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Yesterday — January 1st 2026Security

New Year Reset: A Quick Guide to Improving Your Digital Hygiene in 2026

By: Brooke Seipel

Scams didn’t slow down in 2025—and all signs point to the problem getting worse in 2026.

While the final numbers aren’t in yet, reported losses are already on track to break records. Through just the first half of 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cited nearly $6.5 billion in scam-related losses, putting the year on pace to surpass 2024’s total. And it’s not just isolated incidents: 73% of Americans say they’ve experienced at least one scam or online attack.

As scams become more convincing, often powered by AI and designed to blend into everyday digital life, basic “spot the red flag” advice isn’t enough anymore. Protecting yourself now means tightening up your digital hygiene: how you manage passwords, personal data, online accounts, and the everyday tools you rely on to stay safe.

The good news is that modern protection has evolved just as quickly as the threats. Many of the most effective safeguards can be set up quickly and then work in the background over time.

Below, we’ll walk through practical steps you can take to improve your digital hygiene for 2026, using protections included with McAfee+ to help reduce your exposure to scams, data misuse, and identity theft.

1) Replace every weak password, starting with your email. 

Think about your passwords and everything they give you access to … your finances, online shopping accounts, banking, and of course every important thing in your email account. 

Now are any of those passwords weak, re-used, or highly similar? Don’t worry if the answer to that is “yes.” You can switch them over to strong, unique passwords across all your accounts. Using a password manager like ours helps you create strong, unique while also storing them securely. Quickly. 

Q&A   Q: Should I use a password manager? 

A: Yes. It’s the easiest way to create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, which protects you from data breaches and hacks.  

 

So, what makes up a “strong and unique” password? 

It contains a mix of 16 uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols while never reusing that password elsewhere. That makes the password incredibly tough to crack and protects your other accounts if that password gets caught up in a breach (it won’t work on any other account). 

Yes, creating strong and unique passwords for your dozens and dozens of accounts can be … demanding. But that’s where a password manager comes in. It does that work for you. 

2) Delete those old accounts and protect yourself from data breaches. 

Speaking of all the accounts you have, how many of them do you really need? And how many of them have you forgotten about altogether? It’s time to track them down and close them up. Why? Data breaches of various sizes hack into an estimated 3.5 million accounts on average each day, so the odds of an old account of yours getting compromised are better than you might think. But where do you even start? 

 

Q&A 

  Q: Should I delete my old accounts? 

A: Yes. When you delete old accounts, you reduce your digital footprint and lower the risk of exposure to data breaches, both of which help protect your personal info.  

 

Our Online Account Cleanup can track down those old accounts for you. It scans for accounts you no longer use and helps you delete the ones you choose, along with your personal info. In our McAfee+ Advanced and McAfee+ Ultimate plans, you get full-service Online Account Cleanup, which sends the data deletion requests for you. 

3) Keep spammers and scammers at bay by removing personal info from the internet. 

Data brokers sell all kinds of info that power all kinds of spam and scams. It’s one way spammers and scammers get contact info like emails and phone numbers, and it’s yet another way they get detailed info to target their ads and their attacks. 

For example, beyond your full name, home address, phone numbers, email addresses, and date of birth, many also have info about your family members, employment, and past purchases. Data brokers might gather and sell other info like religious and political leanings, health conditions, and employment history. Simply put, this detailed profile makes it easier for spammers and scammers to target you. 

 

Q&A 

 

  Q: Can people find my detailed personal info online?  

Yes, and some of the easiest places to find it are on data broker sites. They collect and analyze up to hundreds of bits of personal info, often without your knowledge or consent. Further, they’ll sell it to any buyer, including scammers. 

 

 

Where do they harvest this info? From public records, shopper loyalty programs, and even from app data—all kinds of sources. And that underscores the problem, some data brokers keep exhaustive amounts of data about people, all in one place.  

And they’ll sell it to anyone who pays for it. You can help reduce those scam texts and calls by removing your info from those sites. A service like our Personal Data Cleanup can do that work for you. It scans some of the riskiest data broker sites, shows you which ones are selling your personal info, and helps you remove it. 

4) Protect privacy with a VPN (it’s not just for travel anymore). 

One of the first things that comes to mind about VPNs is travel, a great way you can stay secure while using public Wi-Fi in airports and cafes. It works at home as well, giving you an extra layer of security when you bank, shop, or do anything that involves sensitive info. Yet it offers another big benefit. It helps make you more private, because it’s not just hackers who want to snoop on you online. 

 

Q&A Block 

 

  Q: What is a VPN? 

 A: A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, hides your IP address and encrypts your internet connection in a secure “tunnel” that shields your online activity from snoops, advertisers, and your Internet Service Provider (ISP). 

 

For example, some ISPs collect your browsing data. In the United States and many other countries, ISPs can legally monitor and record info about the websites you visit and the apps you use. They can use it for advertising and analytics purposes, and, in some cases, they may share it with third parties. 

When you use a VPN, it encrypts all the data leaving your device and routes it through a secure server. As a result, your ISP can only see that you are connected to a VPN server, and it can’t track which websites you visit or the data you send and receive. Without a doubt, going online with a VPN makes you safer and keeps you more private.  

5) As AI scams become the norm, get a scam detector working for you. 

We saw big spikes in several types of scams over the year, and naturally a spike in reported losses followed. One reason for the jump is that AI tools have made it even easier for scammers to create convincing texts, emails, and deepfake videos designed to rip people off.   

 

Q&A 

  Q: How bad are scams today? 

 A: According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, 73% of U.S. adults said they’ve experienced at least one online scam or attack, with 32% reporting an incident within the past year.iv  

 

They’re getting tougher to spot too. In the earlier days of AI-created content, you could often spot the telltale signs of a fake. That’s not always the case anymore, and scams are looking more and more sophisticated as AI tools evolve. 

But you have tools of your own. Our Scam Detector protects you across text, email, and video by spotting scams and detecting deepfake videos (like the one of a deepfaked Taylor Swift promoting a bogus cookware offer). You also have our Web Protection which detects links to scam sites and other sketchy corners of the internet while you browse. Both will alert you if a link might take you to a sketchy site. It’ll also block those sites if you accidentally tap or click on a bad link. 

6) And just in case, get the reassurance of identity theft protection. 

So, let’s say the unfortunate happens to you. You get scammed. Maybe it’s a few bucks, maybe it’s more. You’re faced with a couple issues. One, that money could be gone for good depending on how you paid the scammer. Two, also depending on the payment method, the scammer might have your financial info.   

 

Q&A Block 

 

  Q: What is the cost of identity theft? 

A: Based on reports to the FTC, the median loss was about $500 in 2024, with more than 10% of victims claiming they lost $10,000 or more. However, it levels an emotional cost as well. The time and stress involved in resolving identity theft can be significant. 

 

This is where something like our ID Theft & Restoration Coverage comes in. It gives you up to $2 million in identity theft coverage and identity restoration support if it’s determined you’re a victim of identity theft.​ Further, it puts a licensed recovery pro on the case to restore your credit and your identity, which takes that time-consuming burden off your shoulders. 

The post New Year Reset: A Quick Guide to Improving Your Digital Hygiene in 2026 appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Verify Secure Wireless Networks to Prevent Identity Theft

By: McAfee

The ability to connect wirelessly is indispensable in our lives today. Wireless internet is available in our homes, offices, cafes, restaurants, parks, hotels, airports, cars, and even airplanes. The mobility factor allows us to work anytime, anywhere, on numerous devices. “Being connected” is at an all-time high.

Wireless internet is amazing and convenient. Sadly, unsecured, unprotected wireless is everywhere. When a device connects to unprotected Wi-Fi, all the data stored on that device becomes accessible to a hacker using the proper sniffing tools.

It is, however, possible to protect your Wi-Fi from being hacked. In this article, we’ll walk you through some practical steps to stay protected when you connect, from recognizing dangerous networks to securing your home Wi-Fi. We’ll also show you what to do if you think you’ve been targeted.

What is a wireless network attack?

Wireless network attacks happen when cybercriminals target your Wi-Fi connection to steal your personal information. It it’s equivalent to digital eavesdropping, where attackers exploit weaknesses in your wireless connection to intercept all the information you send and receive online.

Criminals can intercept your login credentials as you type them, redirect you to legitimate-looking but fake websites, or even impersonate you online using stolen information. The goal is often wireless identity theft, that is, using your compromised data for financial fraud or other malicious purposes.

The risks of unprotected Wi-Fi are particularly high because many wireless networks lack proper security measures. When you connect to an unsecured network, your data travels in a way that skilled attackers can capture and decode. This puts your banking information, social media accounts, work credentials, and personal communications at risk.

Common wireless attacks include creating fake hotspots that mimic legitimate networks, known as evil twins, intercepting data on public Wi-Fi, and using specialized software to crack network passwords.

Wi-Fi security weaknesses that enable hacking

Cybercriminals usually circumvent wireless network security in several ways, including:

  • Outdated Wi-Fi encryption: Networks still using WEP or older WPA/WPA2 protocols without security updates create easy targets for wireless identity theft. For more stringent security, your router settings should indicate the more current WPA3 or the latest WPA2-AES encryption.
  • Weak default passwords: Many routers ship with simple default passwords like “admin” or “password123.” When you set up your home Wi-Fi router, make sure to change the router’s default network name and password to at least 12 characters that combine words, numbers, and symbols.
  • Default network names: Keeping your router’s default network name broadcasts your device model to potential attackers. Rename your network to something that doesn’t identify your router brand and model, nor your address or family name.
  • Rogue access points and evil twins: Cybercriminals can set up fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic legitimate ones to intercept your data and steal your identity.
  • Poorly configured guest networks: Guest networks without proper isolation can expose your main network and connected devices to hacking risks.
  • Outdated router firmware: Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities. Running outdated firmware leaves your network exposed to known threats.
  • Unsecured Internet of Things (IoT) devices: IoT home devices such as smart TVs, security cameras, voice assistants, and other smart appliances often have weak security settings and can serve as entry points for attackers seeking to compromise your network, especially if not isolated on a separate network.

What hackers can do after hacking your Wi-Fi

Once scammers gain access to your home or an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, they can launch several types of wireless attacks that directly put your personal information and financial security at risk.

Credential theft and account takeovers

One of the most common dangers is credential theft, where attackers intercept your login information as it travels over unsecured networks. When you check your email, log into social media, or access work accounts on a compromised Wi-Fi network, cybercriminals can capture your usernames and passwords. This wireless identity theft often leads to unauthorized access to your bank accounts, credit cards, and personal profiles.

Session hijacking and traffic sniffing

In session hijacking, attackers take over your current online activities on public Wi-Fi, then impersonate you on websites and services you’re logged into. This tactic is called the man-in-the-middle attack. They might apply for credit cards in your name, make purchases, or even commit crimes while pretending to be you. Through traffic sniffing, they can monitor all data flowing through the compromised networks, capturing everything from personal messages to financial information.

Traffic redirection to fake sites

Cybercriminals will also reroute your internet traffic to malicious websites that look similar to legitimate ones. You think you’re logging into your real bank website, but you’re actually entering your credentials into a scammer’s fake site. This technique, known as DNS poisoning, makes it nearly impossible to detect the deception until it’s too late.

Malware installation

The attackers will push malicious software directly onto your devices, enabling them to log every keystroke you make, steal stored passwords, access your files, and even quietly activate your camera or microphone without your knowledge.

Device surveillance

Hackers can monitor not only your device but all connected devices on your network. That means they can access your entire family’s browsing habits, private messages, stored photos and documents, and online activities, giving them detailed personal information for their identity theft schemes.

These attacks directly affect your daily activities, from online banking to e-commerce shopping to working from home. Even simple tasks, such as checking social media, can result in identity theft when conducted over compromised networks.

Actions to verify a secure wireless network

You don’t have to avoid public Wi-Fi entirely. By being aware of these risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can significantly reduce your exposure to wireless identity theft. The protective measures we’ll explore in the following sections will show you how to recognize dangerous networks, browse safely, and maintain your privacy even when using public connections.

  • Look for the missing lock icon: In your Wi-Fi settings, secure networks display a lock symbol next to the network name. Networks without this icon are open and unencrypted, making your data vulnerable to anyone within range.
  • Avoid generic or suspicious network names: Be wary of networks with names like “Free WiFi,” “Public,” “Guest,” or random combinations of letters and numbers. Legitimate businesses typically use their brand name in their network identifier.
  • Question misspelled business names: If you’re at a Starbucks cafe but see a network called “Starbuckz” or “Starbucks_Free,” it could be a fake network designed to steal your information. Always verify the correct network name with the staff.
  • Check for HTTPS on captive portals: When connecting to public Wi-Fi that requires you to accept terms or log in through a web page, ensure the login page URL starts with “https://” and shows a lock icon in your browser’s address bar.
  • Be cautious in unfamiliar locations: Networks appearing in unexpected places, such as “Coffee Shop WiFi” in a residential area or multiple networks with similar names in one location may indicate malicious hotspots.
  • Verify encryption type: Right-click the network in your Wi-Fi list and navigate to Properties > Security type. A secure network will use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, while “Open” or “WEP” indicates weak or no protection.
  • Heed certificate warnings: If your device displays security certificate errors or warnings when connecting to public Wi-Fi, make sure to follow them. These alerts could indicate security risks or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Recognize and respond to a Wi-Fi hacking incident

If you suspect your Wi-Fi network has been compromised, don’t panic. Recognizing the warning signs early and taking decisive action can protect your identity and restore your network security.

The most common indicators of a compromised network include unexpected slowdowns in your internet speed, unfamiliar devices appearing on your network, and settings that have changed without your knowledge. You might also notice unusual data usage patterns, your router admin password no longer working, or being redirected to suspicious websites when browsing. When you detect these signs, take quick action.

Immediate steps to take

  1. Immediately disconnect affected devices: As soon as you suspect a compromise, disconnect all devices from your Wi-Fi network to prevent further unauthorized access and limit potential damage from identity theft attempts.
  2. Change your router admin password first: Access your router’s admin panel and immediately update the administrator password to something strong and unique to block attackers from regaining access to your network settings.
  3. Update your Wi-Fi network password. Create a new, complex Wi-Fi password using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use at least 12 characters for wireless networks.
  4. Install the latest firmware updates: Check your router manufacturer’s website for recent firmware updates that patch security vulnerabilities.
  5. Review and remove unknown devices. Use your router’s device management features to identify and remove any unauthorized devices from your network’s allowed devices list.
  6. Enable WPA3 security if available: Upgrade to WPA3 encryption if your router supports it for enhanced protection from the wireless exploits that commonly affect older security protocols.
  7. Perform a factory reset if necessary: If you cannot identify the source of the compromise or if multiple security indicators persist, reset your router to factory defaults and reconfigure it with strong security settings.

Ongoing safeguards against Wi-Fi hacking

  1. Change your router’s admin and Wi-Fi passwords regularly: Your router’s default credentials are often publicly available online, making them easy targets for wireless identity theft. Create strong, unique passwords for both your router’s admin panel and Wi-Fi network. Update them every 3-6 months and immediately if you suspect any unauthorized access.
  2. Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) on your router: WPS creates a convenient backdoor that hackers can exploit through brute-force attacks. Access your router’s admin panel and turn off WPS completely. This simple step closes a major vulnerability that wireless exploits often target.
  3. Set up a separate guest network for visitors and IoT devices: Isolating your main devices from guest access and smart home gadgets reduces the risks of unprotected Wi-Fi spreading throughout your network. Configure guest network access with time limits and bandwidth restrictions to maintain better control over your network security.
  4. Turn off SSID QR code sharing and disable automatic network sharing: Many modern devices offer convenient network sharing through QR codes or automatic syncing, but these features can inadvertently expose your credentials. Disable these options in your device settings and share Wi-Fi access manually when needed.
  5. Properly wipe devices before selling, donating, or disposing of them: Your old devices store Wi-Fi passwords and network configurations that could compromise your security long after disposal. Perform factory resets and use secure wiping tools to ensure all saved network credentials are completely removed from the device’s memory.
  6. Review and manage your cloud backup settings: Cloud services often sync Wi-Fi passwords and network settings across devices, which can create unexpected security risks. Check your iCloud, Google, or Microsoft account settings to control which network information gets backed up and shared between your devices.
  7. Keep your router firmware updated and monitor connected devices: Manufacturers regularly release security patches to address newly discovered vulnerabilities. Enable automatic firmware updates when possible, and regularly review your router’s connected devices list to spot any unauthorized access attempts that could lead to wireless identity theft.
  8. Monitor your network regularly: Set up ongoing monitoring through your router’s logging features or third-party network monitoring tools to detect future unauthorized access attempts and maintain awareness of your network’s security status.

If you must connect to public Wi-Fi

  • Use your cellular hotspot instead: Your phone’s mobile data connection is far more secure than any public Wi-Fi network. Enable hotspot mode and connect your laptop or tablet to avoid the risks of unprotected Wi-Fi entirely.
  • Enable HTTPS-only mode in your browser: In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Security and enable “Always use secure connections.” For Firefox, visit Settings > Privacy & Security and check “HTTPS-Only Mode.” This prevents wireless attacks that intercept unencrypted traffic.
  • Configure DNS encryption: Use secure DNS services like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Quad9 (9.9.9.9) in your device settings. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Change adapter options, then configure DNS servers in your connection properties.
  • Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections: On iOS, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off “Auto-Join” for public networks. On Android, navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi preferences and disable “Connect to open networks.” This prevents automatic connecting to potentially dangerous networks.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication and use passkeys: Protect your accounts with MFA through apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. When available, choose passkeys over passwords, which are more resistant to phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
  • Avoid sensitive tasks on public Wi-Fi: Never access banking, make financial transactions, or log into administrative accounts while connected to public networks. Save these activities for your secure home network or use your cellular data connection instead.
  • Forget networks after use: Always remove public Wi-Fi networks from your saved connections when you leave. On your device’s Wi-Fi settings, select the network and choose “Forget” or “Remove” to prevent automatic reconnection to potentially compromised networks.
  • Verify network authenticity: Before connecting, confirm the exact network name and password with venue staff. Attackers often create fake networks with similar names, such as “Free_WiFi” or “Hotel_Guest,” to capture your data.
  • Keep your device updated: Install security updates promptly on all devices. These patches often fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited on public networks, helping you stay protected.
  • Use a reputable VPN service: When you must use public Wi-Fi, connect through a trusted virtual private network to encrypt all your traffic and create a secure tunnel that protects your data even on compromised networks.

Final thoughts

To guard your network or device from hacking attempts, take action today by updating your router’s firmware and passwords, reviewing and removing unnecessary saved networks from your devices, and enabling multi-factor authentication on all your important accounts. These small, but consistent steps will deliver tangible benefits to your daily digital activities.

For better security, subscribe to an identity theft protection service such as McAfee+, which offers proactive identity surveillance, lost wallet protection, and alerts when suspicious activity is detected on your accounts. All things considered, the investment in these security measures is minimal compared to the peace of mind they provide.

The post Verify Secure Wireless Networks to Prevent Identity Theft appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Before yesterdaySecurity

Fears Mount That US Federal Cybersecurity Is Stagnating—or Worse

By: Lily Hay Newman
Government staffing cuts and instability, including this year’s prolonged shutdown, could be hindering US digital defense and creating vulnerabilities.

Hack the Vote: Pros and Cons of Electronic Voting

By: McAfee
vote wallpaper on laptop

Every four years, scores of American people flood churches, schools, homes, and auditoriums to cast their ballots for the future of American leadership. But amid the highs and lows of election night, there is an ongoing conversation about how the votes are being counted.

As results slowly roll in, voters struggle with long lines and faulty machinery in key battleground states, prompting debates on the efficiency of the U.S. voting process. In an age where American Idol results can be instantaneously transmitted over a mobile device, why are we still feeding paper ballots into machines that look like props from ‘90s movies?

On the one hand, countries like Canada, Norway and Australia have already experienced success with their adoption of online voting systems, and proponents say going digital will boost voter turnout and Election Day efficiency. On the other, naysayers cite hacking, malware, and other security threats as deal-breakers that could threaten the backbone of American democracy.

So what are the facts behind this debate? Below, we’ve outlined key arguments for and against online, email, and electronic voting systems, to help users at home move beyond the pre-election campaign hype.

Electronic voting: Better or worse than paper ballots?

Since there have been elections, there have been people tampering with votes. Given this, experts are justifiably concerned with any technology that could introduce new points of access to the data stored during an election. Nevertheless, a handful of states now use electronic voting machines exclusively—Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey and South Carolina—and even notorious battleground states Ohio and Florida have made the move toward paperless votes.

The concern is that when there is no physical ballot, it becomes next to impossible to determine if there has been tampering—especially in the case of a close election. The contested 2000 Bush-Gore race comes to mind as an example of the stark importance of reliable election machinery. In 2012, Pennsylvania voting machines were taken out of service after being captured on video changing votes from one candidate to another.

Still, most of these machines now supply a paper trail to guard against tampering, and a vast majority undergo frequent, mandatory testing. The machines are also not connected to the Internet and are segregated from any network-connected devices. In terms of physical security, the machines themselves are secured with locks and tamper-evident seals, and they’re heavily protected when transported to and from polling places.

Hacking the vote: It’s easier than you think

While electronic voting promises efficiency and convenience, the reality is that these systems face significant vulnerabilities that make them easy targets for hacking.

Attackers don’t need to hack every voting machine individually. They only need to target the broader voting ecosystem through several key attack vectors. For one, supply chain risks represent one of the most concerning threats, where malicious components or software can be introduced during manufacturing or updates. Misconfigured systems and outdated firmware create entry points that cybercriminals actively seek out, while exposed network ports can provide side-channel access to supposedly isolated voting infrastructure.

Beyond direct machine tampering, sophisticated attacks focus on ballot definition files—the digital templates that determine how votes are recorded and counted. Manipulating these files can alter election outcomes without voters realizing it. Similarly, result reporting systems that transmit vote tallies from polling locations to central counting facilities present attractive targets for those seeking to disrupt electoral processes.

Recent security research demonstrates these vulnerabilities aren’t theoretical. In 2003, cybersecurity researchers at Johns Hopkins University documented significant security gaps in widely used electronic voting systems during controlled testing environments, revealing that basic network intrusion techniques could compromise vote tallies without detection. Meanwhile, a 2022 audit conducted by election security experts in Georgia identified configuration errors in electronic polling systems that could have allowed unauthorized access to voter data and ballot information.

Perhaps more concerning is how disinformation campaigns around unofficial election results can amplify doubts about electoral integrity, regardless of actual system security. These campaigns often spread false information about electronic voting fraud or online voting hack attempts, creating confusion that undermines public trust in legitimate election outcomes.

It’s crucial to understand that the primary impact of these vulnerabilities often isn’t direct vote manipulation—it’s the erosion of voter confidence in our democratic processes. When people doubt that their votes count accurately, it weakens the foundation of democratic participation.

Privacy & security concerns in online voting

Will our presidential elections ever go the way of American Idol? Despite advances in technology, the vast majority of Americans must vote in person or via mail-in ballot. At present, only very limited electronic voting options exist, primarily for specific voter groups and circumstances, such as:

  • Military and overseas voters: The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) allows military personnel and overseas citizens to return marked ballots electronically in some states. However, this typically involves downloading a ballot, marking it, and returning it via secure email or portal—not full online voting.
  • Voters with disabilities: These accommodations vary by state. Some states offer electronic ballot marking tools or accessible voting systems for voters with disabilities. These systems often allow electronic marking but require printing ballots for submission, maintaining a paper trail for verification.
  • Citizens displaced by natural disasters: During an election cycle when many New Jersey residents were affected by Hurricane Sandy, officials established email as an alternative voting method. But as Election Day loomed, the system was soon blamed for a slew of issues.

Vulnerabilities in online voting systems

Understanding the vulnerabilities that plague electronic voting systems isn’t about creating fear, but about building stronger defenses. Below, we have listed some of the potential attack vectors to help you make informed decisions about digital democracy.

The email software

In email voting, unencrypted emails pose a serious security risk because they can be easily intercepted, spoofed, or altered in transit. When a ballot is sent without encryption, it travels across networks in plain text, allowing cybercriminals to access and modify its contents before it reaches election officials. Attackers also might impersonate legitimate voters by sending forged emails or inject malware into attachments that appear to be ballots.

The device

Computers used to send or receive the emails can be compromised to change or block a voter’s choices. When you cast your ballot online, malware can intercept your vote before it even leaves your device. In addition, the receiving computer will need to open attachments sent by unknown users to tally the votes, one of the most common causes of malware infections.

Credential theft

Phishing attacks specifically target voting credentials, often through fake election websites or deceptive emails. Multi-factor authentication and government-issued digital certificates provide essential barriers. In 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released its Digital Identity Guidelines that recommended biometric verification combined with secure tokens for high-stakes digital transactions like voting.

Man-in-the-middle attacks

Your vote travels across networks where attackers might intercept or modify it. To thwart these attacks and ensure your ballot remains tamper-proof during transmission, end-to-end encryption with cryptographic signatures can be integrated into online voting systems. Advanced protocols such as homomorphic encryption allow vote counting without exposing individual choices.

Server-side vulnerabilities

Voting servers face constant attack attempts. Independent security audits, isolated network environments, and blockchain-based verification systems can help maintain integrity. Regular penetration testing, as recommended in the Election Assistance Commission’s 2023 Voluntary Voting System Guidelines, identifies weaknesses before they’re exploited.

Distributed denial of service

DDoS attacks can overwhelm voting portals during critical periods. Distributed server architecture, traffic filtering, and backup submission methods could ensure continuous access, while cloud-based solutions provide scalable protection against volume-based attacks.

Ballot secrecy

Online systems must balance verification with privacy. Protocols such as zero-knowledge proof could allow voters to confirm that their ballot was counted without revealing their choices. Anonymous credential systems separate voter identity from vote content.

Auditability challenges

Digital voting requires verifiable paper trails or cryptographic receipts. This can be addressed with voter-verified paper audit trails (VVPAT) and risk-limiting audits that provide the transparency necessary for public confidence.

Cyber threats to voting abound long before Election Day

In this digital age, threats to the voting process start well before election day. Cybercriminals take advantage of the campaign fever when citizens turn to technology for updates on the election process or news about running candidates.

Amid all this, your role as a voter includes staying informed about these protections and choosing secure voting methods when available or legitimate information sources. Democracy thrives when citizens understand both the possibilities and precautions of digital participation.

