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SecurityWatch

The online world is a sketchy place. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

SecurityWatch
The online world is a sketchy place. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

Latest Stories

Canvas Paid Hackers, AI Chatbots Are Doxxing Users, and More Security Chaos This Week

It's been a rough week on the internet: The fallout from the Canvas breach continues, AI chatbots are handing out people's phone numbers, and Android giveth and taketh away (your security).

By Alan Henry
Breach concept showing danger warning symbol on laptop screen highlighting system vulnerability.

I Went Into the Dark Web So You Don't Have To. Here's What's Actually Down There

When you hear "the dark web," you probably think of illegal, sordid activity, but that's not the whole picture. I don't recommend staying long, but these tips can help you explore the dark web using Tails, Tor, and a VPN.

By Kim Key
A person in plate armor fending off grabby data mining hands

Your Data Was Leaked. Here's What Hackers Hope You Don't Do Next

Your information is already out there. What you do in the next few hours could determine whether hackers steal your money, hijack your accounts, or move on to an easier target.

By Neil J. Rubenking
What to Do When You've Been Hacked

While You Manage 120 Passwords, AI Is Deleting Databases and Governments Are Blocking the Web

This week in cybersecurity news, the internet's three-way problem—password fatigue, unreliable AI tools, and expanding censorship—shows no signs of slowing down.

By Alan Henry
Human hand holding an asterisk from the end of a password.

Still Using Passwords? It's Time to Upgrade to Passkeys Now

Passkeys are simpler and more secure than passwords. Here's how they work and how to get started.

By Kim Key
A key on a blue background with password icons

Don't Let Your Passwords Die With You. Here's How to Share Account Access Safely

Digital legacy features make it easier to transfer account access to family members without sharing passwords up front. I'll show you how to get set up in minutes.

By Kim Key
Tombstones and password imagery

You're Changing Your Password Too Often. Here's Why You Shouldn't

We've been conditioned to think that good cyber hygiene means creating new, strong, and unique passwords every few months. Not so fast!

By Eric Griffith
Credit designer491 - iStock - Getty Images Plus

What Do ADT, Vimeo, and a Rogue AI Have in Common? A Very Bad Week in Cybersecurity

Hackers stole millions of customer records from ADT, scraped user data from Vimeo, and a rogue AI wiped out a company database—and that's just the tip of the infosec iceberg this week.

By Alan Henry
Pink AI Data Cube Trapped in Yellow Bear Trap

Infosec This Week: AI Accountability Slips, Windows Defender Turns Attacker, and... Someone Tracked a Warship

This week’s security news includes a restricted AI security tool ending up with Discord users and a $5 Bluetooth tracker being used to locate a $500 million frigate, among other incidents.

By Alan Henry
HNLMS Van Amstel (F831) photographed leaving port.

From a Booking.com Breach to YouTube Phishing: The Internet's Security Problem Just Got Worse This Week

From stolen booking data to credential-harvesting scams, recent incidents show how quickly attackers are evolving while defenses struggle to keep up.

By Alan Henry
Claude, Gemini and ChatGPT AI app icons on screen

This New Malware Lives on the Blockchain and Can't Ever Be Deleted. Here's What It Can Do

Hundreds of thousands of credentials from hundreds of companies are already compromised. Experts warn the campaign could outpace past global cyberattacks, such as the infamous 2011 WannaCry ransomware hack.

By Jessica Klein
A person sitting at a normal sized laptop and a giant laptop with red error messages on it, with blocks connected by chains in the background.

Ceasefire on the Ground, Cyberwar Online: Inside This Week's Surge in Hacks and Scams

The fighting may have paused, but hackers haven't—hitting infrastructure, corporations, and everyday users alike.

By Alan Henry
Close-up hand holding a smartphone with a hologram phishing email and QR code scam alert

This Week in Cyber Mayhem: A Not-So-Dead Tortoise, a Very Alive Hack, and Free Money

Your iPhone might need an update, that tortoise is just fine, and yes—there might be money with your name on it.

By Alan Henry
Johnathan the oldest tortoise alive, superimposed on a blue and black background.

Does LastPass Owe You Money? Make Sure That Settlement Email Isn't a Scam

LastPass users are receiving emails about a data breach settlement—but how do you know if the message is legitimate? I'll show you how to spot fake settlement claim websites so you can get your money safely.

By Kim Key
A red settlement claim folder

2.7M Employee Records Stolen, 100GB of Anime Fan Data Lost, and Millions of Crime Tips Leaked

This week in cybersecurity by the numbers: Hackers hit a benefits provider, an anime streaming service, and a crime tip platform—exposing millions of sensitive records.

By Alan Henry
Emergency warning alert alarm on Smartphone

Don't Go to a Protest Without Doing This to Your Phone First

Peaceful protest is a fundamental right—but it can come with risks, especially today. Before you head out, take a few minutes to secure your phone and protect your privacy.

A person protesting

Cyber Chaos This Week: iPhones Under Attack, Android VPN Glitches, and the Free Parking Hack You Won't Believe

From mobile exploits to citywide chaos, this week's biggest cybersecurity stories affect everyone—including what you pay for parking.

By Alan Henry
a smartphone stylized as a mousetrap, with app icons and chat bubbles around it.

It's Time to Stop Using Face ID. Here's Why

Biometric locks, such as face recognition and fingerprint unlocking, are convenient and easy to set up. But law enforcement can bypass them more easily than a traditional passcode or password.

By Kim Key
A person's face against a purple and pink background.

Most Kids Don't Learn Cybersecurity in School. Here Are 5 Ways You Can Teach It

Kids may be digital natives, but that doesn't mean they understand online risks. Here are five practical tips to start building cybersecurity skills at home.

By Kim Key
A child's shadow against a red background.

Tax Time Is Open Season for Scammers: 7 Tips to Stay Safe

From AI-generated calls to phishing texts, scammers are working overtime this tax season. These practical strategies will help you avoid fraud and keep your refund safe.

By Kim Key
Words against a blue background