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North Wales Live
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Welsh Mountain Zoo opens biggest new attraction in years as it recovers from cyber attack
A tropical forest has been recreated for what the Welsh Mountain Zoo is billing as its 'most ambitious development since 2021". It comes as the popular attraction recovers from a major cyber attack that shut down its Facebook page for six weeks. 'Papillo Forest' provides an immersive indoor habitat showcasing the incredible diversity of tropical butterflies. The Colwyn Bay zoo spent six months transforming a disused building into 'Papillo Forest', an immersive indoor habitat showcasing the diversity of tropical butterflies. Zoo chiefs say it is the first in a series of new developments being planned. Last month the zoo issued an apology for the 'recent disruption' to its Facebook page. In late May, a hacker took control of the site and published posts promoting an 'organic product'. The attack was reported to Facebook and the Action Fraud department, which reports to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. Other systems, including membership data and personal information, remained 'safe and secure', said the zoo. In a statement, it said: ' North Wales Police Cyber Crime Unit has conducted a full review of our systems and confirmed they are safe and secure. 'While the original hacker's name may still appear in the background, they can no longer access or control the account thanks to prompt action taken on our side. We are continuing to work closely with Facebook to complete their investigation and ensure everything is fully restored.' The unhappy episode was the prelude to the formal launch of Papillo Forest – named after the Latin word for 'butterfly'. It's divided into three spaces. The first is a lush environment filled with different butterflies in which visitors can witness the insects' transformation from egg to caterpillar, pupa and adult. The journey continues into the reptile house - home to the likes of snakes, chameleons and tarantulas. Phase three remains under construction and will become the new lemur enclosure, replicating a Madagascan landscape. Zoo CEO Chris Mitchell said Papillo Forest was now ready to welcome visitors. 'It's been an exciting development on many levels and brings something very different to the zoo, having been lovingly crafted by our incredibly skilled in-house team. 'The world of butterflies is a fascinating one and Papillo Forest will help visitors own a cleaner understanding of their critical roles in pollination and ecosystems, as well as the environmental challenges they face due to climate change and habitat loss.' For the new attraction, reclaimed materials such as fallen trees were put to good use. Ultimately, it will focus on butterfly conservation. The butterfly house underwent a soft opening earlier this year and the attraction will 'continue to evolve', said the zoo. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Mr Mitchell added: 'The zoo is set to embark on an ambitious development programme this year, and the coming years, all of which will be designed to both enhance visitor experience and share vital conservation messages and learning.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The simple security setting everyone should switch on to avoid being hacked
Online hacking, cyberattacks and fraud are booming, with research from Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) suggesting that 80% of fraud is now 'cyber-enabled'. But what can you do yourself to protect your devices and accounts from attacks? The protections on online accounts such as email and social media are often the only thing standing between people and a dangerous cyber attack – and these are often too weak to be effective Analysis by the NCSC of passwords leaked in previous data breaches (when criminals leak data online) found that 232 million accounts had used the password '123456', while the password 'Chelsea' was used 216,677 times and 'Liverpool' 280,723 times. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) said that there was a 46% increase in offences referred by Action Fraud for the year ending 2024, due to rises in social media and email hacking offences and virus and hacking offences. So how can you stay safe from hackers? Setting up two-factor authentication, or 2FA – also known as multi-factor authentication, or MFA – on your accounts is an important first step, explains Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder at Keeper Security. The UK's NCSC advises all individuals to use 2FA, particularly on important accounts such as banking and email. Indeed, research by Microsoft suggests that using 2FA can block 99.9% of 'account compromise' attacks where criminals steal passwords. Two-factor authentication is where you secure your account with another layer, such as having to receive a code via text message. This is significantly more secure than relying on a password alone, as it means that (for example) if your password is leaked, or someone guesses it, they still can't access your account. "2FA works by providing a critical second layer of security before someone can access an account," says Guccione. "This can be done through an authenticator app, SMS message, hardware security key or biometric verification (using facial scans, eye scans or fingerprints). These factors are often time-sensitive, losing validity after a set amount of time to ensure that they cannot be reused. "By reducing reliance on passwords alone, 2FA helps protect against phishing and other common cyber threats, making it a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing online security." Platforms such as email and social media will always offer an option to set up 2FA on accounts – look for it under Settings, Security or Privacy, says Guccione. It can work via either email, SMS or a dedicated app, so pick an option that will be easily accessible when you need to log in. 'Users may register their phone number or email address, which will receive an 2FA code when login is attempted, or link their account to an authenticator app to generate a code," he says. This means that users will receive a text or email to check who they are, or alternatively an alert where they may have to enter a code. This locks out attackers who may have access to someone's email, and thus deters many automated or mass attacks. It is much harder for cybercriminals to get into accounts protected with 2FA, Guccione explains, but not all 2FA methods are 100% secure. Text message codes are weaker than other protection methods, as criminals can sometimes intercept codes or create a SIM card with the same number by fooling phone network employees. "While 2FA offers an important layer of protection against credential theft and breaches, not all 2FA methods are equally secure – SMS-based codes can be intercepted by bad actors, so authentication apps offer stronger protection," says Guccione. It's still worth ensuring that all passwords are strong, secure and unique – particularly for your email account, as criminals can use this to reset other passwords. Guccione advises using a password manager app to store passwords, which makes it easier to use unique passwords for each account. And even if you use 2FA, stay alert, Guccione advises. "2FA alerts on a smartphone can serve as a critical warning sign that your account's credentials have been compromised, providing an opportunity to update your password before the account is breached." While some organisations like Google are moving to make 2FA mandatory across all accounts for services such as Gmail, many lag behind. Just 40% of British businesses had applied mandatory two-factor authentication, according to the latest NCSC Cyber Breaches Survey, published April 2025.
