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It started with a DM.
For five months, 25-year-old computer programmer Maggie K. exchanged daily messages with the man she met on Instagram, convinced she had found something real.
When it was finally time to meet in person, he never showed. Instead, he claimed he missed his flight and needed money to rebook. Desperate to finally see him, she sent the cash.
Then, silence. His accounts vanished. He hadn’t just ghosted her—he had never existed at all.
“I ignored my gut feeling… I sent him $1,200. Then he disappeared,” Maggie told McAfee, hoping that her story would educate others. “When I reported the scam, the police told me his images were AI-generated. He wasn’t even a real person. That was the scariest part – I had trusted someone who never even existed.”
These scams work because they prey on trust and emotions. And they aren’t just targeting the naïve; anyone, even tech professionals as Maggie’s case shows, can be fooled.
McAfee’s latest research reveals more than half (52%) of people have been scammed out of money or pressured to send money or gifts by someone they met online.
And romance scams aren’t just happening in dating apps anymore. Social media, messaging platforms and AI chatbots are fuelling an explosion of online romance fraud.
McAfee’s findings highlight a staggering rise in:
With 62% of people saying they’ve used dating apps, social media, or messaging platforms to connect with potential partners, scammers have a bigger pool of victims than ever before.
Younger users are the most active online daters, with 31% of 18-24-year-olds currently using online dating platforms. Tinder is the most popular dating app overall (46%), with its highest engagement among 18-24-year-olds (73%). Just over 40% of respondents said they use Instagram, 29% use Snapchat and 25% use TikTok to meet potential partners. But these platforms also present new risks, as fake apps designed to steal personal information lurk in app stores.
McAfee researchers found nearly 11,000 attempts to download fraudulent dating apps in recent months. The most impersonated?
Downloading a fake app could expose your login credentials, financial information or even install malware onto your device.
And once money is lost, its rarely recovered, as scammers use cryptocurrency, untraceable gift cards and offshore accounts to move stolen funds.
McAfee researchers urge anyone looking for love online to stay vigilant by following these critical safety measures:
1) Watch for “love bombing.” Scammers overwhelm victims with affection early on to gain trust.
2) Verify their identity. Use reverse image searches and insist on live video calls which AI-generated scammers avoid.
3) Never send money. No real partner will pressure you for financial help—especially when you’ve never met.
4) Be wary of celebrity DMs. If a famous figure suddenly messages you, it’s likely a scam.
5) Avoid suspicious links. McAfee blocked over 321,000 fraudulent dating sites—avoid clicking on unknown links or apps.
6) Use online protection tools. Tools like McAfee+ can detect and block suspicious messages, phishing attempts, and AI-generated fraud in real time. McAfee+ offers maximum identity, privacy, and device protection to detect and prevent fraudulent activity before it causes harm.
The post AI chatbots are becoming romance scammers—and 1 in 3 people admit they could fall for one appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Beyoncé has officially announced her Cowboy Carter world tour, and the excitement is through the roof! With her last tour selling out in record time, fans know they need to act fast to secure their tickets. Unfortunately, that urgency is exactly what scammers prey on.
In 2022 alone, Americans lost nearly $8.8 billion to fraud, and ticket scams are one of the most common ways scammers cash in on eager fans. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Before you rush to buy tickets to Beyoncé’s latest tour, here’s how to spot and avoid ticket scams so you don’t get left outside the stadium with nothing but regret.
Ticket scams come in different forms, but the most common ones include:
Scammers know how to create a sense of urgency, often advertising tickets to sold-out events at too-good-to-be-true prices. If you’re desperate to see Beyoncé, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush—but staying cautious can save you from getting scammed.
The best way to avoid being scammed is to buy only from reputable sources like official ticketing platforms (Ticketmaster, Live Nation, AXS) or directly from the event’s website. However, if you’re looking elsewhere, be on the lookout for these red flags:
When an event sells out, scammers flood social media with offers. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Craigslist are filled with fake ticket sellers. If you didn’t get tickets during the official sale, be cautious about where you’re looking.
Pro Tip: Follow Beyoncé’s official social media pages and event organizers for updates. Sometimes, extra dates or official resale opportunities become available.
Scammers often advertise tickets below face value to lure in victims. While real fans sometimes sell their tickets at a discount, it’s a huge red flag if the price is way lower than expected.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying from an individual, check their profile carefully. Look for signs of a fake account, such as recently created pages or multiple listings in different cities.
Some scammers go the extra mile, creating entire websites that mimic real ticket platforms. These fake sites not only sell counterfeit tickets but may also steal your credit card information.
Pro Tip: Always type in the official ticketing site’s URL manually or search for it on Google. Avoid clicking links from unknown sources, and double-check that the site uses “HTTPS” and has no misspellings in the URL.
Even if you get a real ticket, that doesn’t mean it’s yours alone. Some scammers sell the same ticket to multiple people, leading to chaos when multiple buyers show up at the event.
Pro Tip: Only buy from platforms that offer verified resale tickets with guarantees, like StubHub, SeatGeek, or VividSeats.
Some scammers sell general admission tickets as if they were premium seats. You may think you’re getting front-row access, only to find out you overpaid for a standing-room ticket.
Pro Tip: Always confirm the seat location with the seller. Many venues have seating charts available online, so check before purchasing.
Scammers hack into Ticketmaster accounts and transfer tickets to themselves, effectively locking the rightful owner out of their seats. Victims often receive a flood of emails, including notifications of ticket transfers they never authorized. By the time they realize what’s happened, their tickets are gone, likely resold by the scammer.
Pro Tip: To prevent this, ensure your Ticketmaster account is secure by using a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, and being wary of suspicious login attempts or phishing emails.
To make sure you don’t fall victim to a ticket scam, follow these golden rules:
Buy from official sources – Beyoncé’s official website, Ticketmaster, and AXS are your safest bets.
Use a credit card – If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge.
Be wary of social media sellers – If you’re buying from a stranger, research their profile and history first.
Check the URL – Make sure you’re on the real ticketing website before purchasing.
Avoid high-pressure sales tactics – Scammers want you to act fast—don’t fall for it!
Beyond ticket scams, cybercriminals also use major events like Beyoncé’s tour to spread malware and phishing attacks. McAfee’s comprehensive online protection can help keep your devices and personal information safe by blocking malicious websites, preventing identity theft, and alerting you to potential fraud.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and everyone wants to be part of the experience. But scammers know this too, and they’re out in full force. By staying smart, sticking to verified ticket sources, and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true, you can avoid scams and secure your spot at one of the biggest concerts of 2025.
Stay safe, Beyhive—and get ready to enjoy the show!
The post Buying Tickets for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour? Don’t Let Scammers Ruin Your Experience appeared first on McAfee Blog.
The rise of AI-driven cyber threats has introduced a new level of sophistication to phishing scams, particularly those targeting Gmail users.
Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create eerily realistic impersonations of Google support representatives, Forbes recently reported. These scams don’t just rely on misleading emails; they also include convincing phone calls that appear to come from legitimate sources.
If you receive a call claiming to be from Google support, just hang up—this could be an AI-driven scam designed to trick you into handing over your Gmail credentials.
Here’s everything you need to know about the scam and how to protect yourself:
Hackers have devised a multi-step approach to trick users into handing over their Gmail credentials. Here’s how the scam unfolds:
The attack often begins with a phone call from what appears to be an official Google support number. The caller, using AI-generated voice technology, convincingly mimics a real Google representative. Their tone is professional, and the caller ID may even display “Google Support,” making it difficult to immediately recognize the scam.
Once engaged, the scammer informs the victim that suspicious activity has been detected on their Gmail account. They may claim that an unauthorized login attempt has occurred, or that their account is at risk of being locked. The goal is to create a sense of urgency, pressuring the victim to act quickly without thinking critically.
To appear credible, the scammer sends an email that looks almost identical to a real Google security notification. The email may include official-looking branding and a request to verify the user’s identity by entering a code. The email is designed to look so authentic that even tech-savvy individuals can be fooled.
If the victim enters the verification code, they inadvertently grant the attacker full access to their Gmail account. Since the scammer now controls the two-factor authentication process, they can lock the real user out, change passwords, and exploit the account for further attacks, including identity theft, financial fraud, or spreading phishing emails to others.
This scam is particularly dangerous because it combines multiple layers of deception, making it difficult to spot. Unlike standard phishing emails that may contain poor grammar or suspicious links, AI-enhanced scams:
To protect yourself from AI-powered scams, follow these essential security measures:
1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls from “Google”
Google does not randomly call users about security issues. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report the incident through Google’s official support channels.
2. Verify Security Alerts Directly in Your Account
If you receive a message stating that your account has been compromised, do not click any links or follow instructions from the email. Instead, go directly to your Google account’s security settings and review recent activity.
3. Never Share Verification Codes
Google will never ask you to provide a security code over the phone. If someone requests this information, it is a scam.
4. Enable Strong Authentication Methods
5. Regularly Monitor Your Account Activity
Check the “Security” section of your Google account to review login activity. If you see any unrecognized sign-ins, take immediate action by changing your password and logging out of all devices.
6. Use a Password Manager
A password manager helps create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This ensures that even if one password is compromised, other accounts remain secure.
If you believe your account has been compromised, take these steps immediately:
As AI technology advances, cybercriminals will continue to find new ways to exploit users. By staying informed and implementing strong security practices, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
At McAfee, we are dedicated to helping you protect your digital identity. Stay proactive, stay secure, and always verify before you trust.
For more cybersecurity insights and protection tools, check out McAfee+.
The post How to Make Sure Your Gmail Account is Protected in Light of Recent AI Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
The artificial intelligence arms race has a new disruptor—DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has quickly gained traction for its advanced language models.
Positioned as a low-cost alternative to industry giants like OpenAI and Meta, DeepSeek has drawn attention for its rapid growth, affordability, and potential to reshape the AI landscape.
But as the buzz around its capabilities grows, so do concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and the implications of feeding personal information into AI tools with uncertain oversight.
DeepSeek’s AI models, including its latest version, DeepSeek-V3, claim to rival the most sophisticated AI systems developed in the U.S.—but at a fraction of the cost.
According to reports, training its latest model required just $6 million in computing power, compared to the billions spent by its American counterparts. This affordability has allowed DeepSeek to climb the ranks, with its AI assistant even surpassing ChatGPT as the top free app on Apple’s U.S. App Store.
What makes DeepSeek’s rise even more surprising is how abruptly it entered the AI race. The company originally launched as a hedge fund before pivoting to artificial intelligence—an unusual shift that has fueled speculation about how it managed to develop such advanced models so quickly. Unlike other AI startups that spent years in research and development, DeepSeek seemed to emerge overnight with capabilities on par with OpenAI and Meta.
However, DeepSeek’s meteoric rise has sparked skepticism. Some analysts and AI experts question whether its success is truly due to breakthrough efficiency or if it has leveraged external resources—potentially including restricted U.S. AI technology. OpenAI has even accused DeepSeek of improperly using its proprietary tech, a claim that, if proven, could have major legal and ethical ramifications.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding DeepSeek isn’t just how it handles user data—it’s that it reportedly failed to secure it altogether.
According to The Register, security researchers at Wiz discovered that DeepSeek left a database completely exposed, with no password protection, allowing public access to millions of chat logs, API keys, backend data, and operational details.
This means that conversations with DeepSeek’s chatbot, including potentially sensitive information, were openly available to anyone on the internet. Worse still, the exposure reportedly could have allowed attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access into DeepSeek’s infrastructure. While the issue has since been fixed, the incident highlights a glaring oversight: even the most advanced AI models are only as trustworthy as the security behind them.
Here’s why caution is warranted:
DeepSeek specifically states in its terms of service that it collects, stores, and has permission to share just about all the data you provide while using the service.
Figure 1. Screenshot of DeepSeek Privacy Policy shared on LinkedIn
It specifically notes collecting your profile information, credit card details, and any files or data shared in chats. What’s more, that data isn’t stored in the United States, which has strict data privacy regulations. DeepSeek is a Chinese company with limited required protections for U.S. consumers and their personal data.
If you’re using AI tools—whether it’s ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or any other chatbot—it’s crucial to take steps to protect your information:
As AI chatbots like DeepSeek gain popularity, safeguarding your personal data is more critical than ever. With McAfee’s advanced security solutions, including identity protection and AI-powered threat detection, you can browse, chat, and interact online with greater confidence—because in the age of AI, privacy is power.
The post Explaining DeepSeek: The AI Disruptor That’s Raising Red Flags for Privacy and Security appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Identity theft is a growing concern, and Data Privacy Week serves as an important reminder to safeguard your personal information. In today’s digital age, scammers have more tools than ever to steal your identity, often with just a few key details—like your Social Security number, bank account information, or home address.
Unfortunately, identity theft claims have surged in recent years, jumping from approximately 650,000 in 2019 to over a million in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This trend underscores the urgent need for stronger personal data protection habits.
So, how do scammers pull it off, and how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim?
How Do Scammers Steal Your Identity?
Scammers are resourceful, and there are multiple ways they can access your personal information. The theft can happen both in the physical and digital realms.
When scammers steal your identity, they often leave behind a trail of unusual activity that you can detect. Here are some common signs that could indicate identity theft:
If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, time is of the essence. Here’s what you need to do:
While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of identity theft, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:
Identity theft can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but by acting quickly and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information, you can minimize the damage and reclaim your identity.
The post How Scammers Steal Your Identity and What You Can Do About It appeared first on McAfee Blog.
We’re excited to announce the release of McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup, a new feature that finds and removes your personal info from data brokers and people search sites. Now, you can feel more confident by removing personal info from data broker sites and keeping it from being collected, sold, and used to: advertise products to you, fill your email box with spam, and can even give criminals the info they need to steal your identity. Let’s look at why we’re offering McAfee Personal Data Cleanup, how it protects your privacy, and why it’s a great addition to the online protection we already offer.
There’s so much to enjoy when you live a connected life – free email, online stores that remember what you like, social media that connects you to friends and influencers. It’s a world of convenience, opportunity, and incredible content. It’s also a world where your data is constantly collected.
That’s right, companies are collecting your personal data. They’re called data brokers and they make money by selling information that specifically identifies you, like an email address. They sell this information to marketers looking to target you with ads. Criminals can also use it to build profiles in service of stealing your identity and accessing your accounts. This activity takes place behind the scenes and often without consumers’ knowledge. There are also data brokers known as people search sites that compile and sell info like home addresses, emails, phones, court records, employment info, and more. These websites give identity thieves, hackers, stalkers, and other malicious actors easy access to your info. Regardless of how your data is being used, it’s clear that these days a more connected life often comes at the cost of your privacy.
In a recent survey of McAfee customers, we found that 59% have become more protective of their personal data over the past six months. And it’s no wonder. Over the past two years, trends like telehealth, remote working, and increased usage of online shopping and financial services have meant that more of your time is being spent online. Unsurprisingly, more personal data is being made available in the process. This leads us to the most alarming finding of our survey – 95% of consumers whose personal information ends up on data broker sites had it collected without their consent.
We created Personal Data Cleanup to make it easy for you to take back your privacy online. McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup regularly scans the riskiest data broker sites for info like your home address, date of birth, and names of relatives. After showing where we found your data, you can either remove it yourself or we will work on your behalf to remove it. Here’s how it works:
Ready to take back your personal info online? Personal Data Cleanup is available immediately with most of our online protection plans. If you have an eligible subscription, you can start using this new feature through McAfee Protection Center, or you can get McAfee online protection here.
The post Introducing Personal Data Cleanup appeared first on McAfee Blog.
McAfee threat researchers have identified several consumer brands and product categories most frequently used by cybercriminals to trick consumers into clicking on malicious links in the first weeks of this holiday shopping season. As holiday excitement peaks and shoppers hunt for the perfect gifts and amazing deals, scammers are taking advantage of the buzz. The National Retail Federation projects holiday spending will reach between $979.5 and $989 billion this year, and cybercriminals are capitalizing by creating scams that mimic the trusted brands and categories consumers trust. From October 1 to November 12, 2024, McAfee safeguarded its customers from 624,346 malicious or suspicious URLs tied to popular consumer brand names – a clear indication that bad actors are exploiting trusted brand names to deceive holiday shoppers.
McAfee’s threat research also reveals a 33.82% spike in malicious URLs targeting consumers with these brands’ names in the run-up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This rise in fraudulent activity aligns with holiday shopping patterns during a time when consumers may be more susceptible to clicking on offers from well-known brands like Apple, Yeezy, and Louis Vuitton, especially when deals seem too good to be true – pointing to the need for consumers to stay vigilant, especially with offers that seem unusually generous or come from unverified sources.
McAfee threat researchers have identified a surge in counterfeit sites and phishing scams that use popular luxury brands and tech products to lure consumers into “deals” on fake e-commerce sites designed to appear as official brand pages. While footwear and handbags were identified as the top two product categories exploited by cybercrooks during this festive time, the list of most exploited brands extends beyond those borders:
By mimicking trusted brands like these, offering unbelievable deals, or posing as legitimate customer service channels, cybercrooks create convincing traps designed to steal personal information or money. Here are some of the most common tactics scammers are using this holiday season:
With holiday shopping in full swing, it’s essential for consumers to stay one step ahead of scammers. By understanding the tactics cybercriminals use and taking a few precautionary measures, shoppers can protect themselves from falling victim to fraud. Here are some practical tips for safe shopping this season:
McAfee’s threat research team analyzed malicious or suspicious URLs that McAfee’s web reputation technology identified as targeting customers, by using a list of key company and product brand names—based on insights from a Potter Clarkson report on frequently faked brands—to query the URLs. This methodology captures instances where users either clicked on or were directed to dangerous sites mimicking trusted brands. Additionally, the team queried anonymized user activity from October 1st through November 12th.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: Yeezy is a popular product brand formerly from Adidas found in multiple Malicious/Suspicious URLs. Often, they present themselves as official Yeezy and/or Adidas shopping sites.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: The Apple brand was a popular target for scammers. Many sites were either knock offs, scams, or in this case, a fake customer service page designed to lure users into a scam.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: This particular (fake) Apple sales site used Apple within its URL and name to appear more official. Oddly, this site also sells Samsung Android phones.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: This site, now taken down, is a scam site purporting to sell Nike shoes.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: Louis Vuitton is a popular brand for counterfeit and scams. Particularly their handbags. Here is one site that was entirely focused on Louis Vuitton Handbags.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: This site presents itself as the official Louis Vuitton site selling handbags and clothes.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: This site uses too-good-to-be-true deals on branded items including this Louis Vuitton Bomber jacket.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: Rolex is a popular watch brand for counterfeits and scams. This site acknowledges it sells counterfeits and makes no effort to indicate this on the product.
The post This Holiday Season, Watch Out for These Cyber-Grinch Tricks Used to Scam Holiday Shoppers appeared first on McAfee Blog.
What is a botnet? And what does it have to do with a toaster?
We’ll get to that. First, a definition:
A botnet is a group of internet-connected devices that bad actors hijack with malware. Using remote controls, bad actors can harness the power of the network to perform several types of attacks. These include distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that shut down internet services, breaking into other networks to steal data, and sending massive volumes of spam.
In a way, the metaphor of an “army of devices” leveling a cyberattack works well. With thousands or even millions of compromised devices working in concert, bad actors can do plenty of harm. As we’ll see in a moment, they’ve done their share already.
Which brings us back to that toaster.
The pop-up toaster as we know it first hit the shelves in 1926, under the brand name “Toastmaster.”[i] With a familiar springy *pop*, it has ejected toast just the way we like it for nearly a century. Given that its design was so simple and effective, it’s remained largely unchanged. Until now. Thanks to the internet and so-called “smart home” devices.
Toasters, among other things, are all getting connected. And have been for a few years now, to the point where the number of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices reaches well into the billions worldwide — which includes smart home devices.[ii]
Businesses use IoT devices to track shipments and various aspects of their supply chain. Cities use them to manage traffic flow and monitor energy use. (Does your home have a smart electric meter?) And for people like us, we use them to play music on smart speakers, see who’s at the front door with smart doorbells, and order groceries from an LCD screen on our smart refrigerators — just to name a few ways we’ve welcomed smart home devices into our households.
In the U.S. alone, smart home devices make up a $30-plus billion marketplace per year.[iii] However, it’s still a relatively young marketplace. And with that comes several security issues.
First and foremost, many of these devices still lack sophisticated security measures, which makes them easy pickings for cybercriminals. Why would a cybercriminal target that smart lightbulb in your living room reading lamp? Networks are only as secure as their least secure device. Thus, if a cybercriminal can compromise that smart lightbulb, it can potentially give them access to the entire home network it is on — along with all the other devices and data on it.
More commonly, though, hackers target smart home devices for another reason. They conscript them into botnets. It’s a highly automated affair. Hackers use bots to add devices to their networks. They scan the internet in search of vulnerable devices and use brute-force password attacks to take control of them.
At issue: many of these devices ship with factory usernames and passwords. Fed with that info, a hacker’s bot can have a relatively good success rate because people often leave the factory password unchanged. It’s an easy in.
Results from one real-life test show just how active these hacker bots are:
We created a fake smart home and set up a range of real consumer devices, from televisions to thermostats to smart security systems and even a smart kettle – and hooked it up to the internet.
What happened next was a deluge of attempts by cybercriminals and other unknown actors to break into our devices, at one stage, reaching 14 hacking attempts every single hour.
Put another way, that hourly rate added up to more than 12,000 unique scans and attack attempts a week.[iv] Imagine all that activity pinging your smart home devices.
Now, with a botnet in place, hackers can wage the kinds of attacks we mentioned above, particularly DDoS attacks. DDoS attacks can shut down websites, disrupt service and even choke traffic across broad swathes of the internet.
Remember the “Mirai” botnet attack of 2016, where hackers targeted a major provider of internet infrastructure?[v] It ended up crippling traffic in concentrated areas across the U.S., including the northeast, Great Lakes, south-central, and western regions. Millions of internet users were affected, people, businesses, and government workers alike.
Another more recent set of headline-makers are the December 2023 and July 2024 attacks on Amazon Web Services (AWS).[vi],[vii] AWS provides cloud computing services to millions of businesses and organizations, large and small. Those customers saw slowdowns and disruptions for three days, which in turn slowed down and disrupted the people and services that wanted to connect with them.
Also in July 2024, Microsoft likewise fell victim to a DDoS attack. It affected everything from Outlook email to Azure web services, and Microsoft Office to online games of Minecraft. They all got swept up in it.[viii]
These attacks stand out as high-profile DDoS attacks, yet smaller botnet attacks abound, ones that don’t make headlines. They can disrupt the operations of websites, public infrastructure, and businesses, not to mention the well-being of people who rely on the internet.
Earlier we mentioned the problem of unchanged factory usernames and passwords. These include everything from “admin123” to the product’s name. Easy to remember, and highly insecure. The practice is so common that they get posted in bulk on hacking websites, making it easy for cybercriminals to simply look up the type of device they want to attack.
Complicating security yet further is the fact that some IoT and smart home device manufacturers introduce flaws in their design, protocols, and code that make them susceptible to attacks.[ix] The thought gets yet more unsettling when you consider that some of the flaws were found in things like smart door locks.
The ease with which IoT devices can be compromised is a big problem. The solution, however, starts with manufacturers that develop IoT devices with security in mind. Everything in these devices will need to be deployed with the ability to accept security updates and embed strong security solutions from the get-go.
Until industry standards get established to ensure such basic security, a portion of securing your IoT and smart home devices falls on us, as people and consumers.
As for security, you can take steps that can help keep you safer. Broadly speaking, they involve two things: protecting your devices and protecting the network they’re on. These security measures will look familiar, as they follow many of the same measures you can take to protect your computers, tablets, and phones.
Grab online protection for your smartphone.
Many smart home devices use a smartphone as a sort of remote control, not to mention as a place for gathering, storing, and sharing data. So whether you’re an Android owner or iOS owner, use online protection software on your phone to help keep it safe from compromise and attack.
Don’t use the default — Set a strong, unique password.
One issue with many IoT devices is that they often come with a default username and password. This could mean that your device and thousands of others just like it all share the same credentials, which makes it painfully easy for a hacker to gain access to them because those default usernames and passwords are often published online. When you purchase any IoT device, set a fresh password using a strong method of password creation, such as ours. Likewise, create an entirely new username for additional protection as well.
Use multi-factor authentication.
Online banks, shops, and other services commonly offer multi-factor authentication to help protect your accounts — with the typical combination of your username, password, and a security code sent to another device you own (often a mobile phone). If your IoT device supports multi-factor authentication, consider using it there too. It throws a big barrier in the way of hackers who simply try and force their way into your device with a password/username combination.
Secure your internet router too.
Another device that needs good password protection is your internet router. Make sure you use a strong and unique password as well to help prevent hackers from breaking into your home network. Also, consider changing the name of your home network so that it doesn’t personally identify you. Fun alternatives to using your name or address include everything from movie lines like “May the Wi-Fi be with you” to old sitcom references like “Central Perk.” Also check that your router is using an encryption method, like WPA2 or the newer WPA3, which keeps your signal secure.
Upgrade to a newer internet router.
Older routers might have outdated security measures, which might make them more prone to attacks. If you’re renting yours from your internet provider, contact them for an upgrade. If you’re using your own, visit a reputable news or review site such as Consumer Reports for a list of the best routers that combine speed, capacity, and security.
Update your apps and devices regularly.
In addition to fixing the odd bug or adding the occasional new feature, updates often fix security gaps. Out-of-date apps and devices might have flaws that hackers can exploit, so regular updating is a must from a security standpoint. If you can set your smart home apps and devices to receive automatic updates, that’s even better.
Set up a guest network specifically for your IoT devices.
Just as you can offer your guests secure access that’s separate from your own devices, creating an additional network on your router allows you to keep your computers and smartphones separate from IoT devices. This way, if an IoT device is compromised, a hacker will still have difficulty accessing your other devices on your primary network, the one where you connect your computers and smartphones.
Shop smart.
Read trusted reviews and look up the manufacturer’s track record online. Have their devices been compromised in the past? Do they provide regular updates for their devices to ensure ongoing security? What kind of security features do they offer? And privacy features too? Resources like Consumer Reports can provide extensive and unbiased information that can help you make a sound purchasing decision.
As more and more connected devices make their way into our homes, the need to ensure that they’re secure only increases. More devices mean more potential avenues of attack, and your home network is only as secure as the least secure device that’s on it.
While standards put forward by industry groups such as UL and Matter have started to take root, a good portion of keeping IoT and smart home devices secure falls on us as consumers. Taking the steps above can help prevent your connected toaster from playing its part in a botnet army attack — and it can also protect your network and your home from getting hacked.
It’s no surprise that IoT and smart home devices have raked in billions of dollars over the years. They introduce conveniences and little touches into our homes that make life more comfortable and enjoyable. However, they’re still connected devices. And like anything that’s connected, they must be protected.
[i] https://www.hagley.org/librarynews/history-making-toast
[ii] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1183457/iot-connected-devices-worldwide/
[iii] https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/smart-home/united-states
[iv] https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-the-smart-home-could-be-at-risk-from-hackers-akeR18s9eBHU
[v] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirai_(malware)
[vi] https://www.darkreading.com/cloud-security/eight-hour-ddos-attack-struck-aws-customers
[vii] https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilsayegh/2024/07/31/microsoft-and-aws-outages-a-wake-up-call-for-cloud-dependency/
[viii] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c903e793w74o
[ix] https://news.fit.edu/academics-research/apps-for-popular-smart-home-devices-contain-security-flaws-new-research-finds/
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You crack open your credit card statement and something seems … off. Maybe it’s a couple of small online purchases that make you think, “Hmm, that’s strange.” Or maybe a statement shows up in your mailbox — one for a card that you don’t own at all. That calls for a huge “What the heck???” Sure enough, you’re looking at cases of identity fraud and theft.
And there’s a difference between identity fraud and identity theft. It’s subtle. And because of that, they often get used interchangeably. Each one can really sting but in different ways.
So, put simply, identity fraud involves stealing from an existing account. Identity theft means that someone used your personal info to impersonate you in some way, such as opening new accounts in your name.
Each year, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) publishes a data book that collects consumer reports of fraud, identity theft, and other similar crimes. Using the most recent data from the FTC, we can plot what the top forms of identity theft and fraud look like.
Credit cards
By far the top form of identity theft and fraud. As mentioned in the examples above, these can include crooks who string out several small purchases over time. All in the hope that the cardholder will overlook it. It can also include a one-whopper of a purchase for a big-ticket item. Here, the crook knows the card will likely get canceled quickly afterward. It’s a one-and-done deal.
Loans and leases
Second, we have loans and leases. This can range from student loans, personal loans, and auto loans, and to real estate rentals as well. Common across them all is someone impersonating you to take them out or tap into their funds in some way.
Bank accounts
Here, the creation of totally new accounts leads the way in this category. As we described above, that’s a form of identity theft. Yet identity fraud accounts for a noticeable chuck, which includes account takeovers. In these cases, crooks siphon off funds via debit cards, Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF), and other forms of withdrawal and transfer.
ID and government benefits
This covers cases where crooks use stolen personal info to get IDs. That includes driver’s licenses, passports, and other government documentation. Further, this category also encompasses the theft of government-issued benefits ranging from medical assistance to veteran’s pay.
Tax returns
While all forms of identity theft and fraud can pack a punch, this type hits particularly hard because it involves your SSN. Around tax time, scammers with access to SSNs will file bogus returns, all with the aim of claiming the refund for themselves.
Utilities
Largely, this involves people buying cell phones and opening new mobile accounts along with them. Yet it also includes people opening other utilities in other people’s names. Indeed, crooks will scam their way into getting free electricity, water, gas, and yes…cable TV.
Although these forms don’t top the list in terms of reports, they still bear mentioning. They’re serious enough, and they can go undetected for some time before their victims find out.
Medical identity theft
In this form, an imposter receives care, medications, or medical devices in someone else’s name. They might pass off phony documentation to the care provider involved, the insurance company that pays for the care, or a combination of the two. A few things can happen as a result. It can impact the care you can get and the benefits you can use. In extreme cases, the thief’s health info can get mixed in with yours and impact your care. Medical identity theft is a good reason to closely review all the medical and insurance statements you get.
Child identity theft
Imagine your child about to rent a first apartment. The property management company runs a credit check, only to find a horrendous credit rating. But how? An identity thief has been using your child’s identity for years now. After all, what parent thinks, “I really should run a credit report on my kindergartener.” And that’s fair. However, signing up your child for identity is a sound move. It can help spot if your child’s identity got stolen.
1) Notify the companies and institutions involved and consider a credit freeze.
Whether you spot a curious charge on your bank statement or you discover what looks like a fraudulent account in your credit monitoring service, let the bank or business involved know you suspect fraud. With a visit to their website, you can track down the appropriate number to call and get the investigation process started.
In the meantime, consider putting a security freeze in place. A security freeze service prevents others from opening new credit, bank, and utility accounts in your name. It won’t hit your credit score, and you can unfreeze it when needed. You’ll find this feature in our McAfee+ plans as well.
2) File a police report.
Some businesses will require you to file a local police report to acquire a case number to complete your claim. Beyond that, filing a report is still a good idea. Identity theft is still theft, and reporting it provides an official record of it.
Should your case of identity theft lead to someone impersonating you or committing a crime in your name, filing a police report right away can help you clear your name down the road. Likewise, save any evidence you have, such as statements or documents associated with the theft. They can help you clean up your record as well.
3) Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The FTC’s identity theft website is a fantastic resource should you find yourself in need. Above and beyond simply reporting the theft, the FTC can provide you with a step-by-step recovery plan—and even walk you through the process if you create an account with them. Additionally, reporting theft to the FTC can prove helpful if debtors come knocking to collect on any bogus charges in your name. You can provide them with a copy of your FTC report and ask them to stop.
4) Contact the IRS, if needed.
If you receive a notice from the IRS that someone used your identity to file a tax return in your name, follow the information provided by the IRS in the notice. From there, you can file an identity theft affidavit with the IRS. If the notice mentions that you were paid by an employer you don’t know, contact that employer as well and let them know of possible fraud — namely that someone has stolen your identity and that you don’t truly work for them.
Also, be aware that the IRS has specific guidelines as to how and when they will contact you. As a rule, they will most likely contact you via physical mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. (They won’t call, nor will they call and apply harassing pressure tactics — only scammers do that.) Identity-based tax scams are a topic all of their own, and for more on it, you can check out this article on tax scams and how to avoid them.
5) Continue to monitor your credit report, invoices, and statements.
Another downside of identity theft is that it can mark the start of a long, drawn-out affair. One instance of theft can possibly lead to another, so even what may appear to be an isolated bad charge on your credit card calls for keeping an eye on your identity. Many of the tools you would use up to this point still apply, such as checking up on your credit reports, maintaining fraud alerts as needed, in addition to reviewing your accounts closely.
