SCIAM

sciam

Chaos in Code: AI Assistants Clash in a Battle for Digital Supremacy

Scientific American, Volume XXXVI., No. 8, February 24, 1877 by Various, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . Business and Personal here Business and Personal The Charge for Insertion under this head is One Dollar a line for each insertion. If the Notice exceeds four lines, One Dollar and a Half per line will be charged. Manufs. of Scissors address J.W.D.E., Harmony Grove, Ga. For Sale—36 in. Lathe, $4.00; 72 in. Lathe, $4.50; 10 in. Pratt Whiting Shaper, $2.75; 35 H.P. Loco. Boiler, $300; 12 in. Lathe, $65; at Shearman's, 132 N. 3d St., Phila. Iron Tubing—Wanted, a yearly supply of 1-4 in. light Iron Tubing. Address P.O. box 1250, New York city. Baxter's Adjustable Wrenches—The best for Farmers, Householders and Mechanics. Greene, Tweed & Co., 18 Park Place, N.Y. For Sale—Baldwin No. 4 Foot Lathe and fittings; in perfect order. Address P.O. Box 196, Clinton, Mich. National Steam Pump—Simple, durable, economical. Reduced price. National Iron Works, N. Brunswick, N.J. Manufs. and dealers in Cotton Gins, Grist Mills, and Rice Hullers and Polishers, address with terms, Y.L. Ridley, Liberty, Texas. For Sale—Patent Combination Fruit Press, Filter and Funnel. An indispensable article in every household. For circulars, address G.A. Newsam, 118 3d Pl. Brooklyn. Mill Stone Dressing Diamonds. Simple, effective, and durable. J. Dickinson, 64 Nassau St., N.Y. Will purchase or introduce, on a reasonable royalty, some good, useful article. Address, with description and full particulars, A.E. Lowison, Boston, Mass. Mechanical inventors familiar with Envelope Manufacturing. L.J. Henry, 615 Kearny st., San Francisco, Cal. Set of Mechanical Curves, as illustrated in Sci. Am. Supplement, No. 50, mailed on receipt of $5.25, by Keuffel & Esser, New York. Hyatt & Co.'s Varnishes and Japans, as to price, color, purity, and durability, are cheap by comparison than any others extant. 246 Grand st., N.Y. Factory, Newark, N.J. Send for circular and descriptive price list. Lightning Screw Plates. A perfect thread at one cut adjustable for wear. Frasse & Co., 62 Chatham St., N.Y. Wire Needle Pointer, W. Crabb, Newark, N.J. Power & Foot Presses, Ferracute Co., Bridgeton, N.J. Superior Lace Leather, all sizes, cheap. Hooks and Couplings for flat and round Belts. Send for catalogue. C.W. Arny, 148 North 3d St., Philadelphia, Pa. F.C. Beach & Co., makers of the Tom Thumb Telegraph and other electrical machines, have removed to 530 Water St., N.Y. For Best Presses, Dies, and Fruit Can Tools, Bliss & Williams, cor. of Plymouth and Jay Sts., Brooklyn, N.Y. Water, Gas, and Steam Pipe, Wrought Iron. Send for prices. Bailey, Farrell & Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. Walrus Leather and supplies for polishing Iron, Steel, and Brass. Greene, Tweed & Co., 18 Park Place, N.Y. Hydraulic Presses and Jacks, new and second hand. Lathes and Machinery for Polishing and Buffing metals. E. Lyon, 470 Grand St., N.Y. Solid Emery Vulcanite Wheels—The Solid Original Emery Wheel—other kinds imitations and inferior. Caution.—Our name is stamped in full on all our best Standard Belting, Packing, and Hose. Buy that only. The best is the cheapest. New York Belting and Packing Company, 37 and 38 Park Row, New York. Steel Castings from one lb. to five thousand lbs. Invaluable for strength and durability. Circulars free. Pittsburgh Steel Casting Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. M. Shaw, Manufacturer of Insulated Wire for galvanic and telegraph purposes, &c., 259 W. 27th St., N.Y. Shingle, Heading, and Stave Machine. See advertisement of Trevor & Co., Lockport, N.Y. For Solid Wrought iron Beams, etc., see advertisement. Address Union Iron Mills, Pittsburgh, Pa., for lithograph, etc. Articles in Light Metal Work, Fine Castings in Brass, Malleable Iron, &c., Japanning, Tinning, Galvanizing. Welles Specialty Works, Chicago, Ill. See Boult's Paneling, Moulding, and Dovetailing Machine at Centennial, B. 8-55. Send for pamphlet and sample of work. B.C. Mach'y Co., Battle Creek, Mich. Wanted—Novel and practical invention, by a reliable house, for manufacturing. Address Post Office, Box 25, Chillicothe, Ohio. Chester Steel Castings Co. make castings twice as strong as malleable iron castings, at about the same price. See their advertisement on page 125. Hand Fire Engines, Lift and Force Pumps for fire and all other purposes. Address Rumsey & Co., Seneca Falls, N.Y., U.S.A. About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Various (2006). Scientific American, Volume XXXVI., No. 8, February 24, 1877. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19406/pg19406-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html

Business and Personal

Rick and Morty and the Meaning of Life

Rick y Morty y el sentido de la vida

Top 5 Complex Crypto Scams to Watch Out for in 2024

Top 5 der komplexen Krypto-Betrügereien, vor denen Sie sich im Jahr 2024 in Acht nehmen sollten

Las 5 principales estafas criptográficas complejas a las que hay que prestar atención en 2024

2024an kontuan hartu beharreko 5 kripto-iruzur konplexu nagusiak

5 کلاهبرداری پیچیده رمزنگاری که باید در سال 2024 مراقب آنها باشید

5 הונאות קריפטו מורכבות ביותר שכדאי להיזהר מהן בשנת 2024

2024 年に注意すべき複雑な暗号詐欺トップ 5

ტოპ 5 კომპლექსური კრიპტო თაღლითობა, რომელსაც ყურადღება უნდა მიაქციოთ 2024 წელს

5 populārākās sarežģītās kriptogrāfijas izkrāpšanas, no kurām jāuzmanās 2024. gadā

5 самых сложных криптомошенничеств, на которые стоит обратить внимание в 2024 году

Yepamusoro 5 Yakaomesesa Crypto Scams yekutarisa kunze muna 2024

5-ta ugu saraysa ee khiyaanada Crypto ee isku dhafan ee la iska ilaalinayo sanadka 2024

