Technology
Beware of this sneaky Google attack that steals your expired cookies
‘CyberGuy’: Big Brother in the Big Apple
NYC drivers face a $15 daily congestion fee for entering the toll congestion zone south of 60th Street, monitored by license plate readers. Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson gives the details.
A new exploit threat lets hackers access your Google account using expired cookies that contain your login information. The exploits, which were discovered late last year, target session cookies, which only have a limited lifespan. However, they can “revive” those cookies, putting your personal information at risk.
A hacker named PRISMA first revealed they found a way to bring back expired Google session cookies. Since then, cybersecurity firm CloudSEK discovered an exploit in a program that allows users to synchronize their Google accounts across multiple devices. Now, hackers are using that exploit to steal your login and other information. Here’s a breakdown of how it all unfolded and how you can protect yourself.
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Google Chrome start-up page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Exploiting Google’s MultiLogin
As reported by BleepingComputer, certain malware strains have discovered a backdoor into Google’s authentication system. The vulnerability lies in the MultiLogin endpoint, which remains undocumented and largely unknown to the public. This clandestine gateway enables threat actors to revive expired authentication cookies, granting unauthorized access to users’ Google accounts.
Google Chrome start-up page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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The role of session cookies
Before we dive deeper, let’s understand the role of session cookies. These specialized browser cookies contain authentication information. If you’ve ever experienced the convenience of returning to a site without re-entering your credentials, you’ve encountered session cookies. However, their design intentionally limits their lifespan to prevent prolonged unauthorized access.
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The Lumma and Rhadamanthys connection
In November of last year, cybercriminals associated with the Lumma and Rhadamanthys info-stealing malware strains made a bold claim: they could resurrect expired Google Authentication cookies stolen during cyberattacks. Armed with these seemingly defunct cookies, a hacker gains entry to a victim’s Google account, even if the user has logged out, reset their password, or their session has expired.
PRISMA’s revelation
The exploit’s origins trace back to a Telegram post by a threat actor known as PRISMA. In October, they unveiled their discovery: a method to restore Google authentication cookies that had reached their expiration date. This revelation set the stage for further investigation.
CloudSEK’s investigation
Enter CloudSEK, a cybersecurity firm committed to predicting and preventing cyberattacks. Their researchers took on the challenge, reverse engineering the exploit. Their findings revealed that the MultiLogin endpoint served as the linchpin for the hackers. This undocumented feature facilitates account synchronization across various Google services, making it an ideal target for malicious actors’ nefarious activities.
Google Chrome start-up page (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Protecting against MultiLogin exploit
The exploitation of MultiLogin raises serious concerns for those of you who are Google account holders. To safeguard against this threat, consider the following steps:
1) Sign out of the affected browser: Google is aware of this issue and has taken action to secure compromised accounts. Google’s recommendation is to simply sign out of the affected browser to revoke session cookies.
2) Enhanced Safe Browsing: Enable Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome for additional protection against malware and phishing attacks.
On your computer:
- Open Google Chrome on your computer
- Click the initial in the top-right corner of the browser window
- Tap Manage your Google Account
- Click Security on the left
- Under Enhanced Safe Browsing for your account – make sure it is turned On
On your smartphone:
- Open Google Chrome on your computer
- Click the initial in the top-right corner of the browser window
- Tap Google Account
- Click Security
- Scroll down and under Enhanced Safe Browsing for your account – make sure it is turned On
3) Regularly change passwords: Regularly change your Google password to keep your account safe from hackers. If you struggle with creating new passwords, consider using a password manager.
4) Have good antivirus software on all your devices: The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Choose the best option for your PC, Mac, iPhone or Android smartphone. Having good antivirus software actively running on your devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
Kurt’s key takeaways
In light of the recent exploits targeting Google accounts through resurrected session cookies, it’s imperative to strengthen our defenses against such cyberthreats. From the initial discovery by PRISMA to the subsequent investigations by CloudSEK, the vulnerabilities in Google’s MultiLogin endpoint have now been exposed.
