Latest news with #JakeMoore
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Cybersecurity experts issue urgent warning over clicking the 'unsubscribe' button in emails
Nobody likes to see their email inbox flooded with hundreds of pieces of junk mail and spam. But cybersecurity experts warn that unsubscribing from all those annoying mailing lists could be putting you at serious risk. Experts say that hackers are now using fake 'unsubscribe' buttons to steal your passwords and personal information. At least one in every 644 subscription links can actually lead to a malicious website, according to an analysis by DNSFilter. That might not sound like a large amount, but with spam emails making up around 45 per cent of all emails worldwide, that translates into a lot of dangerous links. Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, told MailOnline: 'Criminals use links to lure in their victims and will sometimes cleverly place fake unsubscribe links in their emails to trick recipients into clicking on them. 'But not only will this confirm that the email address is active, making it a target for more scams, it could also redirect someone to a fake website in an attempt to collect personal details or login information. 'In extreme cases, it could even automatically download malicious software onto the device without the person's knowledge too.' Since 2003, most businesses sending marketing emails to UK customers have been required by law to tell recipients how to opt out of future messages. Typically, this takes the form of an 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of the email which redirects the user to a website where they can opt out of the mailing list. What makes this risky from a cybersecurity perspective is that, by clicking the link, you are leaving the protected environment of your email client and entering the open web. Here, you are a lot less protected from malicious attacks and criminals have a lot more ways of getting to your valuable data. In the least dangerous scenario, clicking this link simply tells the sender that your email address is active and that you are checking your messages. Mr Moore says: 'In most cases it will actually increase spam by confirming a live email address and that they actively read their emails. However, in more serious cases, these fake links can have much bigger consequences. As Mr Moore points out, you might be redirected to a 'phishing' website. Experts say that criminals are using these links to lure their victims onto malicious web pages where they can steal their data (stock image) How to unsubscribe safely If spam emails are clogging up your inbox and you don't trust the unsubscribe link, there are safer ways to opt-out. One option is to directly unsubscribe through your email client using a button which should appear at the top of the email. For example, if you open an email in Gmail, you should see a blue 'unsubscribe button' at the top of the page next to the sender's address. Since these links are generated by your email client, they won't contain malicious code and should be safe. If this option doesn't appear you can also use your email filters to avoid getting any more emails from the sender without unsubscribing. These pages can be cleverly designed to look like the websites of legitimate businesses but are entirely designed to harvest your data. For example, you might be asked to 'confirm your identity' by providing details such as your name and phone number, which can help hackers attempt more sophisticated attacks. Alternatively, the hackers might try to steal your passwords by asking you to 'log in' in order to opt out of further emails. In order to avoid these attacks, it is important to bear in mind that you can't trust everything that arrives in your email inbox. Tim Keanini, DNSFilter CTO, told The Wall Street Journal: 'Trust is relative. I trust my email client, but I don't trust what's inside the email.' That means you shouldn't click on any links in an email if you don't 100 per cent trust the person sending it to you. Mr Moore adds: 'Generally, messages that try to create panic or some sort of urgency are deemed ones to look out for as this is still a direct tactic used by criminals to entice a reaction.' 'If the email looks suspicious, it's best to avoid clicking anything in it at all.' But if the spam emails are clogging up your inbox and you don't trust the unsubscribe link, there are safer ways to opt-out. One option is to directly unsubscribe through your email client using a button which should appear at the top of the email. For example, if you open an email in Gmail, you should see a blue 'unsubscribe button' at the top of the page next to the sender's address. Since these links are generated by your email client, they won't contain any malicious code and should be safe to click. If this option doesn't appear you can also use your email filters to avoid getting any more emails from the sender without unsubscribing. Mr Moore says: 'It's generally safer to mark the email as spam or junk using the email provider's tools which helps filter similar messages in the future. 'People can also block the sender entirely too, if they feel that isn't working.' By doing this, you can keep your inbox clear of junk without needing to follow any potentially risky links. Have I Been Pwned? Cybersecurity expert and Microsoft regional director Tory Hunt runs 'Have I Been Pwned'. The website lets you check whether your email has been compromised as part of any of the data breaches that have happened. If your email address pops up you should change your password. Pwned Passwords To check if your password may have been exposed in a previous data breach, go to the site's homepage and enter your email address. The search tool will check it against the details of historical data breaches that made this information publicly visible. If your password does pop up, you're likely at a greater risk of being exposed to hack attacks, fraud and other cybercrimes. Mr Hunt built the site to help people check whether or not the password they'd like to use was on a list of known breached passwords. The site does not store your password next to any personally identifiable data and every password is encrypted Other Safety Tips Hunt provides three easy-to-follow steps for better online security. First, he recommends using a password manager, such as 1Password, to create and save unique passwords for each service you use. Next, enable two-factor authentication. Lastly, keep abreast of any breaches