2024 இல் கவனிக்க வேண்டிய முதல் 5 சிக்கலான கிரிப்டோ மோசடிகள்

If you think the feds have been napping on the job, think again. They’re shaking things up with a crackdown that might just make the big players in finance and tech rethink their cozy negligence toward fraud. Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR The Australian government is slapping a potential $50 million fine on telcos, banks, and social media behemoths if they don’t up their game in protecting customers from scams. And it’s not just about the fines—compensation payments are on the table too. Scam Watch’s latest tally reads like a horror story: Australians have been robbed of a staggering $159 million through 164,000 scams this year alone. And that’s just the reported cases. Many victims keep quiet about their losses, leaving the real figure buried under the surface. Under the new government proposals, scam victims will soon have the power to pursue compensation from banks, telcos, and digital platforms through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). This is a game changer, allowing Australians a fighting chance to recover their stolen funds. Federal Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has announced a three-week consultation period for these measures, promising a new route for Australians to reclaim their hard-earned cash. The proposed reforms are no half-measures. Banks will be required to report scams to authorities the moment they detect them and to block any transactions in progress. They’ll also be tasked with identifying and shutting down money mule accounts—those shady operators that receive and shuffle stolen funds, often disappearing them offshore. But the crackdown doesn't end there. Digital giants like Facebook, YouTube, and Google will have to tighten their grip by verifying the identities of advertisers and ensuring their content adheres to the law. Phone providers won’t escape either—they’ll need to verify the origins of text messages and block scam-related calls. Consumer advocacy groups are giving these proposed changes a thumbs-up. The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC), CHOICE, and the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) have all voiced support. CALC’s chief executive, Stephanie Tonkin, is even advocating for a reimbursement model similar to the UK’s, which could potentially smooth out some of the obstacles for scam victims seeking redress. It’s a step in the right direction, but the real test will be in how effectively these new measures are implemented. Just weeks ago, ANZ and NAB execs faced the Senate to tackle the ever-expanding menace of scams. NAB’s Ross McEwan made waves with his call for a “big Australia moment,” stressing that banks can’t tackle this crisis on their own. In response, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given the green light for banks to team up and create a unified industry standard to combat this growing threat. Australia's Federal Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones, laid down the law: companies that fail to step up will be hit with hefty fines and substantial compensation claims. This tough new stance is designed to ensure that businesses take their responsibilities for protecting customers from fraud seriously. Jones also outlined that the new regulations impose strict obligations on banks, telecom companies, and social media platforms. They’ll need to prevent, detect, disrupt, report, and respond to scam content within their operations. It’s a clear signal that the government expects a proactive and rigorous approach to tackling fraud. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals a staggering 13.2 million Australians are exposed to scams. The annual growth rate of scam victims is 18.8%, which is quite alarming. Scammers use phones, texts, or emails to trick you into giving them your personal info or money. If you think the feds have been napping on the job, think again. They’re shaking things up with a crackdown that might just make the big players in finance and tech rethink their cozy negligence toward fraud. Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR The Australian government is slapping a potential $50 million fine on telcos, banks, and social media behemoths if they don’t up their game in protecting customers from scams. And it’s not just about the fines—compensation payments are on the table too. $50 million fine Scam Watch’s latest tally reads like a horror story: Australians have been robbed of a staggering $159 million through 164,000 scams this year alone. And that’s just the reported cases. Many victims keep quiet about their losses, leaving the real figure buried under the surface. Under the new government proposals, scam victims will soon have the power to pursue compensation from banks, telcos, and digital platforms through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). This is a game changer, allowing Australians a fighting chance to recover their stolen funds. Federal Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has announced a three-week consultation period for these measures, promising a new route for Australians to reclaim their hard-earned cash. The proposed reforms are no half-measures. Banks will be required to report scams to authorities the moment they detect them and to block any transactions in progress. They’ll also be tasked with identifying and shutting down money mule accounts—those shady operators that receive and shuffle stolen funds, often disappearing them offshore. But the crackdown doesn't end there. Digital giants like Facebook, YouTube, and Google will have to tighten their grip by verifying the identities of advertisers and ensuring their content adheres to the law. Phone providers won’t escape either—they’ll need to verify the origins of text messages and block scam-related calls. Consumer advocacy groups are giving these proposed changes a thumbs-up. The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC), CHOICE, and the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) have all voiced support. CALC’s chief executive, Stephanie Tonkin, is even advocating for a reimbursement model similar to the UK’s, which could potentially smooth out some of the obstacles for scam victims seeking redress. It’s a step in the right direction, but the real test will be in how effectively these new measures are implemented. Just weeks ago, ANZ and NAB execs faced the Senate to tackle the ever-expanding menace of scams. NAB’s Ross McEwan made waves with his call for a “big Australia moment,” stressing that banks can’t tackle this crisis on their own. In response, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given the green light for banks to team up and create a unified industry standard to combat this growing threat. Australia's Federal Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones, laid down the law: companies that fail to step up will be hit with hefty fines and substantial compensation claims. This tough new stance is designed to ensure that businesses take their responsibilities for protecting customers from fraud seriously. Jones also outlined that the new regulations impose strict obligations on banks, telecom companies, and social media platforms. They’ll need to prevent, detect, disrupt, report, and respond to scam content within their operations. It’s a clear signal that the government expects a proactive and rigorous approach to tackling fraud. social media The Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals a staggering 13.2 million Australians are exposed to scams. The annual growth rate of scam victims is 18.8%, which is quite alarming. Scammers use phones, texts, or emails to trick you into giving them your personal info or money.

Australian Government's Plan To Compensate Scam Victims - Tech Companies To Face Fines

