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gift cards

FTC: Tips for holiday gift card shopping

By on December 19, 2019 in Security
Gift cards are one quick way to get through your last-minute holiday shopping list. But before you give (and get) gift cards, here are a few things you need to know.
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Smart Home

Smart home safety tips

By on December 12, 2019 in Security
With the lure of convenience, smart-home devices are more popular than ever—and now they’re popular with hackers too. The security of a network is only as strong as the weakest link and often connected devices such as stoves, refrigerators, doorbells, and thermostats are those weak points. Get tips to stay safe.
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USB_Charging_Station_Ashoka Jegroo

Travel alert: don’t fall prey to “juice jacking”

By on November 27, 2019 in Security
Think twice before plugging your phone or device into the USB charging stations in public places. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is warning travelers that criminals may set up USB charging stations to infect devices with malware. When you plug in (even using your own cables) these stations download malware that could lock your device or export data and passwords directly to the scammer.
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HolidayHacker

Set your scam alert level to high this holiday!

By on November 14, 2019 in Security
Forget snow storms—the holidays present the perfect conditions for a storm of scams. Think about it: we’re all busy, distracted, and doing nearly every activity frequently targeted by cyber scammers. In just a handful of weeks we’re reading oodles of emails, planning travel, shopping online, giving to charity, and receiving lots of packages. Just like you prepare for real-life storms, you need to be ready for this flurry of potential scam activity.
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Phishing_cliche image

A jaw-dropping look inside the phishing industry

By on November 13, 2019 in Security
Unfortunately for all of us, our mental image of the typical phishing scammer is not even close to reality. You probably think of a person sitting in dark room in front of multiple glowing computer screens, furiously writing code to craft their attack. According to a new security report from Akamai, this is picture is pretty much totally wrong.
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lightning-2

Warning: USB charging cables could hijack your device

By on November 11, 2019 in Security
There’s a new potential security threat cloaked in an innocent-looking package: the charging cable. The cord that came with your device isn’t the problem. After-market cables, or the one left on the table at Starbucks, or that one you borrow from that nice stranger? Stop right there! Get the scoop on what to watch for so you can stay safe.
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CharityFraud

The lowest of the low: charity scams

By on October 23, 2019 in News, Security
Arguably, charity scams are one of the ugliest kinds of fraud. By taking advantage of the kindness of others, scammers are stealing money intended to help those most in need—and people are very kind. With hundreds of billions of dollars donated every year, the less scrupulous try to benefit. During Charity Fraud Awareness Week, review six tips for making sure your money is having the most impact.
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security month

It’s the perfect season for a security refresher

By on October 16, 2019 in Security
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month—the perfect time to give your accounts and devices the protection they deserve, and learn about the current threats you face online. While there is no sure-fire way to completely defend your different accounts and devices, there are some general guidelines that everyone can use to fight back against unwanted intrusion at home and in the workplace.
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back to school tech_sm

The back-to-school talk all kids need

By on September 25, 2019 in Security
There’s one thing your child needs that was not on any back-to-school list: a talk about online safety. Did we just hear an eye roll? Really, it’s important and worth a dinner table/in the car on the way to practice/bedtime discussion. Get tips for making it painless and effective.
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free trial stamp

Not-so-free trials and tribulations

By on September 19, 2019 in Security
Depending on who is offering the free item, it’s totally okay to give the product a try. But some dishonest companies will use fake endorsements and bury the terms of their “free trial” offers in fine print (or not disclose them at all). Their real goal is lock you into recurring payments and rob you blind. Find out what to watch for and how to file a complaint if you got taken for a ride.
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