Author: Naveen Goud

Mobile banking applications provide convenient access to financial services at fingertips. However, they have also become prime targets for cyber-criminals who use keyloggers and other malicious tactics to steal sensitive information such as passwords and banking credentials.

To safeguard your financial data from such threats, follow these essential security measures:

1. Avoid Malicious Applications and Software Downloads

Downloading applications from untrusted sources can expose your device to keyloggers and other malware. Always install apps from official stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store, and be cautious of links sent by unknown senders, as they may contain harmful payloads.

2. Beware of Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals often use phishing attacks through emails and SMS messages to trick users into clicking malicious links. These links may redirect you to fake banking websites designed to steal your credentials or inject malware into your device. To mitigate this risk, never click on suspicious links—delete them immediately or mark them as spam.

3. Keep Your Software Updated

Ensure your mobile device runs the latest operating system, as updates often include critical security patches that protect against vulnerabilities. Additionally, keep your banking and security applications updated to the latest versions to benefit from enhanced security features and bug fixes.

4. Use a Reliable Anti-Malware Solution

Invest in a trusted anti-malware solution to safeguard your smartphone from spyware, adware, and other forms of cyber threats. While free security apps are available, premium solutions offer comprehensive protection against evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape.

Signs Your Device May Be Compromised

If you notice unusual battery drain, unexpected spikes in data usage, frequent device freezing, or slow performance, your phone may be infected with a keylogger or other malicious software. Running a thorough anti-malware scan can help detect and remove such threats before they compromise your data.

Stay Proactive and Secure

Preventing cyber threats is always better than dealing with their consequences. By adopting proactive security measures, you can keep your mobile banking applications safe and ensure your financial transactions remain secure from prying eyes.

The post Enhancing Mobile Banking Security: Protecting Your Data from Cyber Threats appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever before. With the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the expanding volume of data that organizations must protect, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity has emerged as a powerful tool to combat these threats. However, like any technology, AI in cybersecurity comes with both advantages and challenges. This article will explore the pros and cons of using AI in the field of cybersecurity.

Pros of Using AI in Cybersecurity

1.Enhanced Threat Detection and Prevention – One of the most significant advantages of AI in cybersecurity is its ability to detect and prevent threats in real time. Traditional cybersecurity tools often rely on predefined signatures or rules to identify threats, which can be bypassed by new, sophisticated attack methods. AI, on the other hand, can use machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data and identify anomalous patterns indicative of cyber threats, such as malware, phishing attempts, or zero-day attacks. This allows organizations to detect threats that may otherwise go unnoticed and respond swiftly before they cause significant harm.

2.Automated Incident Response-  AI can automate many aspects of incident response, reducing the time it takes to detect, analyze, and mitigate cyberattacks. AI-powered security systems can automatically isolate affected systems, block malicious traffic, and implement countermeasures without human intervention. This can dramatically reduce response times and minimize the damage caused by cyberattacks. In high-pressure situations, AI can act as a force multiplier, allowing security teams to focus on more complex tasks while automated systems handle the basics.

3.Improved Accuracy and Efficiency – Unlike human analysts, AI systems do not suffer from fatigue or bias. They can process enormous amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying threats that might be overlooked by human eyes. By utilizing AI, organizations can significantly reduce the number of false positives, which are common in traditional cybersecurity systems, and ensure that resources are focused on legitimate threats. This efficiency leads to cost savings and a more robust cybersecurity posture.

4.Predictive Capabilities -AI’s ability to analyze historical data and recognize emerging trends allows it to predict potential threats before they materialize. By examining past cyberattacks and understanding how threats evolve over time, AI can provide valuable insights into where and how future attacks may occur. This predictive capability enables organizations to strengthen their defenses proactively, rather than reactively, and helps them stay ahead of cybercriminals.

5. Scalability -As the amount of data generated by organizations continues to grow exponentially, AI’s scalability becomes increasingly valuable. AI systems can adapt to handle larger volumes of data, more complex networks, and a growing number of endpoints. Unlike traditional systems that require constant manual updates and human intervention, AI can autonomously adjust its models and adapt to changing network environments, making it a highly scalable solution for cybersecurity.

Cons of Using AI in Cybersecurity

1.High Implementation Costs – While AI offers numerous benefits, implementing AI-based cybersecurity solutions can be expensive. The development, integration, and ongoing maintenance of AI-powered systems require significant financial investment. Organizations must not only purchase the necessary hardware and software but also invest in the expertise required to configure and manage these systems effectively. Smaller organizations with limited budgets may find it difficult to justify the high costs of adopting AI for cybersecurity.

