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Typos. Exciting surprises. Urgent Threats.
These are just a few of the tactics scammers use to prey on your emotions and slyly deceive you into clicking links that install malware or steal your personal information.
According to McAfee’s State of the Scamiverse report, a whopping 59% surveyed said they or someone they know has fallen victim to a scam. Here’s how to make sure you don’t join that statistic:
Simple Steps to Check a Link Before Clicking
How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks
Preventative Measures
What to Do if You Clicked a Suspicious Link
Phishing attacks are becoming more deceptive, but staying informed and cautious can protect you. Always verify links and emails before clicking, and use trusted cybersecurity tools like McAfee+ to keep your accounts and data safe.
Stay vigilant—don’t let scammers catch you off guard!
The post Avoid Being Scammed: How to Identify Fake Emails and Suspicious Links appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Cryptocurrency offers exciting opportunities—but it’s also a favorite playground for scammers.
With the rapid rise of deepfake technology and deceptive AI-driven schemes, even seasoned investors can fall victim to fraud. According to McAfee’s State of the Scamiverse report, deepfake scams are on the rise, with the average American now encountering 2.6 deepfake videos daily. And younger adults (18-24) see even more – about 3.5 per day.
From fake investment opportunities to phishing attempts, bad actors are more sophisticated than ever.
The recent wave of Trump-themed meme coins—more than 700 copycats attempting to mimic the real thing—highlights just how rampant crypto scams have become. If even the president’s cryptocurrency isn’t safe from impersonators, how can everyday investors protect themselves?
By knowing the red flags, you can safeguard your money and personal data from crypto scammers.
Scammers often lure victims with guaranteed returns or impossibly high profits. If an investment promises “risk-free” earnings or sounds like a financial miracle, run the other way—legitimate investments always carry some level of risk.
Example: A Ponzi scheme disguised as a crypto investment fund may claim to offer “10% daily profits” or “instant payouts.” In reality, they use new investors’ money to pay early participants—until the scam collapses.
Fraudsters frequently impersonate public figures—from Elon Musk to Donald Trump—to promote fake coins or crypto investments. The explosion of Trump-themed meme coins shows how easily scammers exploit famous names. Even if a project appears linked to a well-known figure, verify through official channels.
Example: A deepfake video featuring a celebrity “endorsing” a new crypto token. McAfee’s research found that nearly 3 deepfake videos per day are encountered by the average American, many of them tied to scams.
Scammers often set up fraudulent crypto exchanges or wallet apps that look legitimate but are designed to steal your money. They might advertise low fees, special bonuses, or exclusive access to new coins.
How to Protect Yourself:
Always use well-established exchanges with a proven track record.
Look for HTTPS encryption and verify the URL carefully.
Research if the platform is licensed and regulated.
Scammers thrive on urgency. They’ll push you to act immediately before you have time to think critically. Whether it’s a limited-time pre-sale or a “secret investment opportunity,” don’t let fear of missing out (FOMO) cloud your judgment.
Example: “Only 10 spots left! Invest now before prices skyrocket!”—Classic scam tactics designed to trigger impulsive decisions.
No legitimate crypto project will ever ask for:
Example: A fake customer support email pretending to be from Coinbase, asking you to confirm your wallet password—this is a phishing attempt!
Do Your Research: Always Google the project’s name + “scam” before investing.
Check Regulatory Status: See if the platform is licensed (DFPI, SEC, or other regulators).
Verify Official Websites & Socials: Scammers create lookalike websites with small typos—double-check URLs!
Use Cold Storage: Store your assets in a hardware wallet to protect against hacks.
Use tools like McAfee+: To monitor for potential scams and get warnings for potential deepfakes and other scam red flags.
Crypto offers incredible potential—but with great opportunity comes risk. Scammers are always evolving, using deepfake videos, phishing, and fraudulent investment schemes to trick even the savviest investors. By staying informed and following basic security practices, you can avoid getting caught in the next big crypto scam.
The post How to Spot a Crypto Scam: The Top Red Flags to Watch For appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Cybercriminals will always try to cash in on a good thing, and football is no exception. Online scammers are ramping up for the big game with all types of schemes designed to rip you off and steal your personal info—but you have several ways you can beat them at their game.
Like shopping holidays, tax season, and even back-to-school time, scammers take advantage of annual events that get people searching for deals and information online. You can include big games and tournaments in that list too.
Specific to this big game, you can count on several types of scams to rear their heads this time of year—ticket scams, merchandise scams, betting scams, and phony sweepstakes as well. They’re all in the mix, and they’re all avoidable. Here, we’ll break them down.
As of two weeks out, tickets for the big game on the official ticketing website were going for $6,000 or so, and that was for the so-called “cheap seats.” Premium seats in the lower bowl 50-yard line, sold by verified resellers, were listed at $20,000 a pop or higher.
While the game tickets are now 100% mobile, that hasn’t prevented scammers from trying to pass off phony tickets as the real deal. They’ll hawk those counterfeits in plenty of places online, sometimes in sites like your friendly neighborhood Craigslist.
So if you’re in the market for tickets, there are certainly a few things to look out for:
If you plan on enjoying the game closer to home, you may be in the market for some merch—a hat, a jersey, a tee, or maybe some new mugs for entertaining when you host the game at your place. With all the hype around the game, out will come scammers who set up bogus online stores. They’ll advertise items for sale but won’t deliver—leaving you a few dollars lighter and the scammers with your payment information, which they can use on their own for identity fraud.
You can shop safely with a few straightforward steps:
This is a great one to start with. Directly typing in the correct address for reputable online stores and retailers is a prime way to avoid scammers online. In the case of retailers that you don’t know much about, the U.S. Better Business Bureau (BBB) asks shoppers to do their research and make sure that retailer has a good reputation. The BBB makes that easier with a listing of retailers you can search simply by typing in their name.
If you feel like doing extra sleuthing, look up the address of the website and see when it was launched. A visit to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) at ICANN.org gives you the option to search a web address and see when it was launched, along with other information about who registered it. While a recently launched site is not an indicator of a scam site alone, sites with limited track records may give you pause if you want to shop there—particularly if there’s a chance it was just propped up by a scammer.
Look for the lock icon in your browser when you shop.
Secure websites begin their address with “https,” not just “http.” That extra “s” in stands for “secure,” which means that it uses a secure protocol for transmitting sensitive info like passwords, credit card numbers, and the like over the internet. It often appears as a little padlock icon in the address bar of your browser, so double-check for that. If you don’t see that it’s secure, it’s best to avoid making purchases on that website.
Credit cards are a good way to go. One reason why is the Fair Credit Billing Act, which offers protection against fraudulent charges on credit cards by giving you the right to dispute charges over $50 for goods and services that were never delivered or otherwise billed incorrectly. Your credit card companies may have their own policies that improve upon the Fair Credit Billing Act as well. Debit cards don’t get the same protection under the Act.
Comprehensive online protection software will defend against the latest virus, malware, spyware, and ransomware attacks plus further protect your privacy and identity. In addition to this, it can also provide strong password protection by generating and automatically storing complex passwords to keep your credentials safer from hackers and crooks who may try to force their way into your accounts. And, specific to the scams floating around this time of year, online protection can help prevent you from clicking links to known or suspected malicious sites.
It’s hard to watch sports these days without odds and stat lines popping up onto the screen, along with a fair share of ads that promote online betting. If you’re thinking about making things interesting with some betting, keep a few things in mind:
As it is every year, you’ll see kinds of sweepstakes and giveaways leading up to the game, plenty of them legitimate. Yet as they do, scammers will try and blend in by rolling out their own bogus promotions. Their aim: to part you from your cash or even your personal information.
A quick way to sniff out these scams is to take a close look at the promotion. For example, if it asks you to provide your bank information to send you your prize money, count on it being a scam. Likewise, if the promotion asks you to pay to claim a prize in some form or other, it’s also likely someone’s trying to scam you.
In all, steer clear of promotions that ask something for something in return, particularly if it’s your money or personal information.
As it is of late, all kinds of scams will try to glom onto the big game this year. And some of the best advice for avoiding them is not to give in to the hype. Scammers prey on scarcity, a sense of urgency, and keyed-up emotions in general. Their hope is that these things may make you less critical and more likely to overlook things that would otherwise seem sketchy or too good to be true. Staying focused as you shop, place a wager, or otherwise look to round out your enjoyment of the big game is some of your absolute best defense against scammers right now, and any time.
The post Super Scams – Beat the Online Scammers Who Want to Sack Your Big Game appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Beyoncé has officially announced her Cowboy Carter world tour, and the excitement is through the roof! With her last tour selling out in record time, fans know they need to act fast to secure their tickets. Unfortunately, that urgency is exactly what scammers prey on.
In 2022 alone, Americans lost nearly $8.8 billion to fraud, and ticket scams are one of the most common ways scammers cash in on eager fans. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Before you rush to buy tickets to Beyoncé’s latest tour, here’s how to spot and avoid ticket scams so you don’t get left outside the stadium with nothing but regret.
Ticket scams come in different forms, but the most common ones include:
Scammers know how to create a sense of urgency, often advertising tickets to sold-out events at too-good-to-be-true prices. If you’re desperate to see Beyoncé, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush—but staying cautious can save you from getting scammed.
The best way to avoid being scammed is to buy only from reputable sources like official ticketing platforms (Ticketmaster, Live Nation, AXS) or directly from the event’s website. However, if you’re looking elsewhere, be on the lookout for these red flags:
When an event sells out, scammers flood social media with offers. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Craigslist are filled with fake ticket sellers. If you didn’t get tickets during the official sale, be cautious about where you’re looking.
Pro Tip: Follow Beyoncé’s official social media pages and event organizers for updates. Sometimes, extra dates or official resale opportunities become available.
Scammers often advertise tickets below face value to lure in victims. While real fans sometimes sell their tickets at a discount, it’s a huge red flag if the price is way lower than expected.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying from an individual, check their profile carefully. Look for signs of a fake account, such as recently created pages or multiple listings in different cities.
Some scammers go the extra mile, creating entire websites that mimic real ticket platforms. These fake sites not only sell counterfeit tickets but may also steal your credit card information.
Pro Tip: Always type in the official ticketing site’s URL manually or search for it on Google. Avoid clicking links from unknown sources, and double-check that the site uses “HTTPS” and has no misspellings in the URL.
Even if you get a real ticket, that doesn’t mean it’s yours alone. Some scammers sell the same ticket to multiple people, leading to chaos when multiple buyers show up at the event.
Pro Tip: Only buy from platforms that offer verified resale tickets with guarantees, like StubHub, SeatGeek, or VividSeats.
Some scammers sell general admission tickets as if they were premium seats. You may think you’re getting front-row access, only to find out you overpaid for a standing-room ticket.
Pro Tip: Always confirm the seat location with the seller. Many venues have seating charts available online, so check before purchasing.
Scammers hack into Ticketmaster accounts and transfer tickets to themselves, effectively locking the rightful owner out of their seats. Victims often receive a flood of emails, including notifications of ticket transfers they never authorized. By the time they realize what’s happened, their tickets are gone, likely resold by the scammer.
Pro Tip: To prevent this, ensure your Ticketmaster account is secure by using a strong password, enabling two-factor authentication, and being wary of suspicious login attempts or phishing emails.
To make sure you don’t fall victim to a ticket scam, follow these golden rules:
Buy from official sources – Beyoncé’s official website, Ticketmaster, and AXS are your safest bets.
Use a credit card – If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge.
Be wary of social media sellers – If you’re buying from a stranger, research their profile and history first.
Check the URL – Make sure you’re on the real ticketing website before purchasing.
Avoid high-pressure sales tactics – Scammers want you to act fast—don’t fall for it!
Beyond ticket scams, cybercriminals also use major events like Beyoncé’s tour to spread malware and phishing attacks. McAfee’s comprehensive online protection can help keep your devices and personal information safe by blocking malicious websites, preventing identity theft, and alerting you to potential fraud.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and everyone wants to be part of the experience. But scammers know this too, and they’re out in full force. By staying smart, sticking to verified ticket sources, and being wary of deals that seem too good to be true, you can avoid scams and secure your spot at one of the biggest concerts of 2025.
Stay safe, Beyhive—and get ready to enjoy the show!
The post Buying Tickets for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour? Don’t Let Scammers Ruin Your Experience appeared first on McAfee Blog.
The rise of AI-driven cyber threats has introduced a new level of sophistication to phishing scams, particularly those targeting Gmail users.
Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create eerily realistic impersonations of Google support representatives, Forbes recently reported. These scams don’t just rely on misleading emails; they also include convincing phone calls that appear to come from legitimate sources.
If you receive a call claiming to be from Google support, just hang up—this could be an AI-driven scam designed to trick you into handing over your Gmail credentials.
Here’s everything you need to know about the scam and how to protect yourself:
Hackers have devised a multi-step approach to trick users into handing over their Gmail credentials. Here’s how the scam unfolds:
The attack often begins with a phone call from what appears to be an official Google support number. The caller, using AI-generated voice technology, convincingly mimics a real Google representative. Their tone is professional, and the caller ID may even display “Google Support,” making it difficult to immediately recognize the scam.
Once engaged, the scammer informs the victim that suspicious activity has been detected on their Gmail account. They may claim that an unauthorized login attempt has occurred, or that their account is at risk of being locked. The goal is to create a sense of urgency, pressuring the victim to act quickly without thinking critically.
To appear credible, the scammer sends an email that looks almost identical to a real Google security notification. The email may include official-looking branding and a request to verify the user’s identity by entering a code. The email is designed to look so authentic that even tech-savvy individuals can be fooled.
If the victim enters the verification code, they inadvertently grant the attacker full access to their Gmail account. Since the scammer now controls the two-factor authentication process, they can lock the real user out, change passwords, and exploit the account for further attacks, including identity theft, financial fraud, or spreading phishing emails to others.
This scam is particularly dangerous because it combines multiple layers of deception, making it difficult to spot. Unlike standard phishing emails that may contain poor grammar or suspicious links, AI-enhanced scams:
To protect yourself from AI-powered scams, follow these essential security measures:
1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls from “Google”
Google does not randomly call users about security issues. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report the incident through Google’s official support channels.
2. Verify Security Alerts Directly in Your Account
If you receive a message stating that your account has been compromised, do not click any links or follow instructions from the email. Instead, go directly to your Google account’s security settings and review recent activity.
3. Never Share Verification Codes
Google will never ask you to provide a security code over the phone. If someone requests this information, it is a scam.
4. Enable Strong Authentication Methods
5. Regularly Monitor Your Account Activity
Check the “Security” section of your Google account to review login activity. If you see any unrecognized sign-ins, take immediate action by changing your password and logging out of all devices.
6. Use a Password Manager
A password manager helps create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This ensures that even if one password is compromised, other accounts remain secure.
If you believe your account has been compromised, take these steps immediately:
As AI technology advances, cybercriminals will continue to find new ways to exploit users. By staying informed and implementing strong security practices, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
At McAfee, we are dedicated to helping you protect your digital identity. Stay proactive, stay secure, and always verify before you trust.
For more cybersecurity insights and protection tools, check out McAfee+.
The post How to Make Sure Your Gmail Account is Protected in Light of Recent AI Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Video games are a favorite pastime for millions of kids and teenagers worldwide, offering exciting challenges, epic battles, and opportunities to connect with friends online. But what happens when the search for an edge in these games—like cheats or special hacks—leads to something far more dangerous?
McAfee Labs has uncovered a growing threat aimed at gamers, especially kids, who unknowingly download malware disguised as game hacks, software cracks, and cryptocurrency tools.
Here’s what you need to know about this sneaky scam and how to stay safe:
Popular games like Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty are among those targeted by these scams. Gamers searching for cheats to gain an advantage—like seeing through walls, speeding up characters, or unlocking premium items—are being lured to malicious links. These links often appear on GitHub, a platform where developers share and collaborate on code, or in YouTube videos claiming to offer step-by-step instructions.
GitHub is typically trusted by programmers and tech enthusiasts, but cybercriminals exploit this trust by uploading malware that masquerades as game hacks. By naming their repositories after popular games or tools, scammers trick users into downloading malware instead of the promised cheat software.
The process starts when someone searches online for free cheats or cracked software—like tools to unlock premium features of Spotify or Adobe—and stumbles upon a GitHub repository or a YouTube video. These repositories often look convincing, with professional descriptions, screenshots, and even licenses designed to appear legitimate.
Figure 1: Attack Vector
Once users follow the instructions, they’re often asked to disable their antivirus software or Windows Defender. The reasoning provided is that antivirus programs will mistakenly identify the hack or crack as dangerous. In reality, this step clears the way for malware to infect their device.
What Happens After the Malware is Downloaded?
Instead of receiving a functional cheat, victims unknowingly install a dangerous program known as Lumma Stealer or similar malware variants. This software quietly:
Each week, new repositories and malware variants appear as older ones are detected and removed. This cycle makes it difficult for platforms like GitHub to completely eliminate the threat.
Kids and teens are prime targets because they often lack experience in identifying online scams. The promise of features like “Aimbots” (to improve shooting accuracy) or “Anti-Ban” systems (to avoid getting caught by game administrators) makes these fake downloads even more tempting. Scammers exploit this curiosity and eagerness, making it easier to trick young gamers into infecting their devices.
Figure 2: YouTube Video containing malicious URL in description.
McAfee Labs offers these tips to avoid falling victim to these scams:
The takeaway? Scammers will go to great lengths to exploit the interests and habits of gamers. And unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen such malware attacks targeting gamers. By educating yourself and your family about these threats, you can play smarter and stay safer online. Always remember: no cheat or crack is worth compromising your security.
Read the full report from McAfee Labs outlining our research and findings on this malware risk. Learn more about how you can protect yourself with McAfee+.
The post Scam Alert: Fake Minecraft, Roblox Hacks on YouTube Hide Malware, Target Kids appeared first on McAfee Blog.
The artificial intelligence arms race has a new disruptor—DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has quickly gained traction for its advanced language models.
Positioned as a low-cost alternative to industry giants like OpenAI and Meta, DeepSeek has drawn attention for its rapid growth, affordability, and potential to reshape the AI landscape.
But as the buzz around its capabilities grows, so do concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and the implications of feeding personal information into AI tools with uncertain oversight.
DeepSeek’s AI models, including its latest version, DeepSeek-V3, claim to rival the most sophisticated AI systems developed in the U.S.—but at a fraction of the cost.
According to reports, training its latest model required just $6 million in computing power, compared to the billions spent by its American counterparts. This affordability has allowed DeepSeek to climb the ranks, with its AI assistant even surpassing ChatGPT as the top free app on Apple’s U.S. App Store.
What makes DeepSeek’s rise even more surprising is how abruptly it entered the AI race. The company originally launched as a hedge fund before pivoting to artificial intelligence—an unusual shift that has fueled speculation about how it managed to develop such advanced models so quickly. Unlike other AI startups that spent years in research and development, DeepSeek seemed to emerge overnight with capabilities on par with OpenAI and Meta.
However, DeepSeek’s meteoric rise has sparked skepticism. Some analysts and AI experts question whether its success is truly due to breakthrough efficiency or if it has leveraged external resources—potentially including restricted U.S. AI technology. OpenAI has even accused DeepSeek of improperly using its proprietary tech, a claim that, if proven, could have major legal and ethical ramifications.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding DeepSeek isn’t just how it handles user data—it’s that it reportedly failed to secure it altogether.
According to The Register, security researchers at Wiz discovered that DeepSeek left a database completely exposed, with no password protection, allowing public access to millions of chat logs, API keys, backend data, and operational details.
This means that conversations with DeepSeek’s chatbot, including potentially sensitive information, were openly available to anyone on the internet. Worse still, the exposure reportedly could have allowed attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access into DeepSeek’s infrastructure. While the issue has since been fixed, the incident highlights a glaring oversight: even the most advanced AI models are only as trustworthy as the security behind them.
Here’s why caution is warranted:
DeepSeek specifically states in its terms of service that it collects, stores, and has permission to share just about all the data you provide while using the service.
Figure 1. Screenshot of DeepSeek Privacy Policy shared on LinkedIn
It specifically notes collecting your profile information, credit card details, and any files or data shared in chats. What’s more, that data isn’t stored in the United States, which has strict data privacy regulations. DeepSeek is a Chinese company with limited required protections for U.S. consumers and their personal data.
If you’re using AI tools—whether it’s ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or any other chatbot—it’s crucial to take steps to protect your information:
As AI chatbots like DeepSeek gain popularity, safeguarding your personal data is more critical than ever. With McAfee’s advanced security solutions, including identity protection and AI-powered threat detection, you can browse, chat, and interact online with greater confidence—because in the age of AI, privacy is power.
The post Explaining DeepSeek: The AI Disruptor That’s Raising Red Flags for Privacy and Security appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Identity theft is a growing concern, and Data Privacy Week serves as an important reminder to safeguard your personal information. In today’s digital age, scammers have more tools than ever to steal your identity, often with just a few key details—like your Social Security number, bank account information, or home address.
Unfortunately, identity theft claims have surged in recent years, jumping from approximately 650,000 in 2019 to over a million in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This trend underscores the urgent need for stronger personal data protection habits.
So, how do scammers pull it off, and how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim?
How Do Scammers Steal Your Identity?
Scammers are resourceful, and there are multiple ways they can access your personal information. The theft can happen both in the physical and digital realms.
When scammers steal your identity, they often leave behind a trail of unusual activity that you can detect. Here are some common signs that could indicate identity theft:
If you suspect that your identity has been stolen, time is of the essence. Here’s what you need to do:
While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of identity theft, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:
Identity theft can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but by acting quickly and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information, you can minimize the damage and reclaim your identity.
The post How Scammers Steal Your Identity and What You Can Do About It appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Authored by Anuradha, Sakshi Jaiswal
In 2024, scams in India have continued to evolve, leveraging sophisticated methods and technology to exploit unsuspecting individuals. These fraudulent activities target people across demographics, causing financial losses and emotional distress. This blog highlights some of the most prevalent scams this year, how they operate, some real-world scenarios, tips to stay vigilant and what steps to be taken if you become a victim.
This blog covers the following scams:
Scam Tactics:
Fraudsters on WhatsApp employ deceptive tactics to steal personal information, financial data, or gain unauthorized access to accounts. Common tactics include:
Case 1: In the figure below, a user is being deceived by a message originating from the +244 country code, assigned to Angola. The message offers an unrealistic investment opportunity promising a high return in just four days, which is a common scam tactic. It uses pressure and informal language, along with a link for immediate action.
Case 2: In the figure below, a user is being deceived by a message originating from the +261 country code, assigned to Madagascar. The message claims that you have been hired and asks you to click a link to view the offer or contact the sender which is a scam.
Case 3: In the figure below, a user is being deceived by a message originating from the +91 country code, assigned to India. Scammers may contact you, posing as representatives of a legitimate company, offering a job opportunity. The recruiter offers an unrealistic daily income (INR 2000–8000) for vague tasks like searching keywords, which is suspicious. Despite requests, they fail to provide official company details or an email ID, raising credibility concerns. They also ask for personal information prematurely, a common red flag.
Case 4: In the figure below, a user is being deceived by a message originating from the +84 country code, assigned to Vietnam. The offer to earn money by watching a video for just a few seconds and providing a screenshot is a common tactic used by scammers to exploit individuals. They may use the link to gather personal information, or your action could lead to phishing attempts.
Case 5: In the figure below, a user is being misled by a message originating from the country codes +91, +963, and +27, corresponding to India, Syria, and South Africa, respectively. The message claims to offer a part-time job with a high salary for minimal work, which is a common tactic used by scammers to lure individuals. The use of popular names like “Amazon” and promises of easy money are red flags. The link provided might lead to phishing attempts or data theft. It’s important not to click on any links, share personal details, or respond to such unsolicited offers.
Case 6: The messages encourage you to post fake 5-star reviews for businesses in exchange for a small payment, which is unethical and often illegal. Scammers use such tactics to manipulate online ratings, and the provided links could lead to phishing sites or malware. Avoid engaging with these messages, clicking on the links, or participating in such activities.
How to Identify WhatsApp Scams:
Impact:
Prevention:
Scam Tactics:
How to Identify Instant Loan Scam:
Impact:
Prevention:
Voice-cloning scams use advanced AI technology to replicate the voices of familiar people, such as friends, family members, or colleagues, to manipulate victims into transferring money or providing sensitive information.
Scam Tactics:
How to Identify AI Voice-Cloning Scams:
Impact:
Prevention
Scam Tactics
Scammers use various methods to deceive victims into revealing credit card information or making unauthorized payments:
How to identify Credit card scam:
Impact:
Prevention:
Scam Tactics:
In fake delivery scams, fraudsters pose as delivery services to trick you into providing personal information, card details, or payment. Common tactics include:
How to Identify Fake Delivery Scams:
Impact:
Prevention:
Scam Tactics:
Scammers pose as police officers or government officials, accusing victims of being involved in illegal activities like money laundering or cybercrime. They intimidate victims by threatening arrest or legal action unless immediate payment is made to “resolve the matter.”
How to Identify Digital Arrest Scam:
Impact: Daily losses from such scams run into lakhs, as victims panic and transfer money or provide sensitive information under pressure.
Prevention:
What to Do if You Fall Victim
If you’ve fallen victim to any of the mentioned scams—Digital Arrest Scam, Instant Loan Scam, Voice Cloning Scam, WhatsApp Scam, Fake Delivery Scam or Credit Card Scam—it’s important to take immediate action to minimize damage and protect your finances and personal information. Here are common tips and steps to follow for all these scams:
Conclusion:
As scams in India continue to grow in number and sophistication, it is crucial to raise awareness to protect individuals and businesses from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Scams such as phishing, fake job offers, credit card scams, loan scams, investment frauds and online shopping frauds are increasingly targeting unsuspecting victims, causing significant financial loss and emotional harm.
By raising awareness of scam warning signs and encouraging vigilance, we can equip individuals to make safer, more informed decisions online. Simple precautions, such as verifying sources, being cautious of unsolicited offers, and safeguarding personal and financial information, can go a long way in preventing scams.
It is essential for both individuals and organizations to stay informed and updated on emerging scam tactics. Through continuous awareness and proactive security measures, we can reduce the impact of scams, ensuring a safer and more secure digital environment for everyone in India.
The post Rising Scams in India: Building Awareness and Prevention appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Romance scams have surged in sophistication, preying on emotions and exploiting the trust of victims in the digital age.
The latest case involving a French woman who believed she was romantically involved with actor Brad Pitt is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities we face online. But this incident, unfortunately, does not stand alone. Scammers continue to exploit celebrity fame to defraud unsuspecting victims, using deepfakes and other manipulative tactics. Recent examples include:
The most recent Brad Pitt impersonation scam follows a straightforward but insidious pattern of manipulation. Here’s how the scam unfolded step by step:
The Initial Contact: Anne, a French interior decorator, downloaded Instagram during a family ski trip. Shortly after, she was approached by a scammer pretending to be Brad Pitt’s mother, who claimed her son needed someone like Anne in his life.
Building Trust: The scammer, posing as Pitt, used AI-generated photos and emotionally charged messages to gain Anne’s trust. The fake Brad Pitt “knew how to talk to women,” according to Anne, creating a sense of intimacy and connection.
Figure 1. These fake images were used in a fake Brad Pitt romance scam.
The Financial Request: The scammer fabricated a crisis, claiming Pitt needed $1 million for a kidney treatment but couldn’t access his funds due to his ongoing divorce from Angelina Jolie. Playing on Anne’s empathy, the fraudster requested financial help.
The Emotional Manipulation: At the time, Anne was going through her own divorce and had recently received a settlement. Believing she was aiding someone in need, she transferred $850,000 to the scammer.
The Scam Unravels: The hoax came to light after Pitt publicly debuted his relationship with Ines de Ramon at the Venice Film Festival. This contradiction exposed the deception and ended the scam.
Brad Pitt recently spoke out, according to Variety, condemning the scammers for taking “advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities.”
Romance scammers often exploit online dating platforms, social media, and fan communities to identify potential victims. Being aware of the warning signs can help you identify and avoid romance scams:
Unrealistic Claims: If someone’s story seems too good to be true, it likely is. For example, a Hollywood star personally reaching out on a fan site is improbable. Celebrities rarely engage in direct, personal communication with fans, especially through unofficial platforms like fan sites, due to time constraints, security concerns, and the sheer volume of fan interactions.
Urgent Requests for Money: Scammers often fabricate crises requiring immediate financial assistance.
Reluctance to Meet in Person: Excuses to avoid face-to-face meetings or video calls can signal deception.
