The presidential election is heating up, and disinformation is everywhere. Stick to trusted news sources and always question what you read.
The White House issued a cybersecurity list but forgot these vital steps
Though the Russia-Ukraine war seems like something happening far away, its impact has already reached our shores. We’re seeing it in fake emails and social media posts seeking financial aid for the “victims” of the conflict.
There are plenty more scams to watch out for. Crooks are bringing back the classics such as the Nigerian Prince scams and twisting them to suit today’s events. Then there are the more modern tricks involving promises of wealth via cryptocurrency tips. Tap or click here to check out Kim’s list of 10 Russia-Ukraine war scams hitting your email, phone, and social media.
The White House issued a press briefing with a list of cybersecurity tips. We found the list generic while also leaving out some crucial things. Though it was meant for companies, the warning could have been more detailed and useful for individuals. Read on for ways to protect against cyberattacks.
Here’s the backstory
This week the White House held a cybersecurity briefing with a list of things every business should do right now. We found it lacked information, and there was also one glaring omission.
We’ve broken down the list and added recommendations to beef up your security measures.
1. Use multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security when logging into an account. It could be a thumbprint, a bit of information only you know, or a code sent to a device only you have access to.
If you want to secure your accounts further, try an authenticator app, which generates one-time passcodes every 30 seconds that expire quickly. Tap or click here for more information on authenticator apps.
2. Deploy modern security tools
The White House mentions “modern security tools,” but what does that mean? Aside from a VPN, you want a reputable and effective antivirus program that isn’t based in Moscow, such as Kaspersky Lab.
We recommend our sponsor TotalAV, an award-winning security suite that gives you continuous protection while blocking malicious websites and helping you clear out junk. TotalAV protects you from malware, ransomware, spyware, adware and more. It even deletes tracking cookies. TotalAV is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Think you know all the government impersonator scams? Watch for this scary twist
Scammers are known for switching up tactics to catch potential victims off guard. Doing so makes it difficult for people to keep track of new schemes and what to be aware of. But sometimes, the criminals can’t resist falling back into old habits.
🚨 FBI alert: Fake videos are all over social media! One video claims the FBI busted three groups for “ballot fraud,” while another drags in Kamala Harris’ husband. There’s even a phony clip with people supposedly from Haiti claiming to vote illegally in Georgia counties. These are designed to mess with our trust in elections, so keep an eye out and don’t fall for it!
$812,500
Current bid for the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939). The shoes were stolen in 2005 by a thief who thought they were decorated with real jewels. It took the FBI 13 years to track them down. Imagine Dorothy talking to her grandchildren: “When I was your age, I murdered a woman and stole her shoes.”
Election 2020 security: Hackers are using fake websites and email accounts to fool you
It seems like there’s always a new warning about yet another online scam. Not only have Americans dealt with typical scams the last several months, but we’ve also had to contend with COVID-related scams, too.
The thing about online scams is they’re not only annoying; they’re expensive. As of mid-September, consumer complaints to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) related to coronavirus exceeded 200,000 — and reported losses topped over $140 million. Those numbers are only likely to increase as COVID rages on. Tap or click for tips on protecting yourself from these con artists.
Warning: FBI says sextortion scammers are using this scary new tactic
Of all the scams floating around on the web, sextortion scams are some of the scariest to deal with. When a hacker claims to have intimate photos of you and threatens to post them online, it feels like a total violation of your rights. Thankfully, for the most part, these scams are nothing but bluster.
Not the sharpest hacker for sure: Back in January, the SEC’s X account was hacked to post fake news about bitcoin, causing its value to spike. Now, a man’s been arrested, and court docs show some pretty incriminating searches. One gem? “What are some signs the FBI is after you?” You’d think a hacker would know how to hide their search history.
You can’t spell “crypto” without “C-R-Y”: The FBI created a fake cryptocurrency to nail pump-and-dump fraudsters. That’s where they inflate a crypto’s price with phony trades, convince others to buy, then cash out before the crash. The FBI set up a slick website, and shady companies took the bait. Now, 18 people and companies face fraud and market manipulation charges. But there are thousands more out there.
America's drinking water is under attack
Water systems in Kansas, Texas and Pennsylvania have already been hit by hackers in China, Russia and Iran. Plus, clothes that block 5G waves, AI coming to Alexa, and Walmart’s new digital pricing. We also chat with Joseph Cox about his book “Dark Wire,” which is about Anom, the FBI’s secret app used by criminals.
China preps to hack the U.S.
The FBI says Chinese gov-backed hackers are waiting to ‘deal a devastating blow.’ Plus, Taylor Swift’s album leaks, Meta’s AI chatbot goes live, and lots of big retailers are shutting down (so long, 99 Cents Only store).
FBI warning: Cybercriminals can use this tactic to break into your VPN, steal your files and more
Phishing has grown from an annoying hacker tactic to a widespread scourge plaguing the internet. The reason: It’s the easiest way to gain access to valuable data and accounts — which can then be exploited for personal or financial gain.
FBI warning: Dating apps are a hotbed for human trafficking
We’re all doing our best to make it through the coronavirus pandemic and keep a positive outlook. That can be hard to do in difficult times like these.
Cybercriminals don’t help matters when they piggyback on COVID-19 fears and use them to attack unsuspecting victims. Tap or click here for a complete list of coronavirus scams to watch for.
Scam alert! This spoofed phone call looks so convincing
If there’s one thing we know about cybercriminals, it’s that they’ll do whatever it takes to take advantage of you. Most are very organized and use sophisticated techniques that are always changing to stay ahead of software patches and law enforcement.