What is a VPN and How Does it Work?
A VPN is a service that hides your IP address and encrypts your data to ensure your online privacy. Think of it as a private tunnel that allows you to connect to the internet without being tracked or traced.
What is Credential Stuffing?
Hackers can use different techniques and methods to steal your passwords. One way they can use your stolen personal data is called credential stuffing. Read on to learn more about what credential stuffing entails and how you can help protect yourself. Credential Stuffing Defined Credential stuffing is a type of security breach in which hackers [...]
What is Shoulder Surfing?
Shoulder surfing is a type of identity theft practice where someone tries to steal confidential information by spying over their target's shoulder. The objective of shoulder surfing is to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers or personal identification numbers (PINs) that can later be used to access accounts for financial gain.
Check Scams are on the Rise – Here’s How to Keep Safe
Check scams are staging a comeback as criminals continue to seize on the confusion the COVID-19 pandemic has created in people’s lives and finances. Recently, Wells Fargo sent a message to bank customers warning them to be on the lookout for check scammers. One age group in particular – the 18 to 24 group – [...]
Here Are Key Findings from the New FBI Internet Crime Report
This past year, most Americans were focused on the pandemic and dealing with the economic impact and disruptions to their daily life. At the same time, criminals took advantage of new economic programs, a distracted public and an increase in online activity to commit fraud in record numbers. The information released in the FBI 2020 [...]
Here Are the Top 3 Online Scams and How to Avoid Them
The recent Federal Bureau of Investigations Internet Crime Report shows that cybercrime has spiked, leaving hundreds of thousands of victims and costing more than $4 billion. The FBI received a record number of reports last year totaling 791,790, a 69% growth from 2019. Moreover, losses due to internet crime increased by $700 million, growing from [...]
What Do I Do if My Social Security Card is Stolen?
When your Social Security card is stolen, it can be a major cause for concern. The primary concern with a stolen Social Security card is identity theft. With just your Social Security number, identity thieves can wreak havoc in your name, negatively impacting your credit, finances and even commit crimes in your name. As soon [...]
How to Know the Difference Between the Deep Web and Dark Web
The deep web and dark web both aren't listed by search engines such as Google and Yahoo, but the dark web can contain illegal activity.
What is Digital Identity?
Your digital identity encompasses all the information that exists about you in digital form. In this article will dive into detail about what it is and how you can protect it.
What is Dark Web Monitoring?
Dark web monitoring is a service that scans the dark web for signs that your personal information is being used fraudulently. While the dark web serves many legitimate functions, the anonymity of it also attracts people who are buying and selling illegal goods and services – including stolen personal information. With so many data breaches [...]
Your New Stimulus Check Might Not Be Safe From Cybercriminals
COVID-19 brought on many unexpected consequences, including what some are calling the cyber pandemic. Cybersecurity threats soared to all new highs last year and continue to increase as many professionals move to remote work and Americans increase their online presence in an attempt to social distance. A New Threat Now, cybercriminals have their eye on [...]
How Can I Protect My Personal Information After a Data Breach?
On average there are three data breaches a day, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. So, that means your personal information might be at risk. If you’ve been notified you have been compromised in a data breach or suspect your personal information has been exposed, here are some concrete steps you can take to [...]
How Cybercriminals Use Stolen Personal Data for Tax Fraud
When an identity thief has purchased your personal information from a data breach, they can use it for all manner of malicious purposes. One common use is tax fraud. This means a criminal might have purchased your bank account details and tax documents online and then have authenticated access to your bank account. Then the [...]
How Cybercriminals Profit from a Data Breach
If you’re still under the impression that hacking is restricted to hoodie-wearing individuals in darkened rooms, then you might be vastly underestimating the scale of the data breach problem. Last year alone more than 300 million consumers were impacted by data breaches, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Let’s break down how cybercriminals [...]
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Post a Photo of Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card Online
You may have noticed that nestled in with baby announcements, social-distancing birthday photos and dog snaps, social media posts are now also featuring people celebrating getting their COVID-19 vaccinations. It’s natural that after a year of living under pandemic restrictions people are eager to share their experiences with the shot. One thing you should avoid [...]
What is Identity Theft Insurance?
