Criminals want to get to know your schedule … so they know exactly the right time to attack. Beware of camouflaged cameras recording every time you leave the house.
Free check to see if your router has been hacked by criminals
© Christian Bridgwater | Dreamstime
The internet is a crazy place. Not only do marketers and advertisers follow your every move, but there are also hackers and scammers lurking in the dark corners, ready to pounce on your personal information.
At least marketers and advertisers want to make money off of you. The hackers and scammers we’re talking about want to flat-out steal your money by hijacking your personal information.
And as much as we don’t want to admit it, these hackers are more intelligent than the average criminal. They use clever tactics to trick you into clicking links with the potential to crash your system, spread malware and even steal your personal information. Tap or click for eight of the biggest scams you need to watch out for.
And keep reading to find out why a VPN is your best bet when it comes to keeping what you do online private.
What the heck is DNS Hijacking?
One of these tricks is known as “DNS hijacking.” Sound complicated? Yes, it’s a little bit tricky. Let me explain.
A DNS, or domain name system, is often called the phone book for the internet. It translates names of websites, like Google.com, to an IP address, like 74.125.239.2. The communication between the two is critical to direct web traffic correctly.
These clever hackers insert rogue DNS servers, so your traffic is directed to unsafe servers instead of the secure servers your internet service provider gives you. This means cybercriminals can redirect you to fake versions of websites you’re attempting to visit.
For example, if your router’s DNS settings have been hijacked, each time you visit your bank’s website, you’ll be redirected to a phishing website instead.
Criminals can also use DNS hijacking to modify ads you see while browsing. Instead of the regular ads you should be getting, they’re replaced with inappropriate or malicious ones. This opens you up to a whole world where all your personal information is vulnerable, and so is your system.
How to check your router for hackers and criminals
This helpful tool will help keep your internet connection safe from outside dangers. All you have to do is head to the home page. Your details then automatically load.
The best way to keep an eye on your pets inside and out
Pets are notorious for causing a stir when their owners are away. When you drive off, dogs might bark so loudly they bother the neighbors. Cats might scratch the sofa to punish you for leaving.
Animals have many methods for messing up the house when you’re away. Sometimes, you may return home and walk into such an outrageous mess you can’t help but wonder, “How on Earth did that happen?”
Cyber criminals are sending ransom demands by snail mail
Extortionists are skipping email and sending official-looking ransom letters through the U.S. Postal Service. Here’s the scoop.
Go figure: Mentions of using AI tools and tactics for nefarious business are up 200% on the Dark Web. Yeesh. Criminals have more tools than ever. Get your name out of databases that make it easy to find you with Incogni. Hit my link for 60% off.
What is life like in a supermax prison?
For the worst of the worst criminals, there’s one prison in the mountains of Colorado that they won’t be able to break out of. Isolated from the rest of the world, this prison is the only supermax in the country, and is a life sentence to all who go there.
Here VR for convicted criminals: Prisoners in solitary confinement are getting VR goggles so they can pretend to be walking in Paris or on a beach in Thailand. The goal? Handle life. Case in point: Someone bumped into Daniel in VR. Instead of lashing out, he was guided through a breathing exercise to handle conflict.
Whiskey business: A bottle of rare 81-year-old Macallan scotch is selling for $649,999. No wonder alcohol counterfeiting is so big. Criminals make bank refilling authentic bottles with cheap stuff. Not anymore! New tech embeds a molecular marker in the seal of each verified bottle so collectors don’t get duped. Authenticated bottles get a blockchain record you can check. Now that’s a barrel of laughs.
License plate readers track your politics
They’re tracking more than criminals — they’re recording your bumper stickers, yard signs, and more.
America's drinking water is under attack
Water systems in Kansas, Texas and Pennsylvania have already been hit by hackers in China, Russia and Iran. Plus, clothes that block 5G waves, AI coming to Alexa, and Walmart’s new digital pricing. We also chat with Joseph Cox about his book “Dark Wire,” which is about Anom, the FBI’s secret app used by criminals.
Trying to sell online? You're a theft target
Criminals no longer need to stake out your house to case it; they can simply browse your online listing.
February 10th, 2024
Meta admits it trains its AI on your public pics and vids. Plus, the new way criminals target your bank account and the wild things folks are doing with their Apple Vision Pro. Also, a new super sports app is coming and an incredible drone rescue. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
How hotel hackers get your info
Are you on a legit hotel website? In just one minute, I cover the tactics criminals use to scam you.
Why it's a good idea to wrap your car keys in tin foil
Did you know carjackers can break into your car from afar? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a cheap way to stop criminals in their tracks.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The pros and cons of Bluetooth trackers like Apple AirTags
How can Apple AirTags put you in danger? Listen now to find out how criminals use Bluetooth trackers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tech Refresh: FBI app crackdown, X-rated emails, tech productivity hacks
The FBI busted criminals using a super-secret app to communicate all their comings and goings. Kim has the scoop on how they did it. Scammers are sending X-rated emails to scare people into paying up, and the team dives into tech productivity hacks to make life easier.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Scattered Canary: This Nigerian scam is stealing millions
Nigerian criminals stole $36 billion in 2020 through the “Scattered Canary” scam. The scariest part? All they need is your name to get you.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Protecting yourself and your family against child porn charges
When you think about someone using your wireless network, you might think lagging video or slow performance. But what about criminals using your network in ways you don’t even want to imagine? It’s possible, and I’m sharing a trick to prevent it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Police say no more listening to our scanners
Law enforcement says enough is enough when it comes to the public listening in on their scanner traffic. Their main concern is that criminals are having access to how officers are responding to serious crime scenes. Listen to this Consumer Tech Update for more on why they say going encrypted may be best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices