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Slack
Data Breach Data Hacking data security Disney Disney data leak Disney Slack breach Hacking Group Personal Information Sensitive data Slack

Disney Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Corporate and Personal Information

 

In July, Disney experienced a significant data breach that exposed far more than initially reported, compromising a wide array of sensitive information. While early reports focused on stolen Slack messages, it has since been revealed that the breach extended deep into the company’s critical corporate files. According to sources, hackers gained access to sensitive information, including financial projections, strategic plans, sales data, and streaming forecasts. 

The breach did not stop at corporate data. Hackers also accessed personal information of Disney Cruise Line members, including passport numbers, visa statuses, contact details, and birthplaces. In addition, data related to theme park pass sales was compromised, potentially impacting thousands of visitors. This breach has raised serious concerns about the security of personal data at Disney, one of the world’s most recognized entertainment companies. 

Initially, Disney reported that over a terabyte of data was leaked, but the full extent of the breach is still under investigation. In an August address to investors, the company acknowledged the severity of the attack, prompting questions about the cybersecurity measures in place not only at Disney but also at other major corporations. The incident has highlighted the growing need for robust and effective cybersecurity strategies to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The hacking group Nullbulge has claimed responsibility for the attack. 

In a blog post, the group boasted of gaining access to internal data on upcoming projects as well as employee details stored in Disney’s Slack system. This claim has raised further alarms about the potential exposure of sensitive company plans and employee information. When asked to comment on the specifics of the breach, Disney declined to provide details. A spokesperson stated, “We decline to comment on unverified information that has purportedly been obtained as a result of illegal activity.” 

This response underscores the complexity and evolving challenges that companies face in safeguarding sensitive information from cyber threats. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, this breach serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even within prominent organizations. It emphasizes the urgent need for businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity measures to protect both corporate and personal data from being compromised in an increasingly digital world.
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Slack
Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT Data Breach Prompt Injection Slack

Slack Fixes AI Security Flaw After Expert Warning


 

Slack, the popular communication platform used by businesses worldwide, has recently taken action to address a potential security flaw related to its AI features. The company has rolled out an update to fix the issue and reassured users that there is no evidence of unverified access to their data. This move follows reports from cybersecurity experts who identified a possible weakness in Slack's AI capabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

The security concern was first brought to attention by PromptArmor, a cybersecurity firm that specialises in identifying vulnerabilities in AI systems. The firm raised alarms over the potential misuse of Slack’s AI functions, particularly those involving ChatGPT. These AI tools were intended to improve user experience by summarising discussions and assisting with quick replies. However, PromptArmor warned that these features could also be manipulated to access private conversations through a method known as "prompt injection."

Prompt injection is a technique where an attacker tricks the AI into executing harmful commands that are hidden within seemingly harmless instructions. According to PromptArmor, this could allow unauthorised individuals to gain access to private messages and even conduct phishing attacks. The firm also noted that Slack's AI could potentially be coerced into revealing sensitive information, such as API keys, which could then be sent to external locations without the knowledge of the user.

PromptArmor outlined a scenario in which an attacker could create a public Slack channel and embed a malicious prompt within it. This prompt could instruct the AI to replace specific words with sensitive data, such as an API key, and send that information to an external site. Alarmingly, this type of attack could be executed without the attacker needing to be a part of the private channel where the sensitive data is stored.

Further complicating the issue, Slack’s AI has the ability to pull data from both file uploads and direct messages. This means that even private files could be at risk if the AI is manipulated using prompt injection techniques.

Upon receiving the report, Slack immediately began investigating the issue. The company confirmed that, under specific and rare circumstances, an attacker could use the AI to gather certain data from other users in the same workspace. To address this, Slack quickly deployed a patch designed to fix the vulnerability. The company also assured its users that, at this time, there is no evidence indicating any customer data has been compromised.

In its official communication, Slack emphasised the limited nature of the threat and the quick action taken to resolve it. The update is now in place, and the company continues to monitor the situation to prevent any future incidents.

There are potential risks that come with integrating AI into workplace tools that need to be construed well. While AI has many upsides, including improved efficiency and streamlined communication, it also opens up new opportunities for cyber threats. It is crucial for organisations using AI to remain vigilant and address any security concerns that arise promptly.

