To paraphrase everyone's favorite Wildchild Song: Back once again for the VPN master, Tuesday Newsday™, power to the people. On this week's Chart Toppers, we have Lazarus Group, with their multi-platinum album "Crypto-Laundering"; 23andMe, with their debut piece, "Leaking Your Genetics"; and the inspiring Narges Mohammadi, with her award-winning solo album, "Free Women".
Using cross-chain or asset-hopping methods, the North Korean-linked hacking group's laundering contributed to an estimated 111% increase in the proportion of funds sent via such services between July 2022 and July 2023. The Lazarus group is estimated to have stolen up to $240 million in cryptocurrency since June 2023.
Using credential stuffing, the actor gained access to their systems and leaked samples on a hacker forum. 23andMe was not even aware at the time that they had been compromised, but rather they were"made aware of the leak." It goes to show you that any service that collects this kind of sensitive personal data is at extreme risk of cyberattacks. Diligence is an absolute must and a professional responsibility for the industry.
Mohammadi is currently serving multiple sentences on charges including propaganda against the state. Her campaign for freedom of expression and women's rights in Iran has resulted in her being arrested 13 times and convicted 5 times, with sentences totalling 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. For those who are unaware, Windscribe is committed to assisting our friends in Iran and we've made resources available to ensure communication channels remain open and free between Iran and the outside world.
TL;DR
Spooktober really is living up to its name so far. The Halloween candy from the internet chefs is decidedly less sweet this year.
- Be careful with your crypto-coins, the North Koreans might be after them.
- DNA-based services have a serious security issue, and hackers are targeting them
- Narges Mohammadi remains strong in the face of an oppressive regime
There's no shortage of people out there who would LOVE to have your data. Hackers, advertisers, and government intelligence agencies to name a few. True privacy requires discipline and diligence: there is no one tool to fix everything. A VPN like Windscribe is part of a proactive and comprehensive privacy strategy that you can use to keep yourself and your loved one's data safe online.
If you don't have Windscribe already, it's never too late to join our tribe!
