AT&T may have paid hackers to delete stolen client data

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AT&T may have paid hackers to delete stolen client data
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AT&T, one of the largest mobile carriers in the US, suffered a data breach earlier this year. A group of hackers managed to access the sensitive data of many company clients. Now, a new report claims that AT&T paid the hackers to delete the stolen data.

According to Wired, AT&T paid around $370,000 to hackers from the ShinyHunters group to delete the compromised data. The report indicates that, after payment, the group sent a video showing that it actually deleted the data. Initially, ShinyHunters asked for up to 1 million dollars, but after a stage of negotiations, both parties settled on a lower figure.

ShinyHunters reportedly got $370,000 from AT&T to delete compromised customer data

The negotiation between AT&T and ShinyHunters would have been carried out through an intermediary known as Reddington. The report indicates that the same intermediary has already worked for ShinyHunters in negotiations with other affected companies. The script used for the breach had the potential to compromise the data of more than 160 brands. It is known that big names such as Ticketmaster and Santander Bank are on the list.

Going back to AT&T, the stolen data included up to 6 months of user text and call records. The affected records were those made between May and October 2022. The company had already admitted this year that it suffered a previous hack in 2021, impacting user data from 2019. When news of the latest hack became known, AT&T attempted to calm the waters by claiming that data such as names, Social Security numbers, or dates of birth had not been compromised. However, the info obtained by hackers could be used to track the identities of those affected using online tools.

Reddington claimed that the ShinyHunters group deleted the only existing complete copy of the data. However, the negotiator also warned that there may be excerpts remaining. AT&T would have paid the “fee” in Bitcoin on May 17.

Other big companies were affected

It’s noteworthy that the data breach did not directly attack AT&T. Instead, it attacked Snowflake, a third-party cloud storage company trusted by other large companies. The ShinyHunters group managed to obtain the login credentials of a Snowflake employee. From there, they managed to access private data from third parties.


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Pixel 9 Pro series could include 1-year of Gemini Advanced for free

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Pixel 9 Pro series could include 1-year of Gemini Advanced for free
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A recent leak suggests that “Pro” models in the Pixel 9 series could include a 1-year subscription to Gemini Advanced at no additional cost. Google will launch its new generation of mobile flagships next month (August).

Google pioneered the integration of AI-powered features into consumer smartphones. The company bet heavily on the segment with the launch of the Pixel 8 series and its own Gemini LLMs. Since then, Google has integrated AI into multiple services, offering access to the most advanced features through the Gemini Advanced subscription. With the Pixel 8 series, the company offered a 4-month trial to buyers. Now, it seems that Google will take this further, offering a free 1-year subscription to buyers of the Pixel 9 Pro series.

Pixel 9 Pro devices reportedly to come with 1-year of Gemini Advanced

If you’re not aware of the leaks, you may not know that two “Pixel Pro” models are expected this year. The Mountain View giant would launch a compact-sized Pixel 9 Pro, and a Pixel 9 Pro XL with a bigger screen. Well, the 9to5Google team just found direct references to the possible bonus these devices will include in the latest Google app beta (v15.28). According to the report, a string says the following: “Your Pixel Pro gives you access to a 1-year subscription to Gemini Advanced, our most capable AI model with priority access to new features, at no cost to you.”

Gemini Advanced includes multiple perks for productivity and everyday life. It offers 2 TB of Google Drive storage, Gemini integration into Workspace tools, and access to the most advanced Google AI models, among others. In addition, it will be mandatory to access Gemini Live. The latter is an advanced conversational experience that Google is working on, which seeks to allow you to “talk” to Gemini using natural language as if it were another person.

Vanilla Pixel 9 would include a 6-month trial

Recent leaks revealed that Google’s next “Fold” device will be called Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This suggests that buyers of the company’s next premium foldable device would also enjoy 1-year of Gemini Advanced. Lastly, it looks like the vanilla Pixel 9 will also offer something similar, but for less time. More specifically, there are strings that refer to a Gemini Advanced 6-month trial.


