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FBI and other US authorities warn of most common email scams

As part of the Don't Click December initiative, US consumers are set to receive ongoing updates and guidance to enhance their awareness and resilience against fraudulent online activities.

Robert Gelo, 07 Dec 2023 15:48

Almost 7 million 23andMe users were affected in a recent data breach. (Image via 23andMe w/ edits)

Genetic testing company 23andMe discloses security breach affecting 6.9 million users

23andMe, a company known for tracing ancestry via genetic testing, recently closed an investigation into unauthorized access of user accounts. The investigation revealed that roughly 6.9 user accounts were affected in the breach, ...

Sam Medley, 06 Dec 2023 20:05

Image source: DreamStudio by stability.ai

North Korean hackers rake up US$3B in Crypto over six years

Recorded Future’s Insikt Group reported that hackers backed by a regime have acquired an estimated US$3 billion by targeting the cryptocurrency and finance industry, with South Korea being their primary target, as well as the rest...

Robert Gelo, 05 Dec 2023 14:40

Security gaps in the open source services prompted a server update (Image: Nextcloud/Owncloud)

Security gaps discovered in Nextcloud and ownCloud's cloud software

Cloud computing programs Nextcloud and ownCloud were recently affected by several security gaps that allowed third parties to access stored server files. The vulnerabilities have already been fixed in the current versions.

Alexander Pensler, 04 Dec 2023 23:36

Deepfake creation is made simple with generative AI applications (symbolic image: Bing AI)

Deepfake scandal at high school calls lawmakers to action

Since deepfake images created by AI have been circulating at a school, lawmakers want to take stricter action against creators and distributors of non-consensual deepfakes. With the advancement of AI, creating such fake images wit...

Nicole Dominikowski, 02 Dec 2023 18:45

Bad bots are increasingly attacking customer service call centers. (Image source: MS Bing/DALL-E 3)

Malicious bots generate over 70% of Internet traffic

According to a recent analysis by fraud prevention software Arkose Labs, the majority of internet traffic in 2023 has come from malicious bots driven by artificial intelligence. Bad bot practices include card testing, account scra...

Robert Gelo, 01 Dec 2023 17:52

(Image source: DreamStudio/stability.ai)

US government investigates cyber attacks on water suppliers in Pennsylvania and Texas

The attacks targeted water facilities, with the hackers gaining control of a water station in Pennsylvania and claiming to have stolen data from a regional water supplier in Texas. One of these attacks is suspected to have been st...

Robert Gelo, 30 Nov 2023 16:54

The breach was detected during a similar attack on Dutch airline Transavia. (Image source: MS Bing/DALL-E 3)

Chinese hackers breach Dutch semiconductor giant NXP

Chimera group infiltrated the network of Dutch semiconductor giant NXP, gaining access for over two years from late 2017 to the beginning of 2020. The breach remained undetected until late 2019.

Robert Gelo, 27 Nov 2023 22:25

Ransomware attacks hit Stanford University and Nassau Bay in Texas

In May, the Akira gang ransomware attack hit the Texas community, and only on Wednesday did the affected 8,000 citizens receive a note about it. A few days earlier, Stanford University was listed as the target of a ransomware atta...

Robert Gelo, 24 Nov 2023 19:37

The Mi 10T is also affected (Image: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi Mi and Poco: These smartphones are no longer officially supported, potentially posing a security risk

Xiaomi has announced which smartphones will no longer be officially supported in the future. The list is extensive and also includes popular models; the discontinuation of support is likely to become a security-relevant factor for...

Silvio Werner, 23 Nov 2023 03:54

Signal: How much it costs to run a messenger app

Under the headline "Privacy is Priceless, but Signal is Expensive", non-commercial messenger Signal provides interesting insights into the infrastructure of a messenger app and its costs.

Christian Hintze, 18 Nov 2023 22:57

Anonymous Sudan claimed responsibility. Unrelated to Anonymous. (Source: MS Bing/DALL-E 3)

Cyberattacks disrupt OpenAI's ChatGPT

The Popular ChatGPT service suffered widespread outages, possibly caused by a DDoS attack. Anonymous Sudan, a group linked to Russia, claimed responsibility.

Robert Gelo, 17 Nov 2023 19:45

7 warning signs your iPhone may be tracked

CheckMag By recognizing the signs of mobile phone tracking, you can determine whether your iPhone is being monitored. Below are 7 warning signs your iPhone may be tracked, which range from unexpected Apple ID login alerts to unusual data u...

