FBI says these 13 old internet routers are vulnerable to attacks; The Geek Squad scam is back; Beware: This Social Security Scam Installs Remote Access Malware on Your PC, and More!
Every day, we scan the tech world for interesting news, sometimes from outside the tech world. Every Thursday, we feature news articles that grabbed our attention over the past week. We hope you find this week’s ‘Thursday Newsbytes’ informative and interesting!
FBI says these 13 old internet routers are vulnerable to attacks. Is yours on the list?
The FBI has issued a security warning urging owners of old internet routers to replace their equipment, lest they become victims of a cyberattack.
The flash notice, issued May 7, said that “end-of-life” (EOL) routers, or those made so long ago that their software is no longer supported by their manufacturers, are being targeted by bad actors due to their age. With no patches or regular software updates to address security weaknesses, the outdated equipment becomes exceptionally vulnerable, allowing cyberattackers to access it remotely and install malware.
The targeted routers come pre-loaded with remote management software that threat actors know how to tap into, advised the notice. Once they do, they may install malicious software or set up a botnet – a group of internet-connected devices compromised and controlled by a third party that can then use them in an orchestrated manner to carry out activities such as stealing data, sending spam or committing denial-of-service attacks…
The Geek Squad scam is back. Here’s what you need to know.
No, that Geek Squad bill that you received in your email isn’t real. It’s a scam.
Have you received an urgent email from tech support company Geek Squad, charging you an exorbitant amount of money for a subscription renewal?
It’s a scam. The email is not really from Geek Squad, which is a legitimate business owned by the electronics retail chain Best Buy. And while scammers love to make it sound like you’re minutes away from a massive credit card charge, they can’t really charge you. The large amount stated in the email is just there to scare you…that is, unless you respond and give the cybercriminals the information they want.
So, up top, let’s be clear: Don’t respond to these Geek Squad scam emails. Ignore them. Don’t engage with the scammer…
Beware: This Social Security Scam Installs Remote Access Malware on Your PC
The emails prompt you to download a Social Security statement, but clicking will allow malicious actors to install a remote access tool called ScreenConnect.
Another day, another scam. Cybercriminals are sending fake Social Security emails to trick victims into installing a remote access tool on their computers, Malwarebytes reports.
The emails appear to come from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and prompt you to download a Social Security statement. Quite often, the entire email is in the form of an image, and clicking on the download link will allow malicious actors to install a remote access tool called ScreenConnect.
The attack has been linked to a phishing group called Molatori. Their primary goal is to take control of your PC, steal sensitive or banking information about you, and commit financial fraud. They can also use the stolen data for identity theft and other harmful activities.
To avoid falling for this trap, pay attention to your messages. Since these emails are generated on compromised WordPress sites and are delivered as images, they tend to pass through email filters quite easily. You’ll have to verify the source of the email independently and avoid clicking on links to open or download files unless you’re sure they are not malicious…
Using the Wrong AI Video Generator Could Infect Your PC With Malware
There are plenty of free AI image and video generators out there, but some can be outright dangerous to use. If you end up using the wrong AI video generator, you’ll get a side of malware served with it.
AI Video Generators Are Distributing MalwareA new info-stealing malware called Noodlophile is hiding in fake AI video generators. Security experts at Morphisec discovered the campaign, claiming that these fake websites use names like “Dream Machine” and advertise their services on Facebook groups to attract more users.
The sites will ask you to upload a sample image that their AI will convert into a video and offer the result as a ZIP archive for download. Since Windows does not show file extensions in Windows File Explorer by default, the file will appear as an MP4 video file to most people at first glance. In reality, it’s an executable file…
How tech’s biggest powerhouses from Amazon to Nvidia are betting on healthcare AI
Artificial intelligence is gaining ground in healthcare, and tech’s biggest players are racing to stake their claims.
Many tech giants have been building healthcare businesses long before the AI boom. Amazon, for example, invested heavily in the industry when it acquired primary care provider One Medical for $3.9 billion in 2022.
Now, those tech powerhouses are sharpening their healthcare strategies with AI at the center. Chipmaker Nvidia has rapidly expanded its healthcare ambitions in the past two years, aiming to tackle everything from surgical robotics to drug discovery.
Their healthcare ambitions reflect a broader shift: as AI advances, Big Tech sees fresh opportunities for transformation — and revenue — in the complex industry.
From AI-powered wearables to robotic surgery, here’s how tech’s most powerful companies are investing in healthcare AI…
Read more at Business Insider.
Thanks for reading this week’s Thursday Newbytes. We hope these articles were informative, interesting, fun, and helpful.
