#data breaches

[idroolinmysleep]

Fortunately for affected customers though, it appears that only personal information was stolen during this attack and financial information wasn’t accessed.

Oh, nice. Apparently data breaches have become so commonplace that “only personal information was stolen” is regarded as A-OK now. 🙄

[adj-thoughts]

The darkside of the Social Media platforms

The Attention Economy

Attention is the most valuable currency in today's world.

Companies that can capture attention can make a lot of money.

Social media platforms are designed to be addictive and keep you engaged for as long as possible.

How Social Media Tracks Your Data

Social media platforms collect a lot of data about you, including your likes, dislikes, and browsing habits.

This data is used to target you with advertising.

Social media platforms may also listen to your conversations through your device's microphone (although this is not confirmed).

The Impact of Social Media on Society

Social media can create echo chambers and filter bubbles, where you are only exposed to information that confirms your existing beliefs.

This can lead to polarization and a decline in civil discourse.

Social media can also be addictive and lead to decreased productivity and attention spans.

What You Can Do

Be mindful of how much time you spend on social media.

Be critical of the information you see on social media.

Consider adjusting your privacy settings on social media platforms.

There are extensions and apps available to help you limit your social media usage.

Note-To check if your email address has been compromised, you can visit the website Have I Been Pwned: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

[century-solutions-group]

What is Zero Trust Architecture?

Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) is a security model that operates on the principle "never trust, always verify." Unlike traditional security models that assume everything within a network is trustworthy, ZTA requires verification for every access request, regardless of whether it originates inside or outside the network.  

Why is it Important?  

In today's digital landscape, cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Zero Trust Architecture helps mitigate risks by continuously verifying every user and device, ensuring that only authorized entities can access sensitive information.  

How Does It Protect You?  

1. Enhanced Security: By requiring strict verification, ZTA minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.  

2. Reduced Attack Surface: Limiting access to only what is necessary decreases potential entry points for attackers.  

3. Real-time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and verification help detect and respond to threats promptly.  

Adopt Zero Trust Architecture with Century Solutions Group to fortify your cybersecurity defenses and protect your business from evolving cyber threats! #ZeroTrust #CyberSecurity #CenturySolutionsGroup 

Learn More:https://centurygroup.net/cloud-computing/cyber-security/

[infographicjournal]

The World’s Largest Data Breaches

Having trouble reading infographic here?

Check out the full size infographic at - https://infographicjournal.com/the-worlds-largest-data-breaches/

[phoenixyfriend]

Reminder to set up 2FA

Change your Tumblr password now.

Humongous data breach just happened, with loads upon loads of sites being affected. Tumblr's among those. Also on the list is Wattpad for you fanfic people out there- among many, many other places.

There's a searchable list at the bottom of the article. Highly recommend scrolling or searching through, seeing what places you may be on that have been affected, and securing all your accounts. This thing's kind of big.

If you know people on any of the sites affected, let them know about this too, and spread the article around.

[jcmarchi]

A Delicate Balance: Protecting Privacy While Ensuring Public Safety Through Edge AI

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/a-delicate-balance-protecting-privacy-while-ensuring-public-safety-through-edge-ai/

A Delicate Balance: Protecting Privacy While Ensuring Public Safety Through Edge AI

In our modern age, communities face several emerging threats to public safety: rising urbanization, increased crime rates and the threat of terrorism. When addressing the combination of constrained law enforcement resources and growing cities, the challenge of ensuring public safety becomes even more difficult. Advancements in technology have allowed for monitoring devices and cameras to make public spaces safer – but this often comes as a cost.

With an installed base of almost 600 million surveillance cameras, China has almost one camera per two people, and outside of China, the most surveilled cities include Delhi, Seoul, Moscow, New York, and London. While beneficial for public safety, this increase in surveillance comes at a significant cost: erosion of personal privacy. Many individuals value their rights to remain anonymous and free from constant monitoring, and the idea that “Big Brother” is watching can create clashes between safety and privacy, leading to fierce debates between policymakers.