  • Fake voter registration websites: Scammers create convincing look-alike sites that mimic official election portals to steal your personal information. These sites often appear in search results with urgent messaging about registration deadlines, but they’re designed to harvest your data for identity theft or voter suppression purposes.
  • Phishing texts and emails about “polling changes”: You might receive official-looking messages claiming your polling location has changed, voting has been extended, or you need to “confirm” your registration via text or email. These communications often create false urgency to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information.
  • Impersonation of election officials: Scammers pose as election workers, poll supervisors, or government officials via phone calls, texts, or door-to-door visits. They may claim there are problems with your registration, then request personal information to “verify” your eligibility.
  • Malinformation hotlines: Fraudulent phone lines spread false information about voting procedures, dates, or requirements. These services intentionally provide incorrect details to discourage voting or cause confusion about the electoral process.
  • Political donation fraud: Fake political organizations and candidates set up fraudulent donation sites that look legitimate but funnel your money and financial information directly to scammers. These sites often use names similar to real campaigns or causes to deceive donors.

Your role in protecting election integrity

Every voter plays a role in ensuring elections remain fair, secure, and transparent. By following proper voting procedures, verifying information through official sources, and reporting suspicious activity, you help strengthen trust in the system. Small actions can make a big difference in protecting the integrity of every vote.

  • Plan your preferred voting method: Before Election Day arrives, take time to plan how you’ll cast your ballot—whether it’s in person at your local polling place, by mail, or through accessible voting options available in your state. If you’re an overseas military or citizen, research your state’s UOCAVA procedures. Knowing this could help you avoid last-minute issues that might force you to bypass safe voting practices.
  • Confirm your voter registration status at your official state portal: This quick step ensures that your information—such as your name, address, and polling location—is accurate and up to date, and helps you avoid surprises like being listed under the wrong district or finding out you’re not registered at all.
  • Verify your polling location through official channels: This ensures you’re voting at legitimate facilities with properly managed systems. When available, choose paper backup options or locations that use voter-verified paper audit trails, which provide physical evidence of your vote that can’t be altered digitally.
  • Keep your personal devices secure during election periods: You can do this by updating software, using strong passwords, and being cautious about election-related apps, websites, or messages that aren’t from official government sources.
  • Stay alert for potential vulnerabilities: As a voter or observer, you can: verify polling place seals are intact, confirm machines display zero totals before voting begins, observe that poll workers follow proper procedures, and report any irregularities to election officials immediately.

Key tips to verify legitimate communication during election season

Practicing good cybersecurity hygiene helps safeguard not only your information but also the integrity of democratic participation. Here are some key guidelines to stay secure online and protect your vote.

  • Official election information only comes from verified .gov websites: Scammers often create legitimate-looking websites to trick voters into sharing personal data or clicking malicious links. When searching for election details, always rely on official .gov domains. These are verified and maintained by state and local election authorities, offering information that is accurate, secure, and up to date.
  • Contact your state or local election office directly using official phone numbers: For voting-related questions, contact your state or local election office directly using details listed on verified .gov websites to ensure you receive accurate local information. Do not rely on social media, emails, or unofficial websites, as scammers often use these fake hotlines to collect personal data or sow disinformation.
  • Deal only with verified election officials: Imposters may pose as officials through phone calls, emails, or even in person to collect your personal data or influence your vote. To confirm legitimacy, check any communication from an official .gov email address or website, verified government phone line, or your local election office.
  • Verify “urgent” voting information through multiple official sources: During election season, scammers often spread “urgent” messages or “breaking news” to sow panic or confusion—such as changes in polling hours or locations—to suppress voter turnout. Always verify updates through official sources, such as your state’s .gov election website, local election office, or trusted news outlets.
  • Update all your devices with the latest security patches: Before researching candidates, browsing election information, or logging into voter portals, make sure all your devices are running the latest versions. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to install malware or steal personal data.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for voter-related accounts or portals. When creating strong, unique passwords for each election-related site you use, especially government or voter registration portals, use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid personal details like birthdays or pet names. Password managers can help you generate and store complex passwords, reducing the risk of credential theft.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Enabling 2FA on your email and voter-related accounts significantly strengthens your defense against unauthorized access. Even if hackers obtain your password, they won’t be able to log in without this additional confirmation.
  • Report suspected election-related scams to your local officials and relevant authorities: If you encounter a suspicious website, message, or phone call related to voting—report it to your state or local election office, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or the Federal Trade Commission. Authorities track malicious activity and protect other voters from falling victim to similar schemes.

These multi-layered protections work together to maintain election integrity, though gaps can emerge when procedures aren’t consistently followed or when oversight is insufficient.

Final thoughts

While online voting systems can’t be written off, ongoing cybersecurity challenges don’t bode well for the immediate future of these platforms.

While technology has transformed nearly every aspect of modern life—from shopping to banking, and working—applying that convenience to the voting booth still presents challenges. Security, transparency, and public trust remain at the core of any democratic process, and rushing toward online or paperless voting without upholding these principles could be harmful.

Progress is steadily being made, however, with advances in encryption and digital identity frameworks. With careful design, rigorous testing, and strong oversight, technology can enhance the safeguards that underpin election integrity.

For now, the most effective way to protect democracy is through awareness and participation. Stay informed about your state’s voting systems, verify election information only through official sources, and remain alert to misinformation and scams. Each responsible voter plays a part in strengthening the integrity of elections.

The post Hack the Vote: Pros and Cons of Electronic Voting appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Crush that Worm before It Creeps into Your Computer

By: McAfee
virus check on screen

Some years ago, a highly infectious computer worm called W32/Autorun was discovered to be infecting Windows computers. Unlike a virus, a worm such as W32/Autorun doesn’t steal anything from your computer. Instead, it spreads rapidly and opens as many security holes as possible to allow hackers to install a different form of malware that will eventually steal information, money, or both.

While this worm is less widespread today, it continues to infect older Windows operating systems that are not regularly updated. This guide will take a closer look at how the worm spreads and outline preventive measures to avoid infection.

Older Windows versions at risk

Autorun worms primarily affect older Windows systems such as Windows XP, Vista, and early versions of Windows 7, which had AutoRun enabled by default. Microsoft recognized this security vulnerability and significantly restricted AutoRun capabilities in newer Windows versions, but millions of older systems remain at risk if they haven’t been properly updated or configured.

When an autorun worm infects your system, it can compromise both your files and privacy in several ways by stealing personal documents, capturing passwords and banking information, or installing additional malware that monitors your online activities. Some variants encrypt your files for ransom, while others turn your computer into part of a botnet used for spam or cyberattacks. The infection can also spread to family members, friends, or colleagues when you share USB drives or connect to shared networks.

While this worm is less common today due to security updates in newer Windows operating systems, the concept of autorun malware is still relevant, often evolving into new forms that spread via malicious downloads, USB drives, or network shares. These forms use clever file drops and social engineering, with detection still relying on robust antivirus and user caution.

Key ways W32/Autorun bypasses your computer’s defenses

W32/Autorun is effective because it exploits everyday behaviors and outdated system features. Instead of forcing its way into your computer, it relies on built-in Windows functionality and simple tricks to get users to let it in, slip past basic defenses, and infect systems.

Easy way in via Windows AutoRun

An autorun worm spreads, as its name suggests, automatically through removable storage devices such as USB drives, external hard drives, and network shares. It takes advantage of Windows’ AutoRun and AutoPlay features to secretly execute itself when you connect the removable device to your computer that has AutoRun. A dialog box then pops up asking if you want to automatically run whatever is on the device. When you unsuspectingly click “run,” you’ve authorized the W32/Autorun worm. Once active, the worm copies itself to other connected drives and network locations, rapidly spreading to any system. While this feature was not included in Windows 8 for security reasons just like this, it still exists on many older machines that haven’t been updated in a while.

Fake folders lure victims in

Even if you don’t have Windows AutoRun enabled in your device, W32/Autorun disguises itself as interesting imposter files and folders with names like “porn” and “sexy” in infected flash drives or shared internet connections to trick you into downloading the worm. Once you click on the malicious file, it executes AutoRun and infects your computer.

The worm can also change your computer’s settings to allow it to run every time you boot up. Some variants even disable Windows updates to prevent the system from downloading security patches and ensure the worm can do its job of infecting every device your computer comes into contact with, opening the door for any virus a hacker wants to install at your expense.

Symptoms of a W32/Autorun worm infection

A W32/Autorun worm infection works quietly in the background, spreading to connected devices and weakening your system’s defenses without triggering immediate alarms. However, there are subtle signs that indicate the infection. Recognizing these early symptoms can help you take action to block the worm’s activities before it causes irreparable damage to your device and network:

  • Slow performance: Your computer or internet connection may slow down due to the high processing usage that the worm requires as it actively searches for drives to infect.
  • Presence of unfamiliar files/folders: The worm creates copies of itself and configuration files on infected drives, sometimes disguised with random names or enticing names such as “porn” or “sexy”.
  • System instability: Your computer may begin freezing, crashing, or restarting unexpectedly as the worm runs multiple background processes while consuming system resources and interfering with normal operating functions.
  • Modified settings: You might notice unexpected changes to your desktop, folder views, or system preferences without your input. These modifications are often made to hide malicious files or make it easier for the worm to run automatically.
  • Loss of access to some features: Tools like Task Manager, Registry Editor, or Folder Options may suddenly become inaccessible. The worm disables these features to prevent you from stopping its processes or removing it manually.
  • Disabled antivirus software or Windows updates: Your security software may stop working properly, or Windows updates may be turned off without explanation. This enables the worm to block security patches and scans that could remove it.
  • Unusual network activity: You may notice unexplained internet traffic even when you’re not actively using your device. The worm could be contacting remote servers to report successful infections or download additional malicious components.
  • Diminished storage space: Available disk space may shrink rapidly with no clear reason. This happens because the worm repeatedly copies itself across your system and connected drives.

Consequences of the W32/Autorun worm

The impact of the W32/Autorun worm can vary depending on the specific variant, ranging from minor annoyances to severe system compromise:

  • System damage and further infection: The W32/Autorun worm acts as an entry point for attackers to silently install more dangerous malware, including data-stealing Trojans or destructive viruses.
  • Data loss and corruption: Some variants can delete important files or corrupt stored data, making documents, photos, or applications unusable or permanently unreadable, even after the worm is removed.
  • Disruption of operations: Because the worm consumes large amounts of processing power and memory in the background, it can slow down your device’s performance and stall programs to make daily computing tasks difficult.
  • Unauthorized access and information theft: Certain W32/Autorun variants are capable of monitoring your online activity, including logging keystrokes, capturing login credentials, and stealing financial details or personal data.
  • Aesthetic changes: Less destructive versions of the worm may focus on annoying changes such as altered desktop backgrounds, browser settings, or system appearance.

How to Prevent a W32/Autorun Infection

Preventing a W32/Autorun infection is largely about closing the simple security gaps the worm relies on to spread. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of this worm gaining access to your computer.

1. Disable AutoRun

If your computer is still prompting you to automatically run applications each time you insert a CD, connect to a new network, or plug in a flash drive, update your computer as soon as possible. Visit the Microsoft website to learn how to disable AutoRun for your specific version of Windows.

2. Beware of shared removable devices

Remember that this worm is highly infectious. If you share a flash drive with a friend whose computer is infected, that flash drive will carry the worm to your computer. If you do need to share a device, make sure AutoRun is disabled before you plug it in, and check that your security protection has the capability to scan new drives to prevent you from clicking on infected files.

3. Use reliable antivirus

While the first two tips focus on prevention, a reliable security solution will not only prevent a W32/Autorun infection, but also remove it from your computer. Solutions like McAfee+ will catch the W32/Autorun worm bug and other similar malware, protecting you from accidentally spreading it to friends and family.

Final thoughts

Autorun worms represent a persistent threat that combines old vulnerabilities with modern attack techniques. Newer security measures may have reduced their impact, but these worms continue to target systems with outdated configurations through the continued use of removable media. This is why keeping systems updated and being cautious with external devices are important habits to apply.

In addition, you can protect yourself with proper security practices: disable AutoRun on older systems, keep your antivirus software updated, scan external devices before accessing their contents, and avoid connecting unknown USB drives to your computer.

The post Crush that Worm before It Creeps into Your Computer appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Helpful Tips for Safe Online Shopping

By: McAfee
Shopper using smartphone app

Thanksgiving—not before Halloween as we see things in stores and online now. It seems like the holiday season and decorations start earlier and earlier every year.

But one thing that hasn’t changed is that Black Friday is still a big shopping day. With the advent of online shopping has emerged Cyber Monday, another big sale day for online shoppers on the first Monday after Thanksgiving.

Although many of us may take advantage of these great deals that the holidays offer, we also need to be aware of the risks. Online shopping is a fun and convenient way to make purchases, locate hard-to-find items, and discover bargains, but we need to take steps to protect ourselves.

This guide looks at the methods and warning signs behind online shopping scams, shows you how to recognize fake shopping apps and websites, and shares tips for staying safe online.

Online shopping safety amid growing e-commerce concerns

Online shopping has become a cornerstone of American life. CapitalOne Shopping projects American online spending to reach $1.34 trillion in 2024 and exceed $2.5 trillion in 2030.

With such a massive sum at stake, cybercriminals are laser-focused on taking a share of it, posing financial risk to the 288 million Americans who shop online. As e-commerce grows, so does fraud. In 2024, e-commerce fraud was valued at $44.3 billion, a number seen to grow by 141% to $107 billion in 2029.

Be that as it may, there are many smart shopping habits you can apply to dramatically reduce your risk of becoming a victim of online shopping fraud and enjoy the convenience and benefits of online commerce.

Common online shopping scams

Online shopping scams are designed to look normal—at first glance—especially during busy sale seasons when we’re distracted by a million preparations, moving fast, and chasing deals. These are the very circumstances that fraudsters bank on to victimize you into taking the bait. Being aware of the common scam indicators will help you pause and think, recognize trouble early, and protect both your money and your personal information.

  • Non-delivery scams: You pay for items that never arrive, often from fake storefronts or fraudulent sellers who disappear with your money. The seller might have required you to pay through a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card, methods that are indisputable and untraceable. If you check the website, it may look new and have no customer reviews or suspiciously have only perfect 5-star ratings. It may also offer prices that are significantly below market value.
  • Counterfeit goods scams: You receive knock-off products instead of authentic brand-name items, particularly affecting electronics, cosmetics, and luxury goods. On closer inspection, you will notice spelling errors in brand names or product descriptions, the prices seem too good to be true for premium brands, and sellers have no proof of authenticity or authorized dealer status.
  • Bait-and-switch scams: Attractive deals lure you in, but you’re pressured to buy different, more expensive items or receive products that don’t match what was advertised. This type of scam is usually characterized by items that are always “out of stock,” but offer readily available, more expensive alternatives. The seller also applies high-pressure sales tactics or limited-time offers that prevent you from comparison shopping, while the product descriptions are vague or don’t match the images shown.
  • Refund and overpayment scams: In this scheme, scammers will pose as buyers who “accidentally” overpay you for items you’re selling, then request you to refund the difference before their original payment bounces. They will also use payment methods that can be reversed such as checks or money orders, then ask for a refund and suggest sending shipping companies to collect items before the payment clears.
  • Website and marketplace impersonations: Fake websites designed to look like legitimate popular brands can steal your payment information and personal data. Watch out for websites that have slightly misspelled URLs or don’t use secure HTTPS encryption as marked by the padlock icon in your browser, as well as missing or incomplete contact information, privacy policies, or terms of service.
  • Product return fraud: Scammers exploit return policies by selling you used, damaged, or counterfeit items while making returns and refunds difficult or impossible through fake or non-existent customer service. Their return policies are overly complicated, buried in fine print, or require original packaging that wasn’t provided. They will disappear from marketplaces immediately after the return period expires.

A guide to knowing if a shopping website is legit

Safe online shopping starts with recognizing the hallmarks of legitimate retailers. Before you enter any payment details, take a moment to verify that the website you’re shopping on is genuine. Scam stores can look polished and convincing, but they often leave behind subtle clues. Here are quick ways to check their authenticity:

  1. Verify the website URL: By typing the URL directly into your browser rather than clicking links from emails or ads, you will avoid typosquatting scams—fake websites with URLs that look almost identical to real retailers, except for slight misspellings. Look for clear return and shipping policies. Read the fine print to understand your rights if something goes wrong.
  2. Confirm physical address and customer service: Real businesses provide multiple ways to contact them, including a physical address, phone number, and email.
  3. Evaluate pricing for realism: The prices are too good to be true, especially for high-demand or hard-to-find items. Many legitimate retailers now offer price-matching policies, allowing you to get market-average or competitive prices.
  4. Check for verified customer reviews: Look for reviews on independent platforms like Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot rather than relying solely on testimonials on the retailer’s website. Cross-reference feedback across multiple platforms.
  5. Ensure secure payment options: Look for HTTPS in the URL and avoid sites that only accept wire transfers, gift cards, peer-to-peer payment apps, or cryptocurrency. For online purchases, check that the seller offers secure payment options with dispute protection, such as digital wallets and/or credit cards.
  6. Research domain age and registration: Use WHOIS lookup tools to check when the domain was registered. Fraudulent sites are usually newly created domains designed to disappear quickly after collecting payments. In addition, established retailers and official brand websites have invested heavily in solid security infrastructure and payment processing, customer protection programs, fraud prevention systems, and long-standing relationships with credit card companies that smaller or unknown sellers often lack.
  7. Check the Better Business Bureau: Search for the seller’s company on the Better Business Bureau to see their rating, complaint history, and accreditation status, and help you identify potential risks before making a purchase.
  8. Pay attention to browser safety warnings: Modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari will warn you about potentially dangerous or untrustworthy sites. Google’s Safe Browsing technology blocks millions of unsafe sites daily, so don’t ignore these warnings when they appear. Some comprehensive security tools also include web protection that alert you against dangerous links and downloads, malicious websites, and more.
  9. Verify secure checkout processes: Legitimate sites use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption during checkout, which you can confirm by looking for “https://” and a lock icon in your browser’s address bar.

11 Tips for safe holiday shopping online

  • Be extra vigilant: Cybercriminals send millions of fake shopping emails that contain suspicious links, with the aim of exploiting your anxiety over catching that amazing deal or deliveries. For example, you might receive an unexpected “Amazon Prime renewal” email or a text from UPS, FedEx, or other carriers when you didn’t purchase anything online. These phishing emails and texts contain malicious links designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your devices. Don’t click the link. Verify delivery notifications through your account or the carrier’s official website or app, then delete the scam email or text immediately.
  • Stick with trusted sellers: When shopping on marketplaces, stick with your trusted online retailers and sellers with high ratings, extensive review histories, and “fulfilled by” programs where the main platform handles shipping and returns. Download retailer apps directly from official app stores rather than third-party sources, as these include enhanced security features and exclusive customer protections.
  • Check the site’s web address: Always type retailer URLs directly into your browser’s address bar or use your bookmarks. Once you arrive at a site, make sure it is the correct URL such as www.amazon.com and not www.amazan.com. Purchase directly from official brand websites or authorized retailers, and verify seller credentials through the brand’s official dealer locator when shopping on marketplaces.
  • Check that the site is secure: Some people cannot tell if a site is secure. Some things to look for on a secure site include:
    • A web address that starts with HTTPS instead of HTTP, indicating that encryption is used to protect your information.
    • A lock symbol beside the URL, proper SSL certificates, and several contact methods.
    • A security seal, such as the McAfee SECURE™ trustmark, indicating that the site has been scanned and verified as secure by a trusted third party. This security seal indicates that the site will help protect you from identity theft, credit card fraud, spam, and other malicious threats.
  • Pay with a credit card or digital wallet: Credit cards offer better protection against fraud than debit cards. You won’t be liable for fraudulent purchases, while cyberthieves won’t be able to drain your bank account if they get your account log-in credentials. Better yet, use a virtual credit card number or a digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay to prevent your actual card details from being stored on merchant sites. Also, avoid storing your credit card information on new or questionable sites to reduce your exposure if those sites experience security breaches.
  • Take note of shipping and return policies: Always review shipping timelines, return windows, and refund policies before completing your purchase. Not reading the fine print can leave you stuck with unwanted purchases or unexpected fees.
  • Validate social media sellers: Shopping directly through social media platforms or unknown sellers bypasses traditional consumer safeguards. Before you buy from a social media seller, verify their legitimacy, check for customer reviews outside the platform, and use payment methods that offer dispute resolution.
  • Keep communications on-platform: Never move conversations or payments outside the marketplace platform. Scammers often try to lure buyers to external communication channels or direct payment methods to circumvent buyer protections. Legitimate sellers understand that platform policies protect both parties and will keep all interactions within the official channels.
  • Do not use a public computer or Wi-Fi when shopping online: Strangers may be able to access your browsing history and even your login information on shared devices or over unsecured public Wi-Fi. To protect yourself, do all of your online shopping from your home computer or your personal mobile device.
  • Make sure you have a clean computer or mobile device: Make sure you have up-to-date security software on all your devices to safeguard your privacy, protect against identity theft, and defend against viruses and online threats.
  • Keep a paper trail: Take a screenshot of product listings and advertisements before purchasing. Keep a copy of your order number and receipt, and note which credit card you used. When you receive your credit card statement, review it to make sure that the charge on your card is correct, with no extra fees.

The FTC also recommends these additional tips so you can enjoy all the advantages that online shopping has to offer and prevent risking your personal information.

Immediate steps to take if you ordered from a fake online store

  1. Contact your credit card issuer immediately: Call the customer service number on the back of your card once you realize you’ve been scammed. Request a chargeback and explain that you received counterfeit goods, nothing at all, or that the merchant was fraudulent. You usually have 60 days from your statement date to dispute charges, but acting quickly improves your chances of a successful resolution.
  2. Freeze or replace your payment card: Contact your bank or card issuer to freeze your current card and request a new account to prevent more unauthorized charges. If you used a debit card, this step is especially critical since debit card fraud protections are more limited than credit cards.
  3. Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication: If you created an account on the fake website, change your password immediately on your real account and any linked accounts such as email, banking, and social media. Enable two-factor authentication and think about using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.
  4. Report the fraudulent seller to the platform or hosting service: Protect other consumers by reporting the fake store. If the site appeared in search results or social media ads, report it to those platforms. You can also report fraudulent websites to their hosting companies to take down fraudulent sites once notified.
  5. File reports with federal and state authorities: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help authorities track scam trends and assist in investigations. Additionally, contact your state’s attorney general office, as many have consumer protection divisions that handle online fraud.
  6. Save and organize all evidence: Document everything related to your purchase in both digital and printed formats: screenshots of the website, confirmation emails, receipts, payment records, and any communication with the seller. Save copies of your credit card or bank statements showing the charge. These documents are essential for your chargeback dispute and law enforcement investigations.
  7. Monitor your credit report and identity closely: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements, as well as credit reports from all three major bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—for suspicious activity, and place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts if you’re concerned about identity theft.
  8. Follow up on your chargeback and dispute process: Stay in regular contact with your credit card company about your dispute and provide additional documents promptly if requested. Be patient and persistent as the investigation process could take up to 90 days.

Final thoughts

Online shopping should feel exciting, not a dangerous undertaking you have to brace for, especially during the season of giving. It can be, with a few simple steps—checking the URL, looking for HTTPS, verifying the seller, paying with a credit card or virtual number, and trusting your gut when something feels suspicious. These small habits will keep your money and your identity where they belong: with you.

For increased safety while shopping online, seek out the help of a trusted security solution such as McAfee+ that will alert you of risky links and compromised websites to prevent identity theft or malware infection.

If this guide helps you, pass it along to someone you care about. Scams don’t just target individuals—they cascade into families and friend groups. The more we normalize safe shopping habits and increase our vigilance, the harder it is for fraudsters to win. If you ever feel unsure mid-purchase, take a breath and double-check. A few extra seconds now can save you a lot of stress later. Stay safe, and happy shopping!

The post Helpful Tips for Safe Online Shopping appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Smart Ways to Keep Your Social Security Number from Being Cracked

By: McAfee

A determined cybercriminal can find ways to guess or predict an individual’s Social Security number, which puts us all at a greater risk for identity theft.

In 2009, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University revealed that a reliable method for predicting Social Security numbers was discovered using information from social networking sites, data brokers, voter registration lists, online white pages, and the publicly available Social Security Administration’s Death Master File.

Originally, the first three numbers on a Social Security card represented the state in which a person had initially applied for their card. Numbers started in the Northeast and moved westward. This meant that people born on the East Coast were assigned the lowest numbers and those born on the West Coast were assigned the highest numbers. Before 1986, people were rarely assigned a Social Security number until age 14 or so, since the numbers were used for income tracking purposes.

The Carnegie Mellon research

The Carnegie Mellon researchers were able to guess the first five digits of a Social Security number on their first attempt for 44% of people born after 1988. For those in less populated states, the researchers had a 90% success rate. In fewer than 1,000 attempts, the researchers could identify a complete Social Security number, “making SSNs akin to 3-digit financial PINs.” The researchers concluded, “Unless mitigating strategies are implemented, the predictability of SSNs exposes people born after 1988 to risks of identity theft on mass scales.”

To address this security gap, the Social Security Administration in 2011 changed the way SSNs are issued by randomizing number assignment to make predicting patterns more difficult. While this is certainly an accomplishment, the potential to predict Social Security numbers is the least of our problems. Social Security numbers can be found in unprotected file cabinets and databases in thousands of government offices, corporations, and educational institutions, exposing people to identity theft and other related risks. With the growing losses from all identity theft cases, protecting SSNs is a serious concern.

Your SSN: It’s more than a string of numbers

Your Social Security number might be only nine digits, but in the wrong hands it can act like a master key that unlocks far more. It can reveal details about your life, serving as a powerful linking tool for cybercriminals to access or verify your other personal details and build a fuller profile of your identity.

  • Credit and financial information: When combined with other identity elements like your name and address, your SSN can help criminals access your credit reports and financial accounts. Fortunately, legitimate financial institutions require multiple forms of verification beyond your SSN, including security questions, account numbers, and authentication codes sent to your registered devices.
  • Government benefits access: Your SSN serves as a key identifier for Social Security benefits, Medicare, unemployment claims, and tax refunds. Criminals may attempt to file fraudulent claims using your SSN, but the Social Security Administration has implemented stronger identity verification requiring additional documentation and in-person visits for many services.
  • Employment records: While your SSN identity theft risk includes employment fraud, most employers now use E-Verify and require physical documentation such as driver’s licenses and passports. Your SSN alone typically isn’t enough for someone to successfully impersonate you for employment, though it can be part of a broader identity theft scheme.
  • Medical records and insurance: Healthcare providers use SSNs to verify insurance coverage and access medical histories. Criminals have attempted medical identity theft, but most healthcare systems now require photo ID, insurance cards, and often biometric verification to access sensitive medical information and services.

Your stolen SSN could be on the dark web

Your Social Security number is one of your most private identifiers, but in today’s data economy it can quietly slip into criminal marketplaces on the dark web. Even if you’re careful with your information, you can’t control how organizations protect the data they collect from you. These exposures often result from data breaches, scams, or systems you had to trust — employers, hospitals, banks, schools, and even government agencies. When your SSN shows up there, it’s usually bundled with your other information—name, birthdate, address—making it far more valuable and dangerous than a random number on its own.