Several features in our McAfee+ plans can do this work, and quite a bit more, for you:
The post What Are the 6 Types of Identity Theft appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Have you ever come across a website that just didn’t look quite right? Perhaps the company logo looked slightly misshapen, or the font seemed off-brand. Odds are, you landed on a phony version of a legitimate corporation’s website—a tried and true tactic relied on by many cyber criminals.
A fake login page is essentially a knock-off of a real login page used to trick people into entering their login credentials, which hackers can later use to break into online accounts. These websites mirror legitimate pages by using company logos, fonts, formatting, and overall templates. Depending on the attention to detail put in by the hackers behind the imposter website, it can be nearly impossible to distinguish from the real thing. Consequentially, fake login pages can be highly effective in their end goal: credential theft.
How do these pages get in front of a consumer in the first place? Typically, scammers will target unsuspecting recipients with phishing emails spoofing a trusted brand. These emails may state that the user needs to reset their password or entice them with a deal that sounds too good to be true. If the consumer clicks on the link in the email, they will be directed to the fake login page and asked to enter their username and password. Once they submit their information, cybercriminals can use the consumer’s data to conduct credential-stuffing attacks and hack their online profiles. This could lead to credit card fraud, data extraction, wire transfers, identity theft, and more.
If you Google “fake login pages,” you will quickly find countless guides on how to create fake websites in seconds. Ethical concerns aside, this demonstrates just how common vector-spoofed websites are for cyberattacks. While it has been easier to distinguish between real and fake login pages in the past, criminals are constantly updating their techniques to be more sophisticated, therefore making it more difficult for consumers to recognize their fraudulent schemes.
One reason why fake login pages are so effective is due to inattentional blindness, or failure to notice something that is completely visible because of a lack of attention. One of the most famous studies on inattentional blindness is the “invisible gorilla test.” In this study, participants watched a video of people dressed in black and white shirts passing basketballs. Participants were asked to count the number of times the team in white passed the ball:
Because participants were intently focused on counting the number of times the players in white passed the ball, more than 50% failed to notice the person in the gorilla costume walking through the game. If this is the first time you’ve seen this video, it’s likely that you didn’t notice the gorilla, the curtain changing color from red to gold, or the player in black leaving the game. Similarly, if you come across a well-forged login page and aren’t actively looking for signs of fraud, you could inherently miss a cybercriminal’s “invisible gorilla.” That’s why it’s crucial for even those with phishing training to practice caution when they come across a website asking them to take action or enter personal details.
The most important defense against steering clear of fake login pages is knowing how to recognize them. Follow these tips to help you decipher between a legitimate and a fake website:
Most fake login pages are circulated via phishing messages. If you receive a suspicious message that asks for personal details, there are a few ways to determine if it was sent by a phisher aiming to steal your identity. Phishers often send messages with a tone of urgency, and they try to inspire extreme emotions such as excitement or fear. If an unsolicited email urges you to “act fast!” slow down and evaluate the situation.
Oftentimes, hackers will use a URL for their spoofed website that is just one character off from the legitimate site, such as using “www.rbcr0yalbank.com” versus “www.rbcroyalbank.com.” Before clicking on any website from an email asking you to act, hover over the link with your cursor. This will allow you to preview the URL and identify any suspicious misspellings or grammatical errors before navigating to a potentially dangerous website.
HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is a protocol that encrypts your interaction with a website. Typically, websites that begin with HTTPS and feature a padlock in the top left corner are considered safer. However, cybercriminals have more recently developed malware toolkits that leverage HTTPS to hide malware from detection by various security defenses. If the website is secured with HTTPS, ensure that this isn’t the only way you’re analyzing the page for online safety.
Multi-factor authentication requires that users confirm a collection of things to verify their identity—usually something they have, and a factor unique to their physical being—such as a retina or fingerprint scan. This can prevent a cybercriminal from using credential-stuffing tactics (where they will use email and password combinations to hack into online profiles) to access your network or account if your login details were ever exposed during a data breach.
An identity theft alert service warns you about suspicious activity surrounding your personal information, allowing you to jump to action before irreparable damage is done. McAfee+ not only keeps your devices safe from viruses but gives you the added peace of mind that your identity is secure, as well.
The post How to Spot Fake Login Pages appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Your smart home hums right along. It sets your alarm, opens your garage door, pops up recipes on your refrigerator screen, turns up your lighting, and even spins selections as your in-house DJ. That’s to name just a few of the things it can do. Yet with all these connected conveniences, can smart homes get hacked?
The short answer is, unfortunately, yes. Yet you have plenty of ways you can prevent it from happening.
Smart homes and the Internet of Things (IoT) devices that populate them often offer prime targets for hackers. The reason? Many IoT smart home devices have poor security features in place. And because a home network is only as strong as its weakest point, smart home devices offer a ready means of entry. With that access to the network, a hacker has access to all the other devices on it…computers, tablets, smartphones, baby monitors, and alarm systems. Everything.
Recent research sheds light on what’s at stake. Cybersecurity teams at the Florida Institute of Technology found that companion apps for several big brand smart devices had security flaws. Of the 20 apps linked to connected doorbells, locks, security systems, televisions, and cameras they studied, 16 had “critical cryptographic flaws” that might allow attackers to intercept and modify their traffic. These flaws might lead to the theft of login credentials and spying, the compromise of the connected device, or the compromise of other devices and data on the network.[i]
Over the years, our research teams at McAfee Labs have uncovered similar security vulnerabilities in other IoT devices like smart coffee makers and smart wall plugs.
Let’s imagine a smart lightbulb with poor security measures. As part of your home network, a motivated hacker might target it, compromise it, and gain access to the other devices on your network. In that way, a lightbulb might lead to your laptop — and all the files and data on it.
In all, hackers have many reasons why they might break into your smart home.
You can take several steps to make your current smart home safer. Some of them involve protecting your devices, while others focus on protecting your home network.
Aside from protecting your devices, there’s protecting yourself. Comprehensive online protection software will protect your privacy and identity as well. Depending on your location and the plan you select, ours includes up to $2 million in identity theft coverage, plus features that clean up old and risky online accounts. Further features remove your personal info from the sketchiest of online data brokers and help you monitor all your transactions in one place — including retirement and investment accounts. It’s comprehensive protection for a reason.
Check out our Smart Home Security Guide. It offers further details on device protection and privacy advice for smart devices and smart speakers too. It’s free, and part of the McAfee Safety Series that covers topics ranging from online shopping and cyberbullying to identity protection and ransomware prevention.
[i] https://news.fit.edu/academics-research/apps-for-popular-smart-home-devices-contain-security-flaws-new-research-finds/
[ii] https://www.zdnet.com/article/hacker-leaks-passwords-for-more-than-500000-servers-routers-and-iot-devices/
[iii] https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-401201A1.pdf
The post Is Your Smart Home Vulnerable to a Hack Attack? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Phishing attacks have all kinds of lures. And many are so tried and true that it makes them easy to spot.
The target of a phishing attack is you. More specifically, your personal info and your money. Whether a scammer reaches out by email, with a text, or through a direct message, that’s what they’re after. And with a link, they whisk you off to a sketchy site designed to take them from you.
Just how much phishing is going on? To date, we’ve identified more than half a billion malicious sites out there. A number that grows daily. Because these attacks often succeed. One big reason why — they play on people’s emotions.
Phishing attacks always involve a form of “social engineering,” which is an academic way of saying that scammers use manipulation in their attacks. Commonly, scammers pretend to be a legitimate person or business.
You can get a better idea of how this works by learning about some of the most popular scams circulating today:
The CEO Scam
This scam appears as an email from a leader in your organization, asking for highly sensitive info like company accounts, employee salaries, and Social Security numbers. The hackers “spoof”, or fake, the boss’ email address so it looks like a legitimate internal company email. That’s what makes this scam so convincing — the lure is that you want to do your job and please your boss. But keep this scam in mind if you receive an email asking for confidential or highly sensitive info. Ask the apparent sender directly whether the request is real before acting.
The Urgent Email Attachment
Phishing emails that try to trick you into downloading a dangerous attachment that can infect your computer and steal your private info have been around for a long time. This is because they work. You’ve probably received emails asking you to download attachments confirming a package delivery, trip itinerary, or prize. They might urge you to “respond immediately!” The lure here is offering you something you want and invoking a sense of urgency to get you to click.
The “Lucky” Text or Email
How fortunate! You’ve won a free gift, an exclusive service, or a great deal on a trip to Las Vegas. Just remember, whatever “limited time offer” you’re being sold, it’s probably a phishing scam designed to get you to give up your credit card number or identity info. The lure here is something free or exciting at what appears to be little or no cost to you.
The Romance Scam
This one can happen completely online, over the phone, or in person after contact is established. But the romance scam always starts with someone supposedly looking for love. The scammer often puts a phony ad online or poses as a friend-of-a-friend on social media and contacts you directly. But what starts as the promise of love or partnership, often leads to requests for money or pricey gifts. The scammer will sometimes spin a hardship story, saying they need to borrow money to come visit you or pay their phone bill so they can stay in touch. The lure here is simple — love and acceptance.
While you can’t outright stop phishing attacks from making their way to your computer or phone, you can do several things to keep yourself from falling for them. Further, you can do other things that might make it more difficult for scammers to reach you.
The content and the tone of the message can tell you quite a lot. Threatening messages or ones that play on fear are often phishing attacks, such as angry messages from a so-called tax agent looking to collect back taxes. Other messages will lean heavily on urgency, like a phony overdue payment notice. And during the holidays, watch out for loud, overexcited messages about deep discounts on hard-to-find items. Instead of linking you to a proper e-commerce site, they might link you to a scam shopping site that does nothing but steal your money and the account info you used to pay them. In all, phishing attacks indeed smell fishy. Slow down and review that message with a critical eye. It might tip you off to a scam.
Some phishing attacks can look rather convincing. So much so that you’ll want to follow up on them, like if your bank reports irregular activity on your account or a bill appears to be past due. In these cases, don’t click on the link in the message. Go straight to the website of the business or organization in question and access your account from there. Likewise, if you have questions, you can always reach out to their customer service number or web page.
When scammers contact you via social media, that can be a tell-tale sign of a scam. Consider, would an income tax collector contact you over social media? The answer there is no. For example, in the U.S. the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes it clear that they will never contact taxpayers via social media. (Let alone send angry, threatening messages.) In all, legitimate businesses and organizations don’t use social media as a channel for official communications. They’ve accepted ways they will, and will not, contact you. If you have any doubts about a communication you received, contact the business or organization in question directly. Follow up with one of their customer service representatives.
Some phishing attacks involve attachments packed with malware, like ransomware, viruses, and keyloggers. If you receive a message with such an attachment, delete it. Even if you receive an email with an attachment from someone you know, follow up with that person. Particularly if you weren’t expecting an attachment from them. Scammers often hijack or spoof email accounts of everyday people to spread malware.
On computers and laptops, you can hover your cursor over links without clicking on them to see the web address. Take a close look at the addresses the message is using. If it’s an email, look at the email address. Maybe the address doesn’t match the company or organization at all. Or maybe it looks like it almost does, yet it adds a few letters or words to the name. This marks yet another sign that you might have a phishing attack on your hands. Scammers also use the common tactic of a link shortener, which creates links that almost look like strings of indecipherable text. These shortened links mask the true address, which might indeed be a link to a scam site. Delete the message. If possible, report it. Many social media platforms and messaging apps have built-in controls for reporting suspicious accounts and messages.
On social media and messaging platforms, stick to following, friending, and messaging people who you really know. As for those people who contact you out of the blue, be suspicious. Sad to say, they’re often scammers canvassing these platforms for victims. Better yet, where you can, set your profile to private, which makes it more difficult for scammers to select and stalk you for an attack.
How’d that scammer get your phone number or email address anyway? Chances are, they pulled that info off a data broker site. 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.
Online protection software can protect you in several ways. First, it can offer web protection features that can identify malicious links and downloads, which can help prevent clicking them. Further, features like our web protection can steer you away from dangerous websites and block malware and phishing sites if you accidentally click on a malicious link. Additionally, our Scam Protection feature warns you of sketchy links in emails, texts, and messages. And overall, strong virus and malware protection can further block any attacks on your devices. Be sure to protect your smartphones in addition to your computers and laptops as well, particularly given all the sensitive things we do on them, like banking, shopping, and booking rides and travel.
The post How to Spot Phishing Lures appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Whether it tags along via a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or wearable, it seems like the internet follows us wherever we go nowadays. Yet there’s something else that follows us around as well — a growing body of personal info that we create while banking, shopping, and simply browsing the internet. And no doubt about it, our info is terrifically valuable.
What makes it so valuable? It’s no exaggeration to say that your personal info is the key to your digital life, along with your financial and civic life as well. Aside from using it to create accounts and logins, it’s further tied to everything from your bank accounts and credit cards to your driver’s license and your tax refund.
Needless to say, your personal info is something that needs protecting, so let’s check out several ways you can do just that.
What is personal info? It’s info about you that others can use to identify you either directly or indirectly. Thus, that info could identify you on its own. Or it could identify you when it’s linked to other identifiers, like the ones linked with the devices, apps, tools, and protocols you use.
A prime example of direct personal info is your tax ID number because it’s unique and directly tied to your name. Further instances include your facial image to unlock your smartphone, your medical records, your finances, and your phone number because each of these can be easily linked back to you.
Then there are those indirect pieces of personal info that act as helpers. While they might not identify you on their own, a few of them can when they’re added together. These helpers include things like internet protocol addresses, the unique device ID of your smartphone, or other identifiers such as radio frequency identification tags.
You can also find pieces of your personal info in the accounts you use, like your Google to Apple IDs, which can be linked to your name, your email address, and the apps you have. You’ll also find it in the apps you use. For example, there’s personal info in the app you use to map your walks and runs, because the combination of your smartphone’s unique device ID and GPS tracking can be used in conjunction with other info to identify who you are. Not to mention where you typically like to do your 5k hill days. The same goes for messenger apps, which can collect how you interact with others, how often you use the app, and your location info based on your IP address, GPS info, or both.
In all, there’s a cloud of personal info that follows us around as we go about our day online. Some wisps of that cloud are more personally identifying than others. Yet gather enough of it, and your personal info can create a high-resolution snapshot of you — who you are, what you’re doing, when you’re doing it, and even where you’re doing it, too — particularly if it gets into the wrong hands.
Remember Pig-Pen, the character straight from the old funny pages of Charles Schultz’s Charlie Brown? He’s hard to forget with that ever-present cloud of dust following him around. Charlie Brown once said, “He may be carrying the soil that trod upon by Solomon or Nebuchadnezzar or Genghis Khan!” It’s the same with us and our personal info, except the cloud surrounding us, isn’t the dust of kings and conquerors. They’re motes of info that are of tremendously high value to crooks and bad actors — whether for purposes of identity theft or invasion of privacy.
With all the personal info we create and share on the internet, that calls for protecting it. Otherwise, our personal info could fall into the hands of a hacker or identity thief and end up getting abused, in potentially painful and costly ways.
Here are several things you can do to help ensure that what’s private stays that way:
Square One is to protect your devices with comprehensive online protection software. This defends you against the latest virus, malware, spyware, and ransomware attacks plus further protects your privacy and identity. Also, it can provide strong password protection by generating and automatically storing complex passwords to keep your credentials safer from hackers and crooks who might try to force their way into your accounts.
Further, security software can also include a firewall that blocks unwanted traffic from entering your home network, such as an attacker poking around for network vulnerabilities so that they can “break in” to your computer and steal info.
Also known as a virtual private network, a VPN helps protect your vital personal info and other data with bank-grade encryption. The VPN encrypts your internet connection to keep your online activity private on any network, even public networks. Using a public network without a VPN can increase your risk because others on the network can potentially spy on your browsing and activity.
If you’re new to the notion of using a VPN, check out this article on VPNs and how to choose one so that you can get the best protection and privacy possible. (Our McAfee+ plans offer a VPN as part of your subscription.)
In the U.S., the Social Security Number (SSN) is one of the most prized pieces of personal info as it unlocks the door to employment, finances, and much more. First up, keep a close grip on it. Literally. Store your card in a secure location. Not your purse or wallet.
Certain businesses and medical practices might ask you for your SSN for billing purposes and the like. You don’t have to provide it (although some businesses could refuse service if you don’t), and you can always ask if they will accept some alternative form of info. However, there are a handful of instances where an SSN is a requirement. These include:
Be aware that hackers often get a hold of SSNs because the organization holding that info gets hacked or compromised itself. Minimizing how often you provide your SSN can offer an extra degree of protection.
Protecting your files with encryption is a core concept in data and info security, and thus it’s a powerful way to protect your personal info. It involves transforming data or info into code that requires a digital key to access it in its original, unencrypted format. For example, McAfee+ includes File Lock, which is our file encryption feature that lets you lock important files in secure digital vaults on your device.
Additionally, you can also delete sensitive files with an application such as McAfee Shredder, which securely deletes files so that thieves can’t access them. (Quick fact: deleting files in your trash doesn’t delete them in the truest sense. They’re still there until they’re “shredded” or otherwise overwritten such that they can’t be restored.)
Which Marvel Universe superhero are you? Does it really matter? After all, such quizzes and social media posts are often grifting pieces of your personal info in a seemingly playful way. While you’re not giving up your SSN, you might be giving up things like your birthday, your pet’s name, your first car…things that people often use to compose their passwords or use as answers to common security questions on banking and financial sites. The one way to pass this kind of quiz is not to take it!
A far more direct form of separating you from your personal info is phishing attacks. Posing as emails from known or trusted brands, financial institutions, or even a friend or family member, a scammer’s attack will try to trick you into sharing important info like your logins, account numbers, credit card numbers, and so on under the guise of providing customer service.
How do you spot such emails? Well, it’s getting a little tougher nowadays because scammers are getting more sophisticated and can make their phishing emails look increasingly legitimate. Even more so with AI tools. However, there are several ways you can spot a phishing email and phony websites. Moreover, our McAfee Scam Protection can do it for you.
You can take two steps to help protect your personal info from being at risk via social media. One, think twice about what you share in that post or photo — like the location of your child’s school or the license plate on your car. Two, set your profile to private so that only friends can see it. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what you’re doing, saying, and posting, which can help protect your privacy and gives a scammer less info to exploit. Using our Social Privacy Manager can make that even easier. With only a few clicks, it can adjust more than 100 privacy settings across their social media accounts — making them more private as a result.
The “S” stands for secure. Any time you’re shopping, banking, or sharing any kind of personal info, look for “https” at the start of the web address. Some browsers also indicate HTTPS by showing a small “lock” icon. Doing otherwise on plain HTTP sites exposes your personal info for anyone who cares to monitor that site for unsecured connections.
By locking your devices, you protect yourself that much better from personal info and data theft in the event your device is lost, stolen, or even left unattended for a short stretch. Use your password, PIN, facial recognition, thumbprint ID, what have you. Just lock your stuff. In the case of your smartphones, read up on how you can locate your phone or even wipe it remotely if you need to. Apple provides iOS users with a step-by-step guide for remotely wiping devices, and Google offers up a guide for Android users as well.
Theft of your personal info can lead to credit cards and other accounts being opened falsely in your name. What’s more, it can take some time before you even become aware of it, such as when your credit score takes a hit or a bill collector comes calling. By checking your credit, you can fix any issues that come up, as companies typically have a clear-cut process for contesting any fraud. You can get a free credit report in the U.S. via the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and likewise, other nations like the UK have similar free offerings as well.
Consider identity theft protection as well. A strong identity theft protection package pairs well with keeping track of your credit and offers cyber monitoring that scans the dark web to detect for misuse of your personal info. With our identity protection service, we help relieve the burden of identity theft if the unfortunate happens to you with $2M coverage for lawyer fees, travel expenses, lost wages, and more.
The post How to Protect Your Personal Info appeared first on McAfee Blog.
If you want to protect your identity, finances, and privacy online, you have a pretty powerful tool at hand. It’s online protection software. Today’s protection is built to get that job done.
For starters, online protection has evolved tremendously over recent years, making it more comprehensive than ever. It goes far beyond antivirus. And it protects more than your devices. It protects you. Your identity. Your finances. Your privacy.
Given how much of daily life has shifted to our computers and phones, like our finances and shopping, there’s a strong case for getting comprehensive online protection in place.
Granted, we’re an online protection company. And of course, we hope you’ll give our protection like McAfee+ a close look. With that, a quick rundown of what it can do for you and your identity, finances, and privacy helps. In all, it shows just how comprehensive this protection gets.
You can keep tabs on your identity.
This form of protection starts with Identity Monitoring. It checks the dark web for your personal info, including email, government IDs, credit card and bank account numbers, and more. If any of it shows up on the dark web, it sends you an alert with guidance that can help protect you from identity theft.
Should the unexpected happen, our Identity Theft Coverage & Restoration can get you on the path to recovery. It offers up to $2 million in coverage for legal fees, travel, and funds lost because of identity theft. Further, a licensed recovery pro can do the work for you, taking the necessary steps to repair your identity and credit.
Another way identity thieves get what they want is through scam texts, emails, and messages. You can keep clear of their shady links with our new AI-powered Scam Protection. It automatically detects links that can send you to scam sites and other destinations that steal personal info. If you accidentally click? Don’t worry, we can block risky sites if you click on a suspicious link in texts, emails, social media, and more.
You can monitor your financial big picture all in one place.
As you conduct so many of your finances online, it only makes sense that you can keep tabs on them just as easily. Features like our Credit Monitoring keep an eye on changes to your credit score, report, and accounts with timely notifications and guidance so you can take action to tackle identity theft.
And if you spot something out of the ordinary, our Security Freeze can quickly stop unauthorized access. It freezes credit card, bank, and utility accounts and prevents thieves from opening new ones in your name.
Rounding things out, you also have transaction monitoring features. They track transactions on credit cards and bank accounts — shooting you a notice if unusual activity occurs. They also track retirement accounts, investments, and loans for questionable transactions. Finally, further features can help prevent a bank account takeover and keep others from taking out short-term payday loans in your name.
You can lock down your privacy.
Several features get the job done. Our Social Privacy Manager helps you adjust more than 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts in only a few clicks. This way, your personal info is only visible to the people you want to share it with.
Another big intrusion on your privacy comes at the hands of online data brokers. They drive a multi-billion-dollar industry by collecting, batching, and selling people’s personal info. To anyone. That includes hackers, spammers, and scammers who use it to their own ends. Yet you can get your info removed from some of the worst offenders out there. Personal Data Cleanup scans data broker sites and shows you which ones are selling your personal info and helps you remove it.
Another great tool for protecting your privacy comes in the form of a VPN. As a “virtual private network,” it encrypts your activity. Think of a VPN as a private tunnel for your internet traffic. It hides your search habits and history from those who might use that info to build a profile of you — whether to serve up targeted ads or to steal personal info for identity theft. In all, a VPN gives you one of the most secure ways you can go online.
The post How to Protect Your Identity, Finances, and Security Online appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Before your phone gets lost or stolen, put some basic steps in place.
You’ll want to act quickly, so preparation is everything. With the right measures, you can find it, recover it, or even erase it if needed. These steps can get you set up so you can do exactly that.
Lock your phone.
Locking your phone is one of the most basic smartphone security measures you can take. Trouble is, few of us do it. Our recent global research showed that only 56% of adults said that they protect their smartphone with a password, passcode, or other form of lock.[i] In effect, an unlocked phone is an open book to anyone who finds or steals a phone
Setting up a lock screen is easy. It’s a simple feature found on iOS and Android devices. iPhones and Androids have an auto-lock feature that locks your phone after a certain period of inactivity. Keep this time on the low end, one minute or less, to help prevent unauthorized access.
We suggest using a six-digit PIN or passcode rather than using a gesture to unlock your phone. They’re more complex and secure. Researchers proved as much with a little “shoulder surfing” test. They looked at how well one group of subjects could unlock a phone after observing the way another group of subjects unlocked it.[ii]
Turn on “Find My Phone.”
Another powerful tool you have at your disposal is the Find My Phone feature made possible thanks to GPS technology. The “find my” feature can help you pinpoint your phone if your lost or stolen phone has an active data or Wi-Fi connection and has its GPS location services enabled. Even if the phone gets powered down or loses connection, it can guide you to its last known location.
Setting up this feature is easy. Apple offers a comprehensive web page on how to enable and use their “Find My” feature for phones (and other devices too). Android users can get a step-by-step walkthrough on Google’s Android support page as well.
Back up your stuff in the cloud.
Thanks to cloud storage, you might be able to recover your photos, files, apps, notes, contact info, and more if your phone is lost or stolen. Android owners can learn how to set up cloud backup with Google Drive here, and iPhone users can learn the same for iCloud here.
Write down your phone’s unique ID number.
Here are a couple of acronyms. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) or MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) are two types of unique ID numbers assigned to smartphones. Find yours and write it down. In case of loss or theft, your mobile carrier, police department, or insurance provider might ask for the info to assist in its return or reimbursement for loss.
Beyond digital security measures, plenty of loss and theft prevention falls on you. Treat your phone like the desirable item it is. That’s a big step when it comes to preventing theft.
Keep your phone close.
And by close, we mean on your person. It’s easy to leave your phone on the table at a coffee shop, on a desk in a shared workspace, or on a counter when you’re shopping. Thieves might jump on any of these opportunities for a quick snatch-and-grab. You’re better off with your phone in your pocket or zipped up in a bag that you keep close.
Secure your bags and the devices you carry in them.
Enterprising thieves will find a way. They’ll snatch your bag while you’re not looking. Or they might even slice into it with a knife to get what’s inside, like your phone.
Keep your bag or backpack close. If you’re stopping to grab a bite to eat, sling the handles through a chair leg. If you have a strong metal carabiner, you can use that too. Securing your bag like that can make it much tougher for a thief to walk by and swipe it. For extra security, look into a slash-resistant bag.
If you have a credit card and ID holder attached to the back of your phone, you might want to remove your cards from it. That way, if your phone gets snatched, those important cards won’t get snatched as well.
In the event of your phone getting lost or stolen, a combination of device tracking, device locking, and remote erasing can help protect your phone and the data on it.
Different device manufacturers have different ways of going about it. But the result is the same — you can prevent others from using your phone, and even erase it if you’re truly worried that it’s in the wrong hands or gone for good. Apple provides iOS users with a step-by-step guide, and Google offers up a guide for Android users as well.
Apple’s Find My app takes things a step further. Beyond locating a lost phone or wiping it, Find My can also mark the item as lost, notify you if you’ve left it behind, or trigger a sound to help you locate it. (A huge boon in that couch cushion scenario!) Drop by Apple’s page dedicated to the Find My app for more details on what you can do on what devices, along with instructions how.
With preparation and prevention, you can give yourself reassurance if your phone gets lost or stolen. You have plenty of recovery options, in addition to plenty of ways to prevent bad actors from getting their hands on the sensitive info you keep on it.
[i] https://www.mcafee.com/content/dam/consumer/en-us/docs/reports/rp-connected-family-study-2022-global.pdf
[ii] https://arxiv.org/abs/1709.04959
The post What Should I do If My Phone Gets Stolen or Lost? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
We all love free stuff. (Costco samples, anyone?) However, when it comes to your family’s security, do free online protection tools offer the coverage you truly need?
Not always. In fact, they might invade the privacy you’re trying to protect.
Here’s why.
Free tools don’t offer the level of advanced protection that life on today’s internet needs. For starters, you’ll want malware and antivirus protection that’s as sophisticated as the threats they shut down. Ours includes AI technology and has for years now, which helps it shut down even the latest strains of malware as they hit the internet for the first time. We’re seeing plenty of that, as hackers have also turned to AI tools to code their malicious software.
Malware and antivirus protection protects your devices. Yet a comprehensive approach protects something else. You and your family.
Comprehensive online protection looks after your family’s privacy and identity. That keeps you safe from prying eyes and things like fraud and identity theft. Today’s comprehensive protection offers more features than ever, and far more than you’ll find in a free, and so incomplete, offering.
Consider this short list of what comprehensive online protection like ours offers you and your family:
Scam Protection
Is that email, text, or message packing a scam link? Our scam protection lets you know before you click that link. It uses AI to sniff out bad links. And if you click or tap on one, no worries. It blocks links to malicious sites.
Web Protection
Like scam protection, our web protection sniffs out sketchy links while you browse. So say you stumble across a great-looking offer in a bed of search results. If it’s a link to a scam site, you’ll spot it. Also like scam protection, it blocks the site if you accidentally hit the link.
Transaction Monitoring
This helps you nip fraud in the bud. Based on the settings you provide, transaction monitoring keeps an eye out for unusual activity on your credit and debit cards. That same monitoring can extend to retirement, investment, and loan accounts as well. It can further notify you if someone tries to change the contact info on your bank accounts or take out a short-term loan in your name.
Credit Monitoring
This is an important thing to do in today’s password- and digital-driven world. Credit monitoring uncovers any inconsistencies or outright instances of fraud in your credit reports. Then it helps put you on the path to setting them straight. It further keeps an eye on your reports overall by providing you with notifications if anything changes in your history or score.
Social Privacy Manager
Our social privacy manager puts you in control of who sees what on social media. With it, you can secure your profiles the way you want. It helps you adjust more than 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts in just a few clicks. It offers recommendations as you go and makes sure your personal info is only visible to the people you want. You can even limit some of the ways that social media sites are allowed to use your data for greater peace of mind.
Personal Data Cleanup
This provides you with another powerful tool for protecting your privacy. Personal Data Cleanup removes your personal info from some of the sketchiest data broker sites out there. And they’ll sell those lines and lines of info about you to anyone. Hackers and spammers included. Personal Data Cleanup scans data broker sites and shows you which ones are selling your personal info. From there, it provides guidance for removing your data from those sites. Further, when part of our McAfee+ Advanced and Ultimate, it sends requests to remove your data automatically.
Password Manager
Scammers love weak or reused passwords. Even more so when they’re weak and reused. It offers them an easy avenue to force their way into people’s accounts. Our password manager creates and securely stores strong, unique passwords for you. That saves you the hassle of creating strong, unique passwords for your dozens and dozens of accounts. And helps protect you from fraud.
Identity Theft Coverage & Restoration
This provides you with extra assurance while you shop. Say the unfortunate happens to you and find yourself a victim of identity theft. Our coverage and restoration plan provides up to $2 million in lawyer fees and reimbursement for lawyer fees and stolen funds. Further, a licensed expert can help you repair your identity and credit. In all, this saves you money and your time if theft happens to you.
Say your online protection leaves gaps in your family’s safety, or that it uses less-effective methods and technologies. That exposes you to threats — threats can cost you time and money alike if one of those threats gets through.
One example, consider the online crimes reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. In 2023, they fielded 5.4 million fraud reports. Of them, 2.6 million reported a loss for a total of $10 billion. The median loss was $500 across all reports. Of course, that’s only the median dollar amount. That number can climb much higher in individual cases.
Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Without question, protection is prevention, which can spare you some significant financial losses. Not to mention the time and stress of restoring your credit and identity — and getting your money back.
A “free” solution has to make its money somehow.
Free security solutions sometimes carry in-app advertising. More importantly, they might try to gather your user data to target ads or share it with others to make a profit. Also by advertising for premium products, the vendor indirectly admits that a free solution doesn’t provide enough security.
Further, these tools also offer little to no customer support, leaving users to handle any technical difficulties on their own. What’s more, most free security solutions are meant for use on only one device, whereas the average person owns several connected devices. And that’s certainly the case for many families.
Lastly, free solutions often limit a person’s online activity too. Many impose limits on which browser or email program the user can leverage, which can be inconvenient as many already have a preferred browser or email platform.
Free security products might provide the basics, but a comprehensive solution can protect you from a host of other risks — ones that could get in the way of enjoying your time online.
With comprehensive online protection in place, your family’s devices get protection from the latest threats in the ever-evolving security landscape. It keeps your devices safe. And it keeps you safe. With that, we hope you’ll give us a close look when you decide to upgrade to comprehensive protection.
The post Why Should I Pay for Online Protection? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Ever take a look at an ATM and feel like something’s off? You might have come across an ATM skimmer.
It works like this… A crook tampers with an ATM by attaching a physical device that skims card info as cards people grab or deposit money. From there, a keypad overlay or tiny pinhole camera captures your PIN as people tap it in. And with that info, the crook has everything they need to create several counterfeit cards.
Of course, that thief has to transfer that info. In some cases, the thief creeps back, removes the skimming device, downloads your data, and burns it to a blank ATM card. More sophisticated skimmers are connected, so thieves can download stolen info from the skimmer and then use that info to buy stuff online. Either way, a skimmer can take a big chunk out of your bank account.
