You need to know about the new way scammers are trying to take your money
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Breach! Walmart exposed personal data of 1.3 million U.S. shoppers
Keeping your personal information out of the hands of criminals is hard enough these days. With massive data breaches like the one we recently warned you about at Equifax, it almost seems like the battle is already lost.
But we can’t give up. It’s important to take every precaution available to keep this data safe.
Unfortunately, some situations are out of our control. We need to be able to trust companies that we do business with to have proper security. That’s not always the case. Now, a Walmart partner is responsible for exposing personal data of over a million consumers.
Company’s irresponsibility leads to huge data breach
Another huge data breach was recently detected by security firm Kromtech. The breach exposed personal data of more than 1.3 million consumers from both the U.S. and Canada.
When the exposure was discovered, it was thought to be information compiled by Walmart. That’s because that data was stored in an Amazon S3 bucket named “walmartsql” and was accessible by the public. It turns out that the info belongs to a firm called MBM Company Inc., which operates a company named Limogés Jewelry that partners with Walmart and other companies.
MBM Company Inc. exposed personal data of more than 1.3 million consumers
Limogés doesn’t only partner with Walmart. Other companies clients it has done business with over the years may have also had their critical data exposed. They include Amazon, Sears, Kmart, Target, Overstock and more.
The database in question was publicly accessible from January 13, 2018, until it was recently secured by Walmart. Exposed information includes names, addresses, ZIP codes, phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses and plain text passwords of the victims’ shopping accounts. The unprotected data dates back to as early as the year 2000. Yikes!
One more act of negligence is, the company didn’t have customers’ passwords encrypted. They were stored in plain text, so anyone who stumbled across this database has your password and didn’t even need to use a tool to crack it.
Is there anything we can do now?
How to block spam texts and messages on your phone
Ting! You’ve just received a new message. You set down your bags of groceries, dig into your pocket and pull out your smartphone. Then, you frown. The message reads: “REAL ROLEX 90% OFF!” Smartphones have become a major target for indiscriminate marketing campaigns, and it’s time to fend off those annoying spammers.
This file type is the most used in cyberattacks
Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links are a favorite of the cybercriminal. These types of attacks can be a very effective tool for fraudsters, especially in tricking the untrained eye. But among all the file types that can be used for duping potential victims, this well-known format is the most popular for cyberattacks. Read on and you might be surprised.
Massive Equifax data breach is worse than originally thought
It’s only been a matter of months since we found out about the massive Equifax data breach that exposed over 145 million Americans’ critical information. Stolen data included Social Security numbers, and as you know, we can never replace them. Well, brace yourself, it turns out that the Equifax breach is even worse than reported.
Beware of this tricky Costco scam
Cybercriminals had a banner year in 2017. Massive data breaches, DDoS and ransomware attacks dominated the headlines. No matter which type of attack the scammers use, their final goal is always the same. To steal our personal information and money. Criminals are now getting extremely devious, attempting to find new victims.
5 ways a thief can use your Social Security number
One crucial component of your legal identity is your Social Security number. With it, identity thieves can either start charging your credit cards with unauthorized purchases or worse, open new credit lines under your identity. You may not even realize what’s going on until the collection agencies start stalking you for accounts that you don’t remember creating.
Ancestry.com suffers big data leak - 300,000 user credentials exposed
Another massive data breach is hitting users on one of the most popular genealogical and family tree tracking companies around. How did it happen and what data was leaked? There are critical steps you should take to protect yourself.
Woman uses Bible to teach online scammers a lesson
Internet trolls are terrible, they just try to get a rise out of people for no good reason. But one lady turned the tables on a would-be scammer.
Beware! New sneaky phishing scam is making the rounds
Shopping season is upon us once again! Which means your email inbox will probably be inundated with messages from both online and brick-and-mortar stores alike. So watch out! You know it’s bound to happen: The ever-opportunistic thieves will try and slip you a scam email. There’s one particular phishing scam that’s making the rounds so pay attention, it can easily fool you.
Watch out! Clever Amazon delivery scam spreading all over the country
When was the last time you had an item delivered to your doorstep by Amazon? If your answer is recently, please read on. There is a new, clever scam targeting Amazon customers and people all over the U.S. are falling for it. Don’t be one of the victims! I’ll tell you what to look for.
Will the Equifax breach affect your Social Security benefits?
The Equifax data breach has affected millions of Americans’ bank accounts and data but what about your Social Security benefits? With the breach exposing your Social Security number, we need to be worried about the long-term effects.
How to protect your mobile device from smishing
Have you heard? There is a rising scam in town called “smishing.” In fact, smishing is the new phishing.
Criminals are getting more creative by texting your mobile devices to obtain your most valuable data. Not to mention, your phone can be hacked without you knowing it.
Scam calls on the rise! 95% of people have been targeted in past six months
If it seems like you’re getting more fake calls than ever, you probably are. When I tell you just how much scam phone calls have increased in the last few years, you’re going to be stunned. Thankfully, there are ways you can tell if a call is legitimate. Read and share this so you and your loved ones won’t become the next victim.
Don't fall for this 'White House' phishing email
There’s a brand new phishing email that’s making the rounds. I’ve seen it personally, and it’s using a well-known political figure to trick you into clicking. You’ll recognize this name when it pops up in your inbox, but the message isn’t really from her – it’s from scammers! Take a look at this screenshot, and I’ll point out the major discrepancies.
Can you spot a fake email? Take our phishing IQ test
Phishing emails flood our inboxes every day, hoping to catch us off guard so that we’ll fall for their tricks and hand over our private information. Do you have what it takes to outsmart phishing scammers? Take our quiz to find out.
Received a strange text? Whatever you do, don't click the link!
A favorite tool for cybercriminals is the phishing email. But there’s a new twist to this scam making the rounds that could let a thief drain your bank account. What’s the latest phishing scam twist? I’ll give you a clue: It has to do with your cellphone.