2.Risk of Adversarial AI – As AI systems become more integrated into cybersecurity, cybercriminals are also using AI to launch more sophisticated attacks. Hackers can develop adversarial AI, which is designed to bypass or deceive security systems powered by machine learning algorithms. For example, AI can be used to create fake data that tricks a security system into classifying malicious activity as benign, allowing cybercriminals to evade detection. This cat-and-mouse dynamic between security AI and cybercriminals introduces a new layer of complexity to the cybersecurity landscape.

3.Dependence on Data Quality – AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the data used to train AI algorithms is biased, incomplete, or of poor quality, the effectiveness of the system can be severely compromised. In cybersecurity, where the stakes are high, relying on faulty or incomplete data can lead to missed threats, false alarms, or improper responses to attacks. Organizations must ensure that the data feeding their AI systems is accurate, comprehensive, and representative of the latest threat landscape.

4.Complexity and Lack of Transparency – AI systems, particularly those based on deep learning and other advanced techniques, can often operate as “black boxes,” meaning their decision-making processes are not easily understood by human operators. This lack of transparency can be a significant drawback in cybersecurity, where understanding why a particular threat was detected or why a response was triggered is essential for improving and fine-tuning the system. Additionally, if an AI system makes an incorrect decision, it can be difficult to troubleshoot and correct the issue without a clear understanding of how the AI reached its conclusion.

5.Ethical and Privacy Concerns -The deployment of AI in cybersecurity can raise ethical and privacy concerns, particularly when it comes to data collection and surveillance. AI-driven systems often require access to vast amounts of sensitive information to function effectively, which could include personal data, employee activities, or customer information. The use of AI in this context could potentially violate privacy rights or lead to unwanted surveillance. Moreover, the increasing reliance on AI could give organizations unprecedented power over personal data, raising concerns about potential misuse or abuse.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to revolutionize cybersecurity by providing faster, more accurate threat detection, automated responses, and predictive capabilities. However, its adoption comes with challenges, including high implementation costs, the risk of adversarial AI, data quality concerns, and ethical issues related to privacy. As AI technology continues to evolve, organizations must carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks before integrating AI into their cybersecurity strategies. With proper implementation and oversight, AI can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to defend against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

The post Pros and Cons of Using AI in Cybersecurity appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

In recent years, media outlets across the United States have heavily reported on the rising concerns surrounding Russia, portraying it as one of the nation’s primary cyber adversaries. Over the past three to four years, Russia has been widely accused of engaging in espionage, cyberattacks, and targeting critical infrastructure in the U.S., leading to its designation as a significant national security threat.

However, last Friday, the White House issued new directives to the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), officially removing Russia from the list of America’s primary cyber adversaries. This decision marks a significant shift, as the focus has now turned exclusively to China, which is now considered the sole nation posing a direct cyber threat to the United States. The decision to remove Russia from the threat radar came after discussions between CISA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Pentagon.

While this move may come as a surprise to many, it was somewhat anticipated, especially considering the ongoing political ties between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s cordial relationship with the Kremlin has long been a subject of scrutiny and debate, with some speculating that it might have influenced this recent decision.

With this change, CISA has now been instructed to cease monitoring or reporting any cyber threats originating from Russia, or those funded by the Russian government. However, there is still uncertainty about whether Russian-affiliated cybercriminal groups, such as the notorious ransomware gangs LockBit and Black Basta, will continue to fall under surveillance. These groups, notorious for launching ransomware attacks, have posed a significant threat to businesses across the United States, and their removal from the radar could have serious consequences for cybersecurity in the country.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Poland has taken a different stance. The Polish government recently identified Russia as its most significant cyber adversary after a Kremlin-backed cybercriminal group infiltrated the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), planting malware and stealing sensitive data. Polish officials have confirmed the attack and launched a forensic investigation to uncover the full extent of the breach.

