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QR code security
2FA Cyber Security cybercriminals Gmail Google Google Security Tools QR code QR code security

Google to Introduce QR Codes for Gmail 2FA Amid Rising Security Concerns

 

Google is set to introduce QR codes as a replacement for SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) codes for Gmail users in the coming months. While this security update aims to improve authentication methods, it also raises concerns, as QR code-related scams have been increasing. Even Google’s own threat intelligence team and law enforcement agencies have warned about the risks associated with malicious QR codes. QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, were originally developed in 1994 for the Japanese automotive industry. Unlike traditional barcodes, QR codes store data in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing them to hold more information. 

A QR code consists of several components, including finder patterns in three corners that help scanners properly align the code. The black and white squares encode data in binary format, while error correction codes ensure scanning remains possible even if part of the code is damaged. When scanned, the embedded data—often a URL—is extracted and displayed to the user. However, the ability to store and quickly access URLs makes QR codes an attractive tool for cybercriminals. Research from Cisco Talos in November 2024 found that 60% of emails containing QR codes were spam, and many included phishing links. While some emails use QR codes for legitimate purposes, such as event registrations, others trick users into revealing sensitive information. 

According to Cisco Talos researcher Jaeson Schultz, phishing attacks often use QR codes for fraudulent multi-factor authentication requests to steal login credentials. There have been multiple incidents of QR code scams in recent months. In one case, a 70-year-old woman scanned a QR code at a parking meter, believing she was paying for parking, but instead, she unknowingly subscribed to a premium gaming service. Another attack involved scammers distributing printed QR codes disguised as official government severe weather alerts, tricking users into downloading malicious software. Google itself has warned that Russian cybercriminals have exploited QR codes to target victims through the Signal app’s linked devices feature. 

Despite these risks, users can protect themselves by following basic security practices. It is essential to verify where a QR code link leads before clicking. A legitimate QR code should provide additional context, such as a recognizable company name or instructions. Physical QR codes should be checked for tampering, as attackers often place fraudulent stickers over legitimate ones. Users should also avoid downloading apps directly from QR codes and instead use official app stores. 

Additionally, QR-based payment requests in emails should be verified through a company’s official website or customer service. By exercising caution, users can mitigate the risks associated with QR codes while benefiting from their convenience.
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Youtube
2FA Data Breach Emails Google Youtube

Google Fixes YouTube Security Flaw That Exposed User Emails

 



A critical security vulnerability in YouTube allowed attackers to uncover the email addresses of any account on the platform. Cybersecurity researchers discovered the flaw and reported it to Google, which promptly fixed the issue. While no known attacks exploited the vulnerability, the potential consequences could have been severe, especially for users who rely on anonymity.


How the Vulnerability Worked

The flaw was identified by researchers Brutecat and Nathan, as reported by BleepingComputer. It involved an internal identifier used within Google’s ecosystem, known as the Gaia ID. Every YouTube account has a unique Gaia ID, which links it to Google’s services.

The exploit worked by blocking a YouTube account and then accessing its Gaia ID through the live chat function. Once attackers retrieved this identifier, they found a way to trace it back to the account’s registered email address. This loophole could have exposed the contact details of millions of users without their knowledge.


Google’s Reaction and Fix

Google confirmed that the issue was present from September 2024 to February 2025. Once informed, the company swiftly implemented a fix to prevent further risk. Google assured users that there were no reports of major misuse but acknowledged that the vulnerability had the potential for harm.


Why This Was a Serious Threat

The exposure of email addresses poses various risks, including phishing attempts, hacking threats, and identity theft. This is particularly concerning for individuals who depend on anonymity, such as whistleblowers, journalists, and activists. If their private details were leaked, it could have led to real-world dangers, not just online harassment.

Businesses also faced risks, as malicious actors could have used this flaw to target official YouTube accounts, leading to scams, fraud, or reputational damage.


Lessons and Preventive Measures

The importance of strong security measures and rapid responses to discovered flaws cannot be emphasized more. Users are encouraged to take precautions, such as enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), using secure passwords, and being cautious of suspicious emails or login attempts.

Tech companies, including Google, must consistently audit security systems and respond quickly to any potential weaknesses.

Although the security flaw was patched before any confirmed incidents occurred, this event serves as a reminder of the omnipresent risks in the digital world. By staying informed and following security best practices, both users and companies can work towards a safer online experience.



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Passwords
2FA Data Breach Grubhub Passwords

Grubhub Data Breach Exposes Customer and Driver Information

 



Food delivery service Grubhub has suffered a security breach that exposed sensitive information belonging to customers, drivers, and merchants. The breach, caused by unauthorized access through a third-party service provider, compromised personal details, hashed passwords, and partial credit card information.  

