fingerprints Archives

Operation Cookie Monster brought down a massive hacker marketplace - See if your info was there

Scammers never run out of tricks, and this one’s a doozy: They’re using AI to impersonate you. Here’s why you need to change your voicemail setting right now.

Getting ahold of your voice is one thing, but once a hacker gets into your computer, they can wreak all sorts of havoc and truly ruin your life.

There’s good news on that front, though. Law enforcement agencies around the world just brought down Genesis Market, an online marketplace that bought and sold hacked user data. Score one for the good guys!

Mass arrests

A reported 119 people were arrested as part of Operation Cookie Monster. Yes, that’s the real name!

The Department of Justice says Genesis Market offered access to stolen data from over 1.5 million computers containing over 80 million account access credentials. If your login was breached in the past five years, it probably ended up on Genesis.

Law enforcement seized 11 domains used by Genesis Market to support its infrastructure. The main login page was replaced with a takedown notice, containing information to contact the FBI.

An international effort

The FBI worked with agencies from 17 different countries to take down the hacker ring. Suspects from around the world, including ones in the U.S., were taken in by police.

It’s nice when the world can come together against a common enemy!

A crooked one-stop shop

This was quite the operation. Since 2018, Genesis Market sold access to “fingerprints,” aka all the identifying data stored on a computer. Buyers could then impersonate that user and get into personal accounts like eBay, Dropbox, PayPal, Microsoft, Twitter, Fidelity and crypto exchanges.

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15 affordable products you didn't know you needed

There are tons of little ways technology can impact our lives. Get enough gadgets, and they add up to a significantly improved quality of life. With our list of affordable products you didn’t know you needed, you don’t have to worry about the little things anymore.

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Squeaky-clean kitchen

I like my kitchen like I like my wine: Sparkling. Here are some gadgets to help get the job done:

You shouldn’t put your knives in the dishwasher, but getting crusty food off them is a pain. Try this $8.99 cutlery brush instead.
This splatter screen (15% off) sits on your frying pan and keeps oil from splashing without trapping heat like a lid.
Get a pack of three summer-themed Scrub Daddy sponges for 7% off. Yeah, they’re cute, but they also really work.
Wave goodbye to fingerprints on your appliances. These stainless-steel wipes are $12.76 and come with a microfiber cloth, too.
Teak cutting boards are durable but gentle on knives. This one has an outer groove that traps juices. Score. The small size is 20% off!

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Have old photos to scan? Before you do, wipe off any dust or fingerprints with a soft cloth to get the clearest scan possible. Give your scanner a dusting while you’re at it.

One of the hardest parts of owning a $100,000 Cybertruck? Keeping it clean. Its stainless-steel exterior attracts fingerprints and smudges like flies to 💩. Tesla says the car wash is a no-no, and the official $130 detailing kit is sold out. Owners are resorting to window cleaner, baby wipes and good old-fashioned car shampoo (paywall link).

27.9% of fingerprints

Chinese and U.S. researchers can recreate more than one-fourth of fingerprint biometric scans by sound alone. No kidding, your fingerprints make sounds when you swipe your touchscreens.

Get smart on the cheap

Smart plugs can transform a lamp, fan, humidifier or anything else.
Control the lights with your voice with Govee color-changing smart bulbs.
Save money and energy with a smart thermostat.
This doorknob lets you in the house using your fingerprints.
Upgrade your sprinklers to keep the lawn green without overwatering. It all happens automatically.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.