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Showing posts with label User Privacy. Show all posts
X Platform
Grok Imagine MeitY Technology User Privacy X Platform

India Cracks Down on Grok's AI Image Misuse

 

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India has found that the latest restrictions on Grok’s image generation tool by X are not adequate to prevent obscene content. The platform, owned by Elon Musk, restricted the controversial feature, known as Grok Imagine, to paid subscribers across the globe. The feature was removed to prevent free users on the platform from creating abusive images. However, officials have argued that allowing such image generation violates Indian laws on privacy and dignity, especially regarding women and children. 

Grok Imagine, available on X and as a separate app, has shown a rise in pornographic and abusive images, including non-consensual images of real people, including children, being naked. The feature, known as Spicy Mode, which produced such images, sparked anger across India, the United Kingdom, Türkiye, Malaysia, Brazil, and the European Union. The feature allowed users to create images of people being undressed, including images of women being dressed in bikinis. The feature sparked anger among members of Parliament in India. 

X's partial fixes fall short 

On 2 January 2026, MeitY ordered X to remove all vulgar images generated on the platform within 72 hours. The order also required X to provide a report on actions taken to comply with the order. The response from X mentioned stricter filters on images. However, officials have argued that X failed to provide adequate technical details on steps taken to prevent such images from being generated. The officials have also stated that the website of Grok allows users to create images for free. 

X now restricts image generation and editing via @Grok replies to premium users, but loopholes persist: the Grok app and website remain open to all, and X's image edit button is accessible platform-wide. Grok stated illegal prompts face the same penalties as uploads, yet regulators demand proactive safeguards. MeitY seeks comprehensive measures to block obscene outputs entirely. 

This clash highlights rising global scrutiny on AI tools lacking robust guardrails against deepfakes and harm. India's IT Rules 2021 mandate swift content removal, with non-compliance risking liability for platforms and executives.As X refines Grok, the case underscores the need for ethical AI design amid tech's rapid evolution, balancing innovation with societal protection.
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User Privacy
Data Breach Data Theft ESA User Privacy

ESA Confirms Cyber Breach After Hacker Claims 200GB Data Theft

 

The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed a major cybersecurity incident in the external servers used for scientific cooperation. The hackers who carried out the operation claim responsibility for the breach in a post in the hacking community site BreachForums and claim that over 200 GB worth of data has been stolen, including source code, API tokens, and credentials. This incident highlights escalating cyber threats to space infrastructure amid growing interconnectedness in the sector 

It is alleged that the incident occurred around December 18, 2025, with an actor using the pseudonym "888" allegedly gaining access to ESA's JIRA and Bitbucket systems for an approximate week's duration. ESA claims that the compromised systems represented a "very small number" of systems not on their main network, which only included unclassified data meant for engineering partnerships. As a result, the agency conducted an investigation, secured the compromised systems, and notified stakeholders, while claiming that no mission critical systems were compromised. 

The leaked data includes CI/CD pipelines, Terraform files, SQL files, configurations, and hardcoded credentials, which have sparked supply chain security concerns. As for the leaked data, it includes screenshots from the breach, which show unauthorized access to private repositories. However, it is unclear whether this data is genuine or not. It is also unclear whether the leaked data is classified or not. As for security experts, it is believed that this data can be used for lateral movements by highly sophisticated attackers, even if it is unclassified. 

Adding to the trouble, the Lapsus$ group said they carried out a separate breach in September 2025, disclosing they exfiltrated 500 GB of data containing sensitive files on spacecraft operations, mission specifics, and contractor information involving partners such as SpaceX and Airbus. The ESA opened a criminal investigation, working with the authorities, however the immediate effects were minimized. The agency has been hit by a string of incidents since 2011, including skimmers placed on merchandise site readers. 

The series of breaches may be indicative of the "loosely coupled" regional space cooperative environment featuring among the ESA 23 member states. Space cybersecurity requirements are rising—as evidenced by open solicitations for security products—incidents like this may foster distrust of global partnerships. Investigations continue on what will be the long-term threats, but there is a pressing need for stronger protection.
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User Privacy
Data Breach Honeypot Resecurity SLH Group User Privacy

Resecurity Breach Claims Exposed as Honeypot Deception

 

The hackers, who claimed to represent the “Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters” (SLH) group, believed they successfully compromised Resecurity, a cybersecurity firm based in the United States, by exfiltrating their data. Resecurity disputed this by saying they were only able to gain access to their honeypot, which was set up to provide fake data to potential attackers. Such differing accounts of an incident show not only the brazenness of financially driven attackers but also the increasing use of deception techniques by attackers to gain intelligence.

