The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and giving but unfortunately, it’s also a peak period for cybercrime. As online shopping increases and people rush to prepare for gatherings and gift exchanges, cybercriminals take advantage of the busy season with scams designed to steal money, personal information, and even full identities. From fake package notifications to AI-generated voices pretending to be loved ones, today’s threats are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.

At CloudG Solutions, we believe that awareness is your strongest defense. Understanding how these scams work, and learning the steps to protect yourself, can keep your holiday season joyful and worry-free. Below, we break down the top scam trends and the essential strategies you can use to stay safe.

The Rise of Holiday Cybercrime

Cybercrime has surged in recent years, but the holiday months see some of the most dramatic spikes. Online shopping continues to grow, which means more digital payments, more deliveries, and more opportunities for criminals to exploit the chaos.

Scammers often impersonate reputable companies, including banks, retailers, delivery carriers, and even government agencies. What makes today’s scams so dangerous is their realism. Fraudulent emails and texts look nearly identical to legitimate messages. Fake “customer support” phone calls are getting harder to distinguish from real ones. And with advances in artificial intelligence, criminals can generate convincing audio clips to impersonate your family members or coworkers.

During the holidays, people tend to act quickly by clicking links, opening attachments, or responding to “urgent” messages without their usual caution. That’s exactly what cybercriminals count on.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For

1. Fake Package Delivery Notifications

With millions of holiday packages on the move, scammers send texts and emails claiming a shipment is delayed or requires address verification. A single click can send you to a malicious website designed to steal your info.

2. Imposter Phone Calls and AI Voice Scams

Cybercriminals now use AI to mimic voices. A familiar voice may call you claiming to need money urgently. Because these calls rely on emotional manipulation, people often react before verifying the situation.

3. Fraudulent Retail Websites and Flash Sales

Counterfeit shops appear online every holiday season, advertising huge discounts on popular items. After you pay, the product either never arrives or turns out to be fake.

4. Charity Scams

Because giving is more common during the holidays, scammers create fake donation pages or impersonate real charities to steal credit card details.

5. Gift Card Scams

Anyone requesting payment in gift cards is almost certainly a scammer. Criminals pressure victims into buying cards and sending the numbers, which cannot be reversed once used.

6. Family and “Grandparent” Scams

A caller claims a loved one is in trouble, often using emotional language to prompt an immediate reaction. This tactic spikes during the holidays when families travel more often.

How to Protect Yourself from Holiday Cybercrime

Be cautious with unexpected messages

If you receive a text or email about a package, bank issue, or suspicious account activity, do not click the link. Instead, open a browser and manually type the company’s official website. Scammers rely on quick clicks so be sure to slow down and verify before taking action.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Adding an extra layer of security helps when passwords are stolen or compromised. Use authentication apps rather than SMS when possible, as text messages can be intercepted or spoofed.

Use strong, unique passwords

Never reuse passwords across accounts. If one account is breached, cybercriminals often test those same credentials on hundreds of other sites. A password manager simplifies the process and keeps your data secure.

Verify before sending money

If someone calls claiming to be a family member in trouble, hang up and call them back directly. If the number looks familiar, remember that caller ID can be spoofed. Always verify.

Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks

Shopping, banking, and entering passwords should be done on secure networks. Public Wi-Fi can be monitored by criminals who intercept your data.

Shop only on trusted websites

Look for websites with secure connections (https and a lock icon). Be cautious of retailers you’ve never heard of, especially if the prices seem too good to be true.

Update your devices regularly

Software updates patch known vulnerabilities. Keeping your phone, laptop, router, and apps up to date reduces the risk of malware infections.

Consider cybersecurity protection services

CloudG Solutions offers customized network protection, monitoring tools, and advanced security configurations that help businesses and homeowners reduce their risk. The right cybersecurity layers can detect threats early and block malicious activity before it becomes a problem.

How CloudG Solutions Helps Keep You Safe

Cybercrime evolves quickly, but CloudG Solutions stays ahead of the curve. From threat prevention tools to secure communications systems, we help individuals and businesses protect their data year-round and not just during the holidays.

