thecybershark, Author at The Cyber Shark

LinkedIn co-founder claims AI should be taught at colleges, and 30% of South Korean schools utilise AI-powered textbooks

LinkedIn co-founder claims AI should be taught at colleges, Nearly 30% of South Korean schools have adopted AI-powered textbooks, showcasing a national push toward digital education. LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman urges colleges to integrate AI into curricula and assessments to stay relevant in evolving educational landscapes. According to reports, South Korea is implementing AI in regular classrooms as part of its aggressive efforts to transform traditional education. Nearly 30% of South Korean schools, ranging from elementary to high school, have already implemented AI-powered digital textbooks since March, according to Nikkei Asia, marking a significant shift in the way that pupils learn. This week’s APEC education ministers’ summit, which was held in South Korea for the first time in nine years, featured the proposal. Using the platform, the nation showcased its digital transformation in schools, especially the introduction of AI-based math and English textbooks for specific grade levels nationwide. Andeok Elementary School in Jeju, which was selected by the government last year as a model for digital-first learning, provided a preview of this change. In a fourth-grade arithmetic session, kids worked through problems on tablets while their scribbled solutions were shown in real time on a digital board. A clear image of how AI is being utilised to make lessons more interactive and responsive was provided by the class, which was attended by international dignitaries. Nevertheless, there have been challenges associated with South Korea’s quick adoption. Among the urgent issues the nation must confront are regional disparities in digital access and the requirement to upskill educators. A analogous debate is developing in higher education around the world as South Korea concentrates on integrating AI in early education. Reid Hoffman, a co-founder of LinkedIn, brought up an issue that many educators are now starting to address: AI is here to stay, and colleges must change. In an interview on his podcast “Possible,” Hoffman stated that as more students use generative AI tools to finish their projects, the conventional format of college exams—particularly essays—is no longer dependable. He thinks universities should reconsider how learning is evaluated and think about incorporating AI into the evaluation process itself rather than opposing it. Hoffman proposed that AI might be used as a co-examiner in future exams or that they might even shift more toward oral exams, which need a deeper level of comprehension. He pointed out that while AI-generated essays are frequently generic, teachers could use them as models for students to follow, encouraging them to set greater goals. Avoiding AI in the classroom, he added, just postpones the inevitable. You can’t “ignore the new tool,” Hoffman said, adding that giving kids the skills they need to collaborate with AI will be essential to their future employment. He cautioned that unless they aggressively embrace change, many colleges risk slipping behind as they continue to use antiquated teaching techniques.

“Informing Customers” claims that Dior’s client data was stolen in a cyberattack

Dior confirmed a cyberattack compromised client data, excluding financial details, and is notifying affected customers. This follows a wave of cyberattacks targeting major European retailers, including Marks and Spencer and Harrods. Dior stated that no financial data, including bank card details, was on the database accessed, but it did not specify the number of clients implicated. On May 14, 2025, the French luxury brand Dior declare that client data had been taken by cyber criminals, but they assured that no financial information was compromised. A number of well-known European retailers have been the victim of cyberattacks, with the major LVMH subsidiary being the most recent. Following the announcement by the Le Monde newspaper that Asian clientele had informed them of the alleged January information breach, Dior issued a statement. “The House of Dior has learned that some of our client data was accessed by an unauthorised third party. “We took immediate action to contain this incident,” the statement read. Dior stated that no financial data, including bank card details, was on the database accessed, but it did not specify the number of clients implicated. “Dior teams are still looking into and responding to this situation with the help of top cybersecurity specialists. All pertinent regulatory bodies are being notified,” it continued. “We are in the process of informing customers affected by this incident.” Le Monde claims that client names, email addresses, postal addresses, and phone numbers were among the stolen data. According to HSBC bank, Dior, one of LVMH’s two main brands along with Louis Vuitton, generated 8.7 billion euros ($9.7 billion) in revenue in 2024. Cyber gangs have been increasingly targeting new high-end brands and retailers in recent months. British company Marks and Spencer announced on May 13, 2025, that weeks of interruptions to its online services had resulted from a cyberattack that had exposed some of its customers’ personal information. The high-end department store Harrods and the Co-op food chain have also been affected in recent weeks.