The SLH members propagated their allegations through Telegram, claiming “full access” to the Resecurity systems and the theft of all internal conversations and logs, employee data, threat intelligence reports, and an extensive list of clients and their information. In an attempt to prove the validity of these allegations, the SLH members shared screenshots of Resecurity’s internal “Mattermost” environment, where conversations between the company employees and Pastebin representatives about malicious data on the Pastebin platform were shown. The SLH members described the attack as retaliation against Resecurity, which they believed was trying to socially engineer them by impersonating the buyers of the stolen Vietnamese financial database in order to receive complimentary samples and more information about their activities. 

Adding to this complexity, the renowned threat actor group known as ShinyHunters, known to have been part of the Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters umbrella, later disclaimed their involvement in this incident. This was revealed when a representative of ShinyHunters told a local media outlet that, although they have long claimed to be part of SLH, they did not have any involvement in this incident against Resecurity. This has left many questions regarding how these overlapping groups coordinate their efforts or if SLH uses its association with ShinyHunters to magnify its efforts. 

Resecurity firmly disputes any compromise of its production environment, asserting that the attackers never touched live systems or genuine client data but instead interacted with a purpose-built honeypot. According to a report filed on December 24, it was determined that the initial recon in the vulnerable environment was first spotted on November 21, 2025, with subsequent scanning activities originating from Egyptian IP addresses and utilizing Mullvad VPN. In this regard, in order to monitor the tactics, techniques, and procedures of the attacker, the Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) team set up an isolated “honeypot” account. 

To make the bait more convincing, Resecurity claims the creation of more than 28,000 fake consumer records and over 190,000 fake payment transactions modeled after the official API structures defined by Stripe. Later in December, the attacker reportedly began automated data exfiltration attacks with more than 188,000 requests made between December 12th and December 24th using a wide range of residential proxy IP addresses. During this period, Resecurity claims that sporadic proxy issues temporarily revealed actual IP addresses, helping analysts identify the attacker’s back-end servers, whose details were later shared with a foreign law enforcement agency that subsequently issued a subpoena against the attacker.

After the initial coverage, the attackers contacted Dissent Doe of DataBreaches.net and provided samples of what they claimed was stolen data, seeking to reinforce their narrative. However, an independent review by DataBreaches concluded there was no evidence that SLH obtained information from any real Resecurity clients, aligning with the company’s assertion that only synthetic records were exposed. Meanwhile, the Telegram channel that originally hosted SLH’s breach claims has since been suspended for violating the platform’s policies, limiting the group’s ability to continue publishing its version of events.
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User Privacy
Biometric Authentication Cyber Fraud OTP Scam UAE Banks User Privacy

UAE Banks Ditch SMS OTPs for Biometric App Authentication

 

UAE banks have discontinued SMS-based one-time passwords (OTPs) for online transactions from January 6, 2026, moving customers to app-based and biometric authentication as part of a wider security overhaul led by the Central Bank of the UAE. This marks a significant shift in how digital payments are approved, aiming to curb SIM-swap and phishing-related fraud while streamlining user experience for cardholders across the country.

Since January 6, customers making online card payments are no longer receiving OTP codes via SMS or email to complete their purchases. Instead, banks will push transaction-approval requests directly to their official mobile applications, where users must confirm the payment using in-app prompts.Major UAE lenders, including names like Emirates NBD and others, have started sending alerts to customers, warning that online payments may fail if the banking app is not installed and activated before the deadline.

Role of biometrics and app authentication

The new model relies heavily on biometric verification such as fingerprint and facial recognition, along with secure app PINs or Smart Pass-style codes built into mobile banking platforms. When a customer attempts an online transaction, a notification appears inside the bank’s app, and the user authorises it with their registered biometric data or a secure PIN rather than typing in a texted code.Banks and regulators describe this as “strong customer authentication,” aligning local practices with international standards similar to Europe’s PSD2 framework for secure digital payments.

