What is Vishing and How to Protect Youself

Added on: 22/10/2024 In today’s digital world, scammers are always evolving their tactics to deceive individuals, and one of the most alarming methods is “vishing.” This sophisticated attack preys on the trust and vulnerability of individuals by using voice calls to steal sensitive information, and it’s becoming increasingly common. But what exactly is vishing, and why is it so dangerous? More importantly, how can you protect yourself from these fraudsters?

What is Vishing?

Vishing, short for “voice phishing,” is a type of social engineering attack where criminals use voice calls to trick victims into divulging personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, or social security numbers. Just like email-based phishing attacks, vishing relies on creating a sense of urgency or fear in the victim, pushing them to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the request.

The attackers usually impersonate trusted institutions like banks, tech companies, government agencies, or even popular services such as Google or Microsoft. They might claim there’s a problem with your account, warn you about suspicious activity, or offer a refund, all to manipulate you into providing sensitive information over the phone. These calls can appear incredibly convincing, often using technologies like caller ID spoofing to make it seem like they’re calling from legitimate numbers.

The Dangers of Vishing

Vishing attacks can be highly damaging for several reasons:

1. Trust and Authority: Attackers often pose as representatives of legitimate organisations, making the victim more likely to trust them. They might even use the official phone numbers of banks, tech companies, or government agencies, creating a sense of authority that pushes the target to comply.
2. Real-Time Interaction: Unlike phishing emails, which can be flagged or ignored, vishing involves real-time interaction. This puts pressure on the victim to act immediately, often leaving little time for second thoughts or fact-checking.
3. Sensitive Information: Scammers are often after highly sensitive information, such as financial details, account login credentials, or even access to computer systems. In many cases, victims may not realise they’ve been scammed until after their accounts have been compromised, at which point it may be too late.
4. Emotional Manipulation: Vishing attackers often use emotional manipulation to scare their targets. They might claim that if the victim doesn’t act immediately, they could lose money, be fined, or face legal trouble. This fear-based approach is highly effective, particularly with vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly.

Real-Life Example: Spoofing Google’s Phone Number

One particularly alarming vishing technique involves scammers spoofing Google’s phone number and domain, making their attacks seem even more believable. Here’s how such a scam typically unfolds:

The victim is alerted that someone wants to access or has already accessed their Gmail account. The prompt is followed shorty by a phone call with Google’s legitimate number. On the phone, the victim will discuss with a “Google representative”, which in reality is just an AI voice following a script set by the scammer.

To make the situation more convincing, the scammer might refer the victim to a fake Google support website (which looks identical to the real one) to “verify” the details. They might ask the victim to confirm their account information, give out a one-time verification code, or even provide remote access to their device for “security” purposes. In this heightened state of fear, the victim may comply without thinking, effectively handing over full control of their account.

This type of vishing scam is particularly dangerous because of how closely it mimics a legitimate interaction with a trusted company. The attackers take advantage of the fact that Google is a company millions of people interact with every day, and most users are already wary of cybersecurity threats. By spoofing Google’s phone number and directing victims to a near-perfect replica of its website, scammers add a veneer of authenticity that makes it incredibly difficult to detect the fraud.

How to Protect Yourself from Vishing

Protecting yourself from vishing requires a combination of skepticism and practical steps:

1. Verify the Caller: If you receive an unexpected call from a company or organisation, don’t provide personal information right away. Hang up and call the official customer service number found on the company’s website to verify the legitimacy of the request.
2. Don’t Rely on Caller ID: Caller ID can be easily spoofed. Even if the number appears to be from a legitimate source, always double-check before giving away sensitive information.
3. Avoid Immediate Action: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. If a caller demands immediate action or asks for sensitive information, it’s a red flag. Take your time to verify the request.
4. Do Not Share Sensitive Information: Never share passwords, bank details, or one-time verification codes over the phone unless you’re absolutely sure who you’re speaking to.
5. Report Suspicious Calls: If you suspect you’ve received a vishing call, report it to the company the scammer was impersonating, as well as to your local fraud reporting agencies. This helps authorities track and mitigate these scams.