Grubhub detected suspicious activity within its system, which was later traced to an account used by a third-party customer support provider. The company quickly revoked access to this account and removed the provider from its platform to prevent further unauthorized entry.  

What Information Was Compromised?

Hackers gained access to various user data, including:  

1. Full names, email addresses, and phone numbers  

2. Hashed passwords (which are encrypted for security)  

3. Partial credit card details (only the card type and last four digits)  

The breach affected individuals who had previously interacted with Grubhub’s customer support or used its campus dining services. However, full payment card details and bank account information were not accessed.  

Steps Taken by Grubhub  

In response to the breach, Grubhub has implemented several security measures:  

  • Resetting passwords for affected accounts  
  • Blocking access to the compromised third-party account  
  • Enhancing security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future  

Although the exact number of affected users and the timeline of the breach have not been disclosed, Grubhub is working to strengthen its security systems. 

This breach comes as Grubhub prepares for a major business transition. Its parent company, Just Eat, is finalizing a $650 million sale of Grubhub to food hall startup Wonder. The deal, announced in November 2024, is expected to be completed by early 2025.  

How Users Can Stay Safe

If you have a Grubhub account, consider taking the following precautions:  

1. Update your password immediately, especially if you use the same password on other platforms.  

2. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.  

3. Be cautious of phishing emails pretending to be from Grubhub.  

4. Monitor your credit card and bank statements for unusual activity.  

This incident underscores the risks associated with third-party service providers in handling user data. As cyber threats continue to rise, companies must implement stronger security measures to protect customer information and prevent future breaches.

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PayPal
2FA Data Breach financial services Passwords PayPal

PayPal Fined $2 Million for Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity

 


PayPal has been fined $2 million by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) for failing to protect customer data, resulting in a significant security breach. The incident, which occurred in December 2022, exposed sensitive information, including social security numbers, names, and email addresses of thousands of users. This breach has raised serious concerns about PayPal’s cybersecurity practices and its ability to safeguard customer data.

How Did the Breach Happen?

The breach occurred during an update to PayPal’s system to grant access to IRS Form 1099-Ks, which is used to report income. The employees responsible for implementing these changes lacked proper cybersecurity training, leaving the system vulnerable to exploitation. Cybercriminals used a technique called credential stuffing, where stolen login credentials from previous breaches are tested on other platforms. Since many users reuse passwords across multiple sites, this method often succeeds.

Due to these security flaws, hackers gained access to sensitive customer data, putting affected users at risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and phishing scams. The breach highlights the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures and well-trained personnel.

Following an investigation, DFS concluded that PayPal lacked qualified cybersecurity personnel and failed to provide adequate training to its workforce. These shortcomings directly contributed to the breach. Adrienne A. Harris, Superintendent of DFS, emphasized the need for companies handling financial data to prioritize cybersecurity.

"Qualified cybersecurity personnel are the first line of defense against potential data breaches. Companies must invest in proper training and effective security policies to protect sensitive data and mitigate risks," Harris stated.

Data breaches like this one can have severe consequences for users. When personal information such as social security numbers and email addresses is leaked, cybercriminals can exploit it for identity theft, financial fraud, or phishing attacks.

Expert Recommendations for Users

To protect themselves from similar breaches, cybersecurity experts recommend the following steps:

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
  2. Use Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts to prevent credential stuffing attacks.
  3. Monitor Financial Activity: Regularly check bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious transactions.

The Bigger Picture: Cybersecurity in Financial Institutions

This incident underscores a growing problem in the financial sector: inadequate cybersecurity measures. Despite being a global payment giant, PayPal’s failure to implement reasonable security measures left its users vulnerable to cyberattacks. Financial institutions must prioritize cybersecurity by investing in advanced technologies, hiring skilled professionals, and providing comprehensive employee training.

DFS has been taking strict action against companies that fail to meet cybersecurity standards. This case serves as a reminder that regulatory bodies are increasingly holding organizations accountable for lapses in data protection.

While PayPal has yet to issue an official response to the fine, the company is expected to strengthen its security policies and enhance its cyber defenses to avoid future penalties. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all companies handling sensitive customer information. In an era of escalating cyber threats, cybersecurity cannot be an afterthought—it must be a top priority.

The PayPal data breach highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in the financial sector. Companies must invest in skilled personnel, advanced technologies, and employee training to protect customer data effectively. For users, adopting best practices like enabling 2FA and using unique passwords can help mitigate risks. As cyber threats continue to evolve, both organizations and individuals must remain vigilant to safeguard sensitive information.

