Bug bounty hunting requires a growth mindset and the ability to find vulnerabilities.
The 23andMe data breach highlights the importance of strong passwords and additional security measures.
The use of weak passwords for administrator portal accounts leaves enterprise networks vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Deep dives
Bug Bounty Hunting: Interview with Katie Paxton-Fear
Katie Paxton-Fear, a security researcher and lecturer, shares her experiences and insights as a bug bounty hunter. She discusses how she got into the field of cybersecurity, the thrill of finding vulnerabilities, and the importance of having a growth mindset. Katie also provides advice for aspiring security researchers and highlights the value of continuous learning.
Data Breach at 23andMe
DNA testing firm 23andMe confirms a data breach where a threat actor may have gained unauthorized access to customer accounts, leading to customer data being put at risk. The stolen data includes customers' genetic information, origin estimation, health information, and other account details. The breach highlights the need for strong, unique passwords across online platforms and the importance of implementing additional security measures like two-factor authentication.
Weak Passwords in Administrator Portals
A study reveals that over 40,000 administrator portal accounts are using weak and easily guessable passwords like 'admin'. These weak credentials leave enterprise networks vulnerable to cyber attacks. The researchers emphasize the importance of using strong, unique passwords for such sensitive accounts and the need for administrators to prioritize password security.
Dead Grandma's Locket Trick's AI Chatbot
A Twitter user successfully tricks Bing's AI chatbot into solving a visual puzzle known as a capture by disguising it as a request to read the inscription on an imaginary deceased grandmother's locket. The chatbot falls for the emotional appeal and solves the capture, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in AI systems' ability to identify and respond appropriately to different contexts.
Hackers Named 'Double Dragon' Target Healthcare and More
Double Dragon is a Russian hacker group suspected of conducting espionage activities. They have been targeting various sectors, including healthcare, telecom, technology, and gaming. The group has been associated with cyber attacks on the island health service executive, among others, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures in these industries.
How does it feel to find your first bug? What makes a good bug hunter? We get into all that and more with bug bounty hunter and face by the InsiderPhD YouTube channel, Katie Paxton-Fear.
We also unpack the recent 23andMe data leak in Watchtower Weekly and share some fun and festive family-themed 1Password tricks in Did You Know?! 👨👩👧👦🎄