Better Business Bureau names top scams of 2011
Last year showed that scammers will go to lengths to get personal information, credit card numbers and more from users. Internet security and common sense should be used, as the Better Business Bureau released their list of the top scams from last year, with the BBB phishing scam at the top.
Hackers expose Israelis' credit card information
Credit card information of thousands of Israeli people was released on the internet by hackers claiming to be Saudi Arabian this week. According to The Associated Press, it was a politically motivated attack. This shows that people, no matter where they are, should have good internet security protocol in place. Hackers called on web browsers to make illegal purchases with the cards, according to Israel News.
Phishing scam targets Apple users
Apple users have been getting hit by what experts have called a "well-crafted" phishing plan, according to International Business Times. An email, which the website said was "well-written and grammatically correct," was sent to owners of iPods, iPads, iPhones and iMacs regarding billing information. Antiphishing software can help users sniff out some of these scams.
How to protect data online
Even after getting antivirus software and internet security, users still need to make sure they are completely protecting their data, according to Neil Rubenking of PC Magazine. If a computer is lost, stolen or broken, data could be compromised in many different ways, he said, so people should hide data as much as possible with an encryption or other program.
Lady Gaga social media websites hacked for scam
The internet security of millions of Lady Gaga's "monsters" may be at risk, as her social media accounts were hacked in an effort to get the singer's fans to click on a link supposedly leading to a free iPad 2.
Final Fantasy creators get hit by hackers, 1.8 million users affected
Popular video game producer Square Enix was suspended in the United States and Japan after a hacker was able to access servers that held data of 1.8 million video gamers. Internet security precautions should be taken by the company to help protect its users after this breach.
Users should protect online money
Online banking users need to be aware of their online surroundings at all times. One wrong move can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars stolen. U.S. News & World Report suggests online banking customers use antivirus software and other precautions to stay safe online.
Smartphones can be safe for shopping if safety precautions are taken
When using a smartphone for anything involving payments or sensitive information, users should be careful, especially when putting a credit card number into an e-commerce website. Mobile antivirus software could be a good first step, and AARP senior editor Carole Fleck outlined whether it's safe to make purchase on a smartphone.
Most users use weak passwords, report finds
With the knowledge that cybercrime is on the rise, those who surf the internet should make sure they not only have internet security and other protective programs, but common sense should come into play as well. A report by Consumer Reports shows that 75 percent of Americans don't use the strongest type of passwords for sensitive accounts.
SMS spam and targeted financial fraud increasing in the US
As technology moves forward, so do those looking to take advantage of the technology, according to research by Cloudmark. The company said mobile security software could be used to protect users from SMS fraud and scams.
British police to examine possible climate email hacking
British police are looking into a possible hacking of climate scientists' emails, which appeared as a batch online. The University of East Anglia, where Climate Action Research Unit is considered a leading voice on climate science, said the leaked emails seemed to be carefully timed to create controversy. The university may need to get improved internet security to prevent future hacking.
Ways to keep hackers out of email accounts
With hackers gaining access to many Facebook users' accounts earlier this month, it follows that it is also much easier to gain access to email addresses that may be largely unprotected. Work Goes Hard said there are easy ways to increase internet security and keep hackers out of email accounts.
Too much information on social networking websites helps hackers
While an antivirus program is important to protect from viruses and malware, it is important for those who browse the internet and social media websites to use discretion. Ira Winkler, president and CEo of Internet Security Advisors Group, said all it takes is one person to compromise an organization on the internet, according to CRN.
Men more likely to fall for 'sexy stranger' Facebook scams
Men have been shown to be more gullible when it comes to falling for internet security threats on social media websites from "sexy strangers," according to a survey by an antivirus software company.