Identity theft insurance is a type of insurance policy that can help victims recover from losses caused by identity theft. It may be offered as a standalone policy, or as a benefit with other types of insurance or identity protection plans. Not all identity theft insurance policies offer the same level of coverage. If you’re [...]
Looking for Love Online? Be Aware of Scammers and Fraud
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are trying online dating for the first time. Unfortunately, scammers are looking to take advantage of that. Especially during Valentine’s Day and the season of love, singles looking to make that special love connection via an online dating app need to be particularly aware of online romance scams. MatchGroup, [...]
How to Help Avoid Tax Identity Theft
Every year, tax season presents a seasonal opportunity for criminals seeking monetary gain from identity theft. There are many ways that scammers may try to obtain personal information, but the end goal is to file a falsified tax return in the taxpayer’s name and claim a tax refund. The scheme may not be discovered until [...]
Suspected Second Cyberattack Linked to Flaws in SolarWinds Software
News agencies are reporting a possible second data breach using flaws in the SolarWinds software, this time with suspected Chinese hackers infiltrating U.S. payroll agency systems. Sources have disclosed another cybersecurity breach in the SolarWinds software that took place last year, affecting the National Finance Center, a federal payroll agency. Officials fear the breach might [...]
How to Help Protect Your Credit Health When You Missed a Bill Payment
Life is hectic and it’s easy to miss details sometimes, even when that detail happens to be a bill coming due. Making your payments on time can be tough when you’re having financial troubles or simply juggling a lot of responsibilities. It’s important to pay your bills on time to protect your credit health. Late [...]
Cybercrime and Fraud on the Rise During COVID-19 Pandemic
During the coronavirus pandemic, there’s been a direct correlation with the rise of online activity, data breaches and identity theft. As many Americans' personally identifiable information goes digital, it’s becoming increasingly vulnerable to hacks and theft by cybercriminals who profit from access to online accounts. This past year, in particular, internet services have experienced anywhere [...]
5 Data Breaches You May Have Missed
The news cycle has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the presidential election, nationwide protests and a whole lot more. With all that transpired over the last few months, and even with the SolarWinds cyberattack making headlines, it might be easy to forget that data breaches and hacks continue to expose the personal information of [...]
Don’t Fall Victim to COVID-19 Vaccine Phishing Schemes
As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to become available to more people, be aware of potential scams related to the vaccine. It’s important to stay vigilant to certain warning signs that can help you avoid being scammed. Two vaccines to prevent coronavirus infections have now been granted authorization for emergency use. Every day thousands of more [...]
4 Identity Theft Myths to Stop Believing
Identity theft has been around for a long time, and it continues to evolve and adapt with the times. With the variety of scams out there, it’s easy to get bogged down in rumors and half-truths. When it comes to identity theft, you need to avoid believing misinformation and spreading it to others. Here are [...]
2 Things You Can Do to Help Reach Your Credit Goals in the New Year
The start of a new year is a great time to reassess your financial health and implement habits that help positively impact your credit profile. Monitoring your credit report and identity is the best place to start your financial resolutions since it can have a ripple effect in other aspects of your life as the [...]
Here Are the Top-10 IdentityIQ Topics of the Year
This past year has been unlike any other. As we start a hopefully better 2021, we are taking a look back at the most searched and visited topics on the IdentityIQ blog during 2020. This list clearly shows that consumers are concerned about protecting their identity; paying down debt; learning how credit card debt impacts [...]
Here’s How the Recent SolarWinds Cyberattack on U.S. Agencies and Companies Affects You
Cybersecurity experts are still trying to determine the scale of damage wrought by a recent cyberattack using SolarWinds software on the U.S. government and Fortune 500 companies. The attack aimed at the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments as well as international companies continued for months until it was discovered by FireEye, a cybersecurity company that [...]
How Oversharing About Your Kids on Social Media Can Lead to Identity Theft
Every day, criminals scour the internet for personal information they can use to commit fraud and identity theft. In this digital age, individuals need to take steps to protect their privacy and information from fraudsters. This is as true for children as it is for adults, as kids can be victims of identity theft well [...]