Being familiar with the common paths that take your SSN to the dark web will help you recognize and avoid the risks earlier, and act fast if your information is ever compromised.

  • Third-party data breaches: Your SSN could end up on the dark web when companies, healthcare providers, or government agencies you’ve shared it with experience security breaches. Recent high-profile incidents have exposed millions of records, including major credit reporting agencies and healthcare systems.
  • Device malware and info-stealing attacks: Cybercriminals use sophisticated malware that can capture data as you type, including Social Security numbers entered on tax forms, job applications, or financial websites. Banking trojans and keyloggers specifically target sensitive information for sale on illicit markets.
  • Phishing schemes and social engineering: Scammers impersonate trusted organizations like the IRS, your bank, or employers and create convincing fake websites, emails, or phone calls that trick you into “verifying” your SSN. They will claim your SSN has been “suspended” or “compromised,” threaten you with arrest or legal action, or request to verify your SSN for any reason. Pressure tactics and demands for immediate action are classic red flags.
  • Compromised data brokers: Data brokers legally collect and sell personal information, gathered from public records, social media, and other sources, creating comprehensive profiles that become valuable targets for cybercriminals. When their systems are breached, your SSN and other details can be exposed.
  • Social engineering of service providers: Criminals sometimes target employees at companies that handle your information, manipulating them to gain unauthorized access to customer records. Call center representatives, healthcare workers, or government employees may be tricked into providing access to systems containing SSNs.
  • Account takeovers: Account takeovers occur when criminals gain access to your existing accounts through stolen passwords, security question answers, or two-factor authentication bypasses. Once inside accounts at financial institutions, healthcare providers, or government services, they can view stored SSNs or use account access to request more information.
  • Mailbox theft: Physical mail theft remains a surprisingly effective way for criminals to guess or find documents containing your SSN. Tax documents, insurance statements, pre-approved credit offers, and government correspondence often contain complete or partial Social Security numbers that help criminals piece together your identity.
  • Public records: Public records databases, court filings, property records, and voter registration information sometimes contain complete or partial SSNs. While efforts have been made to remove SSNs from public records, older documents and some current filings may still expose this information.

The doors that open with your Social Security Number

Once criminals have your SSN, they can do a range of fraudulent activities that can compromise your relationships, health, career, financial standing, and even your freedom. A single SSN can fuel everything from credit and loan scams to tax fraud, medical identity theft, and even long-term schemes like synthetic identities. Here are some examples:

  • New account fraud: Criminals could use your SSN and other personal information to open credit cards, loans, or bank accounts in your name. This can destroy your credit score and leave you responsible for fraudulent debt that can take years to resolve.
  • Tax refund fraud: Scammers file fake tax returns using your SSN to claim your refund before you file your legitimate return. This leaves you dealing with IRS complications and delays in receiving your actual refund, often extending into the following tax year.
  • Medical identity theft: When someone uses your SSN to receive medical care, prescription drugs, or submit insurance claims, it can contaminate your medical records with incorrect information and exhaust your insurance benefits. This puts your health at risk and can result in thousands in fraudulent medical bills.
  • Government benefits fraud: Criminals apply for unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits, or other government assistance using your SSN. This complicates your own eligibility and creates tax complications when benefits are reported under your name.
  • Employment fraud: Someone may use your SSN for employment, which means their income gets reported to the IRS under your name, potentially affecting your tax liability and Social Security benefits calculation. You might receive unexpected tax documents or face complications with the IRS over unreported income you never earned.
  • SIM swap setup: Your SSN serves as a verification tool when criminals attempt to transfer your phone number to their device, giving them access to two-factor authentication codes and potentially your financial accounts. This can lead to rapid-fire account takeovers across multiple platforms.
  • Synthetic identity creation: Fraudsters combine your real SSN with fake names and addresses to create entirely new identities for long-term fraud schemes. These synthetic identities can build credit over time, making the fraud harder to detect and potentially more damaging when discovered.

Verify and block anyone using your Social Security Number

Social Security identity theft isn’t always obvious right away. In many cases, people don’t realize their SSN has been compromised until weeks or months later. If you want to know if SSN has been misused, there are clear warning signs and reliable ways to check. By reviewing a few key records, you can spot red flags early and shut down fraud before it snowballs into a long, expensive recovery process.

  1. Check your credit reports: Request your free annual credit reports from federally authorized sources. Look for accounts you didn’t open, credit inquiries you didn’t authorize, or addresses you’ve never lived at. You’re entitled to one free report from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion every 12 months, so stagger them quarterly for ongoing monitoring.
  2. Set up fraud alerts and credit monitoring: Place a fraud alert with any of the three credit bureaus to require creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. Consider setting up account alerts with your bank and credit card companies as well to notify you of unusual activity. These notifications can catch SSN identity theft early before damage occurs.
  3. Review your Social Security Administration account: Create or log into your Social Security account to check your earnings history and benefit statements. Look for employment or earnings you don’t recognize, as criminals often use stolen SSNs for work authorization. Any discrepancies could indicate someone is using your SSN for employment fraud.
  4. Examine IRS documents and consider an IP PIN: Check your annual Social Security Statement for accuracy and review any IRS letters about duplicate tax filings or suspicious activity. If you suspect SSN details leaked, request an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS or tax transcripts through the IRS Get Transcript portal.
  5. Monitor medical statements and insurance claims: Review your health insurance statements, Medicare summaries, and medical bills for services you didn’t receive or providers you’ve never visited. Medical identity theft using your SSN can result in incorrect information in your medical records and unexpected bills. Contact your insurance company immediately if you spot unfamiliar claims or treatments.
  6. Check for unemployment and government benefits fraud: Contact your state’s unemployment office to verify that no claims were filed in your name. Review any government benefit accounts you have as well for suspicious activity.
  7. Conduct a comprehensive identity audit: Search your name combined with personal details online to see if your information appears on data broker sites. Set up ongoing dark web monitoring through reputable services to alert you if your SSN appears in future breaches.

Your first steps to stop the fraudulent activity

If you discover that someone has been using your SSN, take these steps immediately:

  1. Freeze your credit: Contact all three major credit bureaus to place a free credit freeze on your accounts. This prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name. Keep your PIN numbers safe as you’ll need them to temporarily lift the freeze when applying for credit.
  2. File an identity theft report: Report the SSN theft to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC’s step-by-step, personalized guidance will help you navigate the recovery process and provide documentation for creditors and other institutions.
  3. Contact affected financial institutions: Notify your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions where you have accounts. Request new account numbers, cards, and fraud alerts to monitor for suspicious activity.
  4. Secure your Social Security Administration account: Create or secure your my Social Security account to prevent fraudsters from creating one in your name. Enable two-factor authentication and review your earnings record for any unauthorized employment. If someone is already using your SSN for work, contact the SSA immediately to report the misuse.
  5. Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, including dates, names of representatives, reference numbers, and actions taken. Create a file with copies of all reports, correspondence, and documentation. This paper trail will be invaluable if you need to dispute fraudulent accounts or prove your case to creditors and law enforcement.
  6. Stay vigilant and follow up: Monitor your credit reports, bank statements, and government benefits regularly for at least the next 12 months. The effects of SSN theft can surface months later, so ongoing monitoring is crucial for your long-term financial security.

Long-term, preventive measures to limit your exposure

Since your SSN can’t be easily changed and is still treated like a universal ID, the safest approach is to put up barriers that make it harder for criminals to use, even if they get it. Aside from the steps listed above, here are additional measures you can follow to protect your SSN from the start:

  • Minimize sharing your SSN: Only provide your SSN when absolutely required by law or for essential services such as banking, employment, or medical care.
  • Ask for alternatives: Many organizations request your Social Security number out of habit. Ask if you can use an alternative identifier like a driver’s license number.
  • Be cautious with Social Security number requests over phone or email: Legitimate organizations rarely ask for your full SSN via phone or email. When in doubt, hang up and call the organization directly using a number from their official website to verify the request.
  • Use strong, unique passwords: Since details leaked in data breaches can help criminals predict Social Security numbers and crack passwords, it is best to protect all your accounts with complex, unique credentials using a password manager.
  • Enable two-factor authentication: Add another security layer to your Social Security Administration, IRS, banking, and credit accounts by setting up two-factor or multi-factor authentication, which blocks 99% of automated attacks.
  • Keep your devices and software updated: Install security updates promptly on all devices. Malware often targets personal information including Social Security numbers, so staying current with patches protects your data from the latest threats.
  • Shred physical documents: Physical theft remains a common way criminals obtain Social Security numbers. So before throwing away tax returns, medical records, or financial statements, put them through a cross-cut shredder.
  • Monitor your credit reports and account statements: Check for unauthorized accounts or inquiries that could indicate SSN misuse. Request free credit reports and review bank and credit card statements monthly.
  • Consider additional protections: Consider enrolling in credit monitoring services and identity theft protection. These services can alert you to other types of SSN identity theft, such as employment fraud or medical identity theft.

FAQs about Social Security Numbers

When can organizations legally request my SSN?

Federal law requires SSN disclosure in specific situations. Organizations can legally require your SSN when no reasonable alternative exists and when they have a specific legal requirement or legitimate business need, such as:

  • Tax reporting is involved: Employers, financial institutions, and others who must file tax documents with the IRS
  • Credit checks are necessary: Lenders, landlords, and others performing background or credit verification
  • Government benefits: Social Security, Medicare, unemployment, and other federal or state programs
  • For legal compliance: Situations where federal or state law specifically mandates SSN collection

What notices are organizations required to present when requesting my Social Security number?

When an organization requests your SSN, they must provide what’s called a disclosure statement, as clarified under the updated Privacy Act of the Department of Justice’s Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties. Legitimate organizations requesting your SSN must tell you:

  • Whether providing your SSN is mandatory or voluntary
  • What legal authority permits them to request it
  • How they plan to use your SSN
  • What happens if you refuse to provide it

If an organization can’t provide clear answers to these questions, that’s a red flag. The FTC’s consumer guidance emphasizes that you have the right to understand why your SSN is needed before you provide it.

When can I decline to provide my SSN?

You can typically decline when it’s not a necessity, alternative identification exists, seems excessive, and there is no clear legal requirement. Common situations where you can often say no include gym memberships, retail purchases, job applications that don’t require credit checks, and various service sign-ups.

What are safer alternatives to SSN disclosure?

When you need to verify your identity but want to minimize SSN exposure, several alternatives can work depending on the situation:

  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Partial SSN disclosure
  • Alternative methods such as bank statements, utility bills, or other documents

Final thoughts

While it’s concerning that Social Security numbers can be predicted or leaked through data breaches, you’re not powerless against SSN identity theft. The practical steps we’ve outlined put you firmly in control of your personal information security—from placing credit freezes and setting up IRS IP PINs to securing your Social Security Administration account with strong authentication. Take action today by implementing these protective measures to significantly reduce your risk.

For added security, consider a McAfee Identity Protection plan to experience proactive identity surveillance, lost wallet protection, and alerts when suspicious activity is detected on your financial accounts.

The post Smart Ways to Keep Your Social Security Number from Being Cracked appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Essential Tips to Avoid ATM Skimming

By: McAfee

With the rise in digital banking and online transactions, the number of automated teller machines (ATMs) declined worldwide to 2.95 million in 2025, according to finance and crypto resource site CoinLaw. Despite this decline, ATM fraud continues to victimize innocent consumers, with global losses estimated at $2.4 billion in 2025.

Among the ATM-related security issues, card skimming represented almost 60% of all reported global ATM fraud cases in 2025, CoinLaw reported. Other ATM-related security threats include malware (21%) and cryptocurrency ATM scams. AI-driven ATM fraud, while in its infancy (0.11%) in 2025, is gaining traction as cybercriminals develop new phishing techniques.

In this guide, we will delve into some of the security threats around ATMs, with a focus on skimming, and share tips on protecting your data and money in your bank account.

What is ATM skimming?

ATM skimming is a form of payment card fraud where criminals secretly install illegal devices on card readers, fuel pumps, or point-of-sale terminals, which then steal your debit or credit card information. These devices, called skimmers, capture the magnetic stripe data from your card while hidden cameras or fake PIN pads record your personal identification number. With both pieces of information, criminals can create counterfeit cards or make unauthorized online purchases using your account.

Skimming devices have become increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect. Traditional overlay skimmers sit on top of legitimate card readers, but newer “shimmer” devices are inserted more deeply into the card slot, making them virtually invisible to casual inspection. These devices can store data from hundreds of cards before criminals retrieve them, often using Bluetooth technology to wirelessly download stolen information without physically accessing the skimmer.

ATMs remain the most common target for skimming attacks, but criminals also target gas station fuel pumps, which often have weaker security systems and less frequent maintenance checks. Point-of-sale terminals at retail locations, restaurants, and other businesses also present opportunities for skimming, particularly when employees are involved in the scheme.

The threat persists for several interconnected reasons. Payment card fraud is quite a profitable business and can be scaled across states or countries. Technology gaps also contribute to the problem as many ATMs and payment terminals continue to use legacy magnetic stripe technology despite the introduction of more secure EMV chips in newer cards. Criminals also exploit legacy systems, especially if the ATM does not receive regular security updates.

Additionally, decommissioned ATMs can be freely gathered from junkyards or casually bought from online marketplaces, giving criminals the chance to collect personal data stored in the computer and study the discarded machine’s security features to improve their skimming techniques.

In some cases, used ATMs are purchased on eBay or Craigslist, then installed anywhere with ample foot traffic. These machines, which may be powered by car batteries or simply plugged into the nearest outlet, are programmed to read and copy credit card data.

Consequences of skimming

When your card information is compromised through skimming, the financial and personal consequences can be significant. Criminals may drain your account through ATM withdrawals or fraudulent purchases, potentially leaving you unable to access your own money. Since debit card transactions often clear immediately, unauthorized withdrawals can cause overdraft fees and bounced check charges before you even realize your account has been compromised.

Beyond the financial losses, ATM skimming can lead to identity theft, where the personal information captured becomes part of larger criminal databases used in other fraud schemes.

Consequently, your credit score and banking relationships may also suffer if fraudulent accounts are opened in your name or if you’re unable to resolve unauthorized charges quickly. While the law gives you limited liability for fraudulent transactions, the process of restoring your accounts can be time-consuming and stressful.

Types of ATM skimming devices and how to spot them

Criminals use a range of devices—some obvious, others nearly invisible—to steal card data and PINs right at the machine. Knowing the main types of skimmers, what they look like, and where they’re usually placed can help you recognize them and avoid a compromised ATM.

Overlay card readers

The most common type of skimming device, overlay card readers are fake attachments that criminals place directly over the legitimate card slot of an ATM. As you insert your card, it passes through the skimmer first, which captures your card’s magnetic stripe data before reaching the real card reader.

Deep-insert or shimmer devices

An evolution of skimming technology, shimmer devices are extremely thin circuit boards that criminals insert deep into the card slot, making them nearly impossible to detect through visual inspection alone. When you insert your card, you might notice increased resistance, unusual vibrations, or your card feeling momentarily stuck.

Pinhole cameras

Criminals use tiny cameras to capture your PIN as you enter it on the keypad. They are so small they can be hidden in seemingly innocent locations around the ATM. Look for a small camera attached to the top of the screen, hidden in a brochure holder, or even concealed in a fake security sign.

Fake PIN pads

These devices are placed over the legitimate ATM keypad to capture your PIN as you enter it. The keypad may feel spongier than usual, have a different texture, or seem thicker than normal. You might notice the numbers are printed differently, the buttons don’t press down as far as expected, or there’s a slight color difference between the keypad and the rest of the ATM. If the keypad feels loose, raised, or different from other ATMs you’ve used, don’t enter your PIN.

Bluetooth-enabled skimmers

Considered an advanced skimming technique, wireless Bluetooth-enabled skimmers can wirelessly transmit your stolen card and PIN data to criminals, eliminating the need for them to return to retrieve the device. You could detect them by checking your phone’s Bluetooth settings for unusual device names appearing in the area, though many criminals use generic names to avoid detection. If you see people loitering near ATMs with mobile devices, especially if they seem to be monitoring ATM users, this could indicate a Bluetooth skimming operation in progress.

Combination attacks

Criminals often combine multiple types of skimming devices to maximize their data capture. A typical combination attack might involve an overlay card reader paired with a pinhole camera, or a shimmer device combined with a fake PIN pad. This is why security experts recommend following all protective measures when you use an ATM.

Emerging technologies

Recent advances in skimming technologies include devices that can be inserted through existing openings in the ATM without requiring external attachments, and skimmers that use near-field communication (NFC) technology to capture contactless payment information.

Protective steps to take before inserting your ATM card

Choose bank-operated ATMs in well-lit areas

Your safest bet is to use ATMs inside bank branches or those clearly operated by major financial institutions. These locations have better security measures, such as surveillance cameras and regular checks that detect tampering. At outdoor ATMs, select machines in well-lit, high-traffic areas where criminal activity is less likely to occur unnoticed. Avoid ATMs in dimly lit, isolated locations where skimmers can be easily installed.

Examine the card slot

Before inserting your card, closely inspect the card insertion slot. Legitimate ATM card readers should have a uniform appearance with smooth edges and consistent coloring. Look for unusual attachments or devices that seem to have been added on top of the original reader. The card slot should align perfectly with the surrounding ATM fascia. Any gaps, misalignments, or signs that something has been glued or attached should raise immediate red flags. Trust your gut.

Perform the wiggle test

One of the most effective ways to detect fake card readers on ATMs is through tactile inspection. Gently grasp the card reader and try to wiggle it. A legitimate card reader should feel solid and permanently attached. If the reader or the housing feels loose, this is a strong indicator of a skimmer. If anything moves when it shouldn’t, do not use that ATM and report it to the bank immediately.

Inspect the keypad

Examine the keypad carefully for any signs of modification or overlay devices. Overlay keypads often appear slightly thicker or misaligned with the surrounding area. When pressing the buttons, each one should have consistent resistance and feel. Any button that sticks or seems higher than others could indicate tampering. Pay attention to the area around the keypad for adhesive residue or scratches. Legitimate ATM keypads have consistent button spacing, uniform coloring, and should feel solid when pressed.

Check the ATM’s fascia and bezel

The ATM’s outer casing and bezel should have a uniform appearance with no obvious modifications such as loose panels, extra pieces of plastic, or areas with different coloring or texture from the rest of the machine. Check for any unusual wiring, small cameras, or devices that appear out of place. The area around the screen should be examined for any tiny cameras or recording devices that capture PIN entry. All text, logos, and branding should appear professional and consistent with the bank’s standard ATM design.

Survey the surrounding area

Before using any ATM, check the area for any unusual objects that could house cameras or recording equipment, including fake brochure holders, unusual signage, or any items that seem out of place. Check for people loitering nearby who seem to be watching ATM users or vehicles parked unusually close to outdoor ATMs with passengers or drivers who appear to be monitoring ATM activity.

Scan for Bluetooth devices

Before using an ATM, check your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings to scan for nearby devices with suspicious names, such as those with generic or random characters, or names that don’t correspond to legitimate businesses in the area. An unusual concentration of unknown devices near an ATM could be a warning sign. This technique works best in areas where there typically shouldn’t be many Bluetooth devices, such as standalone ATMs.

ATM safety tips

Enable and use contactless withdrawal

Enable contactless withdrawals through your bank’s mobile app to authenticate and authorize QR code-based transactions and reduce your need to use an ATM. This technology uses tap-to-pay functionality or near-field communication (NFC) features, providing the same convenient access to your funds. Contact your bank to learn about contactless ATM options and how to activate these features on your accounts.

Verify ATM authenticity through official channels

Bank websites or mobile apps usually show the locations of their legitimate ATMs. If you’re unsure about an ATM’s authenticity, check these official resources to confirm the machine is listed as a legitimate location. This step can help you avoid both skimming devices and other fraudulent ATM operations entirely. Be particularly cautious of ATMs in unusual areas. When traveling, stick to ATMs inside recognizable financial institutions.

Shield your PIN entry

Even when ATMs appear legitimate, always protect your PIN entry from potential observation. Use your free hand, body, or a purse to cover the keypad while entering your PIN to guard against both hidden cameras and shoulder-surfing by nearby criminals. Consider changing your PIN regularly and never write it down. If you suspect your PIN may have been compromised, change it immediately through secure channels.

Monitor your account activity vigilantly

Implement robust account monitoring to detect and address any skimming-related fraud as quickly as possible. Set up real-time account alerts through your bank’s mobile app to receive immediate notifications of all transactions. Review your account statements regularly and report any unauthorized activity immediately. Consider setting daily withdrawal limits to match your usage patterns to minimize losses if your card information is compromised.

Report suspicious ATMs immediately

If you discover signs of tampering or suspicious activity at an ATM, report it immediately to the bank to protect other customers from becoming victims and to help law enforcement track down the criminals. Contact the bank’s customer service line using the phone number on the back of your card instead of the numbers displayed on the potentially compromised ATM. Document the ATM’s location, including the address and any identifying numbers or codes visible on the machine.

Stay informed about ATM fraud trends

Keep yourself updated on the latest ATM skimming techniques and prevention strategies through reliable sources. Consumer alerts offer updated advice on protecting yourself from these crimes, as do major card networks such as Visa and Mastercard. Following your bank’s security updates and fraud alerts helps you stay aware of new threats in your area and emerging criminal techniques that you should watch for during ATM transactions.

Avoid assistance from strangers

Be extremely cautious of anyone offering to help you with ATM troubles, even if they appear well-intentioned, especially if they suggest using their phone to call the bank or offer to show you how to complete your transaction. If you encounter problems with an ATM, cancel your transaction, retrieve your card, and contact your bank directly..

Use ATMs during daylight or banking business hours

Criminals usually install skimming devices when fewer people are around to witness their actions. Daytime transactions in high-traffic areas make it more likely for suspicious behavior to be noticed and reported. If you must use an ATM at night, choose one in a very well-lit area with good visibility, preferably near businesses that are still open with staff and customers present. Consider using indoor ATMs exclusively.

Keep your ATM receipts secure

Always take your ATM receipts and store them securely until you have verified the transaction on your statement. Don’t leave them at the machine or throw them away in nearby trash cans where criminals might retrieve them to gather information about your account; even partial account numbers and transaction details could be useful to identity thieves. You can shred the receipts once you’ve confirmed the transactions.

Understand your rights and protections

Familiarize yourself with your bank’s policies regarding ATM fraud and your rights under federal law. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act provides specific protections for consumers who experience unauthorized ATM transactions. These protections offer you up to 60 days to report unauthorized transactions to limit your liability, but reporting within two business days provides the strongest protection.

Plan your cash needs in advance

Reduce your ATM usage by planning your cash needs and making larger, less frequent withdrawals to reduce your overall exposure to potential skimming attempts. Consider getting cash back during purchases at grocery stores, pharmacies, and trusted retailers, rather than using unfamiliar ATMs, especially when traveling or in unfamiliar areas.

Be extra vigilant during the holiday season

ATM skimming attempts surge during peak shopping and travel periods when foot traffic increases at malls, airports, hotel lobbies, and other commercial or tourist locations. Increased cash withdrawals, crowded shopping areas, and travelers using unfamiliar ATMs create ideal conditions for skimming operations. In addition, criminals know that holiday shoppers are often distracted, rushed, and less vigilant about using ATMs. That’s why it’s important for you to be extra cautious. If you must use an ATM, take a breath and slow down to thoroughly inspect the machine and your surroundings before inserting your card.

Immediate steps to take if your card was skimmed

The guidance below walks you through exactly what to do in the moment and right after, so you can limit risk to yourself and prevent others from becoming victims, too.

  1. Contact your bank immediately. Call the number on the back of your card or use your bank’s mobile app to report unauthorized transactions. Most banks have 24/7 fraud hotlines that can freeze your account within minutes to prevent further unauthorized use.
  2. Dispute unauthorized charges promptly. Your liability protections depend on how quickly you report fraud. For credit cards, federal law limits your liability to $50 for unauthorized charges. For debit cards, report within two business days to limit liability to $50, or within 60 days to cap liability at $500. After 60 days, you could be responsible for all unauthorized transactions.
  3. Request a replacement card. Your bank will cancel your compromised card and issue a new one with different numbers. Most banks can expedite delivery within 1-2 business days, though some may charge a fee for rush delivery. Ask about temporary digital cards for immediate online use while waiting for your physical card.
  4. Inform your ID Theft protection provider. If you have an identity theft protection subscription, inform your service to activate proactive identity surveillance, monitor your credit and personal information, and seek support from fraud resolution agents who can work through the process of resolving the identity theft issues.
  5. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion—to place a free fraud alert. This alert requires creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts and automatically applies to all three bureaus for one year.
  6. Consider a credit freeze for enhanced protection. A credit freeze prevents new creditors from accessing your credit report and identity thieves from opening accounts in your name. You can freeze and unfreeze your credit for free with all three bureaus online, by phone, or by mail.
  7. Monitor your accounts closely. Review all bank and credit card statements for the next few months. Set up account alerts for transactions over a certain amount, and consider using your bank’s mobile app to check account activity daily during this period.
  8. File additional reports if identity theft occurs. If criminals used your card information for identity theft beyond just card fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and consider filing a police report. The FTC provides a personalized recovery plan and pre-filled forms for creditors.
  9. Update automatic payments. Replace your old card information with your new card details for any automatic payments, subscriptions, or saved payment methods with online retailers to avoid service interruptions.
  10. Keep detailed records. Document all communications with your bank, including dates, times, representative names, and reference numbers. Save copies of dispute forms and any correspondence related to the fraud investigation.

Final thoughts

Protecting yourself from ATM skimming requires ongoing attention, but you’re now equipped with the knowledge to use ATMs confidently and securely—perform a visual inspection, do the wiggle test, review the keypad, and be aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or looks suspicious about an ATM, find another location. Your intuition is a valuable tool in recognizing potentially compromised machines.

Share these ATM safety practices with your family members and friends to strengthen their security as well. Take a moment to revisit your bank’s fraud protection guidelines and ensure you understand their notification procedures for suspicious activity. Your financial institution can partner with you in preventing fraud, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about their latest security features.

For additional resources and the latest fraud prevention updates, visit the the McAfee blogs and guides and know the steps to take if you become a victim of card fraud.

The post Essential Tips to Avoid ATM Skimming appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Celebrate Data Privacy Day by Applying These Best Practices

By: McAfee

This is a critical time for our personal security, especially as it relates to privacy and personal information. A battle is being waged over our data, and there are several parties involved in this fight. My concern is securing the personal details that you prefer to keep private.

Criminal hackers and identity thieves want to use your name to open new accounts, which they can turn into cash. They may try to obtain credit cards, utility services, or mobile phones using your good credit. In other cases, these same thieves take over existing bank or credit card accounts and clean them out entirely. An average of more than ten million people a year are affected by identity theft.

