The Internet of Things (IoT) is exposing you more than you may think! The IoT allows smart technology products such as gaming devices, home appliances, medical wearables, sports equipment, cars, and toys to send and receive data over the internet and to be controlled remotely
After hearing the phrase “uncertain times” for the last six months, I believe that it may be overused. Most consumers tune out the meaning of overused words and phrases relating to risk and danger.
Unfortunately, words such as cybersecurity, data breach, identity theft, personal privacy, and stolen credentials are still not understood by consumers.
Consumers continue to read that weak passwords and phishing emails as common access points for hackers and they are!. But, the new access point is the IoT as hackers are taking advantage of unsecured access to smart technology.
Two IoT exposure examples:
Two recent examples include Why the Garmin Data Breach Should Be a Wakeup Call for Every CEO (please see here)
According to Chief Executive Magazine, “Garmin confirmed it had been the victim of a cyberattack that caused a days-long outage in late July, during which users worldwide were unable to upload their fitness data from the company’s sports devices. Garmin reportedly paid a sizable ransom to get its data back.”
And according to Threatpost – which is a leading source for IT and business security – “2019 saw an explosion of privacy issues and scandals for Amazon-owned Ring. Researchers found several flaws in the IoT device, including one that allowed attackers to spy on families, or one that exposed Wi-Fi network passwords.”
The good news is that smart technology has the potential to improve our lives from home security, energy conservation, to physical fitness. The bad news is that it increases exposure with poor security features and places the responsibility of security on the consumer.
The fact is smart technology devices collect, store, process, and use personal information. For example, information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, payment account information, GPS-based location, and activity patterns.
Always check for and install the latest updates for every IoT device you own. This will keep you one step ahead of hackers and cybercriminals.
So, yes, the Internet of Things is exposing you but as described above, there are ways to mitigate that risk. Enjoy your smart technology devices, stay safe, change your default passwords, and stay up to date on the latest IoT updates.
By Mark Pribish
Vice President and ID Theft Practice Leader
With colleges and universities beginning the new school year, online students are targeted in ID Theft and Fraud schemes! Online Fraud Schemes that we did not have to worry about when I was in school. I had the time of my life and made many lifetime friends when I attended the University of Dayton! Student life was simple, no laptops, no smartphones, no social media, socializing at the library, and the music was fantastic.
But what is happening now?
Now more than ever, Laptops, Smartphones, Social Media, and advanced schemes have increased the risk for students. Risks that now are more prevalent due to the majority of students studying online remotely, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating higher risk. And this May 27, 2020, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) article titled COVID-19 scams targeting college students confirms it.
With a significant increase in phony LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media friend requests placing many students at risk – as this August 12, 2020 article titled COVID-19 is shattering cyberattack records highlights – the daily inundation of misinformation has given cybercriminals an endless resource of information to implement their attacks.
Students and Parents can mitigate exposure to cyber scams and identity theft in the following ways.
The COVID-19 pandemic has new email phishing attacks that try to trick parents working and students studying remotely into giving away credentials for access to their employers’ and college/university networks. You need to stay vigilant and be careful with every email.
A new voice phishing scam uses a combination of one-on-one phone calls and custom phishing sites to steal VPN credentials from again – both parents and students.
Limit what you share online, use, and regularly change strong passwords on devices.
Online students are being targeted by ID theft criminals now more than ever. As these criminals continue to use student information to obtain employment, rent an apartment, open a utility, cell phone, bank account, or to access government benefits be ever aware of new and emerging scams.
Telehealth creates new cyber and medical id theft risks.
In follow up to the July 2, 2020 article titled “MEDICAL-ID THEFT RISKS INCREASE”. That article we said” we need to be more vigilant about cyber scams, phishing scams, hackers, and insider threats. The threats that are targeting our online presence – including telehealth services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased consumer risks through cyber scams and medical identity theft.
Telehealth growth has exploded.
HealthITSecurity, states “the U.S. telehealth market was estimated at ~$3 billion with 11% of consumers using telehealth in 2019. Fast forward to pandemic-plagued 2020, the telehealth market is poised to grow to $250 billion with 46% of consumers now using telehealth, according to McKinsey & Company.”
“Unfortunately,” and according to HealthITSecurity, “these benefits are being offset by a variety of fraud schemes where healthcare fraud in the US is approaching $300 billion annually and while the Department of Health & Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services eased their telehealth requirements to serve more patients during the pandemic, there could be an inadvertent wave of billing fraud and risk patient safety.”
