Tag:

Online Security

Holyoke, MA
Police & Fire
Holyoke Corrections Cop Admits To Threatening Federal Agent With Torture, Fire Bombing: DOJ Holyoke Corrections Cop Admits To Threatening Federal Agent With Torture, Fire Bombing: DOJ
Holyoke Corrections Cop Admits To Threatening Federal Agent With Torture, Fire Bombing: DOJ A Massachusetts man working as a corrections officer in Connecticut has pleaded guilty to a violent online plot that targeted a federal agent and his spouse, prosecutors said.  Scott Robert Tardy, 31, admitted in court this week to cyberstalking, lying to the FBI, and obstructing justice, the US Attorney for South Carolina said.  Prosecutors said Tardy joined an anti-law enforcement group on the Kik messaging app under the name “connecticut12345,” where he called for violence against a South Carolina federal agent and their spouse, including throwing a Molotov cocktail into their …

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by Josh Lanier
Rye, NY
News
Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack
Billions Of Google, Facebook, Apple Passwords Breached In Potentially Record Hack A newly discovered trove of stolen login credentials may represent the largest data breach in history, with billions of usernames and passwords now circulating online. Researchers with Cybernews uncovered more than 16 billion records spread across 30 databases, many of them tied to malware known as infostealers. The findings, published Wednesday, June 18, reveal that the leaked data spans social media platforms, business services, VPNs, and developer tools. The leaked datasets provide access to nearly every online service, including major platforms like Apple, Facebook, Google, GitHub, and…

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by Joe Lombardi
Hackensack, NJ
News
Thousands In NJ Hit With Fake Text Threatening License Suspension: Don't Fall For It Thousands In NJ Hit With Fake Text Threatening License Suspension: Don't Fall For It
Thousands In NJ Hit With Fake Text Threatening License Suspension: Don't Fall For It Thousands of Garden State residents were targeted this week by a fake text message claiming drivers owed traffic fines and faced immediate license suspension. The phishing scam used the names of the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles, EZ-Pass, and NJ Courts, warning of penalties, toll charges, and even prosecution. The message read: “Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 30. Our records show you still have an outstanding traffic ticket… Suspension of driving privileges for 30 days… Credit score will be affected.” The text includes a link posing as a payment portal and urge…

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by Cecilia Levine
White Plains, NY
News
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting victims to distribute malware and steal personal information. ​ Fraudulent free online file converter tools offer services like converting or merging files—such as transforming a .doc file to a .pdf or combining multiple images into a single document. While they perform the advertised tasks, they may also install hidden malware on users' computers.  This malware can grant criminals access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, banking details, cryptocurrency information, email addresses, and passwords.  …

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by Joe Lombardi
Sponsored Content,
Lifestyle
How to Find a Psychic Reading Near Me Regardless of Where You Are How to Find a Psychic Reading Near Me Regardless of Where You Are
How to Find a Psychic Reading Near Me Regardless of Where You Are Wondering, “Where can I get a psychic reading near me?” Discover the top sites where you can find reputable psychics who can give you reliable advice and guidance. Purple Garden Seeking guidance and insight into your life's questions? Then, you might have tried searching for a “psychic reading near me.” These mystical experiences allow you to tap into the supernatural to better understand your past, present, and future. Are you curious about love, career, or simply seeking clarity? We’ll help you explore the best psychic sites like Purple Garden. Discover how you can find profess…

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Content Partner: Artemis Marketing
White Plains, NY
Business
Scammers Are Creating Fake Customer Service Numbers In Google Searches: What To Know Scammers Are Creating Fake Customer Service Numbers In Google Searches: What To Know
Scammers Are Creating Fake Customer Service Numbers In Google Searches: What To Know New reports reveal that scammers are trying to trick Google into showing their fake numbers pretending to offer reputable services, and many are getting away with it. Google sometimes highlights impostors during searches for airlines, banks, as well as local businesses, according to a brand-new report in The Washington Post. A victim who called what Google listed as Coinbase customer support was scammed out of $100,000 in 20 minutes by an impostor, Fortune reports. Google told The Washington Post that it uses several methods to determine whether business listings are legitimate, inclu…

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by Joe Lombardi
Mahopac, NY
Schools
Hudson Valley School District Vulnerable To Online Security Disruptions: Report Hudson Valley School District Vulnerable To Online Security Disruptions: Report
Hudson Valley School District Vulnerable To Online Security Disruptions: Report A new report from the Office of the New York State Comptroller has discovered a Hudson Valley school district is particularly vulnerable to online security disruptions.  The report, issued earlier in January by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli following an audit performed by his office, found that the Garrison Union Free School District in Putnam County did not adequately secure its online network user accounts and has sensitive information technology control weaknesses.  Additionally, the report found that the district's staff did not have sufficient guidance or plans i…