However, you have ways of spotting these sketchy ATMs. And yet, there are more ways to protect your finances if you fall victim to a carefully concealed skimmer.
Spotting a hacked ATM can get a bit tricky, yet you can look for a few signs. Generally speaking, ATMs are sturdy by design. If a card reader or keypad wiggles at all or the keypad feels too spongy or sticks when you tap the buttons, you might be looking at a hacked ATM. Also keep an eye out for extra pieces of plastic stuck to the ATM, which can be places where a crook has concealed a camera. Often, they’ll disguise cameras in brochure holders and overhead lights.
Another clue of a hacked ATM — scanners and other components that don’t match the color and style of the machine. In all, anything that looks tacked on or out of place gives you a good reason to use another ATM.
To protect yourself further, follow these tips:
Be choosy.
While out and about, consider using ATMs installed at a bank. These are watched more closely than ATMs in public places, which makes them harder to tamper with.
Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Thieves need your card number and your PIN to access your account with a copycat card. By covering the keypad, you prevent cameras and onlookers from seeing your PIN.
Check your bank and credit card statements often.
If your card does get skimmed, acting quickly counts. Thieves can quickly rack up purchases and out a chunk of your account. Banks typically watch for fraud and will contact you about unusual activity.
Better yet, you can keep a closer eye on your accounts yourself. Our McAfee+ plans offer several types of account and transaction monitoring. Together, they can alert to strange transactions across bank, credit, retirement, and other accounts. They can also alert you if any of your info at the bank gets changed, which helps prevent account takeovers.
The post What is ATM Skimming? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
How do you protect yourself when you use public Wi-Fi on your phone? For the 40% of people who say they use public Wi-Fi that way, it’s a good question to ask.
A recent study from Forbes found that plenty of people use public Wi-Fi — with 35% saying they use it at least four times a month.[i]
People have plenty of reasons for using public Wi-Fi on their phones. First off, they might want to save their cellular data usage. Maybe they want the speed it offers over a cell connection, like when they hop on a video call. In other cases, they might have a lousy cell signal indoors and want a better connection with Wi-Fi.
All are valid reasons for using public Wi-Fi. And all are reasons for knowing how to play it safe when you do.
In an ideal world, public Wi-Fi is quite safe. The operator has it set up with the latest protection protocols, like the WP3 standard. The operator also has current, updated network equipment. You’re using it to connect to a site that uses “https” for security. And there’s no hackers or snoops in the network mix.
Of course, you can’t count on any of that every time you use public Wi-Fi.
So, what are your options if you want or need a public Wi-Fi connection?
The readiest answer is to use a VPN. As a “virtual private network,” it runs your data connection through a secure, encrypted tunnel exclusive to you. This way, it shields you and what you do from any prying eyes on public Wi-Fi.
The important bit here is to go with a trusted VPN provider. Ironically, many VPNs out there put you at risk. Some collect user info, particularly free VPNs. This gets bought and sold, and sometimes falls victim to data breaches — putting all kinds of personal info at risk.[ii] Moreover, some so-called VPNs install malware on phones instead. Others serve up ads in return for the free service.
With that, choosing a secure and trustworthy VPN provider is a must. A VPN like ours has both your security and privacy in mind. In a VPN, look for:
Not every VPN offers these features. Selecting one that does gives you the protection you want paired with the privacy you want.
Turn off automatic connections.
Be choosy about the networks you connect to. Turning off automatic connections on your phone allows you to select the trusted networks you know best.
Keep your phone updated.
Set your operating system and apps to update automatically. Updates often include security fixes that shore up recently discovered shortcomings.
Watch out for extra taps to log in.
Hackers set up sketchy public Wi-Fi as bait. With it, they might siphon off personal info as you browse, bank, and shop. Others use it to install malware, like spyware that also steals personal info. Avoid any public Wi-Fi that asks you to download extra software or apps.
Prevent third parties from collecting your info.
Some internet service providers (ISPs) offer public Wi-Fi networks in various places. However, many ISPs track, gather, and sometimes share connection info. A VPN can put a stop to plenty of that, which makes this one more good reason to use one on public Wi-Fi.
Skip public Wi-Fi altogether.
If possible, use your data connection instead. Most mobile phone providers encrypt the traffic between cell towers and your device.
[i] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/public-wifi-risks/
[ii] https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/free-vpn-data-leak-exposed-over-360-million-user-records/
The post How Do I Protect Myself When Using Wi-Fi? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
“Antivirus software slows down my PC.” This is a comment that is often heard when talking about antivirus and malware protection.
That might be the case with many security products, but it’s not the case with McAfee. Independent tests since 2016 have proven that McAfee is not only good at catching malware and viruses, but also one of the lightest security products available today.
Antivirus forms a major cornerstone of online protection software. It protects your devices against malware and viruses through a combination of prevention, detection, and removal. Ours uses AI to detect the absolute latest threats — and has for several years now.
For decades, people have installed antivirus software on their computers. Today, it can also protect your smartphones and tablets as well. In fact, we recommend installing it on those devices as well because they’re connected, just like a computer. And any device that connects to the internet is a potential target for malware and viruses.
One important distinction about antivirus is its name, a name that first came into use years ago when viruses first appeared on the scene. However, antivirus protects you from more than viruses. It protects against the broad category of malware too — things like spyware, ransomware, and keyloggers.
To measure how much impact online protection software has on PC performance, some independent test labs include performance impact benchmarks in their security product tests. The most well-known of these test labs are AV-TEST, which is based in Germany, and Austria-based AV-Comparatives. These independent labs are among the most reputable and well-known anti-malware test labs in the world.
Over the years, we’ve tested strongly. Those results got stronger still with the release of our McAfee Next-gen Threat Protection.
McAfee’s AI-powered security just got faster and stronger. Our Next-gen Threat Protection takes up less disk space, reduces its background processes by 75%, and scans 3x faster than before. This makes your time online safer without slowing down your browsing, shopping, streaming, and gaming.
And the results show it.
Even with strong protection continuously monitoring all activity on your PC and laptop for threats, the best kind of antivirus keeps your devices running quickly.
Advances in our already high-performing protection have solidified our excellent standing in independent tests. The labs run them regularly, and we take pride in knowing that we’re not only protecting you, we’re keeping you moving along at a good clip.
The post Does Antivirus Software Slow You Down? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
A text pops up on your phone. It’s your pal, and the text says, “What’s the password again?” It might be for a video streaming app, a delivery service, or a music site. But is it really OK to share passwords?
The answer to that question takes a couple of forms.
For starters, that app, service, or site you’re sharing has terms of use. Those terms might allow for sharing. Others might not. From that standpoint, sharing might break those terms.
Secondly, sharing passwords with someone outside your household carries security risks. And that’s what we’ll focus on here.
One set of research found that 79% of Americans surveyed said they shared passwords. Video streaming came in at 35%, delivery services at 29%, and music streaming at 9%.[i]
Yet that same research revealed something else. Only 7% of Americans said they worried about getting hacked despite all that password sharing.
The broader use a password sees, the more vulnerable it is. And that has a couple of dimensions to it.
The first is the more obvious of the two. Reusing passwords across accounts can lead to identity theft and fraud. Say a hacker gets a hold of a password on the dark web or directly through a data breach. If it’s reused across accounts, all those accounts could get compromised. The same is largely true of passwords that have little variation between them. When not unique, a hacker can figure out the variation with relatively little effort.
The second is a bit more subtle. Sharing passwords with people outside the household means those passwords get used on devices outside of the household. The question then is, are those devices secure? Do the people who own them use online protection software to keep themselves safer online? If not, those passwords could get exposed. One example — a friend logs into a streaming site on unprotected Wi-Fi. A hacker monitors the traffic, skims the password, and sells it on the dark web.
So, for several reasons, sharing passwords is not OK. And it brings up an important point about passwords in general. We have a lot of them. Yet each one must be secure.
So, we’ve mentioned some of the security risks around passwords. Primary among them, weak and reused passwords.
It’s no wonder people go the route of easy-to-remember passwords they use again and again. According to Pew Research, American adults feel overwhelmed by the number of passwords they have to keep track of. Depending on the age group, that feeling ranges from 61% to 74%.[ii]
That sense of overwhelm takes shape in another interesting way. Increasingly, people are doing something about it. Faced with creating strong and unique passwords, more people let a password manager do the work for them. In 2019, only 20% of Americans surveyed said they used one. In 2023, that number leapt up to 32%.[iii] A solid 12% rise that now covers nearly a third of all Americans.
So, for anyone bogged down by passwords, a password manager offers an excellent solution.
And a safe one at that.
A password manager like ours helps you protect your accounts from hackers by securely creating and storing strong and unique passwords. The very kind of passwords that hackers hate. While you’re online, it auto-fills your info for faster logins. Best of all, you only have to remember a single password.
Don’t.
For one, sharing passwords might break the terms of use for the app, service, or site in question. Next, it can bring security issues with it as multiple people use it on multiple devices — ones that might or might not be secure.
On a related note, re-using passwords across several accounts increases your risk of getting hacked even more. Whether they’re weak and memorable or variations on a common theme, passwords like these make life easier for hackers.
As always, each of your accounts calls for a strong and unique password. And if you’re like the many who have dozens and dozens of accounts, a password manager can make that easy. And highly secure, too.
[i] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/home/dangers-of-sharing-passwords/
[ii] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/10/18/how-americans-protect-their-online-data/
[iii] Ibid.
The post Do You Share Passwords with Friends and Family? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Identity theft is a pervasive threat in today’s digital age, with various forms that can wreak havoc on individuals’ lives. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network received more than 5.39 million consumer reports, with 19% of those reports attributed to identity theft.
Understanding the types of identity theft is crucial for safeguarding personal information and financial well-being. From the insidious tactics of new account fraud to the alarming consequences of medical identity theft, each method poses distinct risks and challenges. Here are six types of the most common forms of identity theft.
New Account Fraud
Using another’s personal identifying information to obtain products and services using that person’s good credit standing. This fraud often requires the use of the victim’s Social Security number. Opening new utility, cell phone, and/or credit card accounts are the most prevalent forms of new account fraud.
Account Takeover Fraud
Using another person’s account numbers, such as a credit card number, to obtain products and services using that person’s existing accounts or extracting funds from a person’s bank account.
Criminal Identity Theft
Someone commits a crime under another person’s name. The thief, in the act of the crime or upon arrest, poses as the identity theft victim. Often the perpetrator will have a fake ID with the victim’s information but the imposter’s picture.
Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses a person’s name and/or insurance information—without the person’s knowledge or consent—to obtain medical services or goods, or to make false claims for medical goods or services. Medical identity theft frequently results in erroneous entries being put into the victim’s medical records, which in turn may lead to inappropriate and potentially life-threatening decisions by medical staff.
Business or Commercial Identity Theft
Using a business’s name to obtain credit or even billing those businesses’ clients for products and services. Perpetrators who commit business identity theft are often insiders — current or ex-employees — with direct access to operational documentation, who pad the books in favor of their scheming.
Identity Cloning
This type encompasses all forms of identity theft. The thief is actually living and functioning as the victim on purpose. They may be hiding in plain sight due to the fact they are running from the law, evading child support or they could be mentally ill.
It is important to observe basic security precautions to protect your identity. To protect your identity from theft, regularly monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity and report any discrepancies immediately. Safeguard personal information by avoiding sharing sensitive data on insecure websites or over unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Utilize strong, unique passwords for each online account and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Finally, be cautious of phishing attempts and never click on suspicious links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited communications.
Check out our blog post on the top signs of identity theft for further advice on what to do if you feel you may be at risk. Also consider an identity theft protection product, like McAfee+, that can provide greater peace of mind through 24/7 identity monitoring and alerts, plus up to $2 million in identity theft coverage.
The post How to Identify the Different Forms of Identity Theft appeared first on McAfee Blog.
When it comes to protecting your privacy, take a close look at your social media use—because sharing can quickly turn into oversharing.
The term “oversharing” carries several different definitions. Yet in our case here, oversharing means saying more than one should to more people than they should. Consider the audience you have across your social media profiles. Perhaps you have dozens, if not hundreds of friends and followers. All with various degrees of closeness and familiarity. Who among them can you absolutely trust with the information you share?
And you might be sharing more than you think. Posts have a way of saying more than one thing, like:
“This is the pool at the rental home I’m staying at this week. Amazing!” Which also tells everyone, “My home is empty for the next few days.”
“I can’t start my workday without a visit to my favorite coffee shop.” Which also says, “If you ever want to track me down in person, you can find me at this location practically any weekday morning.”
One can quickly point to other examples of oversharing. Unintentional oversharing at that.
A first-day-of-school picture can tell practical strangers which elementary school your children attend, say if the picture includes the school’s reader board in it. A snapshot of you joking around with a co-worker might reveal a glimpse of company information. Maybe because of what’s written on the whiteboard behind the two of you. And in one extreme example, there’s the case of an assault on a pop star. Her attacker tracked her down through her selfie, determining her location through the reflection in her eyes.
The list goes on.
That’s not to say “don’t post.” More accurately, it’s “consider what you’re posting and who gets to see it.” You have control over what you post, and to some degree, who gets to see those posts. That combination is key to your privacy—and the privacy of others too.
1) Be more selective with your settings: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what you’re doing, saying, and posting—not to mention your relationships and likes. Taking a “friends only” approach to your social media profiles can help protect your privacy because that gives a possible scammer or stalker much less material to work with. Yet further, some platforms allow you to create sub-groups of friends and followers. With a quick review of your network, you can create a sub-group of your most trusted friends and restrict your posts to them as needed.
2) Say “no” to strangers bearing friend requests: Be critical of the invitations you receive. Out-and-out strangers might be more than just a stranger. They might be a fake account designed to gather information on users for purposes of fraud. There are plenty of fake accounts too. In fact, in Q1 of 2023 alone, Facebook took action on 426 million fake accounts. Reject such requests.
3) Consider what you post: Think about posting those vacation pictures after you get back so people don’t know you’re away when you’re away. Also, consider if your post pinpoints where you are or where you go regularly. Do you want people in your broader network to know that? Closely review the pics you take and see if there’s any revealing information in the background. If so, you can crop it out (think notes on a whiteboard, reflections in a window, or revealing location info). Further, ask anyone you want to include in their post for their permission. In all, consider their privacy too.
While we’re on the topic, you can take a few other steps that can make you more private online. In addition to your social media usage, other steps can help keep more of your private and personal information with you—where it belongs:
Granted, “social” is arguably the opposite of “private.” Using social media involves sharing, by its very definition. Yet any oversharing can lead to privacy issues.
Maybe you want close friends to know what’s going on, but what about that so-so acquaintance deep in your friends list? How well do you really know them? And to what extent do you want them to know exacting details about where you are, where your kids go to school, and so on? Those are questions you ultimately must answer, and ultimately have some control over depending on what you share on social media.
Also important to consider is this: if you post anything on the internet, consider it front-page news. Even with social media privacy settings in place, there’s no guarantee that someone won’t copy your posts or pics and pass them along to others.
The flipside to the topic of social media and privacy is the platform you’re using. It’s no secret that social media companies gather hosts of personal information about their users in exchange for free use of their platforms. Certainly, that’s a topic unto itself. We cover what social media companies know about you in this article here—along with a few steps that can help you limit what they know as well.
When it comes to your privacy and social media, it depends largely on how you use it. How you use various privacy and audience settings offers one way to manage it. The other is you and the information you put out there for others to see.
The post Sharing Isn’t Always Caring: Tips to Help Protect Your Online Privacy appeared first on McAfee Blog.
When it comes to passwords, most of us would love nothing more than to set it and forget it. But that’s exactly what hackers are hoping for — in fact, it makes their job a lot easier. This means the best line of defense is frequent password changes.
But how often should you create new passwords? Cybersecurity experts recommend changing your password every three months. There may even be situations where you should change your password immediately, especially if a cybercriminal has access to your account.
This article explores those exact situations and covers some of the best password practices you can use to help safeguard these important combinations of letters and numbers.
A good password can make it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts. But what exactly makes a strong password? Here are a few criteria.
A cybercriminal may use a variety of strategies to access your passwords. Here are some of their most common tactics.
When it comes to keeping your data secure, password complexity is just the beginning. Here are a few key steps for keeping your passwords safe.
With McAfee, you can continue enjoying the internet the way it was intended — free from hackers.
The post Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Passwords Secure appeared first on McAfee Blog.
The number of people who use VPNs (virtual private networks) continues to mushroom. Recent research shows that 46% of American adults now use a VPN — 23% of which use it for strictly personal purposes.[i] Within that mix, 43% said they use a free VPN service. Yet “free” VPNs often come with a price. Typically at the expense of your privacy.
A personal VPN establishes a secure tunnel over the internet, offering you both privacy and freedom from IP-based tracking. It protects your identity and financial info by encrypting, or scrambling, the data that flows through the tunnel. Moreover, it can mask your true location, making it appear as though you are connecting from somewhere else.
Sometimes a VPN is included in more robust security software, as it is in our McAfee+ plans. It’s also, but often it is a standalone tool, that is offered for a monthly subscription rate or for free. While it might be tempting to go for a free option, there are some serious considerations that you should take to heart.
Because free VPNs don’t charge a subscription, many make revenue indirectly through advertising. This means that users get bombarded with ads. And they get exposed to tracking by the provider. In fact, one study of 283 free VPN providers found that 72% included trackers.[ii] The irony is worth pointing out. Many people use VPNs to shroud their browsing from advertisers and other data collectors. Meanwhile, free VPNs often lead to that exact kind of exposure.
But beyond the frustration of ads, slowness, and upgrade prompts is the fact that some free VPN tools include malware that can put your sensitive info at risk. The same study found that 38% of the free VPN applications in the Google Play Store were found to have malware, such as keyloggers, and some even stole data from devices.
Also concerning is how these free providers handle your data. In one worrying case, security researchers uncovered seven VPN providers that gathered user logs despite pledges not to.[iii]
Clearly, many so-called “free” VPNs aren’t free at all.
VPNs are critical tools for enhancing our privacy and shouldn’t be an avenue opening the door to new risks. That’s why your best bet is to look for a paid VPN with the following features:
Unlimited bandwidth — You want your network connection to stay secure no matter how much time you spend online.
Speedy performance — We all know how frustrating a sluggish internet connection can be when you are trying to get things done. Whether connecting for productivity, education, or entertainment, we’re all dependent on bandwidth. That’s why it’s important to choose a high-speed VPN that enhances your privacy, without sacrificing the quality of your connection.
Multiple device protection — These days many of us toggle between mobile devices, laptops, and computers, so they should all be able to connect securely.
Less battery drain — Some free mobile VPNs zap your battery life, making users less likely to stay protected. You shouldn’t have to choose between your battery life and safeguarding your privacy.
Ease of use — For technology to really work, it has to be convenient. After all, these technologies should power your connected life, not serve as a hindrance.
Fortunately, we don’t have to sacrifice convenience, or pay high prices, for a VPN that can offer a high level of privacy and protection. A comprehensive security suite like McAfee+ includes our standalone VPN with auto-renewal and takes the worry out of connecting, so you can focus on what’s important to you and your family, and enjoy quality time together.
[i] https://www.security.org/resources/vpn-consumer-report-annual/
[ii] https://www.icir.org/vern/papers/vpn-apps-imc16.pdf
[iii] https://www.pcmag.com/news/7-vpn-services-found-recording-user-logs-despite-no-log-pledge
The post How Free VPNs Come With a Price appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As the name implies, spear phishing attacks are highly targeted scams. They often occur in professional settings, where the scammers go after one “big phish,” such as a ranking employee with access to finances or data. From there, the scammers employ social engineering (aka manipulation) to trick the target into transferring funds to them or giving them access to sensitive company systems. Sometimes, it’s a mix of both.
Some of the most striking examples of spear phishing attacks come from the Shamoon2 attacks seen in Saudi Arabia back in 2016. Successive waves of attacks ultimately infected machines with malware and destroyed systems.
So, how did this specific spear phishing attack work, exactly? Cybercriminals targeted specific organizations in Saudi Arabia with emails that included malicious attachments in them. Then, when victims clicked and opened the attachment, they were infected, valuable company data was taken and systems were quickly wiped.
Spear phishing has been around for quite some time yet remains as effective as ever. Spear phishing’s success is based on familiarity. Usually, cybercriminals pretend to be an organization or individual that you know and include a piece of content—a link, an email attachment, etc.—that they know you’ll want to interact with.
For example, cybercriminals have taken advantage of tragedies in the headlines and used targeted emails claiming to be a charitable organization asking for donations. In the case of Shamoon2, the attackers lured in victims with a tempting email attachment sent from organizations the victims were likely to trust. But instead of giving to their charity of choice, or opening a seemingly harmless workplace attachment, victims then self-infect their systems with malware.
Moreover, we have seen spear phishing attacks take on an entirely new form with the advent of AI deepfakes. Now, instead of reaching out to victims via email, sophisticated scammers create deepfakes that pose as employees on video calls. All in real-time. Such was the case in Hong Kong in February 2024 where a host of deepfakes pressured a company’s finance officer into transferring $25 million to the scammers running the deepfakes.[i]
Moral of the story: spear phishing (and regular phishing) attacks can be tricky. However, fear not, there’s a lot you can do to stay on top of this threat.
For starters:
Spear phishing attacks can be easily deceiving. In fact, cybercriminals have been able to impersonate known, credible charities or an employer’s business partners and customers. So, if you receive an email from an organization asking for donations or a partner asking you to open a file you didn’t request, a good rule of thumb is to go directly to the organization through a communications channel other than email. Go to the company’s site and do more research from there. That way, you can ensure you’re gaining accurate information and can interact with the right people, rather than cyber-attackers.
Always check for legitimacy first. Spear phishing emails rely on you—they want you to click a link, or open an attachment. But before you do anything, you always need to check an email’s content for legitimacy. Hover over a link and see if it’s going to a reliable URL. Or, if you’re unsure about an email’s content or the source it came from, do a quick Google search and look for other instances of this campaign, and what those instances could tell you about the email’s legitimacy.
Fraudsters select their victims carefully in these targeted attacks. They hunt down employees with access to info and funds and then do their research on them. Using public records, data broker sites, “people finder” sites, and info from social media, fraudsters collect intel on their marks. Armed with that, they can pepper their conversations with references that sound more informed, more personal, and thus more convincing. Just because what’s being said feels or sounds somewhat familiar doesn’t always mean it’s coming from a trustworthy source.
With that, employees can reduce the amount of personal info others can find online. Features like McAfee Personal Data Cleanup can help remove personal info from some of the riskiest data broker sites out there. I also keep tabs on those sites if more personal info appears on them later. Additionally, employees can set their social media profiles to private by limiting access to “friends and family only,” which denies fraudsters another avenue of info gathering. Using our Social Privacy Manager can make that even easier. With just a few clicks, it can adjust more than 100 privacy settings across their social media accounts — making them more private as a result.
[i] https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/05/horrifying-deepfake-tricks-employee-giving-away-20-million-20225490/
The post How to Protect Yourself From a Spear Phishing Scam appeared first on McAfee Blog.
From impersonating police officers in Pennsylvania to employees of the City of San Antonio, scammers have been impersonating officials nationwide in order to scam people. A nurse in New York even lost her life savings to a spoofing scam. Phone spoofing is a technique used by callers to disguise their true identity and phone number when making calls. By altering the caller ID information displayed on the recipient’s phone, spoofers can make it appear as though the call is coming from a different number, often one that looks more trustworthy or familiar to the recipient. This deceptive practice is commonly employed by telemarketers, scammers, and individuals seeking to engage in fraudulent activities, making it more difficult for recipients to identify and block unwanted or suspicious calls.
Most spoofing is done using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service or IP phone that uses VoIP to transmit calls over the internet. VoIP users can usually choose their preferred number or name to be displayed on the caller ID when they set up their account. Some providers even offer spoofing services that work like a prepaid calling card. Customers pay for a PIN code to use when calling their provider, allowing them to select both the destination‘s number they want to call, as well as the number they want to appear on the recipient’s caller ID.
Scammers often use spoofing to try to trick people into handing over money, personal information, or both. They may pretend to be calling from a bank, a charity, or even a contest, offering a phony prize. These “vishing” attacks (or “voice phishing”), are quite common, and often target older people who are not as aware of this threat.
For instance, one common scam appears to come from the IRS. The caller tries to scare the receiver into thinking that they owe money for back taxes, or need to send over sensitive financial information right away. Another common scam is fake tech support, where the caller claims to be from a recognizable company, like Microsoft, claiming there is a problem with your computer and they need remote access to fix it.
There are also “SMiShing” attacks, or phishing via text message, in which you may receive a message that appears to come from a reputable person or company, encouraging you to click on a link. But once you do, it can download malware onto your device, sign you up for a premium service, or even steal your credentials for your online accounts.
The convenience of sending digital voice signals over the internet has led to an explosion of spam and robocalls over the past few years. Between January 2019 and September 2023, Americans lodged 2.04 million complaints about unwanted phone calls where people or robots falsely posed as government representatives, legitimate business entities, or people affiliated with them.
Since robocalls use a computerized autodialer to deliver pre-recorded messages, marketers and scammers can place many more calls than a live person ever could, often employing tricks such as making the call appear to come from the recipient’s own area code. This increases the chance that the recipient will answer the call, thinking it is from a local friend or business.
And because many of these calls are from scammers or shady marketing groups, just registering your number on the FTC’s official “National Do Not Call Registry” does little help. That’s because only real companies that follow the law respect the registry.
To really cut back on these calls, the first thing you should do is check to see if your phone carrier has a service or app that helps identify and filter out spam calls.
For instance, both AT&T and Verizon have apps that provide spam screening or fraud warnings, although they may cost you extra each month. T-Mobile warns customers if a call is likely a scam when it appears on your phone screen, and you can sign up for a scam-blocking service for free.
There are also third-party apps such as RoboKiller that you can download to help you screen calls, but you should be aware that you will be sharing private data with them.
Enhance your smartphone security effortlessly with McAfee+ which has 24/7 identity monitoring and alerts, advanced privacy features, and AI-powered security for real-time protection against viruses, hackers, and risky links.
The post How to Stop Phone Spoofing appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In the hands of a thief, your Social Security Number is the master key to your identity.
With a Social Security Number (SSN), a thief can unlock everything from credit history and credit line to tax refunds and medical care. In extreme cases, thieves can use it to impersonate others. So, if you suspect your number is lost or stolen, it’s important to report identity theft to Social Security right away.
Part of what makes an SSN so powerful in identity theft is that there’s only one like it. Unlike a compromised credit card, you can’t hop on the phone and get a replacement. No question, the theft of your SSN has serious implications. If you suspect it, report it. So, let’s take a look at how it can happen and how you can report identity theft to Social Security if it does.
Yes. Sort of. The Social Security Administration can assign a new SSN in a limited number of cases. However, per the SSA, “When we assign a different Social Security number, we do not destroy the original number. We cross-refer the new number with the original number to make sure the person receives credit for all earnings under both numbers.”
In other words, your SSN is effectively for forever, which means if it’s stolen, you’re still faced with clearing up any of the malicious activity associated with the theft potentially for quite some time. That’s yet another reason why the protection of your SSN deserves particular attention.
There are several ways an SSN can end up with a thief. Some involve physical theft, and others can take the digital route. To what extent are SSNs at risk? Notably, there was the Equifax breach of 2017, which exposed some 147 million SSNs. Yet just because an SSN has been potentially exposed does not mean that an identity crime has been committed with it.
So, let’s start with the basics: how do SSNs get stolen or exposed?
That’s quite the list. Broadly speaking, the examples above give good reasons for keeping your SSN as private and secure as possible. With that, it’s helpful to know that there are only a handful of situations where your SSN is required for legitimate purposes, which can help you make decisions about how and when to give it out. The list of required cases is relatively short, such as:
You’ll notice that places like doctor’s offices and other businesses are not listed here, though they’ll often request an SSN for identification purposes. While there’s no law preventing them from asking you for that information, they may refuse to work with you if you do not provide that info. In such cases, ask what the SSN would be used for and if there is another form of identification that they can use instead. In all, your SSN is uniquely yours, so be extremely cautious in order to minimize its potential exposure to theft.
Let’s say you spot something unusual on your credit report or get a notification that someone has filed a tax return on your behalf without your knowledge. These are possible signs that your identity, if not your SSN, is in jeopardy, which means it’s time to act right away using the steps below:
1. Report the theft to local and federal authorities.
File a police report and a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report. This will help in case someone uses your Social Security number to commit fraud since it will provide a legal record of the theft. The FTC can also assist by guiding you through the identity theft recovery process as well. Their site really is an excellent resource.
2. Contact the businesses involved.
Get in touch with the fraud department at each of the businesses where you suspect theft has taken place, let them know of your situation, and follow the steps they provide. With your police and FTC reports, you will already have a couple of vital pieces of information that can help you clear your name.
3. Reach the Social Security Administration and the IRS.
Check your Social Security account to see if someone has gotten a job and used your SSN for employment purposes. Reviewing earnings associated with your SSN can uncover fraudulent use. You can also contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271 or reach out to your local SSA office for further, ongoing assistance. Likewise, contact the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 908-4490 to report the theft and help prevent someone from submitting a tax return in your name.
As we’ve talked about in some of my other blog posts, identity theft can be a long-term problem where follow-up instances of theft can crop up over time. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the damage and ensure it doesn’t happen again. I cover several of those steps in detail in this blog here, yet let’s take a look at a few of the top items as they relate to SSN theft:
Consider placing a fraud alert.
By placing a fraud alert, you can make it harder for thieves to open accounts in your name. Place it with one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax), and they will notify the other two. During the year-long fraud alert period, it will require businesses to verify your identity before issuing new credit in your name.
Look into an all-out credit freeze.
A full credit freeze is in place until you lift it and will prohibit creditors from pulling your credit report altogether. This can help stop thieves dead in their tracks since approving credit requires pulling a report. However, this applies to legitimate inquiries, including any that you make, like opening a new loan or signing up for a credit card. If that’s the case, you’ll need to take extra steps as directed by the particular institution or lender. Unlike the fraud alert, you’ll need to notify each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) when you want the freeze lifted.
Monitor your credit reports.
Once a week you can access a free credit report from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Doing so will allow you to spot any future discrepancies and offer you options for correcting them.
Sign up for an identity protection service.
Using a service to help protect your identity can monitor several types of personally identifiable information and alert you of potentially unauthorized use. Our own Identity Protection Service will do all this and more, like offering guided help to neutralize threats and prevent theft from happening again. You can set it up on your computers and smartphone to stay in the know, address issues immediately, and keep your identity secured.
Of all the forms of identity theft, the theft of a Social Security Number is certainly one of the most potentially painful because it can unlock so many vital aspects of your life. It’s uniquely you, even more than your name alone – at least in the eyes of creditors, banks, insurance companies, criminal records, etc. Your SSN calls for extra protection, and if you have any concerns that it may have been lost or stolen, don’t hesitate to spring into action.
The post How to Report Identity Theft to Social Security appeared first on McAfee Blog.
It happens with more regularity than any of us like to see. There’s either a headline in your news feed or an email from a website or service you have an account with—there’s been a data breach. So what do you do when you find out that you and your information may have been caught up in a data breach? While it can feel like things are out of your hands, there are actually several things you can do to protect yourself.
Let’s start with a look at what kind of information may be at stake and why crooks value that information so much (it’s more reasons than you may think).
The fact is that plenty of our information is out there on the internet, simply because we go about so much of our day online, whether that involves shopping, banking, getting results from our doctors, or simply hopping online to play a game once in a while.
Naturally, that means the data in any given breach will vary from service to service and platform to platform involved. Certainly, a gaming service will certainly have different information about you than your insurance company. Yet broadly speaking, there’s a broad range of information about you stored in various places, which could include:
As to what gets exposed and when you might find out about it, that can vary greatly as well. One industry research report found that the median time to detect breaches is 5 days. Needless to say, the timeline can get rather stretched before word reaches you, which is a good reason to change your passwords regularly should any of them get swept up in a breach. (An outdated password does a hacker no good—more on that in a bit.)
The answer is plenty. In all, personal information like that listed above has a dollar value to it. In a way, your data and information are a kind of currency because they’re tied to everything from your bank accounts, investments, insurance payments—even tax returns and personal identification like driver’s licenses.
With this information in hand, a crook can commit several types of identity crime—ranging from fraud to theft. In the case of fraud, that could include running up a bill on one of your credit cards or draining one of your bank accounts. In the case of theft, that could see crooks impersonate you so they can open new accounts or services in your name. Beyond that, they may attempt to claim your tax refund or potentially get an ID issued in your name as well.