Krzysztof Gawkowski, Poland’s Minister of Digital Communications, verified the attack and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. The Polish government has publicly accused the Russian government of orchestrating the cyberattack, arguing that it was part of a broader effort to destabilize the country’s political and economic interests. Poland’s strong support for Ukraine, particularly in providing military and humanitarian aid, has made it a key target for the Kremlin. The cyberattack is seen as an attempt to retaliate and undermine Poland’s role in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

This situation underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity on the global stage and highlights the diverse approaches different nations are taking in response to cyber threats. As the United States shifts its focus toward China, Europe, particularly Poland, remains resolute in its stance against Russian cyber aggression, revealing the complex and evolving nature of international cyber conflict.

The post Russia not a cyber threat to the United States appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

In recent times, we’ve seen a surge of news stories detailing cyberattacks on various companies, ranging from DDoS attacks to data breaches. However, a new report sheds light on a significant breach involving a Chinese hacking group infiltrating the network of Belgium’s Intelligence and Security Agency (VSSE). The attackers exploited a vulnerability in the firewalls and email security software provided by Barracuda Networks.

The State Security Service (VSSE) provided some insight into the incident in a statement to Le Soir, where a spokesperson confirmed that a Chinese hacking group (whose name remains undisclosed) had gained unauthorized access to the VSSE’s external email servers between 2021 and 2023. The breach was discovered in November 2023, prompting an investigation, which revealed that the hackers exploited a flaw in Barracuda Networks’ software to steal data.

Following a thorough investigation, the VSSE identified that the fault lay with the security system. As a result, in February 2024, the agency severed ties with Barracuda Networks and enlisted a new security software provider to address their security needs moving forward.

In response to the news, Lesley Sullivan, a spokesperson for Barracuda Networks, clarified that the company was not responsible for the breach. Sullivan emphasized that it was the VSSE’s responsibility to secure its assets, and Barracuda’s role was limited to providing the necessary tools for the agency to safeguard its network.

From Barracuda’s perspective, the company had taken action to resolve the critical flaw in its Email Security Gateway (ESG) software in May 2023, well before the breach was discovered. The flaw had likely been overlooked by the agency’s administrators. The ESG software is designed to monitor the flow of inbound and outbound emails while filtering out malicious content.

Cybersecurity insiders report that the breach, attributed to China-backed threat actors, resulted in unauthorized access to over 10% of the VSSE’s email traffic. While no classified information was compromised, much of the stolen data was related to internal communications between employees.

The post Belgian Intelligence Agency emails leaked by Barracuda Vulnerability appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Nearly 2 Million Android TVs Infected with Malware, Triggering Cybercrime Campaigns

Cybersecurity firm Xlab has recently reported that nearly 1.59 million Android-based smart TVs have been compromised by Vo1d malware, leading to the formation of a large botnet. This botnet poses a serious risk of triggering a wide-reaching cybercrime campaign in the near future.

Xlab’s security experts have stated that the malware’s spread is global, potentially affecting devices in 226 countries. The infection, which initially began with around 50,000 botnets in November 2024, has rapidly expanded, with estimates suggesting that over 800,000 bots are now active by January 2025. This growing threat could soon evolve into a much larger cyberattack.

The majority of the infected Android TVs are concentrated in countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, Argentina, Thailand, and China, with little to no infection detected in Western regions—according to the latest figures.

DragonForce Ransomware Strikes Saudi Real Estate Firm, Leaks 6TB of Data

The notorious DragonForce ransomware has recently targeted a real estate and construction company based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, resulting in significant data theft and encryption. After the firm refused to pay the demanded ransom, cybercriminals released a portion of the stolen 6TB of data on a specialized leak site for financial gain.

US-based cybersecurity firm Resecurity was the first to confirm the attack, revealing that a ransomware-as-a-service group was behind the incident. The attack took place just days before the start of Ramadan, a sacred period for the global Muslim community, adding an extra layer of complexity to the cyberattack.

Over 3 Billion Passwords Stolen by Infostealer Malware

In another alarming cybersecurity breach, KELA, a threat intelligence firm, has reported that infostealer malware has successfully stolen over 3.9 billion password credentials. These stolen credentials, which are extracted from millions of infected devices, have raised significant concerns due to the high potential for phishing and brute-force attacks in the future.

Infostealer malware is a type of surveillance tool that secretly infiltrates devices and collects sensitive data, including login credentials, financial information, personal messages, photos, videos, and more. This bulk data exfiltration makes infostealers particularly dangerous, as they can evade security measures and compromise vast amounts of information quickly.

