Ever worried about cybercriminals  stealing your personal information  through hacking, phishing,  or data breaches ? Without proper security,  your accounts  could be at risk , leading to identity theft, financial loss,  or privacy violations . The good news is that you can add extra layers of protection  beyond just a password . This guide will walk you through the importance of strong authentication methods  and how they can help keep your accounts secure . This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to set up and use extra layers of protection beyond just a password to keep your accounts secure. Step 1: Login to Your Account Step 2: Navigate to the "Settings & Privacy" Menu Click on the downward-pointing arrow located in the top-right corner of the Facebook homepage, then select Settings & Privacy  from the dropdown menu. Step 3: Access the Settings Panel Click on Settings  to proceed. Step 4:  Open the Account Center In the left panel, click on See More in Account Center  to access additional security settings. Step 5: Select "Password and Security" Within the Account Center , locate the Password and Security  section in the left panel. Click on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)  to enable enhanced security measures. Step 6: Choose and Verify Your Authentication Method Select your preferred authentication method from the available options: SMS Authentication : Enter your mobile phone number and click Next  to receive a six-digit authentication code via text message. Authenticator App : Set up an authenticator application for generating login codes. Step 7: Configure Recovery Codes Enable Recovery Codes  as a backup authentication method. These codes provide an alternative login option in case you lose access to your primary authentication device. Store them securely for future use. Step 8: Completing the Two-Factor Authentication Setup Once Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)  is activated, logging in will require both your password  and an authentication code  from your chosen verification method (e.g., SMS  or an authenticator app ). Enter the provided code  when prompted to successfully access your account.

Based on the biometric capabilities of their device, users can use either  fingerprint scanning  or facial recognition  to log into your mobile app through biometric authentication.  By removing the need to memorize complicated passwords, this feature streamlines the login process while improving security . It helps users quickly and easily restore access to the app following session timeouts, which is especially helpful. The application maintains a  high level of security  while ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience by using biometric authentication . For Android Based on the model, Android 10 and above  devices may support both fingerprint  and facial recognition.  Only fingerprint IDs are supported on Android 9 and below devices. Step 1: Setting Open Setting   Step 2: Password and Security Scroll near the bottom, click password and security For Fingerprint Step 1: Fingerprint Click Fingerprint Step 2: Add a fingerprint Click Add a fingerprint Step 3: Place your fingerprint on the sensor Press the sensor  and lift when you feel a vibration. For Face ID Step 1: Face ID Click Add Face For IOS Step 1: Setting Click Setting For Touch ID Step 1: Touch ID & Passcode Click Touch ID & Passcode, then enter your passcode. Step 2: Add a Fingerprint Click Add a Fingerprint, and hold your device as you normally would when touching the Touch ID sensor. For Face ID Step 1: Face ID & Passcode Click Face ID & Passcode, then enter your passcode. Step 2: Set Up Face ID Click Set Up Face ID . If you already have it enabled, you can add another face by tapping Set Up an Alternate Appearance .