Another possibility is that a hacker will simply sell that information on the dark marketplace, perhaps in large clumps or as individual pieces of information that go for a few dollars each. However it gets sold, these dark-market practices allow other fraudsters and thieves to take advantage of your identity for financial or other gains.
Most breaches are financially motivated, with some researchers saying that 97% of breaches are about the money. However, we’ve also seen hackers simply dump stolen information out there for practically anyone to see. The motivations behind them vary, yet they could involve anything from damaging the reputation of an organization to cases of revenge.
A list of big data breaches is a blog article of its own, yet here’s a quick list of some of the largest and most impactful breaches we’ve seen in recent years:
Needless to say, it’s not just the big companies that get hit. Healthcare facilities have seen their data breached, along with the operations of popular restaurants. Small businesses find themselves in the crosshairs as well, with one report stating that 43% of data leaks target small businesses. Those may come by way of an attack on where those businesses store their records, a disgruntled employee, or by way of a compromised point-of-sale terminal in their store, office, or location.
In short, when it comes to data breaches, practically any business is a potential target because practically every business is online in some form or fashion. Even if it’s by way of a simple point-of-sale machine.
When a business, service, or organization falls victim to a breach, it doesn’t always mean that you’re automatically a victim too. Your information may not have been caught up in it. However, it’s best to act as if it was. With that, we strongly suggest you take these immediate steps.
1. Change your passwords and use two-factor authentication
Given the possibility that your password may be in the hands of a hacker, change it right away. Strong, unique passwords offer one of your best defenses against hackers. Update them regularly as well. As mentioned above, this can protect you in the event a breach occurs and you don’t find out about it until well after it’s happened. You can spare yourself the upkeep that involves a password manager that can keep on top of it all for you. If your account offers two-factor authentication as part of the login process, make use of it as it adds another layer of security that makes hacking tougher.
2. Keep an eye on your accounts
If you spot unusual or unfamiliar charges or transactions in your account, bank, or debit card statements, follow up immediately. That could indicate improper use. In general, banks, credit card companies, and many businesses have countermeasures to deal with fraud, along with customer support teams that can help you file a claim if needed.
3. Sign up for an identity protection service
If you haven’t done so already, consider signing up for a service that can monitor dozens of types of personal information and then alert you if any of them are possibly being misused. Identity protection such as ours gives you the added benefit of a professional recovery specialist who can assist with restoring your affairs in the wake of fraud or theft, plus up to $1 million in insurance coverage.
Our advice is to take a deep breath and get to work. By acting quickly, you can potentially minimize and even prevent any damage that’s done. With that, we have two articles that can help guide the way if you think you’re the victim of identity theft, each featuring a series of straightforward steps you can take to set matters right:
Again, if you have any concerns. Take action. The first steps take only minutes. Even if the result is that you find out all’s well, you’ll have that assurance and you’ll have it rather quickly.
The post What to Do If You’re Caught Up in a Data Breach appeared first on McAfee Blog.
For years now, the popularity of online dating has been on the rise—and so have the number of online romance scams that leave people with broken hearts and empty wallets.
In a recent CBS News story, one Texan woman was scammed out of $3,200 by a scammer claiming to be a German Cardiologist. After months of exchanging messages and claiming to be in love with her, he said that he’d been robbed while on a business trip in Nigeria and needed her help.
According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the reported cost of online romance scams was $1.14 billion in 2023.
Dating and romance scams aren’t limited to online dating apps and sites, they’ll happen on social media and in online games as well. However, the FTC reports that the scam usually starts the same way, typically through an unexpected friend request or a message that comes out of the blue.
With the phony relationship established, the scammer starts asking for money. The FTC reports that they’ll ask for money for several bogus reasons, usually revolving around some sort of hardship where they need a “little help” so that they can pay:
The list goes on, yet that’s the general gist. Scammers often employ a story with an intriguing complication that seems just reasonable enough, one where the romance scammer makes it sound like they could really use the victim’s financial help.
People who have filed fraud reports say they’ve paid their scammer in a few typical ways.
One is by wiring money, often through a wire transfer company. The benefit of this route, for the scammer anyway, is that this is as good as forking over cash. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. The victim lacks the protections they have with other payment forms, such as a credit card that allows the holder to cancel or contest a charge.
Another way is through gift cards. Scammers of all stripes, not just romance scammers, like these because they effectively work like cash, whether it’s a gift card for a major online retailer or a chain of brick-and-mortar stores. Like a wire transfer, once that gift card is handed over, the money on it is highly difficult to recover, if at all.
One more common payment is through reloadable debit cards. A scammer may make an initial request for such a card and then make several follow-on requests to load it up again.
In all, a romance scammer will typically look for the easiest payment method that’s the most difficult to contest or reimburse, leaving the victim in a financial lurch once the scam ends.
When it comes to meeting new people online, the FTC suggests the following:
Scammers, although arguably heartless, are still human. They make mistakes. The stories they concoct are just that. Stories. They may jumble their details, get their times and dates all wrong, or simply get caught in an apparent lie. Also, keep in mind that some scammers may be working with several victims at once, which is yet another opportunity for them to get confused and slip up.
As mentioned above, some romance scammers troll social media and reach out through direct messages or friend requests. With that, there are three things you can do to cut down your chances of getting caught up with a scammer:
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what you’re doing, saying, and posting, which can help protect your privacy and give a romance scammer less information to exploit.
Be critical of the invitations you receive. Out-and-out strangers could be more than a romance scammer, they could be a fake account designed to gather information on users for purposes of cybercrime, or they can be an account designed to spread false information. There are plenty of them too. In fact, in Q4 of 2023 alone, Facebook took action on 693 million fake accounts. Reject such requests.
Online protection software like ours can help you spot fakes and scams. Features like Text Scam Detector use advanced AI to detect scam links in texts, email, and social media messages before you click. Our Personal Data Cleanup can keep you safer still by removing your personal info from sketchy data broker sites — places where scammers go to harvest useful info on their victims. And if the unfortunate happens, we offer $2 million in identity theft coverage and identity restoration support.
If you suspect that you’re being scammed, put an end to the relationship and report it, as difficult as that may feel.
Notify the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov for support and next steps to help you recover financially as much as possible. Likewise, notify the social media site, app, or service where the scam occurred as well. In some cases, you may want to file a police report, which we cover in our broader article on identity theft and fraud.
If you sent funds via a gift card, the FTC suggests filing a claim with the company as soon as possible. They offer further advice on filing a claim here, along with a list of contact numbers for gift card brands that scammers commonly use.
Lastly, go easy on yourself. If you find yourself a victim of online dating or romance fraud, know that you won’t be the first or last person to be taken advantage of this way. By reporting your case, you in fact may help others from falling victim too.
The post How to Spot Dating Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
It’s that time of year again – tax season! Whether you’ve already filed in the hopes of an early refund or have yet to start the process, one thing is for sure: cybercriminals will certainly use tax season as a means to get victims to give up their personal and financial information. This time of year is advantageous for malicious actors since the IRS and tax preparers are some of the few people who actually need your personal data. As a result, consumers are targeted with various scams impersonating trusted sources like the IRS or DIY tax software companies. Fortunately, every year the IRS outlines the most prevalent tax scams, such as voice phishing, email phishing, and fake tax software scams. Let’s explore the details of these threats.
So, how do cybercriminals use voice phishing to impersonate the IRS? Voice phishing, a form of criminal phone fraud, uses social engineering tactics to gain access to victims’ personal and financial information. For tax scams, criminals will make unsolicited calls posing as the IRS and leave voicemails requesting an immediate callback. The crooks will then demand that the victim pay a phony tax bill in the form of a wire transfer, prepaid debit card or gift card. In one case outlined by Forbes, victims received emails in their inbox that allegedly contained voicemails from the IRS. The emails didn’t actually contain any voicemails but instead directed victims to a suspicious SharePoint URL. Last year, a number of SharePoint phishing scams occurred as an attempt to steal Office 365 credentials, so it’s not surprising that cybercriminals are using this technique to access taxpayers’ personal data now as well.
In addition to voice phishing schemes, malicious actors are also using email to try and get consumers to give up their personal and financial information. This year alone, almost 400 IRS phishing URLs have been reported. In a typical email phishing scheme, scammers try to obtain personal tax information like usernames and passwords by using spoofed email addresses and stolen logos. In many cases, the emails contain suspicious hyperlinks that redirect users to a fake site or PDF attachments that may download malware or viruses. If a victim clicks on these malicious links or attachments, they can seriously endanger their tax data by giving identity thieves the opportunity to steal their refund. What’s more, cybercriminals are also using subject lines like “IRS Important Notice” and “IRS Taxpayer Notice” and demanding payment or threatening to seize the victim’s tax refund.
Cybercriminals are even going so far as to impersonate trusted brands like TurboTax for their scams. In this case, DIY tax preparers who search for TurboTax software on Google are shown ads for pirated versions of TurboTax. The victims will pay a fee for the software via PayPal, only to have their computer infected with malware after downloading the software. You may be wondering, how do victims happen upon this malicious software through a simple Google search? Unfortunately, scammers have been paying to have their spoofed sites show up in search results, increasing the chances that an innocent taxpayer will fall victim to their scheme.
Money is a prime motivator for many consumers, and malicious actors are fully prepared to exploit this. Many people are concerned about how much they might owe or are predicting how much they’ll get back on their tax refund, and scammers play to both of these emotions. So, as hundreds of taxpayers are waiting for a potential tax return, it’s important that they navigate tax season wisely. Check out the following tips to avoid being spoofed by cybercriminals and identity thieves:
File before cybercriminals do it for you. The easiest defense you can take against tax season schemes is to get your hands on your W-2 and file as soon as possible. The more prompt you are to file, the less likely your data will be raked in by a cybercriminal.
Keep an eye on your credit and your identity. Keeping tabs on your credit report and knowing if your personal information has been compromised in some way can help prevent tax fraud. Together, they can let you know if someone has stolen your identity or if you have personal info on the dark web that could lead to identity theft.
Watch out for spoofed websites. Scammers have extremely sophisticated tools that help disguise phony web addresses for DIY tax software, such as stolen company logos and site designs. To avoid falling for this, go directly to the source. Type the address of a website directly into the address bar of your browser instead of following a link from an email or internet search. If you receive any suspicious links in your email, investigating the domain is usually a good way to tell if the source is legitimate or not.
Protect yourself from scam messages. Scammers also send links to scam sites via texts, social media messages, and email. Text Scam Detector can help you spot if the message you got is a fake. It uses AI technology that automatically detects links to scam URLs. If you accidentally click, don’t worry, it can block risky sites if you do.
Clean up your personal info online. Crooks and scammers have to find you before they can contact you. After all, they need to get your phone number or email from somewhere. Sometimes, that’s from “people finder” and online data brokers that gather and sell personal info to any buyer. Including crooks. McAfee Personal Data Cleanup can remove your personal info from the data broker sites scammers use to contact their victims.
Consider an identity theft protection solution. If for some reason your personal data does become compromised, be sure to use an identity theft solution such as McAfee Identity Theft Protection, which allows users to take a proactive approach to protect their identities with personal and financial monitoring and recovery tools to help keep their identities personal and secured.
The post How to Steer Clear of Tax Season Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As taxpayers prepare their returns for April 15th, scammers prepare too. They see tax season as high time to run all kinds of scams and identity theft schemes.
Fake accountants, fake tax software, robocalls, and more all make the list. We’ll give you a look at what’s happening out there right now. And we’ll run down several ways you can keep safe.
A commonly used tactic involves hackers posing as collectors from the IRS, as tax preparers, or government bureaus. This tactic is pretty effective due to Americans’ concerns about misfiling their taxes or accidentally running into trouble with the IRS. Scammers take advantage of this fear, manipulating innocent users into providing sensitive information or money over the phone or by email. And in extreme cases, hackers may be able to infect computers with malware via malicious links or attachments sent through IRS email scams.
Another tactic used to take advantage of taxpayers is the canceled social security number scam. Hackers use robocalls claiming that law enforcement will suspend or cancel the victim’s Social Security number in response to taxes owed. Often, victims are scared into calling the fraudulent numbers back and persuaded into transferring assets to accounts that the scammer controls. Users need to remember that the IRS will only contact taxpayers through snail mail or in person, not over the phone.
Another scam criminals use involves emails impersonating the IRS. Victims receive a phishing email claiming to be from the IRS, reminding them to file their taxes or offering them information about their tax refund via malicious links. If a victim clicks on the link, they will be redirected to a spoofed site that collects the victim’s personal data, facilitating identity theft. What’s more, a victim’s computer can become infected with malware if they click on a link with malicious code, allowing fraudsters to steal more data.
Scammers also take advantage of the fact that many users seek out the help of a tax preparer or CPA during this time. These criminals will often pose as professionals, accepting money to complete a user’s taxes but won’t sign the return. This makes it look like the user completed the return themselves. However, these ghost tax preparers often lie on the return to make the user qualify for credits they haven’t earned or apply changes that will get them in trouble. Since the scammers don’t sign, the victim will then be responsible for any errors. This could lead to the user having to repay money owed, or potentially lead to an audit.
While these types of scams can occur at any time of the year, they are especially prevalent leading up to the April tax filing due date. Consumers need to be on their toes during tax season to protect their personal information and keep their finances secure. To avoid being spoofed by scammers and identity thieves, follow these tips:
File before cybercriminals do it for you. The easiest defense you can take against tax seasons schemes is to get your hands on your W-2 and file as soon as possible. The more prompt you are to file, the less likely your data will be raked in by a cybercriminal.
Keep an eye on your credit and your identity. Keeping tabs on your credit report and knowing if your personal information has been compromised in some way can help prevent tax fraud. Together, they can let you know if someone has stolen your identity or if you have personal info on the dark web that could lead to identity theft.
Beware of phishing attempts. It’s clear that phishing is the primary tactic crooks are leveraging this tax season, so it’s crucial you stay vigilant around your inbox. This means if any unfamiliar or remotely suspicious emails come through requesting tax data, double check their legitimacy with a manager or the security department before you respond. Remember: the IRS will not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial info. So someone contacts you that way, ignore the message.
Watch out for spoofed websites. Scammers have extremely sophisticated tools that help disguise phony web addresses for DIY tax software, such as stolen company logos and site designs. To avoid falling for this, go directly to the source. Type the address of a website directly into the address bar of your browser instead of following a link from an email or internet search. If you receive any suspicious links in your email, investigating the domain is usually a good way to tell if the source is legitimate or not.
Protect yourself from scam messages. Scammers also send links to scam sites via texts, social media messages, and email. Text Scam Detector can help you spot if the message you got is a fake. It uses AI technology that automatically detects links to scam URLs. If you accidentally click, don’t worry, it can block risky sites if you do.
Clean up your personal info online. Crooks and scammers have to find you before they can contact you. After all, they need to get your phone number or email from somewhere. Sometimes, that’s from “people finder” and online data brokers that gather and sell personal info to any buyer. Including crooks. McAfee Personal Data Cleanup can remove your personal info from the data broker sites scammers use to contact their victims.
Consider an identity theft protection solution. If for some reason your personal data does become compromised, be sure to use an identity theft solution such as McAfee Identity Theft Protection, which allows users to take a proactive approach to protect their identities with personal and financial monitoring and recovery tools to help keep their identities personal and secured.
The post Watch Out For IRS Scams and Avoid Identity Theft appeared first on McAfee Blog.
People under 60 are losing it online. And by it, I mean money—thanks to digital identity theft.
In its simplest form, your digital identity is made up of a whole host of things that can be traced back to you and who you are. That can range anywhere from photos you post online to online shopping accounts, email accounts to telephone numbers, and bank accounts to your tax ID.
In this way, your digital identity is like dozens upon dozens of puzzle pieces made up of different accounts, ID numbers, and so forth. When put together, they create a picture of you. And that’s why those little puzzle pieces of your identity are such attractive targets for hackers. If they get the right combination of them, you can end up a victim of theft or fraud.
Here’s what’s happening: people under 60 were twice as likely to report losing money while shopping online. The spotlight also shows that adults under 60 are more than four times more likely to report losing money to an investment scam, and the majority of those losses happened in scams involving some form of cryptocurrency investments.
And it’s no surprise younger adults get targeted this way. They’re far more likely than any other age group to use mobile apps for peer-to-peer payments, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks, and pay bills. In short, there’s a lot of money flowing through the palms of their hands thanks to their phones, as well as their computers.
Protecting yourself from hackers and fraud means protecting your digital identity. And that can feel like a pretty huge task given all the information your digital identity includes. It can be done, though, especially if you think about your identity like a puzzle. A piece here, another piece there, can complete the picture (or complete it just enough) to give a hacker what they need to separate you from your money. Thus, the way to stay safe is to keep those puzzle pieces out of other people’s hands.
It’s actually not that tough. With a few new habits and a couple of apps to help you out, you can protect yourself from the headaches and flat-out pain of fraud. Here’s a list of straightforward things that you can get started on right away:
1. Start with the basics—security software
Protect yourself by protecting your stuff. Installing and using security software on your computers and phones can prevent all kinds of attacks and make you safer while you surf, bank, and shop online. I should emphasize it again—protect your phone. Only about half of people protect their phones even though they use them to hail rides, order food, send money to friends, and more. Going unprotected on your phone means you’re sending all that money on the internet in a way that’s far, far less safe than if you use online protection.
2. Create strong passwords
You hear this one all the time and for good reason—strong, unique passwords offer one of your best defenses against hackers. Never re-use them (or slight alterations of them) across the different platforms and services you use. Don’t forget to update them on the regular (that means at least every 60 days)! While that sounds like a lot of work, a password manager can keep on top of it all for you. And if your platform or service offers the use of two-factor authentication, definitely make use of that. It’s a further layer of security that makes hacking tougher for crooks.
3. Keep up to date with your updates
Updates have a way of popping up on our phones and computers nearly every day, resist the urge to put them off until later. Aside from making improvements, updates often include important security fixes. So, when you get an alert for your operating system or app on your devices, go ahead and update. Think of it as adding another line of defense from hackers who are looking to exploit old flaws in your apps.
4. Think twice when you share
Social media is one place hackers go to harvest personal information because people sometimes have a way of sharing more than they should. With info like your birthday, the name of your first school, your mother’s maiden name, or even the make of your first car, they can answer common security questions that could hack into your accounts. Crank up the privacy settings on your accounts so only friends and family can see your posts—and realize the best defense here is not to post any possibly sensitive info in the first place. Also, steer clear of those “quizzes” that sometimes pop up in your social feeds. Those are other ways that hackers try to gain bits of info that can put your identity at risk.
5. Shred it
Even though so many of us have gone paperless with our bills, identity theft by digging through the trash, or “dumpster diving,” is still a thing. Things like medical bills, tax documents, and checks still might make their way to your mailbox. You’ll want to dispose of them properly when you’re through with them. First, invest in a paper shredder. Once you’ve online deposited that check or paid that odd bill, shred it so that any personal or account info on there can’t be read (and can be recycled securely). Second, if you’re heading out of town for a bit, have a friend collect your mail or have the post office put a temporary hold on your mail. That’ll prevent thieves from lifting personal info right from your mailbox while you’re away.
6. Check your credit
Even if you don’t think there’s a problem, go ahead and check your credit. The thing is, someone could be charging things against your name without you even knowing it. Depending on where you live, different credit reporting agencies keep tabs on people’s credit. In the U.S., the big ones are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Also in the U.S., the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires these agencies to provide you with a free credit check at least once every 12 months. Canada, the UK, and other nations likewise offer ways to get a free credit report. Run down your options—you may be surprised by what you find.
As I just mentioned, the quickest way to get sense of what’s happening with your identity is to check your credit. Identity theft goes beyond money. Crooks will steal identities to rent apartments, access medical services, and even get jobs. Things like that can show up on a credit report, such as when an unknown address shows up in a list of your current and former residences or when a company you’ve never worked for shows up as an employer. If you spot anything strange, track it down right away. Many businesses have fraud departments with procedures in place that can help you clear your name if you find a charge or service wrongfully billed under your name.
Other signs are far more obvious. You may find collection agencies calling or even see tax notices appearing in your mailbox (yikes). Clearly, cases like those are telltale signs that something is really wrong. In that case, report it right away:
Likewise, many nations offer similar government services. A quick search will point you in the right direction.
Another step you can take is to ask each credit bureau to freeze your credit, which prevents crooks from using your personal information to open new lines of credit or accounts in your name. Fraud alerts offer another line of protection for you as well, and you can learn more about fraud alerts here.
With so many bits and pieces of information making up your digital identity, a broader way of keeping it safe involves asking yourself a question: what could happen if someone got their hands on this info? Further realizing that even little snippets of unsecured info can lead to fraud or theft in your name helps—even that un-shredded bill or innocuous refund check for a couple of bucks could give a crook the puzzle piece they need. You can keep your digital identity safe by keeping those pieces of info out of other people’s hands.
The post How to Protect Your Digital Identity appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Before you take the fun-looking quiz that popped up in your social media feed, think twice. The person holding the answers may be a hacker.
Where people go, hackers are sure to follow. So it’s no surprise hackers have set up shop on social media. This has been the case for years, yet now social media-based crime is on the rise. Since 2021, total reported losses to this type of fraud reached $2.7 billion.
Among these losses are cases of identity theft, where criminals use social media to gather personal information and build profiles of potential victims they can target. Just as we discussed in our recent blog, “Can thieves steal identities with only a name and address?” these bits of information are important pieces in the larger jigsaw puzzle that is your overall identity.
Let’s uncover these scams these crooks use so that you can steer clear and stay safe.
“What’s your spooky Halloween name?” or “What’s your professional wrestler name?” You’ve probably seen a few of those and similar quizzes in your feed where you use the street you grew up on, your birthdate, your favorite song, and maybe the name of a beloved first pet to cook up a silly name or some other result. Of course, these are pieces of personal information, sometimes the answer to commonly used security questions by banks and other financial institutions. (Like, what was the model of your first car?) With this info in hand, a hacker could attempt to gain access to your accounts.
Similarly, scammers will also post surveys with the offer of a gift card to a popular retailer. All you have to do is fork over your personal info. Of course, there’s no gift card coming. Meanwhile, that scammer now has some choice pieces of personal info that they can potentially use against you.
How to avoid them: Simply put, don’t take those quizzes and surveys online.
The list here is long. These include posts and direct messages about phony relief funds, grants, and giveaways—along with bogus business opportunities that run the gamut from thinly veiled pyramid schemes and gifting circles to mystery shopper jobs. What they all have in common is that they’re run by scammers who want your information, money, or both. If this sounds familiar, like those old emails about transferring funds for a prince in some faraway nation, it is. Many of these scams simply made the jump from email to social media platforms.
How to avoid them: Research any offer, business opportunity, or organization that reaches out to you. A good trick is to do a search of the organization’s name plus the term “scam” or “review” or “complaint” to see if anything sketchy comes up.
If there’s one government official that scammers like to use to scare you, it’s the tax collector. These scammers will use social media messaging (and other mediums like emails, texts, and phone calls) to pose as an official who’s either demanding back taxes or offering a refund or credit—all of which are bogus and all of which involve you handing over your personal info, money, or both.
How to avoid them: Delete the message. In the U.S., the IRS and other government agencies will never reach out to you in this way or ask you for your personal information. Likewise, they won’t demand payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Only scammers will.
These are far more targeted than the scams listed above because they’re targeted and often rely upon specific information about you and your family. Thanks to social media, scammers can gain access to that info and use it against you. One example is the “grandkid scam” where a hacker impersonates a grandchild and asks a grandparent for money. Similarly, there are family emergency scams where a bad actor sends a message that a family member was in an accident or arrested and needs money quickly. In all, they rely on a phony story that often involves someone close to you who’s in need or trouble.
How to avoid them: Take a deep breath and confirm the situation. Reach out to the person in question or another friend or family member to see if there really is a concern. Don’t jump to pay right away.
This is one of the most targeted attacks of all—the con artist who strikes up an online relationship to bilk a victim out of money. Found everywhere from social media sites to dating apps to online forums, this scam involves creating a phony profile and a phony story to go with it. From there, the scammer will communicate several times a day, perhaps talking about their exotic job in some exotic location. They’ll build trust along the way and eventually ask the victim to wire money or purchase gift cards.
How to avoid them: Bottom line, if someone you’ve never met in person asks you for money online, it’s a good bet that it’s a scam. Don’t do it.
Now with an idea of what the bad actors are up to out there, here’s a quick rundown of things you can do to protect yourself further from the social media scams they’re trying to pull.
Above and beyond what we’ve covered so far, some online protection basics can keep you safer still. Comprehensive online protection software will help you create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, help you keep from clicking links to malicious sites, and prevent you from downloading malware. Moreover, it can provide you with identity protection services like ours, which keep your personal info private with around-the-clock monitoring of your email addresses and bank accounts with up to $1M of ID theft insurance.
Together, with some good protection and a sharp eye, you can avoid those identity theft scams floating around on social media—and get back to enjoying time spent online with your true family and friends.
The post Quizzes and Other Identity Theft Schemes to Avoid on Social Media appeared first on McAfee Blog.
What’s the difference between identity fraud and identity theft? Well, it’s subtle, so much so that it’s easy to use them nearly interchangeably. While both can take a bite out of your wallet, they are different—and knowing the differences can help you understand what’s at stake.
Let’s start with an overview and a few examples of each.
So there’s that subtle difference we mentioned. Identity fraud involves the misuse of an existing account. Identity theft means the theft of your personal information, which is then used to impersonate you in some way, such as opening new accounts in your name.
Above and beyond those definitions and examples, a couple of real-life examples put the differences in perspective as well.
As for identity fraud, individual cases of fraud don’t always make the headlines, but that’s not to say you won’t hear about it in a couple of different ways.
The first way may be news stories about data breaches, where hackers gain things like names, emails, and payment information from companies or organizations. That info can then end up in the hands of a fraudster, who then accesses those accounts to drain funds or make purchases.
On a smaller scale, you may know someone who has had to get a new credit or debit card because theirs was compromised, perhaps by a breach or by mistakenly making a payment through an insecure website or by visiting a phony login page as part of a phishing attack. These can lead to fraud as well.
It usually starts with someone saying anything from, “That’s strange …” to “Oh, no!” There’ll be a strange charge on your credit card bill, a piece of mail from a bill collector, or a statement from an account you never opened—just to name a few things.
With that, I have a few recent blogs that help you spot all kinds of identity crime, along with advice to help keep it from happening to you in the first place:
While there are differences between identity fraud and identity theft, they do share a couple of things in common: you can take steps to prevent them, and you can take steps to limit their impact should you find yourself faced with one or the other.
The articles called out above will give you the details, yet staying safe begins with vigilance. Check on your accounts and credit reports regularly and really scrutinize what’s happening in them. Consider covering yourself with an identity monitoring solution — and act on anything that looks strange or outright fishy by reporting it to the company or institution in question.
The post How To Tell The Difference Between Identity Fraud and Identity Theft? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
When it comes to identity theft, trust your gut when something doesn’t feel right. Follow up. What you’re seeing could be a problem.
A missing bill or a mysterious charge on your credit card could be the tip of an identity theft iceberg, one that can run deep if left unaddressed. Here, we’ll look at several signs of identity theft that likely need some investigation and the steps you can take to take charge of the situation.
Unfortunately, it can happen in several ways.
In the physical world, it can happen simply because you lost your wallet or debit card. However, there are also cases where someone gets your information by going through your mail or trash for bills and statements. In other more extreme cases, theft can happen by someone successfully registering a change of address form in your name (although the U.S. Postal Service has security measures in place that make this difficult).
In the digital world, that’s where the avenues of identity theft blow wide open. It could come by way of a data breach, a thief “skimming” credit card information from a point-of-sale terminal, or by a dedicated crook piecing together various bits of personal information that have been gathered from social media, phishing attacks, or malware designed to harvest information. Additionally, thieves may eavesdrop on public Wi-Fi and steal information from people who are shopping or banking online without the security of a VPN.
Regardless of how crooks pull it off, identity theft is on the rise. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft claims jumped up from roughly 650,000 claims in 2019 to 1 million in 2023. Of the reported fraud cases where a dollar loss was reported, the FTC calls out the following top three contact methods for identity theft:
However, phone calls, texts, and email remain the most preferred contact methods that fraudsters use, even if they are less successful in creating dollar losses than malicious websites, ads, and social media.
Identity thieves leave a trail. With your identity in hand, they can charge things to one or more of your existing accounts—and if they have enough information about you, they can even create entirely new accounts in your name. Either way, once an identity thief strikes, you’re probably going to notice that something is wrong. Possible signs include:
As you can see, the signs of possible identity theft can run anywhere from, “Well, that’s strange …” to “OH NO!” However, the good news is that there are several ways to check if someone is using your identity before it becomes a problem – or before it becomes a big problem that gets out of hand.
The point is that if you suspect fraud, you need to act right away. With identity theft becoming increasingly commonplace, many businesses, banks, and organizations have fraud reporting mechanisms in place that can assist you should you have any concerns. With that in mind, here are some immediate steps you can take:
Whether you spot a curious charge on your bank statement or you discover what looks like a fraudulent account when you get your free credit report, let the bank or business involved know you suspect fraud. With a visit to their website, you can track down the appropriate number to call and get the investigation process started.
Some businesses will require you to file a local police report to acquire a case number to complete your claim. Even beyond a business making such a request, filing a report is still a good idea. Identity theft is still theft and reporting it provides an official record of the incident. Should your case of identity theft lead to someone impersonating you or committing a crime in your name, filing a police report right away can help clear your name down the road. Be sure to save any evidence you have, like statements or documents that are associated with the theft. They can help clean up your record as well.
The FTC’s identity theft website is a fantastic resource should you find yourself in need. Above and beyond simply reporting the theft, the FTC can provide you with a step-by-step recovery plan—and even walk you through the process if you create an account with them. Additionally, reporting theft to the FTC can prove helpful if debtors come knocking to collect on any bogus charges in your name. You can provide them with a copy of your FTC report and ask them to stop.
You can place a free one-year fraud alert with one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax), and they will notify the other two. A fraud alert will make it tougher for thieves to open accounts in your name, as it requires businesses to verify your identity before issuing new credit in your name.
A credit freeze goes a step further. As the name implies, a freeze prohibits creditors from pulling your credit report, which is needed to approve credit. Such a freeze is in place until you lift it, and it will also apply to legitimate queries as well. Thus, if you intend to get a loan or new credit card while a freeze is in place, you’ll likely need to take extra measures to see that through. Contact each of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) to put a freeze in place or lift it when you’re ready.
This can run the gamut from closing any false accounts that were set up in your name, removing bogus charges, and correcting information in your credit report such as phony addresses or contact information. With your FTC report, you can dispute these discrepancies and have the business correct the record. Be sure to ask for written confirmation and keep a record of all documents and conversations involved.
If you receive a notice from the IRS that someone used your identity to file a tax return in your name, follow the information provided by the IRS in the notice. From there, you can file an identity theft affidavit with the IRS. If the notice mentions that you were paid by an employer you don’t know, contact that employer as well and let them know of possible fraud—namely that someone has stolen your identity and that you don’t truly work for them.
Also, be aware that the IRS has specific guidelines as to how and when they will contact you. As a rule, they will most likely contact you via physical mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. (They won’t call or apply harassing pressure tactics—only scammers do that.) Identity-based tax scams are a topic all of their own, and for more on it, you can check out this article on tax scams and how to avoid them.
Another downside of identity theft is that it can mark the start of a long, drawn-out affair. One instance of theft can possibly lead to another, so even what may appear to be an isolated bad charge on your credit card calls for keeping an eye on your identity. Many of the tools you would use up to this point still apply, such as checking up on your credit reports, maintaining fraud alerts as needed, and reviewing your accounts closely.
With all the time we spend online as we bank, shop, and simply surf, we create and share all kinds of personal information—information that can get collected and even stolen. The good news is that you can prevent theft and fraud with online protection software, such as McAfee+ Ultimate.
With McAfee+ Ultimate you can:
In all, it’s our most comprehensive privacy, identity, and device protection plan, built for a time when we rely so heavily on the internet to go about our day, whether that’s work, play, or simply getting things done.
Realizing that you’ve become a victim of identity theft carries plenty of emotion with it, which is understandable—the thief has stolen a part of you to get at your money, information, and even reputation. Once that initial rush of anger and surprise has passed, it’s time to get clinical and get busy. Think like a detective who’s building – and closing – a case. That’s exactly what you’re doing. Follow the steps, document each one, and build up your case file as you need. Staying cool, organized, and ready with an answer to any questions you’ll face in the process of restoring your identity will help you see things through.
Once again, this is a good reminder that vigilance is the best defense against identity theft from happening in the first place. While there’s no absolute, sure-fire protection against it, there are several things you can do to lower the odds in your favor. And at the top of the list is keeping consistent tabs on what’s happening across your credit reports and accounts.