Online, advertisers and marketers are using “supercookies” to glean information about you and your web browsing habits. They can then offer you products or services based on the profile they’ve developed. Almost every major website contains cookies, and they are changing the way advertising is created and targeted.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is working on a way for you to opt out of this data collection, but if a change ever does take place, it will probably be futile. The advertising industry has already partnered with major media and major tech companies, and it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to turn back the clock.

Social media companies compete for your attention and your information because user data is valuable to advertisers and marketers. Whatever you post in your profile is broken down, cataloged, and disseminated. Your name, age, address, email, phone number, contacts, income status, job description, and other personal details are of use to anyone targeting your wallet.

But legitimate advertisers aren’t the only ones going after social networks. Criminal hackers and identity thieves are accessing your data, either through the public portion of these sites or by hacking through the back door. The bad guy is using your profile information to come up with an answer to your password reset question, or to trick you into opening your wallet or entering login credentials that might allow them to take over your existing accounts.

What is Data Privacy Day?

Amid all these developments, the National Cyber Security Alliance established Data Privacy Day, an annual awareness event observed every January 28th that encourages you to take control of your personal information and understand your privacy rights online. Originally launched in 2008, this important day coincides with the anniversary of the signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection.

As a U.S. consumer, Data Privacy Day matters to you more than ever because your personal information has become incredibly valuable and, unfortunately, increasingly vulnerable. Every day, you share personal details through social media, shopping websites, mobile apps, and online services, often without realizing how this information is collected, used, or shared.

The observance of this day highlights several key risks that affect your daily digital life. Data misuse occurs when companies collect more information than necessary or use your personal details in ways you haven’t explicitly approved. Identity theft remains a significant threat, with criminals using stolen personal information to open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or even file fake tax returns. Additionally, data breaches continue to expose millions of Americans’ personal information each year, from social security numbers to financial details.

What makes Data Privacy Day empowering is its focus on actionable steps you can take immediately. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by privacy concerns, you can use this day as motivation to review and strengthen your digital privacy habits. The day is a reminder that privacy and data protection aren’t just technical concepts. They’re fundamental rights that help you maintain control over your digital life.

Data privacy core concepts

Before delving deeper into regulations and best practices, let’s take a look at the core concepts. The Federal Trade Commission defines data privacy as the reasonable expectation that your personal information will be handled appropriately by the organizations that collect it. It is your fundamental right to control how your personal information is collected, used, shared, and retained by the companies and services you interact with every day. At its heart, data privacy ensures that you have a say in what happens to details about your life, from your name and email address to your online shopping preferences, videos watched, social media usage, down to your browsing habits and location data.

Your data follows a path that starts with collection, when companies gather information directly from you, such as when you fill out a form, or indirectly through cookies and tracking pixels. The use phase refers to how organizations process your information, whether to improve their services, target advertisements, or analyze user behavior. Sharing involves passing your data to third parties, from business partners to data brokers. Retention determines how long your information stays in their systems, often well beyond your active relationship with the service.

Throughout this process, your information is governed by three principles of modern data privacy:

  • Consent means companies should ask for your permission before collecting and using your personal information, and this permission should be freely given, specific, and informed. You shouldn’t have to accept data collection just to use basic services.
  • Control gives you the power to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal data.
  • Transparency requires companies to clearly explain their data practices in plain language, not bury them in lengthy legal documents.

When Netflix asks if you want to share viewing data to improve recommendations, that’s consent in action. When Google lets you download your search history or delete location tracking, you’re exercising control. When Apple’s privacy labels show exactly what data an app collects, that’s transparency working for you.

Your data privacy rights

Under these newly instituted state privacy laws, you have several key rights that put you in control of your personal information:

  • Right to know: You can request information about what personal data companies collect about you, how it’s used, and who it is shared with.
  • Right to access: You can obtain copies of the personal information companies have collected about you.
  • Right to delete: You can request companies to delete your personal information, with certain exceptions.
  • Right to opt out: You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal data for targeted advertising.
  • Right to correct: You can request corrections to inaccurate personal information.
  • Right to non-discrimination: Companies cannot penalize you for exercising your privacy rights.

Data privacy and data protection

Data protection and data privacy are sometimes used interchangeably, but they serve different but complementary roles in keeping your personal information safe:

  • Data privacy is about your rights and choices in how your personal information gets collected, used, and shared. It’s less about technical security and more about giving you control over what happens with your data.
  • Data protection is about securing your information from threats such as hackers, breaches, and technical failures. It is the digital equivalent of a bank vault, using technical and organizational safeguards to keep your data safe from unauthorized access, theft, or loss.

Here are some everyday scenarios that show how these concepts work differently:

  • Your encrypted backup files represent data protection in action. Even if someone gains access to your backup drive without the proper key, encryption makes your photos, documents, and files unreadable. The technical safeguard protects your data from misuse.
  • Choosing who can see your location on social media is a privacy decision. When you decide what personal information to share and with whom, you are exercising control over your data.
  • Your password manager provides data protection by securely storing and encrypting your login credentials, making them nearly impossible for criminals to steal and use.
  • Declining to provide your phone number when signing up for a shopping account is a privacy choice. You’re limiting what personal information gets collected about you in the first place.

Data privacy laws

As a consumer, your data privacy rights translate into real, actionable benefits you can use today. However, the effectiveness of these protections often depends on enforcement and your own awareness of the tools available to you.

The U.S. privacy landscape

U.S. state privacy laws are increasingly giving you the right to know what personal information companies collect, the right to delete your data, and the right to opt out of having your information sold or shared.

America’s privacy framework is built on sector-specific federal regulations combined with increasingly robust state legislation. This approach means your rights and protections can vary significantly depending on where you live and what type of data is being collected.

At the federal level, key laws include the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare data, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for credit information, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for children under 13 years. While these provide important protections in specific areas, they leave significant gaps in comprehensive consumer data privacy protection.

To fill these gaps, California established crucial precedents through the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its successor, the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). Other states are also now enacting comprehensive privacy laws, including Virginia’s Consumer Data Protection Act, Colorado Privacy Act, Connecticut’s Data Privacy Act, and Utah’s Consumer Privacy Act. Each provides residents with fundamental rights over their personal data while requiring businesses to implement stronger protection measures.

Extra care for highly sensitive personal data

Sensitive personal data represents the most valuable and vulnerable information about you—the details that, if compromised, could cause significant harm to your finances, safety, and peace of mind. Unlike basic contact information, sensitive data requires stronger legal protections and your extra vigilance because of its potential for misuse.

Health Information

Your health information deserves particular care because it reveals intimate details about your physical and mental well-being. HIPAA protections cover medical records, but health data collected by fitness apps, mental health platforms, or wellness websites may not receive the same legal safeguards.

Biometric data

Biometric data—your unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints, voice patterns, or facial features—can’t be changed if stolen, making this information particularly precious.

Children’s Information

Children’s data receives special attention under privacy laws because minors can’t meaningfully consent to data collection. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act requires explicit parental consent before companies can collect information from children under 13, while some state laws extend these protections to older teens.

GDPR for the global services

Meanwhile, global services such as Google, Facebook, or Netflix apply the Europe-established General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laws worldwide to maintain consistent data practices.

GDPR personal data includes obvious identifiers such as your name, email address, phone number, and Social Security number. But it also covers less obvious information such as IP addresses, device IDs, location data, and even your online shopping habits or social media activity. Essentially, if data points can be combined to create a profile of you, they qualify as personal data under GDPR standards. This broader definition gives you stronger control over your information and has influenced many U.S. companies to offer the same rights to all users, not just Europeans.

Whether a company follows GDPR, California’s privacy laws, or other frameworks, the core principle remains the same: you deserve transparency and control over your personal information.

How can you celebrate Data Privacy Day?

Your privacy rights are expanding, but exercising them effectively requires staying informed and taking proactive steps. As we celebrate Data Privacy Day, we recommend you participate by taking simple, practical steps to exercise your data privacy rights.

Review your privacy settings regularly

Start with the platforms and services you use most frequently. Look for privacy or data protection sections in your account settings and review what information is being collected and shared.

Submit data access requests

Many major companies now provide online forms or dedicated email addresses for privacy requests. Take advantage of these to understand what data they have about you. Popular platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon have streamlined processes for data downloads.

Opt out of data sales

Look for “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” links on websites, typically found in footers or privacy policy pages. You can also use opt-out tools such as the Global Privacy Control browser setting that automatically signals your opt-out preferences.

Use data broker opt-out services

Many data brokers now offer opt-out mechanisms, though the process can be time-consuming. Consider using privacy services that handle multiple opt-out requests on your behalf.

Monitor your digital footprint

Regularly search for your name and personal information online. Set up Google Alerts for your name and key personal details to stay informed about new appearances of your information. In addition, monitor your credit reports for unauthorized changes, and use identity monitoring services that watch for your personal information appearing in data breaches or on the dark web.

Use reputable websites and tools

When sharing sensitive information online, verify that websites use https:// in the address bar and read privacy policies before providing personal details. Only use well-established, privacy-focused health, financial, and communication platforms with strong privacy and data protection track records.

Oversee your kids’ online activities

For children’s data, maintaining active oversight will help you stay ahead of potential problems in their online activities. Review the apps and websites they use, understand what information these platforms collect, and use parental controls to limit data sharing. Teach your children about privacy and the risks of sharing personal information online.

Everyday tips to maintain your privacy

Protecting your personal data doesn’t have to feel like a giant, technical project. Most privacy wins come from small, repeatable habits that you can do in minutes to shrink your digital footprint, and use the internet on your terms.

  • Limit what you share online: Review your social media privacy settings and share only what’s necessary to reduce your exposure to identity thieves and the potential for your data to be used against you.
  • Review your location permissions: For location data, regularly review and delete location history from your devices and disable location sharing for apps that don’t need it.
  • Crumble that cookie: You can turn cookies off in your browser settings. This step may prevent you from using certain websites, but it is a step toward privacy.
  • Stay private while browsing: Use a virtual private network from a reputable, reliable company to keep your online activities private, especially when using unsecured Wi-Fi in public places such as cafes, airports, and libraries.

Your personal information has value, so make sure you’re getting a fair return through services that respect your privacy.

FAQs about data privacy

What counts as personal data?
Personal data includes any information that can identify you directly or indirectly. This covers obvious details such as your name, email, and Social Security number, but also extends to IP addresses, device identifiers, location data, browsing history, and even inferences about your preferences or behavior.

How can I opt out of data sale and sharing?
On company websites, look for “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” or “Your Privacy Choices” links, usually found in the footer. You can also use the Global Privacy Control browser signal to automatically send opt-out requests. Services such as DeleteMe or manual removal requests can help you reclaim control of your information from data brokers and multiple platforms.

What should I do after a data breach?
First, change passwords for affected accounts and enable two-factor authentication. Next, monitor your credit reports and bank statements for unusual activity. If Social Security numbers or financial data were involved, place a credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus. Sign up for identity monitoring services if offered by the breached company. Be sure to document everything and report identity theft to the FTC if you notice fraudulent activity.

How do I spot dark consent patterns?
Watch for manipulative design tricks that push you toward sharing more data. Red flags include pre-checked boxes for marketing emails, making privacy-friendly options harder to find or understand, using confusing language that hides the intent, or making it much easier to accept all cookies than customize your preferences. Legitimate consent should be freely given, specific, informed, and easily withdrawn.

What rights do I have over my personal data?
Depending on your location, you may have the right to know what data companies collect about you, request copies of your data, correct inaccurate information, delete your data, and opt out of its sale or use for targeted advertising. Some laws also give you the right to data portability and protect you from discrimination for exercising these rights. Check if your state has comprehensive privacy laws or if you’re covered by GDPR.

What essential resources can I read to stay informed?

To stay current with your privacy rights and the evolving legal landscape, bookmark these authoritative resources:

Final thoughts

Data Privacy Day serves as an important annual reminder, but your commitment to privacy and data protection shouldn’t end when January 28th passes. The digital threats we face continue to evolve throughout the year, making ongoing vigilance essential to protect your personal details.

Small, consistent habits can make a profound difference in your digital security. By regularly updating your passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, reviewing privacy settings on your accounts, and staying informed about emerging threats, you create layers of protection that work together to safeguard your information.

Invest in McAfee+ identity protection, which includes proactive identity surveillance to monitor subscribers’ credit and personal information, as well as access to live fraud resolution agents who help subscribers work through the process of resolving identity theft issues.

The post Celebrate Data Privacy Day by Applying These Best Practices appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Stop Fake Antivirus Popups on Your Mac

By: McAfee
antivirus app on laptop

I often hear Mac users say, “Oh, I don’t have to worry about viruses. I have a Mac!” Well, unfortunately, those days came to an end a long time ago. The mass market share of Apple owners tipped significantly in the early 1980s, so that criminal hackers took notice and created fake antivirus pop-ups specifically targeting Macs.

This scam has targeted PC users for years. Cyberscammers are placing links to fake antivirus software in online search results, advertising programs with names like “Mac Defender,” “Mac Security” or “Mac Protector,” and offering to safeguard your computer from online threats. But once you click on the link, malicious software is downloaded onto your machine.

In the background, the program may open up pop-up windows that ask you to upgrade the software for a fee to remove non-existent threats. If you agree to “upgrade,” the cybercrooks get your money, often $50, and you get nothing in return. Or, it may open up pornographic or other undesirable websites. If you fall for these scams, you could end up damaging your computer, losing money, and possibly having your personal information compromised.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how you become a target for these fake antivirus pop-up ads, how to remove them from your device, and some tips to block them moving forward.

What is fake antivirus software?

Fake antivirus software is malicious software that tricks you into believing your Mac is infected with viruses or security threats when, in fact, it isn’t. These deceptive programs, also known as rogue antivirus or scareware, masquerade as legitimate security tools to manipulate you into taking actions that benefit cybercriminals.

On your Mac, fake antivirus pop-up ads typically appear as urgent browser warnings or system alerts claiming to have detected multiple threats on your computer. These fraudulent notifications often use official-looking logos, technical language, and alarming messages like “Your Mac is infected with 5 viruses” or “Immediate action required” to create a sense of urgency and panic.

These scams manipulate you by:

  • Requesting payment: They’ll prompt you to purchase their “premium” software to remove the fake threats, often charging $50-200 for worthless programs.
  • Providing fake phone numbers: The pop-up ads will display fake support numbers you can call for “immediate technical assistance.”
  • Requesting personal information: Once you call the number, the scammer on the other end of the line will request your credit card details, personal information, or remote access to your computer.
  • Encouraging malicious downloads: The ads will trick you into downloading actual malware disguised as security software.

Tactics scammers use to infect your device with fake antivirus pop-up ads

Fake antivirus popups are almost always the result of a sneaky delivery method designed to catch you off guard. Scammers rely on ads, compromised websites, misleading downloads, and social engineering tricks to get their scareware onto your Mac without you realizing what’s happening. Let’s take a look at the common ways these scams spread so you can avoid them.

  • Deceptive online advertisements: Fake antivirus software often appears through misleading ads that claim your Mac is infected or at risk. These ads can appear on legitimate websites and use urgent language, such as “Your Mac has 3 viruses!” to create a sense of panic.
  • Malvertising campaigns: Cybercriminals purchase legitimate advertising space and inject malicious code that automatically redirects you to fake antivirus download pages. This can happen even on reputable websites you trust.
  • Drive-by downloads: Simply visiting a compromised website can trigger automatic downloads of fake antivirus software without your knowledge. Your Mac may store these files in your Downloads folder, where they wait for you to accidentally open them.
  • Bundled software installers: Fake antivirus programs often hide in free applications from unofficial sources. During installation, you might unknowingly agree to install additional “security” software that’s actually malicious.
  • Pirated applications and media: Illegal downloads of software, movies, or music frequently contain fake antivirus programs as hidden payloads. These files install malware alongside the content you wanted.
  • Typosquatted domains: Scammers register URLs that are slightly altered or are misspellings of legitimate websites, such as Apple-support.com. These typosquatted links are sent via phishing emails that claim to have detected a virus on your Mac. If you click on the fake link, you could be infected with malware that displays alarming security warnings and promotes fake antivirus downloads.
  • Fake technical support pages: Scammers create convincing replicas of Apple Support or legitimate security company websites that promote fake antivirus solutions. These pages often include official-looking logos and professional language to appear trustworthy.
  • Browser notification abuse: Some websites request permission to send you notifications, then later spam you with fake virus alerts. Clicking on these notifications could download fake antivirus software that mimics macOS system alerts.
  • Malicious configuration profiles: Fake antivirus installers may request permission to download configuration profiles onto your device, granting them deep access to your Mac’s settings and network traffic. Once installed, these profiles will redirect your browser traffic through malicious servers and display fake security warnings.

Elements of a fake virus alert

Fake virus alerts use a mix of visual tricks and psychological pressure to push you into clicking, calling, or paying before you have time to think. This section breaks down the common elements scammers use in these alerts so you can recognize a fake warning instantly and ignore it.

  • Blaring alarm and full-screen browser takeover: If your browser suddenly goes full-screen with flashing red warnings and audio alarms, you’re looking at a scam designed to panic you into taking immediate action. Real Mac security notifications never lock your entire screen or play loud, startling sounds. Legitimate macOS alerts appear as small, quiet dialogs in the upper-right corner of your screen.
  • Urgent countdown timers: The high-pressure countdown clocks claiming your Mac will be “permanently damaged” in minutes are artificial psychological tactics that scammers use to pressure and prevent you from thinking clearly. Apple’s real security notifications give you time to review and respond thoughtfully
  • Spelling and grammar mistakes: Fake alerts often contain telltale errors such as “Your computer has been infected” or “Immediate action required.” Apple invests heavily in polished, professional communications to produce macOS security dialogs with error-free language that reflects the company’s attention to detail.
  • Requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency payments: Any request for unconventional payment methods is an immediate indicator of a scam. Apple will never ask you to purchase iTunes gift cards, Amazon cards, or Bitcoin to “clean” your Mac. Authentic Apple security software uses traditional payment methods through official app stores or verified websites.
  • Suspicious phone numbers for “tech support”: Scammers use phone numbers that connect you directly with fraudsters who will remotely access your Mac or extract personal information. Legitimate macOS alerts don’t include phone numbers to call for immediate help. Apple provides support through official channels, which are clearly marked on their website.
  • Generic or mismatched company logos: Fake alerts often use distorted Apple logos, outdated designs, or generic “security shield” graphics instead of authentic branding. Real macOS notifications maintain consistent visual elements that match your system’s appearance and Apple’s official style guidelines.
  • Misleading URLs: Scam pages often use suspicious addresses such as “apple-security-center.net” or “mac-virus-removal.com.” Authentic security alerts from macOS appear in System Settings or from apps you’ve knowingly installed from the official Apple App Store.
  • Persistent pop-up ads that won’t close: Fake virus warnings often spawn multiple windows, reappear after being closed, or make it difficult to exit. Authentic macOS security features respect your control and don’t bombard you with alerts.
  • Warnings that bypass System Settings: Fake alerts typically appear only as web pages or unauthorized pop-ups that don’t connect to your actual system security settings. Genuine Mac security notifications integrate with your system properly, appearing through official macOS notification systems or System Settings under Privacy & Security.
  • Claims “hundreds of viruses found” without scanning: Fake alerts instantly claim to have found dozens or hundreds of viruses without performing a legitimate scan. Real security scans, however, take time to complete and provide specific, verifiable results about actual threats.

Examples of fake antivirus software and pop-ups

  • Mac “Defender” variants: This notorious family of fake antivirus programs includes variants such as Mac Security, Mac Protector, and Mac Guard, appearing through deceptive search results or malicious websites. They display fake system scans that allegedly found threats on your Mac to trick you into paying $50-$99 for a useless antivirus tool. Once you enter payment information, cybercriminals will access your financial data and may continue charging your card for bogus services.
  • Generic “antivirus” popups: These fake alerts have generic names such as Antivirus 10, Mac Antivirus Pro, or Advanced Mac Cleaner. These ads pop up while you browse, often accompanied by loud alarms and urgent countdown timers, claiming your Mac is infected and demanding immediate action. The scam journey involves clicking the alert, downloading malicious software disguised as security tools, and potentially compromising both your system and personal information.

Verify that an antivirus alert is fake

If you’re not sure whether an antivirus warning is real or just scareware, a quick verification is the safest next step. There are steps you can take and settings on your macOS you can check without putting your Mac at further risk.

  1. Disconnect from the internet immediately: When you suspect a fake antivirus alert, the first step is to break the connection between your Mac and the internet to stop malicious processes from communicating with remote servers or downloading additional threats.
  2. Check the URL and certificate details: If the alert appeared in your web browser, examine the web address carefully. Legitimate security warnings from Apple or trusted vendors will come from official domains, not URLs with misspellings or random characters.
  3. Verify the app’s developer signature and source: To verify that the developer signatures are from recognized companies, open Finder, navigate to Applications, and locate the security software. Right-click the application and select “Get Info” to view the developer information. In macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia, you can also go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > More Info > System Report > Applications to view information about the software.
  4. Review configuration profiles and login items: Navigate to Apple Menu > System Settings or System Preferences > Privacy & Security to find and remove any configuration profiles you didn’t install. Next, check Login Items & Extensions or Users & Groups > Login Items for suspicious applications set to launch automatically.
  5. Inspect LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons folders: Fake antivirus software often installs persistent components in these system folders. Go to Finder > Go to Folder > ~/Library/LaunchAgents, /Library/LaunchAgents, and /Library/LaunchDaemons. Fake antivirus files typically have .plist extensions.
  6. Check browser extensions and notification permissions: Fake antivirus alerts often originate from malicious browser extensions or abusive notification permissions. Review your extensions and remove those you didn’t install or revoke permissions that might be generating fake security alerts.
  7. Run legitimate security scans from trusted sources: Use reputable security tools downloaded only from the Apple App Store or directly from the websites of legitimate vendors to scan your system. Apple’s built-in XProtect and Malware Removal Tool (MRT) run automatically, but you can also use the system’s First Aid feature in Disk Utility to check for file system issues.

Your action plan when a fake virus warning pops up

The moment a fake virus warning pops up, scammers are hoping you’ll react fast, click a button, call a number, or download their “fix.” However, the safest approach is the opposite: take a moment to think, don’t interact with the alert, close the browser, and clear any files it may have tried to leave behind. Here’s exactly what to do right away to stay safe.

  1. Stay calm and don’t interact with the alert: Resist the urge to click anywhere on the fake virus warning pop-up window, including any “X” buttons, “OK” buttons, or phone numbers. These elements are designed to trick you into downloading malware or connecting with scammers. Avoid touching your mouse or trackpad while the alert is displayed.
  2. Force-quit your browser immediately. Press Command + Option + Esc to open the Force Quit Applications window, select your browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge), and click “Force Quit.” If the pop-up has taken over your entire screen, try pressing Command+Q to quit the browser directly. This breaks the connection to the malicious website without triggering any hidden downloads.
  3. Clear your browser’s site data and disable notifications. When you restart your browser, immediately go to Preferences/Settings and clear your browsing data, cookies, and cache. Then navigate to the Notifications section and remove permissions for suspicious websites to block the fake antivirus from returning.
  4. Check and remove any malicious configuration profiles. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Profiles or System Preferences > Profiles, and look for profiles you didn’t install, especially those with generic names or suspicious publishers. Select unknown profiles and click the minus (-) button to remove them.
  5. Restart your Mac to clear temporary threats: A simple reboot helps clear any temporary malicious processes that might be running in memory. After restarting, check your desktop and Downloads folder, move unfamiliar files to the Trash, and empty it completely.
  6. Update your macOS and browser to the latest versions: Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install macOS updates. Update your browsers as well to protect against the latest fake antivirus tactics and browser exploits.
  7. Run a full security scan with trusted software: Use reputable security software to scan your entire system for lingering threats. Focus on applications that have been specifically designed for Mac and have current threat definitions.
  8. Monitor and validate financial statements: If you provided payment information to what you now suspect was fake antivirus software, immediately check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Report these fraudulent charges to your financial institutions and place fraud alerts on your accounts over the next few weeks.
  9. Report the scam to protect others: Report the fake antivirus website to the Federal Trade Commission and to Google’s Safe Browsing if you encountered it through search results. You can also report it to your browser manufacturer. Your report helps security teams identify and block these threats more quickly, thereby protecting other Mac users from falling victim to the same scam.

Final thoughts

Your Mac experience should be enjoyable and secure. With the right awareness and tools, it absolutely can be, especially when you know what to look for and follow the right practices. By recognizing the warning signs of fake antivirus pop-ups, downloading software only from trusted sources, keeping your macOS and applications updated, and following the prevention tips outlined above, you can avoid falling victim to these fake antivirus scams.

Remember that legitimate security alerts from Apple come through System Preferences and official macOS notifications, not through alarming browser pop-ups demanding immediate payment or phone calls. Use reputable security tools from a trusted vendor such as McAfee that provides real-time protection and regular updates about emerging threats.

Share these tips with your family and friends, especially those who might be less tech-savvy and more vulnerable to these deceptive tactics. The more people understand how fake antivirus schemes operate, the safer our entire digital community is.

The post Stop Fake Antivirus Popups on Your Mac appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Does PC Cleaning Improve Performance?

By: Jasdev Dhaliwal

Is your personal computer (PC) feeling a bit sluggish? Giving it a good, old-fashioned cleaning can improve its performance, and it only takes minutes. If you’ve never cleaned your PC before, you have a few options to speed up the process.

In this guide, we explain why computers slow down over time, set expectations for what a cleaning routine can and can’t do, and share step-by-step instructions to help you clean your PC and restore optimal performance. 

PCs perform more slowly over time

For the most part, PCs don’t slow down on their own. It’s rarely one single problem. It’s how we accumulate apps, files, and services that slow your PC down as it ages. A few examples come to mind:

  • You create files: These personal files that you create take up increasing amounts of disk space. When your drive gets crowded, Windows has less room to perform its background tasks, so everything feels slower.
  • Temporary files add up: These are created constantly for updates, browsing, and app activity, and they don’t always clean up after themselves.
  • You collect unused apps: Old apps consume storage, and some keep running services even when you never open them.
  • Windows adds services: When Windows updates, it further accumulates background services and other processes that reduce performance.
  • Startup programs multiply: Many apps sneak into your startup list, which makes your computer boot slower and run “busy” right from the start.
  • Dust builds up inside the machine: Dust traps heat, and when your PC gets too warm, it automatically slows down to protect itself.

What PC cleaning can and can’t do for performance

Cleaning is definitely worth doing, but you should set realistic expectations for how much your PC’s performance can improve. Similar to decluttering your home, you are not rebuilding your house, but it will feel much easier to live in.

What PC cleaning can accomplish

PC cleaning addresses software-level performance bottlenecks. When you remove temporary files, clear browser caches, and delete unused applications, you’re freeing up valuable disk space and reducing the workload on your system. This directly impacts how quickly your computer can access and process information.