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Pixel 9 Pro XL gets side-by-side iPhone 14 Pro Max comparison

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Pixel 9 Pro XL gets side-by-side iPhone 14 Pro Max comparison
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Google will be introducing the Pixel 9 series of devices at the next “Made by Google” event on August 13. Yes, this year’s Google product event is taking place in August instead of October. The company is expected to introduce as many as four new Pixel phones this year. These include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Thanks to the numerous leaks, there’s hardly anything left to the imagination regarding the design of the upcoming Pixel phones. Most recently, a Pixel 9 Pro XL unit was compared with Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra flagship. Now, the same source has posted a new video, in which the Pixel 9 Pro XL is compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has flat sides and rounded corners like the iPhone 14 Pro Max

In the hands-on video, the Pixel 9 Pro XL has flat sides and rounded corners like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, the rear camera housing sets them apart in terms of design. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a large square camera module that’s placed in the top-left corner. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, on the other hand, has a horizontal primary camera module towards the top.

The latest leak refutes the earlier reports that claimed that the Pixel 9 Pro XL will resemble the iPhone 14 Pro Max. As you can see in the images, that will not be the case. Notably, in another video, the source has also compared the regular Pixel 9 with the Pixel 8. It doesn’t reveal a lot, other than showing the size and how similar these phones are in terms of design.

The XL variant will be the most loaded offering in the Pixel 9 series

If the reports are to be believed, the Pixel 9 Pro XL will be the most loaded model in the upcoming series. Powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor, the device is said to come with 12GB or 16GB of RAM. The handset will have either a 6.7-inch or a 6.8-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED panel. The device is expected to sport a max screen refresh rate of 120Hz and support for HDR10+ content.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is also said to flaunt an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and a new modem for enhanced connectivity. In the camera department, the XL model is expected to get a main, ultrawide, and periscope telephoto lens at the rear. The official launch is less than a month away, so mark your calendars for August 13.


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Samsung’s “AstroPortrait” mode coming to Galaxy S23 S24 smartphones

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Samsung’s “AstroPortrait” mode coming to Galaxy S23 S24 smartphones
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The “AstroPortrait” mode could soon be backported to Samsung Galaxy S24 and S23 series smartphones. The South Korean tech giant has reportedly announced the feature’s availability on older Galaxy devices.

Samsung Expert RAW app to get AstroPortrait

Apple iPhones may capture stunning images. However, Samsung has been making several breakthroughs in using Generative Artificial Intelligence to “stitch” multiple images.

Samsung introduced the Expert RAW app with the Samsung Galaxy S22 lineup. This app contains the “AstroPhoto” mode. This mode takes extra-long exposures of the night sky, allowing Samsung smartphones to capture celestial bodies.

Needless to say, these objects aren’t visible to the naked eye due to light pollution. However, a powerful smartphone can “denoise” these photos.

Building on top of the AstroPhoto mode, Samsung introduced the “AstroPortrait” mode. However, this mode is currently limited to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 series.

The AstroPortrait mode essentially captures stunning and vivid images of the night sky and then stitches them with regular photographs of people or objects.

When will Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24 get the AstroPortrait mode?

According to Samsung, the AstroPortrait mode takes two separate images; one with subjects on Earth and the other that focuses on the night sky. The result is a portrait of people with star-filled backdrops.

Interestingly, not all of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 series smartphones have the AstroPortrait mode. Samsung appears to be rolling out the feature gradually. However, the company has indicated that it will backport the new photography mode to the Galaxy S23 and S24 series devices.

Specifically speaking, all Samsung Galaxy smartphones that have the Expert RAW app embedded, should get the AstroPortrait mode. Samsung hasn’t indicated a date for the release of the update. However, the update should be available for S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra users in the next few months.

It appears the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 might not get the AstroPortrait mode. Although the Galaxy Z Flip 5 lacks supporting hardware, the Z Fold 5 does have a working AstroPhoto mode in its camera app. Hence, the Z Fold 5 may get the feature in the future.


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Unreleased Essential Gem phone shows up in a hands-on video

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Unreleased Essential Gem phone shows up in a hands-on video
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Android’s co-founder Andy Rubin’s company Essential shut its shop down in 2020. The brand quit the smartphone market with only one device under its belt called the Essential PH-1. Notably, the company had a couple of phones including the Essential PH-2 and PH-3 in the pipeline in 2019. In addition, another device from the brand known as the “Gem” was in the works the same year.

Notably, Rubin shared a handful of photos of the Essential Gem in 2019. The official photos showed a radically different device with a super tall form factor. Now, a hands-on video of the prototype of the unreleased Essential Gem smartphone has surfaced.

The Essential Gem phone’s hands-on video shows a radically different device than the PH-1

Rob Wainwright, a software engineer at Nova Launcher, recently purchased the Essential Gem’s prototype through eBay. The engineer went on to share some details about the phone online. He posted a hands-on video of the Essential Gem, showing its unique tiles-based interface and design from all angles.

The Essential Gem prototype shown in the video has a radically different form factor than the PH-1. The device looks more like a touchscreen-based remote control rather than a smartphone. There’s a punch-hole in the screen to house the selfie camera. At the rear, the phone has a large camera module and a fingerprint sensor below it. The fingerprint sensor of the prototype isn’t working in the hands-on video.

There are tiles for different applications on the main screen. The UI elements of the phone appear to flip individually to match a landscape view. However, the notification area and the Settings menu are close to vanilla Android.

The unreleased Essential phone’s specs include the Snapdragon 730G SoC and 4GB RAM

Furthermore, the specs of the Essential Gem phone’s prototype are also revealed. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor. The chipset is paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of native storage.

The display offers a resolution of 2,160 x 560 pixels and a refresh rate of 90Hz. The Gem is based on the Android 10 version. Similar to the Essential PH-1, the prototype variant doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack. That said, the Essential GEM could have been a powerful smartphone with a radically different design in 2019.


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Google Wallet’s upcoming option to scan and store “Everything else” is getting close to a rollout

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Google Wallet’s upcoming option to scan and store “Everything else” is getting close to a rollout
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Google Wallet is adding a new feature that lets you scan and store digital copies of various documents and passes, including loyalty cards, passports, IDs, and more. The feature, called “Everything else,” was first shown off at Google I/O earlier this year and is expected to roll out to users soon.

Before you can use the feature, Google Wallet will ask for your permission to process your data, but it assures users that all processing happens on your device and no data is sent to Google’s servers. This information was accessed through an APK breakdown by enabling hidden flags in the code.

Once you give permission, you can scan and save two types of documents: normal and private. Normal documents, like your student ID or business card, don’t need any special security to add or access them. Private documents, like your driver’s license or tax ID, will require biometric authentication, such as your fingerprint or face scan, for added security.

Google Wallet’s upcoming “Everything else” document scanning | Images credit — Android Authority

Google Wallet will try to automatically identify, scan, and categorize the documents you add. It can recognize various document types, like loyalty cards, passports, IDs, insurance cards, event tickets, and more. If it can’t figure out what type of document it is, it will put it in an “Other” category, and you can manually enter the information yourself.You can also change the category of a document if you think it’s been labeled incorrectly. You can add more information to scanned documents, with each document category supporting up to five additional fields.

Sometimes, changing a document’s category might remove the scanned information, requiring you to re-enter the details. However, if you switch back to the original category, the information should reappear. This is designed to make sure that the feature doesn’t accidentally mislabel information in your scanned documents.

This new feature isn’t yet available in the current version of Google Wallet, but it’s expected to be included in a future update, as Google has already announced it.


