Trojan horse: If your phone is infected with malware, it’s worth doing a full factory reset. A royal pain in the rear, yes, but it’s the only way to ensure your phone is clear. You also need solid security software for your phone.
Confidently conned: 1 in 4 Americans still fall for scams
This number blew me away: Nearly 90% of American adults are confident they can detect and prevent a scam. And yet, 27% say they’ve been a victim at some point. The numbers don’t add up.
That’s why I’m here for you. Let’s dive into some of the most common things that trip up even the tech-savviest among us and kick scammers to the curb.
The scam solution
Problem #1: In a Citi survey, 55% say their financial institutions are a trusted fraud and scam prevention authority. But only two-thirds routinely check their bank accounts and credit scores for shady activity. OK, that means one-third of the walking don’t do this basic adulting task.
Fix: Sign up for fraud alerts that come by text or email. You can do this in your bank’s app or through your online account. It’s a no-brainer. If your bank offers free credit monitoring, sign up for that, too. If not, try a free service like Credit Karma.
Problem #2: Americans polled say they’re familiar with standard scams like phishing (54%) and bank impersonation (51%). OK, great. However, 13% couldn’t identify any of the 14 common scams presented to them in the survey. Ouch.
Fix: Spotting a scammer isn’t rocket science (thank goodness). Here are four simple signs to look for from the FTC. Scammers …
- Pretend to be from an organization you know.
- Say there’s a problem or a prize.
- Pressure you to act immediately.
- Tell you to pay in a specific way.
If you get a shady feeling, chances are it’s a shady dealing.
Problem #3: 71% of adults who fell victim to a scam say it did a number on their overall financial health. No kidding. That might include a setback in savings goals, deeper debt and a lowered credit score.
Fix: The key to proper damage control? Act right away. If you paid a scammer, do not give them more money. Gather all the information you can (screenshots rock for this), then block the crook from communicating with you further. File a report with your local police department and at tips.FBI.gov.
But Kim, what if …
Best free Windows and Mac security downloads for your computer
We rounded up some of the best ways to protect your computer against viruses, cyberattacks and other threats. We’ve got you covered if you aren’t familiar with how cybersecurity threats work. Tap or click for a quick breakdown of the five most common digital threats you’ll encounter.
Security software tech ban: Russia-based Kaspersky Lab is getting the boot in the U.S. Think about the damage a Communist government download can do to a customer base of over 4,000,000 computers worldwide. Time to switch, like, now. My pick is TotalAV — it covers up to five of your (or your loved ones’) computers and devices.
Forget emails and texts - Ransomware hackers are calling and here's what they want
Online security measures are updated constantly, making it difficult for hackers to breach systems and steal information. But it doesn’t deter them for long, and they quickly shift towards other tactics.
Unfortunately, network infiltrations are still too common in the U.S., with government agencies, schools and large corporations the most lucrative targets.
5 free security downloads every computer needs
We’re constantly seeing spikes in phishing attacks, malicious websites and other dangers lurking on the web. All that adds up to big money. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost more than $3.3 billion to fraud in 2020.
Scary new malware can survive even if you erase and reinstall Windows
Cyberattacks these days are nothing to scoff at. In 2020 alone, we saw a huge spike in cybercrime — and with more businesses moving operations online, threats like ransomware and phishing will only get worse.
Thankfully, PC users have powerful tools to protect ourselves. Some of the best anti-malware programs you can get are totally free to use. Tap or click here to see our favorite free security software.
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.
10 security myths you should stop believing
Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in this era. It makes around $1.5 trillion in profits a year — and that’s a liberal estimate, according to a 2019 study. So, what are some of the most profitable goods, so to speak, that are sold online? It turns out that stolen data is at the top of the list. This data comes from companies, organizations, and even people like you.
Popular security software is crashing Windows - here's the fix
Most operating system and application updates come with new features that make the products better, or patches to fix what’s broken. Take Microsoft, which regularly updates Windows 10 with new features and updates to patch flaws and remove bugs.
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.
Free antivirus program sells your data, remove it now
With so many viruses and malware attacks floating around the web, it can be difficult to trust computer programs. But this line of thinking almost never applies to antivirus software, which we trust to keep our computers safe from harm.
If you have an Apple ID, you may have been hacked
If you have an Apple device, you already know what Apple ID is. In fact, you know it very well because you have to use your Apple ID quite frequently to sign into your devices and to log in to the App Store or iTunes. Recently, there seems to be a hack that has targeted Apple IDs and locking users out. Here is what to do if you have already been hacked, and if not, how to protect yourself.
Don't fall for this 'White House' phishing email
There’s a brand new phishing email that’s making the rounds. I’ve seen it personally, and it’s using a well-known political figure to trick you into clicking. You’ll recognize this name when it pops up in your inbox, but the message isn’t really from her – it’s from scammers! Take a look at this screenshot, and I’ll point out the major discrepancies.