Slack’s quick response to this issue stresses upon how imperative it is to stay proactive in a rapidly changing digital world.


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Slack
AI Models AI Training Customer Data Cyber Security Data Policies data security GDPR GDPR Breach Privacy Policy Salesforce Slack

Slack Faces Backlash Over AI Data Policy: Users Demand Clearer Privacy Practices

 

In February, Slack introduced its AI capabilities, positioning itself as a leader in the integration of artificial intelligence within workplace communication. However, recent developments have sparked significant controversy. Slack's current policy, which collects customer data by default for training AI models, has drawn widespread criticism and calls for greater transparency and clarity. 

The issue gained attention when Gergely Orosz, an engineer and writer, pointed out that Slack's terms of service allow the use of customer data for training AI models, despite reassurances from Slack engineers that this is not the case. Aaron Maurer, a Slack engineer, acknowledged the need for updated policies that explicitly detail how Slack AI interacts with customer data. This discrepancy between policy language and practical application has left many users uneasy. 

Slack's privacy principles state that customer data, including messages and files, may be used to develop AI and machine learning models. In contrast, the Slack AI page asserts that customer data is not used to train Slack AI models. This inconsistency has led users to demand that Slack update its privacy policies to reflect the actual use of data. The controversy intensified as users on platforms like Hacker News and Threads voiced their concerns. Many felt that Slack had not adequately notified users about the default opt-in for data sharing. 

The backlash prompted some users to opt out of data sharing, a process that requires contacting Slack directly with a specific request. Critics argue that this process is cumbersome and lacks transparency. Salesforce, Slack's parent company, has acknowledged the need for policy updates. A Salesforce spokesperson stated that Slack would clarify its policies to ensure users understand that customer data is not used to train generative AI models and that such data never leaves Slack's trust boundary. 

However, these changes have yet to address the broader issue of explicit user consent. Questions about Slack's compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have also arisen. GDPR requires explicit, informed consent for data collection, which must be obtained through opt-in mechanisms rather than default opt-ins. Despite Slack's commitment to GDPR compliance, the current controversy suggests that its practices may not align fully with these regulations. 

As more users opt out of data sharing and call for alternative chat services, Slack faces mounting pressure to revise its data policies comprehensively. This situation underscores the importance of transparency and user consent in data practices, particularly as AI continues to evolve and integrate into everyday tools. 

The recent backlash against Slack's AI data policy highlights a crucial issue in the digital age: the need for clear, transparent data practices that respect user consent. As Slack works to update its policies, the company must prioritize user trust and regulatory compliance to maintain its position as a trusted communication platform. This episode serves as a reminder for all companies leveraging AI to ensure their data practices are transparent and user-centric.
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Technolgy
Cyber Security Digital Landscape Personal Data Slack SolarWind Supply Chain Attack Technolgy

Increasing Data Security in the Digital Era

Protecting our online profile has become crucial in the current digital era. Keeping up with the most recent technologies and techniques is essential to safeguarding personal data and privacy in light of the constantly changing technological landscape. To assist you in navigating the complicated world of digital security, this article offers a succinct summary of key tools and procedures.

1. Password Managers: Your First Line of Defense

One of the fundamental aspects of online security is having strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. However, remembering complex passwords for multiple platforms can be a daunting task. This is where password managers step in. They generate and store strong passwords, alleviating the burden of memorization while keeping your accounts secure. CNET's comprehensive guide on the best password managers provides valuable insights into choosing the right one for your needs.

2. The SolarWinds Saga: A Wake-Up Call for Supply Chain Security

The SolarWinds breach of 2020 revealed the audacity and sophistication of supply chain attacks. Wired's in-depth analysis sheds light on the unprecedented scale and intricacy of this cyber intrusion. It serves as a stark reminder that even industry giants are not impervious to such attacks. The incident underscores the critical need for comprehensive security measures, including rigorous vendor assessments and continuous monitoring of software supply chains.

3. Slack: Revolutionizing Communication with Enhanced Security Measures

Communication platforms like Slack have become indispensable in the modern workplace. TechCrunch's coverage of Slack's exit from beta in 2014 highlights the platform's rapid ascent to prominence. As businesses increasingly rely on such tools for collaboration, it's crucial to ensure that they employ robust security features. Encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits are some of the key measures that platforms like Slack should implement to safeguard sensitive communications.

