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Today — February 10th 2026Your RSS feeds

Security Observability Improvements in Cisco Secure Firewall 10.0

By: Ron Scott-Adams
Improvements in Secure Firewall 10.0 provide better observability and detection for threats and security monitoring overall.

Redefining Security for the Agentic Era

By: Peter Bailey
The agentic era is here. As AI agents act autonomously at machine speed, learn why security must evolve with intent-aware controls to make autonomous systems safe, accountable, and reliable.

SASE for the AI Era: Driving Secure, Distributed, and Optimized AI

By: Raj Chopra
Learn how Cisco SASE enables secure, predictable, and scalable AI operations by unifying performance and protection for distributed, agentic AI workflows.
Yesterday — February 9th 2026Your RSS feeds

Integrating With Cisco XDR at Black Hat Europe

By: Jessica (Bair) Oppenheimer
Investigating indicators of compromise (IOCs) requires a unified view of security data. See how we integrated Cisco XDR with third-party tools and open-source models at Black Hat Europe.

Securing DNS With Secure Access at Black Hat Europe

By: Rob DeCooman
For a decade, Cisco has secured Black Hat events with DNS security. Learn how the evolution to Cisco Secure Access provided visibility into 66 million queries and 6,000 unique apps in London.

AI Is Here to Replace Nuclear Treaties. Scared Yet?

By: Matthew Gault
The last major nuclear arms treaty between the US and Russia just expired. Some experts believe a combination of satellite surveillance, AI, and human reviewers can take its place. Others, not so much.

Iran’s Digital Surveillance Machine Is Almost Complete

By: Lily Hay Newman， Matt Burgess
After more than 15 years of draconian measures, culminating in an ongoing internet shutdown, the Iranian regime seems to be staggering toward its digital surveillance endgame.
Before yesterdayYour RSS feeds

ICE Agent’s ‘Dragging’ Case May Help Expose Evidence in Renee Good Shooting

By: Dell Cameron
The government has withheld details of the investigation of Renee Good’s killing—but an unrelated case involving the ICE agent who shot her could force new revelations.

ICE and CBP’s Face-Recognition App Can’t Actually Verify Who People Are

By: Dell Cameron， Maddy Varner
ICE has used Mobile Fortify to identify immigrants and citizens alike over 100,000 times, by one estimate. It wasn't built to work like that—and only got approved after DHS abandoned its own privacy rules.

Facing the Quantum Threat: Cisco’s Strategic Approach to PQC

By: Christian Chisholm
Quantum threats are closer than you think. Explore Cisco’s strategic approach to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and how to protect against HNDL risks now.

Notepad++ Users, You May Have Been Hacked by China

By: Dan Goodin， Ars Technica
Suspected Chinese state-backed hackers hijacked the Notepad++ update infrastructure to deliver a backdoored version of the popular free source code editor and note-taking app for Windows.

Was My TikTok Hacked? How to Get Back Into Your Account and Lock Down Sessions

By: McAfee

It usually starts with a small, uneasy moment. A notification you don’t recognize. A login code you didn’t request. A friend texting to ask why you just posted something… weird. 

If you’re staring at your phone wondering whether your TikTok account was hacked, you’re not alone, and you’re not being paranoid.  

Account takeovers often don’t look dramatic at first. They show up as subtle changes: a password that suddenly doesn’t work, a new device logged in overnight, or settings you swear you never touched. 

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your TikTok account has been compromised: how to spot the warning signs, how to recover access if you’re locked out, and how to lock down active sessions so it doesn’t happen again.  

Signs Your TikTok Account May Be Compromised 

When someone else gets into your account, things usually start behaving in ways that don’t feel like you. Pay attention to changes like these: 

Profile or settings changes you didn’t make
Your display name, bio, password, linked email, phone number, or privacy settings look different, even though you never touched them. 

Content or activity you don’t recognize
Videos you didn’t post. Comments or DMs you didn’t send. New follows or likes that don’t match how you use the app. 

Login alerts that come out of nowhere
Notifications about a new device, verification codes you didn’t request, or emails confirming changes you didn’t initiate. 

Other warning signs include being locked out of your usual login method, missing recovery options, or friends telling you your account is sending strange messages. 

How to Regain Access to Your TikTok Account 

Speed matters here. The longer someone has access, the more they can change, or use your account to scam others. 

If you can still log in 

Secure the account immediately. 

  1. Change your password: Use the “Forgot password?” option if needed and choose a strong, unique password you haven’t used anywhere else. 
  2. Check your account details: Confirm the email address and phone number are yours. Remove anything you don’t recognize. 
  3. Look for unfamiliar devices or sessions: You’ll deal with this more thoroughly below, but flag anything that looks off. 

If you’re locked out 

Start TikTok’s recovery process right away. 

  1. On the login screen, tap “Report a problem” or visit the Help Center. 
  2. Be ready to prove ownership. That usually includes: 
  3. Your username 
  4. A previous email or phone number linked to the account 
  5. Devices you’ve used to log in before 
  6. Screenshots of changes, if you have them 

TikTok uses this information to verify that the account is yours and roll back unauthorized changes. 

Secure your email and phone, too 

This step is critical and often overlooked. 

  • Change the password on the email account linked to TikTok.  If someone controls your email, they can keep resetting your social accounts. 
  • Confirm your phone number is correct and remove any unfamiliar contact info. 

Once you regain access, clean up anything the attacker touched, delete suspicious posts, undo profile changes, and revoke access for any apps you don’t recognize. 

Figure 1: How to remove TikTok logins from other devices.

Figure 1: How to remove TikTok logins from other devices. 

Lock Down Sessions and Strengthen Your TikTok Security 

Getting back in is only half the job. The next step is making sure whoever got in can’t come back. 

Turn on two-step verification 

In Settings & Privacy, enable two-factor verification (2FA) and choose your preferred method. An authenticator app offers the strongest protection, but SMS or email is still far better than nothing. 

Review active sessions and devices 

Head to Security and look for Manage devices or Active sessions. 

  • Remove any devices you don’t recognize. 
  • If available, use “Log out of all devices” to force everyone, including an attacker, out at once. 

Revoke third-party app access 

Check which apps or tools are connected to your TikTok account and remove anything you don’t use or trust. 

Use a strong, unique password 

Keep your app and phone updated 

Updates often include security fixes. Running outdated software makes it easier for attackers to exploit known issues. 

Be cautious with links and messages 

Unexpected DMs, “copyright warnings,” fake verification notices, or links asking you to log in again are common hacker tactics. When in doubt, don’t click, open the app directly instead. 

Figure 2: Where in “Security & permissions” to find security updates and 2FA.  

Figure 2: Where in “Security & permissions” to find security updates and 2FA. 

How to Report an Impersonation Account on TikTok 

Discovering a fake account that’s using your name, photos, or videos can feel like a second violation on top of having your account hacked.  

Luckily, TikTok has a way to flag these imposters, both from inside the app and, in some regions, through an official web form. 

  1. Open the impostor’s profile: Head to the account that’s pretending to be you. 
  2. Tap the share icon: On mobile, this is usually the arrow at  the top of the profile. 
  3. Select “Report”: Choose the option to report the account. 
  4. Choose “Report account” → “Pretending to Be Someone”: That’s TikTok’s way of flagging impersonation specifically. 
  5. Indicate who is being impersonated: Select Me if it’s your identity, or Celebrity/Another person if it’s someone else. Then submit.  
Figure 3: A screenshot showing where in TikTok you report fake profiles.

Figure 3: A screenshot showing where in TikTok you report fake profiles. 

If you’re in the U.S. and the fake profile is doing real damage, for example, scamming your followers or using official business assets, TikTok also offers a dedicated impersonation report form online: 

  • Choose whether you’re reporting or appealing an impersonation. 
  • Enter your email and country. 
  • Upload valid ID or other proof that you’re who you say you are. 
  • Confirm the statements and submit the form.  

For accounts outside the U.S., the public Help Center form lets you select Report a potential violation → Account violation → Impersonation and walk through similar steps.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How do I lock down sessions on TikTok?
A: Go to Settings & Privacy → Security, then open Manage devices or Active sessions. Remove unfamiliar devices, log out of all sessions if possible, change your password, and enable two-step verification. 
Q: Can I recover my account if the email and phone number were changed?
A: Yes. Start an account recovery request through TikTok support and provide proof of ownership, including previous contact details and device information. 
Q: What if I keep getting verification codes I didn’t request?
A: That’s a sign someone is trying to get in. Change your password immediately, enable two-step verification, and review active sessions. If it continues, contact TikTok support 
Q: Should I warn my followers?
A: If your account posted or messaged others without your permission, yes. Let people know your account was compromised so they don’t engage with scam links or requests. 

 

The post Was My TikTok Hacked? How to Get Back Into Your Account and Lock Down Sessions appeared first on McAfee Blog.

The Paramilitary ICE and CBP Units at the Center of Minnesota's Killings

By: Ali Winston
Two agents involved in the shooting deaths of US citizens in Minneapolis are reportedly part of highly militarized DHS units whose extreme tactics are generally reserved for war zones.

Cisco is Proud to Champion the UK’s Software Security Code of Practice

By: Larry Lidz
Cisco champions the UK’s Software Security Code of Practice in support of secure software supply chains and strengthening trust in digital services.

How Data Brokers Can Fuel Violence Against Public Servants

By: Maddy Varner
A new report from the Public Service Alliance finds state privacy laws offer public servants few ways to protect their private data, even as threats against them are on the rise.

A slippery slope: Beware of Winter Olympics scams and other cyberthreats

It’s snow joke – sporting events are a big draw for cybercriminals. Make sure you’re not on the losing side by following these best practices.

Please Don’t Feed the Scattered Lapsus ShinyHunters

By: BrianKrebs

A prolific data ransom gang that calls itself Scattered Lapsus ShinyHunters (SLSH) has a distinctive playbook when it seeks to extort payment from victim firms: Harassing, threatening and even swatting executives and their families, all while notifying journalists and regulators about the extent of the intrusion. Some victims reportedly are paying — perhaps as much to contain the stolen data as to stop the escalating personal attacks. But a top SLSH expert warns that engaging at all beyond a “We’re not paying” response only encourages further harassment, noting that the group’s fractious and unreliable history means the only winning move is not to pay.

Image: Shutterstock.com, @Mungujakisa

Unlike traditional, highly regimented Russia-based ransomware affiliate groups, SLSH is an unruly and somewhat fluid English-language extortion gang that appears uninterested in building a reputation of consistent behavior whereby victims might have some measure of confidence that the criminals will keep their word if paid.

That’s according to Allison Nixon, director of research at the New York City based security consultancy Unit 221B. Nixon has been closely tracking the criminal group and individual members as they bounce between various Telegram channels used to extort and harass victims, and she said SLSH differs from traditional data ransom groups in other important ways that argue against trusting them to do anything they say they’ll do — such as destroying stolen data.

Like SLSH, many traditional Russian ransomware groups have employed high-pressure tactics to force payment in exchange for a decryption key and/or a promise to delete stolen data, such as publishing a dark web shaming blog with samples of stolen data next to a countdown clock, or notifying journalists and board members of the victim company. But Nixon said the extortion from SLSH quickly escalates way beyond that — to threats of physical violence against executives and their families, DDoS attacks on the victim’s website, and repeated email-flooding campaigns.

SLSH is known for breaking into companies by phishing employees over the phone, and using the purloined access to steal sensitive internal data. In a January 30 blog post, Google’s security forensics firm Mandiant said SLSH’s most recent extortion attacks stem from incidents spanning early to mid-January 2026, when SLSH members pretended to be IT staff and called employees at targeted victim organizations claiming that the company was updating MFA settings.

“The threat actor directed the employees to victim-branded credential harvesting sites to capture their SSO credentials and MFA codes, and then registered their own device for MFA,” the blog post explained.

Victims often first learn of the breach when their brand name is uttered on whatever ephemeral new public Telegram group chat SLSH is using to threaten, extort and harass their prey. According to Nixon, the coordinated harassment on the SLSH Telegram channels is part of a well-orchestrated strategy to overwhelm the victim organization by manufacturing humiliation that pushes them over the threshold to pay.

Nixon said multiple executives at targeted organizations have been subject to “swatting” attacks, wherein SLSH communicated a phony bomb threat or hostage situation at the target’s address in the hopes of eliciting a heavily armed police response at their home or place of work.

“A big part of what they’re doing to victims is the psychological aspect of it, like harassing executives’ kids and threatening the board of the company,” Nixon told KrebsOnSecurity. “And while these victims are getting extortion demands, they’re simultaneously getting outreach from media outlets saying, ‘Hey, do you have any comments on the bad things we’re going to write about you.”

In a blog post today, Unit 221B argues that no one should negotiate with SLSH because the group has demonstrated a willingness to extort victims based on promises that it has no intention to keep. Nixon points out that all of SLSH’s known members hail from The Com, shorthand for a constellation of cybercrime-focused Discord and Telegram communities which serve as a kind of distributed social network that facilitates instant collaboration.

Nixon said Com-based extortion groups tend to instigate feuds and drama between group members, leading to lying, betrayals, credibility destroying behavior, backstabbing, and sabotaging each other.

“With this type of ongoing dysfunction, often compounding by substance abuse, these threat actors often aren’t able to act with the core goal in mind of completing a successful, strategic ransom operation,” Nixon wrote. “They continually lose control with outbursts that put their strategy and operational security at risk, which severely limits their ability to build a professional, scalable, and sophisticated criminal organization network for continued successful ransoms – unlike other, more tenured and professional criminal organizations focused on ransomware alone.”

Intrusions from established ransomware groups typically center around encryption/decryption malware that mostly stays on the affected machine. In contrast, Nixon said, ransom from a Com group is often structured the same as violent sextortion schemes against minors, wherein members of The Com will steal damaging information, threaten to release it, and “promise” to delete it if the victim complies without any guarantee or technical proof point that they will keep their word. She writes:

A key component of SLSH’s efforts to convince victims to pay, Nixon said, involves manipulating the media into hyping the threat posed by this group. This approach also borrows a page from the playbook of sextortion attacks, she said, which encourages predators to keep targets continuously engaged and worrying about the consequences of non-compliance.

“On days where SLSH had no substantial criminal ‘win’ to announce, they focused on announcing death threats and harassment to keep law enforcement, journalists, and cybercrime industry professionals focused on this group,” she said.

An excerpt from a sextortion tutorial from a Com-based Telegram channel. Image: Unit 221B.

Nixon knows a thing or two about being threatened by SLSH: For the past several months, the group’s Telegram channels have been replete with threats of physical violence against her, against Yours Truly, and against other security researchers. These threats, she said, are just another way the group seeks to generate media attention and achieve a veneer of credibility, but they are useful as indicators of compromise because SLSH members tend to name drop and malign security researchers even in their communications with victims.

“Watch for the following behaviors in their communications to you or their public statements,” Unit 221B’s advisory reads. “Repeated abusive mentions of Allison Nixon (or “A.N”), Unit 221B, or cybersecurity journalists—especially Brian Krebs—or any other cybersecurity employee, or cybersecurity company. Any threats to kill, or commit terrorism, or violence against internal employees, cybersecurity employees, investigators, and journalists.”

Unit 221B says that while the pressure campaign during an extortion attempt may be traumatizing to employees, executives, and their family members, entering into drawn-out negotiations with SLSH incentivizes the group to increase the level of harm and risk, which could include the physical safety of employees and their families.

“The breached data will never go back to the way it was, but we can assure you that the harassment will end,” Nixon said. “So, your decision to pay should be a separate issue from the harassment. We believe that when you separate these issues, you will objectively see that the best course of action to protect your interests, in both the short and long term, is to refuse payment.”

ICE and Qatari Security Forces at the Winter Olympics Put Italians on Edge

By: Luigi Mastrodonato
The influx of security personnel from around the world is sparking concern among Italians ahead of the Milano Cortina Olympic Games.

Jeffrey Epstein Had a ‘Personal Hacker,’ Informant Claims

By: Lily Hay Newman， Matt Burgess， Andy Greenberg
Plus: AI agent OpenClaw gives cybersecurity experts the willies, China executes 11 scam compound bosses, a $40 million crypto theft has an unexpected alleged culprit, and more.

This month in security with Tony Anscombe – January 2026 edition

The trends from January offer useful clues about the risks and priorities that security teams are likely to contend with throughout the year

How to Film ICE

By: Matt Burgess， Lily Hay Newman， Maddy Varner， Andy Greenberg
Filming federal agents in public is legal, but avoiding a dangerous—even deadly—confrontation isn’t guaranteed. Here’s how to record ICE and CBP agents as safely as possible and have an impact.

This Week in Scams: Dating App Breaches, TikTok Data, Grubhub Extortion

By: Brooke Seipel

This week in scams, three headlines tell the same story: attackers are getting better at manipulating people, not just breaking into systems. We’re seeing a wave of intrusions tied to social engineering, a major delivery platform confirming a breach amid extortion claims, and a big tech headline that has a lot of people rethinking how apps handle their data. 

Every week, this roundup breaks down the scam and cybersecurity stories making news and explains how they actually work, so you can spot risk earlier and avoid getting pulled into someone else’s playbook. 

Let’s get into it. 

A Wave of Cyberattacks Hits Bumble, Match, Panera, and CrunchBase 

The big picture: Several major brands were hit by cybersecurity incidents tied to social engineering tactics like phishing and vishing. 

What happened: Bloomberg reported that Bumble, Match Group, Panera Bread, and CrunchBase each confirmed incidents.  

Bumble said a contractor account was compromised in a phishing incident, which led to brief unauthorized access to a small portion of its network, and said its member database, accounts, messages, and profiles were not accessed.  

Panera said an attacker accessed a software application it used to store data, and said the data involved was contact information.  

Match said the incident affected a limited amount of user data, and said it saw no indication that user logins, financial information, or private communications were accessed.  

CrunchBase said documents on its corporate network were impacted, and said it contained the incident. 

According to Bloomberg, cybersecurity firm Mandiant has also warned about a hacking campaign linked to a group that calls itself ShinyHunters. The group is using vishing, which means scam phone calls, to trick people into giving up their login information. Once attackers get those logins, they can access cloud tools and online work systems that companies use every day. The group has said they are behind some of these recent attacks, but that has not been independently confirmed. 

Red flags to watch for: 

Calls that pressure you to approve a login, reset credentials, or share a one-time code 

Messages posing as IT support, a vendor, or “security” that try to rush you 

MFA prompts you did not initiate 

“Quick verification” requests that bypass normal internal processes 

How this works: Social engineering works because it blends into normal life. A convincing message or call gets someone to do one small “reasonable” thing. Approve a prompt. Read a code. Reset access. That is often all an attacker needs to get inside with legitimate credentials, then pivot into the tools where valuable data lives. 

TikTok’s Privacy Policy Update Sparks Backlash 

Ok, we know this is called “This Week in Scams” but this is also a cybersecurity newsletter. So when the biggest tech and privacy headline of the week is TikTok updating its privacy policy, we have to talk about it. 

The big picture: TikTok’s updated terms and privacy policy are raising fresh questions about what data is collected, especially around location. 

What happened: TikTok confirmed last week that a new U.S.-based entity is in control of the app after splitting from ByteDance earlier this year. That same day, CBS reported TikTok published updated terms and a new privacy policy, which prompted backlash on social media. 

CBS reported that one major point of concern is language stating TikTok may collect precise location information if users enable location services in device settings. This is reportedly a shift from previous policy language, and TikTok said it plans to give U.S. users a prompt to opt in or opt out when precise location features roll out. 

According to CBS, some users are also concerned the new privacy policy would allow the TikTok to more easily share their private data with the federal and local government. 

That fear is based on a change in policy language stating that TikTok “processes such sensitive personal information in accordance with applicable law.” 

A quick, practical takeaway: This is a good reminder that “privacy policy drama” usually comes down to one thing you can actually control: your app permissions. 

What to do (general privacy steps): 

Check your phone settings for TikTok and confirm whether location access is Off, While Using, or Always. 

If your device supports it, consider turning off precise location for apps that do not truly need it. 

Do a quick permission sweep across social apps: location, contacts, photos, microphone, camera, and Bluetooth. 

Make sure your account is protected with a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication. 

Note: This is not a recommendation about whether to keep or remove any specific app. It’s a reminder that your device settings matter and they are worth revisiting. 

Grubhub Confirms a Data Breach Amid Reports of Extortion 

The big picture: Even when a company says payment details were not affected, a breach can still create risk because stolen data often gets reused for phishing. 

What happened: According to BleepingComputer, Grubhub confirmed unauthorized individuals downloaded data from certain systems and that it investigated, stopped the activity, and is taking steps to strengthen security. Sources told BleepingComputer the company is facing extortion demands tied to stolen data. Grubhub said sensitive information like financial details and order history was not affected, and did not provide more detail on timing or scope. 

Red flags to watch for next: Breach headlines are often followed by scam waves. Be on alert for: 

“Refund” or “order problem” emails you did not request 

Fake customer support messages asking you to verify account details 

Password reset prompts you did not initiate 

Links to “resolve your account” that don’t come from a known, official domain 

How this works: Customer support systems can contain personal details that make scams feel real. Names, emails, and account notes are often enough for attackers to craft messages that sound like legitimate help, especially when the brand is already in the news. 

