Computer Support Blog

The growing importance of the Internet to everyday life creates an ever-larger target for cyber criminals.  Internet security against cyber crime is vital for businesses and individuals alike.  Malicious software corrupts systems, destroys data, and allows the theft of identities or banking information.  Hackers looking to make a quick buck by exploiting weak Internet security are nothing new.  A recently released report about malicious software and where it is housed online brings the issue into sharper focus.

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Over the weekend, Epsilon notified millions of customers that the company had experienced a break-in and email addresses were stolen.  One consequence is that now it’s open season for phishing!  Now, instead of using bait to “catch” personal information, a more direct line of attack against your private information exists. 

You can avoid having your sensitive material, including your email address, exposed in this or some similar way.  Josh Kaplan, President of RESCUECOM, strongly recommends that you take immediate action to set up a separate e-mail address for all online transactions – and ONLY use this address for online transactions.  You should be aware that it is not safe to give your personal e-mail address used by your friends and family to any company. 

Even “reputable” companies with whom you may have been doing business for years should not be given your personal email address.  Companies regularly outsource their e-mail communication.  For example, companies such as Marriott, JPMorgan Chase, Walgreens, Capital One, and others contracted with Epsilon to manage their email information and send out e-mail blasts to customers.  Rather than directly overseeing the security of this information base, a third party is involved, thereby increasing the chances of compromised data.

Unfortunately, for many people, such as those affected by the recent data breaches at Epsilon, this warning may come too late.  Be sure that you set up a separate email address for those online business transactions today.  Consider setting up a new personal address as well if your existing address has already been compromised.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

A recent survey has revealed some troubling data for corporate technology users when it comes to Internet security.

According to the Sixth Annual Enterprise IT Security Survey, conducted by Amplitude Research, 67% of large companies (minimum of 5,000 employees) reported at least one significant security intrusion.

That was over 25% higher than the year before.

Companies cited various potential reasons for the increase, ranging from significant Internet security weaknesses to employee Internet usage.  No matter the reason, one thing is clear:  large corporations are coming under increased attack. Read more »

A new Internet security attack spread through email Thursday, though it came in somewhat old packaging.

The attack, dubbed “Here you have” after the subject line of the phishing attack emails, was reminiscent of attacks from 2000 and 2001.  Those attacks, the ILoveYou and Anna Kournikova worms, were the last significant mass email attacks, until now.  The Kournikova worm even used the same “Here you have” subject line. Read more »

Users of Apple’s iTunes store have been victimized yet again, but not because of Apple.

A series of ongoing phishing scams have tricked users of Apple’s online service into revealing login information.  In turn, this has allowed hackers to bypass the Internet security of those users with ease.

Once logged into the account, hackers have rung up hundreds or even thousands of dollars in charges.

Most of the attacks have happened with accounts linked to PayPal.  In many cases, hackers have used the stolen funds to purchase iTunes gift codes – online gift cards – which they can then resell on the Internet for a profit.

Unlike many Internet security attacks which originate with a security breach on the part of the vendor, this attack seems to be largely caused by trusting users being victimized by phishing emails.

These sorts of fraudulent emails are sent to users, often requesting that they verify login information.  Because the emails appear to be legitimate, many users click on the links within them or enter their private account information.

Once hackers posses that info, they simply log in.  The account, and everything linked to it, is easy pickings.

To protect yourself and your iTunes and PayPal accounts, follow these simple Internet security tips:

• Never provide your login information via email
• iTunes and other legitimate businesses will not request such information through email
• If you suspect an email is a phishing attack, report it to the merchant, your ISP, and/or your email provider
• Verify the legitimacy of an email by contacting the supposed sender at the email address or website you know is real

For more information on protecting yourself, read Rescuecom’s 5 Tips to Detect Phishing.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com