01/06/2026

LYFE MONDAY | JUNE 1, 2026

23 ‘Grey’ scam websites harder to spot N EW research by Kaspersky has shown that so-called “grey” websites repeatedly target all world regions and this may be driving financial loss and large-scale data harvesting. suspicious resources globally fall into several recurring categories: o Unlike classic phishing, these threats rely on persuasion, misleading interfaces, hidden terms

0 Fake browser extensions and “security tools” that actually harvest browsing data and track user activity 0 Fraudulent financial platforms including crypto exchanges, trading tools and investment schemes promising unrealistic returns 0 Intermediary services (such as legal or real estate), charging for low-value or non-existent services while harvesting sensitive personal data 0 Subscription traps offering low-cost trials that convert into costly recurring payments hidden in fine print 0 Fake online shops that either deliver counterfeit goods or nothing at all A notable trend is the emergence of tools disguised as AI services or image-processing platforms, reflecting attackers’ ability to adapt to current digital trends and target younger audiences. There are proven security solutions that help users to detect grey websites across different types of devices – those running on Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. The detection model is based on many factors, including domain name and age, IP reputation, stability of the

Grey websites are deceptive online platforms that fall outside traditional phishing definitions but still manipulate users into voluntarily handing over money and personal data. Unlike classic phishing attacks, which aim to steal credentials outright, grey websites rely on persuasion, misleading interfaces and hidden terms to exploit users. They often impersonate legitimate services such as e-commerce platforms, financial tools, AI services or subscription-based content, making them significantly harder to detect. The Asia-Pacific region exhibits a diverse and technically sophisticated threat landscape. There is a presence of crypto-related fraud, NFT scams, a mix of fake antivirus tools, high-risk microloan platforms and suspicious download services. These threats frequently combine financial exploitation with data harvesting, exposing users to financial loss and privacy violations. Analysis shows the majority of As the fan-made football anthems are raking in millions of plays across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, experts say the viral tunes raise questions about song ownership, artiste compensation and the valuation of human creativity. But many users do not appear to mind, with some even showing a preference for the AI-generated songs over an official anthem football’s world governing body Fifa commissioned from musicians Jelly Roll and Carin Leon. A highly-anticipated World Cup track from Shakira was also released last week, but the fad of AI fan songs was still drumming up excitement on social media for the tournament taking place in cities across the US, Canada and Mexico this month and July. The trend appears to have started with a song dedicated to the French team, titled Imbattables , released in February by artiste Crystalo, who is listed on Spotify as France’s “premier AI musical creator.”The song begins with a call-and-response listing the names of Kylian Mbappe and other star French national players. A Brazilian anthem followed with a similar name-chanting format and a trending phonk melody that producer Guilherme Maia, who goes by the artiste name M4ia, said he created by layering together different elements he had put together with the help of AI. Tracks for top sides Portugal, Argentina and Germany, as well as many others, soon sprang up across platforms, garnering more praise from fans. But while the Brazilian version

Fake websites often appear as clones of real ones.

infrastructure configurations,

used,

DNS

or guaranteed profits. 0 Check domain age and reputation – newly registered domains are a major red flag. 0 Avoid installing any unknown browser extensions, particularly those claiming to enhance one’s privacy or security. 0 Use secure payment methods with buyer protection – avoid crypto or wire

transfers for unfamiliar services. 0 Review subscription carefully, especially for trial offers. 0 Look for transparency signals – legitimate services provide verifiable contact details, consistent branding and active social presence. 0 Use reliable security solutions capable of detecting grey website scams. terms

HTTP

security

headers, and popularity of the web resource and other criteria. A combination of awareness and technical checks can help to reduce risk: 0 Scrutinise offers that seem too good to be true – especially steep discounts digital identity

AI-generated World Cup team songs WORLD Cup fans are wielding artificial intelligence (AI) to mass-produce viral songs supporting their teams ahead of next month’s tournament.

Spotify, Universal strike deal for fan artificial intelligence remixes

SPOTIFY is teaming up with Universal Music Group to let users create artificial intelligence (AI)- powered remixes and covers of songs by artistes on the label – for an extra fee on top of a standard subscription. The new feature will only apply to artistes who have given their consent, and the original performer and songwriter will receive a share of any revenue generated. “For the first time, fans will be able to legally create covers and remixes from participating artistes and songwriters’ catalogues, with the original artiste and the songwriter sharing in the value created,” said Charlie Hellman, Spotify’s music head, speaking at the company’s investor day. Until now, Spotify had banned AI generated music derived from a specific artiste’s work without their express authorisation, though it does allow AI music to be uploaded more broadly, including content associated with artistes whose image and identity were generated using AI. The deal puts Spotify in direct competition with Suno and Udio, the two dominant AI music apps on the market, both of which have been posting strong growth. After initially allowing users to create AI music without agreements in place with artistes or labels, both startups have shifted course in The new Spotify feature will only apply to artistes who have given their consent. – 123RFPIC

recent months. Udio has signed deals with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, which also reached an agreement with Suno. UMG and Sony are nonetheless still in litigation with Suno, with proceedings ongoing before a US federal court in Massachusetts. Hellman said the feature would give artistes and songwriters “a brand new source of income on top of what they already earn on Spotify”. UMG CEO Lucian Grainge called the initiative “firmly artiste-centric, rooted in responsible AI”, saying it would “drive growth for the entire ecosystem”. Also announced at the investor day, Spotify said it would give paying subscribers early access to concert tickets for their favourite artistes before they go on general sale. The new service called “Reserved” is launching in the US this summer before expanding to other markets. – AFP

The World Cup is set to take place across the US, Canada and Mexico this month and July. – AFPPIC closely resembled the French

creating certain elements, rather than asking a music generation tool such as Suno to create a song with one prompt. But Jason Palamara, an Indiana University music technology assistant professor, said with the way the models exist, there is a lack of clarity over how artistes are credited if their copyrighted work is used to train them. “It had to come from somewhere,” he said. The inconsistencies that can appear in the AI-generated images can also pop up in music created with the technology. For example, a fan-made World Cup song for Portugal was sung with a Brazilian accent, while a Colombian version read James Rodriguez’s first name with an English rather than Spanish pronunciation. Music created with AI can also lack complexity, Palamara said. “It’s one compact product, rather than a product where there’s multiple tracks that have gone into it, where it has more texture.”

prototype, the later songs copied Maia’s format exactly. Each recycled the phonk beat and listed players’ names before calling for respect for the squad’s “king” – a feature reserved for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal tune or Lionel Messi in Argentina’s version. “What I see happening now is more about people following a trend or trying to recreate a feeling,” Maia told AFP, saying artistic emulation has always existed in music. While he was enthusiastic about the possibilities AI opened up for production, he acknowledged the technology raises new questions about authorship and copyright. “In music, there are clear rules. You can’t just copy someone else’s work or use samples without permission, even if AI is involved.” Lack of credit Maia stressed he built the track on his own and used AI as an assistant when