Elon Musk’s DOGE Team’s Unchecked Access Raises Cybersecurity Alarms

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has reportedly infiltrated multiple federal agencies, accessing IT systems and sensitive data without full security clearances. Agencies affected include the CDC, Defense Department, and Treasury Department. Experts warn that allowing DOGE personnel to connect devices with unknown security protocols to federal networks poses significant cybersecurity risks, potentially exposing sensitive information to foreign adversaries. NYmag.com

Companies Underestimate Cybercrime Threat Amid AI Advancements

At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, cybersecurity emerged as a critical concern, with experts highlighting that many companies remain complacent about cybercrime risks, despite the increasing threat landscape fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). The Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report emphasizes that geopolitical tensions and complex supply chains are escalating cyber threats. Caroline Escott of Railpen noted that cyber risks are a growing concern for investors, particularly in sectors like healthcare, financial services, and energy. The integration of AI is expanding the “attack surface,” enabling more sophisticated cyberattacks. Despite heightened awareness, a disconnect persists between perceived and actual risks, underscoring the need for companies to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures. Reuters

Schools Conceal Cyberattacks, Leaving Communities Vulnerable

An investigation has revealed that since the pandemic, school districts have increasingly faced cyberattacks but often conceal the extent of these breaches from students, parents, and staff. Administrators, with the assistance of consultants and lawyers, manage these incidents to limit legal exposure, keeping critical details hidden. This secrecy leaves affected individuals unaware of their exposure to identity theft and fraud, as personal information, including mental health records and disciplinary reports, may be compromised. The investigation highlights the urgent need for transparency and effective cybersecurity measures in the education sector to protect vulnerable communities. Wired.com

Underreported News: Android Users Urged to Update Devices to Patch Critical Vulnerabilities

Android users are being urged to update their devices to address two critical vulnerabilities. The first, categorized as a “high security vulnerability,” has been exploited to install malware or steal files without requiring a password. The second could allow remote control and crashing of phones. Google’s February 2025 security update addresses nearly 50 flaws in the previous Android software. Users are advised to install the latest security updates and ensure Google Play Protect is enabled for additional security. Despite the severity, this issue has not received widespread attention. Given the ubiquity of Android devices, unpatched vulnerabilities could lead to significant security breaches if not promptly addressed. The Sun