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Showing posts from November, 2024

A Wave of Threats and Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks.

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 A Wave of Threats and Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks Several members of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration have been targeted in a series of threats, including bomb scares and swatting incidents, according to Trump’s transition team and law enforcement agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively investigating the attacks, which have escalated tensions amid Trump’s preparation to return to the White House. High-Profile Targets The incidents included bomb threats and false emergency calls intended to provoke armed police responses at the homes of Trump’s Cabinet nominees and advisors. Notable targets include: Rep. Elise Stefanik , Trump’s pick for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, whose New York home was threatened with a bomb scare while she was en route with her family for Thanksgiving. Howard Lutnick , the nominee for secretary of commerce, whose home in New York was the subject of a terrorist bomb threat. Former Rep. Le...

Social Media Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season

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Social Media Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season As holiday shopping kicks into high gear with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shoppers are flocking to social media for deals and inspiration. But not all deals popping up on your feed are worth the click. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), online fraud reports skyrocketed in 2023, with over 29,000 cases—a staggering 116% increase from the previous year. Social Media: The Fraud Frontier The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that social media platforms have become the top source of fraud, with scammers targeting unsuspecting consumers through ads for popular and trending products. A few everyday items frequently used to bait shoppers include: Beauty products Viral social media items Puppies and rare animals Popular shoes Red Flags to Spot Scams Before clicking on that "too-good-to-be-true" deal, keep an eye out for these warning signs: Deep Discounts : Prices significantly lower than market rates are a maj...

Security Concerns Over Treasury-Related Scams Rise as BOI Compliance Tightens

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With the Treasury's new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, there is growing concern over a rise in scams and fraud schemes targeting individuals and businesses. The BOI requirements, intended to curb money laundering and enhance financial transparency, now mandate that corporations, LLCs, and similar entities report information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). However, as these regulations gain traction, so do scammers' attempts to exploit the system. Understanding BOI Compliance and Potential Vulnerabilities The BOI requirements require entities to disclose critical details about individuals who directly or indirectly own or control at least 25% of the company or exercise significant influence over it. The Treasury aims to reduce financial crime by ensuring greater accountability within businesses. However, criminals are capitalizing on the complexities of the reporting process, using phishing schem...

Protecting Election Infrastructure: Strengthening Cybersecurity Against Emerging Threats

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Protecting Election Infrastructure: Strengthening Cybersecurity Against Emerging Threats In an era of rising cyber threats to election infrastructure, safeguarding electoral integrity has become a top priority. Cybercriminals have increasingly focused on undermining the electoral process, targeting everything from voter registration databases to systems used at polling locations. Here’s a closer look at the main challenges, strategic considerations, and best practices for fortifying election cybersecurity. Challenges in Election Security Election systems are complex and often decentralized, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. The most significant challenges include: 1. Database Breaches: Voter registration databases containing sensitive information are prime targets for hackers. Unauthorized access to these databases can lead to data theft, manipulation, and even disenfranchisement of voters.     2. IT Infrastructure Threats: The IT systems supporting election processes, ...