Triet Le, 13 Nov 2023 21:49

Microsoft Outlook Windows client version 20231027003.15 (Source: Own)

The new Outlook gives Microsoft access to Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, and IMAP accounts

Replacing Mail, Calendar, and the classic Outlook, Microsoft's new Outlook for Windows might be a security problem for some users. Available as a part of Windows 11 and as a standalone app, it shares all emails, contacts, and even...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Nov 2023 13:39

A leaked Xiaomi Car image. (Source: Car News China)

Xiaomi Car tipped to come with on-board crash detection

The personal electronics OEM Xiaomi has yet to follow through on its long-hyped foray into the automotive market; nevertheless, the company is still definitely working on it, according to a new leak. It reportedly reveals a new pa...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 03 Nov 2023 20:55

The EU is one step away from mass digital surveillance. (image source: recheck.io)

New proposed eiDAS amendment gives the EU legal mandate to surveil HTTPS sites

Article 45 would grant EU governments total control over HTTPS root certificates, allowing for internet traffic interception across the entire EU space. 300 internet security experts are now trying to raise awareness regarding the...

Bogdan Solca, 02 Nov 2023 17:52

Psync Camera Genie S launches touted as world's first GPT-powered indoor security camera

GPT has found its way into the smart home with the Camera Genie S, a gadget backed by its maker Psync Labs, Inc to keep watch over domestic life in the smartest way possible. The Genie S is rated to leverage its "innovative genera...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 01 Nov 2023 19:27

Google pays hackers to fix AI security problems

Google offers $12 million for hackers to tackle generative AI attacks

Google is encouraging hackers to reveal possible threats to its AI systems. Previously, the company employed its internal "AI Red Team" to investigate attack techniques on artificial intelligence. However, the updated program now ...

Nicole Dominikowski, 31 Oct 2023 16:45

Reolink's latest solar cameras. (Source: Reolink)

Reolink 4K Solar Camera Series launches touted as fully wireless home security solutions

Reolink has announced that all of its latest accessories "revolutionize" battery-powered home security systems with both solar power and "4K clarity" across the board. The line-up also includes choices of either Wi-Fi- or standalo...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 23 Oct 2023 19:15

Microsoft's HoloLens virtual reality headset to be redesigned to better resist hacker attacks.

Microsoft HoloLens for the military: Hacker attacks on VR headset may cause physical pain

The HoloLens virtual reality headset, which Microsoft manufactures for the US military, has met with widespread rejection by soldiers because it can cause various physical ailments. There are now also fears that hacker attacks on ...

Nicole Dominikowski, 20 Oct 2023 01:08

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max flagship (Source: Apple)

iOS 17.0.1, iPadOS 17.0.1, and macOS 13.6 bring critical security patches

Released just a few days after iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, the 17.0.1 updates arrive to take care of three vulnerabilities. Launched two months after macOS 13.5, macOS 13.6 also patches two of the three vulnerabilities targeted by the u...

Codrut Nistor, 25 Sep 2023 19:17

Apple has made privacy a cornerstone of its products and services. (Source: Apple)

Siri app tracking enabled by default, appears to access user data without express user consent

Apple has made privacy a cornerstone of its customer experience across its product lineup. However, there has been more than one occasion where the company has fallen short of its claims, and it might still have some work to do ye...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 24 Sep 2023 14:19

This router is getting a successor. (Source: Charter)

Spectrum Advanced WiFi next-gen router to support Wi-Fi 7 thanks to Qualcomm

Qualcomm has announced that it will partner the US broadband company Charter to deliver a new router for the latter's Spectrum Advanced WiFi service. It is rated to deliver 10 gigabit per second (Gb/s) wired speeds as well as Wi-F...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 20 Sep 2023 19:47

TikTok slapped with ~US$370 million fine for mis-handling underage user data

The Republic of Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) has concluded that TikTok has violated various aspects of GDPR as it relates to "child users". The social media giant faces a "reprimand" as well as a multi-million-euro f...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 17 Sep 2023 15:15

A "Galaxy SmartTag2" lifestyle shot. (Source: MobileFun)

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 possible launch date, pricing and color options presented in new leak

Samsung is said to have updated its second-gen smart tracker to premium ultra-wide band (UWB) connectivity and a larger, possibly more user-friendly, form-factor. Its latest leak purports to confirm this design change as well as a...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 25 Aug 2023 20:02

