Proliferation of Weaponized Information: Threat To Democracy, National Security?

Food For Thought: ‘’Technology is neither good nor bad; nor is it neutral’’

-         Laws of Technology By Professor Melvin Kranzberg (1917-1995)

Introduction: Social media, big data and artificial intelligence (AI) can be likened to the 21^st century arms race. These innovations have disrupted the way we communicate, predict patterns/the stock market, national security (electronic intelligence and cyber-defence), and democracy, amongst others. Evidence abound of States, rogue states, non-state actors or ‘’lone wolves’’ (cyber troops) weaponizing information or launching information warfare (IW), psychological warfare (PSYWAR) or psychological operations (PSYOPs), and in some cases, manipulating social media with a bid to influencing the outcome of an election.

Cybersecurity: FBI Warns of Imminent Global ATM Bank Cyberattack

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, has warned banks that ATMs will likely face a global attack by criminals in the “coming days.” The FBI was tipped off that these cybercriminals would hack payment card processors or banks and use ATMs all over the world to withdraw millions of dollars over the course of a few hours, as reported by cybersecurity blog Krebs on Security.

Cybercrime: Nigerian Hackers Steal $3 Billion Worldwide, Says The FBI

Nigerian hackers and cyber criminals are being accused of masterminding a grand theft of information and money running into billions of dollars, worldwide. According to experts, the Nigerians are able to carry out the heist by sending phishing emails to commercial organizations and industrial enterprises, which they later steal dry. 

North Korea Hacking Nigerian Banks, Financial Institutions of 17 Other Countries

North Korea’s hacking operations are growing and getting bolder and increasingly targeting financial institutions worldwide.

Israeli Government Pledges To Assist Nigeria Rein in Cybercrime

The Israeli government has pledged to assist Nigeria in tackling cyber-crime and internal security through the use of latest technology.

Global Terrorism Database World-Check Reportedly Leaked Online

 

The Register reports that the terrorist database used by global banks and intelligence agencies World-Check has reportedly leaked online. 

Cybersecurity: Why The FBI Director Puts A Tape Over His Webcam – And Why You Should Take A Cue

The Federal Bureau of Investigation - FBI Director James Comey gave a presentation at Kenyon College in Ohio, United States of America last week. He submitted that “absolute privacy” has never existed in America – until now, when encryption by default creates spaces where law enforcement can not go, even with a court order.

Cybersecurity: U.S. Infrastructure Can Be Hacked With Google, Simple Passwords

Authorities say the Iranian computer hack of a New York dam is the symptom of a huge weakness in the U.S. infrastructure -- dams, stadiums, traffic controls and power grids that can be accessed by anyone, including hostile nations or terrorists -- with simple passwords or no passwords at all.

Cybercriminals Hit Uganda Central Bank Accounts, Try To Steal $24 Million

Ugandan government officials and cybercriminals have since last July attempted four times to siphon $24 million (Ush81 billion) through the Uganda Central Bank.

Security Researcher Reveals How To Hack A Surveillance Drone From A Distance With $40 Kit

A security researcher has reported finding a way to hijack a high-end drone, using parts costing as little as $40 (£29).

Online Security: Facebook Now To Warn Users of Potential State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks

Facebook will now warn people if it has a strong suspicion an account is being targeted by a nation-state.

Chinese Hacking Of United States Companies Unabated Despite Commercial Spying Pact - Security Firm

Seven US companies have been attacked by government-associated Chinese hackers in the three weeks since the US and China announced a pact that banned government spying on companies, a US security firm said Monday.

Thousands of Medical Devices Are Vulnerable to Hacking - Security Researchers

Next time you go for an MRI scan, remember that the doctor might not be the only one who sees your results.Thousands of medical devices, including MRI scanners, X-ray, machines and drug infusion pumps, are vulnerable to hacking, creating significant health risks for patients, security researchers said this week.

Cybersecurity: Why Even the FBI is Distressed About Internet of Things Security

Notwithstanding the excitement about the possible benefits of the Internet of Things, a slew of warnings have been sounded by IT pros, vendors and analysts about looming security threats. Now you can add the FBI to that list of those cautioning enthusiasts.

[UPDATED] WhatsApp Security Breach Lets Hackers Target Web App Users

A bug discovered in the WhatsApp web extension could allow hackers to take remote control of users' computers with just their phone number, a security firm has warned

Cybersecurity Lesson: Deleted Online Information Never Actually Goes Away - Experts

NEW YORK (AP) — The Ashley Madison hack is a big reminder to all Web users: If you submit private data online, chances are it will never fully be deleted.

ISIS Releases Personal Data, ‘Hit List' of 1,500 US Military Personnel’ Obtained From Hacking

Islamic State terrorist group has released what it claims to be a list of US government and military officials, complete with personal data, obtained. hacking. There are doubts that the information is as authentic as it is claimed to be.

FBI 'Most Wanted' Cybercrime Kingpin Linked To Russian Espionage On US Government

There are rumours Evgeniy Bogachev - widely known as Slavik, the creator of uber money-making malware Zeus – spends much of his time on a boat in the Black Sea. He’s avoiding contact with others, largely because the FBI has a $3 million reward for anyone who can help expedite his capture.

All Smartwatches Are Vulnerable To Hacking, Cyber Attacks - HP Research

HP this week shared the results of a security assessment revealing that virtually all smartwatches with network and communication functionality are vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Cyberespionage? How Hackers Stole Social Security Numbers From 21.5 Million People In The U.S

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - Data breaches at the U.S. government's personnel management agency by hackers, with suspicions centering on China, involves millions more people than previously estimated, U.S. officials said on Thursday.