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Privacy
CyberCrime CyberThreat Datasecurity Dating App Military Concerns Privacy

Data Privacy Issue Emerges on Popular Military Dating App

 


In the course of exploring the Internet, it was discovered that the general public may access an online database belonging to Forces Penpals, a platform that caters to armed forces personnel from the US and UK. A cybersecurity researcher, Jeremiah Fowler, discovered and reported a leak of an unsecured database to vpnMentor. This exposed over 1.1 million sensitive records, such as images of users and proof of service documents, raising privacy and security concerns among military members and supporters alike. 

An independent cybersecurity researcher has discovered a publicly exposed database on a popular dating app that may have been containing user data that wasn't encrypted or protected by passwords, making it a potential threat to service members today. According to Jeremiah Fowler of vpnMentor, nearly 1.2 million U.S. and UK military personnel using Forces Penpals, a social networking site and dating service, compromised their personal information. 

No, we are not talking about just the data of 1.2 million people you have access to. A date range is not provided for the duration of the database's exposure, nor is it known if any unauthorized individuals have accessed the information. The problem was brought to the attention of Fowler, who notified Forces Penpals, which has since restricted public access to the website. The platform, which was launched in 2002 as a letter-writing service for the British military, has since grown to be used by service members from the U.S. and UK. 

However, the platform contains sensitive information about individual service members, including their details and addresses. He found that the data he encountered during his research included images of users and copies of sensitive proof of service documents that contained names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and National Insurance Numbers of individuals from the UK. 

During the discovery of this publicly available database, it was found that it had neither password protection nor encryption. The database contained 1,187,296 documents in total. Based on a limited sampling of the document samples, it appears that the vast majority of the documents are images created by users, while some of the documents include potentially sensitive proofs of service. As part of these documents, there were full names (first names, middle names, and last names), postal addresses, Social Security Numbers (US), National Insurance Numbers, and Service Numbers (UK), as well as personal details such as addresses and telephone numbers. 

There is also a lot of sensitive data on these websites, such as ranks, branches of service, dates, locations, and other details that should have never been made accessible to the general public. Upon further investigation, it transpired that the records had in fact been associated with Forces Penpals, a dating service and social networking community for military service members and their family members. It was subsequently decided to restrict public access to the database two days after a responsible disclosure of the information. 

Consider the possibility that the United States or the United Kingdom enact a member verification system in the future. Typically, Fowler's report mentions that most of the documents were images of individuals, but a portion of those images were also of highly sensitive records related to military activities. From a technically speaking standpoint, there is no way of filtering through and searching text in images to determine the exact number," Fowler, added that this is not possible.

Following Fowler's discovery, Forces Penpals was promptly notified of the responsible disclosure notice, and subsequent restrictions on public access to the database were put in place on the same day. An acknowledgement of the issue was made by Forces Penpals, which explained that it was caused by a coding error, which misrouted documents to an insecure storage directory. There is no issue regarding the photos being public anyway, as they are already public, however, there is a problem when it comes to the documents being public. 

The extent of the database exposure, or whether unauthorized parties have had access to the information, is currently unclear, as well as the duration of the exposure. A forensic audit would be required to determine the extent of the breach and identify any suspicious activities that were taking place in the background. In the wake of the recent data breach, it is clear that inadequate cybersecurity measures can pose a serious risk to sensitive information, especially when these platforms are used to handle sensitive information.

There has been an exponential increase in cyberattacks targeted at military personnel and allied organizations over the past few years, illustrating that the threat landscape is rapidly changing. According to the FBI, in October 2024, a hacking group that was linked to Russian intelligence tried to infiltrate systems including those belonging to Western think tanks, journalists, and former military officials, which illustrated the real-world dangers of data exposure and potential exploits in the future. 

Even though no evidence has been found to suggest that Forces Penpals users were specifically targeted as a result of the breach, this incident is nonetheless an important lesson for organizations that handle personal and sensitive data to learn from. Security expert Fowler stresses the importance of establishing robust measures to keep information safe and secure as he discussed cybersecurity. 

It is highly recommended to implement enhanced access controls and multi-factor authentication, separate sensitive data by segmenting it, conduct regular security audits and penetration testing, and develop comprehensive incident response plans that will help address breaches as quickly as possible.
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Privacy
Edge Browser Microsoft 365 Password Privacy

Microsoft Edge’s New Password Update: What It Means for Your Online Security

 



Microsoft has finally turned a page in making the internet safer by offering protection against shared passwords. The establishment of sharing the same password among different users, for account management or accessing team resources, was a common practice but unsafe in the past. Such practices increase the likelihood of illegal access to data that might lead to a breach. At the Ignite 2024 developer conference, Microsoft revealed the solution to this problem: encrypted password sharing for users on Microsoft 365.


Simplifying Password Sharing for Microsoft 365 Users 

Soon, a new feature for Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3, and E5 subscribers will roll out. It lets administrators deploy encrypted passwords in the browser Microsoft Edge for both corporate and web sites. This will be shared amongst designated users, thus allowing them to log on smoothly at these web sites without ever having to see the actual passwords.

According to group product manager for Edge enterprise at Microsoft, Lindsay Kubasik, this feature diminishes the possibility of unauthorized access and enhances organizational security. Because the encrypted passwords are uniformly distributed and only to a configured group of users, it keeps any organization from being exposed to security threats. The deployment will be gradual over the next few months with the idea of improving password management for enterprise users.


Essential Security Tips for Microsoft Edge Users 

While firms benefit from shared encrypted passwords, Microsoft recommends that personal consumers of the Edge browser eliminate password sharing outright. Shared password use may increase vulnerabilities and become an entry point for many cyberattacks.

For users, Edge will automatically encrypt sensitive data such as passwords, credit card details, and cookies when stored locally on a device. This means such data will stay safe, with access limited only to the logged-in user. Even if an attacker gains admin access to the device, they cannot retrieve plaintext passwords unless they also obtain the user’s operating system credentials.  


Best Practices for Password Security

Microsoft is keen on proper security practice, recommending that all users employ strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and even password managers as online account protection tools. Another alternative: passkeys, essentially biometric or device-based authentication methods, can eliminate reliance on a traditional password altogether.


