Latest news with #EugeneKaspersky
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Time of India
How to secure your Google account after the 16 billion passwords leaked: complete guide for online safety
How to secure your Google account: complete guide following massive data breach A major cybersecurity event has exposed over 16 billion login credentials, according to researchers at Cybernews. The leaked data, uncovered across 30 previously unreported datasets, includes a mix of login details, cookies, tokens, and session metadata gathered via infostealer malware. This breach impacts access to platforms such as Google, Apple, Facebook, GitHub , and Telegram . While there's no confirmation of a centralized breach at Google or other major companies, credentials tied to their login portals were discovered in the leaked logs. The following sections outline how to secure your Google account and minimize risk in light of this data exposure. Also read: 16 billion passwords exposed in unprecedented cyber leak of 2025, experts raise global alarm Understanding the Google account risk from the credential leak According to Cybernews researchers, the leak was not sourced from a direct breach of Google's systems. Instead, it comprises credentials extracted from infostealer logs, which frequently include Google login URLs. Bob Diachenko, a contributor to Cybernews, stated, 'There was no centralized data breach at any of these companies,' but added, 'Credentials we've seen in infostealer logs contained login URLs to Apple, Facebook, and Google login pages.' Live Events The exposed records were found in unsecured storage instances such as Elasticsearch and object storage buckets. Datasets ranged in size, from 16 million to over 3.5 billion records, with some logs containing naming conventions suggesting ties to services or specific malware. The information structures were consistent: URL, followed by username and password. This setup aligns with how most modern infostealers operate. Some datasets also included session tokens and cookies, which may allow attackers to bypass password changes and even two-factor authentication (2FA). Also read: 'If cyber crime was a country, it would be the third largest GDP' Steps to secure your Google account immediately To protect your Google account in the aftermath of this breach, take the following proactive measures: 1. Change your Google account password – Use a strong, unique password created via a trusted password manager. 2. Enable Google 2-Step Verification (2FA) – Add an extra layer of security by using Google Authenticator or a security key. 3. Revoke unrecognized devices – Visit your Google Account security settings and sign out from unfamiliar devices. 4. Clear existing cookies and sessions – Since some datasets include valid session tokens, clearing cookies can help prevent session hijacking. 5. Monitor your Google Account activity – Use Google's 'Recent Security Events' page to track logins and detect anomalies. 6. Run antivirus and malware scans – Detect and remove any infostealer malware that could be compromising your device. Also read: Eugene Kaspersky sounds alarm on AI-driven cybercrime outpacing traditional defences; urges rethink These steps align with guidance from Cybernews researchers, who note, 'Some of the exposed datasets included information such as cookies and session tokens, which makes the mitigation of such exposure more difficult.' Credential leak extends to Google and other major platforms Though the datasets vary in origin, the scope and scale suggest a widespread data collection operation tied to infostealer malware. Researchers highlight that the inclusion of both old and recent logs indicates the data is 'fresh, weaponizable intelligence at scale.' Most datasets contained unverified credentials, but many included login data for services such as Google. The naming of some logs, like those referencing Telegram or suggesting Russian origins, provided additional context, though not definitive sources. According to Cybernews researcher Aras Nazarovas, this shift toward centralized infostealer databases could indicate a change in criminal behavior. 'The increased number of exposed infostealer datasets in the form of centralized, traditional databases... may be a sign that cybercriminals are actively shifting from previously popular alternatives such as Telegram groups,' he said. Also read: Cybercrime rate rises, victims lost whopping $16 billion. Here are top scams that duped people Preventing future exposure of Google credentials As attackers continue to refine data-harvesting methods, users must adopt strict credential hygiene. That includes: 1. Using password managers to avoid credential reuse. 2. Enabling 2FA across all major services. 3. Regularly auditing account permissions and third-party app access. 4. Monitoring accounts with automated breach detection services. Despite uncertainty about the total number of unique users impacted, the discovery of 16 billion credentials, nearly two for every person on Earth, makes ongoing vigilance essential. As Diachenko confirmed, 'Credentials we've seen in infostealer logs contained login URLs to Apple, Facebook, and Google login pages.' Though no centralized Google breach occurred, compromised credentials from Google users have been exposed. FAQs 1. How do I secure my Google account after a password breach? To secure your Google account after a password breach, immediately change your password to a strong, unique one using a password manager. Enable 2-Step Verification (2FA), review recent account activity, sign out from unfamiliar devices, and clear cookies and session data to block unauthorized access. 2. Was my Google account affected by the 16 billion password leak? While there's no evidence of a direct breach of Google, credentials linked to Google login pages were found in infostealer logs. You can check if your Google account was exposed by using tools like Google's Security Checkup or third-party services such as Have I Been Pwned. 3. What steps should I take to prevent Google account hacks in the future? To prevent future Google account hacks, use a unique password for each account, enable two-factor authentication, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and regularly monitor login activity. Keeping your browser and devices free of malware is critical to stopping infostealers before they access credentials. 4. Are Google login credentials safe after the massive 2025 data leak? How to secure your Google account after the 16 billion passwords leaked: complete guide for online safety A record-breaking data breach has exposed 16 billion login credentials from platforms including Google, Facebook, and Apple. This guide provides comprehensive steps to secure your Google account and protect personal data. Learn how to enable 2FA, use password managers, and detect threats after this widespread cybersecurity incident Google's infrastructure remains secure; however, some user credentials were compromised through malware-stealing tactics. Even without a direct Google data breach, it's essential to assume risk and secure your Google account promptly by updating passwords and enabling 2FA.
