Recent Security News
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Formal ban on ransomware payments? Asking orgs nicely to not cough up ain’t working
January 3, 2024 at 03:37AM Emsisoft advocates for a total ban on ransom payments following a surge in ransomware attacks on US organizations, costing nearly $1.5 million each on average to rectify. It pointed to record-breaking attacks in 2023, including those on hospitals, schools, and government bodies. The report also highlights concerns about the need…
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DOJ Slams XCast with $10 Million Fine Over Massive Illegal Robocall Operation
January 3, 2024 at 03:12AM The U.S. Department of Justice settled with VoIP provider XCast for illegal telemarketing campaigns. The agreement requires compliance measures and a $10 million penalty, suspended due to financial inability. XCast must sever ties with non-compliant firms. FTC also banned Response Tree for illegal robocalls and deceptive website practices, selling consumer…
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Cybercriminals Share Millions of Stolen Records During Holiday Break
January 2, 2024 at 05:31PM Cybercriminals leaked around 50 million records of sensitive personal information in a lead-up to Christmas, dubbed “Leaksmas” on the Dark Web to attract new customers. Resecurity identified several threat actors releasing substantial data dumps, including discounts on stolen payment data. Known groups, like SeigedSec and Five Families, shared compromised information…
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States and Congress Wrestle With Cybersecurity After Iran Attacks Small Town Water Utilities
January 2, 2024 at 05:12PM The Aliquippa water authority in western Pennsylvania fell victim to an international cyberattack by Iranian-backed hackers. The attack targeted a piece of Israeli-made equipment, prompting concerns about potential dangers to water utilities across the US. Efforts to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities and funding challenges continue at the state and federal levels.…
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Google Settles Lawsuit Over Tracking ‘Incognito Mode’ Chrome Users
January 2, 2024 at 04:48PM Google has settled a class-action lawsuit alleging it violated privacy laws by tracking data from users in private browsing modes. The terms of the settlement are undisclosed, but it could potentially cost Google billions. The case highlights challenges in maintaining user privacy while delivering targeted ads. Private browsing modes may…