News

Exposed UN Database Left Sensitive Data Vulnerable Online

The unsecured files contained the data of organizations combating violence against women, posing a severe risk for vulnerable groups.

Published

5 months ago

October 25, 2024

Nour Nasir

exposed un database left sensitive data vulnerable online

A United Nations Trust Fund database designed to combat violence against women was recently found openly accessible online, revealing over 115,000 files. The exposed documents included sensitive personal and organizational information from groups that partner with or receive support from UN Women and included staffing, contracts, letters, and even financial audits.

Security researcher Jeremiah Fowler discovered the unsecured database, which lacked password protection or other access controls, and promptly notified the UN, who swiftly secured the database. Fowler notes that these types of data exposures are common, but stresses the importance of maintaining awareness about such vulnerabilities:

“They’re doing incredible work, helping real people in challenging situations, but cybersecurity remains a critical issue,” Fowler explained. “I’ve found numerous examples of exposed data before, but in this case, it’s about organizations aiding people at risk simply for existing in certain regions”.

UN Women acknowledged the incident in a statement, expressing gratitude for the collaboration with cybersecurity experts and that it had launched an investigation.

The exposed data presents multiple security concerns. Financial audits in the database included bank account details, and the disclosures revealed how organizations receive and allocate their funding. Additionally, the information provided insights into staffing and internal operations, which could be exploited to trace connections between civil society organizations.

Also Read: The Top 10 Worst Cyberattacks In The Middle East Revealed

“You’ve got details on organizations, their staff, and projects with budgets in the millions,” Fowler explained. “If this information landed in the wrong hands, it could be used by scammers or even authoritarian regimes to identify which organizations are working where and who they’re collaborating with”.

Fowler expressed particular concern for the people mentioned in the database, many of whom had shared deeply personal experiences, including stories of abuse, kidnapping, and other traumatic events, likely under the assumption that their identities would remain protected.

If this incident spurs a broader review of the UN’s data security infrastructure, it could help prevent future breaches and mitigate risks for the vulnerable populations UN Women and other UN organizations serve.

News

Alienware Just Announced Six New Gaming Monitors

The new models include three QD-OLED and three budget-friendly QHD options, expanding the company’s lineup for all gamers.

Published

4 days ago

March 27, 2025

Nour Nasir

Alienware

Alienware has just updated its gaming monitor lineup with six new additions, including the highly anticipated Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Monitor. The latest wave of releases is set to reach more gamers than ever, offering high-end QD-OLED displays alongside more budget-friendly options.

The latest displays clearly show that the company is doubling down on QD-OLED with three new models sporting the technology. A redesigned Alienware 34 Ultra-Wide QD-OLED Monitor is also making a return, further refining what is already a fan-favorite display.

A Unified Design: The AW30 Aesthetic

All six monitors feature Alienware’s new AW30 design language, first introduced at CES. The AW30 aesthetic brings a futuristic, minimalist look that unites the entire lineup under a cohesive visual identity.

Pushing QD-OLED Even Further

The refreshed Alienware 34 Ultra-Wide QD-OLED Monitor (AW3425DW) builds on its predecessor’s success with a 240Hz refresh rate (up from 175Hz) and HDMI 2.1 FRL support. It also gains G-SYNC Compatible certification alongside AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and VESA AdaptiveSync, ensuring ultra-smooth performance. With a WQHD (3440×1440) resolution and an 1800R curve, this display enhances immersion for both gaming and cinematic experiences.

For those who crave speed, the Alienware 27 280Hz QD-OLED Monitor (AW2725D) pairs a high refresh rate with QHD resolution, balancing sharp visuals with ultra-smooth gameplay. Meanwhile, the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Monitor (AW2725Q) delivers stunning clarity with an industry-leading pixel density of 166 PPI, making it the sharpest OLED or QD-OLED monitor available.

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Worried about OLED burn-in? Alienware’s entire QD-OLED lineup comes with a three-year limited warranty covering burn-in concerns, offering peace of mind for gamers investing in these high-end displays.

Bringing QHD To A Wider Audience

Alongside QD-OLED, Alienware is also releasing three new QHD gaming monitors aimed at more price-conscious gamers. The Alienware 34 Gaming Monitor (AW3425DWM), Alienware 32 Gaming Monitor (AW3225DM), and Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2725DM) provide a range of sizes and formats to suit different preferences:

The Alienware 34 Gaming Monitor (AW3425DWM): An ultrawide (WQHD) option for a panoramic, immersive experience.
The Alienware 32 Gaming Monitor (AW3225DM): A standard 16:9 panel for a traditional but expansive desktop setup.
The Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor (AW2725DM): A 27” display offering the same performance in a more compact form factor.

All three gaming monitors feature a fast 180 Hz refresh rate, a 1ms gray-to-gray response time, and support for NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, and VESA AdaptiveSync to eliminate screen tearing. Additionally, with 95% DCI-P3 color coverage and VESA DisplayHDR400 certification, these displays deliver vibrant colors and high dynamic range for lifelike visuals.