In the 80’s, train stations and church groups were the key places to meet boys. And despite the fact I tried very hard to keep this side of my life well away from my parents, I know for a fact that they worried!! Well, some things have clearly changed with social media and dating apps providing unlimited opportunities for teens to connect with romantic partners across the world. But one thing definitely hasn’t changed – parents are still worrying!!  Are All Teens Meeting Partners Online?  Despite what we may think, school is still the main place teens find their romantic partners acc ..read more

Yes, there is a Cyber Grinch. In fact, you’ll find evidence of an entire host of grinches online — the cybercrooks who, with the help of AI, create millions of online scams that crop up just in time to spoil the holiday season. But you can still shop safely, with a sharp eye and the right tools at your side.  This time of year always sees a boost in scams. After all, where shoppers go, scammers follow. Research from our McAfee Labs team found that scam volume ramps up 30% above average this time of year, kicking off in November and carrying over into the first week of the new y ..read more

It’s a common practice for many of us to share jokes, memes, and funny anecdotes with friends and family. With the advent of messaging and social media applications, this habit has become increasingly frequent and convenient, allowing humor to be shared at the click of a button. While we often perceive this as harmless fun, it’s essential to address a question that we don’t ask ourselves often enough: Are we forwarding jokes or inadvertently distributing spam? The aim of this article is to offer an in-depth look at where the line between seemingly innocent forwards and potentially harmful spa ..read more

Short-URL services have emerged as a crucial part of the way we use the Internet. With the increasing use of social media, where the number of characters is limited, short-URL services are a useful tool for reducing a URL’s length. However, this convenience also comes with a potential risk. The anonymity provided by these services can serve as a breeding ground for online threats. This article delves deeper into the potential risks associated with using short-URL services and how you can safeguard yourself from these threats. What are Short-URL Services? Short-URL services are online tools th ..read more

Smart technology has been on the rise, with internet-connected devices becoming increasingly common in our homes. From smart speakers to smart fridges, these devices are designed to make our lives easier and more efficient. However, they also raise new concerns about privacy and security. One device that has been gaining popularity is the smart coffee maker. While it may seem harmless, there are potential risks associated with this seemingly innocuous device. A smart coffee maker, like other smart appliances, connects to your home network, offering convenience features such as scheduling brew ..read more

NetSupport malware variants have been a persistent threat, demonstrating adaptability and evolving infection techniques. In this technical analysis, we delve into the infection chain, technical intricacies, and IOCs (Indicators of Compromise) of distinct NetSupport variants. The following is a heatmap depicting the current prevalence of NetSupport in the field. This malware is spreading across the United States and Canada, signifying its geographical reach. Figure 1 : NetSupport Heat Map McAfee Labs recently identified a new variation of NetSupport malware, which was distributed through Java ..read more

In the realm of cybersecurity, there is one vulnerability that is often overlooked – the human element. While firewalls, encryption, and other security measures can protect our data to a certain extent, the most sophisticated systems can still be breached by clever manipulations of human psychology. This is where the concept of Social Engineering comes in. Through this article, we aim to provide an overview of social engineering, why it is important, and how it is employed. Social Engineering in Cybersecurity Social Engineering, in a cybersecurity context, refers to the techniques used by cyb ..read more

As the tax season draws near, the incidence of cybercrime, particularly phishing for W-2s, tends to increase dramatically. Cybercriminals are aware that this is the time of year when many unsuspecting individuals are completing their tax returns, and they design schemes to exploit this vulnerability. This blog raises awareness about this growing problem and offer practical advice for keeping your financial data safe during tax season. W-2 phishing scams often involve emails that appear to be from the IRS or another official source, requesting personal information. These phishing emails can be ..read more

As with any major holiday or special occasion, Valentine’s Day is unfortunately not immune to scammers looking for an opportunity to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Their deceitful acts can break hearts and bank accounts. In this article, we spotlight some common Valentine’s Day scams, offer tips on how to protect yourself and navigate this romantic day with confidence and caution. The Unromantic Side of Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is a time when love is in the air. It’s a time to express your feelings for that special someone in your life, or perhaps even embark on a new romantic journ ..read more

Bullying is a pervasive problem in our society, occurring in schools, workplaces, online, and even within families. It can cause immense physical and emotional pain, leading to decreased self-esteem, increased anxiety, and even suicide in extreme cases. Given its severe potential consequences, it’s critical for every one of us to take steps to end the hate and stomp out bullying. This article explores 10 ways in which you can stand up against bullying, ranging from individual actions to community-based initiatives. Remember, each effort counts. Together, we can create a world where respect, k ..read more