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USB_Charging_Station_Ashoka Jegroo

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Scam crop

FTC: Social Security is not trying to take your benefits

There's a new twist on the Social Security Administration (SSA) scam. Listen to a SSA imposter robocall, which says your benefits will end. (That’s not true, by the way.)
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Search

How to search and find your digital footprint

You’ve heard over, and over (and over) how you should do your best to protect your privacy and what you share online. Even if you’re thinking, “I’m not really a private person, so I don’t care what’s out there” —you really should. The more information that’s publicly available, the easier it is to create a good scam.
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