Category: Science and Technology

Science and Technology

[Fox News] Cyber-attacks against Americans at all time high over past two years

Cyber-attacks against Americans have hit an all-time high over the past two years, according to Checkpoint Software research. The Office of Government Accountability says the U.S. lacks adequate cybercrime data and monitoring, leaving the country less prepared to fight cybercrime. 

Cyber criminals target education and research sectors the most because of their sensitive information and lack of adequate cyber security. Checkpoint Software Global Chief Information (CISO) Officer Pete Nicoletti says there was an increase in attacks on government and military in the 4th quarter of 2023. 

“I think it’s because of the ongoing conflicts that we’re seeing. The two wars that the world is involved in,” Nicoletti said. 

The Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war seem far away from Steele County, Minnesota. But Steele County Director of Information Technology Dave Purscell says our screens bring the war home.

“We’re at war, and literally against other countries that are attempting to do damage here,” Purscell said. “We see a lot of activity against our firewalls that comes in from, you know, the big four, that’d be in Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.” 

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Purscell says cyber criminals target local governments because, “we have a lot of really important sensitive information. And the theory behind it is that we’re not going to have the level of protection and security that a large organization like the federal or state government would have.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal of 2021 designates $1 billion for states and territories over the next 4 years. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency says states have to apply through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. Only South Dakota has not applied and received funds. 

In Minnesota, the federal government has allocated $18 million in federal funds and $5.5 million in state matched funds from the Minnesota legislature. At least 80% of that has to go to local governments and at least 25% to rural communities. 

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CISO John Israel leads Minnesota IT Services executive branch cybersecurity teams and the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force. Israel says not every local government has adequate security measures. In September, the agency launched the Whole of State Cybersecurity Plan to provide and expand cybersecurity outreach to local governments statewide. 

“Government entities, no matter how large or how small, collect and store manage a lot of data around presidents, about the people that they serve,” Israel said. “Not only are they holding the data, ransom and hostage for payment, they’re also trying to sell it on the black market.”

With 3,500 entities like school districts, local governments and tribal nations in Minnesota, Israel says the money goes fast.

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Checkpoint software says attempted ransomware attacks on organizations rose 33% worldwide last year. About 1 in 20 organizations in the US fell victim to attempted ransomware attacks last year. On average, a business experiences over 1,158 cyberattacks a week. 

“The criminal enterprise is actually growing in size. It’s a multibillion-dollar industry. Some people think it’s the third largest economy in the world after U.S. and China, the cybercriminal environment,” Nicoletti said. 

It’s not just the quantity of the cyberattacks that are increasing, but the quality. Nicoletti said the use of artificial intelligence has made phishing scams coming through email harder to spot.

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Science and Technology

[Fox News] How to check your Apple warranty status and what it covers

You love your Apple devices, right? They are sleek, powerful and easy to use.

But what if something goes wrong with them? In that case, understanding warranty coverage can be a game-changer.

Apple guarantees that your devices will work as intended for a certain period of time. How long, you ask?

Well, that depends on the type of device and the service option you choose. Let me break it down for you.

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Apple, known for its commitment to quality, offers a warranty for its devices to ensure customer satisfaction. Here’s what you need to know about the duration:

To determine if your warranty is currently active for your Apple devices, Apple provides a straightforward and convenient way to check by logging onto https://checkcoverage.apple.com/.

By checking your coverage, you can quickly and easily determine if your warranty is still active for your specific Apple product category. This information can be invaluable in understanding your device’s coverage and whether it’s time to consider extending your protection with AppleCare+ for that added peace of mind.

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While Apple devices are known for their quality and reliability, there are still some common issues that may occur with these devices that are typically not covered under warranty. It’s essential to be aware of these potential issues and understand that they might require out-of-pocket expenses for repair or replacement if you don’t have extended coverage. Here are 8 common problems that may not be covered under warranty:

1) Accidental damage: Accidents happen, and unfortunately, most warranties, including Apple’s standard warranty, do not cover accidental damage. This includes situations like dropping your iPhone or Apple Watch, spilling liquid on your device, or physically damaging your AirPods.

2) Screen damage: Cracked or shattered screens are a frequent issue with iPhones and Apple Watches. While the standard warranty covers manufacturing defects, it generally does not cover physical damage to the screen, unless you have AppleCare+ or a separate insurance plan that specifically includes screen damage coverage.

3) Battery wear and tear: Over time, the battery in your iPhone or Apple Watch may degrade, leading to reduced battery life and performance. Normal battery wear and tear are not typically covered by a warranty, especially after the initial one-year period. However, if your battery experiences an issue unrelated to normal wear, it may still be covered.

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4) Software issues: Software-related problems, such as app crashes, glitches, or slow performance, are generally not covered under warranty. These issues can often be resolved through software updates, troubleshooting, or by visiting an Apple Store for assistance.

5) Out-of-warranty repairs: If your device experiences a non-covered issue after the warranty has expired, you may need to pay for the repair or replacement. These costs can vary depending on the specific problem and the model of your device.

6) Unauthorized modifications: If you’ve modified your device in ways not authorized by Apple, such as jailbreaking your iPhone or using non-Apple components for repairs, your warranty may be voided, and Apple may refuse service for any issues that arise.

7) Lost or stolen devices: Warranties do not cover lost or stolen devices. If your Apple device goes missing, you will likely need to replace it at your own expense. If your Apple device does go missing, you may want to use the Find My app to locate it.

8) Cosmetic damage: Minor cosmetic issues, like scratches or dents, are generally not covered by a warranty unless they are directly related to a manufacturing defect.

It’s essential to read the terms and conditions of your warranty, whether it’s the standard warranty, to understand the extent of coverage and any limitations. Additionally, consider purchasing insurance or protection plans like AppleCare + if you want coverage for accidental damage or other issues not covered under the standard warranty, like theft and loss.

Apple offers an additional layer of protection through AppleCare+. For a fee, you can extend your warranty coverage, adding valuable benefits:

You can purchase AppleCare+ when you buy your Apple device or within a specific time frame after the initial purchase. At the time of publishing, these are the costs of AppleCare+

Understanding your Apple Warranty and AppleCare+ options can help you make informed decisions to protect your beloved Apple devices. So, whether you’re a devoted iPhone user, an Apple Watch enthusiast, or a fan of AirPods, rest assured that Apple has your back with a warranty that covers, extends, and renews, ensuring your tech remains a trusted companion on your digital journey.

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Additional coverage options

You also have the option to purchase additional coverage through third-party insurance plans, which include:

These plans offer various levels of coverage and may also protect against accidental damage, theft and loss.

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The iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all come with a standard warranty for one year. This warranty covers any problems with the hardware or the manufacturing of your device. But what if you drop your iPhone and crack the screen, or spill coffee on your AirPods?

That’s where AppleCare+ comes in handy. It’s an extra protection plan that gives you more coverage for accidental damage, a longer warranty period, and faster technical support. Of course, you can also choose other insurance plans that suit your needs and budget. Both options provide valuable protection beyond what the standard warranty covers. The important thing is to be aware of your options and protect your Apple devices from any unexpected issues.

How do you feel about Apple’s warranty policy? Do you think it’s fair and sufficient, or do you think it should be more comprehensive and flexible? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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

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