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by Ben Crnic
Paterson, NJ
Politics
'Jews Did 9/11:' Racist, Antisemitic Hackers Disrupt Passaic Council Meeting (VIDEO) 'Jews Did 9/11:' Racist, Antisemitic Hackers Disrupt Passaic Council Meeting (VIDEO)
'Jews Did 9/11:' Racist, Antisemitic Hackers Disrupt Passaic Council Meeting (Video) A live-streamed Passaic City Council meeting was disrupted by antisemitic hackers spewing racial slurs. Just more than 17 minutes into the Oct. 24 meeting, the hackers interrupted Mayor Hector Lora praising the city's police department (scroll for video). "Jews did 9/11. Israel did 9/11. Jews [unintelligible]. Shut up [racial slur]. You're a [racial slur]. Alright, so when are we going to put these Jews in these..." The mic cuts out. Passaic's Mayor and Council reflects the city's diverse population, being comprised of Orthodox Jewish, Latino, and Black members.  Officials request the ha…

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by Cecilia Levine
Fair Lawn-Glen Rock, NJ
News
Bergen Scam Victim Literally Gift-Wraps $25,000 In Cash Bergen Scam Victim Literally Gift-Wraps $25,000 In Cash
Bergen Scam Victim Literally Gift-Wraps $25,000 In Cash Yes, it’s difficult to believe, but an unwitting North Jersey victim literally gift-wrapped $25,000 in cash for a scammer to steal. It happened to a 75-year-old Glen Rock resident who got a pop-up home computer message directing her to contact Apple/Microsoft "due to an issue with their computer,” Police Chief Dean Ackermann said. The victim used the number provided by the scammer rather than do an independent search herself for whom to call, the chief said. A purported representative who answered told her that it would cost $25,000 to resolve the issue. So the victim withdrew the cash fr…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Darien, CT
Police & Fire
Darien Police Offer Residents Guidance On Preventing Holiday Package Thefts Darien Police Offer Residents Guidance On Preventing Holiday Package Thefts
Darien Police Offer Residents Guidance On Preventing Holiday Package Thefts Police are offering residents guidance on preventing the theft of holiday packages. During the holiday season, there is an increase in online shopping, which means the items will be shipped to your home, said Sgt. Dan Skoumbros, of the Darien Police Department in Fairfield County.  Skoumbros said there are concerns that package thefts will increase in the coming weeks.  To make sure you hold onto all of your gifts, police are offering some tips to ensure a safe holiday season. Package Theft: Have your package delivered to your workplace. Require a signature for deliv…

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by Kathy Reakes
Yonkers, NY
Politics
NY Post Fires Employee For False, Racist, Violent Content Targeting Politicians NY Post Fires Employee For False, Racist, Violent Content Targeting Politicians
NY Post Fires Employee For False, Racist, Violent Content Targeting Politicians A series of racist, violent headlines that were posted on the website and Twitter account of the New York Post on Thursday, Oct. 27, were carried out by an employee, Variety reports.  In a statement to the outlet, a spokesperson for the Post said an investigation had revealed that the “unauthorized conduct” was an inside job and the employee responsible has been fired. “This morning, we immediately removed the vile and reprehensible content from our website and social media accounts,” the spokesperson said. The news organization did not reveal the employee’s name. The New York Post ha…

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by Michael Mashburn
Armonk, NY
News
1.1M Accounts Compromised In Cyberattacks Of 17 Companies, NY AG Investigation Finds 1.1M Accounts Compromised In Cyberattacks Of 17 Companies, NY AG Investigation Finds
1.1M Accounts Compromised In Cyberattacks Of 17 Companies, NY AG Investigation Finds An investigation by the New York Attorney General's Office found that more than 1.1 million accounts were compromised in cyberattacks of 17 companies. Attorney General Letitia James said in an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 5, that the "Credential Stuffing Attacks" involve repeated, automated attempts to access accounts by using information stolen from other websites. James said often people reuse the same passwords on different sites, which allows cybercriminals to use stolen passwords on other websites.  “Right now, there are more than 15 billion stolen credentials being circu…

