the people who post them, with the exception of one key common feature: they're not real. 

In the emerging trend, users are using generative AI tools like ChatGPT to envision themselves as dolls or action figures, complete with accessories. It has proven quite popular, and not just among influencers.

Politicians, celebrities, and major brands have all joined in. Journalists covering the trend have created images of themselves with cameras and microphones (albeit this journalist won't put you through that). Users have created renditions of almost every well-known figure, including billionaire Elon Musk and actress and singer Ariana Grande. 

The Verge, a tech media outlet, claims that it started on LinkedIn, a professional social networking site that was well-liked by marketers seeking interaction. Because of this, a lot of the dolls you see try to advertise a company or business. (Think, "social media marketer doll," or even "SEO manager doll." ) 

Privacy concerns

From a social perspective, the popularity of the doll-generating trend isn't surprising at all, according to Matthew Guzdial, an assistant professor of computing science at the University of Alberta.

"This is the kind of internet trend we've had since we've had social media. Maybe it used to be things like a forwarded email or a quiz where you'd share the results," Guzdial noted. 

But as with any AI trend, there are some concerns over its data use. Generative AI in general poses substantial data privacy challenges. As the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (Stanford HAI) points out, data privacy concerns and the internet are nothing new, but AI is so "data-hungry" that it magnifies the risk. 

Safety tips 

As we have seen, one of the major risks of participating in viral AI trends is the potential for your conversation history to be compromised by unauthorised or malicious parties. To stay safe, researchers recommend taking the following steps: 

Protect your account: This includes enabling 2FA, creating secure and unique passwords for each service, and avoiding logging in to shared computers.

Minimise the real data you give to the AI model: Fornés suggests using nicknames or other data instead. You should also consider utilising a different ID solely for interactions with AI models.

Use the tool cautiously and properly: When feasible, use the AI model in incognito mode and without activating the history or conversational memory functions.
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User Privacy
Bangchak Data Breach Data Leak PDPC User Privacy

PDPC Probes Bangchak Data Breach Impacting 6.5 Million Records

 

A major data breach involving Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited is being swiftly investigated by Thailand's Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC). The company stated that unauthorised access to its customer feedback system had affected roughly 6.5 million records. 

A statement posted on the PDPC Thailand Facebook page on April 11 claims that Bangchak discovered the breach on April 9 and acted right away to secure the compromised systems and prevent unauthorised access. The portal from which the hacked data originated was used to gather customer input. 

The PDPC has directed Bangchak to conduct an extensive internal investigation and submit a comprehensive report outlining the nature of the exposed data, the impact on consumers, the root cause of the breach, and a risk assessment. The agency is also investigating whether there was a violation of Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), which might result in legal action if noncompliance is discovered.

In response to the breach, Bangchak delivered SMS alerts to affected customers. The company declared that no sensitive personal or financial information was compromised. However, it advised users not to click on strange links or share their OTP (One-Time Password) tokens with others, which is a typical practice in phishing and fraud schemes. The PDPC stressed the necessity of following data protection rules and taking proactive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. 

Prevention tips

Set security guidelines: Security protocols must include the cybersecurity policies and processes necessary to safeguard sensitive company data. One of the most effective strategies to prevent data theft is to establish processes that ensure unauthorised persons do not have access to data. Only authorised personnel should be able to view sensitive information. Businesses should have a thorough grasp of the data that could be compromised in order to minimise the risk of a cybersecurity attack.

Implement password protection: One of the most effective things a small business can do to protect itself from a data breach is to use strong passwords for all sites visited on a daily basis. Strong passwords should be unique for each account and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Furthermore, passwords should never be shared with coworkers or written down where others can see them.

Update security software: Employing firewalls, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware applications can help businesses make sure that hackers can't just access confidential information. To maintain these security programs free of vulnerabilities, they also need to be updated on a regular basis. To find out about impending security patches and other updates, visit the websites of any software suppliers.
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User Privacy
Apollo Hospitals Data Breach Data Leak Medical Data User Privacy

Researchers Unearth a Massive Data Leak Within Apollo Hospitals

 

For security analysts Akshay and Viral, a casual check of a healthcare system's security quickly turned into a huge finding. The duo discovered a major data leak at Apollo Hospitals, one of India's leading hospital networks. 

The breach first came to their attention on January 9, when they discovered a zip file on one of Apollo's subsidiary websites. Recognising the sensitivity, they notified Apollo's management within a few hours on January 10.

The file was erased by February 1, but they raised the issue with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), urging further investigation. 

In March, they uncovered another zip file, which was smaller in size but still included sensitive material, raising new concerns about ongoing security threats. It remains unknown whether Apollo or an intruder is adding and deleting files from the server. 

The leaked data include scanned copies of critical personal documents such as work identification cards, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, passports, and student IDs. This type of data can be used to commit identity theft, fraud, or illegal access to services. 

Additionally, the breach exposed patient medical records, immunisation information, and credentials associated with patient IDs and many internal databases. This means that an attacker could misuse or publicly disclose confidential health information, such as diagnosis, prescriptions, and treatments.

Who is behind the leak?