Artificial Intelligence Technology for Enhanced Public Safety

Recently, cameras have increasingly incorporated artificial intelligence, playing a growing role in public safety. By integrating AI into security systems at the camera or video management system level, and incorporating generative AI, AI can be very attractive for public safety monitoring.

The most common AI use cases in surveillance systems include perimeter protection and access control. These applications leverage AI tasks such as object detection, segmentation, video metadata and re-identification to rapidly and accurately identify legitimate vs. suspicious or abnormal people or behavior and trigger responses in real time.

AI-powered surveillance systems can offer more nuanced and sophisticated capabilities. With artificial intelligence, surveillance systems can incorporate detection, identification and response to security events in real-time and with high accuracy. While enhancing security and ensuring public safety is a benefit, artificial intelligence does raise concerns about data privacy, with some expressing concern about potential misuse of personally identifiable information. Where there’s large quantities of data being incorporated, it’s critical to implement robust data protection measures.

Cloud AI Faces Privacy Challenges

Cloud-based AI solutions have traditionally offered powerful processing capabilities by leveraging centralized data centers, but they do offer certain vulnerabilities for data privacy.

When data is stored, or “at rest,” centralized storage makes cloud systems key targets for cyberattacks. Bad actors can hack into these systems, leading to serious data breaches and potential data exposure. However, if the data processing is decentralized, and done at the edges of the network, breaches are limited to the specific node being hacked and a massive data breach is more challenging. Additionally, cloud-based data processing systems must comply with a number of data privacy regulations, which impose limitations on how raw data can be analyzed, resulting in limited insights and even potential legal liabilities. Edge processing only stores and transmits the minimum required information, while still allowing for profound insights.

Moving data to and from the cloud to devices creates additional points of vulnerability. By intercepting data during transmission, hackers can expose sensitive information and undermine the security of the system.

Overall, a cloud data center is a single point of failure that, if impacted, could affect many cameras.

Edge AI Walks the Tightrope Between Privacy and Security

Edge AI offers a compelling solution to address these challenges, processing data locally on the device itself instead of sending it to a cloud. If data is distributed, each system can adopt different algorithms and capabilities, presenting several advantages from a privacy standpoint.

By processing data on the device, edge AI systems minimize the need to transmit sensitive information over the internet, significantly reducing any risk of interception during transmission. By storing data locally, the risk of a massive cyberattack is limited, as well. If one device is compromised, the scope of the attack can be contained to the device, as opposed to an entire network.

Finally, edge AI also allows for anonymization of data on the device itself. This then simplifies the process of maintaining the essence of data that is being stored. The essence of the data can then be stored on the edge device or in the cloud without exposing PII.

Critically, edge AI can be designed to focus only on specific events. For example, edge AI can be programmed to identify instances of violence or suspicious behavior, without continuous recording of footage, helping to maintain the privacy of individuals in public spaces. Other tools, like bandwidth limitation, can ensure that video files are not continuously sent to the cloud, reducing the risk of data breaches and preserving individual privacy.

However, for edge AI to be effective as a security tool, it must be both efficient and powerful, able to remain cost-friendly and power efficient while still processing complex algorithms quickly. AI hardware, including Hailo’s specialized AI processors and low-power, high-compute performance chips, is making this possible.

Edge AI presents a promising solution to the challenge of balancing public safety with personal privacy. By processing data locally and imposing inherent limitations on data transmission and storage, edge AI reduces the risks associated with cloud-based systems. As these technologies continue to evolve, edge AI will play a crucial role in creating safer public spaces while respecting individuals’ right to remain anonymous, not only enhancing security but also builds trust in systems designed to protect us.