4. Prioritizing Data Privacy with Cutting-Edge Technologies

In an era where data breaches are almost commonplace, prioritizing data privacy is non-negotiable. IEEE Spectrum's dedicated section on data privacy provides a wealth of resources and insights into the latest technologies and best practices. From 

Unprecedented opportunities and problems come with living in the digital age. In a world where information is becoming more interconnected by the day, people and organizations may protect sensitive data by utilizing the strategies and technologies described in these resources. As you may recall, readiness and alertness are crucial in the field of cybersecurity.
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User Security
Data Breach Data Leak data security Security Incident Slack uber User Data User Privacy User Security

Uber Investigates Potential Breach Of its Computer System

 

Uber announced on Thursday that it is responding to a cybersecurity incident involving a network breach and that it is in contact with law enforcement authorities. The incident was first reported by the New York Times. When reached for comment, the company referred to its tweeted statement.  

As per two employees who were not authorised to speak publicly, Uber employees were instructed not to use the company's internal messaging service, Slack, and discovered that other internal systems were inaccessible.

Uber employees received a message that read, "I announce I am a hacker and Uber has suffered a data breach" shortly before the Slack system was taken offline on Thursday afternoon. The message went on to list a number of internal databases that the hacker claimed were compromised.

"It appeared that the hacker was later able to gain access to other internal systems, posting an explicit photo on an internal information page for employees," the New York Times stated. 

Uber has not released any additional information about the incident, but it appears that the hacker, believed to be an 18-year-old teenager, social-engineered the employee to obtain their password by impersonating a corporate IT employee and then used it to gain access to the internal network. 

The attacker was able to circumvent the account's two-factor authentication (2FA) protections by bombarding the employee with push notifications and contacting the individual on WhatsApp to abide by the authorization by claiming to be from Uber's IT department. The technique is similar to the recently disclosed Cisco hack, in which cybercriminal actors used prompt bombing to gain 2FA push acceptance. 

"Once on the internal network, the attackers found high privileged credentials laying on a network file share and used them to access everything, including production systems, corp EDR console, [and] Uber slack management interface," Kevin Reed, a chief information security officer at Acronis, told The Hacker News.

It's not the first time

This is not Uber's first security breach. It came under fire for failing to adequately reveal a 2016 data breach that affected 57 million riders and drivers and then paying hackers $100,000 to obfuscate the breach. It was only in late 2017 that the public became aware of it.

Uber's top security executive at the time, Joe Sullivan, was fired for his role in the company's response to the hack. Mr. Sullivan was charged with obstructing justice for failing to notify regulators of the breach, and he is currently on trial. Mr. Sullivan's lawyers have argued that other employees were responsible for regulatory disclosures and that the company had made Mr. Sullivan a scapegoat. 

In December 2021, Sullivan was sentenced to three additional counts of wire fraud in addition to the previously filed felony obstruction and misprision charges.

"Sullivan allegedly orchestrated the disbursement of a six-figure payment to two hackers in exchange for their silence about the hack," the superseding indictment said. It further said he "took deliberate steps to prevent persons whose PII was stolen from discovering that the hack had occurred and took steps to conceal, deflect, and mislead the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about the data breach."

The latest breach comes as Sullivan's criminal case goes to trial in the United States District Court in San Francisco.

Reed concluded, "The compromise is certainly bigger compared to the breach in 2016. Whatever data Uber keeps, the hackers most probably already have access."
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Slack
Airline API Cyber Attacks Iranian Slack

Slack API Exploited by Iranian Threat Actor to Attack Asian Airline

 

According to IBM Security X-Force, the Iran-linked advanced persistent threat (APT) attacker MuddyWater has been discovered establishing a backdoor that exploits Slack on the network of an Asian airline. 

The hacking gang, also known as MERCURY, Seedworm, Static Kitten, and ITG17, predominantly targets throughout the Middle East and other regions of Asia. 

MuddyWater successfully infiltrated the networks of an undisclosed Asian airline in October 2019, according to IBM X-Force, with the detected activities continuing into 2021. 

