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UK military personnel’s data accessed in hack

Ministers will blame hostile and malign actors, but will not name the country behind the hacking…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Defence has suffered a significant data breach and the personal information of UK military personnel has been hacked.

A third-party payroll system used by the MoD, which includes names and bank details of current and past members of the armed forces, was targeted in the attack. A very small number of addresses may also have been accessed.

The department took immediate action and took the external network, operated by a contractor, offline.

Initial investigations have found no evidence that data had been removed, according to the BBC and Sky, who first reported the story. The Guardian understands MPs will be addressed on the matter in the Commons on Tuesday, with Grant Shapps, the defence secretary, expected to make a statement in the afternoon.

Ministers will blame hostile and malign actors, but will not name the country behind the hacking.

Affected service personnel will be alerted as a precaution and provided with specialist advice. They will be able to use a personal data protection service to check whether their information is being used or an attempt is being made to use it.

All salaries were paid at the last payday, with no issues expected at the next one at the end of this month, although there may be a slight delay in the payment of expenses in a small number of cases.

The shadow defence secretary, John Healey, said: “So many serious questions for the defence secretary on this, especially from forces personnel whose details were targeted.

The MoD first discovered the attack several days ago and has since been working to understand its scale and impact. In March the UK and the US accused China of a global campaign of “malicious” cyber-attacks, in an unprecedented joint operation to reveal Beijing’s espionage.

Britain blamed Beijing for targeting the Electoral Commission watchdog in 2021 and for being behind a campaign of online “reconnaissance” aimed at the email accounts of MPs and peers.

In response to the Beijing-linked hacks on the Electoral Commission and 43 individuals, a front company, Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, and two people linked to the APT31 hacking group were sanctioned.

But some of the MPs targeted by the Chinese state said the response did not go far enough, urging the government to toughen its stance on China by labelling it a “threat” to national security rather than an “epoch-defining challenge”.

ALSO READ-FBI chief warns Chinese hackers could attack US infra

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Holiday Grooming Hacks

Maintaining a balanced diet is a year-round commitment. Once you’ve achieved your desired shape and body mass index (BMI), it’s crucial to keep that hard-earned progress. While a caloric deficit helps shed fat, it can also reduce muscle mass…reports Asian Lite News

As the Holiday season approaches, the excitement is profound. It’s the time for new clothes and stunning accessories. Yet, amidst all the preparation and anticipation, one aspect often gets overlooked: i.e. ‘Your Grooming’!

We understand that not every trend suits everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. But some fundamental grooming steps should never be missed if you want to look your best during the upcoming holidays. Bombay Shaving Company has got your back with a collection of handy and effective last-minute grooming hacks that will have you looking suave and stylish in no time.

A strong beard game: For many men, a well-groomed beard is a symbol of confidence and style. And when the Holiday season is just around the corner, ensuring your facial hair looks its best is a top priority. But what if you find yourself short on time? Fret not; we’ve got a quick beard grooming tool to help you look sharp and tidy in a hurry. The newly launched, SENSI SMART by Bombay Shaving Company is the ultimate 3-blade cartridge razor that boasts outstanding performance while being super-sensitive on the skin. And for those looking to elevate their grooming game this holiday season, the 7-IN-1 PREMIUM GROOMING KIT from Bombay Shaving Company is your ideal companion. Compact and travel-friendly, it will be your partner for vacation getaways. This all-in-one grooming kit provides solutions for shaving, skincare, and fragrance, ensuring you’re at your best during the holidays. It’s not just a personal indulgence but also a thoughtful gift, making it a perfect addition to your vacation preparations.

Watch your diet: Maintaining a balanced diet is a year-round commitment. Once you’ve achieved your desired shape and body mass index (BMI), it’s crucial to keep that hard-earned progress. While a caloric deficit helps shed fat, it can also reduce muscle mass. On the other hand, an excessive high-calorie diet can be detrimental. Therefore, understanding your body type and sustaining a balanced diet is essential. So make sure you maintain a sensible approach to your diet to ensure you continue to feel good and look your best.

The right fragrance: Fragrance is a powerful element of your overall grooming. Choose a sophisticated cologne that complements your style and personality. Apply it to your pulse points and remember that a little goes a long way. With the help of this high-end fragrance package from Bombay Shaving Company, make such important occasions or even your everyday life- unforgettable. Available in scents such as Tokyo, Veleno, Mexico and Venice suited to each unique personality.

Wardrobe Wizardry: If you’re in a real hurry, it’s all about making the most of what’s already in your wardrobe. Choose a classic outfit that you feel comfortable and confident in. Accessorize wisely – a stylish watch or a well-matched tie can make all the difference. With a little wardrobe wizardry, you can create a memorable holiday look that exudes style and sophistication. So, embrace your existing attire, accessorize strategically, and step out with confidence, ready to shine in the festivities!

Skin revival: For rejuvenated and fresh skin, even at the last minute, turn to a charcoal sheet mask. Festivities can make your skin look dull and tired, especially with all the outdoor activities. Using a charcoal sheet mask will repair and rejuvenate damaged or tanned skin from excess oil, dirt and pollution and simultaneously restore essential skin nutrients. Bombay Shaving Company’s Charcoal Face Care Kit with sheet mask is enriched with the goodness and strong cleansing properties of Activated Bamboo Charcoal. The four-product skincare kit makes an ideal selection for the season and to give your skin that much-needed serotonin boost.

Even if the holiday season has taken you by surprise, these last-minute grooming hacks will ensure you look your dapper best. Whether you’re attending a family gathering, a social event, or a special dinner, these quick tips can make all the difference. After all, confidence, style, and a fresh appearance are the true ingredients for a memorable and joyous vacation!