To protect against such threats, experts recommend deploying endpoint detection and response tools and utilizing multi-factor authentication, which can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

The post Cyber Attack news headlines trending on Google appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

SIGNAL, the encrypted messaging platform based in California, USA, has made a significant announcement regarding its plans to exit Sweden. The reason for this decision stems from the Swedish government’s demands for access to a backdoor into the platform, allowing it to access user data whenever necessary.

This move underscores Signal Messenger’s unwavering commitment to user privacy, signaling to its global user base that it prioritizes the protection of personal data. The company has made it clear that it will not compromise on its promise of strong encryption and security, which ensures that user data is not stored, analyzed, or accessed without the user’s consent.

Signal’s stance echoes a similar dilemma faced by Apple in the past. The tech giant, known for its stringent data protection measures, also encountered pressure from governments seeking access to user information. In response, Apple had to announce the removal of its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service, which was designed to prevent governments from accessing private information through backdoors.

In a somewhat similar vein, Signal has decided to entirely cease its operations in Sweden rather than surrender to government demands that would potentially compromise its users’ privacy and security. This decision is rooted in the company’s fundamental belief that any backdoor, even if initially intended for government use, could be exploited by malicious actors, posing a greater risk to users. By withdrawing from Sweden, Signal hopes to avoid putting its users at risk by exposing their data.

However, this exit isn’t final just yet. Signal has clarified that it will pause its plans to withdraw from Sweden until the Swedish government formalizes its stance. A proposed bill scheduled for presentation in March 2025 may clarify the government’s position on data security and backdoor access. The messaging platform is holding off on taking any final steps until this bill is introduced and its implications are fully understood.

What the Swedish Government’s New Data Security Bill Suggests

The Swedish government, like several other nations, is pushing for stricter data sovereignty measures. The new data security bill, which is expected to be proposed in March 2025, aligns Sweden with countries such as China, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Russia, all of which have stringent data storage laws. These laws mandate that companies operating within their borders store data on local servers and refrain from transferring data offshore.

This growing trend of data localization and government access to private information is becoming a significant challenge for companies like this encrypted messaging platform, which have built their reputation on providing strong encryption and privacy to their users. Signal has previously faced similar challenges, including pressure from the UK government, which proposed the Online Safety Act in 2023. This legislation aimed to grant the government access to the data generated and stored by messaging platforms, a move Signal strongly opposed.

Signal has also faced a complete ban in China due to its refusal to comply with the country’s data security laws, which are under the control of President Xi Jinping’s government. In China, the government requires full access to user data from digital platforms, a policy that directly contradicts Signal’s principles of user privacy and data encryption.

All of these developments indicate that Signal remains steadfast in its commitment to user privacy. The platform has made it clear that it is willing to sever ties with any nation that demands access to private user information, including metadata, regardless of the potential business impact. By choosing privacy over profits, Signal is sending a strong message that it will not compromise on its core values, even if it means stepping away from entire markets.

The post SIGNAL denies access to user data in Sweden, reverse of what Apple has done appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Recent reports circulating on social media suggest that FBI Director Kash Patel has been targeted by the infamous LockBit ransomware group. According to sources, the gang warned Patel that he is surrounded by subordinates who seem more focused on manipulating narratives and issuing misleading statements rather than performing their duties effectively.

In a message that resembles a version originally published on Forbes, the LockBit group first extended their congratulations to Patel for becoming the 9th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, the tone quickly shifted, and the ransomware gang members launched a scathing criticism of his administration.

The controversy began last year when several members of LockBit, a notorious cybercrime group responsible for spreading ransomware globally, were arrested. This led to the takedown of their IT infrastructure in a coordinated effort named Operation Cronos . However, just 45 days after the crackdown, the gang re-emerged with the announcement of LockBit 2.0, vowing to operate with greater intensity. They made it clear that they would target critical federal infrastructure ahead of the November 2024 elections, which saw Donald Trump elected as the 47th President of the United States.

In October 2024, another group claimed to represent LockBit 3.0 and announced that they were focusing on financial institutions and power grids, continuing their efforts to sow political chaos among the public.

But within weeks, their activities seemed to die down. This was largely attributed to the Pentagon’s ongoing surveillance and efforts to disrupt cybercriminal networks responsible for malware attacks and DDoS operations.

Now, in a surprising turn of events, the Russian intelligence-affiliated LockBit group appears to be using a new tactic: directly reaching out to newly sworn in FBI Director Kash Patel. This interaction seems to involve offering him a false narrative, possibly as part of an ongoing psychological operation.

