Password Reuse and its Dangers

Password reuse and its dangers have been covered many times, but we need to continue to emphasize the importance of passphrase protection. Imagine this: You sign up for a new streaming service and, to keep things simple, you use the same password you’ve had for years—the one you also use for your email, bank, and social media. It’s easy to remember, so why not?

Password reuse and its dangers have been covered many times, but we must continue emphasizing the importance of passphrase protection. Imagine this: You sign up for a new streaming service and, to keep things simple, use the same password you’ve had for years—the one you also use for your email, bank, and social media. It’s…

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Three Tips to Avoid Holiday Scams

The festive season is coming to a close, but keeping up with the holiday scams continues.

The festive season is coming to a close, but keeping up with the holiday scams continues. They are everywhere and still prowl after your money. Amazon and other companies have sent emails advising their customers on protecting themselves against scams, yet we can apply the advice to every measure you take online. Below are some…

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Holidays and Hackers: Staying Protected Amid Festive Cyber Risks

Holiday Hackers know that the festive season, characterized by its spirit of joy, togetherness, and festivities, is a cherished time for many.

Holiday Hackers know that the festive season, characterized by its spirit of joy, is a cherished time for many. Amidst the merriment, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against potential cyber threats that surge during heightened online activity. As we immerse ourselves in the season’s warmth, we must watch the telltale signs of hacking attempts that could…

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Six Job Scam Red Flags

Watch out for job scam red flags this Christmas

Watch out for these six job scam red flags this Christmas. As people traditionally seek extra employment during the holiday seasons, and with the rising cost of living, scammers exploit financial vulnerabilities by luring victims with false job offers. According to Revolut, a leading financial app, there’s been a surge in job-related scams as people…

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Banking Scams Increasing

With banking scams increasing

With banking scams increasing, seemingly at the same rate as digital transactions and increased online presence, consumers need to focus on adopting measures to reduce their risk profile. To safeguard, it’s essential to take well-targeted steps. To begin, educate yourself and your family on identifying common warning signs, such as suspicious emails or text messages.…

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Spotting the Five Cyber Monday cyberattacks

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday has emerged as one of the most lucrative times of the year for cybercriminals. Given the massive volume of transactions and shared financial data, is it a wonder? Cybercriminals increasingly exploit the holiday period to conduct malicious campaigns, spear-phishing, and malware delivery. It shouldn’t be surprising that Black Friday and Cyber Monday have…

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Three Dark Web Dangers

Navigating the Dark Web dangers.

Navigating the Dark Web dangers unveils a clandestine realm where leaked or company data lurks. It’s a trove housing past and present sensitive information—passwords, logins, customer details, even credit card numbers. Yet, this digital underworld isn’t merely a place. It’s a shadowy marketplace peddling ransomware kits, illicit substances, forged IDs, and many illegal activities. Then,…

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Four Black Friday Scams You Should Know About

Black Friday scams are coming.

Cybercriminals are on the prowl again, targeting bargain hunters who aim to seize great deals online in 2024 using four black Friday scams you should know about. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The day has moved into the digital world, becoming a prime opportunity for hackers to capitalize.…

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Five Password Best Practices

Passwords. The Achilles' Heel of cybersecurity

Passwords are the Achilles’ Heel of cybersecurity. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to hack business systems, and weak passwords are often their best entry point. Nearly 50% of cyberattacks involved weak or stolen passwords. This statistic speaks of the importance of security for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses, in particular, must prioritize…

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AI Scams Targeting Children: A Terrifying Reality

A chilling revelation has come to light: criminals are harnessing the power of AI  scams to hack into children's social media accounts to clone their voices.

A chilling revelation has come to light: criminals are harnessing the power of AI  scams to hack into children’s social media accounts to clone their voices. These online scams have frightening implications. There is an urgent need for heightened awareness and security measures. Security experts have warned about even the most basic scammers employing readily…

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Don’t Let Identity Theft Take Over

Online identity theft is a growing concern. A Global Alliance advisory signalled a collaborative effort between Canada, and six other countries, united cybersecurity agencies.

Online identity theft is a growing concern. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and finding new ways to steal personal information, leading to financial loss, damaged credit scores, and even identity fraud. However, you can take steps to decrease the chance of online identity theft. In this blog, we’ll go over some tips to help you protect…

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The USB keys in the urinal

I wrote about the experience in 2013, and it’s worth revisiting. Simply, I left two USB keys in the urinal, and that opened the company's infrastructure.

