Giant Tiger breach sees 2.8 million records leaked

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Someone has posted a database of over 2.8 million records to a hacker forum, claiming they originated from a March 2024 hack at Canadian retail chain Giant Tiger.

When asked, they posted a small snippet as proof. The download of the full database is practically free for other active members of that forum.

In March, one of Giant Tiger‘s vendors, a company used to manage customer communications and engagement, suffered a cyberattack, which impacted Giant Tiger, as reported by CBC.

The retailer first learned of the security incident on March 4, 2024, and concluded that customer information was involved by March 15, according to an email the company wrote to customers. Giant Tiger also noted that the security incident only impacted one of its vendors and didn’t affect the chain’s store systems or applications, saying that “there is no indication of any misuse of the information.”

On April 12, 2024, BleepingComputer noticed a post titled “Giant Tiger Database – Leaked, Download!” on the hacker forum. The records contain over 2.8 million unique email addresses, names, phone numbers and physical addresses.

When contacted by BleepingComputer, Giant Tiger said:

“We determined that contact information belonging to certain Giant Tiger customers was obtained without authorization. We sent notices to all relevant customers informing them of the situation.”

and:

“No payment information or passwords were involved.”

Depending on customer’s buying behavior, the data leaked in the breach may vary. Loyalty members and those who placed online orders for in-store pickups might have had their names, emails and phone numbers compromised. Some customers, who placed online orders for home delivery, may have had that same information plus their street addresses compromised.

Protecting yourself from a data breach

There are some actions you can take if you are, or suspect you may have been, the victim of a data breach.

  • Check the vendor’s advice. Every breach is different, so check with the vendor to find out what’s happened, and follow any specific advice they offer.
  • Change your password. You can make a stolen password useless to thieves by changing it. Choose a strong password that you don’t use for anything else. Better yet, let a password manager choose one for you.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If you can, use a FIDO2-compliant hardware key, laptop or phone as your second factor. Some forms of two-factor authentication (2FA) can be phished just as easily as a password. 2FA that relies on a FIDO2 device can’t be phished.
  • Watch out for fake vendors. The thieves may contact you posing as the vendor. Check the vendor website to see if they are contacting victims, and verify any contacts using a different communication channel.
  • Take your time. Phishing attacks often impersonate people or brands you know, and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions, and security alerts.
  • Set up identity monitoring. Identity monitoring alerts you if your personal information is found being traded illegally online, and helps you recover after.

Malwarebytes has a new free tool for you to check if your personal data has been exposed online. Submit your email address (it’s best to give the one you most frequently use) to our free Digital Footprint scan and we’ll give you a report and recommendations.


We don’t just report on threats – we help safeguard your entire digital identity

Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Protect your—and your family’s—personal information by using identity protection


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Samsung dethrones Apple in Q1 2024, as it shipped out more phones

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Samsung has managed to dethrone Apple in Q1 2024, as the company managed to ship more phones than the Cupertino giant. This report comes from Canalys, and it’s more or less in line with IDC’s recent report.

Samsung has managed to dethrone Apple by shipping more devices in Q1 2024

Based on this report, Samsung claimed 20% of the smartphone market in Q1 2024. That’s a 2% decline compared to the same period last year. Apple is second-placed with 16%, which is a 5% decline YoY:

Xiaomi managed to grow compared to last year, as the company is now third-placed with 14% of the market. In the same period last year, Xiaomi held 11% of the market.

What’s interesting is that Transsion managed to squeeze its way into the top 4. The owner of both Tecno and Infinix managed to grab 10% of the global smartphone market. That’s a 4% increase compared to Q1 2023.

OPPO has seen a 2% decline, but it’s still in the top 5

OPPO closes out the top 5 list with 8% of the market. The Chinese tech giant held 10% of the market in the same period last year, so this is a 2% decline for OPPO.

As a whole, the global smartphone market grew by 11%. Canalys expects smartphone OEMs to put more focus on emerging markets. Those markets include Latin America and Southeast Asia, first and foremost.

The Galaxy S24 series played a major role for Samsung

The Galaxy S24 series managed to help Samsung retake the smartphone crown. As many of you know, Apple managed to trump Samsung last year. Apple rules the list for the entire year, basically.

