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I think I could count on my hand the people I know who have NOT had their email hacked. Maybe they found a four-leaf clover when they were kids!
Email hacking is one of the very unfortunate downsides of living in our connected, digital world. And it usually occurs as a result of a data breach – a situation that even the savviest tech experts find themselves in.
In simple terms, a data breach happens when personal information is accessed, disclosed without permission, or lost. Companies, organisations, and government departments of any size can be affected. Data stolen can include customer login details (email addresses and passwords), credit card numbers, identifying IDs of customers e.g. driver’s license numbers and/or passport numbers, confidential customer information, company strategy, or even matters of national security.
Data breaches have made headlines, particularly over the last few years. When the Optus and Medibank data breaches hit the news in 2022 affecting almost 10 million Aussies a piece, we were all shaken. But then when Aussie finance company Latitude, was affected in 2023 with a whopping 14 million people from both Australia and New Zealand affected, it almost felt inevitable that by now, most of us would have been impacted.
But these were the data breaches that grabbed our attention. The reality is that data breaches have been happening for years. In fact, the largest data breach in Australian history actually happened in May 2019 to the online design site Canva which affected 137 million users globally including many Aussies.
So, in short – it can happen to anyone, and the chances are you may have already been affected.
The sole objective of a hacker is to get their hands on your data. And any information that you share in your email account can be very valuable to them. But why do they want your data, you ask? It’s simple really – so they can cash in! Some will keep the juicy stuff for themselves – passwords or logins to government departments or large companies they may want to ’target’ with the aim of extracting valuable data and/or funds. But the more sophisticated ones will sell your details including name, telephone, email address, and credit card details, and cash in on the Dark Web. They often do this in batches. Some experts believe they can get as much as AU$250 for a full set of details including credit cards. So, you can see why they’d be interested in you!
The other reason why hackers will be interested in your email address and password is that many of us re-use these login details across our other online accounts too. So, once they’ve got their hands on your email credentials then they may be able to access your online banking and investment accounts – the possibilities are endless if you are using the same login credentials everywhere. So, you can see why I harp on about using a unique password for every online account!
There is a plethora of statistics on just how big this issue is – all of them concerning.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, there were over 16,000 reports of identity theft in 2022.
The Department of Home Affairs and Stay Smart Australia reports that cybercrime costs Australian businesses $29 billion a year with the average business spending around $275,000 to remedy a data breach
And although there has been a slight reduction in Aussies falling for phishing scams in recent years (down from 2.7% in 2020/1 to 2.5% in 2022/3), more Australians are falling victim to card fraud scams with a total of $2.2 billion lost in 2023.
But regardless of which statistic you choose to focus on, we have a big issue on our hands!
If you find yourself a victim of email hacking there are a few very important steps you need to take and the key is to take them FAST!!
This is the very first thing you must do to ensure the hacker can’t get back into your account. It is essential that your new password is complex and totally unrelated to previous passwords. Always use at least 8-10 characters with a variety of upper and lower case and throw in some symbols and numbers. I really like the idea of a crazy, nonsensical sentence – easier to remember and harder to crack! But, better still, get yourself a password manager that will create a password that no human would be capable of creating.
If you find the hacker has locked you out of your account by changing your password, you will need to reset the password by clicking on the ‘Forgot My Password’ link.
This is time-consuming but essential. Ensure you change any other accounts that use the same username and password as your compromised email. Hackers love the fact that many people still use the same logins for multiple accounts, so it is guaranteed they will try your info in other email applications and sites such as PayPal, Amazon, Netflix – you name it!
Once the dust has settled, please review your password strategy for all your online accounts. A best practice is to ensure every online account has its own unique and complex password.
A big part of the hacker’s strategy is to ‘get their claws’ into your address book with the aim of hooking others as well. Send a message to all your email contacts as soon as possible so they know to avoid opening any emails (most likely loaded with malware) that have come from you.