In 2011, a company challenged me to expose any security vulnerabilities. I was stumped. So another method I tried was to leave two USB keys in the urinal, eventually opening the company’s infrastructure. A company’s external infrastructure—including web servers, domain name, email and firewalls accessible from the Internet—is a primary target. So that’s where I started. A…

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Five Top Scams to Watch in 2024, so far

Top Scams in 2024, so far

As we progress through 2024, scams are evolving rapidly, with cybercriminals devising ways to exploit individuals and businesses. Various scams are growing, from sophisticated phishing schemes to cryptocurrency fraud and fake loan offers. Staying informed about the latest threats is crucial to protecting yourself in this increasingly digital world. What are the top scams to…

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4 popular cybersecurity myths

Busting Cybersecurity Myths

Understanding and busting 4 popular cybersecurity myths and their truths is critical for providing a specific direction for your business. Myth #1: Cybersecurity is a mix of strategies Think of cybersecurity like a quilt made of different pieces. Each piece is crucial, like teaching employees about online safety, ensuring buildings are secure, and using strong…

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Defending Against Insider Threats

Insider

Have you done everything to protect your business from insider cyber threats? You have the most advanced security solutions to defend against external threats, but are you equally protected against internal threats? Knowingly or unknowingly, your employees, vendors, partners, and even you could damage your business. Knowing how to protect your business from within avoids risk.…

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The Five Consequences of a Phishing Attack

Phishing schemes

Phishing schemes are a standard method hackers use to gain unauthorized access to company systems, and there are five Consequences of a Phishing attack. Employees serve as customers’ first point of contact and play a crucial role in various operations. However, they also unknowingly hold the keys to the front door for hackers. Hackers exploit…

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Cybersecurity Awareness: Ready?

Protecting your SMSBs from the Dark Web is daunting because you may have already been hacked—hackers are getting into your systems and staying undetected for weeks and months—all by what your employees have posted online

It’s cybersecurity awareness month. Cyberattacks on businesses are at an all-time high. Reports vary, but cybercriminals have become experts at tricking employees into clicking on malicious links. This suggests that large and small businesses should establish a cybersecurity awareness program. Therefore, knowing the hazards associated with online activity and considering what personal information we provide…

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Social Engineering and psychological warfare

The psychological warfare of social engineering emerges as a potent weapon wielded by adversaries. 

In cybersecurity, the psychological warfare of social engineering emerges as a potent weapon. In general terms, Social engineering is manipulating, influencing, or deceiving a victim to gain control over a computer system. It also is to steal personal and financial information. It uses psychological manipulation to trick users into making security mistakes or giving away sensitive…

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Empower Yourself with Fraudster

Empower Yourself with Fraudster

Internet scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Staying informed and taking proactive measures to safeguard oneself is critical. The mobile app Fraudster is a reliable tool to help individuals remain safe. It provides easy-to-understand information, fraud, scam alerts, and practical tips to avoid falling prey. Empower Yourself with Fraudster. One significant advantage of using the Fraudster…

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Employee Cybersecurity Training a Must

As company leaders, you are constantly challenged with managing employee cybersecurity training across devices.

As company leaders, you are constantly challenged with managing employee cybersecurity training across devices, cloud applications, and advanced software. The potential cyberattack concerns are significant, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage or even bankruptcy. However, it’s crucial to remember that your cyber-trained employees, often the first point of contact, are your organization’s primary defence…

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WhatsApp Scam Threatens Users

Security experts warn about a WhatsApp scam that presents a significant and immediate threat, potentially handing hackers complete control over your account.

Security experts warn about a WhatsApp scam that presents a significant and immediate threat, potentially handing hackers complete control over your account. WhatsApp, a widely used social media platform, has become a prime hunting ground for scammers who employ sophisticated tactics. They send deceptive messages and solicit money. One particular scheme involves sending messages like ‘Hi…

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Global Alliance Targets Cyber Threats to Civil Society

Online identity theft is a growing concern. A Global Alliance advisory signalled a collaborative effort between Canada, and six other countries, united cybersecurity agencies.

In June 2024, a Global Alliance advisory announced a joint effort between Canada, the United States, Estonia, Japan, Finland, and the United Kingdom to unite cybersecurity agencies. They aim to share details on how foreign threat actors carry out cyberattacks on civil society targets. The report defines high-risk targets as nonprofit, advocacy, cultural, faith-based, academic…

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Phishing campaigns and Cybercriminals

Phishing campaigns that appear to be from a legitimate source are, in reality, from hackers attempting to trick you into sharing information.

Phishing campaigns (Pcs) that appear to be from a legitimate source are, in reality, from hackers attempting to trick you. They want you to sharie company or personal information. In these messages, cybercriminals frequently use scare tactics, such as threatening to close your accounts or arrest you unless you give them information you ordinarily keep…

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Generative AI is on the rise

Generative AI (GI) is a type of AI that creates new content by learning from large sets of data. It’s like an intelligent machine that can write a new book.

