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Personal Data
cybersecurity threat Data Breach Data Leak Data protection data security Defence Ministry Personal Data

Afghans Report Killings After British Ministry of Defence Data Leak

 

Dozens of Afghans whose personal information was exposed in a British Ministry of Defence (MoD) data breach have reported that their relatives or colleagues were killed because of the leak, according to new research submitted to a UK parliamentary inquiry. The breach, which occurred in February 2022, revealed the identities of nearly 19,000 Afghans who had worked with the UK government during the war in Afghanistan. It happened just six months after the Taliban regained control of Kabul, leaving many of those listed in grave danger. 

The study, conducted by Refugee Legal Support in partnership with Lancaster University and the University of York, surveyed 350 individuals affected by the breach. Of those, 231 said the MoD had directly informed them that their data had been compromised. Nearly 50 respondents said their family members or colleagues were killed as a result, while over 40 percent reported receiving death threats. At least half said their relatives or friends had been targeted by the Taliban following the exposure of their details. 

One participant, a former Afghan special forces member, described how his family suffered extreme violence after the leak. “My father was brutally beaten until his toenails were torn off, and my parents remain under constant threat,” he said, adding that his family continues to face harassment and repeated house searches. Others criticized the British government for waiting too long to alert them, saying the delay had endangered lives unnecessarily.  

According to several accounts, while the MoD discovered the breach in 2023, many affected Afghans were only notified in mid-2025. “Waiting nearly two years to learn that our personal data was exposed placed many of us in serious jeopardy,” said a former Afghan National Army officer still living in Afghanistan. “If we had been told sooner, we could have taken steps to protect our families.”  

Olivia Clark, Executive Director of Refugee Legal Support, said the findings revealed the “devastating human consequences” of the government’s failure to protect sensitive information. “Afghans who risked their lives working alongside British forces have faced renewed threats, violent assaults, and even killings of their loved ones after their identities were exposed,” she said. 

Clark added that only a small portion of those affected have been offered relocation to the UK. The government estimates that more than 7,300 Afghans qualify for resettlement under a program launched in 2024 to assist those placed at risk by the data breach. However, rights organizations say the scheme has been too slow and insufficient compared to the magnitude of the crisis.

The breach has raised significant concerns about how the UK manages sensitive defense data and its responsibilities toward Afghans who supported British missions. For many of those affected, the consequences of the exposure remain deeply personal and ongoing, with families still living under threat while waiting for promised protection or safe passage to the UK.
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healthcare data breach
Data Breach Data Exfilteration Data protection data security Healthcare Healthcare Breach Healthcare Data healthcare data breach

Conduent Healthcare Data Breach Exposes 10.5 Million Patient Records in Massive 2025 Cyber Incident

 

In what may become the largest healthcare breach of 2025, Conduent Business Solutions LLC disclosed a cyberattack that compromised the data of over 10.5 million patients. The breach, first discovered in January, affected major clients including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and Humana, among others. Although the incident has not yet appeared on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ HIPAA breach reporting website, Conduent confirmed the scale of the exposure in filings with federal regulators. 

The company reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in April that a “threat actor” gained unauthorized access to a portion of its network on January 13. The breach caused operational disruptions for several days, though systems were reportedly restored quickly. Conduent said the attack led to data exfiltration involving files connected to a limited number of its clients. Upon further forensic analysis, cybersecurity experts confirmed that these files contained sensitive personal and health information of millions of individuals. 

Affected data included patient names, treatment details, insurance information, and billing records. The company’s notification letters sent to Humana and Blue Cross customers revealed that the breach stemmed from Conduent’s third-party mailroom and printing services unit. Despite the massive scale, Conduent maintains that there is no evidence the stolen data has appeared on the dark web. 

Montana regulators recently launched an investigation into the breach, questioning why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana took nearly ten months to notify affected individuals. Conduent, which provides business and government support services across 22 countries, reported approximately $25 million in direct response costs related to the incident during the second quarter of 2024. The company also confirmed that it holds cyber insurance coverage and has notified federal law enforcement. 

The Conduent breach underscores the growing risk of third-party vendor incidents in the healthcare sector. Experts note that even ancillary service providers like mailroom or billing vendors handle vast amounts of protected health information, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. Regulatory attorney Rachel Rose emphasized that all forms of protected health information (PHI)—digital or paper—fall under HIPAA’s privacy and security rules, requiring strict administrative and technical safeguards. 

Security consultant Wendell Bobst noted that healthcare organizations must improve vendor risk management programs by implementing continuous monitoring and stronger contractual protections. He recommended requiring certifications like HITRUST or FedRAMP for high-risk vendors and enforcing audit rights and breach response obligations. 

The incident follows last year’s record-breaking Change Healthcare ransomware attack, which exposed data from 193 million patients. While smaller in comparison, Conduent’s 10.5 million affected individuals highlight how interconnected the healthcare ecosystem has become—and how each vendor link in that chain poses a potential cybersecurity risk. As experts warn, healthcare organizations must tighten vendor oversight, ensure data minimization practices, and develop robust incident response playbooks to prevent the next large-scale PHI breach.
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Privacy Risks
Car Data Data collection Data Privacy Data protection Data Safety User Data data security Data Surveillance Mozilla Foundation Privacy Privacy Risks

Connected Car Privacy Risks: How Modern Vehicles Secretly Track and Sell Driver Data

 

The thrill of a smooth drive—the roar of the engine, the grip of the tires, and the comfort of a high-end cabin—often hides a quieter, more unsettling reality. Modern cars are no longer just machines; they’re data-collecting devices on wheels. While you enjoy the luxury and performance, your vehicle’s sensors silently record your weight, listen through cabin microphones, track your every route, and log detailed driving behavior. This constant surveillance has turned cars into one of the most privacy-invasive consumer products ever made. 

The Mozilla Foundation recently reviewed 25 major car brands and declared that modern vehicles are “the worst product category we have ever reviewed for privacy.” Not a single automaker met even basic standards for protecting user data. The organization found that cars collect massive amounts of information—from location and driving patterns to biometric data—often without explicit user consent or transparency about where that data ends up. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has already taken notice. The agency recently pursued General Motors (GM) and its subsidiary OnStar for collecting and selling drivers’ precise location and behavioral data without obtaining clear consent. Investigations revealed that data from vehicles could be gathered as frequently as every three seconds, offering an extraordinarily detailed picture of a driver’s habits, destinations, and lifestyle. 

That information doesn’t stay within the automaker’s servers. Instead, it’s often shared or sold to data brokers, insurers, and marketing agencies. Driver behavior, acceleration patterns, late-night trips, or frequent stops at specific locations could be used to adjust insurance premiums, evaluate credit risk, or profile consumers in ways few drivers fully understand. 

Inside the car, the illusion of comfort and control masks a network of tracking systems. Voice assistants that adjust your seat or temperature remember your commands. Smartphone apps that unlock the vehicle transmit telemetry data back to corporate servers. Even infotainment systems and microphones quietly collect information that could identify you and your routines. The same technology that powers convenience features also enables invasive data collection at an unprecedented scale. 

For consumers, awareness is the first defense. Before buying a new vehicle, it’s worth asking the dealer what kind of data the car collects and how it’s used. If they cannot answer directly, it’s a strong indication of a lack of transparency. After purchase, disabling unnecessary connectivity or data-sharing features can help protect privacy. Declining participation in “driver score” programs or telematics-based insurance offerings is another step toward reclaiming control. 

As automakers continue to blend luxury with technology, the line between innovation and intrusion grows thinner. Every drive leaves behind a digital footprint that tells a story—where you live, work, shop, and even who rides with you. The true cost of modern convenience isn’t just monetary—it’s the surrender of privacy. The quiet hum of the engine as you pull into your driveway should represent freedom, not another connection to a data-hungry network.
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Phishing and Spam
Customer Data Customer Data Exposed Dark Web Data Breach Data exposed data security Hackers identity theft risk Phishing and Spam

Toys “R” Us Canada Data Breach Exposes Customer Information, Raising Phishing and Identity Theft Concerns

 

Toys “R” Us Canada has confirmed a data breach that exposed sensitive customer information, including names, postal addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Although the company assured that no passwords or payment details were compromised, cybersecurity experts warn that the exposed data could still be exploited for phishing and identity theft schemes. 

The company discovered the breach after hackers leaked stolen information on the dark web, prompting an immediate investigation. Toys “R” Us engaged a third-party cybersecurity firm to conduct forensic analysis and confirm the scope of the incident. Early findings revealed that a “subset of customer records” had been stolen. The retailer began notifying affected customers through official communications, with letters quickly circulating on social media after being shared by recipients.  

According to the company’s statement, the breach did not involve financial information or account credentials, but the exposure of valid contact details still presents significant risk. Cybercriminals often use such data to create convincing phishing emails or impersonate legitimate companies to deceive victims into revealing sensitive information. 

Toys “R” Us stated that its IT systems were already protected by strong security protocols but have since been reinforced with additional defensive measures. The company has not disclosed how the attackers infiltrated its network or how many individuals were impacted. It also confirmed that, to date, there is no evidence suggesting the stolen data has been misused. 

In the aftermath of the incident, Toys “R” Us reported the breach to relevant authorities and advised customers to remain vigilant against phishing attempts. The company urged users not to share personal information with unverified senders, avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, and closely monitor any unusual communications that appear to come from the retailer.  

While no hacking group has claimed responsibility for the breach, cybersecurity analysts emphasize that exposed names, emails, and phone numbers can easily be weaponized in future scams. The incident underscores how even non-financial data can lead to significant cybersecurity risks when mishandled or leaked. 

Despite the company’s reassurances and strengthened defenses, the breach highlights the ongoing threat businesses face from cyberattacks that target customer trust and data privacy.
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data security flaws
Cloud Security Critical security flaw Customer Data Cyber Security Data protection data security data security flaws

Tata Motors Fixes Security Flaws That Exposed Sensitive Customer and Dealer Data

 

Indian automotive giant Tata Motors has addressed a series of major security vulnerabilities that exposed confidential internal data, including customer details, dealer information, and company reports. The flaws were discovered in the company’s E-Dukaan portal, an online platform used for purchasing spare parts for Tata commercial vehicles. 

According to security researcher Eaton Zveare, the exposed data included private customer information, confidential documents, and access credentials to Tata Motors’ cloud systems hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Headquartered in Mumbai, Tata Motors is a key global player in the automobile industry, manufacturing passenger, commercial, and defense vehicles across 125 countries. 

Zveare revealed to TechCrunch that the E-Dukaan website’s source code contained AWS private keys that granted access to internal databases and cloud storage. These vulnerabilities exposed hundreds of thousands of invoices with sensitive customer data, including names, mailing addresses, and Permanent Account Numbers (PANs). Zveare said he avoided downloading large amounts of data “to prevent triggering alarms or causing additional costs for Tata Motors.” 

The researcher also uncovered MySQL database backups, Apache Parquet files containing private communications, and administrative credentials that allowed access to over 70 terabytes of data from Tata Motors’ FleetEdge fleet-tracking software. Further investigation revealed backdoor admin access to a Tableau analytics account that stored data on more than 8,000 users, including internal financial and performance reports, dealer scorecards, and dashboard metrics. 

Zveare added that the exposed credentials provided full administrative control, allowing anyone with access to modify or download the company’s internal data. Additionally, the vulnerabilities included API keys connected to Tata Motors’ fleet management system, Azuga, which operates the company’s test drive website. Zveare responsibly reported the flaws to Tata Motors through India’s national cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, in August 2023. 

The company acknowledged the findings in October 2023 and stated that it was addressing the AWS-related security loopholes. However, Tata Motors did not specify when all issues were fully resolved. In response to TechCrunch’s inquiry, Tata Motors confirmed that all reported vulnerabilities were fixed in 2023. 

However, the company declined to say whether it notified customers whose personal data was exposed. “We can confirm that the reported flaws and vulnerabilities were thoroughly reviewed following their identification in 2023 and were promptly and fully addressed,” said Tata Motors communications head, Sudeep Bhalla. “Our infrastructure is regularly audited by leading cybersecurity firms, and we maintain comprehensive access logs to monitor unauthorized activity. We also actively collaborate with industry experts and security researchers to strengthen our security posture.” 

The incident reveals the persistent risks of misconfigured cloud systems and exposed credentials in large enterprises. While Tata Motors acted swiftly after the report, cybersecurity experts emphasize that regular audits, strict access controls, and robust encryption are essential to prevent future breaches. 