Startup optimization also delivers some of the most noticeable improvements. If your computer takes several minutes to boot because too many programs are launching automatically, trimming your startup list can cut boot times significantly. You’ll also notice improved responsiveness during everyday tasks when fewer background processes compete for system resources.

You will also notice faster web browsing when you clear accumulated browser data, quicker file searches when your system isn’t indexing thousands of temporary files, and smoother multitasking when background services aren’t consuming unnecessary memory. With proper system maintenance, you can restore 15-30% of lost performance on aging computers.

What PC cleaning cannot fix

Hardware limitations represent the biggest constraint on what cleaning can accomplish. If your processor struggles with modern software demands or your RAM is maxed out during normal use, no amount of cleaning will change these hardware realities. Cleaning your PC to make it faster depends largely on whether software bloat or hardware constraints are your primary bottleneck.

Gaming performance, video editing, and other intensive tasks rely heavily on central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) capabilities. While a clean system ensures these components aren’t fighting unnecessary background processes, cleaning won’t magically boost frame rates or rendering speeds beyond your hardware’s capabilities.

But first, back up your files

Any cleanup is safer when you know your important stuff is protected. You don’t have to do a complicated backup routine; just make sure the essentials are safe.

  • Check your cloud backups: If you use OneDrive, Google Drive, or iCloud, you may already be backed up without realizing it. Give those files a quick review. It only takes two minutes to confirm that your data is backed up in the cloud.
  • Consider an external backup: An external drive gives you a second copy of your files in case something goes wrong. It’s especially helpful for photos, work documents, or anything you’d hate to lose.

In newer versions of Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup to set up File History, or use Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings for cloud backup. This ensures you won’t lose important files.

Step by step: Clean up your computer

Now that you’ve ensured your important files are safe, you can start the cleanup process that makes a noticeable difference in PC performance. You don’t need advanced technical skills, and you don’t need to do everything at once.

Remove temporary files and unused apps

Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files and review the categories. This will take you to a screen that gives you insight into what your drive space looks like and allow you to safely remove many of them with a few clicks, especially cache and old system leftovers. 

In Windows 10/11, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, then sort apps by size or installation date to identify large or forgotten programs. Click any app and select “Uninstall” to remove it. 

You can also use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool by typing “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu search. Select categories such as “Temporary files,” “Recycle Bin,” and “System cache” to review the files and remove any that are not needed. If you’re unsure what a program does, research it online before removing it, as some applications may be essential for your system’s operation. For example, you might want to keep “Windows update log files,” in case you ever need to troubleshoot Windows.

Set Windows Storage Sense for automatic cleanup

Instead of performing a manual cleanup, you can use Windows Storage Sense to keep your system clean. Navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense to configure this powerful feature. You can set it to automatically remove temporary files, empty your recycle bin, and clear your Downloads folder of files older than 30 days.

Removing old and unused apps benefits you in two ways. First, it frees up disk space. Second, outdated apps can contain security loopholes that hackers may exploit. Older apps might have gone without an update, which can lead to security loopholes that hackers can exploit. Remove the old app, and you remove the loophole.

Use Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is an older Windows tool, but it’s still reliable. It can clear system files and cached data safely when used carefully. In Disk Cleanup, you can confidently delete Temporary files, Recycle Bin contents, System error memory dump files, and old Windows Update cleanup files. Temporary Internet Files and Downloaded Program Files are also safe to remove, as your browser will recreate what it needs.

To access this tool, search “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, and choose your main drive (usually C:) when prompted. Review the temporary file categories before removing them. Just read descriptions, and avoid deleting anything you might need for troubleshooting.

Manage large files effectively

Identify space-consuming files by looking for large video files, old software installers, or duplicate files that you no longer need. Move important large files to external storage or cloud services to free up local space while keeping them accessible.

Clear your browser cache and cookies

This one is a bit of a double-edged sword. Your cache and cookies make many web pages load faster. By storing images, preferences, and other info, cookies speed up load times. However, the data that cookies store can get bloated over time. If the disk space they use looks a little high to you, clean them out. You can do this in Windows by typing “Cookies” in your search bar or selecting “Delete browsing data” from your browser’s menu.

Note that this may remove any saved passwords stored in your browser. However, if you’re using a password manager, this isn’t a worry. The manager does the remembering for you.

Shut off startup apps

Windows runs several apps at startup, some of which you certainly need, such as antivirus software or online protection software. Other apps, however, might not be needed to run right away and just slow down startup.

To review your startup apps, type “Startup” in the Windows search bar or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click the Startup tab to see a list of apps and their impact on performance. Disable programs you don’t need immediately, but keep essential security software enabled. Focus on applications marked with “High” startup impact. 

Keep essential security software enabled at startup, and research unfamiliar programs before disabling them or just leave them alone.

Erase sensitive files from the recycle bin

You’d think that deleting files in the recycle bin erases them entirely. Not so. It only removes the “pointer” to those files, but the data remains on the drive. The only way to completely remove files is when something new overwrites them, which can take time.

To completely erase files with sensitive info, use a file shredder tool similar to that in McAfee+. Although this doesn’t necessarily improve performance, it helps prevent identity theft.

Update your operating system and drivers

Ensure optimal performance and security with the latest updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” For driver updates, visit Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates, or use Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it. Updated drivers improve hardware compatibility and can resolve performance issues.

Run a comprehensive security scan

If your PC feels abnormally slow, malware may be the real cause. Complete your cleanup by scanning for malware and other threats that may be causing the slowdown. Some threats run quietly in the background, consuming system resources and compromising privacy.

  • Use built-in Windows Security or trusted tools: Start with a quick scan, and follow up with a deeper scan if anything looks suspicious. This can remove hidden processes that slow down your system.
  • Avoid random “free cleaners”: Many of them bundle adware or unwanted programs. Stick to well-known security vendors and official sources.

Deep clean with a PC Optimizer

For a deeper clean, consider PC cleaning software such as McAfee PC Optimizer, designed to detect and clear out unnecessary files, manage startup apps, and even clean the registry at the press of a button. These cleaners usually come with customizable settings to suit your preferences. You can set automatic clean-ups at regular intervals, thus saving time, and freeing you from the hassle of remembering to run the cleanup.

To choose reliable and safe PC cleaning software, read reviews and understand what each feature does. Always use a trusted, reputable security software and avoid downloading PC cleaners from unknown sources, as some may contain malware.

Special considerations for SSD drives

If your PC uses a solid-state drive (SSD), avoid traditional defragmentation as it can reduce the drive’s lifespan without providing performance benefits. Windows automatically runs TRIM commands to instruct your SSD to delete data blocks that are no longer used. 

You can manually enable TRIM by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and running “fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0” to confirm it’s enabled. However, we do not recommend doing this. It’s best to let Windows handle optimization automatically. 

Windows registry: To clean or not to clean

The Windows registry is your computer’s central database, storing critical configuration settings for your operating system and installed programs. Registry cleaning is a misunderstood part of PC optimization. Many people think it’s essential, but modern Windows systems usually don’t benefit from it. In addition, today’s Windows versions manage registry complexity more effectively than older versions. 

Unlike clearing temporary files or uninstalling old apps, manual registry changes can have far-reaching consequences and serious issues if done incorrectly. A single incorrect change can prevent apps from opening or cause system instability. Unless you’re troubleshooting a specific issue, it’s safer to skip it.

A clean slate for you and your PC

Restart your computer after completing these steps to ensure all changes take effect properly. Regular maintenance every 3-6 months will help keep your PC running smoothly and securely.

Physically clean your computer

Another aspect of cleaning your PC to improve its performance entails physical cleanup, specifically dust removal. When dust builds up, your PC can’t cool itself properly, leading to slower speeds, louder fans, and random stuttering. Follow this quick guide:

  • Power down and disconnect everything: Turn off your computer entirely and unplug all cables before cleaning. This prevents electrical damage and keeps you safe during the cleaning process.
  • Discharge static electricity: Touch a grounded metal object or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling internal components. Static electricity can damage sensitive computer parts.
  • Use compressed air for dust removal: Blow out dust from vents, fans, and internal components using short bursts of compressed air. Hold the can upright and maintain a few inches of distance to avoid moisture buildup.
  • Support fan blades while cleaning: Gently hold fan blades in place when using compressed air to prevent them from spinning too fast, which can damage the motor or create electrical feedback.
  • Clean case vents and intake areas: Remove dust from all ventilation openings, especially intake fans and exhaust vents, which tend to accumulate dust.
  • Avoid liquids near electronics: Never use water, cleaning solutions, or damp cloths on internal components. If you must clean the exterior case, use slightly damp cloths only on plastic surfaces, avoiding all ports and openings.
  • Focus on heat-generating components: Pay special attention to the CPU cooler, graphics card fans, and power supply vents, as dust here directly impacts cooling performance.
  • Clean regularly for sustained performance: Dust-free systems run cooler and prevent thermal throttling, where your CPU or GPU reduces performance to avoid overheating. This keeps your computer running at optimal speed.
  • Know when to seek professional help: If you’re uncomfortable opening your computer case or notice excessive dust buildup in hard-to-reach areas, consider having a professional service perform a thorough cleaning.
  • Reassemble and test: Once you have completed the cleaning, reconnect all cables and secure the side panel. Power on your system and check that the CPU fan spins properly. Monitor temperatures during initial use to ensure adequate cooling.

Clean your PC to improve your game, somewhat

If you’re asking this question, you’re probably gaming — and yes, cleaning can help restore lost frames per second (FPS), but it won’t magically exceed your hardware’s capabilities. 

Dust buildup causes thermal throttling, which leads to frame drops and stuttering. Physical cleaning will reduce overheating, improve airflow, and help maintain stable frame rates.

Meanwhile, too many processes can consume CPU time and RAM, hindering your gaming experience. Trimming startup apps and closing unused background tools can improve gaming smoothness.

Remember, though, that cleaning won’t address your PC’s hardware limitations. If your GPU can’t handle your settings, no amount of cleanup will make it a high-end card. Cleaning keeps your current hardware running at its best.

Find the best PC cleaner

For most users, combining manual cleaning with reputable automated tools provides the best results. Quality PC optimizers can safely handle routine maintenance tasks, but it’s also important to choose trusted solutions that won’t cause more problems than they solve.

Make safe choices

The market offers both legitimate optimization software as well as potentially harmful programs that could compromise your system’s security and privacy. Red flags to watch for include solutions that:

  • Bundle adware or unwanted programs that install alongside the cleaner
  • Promise unrealistic performance gains through aggressive registry modifications
  • Exaggerate scan results, claiming thousands of “critical errors” to pressure you into purchasing
  • Request excessive system permissions beyond what’s needed for basic cleanup tasks
  • Lack of transparency about what files or settings will be modified

Choose trustworthy PC cleaning tools by:

  • Downloading only from official vendors and verified software repositories
  • Reading user reviews and expert evaluations from reputable technology publications
  • Verifying the software publisher’s reputation and track record in cybersecurity
  • Checking for clear privacy policies that explain data collection practices
  • Looking for tools that provide detailed cleanup reports before making changes
  • Considering integrated solutions that include PC optimization and protection capabilities for better compatibility and coordinated system management

    Consider hardware upgrades

    If you have done everything you can to clean your PC systemically and physically, and it is still running slow, it might be time to consider a hardware upgrade. Modern computers with sufficient RAM and processing power respond well to maintenance, while older systems may need hardware upgrades to see meaningful improvements. In this day and age, upgrading to 8GB or 16GB will likely deliver more dramatic performance improvements than any cleaning routine. 

    Similarly, switching from a traditional hard drive to an SSD provides speed boosts that far exceed what software optimization can do. For example, upgrading to an SSD can dramatically reduce boot times, while routine PC cleaning typically produces more modest improvements. The sweet spot for PC cleaning benefits occurs when you can balance adequate hardware and software accumulation. 

    Final thoughts

    Cleaning your PC is an essential part of maintaining its performance. While it might not drastically increase your PC’s speed, it contributes to overall efficiency, responsiveness, and longevity.

    The key to lasting results is establishing a consistent maintenance routine, whether it means weekly disk cleanups, monthly startup reviews, or quarterly deep cleans with trusted tools. Take note that it is best to approach PC cleaning carefully, deleting with discretion to avoid accidentally removing necessary files or applications. For those who aren’t comfortable doing it manually, reliable PC cleaning software like McAfee+ can simplify the process and save time.

    The post Does PC Cleaning Improve Performance? appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    The New Surveillance State Is You

    By: Andrew Couts
    Privacy may be dead, but civilians are turning conventional wisdom on its head by surveilling the cops as much as the cops surveil them.

    How To Tell If Your Smart TV Spying on You

    By: McAfee

    From their original design as simple broadcast receivers, today’s televisions have evolved into powerful, internet-connected entertainment hubs. Combining traditional viewing with online capabilities, smart TVs provide instant access to streaming platforms, web browsing, voice assistants, and personalized recommendations. 

    As our TVs have grown smarter, however, they’ve also become gateways to new privacy and security challenges. In a chilling echo of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, it’s possible that Big Brother, or in this case, Big Hacker, might be surveilling you through your own television.

    In 2013, evidence emerged that smart TVs can be just as vulnerable to hacking as home computers, following an investigation by security analysts Aaron Grattafiori and Josh Yavor at iSEC Partners. Working with smart TV manufacturers to address potential vulnerabilities, the analysts presented their findings at the Black Hat network security conference in Las Vegas. Their demonstration highlighted the concerning possibility of smart TVs not only physically surveilling you through the built-in camera but also prying deeper into your personal life by collecting data on your web searches, app usage, and preferences.

    Smart TV hacking entry points

    Smart TVs can be hacked in several ways, but the gateway that opens your smart TV to these attacks is the IP address, which links with internet-driven apps such as Facebook and YouTube, as well as video streaming services, microphones, and even internal cameras. Because smart TVs often run the same code as computers and smartphones, such as JavaScript or HTML5, they are also susceptible to malware and spyware attacks. These are some of the ways your device can be hacked:

    • Outdated firmware: When you don’t regularly update your TV’s software, you leave known security holes wide open for cybercriminals to enter. These updates often include security patches, but many users ignore update notifications.
    • Unsecure downloads or sideloads: When you download apps from unofficial sources or use older apps with poor security, you invite malware into your living room. Additionally, weak Wi-Fi settings at home create an opening for hackers to access not just your TV but your entire network.
    • Weak login habits: Using the may include background services you are unaware of, which allow criminals to access your smart TV once they’ve compromised your other accounts. Smart TVs could even have background services you might not know about, creating additional attack points.
    • Compromised physical connections: Infected HDMI devices or USB drives could introduce malware into your system. Once hackers gain access to your smart TV, they can use it to move through your home network and other connected devices.

    Spying beyond physical surveillance

    Once a hacker has compromised your smart TV, they can spy on you through several built-in technologies that collect data on your viewing habits, conversations, and online activities.

    • Automatic Content Recognition (ACR): This is a common spying method that analyzes audio or video snippets from your content. It then packages and sells this data to advertisers, who use it to create profiles of your entertainment preferences for customized advertising. 
    • Voice assistants and listening microphones: Many smart TVs include voice control features that activate when you say specific wake words. These microphones can capture private conversations, even when the TV is “off” and on standby mode. This data could be processed by third-party voice recognition services, creating potential eavesdropping risks.
    • Built-in or plug-in cameras: These enable video calling and gesture control features, but they also create opportunities for unauthorized surveillance and privacy vulnerabilities. Smart TVs with cameras could be accessed by hackers or malicious software.
    • App-level tracking and advertising IDs: Similar to smartphone apps, smart TV apps also collect data on your usage and preferences through unique advertising identifiers, which build comprehensive profiles for targeted marketing. Your Netflix viewing habits might influence ads you see on YouTube or other platforms.
    • Data sharing with third parties: TV manufacturers often share collected data with advertising networks, content providers, and data brokers to create extensive digital profiles. This information can include viewing schedules, app usage, voice recordings, and even household demographic insights.
    • Privacy settings: Most smart TVs offer settings to disable ACR, limit voice recording, and opt out of personalized advertising. Look for “Privacy,” “Viewing Data,” or “Interest-Based Advertising” options in your TV’s settings menu. However, these settings may reset after software updates.
    • Network behaviors: Your smart TV communicates with various servers, sending viewing data, software telemetry, and usage statistics even when you’re not actively using smart features. Router logs often show smart TVs making hundreds of network connections per day to advertising and analytics services.

    The key to managing these privacy risks is understanding what data your TV collects and taking control through privacy settings, network restrictions, and informed usage decisions. 

    Types of data that smart TVs collect

    • Viewing history, content preferences, and navigation patterns: Your smart TV tracks what shows, movies, and channels you watch, how long you view them, and when you pause or skip content. This data helps TV manufacturers and streaming app providers understand your entertainment preferences and suggest personalized content.
    • Device identifiers and technical data: Your TV collects unique device identifiers, IP addresses, Wi-Fi network information, and technical specifications. In turn, manufacturers use this data for device management, software updates, and to link your viewing activity across different sessions and devices.
    • Advertising IDs and marketing data: Smart TVs generate unique advertising identifiers that track your activity for targeted advertising. Third-party advertisers and data brokers use these IDs to build detailed profiles for marketing campaigns and to measure ad effectiveness across different platforms.
    • Voice recordings and search queries: Your voice commands or searches are recorded and processed by the manufacturer’s servers or third-party speech-recognition services to improve voice-recognition accuracy and deliver search results.
    • Geolocation and network information: Your smart TV can determine your approximate location through your IP address and Wi-Fi network details. This geographic data helps content providers offer region-specific programming and advertising.
    • Diagnostic and performance data: Smart TVs collect technical performance metrics, error logs, and usage statistics to help manufacturers and software partners identify issues, improve software performance, and develop new features. 

    Take control of your data

    Your smart TV data typically flows to multiple parties. It starts with the device manufacturer for product improvements, then to streaming app providers for content recommendations, on to advertising networks for targeted marketing, and analytics companies for usage insights. Recent regulatory guidance emphasizes that you should have clear visibility into these data-sharing relationships through your TV’s privacy policy.

    You can limit data collection by disabling Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) in your TV’s privacy settings, turning off personalized advertising, and regularly reviewing app permissions. Consumer protection agencies require smart TV manufacturers to provide opt-out mechanisms for advertising personalization and data sharing with third parties.

    Stop the spying

    Fortunately, you can significantly reduce your smart TV risks with some simple preventive measures:

    1. Check your TV’s privacy and ACR settings: Navigate to your smart TV’s settings menu and look for privacy, data collection, or “Automatic Content Recognition” (ACR) options, and disable or limit that function to prevent the tracking of your viewing behaviors and preferences. 
    2. Review consent prompts after software updates. When you see pop-ups asking for consent to new terms, take a moment to read what you’re agreeing to. You can often decline optional data sharing while keeping essential functionality. 
    3. Monitor your ad personalization settings: Look for advertising or marketing preferences in your settings menu, and opt out of personalized advertising to reduce the data collected about your viewing patterns.
    4. Audit app permissions and microphone access: Smart TV apps may request access to features such as your microphone, camera, or network information. Review which apps have these permissions. Voice assistants and video calling apps may need microphone access, but streaming apps typically don’t require these sensitive permissions.
    5. Monitor network activity: Check your router’s device list to see if your smart TV is unusually chatty with unknown servers. Many modern routers also offer parental controls or privacy features that can limit your TV’s internet access to only essential functions.
    6. Perform security audits on major platforms: Roku, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, and Android TV each offer basic privacy controls in their main settings. Look for “Privacy,” “Ads,” “Data Collection,” or “Viewing Information” to take control regardless of your TV model.
    7. Check for physical indicators and hardware controls: Many newer smart TV models don’t include cameras, but if yours does, you’ll often find a physical privacy shutter or the ability to disable it in settings. For voice features, look for microphone mute buttons on your remote or TV itself.
    8. Stay updated: Ensure your apps are updated regularly to maintain the security of your TV and its apps. The digital world is full of bugs waiting for a chance to invade your device, so don’t let outdated apps provide them the perfect entry point. 
    9. Use social media sparingly: Social media sites are notorious hunting grounds for identity thieves. Restrict the use of these apps to your computer, smartphone, or tablet, and ensure they have comprehensive security protection to guard your devices, identity, and data.

    Standby versus fully off

    Most smart TVs don’t fully turn off when you press the power button; they enter standby mode to enable quick startup. In this state, certain components may remain active and continue collecting data. It might maintain network connectivity to receive software updates, keep microphones and voice assistants ready to respond to wake words, or continue ACR that tracks your viewing habits.

    To truly disconnect your TV from potential monitoring, you have several options:

    1. Look for a physical mute switch on your remote or TV for the microphone. This provides a hardware-level disconnect that software can’t override.
    2. You can unplug your TV entirely when not in use or connect it to a power strip that you can easily switch off to cut all power.
    3. For a more permanent solution, dive into your TV’s privacy settings to disable ACR tracking, turn off voice activation features, and restrict background data collection. 
    4. You can also disconnect your TV from Wi-Fi entirely if you primarily use external streaming devices, which gives you more control over what data gets shared.

    FAQs about Smart TVs

    Do all smart TVs have cameras?

    It depends on your specific smart TV model and its manufacturing date. Most modern smart TVs manufactured after 2022 do not include built-in cameras. Major manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL have largely moved away from integrating cameras directly into their television sets due to privacy concerns and limited consumer adoption. 

    Some premium models and older smart TVs from 2018-2021 may still feature built-in cameras designed typically used for:

    • Video calling: Apps such as Zoom or Google Meet allow you to make calls from your TV
    • Gesture control: Hand movements enable you to navigate menus and control functions 
    • Facial recognition: Based on who is watching, smart TVs can personalize content recommendations
    • Voice assistant integration: Some cameras work with microphones to enhance smart assistant features

    If your smart TV does have a camera, you still have control, as most smart TVs with cameras include physical privacy shutters, software controls to disable the camera, or the option to cover the lens. For external USB cameras, simply unplugging it ensures that no one can see you through the smart TV.

    How do I know if my smart TV has a camera?

    To determine if your smart TV has a camera, check the following:

    1. The physical TV: Check the top, bottom, and side edges of your TV screen for a small circular lens, typically about the size of a coin. Built-in cameras are typically small lenses located on the top bezel or may retract into the frame. 
    2. Quick detection test: In a dimly lit room, shine a flashlight across your TV’s bezel while looking for reflective surfaces. Camera lenses will reflect light differently than the surrounding plastic, appearing as small, glassy circles that catch and reflect the light beam.
    3. Camera shutter or privacy cover: TVs with built-in cameras often include a sliding privacy shutter or removable cover. Look for a small plastic piece that can slide over the camera lens area, or a hinged cover that flips up and down.
    4. User manual: Your manual will clearly list the camera functionality if it is present. You can also find detailed specs on the product packaging. Look for terms such as “built-in camera,” “video calling,” or “gesture control” in the feature list.
    5. Manufacturer’s website: Visit your TV manufacturer’s official support page and enter your exact model number. The detailed product specifications should confirm whether your model includes camera hardware.
    6. Camera-related settings: Go to your smart TV’s main settings menu and look for sections labeled “Camera,” “Privacy,” “Microphone,” or “Gesture Control.” If these options exist, your TV likely has camera capability. Many TV models from 2023 include dedicated privacy toggles that let you fully disable camera functions.

    If you discover your smart TV has a camera, you can take control of your privacy by disabling it in your TV’s settings, covering it with tape when not in use, or using any built-in privacy shutters.

    How can I disable or manage my smart TV camera?

    Aside from the precautions listed above, there are other ways you can disable your smart TV’s camera:

    • Privacy settings: Navigate to your smart TV’s Settings menu, then look for “Privacy,” “Security,” or “Camera” options. Most modern TVs group these controls together to limit the data your device collects and shares.
    • Specific apps: Review which apps have camera permissions by going to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions. Turn off camera access for apps that don’t need it, like streaming services or games. Video calling apps will need camera access to function properly.
    • Gesture and voice control: Disable motion-sensing and voice-recognition features in your TV’s accessibility or interaction settings, as these features often require the camera and microphone to be active.
    • System update resets: Smart TV updates can sometimes reset your privacy settings to defaults. After each update, take a few minutes to verify your camera and microphone settings remain off as you configured them.
    • Network-level protection: For tech-savvy users, consider setting up router-level controls to monitor or restrict your smart TV’s internet connections. Some routers allow you to block specific domains or limit device communication, adding another layer of control over what data your TV can share.
    • Automatic security updates: Keep your smart TV’s firmware up to date by enabling automatic updates. Manufacturers regularly release security patches that address vulnerabilities to protect you from potential threats.
    • Dedicated guest network: Consider connecting your smart TV to a separate Wi-Fi network from your main devices. This limits potential access to other connected devices in your home if your TV’s security is ever compromised.

    Final thoughts

    If the thought of your living room turning into a hacker’s surveillance paradise sends a chill down your spine, you’re not alone. Fortunately, you can take some protective measures that keep your smart TV safe.

    One of the best ways to protect yourself is to stay informed about the latest developments in smart TV security. Attend webinars, read articles, and follow experts in the field to stay current with the latest security threats and fixes. 

    Just as importantly, small but effective digital habits will also fortify your smart TV security: keep your TV’s firmware updated, stick to official app stores, secure your home Wi-Fi with strong encryption, use unique passwords for your devices, limit the use of social media and messaging apps on your TV, and be cautious about what you plug into your TV’s ports. 

    By following these recommendations, you can continue to relax in your living room and enjoy your digital entertainment experience without compromising your privacy and security.

    The post How To Tell If Your Smart TV Spying on You appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    The Age of the All-Access AI Agent Is Here

    By: Matt Burgess
    Big AI companies courted controversy by scraping wide swaths of the public internet. With the rise of AI agents, the next data grab is far more private.

    NYPD Sued Over Possible Records Collected Through Muslim Spying Program

    By: Ali Winston
    The New York Police Department's “mosque-raking” program targeted Muslim communities across NYC. Now, as the city's first Muslim mayor takes office, one man is fighting—again—to fully expose it.

    This Year in Scams: A 2025 Retrospective, and a Look Ahead at 2026

    By: McAfee
    The Top Scams of 2025

    They came by phone, by text, by email, and they even weaseled their way into people’s love lives—an entire host of scams that we covered here in our blogs throughout the year.

    Today, we look back, picking five noteworthy scams that firmly established new trends, along with one in particular that gives us a hint at the face of scams to come.

    Let’s start it off with one scam that pinged plenty of phones over the spring and summer: those toll road texts.

    1 – The Texts That Jammed Everyone’s Phones: The Toll Road Scam

    It was the hot new scam of 2025 that increased by 900% in one year: the toll road scam.

    There’s a good chance you got a few of these this year,scam texts that say you have an unpaid tab for tolls and that you need to pay right away. And as always, they come with a handy link where you can pay up and avoid that threat of a “late fee.”

     

    Of course, links like those took people to phishing sites where people gave scammers their payment info, which led to fraudulent charges on their cards. In some instances, the scammers took it a step further by asking for driver’s license and Social Security numbers, key pieces of info for big-time identity theft.