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Warning issued to Sainsbury's customers after two years of Nectar points stolen
Experts have issued a fresh warning to Sainsbury's customers after a shopper reported having two years of her Nectar points stolen. This is Money revealed earlier this year that Nectar had introduced a 'lock' feature on its loyalty card scheme, meaning any account can be freezed until the customer decides to spend their reward points. The announcement came after an investigation revealed that 12.5 million Nectar points worth nearly £63,000 had been stolen from our readers over the period of a year. And just last week, another customer reported on social media that 3,000 points had been stolen from her account after they were used in a Twickenham branch. She posted: 'Someone has stolen 3,000 of my Nectar points? 'I have never been to Twickenham in my life and I have been saving these points for two years to help pay for Christmas. Please look into this.' The claims have prompted cybersecurity experts to urge customers to take a fresh look at their accounts in order to prevent potentially criminal activity. 'It's especially important to monitor accounts more often just before Christmas,' Jake Moore, Eset's Global Security Advisor told The Sun. 'This is usually when criminals target accounts with points that have been accumulated over the year.' He added that accounts should be checked 'frequently to detect and report any unauthorised actions promptly'. Only primary users of the account should be able to lock and unlock spending on their Nectar accounts with the new locking feature, while additional collectors will only be able to collect points. It was brought in to allow customers to start saving their points again without fear of them being stolen by fraudsters. Thankfully most of the customers affected in This is Money's investigation were refunded by Sainsbury's, which owns Nectar. A Nectar spokesperson today told MailOnline: 'Nectar is one of the UK's biggest loyalty schemes, with over 23 million members. 'The security of our customer accounts is our highest priority and the proportion of those impacted by fraud each year is very small. 'We have a range of measures which detect, and in many cases prevent fraud, including our Spend Lock feature. 'Our Nectar Helpline team are on hand to support any customer who suspects they may have been a victim of fraud.'
Rhyl Journal
5 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Sainsbury's shoppers urged to lock Nectar card points
Back in February, the supermarket introduced a new 'Spend Lock' security feature to its Nectar loyalty app. The move was put in place as a way to prevent points from being spent by anyone other than the primary account holder. This meant loyalty members could 'freeze' their points while also choosing to set where their points could be spent. It comes as in January, an investigation by the Daily Mail's This Is Money, found Sainsbury's customers had lost an estimated 12.5 million Nectar points (worth more than £63,000 over the past year) by fraudsters accessing their accounts. But now, Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at Eset is urging shoppers to monitor their account activity "frequently to detect and report any unauthorised actions promptly". He told The Sun: "It is especially important to monitor accounts more often just before Christmas as this is usually when criminals target accounts with points that have been accumulated over the year." Elsewhere, consumer expert Martyn James explained to the publisher that many people will be "unaware" that their Nectar points have disappeared. He shared: "That's because we rarely look at the app or check the total on our receipts." Martyn continued: "Download the latest version of the app and activate the lock feature.' If you haven't locked your Nectar points yet and are wondering how, it's easy - you can do so on the Nectar card app (available for free on the Apple store or Google Play). Once logged in, on your profile icon, head to 'settings' and then tap 'lock or unlock spending'. You then swipe the bar to either 'unlock' or 'lock', depending on your preferences. Have you chosen to lock your Nectar points? (Image: PA) Sainsbury's customers can change whether they want to lock or unlock Nectar points any time through the app – to spend them, they must be unlocked. Additionally, customers can continue to earn points as they shop even when spending is locked. A Nectar spokesperson said: "Nectar is one of the UK's biggest loyalty schemes, with over 23 million members. Recommended reading: Shoppers can get free money at thousands of sites with Counter Cash - here's how Christmas in June? Shoppers say 'must be a wind up' as festive stock hits stores Expert issues petrol pump warning on forecourts at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons & more "The security of our customer accounts is our highest priority and the proportion of those impacted by fraud each year is very small. "We have a range of measures which detect, and in many cases prevent fraud, including our Spend Lock feature. "Our Nectar Helpline team are on hand to support any customer who suspects they may have been a victim of fraud.'