Yes, multi-factor authentication (or 2-factor authentication) adds another step to your login but it also adds another layer of protection. Enabling this will mean that in addition to your password, you will need a special one-time use code to log in. This can be sent to your mobile phone or alternatively, it may be generated via an authenticator app. So worthwhile!
It is not uncommon for hackers to modify your email settings so that a copy of every email you receive is automatically forwarded to them. Not only can they monitor your logins for other sites, but they’ll keep a watchful eye over any particularly juicy personal information. So, check your mail forwarding settings to ensure no unexpected email addresses have been added.
Don’t forget to check your email signature to ensure nothing spammy has been added. Also, ensure your ‘reply to’ email address is actually yours! Hackers have been known to create an email address here that looks similar to yours – when someone replies, it goes straight to their account, not yours!
This is essential also. If you find anything, please ensure it is addressed, and then change your email password again. And if you don’t have it – please invest. Comprehensive security software will provide you with a digital shield for your online life. McAfee+ lets you protect all your devices – including your smartphone – from viruses and malware. It also contains a password manager to help you remember and generate unique passwords for all your accounts.
If you have been hacked several times and your email provider isn’t mitigating the amount of spam you are receiving, then consider starting afresh but don’t delete your email address. Many experts warn against deleting email accounts as most email providers will recycle your old email address. This could mean a hacker could spam every site they can find with a ‘forgot my password’ request and try to impersonate you – identity theft!
Your email is an important part of your online identity so being vigilant and addressing any fallout from hacking is essential for your digital reputation. And even though it may feel that ‘getting hacked’ is inevitable, you can definitely reduce your risk by installing some good quality security software on all your devices. Comprehensive security software such as McAfee+ will alert you when visiting risky websites, warn you when a download looks ‘dodgy’, and will block annoying and dangerous emails with anti-spam technology.
It makes sense really – if you don’t receive the ‘dodgy’ phishing email – you can’t click on it! Smart!
And finally, don’t forget that hackers love social media – particularly those of us who overshare on it. So, before you post details of your adorable new kitten, remember it may just provide the perfect clue for a hacker trying to guess your email password!
Till next time
Alex
The post What to Do If Your Email Is Hacked 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.
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 today’s digital era, pickpocketing has taken a new form. Gone are the days when thieves would physically steal your wallet. Instead, they are using sophisticated techniques to steal your personal information and drain your bank accounts without you even realizing it. This article aims to shed light on digital pickpocketing, its impacts on your digital assets, and measures to prevent it.
Digital pickpocketing, also known as electronic pickpocketing or e-pickpocketing, refers to the use of digital tools and technologies to steal someone’s personal information without their knowledge or consent. The information stolen usually includes credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive details that can be used for fraudulent activities.
→Dig Deeper: Russian Hackers Steal 1.2 Billion Passwords
It’s important to note that digital pickpocketing doesn’t only happen on the internet. With the advancement of technology, pickpockets can now steal your credit card information just by standing close to you, thanks to a method called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) skimming. This makes digital pickpocketing a pervasive threat that needs urgent attention.
Before we delve into ways to prevent digital pickpocketing, it’s crucial to understand how it happens. There are numerous ways somebody can fall victim, and being informed about these methods is the first line of defense.
The most common form of digital pickpocketing is done via malicious software programs called malware. These programs find their way onto your computer or smartphone through email attachments, infected websites, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Once installed, they work quietly in the background, collecting your personal data and sending it off to the thief.
Another method is phishing, where fraudsters impersonate a trustworthy entity such as a bank or a website you frequent, tricking you into providing your personal information. The communication usually appears as an urgent call-to-action, prompting you to click on a link or download an attachment, which ultimately leads to your information being stolen.
RFID skimming, on the other hand, involves the use of a portable device that scans and records data from RFID-enabled cards when they come into its proximity. This method doesn’t require internet access or any form of physical contact, making it a more stealthy approach to digital pickpocketing.
