Is Your Wrist Wear A Security Risk?

Your smartwatch tracks your steps, displays your messages, and can even unlock your phone. It’s a tiny device with a lot of power. But all that convenience also means your watch could hold more personal information than you realize. From health data to email notifications, smartwatches store plenty of details that hackers would love to get their hands on. The good news is a few simple settings can help keep your smartwatch locked down so your personal data stays on your wrist and out of the wrong hands. READ FULL STORY

One Billion Records Exposed When MongoDB Database Found Unsecured

A newly discovered data leak tied to identity verification company IDMerit has exposed an enormous amount of personal information online. Security researchers say the database contained more than a billion sensitive records, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and national identification details. While the database has since been secured, the incident shows how a single misconfigured system can put massive amounts of personal data at risk. If your information was included, scammers and identity thieves could use it for fraud, phishing, or account takeovers. Taking a few steps now can help protect your personal data before criminals try to exploit it. READ FULL STORY

Home Title Theft May Make Your Home No Longer Your Home

Imagine waking up to learn your home is no longer your home. No one broke in and held you hostage to get it, no one served you paperwork to get out, but suddenly you discover that the name on the deed to your property is no longer yours and no actual legal transfer took place. No broken windows. No moving trucks in the driveway. However, paperwork appears that says it’s no longer yours. But your home is no longer your home. What may have happened is deed fraud. READ FULL STORY

Financial Services Robust Security Forces Cybercriminals To Target Customers

Cybersecurity experts are focused on finding ways to foil attempts by cyber criminals to access information related to client accounts and the cyber criminals themselves, who are continually in search of loopholes in security solutions to access sensitive personal information. And if research from Akamai is true in their annual “State of the Internet” report, then cybersecurity teams are fighting a desperate fight against professional malware groups intent on using a variety of tactics. READ FULL STORY

Common Signs Of Phishing To Keep In Mind When Your Inbox Overflows

With email phishing, deciphering what’s real from what’s fake can be a challenge. Our inboxes are stuffed with emails fighting to get our attention and get us to take some action. But how to ferret-out what’s legitimate takes some cyber-smarts. Research shows email is the primary method of spreading 92% of all malware, and the U.S. is the target of 86% of all email phishing attacks. Whether at home or at work, email phishing is relentless, but being aware of characteristics they have in common can be a powerful tool. READ FULL STORY

CAPTCHA Used as Bait For Growing Number Of Email Scams

Most of us are familiar with the funky CAPTCHA verification window that occasionally pops-up when signing onto a website. CAPTCHA systems lend a level of credibility to those of us asked to verify online that we’re human and not a bot. Seeing it makes us feel better about the site being more secure than others. After all, only a 100% legitimate website or service would dare use CAPTCHA, right? Wrong. This now Google-owned service has become a favorite bait for scammers who want you to believe they’re legitimate, and it’s working big-time. READ FULL STORY

Account Takeover Fraud is on the Rise

If you’re not able to login to an account, you might be victim to an account takeover (ATO). According to Spy Cloud, 22% of adults in the U.S. have experienced an ATO. And globally in 2023, ATOs grew by 155%. ATO’s target individuals and organizations. But bringing ATOs home, Spy Cloud finds they affected more than 24 million households. Financial theft is the undisputed goal of an ATO. With this crime on the rise, it’s a smart idea to learn more about them. READ FULL STORY

Has Your Account Been Compromised? Five Cyber Smart Tips Everyone Can Use

The transition to living life through our devices has become very real for scores of people and businesses. By now, the coronavirus has changed our lives in ways we never expected. This transition includes doing most things from home. Unfortunately, adapting to online life also gives bad actor’s a cornucopia of targets to exploit. There are proactive steps to take when you suspect an account may be compromised, including ways to help keep it from happening to begin with. 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

Know The Signs Of A Social Security Scam

Scammers frequently change their approach with new tactics and messages to trick people. We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA OIG on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook or subscribing to receive email alerts. READ FULL STORY

Firewall vs. Antivirus: What’s the Difference?

In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Businesses of all sizes face the threat of cyberattacks, and the stakes are high. A successful attack can result in the loss of sensitive data, financial damage, and reputational damage. Fortunately, there are a variety of cybersecurity solutions available to help businesses protect themselves. By investing in these products and services, businesses can defend themselves against a wide range of threats, such as viruses, malware, and SQL injections. READ FULL STORY

Your Bank Is Calling. Or Is It?

A phone call that looks like it’s coming from your financial institution could be the opening move in a fast-moving chess game the FBI is warning about. Using spoofed numbers and convincing scripts, criminals create a sense of urgency, claiming your account is under attack. The next move includes a carefully guided attempt to extract passwords, verification codes, or even push you to move your own money straight into their hands. Knowing when to hang up could be the difference between staying secure and watching your account drained in a flash. READ FULL STORY