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Showing posts with label Online Safety. Show all posts
User Security
Cyber Fraud Frankenstein fraud Identity Theft Online Safety Synthetic Identity Fraud User Security

Frankenstein Scam: Here's How to Safeguard Yourself Against Synthetic Identity Fraud

 

Identity theft is not always as straightforward as acquiring one person's information; stolen identities can be put together from several sources. This rising crime, known as synthetic identity fraud or "Frankenstein fraud," involves combining someone's Social Security number with information from other people to establish a new, fake identity.

To safeguard yourself from this and other types of identity theft, look into the finest identity theft protection services. Criminals frequently target the most vulnerable people, including children, the homeless, and the elderly. The offender can then use his new name to borrow money. If a fraudster succeeds, the real owner of the SSN may be held liable.

Modus operandi

Synthetic identity fraud requires patience on the part of the criminal, especially if they use a child's Social Security number. The identity is created by combining a valid Social Security number with an unrelated name, address, date of birth, phone number, or other piece of identifying information to make a new "whole" identity. Criminals can buy Social Security numbers on the dark web, acquire them from data breaches, or defraud people using phishing attacks and other frauds. 

Synthetic identity theft thrives because of a basic vulnerability in the American financial and credit systems. When a criminal creates a synthetic identity to request for a loan, the lender often denies credit because there is no record of that identity in their system. The thieves anticipate this because youngsters and teenagers may have little credit or a limited history, and the elderly may have poor credit scores. 

When an identity applies for an account and is reported to a credit bureau, it is shared with other credit agencies. That conduct is sufficient to allow credit bureaus to identify the synthetic identity as a real person, even if there is minimal activity or evidence to corroborate its authenticity. Once the identity has been established, the fraudsters can begin borrowing credit from lenders.

Prevention tips

Synthetic identity fraud may seem frightening, but there are actions you can take to limit how thieves can utilise your identifying data. 

Freeze your credit report: No one can open new credit lines in your name since a credit freeze stops creditors from viewing your credit reports. Unless your credit is first unfrozen with each of the major credit agencies, this also applies to you. 

Although the procedure for freezing a child's credit is a little more complicated, freezing their credit is also one of the greatest ways to cut off the source of synthetic identity fraud, which mostly depends on obtaining the Social Security numbers of children and the elderly. In a similar vein, you may help stop someone from using your Social Security number without your knowledge by freezing it.

Check credit reports regularly: If you do not freeze your credit reports, make sure to check them on a regular basis for any questionable activity. Be especially aware of any other names, residences, or employers associated with your credit file. You can also join up for free credit monitoring, such as Capital One's CreditWise, which searches the dark web for your personally identifiable information. 

Additionally, you can utilise an identity theft protection service to automate reviewing your credit reports or to alert you if your information is compromised in a breach. AnnualCreditReport.com also offers a free weekly credit report.
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Ransomware attack
Cyber Security Cybersecurity Digital Security free file converter risks Identity Theft malware protection Online Safety Ransomware attack

FBI Warns Against Free Online File Converters as Potential Cybersecurity Threats

 

Free online file converters have become a popular choice for users looking to convert files into different formats. Whether transforming a PDF into a Word document or switching between media formats, these tools offer convenience with just a few clicks. However, the FBI has issued a warning about the hidden dangers associated with such services.

Despite their ease of use, free file conversion tools may serve as a gateway for malware, potentially compromising users’ sensitive data. According to TechRadar, the FBI has identified certain converters that embed malicious software into the converted files. This malware can infect the user's system, allowing hackers to steal personal and financial information undetected.

Once installed, malware can extract crucial data, including:
  • Full names and home addresses
  • Social Security numbers
  • Banking and financial details
  • Cryptocurrency wallets and access keys
The stolen information is often exploited for identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes. In some cases, hackers deploy ransomware, which locks victims out of their own systems and demands a hefty ransom for data recovery.

Ransomware attacks have surged, affecting both businesses and individuals. When malware encrypts files, victims face a difficult choice—either pay the ransom or lose access to critical data. The FBI emphasizes that these threats are not limited to corporations; everyday internet users relying on free online tools are also at risk. A report from Cisco Talos highlights ransomware as one of the most significant security threats in recent years.