The post How to Detect Signs of Identity Theft appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Can thieves steal identities with only a name and address?
In short, the answer is “no.” Which is a good thing, as your name and address are in fact part of the public record. Anyone can get a hold of them. However, because they are public information, they are still tools that identity thieves can use.
If you think of your identity as a jigsaw puzzle, your name and address are the first two pieces that they can use to build a bigger picture and ultimately put your identity at risk.
With that, let’s look at some other key pieces of your identity that are associated with your name and address—and what you can do to protect them.
For starters, this information is so general that it is of little value in and of itself to an identity thief. Yet a determined identity thief can do a bit of legwork and take a few extra steps to use them as a springboard for other scams.
For example, with your name and address a thief could:
There are volumes of public information that are readily available should someone want to add some more pieces to your identity jigsaw puzzle, such as:
In the U.S., the availability of such information will vary from state to state and different levels of government may have different regulations about what information gets filed—in addition to whether and how those reports are made public. Globally, different nations and regions will collect varying amounts of public information and have their own regulations in place as well. More broadly, though, many of these public databases are now online. Consequently, accessing them is easier than the days when getting a hold of that information required an in-person visit to a library or public office.
Cybercriminals can gain additional information about you from other online sources, such as data brokers. And data brokerage is a big business, a global economy estimated at $280 billion U.S. dollars a year. What fuels it? Personal information, representing thousands of data points on billions of people scraped from public records, social media, smartphone apps, shopper loyalty cards, third-party sources, and sometimes other data broker sites as well.
The above-the-board legal intent of data broker sites is to sell that information to advertisers so that they can create highly targeted campaigns based on people’s behaviors, travels, interests, and even political leanings. Others such as law enforcement officials, journalists, and others who are conducting background checks will use them too.
On the dark side, hackers, scammers, and thieves will buy this information as well, which they can use to commit identity theft and fraud. The thing is, data brokers will sell to anyone. They don’t discriminate.
Phishing attacks aren’t just for email, texts, and direct messages. In fact, thieves are turning to old tricks via old-fashioned physical mail. That includes sending phony offers or impersonating officials of government institutions, all designed to trick you into giving up your personally identifiable information (PII).
What might that look like in your mailbox? They can take the form of bogus lottery prizes that request bank information for routing (non-existent) winnings. Another favorite of scammers is bogus tax notifications that demand immediate payment. In all, many can look quite convincing at first blush, yet there are ready ways you can spot them. In fact, many of the tips for avoiding these physical mail phishing attacks are the same for avoiding phishing attacks online.
Recently, I’ve seen a few news stories like this where thieves reportedly abuse the change-of-address system with the U.S. Postal Service. Thieves will simply forward your mail to an address of their choosing, which can drop sensitive information like bank and credit card statements in their mailbox. From there, they could potentially have new checks sent to them or perhaps an additional credit card—both of which they can use to drain your accounts and run up your bills.
The Postal Service has mechanisms in place to prevent this, however. Among these, the Postal Service will send you a physical piece of mail to confirm the forwarding. So, if you ever receive mail from the Postal Service, open it and give it a close look. If you get such a notice and didn’t order the forwarding, visit your local post office to get things straightened out. Likewise, if it seems like you’re missing bills in the mail, that’s another good reason to follow up with your post office and the business in question to see if there have been any changes made in your mail forwarding.
So while your name and address are out there for practically all to see, they’re largely of little value to an identity thief on their own. But as mentioned above, they are key puzzle pieces to your overall identity. With enough of those other pieces in hand, that’s where an identity thief can cause trouble.
Other crucial pieces of your identity include:
Let’s start with the biggest one. This is the master key to your identity, as it is one of the most unique identifiers you have. As I covered in my earlier blog on Social Security fraud, a thief can unlock everything from credit history and credit line to tax refunds and medical care with your Social Security or tax ID number. In extreme cases, they can use it to impersonate you for employment, healthcare, and even in the event of an arrest.
You can protect your Social Security Number by keeping it locked in a safe place (rather than in your wallet) and by providing your number only when absolutely necessary. For more tips on keeping your number safe, drop by that blog on Social Security fraud I mentioned.
Thieves have figured out ways of getting around the fact that IDs like these include a photo. They may be able to modify or emulate these documents “well enough” to pull off certain types of fraud, particularly if the people requesting their bogus documents don’t review them with a critical eye.
Protecting yourself in this case means knowing where these documents are at any time. (With passports, you may want to store those securely like your Social Security or tax ID number.) Also be careful when you share this information, as the identifiers on these documents are highly unique. If you’re uncomfortable with sharing this information, you can ask if other forms of ID might work—or if this information is really needed at all. Also, take a moment to make copies of these documents and store them in a secure place. This can help you provide important info to the proper authorities if they’re lost or stolen.
With data breaches large and small making the news (and many more that do not), keeping a sharp eye on your accounts is a major part of identity theft prevention. We talk about this topic quite often, and it’s worth another mention because protecting these means protecting yourself from thieves who are after direct access to your finances and more.
Secure your digital accounts for banking, credit cards, financials, and shopping by using strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts that you change every 60 days. Sound like a lot of work? Let a password manager do it for you, which you can find in comprehensive online protection software. By changing your strong passwords and keeping them unique can help prevent you from becoming a victim if your account information is part of a breach—by the time a crook attempts to use it, you may have changed it and made it out of date.
In addition to protecting the core forms of identity mentioned above, a few other good habits go a long way toward keeping your identity secure.
By protecting your devices, you protect what’s on them, like your personal information. Comprehensive online protection software can protect your identity in several ways, like creating and managing the strong, unique passwords we talked about and providing further services that monitor and protect your identity—in addition to digital shredders that can permanently remove sensitive documents (simply deleting them won’t do that alone.) Further, it can monitor your identity and monitor your credit, further protecting you from theft and fraud.
Identity theft where thieves dig through trash or go “dumpster diving” for literal scraps of personal info in bills and statements, has been an issue for some time. You can prevent it by shredding up any paper medical bills, tax documents, and checks once you’re through with them. Paper shredders are inexpensive, and let’s face it, kind of fun too. Also, if you’re traveling, have a trusted someone collect your mail or have the post office put a temporary hold on your mail. Thieves still poach mail from mailboxes too.
Getting statements online cuts the paper out of the equation and thus removes another thing that a thief can physically steal and possibly use against you. Whether you use electronic statements through your bank, credit card company, medical provider, or insurance company, use a secure password and a secure connection provided by a VPN. Both will make theft of your personal info far tougher on identity thieves.
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network, a service that protects your data and privacy online. It creates an encrypted tunnel to keep you more anonymous online by masking your IP address, device information, and the data you’re passing along that connection. In this way, it makes it far more difficult for advertisers, data brokers, and bad actors to skim your private information—in addition to shielding your information from crooks and snoops while you’re banking, shopping, or handling any kind of sensitive information online.
Give your statements a close look each time they come around. While many companies and institutions have fraud detection mechanisms in place, they don’t always catch every instance of fraud. Look out for strange purchases or charges and follow up with your bank or credit card company if you suspect fraud. Even the smallest charge could be a sign that something shady is afoot.
This is a powerful tool for spotting identity theft. And in many cases, it’s free to do so. In the U.S., the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires the major credit agencies to provide you with a free credit check at least once every 12 months. Canada provides this service, and the UK has options to receive free reports as well, along with several other nations. It’s a great idea to check your credit report, even if you don’t suspect a problem.
If the thought of your personal info being bought and sold puts you off, there’s something you can do about it. Our Personal Data Cleanup service can scan some of the riskiest data broker sites and show you which ones are selling your personal info. It also provides guidance on how you can remove your data from those sites, and with select products, it can even manage the removal for you.
While thieves need more than just your name and address to commit the overwhelming majority of fraud, your name and address are centerpieces of the larger jigsaw puzzle that is your overall identity.
And the interesting thing is your puzzle gets larger and larger as time goes on. With each new account you create and service that you sign into, that’s one more piece added to the puzzle. Thieves love getting their hands on any pieces they can because with enough of them in place, they can try and pull a fast one in your name. By looking after each piece and knowing what your larger jigsaw puzzle looks like, you can help keep identity thieves out of your business and your life.
The post Can Thieves Steal Identities With Only a Name and Address? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Elder scams cost seniors in the U.S. some $3 billion annually. And tax season adds a healthy sum to that appalling figure.
What makes seniors such a prime target for tax scams? The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) states several factors. For one, elders are typically trusting and polite. Additionally, many own their own home, have some manner of savings, and enjoy the benefits of good credit—all of which make for an ideal victim profile.
Also according to the FBI, elders may be less able or willing to report being scammed because they may not know the exact way in which they were scammed, or they may feel a sense of shame over it, or even some combination of the two. Moreover, being scammed may instill fear that family members will lose confidence in their ability to look after their own affairs.
If there’s one thing that we can do for our elders, it’s help them raise their critical hackles so they can spot these scams and stop them in their tracks, particularly around tax time. With that, let’s see how crooks target elders, what those scams look and feel like, along with the things we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones from getting stung.
The phone rings, and an assertive voice admonishes an elder for non-payment of taxes. The readout on the caller ID shows “Internal Revenue Service” or “IRS,” the person cites an IRS badge number, and the victim is told to pay now via a wire transfer or prepaid gift card. The caller even knows the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN). This is a scam.
The caller, and the claim of non-payment, are 100 percent bogus. Even with those last four digits of the SSN attempting to add credibility, it’s still bogus. (Chances are, those last four digits were compromised elsewhere and ended up in the hands of the thieves by way of the black market or dark web so that they could use them in scams just like these.)
Some IRS imposter scams take it a step further. Fraudsters will threaten victims with arrest, deportation, or other legal action, like a lien on funds or the suspension of a driver’s license. They’ll make repeated calls as well, sometimes with additional imposters posing as law enforcement as a means of intimidating elders into payment.
The IRS will never threaten you or someone you know in such a way.
In fact, the IRS will never call you to demand payment. Nor will the IRS ever ask you to wire funds or pay with a gift card or prepaid debit card. And if the IRS claims you do owe funds, you will be notified of your rights as a taxpayer and be given the opportunity to make an appeal. If there’s any question about making payments to the IRS, the IRS has specific guidelines as to how to make a payment properly and safely on their official website.
It’s also helpful to know what the IRS will do in the event you owe taxes. In fact, they have an entire page that spells out how to know it’s really the IRS calling or knocking at your door. It’s a quick read and a worthwhile one at that.
In all, the IRS will contact you by mail or in person. Should you get one of these calls, hang up. Then, report it. I’ll include a list of ways you can file a report at the end of the article.
Whether it’s a disembodied voice generated by a computer or a scripted message that’s been recorded by a person, robocalls provide scammers with another favorite avenue of attack. The approach is often quite like the phone scam outlined above, albeit less personalized because the attack is a canned robocall. However, robocalls allow crooks to cast a much larger net in the hopes of illegally wresting money away from victims. In effect, they can spam hundreds or thousands of people with one message in the hopes of landing a bite.
While perhaps not as personalized as other imposter scams, they can still create that innate sense of unease of being contacted by the IRS and harangue a victim into dialing a phony call center where they are further pressured into paying by wire or with a prepaid card, just like in other imposter scams. As above, your course of action here is to simply hang up and report it.
Here’s another popular attack. An elder gets an unsolicited email from what appears to be the IRS, yet isn’t. The phony email asks them to update or verify their personal or financial information for a payment or refund. The email may also contain an attachment which they are instructed to click and open. Again, all of these are scams.
Going back to what we talked about earlier, that’s not how the IRS will contact you. These are phishing attacks aimed at grifting prized personal and financial information that scammers can use to commit acts of theft or embezzlement. In the case of the attachment, it very well may contain malware that can do further harm to their device, finances, or personal information.
If you receive one of these emails, don’t open it. And certainly don’t open any attachments—which holds true for any unsolicited email you receive with an attachment.
Beyond simply knowing how to spot a possible attack, you can do several things to prevent one from happening in the first place.
First let’s start with some good, old-fashioned physical security. You may also want to look into purchasing a locking mailbox. Mail and porch theft are still prevalent, and it’s not uncommon for thieves to harvest personal and financial information by simply lifting it from your mailbox.
Another cornerstone of physical security is shredding paper correspondence that contains personal or financial information, such as bills, medical documents, bank statements and so forth. I suggest investing a few dollars on an actual paper shredder, which are typically inexpensive if you look for a home model. If you have sensitive paper documents in bulk, such as old tax records that you no longer need to save, consider calling upon a professional service that can drive up to your home and do that high volume of shredding for you.
Likewise, consider the physical security of your digital devices. Make sure you lock your smartphones, tablets, and computers with a PIN or password. Losing a device is a terrible strain enough, let alone knowing that the personal and financial information on them could end up in the hands of a crook. Also see if tracking is available on your device. That way, enabling device tracking can help you locate a lost or stolen item.
There are plenty of things you can do to protect yourself on the digital front too. Step one is installing comprehensive security software on your devices. This will safeguard you in several ways, such as email filters that will protect you from phishing attacks, features that will warn you of sketchy links and downloads, plus further protection for your identity and privacy—in addition to overall protection from viruses, malware, and other cyberattacks.
Additional features in comprehensive security software that can protect you from tax scams include:
And here’s one item that certainly bears mentioning: dispose of your old technology securely. What’s on that old hard drive of yours? That old computer may contain loads of precious personal and financial info on it. Look into the e-waste disposal options in your community. There are services that will dispose of and recycle old technology while doing it in a secure manner so the data and info on your device doesn’t see the light of day again.
As said earlier, don’t let a bad deed go unreported. The IRS offers the following avenues of communication to report scams.
In all, learning to recognize the scams that crooks aim at elders and putting some strong security measures in place can help prevent these crimes from happening to you or a loved one. Take a moment to act. It’s vital, because your personal information has a hefty price tag associated with it—both at tax time and any time.
The post How to Spot, and Prevent, the Tax Scams That Target Elders appeared first on McAfee Blog.
There are more online users now than ever before, thanks to the availability of network-capable devices and online services. The internet population in Canada is the highest it has been, topping the charts at 33 million. That number is only expected to increase through the upcoming years. However, this growing number and continued adoption of online services pose increasing cybersecurity risks as cybercriminals take advantage of more online users and exploit vulnerabilities in online infrastructure. This is why we need AI-backed software to provide advanced protection for online users.
The nature of these online threats is ever-changing, making it difficult for legacy threat detection systems to monitor threat behavior and detect new malicious code. Fortunately, threat detection systems such as McAfee+ adapt to incorporate the latest threat intelligence and artificial intelligence (AI) driven behavioral analysis. Here’s how AI impacts cybersecurity to go beyond traditional methods to protect online users.
Most of today’s antivirus and threat detection software leverages behavioral heuristic-based detection based on machine learning models to detect known malicious behavior. Traditional methods rely on data analytics to detect known threat signatures or footprints with incredible accuracy. However, these conventional methods do not account for new malicious code, otherwise known as zero-day malware, for which there is no known information available. AI is mission-critical to cybersecurity since it enables security software and providers to take a more intelligent approach to virus and malware detection. Unlike AI–backed software, traditional methods rely solely on signature-based software and data analytics.
Similar to human-like reasoning, machine learning models follow a three-stage process to gather input, process it, and generate an output in the form of threat leads. Threat detection software can gather information from threat intelligence to understand known malware using these models. It then processes this data, stores it, and uses it to draw inferences and make decisions and predictions. Behavioral heuristic-based detection leverages multiple facets of machine learning, one of which is deep learning.
Deep learning employs neural networks to emulate the function of neurons in the human brain. This architecture uses validation algorithms for crosschecking data and complex mathematical equations, which applies an “if this, then that” approach to reasoning. It looks at what occurred in the past and analyzes current and predictive data to reach a conclusion. As the numerous layers in this framework process more data, the more accurate the prediction becomes.
Many antivirus and detection systems also use ensemble learning. This process takes a layered approach by applying multiple learning models to create one that is more robust and comprehensive. Ensemble learning can boost detection performance with fewer errors for a more accurate conclusion.
Additionally, today’s detection software leverages supervised learning techniques by taking a “learn by example” approach. This process strives to develop an algorithm by understanding the relationship between a given input and the desired output.
Machine learning is only a piece of an effective antivirus and threat detection framework. A proper framework combines new data types with machine learning and cognitive reasoning to develop a highly advanced analytical framework. This framework will allow for advanced threat detection, prevention, and remediation.
Online threats are increasing at a staggering pace. McAfee Labs observed an average of 588 malware threats per minute. These risks exist and are often exacerbated for several reasons, one of which is the complexity and connectivity of today’s world. Threat detection analysts are unable to detect new malware manually due to their high volume. However, AI can identify and categorize new malware based on malicious behavior before they get a chance to affect online users. AI–enabled software can also detect mutated malware that attempts to avoid detection by legacy antivirus systems.
Today, there are more interconnected devices and online usage ingrained into people’s everyday lives. However, the growing number of digital devices creates a broader attack surface. In other words, hackers will have a higher chance of infiltrating a device and those connected to it.
Additionally, mobile usage is putting online users at significant risk. Over 85% of the Canadian population owns a smartphone. Hackers are noticing the rising number of mobile users and are rapidly taking advantage of the fact to target users with mobile-specific malware.
The increased online connectivity through various devices also means that more information is being stored and processed online. Nowadays, more people are placing their data and privacy in the hands of corporations that have a critical responsibility to safeguard their users’ data. The fact of the matter is that not all companies can guarantee the safeguards required to uphold this promise, ultimately resulting in data and privacy breaches.
In response to these risks and the rising sophistication of the online landscape, security companies combine AI, threat intelligence, and data science to analyze and resolve new and complex cyber threats. AI-backed threat protection identifies and learns about new malware using machine learning models. This enables AI-backed antivirus software to protect online users more efficiently and reliably than ever before.
AI addresses numerous challenges posed by increasing malware complexity and volume, making it critical for online security and privacy protection. Here are the top 3 ways AI enhances cybersecurity to better protect online users.
1. Effective threat detection
The most significant difference between traditional signature-based threat detection methods and advanced AI-backed methods is the capability to detect zero-day malware. Functioning exclusively from either of these two methods will not result in an adequate level of protection. However, combining them results in a greater probability of detecting more threats with higher precision. Each method will ultimately play on the other’s strengths for a maximum level of protection.
2. Enhanced vulnerability management
AI enables threat detection software to think like a hacker. It can help software identify vulnerabilities that cybercriminals would typically exploit and flag them to the user. It also enables threat detection software to better pinpoint weaknesses in user devices before a threat has even occurred, unlike conventional methods. AI-backed security advances past traditional methods to better predict what a hacker would consider a vulnerability.
2. Better security recommendations
AI can help users understand the risks they face daily. An advanced threat detection software backed by AI can provide a more prescriptive solution to identifying risks and how to handle them. A better explanation results in a better understanding of the issue. As a result, users are more aware of how to mitigate the incident or vulnerability in the future.
AI and machine learning are only a piece of an effective threat detection framework. A proper threat detection framework combines new data types with the latest machine learning capabilities to develop a highly advanced analytical framework. This framework will allow for better threat cyber threat detection, prevention, and remediation.
The post The What, Why, and How of AI and Threat Detection appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Did you just get word that your personal information may have been caught up in a data breach? If so, you can take steps to protect yourself from harm should your info get into the hands of a scammer or thief.
How does that information get collected in the first place? We share personal information with companies for multiple reasons simply by going about our day—to pay for takeout at our favorite restaurant, to check into a hotel, or to collect rewards at the local coffee shop. Of course, we use our credit and debit cards too, sometimes as part of an online account that tracks our purchase history.
In other words, we leave trails of data practically wherever we go these days, and that data is of high value to hackers. Thus, all those breaches we read about.
Whether it’s a major breach that exposes millions of records or one of many other smaller-scale breaches like the thousands that have struck healthcare providers, each one serves as a reminder that data breaches happen regularly and that we could find ourselves affected. Depending on the breach and the kind of information you’ve shared with the business or organization in question, information stolen in a breach could include:
What do crooks do with that data? Several things. Apart from using it themselves, they may sell that data to other criminals. Either way, this can lead to illicit use of credit and debit cards, draining of bank accounts, claiming tax refunds or medical expenses in the names of the victims, or, in extreme cases, assuming the identity of others altogether.
In all, data is a kind of currency in of itself because it has the potential to unlock several aspects of victim’s life, each with its own monetary value. It’s no wonder that big breaches like these have made the news over the years, with some of the notables including:
As mentioned, these are big breaches with big companies that we likely more than recognize. Yet smaller and mid-sized businesses are targets as well, with some 43% of data breaches involving companies of that size. Likewise, restaurants and retailers have seen their Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals compromised, right on down to neighborhood restaurants.
When a company experiences a data breach, customers need to realize that this could impact their online safety. If your favorite coffee shop’s customer database gets leaked, there’s a chance that your personal or financial information was exposed. However, this doesn’t mean that your online safety is doomed. If you think you were affected by a breach, you can take several steps to protect yourself from the potential side effects.
One of the most effective ways to determine whether someone is fraudulently using one or more of your accounts is to check your statements. If you see any charges that you did not make, report them to your bank or credit card company immediately. They have processes in place to handle fraud. While you’re with them, see if they offer alerts for strange purchases, transactions, or withdrawals.
Our credit monitoring service can help you keep an eye on this. It monitors changes to your credit score, report, and accounts with timely notifications and guidance so you can take action to tackle identity theft.
Breached and stolen information often ends up in dark web marketplaces where hackers, scammers, and thieves purchase it to commit yet more crime. Once it was difficult to know if your information was caught up in such marketplaces, yet now an identity monitoring service can do the detective work for you.
Our service monitors the dark web for your personal info, including email, government IDs, credit card and bank account info, and more. This can help keep your personal info safe with early alerts that show you if your data is found on the dark web, an average of 10 months ahead of similar services. From there, you’ll get guidance that you can act on, which can help protect your info and accounts from theft.
If you suspect that your data might have been compromised, place a fraud alert on your credit. This not only ensures that any new or recent requests undergo scrutiny, but also allows you to have extra copies of your credit report so you can check for suspicious activity. You can place one fraud alert with any of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and they will notify the other two. A fraud alert typically lasts for a year, although there are options for extending it as well.
Freezing your credit will make it highly difficult for criminals to take out loans or open new accounts in your name, as a freeze halts all requests to pull your credit—even legitimate ones. In this way, it’s a far stronger measure than placing a fraud alert. Note that if you plan to take out a loan, open a new credit card, or other activity that will prompt a credit report, you’ll need to take extra steps to see that through while the freeze is in place. (The organization you’re working with can assist with the specifics.) Unlike the fraud alert, you’ll need to contact each major credit reporting agency to put one in place. Also, a freeze lasts as long as you have it in place. You’ll have to remove it yourself, again with each agency.
You can centrally manage this process with our security freeze service, which stops companies from looking at your credit profile, and thus halts the application process for loans, credit cards, utilities, new bank accounts, and more. A security freeze won’t affect your credit score.
Ensure that your passwords are strong and unique. Many people utilize the same password or variations of it across all their accounts. Therefore, be sure to diversify your passcodes to ensure hackers cannot obtain access to all your accounts at once, should one password be compromised. You can also employ a password manager to keep track of your credentials, such as the one you’ll find in comprehensive online protection software.
If the unfortunate happens to you, an identity theft coverage & restoration service can help you get back on your feet. Ours offers $1 million in coverage for lawyer fees, travel expenses, and stolen funds reimbursement. It further provides support from a licensed recovery expert who can take the needed steps to repair your identity and credit. In all, it helps you recover the costs of identity theft along with the time and money it takes to recover from it.
You can take this step any time, even if you haven’t been caught up in a data breach. The fact is that data broker companies collect and sell thousands of pieces of information on millions and millions of people worldwide, part of a global economy estimated at $200 billion U.S. dollars a year. And they’ll sell it to anyone—from advertisers for their campaigns, to scammers who will use it for spammy emails, texts, and calls, and to thieves who use that information for identity theft.
Yet you can clean it up. Our personal data cleanup service can scan some of the riskiest data broker sites and show you which ones are selling your personal info. It also provides guidance on how you can remove your data from those sites and, with select products, even manage the removal for you.
Comprehensive online protection software will offer you the tools and services listed above, along with further features that can protect you online. That includes a VPN to keep your time online more private from online data collection while protecting it from thieves who’re out to steal credit card and account information. It also includes web browsing protection that can warn you of sketchy websites and malicious downloads that look to steal your information. In all, it’s thorough protection for your devices, privacy, and identity. And in a time of data breaches, that kind of protection has become essential.
The post How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft After a Data Breach appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Deep fakes are a growing concern in the age of digital media and can be extremely dangerous for school children. Deep fakes are digital images, videos, or audio recordings that have been manipulated to look or sound like someone else. They can be used to spread misinformation, create harassment, and even lead to identity theft. With the prevalence of digital media, it’s important to protect school children from deep fakes.
Educating students on deep fakes is an essential step in protecting them from the dangers of these digital manipulations. Schools should provide students with information about the different types of deep fakes and how to spot them.
Media literacy is an important skill that students should have in order to identify deep fakes and other forms of misinformation. Schools should provide students with resources to help them understand how to evaluate the accuracy of a digital image or video.
Schools should emphasize the importance of digital safety and provide students with resources on how to protect their online identities. This includes teaching students about the risks of sharing personal information online, using strong passwords, and being aware of phishing scams.
Schools should monitor online activity to ensure that students are not exposed to deep fakes or other forms of online harassment. Schools should have policies in place to protect students from online bullying and harassment, and they should take appropriate action if they find any suspicious activity.
By following these tips, schools can help protect their students from the dangers of deep fakes. Educating students on deep fakes, encouraging them to be media literate, promoting digital safety, and monitoring online activity are all important steps to ensure that school children are safe online.
Through quipping students with the tools they need to navigate the online world, schools can also help them learn how to use digital technology responsibly. Through educational resources and programs, schools can teach students the importance of digital citizenship and how to use digital technology ethically and safely. Finally, schools should promote collaboration and communication between parents, students, and school administration to ensure everyone is aware of the risks of deep fakes and other forms of online deception.
Deep fakes have the potential to lead to identity theft, particularly if deep fakes tools are used to steal the identities of students or even teachers. McAfee’s Identity Monitoring Service, as part of McAfee+, monitors the dark web for your personal info, including email, government IDs, credit card and bank account info, and more. We’ll help keep your personal info safe, with early alerts if your data is found on the dark web, so you can take action to secure your accounts before they’re used for identity theft.
The post How to Protect School Children From Deep Fakes appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Social media is part of our social fabric. So much so that over 56% of the global population are social media users to some degree or other. With all that sharing, conversing, and information passing between family and friends, social media can be a distinct digital extension of ourselves—making it important to know how you can protect your social media accounts from hacks and attacks.
Beyond the sheer number of people who’re on social media, there’s also the amount of time we spend on it. People worldwide spend an average of 147 minutes a day on social media. With users in the U.S. spending just over two hours on social media a day and users in the Philippines spending nearly four hours a day, that figure can vary widely. Yet it’s safe to say that a good portion of our day features time scrolling and thumbing through our social media feeds.
Given how much we enjoy and rely on social media, now’s a fine time to give your social media settings and habits a closer look so that you can get the most out of it with less fuss and worry. Whether you’re using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or whatnot, here are several things you can do that can help keep you safe and secure out there:
Passwords mark square one in your protection, with strong and unique passwords across all your accounts forming primary line of defense. Yet with all the accounts we have floating around, juggling dozens of strong and unique passwords can feel like a task—thus the temptation to use (and re-use) simpler passwords. Hackers love this because one password can be the key to several accounts. Instead, try a password manager that can create those passwords for you and safely store them as well. Comprehensive security software will include one.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what you’re doing, saying, and posting, which can help protect your privacy.
Be critical of the invitations you receive. Out-and-out strangers could be more than just a stranger, they could be a fake account designed to gather information on users for purposes of cybercrime, or they can be an account designed to spread false information. There are plenty of them too. In fact, in Q3 of 2021 alone, Facebook took action on 1.8 billion fake accounts. Reject such requests.
Nothing says “there’s nobody at home right now” like that post of you on vacation or sharing your location while you’re out on the town. In effect, such posts announce your whereabouts to a broad audience of followers (even a global audience, if you’re not posting privately, as called out above). Consider sharing photos and stories of your adventures once you’ve returned.
It’s a famous saying for a reason. Whether your profile is set to private or if you are using an app with “disappearing” messages and posts (like Snapchat), what you post can indeed be saved and shared again. It’s as simple as taking a screenshot. If you don’t want it out there, forever or otherwise, simply don’t post it.
We’re increasingly accustomed to the warnings about phishing emails, yet phishing attacks happen plenty on social media. The same rules apply. Don’t follow any links you get from strangers by way of instant or direct messengers. And keep your personal information close. Don’t pass out your email, address, or other info as well. Even those so-called “quiz” posts and websites can be ruses designed to steal bits and pieces of personal info that can be used as the basis of an attack.
Sadly, social media can also be a place where people pull a fast one. Get-rich-quick schemes, romance cons, and all kinds of imposters can set up shop in ads, posts, and even direct messages—typically designed to separate you from your personal information, money, or both. This is an entire topic to itself, and you can learn plenty more about quizzes and other identity theft scams to avoid on social media.
Some platforms such as Facebook allow users to review posts that are tagged with their profile names. Check your account settings and give yourself the highest degree of control over how and where your tags are used by others. This will help keep you aware of where you’re being mentioned by others and in what way.
Security software can protect you from clicking on malicious links while on social media while steering you clear of other threats like viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It can look out for you as well, by protecting your privacy and monitoring your email, SSN, bank accounts, credit cards, and other personal information. With identity theft a rather commonplace occurrence today, security software is really a must.
Now you can point to a number that shows you just how safe you are with our Protection Score. It’s an industry first, and it works by taking stock of your overall security and grading it on a scale of 0 to 1,000. From there, it calls out any weak spots and then walks you through the steps to shore it up with personalized guidance. This way, you’re always in the know about your security, privacy, and personal identity on social media and practically wherever else your travels take you online.
The post How to Protect Your Social Media Accounts appeared first on McAfee Blog.
While you can’t delete your personal info from the internet entirely, you can take strong steps to remove it from risky places. Several where others could tap into it for profit or harm.
Why is it so important to take control of our personal info? It has street value, and it has for some time now. Because so much of business, finance, healthcare, and life in general runs on it, your personal info has a dollar sign to it. Plenty of people want to get a hold of it.
Personal info fuels targeted advertising and marketing campaigns, just as it helps adjusters set insurance rates and healthcare providers make projections about our well-being. Businesses want it for employment background checks. Law enforcement uses it when investigating persons of interest. Banks and credit card companies base their approvals on it. Websites and apps collect it for their own purposes, which they sometimes share or sell to third parties.
And of course, hackers, scammers, and thieves want it too. To steal your identity, drain your accounts, and wage other attacks on you.
No doubt, your personal info has value. High value. And that makes a strong argument for doing what you can to control what you share and where you share it to the best possible degree. With so much that hinges on your personal info, it’s good to know that you can take control in powerful ways. We’ll show how it’s far easier to do that today than ever before.
Taking control of your personal info starts with a look at your digital shadow. Everyone casts one. And like everyone else’s digital shadow, yours gets filled with info about you — personal info stored online across the internet.
For starters, your digital shadow includes things like posts in forums, social media profiles, the posts that you put up there, and other people’s posts that mention you. It includes other sources of info, like pictures of you in an online newsletter, your name listed in the standings of your co-ed soccer league, and a bio of you on your company’s “About Us” page. Online reviews provide potential sources too. In all, this part of your digital shadow grows larger in two ways — as you say more things, and as more things are said about you.
Your shadow grows yet more with the addition of public records. That might include what you paid for your home, who lives there with you, your age, your children, your driving record, education, occupation, and estimated income. It all depends on where you live and what data regulations are in place there. Some regions have stricter privacy rules in place than others when it comes to public records. For example, in the U.S., California, Virginia, Connecticut, Colorado, Utah, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Oregon, Montana, Texas, and Delaware have strong data privacy laws on the books. The European Union has its well-known GDPR, the General Data Protection Regulation, in place.
Then there’s all manner of info about you gathered and sold by online data brokers. Data brokers pull hundreds of data points from public sources, not to mention private sources like supermarket club cards that track your shopping history. Other private sources include info from app developers and websites with less restrictive privacy policies when it comes to sharing and selling info. These data brokers sell personal info to anyone who’ll pay, including hackers, scammers, and spammers.
Finally, a sizable swathe of your shadow comes from info stored on the deep web. It forms the 95% of the internet that’s not searchable. Yet, you likely take trips there daily. Any time you go through a paywall or use a password to access internet content, you’re entering the deep web.
