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Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Words you must never type on social media over devastating ‘sim swap' phone attack that can breach ALL accounts
THERE are some details you just cannot share on social media - or you could be putting yourself at risk of a devastating "SIM swap" attack, experts have warned. In the wake of the M&S cyberattack in April, where SIM swapping is believed to have played a role, consumers have been warned that the breed of attack could also wreak havoc on their own personal lives. 5 SIM swapping is a form of fraud that is swiftly on the rise Credit: Getty 5 Be careful what you post on social media Credit: Getty SIM swapping is a form of fraud that is swiftly on the rise, according to a report published in The Conversation last month, co-authored by computer science professor Alan Woodward and secure systems lecturer Daniel Gardham, both of the University of Surrey. Attacks rose by a whopping 1,055 per cent in 2024, according to the National Fraud Database. It has also allegedly been used in the hacking of former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019. "Our mobile phone numbers have become a de facto form of identification, but they can be hijacked for nefarious purposes," the pair wrote. People typically have the same phone number for years - even after changing phones, losing their device, or having it stolen. "When a user buys a new phone, or just a new sim card for a spare device they might have, they might call their service provider to transfer their longstanding mobile number to the new sim card," experts explained. "The problem is that the service provider doesn't know if it is really them calling to transfer the number. "Hence, they launch into a series of questions to make sure they are who they say they are." These security questions are used for all kinds of accounts, and often ask for the same information. For example, "what is your mother's maiden name?", or "...the name of your first pet?" Huge Global Data Breach: 16 Billion Accounts at Risk But if someone else can know the answers to those questions after stalking your social media, it leaves you at risk of not only SIM swap fraud but other forms of hacking. Suddenly, someone else can make and receive calls and SMS messages using your number. Prof Alan Woodward and lecturer Daniel Gardham, of the University of Surrey "The rise of social media has made it easier than ever for scammers to piece together what was once considered private information," experts wrote. "Suddenly, someone else can make and receive calls and SMS messages using your number." That means hackers can make calls at your expense. But it's not just your phone number that can be stolen. SIM swapping can be used to breach all your other accounts through the theft of two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. Security experts recommend all consumers have the 2FA tool switched on with all their accounts. 5 Passkeys are used to log into your online account only when you unlock your phone through your PIN code, fingerprint or face ID Credit: Apple Instead of just relying on a password, 2FA adds a second factor - like a code from your phone or biometric data like your fingerprint or face ID. Woodward and Gardham added: "Remember when you created your email, bank account or even online grocery shopping account and you were encouraged to set up two-factor authentication (2FA)? "You listened, but the system set your 'second factor' as your mobile phone number. "You input your username and password, and it asks for a time-limited code that it sends to you as an SMS message." Now, if you have been a victim of SIM swapping - the hackers will receive your security codes instead of you. This could potentially grant them access to all sorts of accounts, from your social media to your banking app. Efforts to improve login security have led to the rise of what are known as passkeys... Which are long sequence of random digits called cryptographic keys that are stored on your device, such as a smartphone or computer. It's important to note that even with the risks of SIM swapping, 2FA should still be enabled on all your accounts. In addition to it, however, experts are encouraging the use of passkeys - a passwordless login method that is supposed to be more secure. Facebook just recently adopted passkeys as a safer alternative to passwords, but companies like Google and Apple have had them for a while. "Efforts to improve login security have led to the rise of what are known as passkeys," Woodward and Gardham explained. "Which are long sequence of random digits called cryptographic keys that are stored on your device, such as a smartphone or computer." Passkeys are used to log into your online account only when you unlock your phone through your PIN code, fingerprint or face ID. WHAT ARE PASSKEYS? Passkeys are the newer, safer passwords, according to tech companies and security experts. They allow you to log into your accounts using biometrics like your fingerprint or face scan. You can even use your phone's passcode. To sign into a website or app on your phone, all you need to do is unlock your phone. This also works for websites on PCs and laptops. If you're trying to sign into a website on your computer, you just need your phone nearby. You will be prompted to unlock your phone when trying to log into an account on your computer, which will then grant you access on the PC. By using unique credentials tied to your phone or other devices, you make your accounts more resistant to phishing and other password-based attacks. 5 SIM swapping can be used to breach all your other accounts through the theft of two-factor authentication (2FA) codes Credit: Getty
News18
21-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Who Is Thailand's Youngest PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra And What's Triggering Her Political Downfall?