[jose96853]

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ENCRYPTING EMAILS IN OUTLOOK, GMAIL, AND OTHER SERVICES

Email encryption is essential for safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access. This article provides step-by-step instructions to encrypt emails across various platforms, including Outlook, Gmail, iOS, and Android. Encrypting Emails in Microsoft Outlook To encrypt emails in Outlook, a Digital ID, also known as an email certificate, is required. This certificate can be obtained…

[nationallawreview]

How to Develop an Effective Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan for Businesses

Data breaches have become more frequent and costly than ever. In 2021, the average data breach cost companies more than $4 million. Threat actors are increasingly likely to be sophisticated. The emergence of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) has allowed even unsophisticated, inexperienced parties to execute harmful, disruptive, costly attacks. In this atmosphere, what can businesses do to best…

[apcseo]

Digital Disruption: How Ad Agencies are Navigating the Online Landscape

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the concept of digital disruption has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping industries and landscapes globally. This phenomenon refers to the profound impact that digital technologies have on traditional business models, challenging established norms and fostering innovation. As we delve into the intricate dynamics of digital disruption, we explore its implications on the online landscape and the pivotal role played by ad agencies, particularly in the context of India.

Digital disruption encompasses a spectrum of technological innovations, from artificial intelligence and big data to social media and e-commerce. These advancements often lead to the creation of new markets, the demise of outdated business models, and a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. The online landscape, in particular, bears witness to these seismic changes, as businesses strive to stay relevant in an environment that is constantly evolving.

Digital Disruption in online landscape

Digital disruption has reshaped the advertising landscape, challenging traditional models and pushing agencies to adapt to the online realm. This shift comes with various types of disruptions, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities.

1. Virality: Riding the Wave or Wiping Out?

The rise of social media has given campaigns the potential to go viral, reaching unprecedented audiences. Ad agencies must navigate the fine line between creating shareable content and the risks associated with unpredictable virality. While viral campaigns can boost brand visibility, they also require careful management to avoid unintended consequences.

2. Data Breach: Protecting Trust in the Digital Age

As agencies increasingly rely on data for targeted campaigns, the threat of data breaches looms large. Maintaining client and consumer trust is paramount. Agencies must invest in robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring the protection of sensitive information. A breach not only jeopardizes data but can irreparably damage an agency's reputation.

3. Polarization: Navigating the Diverse Digital Landscape

The online space often amplifies societal divisions, posing a challenge for ad agencies aiming to appeal to diverse audiences. Navigating polarized opinions requires a delicate balance in messaging to avoid alienating portions of the audience. Agencies need strategies that resonate across various demographics while staying true to brand values.

4. Information Overload: Cutting Through the Noise

In the digital era, consumers are bombarded with information, leading to attention scarcity. Ad agencies must craft campaigns that cut through the noise, capturing attention and delivering a clear message. Creativity, concise storytelling, and understanding the platforms where the target audience resides are essential in overcoming the challenge of information overload.

5. Crisis Situation: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Digital disruptions can quickly escalate into full-blown crises. Whether it's negative social media sentiment, a PR disaster, or a viral campaign gone awry, ad agencies must be equipped to handle crises promptly and effectively. Having a crisis management plan, transparency, and a quick response are crucial in mitigating damage and preserving reputation.

6. Lack of Authenticity: Building Genuine Connections

In a digital landscape filled with curated content, authenticity stands out. Ad agencies face the challenge of creating campaigns that resonate on a personal level. Authenticity builds trust, and consumers are more likely to engage with brands that genuinely reflect values. Crafting campaigns with sincerity, transparency, and relatability is key to overcoming the perception of inauthenticity.

Navigating the Landscape: Strategies for Success

1. Adaptability and Innovation: Ad agencies must embrace change and constantly innovate to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

2. Investment in Cybersecurity: To address the threat of data breaches, agencies need robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and a proactive approach to data protection.

3. Diversity and Inclusion: To navigate polarization, agencies should prioritize diversity and inclusion in their teams, ensuring a broad perspective in campaign creation.

4. Audience-Centric Approach: Overcoming information overload requires a deep understanding of the target audience. Agencies should tailor campaigns to specific platforms and consumer behaviors.

5. Crisis Management Preparedness: Having a well-defined crisis management plan, coupled with transparency and quick responses, can turn crises into opportunities for rebuilding trust.

6. Authentic Storytelling: Crafting authentic narratives that resonate with consumers is vital. Ad agencies should focus on building genuine connections through relatable content.