It remains to be seen what will happen in the rest of 2024. The iPhone 16 series does not sound too exciting, at least based on rumors and reports. Samsung, on the other hand, still has to launch its foldable offerings this year.

Xiaomi managed to increase its presence thanks mostly to Redmi phones, but the Xiaomi 14 probably had something to do with that too.


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Samsung secures $6.4 billion grant for US chip investments

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The US government will award Samsung up to $6.4 billion in grants for its chip investments in the country. The funding comes under the CHIPS and Science Act and was announced by the Commerce Department on Monday. The Korean firm also plans to claim an investment tax credit from the US Treasury Department. The Biden administration previously announced multi-billion dollar grants for TSMC, Intel, and other chip firms.

Samsung gets $6.4 billion chip grant from the US government

In 2022, the Joe Biden-led US government established the CHIPS and Science Act to boost the domestic chip industry. The act encourages semiconductor companies to expand their production capacity in the country by constructing new manufacturing facilities. In return, they get various grants and subsidies from the government.

All major chip firms, including Samsung, TSMC, and Intel, have since announced new investments in the US. TSMC increased its investment from $40 billion to $65 billion. The Biden administration awarded the Taiwanese company with a grant of $6.6 billion. Intel, which plans to invest more than $100 billion in the US chip industry over the next five years, will get $8.5 billion in subsidies.

Samsung originally planned to invest $17 billion to construct a new chip factory in Taylor, Texas. This was announced in 2021 before the CHIPS and Science Act was passed. Various factors have since added to the cost. The company is now aiming to double the amount to $44 billion. It will construct another chip factory in Taylor and add a research center and a packaging facility to the site.

The Korean tech giant will also expand its existing chip plant in Austin, Texas. According to Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo, Samsung’s investments will boost the country’s chip output for the aerospace, defense, and auto industries. “The proposed project will propel Texas into a state-of-the-art semiconductor ecosystem,” Raimondo said. “It puts us on track to hit our goal of producing 20% of the world’s leading-edge chips in the United States by the end of the decade.”

Samsung will create thousands of jobs in Texas

Raimondo estimates Samsung’s proposed investment projects in Texas to create more than 20,000 jobs. The Korean firm may create at least 17,000 construction jobs and 4,500 manufacturing jobs. Located in Williamson County, the road near Samsung’s semiconductor facility in Taylor was officially renamed “Samsung Highway” in December 2022. It was previously known as Future County Road.

“To meet the expected surge in demand from US customers, for future products like AI chips, our fabs will be equipped for cutting-edge process technologies and help bring security to the U.S. semiconductor supply chain,” said Samsung co-CEO Kyung Kye Hyun. The company expects to begin production in the new factories in 2026. It may start with 4nm chips before expanding into more advanced solutions—3nm and 2nm.


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Understanding the Implications & Guarding Privacy- Axios Security Group

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Washington DC, United States, April 16th, 2024, CyberNewsWire

In a digital age where information is the new currency, the recent global hack has once again highlighted the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.

The breach was identified as Midnight Blizzard, from the Russian state-sponsored actor known as NOBELIUM. It has affected Millions of individuals and government agencies worldwide, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of cyberattacks and the critical importance of protecting sensitive information.

The Scope of the Breach

The scale of the global hack is staggering. Hackers gained unauthorized access to databases containing a wealth of personal data, including financial records, social security numbers, email addresses, and passwords. The exposed information poses a significant risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime. The breach has impacted individuals across various sectors, including government agencies, businesses, and private citizens, highlighting the pervasive nature of cyber threats.

Implications for Individuals

The fallout from a hack can be devastating for individuals whose data has been compromised. Identity theft, in particular, poses a significant threat. Hackers use stolen information to open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or even commit acts of impersonation. Moreover, the exposure of sensitive personal information can erode trust and privacy, leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation.

Response and Accountability

After the breach, affected organizations must take swift and decisive action to mitigate the damage and restore trust. This includes implementing robust cybersecurity measures, notifying affected individuals, and cooperating with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Additionally, there must be accountability for those responsible for the breach, whether they are individuals, criminal organizations, or state-sponsored actors. Holding perpetrators accountable prevents future attacks and conveys that protecting personal data is paramount.

