Latest news with #MarijusBriedis
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Holiday warning over easy passport and boarding pass mistakes that could land you with a hefty bill worth £1,000s
Plus, we've revealed how to go about reporting scams TAKE NOTE Holiday warning over easy passport and boarding pass mistakes that could land you with a hefty bill worth £1,000s Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLIDAYMAKERS are being warned that simple mistakes with passports or boarding passes could end up costing thousands of pounds. Experts say losing your passport or throwing away your boarding pass could leave you unable to travel or stuck with surprise bills. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 An example of a dark web seller offering sales of passport scans Another key blunder includes saving a scanned copy of your passports on your digital devices. Cybercriminals are targeting travel documents, with stolen passports, boarding passes, and hotel bookings being sold for thousands on the dark web. Research from NordVPN and Saily has uncovered thousands of stolen travel details being traded online, putting Brits at risk of identity theft and financial scams. Verified UK passports are among the most valuable, selling for over £4,000 if they're valid and uncompromised. When passports are recorded as missing or stolen and invalidated, the risk of fraud is reduced, but such documents can still slip past some companies with more relaxed reviewing procedures. Even older, invalid passports can fetch up to £8 and may still slip through lax security checks. Boarding passes and airline loyalty accounts are also hot commodities, with criminals using them to steal frequent flyer miles or access personal information. Hackers have also targeted hotel bookings made through popular platforms like selling reservations at steep £200 discounts or claiming refunds to their own accounts. Cybercriminals use malware to scan devices for sensitive files like passport scans, hack email accounts to retrieve travel documents, or exploit data breaches at airlines and travel agencies. Physical mistakes, such as leaving boarding passes behind at airports or sharing passport scans on insecure cloud folders, can also make travellers easy targets. Major warning over emergency social welfare scam texts as thousands could be targeted Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN, said: "The best way you can protect yourself against these types of fraud is to ensure that all of your devices are kept updated with antivirus software and make sure that anything related to your holiday booking is saved in a secure place. "If you have been asked by your travel agent to send over a copy of your passport, don't be afraid to ask them what they do with that scan once your booking has been completed. "Take precautions in the airport too, and don't leave boarding passes in public places, as even these have enough information to put you at risk of identity fraud." Ultimately, to stay safe, travellers should secure their documents and avoid discarding boarding passes or sharing passport scans carelessly. was contacted for comment. How to report scams If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible. There is no guarantee you'll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account. You can forward scam emails to report@ If you notice a website that doesn't look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number. You can do this online by visiting or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you're in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland online by visiting You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101. If you need further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action by visiting or calling 0808 223 1133.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Don't let hackers crash your vacation: cyber safety tips for travellers
Before you connect to the airport Wi-Fi, make sure that you have protected yourself from online hackers looking to swipe your information. A recent study by cybersecurity experts NordVPN and Saily has uncovered just how vulnerable travellers are. From stolen passport scans to hacked frequent flyer accounts, criminals are cashing in on a booming black market of personal travel data, and the cost of your identity on the dark web might be far lower than you'd expect. As international travel surges, so too does cybercrime aimed at unsuspecting travellers. Stolen travel documents are being bought and sold online for as little as $10 (R177), while verified EU passports can command prices of over $5,000 (R88 513). Fake visa stickers, forged bank statements, and loyalty accounts loaded with travel miles are also being traded for hundreds of dollars. Even confirmed reservations are being resold for upwards of $250 (R4 426). 'The staggering prices we're seeing on the dark web show just how valuable and vulnerable travellers' personal information has become,' says Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN. How cybercriminals steal travel data The methods used to steal travel information are wide-ranging and alarmingly simple. Cybercriminals often deploy malware that scans your devices and cloud storage for sensitive files. Phishing sites, which closely mimic real airline, hotel, or visa application websites, trick users into uploading personal documents and ID scans. Travellers are also at risk due to data breaches at airlines, travel agencies, and online booking platforms, which can leak entire passenger profiles. Even publicly accessible cloud folders with weak permissions can be easily discovered and exploited. In more advanced cases, criminals are turning to AI-generated scams to mimic legitimate requests. These include fake Wi-Fi login pages at airports, phoney lounge access portals, or even requests for selfies alongside ID documents, made to look like they come from official sources. 'With AI tools now easily accessible to criminals, these phishing attempts have become simple to create, remarkably convincing, and difficult to detect,' warns Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily. Why travel documents are so valuable According to these experts, travel documents are a goldmine for hackers. Many digital services and identity checks only require a passport scan and a selfie, which criminals can fake using deepfake technology. With the right data, including full name, date of birth, passport number, email address, phone number, and emergency contacts, hackers can: Commit identity theft Open fraudulent bank accounts or credit lines Apply for loans Launch highly targeted phishing or social engineering attacks 'Travel documents offer direct access to your identity with minimal barriers, making stolen travel data incredibly dangerous,' Briedis explains.