Email spoofing has become a serious cybersecurity problem in this digital age, where most people use the internet in everyday interactions. Cybercriminals use this technique to trick users into believing a message is from someone they know or trust . When they recognize a name, they are more likely to trust it and click on malicious links,   open malware attachments,   send sensitive information , and even transfer money.  It is crucial to safeguard against email spoofing, and here are some practical steps to strengthen your defenses. Step 1: Understand Email Spoofing Email spoofing occurs when attackers manipulate the "From" field of an email to impersonate a legitimate sender . This tactic is often used to phish for sensitive information such as passwords and bank details, spread malware through malicious attachments or links , and conduct business email compromise (BEC) scams . Step 2: Watch Out for Unusual Emails Always approach emails cautiously, especially those that urgently request   sensitive   information , contain unexpected attachments or links,  or use generic greetings  instead of addressing you by name. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, as these are often telltale signs of phishing emails. Step 3: Check the Authenticity of the Sender Before taking action based on an email, verify the sender’s identity . Hover over the sender’s email address to check if it matches the claimed source. If unsure, contact the sender  through a trusted channel to confirm authenticity. Step 4: Turn On the Mechanisms for Email Authentication Organizations can implement email authentication protocols   to reduce spoofing . SPF (Sender Policy Framework) ensures that only authorized servers can send emails on behalf of a domain. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) verifies that emails are not tampered with during transit. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) combines SPF and DKIM to specify how email providers should handle unauthorized emails. As an individual, choose email providers that enforce these protocols . Step 5: Use Anti-Phishing Software Many email platforms offer built-in or third-party tools to detect phishing attempts. These tools flag suspicious emails , block known malicious senders, and provide real-time warnings about unsafe links . Keep your email client updated to ensure these tools remain effective. Step 6: Learn for Yourself and Your Connections Cybersecurity awareness is your best defense against spoofing. Regularly  educate yourself  and your colleagues or family about recognizing phishing emails, avoiding unsafe attachments or links, and reporting suspicious emails to IT or email providers. Step 7: Turn On Two-Factor Verification (2FA) Even if a hacker tricks you into revealing your password through a spoofed email, two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security . With 2FA enabled, you will need to enter a second code—often sent to your phone—before you can log in. Even if a cybercriminal has your password, they won’t be able to access your account without that verification code . Step 8: Update Your Passwords Regularly Use strong, unique passwords  for your email accounts and change them regularly . Avoid reusing passwords  across multiple platforms to minimize risk in case of a breach. Step 9:  Report Spoofing Attempts If you suspect email spoofing, report the email as spam or phishing  within your email client. Notify your IT department or email provider , and share information with others to prevent them from falling victim.

The General Data Protection Regulation is the most important part of EU privacy legislation, which seeks to protect personal information and give people control over it. GDPR has been implemented since 2018, and all organizations, irrespective of their location, have to comply with it if they deal with the data of citizens of the European Union. Data inspections, updated privacy notifications, security precautions, and legitimate data processing are all required for compliance. Failure to comply may lead to penalties of up to €20 million or 4% of worldwide sales. Businesses must educate themselves with their procedures, conduct audits, update privacy notices, and maintain security measures while ensuring that data processing has valid legal reasons for compliance. Such actions build trust while protecting personal information. General Data Protection Regulation is explained in detail on these websites: Termly   and ICO . GDPR Compliance Step 1. Analyze The Data. Know what kind of personal data  your company is collecting and how it is being processed, stored, and shared . Here you understand the procedures for handling the data and if any adjustments are required. Step 2. Update Your Privacy Announcements. The policies regarding privacy should be transparent and easily readable . Make the public fully aware of how their data is collected ,  used , and shared . Make them aware that through GDPR, they have rights  such as seeing  their data, modifying  it, and  deleting  the data. Step 3. Implement Security Controls. You can ensure that personal data is safe by using appropriate  security measures  such as encryption , access limits , and monitoring . Data breaches  and unauthorized access must be prevented to be compliant. Step 4. Lawful Reasons For Data Processing. You must ensure that while processing personal data , there is a valid reason  for it, such as consent ,  contractual need , or legitimate interest . These should be documented to prove that compliance has been achieved. Step 5. Employee Training. Train employees in their responsibilities and obligations  regarding the safe management of data  by training on the standards of the GDPR. Step 6. Monitor And Maintain Compliance. Review and update procedures  as needed to ensure ongoing compliance with the GDPR while remaining abreast of changes in data practices or legal requirements.