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Phishing Scams
2FA Cyber Attacks cybersecurity challenges Google Google Ads Hackers MalwareBytes Online Advertising Online Scams phishing kit Phishing Scams

Google Ads Phishing Scam Reaches New Extreme, Experts Warn of Ongoing Threat


Cybercriminals Target Google Ads Users in Sophisticated Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals are intensifying their phishing campaigns against Google Ads users, employing advanced techniques to steal credentials and bypass two-factor authentication (2FA). This new wave of attacks is considered one of the most aggressive credential theft schemes, enabling hackers to gain unauthorized access to advertiser accounts and exploit them for fraudulent purposes.

According to cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes, attackers are creating highly convincing fake Google Ads login pages to deceive advertisers into entering their credentials. Once stolen, these login details allow hackers to fully control compromised accounts, running malicious ads or reselling access on cybercrime forums. Jérôme Segura, Senior Director of Research at Malwarebytes, described the campaign as a significant escalation in malvertising tactics, potentially affecting thousands of advertisers worldwide.

How the Attack Works

The attack process is alarmingly effective. Cybercriminals design fake Google Ads login pages that closely mimic official ones. When advertisers enter their credentials, the phishing kits deployed by attackers capture login details, session cookies, and even 2FA tokens. With this information, hackers can take over accounts instantly, running deceptive ads or selling access to these accounts on the dark web.

Additionally, attackers use techniques like cloaking to bypass Google’s ad policies. Cloaking involves showing different content to Google’s reviewers and unsuspecting users, allowing fraudulent ads to pass through Google's checks while leading victims to harmful websites.

Google’s Response and Recommendations

Google has acknowledged the issue and stated that measures are being taken to address the threat. “We have strict policies to prevent deceptive ads and actively remove bad actors from our platforms,” a Google spokesperson explained. The company is urging advertisers to take immediate steps if they suspect their accounts have been compromised. These steps include resetting passwords, reviewing account activity, and enabling enhanced security measures like security keys.

Cybersecurity experts, including Segura, recommend advertisers exercise caution when clicking on sponsored ads, even those that appear legitimate. Additional safety measures include:

  • Using ad blockers to limit exposure to malicious ads.
  • Regularly monitoring account activity for any unauthorized changes.
  • Being vigilant about the authenticity of login pages, especially for critical services like Google Ads.

Despite Google’s ongoing efforts to combat these attacks, the scale and sophistication of phishing campaigns continue to grow. This underscores the need for increased vigilance and robust cybersecurity practices to protect sensitive information and prevent accounts from being exploited by cybercriminals.

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Online Privacy
2FA chat records Cyber Breaches Cyber Security data deletion Data Privacy data security Digital Footprint Online Privacy

How to Declutter and Safeguard Your Digital Privacy

 

As digital privacy concerns grow, taking steps to declutter your online footprint can help protect your sensitive information. Whether you’re worried about expanding government surveillance or simply want to clean up old data, there are practical ways to safeguard your digital presence. 

One effective starting point is reviewing and managing old chat histories. Platforms like Signal and WhatsApp, which use end-to-end encryption, store messages only on your device and those of your chat recipients. This encryption ensures governments or hackers need direct access to devices to view messages. However, even this security isn’t foolproof. 

Non-encrypted platforms like Slack, Facebook Messenger, and Google Chat store messages on cloud servers. While these may be encrypted to prevent theft, the platforms themselves hold the decryption keys. This means they can access your data and comply with government requests, no matter how old the messages. Long-forgotten chats can reveal significant details about your life, associations, and beliefs, making it crucial to delete unnecessary data. 

Kenn White, security principal at MongoDB, emphasizes the importance of regular digital cleaning. “Who you were five or ten years ago is likely different from who you are today,” he notes. “It’s worth asking if you need to carry old inside jokes or group chats forward to every new device.” 

Some platforms offer tools to help you manage old messages. For example, Apple’s Messages app allows users to enable auto-deletion. On iOS, navigate to Settings > Apps > Messages, then select “Keep Messages” and choose to retain messages for 30 days, one year, or forever. 

Similarly, Slack automatically deletes data older than a year for free-tier users, while paid plans retain data indefinitely unless administrators set up rolling deletions. However, on workplace platforms, users typically lack control over such policies, highlighting the importance of discretion in professional communications. 

While deleting old messages is a key step, consider extending your cleanup efforts to other areas. Review your social media accounts, clear old posts, and minimize the information shared publicly. Also, download essential data to offline storage if you need long-term access without risking exposure. 

Finally, maintain strong security practices like enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and regularly updating passwords. These measures can help protect your accounts, even if some data remains online. 

