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Google's latest IP protection feature for Chrome is like the superhero cape for your online privacy, swooping in to save the day. It's their way of saying, "Hey, we may have ditched 'don't be evil,' but we're still here for you." The feature promises to shield users from cross-site tracking, the internet's version of someone following you around the grocery store and noting every item in your cart.

Now, Google's grand plan involves routing all your data through their servers with a two-hop proxy. Picture it like a relay race where the first baton pass is to a Google server and the second is to a CDN. It's like a secret agent operation, only instead of spies, it's your data taking on a covert mission. But, hold your horses, if the CDN has a secret alliance with Google or is part of the Alphabet family (which, surprise, owns Google), there might be some data collection shenanigans going on.

In the anti-abuse section of their proposal, Google says you'll need to be logged in for this magic to happen. They claim the proxy won't play detective and connect your traffic to a user account. Well, that's reassuring, coming from the folks who've turned data-selling into an art form. The implementation of this feature is like waiting for the grand finale of a magic show, let's see if the disappearing act actually works.

And now, let's mosey on over to the farm where even cows are caught up in the whirlwind of IoT devices. In the good old days, cows would leisurely graze, blissfully unaware of the digital era. Fast forward to today, farmers are outfitting them with smart collars. However, a team of researchers has found some chinks in the cows' digital armour. They've reverse engineered the wireless protocol, playing a high stakes game of cow themed espionage. If these smart collars were part of the internet at large, it would be a moo-ving argument for beefing up security. Just imagine a cow facing a ransomware attack, udder chaos!

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Data Breach, Vulnerability & Privacy Research this Month

US nuclear research facility has been compromised.
https://breachaware.com/research/us-nuclear-research-facility-has-been-compromised
A total of 13 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 1,873,089 leaked accounts containing a total of 19 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included MPL Esports Update [URL Redirected], Stealer Log 0383, Ace Online (Israel), Stealer Log 0384 and Stealer Log 0386.

Next-gen smart home tech company warned "I may release the entire breach for free."
https://breachaware.com/research/next-gen-smart-home-tech-company-warned-i-may-release-the-entire-breach-for-free
A total of 28 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 146,769,692 leaked accounts containing a total of 26 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Dubsmash (2), Reverb Nation, Work 5, Wobi and Medical Company Nauka.

“The battle for Omegle has been lost, but the war against the Internet rages on."
https://breachaware.com/research/the-battle-for-omegle-has-been-lost-but-the-war-against-the-internet-rages-on
A total of 32 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 3,371,685 leaked accounts containing a total of 25 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Stealer Log 0377, Stealer Log 0378, iD Tech, My Book Qatar and Utel Universad.

Unsuspecting government, police, and military recipients will be receiving a fresh wave of links to believable phishing sites.
https://breachaware.com/research/unsuspecting-government-police-and-military-recipients-will-be-receiving-a-fresh-wave-of-links-to-believable-phishing-sites
A total of 17 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 3,775,020 leaked accounts containing a total of 22 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Stealer Log 0375, Stealer Log 0372, Stealer Log 0374, Stealer Log 0373 and 585Gold.

Ah, the ever-tempestuous Middle East, where conflicts extend beyond the physical battlefield into the digital realm. Hacktivist groups and state sponsored hackers are joining the fray, turning critical infrastructure into virtual battlegrounds. Disturbing reports emerge of compromised systems, painting a grim picture of the region's cybersecurity landscape.

In a scene straight out of a cyber thriller, a notorious threat actor group, known to frequent our weekly insights, has been making waves. They've allegedly breached a major gas station company, flaunting their access by sharing screenshots of control panels for petrol and diesel storage, along with temperature controls. As if that weren't enough, they've also flexed their digital muscles by showcasing videos of havoc wreaked upon a prominent energy provider's power grid.

The damage doesn't stop there. Reports detail the group's interference with transformers and electrical cables, prompting the affected company to scramble for hefty generators while parts of their network undergo a digital makeover. And it's not just the power grid feeling the heat; screenshots of access to water waste treatment plants have also made their way online. One can't help but wonder why these critical systems aren't tucked away behind the digital equivalent of a fortress wall, you know, the old 'air-gapping' trick.

Meanwhile, across the pond, America's favorite pipeline is making headlines once again. Fresh off the heels of a devastating ransomware attack in 2021, this vital artery supplying half of the east coast's oil finds itself in the crosshairs once more. A new ransomware gang, with a penchant for digital mischief, has managed to snag 2.9 GB of sensitive files. While they haven't pulled the trigger on encryption or disrupted operations (yet), the stolen loot includes contracts, employee emails, and even staff photographs, talk about a digital treasure trove.

