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Cybersecurity

Social Security Sounds Alarm For Beneficiaries: Never Do This Social Security Sounds Alarm For Beneficiaries: Never Do This
Social Security Sounds Alarm For Beneficiaries: Never Do This The Social Security Administration (SSA) is warning beneficiaries to be alert for rising scams aimed at stealing money and personal information. In a statement issued by the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG), officials emphasized two major red flags: paying for services the government provides for free and opening fraudulent emails claiming your "Social Security Statement" is ready. The SSA warns that scammers are charging fees for services that are always free through the official government website. One common tactic involves third-party websites offering to assist with obtaining…
IRS Tax Refund Scams Spike: What To Watch For IRS Tax Refund Scams Spike: What To Watch For
IRS Tax Refund Scams Spike: What To Watch For The IRS is warning taxpayers about a surge in refund scams just as the Tax Day filing deadline arrived on Wednesday, April 15.  Scammers are using phishing emails, fake websites, and social media schemes to steal personal information, Social Security numbers, and bank account details. One common scam involves phishing messages claiming to be from the IRS or a "tax agent." These messages promise unusually high refunds, such as $1,400 weekly payments or a $38,700 lump sum, and direct victims to fake IRS websites that look legitimate.  Once there, taxpayers are asked to provide sens…
825K NY Drivers’ License Numbers Exposed In Insurance Hacks; Companies To Pay $14.2M 825K NY Drivers’ License Numbers Exposed In Insurance Hacks; Companies To Pay $14.2M
825K NY Drivers’ License Numbers Exposed In Insurance Hacks; Companies To Pay $14.2M More than 825,000 New Yorkers had their personal information exposed in data breaches at major car insurance companies, Attorney General Letitia James announced. The breaches, which targeted online quoting tools at eight auto insurers, allowed hackers to steal driver’s license numbers and dates of birth, according to settlements announced Tuesday, Oct. 14. Some of the stolen data was later used to file fraudulent unemployment claims during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General and the New York State Department of Financial Services fou…
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'?
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? A surprise message says you hit the jackpot, but there’s a catch: you must pay a fee or hand over personal details to claim it.  That’s the hallmark of a lottery or prize scam—designed to separate you from your money and identity. These schemes often arrive by email, text, phone, or mail and lean on pressure tactics to force quick decisions.  Scammers frequently demand “taxes,” “processing,” or “shipping” upfront, or ask for sensitive data to “verify” you.  Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to release a prize, and you should never be asked for your Social Security…
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know
Scammers Using Texts To Steal Bank Account Info: What To Know It might look like a message from your bank. It might even sound urgent. But experts warn those texts could be nothing more than a scam designed to steal your money or personal information. Known as “smishing,” these fraudulent texts impersonate banks to trick people into handing over account details.  The scam often follows a pattern: a fake alert about a locked account or suspicious charge, followed by a link to a convincing but fraudulent website.  Entering information there can hand scammers access to your accounts, or worse, install malware on your phone. Your bank will nev…
Safe Houses Found In Queens, Westchester, NJ, CT In Plot To Crash Cell Service During UN Week Safe Houses Found In Queens, Westchester, NJ, CT In Plot To Crash Cell Service During UN Week
Safe Houses Found In Queens, Westchester, NJ, CT In Plot To Crash Cell Service During UN Week Three suburban “safe houses” and a fourth in New York City formed a ring around New York City for an electronic network that officials say could have crippled cell service just as world leaders met in Manhattan. Earlier report: Plot To Cripple NYC Metro Area Communications Thwarted Ahead Of Trump UN Address On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Secret Service said it dismantled a covert array of more than 300 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards across the New York tristate area after detecting an imminent threat to its protective operations during the United Nations General Assembly.  Device…
Plot To Cripple NYC Metro Area Communications Thwarted Ahead Of Trump UN Address Plot To Cripple NYC Metro Area Communications Thwarted Ahead Of Trump UN Address
Plot To Cripple NYC Metro Area Communications Thwarted Ahead Of Trump UN Address A sweeping Secret Service operation quietly dismantled a covert SIM‑based telecom network across the New York area that officials say could have crippled cell service and masked anonymous threats as world leaders converged on Manhattan. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the agency said the takedown spanned multiple sites in the New York tristate area, with devices clustered within about 35 miles of the United Nations General Assembly. Investigators moved to disrupt the network before dignitaries arrived. Citing sources, ABC News said the operation has been linked to the Chinese government. President …
Personal Data Breach Hits Major Credit Bureau, Exposing Millions: What To Know Personal Data Breach Hits Major Credit Bureau, Exposing Millions: What To Know