Mark Michalek, FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge, advises that awareness and education are the best defenses against malware attacks. To minimize risks, users should follow these cybersecurity best practices:
  • Use trusted sources – Only download or use file conversion tools from reputable websites and developers.
  • Keep security software updated – Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware programs to detect potential threats.
  • Avoid suspicious links and attachments – Do not open files or click on links from unknown sources.
  • Maintain data backups – Regularly back up important files to prevent data loss in case of an attack.

If you suspect that malware has been installed through a file converter, take immediate action:
  • Disconnect from the internet to prevent further data compromise.
  • Run a full system scan using reputable antivirus software to detect and remove malicious files.
  • Report the incident to law enforcement to document the attack and seek assistance.
While free online file converters provide convenience, they also pose significant cybersecurity risks. Users must remain vigilant and prioritize safety when handling digital files. By adopting precautionary measures and staying informed, individuals can protect their sensitive data from cyber threats.
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Online Safety
Cyber Security Cyber websites CyberCrime CyberThreat ICE Online Safety

ICE Expands Online Surveillance With Tool Tracking 200+ Websites

 


To ensure the safety of citizens throughout the world, and to enforce immigration laws, the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have always relied heavily on social media monitoring as an essential component of their respective operations. As an integral part of the agency's “enhanced screening” protocols, which are applied to foreign nationals upon their arrival in the United States, such monitoring has been an integral part of the agency's programs for several years. 

In addition to enforcing the protocols at borders and international airports, even visitors who are visiting the country for a limited period are subject to them. As part of its extensive surveillance efforts, ICE has utilized a range of technological tools. These techniques include purchasing location information from third-party data brokers, accessing utility bill databases, and utilizing other information sources to track undocumented immigrants. 

In addition to gathering vast amounts of personal information, these methods enable the agency to conduct enforcement activities that are aimed at improving the quality of life of Americans. Recent developments have shown that ICE has adopted a new, advanced surveillance tool that is capable of continuously gathering, organizing, and analyzing information from various online platforms. As reported by Joseph Cox for 404 Media, this tool combines data from several social media services and websites to expand the capability of ICE in terms of digital surveillance.

In the course of implementing this technology, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is taking steps to improve its monitoring and data-gathering strategies in response to the threat that the agency is facing. The agency is preparing to expand its efforts to monitor and analyze online discourse as part of its digital surveillance efforts. These initiatives will be focused on individuals who are expressing negative opinions about the agency or making threats against its personnel. 

A recent request for information issued by ICE in November called for private sector companies that can improve the organization's monitoring capabilities to aid it in countering an increasing number of external threats, which are being spread through social media and other online platforms. As part of its 15-page statement outlining its objectives, the agency detailed the requirements for a specialized contractor to conduct extensive online monitoring as part of their monitoring efforts. 

In order to identify potential risks, it would be the responsibility of the selected entity to scan social media networks, publicly accessible online databases, the deep web, and the dark web. As part of ICE's efforts to pinpoint and assess potential threats, it has specified the need for advanced analytical tools such as geolocation tracking, psychological profiling, and facial recognition to assist in this process. These increased monitoring efforts have resulted in increased scrutiny of individuals who have consistently made negative statements about ICE or who have mentioned specific immigration enforcement personnel on social media. 

Through this initiative, the agency is showing its commitment to strengthening its security measures through enhanced digital surveillance and intelligence collection techniques. It was in November, just after Trump's electoral victory, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced multiple solicitations on federal procurement websites, seeking contractors for enhancing, upgrading, and expanding its technological capabilities so that it can better track, monitor, and monitor noncitizens. 

Trump's administration has been supporting the ICE agency despite its history of violating human rights, mistreating its detainees, and committing misconduct within its detention facilities and deportation operations. In his campaign, Trump promised that he would implement large-scale deportations, which he promptly carried out during his presidency. His administration took action within a couple of days after taking office by authorizing nationwide immigration enforcement operations, robbing ICE of restrictions on its activities in sensitive locations, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship. This policy shift enabled the department to take effective action against immigration violations everywhere. 

There was also the passage of the Laken Riley Act during the same time these measures were taking place, which gave ICE the authority to deport individuals convicted of minor offences, such as shoplifting, regardless of whether conviction had been obtained or not. As a result of bipartisan support, ten senators and 48 members of the House of Representatives voted in favour of this legislation, which has been criticized for undermining due process rights. As ICE is poised to expand its surveillance apparatus, policy changes are not the only factor driving it. 