Chandigarh Launches Cyber Wellness Clinic to Combat Rising Cybercrime

Chandigarh’s NITTR has launched the Cop Connect Cyber Wellness Clinic to combat rising cybercrime, offering training and awareness programs, and support for citizens and law enforcement. Backed by Zscaler and ISAC, the clinic aims to build a safer digital future through education and prevention. May 12: The National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTR) in Sector 26 opened the Cop Connect Cyber Wellness Clinic on April 30, 2025, in a significant effort to shield Chandigarh from the growing threat of cybercrime. A vital resource for citizens, educators, students, and law enforcement in the battle against online threats like phishing, identity theft, and QR code scams, this state-of-the-art facility is supported by Zscaler’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and in partnership with the Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC). NITTR Chandigarh, a pillar of technical education, was founded in 1967 under the Ministry of Education with an initial emphasis on polytechnic training throughout northern India. It is now a renowned university with programs in engineering, technology, and educational management, as well as international partnerships and a reputation as a centre for research. The Cop Connect Cyber Wellness Clinic strengthens NITTR’s dedication to digital safety after a similar project at Punjab University on March 4, 2025, proved successful. The core of this effort is Zscaler, a pioneer in worldwide cloud security that Jay Chaudhry launched in 2007. Millions are protected by Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange platform, which has offices in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Mohali, and Pune in addition to seven data centres in India. Its Social Impact Program empowers marginalised areas by advancing digital equity and cyber education. “Building a secure digital future for everyone is the goal of our collaboration with NITTR and ISAC,” Karishma Bhuyan, CSR Lead at Zscaler, stated during the launch. India is the #1 target for AI-powered cyberattacks in Asia Pacific, according to the Zscaler ThreatLabz Phishing Report 2025. Cybercriminals never stop, from hidden links in images to phoney QR code schemes. Chilling local trends were given by Chandigarh Cyber Cell SP Smt. Geetanjali Khandelwal: “Scammers are targeting expectant fathers with fake semen donation schemes, tricking them into scanning malicious QR codes.” Senior persons are identified as the primary focus of Chandigarh Police’s cyber vans and surveys conducted with NCC cadets, underscoring the critical need for awareness. A comprehensive resource for preventing common cybercrimes is the Cop Connect Cyber Wellness Clinic. It offers 26 ISAC-certified programs, practical training at ISAC’s Cyberagent Cybersecurity Labs, and awareness sessions on fraud and cyber threats. In order to develop their abilities for cybersecurity careers—an area that is expected to need millions of workers in the years to come, according to Cyber Crime Magazine—participants can use technologies like Breach Point, EthixFirst, and the National Security Database. The clinic also provides officers with specialised training in cybercrime investigation, which improves law enforcement’s capacity to react. The clinic’s technical rigor is guaranteed by ISAC, a non-profit organization that works with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, AICTE, CERT-In, and IIT Gandhinagar. Its platforms offer useful resources, including as ethical frameworks and bug bounty schemes. “This initiative empowers communities to face digital challenges head-on,” ISAC Group Captain P. Anand Naidu stated. The clinic is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and is available to victims of cybercrime and anybody seeking advice on digital safety. Additionally, it provides law enforcement with cutting-edge training in cybercrime investigation. Need assistance right away? For prompt assistance, you can get in touch with Cybercrime Intervention Officers immediately through the free ISAC Cop Connect App. With 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals needed and Cyber Crime Magazine projecting that global cybercrime expenses will reach $10.5 trillion yearly by 2025, this program positions Chandigarh as a leader in creating a safe online environment. This partnership between Zscaler, ISAC, and NITTR is revolutionary. Join Chandigarh in the fight for a safe digital future by visiting the Cop Connect Cyber Wellness Clinic and arming yourself with knowledge. Don’t hesitate—remain vigilant and secure!