Authorities and banks point to rising fraud that targets SMS OTPs, especially SIM-swap scams, phishing schemes and interception of text messages over insecure channels. By tying approvals to registered devices and biometrics inside the banking app, the sector aims to sharply reduce the chance that criminals can hijack authentication codes and authorise fraudulent payments in a victim’s name. The Central Bank’s notice (2025/3057) set March 2026 as the outer deadline to phase out SMS and email OTPs entirely, but most major banks accelerated implementation after seeing a spike in such fraud cases last year.

Impact on customers and preparations

Customers are being urged to update their bank apps to the latest version, register biometrics where available, and enable push notifications so they do not miss approval requests during online shopping or money transfers.Those who do not complete these steps risk declined payments or delays, particularly for e-commerce and international transactions that now depend entirely on in-app verification rather than text messages. Employers and community groups in the UAE have been encouraged to educate less tech-savvy users, including blue-collar workers who rely on digital wallets and remittances, to avoid disruption during the transition period.

The move positions the UAE as one of the early markets to rely almost exclusively on biometric and app-based approvals for everyday retail payments, ahead of many more mature banking jurisdictions. Industry analysts see this shift as part of a broader digital transformation strategy in the country’s financial sector, combining enhanced security with faster, more convenient user journeys for online transactions.For customers, the change may require short-term adaptation, but it is expected to deliver stronger protection and a smoother checkout flow once app-based and biometric authentication becomes routine.
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User Privacy
Chinese hacking group Data Breach Email Breach Privacy Salt Typhoon U.S. U.S. House committees cyberattack User Data User Privacy

Chinese Hacking Group Breaches Email Systems Used by Key U.S. House Committees: Report

 

A cyber espionage group believed to be based in China has reportedly gained unauthorized access to email accounts used by staff working for influential committees in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to a report by the Financial Times published on Wednesday. The information was shared by sources familiar with the investigation.

The group, known as Salt Typhoon, is said to have infiltrated email systems used by personnel associated with the House China committee, along with aides serving on committees overseeing foreign affairs, intelligence, and armed services. The report did not specify the identities of the staff members affected.

Reuters said it was unable to independently confirm the details of the report. Responding to the allegations, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu criticized what he described as “unfounded speculation and accusations.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment, while the White House and the offices of the four reportedly targeted committees did not immediately respond to media inquiries.

According to one source cited by the Financial Times, it remains uncertain whether the attackers managed to access the personal email accounts of lawmakers themselves. The suspected intrusions were reportedly discovered in December.

Members of Congress and their staff, particularly those involved in overseeing the U.S. military and intelligence apparatus, have historically been frequent targets of cyber surveillance. Over the years, multiple incidents involving hacking or attempted breaches of congressional systems have been reported.

In November, the Senate Sergeant at Arms alerted several congressional offices to a “cyber incident” in which hackers may have accessed communications between the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and certain Senate offices. Separately, a 2023 report by the Washington Post revealed that two senior U.S. lawmakers were targeted in a hacking campaign linked to Vietnam.

Salt Typhoon has been a persistent concern for the U.S. intelligence community. The group, which U.S. officials allege is connected to Chinese intelligence services, has been accused of collecting large volumes of data from Americans’ telephone communications and intercepting conversations, including those involving senior U.S. politicians and government officials.

China has repeatedly rejected accusations of involvement in such cyber spying activities. Early last year, the United States imposed sanctions on alleged hacker Yin Kecheng and the cybersecurity firm Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology, accusing both of playing a role in Salt Typhoon’s operations.
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User Privacy
Chrome Extension Credential Theft Mobile Security Phantom Shuttle User Privacy

Phantom Shuttle Chrome Extensions Caught Stealing Credentials

 

Two malicious Chrome extensions named Phantom Shuttle have been discovered to have acted as proxies and network test tools while stealing internet browsing and private information from people’s browsers without their knowledge.

According to security researchers from Socket, these extensions have been around since at least 2017 and were present in the Chrome Web Store until the time of writing. This raises serious concerns regarding the dangers associated with browser extensions even from reputable sources. 

Analysis carried out by Socket indicates that the Phantom Shuttle extension directs the online traffic of the victims to a proxy setup that is controlled by the attackers using hardcoded credentials. The attackers hid the malcode using the approach of prepending the malcode to a jQuery library. 

The hardcoded credentials for the proxy are also obfuscated using a custom character index-based encoding scheme, which could impact detection and reverse engineering efficiency. The built-in traffic listener in the extensions is capable of intercepting HTTP authentication challenges on multiple websites.