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)  is increasingly becoming a critical component of modern-day cybersecurity through enhancing threat detection , prevention , and response . Traditional security measures are struggling to keep pace with the constantly increasing level of sophistication among cyber threats . AI-driven  solutions aid in that they make security operations  easier to automate, scan massive amounts of data  in real time, and adapt to deal with emerging threats. This book explains step by step how AI  can be utilized best in order to enhance cybersecurity defense . Steps for Harnessing AI for Identification and Prevention of Cyber Threats Step 1: Data Integration Gather security data  from diverse sources such as network logs, endpoint, and cloud environments. Analyze large datasets  with AI-driven analytics  to extract meaningful security insights. Federate streams   of data  to allow ongoing monitoring of threats in  real-time . Step 2: Anomaly Detection with AI Establish normal patterns of behavior based on machine learning algorithms. Identify anomalies and suspicious activity that can indicate a cyberattack. Use behavioral analytics  to detect advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day attacks. Step 3: Threat Intelligence Integration Use global  threat intelligence  feeds to stay informed of new cyber threats. Use AI  to correlate known threats against internal security data to identify potential threats. Use predictive analysis  to foresee and prevent cyberattacks from occurring. Step 4: Automated Threat Detection and Response Use AI-driven security automation  technologies to detect threats with minimal human intervention. Release AI-based Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response ( SOAR ) tools to play preconfigured response actions. Make real-time mitigation  possible by blocking malicious IPs automatically, isolating infected devices automatically, and activating alerts automatically. Step 5: Ongoing Learning and Adapting Employ machine learning models  that are constantly adapting to identify emerging forms of cyber threats. Update AI systems  with new data and threat intelligence on an ongoing basis. Incorporate reinforcement learning  to improve AI’s decision-making capabilities. Step 6: User Behavior Analytics (UBA) Track user behavior  for suspicious patterns of behavior that may represent insider threats. Create risk-based access   controls to restrict privileges according to AI-assessed risk. Detects compromised accounts  by monitoring anomalies in login points, access habits, and file changes. Step 7: Endpoint and Network Security Enhancement Implement AI-powered endpoint   security products to identify malware and ransomware in real-time. Use deep learning models  to categorize and eliminate new threats through behavioral analysis. Use AI-powered intrusion detection and prevention systems ( IDPS ) to secure networks. Step 8: Fraud Prevention and Identity Verification Using AI Use AI in fraud detection  systems to inspect transactions and spot suspicious activity. Use biometric authentication  with AI-driven facial recognition and fingerprint scans. Use AI-based  risk scoring  to ascertain the risk of identity theft or illegal access.

In today's digital age, electronic gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and tablets  hold massive amounts of personal and sensitive data . Simply throwing away or selling an old device without proper precautions can lead to data breaches, identity theft, or unauthorized access  to your private data. Whether you're upgrading to a new gadget or disposing of an old one, it's critical to use secure disposal methods. Follow these essential steps Step 1: Backup your Data Before disposing of your old device, make sure to backup any crucial files, documents, or media. You can do this by:  Using cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. Transferring files to an external hard drive or USB flash drive. Using built-in backup features like Time Machine  for Mac or File History  for Windows. Step 2: Perform a Secure Data Wipe Simply deleting files is not enough , as data can easily be retrieved using specialized software . Follow these procedures to ensure that all data is removed For Smartphones and Tablets: iOS (iPhone/iPad): 1. Sign out of iCloud and other linked accounts. 2. Go to Settings  > General  > Transfer or Reset iPhone  > Erase All Content and Settings . Confirm and follow the on-screen instructions. Android Devices: 1. Sign out of your Google account. 2. Go to Settings  > System  > Reset Options  > Erase All Data (Factory Reset) . 3. Confirm the reset and follow prompts. For Computers: Windows: Go to Settings  > Update or Security  > Recovery . Select   Reset this PC  and choose Remove everything . Follow the on-screen instructions to wipe data securely. Mac: Sign out of iCloud and iMessage. iCloud iMessage Boot into macOS Recovery Mode (Command + R during startup). Use Disk Utility  to erase the hard drive, then reinstall macOS . Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon Step 3: Remove or Deactivate Accounts and Licenses Unlink your device from Apple ID, Google, or Microsoft accounts. Deactivate software licenses  for apps or programs that require activation. Remove SIM cards and  microSD cards  from mobile devices. Step 4: Physically Secure the Device (If Needed) If you are not immediately disposing of your device, keep it in a secure location  to prevent unauthorized access. Step 5: Choose a Safe Disposal Method Instead of throwing your old device in the trash, consider these environmentally friendly and secure disposal options: Recycle : Many electronics manufacturers offer recycling programs  (e.g., Apple, Dell, Best Buy). Check with local e-waste recycling centers  to ensure proper disposal. Donate or Sell : If the device is still functional,  consider donating it to schools, charities, or non-profits.  You can also sell or trade it in using services like Gazelle, Swappa, or manufacturer trade-in programs. Destroy (For Highly Sensitive Data) : If the device contains confidential data , physically destroy it (e.g., shred hard drives, break SIM cards). If needed, use professional data destruction services .

