It may be a new year, but the threats of hacks, scams, and dangerous individuals online persist. Near the end of 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department disclosed a major breach attributed to unidentified hackers linked to China’s government. Exploiting vulnerabilities in remote tech support software from BeyondTrust, these actors gained access to Treasury Department computers and captured certain unclassified documents.
In other news, a recent trend in gun silencers has emerged post the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Thousands of ads for “fuel filters,” which are essentially unregulated gun silencers, surfaced on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Although Meta has started removing these ads, new ones continue to appear, posing legal risks for those who engage with them.
Additionally, a recent Amber Alert incident highlighted the dangers of inaccessible information. The California Highway Patrol sent an alert linking to a post on X that required users to be signed in, preventing critical information from reaching those who could assist in locating an abducted child.
For those aiming to enhance their privacy in 2025, reviewing old chat histories is a valuable step as forgotten sensitive information may still be present.
Recent Security Highlights:
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Apple’s Siri Settlement
Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to resolve a class action lawsuit claiming its Siri voice assistant recorded conversations without user consent. Users potentially affected can receive up to $20 for each eligible device, up to five devices. The settlement, pending approval, comes as Apple does not admit to any wrongdoing. -
Massive Explosive Cache Seized
The FBI uncovered the largest stockpile of homemade explosives in its history while searching a Virginia home. The operation uncovered over 150 pipe bombs and devices, implicated in potential plans for political violence. The accused, who has drawn connections to extremist groups, claims to be harmless. -
Chinese Hackers Target U.S. Treasury
Following the breach of the U.S. Treasury, it was reported that Chinese state-backed hackers aimed specifically at sanctions information. Investigations revealed scrutiny over senior Treasury officials’ computers, resulting in access to unclassified data. -
Telecom Security Lapses
After the hacking incidents, the White House criticized telecom firms for insufficient cybersecurity measures that allowed breaches by Chinese hacker groups. New regulations may be necessary to strengthen the sector’s defenses. -
Volkswagen Data Leak
A whistleblower revealed that a Volkswagen subsidiary left the sensitive location data of around 800,000 electric vehicles exposed online, raising concerns about data privacy within the automotive industry.
Staying informed and vigilant in the digital space remains essential in 2025.