    Who knows what the hot new text scam for 2026 will be, yet here are several ways you can stop text scams in their tracks, no matter what form they take:

    How Can I Stop Text Scams?

    Don’t click on any links in unexpected texts (or respond to them, either). Scammers want you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and check it out.

    Check to see if the text is legit. Reach out to the company that apparently contacted you using a phone number or website you know is real—not the info from the text.

    Get our Scam Detector. It automatically detects scams by scanning URLs in your text messages. If you accidentally tap or click? Don’t worry, it blocks risky sites if you follow a suspicious link.

    2 – Romancing the Bot: AI Chatbots and Images Finagle Their Way Into Romance Scams

    It started with a DM. And a few months later, it cost her $1,200.

    Earlier this year, we brought you the story of 25-year-old computer programmer Maggie K. who fell for a romance scam on Instagram. Her story played out like so many. When she and her online boyfriend finally agreed to meet in person, he claimed he missed his flight and needed money to rebook. Desperate to finally see him, she sent the money and never heard from him again.

    But here’s the twist—he wasn’t real in the first place.

    When she reported the scam to police, they determined his images were all made with AI. In Maggie’s words, “That was the scariest part—I had trusted someone who never even existed.”

    Maggie isn’t alone. Our own research earlier this year revealed that more than half (52%) of people have been scammed out of money or pressured to send money or gifts by someone they met online.

    Moreover, we found that scammers have fueled those figures with the use of AI. Of people we surveyed, more than 1 in 4 (26%) said they—or someone they know—have been approached by an AI chatbot posing as a real person on a dating app or social media.

    We expect this trend will only continue, as AI tools make it easier and more efficient to pull off romance scams on an increasingly larger scale.

    Even so, the guidelines for avoiding romance scams remain the same:

    • Never send money to someone you’ve never met in person.
    • Things move too fast, too soon—like when the other person starts talking about love almost right away.
    • They say they live far away and can’t meet in person because they live abroad, all part of a scammers story that they’re there for charity or military service.
    • Look out for stories of urgent financial need, such as sudden emergencies or requests for help with travel expenses to meet you.
    • Also watch out for people who ask for payment in gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or other forms of payment that are tough to recover. That’s a sign of a scam.

    3 – Paying to Get Paid: The New Job Scam That Raked in Millions

    The job offer sounds simple enough … go online, review products, like videos, or do otherwise simple tasks and get paid doing it—until it’s time to get paid.

    It’s a new breed of job scam that took root this spring, one where victims found themselves “paying to get paid.”

    The FTC dubbed these scams as “gamified job scams” or “task scams.” Given the way these scams work, the naming fits.

    It starts with a text or direct message from a “recruiter” offering work with the promise of making good money by “liking” or “rating” sets of videos or product images in an app, all with the vague purpose of “product optimization.” With each click, you earn a “commission” and see your “earnings” rack up in the app. You might even get a payout, somewhere between $5 and $20, just to earn your trust.

    Then comes the hook.

    Like a video game, the scammer sweetens the deal by saying the next batch of work can “level up” your earnings. But if you want to claim your “earnings” and book more work, you need to pay up. So you make the deposit, complete the task set, and when you try to get your pay the scammer and your money are gone. It was all fake.

    This scam and others like it fall right in line with McAfee data that uncovered a spike in job-related scams of 1,000% between May and July,which undoubtedly built on 2024’s record-setting job scam losses of $501 million.

    Whatever form they take, here’s how you can avoid job scams:

    Step one—ignore job offers over text and social media

    A proper recruiter will reach out to you by email or via a job networking site. Moreover, per the FTC, any job that pays you to “like” or “rate” content is against the law. That alone says it’s a scam.

    Step two—look up the company

    In the case of job offers in general, look up the company. Check out their background and see if it matches up with the job they’re pitching. In the U.S., The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers a list of businesses you can search.

    Step three—never pay to start a job.

    Any case where you’re asked to pay to up front, with any form of payment, refuse, whether that’s for “training,” “equipment,” or more work. It’s a sign of a scam.

    4 – Seeing is Believing is Out the Window: The Al Roker Deepfake Scam

    Prince Harry, Taylor Swift, and now the Today show’s Al Roker, too, they’ve all found themselves as the AI-generated spokesperson for deepfake scams.

    In the past, a deepfake Prince Harry pushed bogus investments, while another deepfake of Taylor Swift hawked a phony cookware deal. Then, this spring, a deepfake of Al Roker used his image and voice to promote a bogus hypertension cure—claiming, falsely, that he had suffered “a couple of heart attacks.”

     

    The fabricated clip appeared on Facebook, which appeared convincing enough to fool plenty of people, including some of Roker’s own friends. “I’ve had some celebrity friends call because their parents got taken in by it,” said Roker.

    While Meta quickly removed the video from Facebook after being contacted by TODAY, the damage was done. The incident highlights a growing concern in the digital age: how easy it is to create—and believe—convincing deepfakes.

    Roker put it plainly, “We used to say, ‘Seeing is believing.’ Well, that’s kind of out the window now.”

    In all, this stands as a good reminder to be skeptical of celebrity endorsements on social media. If public figure fronts an apparent deal for an investment, cookware, or a hypertension “cure” in your feed, think twice. And better yet, let our Scam Detector help you spot what’s real and what’s fake out there.

    5 – September 2025: The First Agentic AI Attack Spotted in The Wild

    And to close things out, a look at some recent news, which also serves as a look ahead.

    Last September, researchers spotted something unseen before:a cyberattack almost entirely run by agentic AI.

    What is Agentic AI?

    Definition: Artificial intelligence systems that can independently plan, make decisions, and work toward specific goals with minimal human intervention; in this way, it executes complex tasks by adapting to new info and situations on its own.

    Reported by AI researcher Anthropic, a Chinese state-sponsored group allegedly used the company’s Claude Code agent to automate most of an espionage campaign across nearly thirty organizations. Attackers allegedly bypassed guardrails that typically prevent such malicious use with jailbreaking techniques, which broke down their attacks into small, seemingly innocent tasks. That way, Claude orchestrated a large-scale attack it wouldn’t otherwise execute.

    Once operational, the agent performed reconnaissance, wrote exploit code, harvested credentials, identified high-value databases, created backdoors, and generated documentation of the intrusion. By Anthropic’s estimate, they completed 80–90% of the work without any human involvement.

    According to Anthropic: “At the peak of its attack, the AI made thousands of requests, often multiple per second—an attack speed that would have been, for human hackers, simply impossible to match.”

    We knew this moment was coming, and now the time has arrived: what once took weeks of human effort to execute a coordinated attack now boils down to minutes as agentic AI does the work on someone’s behalf.

    In 2026, we can expect to see more attacks led by agentic AI, along with AI-led scams as well, which raises an important question that Anthropic answers head-on:

    If AI models can be misused for cyberattacks at this scale, why continue to develop and release them? The answer is that the very abilities that allow Claude to be used in these attacks also make it crucial for cyber defense. When sophisticated cyberattacks inevitably occur, our goal is for Claude—into which we’ve built strong safeguards—to assist cybersecurity professionals to detect, disrupt, and prepare for future versions of the attack.

    That gets to the heart of security online: it’s an ever-evolving game. As new technologies arise, those who protect and those who harm one-up each other in a cycle of innovation and exploits. As we’re on the side of innovation here, you can be sure we’ll continue to roll out protections that keep you safer out there. Even as AI changes the game, our commitment remains the same.

    Happy Holidays!

    We’re taking a little holiday break here and we’ll be back with our weekly roundups again in 2026. Looking forward to catching up with you then and helping you stay safer in the new year.

    The post This Year in Scams: A 2025 Retrospective, and a Look Ahead at 2026 appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    ICE Seeks Cyber Upgrade to Better Surveil and Investigate Its Employees

    By: Dell Cameron
    The agency plans to renew a sweeping cybersecurity contract that includes expanded employee monitoring as the government escalates leak investigations and casts internal dissent as a threat.

    How To Spot Health Insurance Scams This Open Enrollment Season

    By: McAfee

    If you’re in the market for insurance right now, keep an eye out for scammers in the mix. They’re out in full force once again this open enrollment season.

    As people across the U.S. sign up for, renew, or change their health insurance plans, scammers want to cash in as people rush to get their coverage set. And scammers have several factors working in their favor.

    For starters, many people find the insurance marketplace confusing, frustrating, and even intimidating, all feelings that scammers can take advantage of. Moreover, concerns about getting the right level of coverage at an affordable price also play into the hands of scammers.

    Amidst all this uncertainty and time pressure, health insurance scams crop up online. Whether under the guise of helping people navigate the complex landscape or by offering seemingly low-cost quotes, scammers prey on insurance seekers by stealing their personal information, Social Security numbers, and money.

    According to the FBI, health insurance scams cost families millions each year. In some cases, the costs are up front. People pay for fraudulent insurance and have their personal info stolen. And for many, the follow-on costs are far worse, where victims go in for emergency care and find that their treatment isn’t covered—leaving them with a hefty bill.

    Like so many of the scams we cover here in our blogs, you can spot health insurance scams relatively quickly once you get to know their ins and outs.

    What Kind Of Health Insurance Scams Are Out There Right Now?

    Here’s how some of those scams can play out.

    The Phishing Strategy

    Some are “one and done scams” where the scammer promises a policy or service and then disappears after stealing money and personal info—much like an online shopping scam. It’s a quick and dirty hit where scammers quickly get what they want by reaching victims the usual ways, such as through texts, emails, paid search results, and social media. In the end, victims end up on a phishing site where they think they’re locking in a good deal but handing over their info to scammers instead.

    The Long Con

    Other scams play a long con game, milking victims for thousands and thousands of dollars over time. The following complaint lodged by one victim in Washington state provides a typical example:

    A man purchased a plan to cover himself, his wife, and his two children, only to learn there was no coverage. He was sold a second policy, with the same result, and offered a refund if he purchased a third policy. When he filed a complaint, his family still had no coverage, and he was seeking a refund for more than $20,000 and reimbursement for $55,000 in treatments and prescriptions he’d paid out of pocket.

    Scams like these are known as ghost broker scams where scammers pose as insurance brokers who take insurance premiums and pocket the money, leaving victims thinking they have coverage when they don’t. In some cases, scammers initially apply for a genuine policy with a legitimate carrier, only to cancel it later, while still taking premiums from the victim as their “broker.” Many victims only find out that they got scammed when they attempt to file a claim.

    The “Fake” Cancellation Scam

    Another type of scam comes in the form of policy cancellation scams. These work like any number of other account-based scams, where a scammer pretends to be a customer service rep at a bank, utility, or credit card company. In the insurance version of it, scammers email, text, or call with some bad news—the person’s policy is about to get cancelled. Yet not to worry, the victim can keep the policy active they hand over some personal and financial info. It’s just one more way that scammers use urgency and fear to steal to commit identity theft and fraud.

    What Are The Signs Of A Health Insurance Scam?

    As said, health insurance scams become relatively easy to spot once you know the tricks that scammers use. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers up its list of the ones they typically use the most:

    1)Someone says they’re from the government and need money or your personal info.Government agencies don’t call people out of the blue to ask them for money or personal info. No one from the government will ask you to verify your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number, and they won’t ask you to wire money or pay by gift card or cryptocurrency.

    If you have a question about Health Insurance Marketplace®, contact the government directly at: HealthCare.gov or 1-800-318-2596

    2) Someone tries to sell you a medical discount plan. Legitimate medical discount plans differ from health insurance. They supplement it. In that way, they don’t pay for any of your medical expenses. Rather, they’re membership programs where you pay a recurring fee for access to a network of providers who offer their services at pre-negotiated, reduced rates. The FTC strongly advises thorough research before participating in one, as some take people’s money and offer very little in return. Call your caregiver and see if they really participate in the program and in what way. And always review the details of any medical discount plan in writing before you sign up.

    3) Someone wants your sensitive personal info in exchange for a price quote. The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) official government site is HealthCare.gov. It lets you compare prices on health insurance plans, check your eligibility for healthcare subsidies, and begin enrollment. But HealthCare.gov will only ask for your monthly income and your age to give you a price quote. Never enter personal financial info like your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number to get a quote for health insurance.

    4) Someone wants money to help you navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace. The people who offer legitimate help with the Health Insurance Marketplace (sometimes called Navigators or Assisters) are not allowed to charge you and won’t ask you for personal or financial info. If they ask for money, it’s a scam. Go to HealthCare.govand click “Find Local Help” to learn more.

    How to Avoid Health Insurance Scams

    1)For health insurance, visit a trusted source like HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace. Doing so helps guarantee that you’ll get the kind of fully compliant coverage you want.

    2) Make sure the insurance covers you in your state. Not every insurer is licensed to operate in your state. Double-check that the one you’re dealing with is. A good place to start is to visit the site for your state’s insurance commission. It should have resources that let you look up the insurance companies, agents, and brokers in your state.

    3) For any insurance, research the company offering it. Run a search with the company name and add “scam” or “fraud” to it. See if any relevant news or complaints show up. And if the plan you’re being offered sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

    4) Watch out for high-pressure sales. Don’t pay anything up front and be cautious if a company is forcing you to make quick decisions.

    5) Guard your personal info. Never share your personal info, account details, or Social Security number over text or email. Make sure you’re really working with a legitimate company and that you submit any info through a secure submissions process.

    6) Block bad links to phishing sites. Many insurance scams rely on phishing sites to steal personal info. A  combination of our Web Protection and Scam Detector can steer you clear of them. They’ll alert you if a link might take you to one. It’ll also block those sites if you accidentally tap or click on a bad link.

    7) Monitor your identity and credit. In some health insurance scams, your personal info winds up in wrong hands, which can lead to identity fraud and theft. And the problem is that you only find out once the damage is done. Actively monitoring your identity and credit can spot a problem before it becomes an even bigger one. You can take care of both easily with our identity monitoring and credit monitoring.

    Additionally, our identity theft coverage can help if the unexpected happens with up to $2 million in identity theft coverage and identity restoration support if determined you’re a victim of identity theft.​

    You’ll find these protections and more in McAfee+.

    The post How To Spot Health Insurance Scams This Open Enrollment Season appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    Border Patrol Bets on Small Drones to Expand US Surveillance Reach

    By: Dell Cameron
    Federal records show CBP is moving from testing small drones to making them standard surveillance tools, expanding a network that can follow activity in real time and extend well beyond the border.

    Why “Strong Passwords” Aren’t Enough Anymore—and What to Do Instead

    By: McAfee

    Imagine a day where you didn’t have to juggle passwords.

    No more sticky notes. No more notebooks with dozens of passwords scribbled in, crossed out, and scribbled in again. No more forgetting and resetting. No more typing them in all the time.

    And even better, imagine secure accounts, likely even more secure than you could keep them on your own.

    That’s the power of a password manager in your life.

    A password manager does the work of creating strong, unique passwords for each and every one of your accounts. And considering the hundred or so accounts you have, that’s something that would take plenty of time if you did all that work on your own.

    In all, a password manager can turn the pain of juggling passwords into a real comfort.

    What’s a bad password?

    Before we get into how a password manager can make your life easier while making your accounts more secure, let’s look at what makes up a bad password. Here are a few examples:

    Obvious passwords: Password-cracking programs start by entering a list of common (and arguably lazy) passwords. These may include the simple “password” or “1234567”. Others include common keyboard paths like “qwerty.” Even longer keyboard paths like “qwertyuiop” are well known to hackers and their tools as well. 

    Dictionary words: Hacking tools also look for common dictionary words strung together, which helps them crack longer passwords in chunks. The same goes for passwords that contain the name of the app or service in them. These are “no brainer” words found in passwords that make passwords even easier to crack.

    Repeated passwords: You may think you have such an unbreakable password that you want to use it for all your accounts. However, this means that if hackers compromise one of your accounts, all your other accounts are vulnerable. This is a favorite tactic of hackers. They’ll target less secure accounts and services and then attempt to re-use those credentials on more secure services like online bank and credit card companies. 

    Personal information passwords: Passwords that include your birthday, dog’s name, or nickname leave you open to attack. While they’re easy for you to remember, they’re also easy for a hacker to discover—such as with a quick trip to your social media profile, particularly if it is not set to private.

    If any of the above sounds familiar, you’ll want to replace any of your bad passwords with strong ones.

    What’s a good password?

    We can point to three things that make up a strong password, which makes it difficult to hack.

    Your password is:

    Long: A longer password is potentially a stronger password when it comes to a “brute force” attack, where a hacker uses an automated trial-and-error system to break it. For example, an eight-character password using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols can get hacked in minutes. Kick it up to 16 characters and it becomes incredibly more difficult to break—provided it doesn’t rely on common words or phrases. McAfee can help you generate a strong password, for stronger security with our random password generator.

    Complex: To increase the security of your password, it should have a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers like mentioned above.

    Unique: Every one of your accounts should have its own password.

    Now, apply this to the hundred or so accounts you keep and creating strong passwords for all of them really does call for a lot of work.

    Should I use a password manager?

    Given its ease of use and the big security boost it gives you and all your accounts, the answer is yes.

    A password manager does the work of creating strong, unique passwords for your accounts. These will take the form of a string of random numbers, letters, and characters. They won’t be memorable, but the manager does the memorizing for you. You only need to remember a single password to access the tools of your manager.

    A strong password manager also stores your passwords securely. Our password manager protects your passwords by scrambling them with AES-256, one of the strongest encryption algorithms available. Only you can decrypt and access your info with the factors you choose. Additionally, our password manager uses multi-factor authentication (MFA), so you’ll be verified by at least two factors before being signed in.

    Aside from the comfort of convenience a password manager can give you, it gives you another level of assurance—extra protection in an age of data breaches, because you’ll have unique passwords where one compromise won’t lead to others.

    And whether or not you go with a password manager to create those strong and unique passwords, make sure you use MFA on every account that offers it. MFA offers another layer of protection by adding another factor into the login process, such as something you own like a text to your phone or notification to an authentication app. That way if a hacker has your password, they’ll still be locked out of your account because they lack that MFA code.

    One more smart move: delete your old accounts

    In some cases, you really don’t need some of your old accounts and the passwords that come along with them. Maybe they’re old and unused. Or maybe they were for a one-time purchase at an online store you won’t visit again. Deleting these accounts is a smart move because they’re yet more places where your personal info is stored—and subject to a data breach.

    Our Online Account Cleanup can help, which you can find in all our McAfee+ plans. It scans for accounts in your name, gives you a full list, and shows you which types of accounts might be riskier than others. From there you can decide which ones you want to delete, along with the personal info linked to them. In our McAfee+ Ultimate plans, you get full-service Online Account Cleanup, which sends the data deletion requests for you.

    Between this and a password manager, you’ll have one less thing to juggle—your passwords, and one less thing to worry about—if they’re secure from hackers.

    The post Why “Strong Passwords” Aren’t Enough Anymore—and What to Do Instead appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    AI Toys for Kids Talk About Sex, Drugs, and Chinese Propaganda

    By: Lily Hay Newman， Matt Burgess
    Plus: Travelers to the US may have to hand over five years of social media history, South Korean CEOs are resigning due to cyberattacks, and more.

    This Week in Scams: Petco Breach Warning, and Watch Out for Fake Federal Calls

    By: McAfee
    A dog in a sweater on a walk.

    Pets, poisoned AI search results, and a phone call that sounds like it’s coming straight from the federal government, this week’s scams don’t have much in common except one thing: they’re getting harder to spot.

    In today’s edition of This Week in Scams, we’re breaking down the biggest security lapses and the tactics scammers used to exploit them, and what you can do to stay ahead of the latest threats.

    Two data security lapses discovered at Petco in one week put pet parents at risk

    If you’re a Petco customer, you’ll want to know about not one but two data security lapses in the past week.

    First, as reported by TechCrunch on Monday, Petco followed Texas data privacy laws by filing a data breach with the attorney general’s office. In that filing, Petco reported that the affected data included names, Social Security numbers, and driver’s license numbers. Further info including account numbers, credit and debit card numbers, and dates of birth were also mentioned in the filing.

    Also according to Techcrunch, the company filed similar notices in California and Massachusetts.

    To date, Petco has not made a comment about the size of the breach and the number of people affected.

    Different states have different policies for reporting data breaches. In some cases, that helps us put a figure to the size of the breach, as some states require companies to disclose the total number of people caught up in the breach. That’s not the case here, so the full scope of the attack remains in question, at least for right now.

    As of Thursday, we know Petco reported that 329 Texans were affected along with seven Massachusetts residents, per the respective reports filed. California’s report does not contain the number of Californians affected, yet laws in that state require businesses to report breaches that affect 500 or more people, so at least 500 people were affected there.

    Below you can see the form letter Petco sent to affected Californians in accordance with California’s data privacy laws:

    Copy of the form letter posted on the California Attorney General’s Website
    Copy of the form letter posted on the California Attorney General’s Website

     

    In it, you can see that Petco discovered that “a setting within one of our software applications … inadvertently allowed certain files to become accessible online.” Further, Petco said that it “immediately took steps to correct the issue and to remove the files from further online access,” and that it “corrected” the setting and implemented unspecified “additional security measures.”

    So while no foul play appears to have been behind the breach, it’s still no less risky and concerning for Petco’s customers. We’ll cover what you can do about that in a moment after we cover yet another data issue at Petco through its Vetco clinics.

    Also within the same timeframe, yet more research and reporting from Techcrunch uncovered a second security lapse that exposed personal info online. From their article:

    “TechCrunch identified a vulnerability in how Vetco’s website generates copies of PDF documents for its customers.

    “Vetco’s customer portal, located at petpass.com, allows customers to log in and obtain veterinary records and other documents relating to their pet’s care. But TechCrunch found that the PDF generating page on Vetco’s website was public and not protected with a password.

    “As such, it was possible for anyone on the internet to access sensitive customer files directly from Vetco’s servers by modifying the web address to input a customer’s unique identification number. Vetco customer numbers are sequential, which means one could access other customers’ data simply by changing a customer number by one or two digits.”

    What to do if you think you had info stolen in the Petco breach

    With the size and reach of the Petco breach still unknown, and the impact of the Vetco security lapse also unknown, we advise caution for all Petco customers. At minimum, monitor transactions and keep an eye on your credit report for any suspicious activity. And it’s always a good time to update a weak password.

    For those who received a notification, we advise the following:

    Check your credit, consider a security freeze, and get ID theft protection. You can get all three working for you with McAfee+ Advanced or McAfee+ Ultimate.

    Monitor transactions across your accounts, also available in McAfee+ Advanced and Ultimate.

    Keep an eye out for phishing attacks. Use our Scam Detector to spot any follow-on attacks.

    Update your passwords. Strong and unique passwords are best. Our password manager can help you create and store them securely.

    And use two-factor authentication on all your accounts. Enabling two-factor authentication provides an added layer of security.

    Image Credit: Federal Register
    Image Credit: Federal Register

     

    What to do if your Social Security number was breached.

    If you think your Social Security number was caught up in the breach, act quickly.

    1. First, contact one of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit report.
    2. That will cover all three bureaus and make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. You can also quickly freeze your credit altogether with McAfee+ Ultimate.
    3. Also notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) along with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and file a police report immediately if you believe your number is being misused.

    The call center number that connects you to … scammers?

    You might want to be careful when searching for customer service numbers while in AI mode. Or with an AI search engine. It could connect you to a scammer.

    From The Times comes reports of scammers manipulating the AI in platforms like Google and Perplexity so that their search results return scam numbers instead of a proper customer service numbers for, say, British Airways.

    How do they manipulate those results? By spamming the internet with false info that gets picked up and then amplified by AI.

    “[S]cammers have started seeding fake call center numbers on the web so the AI is tricked into thinking it is genuine …

    “Criminals have set up YouTube channels with videos claiming to help with customer support, which are packed with airline brand names and scam numbers designed to be scraped and reused by the AI.

    “Bot-generated reviews on Yelp or video descriptions on YouTube are filled with fraudulent numbers as are airline and travel web forums.”

    And with these tactics, scammers could poison the results for just about any organization, business, or brand. Not just airlines. Per The Times, “The scammers have also hijacked government sites, university domains, and even fitness sites to place scam numbers, which fools the AI into thinking they are genuine.”

    This reveals a current limitation with many AI platforms. Largely they can’t distinguish when people deliberately feed them bad info, as seen in the case here.

    Yet even as this attack is new, our advice remains the same: any time you want to ring up a customer service line, get the number directly from the company’s official website. Not from AI search and not by clicking a paid search result that shows up first (scammers can poison them too).

    Is that a call from an FTC “agent?” If so, it’s a scam.

    Are you under investigation for money laundering? Of course not. But this scam wants you to think so—and to pay up.

    On Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a consumer alert warning that people are reporting getting unexpected calls from someone saying they’re “FTC agent” John Krebs. Apparently “Agent Krebs” is telling people that they’re under investigation for money laundering—and that a deposit to a Bitcoin ATM can resolve the matter.

    Of course, it’s a scam.

    For starters, the FTC doesn’t have “agents.” And the idea of clearing one’s name in an investigation with a Bitcoin payment is a sure-fire sign of a scam. Lastly, any time someone asks for payment with Bitcoin or other payment methods that are near-impossible to recover (think wire transfers and gift cards), those are big red flags.

    Apart from hanging up and holding on to your money, the FTC offers the following guidance, which holds true for any scam call:

    • Never transfer or send money to anyone in response to an unexpected call or message, no matter who they say they are.
    • Know that the FTC won’t ask for money. In fact, no government agency will ever tell you to deposit money at a cryptocurrency ATM, buy gift cards and share the numbers, or send money over a payment app like Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo.
    • Don’t trust your caller ID. A call might look like it’s coming from the government or a business, but scammers often fake caller ID.

    And we close things out a quick roundup …

    As always, here’s a quick list of a few stories that caught our eye this week:

    AI tools transform Christmas shopping as people turn to chatbots

    National cybercrime network operating for 14 years dismantled in Indonesia

    Why is AI becoming the go-to support for our children’s mental health?

    We’ll see you next Friday with a special edition to close out 2025 … This Year in Scams.

    The post This Week in Scams: Petco Breach Warning, and Watch Out for Fake Federal Calls appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    Warnings Mount in Congress Over Expanded US Wiretap Powers

    By: Dell Cameron
    Experts tell US lawmakers that a crucial spy program’s safeguards are failing, allowing intel agencies deeper, unconstrained access to Americans’ data.

    Doxers Posing as Cops Are Tricking Big Tech Firms Into Sharing People’s Private Data

    By: David Gilbert
    A spoofed email address and an easily faked document is all it takes for major tech companies to hand over your most personal information.

    Think That Party Invite Is Real? Fake E-Vite Scams Are the New Phishing Trap

    By: Brooke Seipel

    It looks harmless enough.

    A digital party invitation lands in your inbox or phone. You click to see the details. Then it asks you to log in or create an account before revealing the event. 