Inconsistencies in Their Story: Contradictory details or vague answers are common red flags.
Pressure to Keep the Relationship Secret: Scammers may isolate victims by discouraging them from discussing the relationship with friends or family.
While the tactics of romance scammers can be sophisticated, there are steps you can take to safeguard your heart and your finances:
Verify Identities: Use reverse image searches to check if profile pictures are stolen. Research their claims and background.
Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive details, such as financial information or passwords.
Avoid Sending Money: Never transfer funds to someone you haven’t met in person, regardless of their story.
Keep Conversations Public: Use the messaging platform of the dating site or social media app rather than moving to private communication.
Watch Out For in AI: Artificial intelligence (AI) has made it much easier for scammers to create deepfake audio and video to create even more realistic romance scams. McAfee’s Ultimate Guide to AI Deepfakes can help you learn how to spot and protect yourself from deepfakes.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, listen to your intuition, which can pick up on subtle inconsistencies or red flags that your conscious mind may overlook, acting as an early warning system.
Figure 2. An AI-generated image that circulated widely showed the Pope wearing a designer coat.
If you believe you are being targeted by a romance scam, take the following steps:
Cease Communication: Stop interacting with the individual immediately.
Report the Incident: Notify the dating platform or social media site, and report the scam to your local authorities or organizations like the FTC.
Protect Your Accounts: Change passwords and monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity.
Seek Support: Talk to trusted friends or family members about the situation.
Raising awareness about romance scams is essential in preventing others from falling victim. Share information about common tactics and red flags with your loved ones, particularly those who may be more vulnerable, such as elderly family members or friends navigating online dating for the first time.
While the promise of romance can be enticing, it’s crucial to approach online relationships with caution and awareness.
By recognizing red flags, protecting your personal information, and reporting suspicious activity, you can safeguard yourself and others from the emotional and financial devastation of romance scams.
The post Breaking Down the Brad Pitt Scam: How it Happened and What We Can Learn appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Authored by Aayush Tyagi
Video game hacks, cracked software, and free crypto tools remain popular bait for malware authors. Recently, McAfee Labs uncovered several GitHub repositories offering these tempting “rewards,” but a closer look reveals something more sinister. As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
GitHub is often exploited for malware distribution due to its accessibility, trustworthiness, and developer-friendly features. Attackers can easily create free accounts and host repositories that appear legitimate, leveraging GitHub’s reputation to deceive users.
McAfee Labs encountered multiple repositories, offering game hacks for top-selling video games such as Apex Legends, Minecraft, Counter Strike 2.0, Roblox, Valorant,
Fortnite, Call of Duty, GTA V and or offering cracked versions of popular software and services, such as Spotify Premium, FL Studio, Adobe Express, SketchUp Pro, Xbox Game Pass, and Discord to name a few.
These attack chains begin when users would search for Game Hacks, cracked software or tools related to Cryptocurrency on the internet, where they would eventually come across GitHub repositories or YouTube Videos leading to such GitHub repositories, offering such software.
We noticed a network of such repositories where the description of software keeps on changing, but the payload remains the same: a Lumma Stealer variant. Every week, a new set of repositories with a new malware variant is released, as the older repositories are detected and removed by GitHub. These repositories also include distribution licenses and software screenshots to enhance their appearance of legitimacy.
Figure 1: Attack Vector
These repositories also contain instructions on how to download and run the malware and ask the user to disable Windows Defender or any AV software, before downloading the malware. They provide the reasoning that, since the software is related to game hacks or by-passing software authentication or crypto-currency mining, AV products will detect and delete these applications.
This social engineering technique, combined with the trustworthiness of GitHub works well in the favor of malware authors, enabling them to infect more users.
Children are frequently targeted by such scams, as malware authors exploit their interest in game hacks by highlighting potential features and benefits, making it easier to infect more systems.
As discussed above, the users would come across malicious repositories through searching the internet (highlighted in red).
Figure 2: Internet Search showing GitHub results.
Or through YouTube videos, that contain a link to the repository in the description (highlighted in red).
Figure 3: YouTube Video containing malicious URL in description.
Once the user accesses the GitHub repository, it contains a Distribution license and other supporting files, to trick the user into thinking that the repository is genuine and credible.
Figure 4: GitHub repository containing Distribution license.
Repositories also contain a detailed description of the software and installation process further manipulating the user.
Figure 5: Download instructions present in the repository.
Sometimes, the repositories contain instructions to disable AV products, misleading users to infect themselves with the malware.
Figure 6: Instructions to disable Windows Defender.
To target more children, repositories contain a detailed description of the software; by highlighting all the features included within the package, such as Aimbots and Speed Hacks, and how easily they will be able to gain an advantage over their opponents.
They even mention that the package comes with advance Anti-Ban system, so their account won’t be suspended, and that the software has a popular community, to create a perception that, since multiple users are already using this software, it must be safe to use and that, by not using the software, they are missing out.
Figure 7: Features mentioned in the GitHub repository.
The downloaded files, in most cases, were Lumma Stealer variants, but observing the latest repositories, we noticed new malware variants were also being distributed through the same infection vector.
Once the user downloads the file, they get the following set of files.
Figure 8: Files downloaded from GitHub repository.
On running the ‘Loader.exe’ file, as instructed, it iterates through the system and the registry keys to collect sensitive information.
Figure 9: Loader.exe checking for Login credentials for Chrome.
It searches for crypto wallets and password related files. It searches for a list of browsers installed and iterates through user data, to gather anything useful.
Figure 10: Loader.exe checking for Browsers installed on the system.
Then the malware connects to C2 servers to transfer data.
Figure 11: Loader.exe connecting to C2 servers to transfer data.
This behavior is similar to the Lumma Stealer variants we have seen earlier.
McAfee blocks this infection chain at multiple stages:
Figure 12: McAfee blocking URLs
Figure 13: McAfee blocking the malicious file
In conclusion, the GitHub repository infection chain demonstrates how cybercriminals exploit accessibility and trustworthiness of popular websites such as GitHub, to distribute malware like Lumma Stealer. By leveraging the user’s desire to use game hacks, to be better at a certain video game or obtain licensed software for free, they trick users into infecting themselves.
At McAfee Labs, we are committed to helping organizations protect themselves against sophisticated cyber threats, such as the GitHub repository technique. Here are our recommended mitigations and remediations:
As of publishing this blog, these are the GitHub repositories that are currently active.
| File Type | SHA256/URLs |
| URLs | github[.]com/632763276327ermwhatthesigma/hack-apex-1egend |
| github[.]com/VynnProjects/h4ck-f0rtnite | |
| github[.]com/TechWezTheMan/Discord-AllinOne-Tool | |
| github[.]com/UNDERBOSSDS/ESET-KeyGen-2024 | |
| github[.]com/Rinkocuh/Dayz-Cheat-H4ck-A1mb0t | |
| github[.]com/Magercat/Al-Photoshop-2024 | |
| github[.]com/nate24321/minecraft-cheat2024 | |
| github[.]com/classroom-x-games/counter-str1ke-2-h4ck | |
| github[.]com/LittleHa1r/ESET-KeyGen-2024 | |
| github[.]com/ferhatdermaster/Adobe-Express-2024 | |
| github[.]com/CrazFrogb/23fasd21/releases/download/loader/Loader[.]Github[.]zip | |
| github[.]com/flashkiller2018/Black-Ops-6-Cheats-including-Unlocker-Tool-and-RICOCHET-Bypass | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/h4ck-f0rtnite | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/r0blox-synapse-x-free | |
| github[.]com/FlqmzeCraft/cheat-escape-from-tarkov | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/cheat-escape-from-tarkov | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/rust-hack-fr33 | |
| github[.]com/ppetriix/rust-hack-fr33 | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/Roblox-Blox-Fruits-Script-2024 | |
| github[.]com/LandonPasana21/Roblox-Blox-Fruits-Script-2024 | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/Rainbow-S1x-Siege-Cheat | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/SonyVegas-2024 | |
| github[.]com/123456789433/SonyVegas-2024 | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/Nexus-Roblox | |
| github[.]com/cIeopatra/Nexus-Roblox | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/m0dmenu-gta5-free | |
| github[.]com/GerardoR17/m0dmenu-gta5-free | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/minecraft-cheat2024 | |
| github[.]com/RakoBman/cheat-apex-legends-download | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/cheat-apex-legends-download | |
| github[.]com/cIiqued/FL-Studio | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/FL-Studio | |
| github[.]com/Axsle-gif/h4ck-f0rtnite | |
| github[.]com/Ayush9876643/h4ck-f0rtnite | |
| github[.]com/SUPAAAMAN/m0dmenu-gta5-free | |
| github[.]com/atomicthefemboy/cheat-apex-legends-download | |
| github[.]com/FlqmzeCraft/cheat-escape-from-tarkov | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/h4ck-f0rtnite | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/FL-Studio | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/r0blox-synapse-x-free | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/cheat-apex-legends-download | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/cheat-escape-from-tarkov | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/rust-hack-fr33 | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/Roblox-Blox-Fruits-Script-2024 | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/Rainbow-S1x-Siege-Cheat | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/SonyVegas-2024 | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/Nexus-Roblox | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/minecraft-cheat2024 | |
| github[.]com/Notalight/m0dmenu-gta5-free | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/r0blox-synapse-x-free | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/cheat-escape-from-tarkov | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/rust-hack-fr33 | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/Roblox-Blox-Fruits-Script-2024 | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/Rainbow-S1x-Siege-Cheat | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/Nexus-Roblox | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/m0dmenu-gta5-free | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/minecraft-cheat2024 | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/h4ck-f0rtnite | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/FL-Studio | |
| github[.]com/ZinkosBR/cheat-apex-legends-download | |
| github[.]com/EliminatorGithub/counter-str1ke-2-h4ck | |
| Github[.]com/ashishkumarku10/call-0f-duty-warz0ne-h4ck | |
| EXEs | CB6DDBF14DBEC8AF55986778811571E6 |
| C610FD2A7B958E79F91C5F058C7E3147 | |
| 3BBD94250371A5B8F88B969767418D70 | |
| CF19765D8A9A2C2FD11A7A8C4BA3DEDA | |
| 69E530BC331988E4E6FE904D2D23242A | |
| 35A2BDC924235B5FA131095985F796EF | |
| EB604E2A70243ACB885FE5A944A647C3 | |
| 690DBCEA5902A1613CEE46995BE65909 | |
| 2DF535AFF67A94E1CDAD169FFCC4562A | |
| 84100E7D46DF60FE33A85F16298EE41C | |
| 00BA06448D5E03DFBFA60A4BC2219193 | |
| C2 Domains | 104.21.48.1 |
| 104.21.112.1 | |
| 104.21.16.1 |
The post GitHub’s Dark Side: Unveiling Malware Disguised as Cracks, Hacks, and Crypto Tools appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Inauguration Day has come and gone, and the peaceful transfer of power couldn’t have happened without the intricate systems that ensure the integrity of the electoral process—specifically, cybersecurity.
Behind the scenes, a vast network of digital defenses worked to protect elections from disinformation, cyberattacks, and manipulation, all of which pose increasing threats in today’s digital age. From securing ballots to combating deepfakes, these measures play a critical role in upholding trust in democracy and making days like Inauguration Day possible.
In the digital age, elections face unprecedented threats designed to undermine public trust and disrupt democratic processes. Among the most common challenges are:
These threats highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect the democratic process.
To counter these threats, governments and organizations have implemented advanced strategies and technologies:
These measures are critical in securing the journey from Election Day to Inauguration Day, building public confidence in the democratic process.
As you consume news about the inauguration and the new administration, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about fake news. Fake news crops up in plenty of places on social media. And it has for some time now. In years past, it took the form of misleading posts, image captions, quotes, and the sharing of outright false information in graphs and charts. Now with the advent of AI, we see fake news taken to new levels of deception:
It’s critical to be wary of disinformation, intentionally misleading information manipulated to create a flat-out lie, as well as misinformation, which may include social posts that unknowingly get facts wrong.
To combat misinformation and AI deepfakes, it’s key to:
Deepfakes don’t just spread false information—they often lead users to phishing sites or malware. With tools like McAfee+, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence.
The post From Election Day to Inauguration: How Cybersecurity Safeguards Democracy appeared first on McAfee Blog.
The devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California have left countless neighborhoods in ruins, forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying homes in their path. While many people across the nation are moved to support those affected, this goodwill often becomes a target for opportunistic cybercriminals. McAfee researchers have discovered that social media networks have been flooded with deceptive images, showing how cryptocurrencies can be used to make donations for fire relief efforts. We believe these to be scams trying to dupe consumers. McAfee CTO, Steve Grobman says, “It’s really unfortunate because it’s such a tragic event, and we’re seeing cybercriminals and scammers take advantage of the situation in a whole host of ways, from fake GoFundMe sites to fraudulent campaign donation pages.”
Figure 1. Cryptocurrency Donation Requests
Steve continues, “The use of generative AI has fueled the creation of fake content, like viral images of the Hollywood sign engulfed in flames, which our deepfake detection technology confirmed were AI-generated. These tools are helping scammers misrepresent reality and exploit public emotions. We’ve seen fake accounts impersonating celebrities like Emma Watson and Kim Kardashian, promoting nonexistent charities to deceive people into donating money.”
The average American encounters a staggering 14.4 scam messages and deepfakes daily through social media, text messages, and emails, according to McAfee’s latest “State of the Scamiverse” report.
Now, think about this: even in your everyday life, that’s a lot of noise to sift through. But when you’re in the chaos of recovering from a disaster like a wildfire—juggling insurance claims, emergency communications, and rebuilding your life—the sheer volume of scams adds another layer of overwhelm. It’s a perfect storm for distraction, making it even easier for cybercriminals to exploit your vulnerability. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from scams while providing genuine help to wildfire victims.
Natural disasters and major news events provide fertile ground for cybercriminals. Cliff Steinhauer, Director of Information Security at the National Cybersecurity Alliance, explains that people eager to help during a crisis can act emotionally, skipping necessary steps to verify the legitimacy of donation platforms or relief efforts.
Scammers watch disaster news closely to craft scams tailored to the event. The emotional urgency surrounding a catastrophe like the California wildfires increases the likelihood of falling victim to these attacks.
A recent McAfee survey found that 59% of Americans say they or someone they know has been the victim of an online scam. 84% of these people lost money to the scam, with an average loss of $1,471 – and nearly 1 in 10 scam victims lost over $5,000
Many scams during crises fall under the umbrella of social engineering, a tactic where attackers manipulate people into divulging sensitive information or funds. Here are some of the most common schemes to watch out for:
Scammers often create counterfeit websites or social media posts masquerading as legitimate charities. These pages may look convincing but divert donations into the hands of criminals.
Emails, texts, and phone calls pretending to be from government agencies or well-known charities may attempt to steal personal data or payment details.
Victims of disasters are especially vulnerable. Scammers might pose as organizations offering aid, only to harvest sensitive information like bank account details or steal identities.
Modern scammers use AI to craft phishing attempts that are harder to spot. Unlike older scams with obvious grammar mistakes, AI-generated messages can appear professional and persuasive.
Figure 2. Fake Celebrity Donation Requests
Whether you’re donating to wildfire relief efforts or seeking aid, these steps can help protect you:
Use trusted resources like Give.org or Charity Navigator to confirm the legitimacy of charities.
Platforms like GoFundMe now provide verified lists of fundraisers for disaster relief.
Be wary of websites with misspelled URLs or unusual domain extensions. Look for “https” and padlock symbols to confirm the site is secure.
Phishing attempts often come via unsolicited emails, texts, or social media ads. Instead of clicking, go directly to a charity’s official website by typing its address into your browser.
Not all paid advertisements on platforms like Facebook or Instagram are legitimate. Avoid providing personal or payment information through these channels without verification.
Be cautious of campaigns that fail to explain how your donation will be used. Reputable organizations are transparent about how funds are allocated.
Steve Grobman states, “If consumers want to help with relief efforts, they should always go to validated organizations and use payment methods with protections, like credit cards. Wiring money or using cryptocurrency can make it nearly impossible to recover funds if it turns out to be fraudulent. While many GoFundMe sites are legitimate, scammers exploit the platform’s low barrier to entry. Consumers should verify campaigns with the individuals or families they claim to support or stick to reputable charities.”
In the aftermath of California wildfires, staying vigilant is essential. While most people are dedicated to recovery and support, a few may attempt to exploit the situation. By learning to spot common scams and taking proactive steps, you can safeguard yourself and your community from additional harm. Use a robust and trustworthy scam detection tool. McAfee can block risky sites even if you accidentally click a link in a scam text. When it comes to text messages, our smart AI puts a stop to scams before you click—detecting any suspicious links and sending you an alert.
In an age where deepfake technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated, protecting yourself from manipulated videos, audio, and images is critical. McAfee Deepfake Detector is designed to safeguard individuals and organizations by identifying and alerting you to potential deepfakes, ensuring that you can trust what you see and hear online.
The post Scammers Exploit California Wildfires: How to Stay Safe appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Amid the devastation of the Los Angeles County wildfires – scorching an area twice the size of Manhattan – McAfee threat researchers have identified and verified a rise in AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation, including startling but false images of the Hollywood sign engulfed in flames.
Social media and local broadcast news have been flooded with deceptive images claiming the Hollywood sign is engulfed in flames, with many people alleging that the iconic landmark is “surrounded by fire.”
Figure 1. AI-generated image shared on Facebook on January 9th, 2025.
Fact check: The Hollywood sign is still standing and is intact. A live feed of the Hollywood sign clearly shows the sign is not currently in harm’s way or engulfed in flames.
Figure 2: Live view of the Hollywood sign taken at 3.29 PT on Friday, January 10th 2025.
McAfee researchers have examined dozens of images shared across X, Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram, and have verified these are indeed AI-generated images and videos. In addition to analysis from our own threat researchers, McAfee’s image deepfake detection technology has flagged images shown here (and many more) of the Hollywood Hills as AI-generated, with the fire serving as a key factor in its analysis.
McAfee’s investigation traced many of the images back to Gemini, an AI-based image generation platform. This finding underscores the increasing sophistication of fake image synthesis, where fake images and videos can be created in mere seconds, but can be spread to more than a million views in just 24 hours, such as is the case with the social post shared on Facebook below.
Figure 3: Screenshot of deepfake video of Hollywood sign on fire. This video was discovered on Facebook and had already achieved 1.3 million views in 24 hours.
McAfee CTO, Steve Grobman states, “AI tools have supercharged the spread of disinformation and misinformation, enabling false content—like recent fake images of the Hollywood sign engulfed in flames—to circulate at unprecedented speed. This makes it critical for social media users to keep their guard up, approach viral posts with skepticism, and verify sources to distinguish fact from fiction.”
Figure 4. McAfee’s advanced AI models identifies images that have been modified or created using AI. The heatmap depicts areas that have been used to identify and confirm AI-usage.
AI-generated still images are incredibly easy to produce. In less than a minute, we were able to produce a convincing image of the Hollywood Hills sign on fire for free with AI image generating Android app (we have not published these images, only those found on social media). Many of these apps exist to choose from. Some do filter for violent and other objectionable content. However, images like the Hollywood Hills sign on fire, fall outside of normal guardrails. Additionally, the business model of many of these apps include free credits as a trial, making it quick and easy to create and share. AI image generation is a widely available and easily accessible tool used in many misinformation campaigns.
See below for more examples:
Figure 5. Examples on Instagram.
Upon closer inspection, some images had watermark images clearly labeled from Generative AI tools such as Grok. And while this might be an obvious telltale sign for some people, there are many others who are not familiar with or recognize such watermarks.
Figure 6. The Grok watermark is clearly visible in the image above.
There are several straightforward steps that you can take to spot a fake. We recommend a combination of healthy skepticism and awareness combined with the right technology, such as McAfee Deepfake Detector.
While not all AI is malicious or ‘bad’, this technology is commonly used by bad actors for malicious intent when it comes to deepfake scams, misinformation and disinformation. While the deepfakes outlined here appear to be without malicious intent – other than to misinform social media users – we could expect these to evolve where scammers create similar deepfakes as part of fake donation scams, and so we advise everyone to stay vigilant and learn more on how to spot deepfakes online:
Plenty of deepfakes can lure you into sketchy corners of the internet. Places where malware and phishing sites take root. Consider using comprehensive online protection software with McAfee+ and McAfee Deepfake Detector to keep safe. In addition to several features that protect your devices, privacy, and identity, they can warn you of unsafe sites too.
The post The Hollywood Sign is Not on Fire: Deepfakes Spread During L.A. Wildfires appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As CES kicks off in Las Vegas, McAfee proudly stands at the forefront of innovation, showcasing our leadership in AI and our commitment to driving transformative breakthroughs in tech. Here are the key highlights of McAfee’s participation at CES 2025:
At CES, we are announcing McAfee Scam Detector – the most comprehensive protection against text, email, and video scams. Today’s scams are smarter, sneakier, and more convincing than ever. We’re helping consumers take back control with AI-powered scam detection to stop scammers in their tracks.
Tuesday Spotlight:
Dan Huynh, McAfee’s VP of Business Development, joins a panel of business leaders to explore the capabilities of AI-powered PCs. From enhanced video and photo editing to faster computing speeds and improved security, this session delves into how AI PCs are reshaping work, play, and creativity.
McAfee has announced an exciting partnership with AMD to combat deepfake scams and misinformation. The McAfee Deepfake Detector now leverages the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, enabling faster and more accurate detection of manipulated content.
Qualcomm is also showcasing McAfee’s Deepfake Detector technology at CES, with demos running on their high-performance, low-powered AI silicon. These demonstrations highlight McAfee’s commitment to tackling the growing threat of malicious AI deepfakes.
Thursday Spotlight:
German Lancioni, McAfee’s Chief AI Scientist, takes the stage to discuss using AI as a tool against AI-generated disinformation. This session will tackle the question: How can people trust what they see in a world of malicious AI deepfakes?
As CES 2025 unfolds, McAfee is proud to lead the charge in addressing the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to our increasingly digital world. Through groundbreaking innovations, strategic partnerships, and thought leadership, we’re not just imagining the future of tech—we’re actively shaping it.
We invite you to join us and our partners at CES to experience our cutting-edge technologies firsthand, engage with experts, and learn how McAfee is redefining security in the age of AI. Together, we’re building a safer, smarter, and more trusted digital landscape for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The post McAfee Shines at CES 2025: Redefining AI Protection for All appeared first on McAfee Blog.
For less than the cost of a latte and in under 10 minutes, scammers today can create shockingly convincing deepfake videos of anyone: your mom, your boss, or even your child.
Imagine receiving a video call from your mom asking to borrow money for an emergency, or getting a voicemail from your boss requesting urgent access to company accounts. These scenarios might seem straightforward, but in 2025, they represent a growing threat: deepfake scams that can be created for just $5 in under 10 minutes. According to McAfee’s latest “State of the Scamiverse” report, deepfake scams have become an everyday reality. The average American now encounters 2.6 deepfake videos daily, with younger adults (18-24) seeing even more – about 3.5 per day. These aren’t just celebrity face-swaps or entertaining memes; they’re sophisticated scams designed to separate people from their money.
Welcome to the Scamiverse: an ever-expanding realm of online scams and fraud that’s targeting people everywhere. Despite increasing awareness, scams are on the rise globally, costing victims money, time, and emotional well-being. Understanding this evolving landscape is key to staying protected.
According to McAfee’s December 2024 survey of 5,000 adults:
Beyond financial losses, there’s a significant emotional toll. More than a third of victims reported moderate to significant distress after falling for an online scam, with many spending over a month trying to resolve the resulting issues. Deepfake scams surged tenfold in 2024, with North America experiencing a jaw-dropping 1,740% increase. Over 500,000 deepfakes circulated on social media in 2023 alone. Unsurprisingly, two-thirds of people report being more worried about scams than ever before.
Deepfakes are no longer futuristic tech—they’re an everyday reality. McAfee’s survey showed:
Deepfake videos are most commonly encountered on:
| Platform | % Reporting Deepfakes |
| 68% | |
| 30% | |
| TikTok | 28% |
| X (formerly Twitter) | 17% |
Interestingly, different age groups tend to encounter deepfakes on different platforms. While older Americans are more likely to see them on Facebook (over 80% of those 65+ report this), younger users more frequently encounter them on Instagram and TikTok. Younger Americans encounter more deepfakes (3.5 daily for ages 18-24) than older groups (1.2 for ages 65+), while seniors report higher exposure to deepfakes on Facebook.
Deepfakes leverage generative AI to create convincing fake videos and audio. Initially popularized through memes featuring celebrities like Tom Cruise and Mark Zuckerberg, deepfakes are now weaponized by scammers. These tools can:
McAfee Labs tested 17 deepfake creation tools, finding that scammers can:
These tools enable scammers to achieve professional-grade results with minimal effort, making deepfake scams increasingly accessible.
The McAfee survey highlighted a wide range of scams. Some frequently involve deepfakes, such as:
| Scam Type | % Reporting |
| Fake shipping notifications | 36% |
| Fake news videos | 21% |
| Celebrity endorsement scams | 18% |
With deepfake technology becoming more accessible and sophisticated, here are McAfee’s top tips to protect yourself:
As we move further into 2025, the threat of deepfake scams is likely to grow. While about half of Americans feel confident they can spot these scams, the technology is evolving rapidly. The best defense is staying informed, maintaining healthy skepticism, and using modern security tools designed to combat these AI-powered threats. Scams have evolved with AI, but so have defenses. Staying vigilant, leveraging advanced cybersecurity tools, and educating yourself can help you navigate the Scamiverse safely. As scammers grow smarter, so must we. Remember, if something seems off about a video call or message from a loved one or colleague, take a moment to verify through another channel. In the age of $5 deepfakes, that extra step could save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of stress.
The post State of the Scamiverse – How AI is Revolutionizing Online Fraud appeared first on McAfee Blog.
McAfee threat researchers have identified several consumer brands and product categories most frequently used by cybercriminals to trick consumers into clicking on malicious links in the first weeks of this holiday shopping season. As holiday excitement peaks and shoppers hunt for the perfect gifts and amazing deals, scammers are taking advantage of the buzz. The National Retail Federation projects holiday spending will reach between $979.5 and $989 billion this year, and cybercriminals are capitalizing by creating scams that mimic the trusted brands and categories consumers trust. From October 1 to November 12, 2024, McAfee safeguarded its customers from 624,346 malicious or suspicious URLs tied to popular consumer brand names – a clear indication that bad actors are exploiting trusted brand names to deceive holiday shoppers.
McAfee’s threat research also reveals a 33.82% spike in malicious URLs targeting consumers with these brands’ names in the run-up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This rise in fraudulent activity aligns with holiday shopping patterns during a time when consumers may be more susceptible to clicking on offers from well-known brands like Apple, Yeezy, and Louis Vuitton, especially when deals seem too good to be true – pointing to the need for consumers to stay vigilant, especially with offers that seem unusually generous or come from unverified sources.
McAfee threat researchers have identified a surge in counterfeit sites and phishing scams that use popular luxury brands and tech products to lure consumers into “deals” on fake e-commerce sites designed to appear as official brand pages. While footwear and handbags were identified as the top two product categories exploited by cybercrooks during this festive time, the list of most exploited brands extends beyond those borders:
By mimicking trusted brands like these, offering unbelievable deals, or posing as legitimate customer service channels, cybercrooks create convincing traps designed to steal personal information or money. Here are some of the most common tactics scammers are using this holiday season:
With holiday shopping in full swing, it’s essential for consumers to stay one step ahead of scammers. By understanding the tactics cybercriminals use and taking a few precautionary measures, shoppers can protect themselves from falling victim to fraud. Here are some practical tips for safe shopping this season:
McAfee’s threat research team analyzed malicious or suspicious URLs that McAfee’s web reputation technology identified as targeting customers, by using a list of key company and product brand names—based on insights from a Potter Clarkson report on frequently faked brands—to query the URLs. This methodology captures instances where users either clicked on or were directed to dangerous sites mimicking trusted brands. Additionally, the team queried anonymized user activity from October 1st through November 12th.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: Yeezy is a popular product brand formerly from Adidas found in multiple Malicious/Suspicious URLs. Often, they present themselves as official Yeezy and/or Adidas shopping sites.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: The Apple brand was a popular target for scammers. Many sites were either knock offs, scams, or in this case, a fake customer service page designed to lure users into a scam.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: This particular (fake) Apple sales site used Apple within its URL and name to appear more official. Oddly, this site also sells Samsung Android phones.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: This site, now taken down, is a scam site purporting to sell Nike shoes.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: Louis Vuitton is a popular brand for counterfeit and scams. Particularly their handbags. Here is one site that was entirely focused on Louis Vuitton Handbags.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: This site presents itself as the official Louis Vuitton site selling handbags and clothes.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: This site uses too-good-to-be-true deals on branded items including this Louis Vuitton Bomber jacket.
