Fake Norton Antivirus Strikes Again:
A Laramie resident received a PDF order invoice from someone claiming to be with Norton Antivirus. The subject line was 'Your Order#17656,' and the content of the email read, 'Success: Your order is on its way. Acknowledged tracking information, order on hold content.' This person has encountered similar scams through their various email addresses. CyberWyoming Note: Verify the legitimacy of unexpected invoices or orders to prevent falling victim to potential scams and phishing attempts. Exercise caution and refrain from clicking on any suspicious links or attachments.
Explicit Content, Hidden Dangers:
A Laramie resident recently encountered a concerning email that highlights the craziness of online scams. The subject line, "Approval request for 'Victoria hrle1s0d5'," was coupled with an unusual email address, signaling potential red flags. The email, seemingly a Google Doc approval request, contained explicit content enticing the recipient to view inappropriate material with a questionable link attached. CyberWyoming Note: Citizens are advised to refrain from clicking on unfamiliar links or providing personal details to unknown sources, as these could compromise online security and privacy.
Your Online Account May Have Been Breached? Don’t Just Sit There. Do Something:
Too many people respond with a shrug and maybe change their password. That’s asking for trouble. … Almost a quarter of the people in one survey said they would return to a compromised website with no changes to their behavior. – Brought to you by Secure The Village
CyberWyoming Note: How do you know if an account has been breached? If you use your email as a user ID, you can check it on haveibeenpwned.com. It will list accounts where your email address has been spotted on the dark web and you can be sure to change those passwords.
Android apps that send your data to China:
Check your Android phone for the apps “File Recovery & Data Recovery” and “File Manager.” Both are supposed to be file managers, but they are spyware apps that collect your data and send it to destinations in China. Delete them immediately if you have them, and you’ll probably need to do a factory reset to get the malware off your phone. - Brought to you by The Current Tech News
Even institutions like Medicare aren't immune to vulnerabilities:
Last month, Medicare's contractor, Maximus, fell prey to a hacking incident, exposing the personal information of 612,000 beneficiaries. We're talking Social Security numbers, medical histories, and more—vital data that could lead to identity theft, tainted health records, or financial issues. Maximus believes up to 11 million people across its customer base could be at risk.
If this breach affects you, you'll receive a letter from Medicare or Maximus, offering two years of free credit monitoring. Accept it. Start there. After that, follow these guidelines tailored to your needs:
- Check your Medicare notices and health charges for any red flags. Contact your provider or 1-800-MEDICARE if you spot something off.
- Place a credit freeze or fraud alert via TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. A freeze offers more security but requires a bit more effort.
- Monitor your financial accounts online—faster recognition of fraud is better than waiting for a statement.
- Choose strong, unique passwords. Your attitude toward cybersecurity impacts your effort to stay secure.
Remember, our lives touch others, including in the world of data. Your caution ricochets, creating a safer space for all. Visit identitytheft.gov for more guidance. – Brought to you by AARP Fraud Watch Network
MS-ISAC and CISA Patch Now Alert:
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) or the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published a patch now (update your software) alert for Google Chrome. If you use these products, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.
Data Breaches in the News:
Downfall (A Slay the Spire Fan Expansion), Clash Base Designer Easy Copy (A Clash of Clans App), TuneFab, Xerox Corp, Orbit Chain, Gallery Systems, and Cross Switch.
Note: If you have an account with one of these companies, be sure to change your password and consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts through the three credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.
Please report scams you may experience to phishing@cyberwyoming.org to alert your friends and neighbors.
Other ways to report a scam:
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker/us/reportscam
- Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection 307-777-6397, 800-438-5799 or ag.consumer@wyo.gov
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report your scam to the FBI at www.ic3.gov/complaint
- Reported unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registration. Online at donotcall.gov/report.html or call 1-888-382-1222, option 3
- Office of the Inspector General: oig.ssa.gov
- AARP Fraud Watch Network (any age welcome) Helpline 877-908-3360
- IRS: report email scams impersonating the IRS to phishing@irs.gov
- Call the Wyoming Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for assistance with potential Medicare fraud, abuse, or errors at 1 800 856-4398
- Victim Support: The AARP Fraud Watch Network and Volunteers of America (VOA) created a new, free program to provide emotional support for people impacted by a scam or fraud, called ReST. Visit www.aarp.org/fraudsupport to learn more about the free program and register