Report: Russian Hackers Behind Cyberattack at U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments
The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are investigating a cyberattack by Russian-linked hackers that have infiltrated the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments. The cyberespionage campaign is being described at one of the largest hacks against U.S. government agencies in the last five years. Sources close to the investigation are reporting Russia is behind [...]
How Multiple Credit Cards Can Affect Your Credit Score
To use a credit card for establishing credit, you need to have at least one open card that can be reported to the credit bureaus. But beyond that, there’s no definitive number of cards you need to have in your wallet for good credit. While your credit cards directly impact your credit, the number of [...]
Home Depot to Pay $17.5 Million for Data Breach Affecting 40 Million Customers
Home Depot officials have agreed to a $17.5 million settlement for a 2014 data breach that exposed the information of 40 million customers. The home improvement company reached the agreement with the attorney generals of 46 states and the District of Columbia. The settlement stems from a 2014 data breach where hackers were able to [...]
Fake Employer Scams Soar During Coronavirus Pandemic
As unemployment numbers continue to climb, so do fake employer scams that are preying on those searching for work. In fact, there have been triple-digit increases in fake employer scams that aim to gain access to personal and financial information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online human resources schemes where criminals pose as potential employers have [...]
As Holidays Approach, Be Aware of the Growing Threat of Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud and identity theft are exploding as thieves prey on consumers’ COVID-19 pandemic spending habits and desire for contactless shopping. With the holidays approaching, you need to be extra vigilant. According to the Federal Trade Commission, credit card fraud has been one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft. Reports of credit card [...]
Don’t Let a Phishing Scam Ruin Your Holiday
The holidays no doubt can offer many of us some respite from this chaotic year. However, the season also creates an opportunistic time for cybercriminals to take advantage of your good cheer and deliver some real damage to your personal finance credentials. Pandemic shopping habits mean more of us are going to be online during [...]
Credit Card Fraud Can Happen to Anyone – Even TV Personality Sharon Osborne and Rocker Husband Ozzy
Anyone can fall victim to credit card fraud. Take television personality Sharon Osborne, for instance. “The Talk” host recently shared with viewers she and rocker husband Ozzy were credit card fraud victims. Osbourne revealed, “Someone rang up charges and maxed out Ozzy's card and my card. I called through to the credit card company, and [...]
With Job Scams On the Rise During COVID-19, Here Are Tips on How to Help Avoid Falling Prey GalleryWith Job Scams On the Rise During COVID-19, Here Are Tips on How to Help Avoid Falling Prey
Articles, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Credit Monitoring, Education, Featured Articles, Headline, Identity Theft, Newsroom, Scams and Fraud
With Job Scams On the Rise During COVID-19, Here Are Tips on How to Help Avoid Falling Prey
Work-from-home jobs have always been a target of scammers. Now, amid the COVID-19 crisis, these jobs have become even larger targets. Complaints about scams for certain business and job-related opportunities have spiked this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau (BBB). This uptick comes as the United States [...]
How to Help Protect Minor Children from Synthetic Identity Theft
According to the Federal Reserve, synthetic identity theft is one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft in the country. Synthetic identity theft occurs when a criminal uses a combination of real and falsified data to create a fictional identity for financial gain and other fraud. Children are particularly appealing victims for synthetic identity [...]
Malware Attack Suspected in Barnes & Noble Data Breach
A malware attack is suspected in a recent Barnes & Noble data breach that exposed customer information. The attack also led to some customers not being able to access their e-reader Nook libraries and the temporary shutdown of cash registers at the bookstores’ physical locations. Barnes & Noble officials said the cyberattack took place earlier [...]
How to Help Protect a Deceased Loved One from Identity Theft
No one is completely safe from identity theft – not even after they die. In a form of identity theft known as “ghosting”, criminals can use a deceased person’s personal information to file false tax returns, claim Social Security benefits, open fraudulent loans and credit cards and more. Millions of deceased Americans have their identity [...]
Phishing Attacks Targeting Employee Credentials on the Rise During COVID-19
A recent report by cybersecurity company GreatHorn found that companies experience an average of 1,185 phishing attacks every month. Even though the success rate of these phishing attacks is at a deceivingly low 6%, it means 71 of those are still successful and in need of remediation. The report found that 15% of organizations are [...]