A Shinawatra Heir With A Mandate To Heal Paetongtarn Shinawatra is no ordinary politician. The youngest daughter of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and niece of ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra, her surname alone evokes sharp divides in Thai politics, adored by rural voters and the working class, reviled by the royalist elite and Bangkok's conservative middle class. Born on August 21, 1986, she graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a political science degree and later earned an MSc in International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey. Her early career was rooted in business, not politics. She served as an executive in her family's real estate and aviation ventures. But her political debut was almost inevitable. Her formal entry into politics came in 2021, when she became chief of the Pheu Thai party's Inclusion and Innovation Advisory Committee. The appointment was widely seen as a soft launch for a political career crafted carefully behind the scenes. In the 2023 general elections, the Pheu Thai Party ran on a platform promising economic stimulus, digital wallet schemes, and reconciliation, a far cry from the ideological battles of the past. Though it came second to the reformist Move Forward Party, Pheu Thai ultimately cobbled together a broad coalition after the Constitutional Court disqualified the leading party's prime ministerial candidate. Backed by a mix of conservative and centrist forces, Paetongtarn Shinawatra was nominated as prime minister in August 2024, becoming the country's youngest to ever hold the office. To her supporters, she symbolised a pragmatic centre: young enough to promise change, but tied deeply to political experience through her lineage. The Weight Of A Legacy Paetongtarn's ascent was historic, but also heavy with baggage. Her family's past has shaped modern Thailand's political landscape in seismic ways. Her father, Thaksin, a billionaire telecom tycoon-turned-populist leader, was ousted in a 2006 military coup and later convicted in absentia on corruption charges. Her aunt, Yingluck, followed a similar arc — elected with sweeping rural support in 2011, but ousted by a military-led constitutional court in 2014. Advertisement Though both remained popular in parts of the country, especially the northeast, they became symbols of a deep divide in Thai politics: between the rural majority that embraced their pro-poor policies, and an entrenched Bangkok elite aligned with the monarchy and military. That legacy was both a strength and a liability for Paetongtarn. While it provided her with political machinery and loyal grassroots support, it also made her a lightning rod for suspicion among conservative forces. From day one, critics questioned whether she was her own person, or merely a proxy for her father's return to influence. What Brought Her To The Brink: The Leak, The Fallout, The Fears advetisement The crisis that now threatens Paetongtarn's government centres around a leaked 17-minute phone call with Cambodian Senate President and former PM Hun Sen. In the conversation, which surfaced online earlier this week, Paetongtarn was reportedly heard discussing efforts to de-escalate border tensions after a deadly May 28 skirmish in the Emerald Triangle region, a volatile area where Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. One Cambodian soldier had been killed in the clash. While a private negotiation between heads of state isn't in itself scandalous, what set off alarm bells was the tone of the call. Paetongtarn referred to Hun Sen, a longtime political ally of her father, as 'Uncle", and labelled a Thai military officer as an 'opponent". In a country where the military is not only an institution but a political stakeholder, such language was incendiary. To the nationalist right, it signalled undue deference to a historical rival and disrespect to Thailand's own armed forces. The fact that Hun Sen reportedly shared the audio with over 80 Cambodian officials before uploading it to Facebook only worsened perceptions, casting Paetongtarn as diplomatically naïve and politically vulnerable. advetisement On Thursday, the crisis deepened. The Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest member of the ruling coalition, withdrew its support, accusing the prime minister of compromising national sovereignty and damaging military morale. This sudden exit slashed the government's strength to a precarious 255 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party called the leak 'the final straw," demanding dissolution of Parliament and fresh elections. Protests also erupted outside Government House, and impeachment threats surfaced in the Senate. Several senators have reportedly initiated steps to file a formal no-confidence motion. Although Paetongtarn has issued a public apology and insisted the comments were part of a 'de-escalation strategy", it appears her words, and the fallout from them, have struck a deeper nerve. Her decision to end private communications with Hun Sen and accuse the Cambodian leader of playing to domestic politics has done little to quell the storm. History Repeats Itself? Thailand has experienced around 13 successful military coups since 1932, and its armed forces remain a deeply entrenched force in national politics. While the current military leadership, which continues to wield significant influence behind the scenes, has so far exercised restraint, a rare statement issued by the Royal Thai Army on Thursday, reaffirming its commitment to 'protecting national sovereignty through legal frameworks," has been interpreted by analysts as a subtle warning. The statement was widely viewed as a reminder of the army's institutional authority and its historical willingness to intervene during periods of political instability. What's Next For Paetongtarn?