The experts suspect the attack was carried out by the KillSec ransomware organisation, a well-known cybercriminal outfit that has attacked a variety of sectors, including healthcare.

Using Halcyon, a cybersecurity platform that tracks ransomware gangs and its actions, they learnt that KillSec targeted Apollo Hospitals in October 2024. The compromised data they discovered also dated back to that time period, establishing the connection.

KillSec is notorious for stealing sensitive data and threatening to publish or sell it unless a ransom is paid. Unlike some ransomware gangs who encrypt data to demand payment, KillSec frequently uses double extortion—stealing data before spreading ransomware, giving them leverage even if the victim refuses to pay. 

No action taken 

The researchers highlighted that well over 60 days had passed since their initial attempt to notify Apollo, far exceeding the industry threshold for responsible disclosure. While non-critical security issues are routinely addressed within this timeframe, breaches of this magnitude are usually resolved within hours by firms of comparable size. 

Organisations must report particular types of cyber incidents to CERT-In within six hours of detection. They must submit accurate data, such as the nature of the breach, the systems involved, and any preliminary results.
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Zero-day Flaw
Data Breach Data Leak Oracle User Privacy Zero-day Flaw

Oracle Finally Acknowledges Cloud Hack

 

Oracle is reportedly trying to downplay the impact of the attack while quietly acknowledging to clients that some of its cloud services have been compromised. 

A hacker dubbed online as 'rose87168' recently offered to sell millions of lines of data reportedly associated with over 140,000 Oracle Cloud tenants, including encrypted credentials. The hacker initially intended to extort a $20 million ransom from Oracle, but eventually offered to sell the data to anyone or swap it for zero-day vulnerabilities.

The malicious actor has been sharing a variety of materials to support their claims, such as a sample of 10,000 customer data records, a link to a file demonstrating access to Oracle cloud systems, user credentials, and a long video that seems to have been recorded during an internal Oracle meeting.

However, Oracle categorically denied an Oracle Cloud hack after the hacker's claims surfaced, stating, "There has been no breach of Oracle Cloud. The published credentials are not for the Oracle Cloud. No Oracle Cloud customers experienced a breach or lost any data.”

However, multiple independent reports suggest Oracle privately notified concerned customers and confirmed a data incident. On the other hand, specifics remain unclear, and there appears to be some conflicting information. 

Bloomberg has learned from people familiar with the matter that Oracle has started privately informing users of a data leak involving usernames, passkeys and encrypted passwords. The FBI and CrowdStrike are reportedly investigating the incident.

Security firm CyberAngel learned from an unknown source that ‘Gen 1’ cloud servers were attacked — newer ‘Gen 2’ servers were not — that the exposed material is at least 16 months old and does not include full private details. 

“Our source, who we are not naming as requested, is reporting that Oracle has allegedly determined an attacker who was in the shared identity service as early as January 2025,” Cyber Angel said. “This exposure was facilitated via a 2020 Java exploit and the hacker was able to install a webshell along with malware. The malware specifically targeted the Oracle IDM database and was able to exfil data.” 

“Oracle allegedly became aware of a potential breach in late February and investigated this issue internally,” it added. “Within days, Oracle reportedly was able to remove the actor when the first demand for ransom was made in early March.” 

Following the story, cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont discovered from Oracle cloud users that the tech firm has simply verbally notified them; no written notifications have been sent. According to Beaumont, "Gen 1" servers might be a reference to Oracle Classic, the moniker for earlier Oracle Cloud services. Oracle is able to deny that Oracle Cloud was compromised thanks to this "wordplay," as Beaumont refers to it.
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User Privacy
AWS Credentials Mobile Security Spyware Stalkerware User Privacy

Amazon Faces Criticism For Still Hosting Stalkerware Victims' Data

 

Amazon is drawing fire for hosting data from the Cocospy, Spyic, and Spyzie apps weeks after being notified of the problem, as the spyware firms continue to upload sensitive phone data of 3.1 million users to Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers. 

Last month on February 20, threat analysts at TechCrunch, an American global news outlet, notified Amazon of the stalkerware-hosted data, including exact storage bucket information where the stolen data from victims' phones was stored. However, as of mid-March, no firm steps have been taken to disable the hosting servers. 

In response, AWS thanked TechCrunch for the tip and sent a link to its abuse report form. In response to this statement, Ryan, the AWS spokesperson stated, "AWS responded by requesting specific technical evidence through its abuse reporting form to investigate the claims. TechCrunch declined to provide this evidence or submit an abuse report.”

The Android apps Cocospy, Spyic, and Spyzie share identical source code and a security vulnerability that can be easily exploited. The flaw abuses poorly secured servers used by the apps, allowing external access to exfiltrated data. The servers employed by the apps have Chinese origins and store data on Cloudflare and AWS infrastructure.

On March 10, TechCrunch notified Amazon that the Spyzie app was also uploading stolen data to its own Amazon bucket. According to Amazon, AWS responds to complaints of abuse and has stringent acceptable usage guidelines. The company's procedural reaction, however, has come under fire for taking too long to take action regarding hosting stolen data.