Shopify Data Breach Affects E-Commerce Merchants and Exposes Customer Information
E-commerce company Shopify recently disclosed the discovery of a data breach that affected customer data and transaction details for fewer than 200 merchants who use their platform. Shopify has reported the data breach to law enforcement including the FBI and other international agencies. According to the statement, two rogue employees on the customer support team [...]
Phishing and Malware Attacks Most Common Techniques for Credential Theft
Every day we use our personal information for access to online accounts, smart devices and other resources. This happens so frequently that the sensitivity of credential information can be taken for granted. A recent study by password management company LastPass found that a staggering 61 percent of business users reuse the same passwords for multiple [...]
Payment Fraud on the Rise in Free-to-Play Gaming Platforms
Rise of the Gaming Industry and the Free-to-Play Model Over the past decade, the gaming industry has seen the rise of a new trend: the free-to-play (F2P) business model. While games released under this model require no upfront cost to play, game developers are making money by giving gamers the option of making in-game purchases [...]
One of Largest IT Staffing Agencies in U.S. Reports Data Breach
A ransomware attack has exposed the commercial and personal employee data of Artech Information Systems, one of the largest IT staffing agencies in the nation. The data breach occurred Jan. 5 – 8 after a bad actor gained access to company servers through an employee user account. Company officials said Social Security numbers, medical information, [...]
Move Forward with a Financial Wellness Plan
If this year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of being flexible enough to adapt to new environments. The COVID-19 outbreak has brought about an economic downturn that has forced more than 57 million Americans to apply for unemployment insurance. Learning how to confidently navigate through this financial uncertainty is essential. The first step [...]
Former Uber Executive Charged in Data Breach Cover Up
A former Uber executive has been charged with covering up a data breach affecting 57 million app users and drivers. Joe Sullivan, Uber’s former chief security officer, is facing obstruction of justice and other charges stemming from a 2016 data breach. The breach occurred when two men hacked a third-party server to steal the personal [...]
How to Help Protect Your Medical Records from Cybercriminals
Medical records are a prime target for cybercriminals, and data breaches are a frequent occurrence in the health care industry. These records are valuable because they may contain a large variety of personal information, including your name, address, insurance information, Social Security number (SSN) and medical history. Medical records can be used to commit many [...]
IDIQ Ranks on Inc. 5000 List as One of the Fastest-Growing Companies in America
IDIQ®, an industry leader in credit report and identity theft monitoring, has earned a coveted spot on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation. IDIQ received the rank of No. 94 in the Consumer Products & Services category and No. 1,079 overall on the Inc. magazine list with [...]
How Teletherapy Can Help Gig Workers & Others
The COVID-19 outbreak has brought a lot of uncertainty into the lives of many Americans. Over the span of just a few months, the number of unemployed individuals rose by 14 million. In response, many people have turned to the “gig economy” for supplemental income. The Labor Market The gig economy refers to the share [...]
Google and Amazon Customers Top List of Brand Phishing Targets
Scammers are now targeting Google and Amazon customers the most frequently with brand phishing attacks, according to a new report. A recent study by security company Check Point found that Google and Amazon customers tie for the most phishing attempts aiming to steal their personal information at 13% of total attacks during the second quarter [...]
How to Avoid Coronavirus Contact Tracer Scams
Across the country, states have implemented contact tracing programs to help track the spread of the coronavirus. Contact tracing is the process of finding individuals who have come in contact with a person who has COVID-19, learning about their movements and asking them to quarantine or monitor their symptoms. Contact tracers are hired by their [...]
How to Prepare for the End of Student Loan Forbearance During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act temporarily placed federal student loans in forbearance, pausing payments and interest accrual through Sept. 30 of this year. Without further federal intervention, payments resume in a few short months. While it’s possible the forbearance might be extended, borrowers should start preparing to resume payments this October. If [...]
Can Losing Your Job During the Coronavirus Pandemic Affect Your Credit Score?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the unemployment rate to surge. As those facing unemployment worry about their loss of income, finding a new job and even unemployment scams, they also may have concerns on how unemployment affects their credit. Luckily, your current employment status does not appear on your credit report or directly affect your [...]