According to IBM's security researchers, the adversary used a PowerShell backdoor named Aclip, which uses a Slack communication API for command and control (C&C) operations such as communication and data transmission. 

Provided that numerous different Iranian hacking groups got access to the very same victim's infrastructure in far too many cases, IBM X-Force suspects that the other adversaries were also associated in this operation, particularly considering that Iranian state-sponsored malicious actors have already been targeting the airline industry – primarily for monitoring purposes – for at least a half-decade. 

A Windows Registry Run key has been exploited in the observed event to permanently perform a batch script, which then runs a script file (the Aclip backdoor) using PowerShell. The malware could collect screenshots, acquire system information, and exfiltrate files after receiving commands via attacker-created Slack channels. 

The attacker guarantees that malicious traffic mixes in along with regular network traffic while using Slack for communication. Other virus groups have also leveraged the collaborative application for similar objectives. 

Following notification of the malicious activities, Slack initiated an investigation and removed the reported Slack workspaces. 

“We confirmed that Slack was not compromised in any way as part of this incident, and no Slack customer data was exposed or at risk. We are committed to preventing the misuse of our platform and we take action against anyone who violates our terms of service,” Slack said.

IBM's researchers are certain that the malicious actor is behind the activities based on custom tools used throughout the attack, TTP overlaps, used infrastructure, and MuddyWater's previous targeting of the transportation sector.
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Slack
BaseCamp BazarLoader Cyber Attacks Malicious Campaign Slack

BazarLoader Malware: Abuses Slack and BaseCamp Clouds

 

The primary feature of the BazarLoader downloader, which is written in C++, is to download and execute additional modules. BazarLoader was first discovered in the wild last April, and researchers have discovered at least six variants since then “signaling active and ongoing development”.

According to researchers, the BazarLoader malware is leveraging worker trust in collaboration tools like Slack and BaseCamp, in email messages with links to malware payloads. The attackers have also added a voice-call feature to the attack chain in a secondary campaign targeted at consumers. 

“With a focus on targets in large enterprises, BazarLoader could potentially be used to mount a subsequent ransomware attack,” states Sophos advisory released on Thursday. Adversaries are targeting employees of large companies with emails that purport to provide valuable details related to contracts, customer care, invoices, or payroll, they added. 

Since the links in the emails are hosted on Slack or BaseCamp cloud storage, they can appear genuine if the target works for a company that uses one of those platforms. When a victim clicks on the link, BazarLoader downloads and executes on their device. 

Usually, the links point to a digitally signed executable with an Adobe PDF graphic as its symbol and the files have names like presentation-document.exe, preview-document-[number].exe, or annualreport.exe, according to the researchers. These executable files, when run, inject a DLL payload into a legitimate process, such as the Windows command shell, cmd.exe. 

“The malware, only running in memory, cannot be detected by an endpoint protection tool’s scans of the filesystem, as it never gets written to the filesystem.” Sophos discovered that the spam messages in the second campaign are devoid of anything suspicious: there are no personal details of any sort in the email body, no connection, and no file attachment.

“All the message claims is that a free trial for an online service the recipient claims to be using is about to expire in the next day or two, and it includes a phone number the recipient must call to opt-out of a costly, paid renewal,” researchers explained. 

If a potential victim picks up the call, a friendly person on the other end of the line sends them a website address where they can unsubscribe from the service. These websites bury an unsubscribe button in a page of frequently asked questions and clicking that button delivers a malicious Office document (either a Word doc or an Excel spreadsheet) that, when opened, infects the computer with the same BazarLoader malware. 

The messages claimed to come from a company named Medical Reminder Service and included a phone number as well as a street address for a real office building in Los Angeles. However, starting in mid-April, the messages began to use a ruse involving a fraudulent paying online lending library named BookPoint. 

Researchers have been suspecting that BazarLoader could be related or authored by the TrickBot operators. TrickBot is another first-stage loader malware often used in ransomware campaigns. 

BazarLoader seems to be in its initial developmental stage and isn't as advanced as more mature families like TrickBot, researchers added. “While early versions of the malware were not obfuscated,” they explained, “more recent samples appear to encrypt strings that could expose the malware's intended use.”
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