Content by Scott Ferguson

New JavaScript Skimmer Found on E-Commerce Sites

Scott Ferguson  •  November 15, 2019

Security researchers at Visa have uncovered a new type of JavaScript skimmer that has infected the online checkout pages for at least 17 e-commerce websites in an effort to steal payment card data. Dubbed "Pipka," this skimmer has new capabilities to avoid detection.

DOJ: Pair Used SIM Swapping Scam to Steal Cryptocurrency

Scott Ferguson  •  November 14, 2019

A pair of Massachusetts men allegedly ran a years-long scheme that used SIM swapping and other hacking techniques to target executives in order to steal more than $550,000 worth of cryptocurrency, the U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday.

Russian National Charged in Payment Card Scheme

Scott Ferguson  •  November 13, 2019

The U.S. Justice Department Tuesday unsealed an indictment charging Russian national Aleksey Burkov with running an underground site called "Cardplanet" that acted as a clearinghouse for stolen payment card data. Burkov arrived in the U.S. Tuesday after being extradited by Israel.

Devaluing Data to Protect It

Scott Ferguson  •  November 13, 2019

In today's digital environment, protecting sensitive information and sales transaction data is of critical importance. Tim Horton of First Data explains the concept of "devaluing" data so it's worthless in the event of a breach.

Election Interference Notification Protocols Unveiled

Scott Ferguson  •  November 11, 2019

The White House has developed protocols for notifying the public of nation-state hacking or other interference during the 2020 presidential election cycle. But the full framework has not yet been released.

Facebook Agrees to Pay UK Fine in Cambridge Analytica Case

Scott Ferguson  •  October 30, 2019

After months of appeals, Facebook has agreed to pay $643,000 to settle claims that it violated U.K. privacy laws by allowing Cambridge Analytica - a now-defunct digital marketer that focused, in part, on political campaigns - to access the personal data of 87 million of its users.

Two Data Leaks Expose Millions of Records

Scott Ferguson  •  October 28, 2019

Two new security incidents demonstrate how easily millions of customer records can be exposed. Researchers found an unsecured database containing records of customers of Adobe Creative Cloud. And Italy's UniCredit bank announced a "data incident" that exposed a file containing customer records.

Johannesburg Struggles to Recover From Ransomware Attack

Scott Ferguson  •  October 25, 2019

Johannesburg has been hit with a ransomware attack that is crippling municipal services. City Power, an electric utility owned by the city that was hit by a similar attack in July - also was affected by the latest attack.

Here's Why 'Raccoon' Infostealer Is Popular With Criminals

Scott Ferguson  •  October 25, 2019

The "Raccoon" infostealer, first spotted in the wild earlier this year, is rapidly gaining in popularity on underground forums due to its low cost and ability to steal a wide range of data, including credit card numbers and cryptocurrency wallets, according to a new analysis from Cybereason.

Congress Grills Facebook's Zuckerberg on Cryptocurrency Plans

Scott Ferguson  •  October 24, 2019

A U.S. Congressional committee on Wednesday peppered Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg with tough questions about the company's plans for a cryptocurrency called Libra, raising concerns about privacy issues as well as potential use of the currency for money laundering or to finance deals for illegal drugs and weapons.

Clinton Email Probe Cites 38 for Violations

Scott Ferguson  •  October 21, 2019

The State Department's years-long review of former Secretary Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server found that although 38 current or former department officials violated government security policies, there was no "persuasive evidence of systemic, deliberate mishandling of classified information."

Assange Denied Delay for US Extradition Hearing

Scott Ferguson  •  October 21, 2019

A British judge has denied WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's request to delay a five-day hearing, slated to begin Feb. 25, on whether he should be extradited to the United States to face espionage charges.

CCPA Amendments Signed; Draft Regulations Released

Scott Ferguson  •  October 14, 2019

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed into law six amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act as well as another bill updating the state's long-standing data breach law. Meanwhile, draft CCPA implementation regulations have been unveiled.

Thoma Bravo to Buy Sophos for $3.9 Billion

Scott Ferguson  •  October 14, 2019

Private-equity firm Thoma Bravo, which already has stakes in several cybersecurity companies, plans to buy U.K.-based security company Sophos in a $3.9 billion deal, the two companies announced Monday. The Sophos board will "unanimously recommend" the sale to shareholders, the company says.

Capital One Hacking Trial Delay Likely

Scott Ferguson  •  October 11, 2019

Defense and prosecution attorneys are asking for a delay in the trial of alleged Capital One hacker Paige A. Thompson, citing the overwhelming amount of digital evidence in the case and the ongoing forensics investigation. Prosecutors also expect to file additional charges.