Ryan clarified that AWS responded quickly and made repeated requests for the technical data required to conduct the investigation, which TechCrunch declined. He went on to say: "AWS's request to submit the findings through its publicly available abuse reporting channel was questioned by the outlet, which declined to provide the requested technical data.” 

Stalkerware thrives on direct downloads, despite being banned from major app stores like Google Play and Apple's App Store. While some sellers say that the apps are for legal purposes, their capabilities are frequently utilised in ways that breach privacy regulations.
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User Privacy
Data Leak Mobile Security Samsung Folder Secure Folder User Privacy

Samsung Secure Folder Vulnerability Exposes Hidden Images

 

Samsung's Secure Folder, a feature designed to provide industry-grade security for sensitive data on Galaxy smartphones, has been identified to have a major flaw. Recent discoveries indicate that apps and images saved in the Secure Folder can be accessible under certain conditions, raising concerns about the privacy and security of the data stored there. 

Modus operandi

The Secure Folder acts as a "Work" profile, allowing users to keep private apps, images, and files separate from their primary profile. Normally, when an app seeks to access files from the Secure Folder, the system prevents it unless the app is specifically approved. 

However, a Reddit user named lawyerz88 revealed that this security feature is ineffective when utilising a "Work" app (with a media picker) linked to a separate work profile. In that instance, files stored in the Secure Folder become available via the app. So it is not difficult to circumvent the intended privacy protections.

“If you have the work profile enabled through something like Island or Shelter (or you know, your actual workplace), any apps in the work profile can access the entirety of files saved in a secure folder without any restrictions whatsoever.” notes the Reddit user. “It seems it’s restricted by policy only and only from the personal profile and someone forgot to restrict access via another work profile.” 

Android Authority confirmed the flaw with the Shelter app, which allows you to create a work profile on any device. This means that anyone with physical access to a Galaxy smartphone might use this flaw to view Secure Folder data. 

Samsung's claim of strong security is called into question by this defect, since private data kept in the Secure Folder can be accessed without the owner's knowledge.While accessing the Secure Folder usually requires biometric authentication or a PIN/password, the workaround via Work applications renders these safeguards ineffective. 

The tech giant reportedly acknowledged that they were aware of the user's findings after he reported them. The firm recently rectified the boot loop issue linked with the Secure Folder, and now that more people are aware of it, we hope it is resolved as quickly as possible.
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User Privacy
Cyber Fraud Data Leak Financial Scam Indian Banking MHA User Privacy

Open Access to Critical Data With Bank Staff Leading to Financial Scam

 

A concerning trend has sent shockwaves across cybersecurity authorities, with central cyber and intelligence organisations tracking and documenting large-scale data leaks perpetrated by bank staff and third party contractors. 

According to a senior Indian government official, the issue has been raised to the highest levels of government, prompting an emergency meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) a few weeks ago to develop a resolution. The government agencies have determined that unlimited access to critical banking data, granted to staff and third-party vendors, is directly supporting rampant cyber fraud and significant financial losses among citizens. 

“The exposure of highly sensitive banking data to employees, particularly outsourced staff and third-party vendors, is leading to severe information leaks. Cybercriminals are exploiting this breach to systematically target and defraud citizens," a top government official stated. 

What is more concerning is the potential involvement of high management-level bank executives. Intelligence agencies officials at the meeting stated that despite repeated accusations, both public and private sector institutions had failed to take action against fraudulent activity. “Shockingly, banks are neglecting action on nearly 60-70 percent of fraudulent accounts reported on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)," a senior official who attended the MHA meeting noted. 

Financial intelligence agencies have also detected severe flaws in banking security. The MHA meeting featured a detailed analysis of cyber fraud trends, mule accounts, and bank reaction times. The statistics show a stunning increase in cybercrime events, demonstrating that current security measures are ineffective. Banks seem reluctant to take corrective action, creating serious concerns about their accountability. 

In line with the most recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recommendation, authorities have highlighted the need for swift and strict action due to the rapid evolution of cybercrime. According to officials, unregulated data leaks from banks' own infrastructure will continue to fuel cybercriminal networks, putting millions of clients at risk, unless banks strengthen their internal controls and take decisive action.
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User Privacy
Android Security Cyber Scams Mobile Security Security Update User Privacy

Android Latest Security Feature Protects Users from Cyber Scams

 

Google is developing a new security feature for Android that prevents users from updating sensitive settings while a phone call is in process. The in-call anti-scammer measures include prohibiting users from enabling settings to install apps from unidentified sources and providing accessibility access. The development was initially reported by Android Authority. 

Users who attempt to do so during phone calls receive the following message: "Scammers frequently request this type of action during phone calls, thus it is blocked to protect you. If you are being directed to take this activity by someone you do not know, it could be a scam.” 

Furthermore, it prevents users from granting an app access to accessibility services during a phone call. The feature is now active in Android 16 Beta 2, which was released earlier this week. With this latest update, the goal is to increase friction to a technique that malicious actors frequently utilise to propagate malware. 

These tactics, known as telephone-oriented attack delivery (TOAD), entail sending SMS messages to potential targets and encouraging them to contact a number by creating a false feeling of urgency.

Last year, NCC Group and Finland's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-FI) revealed that fraudsters were distributing dropper programs via SMS messages and phone calls to deceive users into installing malware like Vultr. 