CairoScene
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Meet the TikToker Bringing Arab Dance-Offs to Pre-Party Rituals
Rama Nazha's viral videos turn bathroom dance-offs into masterclasses, introducing her friends, and the world, to the irresistible sounds of Arab music. When Rama Nazha's TikToks first appeared on my For You page, it felt like an algorithmic stroke of luck. At the time, I was caught in a kind of cultural limbo - missing the pace and familiarity of London while basking in the warmth and rhythm of the Arab world. Her videos seemed to fuse the two worlds effortlessly: London edge with unmistakable Arab flair. I knew I had to reach out and chat to her about her newfound fame, teaching the world not only about Arab music, but how to dance to it. With energy so inviting, you can binge watch her videos, with a pre-drink in hand, and just by watching it you feel a part of girls night. You've probably seen her videos. A brightly lit bathroom, a killer Arab track, and a group of girls getting ready like they're about to headline Coachella. But behind the camera? A cultural mixtape - Syria, Lebanon, and London all in perfect sync, and has already hooked 80,000 listeners. Nazha was born in Syria and moved to Lebanon in 2011, at the height of the war. Her path then took her to the University of Surrey, and eventually to London - 'Hampshire wasn't the vibe,' she laughed. She studied media and communications, which, looking at her page now, feels almost prophetic. While her mother plugged her into niche Arab sounds from day one, it wasn't until Nazha landed in London, almost 20 years later, that she started to dance. It's what keeps her videos both grounded and global: 'They're this hybrid of Arab-coded, London-coded vibe which so many people can relate to part of it, but then they also want to know the other part.' It's like she's crafted a cultural remix that feels familiar enough to pull you in, but fresh enough to make you want to stick around and learn more moves. Long before the title 'Arab-pop ambassador of TikTok', there was just a girl, a mirror, and a great playlist. 'I used to post a lot with Arab music. People kept commenting, 'your music taste is wild,' or 'what even is this, I need more.' So one day, my friend was getting ready in my bathroom, I put on a playlist, and I thought - let's just film it.' That spontaneous video? It exploded. Since then, Nazha's account has become a safe space for Arabic music lovers and curious ears alike. She didn't set out to be a cultural conduit, but that's exactly what's happened. 'People from the US, Canada, and South America are DMing me, 'I don't understand the lyrics, but I need this playlist.' Or asking me to write song names in English letters.' And Arab artists are noticing too. Saint Levant, Eliana, and others have already shown love. She confessed all too casually that, 'Saint Levant loves the videos, he is so sweet, an angel'. I asked her what the next iteration might look like - kitchen dance-offs, maybe even some balcony serenades. She didn't hesitate, 'Absolutely,' she grins. 'I've already dragged the girls to an Arab night here in London. We had the coin belts out, my friend was cooking - it was a whole thing.' The point is clear: you don't need to be in a traditional Arab setting to move to the music. Culture, for Rama, isn't confined to geography or decor. It lives just as loudly in a Hackney flat with tea brewing in the kettle as it does at a wedding in Beirut. Music is the one language that knows no borders, and Rama's the stamp that proves it. What was once a personal ritual, like the Henna nights she watched growing up in Syria, is now a universal one. 'Those nights were everything. All the aunties, the music, the dancing, the getting ready. I wanted that here, but I didn't have a big group of Arab girlfriends.' So, she made her own community. Her friends may not speak Arabic, but they dance like they do. With playlists called 'Introducing my bestie to my fave Arabic songs' and 'THE Arabic playlist,' which feature artists from Eliana to Umm Kulthum and have over 13,000 likes, it's clear Rama isn't just curating music - she's curating a movement. Upon my eventual return to London, I'm at peace now I know that an Arab night is right around the corner - because thanks to people like Rama, diaspora isn't a distance, it's a playlist.