Vishing is a serious and growing threat in the digital age, with scammers using ever more convincing tactics to trick people into revealing sensitive information. By being aware of how vishing works, understanding the dangers, and following best practices for avoiding these scams, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to such attacks. Always stay vigilant, question unexpected calls, and prioritize your privacy and security above all.

Trump Administration Reverses Data Privacy Protections Exposing Americans to Increased Risks

In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has dismantled a Biden-era initiative aimed at limiting the sale of Americans’ personal data by data brokers. This move raises substantial concerns about consumer privacy and national security. <h2 class= "text-heading">Background: The Biden-Era Initiative</h2> Under President Biden, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed regulations to subject data brokers to oversight akin to credit bureaus. The goal was to protect consumers from the unregulated sale of sensitive personal information, which could be exploited for identity theft, scams, and even national security threats. <h2 class= "text-heading">The Reversal and Its Implications</h2> On May 14, 2025, the CFPB announced the withdrawal of the proposed regulations, stating that they no longer align with the bureau’s policy objectives. Consumer advocacy groups, such as Consumer Reports, have expressed alarm, warning that this decision leaves consumers vulnerable to scams and identity theft. The rollback also includes the withdrawal of proposals related to digital payment technologies and the prohibition of certain terms in consumer finance products. <h2 class= "text-heading">Risks to Consumer Privacy</h2> The unregulated sale of personal data poses several risks: • Identity Theft: Personal information can be used to impersonate individuals, leading to financial loss and reputational damage. • Scams and Phishing: Data brokers can sell information to malicious actors who craft targeted scams and phishing emails. • National Security Threats: Sensitive data about government officials and military personnel can be exploited by foreign adversaries for espionage. <h2 class= "text-heading">Sentrya: A Consumer-Focused Solution</h2> In light of these developments, consumers seeking to protect their personal information can turn to services like <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class= "content-link">Sentrya</a>. Sentrya offers tools to remove personal data from the web and data brokers, and to clear inboxes of scams and phishing emails. Designed specifically for individual consumers, Sentrya empowers users to take control of their digital privacy. The Trump administration’s decision to scrap proposed data privacy regulations underscores the importance of individual action in safeguarding personal information. While federal protections may be in flux, consumers can proactively protect themselves using services like <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class= "content-link">Sentrya</a> to mitigate the risks associated with data exposure. Read more

Your Airline Might Be Sharing Your Data with ICE: Here is What You Need to Know

Have you ever booked a flight thinking it was just between you, your airline, and your destination? You might want to think again. Recent reporting from Jacobin has exposed a chilling truth: airlines and travel companies are quietly sharing your personal travel data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). And it’s happening without your consent, knowledge, or any real way to opt out. Let’s break down what’s going on—and what it means for you. <h2 class= "text-heading">Your Data Is Being Sold—Not Just Shared</h2> You probably don’t know what the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) is. That’s by design. ARC is a behind-the-scenes player that processes flight bookings between travel agencies (think Expedia, Priceline, or even a local agency) and over 200 airlines. That includes the biggest names: Delta, American, United, JetBlue, and more. When you book a ticket, your itinerary, payment information, and travel history don’t just stay with the airline. They flow into ARC’s massive system. And from there? That data is being sold directly to ICE, as part of something called the “Travel Intelligence Program.” Yes, sold. This isn’t a targeted subpoena for a specific criminal investigation. This is bulk data sharing—ICE getting access to your travel habits, international flights, layovers, and even payment methods, all neatly packaged. Whether you’re a citizen, a visa holder, or just someone trying to visit family, that data can land in a government file, without your knowledge. <h2 class= "text-heading">Why This Should Deeply Worry You</h2> This isn’t just about immigration enforcement. This is about your right to privacy—and how it’s being traded away. 1. You never consented to this. When you hit “purchase” on that ticket, did you get a notice saying your personal information might be sold to a federal law enforcement agency? Of course not. 2. You have no control over where your data goes. Even if you use third-party travel sites, ARC is the middleman. And ARC is owned by the very airlines you’re booking with—so they’re profiting off your data in multiple ways. 3. You could be flagged for future surveillance without doing anything wrong. Maybe you fly often to a country ICE is scrutinising. Maybe you paid for a ticket for someone else. Maybe you booked with cash. These perfectly legal activities can appear suspicious when viewed out of context by an algorithm or agency. <h2 class= "text-heading">Real People, Real Risks</h2> Imagine you’re visiting family abroad and come back to find you’ve been flagged for extra screening—no explanation, just delays and discomfort. Or ICE shows up at someone’s door based on flight data you unknowingly shared when you booked a ticket for them. These aren’t hypotheticals. This data is being used for real enforcement actions, with real consequences. And no, there’s no easy opt-out. <h2 class= "text-heading">What You Can Do to Protect Yourself</h2> Unfortunately, you can’t completely stop airlines from selling your data—at least, not yet. But you can take steps to limit your exposure: • Avoid big-name platforms when booking, or research which agencies work with ARC. Smaller, privacy-conscious travel services may reduce how much data is shared. • Pressure airlines and lawmakers to stop this. If enough consumers speak up, companies and legislators will take notice. <h2 class= "text-heading">This Isn’t Just a Policy Issue—It’s Personal</h2> You deserve to travel without fear that your movements are being logged, sold, and scrutinised by law enforcement. This isn’t about politics. It’s about privacy, consent, and basic digital rights. Next time you book a flight, take a moment to think about where your data is going—and who might be watching. Read more

