www.wyocan.org
www.cyberwyoming.org/alliance
307-314-2188, PO Box 2332, Laramie, WY 82073
Your iCloud Is Not at Risk, But Your Data Could Be:
A Laramie citizen reported receiving a scam email from "Notice (2)" with a suspicious email address starting with "rehabilitate" and the domain “wwzrstand”. The email claimed that the recipient's iCloud account may be suspended due to an expired payment method, urging them to update their payment details to avoid disruption. It provided fake order details, including a subscription ID and expiration date, while warning that without enough storage space, the user might lose access to their data. The message ended with a link to "unsubscribe" and an address in Akron, Ohio. CyberWyoming Note: Be cautious of unsolicited emails claiming urgent account issues, especially those asking for payment information or linking to external websites; always verify the sender's email address and navigate directly to official websites rather than clicking on links in suspicious emails.
Caught in the Comment:
A Laramie business reported a suspicious Facebook comment on one of their posts. The comment initially related to the post's content but ended with a claim about a method to get money back, encouraging others to contact a WhatsApp number. CyberWyoming Note: If you encounter similar comments, delete them immediately and report the user, as no reputable company would share sensitive information through WhatsApp. Always be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially those directing you to messaging apps, as they are often scams.
Delete Personal Info from Google Search—Fast & Easy:
Google now lets you quickly remove personal information like your phone number, address, or email directly from Search. Simply search for your details, click the three dots next to a result, select "Remove result," and choose "It shows my personal information and I don't want it here." Google will review the request and, if approved, remove the result—sometimes within minutes. While the original site remains, many directories offer removal options. You can also sign up for proactive monitoring through Google's "Results about you" tool to get alerts when your info appears online. – Brought to you by Secure The Village & ZDNet
zdnet.com/article/you-can-delete-personal-info-directly-from-google-search-now-and-its-shockingly-fast/
30% of U.S. Consumers Fall Victim to Financial Scams:
A PYMNTS Intelligence report with Featurespace reveals that 30% of U.S. consumers—about 77 million—have lost money to scams in the past five years, with most victims losing over $500. Scammers tailor their tactics to different demographics, exploiting personal vulnerabilities. Gen Z is often targeted through social media, while older consumers fall for email and phone scams. High-income individuals face investment fraud, while lower-income groups are more susceptible to government benefits scams. Scammers build trust, use fear, and pose as employers or debt collectors, making their schemes harder to detect.
– Brought to you by Secure The Village & PYMNTS
pymnts.com/news/security-and-risk/2025/30-of-us-consumers-fall-victim-to-financial-scams/
Ransomware Bypasses Security Using Unsecured Webcam:
The Akira ransomware gang bypassed security by using an unsecured webcam to encrypt a victim’s network. They first tried to use ransomware on Windows, but the victim's security system blocked it. Then, they found a vulnerable webcam running Linux, which didn’t have security software and could access the network. They used the webcam to deploy ransomware and encrypt files without being noticed. This incident underscores the critical need for robust security measures, including isolating IoT devices on a separate wireless network from sensitive work operations. Devices like webcams can be vulnerable to exploitation if not properly secured and regularly updated, making proactive security essential. – Brought to you by BleepingComputer
bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ransomware-gang-encrypted-network-from-a-webcam-to-bypass-edr/
OneDrive Backup Prompts Coming to Microsoft 365 Apps:
Starting in mid-March 2025, Microsoft 365 apps for Windows will ask users to back up their files to OneDrive. This will appear in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, encouraging users to use OneDrive's Known Folder Move (KFM). The feature will be in preview until April and fully available by May 2025. Users who do not use KFM will get a prompt to back up their files. After clicking "Open OneDrive," they can select which folders to back up. The prompts won't show for users whose organizations have blocked KFM. Admins should inform users about this change. If needed, they can block KFM to stop the prompts. This move aims to get more users to use OneDrive. – Brought to you by BleepingComputer
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-365-apps-will-prompt-users-to-back-up-files-in-onedrive/
Firefox’s Privacy Changes:
Mozilla's recent changes to Firefox's privacy policies, allowing them more control over user data, have left many users unhappy. With a new "royalty-free" license to use your data, concerns about privacy and advertising have risen. If you're worried about your data, consider alternatives like Brave or Tor, or use privacy-focused Firefox alternatives like Waterfox. To enhance Firefox’s privacy, enable features like DNS-over-HTTPS, Enhanced Tracking Protection, and Global Privacy Control, disable data collection, and switch to DuckDuckGo for searches. These steps can help safeguard your data, but Firefox no longer prioritizes privacy as it once did.
– Brought to you by Secure The Village & ZDNet
zdnet.com/article/the-firefox-i-loved-is-gone-how-to-protect-your-privacy-on-it-now/
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, Google Android OS, Adobe, Microsoft, Fortinet, and Mozilla products. If you use these products, make sure the software (or firmware) is updated.
Data Breaches in the News:
Bank of America, NTT Communications Corporation, Systematic Financial Management, and Community Care Alliance. Note: If you have an account with any 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
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Get steps to help at www.IdentityTheft.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
- If you believe someone is using your Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
- 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