Google modifies its “G” emblem for the first time in a decade

Google has updated its iconic “G” logo for the first time in nearly a decade, introducing a smooth gradient across its four signature colours. The redesign reflects Google’s shift toward a more modern, AI-focused brand identity. The first significant update of Google’s recognisable “G” logo in almost ten years was unveiled today. The new design substitutes a gradient effect that smoothly switches between the colours for the traditional four-colour blocks of red, yellow, green, and blue. This little change attempts to give the emblem a more modern, fresh look, reflecting Google’s continued emphasis on artificial intelligence. With the release of Google app beta version 16.18, the update has started to show up on Android smartphones and is presently being sent out to IOS users via the Google Search app, according to a 9to5Google report. Even though the change isn’t very noticeable, especially at smaller sizes, it represents a more general visual change in Google’s design approach that is consistent with its most recent AI-driven projects. No Changes to Google Wordmark Yet The primary Google wordmark has not yet been altered by the business. Additionally, it is not officially confirmed if other product logos, such as those of Maps or Chrome, would receive the same revisions. The gradient design might, however, eventually be extended to other services given Google’s concentration on AI across all of its products. With this upgrade, Google hasn’t changed its “G” logo since 2015. The new gradient design represents the company’s changing brand identity as it incorporates more AI functions, especially with the introduction of Google Gemini, its generative AI assistant. A blue-to-purple gradient is already present in Gemini’s logo, further indicating Google’s move toward dynamic, gradient-based design. The new “G” icon is now available on IOS and Pixel smartphones, but the original one is still used on other platforms, such as the web and Android devices that are not Pixels. In the upcoming weeks, it is anticipated that the new design will be more extensively available on various platforms and devices.

Pakistan-Backed Hackers Launch 15 Lakh Cyberattacks on India; Only 150 Succeed

Pakistan-backed hacker groups launched over 15 lakh cyberattacks on Indian infrastructure, with only 150 being successful, according to Maharashtra Cyber. The attacks, linked to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Middle East, also involved disinformation campaigns and website vandalism. Mumbai: In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Maharashtra Cyber has identified seven Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) organisations that carried out more than 15 lakh attacks against vital infrastructure websites throughout India. Officials said only 150 of these strikes were successful on 12 May 2025. They claimed that despite an agreement between India and Pakistan to halt military conflict, the neighbouring nation, Bangladesh, and the Middle East continue to launch cyberattacks against Indian government websites. Speaking to reporters, a top Maharashtra Cyber official refuted allegations that hackers had targeted the Election Commission website, compromised aviation and municipal systems, and stolen data from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja International Airport. The investigation found that, although they did not completely halt, cyberattacks on Indian government websites declined as India-Pakistan tensions subsided. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Morocco, and other Middle Eastern nations are still launching these attacks,” he claimed. The state’s nodal cyber agency described the cyberwarfare carried out by hacker organisations affiliated with Pakistan in a paper titled “Road of Sindoor,” which was created as part of the military campaign against terrorists that the Indian armed forces launched under the same name. All of the major law enforcement organizations, including the State Intelligence Department and the Director General of Police, have received the report. The Middle East, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and an Indonesian organization were the sources of these cyberattacks, according to the assessment, stated Yashasvi Yadav, Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber. The techniques employed included GPS spoofing, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, and malware campaigns. There have also been reports of Indian websites being vandalised. According to him, India’s vital infrastructure was spared, and other such attempts were stopped. Maharashtra Cyber’s previous report, “Echoes of Pahalgam,” which detailed cyberattacks in the wake of the Pahalgam terror incident, is followed up on by “Road of Sindoor.” APT 36 (headquartered in Pakistan), Pakistan Cyber Force, Team Insane PK, Mysterious Bangladesh, Indo Hacks Sec, Cyber Group HOAX 1337, and National Cyber Crew (affiliated with Pakistan) are the seven hacker groups mentioned in the report. According to Yadav, these organisations combined carried out almost 1.5 million focused cyberattacks against Indian infrastructure. The website of the Kulgaon Badlapur Municipal Council was vandalised, one of the 150 successful attacks. Additionally, the attackers claimed to have stolen data from telecom businesses and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja International Airport (CSMIA), some of which was purportedly found on the dark net. The Defence Nursing College’s Jalandhar website was also vandalised. According to the research, groups with ties to Pakistan are using a hybrid warfare strategy that involves extensive disinformation efforts. These organisations made exaggerated claims that they had compromised India’s banking system and disrupted power. More than 5,000 instances of false information and fake news on the armed disputes between India and Pakistan were found and eliminated by Maharashtra Cyber from social media. Thirty-five of the 80 particular misinformation cases that were reported for removal have already been removed, and the other forty-five are still pending. According to Yadav, these bogus narratives included allegations of satellite jamming, state-wide blackouts, cyberattacks on India’s power infrastructure, interruption of the Northern Command, and an alleged strike on a BrahMos missile storage facility. According to him, Maharashtra Cyber has advised people to check news from reliable and authentic sources and to avoid believing or disseminating false information.

