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PlayStation scam and Log4j vulnerability

Alert message sent 17/12/2021 18:33:00

Information sent on behalf of Neighbourhood Watch Scotland

Please find below some tips to help keep you stay safe whilst gaming, as well as information on how to protect your devices and systems from the Log4j vulnerability.

Gaming Scam
Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Police Division have received a report from a resident in Alexandria that they were contacted through their PlayStation asking for their username and password as there was a problem with their account.

This information was provided, and unfortunately the user had used the same account details for other systems, which have since been hacked and all passwords changed, preventing them from accessing their own accounts.

With the holiday season upon us, and many taking to their gaming consoles, please remember scammers will use many means to get access to your finances, including pretending to be in an official capacity whether that is for a gaming account or a bank.

We would like to remind you of some advice in relation to protecting user names and passwords:

Use a strong password or passphrase
Your password should be at least 12 characters long
The password should contain a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols – using 3 random words is considered a good safe approach
Never give personal or sensitive details out online or over email
Make sure all devices have the latest anti-virus software and a firewall installed
Keep software and apps regularly updated
Only download from legal, trusted websites
Only open emails and attachments from known and trusted sources
Check the address starts with 'https://' whenever you’re asked to enter sensitive information online
Avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots that are not secure
Avoid public Wi-Fi if it asks you for personal information to access
Regularly back up your data
Control your social media accounts
Regularly check your privacy settings and how your data is being used and shared
Be cautious of internet chats and online dating - there’s no guarantee you’re speaking to who you think
Be extremely cautious if you’re asked for money.

- If you think you’ve been scammed report it to Police Scotland on 101. If you are in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.

- Contact your bank if you think you have been scammed or attempts have been made to get money from any of your accounts.

For more hints and tips on cyber security please visit https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/internet-safety/keep-secure-online/

Log4j Vulnerability
The National Cyber Security Centre is warning about a critical vulnerability that could affect individuals and organisations.

Log4j is an open-source logging library commonly used by apps and services across the internet. If left unfixed, attackers can break into systems, steal passwords and logins, extract data, and infect networks with malicious software. Almost all software will have some form of ability to log, and Log4j is a very common component used for this.

For individuals, Log4j is almost certainly part of the devices and services you use online every day. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is make sure your devices and apps are as up to date as possible and continue to update them regularly, particularly over the next few weeks.

or more information on this vulnerability please visit https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/log4j-vulnerability-what-everyone-needs-to-know

Message sent by

Varrie McDevitt (NHWN, Admin Assistant, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland)

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