Our services include:

• Network and systems security evaluations
  
• VoIP protections to prevent spoofing and fraud
  
• Malware and ransomware defense
  
• Real-time monitoring and threat alerts
  
• Secure cloud solutions tailored to your needs
  

Whether you’re a homeowner trying to safeguard your personal information or a business protecting customers and employees, we provide solutions built to withstand today’s most advanced threats.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season should be a time of joy, not stress. While cybercrime is becoming more sophisticated and widespread, most scams can be avoided with the right awareness and tools. By staying alert and taking simple precautions, like verifying messages, using strong authentication, and keeping your devices secure, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

CloudG Solutions is here to support you every step of the way. With expert guidance and modern cybersecurity solutions, we help ensure your digital world stays safe, secure, and ready for the year ahead.

If you’d like help strengthening your online security, CloudG Solutions is ready to assist.

If you’ve ever charged your iPhone at an airport, café, hotel, or any other public place, your device could be at risk of something known as “juice jacking.” This form of cyberattack allows hackers to steal data or install malware through compromised USB charging ports. Fortunately, there’s a simple iPhone setting you can change right now to protect yourself.

At CloudG Solutions, we understand that cybersecurity starts with awareness. While large-scale threats often make headlines, small vulnerabilities like unprotected USB access can be just as dangerous. With one quick adjustment, you can block unauthorized data access and strengthen your device’s security in seconds.

Why This Setting Matters: The Risk Behind Public USB Ports

Most iPhone users assume that plugging into a USB port only transfers power, but that’s not always the case. A USB connection can also transfer data, and a malicious charging station or cable can exploit this to gain access to your phone. Once connected, hackers can potentially steal data, install malicious software, or compromise your device’s security.

The problem lies in the iPhone’s default settings. By default, iOS allows wired accessories to connect automatically when your device is unlocked. That means the moment you plug into a compromised port, the data connection could be established without your explicit permission. Even though Apple has built strong encryption into its ecosystem, this automatic trust setting introduces a window of vulnerability that many users aren’t aware of.

For businesses, this risk extends beyond personal data. Employees who charge company devices in public areas could unknowingly expose sensitive business information. That’s why managed IT providers like CloudG Solutions encourage organizations to make simple adjustments like this part of their standard mobile device security checklist.

How to Fix It: Change the “Wired Accessories” Setting

Apple has included a feature within iOS that lets users choose how their iPhone interacts with external accessories. Changing this setting takes less than a minute and can make a big difference in protecting your privacy.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
   
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
   
3. Scroll to the bottom and find Wired Accessories.
   
4. Tap the option and change it from “Automatically Allow When Unlocked” to “Ask for New Accessories.”
   

Once this is done, your iPhone will ask for permission whenever a new USB device tries to connect. You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to allow data access. If you’re just charging your phone, you can safely tap “Don’t Allow.” This lets power flow through while blocking data transfer, keeping your phone safe from unauthorized connections.

If you frequently charge your phone in public areas, consider using “charge-only” cables that don’t include data lines. These cables allow power flow but completely prevent data exchange. And as always, keep your iPhone’s software up to date to ensure you have the latest security protections from Apple.

Why This Simple Step Makes a Big Difference

Changing your wired accessory setting might seem like a small move, but it creates a critical layer of defense. Every year, cybercriminals find new ways to exploit device connectivity. By requiring explicit approval for new accessories, you’re effectively shutting down one of their easiest entry points.

For business users, this setting should be a mandatory part of your company’s mobile security policy. Remote and traveling employees often rely on public charging stations in airports, coworking spaces, or hotels. A compromised charging port can become an open door to company data, especially if the device also has access to corporate emails, documents, or cloud systems. Implementing this setting across all company-issued iPhones significantly reduces that exposure.

CloudG Solutions recommends pairing this adjustment with a comprehensive mobile security strategy. Managed device monitoring, encryption enforcement, and strong password policies all work together to keep your information safe. When combined with employee training and proactive IT management, small actions like this one can have a massive impact on your organization’s overall cybersecurity posture.

Balancing Security and Convenience

Some users may notice a minor inconvenience after changing this setting, such as having to approve certain legitimate accessories or cables. However, this small extra step is a worthwhile tradeoff for significantly enhanced protection. It ensures that your iPhone only interacts with devices you trust, keeping hackers and malicious connections at bay.

As Apple continues to introduce new security features, users must remain proactive. Understanding how your device connects, communicates, and shares data is essential to maintaining privacy and control. Security isn’t just about having strong passwords or using Face ID, it’s about eliminating unnecessary risks at every layer of your digital environment.