Examples include logging into your bank account, accessing medical records through your healthcare provider, or using corporate web pages as part of your workday. Even streaming a show can involve a trip to the deep web. None of that content is searchable.
What’s in there, aside from your Netflix viewing history? Think of all the info that forms the basis of your credit score, your health history, your financial info, and all the info that websites and advertisers capture about you as you simply spend time online. That’s the deep web too.
A subset of the deep web is the dark web. It’s not searchable as well, and it requires a special browser to access. Some of the sites and data stores found there are entirely legitimate, others questionable, and several are outright illegal. Some of your info might be there too. And yes, you’ll find dark marketplaces here where bad actors put up personal info for sale.
Everyone online indeed has a digital shadow. And some shadows are longer than others.
So, what’s the big deal? That’s how the internet works, right?
That’s a fair question. Part of the answer comes down to how important a person thinks their privacy is. Yet, more objectively, keeping a lower profile online offers better protection from cybercrime.
Consider research published by the science journal Nature, in 2019. Here’s an excerpt from the authors:
Using our model, we find that 99.98% of Americans would be correctly re-identified in any dataset using 15 demographic attributes. Our results suggest that even heavily sampled anonymized datasets are unlikely to satisfy the modern standards for anonymization set forth by GDPR [Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation] and seriously challenge the technical and legal adequacy of the de-identification release-and-forget model.
Put in practical terms, imagine a hacker or snoop gets their hands on a large set of public or private data. Like say, health data about certain medical conditions. Even though that data has been “scrubbed” to make the people in it anonymous, that hacker or snoop only needs 15 pieces of info to identify you in that mix. From there, they could pinpoint any health conditions linked to you.
In a time when all kinds of organizations gather all kinds of data, the impact of this research finding is clear. Data breaches happen, and a determined person can spot you in a batch of breached data with relative ease. They have several tools readily available that can cobble together those other 15 pieces of info to identify you. That further strengthens the argument for taking control of your personal info.
Shortening your so-called digital shadow helps improve everyday life in several ways. It can:
Cut down the number of sketchy texts, emails, and calls you get. If a hacker, scammer, or spammer can’t track down your contact info, they can’t reach you on your computers and phones. Removing info from data broker sites, old accounts you no longer use, and even social media can make it harder for them to reach you.
Reduce the risk of identity crimes, like theft, fraud, and harassment. Bad actors turn people’s info against them. With it, they take out loans in other people’s names, file bogus insurance claims, and, in more extreme cases, impersonate others for employment or criminal purposes. When you have less info online, they have less info to work with. That makes their attacks tougher to pull off. So tough that they might turn to another, easier target who has much more info online.
Keep snoops out of your business when taking care of things online. Tracking and monitoring are simple facts of going online. Sites and businesses do it for performance and marketing purposes. Hackers and bad actors do it for outright theft. Taking steps to mask and outright hide your activities online benefits your privacy and your security.
Take control of what people do and don’t know about you. Most broadly, increased privacy largely gives you the power to share your info. Not someone else. The fact is that many companies share info with other companies. And some of those other third parties might have looser data privacy and data security measures in place. What’s more, you likely have no idea who those third parties are. Increased privacy helps you take far more control of where your info does and doesn’t go.
The following can help:
1. Delete old apps. And be choosy about permissions on your phones. Fewer apps mean fewer avenues of potential data collection. If you have old, unused apps, consider deleting them, along with the accounts and data linked with them.
2. Delete old accounts. Many internet users can have over 350 online accounts, many of which they might not know are still active. McAfee Online Account Cleanup can help you delete them. It runs monthly scans to find your online accounts and shows you their risk level. From there, you can decide which to delete, protecting your personal info from data breaches and your overall privacy as a result.
3. Make your social media accounts more private. Our new McAfee Social Privacy Manager helps safeguard your privacy on social media by personalizing your privacy based on your preferences. It does the heavy lifting by adjusting more than 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts in only a few clicks. This ensures that your personal info is only visible to the people you want to share it with. It also keeps it out of search engines where the public can see it.
4. Remove your info from data brokers that sell it. McAfee Personal Data Cleanup helps you remove your personal info from many of the riskiest data broker sites out there. Running this feature regularly can keep your name and info off these sites, even as data brokers collect and post new info. Depending on your plan, it can send requests to remove your data automatically.
5. Take preventive measures. A few steps can help you keep your info off the internet in the first place. A VPN helps make your time online more private and more secure by obscuring things like your IP address and other identifying info. It also prevents hackers and snoops from monitoring your activity when you bank, shop, and access other accounts. Also, check out our article that covers privacy on your phone. Because phones offer others so many ways to gather personal info, making your phone more private helps make you more private.
The post How to Delete Yourself from the Internet appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Smart speakers. Banking online. Location tracking. If you are a senior adult, there’s no doubt, the digital leaps and bounds you’re asked to consider each day can be daunting. If you are the child of a senior adult trying to make digital life more accessible, helping your parent consistently stay safe online can also be a challenge.
According to a recent Pew study on the topic, senior adults continue to become more digitally connected, but adoption rates continue to trail younger users, and digital divides remain. The study also revealed that 77% of older adults needed assistance in learning how to use technology.
As a senior, it’s easy to feel intimidated and even try to avoid technology altogether as a safety plan. However, more healthcare, banking, and retailers become almost 100% digital, opting out of digital life is becoming impossible.
Still, there’s a way forward. As with any challenge, it’s best to begin one step at a time. First, put your stake in the ground by committing to increase your awareness and consistency in the digital realm. Doing so will help you reduce your fear about potential data breaches, malware attacks, or worse, falling prey to an online scam. Here are seven more ways to build upon your privacy path.
Online protection software safeguards your privacy while also looking after your privacy too. McAfee+ Family plans include personalized protection for each member of the family, including older family members outside the home. For example, a grandparent can set up and manage their own protection for their identity, privacy, computers, and phones. And inviting a grandparent onto the plan is as simple as sending an email.
Updating your passwords regularly is an online privacy gamechanger. The only problem? It’s tough to remember all those passwords, so who wants to risk changing them, right? Consider a password manager (find the software packages that have a password manager built-in). Your Password Manager (PM) stores then populates the username and password fields every time you log on to a favorite site or app. Better yet, it makes changing your password an easy task since you don’t need to do any remembering—your PM does it all for you.
What in the world? 2FA sounds complicated! Don’t worry, it’s not. Opting for 2FA means that before logging onto your account, you will have one more step to verify it’s you logging on. When given this privacy option, take it. Commonly, the 2FA process is a code generated by a smartphone app—no biggie. If you want to try, go to your settings in your favorite apps, such as Google or Facebook, and turn on the 2FA option.
Along with strong passwords, updating your software is a front-line defense against identity theft and fraud. Installing software updates (those pesky pop-up notices that are critical to your privacy) is essential in securing your IoT devices, PCs and phones, and the social media, banking, and healthcare portals connected to them.
5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
If we could write this one tip down a hundred times without losing our readers, we surely would. Every senior adult needs a VPN for practical, powerful privacy protection and peace of mind. A VPN keeps credit card and personal info contained in a secure network and away from prying eyes.
Fraudulent emails connected to fraudulent websites can look very legitimate. A secure website will have an “HTTPS” in the browser’s address bar. The “s” stands for “secure.” If the web address or URL is just HTTP, it’s not a secure site. Still unsure? Read reviews of the site from other users before making a purchase. Never send cash, cashier’s check, or a personal check to any online vendor. If purchasing, always use a credit card in case there is a dispute. Stay up-to-date on scams that target seniors specifically. Lately, elder scams have been constructed around COVID, dating apps, tax returns, employment, and, of course, the common military catfish scams.
Like it or not, companies gather, share, and sell plenty of information about us online. Among them, online data brokers that collect information about people from public records and third parties, like shopping information from the discount cards we use to get deals at the supermarket or drug store. They compile this information and post it online for anyone to see, for a price. And they’ll sell it to anyone. That includes marketers, advertisers, and even bad actors who use it for scams and to help them commit identity theft. You can clean up these digital breadcrumbs, though. Our Personal Data Cleanup scans some of the riskiest data broker sites and show you which ones are selling your personal info. We’ll also provide guidance on how you can remove your data from those sites and with select products, we can even manage the removal for you.
When trying to boost your digital skills, don’t forget about all the amazing instructional content at your fingertips. A quick search of YouTube will render easy-to-understand videos on how to do just about everything (including install security software, change your router password, secure the smart devices in your home, and how to adjust your privacy settings on any device).
Learning or building a new skill isn’t always easy, but if you stop to think about it, as a senior, you’ve gained so many skills over your lifetime (far more than your juniors). So, practically speaking, building up your tech skills is one is just one more task to ace. So, lean into the challenge, have fun learning, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
The post 7 Savvy Ways Senior Adults Can Safeguard Digital Privacy appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Throw open the windows and let in some fresh air. It’s time for spring cleaning.
And that goes for your digital stuff too.
Whether it’s indeed spring where you are or not, you can give your devices, apps, and online accounts a good decluttering. Now’s the time. Cleaning them up can protect your privacy and your identity because when there’s less lying about, there’s less for hackers to scoop up and exploit.
The reality is that we accumulate plenty of digital clutter that needs cleaning up from time to time. Think about it:
Together, these things take up space on your devices and, in some cases, can open you up to security hazards. Let’s take a look at how you can clean up in a few steps.
1. Review your accounts and delete the ones you don’t use. Look through your bookmarks, your password manager, or the other places where you store your passwords and usernames. Review the sites and services associated with them critically. If you haven’t used an account in some time, log in one last time, remove all personal info, and deactivate it.
Doing so can keep your email address, usernames, and passwords out of unnecessary circulation. Major breaches like this one happen with unfortunate regularity, and the sad thing is that you may not even be aware that a site you’ve used has been hit. Meanwhile, your name, password, and info associated with that account (such as your credit card) are in the hands of hackers. Limit your exposure. Close those old accounts.
2. Get organized, and safer too, with a password manager. While creating strong, unique passwords for each of our accounts is a must nowadays, it can be quite the feat, given all of the accounts in our lives. Here’s where a password manager comes in. It can create those strong, unique passwords for you. Not only that, but it also stores your passwords on secure servers, away from hackers and thieves.
Along those lines, never store your passwords on your computer or device, like a text document or spreadsheet. Should your device ever get compromised, lost, or stolen, having passwords stored on them are like handing over the keys to your digital life.
3. Clean your PC to improve your performance (and your security). Let’s face it, so many of us are so busy with the day-to-day that cleaning up our computers and laptops is way down the list. However, doing so once a month can keep our devices running stronger for longer and even give you that “new computer feeling,” particularly if you haven’t cleaned it up for some time. Check out our guide for improving PC performance. We will walk you through some straightforward steps that can make a marked difference.
Moreover, part of this process should entail bolstering your operating system and apps with the latest updates. Such updates can not only improve speed and functionality, but they also often include security upgrades as well that can make you safer in the long run. If your operating system and apps feature automatic updates, enable them, and they’ll do the work for you.
4. Organize and store your photos. Photos. Now there’s a topic all unto itself. Here’s the thing: Estimates show that worldwide we took somewhere around 1.2 trillion photos. And you certainly have your share.
However, your photos may be just sitting there, taking up storage space on your computer or phone, instead of becoming something special like an album, greeting cards, a wall hanging, or popping them into a digital picture frame for your kitchen or living room. And this is where a little spring cleaning can be a bit of fun. For tips on cleaning up your photos, backing them up, and making something special with them.
5. Delete old apps and the data associated with them. Let’s say you have a couple of apps on your phone for tracking your walks, runs, and exercise. You’ve since stopped using one altogether. Go ahead and delete the old one. But before you do, go in and delete your account associated with the app to ensure that any data stored off your phone, along with your password and user id are deleted as well.
For your computers and laptops, follow the same procedure, recognizing that they also may have account data stored elsewhere other than on your device.
In short, many apps today store information that’s stored and maintained by the app provider. Make sure you close your accounts so that data and information is taken out of circulation as well.
6. Shred your old files and encrypt the important files you’re holding on to. This bit of advice calls for using comprehensive security software on your devices. In addition to protecting you from viruses, malware, and other cyberattacks on your privacy and identity, it can help you protect your sensitive information as well. Such security software can offer:
7. Throwing away old computers and tech—dispose of them properly. When it comes time to say goodbye to an old friend, whether that’s a computer, laptop, phone, or tablet, do so in a way that’s friendly to the environment and your security.
Consider this … what’s on that old hard drive of yours? That old computer may contain loads of precious personal and financial info on it. The same goes for your tablets and phones. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers some straightforward advice in their article about protecting your data before you get rid of your computer. You don’t want those old tax returns ending up in the trash unprotected.
When it comes time for disposal, you have a few options:
As with any spring cleaning, you’ll be glad you did it
Enjoying the benefits of your work—that’s what spring cleaning is all about, right? With this little list, you can end up with a digital life that’s safer and faster than before.
The post Digital Spring Cleaning: Seven Steps for Faster, Safer Devices appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As the tax season draws near, the incidence of cybercrime, particularly phishing for W-2s, tends to increase dramatically. Cybercriminals are aware that this is the time of year when many unsuspecting individuals are completing their tax returns, and they design schemes to exploit this vulnerability. This blog raises awareness about this growing problem and offers practical advice for keeping your financial data safe during tax season.
W-2 phishing scams often involve emails that appear to be from the IRS or another official source, requesting personal information. These phishing emails can be highly sophisticated, often mimicking the look and feel of legitimate communications. The goal is to trick the recipient into revealing confidential data, such as social security numbers and financial information, which the perpetrator can then use for fraudulent purposes. The first step in protecting against such scams is understanding how they work and being able to recognize the red flags.
Phishing scams are fundamentally deception tactics—disguised as legitimate correspondence, they aim to trick the recipient into parting with sensitive information. In the case of W-2 phishing scams, the perpetrator often poses as an employer, government agency, or financial institution. The message may request that the recipient update their personal information, verify their identity, or provide their W-2 form. Typically, these emails have a sense of urgency, indicating that failure to comply will result in adverse consequences.
The contents of a phishing email are often compelling and appear to be authentic. They may contain official logos, legal disclaimers, and even legitimate contact details. However, closer examination often reveals telltale signs of phishing. For example, the email address of the sender may not match the organization they claim to represent, or the message may contain poor grammar and spelling. Additionally, phishing emails often require the recipient to click a link or open an attachment—actions that could potentially install malware on the victim’s device or redirect them to a fraudulent website.
McAfee Pro Tip: Nowadays, those sneaky social engineering tricks look a lot like legit messages from well-known folks. They’re super well-crafted, with proper grammar, and seamlessly fit into everyday situations. But don’t be fooled by their slick appearance – underneath it all, they’re still after your sensitive info. Keep your personal stuff safe and sound with McAfee+ to dodge the headaches that come with social engineering.
Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of reported W-2 phishing scams. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), thousands of these scams occur every tax season, leading to substantial financial losses and ID theft. Not only does this affect individuals, but businesses too. In fact, some companies have reported instances where their entire workforce was targeted, resulting in massive data breaches.
The impact of falling for a W-2 phishing scam can be devastating. Once cybercriminals have gained access to your financial data, they can use it in a variety of malicious ways. This may include filing fraudulent tax returns, opening new credit accounts, or even selling the information on the black market. The recovery process from such scams can be lengthy and stressful, as victims have to prove their identity to the IRS, their bank, and credit reporting agencies. Additionally, they need to monitor their financial activity closely for signs of any further unauthorized transactions or fraudulent activities.
→ Dig Deeper: Watch Out For IRS Scams and Avoid Identity Theft
Given the prevalence and potential impact of W-2 phishing scams, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself. One of the most effective strategies is to improve your digital literacy, namely your ability to identify and respond appropriately to phishing attempts. This includes being skeptical of unsolicited emails, especially those that ask for personal or financial information. Always verify the sender’s identity before responding or clicking any links. Remember, legitimate organizations rarely request sensitive information via email.
Another important safeguard is to ensure your computer and mobile devices are protected with up-to-date security software. This can help identify and block potential phishing emails and malicious links. Further, regularly backing up data can help mitigate the potential damage caused by a successful breach. Consider using a secure cloud service or an external storage device for this purpose.
Next is to file your tax returns as early as possible. By doing so, you can beat the scammers who might make an attempt to file a fraudulent tax return in your name. Additionally, if you receive an email that appears suspicious, do not click on the links or download the attachments included in that email. Instead, forward the suspicious email to phishing@irs.gov.
Finally, two-factor authentication (2FA) is another excellent way to safeguard your data. By enabling 2FA, you are adding an extra layer of security that makes it harder for cybercriminals to access your data even if they get your password. Additionally, always be cautious about sharing your personal and financial information online. Make sure that you only enter such information on secure websites – those with ‘https://’ in the URL. Regularly check your financial accounts for any suspicious activity and report immediately to your bank if you notice anything unusual.
If you believe you have fallen victim to a W-2 phishing scam, it is crucial to act quickly. If you have divulged your social security number, contact the IRS immediately. They can aid you in taking steps to prevent potential tax fraud. Additionally, it would be wise to file an identity theft affidavit (Form 14039) with the IRS. This form alerts the IRS to the theft of your identity and allows them to secure your tax account.
Additionally, you should report the phishing scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the FTC Complaint Assistant at FTC.gov. If you have clicked on a link or downloaded a suspicious attachment, run a full antivirus scan to check for malware. You should also consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your credit reports, which makes it harder for someone to open a new account in your name. Finally, you should check your credit reports frequently for any signs of fraudulent activity.
→Dig Deeper: Credit Lock and Credit Freeze: Which Service Is Best for You? Both!
Protecting your financial data during tax season is crucial, and being aware of phishing scams can save you from a world of trouble. By understanding the nature of W-2 phishing scams and implementing the above-mentioned best practices, you can keep your sensitive information safe. Remember to always be skeptical of unsolicited emails and never share personal or financial information unless you can confirm the legitimacy of the request. By doing so, you will not only protect yourself but also contribute to the collective fight against cybercrime.
Protecting your W-2 information during tax season is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Always stay vigilant, and remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you ever suspect that you have become a victim of a W-2 phishing scam, take prompt action by reporting it to the relevant authorities and taking necessary measures to mitigate possible damages. The key to staying safe is staying informed, vigilant, and prepared.
The post How to Protect Your Financial Data During Tax Season appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Bullying is a pervasive problem in our society, occurring in schools, workplaces, online, and even within families. It can cause immense physical and emotional pain, leading to decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety, and even suicide in extreme cases. Given its severe potential consequences, it’s critical for every one of us to take steps to end the hate and stomp out bullying.
This article explores 10 ways in which you can stand up against bullying, ranging from individual actions to community-based initiatives. Remember, each effort counts. Together, we can create a world where respect, kindness, and acceptance rule over hate and intimidation.
Before we delve into the various ways to combat bullying, it’s important to first understand what it is. The World Health Organization defines bullying as “repeated exposure to negative actions from one or more individuals.” These actions may involve physical aggression, verbal abuse, intentional exclusion, public humiliation, or harmful manipulation.
Understanding the nature and effects of bullying is the first step in combating it. Recognizing the signs of bullying is essential in identifying victims or perpetrators. Those who are bullied often exhibit signs such as unexplained injuries, poor performance or attendance at school or work, changes in eating habits, or sudden loss of friends. On the other hand, those who bully often exhibit increased aggression, difficulty accepting responsibility for their actions, and a constant need to dominate or control others.
Education is a powerful tool in the fight against bullying. By educating yourself about different forms of bullying, its impact, and why it happens, you can better understand the reasons behind these harmful behaviors and approaches to address them. Learn about not just physical and verbal bullying, but also cyberbullying, sexual bullying, prejudicial bullying, and relational aggression.
There are plenty of resources available that can help increase your understanding of bullying. Anti-bullying organizations offer detailed information on different types of bullying, how to identify them, and ways to prevent them. Books and documentaries can also provide personal narratives and insights into the effects of bullying, giving you a deeper understanding of its impact on individuals.
After educating yourself about bullying, the next step is to raise awareness. By spreading the word about bullying and its harmful effects, you can bring this issue to the forefront of more people’s minds. This can be achieved through discussions, presentations, social media campaigns, or organizing events focused on bullying prevention.
Bullying often thrives on silence and ignorance. By bringing the issue to light, you empower victims, bystanders, and even bullies to change their behaviors and attitudes. Remember, change starts with awareness. The more people know about the issue, the more they can do to help combat it.
→ Dig Deeper: What You Do Now To Protect Your Child From Cyberbullying
Empathy is a powerful weapon against bullying. By empathizing with the victim, you are not only providing emotional support but also validating their feelings and experiences. It can help them feel less isolated and more confident to stand up against the bully.
Showing empathy also extends to those who bully. It’s essential to understand that bullies often act out due to their own difficulties. Demonstrating empathy doesn’t mean condoning their actions, but rather understanding their problems and helping them seek the needed support. It also means helping them realize the harm they’re causing and encouraging them to change their patterns of behavior.
→ Dig Deeper: Digital Strategies to Safeguard Your Child from Upsetting and Violent Content Online
Good behavior is often emulated. Thus, being a good role model can have a significant effect on how others treat people around them. Show respect, kindness, and understanding in your everyday interactions, and stand up against any form of intimidation or humiliation you witness.
If you’re in a position of authority (like a parent, teacher, or manager), your role modeling has an even greater impact. Show how conflicts can be resolved calmly and respectfully, and do not tolerate any form of bullying. This not only creates a positive environment but also teaches others about the importance of respectful interactions.
→ Dig Deeper: Helping Kids Think Critically About Influencers They Follow Online
Encouraging open and honest communication can empower victims and bystanders to speak up against bullying. Many times, children and even adults are afraid to express their feelings or fear being dismissed or ridiculed. By promoting a safe and open communication environment, you can help them voice their concerns and experiences without fear of judgment or backlash.
Remember, communication goes both ways. While it’s important to encourage victims and bystanders to speak up, it’s equally crucial for parents, teachers, and friends to listen actively and offer support, guidance, and intervention if necessary.
Don’t be a silent bystander. If you witness bullying, stand up and speak out against it. Bystander intervention can make a significant difference, as it can deter the bully and comfort the victim. It can also encourage other bystanders to take action. But always ensure your own safety before intervening. If you fear a violent reaction, you should report the incident to a trusted adult or authority figure instead.
Speaking out against bullying also means challenging discrimination and prejudice whenever you encounter them. Whether it’s racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other form of bias, these attitudes often underpin bullying behavior. By challenging them, you’re helping to create a more inclusive and respectful society.
→ Dig Deeper: Instagram Takes Huge Step to Filter Bullies, Become a Kinder Social Hub
If you know someone who is a victim of bullying, reach out to them. Let them know that they’re not alone and that you’re there to support them. Encourage them to report the bullying, and offer to accompany them if they’re anxious about doing so. You can also help by listening to their experiences, validating their feelings, and providing advice or resources for coping with bullying.
Remember, bullying can have a deep psychological impact on its victims. They may be struggling with issues like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. So, your support can make a real difference to their mental well-being. If you’re worried about a victim’s mental health, urge them to seek help from a mental health professional.
If you witness or experience bullying, report it to a trusted adult or authority figure. This could be a teacher, school principal, HR manager, or police officer, depending on the context. Many victims of bullying fear retaliation and so, don’t report their experiences. However, reporting can initiate the process of addressing the issue and holding the bully accountable.
When reporting bullying, it’s important to be specific about what happened. Include details like who was involved, when and where it occurred, what was said or done, and whether there were any witnesses. If the bullying is happening online, take screenshots as evidence. Remember, your report can help protect not only you but also other potential victims.
There are many organizations and programs dedicated to preventing bullying and supporting victims. You can support these initiatives in various ways, such as by donating money or time, participating in their events, or spreading the word about their work. By doing so, you can contribute to their efforts to create a bully-free world.
These anti-bullying organizations and programs often provide resources for education, prevention, and intervention, as well as support services for victims. Their work is crucial in raising awareness about bullying, teaching people how to stand up against it, and giving victims the help they need to recover.
Here are some notable anti-bullying organizations and programs:
If you’re a victim of bullying, it’s essential to practice self-care. Bullying can take a toll on your mental and physical health, but taking care of yourself can help you cope with its effects. This could involve activities like exercising, meditating, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. It could also involve seeking help from a mental health professional.
Self-care is equally important for those supporting victims. Standing up against bullying is a daunting task, and it can leave you feeling stressed or overwhelmed. So, make sure to take care of your own well-being too. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Bullying is a grave issue that affects countless individuals worldwide. Its impacts can be devastating, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. However, each one of us can play a crucial role in combating bullying. By educating ourselves, raising awareness, demonstrating empathy, being good role models, encouraging communication, standing up against bullying, reaching out to victims, reporting incidents, supporting anti-bullying initiatives, and practicing self-care, we can contribute to creating a world free from bullying. Remember, every effort counts. Together, with McAfee, we can end the hate and stomp out bullying.
The post End the Hate: 10 Ways to Stand Up and Help Stomp Out Bullying appeared first on McAfee Blog.
While the majority of us look forward to Black Friday and Cyber Monday for the best deals, there’s another group that’s also eagerly anticipating these dates – cybercriminals. As the number of online shoppers increases, so do the opportunities for cybercriminals to steal personal and financial information. In this article, we will take a closer look at how these cybercriminals operate, and how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
With the advent of technology, more and more consumers are shifting towards online shopping. The COVID-19 pandemic has also forced a lot of people to favor this method of purchasing due to health and safety concerns. However, this shift has also opened up a new avenue for cybercriminals who are now focusing their efforts on gathering personal information from these online transactions. In this part of the article, we delve into how these criminals take advantage of Black Friday online sales to access and steal personal data.
The first step in understanding how to protect ourselves is to understand how cybercriminals operate. Black Friday and Cyber Monday provide the perfect opportunity for these criminals as the surge in online traffic can make their malicious activities less noticeable. They exploit the sense of urgency and excitement around these sales, using various tactics to deceive shoppers and gain access to their personal information.
One of the most common methods used by cybercriminals is phishing. It is a form of fraud where cybercriminals impersonate a legitimate organization in an attempt to steal sensitive data. During the Black Friday sale period, these criminals will send out emails or texts that appear to be from renowned retailers offering fantastic deals. However, these emails and texts are embedded with malicious links that when clicked, lead the shopper to a fake website designed to steal their personal and financial information. The shopper, lured by the enticing deal, unsuspectingly enters their details, giving the cybercriminals exactly what they want.
Another common tactic used by cybercriminals is the use of malware and ransomware. Malware is a type of software that is designed to cause damage to a computer, server, or computer network, while Ransomware is a type of malware that threatens to publish the victim’s data or perpetually block access to it unless a ransom is paid. During Black Friday, cybercriminals increase the distribution of such malicious software. Unsuspecting shoppers may download these onto their devices when they click on links or open attachments in emails offering Black Friday deals.
Once the malware or ransomware is downloaded onto the device, the cybercriminals can steal personal information, lock the device, or even use it to conduct other illegal activities. This type of attack is particularly dangerous as it not only compromises personal and financial information, but can also leave the victim with a non-functional device, adding insult to injury. The aftermath of such an attack could be extensive and costly, especially if valuable data is lost or if the ransom is paid to regain access to the device.
→ Dig Deeper: Online Shopping – How To Avoid The Bad So You Can Enjoy The Good!
Card skimming involves the illegal copying of information from the magnetic stripe of a credit or debit card. It is a serious problem in the brick-and-mortar retail sector, however, a new form of this crime has emerged and is becoming a major threat to online shoppers – E-skimming. E-skimming is a method used by cybercriminals to steal credit card information from online shoppers in real-time.
During the Black Friday period, the criminals may compromise a retailer’s website, typically by injecting malicious code into the site’s checkout process. When the shopper enters their credit card information, the criminals capture it. The information is then either used directly to make fraudulent purchases or sold on the dark web. This method is particularly challenging for retailers to combat as it can be difficult to detect, the e-skimming code may lay dormant until the checkout process is initiated, making it even harder to identify.
Now that we understand the methods used by cybercriminals, let’s explore how to protect our personal and financial information during this high-risk period. Cybersecurity should be everyone’s top priority and there are several measures you can take to ensure you don’t fall victim to these cyber-attacks.
Firstly, be skeptical of emails, texts, or advertisements offering too-good-to-be-true deals. Always double-check the source before clicking any links. It’s safer to directly navigate to the retailer’s website via your browser rather than clicking the link in an email or ad. If you receive an email from a retailer, cross-verify it by visiting their official website or contacting them directly. Avoid clicking on links from unknown or suspicious sources.
→ Dig Deeper: Invisible Adware: Unveiling Ad Fraud Targeting Android Users
Secondly, ensure your devices are equipped with up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software. These tools can detect and block malicious activities, providing a layer of security. Regularly update your software and operating system to patch any vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might exploit. When shopping online, make sure the website’s URL begins with ‘https’, indicating it is secure and encrypted. Furthermore, regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
McAfee Pro Tip: Have you ever encountered a suspicious charge on your credit card and felt uncertain about the next steps to take? Protect yourself with McAfee’s credit monitoring service! Our tool can help you keep an eye on any unusual credit activity to detect potential signs of identity theft.
Finally, consider using a credit card instead of a debit card for online purchases. Credit cards often have better fraud protection and it’s easier to dispute fraudulent charges. Be mindful of where and how you’re sharing your personal information. Avoid making transactions over public WiFi as these networks can be easily compromised. Instead, use your mobile data or a trustworthy, private WiFi network.
While consumers can take steps to protect themselves, retailers also play a crucial role in ensuring the security of their customers’ data. They need to be proactive in implementing robust security measures and constantly monitoring for any suspicious activities. Regular audits and penetration testing can help identify potential vulnerabilities and fix them before they can be exploited.
Businesses should educate their employees on cybersecurity best practices and how to identify phishing attempts. Regular training can help prevent accidental breaches as well as deliberate insider threats. Employing secure payment systems and encryption are other steps retailers can take to safeguard customer data.
Multi-factor authentication can add an additional layer of security, making it harder for cybercriminals to gain access. Retailers should also have a response plan in place in case of a data breach, to minimize damage and swiftly communicate to affected customers.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday present lucrative opportunities for cybercriminals intent on stealing personal and financial information. However, understanding their tactics and taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks. From phishing and malware to E-skimming, the threats are diverse and evolving, but with caution and cybersecurity measures in place, both consumers and retailers can enjoy the benefits of these sales events safely.
Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be vigilant, keep your software updated, and prioritize safe shopping practices. Retailers, on the other hand, need to constantly monitor and update their security systems, educate their employees, and most importantly, ensure transparency with their customers. Together, we can make online shopping safer, not just during Black Friday, but throughout the year.
The post How Cybercriminals Are Shopping for Personal Data This Black Friday appeared first on McAfee Blog.
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. Evidence is emerging that Smart TVs can be just as prone to hacking as home computers.
Security analysts Aaron Grattafiori and Josh Yavor from iSEC Partners have spent several months investigating this issue, working alongside Smart TV manufacturers to address potential vulnerabilities. They presented their findings at the recent Black Hat network security conference in Las Vegas. Their demonstration highlighted the worrying tendency of Smart TVs to pry into personal data, whether via web searches, app usage, or even physical surveillance through the built-in camera.
Despite their advanced technology, Smart TVs carry the same risks as their more primitive forebears. The primary culprit is the IP address, which allows these devices to connect with various web apps like Facebook, YouTube, and Skype. The issue is that these apps often run on the same code (such as Javascript or HTML5) as home computers or smartphones, making them susceptible to malware attacks when left unprotected.
While they might look like ordinary TVs, many Smart TVs bear a closer resemblance to laptops, incorporating internet-connected apps, video streaming services, microphones, and even internal cameras. Sure, these features enhance the viewing experience, but they can also present a clear and present danger to your privacy.
Malicious code can easily find its way into your TV through seemingly harmless chat messages or browser searches. Once it’s there, your television is open to several types of spyware. With the right code, a hacker could gain full control over your device, accessing your TV’s cameras and microphones. In essence, they could use your camera to spy on you, turning your own TV into a surveillance device.
Although manufacturers have issued fixes to reinforce the exposed code, no device is 100% secure. The scenario of hackers gaining control over a TV’s cameras and microphones is not just an invasion of privacy but can also lead to potential misuse of personal information. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our digital presence and understanding the broader implications of IoT devices in our homes. As technology continues to advance, so too must our vigilance in guarding against these emerging threats.
Regular updates are crucial to maintaining 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. Ensure your apps are updated regularly to maintain your digital fortress.