Smart home devices offer convenience, automation, and enhanced security . However, they also introduce cybersecurity risks.  The more connected devices you have, the greater the potential for cyber threats.  Cybercriminals can exploit security vulnerabilities to access your network and sensitive data. Follow these best practices to secure your smart home and protect your personal information. Best Practices for Securing Smart Home Devices Step 1: Choose Secure device Before purchasing a smart device, research  the product and manufacturer to ensure it has strong security features, regular software updates, and positive user reviews.  Additionally, check the device’s minimum requirements , such as a stable internet connection, a smartphone or tablet, and the need to install an app or create an online account for device management. Step 2: Secure your Wi-Fi network Most routers come with default settings that are easy for hackers to exploit. Strengthen your home network security by: Changing the default router username and password Using a strong, unique  password for your Wi-Fi network Enabling WPA3 or WPA2 encryption  for enhanced protection Creating a separate guest network  for smart devices to prevent breaches affecting your primary devices Step 3: Use Strong and Unique Passwords Secure your smart home ecosystem with robust authentication methods: Change Default Credentials:  Replace default usernames and passwords with strong, unique ones. Use a Password Manager :  Generate and securely store complex passwords. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):  Add an extra layer of security where available. Step 4: Install comprehensive security software. Enhance your network security by: Using a firewall  and antivirus software  to detect and block threats with trusted security solutions like   Malwarebytes . Enabling network monitoring  to identify unusual activity Considering a secure DNS service  for extra protection Implementing a smart security solution  that safeguards connected devices through your router, preventing unauthorized access and cyber threats Step 5: Disable Unnecessary Features Many smart devices come with features that may not be essential for daily use. To minimize security risks: Turn Off Remote Access:  Unless required, disable remote access to prevent unauthorized control. Review Device Permissions:  Restrict data-sharing settings to only what’s necessary. Step 6: Keep the device Updated Regular software updates help fix security vulnerabilities  and improve device performance. To ensure your smart devices remain secure: Enable automatic updates  when available. Manually install updates  as soon as they’re released. Check the manufacturer’s website  for firmware updates and security patches. Step 7: Plan for Device Disposal When it’s time to replace, sell, or give away a smart device, follow these steps to prevent unauthorized access to your data: Perform a factory reset  to erase all personal data and restore default settings. Remove the device from linked apps or accounts  to ensure it’s no longer associated with you. Check the manufacturer’s website  for specific reset instructions. Refer to the NCSC’s guidance  on securely buying and selling second-hand devices.

To improve online privacy and protect sensitive data while surfing the web, private browsing is an important feature. This function, which is especially useful for shared or public computers, prevents the browser from saving the history, cookies, or other session data when it is turned on. Private browsing provides an additional layer of privacy while logging into accounts, shopping, or researching sensitive topics, but it does not make you completely anonymous online. This document will guide you through the process of enabling private browsing in many prominent browsers, such as Microsoft Edge, Opera, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Each browser has its version, like Firefox's Private Browsing or Chrome's Incognito Mode. You will learn how to activate private browsing and fully use its advantages in security and privacy. Go to any of these websites for the detailed guide: Google Chrome Help , Microsoft Support , Mozilla Support , and  Opera Help . Enabling Private Browsing on Google Chrome Step 1. Open Google Chrome. Open   the  Google Chrome browser. Click the three-dot menu  located on the upper right part of your screen.  Step 2. Enter Incognito Mode. When the dropdown menu shows up, click New Incognito Window.   Step 3. Proceed to Private Browsing. This will redirect you to the private browser. Enabling Private Browsing on Microsoft Edge Step 1. Open Microsoft Edge. Open the  Microsoft Edge browser. Click the three-dot menu  located on the upper right part of your screen.  Step 2. Enter InPrivate Mode. When the dropdown menu shows up, click New InPrivate Window.   Step 3. Proceed to Private Browsing. This will redirect you to the private browser. Enabling Private Browsing on Firefox Step 1. Open Firefox. Open the  Firefox browser. Click the three-line menu  located on the upper right part of your screen.  Step 2. Enter Private Mode. When the dropdown menu shows up, click New Private Window.   Step 3. Proceed to Private Browsing. This will redirect you to the private browser. Enabling Private Browsing on Opera Step 1. Open Opera. Open the  Opera browser. Click the Opera Icon  located on the upper left part of your screen.  Step 2. Enter Private Mode. When the dropdown menu shows up, click New Private Window.   Step 3. Proceed to Private Browsing. This will redirect you to the private browser.

