Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Person typing on a laptop.

Annual report shows a record 146B cyber-threats detected last year

Trend Micro, a global leader in cybersecurity, reported a 55% surge in cyber threats in 2022.

 | Gage Jackson

The Facebook logo is seen on a cell phone

Hackers appear to be targeting Facebook more than other sites

Privacy experts found that searches related to an account being hacked were the highest for Facebook users.

 | Scripps News Staff

Person typing

Why companies may sell your data to third parties

Companies have a lot of information on their customers. What they do with that information can go beyond normal advertising practices.

 | Scripps News Staff

Person typing on laptop keyboard.

Data breach? Here's what you should do immediately

Millions of people a year are impacted by data breaches. Here is what you should do the next time you receive a letter that you were affected.

 | John Matarese

Person in front of a computer

New tool gets sexually explicit images removed from internet

The new platform, Take It Down, allows users from around the world to submit a report to have sexually explicit images removed from the internet.

 | Scripps News Staff

The TikTok logo on a phone

White House: No more TikTok on government devices

The Office of Management and Budget said this is a "critical step forward in addressing the risks presented by the app to sensitive government data."

 | AP

Person typing on a keyboard.

Why this login technique may soon replace all your passwords

Passkeys are emerging as a viable alternative to passwords and there's a good chance you're already using them.

 | Simplemost and Tricia Goss

The TikTok logo.

TikTok plans 2 more European data centers amid privacy fears

TikTok is wildly popular with young people, but its Chinese ownership has raised fears that Beijing could use it to collect data on Western users.

 | AP

Valentine's day scams.

Romance scams becoming more common as stigma around reporting remains

Romance scams are the type of scam that people lose the most money to, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

 | Scripps News Staff

Attorney General Merrick Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

US infiltrates big ransomware gang: 'We hacked the hackers'

Officials said the targeted syndicate, known as Hive, is among the world's top five ransomware networks and has heavily targeted health care.

 | AP and Scripps News Staff

The AT&T logo is positioned above one of its retail stores.

Former AT&T customers still entitled to data throttling partial refund

AT&T settled with the FTC over allegations the company misled customers about their data speeds.

 | Scripps News Staff

Kid reading on a smart tablet.

Report: 96% of K-12 apps share children's data with third parties

Next time you download an education app, consider the following expert advice on data privacy.

 | Chloe Nordquist

A Bank of America ATM is shown.

Bank of America glitch leaves some Zelle users waiting for their money

Some Bank of America customers woke up to lost money, accounts in the negative and overdraft fees, due to issues with Zelle transfers.

 | James Packard

A woman takes a survey on her phone.

Yes, You Can Get Paid To Take Surveys, But Beware Of Scams

Scammers are finding new ways to get personal information from potential victims, including through "surveys."

 | Scripps News Staff

Apple Pay mobile payment system.

Mobile Wallets Are Convenient, But How Safe Are They?

An expert says adding a debit or credit card to your mobile wallet actually adds a layer of protection.

 | John Matarese

An FBI seal is seen on a wall.

FBI Warns Parents Of Increase In 'Sextortion' Cases Among Kids, Teens

Sextortion often involves kids or teens who are coerced into sending explicit images online then being extorted for money to keep them private.

 | Jamal Andress

The WhatsApp logo

Is WhatsApp Safe? Here's What You Need To Know

It can be a safe communication tool when you use it wisely and take precautions to protect your privacy and security. Here's how.

 | Tricia Goss

The TikTok logo on a cell phone

Fmr. CIA Official Calls For Restrictions On Officers Working At TikTok

The CIA's former acting general counsel told Newsy Congress should put post-employment restrictions in place.

 | Sasha Ingber

Woman types on her laptop keyboard.

Is Your Password One Of The Most Common In The U.S.?

NordPass released its 2022 list of the most common passwords — and the password manager reports that 83% of them can be cracked in a second.

 | Tricia Goss

A person searches the internet for sales

How To Keep Your Information Safe When Shopping Online

Cyber Tech Connection President David Jooste spoke with Newsy about how to keep your personal and financial information safe while shopping online.

 | Scripps News Staff

Person uses a smart phone.

How To Avoid Online Scams This Holiday Season

Experts say online scams around the holidays are growing because of Americans' increased reliance on e-commerce for shopping.

 | Tyler Adkisson

Person holds an iPhone with the app home screen open.

How To Snoop Around In Your Phone If You Think Someone Has Used It

If you suspect others have been accessing your cellphone, you can take a few easy steps to learn what they were up to on your device.

 | Tricia Goss

The TikTok logo is seen on a cell phone on Oct. 14, 2022, in Boston

TikTok Has Been Hiring Former CIA, FBI And NSA Officers

Americans who were previously employed by intelligence agencies are now working for TikTok, and it is raising security concerns.

 | Sasha Ingber

Liz Truss

U.K. Politicians Demand Probe Into Liz Truss Phone Hack Claim

Claims say Russian spies were suspected of the hack.

 | AP

A deepfake of Bruce Willis

What Does Hollywood Have To Fear With Deepfakes?

As the use of deepfake technology increases, questions arise on whether an actor's digital twin can be used without consent.

 | Casey Mendoza

A computer screen graphic is shown.

Why Deepfake Pornography Is So Hard To Stop

Cracking down on deepfake revenge porn and nonconsensual porn has been difficult legally, partly due to regulation of mediums.

 | Scripps News Staff

Google browser.

How To Remove Your Personal Information From Google Searches

You can now remove things like your address, phone number and signature from Google. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your personal information.

 | Tricia Goss

Someone typing on a laptop

Federal Trade Commission Warns Of Student Loan Relief Scams

Cybersecurity experts told Newsy the relief program is particularly lucrative to scammers because it offers a huge target for information and money.

 | Tyler Adkisson

A person types on a keyboard.

Pioneering Privacy Law Runs Into More Trouble In Maryland

Newsy has learned Maryland missed a key deadline in the rollout of new ancestry DNA privacy rules, another sign of trouble for the stalled law.

 | Patrick Terpstra

Elon Musk

What Happens If Elon Musk Buys Twitter?

Experts are worried, based on Musk’s comments on how speech should be moderated on social media.

 | Tyler Adkisson