India Boosts Financial Cybersecurity Following Cross-Border Tensions

India has urged the RBI, NPCI, and banks to strengthen cybersecurity amid rising tensions with Pakistan and threats to digital payment systems. To safeguard the nation’s financial institutions and digital payment infrastructure, the finance ministry has requested that the RBI, banks, and NPCI, among other important financial institutions, increase cybersecurity protection and remain vigilant. “Yes,” We’ve released a thorough advice on it,” a senior government source said about The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs the real-time payments system UPI, major banks, and a few other organisations, thought to be crucial to the safety and integrity of the nation’s financial system, are all considered financial institutions. The protection of NPCI and major banks serves as the foundation for the digital infrastructure that has revolutionised digital payments in India. Over 17–18 billion mobile payments of over Rs 24 lakh crore are made in India each month. The warning follows rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam massacre on April 22 and India’s counterterrorism actions. India thwarted waves of Pakistani drone and missile assaults on its border regions and military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, and other places on the evening of May 8. The Centre has especially requested that these banks maintain heightened awareness and strengthen cybersecurity across the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure, payment gateways, real-time gross settlement systems, and core banking systems. Two weeks after 26 people were killed in a terror strike in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, India began Operation Sindoor early the next day, targeting nine militant sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Given the current circumstances, CERT-In and the Reserve Bank of India previously urged the majority of significant financial institutions and payment providers to be ready for any cyberattacks. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has an office called the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) that keeps an eye on the nation’s digital assets and cybersecurity. Under the National Technical Research Organization (NTRO), the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) is the national organization responsible for safeguarding Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) assets, whose disruption could have a significant effect on both economic stability and national security.

India Emerges as Key Growth Market for Google Cloud, Says Country MD

India is one of Google Cloud’s fastest-growing and most strategic markets, driven by its vast scale and builder economy. With certified regions in Mumbai and Delhi, Google Cloud serves key sectors and continues major investments to expand its presence. India is one of the fastest-growing and most strategically important countries for Google Cloud, according to a top executive, because of its enormous customer base and worldwide construction industry. Bikram Singh Bedi, VP and Country MD of Google Cloud, said the business is very focused on the Indian market. “India is seen by us as a two-faceted market. The first dimension is to the scale of our operations; not many nations operate on this scale. India’s economy has a second component: builders. India is one of our most important markets and one of Google Cloud’s fastest-growing nations, Bedi told PTI, adding that the company works closely with some businesses to develop for the global market. Mumbai and Delhi, two Google Cloud regions in India, have received certification from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity). These serve a wide spectrum of customers in industries like telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce. Furthermore, it has invested in subsea cable projects with landings in India, such as Raman, MIST, and IAX. Among Google Cloud’s customers in India are well-known businesses including HDFC Group, ICICI Bank, Apollo 24/7, Manipal Hospitals, Flipkart, Meesho, Adani Group, Jio, and Airtel. India has been and will continue to be an important and sought-after market. Since this is one of our fastest-growing markets worldwide, our investments here are constantly ahead of the curve to take advantage of the opportunity,” Bedi said.

Pink Booths Upgraded with Cybercrime Tools to Aid Women and the Elderly in Lucknow

Lucknow Police trained 99 Pink Booth Officers to tackle cybercrimes against women and the elderly. The workshop focused on digital complaint handling, fraud prevention, and securing online safety. In an attempt to enhance women’s digital and physical safety, the Lucknow Police Commissioner held a three-day intensive training program for Pink Booth Officers (PBOS). This gave them the tools they needed to better address the growing cyber threats against women. The goal of the event, which took place at Police Lines Seminar Hall from May 9 to May 11, was to improve officers’ technical proficiency in handling digital crimes to modernise the operation of Pink Booths, which are helpdesks specifically designed for women. Up to 99 female police officers were given practical instruction on how to use the Sanchar Saathi Portal and the Cyber Fraud Online Portal. Under the direction of cybercrime specialist Gautam Mishra, the seminar featured live demonstrations of data security procedures, protecting digital evidence, and complaint registration. According to Saumya Pandey, assistant commissioner of police for crime against women, women and the elderly may easily report and register stolen or missing property. Updates on the progress of filed FIRS are also available to them. “Assist with character verification and tenant background checks. According to Pandey, victims of online fraud can immediately file complaints at any Pink Booth in order to take immediate action and freeze stolen funds. Pandey said the Pink Booths will now help older people and women who have trouble filing cybercrime complaints. They will also learn how to lock their cards and accounts in the event of cyber fraud. The initiative is part of the larger “Women’s Safety, Prosperity Guaranteed” campaign, which seeks to provide safer online and offline environments for women in Lucknow. Pink Booths are being reorganised as part of this program to serve as all-inclusive service locations for women’s support and safety requirements.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Lead High-Level Meet on Banks’ Cyber Readiness

