Author: Ian Vielma

Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, has agreed to settle a lawsuit. The lawsuit claimed Alphabet Inc. tracked the internet use of millions of people through Google’s “incognito” mode, which claims to be a private browser. The lawsuit seeking at least $5 billion is still ongoing. A final settlement agreement is due by Feb. 24. Full Story

The new concept of generative AI, or artificial intelligence, comes with additional privacy, identity theft, and misinformation risks. “Deepfake” technology is one of many types of AI scams. Artificial intelligence-generated movies or audio samples known as “deepfakes” give the impression that someone is saying or acting in a way they never would. The following article provides tips on protecting yourself from this AI scam. https://staysafeonline.org/resources/how-to-protect-yourself-against-deepfakes/

Apple introduced Advanced Data Protection (ADP) last year, which provides the highest level of cloud data security and protects most of your iCloud data using end-to-end encryption. Although it is an optional setting, it is important for users to protect their data, including iCloud backups, photos, notes, and more. No one can access your end-to-end encrypted data, not even Apple, and this data remains secure even in the event of a data breach in the cloud. How does an Apple user turn on ADP? Open the Settings app. Tap on your name, then tap on iCloud. Scroll down and tap…

2023 was filled with instances of data breaches. Organizations must effectively respond to and prevent user data from falling into the wrong hands. The lack of security measures is a risk users have no control over. The following article highlights the most significant data breaches of the year and how organizations failed to respond to the attacks on their users. Full story

In 2023, the world of cybersecurity saw changes and new advances that have impacted the industry altogether. Most notably, using AI and ChatGPT presented new challenges to online privacy and opened new possibilities. Yet, there is still much more to come in the new year. So, what should we expect in 2024? Read more on Chiara Casto, Senior Staff Writer at TechRadar, and her predictions for 2024. Full story

Although you cannot control everything about your online data, you, as users, have a say in it. The National Cybersecurity Alliance provides the following list of ways you can have control over your privacy. Create long (at least 12 characters) unique passwords for each account and device. Use a password manager to store each password – maintaining dozens of passwords securely is now easier than ever.   Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever permitted – this keeps your data safe even if your password is compromised.  Turn on automatic device, software, and browser updates, or install updates as soon as they…

As a result of changes to data regulations, it is essential to stay up to date with data compliance. Whether that be individually or through an organization, there are certain practices one must perform to stay safe. Educating yourself and others allows for a more cyber-safe community. The article provides tips on how to keep up to date with the regulations. Full Story

Later this month, from January 24 to the 28th, falls Data Privacy Week. Data Privacy Week is an international effort that focuses on raising people’s awareness about the importance of data privacy. Staying informed and applying effective practices to protect your data is crucial. The following article offers tips to help you stay secure and provides insight into this week’s history. Full story

In August, the Biden Administration announced a new plan to improve cybersecurity measures in K-12 schools. But why? The new plan was introduced in response to increased cybersecurity attacks on schools. Cybercriminals target children’s information as their information is much more valuable, particularly the lack of credit history. With this information, cybercriminals can apply for government benefits and open unauthorized bank accounts and credit cards. The question remains: Will federal funding be enough to prevent cyber attacks on schools? Read why Nir Kshetri, Professor of Management at the University of North Carolina, believes the government’s efforts fall short. Full Story…

Data Privacy has become a major issue in our daily lives, as we spend most of our time online. With emerging AI software, companies have become reliant on software to manage user data. While it is important for a company to comply with legal regulations, AI has presented new challenges in data storage. Transcend, a data governance software company, allows customers to keep up with data regulations and better control their user data. Users should be able to track who and where their online data is going, now solutions are arising to meet this problem. Full Story