The image below is a screenshot of a fake / malicious / scam site: Rolex is a popular watch brand for counterfeits and scams. This site acknowledges it sells counterfeits and makes no effort to indicate this on the product.
The post This Holiday Season, Watch Out for These Cyber-Grinch Tricks Used to Scam Holiday Shoppers appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Two-step verification, two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication…whatever your social media platform calls it, it’s an excellent way to protect your accounts.
There’s a good chance you’re already using multi-factor verification with your other accounts — for your bank, your finances, your credit card, and any number of things. The way it requires an extra one-time code in addition to your login and password makes life far tougher for hackers.
It’s increasingly common to see nowadays, where all manner of online services only allow access to your accounts after you’ve provided a one-time passcode sent to your email or smartphone. That’s where two-step verification comes in. You get sent a code as part of your usual login process (usually a six-digit number), and then you enter that along with your username and password.
Some online services also offer the option to use an authenticator app, which sends the code to a secure app rather than via email or your smartphone. Authenticator apps work much in the same way, yet they offer three unique features:
Google, Microsoft, and others offer authenticator apps if you want to go that route. You can get a good list of options by checking out the “editor’s picks” at your app store or in trusted tech publications.
Whichever form of authentication you use, always keep that secure code to yourself. It’s yours and yours alone. Anyone who asks for that code, say someone masquerading as a customer service rep, is trying to scam you. With that code, and your username/password combo, they can get into your account.
Passwords and two-step verification work hand-in-hand to keep you safer. Yet not any old password will do. You’ll want a strong, unique password. Here’s how that breaks down:
Now, with strong passwords in place, you can get to setting up multi-factor verification on your social media accounts.
When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you’ll be asked to choose one of three security methods:
And here’s a link to the company’s full walkthrough: https://www.facebook.com/help/148233965247823
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
And here’s a link to the company’s full walkthrough: https://faq.whatsapp.com/1920866721452534
And here’s a link to the company’s full walkthrough: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
1. TapProfileat the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap the Menu button at the top.
3. Tap Settings and Privacy, then Security.
4. Tap 2-step verification and choose at least two verification methods: SMS (text), email, and authenticator app.
5. Tap Turn on to confirm.
And here’s a link to the company’s full walkthrough: https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/personalized-ads-and-data/how-your-phone-number-is-used-on-tiktok
The post How to Protect Your Social Media Passwords with Multi-factor Verification appeared first on McAfee Blog.
What is a botnet? And what does it have to do with a toaster?
We’ll get to that. First, a definition:
A botnet is a group of internet-connected devices that bad actors hijack with malware. Using remote controls, bad actors can harness the power of the network to perform several types of attacks. These include distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that shut down internet services, breaking into other networks to steal data, and sending massive volumes of spam.
In a way, the metaphor of an “army of devices” leveling a cyberattack works well. With thousands or even millions of compromised devices working in concert, bad actors can do plenty of harm. As we’ll see in a moment, they’ve done their share already.
Which brings us back to that toaster.
The pop-up toaster as we know it first hit the shelves in 1926, under the brand name “Toastmaster.”[i] With a familiar springy *pop*, it has ejected toast just the way we like it for nearly a century. Given that its design was so simple and effective, it’s remained largely unchanged. Until now. Thanks to the internet and so-called “smart home” devices.
Toasters, among other things, are all getting connected. And have been for a few years now, to the point where the number of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices reaches well into the billions worldwide — which includes smart home devices.[ii]
Businesses use IoT devices to track shipments and various aspects of their supply chain. Cities use them to manage traffic flow and monitor energy use. (Does your home have a smart electric meter?) And for people like us, we use them to play music on smart speakers, see who’s at the front door with smart doorbells, and order groceries from an LCD screen on our smart refrigerators — just to name a few ways we’ve welcomed smart home devices into our households.
In the U.S. alone, smart home devices make up a $30-plus billion marketplace per year.[iii] However, it’s still a relatively young marketplace. And with that comes several security issues.
First and foremost, many of these devices still lack sophisticated security measures, which makes them easy pickings for cybercriminals. Why would a cybercriminal target that smart lightbulb in your living room reading lamp? Networks are only as secure as their least secure device. Thus, if a cybercriminal can compromise that smart lightbulb, it can potentially give them access to the entire home network it is on — along with all the other devices and data on it.
More commonly, though, hackers target smart home devices for another reason. They conscript them into botnets. It’s a highly automated affair. Hackers use bots to add devices to their networks. They scan the internet in search of vulnerable devices and use brute-force password attacks to take control of them.
At issue: many of these devices ship with factory usernames and passwords. Fed with that info, a hacker’s bot can have a relatively good success rate because people often leave the factory password unchanged. It’s an easy in.
Results from one real-life test show just how active these hacker bots are:
We created a fake smart home and set up a range of real consumer devices, from televisions to thermostats to smart security systems and even a smart kettle – and hooked it up to the internet.
What happened next was a deluge of attempts by cybercriminals and other unknown actors to break into our devices, at one stage, reaching 14 hacking attempts every single hour.
Put another way, that hourly rate added up to more than 12,000 unique scans and attack attempts a week.[iv] Imagine all that activity pinging your smart home devices.
Now, with a botnet in place, hackers can wage the kinds of attacks we mentioned above, particularly DDoS attacks. DDoS attacks can shut down websites, disrupt service and even choke traffic across broad swathes of the internet.
Remember the “Mirai” botnet attack of 2016, where hackers targeted a major provider of internet infrastructure?[v] It ended up crippling traffic in concentrated areas across the U.S., including the northeast, Great Lakes, south-central, and western regions. Millions of internet users were affected, people, businesses, and government workers alike.
Another more recent set of headline-makers are the December 2023 and July 2024 attacks on Amazon Web Services (AWS).[vi],[vii] AWS provides cloud computing services to millions of businesses and organizations, large and small. Those customers saw slowdowns and disruptions for three days, which in turn slowed down and disrupted the people and services that wanted to connect with them.
Also in July 2024, Microsoft likewise fell victim to a DDoS attack. It affected everything from Outlook email to Azure web services, and Microsoft Office to online games of Minecraft. They all got swept up in it.[viii]
These attacks stand out as high-profile DDoS attacks, yet smaller botnet attacks abound, ones that don’t make headlines. They can disrupt the operations of websites, public infrastructure, and businesses, not to mention the well-being of people who rely on the internet.
Earlier we mentioned the problem of unchanged factory usernames and passwords. These include everything from “admin123” to the product’s name. Easy to remember, and highly insecure. The practice is so common that they get posted in bulk on hacking websites, making it easy for cybercriminals to simply look up the type of device they want to attack.
Complicating security yet further is the fact that some IoT and smart home device manufacturers introduce flaws in their design, protocols, and code that make them susceptible to attacks.[ix] The thought gets yet more unsettling when you consider that some of the flaws were found in things like smart door locks.
The ease with which IoT devices can be compromised is a big problem. The solution, however, starts with manufacturers that develop IoT devices with security in mind. Everything in these devices will need to be deployed with the ability to accept security updates and embed strong security solutions from the get-go.
Until industry standards get established to ensure such basic security, a portion of securing your IoT and smart home devices falls on us, as people and consumers.
As for security, you can take steps that can help keep you safer. Broadly speaking, they involve two things: protecting your devices and protecting the network they’re on. These security measures will look familiar, as they follow many of the same measures you can take to protect your computers, tablets, and phones.
Grab online protection for your smartphone.
Many smart home devices use a smartphone as a sort of remote control, not to mention as a place for gathering, storing, and sharing data. So whether you’re an Android owner or iOS owner, use online protection software on your phone to help keep it safe from compromise and attack.
Don’t use the default — Set a strong, unique password.
One issue with many IoT devices is that they often come with a default username and password. This could mean that your device and thousands of others just like it all share the same credentials, which makes it painfully easy for a hacker to gain access to them because those default usernames and passwords are often published online. When you purchase any IoT device, set a fresh password using a strong method of password creation, such as ours. Likewise, create an entirely new username for additional protection as well.
Use multi-factor authentication.
Online banks, shops, and other services commonly offer multi-factor authentication to help protect your accounts — with the typical combination of your username, password, and a security code sent to another device you own (often a mobile phone). If your IoT device supports multi-factor authentication, consider using it there too. It throws a big barrier in the way of hackers who simply try and force their way into your device with a password/username combination.
Secure your internet router too.
Another device that needs good password protection is your internet router. Make sure you use a strong and unique password as well to help prevent hackers from breaking into your home network. Also, consider changing the name of your home network so that it doesn’t personally identify you. Fun alternatives to using your name or address include everything from movie lines like “May the Wi-Fi be with you” to old sitcom references like “Central Perk.” Also check that your router is using an encryption method, like WPA2 or the newer WPA3, which keeps your signal secure.
Upgrade to a newer internet router.
Older routers might have outdated security measures, which might make them more prone to attacks. If you’re renting yours from your internet provider, contact them for an upgrade. If you’re using your own, visit a reputable news or review site such as Consumer Reports for a list of the best routers that combine speed, capacity, and security.
Update your apps and devices regularly.
In addition to fixing the odd bug or adding the occasional new feature, updates often fix security gaps. Out-of-date apps and devices might have flaws that hackers can exploit, so regular updating is a must from a security standpoint. If you can set your smart home apps and devices to receive automatic updates, that’s even better.
Set up a guest network specifically for your IoT devices.
Just as you can offer your guests secure access that’s separate from your own devices, creating an additional network on your router allows you to keep your computers and smartphones separate from IoT devices. This way, if an IoT device is compromised, a hacker will still have difficulty accessing your other devices on your primary network, the one where you connect your computers and smartphones.
Shop smart.
Read trusted reviews and look up the manufacturer’s track record online. Have their devices been compromised in the past? Do they provide regular updates for their devices to ensure ongoing security? What kind of security features do they offer? And privacy features too? Resources like Consumer Reports can provide extensive and unbiased information that can help you make a sound purchasing decision.
As more and more connected devices make their way into our homes, the need to ensure that they’re secure only increases. More devices mean more potential avenues of attack, and your home network is only as secure as the least secure device that’s on it.
While standards put forward by industry groups such as UL and Matter have started to take root, a good portion of keeping IoT and smart home devices secure falls on us as consumers. Taking the steps above can help prevent your connected toaster from playing its part in a botnet army attack — and it can also protect your network and your home from getting hacked.
It’s no surprise that IoT and smart home devices have raked in billions of dollars over the years. They introduce conveniences and little touches into our homes that make life more comfortable and enjoyable. However, they’re still connected devices. And like anything that’s connected, they must be protected.
[i] https://www.hagley.org/librarynews/history-making-toast
[ii] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1183457/iot-connected-devices-worldwide/
[iii] https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/smart-home/united-states
[iv] https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-the-smart-home-could-be-at-risk-from-hackers-akeR18s9eBHU
[v] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirai_(malware)
[vi] https://www.darkreading.com/cloud-security/eight-hour-ddos-attack-struck-aws-customers
[vii] https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilsayegh/2024/07/31/microsoft-and-aws-outages-a-wake-up-call-for-cloud-dependency/
[viii] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c903e793w74o
[ix] https://news.fit.edu/academics-research/apps-for-popular-smart-home-devices-contain-security-flaws-new-research-finds/
The post What Is a Botnet? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As we honor Veterans Day, it’s crucial to recognize not only the sacrifices made by those who served but also the unique cybersecurity challenges they face in today’s digital age. Veterans, with their deep ties to sensitive military information and benefits, are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals seeking to exploit their personal data. Seven in 10 military vets and active-duty service members have been a victim of at least one digital crime.
From phishing scams impersonating official VA communications to the risk of military identity theft, veterans encounter specific threats that require tailored cybersecurity awareness and precautions. By taking proactive steps, veterans can implement strong security practices to better protect their identities and enjoy a safer online experience.
Veterans possess a wealth of sensitive information tied to their military service. This includes not only Social Security numbers, medical records, and details about deployments and benefits, but also personal histories that can include addresses, family information, and even details about combat experiences. Such comprehensive information is highly valuable to cybercriminals for various malicious activities, including identity theft and financial fraud.
Cybercriminals can exploit this data to impersonate veterans, gain unauthorized access to financial accounts, file false claims for VA benefits, or sell the information on the dark web. The repercussions of such breaches extend beyond financial loss, impacting veterans’ reputations, access to essential services, and overall peace of mind. Safeguarding this sensitive data is critical to ensuring veterans’ security and well-being in the digital age.
One of the primary threats that veterans encounter is phishing scams. These scams often impersonate official communications from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other military organizations. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick veterans into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links that can compromise their devices.
Another prevalent danger is military identity theft, where criminals use stolen or fabricated military credentials to access benefits, obtain loans, or commit fraud in the veteran’s name. This type of identity theft can be particularly devastating, affecting not only financial stability but also the veteran’s reputation and access to crucial services.
In 2023, military consumers filed more than 93,000 fraud complaints, with imposter scams alone accounting for 42,766 cases, resulting in reported losses exceeding $178 million. To combat these threats, veterans must be equipped with robust cybersecurity awareness and practices:
If you think you have been the victim of identity theft, immediately take steps to protect yourself and your family:
As veterans continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, safeguarding their personal information online is paramount. By staying informed about cybersecurity best practices and leveraging available resources, veterans can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber threats.
The post Safeguarding Those Who Served: Cybersecurity Challenges for Veterans appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As Black Friday approaches, eager bargain hunters are gearing up to snag the best deals online. But with the excitement of holiday shopping also comes the risk of cyber threats, as cybercriminals see this busy time as an opportunity to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from potential risks while scoring your favorite holiday deals.
Authorities are already sounding the alarm about the risks associated with online shopping during the festive season. Cybersecurity agencies, including the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Canadian Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), have warned that cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including leveraging AI to create more convincing scams, malicious ads, and spoofed websites. In the United States, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued advisories to stay vigilant against ransomware attacks during holiday periods when many businesses operate with minimal staff. Cybercriminals take advantage of widely celebrated holidays like Black Friday to launch impactful attacks.
Modern AI tools have made it easier for scammers to create:
During the bustling shopping period that spans Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, online sales hit record highs, and cybercriminals follow the money trail. Here are some of the most common scams to watch out for and ways to protect yourself.
Phishing attacks often involve fake emails or social media messages that mimic legitimate promotional offers or shipping notifications. These messages are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as credit card details, or to download malware onto your device. Common tactics include sending fake order confirmations or gift card scams, which pressure recipients to act quickly by purchasing gift cards to resolve a fabricated issue.
Fake websites that imitate popular online retailers pop up frequently during the Black Friday shopping season. These sites may look identical to the real thing, but their sole purpose is to steal your payment information.
Malicious advertisements can infiltrate legitimate websites, leading you to infected sites that install malware on your device. E-skimming occurs when hackers insert malicious code into payment pages on legitimate eCommerce sites, stealing your credit card information during checkout.
During the busy holiday season, identity theft and credit card fraud rise sharply. Cybercriminals use stolen personal information to make fraudulent purchases or open accounts in your name.
Here are some extra tips to keep your online shopping secure during the holiday season:
While Black Friday is a fantastic time to grab deals, it’s also a time to be extra cautious. By understanding common threats and following these safety tips, you can enjoy your holiday shopping while minimizing the risks. Remember, If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate retailers won’t pressure you into quick decisions or require unusual payment methods. Take your time, verify offers, and trust your instincts.
The best defense against AI scams is a careful, methodical approach to holiday shopping. Create a budget, make a list of what you want to buy, and stick to trusted retailers. A missed deal is better than falling victim to a scam.
The post How To Protect Yourself from Black Friday and Cyber Monday AI Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As malicious deepfakes continue to flood our screens with disinformation during this election year, we’ve released our 2024 Election AI Toolkit to help voters protect themselves and their vote.
Our own research reveals just how deep the problem runs. More than six in ten (63%) of Americans said they’ve seen a deepfake in the past 60 days. As for the impact of those deepfakes, nearly half (48%) who’ve seen one said it’s influenced who they’ll vote for in the upcoming election.
In all, we found that 91% of Americans said they’re concerned that AI-generated disinformation could interfere with public perception of candidates, their platforms, or even election results.
Disinformation has played a long and shady role in politics. For some time now. George Washington fell victim to it in 1777 when forged letters painted him as a British sympathizer — disinformation that followed him to the first presidency. [i]
And it’s appeared on the internet for some time too. For years, creating disinformation on the internet called for plenty of manual labor. Writers, designers, and developers all put hours into writing, creating images, and creating sites for spreading disinformation. Now, it takes just one person mere minutes. The advent of cheap and free AI tools has put disinformation into overdrive.
We’ve seen an explosive rise in malicious deepfakes in the run-up to Election Day.
With polling in some states already underway, we can expect the glut of malicious deepfakes to continue. They might:
With that, it’s little surprise that nearly 60% of Americans say that they’re extremely or very concerned about AI’s influence on the election.[vi] Deepfakes have simply become pervasive.
AI has given new life to the old problem of disinformation and fake news. In many ways, it’s supercharged it.
It’s done so in two primary ways:
In all, it’s easier, cheaper, and quicker than ever to create malicious deepfakes with AI tools. On top of that, the image and sound quality of deepfakes continues to improve. In all, it’s only getting tougher when it’s time to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s fake.
Taken together, this has put voters in a lurch. Who and what can they trust online?
Even as the creators of malicious AI-generated content have gotten cagier in their ways, their work still gives off signs of a fake. However, spotting this malicious content calls for extra effort on everyone’s part when getting their news or scrolling their feeds online. That means scrutinizing what we consume and relying on trusted fact-checking resources to get at the truth. It also means using AI as any ally, with AI tools that detect AI deepfakes in real time.
Our Election Year Toolkit will help you do just that. It covers the basics of fake news and malicious AI deepfakes, how to spot them, and more. As you’ll see, it’s a topic both broad and deep, and we explore it in a step-by-step way that helps make sense of it all for voters.
Sharing info about AI with voters is one of several steps we’ve taken to fight against malicious deepfakes.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, we’ve teamed up with Yahoo News to bolster the credibility of images on the Yahoo News platform. This collaboration integrates McAfee’s sophisticated deepfake image detection technology into Yahoo News’s content quality system, offering readers an added layer of trust.
And we’re rolling out our McAfee Deepfake detector through our partners too. It checks audio being played through your browser to figure out if the content you’re watching or listening to contains AI-generated audio. When AI audio is detected, users are notified in seconds.
AI makes disinformation look and sound far more credible than ever. And bad actors can produce it on a tremendous scale, thanks to the ease and speed of AI tools. In an election year that calls for more scrutiny on our collective part — and our 2024 Election AI Toolkit can help. It covers how to spot a deepfake, how they spread, and several fact-checking resources that you can rely on when that bit of news you stumble across seems a little sketchy.
Download the full McAfee AI Election Toolkit here
[i] https://www.politifact.com/article/2022/feb/21/when-george-washington-fought-misinformation/
[v] https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/06/political-deepfakes-are-spreading-like-wildfire-thanks-to-genai/
The post How To Survive the Deepfake Election with McAfee’s 2024 Election AI Toolkit appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Thinking about deleting your TikTok account? We can show you how.
Before we get to that, you might be interested to find what kind of data TikTok collects about you — and how long TikTok keeps your account data, even after you delete it.
For that, we turn to TikTok’s privacy policy page.[i] TikTok collects data just like practically any other social media platform, and the list of what they collect runs long. You can see a full list in their privacy policy, yet here are a few things you might want to know about. Per TikTok:
So, TikTok knows the content you create, the content you appear in, and the messages you send (and the specific contents of those messages) — and potentially payment info and the people in your phone contacts. Additionally, it collects info on you from other sources and on any purchases you might have made through the platform.
The list continues. Once again, you can visit their privacy policy page for more details, yet here’s a partial rundown of other data they collect about you automatically. Per TikTok:
As for how long they keep all that data and info they collect, the answer is unclear. Per TikTok,
“We retain information for as long as necessary to provide the Platform and for the other purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We also retain information when necessary to comply with contractual and legal obligations, when we have a legitimate business interest to do so (such as improving and developing the Platform and enhancing its safety, security, and stability), and for the exercise or defense of legal claims.” [ii]
The key phrases here are “as long as necessary” and “when necessary.” TikTok doesn’t set a specific period in its policy. In fact, TikTok goes on to say that the periods vary based on “different criteria, such as the type of information and the purposes for which we use the information.”
Now, onto the steps for deleting your TikTok account.
Note that TikTok provides a 30-day grace period once you delete your account. If you want to hop back onto the platform, you can simply reactivate your account during that period. All your info, data, and posts will be there. After those 30 days, you’ll no longer have access to them.
We suggest one more step in addition to the ones above.
Here’s why you might want to do that … Given the way social media companies share info with third parties, there’s a chance your personal info might have made it onto one or several data broker sites. These sites buy and sell extensive lists of personal to anyone, which ranges anywhere from advertisers to spammers and scammers.
If the thought of your personal info being bought and sold puts you off, there’s something you can do about it. Our Personal Data Cleanup service can scan some of the riskiest data broker sites and show you which ones are selling your personal info. It also provides guidance on how you can remove your data from those sites, and with select products, it can even manage the removal for you.
[i] https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/row/privacy-policy/en
[ii] https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/row/privacy-policy/en
The post How to Delete Your TikTok Account appeared first on McAfee Blog.
What is oversharing on social media? And how do you avoid it?
Oversharing on social media takes on a couple different aspects. There’s one that’s personal, like what you share and how often you share it. Another revolves around your privacy and your security. Namely, how does what you share and how often you share it affect your privacy — and what further effect does that have on your security? Does it open you up to scams, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime?
A grasp on that can help you avoid oversharing and post on social media in a way that’s “just right.”
Granted, it might seem a little odd to talk about privacy and the like on social media, which is, by definition, social in nature. The idea, though, is striking a balance — getting all the benefits of connection and keeping up with people and groups that matter to you in a way that’s enjoyable and safe. And healthy too.
Let’s start with a look at what oversharing looks like and its possible effects. From there, we can check out some specific ways you can avoid oversharing on social media.
For starters, oversharing usually conjures up the notion of T.M.I., or “too much information.” That might involve posting too often, yet it can also involve sharing too many personal details. Along those lines, a long-standing definition of oversharing goes like this:
“The excessive generosity with information about one’s private life or the private lives of others.”[i]
Of course, “excessive” is a relative term. Different people have different boundaries when it comes to what’s personal. Likewise, the people reading a post have different ideas of what counts as sharing “too much” and what doesn’t.
Further complicating the matter is how many people choose to have multiple accounts on the same platform.
In particular, teens and younger adults often have a broader public account with many followers along with a more private account that they share with select friends. A post that might be fine, and expected, on a private account might come across as an overshare on a public account.
However, there are cases where oversharing can point to deeper issues, like anxiety, depression, and unhealthy attention-seeking behavior. So-called “sadfishing” offers one example, where people create negative posts in a bid to get sympathy. Other examples include sharing details about oneself online that a person would normally never share on a phone call or in a face-to-face conversation.
If you have concerns about yourself or someone you know, confide in someone you trust for advice. See if they have the same concerns as you do. Also, in the U.S., you can speak to speak to a licensed counselor through the “988” service, which you can learn more about at https://988lifeline.org. It’s free and confidential.
When it comes to privacy and security, oversharing takes on a different meaning. Elsewhere in our blogs, we’ve talked about that issue like this:
“Saying more than you should to more people than you should.”
Now, here’s where your privacy and security come in. Consider the audience you have across your social media profiles. Perhaps you have dozens, if not hundreds of friends and followers. All with various degrees of closeness and familiarity. Post something personal on social media to that broad audience, and you indeed might end up sharing something that puts your personal privacy and security at risk. After all, if you have hundreds of followers, how many of them are people you truly know and absolutely trust?
Here are a few scenarios:
In other words, social media posts have a way of saying much more than we might think. And when shared publicly or to a large audience of friends and followers you don’t know well, that can expose you in ways you might not want.
As with so many things online, staying safer and more private calls for a mix of technology and internet street smarts. Things like settings, privacy tools, and what you post can help you enjoy social media safely.
Be more selective with your settings.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the choice of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what you’re doing, saying, and posting — not to mention your relationships and likes. (Think of your social media profile showing up in a Google search.) Taking a “friends only” approach to your social media profiles can help protect your privacy because that gives a possible scammer or stalker much less material to work with.
Some platforms further allow you to create sub-groups of friends and followers. With a quick review of your network, you can create a sub-group of your most trusted friends and restrict your posts to them as needed.
Stay on top of your privacy with our Social Privacy Manager.
Here’s the thing with those social media settings — they can be challenging to locate and confusing to adjust. In all, it can take time to make sure that your info and posts are only shown to people you want to see them. Our Social Privacy Manager can do that work for you.
Based on your preferences, it adjusts more than 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts in just a few clicks. This way, your personal info is only visible to the people you want to share it with.
Say “no” to bots and bogus accounts.
There are plenty of fake accounts out there on social media. On Facebook, the platform acted on 1.2 billion fake accounts between April and June 2024 alone.[iii] On X, formerly Twitter, the platform announced a “bot purge” in 2024. However, in May 2023, the platform suspended access to a publicly available data set that helped find and track bots on the platform. Still, researchers continue to find false accounts, particularly ones powered by AI tools.[iv]
The bottom line is this: don’t accept invites from people you don’t know. Bad actors might use them to launch scams, gather personal info on potential identity theft victims, and spread disinformation. Also, be aware that some followers might not be who they appear to be. In the immediate wake of the “bot purge” on X, many accounts saw themselves losing thousands of followers.[v]
Consider what you post.
Think about posting those vacation pictures after you get back home, so people don’t know you’re away when you’re away. Also, consider if your post pinpoints where you are or where you go regularly. Do you want people in your broader network to know that? Closely review the pics you take and see if there’s any revealing information in the background. If so, you can crop it out (think notes on a whiteboard, reflections in a window, or revealing location info). Further, ask anyone you want to include in their post for their permission. In all, consider their privacy too.
Consider what you post about others, too.
Indeed, oversharing can include what you post and say about others online as well. A good rule of thumb when posting group pictures online is to ask if the other people in them are okay with it going onto social media. Also ask yourself, “Is this my news to share?” For example, a friend leaves one job to take on a new role elsewhere. Before posting, “Congrats on the new job!” let them make that first announcement themselves.
For parents, this calls for extra consideration too. Anything you post about your child becomes a part of their permanent online record. What might seem funny or cute today might become embarrassing or even fodder for cyberbullies tomorrow.
Yes, you give up some privacy by using social media. That’s the very nature of it. The trick is in sharing just enough and with just the right people.
Being careful of who you accept as a friend, keeping an eye on accounts that follow you, and paying mind to what you post and how often are all ways you can prevent oversharing. Likewise, using tools to fine-tune who sees your posts, keeping things to close friends in sub-groups or secondary accounts, and keeping your social media accounts out of the public eye are yet more steps you can take to protect yourself, your privacy, and your security on social media.
[i] https://portal.research.lu.se/en/publications/front-and-backstage-in-social-media
[ii] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/11/japanese-assault-suspect-tracked-down-pop-star-via-eye-reflection-in-selfie
[iii] https://transparency.meta.com/reports/community-standards-enforcement/fake-accounts/facebook
[iv] https://arxiv.org/pdf/2307.16336
[v] https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/x-formerly-twitter-bot-purge-sees-big-accounts-lose-followers/712495/
The post How to Avoid Oversharing on Social Media appeared first on McAfee Blog.
What is malware? A dictionary-like definition is “malicious software that attacks computers, smartphones, and other connected devices.”
In fact, “malware” is a mash-up of “malicious software.” It describes any type of software or code specifically designed to exploit a connected device or network without consent. And, unsurprisingly, hackers design most of it for financial gain.
Think of malware as an umbrella term that covers an entire host of “bad stuff,” such as:
Spyware that tracks activity, like what you type and where you type it. (Think snooping on your bank account logins.
Ransomware that holds devices or the data on them hostage, that hackers only release for a price. (And even so, payment is no guarantee you’ll get back your access.)
Adware that serves up spammy ads on your device. (The hacker gets paid for the number of “impressions” the ads have. The more they show up on people’s devices, the more they get paid.)
Botnet software, that hijacks a device into a remote-controlled network of other devices. (These networks are used to shut down websites or even shut down large portions of the internet, just to mention two of the things they can do.)