The development comes after Google increased restricted settings to cover more permission categories, preventing sideloaded applications from accessing sensitive data. To combat fraud, it has also enabled the automated blocking of potentially unsafe app sideloading in markets such as Brazil, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Sideloading the safe way 

By following certain guidelines and best practices, you can sideload apps in a safer manner. To reduce the risks of sideloading, you can take the following actions. 

Verify the source: Only download apps from reliable and trustworthy sources. Avoid downloading applications from random websites, torrents, or file-sharing services. 

Check app authenticity: Ensure that the sideloading app is the original, unaltered version from the developer. Verify the app's digital signature if possible. 

Enable unknown sources selectively: On Android, you must allow "Unknown Sources." This enables you to sideload apps. This should be switched off when not in use. 

Employ a reputable APK repository: Aptoide and APKMirror are two trustworthy third-party app stores to use when sideloading Android apps. These programs select apps and examine them for malware. 

Use mobile security software: To safeguard your smartphone from possible dangers, use a trustworthy mobile security application. Malicious sideloaded apps can also be detected by many security applications.
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User Privacy
Data Breach Health Sisters Medical Data US Hospital User Privacy

US Health System Notifies Nearly 900K Patients Regarding a 2023 Data Breach

 

Hospital Sisters Health System informed nearly 882,000 patients that a cyberattack in August 2023 resulted in a data breach that compromised their private and medical data. 

Established in 1875, HSHS works with about 2,200 physicians and employs over 12,000 employees. It also runs a network of physician practices and 15 community hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin, including two children's hospitals. 

The non-profit healthcare institution stated in data breach notifications given to those affected that the incident was discovered on August 27, 2023, after determining that the hacker had gained access to the HSHS network.

Following the security incident, its systems were affected by a widespread outage that knocked out "virtually all operating systems" and phone systems in Illinois and Wisconsin hospitals. HSHS also hired external security specialists to investigate the incident, assess the impact, and assist the IT staff in restoring hacked systems.

"We are prioritizing patient safety as we establish a process for restoration. With the support of third-party experts, we are bringing our systems back online as quickly and as safely as possible," HSHS noted in a September 2024 statement. "A health system of our size operates hundreds of system applications across thousands of servers, and as such, our restoration and investigative work will take some time to complete.” 

While the incident and subsequent outage appear to be the result of a ransomware attack, no ransomware outfit has claimed responsibility for the breach. Following the forensic inspection, HSHS discovered that between August 16 and August 27, 2023, the perpetrators had accessed files on hacked systems.

The information accessed by attackers while inside HSHS' systems varies by individual, but it typically includes a combination of name, address, date of birth, medical record number, limited treatment data, health insurance information, Social Security number, and/or driver's license number. 

While HSHS stated that there is no evidence that the victims' information was utilised in fraud or identity theft activities, it recommended impacted individuals to keep an eye on their account statements and credit reports for suspicious behaviour. The health system also provides free Equifax credit monitoring for one year to anybody harmed by the breach.

New York Blood Centre (NYBC), one of the biggest independent blood collection and distribution organisations in the world, announced that it had to reschedule some appointments due to a ransomware attack, Connecticut healthcare provider Community Health Centre (CHC) informed more than a million patients regarding a data breach last week. 

UnitedHealth said earlier this month that the Change Healthcare ransomware assault last year had stolen the data of some 190 million Americans, nearly twice as many as the 100 million that were made public in October.
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User Privacy
Cyber Scam Malicious Campaign malware Tria Stealer User Privacy

Fake Wedding Invitation Malware Targets Android Users

 

Malicious actors are propagating a recently discovered Android malware called Tria by sending phoney wedding invitations to consumers in Brunei and Malaysia. 

According to a report published by the Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, the attackers have been using private and group chats on Telegram and WhatsApp since mid-2024 to distribute the malware, inviting users to weddings and prompting them to install a mobile app in order to get the invitation.

Once the malware is installed, it can collect private information from call logs, emails (including Gmail and Outlook), SMS messages, and messaging apps (such as WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business). 

Researchers caution that accounts that depend on email and messaging app authentication could be compromised, passwords can be reset, or online banking can be accessed using the stolen data. 

The attackers' main objective seems to be taking complete control of the victims' Telegram and WhatsApp accounts so they can make phoney money requests to connections or propagate malware. To process stolen data, the hackers employ two Telegram bots: one for managing SMS data and another for gathering text from emails and instant messaging apps. 

According to Kaspersky, posts on social media sites like Facebook and X suggest that the campaign has reached a number of Android users in Malaysia, while the precise number of victims is still unknown.

The researchers have not identified a specific organisation responsible for the attack, but evidence implies that the hackers are Indonesian-speaking. 

In 2023, Kaspersky discovered a similar effort known as UdangaSteal, in which hackers stole text messages from users in Indonesia, Malaysia, and India and transmitted the data to their servers using a Telegram bot. The attackers utilised a variety of deceptive approaches to trick users into installing malicious files, such as bogus wedding invites, package delivery notifications, annual tax payment reminders, and job offers. 