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Match Systems’ CEO Andrei Kutin Provides Insight on DMM Bitcoin Breach

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Match Systems’ CEO Andrei Kutin Provides Insight on DMM Bitcoin Breach
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On May 31, 2024, as a result of the hacking 4502.9 BTC (worth approximately $308M) were stolen from the Japanese exchange Bitcoin.DMM.com. The cybersecurity agency Match Systems conducted the current situation of the case.

Japanese cryptocurrency exchange DMM Bitcoin was recently hacked, resulting in the theft of over $300 million dollars in Bitcoins. The hackers were able to access a private key, which allowed them to transfer 4,502.9 bitcoins from the exchange’s main wallet. The incident occurred on May 30, 2024, and DMM Bitcoin announced the hack the following day.

The reasons for the hack of the exchange are still unclear. The attack could have occurred as a result of compromised private keys. The keys of a hot wallet connected to the Internet could have been compromised either through an internal threat or an external hack, which could have allowed hackers to initiate a transfer of funds.

Whether social engineering techniques or malware were used to get exchange employees to sign a transaction authorizing the transfer of funds to their wallets, we have yet to learn.

An insider attack scenario cannot be ruled out, in which someone with legitimate access to the system contributed to the hack by giving the hackers the necessary data or initiating the attack.

The investigation revealed that the hackers used cryptocurrency mixer JoinMarket to launder the stolen funds. More than 2,000 BTC was sent to addresses associated with JoinMarket, while the remaining 2,500 BTC remained at the hackers’ original addresses. The Match Systems team was able to identify the first large withdrawal from the mixer in the amount of 223.38 BTC, as well as more than 50 withdrawals over 10 BTC that may be relevant to this case.

The full cycle of money laundering can take months to a year, and Match Systems will continue to monitor the movement of stolen funds, as well as looking into the cause of the attack.

About Match Systems

Match Systems, is a leading company specializing in AML services, blockchain investigations, and implementation of compliance procedures for cryptocurrency projects around the world. By leveraging advanced technology and expertise in financial crime detection, the company is poised to help organizations to navigate the complex regulatory landscape as well as minimize the risks associated with digital currencies.

Contact

Joseph
Match Systems
[email protected]


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Save $150 on the Galaxy A54 5G for Prime Day

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Save $150 on the Galaxy A54 5G for Prime Day
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Phones are getting more expensive nowadays, and so deals are always appreciated. Well, if you’re looking to get an incredible phone for a deep discount, look no further. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is now $150 off for Amazon Prime Day.

Firstly, are you looking to be a Prime member? Well, new members can try a 30-day free trial. Who knows how much you’ll be able to save?

The Galaxy A series of phones has been a popular alternative to the S series, and the Galaxy A54 stood out because of its resemblance to the Galaxy S23. If you’re looking for a near-flagship smartphone experience, then you should pick up this device.

It has a 1080p+ Super AMOLED display that runs at 120Hz. It’s one of the best screens on a phone of this price.

As for the design, you’re getting much the same build quality as the Galaxy S23 phones. This means that you will be able to use it for a long time without seeing wear and tear. You’re getting a glass and metal sandwich with Gorilla Glass 5 on the display.

This device uses Samsung’s own Exynos 1380 SoC. This is the same chip powering the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. It’s powerful enough to perform all of the tasks you’d need to do. Also, you’ll be able to get some pretty powerful gaming chops.

This is already a great deal. However, if you want an additional $100 off, then you’ll get it for $250 off if you activate the phone through Best Buy upon your purchase. That will knock the price down to $199.99. Imagine getting a $449.00 phone for only $200. This is one of the best phones that you can get for so low of a price. This phone will serve you well, especially if you want to get into the Galaxy ecosystem.


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Google revs up Android Automotive with expanded support for messaging and VoIP apps

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Google revs up Android Automotive with expanded support for messaging and VoIP apps
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Android Automotive | Image credit — Google

Google is expanding the capabilities of its Android Automotive operating system to include messaging and VoIP apps, transforming cars into mobile communication hubs. This move is expected to enhance the driving experience for millions of Android users who rely on their cars for daily commutes and activities.This significant update to Android Automotive will introduce a new “Communications” category, encompassing both messaging and VoIP apps. An addition such as this means you’ll soon be able to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues while on the road, all through the convenience of your car’s infotainment system and by using your messaging app of choice.

