by Scott Muniz | Mar 3, 2022 | Security
This article was originally posted by the FTC. See the original article here.
As ever, when scammers spot a crisis in the world, they are there to take advantage. It’s true after natural disasters, when scammers set up fake charities that look and sound like real ones to try to get your money. And it’s true now that millions of people want to support the Ukrainian people. If you’re one of them, take a moment to make sure your generosity really benefits the people and groups you intend.
Here are some places to start.
- Check out the organization. Search online for the name of the group, plus words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” See if others have had good or bad experiences with the charity. And see what charity watchdog groups say about that organization.
- Slow down. You don’t have to give immediately. It’s a good idea to do some research first to make sure your donation goes where you want it go.
- Find out how your money will be spent. Ask, for example, how much of your donation will go to the program you want to help? If someone calls to ask to donate, they should be able to answer those critical questions.
- Know who’s asking. Don’t assume a request to donate is legitimate because a friend posted it on social media. Your friend might not personally know the charity or how it spends money.
- Look at fees and timing, especially if you’re donating through social media. Be sure to make sure what organization your donation goes to, check whether there are fees, and how quickly your money gets to them. And if you can’t find the answers quickly, consider donating in other ways.
Your generosity can make a difference any time you give — especially if you take a few minutes to make sure your donation goes where you mean it to. Learn more at ftc.gov/charity.
Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.
by Scott Muniz | Mar 3, 2022 | Security, Technology
This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
) or
https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
by Scott Muniz | Mar 2, 2022 | Security, Technology
This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.
Google has released Chrome version 99.0.4844.51 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This version addresses vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit to take control of an affected system.
CISA encourages users and administrators to review the Chrome Release Note and apply the necessary updates.
by Scott Muniz | Feb 28, 2022 | Security
This article was originally posted by the FTC. See the original article here.
National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2022 is coming up next week, and we hope you’ll join some of the virtual events. NCPW is a time when the FTC joins with local, state, and national partners to bring you information and advice on scams, identity theft, and other consumer protection issues.
Here’s a preview of some events you can join — and share in your network — during NCPW, March 6-12, 2022.
All week
- Follow the FTC on social media for quick, shareable consumer tips all week long.
Wednesday, March 9
Thursday, March 10
- Join NCPW Twitter chats on avoiding Coronavirus and imposter scams.
- 1pm EST: Join the Twitter chat in Spanish with @laFTC, @USAGovEspanol and @SeguroSocial. Follow the conversation by using hashtags #OjoConLasEstafas and #NCPW2022.
- 3pm EST: Join the Twitter chat in English with @FTC, @USAGov, @SocialSecurity. Follow the conversation by using hashtags #SlamTheScamChat and #NCPW2022.
- 1 pm EST: Join the FTC, CFPB, and Diverse Elders Coalition for a webinar about financial caregiving. You’ll learn about free resources to help caregivers and older adults plan for financial caregiving. We’ll also share information about how to spot, avoid, and report scams.
- 2 pm EST: Join the FTC, SAGE, and AARP’s Fraud Watch Network for a webinar about how to recover from fraud. This interactive discussion will highlight possible ways to recover money lost to scammers, as well as how to cope with the emotional impact of scams and fraud.
- 7pm EST: Join a Facebook Live with the FTC and the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Office of the Inspector General. You’ll learn how to spot and avoid government impersonator scams. Please join and bring your questions!
For more information, and to get involved, check out ftc.gov/NCPW.
Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.
by Scott Muniz | Feb 28, 2022 | Security, Technology
This article is contributed. See the original author and article here.
Broadcom Software—an industry member of CISA’s Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC)—uncovers an advanced persistent threat (APT) campaign against select governments and other critical infrastructure targets in a publication titled Daxin: Stealthy Backdoor Designed for Attacks Against Hardened Networks. The Symantec Threat Hunter team, part of Broadcom Software, worked with CISA to engage with multiple governments targeted with Daxin malware and assisted in detection and remediation.
Daxin malware is a highly sophisticated rootkit backdoor with complex, stealthy command and control (C2) functionality that enabled remote actors to communicate with secured devices not connected directly to the internet. Daxin appears to be optimized for use against hardened targets, allowing the actors to deeply burrow into targeted networks and exfiltrate data without raising suspicions.
CISA urges organizations to review Daxin: Stealthy Backdoor Designed for Attacks Against Hardened Networks for more information and for a list of indicators of compromise that may aid in the detection of this activity.
Report incidents related to this activity to CISA and/or the FBI via your local FBI field office or the FBI’s 24/7 CyWatch at (855) 292-3937 or CyWatch@fbi.gov.
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