Tag Archive for: Fall

Swansea Public Schools issues update regarding ransomware attack, return to school – Fall River Reporter

/in


Superintendent John Robidoux has issued an update regarding a ransomware attack on #Swansea Public Schools’ network.

On Tuesday, January 3rd, Swansea Public Schools’ network experienced a ransomware attack. Within minutes of this attack, Swansea Public Schools’ cybersecurity company, Hub Technology, was able to isolate the attack and shut down the network system.

While the district worked to resolve the attack, all schools were closed on Wednesday, January 4th.

The cybersecurity company, in collaboration with the district’s IT Department, was able to remove any viruses, worms and ransomware on the network and add additional security measures.

Through a preliminary investigation, it was determined that no personal student or staff information was compromised and no cloud-based files or information was affected by the attack.

It is believed that this attack occurred due to an encrypted download that was run by someone within the district, but is not believed to be malicious. Swansea Public Schools will continue to participate in ongoing KnowBe4 training to assist school community members in learning more about security awareness and how to identify phishing attacks.

“I am thankful that our district has security measures attached to our network that prevented a much larger issue from occurring,” Superintendent Robidoux said. “I would like to thank Randi Arruda, Gilly Pereira and Gio Pimental for their hard work in ensuring that we are able to resolve this matter efficiently and proceed with teaching and learning in a safe manner.”

School will resume tomorrow, Thursday, January 5, for all students at their regular times.

Source…

Royal Mail alert as ‘easy to fall for’ scam could ‘drain bank accounts’ | Personal Finance | Finance

/in


With the Royal Mail warning customers earlier this month that postage will be affected by striking workers, scammers have been seizing the opportunity to trick unsuspecting victims waiting for their parcels. Phishing attacks related to missed deliveries continue to be prevalent, making it vital to know what to look out for now more than ever.

The Royal Mail scam is simple, an email is sent out claiming that the person has missed a parcel or that it is being held. They are then redirected to a website that looks like the Royal Mail’s official site to arrange delivery.

They then have to enter their details on the site and depending on the version of the scam, they could either be asked to pay a small fee or call a premium rate phone number.

Jacco, computer security expert at Next Day Delivery, said: “This scam is known as a phishing scam and if you are waiting for a parcel or have ordered many gifts online this month then it’s easy to fall for.”

He continued: “The easiest way to tell if these emails are legitimate is to check the sending address of the emailer. You can do this on your computer or your phone by clicking on the person’s name.”

READ MORE: Martin Lewis scam ‘stealing money and personal data from thousands’

Verification code hijacking

Another common scam circulating is a malicious caller posing as a bank or another company with whom a person holds an account.

Mr Bulvshtein explained: “They’ll tell you there’s a problem with your account. They’ll then say that they’re sending a text message to you, with a code to prove your identity.

“By posing as an official company, they turn the tables on you. You’re put on the spot and expected to prove who you are. Actually, they’re the criminal, and they already have your password.”

He went on to say that the code the person might be handing over “will allow them to process a payment or log into your account” with two-factor authentication before warning that unfortunately, “many companies will no longer refund customers who willingly handed over a security passcode.”

Mr Bulvshtein suggested: “Be sure to use a password manager to create strong, secure, and unique passwords. Set up two-factor authentication on…

Source…

800,000 businesses fall victim to ransomware each year

/in


Malware comes in many forms — some download applications for complete control over your device, while others infiltrate your crypto wallets or read private messages. You can be targeted via email, fake websites, or even an innocent-looking photo editing program. Tap or click here for 36 malicious apps to watch out for.

Among the worst attacks is when hackers hold your documents, data and private information hostage. This is known as ransomware, which locks down your computer or device, cutting off your access. You can only regain control of your data if you pay the hackers their financial demand.

The larger the company, the more ransom is demanded. Read on to see what you can do to safeguard your files.

Here’s the backstory

Earlier this year, McDonald’s suffered a ransomware attack. Two months before that, payroll company Kronos experienced the same fate, causing millions to get their paychecks later than usual. Tap or click here to check out our full report.

Those are just two examples of ransomware that made it into the news, but research from Check Point indicates that one in 40 businesses fall victim to this kind of cybercrime every year. That might not seem like a lot until you realize that over 30 million businesses were operating in the U.S. in 2019.

That means over 800,000 companies are hit by ransomware annually. It’s easy to see why it’s such a lucrative venture for hackers, as ransom demands are often set in the millions of dollars per attack.

The average weekly attacks per organization worldwide reached a peak of 1,200 — an increase of 32% compared to last year. In addition, the most heavily attacked business sectors are education and research, increasing by 53%.

Another worrying statistic points to a 59% increase in ransomware globally compared to last year’s period. Africa was the hardest hit, while the U.S. saw a 1% increase, with average weekly attacks targeting one in 108 companies.

RELATED: Tech security tip: How to remove malware from your phone or computer

What you can do about it

The…

Source…

Google’s Pixel Watch to Compete With Apple Watch This Fall

/in


The first smartwatch featuring Google-built hardware and software is coming. At its I/O developer conference on Wednesday, Google officially announced the Pixel Watch, slated to arrive alongside the Pixel 7 (and presumably a new Apple Watch) this fall. 

On the design front, the new wearable will feature a domed circular face, a tactile crown, a recycled stainless steel case, and customizable bands. On the inside, it will run Wear OS, featuring an “improved” user interface “with more fluid navigations and smart notifications,” Google SVP Rick Osterloh said at the event. 

In terms of apps, the Pixel Watch will naturally feature several Google standbys, including Assistant, Home, Maps, and Wallet, along with “deep” Fitbit integration, according to Osterloh. 

Pixel Watch


Google Home on the Pixel Watch
(Image: Google)

The watch is voice-enabled, so you can ask Google Assistant for the weather forecast and more. With Google Maps, you can follow directions, even when cycling, right on the watch without having to bring your phone. Google Wallet on Wear OS will launch starting with support for payment cards, letting you check out in stores with a tap of your wrist. A new Google Home app for Wear OS will let you control and monitor compatible smart home devices including lights bulbs, security cameras, and thermostats from your watch. 

On the health and fitness end, the Pixel Watch will support continuous heart rate monitoring and automatic sleep tracking. It will also be the first Wear OS device to support Fitbit’s Active Zone Minutes metric. 

Pixel Watch


Google Maps on the Pixel Watch
(Image: Google)

That’s all Google has officially said about the Pixel Watch at this time. Osterloh promised more details in the coming months. 

Meanwhile, Google also tipped additional Wear OS devices from Fossil, Mobvoi, Montblanc, and Samsung launching later this year, but didn’t offer details.

Recommended by Our Editors

On the software side, Deezer and SoundCloud apps are slated to arrive on Wear OS in the near future, joining several other notable additions that have recently launched on the platform, including Adidas Running, KakaoTalk, Line, and Spotify. Google also plans to bring Emergency SOS to Wear OS later…

Source…