To protect your account, ensure you sign out of affected browsers, enable Enhanced Safe Browsing, regularly update passwords, and have good antivirus software across all your devices. By implementing these security measures, you can thwart attempts to compromise your online privacy and safeguard your digital identities.
How important do you think it is for technology companies like Google to continually update and enhance their security protocols to protect you from evolving cyberthreats? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Technology
Soundcore new Space 2 promise improved ANC and sound
We finally have an update to the Soundcore Space One that launched two and a half years ago. At MWC 2026, Soundcore has announced the Space 2, which will be available in the US on April 21st in three colors — linen white, jet black, and seafoam green — for $129.99. That’s $30 more than the Space One’s original price.
According to Soundcore, the Space 2 have had a full-band noise cancellation upgrade with the focus of those improvements on the low-frequency sounds we all generally use ANC headphones to block — things like airplane, train, and bus engine sounds while traveling. The Space 2 use the same number of microphones as the Space One for noise canceling, instead relying on optimized mic placement and structure and materials improvements for the boost in performance.
Redesigned 40mm drivers incorporate dual layers in their design. There’s a silk diaphragm with metal ceramic that supposedly results in faster transient response — the driver’s ability to respond to sudden sound quickly and accurately — with better balanced sound reproduction. The Space One had great sound performance for the price, but I’m all for any improvement to sound performance accuracy. Like the Space One, the Space 2 will support LDAC high-res audio.
The headphones connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 6.1, although they do not support Auracast transmissions — an unfortunate exclusion. There’s also a 3.5mm jack for a wired connection.
Battery life has been increased to up to 50 hours with ANC and 70 hours with ANC off. This is up from 40 hours with ANC and 55 hours without ANC with the Space One headphones. With a five-minute charge the Space 2 get an additional four hours of listening.
The Space 2 will include many of the features found on the Space One. You can use HearID 3.0 to go through a series of sound samples to tune the headphones’ sound to your preferences. It worked well for me on the Space One to get them closer to a sound I liked, with a bit of the edge taken off the higher frequencies. There’s also a sensor that detects when you remove the headphones and stops playback so you don’t miss any of your music or podcast. They once again come with a cloth bag that matches the color of the headphones instead of a case, which is one change I wish Soundcore had made, as the cloth bag doesn’t offer as much protection if you tend to throw your headphones into your backpack or bag.
The Soundcore Space One were among the best budget ANC headphones when they came out, and still hold up to more recent releases. But with the bump in price to over $100 for the Space 2, there’s a bit more expectation on them. ANC performance continues to improve — and products get cheaper — across manufacturers, so the Soundcore Space 2 has some competition from companies like Sony, EarFun, and JLab. If the ANC on the Space 2 stands up to current budget headphones and they still sound as good and are as comfortable as the Space One, you can expect to see the new Soundcore Space 2 on many recommendation lists.
Technology
Tired of websites blocking your VPN? A dedicated IP fixes that
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If you have ever turned on your VPN and suddenly could not log in to your bank, email, streaming service or work portal, you are not imagining things. In fact, this is one of the most common frustrations VPN users face today.
However, the issue is not that VPNs stopped working. Instead, websites have become far more aggressive about blocking traffic that looks suspicious.
As a result, the way your VPN is built now matters just as much as whether you use one at all.
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Shared VPN IPs often trigger red flags, which is why banks, email providers and streaming sites sometimes block access. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why websites block many VPN connections
Most VPNs give you a shared IP address. As a result, hundreds or even thousands of people can appear online from the same address at the same time. From a website’s perspective, that traffic pattern raises red flags. When platforms detect too many logins, rapid location changes or unusual activity tied to one IP, they step in quickly. In many cases, they respond by:
- Blocking access
- Triggering captchas
- Requiring extra verification codes
- Temporarily locking accounts
Meanwhile, you did nothing wrong. Instead, you end up dealing with restrictions caused by other users sharing that same IP address.
What a dedicated IP does differently
With a dedicated IP, you get an address that belongs only to you. Unlike shared VPN connections, no one else uses it.