Personal Data Breach Hits Major Credit Bureau, Exposing Millions: What To Know More than four million people had their personal information compromised after a credit bureau suffered a major data breach. TransUnion confirmed the breach impacting more than 4.4 million people, national consumer rights law firm Wolf Haldenstein announced. According to a court filing in Texas, names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers were leaked. The breach happened on Monday, July 28, Maine court documents showed. It was discovered two days later, affecting at least 4,461,511 people. A TransUnion spokesperson told CNET the incident was identified and contained within hou…
Gmail Users Urged To Reset Passwords Now: Here's Why Gmail Users Urged To Reset Passwords Now: Here's Why
Gmail Users Urged To Reset Passwords Now: Here's Why It starts with an email that looks official, but isn’t. Google is warning all Gmail and Google Cloud users to change their passwords and boost account security after a surge in phishing and impersonation scams tied to a breach at Salesforce.  While Google’s own systems were not directly compromised, the third-party breach exposed information that hackers are now using in targeted attacks. The schemes include emails and phone calls designed to trick users into revealing their credentials.  Some attackers are posing as IT staff, pressing victims to hand over login codes.  Ot…
Legacy Devices Worldwide Under Siege From Hackers, FBI Warns Legacy Devices Worldwide Under Siege From Hackers, FBI Warns
Legacy Devices Worldwide Under Siege From Hackers, FBI Warns Russian government hackers are raiding aging routers and switches to slip into US critical infrastructure, the FBI is warning. The agency is urging organizations to lock down legacy gear before it opens the door to bigger attacks in an alert issued on Wednesday, Aug. 20. An end-of-life (EOL) networking device is hardware, like a router or switch, that a manufacturer no longer supports or patches. Without updates, these devices are easier to compromise and may struggle with newer technologies or heavier data loads. The FBI reported that cyber actors associated with the Russian Federalnaya S…
Waymo To Test Self-Driving Cars In New York City: What To Know Waymo To Test Self-Driving Cars In New York City: What To Know
Waymo To Test Self-Driving Cars In New York City: What To Know Waymo will soon begin testing its self-driving cars in New York City. The autonomous vehicle company has received approval to begin test drives on the streets of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, the city announced on Friday, Aug. 22. This is the first time New York City has granted a permit for self-driving cars. The permit allows Waymo to deploy up to eight autonomous vehicles with a trained safety specialist behind the wheel at all times until late September. Testing is limited to certain areas, and all vehicles must meet strict cybersecurity and reporting requirements. Se…
Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now
Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now That email claiming to be from Amazon about a mysterious order or urgent account issue? It could be a scammer’s trap waiting for you to click. Amazon users are being warned about a fresh wave of sophisticated scams hitting inboxes.  Fraudsters are sending emails and texts that look like they're from Amazon, often claiming something’s wrong with your account or a suspicious purchase has been made.  The messages urge you to click a link or call a customer service numbe, leading you straight into a scam. According to online security firm ExpressVPN, these phishing emails are design…
Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much
Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much Central Hudson Gas & Electric customers in the Hudson Valley will see rate increases starting next month after state regulators approved a new three-year plan they say aims to strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure and cybersecurity defenses.   The New York State Public Service Commission’s approval allows Central Hudson to make critical upgrades to improve service reliability while keeping cost impacts relatively low for most customers, the company said Thursday, Aug. 14.  Beginning Monday, Sept. 1, the average electric customer will see their total bill rise by a…
Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do
Impostor Scams Skyrocket Among Older Adults, FTC Warns: What To Do Scams targeting older Americans are surging, causing victims to lose millions of dollars to scammers posing as government officials or trusted companies. The number of victims age 60 and older who lost more than $100,000 has increased by more than 700%, the Federal Trade Commission said on Thursday, Aug. 7. Those high-value thefts jumped from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Older adults who lost at least $10,000 also dramatically rose by more than 300%. "While younger consumers also have reported these scams, older adults were much more likely to report these ex…
Insurance Giant Reports Massive Data Theft Impacting US Customers Insurance Giant Reports Massive Data Theft Impacting US Customers
Insurance Giant Reports Massive Data Theft Impacting US Customers A massive cyberattack has rocked one of America’s largest insurance providers. The hack has exposed the personal data of hundreds of thousands of customers, according to multiple reports. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America confirmed Saturday that hackers accessed sensitive information belonging to the majority of its 1.4 million US customers, as well as financial professionals and select employees.  The Minneapolis-based insurer said the breach occurred on Wednesday, July 16, when a “malicious threat actor” infiltrated a third-party, cloud-based system used by the company…
JFK, LaGuardia Score Failing Grades In Airport Website Security Study: Here's Why JFK, LaGuardia Score Failing Grades In Airport Website Security Study: Here's Why