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Sainsbury's shoppers urged to lock Nectar card points
The move was put in place as a way to prevent points from being spent by anyone other than the primary account holder. This meant loyalty members could 'freeze' their points while also choosing to set where their points could be spent. #nectarcard ♬ original sound - Emma Stephenson 🍓 @emmastephensonn AD | Count how many times I say the word 'bargain' 🤣 Download the Nectar Card App for free today and start saving money on your shopping essentials at @Sainsbury's! T&C's apply 18+. Nectar Card/app required. Available in supermarkets, excludes Locals. Number of products at Nectar Price varies by store size and online. T&Cs and further exclusions apply. McCain Home Chips 1.6kg; Sensodyne Pronamel Core Whitening end 02/06. Persil Liquid Non Bio 1.026L; Comfort Ultimate Care Intense Pure; Sensodyne Pronamel Core Whitening end; Cif power and shine bathroom 700ml end 30/01. Subject to availability. Limits may apply. #sainsburys It comes as in January, an investigation by the Daily Mail's This Is Money, found Sainsbury's customers had lost an estimated 12.5 million Nectar points (worth more than £63,000 over the past year) by fraudsters accessing their accounts. Cybersecurity expert warns Sainsbury's customers to lock Nectar points But now, Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at Eset is urging shoppers to monitor their account activity "frequently to detect and report any unauthorised actions promptly". He told The Sun: "It is especially important to monitor accounts more often just before Christmas as this is usually when criminals target accounts with points that have been accumulated over the year." Elsewhere, consumer expert Martyn James explained to the publisher that many people will be "unaware" that their Nectar points have disappeared. He shared: "That's because we rarely look at the app or check the total on our receipts." Martyn continued: "Download the latest version of the app and activate the lock feature.' How to lock Sainsbury's Nectar card points on the app If you haven't locked your Nectar points yet and are wondering how, it's easy - you can do so on the Nectar card app (available for free on the Apple store or Google Play). Once logged in, on your profile icon, head to 'settings' and then tap 'lock or unlock spending'. You then swipe the bar to either 'unlock' or 'lock', depending on your preferences. Have you chosen to lock your Nectar points? (Image: PA) Sainsbury's customers can change whether they want to lock or unlock Nectar points any time through the app – to spend them, they must be unlocked. Additionally, customers can continue to earn points as they shop even when spending is locked. A Nectar spokesperson said: "Nectar is one of the UK's biggest loyalty schemes, with over 23 million members. Recommended reading: "The security of our customer accounts is our highest priority and the proportion of those impacted by fraud each year is very small. "We have a range of measures which detect, and in many cases prevent fraud, including our Spend Lock feature. "Our Nectar Helpline team are on hand to support any customer who suspects they may have been a victim of fraud.'
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Sainsbury's shoppers urged to lock Nectar card points
Back in February, the supermarket introduced a new 'Spend Lock' security feature to its Nectar loyalty app. The move was put in place as a way to prevent points from being spent by anyone other than the primary account holder. This meant loyalty members could 'freeze' their points while also choosing to set where their points could be spent. #nectarcard ♬ original sound - Emma Stephenson 🍓 @emmastephensonn AD | Count how many times I say the word 'bargain' 🤣 Download the Nectar Card App for free today and start saving money on your shopping essentials at @Sainsbury's! T&C's apply 18+. Nectar Card/app required. Available in supermarkets, excludes Locals. Number of products at Nectar Price varies by store size and online. T&Cs and further exclusions apply. McCain Home Chips 1.6kg; Sensodyne Pronamel Core Whitening end 02/06. Persil Liquid Non Bio 1.026L; Comfort Ultimate Care Intense Pure; Sensodyne Pronamel Core Whitening end; Cif power and shine bathroom 700ml end 30/01. Subject to availability. Limits may apply. #sainsburys It comes as in January, an investigation by the Daily Mail's This Is Money, found Sainsbury's customers had lost an estimated 12.5 million Nectar points (worth more than £63,000 over the past year) by fraudsters accessing their accounts. Cybersecurity expert warns Sainsbury's customers to lock Nectar points But now, Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at Eset is urging shoppers to monitor their account activity "frequently to detect and report any unauthorised actions promptly". He told The Sun: "It is especially important to monitor accounts more often just before Christmas as this is usually when criminals target accounts with points that have been accumulated over the year." Elsewhere, consumer expert Martyn James explained to the publisher that many people will be "unaware" that their Nectar points have disappeared. He shared: "That's because we rarely look at the app or check the total on our receipts." Martyn continued: "Download the latest version of the app and activate the lock feature.' How to lock Sainsbury's Nectar card points on the app If you haven't locked your Nectar points yet and are wondering how, it's easy - you can do so on the Nectar card app (available for free on the Apple store or Google Play). Once logged in, on your profile icon, head to 'settings' and then tap 'lock or unlock spending'. You then swipe the bar to either 'unlock' or 'lock', depending on your preferences. Have you chosen to lock your Nectar points? (Image: PA) Sainsbury's customers can change whether they want to lock or unlock Nectar points any time through the app – to spend them, they must be unlocked. Additionally, customers can continue to earn points as they shop even when spending is locked. A Nectar spokesperson said: "Nectar is one of the UK's biggest loyalty schemes, with over 23 million members. Recommended reading: "The security of our customer accounts is our highest priority and the proportion of those impacted by fraud each year is very small. "We have a range of measures which detect, and in many cases prevent fraud, including our Spend Lock feature. "Our Nectar Helpline team are on hand to support any customer who suspects they may have been a victim of fraud.'