The Bottom Line

Microsoft’s encrypted password sharing marks a pivotal advancement in digital security for enterprise users, setting a new standard for password management. For individual users, adopting recommended security practices remains crucial to staying protected in an increasingly digital world.


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Travel Platforms
AI- powered Cybersecurity CyberThreat Data Policy Transparency Hong Kong Data Protection Privacy Travel Platforms

Travel Platforms Criticized Over Data Policy Transparency

 


Hong Kong's privacy watchdog said in a report published on Monday that about one-third of online travel, platforms do not indicate the dates for which personal data will be retained, urging operators to designate staff to monitor compliance with regulations and to implement the most protective options as the default. 

In a joint statement, the Hong Kong Data Protection Commission and 15 international data protection agencies have outlined measures to promote privacy in social media platforms, amid growing concerns that information is being collected to train artificial intelligence (AI) for use in consumer products. The Privacy Commissioner of Hong Kong, Ada Chung Lai-ling, said on Saturday that, along with the AI development, a large-scale data collection was also carried out from social media users, hundreds of thousands of whose personal information had been scraped and shared with external companies to build data sets for advertising use. 

Several data privacy authorities around the globe are concerned about this practice - some involving legal actions and some not - that, according to Chung, has become a global issue, which concerns privacy authorities in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, and Spain. There are 16 authorities, including Hong Kong's Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, who have signed a joint statement on Tuesday defining global standards for the protection of data and expressing their expectations of organizations to adhere to these standards. 

In an announcement on Monday, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data said it had reviewed 10 online travel platforms and found that two operators had indicated that users' data could be utilized in AI-powered services. In addition to that, they also aim to help residents gain a better understanding of how these platforms secure their data by providing them with easy access to their privacy policies and user interface design, thus strengthening their ability to protect their personal information when placing orders online for travel products. 

Ten platforms, using their websites and mobile applications, were assessed during the review, which was conducted between February and October. There were only five sites that included sections in their privacy policies about data retention, namely Agoda, EGL Tours, Expedia, Trip.com, and WWPKG, and the others did not. 

The watchdog commended Expedia for setting clear deadlines and conditions for the retention of user data and for acting proactively, which it believes other companies should learn from. When contacted by the office, two of the platforms - Goldjoy Holidays and Wing On Travel - confirmed that they had added data retention clauses to their privacy policies as part of their processes. Despite this, Miramar Travel, Sunflower Travel, and Travel Expert have not provided such information to customers so far, it was stated. According to the review, both Expedia and Agoda have clearly stated that they use AI for the enhancement of their services, which may include the collection and use of personal information as part of the process. 

Expedia states that it uses such data to provide customers with destination recommendations, price comparisons and other features as described in its policy. There was a similar concern raised by the UK's Information Commissioner's Office about the company's collection of British users' data in September and as a result, the company suspended the collection of users' data. According to Chung, the measures and principles outlined in the joint statement would be applicable globally, and it would be the legal authorities' responsibility to enforce them. There was a report that the watchdog was investigating a platform that was not under the jurisdiction of Hong Kong, which was suspected to be violating the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, by a report. 

It is important to note, however, that she did not go into much detail about this case. According to the watchdog, even though some platforms still did not contain sections on data retention, all the platforms did provide their privacy policies to users, and they all explained why user information was collected and what it was used for. Furthermore, according to the operators, several third parties may be able to receive the data of their customers, including airlines and insurance companies. In its review report, the office stated that all the platforms were tracking users' activities, collecting data such as their location information and browsing histories, and obtaining their consent to engage in direct marketing activities. 

A recommendation made by the office suggests that the platforms implement a personal data privacy management program and that they appoint a data protection officer to monitor compliance with privacy regulations regularly Also, the report recommended that the companies adopt the privacy-by-design principle, which would entail setting the most protective option as the default, and disclosing in their policies whether or not AI had been used in the process of processing personal information. 

Travel policies are considered by only 8% of travellers before accepting a job before accepting a new one, but they play an important role in deciding whether they will stay with the company or leave. Travellers' perceptions of the impact this has on their job tenure vary significantly across regions, with nearly half of those living in APAC certifying that it has an impact, compared to 27% living in EMEA and 21% living in North America. Creating policies that are tailored to regional needs may enhance the retention and compliance of employees. 

In addition to data breaches, Chung noted that one other challenge global privacy authorities have to deal with is data breaches. He said the agency had tracked 155 reports in the first three quarters, compared to 157 reports last year. A recent data breach at the South China Athletic Association has compromised the personal information of over 70,000 individuals. This incident follows a similar cyberattack on the charity Oxfam in August, which exposed sensitive data of more than 470,000 users. 

Cybersecurity expert Chung commented on the growing prevalence of such breaches, noting that they have become an expected challenge in today’s digital age. She emphasized that while data breaches are increasingly common, they serve as critical reminders for organizations in both the public and private sectors to prioritize robust data and privacy safeguards. Chung also highlighted that every reported breach contributes to a broader awareness among businesses and institutions, urging them to take proactive steps in fortifying their cybersecurity measures. 

These incidents underscore the pressing need for organizations to adopt advanced security protocols and maintain strict vigilance in managing personal and sensitive data. As threats continue to evolve, the collective effort to safeguard digital infrastructure remains paramount.
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Wi-fi
Cyber Hacking Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cybersecurity Cyberthrears Passwords Privacy Routers Wi-fi

The Hidden Dangers of Compromised Wi-Fi Routers

 


Cybercriminals who attack routers are swift and precise, spending countless hours studying network vulnerabilities to compromise sensitive data and then taking advantage of those vulnerabilities to compromise the router. The term "router hacking" refers to taking control of a user's router without their consent by a cybercriminals.

The Wi-Fi hacker, like other types of hackers, relies on security measures that a user may have implemented to protect themselves against the hack - often the administrator password for their router or an unpatched vulnerability in their system. The hacker has a variety of tricks that he can use if he wants to hack into a router successfully. 

There is a risk that a hacker will be able to gain access to a router in minutes if the user has not set a strong password for their router. The hacker can take control of users' router after they have gained access, and even change the settings or install malicious software on users' router after they have gained control. These are all signature signs that users have been hit by a black-hat hacker, as opposed to their more altruistic white-hat cousins. 

