Similar Posts
US Blood Donation Leader Faces Major Disruption Following Ransomware Attack
The New York Blood Center (NYBC) is grappling with severe service disruptions following a ransomware attack detected on January 26. This breach has hindered blood donation services, leading to rescheduled donation activities and longer processing times. Compounding the issue, NYBC recently declared a blood emergency due to a 30% drop in donations, resulting in dangerously low blood supply levels. The organization is committed to restoring services and maintaining community health, although the timeline for full system restoration remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing, and the attackers have yet to be identified. No ransom demand has been reported, and patient data status is unknown.
23andMe Declares Bankruptcy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Your Personal Data
On March 16, 2023, DNA testing service 23andMe filed for bankruptcy protection, raising concerns about the privacy of genetic data belonging to its 15 million customers. The company emphasizes that data privacy will be crucial in any future sale, yet experts urge users to take steps to secure their information. Customers can delete their data by accessing their account settings, but 23andMe may retain certain information for legal reasons. Users can also revoke consent for research use. It’s advisable for customers to inform family members about protecting their data and to review resources on consumer rights and data privacy.
Regeneron Acquires 23andMe for $256M: A Game-Changer in Pharma Data and Customer Insights
Regeneron plans to acquire genetic testing company 23andMe for $256 million following its bankruptcy filing. This acquisition allows Regeneron to utilize 23andMe’s extensive genomic database, which includes data from around 15 million customers, to enhance drug discovery efforts. Regeneron has committed to prioritizing the privacy and ethical use of customer data, especially after 23andMe’s recent challenges, including a data breach affecting 7 million customers and the resignation of its CEO, Anne Wojcicki. A bankruptcy court will review the acquisition proposal on June 17, but Regeneron will not acquire 23andMe’s Lemonaid Health business.
PowerSchool Network Breach: Hacker Infiltrated System Months Ahead of December Security Collapse
A significant data breach involving U.S. edtech company PowerSchool has been revealed, following an investigation by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. The unauthorized access began as early as August 2024, months before the major breach reported in December 2024. PowerSchool confirmed that hackers exploited compromised support credentials, leading to unauthorized activity between December 19 and December 28, 2024. While CrowdStrike noted the lack of definitive links between the earlier access and the December breach, they indicated that timely action could have mitigated the incident. Concerns grow as over 60 million students’ personal information may be compromised, but PowerSchool has not disclosed specific numbers.
Bybit Crypto Exchange Offers $140 Million Bounty to Track Down Stolen Funds After Hack
Hackers have executed the largest crypto heist ever, stealing around $1.4 billion in Ethereum from Bybit. In response, Bybit has launched a bounty program offering up to $140 million for information that aids in recovering the stolen funds. CEO Ben Zhou announced the initiative, which rewards individuals 5% of any traced and frozen amount. So far, $4.23 million has been distributed to five bounty hunters. The breach is attributed to the Lazarus Group, linked to North Korea, and involved malicious code from SafeWallet. Investigations reveal a compromised developer’s device as the source of the attack.
Paragon Spyware Unveils New Target: Latest Developments in Cybersecurity Threats
Mediterranea Saving Humans, an Italian nonprofit focused on rescuing migrants, announced that its founder, Luca Casarini, was targeted in a spyware campaign aimed at WhatsApp users. The spyware, developed by Israeli startup Paragon Solutions, affected around 90 individuals, including activists and journalists challenging Italy’s far-right government. Mediterranea expressed concerns about potential government involvement in the operation. While Paragon’s U.S. subsidiary claimed a zero-tolerance policy against targeting civil society figures, they did not clarify if the Italian government is a client. The Citizen Lab is investigating Casarini’s phone for spyware, underscoring the risks associated with the surveillance industry.