Adult website hacked: Millions of porn user accounts stolen
Signing up for websites and services, you would assume the administrators deploy a certain cybersecurity level. But when things don’t go as expected, it can lead to a massive headache.
That’s why it’s important to take some security steps on your own. Since Google is one of the major tech players, it’s a good place to begin. Tap or click here for three Google settings to change ASAP.
Users of a popular adult website recently found out about inadequate security. A hacker breached its security protocols and managed to download a ton of personal information. Even if you’ve never visited the site, you could be at risk. Anytime a massive data breach like this occurs, numerous other threats begin to surface and could land in your inbox.
Here’s the backstory
Hackers performed an SQL injection attack on MyFreeCams and stole over 2 million usernames, passwords and email addresses.
The data hasn’t been posted onto the internet yet, but the hacker is looking to sell it. For $1,500, the hacker will send you 10,000 lines of data. Advertising his loot on a message board forum, the hacker claims that the information was stolen in December last year.
He writes: “Self-extracted in December 2020. 2 million premium and diamond members with username + email + CLEAR text passwords and token amount. Each account has various token – all time changing).” Tokens are the currency used on MyFreeCams and users pay real money to get them.
Why does it matter to you?
Besides the risk that adult websites can be infected with malware, storing a site’s usernames and passwords in plain text is incredibly dangerous. But MyFreeCams isn’t the only site guilty of that.
In 2018, it was revealed that Twitter stored passwords in plain text after a breach. This forced 300 million users to change login details. A year later, Facebook kept millions of passwords so that around 20,000 employees had access to them.
The biggest culprit of plain text password storage, however, is Google. In a 2019 blog post, the tech giant revealed that a bug caused some G Suite users’ passwords to be stored in plain text — for 14 years!
What can you do about it?
Worried about malware? Don't make these mistakes with your iPhone or iPad
When it comes to mobile devices, it’s Apple vs. everyone else. The iOS-powered iPhone and iPad are produced by the same company, while you can get an Android device from many manufacturers. The debate is one for the ages, but Apple fans have always had one key argument in their favor: malware and virus protection.
Don't fall for this fake Amazon gift card offer
The holidays were pretty unusual for a lot of people this year. Most gatherings were small — if they happened at all — and some families weren’t able to get together due to the pandemic.
That socially distant holiday theme led to lots of gifts being sent via USPS or other methods. Tap or click here to find out how to sanitize your deliveries the right way.
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People make the mistake of thinking that scammers only go after computer novices or senior citizens, but the truth is they’re targeting everyone — including working Americans.
There are numerous examples of hackers spreading malware with imposter emails that look like they came from a boss or co-worker. If you aren’t careful, downloading one of these malicious attachments can infect your computer. Tap or click here to see how one of these imposter scams work.
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The COVID pandemic has opened a whole new world of opportunity for scammers. The dregs of society are using people’s fears of the virus against them and creating devious schemes to rip them off.
Phishing emails, text messages and phone calls pretending to be from health organizations or officials are all too common these days. Tap or click here for a recent example of scam calls targeting seniors.
5 scams spreading online that can cost you thousands
We know that scams are rampant, but so many Americans still fall for them. Think you’re immune? Take Google’s scam spotter quiz and see if you can pass it.
You may have noticed that the number of robocalls slowed down when the pandemic hit. As call centers reopen around the world, robocalls are increasing. Tap or click here for proven ways to stop annoying robocalls for good.
10 cybersecurity myths you need to stop believing
On the Dark Web, you can purchase cybercrime “how-to kits” that gather lists of breached names, account numbers, passwords, and even telephone support lines for victims to call. It’s not difficult to get on the Dark Web. Tap or click here for my short guide that tells you how to access the Dark Web.
Scam alert: Your Netflix account is under attack
Have you noticed unusual activity on any of your accounts? If so, don’t be surprised: Phishing is everywhere these days thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as the months go on, the problem only continues to skyrocket.
Amazon scam gets $100K from fire chief and Vietnam vet
It’s one thing to read about scams and the damage they can do to unsuspecting victims. But hearing the personal stories of scam victims in their own words is an entirely different experience altogether.
Previously, we talked about how realistic scam emails were getting as phishing campaigns continue to skyrocket during the COVID-19 pandemic. One particularly bad scam actually impersonates Amazon, a major company more people relying on today than ever before. Tap or click here to see how this scam works.
Amazon Prime scam: This phone call is conning people
It seems like scams are lurking around every corner these days. Even if an area code, email or website seems familiar, it never hurts to look a little closer to make sure it’s not a scam call or a phishing campaign in disguise.
Warning: New wave of tax scams hit ahead of July 15 deadline
In an ordinary year, your taxes would be filed for the year at this point in time. But we’re living in 2020, and thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS extended the filing deadline to July 15 – which is only a couple of short days away.
Watch out! This streaming scam could drain your bank account
If you thought a global pandemic would stop cybercriminals in their tracks, think again. The dregs of society haven’t cut back on their devious schemes at all.
In fact, they’ve ramped up attacks by incorporating COVID-19 into many of their scams. Tap or click here for details on the latest coronavirus-related scams.
Adult streaming website leaks 11 million emails and private chats
Keeping sensitive information secure is getting more difficult by the minute, especially during this pandemic. That’s because cybercriminals are constantly on the attack, adding high tech tools to their arsenal that help them spoof websites, create impressive phishing emails and hack into websites to steal data.
Smart new virus can wipe out your files - here's how to stop it
In the early days of the internet, there were tons of generic viruses out there. These days, threats are more sophisticated and target victims in specific ways.
Ransomware, adware and spyware are just a few things we need to watch for. Tap or click here to find out how this new ransomware can lock you out of your PC.
One important reason to file your taxes this week
The IRS officially kicked off this year’s tax season on Jan. 27. You have until Wednesday, April 15 to file your taxes unless you request an extension.
Even though tax season just began, scammers are already out in full force. Tap or click here to see some of the fast-spreading tax scams.
Scam alert: Sneaky workplace hack is skyrocketing
Cybercriminals are clever and always find new ways to rip you off. Data breaches, ransomware and phishing scams are constantly making headlines.
We report on these attacks because it’s important to know what criminals are up to and how to stop them. Tap or click here to see Kim’s top 10 recent security tips.
Watch out for this one fast-spreading scam
We’re only a couple of weeks away from the official start of the dreaded tax season. The IRS has announced the tax-filing season will begin Monday, Jan. 27, 2020.
And you know what that means. Yep, scammers will be out in full force. Though tax scams can appear all year long, you’re more likely to spot them during filing season. Tap or click here to learn about the last batch of tax scams.