Computer crime
Americans lost $5.7 billion to investment scams in 2024, FTC says. Here’s how to protect yourself
Key Points Americans reported losing $5.7 billion to investment scams in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The typical victim lost more than $9,000 on average. “Pig-butchering scams” are a common investment fraud whereby scammers develop a relationship with victims, entice them to invest money and then swindle them. There are three common signs […]
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Why the toll road text scam is out of control across the U.S., and Apple, Android can’t do anything to stop it
The texts first started arriving on Eric Moyer’s phone in February. They warned him that if he didn’t pay his FastTrak lane tolls by February 21, he could face a fine and lose his license. The Virginia Beach resident did what the majority of people do: ignore them. But there was enough hesitation to at least […]
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What Google’s quantum computing breakthrough Willow means for the future of bitcoin and other cryptos
Google’s recent announcement of the arrival of Willow, a quantum chip that has reduced the error tendencies of some of its predecessors, is a milestone in the effort to bring quantum computing into the real world, and in the years ahead, it could change the way we think about the risk in cryptocurrencies. Willow’s speed […]
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The government is getting fed up with ransomware payments fueling endless cycle of cyberattacks
Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technologies, speaks during a news conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, May 10, 2021 amid the Colonial fuel pipeline ransomware attack. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images With ransomware attacks surging and […]
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Why it’s time to take warnings about using public Wi-Fi, in places like airports, seriously
Over the years, travelers have repeatedly been warned to avoid public Wi-Fi in places like airports and coffee shops. Airport Wi-Fi, in particular, is known to be a hacker honeypot, due to what is typically relatively lax security. But even though many people know they should stay away from free Wi-Fi, it proves as irresistible to […]
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How Apple and Microsoft’s trusted brands are being used to scam you online
No, it’s not really Apple or Microsoft popping up on your screen to tell you your computer has been infected. It’s scammers trying to convince you to call them and divulge sensitive information, which may include passwords, bank or credit account information or Social Security numbers. “They use the reputation of the brand [for legitimacy […]
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Dark web researcher warned Columbus, Ohio, residents ransomware attack was bigger than mayor said. The city is suing him
Ransomware has long been plaguing American municipalities. It appeared to be another typical ransomware attack that impacted the city of Columbus, Ohio, this past July. The city’s response to the hack, however, was not, and it has cybersecurity and legal experts across the country questioning its motives. Connor Goodwolf (legal name is David Leroy Ross) is an […]
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Why credit card fraud alerts are rising, and how worried you should be about them
Rainstar | E+ | Getty Images It’s a scenario most people have encountered: you try to make a big or unexpected purchase on your credit card, and, at the moment you need it the most, the card gets declined. Sometimes, it’s as simple as confirming the purchase via text message, and you can quickly complete […]
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The bitcoin ATM has emerged as one of cryptocurrency’s biggest threats
Bitcoin ATMs are a rapidly growing presence in the United States and, some experts say, a rapidly growing cybercrime menace. ATMs dealing in bitcoin are similar to their cash cousins: there are PINs to punch and withdrawal fees, just like any other ATM. Unlike cash ATMs, though, the high value of crypto makes them prime targets […]
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Google searches are becoming a bigger target of cybercriminals with the rise of ‘malvertising’
Hackers are increasingly using online ads for malicious purposes. Often, it’s happening through routine Google searches. These schemes are dubbed malvertising, and cyber criminals are striking more often and with increased sophistication. In fall 2023, cybersecurity software firm Malwarebytes tracked a 42% increase month-over-month in malvertising incidents in the U.S. All types of brands are […]
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