Approximately one in 16 internet-connected home Wi-Fi routers can be remotely accessed by attackers using the manufacturer's default admin password. Getting continually kicked off users' home networks can be super annoying, but that's what some hackers will do. A hacker may use a de-authentication attack to target network devices. To do so, a hacker does not even need administrative access to the user router; they only need to find the router and device users' using. They can do this by using a tool such as Aircrack-ng. After doing so, they craft a command that uses the users' router's authentication protocol to deauthenticate users, thus kicking them off the network. 

A Forbes study found that 86% of users never change their default credentials. As default credentials are easily found online, all hackers must do a perfunctory Google search to find the information they need to log into users' routers. If they do, they can change things like the password and SSID. Changing the password will kick users off their network, and changing the SSID will change their network name. They could also hide users' networks entirely after kicking them off and changing the name, making it difficult to get back online. Scammers employ various methods to hack into Wi-Fi networks, exploiting vulnerabilities and poor security practices.

One common technique is brute-forcing Wi-Fi passwords, where hackers systematically attempt numerous password combinations to gain access. Once successful, they can lock users out by changing the password and taking control of the router. Another method involves using the router’s default credentials, often left unchanged by users. Cybercriminals can exploit these factory-set admin passwords to alter router settings, emphasizing the importance of creating a unique password and SSID (wireless network name) for enhanced security. 

Unpatched firmware vulnerabilities also present significant risks. Attackers can exploit outdated software to infiltrate a router's internal systems. For instance, in June 2023, Asus issued critical firmware updates to protect against remote code execution attacks. One of the most severe vulnerabilities, CVE-2018-1160, dating back to 2018, carried a high severity rating of 9.8 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). 

Furthermore, cybercriminals can execute Domain Name Server (DNS) hijacking by altering a router’s DNS settings and redirecting users to malicious phishing websites. These examples underscore the importance of updating router firmware regularly, using strong passwords, and proactively securing Wi-Fi networks. Understanding the signs of a hacked router is essential for safeguarding users' networks. Altered DNS settings are a major indicator of a breach, as hackers may manipulate these settings to redirect users' internet traffic without their knowledge, potentially launching devastating pharming attacks. 

Users can check their router’s DNS settings in the admin menu to ensure they have not been tampered with. Another red flag is an inability to access the router using the user's admin password. If the credentials no longer work, it could mean a hacker has changed them. In such cases, perform a factory reset immediately and create a new, strong password. Unexpectedly slow internet can also hint at a router hack, especially when accompanied by other suspicious activities. Hackers may exploit users' bandwidth, causing noticeable performance drops. Additionally, strange software or malware on users' devices can result from a router breach, as hackers often use this method to infiltrate connected devices. While malware can spread through various means, its presence alongside other signs of hacking is a cause for concern. 

Monitoring users' networks for unrecognized devices is another critical security measure. Tools like AVG AntiVirus FREE can detect when unfamiliar devices join users' Wi-Fi, issuing alerts that prompt further investigation. While unauthorized devices don’t always indicate a router hack, their presence could lead to one, emphasizing the need for continuous network monitoring. Using reliable security software is vital to protecting users' devices and networks. AVG AntiVirus FREE offers comprehensive cybersecurity features, including real-time malware detection, phishing defence, ransomware protection, and tools to secure users' Wi-Fi networks from potential router hackers. Staying vigilant and equipped with robust security measures ensures a safe online experience.

Hackers can easily carry out this kind of attack even if they do not have administrative access to the user's router; they only need to identify the router and the device that users use to do so. An aircraft-ng tool, which is available online, can be used to accomplish this task. As a result, they craft a command that uses the authentication protocol of the users' router to deauthenticate them, which means they are kicked off of the network once more. The study by Forbes found that 86% of users do not change their default credentials despite being notified about it. 

The default credentials for routers can readily be found online, so it is only a matter of a quick Google search before hackers can discover the credentials they need to access the routers of their targeted victims. In that case, they can change things such as the password and the SSID of the network. By changing a user's password, they will be kicked off their network, and by changing their SSID, their network name will be changed. It's possible that they could also hide the users' networks entirely after they have been kicked off and changed their names, which would make it difficult for them to return to the network. Using a variety of methods, scammers can hack into Wi-Fi networks by exploiting the vulnerabilities and unfavourable security practices that exist. 

There is no doubt that the most common method of hacking Wi-Fi passwords in today's world is through brute-force attacks, which involve scanning many different combinations of passwords too to discover someone's password by scanning all of the combinations simultaneously. When they are successful in taking control of the router, they can lock users out of their accounts by changing their passwords. A second method involves the use of the router's default credentials, often left unchanged by users when they set up the router. These factory-provided admin passwords can be vulnerable to abuse by cybercriminals, highlighting the importance of using a unique password and SSID (wireless network name) for enhanced security when setting up users' routers. 

As a result of firmware vulnerabilities that remain unpatched, there are significant risks involved. There are several ways in which attackers can compromise the internal operating systems of a router by exploiting outdated software. Asus's most recent firmware upgrade for its laptops was released in June 2023, preventing remote code execution attacks against the device. On the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), which calculates the severity of vulnerabilities based on their association with security incidents and their impact, CVE-2018-1160, dated back to 2018, had a severity rating of 9.8. A further method of executing Domain Name Server (DNS) hijacking is to alter a router's DNS settings, redirecting the user to malicious phishing sites by altering the DNS settings of a router. 

As a result of these examples, router firmware must be updated regularly, strong passwords are used, and wi-fi networks are carefully secured proactively. Recognizing the signs of a hacked router is crucial for protecting users' networks. Altered DNS settings often indicate a breach, as hackers can manipulate these to redirect users' internet traffic and launch phishing or pharming attacks. Regularly reviewing users' routers' DNS settings in the admin menu can help prevent such risks. Similarly, being unable to access the router with their admin password may mean hackers have taken control. In such cases, a factory reset followed by setting a strong new password is essential. 

A sudden drop in internet speed, especially when combined with other suspicious activity, could point to unauthorized bandwidth usage by hackers. Additionally, unexpected malware or unfamiliar software on users' devices might result from a router breach. Monitoring for unrecognized devices on users' networks is equally important, as these can indicate unauthorized access and potential hacking attempts. 