The consequences of digital pickpocketing stretch far beyond financial loss. The theft of your personal information can lead to numerous problems, including identity theft, damaged credit score, and emotional distress.
Identity theft can be particularly damaging. Once a fraudster has enough of your personal information, they can potentially open new bank accounts, take out loans, or even commit crimes in your name. Not only could this lead to a huge financial mess, but it could also get you into legal trouble.
Furthermore, if credit card information is stolen and used fraudulently, it can significantly damage your credit score. A low credit score can make it more difficult to get loans, secure housing, or even find employment. The process of repairing your credit can be long and arduous, causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
Preventing digital pickpocketing is possible with the right precautions. Protecting your personal information demands a proactive approach. Here are some tips and steps to help prevent digital pickpocketing:
Digital pickpocketing poses a serious threat in this digital age. However, with the right information and measures, you can protect your personal information and avoid falling victim. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
If you’ve fallen victim to digital pickpocketing, swift action is key. The first step is to contact your bank or credit card company and inform them about the theft. Most companies have policies in place to protect their customers, and they can help prevent further damage by blocking your card or changing your account details.
Next, file a report with your local law enforcement, and consider contacting a credit reporting agency to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This can make it harder for a thief to open more accounts in your name. It’s also important to change your passwords and consider enrolling in an identity protection service, which can monitor your credit and personal information for any suspicious activity.
While technology has given rise to digital pickpocketing, it also offers solutions to combat it. Many apps and services now feature advanced security measures such as biometric authentication, encryption, and machine learning algorithms to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.
→ Dig Deeper: Banks are Using Biometric Measures to Protect Against Fraud
Financial institutions and tech companies are continually improving their security systems, implementing advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure networks to protect customer data. While these technologies can’t guarantee absolute safety, they significantly reduce the risk of digital pickpocketing and help create a safer digital environment.
From a legal perspective, governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are tightening regulations on data privacy and security. Laws like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) have strict guidelines and penalties for data breaches, encouraging businesses to prioritize data protection.
While these laws are a step in the right direction, it’s crucial for individuals to stay informed about their rights and the protective measures they can take. After all, the fight against digital pickpocketing is a collective effort that requires the participation of consumers, businesses, and regulators alike.
Ultimately, digital pickpocketing is a modern-day problem that requires a modern-day solution. By understanding the threats and implementing protective measures, we can protect ourselves from these digital thieves. It’s also reassuring to know that as technology advances, so do the methods to combat such digital crimes, and regulatory measures are continually being updated to provide better security in the digital era.
Remember, the key to combating digital pickpocketing lies in awareness, vigilance, and proactive protection. Stay informed and secure with McAfee, and let’s make the digital world a safer place for everyone.
The post Pickpocketing – Digital Style appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Ever hear of a crime called skimming? It may not be as dramatic a crime as assault or Ponzi schemes, but it can cause significant problems to you as your savings account can be wiped out in a flash.
Picture a scrawny nerd tampering with an automated teller machine (ATM)—the machine you use with your debit card to get cash. The thief places a device over the slot through which you slide your debit card. You have no idea it’s there. You swipe your card, and the device “skims” or reads your card’s information. In the middle of the night, the thief creeps back, removes the skimming device, downloads your data, burns it to a blank ATM card, makes a fat withdrawal and goes home with the loot. Or they could download your information from the skimmer and then use your information to make online purchases or access your account. Either way, they could clean you out before you wake up next morning!
Now, to be successful, the criminal not only needs a skimming device, they also need to attach a tiny wireless camera to capture your PIN. These cameras are usually concealed in the lighting fixture above the keypad, in a brochure near the machine, or attached directly to the ATM.
To protect yourself from being skimmed, and generally staying safe when using your debit or credit cards, follow these tips:
Stay safe from skimming!
The post What is ATM Skimming? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
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