While there has been no official confirmation of these developments—since authorities are still investigating—it’s evident that LockBit is actively promoting this narrative on social media platforms such as Telegram and Facebook. Even some journalists from prominent media outlets have reportedly been contacted to help spread the gang’s fabricated story.

In a curious twist, the criminals seem to be playing a dual game. On one hand, they are praising Donald Trump for his efforts to amend immigration policies and resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Moscow. On the other, they appear to be engaging in a mind game with the FBI Director, possibly to distract Patel from an ongoing campaign that remains hidden from law enforcement.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how much of this controversy surrounding Kash Patel holds any truth. Given the ransomware gang’s long history of launching high-profile attacks, their latest psychological tactics certainly add an element of intrigue and suspense.

The post LockBit ransomware gang sends a warning to FBI Director Kash Patel appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Data breaches have become increasingly common in recent years, yet the level of concern surrounding these information leaks has grown significantly. One such breach that has recently come to light involves DISA Global Solutions, a company that provides vital services related to background checks, alcohol testing, and drug diagnostic services.

DISA issued a statement revealing that a data breach occurred on one of its servers in April 2024. The breach exposed sensitive data of more than 3.3 million individuals across the United States. This information, which included background checks, drug and alcohol testing results, and other personal details, belonged to employees working in over 55,000 companies nationwide. Notably, this also included some employees from Fortune 500 companies, highlighting the scale and significance of the breach.

Further details about the breach were disclosed in a filing submitted to the Attorney General of Maine, which revealed some alarming facts. According to the documents, the breach actually occurred earlier, on February 9, 2024, but was not detected until two months later. The leaked data was not limited to employment-related information. It also included highly sensitive personal data such as social security numbers (SSNs), financial information, educational backgrounds, criminal records, credit history, debit and credit card numbers, and even driving licenses.

Such a significant data breach can have far-reaching consequences, especially since hackers often use the stolen information to carry out social engineering attacks like phishing. This is where cybercriminals exploit the trust of individuals to steal even more sensitive data, often leading to financial losses, identity theft, or other forms of exploitation.

When a breach of this magnitude occurs, it is not just an immediate concern but can also lead to long-term repercussions. Hackers typically do not keep such large troves of personal data for themselves. Instead, they sell the information in smaller batches, often containing around 1,000 records per dataset. The prices for these data sets can vary greatly, ranging anywhere from $10 to $1,200 per set. Items like credit card numbers, SSNs, and driving license information are particularly valuable on the dark web, where they are often sold for substantial sums.

Given the scale and nature of this breach, both individuals affected and organizations involved will likely face numerous challenges in the coming months. The compromised data can have serious financial and reputational consequences, and the breach may spur further scrutiny over data protection policies, with stakeholders calling for stronger safeguards against cyber threats.

The post Personal data of over 3 million US populace leaks in a data breach appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity has become an ongoing concern for organizations and individuals alike. As cyberattacks evolve in sophistication, one of the most significant vulnerabilities remains the traditional password-based authentication system. Passwords, once a cornerstone of online security, are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals through techniques like phishing, brute force attacks, and credential stuffing. In response, many organizations are shifting towards passwordless authentication methods. But can these passwordless tactics truly thwart major cyber threats? Let’s explore the potential and limitations.

Understanding Passwordless Authentication

Passwordless authentication refers to systems and methods that allow users to access accounts or services without needing to enter a password. Instead, it relies on other factors such as biometric identification (fingerprints, facial recognition), one-time codes sent via email or SMS, or authentication apps like Google Authenticator. The ultimate goal is to eliminate passwords altogether, reducing the risk of traditional security weaknesses.

 

Strengthening Security: A Step Forward

One of the most compelling reasons for adopting passwordless methods is to directly address the major security flaws associated with passwords:

1. Phishing Prevention: Phishing attacks remain one of the most common and effective ways for cybercriminals to steal passwords. With passwordless authentication, attackers have no passwords to steal. Biometric data, hardware tokens, and cryptographic keys provide a much higher level of security, as they are far more difficult to fake or harvest.

2. Eliminating Password Reuse: Many users reuse passwords across multiple sites, making it easier for attackers to compromise multiple accounts when one password is breached. Passwordless methods, such as biometrics or hardware tokens, are unique to each device or individual, greatly reducing the risk of this widespread issue.