Investing in robust security tools is a key step in safeguarding users' digital environments. Comprehensive solutions like AVG AntiVirus FREE provide 24/7 protection against malware, phishing, ransomware, and other threats while keeping users' network secure from unauthorized access. Staying proactive with these measures is the best defense for ensuing their online safety.
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Privacy
Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cybersecurity CyberThreat Data Leak Microsoft Power Pages Misconfiguration Privacy

Data Leak Reported Due to Power Pages Misconfiguration


 

The Power Pages platform from Microsoft offers users an easy-to-use, low-code platform that enables them to build data-driven websites with only a little bit of programming knowledge or experience. In both the public and private sectors, companies large and small rely on this tool to facilitate the collection and analysis of data that can assist them with all manner of problems that may arise from customers or citizens seeking information to solve a problem. 

There may be other issues regarding these web pages, such as the possibility of leaks of sensitive information for their respective organizations as well if the settings for these web pages are not set up properly.  According to cybersecurity researchers, a new vulnerability has been discovered in Microsoft Power Pages that stems from misconfigured access controls within websites built with this platform that can expose sensitive data. 

If the vulnerability resulted in millions of sensitive business records being exposed to unauthorized users, this could pose a serious security risk for affected organizations as a result. It is an application service platform, that is based on the Power Platform, and offers developers a low-code platform that can be used to build externally facing websites on top of Microsoft's infrastructure without a lot of coding. 

To guarantee a layer of access control, the Power Pages system uses a layered approach when it comes to writing a custom website. A site's permissions can be configured from a table level, a column level, or a column-level. Despite these risks, misconfigurations of these settings can unintentionally expose sensitive data to the public internet when businesses misconfigure these settings.  Organizers can expose more columns to the Web API than are necessary, thereby increasing the potential attack surface of their applications. 

According to Aaron Costello, AppOmni's chief of SaaS security research, Power Pages users have to pay more attention to the software's security settings to ensure their information is protected, especially given the product's popularity. It was announced earlier this year that websites that are created using Power Pages have over 250 million users every month, according to a statement from Microsoft.  Several AppOmni and Microsoft 365 customers are now using AppOmni Insights to assist with the detection of these kinds of exposures and to provide subsequent remediation guidance if such exposures are found. 

For a detailed understanding of how these kinds of vulnerabilities can arise, it is worthwhile to first understand the platform's RBAC model and how Power Pages are constructed. In contrast to traditional custom web development, Power Pages has the following main advantages: out-of-the-box (OOB) role-based access control (RBAC), the option of using Microsoft's Dataverse as the database automatically and the ease of a drag-and-drop interface, which is made possible by prebuilt components, which greatly reduces the need for custom code in the design of the web site. 

Affording too many permissions to roles like "Anonymous Users" (non-authenticated visitors) and "Authenticated Users" (authenticated visitors) may expose an organization to potential data leaks, which may not have been anticipated. It is worth noting that Microsoft's customers have the option of easily deploying these data-driven web applications. However, if these applications are mismanaged from a security perspective, they may have a heavy cost to pay for their security. This data is primarily made up of internal organization files as well as sensitive personal information regarding both users from inside the organization and those who register on the website and are registered to either organization. 


PII was recovered from most of these cases and consisted of full names, email addresses, phone numbers, and addresses for the home, in the majority of cases.  The information of over 1.1 million NHS employees was leaked by a large shared business service provider to the NHS, with many parts of the data including email addresses, telephone numbers, and even the addresses of the employees' homes, and this was being done without the employee's knowledge. 

In this particular case, the findings were fully disclosed responsibly and have been resolved since then. A lack of understanding of the access controls in Power Pages, as well as insecure custom code implementations are the main reasons for these data leaks. With excessive permissions given to unauthenticated users, any user may be able to extract records from the database if they have access to the readily available Power Page APIs available on the web. 

A Power Pages site also allows users to generate accounts and become authenticated with the help of APIs once they have registered. Users from outside of the company can also be granted global access for reading operations on the system. Researchers identified that the absence of column-level security in Microsoft Power Pages could enable unauthorized individuals to access sensitive data without restrictions. Additionally, it was noted that users often fail to replace sensitive information with masked strings, further exacerbating security vulnerabilities. 

In response, Microsoft has implemented multiple safeguards within the backend of Power Pages and Power Platform Apps. These measures include warning banners across all Power Platform admin console pages, as well as prominent alerts and warning icons on the table permissions configuration page of Power Pages. These updates aim to help administrators identify and address potentially risky configurations. This incident underscores the importance of proactive security practices in safeguarding sensitive data. Organizations utilizing Power Pages are encouraged to review and strengthen their configurations to mitigate risks and enhance overall security.
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Websites
address Privacy VPN Websites

Remove Your Home Address From the Internet - Here's How

 




This is not only an issue of personal privacy but also safety. Many organisations sell address data to brokers, who then distribute their contents to advertisers, identity thieves, or even burglars. Here's the step-by-step process of how to delete your home address off the web.


Share Your Address Only When Necessary 


Keep your address private by limiting how often you give out your home address. Share it only when you must, like when opening a bank account or registering to vote. You can use an alternate address elsewhere, for example, when signing up for a gym membership or getting deliveries. That little change makes a big difference to the privacy of your home address online.


Mask Your Address in Mapping Apps


Online maps usually have very clear street views of your home. Thankfully, apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps can blur your home for privacy. For Google Maps, enter your address, go to Report a Problem, then the areas you'd like to blur. For Apple Maps, write to their team at mapsimagecollection@apple.com, with details of your home, and they will handle it.

Remove Your Address from Search Results


You have the right to request its removal, if it appears on a search engine. Google offers users the ability to track and control personal information online. One can visit their Google Account and navigate to the Results About You section to set alerts and even request removal of the address from certain search results. Remember that Google could retain content from government or business sites.


Know your Social Media Profiles


Review your social media profiles for those instances where you published your house address. Never post a photo with your street or house number. Periodically update your privacy setting to restrict access to your information.