Hi Dubai
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
AI Reshapes Cybersecurity as GISEC Global 2025 Opens in Dubai
GISEC Global 2025 opened in Dubai with a powerful message: artificial intelligence is redefining the cybersecurity landscape, offering both unprecedented opportunities and serious risks. As the third-largest cybersecurity event in the world, this year's edition is focused on 'Securing an AI-Powered Future.' More than 750 cybersecurity companies, 450 global CISOs and futurists, and over 25,000 visitors from 160+ countries have gathered to explore how AI is transforming cyber defence strategies. With the cybersecurity market projected to hit $298.5 billion by 2028, the event has become a critical hub for industry dialogue. In a keynote speech, Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, warned that the UAE faces over 200,000 cyberattacks daily—most targeting government entities. He called for urgent evolution in cybersecurity practices to keep pace with AI-driven threats and stressed the importance of governance, ethics, and innovation in securing the digital future. Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of Kaspersky, echoed those concerns. He described the current threat landscape as 'AI vs AI,' where both attackers and defenders use advanced tools to outmaneuver each other. He emphasized the need for organisations to invest in secure AI systems to prevent a future dominated by cybercrime. The event also spotlighted Dubai's digital resilience. Faisal Abdulaziz of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre highlighted efforts to embed cybersecurity in the city's smart transformation, with a strong emphasis on talent development and critical infrastructure protection. Microsoft's Aarti Borkar stressed that secure infrastructure is key to unlocking AI's full potential. With data leaks and AI-driven threats on the rise, she urged companies to build systems with security at their core from the very beginning. GISEC Global 2025 continues this week, tackling issues like weaponised AI and next-gen defence solutions. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GISEC Global 2025 gets underway in Dubai, fuelling growth of the billion-dollar cybersecurity market
The 14th edition, held under the theme 'Securing an AI-Powered Future', has attracted more than 450 CISOs and 750 businesses from over 160 countries. Kaspersky CEO and founder Eugene Kaspersky is among the top speakers to take to the stage on the opening day. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Leveraging AI to help build secure and resilient infrastructures and redefining the future of the cybersecurity industry were among the key topics explored at GISEC Global 2025 as the world's third-largest cybersecurity event got underway today. Held under the theme of 'Securing an AI-Powered Future,' the annual event has attracted more than 750 of the world's foremost cybersecurity companies, 450 global CISOs and futurists and 25,0000 visitors from over 160 countries. With the global cybersecurity market anticipated to be worth $298.5 billion by 2028, according to Markets and Markets, the 14th edition's opening day saw several panel discussions, workshops and roundtables take place, focusing on the power of AI and how it's changing the cybersecurity landscape. 'Industry must rise to meet the challenges of the fifth industrial revolution' H.E. Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, delivered a powerful speech on the importance of harnessing AI, navigating geopolitical tensions and securing the Digital Future. He revealed an alarming statistic: the UAE is facing more than 200,000 daily cyberattacks, with government entities being the most targeted. Robust measures are being taken, he said, and with the advent of the fifth industrial revolution, cybersecurity must evolve to tackle the threats posed by AI tools. He highlighted human-data interfaces, autonomous systems and AI governance and digital ethics as key areas that the industry needs to rapidly review. He said: 'Cybersecurity has become an integral part of everything that we do, and the UAE is already moving towards becoming an AI-nation in cybersecurity. There are so many great pillars as part of our UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy that focus on governance, innovation, defence and protection – all of which remain vital [for the future].' 'It's businesses versus cybercriminals, but with the right strategy, the industry can win' Renowned cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur, Eugene Kaspersky, CEO and founder of Kaspersky, was among the speakers to take to the stage. Addressing the audience, he described AI as a tool that is benefiting both cybercriminals and businesses, but emphasised that greater efforts need to be implemented by organisations to help build a safe AI-driven future. He said: 'We are living in a world where it's very much AI vs AI - defence against attack.' 'With that said, the world is interconnected through digitalisation and is part of every aspect of our everyday lives. Using AI will only take that to the next level and will make things faster and better. 