    That’s where the scam begins. 

    Fake e-vite phishing scams are on the rise, and they take advantage of something simple: social trust. You’re far more likely to click an invitation than a generic “account alert” or “delivery notice.” 

    And that’s exactly why scammers are using them. 

    In fact, here’s a screenshot of a fake phishing email I recently got this holiday season:

    Screenshot of a Phishing Email sent this holiday season
    Screenshot of a Phishing Email sent this holiday season

    When you click the “open invitation” link, it immediately asks you to sign in or create an account with your personal information. That’s the step where scammers steal your private data. 

    What Is a Fake E-Vite Scam? 

    A fake e-vite scam is a phishing attack that pretends to be a real invitation from platforms like Paperless Post or other digital invitation services. 

    The goal is to trick you into: 

    • Entering your email and password 
    • Creating a fake account on a malicious site 
    • Clicking links that lead to credential-stealing pages 
    • Downloading malware disguised as an invitation 

    Once scammers have your login information, they can: 

    • Take over your email 
    • Reset passwords on other accounts 
    • Send scams to your contacts 
    • Launch identity theft attempts 

    How These Fake Invitation Scams Usually Work 

    Here’s the most common flow: 

    1. You receive a digital invitation that looks normal 
    2. The message prompts you to “view the invitation” 
    3. You’re redirected to a login or signup page 
    4. You enter your email, password, or personal info 
    5. The invitation never appears 
    6. Your credentials have now been stolen 

    Because this starts with something familiar and social, many people don’t realize it’s phishing until accounts are already compromised. Plus, scammers then use your email and name to trick friends and family into trusting more fake e-vites from your account.

    How to Tell If a Paperless Post Invite Is Real 

    Paperless Post has publicly acknowledged these scams and shared what legitimate messages actually look like. 

    Legitimate Paperless Post Emails Will Never: 

    • Include .EXE attachments 
    • Include .PDF attachments 
    • Include any attachments other than image files 

    Official Paperless Post Email Domains: 

    Legitimate invitations and account messages only come from: 

    Official support emails only come from: 

    If the sender does not match one of these exactly, it’s a scam. 

    Paperless Post also notes that verified emails may display a blue checkmark in supported inboxes to confirm authenticity.  

    The Biggest Red Flags of a Fake E-Vite 

    If you see any of the following, do not click: 

    • You’re forced to log in to “see” who invited you 
    • The sender email doesn’t match the official domains above 
    • The invitation creates urgency 
    • You’re asked for payment to view the event 
    • The message feels generic instead of personal 
    • The site address looks slightly off 

    Why These Scams Are So Effective Right Now 

    Modern phishing attacks don’t rely on sloppy design anymore. Many now use: 

    • Polished branding 
    • Clean layouts 
    • Familiar platforms 
    • Friendly language 
    • Social pressure 

    Invitation phishing is especially powerful because: 

    • It triggers curiosity 
    • It feels harmless 
    • It mimics real social behavior 
    • It doesn’t start with fear or threats 
    • By the time the scam turns risky, your guard is already down. 

    What To Do If You Clicked a Fake E-Vite 

    If you entered any information into a suspicious invitation page: 

    1. Immediately change your email password 
    2. Change any other account that reused that password 
    3. Enable two-factor authentication 
    4. Check for unknown login activity 
    5. Warn contacts if your email may have been compromised 
    6. Run a security scan on your device 

    The faster you act, the more damage you can prevent. 

    The post Think That Party Invite Is Real? Fake E-Vite Scams Are the New Phishing Trap appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    How to Stay Safe on Your New AI Browser

    By: McAfee

    AI-powered browsers give you much more than a window to the web. They represent an entirely new way to experience the internet, with an AI “agent” working by your side.

    We’re entering an age where you can delegate all kinds of tasks to a browser, and with that comes a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when using AI browsers like ChatGPT’s Atlas, Perplexity’s Comet, and others.

    What are agentic AI browsers?

    So, what’s the allure of this new breed of browser? The answer is that it’s highly helpful, and plenty more.

    By design, these “agentic” AI browsers actively assist you with the things you do online. They can automate tasks and interpret your intentions when you make a request. Further, they can work proactively by anticipating things you might need or by offering suggestions.

    In a way, an AI browser works like a personal assistant. It can summarize the pages in several open tabs, conduct research on just about any topic you ask it to, or even track down the lowest airfare to Paris in the month of May. Want it to order ink for your printer and some batteries for your remote? It can do that too. And that’s just to name a few possibilities.

    As you can see, referring to the AI in these browsers as “agentic” fits. It truly works like an agent on your behalf, a capability that promises to get more powerful over time.

    Is it safe to use an AI browser?

    But as with any new technology, early adopters should balance excitement with awareness, especially when it comes to privacy and security. You might have seen some recent headlines that shared word of security concerns with these browsers.

    The reported exploits vary, as does the harm they can potentially inflict. That ranges from stealing personal info, gaining access to Gmail and Google Drive files, installing malware, and injecting the AI’s “memory” with malicious instructions, which can follow from session to session and device to device, wherever a user logs in.

    Our own research has shown that some of these attacks are now tougher to pull off than they were initially, particularly as the AI browser companies continue to put guardrails in place. If anything, this reinforces a long-standing truth about online security, it’s a cat-and-mouse game. Tech companies put protections in place, bad actors discover an exploit, companies put further protections in place, new exploits crop up, and so on. It’s much the same in the rapidly evolving space of AI browsers. The technology might be new, but the game certainly isn’t.

    While these reports don’t mean AI browsers are necessarily unsafe to use, they do underscore how fast this space is evolving…and why caution is smart as the tech matures.

    How To Use an AI Browser Safely

    It’s still early days for AI-powered browsers and understanding the security and privacy implications of their use. With that, we strongly recommend the following to help reduce your risk:

    Don’t let an AI browser do what you wouldn’t let a stranger do. Handle things like your banking, finances, and health on your own. And the same certainly goes for all the info tied to those aspects of your life.

    Pay attention to confirmations. As of today, agentic browsers still require some level of confirmation from the user to perform key actions (like processing a payment, sending an email, or updating a calendar entry). Pay close attention to them, so you can prevent your browser from doing something you don’t want it to do.

    Use the “logged out” mode, if possible. As of this writing, at least one AI browser, Atlas, gives you the option to use the agent in the logged-out mode.i This limits its access to sensitive data and the risk of it taking actions on your behalf with your credentials.

    If possible, disable “model learning.” By turning it off, you reduce the amount of personal info stored and processed by the AI provider for AI training purposes, which can minimize security and privacy risks.

    Set privacy controls to the strictest options available. Further, understand what privacy policies the AI developer has in place. For example, some AI providers have policies that allow people to review your interactions with the AI as part of its training. These policies vary from company to company, and they tend to undergo changes. Keeping regular tabs on the privacy policy of the AI browser you use makes for a privacy-smart move.

    Keep yourself informed. The capabilities, features, and privacy policies of AI-powered browsers continue to evolve rapidly. Set up news alerts about the AI browser you use and see if any issues get reported and, if so, how the AI developer has responded. Do routine searches pairing the name of the AI browser with “privacy.”

    How McAfee Can Help

    McAfee’s award-winning protection helps you browse safer, whether you’re testing out new AI tools or just surfing the web.

    McAfee offers comprehensive privacy services, including personal info scans and removal plus a secure VPN.

    Plus, protections like McAfee’s Scam Detector automatically alert you to suspicious texts, emails, and videos before harm can happen—helping you manage your online presence confidently and safeguard your digital life for the long term. Likewise, Web Protection can help you steer you clear of suspicious websites that might take advantage of AI browsers.

    The post How to Stay Safe on Your New AI Browser appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    This Week in Scams: Phony AI Ads, Apple Account Takeover Attempts, and a PlayStation Scam

    By: McAfee

    For this week in scams, we have fake AI-generated shopping images that could spoil your holidays, scammers use an Apple Support ticket in a takeover attempt, and a PlayStation scam partly powered by AI.

    Let’s start with those fake ads, because holiday shopping is in full swing.

    Keep a sharp eye out for fake AI shopping ads that sell knockoff goods

    Turns out that three-quarters of people (74%) can’t correctly identify a fake AI-generated social media ad featuring popular holiday gifts—which could leave them open to online shopping scams.

    That finding, and several others, comes by way of research from Santander, a financial services company in the UK.

    Here’s a quick rundown of what else they found:

    • Less than one in 10 (8%) people feel “very confident” in their ability to spot an AI-generated ad on social media.
    • More than half (56%) fear that they or a family member could get scammed as a result.
    • About two-thirds (63%) said that they won’t purchase anything from social media platforms because they’re not sure what’s real and what’s fake.

    From the study … could you tell these ads are both fake?

     

     

    Fake ads, like this, have been popping up across social.
    Fake ads, like this, have been popping up across social.

     

     

    Could you tell this ad is fake?
    Could you tell this ad is fake?

    In all, cheap and readily available AI tools make spinning up fake ads quick and easy work. The same goes for launching websites where those “goods” can get sold. In the past, we’ve seen scammers take two different approaches when they use social media ads and websites to lure in their victims:

    Phishing sites

    During the holidays, scammers pump out ads that offer seemingly outstanding deals on hot items. Of course, the offer and the site where it’s “sold” is fake. Victims hand over their personal info and credit card number, never to see the items they thought they’d purchased. On top of the money a victim loses, the scammer also has their card info and can run up its tab or sell it to others on the dark web.

    Knock-off sites

    In this case, the scammer indeed sells and delivers something. But you don’t get what you paid for. The item looks, feels, fits, or works entirely differently than what was advertised. In this way, people wind up with a cheaply made item cobbled together with inferior materials. Worse yet, these scams potentially prop up sweatshops, child labor, and other illegal operations in the process. Nothing about these sites and the things they sell on them are genuine.

    So, fake AI shopping ads are out there. What should you look out for? Here’s a quick list:

    • First off, any offer that sounds too good to be true and heavy discounts on hard-to-find or popular items are major signs of a scam—and have been for years running now.
    • See if the image looks a little too polished or even cartoony in some cases. As for people in AI ads, they can look airbrushed and have skin tones that seemingly give off an odd glow.
    • Look up reviews of the company. Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau offer great resources for that. Even simple a search using “CompanyName scam” can give you an idea if it’s a scam or not.
    • And lastly, the combination of our Scam Detector and Web Protection can help sniff out a scam for you.

    The Apple Support scam that came from … Apple? (Not really. We’ll explain.)

    “I almost lost everything—my photos, my email, my entire digital life.”

    So opens a recent Medium post from Eric Moret recounting how he almost handed over his Apple Account to a scammer armed with a real Apple Support ticket to make this elaborate phishing attack look legit.

    Over the course of nearly 30 minutes, a scammer calmly and professionally walked Moret through a phony account takeover attempt.

    It started with two-factor authentication notifications that claimed someone was trying to access his iCloud account. Three minutes later, he got a call from an Atlanta-based number. The caller said they were with Apple Support. “Your account is under attack. We’re opening a ticket to help you. Someone will contact you shortly.”

    Seconds later came another call from the same number, which is where the scam fully kicked in. The person also said they were from Apple Support and that they’d opened a case on Moret’s behalf. Sure enough, when directed, Moret opened his email and saw a legitimate case number from a legitimate Apple address.

    The caller then told him to reset his password, which he did. Moret received a text with a link to a site where he could, apparently, close his case.

    Note that at no time did the scammers ask him for his two-factor authentication code throughout this process, which is always the sign of a scam. However, the scammers had another way to get it.

    The link took him to a site called “appeal-apple dot com,” which was in fact a scam site. However, the page looked official to him, and he entered a six-digit code “confirmation code” sent by text to finish the process.

    That “confirmation code” was actually a fresh two-factor authentication code. With that finally in hand, the scammers signed in. Moret received a notice that a new device had logged into his account. Moret quickly reset his password again, which kicked them out and stopped the attack.

    So, what went wrong here? Let’s break down three key moments in this account takeover scam:

    • The unsolicited phone calls. That’s an immediate sign to hang up and call an official support number to confirm the “issue” yourself.
    • The fake website. A site with a URL like “appeal-apple dot com” is a scam site, even if it looks “official.” Scammers can create them easily today.
    • The code heist. Scammers trick people into handing over their authorization code by calling it something else, like a “confirmation code.”

    So, how can you protect yourself from account takeover scams? Let’s break that down too.

    • Know that Apple Support won’t call you or open a case on your behalf.
    • Also know that anyone can create an Apple Support ticket for anyone else, without verification. If you didn’t create it yourself, it’s a strong sign of a scam.
    • If you have concerns, call Apple yourself at 1-800-275-2273 or contact them through their Apple Support App, available here on Apple’s support page.
    • Only interact with Apple through sites and emails with the proper “apple dot com” address. Watch out for altered addresses like the “appeal-apple dot com” used here.
    • Never, ever share your authentication code in any way … verbally, in an email, in a text, or a website. Any request for it from anyone is a scam.
    • You can see the devices signed into your account any time. Go to Settings, tap your Name, and scroll to see all devices linked to your Apple ID.
    • Get protection that blocks links to scam sites, like our Scam Detectorand Web Protection.

    The FCC takes aim at the Wal-Mart PlayStation 5 Robocall Scam

    Maybe you didn’t get a scam call from “Emma” or “Carl” at Wal-Mart, but plenty of people did. Around eight million in all. Now the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Enforcement Bureau wants to put a stop to them.

    “Emma” and “Carl” are in fact a couple of AI voices fronting a scam framed around the bogus purchase of a PlayStation. It’s garnered its share of complaints, so much that the FCC has stepped in. It alleges that SK Teleco, a voice service provider, provisioned at least some of these calls, and that it must immediately stop.

    According to the FCC, the call plays out like this:

    “A preauthorized purchase of PlayStation 5 special edition with Pulse 3D headset is being ordered from your Walmart account for an amount of 919 dollars 45 cents. To cancel your order or to connect with one of our customer support representatives, please press ‘1.’ Thank you.”

    Pressing “1” connects you to a live operator who asks for personal identifiable such as Social Security numbers to cancel the “purchase.”

    If you were wondering, it’s unlawful to place calls to cellphones containing artificial or prerecorded voice messages absent an emergency purpose or prior express consent. According to the FCC’s press release, SK Teleco didn’t respond to a request to investigate the calls. The FCC further alleges that it’s unlikely the company has any such consent.

    Per the FCC, “If SK Teleco fails to take swift action to prevent scam calls, the FCC will require all other providers to no longer accept call traffic from SK Teleco.”

    We’ll see how this plays out, yet it’s a good reminder to report scam calls. When it comes to any kind of scam, law enforcement and federal agencies act on complaints.

    Get a scam call? Who’s here you can report it to:

    And we close things out a quick roundup …

    Here’s a quick list of a few stories that caught our eye this week:

    Scammers pose as law enforcement, threaten jail time if you don’t pay (with audio)

    Deepfake of North Carolina lawmaker used in award-winning Brazilian Whirlpool video

    What happens when you kick millions of teens off social media? Australia’s about to find out

    We’ll see you next Friday with more updates, scam news, and ways you can stay safer out there.

    The post This Week in Scams: Phony AI Ads, Apple Account Takeover Attempts, and a PlayStation Scam appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    The US Won't Sanction China for Salt Typhoon Hacking

    By: Andy Greenberg
    Plus: Officials warn of a disturbingly stealthy Chinese malware specimen, a CISA nomination stalls, and more.

    Huge Trove of Nude Images Leaked by AI Image Generator Startup’s Exposed Database

    By: Matt Burgess
    An AI image generator startup’s database was left accessible to the open internet, revealing more than 1 million images and videos, including photos of real people who had been “nudified.”

    ‘Signalgate’ Inspector General Report Wants Just One Change to Avoid a Repeat Debacle

    By: Lily Hay Newman
    The United States Inspector General report reviewing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s text messaging mess recommends a single change to keep classified material secure.

    Cloudflare Has Blocked 416 Billion AI Bot Requests Since July 1

    By: Lily Hay Newman
    Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince claims the internet infrastructure company’s efforts to block AI crawlers are already seeing big results.

    A New Anonymous Phone Carrier Lets You Sign Up With Nothing but a Zip Code

    By: Andy Greenberg
    Privacy stalwart Nicholas Merrill spent a decade fighting an FBI surveillance order. Now he wants to sell you phone service—without knowing almost anything about you.

    Your Data Might Determine How Much You Pay for Eggs

    By: Maddy Varner
    A newly enacted New York law requires retailers to say whether your data influences the price of basic goods like a dozen eggs or toilet paper, but not how.

    How to Spot Charity Scams and Donate Safely this Giving Season

    By: McAfee

    The holidays are the season of giving; unfortunately, it’s also the season when scammers try to cash in on the spirit of generosity

    If you’re seeing a heartfelt charity ad on social media, a touching email, or a surprise text asking you to donate, it’s worth pausing for a moment. Is it genuine charity—or a scam built to tug at your heartstrings?

    The good news: staying safe doesn’t mean stopping your generosity. With a few quick checks, you can give confidently and protect yourself.

    What is charity fraud?

    Charity fraud is when scammers pose as legitimate nonprofits—or misuse the name of a real charity—to trick people into donating money or giving away personal information.

    In some cases, the organization is completely fake. In others, it’s a real charity that uses donations in misleading or unethical ways, passing very little money to the actual cause.

    Type 1: Fully fake charities

    The first type involves flat-out fraud, where the organization is a front for a scam, through and through. Any money you give goes straight into the scammer’s pocket. As does your personal and payment info, which can lead to further fraud.

    Type 2: Low impact “charities”

    These are real, registered charities. But They keep the majority of donations for overhead instead of helping the cause.

    This second type often involves questionable practices by the organization. According to the Better Business Bureau, reputable organizations keep 35% or less of their funds for operations.

    Meanwhile, some less-than-reputable organizations keep up to 95% of funds, leaving only 5% for advancing the cause they advocate. (For a closer look at some examples, the independent watchdog group Charity Watch published a blog highlighting some of the worst charities they audited in 2024.)

    Common to both, they’ll indeed play on your emotions, and they’ll urge you to donate now. As it is with so many scams and shady deals on the internet, you’ll find a sense of urgency central to their message.

    How to spot a charity scam

    1. Look for a dot-org domain

    For starters, reputable charities often have dot-org as their domain extension—versus dot-com or any one of the hundreds of permutations available today.

    2. Research the organization

    Charities leave a paper trail, one that can get audited. And fake ones won’t leave a trail at all. With a quick look at some reputable online resources, you can quickly find out if the charity you want to support is legit.

    In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a site full of resources so that you can make your donation truly count. Resources like Charity Watch and Charity Navigator, along with the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance can also help you identify the best charities. You can also look up a charity’s Form 990 tax return online.

    3. Take your time

    This goes hand-in-hand with the above. If you feel like you’re getting rushed to donate, it could be a sign of a scam. Step back and indeed do your research with a few clicks to the resources listed above.

    4. Pay with a credit card

    This protects you in two ways. If you fall victim to a scam, you can contest the charges with your credit card company. And if a scammer tries to use your card again for other purchases, you can contest those too. Also, in the U.S., credit cards offer you additional protection that debit cards don’t. That’s thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). It limits your liability to $50 for fraudulent charges on a credit card if you report the loss to your issuer within 60 days.

    5. Avoid sketchy payment methods

    The following is a sure-fire red flag: requests for payment in cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Don’t ever use these forms of payment for charities, let alone anything else online.

    6. Donate directly

    Better yet, donate directly. Rather than respond to calls, ads, emails or texts, donate on your terms. After you give your possible donation some time and thought, you can go directly to the website of a charitable organization that you’ve researched.

    And here’s how McAfee can help you stay safer still.

    Get a scam detector. You can combine your healthy skepticism and awareness with the right technology, like our Scam Detector and Web Protection.

    Both will alert you if a link you received might take you to a sketchy site. It’ll also block those sites if you accidentally tap or click on a bad link.

    Clean up your personal info online. Scams over email, phone, and text all require the same thing: your contact info.

    In many cases, scammers get it from data broker sites. Data brokers buy, collect, and sell detailed personal info, which they compile from several public and private sources, such as local, state, and federal records, plus third parties like supermarket shopper’s cards and mobile apps that share and sell user data.

    Moreover, they’ll sell it to anyone who pays for it, including people who’ll use that info for scams. You can help reduce those scam texts and calls by removing your info from those sites. Our Personal Data Cleanup scans some of the riskiest data broker sites and shows you which ones are selling your personal info.

    Monitor your identity and credit. The problem with many scams is that you only find out about it once the damage is done, like when a scammer uses your phished card number to make additional purchases in your name.

    Actively monitoring your identity and credit can spot a problem before it becomes an even bigger one. You can take care of both easily with our credit monitoring and identity monitoring.

    Additionally, our identity theft coverage can help if the unexpected happens with up to $2 million in identity theft coverage and identity restoration support if determined you’re a victim of identity theft.​

    You’ll find these protections, and plenty more, in McAfee+.

    A safe way to support the fight against cybercrime

    If you want to give back and help protect people from online fraud, McAfee has partnered with Fight Cyber Crime, a legitimate U.S. nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of online scams.

    You might remember them from our Scam Stories partnership earlier this year, sharing real stories from real scam victims to raise awareness about threats facing us every day on and offline.

    Why we recommend them

    • They provide free support and recovery guidance to scam victims.
    • They raise nationwide awareness about cybercrime.
    • They’re a vetted, established organization doing real work in online safety.

    How you can help

    Visit their site to learn more or make a donation: https://fightcybercrime.org/about/donate/

    Supporting validated charities like Fight Cyber Crime is one way to make a real impact this holiday season—without putting yourself at risk.

    The post How to Spot Charity Scams and Donate Safely this Giving Season appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    Flock Uses Overseas Gig Workers to Build Its Surveillance AI

    By: Joseph Cox
    An accidental leak revealed that Flock, which has cameras in thousands of US communities, is using workers in the Philippines to review and classify footage.

    The WIRED Guide to Digital Opsec for Teens

    By: JP Aumasson， Lily Hay Newman
    Practicing good “operations security” is essential to staying safe online. Here's a complete guide for teenagers (and anyone else) who wants to button up their digital lives.

    ICE Offers Up to $280 Million to Immigrant-Tracking ‘Bounty Hunter’ Firms

    By: Dell Cameron
    Immigration and Customs Enforcement lifted a $180 million cap on a proposed immigrant-tracking program while guaranteeing multimillion-dollar payouts for private surveillance firms.

    US Border Patrol Is Spying on Millions of American Drivers

    By: Dell Cameron， Andrew Couts
    Plus: The SEC lets SolarWinds off the hook, Microsoft stops a historic DDoS attack, and FBI documents reveal the agency spied on an immigration activist Signal group in New York City.

    The OSINT advantage: Find your weak spots before attackers do

    Here’s how open-source intelligence helps trace your digital footprint and uncover your weak points, plus a few essential tools to connect the dots

    WIRED Roundup: DHS’s Privacy Breach, AI Romantic Affairs, and Google Sues Text Scammers

    By: Zoë Schiffer， Brian Barrett
    In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we discuss our scoop about how the Department of Homeland Security illegally collected Chicago residents’ data for months, as well as the news of the week.

    Vaping Is ‘Everywhere’ in Schools—Sparking a Bathroom Surveillance Boom

    By: Mark Keierleber
    Schools in the US are installing vape-detection tech in bathrooms to thwart student nicotine and cannabis use. A new investigation reveals the impact of using spying to solve a problem.

    Venmo 101: Making Safer Payments with the App

    By: McAfee

    As the holiday season ramps up, so do group dinners, shared travel costs, gift exchanges, and all the little moments where someone says, “Just Venmo me.”

    With more people sending and splitting money this time of year, scammers know it’s prime time to target payment apps. Here’s how to keep your Venmo transactions safe during one of the busiest — and riskiest — payment seasons.

    What kind of scams are on Venmo?

    Venmo scams come in all shapes, and many of them look like variations of email phishing and text scams. The scammers behind them will pose as Venmo customer service reps who ask for your login credentials. Other scammers offer bogus cash prizes and pyramid schemes that lure in victims with the promise of quick cash. Some scammers will use the app itself to impersonate friends and family to steal money.

    Venmo has a dedicated web page on the topic of scams, and lists the following as the top Venmo scams out there:

    ·       Fake Prize or Cash Reward

    ·       Call from Venmo

    ·       Call from Tech Support

    ·       Fake Payment Confirmation

    ·       Pre-payment for Goods and Services

    		 ·       Stranger Posing as a Friend

    ·       Payments from Strangers

    ·       Offers to Make Money Fast

    ·       Paper Check Scam

    ·       Romance Scam

     

    Venmo has thorough instructions to combat these scams and breaks them down in detail on its site. They also provide preventative tips and steps to take if you unfortunately fall victim to one of these scams. Broadly speaking, though, avoiding Venmo scams breaks down into a few straightforward steps.

    How to avoid getting scammed on Venmo

    1) Never share private details.

    Scammers often pose as customer service reps to pump info out of their victims. They’ll ask for things like bank account info, debit card or credit card numbers, or even passwords and authentication codes sent to your phone. Never share this info. Legitimate reps from legitimate companies like Venmo won’t request it.

    2) Know when Venmo might ask for your Social Security number.

    In the U.S., Venmo is regulated by the Treasury Department. As such, Venmo might require your SSN in certain circumstances. Venmo details the cases where they might need your SSN for reporting, here on their website. Note that this is an exception to what we say about sharing SSNs and tax ID numbers. As a payment app, Venmo might have legitimate reasons to request it. However, don’t send this info by email or text (any email or text that asks you to do that is a scam). Instead, always use the mobile app by going to Settings  –> Identity Verification.

    3) Keep an eye out for scam emails and texts.

    Venmo always sends communications through its official “venmo.com” domain name. If you receive an email that claims to be from Venmo but that doesn’t use “venmo.com,” it’s a scam. Never click or tap on links in emails or texts supposedly sent by Venmo.

    4) Be suspicious of the messages you get. Imposters are afoot.

    Another broad category of scams includes people who aren’t who they say they are. In the case of Venmo, scammers will create imposter accounts that look like they might be a friend or family member but aren’t. If you receive an unexpected and likely urgent-sounding request for payment, contact that person outside the app. See if it’s really them.

    5) When sending money, keep an eye open for alerts from the app.

    Just recently, Venmo added a new feature, dynamic alerts, which helps protect people when sending money via the “Friends and Family” option. It pops up an alert if the app detects a potentially fraudulent transaction and includes info that describes the level of risk involved. In the cases of highly risky payments, Venmo might decline the transaction altogether. This adds another level of protection to Friends and Family payments, which are non-refundable in cases of fraud. Further, this underscores another important point about using Venmo: only pay people you absolutely know and trust.