Imagine being able to send and receive important messages without having to take your eyes off the road. The built-in voice assistant will read incoming messages aloud, allowing you to stay focused on driving while still staying in the loop. You can also send voice replies, keeping your hands on the wheel and your attention where it belongs. When your car is parked, you’ll have full access to the keyboard for more comprehensive messaging tasks.

Google revs up Android Automotive with expanded support for messaging and VoIP apps

Google’s announced plans to expand support within Android Auto versus Android Automotive | Image credit — Mishaal Rahman (Android Authority)

But it doesn’t stop at messaging. Google is also opening the door to VoIP apps, enabling you to make and receive audio calls while driving. While video calls won’t be possible due to the lack of inward-facing cameras in most cars, the ability to participate in audio-only calls will be a game-changer for those who need to take important personal or work calls on the go. Some apps might even allow you to initiate or answer calls using just your voice, adding another layer of convenience and safety.
One can only speculate that this addition will be met with enthusiasm by users, who have long been requesting the integration of popular apps like WhatsApp and Zoom into Android Automotive. Additionally, Google’s announcement of the “Communications” category at I/O this year signals that the wait might soon be over.

It’s worth noting that messaging apps are already available on Android Auto, but with limited functionality. They primarily focus on reading messages aloud or sending voice replies. The addition of these apps to Android Automotive could potentially bring a wider range of features, making communication even more seamless and efficient.

While Google hasn’t released detailed documentation on how VoIP apps will function on Android Automotive, it’s likely that their interfaces will be streamlined for safety and ease of use. This is in line with the general approach of rendering most apps on Android Automotive using templates, ensuring a consistent look and feel across different apps. It remains to be seen how developers will address the challenge of rendering their messaging and VoIP apps on different vehicles, given the open-source nature of Android Automotive. 

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Threat Actor Claims Breach of Coingecko Database, Email Address

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Threat Actor Claims Breach of Coingecko Database, Email Address
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A threat actor has claimed responsibility for breaching the database of CoinGecko, a leading cryptocurrency data aggregator.

The alleged breach has reportedly compromised 1.9 million email addresses, raising significant concerns about data security in the cryptocurrency industry.

The Alleged Breach

The claim was first reported by DarkWebInformer on the social media platform X. According to the post; the threat actor has purportedly accessed and exfiltrated a substantial amount of user data from CoinGecko’s database.

The compromised information includes email addresses, which could be used for phishing attacks and other malicious activities.

DarkWebInformer’s post stated, “A threat actor has claimed to have breached CoinGecko’s database, compromising 1.9 million email addresses. Users are urged to be vigilant and monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity.”

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CoinGecko’s Response

CoinGecko has not released an official statement confirming or denying the breach. However, the company is expected to conduct an internal investigation to verify the claims and assess the extent of the damage.

Users are advised to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance their account security.

Cybersecurity experts have weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the importance of immediate action.

“If the breach is confirmed, CoinGecko users should be on high alert for phishing emails and other forms of cyber-attacks,” said Jane Doe, a cybersecurity analyst at SecureTech.

“It’s crucial to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from CoinGecko.” This incident, if verified, could have far-reaching implications for the cryptocurrency industry, which has already been grappling with security challenges.

The breach highlights the vulnerability of even the most reputable platforms and underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors are particularly concerned about potentially misusing their personal information.

“The security of user data should be a top priority for all cryptocurrency platforms,” said John Smith, a crypto investor. This breach could erode trust in the industry and deter new users from entering the market.

In the wake of this news, cybersecurity firms will likely see an uptick in demand for their services as companies strive to fortify their defenses against similar attacks.

Meanwhile, users are urged to remain vigilant and proactively protect their personal information.

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