Despite their similarities, experts identify major differences between the two attacks, such as distinct malware code, geographic targets, and attack techniques. While UdangaSteal has always focused on SMS theft, experts say Tria has a larger reach, attacking emails and chat apps as well as SMS conversations.
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Virtual Credit Card
Cyber Security Financial Security Online Scam User Privacy Virtual Credit Card

Here's The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Credit Card in Safeguarding Online Privacy

 

Virtual credit cards are digital versions of physical credit cards. They generate a unique credit card number that you can use instead of your physical card number, avoiding the merchant from storing your credit card data and making your financial data more safe. 

With security breaches in the news, using a virtual card adds an extra degree of security. Several major credit card issuers provide virtual cards, although there are several outliers. Virtual credit cards provide more than just security. A virtual credit card allows you to utilise a newly created account before the physical card arrives, allowing you to collect rewards right away or make progress towards a welcome bonus. 

Are virtual cards safer than physical cards? 

Virtual cards provide an additional layer of security over physical cards by safeguarding your real credit card information. This makes them safer than physical cards in various aspects: 

  • Virtual credit cards might have spending caps and be restricted to specific merchants. They can also be configured for single use, deactivating automatically after the very first transaction. These restrictions provide extra fraud protection compared to a standard credit card.
  • Unlike conventional credit cards, virtual cards cannot be stolen or misplaced. If you carry a physical credit card and it is stolen, you may be susceptible to scam. Virtual cards are stored in your digital wallet, keeping you secure from fraud.
  • Virtual credit cards must adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which includes standards and guidelines aimed at safeguarding credit and debit transactions and preventing the exploitation of cardholder data. 

Benefits and drawbacks 

Virtual credit cards have many benefits, but there are a few drawbacks. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of virtual cards.

Pros: 

Enhanced security: Using virtual cards to make online transactions safeguards your actual credit card information and adds an extra layer of security over physical credit cards. Flexibility: Without changing your actual credit card, you can choose which vendors you want to use the card with, set up expiration dates, and create specific spending limitations.

Convenience: Virtual credit cards are generated instantly and can be utilised immediately for online purchases and contactless payments. Cons: Not always able to utilise them in-store: Not every retailer accepts contactless methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay. When it comes to in-store stores, you can be constrained, even though virtual cards are perfect for internet buying. 

Cons:

Refunds could be difficult: Every retailer has different regulations, and some could only give refunds for the original payment method. If you utilised a virtual credit card number that is no longer active, this can be an issue. Instead, you may get a cheque, a gift card or store credit in this situation.

Unsuitable for reservations: It may be challenging to match your payment method at check-in if you use a virtual card to make a hotel reservation. Since hotels usually need a physical card when you check in, using a virtual card can need further verification, such as getting in touch with your bank.
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User Privacy
Data Breach Data Leak Healthcare Hack Medical Data User Privacy

Community Health Centre Data Breach Impacts Over 1 Million Patients

 

Over a million people have been notified of a recent data breach by Community Health Centre, a nonprofit healthcare organisation based in Middletown, Connecticut. On January 2, 2025, unauthorised activity was detected in its computer systems, and external cybersecurity specialists were hired to help with the investigation and establish the nature and scale of the unauthorised activity. 

The investigation revealed that an online criminal gained access to its computer systems and stole data from the network. The Community Health Centre did not confirm whether a ransom demand was made; however, it did state that no data was deleted from its network and no files were encrypted, therefore the incident had no effect on its daily operations.

In the statement to the Attorney General of Maine, Community Health Centre explained that "there is no current threat to our systems, and we believe we stopped the criminal hacker's access within hours." The breach initially occurred on October 14, 2024, according to the breach notice from the Maine Attorney General.

The file review is now concluded, and the Community Health Centre has confirmed that the following data may have been compromised: names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, diagnoses, test results, treatment information, health insurance information, and Social Security numbers.

Up to 1,060,936 people have been impacted, including paediatric patients, their parents, and guardians. Some of the affected individuals passed away, and notifications are being given to their nearest of kin. While the majority of affected patients are likely from Connecticut, the California Attorney General has also been notified of the data leak. 

With over 1 million records, this is the most significant healthcare data breach revealed this year. Employees at Moses-Weitzman Health System were also impacted.

According to Community Health Centre, software has been put in place to keep an eye on its systems for suspicious activity, and security has been reinforced. Community Health Centre has provided the impacted individuals with free identity theft protection services for a period of 24 months, even though there are currently no signs that any of the stolen data has been compromised.
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User Privacy
Business Security Cyber Security Data Leak Insider Threat User Privacy

Three Ways To Prevent Insider Threat Driven Data Leaks

 

The United States is poised to undergo a period of highly disruptive transformation. The incoming administration has promised to make significant changes, including forming a new body, the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), with the aim of substantially reducing the size of the government. 

Many people in our hugely polarised society are unhappy with the upcoming changes. Some will even refuse to "go down without a fight" and attempt to sabotage the shift or the new administration's prospects for success. How? One popular disruption method is to leak bits and pieces of insider information in order to distract, provoke opposition, and ultimately stall the changes.