As more automotive companies integrate digital platforms and connected systems into their operations, securing sensitive customer and dealer data remains a top priority.
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personal data security
2FA 2FA security Cyber Security Data Management data security Password Security personal data security

How to Make Zoom Meetings More Secure and Protect Your Privacy

 

Zoom calls remain an essential part of remote work and digital communication, but despite their convenience, they are not entirely private. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information, intercept conversations, or access meeting data. However, several practical measures can strengthen your security and make Zoom safer to use for both personal and professional meetings. 

One of the most effective security steps is enabling meeting passwords. Password protection ensures that only authorized participants can join, preventing “Zoom-bombing” and uninvited guests from entering. Passwords are enabled by default for most users, but it’s important to confirm this setting before hosting. Similarly, adding a waiting room provides another layer of control, requiring participants to be manually admitted by the host. 

This step helps prevent intruders even if meeting details are leaked. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is another crucial feature for privacy. While Zoom’s standard encryption protects data in transit, enabling E2EE ensures that only participants can access meeting content — not even Zoom itself. Each device stores encryption keys locally, making intercepted data unreadable. 

However, when E2EE is activated, some features like recording, AI companions, and live streaming are disabled. To use E2EE, all participants must join via the Zoom app rather than the web client. Users should also generate random meeting IDs instead of using personal ones. A personal meeting ID remains constant, allowing anyone with previous access to rejoin later. Random IDs create a unique space for each session, reducing the risk of unauthorized reentry. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) offers further protection by requiring a verification code during login, preventing unauthorized account access even if passwords are compromised. 

Meeting links should always be shared privately via direct messages or emails, never publicly. Sharing on social platforms increases the risk of unwanted guests and phishing attempts. During meetings, hosts should manage participants closely — monitoring for suspicious activity, restricting screen and file sharing, and remaining alert for fake prompts requesting personal information. Maintaining strict host control helps minimize the risk of data theft or identity fraud. Zoom’s data collection settings can also be adjusted for privacy. 

While the platform gathers some anonymized diagnostic data, users can disable “Optional Diagnostic Data” under My Account → Data & Privacy to limit information sharing. Keeping the Zoom application up to date is equally important, as regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and improve overall system protection. Finally, operational security (OPSEC) practices outside Zoom are essential. Users should participate in meetings from private spaces, use headphones to limit audio leakage, and employ physical camera covers for additional protection. 

When connecting through public Wi-Fi, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds encryption to internet traffic, shielding sensitive data from potential interception. While Zoom provides several built-in safeguards, the responsibility of maintaining secure communication lies equally with users. 

By enabling passwords, encryption, and 2FA — and combining these with good digital hygiene — individuals and organizations can significantly reduce privacy risks and create a safer virtual meeting environment.
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Financial Data Breach
Cyberattacks Data Breach Data exposed data security Encryption Security Financial Data Financial Data Breach

FinWise Data Breach Exposes Insider Threats, Highlights Need for Strong Encryption and Key Management

 

The 2024 FinWise data breach underscores the rising risk of insider threats within financial institutions. Unlike cyberattacks initiated by external hackers, this breach resulted from unauthorized access by a former employee who retained system credentials after leaving the company. On May 31, 2024, the ex-employee accessed FinWise Bank’s internal systems and leaked personal information of approximately 689,000 customers of American First Finance (AFF). The breach went unnoticed for more than a year, until FinWise discovered it on June 18, 2025. This prolonged exposure period raises serious concerns about the bank’s internal monitoring and incident detection capabilities. 

Legal complaints against FinWise allege that the compromised data was inadequately encrypted, intensifying public scrutiny and regulatory pressure. Security experts emphasize that effective information protection involves more than encrypting financial data; it requires continuous monitoring, abnormal access detection, and secure key management. FinWise’s alleged failure to deploy these essential safeguards has led to lawsuits and reputational damage. While the bank has yet to disclose details about its encryption protocols, experts agree that encryption alone cannot protect data without proper implementation and access controls. 

The incident highlights how encryption serves as a final layer of defense, but its effectiveness depends on complementary systems like key management and access control. Proper encryption management could have minimized the risk of data exposure, even after unauthorized access. In this context, Penta Security’s D.AMO encryption platform has gained renewed attention as an all-in-one defense solution against such vulnerabilities. 

D.AMO, South Korea’s first packaged encryption solution launched in 2004, integrates encryption, granular access control, and an independent key management system (KMS). Trusted by over 10,000 clients across the finance, public, and enterprise sectors, D.AMO ensures data confidentiality while maintaining operational efficiency. It supports multiple encryption methods and selective column-level encryption, reducing system slowdown without compromising data protection. 

The platform’s key management system, D.AMO KMS, operates as a dedicated hardware appliance that keeps encryption keys separate from the data they protect. By dividing the roles of database and security administrators, D.AMO prevents unauthorized individuals—including insiders—from accessing both encrypted data and the keys simultaneously. Even if an attacker breaches the database, the absence of decryption keys renders the stolen data unusable. 

Additionally, D.AMO Control Center provides centralized management across an organization’s encryption systems. It allows administrators to monitor logs, enforce role-based access controls, and manage permissions to reduce insider misuse. This centralized visibility helps institutions detect unusual behavior early and maintain compliance with international data security regulations such as PCI-DSS, GDPR, and CCPA. 

The FinWise breach serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of weak encryption governance and insufficient access monitoring. It demonstrates that robust data protection requires a proactive, multi-layered approach integrating encryption, key management, and centralized oversight. Penta Security’s D.AMO platform embodies this strategy, offering institutions a unified solution to mitigate both external and insider threats. For organizations managing sensitive customer information, implementing comprehensive encryption frameworks is no longer optional—it is essential for preserving trust, compliance, and long-term security resilience.
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phishing
Ai Data AI Risks AI Security Arctic Wolf Arctic Wolf security research Cyber Security data security phishing

Arctic Wolf Report Reveals IT Leaders’ Overconfidence Despite Rising Phishing and AI Data Risks

 

A new report from Arctic Wolf highlights troubling contradictions in how IT leaders perceive and respond to cybersecurity threats. Despite growing exposure to phishing and malware attacks, many remain overly confident in their organization’s ability to withstand them — even when their own actions tell a different story.  

