Xtreme I.C.E. logo with a padlock and binary code, above the text: We Are A Top IT Firm In Atlanta. Providing the best in IT solutions to Metro Atlanta and the entire U.S.
Cyber awareness month 2024 badge english v2
Ai mimicking people

While AI-generated photos are common,

the fastest-growing AI scam involves voice clones.

That’s where a computer-generated voice of a friend or loved one

asks for money — usually because of some urgent situation.

Check out this example from the AI technology company ElevenLabs. 

Actual Voice

AI Generated

[xsi] vishing infographic

Phish of the Week

When you see a QR code in a public place —

a sign, menu, bumper sticker —

be skeptical. Don’t assume it will take you to a safe website. 

Here’s an example.

This fake QR code was pasted on top of a genuine QR code. 

But if you’re not being careful,

you’ll assume it’s a safe way to pay for parking.

Instead, the sticker will take you to a scammer’s website designed to collect your credit card information. 

Instagram via @drew_dutson

Cybersecurity News You Can Use

American at a polling booth

BE SKEPTICAL: Since early this year, attackers have been using information about US citizens gathered from data breaches to send misinformation on email and social media. FortiGuard Labs says over 1,000 potentially malicious web addresses have been created to support the scam. In addition to false stories about candidates, attackers are posting fake comments from sports heroes and coaches in favor of or against candidates. Dark Reading says Russia, China, and Iran have been using cyber operations to sow discord and influence election outcomes.

Shot of an unrecognisable woman using a laptop and credit card w

DIDN’T REALIZE YOU WERE STILL PAYING EVERY MONTH?: A new “click to cancel” rule designed to help consumers stop paying for services they no longer want will take effect early next year. If a business allows online sign-ups, the cancellation process must be accessible through the same website and require a similarly streamlined process. The Washington Post says the rule will eliminate the use of chatbots or speaking with agents to cancel subscriptions.

Stuttgart, germany 11 03 2023: smartphone with website of us b

DELETE YOURSELF NOW: Once valued at $23 billion, genetic testing company 23andMe is on the verge of bankruptcy, which means genetic information about millions of people who took their tests could also be sold. Customers can ask 23andMe to delete their data, but the company must legally retain it for three years. To delete your 23andMe data:

  • Log in to your 23andMe profile.
  • Click the “settings” tab.
  • Scroll to the bottom and click the “permanently delete data” button.
Xtreme the less said the better
Close-up of a hand holding a smartphone with a blurred laptop keyboard in the background. Large text says 'Contact'. Below, headline reads 'Request An IT Consultation' and subtext says 'Xtreme Solutions is here to help you with all your IT needs in Metro Atlanta and across the country.'

Answers to Your
Cybersecurity Questions

Please explain passkeys. — Rosemary M.
Passkeys are a more secure way to log in to websites and apps than using passwords. Instead of remembering a password, you simply use your fingerprint, face, or PIN to prove you’re who you say you are. As a result, attackers can’t easily trick you into giving away your login credentials. Apple, Google, and Microsoft are integrating passkeys into their systems, allowing users to use them on websites and apps easily.
Did Navy Federal Credit Union just update its app? I haven’t received a request to update my app, but my husband’s app has a navy-colored logo that mine doesn’t. How do I know if one of us is running a fake app? — Sadie H.
Yes, Navy Federal Credit Union recently updated its mobile app. The update introduces new features, a refreshed design, quicker money transfers, and financial management tools. One notable change is a new logo. To make sure you’re using the up-to-date version of the app, visit Google Play or Apple’s App Store and check for updates. If you’re unsure about the version on your device, you can uninstall and then reinstall the app.
I don’t know who to turn to for this question, but I will try you first. For several weeks, I have received emails I know are not legitimate. I blocked them immediately, but they keep showing up from slightly different email addresses. By changing their email address each time, they reach my inbox. Do you have any suggestions? — Laura R.

You can mark the emails as spam, which will help your email provider’s filters learn to recognize and block them in the future. And if you’re a techie, email services like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo allow you to create filters based on keywords, subject lines, or specific domains.

Here are a couple of things not to bother with. If it’s a phishing email, don’t click the “unsubscribe” link or reply with a message about unsubscribing. That just shows the spammer that your email address is active. Also, changing your email address won’t help much. You’ll get junk mail at a new address almost right away.

Some paid apps promise to help reduce spam, including SpamCop, MailWasher, and Spamihilator.

Send us your cybersecurity question for possible use in a future newsletter.

Original content © 2024 Aware Force LLC