Unity King

Gaming and Technology Blog

Tag: Security

  • WhatsApp Security: New Scam Protection Features

    WhatsApp Security: New Scam Protection Features

    WhatsApp Boosts Security with New Anti-Scam Tools

    WhatsApp is rolling out new features designed to enhance user security and combat the increasing threat of scams. These updates aim to provide users with more control and awareness, helping them stay safe while using the platform.

    Silence Unknown Callers

    One of the key features is the ability to silence calls from unknown numbers. This feature gives you more privacy and control over your incoming calls. When you enable this calls from numbers not in your contacts will be silenced and sent to voicemail. You can then check the voicemail to see if the call was important without being disturbed by potential spammers or scammers. This reduces interruptions and the risk of answering unwanted calls. To use this go to Settings then Privacy and then Calls.

    Enhanced Account Protection

    WhatsApp is also introducing additional layers of account protection. When you are transferring your account to a new device WhatsApp is asking users to verify their identity on their old device. This helps to prevent unauthorized account transfers and protects against account hijacking attempts.

    Scam Prevention Tips and Resources

    WhatsApp offers several tips and resources to help users identify and avoid scams:

    • Be wary of unsolicited messages: Avoid clicking on links or providing personal information in response to unexpected messages especially from unknown numbers.
    • Verify suspicious requests: If you receive a request that seems unusual or too good to be true verify it through an alternative communication channel such as a phone call.
    • Report and block suspicious contacts: If you suspect that a contact is engaging in fraudulent activity report and block them immediately to prevent further harm.

    WhatsApp Security: Protecting Users from Emerging Threats

    WhatsApp updates its security continuously. It aims to stop scams, handle account takeovers and safeguard user data. Stay informed. Use WhatsApp’s safety tools to communicate confidently.

    What’s New & Why It Matters

    When someone tries to log in on a new device, WhatsApp now sends a verification request to your old device so only you can authorize the transfer. This blocks account takeover attempts.
    Also Device Verification runs automatically to detect malware-based threats. It confirms device authenticity without user effort.

    Automatic Security Codes

    Under the encryption tab, WhatsApp now shows automatic security or key‑transparency codes. That lets you confirm your chat with someone is fully encrypted ensuring only you and the recipient can read messages.

    End‑to‑End Encryption (E2EE)

    WhatsApp enforces default E2EE. That means neither Meta nor third parties can access your messages. Only the sender and recipient hold the keys.

    Safety Overview for Unfamiliar Groups

    WhatsApp now displays a group safety overview before you join a group via invite from someone you don’t know. It shows creation date member count and warns about scams. You can choose to exit before viewing messages.

    Advanced Chat Privacy

    This new optional setting prevents chat export, auto‑downloading media and using content with Meta AI tools. It gives you more control over sensitive conversations. But screenshots are still possible. Norton

    Private Processing for AI Features

    Accessing Meta AI tools like message summarization now uses Private Processing. It runs via secure audited servers. Neither WhatsApp nor Meta retains content after the session ends. It also shields your IP using OHTTP.

    Proactive Scam Detection & Account Bans

    Meta banned over 6.8 million scam accounts in 2025 that were used for fraud. In addition, it is rolling out warnings when strangers add you to groups.

    Best Practices to Stay Secure

    • Enable Two‑Step Verification to require a secondary PIN during login.
    • Never share your 6‑digit activation code, even with someone claiming to be WhatsApp support.
    • If someone asks you for money over chat, verify their identity directly before acting.
  • Cisco Customers Hit by Voice Phishing Attack

    Cisco Customers Hit by Voice Phishing Attack

    Cisco Customers Targeted in Voice Phishing Scam

    A recent voice phishing (vishing) attack targeted Cisco customers, compromising their personal information. Cybercriminals employed sophisticated techniques to trick individuals into divulging sensitive data. Let’s dive into the details of this attack and what you can do to protect yourself.

    What is Voice Phishing?

    Voice phishing, or vishing, is a type of social engineering attack where criminals use phone calls to deceive victims. They often impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals to gain trust and extract valuable information, such as:

    • Passwords
    • Credit card details
    • Social Security numbers

    How the Cisco Attack Unfolded

    In this particular incident, hackers impersonated Cisco representatives. They contacted customers via phone, attempting to trick them into revealing their personal details. The attackers likely used information gathered from previous data breaches or publicly available sources to make their scams more convincing.

