500 Google Chrome Extensions Caught Stealing Private Data From Millions of Users

By -- 2020-02-27 in Uncategorized

Google was forced to remove 500 malicious Chrome extensions from its web store after it was discovered that many extensions carried malicious ads which siphoned off browsing data to servers being controlled by attackers.
It’s been reported that the extensions were part of an Ad-fraud campaign that’s been operating since January 2019. However, some evidence shows that the actor may have been operating from as early as 2017.

The extensions posed as promotions and advertising services. Unfortunately, this was not the first time Chrome extensions on chrome were caught stealing data from browsers. For now, individuals are cautioned to continue reviewing extension permission, uninstalling extensions not often used or don’t require access to your browser activity.

If you or your business are unsure on how to handle ad-fraud, OptfinITy can help.  Call us at (703)790-0400 or contact us at info@optfinity.com for  more information.

This New Ransomware is Asking for Nude Photos Instead of Money

By -- 2020-02-24 in Blog, Uncategorized

Last year businesses worldwide lost billions of dollars due to ransomware. This year, however, some ransomware criminals are looking to collect something other than money.

Researchers at Emisoft have discovered a ransomware that demands payment of a different kind – nude photographs. The creator of the ransomware distorts the typical sextortion scam which is to usually ask for payments in order not to post explicit photographs of the victim. Now, the criminal offers up a decryption tool to the victim but only if they send explicit photos of themselves first.

Although the scam is worrisome, the new strain of Ransomware has proven not to be very sophisticated in its execution yet. It is important before turning over sensitive images of yourself to consult a professional before. Thankfully, OptfinITy is equipped to deal with threats of cybercriminals. If you or your organization fear that you are not prepared to deal with these types of security issues attacks and can use some guidance, feel free to contact us at OptfinITy at (703)790-0400 or contact us at info@optfinity.com

Microsoft Data Breach Exposes 250 Million Costumer Service Records

By -- 2020-02-11 in Blog

In case you missed it, Microsoft released an important security patch as a result of a massive security breach found in Windows 10 Microsoft has admitted that between December 5th – 31st 2019, a security vulnerability inside of internal customer support database was left entirely exposed for anyone to access without requiring a password.
According to researcher Bob Diatchenko, who was the one to discover the vulnerable database, 250 million Costumer Service and Support records which contained endless conversations between Microsoft’s support team and costumers were accessible to just about anyone. Microsoft is still investigating the security breach but it appears none of the information that was potentially available has been used in a malicious way so far. They did, however, begin to inform customers whose data was involved in the breach.

If your organization is not trained to handle misconfigurations in your database, OptfinITy is always ready to help. Contact us at OptfinITy at (703)790-0400 or contact us at info@optfinity.com

What the new California Privacy Law Means for You

By -- 2020-01-7 in Uncategorized

Background of the Law

The CCPA (California Consumer Privacy ACT) is a new California law which allows residents of California to learn what data companies are collecting about them, as well as requiring companies to delete their data and not sell it, upon request.

The Beginning Impact

Although the full force of the new privacy law isn’t entirely transparent since regulations are still being finalized, companies outside and inside of California are already taking action to remain complaint so they can continue doing business with California.

There is no doubt that this law will have an effect both inside and outside of California. In the past, companies weren’t legally required to tell you what data they’ve collected of you or how they plan on using it.

What are the Implications?

With the CCPA in force, you’ll be able to ask companies to delete your private information or refrain from selling it. This law will apply to even major tech companies such as Facebook and Google – who already let you delete some of your data off their systems but not in a way where it fully disconnects user from the data it has collected. This new law changes that.

If organizations fail to follow this law, they could be fined up to $2,500 per violation, and up to $7,500 if the violation is found to be intentional.  Californians can sue businesses directly even if their data was released through an accidental breach.

This law will also allow users to continue to use free services even if they ask bigger companies not to collect their data. After California’s legislature passed CCPA, several major tech companies told federal lawmakers that they would like to see one privacy law that covers the whole country.

FBI Warns Over Ransomware Attacks

By -- 2020-01-6 in Blog

The FBI recently issued a warning to the private industry providing information and guidance on the LockerGoga and MegaCortex Ransomware. LockerGoga and MegaCortex are ransomware infections that target the company by compromising the network and encrypting all devices.
When the network is compromised, the perpetrator be residents of the network for months before they release the LockerGoga or MegaCortex ransome infections. Once the attackers have taken everything of value from the network, they release the infections so that it can encrypt the device on the network and completely take over.

For this reason, the FBI has recommended organizations take the following precautions:

1. Back up data regularly using revisions. Backing up your data regularly, especially with offline and revision based backups eliminates the effects of the threat since you can restore your data.

2.Enable two-factor authentications and encrypt your data with strong passwords to block stolen credentials, phishing attacks, or other login compromises.

3.Businesses are encouraged to audit logs for all remote connection protocols since exposed remote servers are the most common way for attackers to first gain access.

4.Audit all new accounts to make sure no back door accounts are being created.

5.Make sure you are using the most up to date Powershell and uninstall older versions

If you or your organization  are not prepared for ransomware attacks and can use some guidance, feel free to contact us at OptfinITy at (703)790-0400 or contact us at info@optfinity.com