FTC Warning of Cryptocurrency Scams After Twitter Hacks
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued a warning on a popular new cryptocurrency scam that tricks victims into sending money. The FTC warning comes after high-profile celebrities’ and national leaders’ Twitter accounts were hacked earlier this month with scammers sending out fake tweets telling followers to send money using the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Victims ranged [...]
Student Credit Cards Can Help Students Establish Credit
This fall, college students are returning to school or logging on from a distance during a time of deep economic insecurity. While the coronavirus pandemic may have devastated some job opportunities, there are still ways for college students to work on establishing financial independence before they graduate. Having a strong credit history can help students [...]
MGM Resorts Data Breach Might Have Impacted More Than 200 Million Guests
An MGM Resorts data breach that exposed the personal information of hotel guests, including high-profile celebrities and business leaders, has affected millions more guests than originally thought, according to new reports. The MGM Resorts data breach was first reported early last year with more than 10.6 million guests affected. However, this month, a hacker placed [...]
Cybercriminals Targeting Healthcare Industry Along with Coronavirus-Related Scams
As headlines focus on coronavirus-related scams, the related healthcare industry also continues to be a top target for cybercriminals. This year alone more than 3 million patient records have been exposed. Here are the top-five healthcare data breaches so far this year. 1. Health Share of Oregon More than 654,000 patients had their records breached [...]
4 Credit Moves to Make When You Move Back in With Your Parents
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, a record 32 million adult Americans lived with their parents or grandparents as of April. The pandemic is one likely culprit, but other factors – including housing costs and high student debt – have contributed to this phenomenon for years. Moving back in with your parents may [...]
IDIQ® Offers Identity Theft Protection for 3 Months Free for Those Impacted by COVID-19
Temecula, California, July 1, 2020 – IDIQ®, the company behind the credit report and identity theft monitoring IdentityIQ® brand, announced today an offer of three months at no cost and then 50% off each following month of its industry-leading services to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Scott Hermann, IDIQ CEO, said the three-months-free and [...]
Tips on Bringing in Additional Income During COVID-19
There’s no surprise that COVID-19 has impacted people and businesses in all kinds of negative ways within the past couple of months. Unemployment rates have risen quickly, and many businesses have had to close due to inactivity. To help those looking for additional income, here is a list of survey-taking jobs that are easy to [...]
Report: Data Breaches Cost Public Companies on Average $116 Million
How expensive is a data breach for a big company? A recent report by Audit Analytics provides insight to this question in a study that sampled 639 cybersecurity breach incidents at public companies in the last nine years. The report, “Trends in Cybersecurity Breach Disclosures,” found the cost of a data breach directly relates to the life cycle of an incident and on the sensitivity of the compromised customer information. According to the study, the longer the life [...]
What to Do with Credit Card Travel Rewards During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has canceled travel plans across the globe, and it’s likely to disrupt normal travel for some time. For the time being, there’s a good chance your vacation plans are canceled, and you’ll be stuck at home instead. If you have a travel rewards credit card, you may be wondering how to get [...]
Mortgage Lenders Tighten Borrowing Requirements in Response to Coronavirus
The coronavirus continues to upset the economy, and the housing market is no exception. As of last month, around 4 million homeowners have already requested mortgage forbearance with their lenders through the CARES Act forbearance program. Mortgage lenders are responding to the economic uncertainty by tightening credit requirements and making borrowers jump through more hoops [...]
Study: More Than Half of Online Users Still Using Same Password for Multiple Accounts
As social life continues to move into the online sphere, it becomes increasingly important to monitor and protect our online data. The average consumer has more than 27 online accounts and that number approaches 100 for millennials with only a handful of passwords being shared throughout all of them. Given that passwords are the first line of defense to protect personally identifiable [...]
Donating to Charity? Follow These Best Practices to Avoid Fraud
Whether you’re giving money to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic or supporting political activism, donating to charity is a worthy endeavor. If you’re donating to charity for the first time or you’ve been supporting your favorite causes for years, it’s a good idea to ensure your donation is safe and the charity [...]
Bank of America Discloses Payroll Protection Program Data Breach
Business clients applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans with Bank of America may have had their personal and business information exposed in a data breach, according to a letter the bank sent to affected customers. The data breach occurred on April 22 as Bank of America uploaded customers’ PPP loan applications to the Small [...]