    Protecting Yourself from Vishing Attacks

    You can take several steps to protect yourself from falling victim to vishing scams:

    • Be Suspicious: Always be wary of unsolicited phone calls, especially those asking for personal information.
    • Verify Identity: If someone claiming to be from a legitimate organization like Cisco calls, hang up and call the company directly using a known, trusted phone number from their official website.
    • Don’t Share Sensitive Data: Never provide personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain of the recipient’s identity.
    • Use Strong Passwords: Ensure you use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store them securely.
    • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Whenever possible, enable MFA on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.
    • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest security threats and scams. Regularly visit reputable cybersecurity news websites like SecurityWeek or Dark Reading to stay informed.

    What Cisco is Doing

    Cisco likely took immediate action upon discovering the attack, including:

    • Informing affected customers.
    • Investigating the source of the breach.
    • Strengthening their security protocols to prevent future attacks.

    Always refer to Cisco’s official blog for the latest updates and security advisories.

  • ChatGPT Public Queries: Indexed by Search Engines!

    ChatGPT Public Queries: Indexed by Search Engines!

    ChatGPT Public Queries Indexed by Search Engines

    Did you know that your public ChatGPT queries might be getting indexed by Google and other search engines? It’s a reality check for anyone using these powerful AI tools. Let’s dive into what this means for you and how to stay aware of your digital footprint.

    Understanding the Issue

    When you use ChatGPT, you have the option to make your chats public. While this can be useful for sharing interesting conversations or getting feedback, it also means search engines can crawl and index this data. As a result, anyone searching for specific keywords related to your query might stumble upon your conversation. This raises some critical privacy concerns.

    Privacy Implications

    The primary concern is the unintentional exposure of personal or sensitive information. If you’ve ever included details about your job, location, or even your browsing habits in a ChatGPT conversation, that information could potentially become searchable. Always consider what information you’re sharing and whether it’s something you’d want the world to see.

    How to Protect Your Privacy

    Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your privacy when using ChatGPT:

    • Be Mindful of What You Share: Avoid sharing personal information that could identify you or compromise your security.
    • Check Your Settings: Review your ChatGPT settings to ensure your chats are not set to be public by default.
    • Use Private Browsing: Consider using a private browsing mode or a VPN to add an extra layer of privacy.
    • Regularly Review Your Public Content: If you do share chats publicly, check them periodically to ensure they don’t contain any sensitive information over time.
  • Proton Unveil New Two Factor Authentication App

    Proton Unveil New Two Factor Authentication App

    Proton Unveils New Two-Factor Authentication App

    Proton known for its commitment to privacy and security, has just released a dedicated app for two-factor authentication (2FA). This new app provides users with an additional layer of security to protect their online accounts.

    Enhanced Security with Proton 2FA

    The new Proton 2FA app generates time-based one time passwords (TOTP) adding a crucial step beyond just usernames and passwords. When you enable 2FA on a supported service and link it to Proton 2FA the app provides a unique code that you must enter along with your password to log in.

    • Stronger Protection: 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
    • Easy to Use: The app is designed for simplicity making it easy for anyone to set up and use 2FA.
    • Compatibility: Works with any service that supports TOTP-based authentication.

    How Proton 2FA Works

    1. Download and install the Proton 2FA app from your device’s app store.
    2. In the service you want to protect navigate to the security settings and enable two-factor authentication.
    3. Next scan the QR code provided by the service using the Proton 2FA app, or manually enter the secret key.
    4. Once set up the app will generate a unique code every few seconds. Simply enter this code along with your password when logging in to complete the authentication process.

    Why Choose Proton’s 2FA App?

    Proton’s strong reputation for prioritizing user privacy and security makes its 2FA app a highly trustworthy choice. Unlike many other 2FA solutions Proton emphasizes the following core principles:

      Staying Secure in a Digital World

      Proton recently released Proton Authenticator a cross-platform 2FA app. It runs on Windows macOS Linux iOS and Android. The app works as a secure alternative to Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. All About Cookies

      Unlike many alternatives it’s open source ad free and offers secure encrypted sync across devices. Moreover you can import existing 2FA codes from apps such as Google LastPass Microsoft or Bitwarden. If needed you can also export them later giving you complete flexibility and control.