Google search tab on laptop

Fake Chrome Extensions Are Quietly Taking Over Accounts 

The big picture: Some browser extensions that look like normal workplace tools are actually designed to hijack accounts and lock users out of their own security controls. 

What happened: Security researchers told Fox News that they uncovered a campaign involving malicious Google Chrome extensions that impersonate well-known business and human resources platforms, including tools commonly used for payroll, benefits, and workplace access. 

Researchers identified several fake extensions that were marketed as productivity or security tools. Once installed, they quietly ran in the background without obvious warning signs. According to Fox News, Google said the extensions have been removed from the Chrome Web Store, but some are still circulating on third-party download sites. 

How the scam actually works: Instead of stealing passwords directly, the extensions captured active login sessions. When you sign into a website, your browser stores small files that keep you logged in. If attackers get access to those files, they can enter an account without ever knowing the password. 

Some extensions went a step further by interfering with security settings. Victims were unable to change passwords, review login history, or reach account controls. That made it harder to detect the intrusion and even harder to recover access once something felt off. 

Why this matters: This kind of attack removes the safety net people rely on when accounts are compromised. Password resets and two-factor authentication only help if you can reach them. By cutting off access to those tools, attackers can maintain control longer and move through connected systems with less resistance. 

What to watch for: 

Browser extensions you don’t remember installing 

Add-ons claiming to manage HR, payroll, or internal business access 

Missing or inaccessible security settings on accounts 

Being logged into accounts you did not recently open 

A quick safety check: Take a few minutes to review your browser extensions. Remove anything unfamiliar or unnecessary, especially tools tied to work platforms. Extensions have deep access to your browser, which means they deserve the same scrutiny as any other software you install. 

McAfee’s Safety Tips for This Week 

Be skeptical of “helpful” tools. Browser extensions, workplace add-ons, and productivity tools can have deep access to your accounts. Only install what you truly need and remove anything unfamiliar. 

Treat calls and prompts with caution. Unexpected login requests, MFA approvals, or “IT support” outreach are common entry points for social engineering. If you didn’t initiate it, pause and verify. 

Review app and browser permissions. Take a few minutes to check what apps and extensions can access your location, accounts, and data. Small changes here can significantly reduce risk. 

Protect your logins first. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on email and work-related accounts. If attackers get your email, they can reset almost everything else. McAfee’s Password Manager can help you create and store unique passwords for all of your accounts.  

Expect follow-up scams after headlines. When breaches or policy changes make the news, scammers often follow with phishing messages that reference them. Extra skepticism in the days and weeks after a story breaks can prevent bigger problems later. 

The post This Week in Scams: Dating App Breaches, TikTok Data, Grubhub Extortion appeared first on McAfee Blog.

ICE Pretends It’s a Military Force. Its Tactics Would Get Real Soldiers Killed

By: John Publius
WIRED asked an active military officer to break down immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis and elsewhere.

An AI Toy Exposed 50,000 Logs of Its Chats With Kids to Anyone With a Gmail Account

By: Andy Greenberg
AI chat toy company Bondu left its web console almost entirely unprotected. Researchers who accessed it found nearly all the conversations children had with the company’s stuffed animals.

AI search framework that teaches AI models to think like experts

By: Supriti Vijay
Cisco Foundation AI introduces AI search framework for more efficient search by models

Buying Harry Styles Tickets? Avoid These Common Ticket Scams

By: Brooke Seipel
concert crowd

As Harry Styles concert tickets go on sale for his first tour in years, cybersecurity experts warn that the same excitement driving ticket registrations and social chatter will also drive a spike in ticket scams across social media, email, and text messages. 

“When demand spikes around a major tour, ticket scams spike too,” said Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee. “We saw this during recent major ticket releases, including the Oasis reunion, when McAfee Labs identified more than 2,000 suspicious ticket listings online.” 

“Scammers take advantage of the urgency fans already feel, and the fear of missing out, inserting themselves into social posts, DMs, and text threads with offers that sound normal and believable,” Karnik added.

“Avoid interacting with unknown sellers, especially when offers are made over social media,” Karnik said. “Payments made via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or peer-to-peer platforms like Venmo or Zelle are often not recoverable, which is why it’s safer to buy directly from official ticketing sites or well known resale platforms.”

Where, When, and How to Get Harry Styles Tickets 

Styles announced Together, Together on January 22, marking his first tour since 2023. 

The residency-style run spans seven cities worldwide: Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne, and Sydney. Shows begin in May and continue through December. 

New York City is the only North American stop, making competition for tickets especially intense for U.S. fans. In fact, a record-breaking 11.5 million people have already registered for ticket information to attend the Madison Square Garden stop alone. For context, the capacity for that venue is just 19,500 people.  

According to The Hollywood Reporter, that means just 5% of people who signed up for U.S. tickets will be able to buy them when they go on sale this week.  

American Express access presale ticket sales are already live, and Ticketmaster is the primary platform handling official sales.  

The rest of the Together, Together tour tickets will be released in two stages:  

  1. General on sale for NYC dates August 26 – October 9 begins on Friday, January 30.  
  2. General on sale for October 10 – 31 begins Wednesday, February 4. 

That staggered release schedule matters. Multiple on-sale moments mean repeated waves of urgency, which scammers often mirror with fake “last chance” messages, counterfeit presale links, or impersonations of ticketing platforms and customer support. 

What do Harry Styles tickets cost right now 

Ticket prices range widely by seat location and package, with outlets reporting lower prices starting in the $100 range. However, premium seats climb past $1,000. According to Forbes, the average ticket price of his 2022 tour was $113. 

That context matters, because it helps fans recognize the biggest red flag in ticket fraud: a too-good-to-be-true price.  

If you are seeing “floor seats for $50” while reputable platforms are showing far higher prices for comparable sections, that is not a deal. It is a hook for a scammer. 

How ticket scams work 

Ticket scams rarely start with “Buy my fake ticket.” They start with the conditions that make people easy to rush: too much noise, too many messages, and too little time to verify what’s real. 

McAfee’s State of the Scamiverse survey of 7,500 consumers found people now receive 14 scam messages per day on average, and spend a “time tax” of 114 hours a year sorting real from fake. In that environment, criminals don’t need you to be careless. They just need you to be busy. And major ticket drops create the perfect opening: high demand, fast-moving queues, and price shock that makes a “good deal” feel like something you have to grab immediately. 

What’s changed is that scams don’t even need a link anymore. The report found more than 1 in 4 people (26%) say suspicious social messages now arrive without a URL, and 44% admit they reply to those linkless DMs anyway, often triggering the next step of the scam. That’s the blueprint behind many ticket scams today: a believable message, a quick pivot to payment, and pressure to move fast before you can verify. 

Below are among the most common ticket-scam patterns to watch for, and exactly how they play out. 

Ticket fraud 

Ticket fraud is when someone advertises tickets, takes payment, and delivers nothing, or delivers tickets that do not work at the door. This includes fake screenshots, fake confirmation emails, and counterfeit QR codes. 

How it plays out: 

  • A seller claims they “cannot make the show.” 
  • They ask you to pay quickly to “hold” the tickets. 
  • They send a screenshot of a ticket or order email. 
  • The tickets never arrive, or the QR code fails when scanned. 

Resale duplication scams 

A resale duplication scam happens when the scammer sells the same ticket to multiple buyers. Sometimes the scammer has one legitimate ticket and sells it repeatedly. Sometimes they have none and simply reuse the same screenshot. 

How it plays out: 

  • You receive something that looks real. 
  • Multiple people show up with the same ticket. 
  • Only the first scan gets in. 

Phishing scams 

A phishing scam is a message designed to trick you into clicking a link or sharing personal information. Ticket phishing often pretends to be from Ticketmaster, a venue, a presale program, or customer support. 

How it plays out: 

  • “Your tickets are on hold, confirm within 10 minutes.” 
  • “Unusual activity detected. Verify your account.” 
  • “Your payment failed. Update billing.” 

Modern phishing messages can look polished and grammatically clean, which is why relying on spelling errors is no longer a reliable defense. 

Cloned ticket websites 

A cloned ticket website is a fake site made to look like a legitimate seller. These sites are built to capture your payment info, personal data, or both. 

How it plays out: 

  • You click an ad or link from social media. 
  • The site looks legitimate, but the URL is slightly off. 
  • You “buy” tickets and either receive nothing or later see fraud on your card. 

Ticket transfer and account takeover scams 

A ticket transfer scam exploits the fact that many tickets are digital and transferable. A related risk is account takeover, where scammers steal your ticketing login and transfer tickets out of your account. 

How it plays out: 

  • You get a message claiming your account needs verification. 
  • You enter credentials on a fake page. 
  • The attacker logs in and transfers tickets away. 

Fake customer support scams 

A fake customer support scam is when scammers pose as a company’s help desk, often after you post publicly that you need help. 

How it plays out: 

  • You tweet, post, or comment about ticket issues. 
  • An “agent” messages you first. 
  • They ask for login details, a code, or payment to “unlock” tickets. 

A true scam story: Henry’s last-minute ticket scam 

Henry A. had been trying for weeks to score a ticket to see Tyler, the Creator in Dallas. Even without a confirmed seat, he headed to the venue hoping for a miracle. And that’s when the message came in, someone nearby claimed to have extra tickets.  

The seller said he was just outside too. The price? Reasonable enough. The tone? Casual and confident. All Henry had to do was send half the money to hold the tickets.  

Minutes later, he sent the full $280.  

“I was already in line—excited, hopeful, and just trying to get in. That made me an easy target.”  

The seller began stalling. Then came a screenshot—another buyer offering a higher price. He pressured Henry to pay more. When Henry refused, the seller blocked him. 

Just like that, the tickets were gone. So was the money. And Henry and his friend never made it into the show.  

“I sent $280 and got blocked. We never made it inside.”  

What makes Henry’s experience so common is not the platform. It is the pattern: 

  • A believable story 
  • A “reasonable” price 
  • A fast-moving negotiation 
  • A sudden change in terms 
  • Pressure, then disappearance 

How to spot a ticket scam fast 

Use these red flags as a reality filter: 

Red Flag  What It Looks Like in Real Life 
Price mismatch  Tickets priced far below or far above comparable listings on official or verified resale platforms. 
Urgency tactics  Messages pushing “last chance,” “only today,” or claiming someone else is about to buy. 
Unprotected payment requests  Asking for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payments to strangers. 
Off-platform pressure  Requests to move the transaction to text, DMs, or email instead of using an official site. 
Refusal to verify tickets  Sellers unwilling to use a verified resale platform or provide proof that can be independently confirmed. 
Suspicious links  Shortened URLs, unusual domains, or ticket links sent through direct messages. 

Safer ways to buy tickets 

If you want the simplest rule: buy through official ticketing and verified resale platforms that offer buyer protection. Scammers can create fake accounts anywhere, but they cannot easily bypass legitimate purchase protections. 

