The Internet is a vast and open place for people to explore, share, and communicate. However, it can also be a dangerous place for Windows users.
Hackers are constantly looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities so they can commit scams posing as Microsoft support personnel. That is why the company itself publicly alerted its users to be vigilant against this kind of attacks, which in most cases have the objective of making the person provide personal information or money.
This alert is due to the fact that Microsoft assures that the number of cases of hackers posing as tech support employees has been on the riseto the point of being considered a major problem.
“Tech support scams are an industry-wide problem where scammers use scare tactics to trick you into obtaining unnecessary support services to supposedly fix problems with non-existent devices or software. At best, scammers try to get you to pay them to “fix” a non-existent problem with your device or software.
They point out that on other occasions it is possible that the goal of cybercriminals is to plant viruses on their victim’s computer so that they can obtain their financial data to later steal money.
“At worst, they are trying to steal your personal or financial information; and if you allow them to remotely enter your computer to perform this “fix,” they will often install malware, ransomware, or other unwanted programs that can steal your information or damage your data or device.”
It is for this reason that Microsoft created a series of tips that can help its users protect themselves against this kind of crime so that they do not become just another statistic.
The first of these recommendations is that users should be aware that Microsoft will never send unsolicited emails or make calls requesting personal or financial information.. This means that if the user did not expressly request that any type of information be sent to them, they would not have to receive any type of communication from the company.
To this is also added thatThe person does not have to share any type of personal information, even if the supposed Microsoft technical support employee requests it since this will show that it is actually a criminal.
Secondly, the company indicates that users should only download software from official Microsoft store or partner websites only since in case of doing the same from other platforms it is possible that the user puts his equipment and personal information at risk.
Finally they add that Under no circumstances will the company ask a user to pay to receive technical support Therefore, if you receive this type of message, you should know that you are dealing with a scammer and not with Microsoft personnel.
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– Microsoft will end support for Windows 8.1: how users will be affected
Source: La Opinion