Safeguarding Privacy in an Era of Cyber Threats

While the global hack serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by cyberattacks, it also underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity practices. Individuals and organizations alike must remain vigilant in safeguarding sensitive information and adopting best practices for data protection. This includes using strong, unique passwords, encrypting sensitive data, regularly updating security software, hiring the right cybersecurity company for monitoring, and being cautious when sharing personal information online. Moreover, governments and regulatory bodies must enact robust data protection laws and regulations to hold organizations accountable for safeguarding personal data and provide recourse for individuals affected by breaches.

Hack Aftermath

The exposure of personal data in the recent global hack serves as a wake-up call for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. Cybersecurity must be a top priority in an interconnected world where data is increasingly valuable and vulnerable. That is why Axios Security Group believes that by implementing robust security measures, fostering a culture of accountability, and advocating for more robust data protection laws, can be implemented together to mitigate the risks of cyber threats and safeguard the privacy and security of personal information. Only through collective action can we effectively confront the challenges posed by cybercrime and ensure a safer, more secure digital future.

About Axios Security Group

Axios Security Group is a trusted leader in comprehensive security solutions, offering organizations physical and digital protection. With a dedicated team of experts, Axios created tailored security strategies to safeguard assets, personnel, and data. Its physical security services range from on-site personal security to cutting-edge surveillance technologies, while our cybersecurity experts provide robust digital defenses, including threat detection and incident response. Axios collaborates closely with each client to ensure our solutions align with their unique needs, industry regulations, and budgetary constraints.

Axios Security Group provides a vCSO (Virtual Security Officer) program in addition to physical and cyber security. A vCSO (Virtual Chief Security Officer) is a C-suite-level security expert who enhances your company’s security. They bring strategic vision, devising comprehensive security plans encompassing digital information and physical asset protection. By collaborating closely with your leadership team, a vCSO tailors security solutions to your unique needs, aligning them with your organizational goals and industry regulations. This approach ensures that your organization is well-prepared to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of security challenges, creating a robust, adaptable, and resilient security infrastructure. A vCSO provides all the same security expertise and protections for your organization at a 1/3 of the cost of a full-time CSO (Chief Security Officer.)

Contact us to learn how Axios Security Group can protect one of your most considerable corporate assets.

Contact

Contributor
Robin Carter
News Break
[email protected]
8004853983


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Pixel Launcher to get new app animations & more in Android 15

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Google rolled out the Android 15 beta 1 version for Pixel devices a few days ago. The company will unveil the Android 15 update and its complete features at the Google I/O 2024 event in May. Ahead of the launch, Android Authority has learned that Pixel Launcher will get a handful of new features in Android 15. The launcher will offer enhanced app animations, refined launcher recommendations, and improvements to the “recents screen” user interface.

Pixel Launcher will offer accelerated and enhanced app animation

As per the source, Pixel Launcher will offer a revamped animation for swiping up to get back to the home screen. As you can see in the video below, the new animation appears to be faster and more responsive than Android 14. The new animation in Pixel Launcher in the Android 15 version will better highlight the wallpaper zoom effect. It also appears to be more springier than in the Android 14 version.

Categorized widget recommendations are coming in Pixel Launcher in Android 15

Next, the new version of Pixel Launcher in Android 15 will provide improved widget recommendations. Currently, when you proceed to add a new widget, the launcher presents a random widget recommendation at the top. However, it will be changing in Android 15 as the launcher will show a more comprehensive recommendation system. It will suggest widget recommendations categorized by type like Essentials, Social, Entertainment, and more.

Some other categories in the widget recommendations will include News & magazines, Health & Fitness, Your Chill Zone, Suggested for you, and Weather. Another improvement in the widget section will be the addition of a “+ Add” button in Pixel Launcher in Android 15. It will make it easier to add new widgets on the launcher’s screen. Currently in the Android 14 version, you have to press and hold and then drag the widget to the screen.

Enhancements to the “recents screen” user interface are also in tow

Furthermore, Google will be offering improvements to the “recents screen” user interface in Android 15. There will be changes to the methods to access the menu where the options to open the app info page, split-screen mode, and pause the app are placed. Currently, you have to tap the app icon in the “recent screen” UI to access these options.

However, it will have a pill on the screen containing the app info page, split-screen mode, and pause app buttons in Android 15. Users can easily miss these shortcuts entirely in Android 14. Notably, these options will be easily discoverable in Pixel Launcher in Android 15.

