U.S. tax identity theft: dodging the $5 billion crime spree
Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week? Yes, tax ID fraud is a real threat to your finances in America today. Putting your tax refund in jeopardy is just one of the impacts.
Scams
University of Buffalo study examines the psychology of phishing emails
A study by the University of Buffalo has revealed that 'information rich phishing emails' may be more effective due to their ability to alter recipients' cognitive processes, reports Phys.org.
Facebook will highlight hoaxes in users’ newsfeeds
Facebook has announced plans to crack down on spam and hoaxes in the newsfeed, with a note highlighting 'false information' when enough people flag the link as a hoax.
Holiday security tips – booking online safely
With Christmas fast becoming a distant memory and the January blues setting in, thousands of us are turning our eyes to booking a holiday abroad. But the recent hacks at United and American Airlines show that hackers see the travel industry as fertile territory.
Politicians and journalists stung by fake open Wi‑Fi protest
Delegates were left red-faced after connecting to an open Wi-Fi network set up to protest mass digital surveillance.
Police close in on Bitcoin fraudsters who stole $370m in Mt Gox collapse
Police are closing in on thieves who stole Bitcoin valued at $370 million during the collapse of popular exchange Mt Gox - and just 1% of the theft is believed to be the work of outside hackers.
Android scam: Firms fined over $500,000 for malicious apps’ hidden subscriptions
Three UK firms have been fined over $500,000 for a scam that involved Android apps signing up to a subscription service, and suppressing notifications informing the victim they were being charged, according to The Guardian.
Identity theft – six tips to help keep yours safe
Private data such as addresses and social security numbers can be just as valuable to cybercriminals as valid credit card details can be to thieves - if not more so. Lock yours down with our tips.
Cyber Monday: Costco and Home Depot phishing emails target shoppers
Thanksgiving Day phishing emails leverage this popular American holiday to target consumers who shop at The Home Depot and Costco. Here's what to watch for, and advice on how to handle such messages.
Cyber Monday – 12 tips to help you shop safely online
Technology might evolve, but cyber gangs rely on tried-and-tested tactics. With a bit of care and attention, it’s easy to sort the genuine bargains from the too-good-to-be-true fakes.
Smart home security – how not to be dumb with your devices
It's easy to imagine that ALL connected devices - from fridges to CCTV cameras - are a security nightmare, but there are simple, sensible steps you can take to lock these risks down.
Week in Security: Grief for gamers, Unicorn spotted – and America wakes up
Cybercriminals once again had gamers in their sights this week, with leaks of multiple account details and a new Steam scam - but there was good news in the form of upgraded security on Whatsapp, and dawning awareness on privacy.
Facebook scams – ‘Naked woman eaten by shark’ is latest bait
The latest salacious video - promising ‘Naked Woman Eaten by a Shark’ - is just one in a long chain of viral video scams spread via Faceboook.
Steam gamers targeted with ‘free screensaver’ phishing scam
Gamers on the popular Steam gaming service have been targeted with phishing scams via the service’s popular Marketplace - with apparent ‘bargains’ offering a sting in the tail.
Realistic looking phishing websites work 45% of the time, Google claims
Google has teamed up with the University of California in San Diego to publish surprising new research about phishing, how effective it is and how scammers work their phishing operations.
Support Scammers: Hoping to Reign in Spain?
More about the support scammer trend towards finding victims in Spain who aren't fluent English speakers.
Snapchat privacy – spam deluge may make users feel fat
Concerns over Snapchat privacy rocketed this week after users were bombarded with spam messages written in a style which suggests that a user’s own friends think they are overweight.
Support Scams: Expect the Scammish Inquisition*
An update on support scams: but are the scammers looking for fresh fields and posturings new?
Facebook to start charging $2.99/month? It’s nonsense!
Thousands of Facebook addicts are feverishly sharing a "news report" claiming that from November 1st you'll be paying $2.99 every month to access the site.
Week in security: Free iPhone scams target eager fans
This week offered a lesson in how cybercriminals follow the news, and time their attacks to dupe the unwary - with several different attacks aimed at iPhone fans, in the week where Apple unveiled its iPhone 6.