      Core Features That Stand Out

      • Furthermore: secure encrypted cloud sync keeps your codes accessible across all your devices.
      • Offline support: Use the app without internet access codes work even when you’re offline.
      • Conveniently: it offers full import export support making it easy to transition from other 2FA tools.
      • Importantly: it’s privacy first no ads no tracking and no vendor lock in.
      • Additionally: it’s always free open source and completely free across all platforms.

      Why It Matters for Security

      Proton’s reputation for prioritizing user privacy and security makes its 2FA app a trustworthy choice. In contrast to many other 2FA solutions Proton emphasizes:

      It also gives you full ownership and control of your codes. Whether you choose encrypted sync or local only storage you decide where your data lives and who can access it. Consequently that level of transparency makes it more trustworthy than many mainstream apps.

      Integrates with Proton Pass Authentication Too

      Proton’s password manager Proton Pass already includes built in 2FA support. However if you prefer a standalone solution especially to secure your Proton account login Proton Authenticator provides a clean focused alternative.

      For Proton Pass users FIDO2 based 2FA is also available. Specifically you can use hardware security keys like YubiKey or platform based methods such as Touch ID and Windows Hello. This combination offers added flexibility and strong security.

    • Bluesky Gets End-to-End Encrypted Messaging with Germ

      Bluesky Gets End-to-End Encrypted Messaging with Germ

      Germ Brings Secure Messaging to Bluesky

      Bluesky just got a whole lot more secure! Germ, a new application, now offers end-to-end encrypted messaging on the decentralized social network. This means your private conversations stay truly private.

      What is Germ?

      Germ introduces end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to Bluesky, ensuring only you and the recipient can read your messages. This protects your data from prying eyes, including the platform itself. With the rise of privacy concerns, Germ provides a much-needed layer of security.

      How Does End-to-End Encryption Work?

      End-to-end encryption works by encrypting messages on your device before they are sent. The messages can only be decrypted by the recipient’s device. This prevents anyone in between, including Bluesky servers, from reading your conversations. This is crucial for maintaining confidentiality and control over your personal data.

      Why is This Important for Bluesky?

      • Enhanced Privacy: Users concerned about privacy now have a secure way to communicate.
      • Data Security: E2EE protects messages from unauthorized access and potential breaches.
      • Trust and Confidence: Germ builds trust in the platform by prioritizing user privacy.

      Getting Started with Germ

      To use Germ, simply download the application and follow the setup instructions. You can then start sending and receiving encrypted messages with other Germ users on Bluesky.

      The Future of Secure Social Networking

      Germ’s integration of E2EE marks a significant step forward in secure social networking. As privacy concerns continue to grow, expect to see more platforms adopting similar measures to protect user data. This is good news for anyone who values their online privacy.

    • Allianz Life Cyberattack Social Security Number

      Allianz Life Cyberattack Social Security Number

      Allianz Life Cyberattack: Social Security Numbers Stolen

      A cyberattack on Allianz Life has resulted in the theft of Social Security numbers and other sensitive personal information. The company is notifying affected individuals and taking steps to address the breach.

      Details of the Allianz Life Data Breach

      Attackers successfully infiltrated Allianz Life’s systems gaining access to a range of personal data. This data included:

      Allianz Life is working to determine the full scope of the breach and identify all affected individuals.

      Allianz’s Response to the Cyberattack

      Following the discovery of the cyberattack, Allianz Life promptly initiated several measures to contain the incident and protect its customers. Specifically these steps include:

      • First, the company engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach.
      • Next, Allianz Life notified law enforcement authorities to ensure proper legal response and investigation.
      • Additionally, the company implemented enhanced security protocols to prevent future breaches and strengthen system defenses.
      • Moreover, Allianz Life is offering credit monitoring services to affected individuals to help safeguard their financial identity.

      Allianz Life is urging customers to remain vigilant and monitor their credit reports for any signs of fraudulent activity. You can get a free credit report from agencies like .

      Protecting Your Social Security Number

      If your Social Security Number was exposed act quickly. Follow these key steps to safeguard your identity and reduce risk.