An AI-ready AMD stack server. (Source: AMD)

Over 66% of IT heads see AI as an advantage, but only ~50% are ready to adopt it

According to new AMD-commissioned research, nearly 80% of the 2,000+ "IT leaders" surveyed believed that AI will boost their productivity, while 70% of them believe that it will result in an improved work-life balance. Despite thi...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 15 Aug 2023 23:10

It appears that Tesla's AMD-based infotainment systems have a fatal security flaw that can be exploited with off-the-shelf-hardware. (Image source: Various - edited)

Tesla hack exploits AMD vulnerability to access user data and unlock US$15,000 in paid software-locked features

A group of enterprising hackers has managed to take advantage of a known exploit in Tesla's in-vehicle software that allowed them to access thousands of dollars in software-locked features, sideload custom apps, and, most alarming...

Julian van der Merwe, 03 Aug 2023 23:10

Over 100 malicious signed Windows drivers blocked by Microsoft

The security advisory that arrived alongside yesterday's updates for Windows revealed that Microsoft has blocked over 100 malicious signed drivers. Back in February, researchers from a trio of security companies informed the tech ...

Codrut Nistor, 12 Jul 2023 13:41

July 2023 security update for the Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup now available

The July security patch has started rolling out in the US, where all Galaxy S23 series devices locked on T-Mobile are receiving the 425 MB software package. Other regions should follow in the coming days. The update is based on An...

Codrut Nistor, 03 Jul 2023 12:41

Elon Musk's Twitter is making rapid strides of evolving into an "everything X app". (Image generated by Midjourney AI)

From Twitter to "X": Elon Musk's overpaid acquisition has more to it than meets the eye

One app to rule them all. Increasing proliferation of AI-generated content into large social platforms like Twitter is fast blurring the lines between fake news and credible information. Musk's US$44 billion Twitter acquisition ma...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 21 Jun 2023 10:55

The new Lifebook U9313X. (Source: Fujitsu)

Fujitsu Lifebook U9 series PCs with palm-scanner support and Raptor Lake platforms make debut

Fujitsu has announced that it has upgraded its Lifebook-series laptop and convertible tablet to 13th-gen Intel processors. The OEM also asserts that they are ideal for remote or hybrid work, especially with the option of a "palm v...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 06 Jun 2023 22:10

Amazon and Microsoft are being fined heavily by the FTC for violating privacy laws. (Image Source: @simplicity on Unsplash)

Amazon to cough up more than US$30 million and Microsoft US$20 million to FTC over Ring, Alexa, and Xbox privacy violations

The U.S. FTC has fined Amazon and Microsoft for violating privacy laws. Amazon is being fined over US$30 million over breach of user privacy and COPPA non-compliance with its Ring and Alexa systems. The trade commission also requi...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 06 Jun 2023 19:30

The Pixel 7a prior to teardown. (Source: JerryRigEverything via YouTube)

Google Pixel 7a teardown reveals something to watch out for in the future

The Pixel 7a's almost obligatory teardown on the JerryRigEverything YouTube channel has ended in unexpected results. Google's latest Android smartphone was found to have an internal detail or two that never came up during its rece...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 24 May 2023 14:54

VIOFO A119 Mini 2 Dash Cam launches as 2K Sony STARVIS 2-powered dash-cam

VIOFO's latest A119 Mini 2 is, as the name suggests, one of the super-compact type of dash-cam that integrates its own rear-facing screen. Nevertheless, it is packed with up-to-date features such as a Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor f...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 22 May 2023 18:35

FREEDARE promotes its upcoming Indiegogo campaign. (Source: FREEDARE)

Update | FREEDARE "smart" fat-tire e-bike set for May 2023 Indiegogo launch

FREEDARE has announced that it will bring its new option in electrified mobility to Indiegogo later in May 2023. The start-up describes it as "the world's first smart fat tire e-bike", which seems to mean the multi-terrain IP5X tw...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 09 May 2023 22:25

May the passkey be with you(?). (Source: Google)

Passkeys for Google Accounts roll out as "stronger" alternatives to passwords

Google has heralded "a major step" toward a future in which the password is obsolete with a new Account option sign-in option. They enable the user to generate a passkey instead of setting a password, and link it to their stored b...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 04 May 2023 19:19

Apple rolled out its first public Rapid Security Response update today. (Image: own)

Apple rolls out first public Rapid Security Response update

First announced last summer at WWDC, Apple is rolling out the first publicly available Rapid Security Response update for iOS and macOS. While details concerning what the security update patches are not yet known, this marks the f...

