Cybercrime

Google pushes users to move away from passwords

Google urges users to move beyond passwords, citing widespread reuse and vulnerability to phishing attacks. The company is now promoting alternatives like passkeys and social sign-ins as more secure and user-friendly options.

Data from Google shows that half of users reuse passwords, while the rest either memorise or write them down. Gen Z is leading the shift and is significantly more likely to adopt passkeys and social logins than older generations.

Passkeys, stored on user devices, eliminate traditional password input and reduce phishing risks by relying on biometrics or device PINs for authentication. However, limited app support and difficulty syncing across devices remain barriers to broader adoption.

Google highlights that while social sign-ins offer convenience, they come with privacy trade-offs by giving large companies access to more user activity data. Users still relying on passwords are advised to adopt app-based two-factor authentication over SMS or email, which are far less secure.

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UK remote work still a major data security risk

A new survey reveals that 69% of UK companies reported data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) over the past year, a steep rise from 53% in 2024.

The research conducted by Apricorn highlights that nearly half of remote workers knowingly compromised data security.

Based on responses from 200 UK IT security leaders, the study found that phishing remains the leading cause of breaches, followed by human error. Despite widespread remote work policies, 58% of organisations believe staff lack the proper tools or skills to protect sensitive data.

The use of personal devices for work has climbed to 56%, while only 19% of firms now mandate company-issued hardware. These trends raise ongoing concerns about end point security, data visibility, and maintaining GDPR compliance in hybrid work environments.

Technical support gaps and unclear encryption practices remain pressing issues, with nearly half of respondents finding it increasingly difficult to manage remote work technology. Apricorn’s Jon Fielding called for a stronger link between written policy and practical security measures to reduce breaches.

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Major internet outage disrupts Google Cloud and popular platforms

A sweeping internet outage on Wednesday, 12 June 2025, caused significant disruptions to services relying on Google Cloud and Cloudflare. Popular platforms such as Spotify, Discord, Twitch, and Fubo experienced widespread downtime, with many users reporting service interruptions through Downdetector.

Despite rampant speculation online about a large-scale cyberattack, neither Google nor Cloudflare has confirmed any such link. Google Cloud reported an incident affecting users globally, stating engineers had identified the root cause and were actively working on mitigation.

While some services have begun to recover, there is no definitive timeline for full restoration. Google attributed the issue to internal authentication problems, though details remain limited.

Adding to the confusion, social media posts speculated that multiple cloud providers, including AWS and Azure, were affected. However, this was quickly challenged, and Cloudflare clarified that only a small portion of its services, which rely on Google Cloud, experienced issues—its core systems remained fully operational.

While investigations are ongoing and recovery efforts are in progress, the full extent and exact cause of the outage remain unclear. For now, users are advised to monitor official updates from service providers as the situation develops.

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NSA and allies set AI data security standards

The National Security Agency (NSA), in partnership with cybersecurity agencies from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and others, has released new guidance aimed at protecting the integrity of data used in AI systems.

The Cybersecurity Information Sheet (CSI), titled AI Data Security: Best Practices for Securing Data Used to Train & Operate AI Systems, outlines emerging threats and sets out 10 recommendations for mitigating them.

The CSI builds on earlier joint guidance from 2024 and signals growing global urgency around safeguarding AI data instead of allowing systems to operate without scrutiny.

The report identifies three core risks across the AI lifecycle: tampered datasets in the supply chain, deliberately poisoned data intended to manipulate models, and data drift—where changes in data over time reduce performance or create new vulnerabilities.

These threats may erode accuracy and trust in AI systems, particularly in sensitive areas like defence, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure, where even small failures could have far-reaching consequences.

To reduce these risks, the CSI recommends a layered approach—starting with sourcing data from reliable origins and tracking provenance using digital credentials. It advises encrypting data at every stage, verifying integrity with cryptographic tools, and storing data securely in certified systems.

Additional measures include deploying zero trust architecture, using digital signatures for dataset updates, and applying access controls based on data classification instead of relying on broad administrative trust.

The CSI also urges ongoing risk assessments using frameworks like NIST’s AI RMF, encouraging organisations to anticipate emerging challenges such as quantum threats and advanced data manipulation.

Privacy-preserving techniques, secure deletion protocols, and infrastructure controls round out the recommendations.

Rather than treating AI as a standalone tool, the guidance calls for embedding strong data governance and security throughout its lifecycle to prevent compromised systems from shaping critical outcomes.

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Fake DeepSeek ads deliver ‘BrowserVenom’ malware to curious AI users

Cybercriminals are exploiting the surge in interest around local AI tools by spreading a new malware strain via Google ads.

According to antivirus firm Kaspersky, attackers use fake ads for DeepSeek’s R1 AI model to deliver ‘BrowserVenom,’ malware designed to intercept and manipulate a user’s internet traffic instead of merely infecting the device.

The attackers purchased ads appearing in Google search results for ‘deep seek r1.’ Users who clicked were redirected to a fake website—deepseek-platform[.]com—which mimicked the official DeepSeek site and offered a file named AI_Launcher_1.21.exe.

Kaspersky’s analysis of the site’s source code uncovered developer notes in Russian, suggesting the campaign is operated by Russian-speaking actors.

Once launched, the fake installer displayed a decoy installation screen for the R1 model, but silently deployed malware that altered browser configurations.

BrowserVenom rerouted web traffic through a proxy server controlled by the hackers, allowing them to decrypt browsing sessions and capture sensitive data, while evading most antivirus tools.

Kaspersky reports confirmed infections across multiple countries, including Brazil, Cuba, India, and South Africa.

The malicious domain has since been taken down. However, the incident highlights the dangers of downloading AI tools from unofficial sources. Open-source models like DeepSeek R1 require technical setup, typically involving multiple configuration steps, instead of a simple Windows installer.

As interest in running local AI grows, users should verify official domains and avoid shortcuts that could lead to malware.

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Crypto conferences face rising phishing risks

Crypto events have grown rapidly worldwide in recent years. Unfortunately, this expansion has led to an increase in scams targeting attendees, according to Kraken’s chief security officer, Nick Percoco.

Recent conferences have seen lax personal security, with exposed devices and careless sharing of sensitive information. These lapses make it easier for criminals to launch phishing campaigns and impersonation attacks.

Phishing remains the top threat at these events, exploiting typical conference activities such as QR code scanning and networking. Attackers distribute malicious links disguised as legitimate follow-ups, allowing them to gain access to wallets and sensitive data with minimal technical skill.

Use of public Wi-Fi, unverified QR codes, and openly discussing high-value trades in public areas further increase risks. Attendees are urged to use burner wallets and verify every QR code carefully.

The dangers have become very real, highlighted by violent crimes in France, where prominent crypto professionals were targeted in kidnappings and ransom demands. These incidents show that risks are no longer confined to the digital world.

Basic security mistakes such as leaving devices unlocked or oversharing personal information can have severe consequences. Experts call for a stronger security culture at events and beyond, including multi-factor authentication, cautious password management, and heightened situational awareness.

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Hackers target recruiters with fake CVs and malware

A financially driven hacking group known as FIN6 has reversed the usual job scam model by targeting recruiters instead of job seekers. Using realistic LinkedIn and Indeed profiles, the attackers pose as candidates and send malware-laced CVs hosted on reputable cloud platforms.

to type in resume URLs, bypassing email security tools manually. These URLs lead to fake portfolio sites hosted on Amazon Web Services that selectively deliver malware to users who pass as humans.

Victims receive a zip file containing a disguised shortcut that installs the more_eggs malware, which is capable of credential theft and remote access.

However, this JavaScript-based tool, linked to another group known as Venom Spider, uses legitimate Windows utilities to evade detection.

The campaign includes stealthy techniques such as traffic filtering, living-off-the-land binaries, and persistent registry modifications. Domains used include those mimicking real names, allowing attackers to gain trust while launching a powerful phishing operation.

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AI tools are not enough without basic cybersecurity

At London Tech Week, Darktrace and UK officials warned that many firms are over-relying on AI tools while failing to implement basic cybersecurity practices.

Despite the hype around AI, essential measures like user access control and system segmentation remain missing in many organisations.

Cybercriminals are already exploiting AI to automate phishing and accelerate intrusions in the UK, while outdated infrastructure and short-term thinking leave companies vulnerable.

Boards often struggle to assess AI tools properly, buying into trends rather than addressing real threats.

Experts stressed that AI is not a silver bullet and must be used alongside human expertise and solid security foundations.

Domain-specific AI models, built with transparency and interpretability, are needed to avoid the dangers of overconfidence and misapplication in high-risk areas.

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French police detain suspects in crypto ransom case

French police have arrested several suspects in connection with a series of violent kidnappings aimed at cryptocurrency executives and their families. The latest arrests, made on Tuesday, are part of a broader crackdown on what authorities describe as a highly organised extortion ring.

The group is believed to be behind the 1 May abduction of a crypto entrepreneur’s father, who was kidnapped in broad daylight in Paris by men disguised as delivery workers. The kidnappers reportedly cut off a finger to demand cryptocurrency before police rescued the victim days later.

Investigators suspect Badiss Mohamed Amide Bajjou, a 24-year-old dual French-Moroccan national, of orchestrating the attacks. Moroccan police arrested him in Tangier last week, seizing weapons, electronics, and illicit funds.

He is also linked to the January kidnapping of Ledger co-founder David Balland, with French authorities now seeking his extradition.

By the end of May, prosecutors had charged 25 people, mostly under 24, who were recruited online and promised financial rewards. Many were used as operatives in kidnapping attempts, including a failed effort to abduct the family of Paymium CEO Pierre Noizat.

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INTERPOL cracks down on global cybercrime networks

Over 20,000 malicious IP addresses and domains linked to data-stealing malware have been taken down during Operation Secure, a coordinated cybercrime crackdown led by INTERPOL between January and April 2025.

Law enforcement agencies from 26 countries worked together to locate rogue servers and dismantle criminal networks instead of tackling threats in isolation.

The operation, supported by cybersecurity firms including Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro, led to the removal of nearly 80 per cent of the identified malicious infrastructure. Authorities seized 41 servers, confiscated over 100GB of stolen data and arrested 32 suspects.

More than 216,000 individuals and organisations were alerted, helping them act quickly by changing passwords, freezing accounts or blocking unauthorised access.

Vietnamese police arrested 18 people, including a group leader found with cash, SIM cards and business records linked to fraudulent schemes. Sri Lankan and Nauruan authorities carried out home raids, arresting 14 suspects and identifying 40 victims.

In Hong Kong, police traced 117 command-and-control servers across 89 internet providers. INTERPOL hailed the effort as proof of the impact of cross-border cooperation in dismantling cybercriminal infrastructure instead of allowing it to flourish undisturbed.

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