Latest news with #KasperskyPasswordManager
Jordan News
7 hours ago
- Jordan News
Massive User Data Leak: 16 Billion Records Threaten Your Digital Security! - Jordan News
Recent analyses by Cybernews revealed one of the largest login data breaches in history, exposing 16 billion records spread across more than 30 databases. Alarmingly, these are fresh records—not just old, recycled data—but collected using advanced information-stealing software (infostealers). اضافة اعلان This news comes amid previous warnings from Kaspersky, which reported a worrying 21% increase in global password theft attacks between 2023 and 2024. The cause? Spyware and data-stealing malware have become among the most widespread cyber threats, targeting millions of devices and putting sensitive personal data at risk. How Is Data Stolen and Traded? These malicious programs extract sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, cookies, and other vital data. The collected data is stored in logs, then sold and traded on the Dark Web, providing cybercriminals with ammunition to carry out fraud or unauthorized account access. Kaspersky Experts' Take on the Leak Alexandra Fedoseemova, a digital footprint analyst at Kaspersky, explained that 16 billion records are nearly twice the world's population, emphasizing how difficult it is to comprehend such a massive amount. She confirmed this breach is not a single incident but a compilation of about 30 user data breaches from various sources, gathered by daily-operating infostealers. While Cybernews researchers noted the newly discovered databases were previously unreported, Fedoseemova warned this doesn't necessarily mean the data is entirely new or not leaked before via other channels, making it hard to identify the exact number of unique records. Dmitry Galov, head of global research and analysis at Kaspersky, highlighted the threat, calling the leak a reflection of the "thriving cybercrime economy." He explained that credential theft has become an industrialized process: data is collected via infostealers and phishing attacks, enriched with additional info, and sold—often multiple times—in continuously updated 'combo lists.' Galov also pointed to a particularly worrying aspect: Cybernews claimed some datasets were temporarily publicly available via unsecured channels, allowing anyone to access them. Kaspersky Experts' Recommendations to Protect Your Data In light of rising threats, Anna Larkina, an internet content analyst at Kaspersky, stresses the utmost need to enhance 'digital hygiene.' Here are her top tips for securing your accounts: Regularly update passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each account and change them periodically. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra security layer to all your accounts. Immediate contact with support: If your accounts are compromised, contact support immediately to regain control and assess the breach. Use a reliable password manager: Tools like Kaspersky Password Manager safely store your credentials. Be alert to social engineering attacks: Always be cautious, as scammers may exploit leaked data to launch targeted phishing attacks. In Conclusion: Protecting Your Data Is a Top Priority The sharp rise in password theft attacks and the vast quantities of leaked data circulating on the Dark Web underscore the critical importance of adopting strong digital security practices. In the booming cybercrime economy, individuals and organizations must take proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data. These steps are not merely recommendations but essential necessities in the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Gulf News
18-04-2025
- Gulf News
WhatsApp users in UAE warned of hacking risks: How to secure your account
Dubai: Messaging app users in the UAE are being warned to be vigilant about the security of their WhatsApp accounts as cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the platform for illicit activities, according to a leading cybersecurity expert. Hackers can use compromised accounts for various criminal purposes, including spam distribution and complex scam schemes, said Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel, META, at Kaspersky. Here's how they do it: Cybercriminals employ two primary methods to gain unauthorised access to WhatsApp accounts. One approach involves leveraging the 'Linked devices' feature to add another device to an existing account. In this scenario, the legitimate user may remain unaware that the attacker is also accessing their conversations. The second method involves re-registering the WhatsApp account on the criminal's device, effectively locking the original user out of their account. 'Messengers are a private space, as they often contain personal information about our lives and relationships with family and friends. They can also contain information about work and, in some cases, confidential information,' said Jedidi. 'If you notice any unusual activity, such as receiving replies to messages you didn't send, or if your friends complain about strange messages coming from your account, it's important to protect your privacy immediately,' Jedidi added. To safeguard their WhatsApp accounts from potential hacking, users are advised to implement the following key security measures: Enable two-step verification: Activate this feature in WhatsApp settings (Settings → Account → Two-step verification) and remember the six-digit PIN you create, as it's different from the one-time code. Never share your PIN or one-time codes: Scammers only request these details. Consider using passkeys: WhatsApp recently introduced support for passkeys (Settings → Account → Passkeys). This secure option uses biometric authentication and stores a long cryptographic key instead of PIN codes. However, be mindful of its convenience if you frequently switch devices between Android and iOS. Set up a backup email address: Ensure you have a recovery email linked to your account (Settings → Account → Email address). Strengthen your email security: If you've already added an email address, ensure your email account has a strong, unique password. Consider using a password manager like Kaspersky Password Manager for secure storage. Enable two-factor authentication for your email: This adds an extra layer of security to your email account. Be wary of SIM swap scams: Contact your mobile carrier, preferably in person, to confirm that no unauthorised SIM cards have been issued for your number. Also, check for any suspicious call-forwarding settings. Inquire about additional security measures for your SIM card, such as requiring your physical presence or an extra password for SIM-related actions. Jedidi also said that measures within WhatsApp are most effective when the device is protected from malware. They recommend installing comprehensive security solutions on all devices. By taking these proactive steps, WhatsApp users in the UAE can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cybercriminals and ensure the security of their personal and professional communications.
