Archive | Security

RSS feed for this section
Upset over scam

How you got scammed in 2019

By on February 20, 2020 in Security
Spoiler alert: consumers got scammed a LOT in 2019 and lost a ton of money in the process. Every year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) maintains a database of fraud activity from state and federal law enforcement, private partners, and consumers like you. Get seven key takeaways from last year's data.
Read full story
tax_identity_theft_image

FTC: Watch out for tax identity theft

By on February 5, 2020 in Security
‘Tis the season when the tidings come in envelopes stamped “Important Tax Return Document Enclosed.” Yes, it’s tax filing season, and the season’s Grinches are the tax identity thieves and government imposters who are hoping to steal your money. Find out what you need to watch out for and how to steer clear of these scams.
Read full story
Facebook logo

Off-Facebook Activity: see how much Facebook knows about you

By on January 31, 2020 in Security
The still-popular social network just rolled out a new privacy tool for users called “Off-Facebook Activity.”  The boring name undersells what it does—it gives insight into all the ways Facebook is stalking you even when you’re elsewhere on the internet. Find out how to find this new control feature and what you can do.
Read full story
data-privacy-day_sm

Data Privacy Day: Be aware of key threats

By on January 28, 2020 in Security
Data Privacy Day, led by the National Cyber Security Alliance, is an international effort to create annual awareness about the importance of safeguarding your personal data. They offer some great and easy tips to help you "Own Your Privacy."
Read full story
Check

Abbreviate 2020? Experts Say ‘No’

By on January 23, 2020 in Security
Social media and news outlets have been warning against using the abbreviated version of the year 2020 when signing financial and legal papers. The concern is that, by not using the full four-digit year in 2020, you could increase your chances for fraud. Get the real story from experts.
Read full story
Windows 7

New year, new tech updates

By on January 22, 2020 in Security
The new year is the perfect time to start fresh with some technology updates. And don’t worry about it costing lots of money—in most cases you don’t need to spend a dime to gain features and, more importantly, to increase your online safety.
Read full story
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.
Read full story
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.
Read full story
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.
Read full story
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.
Read full story