The fact is, the COVID-19 pandemic has cyber scammers, phishing scammers, hackers, and even the insider threat targeting healthcare professionals and consumers.
Examples of fraud scams, phishing scams, hacking, and insider threats include:
Fraud scams including fake or fraudulent COVID-19 cures through fraudulent phone calls, fake social media content, and door-to-door sales.
Phishing and Vishing Scams including fake emails, texts and phone calls to get you to share personal information like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords.
Hacking / Malware where hackers use malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
Insider Threats including current and former employees. The careless worker, the disgruntled employee, the malicious insider, and the outside contractor or vendor can all be threats.
While Telehealth is an emerging opportunity with great potential, Telehealth Creates Cyber Risks that could lead to identity theft.
According to this April 13, 2020, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) blog, “as Telehealth services proliferate, telehealth fraud schemes will continue to evolve (please see here).
Consumers need to be aware that theft of or using your personal information can also originate with Telehealth services. (e.g., name, Social Security number, Medicare number, etc.)
Consumers can also reduce their risk of medical identity theft by safeguarding their health insurance cards, regularly reviewing credit reports, medical benefit explanations, medical bills, and prescription bills.
Credit Freezes vs Credit locks, what you should know is that they are not exactly the same thing.
Credit freezes are now free, but credit bureaus are pushing you to lock your credit instead.
Why you want to know the difference
Consumers, in general, are more worried about identity theft than ever before and they should be. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the past years and will see a significant spike this year. According to a May 22, 2020 ComputerWeekly.com article titled Covid-19 will leave organizations exposed to higher cyber risks (please see here https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252483503/Covid-19-will-leave-organisations-exposed-to-higher-cyber-risks), “hacking attacks and phishing emails could become the new norm.”
The fact is the risk of a data breach event is now higher than ever based on the “increase in phishing email attacks, malicious keylogger attacks and the distribution of password-stealing software.” This means that consumers are more exposed now more than ever and might not know for months or even years that their Personally Identifiable Information (PII) was stolen.
Since the COVID-19 crisis began, state and federal law enforcement has reported on numerous cybersecurity attacks and phishing scams including:
Sophisticated COVID-19 related phishing attacks that use PDF attachments to bypass software security defenses
Fake shipping emails pretending to be from FedEx and UPS to trick customers into downloading malware
Phony LinkedIn “connect” and Facebook “friend” requests to trick users into downloading malware
Fraudulent small business lending emails targeting small business owners including small law firms
New and innovative “vishing” phone scams impersonating government organizations and charities to solicit donations
With the increase in cyber scams, breaches, and ID theft during the current COVID-19 crisis, consumers might consider placing a credit freeze on their credit report.
A credit lock and a credit freeze are similar forms of protecting your credit reports from being accessed by identity fraudsters. The two are often used interchangeably but they are different.
Freezing your credit with each of the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Transunion, and Experian restrict access to your credit for anyone attempting to access it. Access is granted only when you unfreeze your credit. Freezing and unfreezing your credit is free, by law, and requires you to use a password-protected account or pin number.
Locking your credit accomplishes the same restriction to your credit. But unlocking your credit is very easy and can be done immediately at any time. Unlocking can be done on your computer or your phone. This is beneficial because it is far easier to lock and unlock than it is to freeze and unfreeze. You will pay for the convenience of this service.
Both Freezing and Locking your credit prevent others from accessing your credit information, eliminating the possibility that a fraudster could open a new credit account in your name.
CREDIT FREEZES vs CREDIT LOCKS…The choice is yours but both options are worth considering to protect you and your family members.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) sends out warnings of emerging Health Care Schemes related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The FBI is warning the public about several emerging health care fraud schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Criminals are actively manipulating the COVID-19 pandemic to their advantage,” said Calvin A. Shivers, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “We ask all Americans to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to these schemes.”
Bad actors are selling fake COVID-19 test kits and unapproved treatments through telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits. Many scammers promise free care to patients in order to gain access to their personal and health insurance information, including their dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and financial data.
The FBI wants the public to be aware of the following schemes:
COVID-19 Testing Schemes
Beware of individuals who contact you in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to take a COVID-19 test. These scammers will likely ask for your health insurance information, including your Medicare or Medicaid number, and other personal information. Prior health care fraud investigations have shown that once scammers obtain an individual’s personal information, they use it to bill federal health care programs and/or private health insurance plans for tests and procedures the individual did not receive and pocket the proceeds. Be cautious of any unsolicited offers that require or request your medical insurance information.