Rootkit that attacks that give hackers remote-control access to a device. (And with that control, they can wage all manner of attacks — on the device and on other devices too.)
Viruses that modify the way a device and its apps function. Also, they can effectively bring a device or network to a grinding halt. (Yes, viruses are a subset of malware. They can copy, delete, and steal data, among other things.)
You might know malware by its more commonly used name — viruses.
There’s a pretty good reason why people commonly refer to malware as a “virus.” Viruses have been on our collective minds for some time.
Viruses have a long history. You could call it “the original malware.” And depending on how you define what a virus is, the first one took root in 1971 — more than 50 years ago. It was known as Creeper, and rather than being malicious in nature, the creator designed it to show how a self-replicating program could spot other devices on a network, transfer itself to them, and find yet more devices to repeat the process. Later, the same programmer who created a refined version of Creeper developed Reaper, a program that could remove the Creeper program. In a way, Reaper could be considered the first piece of antivirus software.[i]
From there, it wasn’t until the 1980s that malware started affecting the broader population, a time when computers became more commonplace in businesses and people’s homes.
At first, malware typically spread by infected floppy disks, much like the “Brain” virus in 1986. While recognized today as the first large-scale computer virus, its authors say they never intended it to work that way. Rather, they say they created Brain as an anti-piracy measure to protect their proprietary software from theft. However, Brain got loose. It went beyond their software and affected computers worldwide. Although not malicious or destructive in nature, Brain most certainly put the industry, businesses, and consumers on notice. Computer viruses were a thing.[ii]
Another piece of malware that got passed along via floppy disks was the “PC Cyborg” attack that targeted the medical research community in and around 1989. There, the malware would lie in wait until the user rebooted their computer for the 90th time and was presented with a digital ransom note.[iii]
An early example of ransomware – Source, Wikipedia
Upon that 90th boot, PC Cyborg encrypted the computer’s files, which would only get unencrypted if the victim paid a fee, making it the first documented form of ransomware.
Shortly thereafter, the internet started connecting computers, which opened millions of doors for hackers as people went online. Among the most noteworthy was 1999’s “Melissa” virus, which spread by way of infected email attachments and overloaded hundreds of corporate and governmental email servers worldwide.
It was quickly followed in 2000 by what’s considered among the most damaging malware to date — ILOVEYOU, which also spread by way of an attachment, this one posing as a love letter. Specifically, it was a self-replicating worm that installed itself on the victim’s computer where it destroyed some info and stole other info, then spread to other computers. One estimate put the global cost of ILOVEYOU at $10 billion. It further speculated that it infected 10% of the world’s internet-connected computers at the time.[iv]
With that history, it’s no surprise that anti-malware software is commonly called “antivirus.”
Antivirus forms a major cornerstone of online protection software. It protects your devices against malware through a combination of prevention, detection, and removal. Our antivirus uses AI to detect the absolute latest threats — and has for several years now.
Today, McAfee registers more than a million new malicious programs and potentially unwanted apps (PUA) each day, which contributes to the millions and millions already in existence. Now with the arrival of AI-powered coding tools, hackers can create new strains at rates unseen before.
That’s another reason why we use AI in our antivirus software. We use AI to protect against AI-created malware. It does so in three ways:
Once again, it’s important to remind ourselves that today’s malware is created largely for profit. Hackers use it to gain personal and financial info, either for their own purposes or to sell it for profit. The files you have stored on your devices have a street value. That includes tax returns, financial docs, payment info, and so on. Moreover, when you consider all the important things you keep on your devices, like your photos and documents, those have value too. Should you get caught up in a ransomware attack, a hacker puts a price tag on them for their return.
Needless to say, and you likely know this already, antivirus is essential for you and your devices.
You’ll find our AI-powered antivirus in all our McAfee+ plans. Better yet, our plans have dozens of protections that block the ways hackers distribute malware. To name just a few, our Text Scam Detector blocks links to suspicious sites that host malware and other attacks — and our Web Protection does the same for your browser. It also includes our industry-first online protection score that shows you just how safe you are, along with suggestions that can make you safer still. Together, our McAfee+ plans offer more than just antivirus. They protect your devices, your privacy, and your identity overall.
[i] https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?entryid=2860
[ii] https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=1676
[iii] https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/05/the-computer-virus-that-haunted-early-aids-researchers/481965/
[iv] https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2020/05/04/this-20-year-old-virus-infected-50-million-windows-computers-in-10-days-why-the-iloveyou-pandemic-matters-in-2020
The post What is Malware? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
The number of AI-powered fake news sites has now surpassed the number of real local newspaper sites in the U.S.
How? AI tools have made creating entire fake news sites quicker and easier than before — taking one person minutes to create what once took days for dozens and dozens of people.
Researchers say we crossed this threshold in June 2024, a “sad milestone” by their reckoning.[i] As traditional, trusted sources of local news shut down, they’re getting replaced with sensationalistic and often divisive fake news sites. What’s more, many of these fake news sites pose as hometown newspapers.
They’re anything but.
These sites produce disinformation in bulk and give it a home. In turn, the articles on these fake news sites fuel social media posts by the thousands and thousands. Unsuspecting social media users fall for the clickbait-y headlines, click the links, read the articles, and get exposed to yet more “news” on those sites – which they then share on their social feeds thinking the stories are legit. And the cycle continues.
As a result, social media feeds find themselves flooded with falsehoods, misrepresentations, and flat-out lies. Researchers spotted the first of them in mid-2023, and they number of them are growing rapidly today.
In all, the rise of AI-powered fake news sites now plays a major role in the spread of disinformation.
When we talk about so-called “fake news,” we’re really talking about disinformation and misinformation. You might see and hear those two terms used interchangeably. They’re different, yet they’re closely related.
Disinformation is intentionally spreading misleading info.
Misinformation is unintentionally spreading misleading info (the person sharing the info thinks it’s true).
This way, you can see how disinformation spreads. A bad actor posts a deepfake with deliberately misleading info — a form of disinformation. From there, others take the misleading info at face value and pass it along as truth via social media — a form of misinformation.
The bad actors behind disinformation campaigns know this relationship well. Indeed, they feed it. In many ways, they rely on others to amplify their message for them.
With that, we’re seeing an explosion of fake news sites with content nearly, if not entirely, created by AI — with bad actors pushing the buttons.
Funded by partisan operations in the U.S. and by disinformation operations abroad, these sites pose as legitimate news sources yet push fake news that suits their agenda — whether to undermine elections, tarnish the reputation of candidates, create rifts in public opinion, or simply foster a sense of unease.
One media watchdog organization put some striking figures to the recent onrush of fake news sites. In May 2023, the organization found 49 sites that it defined as “Unreliable AI-Generated News Websites,” or UAINS. In February 2024, that number grew to more than 700 UAINS.[ii]
Per the watchdog group, these sites run with little to no human oversight. Additionally, they try to pass themselves off as legitimate by presenting their AI “authors” as people.[iii] Brazenly, at least one publisher had to say this when confronted with the fact that his “reporter” bylines were really AI bots:
The goal was to create “AI personas” that can eventually “grow into having their own following,” maybe even one day becoming a TV anchor. “Each AI persona has a unique style … Some sort of — this is probably not the right word — personality style to it.” [iv]
Beyond spreading disinformation, these sites are profitable. Recent research found that among the top 100 digital advertisers, 55% of them had their ads placed on disinformation sites. Across all industries and brands, 67% of those with digital ads wound up on disinformation sites.[v]
To clarify, these advertisers support these disinformation sites unwittingly. The researchers cite the way that online advertising platforms algorithmically place ads on various sites as the culprit. Not the advertisers themselves.
So as we talk about disinformation sites cropping up at alarming rates, we also see bad actors profiting as they prop them up.
Follow-up research pushes the estimated number of AI-powered fake news sites yet higher. In June, analysts discovered 1,265 sites targeting U.S. internet users with fake news – many posing as “local” news outlets. Shockingly, that figure surpasses the number of local newspapers still running in the U.S., at 1,213 outlets.[vi] (Side note: between 2005 and 2022, some 2,500 local newspapers shuttered in the U.S.[vii])
The actors and interests behind these sites follow a straightforward formula. In word salad fashion, they’ll mix the name of a town with classic publication names like Times, Post, or Chronicle to try to give themselves an air of credibility. Yet the content they post is anything but credible. AI generates the content from tip-to-tail, all to suit the disinformation the site wants to pump out.
The U.S. isn’t alone here. Similar sites have cropped up in the European Union as well. The European Union’s Disinformation Lab (EU DisinfoLab) found that outside actors mimicked several legitimate European sites and used them to spread disinformation.[viii] Legitimate sites that outside actors mimicked included Bild, The Guardian, and the NATO website.
The answer is that it’s getting tougher and tougher.
Fake news sites once gave off several cues that they were indeed fake, whether because they were created by earlier, cruder versions of AI tools or by human content creators. They simply didn’t look, feel, or read right. That’s because it took a lot of manual work to create a fake news site and make it look legitimate.
For starters, the site needed a sharp visual design and an easy way of surfacing articles to readers. It also meant cooking up a virtual staff, including bios of owners, publishers, editors, and bylines for the writers on the site. It also called for creating credible “About” pages and other deeper site content that legitimate news sites feature. Oh, and it needed a nice logo too. Then, and only then, could the actors behind these sites start writing fake news articles.
Now, AI does all this in minutes.
The Poynter Institute for Media Studies, a non-profit journalism school and research organization, showed how it indeed took minutes using several different AI tools.[ix] One tool created fake journalists, along with backgrounds, bylines, and photos. Another tool provided the framework of web code to design and build the site. As for the articles themselves, a few prompts into ChatGPT wrote serviceable, if not bland, articles in minutes as well.
As a result, these sites can look “real enough” to casual viewers. Taken at face value, all the trappings of a legitimate news site are there, with one exception — the articles. They’re fake. And they go on to do the damage that the bad actors behind them want them to do.
The people who create these fake news sites rely on others to take the lies they push at face value — and then immediately react to the feelings they stir up. Outrage. Anger. Dark joy. Without pause. Without consideration. If an article or post you come across online acts taps into those emotions, it’s a sure-fire sign you should follow up and see if what you’ve stumbled across is really real.
Here are a few things you can do:
Seek out objective reporting.
Outside of a newspaper’s Op-Ed pages where editorial opinions get aired, legitimate editorial staff strive for objectivity—reporting multiple dimensions of a story and letting the facts speak for themselves. If you find articles that are blatantly one-sided or articles that blast one party while going excessively easy on another, consider that type of reporting a red flag.
Watch out for clickbait.
Sensationalism, raw plays to emotion, headlines that conjure outrage — they’re all profitable because they stir people up and get them to click. Content like this is the hallmark of fake news, and it’s certainly the hallmark of AI-powered fake news as well. Consider stories like these as red flags as well.
Use fact-checking resources.
Come across something questionable? Still uncertain of what you’re seeing? You can turn to one of the several fact-checking organizations and media outlets that make it their business to separate fact from fiction. Each day, they assess the latest claims making their way across the internet — and then figure out if they’re true, false, or somewhere in between.
Check other known and long-standing news sources.
Search for other reputable sources and see what they’re saying on the topic. If anything at all. If the accounts differ, or you can’t find other accounts at all, that might be a sign you’re looking at fake news.
Additionally, for a list of reputable information sources, along with the reasons they’re reputable, check out “10 Journalism Brands Where You Find Real Facts Rather Than Alternative Facts.” It’s published by Forbes and authored by an associate professor at The King’s College in New York City.[x] It certainly isn’t the end-all, be-all of lists, yet it provides you with a good starting point. Both left-leaning and right-leaning editorial boards are included in the list for balance.
Stick with trusted voter resources.
With Election Day coming around here in the U.S., expect many bad actors to push false voting info, polling results, and other fake news that tries to undermine your vote. Go straight to the source for voting info, like how to register, when, where, and how to vote — along with how to confirm your voting registration status. You can find all this info and far more with a visit to https://www.usa.gov/voting-and-elections.
You can find another excellent resource for voters at https://www.vote411.org, which is made possible by the League of Women Voters. Particularly helpful is the personalized voting info it offers. By entering your address, you can:
If you have further questions, contact your state, territory, or local election office. Once again, usa.gov offers a quick way to get that info at https://www.usa.gov/state-election-office.
[i] https://www.newsguardtech.com/press/sad-milestone-fake-local-news-sites-now-outnumber-real-local-newspaper-sites-in-u-s/
[ii] https://www.newsguardtech.com/press/newsguard-launches-2024-election-misinformation-tracking-center-rolls-out-new-election-safety-assurance-package-for-brand-advertising/
[iii] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-05-17/ai-fake-bylines-on-news-site-raise-questions-of-credibility-for-journalists
[iv] Ibid.
[v] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07404-1
[vi] https://www.newsguardtech.com/press/sad-milestone-fake-local-news-sites-now-outnumber-real-local-newspaper-sites-in-u-s/
[vii] https://localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/research/state-of-local-news/2022/report/
[viii] https://www.cybercom.mil/Media/News/Article/3895345/russian-disinformation-campaign-doppelgnger-unmasked-a-web-of-deception/
[ix] https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2023/chatgpt-build-fake-news-organization-website/
[x] https://www.forbes.com/sites/berlinschoolofcreativeleadership/2017/02/01/10-journalism-brands-where-you-will-find-real-facts-rather-than-alternative-facts
The post Hallucinating Headlines: The AI-Powered Rise of Fake News appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In the aftermath of a major disaster like Hurricane Helene and Milton, people come together to rebuild and recover. Unfortunately, alongside the genuine help, there are always opportunistic scammers ready to exploit the chaos for personal gain. Knowing what to look out for can help protect you and your community from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), established by the Justice Department after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, reminds the public to be cautious of hurricane-related solicitations. As natural disasters, like Hurricane Helene, often bring out the best in people eager to help, they also provide an opportunity for criminals to exploit the situation by stealing money or personal information. Here are some of common scams and fraud to watch out for, and how you can safeguard yourself.
As residents begin to rebuild, many turn to contractors for help with repairs. Scammers often pose as legitimate contractors but lack proper licensing or qualifications. They may demand upfront payment and then disappear without completing the work or do subpar repairs.
How to Protect Yourself:
Disasters often inspire a wave of generosity, but they also give rise to fake charities. Scammers may set up fraudulent organizations that claim to be helping victims of Hurricane Helene and Milton, only to pocket the money for themselves.
How to Protect Yourself:
After a major disaster, there is often a sharp increase in demand for essential goods like water, fuel, and building supplies. Unscrupulous businesses or individuals may take advantage by charging exorbitant prices.
How to Protect Yourself:
Scammers may pose as FEMA representatives, insurance adjusters, or other government officials. They’ll claim to help expedite your relief or insurance claim in exchange for personal information or payment.
How to Protect Yourself:
Cybercriminals often send out emails or texts that look like they’re from legitimate organizations, trying to trick people into clicking on malicious links. These phishing scams can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
How to Protect Yourself:
In the wake of Hurricane Helene and Milton, the most important thing you can do is stay vigilant. While the majority of people are focused on helping and healing, there will always be a small number looking to take advantage. By recognizing the signs of common scams and taking precautionary measures, you can protect yourself and your community from further harm. If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately.
The post How to Avoid Scams in the Wake of Hurricane Helene and Milton appeared first on McAfee Blog.
With the election quickly approaching, it’s essential to be informed and cautious about the growing number of voting scams. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using everything from artificial intelligence to fake text messages to trick people into sharing sensitive information. Here’s a breakdown of the types of voting scams that have already been seen this year and the specific steps you can take to protect yourself.
Scammers pretending to be election workers are sending fraudulent text messages to Maryland voters, falsely claiming they are not registered to vote in November. The texts urge recipients to click a fake link to “resolve” their registration status. Similar scams have been reported across the country from Sacramento, California to Marietta, Georgia.
How to protect yourself:
A new voting scam is targeting seniors in Michigan, where scammers are asking for Social Security and credit card information under the pretense of early voting opportunities. Michigan’s Secretary of State office has received numerous complaints about seniors being approached in person by imposters posing as election workers while trying to steal individuals’ identities.
How to protect yourself:
A bipartisan group of 51 attorneys general issued a warning to Life Corporation, a company accused of sending scam robocalls during the New Hampshire primary. These calls used AI to impersonate President Biden and spread false information to discourage voter participation. While this bipartisan task force is committed to tackling illegal robocalls nationwide, citizens should still be aware of the risk of deepfake audio.
How to protect yourself:
Scams tend to increase during election years, so be proactive in safeguarding against these latest fraud tactics. By following these steps, you can help protect yourself from falling victim to election-related scams. Voting is a critical part of democracy, and staying vigilant is key to both safeguarding your personal information and your right to participate.
The post Beware of These Voting Scams Happening Now appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In today’s digital world, the line between reality and deception has become increasingly blurred, with cybercriminals leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to exploit our trust and interest in celebrities. As we continue to engage with the internet in unprecedented ways, McAfee’s 2024 Celebrity Hacker Hotlist sheds light on a growing threat—online scams using the identities of our favorite stars.
At the forefront of McAfee’s latest list is Scarlett Johansson, a renowned actress, recognized for her roles in Marvel’s Black Widow and Lost in Translation. However, this time, Johansson isn’t making headlines for a movie—she’s ranked as the U.S. celebrity whose name is most frequently used in online scams. Her likeness has been used in AI-generated deepfakes, from unauthorized ads to fake endorsements, creating a major risk for unsuspecting fans. The list doesn’t stop with Johansson. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift, and Tom Hanks also find themselves in the top 10, with hackers exploiting their images, voices, and reputations to deceive internet users. Whether it’s for fake giveaways, cryptocurrency scams, tickets to high-demand concerts, free downloads, or disinformation campaigns, these stars are unwilling participants in the cybercrime ecosystem.
McAfee’s Threat Research Labs Team compiled the Celebrity Hacker Hotlist by identifying the celebrities – including social media influencers – whose names and likenesses are most often exploited to lead consumers to online scams. This ranges from the purchase of fake goods or services that then steal your money or bank details to social media or email scams that convince consumers to click a risky link that unknowingly installs malware. All of these scams jeopardize consumers’ data, privacy, and identity.
The top ten list includes a combination of longtime talent and more recently well-known names from various fields, showcasing their potential influence on consumers of all generations:
The advent of AI has revolutionized many industries, but it’s also given cybercriminals a powerful new tool: the deepfake. In addition to phishing scams and links containing malware that exploit the popularity and reputation of celebrities and deceive their fans, these highly realistic video or audio clips can mimic the likeness of a person, making it nearly impossible to tell whether the content is real or fake. Deepfakes of celebrities are now being used to promote fraudulent products, steal personal information, and trick people into downloading malware. Imagine watching a video of your favorite star endorsing a new product, only to find out later it wasn’t them at all. This is no longer a distant possibility but a reality many fans face as scammers get better at crafting fake content. In fact, some of these AI-generated videos are so convincing that even the savviest of internet users can fall for them.
For instance, Tom Hanks’ image was manipulated to promote dubious “miracle cures,” while Taylor Swift’s likeness has been used in fake political endorsements. Johnny Depp and Kylie Jenner’s names have been used by scammers in fake cryptocurrency giveaways, luring fans to engage with risky websites or phishing scams.
While these scams primarily aim to steal money or personal data from consumers, the effects are far-reaching. For fans, the consequences can be devastating, with financial losses ranging from a few hundred dollars to over half a million. In addition to the financial risks, victims often feel violated after engaging with fraudulent content. For celebrities, these scams can have a serious impact on their public image and brand. Many stars, including Johansson, have taken a firm stand against the unauthorized use of their images in AI-generated content. As Johansson has publicly expressed, it’s not just about personal privacy but about the broader implications of AI and the need for accountability in the tech world.
As AI becomes more accessible, these scams are only expected to rise. To combat this growing issue, McAfee recently introduced a powerful combination of educational resources and advanced, AI-powered technology: McAfee Deepfake Detector, the world’s first automatic and AI-powered deepfake detector, and the McAfee Smart AI Hub, a go-to online space for the latest in AI security knowledge and news. Here are some practical tips to protect yourself from AI-generated scams:
In 2024, staying safe online means being aware of the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and cybercrime. Scammers are getting better at mimicking trusted names like Scarlett Johansson, Kylie Jenner, and Johnny Depp to deceive fans. With AI-powered tools like deepfake detectors and informed vigilance, we can reduce the risk of falling victim to these digital traps. Stay informed, stay cautious, and always think twice before clicking on a too-good-to-be-true celebrity endorsement. For more information about McAfee’s 2024 Celebrity Hacker Hotlist and ways to protect yourself, visit https://www.mcafee.ai
The study was conducted by McAfee® threat intelligence researchers to determine the number of risky sites and amount of misleading content generated by searching a celebrity name with commonly used terms. A risk score was calculated for each celebrity using a combination of McAfee WebAdvisor results and an analysis of known deepfakes recorded between January 1 to September 15, 2024. McAfee’s WebAdvisor browser extension leverages McAfee’s technology to protect users from malicious websites and, when turned on, rates nearly every internet website it finds, using red, yellow and green icons to indicate the website’s risk level and blocking access to or warning a user if they click on a malicious or risky URL link. Ratings are created by using patented advanced technology to conduct automated website tests and works with Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox.
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Bad news travels quickly. Or so goes the old saying. Yet we do know this: disinformation and fake news spread faster than the truth. And what makes it spread even faster is AI.
A recent study on the subject shows that fake news travels across the internet than stories that are true. Complicating matters is just how quickly and easily people can create fake news stories with AI tools.
Broadly speaking, AI-generated content has flooded the internet in the past year — an onrush of AI voice clones, AI-altered images, video AI deepfakes, and all manner of text in posts. Not to mention, entire websites are populated with AI-created content.
One set of published research shows how this glut of AI-created content has grown since AI tools started becoming publicly available in 2023. In just the first three months of 2024, one set of research suggests that the volume of deepfakes worldwide surged by 245% compared to the start of 2023. In the U.S., that figure jumped to 303%.[i]
But before we dive into the topic, we need to make an important point — not all AI-generated content is bad. Companies use AI deepfake technologies to create training videos. Studios use AI tools to dub movies into other languages and create captions. And some content creators just want to get a laugh out of Arnold Schwarzenegger singing show tunes. So, while deepfakes are on the rise, not all of them are malicious.
The problem arises when people use deepfakes and other AI tools to spread disinformation. That’s what we’ll focus on here.
First, let’s look at what deepfakes are and what disinformation really is.
First, what is a deepfake? One dictionary definition of a deepfake reads like this:
An image or recording that has been convincingly altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said.[ii]
Looking closely at that definition, three key terms stand out: “altered,” “manipulated,” and “misrepresent.”
Altered
This term relates to how AI tools work. People with little to no technical expertise can tamper with existing source materials (images, voices, video) and create clones of them.
Manipulated
This speaks to what can be done with these copies and clones. With them, people can create entirely new images, tracts of speech, and videos.
Misrepresent
Lastly, this gets to the motives of the creators. They might create a deepfake as an obvious spoof like many of the parody deepfakes that go viral. Or maliciously, they might create a deepfake of a public official spewing hate speech and try to pass it off as real.
Again, not all deepfakes are malicious. It indeed comes down to what drives the creator. Does the creator want to entertain with a gag reel or inform with a how-to video narrated by AI? That’s fine. Yet if the creator wants to besmirch a political candidate, make a person look like they’ve said or done something they haven’t, or to pump out false polling location info to skew an election, that’s malicious. They clearly want to spread disinformation.
You might see and hear these terms used interchangeably. They’re different, yet they’re closely related. And both will play a role in this election.
Disinformation is intentionally spreading misleading info.
Misinformation is unintentionally spreading misleading info (the person sharing the info thinks it’s true).
This way, you can see how disinformation spreads. A bad actor posts a deepfake with misleading info — a form of disinformation. From there, others take the misleading info at face value, and pass it along as truth — a form of misinformation.
The two work hand-in-hand by design, because bad actors have a solid grasp on how lies spread online.
Deepfakes primarily spread on social media. And disinformation there has a way of spreading quickly.
Researchers found that disinformation travels deeper and more broadly, reaches more people, and goes more viral than any other category of false info.[iii]
According to the research findings published in Science,
“We found that false news was more novel than true news, which suggests that people were more likely to share novel information … Contrary to conventional wisdom, robots accelerated the spread of true and false news at the same rate, implying that false news spreads more than the truth because humans, not robots, are more likely to spread it.”
Thus, bad actors pump false info about them into social media channels and let people spread it by way of shares, retweets, and the like.
And convincing deepfakes have only made it easier for bad actors to spread disinformation.
The advent of AI tools has spawned a glut of disinformation unseen before, and for two primary reasons:
In effect, the malicious use of AI makes it easier for fakery to masquerade as reality, with chilling authenticity that’s only increasing. Moreover, it churns out fake news on a massive scope and scale that’s increasing rapidly, as we cited above.
AI tools can certainly create content quickly, but they also do the work of many. What once took sizable ranks of writers, visual designers, and content producers to create fake stories, fake images, and fake videos now gets done with AI tools. Also as mentioned above, we’re seeing entire websites that run on AI-generated content, which then spawn social media posts that point to their phony articles.
Largely we’ve talked about disinformation, fake news, and deepfakes in the context of politics and in attempts to mislead people. Yet there’s another thing about malicious deepfakes and the bad news they peddle. They’re profitable.
Bad news gets clicks, and clicks generate ad revenue. Now with AI powering increasingly high volumes of clickbait-y bad news, it’s led to what some researchers have coined the “Disinformation Economy.” This means that the creators of some deepfakes might not be politically motivated at all. They’re in it just for the money. The more people who fall for their fake stories, the more money they make as people click.
And early indications show that disinformation has broader economic effects as well.
Researchers at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) in Europe have started exploring the impact of fake news on economic stability. In their first findings, they said, “Fake news profoundly influences economic dynamics.”[iv] Specifically they found that as fake news sows seeds of uncertainty, it reverberates through the economy, leading to increased unemployment rates and lower industrial production.
They further found bad news can lead to pessimism, particularly about the economy, which leads to people spending less and lower sales for companies — which further fuels unemployment and reductions in available jobs as companies cut back.[v]
Granted, these early findings beg more research. Yet we can say this: many people turn to social media for their news, the place where fake news and malicious deepfakes spread.
Global research from Reuters uncovered that more people primarily get their news from social media (30%) rather than from an established news site or app (22%).[vi] This marks the first time that social media has toppled direct access to news. Now, if that leads to exposure to significant portions of pessimistic fake news, it makes sense that millions of people could have their perceptions altered by it to some extent — which could translate into some form of economic impact.
As you can quickly surmise, that comes down to us. Collectively. The fewer people who like and share disinformation and malicious deepfakes, the quicker they’ll die off.
A few steps can help you do your part in curbing disinformation and malicious deepfakes …
Verify, then share.
This all starts by ensuring what you’re sharing is indeed the truth. Doubling back and doing some quick fact-checking can help you make sure that you’re passing along the truth. Once more, bad actors entirely rely on just how readily people can share and amplify content on social media. The platforms are built for it. Stop and verify the truth of the post before you share.
Come across something questionable? You can turn to one of the several fact-checking organizations and media outlets that make it their business to separate fact from fiction:
Flag falsehoods.
If you strongly suspect that something in your feed is a malicious deepfake, flag it. Social media platforms have reporting mechanisms built in, which typically include a reason for flagging the content.
Get yourself a Deepfake Detector.
Our new Deepfake Detector spots AI phonies in seconds. It works in the background as you browse — and lets you know if a video or audio clip was created with AI audio. All with 95% accuracy.
Deepfake Detector monitors audio being played through your browser to determine if the content you’re watching or listening to contains AI-generated audio. McAfee doesn’t store any of this audio or browsing history.
Further, a browser extension shows just how much audio was deepfaked, and at what point in the video that content cropped up.
McAfee Deepfake Detector is available for English language detection in select new Lenovo AI PCs, ordered on Lenovo.com and select local retailers in the U.S., UK, and Australia.
From January to July of 2024, states across the U.S. introduced or passed 151 bills that deal with malicious deepfakes and deceptive media.[vii] However, stopping their spread really comes down to us.
The people behind AI-powered fake news absolutely rely on us to pass them along. That’s how fake news takes root, and that’s how it gets an audience. Verifying that what you’re about to share is true is vital — as is flagging what you find to be untrue or questionable.
Whether you use fact-checking sites to verify what you come across online, use a tool like our Deepfake Detector, or simply take a pass on sharing something that seems questionable, they’re all ways you can stop the spread of disinformation.
