[Fox News] Beware of this McAfee Google Chrome pop-up scam

We want to warn you about a scam that you may encounter while browsing the web. A McAfee antivirus pop-up suddenly appears on your computer, claiming your device is infected and your McAfee subscription has expired. 

While it might seem legitimate, it’s really a scam. Suzy from Loudon, Tennessee, wrote to us saying she is experiencing the same thing:

“I am attempting to rid my new computer of a pesky McAfee Google Chrome Ad that keeps telling me I am infected with trojan viruses and I have an expired McAfee account with my new computer. I do not have their coverage. Per all my virus coverage, I show no infection; however, this menace keeps popping up even stating in full screen I shall lose my Windows 10 license and wipe my computer clean, etc. I shut my computer down completely… This pest has to go, and I am ready to send this pest to its graveyard – ashes baby!”

Luckily, Suzy, we have a solution to make sure you don’t put your information, finances and security at risk.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

The McAfee scam utilizes fear and panic to make you a victim. The goal is to make you act fast. Once you see the pop-up, you see that this pop-up is telling you your computer is infected with viruses and that your McAfee subscription has expired. 

First, ask yourself if you even had McAfee software to begin with. This should be the first red flag. The scammers are preying on your fears and counting on you to fall into their trap and click anywhere on the screen. You’re tempted to click the button to proceed and subscribe to what seems like real antivirus software. After all, it uses the McAfee logo — which is synonymous with internet security.

This scam can take your information using two methods. Sometimes, when you click on a pop-up like the fake one above, it will direct you to a website, asking you to re-subscribe. You enter in your data, thinking you’re getting a real antivirus software. However, in reality, you have just given a scammer your credit or debit card information, address and more.

The scam could also download malicious software once you click an option like, “Proceed,” “Get Protection” or “Scan.” That software is automatically downloaded onto your computer, and hackers can gain access.

There are several ways it can get onto your new computer. You might have downloaded a malicious file or browser extension. It can even get onto your computer if you visit a suspicious website and allow notifications.

MORE: THIS FACEBOOK MESSENGER PHISHING SCAM IS STEALING MILLIONS OF PASSWORDS

No, you might think that these are real alerts from your system or from legitimate websites like McAfee, but they are actually fake pop-ups that are trying to trick you into clicking on them. These pop-ups are not coming from your computer but from a malicious file that has integrated itself into your browser and is displaying images that look like pop-ups. If you click on them, you might end up downloading more malware, giving away your personal information, or paying money for a fake service.

If you see these pop-ups appear in your browser, don’t be alarmed. Here’s what to do. 

First, whatever you do, don’t click on links or pop-ups that look like they are from legitimate sources like McAfee unless you are absolutely sure it’s legit. As mentioned, these links or pop-ups can lead you to malicious websites or to downloading harmful software onto your computer. To avoid this, you should always check the URL of the link or pop-up before you click on it. If it looks suspicious, do not click on it. You can also hover your mouse over the link or pop-up to see the actual URL. If it does not match the source, do not click on it.

Second, the best way to avoid these pop-ups is to close your browser. You should also avoid reopening the same website or tab that triggered the pop-up, as it may still be compromised or malicious. Sometimes closing your browser is all you need to do. Other times you may see that this pop-up page may come back, so let’s clear out any files that may be in your browser’s cache.

If you see these fake pop-screens appear in your browser again over the course of the day or week, try clearing your cache. Here’s how to do it on your computer:

HARVARD DROPOUT BUILDS WEARABLE AI COMPANION THAT HANGS AROUND NECK

You can also clear the cache on your iPhone or Android.

If you are seeing these fake pop-ups after you already cleared your cache, let’s try disabling your browser extensions to see if it will solve the problem. Here’s how to do this:

GOOGLE FINALLY ADMITS DATA COLLECTION IN CHROME’S ‘INCOGNITO’ MODE

Keeping hackers out of your devices can be prevented if you have good antivirus software installed. Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links that may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information.