Gulf Business
03-04-2025
- Gulf Business
7 ways to ensure your WhatsApp account doesn't get hacked
Image credit: Getty Images WhatsApp accounts are a popular target for cybercriminals, not only for jealous spouses and nosy coworkers but also for malicious actors. Stolen WhatsApp accounts are frequently used for various criminal activities, including spam distribution, scams, and other illicit schemes. Cybercriminals are constantly seeking WhatsApp accounts and use various methods to gain unauthorised access. How cybercriminals can gain control of your account Cybercriminals can take control of a WhatsApp account in two ways: by adding another device to the existing account using the 'Linked devices' feature, or by re-registering the account on their own device, as though the user had bought a new phone. Read- In the first case, the user can continue using WhatsApp normally, but the criminals also have access to all recent conversations. In the second case, the user loses access to their personal account. When attempting to log in, WhatsApp notifies them that the account is already in use on another device. The attackers can then control the account but won't have access to past conversations. Protecting your privacy 'Messengers are a private space, often containing personal details about our lives, relationships, work, and sometimes confidential information. If you notice unusual activity, such as replies to messages you didn't send or your friends complain about strange messages coming from your account, it's important to take immediate action to protect your privacy,' says Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel at META, Kaspersky. While instructions are available on what to do if your WhatsApp account is compromised, here are the key steps to prevent your account from being hacked: Enable two-step verification and memorize your PIN — it's not a one-time code. • Go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification. Never share your PIN or one-time registration codes with anyone. Only scammers will ask for these details. Enable passkeys for additional security. If activated (Settings → Account → Passkeys), you'll use biometric authentication to log in, and your smartphone will store a cryptographic key instead of relying on PIN codes. This option is highly secure but may not be ideal if you frequently change devices or switch between Android and iOS. Set up a backup email address for account recovery: Settings → Account → Email address. If you've already added an email address, log in and change your email password to something strong and unique. Use a password manager, like Kaspersky Password Manager, to store it securely. Enable two-factor authentication for your email account. Avoid falling victim to a SIM swap scam : • Contact your mobile carrier — preferably in person — and verify that no duplicate SIM cards have been issued for your number. Also, ensure there's no unauthorized call forwarding set up on your account. Cancel any suspicious changes and inquire about additional security measures for your SIM card. These may include requiring your presence for SIM-related actions, adding extra authentication passwords, or other security options. These measures vary by country and mobile carrier. Any security features within WhatsApp will be ineffective if your smartphone or computer is infected with malware. Therefore, install comprehensive protection on all your devices.
