Science and Technology

[Fox News] Not so fast: Don’t click that fake Amazon or Microsoft ad. Here’s why

When shopping online, your first move might be to type in the product you’re looking for into a search engine like Google. Then you simply click one of the first few links that appear in your search results. 

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While it may seem to be the simplest approach, cybercriminals are well aware of this and are taking advantage of its weaknesses.

Let’s go through exactly how they’re doing this and what you can do to avoid clicking on those malicious links.

With this report from February, we began tracking claims that malvertising is surging. Malvertising, short for malicious advertising, is a technique used by cybercriminals to distribute malware through online advertisements.

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Here’s how it plays out. Scammers will typically purchase ad space on legitimate platforms such as search engines, social media sites, or popular websites and then insert malicious code or harmful links into those fake Amazon or Microsoft ads that look legit so that it’s the first thing you see when you search for something related to that ad. When you click on these ads or interact with them, you may be redirected to websites that host malware or are prompted to download files containing malicious software. That malware can harm your computer or allow the hacker to steal your personal information.

Because Amazon and Microsoft are both big companies that most people buy from, and the links are right at the top, the chances of those fake links getting clicked on are much higher. Plus, the links are designed to look like they’re coming directly from the website, so people may not think to do a little digging before clicking.

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Look closely at the domain name in the link. Scammers often create fake websites with domains similar to popular or trusted ones, intending to deceive you. For example, they may replace letters with similar-looking characters or add extra words. Verify that the domain matches the legitimate website you intend to visit.

Take a close look at the website’s overall appearance, design and content. Poorly designed or unprofessional-looking websites could be indications of malicious intent. Look for typos, grammatical errors or suspicious content.

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Hover your mouse cursor over the link (without clicking) to see the actual URL that appears in your browser’s status bar or tooltip. Verify that the displayed URL matches the link you expect to visit.

If you encounter a shortened URL, such as those created by services like bit.ly or tinyurl.com, exercise caution. These links obscure the original destination, making it difficult to assess their legitimacy.

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Understanding how scammers target their victims is half the battle. Make sure you always stay up on the most recent techniques and the schemes they are using. If you are unsure of the shopping site, Google the name and the word “scam.”

HOW TO TAKE PHOTOS IN LOW LIGHT USING YOUR PHONE

If you get an email or a text message asking you to click a link either to view a product or verify your information, don’t fall for it. Scammers use this technique all the time to try to fool you. They’ll even pretend to be a real high-ranking official from the IRS or some other government organization to try to scare you into falling for their schemes.

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You always want to be careful with what you post on social media. Scammers are constantly looking for those who overshare because they feel like easier targets. Make sure you think twice before you post and watch out for any fake ads that might be posted to sites like Facebook and Instagram as well.

Some scammers will even go as far as to post fake reviews for a product to make it look like it’s a good one. However, you can avoid these fake reviews by using a site like Fakespot.com that grades the truthfulness of Amazon reviews. Check this website before trusting a random person online.

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Consider using a browser that has built-in security features, such as phishing and malware protection. Browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Brave offer such functionalities.

Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your online shopping accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device in addition to your password.

Regularly update your operating system, web browsers and other software on your device. These updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect against known threats.

Having antivirus software running on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any malicious links or from downloading any files that will release malware into your device and potentially have your private information stolen.

See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices by visiting CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech

FREE ANTIVIRUS: SHOULD YOU USE IT?

The biggest thing that I want you to take away from this article is to not just put all your trust into the first thing you see online. Simply stay alert. Trust me; you’d rather spend a little extra time online and get the product you want than click on something fake and risk your information getting stolen.

Have you seen any fake Amazon or Microsoft ads? How frustrating is it for you to have to worry about these fake ads? Let us know by writing us at CyberGuy.com/Contact

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

Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Business

[Fox Business] S&P Global Ratings is ‘no longer publishing’ ESG scores in its reports

S&P Global Ratings has announced that it is “no longer publishing” new environmental, social and governance (ESG) credit indicators in its reports. 

The decision comes after critics such as the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, launched a campaign last year against ESG policies that it says are being used by the left as a social credit score to force businesses and financial institutions to adopt progressive ideologies across the globe.

Twenty-five Republican attorneys general also sent a letter to more than a dozen insurance companies in May 2023 that called out their efforts to push ESG priorities.

“In 2021, S&P Global Ratings began publishing alphanumeric ESG credit indicators for publicly rated entities in some sectors and asset classes. These indicators were intended to illustrate and summarize the relevance of ESG credit factors on our rating analysis through the use of an alphanumerical scale,” the company said.

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But “after further review, we have determined that the dedicated analytical narrative paragraphs in our credit rating reports are most effective at providing detail and transparency on ESG,” it added.

S&P Global Ratings says it “remains committed to providing the market with transparency on how and when environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors influence our assessment of creditworthiness” yet “effective immediately, we are no longer publishing new ESG credit indicators in our reports or updating outstanding ESG credit indicators.”

Environmental, social and corporate governance — commonly referred to as ESG — are nonfinancial standards used by asset managers and investors in financial decision-making.

ESG investing is sometimes referred to as sustainable investing or impact investing, and investors can use ESG standards and criteria to screen potential investments and monitor nonfinancial risks. 

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Environmental factors analyze how a corporation interacts with the environment. Criteria may include climate change, greenhouse gas emission, pollution or deforestation. Environmental factors may also analyze what risks the company faces from the environment, such as hurricanes or global warming.

Social criteria analyze a company’s relationship with its stakeholders and community. Criteria may include how the company contributes to nonprofit organizations or whether it encourages employees to spend time volunteering. Social factors also take into account how the company interacts with employees and whether it treats its workers and customers ethically.

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Governance refers to how the corporation is run and whether its leadership acts in an ethical way. Governance standards may include the makeup of the board of directors, use of political contributions or potential illegal activity.

FOX Business’ Kelsey Koberg, Brianna Herlihy and Kelly Laco contributed to this report.

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