Many organizations use artificial intelligence (AI) in various areas, such as improving processes, analyzing data, diagnosing and treating patients, and customizing user experiences. Generative AI (GI) is a type of AI that creates new content by learning from large sets of data. It’s like an intelligent machine that can write a new book by reading…

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Look who died!

A pressing threat is the Look who died in an accident scam, a malicious scheme threatening your online security and privacy.

A pressing threat is the Look who died in an accident scam, a malicious scheme threatening your online security and privacy. Scams have reached a new level of sophistication, making them harder to detect. Today, scammers and hackers have perfected the art of mimicking genuine interactions, posing a significant challenge even for experienced internet users. …

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Password best practices

Those who know me know how I feel about password best practices. Password protection is imperative if you want to ramp up your cybersecurity.  With the business world heavily reliant on digitalization, using technology is unavoidable. Although technology can undeniably give your business an advantage in increasingly competitive markets, many troublesome areas exist to monitor. Setting…

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Tangerine hacked: 230,000 customers exposed

Tangerine, the latest company to be hacked in the Australian telecommunications sector, has unfortunately fallen victim to a significant data breach, wherein hackers managed to pilfer some personal information of an estimated 232,000 customers. The breach, which occurred on February 18, was brought to management’s attention on February 20, prompting Tangerine to notify affected individuals…

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AI’s Promise and Peril: A Balancing Act

In recent years, the advent of advanced AI tools like ChatGPT and Dall-E has promised groundbreaking transformations across various sectors, from healthcare to education. These technologies offer unparalleled opportunities to revolutionize society, empowering doctors with more precise diagnostic capabilities and democratizing access to professional expertise. However, beneath the surface of innovation lies a shadow of…

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Telecoms Tackle 19 Year New Security Risk

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats, telecommunications companies find themselves on high alert as a newly discovered consumer security risk emerges. This threat allows scammers to circumvent identity checks for online transactions, including banking, shopping, and messaging. Surprisingly, the vulnerability lies in a feature implemented on mobile phone networks 19 years ago, which, when…

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Safeguarding Your Travel Bookings

Reports from various consumer affairs agencies are sounding the alarm – travel booking sites have become the latest playground for scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting travellers. In this blog, we’ll look into the latest findings from cybersecurity company Perception Point and provide essential tips to protect yourself from falling victim to these cunning scams.  Understanding…

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Unwind Securely: Safeguard Your Digital Footprint on Vacation

Contacting friends and family would be much more difficult without the internet and social media platforms. After all, we can enjoy several significant moments online, protected behind our screens. Online connections have enabled us to remain in touch, never missing a minute, whether attending your friend’s virtual wedding or watching your favourite cousin’s newborn take…

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Holiday Hacks: Protecting Your Browser Amidst Festive Cyber Fervour

As the holiday season approaches, digital transactions transform into a bustling marketplace blending festive cheer with lurking cyber threats. Amidst the joyous celebrations, it’s paramount to fortify our digital defences beyond the conventional cues of cyber intrusion. Here, we delve deeper into safeguarding your website browser, unveiling lesser-known threats often lurking beneath the surface. As…

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The Elusive Tactics of Star Blizzard

A shadowy group of hackers has emerged onto the global stage, orchestrating a sophisticated global spear phishing attack reportedly linked to the Kremlin. Known under an array of pseudonyms—Star Blizzard (formerly SEABORGIUM), Callisto Group, TA446, COLDRIVER, TAG-53, and BlueCharlie—this clandestine unit employs a cunning strategy. Their method? Covertly embedding seemingly harmless links within legitimate websites…

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Unveiling the Digital Grinch: Fake Affiliate Scams, Giveaways, and Followers

As the holiday spirit blankets social media, lurking beneath are cyber villains wielding deceptive tactics. Discover the dark underbelly of the festive season: affiliate scams infiltrating platforms with stolen credentials, baited fake giveaways masquerading as gifts, and the rise of counterfeit followers.  These schemes, designed by digital impostors, prey on our trust and eagerness. Unwary…

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Phone Breach Red Flags: Are You Still a Target for Hackers?