But here's the kicker: despite the FBI's best efforts, the gang's spam delivery infrastructure remains stubbornly operational. These 'Qakbot' affiliates seem unfazed by law enforcement's attempts to shut them down, continuing their nefarious activities like cyber cockroaches that just won't quit. It's a stark reminder that even in the face of adversity, the digital underworld persists, lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

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Data Breach, Vulnerability & Privacy Research this Month

He hired out various criminal gangs to fire bomb and brick houses.
https://breachaware.com/research/he-hired-out-various-criminal-gangs-to-fire-bomb-and-brick-houses
A total of 32 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 21,344,925 leaked accounts containing a total of 24 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included CDEK, Appen [2], Stealer Log 0369, PokerStars and Stealer - Meta 0359.

Former Navy IT manager stole PII from over nine thousand service men and women.
https://breachaware.com/research/former-navy-it-manager-stole-pii-from-over-nine-thousand-service-men-and-women
A total of 26 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 67,367,045 leaked accounts containing a total of 20 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Apollo [2], Hurb [2], TaiLieu, TigerAir Taiwan and Lamoda.

The STEM camp company still remains quiet on the breached data.
https://breachaware.com/research/the-stem-camp-company-still-remains-quiet-on-the-breached-data
A total of 23 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 1,710,241 leaked accounts containing a total of 23 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Zarina, Ministero della Giustizia, Reg Me, Stealer - RedLine 0336 and University of La Guajira.

Threat actor says the compromised charity has been stealing and laundering money for years.
https://breachaware.com/research/threat-actor-says-the-compromised-charity-has-been-stealing-and-laundering-money-for-years
A total of 41 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 38,464,662 leaked accounts containing a total of 24 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Evite, Viva Air (3), Craft Rise, La Poste Mobile and Stealer - Mixed Logs 0349.

Leaked voice recordings reveal customers and staff exchanging security questions.
https://breachaware.com/research/leaked-voice-recordings-reveal-customers-and-staff-exchanging-security-questions
A total of 17 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 2,028,772 leaked accounts containing a total of 20 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Sphero, Cyber Photo, Comp and Save, Cover King and ICT Billet.

Once upon a time, a wizard named Moxie Marlinspike conjured up a magical recipe called the Textsecure Protocol, later transformed into the Signal Protocol. This enchanting recipe made sure that only the sender and receiver of a message could decipher its secrets, keeping snooping authorities and nosy villains at bay.

In the year 2010, Marlinspike waved his wand and conjured two apps: one for sending secret scrolls (text messages) and another for enchanted phone conversations, both powered by his protective protocol. Then, in a grand merger ceremony in 2014, these two apps became one, and Signal was born.

Now, let's leap ahead to 2023, where the privacy-loving Signal has sent out a message of its own. They've decided to mix up their magical protocol with a new potion to guard against potential trouble from quantum computing – that's tech using quantum mechanics to solve brain-boggling problems.

The exact date when these big, scary quantum computers will arrive is as clear as a foggy crystal ball. But already, government folks and other curious characters are using a trick called "harvest now, decrypt later." Imagine them as packrats with super storage powers, like the NSA, downloading every message from their targets, hoping that someday they'll unlock the secret code and read all those ancient messages.

But fear not, for there's a new kind of spellbook called "post-quantum cryptography" (PQC). Smart wizards are crafting cryptographic spells that can withstand even the mightiest quantum computer's attack.

And here's the thrilling news, Signal, our privacy guardian, saw this storm brewing and cast a protective spell of its own. They're not letting anyone read your past scrolls, even if they get their hands on a quantum crystal ball. Privacy lovers everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief. So, next time someone in the tavern babbles about everything being cracked by quantum computers, you can say, "Not on Signal's watch!"

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Data Breach, Vulnerability & Privacy Research this Month

Additional concern to those already worried about their safety.
https://breachaware.com/research/additional-concern-to-those-already-worried-about-their-safety
A total of 20 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 10,408,754 leaked accounts containing a total of 26 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Malindo Air, Kupi VIP, Stealer - RedLine 0352, Trident Crypto [2] and Stealer - Mixed Logs 0355.

At least their password hashing is up to scratch.
https://breachaware.com/research/at-least-their-password-hashing-is-up-to-scratch
A total of 20 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 3,005,349 leaked accounts containing a total of 26 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Dymocks, Dolly, XM, VN Game Forum and Clara Hair.