Additionally, private contractors have financial interests that are influenced by these entities as they strive to maximize profits. These entities are motivated by profit and wish to broaden enforcement mechanisms, which in turn increases the number of people being monitored and detained. A growing anti-immigrant sentiment has sparked concern among advocacy organizations and civil society organizations about the protection of immigrant communities in the United States. 

A growing number of activists and civil society groups are now focusing on exposing and challenging the growing surveillance infrastructure, a system that has been built over the past decade, and which is being reinforced by an administration that has used incendiary rhetoric against immigrants and activists, calling them threats to the country. ICE’s Expanding Surveillance Network and Private Sector Involvement The growth of electronic monitoring within immigration enforcement has made BI Inc., an organization that has a $2.2 billion contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that is set to expire in July, one of the major beneficiaries of the expansion of electronic monitoring. 

The BI Inc., as the only provider of electronic monitoring devices for ICE, has a crucial role to play in implementing the agency’s surveillance programs as its exclusive provider of electronic monitoring devices. This company is owned and operated by a subsidiary of the GEO Group, the world's largest private prison corporation. They operate multiple immigration detention facilities that are contracted by the Department of Immigration and the Department of Homeland Security. Geo Group's involvement in political financing has also been heavily emphasized, with $3.4 million contributed to political campaigns in 2024 by Geo Group, of which $3.4 million went to the Make America Great Again super PAC. 

Last year, the company also spent $1.03 million on lobbying activities, directing a substantial amount ($340,000) in favour of policies that relate to immigration enforcement and alternatives to detention, a sector in which BI Inc. has long held a dominant position. Legal Challenges and Privacy Concerns Surrounding ISAP There have been several advocacy groups that are urging more transparency regarding ICE's Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), which uses electronic surveillance rather than detention facilities to place immigrants under electronic surveillance. These groups include Just Futures Law, Mijente, and Community Justice Exchange. 

There have been some organizations that have sued ICE to obtain information regarding the type of data collected and the way it is used, but after examining the agency's response to these questions, they concluded in 2023 that the agency had not provided adequate assurances regarding the protection of data and privacy in ISAP. ICE’s Use of Facial Recognition Technology ICE has been using facial recognition software since 2020. 

They contracted Clearview AI, which is famous for scraping images from social networks and the internet without the consent of the individuals involved. By matching this data to names and cross-referencing it with law enforcement databases, the police can identify individuals suspected of crime. As a result of Clearview AI's practices being questioned in multiple jurisdictions, the EU has imposed a ban on its operations in the EU due to violations of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which govern data collection and use. 

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against the company claiming that the company has engaged in unlawful surveillance practices in the United States. A $2.3 million contract with Clearview AI ended in September 2023, and it has not yet been decided whether or not the agency has renewed the contract or will continue to utilize the software in another manner. Moreover, Clearview AI has not only been in legal battles, but has also been actively lobbying against legislation that would regulate both its operation and the operation of data brokers as well. 

Growing Concerns Over ICE’s Surveillance Expansion With the increasing use of electronic monitoring and facial recognition technology by ICE, concerns remain regarding privacy violations, data security, and ethical implications that are associated with these technologies as they continue to expand their surveillance infrastructure. It is important to note that the agency relies on private companies with vested financial interests, which further emphasizes the complexity of immigration enforcement and civil liberties in a digital age.
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Payment Scams
AI Scams Cyber Fraud deepfake scams Financial Fraud Identity Theft Online Safety Online Security Payment Scams

Protect Yourself from AI Scams and Deepfake Fraud

 

In today’s tech-driven world, scams have become increasingly sophisticated, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology. Falling victim to these scams can result in severe financial, social, and emotional consequences. Over the past year alone, cybercrime victims have reported average losses of $30,700 per incident. 

As the holiday season approaches, millennials and Gen Z shoppers are particularly vulnerable to scams, including deepfake celebrity endorsements. Research shows that one in five Americans has unknowingly purchased a product promoted through deepfake content, with the number rising to one in three among individuals aged 18-34. 

Sharif Abuadbba, a deepfake expert at CSIRO’s Data61 team, explains how scammers leverage AI to create realistic imitations of influencers. “Deepfakes can manipulate voices, expressions, and even gestures, making it incredibly convincing. Social media platforms amplify the impact as viewers share fake content widely,” Abuadbba states. 

