Another example of the resiliency and creativity of cyber-attackers is outlined in a new blog by Cisco/Talos researchers, which outlines how, over the past year, and in particular as a result of the migration from work at the office to work from home during the pandemic, cyber-attackers are using collaboration platforms like Slack and Discord
covid-19
Privacy Tip #277 – Beware of Vaccine Surveys
Criminals use current events to launch new schemes designed to prey on victims’ vulnerabilities or fears. Throughout the pandemic, criminals have used fear of COVID-19, or the anticipation of a cure or a vaccine, to lure victims and persuade them to provide information they can use for fraudulent purposes.
The most recent scam being reported…
FinCEN Alerts Banks to Pandemic Relief Payment Fraud
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued an advisory to banks that outlined fourteen red flag indicators to be on the lookout for (and report) related to pandemic related economic relief payments. Entitled “Advisory on Financial Crimes Targeting COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments,” FinCEN issued the advisory based on its “analysis of COVID-19-related information obtained…
Worldwide Plans for Apps and Cards to Prove Your Vaccination Status: Are There Privacy Concerns?
A new commercial has hit the airwaves in Israel. It begins with a door swinging open to reveal a beautiful seaside patio with a couple awaiting their dinners as a voiceover says, “How much have we missed going out with friends?” Well, with the Green Pass “a door simply opens in front of you” and…
Privacy Tip #274 – COVID Vaccine Scams Rampant
The news is full of stories about crashing vaccination scheduling websites, seniors who are unable to get their vaccine appointment, and how different states are rolling out their limited supplies of COVID vaccines.
People are becoming desperate in the scramble to get vaccinated during or even before their allotted time, and scammers know that and…
Cyber-attacks and Cybersecurity Failure Are Top Risks of the Next Decade Says World Economic Forum
Although somewhat obvious, the World Economic Forum, in partnership with Marsh McLennan, SK Group and Zurich Insurance Group, recently issued its 16th edition of the Global Risks Report (the Report), which analyzes “the risks from societal fractures—manifested through persistent and emerging risks to human health, rising unemployment, widening digital divides, youth disillusionment, and geopolitical…
Privacy Tip #269 – COVID-19 Vaccine Scams are Rampant
Those of us who are not health care workers, essential workers or the highest-priority cohort in our state to receive the COVID-19 vaccine are patiently awaiting our turn. We are anxious to receive the vaccine for our personal safety and health, while monitoring complaints about vaccine rollouts in different states.
As we have reported before,…
Another Use for Blockchain: Tracking COVID-19 Vaccines
Reuters reported this week that two hospitals in England are using blockchain technology to track the storage and supply of COVID-19 vaccines. According to Reuters, this is one of the first such initiatives in the world.
The report stated that the hospitals are using a distributed ledger, a type of blockchain that uses independent computers,…
FTC Warns of COVID-19 Scam Targeted at Small Businesses
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning small businesses that they are being targeted by scammers through a new coronavirus-related scam. The scam “starts with an email that claims to come from the ‘Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance.’ It says you’re eligible for a loan of up to $250,000 and asks for personal…
The Drone Industry: Lessons Learned in 2020
Let’s take a look at the lessons learned in 2020 and where the drone industry might be heading in 2021. Here are some key takeaways from the past year:
- Continued Industry Maturity: In 2020, drones are now seen as more of a tool than a novel piece of technology. That means that we will
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