Each time you connect, you use the same IP address. As a result, you avoid sharing traffic, rotating locations or competing with random users whose activity could trigger blocks.
Because of that consistency, your connection looks much more like a typical home or office internet setup. And that simple difference can dramatically reduce website suspicion and login headaches.
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A dedicated IP gives you a consistent address that looks more like a normal home connection, reducing captchas and login alerts. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What a dedicated IP can do that shared VPN IPs usually can’t
That consistency does more than reduce suspicion; it improves how smoothly you access the sites and services you use every day.
Access more websites without blocks
Banks, government portals, healthcare sites, and streaming services are far less likely to block a dedicated IP because it does not show heavy or erratic traffic patterns.
Reduce captchas and security challenges
Those endless “prove you’re human” messages are usually triggered by shared IP abuse. A dedicated IP dramatically reduces them.
Make banking and email logins smoother
Financial institutions and email providers often flag constantly changing IP addresses as suspicious. A dedicated IP stays consistent, so login alerts and lockouts happen far less often.
Support remote work and secure systems
Some employers only allow access from approved IP addresses. Shared VPN IPs cannot be approved. Dedicated IPs can.
Improve streaming reliability
Shared VPN IPs are often the first to get blocked when streaming services crack down. Dedicated IPs are less likely to be flagged because traffic looks normal and predictable.
What a dedicated IP does not do
A dedicated IP:
- Does not remove encryption
- Does not expose your identity
- Does not weaken your privacy
Your traffic remains encrypted, and your real location stays hidden. You simply get a connection that websites trust more.
Who benefits most from a dedicated IP
A dedicated IP is especially helpful if you:
- Use online banking regularly
- Travel and access sites from different locations
- Work remotely
- Stream often
- Get tired of captchas and blocked pages
- Want a VPN that feels normal to use
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With fewer blocks and smoother logins, a dedicated IP helps your VPN work quietly in the background instead of getting in your way. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
How to choose a VPN that offers a dedicated IP
If you want these benefits, look for a VPN provider that offers a dedicated IP option built directly into its service. Some providers include it in premium plans, while others offer it as an add-on. Either way, the process should be simple. You should be able to select your dedicated IP inside the app without advanced setup or manual configuration. Before signing up, check that the provider also offers strong speeds, reliable uptime and clear privacy policies. A dedicated IP improves access, but overall performance still matters.
What to look for beyond a dedicated IP
A dedicated IP reduces blocks. However, a quality VPN should also deliver strong security and smooth performance.
Fast, stable connections: Speed matters for streaming, video calls and everyday browsing. Look for providers known for consistent performance.
Wide server coverage: More server locations give you flexibility when traveling and help reduce location errors.
Clear privacy practices: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and independent audits when possible.
Secure server technology: Modern VPNs often use RAM-based servers that automatically wipe data on reboot.
Easy-to-use apps: Protection should feel simple, not technical. Clean apps across major devices make daily use effortless.
For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
Kurt’s key takeaway
If your VPN keeps getting blocked, the problem may not be the VPN itself. It may be the shared IP address behind it. Websites are increasingly aggressive about suspicious traffic. When hundreds of users share the same IP, banks, email providers and streaming platforms take notice. That is when the captchas, verification codes and account lockouts start. A dedicated IP changes that experience. You still get encryption. You still protect your real location. But your connection looks stable and predictable, which helps you avoid constant interruptions.
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Technology
Polymarket defends its decision to allow betting on war as ‘invaluable’
Polymarket has been allowing people to bet on when the US would strike Iran next. Obviously, now that it’s actually happened and people have died, the prediction betting market is feeling some pressure. The site has been at the center of controversy before, including suspicions of insider trading on the Super Bowl halftime show and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement posted on its site, Polymarket defended its decision to allow betting on the potential start of a war, saying that it was an “invaluable” source of news and answers, before taking shots at traditional media and Elon Musk’s X. The statement reads:
…
Read the full story at The Verge.
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