Modus operandi 

To force traffic through its infrastructure, Phantom Shuttle dynamically modifies Chrome’s proxy configuration using an auto-configuration script. In a default mode labeled “smarty,” the extensions allegedly route more than 170 “high-value” domains through the proxy network, including developer platforms, cloud consoles, social media services, and adult sites. Additionally, to avoid breaking environments that could expose the operation, the extensions maintain an exclusion list that includes local network addresses and the command-and-control domain. 

Since the extensions operate a man-in-the-middle, they can seize data passed through forms such as credentials, payment card data, passwords and other personal information. Socket claims the extensions can also steal session cookies from HTTP headers, and parse API tokens from requests, potentially taking over accounts even if passwords aren't directly harvested. 

Mitigation tips 

Chrome users are warned to download extensions only from trusted developers, to verify multiple user reviews and to be attentive to the permissions asked for when installing. In sensitive workload environments (cloud admin, developer portals, finance tools), minimizing extensions and removing those not in use can also dramatically reduce exposure to similar proxy-based credential heists.
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User Privacy
Android Spyware Cellik Credential Theft malware User Privacy

Cellik Android Spyware Exploits Play Store Trust to Steal Data

 

Recently found in the Android platform, remote access trojan named Cellik has been recognized as a serious mobile threat, using the Google Play integration feature to mask itself within legitimate applications to evade detection by security solutions.

Cellik is advertised as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) in the cybercrime forums, with membership rates beginning at approximately $150 a month. One of the most frightening facets of the malware is the fact that it allows malicious payloads to be injected into legitimate Google Play applications, which can be easily installed. 

Once it is installed, Cellik provides complete control over the target device for the attacker. Operators can remotely stream the target device’s screen live, as well as access all files, receive notifications, and even use a stealthy browser to surf websites and enter form data without the target’s awareness. The malware also comes equipped with an app inject functionality that enables attackers to superimpose login screens on normal applications such as bank or email apps and harvest login and other sensitive data. 

Cellik Play Store integration also includes an automated APK builder, so the perpetrators of this crimeware can now browse the store for apps, choose popular apps, and pack them with the Cellik payload in one click bundling it together with the cellik payload. The perpetrators of this attack claim that this allows them to bypass Google Play Protect and other device-based security scanners, but Google has not independently verified this. 

Android users should heed the words of security experts and not sideload APKs from unknown sources, keep Play Protect enabled at all times, be very judicious about app permissions, and keep an eye out for anything strange on their phones that might be harmful. Since Cellik is a groundbreaking new development in Android malware, both users and the security community should be vigilant to ensure their sensitive data and device integrity are not compromised.
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VPNS
Age Verification Cyber Security privacy laws User Privacy VPNS

VPN Surge: Americans Bypass Age Verification Laws

 

Americans are increasingly seeking out VPNs as states enact stringent age verification laws that limit what minors can see online. These regulations compel users to provide personal information — like government issued IDs — to verify their age, leading to concerns about privacy and security. As a result, VPN usage is skyrocketing, particularly in states such as Missouri, Florida, Louisiana, Utah and more where VPN searches have jumped by a factor of four following the new regulations. 

How age verification laws work 

Age verification laws require websites and apps that contain a substantial amount of "material harmful to minors" to verify users' age prior to access. This step frequently entails submitting photographs or scans of ID documents, potentially exposing personal info to breaches. Even though laws forbid companies from storing this information, there is no assurance it will be kept secure, not with the record of massive data breaches at big tech firms. 

The vague definition of "harmful content" suggests that age verification could be required for many other types of digital platforms, such as social media, streaming services, and video games. The expansion raises questions about digital privacy and identity protection for all users, minors not excluded. From the latest Pew Research Center finding, 40% of Americans say government regulation of business does more harm than good, illustrating bipartisan wariness of these laws. 

Bypassing restrictions with VPNs 

VPN services enable users to mask their IP addresses and circumvent these age verification policies, allowing them to maintain their anonymity and have their sensitive information protected. Some VPNs are available on desktop and mobile devices, and some can be used on Amazon Fire TV Stick, among other platforms. To maximize privacy and security, experts suggest opting for VPN providers with robust no-logs policies and strong encryption.

Higher VPN adoption has fueled speculation on whether the US lawmakers will attempt to ban VPNs outright, which would be yet another blow to digital privacy and freedom. For now, VPNs are still a popular option for Americans who want to keep their online activity hidden from nosy age verification schemes.
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