Amid the pandemic’s whirlwind, the rush towards remote work spun our lives into an era of mobile maneuvers and an unwavering dependence on our trusty smartphones. Yet, even now, two years down the line, this transformative wave has left a trail of companies caught off-guard by a lack of cybersecurity measures, paving a golden path…

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Rising Instances of Deceptive QR Code Scams

Consumers face an escalating threat of identity theft and data breaches by exploiting Quick Response (QR) codes, an aged technology repurposed amidst the touchless payment trends sparked by the global pandemic. QR codes, known for their black-and-white square configuration readable by smartphone cameras, were introduced in the mid-1990s. Hackers are taking advantage by superimposing fraudulent…

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Don’t Fall for It: The Elaborate Job Application Scam Still Targeting University Students

In the age of digital connectivity, the online landscape offers both opportunities and dangers. Unfortunately, one unsuspecting university student recently became ensnared in a sophisticated job application scam, illustrating how crafty cybercriminals have become. This cautionary tale reminds us to remain vigilant despite enticing job offers that could be cleverly disguised traps. The Perfect Target…

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Exploring the Intricate Web of Fine Print Scams

When was the last time you meticulously scrutinized the fine print of an online agreement before gleefully clicking “I agree” to access premium content or snag a tempting free trial offer? If you’re like most, you might not even remember when. It’s common practice to bypass the fine print, but did you know that lurking…

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Beware of Rental Scams: Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Listings

As the demand for rental properties increases, so does the risk of falling victim to rental scams. Exercise caution when searching for rental accommodation, as scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. By altering legitimate ads or creating fake ones, these scammers aim to deceive unsuspecting individuals into providing personal information, security deposits, and…

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Direct Messages: The Whispering Temptress of Online Predators

ou may be considering a service provider. Daily news bombards us with stories of massive data breaches and crippling ransomware attacks. It's enough to leave anyone feeling helpless. But here's the harsh reality – it's not just "those big companies" at risk.

One enduring passion I’ve held dear is the quest to aid parents in safeguarding their children within the digital realm. In 2016, driven by this fervour, I conceived Internet Safety University – a bastion for parents seeking to fortify their children’s online defences. As we stand on the precipice of another school year, I am…

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Decoding the Digital Menace: Understanding the Evolution of Cyberbullying

The internet, a space once deemed benign, was a journey taken lightly by most. However, today’s digital landscape has evolved into an arena where nothing can be taken for granted. Within this vast expanse, cyberbullying continues as one of the most insidious and pervasive forms of online abuse, commanding the attention of internet safety experts…

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Defending Your Digital Footprint: The Rising Importance of Smartphone Security

Mobile technology has witnessed an unprecedented surge in adoption and capabilities, granting us unfettered access to email, applications, the Internet, and corporate data. Our ability to stay connected with family and colleagues has grown exponentially, accompanied by the continuous expansion of our digital footprint, primarily on laptops and smartphones. However, as technology marches forward, so…

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What scammers want from you — and how to stop them

See Terry’s interview with Tangerine Terry Cutler discusses deceptive practices, including robocalls, where scammers impersonate legitimate institutions to extract personal information or money; Phishing involves fraudulent emails or texts with harmful links, aiming to steal login details or infect devices; how Buyer scams occur on platforms like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, featuring counterfeit goods or…

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Cyber-Safe Living: Navigating the Nooks and Crannies of Smart Home Security

In the ever-connected world, smart home devices have surged in popularity, promising convenience, efficiency, and an enhanced living experience. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), our homes have been transformed by integrating smart thermostats, security cameras, voice-controlled assistants, and smart appliances. Yet, amidst this technological advancement and convenience, the pressing concern of cybersecurity risks…

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Don’t Be a Cybercriminal’s Easy Target: Enhance Your Digital Security Today

In today’s ever-connected world, we frequently hear about hacks, ransomware attacks, and data breaches that leave many people receiving alerts about their compromised information.  For instance, Petro-Points members discovered that an unauthorized party had accessed their basic contact information. Similarly, in February, Indigo experienced a ransomware attack, impacting current and former employees’ data. These incidents…

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Mac Attack: Atomic Stealer Tricks Users with AppleScript Spoofing

A concerning trend is emerging as cybercriminals increasingly target Apple computers with information-stealing malware. One such macOS infostealer, Atomic Stealer, has recently garnered attention from cybersecurity firm SentinelOne. In May 2023, a new malware version was identified, exhibiting more refined and targeted data-capturing capabilities, specifically focusing on gaming and cryptocurrency users. The primary motive behind…

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Amazon Scams Exposed: Protect Yourself from Sneaky Tactics

In a digital world where scammers are becoming increasingly cunning and innovative, protecting yourself from their deceptive tactics has never been more critical. From sophisticated tactics to exploiting advanced technologies, these fraudsters relentlessly try to trick unsuspecting individuals. As an Amazon user, you must know how to spot and evade these scams effectively. So, let’s…

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Beware of Scam Sites: Protecting Yourself from Widespread Brand Impersonation Campaigns

Online shopping has become a convenient and popular way to make purchases. However, with the rise of brand impersonation campaigns, it has become increasingly challenging to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent websites. These campaigns, targeting popular apparel, footwear, and clothing brands, have exploited unsuspecting consumers, tricking them into providing sensitive information on fake websites. In…

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