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Urgent WhatsApp alert as shadowy bank-raiders ‘infiltrate' your groups to steal cash and even your identity, police warn
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MONEY-HUNGRY crooks are "infiltrating" WhatsApp groups to hunt for victims, police have warned. Brits need to be on high alert for the dangerous attack after hundreds reported being conned on the app. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Cybercriminals are conjuring up new and sinister ways to hoodwink you over WhatsApp – so make sure to report them Credit: WhatsApp The scam starts innocently enough: a member of the group will get a mysterious WhatsApp call. It's the fraudster disguising themselves as another member of your group. They'll typically use a fake profile picture and display name, letting them look just like a fellow group member. "This is done to gain the individual's trust," the City of London Police warn. Then the fraudster will tell you that they're sending you a one-time code to let them join an upcoming video call. You'll be asked to share this code with them so they can be "registered" for that call. It's a total scam: they're asking for your own registration code to add your WhatsApp account to their device. Once they've done that, they'll add two-step verification – effectively locking you out of your account for good. "Other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim's contacts, will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help," the City of London Police explained. There's no exact amount of money they'll be after – just as much as they can grab from your family or friends before being caught out. Don't risk ignoring four free iPhone tricks built to save your life Then they'll break into more accounts and continue the cycle, potentially racking up huge sums of money. Almost anyone can be targeted by this sinister WhatsApp scam. "Fraudsters still find ways to infiltrate these platforms," said Detective Superintendent Gary Miles, of the City of London Police. "Sadly, anyone can be become a target for fraud." 4 Crooks pretend to be members of your group to scam you Credit: Getty Miles, who heads up the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, said that his team had already received hundreds of reports this year. And he urged Brits to be "on their guard" on WhatsApp, especially anyone in big group chats. "To keep yourself safe from fraud, never share your account details or any passcode or verification codes with anyone," the police boss explained. "If you think you are being targeted, report the message and block the sender within WhatsApp. WHATSAPP'S TOP SECURITY TIPS REVEALED Here's the official list of security tips from WhatsApp... Never share your registration code or two-step verification PIN with others. Enable two-step verification and provide an email address in case you forget your PIN. Set a voicemail password on your phone that's difficult to guess to prevent anyone from accessing your voicemail. Check your linked devices regularly. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices to review all devices linked to your account. To remove a linked device, tap the device > Log Out . > to review all devices linked to your account. To remove a linked device, tap the device > . Set a device code and be aware of who has physical access to your phone. Someone who has physical access to your phone might use your WhatsApp account without your permission. Picture Credit: WhatsApp "To make your account more secure, we advise setting up two-step verification to provide an extra layer of protection." To add two-step verification, go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification > Enable. WhatsApp has plenty of security settings, but they can't guarantee your safety. You'll need to be extremely careful when messaging other people, just in case you're being scammed. 4 You'll want to turn two-step verification on – or you risk crooks doing it and locking you out "All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a role in keeping our accounts safe," a WhatsApp spokesperson said. "We recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security and advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even with friends or family. "If you receive a suspicious message (even if you think you know who it's from), calling or requesting a voice-note is the fastest and simplest way to check that someone is who they say they are." It's also worth setting up a safety word or phrase with close family in advance. 4 You can find the Two-Step Verification feature inside your WhatsApp account settings That way, if you're ever asked for money, you can verify their identity with this special code. If you think you've been a victim of cybercrime, you can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040. If banking is involved, contact your bank or credit card provider as soon as possible.