For ad agencies in Delhi, navigating this dynamic digital landscape requires agility, adaptability, and a keen understanding of emerging trends. The traditional advertising playbook has been rewritten, with digital platforms becoming the new battleground for brands vying for consumer attention. Adapting to this shift, ad agencies are leveraging data-driven insights to tailor marketing strategies that resonate with online audiences.

One notable aspect of digital disruption is the democratization of advertising. The rise of social media platforms and online marketplaces has provided businesses, regardless of size, with the opportunity to connect directly with their target audience. Ad agencies in India are capitalizing on this trend by crafting campaigns that engage users on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, fostering a more personalized and interactive brand-consumer relationship.

The advent of programmatic advertising is another facet of digital disruption that has revolutionized the ad industry. This automated, data-driven approach to buying and placing ads allows agencies to optimize campaigns in real-time, ensuring maximum impact and efficiency. Ad agencies in India are increasingly embracing programmatic advertising to enhance their clients' reach and engagement in the crowded online space.

However, with great opportunities come significant challenges. Ad agencies grapple with the need to stay abreast of the latest technological trends, while also addressing concerns related to data privacy and ad fraud. As the online landscape evolves, agencies must strike a delicate balance between innovation and ethical considerations to build trust with both clients and consumers.

In the Indian context, where digital adoption is rapidly increasing, ad agencies play a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional and digital advertising. They act as catalysts for businesses looking to make a seamless transition into the online realm, ensuring that marketing strategies align with the preferences and behaviors of the diverse Indian audience.

In conclusion, digital disruption is a force that cannot be ignored, and ad agencies in India are at the forefront of navigating this transformative wave. By embracing innovative technologies, adapting to shifting consumer behaviors, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, these agencies are not just surviving but thriving in the fast-paced world of digital advertising. As the online landscape continues to evolve, the role of ad agencies remains pivotal in helping businesses not only stay afloat but also stand out in the digital sea of opportunities.

This post was originally published on: Apppl Combine

[techdriveplay]

How to Manage Your Digital Footprint

In today’s interconnected world, our online presence is more significant than ever. Every click, share, and post contributes to our digital footprint, shaping how we are perceived both personally and professionally. This comprehensive guide on how to manage your digital footprint aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to take control of your online identity, ensuring it reflects…

[beatricelitherland01]

Looking for the latest cyber security news? Stay informed with up-to-date reports and analyses from industry experts. From data breaches to new security protocols, they cover all aspects of cybersecurity to help you protect your digital assets.

[gazetteweekly]

Digitalisation: A Double-Edged Sword for Consumers and Financial Systems, Says RBI Report

In its Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2023–24, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) highlighted the transformative yet challenging impacts of digitalisation on consumer behavior and financial systems. Released on Monday, the report underscores how the convenience and accessibility brought by digitalisation can also lead to impulsive spending, herd behavior, and heightened risks of data breaches.

Benefits and Risks of Digitalisation

Digitalisation undoubtedly enhances the ease with which consumers can access financial services. However, it also introduces new risks. The RBI report points out that the rapid spread of financial trends and choices through digital platforms can influence consumers to follow the crowd, leading to impulsive spending and herd behavior. This is particularly evident during market frenzies, where mass buying or selling of stocks can trigger similar actions from other consumers.

Moreover, the interconnected nature of the digital financial system can complicate financial stability. For instance, widespread withdrawal of deposits due to herd behavior could lead to bank runs or failures.

Data Breaches: A Growing Concern

The report also highlights the growing threat of data breaches. In 2023, the average cost of a data breach in India was $2.18 million, marking a 28% increase since 2020. Common attacks include phishing and the use of stolen or compromised credentials. These breaches pose significant risks to both consumers and financial institutions.

Implications for Monetary Policy

Digitalisation impacts inflation, output dynamics, and the transmission of monetary policy in various ways. The report suggests that if digitalisation shifts credit supply from regulated banks to less-regulated non-banks, it could dampen the effectiveness of monetary policy. As such, central banks must integrate digitalisation considerations into their models to ensure effective monetary policy and financial stability.

