Category: Cybersecurity
Telegram confirms cyber attack on its messaging platform
Messaging platform Telegram has confirmed it was the target of a cyber attack but said it was aimed at disrupting the service rather than an attempt to steal user data. The app said some users will have experienced “connection issues” because of the attack on its servers. Telegram said it had been the subject of…
Virus-ridden laptop sold for over £1 million as work of art!
An old laptop loaded with some of the world’s most crippling viruses has sold for more than £1 million as a work of art at auction. The Persistence of Chaos is running six well-known pieces of malware, including WannaCry which brought down parts of the NHS in May 2017, disrupting 80 trusts across England alone.…
ICO receives 14,000 data breach reports in first year of GDPR
More than 14,000 data breaches have been logged by the the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) in the UK alone during the first year since the introduction of new data protection laws. Between May 25 2018, the day which GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) was introduced, and the beginning of May this year, the ICO (Information…
Digital key urged for police to unlock encrypted messages in ‘exceptional’ cases
Tech firms should make a 'digital key' for police to unlock encrypted messages in “exceptional circumstances” such as child abuse or terror cases, a senior police officer has suggested to an inquiry. Norfolk Police Chief Constable Simon Bailey, the UK lead for child protection, said the tool would help UK authorities who are already stretched…
Could fitness tracker technology help thwart cyber attacks by sending alerts?
Technology used in fitness trackers could hold the key to reducing cyber attacks, researchers say. The team from the University of Bath and Goldsmiths University of London are investigating a device that plugs into a computer. It would signal when action – such as changing a password or updating anti-virus software – is needed with…
Microsoft issues urgent Windows XP patch to prevent WannaCry-style attack
Microsoft has issued a critical Windows update to older machines to prevent a vulnerability which could allow attacks to spread in a similar way to WannaCry. The computing giant has taken the drastic and unusual step of providing a fix to systems it no longer supports, including Windows XP – its popular operating system released…
WhatsApp attackers hid malicious code in app to spy on users
WhatsApp has rushed to roll out a security fix after concerns were raised that hackers could inject surveillance software on to phones via the call function. The app discovered a vulnerability that allowed attackers to install malicious code on iPhones and Android phones by ringing up a target device. The code could be transmitted even…
UK cybersecurity expert admits developing malware to steal banking data
A British cybersecurity expert credited with stopping the WannaCry computer virus in 2017 has pleaded guilty in a US federal court to developing malware to steal banking information. Marcus Hutchins appeared in a Wisconsin court on Thursday after he agreed last month to plead guilty to developing a malware called Kronos and conspiring to distribute…
Five Eyes intelligence members to share stage in UK for first time
Members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance are to share a stage in the UK for the first time. UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand representatives will meet at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) annual conference CYBERUK in Glasgow on Wednesday. They will discuss their experiences and how they work together to defend against…
Most hacked passwords revealed in warning over cybersecurity
Easily guessed passwords which are used across multiple accounts pose a massive cybersecurity risk for the UK's internet users, according to a new poll. A survey by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) found that many British internet users did not know the best ways to protect themselves from cybercrime. Only 15% said they knew…