Regularly decluttering your digital footprint not only safeguards your privacy but also reduces the risk of sensitive data being exposed in breaches or exploited by malicious actors. By proactively managing your online presence, you can ensure a more secure and streamlined digital life.
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Shopping Scam
2FA Cyber Security Dark Web dark web breaches Fake Website Hacker attack Malware Attack Online Shopping phishing Shopping Scam

The Dark Web’s Role in Phishing and 2FA Security Breaches

 


Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have passed, but the dangers of online scams and cyberattacks persist year-round. Cybercriminals continue to exploit digital shoppers, leveraging sophisticated tools such as phishing kits, fake websites, and cookie grabbers that bypass two-factor authentication (2FA). These tools, widely available on dark web marketplaces, turn online shopping into a risky endeavour, particularly during the peak holiday season.

Cybercriminal Tools: A Growing Threat

Dark web marketplaces operate like legitimate businesses, offering everything from free phishing kits to subscription-based malware services. According to NordStellar threat intelligence:

  • Phishing kits: Often free or low-cost, enable hackers to replicate authentic websites.
  • Fake website templates: Start at $50, tricking users into sharing personal information.
  • Malware subscriptions: Priced at $150 per month, provide hackers with advanced tools.
  • Cookie grabber pages: Sell for $400 or more, enabling access to user accounts by bypassing login credentials and 2FA.

These illicit tools are increasingly accessible, with some even offered at discounted rates during the holiday season. The result is an alarming rise in phishing scams targeting fake shopping sites, with 84% of victims interacting with these scams and nearly half losing money.

The Role of Stolen Cookies in Cybercrime

Session cookies, particularly authentication cookies, are a prized asset for hackers. NordStellar reports over 54 billion stolen cookies available on the dark web, including:

  • 154 million authentication cookies, 23.5 million of which remain active.
  • 37 million login cookies, with 6.6 million still usable.
  • 30 million session cookies capable of bypassing 2FA.

These cookies allow attackers to impersonate legitimate users, gaining unauthorized access to accounts without requiring passwords or verification codes. This capability makes cookie-grabber pages one of the most valuable tools in the hacker’s arsenal.

Protecting Yourself from Cyber Threats

Google has introduced measures like passkeys to combat these threats, offering a more secure alternative to traditional 2FA methods. A Google spokesperson emphasized that passkeys reduce phishing risks and strengthen security against social engineering attacks. Consumers can take additional steps to safeguard their online accounts:

  • Scrutinize links and websites to avoid phishing scams.
  • Switch to advanced authentication methods such as passkeys where available.
  • Stay informed about emerging cyber threats and adopt proactive security practices.

By remaining vigilant and embracing stronger authentication technologies, shoppers can minimize the risks posed by cybercriminals and their evolving arsenal of dark web tools.

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Gmail Hack
2FA 2FA bypass Cyber Security Data Recovery email database discovery Gmail checkmark system Gmail Hack

How to Recover a Hacked Gmail Account Even After a Security Breach

 

Having your Gmail account hacked can feel like a nightmare, especially when recovery details like phone numbers and email addresses have been changed by a hacker. Fortunately, recovering a compromised account is still possible, even if most security and recovery options have been altered. Google’s account recovery system is designed to assist users in situations where hackers manage to bypass protections, such as two-factor authentication (2FA). The key is to begin the process from a device and location you frequently use to access your Gmail account. This could be your home or workplace, using the same browser or device. Providing as much accurate information as possible, such as previous passwords, is critical to proving ownership of the account and speeding up the process. 

There’s also a delay system in place that can put recovery requests on hold for a few hours or even several days, depending on the level of risk involved. While frustrating, this measure is a security feature designed to protect accounts from unauthorized access. If acted upon quickly, users may still be able to recover their account using the original recovery information, such as a phone number or email address, for up to seven days after the details are changed. 

If recovery through Google’s automated system is proving difficult, users with linked YouTube accounts have sometimes found success by contacting YouTube support. Social media channels have also proven helpful in expediting the recovery process in more complex cases.  

The question remains, how do hackers bypass Gmail’s security systems? One common method is session cookie theft, which involves stealing the data that keeps users logged in after 2FA has already been verified. By taking over these session cookies, hackers can change your account’s security settings without needing to go through 2FA again. 

To protect against these types of attacks in the future, Google recommends steps like using passkeys, which are more secure than SMS-based 2FA. Passkeys are resistant to phishing and hacking attempts that steal session cookies. Additionally, Google has implemented protective measures like frequent cookie rotation and device-bound session credentials to limit the effectiveness of such attacks. Taking proactive steps like enabling these features and always monitoring account activity can help you avoid falling victim to similar hacking attempts in the future.
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