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by Nicole Valinote
Ridgefield, CT
News
COVID-19: Warning For Vaccine Scams Issued By Lamont, Other State Officials COVID-19: Warning For Vaccine Scams Issued By Lamont, Other State Officials
Covid-19: Warning For Vaccine Scams Issued By Lamont, Other State Officials Gov. Ned Lamont is warning Connecticut residents to be wary of new vaccination scams that have been making the rounds in the wake of the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. An alert was issued by Lamont and the Department of Health warning that "as the COVID-19 vaccine continues to become available to more people, they should be aware of potential scams related to the vaccine and be on the lookout for certain warning signs that can help them avoid being scammed.” Lamont made note that anyone from a legitimate vaccination distribution site in Connecticut will never ask for bank account informat…

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by Zak Failla
Brentwood, NY
News
Alert Issued For Phony Amazon Callers, Emails Seeking Info Alert Issued For Phony Amazon Callers, Emails Seeking Info
Alert Issued For Phony Amazon Callers, Emails Seeking Info Con artists are calling and emailing Amazon users and attempting to obtain their log in information and credit card number by posing as Amazon employees.  According to the Better Business Bureau, victims are met with a recorded message claiming to be from Amazon, notifying them of problems with their Amazon account ranging from supposed fraudulent charges on Amazon Prime cards to damaged packages to unfulfilled orders that the victim never placed.  The callers are reportedly using phone numbers of reputable organizations--like the Better Business Bureau--to lend them credibility. …

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by Christina Coulter
Torrington, CT
Lifestyle
Alert Issued For Netflix 'Update Your Payment' Email Scam Alert Issued For Netflix 'Update Your Payment' Email Scam
Alert Issued For Netflix 'Update Your Payment' Email Scam A phishing scam is taking on new life as many use streaming services more frequently during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Forbes, the legitimate-looking email prompting users to update their Netflix payment information comes complete with Netflix logos and bypasses most email spam filters. The scam email, titled "Notice of Verification Failure", reportedly takes Netflix users that are fooled into clicking to a convincing CAPTCHA page, which also has Netflix branding.  From there, victims of the scam are taken to a Netflix lookalike page, where they are prompted to enter their Ne…

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by Christina Coulter
Mount Pleasant, NY
Police & Fire
Police Issue Alert To Area Residents For Screen-Sharing Scam Police Issue Alert To Area Residents For Screen-Sharing Scam
Police Issue Alert To Area Residents For Screen-Sharing Scam Police are warning of a new scam involving instances of fraud stemming from screen-sharing software that gives scammers access to personal computers and smartphones. The scams that involve remote access software being used to target devices, one of which was recently used on an area resident. Police said that a fraudster posing as a customer care executive from Amazon advised the victim that a “fraud alert” has been placed on their account. The victim acknowledged that they had an Amazon account but did not have the Amazon app on their phone. The fraudster took this opportunity to direct…

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by Zak Failla
Torrington, CT
Police & Fire
Don't Fall For It: Victim Loses $1.6K In Facebook COVID-19 Scam, Police Say Don't Fall For It: Victim Loses $1.6K In Facebook COVID-19 Scam, Police Say
Don't Fall For It: Victim Loses $1.6K In Facebook Covid-19 Scam, Police Say Local law enforcement agencies are warning area residents to be wary of a Facebook scam as fraudsters continue exploiting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. On Sunday, June 14, police investigators in New York received a complaint from a local resident who claimed she was scammed through Facebook. According to police, the victim alleged that she received a private message from a contact on her “friends list” that stated she was stranded out of the country due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The scammer then asked for money to get back to the country. Police said that the victim delivered …

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by Zak Failla
Monsey, NY
News
COVID-19: Beware Of Scammers Posing As Contact Tracers, FTC Says COVID-19: Beware Of Scammers Posing As Contact Tracers, FTC Says
Covid-19: Beware Of Scammers Posing As Contact Tracers, FTC Says Some opportunistic fraudsters are taking advantage of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis by posing as contact tracers hired by the state to obtain personal information and money. Since the outbreak began, state officials have stressed the importance of ramping up COVID-19 testing, then tracing the people they’ve come into contact with, and isolating those people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “contact tracing, a core disease control measure employed by local and state health department personnel for decades, is a key strategy for preventing further spread…

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by Zak Failla
Massapequa, NY
News
Scam Alert: Don't Fall For This Amazon Hoax Scam Alert: Don't Fall For This Amazon Hoax
Scam Alert: Don't Fall For This Amazon Hoax With the holiday seasons fast approaching, officials are warning of a “new phone scam that has been making the rounds targeting Amazon users. According to police, area residents have reported receiving an automated phone call from a fraudster claiming to be from Amazon in need of discussing a recent order. Officials said that the largest are instructed to press “1” to cancel the order or “2” to speak with a representative. No matter what button is pressed, the message states that the order is canceled and in order to fix it, the target must call an 800 number to speak with someone directly.…

