The IRS just issued a warning about Coronavirus-related scane. 

WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS TIED TO THE ECONOMIC IMPACT STIMULUS PAYMENTS.

The Federal Communications Commission has also advised of an increase in text messages and phone scams impersonating the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Even more frightening, some of the messages appear to be from "next door neighbor". 

Here are some warning and safety tips.  

The good news is you CAN do something about it.  The first and obvious thing to do is to change your passwords.  Make them as difficult as possible. I recently had a conversation with a security specialist at the IRS.  Her comment was that ALL information was already for sale on the Dark Web.  The only protection you have is to make it so difficult that  hackers move on to an easier target.

You can't lock out a hacker with cheeto. 

You won't last long with a password named "admin" or the name of your pet. 

Pick harder passwords. 

Here are the latest warnings and security breaches from KrebsonSecurity. 

Here are some ways to protecting yourself online:

1.  Instead of "passwords", use "passphrases" for different websites. Make them as complicated as possible.  Write them down and let someone know where they are. CHANGE THEM ON A REGULAR BASIS.  Use a two-step process for logging into your email account.  You'll type in a password, and then the secret code will be sent to you each time via text. In order to log in, the hacker will need your account AND your phone.  You might try something like 1Password to select and keep your passwords safe. 

2.  The biggest problem is usually EMAIL.  Hackers can exploit an email in many different ways; hiding viruses to capture passwords or recording everything you type. It is important to not open or read emails from email addresses you don’t recognize. They should be deleted from your inbox immediately.  Change your email password regularly. 

3.  Don't email your W-2, bank routing number or social social security number to your favorite CPA.  You can't believe how much this happens. Instead, go to the website and set up a portal account or use "safe send". The portal is secure and the data is encrypted. 

4. Physically secure your computer by activating a firewall. Avoid using public wifi.

5.  If you have a business, don't assume your website is secure.  ASK them to provide you with a certifcate of SSL (Secure Socket Layers) or TLS (Transport Layer Security).   

5. Use anit-virus AND anti-malware sofware. These programs should be able to run full system scans, update their spyware and malware definition lists, and quarantine and remove the bad items. Most people prefer to purchase an anti-virus software with spyware and malware scanning and removal capabilities.  No one piece of software can find and remove everything. It is important to have a multi-layered approach to securing your computer system. 

6. Perform a full system scan on a regular basis.  

7. Prevent spyware form getting into your computer by NOT installing 'cracked" sofwares.  Don't just click NEXT, NEXT, NEXT.  Chose custom installtion mode. 

8.  Never upload "unencrypted personal data" to dropbox, google drive, or any other file sharing services.  You can encrypt your files using software. Some of these include.....

9.  Watch for phishing.  If someone sends you an email to verify your account, be suspicious.  Call the person or company and find out what they need.  Resolve the issue via old fasion phone call.  There are ways to tell if your Gmail account has been hacked.  Check here

10.  If you have had identity theft you should do the following:

• Make sure to sign and return Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. The IRS will place you into the Itentity Protection PIN Program.  You will use this secret number to efile all future tax returns. 
• You should file a complaint with the FTC at identitytheft.gov.
• Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a ‘fraud alert’ on your credit records:
• Put alerts on your credit cards so you get a text with each purchase

RESOURCES:

AARP has a Fraud Watch Network which provides a scam-tracking map, a watchdog alert, and a toll free fraud helpline.

Equifax, www.Equifax.com, 800-525-6285  (oops they had data breach in 2017)

Experian, www.Experian.com, 888-397-3742

TransUnion, www.TransUnion.com, 800-680-7289

1Password  https://1password.com/

JUST LIKE A BAG OF CHEETOS  - YOU WON'T LAST LONG

DO SOMETHING NOW.