I was talking to a client today about a security incident and the discussion turned to how threat actors are using increasingly more sophisticated ways to attack individuals and companies. She lamented that we know more than the average individual about how they implement attacks, but she worries about her mother, who is frequently online.
scams
Social Media Enables Social Engineering Scams
The more one uses and shares on social media, the more information is publicly available for cyber attackers to use to exploit users’ personal and professional information.
It is hard for people to realize that every single thing shared on any social media platform is available for friends and foes alike to access and use.
Privacy Tip #355 – Avoid Employment Offer Scams
In response to a rash of employment offer scams, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued a scam alert intended to educate job seekers so they can avoid being victimized.
Not only are individuals subject to these scams, but legitimate businesses are spoofed and used to conduct the scams and they only find that out…
Privacy Tip #354 – Scammers Use Weather Emergencies Against Victims
It has been difficult to watch the extreme weather patterns that have been happening around the U.S. over the past few months. Fires and torrential rainstorms in California, tornadoes down south, blizzards in the Midwest and New York, and a devastating hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. It is heartbreaking to see the devastation and…
Privacy Tip #279 – IRS Imposters Targeting Students and Faculty
How many times can we say that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will NOT email or telephone you? We will say it again. If you receive a telephone call, email or text from someone saying they are from the IRS, it is A SCAM. It’s that simple. If you don’t believe me, check out…
Privacy Tip #259 – On Veterans Day: Tips for Veterans to Avoid Scams
Today on Veterans Day, we thank all veterans for their service and dedication to our democracy.
Unfortunately, it is well-known that veterans are targeted with scams, so providing tips today to help prevent scams against them is timely.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has provided such tips for veterans, which can be read here.
The…
Privacy Tip #19 – Protecting seniors from scams
A surprising number of seniors are embracing digital technology, including computers, tablets and smartphones. Many use social media and email to stay in touch with friends, children and grandchildren. All of which is good. What is bad is the fact that seniors are being heavily targeted by scammers and fraudsters and are at risk of…