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-Top News Asia News Economy

North Korean Hackers Steal $1.7 Billion in Crypto

The panel also reported continuous activities at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, although no nuclear test has been detected since September 2017…reports Asian Lite News

North Korea’s state-sponsored hackers were responsible for cryptocurrency theft worth nearly $1.7 billion last year, the UN Panel of Experts on UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against Pyongyang has said.

Citing a cybersecurity firm’s report, the panel said that North Korean cyber theft last year was about three times the amount in 2021 while noting that it is prioritising cryptocurrency hacks to bankroll its nuclear weapons programme, reports Yonhap News Agency.

“Actors working for the Reconnaissance General Bureau continued to use increasingly sophisticated cybertechniques to steal funds and information,” the report said, referring to North Korea’s military intelligence agency.

It added that companies in the cryptocurrency, defence, energy and health sectors were particularly targeted.

The panel pointed to overseas North Korean workers, including some on student visas, as another source of revenue. The UNSC has imposed a ban on North Koreans working overseas on concerns that their income would contribute to North Korea’s weapons programmes.

The panel also reported continuous activities at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, although no nuclear test has been detected since September 2017.

Touching on North Korea’s ballistic missile launches, the panel said that those tests contribute towards fulfilling two goals under the country’s five-year road map announced in January 2021 — the acquisition of a “ground-based solid propellant” intercontinental ballistic missile and “tactical nuclear weapons” capabilities.

Noting North Korea’s drive to bolster its war deterrence and “nuclear counterattack” capabilities, the panel said that these developments point to a strategy of deterrence akin to “second strike” capability — a term referring to a nuclear retaliatory strike capability.

The report, in addition, indicated that the North might have imported refined petroleum products beyond the permitted annual cap of 500,000 barrels.

From January 1 through May 1 this year, 25 North Korean-flagged tankers, including nine designated by the UN Security Council, made 46 deliveries of refined oil products.

To circumvent sanctions, North Korea was seen using various measures that included deactivating a vessel’s automatic identification system during shipments and conducting such shipments under the cover of darkness, usually before dawn or dusk, according to the panel.

ALSO READ-UAE, Korean FMs Review Regional Developments

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-Top News Business Social Media

Hackers post crypto scams on UK Army’s YouTube, Twitter accounts

The hacked Twitter account posted various retweets for NFT giveaways, and its pinned tweet linked users to a fake NFT minting website…reports Asian Lite News

Hackers infiltrated the British Army’s Twitter and YouTube accounts to promote cryptocurrency scams and on YouTube, they replaced the British Army’s videos with old livestreams featuring Tesla CEO Elon Musk and former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.

The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed in a tweet late on Sunday that they were aware of a breach of the Army’s Twitter and YouTube accounts and an investigation was underway.

“The Army takes information security extremely seriously and is resolving the issue. Until their investigation is complete it would be inappropriate to comment further,” the Ministry further posted.

Both the social media accounts were later restored.

“The breach of the Army’s Twitter and YouTube accounts that occurred earlier today has been resolved and an investigation is underway,” the Ministry said on Monday.

The hacked Twitter account posted various retweets for NFT giveaways, and its pinned tweet linked users to a fake NFT minting website.

The hackers also entered the British Army’s YouTube channel, deleting all its videos, as well as changing its name and profile picture to resemble the legit investment firm Ark Invest.

Hackers replaced the British Army’s videos with a series of old livestreams featuring Dorsey and Musk.

A Twitter spokesperson later said that the British Army’s account has since been locked and secured and the account holders have now regained access and the account is back up and running”.

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-Top News India News Social Media

Modi’s Twitter handle compromised, Bitcoin link shared

After Prime Minister Modi’s account was compromised, #Hacked began trending in India…reports Asian Lite News.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal Twitter handle was restored after getting “very briefly compromised,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a tweet on Sunday, after it shared a link promising a bitcoin giveaway.

“The Twitter handle of PM @narendramodi was very briefly compromised. The matter was escalated to Twitter and the account has been immediately secured. In the brief period that the account was compromised, any tweet shared must be ignored,” PMO India said in a tweet.

The account of Modi, who has more than 73.4 million followers, has now been restored.

Before the account was restored, a tweet was shared with a URL on PM Modi’s timeline which read, “India has officially adopted bitcoin as legal tender. The government has officially bought 500 BTC and is distributing them to all residents of the country.”

Minutes later, another tweet was posted, saying, “Yes this account is hacked by John Wick (hckindia@tutanota.com), We have not hacked Paytm Mall.”

“We have 24X7 open lines of communication with the PM’s Office and our teams took necessary steps to secure the compromised account as soon as we became aware of this activity. Our investigation has revealed that there are no signs of any other impacted accounts at this time,” Twitter spokesperson told IANS.

After Prime Minister Modi’s account was compromised, #Hacked began trending in India.

“Good Morning Modi ji, Sab Changa Si?,” Srinivas BV, the national president of the Indian Youth Congress, tweeted.

“Was the Twitter account of the Hon’ble PM shri #NarendraModi ji hacked? And promise of #Bitcoin !!” tweeted political activist Tehseen Poonawalla.

Another user warned others about the link. “#PMmodi #modi account #hacked, please do not click on the link. It’s a scam. … Even PM’s account is not safe. How safe will be Indian social media from hackers, manipulators, scammers and foreign influence? #Twitter verified security compromised?”

Earlier, in September 2020, the Twitter account linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal website and mobile app was hacked by an unknown group with a series of tweets asking followers to donate to a relief fund through cryptocurrency.

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