See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices

If you encounter this scam or any other scam, you should report it to the authorities so they can take action against the scammers and warn other people. You can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also report it to your local police department or consumer protection agency. By reporting the scam, you can help prevent others from falling victim to it.

MORE: HOW HACKERS CAN SENT TEXT MESSAGES FROM YOUR PHONE WITHOUT YOU KNOWING

What should you do if you’ve clicked a link and installed malware on your device? 

If you’ve been hacked, it’s not too late. There are several ways you can protect yourself from hackers, even when they have access to your information.

First, you’ll want to scan your computer with a reputable and legitimate antivirus program. See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices

If you’ve inadvertently given your information to hackers or malicious actors, they could have access to your social media or banking accounts. To prevent this, you should change your passwords for all your important accounts as soon as possible. However, you should not do this on your infected device, because the hacker might see your new passwords. Instead, you should use ANOTHER DEVICE, such as your laptop or desktop, to change your passwords. Make sure you use strong and unique passwords that are difficult to guess or break. You can also use a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely.

You should check your online accounts and transactions regularly for suspicious or unauthorized activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it to the service provider or the authorities as soon as possible. You should also review your credit reports and scores to see signs of identity theft or fraud.

The McAfee pop-up scam targets your personal information. Hackers can use this information to create fake accounts in your name, access your existing accounts and pretend to be you online. This can cause serious damage to your identity and credit score.

To avoid this, you should use identity theft protection services. These services can track your personal information, such as your home title, Social Security Number, phone number and email address and notify you if they detect any suspicious activity. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to stop hackers from using them. Read more of my review of best identity theft protection services here.

If hackers have obtained your bank or credit card information, they could use it to make purchases or withdrawals without your consent. You should contact your bank and credit card companies and inform them of the situation. They can help you freeze or cancel your cards, dispute any fraudulent charges, and issue new cards for you 

If hackers have accessed your email or social media accounts, they could use them to send spam or phishing messages to your contacts. They could also impersonate you and ask for money or personal information. You should alert your contacts and warn them not to open or respond to any messages from you that seem suspicious or unusual.

If you want to make sure that your device is completely free of any malware or spyware, you can restore it to factory settings. This will erase all your data and settings and reinstall the original version. You should back up your important data before doing this and only restore it from a trusted source.

MORE: HOW HACKERS ARE TARGETING X VERIFICATION ACCOUNTS TO TRICK YOU

The McAfee pop-up scam looks to prey on your fears and hopes you panic. It’s important to stay calm when facing hackers and make sure you’re taking the proper precautions. Whenever you download software, make sure it’s from an actual software developer you trust. 

Don’t download any software or browser extensions from suspicious sources, or you could be putting yourself at risk. While that’s easier said than done, you should always be vigilant when downloading anything or visiting dubious websites. 

Phishing scams like the McAfee pop-up scam are everywhere, but you can easily make sure you’re not a victim. All you have to do is be careful.

Have you seen this scam? If not, how do you protect yourself when you’re using the web? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Read More 

[Fox News] How this new heavy-duty drone can carry up to 88 pounds of cargo like it’s a feather

​​Imagine if there was a super heavy-duty drone that could carry your hefty packages to any destination, no matter how far or how rough the terrain is. 

That’s what the new DJI FlyCart 30 promises to do for you. It’s a drone that combines speed, durability and intelligence.

The DJI FlyCart 30 can carry up to 66 pounds of payload with dual batteries or up to 88 pounds with a single battery. 

It can fly up to 17 miles without payload or up to 10 miles with full payload. It can also reach a maximum speed of 45 mph or a cruising speed of 34 mph.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

If there is a nice and flat spot for the drone to land, then it can simply open its cargo case and place your package there. 

But what if there is no good landing spot? It can attach your package to a tether connected to a motorized winch on the belly of the drone and lower it down to the ground. The FC30 is able to hover in place as the remotely located pilot lowers the cargo into place.