[i] https://sumsub.com/newsroom/deepfake-cases-surge-in-countries-holding-2024-elections-sumsub-research-shows/
[ii] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deepfake
[iii] https://science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6380/1146
[iv] https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/buzz-bust-how-fake-news-shapes-business-cycle
[v] https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/news/134-2024
[vi] https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2023/dnr-executive-summary
[vii] Ibid.
The post Clickbait and Switch: How AI Makes Disinformation Go Viral appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In my world of middle-aged mums (mams), Instagram is by far the most popular social media platform. While many of us still have Facebook, Instagram is where it all happens: messaging, sharing, and yes, of course – shopping!! So, when one of my gal pals discovers that her Instagram account has been hacked, there is understandably a lot of panic!
Believe it or not, Facebook is still hanging onto the top spot as the most popular social media platform with just over 3 billion active monthly users, according to Statista. YouTube comes in 2nd place with 2.5 billion users. Instagram and WhatsApp tie in 3rd place with 2 billion users each. Interestingly, TikTok has 1.5 billion users and is in 4th place – but watch this space, I say!
Despite Facebook having the most monthly users, it isn’t where the personal conversations and engagement take place. That’s Instagram’s sweet spot. Instagram messaging is where links are shared and real personal interaction occurs. In fact, a new report shows that Instagram accounts are targeted more than any other online account and makeup just over a quarter of all social media hacks. So, it makes sense why hackers would expend considerable energy in trying to hack Instagram accounts. They’ll have a much greater chance of success if they use a platform where there is an appetite and trust for sharing links and personal conversations.
But why do they want to get their hands on your account? Well, they may want to steal your personal information, scam your loyal followers by impersonating you, sell your username on the black market or even demand ransoms! Hacking Instagram is big business for professional scammers!!
So, you reach for your phone early one morning to do a quick scroll on Instagram before you start the day, but you can’t seem to log on. Mmmmm. You then see some texts from friends checking whether you have in fact become a cryptocurrency expert overnight. OK – something’s off. You then notice an email from Instagram notifying you that the email linked to your account has been changed. Looks like you’ve been hacked! But please don’t spend any time stressing. The most important thing is to take action ASAP as the longer hackers have access to your account, the greater the chance they can infiltrate your life and create chaos.
The good news is that if you act quickly and strategically, you may be able to get your account back. Here is what I suggest you do – fast!:
1. Change Your Password & Check Your Account
If you are still able to log in to your account then change your password immediately. And ensure it is a password you haven’t used anywhere else. Then do a quick audit of your account and fix any changes the hacker may have made eg remove access to any device you don’t recognise, any apps you didn’t install, and delete any email addresses that aren’t yours.
Next, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to make it harder for the hacker to get back into your account. This will take you less than a minute and is absolutely critical. Instagram will give you the option to receive the login code either via text message or via an authentication app. I always recommend the app in case you ever lose control of your phone.
But, if you are locked out of your account then move on to step 2.
2. Locate The Email From Instagram
Every time there is a change to your account details or some new login activity, Instagram will automatically send a message to the email address linked with the account
But there’s good news here. The email from Instagram will ask you if you in fact made the changes and will provide a link to secure your account in case it wasn’t you. Click on this link!! If you can access your account this way, immediately check that the only linked email address and recovery phone number are yours and delete anything that isn’t yours. Then change your password.
But if you’ve had no luck with this step, move on to step 3.
3. Request a Log-In Link
You can also ask Instagram to email or text you a login link. On an iPhone, you just need to select ‘forgot password?’ and on your Android phone, tap ‘get help logging in’. You will need to enter the username, email address, and phone number linked to your account.
No luck? Keep going…
4. Request a Security Code
If the login link won’t get you back in, the next step is to request a security code. Simply enter the username, email address, or phone number associated with your account, then tap on “Need more help?” Select your email address or phone number, then tap “Send security code” and follow the instructions.
5. Video Selfie
If you have exhausted all of these options and you’ve had no luck then chances are you have found your way to the Instagram Support Team. If you haven’t, simply click on the link and it will take you there. Now, if your hacked account contained pictures of you then you might just be in luck! The Support Team may ask you to take a video selfie to confirm who you are and that in fact you are a real person! This process can take a few business days. If you pass the test, you’ll be sent a link to reset your password.
So, you’ve got your Instagram account back – well done! But wouldn’t it be good to avoid all that stress again? Here are my top tips to make it hard for those hackers to take control of your Insta.
1. It’s All About Passwords
I have no doubt you’ve heard this before but it’s essential, I promise! Ensuring you have a complex and unique password for your Instagram account (and all your online accounts) is THE best way of keeping the hackers at bay. And if you’re serious about this you need to get yourself a password manager that can create (and remember) crazily complex and random passwords that are beyond any human ability to create. Check out McAfee’s TrueKey – a complete no-brainer!
2. Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication adds another layer of security to your account making it that much harder for a hacker to get in. It takes minutes to set up and is essential if you’re serious about protecting yourself. It simply involves using a code to log in, in addition to your password. You can choose to receive the code via a text message or an authenticator app – always choose the app!
3. Choose How To Receive Login Alerts
Acting fast is the name of the game here so ensure your account is set up with your best contact details, so you receive login alerts ASAP. This can be the difference between salvaging your account and not. Ensure the alerts will be sent to where you are most likely to see them first so you can take action straight away!
4. Audit Any Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps that you have connected to your account could potentially be a security risk. So, only ever give third-party apps permission to access your account when absolutely necessary. I suggest taking a few minutes to disconnect any apps you no longer require to keep your private data as secure as possible.
Believe it or not, Instagram is not just an arena for middle-aged mums! I can guarantee that your teens will be on there too. So, next time you’re sharing a family dinner, why not tell them what you’re doing to prevent yourself from getting hacked? And if you’re not convinced they are listening? Perhaps remind them just how devastating it would be to lose access to their pics and their people. I am sure that might just work.
Till next time
Stay safe online!
Alex
The post My Instagram Has Been Hacked – What Do I Do Now? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Imagine this: you wake up one morning to find that your bank account has been emptied overnight. Someone halfway across the world has accessed your account using a password you thought was secure. Incidents like these are unfortunately becoming more common, with identity theft and fraud cases steadily increasing over the last decade.
This month is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, with the theme “Secure Our World,” which serves as a timely reminder to reassess and enhance your cybersecurity strategies against ever-evolving cyber threats. In an election year, the digital landscape becomes a breeding ground for cyber scams and malicious activities aimed at exploiting political fervor and public uncertainty. With the 2024 election on the horizon, it’s more critical than ever to strengthen our cybersecurity defenses.
By prioritizing cybersecurity awareness and implementing robust protective measures during this dedicated month, you can safeguard your personal information, protect your financial assets, and ensure the security of your digital interactions. Let’s explore five simple yet powerful ways to increase your internet security and have peace of mind in today’s digital landscape.
Passwords serve as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts but 78% of people use the same password for more than one account. Here’s how you can create and manage complex passwords:
Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more of the following factors to access your accounts:
Follow these steps to enable multifactor authentication:
Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick you into revealing sensitive information by impersonating legitimate entities, such as banks or reputable companies, to lure individuals into disclosing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. These attacks often occur via email, text messages, or fake websites designed to appear authentic, exploiting human trust and curiosity to steal valuable data for malicious purposes.
Identifying Phishing Emails:
Reporting Phishing:
Software updates, also known as patches, often include security fixes to protect against known vulnerabilities. Here’s how to keep your software up to date:
Updating Operating Systems and Applications:
Social media platforms are integral parts of modern communication, but they also pose significant security risks if not managed carefully. Here are essential tips to enhance your social media security:
By implementing these straightforward yet effective cybersecurity practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online threats. McAfee+ can also keep you more secure and private online with 24/7 scans of the dark web to ensure your personal and financial info is safe, alerts about suspicious financial transactions and credit activity, and up to $2 million in identity theft coverage and restoration.
The post Top Tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In today’s digital world, both personal and professional environments are evolving faster than ever. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral to our daily lives, it’s crucial that the devices we use stay ahead of the curve—both in terms of performance and security. According to Gartner, AI PCs are projected to total 114 million units in 2025, an increase of 165.5% from 2024. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the next generation of AI-powered PCs with our partners, designed to provide cutting-edge computing experiences with next-level AI-protection with McAfee Deepfake Detector.
These AI PCs have been built with one goal in mind: to harness the power of AI for every user. Whether you’re a content creator, business professional, gamer, or researcher, AI PCs adapt to your needs, offering enhanced processing speed, personalized optimization, and smart task management. From boosting productivity to delivering immersive entertainment, AI PCs are designed to handle it all.
We understand that in an age where digital content is omnipresent, online security must be a top priority. That’s why the following AI PCs come with McAfee Deepfake Detector preinstalled. This advanced tool is designed to protect you against the growing threat of AI-manipulated media, ensuring that you can trust the content you see online. McAfee’s Deepfake Detector uses cutting-edge algorithms to analyze AI-generated audio, distinguishing between real and manipulated content.
McAfee’s recent research shows that 27% of Americans say they may or will purchase an AI PC for themselves or a loved one during the 2024 holiday season. 40% of people aged 25-34 say the same. When asked what characteristics of an AI PC are most important to consumers:
As deepfakes become more sophisticated, this feature provides peace of mind, ensuring that you’re always one step ahead of malicious actors.
Our new AI PC range combines world-class performance with trusted security solutions. Whether you’re using these devices for work, play, or creativity, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your personal data and online experiences are safeguarded by the latest in AI-driven protection. McAfee Deepfake Detector is available on the following AI PC:
Stay tuned for more details about this exciting new range, and discover how we’re redefining the future of online protection
The post Introducing AI PCs with McAfee Deepfake Detector appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As we head into a season filled with moments that matter to consumers – from the upcoming U.S. election to the holiday shopping rush – online safety is more important than ever. With AI-generated content on the rise and scammers able to carry out more sophisticated scams, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and ensure you’re fully protected. If you’ve ever thought, “is that text message really from my bank?” Or “I don’t want my personal life to be available to people I don’t know on my social media?” McAfee+ can help you.
This autumn, McAfee has introduced a set of innovative tools designed to make online protection simpler, faster, and more effective. This includes streamlined experiences that make it easier and faster to be protected from the start, as well as enhancements that reinforce privacy protection across social media platforms, protect against the latest smishing texts in real time, and provide control over performance impact of malware scans. Whether it’s staying safe during the rush of holiday shopping or navigating potential misinformation leading up to the elections, McAfee has you covered with the latest online protection.
During the busy autumn season, time is of the essence. With more people shopping online and receiving an influx of emails and text messages, the last thing you need is complicated, time-consuming setup processes. McAfee’s latest update is all about making protection simpler and more accessible.
The newly streamlined setup ensures you’re fully protected in fewer steps, whether you’re setting up Windows or mobile. And by integrating experiences that were initially cloud-based directly in Windows and mobile apps, consumers can seamlessly manage their online privacy and social media settings directly from their devices.
With the upcoming elections and family gatherings on the horizon, many of us may be sharing more on social media than usual. But how much is too much? With McAfee’s Social Privacy Manager, people get personalized privacy settings based on their sharing preferences – now with industry-first support for TikTok – in addition to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. In an era where online privacy concerns are skyrocketing, and 9 out of 10 social media users are concerned about protecting their online privacy and identity, McAfee continues to stand at the forefront of online security.
Whether you’re prepping for holiday photos or protecting your kids’ privacy on TikTok and YouTube, Social Privacy Manager empowers you to adjust over 100 privacy settings across seven social platforms – Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google and TikTok – ensuring your information stays private with just a few clicks.
By adding TikTok support Social Privacy Manager also covers the top two platforms that teens use1, TikTok and YouTube. With a family plan, parents can now easily help set privacy settings for their kids – and with 43% of people feeling that online privacy risks have increased in 2024, McAfee’s focus on providing control over social media privacy is both timely and essential.
The McAfee Social Privacy Dashboard
Heading into the holiday season, consumers often face an uptick in phishing and smishing scams, as fraudsters take advantage of shopping rushes and delivery notifications to deceive people. More than a third (39%) of people who use mobile phones admit they have clicked on a text scam message such as a suspicious text from an unknown number or a fake package delivery text, and nearly half (44%) state that they or someone they know have been a victim of such a text scam.
In response to rising phishing and text scam threats, McAfee has upgraded its AI-powered Text Scam Detector. When a text message arrives that contains a link to a website, that link will be scanned and analyzed by McAfee Smart AITM in real-time. If the link leads to a malicious or phishing website, the text message will be blocked.
On iPhones, scam texts are automatically filtered into a junk folder, and on Android, you’ll receive instant alerts when a suspicious message arrives, helping you avoid costly mistakes when you’re busiest.
Text Scam Detector as part of McAfee Mobile Security
“Antivirus protection slows down my PC” is something that is often heard, however recent research from AV-Comparatives shows that this is not the case; in fact, McAfee provides protection with the least amount of performance impact on PCs, of all tested vendors.
To ensure people do not even have to worry about their computer slowing down during holiday shopping or while working through election news, McAfee’s Antivirus now offers a ‘Fast Scanning’ feature. This allows people to balance performance and security, offering customizable options for quick scans or deeper system checks without compromising PC speed.
The Antivirus Dashboard
Whether you’re working remotely, traveling for the holidays, or accessing election news online, privacy is essential – and while a VPN service is sometimes seen as a double-edged sword, providing privacy when people are connected to the internet but impacting the speed of that connection, McAfee’s Secure VPN now offers even faster, more stable connections with an expanded network of 7,000 servers in 48 countries. Additionally, consumers can enjoy extended WireGuard protocol support on Android, Windows, and iOS, for online privacy protection across devices no matter where you are.
VPN Settings
From safeguarding social media privacy to blocking scam texts and ensuring secure browsing, McAfee+ is designed to help you stay safe in an increasingly complex digital world. McAfee+ plans are available for both individuals and families – and with protections such as McAfee’s Social Privacy Manager and McAfee’s Text Scam Detector included, consumers can rest easy knowing that McAfee is constantly watching out for their online protection.
In today’s digital age, securing your online identity and privacy has never been more critical. McAfee’s latest product enhancements reflect the company’s commitment to delivering advanced, easy-to-use solutions that help consumers stay safe online. Whether you’re looking for protection from phishing and smishing scams, safeguarding privacy on social media, or malware, our expanded product range offers solutions for all consumers.
For more information on McAfee’s latest products and plans, visit McAfee.com.
The post How to Maximize the Latest McAfee+ Enhancements for Peace of Mind This Autumn appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Elections are the bedrock of democratic societies, but historically, they have been vulnerable to various forms of manipulation and fraud. Over the last decade, there have only been 1,465 proven cases of election fraud out of the hundreds of millions of votes cast, but election interference through tactics like deliberately spreading disinformation has become increasingly more common.
Election Day for determining the next U.S. President isn’t until November 5th, but early voting starts as early as September 6th in some states. With election season officially underway, understanding past election scams and current threats is crucial for safeguarding the future of democratic processes. As technology and political landscapes evolve, so do the methods used to undermine electoral integrity. Let’s examine the impact of historical election scams, how cybersecurity measures have advanced in response, and the current landscape of election cybersecurity threats.
Throughout history, election scams have come in many forms, from ballot stuffing to voter intimidation. One of the most notorious examples is the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon U.S. presidential election, which was so close that both Republicans and Democrats accused the other side of stuffing ballot boxes. Nixon later claimed in his autobiography that widespread fraud had happened in Illinois, which Kennedy won by less than 10,000 votes.
In more recent history, the 2016 U.S. presidential election highlighted a new dimension of electoral interference: cyber manipulation and disinformation. Russian operatives used social media to spread divisive content and hacked into the email accounts of political figures to release sensitive information. This year, Iranian hackers successfully breached the Trump campaign and targeted the Harris campaign as well.
Hacking is not limited to U.S. elections. In the 2017 French presidential election, hackers targeted the campaign of Emmanuel Macron, leaking internal documents and emails. While the impact of this breach was mitigated by the swift response of the Macron campaign and French authorities, it highlighted the vulnerability of political campaigns to cyberattacks and the importance of rapid countermeasures.
In response to these emerging threats, cybersecurity measures have evolved substantially. In the wake of the 2016 election interference, there was a heightened awareness of the vulnerabilities in electoral systems. This led to the development and implementation of more robust cybersecurity protocols aimed at protecting the integrity of elections.
As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics used by malicious actors. The current landscape of election cybersecurity threats includes:
To effectively address these threats, it is essential for both voters and election officials to be informed and proactive. Voters should be educated about the signs of misinformation and the importance of verifying information from credible sources. Election officials should stay informed about the latest cybersecurity practices and potential threats and adhere to best practices for cybersecurity, including regular updates, strong access controls, and encryption. Transparent communication with the public about the steps being taken to secure elections can build trust and counteract disinformation efforts.
Understanding past election scams and current cybersecurity threats is vital for protecting the integrity of democratic processes. By learning from historical incidents and staying vigilant against emerging threats, we can strengthen our electoral systems and ensure that future elections are fair, transparent, and secure. Through ongoing advancements in technology and policy, we can address the challenges of today and safeguard the future of democracy.
The post Past Election Scams: Lessons Learned and Current Threats appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In a recent special hosted by Oprah Winfrey titled “AI and the Future of Us”, some of the biggest names in technology and law enforcement discussed artificial intelligence (AI) and its wide-ranging effects on society. The conversation included insights from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, tech influencer Marques Brownlee, and FBI Director Christopher Wray. These experts explored both the promises and potential pitfalls of this rapidly advancing technology. As AI continues to shape our world, it’s crucial to understand its complexities—especially for those unfamiliar with the nuances of AI technology.One of the most significant concerns raised in the special was the rise of AI-generated content, specifically deepfakes, and how they are being weaponized for disinformation. Deepfakes, alongside other generative AI advancements, are progressing at a pace that outstrips our capacity to manage them effectively, posing new challenges to the public.
A deepfake is a highly realistic piece of synthetic media, often video or audio, that uses AI to swap faces or voices to create fake, yet believable, content. Brownlee demonstrated how rapidly this technology is evolving by comparing two pieces of AI-generated footage. The newer sample, powered by OpenAI’s Sora, was far more convincing than its predecessor from just months earlier. While seasoned observers might spot the odd flaw, most people could easily mistake these fakes for real footage, especially as the technology improves.
A demonstration by tech expert Marques Brownlee revealed how AI-generated content has reached unprecedented levels of realism, making it difficult to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake. This development raises serious concerns about misinformation, particularly in the context of deepfake technology, where AI can create highly realistic, yet entirely fabricated, videos and audio.
The ability of AI to generate convincingly fake content isn’t just a novelty—it’s a threat, particularly when used for malicious purposes. FBI Director Christopher Wray highlighted a chilling example of his introduction to deepfake technology. At an internal meeting, his team presented a fabricated video of him speaking words he never said. It was a stark reminder of how AI could be used to manipulate public opinion, create false narratives, and tarnish reputations. McAfee created Deepfake Detector as a defense against malicious and misleading deepfakes. McAfee Threat Labs data have found 3 seconds of your voice is all scammers and cybercriminals need to create a deepfake.
Wray discussed the increasing use of deepfakes in *sextortion*—a disturbing crime where predators manipulate images of children and teens using AI to blackmail them into sending explicit content. The misuse of AI doesn’t end there, though. In a world where misinformation and disinformation are rampant, deepfakes have become a powerful tool for deception, influencing everything from personal relationships to politics.
The upcoming U.S. presidential election is one area where deepfakes could have particularly dire consequences. Wray pointed out that foreign adversaries are already using AI to interfere with American democracy. Posing as ordinary citizens, these bad actors use fake social media accounts to spread misleading AI-generated content, adding to the chaos of political discourse. In fact, AI-generated images of high-profile figures like former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have already misled millions of people.
Bill Gates emphasized that AI’s progression is moving faster than many anticipated, even for experts in the field. This rapid evolution could lead to major societal shifts sooner than expected, presenting both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Sam Altman of OpenAI echoed these concerns, stressing that the world is only beginning to see the full scope of AI’s potential impact on the economy and everyday life.
One of the more controversial points discussed was AI’s potential to displace jobs. Gates predicted that in the future, the workweek might shrink as automation takes over many tasks, suggesting a shift to a three-day workweek. While automation may replace many roles, Gates argued that human-centric professions—those requiring creativity and interpersonal skills—will remain in demand. This highlights the growing need for skills that machines can’t replicate.
Christopher Wray, Director of the FBI, warned of how AI is being weaponized by criminals. From manipulating innocent images into explicit content to using AI for extortion, the technology is being leveraged to amplify illegal activities. Wray illustrated how AI has made it easier for less experienced criminals to engage in more sophisticated crimes, particularly in targeting vulnerable populations like teenagers.
The overarching message from the discussion was clear: to mitigate the risks posed by AI, close collaboration between governments and technology companies is crucial. Altman stressed the importance of implementing safety measures, likening the regulation of AI to that of airplanes and pharmaceuticals. Gates echoed the call for responsible development, emphasizing that regulatory frameworks must evolve alongside the technology.
AI is advancing rapidly, changing the way we live, work, and communicate. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of generative AI, the recent discussion on AI and the Future of Us” provided a comprehensive look at both the opportunities and dangers AI presents. From job market disruptions to the rise of deepfakes and disinformation, it’s clear that AI will continue to shape our world in unpredictable ways. By acknowledging both its promise and its peril, we can better prepare ourselves for the future of AI.
Despite the concerns raised, the conversation was not without optimism. AI holds immense potential to revolutionize sectors like healthcare and education. However, the discussion made it clear that thoughtful regulation and public awareness are necessary to ensure AI serves society positively and ethically. By balancing innovation with caution, there’s hope that AI can be harnessed to benefit everyone.
The post Unmasking AI and the Future of Us: Five Takeaways from the Oprah TV Special appeared first on McAfee Blog.
With less than 60 days left until Election Day, the digital landscape has become a battleground not just for votes but for your personal security. With political ads, fake voter registration sites, and disinformation campaigns cropping up everywhere, it’s essential to stay vigilant against common election scams and election manipulation schemes. Here’s how you can navigate this crucial time safely.
Before diving into specific scams, it’s important to differentiate between misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation refers to false or misleading information shared without malicious intent, often due to ignorance or misunderstanding. Disinformation, on the other hand, is deliberately false or misleading information spread with the intent to deceive, manipulate, or sway public opinion.
Knowing the difference is crucial because it influences how you approach and verify the information you encounter. Disinformation campaigns are often more sophisticated and can be more challenging to detect, making it essential to keep a healthy dose of skepticism while navigating this election season.
One prevalent scam during election season is fake voter registration websites. These sites may look official but are designed to steal your personal information. They often appear as pop-ups or ads on social media and search engines.
To protect yourself:
When you’re excited about a political candidate, it’s natural to want to support their campaign by sending them a donation. Scammers prey on that excitement by creating fake donation websites to try to take money from unsuspecting individuals. TikTok banned requests for political donations on their platform because of the prevalence of these types of scams.
To avoid sending money to scammers:
Political ads are ubiquitous during election season, with political ad spending projected to be $10.2 billion in 2024. But not all political ads are created equal. Misleading or false ads can be crafted to manipulate voters by presenting distorted facts or outright lies.
To discern the truth:
Social media is a double-edged sword during elections. While it offers a platform for legitimate discourse, it’s also a breeding ground for disinformation. Social media amplifies both credible information and disinformation due to its algorithms prioritizing engagement over accuracy, making sensational or misleading content more likely to be seen and shared. The anonymity and ease of content creation on these platforms enable the rapid spread of false narratives, which can be difficult to counteract amidst the sheer volume of information circulating.
You might encounter false content designed to manipulate voter perceptions. To navigate this:
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to easily created realistic deepfakes—manipulated videos or images that can spread false narratives. Earlier this year, a fake robocall using AI voice-cloning technologies tried to influence voters in the New Hampshire primary.
Our mission is to help you navigate these challenges effectively. For decades, McAfee has stood as a reliable source of information and guidance. This election season, we are helping to discern what is real versus what is fake through our new Deepfake Detector, the world’s first automatic and AI-powered deepfake detector. Trained on close to 200,000 samples and counting, Deepfake Detector can identify and alert consumers within seconds of AI-altered audio being detected in videos.
To detect deepfakes on your own:
By understanding the types of scams and misinformation that proliferate during election season and implementing these practical tips, you can confidently and securely engage in the democratic process. Protecting your personal information and making informed decisions is not just about securing your vote—it’s about safeguarding the integrity of your digital presence and ensuring that your voice is heard clearly and accurately.
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There used to be a saying that ‘nothing is certain except death and taxes’. Well, I now think it needs to be amended – and ‘data breaches’ needs to be added on the end! Regardless of where you live, not a month goes by without details of yet another data breach hitting the news headlines. This year has seen some of the biggest, most damaging breaches in recent history. According to the US Identity Theft Resource Centre, over 1 billion people were impacted by data breaches in the first 6 months of 2024. Up to 560 million people worldwide were affected by the Ticketmaster data breach, 30 million in the Ticketek breach and all AT&T’s cell customers had call and text records exposed in a massive breach. And that’s just a few quick examples.
A data breach happens when there is unauthorised access to sensitive, private, or confidential information. This could include account details, purchase histories, customer identities, payment methods, or confidential private data, for example, medical records.
There are a few different ways that a data breach can happen. Firstly, hackers may exploit weaknesses in systems, networks, applications, or even physical security to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. These hackers may be acting alone or be part of a larger ring. Secondly, it could happen by a ‘malicious insider’ – a disgruntled or recently sacked employee who wants revenge by hurting the company or, an employee who wants to profit off the company’s data by selling it online. And lastly, it can happen accidentally – when an email containing sensitive data ends up in the wrong hands, a laptop with sensitive data gets stolen or even a USB drive with confidential data is lost.
It’s hard to really know whether there has actually been an increase in data breaches or if the new reporting laws mean we are now aware of new breaches. For years, data breaches have likely been occurring without our knowledge. In Australia, there has been a consistent rate of data breaches since 2020 – about 450 every 6 months. And while this is higher than when the mandatory reporting laws were brought in in 2018, this could be explained by an increased vigilance by the companies themselves.
Over the last 2 years in Australia, we have had some significant data breaches that have affected more than 10 million Aussies each time. In 2022, the Optus and Medibank breaches each affected around 10 million Aussies, in 2023 the Latitude Financial breach affected 14 million consumers and the recent Medisecure breach in May 2024 affected close to 15 million customers. And who can forget the Canva data breach in 2019 that affected 139 million customers worldwide? And that’s only the large ones! It’s now widely accepted that most Aussies would have been affected by a data breach with some affected on multiple occasions.
So, I believe the time has come when we need to accept that data breaches are part of modern, digital life and redirect the energy we could use worrying into protecting ourselves so that the fallout will be minimal. Here are three areas where I suggest you spend some energy.
Ensuring you have a unique, long, and complex password for each of your online accounts is the ABSOLUTE best way of protecting yourself in case of a data breach. Let me explain. It’s pretty common for hackers to steal customer’s personal data as part of a data breach and this will include login credentials. Hackers will then use bots to test the stolen email and password combination to see where else they could possibly get entry. So, if you’ve used the same password elsewhere then you could be in for a world of pain.
But let’s keep it real. Many of us don’t have a separate password for every online account. It takes a lot of work to reorganise your digital life. Most folks have a handful of passwords they use on rotation. But as you can see, this isn’t ideal.
And remember, if you find out a company you have an account with was hacked, change your password immediately. And of course, if you have used that password, or even something similar, on any other accounts then you’ll need to change it too.
The best way to get on top of this whole situation is to invest in a password manager like McAfee’s free software TrueKey that can both generate and remember super complex passwords. With many people having 100+ online accounts, you would need to have to be a member of Mensa to remember all those passwords on your own. A password manager takes all the stress away.
If someone has managed to get their hands on your email/password combination but you have multi-factor authentication in place then you will be protected as it will stop any unauthorised access to your account. How good!! So, if any platform or company that you have an account with offers it then PLEASE action it.
Now, there are two main types of two-factor authentication: one that sends a code via text message, and another that uses an authentication app, typically installed on a mobile device. Since phone numbers can be hijacked and text messages intercepted, I always recommend using an authentication app for added security.
Believe it or not, a company’s security breach may not be the reason that your data is stolen. All it can take is a small slip-up – and remember we are all human! Here’s what you need to do to be vigilant:
Staying up to date with the news and abreast of data breaches is a great way to stay vigilant. Services like Have I Been Pwned allows anyone to check if their email addresses or phone numbers have been involved in a data breach. Simply enter your email address on their site, and they will provide a list of breaches in which your information was compromised. Firefox also offers data breach alerts, while Apple lets you check for leaked passwords stored in iCloud.