Opt Out from Whitepages


Whitepages is the biggest collection of addresses online. To remove yourself from it, visit their Suppression Request page, search for your profile, and make a suppression request for removal of it. You can easily do this in a few minutes.


Cleaning Up Unused Accounts


Most websites and services save your address whenever you sign up. Accounts you don't use anymore—like old shopping sites or subscription services—and delete them or request that your data be erased. That's fewer chances of a leak or misuse. You could also use a Post Office Box as an alternative.

The use of a post office box can make certain that one private home address does not have to be revealed. You can apply through USPS to lease a box for as low as $15 monthly online. This address could be used for deliveries or other accounts; it conceals your place of residency.

 

Use a Virtual Mailbox


Added to that is the security factor - virtual mailboxes have a secure option. They scan and forward your mail and allow you to access it online. It's thus comfortable for a frequent traveller, thus anyone who wants to avoid physical mail at his doorstep.


Securing Your Address with a VPN


Finally, make use of a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet data. Also, keep the physical location private. It conceals where you are physically based as you go online. Many browsers also have this built-in VPN option for additional security as well.

Removing your home address from the internet may take some effort, but the peace of mind it brings is worth it. By following these steps, you can protect your privacy and stay safer in an increasingly connected world. 


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UMI
AI technology Apple CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cybermedia Cybersecurity CyberThreat iOS iPhone Users Privacy reboot Software Updates UMI

Reboot Revolution Protecting iPhone Users

 


Researchers at the University of Michigan (UMI) believe that Apple's new iPhone software has a novel security feature. It presents that the feature may automatically reboot the phone if it has been unlocked for 72 hours without being unlocked. 

As 404 Media reported later, a new technology called "inactivity reboot" was introduced in iOS 18.1, which forces devices to restart if their inactivity continues for more than a given period.  Aside from the Inactivity Reboot feature, Apple continues to enhance its security framework with additional features as part of its ongoing security enhancements. Stolen Data Protection is one of the features introduced in iOS 17.3. It allows the device to be protected against theft by requiring biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) before allowing it to change key settings. 

There are various methods to ensure that a stolen device is unable to be reconfigured easily, including this extra layer of security. With the upcoming iOS 18.2 update, Apple intends to take advantage of a feature called Stolen Data Protection, which is set to be turned off by default to avoid confusing users. However, Apple plans to encourage users to enable it when setting up their devices or after a factory reset to maintain an optimal user experience. 

As a result, users will be able to have more control over the way their personal information is protected. Apple has quietly introduced a new feature to its latest iPhone update that makes it even harder for anyone to unlock a device without consent—whether they are thieves or law enforcement officers. With this inactivity reboot feature, Apple has made unlocking even more difficult for anyone. When an iPhone has been asleep or in lock mode for an extended period, a new feature is introduced with iOS 18.1 will automatically reboot it in addition to turning it off. 

A common problem with iPhones is that once they have been rebooted, they become more difficult to crack since either a passcode or biometric signature is required to unlock them. According to the terms of the agreement, the primary objective of this measure is to prevent thieves (or police officers) from hacking into smartphones and potentially accessing data on them. There is a new "inactivity reboot" feature included in iOS 18 that, according to experts who spoke to 404 Media, will restart the device after approximately four days of dormancy if no activity is made.

A confirmation of this statement was provided by Magnet Forensics' Christopher Vance in a law enforcement group chat as described in Magnet Forensics' Christopher Vance, who wrote that iOS 18.1 has a timer which runs out after a set amount of time, and the device then reboots, moving from an AFU (After First Unlock) state to a BFU (Before First Unlock) state at the end of this timer. According to 404 Media, it seems that the issue was discovered after officers from the Detroit Police Department found the feature while investigating a crime scene in Detroit, Michigan.

When officers were working on iPhones for forensic purposes in the course of their investigation, they noticed that they automatically rebooted themselves frequently, which made it more difficult for them to unlock and access the devices. As soon as the devices were disconnected from a cellular network for some time, the working theory was that the phones would reboot when they were no longer connected to the network.  

However, there are actually much simpler explanations that can be provided for this situation. The feature, which AppleInsider refers to as an inactivity reboot, is not based on the current network connection or the state of the battery on the phone, which are factors that may affect the reboot timer. The reboot typically occurs after a certain amount of time has elapsed -- somewhere around 96 hours in most cases.  Essentially, the function of this timer is identical to the Mac's hibernation mode, which is intended to put the computer to sleep as a precaution in case there is a power outage or the battery is suddenly discharged. 

During the BFU state of the iPhone, all data on the iPhone belongs to the user and is fully encrypted, and is nearly impossible for anyone to access, except a person who knows the user's passcode to be able to get into the device. However, when the phone is in a state known as "AFU", certain data can be extracted by some device forensic tools, even if the phone is locked, since it is unencrypted and is thus easier to access and extract.  

According to Tihmstar, an iPhone security researcher on TechCrunch, the iPhones in these two states are also known as "hot" devices or "cold" devices depending on their temperature.  As a result, Tihmstar was making a point to emphasize that the majority of forensic firms are focusing on "hot" devices in an AFU state as they can verify that the user entered the correct passcode in the iPhone's secure enclave at some point. A "cold" device, on the other hand, is considerably more difficult to compromise because its memory can not be easily accessed once the device restarts, so there is no easy way to compromise it.

The law enforcement community has consistently opposed and argued against new technology that Apple has implemented to enhance security, arguing that this is making their job more difficult. According to reports, in 2016, the FBI filed a lawsuit against Apple in an attempt to force the company to install a backdoor that would enable it to open a phone owned by a mass shooter. Azimuth Security, an Australian startup, ultimately assisted the FBI in gaining access to the phone through hacking. 

These developments highlight Apple’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing user privacy and data security, even as such measures draw criticism from law enforcement agencies. By introducing features like Inactivity Reboot and Stolen Data Protection, Apple continues to establish itself as a leader in safeguarding personal information against unauthorized access. 