A leading Russian bank has experienced a major security incident.
https://breachaware.com/research/a-leading-russian-bank-has-experienced-a-major-security-incident
A total of 19 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 10,186,872 leaked accounts containing a total of 14 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Muzhiwan, Legendas.TV, Zipmex, SevenRooms and American Kennel Club.

Threat actors brought 20 Polish trains to a sudden standstill.
https://breachaware.com/research/threat-actors-brought-20-polish-trains-to-a-sudden-standstill
A total of 20 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 6,109,641 leaked accounts containing a total of 21 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Duolingo, Games Planet, Vesi Cash, Stealer - 0337 Mixed Logs and Free-Lance.

Ah, the tangled web of government espionage and cybersecurity, it's like a digital spy novel unfolding in real-time. Governments worldwide have long relied on specialised firms to do their dirty work in the cyber realm, whether it's snooping on hostile countries, keeping tabs on journalists, or just poking around in the general public's digital knick-knacks. But what happens when these firms themselves become the target?

Picture this: a 14-year-old script kiddie, fuelled by energy drinks and teenage bravado, infiltrates a dodgy security company in Israel, snagging sophisticated hacking tools left and right. Or perhaps it's a more sinister group, lurking in the digital shadows, picking up intel from a security breach at the CIA, talk about a digital catch of the day. It's a precarious dance, a game of cat and mouse where the stakes couldn't be higher. Because let's face it, it's only a matter of time before someone with ill intentions gets their hands on something truly powerful, and suddenly we're looking at a teenager with a penchant for mayhem flipping switches on power grids.

And then there's doxing, that delightful pastime of unearthing someone's private info and tossing it into the digital wild. While some see it as a harmless prank, for others, it's a matter of life and death. But now, the game has taken a darker turn as hackers set their sights on uncovering the real IPs of hidden services lurking in the depths of the Tor network. These criminal marketplaces thought they were safe behind layers of encryption, but alas, no digital fortress is impenetrable. Just ask the marketplace that had its real IP leaked on a dark-web forum, prompting a hasty retreat into the digital shadows.

But wait, there's more! Even everyone's favourite end-to-end encrypted email provider isn't immune to scrutiny. Touting Swiss law and neutrality as their shield of protection, they failed to mention their rather cozy relationship with law enforcement. With nearly 6,000 data requests complied with in 2022 alone and a penchant for sharing info with the FBI, it seems privacy might not be as ironclad as advertised. Sure, the emails may be locked up tight, but metadata can still slip through the cracks, leaving a breadcrumb trail for anyone with the know-how to follow.

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Data Breach, Vulnerability & Privacy Research this Month

A vulnerable API, results in 2.6 million user data exposed.
https://breachaware.com/research/a-vulnerable-api-results-in-millions-of-user-data-exposed
A total of 6 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 309,638 leaked accounts containing a total of 14 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included EPL Diamond, DICO DF Furniture, Gezonderwinkelen, Zeosys Co., Ltd and Cars World.

AnonFiles are shut down by proxy provider.
https://breachaware.com/research/anonfiles-are-shut-down-by-proxy-provider
A total of 21 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 6,566,267 leaked accounts containing a total of 17 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Whoosh, Erectile Dysfunction Clinic, OCC Mundial, Tjori and Job Plus.

The "ultimate marketplace for selling your business" suffers a data breach.
https://breachaware.com/research/ultimate-marketplace-for-selling-your-business-suffers-a-data-breach
A total of 20 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 8,226,171 leaked accounts containing a total of 18 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Drive Sure, Guia TV Pro, Stalker, Propostuplenie and Podrygka.

If you're from the UK, that's a potential no 'opt out' option from surveillance.
https://breachaware.com/research/thats-a-potential-no-opt-out-option-from-surveillance
A total of 18 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 4,228,354 leaked accounts containing a total of 20 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Synevo, Helix, Zurich Insurance - Japan, Over Clock Zone and Agence Emploi Jeunes.

Well, well, well, looks like the ransomware gang ALPHV, also known as BlackCat or Noberus, is playing the cyber game with a new set of rules. They've decided to step up their game by offering an API, because hey, why not add a touch of convenience to cyber extortion, right?

Why the sudden switch to offering an API, you ask? Well, it seems there's a global trend of fewer victims coughing up the ransom dough, with even big names like Estée Lauder giving ransom negotiations the cold shoulder. Plus, those Tor sites where these cyber crooks dump their loot aren't exactly user-friendly, what with all the downtime and sluggish download speeds.

