data protection | Breaking Cybersecurity News | The Hacker News

A high court in the Indian state of Karnataka has ordered the blocking of end-to-end encrypted email provider Proton Mail across the country. The High Court of Karnataka, on April 29, said the ruling was in response to a legal complaint filed by M Moser Design Associated India Pvt Ltd in January 2025. The complaint alleged its staff had received e-mails containing obscene, abusive, and vulgar language, artificial intelligence (AI) generated deepfake imagery, and other sexually explicit content, according to LiveLaw . In a hearing , Justice M Nagaprasanna ordered the Indian government to "initiate proceedings in terms of section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act 2008 read with Rule 10 of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards of blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009 to block Proton Mail."  "Till such proceedings are taken up and concluded by the government of India, the offending uniform resource locators (URLs) [...] shal...

Popular messaging app WhatsApp on Tuesday unveiled a new technology called Private Processing to enable artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in a privacy-preserving manner. "Private Processing will allow users to leverage powerful optional AI features – like summarizing unread messages or editing help – while preserving WhatsApp's core privacy promise," the Meta-owned service said in a statement shared with The Hacker News. With the introduction of the latest feature, the idea is to facilitate the use of AI features while still keeping users' messages private. It's expected to be made available in the coming weeks. The capability, in a nutshell, allows users to initiate a request to process messages using AI within a secure environment called the confidential virtual machine (CVM) such that no other party, including Meta and WhatsApp, can access them. Confidential processing is one of the three tenets that underpin the feature, the others being - Enf...

WhatsApp has introduced an extra layer of privacy called Advanced Chat Privacy that allows users to block participants from sharing the contents of a conversation in traditional chats and groups. "This new setting available in both chats and groups helps prevent others from taking content outside of WhatsApp for when you may want extra privacy," WhatsApp said in a statement. The optional feature, when enabled, prevents others from exporting chats, auto-downloading media to their phone, and using messages for artificial intelligence (AI) features. However, it's worth noting users can still take individual screenshots, or manually download the media. The popular messaging service said the feature is "best used" when engaging in sensitive conversations with groups where it's possible that users may not know everyone closely. The feature, WhatsApp said, is rolling to all users who are on the latest version of the application. The disclosure comes as the ...

The problem is simple: all breaches start with initial access, and initial access comes down to two primary attack vectors – credentials and devices. This is not news; every report you can find on the threat landscape depicts the same picture.  The solution is more complex. For this article, we'll focus on the device threat vector. The risk they pose is significant, which is why device management tools like Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) are essential components of an organization's security infrastructure. However, relying solely on these tools to manage device risk actually creates a false sense of security. Instead of the blunt tools of device management, organizations are looking for solutions that deliver device trust . Device trust provides a comprehensive, risk-based approach to device security enforcement, closing the large gaps left behind by traditional device management solutions. Here are 5 of those limitations and how to ov...

ASUS has disclosed a critical security flaw impacting routers with AiCloud enabled that could permit remote attackers to perform unauthorized execution of functions on susceptible devices. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-2492 , has a CVSS score of 9.2 out of a maximum of 10.0. "An improper authentication control vulnerability exists in certain ASUS router firmware series," ASUS said in an advisory. "This vulnerability can be triggered by a crafted request, potentially leading to unauthorized execution of functions." The shortcoming has been addressed with firmware updates for the following branches - 3.0.0.4_382 3.0.0.4_386 3.0.0.4_388, and 3.0.0.6_102 For optimal protection, it's recommended to update their instances to the latest version of the firmware. "Use different passwords for your wireless network and router administration page," ASUS said. "Use passwords that have at least 10 characters, with a mix of capital letter...