Sam Medley, 02 May 2023 21:10

Geoffrey Hinton focused on deep learning projects for half a century (Source: Geoffrey Hinton on Twitter)

Geoffrey Hinton leaves Google, warns about AI risks

Known for his work on artificial neural networks, Geoffrey Hinton has been with Google since March 2013, when the tech giant acquired DNNresearch Inc., his company at the time. Earlier today, he announced his departure from Google...

Codrut Nistor, 01 May 2023 20:01

Machine Learning algorithms provide increased security against all forms of data tampering. (Image Source: Cigent)

Cigent's latest SSDs come with AI-powered protection against ransomware attacks

The Ai microprocessors integrated with Cigent's new Secure SSD+ solutions employ machine learning algorithms to detect ransomware and remote attacks. Together with the Data Defense app, the SSDs can enable per-file multi-factor au...

Bogdan Solca, 26 Apr 2023 17:47

The FBI has seized Genesis Marketplace, a hub for hackers used to sell stolen logins. (Image via FBI)

FBI shuts down Genesis Marketplace, a popular site for selling stolen logins

Genesis Marketplace, one of the largest marketplaces for selling stolen login credentials, has been seized by the FBI. The takedown involved cooperation between agencies from multiple countries across Europe and North America.

Sam Medley, 05 Apr 2023 20:47

70mai Dash Cam Omni enters the North American market

The 360-degree full-view 70mai Dash Cam Omni has just made its debut in North America. With a list price of US$199.99 for the US and CAD$279.99 for Canada, this 1080p dash camera features AI motion detection, built-in GPS and 128 ...

Codrut Nistor, 28 Mar 2023 15:06

We took Hide.me Windows VPN app for a spin and came away impressed. (Image source: Hide.me)

Hide.me VPN offers free to use private web searching with no sign-up required

CheckSum Hide.me VPN app is worth giving a try for those out of love with having to disclose e-mail addresses and other personal details to companies no-one's ever heard of. The data cap is comfortably high, too.

Sergey Tarasov, 18 Mar 2023 04:57

Western Digital Purple HDD (Source: Western Digital)

Deal | 14 TB Western Digital Purple surveillance HDD hits lowest Amazon price in 30 days

Introduced on the market at the end of November 2019, the 14 TB Western Digital Purple HDD is optimized for surveillance tasks with design traits that ensure long-term reliability while in use 24/7. With a list price of US$319.99 ...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Mar 2023 10:39

Enabot EBO X home robot Kickstarter attains nearly 20 times its goal

Enabot touts its latest EBO X as the "first true family bot", and, as such, capable of helping protect, entertain and inform your loved ones while moving independently around the home. Its launch via Kickstarter involves a hefty d...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 12 Mar 2023 19:23

Subscription plan for Instagram and Facebook coming later this week

In a move supposed to help users protect themselves from impersonation and to gain direct access to customer support, Meta Verified is rolling out this week to increase security across the brand's services. Australia and New Zeala...

Codrut Nistor, 20 Feb 2023 14:08

Heybike Tyson launches as a fat-tire e-bike with 4G, Bluetooth and GPS support

Heybike's "most advanced" new e-bike has a fairly standard 750W motor, foldable form-factor, augmented with hydraulic front-fork suspension and disc brakes with "excellent stopping power." Then again, it also has the in-built conn...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 18 Feb 2023 18:38

Google may claim Android 14 is even more secure than ever. (Source: Google)

Android 14 slated to start preventing old app installs

Google reportedly intends to start blocking the installation of apps that have been developed for older versions of Android soon. These changes are slated to come into effect with the next major upgrade to the operating system, an...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 Jan 2023 22:36

CES 2023 | MediaTek Filogic Wi-Fi 7 and 6E chips pass Federated Wireless AFC system testing

MediaTek and Federated Wireless have announced that products such as 5G hotspots and Ethernet gateways powered by Filogic chips for either Wi-Fi 7 or 6E stand to benefit from improved capacity, speed and range, as they are now mor...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 02 Jan 2023 17:10

Twitter is hit by a new scandal. (Source: Twitter)

Twitter: 400 million user profiles reportedly up for sale following new data breach

A database containing an allegedly "devastating" amount of personal data is reportedly being offered for sale by a "threat actor" that claims to have derived the information from a vulnerability in Twitter's defences. According to...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 Dec 2022 15:43