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  • There’s a QR code in here. You need to scan it.

There’s a QR code in here. You need to scan it.

What’s with those QR codes? Use common sense. Lots of election stuff this week and in the coming weeks. Watch out for MDM! And there’s something about social media and something about crypto, bitcoin.

for the week September 1st, 2024, 36th edition

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Puzzle Code GIF by Sam Omo

In our “Look Out” last week, you probably saw something about QR codes and how nefarious actors are using it to target their victims.

Don’t stop scanning QR codes but definitely DO NOT scan them too frivolously.

Remember: If it’s in a restaurant you know for sure it’s from the restaurant, go ahead and scan the QR code. If it’s something random projected on a building, avoid it like a plague - DO NOT scan it.

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🤷‍♀️ What now?

See something. Hear something. Say something. Know something.

Know what to scan. Know what to share. Know how to identify them.

QR codes are only one of many things that we really have to be smart about.

It’s election season. Avoid advancing propaganda by spreading misinformation and disinformation. Warn others about mal-information.

When you get a message in your text (SMS), email or home, make sure it’s not a scam. How to Tell If That Class Action Settlement Notice Is Actually a Scam.

🔥 Hot Tip: In this election season, learn how to not help spread disinformation and misinformation by verifying what you are sharing.

Title for the Editor's Note to talk about this edition.

about this edition and Inside Hexagon

As the election season creeps up on us, we are getting more concerned about MDM (misinformation, disinformation and mal-information) that only aims to confuse and divide us as a people.

With that in mind, we want to make sure that our readers will check their emotions, and then the facts, before deciding if it’s something they want to personally spread.

Reaching out more on social media. We are expanding on social media. Tell us where you would like to see us. Support our work by following us and, as always, we would like for you to volunteer for us. Look for ways to volunteer at hexagoncenter.org/volunteer.

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HOUSEKEEPING

Your weekly dose of HX not only strengthens your knowledge on cybersecurity but also your personal security. Each week is tied to the last so as to form a rounded security wall in your personal lives.

Glossary/Legend:

  • Cyber Attackers and Cyber Predators - these terms refer to people who use any kind of technology, including cell phones, to prey on us.

  • Hacker - a person who uses computers to gain unauthorized access to data.

  • Ransomware - a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.

  • Mal-information - is a controversial term for information which is based on fact, but removed from its original context in order to mislead, harm, or manipulate.

  • QR code, or Quick Response code - is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone's camera to access information.

  • Social engineering - a manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain private information, access, or valuables.

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Even though we aim to provide you the most current and critical information to keep you safe, threat actors work 24/7 and this newsletter publishes only once a week. Even though we are available via a hotline, it is crucial that you stay up to date via other sources as well to be informed on how you may be at risk.

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Hexagon Center is formed as a nonprofit corporation in California for public benefit,
in the process of acquiring 501(C)(3) status.

DISCLAIMER

Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field, and threats may evolve. While Hexagon Center strives to provide accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. Users are responsible for implementing their security measures and staying informed about the latest cybersecurity developments.

Content of this newsletter is not officially of Hexagon Center.

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