According to the report, nearly 70% of IT leaders have been targeted in cyberattacks, with 39% encountering phishing, 35% experiencing malware, and 31% facing social engineering attempts. Even so, more than three-quarters expressed confidence that their organizations would not fall victim to a phishing attack. This overconfidence is concerning, particularly as many of these leaders admitted to clicking on phishing links themselves. 

Arctic Wolf, known for its endpoint security and managed detection and response (MDR) solutions, also analyzed global breach trends across regions. The findings revealed that Australia and New Zealand recorded the sharpest surge in data breaches, rising from 56% in 2024 to 78% in 2025. Meanwhile, the United States reported stable breach rates, Nordic countries saw a slight decline, and Canada experienced a marginal increase. 

The study, based on responses from 1,700 IT professionals including leaders and employees, also explored how organizations are handling AI adoption and data governance. Alarmingly, 60% of IT leaders admitted to sharing confidential company data with generative AI tools like ChatGPT — an even higher rate than the 41% of lower-level employees who reported doing the same.  

While 57% of lower-level staff said their companies had established policies on generative AI use, 43% either doubted or were unaware of any such rules. Researchers noted that this lack of awareness and inconsistent communication reflects a major policy gap. Arctic Wolf emphasized that organizations must not only implement clear AI usage policies but also train employees on the data and network security risks these technologies introduce. 

The report further noted that nearly 60% of organizations fear AI tools could leak sensitive or proprietary data, and about half expressed concerns over potential misuse. Arctic Wolf’s findings underscore a growing disconnect between security perception and reality. 

As cyber threats evolve — particularly through phishing and AI misuse — complacency among IT leaders could prove dangerous. The report concludes that sustained awareness training, consistent policy enforcement, and stronger data protection strategies are critical to closing this widening security gap.
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Privacy Concerns
ai agents AI technology Copilot Data Privacy data security Microsoft Microsoft Copilot Privacy Privacy Concerns

Microsoft’s Copilot Actions in Windows 11 Sparks Privacy and Security Concerns

When it comes to computer security, every decision ultimately depends on trust. Users constantly weigh whether to download unfamiliar software, share personal details online, or trust that their emails reach the intended recipient securely. Now, with Microsoft’s latest feature in Windows 11, that question extends further — should users trust an AI assistant to access their files and perform actions across their apps? 


Microsoft’s new Copilot Actions feature introduces a significant shift in how users interact with AI on their PCs. The company describes it as an AI agent capable of completing tasks by interacting with your apps and files — using reasoning, vision, and automation to click, type, and scroll just like a human. This turns the traditional digital assistant into an active AI collaborator, capable of managing documents, organizing folders, booking tickets, or sending emails once user permission is granted.  

However, giving an AI that level of control raises serious privacy and security questions. Granting access to personal files and allowing it to act on behalf of a user requires substantial confidence in Microsoft’s safeguards. The company seems aware of the potential risks and has built multiple protective layers to address them. 

The feature is currently available only in experimental mode through the Windows Insider Program for pre-release users. It remains disabled by default until manually turned on from Settings > System > AI components > Agent tools by activating the “Experimental agentic features” option. 

To maintain strict oversight, only digitally signed agents from trusted sources can integrate with Windows. This allows Microsoft to revoke or block malicious agents if needed. Furthermore, Copilot Actions operates within a separate standard account created when the feature is enabled. By default, the AI can only access known folders such as Documents, Downloads, Desktop, and Pictures, and requires explicit user permission to reach other locations. 

These interactions occur inside a controlled Agent workspace, isolated from the user’s desktop, much like Windows Sandbox. According to Dana Huang, Corporate Vice President of Windows Security, each AI agent begins with limited permissions, gains access only to explicitly approved resources, and cannot modify the system without user consent. 

Adding to this, Microsoft’s Peter Waxman confirmed in an interview that the company’s security team is actively “red-teaming” the feature — conducting simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities. While he did not disclose test details, Microsoft noted that more granular privacy and security controls will roll out during the experimental phase before the feature’s public release. 

Even with these assurances, skepticism remains. The security research community — known for its vigilance and caution — will undoubtedly test whether Microsoft’s new agentic AI model can truly deliver on its promise of safety and transparency. As the preview continues, users and experts alike will be watching closely to see whether Copilot Actions earns their trust.
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Password Privacy
Cyber Defenses cyberattack protection Data protection data security IP Address ISP NordVPN Online Privacy Password Privacy

Using a VPN Is Essential for Online Privacy and Data Protection

 

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have evolved from tools used to bypass geographic content restrictions into one of the most effective defenses for protecting digital privacy and data security. By encrypting your internet traffic and concealing your real IP address, VPNs make it far more difficult for anyone — from hackers to internet service providers (ISPs) — to monitor or intercept your online activity. 

When connected to a VPN, your data is sent through a secure, encrypted tunnel before reaching its destination. This means that any information transmitted between your device and the VPN server remains unreadable to outsiders. Once your data reaches the server, it’s decrypted and forwarded to the intended website or application. In return, the response is re-encrypted before traveling back to you. Essentially, your data is “cloaked” from potential attackers, making it especially valuable when using public Wi-Fi networks, where Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks such as IP spoofing or Wi-Fi eavesdropping are common. 

For businesses, combining VPN usage with endpoint security and antivirus software strengthens overall cybersecurity posture by reducing exposure to network vulnerabilities.

A key advantage of VPNs lies in hiding your IP address, which can otherwise reveal your geographic location and online behavior. Exposing your IP makes you vulnerable to phishing, hacking, and DDoS attacks, and it can even allow malicious actors to impersonate you online. By rerouting your connection through a VPN server, your actual IP is replaced by the server’s, ensuring that websites and external entities can’t trace your real identity or location. 

In addition to safeguarding data, VPNs also help counter ISP throttling — the practice of deliberately slowing internet connections during high-traffic periods or after reaching data caps. With a VPN, your ISP cannot see the exact nature of your online activities, whether streaming, gaming, or torrenting. While ISPs can still detect VPN usage and measure total data transferred, they lose visibility into your specific browsing habits. 

Without a VPN, ISPs can track every website you visit, your search history, and even personal information transmitted over unencrypted connections. This data can be sold to advertisers or used to create detailed user profiles. Even browsing in Incognito mode doesn’t prevent ISPs from seeing your activity — it merely stops your device from saving it locally. 

