TechShots' Cybersecurity Newsletter

Hi readers,

Let's give you a quick update about all the major things that happened in the cybersecurity world recently!

Singapore banks to ditch one-time passwords

Nearly 20 years after allowing allowing one-time passwords (OTPs) delivered by text message to assist log ins to bank accounts in Singapore, the city-state has decided to abandon the method. The banks hope this will "better protect against phishing" – at least against attacks in which scammers trick customers into disclosing their OTP.

AT&T pays $370,000 to a hacker to delete its stolen customer data

US-based tech giant AT&T is reported to have paid a hacker $370,000 to delete customer data that was stolen from it as part of a hacking spree earlier this year. The hacker then provided a video to prove they had deleted the data. The hacker initially asked for $1 million but AT&T bargained and paid the amount in bitcoin.

Kaspersky Labs to wind down US operations

Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Labs will gradually wind down its US operations from July 20. This comes after after the Biden administration announced plans to bar sales of the company in the country. Kaspersky, which will eliminate all U.S.-based positions, did not allow consumers to purchase any products on its website earlier in the day, citing "purchase unavailable for U.S. customers".

Apple warns customers in India and 97 other countries

Apple has issued new round of warnings to iPhone users in 98 countries including India, warning them that they might potentially be targeted by a Pegasus like spyware. Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-. This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do," the alert read.

If you wish to read about a particular topic, write to me at [email protected].