3. Reducing the Impact of Data Breaches: In a traditional password system, once an attacker obtains a set of credentials, they can often access sensitive data without being detected. In contrast, passwordless systems rely on cryptographic authentication or multi-factor systems, which offer a more secure verification process that’s harder to bypass, even in the event of a breach.

4. Simplified User Experience: While this may not directly tie into security, a seamless user experience encourages better adoption and fewer mistakes. Users are often more likely to adopt stronger security habits when they can quickly and easily authenticate without needing to remember complex passwords.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite the clear advantages, passwordless authentication is not without its challenges. Transitioning from traditional password systems to passwordless methods requires overcoming several hurdles:

1. Implementation Costs and Complexity: For organizations, implementing passwordless authentication requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology. Setting up biometric systems or integrating hardware security keys can be costly, and rolling out these systems across large organizations can be complex.

 2. Dependence on Devices: Passwordless methods often rely on specific devices (smartphones, biometric scanners, hardware tokens) for authentication. This introduces potential vulnerabilities if these devices are lost, stolen, or compromised. If an individual loses access to their authentication device, it can lead to service disruptions unless backup options are available.

 3. User Resistance to New Technology: While some users may welcome the ease and security of passwordless login, others may be hesitant to adopt new methods due to concerns about privacy or lack of familiarity with the technology. Overcoming this resistance is crucial for widespread adoption.

 4. Potential for New Attack Vectors: While passwordless authentication can mitigate many traditional attack vectors, it introduces new ones. For instance, attackers may target the authentication devices themselves or attempt to bypass biometric checks using high-tech tools. There’s also the risk of identity theft, as hackers might try to spoof biometric data, although such techniques are currently difficult to execute.

Combining Passwordless Authentication with Traditional Methods

One of the most effective ways to thwart cyber threats using passwordless tactics is to implement a hybrid approach that combines passwordless technologies with other security layers, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). For instance, even if a user is authenticated through a fingerprint or facial recognition scan, the system could require a one-time code sent to a separate device for an added layer of security.

Moreover, companies can implement passwordless solutions incrementally, starting with high-risk areas such as sensitive transactions or system access, before rolling it out organization-wide. This staged approach helps balance security, user convenience, and cost considerations.

Conclusion

Passwordless authentication has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against major cyber threats. By eliminating the reliance on passwords, one of the most vulnerable elements in digital security, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of phishing, credential stuffing, and other password-related attacks. However, as with any new technology, it’s not without its challenges. Implementing a passwordless system requires investment in infrastructure, overcoming user resistance, and understanding new attack vectors.

Ultimately, passwordless tactics are not a magic bullet for cybersecurity but rather a crucial part of a multi-layered defense strategy. When combined with other best practices like multi-factor authentication, endpoint security, and continuous monitoring, passwordless authentication can play a key role in helping organizations better protect themselves from evolving cyber threats.

The post Can Passwordless Tactics Help Thwart Major Cyber Threats? appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

As ransomware attacks gained popularity, hackers initially focused on encrypting entire databases and demanding ransom in exchange for decryption keys. However, recent trends suggest a shift in their tactics, with cybercriminals now more interested in stealing data rather than encrypting it.

A report by the American cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest reveals that more malware-spreading gangs are targeting data exfiltration. This method is faster, often taking just 48 to 90 minutes, and carries a lower risk of being traced by law enforcement. In contrast, when encryption is used, victims may refuse to comply with ransom demands and contact authorities, complicating the criminals’ plans.

Law enforcement typically intervenes by discouraging ransom payments, sometimes offering decryption keys to quickly restore the victim’s database. They also attempt to trace cryptocurrency payments, which can eventually lead to identifying the perpetrators, though this is a rare occurrence.

To avoid these complications, ransomware gangs are increasingly opting to steal data first. This allows them to sell the stolen information for profit or, in some cases, hold it for months before releasing it on the dark web for social engineering attacks.

To mitigate such risks, it’s crucial for organizations to deploy threat monitoring systems that can provide early warnings. Regular backups using a reliable disaster recovery solution are also essential. Additionally, notifying relevant authorities can help share information across industries and facilitate the capture of criminals, ultimately reducing the spread of cybercrime.

While data theft isn’t replacing ransomware entirely, it represents a shift in the criminal focus from disrupting systems to generating profit—minimizing attention from global authorities like the FBI and CISA.

The post Ransomware hackers are more interested in data exfiltration than encryption appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.