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Critical Cybersecurity Threats: How to Protect Your Data Now

Hackers are constantly evolving their tactics to break into your computer, compromise your network, and steal your sensitive data. The question is: How do you protect yourself?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the biggest cybersecurity threats from the past week—and what you can do to stay safe.

1. 94 Billion Stolen Cookies on the Dark Web

These aren’t the kind of cookies you eat—they’re digital tracking files that can expose your online accounts. Shockingly, 15.6 billion of these stolen cookies are still active, meaning hackers can use them to access accounts without passwords.

How Hackers Steal Cookies

  • When you log into sites like Google, YouTube, or Microsoft and choose "Stay logged in," a cookie stores your session ID and login credentials.
  • Malware like RedLine harvests these cookies from infected computers.
  • Hackers then inject stolen cookies into their own browsers, gaining instant access to your accounts.

Real-World Risk

Imagine a hacker accessing your email or business accounts. They could:

✔ Send fraudulent emails to clients (e.g., fake invoices).

✔ Steal sensitive data (banking info, personal files).

✔ Lock you out of your own accounts.

How to Protect Yourself

✅ Clear browser cookies regularly.

✅ Avoid "Stay logged in" on sensitive accounts.

✅ Use anti-malware software (to block threats like RedLine).

2. Cisco ISE Vulnerability (Cloud Threat)

A critical flaw in Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE) affects cloud deployments on:

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Oracle Cloud

The Danger

  • Hackers can bypass authentication and access sensitive data.
  • They can disrupt services or even take control of cloud systems.

The Fix

Cisco has released patches—update immediately if you use ISE in the cloud.

"If you don’t patch, you will be breached."

3. Salesforce Data Extortion Attacks

Cybercriminals are impersonating IT support to trick employees into installing a fake Salesforce Data Loader tool. Once installed, attackers:

✔ Steal company data.

✔ Demand ransom payments (or threaten to leak data).

How the Scam Works

  1. Hackers call employees (voice phishing / "vishing").
  2. They pretend to be IT and ask users to connect a malicious app to Salesforce.
  3. Once connected, data theft begins.

Protection Tips

🔒 Train employees to recognize phishing scams.

🔒 Restrict app permissions in Salesforce.

🔒 Monitor for unusual login activity.

4. HPE StoreOnce Backup Software (9.9 Severity Flaw)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) issued an urgent patch for its StoreOnce backup software due to an authentication bypass flaw (rated 9.9/10 in severity).

The Risk

  • Attackers can access backups without a password.
  • All versions before 4.3.1 are vulnerable.

What to Do

🛠 Update immediately—no workaround exists.

5. Google Chrome Zero-Day Exploit (Update NOW)

A zero-day vulnerability (actively exploited by hackers) affects Google Chrome’s JavaScript engine, allowing attackers to:

✔ Crash your browser.

✔ Install malware silently.

How to Update Chrome

  1. Open Chrome → Click ⋮ (Menu) → Help → About Chrome.
  2. If an update is available, restart Chrome.

Pro Tip: Close Chrome daily to ensure updates install.

6. Vanta Compliance Firm Data Leak

A software bug at Vanta (a compliance automation company) accidentally exposed customer data, including:

  • Employee names
  • Job roles
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) settings

Lessons Learned

✔ Even security firms can be vulnerable.

✔ Always audit third-party software access.

Final Thoughts: How to Stay Protected

Cyber threats are growing faster than ever. To defend yourself:

🔹 Keep software updated (OS, browsers, apps).

🔹 Use strong passwords + MFA.

🔹 Train employees on phishing scams.

🔹 Deploy anti-malware & monitoring tools.

Need Help?

At A Faster PC, we offer:

✔ Managed cybersecurity plans (automated patches, 24/7 monitoring).

✔ Business & home user solutions.

📞 Call us at 777-875-9777 or visit our site to schedule a free security assessment.

Got a Cybersecurity Question?

Drop it in the comments—we’ll cover it in a future post! 🚀

#Cybersecurity #DataProtection #TechSafety

Get Protected Today:

For IT support, managed services, patch management, and cybersecurity, contact A Faster PC:

📞 Call us: 772-878-5978.

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🔒 Need help securing your devices? You need A Faster PC! If you want to take your cybersecurity to the next level, call A Faster PC at 772-878-5978.