You can also subscribe to credit monitoring services which will alert you to any major changes in your credit report that could indicate identity theft or fraud.
I also recommend taking the time to check your bank and credit card account statements for anything unusual or unauthorised. And always report anything suspicious to your bank ASAP.
I also recommend that you rethink everything you share online. Remember, anything you share online could resurface in a breach and that includes private messages, photos, and social media posts. If you do need to upload sensitive files to the cloud for storage such as a picture of your birth certificate or passport, why not encrypt the image first so that no one else can retrieve it?
Encrypted messaging services are also a great idea if you are concerned about your privacy. I’m a big fan of Signal but WhatsApp and Telegram are also good options.
So, the bad news my friends, is that data breaches are inevitable unless you are planning on dropping out of society and living off the grid – tempting, I know! But the good news is that there are steps you can take to ‘future-proof’ yourself for that moment when you will be affected. So, rethink your password strategy, turn on 2-factor authentication, limit what you share, and you’ll make it hard for cyber criminals to get entrenched in your digital life.
Till next time
Stay safe online
Alex
The post How To Minimise the Fallout From a Data Breach appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As technology rapidly advances, the boundaries of what’s possible in personal computing are continuously expanding. One of the most exciting innovations on the horizon is the concept of the AI PC, which stands for Artificial Intelligence Personal Computer. AI PCs accounted for 14% of all personal computers shipped in the second quarter of 2024, with demand expected to continue to grow.
These intelligent machines are set to transform the way we interact with our computers, offering unprecedented performance and personalization. Let’s delve into what an AI PC is, explore the benefits it offers consumers, and understand how it is reshaping the future of computing.
An AI PC is a computing device that integrates artificial intelligence capabilities directly into its hardware and software. Unlike traditional PCs, which rely on external software or cloud services for AI functionalities, AI PCs have built-in AI processors or coprocessors that enable them to perform intelligent tasks locally.
These machines leverage advanced AI algorithms to enhance various aspects of computing, from performance and efficiency to user experience and security. They have a neural processing unit (NPU), “a type of processor designed to handle the mathematical computations specific to machine learning algorithms.” NPU speed is now measured by “trillions of operations per second” (TOPS).
By embedding AI capabilities into the core of the PC, these devices can offer a more responsive, personalized, and secure computing environment. Here’s how they are transforming personal computing:
One of the standout features of AI PCs is their ability to automate and optimize tasks intelligently. AI PCs can learn from user behavior and system performance to streamline processes and improve efficiency. For example, AI can manage system resources dynamically, prioritizing tasks based on current needs and usage patterns. This means that applications requiring high performance, such as gaming or video editing, can run more smoothly without manual intervention.
AI algorithms can also predict and pre-load applications and files that users are likely to access next, reducing load times and improving overall responsiveness. This level of automation and optimization ensures that users experience a seamless and efficient computing environment.
Data-intensive applications, such as those used for machine learning, scientific research, and complex simulations, benefit greatly from the power of AI PCs. These machines are equipped with specialized AI processors designed to handle large volumes of data quickly and efficiently. By offloading specific tasks to these AI processors, the main CPU is freed up to handle other operations, resulting in faster processing speeds and reduced latency.
For professionals and researchers working with big data or computationally heavy applications, AI PCs can drastically cut down processing times and enhance productivity. The integration of AI ensures that these applications can perform complex calculations and analyses with greater accuracy and speed.
AI PCs excel in delivering personalized user experiences by learning and adapting to individual preferences and behaviors. Through continuous learning, AI systems can customize the operating environment based on how users interact with their PCs. This can include adjusting system settings, recommending software or files, and even optimizing user interfaces to align with personal habits and preferences.
For example, an AI PC might analyze your work patterns and suggest tools or shortcuts that enhance productivity. It can also personalize your entertainment experience by recommending media content based on your viewing history and preferences. This level of personalization creates a more intuitive and enjoyable user experience.
Cybersecurity has become a constant underlying threat in the digital age. Last year, 880,418 Americans reported cybercrime to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, which was a 10% increase from 2022.
AI PCs are addressing this issue with advanced threat detection and mitigation capabilities. AI-driven security systems can analyze patterns and behaviors to identify potential threats such as malware, phishing attempts, or unauthorized access. AI-driven security systems use machine learning algorithms to detect threats in real-time. This proactive approach enhances the protection of sensitive data and ensures a safer computing environment.
AI PCs are not just about high-performance computing and security; they also excel in assisting with everyday personal tasks. For instance, AI-powered virtual assistants integrated into the PC can help manage schedules, set reminders, and perform routine tasks such as composing emails or creating documents.
These virtual assistants learn from user interactions to offer more accurate and contextually relevant assistance. They can also automate repetitive tasks, such as file organization or data entry, saving users time and effort. By handling mundane activities, AI PCs allow consumers to focus on more complex and creative tasks.
The integration of AI into personal computing is a glimpse into the future of technology. As AI PCs become more advanced, we can expect even greater enhancements in performance, efficiency, and user experience. These devices are not just about adding new features; they represent a fundamental shift in how we interact with technology, making computing more intuitive, personalized, and secure.
As we move forward, keeping an eye on these advancements will be crucial in harnessing their full potential and embracing the next era of personal computing. The future of AI PCs is here, and it’s poised to redefine how we interact with our digital world.
The post What is an AI PC? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Tom Hanks, one of the most recognizable faces in the world, warns that scammers have swiped his likeness in malicious AI deepfakes.
As reported by NBC News, Actor Tom Hanks issued an announcement to his followers saying his name, likeness, and voice have shown up in deepfaked ads that promote “miracle cures” without his consent. The actor posted on Instagram:
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital advertising, a new challenge has emerged that blurs the lines between reality and artificial fabrication: AI-generated content using celebrity likenesses.
Tom Hanks isn’t the only victim. Earlier in 2024, we saw a malicious AI deepfake of Taylor Swift front a phishing scam with a free cookware offer. In 2023, the deepfaked likeness of Kelly Clarkson pushed weight loss gummies. And, just a few weeks ago, malicious deepfakes of Prince William endorsed a bogus investment platform. We’ve also seen deepfakes of noteworthy researchers hawking miracle cures as well, which we’ll soon cover in another blog post.
Without question, we live in a time where scammers can turn practically anyone into a deepfake. The AI tools used to create them have only gotten better, more accessible, and easier to use. Compounding that concern is just how convincing these bogus endorsements look and sound.
Malicious deepfakes affect more than the celebrities they mimic. They affect everyone who goes online. As we’ve seen with Tom Hanks, while deepfakes can potentially tarnish his reputation, they can also harm the general public. By pushing disinformation and frauds, deepfakes open the door to health risks, identity theft, and in an election year, voter suppression — as we saw with the Joe Biden AI voice clone robocalls in Vermont.
Celebrities like Scarlett Johansson have begun to fight back legally against the unauthorized use of their likenesses. However, the legal framework in the U.S. remains largely unprepared for the challenges posed by AI-generated content. Yet we’re seeing some progress, at least on a state level in the U.S.
Tennessee recently issued a piece of legislation that says state residents have a property right to their own likeness and voice. In effect, Tennesseans can take legal action if another person or group creates deepfakes in their likeness. Illinois and South Carolina have similar legislation under consideration.
Those represent just a handful of 151 state-level bills that have been introduced or passed through July of this year — all covering AI deepfakes and deceptive media online.[i] Likewise, we’ll take a closer look at how legislation is catching up with AI in an upcoming blog.
As we’re quick to point out in our blogs, not all AI deepfakes are bad. AI deepfake tools have plenty of positive uses, such as dubbing and subtitling movies, creating training and “how-to” videos, and even creating harmless and humorous parody videos — all well within the scope of the law.
The problem is with malicious deepfakes, like the ones Tom Hanks warned us about. Yet how can you spot them?
Technology has kept pace, as it has with our newly released Deepfake Detector. It alerts you in seconds if it spots AI-manipulated content. Right in your browser. It works like this:
Deepfake Detector monitors audio being played through your browser while you browse. If it determines what you’re watching or listening to contains AI-generated audio, it alerts you right away.
McAfee doesn’t store any of this audio or browsing history. What you watch is yours, and you get to keep that private.
It works in the background while you browse. So, if a deepfake Tom Hanks or Taylor Swift video crops up in your feed, you’ll know with a high degree of confidence that it’s a fake. You can easily snooze notifications or turn off scanning right from your dashboard.
Deepfake Detector shows how much is real and how much is fake. With a browser extension, Deepfake Detector shows what portion of audio was deepfaked, and at what point in the video that content cropped up. Think of it working like a lie detector in the movies. As the video plays, peaks of red lines and troughs of gray lines show you what’s likely a fake and what’s likely real.
As AI-detection technology continues to advance, the responsibility also falls on us, collectively, to keep an eye out for fakes. Especially the glut of malicious deepfakes we now face.
The key to navigating this new era of AI is awareness. Indeed, tools will help us spot deepfakes. Yet we can count on ourselves to spot them too.
First off, we need to realize just how easy it is to create a deepfake. Keeping that in mind keeps us on guard. Next, when we see that celebrity gushing about a miracle cure or another promoting a screaming great deal, we know to stop and think before we act.
From there, we have plenty of excellent and reputable fact-checking resources that can help us get to the truth. Snopes, Reuters, Politifact, the Associated Press, and FactCheck.org all offer great ways to find out if what we’re seeing and hearing is true, false, or somewhere in between.
And with this kind of awareness in mind, we’ve launched the McAfee Smart AI Hub. We see the rise of malicious deepfakes as a major concern. It’s a security concern. An identity theft concern. A health concern. An election concern. And a family concern as well. We created the hub with these in mind and established it as a place where you can learn about the latest AI threats. Additionally, it’s a place where you can join the fight against malicious deepfakes by turning in the ones you find online.
While the advent of AI brings remarkable benefits, it also introduces complex challenges. As we move forward, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and consumer protection will be paramount. Without a doubt, we’ll continue to follow it all closely here in our blogs.
As for the Tom Hanks deepfakes, if something seems too good to be true, like miracle advice, it probably is. Stay curious, stay cautious.
[i] https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/states-take-lead-regulating-ai-elections-within-limits
The post Tom Hanks Warns Fans: The Dark Side of AI Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As the Gallagher brothers reunite for the first live Oasis shows in 16 years, scammers have queued up phony ticket schemes to cash in.
With that, we’re advising fans to take extra care as they dash to buy seats for these long-awaited shows. McAfee Labs researchers have discovered over 2,000 suspicious tickets for the 2025 reunion tour on sale online, with prices ranging from £700-£1,845. McAfee is urging fans to be careful when purchasing tickets this weekend.
In the example below, the following offers appeared on a third-party reseller site several days before the opening sale of official tickets on August 31st.
Screenshot of apparent bogus offers for Oasis tickets.
The seller clearly had no seats, as tickets simply weren’t available to the public nor pre-release at that time.
Official tickets for the 2025 tour go on sale on August 31st at 9am in the UK and 8am in Ireland, and only through official ticket agents. So if you’re after tickets, head directly to the official Oasis site at https://oasisinet.com.
Official tickets available at oasisnet.com
Concert organizers have made two additional things clear. First, each household has a four-ticket limit per show. Second, any ticket resales must go at face value plus a booking fee.
Of benefit to fans, purchases made through official ticket agents have policies and refunds that protect buyers in the event of cancellations. Additionally, fans who buy tickets with a credit card might also find themselves further protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Keeping these things in mind can help you from getting snared by a scam.
To get genuine Oasis tickets, head over to https://oasisinet.com for info and links to official ticket agents. Make it your first and only starting point.
In the coming days and in the coming months leading up to the shows, expect to see all manner of ticket scams. Yet given the way that concert organizers have structured the shows, you can quickly spot an Oasis ticket scam by looking out for the following:
Scammers can easily create phony social media profiles and ads. Likewise, they can easily use them to sell phony tickets. As always, stick with official ticketing platforms. They sell legitimate tickets and offer legitimate purchase protection.
Related, scammers on social media and elsewhere online will require payment with bank transfers, gift cards, and even cryptocurrency — all payment methods that are tough to recoup in a scam. If you spot this, you’ve spotted a scam.
As pointed out, ticket resales will be at face value plus a booking fee. Any tickets of higher price, or lower for that matter, will be phonies.
Other scams we expect to see will revolve around Oasis merch – shirts, hats, phone cases, you name it. While we don’t have a view into what official merchandise sales will look like, scammers will certainly look to push their share of knockoff or non-existent merch online.
For fans looking for tour merch, you can shop safely with a few straightforward steps:
This is a great one to start with. Directly typing in the correct address for reputable online stores and retailers is a prime way to avoid scammers online. Watch out for sites that spoof legit sites by copying their look and feel, which use addresses that often look like legitimate addresses — but aren’t. You’ll see phony sites such as these crop up in search results and in social media ads and posts.
Secure websites begin their address with “https,” not just “http.” That extra “s” in stands for “secure,” which means that it uses a secure protocol for transmitting sensitive info like passwords, credit card numbers, and the like over the internet. It often appears as a little padlock icon in the address bar of your browser, so double-check for that. If you don’t see that it’s secure, it’s best to avoid making purchases on that website.
Credit cards are a good way to go. In the UK, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects purchases made with a credit card that cost between £100 and £30,000. In the U.S., the Fair Credit Billing Act offers protection against fraudulent charges on credit cards by giving you the right to dispute charges over $50 for undelivered goods and services or otherwise billed incorrectly. Your credit card companies might have their own policies that improve upon these Acts as well.
Comprehensive online protection with McAfee+ will defend against the latest virus, malware, spyware, and ransomware attacks plus further protect your privacy and identity. In addition to this, it can also provide strong password protection by generating and automatically storing complex passwords to keep your credentials safer from hackers and crooks who might try to force their way into your accounts. And, specific to all the Oasis scams that will inevitably pop up, online protection can help prevent you from clicking links to known or suspected malicious sites. In addition, select plans of McAfee+ offer up to $2 million in identity theft coverage along with identity restoration support and lost wallet protection if needed.
The post Wonderwall of Lies: How to Avoid Oasis Reunion Ticket Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
A safer internet isn’t a nice thing to have. It’s a necessity because we rely on it so heavily. And there’s plenty we can do to make it happen.
A safer internet might seem like it’s a bit out of our hands as individuals. The truth is that each of us plays a major role in making it so. As members, contributors, and participants who hop on the internet daily, our actions can make the internet a safer place.
So, specifically, what can we do? Take a few moments to ponder the questions that follow. Using them can help frame your thinking about internet safety and how you can make yourself, and others, safer.
Device safety is relatively straightforward provided you take the steps to ensure it. You can protect your things with comprehensive online protection like our McAfee+ plans, you can update your devices and apps, and you can use strong, unique passwords with the help of a password manager.
Put another way, internet safety is another way to keep your house in shape. Just as you mow your lawn, swap out the batteries in your smoke alarm, or change the filters in your heating system, much goes the same for the way you should look after computers, tablets, phones, and connected devices in your home. They need your regular care and maintenance as well. Again, good security software can handle so much of this automatically or with relatively easy effort on your part.
If you’re wondering where to start with looking after the security of your devices, check out our article on how to become an IT pro in your home. It makes the process easy by breaking down the basics into steps that build your confidence along the way.
This includes all kinds of topics. The range covers identity theft, protecting your personal info, privacy, cyberbullying, screen time, when to get a smartphone for your child, and learning how to spot scams online. Just to name a few. And if you visit our blogs from time to time, you see that we cover those and other topics in detail. It offers a solid resource any time you have questions.
Certainly, you have tools that can give you a big hand with those concerns. That includes virtual private networks (VPNs) that encrypt your personal info, built-in browser advisors that help you search and surf safely, plus scam protection that lets you know when sketchy links pop up in emails and messages.
However, internet safety goes beyond devices. It’s a mindset. As with driving a car, so much of our online safety relies on our behaviors and good judgment. For example, one piece of research found that ninety-one percent of all cyberattacks start with phishing emails.i
As Tomas Holt, professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University, states, “An individual’s characteristics are critical in studying how cybercrime perseveres, particularly the person’s impulsiveness and the activities that they engage in while online that have the greatest impact on their risk.”
Put another way, scammers bank on an itchy clicker-finger — where a quick click opens the door for an attack. Educating your family about the risks out there, such as phishing attacks and sketchy links that crop up in search goes a long way to keep everyone out of trouble. In combination with online protection software like ours covers the rest of the way.
A big part of a safer internet is us. Specifically, how we treat each other — and how we project ourselves to friends, family, and the wider internet. With so much of our communication happening online through the written word or posted pictures, all of it creates a climate around each of us. It can take on an uplifting air or mire you in a cloud of negativity. What’s more, it’s largely out there for all to see. Especially on social media.
Take time to pause and reflect on your climate. A good place to start is with basic etiquette. Verywell Family put together an article on internet etiquette for kids, yet when you give it a close read, you’ll see that it provides good advice for everyone.ii
In summary, their advice focuses on five key points:
Of course, the flip side to all of this is what to do when someone targets you with their bad behavior. Such as when an online troll who hurls hurtful or malicious comments your way. That’s a topic in itself. Check out our article on internet trolls and how to handle them. Once again, the advice there is great for everyone in the family.
We’ve shared quite a bit of info in this article and loaded it up with plenty of helpful links too. Don’t feel like you have to take care of everything in one sitting. See what you have in place and make notes about where you’d like to make improvements. Then, start working down the list. A few minutes each week dedicated to your security can greatly increase your security, safety, and savvy.
[i] https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint/91–of-cyberattacks-start-with-a-phishing-email/d/d-id/1327704
[ii] https://www.verywellfamily.com/things-to-teach-your-kids-about-digital-etiquette-460548
The post Internet Safety Begins with All of Us appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Phishing attacks have all kinds of lures. And many are so tried and true that it makes them easy to spot.
The target of a phishing attack is you. More specifically, your personal info and your money. Whether a scammer reaches out by email, with a text, or through a direct message, that’s what they’re after. And with a link, they whisk you off to a sketchy site designed to take them from you.
Just how much phishing is going on? To date, we’ve identified more than half a billion malicious sites out there. A number that grows daily. Because these attacks often succeed. One big reason why — they play on people’s emotions.
Phishing attacks always involve a form of “social engineering,” which is an academic way of saying that scammers use manipulation in their attacks. Commonly, scammers pretend to be a legitimate person or business.
You can get a better idea of how this works by learning about some of the most popular scams circulating today:
The CEO Scam
This scam appears as an email from a leader in your organization, asking for highly sensitive info like company accounts, employee salaries, and Social Security numbers. The hackers “spoof”, or fake, the boss’ email address so it looks like a legitimate internal company email. That’s what makes this scam so convincing — the lure is that you want to do your job and please your boss. But keep this scam in mind if you receive an email asking for confidential or highly sensitive info. Ask the apparent sender directly whether the request is real before acting.
The Urgent Email Attachment
Phishing emails that try to trick you into downloading a dangerous attachment that can infect your computer and steal your private info have been around for a long time. This is because they work. You’ve probably received emails asking you to download attachments confirming a package delivery, trip itinerary, or prize. They might urge you to “respond immediately!” The lure here is offering you something you want and invoking a sense of urgency to get you to click.
The “Lucky” Text or Email
How fortunate! You’ve won a free gift, an exclusive service, or a great deal on a trip to Las Vegas. Just remember, whatever “limited time offer” you’re being sold, it’s probably a phishing scam designed to get you to give up your credit card number or identity info. The lure here is something free or exciting at what appears to be little or no cost to you.
The Romance Scam
This one can happen completely online, over the phone, or in person after contact is established. But the romance scam always starts with someone supposedly looking for love. The scammer often puts a phony ad online or poses as a friend-of-a-friend on social media and contacts you directly. But what starts as the promise of love or partnership, often leads to requests for money or pricey gifts. The scammer will sometimes spin a hardship story, saying they need to borrow money to come visit you or pay their phone bill so they can stay in touch. The lure here is simple — love and acceptance.
While you can’t outright stop phishing attacks from making their way to your computer or phone, you can do several things to keep yourself from falling for them. Further, you can do other things that might make it more difficult for scammers to reach you.
The content and the tone of the message can tell you quite a lot. Threatening messages or ones that play on fear are often phishing attacks, such as angry messages from a so-called tax agent looking to collect back taxes. Other messages will lean heavily on urgency, like a phony overdue payment notice. And during the holidays, watch out for loud, overexcited messages about deep discounts on hard-to-find items. Instead of linking you to a proper e-commerce site, they might link you to a scam shopping site that does nothing but steal your money and the account info you used to pay them. In all, phishing attacks indeed smell fishy. Slow down and review that message with a critical eye. It might tip you off to a scam.
Some phishing attacks can look rather convincing. So much so that you’ll want to follow up on them, like if your bank reports irregular activity on your account or a bill appears to be past due. In these cases, don’t click on the link in the message. Go straight to the website of the business or organization in question and access your account from there. Likewise, if you have questions, you can always reach out to their customer service number or web page.
When scammers contact you via social media, that can be a tell-tale sign of a scam. Consider, would an income tax collector contact you over social media? The answer there is no. For example, in the U.S. the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes it clear that they will never contact taxpayers via social media. (Let alone send angry, threatening messages.) In all, legitimate businesses and organizations don’t use social media as a channel for official communications. They’ve accepted ways they will, and will not, contact you. If you have any doubts about a communication you received, contact the business or organization in question directly. Follow up with one of their customer service representatives.
Some phishing attacks involve attachments packed with malware, like ransomware, viruses, and keyloggers. If you receive a message with such an attachment, delete it. Even if you receive an email with an attachment from someone you know, follow up with that person. Particularly if you weren’t expecting an attachment from them. Scammers often hijack or spoof email accounts of everyday people to spread malware.
On computers and laptops, you can hover your cursor over links without clicking on them to see the web address. Take a close look at the addresses the message is using. If it’s an email, look at the email address. Maybe the address doesn’t match the company or organization at all. Or maybe it looks like it almost does, yet it adds a few letters or words to the name. This marks yet another sign that you might have a phishing attack on your hands. Scammers also use the common tactic of a link shortener, which creates links that almost look like strings of indecipherable text. These shortened links mask the true address, which might indeed be a link to a scam site. Delete the message. If possible, report it. Many social media platforms and messaging apps have built-in controls for reporting suspicious accounts and messages.
On social media and messaging platforms, stick to following, friending, and messaging people who you really know. As for those people who contact you out of the blue, be suspicious. Sad to say, they’re often scammers canvassing these platforms for victims. Better yet, where you can, set your profile to private, which makes it more difficult for scammers to select and stalk you for an attack.
How’d that scammer get your phone number or email address anyway? Chances are, they pulled that info off a data broker site. Data brokers buy, collect, and sell detailed personal info, which they compile from several public and private sources, such as local, state, and federal records, plus third parties like supermarket shopper’s cards and mobile apps that share and sell user data. Moreover, they’ll sell it to anyone who pays for it, including people who’ll use that info for scams. You can help reduce those scam texts and calls by removing your info from those sites. Our Personal Data Cleanup scans some of the riskiest data broker sites and shows you which ones are selling your personal info.
Online protection software can protect you in several ways. First, it can offer web protection features that can identify malicious links and downloads, which can help prevent clicking them. Further, features like our web protection can steer you away from dangerous websites and block malware and phishing sites if you accidentally click on a malicious link. Additionally, our Scam Protection feature warns you of sketchy links in emails, texts, and messages. And overall, strong virus and malware protection can further block any attacks on your devices. Be sure to protect your smartphones in addition to your computers and laptops as well, particularly given all the sensitive things we do on them, like banking, shopping, and booking rides and travel.
The post How to Spot Phishing Lures appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Tapping your phone at the cash register makes for a smooth trip to the store. Far smoother than fumbling for your card at the checkout or dealing with a bunch of change. That’s the beauty of the digital wallet on your phone. And with that convenience comes something plenty important — keeping that digital wallet secure.
All the personal info, photos, and banking apps we already have on our phones already make them plenty valuable. A digital wallet makes them that much more valuable.
A few steps can keep your phone and digital wallet more secure. Further, other steps can protect your cards and identity if that phone gets lost or stolen.
Let’s start with a look at how digital wallets work.
For starters, digital wallets work much like a physical wallet. Through service apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal, and others, you can store various payment types. That includes debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, and bank accounts.
The transaction is highly secure in general. When you use your digital wallet to make a purchase, the app creates a random ID for the transaction. It uses that ID rather than your actual account number to keep things secure. Encryption technology keeps things safer still by scrambling info during the process.
A digital wallet is safe, as long as you guard your smartphone just as closely as you would your physical wallet.
Here’s why you should secure your digital wallet and three tips to help you do so.
Fewer people use a lock screen than you might think. A finding from our global research showed that only 56% of adults said that they protect their smartphone with a password or passcode.[i] The problem with going unlocked is that if the phone gets lost or stolen, you’ve handed over a large part of your digital life to a thief. Setting up a lock screen is easy. It’s a simple feature found on iOS and Android devices.
Always protect your digital wallet with a lock, whether a unique passcode, fingerprint scan, or facial ID. This is the best and easiest way to deter cybercriminals. If you use a numerical code, make it different from the passcode on your phone. Also, make sure the numbers are random. Birthdays, anniversaries, house addresses, and the last digits of your phone number are all popular combinations and are crackable codes to a resourceful criminal.
Another way to secure your digital wallet is to make sure you always download the latest software updates. Developers are constantly finding and patching security holes, so the most up-to-date software is often the most secure. Turn on automatic updates to ensure you never miss a new release.
Before you swap your plastic cards for digital payment methods, ensure you research the digital banking app before downloading. Also, ensure that any app you download is through the official Apple or Android store or the financial institution’s official website. Then, check out how many downloads and reviews the app has. That’s one way you can make sure you’re downloading an official app and not an imposter. While most of the apps on official stores are legitimate, it’s always smart to check for typos, blurry logos, and unprofessional app descriptions.
So what happens if your phone ends up getting lost or stolen? A combination of device tracking, device locking, and remote erasing can help protect your phone and the data on it. Different device manufacturers have different ways of going about it, but the result is the same — you can prevent others from using your phone. You can even erase it if you’re truly worried that it’s in the wrong hands or if it’s gone for good. Apple provides iOS users with a step-by-step guide, and Google offers up a guide for Android users as well.
No doubt about it. Our phones get more and more valuable as the years go by. With an increasing amount of our financial lives coursing through them, protecting our phones becomes that much more important.
Comprehensive online protection like our McAfee+ plans can protect your phone. And it can protect something else. You. Namely, your privacy and your identity. Here’s a quick rundown: It can …
Protection like this is worth looking into, particularly as our phones become yet more valuable still thanks to digital wallets and payment apps like them.
[i] https://www.mcafee.com/content/dam/consumer/en-us/docs/reports/rp-connected-family-study-2022-global.pdf
The post How to Secure Your Digital Wallet appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In today’s digital age, the line between reality and digital fabrication is increasingly blurred, thanks to the rise of deepfake technology. Deepfakes, sophisticated audio manipulations, are becoming a growing concern as they become more realistic and harder to detect. The impact of a deepfake scam can be life-altering, with victims reporting losses ranging from $250 to over half a million dollars. And while not all AI content is created with malicious intent, the ability to know if a video is real or fake helps consumers make smart and well-informed decisions.
“Knowledge is power, and this has never been more true than in the AI-driven world we’re living in today,” said Roma Majumder, Senior Vice President of Product at McAfee. “No more wondering, is this Warren Buffet investment scheme legitimate, does Taylor Swift really want to give away cookware to fans, or did a politician actually say these words? The answers are provided to you automatically and within seconds with McAfee Deepfake Detector.”
“At McAfee, we’re inspired by the transformative potential of AI and are committed to helping shape a future where AI is used for good. Teaming up with Lenovo boosts our ability to deliver the most effective, automated, AI-powered deepfake detection, offering people a powerful digital guardian on their PCs. Together, we’re able to harness AI in new and revolutionary ways, empowering individuals with the most advanced deepfake detection so they can navigate the evolving online world safely and confidently.”
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, McAfee and Lenovo have come together to empower consumers with privacy-focused, cutting-edge technology designed to identify these deceptive creations and tackle consumer concerns around identifying deepfake scams and misinformation.