While insider leaks can occur at any organisation and at any moment, a controversial move can be a major driver for such threats. We don't need to look far back for examples of this. After Donald Trump was elected to his first term, someone explicitly got a job as an IRS contractor so that he could leak the tax returns of key leaders, including President Trump. There was also information disclosed concerning a Trump cabinet pick. 

It's possible that this behaviour will worsen significantly. Agencies and organisations can take proactive measures to prepare for this. 

Launch an insider threat program: Nearly 80% of organisations have noticed an increase in insider threat activity since 2019, and just 30% believe they have the ability to deal with the situation. While external threats are frequently addressed, according to IBM's Cost of a Data Breach report, breaches by people within an organisation were the most costly, averaging just shy of $5 million.

Having a formal security strategy in place can safeguard sensitive data, maintain operational integrity, and ensure that your organization's communication links remain open and secure. Start by assessing your risk, establishing guidelines for data sharing and management, and installing technologies to monitor user activity, detect irregularities, and notify security teams of potential risks. 

Individualize information: Organisations can also explore using steganographic technologies to personalise the information they send to their employees. Forensic watermarking technology allows sensitive information to be shared in such a way that each employee receives a completely unique copy that is undetectable to the human eye. With this technology in place, employees are more likely to think twice before giving a secret presentation on future strategy. If a leak still occurs, the organisation can easily identify the source.

Avoid sharing files: The world must shift away from using files to share personal information. At first glance, it may appear impossible, yet changing the way organisations share information might help them preserve their most valuable information. File sharing is more than a risk factor; it is also a threat vector, as files are the source of the majority of data exfiltration risks. As a result, deleting them would naturally eliminate the threat. What are the alternatives? Using SaaS applications in which no one can download anything. This strategy also helps to safeguard against external attacks.
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Vulnerabilities and Exploits
Cloudfare Discord Signal User Privacy Vulnerabilities and Exploits

Cloudflare CDN Vulnerability Exposes User Locations on Signal, Discord

 

A threat analyst identified a vulnerability in Cloudflare's content delivery network (CDN) which could expose someone's whereabouts just by sending them an image via platforms such as Signal and Discord. While the attack's geolocation capability is limited for street-level tracking, it can provide enough information to determine a person's regional region and track their activities. 

Daniel's discovery is especially alarming for individuals who are really concerned regarding their privacy, such as journalists, activists, dissidents, and even cybercriminals. This flaw, however, can help investigators by giving them further details about the state or nation where a suspect might be. 

Covert zero-click monitoring

Daniel, a security researcher, found three months ago that Cloudflare speeds up load times by caching media resources at the data centre closest to the user. 

"3 months ago, I discovered a unique 0-click deanonymization attack that allows an attacker to grab the location of any target within a 250 mile radius," explained Daniel. "With a vulnerable app installed on a target's phone (or as a background application on their laptop), an attacker can send a malicious payload and deanonymize you within seconds--and you wouldn't even know.” 

To carry out the information-disclosure assault, the researcher would transmit a message to an individual including a unique image, such as a screenshot or a profile avatar, stored on Cloudflare's CDN. 

Subsequently, he exploited a flaw in Cloudflare Workers to force queries through specific data centres via a new tool called Cloudflare Teleport. This arbitrary routing is typically prohibited by Cloudflare's default security limitations, which require that each request be routed from the nearest data centre. 

By enumerating cached replies from multiple Cloudflare data centres for the sent image, the researcher was able to map users' geographical locations based on the CDN returning the closest airport code to their data centre.

Furthermore, since many apps, like Signal and Discord, automatically download images for push notifications, an attacker can monitor a target without requiring user engagement, resulting in a zero-click attack. Tracking accuracy extends from 50 to 300 miles, depending on the location and the number of Cloudflare data centers nearby.
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User Privacy
Cyber Fraud India Online Scam TRAI User Privacy

TRAI Calling: Fraudsters Are Now Employing Novel Strategy to Target Mobile Users

 

As the government intensifies efforts to raise awareness about digital arrests and online financial fraud, fraudsters have shifted their strategies to stay ahead. A concerning trend has emerged where these individuals pose as representatives of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Exploiting the credibility associated with the regulatory body, they attempt to deceive unsuspecting users.

These fraudsters often initiate contact by mimicking official government alert messages that warn the public about scams. The tone and language of their communication are crafted to appear authoritative and urgent, persuading recipients to trust the information. In many cases, the messages aim to extract sensitive data, such as personal identification numbers, bank account details, or login credentials, under the guise of preventing fraud.

Such scams highlight the need for individuals to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any unsolicited messages or calls claiming to be from regulatory authorities. It is essential to cross-check the source of the communication, avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone or through unverified links, and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

By staying informed and adopting proactive measures, users can protect themselves from becoming victims of these evolving schemes, contributing to a safer digital environment for all.


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User Privacy
App security Data Breach Gravy Analytics Location data User Privacy

Global Apps Exploited to Harvest Sensitive Location Data

 


Rogue actors within the advertising industry are reportedly exploiting major global apps to collect sensitive user location data on a massive scale. This data is then funneled to a location data firm whose subsidiary has previously sold global tracking information to U.S. law enforcement agencies. 
 
