Hacker Steals Investment App Robinhood Users' Details

Robinhood logo is seen on a smartphone in front of a displayed same logo in this illustration taken, July 2, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Robinhood logo is seen on a smartphone in front of a displayed same logo in this illustration taken, July 2, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
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Hacker Steals Investment App Robinhood Users' Details

Robinhood logo is seen on a smartphone in front of a displayed same logo in this illustration taken, July 2, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Robinhood logo is seen on a smartphone in front of a displayed same logo in this illustration taken, July 2, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

Robinhood on Monday warned users that a hacker talked their way past the stock-trading app's defenses, stealing millions of user email addresses and more.

The culprit called customer support and, pretending to be an authorized party, duped a Robinhood employee into providing access to the customer support computer system, a hacker technique referred to as "social engineering," the company said in a blog post.

After stealing information from Robinhood, the hacker tried to extort payment from the company, which opted to alert police and warn users about the breach, according to the post.

"We owe it to our customers to be transparent and act with integrity,” Robinhood chief security officer Caleb Sima said in the post.

"Following a diligent review, putting the entire Robinhood community on notice of this incident now is the right thing to do."

The breach took place late on November 3, with the hacker snatching about five million email addresses for Robinhood users, along with the names of about two million other members of the investment service, according to the company.

Robinhood said it also appeared that the hacker got hold of names, birth dates and zip codes associated with 310 users, plus additional account details about some of those people, reported AFP.

"The attack has been contained and we believe that no Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or debit card numbers were exposed and that there has been no financial loss to any customers as a result of the incident," Robinhood said in the post.

Hackers could use the stolen information to try to trick Robinhood members with ruses such as "phishing" emails pretending to be the company.

Robinhood has been credited with introducing a generation of new individual investors to the stock market, but the platform is also known for features that critics say can make it addictive.

Game-like aspects of Robinhood have also raised concerns that users may overlook serious financial ramifications of investing.



SDAIA Launches 'National AI Index' to Measure Saudi Govt Readiness for Adopting AI 

SDAIA Launches 'National AI Index' to Measure Saudi Govt Readiness for Adopting AI 
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SDAIA Launches 'National AI Index' to Measure Saudi Govt Readiness for Adopting AI 

SDAIA Launches 'National AI Index' to Measure Saudi Govt Readiness for Adopting AI 

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) launched the "National AI Index," with over 180 representatives from participating government entities attending the first assessment cycle.

The goal of the index is to evaluate institutional readiness for adopting artificial-intelligence (AI) technologies, regularly monitor progress, and provide recommendations to support development efforts and achieve the desired national impact, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

The index aims to align government efforts and national priorities in the field of AI, while providing the necessary enablers to support government entities in adopting and developing effective and sustainable AI solutions that contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The index is built on three main pillars, seven core dimensions, and 23 subcategories to ensure a comprehensive assessment of government entities' readiness in the AI field. It provides results that reflect the maturity level of AI adoption across entities, along with the necessary support to enhance their capabilities in developing innovative solutions that sustain national efforts and maximize their impact in priority sectors.

The index is part of SDAIA's broader efforts as the national reference for data and AI in the Kingdom, overseeing their regulation, development, and application.

It aims to promote the adoption of AI technologies and improve institutional performance, thereby advancing digital transformation across government entities. The initiative aligns with SDAIA's strategic partnerships to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.