Practical steps: 

  1. Go direct: Type the official ticketing URL into your browser, do not follow random links. 
  2. Use protected payment: Credit cards generally offer stronger dispute options than unprotected transfers. 
  3. Avoid risky payment demands: Crypto, gift cards, and wires are common in fraud because they are hard to reverse. 
  4. Secure your accounts: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available. 
  5. Pause before paying: Scammers depend on emotional momentum. 

How Scam Detector can help 

Tools like McAfee’s Scam Detector can act as a second set of eyes when messages or links are designed to rush you.  

Scam detection can help flag suspicious language patterns, risky links, and social engineering tactics before money leaves your account. 

The post Buying Harry Styles Tickets? Avoid These Common Ticket Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Why You Still Get Spam Calls Even After Blocking Numbers

By: Brooke Seipel

You block a caller, feel a moment of relief, and then the phone rings again. If you’re wondering why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers, you’re not alone.  

Spammers evolve quickly. They rotate phone numbers, spoof caller IDs, and use automated dialers to bypass basic defences, which is why many people see blocked calls still coming through and ask, can blocked numbers call you?

In this guide, we’ll explain what’s happening behind the scenes, share proven steps for how to stop getting spam calls, and help you protect your privacy and finances with confidence. 

What Counts as a Spam Call? 

Spam calls are unsolicited calls that aim to sell, deceive, or defraud. They include aggressive sales pitches, fake giveaways, tech support scams, and impersonations of banks or government agencies. Some are placed by people, while many are robocalls that play prerecorded messages at scale. Legality often hinges on consent and compliance with regulations, but harmful calls tend to ignore the rules. 

The typical scam call red flags: 1) Urgent or threatening language. 2) Pressure to pay right now. 3) Requests for sensitive details like Social Security numbers, bank information, or one-time passcodes.

Robocalls drive much of the volume today. They’re inexpensive, fast, and highly automated. While appointment reminders or pharmacy updates can be helpful and legitimate, scam robocalls promote fake debt collection, prize schemes, or malicious tech support. Their scale is precisely why blocked calls still coming through remains a persistent frustration. 

The familiar site of a phone inbox full of spam calls

Inbox of spam calls feel familiar?

Why Blocking Numbers Doesn’t Stop Spam 

Blocking prevents repeat calls from the same caller ID. Spammers know this and adapt. They rotate through vast pools of numbers, so each attempt looks new. You block one, and the next call arrives from a different number. It’s a cat-and-mouse game that leads many to ask, can blocked numbers call you or why is a blocked number still calling? 

Caller ID spoofing amplifies the problem. Spoofing lets scammers display any number they want, including matching your area code or appearing as a trusted organisation. This undermines caller ID and weakens number-based blocking. Some spoofed calls even show familiar names, increasing the chance you’ll answer. 

Behind the scenes, spam operations acquire and discard numbers rapidly through VoIP services and disposable lines. Large campaigns can cycle through thousands of numbers daily, which makes manual blocking a limited defense. That’s why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers and why many people wonder how to stop getting spam calls for good. 

Layered Measures to Reduce Spam Calls 

A stronger strategy combines smarter tools with practical policies that work together. Here’s how we approach it: 

Use call-protection apps: Choose reputable apps that leverage threat intelligence, crowdsourced reports, and machine learning. These tools detect patterns, silence high-risk calls, and warn you before you answer. Many provide enhanced caller ID and category-based filtering to cut down the noise. 

Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: Add your number at donotcall.gov to reduce lawful telemarketing. It won’t stop illegal spam calls, but it trims legitimate sales outreach and supports enforcement when violators call. 

Use your mobile carrier’s protections: Most phone carriers offer built-in features that help identify and block spam calls, often at no extra cost. When these tools are turned on, your phone may label suspicious calls as “Scam Likely,” warn you before you answer, or automatically block known spam numbers. Some carriers can also verify when a call is coming from a real business, which makes it harder for scammers to fake caller IDs and pretend to be someone they’re not. 

Used together, these layers reduce the chance that a blocked number still calling will get through and provide practical answers for how to stop getting spam calls without missing important calls. 

Best Practices for Handling Incoming Calls 

Build habits that make suspicious calls easier to spot and manage: 

Spot potential spam: Be cautious with unknown numbers, urgent demands, and offers that sound too good to be true. Don’t share personal information, one-time passcodes, or payment details. If someone claims to be from your bank, healthcare provider, or a government agency, hang up and call back using a verified number from their official website. 

Report spam quickly: File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. Include caller ID, time, message content, and any request for data or payment. Many call-protection apps and carriers support in-app reporting, which improves filters for everyone. 

Use call screening: Turn on features like Silence Unknown Callers on iOS or Filter Spam Calls on Android. Enable voicemail transcription and consider Do Not Disturb with exceptions for contacts and verified callers. Use screening assistants where available to prompt unknown callers to state their purpose. This reduces interruptions and blocks automated spam. 

Stay Safe from Social Engineering 

Phone scams often rely on social engineering. Recognising common tactics helps you pause and protect yourself. 

Spot voice phishing: Be wary of claims that your account is locked, a payment is overdue, or an immediate verification code is needed. Legitimate organisations do not ask for full Social Security numbers, passwords, or 2FA codes over the phone. If you’re concerned, contact the company through a trusted channel. 

Protect personal information: Keep sensitive data private. Don’t share account numbers, PINs, passwords, or security codes in response to an incoming call. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication. If you receive a verification code you didn’t request, secure your account right away. 

If you responded to a spam call: If you disclosed financial details or made a payment, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Change passwords, enable account alerts, and review recent activity. Report the incident to the FTC and local law enforcement if needed. Consider a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus. If a device may be compromised, run a trusted security app to scan and remove suspicious software. 

Quick Comparison of Anti-Spam Call Options 

Option  What It Does  Pros  Limitations 
Manual Number Blocking  Blocks repeat calls from a specific caller ID  Built into phones; easy to use  Spammers rotate and spoof numbers; limited reach 
Call-Protection Apps  Uses threat intelligence, AI, and community reports  Detects patterns; warns before you answer; auto-blocks known spam  May filter legitimate calls; requires setup and permissions 
Carrier Protections  Network-level filtering and caller authentication (STIR/SHAKEN)  Flags spoofed calls early; verified caller indicators  Effectiveness varies by carrier and plan 
Do Not Call Registry  Limits lawful telemarketing to registered numbers  Reduces legitimate sales calls; supports reporting  Does not stop illegal or scam calls 
Built-In Call Screening  Silences unknown callers and transcribes voicemail  Minimises interruptions; helps you review safely  May miss important calls from new contacts 

If you’re asking why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers or seeing a blocked number still calling, this table shows how layered options work together to reduce risks. 

Go Beyond Blocking: Remove Your Number From the Dark Web and Data Broker Lists 

Blocking spam callers treats the symptom, not the source. One reason spam keeps coming is that your phone number may already be circulating in data broker databases or dark web marketplaces after a breach, app signup, or form fill. Once your number is out there, it gets resold, bundled, and targeted repeatedly. 

McAfee Data Cleanup tackles that upstream problem. It helps find where your personal data, including your phone number, appears online and works to remove it from risky sources. Fewer listings mean fewer lists for spammers to buy and fewer campaigns aimed at your number. 

How your number ends up being targeted 

Data brokers: Many sites legally collect and resell contact details. Spammers buy access and blast calls at scale. 

Breaches and leaks: Stolen databases often end up on underground forums, where numbers are traded and reused. 

Public profiles and apps: Old accounts, giveaways, and permissions can expose your number without you realising. 

What Data Cleanup adds to your defense 

Finds exposures: Scans for your number across broker sites and known risk areas. 

Removes listings: Submits opt-out and removal requests on your behalf, reducing where your data lives online. 

Keeps watch: Monitors for reappearance so your number doesn’t quietly get relisted later. 

Think of this as turning down the tap, not just mopping the floor. When fewer databases have your number, spam operations have fewer ways to reach you. 

If you’re serious about how to stop getting spam calls, add data cleanup to your toolkit. Reducing your digital footprint won’t eliminate every bad call overnight, but over time, it lowers exposure, cuts repeat targeting, and helps reclaim your phone from constant interruptions. 

Blocking Isn’t Protection. Layering Is. 

If spam calls feel endless, it’s because blocking numbers was never designed to stop modern scam operations. Today’s callers rotate numbers, spoof trusted IDs, and pull your phone number from massive data ecosystems that don’t disappear when you tap “Block.” 

The real fix is layered protection. Call filtering and carrier tools help stop suspicious calls at the door. Screening features reduce interruptions. And addressing the source, by limiting where your number exists online, cuts down the number of campaigns that ever reach you in the first place. 

No single tool will end spam calls overnight. But when you combine smart call protections, cautious habits, and proactive data cleanup, the volume drops, the risks shrink, and your phone becomes a lot quieter. 

If you’ve been asking why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers, this is the answer. Blocking is reactive. Protection works best when it’s proactive. 

FAQs 

Q: Why do spam calls look like they’re from my area code? 

A: Scammers use caller ID spoofing to display local-looking numbers, increasing the chances you’ll answer. Spoofing can mimic legitimate numbers, so don’t rely on caller ID alone. If you’re seeing a blocked number still calling with a local prefix, turn on carrier protections and call screening. 

Q: Do call-blocking apps really help? 

A: Yes. Quality apps combine real-time threat intelligence with community reports and machine learning to spot patterns and flag risky calls. While no tool catches everything, they significantly reduce spam calls and help address why you still get spam calls even after blocking numbers. 

Q: Will the Do Not Call Registry stop all spam calls? 

A: No. It reduces lawful telemarketing but does not stop illegal or scam calls. Registering still helps cut legitimate outreach and supports enforcement against violators, which is an important step in how to stop getting spam calls. 

Q: What should I do after receiving a suspicious call? 

A: Don’t share information. Hang up, verify the caller using a trusted number, and report the incident to the FTC or FCC. If you clicked a link or provided details, secure your accounts and contact your bank or service provider right away. 

Q: Can my mobile carrier block spoofed calls? 

A: Carriers support caller authentication through STIR/SHAKEN, which helps identify and flag spoofed calls. Turn on your carrier’s spam protection features and screening options to reduce the chances of blocked calls still coming through. 

 

The post Why You Still Get Spam Calls Even After Blocking Numbers appeared first on McAfee Blog.

ICE Is Using Palantir’s AI Tools to Sort Through Tips

By: Caroline Haskins， Makena Kelly
ICE has been using an AI-powered Palantir system to summarize tips sent to its tip line since last spring, according to a newly released Homeland Security document.

Drowning in spam or scam emails? Here’s probably why

Has your inbox recently been deluged with unwanted and even outright malicious messages? Here are 10 possible reasons – and how to stem the tide.