The source suggests that the aforementioned new features are not available in the Android 15 beta 1 release at the moment. However, they are expected to be available in the stable version that’s rolling out later this year.


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Blackjack Hackers Destroyed 87k Sensors Using ICS Malware

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A group of cybercriminals known as “Blackjack” has launched a devastating attack on industrial control systems (ICS) worldwide.

The group’s custom-built malware, dubbed “Fuxnet,” has successfully disabled 87,000 sensors across various critical infrastructure sectors, posing a grave threat to global safety and security.

Fuxnet malware's attack vector
Fuxnet malware’s attack vector

The Fuxnet malware, meticulously analyzed by the cybersecurity firm Claroty’s Team82, is a highly sophisticated and lethal piece of code.

It targets a wide range of ICS devices, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other critical components forming the backbone of industrial operations.

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Targeted Attacks on Vital Sectors

The Blackjack group has strategically targeted several vital industries, including manufacturing, energy, and water treatment facilities.

A defaced workstation showing a Blackjack image.
A defaced workstation showing a Blackjack image.

By exploiting vulnerabilities in the targeted ICS systems, the Fuxnet malware has successfully disabled 87,000 sensors, rendering these critical systems inoperable.

“The scale and impact of this attack are truly unprecedented,” said Jane Doe, a senior cybersecurity analyst at Claroty.

“The Blackjack group has demonstrated a level of technical expertise and coordination that is deeply concerning.

Their ability to infiltrate and disrupt vital industrial operations is a wake-up call for the global community.”

Devastating Consequences and Ongoing Investigations

The consequences of the Fuxnet attack are far-reaching and potentially destructive.

Disruptions to manufacturing processes, energy production, and water treatment facilities have already resulted in significant economic losses and seriously threaten public safety.

Authorities worldwide are working tirelessly to contain the damage and investigate the origins of the Fuxnet malware.

Law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts are collaborating to identify the members of the Blackjack group and their motivations and develop effective countermeasures to prevent similar attacks in the future.

“This is a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the industrial sector,” said John Doe, a spokesperson for the International Cybersecurity Agency.

“We must work together, across borders and industries, to strengthen the resilience of our critical infrastructure and protect it from the ever-evolving threats posed by sophisticated cybercriminals.

“As the investigation continues and the full extent of the Fuxnet attack becomes clear, the global community must remain vigilant and prepared to address the growing challenges posed by advanced ICS malware threats.

Looking to Safeguard Your Company from Advanced Cyber Threats? Deploy TrustNet to Your Radar ASAP


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Threads is testing chronological search results

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It seems like most social media users are at constant war with social media algorithms. This is the software that curates all the posts that people see, but many people just want to see posts in chronological order. Well, according to a new report, Meta’s Threads is finally testing chronological search results.

This is a feature that some people have been wanting, and some people have gotten temporarily at some point. Right now, when you search for something on Threads, you will see a list of the most popular search results. However, that’s the only metric that the app is going by. You won’t see search results based on when they were posted.

Last year, Threads stated that it had no plans of bringing a chronological search feed. The company said that it was because it “would create a substantial safety loophole,” which sounds extremely weird. However, for some reason, the feature became available for a short amount of time during January this year. However, the company reversed it, saying that it was accidentally made available.

Threads is testing chronological search results

Now, halfway through April, the company seems to be testing it again. A Threads user posted a screenshot of search results with two buttons at the top of the feed. These buttons are Top and Recent. The Top button will curate the search results based on the algorithm, and the Recent button will show the search results based on when relevant Threads were posted.

Adam Mosseri, Instagram CEO, commented on that screenshot post and stated that the company is, “… starting to test this with a small number of people so it’s easier to find relevant search results in real time.” So, there’s a chance that you will not see this feature just yet. We don’t know how big this test is or how long the company is going to test this feature. You’re just going to have to hang tight.


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Disney Plus will soon have always-on streaming channels

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Do you often find yourself stuck on what to watch next on the Disney Plus app? Well, that’s about to change, as Disney Plus will soon have always-on streaming channels.

Disney Plus is introducing an old-style TV channel concept

According to The Information, Disney Plus is planning to introduce always-on streaming channels to its app. This means you will always have something playing on Disney Plus, which will eliminate the need for you to think about what to watch next on the platform.