Small Changes, Big Security Wins

At CloudG Solutions, we believe that security doesn’t always require complicated technology or costly systems, sometimes it’s as simple as flipping a switch. By changing your iPhone’s “Wired Accessories” setting, you’re taking control of your privacy and setting up a powerful safeguard against data theft.

Whether you’re an individual user or a business professional, this setting represents a proactive step toward better digital hygiene. Combined with regular updates, secure backups, and awareness of public charging risks, it helps close a loophole that many people don’t even know exists.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, cyber threats are constantly evolving, but so are your defenses. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and make the most of every tool at your disposal starting with this one simple iPhone security fix.

Stay Protected with CloudG Solutions

Cybersecurity starts with awareness, but it thrives through action. At CloudG Solutions, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses safeguard their technology with proactive security strategies, managed IT support, and secure communication tools. Whether it’s preventing data breaches, protecting your mobile devices, or building a stronger IT infrastructure, our team is here to help you stay one step ahead of digital threats.

Contact CloudG Solutions today to learn how we can help strengthen your security posture and keep your data safe, no matter where you work or connect.

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of IT services, businesses are often faced with the daunting challenge of finding a reliable IT partner. Amid a crowded marketplace, some vendors emerge like fleeting shadows—promising the world but delivering only disappointment. These “fly-by-night” (FBN) companies—also known as posers—have earned their reputations as shady, untrustworthy, and more interested in making a quick buck than solving your tech problems.

Fly-By-Night: An Old Term with a Modern Twist

The term “fly-by-night” has a colorful history dating back to 1796 when it was used to describe women, thought to be witches, who disappeared under the cover of night. By the early 1800s, it became slang for anyone who abruptly left a business or responsibility, often while owing money. Fast forward to today, and it’s still a perfect description of IT service providers that vanish as quickly as they appear—leaving behind frustrated clients and unresolved tech issues.

Unfortunately, many IT services companies embody this very “fly-by-night” mentality. They often lack the foundational experience and stability needed to provide long-term value. In their quest to earn a quick dollar, they pass themselves off as experts, capitalizing on businesses that are eager to embrace the latest technology.

The “Poser” IT Service Provider

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”—or so the saying goes. But in the world of IT services, imitation can be far more deceptive. Some companies mimic the branding, language, and offerings of trusted providers, creating an illusion of credibility. Yet, as the saying suggests, imitation is not authenticity. These “posers” often mask a lack of true expertise, offering style over substance and leaving businesses vulnerable to poor service.

A poser IT services company might mimic the look and messaging of your favorite tech brand, but when it comes to delivering results, they fall short. Their generic solutions may seem adequate at first glance, but they lack the insight and expertise needed to truly understand and support your unique business needs.

So, how can you spot a poser or FBN IT service provider? Ask the following key questions to identify warning signs and look for our five recommended company characteristics to guarantee you’ve got the real thing.

Key Questions

• Do the company’s founders and leaders have the experience they claim to have? It’s one thing to read about accomplishments on a website, but can they back it up? Do their leaders have proven industry experience that can be verified by independent sources or reputable professionals? 

• What’s their track record of accomplishments? Ask for real examples of businesses they’ve helped that are similar to yours. Have they earned the right to be your IT partner, or are they just trying to cash in on your business?

• Do their industry peers endorse them? Trustworthy IT professionals earn endorsements and recommendations from others in their field. If a vendor claims to specialize in healthcare or manufacturing IT, but has no clients or reputation in those industries, consider it a major red flag. 

• Is the company’s reputation earned or are they just mimicking a successful brand? Many fly-by-night providers imitate the logos, branding, and language of successful competitors to appear credible, but can they actually deliver? A polished website isn’t enough to trust a vendor with your IT infrastructure.

• What is their company background? Investigate their past clients. Are those businesses still thriving, or did they close after brief partnerships? A provider with a proven history of success is always the safer choice.

Top 5 Characteristics To Look For

1. Experience and Achievements – Look beyond the resume. Does the vendor have a proven track record of solving problems for businesses similar to yours? Ask for examples and case studies to ensure they’re not just talking the talk, but walking the walk.

2. Proactive Management – A great IT service provider is proactive, not just reactive. They should be focused on preventing problems before they occur, not just fixing them when they arise. Look for a company that takes a strategic approach to your IT infrastructure.

3. Backup, Disaster Recovery, and Incident Response – Data protection is paramount. Your provider should have a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan in place, regularly testing their recovery processes to ensure minimal downtime during an incident.

