Simple Habits That Make You a Tougher Target for Cybercrooks

It’s already well into the new year and a fresh year usually brings fresh goals—exercise more, spend less, maybe try a new hobby. But one resolution that deserves a permanent spot on everyone’s list is tightening up your personal cybersecurity. Cyberthreats don’t take holidays, and scammers aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re getting bolder, trickier, and faster at finding new ways to get into your accounts and steal your money or data. READ FULL STORY

The Red Hot Scams of 2026 are Heating Up

While we all tend to look forward to retirement, scammers never actually get around to it. In fact, they are entering 2026 with sharper tricks and colder hearts. AARP’s latest warning highlights several “red-hot” scams already spreading across the internet and phone lines, from fake job offers to terrifying “digital arrest” threats. Knowing how these schemes work could be the difference between keeping your money safe and watching it vanish. READ FULL STORY

Understanding Multi-Factor Authentication

We all know that passwords alone just don’t cut it anymore. Between data breaches, phishing attacks, and password reuse, relying on a single password to protect your most valuable accounts is like locking your front door but leaving the windows wide open. That’s where multi-factor authentication (MFA) comes in. It adds extra layers of protection to your online accounts. While many companies are implementing passkeys, not all of them have it available. So, MFA is the next best way to protect your accounts, MFA makes it so that even if your password falls into the wrong hands, no one can get in without passing additional verification steps. READ FULL STORY

MFA Push Bombing Can Wear You Down

Cybercriminals are getting smarter about bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA), and one of their favorite tricks is something called push bombing. It’s a simple tactic, but extremely effective when victims are caught off guard or overwhelmed. It's designed to wear us down. And most of us have probably been overwhelmed by notifications at some point, which is why this type of attack has proven successful time and again for attackers. READ FULL STORY

The Quick and Dirty on QR Codes

QR codes, those little square mazes, are everywhere nowadays. From accessing restaurant menus to entering sweepstakes and registering new products, they’ve become a staple in modern convenience. However, like any technology, cybercriminals have found ways to exploit these codes, turning them into digital traps. There are many ways these boxes of squiggles can be misused, including via phishing, in advertisements, and overlaid on real ones. READ FULL STORY

The 10 Most Common 4-Digit PINs: Is Yours One of Them?

By now, it’s common knowledge that anything to do with your online security that’s easy-to-guess presents personal security risks. One of those risks involves using a 4-digit PIN code for your smartphone, additional devices, ATM accounts, and payment cards. Commonly used PINs make it easy for you to remember but they also make it easy for hackers to guess. Below are 10 of the most common 4-digit PIN codes cybercriminals try first, so take a look and see if yours is on the list. READ FULL STORY

Online Banking Risks – How Financial Institutions And Customers Partner For Better Security

The financial services sector has gone through significant changes since horse-drawn wagons delivered money to banks. Long after that, in-person visits to your local branch gave way to online banking on devices. But the start of the pandemic in 2020, left its mark on financial services and their customers. The risks of e-banking have been a very real concern ever since bad actors switched from cracking bank safes to cracking online accounts instead. A partnership with your financial institution can help boost online security. READ FULL STORY

Who Just Signed Into My Account

We’ve all gotten them. A text with a random code we are supposed to enter somewhere to log in to something. And it’s likely you’ve received one or two that just showed up and you don’t know why. Firstly, and importantly, don't ignore them! When you receive an unsolicited verification code, it's like a huge warning sign screaming, "Someone's trying to get into your account!" But don’t panic. We’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to help you navigate those random texts with verification codes. READ FULL STORY

While Charity Scams Never Take a Day Off, Giving Tuesday Brings Out the Grinches

The spirit of giving doesn’t depend on the season. However, when Giving Tuesday comes around every year, scammers are quick to jump on that bandwagon. They exploit generosity, posing as legitimate charities or creating entirely fake ones to steal money and personal information. Their tactics change, but the goal never does: To take advantage of your kindness. Before you donate, take a moment, a little caution goes a long way toward protecting both your wallet and your identity. READ FULL STORY

MyChart Has an Epic New Problem: Scammers Want Your Medical Information

If you use MyChart to check lab results, schedule appointments, message your doctor, or pay a medical bill, there's a new scam you need to know about. Cybercriminals are sending emails and text messages that use the familiar MyChart name and logo to make them look legitimate. Some promise some freebies, while others claim you have important medical results waiting. The goal is to get you to click, hand over personal information, or even install malware. READ FULL STORY

Apple’s Spyware Warning-Should You Panic?

Apple’s mercenary spyware warnings have been making headlines, and understandably, that can sound like a digital five-alarm fire. The good news is that most people will never be targeted by this type of attack. These warnings are generally aimed at a small group of individuals who may be targeted because of their work, access to sensitive information, or public profile. But if Apple does warn you, don’t brush it off. Learn how to tell a real Apple notification from a phishing scam, what steps to take, and how to strengthen your iPhone’s defenses before trouble comes knocking. READ FULL STORY

Fidelity Customers Reminded That Stolen Data May Be Used Well Into the Future

If you have a retirement account, brokerage account, or other investment with Fidelity Investments, now is a good time to check your mailbox and email. A proposed class action settlement stemming from a 2024 data breach could provide eligible customers with reimbursement for documented losses, identity theft protection, and a cash payment. While the deadline to file a claim is approaching, many people may not even realize they qualify. Here's what happened, who may be eligible, and what you should do if you received a notification from Fidelity. READ FULL STORY