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Two red flag signs that could mean you have Britain's deadliest cancer
NHS launches pilot scheme for GPs to scour their medical records and contact patients who have two "red flag" signs of pancreatic cancer GPs will scour their medical records for patients who have two red flag signs that they may have pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the UK's tenth most common cancer but it has the lowest five-year survival rate of any common cancer. Most people with pancreatic cancer die within a year of diagnosis and only 7% survive five years or more. That is because symptoms are vague and most people are diagnosed only once the cancer is widespread. Now an NHS pilot in England will see 300 participating GP practices search their medical records of patients who are aged over 60. Doctors will contact patients if they have the two red flag signs - which are a recent diagnosis of diabetes and sudden weight loss. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer: 'Pancreatic cancer is responsible for so many deaths because patients don't usually notice symptoms until the cancer is at an advanced stage, which is why we need to find new ways to pick it up. Through initiatives like this and the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan the NHS is determined to go a step further – not just treat people at an advanced stage but to go out into communities and seek people out who might be unwell without any symptoms so we can provide people with the most effective treatment. 'The NHS is seeing and treating more people with cancer than ever, and early diagnosis is key to ensure patients have the best chance of receiving effective treatment. If your GP practice identifies you as at risk of pancreatic cancer, I urge you to come forward for testing as soon as possible.' Around 10,500 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year and it kills around 10,000 people annually. Early Warning Signs Around half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have been diagnosed with diabetes recently. The NHS pilot will focus on this and a record of sudden recent weight loss in the over 60s age group who are at greater risk. Other possible symptoms of pancreatic cancer include: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Abdominal or back pain Changes in bowel habits (pale or greasy stools, dark urine) Itchy skin Loss of appetite Nausea Fatigue Dr Agnieszka Lemanska, expert at the University of Surrey and Lead Evaluator for the pilot, said: 'Unexplained weight loss can be an early warning sign, especially in people with diabetes, but it is not always picked up. We are creating tools which will help us use GP records more effectively to identify people through simple body weight and blood glucose control measurements. "This could be key to spotting pancreatic cancer early. The success of this pilot relies on high quality and complete GP data, and with this scheme we are working to improve monitoring of body weight and blood glucose control.' The pancreas is a large gland that produces digestive juices and hormones. Surgical removal is the only potentially curative treatment but only a small percentage of patients are eligible because the organ is so hard to reach. GP teams already know the signs to look for, but this new scheme provides almost £2m in targeted funding to help practices reach out to those most at risk. Alfie Bailey-Bearfield, spokesman for Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: 'Diagnosing more people with pancreatic cancer earlier, when the disease is most treatable, would make the single biggest difference to improving survival, so we are delighted to see significant further investment from NHS England towards that incredibly important goal. 'We're proud to have been involved in shaping this new case finding pilot, which will support GPs to proactively find people with pancreatic cancer among one of largest groups known to be at increased risk: those aged over 60, with new onset diabetes who have recently lost weight without trying to do so. Many of the people who are referred for a CT scan during the pilot will not have pancreatic cancer, but for those that do, the impact could be lifesaving." Family doctors taking part in the new pilot will then contact patients and send them for urgent blood tests and CT scans to rule out cancer. If successful, it will be expanded nationwide. Health Minister Karin Smyth, herself a skin cancer survivor, said: "As someone who has faced cancer personally, I know all too well the fear that comes with a diagnosis and the precious value of catching it early. This targeted approach to identify people at risk of one of the most lethal cancers could give more people a fighting chance and spare the heartbreak of countless families. "Through our Plan for Change, we are utilising the latest technology and techniques to improve cancer outcomes and transform care to give more families hope in the face of this devastating disease."
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New research reveals an unexpected remedy for anxiety and stress: 'Can improve mental health'
Feeling stressed or anxious? Research suggests a walk in the woods might be just what the doctor ordered. An international study co-led by the University of Surrey and the University of Ghent has outlined how forests provide mental health benefits. The institutions examined 164 forests across five European countries and detailed how different forest characteristics, such as canopy density and tree species diversity, can affect various health outcomes. Specific features like a dense canopy were both good and bad. A high density offers shade and better air quality, but it can also increase the risk of ticks and the disease they carry. While the type of forest has mixed effects, one clear takeaway emerged: forests benefit the mind. The study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, showed that a forest setting reduces anxiety and stress. Being in a forest also increases positive emotions. If people thought a forest was more biodiverse and natural, it was more beneficial for mental health. The findings suggest our connection to nature plays a major role in our well-being, and it reinforces an intuitive truth: spending time in nature is restorative. The study also covers physical health benefits. Dense canopies can reduce heat stress, and they can also improve air quality by trapping particulate matter, which is especially important in cities. Increasing tree species diversity had a limited effect on health, but adding a variety of trees is still considered a beneficial practice for ecosystem health. Dr. Melissa Marselle, an environmental psychology lecturer at the University of Surrey, described nature's medicine. How often do you worry about toxic chemicals getting into your home? Always Often Sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Our study shows that forests generally provide a mental health benefit, reducing anxiety and stress, regardless of their biodiversity or structure," she said. "As one in six people in England experience anxiety and depression each week, this research suggests that simply being in a forest can improve mental health." She noted that the United Kingdom should preserve urban forests for the benefit of its citizens, and she also suggested that time spent in green spaces should be prescribed by the country's National Health Service for people with mental health issues. Telling someone to "touch grass" isn't just a meme anymore. The idea of "nature prescriptions" is gaining traction globally. The profound impact natural environments have on our health is a bare necessity. When you need a mental reset, don't go doom-scrolling. Visit your nearest forest — science says it could do you a world of good. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