If you’ve spent any time on Facebook lately—and who hasn’t?—you’ve probably seen it. A group with a title that practically waves a red flag: “SCAMMERS LIST UPDATE.” It sounds like the place where you'd finally find the justice you’ve been looking for after falling victim to an online scam. Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR Maybe they’ll track down your lost money, or better yet, the scammer who conned you. Well, spoiler alert: they won’t. In fact, the ones behind this group are likely the same folks who ripped you off in the first place. Facebook, now going by Meta (because a rebrand magically fixes everything), is supposedly equipped with state-of-the-art systems to protect users from fraud. You’d think that includes shutting down a group that’s effectively a wolf in sheep’s clothing. But no, “SCAMMERS LIST UPDATE” is still up and running, despite countless reports by concerned users. And let’s be honest—Meta’s reaction has been about as useful as shouting into the wind. At first glance, this group seems almost noble. They’ve got the look of a do-gooder vigilante squad, dedicated to helping scam victims recover their hard-earned cash. But here’s where it gets twisted: the group is nothing more than a scam itself, a sinister plot to squeeze even more money out of already vulnerable victims. It’s like getting pickpocketed and then paying the thief to "help" you find your wallet. In what can only be described as a truly bitter irony, these fraudsters charge fees for “recovering” stolen funds. Spoiler number two: once you’ve sent money to a scammer, it’s gone. Vanished. The chances of some random Facebook group recovering it? About as likely as Facebook’s customer service actually responding to your complaints in a timely manner. But the real kicker? The group is riddled with scammers pretending to be everyday users. These aren’t your average internet trolls; these are organized scammers, often from overseas, posing as Westerners with stolen photos and fake profiles. And while the average user might not notice anything amiss, a closer look shows this group for what it is: a full-on scam factory. Profiles are fake, motives are even faker, and the whole thing is operating under the not-so-watchful eye of Meta. Despite numerous reports—complaints about everything from fake profiles to the scams happening right in plain sight—Meta has responded with a resounding, “We did not take any action.” Yeah, you read that right. One of the biggest tech companies in the world, with access to the kind of AI most of us can only dream of, is apparently powerless against a bunch of digital con artists. It’s almost laughable, except it’s not. Meta’s failure to act sends a chilling message: scammers are safe here. As long as they don’t get too loud about it, they can operate under the radar with little to no fear of getting booted off the platform. So what happens when someone, already humiliated and out a chunk of cash, turns to Meta for help? They’re met with silence—or worse, with a dismissive shrug. Why It's Time for Governments to Step In Meta's apparent refusal to address the rising tide of scams on its platform sends a troubling message: scammers have a safe haven under their watch. Rather than cracking down on fraud, Meta’s inaction seems to shield the very criminals preying on innocent users. Victims, already humiliated and financially drained, find no justice when they report fake profiles and fraudulent activity—just silence. The negligence isn't just a technological glitch; it’s a moral failure. It's time for governments to intervene, hold Meta accountable, and put an end to this unchecked lawlessness. Australia’s Albanese Government is stepping up to the plate with draft legislation aimed at slapping hefty penalties—up to $50 million—on banks, telecoms, and social media platforms like Facebook if they fail to fight back against fraud. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones is leading the charge, declaring that Australia will become one of the toughest places in the world for scammers to operate. He emphasized, "The best protections anywhere in the world should be available to people here in Australia." The truth is, Australians are losing too much money to scams. Although we've avoided the international trend where scam losses double yearly, we’re still seeing far too many victims. Jones' words signal a shift in accountability—finally putting pressure on social media giants like Facebook, which have let scams flourish for far too long. Former Sunrise host David Koch knows the frustration all too well. For years, he’s called out scammers using his image and fake quotes to deceive people, with Facebook doing little to stop it. “I had a bloke on the weekend contact me through Facebook, abusing me because he lost $30,000 to a scam that used my picture and dodgy comments,” says Koch. The reality is this: Facebook has devolved into a breeding ground for scams. The platform, once intended to connect us, has become a cesspool for fraudsters, from fake ads to phishing schemes, all targeting users daily. Even worse, Facebook’s ad system seems to amplify these scams, giving fraudsters an even bigger stage. Rather than protecting users, Meta seems more focused on cashing in ad revenue, no matter how deceptive the ads may be. Scammers are thriving on the very platform that claims to keep us safe. If governments don't intervene, Meta’s complicity will only continue to endanger users worldwide. It’s time for someone to wake up and realize this isn’t just a technical oversight—it’s a moral issue. Meta’s refusal to take down groups like “SCAMMERS LIST UPDATE” doesn’t just allow scammers to thrive, it almost feels like an endorsement. And as much as we’d love to think we’re safe online, the truth is that until companies like Meta are held accountable, scam culture will continue to thrive in plain sight. At this point, maybe it’s time to ask the government to step in. We’ve let these platforms self-regulate long enough, and it’s clear that isn’t working. Letting scammers run rampant under the guise of “user-generated content” is more than irresponsible—it’s complicit. Meta may think a new name wipes the slate clean, but if this group is any indication, the mess is far from over. If you’ve spent any time on Facebook lately—and who hasn’t?—you’ve probably seen it. A group with a title that practically waves a red flag: “SCAMMERS LIST UPDATE.” It sounds like the place where you'd finally find the justice you’ve been looking for after falling victim to an online scam. Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR Editor’s note: This story represents the views of the author of the story. The author is not affiliated with HackerNoon staff and wrote this story on their own. The HackerNoon editorial team has only verified the story for grammatical accuracy and does not condone/condemn any of the claims contained herein. #DYOR Maybe they’ll track down your lost money, or better yet, the scammer who conned you. Well, spoiler alert: they won’t. In fact, the ones behind this group are likely the same folks who ripped you off in the first place. Facebook, now going by Meta (because a rebrand magically fixes everything), is supposedly equipped with state-of-the-art systems to protect users from fraud . You’d think that includes shutting down a group that’s effectively a wolf in sheep’s clothing. fraud But no, “ SCAMMERS LIST UPDATE ” is still up and running, despite countless reports by concerned users. And let’s be honest—Meta’s reaction has been about as useful as shouting into the wind. SCAMMERS LIST UPDATE At first glance, this group seems almost noble. They’ve got the look of a do-gooder vigilante squad, dedicated to helping scam victims recover their hard-earned cash. But here’s where it gets twisted: the group is nothing more than a scam itself, a sinister plot to squeeze even more money out of already vulnerable victims. scam victims It’s like getting pickpocketed and then paying the thief to "help" you find your wallet. It’s like getting pickpocketed and then paying the thief to "help" you find your wallet. It’s like getting pickpocketed and then paying the thief to "help" you find your wallet. In what can only be described as a truly bitter irony, these fraudsters charge fees for “recovering” stolen funds. Spoiler number two: once you’ve sent money to a scammer, it’s gone. Vanished. The chances of some random Facebook group recovering it? About as likely as Facebook’s customer service actually responding to your complaints in a timely manner. Facebook But the real kicker? The group is riddled with scammers pretending to be everyday users. These aren’t your average internet trolls; these are organized scammers, often from overseas, posing as Westerners with stolen photos and fake profiles. And while the average user might not notice anything amiss, a closer look shows this group for what it is: a full-on scam factory. Profiles are fake, motives are even faker, and the whole thing is operating under the not-so-watchful eye of Meta. closer look this group Despite numerous reports—complaints about everything from fake profiles to the scams happening right in plain sight—Meta has responded with a resounding, “We did not take any action.” Yeah, you read that right. fake profiles One of the biggest tech companies in the world, with access to the kind of AI most of us can only dream of, is apparently powerless against a bunch of digital con artists. It’s almost laughable, except it’s not. Meta’s failure to act sends a chilling message: scammers are safe here. As long as they don’t get too loud about it, they can operate under the radar with little to no fear of getting booted off the platform. So what happens when someone, already humiliated and out a chunk of cash, turns to Meta for help? They’re met with silence—or worse, with a dismissive shrug. Why It's Time for Governments to Step In Meta's apparent refusal to address the rising tide of scams on its platform sends a troubling message: scammers have a safe haven under their watch. Rather than cracking down on fraud, Meta’s inaction seems to shield the very criminals preying on innocent users. Victims, already humiliated and financially drained, find no justice when they report fake profiles and fraudulent activity—just silence. The negligence isn't just a technological glitch; it’s a moral failure. It's time for governments to intervene, hold Meta accountable, and put an end to this unchecked lawlessness. Australia’s Albanese Government is stepping up to the plate with draft legislation aimed at slapping hefty penalties—up to $50 million—on banks, telecoms, and social media platforms like Facebook if they fail to fight back against fraud. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones is leading the charge, declaring that Australia will become one of the toughest places in the world for scammers to operate. He emphasized, "The best protections anywhere in the world should be available to people here in Australia." The truth is, Australians are losing too much money to scams. Although we've avoided the international trend where scam losses double yearly, we’re still seeing far too many victims. Jones' words signal a shift in accountability—finally putting pressure on social media giants like Facebook, which have let scams flourish for far too long. Former Sunrise host David Koch knows the frustration all too well. For years, he’s called out scammers using his image and fake quotes to deceive people, with Facebook doing little to stop it. “I had a bloke on the weekend contact me through Facebook, abusing me because he lost $30,000 to a scam that used my picture and dodgy comments,” says Koch. Sunrise host David Koch The reality is this: Facebook has devolved into a breeding ground for scams. The platform, once intended to connect us, has become a cesspool for fraudsters, from fake ads to phishing schemes, all targeting users daily. Even worse, Facebook’s ad system seems to amplify these scams, giving fraudsters an even bigger stage. Rather than protecting users, Meta seems more focused on cashing in ad revenue, no matter how deceptive the ads may be. Scammers are thriving on the very platform that claims to keep us safe. If governments don't intervene, Meta’s complicity will only continue to endanger users worldwide. It’s time for someone to wake up and realize this isn’t just a technical oversight—it’s a moral issue. Meta’s refusal to take down groups like “SCAMMERS LIST UPDATE” doesn’t just allow scammers to thrive, it almost feels like an endorsement. And as much as we’d love to think we’re safe online, the truth is that until companies like Meta are held accountable, scam culture will continue to thrive in plain sight. At this point, maybe it’s time to ask the government to step in. We’ve let these platforms self-regulate long enough, and it’s clear that isn’t working. Letting scammers run rampant under the guise of “user-generated content” is more than irresponsible—it’s complicit. Meta may think a new name wipes the slate clean, but if this group is any indication, the mess is far from over.