4. Reputation and References – Do your due diligence. Beyond online reviews, reach out to current and past clients to get their perspective on the vendor’s reliability and effectiveness.

5. Customization and Personalization – A great IT provider doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Your provider should tailor its services to your specific needs and work with you to understand the intricacies of your business.

Why CloudG Solutions is a Trusted IT Partner

While many IT service providers promise the world and fail to deliver, CloudG Solutions has built a reputation for being a reliable, experienced, and strategic partner. With years of proven success in delivering cutting-edge IT solutions, CloudG has earned the trust of businesses across various industries. Our approach is not just about fixing problems—it’s about understanding your unique needs and ensuring your technology is working to drive your success.

CloudG Solutions provides flexible contracts, proactive management, and a dedicated team that works with you as a true partner. With consistent account management, advanced security protocols, and a track record of successful outcomes, CloudG Solutions is the IT service provider that your business can count on to keep you ahead of the curve.

So, if you’re tired of fly-by-night providers and posers who are more about flash than substance, it’s time to partner with CloudG Solutions—an IT service provider you can truly trust to help you grow and thrive in the digital world.

With the rise of digital banking, staying vigilant against bank scams is more critical than ever. Scammers continually develop new tactics to exploit individuals, making it essential to know what to look out for and how to protect yourself. From phishing attempts to fake customer service calls, these scams can lead to devastating financial and personal data losses. Fortunately, CloudG offers robust solutions to help keep you safe, securing your online presence and safeguarding your sensitive information.

Common Bank Scams and How They Work

Bank scams come in many forms, each designed to deceive you into providing personal or financial information. Here are a few of the most common types of scams to watch out for:

1. Phishing Emails and Texts
   Scammers often send emails or text messages that appear to be from your bank, urging you to click a link or provide account details. They may claim there’s a problem with your account or that a payment failed, creating a sense of urgency to trick you into sharing sensitive information.
2. Fake Customer Service Calls
   Some scammers impersonate bank representatives, calling you with fake inquiries or alerts. They may ask for verification of account information or login credentials. Remember, banks never ask for sensitive information over the phone, so it’s best to hang up and contact your bank directly if you’re unsure.
3. Account Takeover and Identity Theft
   Account takeover involves someone gaining unauthorized access to your accounts, often through stolen login credentials or compromised security. Once inside, they can drain your funds or use your information for identity theft.

How CloudG Can Protect You from Bank Scams

CloudG provides a range of security services designed to keep your information safe from these types of scams. With advanced security features and cutting-edge identity protection, CloudG can be your frontline defense against potential scammers. Here’s how CloudG can help:

1. Enhanced Identity Protection
   CloudG offers identity protection services that monitor for suspicious activity tied to your personal information. By continuously scanning for threats, CloudG can alert you if your data is compromised, enabling you to take swift action before a scammer can do harm.
2. Secure Communication Channels
   Phishing and fraudulent calls often target individuals via unsecured communication channels. CloudG provides secure messaging and call protection, reducing the risk of your sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. CloudG’s services also filter potentially harmful emails and block malicious messages, allowing you to communicate safely.
3. Real-Time Fraud Detection
   Using real-time fraud detection, CloudG monitors unusual activity across your accounts. If an unknown device or unverified login attempt is detected, CloudG’s alerts provide an immediate warning, allowing you to secure your account before any damage is done. This proactive approach ensures that even if a scammer gains access to your information, you’re notified and can take action.
4. Account Monitoring and Alerts
   With CloudG’s account monitoring, you can receive alerts for unusual activity, such as large transactions or location-based discrepancies. This service can help you stay on top of your finances, detect fraud early, and prevent unauthorized transactions from slipping by unnoticed.

Tips for Avoiding Bank Scams

While CloudG offers advanced tools to protect you, there are a few extra steps you can take to reduce the risk of falling victim to scams:

• Never Share Sensitive Information: Banks will never ask for your PIN, password, or account number via phone, email, or text. If someone asks for this information, it’s likely a scam.
• Verify Before You Act: Always double-check the legitimacy of a communication before clicking a link or sharing information. If something seems off, contact your bank directly.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A strong password is your first line of defense. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoid reusing passwords across accounts.

Why Choose CloudG for Your Security Needs

Bank scams are a growing threat, but with CloudG’s comprehensive security solutions, you can stay one step ahead of scammers. From identity protection to real-time fraud detection, CloudG is dedicated to keeping your financial information secure and giving you peace of mind.

