It’s time to take warnings about using airport public Wi-Fi seriously

It’s time to take warnings about using airport public Wi-Fi seriously

Over the years, travelers have repeatedly been warned to avoid public Wi-Fi in places like airports and coffee shops. Airport Wi-Fi, in particular, is known to be a hacker honeypot, due to what is typically relatively lax security. But even though many people know they should stay away from free Wi-Fi, it proves as irresistible to … Read more

How Apple and Microsoft’s trusted brands are being used to scam you

How Apple and Microsoft’s trusted brands are being used to scam you

No, it’s not really Apple or Microsoft popping up on your screen to tell you your computer has been infected. It’s scammers trying to convince you to call them and divulge sensitive information, which may include passwords, bank or credit account information or Social Security numbers. “They use the reputation of the brand [for legitimacy … Read more

Dark web expert warned US hometown about big hack. The city is suing

Dark web expert warned US hometown about big hack. The city is suing

Ransomware has long been plaguing American municipalities. It appeared to be another typical ransomware attack that impacted the city of Columbus, Ohio, this past July. The city’s response to the hack, however, was not, and it has cybersecurity and legal experts across the country questioning its motives. Connor Goodwolf (legal name is David Leroy Ross) is an … Read more

Your Google searches becoming big target for ‘malvertising’ hackers

Your Google searches becoming big target for ‘malvertising’ hackers

Hackers are increasingly using online ads for malicious purposes. Often, it’s happening through routine Google searches. These schemes are dubbed malvertising, and cyber criminals are striking more often and with increased sophistication. In fall 2023, cybersecurity software firm Malwarebytes tracked a 42% increase month-over-month in malvertising incidents in the U.S. All types of brands are … Read more

2.9 billion people allegedly had Social Security numbers, data stolen

2.9 billion people allegedly had Social Security numbers, data stolen

Sakorn Sukkasemsakorn | Istock | Getty Images About 2.9 billion people may have had their personal information hacked, a new proposed class action lawsuit alleges. If true, reports suggest all Americans may have had valuable personal information compromised — including full names, current and past addresses, Social Security numbers and information on parents, siblings and … Read more

Why you should avoid use of one-time passwords sent by text

Why you should avoid use of one-time passwords sent by text

One of the most convenient methods for mobile phone users to log into apps — and one many companies rely on to grant access — is the one-time password, or OTP, often shared by text. But there’s a growing consensus among cybersecurity professionals that OTPs, like traditional passwords, should be eliminated, even though the experts … Read more

Personal cybersecurity concierge is new perk, and need, among wealthy

Personal cybersecurity concierge is new perk, and need, among wealthy

Matthias Kulka | The Image Bank | Getty Images Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting wealthy individuals, making cybersecurity concierges a new must-have for the rich and their families, including executives. While companies are spending heavily on cybersecurity, personal and home devices are generally less protected, making them easier to crack. And despite their sizeable assets and … Read more

America’s drinking water is under attack by China, Russia and Iran

America’s drinking water is under attack by China, Russia and Iran

Houston Chronicle/hearst Newspapers Via Getty Images | Hearst Newspapers | Getty Images The City of Wichita recently had an experience that’s become all too common — its water system was hacked. The cyberattack, which targeted water metering, billing and payment processing, followed the targeting of water utilities across the U.S. in recent years. In going … Read more

New Apple iPhone app proves how hard it is to kill the online password

New Apple iPhone app proves how hard it is to kill the online password

Apple Intelligence was unveiled during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in Cupertino, California, on June 10, 2024. Source: Apple Inc. For years, cybersecurity experts have been predicting the death of the online password as more advanced log-in features, from facial recognition to multi-factor authentication, become more common. But it seems like Apple has accepted that the … Read more

Amazon, Best Buy may soon sell smart devices with ‘hacker-safe’ label

Amazon, Best Buy may soon sell smart devices with ‘hacker-safe’ label

Consumers have become accustomed to all sorts of labels and seals of approval on products in the shopping process, from the Energy Star to sustainability standards. Next up, shoppers should prepare for a hacking-safe seal of approval in the works for home gadgets and appliances coming from the federal government. Last July, the Biden administration … Read more