Hacktivist Group Anonymous Attacks Minneapolis Police Department Website, Claims Data Breach
The hacktivist group Anonymous has taken credit for a cyberattack that took down the Minneapolis Police Department website to protest the death of George Floyd while in police custody. Before the cyberattack, hacktivist group members allegedly released a video on Facebook saying they were targeting the police department in order to seek justice for Floyd. [...]
Finding an Easy-to-Use Budget and Bill Tracker App Can Help Save Money
The coronavirus pandemic has left us with many unknowns, including concerns over our personal financial future. In fact, if COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that we need to budget for an emergency savings fund to plan for the unexpected. One way to make sure your financial future, including an emergency savings fund, is on [...]
How to Avoid Unemployment Benefits Scams During Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has created astonishing unemployment numbers, with nearly 39 million Americans applying for unemployment benefits since mid-March. States have struggled to keep up with the demand for unemployment benefits, resulting in glitches and long wait times to process applications and receive benefits. This dramatic increase in activity has provided scammers an opportunity to [...]
Memorial Day Celebration Includes 25% of Credit and ID Theft Protection for Military and Veterans
This Memorial Day we celebrate active duty and veteran military members for the sacrifices they’ve made for our country with 25% off IdentityIQ credit report and identity theft monitoring services. These services are especially important as active duty and veteran military members are a group at highest risk for identity theft. Because of long deployments [...]
FBI and Cybersecurity Agency Issue Warning China is Hacking Organizations and Companies Working on COVID-19 Research GalleryFBI and Cybersecurity Agency Issue Warning China is Hacking Organizations and Companies Working on COVID-19 Research
Articles, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Data Breaches, Digital Security, Education, Featured Articles, Headline, Newsroom
FBI and Cybersecurity Agency Issue Warning China is Hacking Organizations and Companies Working on COVID-19 Research
The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have issued a warning that China is attempting to hack the networks of U.S. organizations, pharmaceutical companies and health care professionals working on coronavirus research and vaccines. The federal agencies called research institutions, companies and others working on the COVID-19 response “prime targets” for Chinese cyberattacks. Federal [...]
How Early Detection Can Minimize the Damage Done by Identity Theft, Especially During COVID-19
Protecting your identity is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy credit and financial security. This is especially true in the age of COVID-19 scams, data breaches, cybersecurity threats and identity theft, when becoming a victim of fraud can do lasting damage to your credit and finances. The longer that identity theft continues unnoticed, the greater [...]
IDIQ launches DataBreachIQ services to help businesses prepare, manage data breaches
Temecula, California, May 12, 2020 – IDIQ, the company behind the credit and identity theft monitoring IdentityIQ® brand, today launched DataBreachIQ® services to help businesses prepare and manage data security breaches. The new service comes at a time when businesses are experiencing an unprecedented number of data breaches, including at the Small Business Administration during [...]
Zoom Acquires Startup with Encryption Expertise as it Aims to Increase Security During COVID-19 Pandemic GalleryZoom Acquires Startup with Encryption Expertise as it Aims to Increase Security During COVID-19 Pandemic
Articles, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Data Breaches, Digital Security, Education, Featured Articles, Headline, Newsroom
Zoom Acquires Startup with Encryption Expertise as it Aims to Increase Security During COVID-19 Pandemic
Zoom has acquired Keybase, a social networking service startup with encryption expertise, as part of the videoconferencing service’s plan to increase security during the coronavirus pandemic. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan recently announced the acquisition, calling it “another milestone in Zoom’s 90-day plan to further strengthen the security of our video communications platform.” Zoom did not [...]
Coronavirus Researchers Targeted in Cyberattacks
Cybercriminals are targeting research labs working on COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. Three research firms have recently experienced data breaches, including the Wuhan lab at the epicenter of the pandemic. Hackers attacked the Wuhan Institute of Virology to gain access to employee email credentials. The credentials have been leaked online. The Wuhan Institute of Virology attack [...]