Meta's Blind Spot: How Scammers Run Free On Facebook While Victims Pay the Price

Alright, here’s the latest outrage: iCopify.com, a so-called outreach link-building service, is now in the hot seat for allegedly peddling a slew of scammy practices. The company is accused of promoting manipulated SEO metrics that trick website owners into shelling out cash for links that supposedly boost their search engine visibility. So, what's the deal? iCopify.com is under fire for promoting Private Blog Network (PBN) blogs with fake domain authority scores and inflated traffic stats. They’re not just bending the truth—freelancers who sell and buy links on the platform are flat-out fabricating them. Many of the advertised listed metrics are a smokescreen designed to get you to pay for backlinks that deliver zero, nada, nothing in terms of SEO benefits. Reports are piling up that iCopify.com is not only sending out misleading advertising emails but also showcasing these manipulated metrics right on their site. It’s like they’re trying to win an award for "Most Deceptive SEO Tactics." And who’s getting duped? A bunch of website owners who trusted these inflated metrics and paid money for links that turned out to be worthless. The result? Disappointment, frustration, and wasted marketing dollars. As Amanda Ferrigton, a digital marketing expert, points out, “The manipulation of SEO metrics not only erodes trust but also wrecks the whole SEO industry.” But wait, it gets worse. The problem isn’t limited to iCopify.com. The entire SEO metrics game is under scrutiny, with big names like MOZ and Ahrefs also getting flak for their metrics’ vulnerability to manipulation. The whole thing feels like a massive house of cards where freelancers and blog owners are exploiting these flaws to make a quick buck. Freelancers and bloggers are taking full advantage of these inflated metrics, charging premium rates for links and sponsored posts based on fake authority and traffic data. It’s a total market distortion that undermines legitimate SEO efforts and leaves businesses high and dry. Ferrigton calls for a shake-up: “We need to push for transparency and accountability to fix this mess. Accurate measurement tools and ethical practices are a must.” And let’s not forget about the iCopify.com platform itself. The company’s apparent disregard for verifying the services and links being sold through its platform is a huge red flag. It seems they’re more interested in raking in profits than ensuring the quality of what’s being offered, despite the mounting evidence and criticism. Alright, let’s get real here. I’ve been trying to contact iCopify.com to address their seriously shady practices, and guess what? They’ve flat-out ignored me. I’ve sent numerous emails, filled out their contact forms, and even reached out on social media. But nope, they’ve decided to stick their heads in the sand and pretend like nothing’s wrong. And it’s not just about their lack of response. It’s infuriating that iCopify.com doesn’t seem to give a damn about the freelancers who are advertising fake, manipulated SEO metrics on their platform. They’re fully aware that these metrics are bogus and that freelancers are using them to scam unsuspecting clients, but do they care? Not a bit. All they care about is raking in the cash. I’ve tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but their inaction speaks volumes. It’s like they’ve put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign when it comes to addressing complaints or investigating fraudulent activity. They’re either willfully blind or just downright indifferent. Either way, their complete lack of concern for the integrity of their platform and their blatant prioritization of profit over honesty is appalling. iCopify.com has been radio silent, failing to address these serious allegations. As the dust settles, it’s clear that businesses need to be extra cautious. Do your homework, scrutinize those metrics, and don’t fall for the hype. Their refusal to act or even acknowledge the problem is a huge red flag. If they were genuinely confident in their services, they’d step up and deal with these issues head-on. Instead, they’re hoping the problem will just magically disappear if they ignore it long enough. So here’s a message to iCopify.com: your silence is not only unprofessional, it’s downright irresponsible. By allowing and turning a blind eye to the fraudulent practices on your platform, you’re making it clear that you value profit over integrity. And that’s a problem you can’t just ignore away. The exploitation of SEO metrics is a growing problem, and until there’s more oversight and accountability, marketers and businesses should tread carefully. Always verify, always double-check, and don’t let inflated metrics lead you astray. Alright, here’s the latest outrage: iCopify.com , a so-called outreach link-building service, is now in the hot seat for allegedly peddling a slew of scammy practices. The company is accused of promoting manipulated SEO metrics that trick website owners into shelling out cash for links that supposedly boost their search engine visibility. iCopify.com So, what's the deal? iCopify.com is under fire for promoting Private Blog Network (PBN) blogs with fake domain authority scores and inflated traffic stats. They’re not just bending the truth—freelancers who sell and buy links on the platform are flat-out fabricating them. Many of the advertised listed metrics are a smokescreen designed to get you to pay for backlinks that deliver zero, nada, nothing in terms of SEO benefits. sell and buy links Reports are piling up that iCopify.com is not only sending out misleading advertising emails but also showcasing these manipulated metrics right on their site. It’s like they’re trying to win an award for "Most Deceptive SEO Tactics." And who’s getting duped? A bunch of website owners who trusted these inflated metrics and paid money for links that turned out to be worthless. The result? Disappointment, frustration, and wasted marketing dollars. As Amanda Ferrigton, a digital marketing expert, points out, “The manipulation of SEO metrics not only erodes trust but also wrecks the whole SEO industry.” But wait, it gets worse. The problem isn’t limited to iCopify.com. The entire SEO metrics game is under scrutiny, with big names like MOZ and Ahrefs also getting flak for their metrics’ vulnerability to manipulation. The whole thing feels like a massive house of cards where freelancers and blog owners are exploiting these flaws to make a quick buck. MOZ Ahrefs Freelancers and bloggers are taking full advantage of these inflated metrics, charging premium rates for links and sponsored posts based on fake authority and traffic data. It’s a total market distortion that undermines legitimate SEO efforts and leaves businesses high and dry. Ferrigton calls for a shake-up: “We need to push for transparency and accountability to fix this mess. Accurate measurement tools and ethical practices are a must.” And let’s not forget about the iCopify.com platform itself. The company’s apparent disregard for verifying the services and links being sold through its platform is a huge red flag. It seems they’re more interested in raking in profits than ensuring the quality of what’s being offered, despite the mounting evidence and criticism. Alright, let’s get real here. I’ve been trying to contact iCopify.com to address their seriously shady practices, and guess what? They’ve flat-out ignored me. I’ve sent numerous emails, filled out their contact forms, and even reached out on social media. But nope, they’ve decided to stick their heads in the sand and pretend like nothing’s wrong. And it’s not just about their lack of response. It’s infuriating that iCopify.com doesn’t seem to give a damn about the freelancers who are advertising fake, manipulated SEO metrics on their platform. They’re fully aware that these metrics are bogus and that freelancers are using them to scam unsuspecting clients, but do they care? Not a bit. All they care about is raking in the cash. I’ve tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, but their inaction speaks volumes. It’s like they’ve put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign when it comes to addressing complaints or investigating fraudulent activity. They’re either willfully blind or just downright indifferent. Either way, their complete lack of concern for the integrity of their platform and their blatant prioritization of profit over honesty is appalling. iCopify.com has been radio silent, failing to address these serious allegations. As the dust settles, it’s clear that businesses need to be extra cautious. Do your homework, scrutinize those metrics, and don’t fall for the hype. Their refusal to act or even acknowledge the problem is a huge red flag. If they were genuinely confident in their services, they’d step up and deal with these issues head-on. Instead, they’re hoping the problem will just magically disappear if they ignore it long enough. So here’s a message to iCopify.com: your silence is not only unprofessional, it’s downright irresponsible. By allowing and turning a blind eye to the fraudulent practices on your platform, you’re making it clear that you value profit over integrity. And that’s a problem you can’t just ignore away. The exploitation of SEO metrics is a growing problem, and until there’s more oversight and accountability, marketers and businesses should tread carefully. Always verify, always double-check, and don’t let inflated metrics lead you astray.

