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Attacks on Healthcare Data Increasing

Stealing healthcare data is a major industry. The rate of data breaches and ransomware attacks has been increasing dramatically. Only a couple years ago the HHS “Wall of Shame” was filled with breaches caused by lost or stolen notebook computers. Now the list of incidents is largely made up of compromised computers and computer networks….

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Keep Computers Updated!

The importance of keeping computers up to date cannot be overstated. It’s so important, that Microsoft just released an update for Windows XP, an operating system it stopped officially supporting years ago. https://healthitsecurity.com/news/the-impact-of-microsofts-latest-legacy-patch-and-rdp-security-basics

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Healthcare Providers: Warn Patients about Self-Help App Security

Anyone considering a health-related app, whether for mental health, healthcare records, or even a fitness tracker, should be very cautious. These apps may disclose and share sensitive personal and health information, in some cases disregarding the app provider’s own privacy policies. Mental Health Apps May Share User Data without Clear Privacy Policies

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Is it Safe to Trust Kaspersky Software?

With Kaspersky and Russia in the news, many of our clients have asked if it’s safe to continue using Kaspersky’s anti-virus software. West Seattle Computers has not seen any evidence to suggest that Kaspersky software is unsafe; to the contrary, it still ranks best or tied for best protection against many forms of malware. Our…

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Critical Windows Update

A flaw in Microsoft’s anti-malware software was recently discovered that threatens the vast majority of computers running the Windows operating system. The very software included with Windows to protect users could actually be used by hackers to take over a computer: Devastating Flaw Found in Microsoft’s AV Engine This story reinforces the importance of keeping your…

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How Scammers Can Weaponize the Word “Yes”

Scammers only need you to say “yes” over the phone. According to Data Breach Today: The FCC says in a March 27 alert that the scam centers on tricking victims into saying the word “yes,” which fraudsters record and later use to attempt to make fraudulent charges on a person’s utility or credit card accounts. “The…

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Gadgets for the Home are Vulnerable

Take care before using that cool, new, Internet-connected gadget. Internet connected devices such as webcams, thermostats, home appliances, home automation systems, and much more, are known as “the Internet of Things” or IoT and these devices are susceptible to malware. Your privacy and safety may be at stake! The same camera that allows you to see inside your home…

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Scammers Hijack Victim’s Cell Phone Number

Brain Krebs reports on a recent scam technique whereby scammers impersonate an existing customer at a cell phone store (identity theft). The scammers are able to make off with a new, expensive smart phone billed to the victim’s credit card. Worse still, the victim’s phone number is also hijacked in the process, and victims simply stop receiving calls on their…

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Recent HIPAA Breaches

The US Department of Health and Human Services maintains a public webpage that lists breaches affecting 500 or more individuals. Here are some extremely alarming facts for the month of July, 2016: Breaches reported for the month: 26 Total number of affected records: 335,082 Average number of affected records per breach: 12,887 Number of each type of breach: Hacking/IT…

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