{"id":4636,"date":"2020-11-05T08:33:37","date_gmt":"2020-11-05T13:33:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.4kcc.com\/blog\/?page_id=4636"},"modified":"2024-07-18T11:03:49","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T15:03:49","slug":"security-notifications","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.4kcc.com\/blog\/security-notifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Security Notifications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

June 19, 2021<\/h2>
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Hackers Use Google Doc For Phishing<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you use Google Docs, you need to be aware of a new phishing attack. Hackers are creating web pages that appear<\/em> to be the well-known Google Doc form. These scammers are sending out links to what looks like a Google Doc. However, before you can access the Doc, you are asked to log in to Google. This log-in is fake and, if you fill in your Google User Name and Password, you will have been phished. Hackers will have your information and will be able to access your account. If your Google account is part of a company Google account, these evil-doers may be able to access others in your company. Remember, always be leery of any log-in window which appears when you are already logged in to a site, including Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For full details of this phishing attempt, please read the Avanan article found HERE<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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May 28, 2021<\/h2>
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Malicious Email<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft has released a security alert regarding the following malicious email:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Screenshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Should you receive this email, immediately delete it. DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS<\/strong><\/span>. This email can install a very malicious software program which can compromise your entire computer and\/or network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To read full details about this fake email, click HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Microsoft<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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April 24, 2021<\/strong><\/h2>
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FBI Job Hunting Warning<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This week, the FBI issued a special warning for people who are job hunting. Cyber criminals are using fake job listings in an attempt to steal PII (Personally Identifiable Information). Since these scammers ask the same type of questions as legitimate employers, it is often difficult to spot a fake job offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are job hunting or know someone who is, I strongly urge you (or them) to read the FBI alert. There are two sections in particular that are important: 1) “Some indications of this scam may include:” and 2) “How to Protect Yourself.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can read this important FBI alert HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

February 12, 2021<\/strong><\/h2>
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Special Cybersecurity Warning<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Yesterday, a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory was issued regarding the compromise of a Florida Water Treatment plant. (See an article regarding the hack HERE<\/a><\/strong>.) The report was co-authored by the FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). In the report, two primary reasons for the hack were covered. 1) A computer running Windows 7 was in operation. Note: support for Windows 7 ended more than a year ago. You should not be using a Windows 7 machine on the Internet. If you are, please call us to discuss options. 2) The desktop sharing app, TeamViewer was being used and the hacker gained entrance through it. While TeamViewer is a legitimate app, precautions need to be taken if you are using it. These precautions are listed in the Advisory. You should take the time to read the very interesting document. You’ll find the PDF version of it HERE<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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January 27, 2021<\/strong><\/h2>
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Federal Trade Commission Scam<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The US-Cert has released the following:<\/span><\/strong> The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released information on scammers attempting to impersonate the FTC. The scammers operate an FTC-spoofed website that claims to provide instant cash payments and tries to trick consumers into disclosing their financial information. The real FTC does not require such information and scammers can use this information to steal consumers\u2019 money and identities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beware of emails claiming to be from the FTC especially those that use the agency title “US Trading Commission.” You can read the full FTC informational post here: Scam \u201cUS Trading Commission\u201d website is not the FTC | FTC Consumer Information<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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January 6, 2021<\/strong><\/h2>
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Android Phone Critical Updates<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the January updates for Android<\/a><\/strong>, Google released a critical update for Android phones. If you use one, you should immediately make sure your operating system is up-to-date. Not sure how to do that? Check out this page: Learn when you’ll get Android updates on Google Pixel phones and Nexus devices – Pixel Phone Help<\/strong><\/a> and this page: Get help from your device manufacturer and mobile operator – Android Help (google.com)<\/a><\/strong>. While you’re at it, make sure all your Google Play Store apps are updated, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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December 31, 2020<\/strong><\/h2>
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Don’t Get Swatted<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you use devices in your home using voice or video, the FBI has a warning for you. These devices are being used for swatting<\/em>. Swatting is a term used to describe a hoax call made to emergency services. Hackers are gaining access to people’s smart devices primarily through stolen email passwords which are often also used for these items. If you use a Ring doorbell\/video camera (or similar) or Google Home, Amazon Alexa, etc., I strongly urge you to read the entire FBI warning found HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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December 9, 2020<\/strong><\/h2>
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FBI Warns Public of \u2018Virtual Kidnapping\u2019 Extortion Calls<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The FBI issued a warning relating to Virtual Kidnapping Extortion Calls. Although the warning came from the Phoenix, AZ office, this is an important warning for all Americans. As the FBI mentions in their notice, “victims are getting calls from criminals claiming to have kidnapped their loved ones and threatening to harm them unless a ransom is paid.” Only thing is, no one has been kidnapped. The scammers attempt to get you to send them money before you can verify that the person hasn’t actually been kidnapped. (This is a combination of two of the three bases for Social Engineering scams – using fear and relying on your willingness to help others. Here is what the FBI suggests you should look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n