Beyond using a VPN, good cyber hygiene is crucial. Keep your software and devices updated, use strong passwords, and enable antivirus protection. Avoid sharing unnecessary personal data online and think twice before storing sensitive information on unsecured platforms.  

Ultimately, a VPN isn’t a luxury — it’s a fundamental privacy tool. It protects your data, masks your identity, and keeps your online behavior hidden from prying eyes. In an era of widespread tracking and data monetization, using a VPN is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reclaim your digital privacy.
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Identity Theft
Airline Customer Data Cyber Attacks cyberattacks on airline Data Breaches Data Leak data security Hackers Identity Theft

Qantas Data Leak Highlights Rising Airline Cyberattacks and Identity Theft Risks

 

Airlines continue to attract the attention of cybercriminals due to the vast amounts of personal data they collect, with passports and government IDs among the most valuable targets. According to privacy firm Incogni, the exposure of such documents poses a “severe, long-term identity theft risk” since they are difficult to replace and can be exploited for years in fraud schemes involving fake identities, counterfeit documents, and impersonation scams. 

The recent Qantas Airways data breach, claimed by the Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters group, underscores the sector’s growing vulnerability. The stolen data included names, email addresses, Frequent Flyer details, and limited personal information such as phone numbers and birth dates. Fortunately, Qantas confirmed that no passport details, financial information, or credit card data were compromised. 

However, experts warn that even limited leaks can have serious consequences. “Attackers often combine personal identifiers like names and loyalty program details from multiple breaches to build complete identity profiles,” said Darius Belejevas, Head of Incogni. Such composite records can enable large-scale fraud even without financial data exposure. 

The Qantas incident also highlights the danger of third-party compromises. The breach reportedly stemmed from Salesforce social engineering and vendor vulnerabilities, illustrating how a single compromised supplier can have ripple effects across industries. Belejevas emphasized that “one compromised partner can expose millions of records in a single incident.” 

Data breaches in the airline industry are escalating rapidly. According to Cyble’s threat intelligence database, more than 20 airline-related breaches have been reported on the dark web in 2025 — a 50% increase from 2024. Much of this surge is attributed to coordinated attacks by Scattered Spider and the broader Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters alliance, although other groups have also begun targeting the aviation sector. 

In a separate incident, the CL0P ransomware group claimed to have breached Envoy Air, a regional carrier of American Airlines. Envoy confirmed the intrusion but stated that no customer data was affected, only limited business information. In contrast, WestJet, which suffered a breach in June 2025, had passports and government-issued IDs exposed, prompting it to offer two years of free identity monitoring to affected customers. Incogni, however, warned that identity theft risks from such documents can persist well beyond two years. 

Experts urge travelers to take preventive security measures. Incogni recommends enrolling in identity theft monitoring, reporting phishing attempts to national anti-fraud agencies, using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, and removing personal data from data broker sites. 

“Individuals and organizations must do more to safeguard sensitive data,” said Ron Zayas, CEO of Incogni. “In today’s world, data isn’t just being stolen by hackers — it’s also being misused by legitimate entities to manipulate outcomes.”
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leaked sensitive data
Asahi Beer Cyber Attacks Cyberattacks cybercriminal group CyberSecurity Ransomware Attacks Data Leak Data protection data security leaked sensitive data

Asahi Group Confirms Ransomware Attack Disrupting Operations and Leaking Data

 

Japanese food and beverage conglomerate Asahi Group Holdings has confirmed that a ransomware attack severely disrupted its operations and potentially exposed sensitive data, including employee and financial information. The cyberattack, which occurred on September 29, 2025, forced the company to delay releasing its January–September financial results, originally scheduled for November 12. 

The attack paralyzed Asahi’s domestic order and shipment systems, halting automated operations across Japan. Despite the disruption, the company implemented manual order processing and resumed partial shipments to ensure a continued supply of its popular beverages and food products. 

The Qilin ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the breach, asserting that it stole over 9,300 files containing personal and financial data. On October 8, Asahi confirmed that some of the stolen data was found online, prompting a detailed investigation into the scope and type of compromised information. In a public statement, the company said it is working to identify affected individuals and will issue notifications once the investigation confirms unauthorized data transfer.  

Although the incident primarily impacted systems within Japan, Asahi stated there is no evidence of compromise affecting its global operations. 

Recovery efforts are steadily progressing. Asahi Breweries resumed production at all six of its factories by October 2, restoring shipments of Asahi Super Dry, with other product lines following soon after. Asahi Soft Drinks restarted production at six of its seven plants by October 8, while Asahi Group Foods has also resumed partial operations at all seven domestic facilities.  

However, Asahi’s systems have not yet been fully restored, and the company has not provided a definite recovery timeline. The ongoing disruption has delayed access to critical accounting systems, forcing a postponement of quarterly financial reporting. 

In its official statement, Asahi explained that the financial disclosure delay is necessary to ensure accuracy and compliance amid system recovery. The company issued an apology to shareholders and stakeholders for the inconvenience caused and promised transparent updates as investigations and remediation progress. 

The Asahi Group cyberattack serves as another reminder of the rising frequency and impact of ransomware incidents targeting major corporations worldwide.
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Hacker attack
Breaches Critical Infrastructure critical infrastructure attack Cyber Attacks Cyberhackers data security F5 Security Hacker attack

Nation-State Hackers Breach F5 Networks, Exposing Thousands of Government and Corporate Systems to Imminent Threat

 

Thousands of networks operated by the U.S. government and Fortune 500 companies are facing an “imminent threat” of cyber intrusion after a major breach at Seattle-based software maker F5 Networks, the federal government warned on Wednesday. The company, known for its BIG-IP networking appliances, confirmed that a nation-state hacking group had infiltrated its systems in what it described as a “sophisticated, long-term intrusion.” 

According to F5, the attackers gained control of the network segment used to develop and distribute updates for its BIG-IP line—a critical infrastructure tool used by 48 of the world’s top 50 corporations. During their time inside F5’s systems, the hackers accessed proprietary source code, documentation of unpatched vulnerabilities, and customer configuration data. Such access provides attackers with an extraordinary understanding of the product’s architecture and weaknesses, raising serious concerns about potential supply-chain attacks targeting thousands of networks worldwide. 