JFK, LaGuardia Score Failing Grades In Airport Website Security Study: Here's Why Boston's main airport has the safest website of any major airport in the Northeast, while New York City-area hubs rank among the worst, according to a new study. Digital privacy website VeePN rated 31 of the largest airport websites in the US based on two cybersecurity measures. The study ranked airport sites on their security headers, which help block cyberattacks, and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, which protects personal data like travel records and credit card information. Logan International Airport earned a B for security headers and an A for SSL.…
9 People Caught In North Korean Spy Plot That Conned US Companies To Fund Weapons Program: DOJ 9 People Caught In North Korean Spy Plot That Conned US Companies To Fund Weapons Program: DOJ
9 People Caught In North Korean Spy Plot That Conned US Companies To Fund Weapons Program: DOJ A New Jersey man and eight foreign nationals from China and Taiwan have been charged in Boston in what federal officials call a major scheme to secretly funnel money to North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction program. Zhenxing “Danny” Wang of New Jersey was arrested and accused of helping North Korean IT workers pose as Americans to get remote jobs with American companies, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  The workers allegedly used stolen identities to land jobs at major businesses, including a defense contractor. Authorities say this scam helped generate at least $5 million …
Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns
Scam Targets Airlines As Hacking Group Expands Operations, FBI Warns A cybercriminal group known for extorting people and companies across the world is now targeting the airline industry. The FBI has issued a warning about Scattered Spider, a hacking group that has  expanded its operations to include major US airlines and their vendors.  The group is known for using convincing impersonation tactics to access corporate networks, often bypassing multi-factor authentication by tricking IT staff into adding unauthorized devices. Scattered Spider impersonates employees or contractors to deceive help desks. "These techniques frequently involve methods …
WhatsApp Reportedly Banned From House Staffers' Devices: How Meta Responded WhatsApp Reportedly Banned From House Staffers' Devices: How Meta Responded
WhatsApp Reportedly Banned From House Staffers' Devices: How Meta Responded Meta is pushing back after WhatsApp has been reportedly banned from all US House staffers' government-issued devices due to security concerns about how the app handles user data. Axios first reported on the ban after obtaining an internal email on Monday, June 23. The House's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) told staffers on Monday that WhatsApp is banned due to a lack of transparency about its data privacy and security practices. The ban applies to all versions of the messaging platform, including mobile, desktop, and web apps. "The Office of Cybersecurity has deemed What…
DHS Warns Of Terror Attacks, Cyber Threats In US Amid Iran Conflict; NY On High Alert DHS Warns Of Terror Attacks, Cyber Threats In US Amid Iran Conflict; NY On High Alert
DHS Warns Of Terror Attacks, Cyber Threats In US Amid Iran Conflict; NY On High Alert Federal officials are warning of a heightened threat environment in the United States due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a new DHS National Terrorism Advisory Bulletin issued Sunday, June 22. The alert says low-level cyberattacks, plots against U.S. officials, and extremist violence at home could all rise in the coming weeks as tensions overseas continue. “The ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States,” the Department of Homeland Security said in the bulletin, which remains active through Sept. 22. The warning has prompted New Yo…
Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack
Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack A newly discovered trove of stolen login credentials may represent the largest data breach in history, with billions of usernames and passwords now circulating online. Researchers with Cybernews uncovered more than 16 billion records spread across 30 databases, many of them tied to malware known as infostealers. The findings, published Wednesday, June 18, reveal that the leaked data spans social media platforms, business services, VPNs, and developer tools. The leaked datasets provide access to nearly every online service, including major platforms like Apple, Facebook, Google, GitHub, and…
Beware Of These Airport Mistakes, TSA Says Beware Of These Airport Mistakes, TSA Says
Beware Of These Airport Mistakes, TSA Says Think twice before you plug in or log on at the airport. Travelers who rely on free Wi-Fi or public charging stations could be putting their personal data at serious risk, federal officials say. In a warning aimed at cyber-safety during peak travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) flagged two common behaviors that could make travelers targets for hackers: Avoid USB charging stations. Hackers can install malware at public ports — a method known as “juice jacking” or “port jacking.” Instead, use a TSA-compliant power bank or wall charger. Don’t trust public Wi-Fi. Ne…
Major Food Distributor Hit With Cyberattack, Causing Shortages At Grocery Stores, Pharmacies Major Food Distributor Hit With Cyberattack, Causing Shortages At Grocery Stores, Pharmacies
Major Food Distributor Hit With Cyberattack, Causing Shortages At Grocery Stores, Pharmacies A significant cyberattack targeting a major food distributor has triggered widespread disruptions across the food supply chain, resulting in shortages at grocery stores and pharmacies nationwide.  The attack has not only affected the availability of essential food items but has also caused delays in prescription medications. United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), which supplies a vast array of products to tens of thousands of retailers, including Whole Foods, confirmed the incident on Monday, June 9. The company reported that it took several of its systems offline in response to the attac…
Data Breach Exposed 57K Healthcare System Patients' Info, Lawsuits Say Data Breach Exposed 57K Healthcare System Patients' Info, Lawsuits Say