So, enter the API, the ultimate temptation for reluctant victims. By increasing the visibility of stolen data and making it oh-so-easy to access, ALPHV is basically saying, "Pay up or risk having your dirty laundry aired for all to see." They even threw in a Python crawler to sweeten the deal, because who doesn't love a helpful tool for their cyber shenanigans?

Now, what sets ALPHV apart from the cyber riff raff is that it's the first ransomware of its kind written in Rust, a programming language that's like a Swiss army knife for malware, allowing for easy customisation across different operating systems. Since November 2021, this cyber menace has been wreaking havoc, with some experts dubbing it the heir to the infamous BlackMatter and Darkside ransomware legacies.

And they're not just twiddling their thumbs, folks. ALPHV goes the extra mile to maximise their ransom haul, with tricks up their digital sleeves like deleting volume shadow copies, shutting down processes and services, and even putting the kibosh on virtual machines.

Their hit list reads like a who's who of cyber targets, with recent exploits including a whopping 7TB data heist from Barts Health NHS Trust and a cameo on Reddit's victim roster during the infamous Reddit blackout. According to the Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Centre's (HC3) report, these cyber baddies have a particular penchant for healthcare targets, and it looks like they're just getting started. Brace yourselves, the cyber storm is far from over.

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Data Breach, Vulnerability & Privacy Research this Month

Tokyo based insurance companys' breached data makes it way into public circulation.
https://breachaware.com/research/tokyo-based-insurance-companys-breached-data-makes-it-way-into-public-circulation
A total of 11 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 7,785,424 leaked accounts containing a total of 15 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Gemini [2], Exvagos, Stealer - BradMax 0325, Debbie Sells Columbia and American Express.

How much data do you need to buy a car these days?
https://breachaware.com/research/how-much-data-do-you-need-to-buy-a-car-these-days
A total of 45 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 21,048,388 leaked accounts containing a total of 26 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Clear Voice Surveys, Nova Poshta, RenewBuy, Seat and My Canada Payday.

He has three charges, the third, CSAM, was unexpected.
https://breachaware.com/research/he-has-three-charges-the-third-csam-was-unexpected
A total of 5 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 7,143,477 leaked accounts containing a total of 12 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Forex Depositor Database, Turk Telekom, OnGab, Bitimen and Condor Airlines.

"Fast and honest" legal funding company has suffered a data breach.
https://breachaware.com/research/fast-and-honest-legal-funding-company-has-suffered-a-data-breach
A total of 41 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 128,269,951 leaked accounts containing a total of 26 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Canva [2], Truth Finder, Boat Owners Database - USA, Coin Gecko and Gelbeseiten.

Unusually the data is still in circulation and it doesn’t seem that the bank has notified its users.
https://breachaware.com/research/unusually-the-data-is-still-in-circulation-and-it-doesnt-seem-that-the-bank-has-notified-its-users
A total of 9 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 20,774,389 leaked accounts containing a total of 31 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Exactis, Stealer - Mixed Logs 0316, Cal Racing, Stealer - Mixed Logs 0317 and Nomer.

It seems like the ransomware gang CL0P is on a world tour of chaos this month, hitting companies left, right, and centre. But it looks like Uncle Sam isn't about to sit back and watch the show. The United States government has slapped a hefty $10,000,000 bounty on the heads of anyone even remotely associated with these cyber troublemakers. Talk about putting a price on digital mayhem!

Meanwhile, in the ever-fascinating world of cyber back alleys, the infamous doxing site Doxbin is making headlines again with yet another change of ownership. It's been a wild ride for Doxbin, with ownership swapping hands like a hot potato over the past couple of years. But despite the drama, this digital treasure trove of personal information is still standing tall, boasting over 95,000 public pastes and a whopping 100,000 registered users. With a history dating back to 2011, this site has seen it all and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Perhaps its strict rules against illegal activity and harassment are what's keeping law enforcement at bay.

And if that wasn't enough digital drama for you, hold onto your keyboards, because a massive American boating database has just sailed into the online spotlight. With millions of unique accounts and juicy datasets ranging from boat types to ownership details and even physical addresses, this database is a goldmine for thieves and scammers alike. As we speak, a member of our crack team is digging deep into the data, uncovering the secrets lurking beneath the surface. It's like a cyber ocean of possibilities, just watch out for the sharks!

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Data Breach, Vulnerability & Privacy Research this Month

A staggering array of data types leaked.
https://breachaware.com/research/a-staggering-array-of-data-types-leaked
A total of 30 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 2,590,682 leaked accounts containing a total of 22 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Vita Express, Top Say, JD Group, Astron Game Club and Day Without Turnstiles.