Security analysts suggest that control of F5’s build environment could allow adversaries to manipulate software updates or exploit unpatched flaws within BIG-IP devices. These appliances often sit at the edge of networks, acting as load balancers, firewalls, and encryption gateways—meaning a compromise could provide a direct pathway into sensitive systems. The stolen configuration data also increases the likelihood that hackers could exploit credentials or internal settings for deeper infiltration. 

Despite the severity of the breach, F5 stated that investigations by multiple cybersecurity firms, including IOActive, NCC Group, Mandiant, and CrowdStrike, have not found evidence of tampering within its source code or build pipeline. The assessments further confirmed that no critical vulnerabilities were introduced and no customer or financial data was exfiltrated from F5’s internal systems. However, experts caution that the attackers’ deep access and stolen intelligence could still enable future targeted exploits. 

In response, F5 has issued updates for its BIG-IP, F5OS, BIG-IQ, and APM products and rotated its signing certificates to secure its software distribution process. The company has also provided a threat-hunting guide to assist customers in detecting potential compromise indicators. 

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an emergency directive warning that the breach “poses an unacceptable risk” to federal networks. Agencies using F5 appliances have been ordered to inventory all affected devices, install the latest patches, and follow the company’s threat-hunting protocols. Similarly, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released guidance urging organizations to update their systems immediately. 

While no supply-chain compromise has yet been confirmed, the breach of a vendor as deeply embedded in global enterprise networks as F5 underscores the growing risk of nation-state infiltration in critical infrastructure software. As investigations continue, security officials are urging both government and private organizations to take swift action to mitigate potential downstream threats.
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Malwares
Cybersecurity Breach Data Breach data security Data Stolen Google Pixel Malware attacks Malwares

Pixnapping Malware Exploits Android’s Rendering Pipeline to Steal Sensitive Data from Google and Samsung Devices

 

Cybersecurity researchers have revealed a new Android malware attack called Pixnapping, capable of stealing sensitive information from Google and Samsung smartphones without any user interaction. The name “Pixnapping” blends “pixel” and “snapping,” referring to how the malware stealthily extracts visual data pixel by pixel from targeted apps. 

When a user installs an app laced with the Pixnapping malware, it silently scans the device for other apps to spy on—such as Google Authenticator. Instead of opening the target app directly, the malware leverages the Android rendering pipeline to intercept the visual data being displayed. It then analyzes the color and content of individual pixels in areas known to display confidential information, like two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. By interpreting these pixels, the malware reconstructs the original data—essentially taking “invisible screenshots” of protected content without ever triggering normal app permissions. 

According to researchers, three flaws in Android’s design enable Pixnapping. First, apps can invoke another app’s activity through the rendering pipeline, which allows unauthorized access to refresh sensitive screens. Second, Android permits graphical operations to be performed on another app’s displayed content. Third, apps can detect pixel color changes during these operations, revealing the hidden visual data. 

Tests confirmed Pixnapping’s success across several devices, including the Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S25, running Android versions 13 through 16. The malware’s efficiency varied across devices, achieving success rates between 29% and 73% on Pixel models. On the Galaxy S25, however, researchers couldn’t extract 2FA codes before they expired. The attack was also demonstrated on apps and services such as Gmail, Signal, Venmo, Google Accounts, and Google Maps—indicating that Pixnapping could potentially expose emails, encrypted messages, payment data, and location histories. 

The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2025-48561. While Google has issued an initial patch, researchers found ways to bypass it, prompting Google to develop a stronger fix expected in the December Android security update.  

Fortunately, Pixnapping has not been detected in active attacks yet. Still, experts urge users to stay vigilant by updating their devices with the latest security patches and downloading apps only from verified marketplaces such as the Google Play Store. Even then, users should double-check app details to ensure authenticity and avoid sideloading unverified applications. 

Pixnapping underscores a critical flaw in Android’s visual data handling and highlights the growing sophistication of modern mobile malware. Until Google delivers a complete patch, maintaining cautious download habits and prompt software updates remains the best defense.
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Microsoft
ai agents AI technology Cloud Cloud Security Critical Data Cyber Security data security Microsoft

Microsoft Sentinel Aims to Unify Cloud Security but Faces Questions on Value and Maturity

 

Microsoft is positioning its Sentinel platform as the foundation of a unified cloud-based security ecosystem. At its core, Sentinel is a security information and event management (SIEM) system designed to collect, aggregate, and analyze data from numerous sources — including logs, metrics, and signals — to identify potential malicious activity across complex enterprise networks. The company’s vision is to make Sentinel the central hub for enterprise cybersecurity operations.

A recent enhancement to Sentinel introduces a data lake capability, allowing flexible and open access to the vast quantities of security data it processes. This approach enables customers, partners, and vendors to build upon Sentinel’s infrastructure and customize it to their unique requirements. Rather than keeping data confined within Sentinel’s ecosystem, Microsoft is promoting a multi-modal interface, inviting integration and collaboration — a move intended to solidify Sentinel as the core of every enterprise security strategy. 

Despite this ambition, Sentinel remains a relatively young product in Microsoft’s security portfolio. Its positioning alongside other tools, such as Microsoft Defender, still generates confusion. Defender serves as the company’s extended detection and response (XDR) tool and is expected to be the main interface for most security operations teams. Microsoft envisions Defender as one of many “windows” into Sentinel, tailored for different user personas — though the exact structure and functionality of these views remain largely undefined. 

There is potential for innovation, particularly with Sentinel’s data lake supporting graph-based queries that can analyze attack chains or assess the blast radius of an intrusion. However, Microsoft’s growing focus on generative and “agentic” AI may be diverting attention from Sentinel’s immediate development needs. The company’s integration of a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server within Sentinel’s architecture hints at ambitions to power AI agents using Sentinel’s datasets. This would give Microsoft a significant advantage if such agents become widely adopted within enterprises, as it would control access to critical security data. 

While Sentinel promises a comprehensive solution for data collection, risk identification, and threat response, its value proposition remains uncertain. The pricing reflects its ambition as a strategic platform, but customers are still evaluating whether it delivers enough tangible benefits to justify the investment. As it stands, Sentinel’s long-term potential as a unified security platform is compelling, but the product continues to evolve, and its stability as a foundation for enterprise-wide adoption remains unproven. 