With CloudG on your side, you can navigate the digital banking world confidently, knowing that your data is protected by state-of-the-art security solutions. Protect yourself from bank scams—learn more about CloudG’s services and discover how they can help secure your finances.

In today’s fast-paced business world, the right communication tools are essential to your success. Small businesses and large corporations are leaving traditional phone systems—and all their limitations—behind and transitioning to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication platforms. This modern communication solution can save you money and boost the efficiency of your workforce whether they work in the office or at home. 

When you know how to setup VoIP, the transition can be simple and painless. In this blog, we’ll tell you what you need to setup VoIP and walk you through the step-by-step process. 

VoIP 101: The Basics

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a communication technology that uses an internet connection, rather than traditional, analog phone lines (also known as landlines), to make voice calls. VoIP systems use IP phones or softphones (mobile and desktop apps) to convert audio into digital data that is transmitted over the internet using the internet protocol (IP). 

To setup VoIP at your business, you don’t need to host any hardware or software, nor do you need to deal with the cost and hassle of installing and maintaining the phone lines and dedicated phone jacks that are required with traditional analog phone systems. VoIP phones work through an internet connection (via Ethernet cable or WiFi) to make and receive phone calls. Your VoIP provider maintains the VoIP server and all the other technical infrastructure needed.

The ability to use the internet for voice calls gives businesses greater flexibility and scalability while reducing costs per call. It can help to increase productivity and enhance the customer experience with features like:

• Intelligent call routing
• Call queues
• Ring groups

It also enhances team communication with features such as:

• Extension-to-extension dialing
• In-app chat
• On-demand  videoconferencing
• Instant messaging (0ne-to-one SMS)

What You’ll Need to setup VoIP

• High-Speed Internet 

VoIP calls require a reliable high-speed internet connection with sufficient bandwidth (100 kbps of bandwidth for each concurrent call) to seamlessly transmit audio data. Most of today’s broadband internet services meet this requirement.

Although a wi-fi connection will work, a wired ethernet connection is preferred to limit interruptions or interference and quality issues.

• VoIP Service Provider

VoIP calling requires a reliable VoIP provider like CloudG. When you subscribe to our hosted service, our platform routes your calls over the internet. You can choose to implement new phone numbers or transition existing phone numbers to the system. Subscription costs are based on the number of features and phone lines you need.

• VoIP-enabled Hardware

VoIP-enabled handsets, IP phones, wireless headsets, and/or a softphone application (which works through your computer, tablet, or smartphone) are needed to make and receive VoIP phone calls.

It is also advantageous (though not required) to have VoIP-compatible routers which allow you to configure quality of service (QoS) to prioritize important calls (data packets). 

If your business has numerous phones, you can save some money by purchasing Analog Terminal Adapters (ATAs) which enable regular analog phones to connect to your router to work with your VoIP system.

How to Setup VoIP: 6 Easy Steps

Now that you know how VoIP works and what you’ll need to get started, here are the steps you’ll need to take to setup VoIP at your business.

Once you have subscribed to a VoIP service and setup VoIP at your business, all that’s left is to train your staff how to use the new system. Providing proper training is a must to ensure that your staff is using all the capabilities the system offers. Most VoIP service providers like CloudG have training guides and customer support teams available to assist you in training your staff so you don’t have to go it alone.

1. Test your internet connection to make sure you have the required bandwidth to support VoIP calls. As we mentioned before, a wi-fi connection will work, but an ethernet connection is preferred to minimize interference. If using VoIP-compatible routers, configure QoS to prioritize calls.
2. Acquire VoIP-enabled hardware as mentioned in the “What You’ll Need to setup VoIP” section above.
3. Subscribe to a VoIP service with a reliable, trusted provider like CloudG. Make sure your provider has advanced call routing features and offers all the other features and services you need, including encryption and security protocols. We can explain all the features available, stuff like auto attendant and interactive voice response (IVR), analytics, videoconferencing, instant messaging and much more.
4. Determine your phone number. To setup VoIP you will need to decide if you will “port over” existing phone numbers or obtain a new phone number(s). Your VoIP provider can handle this porting process for you.
5. Install and configure your VoIP devices as follows: VoIP-enabled phones/IP Phones: Connect to your internet router with an ethernet cable, then enter your VoIP Provider account information to setup VoIP on the phone. VoIP-enabled Wireless Headsets: To setup VoIP headsets , follow the instructions that come with these devices to connect with cables or pair to a Bluetooth connection. Softphone application: Download and install the softphone app from your VoIP service provider to setup VoIP and enable calls to come through your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Once the software is installed, configure your account settings (username, password, server information) with the credentials provided by your VoIP service provider. 
6. Test the quality of your setup to troubleshoot any issues with the connection and audio quality (including static, echoes, and latency/delays). Make sure to test for calls during typical high volume network activity periods and test calls for at least 30 minutes to ensure that the system’s firewall does not terminate calls inadvertently.