Cybercriminals often target individuals as entry points to larger networks, exploiting relationships with family, friends, or employers. Identity theft can also harm professional reputations and financial credibility. To counter these threats, experts suggest practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Scammers are increasingly impersonating loved ones through texts, calls, or video to request money. 

With AI voice cloning making such impersonations more believable, a pre-agreed safe word can serve as a verification tool. Jamie Rossato, CSIRO’s Chief Information Security Officer, advises, “Never transfer funds unless the person uses your special safe word.” If you receive suspicious calls, particularly from someone claiming to be a bank or official institution, verify their identity. 

Lauren Ferro, a cybersecurity expert, recommends calling the organization directly using its official number. “It’s better to be cautious upfront than to deal with stolen money or reputational damage later,” Ferro adds. Identity theft is the most reported cybercrime, making MFA essential. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring both a password and a one-time verification code. Experts suggest using app-based authenticators like Microsoft Authenticator for enhanced security. 

Real-time alerts from your banking app can help detect unauthorized transactions. While banks monitor unusual activities, personal notifications allow you to respond immediately to potential scams. The personal information and media you share online can be exploited to create deepfakes. Liming Zhu, a research director at CSIRO, emphasizes the need for caution, particularly with content involving children. 

Awareness remains the most effective defense against scams. Staying informed about emerging threats and adopting proactive security measures can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime. As technology continues to evolve, safeguarding your digital presence is more important than ever. By adopting these expert tips, you can navigate the online world with greater confidence and security.
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Windows 11 Recall
AI-powered feature Cyber Security Cybersecurity Data Encryption data security Microsoft Online Safety Privacy Concerns Threat actors User Privacy Windows 11 Recall

Microsoft's Windows 11 Recall Feature Sparks Major Privacy Concerns

 

Microsoft's introduction of the AI-driven Windows 11 Recall feature has raised significant privacy concerns, with many fearing it could create new vulnerabilities for data theft.

Unveiled during a Monday AI event, the Recall feature is intended to help users easily access past information through a simple search. Currently, it's available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X ARM processors, but Microsoft is collaborating with Intel and AMD for broader compatibility. 

Recall works by capturing screenshots of the active window every few seconds, recording user activity for up to three months. These snapshots are analyzed by an on-device Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and AI models to extract and index data, which users can search through using natural language queries. Microsoft assures that this data is encrypted with BitLocker and stored locally, not shared with other users on the device.

Despite Microsoft's assurances, the Recall feature has sparked immediate concerns about privacy and data security. Critics worry about the extensive data collection, as the feature records everything on the screen, potentially including sensitive information like passwords and private documents. Although Microsoft claims all data remains on the user’s device and is encrypted, the possibility of misuse remains a significant concern.

Microsoft emphasizes user control over the Recall feature, allowing users to decide what apps can be screenshotted and to pause or delete snapshots as needed. The company also stated that the feature would not capture content from Microsoft Edge’s InPrivate windows or other DRM-protected content. However, it remains unclear if similar protections will apply to other browsers' private modes, such as Firefox.

Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President & Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Microsoft, assured journalists that the Recall index remains private, local, and secure. He reiterated that the data would not be used to train AI models and that users have complete control over editing and deleting captured data. Furthermore, Microsoft confirmed that Recall data would not be stored in the cloud, addressing concerns about remote data access.

Despite these reassurances, cybersecurity experts and users remain skeptical. Past instances of data exploitation by large companies have eroded trust, making users wary of Microsoft’s claims. The UK’s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has also sought clarification from Microsoft to ensure user data protection.

Microsoft admits that Recall does not perform content moderation, raising significant security concerns. Anything visible on the screen, including sensitive information, could be recorded and indexed. If a device is compromised, this data could be accessible to threat actors, potentially leading to extortion or further breaches.

Cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont likened the feature to a keylogger integrated into Windows, expressing concerns about the expanded attack surface. Historically, infostealer malware targets databases stored locally, and the Recall feature's data could become a prime target for such malware.

Given Microsoft’s role in handling consumer data and computing security, introducing a feature that could increase risk seems irresponsible to some experts. While Microsoft claims to prioritize security, the introduction of Recall could complicate this commitment.