For now, organizations deeply integrated with Azure may find it practical to adopt Sentinel at the core of their security operations. Others, however, may prefer to weigh alternatives from established vendors such as Splunk, Datadog, LogRhythm, or Elastic, which offer mature and battle-tested SIEM solutions. Microsoft’s vision of a seamless, AI-driven, cloud-secure future may be within reach someday, but Sentinel still has considerable ground to cover before it becomes the universal security platform Microsoft envisions.
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Privacy Issues
Android data security Data tracking Google Maps iOS Open Source Privacy Privacy Issues

CoMaps: The Open-Source, Privacy-Focused Google Maps Alternative You’ll Actually Want to Use

 

Google Maps may be convenient, but for some users, its constant tracking and battery drain are reason enough to look for an alternative. One such option is CoMaps, an open-source navigation app built for privacy and efficiency. Users frustrated by Google’s monthly location reports or the high battery consumption of Maps may find CoMaps to be a refreshing change. 

CoMaps is a fork of Organic Maps, which itself evolved from the earlier project MapsWithMe, later acquired by the Russian-based Maps.ru group. Like its predecessors, CoMaps uses OpenStreetMap data — a community-driven platform that emphasizes transparency and collaboration. The app, available for both Android and iOS, stands out for its offline usability and no-tracking policy. 

Unlike Google Maps, CoMaps collects no personal information, doesn’t serve ads, and doesn’t require a constant internet connection. It offers offline search, route planning, and voice-guided navigation while consuming far less battery power. Users can download regional maps, mark and save favorite spots, view subway maps, and even access offline Wikipedia articles for added context. Another standout feature is CoMaps’ outdoor mode, designed for hiking and biking. 

This mode highlights trails, campsites, points of interest, and even water sources — making it ideal for travelers and adventurers who prefer staying disconnected from the grid. The built-in map editor also lets users contribute directly to improving OpenStreetMap data, reinforcing the app’s community-driven philosophy. Setting up CoMaps is simple. Users can download only the maps they need, saving space and allowing seamless offline use. Once downloaded, navigation feels intuitive — nearly identical to Google Maps. 

Directions are clear, and the app supports distance measurements in both kilometers and miles, customizable through the settings. Since its release on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in July, CoMaps has quickly gained attention as a reliable Google Maps replacement. Its focus on privacy, performance, and transparency appeals to users who are increasingly wary of data tracking. 

For those who value privacy and want a lighter, more ethical alternative to big tech navigation tools, CoMaps offers a balanced blend of simplicity, functionality, and digital independence. It’s free, open-source, and ready to use — without following you everywhere you go.
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data security
Cyber Attacks cybercriminal group CyberSecurity Ransomware Attacks dark web data leak Data Leak data security

Qilin Ransomware Gang Claims Cyberattack on Japanese Beer Giant Asahi

 

The Qilin ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the recent cyberattack on Japanese brewing giant Asahi, adding the company’s name to its dark web data leak site. The cybercriminals alleged that they had stolen over 9,300 files amounting to 27GB of confidential data, including financial documents, employee identification records, contracts, and internal reports. To substantiate their claims, the group published 29 images showing snippets of the stolen files. 

Asahi, Japan’s largest beer manufacturer, employs around 30,000 people and produces approximately 100 million hectoliters annually, generating close to $20 billion in revenue. The company suffered significant operational disruptions following the attack. On September 29, Asahi temporarily halted production at six of its domestic facilities, later confirming on October 3 that a ransomware attack had crippled its systems and led to data exfiltration. 

At first, no threat actor took public credit for the breach. However, the Qilin ransomware group eventually listed Asahi among its victims, likely after ransom negotiations failed. Qilin, which emerged in 2023, is known as a multi-platform ransomware operation capable of targeting both Windows and Linux systems. The group has been associated with other notorious hacker collectives such as Scattered Spider and, more recently, North Korean state-linked actors. 

Qilin’s tactics include exploiting vulnerabilities in edge network devices, deploying credential theft tools, and developing sophisticated encryption mechanisms to hinder recovery. The group has previously targeted high-profile organizations including Nissan, Inotiv, Lee Enterprises, major hospitals within London’s NHS network, and automotive supplier Yangfeng.

In its post, Qilin claimed that the Asahi ransomware attack could result in losses exceeding $335 million due to production halts affecting six breweries and more than thirty beer labels. Despite the claims, Asahi has not verified the authenticity of the leaked files. In a statement to BleepingComputer, a company spokesperson confirmed that the matter remains under active investigation and declined to comment further. 

The company also shared that production of its flagship beer, Super Dry, has resumed through a temporary manual ordering system. While Asahi’s factories are not yet operating at full capacity, shipments for additional labels are expected to restart by October 15. However, as a direct consequence of the cyberattack and ongoing disruptions, Asahi announced it would delay the launch of new products that were initially planned for October 2025. 

The attack on Asahi underscores the growing reach and sophistication of ransomware groups like Qilin, whose increasingly destructive campaigns continue to target global corporations across industries, threatening both economic stability and consumer trust.
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protecting sensitive data
Cyber Security Data Leak Data protection data security Exploits leaked sensitive data protecting sensitive data

Zimbra Zero-Day Exploit Used in ICS File Attacks to Steal Sensitive Data

 

Security researchers have discovered that hackers exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Zimbra Collaboration Suite (ZCS) earlier this year using malicious calendar attachments to steal sensitive data. The attackers embedded harmful JavaScript code inside .ICS files—typically used to schedule and share calendar events—to target vulnerable Zimbra systems and execute commands within user sessions. 

The flaw, identified as CVE-2025-27915, affected ZCS versions 9.0, 10.0, and 10.1. It stemmed from inadequate sanitization of HTML content in calendar files, allowing cybercriminals to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. Once executed, the code could redirect emails, steal credentials, and access confidential user information. Zimbra patched the issue on January 27 through updates (ZCS 9.0.0 P44, 10.0.13, and 10.1.5), but at that time, the company did not confirm any active attacks. 

StrikeReady, a cybersecurity firm specializing in AI-based threat management, detected the campaign while monitoring unusually large .ICS files containing embedded JavaScript. Their investigation revealed that the attacks began in early January, predating the official patch release. In one notable instance, the attackers impersonated the Libyan Navy’s Office of Protocol and sent a malicious email targeting a Brazilian military organization. The attached .ICS file included Base64-obfuscated JavaScript designed to compromise Zimbra Webmail and extract sensitive data. 