Now that you know what tools you need and how to setup VoIP at your business, contact CloudG to get started.

With today’s hybrid working environments, it is crucial to have a scalable communication platform that connects your team, partners, and customers seamlessly, no matter where they are. A fully managed VOIP system is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity! 

When it comes to VOIP providers, you have a choice. You can choose one of the big-name providers, like Nextiva VOIP, or you can opt to purchase a service with the same features—and more—from CloudG.

Our fully managed VOIP solution enables you to unify your hybrid workforce, improve productivity, and provide better service to your customers, all at a price that our competitors can’t touch! Our CloudG hosted VOIP offers all the features as Nextiva VOIP, including mobile app, auto-attendant, intelligent call routing, call queues, music on hold, voicemail, CMS integrations, and other common services.

We also offer features the other providers don’t have. Services like Microsoft 365® integration, an open platform on which you own your own numbers, video conferencing, customer caller ID and more! And we offer all these features and services for less than half the price of Nextiva VOIP and other competitors. 

Check out our comparison chart to see how we measure up to the competition and review our case studies to see how we’ve helped others improve customer experiences and communication, reduce IT spend, and enable growth. Then contact us to get started! 

We’ve all been warned for years about cyber criminals trying to steal our passwords and personal information to gain access to bank accounts or steal our identities. Phishing and smishing attacks—sending fake emails (phishing) or texts (smishing) that seem to be from reputable companies to get us to reveal personal or financial information, click on suspicious links, or download harmful software—are, unfortunately, commonplace today.

But these types of attacks aren’t the only ones threatening to empty our wallets. The Federal Trade Commission reports that more than 46,000 people fell victim to cryptocurrency (a.k.a. “crypto”) scams, losing more than $1 billion in the 18-month period from January 2021 to June of 2022, and that number is on the rise. 

But, wait, you say, “I am not a millionaire, so I am not a target for these scammers.” Think again. 

Crypto scams are on the rise, and they are targeting individuals at all levels of our society. It can be as simple as a “wrong number” text that starts the “game” and ends with you losing big. In fact, the threat has become so widespread that Senator Diane Warren (D-Mass.) recently introduced a bill, the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, which aims to make it easier for government regulators to track suspicious activity around crypto and shut down scammers. 

The Best Defense Against Crypto Scammers

Being aware of the types and scope of crypto attacks can be your best defense against falling victim to these scams. The more you know about it, the better you will be at spotting the clues and determining that “something’s not right.”

First, let’s start with some basics about crypto.

Crypto 101

Crypto is digital currency—it only exists online. There is no physical asset. There are multiple types of crypto, with the most well-known being Bitcoin and Ether.

Crypto can be purchased electronically (using your computer or phone) through an exchange, an app, a website, or a cryptocurrency “ATM.” There are also other ways to purchase crypto which involve solving complicated puzzles. Once purchased, crypto is stored in a digital wallet from which you can spend or invest your money.

The major drawback with crypto is that it is not regulated and there are no legal or government protections for those who put their money into it. So, if you fall prey to a password breach or other type of fraud, there is no recourse.

Types of Crypto Scams

There are many types of crypto scams, so awareness is key to avoiding them. Watch out for the following:

• Celebrity Enticement. Social media messages from celebrities promising to multiply any crypto you send to them are a typical scam. Think about it, would Brad Pitt or Oprah Winfrey really be looking to partner with you? 

• Too-Good-To-Be-True Investment Opportunities. When an investment manager contacts you “out of the blue” with promises of big payouts if you invest in crypto, it is often a scam. Also watch out for those offering “free money” or guaranteeing unusually large returns on investment. 