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will review the cyber preparedness of banks and financial institutions amid rising cyberattack threats linked to India-Pakistan tensions. Key financial bodies and cybersecurity agencies will assess protection measures for critical infrastructure. On the evening of May 9, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will preside over a review meeting to evaluate the cybersecurity readiness of India’s banks and financial institutions. This occurs at a time when worries about the possibility of cyberattacks are growing, particularly in light of the escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the National Stock Exchange (NSE), public and private banks, and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) will all be represented at the meeting. In order to guarantee that vital infrastructure, including financial services, is safe from cyberattacks, Cert-In has been actively collaborating with many industries. WHAT MAKES THIS MEETING ESSENTIAL? The review meeting is taking place in the midst of increased concerns that cyberattacks could target India’s critical systems, such as the banking and financial industries. There is always a chance that cyber operations could be utilised as a means of disruption or retaliation when nations are involved in hostilities. In response, India has been stepping up its cybersecurity efforts, and the meeting with the finance minister shows how much the government values maintaining the security of the financial system. Cyberattacks can take many different forms, from system interruptions to data breaches. Even a small interruption can have a big impact on financial organisations’ finances and reputation, influencing anything from transactions to client confidence. To make sure that the nation’s financial systems are robust against potential cyberattacks, the Ministry of Finance and other important organisations are treating this threat seriously. Increasing hostilities between Pakistan and India The review meeting’s timing is related to the escalating hostilities between Pakistan and India. According to reports, the Pakistan Armed Forces broke ceasefire accords in Jammu and Kashmir and carried out drone operations along India’s western border on May 8, 2025. The likelihood of additional military measures increased as a result of these escalations, which came after India launched targeted attacks on nine places in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok). Despite being military, these innovations have broader security ramifications, such as the possibility of cyberwarfare. India is carefully preparing for potential threats to its vital infrastructure, especially the financial sector, as cyberattacks can be an indirect form of revenge in such confrontations.

The ‘Dance of the Hillary’ virus is spreading on Facebook and WhatsApp? Here’s What You Must Understand

A dangerous malware called ‘Dance of the Hillary’ is spreading via platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, targeting users with fake videos and documents to steal personal and banking data. Authorities urge the public to avoid unknown links and attachments and strengthen cybersecurity measures. Numerous reports indicate that various forms of cyberattacks are purportedly targeting Indian civilians amid the continuing tension between India and Pakistan. According to reports, a virus known as “Dance of the Hillary” is making its way across widely used email, Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Once accessed, this malware, which poses as a harmless document or video, is said to collect private banking and personal information. The public is being advised to exercise caution and steer clear of unfamiliar attachments or URLS. What is ‘Dance of the Hillary’? According to reports, the ‘Dance of the Hillary‘ infection is a dangerous piece of malware that is intended to corrupt digital devices and steal private data. It deceives users into opening seemingly legitimate files, most frequently documents or video clips. After it is accessed, a virus is surreptitiously installed in the background, granting hackers access to the device. This malicious software can: Steal personal data and banking passwords Gain access to and divulge private documents Devices that slow down or crash Remotely take control of computers and phones “tasksche.exe” is an executable file that is known to cause the infection, therefore be on the lookout for it. Experts advise against opening any unknown files that end in .exe since they are suspicious. How Is The Virus Spreading? According to reports, the infection is being disseminated by: WhatsApp can forward videos as attachments. Phishing government circulars or emails posing as employment interviews Posts on Facebook with deceptive URLS Disguised files in Telegram and X (Twitter) messages To get people to click on these files, hackers are employing psychological traps like fear, curiosity, or urgency. What Should You Do? As previously stated, this specific malware can steal confidential data from devices. Here’s how to exercise caution even when there isn’t any evidence that the virus is harming users: Avoid opening files or links from unidentified or unreliable sources. Disable the WhatsApp and other services’ “Media auto-download” feature. Set up and maintain antivirus software. Refrain from responding to unknown WhatsApp or Facebook communications. Use two-factor authentication and create strong, unique passwords. Make regular backups of critical data.

Author: thecybershark