Hacked files from the location data company Gravy Analytics reveal that numerous popular apps are involved in this data collection. These apps span across categories, including games like Candy Crush, dating platforms such as Tinder, pregnancy tracking tools, and religious prayer apps available on both Android and iOS. Since this data gathering occurs through the advertising ecosystem rather than direct app development, users — and even app developers — are likely unaware of these invasive practices. 

How the Data Collection Works 
 
Zach Edwards, a senior threat analyst at cybersecurity firm Silent Push, analyzed the data and shared with 404 Media, “For the first time publicly, we seem to have proof that one of the largest data brokers selling to both commercial and government clients appears to be acquiring their data from the online advertising bid stream,” rather than through embedded app code. This discovery offers rare insight into the shadowy world of real-time bidding (RTB). Historically, location data providers paid app developers to integrate tracking code that harvested user data. However, many companies now exploit the advertising ecosystem, where firms bid to place ads in apps. Data brokers can tap into this system, silently collecting users' mobile phone locations without consent. “This is a nightmare scenario for privacy,” Edwards added. “Not only does this data breach involve data scraped from RTB systems, but there’s a company out there acting recklessly, collecting and using every piece of data it encounters.” 

The compromised data from Gravy Analytics includes tens of millions of cellphone location points from users in the United States, Russia, and Europe. Some files also list specific apps associated with each data point. Upon reviewing the leaked files, 404 Media identified a wide range of popular apps implicated in this breach, including:
  • Dating Apps: Tinder, Grindr
  • Mobile Games: Candy Crush, Temple Run, Subway Surfers, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells
  • Transit App: Moovit
  • Health & Fitness: My Period Calendar & Tracker, MyFitnessPal
  • Social Media: Tumblr
  • Email Services: Yahoo Mail
  • Productivity Tools: Microsoft 365
  • Travel Apps: Flightradar24
  • Religious Apps: Muslim prayer apps, Christian Bible apps
  • Privacy Tools: Various VPN apps
Ironically, some users turned to VPN apps to protect their privacy, only to have their location data compromised. 

This breach highlights a dangerous loophole in the advertising ecosystem, where sensitive user data can be harvested without clear consent or awareness. The involvement of a company with a history of selling data to government agencies raises serious concerns about surveillance and misuse. As the digital world grows increasingly interconnected, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger data privacy regulations and more transparent data practices. 

Can Users Trust Their Apps Anymore? 
 
With popular and widely trusted apps implicated in this data collection scheme, users are left questioning whether their privacy is truly protected. Stronger privacy safeguards and greater accountability in digital advertising are now more critical than ever. 
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User Privacy
Data Leak Location data Mobile App Breach Mobile Security User Privacy

Millions of People's 'Intimate' Location Data Compromised in Apparent Hack

 

Major apps worldwide are potentially being exploited by rogue members within the advertising sector to collect sensitive location data extensively, which subsequently is transferred to a location data firm whose subsidiary has previously sold global location data to US law enforcement agencies. 

The thousands of apps discovered in hacked files from location data firm Gravy Analytics range from games like Candy Crush to dating apps like Tinder, pregnancy tracking, and religious prayer apps for both Android and iOS. Because much of the data collection occurs through the advertising ecosystem rather than code developed by app creators themselves, it is likely that users or even app developers are unaware of it. 

After examining some of the data, Zach Edwards, senior threat analyst at cybersecurity firm Silent Push and an avid follower of the location data space, tells 404 Media, "For the first time publicly, we seem to have proof that one of the largest data brokers selling to both commercial and government clients appears to be acquiring their data from the online advertising bid stream," instead of code embedded in the apps themselves. 

The data offers a rare peek into the realm of real-time bidding. Historically, location data providers compensated app developers to incorporate bundles of code that collected their users' location data. Numerous companies have instead moved to the advertising ecosystem, where firms bid to place ads within apps, to obtain location information. However, data brokers can listen in on that procedure and gather the location of people's mobile phones.

"This is a nightmare scenario for privacy, because not only does this data breach contain data scraped from the RTB systems, but there's some company out there acting like a global honey badger, doing whatever it pleases with every piece of data that comes its way," Edwards added. 

The hacked Gravy data includes tens of millions of mobile phone coordinates from devices in the United States, Russia, and Europe. Some of those files additionally list an app next to each piece of location data. 404 Media extracted the app names and created a list of mentioned apps. 

The list includes dating sites Tinder and Grindr; massive games like Candy Crush, Temple Run, Subway Surfers, and Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells; transit app Moovit; My Period Calendar & Tracker, a period-tracking app with over 10 million downloads; popular fitness app MyFitnessPal; social network Tumblr; Yahoo's email client; Microsoft's 365 office app; and flight tracker Flightradar24. The list also includes a number of religious-focused apps, such as Muslim prayer and Christian Bible apps, as well as numerous pregnancy trackers and VPN apps, which some users may download, ironically, in order to safeguard their privacy.
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User Privacy
Cyber Security Data Brokers Data Sale Private Data User Privacy

Here's How to Safeguard Your Data From Data Brokers

 

Privacy concerns have grown as more of our private data is being gathered online. We share intimate details with just a few clicks. The majority of people, however, are ignorant of how extensively their data is shared. 