How McAfee’s Scam Detector Checks QR Codes and Social Messages

By: Brooke Seipel
QR Scan Example

Scams don’t always arrive with obvious warning signs. 

They show up as QR codes on parking meters. As casual DMs that start with “Hey.” As social messages that feel routine enough to respond to without thinking twice. 

That shift has created a new burden for consumers. According to McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report, Americans now spend 114 hours a year trying to figure out what’s real and what’s fake online. That is nearly three full workweeks lost to second-guessing messages, alerts, links, and notifications. 

McAfee’s upgraded Scam Detector is designed to meet people in those exact moments, with enhancements rolling out across core McAfee plans beginning in February. 

The latest improvements add instant QR code scam checks and smarter social messaging protection, making it easier to spot scams before they escalate. 

Figure 1: An example of a suspicious text being flagged by McAfee’s Scam Detector 

Figure 1: An example of a suspicious text being flagged by McAfee’s Scam Detector 

What’s new in McAfee’s Scam Detector 

Scams now move quickly across platforms and formats, often escalating in minutes once someone engages. Among people who were harmed by a scam, the typical scam unfolded in about 38 minutes. 

That speed leaves little room for hesitation. Scam protection has to work in real time, not after the damage is done. 

McAfee’s latest Scam Detector upgrades are designed around that reality, adding: 

  • Instant QR code safety checks, so users can assess risk before tapping 
  • Smarter social messaging protection, with clearer warnings for suspicious texts, emails, and DMs, even when no link is present 

These Scam Detector upgrades will begin rolling out in February across all core McAfee plans, bringing real-time protection to the moments where scams escalate fastest. 

QR codes, quishing, and why instant scans are needed 

QR codes were designed for convenience. That is exactly why scammers use them. 

Cybercriminals increasingly hide malicious links behind QR codes placed on menus, parking meters, packages, posters, and public signage. People scan quickly, often without stopping to evaluate where the code leads. 

McAfee research shows how common this risk has become: 

  • 68% of people scanned a QR code in the past three months 
  • 18% landed on a suspicious or unsafe page after scanning 
  • Among those who did, more than half took risky actions such as entering personal information, installing an app, or connecting a digital wallet 

QR Scan Example

Figure 2. A still from a demo video, showing a risky QR code being blocked by McAfee’s Scam Detector 

Social media scams and the rise of linkless messages 

Phishing is no longer confined to emails with obvious red flags. 

Scams now arrive through WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Telegram, and other social platforms, often starting as vague or friendly messages designed to lower suspicion rather than trigger alarm. 

McAfee’s research highlights a key shift: more than one in four suspicious social messages contain no link at all, and 44% of Americans say they have replied to a suspicious DM with no link. 

These messages rely on familiarity and momentum. A short greeting. A warning about an account issue. A promise of easy money. By the time a request or link appears, the conversation already feels normal. 

And the economic impact of these scams is significant. According to the FTC, social media scams drove $1.9 billion in reported losses in 2024, making social platforms one of the top channels for fraud and identity theft. 

That’s why McAfee’s Scam Detector includes smarter social messaging protection, delivering clearer warnings for suspicious texts, emails, and DMs, even those without risky links, across popular platforms. The focus is on identifying suspicious patterns and behavior, not just URLs. 

Users can take a quick screenshot of their social media content on social media, and McAfee’s Scam Detector will analyze the message for suspicious activity. 

Get protection that works before scams escalate 

The stakes are high: 

  • One in three Americans has lost money to a scam 
  • Among those who lost money, the average loss was $1,160 
  • 15% of scam victims fall for another scam within a year 

Scams are not just increasing in volume. They are becoming more personal, more believable, and easier to scale using AI. 

McAfee’s upgraded Scam Detector is designed to stay ahead of those shifts, offering real-time guidance when it matters most, whether that’s a suspicious QR code, a vague DM, or a message that feels just normal enough to trust. 

The enhanced Scam Detector, including instant QR code checks and smarter social messaging protection, will begin rolling out in February across all core McAfee plans. 

The post How McAfee’s Scam Detector Checks QR Codes and Social Messages appeared first on McAfee Blog.

McAfee Report: In the AI Slop Era, Americans Spend Weeks Each Year Questioning What’s Real

By: Brooke Seipel

Merriam-Webster’s word of 2025 was “slop.” Specifically, AI slop. 

Low-effort, AI-generated content now fills social feeds, inboxes, and message threads. Much of it is harmless. Some of it is entertaining. But its growing presence is changing what people expect to see online.

McAfee’s 2026 State of the Scamiverse report shows that scammers are increasingly using the same AI tools and techniques to make fraud feel familiar and convincing. Phishing sites look more legitimate. Messages sound more natural. Conversations unfold in ways that feel routine instead of suspicious.

According to McAfee’s consumer survey, Americans now spend an average of 114 hours a year trying to determine whether the messages they receive are real or scams. That’s nearly three full workweeks lost not to fraud itself, but to hesitation and doubt.

As AI-generated content becomes more common, the traditional signals people relied on to spot scams, such as strange links and awkward grammar, are fading. That shift does not mean everything online is dangerous. It means it takes more effort to tell what is real from what is malicious.

The result is growing uncertainty. And a rising cost in time, attention, and confidence.

The average American receives 14 scam messages a day 

Scams are no longer occasional interruptions. They are a constant background noise. 

According to the report, Americans receive an average of 14 scam messages per day across text, email, and social media.  

Many of these messages do not look suspicious at first glance. They resemble routine interactions people are conditioned to respond to. 

  • Delivery notices 
  • Account verification requests 
  • Subscription renewals  
  • Job outreach 
  • Bank alerts 
  • Charity appeals 

And with the use of AI tools, scammers are churning out these scam messages and making them look extremely realistic.

That strategy is working. One in three Americans says they feel less confident spotting scams than they did a year ago.  

 

scam statsFigure 1. Types of scams reported in our consumer survey. 

Most scams move fast, and many are over in minutes 

The popular image of scams often involves long email threads or elaborate schemes. In reality, many modern scams unfold quickly. 

Among Americans who were harmed by a scam, the typical scam played out in about 38 minutes.  

That speed matters. It leaves little time for reflection, verification, or second opinions. Once a person engages, scammers often escalate immediately. 

Still, some scammers play the long game with realistic romance or friendship scams that turn into crypto pitches or urgent requests for financial support. Often these scams start with no link at all, but just a familiar DM.

In fact, the report found that more than one in four suspicious social messages contain no link at all, removing one of the most familiar warning signs of a scam.  And 44% of people say they have replied to a suspicious direct message without a link.  

Linkless DM scams seek to build trust before asking victims for money.

The cost is not just money. It is time and attention. 

Financial losses from scams remain significant. One in three Americans report losing money to a scam. Among those who lost money, the average loss was $1,160.  

But the report argues that focusing only on dollar amounts understates the broader impact: scams also cost time, attention, and emotional energy. 

People are forced to second-guess everyday digital interactions. Opening a message. Answering a call. Scanning a QR code. Responding to a notification. That time adds up. 

And who doesn’t know that sinking feeling when you realize a message you opened or a link you clicked wasn’t legitimate?

map of annual scam losses globally 2025

Figure 3. World Map of Average Scam Losses. 

Why AI slop makes scams harder to spot 

The rise of AI-generated content has changed the baseline of what people expect online. It’s now an everyday part of life.

According to the report, Americans say they see an average of three deepfakes per day.  

Most are not scams. But that familiarity has consequences. 

When AI-generated content becomes normal, it becomes harder to recognize when the same tools are being used maliciously. The report found that more than one in three Americans do not feel confident identifying deepfake scams, and one in ten say they have already experienced a voice-clone scam. Voice clone scams often feature AI deepfake audio of public figures, or even people you know, requesting urgent financial support and compromising information.

These AI-generated scams also come in the form of phony customer support outreach, fake job opportunities and interviews, and illegitimate investment pitches.

Account takeovers are becoming routine 

Scams do not always end with an immediate financial loss. Many are designed to gain long-term access to accounts. 

The report found that 55% of Americans say a social media account was compromised in the past year.  

Once an account is taken over, scammers can impersonate trusted contacts, spread malicious links, or harvest additional personal information. The damage often extends well beyond the original interaction. 

What not to do in 2026Scams are blending into everyday digital life 

What stands out most in the 2026 report is how thoroughly scams have blended into normal online routines. 

Scammers are embedding fraud into the same systems people rely on to work, communicate, and manage their lives. 

  • Cloud storage alerts (such as Google Drive or iCloud notices) warning that storage is full or access will be restricted unless action is taken, pushing users toward fake login pages.
  • Shared document notifications that appear to come from coworkers or collaborators, prompting recipients to open files or sign in to view a document that does not exist.
  • Payment confirmations that claim a charge has gone through, pressuring people to click or reply quickly to dispute a transaction they do not recognize.
  • Verification codes sent unexpectedly, often as part of account takeover attempts designed to trick people into sharing one-time passwords.
  • Customer support messages that impersonate trusted brands, offering help with an issue the recipient never reported.

Cloud scam Example

Figure 4: Example of a cloud scam message. 

The Key Takeaway

Not all AI-generated content is a scam. Much of what people encounter online every day is harmless, forgettable, or even entertaining. But the rapid growth of AI slop is creating a different kind of risk.

Constant exposure to synthetic images, videos, and messages is wearing down people’s ability to tell what is real and what is manipulated. The State of the Scamiverse report shows that consumers are already struggling with that distinction, and the data suggests the consequences are compounding. As digital noise increases, so does fatigue. And fatigue is exactly what scammers exploit.

FTC data shows losses from scams continuing to climb, and McAfee Labs is tracking a rise in fraud that blends seamlessly into everyday digital routines. Cloud storage warnings, shared document notifications, payment confirmations, verification codes, and customer support messages are increasingly being mimicked or abused by scammers because they look normal and demand quick action.

The danger of the AI slop era is not that everything online is fake. The danger is that people are being forced to question everything. That constant doubt slows judgment, erodes confidence, and creates openings for fraud to scale.

In 2026, the cost of scams is no longer measured only in dollars lost. It is measured in time, attention, and trust, and those losses are still growing.

Learn more and read the full report here.

FAQ: Understanding the AI Slop Era and Modern Scams 

Q: What is AI slop?  

A: The term refers to the flood of low-quality, AI-generated content now common online. While much of it is harmless, constant exposure can make it harder to identify when similar technology is used for scams.   
Q: How much time do Americans lose to scams?  

A: Americans spend 114 hours a year determining whether digital messages and alerts are real or fraudulent. That is nearly three workweeks.   
Q: How fast do scams happen today?  

A: Among people harmed by scams, the typical scam unfolds in about 38 minutes from first interaction to harm.   
Q: How common are deepfake scams?  