In a pledge to prioritize security, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated, "If you're faced with the tradeoff between security and another priority, your answer is clear: Do security." This statement underscores the importance of security over new features, emphasizing the need to protect customers' digital estates and build a safer digital world.

While the Recall feature aims to enhance user experience, its potential privacy risks and security implications necessitate careful consideration and robust safeguards to ensure user data protection.
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Online Safety
Cyber Security Cyber Security Safety Kids Minor Attacks Online Safety

Sharenting: What parents should consider before posting their children’s photos online

 

21st century parenting is firmly grounded in technology. From iPads keeping kids entertained on flights, to apps that allow parents to track their children’s feeds, development, and more, technology has changed what it means to be a parent. But social media has added another dimension. The average child now has a digital footprint that often begins when their parents post an ultrasound photo, inviting friends and family to share in a joyous event through regular “sharenting.” 

However, some parents—especially those that adopted social media at an early age—have fallen into the trap of posting about their children a little too frequently, a condition called ‘oversharenting’. Like anything to do with social media, this comes with several risks. For this reason, it is important for parents to understand how to safely post about their kids.

Sharenting refers to the practice of parents sharing photos of their children online. Usually, images are shared on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and capture quotidian moments in children’s lives, such as first steps, trips to the zoo, school performances, and holidays, for example. But as much as parents may want to share their children’s achievements and lives with friends and family, sharing photos online can be problematic.

There are, of course, some positives about sharenting. For example, parents often build communities online through social media platforms. This can be a great resource for parenting and gives first-time parents a sense of camaraderie during a time when they may feel like they have no idea what they are doing. Similarly, for parents who live far away from other family members and friends, sharing photos of their kids online offers a way to involve these important people in their children’s lives. However, when parents share images that contain personal details about the child, or details that could be embarrassing for the children as they become older, ‘oversharenting’ can become a problem.

As social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have become more pervasive in society, sharenting has become very normalized. In fact, statistics show that parents are more than willing to share images and videos of their children online. As such, more than 75% of parents have shared their children’s images on social media, and 33% have never asked their children for permission before sharing photos online.

Tips for safely sharing photos online with family and friends

In light of the sharenting dangers outlined here, parents may well be wondering whether any online photo sharing of their children is safe. Of course, this is a very personal choice. Some parents choose not to post any images of their children at all. But for those who wish to continue sharing photos online with family, there are numerous ways to improve the security of these photos and minimize the risks of ‘oversharenting’. Here are some things to remember:

Check privacy settings: Ensure that all posts can only be seen by family and close friends and remove resharing permissions. Allowing strangers and acquaintances to see children’s photos can be a sharenting danger.Have discussions about privacy with friends and family: Be vocal about protecting children’s privacy and set boundaries about how they can engage with posts.

Turn off metadata and geotagging: Not using these functions can minimize other people’s ability to track children through online photo sharing.

Do not include identifiable information: Whether it is in the photo itself or in the captions, be sure not to share details that would allow others to find and track children. This can include things like names, birthdates, schools, places they regularly go to, or even family homes.

Avoid using real names: Avoid giving people online access to children’s full names. Instead, use nicknames or descriptive phrases for kids.

Do not post potentially embarrassing images: Whether they are photos of the children in the bath or dressed in funny outfits, these images may cause problems for the child as they grow up.

Use secure platforms: Instead of sharing photos online, use more secure platforms to show pictures of children to friends and family. For example, WhatsApp protects photos with end-to-end encryption and gives users the option to send photos that can only be opened once.

Avoid showing the child’s face: To avoid ‘oversharenting’, some parents cover their children’s faces before posting their photos to social media. This can be done by using the “stickers” built into apps, like Instagram, to cover their faces or using editing tools to blur or block out their features.
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Technology
internet access Mobile Security Online Safety Sensitive data Technology

Why Limiting Online Access Risks More Than Teen Safety



In the age of increasing online presence, especially amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of young people on the internet has become a prominent concern. With a surge in screen time among youth, online spaces serve as crucial lifelines for community, education, and accessing information that may not be readily available elsewhere.

However, the lack of federal privacy protections exposes individuals, including children, to potential misuse of sensitive data. The widespread use of this data for targeted advertisements has raised concerns among young people and adults alike.