Palo Alto Networks has revealed that it's observing brute-force login attempts against PAN-OS GlobalProtect gateways, days after threat hunters warned of a surge in suspicious login scanning activity targeting its appliances. "Our teams are observing evidence of activity consistent with password-related attacks, such as brute-force login attempts, which does not indicate exploitation of a vulnerability," a spokesperson for the company told The Hacker News. "We continue to actively monitor this situation and analyze the reported activity to determine its potential impact and identify if mitigations are necessary." The development comes after threat intelligence firm GreyNoise alerted of a spike in suspicious login scanning activity aimed at PAN-OS GlobalProtect portals. The company further noted that the activity commenced on March 17, 2025, hitting a peak of 23,958 unique IP addresses before dropping off towards the end of last month. The pattern indicates...

AI agents have rapidly evolved from experimental technology to essential business tools. The OWASP framework explicitly recognizes that Non-Human Identities play a key role in agentic AI security. Their analysis highlights how these autonomous software entities can make decisions, chain complex actions together, and operate continuously without human intervention. They're no longer just tools, but an integral and significant part of your organization's workforce. Consider this reality: Today's AI agents can analyze customer data, generate reports, manage system resources, and even deploy code, all without a human clicking a single button. This shift represents both tremendous opportunity and unprecedented risk. AI Agents are only as secure as their NHIs Here's what security leaders are not necessarily considering: AI agents don't operate in isolation . To function, they need access to data, systems, and resources. This highly privileged, often overlooked acces...

Security Operations Centers (SOCs) today face unprecedented alert volumes and increasingly sophisticated threats. Triaging and investigating these alerts are costly, cumbersome, and increases analyst fatigue, burnout, and attrition. While artificial intelligence has emerged as a go-to solution, the term "AI" often blurs crucial distinctions. Not all AI is built equal, especially in the SOC. Many existing solutions are assistant-based, requiring constant human input, while a new wave of autonomous, Agentic AI has the potential to fundamentally transform security operations. This article examines Agentic AI (sometimes also known as Agentic Security ), contrasts it with traditional assistant-based AI (commonly known as Copilots), and explains its operational and economic impacts on modern SOCs. We'll also explore practical considerations for security leaders evaluating Agentic AI solutions. Agentic AI vs. Assistant AI (aka Copilots): Clarifying the Difference Agentic AI is defined by ...

Introduction As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, service providers play an increasingly vital role in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers a comprehensive set of frameworks that provide a clear path to achieving robust cybersecurity practices. For service providers, adhering to NIST standards is a strategic business decision. Compliance not only protects client data but also enhances credibility, streamlines incident response, and provides a competitive edge.  The step-by-step guide is designed to help service providers understand and implement NIST compliance for their clients. By following the guide, you will: Understand the importance of NIST compliance and how it impacts service providers. Learn about key NIST frameworks, including NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0), NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171. Follow a structured compliance roadmap—from conducting a...

Apple on Monday backported fixes for three vulnerabilities that have come under active exploitation in the wild to older models and previous versions of the operating systems. The vulnerabilities in question are listed below - CVE-2025-24085 (CVSS score: 7.3) - A use-after-free bug in the Core Media component that could permit a malicious application already installed on a device to elevate privileges CVE-2025-24200 (CVSS score: 4.6) - An authorization issue in the Accessibility component that could make it possible for a malicious actor to disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device as part of a cyber physical attack CVE-2025-24201 (CVSS score: 8.8) - An out-of-bounds write issue in the WebKit component that could allow an attacker to craft malicious web content such that it can break out of the Web Content sandbox The updates are now available for the following operating system versions - CVE-2025-24085 - Fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.7.5 , macOS Ventura 13.7.5 , and iP...

Apple has been hit with a fine of €150 million ($162 million) by France's competition watchdog over the implementation of its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) privacy framework. The Autorité de la concurrence said it's imposing a financial penalty against Apple for abusing its dominant position as a distributor of mobile applications for iOS and iPadOS devices between April 26, 2021 and July 25, 2023. ATT, introduced by the iPhone maker with iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5, is a framework that requires mobile apps to seek users' explicit consent in order to access their device's unique advertising identifier (i.e., the Identifier for Advertisers or IDFA ) and track them across apps and websites for purposes targeted advertising. "Unless you receive permission from the user to enable tracking, the device's advertising identifier value will be all zeros and you may not track them," Apple notes on its website. "While you can display the AppTr...