A: Americans report seeing three deepfakes per day on average, and one in ten say they have experienced a voice-clone scam.   

 

The post McAfee Report: In the AI Slop Era, Americans Spend Weeks Each Year Questioning What’s Real appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Revealed: Leaked Chats Expose the Daily Life of a Scam Compound’s Enslaved Workforce

By: Andy Greenberg， Lily Hay Newman， Matt Burgess
A whistleblower trapped inside a “pig butchering” scam compound gave WIRED a vast trove of its internal materials—including 4,200 pages of messages that lay out its operations in unprecedented detail.

He Leaked the Secrets of a Southeast Asian Scam Compound. Then He Had to Get Out Alive

By: Andy Greenberg
A source trapped inside an industrial-scale scamming operation contacted me, determined to expose his captors’ crimes—and then escape. This is his story.

Judge Delays Minnesota ICE Decision While Weighing Whether State Is Being Illegally Punished

By: Dell Cameron
A federal judge ordered a new briefing due Wednesday on whether DHS is using armed raids to pressure Minnesota into abandoning its sanctuary policies, leaving ICE operations in place for now.

Deepfake ‘Nudify’ Technology Is Getting Darker—and More Dangerous

By: Matt Burgess
Sexual deepfakes continue to get more sophisticated, capable, easy to access, and perilous for millions of women who are abused with the technology.

Who Operates the Badbox 2.0 Botnet?

By: BrianKrebs

The cybercriminals in control of Kimwolf — a disruptive botnet that has infected more than 2 million devices — recently shared a screenshot indicating they’d compromised the control panel for Badbox 2.0, a vast China-based botnet powered by malicious software that comes pre-installed on many Android TV streaming boxes. Both the FBI and Google say they are hunting for the people behind Badbox 2.0, and thanks to bragging by the Kimwolf botmasters we may now have a much clearer idea about that.

Our first story of 2026, The Kimwolf Botnet is Stalking Your Local Network, detailed the unique and highly invasive methods Kimwolf uses to spread. The story warned that the vast majority of Kimwolf infected systems were unofficial Android TV boxes that are typically marketed as a way to watch unlimited (pirated) movie and TV streaming services for a one-time fee.

Our January 8 story, Who Benefitted from the Aisuru and Kimwolf Botnets?, cited multiple sources saying the current administrators of Kimwolf went by the nicknames “Dort” and “Snow.” Earlier this month, a close former associate of Dort and Snow shared what they said was a screenshot the Kimwolf botmasters had taken while logged in to the Badbox 2.0 botnet control panel.

That screenshot, a portion of which is shown below, shows seven authorized users of the control panel, including one that doesn’t quite match the others: According to my source, the account “ABCD” (the one that is logged in and listed in the top right of the screenshot) belongs to Dort, who somehow figured out how to add their email address as a valid user of the Badbox 2.0 botnet.

The control panel for the Badbox 2.0 botnet lists seven authorized users and their email addresses. Click to enlarge.

Badbox has a storied history that well predates Kimwolf’s rise in October 2025. In July 2025, Google filed a “John Doe” lawsuit (PDF) against 25 unidentified defendants accused of operating Badbox 2.0, which Google described as a botnet of over ten million unsanctioned Android streaming devices engaged in advertising fraud. Google said Badbox 2.0, in addition to compromising multiple types of devices prior to purchase, also can infect devices by requiring the download of malicious apps from unofficial marketplaces.

Google’s lawsuit came on the heels of a June 2025 advisory from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which warned that cyber criminals were gaining unauthorized access to home networks by either configuring the products with malware prior to the user’s purchase, or infecting the device as it downloads required applications that contain backdoors — usually during the set-up process.

The FBI said Badbox 2.0 was discovered after the original Badbox campaign was disrupted in 2024. The original Badbox was identified in 2023, and primarily consisted of Android operating system devices (TV boxes) that were compromised with backdoor malware prior to purchase.

KrebsOnSecurity was initially skeptical of the claim that the Kimwolf botmasters had hacked the Badbox 2.0 botnet. That is, until we began digging into the history of the qq.com email addresses in the screenshot above.

CATHEAD

An online search for the address 34557257@qq.com (pictured in the screenshot above as the user “Chen“) shows it is listed as a point of contact for a number of China-based technology companies, including:

–Beijing Hong Dake Wang Science & Technology Co Ltd.
–Beijing Hengchuang Vision Mobile Media Technology Co. Ltd.
–Moxin Beijing Science and Technology Co. Ltd.

The website for Beijing Hong Dake Wang Science is asmeisvip[.]net, a domain that was flagged in a March 2025 report by HUMAN Security as one of several dozen sites tied to the distribution and management of the Badbox 2.0 botnet. Ditto for moyix[.]com, a domain associated with Beijing Hengchuang Vision Mobile.

A search at the breach tracking service Constella Intelligence finds 34557257@qq.com at one point used the password “cdh76111.” Pivoting on that password in Constella shows it is known to have been used by just two other email accounts: daihaic@gmail.com and cathead@gmail.com.

Constella found cathead@gmail.com registered an account at jd.com (China’s largest online retailer) in 2021 under the name “陈代海,” which translates to “Chen Daihai.” According to DomainTools.com, the name Chen Daihai is present in the original registration records (2008) for moyix[.]com, along with the email address cathead@astrolink[.]cn.

Incidentally, astrolink[.]cn also is among the Badbox 2.0 domains identified in HUMAN Security’s 2025 report. DomainTools finds cathead@astrolink[.]cn was used to register more than a dozen domains, including vmud[.]net, yet another Badbox 2.0 domain tagged by HUMAN Security.

XAVIER

A cached copy of astrolink[.]cn preserved at archive.org shows the website belongs to a mobile app development company whose full name is Beijing Astrolink Wireless Digital Technology Co. Ltd. The archived website reveals a “Contact Us” page that lists a Chen Daihai as part of the company’s technology department. The other person featured on that contact page is Zhu Zhiyu, and their email address is listed as xavier@astrolink[.]cn.

A Google-translated version of Astrolink’s website, circa 2009. Image: archive.org.

Astute readers will notice that the user Mr.Zhu in the Badbox 2.0 panel used the email address xavierzhu@qq.com. Searching this address in Constella reveals a jd.com account registered in the name of Zhu Zhiyu. A rather unique password used by this account matches the password used by the address xavierzhu@gmail.com, which DomainTools finds was the original registrant of astrolink[.]cn.

ADMIN

The very first account listed in the Badbox 2.0 panel — “admin,” registered in November 2020 — used the email address 189308024@qq.com. DomainTools shows this email is found in the 2022 registration records for the domain guilincloud[.]cn, which includes the registrant name “Huang Guilin.”

Constella finds 189308024@qq.com is associated with the China phone number 18681627767. The open-source intelligence platform osint.industries reveals this phone number is connected to a Microsoft profile created in 2014 under the name Guilin Huang (桂林 黄). The cyber intelligence platform Spycloud says that phone number was used in 2017 to create an account at the Chinese social media platform Weibo under the username “h_guilin.”

The public information attached to Guilin Huang’s Microsoft account, according to the breach tracking service osintindustries.com.

The remaining three users and corresponding qq.com email addresses were all connected to individuals in China. However, none of them (nor Mr. Huang) had any apparent connection to the entities created and operated by Chen Daihai and Zhu Zhiyu — or to any corporate entities for that matter. Also, none of these individuals responded to requests for comment.

The mind map below includes search pivots on the email addresses, company names and phone numbers that suggest a connection between Chen Daihai, Zhu Zhiyu, and Badbox 2.0.

This mind map includes search pivots on the email addresses, company names and phone numbers that appear to connect Chen Daihai and Zhu Zhiyu to Badbox 2.0. Click to enlarge.

UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS

The idea that the Kimwolf botmasters could have direct access to the Badbox 2.0 botnet is a big deal, but explaining exactly why that is requires some background on how Kimwolf spreads to new devices. The botmasters figured out they could trick residential proxy services into relaying malicious commands to vulnerable devices behind the firewall on the unsuspecting user’s local network.

The vulnerable systems sought out by Kimwolf are primarily Internet of Things (IoT) devices like unsanctioned Android TV boxes and digital photo frames that have no discernible security or authentication built-in. Put simply, if you can communicate with these devices, you can compromise them with a single command.

Our January 2 story featured research from the proxy-tracking firm Synthient, which alerted 11 different residential proxy providers that their proxy endpoints were vulnerable to being abused for this kind of local network probing and exploitation.

Most of those vulnerable proxy providers have since taken steps to prevent customers from going upstream into the local networks of residential proxy endpoints, and it appeared that Kimwolf would no longer be able to quickly spread to millions of devices simply by exploiting some residential proxy provider.

However, the source of that Badbox 2.0 screenshot said the Kimwolf botmasters had an ace up their sleeve the whole time: Secret access to the Badbox 2.0 botnet control panel.

“Dort has gotten unauthorized access,” the source said. “So, what happened is normal proxy providers patched this. But Badbox doesn’t sell proxies by itself, so it’s not patched. And as long as Dort has access to Badbox, they would be able to load” the Kimwolf malware directly onto TV boxes associated with Badbox 2.0.

The source said it isn’t clear how Dort gained access to the Badbox botnet panel. But it’s unlikely that Dort’s existing account will persist for much longer: All of our notifications to the qq.com email addresses listed in the control panel screenshot received a copy of that image, as well as questions about the apparently rogue ABCD account.

Privacy and Data Governance — Keys to Innovation and Trust in the AI Era

By: Harvey Jang
Cisco 2026 Data and Privacy Benchmark Study shares insights into how privacy unlocks competitive advantage for business growth and builds trust in AI era.

The Instant Smear Campaign Against Border Patrol Shooting Victim Alex Pretti

By: David Gilbert
Within minutes of the shooting, the Trump administration and right-wing influencers began disparaging the man shot by a federal immigration officer on Saturday in Minneapolis.

ICE Asks Companies About ‘Ad Tech and Big Data’ Tools It Could Use in Investigations

By: Caroline Haskins
A new federal filing from ICE demonstrates how commercial tools are increasingly being considered by the government for law enforcement and surveillance.

This Week in Scams: Netflix Phishing and QR Code Espionage

By: Brooke Seipel
Couple watching Netflix

This week in scams, attackers are leaning hard on familiar brands, everyday tools, and routine behavior to trigger fast, unthinking reactions. From fake Netflix billing alerts to malicious browser extensions and QR code phishing tied to foreign espionage, the common thread is trust being weaponized at exactly the right moment. 

Every week, this roundup breaks down the scam and cybersecurity stories making news and explains how they actually work, so readers can better recognize risk and avoid being manipulated. 

Let’s get into it. 

Netflix Billing Emails Are Back… And Still Catching People Off Guard 

The big picture: Subscription phishing is resurging, with scammers impersonating Netflix and using fake billing failures to push victims into handing over payment details. 

