The doom and gloom of Zoom
If you’re using Zoom or are considering using it, you need to be aware the FBI and many state attorneys general have issued a warning particularly to schools and doctors’ offices. This warning is based on a rise in complaints from users who are being hacked due to insufficient security protocols on the Zoom App.
As more and more people work remotely these days, this means more things need to get done online. With the restriction on in-person interactions, people are turning to video conferencing platforms like Zoom to help them keep their schools, businesses or personal lives moving forward.
As a result, there has been a surge in users on this easy-to-use popular video conferencing platform. Zoom zoomed from 10 million users in December to 200 million users in March. What’s now coming to light is that with the increase in users, a rise in hacking has followed.
The FBI reported multiple reports from users complaining that their meetings are being disrupted by “Zoombombers” who are “drawing” pornographic pictures or scrawling racial slurs and images on the screen during a live meeting.
Turns out Zoom has a number of flaws that make its system vulnerable to hackers. Some of the security flaws include:
1. Exposure of email addresses, full names and profile pictures to anyone;
2. Allows non-invited attendees to initiate a chat;
3. Weak encryption and suspicious key traffic to China;
4. Discloses Windows user passwords and local file execution;
5. Allows any website to enable your camera without your permission;
6. Has left private recordings exposed to the public;
7. Has recorded user information without authorization;
8. Has forwarded information without the user’s permission to Facebook, although according to Zoom’s CEO, that practice has now stopped.
Zoom’s management is now working on addressing these concerns and making account settings more private by default. But it does beg the question: Why didn’t management implement these security measures long before it became such a huge issue with the increased number of users based on necessity?
If you were a victim of a teleconference hijacking, or any cyber-crime for that matter, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
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STILL HELPING VETERANS: The Kootenai County Veterans Services Office is still open and helping veterans during the COVID-19 crisis. While in-office appointments are no longer being scheduled, the office is still contacting veterans who had previous appointments to see if their claims can be processed over the phone and online.
Also, calls are still being answered and help provided. The process is somewhat slower because everything is being handled over the phone, but progress is being made toward helping veterans during this difficult time.
The Veterans Services office assists veterans with issues including but not limited to compensation, pension claims, burial and survivor benefits as well as obtaining military records. Unfortunately, many veterans don’t know they’re entitled to VA benefits, and some don’t know how to apply for or access those benefits. This is what the County Veterans Services Officer does: assists veterans with this process and answers questions.
If you’re a veteran or family member who needs help with processing a potential claim or understanding benefits, contact Tom Freeman at 208-446-1090 or his assistant Terri at 208-446-1098.
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PANDEMIC SPREADS FRAUD: Be extra vigilant with your computer and mobile app usage during this coronavirus pandemic because cybercriminals are looking for different ways to profit off our fears.
Watch for email messages coming from the World Health Organization (WHO) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggesting you read an attachment with official information on the virus. Clicking that file will download a hidden installer that allows cybercriminals access to your data from your keystrokes.
U.S. Attorney General Barr has issued a warning about these and other ransomware scams that are on the rise. Also, the Justice Department recently filed a complaint against a Texas-based website claiming to offer WHO vaccine kits for $4.95 in shipping costs charged to your credit card. As of now, there are no legitimate COVID-19 vaccines, so ignore these messages.
Other scams include legitimate companies like Amazon. There’s a phishing scam going around designed to get you to sign into your account to get a free bottle of hand sanitizer with your next purchase. In addition, Amazon has stated it has removed over a million products from its marketplace due to false claims or unfair pricing practices.
Finally, malicious text messages are circulating. Several say they promise to track the spread of coronavirus in real time so you can be alerted when it’s growing in your community. However, the Android app you’re linked to, if downloaded, can listen to you through your microphone and watch you through your smartphone camera.
We’re fortunate in our community to have local resources, including both the printed and online versions of The Press to alert us of community activities regarding the virus. As always, don’t click on links. Turn to reputable resources and warn others of potential scams.
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CENSUS MAILERS: I’ve received a few questions from local readers wondering if a mailer they’ve received from the 2020 Census is legitimate. The mailer is an invitation asking you to complete your Census online.
What has readers concerned is the mailer is generically registered to “resident at …” The letter does provide you with a 12-digit Census ID. As long as you log into the website yourself at www.my2020census.gov and put in your 12-digit code, this will take you to the actual survey.
I noticed at that point it had my name and my address clearly stated. The survey took me less than 5 minutes to complete. If you have more occupants living in the home, it might take a bit more time to complete. At least now I won’t have someone coming to my residence this summer to ask me to complete the Census.
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Remember: I’m on your side.
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If you’ve encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458. As The CDA Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist, a veterans advocate assistant and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.