Data on 267 million Facebook users exposed: Researcher

A Ukrainian security researcher reported finding a database with the names, phone numbers and unique user IDs of more than 267 million Facebook users - nearly all U.S.-based - on the open internet.

Meltdown and Spectre hardware bugs: What to know and do | What Is IT?

Your important data—passwords, photos, e-mails and instant messages—are at risk because of a design flaw in Intel's processor chip. The flaw leaves your personal devices vulnerable to attack. Fixing the flaw could result in your system slowing down as much as 30 percent.

How the Mirai botnet attack is linked to a Minecraft stunt | What Is IT?

In October 2016, the internet was almost brought to a screeching halt. Twitter, Netflix, Amazon and other websites were knocked down thanks to a sophisticated cyber-attack on the American tech firm Dyn. At the time, there were fears it could be the opening shots in a new cyber war.

What is Ransomware? | What Is IT?

You wake up, turn on your computer, and there it is-- A menacing message informing you that the data on your computer is encrypted. The only way to unlock it is to pay up. You're now the victim of Ransomware

Trump’s executive order on cyber security | What Is IT?

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at modernizing and improving the nation's computer networks as he continues to fend off critics of his decision to fire FBI Director James Comey, who was leading an investigation into alleged Russian hacking in the 2016 election and possible ties to Trump associates.

The business of cyber security | What Is IT?

You see hacks and data breaches on the news all the time. Target, Yahoo, eBay, and Sony are just some of the major companies where millions of records have been stolen. But those are just the ones that make the news because they affect so many people. Experts say the majority of hacks (75 percent of them) happen at small or medium sized companies. You just don't hear about them.