“The collaboration between Lenovo and McAfee combines the unique expertise of two global leaders to deliver innovative solutions that offers consumers more trust in the content they view online,” said Igor Bergman, Vice President of Lenovo Cloud and Software, Intelligent Devices Group. “Data shows that nearly two-thirds of people (64%) are more concerned about deepfakes now than they were a year ago. Lenovo’s expertise as an end-to-end technology solutions leader and McAfee’s experience in AI-powered online protection perfectly complement each other, optimizing hardware and software capabilities for the benefit of the consumer.”
In today’s digital landscape, where social media and viral content dominate, distinguishing between what’s real and what’s fabricated online is becoming increasingly challenging. Deepfakes, a term that combines ‘deep learning’ and ‘fake’, are hyper-realistic videos or images created using artificial intelligence to deceive viewers.
Imagine seeing a video of your favorite celebrity in a film they never acted in, or a politician delivering a speech they never actually gave. This is the realm of deepfakes. By utilizing AI, creators can manipulate faces, alter voices, and choreograph actions that never occurred. While some deepfakes are created for entertainment, like humorous videos of talking pets, others serve more sinister purposes. They can be tools for spreading false information, influencing political views, or damaging reputations.
Here are a few ways harmful deepfakes can impact us:
By staying informed and scrutinizing media before sharing, you can improve your ability to spot fakes and reduce the risk of falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
With McAfee Deepfake Detector now available exclusively on select Lenovo AI PCs, consumers who opt in are alerted within seconds if AI-altered audio is detected in videos, without relying on laborious manual video uploads. Trained on close to 200,000 samples and counting and leveraging the power of select Lenovo AI PCs equipped with an NPU, McAfee’s AI detection models perform the entire identification process – known as inference – directly on the PC, maximizing on-device processing to keep private user data off the cloud. McAfee does not collect or record a user’s audio in any way, and the user is always in control and can turn audio detection on or off as desired.
By leveraging the NPU and performing analysis on-device, McAfee provides comprehensive privacy and boosts processing speed when compared to cloud-based usage and improves battery life. These advancements significantly enhance the consumer experience, allowing people to make informed decisions about the content they view and protecting them against cybercrooks manipulating video audio without compromising the speed of their PC. This ensures consumers can use their PC as usual – whether they’re gaming, browsing, or watching videos – while McAfee Deepfake Detector works quietly in the background, protecting people against deceptions and alerting them to potential scams without compromising performance.
The McAfee Smart AI Hub at McAfee.ai is the online, go-to destination for the latest information and educational content related to AI and cybersecurity, with a focus on deepfakes and AI-driven scams. The Hub also empowers consumers to join the fight against scams by submitting suspicious videos for analysis by McAfee’s advanced AI-powered deepfake detection technology. Insights and trends identified through this analysis will be used to further educate the public, enriching societal understanding and awareness of deepfakes and other artificially generated content, and enhancing everyone’s ability to navigate and stay safe in a digital world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
McAfee Deepfake Detector is available for English language detection in select new Lenovo AI PCs, ordered on Lenovo.com and select local retailers beginning August 21, 2024, in the US, UK, and Australia.
Lenovo AI PC customers receive a free 30-day trial of McAfee Deepfake Detector with US pricing starting at $9.99 for the first year.
The post Introducing World’s First Automatic and AI-powered Deepfake Detector appeared first on McAfee Blog.
How do you recognize phishing emails and texts? Even as many of the scammers behind them have sophisticated their attacks, you can still pick out telltale signs.
Common to them all, every phishing is a cybercrime that aims to steal your sensitive info. Personal info. Financial info. Other attacks go right for your wallet by selling bogus goods or pushing phony charities.
You’ll find scammers posing as major corporations, friends, business associates, and more. They might try to trick you into providing info like website logins, credit and debit card numbers, and even precious personal info like your Social Security Number.
Phishing scammers often undo their own plans by making simple mistakes that are easy to spot once you know how to recognize them. Check for the following signs of phishing when you open an email or check a text:
It’s poorly written.
Even the biggest companies sometimes make minor errors in their communications. Phishing messages often contain grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and other blatant errors that major corporations wouldn’t make. If you see glaring grammatical errors in an email or text that asks for your personal info, you might be the target of a phishing scam.
The logo doesn’t look right.
Phishing scammers often steal the logos of the businesses they impersonate. However, they don’t always use them correctly. The logo in a phishing email or text might have the wrong aspect ratio or low resolution. If you have to squint to make out the logo in a message, the chances are that it’s phishing.
The URL doesn’t match.
Phishing always centers around links that you’re supposed to click or tap. Here are a few ways to check whether a link someone sent you is legitimate:
You can also spot a phishing attack when you know what some of the most popular scams are:
The CEO Scam
This scam appears as an email from a leader in your organization, asking for highly sensitive info like company accounts, employee salaries, and Social Security numbers. The hackers “spoof”, or fake, the boss’ email address so it looks like a legitimate internal company email. That’s what makes this scam so convincing — the lure is that you want to do your job and please your boss. But keep this scam in mind if you receive an email asking for confidential or highly sensitive info. Ask the apparent sender directly whether the request is real before acting.
The Urgent Email Attachment
Phishing emails that try to trick you into downloading a dangerous attachment that can infect your computer and steal your private info have been around for a long time. This is because they work. You’ve probably received emails asking you to download attachments confirming a package delivery, trip itinerary, or prize. They might urge you to “respond immediately!” The lure here is offering you something you want and invoking a sense of urgency to get you to click.
The “Lucky” Text or Email
How fortunate! You’ve won a free gift, an exclusive service, or a great deal on a trip to Las Vegas. Just remember, whatever “limited time offer” you’re being sold, it’s probably a phishing scam designed to get you to give up your credit card number or identity info. The lure here is something free or exciting at what appears to be little or no cost to you.
The Romance Scam
This one can happen completely online, over the phone, or in person after contact is established. But the romance scam always starts with someone supposedly looking for love. The scammer often puts a phony ad online or poses as a friend-of-a-friend on social media and contacts you directly. But what starts as the promise of love or partnership, often leads to requests for money or pricey gifts. The scammer will sometimes spin a hardship story, saying they need to borrow money to come visit you or pay their phone bill so they can stay in touch. The lure here is simple — love and acceptance.
Account Suspended Scam
Some phishing emails appear to notify you that your bank temporarily suspended your account due to unusual activity. If you receive an account suspension email from a bank that you haven’t opened an account with, delete it immediately, and don’t look back. Suspended account phishing emails from banks you do business with, however, are harder to spot. Use the methods we listed above to check the email’s integrity, and if all else fails, contact your bank directly instead of opening any links within the email you received.
While you can’t outright stop phishing attacks from making their way to your computer or phone, you can do several things to keep yourself from falling for them. Further, you can do other things that might make it more difficult for scammers to reach you.
The content and the tone of the message can tell you quite a lot. Threatening messages or ones that play on fear are often phishing attacks, such as angry messages from a so-called tax agent looking to collect back taxes. Other messages will lean heavily on urgency, like a phony overdue payment notice. And during the holidays, watch out for loud, overexcited messages about deep discounts on hard-to-find items. Instead of linking you off to a proper e-commerce site, they might link you to a scam shopping site that does nothing but steal your money and the account info you used to pay them. In all, phishing attacks indeed smell fishy. Slow down and review that message with a critical eye. It might tip you off to a scam.
Some phishing attacks can look rather convincing. So much so that you’ll want to follow up on them, like if your bank reports irregular activity on your account or a bill appears to be past due. In these cases, don’t click on the link in the message. Go straight to the website of the business or organization in question and access your account from there. Likewise, if you have questions, you can always reach out to their customer service number or web page.
Some phishing attacks occur in social media messengers. When you get direct messages, consider the source. Consider, would an income tax collector contact you over social media? The answer there is no. For example, in the U.S. the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) makes it clear that they will never contact taxpayers via social media. (Let alone send angry, threatening messages.) In all, legitimate businesses and organizations don’t use social media as a channel for official communications. They’ve accepted ways they will, and will not, contact you. If you have any doubts about a communication you received, contact the business or organization in question directly. Follow up with one of their customer service representatives.
Some phishing attacks involve attachments packed with malware, like ransomware, viruses, and keyloggers. If you receive a message with such an attachment, delete it. Even if you receive an email with an attachment from someone you know, follow up with that person. Particularly if you weren’t expecting an attachment from them. Scammers often hijack or spoof email accounts of everyday people to spread malware.
How’d that scammer get your phone number or email address anyway? Chances are, they pulled that info off a data broker site. Data brokers buy, collect, and sell detailed personal info, which they compile from several public and private sources, such as local, state, and federal records, plus third parties like supermarket shopper’s cards and mobile apps that share and sell user data. Moreover, they’ll sell it to anyone who pays for it, including people who’ll use that info for scams. You can help reduce those scam texts and calls by removing your info from those sites. Our Personal Data Cleanup scans some of the riskiest data broker sites and shows you which ones are selling your personal info.
Online protection software can protect you in several ways. First, it can offer web protection features that can identify malicious links and downloads, which can help prevent clicking them. Further, features like our web protection can steer you away from dangerous websites and block malware and phishing sites if you accidentally click on a malicious link. Additionally, our Scam Protection feature warns you of sketchy links in emails, texts, and messages. And overall, strong virus and malware protection can further block any attacks on your devices. Be sure to protect your smartphones in addition to your computers and laptops as well, particularly given all the sensitive things we do on them, like banking, shopping, and booking rides and travel.
The post How to Recognize a Phishing Email appeared first on McAfee Blog.
With a buzz, your phone lets you know you got a text. You take a peek. It’s from the U.S. Postal Service with a message about your package. Or is it? You might be looking at a smishing scam.
“Smishing” takes its form from two terms: SMS messaging and phishing. Effectively, smishing is a phishing attack on your phone. Scammers love these attacks year-round, and particularly so during holiday shopping rushes. The fact remains that we ship plenty of packages plenty often, and scammers use that to their advantage.
Smishing attacks try to slip into the other legitimate messages you get about shipments. The idea is that you might have a couple on the way and might mistake the smishing attack for a proper message. Scammers make them look and sound legit, posing as the U.S. Postal Service or other carriers like UPS, DHL, and FedEx.
Let’s dive into the details of this scheme and what you can do to protect yourself from SMS phishing.
To pull off these attacks, scammers send out text messages from random numbers saying that a delivery has an urgent transit issue. When a victim taps on the link in the text, it takes them to a form page that asks them to fill in their personal and financial info to “verify their purchase delivery.” With the form completed, the scammer can then exploit that info for financial gain.
However, scammers also use this phishing scheme to infect people’s devices with malware. For example, some users received links claiming to provide access to a supposed postal shipment. Instead, they were led to a domain that did nothing but infect their browser or phone with malware. Regardless of what route the hacker takes, these scams leave the user in a situation that compromises their smartphone and personal data.
While delivery alerts are a convenient way to track packages, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of smishing scams. Doing so will help you safeguard your online security without sacrificing the convenience of your smartphone. To do just that, take these straightforward steps.
Go directly to the source.
Be skeptical of text messages from companies with peculiar requests or info that seems too good to be true. Be even more skeptical if the link looks different from what you’d expect from that sender — like a shortened link or a kit-bashed name like “fed-ex-delivery dot-com.” Instead of clicking on a link within the text, it’s best to go straight to the organization’s website to check on your delivery status or contact customer service.
Enable the feature on your mobile device that blocks certain texts.
Many spammers send texts from an internet service to hide their identities. You can combat this by using the feature on your mobile device that blocks texts sent from the internet or unknown users. For example, you can disable all potential spam messages from the Messages app on an Android device. Head to “Settings,” tap on “Spam protection,” and then enable it. On iPhones, head to “Settings” > “Messages” and flip the switch next to “Filter Unknown Senders.”
One caveat, though. This can block legitimate messages just as easily. Say you’re getting your car serviced. If you don’t have the shop’s number stored on your phone, their updates on your repair progress will get blocked as well.
Block smishing texts with AI.
Our new AI-powered Text Scam Detector puts up a great defense. It automatically detects scams by scanning URLs in your text messages. If you accidentally tap? Don’t worry, it can block risky sites if you tap on a suspicious link in texts, emails, social media, and more.
Protect your privacy and identity all around.
While McAfee+ plans include Scam Protection, our plans offer strong protection for your identity, privacy, and finances. All the things those smishers are after. It includes credit and identity monitoring, social privacy management, and a VPN, plus several transaction monitoring features. Together, they spot scams and give you the tools to stop them dead in their tracks.
And if the unfortunate happens, our Identity Theft Coverage & Restoration can get you on the path to recovery. It offers up to $2 million in coverage for legal fees, travel, and funds lost because of identity theft. Further, a licensed recovery pro can do the work for you, taking the necessary steps to repair your identity and credit.
The post How Not to Fall for Smishing Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.
For millions of people, it’s not a workday without it — video conferencing. And plenty of business gets done that way, which has made conferencing a target for hackers. That then begs the important question, how secure is video conferencing?
The answer is pretty secure if you’re using a reputable service. Yet you can take further steps to keep hackers and party crashers out of your meetings.
Hackers and party crashers are likely motivated by one of two things: financial gain or mischief.
Given that some meetings involve confidential or sensitive info, someone might have financial motivation to join in, spy on, or record the meeting. Recently, we saw the lengths at least one AI company went to when it spied on a competitor’s video conference call.[i]
And of course, some bad actors want to cause a disruption. As we saw in recent years, they’ll barge right into a meeting and create a ruckus with rude speech and other antics.
Falling somewhere in between, some hackers might try to intrude on a meeting and slip a malware-laden attachment into chat.[ii] For one, that can lead to a major disruption. And in a business context, financial disruption as well.
How do they pull it off? The typical avenues of attack apply. They might use stolen or hijacked accounts. The meeting was inadvertently set to “public,” allowing anyone with a link to join. Otherwise, they might compromise a victim’s device to piggyback their way in.
Use a service with end-to-end encryption.
Put simply, end-to-end encryption provides a solid defense against prying eyes. With it in place, this form of encryption makes it particularly difficult for hackers to tap into the call and the data shared within it. Secure video conferencing should use 256-bit AES GCM encryption for audio and video, and for sharing of screens, whiteboard apps, and the like. On a related note, read the service’s privacy policy and ensure that its privacy, security, and data measures fit your needs.
Make your meetings private and protect them with a password.
Keep the uninvited out. First, setting your meeting to private (invitees only) will help keep things secure. Some apps also provide a notification to the meeting organizer when an invite gets forwarded. Use that feature if it’s available. Also, a password provides another hurdle for a hacker or bad actor to clear. Use a fresh one for each meeting.
Use the waiting room.
Many services put attendees into a waiting room before they enter the meeting proper. Use this feature to control who comes in and out.
Block users from taking control of the screen.
Welcome or unwelcome, you can keep guests from taking over the screen. Select the option to block everyone except the host (you) from screen sharing.
Turn on automatic updates on your conferencing app.
By turning on automatic updates, you’ll get the latest security patches and enhancements for your video conferencing tool as soon as they become available.
Get wise to phishing scams.
Some interlopers make it into meetings by impersonating others. Just as bad actors use phishing emails and texts to steal personal financial info, they’ll use them to steal company credentials as well. Our Phishing Scam Protection Guide can show you how to steer clear of these attacks.
Use online protection software.
Comprehensive online protection software like ours can make for safer calls in several ways. For one, it protects you against malware attacks, such as if a bad actor tries to slip a sketchy download into your meeting. Further, it includes a password manager that creates and stores strong, unique passwords securely. This can help increase the security of your video conferencing account.
This is a new one. AI deepfake technology continues to evolve, we find ourselves at the point where scammers can create AI imposters in real time.
We’ve seen them use this technology in romance scams, where scammers take on entirely new looks and voices on video calls. And we’ve seen at least one group of scammers bilk a company out of $25 million with deepfaked executives on a call.[iii]
Strange as it might sound, this kind of deepfake technology is possible today. And realizing that fact is the first step toward prevention. Next, that calls for extra scrutiny.
Any time-sensitive info or sums of money are involved, get confirmation of the request. Place a phone call to the person after receiving the request to ensure it’s indeed legitimate. Better yet, meet the individual in person if possible. In all, contact them outside the email, message, or call that initially made the request to ensure you’re not dealing with an imposter.
With the right provider and right steps in place, video calls can be quite secure. Use a solution that offers end-to-end encryption, keep your app updated for the latest security measures, and lock down the app’s security settings. Also, recognize that AI has changed the way we look at just about everything online — including people on the other side of the screen. As we’ve seen, AI imposters on calls now fall into the realm of possibility. A costly one at that.
[i] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/07/technology/ai-start-ups-competition.html
[ii] https://www.pcmag.com/news/hackers-circulate-malware-by-breaking-into-microsoft-teams-meetings
[iii] https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/04/asia/deepfake-cfo-scam-hong-kong-intl-hnk/index.html
The post How Secure is Video Conferencing? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
“How protected am I online?”
Customers often ask us some version of this question. It’s a good question, and in the past, there was no direct answer — only recommendations. For example, we recommended online protection that goes beyond antivirus to include identity and privacy protection. We also promoted safety best practices like using multi-factor authentication. We wondered if there was a simpler and easier way to give people the best protection advice.
We followed that up by asking our customers what was important to them about online protection. We found that 74% of you have concerns about keeping private online. Another 57% said that they want more control of their personal info online. And more broadly, 47% said they wish they felt safer in general. Simply put, customers are more conscious of their safety online than ever before, and eager to play an active role in their protection.
It’s time for a new approach — meet the McAfee Protection Score.
If you’re thinking this looks like a credit, fitness, sleep, or any of the other scores we now use to visualize and quantify aspects of our life, you’re on the right track.
Your personalized McAfee Protection Score is a measure of your security online. The higher your score, the safer you’re online. Your score highlights any weaknesses in your security and helps you fix them with easy step-by-step instructions. We’ll also let you know which features haven’t been set up so you can get the most out of your protection.
When we developed McAfee Protection Score the idea was to give customers a simple solution to better protect themselves and get the most from their subscription. That includes offering security tips to protect their identities, privacy, and devices, while also improving their online habits. We wanted it to be easy for anyone to:
Now that we’ve talked about McAfee Protection Score generally, let’s look at how it works in practice. Your score is based on a few things, including setting up your McAfee protection, strengthening your security with our safety recommendations, and ensuring your personal info is safely monitored with Identity Protection.
For example, if your info is exposed in a data breach your score might drop, but you can improve it by following our easy-to-follow remediation steps. After you’ve completed those steps, your score will go back up and you can be confident knowing you’re better protected online.
A perfect score doesn’t mean you’re perfectly safe, but it does mean that you’re doing an excellent job of preventing and managing risks.
You can find your McAfee Protection Score in your browser on any device. There, you can review our guidance and improve your score from wherever you are. McAfee Protection Score marked a first in online protection when we released it. Since then, we’ve improved upon it by adding more personalization and accessibility — so you can enjoy your life online knowing exactly how protected you are.
The post How Protected Am I Online? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
We all love free stuff. (Costco samples, anyone?) However, when it comes to your family’s security, do free online protection tools offer the coverage you truly need?
Not always. In fact, they might invade the privacy you’re trying to protect.
Here’s why.
Free tools don’t offer the level of advanced protection that life on today’s internet needs. For starters, you’ll want malware and antivirus protection that’s as sophisticated as the threats they shut down. Ours includes AI technology and has for years now, which helps it shut down even the latest strains of malware as they hit the internet for the first time. We’re seeing plenty of that, as hackers have also turned to AI tools to code their malicious software.
Malware and antivirus protection protects your devices. Yet a comprehensive approach protects something else. You and your family.
Comprehensive online protection looks after your family’s privacy and identity. That keeps you safe from prying eyes and things like fraud and identity theft. Today’s comprehensive protection offers more features than ever, and far more than you’ll find in a free, and so incomplete, offering.
Consider this short list of what comprehensive online protection like ours offers you and your family:
Scam Protection
Is that email, text, or message packing a scam link? Our scam protection lets you know before you click that link. It uses AI to sniff out bad links. And if you click or tap on one, no worries. It blocks links to malicious sites.
Web Protection
Like scam protection, our web protection sniffs out sketchy links while you browse. So say you stumble across a great-looking offer in a bed of search results. If it’s a link to a scam site, you’ll spot it. Also like scam protection, it blocks the site if you accidentally hit the link.
Transaction Monitoring
This helps you nip fraud in the bud. Based on the settings you provide, transaction monitoring keeps an eye out for unusual activity on your credit and debit cards. That same monitoring can extend to retirement, investment, and loan accounts as well. It can further notify you if someone tries to change the contact info on your bank accounts or take out a short-term loan in your name.
Credit Monitoring
This is an important thing to do in today’s password- and digital-driven world. Credit monitoring uncovers any inconsistencies or outright instances of fraud in your credit reports. Then it helps put you on the path to setting them straight. It further keeps an eye on your reports overall by providing you with notifications if anything changes in your history or score.
Social Privacy Manager
Our social privacy manager puts you in control of who sees what on social media. With it, you can secure your profiles the way you want. It helps you adjust more than 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts in just a few clicks. It offers recommendations as you go and makes sure your personal info is only visible to the people you want. You can even limit some of the ways that social media sites are allowed to use your data for greater peace of mind.
Personal Data Cleanup
This provides you with another powerful tool for protecting your privacy. Personal Data Cleanup removes your personal info from some of the sketchiest data broker sites out there. And they’ll sell those lines and lines of info about you to anyone. Hackers and spammers included. Personal Data Cleanup scans data broker sites and shows you which ones are selling your personal info. From there, it provides guidance for removing your data from those sites. Further, when part of our McAfee+ Advanced and Ultimate, it sends requests to remove your data automatically.
Password Manager
Scammers love weak or reused passwords. Even more so when they’re weak and reused. It offers them an easy avenue to force their way into people’s accounts. Our password manager creates and securely stores strong, unique passwords for you. That saves you the hassle of creating strong, unique passwords for your dozens and dozens of accounts. And helps protect you from fraud.
Identity Theft Coverage & Restoration
This provides you with extra assurance while you shop. Say the unfortunate happens to you and find yourself a victim of identity theft. Our coverage and restoration plan provides up to $2 million in lawyer fees and reimbursement for lawyer fees and stolen funds. Further, a licensed expert can help you repair your identity and credit. In all, this saves you money and your time if theft happens to you.
Say your online protection leaves gaps in your family’s safety, or that it uses less-effective methods and technologies. That exposes you to threats — threats can cost you time and money alike if one of those threats gets through.
One example, consider the online crimes reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. In 2023, they fielded 5.4 million fraud reports. Of them, 2.6 million reported a loss for a total of $10 billion. The median loss was $500 across all reports. Of course, that’s only the median dollar amount. That number can climb much higher in individual cases.
Source: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Without question, protection is prevention, which can spare you some significant financial losses. Not to mention the time and stress of restoring your credit and identity — and getting your money back.
A “free” solution has to make its money somehow.
Free security solutions sometimes carry in-app advertising. More importantly, they might try to gather your user data to target ads or share it with others to make a profit. Also by advertising for premium products, the vendor indirectly admits that a free solution doesn’t provide enough security.
Further, these tools also offer little to no customer support, leaving users to handle any technical difficulties on their own. What’s more, most free security solutions are meant for use on only one device, whereas the average person owns several connected devices. And that’s certainly the case for many families.
Lastly, free solutions often limit a person’s online activity too. Many impose limits on which browser or email program the user can leverage, which can be inconvenient as many already have a preferred browser or email platform.
Free security products might provide the basics, but a comprehensive solution can protect you from a host of other risks — ones that could get in the way of enjoying your time online.
With comprehensive online protection in place, your family’s devices get protection from the latest threats in the ever-evolving security landscape. It keeps your devices safe. And it keeps you safe. With that, we hope you’ll give us a close look when you decide to upgrade to comprehensive protection.
The post Why Should I Pay for Online Protection? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
“Antivirus software slows down my PC.” This is a comment that is often heard when talking about antivirus and malware protection.
That might be the case with many security products, but it’s not the case with McAfee. Independent tests since 2016 have proven that McAfee is not only good at catching malware and viruses, but also one of the lightest security products available today.
Antivirus forms a major cornerstone of online protection software. It protects your devices against malware and viruses through a combination of prevention, detection, and removal. Ours uses AI to detect the absolute latest threats — and has for several years now.
For decades, people have installed antivirus software on their computers. Today, it can also protect your smartphones and tablets as well. In fact, we recommend installing it on those devices as well because they’re connected, just like a computer. And any device that connects to the internet is a potential target for malware and viruses.
One important distinction about antivirus is its name, a name that first came into use years ago when viruses first appeared on the scene. However, antivirus protects you from more than viruses. It protects against the broad category of malware too — things like spyware, ransomware, and keyloggers.
To measure how much impact online protection software has on PC performance, some independent test labs include performance impact benchmarks in their security product tests. The most well-known of these test labs are AV-TEST, which is based in Germany, and Austria-based AV-Comparatives. These independent labs are among the most reputable and well-known anti-malware test labs in the world.
Over the years, we’ve tested strongly. Those results got stronger still with the release of our McAfee Next-gen Threat Protection.
McAfee’s AI-powered security just got faster and stronger. Our Next-gen Threat Protection takes up less disk space, reduces its background processes by 75%, and scans 3x faster than before. This makes your time online safer without slowing down your browsing, shopping, streaming, and gaming.
And the results show it.
Even with strong protection continuously monitoring all activity on your PC and laptop for threats, the best kind of antivirus keeps your devices running quickly.
Advances in our already high-performing protection have solidified our excellent standing in independent tests. The labs run them regularly, and we take pride in knowing that we’re not only protecting you, we’re keeping you moving along at a good clip.
The post Does Antivirus Software Slow You Down? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
If you find that your email has been hacked, your immediate reaction is probably wondering what you should next.
The answer: take a deep breath and jump into action. Five steps can help you prevent or minimize any damage done by a compromised account.
So why do hackers go after email accounts? The fact is, that email account of yours is a treasure trove. There’s a good chance it contains years of correspondence with friends and family. Not to mention yet more emails from banks, online retailers, doctors, contractors, business contacts, and more. In all, your email packs a high volume of personal info in one place, which makes your email account a top prize for hackers.
Let’s look at the signs of a hacked email account, along with some things you can do to keep it from getting hacked in the first place.
You can’t log into your email account
This one speaks for itself. You go to check your email and find that your username and password combination has been rejected. You try again, knowing you’re using the right password, and still no luck. There’s a chance that a hacker has gotten hold of your password, logged in, and then changed the password — thus locking you out and giving them control of your account.
One of your contacts asks, “Did this email really come from you?”
Hackers often compromise email accounts to spread malware on a large scale. By blasting emails to everyone on your hacked contact list, they can shoot bogus, malware-riddled emails to dozens, even hundreds, of others. And no doubt about it, some of those emails can look a little odd. They don’t sound or read at all like the person they’re trying to impersonate — you — to the extent that some of your contacts might ask if this email really came from you.
On the flip side, this is a good reason to never open attachments you weren’t expecting. Likewise, if you get a somewhat strange email from a friend or business contact, let them know. You might offer the first sight that their email has been compromised.
1) Use your email provider’s recovery service
Many email providers have web pages dedicated to recovering your account in the event of a lost or stolen password. (For example, Google provides this page for users of Gmail and their other services.) This is a good reason to keep your security questions and alternate contact info current with your provider, as this is the primary way to regain control of your account.
2) Change your password
If you can, change the password for your email account. Make it a strong, unique password — don’t reuse a password from another account. Next, update the passwords for other accounts if you use the same or similar passwords for them. (Hackers count on people using simpler and less unique passwords across their accounts — and on people reusing passwords in general.) A password manager that’s included with comprehensive online protection software can do that work for you.
3) Set two-factor authentication
Several email services support two-factor authentication, which requires a PIN in addition to a username and password to log in. If your service offers it, use it. This provides one of the strongest defenses against a hacked email account — and online accounts in general.
4) Check your other accounts
Sometimes one bad hack leads to another. If someone has access to your email and all the messages in it, they might have what they need to conduct further attacks. Look at your other accounts across banking, finances, social media, and other services you use and keep an eye out for any unusual activity. And if these accounts offer two-factor authentication, use it on them as well.
5) Reach out to your email contacts
A big part of the hacker’s strategy is to get their hooks into your address book and spread malware to others. As quickly as you can, send a message to all your email contacts and let them know that your email has been compromised. And if you’ve done so, let them know that you’ve reset your password so that your account is secure again. Likewise, alert them that they shouldn’t open any emails or attachments from you that were sent during the time your account was compromised.