    More ways to stay safe on Venmo

    Keep your transactions private. Venmo has a social component that can display a transaction between two people and allow others to comment on it. Payment amounts are always secret. Yet you have control over who sees what by adjusting your privacy settings:

    • Public – Everyone on the internet can see and comment on the transaction.
    • Friends – Only your Venmo friends and the other participant’s friends can see and comment on the transaction. (Note that the friends of the other participant might be strangers to you, so “friends and friends of friends” is more accurate here.)
    • Private – Here, only the participants can view and comment on the transaction.

    This brings up the question, what if the participants in the transaction have different privacy settings? Venmo uses the most restrictive one. So, if you’re paying someone who has their privacy set to “Public” and you have yours set to “Private,” the transaction will indeed be private.

    We suggest going private with your account. The less financial information you share, the better. You can set your transactions to private by heading into the Settings of the Venmo app, tapping on Privacy, and then selecting Private.

    In short, just because something is designed to be social doesn’t mean it should become a treasure trove of personal data about your spending habits.

    Add extra layers of security. Take extra precautions that make it difficult for others to access your Venmo app.

    • First off, lock your phone. Whether with a PIN or other form of protection, locking your phone prevents access to everything you keep on it, which is important in the case of loss or theft. Our own research found that only 58% of adults take the vital step of locking their phones. If you fall into the 42% of people who don’t, strongly consider changing that.
    • Within the Venmo app, you can also enable Face ID and a PIN (on iOS) or a PIN and biometric unlock (Android). These add a further layer of security by asking for identification each time you open the app. That way, even if someone gets access to your phone, they’ll still have to leap through that security hurdle to access your Venmo app.
    • Use a strong, unique password for your account. That’s a password with at least 13 characters using a mix of cases, numbers, and symbols that you don’t use anywhere else. You can also have a password manager do that work for you across all your accounts.

    Keep your online finances even more secure with the right tools

    Online protection software like ours offers several additional layers of security when it comes to your safety and finances online.

    For starters, it includes Web Protection and Scam Detector that can block malicious and questionable links that might lead you down the road to malware or a phishing scam, such as a phony Venmo link designed to steal your login credentials. It also includes a password manager that creates and stores strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.

    Moreover, it further protects you by locking down your identity online. Transaction Monitoring and Credit Monitoring help you spot any questionable financial activity quickly. And if identity theft unfortunately happens to you, up to $2 million in ID theft coverage & restoration can help you recover quickly.

    The post Venmo 101: Making Safer Payments with the App appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    A Simple WhatsApp Security Flaw Exposed 3.5 Billion Phone Numbers

    By: Andy Greenberg
    By plugging tens of billions of phone numbers into WhatsApp’s contact discovery tool, researchers found “the most extensive exposure of phone numbers” ever—along with profile photos and more.

    What if your romantic AI chatbot can’t keep a secret?

    Does your chatbot know too much? Here's why you should think twice before you tell your AI companion everything.

    This Week in Scams: New Alerts for iPhone and Android Users and a Major Google Crackdown

    By: McAfee

    Welcome back to another This Week in Scams.

    This week,  have attacks that take over Androids and iPhones, plus news that Google has gone on the offensive against phishing websites.

    First up, a heads-up for iPhone owners.

    The “We found your iPhone” scam

    In the hands of a scammer, “Find My” can quickly turn into “Scam Me.”

    Switzerland’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) shared word this week of a new scam that turns the otherwise helpful “Find My” iOS feature into an avenue of attack.

    Now, the thought of losing your phone, along with all the important and precious things you have on it, is enough to give you goosebumps. Luckily, the “Find My” can help you track it down and even post a personalized message on the lock screen to help with its return. And that’s where the scam kicks in.

    From the NCSC:

    When a device is marked as lost, the owner can display a message on the lock screen containing contact details, such as a phone number or email address. This can be very helpful if the finder is honest – but in dishonest hands, the same information can be used to launch a targeted phishing attack.

    With that, scammers send a targeted phishing text, as seen in the sample provided by the NCSC below …

    A smartphone screenshot showing a fraudulent text message claiming a lost iPhone 14 has been located and instructing the recipient to click a link. A large red diagonal stamp reading “Betrug / Fraud” overlays the message, indicating it is a scam.
    Source: NCSC, Switzerland

    What do the scammers want once you tap that link? They request your Apple ID and password, which effectively hands your phone over to them—along with everything on it and everything else that’s associated with your Apple ID.

    It’s a scam you can easily avoid. So even if you’re still stuck with a lost phone that’s likely in the hands of a scammer the point of consolation is that, without your ID, the phone is useless to them.

    Here’s what the NCSC suggests:

    Ignore such messages. The most important rule is Apple will never contact you by text message or email to inform you that a lost device has been found.

    Never click on links in unsolicited messages or enter your Apple ID credentials on a linked website.

    If you lose your device, act immediately. Enable Lost Mode straight away via the Find My app on another device or at iCloud.com/find. This will lock the device.

    Be careful about which contact details you show on your lost device’s lock screen. For example, use a dedicated email address created specifically for this purpose. Never remove the device from your Apple account, as this would disable the Activation Lock.

    Make sure your SIM card is protected with a PIN. This simple yet effective measure prevents criminals from gaining access to your phone number.

    Android phone takeover scam

    Now, a different attack aimed at Android owners …

    A story shared on Fox this week breaks down how a combination of paid search ads, remote access tools, and social engineering have led to hijacked Android phones.

    It starts with a search, where an Android owner looks up a bank, a tech support company, or what have you. Instead of getting a legitimate result, they get a link to a bogus site via paid search results that appear above organic search results. The link, and the page it takes them to, look quite convincing, given the ease with which scammers can spin up ads and sites today. (More on that next.)

    Once there, they call a support number and get connected to a phony agent. The agent convinces the victim to download an app that will help the “agent” solve their issue with their account or phone. In fact, the app is a remote access tool that gives control of the phone, and everything on it, to the scammer. That means they can steal passwords, send messages to friends, family, or anyone at all, and even go so far as to lock you out.

    Basically, this scam hands over one of your most precious possessions to a scammer.

    Here’s how you can avoid that:

    Skip paid search results for extra security. That’s particularly true when contacting your bank or other companies you’re doing business with. Look for their official website in the organic search results below paid ads. Better yet, contact places like your bank or credit card company by calling the number on the back of your card.

    Get a scam detector. A combination of our Scam Detector and Web Protection can call out sketchy links, like the bogus paid links here. They’ll even block malicious sites if you accidentally tap a bad link.

    Never download apps from third-party sites outside of the Google Play Store. Google has checks in place to spot malicious apps in its store.

    Lastly, never give anyone access to your phone. No bank rep needs it. So if someone on a call asks you to download an app like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or AirDroid, it’s a scam. Hang up.

    Beyond that, you can protect yourself further by installing an app like our McAfee Security: Antivirus VPN. You can pick it up in the Google Play store, which also includes our Scam Detector and Identity Monitoring. You can also get it as part of your McAfee+ protection.

    Google takes aim at phishing scams with a lawsuit against an alleged criminal organization

    Just Wednesday, Google took a first step toward making the internet safer from bogus sites, per a story filed by National Public Radio.

    A lawsuit alleges that a China-based company called “Lighthouse” runs a “Phishing-as-a-Service” operation that outfits scammers with quick and easy tools and templates for creating convincing-looking websites. According to Google’s general counsel, these sites could “compromise between 12.7 and 115 million credit cards in the U.S. alone.”

    The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York, which, of course, has no jurisdiction over a China-based company. The aim, per Google’s counsel, is deterrence. From the article:

    “It allows us a legal basis on which to go to other platforms and services and ask for their assistance in taking down different components of this particular illegal infrastructure,” she said, without naming which platforms or services Google might focus on. “Even if we can’t get to the individuals, the idea is to deter the overall infrastructure in some cases.”

    We’ll keep an eye on this case as it progresses. And in the meantime, it’s a good reminder to get Scam Detector and Web Protection on all your devices so you don’t get hoodwinked by these increasingly convincing-looking scam sites.

    Again, scammers can roll them out so quickly and easily today.

    And now for a quick roundup …

    Here’s a quick list of a few stories that caught our eye this week:

    Alarmingly realistic deepfake threats now target banks in South Africa

    Nearly 80% of parents fear their kids will fall for an AI scam, but they aren’t sure how to talk about it

    Hyundai data breach exposes 2.7 million Social Security numbers

     

    And that’s it for this week! We’ll see you next Friday with more updates, scam news, and ways you can stay safer out there.

    The post This Week in Scams: New Alerts for iPhone and Android Users and a Major Google Crackdown appeared first on McAfee Blog.

    How to Remove Your Personal Information From the Internet

    By: Jasdev Dhaliwal

    Chances are, you have more personal information posted online than you think.

    In 2024, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that 1.1 million identity theft complaints were filed, where $12.5 billion was lost to identity theft and fraud overall—a 25% increase over the year prior.

    What fuels all this theft and fraud? Easy access to personal information.

    Here’s one way you can reduce your chances of identity theft: remove your personal information from the internet.

    Scammers and thieves can get a hold of your personal information in several ways, such as information leaked in data breaches, phishing attacks that lure you into handing it over, malware that steals it from your devices, or by purchasing your information on dark web marketplaces, just to name a few.

    However, scammers and thieves have other resources and connections to help them commit theft and fraud—data broker sites, places where personal information is posted online for practically anyone to see. This makes removing your info from these sites so important, from both an identity and privacy standpoint.

    What are data brokers?

    Data broker sites are massive repositories of personal information that also buy information from other data brokers. As a result, some data brokers have thousands of pieces of data on billions of individuals worldwide.

    What kind of data could they have on you? A broker may know how much you paid for your home, your education level, where you’ve lived over the years, who you’ve lived with, your driving record, and possibly your political leanings. A broker could even know your favorite flavor of ice cream and your preferred over-the-counter allergy medicine thanks to information from loyalty cards. They may also have health-related information from fitness apps. The amount of personal information can run that broadly, and that deeply.

    With information at this level of detail, it’s no wonder that data brokers rake in an estimated $200 billion worldwide every year.

    Sources of your information

    Your personal information reaches the internet through six primary methods, most of which are initiated by activities you perform on a daily basis. Understanding these channels can help you make more informed choices about your digital footprint.

    Digitized public records

    When you buy a home, register to vote, get married, or start a business, government agencies create public records that contain your personal details. These records, once stored in filing cabinets, are now digitized, accessible online, and searchable by anyone with an internet connection.

    Social media sharing and privacy gaps

    Every photo you post, location you tag, and profile detail you share contributes to your digital presence. Even with privacy settings enabled, social media platforms collect extensive data about your behavior, relationships, and preferences. You may not realize it, but every time you share details with your network, you are training algorithms that analyze and categorize your information.

    Data breaches

    You create accounts with retailers, healthcare providers, employers, and service companies, trusting them to protect your information. However, when hackers breach these systems, your personal information often ends up for sale on dark web marketplaces, where data brokers can purchase it. The Identity Theft Research Center Annual Data Breach Report revealed that 2024 saw the second-highest number of data compromises in the U.S. since the organization began recording incidents in 2005.

    Apps and ad trackers

    When you browse, shop, or use apps, your online behavior is recorded by tracking pixels, cookies, and software development kits. The data collected—such as your location, device usage, and interests—is packaged and sold to data brokers who combine it with other sources to build a profile of you.

    Loyalty programs

    Grocery store cards, coffee shop apps, and airline miles programs offer discounts in exchange for detailed purchasing information. Every transaction gets recorded, analyzed, and often shared with third-party data brokers, who then create detailed lifestyle profiles that are sold to marketing companies.

    Data broker aggregators

    Data brokers act as the hubs that collect information from various sources to create comprehensive profiles that may include over 5,000 data points per person. Seemingly separate pieces of information become a detailed digital dossier that reveals intimate details about your life, relationships, health, and financial situation.

    The users of your information

    Legally, your aggregated information from data brokers is used by advertisers to create targeted ad campaigns. In addition, law enforcement, journalists, and employers may use data brokers because the time-consuming pre-work of assembling your data has largely been done.

    Currently, the U.S. has no federal laws that regulate data brokers or require them to remove personal information if requested. Only a few states, such as Nevada, Vermont, and California, have legislation that protects consumers. In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has stricter rules about what information can be collected and what can be done with it.

    On the darker side, scammers and thieves use personal information for identity theft and other forms of fraud. With enough information, they can create a high-fidelity profile of their victims to open new accounts in their name. For this reason, cleaning up your personal information online makes a great deal of sense.

    Types of personal details to remove online

    Understanding efforts to remove personal information, which data types pose the greatest threat, can help you prioritize your removal efforts. Here are the high-risk personal details you should target first, ranked by their potential for harm.

    Highest priority: Identity theft goldmines

    • Social Security Number (SSN) with full name and address: This combination provides everything criminals need for identity theft, leading to fraudulent credit accounts, tax refund theft, and employment fraud that may take years to resolve, according to the FTC.
    • Financial account information: Bank account numbers, credit card details, and investment account information enable direct financial theft. Even partial account numbers can be valuable when combined with other personal details from data breaches.
    • Driver’s license and government-issued ID information: These serve as primary identity verification for many services and can be used to bypass security measures at financial institutions and government agencies.

    High priority: Personal identifiers

    • Full name combined with home address: This pairing makes you vulnerable to targeted scams and physical threats, while enabling criminals to gather additional information about your household and family members.
    • Date of birth: Often used as a security verification method, your date of birth, combined with other identifiers, can unlock accounts and enable age-related targeting for scams.
    • Phone numbers: This information enables SIM swapping, where criminals take control of your phone number to bypass two-factor authentication and access your accounts.

    Medium-high priority: Digital and health data

    • Email addresses: Your primary email serves as the master key to password resets across multiple accounts. In contrast, secondary emails can reveal personal interests and connections that criminals exploit in social engineering.
    • Medical and health app data: This is highly sensitive information that can be used for insurance discrimination, employment issues, or targeted health-related scams.
    • Location data and photos with metadata: Reveals your daily patterns, workplace, home address, and frequented locations. Photos with embedded GPS coordinates can reveal your exact location and potentially enable stalking or burglary.

    Medium priority: Account access points

    • Usernames and account handles: These help criminals map your digital footprint across platforms to discover your personal interests, connections, and even potential security questions and answers. They also enable account impersonation and social engineering against your contacts.

    When prioritizing your personal information removal efforts, focus on combinations of data rather than individual pieces. For example, your name alone poses minimal risk, but when combined with your address, phone number, and date of birth, it creates a comprehensive profile that criminals can exploit. Tools such as McAfee Personal Data Cleanup can help you identify and systematically remove these high-risk combinations from data broker sites.

    Step-by-step guide to finding your personal data online

    1. Targeted search queries: Search for your full name in quotes (“John Smith”), then combine it with your city, phone number, or email address. Try variations like “John Smith” + “123 Main Street” or “John Smith” + “555-0123”. Don’t forget to search for old usernames, maiden names, or nicknames you’ve used online. Aside from Google, you can also check Bing, DuckDuckGo, and people search engines.
    2. Major data broker and people search sites: Search for yourself in common data aggregators: Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, Intelius, PeopleFinder, and Radaris. Take screenshots of what you find as documentation. To make this process manageable, McAfee Personal Data Cleanup scans some of the riskiest data broker sites and shows you which ones are selling your personal info.
    3. Social media platforms and old accounts: Review your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other platforms for publicly visible personal details. Check old accounts—dating sites, forums, gaming platforms, or professional networks. Look for biographical information, location data, contact details, photos, and even comment sections where you may have shared details.
    4. Breach and dark web monitoring tools: Have I Been Pwned and other identity monitoring services can help you scan the dark web and discover if your email addresses or phone numbers appear in data breaches.
    5. Ongoing monitoring alerts: Create weekly Google Alerts for your and your family members’ full names, address combinations, and phone numbers. Some specialized monitoring services can track once your information appears on new data broker sites or gets updated on existing ones.
    6. Document everything in a tracker: Create a spreadsheet or document to systematically track your findings. Include the website name and URL, the specific data shown, contact information for removal requests, date of your opt-out request, and follow-up dates. Many sites require multiple follow-ups, so having this organized record is essential for successful removal.

    This process takes time and persistence, but services such as McAfee Personal Data Cleanup can continuously monitor for new exposures and manage opt-out requests on your behalf. The key is to first understand the full scope of your online presence before beginning the removal process.

    Remove your personal information from the internet

    Let’s review some ways you can remove your personal information from data brokers and other sources on the internet.

    Request to remove data from data broker sites

    Once you have found the sites that have your information, the next step is to request that it be removed. You can do this yourself or employ services such as McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup, which can help manage the removal for you depending on your subscription. ​It also monitors those sites, so if your info gets posted again, you can request its removal again.

    Limit the data Google collects

    You can request to remove your name from Google search to limit your information from turning up in searches. You can also enable “Auto Delete” in your privacy settings to ensure your data is regularly deleted. Occasionally, deleting your cookies or browsing in incognito mode prevents websites from tracking you. If Google denies your initial request, you can appeal using the same tool, providing more context, documentation, or legal grounds for removal. Google’s troubleshooter tool may explain why your request was denied—either legitimate public interest or newsworthiness—and how to improve your appeal.

    It’s important to know that the original content remains on the source website. You’ll still need to contact website owners directly to have your actual content removed. Additionally, the information may still appear in other search engines.

    Delete old social media accounts

    If you have old, inactive accounts that have become obsolete, such as Myspace or Tumblr, you may want to deactivate or delete them entirely. For social media platforms that you use regularly, such as Facebook and Instagram, consider adjusting your privacy settings to keep your personal information to the bare minimum.

    Remove personal info from websites and blogs

    If you’ve ever published articles, written blogs, or created any content online, it is a good time to consider taking them down if they no longer serve a purpose. If you were mentioned or tagged by other people, it is worth requesting them to take down posts with sensitive information.

    Delete unused apps and restrict permissions in those you use

    Another way to tidy up your digital footprint is to delete phone apps you no longer use, as hackers are able to track personal information on these and sell it. As a rule, share as little information with apps as possible using your phone’s settings.

    Remove your info from other search engines

    • Bing: Submit removal requests through Bing’s Content Removal tool for specific personal information like addresses, phone numbers, or sensitive data. Note that Bing primarily crawls and caches content from other websites, so removing the original source content first will prevent re-indexing.
    • Yahoo: Yahoo Search results are powered by Bing, so use the same Bing Content Removal process. For Yahoo-specific services, contact their support team to request the removal of cached pages and personal information from search results.
    • DuckDuckGo and other privacy-focused engines: These search engines don’t store personal data or create profiles, but pull results from multiple sources. We suggest that you focus on removing content from the original source websites, then request the search engines to update their cache to prevent your information from reappearing in future crawls.

    Escalate if needed

    After sending your removal request, give the search engine or source website 7 to 10 business days to respond initially, then follow up weekly if needed. If a website owner doesn’t respond within 30 days or refuses your request, you have several escalation options:

    • Contact the hosting provider: Web hosts often have policies against sites that violate privacy laws
    • File complaints: Report to your state attorney general’s office or the Federal Trade Commission
    • Seek legal guidance: For persistent cases involving sensitive information, consult with a privacy attorney

    For comprehensive guidance on website takedown procedures and your legal rights, visit the FTC’s privacy and security guidance for the most current information on consumer data protection. Direct website contact can be time-consuming, but it’s often effective for removing information from smaller sites that don’t appear on major data broker opt-out lists. Stay persistent, document everything, and remember that you have legal rights to protect your privacy online.

    Remove your information from browsers

    After you’ve cleaned up your data from websites and social platforms, your web browsers may still save personal information, such as your browsing history, cookies, autofill data, saved passwords, and even payment methods. Clearing this information and adjusting your privacy settings helps prevent tracking, reduces targeted ads, and limits the amount of personal data websites can collect about you.

    • Clear your cache: Clearing your browsing data is usually done by going to Settings and looking for the Privacy and Security section, depending on the specific browser. This is applicable in Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, as well as mobile phone operating systems such as Android and iOS.
    • Disable autofill: Autofill provides the convenience of not having to type your information every time you complete a form. That convenience has a risk, though, autofill saves addresses, phone numbers, and even payment methods. To prevent websites from automatically populating forms with your sensitive data, disable the autofill settings independently. For better security, consider using a dedicated password manager instead of browser-based password storage.
    • Set up automatic privacy protection: Set up your browsers to automatically clear cookies, cache, and site data when you close them. This ensures your browsing sessions don’t leave permanent traces of your personal information on your device.
    • Use privacy-focused search engines: Consider using privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo as your default. These proactive steps significantly reduce the amount of personal information that browsers collect and store about your online activities.

    Get your address off the internet

    When your home address is publicly available, it can expose you to risks like identity theft, stalking, or targeted scams. Taking steps to remove or mask your address across data broker sites, public records, and even old social media profiles helps protect your privacy, reduce unwanted contact, and keep your personal life more secure.

    1. Opt out of major data broker sites: The biggest address exposers are Whitepages, Spokeo, and BeenVerified. Visit their opt-out pages and submit removal requests using your full name and current address. Most sites require email verification and process removals within 7-14 business days.
    2. Contact public records offices about address redaction: Many county and state databases allow address redaction for safety reasons. File requests with your local clerk’s office, voter registration office, and property records department. Complete removal isn’t always possible, but some jurisdictions offer partial address masking.
    3. Enable WHOIS privacy protection on domain registrations: If you own any websites or domains, request your domain registrar to add privacy protection services to replace your personal address with the registrar’s information.
    4. Review old forums and social media profiles: Check your profiles on forums, professional networks, and social platforms where you may have shared your address years ago. Delete or edit posts containing location details, and update bio sections to remove specific address information.
    5. Verify removal progress: Every month, do a search of your name and address variations on different search engines. You can also set up Google Alerts to monitor and alert you when new listings appear. Most data broker removals need to be renewed every 6-12 months as information gets re-aggregated.

    The cost to delete your information from the internet

    The cost to remove your personal information from the internet varies, depending on whether you do it yourself or use a professional service. Read the guide below to help you make an informed decision:

    DIY approach

    Removing your information on your own primarily requires time investment. Expect to spend 20 to 40 hours looking for your information online and submitting removal requests. In terms of financial costs, most data brokers may not charge for opting out; however, other expenses could include certified mail fees for formal removal requests, which range from $3 to $8 per letter, and possibly notarization fees for legal documents. In total, this effort can be substantial when dealing with dozens of sites.

    Professional removal services

    Depending on which paid removal and monitoring service you employ, basic plans typically range from $8 to $25 monthly, while annual plans, which often provide better value, range from $100 to $600. Premium services that monitor hundreds of data broker sites and provide ongoing removal can cost $1,200-$2,400 annually.

    The difference in pricing is driven by several factors. This includes the number of data broker sites to be monitored, which could cover more than 200 sites, and the scope of removal requests, which may include basic personal information or comprehensive family protection. The monitoring frequency and additional features, such as dark web monitoring, credit protection, identity restoration support, and insurance coverage, typically command higher prices.

    The value of continuous monitoring

    The upfront cost may seem significant, but continuous monitoring provides essential value. A McAfee survey revealed that 95% of consumers’ personal information ends up on data broker sites without their consent. It is possible that after the successful removal of your information, it may reappear on data broker sites without ongoing monitoring. This makes continuous protection far more cost-effective than repeated one-time cleanups.

    Services such as McAfee Personal Data Cleanup can prove invaluable, as it handles the initial removal process, as well as ongoing monitoring to catch when your information resurfaces, saving you time and effort while offering long-term privacy protection.

    Aside from the services above, comprehensive protection software can help safeguard your privacy and minimize your exposure to cybercrime with these offerings, such as:

    • An unlimited virtual private network to make your personal information much more difficult to collect and track
    • Identity monitoring that tracks and alerts you if your specific personal information is found on the dark web
    • Identity theft coverage and restoration helps you pay for legal fees and travel expenses, and further assistance from a licensed recovery pro to repair your identity and credit
    • Other features, such as safe browsing to help you avoid dangerous links, bad downloads, malicious websites, and more online threats when you’re online

    So while it may seem like all this rampant collecting and selling of personal information is out of your hands, there’s plenty you can do to take control. With the steps outlined above and strong online protection software in place, you can keep your personal information more private and secure.

    Essential steps if your information is found on the dark web

    Unlike legitimate data broker sites, the dark web operates outside legal boundaries where takedown requests don’t apply. Rather than trying to remove information that’s already circulating, you can take immediate steps to reduce the potential harm and focus on preventing future exposure. A more effective approach is to treat data breaches as ongoing security issues rather than one-time events.

    Both the FTC and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have released guidelines on proactive controls and continuous monitoring. Here are the key steps of those recommendations:

    1. Change your passwords immediately and enable multi-factor authentication. Start with your most critical accounts—banking, email, and any services linked to financial information. Create unique, strong passwords for each account and enable MFA where possible for an extra layer of protection.
    2. Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports closely. Check your bank statements, credit card accounts, and investment accounts for any unauthorized activity. Request your free annual credit reports from all three major bureaus and carefully review them for accounts you didn’t open or activities you don’t recognize.
    3. Place fraud alerts or credit freezes. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place fraud alerts, which require creditors to verify your identity before approving new accounts. Better yet, consider a credit freeze to block access to your credit report entirely until you lift it.
    4. Replace compromised identification documents if necessary. If your Social Security number, driver’s license, or passport information was exposed, contact the appropriate agencies to report the breach and request new documents. IdentityTheft.gov provides step-by-step guidance for replacing compromised documents.
    5. Set up ongoing identity monitoring and protection. Consider using identity monitoring services that scan the dark web and alert you to new exposures of your personal information.
    6. Document everything and report the incident. Keep detailed records of any suspicious activities you discover and all steps you’ve taken. File a report with the FTC and police, especially if you’ve experienced financial losses. This documentation will be crucial for disputing fraudulent charges or accounts.

    Legal and practical roadblocks

    As you go about removing your information from the internet, it is important to set realistic expectations. Several factors may limit how completely you can remove personal data from internet sources:

    • The United States lacks comprehensive federal privacy laws requiring companies to delete personal information upon request.
    • Public records, court documents, and news articles often have legal protections that prevent removal.
    • International websites may not comply with U.S. deletion requests.
    • Cached copies could remain on search engines and archival sites for years.
    • Data brokers frequently repopulate their databases from new sources even after opt-outs.

    While some states like California have stronger consumer privacy rights, most data removal still depends on voluntary compliance from companies.

    Final thoughts

    Removing your personal information from the internet takes effort, but it’s one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from identity theft and privacy violations. The steps outlined above provide you with a clear roadmap to systematically reduce your online exposure, from opting out of data brokers to tightening your social media privacy settings.

    This isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires regular attention, as new data appears online constantly. Rather than attempting to completely erase your digital presence, focus on reducing your exposure to the most harmful uses of your personal information. Services like McAfee Personal Data Cleanup can help automate the most time-consuming parts of this process, monitoring high-risk data broker sites and managing removal requests for you.

    The post How to Remove Your Personal Information From the Internet appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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