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SecurityWatch

The online world is a sketchy place. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

SecurityWatch
The online world is a sketchy place. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.

Latest Stories

Your Car Is Doxxing You, Fake iPhone Duo Scams, and a $351M Crypto Heist: This Week's Security Scandals

If you thought your smart car was private or your AI assistant was safe, think again. Here's your weekly breakdown of infosec chaos.

By Alan Henry
A digital cybersecurity warning icon with an exclamation mark, displayed over computer code and connected network nodes, symbolizing data security threats and online risk alerts.

ShinyHunters Hits the FBI, Fake LastPass Installers, and a $459M Google Fine: This Week's Cybersecurity Chaos

Come for ShinyHunters extorting rival hackers and breaching the FBI, stay for Google's $459M GDPR fine. Plus, is your VPN blocking which sites you can see?

By Alan Henry
The seal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), part of the U.S. Department of Justice, is displayed at the J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, DC.

How Did AI Send 1M Scams in 3 Days? 7 Brutal Security Stories Making Headlines This Week

Microsoft tracked an AI-powered phishing wave that hit 1 million inboxes in 72 hours. Plus, hijacked streaming accounts, fake security apps, and the passkey flaw you need to know.

By Alan Henry
A lock on a computer screen with a hand reaching out from it, symbolizing malware

A Meta Exec's 150-Porn-Downloads-a-Day Habit, a 23-Year Botnet Bust, and $1M Phone Unlocks

From a tech executive caught torrenting on company Wi-Fi to a massive international takedown and shocking survey data, here's what went down in cybersecurity this week.

By Alan Henry
A finger is held on the display of an Apple iPhone, on which the symbol of a fingerprint can be seen.

WhatsApp and Signal Are Secretly Exposing Your Location and It's Impossible to Fix

A fundamental flaw in delivery receipts lets anyone trace your location and daily habits using a single text you never even have to open.

By Justyn Newman
A chain breaking in front of a green background with Signal and WhatsApp messages appearing in the periphery

SpaceX AI Weaponized, 153K Driver's Licenses Leaked, and GTA 6 Subpoenas: This Week's Security Scandals

What happens when Russian hackers trick SpaceX's AI into bypassing its own security? Your weekly cybersecurity debrief is here.

By Alan Henry
The CyberLeek hacking group logo on a phone screen.

Don't Click the GTA 6 Demo, Don't Trust the Flirty DM: This Week's Cybersecurity Survival Guide

Between fake game betas, flirtatious AI scammers, and rogue car displays, staying safe online took a lot of extra effort this week.

By Alan Henry
A red heart is placed inside a bear trap

GTA 6 Leaks, The Odyssey Malware, and Water Grid Attacks: This Week in Cybersecurity

Whether it's hackers trying to cash in on hype, hidden info-stealers in fake torrents, or state actors targeting critical utilities, cyber threats are escalating fast.

By Alan Henry
A person, from behind, sitting at a computer with a game launcher open. A ring light is off to their left side. They're wearing light-up headphones.

This Free Tool Reveals Every Creepy Secret ChatGPT Knows About You

You never told ChatGPT where you live or what you do, but it already figured it out. Here's how to see its hidden file on you for free.

By Neil J. Rubenking
What Does ChatGPT Know About You

Think Your Mac and Cloud Apps Are Safe? These Crypto Wallet and ChatGPT Hacks Prove Otherwise

This week in cybersecurity: Experts expose critical vulnerabilities across macOS, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Defender—proving no platform is entirely bulletproof.

By Alan Henry
Interlocked white locks with red alert signs, connected together. A network breach concept illustration.

I Stopped Using Face ID. Here's Why You Should Too

Face ID and fingerprints are convenient, but law enforcement can bypass them much more easily than a passcode. Here's why you should go back to basics to improve your privacy and security.

By Kim Key
A person's face against a purple and pink background.

Warning: Your Old Browser Extensions May Be Secretly Exposing Your Data

A bad browser extension can be a security nightmare. If it's been hijacked by a bad actor, your personal data may be at risk. Here's how to nuke the add-ons you're no longer using.

By Lance Whitney & Kim Key
a laptop screen against a green background

From Black Hat to the White House: The Scariest Cyber News You Missed This Week

From Las Vegas keynotes to government dragnet revelations, inside the chaotic week that proved no AI, inbox, or stored password is truly safe.

By Alan Henry
An illustrated key with characters inside, illustrating the concept of security.

What Happens When AI Clones Your Face? Inside the Terrifying Rise of Digital Doppelgängers

When AI copycats steal real creators' faces and content, social platforms do little to help. I spoke with victimized creators and legal experts to figure out how we can actually protect ourselves, and what will make platforms like Instagram and YouTube take the problem seriously.

By Kim Key
A person being copied

Your Phone Is Watching You After Calls (And 5 Other Terrifying Cyber Threats This Week)

Your apps are abusing permissions, hackers are hijacking Windows desktops, and AI copycats are rampant. Welcome to the busiest—and scariest—week in cybersecurity ahead of Black Hat.

By Alan Henry
Person securing smartphone with password and fingerprint biometrics for data protection.

Can You Erase Your Digital Footprint? Probably Not, But You Can Do This

Whether it's your inbox or your physical mailbox, data brokers are likely the reason it's full of junk you don't want. Here's how to reduce your exposure.

By Kim Key
A mailbox against a blue background

Hugging Face Was the Biggest Hack by Far This Week, But It Wasn't the Only One

It's been another busy week in cybersecurity: AIs are autonomously attacking each other. A Gemini exploit lets anyone bypass your Android lock screen. And healthcare gets hit again.

By Alan Henry
AI Security Systems concept

This Week in Hacks: 7M Driver's Licenses Stolen, Japanese Taxis Halted, US Military Phones Targeted

It's been a busy week in cybersecurity. And it's only going to get worse as agentic AI starts to do most of the heavy lifting for bad actors.

By Alan Henry
Hackers stealing cloud archive from server illustration

Windows Is Tracking You? What You Missed in Cybersecurity This Week

Windows can link your PC to your activity, AI agents are sending crypto to scammers, and a router backdoor has no fix. Here's what you need to know this week.

By Alan Henry
The logo of Windows 11 from Microsoft, taken in the store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan.

This Week in Cybersecurity: Signal Drama, Meta Backlash, and a Million Exposed Passports

Your privacy took several hits this week—from Meta's latest changes to exposed passports and an Apple email leak. Here's what you need to know.

By Alan Henry
The Signal app icon on a stylized mobile phone background.