In the News

Security Alert: Uninstall QuickTime for Windows

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, it was recently discovered that, if a customer has QuickTime for Microsoft Windows installed on their PC, it could allow online attackers to easily infect their computer when browsing compromised or malicious websites. QuickTime for Windows is an Apple product, and Apple is no longer providing support or security fixes for it. Therefore, security software companies and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommend that customers uninstall QuickTime for Windows to protect themselves from potential online threats. Customers with QuickTime for Mac are not affected by this issue.

Many web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, provide media player functionality similar to that of QuickTime and can serve as alternatives going forward.

For more information, or to learn how to uninstall QuickTime for Windows, please visit:

https://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/consumer-threat-notices/quick-time-uninstall-quicktime-windows/

 

 

Be aware of seasonal IRS scams

As we head into a new calendar year and approach the common April 15th filing deadline for income taxes, Optimum customers should be aware that scammers have continued to evolve tax season-related schemes. The U.S. Government's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not solicit payments from people via email or websites. The IRS does not accept payments on pre-paid debit cards (such as GreenDot or similar).

If you have received a phone call or email claiming to be from the U.S. Government or the IRS that requests you to make a payment using a pre-paid debit card, please be aware that this request is fraudulent. Do not follow the links provided in these emails. Callers that ask you to visit websites or type commands into your computer could be attempting to infect your computer with malware that could allow the scammers to access your computer, render your files (documents, photos, etc.) inaccessible, detect the passwords you type, and commit other fraudulent activities.

As your security is very important to us, we encourage you to:

  • Be wary of unsolicited calls and emails asking you for payments, especially using pre-paid debit cards.
  • Be wary of phone calls and emails requesting payment or personal information by individuals claiming to be from government agencies.
  • Use a quality security suite that includes anti-malware, browser protection, and a password manager. Optimum Internet customers can opt to purchase Internet protection powered by McAfeeŽ to protect up to 20 devices.

 

For more information about IRS-related and other phishing schemes, visit the following:

https://malwaretips.com/blogs/green-dot-moneypak-virus/
https://www.irs.gov/uac/Dont-Take-the-Bait-Avoid-Phishing-and-Malware-to-Protect-Your-Personal-Data
http://home.mcafee.com/advicecenter/?id=ad_spam_ttps


Your Computer Is Infected Phone Scam

At Optimum, the security of your computer and personal information is our priority, so we're advising our customers to be aware of a phone scam that is targeting computer users. The scam usually begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a tech support expert from Microsoft, Optimum or some other well-known technology company. The "expert" claims that your computer is infected with a virus or is sending error messages. In order to fix the "problem," the scammer asks for remote access to your computer to check for threats. Once the scammer is given access, they not only have access to all your information, they also seek a fee for the "service" provided.

Optimum never makes unsolicited phone calls to our customers. If you get a call from someone who claims to be tech support, hang up and call immediately contact us. Please keep in mind that web search or directory service for the Optimum Customer Support phone number might yield fraudulent results, which could lead you contacting a scammer unwittingly. For your safety, please make this page your first stop to find all the correct, secure and verified contact information to reach us 24 hours a day.


Fake FBI/Department of Justice Message

Optimum customers are advised to be aware of a recent virus, that once loaded on a computer, displays a page claiming a copyright violation has occurred. This page "freezes" the infected machine, and demands payment of a fine to restore normal access.

If you are experiencing this issue on your computer, do not follow payment instructions.
 

For more information:

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/green-dot-moneypak-virus/

http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/threat/encyclopedia/entry.aspx?Name=Trojan:Win32/Reveton.A

http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojan_w32_reveton.shtml

In the News

Security Alert: Uninstall QuickTime for Windows

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, it was recently discovered that, if a customer has QuickTime for Microsoft Windows installed on their PC, it could allow online attackers to easily infect their computer when browsing compromised or malicious websites. QuickTime for Windows is an Apple product, and Apple is no longer providing support or security fixes for it. Therefore, security software companies and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommend that customers uninstall QuickTime for Windows to protect themselves from potential online threats. Customers with QuickTime for Mac are not affected by this issue.

Many web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome, provide media player functionality similar to that of QuickTime and can serve as alternatives going forward.

For more information, or to learn how to uninstall QuickTime for Windows, please visit:

https://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/consumer-threat-notices/quick-time-uninstall-quicktime-windows/

 

 

Be aware of seasonal IRS scams

As we head into a new calendar year and approach the common April 15th filing deadline for income taxes, Optimum customers should be aware that scammers have continued to evolve tax season-related schemes. The U.S. Government's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not solicit payments from people via email or websites. The IRS does not accept payments on pre-paid debit cards (such as GreenDot or similar).

If you have received a phone call or email claiming to be from the U.S. Government or the IRS that requests you to make a payment using a pre-paid debit card, please be aware that this request is fraudulent. Do not follow the links provided in these emails. Callers that ask you to visit websites or type commands into your computer could be attempting to infect your computer with malware that could allow the scammers to access your computer, render your files (documents, photos, etc.) inaccessible, detect the passwords you type, and commit other fraudulent activities.

As your security is very important to us, we encourage you to:

  • Be wary of unsolicited calls and emails asking you for payments, especially using pre-paid debit cards.
  • Be wary of phone calls and emails requesting payment or personal information by individuals claiming to be from government agencies.
  • Use a quality security suite that includes anti-malware, browser protection, and a password manager. Optimum Internet customers can opt to purchase Internet protection powered by McAfeeŽ to protect up to 20 devices.

 

For more information about IRS-related and other phishing schemes, visit the following:

https://malwaretips.com/blogs/green-dot-moneypak-virus/
https://www.irs.gov/uac/Dont-Take-the-Bait-Avoid-Phishing-and-Malware-to-Protect-Your-Personal-Data
http://home.mcafee.com/advicecenter/?id=ad_spam_ttps


Your Computer Is Infected Phone Scam

At Optimum, the security of your computer and personal information is our priority, so we're advising our customers to be aware of a phone scam that is targeting computer users. The scam usually begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a tech support expert from Microsoft, Optimum or some other well-known technology company. The "expert" claims that your computer is infected with a virus or is sending error messages. In order to fix the "problem," the scammer asks for remote access to your computer to check for threats. Once the scammer is given access, they not only have access to all your information, they also seek a fee for the "service" provided.

Optimum never makes unsolicited phone calls to our customers. If you get a call from someone who claims to be tech support, hang up and call immediately contact us. Please keep in mind that web search or directory service for the Optimum Customer Support phone number might yield fraudulent results, which could lead you contacting a scammer unwittingly. For your safety, please make this page your first stop to find all the correct, secure and verified contact information to reach us 24 hours a day.


Fake FBI/Department of Justice Message

Optimum customers are advised to be aware of a recent virus, that once loaded on a computer, displays a page claiming a copyright violation has occurred. This page "freezes" the infected machine, and demands payment of a fine to restore normal access.

If you are experiencing this issue on your computer, do not follow payment instructions.
 

For more information:

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/green-dot-moneypak-virus/

http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/threat/encyclopedia/entry.aspx?Name=Trojan:Win32/Reveton.A

http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojan_w32_reveton.shtml