      Verify the Breach and Its Scope

      First confirm the breach is legitimate. Use tools like Pentester’s free database or Have I Been Pwned to see if your SSN email or name appeared in the National Public Data breach. Experts emphasize staying vigilant because billions of records may be exposed.

      Freeze Your Credit and Add Fraud Alerts

      • Freeze your credit with all three major bureaus Equifax Experian and TransUnion.
        This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name without your permission.
      • Alternatively, place a fraud alert on your credit report. This tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving new credit.

      Lock Electronic Access to Your SSN

      Contact the Social Security Administration SSA to request a Block Electronic Access. This stops unauthorized online or phone access to your SSN information. You can call 1‑800‑772‑1213 or visit SSA online. blog.ssa.gov

      Report Identity Theft and Monitor Your Data

      Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and create a recovery plan. You can also file a police report and contact your state’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

      Additionally sign up for dark web monitoring receive alerts if your SSN or personal information appears online and consider identity theft protection services like Norton LifeLock or Bitdefender.

      Strengthen Account Security

      • Change passwords for all sensitive accounts. Use strong unique passwords for each one.
      • Choose a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
      • Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.
      • Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure credentials.
      • This helps prevent unauthorized access, especially if your information was exposed.
      • Enable two-factor authentication 2FA on your email banking, and other important accounts.
      • This adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password.
      • Even if someone steals your password they can’t log in without the second verification step.
      • Use authentication apps like Google Authenticator or built-in device options for better security.
      • It’s one of the most effective ways to secure your online identity.
      • Consider a separate device e.g. tablet for managing banking or tax websites with minimal exposure to phishing.

      Monitor Your Financial and Government Records

      Review your IRS and SSA activity for signs of fraud, such as benefits or tax filings you didn’t initiate. Order free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and check regularly for new inquiries or unfamiliar accounts.

      • Be cautious of phishing emails and phone calls:
      • Don’t click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
      • Verify the sender’s identity before sharing personal information.
      • Avoid giving out sensitive details over the phone unless you initiated the call.
      • Look for red flags like urgent language unfamiliar email addresses or misspelled domains.
      • Regularly monitor your credit reports:
      • Check your credit reports from Equifax Experian and TransUnion at least once a year.
      • Look for unfamiliar accounts inquiries or changes to your information.
      • Use the only authorized source for free weekly reports through December 2026.
      • Report any suspicious activity immediately to the bureau and the relevant creditor.
      • Use strong unique passwords for online accounts
      • Consider freezing your credit
    • Tea App Breach: Millions of Messages Exposed

      Tea App Breach: Millions of Messages Exposed

      Tea App Breach Exposes Millions of Private Messages

      A second data breach at a tea-related app has compromised over a million private messages, raising serious concerns about user privacy and data security. This incident highlights the increasing risks associated with data handling by application developers.

      Details of the Data Breach

      The recent breach exposed a vast number of private messages, potentially affecting a large segment of the app’s user base. Data breaches can lead to identity theft, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities, making data protection paramount.

      Implications for Users

      Users are urged to take immediate action to protect their personal information. We recommend the following steps:

      • Change your password for the affected app and any other accounts where you use the same password.
      • Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
      • Be cautious of phishing emails or messages that may attempt to steal your personal information.

      The Importance of Data Security

      This breach underscores the critical importance of robust data security measures. Companies should implement encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. Furthermore, adhering to privacy regulations like GDPR can help mitigate risks.

      Preventative Measures and Best Practices

      To prevent future incidents, developers should prioritize security throughout the application development lifecycle. We suggest considering these practices:

      • Conduct regular penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
      • Implement strong encryption to protect data in transit and at rest.
      • Use multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
      • Provide users with clear and transparent privacy policies.
    • Orange Warns of Disruption Amid Cyberattack

      Orange Warns of Disruption Amid Cyberattack

      Orange Faces Disruption Amid Ongoing Cyberattack

      Telecom giant Orange is currently grappling with a significant cyberattack, which has prompted warnings of potential service disruptions for its customers. The company’s security teams are working diligently to mitigate the impact and restore normalcy.

      Details of the Cyberattack

      While Orange has not released specific details about the nature of the cyberattack, the company acknowledges that it is causing disruptions across various services. Such attacks often involve:

      • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks aiming to overwhelm systems.
      • Malware infections compromising network integrity.
      • Data breaches targeting sensitive user information.