Beware of Scammers Using Coronavirus Website Domain Names
Scammers have been registering coronavirus-related domain website names daily in order to commit fraud, according to new reports. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, cybercriminals have been registering malicious sites with names that include “coronavirus” and “COVID-19”. They also are using combinations of the pandemic names and the word “vaccine”. Reports are showing malicious [...]
Missing Your Stimulus Check? Another Option Might Help
Many Americans are depending on stimulus check payments to help them through unemployment, decreased hours and other financial hardships during the coronavirus pandemic. While the IRS has begun distributing stimulus check payments, there are still about 60 million people who are eligible for stimulus payments who have yet to receive their checks. What can you [...]
Small Business Association Data Breach Exposes Data of Nearly 8,000 Emergency Loan Applicants
A data breach in the Small Business Association (SBA) loan application portal may have exposed the personal information of thousands of businesses last month as they submitted emergency loan applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials recently announced. The SBA has seen a large influx of applications from struggling businesses seeking emergency loans due to the [...]
Hackers Preying on Pandemic: 5 Common Sense Tools to Protect Yourself
With hackers and scammers going to unprecedented lengths to steal information during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to know about tools you can use to help make it more difficult for criminals to access your information. While data security and identity theft are complicated issues, taking steps to reduce your exposure doesn’t have to be. [...]
FTC Reports $9 Million in Losses from Coronavirus Scams
From fake coronavirus vaccines to scammers targeting stimulus checks and small businesses seeking financial assistance, fraud involving COVID-19 fears is rampant. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported from January to April 15 it has received more than 18,000 complaints regarding coronavirus-related scams with about $9 million in losses. The complaints include sellers claiming to have [...]
Scammers Targeting Small Businesses Seeking Financial Assistance During Coronavirus Pandemic
Scammers are preying on small business owners looking for financial assistance to help survive the shutdowns during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Office of Inspector General has reported an increase in grant and loan frauds and phishing email scams falsely claiming to be a part of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) economic stimulus programs. [...]
4 Tips for a Smarter Emergency Savings Fund
As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, having an emergency savings fund is important for handling unexpected expenses. From job loss to reduced income to other unplanned issues, it is important to save up a few months’ worth of expenses to weather financial storms. Building a strong emergency savings fund takes more than slipping a [...]
What Small Businesses Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched the Paycheck Protection Program – part of the $349 billion COVID-19 economic stimulus package – to provide up to 100% forgivable loans to eligible businesses so they can keep workers on the payroll. Here’s helpful information for small businesses on the Paycheck Protection Program. 1. What are the [...]
How to Avoid Missing Bill Payments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused enormous financial insecurity across the country, with more than 10 million Americans applying for unemployment last month alone. If you’ve been financially affected, you’re probably worried about how you’re going to pay your bills. Timely bill payments aren’t just important to maintain your housing, services and other essentials. You [...]
Watch for Scammers Trying to Cash in on Your Coronavirus Stimulus Check
The federal government has approved stimulus checks as the country deals with the devastating fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19). However, these relief checks are giving scammers another avenue to try to steal your money and your personal information. For the stimulus package, relief checks for $1,200 are being sent to tax filers with an income [...]
Working From Home? Make Sure Your Data is Secure
As many of us are working from home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, now is the time to be especially vigilant when it comes to protecting personal and business data online. Here are three tips to help secure your data. 1. Use a virtual private network (VPN). Securing employee access with a VPN can give [...]
How to Receive Financial Assistance and Relief During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has already dealt a severe blow to the American economy and has caused financial insecurity for countless citizens. The situation seems poised to get worse before it gets better. If you’re experiencing financial hardship – such as a job loss or reduced income – because of COVID-19-related circumstances, there are local, state [...]
Carnival Corp. Cruise Lines Doubly Hit by Data Breach and Coronavirus
Cruise lines Princess Cruises and Holland America Line recently revealed they suffered a data breach, another hit to the cruise line industry that has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. Officials for the cruise lines, both owned by parent company Carnival Corp., said in May 2019 they identified suspicious activity on their servers and launched an [...]
4 Tips on How to Avoid Coronavirus Scams
As the COVID-19 pandemic has many people quarantined in their homes and worried about stretching their finances during this difficult time, some scammers are using coronavirus fears to take advantage of others. Here are 4 helpful tips on spotting scams capitalizing on the coronavirus, so you can avoid becoming a scam victim. 1. Be on [...]