What happened: Multiple Netflix impersonation emails circulated again this month, warning recipients that a payment failed and urging them to “update payment” to avoid service interruption. The messages closely mirror Netflix’s real branding and include polished formatting, official-looking language, and even PDF attachments designed to feel like legitimate billing notices. 

What makes these scams effective is timing. Victims often receive them while actively reviewing subscriptions, updating payment methods, or considering canceling services. That context lowers skepticism just enough for a quick click before slowing down to verify. 

McAfee’s Scam Detector flagged the messages (which one of our own employees received this week) as phishing, confirming they were designed to steal payment information rather than resolve a real billing issue. 

Example of McAfee detecting the Netflix phishing scam

Red flags to watch for: 

  • Unexpected billing problems paired with urgent calls to act 
  • Payment requests delivered by email instead of inside the app 
  • Attachments or buttons asking you to “fix” account issues 
  • Sender addresses that don’t match official Netflix domains 

How this scam works: This is classic brand impersonation phishing. Scammers don’t need to hack Netflix itself. They rely on people recognizing the logo, trusting the message, and reacting emotionally to the idea of losing access. The attachment and clean design help bypass instinctive spam filters in the brain, even when technical filters catch it later. 

Netflix has warned customers about these scams and offers advice on its site if you encounter one.

What to do instead: If you get a billing alert, don’t click. Open the Netflix app or manually type the site address to check your account. If there’s no issue there, the email wasn’t real. 

Fake Ad Blocker Crashes Browsers to Push “Fix It” Malware 

The big picture: Attackers are exploiting browser crashes themselves as a social engineering tool, turning technical disruption into a pathway for malware installation. 

What happened: Researchers reported a malvertising campaign promoting a fake ad-blocking browser extension called “NexShield,” which falsely claimed to be created by the developer of a well-known, legitimate ad blocker. Once installed, the extension intentionally overwhelmed the browser, causing freezes, crashes, and system instability. 

After restart, victims were shown fake security warnings instructing them to “fix” the problem by running commands on their own computer. Following those instructions triggered the download of a remote access tool capable of spying, executing commands, and installing additional malware. The reporting was first detailed by Bleeping Computer, with technical analysis from security researchers. 

Red flags to watch for: 

  • Browser extensions promising performance boosts or “ultimate” protection 
  • Crashes immediately after installing a new extension 
  • Pop-ups instructing you to run commands manually 
  • “Security fixes” that require copying and pasting code 

How this scam works: This is a variant of ClickFix attacks. Instead of faking a problem, attackers cause a real one, then position themselves as the solution. The crash creates urgency and confusion, making people more likely to follow instructions they’d normally question. It turns frustration into compliance. 

FBI Warns QR Code Phishing Is Being Used for Cyber Espionage 

The big picture: QR codes are being used as stealth phishing tools, with highly targeted attacks tied to foreign intelligence operations. 

What happened: The Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning about QR code phishing, or “quishing,” campaigns linked to a North Korean government-backed hacking group. According to reporting by Fox News, attackers sent emails containing QR codes that redirected victims to fake login pages or malware-hosting sites. 

In some cases, simply visiting the site allowed attackers to collect device data, location details, and system information, even if no credentials were entered. These campaigns are highly targeted, often aimed at professionals in policy, research, and technology sectors. 

Red flags to watch for: 

  • QR codes sent by email or messaging apps 
  • QR codes leading to login pages for work tools or cloud services 
  • Messages that feel personalized but unexpected 
  • Requests to scan instead of click 

How this scam works: QR codes hide the destination URL, removing the visual cues people rely on to judge safety. Because scanning feels faster and more “passive” than clicking a link, people often skip verification entirely. That moment of trust is what attackers exploit. 

Read our ultimate guide to “quishing” and how to spot and avoid QR code scams here. 

McAfee’s Safety Tips for This Week 

  • Verify inside official apps. Billing or security issues should be confirmed directly in the app or website you normally use, not through email links or QR codes. 
  • Treat extensions like software installs. Only install browser extensions from trusted publishers you already know, and remove anything that causes instability. 
  • Slow down with QR codes. If a QR code leads to a login page or download, close it and navigate manually instead. 
  • Watch for urgency + familiarity. Scammers increasingly rely on brands, tools, and behaviors you already trust to short-circuit caution. 

McAfee will be back next week with another roundup of the scams making headlines and the practical steps you can take to stay safer online. 

The post This Week in Scams: Netflix Phishing and QR Code Espionage appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Children and chatbots: What parents should know

As children turn to AI chatbots for answers, advice, and companionship, questions emerge about their safety, privacy, and emotional development

US Judge Rules ICE Raids Require Judicial Warrants, Contradicting Secret ICE Memo

By: Dell Cameron， Matt Giles
The ruling in federal court in Minnesota lands as Immigration and Customs Enforcement faces scrutiny over an internal memo claiming judge-signed warrants aren’t needed to enter homes without consent.

CBP Wants AI-Powered ‘Quantum Sensors’ for Finding Fentanyl in Cars

By: Caroline Haskins
US Customs and Border Protection is paying General Dynamics to create prototype “quantum sensors,” to be used with an AI database to detect fentanyl and other narcotics.

149 Million Usernames and Passwords Exposed by Unsecured Database

By: Lily Hay Newman
This “dream wish list for criminals” includes millions of Gmail, Facebook, banking logins, and more. The researcher who discovered it suspects they were collected using infostealing malware.

Today’s Microsoft Outage Explained and Why it Triggers a Scam Playbook

By: Brooke Seipel

Microsoft users across the U.S. experienced widespread disruptions Thursday after a technical failure prevented people from sending or receiving email through Outlook, a core service within Microsoft 365. 

The outage occurred during U.S. business hours and quickly affected schools, government offices, and companies that rely on Outlook for daily operations. Microsoft confirmed the issue publicly and said it was working to restore service. There is no indication the disruption was caused by a cyberattack, according to company statements.

Still, McAfee warns in these situations to be wary of phishing attempts as scammers latch onto these outages to take advantage of innocent users. 

“Outages like this create uncertainty, and scammers move fast to take advantage of it,” said Steve Grobman, McAfee’s Chief Technology Officer. “When people can’t get into email or the tools they use every day, it’s easy to assume something is wrong with your account — and that’s exactly the moment attackers look for.”

“Fake alerts start circulating that look like they’re coming from the real company, with logos and urgent language telling you to reset a password or verify your information,” Grobman added. “Some push fake support numbers or messages claiming they can restore access. If you’re impacted, slow down, go straight to the official source for updates, and don’t share passwords, verification codes, or payment details in response to an unexpected message.”

“Tools that can spot suspicious links and fake login pages help reduce risk — especially when people are trying to get back online quickly,” Grobman said.

Here, we break down what happened and why outages are prime time for scammers.

What happened to Microsoft Outlook? 

A Microsoft infrastructure failure disrupted email delivery. 

Microsoft said the outage was caused by a portion of its North American service infrastructure that was failing to properly handle traffic. Users attempting to send or receive email encountered a “451 4.3.2 temporary server issue” error message.

Microsoft also warned that related services, including OneDrive search and SharePoint Online, could experience slowdowns or intermittent failures during the incident.

When did the Microsoft outage happen? 

The disruption unfolded over several hours on Thursday afternoon (ET). 

Based on timelines reported by CNBC and live coverage from Tom’s Guide, the outage progressed as follows: 

Around 2:00 p.m. ET: User reports spike across Microsoft services, especially Outlook, according to Down Detector data cited by Tom’s Guide.

2:37 p.m. ET: Microsoft confirms it is investigating an Outlook email issue, per CNBC.

3:17 p.m. ET: Microsoft says it identified misrouted traffic tied to infrastructure problems in North America, CNBC reports.

4:14 p.m. ET: The company announces affected infrastructure has been restored and traffic is being redirected to recover service.

Tom’s Guide reported that while outage reports declined after Microsoft’s fix, some users continued to experience intermittent access issues as systems rebalanced. 

Was this a hack or cyberattack? 

No. Microsoft says the outage was caused by technical infrastructure issues. 

According to CNBC, Microsoft has not indicated that the outage was the result of hacking, ransomware, or any external attack. Instead, the company attributed the disruption to internal infrastructure handling errors, similar to a previous Outlook outage last July that lasted more than 21 hours. 

Message from Microsoft

A message sent by Microsoft about the server issue.

Why outages  cause widespread disruption 

Modern work depends on shared cloud infrastructure. 

That sudden loss of access often leaves users unsure whether: 

  • Their account has been compromised 
  • Their data is at risk 
  • They need to take immediate action 

That uncertainty is exactly what scammers look for. 

How scammers exploit big tech outages

They impersonate the company and trick users into signing in again. 

After major outages involving Microsoft, Google, or Amazon Web Services, security researchers, including McAfee, have observed scam campaigns emerge within hours. 

These scams typically work by: 

Impersonating Microsoft using logos, branding, and language copied from real outage notices 

Sending fake “service restoration” emails or texts claiming users must re-authenticate 

Linking to realistic login pages designed to steal Microsoft usernames and passwords 

Posing as IT support or Microsoft support and directing users to fake phone numbers 

Once credentials are stolen, attackers can access email accounts, reset passwords on other services, or launch further phishing attacks from a trusted address. 

How to stay safe during a Microsoft outage 

Outages are confusing. Scammers rely on urgency and familiarity. 

To reduce risk: 

  • Do not click links in emails or texts about outages or “account recovery.” 
  • Go directly to official sources, such as Microsoft’s status page or verified social accounts. 
  • Never re-enter your password through links sent during an outage. 
  • Ignore urgent fixes that ask for downloads, payments, or credentials. 

If you already clicked or entered information: 

  • Change your Microsoft password immediately 
  • Update passwords anywhere you reused it 
  • Turn on or refresh two-factor authentication 
  • Review recent account activity 
  • Run a trusted security scan to remove malicious software (check out our free trial) 

How McAfee can help 

Using advanced artificial intelligence, McAfee’s built-in Scam Detector automatically detects scams across text, email, and video, blocks dangerous links, and identifies deepfakes, helping stop harm before it happens. 

McAfee’s identity protection tools also monitor for signs your personal information may be exposed and guide you through recovery if scammers gain access. 

FAQ 

Q: Is Microsoft Outlook still down?
A: Microsoft said Thursday afternoon that it had restored affected infrastructure and was redirecting traffic to recover service, according to CNBC. Some users may still experience intermittent issues. 
Q: Was the Microsoft outage caused by hackers?
A: No. Microsoft has not reported any cyberattack or data breach related to the outage, per CNBC. 
Q: Can scammers really use outages to steal accounts?
A: Yes. During major outages, scammers often impersonate companies like Microsoft and trick users into signing in again on fake websites. 
Q: Should I reset my password after an outage?
A: Only if you clicked a suspicious link or entered your credentials somewhere outside Microsoft’s official site. Otherwise, resetting passwords isn’t necessary. 