These innovations underscore the broader debate between privacy advocates and authorities over the balance between individual rights and security imperatives in an increasingly digitized world.
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Synthetic Data
CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cybersecurity CyberThreat Healthcare Privacy Synthetic Data

Reimagining Healthcare with Synthetic Data

 


It has been espoused in the generative AI phenomenon that the technology's key uses would include providing personalized shopping experiences for customers and creating content. Nonetheless, generative AI can also be seen to be having a very real impact on fields such as healthcare, for example. There is a tectonic shift in healthcare and life sciences, as technology is being implemented and data-driven systems are being integrated. 

A must-follow trend in this revolution is the burgeoning use of synthetic data, a breakthrough advancement poised to reshape how medical research is conducted, AI is developed, and patient privacy will be protected in the coming years. Data available in synthetic format is comparable to data available in real-world format (such as real fibers such as hemp). In the course of human evolution, humans have created synthetic products to achieve our goals and to develop new products that improve our lives in many different ways. 

It's widely known that synthetic fiber is used in clothing, rope, industrial equipment, automobiles, and many other places. It is because of the ability to create synthetic fiber that a wide range of products can be created that are needed in modern life. Healthcare is another area where synthetic data can have an impact similar to that of traditional data. Synthetic data is created based on real-world data using a data synthesizer. 

These synthesizers may leverage different methods to create synthetic data that have the same statistical and correlative properties as the original data; however, they are completely independent from the real-world data (1, 2). Notably, synthetic data do not contain any personal identifying information which ensures personal privacy and full compliance with privacy regulations such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

The use of high-fidelity synthetic data for data augmentation is an area of growing interest in data science, generating virtual patient cohorts, such as digital twins, to estimate counterfactuals in silico trials, allowing for better prediction of treatment outcomes and personalised medicine. Synthetic data allows clinicians to use prompts to generate a conversation between a patient with depression and a therapist where they are discussing the onset of symptoms. 

Healthcare providers can also use partially synthetic data, which takes a real-life transcript and has AI adjust it to remove personally identifiable information or private health information, while still telling a cohesive story. This data can then be used to train AI models to develop transcripts, training materials and so on. Regardless of whether the data is fully or partially synthetic, the data can (and often is) adjusted as needed with additional prompts until it reaches the desired result. Healthcare is subjected to a variety of privacy rules through HIPAA. 

Eliminating these privacy concerns is a primary reason Read feels synthetic data is valuable in training models. With synthetic data, healthcare providers don’t need to use real people’s data to train models. Instead, they can generate a conversation that is representative of a specific therapeutic intervention without involving anyone’s protected health information. As Read explains, “Synthetic data also makes it easy to calibrate what we’re looking for — like to generate different examples of how a healthcare provider could say something explicitly or implicitly. This makes it easier to provide different examples and tighten up the information we provide to AI models to learn from, ensuring that we can teach it the right data for providing training or feedback to real-world clinicians.” 

Synthetic data also democratizes the ability of different healthcare organizations to train and fine-tune their own machine learning models. Whereas previously, an organization might need to provide hundreds (or even thousands) of hours of transcribed sessions between patients and clinicians as well as other data points, synthetic data erases this barrier to entry. Synthetic data allows for models to learn and build out responses at a much faster rate — which also makes it easier for new players in healthcare to enter the field. 

As Read’s insights reveal, the use of AI and synthetic data isn’t going to replace clinicians’ value or decision-making authority. But with the help of synthetic data, AI can help push clinicians in the right direction to ensure that there is greater standardization and adherence to best practices. As more providers begin to utilize synthetic data to ensure they are following best practices in all patient interactions and to get feedback on their sessions, they can elevate the quality of care for all. A similar impact could also be felt in the healthcare sector by the use of synthetic data similar to how traditional data would. 

With the help of a data synthesizer, it is possible to create synthetic data based on real-world data. It has been shown that these synthesizers can leverage different methods to produce synthetic data which are capable of being compared to the original data, even if those properties cannot be extracted from the original data, but they are completely independent of real-world data (1, 2). A distinctive feature of synthetic data is the absence of any personal identifying information, which ensures that the data is completely private to the individual and complies with all needed privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union. 

As a result of increasing interest in data science, the use of high-fidelity synthetic data for data augmentation is becoming increasingly popular. To better predict treatment outcomes and tailor medical treatments for individual patients, digital twins, and virtual cohorts are used to estimate counterfactuals in silico trials, allowing better predictions of treatment outcomes. As a result of synthetic data, clinicians can generate a conversation between patients with depression and therapists to demonstrate how their symptoms began, and these prompts can be used to guide the conversation. 

Providers of healthcare can also use partially synthetic data, which is a combination of a real-life transcript and AI processing that removes any personally identifiable information or private health information, while still telling a coherent story. By using this data, it can then be developed into the types of transcripts, materials for training, etc, that are needed for creating transcripts. Whether the data being used is synthetic data or not, it can (and often is) manipulated or adjusted, as necessary, with additional prompts, until it reaches the result that is desired regardless of whether the data is synthetic or not. 

HIPAA is a sort of Federal law that imposes a variety of privacy rules on the healthcare industry. The fact that Synthetic Data is useful in training models is because it can eliminate these privacy concerns, according to Read. To train models based upon synthetic data, healthcare providers do not need to rely on real person-to-person information. This would allow them to generate a conversation in which they would represent a specific therapeutic intervention, without involving any protected health information of anybody involved in such a conversation. 

Moreover, Read explains, "Synthetic data also allows us to calibrate our search in a much easier way - like for example, generating examples of how a healthcare provider would be able to send an implicit or explicit message to an individual." Moreover, synthetic data democratizes the possibility of various healthcare organizations to train and refine their own artificial intelligence models by enabling them to use synthetic data. 


An organization might have previously been required to provide hundreds (or even thousands) of hours of transcribed sessions between patients and clinicians, along with other information points about these sessions, in order to offer this service, but with synthetic data, businesses are no longer required to do so. Using synthetic data, it is possible for models to learn and develop responses at much faster rates as well, making it easier for new players in healthcare to enter the field to learn and build on existing responses. 

In light of Read's insights, it's important to emphasize that AI and synthetic data are not going to replace clinicians' capabilities or their decision-making authority as Read identifies. By using synthetic data, however, AI has the potential to help clinicians in the right direction to ensure that better standards of care are observed and that best practices are followed. As healthcare providers increasingly adopt synthetic data, they gain a valuable tool for adhering to best practices in patient interactions and enhancing the overall quality of care.