19 Billion Passwords Leaked in 2025: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

In what cybersecurity experts are calling one of the largest password leaks in internet history, over 19 billion compromised credentials have surfaced in a massive data dump dubbed “RockYou2024.” This trove of exposed data is not from a single breach but a massive aggregation of credentials from more than 200 past incidents, spanning over a decade. First revealed by Forbes, this leak is now widely circulating on hacker forums and underground markets—posing a serious threat to personal and corporate cybersecurity. <h2 class="text-heading">What Is the RockYou2024 Password Leak?</h2> The RockYou2024 leak, analysed by cybersecurity researchers at Cybernews, is a 19-billion-entry compilation of previously stolen passwords, many of which are still actively used. The passwords are in plaintext format, which means hackers don’t need to decrypt anything—they can use them immediately. Key stats from the leak include: • 19,030,305,929 passwords compiled from global breaches • 94% of passwords are reused across multiple sites • Popular entries include “123456”, “password”, and “admin” • Most passwords are between 8–10 characters and lack complexity This dataset isn’t just big—it’s weaponisable, giving cybercriminals an enormous arsenal for launching attacks on personal, business, and government systems. <h2 class="text-heading">Why This Password Leak Is So Dangerous</h2> 1. Credential Stuffing Attacks Using automated tools, hackers test these passwords on thousands of sites. If you reuse passwords, they’ll likely gain access to your email, bank account, social profiles, or worse. 2. Phishing and Scams Once attackers have partial information, they can launch targeted phishing campaigns—often using fake emails, phone calls, or messages to extract more sensitive data. 3. Business Security Risks Employees using compromised credentials for workplace accounts can expose entire organisations to ransomware, data loss, or financial fraud. 4. Brute Force Optimisation This leak acts as fuel for brute force tools. Because the passwords are real and common, these tools become more efficient and successful. <h2 class="text-heading">How to Protect Yourself Right Now</h2> With 19 billion passwords out in the wild, now is the time to act. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your information: 1. Scan the Web for Your Exposed Data <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class="content-link">Sentrya</a> scans data broker networks and breach databases to identify where your personal data is exposed—and helps you remove it. This drastically reduces your risk of identity theft, targeted scams, and phishing attacks. • Remove personal data from the web • Block scam and phishing emails • Monitor the dark web for emerging threats tied to your identity You can protect yourself or your entire family with a few clicks at <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class="content-link">sentrya.net</a>. 2. Stop Reusing Passwords Still using the same password for multiple accounts? That’s how 94% of the passwords in this leak were exposed. Instead, use Sentrya’s <a href= "https://sentrya.net/generate-random-password" class="content-link">secure password generator</a> to instantly create: • Strong, randomised, unique passwords • Passwords up to 50 characters in length • Passphrases using complex symbols, upper/lowercase, and numbers It’s completely free and requires no signup: <a href= "https://sentrya.net/generate-random-password" class="content-link">Generate a password now</a> 3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Even if a password is leaked, MFA provides an extra layer of protection. Use authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of SMS whenever possible. 4. Check If Your Accounts Are Affected Use breach alert services like: • <a href= "https://haveibeenpwned.com" class="content-link">Have I Been Pwned</a> • <a href= "https://cybernews.com/password-leak-check" class="content-link">Cybernews Password Checker</a> If any of your emails or passwords appear in those tools, update them immediately using Sentrya’s <a href= "https://sentrya.net/generate-random-password" class="content-link">password generator</a>. 5. Watch for Phishing and Scams After major leaks, phishing campaigns spike. Stay alert for: • Fake account recovery emails • Messages pretending to be from banks or tech companies • Unusual login alerts If in doubt, don’t click. Visit the service’s official website instead. The RockYou2024 password leak proves that password reuse is no longer just risky—it’s reckless. With more than 19 billion credentials circulating in the cybercriminal underground, every reused or weak password becomes a liability. Fortunately, with proactive tools like <a href= "https://sentrya.net" class="content-link">Sentrya</a>, you can reclaim control of your digital footprint: • Remove your personal info from data brokers • Block phishing scams • Generate ironclad passwords for every account The internet is more dangerous than ever—but with the right tools, you don’t have to be the next victim. Read more

