Protecting yourself from Package Tracking Scams

Scammers are creative, they seem to be coming up with new scams every week – and people always seem to fall for them!

In the past few years, large amounts of package tracking scams have popped up. The scam will include an email trying to convince you to click a link or give out your private information. Most of the time the email will advise you that there is a shipping problem and you need to take some steps to clear the package that you didn’t even know you were receiving.

Even though most of these scams are easy to spot because of their awful English spelling and grammar, some are so well done that they can be difficult to spot. Keep an eye out for these signs so you do not fall victim to a tracking scam…

- Odd URLs
- Requests to input your private information
- Requests to click a link
- Email messages starting with “Dear Customer”, etc.

NEVER give out any information about yourself and never click on links in an email, no matter how real it may look!

The bottom line is if you are not expecting a package and someone invites you to click a link to track a shipment of a brand new iPhone you never ordered – delete the message and move on!

At TCG Digital Forensics, we do all forms of digital forensics services such as cyber forensics, hacking recovery, cellular phone analysis and digital track and tracing! Give us a call on 021 110 0422 or email contact@tcgforensics.co.za to discuss your specific requirements.

Important Online Safety Tips for Children & Adults!

These days we use the internet for just about everything – shopping, chatting with friends, working and just browsing for more information. However, because the internet is so involved with our everyday lives there will be some dangers we will face.

With the right information, knowledge and tips you can protect yourself as well as your loved ones – here are some of the more important online safety tips…

Online Scams

Most scams these days are so complex that they are hard to spot as scams in the first place.

A friend / family member emails you that they need help and they need you to send them some money – always make sure to contact them first and make sure it was actually them that sent you the email.

When you purchase something online – always double check that the website is actually real and not a scam to try and steal your banking details.

Online Bullies

It may be online, but bullying is still bullying and it is just as hurtful as real life. Young children and teens are usually the victims, but adults can also be targets. Use these steps if you feel you’re being bullied online…

1. Always remove yourself from the situation. Simply block the person doing the bullying or step away from your computer.
2. NEVER respond to a bully! This will make the situation worse, so it is best to just ignore them.
3. Keep track of all the emails, messages, etc. that the bully has sent you in case the matter gets serious.
4. Do not be afraid to report a bully if you think they are getting out of hand!

Online Predators

Always be suspicious of people who are pretending to be friendly to gain someone’s trust, especially with young children and teenagers.

> It is best to keep track of what your child does online as well as who they are chatting with.
> Keep all online profiles secure and generic to avoid stalkers.

> Signs such as depression can indicate that your child is a victim – always be on the lookout!

Should you fear that you are not secure online, contact TCG Digital Forensics in Cape Town or Centurion, we will assist you in any way possible! Call 021 110 0422 or email contact@tcgforensics.co.za

All you need to know about Digital Forensics and Information Security

Before we get into the differences between digital forensics and information security, let’s stop and take a look at how they are alike.

Both digital forensics and information security are aimed at protecting your digital data, goods and valuables as well as digital resources. People who are involved in digital forensics or information security can work in a range of industries, including private businesses and organisations. Why can people in the digital forensics and information security work in so many different industries?  Because, companies know that as the world becomes more digitally dependant so does the need to keep their technology and systems properly secured. Digital forensics and information security specialists are becoming more and more popular as the demand for their skillset grows.

But, just because digital forensics and information security are both focused on digital goods and resources doesn’t mean the two are both closely associated with each other doesn’t mean they are the same.

It is best to think of digital forensics and information security as two different sides of the same thing, so the services and work that is done is very much the same, but it does have differences.

So what is the difference between digital forensics and information security? To put it into simple terms that everyone can understand, information security is about preventing and protecting against online and digital threats. On the other hand digital forensics is about the response that comes after.

Let’s look at it like this – information security is the team that executes and supports the information security system with the aim being to protect individuals and businesses against cyber threats. If information security fails to protect the users and the systems are broken, then this is where the digital forensics experts come into the picture – they will put their skills to use by singling out the threat, understanding it and trying to recover all the data that was lost and/or stolen.

At TCG Digital Forensics, we offer all our clients clean, professional and affordable digital forensics services as well as information security – all supplied by our team of skilled digital forensics experts. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements; simply give us a call on 021 110 0422 or email contact@tcgforensics.co.za