By leveraging synthetic data, practitioners can simulate various clinical scenarios, ensuring their approaches align with industry standards and ethical guidelines. This technology also enables providers to receive constructive feedback on their patient sessions, helping to identify areas for improvement and fostering continuous professional development. The integration of synthetic data into healthcare workflows not only supports more consistent and informed decision-making but also elevates the standard of care delivered to patients across diverse settings. By embracing synthetic data, providers can drive innovation, improve outcomes, and contribute to a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare ecosystem.
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trending news
cyberattacks news Data protection Data Theft Privacy smart home devices trending news

UK Watchdog Urges Data Privacy Overhaul as Smart Devices Collect “Excessive” User Data

 

A new study by consumer group Which? has revealed that popular smart devices are gathering excessive amounts of personal data from users, often beyond what’s required for functionality. The study examined smart TVs, air fryers, speakers, and wearables, rating each based on data access requests. 

Findings suggested many of these devices may be gathering and sharing data with third parties, often for marketing purposes. “Smart tech manufacturers and their partners seem to collect data recklessly, with minimal transparency,” said Harry Rose from Which?, calling for stricter guidelines on data collection. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is expected to release updated guidance on data privacy for smart devices in 2025, which Rose urged be backed by effective enforcement. 

The study found all three tested air fryers, including one from Xiaomi, requested precise user locations and audio recording permissions without clarification. Xiaomi’s fryer app was also linked to trackers from Facebook and TikTok, raising concerns about data being sent to servers in China, though Xiaomi disputes the findings, calling them “inaccurate and misleading.” 

Similar privacy concerns were highlighted for wearables, with the Huawei Ultimate smartwatch reportedly asking for risky permissions, such as access to location, audio recording, and stored files. Huawei defended these requests, stating that permissions are necessary for health and fitness tracking and that no data is used for marketing. 

Smart TVs from brands like Samsung and LG also collected extensive data, with both brands connecting to Facebook and Google trackers, while Samsung’s app made additional phone permission requests. Smart speakers weren’t exempt from scrutiny; the Bose Home Portable speaker reportedly had several trackers, including from digital marketing firms.  

Slavka Bielikova, ICO’s principal policy adviser, noted, “Smart products know a lot about us and that’s why it’s vital for consumers to trust that their information is used responsibly.” She emphasized the ICO’s upcoming guidance, aiming to clarify expectations for manufacturers to protect consumers. 

As the debate over data privacy intensifies, Which? recommends that consumers opt out of unnecessary data collection requests and regularly review app permissions for added security.
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Technology Updates
Accounts Cybercrime. Cybercriminal. Cyberthreats Cyberhackers Gmail Privacy Technology Updates

Gmail Under Attack: Secure a Backup Account

 


Having access to a Gmail account in the present world is rather dangerous because hackers create new ways of penetrating the account, even if it at times employs a 2FA security feature. While methods like passkey sign-ins and secure browsing have been adopted by Google, risks like session cookie theft remain a reality. Google Chrome users may encounter a pop-up alert stating, “Your password was exposed in a non-Google data breach” in their web browser. This alert notifies users of recent security breaches that may have compromised their account passwords. 

With 2.5 billion active users, Gmail is a prominent target for hackers aiming to compromise accounts and access sensitive information. Reports of sophisticated cyberattacks, including session cookie theft and two-factor authentication (2FA) bypassing, are rising. To safeguard email security, users are advised to consider proactive measures, such as setting up a secondary Gmail account, as waiting to act may increase vulnerability to 2FA-bypass attacks. For many, the risk of account compromise is a growing concern, as hackers employ session cookie-stealing tactics to bypass even the most robust 2FA protections. 

Cybercrime agencies strongly encourage enabling 2FA, yet cybercriminals continue to evolve methods for evading these safeguards. Google has made significant strides in enhancing security through features like secure pass-key sign-in across devices and safe browsing protections for Chrome users. The problem remains that attackers are now leveraging sophisticated tools to penetrate even Google's advanced encryption measures taken to prevent cookie theft, despite Google's efforts to protect its users. 

Even though a secondary Gmail account should not be used directly as a preventative measure against 2FA bypass attacks, it can still serve as a valuable backup in the event of a breach of users' primary Gmail accounts. There have been numerous discussions about this approach among users, such as those on the Gmail subreddit, where some users have shared their experiences of their accounts being compromised despite having 2FA enabled on their accounts. Creating a new Gmail account does not guarantee immunity from attacks, but it is one of the best ways to secure and protect any emails which are important and often irreplaceable. 

For this new account, it is suggested that users use different methods to ensure the maximum level of security. Set up 2FA, as an example, using a standalone authentication app instead of sending an SMS to the same phone number on which 2FA will be activated. As much as possible, link a user's new account to a different device or unique information if possible. Initially, users will have to set up a Gmail account that will allow them to forward their emails to this new account once they are all set up, but once this is done they will automatically receive a copy of their emails sent through their main Gmail account. 

Using this approach, they will be able to access their emails even if anything should happen to their primary email account. As an extra layer of security, consider signing up for Google's Advanced Protection Program to ensure that users' accounts are more secure, adding multiple security layers that make it more difficult for anyone to access the accounts without permission. In the case that a hacker does manage to gain access to a customer's primary Gmail account, having a backup account means that they will have to hack an account separately in case of a breach.

In the unlikely event that something untoward happens, it's a comforting safety net to fall back on. As there are no fees associated with setting up a second Google account, users could set up a second one using Gmail, a free web-based email account. For added security, users should take the following steps: first, sign out from any existing Google accounts, then go to the Google Account sign-in page and click on “Create Account” for added security.

To ensure maximum security, users should consider using a different device for the primary account, so that it will not be compromised if a single point of failure is found. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to choose a second-factor code generator rather than 2FA via SMS, such as an authentication app, which uses a unique code generator to generate users' second-factor code, thereby enhancing the security of their account. 

In conclusion, one of the best ways to further isolate a new account from potentially compromised accounts is to use varied personal information when establishing it. There is no dearth of web-based email platforms, but with Google's free web-based Gmail service, it is incredibly easy to set up separate accounts for each user. It is common for users to lose count of how many different apps they have on their phones, even though they only use two or three of them regularly. 