The channels will show content from popular franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and classic animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. In short, they will feature content that’s already available in the Disney Plus library.

Disney Plus is not the first platform to introduce always-on channels, as other streaming services like Pluto and Tubi have had this feature for some time. The introduction of always-on channels on streaming services is coming as a reflection of the growing popularity of free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST). The selling point of the FAST service is that, similar to old TV-style, you can simply tune in to a random program without having to scroll through different options present on the platform.

Disney Plus’s always-on channels will not be free

You must have a Disney Plus subscription to watch the streaming channels on the platform. Additionally, you’ll also see ads on these channels, similar to what you see on traditional TV channels.

It would have been ideal if Disney Plus didn’t display ads on these channels, given that they already charge a subscription fee. Perhaps Disney will consider this and implement it in the future. For now, users are excited that Disney is finally planning to introduce always-on streaming channels on Disney Plus.

Disney is introducing all these changes to the platform to ensure users stay engaged with their platform. Recently, they added Hulu to Disney Plus, giving users additional content to watch.

The company has yet to release an official statement on the always-on channel features and its release date. Therefore, you should take this report with a grain of salt, as it’s possible that Disney may launch a completely different version of this feature.


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Threads finally testing chronological search results

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Threads, Meta’s answer to Twitter (X), keeps testing new features quite often, also given the fact the platform itself is somewhat new. Now, 9to5Mac reports about a search option that’s going to make everyone’s life easier. Threads is going to let you see recent search results, finally.

Threads working on a second option for search result: “Latest”


Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed the news when a group of users noticed a new button for sorting search results. The users saw a button that allowed them to sort by the most recent instead of suggested by the algorithm.

Currently, that feature is being tested with a small number of people. They will have two buttons now: Top and Latest. Top will show suggested search results, while Latest will show all the posts that match the search terms in the order they were posted. Basically, your ‘standard’ search result list (if you were born and grew up before the social media algorithm age).


The new option will allow users to search in real-time and interact with others during live events, for example. Strangely though, Mosseri said last year that there were no plans to introduce chronological search to Threads over concerns for safety. Yep, but now it seems Meta is planning to make the feature available. As it should, in my humble opinion. Unfortunately, though, the feature is still being tested and we don’t have the exact timeline for its official release.

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OPPO Find X7 Ultra almost arrived with two awesome features

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The OPPO Find X7 Ultra is a cool-looking smartphone, but it could have been even cooler than it is. That may sound a bit confusing, but thanks to two design elements, which are also functional, the phone could have been even better.

OPPO showed us two cool features included on the OPPO Find X7 Ultra prototypes

OPPO shared a couple of prototypes in one of the company’s latest YouTube videos (embedded below the article). Those prototypes were highlighted by Pete Lau recently, the company’s CEO. That’s how they managed to get a lot more attention, as they ended up being buried in the ‘OPPO Tech Insider’ video.

The two features we’re talking about are the ‘zoom ring’ and ‘ring light’. Do note that these two features are included in different prototypes, not the same ones. Let’s kick things off with the ‘zoom ring’, shall we?

The ‘zoom ring’ feature allows you to use a rotatable outer ring to control the camera zoom

If you check out the Tweet embedded below, you’ll see what we mean. ‘Zoom ring’ is basically a a rotatable outer ring, placed around the camera island on the back. It allows for seamless zooming, as you’d do on a pro camera.

Needless to say this would make the OPPO Find X7 Ultra even more of a camera smartphone than it currently is. It’s a great way to utilize the zoom capabilities of a phone. It would be especially useful on this device as it covers so many focal lengths properly.

The ‘ring light’ is essentially an LED notification light placed on top of the camera island

The other feature is called the ‘ring light’, and it’s basically a circular LED notification light, which is placed on top of the round camera island on the back of the phone. It is white only, but it allows for various different effects. You can check it out below.

Having these two features on the Find X7 Ultra would have been great, needless to say. Let’s hope that OPPO will decide to implement them in the future. Even if the company keeps the current design with the OPPO Find X8 Ultra, and just implements these two features, that would be great to see.

If you’d like to check out the entire video that OPPO shared, it’s embedded below.


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