How to Stretch Your Finances During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has already caused major disruption in the United States. The economy is suffering, businesses are reducing services or closing their doors and Americans are hunkering down to avoid spreading a global pandemic. The turmoil can put an enormous strain on the finances of millions of people. Many Americans may experience job loss, [...]
Cyberattack Aimed at U.S. Health Agency Suspected of Trying to Slow Coronavirus Response GalleryCyberattack Aimed at U.S. Health Agency Suspected of Trying to Slow Coronavirus Response
Articles, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Data Breaches, Digital Security, Education, Featured Articles, Headline, Newsroom
Cyberattack Aimed at U.S. Health Agency Suspected of Trying to Slow Coronavirus Response
Federal officials say the goal of a recent cyberattack on the U.S. Health and Human Services Department was to spread disinformation and disrupt the agency’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The cyberattack aimed to overload the agency’s servers by using automated users, or bots, to create millions of hits over a short period of time [...]
Can’t Afford Your IRS Tax Bill? Here are Your Options
After doing your taxes, you might find out you owe a hefty tax bill to the IRS. Millions of people owe the IRS every tax season and coming up with the money all at once can be a big financial burden. While you probably won’t be able to get out of paying the IRS, you [...]
Data Breach Reveals Virgin Media Customers’ Information, Including Requests for Porn
A data breach has exposed more than 900,000 Virgin Media customers’ personal information – including whether they’ve accessed pornography links. Virgin Media officials recently disclosed hackers were able to access customers’ personal information through an unsecured database. An unauthorized user accessed the database at least once after April 2019, officials said. The hackers had access [...]
Celebrating International Women’s Day with Cybersecurity’s Most Established Female Hacker
For International Women's Day 2020, IDIQ® cybersecurity influencer Gabby Oglesby interviewed Alyssa Miller, a very well-established hacker and security evangelist in the cybersecurity industry. She provided incredible cybersecurity tips – everything from unbreakable passwords to avoiding getting hacked on social media to protecting yourself over public Wi-Fi. Miller said people’s biggest mistake when getting hacked [...]
T-Mobile Hacked in Another Data Breach
T-Mobile has once again been hacked in a data breach. Company officials are alerting customers to a recent data breach that has put their personal information at risk. The newest data breach comes after the company experienced two data breaches in the last two years. T-Mobile reported a data breach exposing personal information of about [...]
4 Smart Financial Moves to Make with Your Tax Refund
When you receive a tax refund, it simply means that you've overpaid on your taxes for the previous year and the government is returning your money. But receiving a lump sum all at once can still feel like found money, and you may be tempted to splurge on something you’ve had your eye on, like [...]
‘Shark Tank’ Star Barbara Corcoran Victim of $400,000 Phishing Email Scam
Even a savvy millionaire can fall victim to a phishing email scam as “Shark Tank” judge Barbara Corcoran recently discovered. Corcoran, who has made millions investing, including in real estate, recently said she was the victim of a phishing email scam when her bookkeeper wired $388,700 to a fraudulent bank account in China. She said [...]
IDIQ CEO to Offer Identity-Theft Protection Tips on ‘Modern Living With kathy ireland’
The television show “Modern Living with kathy ireland®” is featuring the expertise of IDIQ® CEO Scott Hermann, one of the nation’s leading specialists in credit monitoring, identity theft protection and data breach management, in an interview set to air at 7:30 a.m. (EST) and 7:30 a.m. (PST) on Feb. 27 on WE tv. During the [...]
MGM Resorts Data Breach Affects More Than 10 Million Guests
More than 10 million guests who’ve stayed at MGM Resorts, including celebrities and high-profile CEOs, have had their personal information hacked in a data breach. MGM officials recently confirmed a data breach that exposed the information of about 10.6 million guests. MGM operates numerous properties in Las Vegas with celebrities such as Justin Bieber and [...]
Planning to Buy a Home? Don’t Forget These Hidden Home Costs
When you’re looking for a home to buy, you’re probably focused on two big numbers: the sale price of the home and the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. But these numbers only tell part of the story. There are many other upfront and ongoing costs – or hidden costs – that you may be [...]