 

The post Today’s Microsoft Outage Explained and Why it Triggers a Scam Playbook appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Kimwolf Botnet Lurking in Corporate, Govt. Networks

By: BrianKrebs

A new Internet-of-Things (IoT) botnet called Kimwolf has spread to more than 2 million devices, forcing infected systems to participate in massive distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and to relay other malicious and abusive Internet traffic. Kimwolf’s ability to scan the local networks of compromised systems for other IoT devices to infect makes it a sobering threat to organizations, and new research reveals Kimwolf is surprisingly prevalent in government and corporate networks.

Image: Shutterstock, @Elzicon.

Kimwolf grew rapidly in the waning months of 2025 by tricking various “residential proxy” services into relaying malicious commands to devices on the local networks of those proxy endpoints. Residential proxies are sold as a way to anonymize and localize one’s Web traffic to a specific region, and the biggest of these services allow customers to route their Internet activity through devices in virtually any country or city around the globe.

The malware that turns one’s Internet connection into a proxy node is often quietly bundled with various mobile apps and games, and it typically forces the infected device to relay malicious and abusive traffic — including ad fraud, account takeover attempts, and mass content-scraping.

Kimwolf mainly targeted proxies from IPIDEA, a Chinese service that has millions of proxy endpoints for rent on any given week. The Kimwolf operators discovered they could forward malicious commands to the internal networks of IPIDEA proxy endpoints, and then programmatically scan for and infect other vulnerable devices on each endpoint’s local network.

Most of the systems compromised through Kimwolf’s local network scanning have been unofficial Android TV streaming boxes. These are typically Android Open Source Project devices — not Android TV OS devices or Play Protect certified Android devices — and they are generally marketed as a way to watch unlimited (read:pirated) video content from popular subscription streaming services for a one-time fee.

However, a great many of these TV boxes ship to consumers with residential proxy software pre-installed. What’s more, they have no real security or authentication built-in: If you can communicate directly with the TV box, you can also easily compromise it with malware.

While IPIDEA and other affected proxy providers recently have taken steps to block threats like Kimwolf from going upstream into their endpoints (reportedly with varying degrees of success), the Kimwolf malware remains on millions of infected devices.

A screenshot of IPIDEA’s proxy service.

Kimwolf’s close association with residential proxy networks and compromised Android TV boxes might suggest we’d find relatively few infections on corporate networks. However, the security firm Infoblox said a recent review of its customer traffic found nearly 25 percent of them made a query to a Kimwolf-related domain name since October 1, 2025, when the botnet first showed signs of life.

Infoblox found the affected customers are based all over the world and in a wide range of industry verticals, from education and healthcare to government and finance.

“To be clear, this suggests that nearly 25% of customers had at least one device that was an endpoint in a residential proxy service targeted by Kimwolf operators,” Infoblox explained. “Such a device, maybe a phone or a laptop, was essentially co-opted by the threat actor to probe the local network for vulnerable devices. A query means a scan was made, not that new devices were compromised. Lateral movement would fail if there were no vulnerable devices to be found or if the DNS resolution was blocked.”

Synthient, a startup that tracks proxy services and was the first to disclose on January 2 the unique methods Kimwolf uses to spread, found proxy endpoints from IPIDEA were present in alarming numbers at government and academic institutions worldwide. Synthient said it spied at least 33,000 affected Internet addresses at universities and colleges, and nearly 8,000 IPIDEA proxies within various U.S. and foreign government networks.

The top 50 domain names sought out by users of IPIDEA’s residential proxy service, according to Synthient.

In a webinar on January 16, experts at the proxy tracking service Spur profiled Internet addresses associated with IPIDEA and 10 other proxy services that were thought to be vulnerable to Kimwolf’s tricks. Spur found residential proxies in nearly 300 government owned and operated networks, 318 utility companies, 166 healthcare companies or hospitals, and 141 companies in banking and finance.

“I looked at the 298 [government] owned and operated [networks], and so many of them were DoD [U.S. Department of Defense], which is kind of terrifying that DoD has IPIDEA and these other proxy services located inside of it,” Spur Co-Founder Riley Kilmer said. “I don’t know how these enterprises have these networks set up. It could be that [infected devices] are segregated on the network, that even if you had local access it doesn’t really mean much. However, it’s something to be aware of. If a device goes in, anything that device has access to the proxy would have access to.”

Kilmer said Kimwolf demonstrates how a single residential proxy infection can quickly lead to bigger problems for organizations that are harboring unsecured devices behind their firewalls, noting that proxy services present a potentially simple way for attackers to probe other devices on the local network of a targeted organization.

“If you know you have [proxy] infections that are located in a company, you can chose that [network] to come out of and then locally pivot,” Kilmer said. “If you have an idea of where to start or look, now you have a foothold in a company or an enterprise based on just that.”

This is the third story in our series on the Kimwolf botnet. Next week, we’ll shed light on the myriad China-based individuals and companies connected to the Badbox 2.0 botnet, the collective name given to a vast number of Android TV streaming box models that ship with no discernible security or authentication built-in, and with residential proxy malware pre-installed.

Further reading:

The Kimwolf Botnet is Stalking Your Local Network

Who Benefitted from the Aisuru and Kimwolf Botnets?

A Broken System Fueling Botnets (Synthient).

ICE Agents Are ‘Doxing’ Themselves

By: Maddy Varner
The alleged risks of being publicly identified have not stopped DHS  and ICE employees from creating profiles on LinkedIn, even as Kristi Noem threatens to treat revealing agents’ identities as a crime.

Didn’t Request an Instagram Password Reset? Here’s What to Do

By: Brooke Seipel

If you recently received an unexpected email from Instagram asking you to reset your password, you are not alone. Over the past several days, thousands of users reported receiving legitimate password reset emails they did not request. 

The sudden wave of messages led to widespread confusion and concern about whether Instagram had suffered a data breach. Instagram and its parent company Meta deny that a breach occurred, stating instead that they fixed an issue that allowed an external party to trigger password reset emails for some users. 

While the exact source of the activity remains disputed, the situation highlights a broader and more important issue. Password reset emails, even when legitimate, are often the first signal users get that their information may be exposed, reused, or being targeted by attackers. 

Here is what we know so far and what this incident reveals about how password compromises really happen. 

Was Instagram Hacked? 

Instagram says no. 

In statements reported by the BBC and BleepingComputer, Meta said it resolved a problem that allowed an external party to request password reset emails on behalf of users. The company maintains there was no breach of its systems and that accounts remain secure. 

At the same time, cybersecurity researchers and firms, including Malwarebytes, have warned about a dataset circulating on hacking forums that allegedly contains information linked to more than 17 million Instagram accounts. According to reporting, that data may include usernames, email addresses, phone numbers, locations, and account IDs, but not passwords. 

Some researchers believe the dataset may be a compilation of older scraped data rather than evidence of a new breach. Others say the timing of the password reset emails and the appearance of the data raises unresolved questions. 

What matters for users is this: regardless of whether this was a new breach, old scraped data, or a technical abuse of password reset systems, attackers routinely use exposed personal information to launch phishing, account takeover attempts, and social engineering attacks. 

What Counts as a Data Breach and What Does Not 

A true data breach occurs when attackers gain unauthorized access to internal systems and steal protected data such as passwords, financial information, or private communications. 

In many cases, personal data is also exposed through: 

  • API scraping of publicly accessible information 
  • Older leaks that are resold or repackaged 
  • Credential stuffing using passwords stolen from unrelated sites 
  • Abuse of account recovery or password reset features 

That distinction matters because even when passwords are not leaked, exposed personal data can still be weaponized. Names, emails, phone numbers, and locations are often enough for scammers to craft convincing phishing messages that appear legitimate. 

Why You Might Receive a Password Reset Email You Did Not Request 

There are several common reasons this happens, and none of them require your Instagram password to be stolen. 

  • Someone may be testing whether your email address is linked to an account. 
  • Attackers may be attempting credential stuffing using passwords from past breaches. 
  • Your information may appear in older datasets that are being reused or resold. 
  • A platform bug or abuse of recovery systems may trigger reset emails at scale. 

Scammers often use these moments to send fake follow-up emails that look nearly identical to legitimate ones. That is why security experts consistently recommend going directly to the app or official website rather than clicking links in unexpected messages. 

What to Do If You Received an Instagram Password Reset Email 

If you did not request the reset:  

  1. Do not click links in the email. 
  2. Open the Instagram app or visit the official site directly to review security settings.  
  3. Check recent login activity and remove any unfamiliar sessions. 
  4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if it is not already turned on. 

If you decide to change your password, make sure the new one is unique and not used anywhere else. 

Meta/IG Accounts Center Screenshot

Click “Review Settings” to enable 2FA in your Account Center

How to enable multi-factor authentication for Instagram 

  1. Click More in the bottom left, then click Settings. 
  2. Click See more in Accounts Center, then click Password and Security. 
  3. Click Two-factor (2FA) authentication, then select an account. 
  4. Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions. 

When you set up two-factor authentication on Instagram, you’ll be asked to choose one of three security methods: an authentication app, text message, or WhatsApp. 

And here’s a link to the company’s full walkthrough: https://help.instagram.com/566810106808145 

How to Manage Passwords the Right Way 

Remembering dozens of unique, strong passwords is not realistic for most people. That is why password managers exist. 

A password manager can: 

  • Generate strong, unique passwords for every account 
  • Store them securely so you do not need to remember them 
  • Alert you if your credentials appear in known breaches 
  • Reduce the risk of account takeover from reused passwords 

Using a password manager removes the pressure to reuse passwords and helps close one of the most common doors attackers walk through.  

McAfee’s password manager helps you secure your accounts by generating complex passwords, storing them and auto-filling your info for faster logins across devices. It’s secure and, best of all, you only have to remember a single password. 

FAQ: Instagram Password Reset Emails and Account Safety 

Was my Instagram password stolen?
There is no evidence that passwords were leaked in this incident. 
Should I reset my password anyway?
If you are unsure or reuse passwords elsewhere, resetting it directly in the app is a smart precaution. 
Are the emails real or phishing?
Some emails were legitimate, but scammers often mimic them. Always go directly to the app or website. 
Why is password reuse dangerous?
Because a breach on one site can expose all accounts that share the same password. 

 

The post Didn’t Request an Instagram Password Reset? Here’s What to Do appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Surveillance and ICE Are Driving Patients Away From Medical Care, Report Warns

By: Dell Cameron
A new EPIC report says data brokers, ad-tech surveillance, and ICE enforcement are among the factors leading to a “health privacy crisis” that is eroding trust and deterring people from seeking care.
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