Proactive Measures and International Collaboration

The RBI has been proactive in leveraging the benefits of digitalisation while mitigating associated risks. Digitalisation holds the potential to boost India’s external trade in goods and services, particularly in modern services exports. It can also reduce the cost of international remittances, benefiting recipients through higher incomes or savings.

In a significant step towards enhancing cross-border payments, the RBI joined Project Nexus, aiming to interlink domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPS) across several countries, including Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. This follows the integration of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Singapore’s PayNow, facilitating faster and more affordable remittances between the two nations. Similarly, an MoU with the Central Bank of UAE aims to link India’s UPI with UAE’s Instant Payment Platform (IPP).

The Rise of UPI

The report highlights the explosive growth of UPI, which has seen a tenfold increase in volume over the past four years. From 12.5 billion transactions in 2019–20 to 131 billion in 2023–24, UPI now accounts for 80% of all digital payment volumes in India. As of June 2024, UPI is recording nearly 14 billion transactions monthly, driven by 424 million unique users.

Future Outlook

Cross-border digital trade policies will be crucial in leveraging new opportunities and ensuring data security and cybersecurity. The internationalisation of the rupee is also progressing, supported by a comprehensive policy approach.

In summary, while digitalisation brings significant benefits, it also poses new challenges. The RBI’s report emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to harness its advantages while managing the associated risks to consumer behavior, financial stability, and data security.

[navyagupta01]

Data Breaches and Social Media: yugg.cloud

Learn about the risks of data breaches on social media platforms. Discover how your personal information may be vulnerable and steps you can take to protect yourself. Stay informed about privacy settings and best practices to safeguard your data online.

[century-solutions-group]

Social Engineering Awareness

B2B Alert: Social Engineering Awareness is Key!  

In the business world, scams and cyber threats are on the rise. Social engineering exploits human psychology to gain access to sensitive information. 

Why Awareness Matters: 

-Prevents Data Breaches: Understanding tactics like phishing and pretexting helps protect your data. 

-Enhances Security Protocols: Educated employees are your first line of defense. 

-Reduces Risk: Awareness minimizes the likelihood of falling victim to sophisticated scams. 

Ensure your team is trained to recognize and respond to social engineering threats. Partner with Century Solutions Group for comprehensive cybersecurity training and support. #CyberSecurity #SocialEngineering #CenturySolutionsGroup #B2B #StaySecure – https://centurygroup.net/cloud-computing/cyber-security/ 

[jcmarchi]

Bridging the AI Trust Gap: How Organizations Can Proactively Shape Customer Expectations

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/bridging-the-ai-trust-gap-how-organizations-can-proactively-shape-customer-expectations/

Bridging the AI Trust Gap: How Organizations Can Proactively Shape Customer Expectations

The meteoric rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has moved the technology from a futuristic concept to a critical business tool. However, many organizations face a fundamental challenge: while AI promises transformative benefits, customer skepticism and uncertainty often create resistance to AI-driven solutions. The key to successful AI implementation lies not just in the technology itself, but in how organizations proactively manage and exceed customer expectations through robust security, transparency, and communication. As AI becomes increasingly central to business operations, the ability to build and maintain customer trust will determine which organizations thrive in this new era.

Understanding Customer Resistance to AI Implementation

The primary roadblocks organizations face when implementing AI solutions often stem from customer concerns rather than technical limitations. Customers are increasingly aware of how their data is collected, stored, and utilized, particularly when AI systems are involved. Fear of data breaches or misuse creates significant resistance to AI adoption. Many customers harbor skepticism about AI’s ability to make fair, unbiased decisions, especially in sensitive areas such as financial services or healthcare. This skepticism often stems from media coverage of AI failures or biased outcomes. The “black box” nature of many AI systems creates anxiety about how decisions are made and what factors influence these decisions, as customers want to understand the logic behind AI-driven recommendations and actions. Additionally, organizations often struggle to seamlessly integrate AI solutions into existing customer service frameworks without disrupting established relationships and trust.

