Tag: data protection
492 articles
Brave Browser Introduces Email Aliases to Block Tracking
Protect your inbox from data breaches and tracking with Brave's new Email Aliases feature, which lets you generate disposable email addresses to keep your real inbox private. This game-changing update in Brave browser 1.94 helps prevent your personal info from being leaked or sold to data brokers.
Meta Overhauls Platforms Amid $18B Youth Safety Settlement
Meta is shelling out a whopping $18 billion to settle allegations that its platforms contributed to a mental health crisis among youth - and as part of the deal, it's making significant changes to its platforms to promote safer online experiences. This massive settlement could be a game-changer for social media, pushing other platforms to follow suit.
TikTok Settles with US for $400M Over COPPA Violations
TikTok is coughing up $400 million to settle allegations that it violated children's online privacy laws, with $300 million changing hands immediately and another $100 million pending a court ruling. The hefty fine sends a clear message: companies must play by the rules when collecting kids' personal info.
TikTok Settles Child Privacy Suit for $400 Million
TikTok is paying a whopping $400 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it broke US child privacy laws, in a major win for American kids and parents. The deal, secured by the US Department of Justice, marks one of the largest recoveries ever under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
UK Watchdog Warns Police on Facial Recognition Data Governance
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office warns that police use of facial recognition technology poses significant risks to privacy and individual rights if not governed properly. A recent audit of five police forces revealed inconsistent compliance with data protection laws, highlighting an urgent need for improved data governance.
UK Watchdog Reprimands ACRO for 2023 Data Breach Failings
A major security blunder at the Criminal Records Office (ACRO) left 10,920 people vulnerable to a data breach after a hacker gained unauthorized access to its website and content management system for a staggering eight months. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has now reprimanded ACRO for its failings in preventing this massive breach.
AI Exposes Browser Security Gap in Enterprise Networks
The AI boom has blown the lid off a long-standing blind spot in enterprise networks: browser security. For years, employees have been moving sensitive data through browser-based apps, and AI usage has simply amplified and exposed this vulnerability.
Senate Targets Online Safety with Sweeping Bills on AI, Privacy
As social media giants face mounting criticism nationwide, a coalition of nearly 100 organizations is urging lawmakers to take bold action, arguing that current laws aren't doing enough to protect users' wellbeing. The Senate Commerce Committee is now taking a major step forward with a package of five bills aimed at overhauling online safety, privacy, and AI regulations.
KT's Lax Security Exposes 16,647 Users to $175,000 in Unauthorized Micropayments
A shocking security lapse at KT has left 16,647 users vulnerable to unauthorized micropayments totaling $175,000, after a hacker exploited a lost femtocell to breach the company's mobile network. This costly breach has resulted in stolen identities and a hefty penalty for South Korea's largest telecommunications company.
Agencies Shift from Volume to Decision-Quality Security Outcomes
Federal agencies are revolutionizing their approach to cybersecurity by shifting from a focus on data volume to decision-quality outcomes, and those making intentional, decision-oriented data architectures are leading the way. By explicitly identifying the data needed to support operational decisions, these agencies are achieving clarity on data existence, location, and protection.
Encryption Debate Intensifies as Governments Target End-to-End Security
Limiting end-to-end encryption would have far-reaching and devastating effects on cybersecurity, commerce, and government operations. Governments worldwide are pushing laws to restrict this vital security measure, sparking a heated debate about the future of online protection.
Council Worker's Data Snooping Spree Exposes Surveillance Vulnerabilities
A council worker's alarming four-day data snooping spree has exposed glaring vulnerabilities in surveillance systems, leaving many to wonder how such unauthorized access was possible. Fortunately, the individual was spared a prison sentence, but the incident raises serious questions about data security.
Apple Rectifies Hide My Email Flaw That Exposed User Addresses
Apple has fixed a vulnerability in its Hide My Email feature that could have exposed user email addresses, although it's unclear how often the flaw was exploited. The flaw was discovered by security researchers and disclosed to Apple in June 2025.
Biometric Age Verification Shifts to On-Device Processing
With data breaches skyrocketing - a record 3,322 in the US last year alone - and over 30 age assurance laws now in force worldwide, the need for robust biometric age verification has never been more pressing. As governments crack down on underage access to social media, on-device processing is emerging as a crucial solution.
Declassified Intel Reveals China's Voter Data Collection
Newly declassified intel reveals a shocking truth: China has collected and analyzed over 200 million US voter records, putting sensitive information at risk of being bought, hacked, or exploited. President Trump has vowed to take swift action to protect voter data and prevent future threats to election integrity.
Progress Disrupts ShareFile Servers Over External Security Threat
If you're a ShareFile customer, take immediate action: shut down your Storage Zone Controller servers now to protect against a critical external security threat. Progress Software has already disabled access to affected accounts, but manual shutdown is crucial for safeguarding your data.
UK Information Commissioner Resigns Amid Workplace Misconduct Probe
UK Information Commissioner John Edwards has resigned amid allegations of workplace misconduct, including the use of vulgar and highly sexualized language towards staff, which he initially dismissed as misplaced humour. His resignation comes after an internal HR investigation concluded there was a case to answer, with evidence revealing a disturbing pattern of behaviour.
UK Privacy Watchdog Resigns Amid Poor Judgment Admission
UK Privacy Watchdog John Edwards has resigned with immediate effect, admitting his position had become untenable after being under investigation since February. He announced his decision on LinkedIn, bringing a sudden end to a months-long probe.
UK Watchdog Cautions Healthcare Worker Over Royal's Medical Records Breach
When trust in healthcare settings is broken and personal info is mishandled, swift action is taken - as seen in the ICO's recent decision to issue a formal caution to a former healthcare professional for misusing sensitive patient data. The watchdog is clear: people's personal info must be safe from exploitation.
Microsoft 365 Exposes Data Protection Gaps for Businesses
Microsoft 365 is a powerhouse for productivity, but it leaves data protection gaps that put businesses at risk. The harsh reality is that while Microsoft safeguards its infrastructure, the responsibility of protecting your business data - including backups and recovery - falls squarely on your shoulders.
Security Insider Exposes New Hire's Chaotic Tactics
A security insider recounts a tense confrontation with a new colleague over a departing workstation, revealing a chaotic approach to security protocols. The staffer's casual exit with a PC under their arm sparks a heated debate about data safety and responsibility.
CEO's Password Practice Exposes Firm to Breach Risk
A CEO's outdated password policy left his 2,000-strong company vulnerable to a potential data breach, after he stored all employee usernames and passwords in a single Excel spreadsheet on his desktop. This alarming security risk was only resolved after months of persistence, when the IT team proved they could manage messages centrally without needing everyone's login details.
Defense Teams Face AI-Driven Data Protection Challenges
The explosive growth of AI in the Department of Defense - a 1,775% surge in just one year - is putting intense pressure on defense teams to safeguard sensitive mission data. As AI empowers warfighters to make faster, more precise decisions, the challenge of protecting data at rest has never been more urgent.
OpenAI Bolsters ChatGPT Security With New Controls
OpenAI has introduced Lockdown Mode for ChatGPT, a game-changing security control that limits the model's access to the web and external services, giving users and organizations handling sensitive data an added layer of protection. This new feature is now available to personal and self-serve business accounts, following its initial rollout for enterprise plans in February.