To ensure that this new account is as secure as possible and less likely to be compromised by a threat actor who succeeded in attacking the original account, either use a password tied to an entirely separate device or use two-factor authentication where users use a standalone app to generate the 2FA code rather than text messaging to the same number they used before. Users should try and fill in as much information as possible when setting up a new account to avoid making it less unique. Once the secondary email account has been established, the next step involves setting up a forwarding rule within the original Gmail account. 

By doing this, users can ensure that a copy of each email is automatically sent to the secondary account, providing a reliable backup in case the primary account is ever compromised. Implementing this backup method is a proactive way to safeguard important information against unexpected events. Although having email forwarding in place adds an extra layer of security, it’s important to note that, even if a malicious actor gains access to the original account, the secondary account remains secure as a standalone entity. Since the two accounts are independent of each other, each would need to be compromised separately for a complete breach to occur. This setup minimizes risks and provides an effective, manageable backup. 

In an era of increasingly sophisticated digital threats, proactively securing Gmail accounts has become a crucial task for individuals and organizations alike. Setting up a secondary account with distinct, robust security measures enhances protection and acts as a safeguard for sensitive data. Users who adopt additional defences—such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and other advanced security practices—are in a far better position to counteract potential cyberattacks. Today’s threat landscape demands a strategic approach to email security, where even the most secure accounts can face risks. Through these proactive steps, individuals create a resilient backup framework, ensuring their data remains accessible and protected regardless of evolving threats.
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User Privacy
Data Laws Data Privacy Digital Rights Privacy User Data User Privacy

Balancing Act: Russia's New Data Decree and the Privacy Dilemma

Balancing Act: Russia's New Data Decree and the Privacy Dilemma

Data Privacy and State Access

Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media has introduced a draft decree specifying the conditions under which authorities can access staff and customer data from businesses operating in Russia, according to Forbes.

The decree would authorize authorities to demand anonymized personal data of customers and employees from businesses in order to protect the population during emergencies, prevent terrorism, and control the spread of infectious diseases, as well as for economic and social research purposes.

The Proposed Decree

Expected to take effect in September 2025, this draft decree follows amendments to the law On Personal Data, adopted on August 8. This law established a State Information System, requiring businesses and state agencies to upload the personal data of their staff and customers upon request.

The Big Data Association, a nonprofit that includes major Russian companies like Yandex, VK, and Gazprombank, has expressed concerns that the draft decree would permit authorities to request personal data from businesses "for virtually any reason." They warned that this could create legal uncertainties and impose excessive regulatory burdens on companies processing personal data, affecting nearly all businesses and organizations.

Global Context: A Tightrope Walk

Russia is not alone in its quest for greater access to personal data. Countries around the world are grappling with similar issues. For instance, the United States has its own set of laws and regulations under the Patriot Act and subsequent legislation that allows the government to access personal data under certain conditions. Similarly, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides a framework for data access while aiming to protect individual privacy.

Each country’s approach reflects its unique political, social, and cultural context. However, the core issue remains: finding the right balance between state access and individual privacy.

Ethical and Social Implications

The debate over state access to personal data is not purely legal or political; it is deeply ethical and social. Enhanced state access can lead to improved public safety and national security. For example, during a health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, having access to personal data can help in effective contact tracing and monitoring the spread of the virus.
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WiFi
Cyber Threats Encryption Online Security Privacy WiFi

How Ignoring These Wi-Fi Settings Can Leave You Vulnerable to Hackers

 

In today's plugged-in world, most of us rely on the Internet for nearly everything from shopping and banking to communicating with family members. Whereas increasing reliance on the internet has exposed opportunities for doing just about anything remotely, it also increases the chances that cyber thieves will target your home Wi-Fi network looking for a weak point to pry into. Thus, securing your home network is critical to your own privacy.

The Importance of Router Settings

But for privacy lawyer Alysa Hutnik, the most common mistake isn't what people do but rather what they don't: namely, change the default settings on their Wi-Fi routers. The default settings on every router are public knowledge, and that's how hackers get in. "You wouldn't leave your front door open," she points out-a failure to alter these default settings is a little different from that.

The very first thing in securing your Wi-Fi network is changing the default password to something strong and unique. This would reduce the chances of unauthorised access significantly. You may also want to take a look at all the other configurations you can make on your router to optimise security features.

Encryption: Protecting Your Data

Another thing you should do to secure your home network is to enable encryption. Most of the current routers do offer some form of encryption options, like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). This encrypts information in such a way that while travelling over your network, it makes hacking even more inconvenient to intercept. If you have not enabled the encryption on your router then it's pretty much the same as leaving personal information lying around open for everyone to grab. A check on your settings and enabling the WPA encryption adds the much-needed layer of defence.

Check Security Settings on All Devices

Securing your home network doesn't stop at the router. Any device that connects to your Wi-Fi should have its privacy and security settings properly enabled as well. Hutnik says that whenever you bring home a new device, a new phone, smart speaker, or laptop, it takes a few minutes to read through the options for privacy and security settings. Many devices have configurations not optimised for security by default. Usually, those configurations can be customised in a minute or two.

Quick Easy-to-Follow Steps to Mitigate Risk

Beyond the configuration of your network and devices, Hutnik calls you to take a few extra precautionary actions regarding your privacy. One such action is sticking tape on your webcam when you are not using it. There is always the prospect of hackers taking control of your camera through malware, so spying on you. As simple as placing a sticker or a Post-it note on your webcam might give you relief over it.

Sure enough, these measures won't protect you from cyber-attacks right and left, but they certainly reduce the risk. The more of our lives we put online, the more important it becomes that we take time to harden our home networks and equipment.

Stay Vigilant and Stay Protected

This will help protect you more from hackers and other online threats: understanding home network vulnerabilities and taking preventive actions about routers, using encryption, and checking your devices' settings. It involves the little things like covering your webcam and thereby trying to ensure that these little habits make you a safer human being on the internet.


Take small steps in securing your home network to avoid many future headaches and ensure that your personal info does not end up in cyber-criminals' pockets.


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