MORE: HOW SMUGGLING GANGS USE DRONES TO DELIVER DRUGS ACROSS THE BORDER

But that’s not all. The DJI FlyCart 30 is also built to withstand harsh weather conditions and high altitudes. It can operate in temperatures ranging from minus 4 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit and fly up to 19,685 feet above sea level. It has an IP55 protection rating, which means it is resistant to dust and water jets. It can also handle wind speeds up to 27 mph.

MORE: DIVE INTO THE SEA WITH THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART UNDERWATER DRONE 

The DJI FlyCart 30 also boasts a strong and stable signal, thanks to its DJI O3 video transmission system. It can transmit high-quality video over up to 12 miles with low latency and interference. It also supports 4G-enhanced video transmission, which can work with DJI O3 to maintain signal stability in complex environments.

Additionally, it supports dual-operator mode, which allows two operators to share control of the drone and the payload. It also has a high-resolution FPV gimbal camera, which provides a clear and immersive view of the flight.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

MORE: 5 DRONES EXPERT REVIEWED

The DJI FlyCart 30 is not only powerful. It’s also smart and safe. It has a multi-level redundancy system, which ensures flight safety even if a single battery fails. It also has an integrated parachute, which can deploy at low altitudes and land the drone safely in case of an emergency.

It also has intelligent obstacle sensing, which uses radars and binocular vision to detect and avoid obstacles in multiple directions. It also has an ADS-B signal receiver, which warns of nearby crewed aircraft.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

The DJI FlyCart 30 is also easy to use and configure. It has a foldable design, which makes it easy to transport and store. It comes with a 70 L EPP case, which protects the drone and the payload. It also has a winch system that allows the drone to lower or raise the payload without landing.

It also supports fully automatic operations, which can be managed by the DJI Pilot 2 app, the DJI DeliveryHub platform and the Health Management System.

The DJI FlyCart 30 can carry heavy packages to any destination, no matter how far or how rough the terrain is. It can also withstand harsh weather conditions and high altitudes while maintaining a strong and stable signal. It has a multi-level redundancy system, an integrated parachute and intelligent obstacle sensing to ensure flight safety. It also supports dual-operator mode, fully automatic operations and a winch system to make the delivery process easier and more efficient.

How could you see using a drone like this in your life? Are you willing to trust a drone to deliver your heavy packages? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Read More 

[Fox News] Fox News AI Newsletter: America’s role in Ukraine’s unbelievable AI military development

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Experts highlight American role in Ukraine’s unbelievable AI military development
– Will AI ever outsmart humans? In some ways, it already has
– Baltimore union denies school principal went on ‘ungrateful Black kids’ rant, calls it an AI fraud

FORMIDABLE WARRIORS: Ukraine’s artificial intelligence (AI) development continues at a frightening pace beyond that of even tech giants in the U.S. and China as the war with Russia lurches toward a third year, but experts highlighted America’s critical role in helping that rapid advance.

VICTOR-AI SECRET: Victoria’s Secret & Co. and Google Cloud announced a multi-year partnership that will allow the popular retailer to use Google’s artificial intelligence technology to create a personalized shopping experience.

TECH THREATS: Concerns about AI interfering with the 2024 elections are well-founded, yet not unprecedented in recent history. In 1975, the Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA foreshadowed today’s AI concerns. 

AI RESUME HELP: The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has nearly half of job seekers utilizing such tools to help improve their resumes according to a new survey from Canva.

ROBOT DOES DINNER: Have you ever wished you had a helper who could do anything you asked, such as cleaning, cooking, shopping, tutoring, or even guarding your house? Well, now you can, thanks to 1X, the Norwegian company that created EVE, the humanoid robot that can perform a range of tasks.

COMING CLEAN: Businesses of all sizes are integrating artificial intelligence into their systems to varying degrees as more companies embrace the rapidly evolving technology.

NOT REAL: The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office says it is investigating a robocall with a fake voice of President Biden urging voters there not to participate in Tuesday’s presidential primary and instead “save” their votes for November. 

FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn

SIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS

Fox News First
Fox News Opinion
Fox News Lifestyle
Fox News Health

DOWNLOAD OUR APPS

WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE

Fox News Go

STREAM FOX NATION

Fox Nation

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

Read More