→ Dig Deeper: Why Software Updates Are So Important
Also, when it comes to Smart TVs, it’s best to use social media sparingly. Video-streaming platforms like Netflix pose less of a threat than social media sites, which are notorious hunting grounds for identity thieves. These criminals often bait their traps with fake offers and tailored “phishing” messages. Whenever possible, restrict social media usage to devices (like your computer, smartphone or tablet) that have comprehensive security protection like McAfee LiveSafe™ service, which safeguards your devices, your identity, and your data.
→ Dig Deeper: Could a Streaming Device Help Hackers Hijack Your TV?
In conclusion, while Smart TVs may be a little too clever for their own good, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay one step ahead. You just need to stay vigilant and informed about potential security threats, so you can enjoy the benefits of your Smart TV without worrying about privacy violations.
With an inbuilt camera and microphone, Smart TVs are capable of providing a stream of surreptitious surveillance data back to both manufacturers as well as potentially unscrupulous cyber criminals. With the right malware code, hackers can turn your TV into a spying device, watching your everyday activities and listening to your private conversations. This is not some fly-by-night conspiracy theory; it is a reality acknowledged by the top security researchers in the world.
It is not just your personal data that is at risk. Smart TVs, due to their inherent connectivity, can also serve as a gateway into your home network. Once hackers infiltrate your Smart TV, they can potentially gain access to your computer, tablet, or smartphone and the personal information within them. This could lead to serious breaches in financial and personal security, making Smart TV hacking a significant threat that should not be taken lightly.
→ Dig Deeper: Are Smart TVs too smart for their own good?
If the thought of your living room turning into a hacker’s surveillance paradise sends a chill down your spine, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are measures you can take to safeguard your privacy and make your Smart TV safe. First and foremost, it’s important to regularly update your TV’s firmware. Manufacturers often release patches that can fix security vulnerabilities, so keeping your TV updated is a crucial step in maintaining your privacy.
Consider disabling certain features on your TV. For instance, if you never use your TV’s camera, it would be prudent to tape it up or disable it entirely in your TV’s settings. Likewise, if your TV has ‘voice recognition’ or ‘motion control’ features, disabling them might be a good idea, as they can potentially be used to spy on you. Remember: the fewer features you activate, the fewer opportunities hackers have to exploit your TV.
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 keep abreast of the latest security threats and fixes. By educating yourself, you can stay one step ahead of the hackers and keep your Smart TV safe.
Secondly, make sure to use secure, unique passwords for all of your apps and online accounts. Avoid using personal information that could be easily guessed, such as your name, date of birth, or common phrases. Instead, opt for a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create a strong password. Always remember, a strong password is your first line of defense against cyber attacks.
Today, in the age of hyper-connectivity, even our televisions aren’t just for watching shows anymore; they are portals to the internet, complete with all the associated risks and threats. While Smart TVs offer a myriad of exciting features and functionalities, they also present new avenues for hackers to invade our privacy. But by staying vigilant, regularly updating our devices, using strong passwords, and carefully managing our TV’s features, we can enjoy the benefits of Smart TVs while steering clear of the risks. So, is your Smart TV spying on you? With the right precautions, you can make sure the answer is a resounding ‘No’.
The post Is Your Smart TV Spying on You? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In recent times, the humble password’s efficacy as a security measure has come under scrutiny. With tendencies to be easily guessed, stolen, or bypassed, passwords have been deemed inadequate for securing sensitive information. Thankfully, more secure alternatives have emerged, with terms such as “two-factor” and “multi-factor” authentication gaining traction.
However, these terms may seem abstract to those unfamiliar with them, potentially leading to confusion about their functions and differences. This article aims to break down these forms of authentication, explaining how they work and how they can enhance online information security.
Before diving into the intricacies of multi-factor and two-factor authentication, it is pertinent to understand their predecessor: single-factor authentication. The simplest form of authentication, single-factor authentication, requires only one factor to verify a user’s identity. Typically, this involves matching a password with a corresponding username, a method used universally for online account logins.
While convenient in its simplicity, single-factor authentication carries glaring security flaws. Easy-to-guess passwords or stolen credentials can lead to unauthorized access, compromising the security of user accounts and confidential information. Hence, it became necessary to introduce additional layers of security to the authentication process, giving rise to two-factor and multi-factor authentication.
→ Dig Deeper: The Optus Data Breach – Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
Two-factor authentication augments the simplicity of single-factor authentication with an extra layer of security. Besides providing a password, users are also required to verify their identity with an additional factor that only they possess. This additional factor often takes the form of a unique code sent to the user’s mobile phone.
The rationale behind this method is straightforward: even if a hacker manages to secure a user’s password, they would still require the unique code to gain access. However, it is important to note that this method is not completely foolproof. Crafty hackers able to intercept the unique code or create duplicate websites to steal credentials can still bypass this security measure. Despite these vulnerabilities, the complexities involved in these hacking methods make two-factor authentication considerably safer than its single-factor counterpart.
Also worth mentioning is “true” two-factor authentication, which involves giving users a unique device, such as a security token, that generates a unique code for the user. This code, which changes at set intervals, is matched with a profile in a database, making guessing impossible.
Building upon the concepts of two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication introduces even more factors for user verification. These factors usually include something that the user possesses and something unique to their physical being, such as a retina or fingerprint scan. Location and time of day can also serve as additional authentication factors.
While the notion of multi-factor authentication may seem like a concept from a science fiction movie, it is already being used extensively, especially by financial institutions. Advancements in camera technology have enabled the implementation of facial recognition as a secure method of recognition, adding another factor to the multi-factor authentication process.
→ Dig Deeper: Banks are Using Biometric Measures to Protect Against Fraud
With the potential vulnerabilities associated with single-factor authentication, implementing two-factor or multi-factor authentication for sensitive online accounts becomes a necessity. These added layers of security help to safeguard your digital information from unscrupulous elements. Two-factor authentication utilizes a password and an extra verification layer, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, to ensure that you’re indeed the account holder. With multi-factor authentication, additional verification elements are added, such as biometric data or your physical location.
So how do you implement these forms of authentication? Most online service providers now offer two-factor authentication as an option in their security settings. Once you’ve opted for this extra level of security, you’ll be required to input a unique code sent to your mobile device each time you attempt to log in. For multi-factor authentication, the process might require additional steps, such as providing biometric data like facial recognition or fingerprints. However, these extra steps are a small inconvenience compared to the potential risk of your sensitive information being compromised.
→ Dig Deeper: Make a Hacker’s Job Harder with Two-step Verification
Biometric authentication is a subset of multi-factor authentication that relies on unique physical or behavioral traits for verification. Biometric authentication methods include facial recognition, fingerprints, iris scans, voice recognition, and even your typing pattern. These methods are gradually becoming mainstream, with smartphone manufacturers leading the way in implementing fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology into their devices. Biometric authentication’s edge over traditional passwords lies in its uniqueness; while passwords can be guessed or stolen, biometric traits are unique to each individual.
As with all forms of technology, biometric authentication also has its drawbacks. For instance, it may not always be accurate, as facial features or fingerprints may change over time due to aging or injury. Also, there are valid concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of biometric data if it falls into the wrong hands. However, with proper safeguards and data encryption in place, biometric authentication can be a secure and efficient way to protect online accounts from unauthorized access.
McAfee Pro Tip: Biometric authentication definitely has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the best combination of authentication and security software for your devices and accounts. Learn more about the opportunities and vulnerabilities of biometric authentication.
As our digital footprint grows, so does the need for secure authentication methods. Single-factor authentication, although simple and convenient, is no longer sufficient to protect sensitive online information. Two-factor and multi-factor authentication provide an additional layer of security, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Additionally, advancements in biometric technology have introduced a new realm of secure verification methods unique to each individual. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate all risks but to reduce them to a level that’s acceptable and manageable. When setting up your online accounts, always opt for the highest level of security available, whether it’s two-factor, multi-factor, or biometric authentication. Take full advantage of these methods, and ensure you’re doing everything you can to safeguard your digital information.
The post Two-Factor vs. Multi-Factor Authentication: What’s the Difference? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As the use of mobile devices continues to skyrocket worldwide, a new danger is silently emerging against consumers. This menace, known as malicious software or malware, presents itself in various ways, affecting users in areas such as privacy, identity, and financial theft. This article delves into the deep end of how the proliferation of mobile devices is impacting consumer security.
Undeniably, mobile technology has become an invaluable part of our everyday life. Everywhere you look, you will see individuals caught up in their smartphones or tablets – browsing the internet, shopping, chatting, or even working. However, this increased dependence has not come without its pitfalls. As people tend to shy away from securing their mobile devices properly, they unknowingly expose themselves to fraudsters and hackers.
Mobile technology has become the new frontier for fraudsters and hackers. The ease and convenience that these devices offer have made consumers lower their guard, putting their personal information and security at risk. A worrying trend shows that a significant percentage of smartphone users do not bother to use a simple safeguard like a four-digit password. This lack of basic security, combined with the habit of saving login information on the device, creates an easy avenue for crime.
Statistically, mobile phones have become the prime target for theft, with cities like New York and Washington, D.C., recording high percentages of robberies involving mobile phones. This soaring rate of mobile theft offers a terrifying insight into the severity of the current situation and the challenges that lie ahead in the domain of consumer security.
→ Dig Deeper: So, Your Phone Got Stolen. Here’s What to Do.
Many factors converge to make these handheld marvels increasingly susceptible to breaches. From the expansive array of mobile apps to the subtleties of social engineering, let’s highlight key vulnerabilities and the need for heightened awareness.
Accessing another person’s mobile device has become incredibly easy. With the tech advancements we have today, a hacker can remotely control almost any mobile device. Malicious software can be designed as a harmless picture or audio clip. Unwary users who click on these links or open these attachments get malware installed on their devices without their permission.
On mobile devices, malware operates differently than early PC malware. It does not require your consent, and once installed, you lose control over your device. In essence, your device is figuratively in the hands of the fraudsters. This easy access to your device, coupled with the fact that most users do not secure their devices, has led to a surge in fraud and identity theft cases globally.
The sheer number of mobile applications available on app stores makes it difficult for users to determine which ones are safe. Malicious apps can often make their way onto app stores, and users might inadvertently download and install them, granting access to their device and personal data.
Hackers have become adept at using social engineering tactics to manipulate users into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. They might impersonate trusted entities or use psychological tricks to deceive users.
Many mobile device users are not sufficiently aware of the security risks associated with their devices. They might not realize the importance of regularly updating their operating systems and apps or employing strong passwords and other security measures.
Users who do not update their mobile operating systems are more susceptible to security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Regular updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities.
→ Dig Deeper: Why Software Updates Are So Important
While many users rely on PINs or simple patterns to unlock their devices, using stronger authentication methods like long, complex passcodes or two-factor authentication can significantly enhance device security.
McAfee Pro Tip: You might be familiar with the phrases “two-factor” or “biometric” authentication. Furthermore, multi-factor authentication is gaining traction in professional settings. Amidst this sea of terminology, distinguishing between the various authentication methods can become quite a challenge. Know the difference between two-factor authentication and multi-factor authentication.
Modern criminals are well aware that your mobile device is an indispensable part of your life. This is because, in a single device, you store some of your most private conversations, confidential information, personal photos, and financial details. For many people, their smartphone is their life – from being a communication tool to a vault for their sensitive data.
These little gadgets have become the key to our personal and financial lives. As they are always on and always with us, they continually create, store, and connect us to valuable and often confidential information. This information has immense value to fraudsters and identity thieves. They realize that just like on your PC, software can track and record your online activities, chats, instant messages, emails, keystrokes, and program usage. It can also capture sensitive details such as bank account numbers, passwords, security questions and answers, GPS locations, and more.
The world of cyber threats as we know it is evolving, thanks to mobile technology. Traditional forms of cybercrime, which primarily targeted PCs are becoming increasingly sophisticated, due to the wealth of information available on mobile devices. The speed and dynamism of the mobile landscape have necessitated the development of new tactics and tools to navigate this challenging and ever-changing terrain.
Disguises and deceptions are commonplace in the mobile cybercrime arena. Things are rarely what they appear to be, with hackers and fraudsters continually developing novel and inventive ways of accessing confidential information. Therefore, the rules of the game have changed, and it is no longer sufficient to solely protect your PC with antivirus software. To ensure user security, a comprehensive approach that encompasses all devices is now paramount.
→ Dig Deeper: 4 Mobile Malware Threats You Can’t Even See
As mobile devices become an essential part of our lives, it is crucial to prioritize their security. With most devices connected to financial accounts, and storing a goldmine of personal, professional, and confidential data, it becomes a pressing necessity to invest in a comprehensive security solution. It should not be limited to an antivirus but should also extend to protecting your identity and personal data on all your devices.
A robust solution like McAfee+ service is recommended. This service not only includes antivirus protection but also safeguards the identity and data of the user and their families on ALL devices. Not only does it provide you with an antivirus shield, but it also ensures your peace of mind by offering identity and privacy protection. Investing in such a service will provide a much-needed barrier against the rising tide of mobile device-related fraud and identity theft.
As the usage of mobile devices continues to rise exponentially, so too does the threat to consumer security. The ease and convenience that these devices offer have inadvertently made them prime targets for fraudsters and hackers. As a result, there is an alarming increase in fraud, identity theft, and privacy loss.
However, as ominous as the threat landscape may seem, it can be navigated with adequate caution and security measures. Users must recognize the importance of securing their mobile devices and take necessary precautions. Investing in comprehensive security solutions that protect not just the device but also the privacy and identity of the users is a step in the right direction. As we further embrace mobile technology, we must also adapt and upgrade our security practices to ensure that these conveniences do not become our vulnerabilities.
The evolution of mobile technology has indeed changed the game in the realm of cyber threats. Still, with the right tools and practices, users can enjoy the benefits of their devices while maintaining their security and privacy.
The post Proliferation of Mobile Devices: The Impact on Consumer Security appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In today’s digital age, we know the importance of online privacy and security. However, with an increasing number of websites requiring passwords, it becomes tough to remember them all. This is where a password manager comes into play.
A password manager is a software application that is used to store and manage the passwords that a user has for various online accounts and security features. Password Managers provide a convenient and secure way of keeping track of all your passwords, ensuring that you never forget a password again. But do you need a password manager? Let’s delve into why a password manager might be necessary for you.
The internet has become an integral part of our lives. We use it for everything from banking and shopping to managing our health records. This has led to an explosion in the number of accounts and passwords we need to remember. The complexity of these accounts and the security risks associated with them mean that managing them all can be a daunting task.
Let’s discuss the importance of a password manager, why you need one, and how it can benefit you. We’ll look at the challenges of managing multiple passwords and how a password manager solves these problems.
1. The Increasing Number of Passwords to Remember
In our daily online activities, we create a lot of accounts on different websites. From social media platforms, online banking, and email service providers, to various apps we use daily. Each of these accounts requires a unique password to ensure optimal security. As the number of online accounts increases, it becomes more challenging to remember each password.
Often, due to this increasing complexity, many people opt to use one password for all their accounts or keep relatively simple passwords. Both these practices are security hazards. Using one password across all accounts means that if one account is breached, all your accounts are at risk. On the other hand, using simple passwords makes it easy for hackers to guess your password and gain access to your accounts.
2. Security and Privacy Risks
Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your personal and financial data. Failure to properly manage your passwords can lead to data breaches, identity theft, and financial losses. According to a report by Verizon, 81% of hacking-related breaches leverage either stolen and/or weak passwords. This shows a clear link between poor password practices and security incidents.
Another major risk comes from phishing attacks. Cybercriminals often use deceptive emails and websites to trick users into revealing their passwords. If you use the same password for all your accounts or simple passwords, you become an easy target for these cyber-attacks. A password manager can protect you from such threats by generating strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
3. The Convenience Factor
Aside from security concerns, there is also a matter of convenience. Remembering a long list of complex, unique passwords can be downright daunting. When you fail to remember a password, you have to go through the tedious process of resetting it. This is where a password manager provides a major relief. It does the hard work of remembering your passwords, so you don’t have to. With a password manager, all you need to remember is one master password.
Most password managers also fill in your login details for you automatically. This not only saves you time but also protects you from keyloggers, a malicious program that tracks your keystrokes. Keyloggers are often used by cybercriminals to steal your passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information.
There are different types of password managers available, each with its unique features. Understanding the different types can help you choose the one that best suits your needs. The most common ones are:
Cloud-based Password Managers
Cloud-based password managers store your passwords on a server in the cloud. You can access these from any device with an internet connection, making them highly convenient. The disadvantage, however, is that if the company’s server is hacked, your data may be at risk. Nevertheless, most reputable cloud-based password managers use robust encryption techniques to protect your data.
Local Password Managers
Local password managers store your password data on your device. This makes them less vulnerable to server hacks. The downside is that if you lose your device or it gets stolen, you lose your password data. Unless, of course, you have a backup somewhere else.
McAfee Pro Tip: Every individual is vulnerable to data loss or theft, and safeguarding against such risks can be achieved through a simple yet crucial measure—backing up your data. This step not only protects all your information but also serves as a deterrent against cybercriminals attempting to seize what rightfully belongs to you. Know how you can protect your data through backup.
Browser-based Password Managers
Browser-based password managers are integrated into your web browser. They offer the convenience of auto-filling forms and password fields. However, they are generally less secure than standalone password managers.
With many password managers in the market, it can get overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are some key features to consider when shopping for a password manager:
1. Strong Encryption
The primary role of a password manager is to keep your passwords secure. Thus, strong encryption is a must-have feature. Most reputable password managers use AES-256 bit encryption, the same encryption standard used by banks and governments.
2. Auto-fill and Auto-change
Another crucial feature is auto-fill, which automatically fills in your login details when you visit a site. This feature not only saves time but also eliminates the risk of keyloggers capturing your keystrokes. Some password managers also offer auto-change, a feature that automatically changes your passwords at regular intervals or whenever a breach is detected
3. Two-factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds an extra layer of security to your password manager. With 2FA, even if someone gets hold of your master password, they will also need a second factor (like a fingerprint or a unique code sent to your phone) to access your data.
4. User-friendly Interface
A password manager should be easy to use. A user-friendly interface ensures that you can quickly and easily add, retrieve, and manage your passwords.
In conclusion, a password manager is an essential tool in today’s digital age. With the increasing number of online accounts we have and the growing threats of cybercrime, a password manager provides a secure, convenient solution for managing your passwords. It not only helps you create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts but also remembers them for you. This eliminates the risk of using weak or the same passwords across multiple platforms, which is a significant security concern.
There are different types of password managers available, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs. Look for important features like strong encryption, auto-fill and auto-change, two-factor authentication, and a user-friendly interface. With all these features in place, a password manager can significantly enhance your online security while making your life a whole lot easier.
For a comprehensive solution that encompasses all these aspects and more, consider exploring McAfee Password Manager. With McAfee, not only can you significantly boost your online security, but you can also simplify your digital life.
The post Why Do I Need a Password Manager? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
SMiShing, a term from ‘SMS phishing’, is a growing cyber threat that is as dangerous, if not more, than its sibling, “Phishing.” While the terms may seem comical, the repercussions of falling victim to these scams are no laughing matter. In an increasingly digital age, cybercriminals are taking advantage of our reliance on technology to steal personal information and leverage it for malicious purposes. This article provides an in-depth explanation of SMiShing, how it works, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself from it.
In essence, SMiShing is a deceptive practice where scammers send fraudulent text messages masquerading as reputable institutions, aiming to dupe recipients into clicking on a link, calling a number, or providing sensitive personal information. The risk with SMiShing is that mobile users tend to trust their SMS messages more than their emails, making it an effective scamming tool. The best line of defense is awareness and understanding of what SMiShing is, how it operates, and the protective measures you can take against it.
The term ‘SMiShing’ is a concatenation of ‘SMS’ (short message service) and ‘Phishing’. The latter is a cybercriminal strategy, where scammers send emails that impersonate legitimate organizations with the aim of luring victims into clicking links and/or entering their login data or credentials. The word ‘Phishing’ is a play on the word ‘fishing’, depicting the tactic of baiting victims and fishing for their personal information.
SMiShing is a variant of phishing, a social engineering tactic where scammers resort to sending text messages instead of emails. These messages are engineered to appear as though they’ve been sent by legitimate, trusted organizations, leading the recipient to either click on a link or respond with their personal details. The transition from emails to text messages signals a shift in cybercrime trends, as scammers exploit the trust users place in their text messages, as opposed to their scrutiny of emails.
→ Dig Deeper: What Is Smishing and Vishing, and How Do You Protect Yourself?
Cybercriminals use sophisticated technology that allows them to generate cell phone numbers based on area codes. These phone numbers include a cell carrier’s provided extension, plus the last four random numbers. Once these phone numbers are generated, the scammers utilize mass text messaging services to disseminate their SMiShing bait, much like casting a large fishing net hoping to snare unsuspecting victims. A simple online search for “mass SMS software” will yield numerous free and low-cost programs that facilitate mass texting, revealing the ease with which these scams can be carried out.
→ Dig Deeper: What You Need to Know About the FedEx SMiShing Scam
SMiShing has proven to be effective mainly because most people have been conditioned to trust text messages more than emails. Moreover, unlike emails accessed on a PC, text messages do not allow for easy link previewing, making it risky to click on links embedded within the texts. The links either lead to malicious websites intended to steal data or prompt the download of keyloggers, tools that record every keystroke on your device, facilitating the theft of personal information. Alternatively, some SMiShing texts may trick recipients into calling specific numbers which, when dialed, incur hefty charges on the victim’s phone bill.
The first step towards protecting yourself against SMiShing is recognizing the threat. Cybercriminals often capitalize on the victim’s lack of understanding about how these scams work. They prey on the recipient’s trust in their text messages and their curiosity to view links sent via SMS. By understanding how SMiShing works, you are able to spot potential scams and protect yourself against them.
Typically, SMiShing messages are crafted to impersonate familiar, reputable organizations such as banks, utility companies, or even government institutions. They often induce a sense of urgency, pushing the recipient to act swiftly, leaving little to no time for scrutiny. The messages may alert you of suspicious activity on your account, a pending bill, or offer incredible deals that seem too good to be true. Any SMS message that prompts you to click on a link, call a certain number, or provide personal information should be treated with suspicion.
More often than not, recognizing an SMiShing scam relies on your observational skills and your ability to spot the tell-tale signs. One common red flag is poor grammar and spelling. Although this is not always the case, several SMiShing scams tend to have mistakes that professional communications from reputable institutions would not.
Another sign is that the message is unsolicited. If you didn’t initiate contact or expect a message from the supposed sender, you should treat it with suspicion. Additionally, reputable organizations usually employ a secure method of communication when dealing with sensitive information; they would rarely, if ever, ask for personal data via SMS.
Pay attention to the phone number. A text from a legitimate institution usually comes from a short code number, not a regular ten-digit phone number. Also, check whether the message uses a generic greeting instead of your name. Finally, use your common sense. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, remember that verifying the legitimacy of the text message with the supposed sender can never harm.
Many of these signs can be subtle and easy to overlook. However, staying vigilant and taking the time to scrutinize unusual text messages can save you from falling victim to SMiShing.
→ Dig Deeper: How to Squash the Android/TimpDoor SMiShing Scam
Psychological Manipulation is a critical aspect of this cyber threat, involving the art of exploiting human psychology and trust to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or engaging in harmful actions. Even individuals with the intelligence to steer clear of scams might become vulnerable if the psychological manipulation is exceptionally compelling.
Smishing attackers employ a range of social engineering techniques that tap into human emotions, including fear, curiosity, and urgency. They often impersonate trusted entities or use personalized information to lower recipients’ guard and establish trust. The use of emotional manipulation and emotional triggers, such as excitement or outrage, further intensifies the impact of these attacks. Recognizing and understanding these psychological tactics is paramount for individuals and organizations in fortifying their defenses against smishing, empowering them to identify and resist such manipulative attempts effectively.
→ Dig Deeper: Social Engineering—The Scammer’s Secret Weapon
Arming yourself with knowledge about SMiShing and its modus operandi is the initial line of defense. Once you comprehend the nature of this scam, you are better equipped to identify it. However, understanding alone is not enough. There are several practical measures that you can adopt to safeguard your personal information from SMiShing scams.
At the top of this list is exercising caution with text messages, especially those from unknown sources. Resist the impulse to click on links embedded within these texts. These links often lead to malicious websites engineered to steal your data or trigger the download of harmful software like keyloggers. Do not respond to text messages that solicit personal information. Even if the message seems to originate from a trusted entity, it is always better to verify through other means before responding.
Furthermore, be wary of text messages that create a sense of urgency or evoke fear. SMiShers often manipulate emotions to spur immediate action, bypassing logical scrutiny. For instance, you may receive a message supposedly from your bank alerting you about a security breach or unauthorized transaction. Instead of panicking and clicking on the provided link, take a moment to contact your bank through their officially listed number for clarification.
There is also the option of using comprehensive mobile security applications. These apps provide an array of features such as text message filtering, antivirus, web protection, and anti-theft measures. Applications like McAfee Mobile Security can significantly enhance your defense against SMiShing attacks and other cyber threats.
McAfee Pro Tip: Try McAfee Mobile Security’s scam protection. It scans the URLs within your text messages to enhance your online safety. If a suspicious or scam link is detected, it will send an alert on Android devices or automatically filter out the problematic text. Additionally, it actively blocks potentially harmful links in emails, text messages, and social media if you happen to click on them by mistake, adding an extra layer of protection to your online experience.
SMiShing is a serious cyber threat that aims to exploit the trust that individuals place in their text messages. By impersonating reputable organizations and creating a sense of urgency, scammers try to trick recipients into providing personal information or clicking on malicious links. Protecting oneself from SMiShing involves understanding what it is, recognizing the threat, and adopting effective protective measures. These include being cautious of unsolicited text messages, refraining from clicking on links within these texts, and using comprehensive mobile security applications. Additionally, being aware of the red flags, such as poor grammar, unsolicited messages, and requests for sensitive information via SMS, can help in detecting potential scams. In an increasingly digital age, staying vigilant and proactive is the best way to protect your personal information from cybercriminals.
The post Understanding and Protecting Yourself from SMiShing appeared first on McAfee Blog.
With the surge in the usage of mobile phones, there has been a concurrent increase in malicious activities targeting these devices. One common technique used by hackers is to corrupt legitimate applications. Android devices, in particular, see increases in malware targeting mobile phones year by year. According to McAfee 2023 Consumer Mobile Threat Report, Clicker Malware, a type of malware that runs in the background, spread through deceptive applications masquerading as system utilities such as flashlights and task managers in 2022. Other types of malware also became rampant, such as Dropper, Hidden Ads, and FakeApp. Almost all new mobile malware targets Android’s operating system.
While the instances of smartphone malware are relatively few compared to what is seen with desktop or laptop PCs, being aware of the threat is the first step towards safeguarding yourself and your data. Thorough research of applications and their publishers is crucial. It is always safer to install applications that have high user ratings, are widely used, or have been recommended by your friends or acquaintances.
Getting apps from a reputable and well-established market is also advisable. Android users can prevent the installation of non-market apps by deselecting the “Unknown Sources” option in their device’s application settings menu. However, if this option isn’t available, it means that your mobile provider has automatically blocked applications from unknown sources.
→ Dig Deeper: Are third-party apps for you?
As you install different applications, you will notice a list of permissions for services that can access the hardware and software components on your device. You need to stay vigilant and check these permissions. If you suspect any foul play, for instance, a game or alarm clock app asking for your contact details or any other sensitive data, refrain from installing the app. In case you have any doubts regarding the data the app is accessing, the best course of action is not to install it.
Another important step that you can take is installing antivirus software on your phone. Doing this before adding any other apps to your new mobile device can help to increase its security.
McAfee Pro Tip: Enhance your mobile security with McAfee Mobile Security! Not only does it alert you to app permissions during downloads, but it also offers insights into any unexpected capabilities an app may have. Discover our software’s range of additional features for comprehensive protection.
When it comes to the complex world of mobile threats, having security software that offers multiple layers of protection can act as your best defense. For instance, McAfee Mobile Security™ for Android smartphones and tablets, BlackBerry, and Symbian smartphones is one such software.
McAfee Mobile Security provides complete antivirus, antispyware, and antiphishing facilities helping you to scan and clean malicious code from inbound or outbound emails, text messages, attachments, and files.
Other features of this security software include safe searching and shopping – protection against web threats like risky links within text messages, emails, and social networking sites, browser exploits, and malicious QR codes; app protection and app alert system – letting you review a report on your app’s access to your personal data to make informed decisions about each app; as well as a device lock feature – helping to protect against misuse of your phone and personal data by remotely locking all data, including the data on your memory (SIM) card.
→ Dig Deeper: Are Fake Apps Taking Over Your Phone?
Aside from the aforementioned steps, there are several other security measures that you can employ to protect your mobile device. A very elementary yet highly efficient method is setting up a strong password for your device. Make sure to choose one that cannot be easily guessed. Regularly updating your phone’s operating system and apps is also crucial since updates usually come with security fixes for vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.
Next, be cautious when clicking on links in text messages, emails, or social media. Verify the sender’s legitimacy and avoid downloading attachments or clicking suspicious links. These may lead to phishing websites, which aim to deceive you into revealing sensitive information, or malware downloads that can compromise your device’s security.
One more thing to be wary of is the Wi-Fi networks that your device connects to. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can provide an avenue for hackers to steal information. When connecting to such networks, it’s best to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data and keep it safe from prying eyes. Furthermore, always be cautious about the information you share online; avoid posting sensitive data such as your address, phone number, or personal identification number.
Recognizing malicious apps requires vigilance and a keen eye. Malicious apps often masquerade as popular apps, baiting users into downloading them. They often have strange names, with spelling or grammatical errors. Another tell-tale sign is when the app asks for unnecessary permissions that are not needed for it to function. If you find an app asking for permission to access your location or contacts when it has no need to, then it might be malicious.
Finally, note the publisher of the app. Malicious apps often come from unknown or suspicious sources. Genuine apps come from reputable companies that you can trust. Check the reviews and ratings of the app, as they often indicate the app’s legitimacy. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution regarding your mobile device’s security.
→ Dig Deeper: Device & App Safety Guide for Families
In conclusion, safeguarding your mobile device from malicious apps is a task that requires constant vigilance and proactive measures. From thoroughly researching the apps you install, and carefully reviewing their permissions, to installing robust antivirus software, every step is crucial in securing your device. Moreover, recognizing the tell-tale signs of malicious apps and employing additional security measures such as strong passwords and secure Wi-Fi connections can add an extra layer of protection.
While the rise of mobile threats is alarming, being informed and taking appropriate protective measures can greatly minimize the risk. Stay safe by staying informed and always prioritize your device’s security in this increasingly digital age.
The post Beware of Malicious Mobile Apps appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In today’s digital age, most of our personal information and sensitive data are stored online. From banking transactions to vital records, everything lies behind the protective screen of our passwords. The importance of having strong, unique passwords cannot be overstated. However, most individuals tend to use weak passwords or reuse the same password over and over, exposing their digital assets to potential hackers.
Based on a study conducted by McAfee, consumers tend to estimate the value of their digital assets, distributed over multiple devices, to be around $35,000. These digital assets not only include music, videos, photos, and apps but also important information like emails, texts, health and financial records, resumes, and even portfolios. The very thought of losing all this data to cybercriminals is horrifying but is a potential risk if you rely on weak passwords.
Many individuals prefer to reuse their passwords as it’s easier to remember one password rather than a multitude. However, by doing so, you’re inviting a potential breach. If hackers decipher the password for one account, they gain access to all your accounts. Moreover, the challenge is further escalated by the inconsistent password policies across different websites, with some allowing usage of special characters while others don’t.
→ Dig Deeper: Digital Estate Planning – What to Do With Your Digital Assets
A weak password is one that lacks the necessary characteristics to withstand modern hacking techniques. These vulnerabilities often include brevity, where a password is too short to provide sufficient security. Short passwords, especially those with fewer than eight characters, are much easier for attackers to guess using brute force or dictionary attacks. Additionally, weak passwords often lack complexity, relying solely on letters or numbers without incorporating a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This makes them susceptible to straightforward hacking attempts.
Furthermore, weak passwords may be derived from easily accessible personal information, such as the user’s name, birthdate, or other readily available details. Attackers can often exploit this information through social engineering or data breaches. Additionally, common words, phrases, or dictionary terms in passwords, like “password” or “qwerty,” are particularly weak, as they are frequently targeted in automated password-cracking attacks. To ensure the strength of a password, it is essential to create long, complex, and unique combinations that are challenging for attackers to decipher.