Data Breach Exposed 57K Healthcare System Patients' Info, Lawsuits Say Cooper Health System is facing a wave of legal woes after revealing a data breach that may have exposed the personal and medical information of more than 57,000 people, according to legal filings and the health care system itself. Two lawsuits, one in federal court and one in New Jersey Superior Court, were filed this week by patients who say the breach was the result of Cooper's “negligence” and “failure to protect sensitive data.” According to a notice posted by Cooper on May 23, the hospital learned that an unauthorized actor had accessed private data on or around May 14, 2024. Coop…
Senators, Governors Duped By Suspected Hacker Posing As White House Chief Of Staff: Reports Senators, Governors Duped By Suspected Hacker Posing As White House Chief Of Staff: Reports
Senators, Governors Duped By Suspected Hacker Posing As White House Chief Of Staff: Reports A person who apparently hacked the personal cell phone of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles contacted business executives and prominent Republicans while impersonating her, according to multiple reports. Senators and governors were among those the alleged hacker contacted, says The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news. Recipients of the suspicious messages raised alarms when they noticed that communications originated from an unfamiliar number, with the impersonator requesting to continue discussions on alternative platforms like Telegram, CBS News reports. The timeline …
Don't Fall For It: Instagram CEO Says He Almost Became Victim Of Google Phishing Attack Don't Fall For It: Instagram CEO Says He Almost Became Victim Of Google Phishing Attack
Don't Fall For It: Instagram CEO Says He Almost Became Victim Of Google Phishing Attack The tech-savvy head of Instagram says he almost fell for an elaborate scam in which a new phishing attack was posing as Google. Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram and Head of Product for Instagram at Facebook, said in a social media post on Threads that the scammer contacted him by phone, with a quick follow-up email. "They said my Google account was compromised and they sent me an email to confirm my identity," wrote Mosseri, a 42-year-old New York City native who graduated from NYU. "On the phone they asked me to change my password using my Gmail app and to *not* say my new…
Text Scam May Be Part Of Bigger Malware Plot, FBI Says Text Scam May Be Part Of Bigger Malware Plot, FBI Says
Text Scam May Be Part Of Bigger Malware Plot, FBI Says A new warning from federal agencies highlights a rising cyber threat that could impact both individuals and organizations across the US.  The method? It starts with something as familiar as a text. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have issued a joint advisory regarding LummaC2, a malware strain designed to steal sensitive data from victims’ computer networks. According to the advisory, the malware has been observed in action as recently as this month — May 2025 — with infections dating back to November 2023. …
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says
Many People Fear Cyberattacks But Don't Protect Themselves Properly, Survey Says Most online users say they're worried about data breaches, but still skip basic ways to improve their cybersecurity, according to a new survey. The Acronis Data Privacy in 2025 Survey polled nearly 2,500 adults in the US and seven other countries, finding that many aren't doing enough to protect their personal data. The Swiss tech company found that while 64% of respondents listed data breaches as their top online privacy concern, only one-third back up their data daily or weekly. Fewer than half (46%) said they use security features like two-factor authentication. "Perhaps …
New Phishing Email Looks Just Like Google Account Alert: What To Know New Phishing Email Looks Just Like Google Account Alert: What To Know
New Phishing Email Looks Just Like Google Account Alert: What To Know You’d expect a phishing scam to be riddled with typos or strange email addresses.  But one new scheme is anything but sloppy.  In fact, it’s polished enough to fool even tech-savvy users because it uses Google’s own tools and trusted domains to do it. A new phishing email making the rounds appears to come directly from [email protected], the same address used for real Google security alerts. Updated story - Instagram CEO Says He Almost Fell For Sophisticated New Google Scam: What To Watch For The message warns the recipient that a subpoena has been issued to access…
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know A cybersecurity researcher has uncovered a massive trove of compromised login credentials, raising new alarms about the scope and scale of InfoStealer malware campaigns. The exposed Elasticsearch database contained more than 184 million unique usernames and passwords. It was not password-protected or encrypted, and it was publicly accessible when discovered earlier this month. The database included login details tied to popular platforms such as Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.  It also contained services with potentially greater stakes, including banking portals, health …
FBI Issues Warning About 'Malicious' AI Scam: What To Know FBI Issues Warning About 'Malicious' AI Scam: What To Know
FBI Issues Warning About 'Malicious' AI Scam: What To Know Scammers are using fraudulent text messages and AI-generated voice messages, according to a new warning from the FBI. Since April 2025, malicious actors have been impersonating senior US officials to target individuals, particularly current and former federal and state government officials and their contacts.  Details The fraudsters are using text messages and AI-generated voice messages, known as smishing and vishing, to establish a false sense of rapport before attempting to access personal accounts. One common tactic involves sending a malicious link disguised as a request to tran…