The bigger picture: Keep tabs on your identity
More broadly speaking, your email account is one of the several pieces that make up the big picture of your online identity. Other important pieces include your online banking accounts, online shopping accounts, and so on. No question about it, these are things you want to keep tabs on.
With that, check your credit report for any signs of strange activity. Your credit report is a powerful tool for spotting identity theft. And in many cases, it’s free to do so. In the U.S., you can check yours weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. Canada provides this service as well, in addition to several other nations as well. It’s a great idea to check your credit report, even if you don’t suspect a problem. Moreover, you can check yours any time you like as part of our credit monitoring service.
Beyond keeping tabs on your identity, you can protect it as well. Online identity protection such as ours can provide around-the-clock monitoring of your email addresses and bank accounts. Additionally, our Identity Theft Coverage & Restoration service offers up to $2 million in ID theft insurance in the event your identity gets compromised. Additionally, it can put an identity recovery pro on the case if you need assistance in the wake of an attack or breach. Taking a step like this can help keep your email account safer from attacks — along with your other accounts.
The post My email has been hacked! What should I do next? appeared first on McAfee Blog.
When it comes to protecting your privacy, take a close look at your social media use—because sharing can quickly turn into oversharing.
The term “oversharing” carries several different definitions. Yet in our case here, oversharing means saying more than one should to more people than they should. Consider the audience you have across your social media profiles. Perhaps you have dozens, if not hundreds of friends and followers. All with various degrees of closeness and familiarity. Who among them can you absolutely trust with the information you share?
And you might be sharing more than you think. Posts have a way of saying more than one thing, like:
“This is the pool at the rental home I’m staying at this week. Amazing!” Which also tells everyone, “My home is empty for the next few days.”
“I can’t start my workday without a visit to my favorite coffee shop.” Which also says, “If you ever want to track me down in person, you can find me at this location practically any weekday morning.”
One can quickly point to other examples of oversharing. Unintentional oversharing at that.
A first-day-of-school picture can tell practical strangers which elementary school your children attend, say if the picture includes the school’s reader board in it. A snapshot of you joking around with a co-worker might reveal a glimpse of company information. Maybe because of what’s written on the whiteboard behind the two of you. And in one extreme example, there’s the case of an assault on a pop star. Her attacker tracked her down through her selfie, determining her location through the reflection in her eyes.
The list goes on.
That’s not to say “don’t post.” More accurately, it’s “consider what you’re posting and who gets to see it.” You have control over what you post, and to some degree, who gets to see those posts. That combination is key to your privacy—and the privacy of others too.
1) Be more selective with your settings: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what you’re doing, saying, and posting—not to mention your relationships and likes. Taking a “friends only” approach to your social media profiles can help protect your privacy because that gives a possible scammer or stalker much less material to work with. Yet further, some platforms allow you to create sub-groups of friends and followers. With a quick review of your network, you can create a sub-group of your most trusted friends and restrict your posts to them as needed.
2) Say “no” to strangers bearing friend requests: Be critical of the invitations you receive. Out-and-out strangers might be more than just a stranger. They might be a fake account designed to gather information on users for purposes of fraud. There are plenty of fake accounts too. In fact, in Q1 of 2023 alone, Facebook took action on 426 million fake accounts. Reject such requests.
3) Consider what you post: Think about posting those vacation pictures after you get back so people don’t know you’re away when you’re away. Also, consider if your post pinpoints where you are or where you go regularly. Do you want people in your broader network to know that? Closely review the pics you take and see if there’s any revealing information in the background. If so, you can crop it out (think notes on a whiteboard, reflections in a window, or revealing location info). Further, ask anyone you want to include in their post for their permission. In all, consider their privacy too.
While we’re on the topic, you can take a few other steps that can make you more private online. In addition to your social media usage, other steps can help keep more of your private and personal information with you—where it belongs:
Granted, “social” is arguably the opposite of “private.” Using social media involves sharing, by its very definition. Yet any oversharing can lead to privacy issues.
Maybe you want close friends to know what’s going on, but what about that so-so acquaintance deep in your friends list? How well do you really know them? And to what extent do you want them to know exacting details about where you are, where your kids go to school, and so on? Those are questions you ultimately must answer, and ultimately have some control over depending on what you share on social media.
Also important to consider is this: if you post anything on the internet, consider it front-page news. Even with social media privacy settings in place, there’s no guarantee that someone won’t copy your posts or pics and pass them along to others.
The flipside to the topic of social media and privacy is the platform you’re using. It’s no secret that social media companies gather hosts of personal information about their users in exchange for free use of their platforms. Certainly, that’s a topic unto itself. We cover what social media companies know about you in this article here—along with a few steps that can help you limit what they know as well.
When it comes to your privacy and social media, it depends largely on how you use it. How you use various privacy and audience settings offers one way to manage it. The other is you and the information you put out there for others to see.
The post Sharing Isn’t Always Caring: Tips to Help Protect Your Online Privacy appeared first on McAfee Blog.
This Fourth of July brought fireworks in the form of a digital security breach, one that has been recorded as the most significant password leak in history. Dubbed RockYou2024, this colossal data dump was unveiled by a user named “ObamaCare” on a prominent hacking forum, revealing a staggering 9.9 billion unique passwords in plain text.
The sheer volume of compromised passwords is enough to make any security enthusiast’s head spin. RockYou2024 isn’t just a leak; it’s a behemoth collection of 9,948,575,739 passwords that could potentially affect millions of users worldwide. This event marks a critical point in cybersecurity, underscoring the relentless pace at which digital threats are evolving.
However, it’s crucial to note that RockYou2024, despite its unprecedented scale, is primarily a compilation of previously leaked passwords, building upon its predecessor, RockYou2021, which contained 8.4 billion passwords. This revelation might diminish the shock value for some, but it doesn’t reduce the threat level.
According to Cybernews, which first reported on this massive compilation, RockYou2024 poses a significant threat to any system vulnerable to brute-force attacks. This includes not just online platforms but also offline services, internet-facing cameras, and even industrial hardware. When paired with other leaked databases that might include email addresses and other personal information, the potential for widespread data breaches, financial fraud, and identity theft escalates dramatically.
Despite RockYou2024 being a collection of older breaches, the updated and maintained list means everyone should remain vigilant. It is crucial to take steps to protect yourself from potential fraud or identity theft. While RockYou2024 might predominantly consist of recycled material from past leaks, it serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing cybersecurity battles. Proper password management and security measures are more crucial than ever. In today’s digital age, staying ahead means staying aware and taking proactive steps to protect your digital identity. Consider implementing the following measures:
McAfee+ provides AI-Powered technology for real-time protection against new and evolving threats. With our data protection and custom guidance (complete with a protection score for each platform and tips to keep you safer), you can be sure that your internet identity is protected.
The post RockYou2024: Unpacking the Largest Password Leak in History appeared first on McAfee Blog.
With a record-breaking number of Americans set to travel over the July 4th holiday, most of them by car, scammers have adjusted their plans accordingly. New research reveals the top 10 U.S. destinations where scammers plant the bulk of their online travel scams.
Our McAfee Labs team kicked off this research by analyzing TripAdvisor’s Popular Domestic Destinations for US Travelers and Fastest Growing Domestic Destinations for US Travelers lists. From there, they identified the locales that generated the highest volume of risky search results.
For people researching and booking travel online, those results could lead to all manner of sketchy sites. Some host malware, others steal personal info, and yet more lead to phony booking sites that take their money and leave them with nowhere to stay.
Paired with that research, we also polled 1,000 Americans on their travel plans, including how they’re researching and booking online and the travel scams they’ve encountered over the years.
Together, they offer a view of what travel scams look like today — and insights into how you can avoid them.
Of the Americans we surveyed, 85% said they’ll travel this year. Within that mix, you’ll find both splurging and bargain-hunting as travelers do their planning and booking online.
As far as splurging goes, 65% said they’ll spend more on wining and dining, 53% on experiences like tours and sightseeing, and 48% on shopping for themselves and others.
Not so surprisingly on the bargain-hunting side, people said they’re looking for the cheapest airfare (48%), cheapest accommodations (46%), and deals on activities and excursions (34%).
To plan their travels, many Americans said they’ve turned to AI. Or that they would at least consider it.
When asked, “Have you or would you use an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool like WhereTo, ChatGPT, or Vaca Chatbot to help you plan your next vacation?” we uncovered the following:
Overall, online resources lead the way when it comes time to plan and book travel. More than half of Americans say they use online reviews as a primary resource, with online travel sites close behind at just under half.
Still, traditional sources of travel research remain popular. Recommendations from family and friends weighed in at 40%, with another 36% saying they flip through travel books and guides.
As far as Americans’ concerns about travel scams, those remain high. Nearly four out of five people (79%) said they research and pay attention to travel scams as part of their planning. Which is wise, as many people said they’ve gotten burned by one.
When asked if they’d ever fallen for a scam while booking travel, 28% said yes. The top three booking scams they reported include:
Yet another 28% said they’d fallen prey to a scam while traveling. The top three scams for those Americans included:
How’d all these scams add up? In all, we found that 32% of victims said they lost between $501–1000 in a single scam. Another 24% of victims said they lost more than $1,000. Only a relatively small percentage of people – just 15% — said they lost nothing, a figure that shows just how successful travel scams can be.
This falls in line with reports from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). As published in their 2023 Data Book, more than 55,000 Americans reported a travel scam with a median loss of nearly $1,200 per case.[i] As always with FTC statistics, this only includes reported cases of fraud. The number of actual scams more than likely climbs higher than that.
And now, our list.
Once again, these destinations return the highest volume of potential scam results in search. As always, booking any travel online calls for care (and we’ll cover that next). Yet when it comes to researching and booking travel in the U.S., scammers appear to favor the following destinations the most:
Our recommendations for U.S. travel fall in line with the ones we offered earlier this year when we shared the results of the top ten riskiest international destinations. Our list begins with a cornerstone piece of advice: Trust a trusted platform.
That’s your best place to start. Book your vacation rental through a reputable outlet. Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have policies and processes in place that protect travelers from scammers. The same goes for booking other travel needs above and beyond renting. Travel platforms such as Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, and others also have protections in place.
From there, you have several other ways you can avoid booking scams…
Look for signs of rental scams.
Do a reverse image search on the photos used in the property’s listing and see what comes up. It might be a piece of stock photography designed to trick you into thinking it was taken at an actual property for rent. (Scammers sometimes highjack photos of actual properties not for rent too. Some now use AI-generated images as well.) Also, read the reviews for the property. Listings with no reviews are a red flag.
Only communicate and pay on the platform
The moment a host asks to communicate outside of the platform is another red flag. Scammers will try to lure you off the platform where they can request payment in forms that are difficult to recover or trace after you realize you’ve been scammed.
Moreover, paying for your rental outside the platform might also go against the terms of service, as in the case of Airbnb. Or, as with VRBO, paying outside the platform voids their “Book with Confidence Guarantee,” which offers you certain protections. Use the platform to pay and use a credit card when you do. In the U.S., the Fair Credit Billing Act allows you to dispute charges. Additionally, some credit cards offer their own anti-fraud protections that can help you dispute a billing.
Never pay with cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards
If someone asks you to pay for your trip one of these ways, it’s a scam. Travel scammers prefer these payment methods because they’re exceptionally tough to track. Once that money gets sent, it’s likewise exceptionally tough to get back.
Keep an eye out for phishing attacks
Scammers use phishing emails and messages to trick travelers into revealing sensitive info or downloading malware onto their devices. As you book, look for unsolicited messages claiming to be from airlines, hotels, or financial institutions. Particularly if they ask for personal info or prompt you to click on suspicious links. When in question, contact the sender directly using official contact info from their official website.
Also, look into Text Scam Detector, included with our McAfee+ plans. It blocks links to scam sites that crop up in emails, messages, and texts. AI technology automatically scans the links and alerts you if it might send you to a scam site.
Let your bank and credit card companies know you’re traveling
Give your bank and credit card companies a call before you head out. They have anti-fraud measures in place that look for unusual activity, such as when your card is used in a location other than somewhere relatively near your home. This can trigger a freeze, which can put you in a lurch if you’re looking to withdraw cash or make a payment. Contacting your bank and credit card companies before you travel can help prevent this.
Have an easy way to keep tabs on your accounts and credit
Fraud can happen at any time, even when you’re out of town. A couple of things can help you nip it quickly before it takes a big bite out of your credit card or bank accounts. Transaction monitoring notifies you of any questionable activity in your credit cards or bank accounts. It can further alert you to any other questionable activity in your 401(k) plans, investments, and loans.
So say that your debit card info got skimmed in a sketchy ATM or point-of-sale machine — you’ll get an alert if thieves try to make a purchase with it. From there, you can contact your bank and take the extra step of putting a security freeze in place to prevent further fraud. You can security freeze and transaction monitoring features in our McAfee+ plans as well.
Protect your identity
Before you hop on a plane, train, or automobile, consider investing in identity protection. This way, you can head off any issues that might crop up when you should be enjoying yourself. For example, imagine losing your wallet. Immediately, a dark cloud of “what ifs” rolls in. What if someone’s running up charges on your cards? What if someone used your ID or insurance cards to impersonate you online? Not a great feeling any time, especially on vacation.
With identity theft coverage and restoration in place, you can recoup your losses and restore your identity if a thief damaged it in any way. Ours provides up to $2 million in coverage, along with lost wallet protection that cancels and replaces lost cards with little effort from you.
[i] https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/CSN-Annual-Data-Book-2023.pdf
The post The Top 10 Online Booking Scam Hotspots in the U.S. Revealed appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As pharmacies each week fill more than one million prescriptions for Ozempic and other GLP-1 weight loss drugs, scammers are cashing in on the demand. Findings from our Threat Research Team reveal a sharp surge in Ozempic and weight loss scams online.
Any time money and scarcity meet online, you’ll find scammers. That’s what we have here with Ozempic and weight loss scams.
Doctors have prescribed GLP-1 drugs to treat diabetes for nearly two decades. Demand spiked with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of several GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
Now, what was a $500 million market for the drug in 2020 stands to clear more than $7.5 billion in 2024.[i] As a result, these drugs are tough to come by as pharmaceutical companies struggle to keep up.
McAfee’s Threat Research Team uncovered just how prolific these weight-loss scams have become. Malicious websites, scam emails and texts, posts on social media, and marketplace listings all round out the mix.
Across all these scams, they offer to accept payment through Bitcoin, Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App. All are non-standard payment methods for prescription drugs and are certain red flags for scams.
Example of a scam website
Also common to these scams: a discount. McAfee researchers discovered several scams that offered bogus drugs at a discount if victims paid in cryptocurrency. Others offered them at greatly reduced prices, well under the $1,000 per dose — the legitimate drug’s cost.
Bogus Craigslist ad
As with so many scams, you can file these Ozempic and weight loss scams under “Too Good To Be True.” Steep discounts and offers to purchase the drugs without a prescription are sure-fire signs of a scam. And with this scam comes significant risks.
These scams can rip you off, harm your health, or both.
In many instances, these scams never deliver. Anything at all. The scam sites simply pocket the money in return for nothing. Further, many steal personal and financial info to commit identity theft down the road.
In some cases, scammers do indeed deliver. Yet instead of receiving an injection pen with the proper drug, scammers send EpiPens loaded with allergy medication, insulin pens, or pens loaded with a saline solution.
One scam victim shared her story with us after she got scammed with a phony pen:
“I started using Ozempic in February 2023, as part of managing my diabetes. At first, it was reliably in stock but when it got more popular a few months later, stock got really low.
Around September, it got really hard to find Ozempic in stock and there was about a month and a half when my mom and I couldn’t find it at all. I mentioned it to a co-worker, who said she had a friend selling it. I was skeptical but did know her friend was connected to the medical industry and the price was only slightly higher than what I’d been paying. It didn’t sound outrageous, so I decided we’d try it. I got the product and gave her the money.
When we opened the box up, it didn’t look or feel right. The packaging felt flimsy and the pen looked quite different from the one we had been using. My mom inspected it and immediately noticed something was wrong. I took photos and videos and with my doctor’s help, we got in touch with a rep [from the legitimate pharma company], who confirmed it was fake. It wasn’t Ozempic, it was an insulin pen.
Realizing that I’d almost injected myself with the wrong substance, thinking it was Ozempic, was terrifying and could have been fatal. It’s really scary to think about what could have happened if we hadn’t done a careful double-check.”
This story frames exactly what’s at stake with Ozempic and weight loss scams. Unlike the bulk of online scams out there, these scams can lead to physical harm — which makes the need to avoid them that much more urgent.
Remember, buying Ozempic or similar drugs without a prescription is illegal. That makes selling these drugs on social media like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other related sites illegal as well. Further, watch out for foreign pharmacies and sites you’re not familiar with. Per the FDA, they might sell drugs unapproved by the FDA. Likewise, they might be phony.
Only buy from reputable pharmacies. You can check a pharmacy’s license through your state board of pharmacy (this link from the FDA can help you track that down). If the pharmacy you’re considering isn’t listed, don’t use it. Also, make sure it has a phone number and physical address in the U.S.
Watch out for unreasonably low prices. Once again, if an offer is too good to be true, it probably is. In addition, never use a digital wallet app, bitcoin, prepaid debit cards, or wire funds to pay for your prescription. PayPal, Apple Pay, or a credit card payment are typical options for legitimate pharmacies.
Keep an eye out for website errors and missing product details. Scam websites typically lack verifiable product info. Pay attention to and read the fine print. Look for product batch numbers, expiration dates, or manufacturer details to confirm what you’re purchasing is legit. Other sites fail the eye test, as they look poorly designed and have grammar issues.
A poorly written scam on social media…
Look for misleading claims. If any drug offers rapid weight loss or miracle cures, be on guard. Purchasing counterfeit Ozempic poses significant health risks, including exposure to harmful substances, incorrect dosages, and lack of therapeutic effects. In addition to financial loss, you can experience adverse reactions or worsening of your condition by purchasing ineffective or counterfeit medications.
Consider AI-powered scam text protection. Text Scam Detector uses AI to detect and block dangerous links that scammers drop into emails, text messages, and social media messages. Additionally, McAfee Web Protection detects and blocks links to scam sites that crop up in search and while browsing.
Stay vigilant. Scammers create fake profiles across social media channels. Do not blindly trust sellers on Telegram, Craigslist, Facebook, TikTok. Many scammers are using these to run their operations. Don’t believe testimonials either! Scammers use fake testimonials to build trust.
Truly, these scams can cause great harm. They can take a toll on your finances and your health. The good news here is that you can avoid them entirely.
This stands as a good reminder…when something gets popular and scarce, it spawns scams. That’s what we’re seeing with these in-demand drugs. And it’s just as we’ve seen before with popular toys around the holidays and even rental cars during peak periods of travel. Where there’s a combination of urgency, need, and money, your chances of stumbling across a scam increase.
[i] https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/current-events/obesity-drugs
The post How Ozempic Scams Put People’s Finances and Health at Risk appeared first on McAfee Blog.
The number of people who use VPNs (virtual private networks) continues to mushroom. Recent research shows that 46% of American adults now use a VPN — 23% of which use it for strictly personal purposes.[i] Within that mix, 43% said they use a free VPN service. Yet “free” VPNs often come with a price. Typically at the expense of your privacy.
A personal VPN establishes a secure tunnel over the internet, offering you both privacy and freedom from IP-based tracking. It protects your identity and financial info by encrypting, or scrambling, the data that flows through the tunnel. Moreover, it can mask your true location, making it appear as though you are connecting from somewhere else.
Sometimes a VPN is included in more robust security software, as it is in our McAfee+ plans. It’s also, but often it is a standalone tool, that is offered for a monthly subscription rate or for free. While it might be tempting to go for a free option, there are some serious considerations that you should take to heart.
Because free VPNs don’t charge a subscription, many make revenue indirectly through advertising. This means that users get bombarded with ads. And they get exposed to tracking by the provider. In fact, one study of 283 free VPN providers found that 72% included trackers.[ii] The irony is worth pointing out. Many people use VPNs to shroud their browsing from advertisers and other data collectors. Meanwhile, free VPNs often lead to that exact kind of exposure.
But beyond the frustration of ads, slowness, and upgrade prompts is the fact that some free VPN tools include malware that can put your sensitive info at risk. The same study found that 38% of the free VPN applications in the Google Play Store were found to have malware, such as keyloggers, and some even stole data from devices.
Also concerning is how these free providers handle your data. In one worrying case, security researchers uncovered seven VPN providers that gathered user logs despite pledges not to.[iii]
Clearly, many so-called “free” VPNs aren’t free at all.
VPNs are critical tools for enhancing our privacy and shouldn’t be an avenue opening the door to new risks. That’s why your best bet is to look for a paid VPN with the following features:
Unlimited bandwidth — You want your network connection to stay secure no matter how much time you spend online.
Speedy performance — We all know how frustrating a sluggish internet connection can be when you are trying to get things done. Whether connecting for productivity, education, or entertainment, we’re all dependent on bandwidth. That’s why it’s important to choose a high-speed VPN that enhances your privacy, without sacrificing the quality of your connection.
Multiple device protection — These days many of us toggle between mobile devices, laptops, and computers, so they should all be able to connect securely.
Less battery drain — Some free mobile VPNs zap your battery life, making users less likely to stay protected. You shouldn’t have to choose between your battery life and safeguarding your privacy.
Ease of use — For technology to really work, it has to be convenient. After all, these technologies should power your connected life, not serve as a hindrance.
Fortunately, we don’t have to sacrifice convenience, or pay high prices, for a VPN that can offer a high level of privacy and protection. A comprehensive security suite like McAfee+ includes our standalone VPN with auto-renewal and takes the worry out of connecting, so you can focus on what’s important to you and your family, and enjoy quality time together.
[i] https://www.security.org/resources/vpn-consumer-report-annual/
[ii] https://www.icir.org/vern/papers/vpn-apps-imc16.pdf
[iii] https://www.pcmag.com/news/7-vpn-services-found-recording-user-logs-despite-no-log-pledge
The post How Free VPNs Come With a Price appeared first on McAfee Blog.
My mother recently turned 80, so of course a large celebration was in order. With 100 plus guests, entertainment, and catering to organise, the best way for me to keep everyone updated (and share tasks) was to use Google Docs. Gee, it worked well. My updates could immediately be seen by everyone, the family could access it from all the devices, and it was free to use! No wonder Google has a monopoly on drive and document sharing.
But here’s the thing – hackers know just how much both individuals and businesses have embraced Google products. So, it makes complete sense that they use reputable companies such as Google to devise phishing emails that are designed to extract our personal information. In fact, the Google Docs phishing scam was widely regarded as one of the most successful personal data extraction scams to date. They know that billions of people worldwide use Google so an invitation to click a link and view a document does not seem like an unreasonable email to receive. But it caused so much grief for so many people.
Emails designed to trick you into sharing your personal information are a scammer’s bread and butter. This is essentially what phishing is. It is by far the most successful tool they use to get their hands on your personal data and access your email.
‘But why do they want my email logins?’ – I hear you ask. Well, email accounts are what every scammer dreams of – they are a treasure trove of personally identifiable material that they can either steal or exploit. They could also use your email to launch a wide range of malicious activities from spamming and spoofing to spear phishing. Complicated terms, I know but in essence these are different types of phishing strategies. So, you can see why they are keen!!
But successful phishing emails usually share a few criteria which is important to know. Firstly, the email looks like it has been sent from a legitimate company e.g. Microsoft, Amex, or Google. Secondly, the email has a strong ‘call to action’ e.g. ‘your password has been changed, if this is not the case, please click here’. And thirdly, the email does not seem too out of place or random from the potential victim’s perspective.
Despite the fact that scammers are savvy tricksters, there are steps you can take to maximise the chances your email remains locked away from their prying eyes. Here’s what I suggest:
Never respond to an unexpected email or website that asks you for personal information or your login details no matter how professional it looks. If you have any doubts, always contact the company directly to verify.
Make sure you have super-duper internet security software that includes all the bells and whistles. Not only does internet security software McAfee+ include protection for daily browsing but it also has a password manager, a VPN, and a social privacy manager that will lock down your privacy settings on your social media accounts. A complete no-brainer!
Avoid using public Wi-Fi to log into your email from public places. It takes very little effort for a hacker to position themselves between you and the connection point. So, it’s entirely possible for them to be in receipt of all your private information and logins which clearly you don’t want. If you really need to use it, invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which will ensure everything you share via Wi-Fi will be encrypted. Your McAfee+ subscription includes a VPN.
Public computers should also be avoided even just to ‘check your email’. Not only is there a greater chance of spyware on untrusted computers but some of them sport key-logging programs which can both monitor and record the keys you strike on the keyboard – a great way of finding out your password!
Ensuring each of your online accounts has its own unique, strong, and complex password is one of the best ways of keeping hackers out of your life. I always suggest at least 10-12 characters with a combination of upper and lower case letters, symbols, and numbers. A crazy nonsensical sentence is a great option here but better still is a password manager that will remember and generate passwords that no human could! A password manager is also part of your McAfee+ online security pack.
Even if you have taken all the necessary steps to protect your email from hackers, there is the chance that your email logins may be leaked in a data breach. A data breach happens when a company’s data is accessed by scammers and customers’ personal information is stolen. You may remember the Optus, Medibank and Latitude hacks of 2022/23?
If you have had your personal information stolen, please be assured that there are steps you can take to remedy this. The key is to act fast. Check out my recent blog post here for everything you need to know.
So, next time you’re organising a big gathering don’t hesitate to use Google Docs to plan or Microsoft Teams to host your planning meetings. While the thought of being hacked might make you want to withdraw, please don’t. Instead, cultivate a questioning mindset in both yourself and your kids, and always have a healthy amount of suspicion when going about your online life. You’ve got this!!
Till next time,
Stay safe!
Alex
The post How To Prevent Your Emails From Being Hacked appeared first on McAfee Blog.
As election season approaches, the importance of safeguarding our democratic processes has never been more critical. Ensuring election security is not just the responsibility of government bodies but also of every individual voter. This blog post aims to provide valuable insights and practical tips for consumers to protect their votes and understand the mechanisms in place to secure elections.
Election security encompasses a broad range of practices designed to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of the voting process. This includes safeguarding against cyber threats, ensuring the accuracy of voter registration databases, protecting the physical security of voting equipment, and maintaining transparency in the vote counting process. As voters, being aware of these elements helps us appreciate the complexity and importance of secure elections.
One of the first steps to secure your vote is to ensure that you are registered correctly. Check your voter registration status well in advance of the election day through your local election office or official state website. This helps to avoid any last-minute issues and ensures your eligibility to vote.
Misinformation can spread rapidly, especially during election periods. Rely on official sources for information about polling locations, voting procedures, and deadlines. Avoid sharing unverified information on social media and report any suspicious content to the relevant authorities.
Whether you are voting in person or by mail, make sure to follow the recommended procedures. If voting by mail, request your ballot from a verified source and return it through secure methods such as official drop boxes or by mail with sufficient time to ensure it is received before the deadline.
Scammers often target voters to steal personal information. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts asking for your personal details. Official election offices will not request sensitive information such as your Social Security number via these methods.
If you notice anything unusual at your polling place or have concerns about the voting process, report it immediately to election officials. This includes any signs of tampering with voting machines, suspicious behavior, or attempts to intimidate voters.
Familiarize yourself with the voting process in your area. This includes knowing your polling location, understanding what identification is required, and learning about the different ways you can cast your vote. Many states provide detailed guides and resources for first-time voters.
Plan your voting day in advance. Decide whether you will vote in person or by mail, and make sure you have all necessary documentation ready. If you are voting in person, consider going during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
Before you head to the polls, research the candidates and issues on the ballot. This will help you make informed decisions and feel more confident in your choices.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Election officials and poll workers are there to assist you. Additionally, many organizations offer support for first-time voters, including transportation to polling places and information hotlines.
Understand the security measures your state has implemented to protect the election process. This might include the use of paper ballots, post-election audits, and cybersecurity protocols. Being aware of these measures can increase your confidence in the election’s integrity.
If your state offers early voting, take advantage of it. Early voting can reduce the stress of long lines and crowded polling places on election day, making the process smoother and more secure.
Encourage friends and family to vote and educate them about election security. A well-informed electorate is a key component of a secure and fair election.
Keep up with reputable news sources to stay informed about any potential security threats or changes in the voting process. This will help you stay prepared and responsive to any issues that might arise.
By following these tips and staying vigilant, every voter can contribute to a secure and fair election process. Remember, your vote is your voice, and protecting it is essential for the health of our democracy. Happy voting!
The post What You Need to Know About Election Security appeared first on McAfee Blog.
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