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Brit passports & holiday bookings SOLD on dark web for £8 after travellers make common phone mistake we're all guilty of
HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned that cyber criminals are selling everything from passport details to boarding passes for as little as £8 on the dark web. Once they're sold off into the wrong hands they could be used to apply for credit cards in your name or even access your bank account. 2 Experts are urging holidaymakers to take immediate action to protect their personal data Credit: Getty 2 Documents fetch as little as £8 online - which enable other criminals to carry out a range of fraud Credit: Getty Experts have cautioned Brits against a common phone mistake that could make it all too easy for online thieves operating on the dark web. And the seemingly innocent error starts by simply having a photo of your passport on a phone or backed up to the cloud. Why? Well, if a hacker uses malware to raid your phone they can access that copy and impersonate you to apply for a credit card. The same goes for any travel agencies who might ask you to send them a digital copy of your passport ahead of your holiday, as you don't know how safe their systems are. Read more about cyber crime Researchers at NordVPN and Saily uncovered thousands of shocking forums on the dark web forums. On offer are passport scans, But not all passports are created equal when it comes to sales on the dark web, with some countries' passports, like Kazakhstan, fetching a maximum of £175. The details of British passports, as well as those from EU countries, are typically more expensive to acquire, fetching upwards of £4,000 for uncompromised and valid copies. Most read in Tech When passports are recorded as missing or stolen and invalidated, the risk of fraud is reduced, but such documents can still slip past some companies with more relaxed reviewing procedures, NordVPN warned. Scans of these compromised passports can sell for as little as £8. What do you need to do to ensure your passport is OK for travel? "The best way you can protect yourself against these types of fraud is to ensure that all of your devices are kept updated with antivirus software and make sure that anything related to your holiday booking is saved in a secure place," said Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN. 'If you have been asked by your travel agent to send over a copy of your passport, don't be afraid to ask them what they do with that scan once your booking has been completed. "Never be shy about protecting your privacy. 'Take precautions in the airport too, and don't leave boarding passes in public places, as even these have enough information to put you at risk of identity fraud. "While you are away, regularly monitor bank accounts to detect suspicious activity early, as well as report lost or stolen documents promptly to limit exposure. "Passports and travel documents that have been reported as missing or invalid are practically worthless on the dark web. "Taking out travel insurance is no longer just about losing your suitcase at the airport, it covers you for every eventuality – even a sophisticated scam like having your hotel booking stolen." What to do if you think you've been scammed IF you've lost money in a scam, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting You should also contact your bank or credit card provider immediatley to see if they can stop or trace the cash. If you don't think your bank has managed your complaint correctly, or if you're unhappy with the verdict it gives on your case you can complain to the free Also monitor your credit report in the months following the fraud to ensure crooks don't make further attempts to steal your cash.
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Brit passports & holiday bookings SOLD on dark web for £8 after travellers make common phone mistake we're all guilty of
Experts urge all holidaymakers to take action now to avoid a devastating attack HOLIDAY HELL Brit passports & holiday bookings SOLD on dark web for £8 after travellers make common phone mistake we're all guilty of Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned that cyber criminals are selling everything from passport details to boarding passes for as little as £8 on the dark web. Once they're sold off into the wrong hands they could be used to apply for credit cards in your name or even access your bank account. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Experts are urging holidaymakers to take immediate action to protect their personal data Credit: Getty 2 Documents fetch as little as £8 online - which enable other criminals to carry out a range of fraud Credit: Getty Experts have cautioned Brits against a common phone mistake that could make it all too easy for online thieves operating on the dark web. And the seemingly innocent error starts by simply having a photo of your passport on a phone or backed up to the cloud. Why? Well, if a hacker uses malware to raid your phone they can access that copy and impersonate you to apply for a credit card. The same goes for any travel agencies who might ask you to send them a digital copy of your passport ahead of your holiday, as you don't know how safe their systems are. Researchers at NordVPN and Saily uncovered thousands of shocking forums on the dark web forums. On offer are passport scans, boarding passes, hotel bookings and frequent flyer details. But not all passports are created equal when it comes to sales on the dark web, with some countries' passports, like Kazakhstan, fetching a maximum of £175. The details of British passports, as well as those from EU countries, are typically more expensive to acquire, fetching upwards of £4,000 for uncompromised and valid copies. When passports are recorded as missing or stolen and invalidated, the risk of fraud is reduced, but such documents can still slip past some companies with more relaxed reviewing procedures, NordVPN warned. Scans of these compromised passports can sell for as little as £8. What do you need to do to ensure your passport is OK for travel? "The best way you can protect yourself against these types of fraud is to ensure that all of your devices are kept updated with antivirus software and make sure that anything related to your holiday booking is saved in a secure place," said Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN. 'If you have been asked by your travel agent to send over a copy of your passport, don't be afraid to ask them what they do with that scan once your booking has been completed. "Never be shy about protecting your privacy. 'Take precautions in the airport too, and don't leave boarding passes in public places, as even these have enough information to put you at risk of identity fraud. "While you are away, regularly monitor bank accounts to detect suspicious activity early, as well as report lost or stolen documents promptly to limit exposure. "Passports and travel documents that have been reported as missing or invalid are practically worthless on the dark web. "Taking out travel insurance is no longer just about losing your suitcase at the airport, it covers you for every eventuality – even a sophisticated scam like having your hotel booking stolen."
