This month, BlackCloak looks at (1) data brokers and the risks they present, (2) a crucial security update for HP printers, and (3) the upcoming BlackCloak educational webinars.
Understanding Data Brokers and Your Private Information
Data brokers are companies that collect your personal information (names, addresses, personal phone numbers, email addresses and family information) and sell it to others without your permission. One such example is 411.com.
While it may seem shocking to know these companies can obtain your information rather easily, BlackCloak has the tools in place to remove your data from these services.
Companies may purchase information for marketing purposes, but if malicious actors get their hands on the data, it could lead to real problems.
What Are The Risks of Info Being on Data Broker Sites?
Cyber criminals can take information from data broker sites to:
Conduct phishing attacks
Bypass your security questions
Engage in various forms of identity theft
Conduct phone scams targeting you and your family members
Use physical or online addresses to harass victims
How BlackCloak Protects You
BlackCloak is here to help not only identify which sites have your information, but remove it from those services as well.
If part of your plan, BlackCloak sends opt-out requests on your behalf to have information removed from data broker sites and repeats this process every month.
BlackCloak can remove your information from additional data broker websites. If you find a data broker website that you may have questions about, email us as ask@blackcloak.io and we will look into it.
Cyber Alert: HP Security Update
HP yesterday issued security updates for a pair of vulnerabilities affecting more than 150 models of its multifunction printer products. Researchers found the flaw could expose individuals' personal data, login credentials and home and enterprise networks.
What to Know:
By printing on a compromised device, users put their data at risk, including anything found on a document that was printed, scanned or faxed.
Login credentials, such as usernames and passwords, are also at risk. These compromised credentials could be then used to connect to unsecured devices on an enterprise network or gain access to a vulnerable network.
What Steps Should You Take:
Visit HP's Customer Support website to see if your printer requires an update. Scroll down to the middle of the page and click on the (Plus Sign) under Affected Products.
If the update is needed, go to the HP Software and Driver Download page and search for your printer model and download the firmware.
If you need help, BlackCloak will help you determine whether your device is affected or not and if a patch needs to be applied.
Next Client Webinar - December 15th at 12:00pm EST
Sign up for the next monthly webinar, Dealing with Data Brokers. In this 25-minute webinar, you'll learn about website security, including what sites to avoid and ways to stay safe online. Register HERE.
November's Client Webinar - Recording Available
November’s client webinar, What to Know About Website Security, is available, along with our previously recorded sessions. The recordings can be accessed HERE. If prompted for a password, use: BC-Education!
As always, the BlackCloak Team is here to help. If you have any questions, email us at ask@blackcloak.io.
