Montgomery County recognizes that it has a vital role in identifying, protecting, and responding to cyber threats that may have significant impact on residents’ privacy and our collective security. The Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS), provides an environment for cybersecurity education, training, and awareness.
The County is committed to protecting the information of its taxpayers through strong investments in comprehensive cybersecurity systems, by implementing information security policies, and enforcing industry standards and best practices. Maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role to play. As a part of the National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign — “Do Your Part #BeCyberSmart” — get informed, be cyber-aware, and engage cybersecurity best practices in your daily online transactions at home and at work.
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Scam of the Week
Paper Jams and Malvertising Scams
If something goes wrong with your printer, you probably search Google to troubleshoot the issue. In this week’s scam, cybercriminals create malicious advertisements, also known as malvertising, on Google and claim to be on a tech support team that can help you with your printer problems. If you click the malicious ad, you are taken to a fake website to install “software” that will assist with troubleshooting. However, the software installation is fake and always displays an error message saying that the installation has failed.
After the failed installation, the website urges you to contact tech support through a phone call or live chat. However, the “tech support” is actually a scammer. If you contact them, they will request remote access to your computer to help you continue troubleshooting your printer. If you allow them to access your computer, they will not fix your printer, but they will be able to steal your personal data.
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to a malvertising scam:
- Anyone, even cybercriminals, can buy ads on Google. Always think before you click.
- If you experience technical problems with your personal devices, contact the manufacturer’s official website to troubleshoot.
- Never give someone you don't know remote access to your computer. If the issue is work-related, contact IT Helpdesk.