In response, teens are voicing their need for tools to navigate the web safely. They seek more control over their online experiences, including ephemeral content, algorithmic feed management, and the ability to delete collected data. Many emphasise the importance of reporting, blocking, and user filtering tools to minimise unwanted encounters while staying connected. 

Despite these calls, legislative discussions often seem disconnected from the concerns raised by teens. Some proposed bills aimed at protecting children online unintentionally risk limiting teens' access to constitutionally protected expression. Others, under the guise of child protection, may lead to censorship of essential discussions about race, gender, and other critical topics.

Recent legislative efforts at the federal and state levels raise concerns about potential misuse. Some proposals subject teens to constant parental supervision, age-gate them from essential information or even remove access to such information entirely. While the intention is often to enhance safety, these measures could infringe on young people's independence and hinder their development.

In an attempt to address harmful online outcomes, some bills, like the Kids Online Safety Act, could fuel censorship efforts. Fear of legal repercussions may prompt technology companies to restrict access to lawful content, impacting subjects such as LGBTQ+ history or reproductive care.

In some cases, laws directly invoke children's safety to justify blatant censorship. Florida's Stop WOKE Act, for instance, restricts sharing information related to race and gender under the pretext of protecting children's mental health. Despite being blocked by a federal judge, the law has had a chilling effect, with educational institutions refraining from providing resources on Black history and LGBTQ+ history.

Experts argue that restricting access to information doesn't benefit children. Youth need a diverse array of information for literacy, empathy, exposure to different ideas, and overall health. As lawmakers ban books and underfund extracurricular programs, empowering teenagers to access information freely becomes crucial for their development.

To bring it all together, while teens and their allies advocate for more control over their digital lives, some legislative proposals risk stripping away that control. Instead of relying on government judgment, the focus should be on empowering teens and parents to make informed decisions. 


 

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Online Safety
Content Abuse Cyber Crime GitHub malware Online Safety

GitHub Faces Rise in Malicious Use

 


GitHub, a widely used platform in the tech world, is facing a rising threat from cybercriminals. They're exploiting GitHub's popularity to host and spread harmful content, making it a hub for malicious activities like data theft and controlling compromised systems. This poses a challenge for cybersecurity, as the bad actors use GitHub's legitimacy to slip past traditional defences. 

 Known as ‘living-off-trusted-sites,’ this technique lets cybercriminals blend in with normal online traffic, making it harder to detect. Essentially, they're camouflaging their malicious activities within the usual flow of internet data. GitHub's involvement in delivering harmful code adds an extra layer of complexity. For instance, there have been cases of rogue Python packages (basically, software components) using secret GitHub channels for malicious commands on hacked systems. 

This situation highlights the need for increased awareness and updated cybersecurity strategies to tackle these growing threats. It's a reminder that even widely used platforms can become targets for cybercrime, and staying informed is crucial to staying secure. 

While it's not very common for bad actors to fully control and command systems through GitHub, they often use it as a way to share secret information. This is called a "dead drop resolver." It's like leaving a message in a hidden spot for someone else to pick up. Malware like Drokbk and ShellBox frequently use this technique. 

Another thing they sometimes do is use GitHub to sneakily take information out of a system. This doesn't happen a lot, and experts think it's because there are limits on how much data they can take and they want to avoid getting caught. 

Apart from these tricks, bad actors find other ways to misuse GitHub. For example, they might use a feature called GitHub Pages to trick people into giving away sensitive information. Sometimes, they even use GitHub as a backup communication channel for their secret operations. 

Understanding these tactics is important because it shows how people with bad intentions can use everyday platforms like GitHub for sneaky activities. By knowing about these things, we can be more careful and put in measures to protect ourselves from online threats. 

This trend of misusing popular online services extends beyond GitHub to other familiar platforms like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Notion, Firebase, Trello, and Discord. It's not just limited to GitHub; even source code and version control platforms like GitLab, BitBucket, and Codeberg face exploitation. 

GitHub acknowledges that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to detect abuse on their platform. They suggest using a combination of strategies influenced by specific factors like available logs, how organisations are structured, patterns of service usage, and the willingness to take risks. To know that this problem isn't unique to GitHub is crucial. Threat actors are using various everyday services to carry out their activities, making it important for users and organisations to be aware and adopt a mix of strategies to detect and prevent abuse. This includes being mindful of how different platforms may be misused and tailoring detection methods accordingly.


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