Also beware of individuals offering to sell you a COVID-19 test kit or supplies, especially when these contacts are unexpected. A physician or other trusted
health care provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing. Some scammers are selling fake at-home test kits; some are even going door-to-door and performing fake tests for money. Legitimate tests are offered free to patients when administered by a health care professional.
COVID-19 Treatment Schemes
Legitimate medical professionals and scientists throughout the U.S. are working hard to find a cure, approved treatment, and vaccine for COVID-19. Unfortunately, they don’t yet exist. At the same time, scammers are working hard to sell fake cures, treatments, and vaccines. Ignore unsolicited offers for these fake procedures. Do not provide any personal information, including your financial information, Medicare or Medicaid number, or private health insurance information to anyone offering them.
When an approved treatment or cure becomes available, the first time you hear about it will not be through an email, telephone call, online advertisement, or unsolicited in-person sales pitch from a stranger.
You should also beware of scammers claiming to be medical professionals and demanding payment for treating a friend or relative for COVID-19.
If you do receive treatment for COVID-19, be sure to check the medical bills and the explanation of benefits from your provider, government health program, or insurance company. Ensure your medical bills are accurate! If you spot an error, call your medical provider and your insurance company.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General issued a COVID-19 Fraud Alert video to warn about several healthcare fraud scams.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted extensive guidance and information on the Internet that is updated frequently. You may also consult your primary care physician for guidance.
With the growing Coronavirus impact on our society, scams are also growing exponentially. Below is a summary of several of the most common scams, and resources to help you stay ahead of this fraud in the midst of COVID-19.
Staying Vigilant Against Fraud in the Midst of COVID-19
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, frauds and scams are emerging. Americans need to be aware that there are individuals attempting to profiteer from this emergency through online phishing scams, door-to-door COVID-19 testing offers, falsely promising free care, etc.
Report Suspected COVID-19 Fraud to National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline:
Below is a list of 5 scams designed to defraud you in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phishing Scams
We are all looking to keep up with all that is happening with the Coronavirus. Our eagerness and fear may be making us more vulnerable to fake coronavirus update emails, and texts. Think before you click on links, ask yourself if it makes sense. You may be one click away from being infected by malware and adding more stress to your life. Do not give out any personal information over the phone!
Fake Government Representations
The bad guys are pretending to be government representatives. Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
Here is an example of a fake Government Representation:
As the U.S. government considers a financial relief package for citizens, false claims of the government sending a $1000 relief check to individuals are already in the works by scammers who seem to be a step ahead of any official decision. Fraudsters are posing as the government to collect your personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank account numbers to send out your “coronavirus financial aid” deposit.
Update and Donation Sites Websites designed to collect your Personal Identifiable Information (PII) are being published.
Some examples we have seen:
Coronavirus updates
Emergency Response Plan Sites
Donation Sites
Others include the “sale” of things like facemasks, sanitizer, test kits etc.
NO CURE… The FTC and FDA have jointly issued warning letters to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products, claiming they can treat or prevent the Coronavirus. The companies’ products include teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver.The FTC says the companies have no evidence to back up their claims — as required by law. The FDA says there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent the virus. Read more about the warning letters.
Fake Jobs This has affected all of us in one way or another. Unfortunately, some have lost their jobs and are looking for a solution. The dirtbags know this and are creating fake job postings to entice some of us to participate in a scam or to provide PII. Make sure you know what you are applying for and do your research before you provide any information.
We are all dealing with this in our own ways but we need to be careful. Careful with each other but also with potential fraud in the midst of COVID-19.
If you think you have been a victim, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at defend-id. Or if you spot a fraud please report it:
Report Suspected COVID-19 Fraud to National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline:
Now more than ever, Laptops, Smartphones, Social Media, and advanced schemes have increased the risk for students. 
Telehealth growth has exploded.
Freezing your credit with each of the three credit bureaus, Equifax, Transunion, and Experian restrict access to your credit for anyone attempting to access it. Access is granted only when you unfreeze your credit. Freezing and unfreezing your credit is free, by law, and requires you to use a password-protected account or pin number.
Locking your credit accomplishes the same restriction to your credit. But unlocking your credit is very easy and can be done immediately at any time. Unlocking can be done on your computer or your phone. This is beneficial because it is far easier to lock and unlock than it is to freeze and unfreeze. You will pay for the convenience of this service.
COVID-19 Testing Schemes
COVID-19 Treatment Schemes