LG Smart TVs Now Use Emotionally Intelligent Ads with Zenapse AI Technology

In a bold move shaping the future of connected TV advertising, LG Electronics has partnered with artificial intelligence company Zenapse to introduce emotionally intelligent advertising to its smart TVs. This AI-driven innovation uses advanced emotional analytics to deliver personalised ads based on viewers’ psychological and emotional profiles. <h2 class= "text-heading">What Is Emotionally Intelligent Advertising?</h2> Emotionally intelligent advertising is the next evolution in personalised marketing. Rather than just targeting users based on demographics, browsing behaviour, or viewing history, this method leverages emotion-based data to tailor content more precisely. At the center of this technology is Zenapse’s Large Emotion Model (LEM), a proprietary AI system that maps out psychological patterns and emotional states across various audiences. When integrated into LG’s Smart TV platform, this model works in tandem with the TVs’ first-party viewership data to identify how users feel while watching content—and delivers ads that resonate on a deeper level. <h2 class= "text-heading">How LG’s Smart TV AI Works with Zenapse</h2> LG’s smart TVs already employ Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), a tool that gathers data about the content viewers consume, including shows and apps accessed through external devices. This gives LG valuable insight into a household’s viewing preferences. By combining ACR data with Zenapse’s emotion-detection AI, advertisers can now deliver highly relevant, emotionally-tuned ad experiences that reflect the viewer’s mindset. For example: • A user showing patterns of stress may see wellness or mindfulness ads. • A family engaging in uplifting content might receive vacation or family-focused brand messages. This is far beyond traditional contextual advertising—it’s what experts are calling emotionally-aware targeting. <h2 class= "text-heading">Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations</h2> As with all AI-powered personalisation, privacy is a major concern. LG’s smart TVs collect data through ACR, and while users can opt out, this type of emotionally aware targeting requires even more granular behavioural data. Consumer advocacy groups warn that technologies which infer mental or emotional states could cross ethical boundaries if not regulated properly. Transparency, consent, and data control will be key for LG and Zenapse to maintain user trust. LG has stated that all data used is anonymised and consent-based, but the introduction of emotion-based ads will likely renew calls for updated privacy legislation in the smart home and streaming ecosystem. <h2 class= "text-heading">What’s Next for Smart TV Advertising?</h2> This partnership signals a major shift in how ads are delivered on smart TVs. With emotionally intelligent AI models now in play, we can expect: • More platforms to adopt emotion-based personalisation • Expanded use of machine learning for real-time emotional detection • Regulatory scrutiny over AI and mental-state inference For now, LG and Zenapse are pioneering a new frontier in AI-driven, emotion-aware media experiences—one that could redefine the relationship between brands and consumers in the living room. Read more

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