Security News

Mandiant's brute-forced X account exposes perils of skimping on 2FA
2024-01-11 17:00

Google-owned security house Mandiant's investigation into how its X account was taken over to push cryptocurrency scams concludes the "Likely" cause was a successful brute-force password attack. "Normally, 2FA would have mitigated this, but due to some team transitions and a change in X's 2FA policy, we were not adequately protected," it posted via its now recovered account.

Twilio will ditch its Authy desktop 2FA app in August, goes mobile only
2024-01-08 18:07

The Authy desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux will be discontinued in August 2024, with the company recommending users switch to a mobile version of the two-factor authentication app. "We made this difficult decision to sunset the Twilio Authy desktop apps in order to streamline our focus and provide more value on existing product solutions for which we see increasing demand," explains Twilion in a new support document.

GitHub warns users to enable 2FA before upcoming deadline
2023-12-26 21:03

In emails sent to GitHub users on Christmas Eve, the company warned that all users contributing code on GitHub.com must enable 2FA by January 19th, 2024. "On January 19th, 2024 at 00:00 your account will be required to have 2FA for authentication. If you have not yet enrolled by that date, your ability to access GitHub.com will be limited until you finish the enrollment process," the company noted in an email to its users.

New phishing attack steals your Instagram backup codes to bypass 2FA
2023-12-20 19:35

A new phishing campaign pretending to be a 'copyright infringement' email attempts to steal the backup codes of Instagram users, allowing hackers to bypass the two-factor authentication configured on the account. When configuring two-factor authentication on Instagram, the site will also provide eight-digit backup codes that can be used to regain access to accounts if you cannot verify your account using 2FA. This could happen for multiple reasons, such as switching your mobile number, losing your phone, and losing access to your email account.

How to Retrieve and Generate Google 2FA Backup Codes
2023-08-17 12:58

Learn how to retrieve your Google 2FA backup codes and how best to use them. Some services offer 2FA backup codes that can be used instead. Google is one such service.

Massive EvilProxy Phishing Attack Campaign Bypasses 2FA, Targets Top-Level Executives
2023-08-14 18:32

New research from Proofpoint exposes a new massive credential phishing attack campaign aimed at top-level executives in more than 100 organizations worldwide. This cybersecurity attack leverages the EvilProxy phishing kit and bypasses two-factor authentication.

Fluhorse: Flutter-Based Android Malware Targets Credit Cards and 2FA Codes
2023-06-29 13:40

Cybersecurity researchers have shared the inner workings of an Android malware family called Fluhorse. The malware "Represents a significant shift as it incorporates the malicious components directly within the Flutter code," Fortinet FortiGuard Labs researcher Axelle Apvrille said in a report published last week.

PyPI announces mandatory use of 2FA for all software publishers
2023-05-28 14:09

PyPI is a software repository for packages created in the Python programming language. The PyPI team says the decision to make 2FA mandatory on all accounts is part of their long-term commitment to enhancing security on the platform, complementing previous measures taken in that direction, like blocking compromised credentials and supporting API tokens.

New Android FluHorse malware steals your passwords, 2FA codes
2023-05-05 18:39

A new Android malware called 'FluHorse' has been discovered, targeting users in Eastern Asia with malicious apps that imitate legitimate versions. The apps mimicked by the FluHorse carrier apps are 'ETC,' a toll-collection app used in Taiwan, and 'VPBank Neo,' a banking app in Vietnam.

Google’s 2FA app update lacks end-to-end encryption, researchers find
2023-04-28 16:42

On April 25, security researchers Tommy Mysk and Talal Haj Bakry, who are known collectively on Twitter as Mysk, warned users of Google's Authenticator 2FA app to not turn on a new syncing feature. The change came about when Google enabled its 2FA Authenticator app to sync credentials across different devices.