What are the potential consequences of a weak password? A determined hacker can track a person’s online activity, identify and hack weak passwords then use those weak passwords to access banking information, credit card numbers, and personal data used to steal a person’s identity. Remember: Just as you go to work each morning to put food on the table for your family, a hacker has similar goals. So, work with equal diligence to protect what’s yours.Here’s a look at some intriguing numbers that underline the scale of the problem:
The need for a better password management strategy is evident. Start by ensuring you use different passwords for each of your accounts. Even though it’s tempting, avoid using the ‘remember me’ function on your browsers or mobile apps. This function offers convenience but at the risk of revealing your passwords if your device gets stolen or lost.
Avoid entering passwords on computers that you don’t control, like those in an Internet café or library. Further, avoid accessing your accounts via unsecured Wi-Fi connections, such as those at an airport or coffee shop, as hackers can easily intercept your data. Use a VPN. Also, remember, your password is private. Do not share it with anyone. You never know when a trusted friend might turn into a threat.
→ Dig Deeper: Why You Need to Watch Out When Using Public Wi-Fi
Creating a strong password is not as complicated as it seems, and there are several strategies you can apply to create one. A strong password should be long (at least 12 characters), include a mix of letters (both upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters. Avoid using dictionary words, personal information like your name, date of birth, etc., and avoid obvious keyboard paths like “qwerty” or “123456”.
One effective method to create a strong password is to use a phrase or sentence that is meaningful to you, and use the first letter of each word, include numbers or special characters to replace some letters. For example, “My cat Whiskers was born on July 7.” could be transformed into “McWwboJ7.”. This password is strong, unique, and easier to remember than a random string of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Keeping track of different passwords for each account can be challenging. This is why using password managers can be useful. Password managers like LastPass, Dashlane, or McAfee’s password manager can securely store your passwords and help you log in to your accounts with just a click. They also generate strong, unique passwords for you and store them in an encrypted vault, only accessible with a master password.
The master password is the only one you need to remember, so make it a strong one. Also, most password managers offer multi-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of protection. Remember, just like your passwords, your master password should be kept private and not shared with anyone.
Use unique passwords and MFA. If taken seriously, these two extra steps could save you a million headaches. Use unique passwords for each of your accounts. By using different passwords, you avoid having all of your accounts become vulnerable if you are hacked (think domino effect). Then activate MFA, a Multi-Factor Authentication (also called two-step verification or authentication ). MFA confirms a user’s identity only after presenting two or more pieces of evidence. Though not 100% secure, this practice adds a layer of security to an account.
McAfee Pro Tip: Whenever possible, opt for true two-factor and multi-factor authentication. These are robust and dependable verification methods, so make the most of their security benefits. Take advantage of biometric authentication like fingerprint reading and facial recognition. Learn more about 2FA and MFA.
Our digital assets are extremely valuable, and in our increasingly digital world, protecting them becomes even more critical. The key to strong password management involves creating unique, complex passwords, not reusing them across platforms, and changing them regularly. Using tools like password managers can simplify this process and provide additional security. And of course, adding antivirus, like McAfee antivirus, and other security solutions on top of password management is also encouraged. Ultimately, taking these steps can help you secure your digital life and avoid a potential cyber nightmare.
The post Weak Passwords Can Cost You Everything appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Every day, life for many consumers has become more “digital” than before—this has made day-to-day tasks easier for many of us, but it also creates new challenges. From online banking to medical records, protecting our private, personal information is imperative.
Too often, the same password is used for multiple online accounts—for instance, you might log in to your online banking site with the same password you use for your personal email account. In a McAfee survey, 34% of people reported that they use the same password for multiple online accounts. Using identical passwords is convenient for us as users, but it’s also convenient for any hacker trying to steal personal information—once a hacker has access to one of your accounts, he can use a recycled password to snoop around at will.
Certainly, using more than one password and passphrases that include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols and is at least ten characters in length goes a long way towards keeping malicious people at bay, but unfortunately, merely adding variety to your login information doesn’t guarantee security. In The Easiest Ways to Not Get Hacked, author Rebecca Greenfield included this chart showing just how much difference one character in length makes:
One of the most important accounts to keep secure is your primary email account—and here’s why: sooner or later, we all have to use the “I forgot my password” option, which typically sends a password reset email.
A hacker only needs to crack the password for your primary email account, and he’ll be able to access any of your other secure accounts simply by clicking the “forgot password” button when he sees it. This is known as a single point of failure, meaning it’s the one piece in any system that can bring down your whole system.
McAfee Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble remembering all your complex passwords on multiple accounts, a password manager can help you save time and effort while securing your accounts and devices. Learn more about McAfee’s password manager.
Establishing a separate email account for registration is one idea—in other words, your “I forgot my password” emails would all be sent to an account other than your primary email account. But even in that situation, there’s still only one password between a hacker and most of the data you want to keep from a hacker’s hands—from financial accounts and bank access to your weekly grocery delivery service. So the real question, even if you’re savvy enough to have a separate email address for password rescue, is: how do you make any email account more secure?
Two-step verification (often referred to as two-factor authentication) is a system designed to give you an extra layer of security that’s easy to use and indispensable for commercial or highly sensitive accounts. Two-step verification protects your email with not only a password but also by associating your account with a specific device or devices. A recent example of how this works comes from Google. In the case of Google’s two-step verification for Gmail accounts, a user simply re-authorizes the account every 30 days, by providing a numeric code that confirms the account.
→ Dig Deeper: Two-Factor vs. Multi-Factor Authentication: What’s the Difference?
The extra step and learning a new system of security sounds like an enormous hassle, but Google has taken the pain out of the process by allowing you to obtain the code in one of three ways:
This means that a hacker who wants to access your email account can only do so if he has access to your text messages or your landline phone. It might not stop every cybercriminal, but it does make the average hacker’s job a lot harder.
McAfee Pro Tip: Some hackers may go as far as calling your personal numbers, if they have access to them, and ask for your two-factor verification code to access your financial accounts, citing that they need it for their ongoing promotions or measures to improve your account security. This is a social engineering tactic that you should familiarize yourself with. Learn more about social engineering.
This two-factor authentication, while not new, is making major inroads among websites, apps, and services that process critical information. Many corporations have used hardware-based secondary authentication codes for years, but Google and others (including Twitter) are working hard to make this enhanced authentication flow a more practical and accessible part of our working lives.
New biometric verification options, such as a retina or fingerprint scan, are also catching on among security-conscious consumers, and will likely be a feature on more devices in the future. As times change, and more sensitive information flows through these sites, we can be sure to see more of these processes put into place.
→ Dig Deeper: How Virtual Reality and Facebook Photos Helped Researchers Hack Biometric Security
Two-step verification offers multiple benefits in the world of digital security. The key merit is that it presents an extra hurdle for hackers to overcome. If a hacker has breached your password, they still have to pass the second level of verification. As such, two-step verification makes your information harder to access, giving you added peace of mind.
Apart from enhancing security, two-step verification simplifies the recovery process if you ever forget your password. Since you have set up a secondary recovery method, you can use it to reset your password. This reduces the risk of losing access to your account due to forgotten passwords.
→ Dig Deeper: Let’s Make Security Easy
Setting up two-step verification on your accounts is relatively straightforward process. The first step is to go to the account settings of the platform where you want to enable this feature. Once you are there, locate the two-step verification or two-factor authentication option. Click on it, and follow the prompts. Typically, the system will ask for your phone number or an alternative email address to send the verification code to complete the process. Once that is done, you are all set.
From then on, every time you log in, you will need to input not only your password but also a unique code sent to your phone number or alternative email. Remember to choose a method that is convenient for you. For instance, if you are always on your phone, it may be easier to opt for the text message verification code option. This ensures that you can always promptly complete the second step of verification whenever you log in.
→ Dig Deeper: Protect Your Social Passwords with Two-Step Verification
While two-step verification offers an added layer of security, it is not foolproof. One potential challenge is that a hacker could intercept the verification code. Despite its rarity, this type of security breach is possible and has occurred. Furthermore, you might face issues if you lose the device used for verification. For example, if you lose your phone and have set it up for receiving verification codes, you might struggle to access your accounts.
Moreover, two-step verification can be inconvenient for some people. It adds an extra step every time you log in, and if you do not have immediate access to your verification device, you might be locked out of your accounts. Despite these challenges, the benefits of two-step verification far outweigh the potential drawbacks, and it remains a robust and recommended security measure in the digital era.
In conclusion, two-step verification offers a critical layer of security in protecting your digital assets. As life becomes increasingly digitized, and we continue to store more personal and sensitive information online, it is crucial to employ strong security measures like two-step verification. While it might seem like a bit of a hassle at times, the added security it provides, the peace of mind and the protection of your personal information make it a worthwhile endeavor. As the old saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Therefore, embrace two-step verification and make it harder for hackers to gain access to your information. After all, security in the digital sphere is not a luxury, but a necessity.
To further protect your digital assets, consider McAfee+, our most comprehensive online protection software. Protect your mobile, laptops, computers, and IoT devices with reputable security software.
The post Make a Hacker’s Job Harder with Two-step Verification appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In the last decade, Bitcoin has emerged as a revolutionary form of digital asset, disrupting traditional financial markets along the way. Unlike traditional currencies issued by national governments (fiat money), Bitcoin is a decentralized form of money operated via a peer-to-peer network. This means it is not regulated or controlled by any central authority or government. This, along with many other characteristics, offers a range of benefits but also poses certain risks. In this article, we will examine these advantages and challenges to help you evaluate whether the benefits of Bitcoin outweigh the risks.
Bitcoin was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. As the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin introduced a new kind of money that is issued and managed without the need for a central authority. Not only is Bitcoin a single unit of currency (simply referred to as a “bitcoin”), but it is also the decentralized, peer-to-peer network that enables the movement of that currency.
Bitcoin transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger called blockchain. A user can access his or her bitcoins from anywhere in the world, as long as they have the private key to their unique Bitcoin address. Now, let’s delve into the inherent benefits and risks associated with Bitcoin.
This digital cryptocurrency has gained immense popularity and continues to capture the imagination of investors, tech enthusiasts, and financial experts alike. As we dive into the world of Bitcoin, let’s also uncover the myriad benefits it brings to the table, from decentralization and security to financial inclusion and innovation.
As a decentralized form of currency, Bitcoin is not subject to control by any government, bank, or financial institution. This ensures that the value of Bitcoin is not affected by monetary policies or economic conditions of any specific country. It also means there is no need for intermediaries, such as banks, to process transactions. As a result, Bitcoin transactions can be faster and cheaper than traditional money transfers, particularly for international transactions.
Furthermore, this decentralization offers potential benefits in regions where the local currency is unstable or access to banking is limited. For those without bank accounts, Bitcoin provides an alternative way to store and transact money. It also provides a safeguard against the risks of government-controlled fiat currency, such as inflation or deflation. This property of Bitcoin has been particularly attractive in countries experiencing hyperinflation, such as Venezuela.
Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger, the blockchain, which is accessible to anyone. This ensures a high level of transparency, as the flow of Bitcoins and the transactions can be tracked by anyone. Nonetheless, while transactions are public, the identities of the parties involved are pseudonymous. This offers a level of privacy and anonymity to users, as their real-world identities are not directly connected to their Bitcoin addresses, offering more privacy than traditional banking systems.
Moreover, because of its immutable and transparent nature, Bitcoin has potential uses beyond being a currency. The underlying blockchain technology has numerous potential applications, including secure sharing of medical records, supply chain management, and secure transfer of assets like land deeds and other legal documents.
→Dig Deeper: Demystifying Blockchain: Sifting Through Benefits, Examples and Choices
Bitcoin stands as both an enigma and a harbinger of change. Its meteoric rise to prominence has captivated the world, yet it has also garnered its fair share of scrutiny and caution. Now, let’s examine the flip side of the digital coin – the risks that come with it.
Price Volatility
One of the most well-known risks of Bitcoin is its price volatility. The value of a bitcoin can increase or decrease dramatically over a very short period. This volatility can result in significant financial loss. While some traders may enjoy this volatility because it provides exciting opportunities for high-return investments, it can be a risky venture for those seeking stability, particularly for those who intend to use Bitcoin as a regular currency.
The volatility also makes Bitcoin less feasible as a store of value. With traditional currencies, individuals can expect the purchasing power of their money to remain relatively stable over short periods of time. With Bitcoin, however, the purchasing power can fluctuate wildly from day to day.
While the Bitcoin network itself has remained secure since its inception, the ecosystem around it is not entirely secure. Bitcoin wallets and exchanges, which are necessary for users to store and trade Bitcoins, have been the targets of hacking in the past. In some instances, users have lost their entire Bitcoin holdings.
Bitcoin transactions are irreversible. Once a transaction is initiated, it cannot be reversed. If the transaction is fraudulent or a mistake has been made, it cannot be corrected. This risk factor demands a high level of care and caution by Bitcoin users. The anonymity of Bitcoin can also facilitate criminal activities such as money laundering and the buying and selling illegal goods, which can impact users indirectly.
→Dig Deeper: Crypto Scammers Exploit: Elon Musk Speaks on Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin operates in a relatively gray area of law and regulation. While it is not illegal, its status varies widely around the world. Some countries have embraced Bitcoin as a legitimate payment method, while others have banned or restricted it. The variability of regulation creates uncertainty and poses a risk for Bitcoin users. There’s also a risk that future regulation could adversely affect Bitcoin. For instance, if a major government declared Bitcoin use illegal, or one of the world’s largest exchanges was hacked, the value of Bitcoin could plummet.
Due to Bitcoin’s decentralized nature, lawmakers and regulatory bodies may find it difficult to draft and implement effective regulations that do not stifle innovation. The digital nature of Bitcoin also poses challenges with legal protections that are generally applied to traditional instruments, such as the ability to challenge fraudulent transactions.
→Dig Deeper: Cryptohacking: Is Cryptocurrency Losing Its Credibility?
When comparing the benefits and risks of Bitcoin, it becomes clear that this cryptocurrency presents both unique opportunities and challenges. On the positive side, its decentralized and peer-to-peer nature offers a level of independence and flexibility not found in traditional financial systems. Additionally, its underlying blockchain technology offers potential for numerous applications beyond cryptocurrency itself.
However, these benefits must be weighed against the risks they pose, including its high price volatility and security issues, and the potential consequences of an uncertain regulatory environment. These risks underline the need for caution and due diligence before investing in or transacting with Bitcoin.
As the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is still in its early stages and will likely continue to evolve. As its regulatory environment becomes clearer and its technology becomes more established, the risks associated with Bitcoin may decrease. However, until then, a balanced perspective on the benefits and risks of Bitcoin is essential for anyone considering participating in its network.
McAfee Pro Tip: Bitcoin’s security issues are one of the main risks you need to consider and watch out for if you wish to invest in Bitcoin. Traditional or cryptocurrency, learn how to protect your finances online.
In a remarkably short time, Bitcoin has evolved from a fringe concept to a global financial phenomenon, challenging conventional notions of currency and decentralization. While its disruptive potential, innovation, and the allure of financial autonomy are undeniable, Bitcoin’s journey is punctuated with volatility, regulatory ambiguities, and security concerns that demand cautious consideration. As it continues to capture the world’s imagination, Bitcoin stands as both a symbol of the digital age’s possibilities and a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with redefining the future of finance. Its ultimate role in the global economy remains uncertain, but its impact on the way we perceive and utilize money is undeniable, solidifying its place in history as a transformative force in the world of finance.
As individuals, it is essential to safeguard your digital assets, traditional financial resources, and online financial dealings to ensure a secure and unrestricted existence in the modern world. That’s why we encourage you to improve your digital security. Check out our McAfee+ and Total Protection to boost your protection.
The post Do the Benefits of Bitcoin Outweigh the Risks? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Yes, giving your PC a good, old-fashioned cleaning can improve its performance. And it only takes minutes.
For the most part, PCs don’t slow down on their own over time. It’s the way we amass apps, files, and services that slows things down as your PC ages.
A few examples come to mind:
So, if your PC is feeling a bit sluggish — or if you’ve never cleaned your PC before — you have a few options to speed things up.
Start by backing up your files and photos
Any time you do some upkeep on your PC, back up your stuff. Given that so many of us store our files and photos in the cloud, this step is easy. You already have backups. Give those files a quick review and make sure what you need is backed up in the cloud.
You can also create a physical backup. An external drive can store those files as well, giving you extra redundancy. With your backup in hand, you can store it securely elsewhere in the event you need it.
Delete old apps
Drop over to your Windows search bar and type in “Storage.” That’ll take you to a screen that gives some solid insight into what your drive space looks like.
The great thing about this screen is that you can jump right in and get to work. For example, by clicking the “Apps & features” option, you get a list of all your apps stored on that drive. And with a click, you can delete the old ones you don’t want.
This does you well in a couple of ways. One is the obvious disk space you regain. The second is a bit more subtle. Older apps might go without an update, which can lead to security loopholes that hackers can exploit. Remove the old app, and you remove the loophole.
Remove temporary files
From the same menu, you can click and see how much space temporary files are taking up. You’ll likely see several categories of temporary files that you can delete. Take close note, though. While temporary, some of them still offer benefits. For example, you might want to keep “Windows update log files,” in the event you ever need to troubleshoot Windows.
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, as months go by, cookie data can get bloated. 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. Additionally, you can clear it from your browser’s menu.
Important: This can 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 that slow you down
Windows runs several apps on startup, some of which you certainly need, like antivirus apps or online protection software. Others might find themselves in that mix too, with apps that you don’t need running right away. These can slow down startup and eat up resources.
Head to your Windows search bar and type “Startup.” When the result pops up, select “Startup Apps.” From there, you’ll see a list of all your startup apps. You’ll also see a quick readout on each app that shows its impact on performance. Scroll through and click off the apps you don’t want to load at startup. Consider them carefully, though. If you’re uncertain of what a startup app does, do a web search on it before making any changes. Or just leave it alone.
Completely erase sensitive files
You’d think that deleting files in the recycle bin erases them entirely. Not so. It removes the “pointer” to those files. The data remains on the drive. It only gets removed when something new overwrites it. Which can take time.
To completely erase files with sensitive info, use a product like our own File Shredder. It permanently deletes files, and you find it in our McAfee+ plans. Although this doesn’t necessarily improve performance, it helps prevent identity theft.
Consider a deeper clean with a PC Optimizer
PC cleaning software, like McAfee PC Optimizer, simplifies the process of cleaning your PC. These programs are designed to detect and clear out unnecessary files, manage startup apps, and even clean the registry, often at the press of a button. It’s crucial, though, to choose reliable and safe PC cleaning software. Some can be excessive, doing more harm than good, or even carry malware. Reading reviews and understanding what each feature does is important before using PC cleaning software.
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.
A clean slate for you and your PC
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.
It’s important 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.
Regular cleaning keeps your PC running smoothly, prevents potential threats, and ensures your personal and sensitive info is safe. So, if you haven’t started yet, it’s never too late to begin cleaning your PC and enjoy an optimized computing experience.
The post Does PC Cleaning Improve Performance? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
With the digital lifestyle becoming more prevalent, Wi-Fi connections have become a necessity in our day-to-day lives. We frequently connect our devices to available Wi-Fi at various locations such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and airports. The ability to be connected anywhere, anytime is extraordinary, but it also presents a significant security concern. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can expose our personal and sensitive data to potential hackers.
These hackers can gain access to our personal data stored on our devices or observe our online activities, thereby infringing our digital privacy. Sometimes, they purposely set up deceitful free Wi-Fi connections or hotspots to entice unsuspecting users and exploit their data. Therefore, it’s important to understand the risks associated with unsecured Wi-Fi connections and adopt certain preventive measures to ensure the safety of our personal data.
Using free Wi-Fi or hotspots can indeed be convenient for users when they’re away from their secure home networks. However, such networks usually lack proper security measures, rendering them highly susceptible to various cyber attacks. Hackers often target these networks as it is easier to infiltrate and access users’ data.
The most common risk is the interception of data, where hackers can view and steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. They can also inject malware into your device through the insecure network, further compromising your data and device’s security. Additionally, the Wi-Fi you’re connecting to might be a rogue hotspot set up by hackers, designed specifically to steal user information. Therefore, the use of such networks should be approached cautiously.
→ Dig Deeper: KRACK Hack Threatens Wi-Fi Security – What it Means for You
McAfee Pro Tip: The most secure Wi-Fi network is the one that remains inactive. Deactivating the Wi-Fi signal on your device ensures that your device remains invisible, preventing your mobile from automatically connecting to any available Wi-Fi network. Pick up more tips on this blog.
Despite these risks, there are several steps that you can take to ensure your cybersecurity while using Wi-Fi connections. Firstly, it’s a good practice to turn off your Wi-Fi when you’re not using it. This prevents your device from automatically connecting to available networks, reducing the risk of connecting to an insecure network. Equally important is avoiding the use of sensitive applications or websites, like online banking services, when connected to a public network.
→ Dig Deeper: Elevate Your Financial Security: How to Safely Bank Online
Another preventive measure is to use only websites that support HTTPS protocol. The usage of HTTPS, as against HTTP, ensures secure communication over the network as the data is encrypted. This reduces the chances of your data being intercepted by hackers. Hence, always look for “HTTPS://” in the address bar of your internet browser before sharing any sensitive information.
For an extra layer of security when using public Wi-Fi or hotspots, you might want to consider investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it virtually impossible for hackers to intercept and view your data. While you’re connected to a VPN, all your network traffic passes through this protected tunnel, and no one—not even your ISP—can see your traffic until it exits the tunnel from the VPN server and enters the public internet.
→ Dig Deeper: On Public Wi-Fi, a VPN is Your Friend
It is also advisable to keep all your devices, browsers, and apps updated with the latest security patches. Hackers frequently exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software, so ensuring you have the latest updates can help prevent unauthorized access to your data. Enabling automatic updates ensures that your software is always up-to-date, further protecting against potential threats.
→ Dig Deeper: Why Software Updates Are So Important
Protecting your home Wi-Fi is equally important. Always password-protect your home network with a strong, unique password, and consider changing the default user name and password that come with your router. Default logins can be easily found by attackers, making it easier for them to gain unauthorized access. Additionally, changing your router’s default Service Set ID (SSID) can make it more difficult for hackers to identify and target your network.
Another step you can take is to set up a guest network for visitors to your home. This limits their access to your main network, where your sensitive information and devices are connected. Be sure to change the password for your guest network regularly, especially after hosting guests. Lastly, turning off your network when you’re not using it, especially when you’re away from home for extended periods, can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
→ Dig Deeper: How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi
Smartphones have become indispensable tools for communication, work, and leisure. However, with the convenience of accessing Wi-Fi networks on these devices comes the responsibility of ensuring their security.
First and foremost, prioritize trusted networks, such as your home or office, over open or public networks. Ensure that your connections are encrypted, preferably using WPA2 or WPA3, for data protection. Create robust, unique passwords for both your Wi-Fi network and your device connections.
Furthermore, employ two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security, especially for accounts linked to Wi-Fi access. Again, a VPN can further bolster your defenses by encrypting your internet traffic, making it indispensable when using public Wi-Fi networks. But it’s also important to keep your mobile device’s software up-to-date to ensure you benefit from the latest security patches.
Finally, be wary of connecting to mobile hotspots created by other devices, as these can pose security risks if not adequately secured, and regularly audit app permissions on your mobile device and restrict access to sensitive data whenever possible.
By following these measures and best practices, you can significantly enhance the security of your mobile devices when connecting to Wi-Fi networks, safeguarding your digital privacy and peace of mind.
With the growing reliance on Wi-Fi connections to access the internet on our devices, it’s crucial to understand the security risks associated with public Wi-Fi or hotspots. Unauthorized access, data interception, and malware infections are some of the key risks when using these connections. However, by adopting appropriate measures such as using secure websites, turning off Wi-Fi when not in use, using VPN, and bolstering home network security, we can significantly mitigate these risks and ensure our personal data’s safety. So the next time you connect to a Wi-Fi network, remember to exercise caution and take steps to protect your personal information.
We encourage you to improve the layers of your digital and device security for optimal protection. Browse McAfee’s software solutions to find the best software that suits your needs.
The post Why Should You be Careful When Using Hotspots or Free Wi-Fi? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In today’s digital world, the importance of creating and maintaining secure and complex passwords cannot be overstated. A common misconception is that a password only needs to be memorable. Whilst this is a helpful trait, it does a disservice to the importance of having a secure series of characters. This guide will walk you through why “123456” is not an acceptable password, dispel some common password misconceptions, and provide some tips on how to create a secure password.
Security is a necessary concern in the digital age. Every time we create an account, fill out a form, or simply browse the internet, we leave a digital footprint that can be traced back to us. Criminals, hackers, and other malicious parties are constantly hunting for sensitive information they can exploit. This is what makes the creation of secure passwords so vital.
Think of your password as the first line of defense against potential attackers. When your passwords are weak or predictable, like ‘123456’, you effectively leave your front door open to criminals. While it may feel like an inconvenience to memorize complex passwords, consider the potential damage that could be done should your personal or financial information fall into the wrong hands.
→ Dig Deeper: Protect Your Digital Life: Why Strong Passwords Matter
Some may argue that ‘123456’ is a good password because it’s easy to remember. This is a dangerous misconception. ‘123456’ is an extremely common password, and it’s also one of the first combinations that hackers attempt when trying to break into an account. In fact, according to reports, ‘123456’ and ‘password’ are consistently ranked as the most commonly used passwords year after year.
Another reason why ‘123456’ is not a good password is due to its lack of complexity. Many websites and online services require passwords to include a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. This requirement is not arbitrary; it’s a method proven to increase the difficulty for hackers attempting to crack your password. Using ‘123456’ as your password doesn’t meet these requirements, making it an easy target for a hacking attempt.
→ Dig Deeper: Six Easy Steps to Help Keep Hackers at Bay
Ensuring that your password adheres to certain safety standards is crucial. Here are some key checks to consider when creating a password:
→ Dig Deeper: Make Your Smart Home a Secure Home Too: Securing Your IoT Smart Home Devices
Your proactive approach to password security is the bedrock of your defense against evolving cyber threats, ensuring your digital life remains safe and sound. Make sure to follow these reminders every time you create and change passwords.
Password managers are specialized tools that generate, store, and autofill complex and unique passwords for various online accounts. They eliminate the need for users to remember and manually enter their passwords, and this not only simplifies the login process but significantly bolsters security. These tools employ strong encryption to safeguard your login credentials, ensuring your passwords remain inaccessible to hackers. Many password managers also offer the convenience of cross-device synchronization, allowing you to access your passwords securely on multiple platforms.
Cybersecurity threats are more sophisticated than ever, and easily guessable passwords are the first vulnerabilities that malicious actors exploit. So, as you aim to make your 123456 passwords more complicated, consider using a password manager to store all your passwords and help you remember them properly.
Changing passwords frequently is a habit we all need to cultivate. Doing so regularly makes it very difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to your personal information. It’s not just about protecting your accounts, but every device that holds your precious data. This habit, though may seem cumbersome initially, will eventually act as a robust shield against potential cyber attacks. Interest in cyber security is rising, and for a good reason. With more of our lives moving online, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest trends in mobile and digital security. Many resources are available online to help individuals stay safe in the digital world. Maintaining strong, unique passwords and changing them frequently is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard against cyber threats.
The frequency of changing passwords should be tailored to the security sensitivity of the account and the strength of the existing password. For high-security accounts, such as email or online banking, changing passwords every 60 to 90 days is advisable, while moderate-security accounts can be changed every 90 to 180 days. Low-security accounts may require less frequent changes, and immediate password updates are essential if you suspect a compromise. Strong, unique passwords reduce the necessity for frequent changes, and the use of two-factor authentication further enhances account security.
McAfee Pro Tip: In certain circumstances, it might become imperative to change your password without delay, particularly when a malicious actor gains unauthorized access to your account. Learn more about how often you should change your passwords.
‘123456’ is not an acceptable password due to its predictability and lack of complexity. Choosing secure passwords that are complex, unique, and difficult to guess is crucial in safeguarding your online presence. Coupled with regular password changes, using a password management solution, and avoiding default device passwords, you can ensure your personal and financial information remains secure. In the digital age, a secure password is not just a need, but a necessity. A reliable password manager, meanwhile, is a good, functional option to improve password security.
The post 123456 Is Not an Acceptable Password appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Spyware, a name that cunningly blends “spying” and “software,” is a dangerous class of invasive programs that stealthily operate on your computer. They monitor and record your activities, thus posing a significant threat to your digital privacy, security, and identity. Spyware can lead to identity theft if your personal or financial data falls into the wrong hands. This guide provides in-depth information about spyware, how it works, and how to prevent it from infecting your computer system.
Spyware is a type of malicious software that collects information about users without their knowledge. It can track every action, from keystrokes to browsing habits, thus presenting a grave threat to user privacy and security.
Designed to be stealthy and elusive, spyware can record every keystroke, capture screenshots, and even record audio and video, making it a potent tool for cybercriminals. It is often transmitted through free downloads, file-sharing programs, or deceptive links and websites.
In certain situations, spyware is perfectly legal. For example, when the owner of the computer installs and uses the software, it’s considered legal. Parents might install spyware to monitor their children’s online activities or employers to oversee their employees’ productivity.
However, when someone installs spyware on a computer without the owner’s consent, it becomes illegal. Cybercriminals often disguise spyware as legitimate programs or embed them in websites, tricking users into downloading or clicking, resulting in the stealthy installation of spyware.
→ Dig Deeper: Malware Hides in Installer to Avoid Detection
Spyware can take several shapes and forms, and its diversity makes it even more dangerous. A common form of spyware is a keylogger or a keycatcher. This hardware can be attached to a computer to capture and record keystrokes. This device can monitor user activity without being detected by typical anti-spyware software.
Spyware can also come in the form of a computer virus. When users click on a malicious link or download a corrupted program, they unknowingly install spyware on their system. Once installed, the spyware works silently in the background, capturing and transmitting user data to the attacker.
Spyware’s pervasive threat extends beyond computers and laptops; it can also manifest as mobile spyware. Mobile spyware operates similarly to its desktop counterparts but is tailored to exploit the unique characteristics of mobile platforms. Cybercriminals often employ various tactics to deliver mobile spyware–through application stores like Google Play and App Store, phishing attacks, or physical access.
→ Dig Deeper: Mobile Spyware: How Hackers Can Turn Your Phone Into a Stalking Machine
The adaptability and constantly evolving nature of spyware make it a persistent menace in the digital landscape. Its ability to take on various forms and exploit vulnerabilities underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.
The impact of spyware on identity theft cannot be understated. By stealthily recording sensitive personal and financial information, like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers, it presents a significant risk to a user’s identity.
Stolen data can be used for various malicious activities, including unauthorized purchases, opening credit accounts, and even creating a complete identity theft. The consequences of these activities can be financially devastating and may take a significant amount of time and effort to recover from.
McAfee Pro Tip: Identity theft remains a significant problem in the United States, and there is no sign of it diminishing soon. Reports of fraud consistently indicate a continuous increase in the occurrences of identity theft in the U.S. Read the latest Identity Theft statistics.
Preventing spyware from infecting your system starts with practicing good online habits. Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources, especially torrents and software cracks notorious for being riddled with spyware. Also, be wary of pop-ups. Never click “Agree,” “OK,” “No,” or “Yes” in a pop-up, as these actions can trigger an automatic spyware download. Instead, close the pop-up by hitting the red X or shutting down your browser altogether.
Regularly updating your operating system’s security patches is another good practice. These patches often contain fixes to known vulnerabilities that spyware and other malicious programs exploit. Also, ensure to download and use your web browser’s latest, most secure version. Running reputable anti-malware programs, like McAfee Total Protection, which includes spyware removal, can help to detect and remove spyware from your system.
→ Dig Deeper: How to Live a Digital Life Free of Spyware
If you suspect your system is infected with spyware, you must act swiftly. Use a trusted antivirus program to run a system scan. If spyware is detected, the program should be able to quarantine and remove it. However, some forms of spyware are advanced and may be able to avoid detection. In such instances, it may be necessary to engage a professional to clean your system.
Part of dealing with a spyware infection is mitigating its potential effects. If your sensitive data has been compromised, consider implementing measures to protect your identity. McAfee Identity Protection provides proactive identity surveillance, which monitors your credit and personal information for fraudulent activities. If any such activity is detected, it offers access to live fraud resolution agents, who can help you resolve identity theft issues.
→ Dig Deeper: How to Wipe Out a Computer Virus
Spyware significantly threatens your digital identity, privacy, and security. It stealthily operates in the background, recording and transmitting your activities and personal information. While it can be a valuable tool for legal monitoring, its misuse by cybercriminals cannot be underestimated. Preventing and dealing with spyware requires vigilance, good online habits, and the use of trusted antivirus programs like McAfee Antivirus. Protecting your digital identity is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Stay informed, stay updated, and stay safe.
The post Spyware: A Major Identity Theft Threat appeared first on McAfee Blog.
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