The Sun
26-04-2025
- The Sun
Urgent WhatsApp alert as shadowy bank-raiders ‘infiltrate' your groups to steal cash and even your identity, police warn
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, MONEY-HUNGRY crooks are "infiltrating" WhatsApp groups to hunt for victims, police have warned. Brits need to be on high alert for the dangerous attack after hundreds reported being conned on the app. 4 The scam starts innocently enough: a member of the group will get a mysterious WhatsApp call. It's the fraudster disguising themselves as another member of your group. They'll typically use a fake profile picture and display name, letting them look just like a fellow group member. "This is done to gain the individual's trust," the City of London Police warn. Then the fraudster will tell you that they're sending you a one-time code to let them join an upcoming video call. You'll be asked to share this code with them so they can be "registered" for that call. It's a total scam: they're asking for your own registration code to add your WhatsApp account to their device. Once they've done that, they'll add two-step verification – effectively locking you out of your account for good. "Other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim's contacts, will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help," the City of London Police explained. There's no exact amount of money they'll be after – just as much as they can grab from your family or friends before being caught out. Don't risk ignoring four free iPhone tricks built to save your life Then they'll break into more accounts and continue the cycle, potentially racking up huge sums of money. Almost anyone can be targeted by this sinister WhatsApp scam. "Fraudsters still find ways to infiltrate these platforms," said Detective Superintendent Gary Miles, of the City of London Police. "Sadly, anyone can be become a target for fraud." 4 Miles, who heads up the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, said that his team had already received hundreds of reports this year. And he urged Brits to be "on their guard" on WhatsApp, especially anyone in big group chats. "To keep yourself safe from fraud, never share your account details or any passcode or verification codes with anyone," the police boss explained. "If you think you are being targeted, report the message and block the sender within WhatsApp. WHATSAPP'S TOP SECURITY TIPS REVEALED Here's the official list of security tips from WhatsApp... Never share your registration code or two-step verification PIN with others. Enable two-step verification and provide an email address in case you forget your PIN. Set a voicemail password on your phone that's difficult to guess to prevent anyone from accessing your voicemail. Check your linked devices regularly. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices to review all devices linked to your account. To remove a linked device, tap the device > Log Out. Set a device code and be aware of who has physical access to your phone. Someone who has physical access to your phone might use your WhatsApp account without your permission. Picture Credit: WhatsApp "To make your account more secure, we advise setting up two-step verification to provide an extra layer of protection." To add two-step verification, go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification > Enable. WhatsApp has plenty of security settings, but they can't guarantee your safety. You'll need to be extremely careful when messaging other people, just in case you're being scammed. 4 "All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a role in keeping our accounts safe," a WhatsApp spokesperson said. "We recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security and advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even with friends or family. "If you receive a suspicious message (even if you think you know who it's from), calling or requesting a voice-note is the fastest and simplest way to check that someone is who they say they are." It's also worth setting up a safety word or phrase with close family in advance. 4 That way, if you're ever asked for money, you can verify their identity with this special code. If you think you've been a victim of cybercrime, you can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040. If banking is involved, contact your bank or credit card provider as soon as possible.
The Independent
03-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Rental fraud warning issued to young adults preparing to move home this spring
Young people aged between 18 and 39 account for nearly three quarters (73%) of reports of rental fraud, according to crime data released by the Home Office. With many students and young workers searching for a new home to rent during the spring months, ministers are urging people to avoid being rushed into a quick decision or paying over any money for a rental property before they have viewed it in person. Rental fraudsters typically target their victims by offering access to properties that do not exist, or which are not theirs to rent, often using fake details and photos, and usually offering prices at well below market rate. To secure the property or even arrange a viewing, they will often demand a deposit or the first month's rent. Many people desperate to find a home will make the up-front payment to avoid missing out, before the fraudster disappears with their cash. The figures released by the Home Office were taken from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). According to the NFIB data, reported rental fraud losses amounted to nearly £9 million last year, across nearly 5,000 cases. Its data, covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland, shows the 18 to 29-year-old age group accounted for nearly half (48%) of reported rental fraud cases last year, with the 30 to 39 age group accounting for a further 25%. With rental fraud often taking place through properties advertised on social media websites, the Government said it is renewing calls for tech companies to go further and faster to tackle fraud on their platforms ahead of convening the next Joint Fraud Taskforce meeting later this month. Get a free fractional share worth up to £100. Capital at risk. Terms and conditions apply. Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said: 'Rental fraud is an utterly shameful crime, and this new data should serve as a stark reminder that anyone can be a victim. It doesn't matter how streetwise and tech-savvy you are, fraudsters will get to anyone who doesn't stop and think before handing over their money. 'That's why I am determined to root out fraud from our society, crack down on the callous criminals behind it, and ensure that stronger protections are put in place by the tech companies on whose platforms much of this fraud takes place. 'The Home Office will be making progress on all of those issues through the next phase of our Stop! Think Fraud campaign, and the new, expanded fraud strategy we are developing this year as part of this Government's Plan for Change.' Oliver Shaw, commander for fraud and cybercrime, City of London Police, said: 'We continue to work to highlight emerging cybercrime and fraud types that could be a threat, understanding the importance of reporting, and advocating ways the public can prevent themselves from becoming victims of fraud.' The figures were released as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ, was launching the second phase of a campaign encouraging people and small businesses to set-up two-step verification (2SV) on their most important accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, to make it much harder for criminals to access accounts even if a password is compromised. NCSC chief operating officer Felicity Oswald said: 'Online fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to trick you into sharing personal information or money, but thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself. 'Today, we're launching a nationwide campaign urging everyone to strengthen their security by enabling two-step verification (2SV), which adds an extra layer of protection to keep your accounts safe.'
