Saturday Security: When “Trusted” Tools Turn on You: The New AI Security Blind Spot

 

As AI becomes part of our daily workflow — from writing code to planning strategy — attackers are shifting tactics. In this Saturday Security Story, we break down how malicious Chrome extensions, some even featured by Google, were quietly harvesting entire AI chatbot conversations from nearly a million users. This wasn’t traditional hacking or malware. It was trust abuse. Source code, business strategy, legal questions, internal URLs — all siphoned off under the guise of “anonymous analytics.” The real risk today isn’t just zero-days or ransomware. It’s tired humans moving fast inside tools they assume are safe. Take a moment this weekend to audit your browser extensions, remove what you don’t need, and remember: featured doesn’t mean verified. Like, subscribe, and stay curious. https://www.darkreading.com/cloud-security/fake-ai-chrome-extensions-steal-900k-users-data https://thehackernews.com/2026/01/two-chrome-extensions-caught-stealing.html https://www.esecurityplanet.com/threats/900000-users-hit-as-chrome-extensions-steal-ai-chat-data/

New Year, New Scams: Why Hackers Don’t Hack Anymore — They Talk

 

Post-holiday fatigue is one of the most profitable windows for fraud. Last year alone, more than $12 billion was siphoned from Americans through scams—not hacks. These weren’t break-ins. They were conversations. From fake job offers and tax refund texts to AI-cloned voices impersonating banks, employers, and even family members, today’s attacks rely on urgency and trust, not malware. The uncomfortable truth? Your biggest risk in 2026 isn’t a zero-day exploit—it’s a tired, distracted human trying to do the right thing. Slow down. Verify unexpected messages. Don’t click links. Don’t send gift cards or crypto. And enable MFA everywhere you can. This is your Saturday Security Story. I’m Peter — like, subscribe, and share. https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/new-year-new-scams-how-criminals-prey-on-busy-tired-consumers-post-holidays-christmas-hanukkah-money-cash-finances-financial-resolutions-tax-prep-scammers-fraud