Threats in the Wild

South Africa

Driving licence card scanner warning for estates
The Information Regulator of South Africa has urged gated communities and office parks to adhere to the Protection of Private Information Act (POPIA) regarding data collection practices

The Information Regulator of South Africa, led by Advocate Pansy Tlakula, has urged gated communities and office parks to adhere to the Protection of Private Information Act (POPIA) regarding data collection practices. Concerns were raised about the excessive personal information gathered via scanning vehicle registration discs and driver’s licenses. Tlakula emphasized that only essential information, such as the driver’s name, vehicle registration number, and car color, should be collected. Additionally, At the Gate (ATG) Digital, a provider of access management systems, claims to comply with POPIA by implementing security practices such as data de-identification, encryption, and employee training to protect personal data.

https://mybroadband.co.za/news/security/567285-driving-licence-card-scanner-warning-for-estates.html

Online shopping deliveries under siege in South Africa
Organized criminal syndicates are increasingly targeting couriers delivering online orders in South Africa, especially following a surge in e-commerce transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organized criminal syndicates are increasingly targeting couriers delivering online orders in South Africa, especially following a surge in e-commerce transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports indicate a rise from approximately 20 daily hijackings to 65 per day by mid-2024. Criminals employ sophisticated tactics, including deceptive fake orders, primarily affecting parcel and food delivery drivers who may not be trained in identifying security risks. This rise in hijackings leads to delays and increased costs for consumers, while courier companies face higher operational costs. Industry leaders are urged to collaborate to enhance safety and mitigate delivery costs.

https://mybroadband.co.za/news/security/566974-online-shopping-deliveries-under-siege-in-south-africa.html

WhatsApp scam warning in South Africa
MTN has warned about escalating WhatsApp scams aimed at stealing personal information and funds, or misusing accounts for criminal activities.

MTN has warned about escalating WhatsApp scams aimed at stealing personal information and funds, or misusing accounts for criminal activities. With WhatsApp being a predominant messaging platform, these scams are particularly concerning in South Africa. Tactics include phishing, impersonation of trusted individuals, and recruitment scams targeting freelancers. One notable method is the interception attack, where scammers take over conversations between two parties. To combat these scams, users are advised to recognize suspicious messages, enable two-step verification, and verify end-to-end encryption in chats. Overall, the landscape of cyber crime in South Africa highlights critical issues around data privacy, delivery safety, and online scams requiring attention from both industry stakeholders and individuals to improve security and compliance.

https://mybroadband.co.za/news/cellular/565931-whatsapp-scam-warning-in-south-africa.html

Overall, the landscape of cyber crime in South Africa highlights critical issues around data privacy, delivery safety, and online scams requiring attention from both industry stakeholders and individuals to improve security and compliance.

International

Cybersecurity threats continued in October 2024
Maui Community Clinic Cyberattack
The clinic disclosed a ransomware attack that compromised personal information of over 123,000 individuals, leading to major operational disruptions.

Internet Archive Breach
The Internet Archive reported its third cyberattack on October 20, affecting its significant collection of digital information.

Hot Topic Database Breach
A hacker claimed to have stolen data from Hot Topic’s database, affecting 350 million users and demanding ransom for data removal.

Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack
A ransomware attack earlier in the year compromised health information of over 100 million individuals, causing substantial disruptions in the healthcare system.

RansomHub Gang’s Attack in Mexico
The RansomHub hacking group targeted Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, threatening to leak sensitive data unless their ransom demands were met.

These incidents illustrate a rise in sophisticated cyber threats affecting a range of industries, particularly in healthcare and public infrastructure.

https://cybersecurityventures.com/intrusion-daily-cyber-threat-alert/