Analysis of the payload showed that it was programmed to operate stealthily and execute in asynchronous mode. It created hidden fields to capture usernames and passwords, tracked user actions, and automatically logged out inactive users to trigger data theft. The script exploited Zimbra’s SOAP API to search through emails and retrieve messages, which were then sent to the attacker every four hours. It also added a mail filter named “Correo” to forward communications to a ProtonMail address, gathered contacts and distribution lists, and even hid user interface elements to avoid detection. The malware delayed its execution by 60 seconds and only reactivated every three days to reduce suspicion. 

StrikeReady could not conclusively link the attack to any known hacking group but noted that similar tactics have been associated with a small number of advanced threat actors, including those linked to Russia and the Belarusian state-sponsored group UNC1151. The firm shared technical indicators and a deobfuscated version of the malicious code to aid other security teams in detection efforts. 

Zimbra later confirmed that while the exploit had been used, the scope of the attacks appeared limited. The company urged all users to apply the latest patches, review existing mail filters for unauthorized changes, inspect message stores for Base64-encoded .ICS entries, and monitor network activity for irregular connections. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of targeted attacks and the importance of timely patching and vigilant monitoring to prevent zero-day exploitation.
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Personal Data
Data Breach Data Exposure Data Leak data security leaked sensitive data Malware. Scattered Spider online crimes Telstra Personal Data

Telstra Denies Scattered Spider Data Breach Claims Amid Ransom Threats

 

Telstra, one of Australia’s leading telecommunications companies, has denied claims made by the hacker group Scattered Spider that it suffered a massive data breach compromising nearly 19 million personal records. The company issued a statement clarifying that its internal systems remain secure and that the data in question was scraped from publicly available sources rather than stolen. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Telstra emphasized that no passwords, banking details, or sensitive identification data such as driver’s licenses or Medicare numbers were included in the dataset. 

The claims originated from a dark web post published on October 3 by a group calling itself Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters, an offshoot of Scattered Spider. The group alleged it had stolen more than 100GB of personally identifiable information, including names and physical addresses, and warned that company executives should negotiate to avoid further data exposure. The attackers claimed the alleged breach took place in July 2023 and threatened to release the data publicly if a ransom was not paid by October 13, 2025. They also asserted possession of over 16 million records contained in a file named telstra.sql, which they said was part of a larger collection of 19 million records. 

In a surprising twist, the ransom note also mentioned Salesforce, the global cloud computing company, demanding negotiations begin with its executives. Salesforce swiftly rejected the demand, issuing a statement on October 8 declaring that it “will not engage, negotiate with, or pay any extortion demand,” aligning with global cybersecurity guidelines that discourage ransom payments. 

Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters has made similar claims about breaches involving several major corporations, including Qantas, IKEA, and Google AdSense. Cybersecurity intelligence platforms like Cyble Vision have documented multiple previous instances of alleged Telstra data breaches, some dating back to 2022. In one notable case, a threat actor called UnicornLover67 claimed to possess a dataset containing over 47,000 Telstra employee records, including email addresses and hashed passwords. Telstra has previously confirmed smaller breaches linked to third-party service providers, most recently in 2022, affecting around 132,000 customers. 

However, cybersecurity analysts remain uncertain whether the current claims represent a fresh breach or a recycling of old data. Experts suggest that previously leaked or publicly available datasets may have been repurposed to appear as new evidence of compromise. This possibility aligns with Telstra’s statement that no recent intrusion has occurred. 

The investigation into the alleged breach remains ongoing as the ransom deadline approaches. While Telstra continues to assert that its systems are uncompromised, the persistence of repeated breach claims underscores the growing challenge of misinformation and data reuse in the cybercrime landscape. The Cyber Express has reached out to Telstra for further updates and will continue to monitor the situation as new details emerge.
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Personal Data
AI Chatbot AI technology ChatGPT Cyber Security Data protection data security Gemini Personal Data

AI Adoption Outpaces Cybersecurity Awareness as Users Share Sensitive Data with Chatbots

 

The global surge in the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini is rapidly outpacing efforts to educate users about the cybersecurity risks these technologies pose, according to a new study. The research, conducted by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) in collaboration with cybersecurity firm CybNet, surveyed over 6,500 individuals across seven countries, including the United States. It found that 65% of respondents now use AI in their everyday lives—a 21% increase from last year—yet 58% said they had received no training from employers on the data privacy and security challenges associated with AI use. 

“People are embracing AI in their personal and professional lives faster than they are being educated on its risks,” said Lisa Plaggemier, Executive Director of the NCA. The study revealed that 43% of respondents admitted to sharing sensitive information, including company financial data and client records, with AI chatbots, often without realizing the potential consequences. The findings highlight a growing disconnect between AI adoption and cybersecurity preparedness, suggesting that many organizations are failing to educate employees on how to use these tools responsibly. 

The NCA-CybNet report aligns with previous warnings about the risks posed by AI systems. A survey by software company SailPoint earlier this year found that 96% of IT professionals believe AI agents pose a security risk, while 84% said their organizations had already begun deploying the technology. These AI agents—designed to automate tasks and improve efficiency—often require access to sensitive internal documents, databases, or systems, creating new vulnerabilities. When improperly secured, they can serve as entry points for hackers or even cause catastrophic internal errors, such as one case where an AI agent accidentally deleted an entire company database. 

Traditional chatbots also come with risks, particularly around data privacy. Despite assurances from companies, most chatbot interactions are stored and sometimes used for future model training, meaning they are not entirely private. This issue gained attention in 2023 when Samsung engineers accidentally leaked confidential data to ChatGPT, prompting the company to ban employee use of the chatbot. 

The integration of AI tools into mainstream software has only accelerated their ubiquity. Microsoft recently announced that AI agents will be embedded into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, meaning millions of users may interact with AI daily—often without any specialized training in cybersecurity. As AI becomes an integral part of workplace tools, the potential for human error, unintentional data sharing, and exposure to security breaches increases. 

While the promise of AI continues to drive innovation, experts warn that its unchecked expansion poses significant security challenges. Without comprehensive training, clear policies, and safeguards in place, individuals and organizations risk turning powerful productivity tools into major sources of vulnerability. The race to integrate AI into every aspect of modern life is well underway—but for cybersecurity experts, the race to keep users informed and protected is still lagging far behind.
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