Business Insider
14-07-2025
- Business Insider
Gen Z doesn't want to say 'hello' when answering the phone. I'm concerned.
If you're over the age of 28, my guess is you're confused by this question. Of course you say "hello" when picking up the phone. But Gen Z — a generation raised in a post-landline universe — may disagree. They expect you — the person calling — to speak first. A recent viral tweet brought up this alarming etiquette divide. Someone who works in recruiting tweeted that she's noticed that when she calls Gen Z people (at their scheduled call time), they often wait for her to speak first instead of saying "hello." The replies to her tweet were even more eye-opening — to me, anyway: Many young people agreed that it should be the caller's responsibility to start speaking and offer a greeting, not the person answering the call. The reasons these people gave settled into two main camps: The first is the huge amount of spam calls we all receive. (They are annoying.) Often, those telemarketers or robocalls don't start until they hear someone say "hello." By remaining silent when you pick up, you can screen for a real human. Gen Z is wary of scammers Spam calls are a scourge, and it's hard to complain about anyone's tactics to avoid them. And yet there's gotta be a better way, right? (I must note here that in my experience as someone who almost always answers unknown calls, since they may be work-related, if I say "This is Katie" instead of "Hello," it seems to stump the robocall software, which activates on the word "hello." I would recommend you all try this technique, but you'll have better results if you use your own name instead of "Katie.") Another concern is that scammers might use a recording of your voice saying "hello" to clone it for use in other scams. There is some real concern here. Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN, told me there's scant data on how often this happens, but it's a real thing. "If you must respond, a neutral, non-personal greeting like 'Who is this?' may be less useful for cloning because it is less emotionally expressive and less common as a voice sample," Briedis said. (Personally, I think that's more rude than just silently breathing into the receiver, but hey.) Etiquette is changing The other reason some people are avoiding the "hello" seems to be a generational difference in etiquette. Some young people simply believe that if you're the one who is calling, you should initiate the conversation. If that makes your blood pressure start to rise, like it does with me, let's take a deep breath together and try to think about this kindly. Are young people hopelessly adrift in society, untethered from being capable of the most basic elements of communication? Is this perhaps related to the "so-called " Gen Z stare" where young people in customer service situations blankly stare back at you (or avoid eye contact, wordlessly)? I'm not saying it's not that. I think that saying "hello" when you answer the phone is normal, commonly accepted social etiquette, and not doing it can be slightly confusing for a caller. But just because something used to be common etiquette doesn't mean it has to stay that way. The telephone is a relatively recent invention in the history of human communication, as is the word "hello," which Thomas Edison encouraged as the way to start a conversation on the new invention in the 1870s. Not until the 1940s did the majority of American households have their own phone. A whole new etiquette for handling phone calls has been invented within a generation or two. Landline phones had different customs As an elder millennial, I grew up with a home landline without caller ID, answering with variations of, "Notopoulos residence, this is Katie." I've also had jobs with desk phones where strangers would call out of the blue (gasp!) and I would answer with the company name, my full name, maybe even a rote "How can I help you?" Might we have possibly missed out on the Beastie Boys' album "Hello Nasty" if not inspired by the way the receptionist at the Nasty Little Man PR firm answered the phone? But just within my (relatively) brief time as an adult, the way we use phones and what we do with them has changed drastically. Now, when you call someone, you assume you are reaching their direct personal mobile phone, not a shared family phone that other people might answer. Answering machine outgoing messages used to be an art form; now people rarely leave or check voicemail (I usually read the transcription in my iPhone's Visual Voicemail instead of actually listening to the recording). There's a new calculus we're all still muddling through about what should be a Zoom and what should be a regular phone call. I'm often texting or emailing someone several times to agree on a set time do to a five-minute phone call. When I do call someone out of the blue, I find myself apologizing for it, as if I had shown up on their doorstep unannounced at dinnertime. I enjoy waxing nostalgic about the Old Days of Landlines, but it doesn't mean any of the old ways were necessarily better. Progress marches on!
