A Quick Look at a Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report

Cybercriminals aren't just getting smarter. They're getting richer. Verizon's latest Data Breach Investigations Report reveals ransomware continues to dominate, third-party breaches are surging, and artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for accidental data leaks and more convincing attacks. From healthcare and financial institutions to retailers and government agencies, no industry is immune. The report also reinforces a simple truth: Technology alone isn't enough to stop today's threats. As hackers continue to exploit human behavior, awareness and cybersecurity education remain among the most effective defenses for businesses and consumers alike. READ FULL STORY

Microsoft Just Fixed 400+ Security Holes. Yes, You Should Update Windows.

If your Windows computer has been asking you to install an update, this is one request you probably should not ignore. Microsoft's latest security update fixes more than 400 vulnerabilities, including dozens of serious flaws and one that attackers are already exploiting. You do not need to understand CVE numbers, hacking techniques or cybersecurity jargon to protect yourself. For everyday Windows users, the most important message is remarkably simple: update your computer, restart it when asked and do not give cybercriminals an open door that Microsoft has already provided a key to close. READ FULL STORY

Why Local Government Hacks Matter to Everyone

Paying property taxes, filing court paperwork, renewing permits, or simply calling a county office are everyday tasks most of us take for granted. But a recent cyberattack against Delaware County, Pennsylvania, shows how quickly those services can grind to a halt when hackers target local government. While officials continue investigating what information may have been accessed, the incident is another reminder that cyberattacks don't just affect big corporations. They can disrupt the public services millions of Americans rely on every day and may put sensitive personal information at risk. READ FULL STORY

Drivers’ License Numbers Speed Off Into Hackers’ Hands in Massive Data Breach

Millions of Americans are learning that some of their most important personal information may have sped off into the hands of cybercriminals. Insurance provider AssuranceAmerica has confirmed that hackers ran off with the driver’s license numbers and personal information of nearly 7 million people after breaking into the company’s network. If you have ever had an auto insurance policy with AssuranceAmerica, now is the time to watch for suspicious emails, monitor your financial accounts, and be alert for identity theft attempts that could use your stolen information. READ FULL STORY

Revealed: We Are Still Terrible At Creating Passwords

Ah, passwords. Those tiny digital keys that can either protect your online kingdom or leave the door wide open for cyber-villains. Unfortunately, 2024 showed us that people are still using shockingly bad passwords. Spoiler alert: "123456," "password," and the oh-so-creative "qwerty123" remain top offenders. In fact, “123456” takes the top spot year after year. Hackers are practically throwing a party when they see passwords like these! Seriously, folks? You can do better than that. READ FULL STORY

Did Your Kid Lose Their Phone? Not Likely

It’s an everyday scene. It’s prime time for TV and you’re sitting comfortably in your favorite chair. Suddenly, your phone alerts you to a new text. You pick it up and it’s a text from an unknown number that says, "Hi Mom, I lost my phone. Text me back at this number.” You’re perplexed. What do you do? Well, you stop right there. Why? That message probably isn’t from your kid. It’s part of a sneaky scam that’s been making the rounds for a while, and unfortunately, it’s still working. READ FULL STORY

Someone May Have Flown Away with Your Personal Info

If you've flown with Frontier Airlines, your personal information may be at risk. The airline recently disclosed a data breach that may have exposed sensitive customer information, including Social Security numbers, although many details about the incident remain unclear. Even if you haven't received a notification, now is a good time to keep an eye on your financial accounts and credit reports. Here's what happened, what information may have been exposed, and the simple steps you can take today to help protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. READ FULL STORY

Should I, Could I Freeze My Credit Report?

Having your private information or identity stolen is no picnic. It takes quite a long time to make it right, so one of the best ways to help ensure that neither happens in the first place is to protect it as much as you can. In light of the recent Capital One data breach, many may be considering putting a freeze on their credit reports and that is a great idea. However, it's a good idea to be sure to know what that means before taking that action. READ FULL STORY

What the FBI’s Data Says About Elder Fraud

Fraud targeting older Americans has reached a staggering scale. Behind every statistic is a person who may have lost retirement savings, financial independence, or the ability to trust those offering help. Understanding the size and nature of the problem can help older adults, families, caregivers, and financial institutions recognize the warning signs before money is lost. The figures below come primarily from the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report and the Federal Trade Commission’s Protecting Older Consumers 2024-2025. Additional analysis is credited to Stolen Trust: A Special Study on America's Elder Fraud Landscape, a 2026 study published by Human Cybersecurity Knowledge for Seniors, or HCSK. READ FULL STORY

Account Takeover Phone Scam

Nobody thinks they will fall victim to a scammer on the phone. Today I am talking with Tanya Holland over at Park View Credit Union and not only are people falling victim, scammers are adding more layers to the basic Vishing attacks. If you find this helpful, please share to warn others! READ FULL STORY

Watch Carefully Where That Click Takes You

Clicking a link seems harmless, but cybercriminals are finding new ways to turn ordinary web browsing into a dangerous detour. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is warning that attackers are using sophisticated Traffic Distribution Systems (TDS) to secretly redirect internet users from legitimate-looking websites to fake login pages, malware downloads, and phishing sites designed to steal personal information. The redirection often happens behind the scenes, making it difficult to recognize until it's too late. Understanding how these attacks work and taking a few simple precautions can help keep your information, accounts, and finances out of the hands of cybercriminals. READ FULL STORY

Why That Local Call Might Be a Scam

Your phone rings and the number looks oddly familiar. Same area code, same first few digits. It could be a neighbor, a nearby business, or someone in your community. So you answer. Instead of a real person, you’re greeted by a robotic voice pitching a prize, warning about suspicious activity, or claiming there’s a problem with your account. Welcome to the world of “neighbor spoofing,” a tactic scammers use to make their calls look local and trustworthy. The trick works more often than you might think, but knowing how it operates can help you avoid getting pulled into the conversation. READ FULL STORY