Recent industry surveys have shown that up to 68% of customers express concern about how their data is used in AI systems, while 72% want more transparency about AI decision-making processes. These statistics underscore the critical need for organizations to address these concerns proactively rather than waiting for problems to emerge. The cost of failing to address these concerns can be substantial, with some organizations reporting customer churn rates increasing by up to 30% following poorly managed AI implementations.

Building Trust Through Security and Transparency

To address these challenges, organizations must first establish robust security measures that protect customer data and privacy. This begins with implementing end-to-end encryption for all data collected and processed by AI systems, using state-of-the-art encryption methods both in transit and at rest. Organizations should regularly update their security protocols to address emerging threats. They must develop and implement strict access controls that limit data visibility to only those who need it, including both human operators and AI systems themselves. Regular security assessments and penetration testing are crucial to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, including both internal systems and third-party AI solutions. An organization is only as secure as its weakest link, typically a human answering a phishing email, text, or phone call.

Transparency in data handling is equally crucial for building and maintaining customer trust. Organizations need to create and communicate comprehensive data handling policies that explain how customer information is collected, used, and protected, written in clear, accessible language. They should establish clear protocols for data retention, processing, and deletion, ensuring customers understand how long their data will be stored and have control over its use. Providing customers with easy access to their own data and clear information about how it’s being used in AI systems, including the ability to view, export, and delete their data when desired (just like the EU’s GDPR requirements), is essential. Regular compliance reviews should be maintained to assess data handling practices against evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Organizations should also develop and maintain comprehensive incident response plans specifically tailored to AI-related security breaches, complete with clear communication protocols and remediation strategies. These resilient proactive plans should be regularly tested and updated to ensure they remain effective as threats evolve. Leading organizations are increasingly adopting a “security by design” approach, incorporating security considerations from the earliest stages of AI system development rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Moving Beyond Compliance to Customer Partnership

Effective communication serves as the cornerstone of managing customer expectations and building confidence in AI solutions. Organizations should develop educational content that explains how AI systems work, their benefits, and their limitations, helping customers make informed decisions about engaging with AI-powered services. Keeping customers informed about system improvements, updates, failures, and any changes that might affect their experience is crucial, as is establishing channels for customers to provide feedback and demonstrating how this feedback influences system development. When AI systems make mistakes, organizations must communicate clearly about what happened, why it happened, and what steps are being taken to prevent similar issues in the future. Utilizing various communication channels ensures consistent messaging reaches customers where they are most comfortable.

While meeting regulatory requirements is necessary, organizations should aim to exceed basic compliance standards. This includes developing and publicly sharing an ethical AI framework that guides decision-making and system development, addressing issues such as bias prevention, fairness, and accountability. Engaging independent auditors to verify security measures, data practices, and AI system performance helps build additional trust, as does sharing these results with customers. Regular review and updates to AI systems based on customer feedback, changing needs, and emerging best practices demonstrates a commitment to excellence and customer service. Establishing customer advisory boards provides direct input on AI implementation strategies and fosters a sense of partnership with key stakeholders.

Organizations that successfully implement AI solutions while maintaining customer trust will be those that take a proactive, holistic approach to addressing concerns and exceeding expectations. This means investing in robust security infrastructure before implementing AI solutions, developing clear data handling policies and procedures, creating proactive communication strategies that educate and inform customers, establishing feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement, and building flexibility into AI systems to accommodate changing customer needs and expectations.

The future of AI implementation lies not in forcing change upon reluctant customers, but in creating an environment where AI-driven solutions are welcomed as trusted partners in delivering superior service and value. Through consistent dedication to security, transparency, and open communication, organizations can transform customer skepticism into enthusiastic adoption of AI-powered solutions, ultimately creating lasting partnerships that drive innovation and growth in the AI era. Success in this endeavor requires ongoing commitment, resources, and a genuine understanding that customer trust is not just a prerequisite for AI adoption but a competitive advantage in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace.