Tens of millions of fake accounts infest the world’s social media platforms. Is one of those fake accounts impersonating you? In a recent article, The New York Times detailed a global black market in stolen social identities. These stolen identities — names, pictures, hometowns, and other personal information ripped from real peoples’ social media profiles — are…
Hackers are constantly finding new targets and refining the tools they use to break through cyberdefenses. The following are some significant threats to look out for this year. More huge data breaches The cyberattack on the Equifax credit reporting agency in 2017, which led to the theft of Social Security numbers, birth dates, and other…
Identity theft occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to your personally identifying information – such as your name, Social Security Number (SSN), or bank account information – and uses it to commit fraud or other crimes. The crimes that an identity thief is able to commit with your personal information range from applying for a…
A new study from The Internet Society shows what influencers around the world expect (and fear) about the future social, business and regulatory impact on cyber security. The world is changing, and with it so is the internet. Or perhaps it’s the other way around. The internet continues to create new business and social opportunities…
Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the United States. In 2013, someone became a victim of identity fraud every two minutes, totaling 13.1 million people. The cost of cleanup is, on average, $500 per person. Amy Krebs describes what it feels like to become a victim. Is it okay to publish your name? Yes. You might think, ‘She’s…
Abstract Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated with the blending of once distinct types of attack into more damaging forms. Increased variety and volume of attacks is inevitable given the desire of financially and criminally-motivated actors to obtain personal and confidential information, as highlighted in this paper. We describe how the Routine Activity Theory can…
The US and UK governments have said North Korea was responsible for the WannaCry malware attack affecting hospitals, businesses and banks across the world earlier this year. The attack is said to have hit more than 300,000 computers in 150 nations, causing billions of dollars of damage. It is the first time the US and…
Millions of Social Security numbers have been compromised due to a data breach at the credit reporting firm Equifax. And once your number has been viewed by potential identity thieves, there’s no way for your Social Security number to be secret again. However, there are things you can do to keep your Social Security number…
Ramon Polanco wanted to get married, but there was one hitch — someone using his identity had already exchanged vows with three women over a 12-year span. Now, after more than a year of jumping through hoops with the City Clerk’s Office, a judge has allowed the 77-year-old to walk the aisle — thanks, in…
What Do Thieves Do With Your Information? Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment on your health insurance. An identity thief can file a tax refund in your name and get your refund. In…