iCopify.com: The Scam Factory for Paid Links with Faked SEO Metrics

Identity Lifecycle Management (ILM), is a crucial component of enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM) architecture, it also sometimes referred to as joiner-mover-leaver process. The goal of ILM is to minimize security risks by avoiding over-provisioning and under-provisioning of access rights. This is more important for companies that heavily depend on third party (3p) SaaS applications and allows personal devices (concept known as bring your own devices or BYOD) to access them. If provisioning access takes too long, the productivity of the employee is impacted, and if deprovisioning of access also takes too long, damage beyond repair can be done by the same employee knowingly or not. This article explains why Single Sign On (SSO) cannot solve all of it, and provides details about a companion, System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM) to complete the picture. Identity Lifecycle Management To build a robust ILM system, various departments within the company work together, starting with Human Resources (HR). Onboarding of an employee starts with HR, then supported by the Information Security team until the employee's termination via a set of tools and procedures. Companies, irrespective of size, establish processes to hire, manage internal transfers and terminate employees. These vary from one to another based on size, from entirely manual and ticketing steps to automated workflows. At smaller to medium sized companies, processes involve direct interaction between teams, one informs another about a new hire, requests hardware and network credentials, and similarly notifies when an account should be removed upon termination. Larger companies with dedicated technology teams, ILM process is typically semi or fully automated. They are often supported by HR IT onboarding systems that create accounts, trigger notifications for hardware and credential creation, and support termination, access revocation through similar systems. Single Sign On We enforce Single Sign On (SSO), it will take care of automating access to applications, correct? Wrong. SSO is an important piece of the IAM ecosystem, but it alone does not automate access management. It is much evident during employee offboarding without a stronger ILM process to complement SSO. Many that work in technology, particularly those that are not familiar with all the ins and outs of IAM processes, assume that SSO automatically handles access revocation when an employee leaves. However, the effectiveness of SSO in this context depends on several factors. Companies with strict SSO policies prohibiting access to applications from non-employer-managed devices and can immediately disable access upon employment termination may have better control. If the company allows BYOD, revoking access becomes more challenging without an automated mechanism. In cases where SaaS applications create their own user sessions and do not frequently verify the state with an SSO provider (through OAuth refresh tokens for example), will continue to honor the session. Some third-party SaaS applications also offer SSO bypass ability, allowing users to log in with application-specific credentials, circumventing SSO-based controls. Welcome to SCIM For comprehensive access management, especially in environments supporting BYOD model, automated access revocation processes are critical. SCIM, or System for Cross-domain Identity Management, is a standard designed to manage user identity information across multiple domains and applications, cloud or otherwise. SCIM's design and development are guided by several RFCs, including 7643, 7644, and 7642. SCIM 2.0, the latest version of the protocol supports more attributes, operations and strict security requirements such as mandatory TLS 1.2. SCIM automates the process of approving and revoking user accounts in applications that support the protocol no matter where they are deployed. By using standardized protocols like REST and data formats such as JSON, SCIM enables seamless and secure communication of identity data between both identity (IdP) and service providers (SP). This reduces the burden on IT departments, minimizes human errors, and enhances security by ensuring that access is promptly updated or revoked as needed. Getting into technical details, SCIM supports two important endpoints: /users and /groups. Users endpoint is used for managing users and attributes such as email via various operations (create, patch, delete, etc.,). Groups allow membership updates which can be used for authorization policies on the SP. Customers can create integration to these endpoints with their entitlement management systems (e.g., an IdP managed group membership) and sync the changes automatically. This not only helps with deprovisioning of users when they leave but also helps with internal role changes. Most of the Identity as a Service (IDaaS) solutions available on the market support SSO and SCIM as part of the same application setup process making it easy to implement. Conclusion Per one of the well-known IDaaS with largest collection of SaaS integrations that I am aware of, less than 25% of the apps that support SSO via SAML and OIDC also support SCIM. I would like to conclude this article with requests to SPs and enterprise IAM teams to increase SCIM adoption. SPs should go beyond SSO and must consider supporting SCIM as part of their product (free of charge!) for their customers. IAM teams must enable SCIM for existing SPs if supported and push the remaining to support. Opinions expressed in this article are solely the Author's own and do not express the views or opinions of the Author's employer. Identity Lifecycle Management (ILM), is a crucial component of enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM) architecture, it also sometimes referred to as joiner-mover-leaver process. The goal of ILM is to minimize security risks by avoiding over-provisioning and under-provisioning of access rights. This is more important for companies that heavily depend on third party (3p) SaaS applications and allows personal devices (concept known as bring your own devices or BYOD) to access them. If provisioning access takes too long, the productivity of the employee is impacted, and if deprovisioning of access also takes too long, damage beyond repair can be done by the same employee knowingly or not. This article explains why Single Sign On (SSO) cannot solve all of it, and provides details about a companion, System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM) to complete the picture. Identity Lifecycle Management To build a robust ILM system, various departments within the company work together, starting with Human Resources (HR). Onboarding of an employee starts with HR, then supported by the Information Security team until the employee's termination via a set of tools and procedures. Companies, irrespective of size, establish processes to hire, manage internal transfers and terminate employees. These vary from one to another based on size, from entirely manual and ticketing steps to automated workflows. At smaller to medium sized companies, processes involve direct interaction between teams, one informs another about a new hire, requests hardware and network credentials, and similarly notifies when an account should be removed upon termination. Larger companies with dedicated technology teams, ILM process is typically semi or fully automated. They are often supported by HR IT onboarding systems that create accounts, trigger notifications for hardware and credential creation, and support termination, access revocation through similar systems. Single Sign On We enforce Single Sign On (SSO), it will take care of automating access to applications, correct? Wrong. SSO is an important piece of the IAM ecosystem, but it alone does not automate access management. It is much evident during employee offboarding without a stronger ILM process to complement SSO. Many that work in technology, particularly those that are not familiar with all the ins and outs of IAM processes, assume that SSO automatically handles access revocation when an employee leaves. However, the effectiveness of SSO in this context depends on several factors. Companies with strict SSO policies prohibiting access to applications from non-employer-managed devices and can immediately disable access upon employment termination may have better control. If the company allows BYOD, revoking access becomes more challenging without an automated mechanism. In cases where SaaS applications create their own user sessions and do not frequently verify the state with an SSO provider (through OAuth refresh tokens for example), will continue to honor the session. Some third-party SaaS applications also offer SSO bypass ability, allowing users to log in with application-specific credentials, circumventing SSO-based controls. Welcome to SCIM For comprehensive access management, especially in environments supporting BYOD model, automated access revocation processes are critical. SCIM, or System for Cross-domain Identity Management, is a standard designed to manage user identity information across multiple domains and applications, cloud or otherwise. SCIM's design and development are guided by several RFCs, including 7643, 7644, and 7642. SCIM 2.0, the latest version of the protocol supports more attributes, operations and strict security requirements such as mandatory TLS 1.2. SCIM automates the process of approving and revoking user accounts in applications that support the protocol no matter where they are deployed. By using standardized protocols like REST and data formats such as JSON, SCIM enables seamless and secure communication of identity data between both identity (IdP) and service providers (SP). This reduces the burden on IT departments, minimizes human errors, and enhances security by ensuring that access is promptly updated or revoked as needed. Getting into technical details, SCIM supports two important endpoints: /users and /groups. Users endpoint is used for managing users and attributes such as email via various operations (create, patch, delete, etc.,). Groups allow membership updates which can be used for authorization policies on the SP. Customers can create integration to these endpoints with their entitlement management systems (e.g., an IdP managed group membership) and sync the changes automatically. This not only helps with deprovisioning of users when they leave but also helps with internal role changes. Most of the Identity as a Service (IDaaS) solutions available on the market support SSO and SCIM as part of the same application setup process making it easy to implement. Conclusion Per one of the well-known IDaaS with largest collection of SaaS integrations that I am aware of, less than 25% of the apps that support SSO via SAML and OIDC also support SCIM. I would like to conclude this article with requests to SPs and enterprise IAM teams to increase SCIM adoption. SPs should go beyond SSO and must consider supporting SCIM as part of their product (free of charge!) for their customers. IAM teams must enable SCIM for existing SPs if supported and push the remaining to support. Opinions expressed in this article are solely the Author's own and do not express the views or opinions of the Author's employer. Opinions expressed in this article are solely the Author's own and do not express the views or opinions of the Author's employer.

SCIM: A Critical Yet Underappreciated Element in Enterprise IAM

The need for cybersecurity data loss prevention goes beyond a simple compliance checkbox in the constantly changing world of threats. It is now your first line of defense against potentially disastrous violations and the threat of impending fines from the authorities. The cybersecurity market is expected to grow to $300 billion in 2024. Protecting sensitive data and strengthening an organization's ability to withstand a successful cyberattack are the main goals of cyber hygiene. This idea is similar to personal hygiene, in which people do routinely advised behaviors like washing their hands to prevent infections and flossing to prevent cavities. Similarly, companies may maintain their digital health by continuously implementing preventative cyber hygiene practices designed to lessen the likelihood of security incidents and data breaches. Prioritizing cyber resilience and hygiene is becoming increasingly important as the digital era develops. It may have been enough in the past to use caution when sharing information and to be aware of how you use passwords. But with the increasing complexity of assaults, even seemingly insignificant weaknesses can put people, businesses, and organizations in danger. An organization's ability to withstand, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks is known as cyber resilience, and it takes center stage. Guaranteeing a strong defense against changing threats entails putting proactive defensive measures into place, raising staff knowledge, keeping patches up-to-date, encrypting data, and encouraging teamwork. 1. Recognizing Scam Patterns Understanding threat trends is essential to creating a future of cybersecurity that is more secure. Companies and organizations must understand the scope and origins of risks and their types and sources. It is critical to understand the significance of data loss and its effects on business operations, regardless of the source—unauthorized access, unintentional deletion, change, or disclosure of sensitive information in various ways, whether purposeful or unintended. Businesses need to understand tips to protect themselves from sudden attacks and recognize typical scam behaviors that endanger their data so they can take precautions against possible threats. For example, Juniper Research’s study on combating online payment fraud forecasts global losses exceeding at least $343 billion until 2027. A cohesive and proactive strategy is required to minimize cyber risks and avoid data loss. Business Email Compromise (BEC) To access a business network, many proficient cybercriminals do not rely on vulnerabilities. Phishing scams are a common way for users to be tricked into voluntarily giving up their login credentials in Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. Studies show that Business Email Compromise (BEC) assaults have increased significantly over the previous two years, rising by over 175% and more than 81% in the last year. Significantly, there has been a 145% increase in malicious emails targeting Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). To trick the firm, malevolent actors assume the identities of senior executives, often the CEO or CFO, in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) assault. The typical goals of these impostors are to start fraudulent financial transactions, get private information, or provide orders that appear genuine at first. The risk associated with business email compromise (BEC) attacks stems from the unusual degree of legitimacy that the perpetrators project through their communications, many of which involve the use of phony email accounts. Spear Phishing While spear phishing is a more advanced version of the classic phishing approach, phishing is still a popular tactic used by malware developers. Spear phishing is a highly targeted technique as opposed to the indiscriminate nature of generic phishing, vishing, and smishing, in which malicious actors mimic official communications from trusted entities to trick a random recipient into clicking a link, downloading an attachment, or divulging sensitive information. These communications frequently convey urgent justifications and pressure on victims to provide private information. To reach a fake website and be asked to input passwords, account numbers, PINs, and access codes, targets are encouraged to open a malicious file or click on a link. Under the pretense of wanting to access uploaded images, an attacker may ask for usernames and passwords for several services, including Facebook, while assuming the identity of a friend. Malvertising Malvertising is a tactic used by hackers to disseminate harmful advertisements by taking advantage of internet advertising networks. When users click on these dangerous advertisements, their devices may unintentionally acquire malware or ransomware. Malvertising is a tactic used by malicious actors to add a false aspect to their assaults by preying on people's trust in well-known websites. The majority of malvertising campaigns purchase ad space from reliable ad networks, guaranteeing that their malicious advertisements appear on trustworthy websites. Even though these advertisements seem innocent, they include malicious code that attacks victims as soon as the website loads their assaults. Tech Support Scam Even though tech support scams appear to be out of date, they nevertheless exist and fool many people. Cybercriminals contact people under the guise of tech support professionals and claim to have problems with their machines in this scam. They demand action quickly and frequently demand payment or remote access to the victim's device to infect it with malware or steal data. Users are especially vulnerable to this kind of danger because of the psychological manipulation and exploitation of their anxiety and lack of technical understanding. 2. Cyber Hygiene’s Best Practices To Prevent Data Loss Implement a Strong Automated Backup System To prevent major data loss or business interruption even in the event of a cyber disaster, IT managers must take a proactive approach to cyber hygiene. This entails backing up data on a regular and consistent basis to aid in recovery in the case of an attack. To protect against any data loss, it is essential to keep these backups offline and in several places. Furthermore, to patch any vulnerabilities and remain ahead of emerging threats, it is crucial to regularly upgrade all systems, software, and applications. Constant Learning and Instruction Humans continue to be the most important aspect of cybersecurity because of their mental processes, perception, hesitation, ignorance, and mood swings. This is true regardless of how strong your technology protections are. Human mistakes have long been recognized as a major cybersecurity risk and vulnerability. It is essential to prioritize ongoing security awareness education as a result. To minimize the danger of careless insider threats and to keep your staff up to date on the most recent risks, hold frequent training sessions. Use realistic phishing simulations to assess readiness and improve abilities. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) By requesting two or more verification methods from users to get access, MFA improves security. Preventing unwanted access is extremely successful with this method. Without the additional authentication element, fraudsters are unable to further their attempts, even if they are successful in obtaining login credentials. Implement Endpoint Security Invest in endpoint security solutions that manage and keep an eye on every endpoint to strengthen your network's defenses. Fortify the network against possible breaches by deploying powerful endpoint protection technologies that integrate machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect and stop malicious activity in real-time. Conclusion Keeping up strong cybersecurity procedures is critical in the current digital environment. Adding layers of protection against changing cyber threats requires the adoption of proactive solutions like multi-factor authentication, constant education, and strong endpoint security. To protect sensitive data and guarantee a robust and secure digital environment, people and organizations need to maintain awareness, give priority to cyber hygiene, and put in place efficient security measures. The need for cybersecurity data loss prevention goes beyond a simple compliance checkbox in the constantly changing world of threats. It is now your first line of defense against potentially disastrous violations and the threat of impending fines from the authorities. The cybersecurity market is expected to grow to $300 billion in 2024. Protecting sensitive data and strengthening an organization's ability to withstand a successful cyberattack are the main goals of cyber hygiene. This idea is similar to personal hygiene, in which people do routinely advised behaviors like washing their hands to prevent infections and flossing to prevent cavities. Similarly, companies may maintain their digital health by continuously implementing preventative cyber hygiene practices designed to lessen the likelihood of security incidents and data breaches. Prioritizing cyber resilience and hygiene is becoming increasingly important as the digital era develops. It may have been enough in the past to use caution when sharing information and to be aware of how you use passwords. But with the increasing complexity of assaults, even seemingly insignificant weaknesses can put people, businesses, and organizations in danger. An organization's ability to withstand, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks is known as cyber resilience, and it takes center stage. Guaranteeing a strong defense against changing threats entails putting proactive defensive measures into place, raising staff knowledge, keeping patches up-to-date, encrypting data, and encouraging teamwork. 1. Recognizing Scam Patterns 1. Recognizing Scam Patterns Understanding threat trends is essential to creating a future of cybersecurity that is more secure. Companies and organizations must understand the scope and origins of risks and their types and sources. It is critical to understand the significance of data loss and its effects on business operations, regardless of the source—unauthorized access, unintentional deletion, change, or disclosure of sensitive information in various ways, whether purposeful or unintended. Businesses need to understand tips to protect themselves from sudden attacks and recognize typical scam behaviors that endanger their data so they can take precautions against possible threats. to protect themselves For example, Juniper Research’s study on combating online payment fraud forecasts global losses exceeding at least $343 billion until 2027 . A cohesive and proactive strategy is required to minimize cyber risks and avoid data loss. $343 billion until 2027 Business Email Compromise (BEC) Business Email Compromise (BEC) To access a business network, many proficient cybercriminals do not rely on vulnerabilities. Phishing scams are a common way for users to be tricked into voluntarily giving up their login credentials in Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. Studies show that Business Email Compromise (BEC) assaults have increased significantly over the previous two years, rising by over 175% and more than 81% in the last year. Significantly, there has been a 145% increase in malicious emails targeting Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs). Studies show To trick the firm, malevolent actors assume the identities of senior executives, often the CEO or CFO, in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) assault. The typical goals of these impostors are to start fraudulent financial transactions, get private information, or provide orders that appear genuine at first. The risk associated with business email compromise (BEC) attacks stems from the unusual degree of legitimacy that the perpetrators project through their communications, many of which involve the use of phony email accounts. Spear Phishing Spear Phishing While spear phishing is a more advanced version of the classic phishing approach, phishing is still a popular tactic used by malware developers. Spear phishing is a highly targeted technique as opposed to the indiscriminate nature of generic phishing, vishing, and smishing, in which malicious actors mimic official communications from trusted entities to trick a random recipient into clicking a link, downloading an attachment, or divulging sensitive information. These communications frequently convey urgent justifications and pressure on victims to provide private information. To reach a fake website and be asked to input passwords, account numbers, PINs, and access codes, targets are encouraged to open a malicious file or click on a link. Under the pretense of wanting to access uploaded images, an attacker may ask for usernames and passwords for several services, including Facebook, while assuming the identity of a friend. Malvertising Malvertising Malvertising is a tactic used by hackers to disseminate harmful advertisements by taking advantage of internet advertising networks. When users click on these dangerous advertisements, their devices may unintentionally acquire malware or ransomware. Malvertising is a tactic used by malicious actors to add a false aspect to their assaults by preying on people's trust in well-known websites. The majority of malvertising campaigns purchase ad space from reliable ad networks, guaranteeing that their malicious advertisements appear on trustworthy websites. Even though these advertisements seem innocent, they include malicious code that attacks victims as soon as the website loads their assaults. Tech Support Scam Tech Support Scam Even though tech support scams appear to be out of date, they nevertheless exist and fool many people. Cybercriminals contact people under the guise of tech support professionals and claim to have problems with their machines in this scam. They demand action quickly and frequently demand payment or remote access to the victim's device to infect it with malware or steal data. Users are especially vulnerable to this kind of danger because of the psychological manipulation and exploitation of their anxiety and lack of technical understanding. 2. Cyber Hygiene’s Best Practices To Prevent Data Loss 2. Cyber Hygiene’s Best Practices To Prevent Data Loss Implement a Strong Automated Backup System Implement a Strong Automated Backup System To prevent major data loss or business interruption even in the event of a cyber disaster, IT managers must take a proactive approach to cyber hygiene. This entails backing up data on a regular and consistent basis to aid in recovery in the case of an attack. To protect against any data loss, it is essential to keep these backups offline and in several places. Furthermore, to patch any vulnerabilities and remain ahead of emerging threats, it is crucial to regularly upgrade all systems, software, and applications. Constant Learning and Instruction Constant Learning and Instruction Humans continue to be the most important aspect of cybersecurity because of their mental processes, perception, hesitation, ignorance, and mood swings. This is true regardless of how strong your technology protections are. Human mistakes have long been recognized as a major cybersecurity risk and vulnerability. It is essential to prioritize ongoing security awareness education as a result. To minimize the danger of careless insider threats and to keep your staff up to date on the most recent risks, hold frequent training sessions. Use realistic phishing simulations to assess readiness and improve abilities. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) By requesting two or more verification methods from users to get access, MFA improves security. Preventing unwanted access is extremely successful with this method. Without the additional authentication element, fraudsters are unable to further their attempts, even if they are successful in obtaining login credentials. Implement Endpoint Security Invest in endpoint security solutions that manage and keep an eye on every endpoint to strengthen your network's defenses. Fortify the network against possible breaches by deploying powerful endpoint protection technologies that integrate machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect and stop malicious activity in real-time. Conclusion Conclusion Keeping up strong cybersecurity procedures is critical in the current digital environment. Adding layers of protection against changing cyber threats requires the adoption of proactive solutions like multi-factor authentication, constant education, and strong endpoint security. To protect sensitive data and guarantee a robust and secure digital environment, people and organizations need to maintain awareness, give priority to cyber hygiene, and put in place efficient security measures.

