All news with #security awareness tag

🔒 Digital natives often spend more time online and maintain large numbers of accounts, which increases exposure to scams, phishing and account takeovers. Research shows Gen Z is less likely to use unique passwords, enable MFA, or install updates regularly, and some admit sharing sensitive data with AI or bypassing corporate security tools. Simple, practical steps — stick to official app stores, keep software updated, deploy trusted security software, review privacy settings and treat unsolicited offers with skepticism — can significantly reduce risk.

📱 Android adware can range from benign ad‑supported apps to intrusive PUAs that harvest data, perform click fraud, or hide to prevent removal. Detections rose by 160% in H1 2025, and sophisticated campaigns such as Kaleidoscope — which uses identical “evil twin” apps across official and third‑party stores — accounted for a substantial share of incidents. To reduce risk, only install apps from reputable developers and the Google Play Store, keep software updated, enable PUA detection in mobile security tools, and if infected disconnect, reboot to Safe Mode and remove suspicious apps or run a trusted scanner.

🔐 Talos, in collaboration with NetHope and Cisco Crisis Response, developed a customized Backdoors & Breaches expansion deck to help humanitarian aid NGOs improve incident response and proactive security within constrained budgets. The cards model real-world challenges—forced relocation, limited connectivity, and scarce resources—to make tabletop exercises practical and relevant for both technical and non-technical teams. Hundreds of physical decks have been distributed and a U.S.-focused edition was created with NGO-ISAC for domestic organizations. Resources and virtual play options are provided to lower barriers to adoption and scale training.

🛡️ Over the coming weeks Google will begin a limited U.S. rollout of age assurance, a system designed to distinguish users under 18 from adults and apply age-appropriate protections across its products. For accounts identified as minors Google will enable defaults such as YouTube Digital Wellbeing tools, disable Maps Timeline, turn off personalized advertising, and block adult-only apps on Google Play. The approach combines machine-learning age estimation based on existing account signals with optional age verification — including a government ID or a selfie — when users dispute their estimated age, and Google will notify users and provide options for adult verification.

🔒 Browser extensions can provide useful features but also expose users and organizations to significant risk. Malicious or compromised add-ons may steal credentials, session cookies, and browsing data, inject ads or malware, redirect users, or run background tasks like cryptomining. Scrutinize developer credentials and permissions, prefer official web stores, keep browsers updated, and enable security software and MFA.

🔐 In this Cybersecurity Podcast episode, ESET Principal Threat Intelligence Researcher Robert Lipovsky outlines the practical skills and personality traits useful for newcomers to the field. He addresses common questions about coding ability, college degrees, and whether formal qualifications are required. Lipovsky emphasizes curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn alongside foundational technical skills. The discussion frames these recommendations within an evolving threat landscape and ESET’s broader career guidance.

⚠️ Task scams are rising employment frauds that lure jobseekers with easy micro-tasks and visible “earnings,” then pressure victims to pay to unlock funds. The schemes use gamification, spoofed sites and messaging apps, often asking for cryptocurrency deposits or “level-up” fees. Victims see initial fake gains, then lose payments with no recourse. Always verify recruiters and never pay upfront.