If you're using AWS, it's easy to assume your cloud security is handled - but that's a dangerous misconception. AWS secures its own infrastructure, but security within a cloud environment remains the customer's responsibility. Think of AWS security like protecting a building: AWS provides strong walls and a solid roof, but it's up to the customer to handle the locks, install the alarm systems, and ensure valuables aren't left exposed. In this blog, we'll clarify what AWS doesn't secure, highlight real-world vulnerabilities, and how cloud security scanners like Intruder can help. Understanding the AWS Shared Responsibility Model AWS operates on a Shared Responsibility Model . In simple terms: AWS is responsible for securing the underlying infrastructure (e.g., hardware, networking, data centers) - the "walls and roof." The customer is responsible for securing their data, applications, and configurations within AWS - the "locks and al...

Whether it's CRMs, project management tools, payment processors, or lead management tools - your workforce is using SaaS applications by the pound. Organizations often rely on traditional CASB solutions for protecting against malicious access and data exfiltration, but these fall short for protecting against shadow SaaS, data damage, and more. A new report, Understanding SaaS Security Risks: Why CASB Solutions Fail to Cover 'Shadow' SaaS and SaaS Governance , highlighting the pressing security challenges faced by enterprises using SaaS applications. The research underscores the growing inefficacy of traditional CASB solutions and introduces a revolutionary browser-based approach to SaaS security that ensures full visibility and real-time protection against threats. Below, we bring the main highlights of the report. Read the full report here . Why Enterprises Need SaaS Security - The Risks of SaaS SaaS applications have become the backbone of modern enterprises, but security teams ...

A critical security flaw has been disclosed in NetApp SnapCenter that, if successfully exploited, could allow privilege escalation. SnapCenter is an enterprise-focused software that's used to manage data protection across applications, databases, virtual machines, and file systems, offering the ability to backup, restore, and clone data resources. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-26512 , carries a CVSS score of 9.9 out of a maximum of 10.0. "SnapCenter versions prior to 6.0.1P1 and 6.1P1 are susceptible to a vulnerability which may allow an authenticated SnapCenter Server user to become an admin user on a remote system where a SnapCenter plug-in has been installed," the data infrastructure company said in an advisory published this week. CVE-2025-26512 has been addressed in SnapCenter versions 6.0.1P1 and 6.1P1. There are currently no workarounds that address the issue.  While there is no evidence that the shortcoming has been exploited in the wild, it'...

Cybersecurity isn't just another checkbox on your business agenda. It's a fundamental pillar of survival. As organizations increasingly migrate their operations to the cloud, understanding how to protect your digital assets becomes crucial. The shared responsibility model , exemplified through Microsoft 365's approach, offers a framework for comprehending and implementing effective cybersecurity measures.  The Essence of Shared Responsibility  Think of cloud security like a well-maintained building: the property manager handles structural integrity and common areas, while tenants secure their individual units. Similarly, the shared responsibility model creates a clear division of security duties between cloud providers and their users. This partnership approach ensures comprehensive protection through clearly defined roles and responsibilities.  What Your Cloud Provider Handles  Microsoft maintains comprehensive responsibility for securing the foundational eleme...

Regulatory compliance is no longer just a concern for large enterprises. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly subject to strict data protection and security regulations, such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, CMMC, GDPR, and the FTC Safeguards Rule. However, many SMBs struggle to maintain compliance due to limited IT resources, evolving regulatory requirements, and complex security challenges. Recent data shows there are approximately 33.3 million SMBs in the U.S., and 60% or more are not fully compliant with at least one regulatory standard. That means nearly 20 million SMBs could be at risk of fines, security breaches, and reputational damage. For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), this presents a huge opportunity to expand your service offerings by providing continuous compliance monitoring—helping your clients stay compliant while strengthening their own business. The Role of Continuous Compliance Monitoring Traditional compliance audits have been conducted periodically—ofte...