Cloudflare Launches Free Tool to Prevent AI Bots from Scraping Website Data - 1

Cloudflare Launches Free Tool to Prevent AI Bots from Scraping Website Data

  • Written by Shipra Sanganeria Cybersecurity & Tech Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Cloudflare released a new free tool last week that allows its clients to block AI companies’ web crawlers from scrapping their website content to train generative AI models. The one-click solution is now available to all customers, including those on free plans.

In a blog post introducing the tool, the company mentioned that its AI bot-combating tool, launched since September last year , has assisted customers in blocking identified crawlers that adhere to established protocols while scraping content. According to Cloudflare’s interna data, 85.2% of its customers opted to block these AI bots.

However, amid the growing demand for training data for generative AI models, Cloudflare identified instances where AI companies have circumvented these measures by using scrapers that appear to be legitimate visitors .

“Customers don’t want AI bots visiting their websites, and especially those that do so dishonestly,” the blog post stated. “We fear that some AI companies intent on circumventing rules to access content will persistently adapt to evade bot detection.”

To address this problem and provide a solution that helps clients block all AI crawlers, including those following proper scraping protocols, Cloudflare introduced this easy one-click feature.

Cloudflare states that this dynamic tool will update automatically as the company identifies new fingerprints of bots that widely scrape the web for training large language models.

In conclusion, Cloudflare emphasized that as AI technology continues to evolve, some companies may employ obfuscation techniques to evade bot-detection measures. Nevertheless, with its new mechanisms, the company aims to offer effective tools for managing AI bot access. It believes that with such tools, content creators will have greater control over how their content is utilized for AI training and applications.

Cybercriminals Target iPhone Users To Steal Apple IDs - 2

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Cybercriminals Target iPhone Users To Steal Apple IDs

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Cybercriminals have been targeting iPhone users to steal Apple IDs. Symantec, a security software company owned by Broadcom, published a warning last week, alerting users about malicious campaigns sent via email and SMS in the United States.

According to Symantec, hackers are targeting Apple users and trying to steal Apple IDs “due to their widespread use,” as it allows them to make purchases, access personal and financial information, and since Apple is known for its security and privacy measures, users are more vulnerable towards threats that impersonate Apple to get private information.

The malicious campaigns reported in the United States encourage users to visit a website that mimics the iCloud page and requests login information. One of the malicious SMS users received stated: “Apple important request iCloud: Visit signin[.]authen-connexion[.]info/icloud to continue using your services.”

Apple Shared Guidelines And Recommendations

After multiple alerts from users, publications, and cybersecurity organizations, Apple shared a document with information, tips, and recommendations to avoid these scams through its support section.

“If you believe that your Apple ID has been compromised, or if you might have entered your password or other personal information on a scam website, change your Apple ID password immediately and ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled,” states the document.

Apple recommends users never share personal information, passwords, or security codes with anyone, especially if it is requested through a link. The tech giant also encourages customers to activate the two-factor authentication to protect their Apple ID.

The company also shared information on how cybercriminals operate and how to recognize signs and behaviors that alert about a possible social engineering attack. “They will often convey a desire to help you resolve an immediate problem. For example, they may claim that someone broke into your iPhone or iCloud account, or made unauthorized charges using Apple Pay,” it explains, “The scammer will claim they want to help you stop the attacker or reverse the charges.”

The document also includes guidelines on what to do after receiving a malicious message, how to report it through official communications channels, and where to find more relevant information.