Tech News : ICANN’T Delete Russian Domains

By Paul Stradling | May 18, 2022

ICANN, the US-based non-profit organisation responsible for overseeing the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS) has turned down a request by Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister to revoke Russian domain names. The Request  In a published response from Göran Marby, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), he outlined what Ukraine’s…

Read More

Tech News : Warning: Scam Aid To Ukraine Emails Circulating

By Paul Stradling | April 1, 2022
The UK’s national fraud reporting centre, Action Fraud, says that it has received 196 reports of scam emails claiming to be raising funds for victims of the war in Ukraine. Facebook Post In a Meta / Facebook post on 18 March, Action Fraud reported: “We’ve received 196 reports about FAKE emails purporting to raise money for those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Some of the emails even claim to be from Wladimir Klitschko.” Fake Websites Too ESET researchers have also reported seeing a number of fake websites showing images of soldiers and explosions and the flag of Ukraine, asking for aid donations but with no specific details of how the money will be used. ESET commented in tweet: “Cybercriminals have no shame. With no humanitarian organization and only generic purpose mentioned, scammers try to lure out money from people trying to help #Ukraine during the #war.” Advice The advice from Action Fraud is that if any suspicious emails are received, they should be forwarded to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Also, the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have published information online here to help the public to ‘give safely’ to registered charities and causes helping to support and protect people affected by the invasion of Ukraine. Simple Checks The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator suggest that those looking to donate to causes working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries should make some simple checks before donating, such as: – Check the charity’s name and registration number at www.gov.uk/checkcharity. – Check to see if the charity is genuine before parting with any financial information, e.g. check online for details of the charity and/or contact them to ask about what work they’re doing and how funds are spent. – Exercise caution when responding to emails or clicking on links within the emails. – Look for the Fundraising Badge (the Fundraising Regulator’s logo) on charity fundraising materials. This is a sign that they fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice. Helen Stephenson CBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said about donating causes helping the people of Ukraine: “We encourage everyone to follow our simple steps to check that their money gets to its intended cause. Donating to a registered charity is a good way to feel confident of that.” What Does This Mean For Your Business? Just as we saw with the pandemic, scammers will exploit any situation to extract money and sensitive, personal information from people. Situations where there is a strong emotional response and an urge to help and move quickly are ideal for scammers who rely people acting on emotional impulse and not checking or using critical thought or discussing their intentions with others who may alert them to the danger. Taking time to make simple checks, such as some basic online research can help ensure that money goes to those who need it rather than to fraudsters funding more crime. The advice is to be on the alert for fake emails and social-media posts from scammers looking to cash-in on the crisis in Ukraine, report and to delete and suspicious emails and make some basic checks before donating to any charity or organisation.

The UK’s national fraud reporting centre, Action Fraud, says that it has received 196 reports of scam emails claiming to be raising funds for victims of the war in Ukraine. Facebook Post   In a Meta / Facebook post on 18 March, Action Fraud reported: “We’ve received 196 reports about FAKE emails purporting to raise money…

Read More

Tech News : Deepfakes About War

By Paul Stradling | March 25, 2022
Tech News : Deepfakes About War

Deepfake videos of both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky have appeared online this week, both with quite different messages. What Are Deepfake Videos?   Deepfake videos are made using deep learning technology and use manipulated images of target individuals (found online), often celebrities, politicians, and other well-known people to create very convincing…

Read More

Tech News : Germany Warns Against Use of Kaspersky Anti-Virus

By Paul Stradling | March 25, 2022
Germany Warns Against Use of Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has warned that Russia-based Kaspersky’s anti-virus software could be used for spying or launching cyber-attacks. Russian Companies Forced To Launch Cyber-Attacks?   The warning was aimed at Russian IT businesses who, claims the BSI, could be used via the software to carry out offensive operations, or forced against their…

Read More

Tech News : Microsoft Halts Sales In Russia

By Paul Stradling | March 11, 2022

In response to the invasion of Ukraine, Microsoft has suspended all new sales of Microsoft products and services in Russia. Other Aspects Of Its Business Too   Microsoft has described how it has been “horrified, angered and saddened” by the “unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion by Russia” which has led to its decision to suspend sales to Russia. In addition…

Read More