Cyber Hygiene: Recognizing Scam Trends and Protecting Against Data Breaches

A well-known cybersecurity problem is that attacks get progressively creative, challenging online security professionals and resulting in them frequently seeing attacks on an unprecedented scale. Which examples have pushed the boundaries most? 1. The Dyre Banking Scam Hackers like targeting the most lucrative sectors, so it’s no surprise banks frequently feature in cyberattacks. They’re either the businesses under threat or the subjects meant to entice consumers to take specific actions after receiving emails that seem to come from their banking institutions. A banking-specific scam first detected in 2014 used Dyre malware, which compromised victims’ browsers and stole credentials to log into financial institutions’ platforms and other secured interfaces. The scam started when someone received an email attachment supposedly containing an unpaid invoice. Additionally, the attachments contained malware designed to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in recipients’ Adobe Reader software. These aspects showed creative thinking on the cybercriminals’ behalf. First, they knew such a vague but relevant-sounding attachment name about an invoice would catch people’s interest. Since life can get so hectic, someone might occasionally forget to pay for things. Spelling mistakes in the file name were hallmark characteristics of this cyberattack, but criminals presumably hoped people wouldn’t notice or care. The scammers also rightfully assumed their targets would not update their Adobe software frequently enough, creating many potential entry points for enterprising hackers. Once someone fell for the trick and downloaded the attachment, the malware copied itself and made the seemingly innocent “Google Update Service” on the person’s computer. It then set registry keys and began logging keystroke data before sending it to hackers. As of 2016, United States government authorities said all major antivirus software vendors’ products had detected this threat. However, the detection requires people to use and update such tools regularly. Bank employees carry out stringent know-your-customer procedures to prevent fraud and establish risk profiles. Those are undoubtedly necessary, but this scam shows how easily things can go wrong when customers fall for malware. 2. The WPP Deepfake Scam As technologies have advanced, cybercriminals’ creativity in exploiting them has, too. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become so believable that consumers have had to learn they can’t necessarily trust everything they see or hear due to elaborate deepfakes. The state of things came to the forefront for Mark Read, the CEO of WPP, a British multinational advertising and public relations company. The executive recently detailed a deepfake scam that exploited numerous platforms and media types. Read explained how hackers set up a new WhatsApp account and used a publicly available image of him as the profile picture. They used it to schedule a meeting on Microsoft Teams with another senior executive who thought they were engaging with Read. During the meeting, the cybercriminals deployed a voice clone and YouTube footage of Read, all while simultaneously interacting in the Microsoft Teams chat window to pose as him and fool the other attendee with material that looked, sounded and read like the leader. The goal was to convince an agency head to set up a new business, after which the scammers would get financial and personal details from them. This scam failed, and Read attributed that result to his company’s vigilance, including that of the targeted executive who did not respond as the hackers’ hoped. The CEO pointed out how everyone must be on guard against increasingly elaborate tricks, including those going beyond someone’s email inbox. Some tech experts suggest the blockchain is ideal for securing people’s vocal characteristics and preventing malicious parties from tampering with authenticated clips. However,  since the voices of well-known figures are on television, the radio, YouTube and even audiobooks, motivated cybercriminals have plenty of data to use. 3. Misleading AI Ads Targeting Small Businesses No company or person is wholly safe from cyber scams, but the effects of successfully orchestrated attacks are more disastrous for some victims than others. Small businesses are excellent examples because such organizations often lack the resources to recover fully and quickly. However, as a 2023 study showed, 73% of small businesses experienced cyberattacks, data breaches or both during the previous year. A 2024 report found cyberattacks were the top concern for 60% of respondents, suggesting those polled understand the threat’s severity. Unfortunately, scammers know small-business owners are excellent targets and may prey on victims’ desire to improve their workflows with new tech. Such was the case with a scam against small businesses that caught Google executives’ attention and resulted in company lawsuits against scammers. The tactics centered on Google Bard — the large language model now known as Gemini. The tech company’s first lawsuit was against bad actors who created social media profiles and advertisements encouraging small-business owners to download Bard. However, Google did not require people to download anything to use it; instead, it integrated the tool into many of its existing products. Those who fell for this scam expected that downloading something would let them use Bard. Instead, it gave them malware that compromised their social media profiles. From April to November 2023, Google filed approximately 300 takedown notices associated with this scam. It sought an order to prevent criminals from setting up similar sites and deactivating those currently on file with domain registrars. This scam stood out for creativity because it capitalized on Google’s brand recognition and people’s interest in trying a new product to make business operations more convenient. Truths Mixed With Lies These creative cyber scams prove those orchestrating them will stop at nothing to achieve their aims. Even when the efforts don’t pay off — as in the WPP deepfake case — they become warnings that people must always be on guard for things not being as they seem. After all, most online scams have truthful elements mixed with falsities. There was a product called Google Bard, but using it did not require downloading software. Mark Read is WPP’s CEO, but he never arranged or participated in that meeting about establishing a new business. These cases highlight the importance of thinking carefully before acting and verifying claims before making decisions that could have catastrophic consequences. A well-known cybersecurity problem is that attacks get progressively creative, challenging online security professionals and resulting in them frequently seeing attacks on an unprecedented scale. Which examples have pushed the boundaries most? A well-known cybersecurity problem is that attacks get progressively creative, challenging online security professionals and resulting in them frequently seeing attacks on an unprecedented scale. Which examples have pushed the boundaries most? 1. The Dyre Banking Scam 1. The Dyre Banking Scam Hackers like targeting the most lucrative sectors, so it’s no surprise banks frequently feature in cyberattacks. They’re either the businesses under threat or the subjects meant to entice consumers to take specific actions after receiving emails that seem to come from their banking institutions. A banking-specific scam first detected in 2014 used Dyre malware, which compromised victims’ browsers and stole credentials to log into financial institutions’ platforms and other secured interfaces. The scam started when someone received an email attachment supposedly containing an unpaid invoice. Additionally, the attachments contained malware designed to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in recipients’ Adobe Reader software. These aspects showed creative thinking on the cybercriminals’ behalf. First, they knew such a vague but relevant-sounding attachment name about an invoice would catch people’s interest. Since life can get so hectic, someone might occasionally forget to pay for things. Spelling mistakes in the file name were hallmark characteristics of this cyberattack, but criminals presumably hoped people wouldn’t notice or care. The scammers also rightfully assumed their targets would not update their Adobe software frequently enough, creating many potential entry points for enterprising hackers. Once someone fell for the trick and downloaded the attachment, the malware copied itself and made the seemingly innocent “Google Update Service” on the person’s computer. It then set registry keys and began logging keystroke data before sending it to hackers. As of 2016, United States government authorities said all major antivirus software vendors’ products had detected this threat. However, the detection requires people to use and update such tools regularly. said all major antivirus software said all major antivirus software Bank employees carry out stringent know-your-customer procedures to prevent fraud and establish risk profiles. Those are undoubtedly necessary, but this scam shows how easily things can go wrong when customers fall for malware. know-your-customer procedures to prevent fraud know-your-customer procedures to prevent fraud 2. The WPP Deepfake Scam As technologies have advanced, cybercriminals’ creativity in exploiting them has, too. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become so believable that consumers have had to learn they can’t necessarily trust everything they see or hear due to elaborate deepfakes. The state of things came to the forefront for Mark Read, the CEO of WPP, a British multinational advertising and public relations company. The executive recently detailed a deepfake scam that exploited numerous platforms and media types. Read explained how hackers set up a new WhatsApp account and used a publicly available image of him as the profile picture. They used it to schedule a meeting on Microsoft Teams with another senior executive who thought they were engaging with Read. During the meeting, the cybercriminals deployed a voice clone and YouTube footage of Read, all while simultaneously interacting in the Microsoft Teams chat window to pose as him and fool the other attendee with material that looked, sounded and read like the leader. The goal was to convince an agency head to set up a new business, after which the scammers would get financial and personal details from them. This scam failed, and Read attributed that result to his company’s vigilance , including that of the targeted executive who did not respond as the hackers’ hoped. The CEO pointed out how everyone must be on guard against increasingly elaborate tricks, including those going beyond someone’s email inbox. that result to his company’s vigilance that result to his company’s vigilance Some tech experts suggest the blockchain is ideal for securing people’s vocal characteristics and preventing malicious parties from tampering with authenticated clips. However,  since the voices of well-known figures are on television, the radio, YouTube and even audiobooks, motivated cybercriminals have plenty of data to use. preventing malicious parties from tampering preventing malicious parties from tampering 3. Misleading AI Ads Targeting Small Businesses No company or person is wholly safe from cyber scams, but the effects of successfully orchestrated attacks are more disastrous for some victims than others. Small businesses are excellent examples because such organizations often lack the resources to recover fully and quickly. However, as a 2023 study showed, 73% of small businesses experienced cyberattacks , data breaches or both during the previous year. A 2024 report found cyberattacks were the top concern for 60% of respondents, suggesting those polled understand the threat’s severity. 73% of small businesses experienced cyberattacks 73% of small businesses experienced cyberattacks were the top concern for 60% were the top concern for 60% Unfortunately, scammers know small-business owners are excellent targets and may prey on victims’ desire to improve their workflows with new tech. Such was the case with a scam against small businesses that caught Google executives’ attention and resulted in company lawsuits against scammers. The tactics centered on Google Bard — the large language model now known as Gemini. The tech company’s first lawsuit was against bad actors who created social media profiles and advertisements encouraging small-business owners to download Bard. However, Google did not require people to download anything to use it; instead, it integrated the tool into many of its existing products. Those who fell for this scam expected that downloading something would let them use Bard. Instead, it gave them malware that compromised their social media profiles. From April to November 2023, Google filed approximately 300 takedown notices associated with this scam. It sought an order to prevent criminals from setting up similar sites and deactivating those currently on file with domain registrars. 300 takedown notices associated 300 takedown notices associated This scam stood out for creativity because it capitalized on Google’s brand recognition and people’s interest in trying a new product to make business operations more convenient. Truths Mixed With Lies These creative cyber scams prove those orchestrating them will stop at nothing to achieve their aims. Even when the efforts don’t pay off — as in the WPP deepfake case — they become warnings that people must always be on guard for things not being as they seem. After all, most online scams have truthful elements mixed with falsities. There was a product called Google Bard, but using it did not require downloading software. Mark Read is WPP’s CEO, but he never arranged or participated in that meeting about establishing a new business. These cases highlight the importance of thinking carefully before acting and verifying claims before making decisions that could have catastrophic consequences.

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