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by Zak Failla
Mamaroneck, NY
News
Scam Warning: New Alert Issued For Unsolicited Apple Phishing Calls Scam Warning: New Alert Issued For Unsolicited Apple Phishing Calls
Scam Warning: New Alert Issued For Unsolicited Apple Phishing Calls Police agencies are issuing warnings of a new Apple scam that has been making the rounds targeting iPhone users. A new alert has been issued cautioning that users have been receiving phone calls from fraudsters who make the call from a spoofed number that comes across the screen as “Apple.” According to police, you’re told that your account has been compromised or some other issue exists with your iPhone, laptop or other devices. The purported remedy is to purchase gift cards, and provide the serial numbers of said gift cards to the scammer on the other end of the phone. In Westchest…

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by Zak Failla
DV Plus - Westchester, NY
Schools
Westchester Library System Attacked By Ransomware Virus Westchester Library System Attacked By Ransomware Virus
Westchester Library System Attacked By Ransomware Virus A ransomware virus attack on the Westchester Library System is being investigated, an IT official said in July. Public access PCs were turned off temporarily as a precaution and restored to service on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6. In a public statement to library system patrons, WLS announced that the "virus disabled servers that control services used by PCs such as network management, printing and authentication." "The server that contains patron data, the circulation system and online catalog was not impacted by this event and no data breach is suspected," the announceme…

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by Jon Craig
Greenwich, CT
News
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI
Don't Be A Victim Of Credit Card Fraud: Here Are Steps To Take From FBI The FBI is warning consumers in the area to be wary of falling victim to scammers involved in credit card fraud schemes. The Bureau issued an alert this week, offering a series of tips to avoid becoming the latest victim of credit card fraud. According to the FBI, "credit card fraud is the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card, or similar payment tool (ACH, EFT, recurring charge, etc.), to fraudulently obtain money or property. Credit and debit card numbers can be stolen from unsecured websites or can be obtained in an identity theft scheme." Tips provided by the FBI include: Don’t …

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by Zak Failla
Mount Pleasant, NY
Police & Fire
Scam Alert: 'Spoofing' Calls Being Made By Scammers Pretending To Be Cops, Municipal Officials Scam Alert: 'Spoofing' Calls Being Made By Scammers Pretending To Be Cops, Municipal Officials
Scam Alert: 'Spoofing' Calls Being Made By Scammers Pretending To Be Cops, Municipal Officials Police are alerting residents to a "spoofing" scam in which the callers pretend to be police officers or other municipal officers in an attempt to solicit money and sensitive personal information. On Friday, Jan. 25, a town resident reported receiving a suspicious phone call that appeared to originate from the Greenburgh Police Department, Chief Chris McNerney said on Saturday, Jan. 26.  The caller claimed to be a Greenburgh police officer and wanted to discuss the woman's credit report.  "Fortunately, the resident became suspicious and hung up the phone," McNerney said. "We…

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by Daily Voice
Stamford, CT
News
Cybercriminals Targeting Online Payroll Accounts Of Employees, FBI Says Cybercriminals Targeting Online Payroll Accounts Of Employees, FBI Says
Cybercriminals Targeting Online Payroll Accounts Of Employees, FBI Says Cybercriminals are targeting online payroll accounts of employees in order to change bank account info and redirect direct deposits, according to the FBI. The federal government has received complaints reporting cybercriminals are targeting the online payroll accounts of employees in a variety of industries. Institutions most affected are education, healthcare and commercial airlines. Cybercriminals reportedly target employees through phishing emails designed to capture an employee’s login credentials, according to the FBI.  Once the cybercriminal has obtained an employee’s credentials, th…

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by Jon Craig
Paterson, NJ
Police & Fire
Clifton Middle School Student Accused Of Threat Clifton Middle School Student Accused Of Threat
Clifton Middle School Student Accused Of Threat CLIFTON, N.J. -- A Clifton eighth-grader must go before a family court judge after being accused of making an online threat against the Woodrow Wilson Middle School. Security was boosted at the school after authorities were notified of the undisclosed threat, which one parent said was made in a video game. Although no weapons were involved, authorities took the situation very seriously. The eighth-grader was brought to headquarters and issued a juvenile delinquency complaint as part of an investigation conducted by city police in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. B…

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by Jerry DeMarco