Attackers often target old browsers and risky extensions. To stay safe, make sure your browser is always up to date and remove any extensions you don’t need or trust. This helps protect you from online threats and keeps your browser secure. 

Do you have a question? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class action lawsuit that accused the company of invading users' privacy through its voice-activated assistant, Siri.

This settlement affects U.S.-based individuals who either currently own or have owned a device with Siri (such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch, or Apple TV) and whose private voice conversations were unintentionally captured by Siri and shared with third parties. This could have happened between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024.

People who qualify can file claims for up to five devices they own or owned and can get $20 for each device where they believe Siri was accidentally activated during a private conversation.

The lawsuit came after a 2019 report from The Guardian, which revealed that Apple hired third-party contractors to listen to users' voice recordings in order to improve Siri, sometimes hearing private conversations without users'...

Unnecessary software can create more ways for hackers to access your device. Even if you don’t use certain programs, they may still run in the background or have security issues. By only installing essential software, you reduce potential entry points for attackers and simplify security management. 

Do you have a question? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Cybercriminals use social engineering to trick people into revealing sensitive information. Protect yourself with these tips:

• Verify Requests: Confirm who’s asking for info before sharing.
• Stay Informed: Learn about common scams and share knowledge.
• Limit Info Online: Be cautious with personal details.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Contact Data Security if something seems off.
• Trust Your Instincts: If it feels wrong, don’t act immediately.

Stay alert to avoid falling victim!

Do you have a question? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Be wary of emails with poor spelling and grammar, urgent demands, or generic salutations like "Dear Customer." These are often signs of phishing scams. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments unless you're certain the email is legitimate. Always verify suspicious communications through trusted channels. 

Do you have a question? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Humans are often easier to manipulate than devices, as social engineering tactics like pretexting (creating fake stories or identities) and baiting (offer something enticing) exploit trust, curiosity, and emotions. Attackers use these methods to bypass security and access sensitive information. To stay safe, always double-check any requests or offers you get, and be careful if something seems too good to be true. Stay alert and protect your personal information.

Do you have a question? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support

While logging into websites using your social media accounts can be convenient, it also increases the risk to your social media security. Limit the use of this feature, especially on non-essential sites, to reduce potential exposure. Instead, use unique passwords or enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added protection. 

Do you have a question? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Fake identities, made by mixing real and fake information, are often used in fraud. When handling new account requests, always double-check the person's details. To stay safe, use extra security steps like multi-factor authentication and verify information across different sources. This will help protect your business and personal data from fraud. 

Do you have a question? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

A new security breach has affected over 2.6 million Chrome users through popular browser extensions. Attackers tricked extension developers with a fake email, convincing them to grant special permissions to a malicious app. Once approved, the attackers added harmful code to trusted extensions, allowing them to steal personal data like login details and browsing information.

The first sign of the attack came from cybersecurity firm Cyberhaven, whose employee was targeted on December 24, 2024. This led to the spread of the malicious code in several widely used extensions, including tools for AI chat and VPN services.

Experts warn that extensions—small tools that enhance your browser experience—can access sensitive data, making them vulnerable targets for hackers. While some affected extensions have been removed from the Chrome Web Store, users are still at risk if they haven’t updated or removed these extensions from their browsers.

It's a...

Start 2025 with stronger digital security by updating your passwords to be long and unique, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on key accounts, and reviewing your privacy settings. Regularly check for software updates, remove unused apps, and delete old or outdated accounts and information you no longer need. Make this year the one you prioritize your online safety!

Do you have a question? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support