Author: Editor

Beware of Online Scams: Free Games, Fake Jobs, and Phony Reviews
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Beware of Online Scams: Free Games, Fake Jobs, and Phony Reviews

The internet is full of exciting opportunities, but it’s also a hunting ground for cybercriminals looking to steal personal information. One recent scam highlights how easily people can be tricked—cybercriminals are offering a “free” video game, only for users to unknowingly download malware onto their devices.

The "Free Game" Scam

A new scam involves an online job offer claiming that you can get paid to monitor in-game chats in a free game called “PirateFi.” The offer seems enticing: download the game, watch chat activity, and receive payment. Unfortunately, this game is just a front for malware. Instead of earning easy money, unsuspecting users end up installing malware that steals their web browser data, including login credentials and personal information. The cybercriminals then use or sell this stolen data for financial gain, leaving the victim empty-handed and vulnerable to identity theft.

Other Sneaky Tactics Scammers Use

Scammers don’t just stop at fake job postings. They have a variety of tricks to lure unsuspecting users into their traps. Here are some other common scams to watch out for:

  • Fake Product Reviews
    Ever seen an online post asking you to leave a review in exchange for a free product? Some of these offers come with strings attached, such as requiring you to provide personal information or click on malicious links. Scammers use these tactics to either steal your data or boost their own fraudulent operations.
  • Phony Job Offers with Software Downloads
    Scammers may pose as recruiters offering high-paying jobs but require applicants to download software to “test” their skills or complete onboarding. The downloaded files often contain spyware, ransomware, or other forms of malware that compromise your system and data.
  • Fake Customer Support Requests
    Some scams involve impersonating customer support representatives who claim you need to install software to fix an issue on your device. These scammers may reach out via email, text, or even fake pop-ups on your screen, leading you to install malware or give away sensitive login credentials.
  • Phishing Scams Masquerading as Giveaways
    Scammers frequently create fake contests or giveaways, promising valuable rewards in exchange for personal information or social media engagement. Once they have your details, they can use them to carry out identity theft or further scams.

Protect Yourself from Online Scams

At Citynet, we take cybersecurity seriously, and as a KnowBe4 partner, we help individuals and businesses stay aware of the latest threats. Follow these simple guidelines to avoid falling victim to online scams:

  • Be cautious when downloading new software. Always verify the source and use updated antivirus protection.
  • Don’t fall for ‘too good to be true’ deals. If an offer promises easy money or free products with no effort, it’s likely a scam.
  • Avoid downloading software as a job requirement. If a recruiter or employer asks you to install a program before hiring you, it’s a red flag.
  • Think before you click. Be skeptical of unsolicited messages asking for personal information or urging you to act quickly.
  • Stay informed. Cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics. Educate yourself and your team about cybersecurity best practices.

Citynet provides advanced cybersecurity solutions and training to protect your business and personal data. As a KnowBe4 partner, we help organizations defend against phishing attacks, social engineering scams, and malware threats.

If you want to learn more about securing your digital world, contact Citynet today!

Stay safe, stay smart, and stay secure!

Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats with Citynet & Huntress
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Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats with Citynet & Huntress

Cybersecurity threats are evolving at an alarming rate, and businesses of all sizes must remain vigilant against cybercriminals who are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit. At Citynet, we understand the critical need for proactive security solutions that go beyond traditional antivirus and firewall protections. That’s why we’ve partnered with Huntress, a leading cybersecurity platform, to offer our customers an advanced layer of defense against cyber threats.

What is Huntress?

HuntressHuntress is a powerful cybersecurity platform designed to detect and respond to persistent threats that evade conventional security measures. It continuously monitors your IT environment, identifying hidden footholds, unauthorized access, and malware that could compromise your business. With its managed detection and response (MDR) capabilities, Huntress ensures that your organization is protected 24/7.

How Citynet and Huntress Protect Your Business

Icon: Alert
Threat Detection & Response

Huntress actively hunts for malicious activity, analyzing suspicious behavior and stopping threats before they cause damage.

Icon: Ransomware
Ransomware Protection

Huntress provides early detection of ransomware attacks, preventing them from spreading and mitigating damage to your systems.

Icon: Shield
Incident Response & Remediation

If a breach occurs, Huntress provides expert-driven remediation steps to remove the threat and restore security.

Icon: Monitor
Continuous Monitoring

24/7 surveillance ensures that threats are detected and neutralized in real-time, giving you peace of mind.

Why Choose Huntress-Powered Security Solutions Expertly Deployed by Citynet?

Cyber threats don’t take a break, and neither do we. With Citynet and Huntress, you get a proactive, fully managed security solution that keeps your business secure without the need for an in-house cybersecurity team. Our expert team is always available to support you, so that your network remains safe, secure, and running smoothly.

