UN Aviation Agency Confirms Breach Of Database, 42,000 Records Exposed - 1

Image by Caribb, from Flickr

UN Aviation Agency Confirms Breach Of Database, 42,000 Records Exposed

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has confirmed a security breach of its recruitment database, following claims by a hacker known as “Natohub.” The hacker allegedly accessed and released 42,000 recruitment application records.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • Compromised data includes names, emails, birthdates, and employment history, but no passwords.
  • The breach only affected ICAO’s recruitment database, not other systems.
  • ICAO is working to identify and notify affected individuals.

According to ICAO, the compromised data includes job applicants’ personal information spanning from April 2016 to July 2024. The Register reports that the breach was first reported by an individual using the Natohub alias on a popular cybercrime forum over the weekend, which led ICAO to launch an investigation into the incident.

Natohub stated that the data, available for a small fee, contains various personal details, including full names, birthdates, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, marital status, gender, education, and employment history.

The Record notes that Natohub, registered just six months ago, previously claimed to access personal data of 14,000 UN delegates last month. However, ICAO assured that no financial details, passwords, passport information, or documents uploaded by applicants were affected.

TechCrunch reported that by Tuesday, the agency acknowledged the validity of the claims. In its official statement, ICAO clarified that the breach was limited to the recruitment database and emphasized that no other systems were impacted. ICAO has begun identifying those affected and is working to notify the individuals whose data was compromised.

This breach comes amid growing concerns over cyber threats targeting the aerospace and defense sectors. A recent campaign known as “ Iranian Dream Job ” has raised alarms, particularly in the context of phishing and malware attacks.

Experts urge organizations in the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors to remain vigilant. Educating employees on phishing risks, implementing robust security protocols, and staying updated on emerging threats are critical steps to safeguarding against these deceptive cyber-attacks.

Getty Images To Merge With Rival Shutterstock To Create A $3.7 Billion Company - 2

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

Getty Images To Merge With Rival Shutterstock To Create A $3.7 Billion Company

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

Getty Images and Shutterstock announced a merger of equal transactions this Tuesday to create a visual content company valued at $3.7 billion. The new partnership was formed after both companies faced challenges with the arrival of artificial intelligence.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • Getty Images and Shutterstock announced a merger on Tuesday to create a $3.7 billion visual content company.
  • Both companies will work together to expand its portfolio and develop new innovative technologies including generative AI.
  • Getty Images will keep the name and ownership majority of 54.7%.

In a press release , the companies explained that the name of the new enterprise will remain Getty Images Holdings, including its symbol—GETY—at the New York Stock Exchange. The new venture will develop new technologies and products, and include generative AI as an ally.

“With the rapid rise in demand for compelling visual content across industries, there has never been a better time for our two businesses to come together,” said Craig Peters, Getty Images CEO. “By combining our complementary strengths, we can better address customer opportunities while delivering exceptional value to our partners, contributors, and stockholders.”

Among the merger’s benefits, the companies highlighted a broader portfolio with more images and opportunities for creators, debt repayment acceleration, more revenue, and a better financial profile. While Peters will serve as CEO of the combined company, it will include Shutterstock directors on the board.

“We look forward to working closely with the Getty Images management team to complete the transaction and drive the next chapter of growth,” said Paul Hennessy, Shutterstock CEO.

Getty investors will own 54.7% and Shutterstock’s stakeholders 45.3%.

According to Reuters , Peters said they expect the U.S. government’s antitrust approval soon and minimized the impact of recent AI developments. In 2023, Getty Images filed a lawsuit against Stability AI for misusing the company’s images to train its AI model.

Other companies in the visual content industry have taken big business steps too to stay ahead in the AI race. Canva recently acquired the generative AI platform Leonardo.ai .