Behind the scenes, there is a whole data broker industry that makes money off of our digital traces. Businesses or individuals known as data brokers gather and resell personal data, such as phone numbers and online surfing behaviour. In this piece, we'll look at how data brokers work and some important steps we can take to safeguard our personal data. 

Data collection 

Data brokers collect data from a variety of public and commercial sources. They can simply gather data from websites and applications without your knowledge by paying app developers to embed SDKs (software development kits) in their apps. The data broker's SDKs can then record the various rights provided to apps, such as access to contacts and location. They can even pay app owners directly for the information rather than installing the software kits. 

Another source of data include public records, such as voter registration, birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and divorce records. The Internet is also a valuable source of information. The Internet is also a valuable source of information. Data brokers can acquire personal information from things like social media postings or interactions, online quizzes, virtual contests, or websites browsed. 

Data usage 

Customer data is utilised in a variety of ways, including targeting online adverts based on purchase history to make them more relevant. Data brokers may tell advertisers what brands a person has purchased and when they may require more, enabling timed adverts. Customer data is also used to detect fraud, such as cross-referencing loan applications with background information obtained from data brokers. 

This allows lenders to validate facts such as income and debts mentioned. Loan and insurance businesses purchase data to view a person's debts, loans, payments, income, employment history, and assets. People search sites also rely on data brokers to display names, addresses, ages, and other information when consumers search for someone. 

Privacy tips 

Numerous reputable firms can assist you in removing your information from data broker websites. They search the internet for your information on sites such as data brokers and search engines, and then make requests to have it removed. Make sure you select the correct service provider and read through user reviews. Reliable organisations, such as DeleteMe, are supported by real testimonials; you can read DeleteMe reviews here.

You should also limit what you post online. Share only the essential information, and avoid disclosing sensitive information such as your address and phone number. You can also use VPNs and encrypted browsers. A VPN conceals your IP address and encrypts your connection, avoiding internet tracking that brokers rely on. Secure browsers disable trackers and fingerprints, ensuring that your activity is not traced to you.

Additionally, consider deleting unused and online apps. Be aware of the privacy settings on your devices, apps, and social media profiles, and make sure they are set to maximum privacy. Avoid consenting to privacy policies or terms of service without thoroughly reading them, particularly the fine print.
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User Privacy
Amazon Web Services Christmas Scam Cyber Fraud Data Leak US Citizens User Privacy

Massive Data Breach Puts Millions at Risk During Christmas Season

 

As the Christmas season approaches, millions of U.S. citizens could face a potential holiday nightmare after a major data breach exposed 5 million unique credit and debit card details online. The leak threatens to compromise countless transactions during the festive shopping spree.

Security experts from Leakd.com revealed that 5 gigabytes of private screenshots were found in an unsecured Amazon S3 bucket, a cloud storage service provided by Amazon Web Services. These screenshots depict unsuspecting consumers entering sensitive data into fraudulent promotional forms, lured by offers that seem "too good to be true," such as free iPhones or heavily discounted holiday products.

The scam operates by enticing consumers with exclusive holiday gifts or significant discounts, requiring them to make a small payment or subscription to claim the offer. These offers often include a countdown timer to create a sense of urgency, pressuring individuals to act quickly without scrutinizing the details.

However, the promised items never arrive. Instead, the fraudsters steal sensitive data and store it on an unsecured server, where it can be accessed by anyone. This poses a heightened risk during the holiday season when shoppers are more vulnerable due to increased spending, making it easier for malicious actors to carry out unauthorized transactions unnoticed.

What to Do If You’re Affected

If you recently filled out a form promising an unbelievable offer, there’s a strong chance your privacy may have been compromised. Here’s what you should do:

  • Contact Your Bank: Inform your bank immediately and request a card replacement to prevent unauthorized transactions.
  • Monitor Bank Statements: Keep a close eye on your statements for any suspicious transactions. Report anything you don’t recognize.
  • Dispute Fraudulent Charges: If you notice unauthorized charges, contact your bank to dispute them and explore options for reimbursement.

The Growing Threat of Christmas Scams

Unfortunately, credit card theft isn’t the only scam cybercriminals are leveraging this holiday season. Security researchers have reported an increase in text-based scams impersonating delivery services. These scams target online shoppers, exploiting the busy season to steal sensitive information or money.

Examples of such scams include fake delivery notifications requesting payment for a package and inks leading to phishing websites that steal personal or payment information.

How to Protect Yourself

To safeguard yourself during the holiday season:

  • Verify Offers: Avoid offers that seem too good to be true, especially those requiring personal or payment details.
  • Check Sender Legitimacy: Double-check emails or texts claiming to be from delivery companies. Visit the official website directly rather than clicking on links.
  • Enable Fraud Alerts: Activate alerts with your bank to be notified of any unusual transactions.
  • Educate Family Members: Warn loved ones about these scams, especially those who may be less tech-savvy.

The holiday season should be a time of joy, not stress caused by data breaches and scams. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself and your finances from cybercriminals looking to exploit this festive time of year.

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