Don’t wait until a cyberattack disrupts your business – take action today. Contact us to learn more about how Citynet and Huntress can fortify your cybersecurity defense.

Tips for Staying Alert Against Cyber Threats
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Tips for Staying Alert Against Cyber Threats

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to trick you into revealing sensitive information or compromising your security. Take a moment to review these key security tips and remember—when in doubt, verify before you act!

For ongoing security updates and best practices, follow Citynet on Facebook.

Stay secure, stay smart, and keep cybercriminals out!

Caller ID Can Be Spoofed

Do not trust phone numbers displayed on incoming calls. Attackers can make a call appear as though it’s coming from a trusted source (IT, your bank, or even your boss). If in doubt, hang up and call back using an official number.

Phishing Emails

Look for Red Flags.   Before clicking on links or downloading attachments, watch for:
  • Unexpected or urgent requests (e.g., “Your account will be locked!”)
  • Misspellings, odd grammar, or generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
  • Mismatched or suspicious-looking sender addresses

Verify Internal Employees

Social Engineering is on the Rise

  • Attackers are now impersonating internal employees to gain access to systems or sensitive data. Be cautious when:
  • Receiving an unusual request via email, Webex, SMS, or phone (e.g., password resets, financial transactions, or file access).
  • An employee asks you to share information that seems unusual or urgent.
  • You get a call from IT support or management asking you to install software or change settings.

Use Personal Verification Questions
If you’re unsure whether someone is legitimate, ask a specific question only that person would know the answer to before providing information or access. Some examples:

  • For coworkers: “What project did we last work on together?”
  • For IT support: “What case number was my last request?”
  • For managers: “What was discussed in our last meeting?”

Always verify through an alternate method (such as calling the employee at their known extension) before acting.

Watch Out! Google Search Results Are Not Always Safe

Cybercriminals manipulate search rankings to make fake customer support numbers and malicious sites appear at the top. Always get phone numbers from official company websites and not from a Google search.

Remember:
  • Report suspicious emails to your IT department.
  • Directly call the person or a team member who handles IT security for your organization if you have doubts.
  • Stay vigilant and never rush when dealing with requests for personal or company information requests.
Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility!

Keep up with more security tips and information by following Citynet on Facebook.

Protecting Your Personal Information on Your Smart TV
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Protecting Your Personal Information on Your Smart TV

Smart TVs have become a staple in many homes, offering convenient access to streaming services, apps, and even smart home integrations. However, just like your computer or smartphone, your TV can collect data, track viewing habits, and be vulnerable to cyber threats.

From voice assistants and built-in cameras to automatic content recognition (ACR) and third-party apps, your smart TV might be sharing more personal information than you realize. Without the right precautions, hackers, advertisers, and even cybercriminals could gain access to your data, putting your privacy at risk.

The good news? You can take simple steps to protect yourself. Here are 12 essential security and privacy tips to keep your personal information safe while enjoying your favorite shows and events:

  1. Adjust Privacy Settings – Review your TV’s privacy settings. Disable features you don’t need, like voice commands, camera access, and activity tracking.
  2. Disable Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) – ACR tracks what you watch to recommend content or serve ads. Turn this off in the TV’s settings to limit data collection.
  3. Keep Software Updated – Regularly update your TV’s firmware to protect against known security vulnerabilities.
  4. Use Strong Passwords – Set strong, unique passwords for streaming services, Wi-Fi, and any other connected apps on your TV.
  5. Be Cautious with App Permissions – Only download trusted apps. Check the permissions apps request and deny any unnecessary access.
  6. Turn Off Features When Not in Use – Disable the TV’s microphone, camera, or internet connection when not in use. Consider using physical covers for cameras.
  7. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi – If you connect your TV to Wi-Fi, make sure it’s a secure, password-protected network to prevent unauthorized access.
  8. Enable Network Encryption – Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your home Wi-Fi network to secure data transmitted to and from your TV.
  9. Monitor Account Activity – Regularly check for suspicious activity on your streaming accounts, such as unrecognized logins or recently watched shows.
  10. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – If available, enable 2FA for apps on your TV to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
  11. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Info – Avoid entering sensitive information (like payment details) directly on your TV. Use a secure device like a phone or computer instead.
  12. Use a VPN (Optional) – If you want extra security, consider a VPN to encrypt your internet connection on the TV.

These precautions can help minimize the risks of data theft, unauthorized access, and privacy invasion on your smart TV.

Happy watching! Be sure to share this information with friends and family, and follow Citynet on Facebook to get the latest security info and tips.