But unsurprisingly, that didn’t save them from this data breach.
https://breachaware.com/research/but-unsurprisingly-that-didnt-save-them-from-this-data-breach
A total of 34 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 12,928,058 leaked accounts containing a total of 22 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Zacks, PayHere, Wildberries, Edim Doma and Cizim Okulu.

British publishers' advertising research tool has recently suffered a data breach.
https://breachaware.com/research/british-publishers-advertising-research-tool-has-recently-suffered-a-data-breach
A total of 17 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 80,089,084 leaked accounts containing a total of 20 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Luxottica, Polish credentials, Red Volcano, Raid Forums and Bella Clear.

Global leader in cyber security has been attacked with a sophisticated trojan.
https://breachaware.com/research/global-leader-in-cyber-security-has-been-attacked-with-a-sophisticated-trojan
A total of 8 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 11,884,976 leaked accounts containing a total of 8 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Instant Checkmate, Sports Bull, Forex EU, Iran Laptop Parts and BMMI Shops.

Ah, the ever evolving landscape of the dark web, a digital underworld where forums rise and fall like shadows in the night. With the demise of Breach Forums earlier this year, it seems a surge of new dark web forums has sprung up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. As new users flood these digital dens, eager to carve out their cyber identities, we're witnessing a resurrection of historic breach data. It's like a digital archaeological dig, unearthing ancient treasures from the depths of cyberspace. Take, for example, an Australian visual communication platform that suffered a breach back in 2019, exposing over 130 million unique email addresses and various datasets. It's a reminder that in the ever-expanding digital universe, the past has a way of resurfacing when you least expect it. And with hackers needing a new home, these underground forums are the digital watering holes where they gather to share their spoils and swap cyber tales.

Speaking of cyber tales, remember that infamous Russian ransomware gang member who got his 15 minutes of fame courtesy of the FBI? Well, it seems he's decided to leave his mark in true cyberpunk fashion by signing a photo of himself posted on the FBI's wanted page and sending it to a popular underground malware collection channel. Talk about making a statement, from Russia with love, indeed.

But it's not just cyber criminals making headlines, our friendly neighboorhood government types are back at it again, waving the banner of "public protection" while encroaching on our digital freedoms. The governor of Montana has decided to ban TikTok, citing concerns about personal data falling into the clutches of the Chinese Communist Party. Come January 2024, the people of Montana will have to bid farewell to their favourite dance routines and cat videos, unless they're willing to jump through VPN hoops. Cue the lawsuits, with parent company ByteDance leading the charge, citing violations of constitutional rights and assorted federal laws. It's a digital showdown in the Wild West of cyberspace, where the lines between protection and censorship blur like pixels on a screen.

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Data Breach, Vulnerability & Privacy Research this Month

It was a "great resource for stalkers!"
https://breachaware.com/research/it-was-a-great-resource-for-stalkers
A total of 37 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 5,982,905 leaked accounts containing a total of 21 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Escapada Rural, Oxfam - Australia, Stealer - Mixed Logs 0304, Stealer - Mixed Logs 0239 and Institute of Chartered Accountants, India.

Over a terabyte of customer data, along with various sensitive documents, were stolen.
https://breachaware.com/research/over-a-terabyte-of-customer-data-along-with-various-sensitive-documents-were-stolen
A total of 20 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 2,551,645 leaked accounts containing a total of 21 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included RentoMojo, QIP IM, Annex Trades, United States Postal Service and Eternity Modern.

Hackers have posted the source code and private keys to the dark web.
https://breachaware.com/research/hackers-have-posted-the-source-code-and-private-keys-to-the-dark-web
A total of 8 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 1,294,601 leaked accounts containing a total of 16 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Jewel Scent, Gato Preto, Le Coq Sportif, Stealer - Mixed Logs 0302 and Store Pas Cher.

The total dump is over 330GB worth of SQL files...
https://breachaware.com/research/the-total-dump-is-over-330gb-worth-of-sql-files
A total of 10 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 8,990,513 leaked accounts containing a total of 18 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Sogaz, Manufacturers Association For Information Technology (MAIT), Ploschad Mira, Kickback and Sahibinden.

They offer over 1 million PPT templates with some pretty snazzy designs...
https://breachaware.com/research/they-offer-over-1-million-ppt-templates-with-some-pretty-snazzy-designs
A total of 21 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 10,517,319 leaked accounts containing a total of 19 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Moscow Electronic School, Paystand, Slide Team, Pitzi and ScrumDo.