• Romance. The number one way scammers lure their victims is by promising romance. Scammers use dating websites to lure victims into believing they are in a romantic relationship. There have even been reported cases in which scammers send a “wrong number” text message to an individual, strike up a conversation, and develop a romantic relationship. Then, when trust is established, the scammer urges the victim to invest in crypto with them, with the victim transferring cryptocurrency or account information to the scammer. This story from the San Francisco Chronical shows you how easily the average guy can fall victim to scammers.

Once the scammer draws you in, false reports of huge gains keep you, the investor, “on the hook” and wanting to invest more money. Unfortunately, it is when you try to withdraw your money that the scam is revealed. Then it is too late.

The Bottom Line

No matter who you are or how much—or little—money you have, you need to be aware of the types of scams out there. 

Watch the news or read about scams on the internet so you know what to look for. 

Be vigilant—or even a little suspicious—at all times. Never click on unsolicited links in email or text; never give out account information (through email, text or phone) without verifying that the receiver is who you think they are (i.e., your bank, your credit card company, etc.), and even be wary of romantic partners looking to help you invest.

Finally, think! If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Turn on the television news and you’ll likely hear about malware, ransomware, and other cyberattacks that extort millions of dollars from international corporations, small businesses, schools, and individuals alike. We hear about these “breaches” at an alarming rate. 

One of the fastest growing types of cyberattacks is phishing. Some experts estimate that up to 83% of all cyber security incidents involve phishing—and that number is increasing, as is the sophistication of the phishing techniques.

So how can you protect yourself and your business from falling prey to these scammers? First, let’s look at what phishing is and how scammers get to us, then let’s talk about the ways to protect against it.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a form of social engineering, a cyberattack that manipulates or “reels in” people (humans) into sharing sensitive information (i.e., account numbers, social security numbers, passwords, etc.) that hackers can use to steal money or create fake identities.

Phishing attacks are typically carried out through email, phone, text, and social media. Hackers pose as legitimate organizations and “bait” users into clicking links to malicious websites or revealing personal information. For example, a phisher may send an email that appears to come from your bank, telling you that there is a problem with your account and urging you to click a link to talk to a representative or to fix the issue. In fact, this type of attack is often referred to as “cloned phishing” as hackers try to duplicate or clone an actual email used by the bank in order to reel the user in.

Social Media Attacks

Another example of phishing scams that affect small businesses is social media attacks—also called “angler phishing.” Many small businesses rely on social media platforms to advertise and sell their products and services. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are popular and inexpensive ways to market a small business. Unfortunately, they are also easy targets for hackers.

Angler phishing scams can include fake URLs, bogus profiles, or phony instant messages. For example, a user may receive a fake notification that there was a problem with one of their posts or an instant message request from known contacts. Once the user clicks on a malicious link, a hacker can take control of the user’s account and hold it for “ransom.” The user cannot access the account and must either pay the ransom to regain access or start all over again, losing the site they’ve built and the audience they have worked so hard to attract. It can cripple an entrepreneur and kill a business.

How to Protect Against Phishing

With phishing attacks becoming more frequent and phishing tactics becoming more sophisticated, it is crucial to guard against them. Nothing is fool proof, but there are things you can do to mitigate your risk. For example:

• Installing up-to-date security software and firewall protection is the first line of defense. Things like two-factor authentication and password management can go a long way in protecting against vulnerabilities.

• Since phishing baits the end user—human beings— to gain access to systems or sensitive information, training employees how to spot phishing attacks can help prevent breaches. Awareness is key to avoiding a phisher’s bait. Some “warning signs” and best practices include:

• Avoid posting personal details on social media (i.e., birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, etc.)
• Look for odd or non-standard URL and email addresses
• Look for misspellings, language differences, grammar mistakes, or things that catch your attention
• Only open attachments from trusted sources
• If you get an email about an account (i.e., bank account, utility account, subscription, etc.) don’t click through the email. Instead, verify the information by calling the organization or by going to the organization’s website and signing into your account as you typically do
• Never give account numbers, credit card information, or other sensitive data to unsolicited phone callers
• Never reveal personal information over email or in text messages

Phishing attacks can severely damage or even kill a business. Even scarier, they are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. If you’re not taking steps to prevent a phishing attack, you are leaving yourself and your business open and vulnerable. 

Don’t get caught in a phisher’s net. Make sure you are protected with the latest software and prevention tools. Contact CloudG to get started.

In today’s digital world, if you don’t use the latest technology, you can be left behind.