      Orange’s Response and Mitigation Efforts

      In response to the ongoing cyberattack, Orange has activated its incident response protocols. These measures include:

      • Isolating affected systems to prevent further spread.
      • Enhancing monitoring and detection capabilities.
      • Collaborating with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies.
      • Providing regular updates to customers regarding service status.

      Potential Impact on Customers

      Orange customers may experience several disruptions due to the cyberattack, including:

      • Intermittent connectivity issues.
      • Slower internet speeds.
      • Temporary unavailability of certain services.

      Industry-Wide Concerns

      This cyberattack on Orange underscores the increasing threats faced by telecom companies. With the rise of sophisticated cybercriminals, businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity measures, such as:

      • Regular security audits and penetration testing.
      • Employee training on phishing and malware awareness.
      • Implementing multi-factor authentication.
      • Deploying advanced threat detection and response solutions.
    • SharePoint Zero-Day Exploited by Chinese Hackers

      SharePoint Zero-Day Exploited by Chinese Hackers

      Chinese Hackers Exploit SharePoint Zero-Day: Google and Microsoft Warn

      Google and Microsoft have recently issued warnings about Chinese hackers actively exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in SharePoint. This exploit allows attackers to gain unauthorized access and control over vulnerable systems. Security teams are urged to apply the necessary patches immediately to mitigate the risk.

      The Vulnerability

      The zero-day vulnerability, identified as CVE-XXXX-YYYY (Note: Replace with the actual CVE ID once available), resides within the SharePoint server software. Attackers are leveraging this flaw to execute arbitrary code remotely. This allows them to compromise SharePoint installations without requiring any authentication.

      Attribution and Tactics

      Both Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) and Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) have attributed these attacks to a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group. The group is known for its sophisticated tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) aimed at espionage and intellectual property theft. They are actively using this exploit in the wild to target organizations across various sectors. Make sure you have proper cyber security tips.

      Affected Versions

      The specific SharePoint versions affected by this zero-day vulnerability include:

      • SharePoint Server 2019
      • SharePoint Server 2016
      • SharePoint Server 2013

      Mitigation Steps

      Organizations using SharePoint should take the following steps to mitigate the risk:

      1. Apply the Security Patches: Microsoft has released security patches to address this vulnerability. Download and install the patches immediately from the Microsoft Security Update Guide.
      2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security and reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if an attacker compromises credentials.
      3. Monitor SharePoint Logs: Continuously monitor SharePoint logs for any suspicious activity. Look for unusual patterns, failed login attempts, and unexpected file access.
      4. Implement Network Segmentation: Segmenting your network can limit the impact of a successful attack. This prevents attackers from moving laterally across the network.
      5. Conduct Regular Security Audits: Regularly audit your SharePoint environment to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.

      Staying Protected

      In the face of escalating cyber threats, proactive security measures and continuous monitoring are crucial for protecting your organization’s data and systems. Stay informed about the latest security advisories and apply the recommended patches promptly. Consider investing in advanced threat detection and prevention tools to enhance your security posture. You can also read network security guide and data protection tips to further enhance your knowledge.

    • Microsoft Restricts China Engineers on DoD Projects

      Microsoft Restricts China Engineers on DoD Projects

      Microsoft Restricts China Engineers on DoD Projects

      Microsoft recently announced it will no longer use engineers based in China for projects related to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This decision underscores the increasing sensitivity surrounding technology and national security.

      Background on the Decision

      The move aims to address potential security risks and ensure the integrity of projects involving sensitive defense technologies. As geopolitical tensions rise, many tech companies face pressure to align their operations with national security interests.

      Implications for Microsoft

      • Project Re-allocation: Microsoft will likely re-allocate DoD-related tasks to engineers in other regions.
      • Security Enhancements: This decision reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to robust security measures for its government contracts.
      • Geopolitical Strategy: The adjustment reflects the broader trend of tech companies navigating complex international relations.

      Broader Industry Impact

      Microsoft’s decision could set a precedent for other tech firms working with government agencies. Increased scrutiny of international collaborations may become the norm.

      Related Security Measures

      Microsoft constantly updates its security protocols to protect sensitive data. The company’s compliance with government regulations and industry standards is a key priority.