Security researchers at GitHub’s Security Lab have uncovered two critical vulnerabilities in the open-source ruby-saml library that could allow attackers to bypass authentication and take over user accounts. These vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2025-25291 and CVE-2025-25292, affect ruby-saml versions up to 1.17.0 and have been assigned a high severity CVSS score of 8.8. Understanding the Risk ruby-saml is a widely used library that facilitates Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) authentication for web applications. SAML is a crucial standard for single sign-on (SSO) solutions, enabling secure authentication across multiple services. The vulnerabilities arise due to inconsistencies in how the ruby-saml library processes XML signatures using two different parsers—REXML and Nokogiri. These discrepancies create an opportunity for attackers to exploit a "Signature Wrapping" vulnerability, allowing them to forge SAML responses and impersonate users. How the Attack Works An attacker who gains access to a validly signed SAML response can manipulate the XML structure to trick applications into accepting an unauthorized authentication assertion. This means attackers can bypass security measures and gain access to protected accounts without valid credentials. Once exploited, this vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within an organization’s systems. Mitigation and Recommendations The maintainers of ruby-saml have addressed these security flaws in versions 1.12.4 and 1.18.0. Organizations using vulnerable versions of the library are strongly advised to update immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation. In addition to updating the library, security experts recommend implementing the following best practices: Regularly audit and test SAML implementations for security weaknesses. Enforce strict validation of XML signatures to prevent tampering. Monitor authentication logs for unusual or unauthorized access attempts. Apply security patches and updates as soon as they become available. The Bigger Picture This discovery highlights the ongoing security risks associated with third-party libraries and the need for rigorous security assessments in software development. Open-source security vulnerabilities remain a significant concern, and organizations must stay proactive in monitoring and securing their authentication mechanisms. For further details, developers and security teams can refer to GitHub’s official security advisory and update their implementations accordingly.

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, scammers are taking advantage of its potential to create increasingly realistic phishing schemes. AI-generated phishing assaults trick victims into disclosing private information  by using complex language , realistic branding , and even deepfake voices . AI-powered phishing communications can be extremely well-crafted and challenging  to identify, in contrast to conventional schemes, which frequently have glaring mistakes . The main indicators of AI-generated phishing schemes are examined in this article, along with helpful tips for spotting  and avoiding them . You can strengthen your defenses against data breaches , financial fraud , and  identity theft  by being aware of these contemporary concerns . Scrutinize Sender Information Verify that the sender's email address matches the official domain , watching for slight misspellings  or  unusual names . Be cautious  of external email markers , especially if the message requests sensitive information. Analyze Email Content Phishing emails often use generic  greetings like " Dear Customer " instead of your name. Be cautious  of urgent  or  threatening language that pressures you to act quickly. Legitimate companies rarely request sensitive  information via email. Inspect Links and Attachments Before clicking, hover over links  to check the actual URL for misspellings  or unfamiliar domains . Avoid opening unsolicited attachments , as they may contain malware. Be Cautious with AI-Generated Content AI-generated phishing emails  may use polished language , unlike traditional scams with grammatical errors. However, watch for  inconsistencies  in tone  or context that seem unusual . Implement Advanced Security Measures Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts for added security. Use advanced email filters with AI to detect and block phishing attempts. Stay Informed and Educated Stay updated on phishing techniques  through regular c ybersecurity training . Report suspicious  emails to your IT department or email provider.