Biz Bahrain
20-03-2025
- Biz Bahrain
How to prevent WhatsApp account from being hacked: Kaspersky recommendations
User's messaging app account might be of interest not only to jealous spouses and nosy coworkers, but also to cybercriminals. Stolen WhatsApp accounts are used for various types of criminal activity, ranging from spam distribution to sophisticated scam schemes. Cybercriminals constantly look for WhatsApp accounts and use various methods to gain access to them. There are two ways cybercriminals can gain control of a WhatsApp account: they can add another device to an existing account using the 'Linked devices' feature, or they can re-register the account on their own device as if the user had bought a new phone. In the first case, the user continues to use WhatsApp as usual, but the criminals also have access to all recent conversations. In the second case, the user loses access to their personal account. When trying to log in, WhatsApp notifies him that the account is already in use on another device, and the attackers can then control the account but not the past conversations. 'Messengers are a private space, as they often contain personal information about our lives and relationships with family and friends. They can also contain information about work and, in some cases, confidential information. If you notice any unusual activity, such as receiving replies to messages that you didn't send, or if your friends complain about strange messages coming from your account, it's important to take steps to protect your privacy immediately', comments Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel, META, at Kaspersky. While you can check instruction on what to do in case WhatsApp account was already compromised, here are the key steps on how to avoid WhatsApp account to be hacked: • Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp and memorize your PIN — it's not a one-time code. To do this, go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification. • Never, ever share your PIN or one-time registration codes with anyone. Only scammers ask for these details. • WhatsApp recently introduced support for passkeys. If you enable this option (Settings → Account → Passkeys), logging in to your account will require biometric authentication, and instead of PIN codes, your smartphone will store a long cryptographic key. This is a very secure option, but it may not be convenient if you frequently change devices and switch between Android and iOS. • Set up a backup email address for account recovery: Settings → Account → Email address. • If you've already added an email address, log in to your email account and change your password to a strong, unique one. To store it securely, use a password manager, such as Kaspersky Password Manager. • Enable two-factor authentication for your email account. • Make sure you haven't fallen victim to a SIM swap scam. Contact your mobile carrier — preferably in person — and verify that no duplicate SIM cards have recently been issued for your number. Also, make sure there's no unauthorized call-forwarding set up on your number. Cancel any suspicious changes and ask the staff about additional security measures for your SIM card. These may include prohibiting SIM-related actions without your being present, an extra password required for authentication, or other protections. Available security measures vary significantly by country and mobile carrier.
TECHx
19-03-2025
- TECHx
How to Protect Your WhatsApp Account
Your WhatsApp account may be targeted not only by jealous spouses and curious coworkers but also by cybercriminals. Stolen WhatsApp accounts are commonly used for a variety of illegal activities, including spam distribution and sophisticated scam operations. Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to gain access to WhatsApp accounts, employing various methods to do so. There are two main ways cybercriminals can take control of a WhatsApp account: they can either add another device to an existing account using the 'Linked devices' feature or re-register the account on their own device, as if the user had acquired a new phone. In the first case, the user can continue using WhatsApp as usual, but the criminals also have access to all recent conversations. In the second scenario, the user loses access to their personal account, and when attempting to log in, WhatsApp notifies them that the account is already active on another device, giving the attackers control of the account—though without access to past conversations. 'Messengers are a private space, often containing personal information about our lives, relationships, work, and, in some cases, confidential data. If you notice any unusual activity, such as receiving replies to messages you didn't send, or if friends complain about strange messages coming from your account, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect your privacy,' says Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel, META, at Kaspersky. While you can follow instructions for recovering a compromised WhatsApp account, here are the key steps to help prevent your WhatsApp account from being hacked: Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp and remember your PIN—it's not a one-time code. To do this, go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification . . Never share your PIN or one-time registration codes with anyone. Only scammers will ask for these details. WhatsApp now supports passkeys. By enabling this option ( Settings → Account → Passkeys ), logging in will require biometric authentication, and your smartphone will store a long cryptographic key instead of a PIN. This is a highly secure option, though it may not be convenient if you frequently switch devices or change between Android and iOS. ), logging in will require biometric authentication, and your smartphone will store a long cryptographic key instead of a PIN. This is a highly secure option, though it may not be convenient if you frequently switch devices or change between Android and iOS. Set up a backup email address for account recovery: Settings → Account → Email address . . If you've already linked an email address, log in to your email account and change the password to something strong and unique. Consider using a password manager, like Kaspersky Password Manager, to securely store it. Enable two-factor authentication for your email account. Protect yourself from SIM swap scams. Contact your mobile carrier—preferably in person—and confirm that no duplicate SIM cards have been issued for your number. Also, verify there's no unauthorized call forwarding set up. If you notice any suspicious changes, cancel them immediately and ask about additional security measures for your SIM card, such as requiring an extra password for SIM-related actions or other protections. Security measures vary by country and carrier. Any security features in WhatsApp won't be effective if your smartphone or computer is infected with malware. To safeguard your devices, install comprehensive protection like Kaspersky Premium on all your devices. During Ramadan, those who purchase Kaspersky Premium will receive a 30% discount, plus a complimentary 1-month OSN Plus subscription for unlimited access to a vast library of top series and movies in stunning 4K—completely ad-free, anytime, on any device.