'However, unfortunately, we are facing issues with cybercrime, and that can stop us from using AI globally, but the good news is that cybersecurity companies are investing and working on immunity that will make future systems impeccable and secure, which can help us take the next stage.' Attendees also gained a fascinating insight into Dubai's ongoing commitment to protecting the emirate digitally at a time when it is accelerating its efforts to become a 'smart' city. During his presentation, Faisal Abdulaziz, Director of the Cybersecurity Threat Center of Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), highlighted the work the organisation is doing to embed cybersecurity into every layer of Dubai's digital transformation, safeguarding the city's smart services, critical infrastructure and digital economy – with a key focus on talent development. Another speaker to address the audience was Aarti Borkar, CVP of Security, Customers Success and Incident Response at Microsoft. She revealed that 80 per cent of leaders cited leakage of sensitive data as their main concern, while 88 per cent of organisations are concerned about indirect prompt injection attacks, emphasising the importance of secure and resilient infrastructure. 'Success in AI is defined by your practical techniques and security must come above all else,' she said. '[When it comes to building safe systems], you must plan the final stage as a perfect solution that you can use and then create milestones on how you get there. Then work on the thing that will hurt the most first, and then gradually the next element. Every day, you have to move towards the next step of being safe and staying compliant, so we can use AI safely and efficiently.' The event has brought together some of the leading players in the industry, including Huawei, AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud Security, CISCO, Deloitte, Kaspersky, Check Point, Cloudflare and Honeywell, alongside groundbreaking cybersecurity companies Spire Solutions, CPX, CyberKnight, LinkShadow, OPSWAT, Qualys, CrowdStrike and StrikeReady. GISEC Global 2025, which is hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council, supported by DESC, the UAE Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police, will continue on Wednesday with more engaging panel discussions and thought-provoking debates on AI's pressing issues from weaponised large language models (LLMs) to next-gen AI-powered defences. To learn more about GISEC Global 2025, visit About GISEC Global GISEC Global, Middle East & Africa's largest and most impactful cybersecurity event, will return to Dubai World Trade Centre for its 14th edition taking place from 6th to 8th May 2025, under the overarching theme of 'Securing an AI-Powered Future.' Following the monumental success of 2024, the super-connector event for the region's cybersecurity industry will bring together over 25,000 attendees, 750 exhibiting brands and 350-plus speakers hailing from over 160 countries. GISEC Global stands as the unrivalled platform for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. More information: About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector-leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai. Building on this legacy, DWTC's second flagship venue, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), stands as a premier destination for prominent national and international mega events. Strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, DEC's recently announced AED 10 billion expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai's vision of becoming a global business hub for exhibitions and events.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Eugene Kaspersky sounds alarm on AI-driven cybercrime outpacing traditional defences; urges rethink
Cybersecurity veteran Eugene Kaspersky has sounded a stark warning saying cybercriminals are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) at a pace that is outstripping the ability of defenders to keep up, calling for a fundamental rethink of digital security strategies. Kaspersky, founder of the global cybersecurity firm that bears his name, said cybercriminals are not only leveraging AI to automate attacks but are also outpacing defenders through unprecedented collaboration and agility. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" "AI is in the hands of the bad guys. And the reality is that they use it more and more," he said, noting that deepfakes and AI-powered social engineering are now so advanced that "if someone calls you, don't trust anyone." Kaspersky, in an interview to PTI, stressed that the digital battlefield is evolving rapidly, with attackers collaborating and innovating at an unprecedented speed. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. He described the current era as the "age of cyber sabotage ," where attacks on physical and digital infrastructure are not just theoretical but an everyday reality. "It's not the future, it's reality," he said, noting that cyber sabotage and terrorism now routinely paralyse or destroy critical systems, even if such incidents rarely make headlines. Live Events Kaspersky emphasised that the increasing geopolitical divisions have led to a fragmented cyberspace, severely hampering international cooperation against cybercrime. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories "There are no borders in cyberspace. So, unfortunately, the bad guys feel very free to attack any victim, everywhere ... There is no more cooperation between many countries. Unfortunately, that's reality," he said. Kaspersky painted a nuanced picture about the coming together of AI and cybersecurity. AI is increasingly leveraged by both cybercriminals and defenders. Professional hackers use AI to develop sophisticated malicious code and customise attacks, raising the stakes for cybersecurity teams. He also highlighted emerging concerns about AI manipulation, such as feeding corrupted data to AI systems to alter their behaviour -- a topic currently under active research at Kaspersky Labs. However, Kaspersky also pointed out that AI is a double-edged sword. "At the same time -- the cybersecurity companies -- they use AI to protect the customers," he said, describing how AI is being deployed to detect anomalies, analyse malicious code, and defend complex networks. The challenge, he argued, is to stay ahead of adversaries who are constantly adapting. Defenders must embrace new paradigms, prioritise resilience by design, and prepare for a future where AI-driven attacks are the norm rather than the exception. Kaspersky stressed the growing importance of securing supply chains, which are increasingly exploited by attackers as entry points. Sharing threat intelligence and enforcing cybersecurity standards across supply chain partners are critical strategies, he noted. A supply chain attack happens when hackers target a company by first breaking into one of its trusted suppliers or service providers. They use this trusted connection to sneak into the company's systems or spread malware, instead of attacking the company directly. In response to the rapidly evolving threat landscape, Kaspersky advocated for a shift from traditional security models to what he calls " cyber immune systems ." Unlike conventional defences that try to detect and block known threats, cyber immunity is about designing systems that can inherently prevent and contain abnormal behaviour, regardless of whether a threat is known or unknown. "Cyber immune systems are designed to stop any wrong behaviour. So, if we see the new malware, it doesn't matter. Is it polymorphic or not? Is it sleeping or active? Doesn't matter. If we see that a behaviour is changed, that (particular) component of the system will be stopped," Kaspersky explained. He underscored the urgency of this approach for the Internet of Things (IoT), where the proliferation of diverse and often insecure devices presents unique challenges.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
It's time to build unhackable immune systems to counter AI-driven attacks: Eugene Kaspersky
Singapore: A future where devices are immune to cybercrime by default and design may be closer than it seems, according to cybersecurity pioneer Eugene Kaspersky , who warned that today's cyber threats, supercharged by artificial intelligence , are evolving faster than most defenses can keep up. Kaspersky painted a stark picture of the digital battlefield, where cybercriminals are not only leveraging AI to automate attacks but are also outpacing defenders through unprecedented collaboration and agility. "AI is in the hands of the bad guys. And the reality is that they use it more and more," he said, noting that deepfakes and AI-powered social engineering are now so advanced that "if someone calls you, don't trust anyone. Even if yourself calls yourself, don't trust." But Kaspersky, founder of the global cybersecurity firm that bears his name, argued that the answer is not simply to add more security tools or invest endlessly in digital defenses . Instead, he called for a fundamental rethink: making systems "cyber immune" by design. "We need to redesign the systems. We need to make them not just secure, we need to make them immune," he emphasised. He showcased a prototype device with a radically limited architecture, capable of calling, messaging, and little else, designed to be "unhackable." While not yet ready for mass-market smartphones, Kaspersky said the architecture is already viable for industrial systems and critical infrastructure. Speaking at GITEX Asia 2025 here, he detailed how both cyber criminals and defenders are racing to harness AI. "AI is in the hands of security experts. It's in our products, in our services. In my company, we have AI in at least six different projects," Kaspersky said, stressing that the technology offers hope as well as peril. Still, Kaspersky warned that current industry approaches, focused on patching vulnerabilities and responding to incidents, are a "dead-end strategy." True cyber immunity, he explained, requires a new architecture where every application's permissions are tightly prescribed, drastically limiting the attack surface. He also highlighted the need for greater education, stronger public-private partnerships, and a shift in mindset. "The cyber world is getting more and more aggressive. Every day they collect up to half a million new unique malware, which is different, which we have never seen before. Every day on the internet they plant about half a million of the new unique malicious code. Cybercrime is a global problem," Kaspersky said. Despite the daunting scale of the threat, he sounded a note of cautious optimism: "All that is bad news. But if we have good news, we will survive. We are working on that."
